Into the Dolmenwoods (Inactive)

Game Master Daniel Stewart

Pickles sighs, rolls his eyes, and drops to one knee without making eye contact. This doesn't effect his height much.

The nobleman sweeps into the tavern like a brightly coloured bird alighting on a barren tree.

My apologies friends, but once I heard that some true heroes were here in my town, well I just had to come and thank you myself for your rescue of the..ummm...child from...death!. Yes, so anyway, I was hoping to catch you before you left for I have a pressing problem which I believe you may be able to help me with.

He looks around for someplace to sit, and with a sigh, slowly lowers himself to one of the benches.

"Please get up...those rushes do not look very clean. Now then, I have a quest for you. It should not be too difficult for ones such as you to accomplish. It seems that our little town has attracted the attention of the band of forest goblins. Just the other day a farmer was found in his field with several arrows piercing him. Just down the lane, another body was discovered...torn apart it was. I cannot have this continue, but I need to keep my guards patrolling the town so a group of adventurers looking to make a name for themselves would be just the answer I seek!"

Siegen rises as steadily as he kneeled.

"Greetings, Lord Murkin. I am Siegen Ingold, of the hold Nargaakarak in the Grey Hills. I willgladly accept honest employment from the rightful liege of this place. Especially since it involves slaying foul goblins. Is anything known of their numbers or the direction they strike from?"

Brother Jacob raises his head slightly but keeps his eyes respectfully lowered. Since Siegen was introducing himself, he thought he might as well do the same.

"My lord, I am Brother Jacob, a follower of the Martyred One. We were glad to have been of some service to the people of this village. I am afraid, however, that we are rather poorly equipped for such an endeavor. Might there be payment involved to rid your people of the goblin menace, or perhaps a bounty?"

"Ah, right to the point...I like that. Yes, you will be paid for this service. Firstly I shall provide you each 50 pence to gather equipment for your expedition. Secondly, you will be able to keep any treasure you find while executing my orders and finally on successful completion, I will provide each of you with a ring signifying your attachment to House Murkin and a further 100 pence in silver. Does that satisfy your monetary needs?"

Ziyad was more interested in the treasure than the silver, but tried to keep any hint of that off his face. "When was the last time Kolstoke Keep had something like this happen? The breeding of goblins sometimes takes a cyclic pattern..." he astutely recalls.

Pickles eyes widen as the amount of promised loot increases... he tries to hide his excitement behind another drink of ale.

"Lord, that is the sort of reasonable offer that I was expecting. Unless any object, I believe that we shall accept it."

Brother Jacob nods in agreement. "I also think that is more than reasonable, thank you my lord. Are there any local charities I could donate my excess money to?"

"Well I am glad you have decided to help. to start there is a farm about a mile or so outside of town that was recently attacked and burned. One of the women survived and is now at a neighbour's home. This might be a good place to start, as well as checking out the burned farm. There were also a few missing hunters from the same area, so I suggest this might be where they are camped. Anyway, best of luck and come to the keep when you have dealt with these raiders."

He turns to leave, then stops.

"Ah yes...here is your initial payment. If you decide to take this money and run...make sure you run far, far away...as I will send hunters to bring you back! As to how you spend it...well that is all up to you!"

A pouch clangs onto the table as the Count exits the tavern.

Siegen snorts in amusement when the Count mentions running.

"Lord, I only run towards my foes. Those goblins will rue entering these lands."

He moves to the table and opens the pouch, saying to the others:

"Who is in sore need of equipment? I most need rations but my wargear is sturdy. We should then speak with the survivor and learn what she knows."

Ziyad offers "That far out of town we may not find secure lodging for the night...we should prepare to sleep beneath the stars..." he wanted to add ::...an upgrade from these hard benches...:: but didn't want to offend the innkeeper.

I'd vote for something like a hatchet, some tents, maybe some dry firewood. Then maybe something for the missing huntsmen if we find them, like extra weapons/food/bandages.

Might also be useful to hire a local hunter/woodsman who knows the land around here. Everything is more fun with hirelings!

Cursed campaign not showing any updates at all.

Siegfried let the others take the charge as he thought over the implications of their reward. The financial reward was great, most certainly, but the association with a noble house? This was truly a step towards a better station in this world, greater influence and power meant that he had a better chance at accomplishing his own goals. Like Siegen, he was more than eager enough to accept this task and rid the land of these foul beasts. With the coin purse on the table, Siegfried would sit beside his allies and run a hand over his chin.

"I could use a better tool to fight at range, this sling has seen enough wear and tear. However, that is a costly investment..." Ziyad mentions getting supplies for camping and Siegfried nods in agreement. "...I agree with Ziyad, the cold will get us more than anything else. Maybe...if a few of the local hunters have disappeared, we could speak to one that remains and see if they know where their usual hunting spots are?"

Good idea Jacob! Huzzah for hirelings!

"That makes sense. Tents, cloaks, supplies, and a guide."

There are several merchants selling a variety of items in this village. We can hand-wave the purchasing of supplies if you want...just tell me what you want and I will give you the cost.

The town centre is alive with the weekly market. Farmer's stalls are filled with produce and many people crowd the shops calling out for items. The weather, while cool, is clear and sunny.

Sigfried heads out into the market, eyeing the local goods and food on sale here and there. A few items catch his eye and he haggles with the merchants as best as he can, using their newly achieved status as local heroes to try and save a coin here and there.

I am looking for a bedroll and a tent, maybe a cloak for colder weather since we did run into some strangeness out there in the woods.

Bedroll, tent, cold weather gear, rations for Stauntram. He's fine with extra supplies for any farmers, and picking up a hireling.

I will also look for a tent and better cold-weather clothing. I'll also look for somewhere to take a nice, warm bath.

Tent, bedroll, firewood, hatchet. I think I have 7 days of rations already. Also not sure if magic scrolls or spellbook copying is available for purchase but would be down for that as well.

Ok, so for each of you it will cost:
10sp for 4 days of rations (hard Tack, Salted Pork, wheel of cheese (quartered), and some fruit (dried apple, pear, etc.)
10sp for bedroll (2 wool blankets sewn together with a leather cover)
2-Person Tent for 30sp
Winter Clothing for 50sp (heavy wool coat/breeches, wool cap/scarf/socks/gloves)

As you wander the various shops and kiosk many of the merchants have heard of you and offer you discounts for the items you wish to purchase (basically purchased at cost)

"A few more items may be of use.", Siegen notes, picking out some choice pieces.

Grapnel, another coil of rope, crowbar, steel mirror, 4 oil flasks, 6 torches

Brother Jacob asks around to see if there is anyone with detailed knowledge of the woods where the goblins have been spotted who might be interested in being hired as a guide.

The rope and grapnel 20sp, Crowbar 12sp, steel mirror2sp, 4 flasks of oil 12sp, 6 torches 2sp

When asking for people who might know the forest around the town, the party is directed to a group of men and a young boy standing at the end of the market. A number of furs and wild meats sit on the tables around them. As one they look at you as you approach and one man, who looks to be the most weathered and rugged of the group, stands and takes a step towards you.

"I know what ye are gonna ask and the answer is NO. We keep a very delicate balance with the forest and were not willn' ta upset that balance."

Brother Jacob makes a low bow to the assembled group of men and boys.

"You must forgive us, gentlemen and boys, but we are not from around these parts and don't know nothing about this balance of which you speak. Could you please enlighten us? My name is Brother Jacob, and what might you names be?"

"With all due respect, raiding goblins make a mockery of any balance you might care for. That said, I too would like to hear further explanation."

The old man looks you all over and begins to turn away, swing his hand in a downward motion.

"Baww...you know nothing of the Balance. We are of the Old Ways. You'll see none of us going against Nature!"

As a group the hunters and trappers move away from the group...that is all but one rather thin and short boy. He looks back at the others, then to your group and back again.

"You pay well..in silver?", he asks in a thin, high voice.

In The Market...

Siegfried thanks the merchants for their kindness while he resupplies, gathering the thick wool blankets that work as a bedroll with the leather covering them. He purchases the tent as well, the trader offering the winter clothing as a special deal for a lowered cost. With a decent portion of rations left, Siegfried goes to find the others.

Spending 90sp to pick up a tent, bedroll, and the winter clothing. That leaves me with 89sp left.

Dealing with the hunters...

Siegfried watches the others and a scowl spreads across his face at their apparent cowardice. Skilled in tracking, hunting, and fighting, they could prove to be an asset from the encroaching beasts but instead, they cling to their beliefs and hide their faces. He sneers, unable to hold back his distaste.

"Begone then if you're so afraid. We shall find our-" His insults stopped when he noticed the thin, short boy standing there still. He asked about their rate of pay and a grin came to his face. "At least someone has some spine. We do and we will. You know where these foul goblins are residing?"

Siegen is irritated at this arrogant and unhelpful old human.

"I understand well enough. You lack conviction in explaining your ways. We will look elsewhere."

He turns to see Sigfried conversing with a manling.

He nods approvingly at Sigfried's words and listens for the boy's reply.

Not a big deal this time... but they'd better be careful splitting up our share of what we find. Fortunately that skinny little boy will probably either die, run away at the first rustle of leaves, or be satisfied with a single silver.

Pickles keeps his thoughts to himself, as the others try to hire a wilderness guide... but a scrowl does cross his face.

Ziyad pondered the talk of the Old Ways as the men haggled with the boy. He had heard of ley lines criss-crossing the area...of eldritch magics that marked the geography of glade and lake. The wizard wondered what connection it might have to a population of goblins, was the Count encroaching too far on these ancient secrets? Could the goblins really be part of some sacred balance?

Shuffling his feet, the boy keeps his head down as he speaks to the group.

"I do not know where the goblins might be, but I do know the area around the farm which was attacked...they were friends."

"Will you show us where?"

Still looking at the ground, he nods his head.

"I can do that. It'll cost you a shilling though! Nothing less mind, or you can find the place yourselves!"

He stands there looking at the group under the brim of his hat waiting for an answer.

"A shilling for guidance is fine in my book. We would want you to tell us all else you know of the area on the way. Is that a fair deal for all?"

Brother Jacob nods in assent of the skinny man's price. "The lord mentioned something about the woman who survived the attack having gone to stay with someone else. Do you know where she is ... come to think of it, we haven't introduced ourselves. I'm Brother Jacob and who might you be?"

"Brother Jacob is correct. I am Siegen Ingold, of the hold Nargaakarak in the Grey Hills."

"Names Robin. The woman you are looking for is called Sarah. She lost her man and three children to the attack about a week ago. I can take you to where she is staying now, but I don't know how much help she will be...she has not really said much since the Hofsner's took her in. Come on...we can get to their farm before it gets too dark."

The young boy reaches under the table and takes a longbow and a hand axe along with a small pack.

"It is this way...come on."

Ziyad was no fool. Some of the bigger cities in the southern deserts made Dolmenwood look like a muddy water hole, their tall white adobe structures rimmed with brass casting long shadows into the bustling streets...trader caravans spread all over, and little boys like this one running their cons.

This boy had tested them for wealth, gotten it, and now was leading them to an ambush...or so the southerner's innate street sense urged.

But the nascent wizard dismissed the conjecture of his old life almost immediately, there was something in the boy's eyes when he spoke of the attack that held a childish fear...the kind of innocence under assault any good man might respond to.

Ziyad followed without further hesitation deeper into these new lands.

Ziyad could you please make a WIS roll please (1d20+wisdom bonus [if any])

Wisdom: 1d20 ⇒ 9 Just barely success against my 10 widsom

"Then lead on, Robin."

Turning, Robin heads out of town and down a rough and rutted track travelling along the fringe of the dark forest.

"It should take about 1/2 hour or so to get to Hofsner's farm."

Brother Jacob gathers his belongings and follows Robin trying to stay in the middle of the group as best he can.

Seeing through the ruse, he wanted to understand why Robin had taken the trouble and carefully probed "So...'Robin'. We came across your playmate, the cobbler's son Kenneth. He had been captured under the old abandoned frost-elf stronghold. I certainly hope you don't venture with him down there alone, not safe for little boys. But at least he knew the super-secret Ward Against Fey that all fathers teach their sons...I trust you've also mastered it? Perhaps you could demonstrate the motions for us, just so we can make sure..." winking back to the others.

"Keny is a town kid...I don't hang around them. As for my father teaching me anything...well he died shortly after I was born, so I guess whatever secrets he might of had died with him. The other hunters and trappers that call this edge of the Greenwood home sort of adopted me after my ma died. Guess I was lucky....

He lets this last statement trail off into silence.

"Ah yes, having another strong boy in the family is no doubt a great boon here on the edge of the wilderness..." Not wanting to needlessly press the issue, Ziyad set the matter aside for the rest of the way to the Hofsner farm...chances were things would become clear soon enough.

Jacob looks sideways at Ziyad as he talks to the kid. After they finish talking he pulls him back to let the others walk ahead until they are out of the boy's earshot.

"You are acting strange, Ziyad," he whispers, "something wrong?"

The boys give Ziyad a long look before turning back to the path and leading the party towards the distant farm.