You stand at the proverbial crossroads with all but one path in front of you obscured.
:D
hello!
Oi!
Interesting group.
Hill Dwarf Forge Cleric
Half-Orc Barbarian
Tiefling Divine Soul
Human Hexblade Warlock
High Elf Rogue (arcane trickster)
Hello everyone! I am very excited for this!
Hello!!
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Here we are! Aliased up now.
Ummm...Rumor??
The sun slowly rises announcing a new day to the lot of you that have spent the last three nights in this common room. The smell of a hearty rabbit stew fills the air thankfully pushing out the stink of sweat and sour ale.
With a good stretch you start taking inventory of your belongings noting that your coin pouch barely has enough left in it to purchase more than a couple of nights of comfort within these tavern walls. From the mumbling going on with those around you can see you are not the only one in this predicament.
Emerging from the kitchen you watch as the proprietor of the tavern, a larger than normal half-orc by the name of Kor, hastily carries out a large cask of his homebrewed ale, Bog Water. A deserving name if there ever was for the way it tastes after the first tankard.
"GET UP!" erupts a loud shout from the orc, "Five silver nobles for a warm spot place in the common room! Mother Netweaver says she tastes rain in the air! Three nobles for bread, a slice of smoked boar and a couple pheasant eggs! Rabbit stew will be ready for Non ! Four nobles for a bowl of that and some bread! Bring me your coin now or get out...adventurers." With that last word he laughs, puts the cask down on the floor and moves to the end of the bar awaiting payment from each of you.
Looking from your purse to the extended hand of the half orc you are about to weigh your options when you hear a voice shout from outside "Go find 'em Myrtle!"
You then watch as the half orc turns a toothy sneer to the door and in scampers an odd looking chicken with white pristine feathers, gray mottled feet and a blue azure comb followed by a balding middle age man dressed in old tanned leathers. Tapping his top lip with his finger he looks at the chicken scampering about.
Cluck! Cluck! Cluck!
"What's de meaning of dis, Cole? Keep de pet out of here. You read de sign?" with that Kor points at the weird sign that hangs behind the bar - a crude drawing of an ax chopping a bird with the words GET OUT written below.
Cluck! Cluck! Cluck! responds the chicken as if understanding the half orc's words.
"Touch 'er and they'll run ya out jus like they did in Ren'by ya half tooth! Myrtle and me got business with your guests. Once we're done we'll excuse ourselves but not 'fore then."
Kor glares at the old man when he hears the half tooth reference, but gives one last snarl in protest and then reluctantly motions with his head for the chicken and the man to continue. You watch as the chicken hops up on a table pecks at the wood surface a few times then looks up scanning the room like the lord of the manor looking at his subjects. A couple more pecks at the table it then unexpectedly jumps off momentarily hovering in the air before landing on the ground a couple seconds later.
The room grows quiet confused about what exactly is going on. As a few of you peer closer to see what the chicken is doing it suddenly begins to run about the tavern hysterically around the legs of everyone gathered.
Cluck! Cluck! Cluck! Cluck!
"Cole..." the irritation in the half orc's voice is seething.
"Hold on Kor! Jus watch the magic happen! "
The chicken begins its circuit again, but this time you watch as the chicken pauses several times to jump up and peck at some random person – a meek, unkempt musician holding a lute, a loud, overconfident man clearly of higher social status, an inquisitive gnome, a grizzled old soldier and a hooded quiet man – each scattered about the tavern. With every instance the chicken does this you watch from the corner of your eye as the old man claps in excitement. After the fifth time of the chicken pecking someone it stops and keels over onto the tavern floor.
"Right then! You five let's talk. You’re going to end my curse!" on queue as the old man turns and heads outside the chicken hops back up as if nothing happened and with an air of importance walks past all of you after the old man.
You watch as each of those five individuals ponders what to do when Kor interrupts your own thoughts
”Don’t think I forgot about the rest of you. Let’s go!”
Conner stands and stretches.
Ok then, let's see what's what.
Conner follows the old man towards the door.
Kor looks at Conner moving to the door. "Better to stay here. That old man and his crazed bird are for real. The bird didn't peck you. Be glad it didn't who knows what he has planned for those five." Kor looks at the 'chosen' five as some begin to make their decisions. All that escapes his mouth is a muffled grunt. "We still need to talk about you paying up. Unless you want to flirt with Princess Hope."
"Seems a pretty sorry place to find a princess," Aric says, adjusting the bear skin on his shoulders. Pulling out his coin pouch, the large half-orc glances into it before looking back up at Kor. "Wha's Princess Hope?"
Kor sizes up Aric examining him and muttering something under his breath. "Princess Hope. Woods to the west. If you want to walk to the Ferry you need to pass through those woods. Good luck though cause you'll be flirting with Princess Hope." he laughs as he says this again.
Penance watched the funny little bird as it fluttered about, her smile hidden under the hood of her cloak. Careful to keep her hand and body hidden under the oversized mantle, she searches the inside of her largely empty coinpurse, carefully counting out 5 silver pieces. Wordlessly she slides them across the counter to the half-orc tavern keeper. She hated staying in this place, so many people so close together, but it was more shelter than she'd had in months. So she paid, but only for lodging. Eating here was far too risky. She would do that elsewhere...
With a brief glance at the man named Cole, she reached down and pinched one of the strange chicken's feathers in her fingers. It smelled of farms and dirt, much like everything in this town. She slipped the memento into a pocket as she took a seat at a table, wrapped in the cloak like a caterpillar in its cocoon. She did not speak, but she did listen as a different half-orc approached the keeper. She too was curious who this "Princess Hope" was.
Aladair keeps to himself as the odd man showed up and his chicken chooses the various people. He approaches the Innkeeper and pulls out the 5sp he owes for the night's stay.
He takes his seat again, keeping an eye on the others in the room.
Kor greedily takes Penance and Aladair's coins, "No food for either of you? Well you paid to stay so I won't be sending you out but don't be looking for scraps. Costs a lot to feed you bunch! And it isn't free!"
Valghaz looked at the innkeep unhappily. He only have three silver left. But...he had a ruby. A little memento from his home. It was worth a thousand silver, easily. He didn't want to spend that quite yet. Not worth it. Valghaz got to his feet and approached the half-orc. His chainmail was hidden beneath his traveler's clothes. His beard was well groomed, and he wore the holy symbol of Moradin proudly upon his brow. Hanging from his belt was his hammer and a light crossbow, while his shield was slung over his back, along with a traveling pack that carried all of his possessions.
"Seem to find myself a mite bit short on silver." The dwarf said, evenly. "Luckily, I have a trade. Smithing and leatherworking. Have any work around here that needs done? Seems to me to be a fair trade for a room and a meal."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Aric flexes underneath the heavy bear pelt, which wears like a cloak over a thin cotton shirt. "It's amazing, isn't it? And I didn't even use any of my weapons to take it down. Tracked the monster right inta it's lair and fought'im tooth and nail. Him or me, was our only options, and once again, Aric was the strongest." Aric goes off for a bit describing the tale of how he killed the bear to anyone who will listen before plopping back down in a seat.
Glancing over at the innkeeper, Aric remarks "Too bad you're stuck behind the counter, or else you might be able to have a trophy this great."
Mistra opens her purse, looks at the meager two silver pieces - just enough to clink together - and frowns at the innkeepers prices. Five silvers for a spot on the floor? Another three - or more! - for some food? And this swill to drink? The slight woman in the back of the room stands, pulling her walking staff from it's resting in place in the corner. If that's the way it's to be, I won't make you kick me out. Tell me though, as I flirt with Princess Hope - how many does she bless with her affections on this walk to Zelkor's Ferry? It may be that I can afford her dues more easily than your own.
Conner stares at Kor.
I'll pay when I decide whether or not to stay. I need to see what the chicken man is up to. Did ya not find that choosin' a little strange?
Hearing the dwarf speaking to the Orc, Aladair turns and looks in his dwindling purse.
"Sir Dwarf, I am willing to lend you the needed money. I trust that you will repay me in the future."
Aladair hands Kor the 2sp for the dwarves' stay.
"My name is Aladair."
The second half-orc, the one wearing a vast bearskin, flexed and began to exposit his tale of triumph. Penance found him...interesting. He towered over her, even when seated, but for some reason she felt lesser need to shrink from him like she’d done for most anyone else she had ever met. And if he was as powerful as he claimed to be, he just might be the person to help her get to the where she wanted to go. She muttered a quiet prayer as she donned her mask, and went to join the boasting hunter at his table.
With timid steps, still careful to keep her entirety concealed, she took a seat at the half-orc’s table. ”I-I liked your story...you are v-very brave, Sir Aric... Her voice was hardly a whisper, just barely audible above the tavern din.
Conner looks at the woman willing to brave the path through Princess Hope to the ferry al9ne.
Ma'am, I am eventually headed that way, I would be happy to travel with ya. Conner's the name.
He sticks out a hand in greeting.
"Whassat? Can't hear ya to good," Aric says, leaning closer to the small figure in front of him. "Did you say SIR Aric? " the half-orc cries out. "I like that. SIR Aric, that'll make'em remember me in the stories." Turning his head to no one in particular, he calls "You hear that everyone, the name is SIR Aric now."
Aric chuckles to himself for a second before turning his attention back to Penance. "You liked the story? I got dozens more, but the bear's my favorite." Without waiting for an answer, he launches into a story about how he fought off a giant lizard using only his frying pan and a sharp stick.
Valghaz bit his tongue until the orc took the money and looked away. He immediately passed 2sp back to the elf. ”And I am Valghaz. The debt is paid in full. I...appreciate the gesture, but do not want to be indebted to anyone if I can help it. This was just silver I’d have rather held onto.”
Mistra reaches out and shakes Conner’s hand. Company along the forest road might be wise. Better to pick the company now than fall into worse company later. Please call me Mistra. I hope you don’t intend to stay here tonight; it seems I must be going today, at the behest of our gracious host. Mistra flashes a quick, slightly sarcastic smile towards Kor.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Despite the fact that she was still swaddled in grey cloth, Penance's flinches from Aric's shout. At this point she would normally leave, politely excuse herself and find some other place to be, but...he hadn't even glanced. Barely even gave her a strange look, trying to look under the hood and cloth. So she stayed, and listened to a funny story about lizards and pans.
"S-So, you must be a m-mighty warrior then, y-yes? I am looking f-for someone t-to help me reach R-Rappan Athuk. I had p-planned to take the f-ferry, but I...I did not r-realize the journey was b-by boat. I am t-terribly afraid of the w-water. I've h-heard one may r-reach the place b-by land, b-but I am too weak t-to make that journey alone. If you w-would be willing, I w-would ask you for your h-help." She paused, then added. "I-I can pay you, if you d-desire it."
"Then do hold onto it friend dwarf. I do not need the money at this time but instead would prefer to have a possible travelling companion. These lands of men can be...difficult and having a companion who can see beyond the short years of the humans is worth much more than a few silver pennies."
He waits for the dwarf to respond, but does realize that he might have overstepped himself by offering to pay for the fellow. Dwarves are very proud people, and this action might have been seen as a slight against him.
”I’m nay so mercenary to sell my company. Nor so cheap that it would be sold in silver.” He paused. He was going to tell the elf off, but an idea came to him. ”Ye’ve got something planned, do ye? I’m traveled enough to know that me people are sought after for our craft and our hammers, nay our company. What exactly brings yer travels?”
Yes, Mistra, I was plannin' to leave just to follow the guy with the chicken, but travelin' with you is more to my liking based on yer route. I think we should see if some others, like the loud biggun', are also interested in travelin' with us. I have a mind for adventure towards Rappan Athuk, eventually.
Conner approaches the two in conversation, the hooded figure speaking to the half-orc.
So, Sir Aric, you tell some good stories. You seem like worthy travel companion who might be able to help in a scrape. My new friend Mistra and me are headin' towards the Ferry in search of adventure, if ya may be interested? Conner's the name.
Have any work around here that needs done?
Kor looks at the dwarf and considers his offer. "I got no work like that but there is Hiln he works with iron. Not with weapons though more common goods like shoeing horses when the merchants bring them here. Ask with him might be able to give you an advance. Come back with the coin and I'll not kick you out."
Too bad you're stuck behind the counter, or else you might be able to have a trophy this great.
Kor turns to Aric who is still rattling on about his exploits.
"Big tale for one that is unblooded. Flirt with Princess Hope first and then Ill hear your tale. Looks like you will have many to walk with from this bunch. And don't talk about my days of swinging my axe those are my concerns.Did ya not find that choosin' a little strange?
The half orc proprietor looks up when Conner talks about the chicken. "You think things are strange here go visit Renderby."
So, what's the deal with these chickens? Pretty sure you got these no chicken signs up for a reason, right?
You hear the gnome from one of the people pecked by the chicken ask , "So, what's the deal with these chickens? Pretty sure you got these no chicken signs up for a reason, right? Should I just go out there and slice the beast?"
"Only thing a chicken is good for is eating, but things are different in Renderby..." Kor's voice grows a little quieter as he looks around scanning the room, "In Renderby those birds are revered. Some stupid human custom that chickens can't inherit the wrongs of the person who raised them and that any wrongs you've done gets passed on through whatever you make or sell. Can't make a living there unless you are some merchant."
He grows quiet about Renderby and the chickens as he starts gathering the coins he was given into a small sack at his side "You are all set on making the journey on foot to the Ferry? Flirting with Princess Hope doesn't bother any of you? You know what we call the Forest of Hope? The Forest of Horrors. Once you head in there you are bound to find a bunch of trouble. Place is full of spiders, trolls too they say. I even heard a few seasons back that there dragons in there. You think I am lying but I've seen my share of knights entering only to have their corpse dragged back their scared horses. Better you wait for a ferry."
"Been three days another one is bound to come within the week. It's them merchants that are buying up all the space on the ferry though or you'd been at the Ferry by now."
Appreciate the warnin', Kor, but mayhaps we all are not so frightened of the forest, especially if we go in numbers. Also, no offense, yer prices tend to make the call for some of us.
The elf nods at the dwarfs' response.
"You are quite right. I am travelling to Zelkor's Ferry and beyond. A stout warrior would be a blessing to have as a travelling companion. What do you say? Can we work together?"
Mistra nods emphatically at Conner's words. Hear hear! I would not be able to make another week here. I would sooner take my chances on the road. Besides, I have hope in my heart! Surely your Princess Hope can respect that, no? With an impudent wink at the towering creature, Mistra grabs her things and heads out the door. She is also curious about the man with the chickens, but it is more of a passing curiosity. Having decided to set out, she is eager to be on the way.
Kor grunts "Ain't no trails from here to the Ferry. If you make it you'll need to stick to the river and follow it downstream. Heard from here to the Ferry is about five to six days on foot."
Pausing he says, "Might as well use your last coin on a good meal could be the last one."
With that you then watch as the old man with chicken in hand enters with the others from outside.
Seeing Kor's face the old man quickly interjects, "We ain't back fer trouble these ones are hungry an I mean to feed em before fixin' my curse! Give me six of whatever your serving right now." Kor grunts and yells into the kitchen.
They take a seat in the back of the room and one of them yells out, "And some beers as well, innkeep!" Cole nods as Kor looks his way.
”Aye lad. Ye’ve got a look in yer eyes that says ye’ll find glory or death. Either way I’d like to see. I’ll wander with ye awhile.”
Conner calls to Mistra.
Hang a bit for me Mistra. I will try to bring along some others.
Conner turns back to the Half-Orc.
Care to do some walkin' with Mistra and me?
He moves towards the door.
Any others wishin' to get on the road to the Ferry and adventure beyond are welcome t'join us.
Aric looks down at Penance. "A little thing like you wants to go to Rappan Athuk?" A little incredulous, he looks the small person up and down, squinting a bit. "Fine, but you pay for drinks and I get half of what we find," he negotiates. "And you have to hire a bard when we get back to tell stories about how amazing I am." Sitting for a moment and watching the conversations around him take place, "I'll do hunting, pathfinding, and kill things for you, but before we get there,you gotta tell me why you want to visit the city that no one comes back from." Standing and extending a hand to Penance, Aric nods to Conner to indicate he'll follow soon.
Smiling down at Penance, Aric adds "And as your protector on this trip, I suggest we travel while there are others heading in the same direction. How's about it?"
She knew she must have looked silly. Even saying she wanted to go to this dangerous place seemed like the rantings of a madman, but she was determined. "U-Um, I will pay for drinks, y-yes. B-But, I only have s-so much coin, s-so please do not...i-indulge." She prayed to whatever gods still favored her that he was not a drunkard.
She was exceptionally nervous about traveling with more adventurers than Aric. It was easy enough to hide a secret from one person. It was much harder to hide it from many. But, there was safety granted by numbers. "Y-Yes, yes that seems...s-seems wise..." She wrapped her slender hand in the cloak's cloth and accepted the half-orc's far more calloused digits, following very closely behind him.
As she followed, she whispered to him "I-It is...difficult to explain m-my reasons. S-Sometimes I...see things, i-in my dreams. Places I've n-never seen. Places I-I know I'm m-meant to go. I-I think it is the g-gods, showing me the p-path to..." Her voice faltered, and she grew quiet once again.