GM Michael's Falcons Hollow Chronicles

Game Master Dread

Overhearing Mad Marvin, Cathoris comes over at the end seeing that the dwarf has already identified the arrow. He awkwardly says, I could have… er… umm… Never mind. Good job, Marvin. Let’s, uh, pack up and get going.

Alexander will hand the arrow to Helgash, the one among them seeming most proficient with a bow.

If we need it, make sure to make it count.

"Will do" - Helgash nodded, thanking Alex for the arrow - "It is an impressive piece of craftsmanship"

Mad Marvin smiles at Cathoris. He nods to Alexander. The dwarf smiles at Helgash.

The group broke camp with an efficiency learned of several days on the road. Their spirits were lifted as they began to move through woods familiar to most. By nightfall theyd be Lumbercamp 2. from their a decision needed to be made to press on through the night or rest there and come in the morning. The difference would be about 10 hours.

The days travel was uneventful. The land gently sloping up out of the river valley. the forest wasnt as dense here and animals could be seen in abundance throughout the morning, then less so through the afternoon.

As dusk came upon them they could see the palisade of the camp....more the camps guards could see them and a after a few moments a loud cheer went up.

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Eva had woke up early and prepared for her day, and started towards Falcons Hollow, breaking on the trail for lunch...., the trip had been uneventful and few travellers were seen on the way. By dusk she was at the gate to Falcons Hollow. The Consortium Guards saw her and waved her in.

encounter chance 10%: 1d100 ⇒ 36

encounter chance Eva 10%: 1d100 ⇒ 77

Eva barely acknowledges the guards as she strides into town, Merlot safely tucked under her backpack to avoid attracting unnecessary attention. Though the pack tends to attract more than enough attention on its own, with a strange assortment of weapons and bottles strapped to every available surface. Eva travels prepared.

She glances toward the Sitting Duck, where Ergin is no doubt awaiting his share of her delivery. But she continues on past, making a beeline for Roots and Remedies and hurrying inside. "Laurel? How much worse have things gotten since we last talked?"

Helgash got more and more uncomfortable as they approached the town - they had been there before, and even though people had a grudgingly acceptance of his and Tark's presence, they both always felt more comfortable in the wilds.

"You can snarl if the children bother you Tark" - he spoke to his brother - "But no biting, or we will get into trouble. Behave, and I will get a nice piece of meat for you from the butcher"

Cathoris breathes a sigh of relief relief when he sees the camp. Seeing the people at the camp raises his spirits and gives him hope. At least someone is still alive. He feels a longing to get home. However, he knows getting the ingredients to Laurel is much more important.

What do you guys think, we made it this far. Do you think we could make it to town in the dark?

Well, I can see in the dark fine, so, yeah. Lets return as the heros we are.

Alex gives a large smile.

And better yet, as someone the people believe in that much more.

Laurel greets Eva with a tired smile. Its obvious she hasnt had much sleep in days, and the once full shelves of roots and remedies, now look practically barren. Laurel sets down the pestle she was grinding up some mandrake root with, the pungent smell hanging in the air.

Welcome Eva. Thank you for coming. Im afraid I ran out of coffee yesterday. Its far easier to distribute supplies to The outlying farms and the Lumber camp with your help. What did you bring me?

So we have Alex who says press on. I need two more to agree to do that and ill advance the game for you.

"No coffee I'm afraid, but a whiff of these should help in an emergency if you feel yourself nodding off." Eva draws out a small bottle of gray crystals sealed by a cork stopper. She sets it on the counter, then lays out three vials of cloudy liquid alongside it. "And these three are antiplague — I wish it didn't take so long to brew. Let me know if there's anyone in town who needs a dose tonight, or if there are any other local deliveries I can help with. I don't plan on heading out until tomorrow, so as soon as I swing by to give Ergin and Jak their wine I'm all yours."

She glances around the room, her brow furrowing as she takes in the nearly empty shelves. "Any word on those men you sent after the ingredients?"

She looked at the Anti-Plague vials. Then looked at Eva. she had been invaluable during this, helping her several times distribute things that kept symptoms at bay, Lengthening the chance to recover time. Unfortunately she was running short of being able to push fatality back, and she feared if the group didnt return soon, folks would start dying rapidly. she picked up one of the vials and heard the question No. But we dont have long. They shouldnt return for about 4 days unless the found a way across the river. Unfortunately, the supplies I have will last half that long. Do you have one of these? she held up the anti-plague bottle? It wouldnt do for you to catch this damned disease.

"No... my understanding was that I'd be safe as long as I only ate or drank what I brought with me." Eva stares, suddenly alarmed. "Have you seen the illness spread beyond those who initially drank the tainted water?"

Mad Marvin--AND--Torag nod to Alexander.
We be ready ta git ta town. Ye done saying sumting 'bout dyin' folk.

I don’t think I could sleep tonight being so close to town, and to home. Let’s press on!

Aye, we should move on. If not we'll arrive to the news someone died in the night I'd not like to face myself after that.

The group pauses to talk to the Guards briefly at the Lumber camp, before heading on into the night going towards Falcons Hollow. Lifted up by the enthusiastic jubilation for their arrival, the march for the first hour or so is with purpose and enjoyable. Its a road they are very familiar with by now. But soon fatigue starts to set in. as they force march across the hilly road.

All make a DC14 Con Check to avoid taking 2d6 non lethal damage Helgash can roll for Tark. Marvin can carry Torag or roll. his choice.

encounter chance 15%: 1d100 ⇒ 97

once Helgash, Straug, Cathoris, Alex, Marvin have all rolled Con checks. Ill move it to the arrival at Falcons Hollow

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Eva delivered her wine and took stock in the fleeting morale in the town as the prolonged disease took its toll. Folks were beginning to give up hope. Disgruntled talk of Creed hiring the wrong adventurers was beginning to circulate, while others were praising them saying they would arrive soon.

Some people were beginning to say they needed to take matters into their own hand and go in search of it.

Noteworthy Cobrin Jabbs , the Butcher had fallen ill to the disease and so no meat was being butchered.

His son Mikra, was beside himself. Since Mikra was 'slow' his friends, Kimi Eaveswalker among them were trying hard to keep him of good cheer.

She returned to Laurels, and worked long into the day, making deliveries to farms and buildings of poultices, and herbal teas, and soothing salts to help keep prolonging the inevitable.

Con check DC 14: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Mad Marvin--carrying Torag--whistles, sings, shouts, argues, cries, laughs, cries again (it happens), roars with glee, roars with something a bit less than glee, and sneezes once; as the group force marches their way back (well not Mad Marvin, although, he has visited) to Falcon's Hollow.

Torag has a smiles on his little fuzzy fox face.

Helgash Con roll: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Tark Con roll: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

con: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Alex strides with purpose and poise. He would show no weakness, not now. Instead, an air of confidence radiates from him.

Eva is well suited for distributing supplies, not so much for providing comfort and sympathy to the townsfolk. She doesn't voice any of her thoughts on the likelihood of the search party coming back with the ingredients. But she does take a moment to speak with Kimi, assuring her that she knows her uncle well and will keep her eyes and ears pealed for any sign of him. She also gives Kimi a signal whistle and tells her to use it if she or Mikra or any of their friends are in danger. After all, if Laurel could be attacked in the middle of town, clearly Falcon's Hollow is even less safe than it used to be.

Con DC 14: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 122d6 ⇒ (4, 6) = 10

Though eager to return to town, Cathoris struggles to keep pace. His body begins to ache, and his stomach pangs. He stays quiet, focusing as best he can on the road.

Feeling the drain of the journey, Straug tries to stay focused on keeping one foot in front of the other and not on his wearying bones.

Con check DC 14: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Dawns light see's the group approaching the well and the gate of Falcons Hollow. The guards see them...and dispatch one of the 4 standing at the gate and well to run tell Creed.

It doesnt take long for the word to be spread and by the time the tired adventurers, for indeed that is what they are now, get through the gate and halfway to Roots and remedies; a group of townsfolk are surrounding them and cheering a hushed Did you find them? and a nod from Thallin and the cheering got louder. Thallin saw Jarlene and rushed to embrace her and a cocky See you waited for me with a teary smile of course

Kronk nodded to the group as he peeled off and went back to the Inn he had worked at and went inside.

The door to Roots and Remedies opened and a sleepy eyed Laurel opened the door and a huge smile broke out over her face. She quickly moved to Cathoris and said Did you find everything.?

Behind her Eva stood in the doorway having slept at Laurels.

That’s good. Cathoris thinks as he sees Jarlene. Thal will have some comfort. He elbows Straug and nods towards the reunion.

When Laurel comes out, Cath smiles weakly at her. Yeah, I think we got everything you need. He then grimaces as he starts to reach for his bag, his body aching. Uh, let’s go inside, and we’ll unload. I don’t suppose you have a place I could lie down after? We pushed though the night to get here… And now I’m hurting, but that’s probably nothing compared to how things have been here, and I should probably just shut up. And it’s probably not very heroic either. Let’s go in.

Alex, he turns and says, I suppose you’ll want to talk with Creed when he gets here?

Eva has clearly gotten little sleep, but when she sees Cathoris she smiles for the first time in a while. "Hey, glad you made it. I owe a certain someone four copper pieces." Her eyes widen as her fey sight registers over a dozen magical auras scattered around the five adventurers. "And it looks like you've got some stories to tell."

She spots his wincing movement and starts to ask about it, but halfway through his words to Alexander register and she decides they're more urgent. "Are you — wait, Kreed's coming here?"

Helgash stayed in a corner, clearly out of his environment.
Exhausted, Tark rested at his feet, but still alert to their surroundings.

Eva and Laurel set to combining the ingredients in accordance with Laurels mothers book, and soon there is sufficient antidote for all who are suffering, and some additional. Word spreads quickly though the town, and folks are lining up to get some and take some to their loved ones. Riders are sent to the outlying farms, and 1 to the Lumber Camp. By the afternoon all have been treated.

This could have been a catastrophe, as it was only 20 deaths...which still was a lot. but not near what it could have been. The majority was among the Lumber Consortium employees. 12 from among the Lumberjacks. 8 from Camp 3 which was the first. All in all their mission was a success, and the townsfolk know they owe their well being to the group.

The each fall asleep and rest for a good long time until late afternoon When Laurel comes and shakes them awake saying Kreed wants to see you.

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While the group slept Eva had busied herself with dispersing the antidote in town. It wasnt until early afternoon that the whisperings of something bad started coming to her ears. She had taken the news to Laurel as soon as she could.

It seems 5 kids in town had turned up missing. Word was they had taken it upon themselves last night before the group had headed this way, to go in search of the ingredients.

the Five were Kimi Eaveswalker, Mikra Jabbs, Jurin Kreed, Shavaros Vade, Hollin Hebraddan.

The Missing Children

All of the tension and concern that have visibly eased out of Eva at the completion of the antidote come snapping back when she hears the first rumor of the missing children. As soon as her final delivery is finished she rushes back to give Laurel the news, then gets to work in the shop. Eva empties a pouch of grape pomace on a small tray, repeatedly pressing and drying it over the next few hours until it is brittle enough to grind down into a fine powder.

Craft (alchemy): 1d20 + 12 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 12 + 5 = 28 producing 25 * 28 / 7 = 100 sp worth of tracking powder, enough for 3 applications

The powder is complete just in time for Eva to accompany Laurel as she goes to wake the others from their makeshift beds. Eva looks them over with curiosity — in the rush to get the antidote out the door there hasn't even been time for proper introductions with the half-orc or the dwarves. Still, she speaks up when Laurel is done. "Don't know if I'm invited, but five kids are missing so I'm coming. And I'm taking this." She plucks her vial of smelling salts out of Laurel's pocket. "I might need stimulants, and you definitely need sleep."

Before-
Alex does his best to play the part of the charming rogue and hero. He talks up his feats, but also the feats of his companions.

Alex mentally sighs when he hears the news.

Playing the Hero is tiring work...Still, I'd lie if I said it didn't feel nice at least.

I suppose it involves the missing children.. His own included. Well, lets get going. We don't want to keep Kreed waiting after all.

Glad to see it seems he's relying so heavily on us now.

Mad Marvin (still carrying Torag) keeps to the back of the gathering crowds. The Hermit watches warily the coming folks to greet, congratulate, and hurray! the group. The skiddish dwarf--and fox--smile painfully at any who actually meet his mad blue eyes.

The next morning (having secured a bountiful bed of staw in a barn), the pair walk out to the gathered crowd to listen to the fuss. At the mention of missing children, the dwarf looks at the fox (who nods) and they tag along with the group.

on to the next module! Congrats Table! And Happy Turkey day (almost)!

Even though they were indoors, both Tark and Helgash really needed a rest, so they crashed, sleeping like logs.

As the others left, they followed in silence to hear more about the children's disappearance.

The group makes there way familiar to some, back to The Perch where a few wealthy people and The lumber Consortium Headquarters is. Kreed is standing on the steps of is house with Payday right next to him, standing imposingly. Next to him is a man rarely seen by most, the reclusive wizard Savram Vade.. on either side of the steps stood the beautiful mature Kitani Eaveswalker, wife to the missing famed Elven Ranger Idris Eaveswalker and cousin to Alexander in the group; and Ralla Hebraddan a youthful red Head, whos parents had passed and shes been looking after her brother Hollin. Ralla works as a prostitute out of the Rouge Lady to support her and her brother. Many of the towns who who was present as well standing around with Consortium Guards in abundance.

It wasnt even 3 weeks ago that the group saw those very same 5 kids as have been reported missing standing out in the central area of the Perch playing where Thallin and Kronk had joined in with them.

There were nods and smiles as the party entered the semi circle of towns folk

Kreed waved the group in and they found themselves standing at the base of the steps.

He said thickly Thank you for obtaining the remedy for us and saving our town from certain downfall and well it seems we have need of you again.

Mad Marvin Dundlerock stands at the back of the group, holding his fox and weakly smiling at anyone who makes eye contact.

On the walk to talk with Kreed, Cathoris talks with Eva, more confidently than she has probably seen him, though still with some awkwardness. It’s good to see you, Eva. I should have known you would be helping Laurel. You seem to have survived the plague. Do you happen to know about my family? It’s a question he hasn’t dare asked anyone yet, and it comes out as a half blurt, half mutter.

He also notices Helgash and Marvin lagging back from the group. It wasn’t long ago that was him, lagging back from the group at the start of their investigation. Helgash! Marvin! he calls with a wave. I’d like to introduce you all, or, all of you to each other… he stumbles with his words.

Um, Eva, these are Helgash and Marvin, pointing to the half-orc and then the mad dwarf. They really helped us find the ingredients, especially when Falkwyn had to head off on some other mission. Not sure what… He thinks for a moment on Falkwyn wondering where he may be off to, but before getting too distracted he shakes his head and turns to his adventuring companions.

Guys, this is Eva. She’s a vintner. And, uh, thanks for your help with getting the ingredients. I, um, well, it means a lot for me anyway. So thank you.

I’ll give Alex or Straug a chance to speak to Kreed.

Father: 1d80 ⇒ 70 Brother: 1d80 ⇒ 69 Brother: 1d80 ⇒ 43 Sister: 1d80 ⇒ 80

"Your family? As of last Sunday they were all alive. No clue what's happened since then." Her answer hangs flatly in the air without words of reassurance to accompany it. What else do I say?

The silence drags on until Cathoris calls Helgash and Marvin over. Eva starts to reach out a hand as he makes introductions, but stops and stares at him. "Falkwyn... the hunter? He's gone?" She grimaces, then swiftly pivots back to the others. "Pleased to meet you. Nice canids. Can they track?"

Guys, this is Eva. She’s a vintner. And, uh, thanks for your help with getting the ingredients. I, um, well, it means a lot for me anyway. So thank you.

"You are welcome Cathoris" - Helgash nodded - "We all fought side by side"

"Pleased to meet you. Nice canids. Can they track?"

"Well met" - the half-orc nodded - "His name is Tark" - he looked back at his wolf brother - "And we both can"

"Excellent." Eva's speech gains a bit more warmth as she holds up a small leather pouch. "I made some alchemical powder that should help with finding any tracks the children left, in case that's all we have to go on. I guess we'll find out soon enough."

When they reach the gathering Eva stays quiet at first, her eyes fixed on Kreed. Resisting her typical urge to cut to the chase, she waits for one of the actual heroes to speak.

Mad Marvin smiles weakly as eyes begin to find him and Torag. The fox grins.
We be got'n sum skill at da tracking.

Sorry, busy thanksgiving weekend.

Alex smiles at Kreed.

It would be wrong of us, who are able to, to not do what we can for our town. I'm sure good deeds done will never go unrewarded. In some form or another.

He glances back to the relieved faces of townsfolk.

Is this new need involving the missing children? He asks.

Kreed nods solemnly. It appears several of our youth have decided to follow in your groups footsteps and seek to find the ingredients on their own. The last time any of them were seen was about later afternoon yesterday. It wasnt until this morning that anyone realized they were missing as these kids have been known to visit with each other and stay over at each others homes.

The 5 Children are 12 Year old Kimi Eaveswalker, A Tomboy Half Elf who wants to follow in her Father Idris' footsteps and become a Fierce Ranger, daughter of Kitani Eaveswaler the Seamstress in town. 13 Year old Mikra Jabbs, son of Colbrin Jabbs the towns butcher. Mikra is mentally handicapped and very good natured. He cannot read and cannot grasp complex thoughts. Hes easily confused. Hes extremely kind and the others look after him. 11 Year old Jurin Kreed, son to Thuldrin and is deceased ife. Jurin behaves insufferably using Payday as a threat to any that cross him. Hes overweight and acts tough to all but the circle of friends. Truth be told he is shy and well read, spending lots of time reading stories to Mikra. 10 Year Old Hollin Hebraddan, a freckle-faced missing his two front teeth from falling into the water wheel at the mill one day. Hollin is quite skilled at wood carving and always has his knife on him. He seels his carvings of animals to the locals to help support him and his sister.Finally 9 year old Savram Vade, a quiet and withdrawn boy of extreme intelligence who is the son of the Reclusive Wizard Sharvaros Vade.

Eva can't contain herself any longer. "I don't get it. If no one knew they were missing until today, what makes you think they're looking for the ingredients — rather than, say, kidnapped or enchanted or murdered? Did they leave a note?"

Kreed looked at Kitani, Kimi's mother, who said yes though a tight voice Kimi left me a note in her room saying after Colbrin's falling ill, With Mikra very upset and Alex and his friends not having returned, they decided to go looking for ingredients to save the town. I found it this morning when I hadnt seen her

"If we are going to look for the children, we should go as soon as possible" - Helgash pipes in a matter of fact tone - "The woods are not safe for younglings"

Straug grimaces a bit at hearing the news.

Feel lucky to have gotten out of those deep woods once alive, but I feel stronger for it.

Trying to picture the kids as described mentally from when he has seen them around town he tries to put together any scraps of information that might help.

Who saw them last and where was it? Its a long shot but maybe some clue there as to where they went? Or maybe this young lad, he gestures at Tark can scrounge up a trail.

Kreed looked at Straug and added. One of the guards saw them down at the Mill about 4 in the evening. One of the boats is missing. I can only assume they headed upstream from there.

Mad Marvin winces at the mention of water and boats.

Straug exhales heavily at the mention of the missing boat.

Angradd's hammer they could have drifted anywhere in one of those things!

Looking at Tark he says Probably makes it a bit harder for you track too doesnt it boy-o?

Mulling it over for a few seconds more he says.

Well if we are settled on going after these kids theres nothing to it but to start there...

Having arrived to the meeting ready for the road he indicates he will head there directly and the others should prepare if they need to and meet him by the Mill.

Untrained Survival check at Mill: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

The group moves to down to the cutyard and mill and Straug looks around for tracks and he can see all of the childrens prints down by where a couple boats are moored. There is one post near the bank that has no boat tied off to it. Each boat looks to be able to hold 6 people

Cathoris looks grim with the news, wishing he had time to see his family, but those kids needed to be found. Who knows what would happen.

Alex, I don’t suppose that charm will work down here?