Alurad looks through the bags left behind by the halfling and his two thug friends. He pulls out a potion and an interesting looking bag. “If its all the same, I think I will hold onto these two items. Be sure to take a look, there is a good amount of items here!”
As the elderly lady answers the door Alurad greets her with a smile. “Afternoon ma’am.” he gives her a slight bow; “I don’t believe that Master Frompir was expecting us, but we are here in regards to Talla. If its not much trouble, we would request his audience.”
Alurad follows the woman to the man who clearly must be Master Frompir. “Master Frompir I presume? You must accept our sincere apology for arriving unannounced. Please let me introduce ourselves. I am Alurad Sorizan, my elf friend there is Mirianna, our priest is Duraz Carrol, the warrior is Jon Fiddle, and our Halfling friend is Singol.” he gives a brief moment between each introduction for handshakes or bows.
“We are here in regards to Talla and Jerand. We have learned that you have challenged him to dual for the hand of Talla. Rightfully so, but it seems that you have enlisted a champion that is far superior in combat than Jerand. Which could end up in his death. Talla and Jerand has enlisted us, and by proxy Jon there, to be Jerand’s champion.”
Looking around he continues “I am sorry, I get long winded in my old age. I am a bit parched. You don’t have any wine to offer your guest?”
“Anyway... We are here to request a level playing field. We have learned that your champion is going to be equipped with a full set of armor. We would request a set of equal armor for Jon to wear, you would of course receive this armor back if you’d wish. We figured you would want to be known as a just and fair man, and wanted to make this minor request.” Alurad doesn’t exactly wait for a response before sitting down in the closest chair followed by letting out a relaxing sigh.
|
The festivities were more than just food and drink, playing in games and mock battles were also options.
Hearing he was suddenly the proxy champion (which was news to him) which made him raise an eyebrow, though he didn't say anything to counter what Alurad was saying. Seems he might end up playing an important role for the lovers-to-be.
True there were hints and asking if he was skilled at fighting that he might be involved; Though he was figuring he'd give a few pointers, some training, or end up lending is armor, not being the proxy.
The festivities were more than just food and drink, playing in games and mock battles were also options.
Hearing he was suddenly the proxy champion (which was news to him) which made him raise an eyebrow, though he didn't say anything to counter what Alurad was saying. Seems he might end up playing an important role for the lovers-to-be.
True there were hints and asking if he was skilled at fighting that he might be involved; Though he was figuring he'd give a few pointers, some training, or end up lending is armor, not being the proxy.
|
Duraz takes the potion of darkvision from the goods hoping no one would notice, yet makes no effort to do it stealthily.
The cleric bows when he is mentioned, and finds Jon's surprise as he finds out to be a chosen champion for a lover's cause quite amusing. He had hoped this Jerand's fight would turn out to be spoiled somehow, and maybe this was the way.
As Alurad makes his stay comfortable, Duraz wastes no time and says I'll have some wine as well. He thought to add a request for some hard cheese and freshly cooked bread, but judged it would only serve to anger the house master. He kept quiet, but secretly hoped they would be served some treats as well.
After saying and thinking this, Duraz had a second thought and thought that the man may be pious towards some other, less free spirited, god. This made him sit upright and add Such a fine master as yourself must be praised and rewarded for so much generosity, of course, and I hope I can repay him in king some time.
|
The man turns to Duraz "Thank you sir. I want to be known as a just and fair man. I shall agree to loan your companion a suit of full plate." he turns his head towards the door. "Maude" he cries. The older woman enters the room. "Yes sir" she says. "Please see that the older suit of plate is dusted off and loaned to these individuals. Please inquire as to where they are staying obviously"
Alurad nods with a satisfied smile as he responds to Talla’s father. “Splendid, Master Frompir! This will prove to be a most entertaining duel. And I am sure we can be civilized and allow mercy for the combatants? There is no need for them to fight to the death when they have been out matched.” He smiles towards Jon as if to reassure him that he has his best interest in mind.
After a moment Alurad responds to Master Frompir. “Oh yes, we are staying at the... the Inn... oh my. This mind of mine is one moment a steel trap and at another it is like trying to catch water in a pail full of holes...” turning towards his new friends; “Where is it that we were staying?” he returns his attention to Master Frompir and continues on; “It is a delightful place and has rather excellent food.”
Thilla smiles and nods.
"Your hospitality is very much appreciated. May the gods smile upon your benevolence!"
Duraz listens with a hint of curiosity. Will this man offer them housing? This "championing" ordeal could prove rewarding!
"We are staying at the Fireside Inn." Singol has been quiet till now. He has enjoyed the refreshments served to the party.
"It is a nice place. The food is good, though not like home."
With a snap of his finger, Alurad has a little frustration in his voice. “Fireside Inn... I knew it was fire something.” with a dismissing smile; “A lot has happened these past few days...”
Turning his attention back towards Master Frompir; “Good sir, should we wait here for the armor or were you going to have it delivered to the Fireside Inn? If it was no bother we could always wait for it to save Miss Maude a trip over to deliver it. We were actually about to head out to do some sight seeing and might not be there to receive the armor.”
“Oh... yes... we must be on our way. Thank you for the hospitality.” Alurad stands and makes his way towards the door and leaves.
Once outside he turns to his friends; “We might not have the armor right now, but I must say I am surprised that he was so willing to give us a set of full armor. Good news right Jon?” As Alurad collects Shadow, he continues; “I suppose we have a few options. Ancient Elven tombs, giant vermin, or celestial horses. All seem exciting to me.”
|
|
"I... guess?" he looks to the old man. "I... don't recall being asked to be their champion..." He taps his chin. "Though, getting more practice in full plate for when i can afford my own won't be bad. I'd want a full review of the rules, and weapons involved. I'd rather not get injured more than necessary. Wooden weapons? Iron? Going for points? First blood? Jousting?"
There were many possibilities depending on the challenges, and Jon wasn't skilled in horseback riding. That could be quite a problem if jousting was done.
With various options listed off several activities. "Tombs usually entail undead. Vermin might include disease riddled monstrosities. Though i'd slightly prefer to fight skeletons over rats with the plague. Though if prepared all of them sound like a way to spend a few hours or days..." he looks towards where the festivities are. "How long's the festival to go for? And how long are each of these... objectives?"
Looking towards Jon; “Humm... I could have sworn I mentioned something about needing a champion, a sword for hire... Anyway, Duraz is correct. We won’t be able to get to the elven tombs until after the festivities. I know we have a few days before we are due back for the dual.... I will second Duraz on the vermin issue.”
Placing a hand on the two bags strapped to Shadows back, Alurad talks to the group; “Did you all have a chance to look through what was left behind by the thieves? I know Duraz and I have taken a couple items, but you really should see what is in the bags.”
Masterwork Dagger x2
Hand Crossbow
3 Needle Bolts (Poisoned)
3 Doses of Chokevine Milk Poison (DC13 Initial 1d3 Str Damage, Secondardy 1d3 Str Damage) 100 Gold each
Masterwork Studded Leather Armor
Backpacks x3
Large Sack (50 silver)
Masterwork Rapier
6x Javelins
2x Rapiers
|
|
“Humm... I could have sworn I mentioned something about needing a champion, a sword for hire..."
"You asked if i could fight in armor, then we came here. Sorry if that might have been to subtle for me to pick up that you were intended that i would be the champion, at which i am sorry for."
Hearing the others voicing up of going vermin hunting due to time constraints compared to the tomb. The horse spirit... sounded interesting, though outside of his knowledge and skillset.
"Hmmm..." he shrugs after a few moments. "I'll tag along as part of your group until after this matter with the duel or the like is handled. After which I'll hopefully have a good enough idea of the group, and if i want to stay with you, or break it off. So far you seem decent enough folk."
|
|
As you walk along the old trail you come to a clearing
in the trees. The partial remains of wooden structures
show clearly through the undergrowth, revealing that
this meadow was once a town. The largest structure
that appears substantially intact is a wooden fort with a
stone foundation.
"If you don't mind, I'll just hold onto this fine rapier here- for safe keeping!"
When we arrive at the clearing. . .
"I suppose we should check the big fort first, right?"
I head in the direction of the stone fort, examining the exterior and especially the entryway.
Looking around at the remains of the town Alurad begins to wonder what happened here; “I always find it fascinating what causes a town to die.” Looking at the structures in relation to where we are, Alurad tries to figure out what this place once was.
"Ooh, I like those daggers. I'll borrow one of them." Singol slips a masterwork dagger into his belt.
Singol scans the outside of the old fort before proceeding to the entrance. With Mirianna searching the outside, he moves into the structure behind Duraz.
"Let me take a look around." Singol will search the area around him and Duraz.
|
|
Singol doesn't see anything amiss around the area.
The meadow is alive with ordinary insects, wildflowers
and tall grasses and shrubs. Every once in a while you
see movement in the distance but you’re not sure if it’s
just the wind, a tiny animal retreating into its burrow
or something more insidious. As you pass the
crumbled remains of the town well, the fort comes into
better view.
Thilla moves over and checks the well, tasting carefully the water.
Alurad quickly tries to move towards Thilla before she takes a drink. He reaches out to grab her wrist. “Don’t do that... you may want to check the water to see if there is anything wrong with it.” looking around at the remains of the town and fort he continues; “When the Brandobians pushed the Dejy out of this area, why is it that nothing has moved back in over 200 years? The only thing you need for a thriving town is land for farms and water for the people and livestock... maybe there is something wrong with this water?”
Looking around to his friends; “Are any of you skilled with poisons or diseases? I am only skilled with magics and do not have the power to reveal those kinds of insights... yet.”
Still holding onto Thilla’s wrist Alurad begins saying an incantation under his breath as he waves his free hand over the well and water; “Evnek ekess ve wer arcaniss irsa nomeno algbo!”
|
|
Whistles. "200 years... That's a long time..."
Looks at the walls and potentially the water supply as well, not expecting to see or find anything (not having any real formal training).
Still any structure or wall standing after that time could prove some interesting architectural/archeological finds.
|
|
After not seeing anything of interest in the house, Duraz listens to Alurad's conjecturing. He watches Thilla's dangerous poking of the well and as the rats come up, he drops into a semi-crouched stance, shield and spear in hand. His posture reminds one of an angry monkey more than a man, and he lunges forward without hesitation, towards the closest rat , trying to poke it with his spear.
As he reaches out towards Thilla’s hand he notices the rats. He takes a step back and makes a flourish of his hand and speaks; “wer Vs’shtak uvelucal geou cuigna wux!” Then Alurad throws a hand forward and a small orb of acid flies towards rat number 3.
"Ah! The vermin we were promised!"
Mirianna draws her new rapier as she double moves around to flank.
Thilla quickly thrusts her spear at the closest rat, while giving her companion the attack command.
"Ah, giant vermin!" Singol draws his short sword and double moves to flank. The opposite flank from Mirianna if possible, otherwise the same flank.
+5 if flanking
Letting out a grunt of frustration, Alurad mutters the same incantation and throws an orb of acid.
I stab at the rat between the halfling and myself, testing out the new blade!
"#$%&!!" Singol yells at the rat's bite. He stabs at the vermin.
|
|
With the last rat taken care of, Jon takes a few seconds to clean his blade off before resheathing it, and turning his attention to Singol who got injured, quite obvious from the way he cursed just a few seconds ago.
"And... this is why i had a preference for skeletons to vermin... Are you doing okay? Should probably get that cleaned in a hurry"
Jon pulled his backpack off, pulling out some water to help clean the bite, it would help but wouldn't be as good as someone actually skilled at first aid or real healing.
Jon's current limited inventory wasn't very well equipped for managing wounds of any kind, but a clean wound was far better than a dirty or infected one.
Moving closer Thilla starts a slow dance while shaking her spear.
"Spirits of my ancestors, hear me. Heal this little boy!"
After hearing Jon quickly respond to Sigol’s injuries, Alurad examines the remains of the rats for a few moments then approaches Singol; “Let me see that wound, my halfling friend.” Alurad examines both and tries to figure out what kind if sicknesses a rat can pass on from a bite.
[answering Jon] "I think I'm okay." Singol looks down at his leg. "That's a lot of blood." He tries to help Jon with tending to the wound.
There is a look of surprise and delight on his face at the curing magic. "That was a first. I haven't felt healing magic before." Singol shakes his head and stands up slowly, then takes a couple of jumps on his newly healed leg.
"Thank you, Thilla, Jon and Alurad."
He looks around the clearing. "Did we attract anything else?"
|
|
As Duraz tries to remember what he knows about Filth fever to treat Singol, he comments to the others. Do any of you know how to track? It would be nice to see where we can find other hostile creatures with feverish bites so we don't get jumped again, he says, unintentionally impatient.
He had had much experience with this illness in his time with orcs. He brews a not particularly appetizing goo with the necessary herbs and gives it to his patient. This will make you better. But you could always bathe more to avoid the Filth fever, he says. It was an orc joke and he didn't expect anyone to understand it.
|
|
Singol fells a lot better after his encounter with the dire rat.
As you move closer to the ruins of the fort you see that
the majority of it is overgrown with vines. You can
make out a central entryway with no doors that leads
into a courtyard with a building inside. A pair of
rounded structures that could have been guard towers
when the fort was in use flank each side of the
structure. The whole structure looks dilapidated and
unsound.