The Borderland (M&M): A Villager's Perspective (Inactive)

Game Master Rocan

a few unfortunate encounters on our way from Greenbrok replied Taliesin

"Nothing problematic though...yet" Nathaniel added to Flamel's comment, thinking back to Forfax's use of the pitchfork.

@The Blacksmith
"Well Elenzar, David," Gerome nods to you and then walks up with a rough and big hand extended, "good to meet some new folk from Greenbrook. As you might know I am Gerome and this is my shop."

He takes a look at the bundles placed in front of him and moves his hand across his beard.

"Hmm.. These items look to be of goblin make yes?" He looks you in the eye, then looks at possible cuts and bruises on you. He turns to look over the weapons of both of you.
"Crudely made, but still as effective as your standard Erathian weapon. I couldn't sell it here as I have reputation for my wares after all. I could use the iron for new weapons and armor of course, seeing as iron is in low supply now."

He looks over the leather armours, shaking his head.
"I don't deal in leather armours, I could use some of it as padding perhaps, but you'd better try to sell it at the market. There is a specific stall there that sells second-hand he cleaned up, you might get a reasonable price for them there. I think his name was Sacha."

He goes over the total worth of iron present here. "I can offer you 28 gold pieces for the iron here, though you may also trade it for items worth around 40 gold pieces instead."

@The Church grounds
"Greenbrook? We haven't had any travelers from that village for a long time. You took a great period to travel here as well with all these goblins running about." The priest says as he walks to an empty healer's post.

"Well let me take a look at your wounds here."
He checks out your wounds, starting with Alanor's.
Heal checks: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 141d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 111d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Nathaniel wounds are easily treated and he only feels a little sore in his ribs. Taliesin's wounds are a bit of a problem for him to patch up neatly without using magic, as are Alanor's wounds.
"Your father will need to stay here for a night, Richard, he has lost a lot of blood through his wound, but he'll be fine after a few days rest. For you however," As he looks at Taliesin, "you will need the wound to close fast."

He closes his eyes and you can hear him say softly the words to the god and Protector. "May your light shine on us and heal our bodies of injury, we ask it only to continue our defense and devotion."
A soft glow lights up in the palms of his hands and you feel a short invigorating energy pulsing through you.
Talisien healing: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Nathaniel, your lethal damage has been turned into non-lethal damage, after a good night's sleep you're all better.

Well thank you. You see you were not really travelling just for the sake of seeing the countryside we are actually here to reinforce the militia. We just had an argument with a pack of Goblin who wanted us to leave our lands but we didn't agree on the price

"Thank you for the aid. That feels much better."

Having said that, Nathaniel looks around at the church's grounds. Taking in much of the sight. So different from the village's chapel.

David will smile at the smith, offer a firm handshake, even though he isn't the most physically built. He stumbles forward slightly with the awkward bundle, and lay it down before the smith. He unrolls it and shows the remaining spoils of battle, the remaining armors and axes.

You suppose we should check with the others, don't wish to step on others' toes? David poses the question to Elenzar as quietly as possible.

Is that price including Davids bundle too 4 more leathers a morning star and three throwing axes.

Elenzar smiles, "Indeed it is goblin make. But note: this line of holes here and the discoloration that's pure Greenbook craftsmanship." Elenzar chuckles hoping to share a laugh. "One of our lads took down 3 with a pitchfork. 40 is an honest price, but throw in news of an old friend, not to mention a dozen or so blokes who will be bringing you business while we are in town 50 sounds sweeter." Quietly Elenzar answers David, "We will share and it was our efforts that gathered the salvage."

It does not include the leathers, this is just for all the weapons.

Gerome smiles broadly at the mention of taking three goblins down with a pitchfork.
"Ha ha, that must be some mighty strong farmboy if he did that." He seems to think about the price increase.
"50 is a bit steep Elenzar, tell you what if you bring me the next batch of iron I'll have a better price for you."

After walking around the town a bit Forfax spots Elenzar and David talking to a very large and burly man at the blacksmith shop and decides to say hello, and maybe reinforce or upgrade his trusty pitchfork.
As he walks up Forfax truly looks like a farm boy, he has his pitchfork in one hand; which he's using like a walking stick; and Dolly's reins in the other. As he is walking up he hears Elenzar mention him forking the 3 goblins and a big smile crosses his face at the memory. "Yeah, that was a good day had by all. Those goblins didn't know what hit'em." While Elenzar and David talk between themselves Forfax directs his questions right to Gerome, "I was wondering, could you reinforce this pitchfork for me and turn it into a true weapon, or even turn it into a trident." Forfax think "That would be so cool. Me on my trusty mount charging into battle with trident in hand. I would be like the sea king from those ancient stories, but instead of riding in on wave I'd be riding in on...Dolly." Forfax's head slumps at this last thought "I need to upgrade as soon as I can." This is a prelude to him being a cavalier with the Beast Rider archetype.

"Aha so you must be the eaher hero with the pitchfork eh?" Gerome asks with a smile on his face.
He looks at you and nods approvingly, "Seems like you have had good doses of healthy exercise in the countryside."

"Reinforcing it might be possible, but the handle is pretty old, you'd better have a new one before it breaks or gives way. Though if you are so skilled with a pitchfork it might be wise to give you a likewise weapon."

Gerome goes back into his workshop and returns a few moments later with a newly polished trident.
"This here was ordered by a former Regnan pirate, alas for him he had to flee towards Tidewater for he had some debts to pay around here. It's a gift from me for a good story like that."

The trident is primarily steel, but it shines like silver in the light. It has a red band at the point where the prongs are fitted. A hard wooden handle at the base provides the grip you need. A small stamp of the Hammerblow's company is found just above the handle; an H with a hammer in the middle.

Forfax takes the trident and holds it gingerly in his hands as a smile appears on his young face which spreads from ear to ear. "Oh thank you...Gerome was it? Oh thank you Gerome you are so kind and generous. I don't know how I can ever repay you."
With him being such a master blacksmith is his weapons masterwork or just standard. I was looking at the stats between my pitchfork (long spear) and a trident. To make the switch to a standard trident is almost a down grade because I go from a x3 crit multiplier to a x2 and I loose my reach ability. So in the end it's almost better to stay with the pitchfork, that is unless his weapons are special.

Talisen will thanks the healer and will return toward the inn at a loss on what to do next

Elenzar smiles at the exchange, "Well it would never due to keep haggling after such generousity. 40 it is." He reaches out a hand to seal the deal. "Do you know who might take the leather off our hands." He thinks a moment. "Say, I have an elvish blade here. My uncle always said it was a rapier. Though the weight is different than other rapiers I held. It belonged to my father."

Forfax, if you wanted a longspear or other poleweapon you should have said so, though you are not proficient with it even after turning Expert. How about a mwrk Bill to start with then?

@The Blacksmith
"Well I'll give it to you in store credit then, you can come at your own leisure. I think his name was Sacha, the stall of second-hand leathers at the market I told you about. He might have some interest in those armours."

He then turns his eyes to the old blade Elenzar present him.
"Well I'll be. This is some fancy elven craft as I ain't seen in a while. I think I know what this is, though I don't have elven skills. Would you let me look at this for the day and come back tomorrow morning for a cleaned up blade?"

Taliesin you might want to work on your Magus progression, there is an old magic shop in town, run by a man called Arvinth, perhaps that could be a start. If you have some plans you want your character to work to let me know and I'll fit it in.

@The Church grounds
Nathaniel sees Taliesin leave and Richard staying close to his father for the day. As he looks around at the large church he can't feel a bit humbled.
"Impressive isn't it?" The words are coming from a man that had approached him from the side. He is clad in plate mail and is leaning on his sheathed lognsword, a large heater shield on his back.
"I remember when I first saw a grand church like that and I knew the Protector would watch over us, inspire us to great deeds of valour." He stand solemnly looking on as though he is lost in thought as well.

"Ah where are my manners, Charles Garrote." He says as he extends a mailed hand.

Nathaniel is surprised by the sudden appearance next to him. Perhaps this man is part of the armed force of the church. But that's just a guess.
He extends his own hand to shake Garrote's.

"Nathaniel Thames, blacksmith from Greenbrook, how do you do.

Indeed, it's quite impressive. In Greenbrook we have a humble chapel, only big enough for our town's community. May i assume you are with the church's protectors?"

Nathaniel can see the man is probably in his mid-thirties, with a few scars across his face.

"Ah that I am Nathaniel from Greenbrook. My duty lies with the church of Erathia, be that protecting our priests during war or seeking out devil worshipers within our midst. I have been at the front and at halls myself, very different reasons for why people wanted to have me there of course."

He looks on at you and tries to judge you by your looks and composure.
"Coming from Greenbrook to help us have you? A blacksmith doesn't have many other reasons to do so in these times. What made you decide to help us out in Heartham instead of going to Tidewater?"

"Well, your merchants Nathan and Marek came to us, asking supplies and every able bodied person who'd be willing to help stop the advancing menace of the goblins. Since most of our town has evacuated to Tidewater, several of us from Greenbrook had decided we'd rather help Heartham stand than to go to Tidewater. If things go sour here it would eventually come towards Tidewater."

David will smile at the smith, Thank you. Also could you point me in the direction of your apothecary, I was hoping to see if they have any work that may need done. I have never been the best with weapons such as my friend here, nodding in Ekenzar's direction.

strange question, since I am going adept. Are my spells gonna be spontaneous or are they prayed for each day? Should I go towards the church area to "learn" my new gifts. Just a little but stuck on how to proceed?

They will be spontaneous. Depending on whether you are gonna be an arcane caster or divine caster, you may want to visit the old magic shop or the church respectively. Also if you guys are done exploring the town I'll skip to the dinner at the Rose Petal.

Taliesin still feeling out of place will wait for the schedule diner at the rose petal inn.

David will take his leave and pat Elenzar on the back, should you need me Elenzar, I shall be at the old magic shop. Perhaps there is something there I could put to good use. Or maybe I can offer my simple services to the nice people here who have taken me in at such dark times.

With that, David will take off towards the old magic shop.

Elenzar asks around if there is any chance that there is a church or shrine to the Gold Dragon Queen. provided that I wont be burned at the stake.

"Hello I am Elenzar of Greenbrook. I was hoping to find a church dedicated to the Gold Dragon Queen. Perhaps a shrine. Oh I also wondered if there was a library."

Also if I hear or see a store that might deal in leather I will stop in.

@The Church grounds
"Ah a noble purpose it is, to stand against the tide of chaos that engulfs the land. However one must not waver or forget their past teachings of the Protector. Things and people can turn ugly when at war, it is my duty to keep them in check. Every military group should have someone like that, at least that is my vision."

Charles sighs as he hears Marek and Nathan's names.
"Nathan is a good man, honest and a good fighter. Marek however bares me concern, he sometimes seems to live more for the fight than for anything else, still I'm glad they both made it back alive. Oh I seem to be droning on, can I help you with anything spiritual or material?"

@Elenzar
Many people look up at you with question marks written all over their face, they haven't heard of the Gold Dragon Queen, let alone know of a church in Heartham. A library though is pointed out to you to be in the north-east of Heartham after a few misguided inquiries.
The library you find quite easily as it is a stone structure among the wooden ones and stands taller than many a building here. As you enter you find some people frantically looking through books on different subjects, possibly looking for answers to their goblin problem or copying stuff from books that might save them out in the fields.

There is however an old man behind a counter in the middle of the library, his white hair is very long, but he doesn't appear to have a beard which so many older men have. He is casually writing something on sheets of parchment while reading books, with more books stacked on the sides. Many people with questions he points with a few fingers to the sections they need without looking up from his study. This must be the librarian and caretaker.

@David
You have a few problems to find the magic shop, it is so unremarkable that you passed it twice before you realise it was there. An old sign, loose on one hinge, says 'Magicke Shop'. The interior of the shop looks just as ancient as the exterior, though there seems to much more room than you had initially thought.

On the walls are a few small bookcases, shelves supporting bottles with different colours in it, stacked scrolls and folded robes. At the back of the shop is a counter but nobody seems to be there. The counter itself is a darkwood colour, with a few trinkets lying on it. The same kind of trinkets and different long sticks of varied size and adornment are in holders behind it. There is also a little bell sitting lonely at the counter.

Nathaniel has a look of faint concern when he hears about Marek being battlehungry.

"Pardon me for saying, but people who are battlehungry can be more of a danger to themselves, and others, than is good for them."

"As for the second question; i've been making things that help people survive, it makes me feel good to know that by doing so i can make a difference. To some degree it works abit like the church doesn't it. If there is is any danger, they too provide protection, be it via it's armed protectors or via faith and blessings.

He turns his head towards Charles after a moment,

"It seems that aside from waiting for a possible conflict there is not much to do for me here. Could i offer my services to the church and its protectors in any way?"

David is surprised that he passed it a couple times before realizing it there. I need to be more observant. Especially if I ever encounter those nasty goblins again he thought to himself. David will browse the shelves and various baubles on the counter without touching anything. He will wait for a few moments 2 minutes to see if anyone shows behind the counter. If no one arrives, he will ring the bell once to see if anyone shows.

once at the inn Taliesin will ask those he can recognize if there are any wizardly type in town.

Assuming he is told about the magic shop he will head there.

Seeing David's back looking trough the shelves
Hum, excuse me sir but at this point David turn around Oh david, that is you i tough you were the shop owner. he says with a smile

You are also interested in magic?

Elenzar notes the beardless man instictually his hand goes to his owwn chin unable to muster more than breakouts. He aproaches the man, "Hello I am Elenzar of Greenbrook, scribe to elder Arthin. I am one of several who have returned from Greenbrook with Nathan and Marrek. I was hope to do some research. Clearly goblins are a hit topic. Actally i was hoping to find something of a religious nature. I am hope to look into the Gold Dragon Queen. In these troubling times . . . well I wanted to know more."

He looks around at the men at work at the church grounds.
"Else there might not be much you can do I'm afraid, we still have some stock of equipment for our recruits. We actually wait for us to be called upon to do our duty."

@The Magicke Shop
After a minute you both hear someone coming down the stairs in a great hurry. Seconds later an old man comes out with a short white beard, a balding head and wearing big spectacles, in his hand he holds one of the wands as are sold in the shop.

"Ye be gone you sadistic rascals!" A bright light shines out of the wand and suddenly David's eyesight is blocked by a green sludge.

The man stumbles as he sees that he just used his trick on potential customers instead of his usual bullies.
"O dear me," He says with a shrill voice, "I'm truly sorry, I thought you were those goblins of children coming to pester me again. I am Arvinth, how can I be you two of service?" He asks with a hopeful tone in his voice, evidentally he hopes for clients.
David nothing harmful, just a Prestidigitation spell, the slime should disappear eventually.

@The Library
The librarian looks up at the mention of the question.
"The Gold Dragon Queen? Now that is an unexpected question. Why does a human need to know that? Or better yet why is an elf so far from home?"

Now you can see his comely features, the librarian doesn't look that old as you expected, his ears are pointy and his eyes speak wisdom: He is an elf.
Then he looks at you in earnest and sees immediately your heritage. He sighs and shakes his head sofly.
"I guess half is better than nothing, for I had hoped to see and hear something of my own culture. Tell me now, Elenzar of Greenbrook, why do you seek knowledge into the Dragon Queen? Why look it up now and not sooner?"

Elenzar sheepishly answers, "I have no good answer. Learning more on the subject has long been on the list, my father followed the Great Mother. I became busy and distracted by day to day matters. Now, here when things seem of much greater ernest call my attention I cannot put it from my mind. Perhaps it is the taste if danger that drives me to look into a greater power than my own."

Nathaniel faintly smiles and gets a feeling of ease. Waiting around wasn't one of his interests. He'd rather be busy, be it helping the community or working in a smithy.

With a faint grin he replies:
"Not all, even trivial tasks like maintenance are important. Armor that remains unattended to is such a waste. I have my most important tool with me as it is, pointing towards the hammer hanging from his belt. However, if no smithtools are at hand i will need to go to buy some from one of the shops."

suppressing a laugh Hum well hello to you too, i am Taliesin and this is david, we are both from Greenbrook village and came here to face the goblin invasion. And as for myself i am interested in learning magic he finishes with a glimmer in his eyes

David, not expecting the green glob gasps, Ahh, what the?! then after a few moments his vision returns to normal. Well that was unexpected good sir. At least it wasn't permanent. As Taliesin as said we are from Greenbrook, seeking both refuge and to fortify against the goblin scum that plague our lands. I myself am an apprentice at my fathers apothecary shop. I help prepare vials, make basic formulaes such as acid and tinder twigs. I seek to both learn here and offer what service I can to help defend against the encroaching horde. David says with a slightly awkward smile as he rubs his eyes to get his vision back.

@The Church grounds
"Wonderful. I don't think Gerome Hammerblow would mind if you use a few of his tools in his shop, especially if you say I sent you. He is also a devout follower and would not easily decline a simple request as this."

Charles looks at your smithing hammer and nods.
"I hope that you are armed with something else than just that workhammer, cause you won't protect yourself with just that hammer. You should get some equipment training as well if you want to face more goblins."

@The Library
The librarian looks at you with inquisitive eyes. A few men and women come to him for questions and he simply points them in the directions they need to go.
He stands from his lectern and closes his books. He looks far taller than you had imagined, at least 6,5 ft tall.
"Very well. Come with me." He goes to a point in the library where not many people go, it is out of sight of any frantic searchers. He pulls at a book in a bookcase that leans against the wall. A piece of the adjoining wall moves aside and a small doorway can be seen.

"Don't dawdle here, come."
Inside you can see a small room lit by oil lamps, a small basin with water in it and a stone idol in the shape of a dragon on a pedestal.
"We do not worship the Dragon Queen as the Erathians do their god, we revere her in her wisdom and teachings. She has great power and foresight and is said to be able to hear any prayer or question to her via these idols. Not many people on this earth have seen her personally, but she has witnessed much and still lives."

@The Magicke Shop
A look of total amzement befalls the man's face.
"Students?! I have never thought I'd see the day anymore, people here are so closed-minded to the arcane."
He shuffles around his shop frantically searching everything he needs.
"Yes, yes you will be needing these, and these oh yes and these." he picks up a few wands, scrolls, ink and quills and spellbooks.
"Come with me upstairs and I'll show you what you need to learn." He walks upstairs with almost the same haste as he came down earlier, leaving you two baffled downstairs.

When you go up to the first floor you can see a large room with a cauldron in the middle, several shelves with rows of ingredients and extra wands and a lectern with writing supplies with an open spellbook.
"Ah there you are, tell me how much knowledge on magic do you have? None, little or experienced?"

Elenzar looks about as if he has walked into a story, "You honor me with trust. Is the veneration of the Queen percecuted, that it is so hidden?"

He continues to stare about.

Ha my church has a batcave.

None at all actually

David will watch the old man rush feverishly go upstairs. He will wait a few moments, then shrug his shoulders at Taliesin then head upstairs to see what the hubbub is all about. He is taken aback by the sight before. His fathers shop back home isn't as big as the one before him. In response to his question, magic, all I know are the tales told by my father

What is a mrwk Bill, I couldn't find it in any of my stuff
After receiving the gift from Gerome he asks "Might there be a stable around for my poor Dolly to rest her weary legs and have her a nice bit of hay?" And I could scout out a better steed for myself? Forfax thinks to himself.

"Thank you for giving me the opportunity. I will return shortly.
About that equipment training then, could i get training from your order or should i visit the city guard for such a request?"

Nathaniel pays a visit to the blacksmith.

"Hello Mr. Hammerblow. May i purchase some spare smithing tools if you have any? It is per request of mr. Charles, from the church's guards."

@Forfax
A bill used to be a farming tool, but the British reformed it into a polearm type weapon. It is mentioned in the APG however, it is an 1d8 x3, two-handed martial slashing weapon with Brace, Disarm and Reach. Also: Benefit: When fighting defensively or with full defense, this weapon gives you a +1 shield bonus to AC. A mounted opponent hit by a bill takes a –1 penalty on his Ride checks to stay mounted.

@The library
"Persecuted? Well no, but many people here find the reverance of another being besides their god a bit odd, especially an elven being, what with the Timber Wars and all. It might be best to stay out of sight for now as to not provoke them."

The older elf walks towards a small chest that's in a corner and opens it. Out of it he retrieves a small piece of unworked stone.
"This piece of stone is now yours, Elenzar. Take some time and carve it into the image you have in your head of the Dragon Queen. When you're done, you will hear the Great Mother for the first time."

@The Magicke Shop
Arvinth looks a bit surprised, but quickly goes back to his enthusiasm.
"Well at least you sir have had experience in the great art of potion making. If you have time today I will start you off with some great lessons."

If you decide to stay with him he teaches you how to work with wands, explains his own spellbook and gets into the potion making with you two.

@The Blacksmith
Gerome points Forfax to a stable closeby, just a few blocks west of his shop. At the stable Forfax can see three horses stabled there, two-light brown coloured ones and one gray horse. The stable owner notices your interest, and asks. "Any of those take your fancy lad?"

Gerome sees you coming in Nathaniel and you see him wondering, probably about the many people coming into his shop today. "Mr. Charles? O you must mean Garrote. You can work here if you want, if the church has an extra hand helping them I'll provide him a space to work."
Also Nathaniel Charles mentions that they can train you if you want to do so, though their training methods differ from a soldier's.

There are actually two stables, one in the north-west and one at the south-gate. These are commercial stables, with light horses and an occasional heavy horse to be bought. Heartham itself doesn't have military stables, therefore almost no cavalry besides the few paladins and merchants that live and work in the city.

Taliesin will stay for the lesson and will ask with almost a child like glee

what are the different forms of magic and the way it is practiced? in the legend you hear about wizard, conjurer, enchanter, sorceress, witch and warlocks ?

Arvinth goes in lengths to describe his own profession and the differences between the ones you mentioned and his.

"Well young sir, I am a wizard, a rather grounded I suppose, but a wizard nonetheless. We wizards use spellbooks to remember all of our spells, how they should be recited and the gestures that are involved with them. Sorcerers on the other hand have an innate spellcasting ability and ned no former training, spellcasting comes naturally to them, often through their ancestry. Conjurers and Enchanters are wizards that have specialized themselves in certain magics, their name says it all.
Witches and Warlocks however are usually not that friendly of nature, you best not get too close with them. Witches seem to get their power through some kind of being, usually through an animal conduit."

Well the Bill almost sounds to good to be true I'll just have to adjust him from Expert to Warrior so he'll be proficient with martial weapons. Also which stable was close by, the north-west or the south-gate?

To the stable owner:
"They are beautiful creatures and they look very strong too. Are they your or are others in the town just boarding them here?"

Nathaniel smiles at the blacksmith's offer to work at the smithy.

"Thank you, i gladly accept your offer."

Nathaniel would like to follow the training offered by Garrote.

The north-western one

"They are mine, this gray one I have raised myself from birth, the other two I have bought but they are only four years old and still a lot of spirit in them."

If you are in need of money, remember that you still have those gems and gold as well.

"What kind of training have they had?"

Did anyone claim to have grabbed to gold and gems, because I might be needing a little of that for a purchase in the not-so-distant future.

David will too stay with Arvinth and soak in all he can. He enjoys the tales he tells. Even though wands and using them seem to escape him. It is awkward to him, he will need to practice it more.

He looks to Arvith and with a puzzled look, have you met any sorcerers during your days?

"Only the basic riding training I'm afraid lad, none of them fancy warsteeds been coming my way."

Nobody mentioned it specifically, but I supposed Elenzar or David has them

@The Magicke Shop
"I have met just one sorceress in my day young sir, a beauty at that. Araine was her name, she said she drew her powers from the air and wind around her. Every sorcerer or sorceress has something like that, something in their blood that whispers to them of spells never done before."

Arvinth sighs and seems lost in memories, quite possibly reminiscing about Araine.

So i suppose we to some basic learning before we choose our path since we don't have any innate power is there a test to take that tell about our potential?

Elenzar has the gems and gold anyone watching knows he looted the corpses. David and Elenzar sold some gear. It did nit come up in character but if any one asked it was his intention to sell what he can and divy it up to the Greenbrook bunch. No one knows where he is right now but he will likely turn up at dinner. GM for the purposes of metagame vs rp when we split it are we dividing it to just pcs or do we need to break it up for all the travellers.

Elenzar looks up at the elf overwhelmed. "Thank you. I will try to do her honor."

should I assume I know next to nothing and ask the elf or is there a basic knowledge? Is she an elf or a dragon? Is there basic iconography or is it really anything goes?