5e Curse of Xanathon

Game Master Helaman

Something is rotten is Rhoona…

A bizarre series of proclamations coming out of the Ducal palace casts a pall over the city – taxes must be paid in beer, horses ridden by civilians must be ridden backwards. Soon the entire town is in an uproar.

Whereas: Stephen, Duke of Rhoona has been acting in a dangerously unstable manner;
And Whereas: The Duchy of Rhoona is ready to fall before the Forces of Evil;
It is hereby decreed that a valiant and courageous party of adventurers must learn the secret of the Duke’s insanity and free the city from the yoke of chaos...


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HP: 24 (24) | AC: 18 | Saves: Str: +0; Dex: +3; Con: +2; Int: +0; Wis: +2; Cha: +5 | Init: +2 | Spell Slots: 1 (2)

Lol.


Male Dwarf hp:27 AC:18 Prcpt:13 Warhammer+4 S:+2,D:-1,C:+3,I:+0,W:+5,Ch:+3 Spells: 0-3 1st-4 2nd-2 DC13 Att+5

Augar shakes his head.


Rogue 3 HP 16/21 | AC 14 | Str +0 | Dex +5 | Con +2 | Int +4 | Wis +2 | Chr +1 | Speed 30ft | Init +3 Perc +6 | normal vision

Marcus trys to get a feel for what Draco thinks of the recent laws. While his earlier statement after the bandit attack maybe correct, the guard's leader may only be enforcing the law.

Insight: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

"He may be a great military leader but he know nothing about trade or brewing," he says quietly to his companions. "Unless he owns a brewery or is planning on selling the beer they are collecting," he thinks.


You can't glean much from this limited interaction but he's apparently no fan of the Ducal policies that limit trial by combat or allows him to freely do as he will in regards to violence. Maybe not even a fan of Ducal efforts to change Rhoona. It's a really big assumption but wouldn't likely be too far off the mark by your guess.

However you also get a strong impression of his extreme confidence and satisfaction with the incident at the gate.

A few more hardened warriors show up but the matter is done. Snorri and Angus grumble as they get the wagons underway and drive into the large town.

You get the wagons back to the dwarves quarters without further issue. You are paid five gold each.

Interesting bit o' news about that one with the bandits Snorri says you killed - that means I owe you a bit more - drinking ale on a empty stomach isn't the best - let me buy you lunch at The Drowned Dog - today it's a mutton stew I'm told and the bowls are always deep

Any who want a beer or two before heading out is welcome to it but he insists that you don't do too much drinking before eating, and reiterates he's good to his word, and that you can either drink till you drop when you return or a tankard a day for a month... again, no takeaways


HP: 24 (24) | AC: 18 | Saves: Str: +0; Dex: +3; Con: +2; Int: +0; Wis: +2; Cha: +5 | Init: +2 | Spell Slots: 1 (2)

Vothe collects his coin and says "I'll meet you at the Drowned Dog - there's something I want to check out in town first."

Stretching his legs, Vothe takes a walk to one of the nearby general goods store and picks up a couple of adventurer staples: Rope and a couple of sacks. While he is waiting to be rung out, he strikes up a conversation about the new Ducal policies, and what people think of them.

Persuasion to gather that information: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20


Half-orc Eldritch Viking | HP: 24/31 | HD 3/3 | Relentless 1/1 | Wind 1/1 | Surge 1/1| 1st 1/2 Inspiration! | Active: Prestidigitation
Stats:
AC 16 | Str +5 Dex +0 Con +5 Int +0 Wis +1 Cha +0 | Initiative +0 | Passive Perception 13, Darkvision

Ordrud pockets the five gold coins and enjoys his two beer on the dwarves. "I'll take a month of tankard a day. How long has that viking been running security for the city? And where's the friendliest place to sell the brigands' weapon and armor?"
Persuasion (gather info): 1d20 ⇒ 14

Gathering up their loot, he heads to the friendliest armory to liquidate the weapons and armor, before heading to the Drowned Dog.
Intimidation (bargaining): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15


Bless you guys...

Vothe finds the merchants more chatty than the locals but his easy going manner and practiced patter gets a fair whack of information.

People are puzzled... and maybe a little nervous. Duke Stephen is WAS grudgingly well regarded. His attempts to modernise Rhoona has made the area safer from inter family feuding and risk from personal grudges. It has also attracted more trade.

On the flip side he's not been seen in public in weeks and these new proclamations make the locals worried. "What's happening? I don't know and I don't know why..." is common.

Ordrud is able to find an agent for a mercenary company who is buying supplies. He's able to bluster his way to double what he thought. A whopping 10 gold.

Some of the nearby locals are discussing Draco Stormsailor, as he seems to be running Rhoona by proxy. His very name inspires fear and awe in most Rhoonans. Once Draco sailed to all parts of the world on plundering expeditions and was quite a famous raider in his day before being lured to Rhoona to act as the Captain of Rhoona's Ducal guard by Duke Stephens father. He's been in Rhoona for nearly ten years. He runs a force of hardened warriors who live as if it were the old days, only lightly tempered by Duke Stephens edicts.

You both make your way back to the Tavern, and join the others. Grimmvat is happy to see you and order food and wine both for you all.

Your food, simple but tasty, arrives with bread and you fall to eating. Around you the customers talk.

The duke is suffering from inherited insanity - his father wasn't too steady. I think it goes back to the first of Rhoona's leaders.

Nay - I think it's much more sinister - Draco Stormsailor has likely murdered the duke and is issuing decrees in his place.

A hoary old man interjects. Its those Ethargarians! They are somehow behind all these woes - No one knows what those shifty bastards are up to and they only buy from their own folk! They don't share their business with honest artisans.

His companion adds And don't get us started about dwarves - they are stealing as much gold as they can! Taking the food from our tables as they work on the Dukes palace instead of our own stone masons!. Both the dwarves and the speaker scowl at each other.

A young man deep in his cups of wine waves it all away dismissively.
I think the lot of you are doom mongers. I'll tell you what it is - the Duke has finally selected a wife I think. The beer will be used for a big gala party for us all when he announces his marriage.

Outside a commotion is heard. One of the patrons sticks his head into the street and says, The dukes herald approaches. There must be a new proclamation!


Male Dwarf hp:27 AC:18 Prcpt:13 Warhammer+4 S:+2,D:-1,C:+3,I:+0,W:+5,Ch:+3 Spells: 0-3 1st-4 2nd-2 DC13 Att+5

"Doubt he himself knows, the man seems to be unable to do simple math!" he says shaking his head as he drinks a bit of beer. Augar looks for a place to find some scrap materials for some necessary creation of some things.

Looking to create a set of Smiths Tools using my forge domain feature

Grand Lodge

Augar Stonefist wrote:

"Doubt he himself knows, the man seems to be unable to do simple math!" he says shaking his head as he drinks a bit of beer. Augar looks for a place to find some scrap materials for some necessary creation of some things.

Looking to create a set of Smiths Tools using my forge domain feature

Its going to need some time... and a forge. At this point you have neither... but PM me to discuss. If its a hard requirement to get access to your class features then feel free to add them to your equipment otherwise


HP: 24 (24) | AC: 18 | Saves: Str: +0; Dex: +3; Con: +2; Int: +0; Wis: +2; Cha: +5 | Init: +2 | Spell Slots: 1 (2)

Vothe asks "Who are the Ethargarians?"


Vothe Rowan wrote:
Vothe asks "Who are the Ethargarians?"

Campaign Tab, first spoiler... this is all IC knowledge, as is info on Trello. Trello tab has the info under Neighbouring States. i'll break it onto a new Trello Card


HP: 24 (24) | AC: 18 | Saves: Str: +0; Dex: +3; Con: +2; Int: +0; Wis: +2; Cha: +5 | Init: +2 | Spell Slots: 1 (2)

Okay, my bad.


Rogue 3 HP 16/21 | AC 14 | Str +0 | Dex +5 | Con +2 | Int +4 | Wis +2 | Chr +1 | Speed 30ft | Init +3 Perc +6 | normal vision

"Thanks for offering lunch. I'll also take a tankard a day for a month. I think you'd be getting the better end of the deal if I drank till I dropped. Not to mention the punishment I'd feel the next day," Marcus says with a smile and a chuckle.

He heads over to the Drowned Dog for lunch with the others and takes a seat. He again thanks Grimmvat for the meal. He spends as much time listening to others around them as he does eating and joining in the small talk at the table.

"So how much longer do you think the renovations on the palace will take?" he asks Grimmvat.


Years yet my friend, we've only got the foundation laid and started on the exterior walls.

One of the other diners 'shushes' the pair of you...

Very near to the tavern the herald and a body of guards ten men strong stop - the herald unrolls his scroll and begins to read loudly.

Be it known to all that his benign munificence, Stephen Duke of Rhoona's, has declared the following to be his word and decree...

Whereas, the scheming, greedy and cunning nature of dwarven folk is known to all.

Whereas, their short statures and bearded appearances are an affront to the sensibilities of decent humans.

And whereas, the citizens of Rhoona's have already borne the insulting presence of these creatures for too long,

It is hereby decreed that a state of war exists between the foul and corrupt domain of Rockholme and the virtuous and principled duchy of Rhoona.

Furthermore any dwarf found within the boundaries of the duchy after one day of the reading of this decree will be considered a dangerous criminal, subject to arrest, its punishment shall be the public shaving of its face and the stretching of its vile person upon the rack until such a time it as it attains a more human stature.

Such is the word of the Duke of Rhoona!

A large crowd is gathered to hear this pronouncement and while there are some who are happy with the decree the overall response is subdued.

We are not prepared for a war, some can be heard muttering, while others eye off the dwarves as if doing the mental calculations of risk if they were to kick off their own way right now...


Male Dwarf hp:27 AC:18 Prcpt:13 Warhammer+4 S:+2,D:-1,C:+3,I:+0,W:+5,Ch:+3 Spells: 0-3 1st-4 2nd-2 DC13 Att+5

'Seems I made an impression afterall" Augar says pulling out a pipe and smoking it.


HP: 24 (24) | AC: 18 | Saves: Str: +0; Dex: +3; Con: +2; Int: +0; Wis: +2; Cha: +5 | Init: +2 | Spell Slots: 1 (2)

"Yes, this is definitely the work of the pirate." mutters Vothe to no one in particular. Standing, he looks to the others and says "shall we go sort this out?" while buckling on his sword for emphasis.


OF COURSE it's Draco who's behind this mark my words!, says Grimvatt Stonebreaker.

If it's war he wants then it's war he'll get! Foul and corrupt indeed....

Grimvatt works himself into a spluttering frenzy, and the other dwarves not so casually lay hands on weapon hilts and handles, an unspoken message that any violence will be answered in kind... but there's a hint of caution. They're outnumbered in this large town. Badly outnumbered.

A man in a tattered cloak smiles and holds his hands out to the sides, displaying his empty palms in reassurance that he is unarmed then pulls up a chair and joins you.

Wisdom hides behind a bearded face I fear. I am Eric of Forsetta, and you, I believe, are adventurers. We may yet have a common purpose - definitely it is affecting your friend there. If one wants to stop a poisonous river, you must stop it at its source.


HP: 24 (24) | AC: 18 | Saves: Str: +0; Dex: +3; Con: +2; Int: +0; Wis: +2; Cha: +5 | Init: +2 | Spell Slots: 1 (2)

"What do you suggestion Sir Eric?"


Rogue 3 HP 16/21 | AC 14 | Str +0 | Dex +5 | Con +2 | Int +4 | Wis +2 | Chr +1 | Speed 30ft | Init +3 Perc +6 | normal vision

Marcus has to stop his mouth from falling open in reaction to the absurd proclamation. He nods in agreement to Vothe's statement. "It would seem that either the Duke is insane or Draco continues to up the ante to try to force a reaction. He apparently is itching for a fight," he says, looking over at Augar and the other dwarves.

He then glances up at Vothe. "Are you planning on fighting the entire army? I think we first need to help our dwarven friends get out of town and establish a camp. Then we can start figuring out who is actually behind these ridiculous laws and determine how to re-establish a sense of order here," he says while finishing his lunch and ale.

He pauses when Grimvatt starts to get worked up and looks at the other dwarves in hopes they can rein him in before things get out of hand. He then turns his attention to the man approaching the table to listen to what he has to say.


Male Dwarf hp:27 AC:18 Prcpt:13 Warhammer+4 S:+2,D:-1,C:+3,I:+0,W:+5,Ch:+3 Spells: 0-3 1st-4 2nd-2 DC13 Att+5

"Whelp, seems the good folk here ain't inclined for war. As fer' 'ere leader, I say he needs a good ol' words of wisdom," he pauses as he pats his hammer whilst he puffs on his pipe."Meet wisdom" Augar says to the new one smiling.

"An don't worry 'bout me young'n, I'm protected by the lord of forges. With his will I am blessed" He says standing and stretching.

He turns to his fellow dwarves and utters in dwarven.

Dwarven:
"I gotta side with my companions here. We'll need to get you all out of the city and wait. It seems to much a burden for you and yours to be here. Me I'm blessed with the power of the Lord of Forges, and veritable champions I have watched come along quite nicely. Hell, I even consider them to be friends, and yes before you go asking that includes orcish one. So don't worry about me just yourselves. If this goes bad, you must return back to Rockholme and warn the others of this place and the war it wishes to bring"
he says all this in hopes of getting them to not cause a scene and prepare them for the worst.

"Well an army is a difficult thing to fight, but it can be done." he says puffing away seemingly unphased by most of this.


Dwarven:
Let's not be hasty... our friends here have a day to leave. Get them back to their encampment so they can leave together and they should be safe.
, the newcomers says in passable dwarvish.

Besides... It may be best if you and your friends stayed. I have an idea...

He goes on to explain that he is a priest of the Order of Forsetta, normally known as the Lawful Order of Forsetta, well known for its support of the rulers of Rhoona. Lately however the Duke has withdrawn his support from the church as well as rejecting its advice or requests for audience - Draco Stormsailor has become Duke Stephens sole counsellor.

As you can imagine with all this chaos it's important that the church regain it's position as advisors to Rhoona's rulers but we are in a precarious situation - we must remain loyal to the Duke but we would be foolish to let affairs run this course without intervention. I have been travelling incognito for a band such as yours and I believe Forsetta has led me to you - you can see how it has affected your friend and the citizens of Rhoona alike... I believe the root of this lies with Stormsailor - I know he is not at the barracks at the moment but maybe he has something in his quarters that would give us a clue to what is at hand. The answers lie in the lair of the Dragon - what say you to being Rhoona's saviours?

We'll be right ForgePriest, Snorri says as Grimmvat gathers the dwarves in preparation to leave. We'll get back and start packing. We should be good to leave Rhoona tomorrow morning.

The dwarvish leader gives you all a nod then leads his dwarves out. Shaving and stretching huh? I'd like to see them try. Give me thirty seconds with that addled brained duke and throw in Stormsailor as well - there's been too much comings and goings of folk that don't belong there at the barracks to be anything other than Draco Stormsailor!

Continuing to mutter, fume and bluster he hurries off. He can be heard for a few minutes as he storms off.


Female Wood Elf Ranger 3 || HP 23/23 || AC 14 || S+3 D+5 C+1 I+0 W+2 Ch+0 || PP 14
Skills:
Arcana +4, Athletics +5, Nature +2, Perception +4, Stealth +5, Survival +4

Sharee declines the offer of beer, but takes her payment and pockets it. To the discussion in the tavern, she remains silent, being deep in thought. But when it is suggested that Draco may be the root of the problem, she takes out an arrow and sights down the shaft to ensure that it is straight.

"I'm in," she says simply, not taking her eyes from the arrow.


HP: 24 (24) | AC: 18 | Saves: Str: +0; Dex: +3; Con: +2; Int: +0; Wis: +2; Cha: +5 | Init: +2 | Spell Slots: 1 (2)

"Doubt we'll need to fight an entire army. They're like going to be busy at the moment, and we can probably go and talk to someone - or someones."


Male Dwarf hp:27 AC:18 Prcpt:13 Warhammer+4 S:+2,D:-1,C:+3,I:+0,W:+5,Ch:+3 Spells: 0-3 1st-4 2nd-2 DC13 Att+5

'Ye had me lad when they think it wise to block me in me kin. Bad for business it is, and for their health"Augar continues to puff on his pipe and looks to Vothe.

'True they gotta go dwarf huntin' and we don't go easily into the arms of those seeking to hurt us, no, we fight tooth and nail, until our last breath!"The voice proud and ringing true as he pulls free the pipe and blows out a dwarven rune for war in smoke.


Rogue 3 HP 16/21 | AC 14 | Str +0 | Dex +5 | Con +2 | Int +4 | Wis +2 | Chr +1 | Speed 30ft | Init +3 Perc +6 | normal vision

Marcus listens to the priest's offer, trying to tell if he's being truthful.

Insight: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

"Well, someone's got to do it. Might as well be us," he says looking at his companions. He considers what it might be worth to the church, dwarves, and local merchants to have these crazy proclamations end. "This could be very profitable endeavor indeed!" he thinks to himself.


I have a few questions that need answering. Our first concern we are seeking some sort of information or clue as to Dracos plans in his counsel to the Duke. We seek to know if this is some sort of outside malady or even a military coup. The barracks contain the Captains office and residence I am reliably told.

As for how to get in? You are adventurers - you will find a way, or cook up with some scheme I believe.

Payment - I could promise you many things at the end of all these woes but I suspect these promises and the gratitude of the Church, and eventually, Rhoona's ruler would be seen as little value to such practical people. I offer 100 gold crowns each for this task and will offer additional payments if additional tasks are needed .


Half-orc Eldritch Viking | HP: 24/31 | HD 3/3 | Relentless 1/1 | Wind 1/1 | Surge 1/1| 1st 1/2 Inspiration! | Active: Prestidigitation
Stats:
AC 16 | Str +5 Dex +0 Con +5 Int +0 Wis +1 Cha +0 | Initiative +0 | Passive Perception 13, Darkvision

I'm back

"Are the ducal guards recruiting vikings who enjoy the old ways? And, you'll pay half now and half when we discover Draco's plans" The large half-orc could not suppress the toothy grin when he was actually offered to be paid to discover if he can kill Draco.


He did before... can't say if he's doing so now.


HP: 24 (24) | AC: 18 | Saves: Str: +0; Dex: +3; Con: +2; Int: +0; Wis: +2; Cha: +5 | Init: +2 | Spell Slots: 1 (2)

"So we should head towards the barracks to see if we can figure out what's going on." said Vothe as he pulled out his cloak and wrapped it around himself, hiding the rather unique armor he was surrounded with.


Male Dwarf hp:27 AC:18 Prcpt:13 Warhammer+4 S:+2,D:-1,C:+3,I:+0,W:+5,Ch:+3 Spells: 0-3 1st-4 2nd-2 DC13 Att+5

"Hmm how to not be suspicious especially with me?' He says stroking his beard.


The man considers that.

If you four cluster in tight with him in the middle you might pass, especially if you avoid the more crowded areas of Rhoona, and move at early mornings and at nights...


HP: 24 (24) | AC: 18 | Saves: Str: +0; Dex: +3; Con: +2; Int: +0; Wis: +2; Cha: +5 | Init: +2 | Spell Slots: 1 (2)

"We can also use some magic to help disguise you Augar, but you won't like it." Vothe intoned a few words and gestured at Augar and his beard disappeared.


Rogue 3 HP 16/21 | AC 14 | Str +0 | Dex +5 | Con +2 | Int +4 | Wis +2 | Chr +1 | Speed 30ft | Init +3 Perc +6 | normal vision

Marcus tries his best to contain his surprise at the size of the reward. "This could be more profitable than I thought," he thinks to himself.

"You mentioned that Draco isn't in his quarters right now. Do you know if he has a set schedule or do you have a lookout monitoring his movements?" he asks.


Female Wood Elf Ranger 3 || HP 23/23 || AC 14 || S+3 D+5 C+1 I+0 W+2 Ch+0 || PP 14
Skills:
Arcana +4, Athletics +5, Nature +2, Perception +4, Stealth +5, Survival +4

Sharee merely smiles. "Like I said, I'm in. Much as it will upset the dwarf, losing the beard is probably not a bad idea. Then he could pass for a short human."


HP: 24 (24) | AC: 18 | Saves: Str: +0; Dex: +3; Con: +2; Int: +0; Wis: +2; Cha: +5 | Init: +2 | Spell Slots: 1 (2)

"Whatever we do, we should be quick about it." Vothe glanced towards Augar to get his reaction.


Male Dwarf hp:27 AC:18 Prcpt:13 Warhammer+4 S:+2,D:-1,C:+3,I:+0,W:+5,Ch:+3 Spells: 0-3 1st-4 2nd-2 DC13 Att+5

"ye aint' shaving me unless ye kill me first" he says grumbling.


HP: 24 (24) | AC: 18 | Saves: Str: +0; Dex: +3; Con: +2; Int: +0; Wis: +2; Cha: +5 | Init: +2 | Spell Slots: 1 (2)

"It just makes you look like you have no beard; Also, you're going to need to keep quiet when we head into the barracks. If you start talking with your Dwarven accent, it'll give away the game."

Vothe then had an idea and asked the priest from the Order of Forsetta if he knows of any guards who would help stand against the pirate.


Male Dwarf hp:27 AC:18 Prcpt:13 Warhammer+4 S:+2,D:-1,C:+3,I:+0,W:+5,Ch:+3 Spells: 0-3 1st-4 2nd-2 DC13 Att+5

"Wait let em try someth'n" he says as he clears his throat, hacks up a loogie and then clears his nostrils

"hello chums, 'tis your mate Igner, pleased t'meetcha" he says with a strange accent before he coughs and hacks up another lung.

performance: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21


The performance isn't local but it IS convincing... minus a beard he still looks dwarvish BUT it may pass an inspection at a glance.

He spends a lot of time in the palace. There we definitely try to maintain a presence. Sadly that's where we first noticed Duke Stephen isolating himself. We know that the population don't necessarily support Draco. It's more fear. I can't say who will support the old rule of law and who is in favour of the new approach we are seeing. People are both scared and nervous. It makes it increasingly unstable. The only people who seem to not care are the Ethengarians.


Half-orc Eldritch Viking | HP: 24/31 | HD 3/3 | Relentless 1/1 | Wind 1/1 | Surge 1/1| 1st 1/2 Inspiration! | Active: Prestidigitation
Stats:
AC 16 | Str +5 Dex +0 Con +5 Int +0 Wis +1 Cha +0 | Initiative +0 | Passive Perception 13, Darkvision

"What do you know about the Ethengarians? If they're the only ones not affected by Draco, then maybe he's allied with them?"

"He he. With that clean shaven look, Augar, you look like a girl." The eldritch viking smiles toothily ribbing his axebrother.


Male Dwarf hp:27 AC:18 Prcpt:13 Warhammer+4 S:+2,D:-1,C:+3,I:+0,W:+5,Ch:+3 Spells: 0-3 1st-4 2nd-2 DC13 Att+5

"Ye'Know I can still break yer kneecaps Ordrud" he says as he lowers his eyes.


Rogue 3 HP 16/21 | AC 14 | Str +0 | Dex +5 | Con +2 | Int +4 | Wis +2 | Chr +1 | Speed 30ft | Init +3 Perc +6 | normal vision

"Not bad, Augar. What is that, Ierendi?" Marcus asks, trying to place the accent. "Still, I think it best you try not to say anything."

He listens to what Eric has to say and considers Ordrud's comment about the Ethengarians, trying to recall what he knows about the people.

Int: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

He chuckles as Ordrud and Augar get into one of their verbal sparring matches, hoping it doesn't turn into one of their physical ones.

"Maybe we should head over to the barracks now if we know Draco is not there. Besides, the guards might be busy after this last announcement."


Its all over in Trello for what you know, no roll required but here it is again

Ethengar:
The Sea of Grass is the name given by the nomadic Ethengarians to their land, a huge grassland crossed by the River Streel and its tributaries. The best grazing lands, like the Sea of Flowers or the Land of Purple Grass, attract competing tribes, and are the theatre of intertribal skirmishes. The Great Khan keeps two court sites, Chagon-Nah and Bargha, moving an entire town of pavilions and tents twice a year. Chagon-Nah serves as summer court, and Bargha is reserved for winter.

The most impressive landmark of Ethengar is the so-called Land of Black Sand, a blasted expanse of dark sand and rock, mostly avoided by the nomads, who believe the region to be cursed or haunted by evil spirits. Despite its reputation, this is also the place where previous Great Khans are buried.

The Ethengar steppes are subject to an extreme climate, due to their high altitude. Summers are hot and windy, while the long winters are freezing and snowy. The steppes’ autumn is marked by frequent rainstorms, and the only pleasant season here is spring, when the melting snow provides plenty of water, and the winds and temperatures are moderate.

For centuries, these wind-swept steppe lands have been home to nomadic horsemen. They would follow their herds across the landscape in search of grazing land. Often, this would lead to fighting amongst the clans as each vied for rights to the best of the grasslands.

Each of the clans in Ethengar is ruled by a Khan. Historically, there have been several attempts by some to claim the title of Khan of all Ethengar. These reigns were usually short-lived, as someone would assassinate the ruler, and then the clans would fight amongst themselves for succession until they exhausted themselves. The clans would then return to their previous wandering existence.

Moglai Khan united the Murkit tribes under his banner, thus beginning his rise to Golden Khan. He soon wiped out two rival clans. Then he lent his warriors to other clans in their battles in exchange for swearing loyalty to him. In this manner he was able to quickly unite all of the clans under his rule. Now, with the clans no longer permitted to make war on one another, Moglai the Golden Khan has begun the slow process of modernizing this nomadic nation.

Some are concerned about Moglai's consolidation of power, as the Ethengarians have attempted invasion of Glantri in the past. They are also reported to have completely leveled a city just over the border in the Heldann Freeholds in response to Heldannic settlers encroaching on their territory.

Millennia of interbreeding means that all the tribes have similar appearances, though each has its own styles of dress and decoration to try to distinguish themselves. The Ethengars live a nomadic lifestyle from horseback, leading their herds around the steppes until it's time for killing.

- From Section on Rhoona-
Other passes in the rugged mountain range to the north west have recently been crossed by immigrants from the Ethangar Khanate. The number of these nomads in Rhoona is small, but noticeably growing. They are welcomed for the fine horses and goats that they bring with them. Sheep, goats, cows, and horses are all herded in the rugged country around the town. Barley, rye, fish, milk, cheese, and mutton are common foods here, thanks to these newcomers. They have also bought the worship of one of their Immortals, Cretia, whose influence has been growing in the Khanate. A large temple has been raised in His honour, finished just before the ascension of Duke Stephen. To most Rhoonans this temple is a strange and mysterious place, and little is known about the beliefs of the faithful.

Eric thinks a moment before presenting his own view.

They are a strange people... they have been doing trade here for years but only in small numbers until the last decade. Under the last Duke their numbers grew steadily and they petitioned to raise a temple. Strange given they normally don't have buildings dedicated to worship as I understand it. I don't understand much. They are a stand-off-ish sort. Not given much to mingling or intermarriage. These Ehengarians worship an Immortal called Cretia... some sort of Trickster I think but also a patron and protector. Given Cretia is a Trickster it's probably protection from himself.

They don't seem to be allied with anyone. They do their business and then bid farewell. There's been the odd bit of violence over the years. They're generally pretty good warriors. Not strong as much as tough... difficult to wear down. If the fight isn't won quickly by the Viking by overwhelming his enemy? It's a coin flip as to who will win.

He considers his words carefully before continuing.

I am unsure as to their involvement in recent events... but given things as they stand? It would not greatly surprise if they were somehow profiting from it.


Half-orc Eldritch Viking | HP: 24/31 | HD 3/3 | Relentless 1/1 | Wind 1/1 | Surge 1/1| 1st 1/2 Inspiration! | Active: Prestidigitation
Stats:
AC 16 | Str +5 Dex +0 Con +5 Int +0 Wis +1 Cha +0 | Initiative +0 | Passive Perception 13, Darkvision

"Wait. Let me get this straight. These grass-munchers are the only ones not bothered by the Duke's crazy edicts. They worship a trickster god? So, implementing crazy edicts might be praise or worship to their god? Coincidence?" Ordrud offers beyond his normal loud ideas to kill, drink and whore.


HP: 24 (24) | AC: 18 | Saves: Str: +0; Dex: +3; Con: +2; Int: +0; Wis: +2; Cha: +5 | Init: +2 | Spell Slots: 1 (2)

"Let's fight the brawl in front of us before picking one in the next bar." says Vothe, still thinking about the best way to enter the barracks.

"Let's go check out the barracks. If it turns out that the Vikings are innocent of these issues, we can move on to those who worship a strange trickster god."


Male Dwarf hp:27 AC:18 Prcpt:13 Warhammer+4 S:+2,D:-1,C:+3,I:+0,W:+5,Ch:+3 Spells: 0-3 1st-4 2nd-2 DC13 Att+5

Augar spits at the utterance of this trickster and then nods."Agreed Tricksters are called that for a reason. They trick you out of a variety of things including their faithful"


The barracks is a walled area, whose walls are laid out like a Isosceles Trapezoid. Those walls are stout, well aged tree trunks heavily daubed with coats of old tar, standing maybe 15 feet tall, and whose footings are sunk deep in the earth. It clearly has a parapet as each section has a bored looking guard looking outwards into the city or towards the harbour. It seems not all the soldiers of Rhoona are part of the hardbitten Ducal guard given what you saw initially on your return to Rhoona, and what you see here.

You approach the barracks walls, which has two thick iron bound gates to the front, shorter wall, one on each slanted side wall and one to the long rear wall. A quick walk around finds that the gates to the right are not guarded and open. Clearly the guards are growing complacent... or perhaps assisting with the effects of recent proclamations is making them busy.

Looking inside that gate you can see dominating the center of the courtyard is the main building, two stories tall. To its south is something that smells distinctly of horses and to the far side of the courtyard is a squat heavy building with no windows that is barred.

The main building has multiple doors but the closest is one that leads to a section with barred windows, not far from an external stairway that goes to the second floor. You may be able to find other doors with a reconnoiter... if you dare to enter that is.


Half-orc Eldritch Viking | HP: 24/31 | HD 3/3 | Relentless 1/1 | Wind 1/1 | Surge 1/1| 1st 1/2 Inspiration! | Active: Prestidigitation
Stats:
AC 16 | Str +5 Dex +0 Con +5 Int +0 Wis +1 Cha +0 | Initiative +0 | Passive Perception 13, Darkvision

Ordrud looks at the hesitation of his companions and shrugs his large chain-mailed shoulders. Then, he starts toward the open gate. He saunters through until he is actually challenged.

"Heard you had some heavy hitters who enjoy the Old Ways. Does it pay better than raiding? Who do I talk to about burying my axe here?" Ordrud asks the guard who finally stops him.


HP: 24 (24) | AC: 18 | Saves: Str: +0; Dex: +3; Con: +2; Int: +0; Wis: +2; Cha: +5 | Init: +2 | Spell Slots: 1 (2)

As the group travels towards the barracks, Vothe spends some time disguising himself: he knows that his appearance is distinctive, but he aims to change that enough to not be recognized by anyone who saw him at the gate.

He dismisses his armor, leaving only the clothes he's wearing underneath. He then takes some dust from the road and expertly mixes it into his hair.

Deception to Disguise: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

As the gate, in a deeper voice, he says "Ya, how well you pay?"


Female Wood Elf Ranger 3 || HP 23/23 || AC 14 || S+3 D+5 C+1 I+0 W+2 Ch+0 || PP 14
Skills:
Arcana +4, Athletics +5, Nature +2, Perception +4, Stealth +5, Survival +4

Sharee checks her supply of arrows for what is to come. Satisfied, she turns to the task of polishing her bow.

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