DragonBlood472 |
14th of Eleint, 1372 DR
Summer slips away as Autumn draws near. In the small hamlet of Dawnscry in the Vilhon Reach, a strange phenomenon outweighs the approaching excitement normally reserved for Highharvestide...
Less than two tenday ago, the wizardly tower known as Valen's Wand returned in pristine condition in its previous station on the cliffs at the end of town.
One year ago, the tower of the ex-court adviser Valen, was struck by blue lightning and crumbled into the foggy blanket of the valley below. No excursions into the valley yielded any sign of the fallen tower, and all within its walls were presumed dead.
The reappearance of the tower in a veil of fog has caused the Lathander worshiping town to panic and plead for aid. Major Jarmen Goldenwyrm sent missives as a call to any brave enough to enter the tower on his court's behalf to be well rewarded, but reconnaissance would not be the explorer's only agenda...
Over the past tenday, several young members of the town's population have been kidnapped, stolen in the night, reportedly by a band of ogres. The town's disdain for giant-kin not withstanding, the weight of the matter increases tenfold as witnesses claim the ogres secreted away to Valen's Wand with the youth in tow. The mayor has doubled his offer to all adventurers willing to accept the exploration-turned-rescue mission.
DragonBlood472 |
Late in the afternoon, Vivi, Kolu, and Thunder take respite in the Sunrise Cafe. Many harsh glances come Thunder's way, but he is permitted to eat inside as long as his companions keep an eye on him.
The innkeeper, Peter, a smiling unshaven human with long brown hair and keen piercing green eyes approaches the group with their dinners. In a quiet tone, he leans down and speaks to Vivi.
"Sir, I noticed that your cat travels with you. Though she may not be as important as missing townsfolk... could you also look for my cat? I fear she may already be an ogre's meal," here he glances coldy toward Thunder, "But it would mean an awful lot if you could find Mojo for me. She's a calico, wild one too."
Vivi Garonfres |
Vivi smiles broadly, his lips still frothy from a mug of dark ale, his halfling nature coming into full focus on his rosy, infinitely youthful cheeks. "Aye sir, I shall do my best to find your Mojo for you," he says, wiping his mouth on his sleeve. "But a hand will suffice where a mage hand would exceed... Erm, that is to say, a more mundane explanation could be likely. A cat would seem a most unsound meal for an ogre, 'twould be like having only a single sausage for breakfast to an ogre, you see." He finishes by winking at Thunder.
Thunder the Half-Ogre |
"Me not gon' eat kiki. Me like mos' critters. Only eats whats I's supposed ta eats, and wha' Lurue says I's can." The behemoth smiles and nods, mostly to himself. His large hand goes to the pocket in his vest.
Kolu |
Perception 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Kolu glances at the half-ogre, eyes keen on the movements of his hand within the vest pocket. "He mean no harm T'under, he never see you eat before. He had, he'd know der no way one or two kitty be enough. Now a cow go missing, we might wanna know where you was." She chuckles but smiles kindly at her companion.
Vivi Garonfres |
Perception check:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Vivi heartily chuckles at Kolu's assessment of Thunder's appetite, and leans across the table to pat the half-ogre on the arm. "Indeed, though in the concern of full bellies I have been known to match a dwarf ravenous from a long day in the mines bite for bite from a roasted hog! To graduate to a full cow does not seem like such a strain of my talent. Perhaps there will be two head of hypothetical cattle missing, lest we eat our fill now! Another serving of dinner is my treat, if you would have it."
He then stands on his chair and waves his hat, attempting to catch the attention of Peter to order a second helping of dinner.
DragonBlood472 |
Peter glancing up and seeing the familiar look of a hungry halfling, traces his left hand in an arc over his heart and heads to the kitchen.
If Knowledge check is passed,
Shortly the smiling owner returns with several steaming plates of bacon, eggs, and potatoes. Though hesitant of the giant, the man seems genuinely glad to cater to his customers.
Thunder the Half-Ogre |
The fork looks almost laughable in the ogre's meaty hands. Long minutes after his companions' retorts he guffaws, bacon crumbles falling to his beard. "Cow gradeeating! You sure are funny Lit'le Half-a-ling. Affer we fin' da Mojo you an' me gon' have a eatin' contest. I even give you head start ta be fair. Perdy one-tusk can judge."