Why should anyone travel the cracked cobblestone of the Old road? The Fortress that once cast its shadow across the road does so no longer. Some whisper that the Earth swallowed the fortress whole in an age long past. Four brave adventurers went to investigate the citadel, setting off down the Old Road but not returning. This has led the nearby village of Oakhurst in disarray and uncertainty.
Once the town was devoid of heroes. The (Vurnor Leng)mayor has called upon a party of strange and almost otherworldly individuals to take up the task and rescue the Heroes, whilst becoming one..
Town of Oakhurst
oakhurst
The sound of harpsong fills the room as the elf in the red cloak plays Raise Another Glass of Cheer and Nine Stars Around a Silver Moon for the gathered company.
"Another flagon, mellonamin, and I'll play the one about the Athkatlan courtesan you did like so much..." he says, sweeping his feet onto the table and strumming his harp. He answers the innkeep's distateful expression with one of his own.
"A drunken sot?" he says, with a sickly hiccup. "Oh, don't look at me like that you sour old goat, I said you'd get your coin and I meant it..." Although it is only mid-afternoon, Iscarel is already deep into his cups if his bright red face is any indication. He brushes his white-blond hair from his slick brow, bright green eyes settling on the first newcomer to come through the door. "Welcome! Welcome! Pull up a chair! What would you have me sing, stranger?"
The man walking in the door, is strangely enough the Mayor. He pulls up and chair next to Iscarel and speaks in a low tone.
" Hello, Adventurer. How are you enjoying your day? Is your party prepared to walk the Old Road at dawns first light tomorrow? Where are the rest of them?"
Still smelling of working-man's sweat and coated with a dusting of sawdust, Attaman Windshear opens the doors to the Ole Boar inn, opening the way for he and his lumberjack friends to enter. With another hard day behind them, they had earned their daily silver and the right to enjoy some songs and ale.
The drunken elf could be heard from down the road, so Attaman knew he would he be in proper form tonight. The warrior had come to anticipate certain songs, many of which made their nightly appearance in direct proportion to how drunk Iscarel was.
Nine Stars Around a Silver Moon already? Ol' Isc must've started drinkin' early!
It was Bromborl's night to buy the first round, and Attaman was glad for it. There were six woodsmen in here tonight, and that tab adds up quickly. Attaman gladly accepted his ale. He drank about half of it in one draw, savoring the flavor, allowing the froth to run down his dusty mustache.
To the barkeep, "Any news?"
Niusha enters the old boar inn hearing Iscarel finishing Nine Stars Around a Silver Moon.
After seeing the mayor enter and pulling a seat next to Iscarel, She could only have something to do with the missing heroes.
It's a surprise seeing you here mayor. Not much of a surprise though to see Iscarel. do you have any more news regarding the heroes mayor?
The elf seems to distracted by his merrymaking to dwell on the mayor's words for too long. He motions to the empty pitcher beside him. "... it's a terrible long journey for one with a parched throat, your worship. Pray, will you top me up?" The elf can't help but grin at his own cheek, a twinkle sparkling in his gold-flecked eyes. "As for the others, I know not where they might be. Ah! Here come the lads from the sawmill now..."
He raises his empty goblet to Attaman across the tavern, and smiles warmly at Niusha as she joins him. "... and my kinswoman! Tula, tula, vasa ar' yulna en i'mereth, Niusha!"
The Mayor
"No unfortunately, some of the population are assuming the worst. They seem to be almost ready to pack-up and leave. Without our hero guardians, Im afraid we are not certain the horrors of --"The Mayor goes to a small whisper"The Sunless Citadel" Suddenly everything in the tavern becomes eerily quiet. A man stands up
Unknown Man
"Mayor as much as we respect you, please do not use Its name here.The Fortress long forgotten by any but us in Oakhurst, by which the Old road leads to. We fear it attracts evil omens. We have many reason to fear the horrors that lie within the Citadel. Not even Sir Bradford's Shatterspike as it seems was enough to bring him home"
The Tavern seems almost to snap back into activity within seconds, the mayor continues
The Mayor
"Yes, well..we are not certain the creatures will leave the Citadel and attack Oakhurst"
The Mayor starts to speak again, but an aide whispers something in his ear and he strides out the door
Attaman eyed the mayor shrewdly, then finished his ale. It would not do to have another mug full, as he needed his wits about him on the morrow.
His fellow woodsmen wanted to share an evening of drinks and laughter, as they wouldn't be seeing him for the next week or two. The warrior took his new role as town protector and adventurer seriously. People's lives depended on him now-- several lives in particular-- those of the missing adventurers.
Attaman stands, clears his throat loudly, and addresses the room. "Folks, friends, mayor, we all know the stakes and we're all worried about our missing friends and family. We're gonna do everything in our power to bring them back-- alive and well. And while we're out there I promise you, (he grits his teeth and flexes his muscles) ...we're gonna bring some HURT on them who mean to harm Oakhurst and her people!"
"Hear-hear!" Iscarel shouts, drinking a toast in approval. "There's nothing to fear my good townspeople..." Iscarel says to the inside of his goblet before tossing it aside and leaping onto the table, miraculously finding his feet.
"For none can match Attaman's brawn, Miss Luscana's wits, nor me for speed or drinking both!" Iscarel boasts, throwing his arms wide. "Nor can they match Brenna for... Brenna for... pray, where has that girl gotten to?" Iscarel stands on his toes, peering under tables and underfoot as if she were no bigger than a mouse. "Helloooo?"
"...Ed' i'Seldarine! I think the gnome has vanished!"
Niusha looks around for Brenna. Aww poopy. Where did that little gnome go. I hope she did not get lost.
The populace in the tavern explode into applause, they cheer the adventurers and offer the adventurers the next round of ale on the house. You definitely sense that the mood has changed very drastically in the few seconds of the speech, everyone seems to be less fearful and uncertain.
You see as everyone starts to walk outside and gather in the center of town. You are picked up by the crowd and dropped lightly to your feet. You see a podium erected above level of the gathered crowd. You are softly nudged and pushed on-stage where the Mayor puts on a flashy smile for the crowd. He begins an eloquent speech filled with gestures and kind words to the party
The Mayor
"The dear populace of Oakhurst, lend me your ears. Since our local heroes have gone missing, friends even considered family to some, except Sir Bradford. Yet even in his way he was a welcome nieghbor among us. Left almost defenseless, you plead for protection. I have heard your calls ladies and gentleman, I have taken action! These fine adventurers have volunteered to save Oakhurst and its heroes, while ending the Citadel terror forever! They leave at first light!
Applause sounds like claps of thunder as the crowd cheers
The Mayor whispers to each of you
" Is there anything you'd like to say to Oakhurst's citizens?"
"Nonsense." he says to Niusha, pointedly. "'m as sharp ash I ever wha...was. In my prime I could spot a drow ambush at two-hundred paces." he boasts. That was decades ago and now you're all washed up, coward. he thinks, grimacing and turning away, the mirth leaving his voice. "I'm not afraid of what vermin hide in that pit."
He turns away the townsfolks offer of another round, pouring what is left in his pitcher for himself and the half-elf. Iscarel begins to propose another toast as he's swept off of his feet. Shouting in protest and blinking in the harsh sunlight, Iscarel is borne into the square. "... this mayor seems particularly eager to parade us around. What do you make of him?" he grumbles, cutting the others a sidelong glance.
"Something to say?" the elf muses, stepping up to the podium. "This town has been my home for many moons now. It's time I payed Oakhurst back for it's kindness." he says, tossing his wineskin into the crowd. "Whichever man fills that up shall have the largest jewel I find in that hellhole. Savo 'lass a lalaith, my friends!"
...this mayor seems particularly eager to parade us around. What do you make of him?" he grumbles, cutting the others a sidelong glance.
indeed. It might just be that we adventurers represent tangible relief to the Mayor; relief from the worries and words of the townsfolk. Or there may be something else underneath?
Attaman steps up to the platform, takes a moment to look over the people, as if trying to paint a picture in his mind. As he takes in the old, the very young, and everyone in between that have suffered from the enemies of the Sunless Citadel... ...he can now clearly see how important it was that he and his companions are successful.
"I know most of yeh. I built my cabin in the woods outside your village some 11 years ago, and I have come to respect and care for you as individuals and as a whole. You should know me to be an honorable man, and so you should know that I will honor those who've gone missing by using my axe and shield to bring them home... or bring to justice those who have harmed them. That's all I'm gonna say. Keep us in your prayers, we'll be needed all the luck we can muster."
Right on, OK I'll keep rolling with it.
Niusha tries to get a read on the mayor but has some slight difficulty from being slightly inebriated.
I have considered this village my home for quite some time. I know a few of you can find me annoying and obnoxious, but I promise to help in anyway I can to bring back our lost friends.
"Friends, I will see you tomorrow, an hour after first light let us break our fast here at the Ol' Boar, then depart for old road."
As everyone shuffles away, you make your way to Ol' Boar inn. Where a barmaid cleans mugs in the corner and the bartender wipes down tables. As you walk in he gives a greeting
Barkeeper
"Good Evenin"
Iscarel stills his wagging tongue as Attaman speaks, looking on in silence as he eyes the man appraisingly. "...there is more to this one than meets the eye." he murmurs, to nobody in particular. "Sleep well, woodsman."
Attaman waits around for the crowds to disperse. He sees his companions, the mayor and Garon the barkeep head back to the Ol' Boar. Now might be a good time to get some more clarity.
He pushes the tavern door open, "Good crowd out there tonight Mayor. They're all countin' on us to do right by them.
Garon old fella, tell me, Attaman eyes the Mayor briefly, then looks back to the barkeep. ...what do you hear from the villagers about what's going on out there? I keep hearing only the vaguest of reports, from people gone half-mad with fear."
Garon eyes the mayor and keeps his voice to a low whisper
Garon
"No one has seen tha monsters that lurk in the night, but anyone or anything caught out after dark has been found dead the next day. Pierced by dozens of claw marks. I haven't seen much but just between you an me..
Garon looks over your shoulder at the Mayor
"The Mayor wouldn't lose much sleep if you didn't come back. I reckon he's trying to clean out the drunkards and anyone else he doesn't like. Sending them off on suicide missions, trying to get back our old heroes. See, he's getting real desperate. Turned to a real snake, that man he has.
But if you want to see first hand what lurks at night. Go find tha town guard, he mans the fences. The man's half-insane though, but I'll bet my best keg of ale you'll find the beasties your looking for"
"Hear-hear! Clean out the drunkards!" Iscarel jests, clapping his hand on Attaman's shoulder and listening in on the conversation, staring a little too intently at the innkeep as he tries to keep up. "Garon. Garon... Oh ye of little faith!" Iscarel says, shaking his head. "... a suicide mission? Why, I'm afraid you might just find me well up to the task. I'm not so easy to get rid of, as you well know." he says, with a wry grin.
"Tell us more of these missing adventurers... I remember grim Sir Bradford well enough. As I recall the man was so offended by my singing he tried to drive me from the tavern..." Iscarel says, mock wounded. "... and more of this citadel to the south. How long has it stood? Surely you must have some idea of what lies within..."
To Garon, "Snake or not, the man has the weight of the village on his shoulders, and other motives aside we can hope that he does truly want for the safety of all who live here.
Town guard? I will do just that. I mean to hear from a witness just what is attacking us."
Attaman hangs around with Iscarel for a bit, then bids his elven friend to come speak with this guard.
Niusha tries to reassure the rest of the group Don't worry abut the mayor. We will make it through this. We will show him and find the lost adventurers.
Niusha though is a little worried they have not heard anything about their fourth companion.
Garon turns back to the bar shelves cleaning them while talking to Iscarel
Garon to Iscarel
"There were four heroes, bless their souls wherever they are.
There was Talgen the strong, he could wield anything in combat, even a tree! or his bare hands for matter!
A scholar of magic named Sharwyn, who could conjure enough magic to send a Dragon home beat n' hurt!
The archer Karakas surpassed any man or otherwise in the art of archery. He once hit a fly between the eyes in this here town, he did.
Finally, was a man so loved yet so different from us. Sir Bradford, was always a gentleman of courtesy and respect. Always made it to church on worship day, even if he was tearing the hell outta some monstrosity!"
Garon comes to a whisper
"Within the citadel, there is rumored to conceive a fruit of magical powers inside. Two, actually. There is one that gives you life,vitality, and stamina. While the other takes it. However, its all guarded by a strange shape-shifting man named Belak. He is rumored to be creating most of the beasties around here. So listen, if you stop Belak, your likely to stop the night attacks altogether"
When Attaman arrives at the fences, there is an armour clad guard watching the endless black abyss of night. He merely nods to you and asks quietly..
Guard to Attaman
"What are you doing here?"
As soon as the guards turned away for a second, you hear rustling around about 15 feet in front of you
Attaman hears rustling and squints to get a better look in the low in the dim moonlight.
"What the devil, who goes there? Show yourself."
Attaman readies his axe and shield.
Attaman hears a sound like the blowing of dry leaves
Attaman sees 4 small plantlike creatures each 3 ft apart, 10 ft away from you.
Initiative Order:
Attman 14
Creatures 11
Iscarel nods politely as Garon recounts the half-remembered names of the adventurers, but a change comes over him as the man mentions the fruit. Iscarel gives him his full attention, otherworldy green-flecked eyes wide with captive interest. Suddenly, he turns around again. "Belak. A shape-shifter, you say? Don't worry... No matter what shape he takes, every creature has a heart." the elf says, snatching up his spear and making for the door. "Besides, if we meet up with these young heroes of yours, I doubt even a troll could stop us."
Attaman hangs around with Iscarel for a bit, then bids his elven friend to come speak with this guard.
Initiative order:
Attaman 14
Iscarel 11
Creatures 11
If your idea of "spicing things up" is throwing arbitrary large penalties like -3 to hit(the spell Bane only gives a -1 for goodness sake) against a 1st level character, when he's outnumbered 4 to 1, then I think I have seen enough of this game.
"Yes, your fighting in darkness"
No one "rules lawyered" anything. He was citing the rules for low light, which is exactly what you described.
Kinda irritated. I'm withdrawing from the game. Best of luck.
....hp 2 each..wow really