Osseus tends to Emmett’s wound. Pulling his holy symbol out from where it hangs under his jacket, he holds the bone in the palm of his hand while tapping it with his fingers. Clicking his tongue in an uneven tune, he reaches out his other hand to the swordsman’s head. Channeling the strength from his totem through his own marrow, he directs it into Emmett.
”I’ll get the barsweep - someone else can tell Aiden and Barnabas we’re only paying them 25 silver apiece.”
…
After securing Naomi’s consent, Osseus approaches Ariadne with their proposition.
”We’re heading to Thorold, then on into the Moorfowls in search of some lost valuables. We expect trouble along the way and are looking to hire on some help. Naomi says you’re skilled, and I am inclined to believe her. We can pay 5 gold up front, plus a half-share of any valuables we find, if any.
“Interested?”
Ariadne's eyes light up when Osseus mentions going with them. "Really? You want my help? That's wonderful!" She suddenly gets serious and quiet as a thought comes into her mind.
"Erm, one minor detail, if I could ask. I used to be a member of the Baroness' guard, and they've been press-ganging people of late. Is there any way we can avoid going near the town of Gulluvia?"
Felder starts to stand up to engage in some task but starts coughing hard and winds up sitting back down again, clutching his walking stick sharply.
Thanks Osseus, he says but he lays down a gold coin as is his custom. The coin isn't a payment to the priest, but rather an offering to his God, and knows that it will be used for incense or a sacrificial animal at some point.
He approaches the rookies.
Room, board and a half share... and 5 gold in advance, split between you. Once you prove yourself and if you want to sign on with us again, we'll renegotiate.
If Advantage?
Aiden and Barnabas talk to each other for less than a minute in low voices. Barnabas seems to be arguing against Aiden about some small matter that the latter keeps on trying to convince him is not a big dead. Finally Barnabas gives up and Aiden turns to Knuckles.
"Room and board are included though, right?"
Felder waves to get Knuckles' attention and gives a thumbs-up between coughs to indicate that he'll cover the cost of room and board for the fellows.
Covered boys, but that doesn't mean open bar. That means two drinks a meal. We have a deal?
“Really? You want my help? That's wonderful!.. they've been press-ganging people of late. Is there any way we can avoid going near the town of Gulluvia?”
Osseus converses with Ariadne out front of The Shady Dragon.
”Press-ganging?” That explains Bernadette’s chaperones. ”Then we shall endeavor to avoid the baronial seat.” The priest smiles. ”You’ve already proven yourself valuable without even touching a weapon. Even better than skill at arms is skill in avoiding unnecessary conflict. At least in my book.”
Emmett’s book may read differently.
”It’s decided then.” Osseus counts out five gold coins and hands them to Ariadne. ”We’ll also be traveling with the sell-swords Aiden and Barnabas; our hope is their avarice compels them to overcome their ineptitude. Be aware we’re paying you twice as much up front, a fact they are not aware of, and one likely to be a sore point were they to know of it.
“Come and I’ll introduce you to the others.”
Osseus accompanies Ariadne back into the common room to join the others. ”Gentlemen, Ariadne has agreed to join us. She’s also warned of the baroness press-ganging folk in the capital and advises we avoid it, a suggestion I endorse.”
Felder pulls some coins out of his purse to pay Aiden and Barnabas, and to cover a final meal for them at the tavern before the group sets out for adventure!
"I have a lantern," he says, "but if we need more tools or weapons, we should purchase them before we go."
And food and wine skins - get some cheap wine, works as a cleaner for some stuff, plus torches... we have a few extra backs now.
He pulls out 8 gold coins.
Heres for the pot. Wouldn't hurt to be better prepared.
Covered boys, but that doesn't mean open bar. That means two drinks a meal. We have a deal?
The two young men (although they are perhaps only 2-3 years younger than Knuckles) nod in the affirmative.
Fine, shake some coins loose friends, I'll get shopping, he says before laying out his purchase plan.
You gather your belongings and leave the Canton of Velders the following morning, bidding farewell to the people you have met over the past few days. Bernadette stays behind at the Shady Dragon Inn, temporarily taking over the job that Ariadne Beornsdottir vacated in order to join you. Bernadette feels that Velders will be safer for her for the time being, but suggests that all of you meet again at her farm in two-and-a-half months time when the payment to the government is due. The tinker Lamdamon assures you that she can travel with him and Zappora in a week or so when they head in that direction themselves.
The Abaddon Wood looks a bit more cheery during the daytime, although a strange foreboding still nips at the edges of your consciousnesses as you follow the winding path between the tall evergreens. You set a steady pace and are able to cover about 24 miles a day taking the occasional break during the day and then making camp for the night just as the sun is setting. Toward the end of the third day you finall emerge on the far side of the forest, the rolling, fertile hills of southeastern Gulluvia stretching out before you.
As you are starting to think about where you can make camp, you notice a large plume of smoke rising from the other side of a nearby hill. From what you remember there was a small village of woodcutters located there, and judging from the size of the plume, something very large must be on fire.
”That smoke could be trouble, or could just be someone clearing a field. If it’s something worse, we’re likely better off knowing.
“Dolion, Kymil - can either of you survey the situation from the hilltop without being seen?”
"We still have a long trip ahead of us," says Felder, "and no guarantee of success. I don't know that we want to spend time investigating what could just be a farmer burning some fields for the next crop's planting... or might be trouble that we're already trying to avoid, if it isn't."
Kymil swiftly moves to the hilltop, then crouches low so his silhouette will not be seen outlined against the sky. He looks around and notes where the smoke is coming from and anything else he notices.
Intelligence Check (<=14):
Kymil runs up the hill, getting winded about halfway up, forcing him to slow down. From the base of the hill, it didn't look too steep, but that clearly was not the case.
Crouching low as he reaches the summit, the elf surveys the land beyond and finds a shocking scene. A small group of farmers from the local village (itself located in the distnace about a mile from his current location) are indeed burning a field, but the field is ripe with grain. They are being watched doing this work by about a dozen soldiers wearing the livery of the Baroness who stand nearby.
This seems to only be happening to one field. Other fields are nearby with their crops still in tact.
Kymil shakes his head in disbelief. He carefully returns to the group and tells them what he has seen.
"Why would she do this? The crop was ripe and ready for harvest, yet they burn it...and only that one field? Could there be some sort of disease affecting the crop they do not wish to spread?"
Saying this, he thinks back to the Druid's tree and the fungus growing there.
"That could be, Kymil. In any event, it's no immediate concern of ours. Let's carry on towards Gulluvia, going off the road when needed to avoid major intersections and settlements as Felder suggests."
"That, or force the farmers to join the military. No fields to plow, no way to live, you are beholden to the Baroness for food and a place to stay."
Looks like a punishment to me... my bet is the other fields belong to her B@&&*iness, and that field is the farmers portion. Having farmers die in the winter is bloody shortsighted though. One more score to settle if'n the opportunity comes..
He squares his pack.
Much as it would be fun to throw her guards into the fire, we got our own troubles and these ruins won't empty themselves. Just note that we're likely to be robbed by those bastards as not when we come back. We'd best bury a portion of loot against such an event when we come back this way, as a hedge against treachery from the B%@%@.
Kymil shakes his head in disgust at the waste this baroness is creating. Emmett is correct that she is short-sighted, this lack of food will come back to bite her and her henchmen.
"Emmett is right. Let's keep going and perhaps we can gain enough treasure to protect our friends back in the village...or find some way to confront the evils this Baroness is committing!"
He too re-shoulders his pack and prepares to leave.
Osseus bows his head in relief as Emmett postpones any violence against Gulluvia's soldiers. "Onwards to Thorold, then." The priest gladly puts the smoke behind him.
-------------------------------
17 Days after leaving Velders (and 58 until the Baroness' deadline):
Despite a few setbacks along the way, you manage to avoid the forces of the Baroness, largely by staying off the main roads and heading cross-country whenever possible. This takes you a bit longer, but you decide that keeping a low profile is worth it.
On your final day before reaching the village of Thorold in northern Gulluvia, the Northern Woods come into view. This forest is decidedly darker with less deciduous trees and more tall conifers along with less undergrowth. You are glad to have finally reached the Thorold area as your supplies of food and water have run out entirely.
Up ahead and to your left you see a large two-story stone country house surrounded by a short curtain wall and a wrought iron gate. It sits with its back against the dark forest and with its single tower looks to be well defendable. Judging by its good upkeep it seems to be occupied, although there's no one currently in view.
On the road ahead, you see a group of seven men walking toward you. One carries a large banner displaying cupped hands holding a squirrel or chipmunk (you can't tell from this distance). All are carrying quarterstaffs, are dressed in long brown robes with green trim, and have their hair cut into tonsures.
The team leaves behind the burning fields, committed to focusing on only one problem at a time. The day turns long and soon the group camps, then travels again, the miles adding up in endless trudging. A few days later just after the noon meal, the team hears the distinctive sound of a traveling bell—the kind that one might have on a staff, as decoration, or for amusement—then another, and another.
Soon another group becomes visible on the road, traveling the other direction. At the head of the group is a stern-looking man in the vestments of a traveling friar. Middle-aged and lean, this man has clearly seen many miles on the road. He is wiry and has a face wrinkled by exposure and worry, with a tonsure that really doesn't do much since he has only the wispy remnants of hair on the sides of his head. A large wooden holy symbol adorns a simple bead necklace and hangs on his chest over his brown robes.
Behind this man is a group of half a dozen other travelers, staggered out and then with a small clump of three at the end of the procession. The middle three are garbed in a variety of traveling clothes, with dusty boots and simple garments, carrying knapsacks or satchels for their possessions. The last three are grouped together and wear white, tattered rags with hoods and facemasks, and each of them carries a walking staff with a bell at the top. The bells jingle as the procession moves onward.
As the groups come closer the man at the head of the procession raises a hand and says, "Greetings, travelers. I apologize for the inconvenience, but as you can see, this group of pilgrims travels in search of a holy cure to their ailments, and there are lepers among our train. I would ask that you take one side of the road so that we might pass without incident."
A young woman a short distance behind the priest sneezes, then daubs her nose with a cloth which comes away red and bloody. The man looks on sympathetically, then makes a cryptic gesture of the faith.
"We travel in search of a shrine or relic or healing bath where miraculous cures might liberate these wretches from their suffering," says the friar. "I wish you well and pray that if you have any news of such, you might pass it on to us."
Felder stifles a cough and says, "My good man, if we knew such a cure, I would surely pass on that knowledge; but we have heard of naught but suffering and privation in these lands of late. I hope that if you travel beyond the borders of the Barony you shall meet with better luck." He fumbles with his pack a moment and then produces a handful of coins for the friar. "Please, take this coin to aid you in your travels, as food and shelter can be scarce in these troubled times."
The friar looks to Osseus and says, "Sir, you have the look of a holy man yourself; pray tell, have you knowledge of any such wisdom? Means to lift the misery of these diseases from the unfortunate?"
Felder starts to say something again but a wracking cough strikes him and he doubles over, clutching at his staff to keep standing.
The friar says to Felder, "Sir, of you are so afflicted, you may of course join our pilgrimage."
Felder waves his hand away and then says, "No, I have other pressing matters to which I must attend in my limited time."
The friar turns back to Osseus to see if the priest has any news for him.
"The succor my god offers is protection and purpose in the Underworld. It takes most many years of devotion to achieve the spiritual state necessary to be delivered safely to Old Bones after death, but I can teach the basic meditations in an under an hour if any care to begin." The priest shrugs. "It may be one or more of you are blessed with inspiration more quickly than normal. Old Bones plays their song to those who waver between life and death and are prepared to hear it."
***
"Monks of Saint Ludann, patron saint of small animals," Osseus informs his colleagues. "Perhaps they might know if the baroness is conducting any business in the village that need concern us. They may also know if your 'blight' is present is the area, Kymil, concerned as they are with wild creatures."
"Hail, good monks, and praise be to goodly Saint Ludann," Osseus calls out and advances towards the men with a friendly smile, giving a small bow once within talking distance. "What news from Thorold?"
The monks stop about 20 feet from where you are standing and regard you with suspicion. Finally, one of them, a short man in his early 40s, steps forwards and raises a hand in greeting.
"Good afternoon, travelers. Things are chaotic in Thorold, but we are managing. We, the brothers of St. Ludann's priory, have stepped up to help the local guard keep the peace in the area and were just going to check up on the Sanitarium. The village of Thorold is just a short journey up the trail; you can't miss it. What is your business in Thorold in these challenging times?"
"We're intent on exploring upriver into the Moorfowls, and were hoping to speak with the villagers for any knowledge they might impart regarding the foothills and mountains, even if mere rumor or legend. Forewarned is forearmed, after all."
"We've only recently arrived in the barony, and have been traveling through the wilderness to accommodate the preference of our elf companion. What troubles Thorold? We heard of goblins in the Abaddon Woods and were set upon by starving caelyx, but otherwise have seen no danger."
Again, Kymil stays to the back of the group with the hood of his cloak covering his tell-tale ears.
The monks seem to be convinced by Osseus' words that you are not an immediate threat to them or their community, but they are hesitant to be too open around strangers.
"Well, the general trouble since the death of the Baron, I mean. There's nothing particular that is troubling Thorld as far as know. We've all just been left to our own devices without strong support from the government."
"If you're looking for information on the Moorfowls I would suggest that you make your way into the village and ask the patrons of the Jolly Fox Inn. Most of the locals end up there at some point during the evening. "
With that they wave you goodbye and head for the nearby stone building located a few hundred yards off the main road.
Emmett gives them a respectful nod.
You slept in - AGAIN! Hopefully you learned the lession this time old friend, humour in Emmett's voice. In truth, once Gildreak was deep deep asleep it was harder to rouse him than a hibernating bear... and about as dangerous.
No harm, no foul as they say, and it's twice welcome to see you.
Once you bid goodbye to the monks, you complete the remainder of your journey to Thorold in little over an hour. Two guards carrying longswords and crossbows and clad in chainmail stop you as you approach the outermost building of the town, a small cottage that has seemingly been converted into a guardpost. You can see the rest of the village just beyond them.
"Greetings, travelers," says the first guard as he holds up his hand for you to stop. "What brings you to Thorold? There's a 1 silver piece toll for each of you to enter the village."
As you are about to reply, you hear a familiar voice coming from behind you ...
He turns back to the guard and considers...
He shrugs. Seems legit... these are, after all, nervous times.
Grunting he digs out 6 silvers.
Exploring mainly. We were thinking of a soft bed and resupplying. What brings you out to watch over the outskirts of a village? Any danger we need to know about?
The guards take the money from Knuckles and shrug.
"Well, there's talk of bandits down south, but they haven't gotten within a day of us so far, thank the gods. Then there's the mendicants looking for a cure, of course, but they haven't made it this far either. Seems that Thorold is not known for its healing springs. So nah, pretty quiet here all in all."
The lead guard continues: "If you're looking for a place to stay, I'd suggest the Jolly Fox Inn (). Other places you might want to check out are Agatha's Potions and Powders and Hazard's Quality Goods ."
At the far side of the village a sizable earthen mound rises capped by a number of standing stones. In the center of the village you can see a central green, while a large manor home can be seen off to the right.
Look, guarding is thirsty work... take another silver and wet your whistle on me. Anything else come to mind about local rumours or places worth exploring?
The guards thank Knuckles perfusely for the extra silver then lean in.
"Well, if you're looking for places worth exploring, there's always the forest to the north. Fully of faeries, they say it is, so we generally stay away. They don't bother us and we don't bother them. Just stay off the Faehill and if you run into a shrine at the end of the Old Forest Road, walk around it, a long way around it if you can help it. Thems that walk through it are never heard from again."
|
Gildreak turns to Knuckles. "Thanks friend for paying the toll."
The guards thank Knuckles perfusely for the extra silver then lean in.
"Well, if you're looking for places worth exploring, there's always the forest to the north. Fully of faeries, they say it is, so we generally stay away.
"What kind of faeries the good kind or bad? I've heard they hurt dwarves to stone. And what inn has the best stout?"
Daniel Stewart
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Jesse Heinig
