Alder Two-Fingers |
Alder sighs and runs a hand through his hair.
"I...can only assume, sir, that they were testing our ability to get by in the North."
Some irritation creeps into his voice.
"Although it seems to me that there is enough to do for those willing to join the Argent Legion without sending them on horse procurement duty for half a moon."
He shakes his head, thinking of the freedom he traded to serve the good of the North.
"Well, we're here now. If there's any task for us to attend to, we're happy to do so. But I'd also like to ask you about a few strange things we've encountered on our way up here."
Alder briefly describes the creatures' attacks, the vanishing figure, and the runed gems, leaving out anything personal about Glimly's amulet, but trying to be as thorough as possible otherwise.
DM Gray |
The officer listens to Alder's account of your travels. "I can't say that I know of this vanishing figure or these gems. Werewolves are quite common but usually get worse the closer one gets to the Moonwood. Orcs, goblins and ogres are all too common along the Nether Mountains. What seems odd is that the attacks began when you joined that caravan and ended when you left. I wonder if they were not after the caravan. What was their cargo?"
DM Gray |
Kythorn 21, Year of Wild Magic
After a week of easy living, the patrol arrives. The cavalry do not look happy when they hear of your orders but they obey and prep the horses to depart.
The officer approaches you all before you depart, "I have an update on your orders. You are to take a package to Beorunna's Well by way of the Cold Vale road on your way back to Silverymoon. Deliver the package to the merchant Prudhosk Goldhand. He's orc tainted so don't let that surprise you. You can follow the Moon Lands road to Silverymoon. If you're quite done lolly-gagging, then be off!"
DM Gray |
The officer frowns at Jaxon, "What do you think you are doing?" Turning to Alder, "You taking your merchant with you? There's nothing stopping you from having civilians along for the ride but if they get in the way or slow you down, expect a good lashing." At that, the officer leaves and you all are left standing there with three horses.
sorry jaxon, you got to get your own ride.
Jaxon Cal |
"Well don't that just beat all. You know what fellas, it's been interesting, but this military life ain't for me. I'm gonna head back down where it's warmer and start a shop. You ever make it out of the cold, look me up."
Cal gives the officer a dirty look and walks back into town to purchase a horse.
Alder Two-Fingers |
Alder turns to the officer. "With respect, sir, this civilian has fought as hard as any of us against the evils that besiege us all here in the North. He deserves our thanks and our respect, Argent Legion tabard or no."
Taking the package, Alder clasps Cal's arm.
"Best of luck to you, Cal. I'm sorry our roads won't run together any longer. Till swords part."
DM Gray |
The officer looks at Alder, "Let me tell you a secret, everyone fights to live in the North. There will come a time when a superior officer gives you an order that you are not going to like or that will require you to leave someone behind but you better follow it." He turns to walk away and then stops, "Friends will keep you alive private but they can't keep you from completing the job or it may cost a lot of lives."
DM Gray |
You set out onto the trail after saying your goodbyes to Jaxon. The trail is not kept as well as the road you have grown use to. After several uneventful days, you arrive at Beorunna's Well. It is just a small village that looks to have been built in recent memory. After asking the locals (most of whom are Uthgarth Tribal members), you finally locate the half-orc you seek.
The half-orc Prudhosk Goldhand, looks like a strong man with a stern look of consertration as he counts his inventory. Once he notices you, he puts on a smile that doesn't reach his eyes. "Welcome Legionaires! What can the Goldhand do for you today?"
Alder Two-Fingers |
Alder's face softens a bit.
"No, thank you kindly. We'll be off for our next assignment soon, I would guess."
More sympathetic than most Uthgardt to the Black Lion tribe's decision to adopt a settled life, Alder spends as much time as possible before getting word of their next assignment gathering news, information, stories, and songs from his adopted kinsmen in the town.
Gather Information: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14