|
7pm
You travel the few miles together to Bandera. A town of about 800 people, Bandera lies between The Land of Man and the Domain of the Elves. Because of the centuries long peace between the two, neither keeps a standing force there. It's also one of the largest towns that does not have any standing presence from the mage's guild. These elements make it a place where to run and hide a bit from the law. Yet, another oddity, this town also has several dozen half-elves due to the mixed racial occupation.
As you arrive, you can see the darkness of early evening broken by numerous street lanterns down the center road. Most towns this size would have a small inn and tavern, but Bandera caters to a number of visitors at any given time, so a few of them exist here. People seem to ask less questions and are more accepting here of members of usual races here as well.
Zarkralzak trudges along the road, his eyes going often to the new hammer hanging from his belt. He can feel the power in the weapon, but is still unsure what it might do, or even if he should keep it. For now it hangs there.
The town looks like any above-grounder's settlement; random and chaotic. Roads and alleys wandering all over the place, buildings of different shapes, sizes and materials haphazardly thrown together. It makes him long for the order and symmetry of the dwarven fortresses he grew up in.
"We best find a place to rest and something to eat before it becomes too late and all the establishments close. I wonder what their curfew time is?"
He shrugs and looks at the others for their response.
Shallya looks about the town, nodding approval, This place has it right! All living in harmony despite racial tensions, each person judged by their conduct alone and not by mere prejudices we see so common elsewheres. I can feel the community bonds as strong here as anywhere! This is indeed a good place to rest and refocus ourselves.
Shallya seems almost giddy, a slight spring in her limp as she moves into the town without hesitation, a smile broadening across her face.
Curfew? I assume you have not been to many towns above master dwarf? Shallya chuckles softly, smiling warmly at the dwarf. Perhaps a fine ale will lift your spirits. mister grumpy!
"Let's find a tavern or a inn that has a tavern, either works."
Toriel will glance over the options to consider an acceptable one.
|
|
As you enter the town, you can see that the main street is still quite busy. Even at this hour, some are still conducting business, and, of course, all the inns and taverns are in full swing.
You head into one of the taverns with sleeping rooms, giving you all an opportunity to relax, discuss your next move, speak with the locals for information, or just go to bed.
This particular tavern is busy tonight. You didn't notice a name on the way in, but it seems hopping all the same. A couple of identical looking, attractive men serve everyone as a dark skinned half-elven lady dances at the front of the room while a halfling plays a percussion instrument to keep the beat for her dance.
Toriel will scan for a suitable clear table before seating herself. Giving a moment for the rest to sit before pulling out the book and paper she grabbed from the tower and beginning to inspect them more thoroughly.
angus will join toriel and order some wine.
Stomping through the door, Jarkralzak is buffeted with sound, light and smell. His mouth immediately starts to water at the smell of the rich food and he moves up to the table Toriel and Angus have picked. He sets his pack against the wall and makes sure he is situated in front of it, before ordering food and drink.
Shallya seats herself at the table, smiling at the revelery. She orders some food and drink for herself and an extra ale...
For you, Jark, perhaps this will make you smile!
She keeps time with the music, stomping her foot and hanbo and watching both the dancing girl and her halfling maestro.
so what do you make of the place we to? The High priestess did make it sound like we might meet her again. ask angus enjoying his glass
Toriel will glance up from the book, "Oh.. sorry... could I get something to drink as well?"
|
|
In response to the dwarf, the waiter answers, Yes, sir, we have rooms tonight. Just a silver piece and a half for a night, as always, up to two in a room.
To Toriel he adds, Absolutely, my fair lady! We're having a special on some of our elven wines tonight, in celebration of surviving that evil storm earlier. Praise to the gods and Cayden that our fine collection of beverages survived intact!
Looking around, Jarkralzak asks, "Where is the orc-ling? Did he not enter the building with us?'
He was right behind me before entering. I just figured he went ot refresh himself or something
"The wine will do fine, He said he was going alone when we left the tower." Toriel will add as she looks back down to the book.
Jarkralzak shrugs his shoulders, and continues to eat his delicious boar stew. A single tankard of ale helps to quench his thirst.
"What is that you are reading elf?"
He graces the little halfling lass with a smile as she pays for another drink for him.
"Much obliged, m'am. It is a smooth batch, and slides down nicely!"
"I am studying the book we found in the tower, there is also the paper the redhead was interested in as well, either way I hope to garnish some hints as to what happened there."
so do i, so do i replied angus at the mention of the papers
|
|
You cannot understand the gibberish of the book. It uses standard characters, by their arrangement makes little sense.
You rest for the evening, and prepare to head out the next day. To travel to Silverfall from Bandera is a long journey. Each of you takes the appropriate time to get ready.
Last opportunity to buy/see/seek info in this town...
Angus will ask around what are the latest news and how is the road to where the party is supposed to go.
Shallya will resupply food/water and then spend the rest of the night talking with the locals, eating, drinking and making merry. Then she will turn in to a down comforter and a feather bed...
This is the life, merrymaking, a warm fire and a nice, soft feather bed. i better enjoy it now, we may not see much of it in the days ahead!
Jarkralzak finishes his meal and drink, then make arrangements with the owner to have provisions for the entire group prepared for the following day (1 week trail rations each). He then heads to his room for a good night sleep, after going through his evening devotionals to Lore.
|
|
Angus asks around. There's a lot of concern about the recent sirocco. While they have been known to pop up once in a while, the rumor is that they've been happening much more frequently than usual.
Another rumor he hears from some who live about a quarter mile out mention that they saw fires moving over in the distance. These fires, purportedly, were are large as humans.
You hear a rumor that a pile of walking armor was recently captured by the mages' guild.
The loot table has been updated with the wand and ring. Refer to the houserules for details on how loot works in this game. I've added the gold value to your character sheets. The items that were given directly by the Fire Priestess are story related items that go directly to the character sheets.
The party begins to head to Silverfall. In contrast to the evening before, the skies are clear. It's a bit on the warm side, but a breeze helps keep you somewhat clear. The road is well used from regular wagons and caravans that take this way back and forth.
Toriel will focus on keeping watch as they move down the road. With the rumors heard from down it would be a shame to be caught even on a well used road.
Zarkralzak runs as fast as his stumpy legs will carry him. He also casts out a detect evil as he goes, just to see what they might be dealing with.
angus will approach too
I wonder what it is going to be this time.
Shallya limps forward, ready to aid any in need...
"Toriel will sprint after, expecting it to likely be the fire creatures the rumors mentioned."
|
|
The party gets there well in advance of Shallya, who continues to limp nearly 100' behind. You see a small house on fire, and a horrified couple standing in front. The woman is straining against the man, who holds her against her will.
NO! Mildred, there's nothing we can do! The flames are too high! You'd never make it, and I'd lose you BOTH!
Holding his breath, Jarkralzak charges into the burning house to look for the remaining person.
"Oi, you stubborn fool." Toriel will turn to the couple. "Quick, who or what did you leave in the house and where?"
Shallya continues to limp forward at what would be considered her run; once within range, she will try to control the flames, or at least stop them from spreading, with uses of her Create Water orision...
|
|
As the dwarf rush in first, flames lick up all around him. The heat is near unbearable. Through the flames he sees a female holding onto a young, short boy. Before the dwarf can react, he sees several fire creatures, similar to what was seen earlier, moving towards him.
Combat Actions
Status
10' Unknown (8/8 ),
EFL' FireA (Perfect, ), FireB (Perfect, ), FireC (Perfect, ),
PFL Toriel (8/8 ), Jarkralzak (10/11 ),
5' Angus (11/11 ),
180' Shailya (9/9 ),
Note: PCs inside the burning house are in danger of being burnt each round based on how bad the fire is. Currently, you are 50% likely to be burned for d6 pts of damage. The fire grows each round, thanks in part to the elementals.
Toriel will sigh softly, leaving most of her stuff (except her sword) with Angus and Shallya and run in as well.
"We can't fight these things on their terms Jarkralzak, we must try to draw them out, we will come back in for the boy." Toriel is going to back out of the fire and drop her sword to get her bow.
i agree but i see no real way of making it happen says angus grabbing toriel's stuff
This woman is cloaked closely in a crimson, hooded robe in order to conceal her identity. Only the sleek locks of her black hair, and her fierce amber eyes can be seen through the concealment. Though, she does appear to be a foreigner of some sort if her weaponry is any indication. This weaponry in question consists of the traditional samurai gear, a wakizashi and a katana. The sheathes of both weapons remain firmly held at her side by a leather belt. A sash hanging over her left shoulder cradles what must be a broken or permanently disfigured arm, which she keeps tucked away and hidden from the dangerous elements of the outside world.
Now that the monsters are distracted, Nevuda begins searching through the room for some sort of window or alternate doorway so she can deliver the child to safety. If the exit is covered in flames or glass she will use her body as a buffer between the boy and the source of danger as she charges through.
"Stick closely to me, young one. There is no other measure of safety for you within this falling fiery debris."
Jarkralzak raises his new warhammer and yells at the creatures.
"Creatures of flame, see here the gift of your mistress. Retreat from this dwelling before you do more harm."
Just taking the Run action until I get to the group