Ahead, up the winding road, atop a sheer-wailed mount of stone, looms the great KEEP. Here, at one of civilization’s strongholds between good lands and bad, you will base yourselves and equip for forays against the wicked monsters who lurk in the wilds. Somewhere nearby, amidst the dark forests and tangled fens, are the Caves of Chaos where fell creatures lie in wait.
All this you know, but before you dare adventure into such regions you must become acquainted with the other members of your group, for each life will depend upon the ability of the others to cooperate against the common foe. Now, before you enter the grim fortress, is the time for introductions and an exchange of information, for fate seems to have decreed that you are to become an adventurous band who must pass through many harrowing experiences together on the path which leads towards greatness.
You have travelled for many days, leaving the Realm and entering into the wilder area of the Borderlands. Farms and towns have become less frequent and travelers few. The road has climbed higher as you enter the forested and mountainous country. You now move up a narrow, rocky track. A sheer wall of natural stone is on your left, the path falling away to a steep cliff on the right. There is a small widening ahead, where the main gate to the KEEP is. The blue-clad men-at-arms who guard the entrance shout at you to give your names and state your business. All along the wall you see curious faces peering down at you - eager to welcome new champions of Law, but ready with crossbow and pole arm to give another sort of welcome to enemies.
Old School Illustration from the Back of the Original Module
Now, this is a welcome sight indeed heh fellows?
The last bastion of righteousness and good before the realms of chaos that await us.
Breathing in deeply with visible pleasure...
Aaaaah, the smell of fear and the death that awaits us... I could get used to this!
Them, as if suddenly realising something, he startles and turns to the others...
But I'm afraid we haven't been properly introduced. I'm Pah d'Reco, an aspiring Cleric of Neutrality . You can call me d'Reco . Well met!
Regnar approaches the keep.
He looks thin and frail for a dwarf but he carries his shield as if it was weightless
Aye, me hearties! This be a grand beginning to our quest! A stout stone keep like this'll keep us safe from the perils o' the wilds, and with our weapons at the ready, we'll face whatever challenges come our way with the strength and resolve of true dwarven warriors! - he looks around and starts moving forward always peeking over his shoulder
Now, best be pickin' up yer feet, for there be many a foul beast lurkin' in these parts. They'll snatch ye up quicker than a blink o' an eye if ye ain't watchin'. So keep yer wits about ye and yer axe at the ready, for danger waits 'round every corner, ready to pounce when ye least expect it!
Without stopping he adds Name's Regnar by the way, of the Steelshields
Hello everyone! What a fine group we have here. I'm a friend to the goodhearted and enemy of the evil hearted
Call me Lan. If we go toguether out there you can count on my sword and arrows to keep us safe.
Lets go in my friends and find us some beer while we prepare for some action.
Two towers with battlements flank the gatehouse ahead of you. All have holes for bow and crossbow fire.
A deep crevice in front of the keep is spanned by a drawbridge (currently up). There is a portcullis at the entry and large gates at the far end of the passage. The passage is about 10’ wide and high, the ceiling above pierced with murder holes, and walls to either side slitted for archery. It is obvious that the building is constructed of great blocks of the hardest granite, undoubtedly common throughout the entire fortress.
Two men-at-arms approach you when the drawbridge is lowered and the portcullis raised. Each is clad in platemail and carries a pole arm - "Welcome travelers" - they greet you, noticing your weapons and gear - "Anyone entering the Keep must keep their weapons sheathed or otherwise secured at all times. Now follow us"
Assuming you comply, they escort you through the short tunnel into the entry yard of the Keep - there a gruff man wearing full platemail and a bored look on his face is waiting for you. Next to him stands another man, wearing simple robes, and taking notes. They are both flanked by armed guards.
"I am the Corporal of the Watch" - the one with platemail introduces himself in a monotonous tone - "If you have any mounts, they need to be placed in the common stable over there" - he nods toward a structure behind him - "If you have larger quantities of goods, they can be stored over there, in the common warehouse" - he points to the building next to the previous one.
Then he finally seems to actually look at your group for the first time - "Oh... Nevermind" - he shrugs - "The scribe here will gather your names - you are to register every time you enter or leave"
"Any questions?"
Thank you for the informations to keep sir corporal. aswers LAN. Then turning to the clerc he adds my name's Al'Lan Mandragoran sir clrec, with an apostrophe betwern the Al and the Lan.
Regna bangs his shield and puffs his chest
I be Regnar, son of the mighty Steelshield clan
Well met Al'Lan Mandragoran. May your impending death nourish the land as well as my own.
Shall we sign up over yonder then?
I move towards the scribe, to get on with the registration process.
That's right, d'Reco. Pah d'Reco. It's pronounced Draco, yeah. I tell the scribe, rolling my eyes...
The scribe takes note of your names, adjusting his glasses several times in the process, blinking nervously as d'Reco explains how his name his written and spelled - "Yes, yes, thank you" - he nodded awkwardly, before being interrupted by the Corporal - "Ok that's finished then - move along now"
Lan lauphs when he hears Pah d'Reco I don't know about you but I intend to leave a river of blood from the foul creatures leaving within the Caves of Caos before I die. Keep close to me and I'll make sure you live long enough to do the same
When everyone gives their name, Lan turns to the corporal and asks Sir corporal where can we find an inn to rest before we move on?
The corporal has already turned his back and left - he does not seem too inclined to turn back and provide an answer.
The scribe does reply though - "If you continue past the warehouse this way, and all the way down until the fountain square, you will find the Traveler's Inn. It is right next to the Stretching Goat - the local tavern"
Then this way we'll go. Thank you. says Lan turning on the direction given by the clerc
Come on guys let settle in and decide what to do next
Regnar perks up when he hears about an inn
Ah, aye, me hearties! What finer way to kick off a quest than with a tankard o' ale in hand and good company by yer side? Let us raise our mugs high and toast to the adventures that lie ahead, for with ale in our bellies and courage in our hearts, there be no challenge we cannae face
Moving to the inn, he continues to talk
The call of home be strong, aye, but the yearnin' for adventure be like a fire burnin' in my soul. I be torn betwixt the comfort o' hearth and kin, and the thrill o' unknown lands and untold tales but every adventure be a tale to tell around the hearthfire when I return.
I know exactly what you mean Regnar answered Lan
I miss my forest, the smells, the birds, the wild... my family and friends. - Lan seams deaming but he quickly continued - The call to adventure was stronger. I decided that I will only return after traveling around the world and having done something worth telling. And nothing's better than making our lands safer.
Aye, a place to meditate in comfort for a change does sound nice.
One must prepare for what lies ahead...
d'Reco seems to get a bit lost in thought after this one.
At the inn he snaps out of it, asks for the quietest room, some bread and soup and a glass of wine.
As you move further into the keep, you take in the sights and sounds all around you.
You pass by a well appointed tower on your left as you round the corner, and a smith to your right. As you continue on the same direction, you see also a well stocked provisioner store on the right, selling typical equipment used by adventurers during wilderness and dungeon exploration. And a Trader right next to it, selling weapons, armor and all manner of large quantities of goods, like salt, spices, cloth, etc.
To you left there are several private quarters - they seem of good quality.
Further along the way you reach the Fountain Square - not surprisingly, a large fountain spews water in the middle of this open space. It is easy to spot the Inn and Tavern. Led by Pah d'Reco, you enter the tavern. The place is very active, with several patrons spread around who don't seem to pay much attention to your arrival.
The tavernkeeper however, comes to greet you at the door - "Welcome sirs, a table for four then?" - he has a polite tone, and a tired look on his face, which seem to match short grey hair and saggy eyes.
Assuming you agree to have a sit, he points you to a blackboard which has the menu chalked on it, then calls a snotty boy - "Me son here will take your order" - then heads off to take care of business.
The Menu:
ALE 1 e.p.
SMALL BEER 1 s.p.
WINE 1 e.p.
HONEY MEAD 1 g.p.
BARK TEA 1 s.p.
BREAD 1 c.p./slice
PUDDING 1 s.p./bowl
SOUP 1 s.p.
STEW 1 e.p.
ROAST FOWL 1 g.p.
ROAST JOINT 2 g.p.
HOT MEAT PIE 1 e.p.
CHEESE 1 s.p./wedge
FRUIT 1 s.p.
The boy stands there, mouth agape, looking at the four of you - he seems particularly curious about your weapons and armor.
Ale and roast fowl for me. Anyone wants to share the roast? says Lan to the snotty boy
"Dolf sir. Yes sir, it is usually busy like this sir" - the boy replied, turning to Regnar for his order - "Sir? Some beer sir?"
d'Reco doesn't make much conversation while waiting for Regnar's order or the arrival of food.
He does listen intently, trying to get a handle on everyone in the party. Such an eclectic band, he ponders. His mind filled with racial clichés and prejudice, he tries to separate them from the people in front of him.
After a while, he decides they're interesting enough to travel with, and even if not, to raise a glass with right now, so he raises a glass to the newly formed party and its upcoming foray into death, glory and self-discovery!
... awkwardly interrupting a heated argument between the Elf and the Dwarf, who stare at him in confusion and disapproval, along with most of the patrons of the inn.
Ahem, right... I'll just... Go take a piss! Yeah, that's it. Be right back., he mutters awkwardly as he steps outside for a bit before quietly resuming his place at the table.
Anyone wants to share the roast?
Ah, beggin' yer pardon, lithe elf, but me food and ale be me own, guarded tighter than the treasure hoards o' the mountain kings. But fear not, I'll raise me tankard high and toast to yer health and good fortune. May the stars shine bright upon yer path, even if our plates be not shared!
As Pah awkwardly leaves he mumbles Hmmm, this be a curious one indeed
When he returns, the dwarf turns to him Ah, me apologies if me company be duller than a blunt axe, yer not drinking? I'd sooner share a drink than a preach from the heavens. Let's raise our tankards high and drown our worries in the golden nectar of the gods!
Now you're speaking like a god Rengar! says a grining Lan raising his ale
when thei're all eating Lan asks
So guys, where do you want to go? Caves of Caos, explore the wilderness or something else?
Shortly after, the boy returns with your orders - the ales are not spectacular, but they are fresh which is welcome with Spring in full force and, the weather becoming warm outside. The bread is freshly baked and the cheese although dry is still packed with flavor.
The roast fowl is well cooked and slightly spicy, it comes with a good side of potatoes, and it is more than enough for Al'Lan and Draven.
Last but not least, the wine is not the finest quality, far from it, but it is not passed, and it does not have the strong oxidized taste wines get when they are open for too long.
The young boy sets the food and drinks on the table with two trips, then some plates, bowls and cutlery. He gathers the payment and leaves - "Call me if ye be needin' anyhting sirs"
Aye, we must learn a bit about this land before we venture out. Perhaps we'll hear some tales here tonight.
And tomorrow we should explore the keep, maybe there are job postings around somewhere and a place to acquire a map of the region.
As you eat and drink, you catch bits and pieces of conversations from several different tables and groups, but nothing concrete, since people are mostly keeping to themselves.
Ragnar watches everybody eating and remembers he didn't ask anything for himself apart from the beer
Ah, blast me beard! No feast be complete without a hearty meal to fill yer belly. he then turns to the boy Aye lad, give some o' that roast. Though it may not be the most exquisite fare I've laid eyes upon, it'll fill me belly
When the boy arrives with the food he hands him a silver piece Ho there, hearty soul! Me belly thanks ye for the grub, but now me mind craves knowledge o' the best places to wield me axe in search o' adventure! Who amongst this stout company knows the lay o' the land well enough to guide us to the richest veins o' exploration and discovery?
The boy stares dumbfounded at the dwarf, not understanding half of the words, but he does smile as he grabs the silver piece - "Huh... Usually some peoples around here knows something or other about adventurin'" - he shrugs - "Some people are for hiring, so you can pay them for adventurin' things I think sir, others like to chat if you pay them drinks and food, or just give them coin" - he smiled again, the snot getting dangerously close to his mouth - "Also caravans and travelers around the Guild House sometimes, or the communal stables - usually they might know stuff from arounds here" - he pauses to think...
"Then there is the guards around the Keep - I'm guessing they might will probably know some stuff, or the bailiff or the Corporal of the Watch, or the Sergeant"
"Gotta go now!" - he added suddenly - "Pa's calling!" - and he dashed off to be scolded and bonked on the head by his Dad.
Guys, after eating I'll take a stroll and check if there are job postings or caravans around the Guild House hiring. Anyone coming with me?
Nah, I need some rest. It can wait until tomorrow. Let me know what you find.
Have a good night you all.
With this, d'Reco retires to his room to meditate a while before sleep.
|
Never dismiss how loose some tongues get after a few beers ...
Postings will be there in the morning, I guess ... I'll hang around a bit more
After I eat, or during dinner if the opportunity arises I'll try to listen in the tavern and drink a couple of beers with people that may be talking about jobs or adventures, if nothing else I just drink a few beers before bedtime.
I guess you're right Draco. Lets get some rest tonight.
d'Reco moves next door to the Inn - it is a long low structure with five small private rooms, and a large common sleeping room. The Cleric gets a private room for the night, which costs him one gold piece.
Al'Lan stays for a while longer - enough to realize Draven's strategy is not a bad one, and the beers do seem to loosen up some tongues around the Tavern.
Draven spends an extra silver pieces, buying rounds for the patrons (and himself), and he does manage to get some extra bits and pieces of information.
"Meh! People always obsess with these Caves, and forget there are other dangers out there - those damned lizard men took me eye and me leg!" - a one legged dwarf with a patch over one eye roars - "They would have eaten me whole if I did not get away! Would be best to get rid of those pests than go nuts about some caves"
"True dat!" - nods an half-drunken man - "What about the bandits and raiders?! I hears just yesterday a caravan arrived at the gates with no one driving it, just a limp horse pullin' it, and a child half dead inside!" - he downs his mug and waits for Draven to pay for another round - "I heard say they are offering a bounty for anyone willing to go and investigate it"
"You're lucky if you don't get killed by the Mad Hermit" - Bumbo, the tavernkeep grunts - "They say he roams the areas to the north of the keep, and can either offer you some honey mead, or just jump you and kill you outright" - he adds, pretending to clean some of the cutlery - "Mad I tells you"
"Bah! I would have a word with that hermit if he wanted a piece of me" - a gruff man snarls from the corner - "That is a good story to scare children, but not those who know how to take care of themselves" - he pats the sword at his belt, and looks around at some others around his table, mercenary looking types, who nod at his words.
"Fella's right" - a woman past her prime, and wearing somewhat revealing clothes pipes in with a smile to Draven - "If you boys are going adventuring, you should get some hired help to keep your asses safe. Wisest thing to do" - she winks suggestively - "And bring me something pretty as a souvenir!"
"Bree-yark!" - shouts a man - "Use these words if ye're outnumbered by goblins - it be meaning 'We surrender' - he nods, barely standing on his feet - "It might save yer life, it might"
And the night goes on...
Guys not a waste night - says Lan to his companions with a grin - mental notes: 1-Lizard men (where?); 2-Hermit (north from keep, avoid for now?); 3-bandits and raiders (attak caravans-these shoold be hiring guards). Now I'm gona call it for the night. You staying? I'm needing a good night rest.
So... If we're all feeling rested and strong as I am, shall we go about this? The sooner we start the sooner we finish I always say...
In his mind Pah d'Reco measures the wisdom content of this last sentence and regrets saying it. C'mon d'Reco that's not the kind of thing Zirchev would say! Next time, something about trees or beasts, probably felling trees or killing beasts. Get it together man!
Errm right. Shall we then?
Regnar only half-heard most of the conversations but he gained enough information for now
He struggles to stand up, pushes his belt into position and goes to his room
Aye, wise words indeed, me friend. Let's bid farewell to the flickering torchlight and seek solace in the embrace of slumber. Tomorrow's sun will rise with promises of adventure, and we'll meet it with hearts as bold as the mountains themselves. So let us close our eyes and dream of the treasures that await us on the morrow.
During the conversations I try to get some more info
I haven't been here long, anyone paying to get rid of those lizardmen?
"Hmmmm" - the one legged dwarf pondered for a few moments - "I am sure the Castellan would be interested in it" - he replied, continuing to drink - "But he does not usually deal with this stuff himself, so perhaps the bailiff might know - his offices are in the good looking tower ye probably passed by when coming here"
Regarding that caravan, where was it coming from and where can I get more information about it? Who should I talk to about the bounty?[/B]
The man looks drunkenly at Draven, apparently trying to focus - "Maybe the merchants by the Guildhouse" - he slurs and spits a bit while talking - "Or then again the bailif.. Dunno" - he shrugged - "Need to take a piss!" - he added, getting up suddenly and wobbling outside.
I think we can stay toguether Drako. This is just a keep. If we are to go toguether adventuring why not accept a job toguether instead of: I need to speak with some frinds first. I don't know about you but think we'll have a paid job before lunch. We just have to speak with either the merchants by the guild house or the bailiff and we get ourselfs with an adventure.