Looking intently at the woman and the locals to gauge their reaction.
Ohh so no talk of people meeting up with skeletons or giant creatures in the forest? I knew it must be my tiredness mixed with the storm. But it sure seemed real... Well yes Ale would be great
This is a fine broth old woman. Some ale would be apprciated. We thank you.
Desmond continues to eat drink and watch the room.
Corvus smiles at the banter and then, pulling up a chair, engages their new travelling companion in conversation.
In between small mouthfuls of soup...and using her best manners.
Apologies for not introducing ourseleves properly before. I am Corvus and I am helping to escort the wagon to its destination. We were certainly surprised to come across you out there. Can you remember any more details?
Her voice is conversational rather than questioning and it trails off to a whisper at the end of the sentence, so as to convey her willingness to keep whatever she hears confidential.
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Cautiously and after some deliberation, Zane finally decides to try and speak to the locals. About the same moment he opened his mouth, he heard Corvus asking her question. He quickly closes his mouth, creating a dull sound, like he was trying to swallow a fly and missed. Picking up the wooden spoon he attacks the broth, casually glancing around from time to time. Serves you right big mouth! Like you did not learn your lesson so far - the less you talk Zane, the better...
The looks from the farmers go from dark to hostile at Gyness' question. Though before that, they had nodded appreciatively at Desmond as he wolfed down the soup.
The old woman comes back in and puts mugs with a faintly fruity smell down in front of each of you. A cautious sip reveals it is some kind of potent cider; with an apple-ish taste. "Quit tryin' to scare my customers."
Alayna seems to be regaining her composure somewhat now that she is out of the rain and away from the troublesome bridge.
"I heard the guards yell a warning, then the sounds of something going wrong. I remember now that I did look out for just a moment before I was thrown about inside the wagon. I think it was a man-sized figure, though I didn't see any details."
While doing better, she's still a bit shaken up. "I must have hit my head and passed out. When I awoke, the wagon was on fire, you were fighting and I was stuck."
Yrena goes upstairs to get a couple rooms ready for the party. She is gone for five or ten minutes, during which the farmers keep to themselves, occasionally muttering loudly about the storm.
Suddenly, just as thunder crashes and lightning flashes, the front door opens and a lean, pale, elderly man stands on the porch. His long, combed hair hangs down over his expensive-looking cloak. His clothes are all well-tailored, though a little out of date.
Despite the downpour, he is completely dry. He waits a moment, looking over the place, but does not enter. Yrena comes down the stairs and sees the open door. "Well, come in." she barks.
The man does enter, the farmers cowering away from him as he goes by. You hear one whisper, "Klaustaud." He ignores them entirely. He can't help but notice the smell of the soup and he pulls out a lace handkerchief and holds it over his nose.
Alayna recognizes the man and stands. "Lord Klaustad, what a surprise". She turns to the group. " This is Lord Harald Klaustaud, master of Piren's Bluff. He is a...reclusive..nobleman."
The man is polite but a bit stiff. He refuses the offer of soup and does not take a seat. After brief introductions, he gets right to the point. He asks if you have noticed anything unusual this night.
Corvus addresses the newcomer. Good evening Lord...Klaustaud.
Cor us plays with the name as she pronounces, as if it conjures up a memory.
As she talks, she pulls her religious symbol out from under her tunic and fingers it idly, as if thinking.
Lucien walks up to the newcomer and bows deeply. Straightening, he opens his mouth to greet him, making sure that his garlic-infused breath is evident. "Lord Klaustad, I am honored to meet you. Pray tell - what exactly would be considered unusual?"
Knowledge (Local):
Standing Gyness moves next to Lucien and gives a head nod to Lord Klaustad.
My friend Lucien has a point. Were there any unusual happenings expected? In this past day I have witness things I haven't seen in my life, but unusual to me may be normal here.
Gyness rests his hands on his large belly as he looks into the Lords eyes.
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Exchanging several quick looks with Corvus, Zane felt both confused and uncomfortable at the newcomer's approach. He decides to let the others speak, all the while his left hand gripping the handle of his dagger.
He does not look at Klaustaud directly, but he listens very carefully, trying to discern both from his voice and from his gestures if what the man might tell them is truth or not.
Desmond drinks down his cider as he sits back. Eyeing and sizing up the man.
What an unusal question. Sounds like someone asking to make sure we didn't see anything. Better be cautious.
The man takes a step backwards at Lucien's rudeness, wafting his hand back and forth in front of his face. He clearly doesn't like the smell, but it doesn't seem to do him any harm.
Lord Klaustaud seems uncomfortable with Gyness' question. "Pray, what have you seen, good cleric?"
Alayna speaks up. "My wagon was attacked by a monster at the Low Bridge, Lord Klaustad. My retainers were killed and I was trapped in the wreckage. These came along and saved me." She waves her arm to include all of you and gives a genuine smile.
He focuses intently on her. "The Low Bridge? The troll, you mean?"
Their exchange causes a new round of muttering among the farmers, who are being ignored by everyone.
Gyness looks at the Lord and squints.
so what powers has this Troll in the ways of magic? And why wouldn't there have been a group to dispatch of this creature? And what do you know of undead roaming the forests, and.what are you not telling us?
Gyness seems to be badgering the Lord in order to try to see how the locals react and what he might be hiding behind his questioning.
"Troll?" Lucien echoes through garlic-laden breath as he arches both well-trimmed eyebrows. "Well then, it seems that what we encountered was not as 'unusual' after all - at least not around these parts, eh?" Posits the bard, with a little sarcasm thrown in to accompany the garlic.
"We also had some men turn into skeletons and attack us - is that normal around here too or should we consider that... 'unusual'??"
Corvus sits back and watches the conversations play out. One good thing comes from a religious upbringing, not only is silence a virtue, but you learn more when listening rather than talking.
Corvus contents herself taking small sips of soup and taking in the scene that unfolds.
Hearing 'troll,' one of the farmers calls out, "Troll, eh? Sounds like ye mean tha bridge troll on the Low Road. He sleeps under the bridge most a tha time, but now an agin he comes out to feed. They say he chooses one victim when he wakes up. Someone on tha bridge and he'll hunt tha pour soul until he catches him and eats him up. Or her, I suppose - there's no rhyme or reason in tha bridge troll's choosin' a victim."
One of the others at the table tries to stop him. "Shush yer trap, Harnin. It's none a our affair."
Harnin glares at him. "Don't ye shoosh me, Varley. I'll knock ya so hard yer ma, whoever she was, will feel it." However, he subsides.
Lord Klaustad lets the man wind down. Klaustad is clearly shaken by Gyness and Lucien's mention of undead and skeletons. He is already pale but he gets even a little whiter.
Another flash of lightning illuminates the night outside. Corvus and Zane see a huge shadow passing one of the windows.
"Undead, you say? Did..."
He stops as an inhuman shriek from ousisde is suddenly cut off, followed by a peal of thunder.
At the sound of a shriek Gyness bows his hrad quickly either in prayer or frustration the reasoning is unclear.
Well looks like the night just won't quit. prepare yourselves no tellin what's out there.
Gyness grabs his shield and rapier as Corvus still has his morningstar. He than stands and moves towards the door.
"My my," mutters Lucien as he strings his bow and puts an arrow on it, "A hero's work is never finished, it seems."
"Come now, comrades," He rallies, "No rest for the wicked, and all that jazz."
Standing quickly, Corvus follows right behind Gyness - her hand resting on the handle of her sword.
No rest for the wicked, or the good it seems.
"Right now..." says the bard, his mouth still stinging from the garlic soup, "Party's in my mouth."
Seeing all of you heading towards the door, Alayna moves to a window and looks out.
Lord Klaustad stays where he is, looking towards the door.
Yrena makes the same warding sign you saw when you entered.
The locals move towards the back of the room and cower.
Lucien moves towards the locals, then turns around while cutting a somewhat striking figure and says, "I'll er... protect them from back here."
"With my bow." He adds.
Desmond rises grabing up his shield and drawing his silvery blade he steps in front of the noble lord positioning himself between him and the door.
Pardon me Lord Klaustad, but you should fall back. It would seem maybe this bridge troll has followed his prey here.
Gyness will wave his hands a bit.
Don’t be alarmed I am going to cast something that will help me see better
Looking up Gyness states
By the power and honor of Cayden Cailean give me sight to see
Young lady I’d stay away from that window no telling what might fly through it. Desmond it may be a good idea for you to take point.
Alayna screams and moves away from the window.
"There's something...HUGE...out front. It took your horse and, ripped it apart."
Lord Klaustad, now shielded by Desmond, does not move, though his face shows indecision.
The beast doesn't seem to be trying to get in and there is no sign that it is at the door.
One of the farmers yelps, "They say the troll fears places where men gather in groups. He avoids large buildin's. If that's the troll, what's it doin' here?" The man promptly wets himself.
Well as the great Cayden Cailean once said, It is a fine day to die.
What say you my Lord? Shall we take down this beast here and now?
Gyness walks towards the door shield in front putting as much into a defensive stance as possible.
Lucien, be ready to shoot if that beast is in front of the door when I open it, If any of the rest of you have ranged weapons prepare them now!
Keeping his defensive stance Gyness opens the door.
Sure! answers Lucien, who looks around to see if there's another exit... er, point of entry.
Gyness surveys the room, looking for telltale glows. There is a faint coloring of white from behind the bar, but that is all.
He then opens the door. Bits of horse are spread around the ground in front. The troll roars at the sight of him in the doorway and moves forward a step: it is still about 30' away. The cleric can't be certain, but it seems to be trying to peer over his shoulder to see into the inn.
Lord Klaustad moves to the window to look out. The troll sniffs and lets out a tremenous roar that makes the rickety front porch shake. Klaustad quickly moves back on the other side of Desmond.
One of the farmers yelps, "They say the troll fears places where men gather in groups. He avoids large buildin's. If that's the troll, what's it doin' here?" The man promptly wets himself.
Despite the immediate predicament, Corvus' mind is drawn to an earlier exchange by the words of the farmer. If the troll is specific in who it chooses, who's to say it hasn't been given the target by someone else?
The action of the troll to look into the inn just reinforces her opinion that it's seeking just one person, and more pressing than who that is, for Corvus at least, is who chose that victim.
Corvus scans the room to see who, apart from her party, seems least agitated by the arrival of the troll.
We must engage it on the street. To wait in here is to endanger these people. It may either tear the place down upon us or rip and tear at them regardless of us. May the Gods guide my blade.
Desmond walk forward 15' just outside the massive beast reach as he stares it down attempting to unnerve it.
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Upon hearing Desmond's statement, Zane thinks for himself - How foolish, it's a freakin' troll, he can and will eat us all alive, only a crazy person would attack a troll, no one in his sane mind would do that...I better join him right away!
Looking at both Desmond and Gyness with new-found respect, Zane brandishes his weapon as he follows them outside, ready to try the scariest thing ever in his life - charge a vicious troll!
"Oh you brave, brave people," remarks Lucien, staying back inside. "I will tell tales of your bravery.... if i survive."
Gyness looks towards Desmond and motions for him to kep back.
Do not engage the beast. It is obviously looking for something or someone. Stay clear and defensive.
Does anyone know how to speak Giant?
Gyness looks at the Troll
What is it you want why have you come here
Once Corvus gets a view of who is the 'prime suspect' she will follow Desmond outside, drawing her sword as she moves.
Please wait until I can get a (relevant) post in for the troll before anybody goes again.
As a few have guessed, there's something going on and I would prefer to avoid a TPK (or, more likely, everybody but Desmond (AC) and Lucien (bard courage...)
The troll moves to the side, keeping its distance and tries to see inside through the window.
Lord Klaustad drums his fingers on the coffin table he is standing behind. He clears his throat loudly and says, 'I have something to tell you. And to ask of you."
Keeping an eye on the troll, those outside back in through the doorway and shut the door, though all remain vigilant in case the troll attacks the building.
"You may ask, with good reason, why the Lord of House Klaustad would be out on such a terrible night. I will now tell you."[b]Turning to her, he says, "Mistress Alayna, it wasn't that beast outside that attacked your men. It was my son."[/b]
A look of resignation and sadness comes over his face and his body slumps, as if his skin is too heavy for his bones.
"My son and heir, Horst Klaustad, was killed six years ago on a stormy night - like this one - by a vile undead creature. We buried him without realizing his terrible future. On stormy nights, Holst claws his way free from his mausoleum in our family cemetery and kills whomever he can find. By morning, his rage abates and he returns to the mausoleum. I only recently learned about this undead monster prowling my lands, and mere weeks ago I learned it was my own son. Such shame and horror must not stand."
He pauses, his face wracked with pain. "That day, three weeks ago, I went to my family cemetery and opened my son's mausoleum. There lay his body, just as we had left it six years ago. I...I..beheaded my son, and annointed the body in holy water, and considered my task done. But this night, rumors again fly about a murderous stalker. My horror is not yet over."
You have never seen a more emotionally exhausted man in your lives.
"They say that those Holst kills rise again. Their bones tear their way free of their skin and they wander as skeletons until destroyed. This is how I know that Holst was responsible for the attack on the bridge."
"I do not know if I can bring myself to attack my own son, even in his undead state. I would like your help to put my son to rest this night. Will you accept this task."
Alyana's face, at first horrified during the tale, takes on an expression of pity. "Oh, Lord Haulstad. How terrible!" She looks appealingly at the party. "You must help him, Please!"
Gyness slowly backs into the shack tugging at Desmond and Zane to have them do the same. Once all are back inside the building Gyness does something odd. He quickly takes out his cross bow and grabs a napkin on one of the table and goes to each party member and the young lady saved on the bridge and rubs the cloth upon their brow.
Please excuse me but I have an idea and I mean to act upon it prior to the troll getting the nerve to try and join us for dinner.
Gyness chuckles at his own little joke, at least he thought it was funny.
I believe the troll is hunting by smell and can not tell if its prey is in here or not.
At that Gyness ties the napkin on the tip of a bolt and fires it out of the front door taking the scents of each person past the troll and into the forest beyond.
If I am right it may think the person has rushed by him and leave to find them
Gyness will shut the front door and stare at the Lord.
Well it might have been better to tell us upfront of the situation rather than toy around to find information. I for one can not allow any undead abomination roam free with my knowledge of it
[ooc]know religion to find out what creature his son has become
I though can not speak for the others here as to what they will do.
Gyness grabs his mug and gulps down the refreshment and asks for another.
By Cayden’s glory what have I gotten myself into. Go on an adventure they said. Too much time making brew they said. Well they never said anything about all this. I bet Monty is having a time of it.
Your lordship, I understand the need men feel to confess when they feel they have met their end. While I would be happy to help you deal with your abomination of a son. We still have a large angry troll outside. Unless it follows the napkin at the quick thinking of our cleric we have a bigger problem at the moment.
Desmond takes the news with the resolve of a warrior, but he is breathing heavy as if he had just ran a bit due to the adrenalin pumping from the close encounter with the Troll.
Judging by everyone's reaction, a troll is a lot more of a challenge than I would have imagined. I thought a large goat could deal with one. I'm sure I read that somehwere? And is it just me, but this seems a strange time for a confession, however troubling it is for the Count, I mean Lord. Desmond is right, his son is not exactly our most pressing need and I'm still not sure that troll hasn't been sent here by someone.
Corvus smiles sympathetically but says absolutely nothing,
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Being tugged back into the inn by Cayden's cleric, Zane felt great relief. He did not really get a good look of the troll, but that thing was...scary!
Then came a sudden and completely unexpected confession from the "Lord Klaustad" and young ranger found himself utterly confused.
A sad story indeed, but why the hell do I feel like I trust you even less now?" - looking straight at the "Lord", his mind trying to "connect the dots", Zane still could not make sense of the story.
"How does an angry troll outside relate to your story, milord?" - still not taking his eyes of the noble, Zane tried to understand his motivation, and if there was maybe something else that Klaustad was not telling them.
Lord Klaustad appears relieved, though not entirely, at the responses from Gyness and Desmond. He tells Zane, "I know not. Maybe it has something to do with what one of those peasents said" He waves an arm dismissively towards the farmers, huddling in the back.
The bolt sails past the troll and embeds itself in a tree on the other side of the clearing. The beast saw Gyness fire it but paid no notice as it sailed wide past it. It was still standing in the yard when Gyness closed the door.
Lord Klaustad watches Gyness and the napkin trick, clearly indicating he will not be 'wiped.' Once the cleric is finished to no apparent effect:
"Yes, well. My...son has been known to return to the site of his attacks. I believe you should return to the bridge and begin searching there. Perhaps there are fresh tracks in the mud. But you must find and....destroy him tonight, before he returns to his tomb."
He pauses and takes a few items from a bag he had carried in.
"I have thoroughly researched the ritual that must be done to..sanctify his body. There are four steps. First, the body must be placed in the tomb. Then,"
He takes a deep breath. "Then, beheaded with a silver axe." He picks up just such an axe and shows it to you. "Then you must sprinkle holy water onto the corpse."
He's got that, too: three vials. "Finally, the body must be adorned with a symbol of my family." He now removes an amulet from around his neck and hands it to Gyness.
"This will do. You may keep all of them after your...task is finished."
He looks expectantly at the party. "Which of you will go? I know this is no easy task."
Yrena watched this exchange, standing nearby and seemingly totally unfazed by the troll outside.
I have no intention of letting the others go alone, but then I'm not going to volunteer us all either.
Corvus looks to her fellow comrades, waiting for one of them to speak.
Lord Klaustad adds, "And, of course, you will be compensated for yours services, should you succeed..."
"Harnin! Lucien calls out, as he spins to question the man. "You said something earlier about the troll - about how he would choose a victim on the bridge when it woke up. What else can you tell us?
I do not understand, still trying to close a buisness deal with this beast outside. He seems to have no fear of it. Currious that he would not be wiped. Has to be hiding somthing.
Desmond waits watching the door prepared for the worse.
Gyness stands quickly and gets in front of Lord Klaustad. The cleric’s large belly almost touching the Lord
I am willing to help you out and will do all in my power to put your son at rest but you may have noticed a weeeee little problem outside.
Gyness will put is thumb and finger close togethe in front of his own face squinting.
The troll is not simply going to let us walk past it … unless … it is not after one of us but after you.
Gyness begins to rub on his wide chin
Tell me Lord Klaustad, and an honest answer is what I require right now if I am to help you, were you at the bridge when we were there or shortly there afte? Is that troll after us or is it your scent it is after tonight?
Putting his fists squarely on his hips and scowling at the Lord, Gyness continues
I am not putting these good people in danger or those of my comrades until I understand what is going on with the little problem at the door. As Father Michael use to say ‘don’t piss down my back and tell me it’s raining’.
Harnin's head popped up from behind the bar, where he had taken shelter. "Eh, elf? I don't know nuthin' 'bout that. That troll has lived under the bridge since afore I was born. Legends say it picks someone out on the bridge and hunts 'em until it can take a bit out a 'em."
Having delivered his report, he ducks back down and you hear whispered jabbering with his friends.
Lord Klaustad takes a step backwards as the rotund cleric presses in up on him.
"What? Why, no. I've not been upon that bridge tonight. I've not been on that bridge for...months."
Good roll. He seems genuine.
Desmond sees the troll's face appear at the window. It can see Klaustad and the party from its vantage point. It lets out a bellow that shakes the panes, then retreats.
You hear "I don't care. I'm tellin' 'em. Ye can just shush yerself." from behind the bar in what the farmers must think is a whisper.
Harlin's head pops up again. "They say that the troll can't go on the Low Road. So ye might be safe if ye get back on to it." He drops back out of sight like a head in Pop a Shot.
Lord Klaustad takes a cloth from his pocket and wipes his pasty face. "You must...kill my son. If you think I can be of service, I will lure the troll away so that you can sneak out of the inn."
Giving a long look at the Lord Gyness nods,
I believe you may Cayden Cailen protect us all.
Bowing slightly Gyness looks to be in prayer for just a moment.
Very well the Lord here has stated he will provide distraction and we have been given the best route to take. We need to quickly decide how we are getting there seeing poor Bessie has become troll food and what are we to do with the poor Alayna we rescued?