Here's the gameplay thread, you may dot your characters here.
Van wakes early and performs his daily prayers. Then prepares his daily spells.
Today is my first step into a larger world...
That morning, deep in the woods, an elf woke, the big Cat she had been sleeping on stured and stood.
Well then, Taff, what will life bring us today...
Hedrak tested the pull on his bow and nodded with satisfaction - it remained flexible and taut.
He placed the weapon at his back, double checked his sparse equipment, and continued down the path.
The taller than normal halfling rose early. He bathed and made sure to pray to Yondalla, asking her to take him to any halflings that were in need of her help, and to help him be the best example he could be. He donned his armor and weapons after breakfast and left for the day, a small skip to his step and whistling a halfling trail song.
It is morning, and you are all in the village of Sedrahill in Northern Nyrond. It rained the night before, and you are all waking up in your individual cottages. ()
The birds are singing, the clouds are breaking up, and you see some crepuscular rays shining down among the hills to the east. It's a good morning, the best you felt since the war with the Great Kingdom some years before. Maybe you're staying with family, maybe it's time you saw the world.
You are having your last meal before you go out and see whats out there. (describe your meal). After all you packed last night.
Lirillith made her way back to the small cottage she had been using to dry meats and stay in while at the village. This would be the last of the order and once paid she would be off once more. She put the brace of rabbits on the out door table as the village started to wake. Skinning and gutting them, then cutting the meat into strips. She went over to the smoker and took out yesterday meat and put in today. Rapping up the stips she put them with a bunch in the house.
Taff her war cat slunk onto the front porch and started eating the scrops she had placed there.
Cat: "Stay here, I will come back."
She then went off to deliver the buddle of smoked meat.
At the butchers she nodded and handed them over.
In Elvish,
"As promised for the payment."
The Dwarf butcher nodded, she did not know common and so he being able to speak elvish had befriended when she had come two weeks ago. Lending her the small cottage and smoker.
"Ar ya not staying lass, we always have a need of fresh meats, and your one of the few who knows how to smoke it well for my pallet."
She smiled at him, picking up the rastions she had ordered.
"Its time Kitrul, I never like staying anywhere for to long."
"Arr ya elves, always heading off to the woods. Well how about you eat with us this fine morning, your last mean in the Village."
She smiled, he as nice and as dwarf as they came.
"If your offering, I do like your wives rock bread, O and I have some coffee"
Soon she was sitting with the dwarf butcher and his family. His son who would take over from him as handing her A traditional dwarf breakfast, fried eggs, thick sliced and salty bacon, Dwarf sausages, yellow bean and a red source, grilled tomatoes, wild grilled mushrooms, black pudding, and rock bread toast, loads of butter and fresh sweet milky tea. Something she had come to love. She sat with his wife Hellen there 4 younger and very playful deaf kids.
One of them asked her, as she tucked into her meal.
"Is it true a big cat lives with you."
She nodded and patted the child's head.
"Yes and his name if Taff. He looks after me and I look after him. He looks scary but in fact he is a softy inside. Just don't try and take his dinner away from him."
The chilled nodded all wide eyed.
Kitrul eldest son asked
"So your heading north Lirillith?"
She swallowed and egg and looked out the window and the sky was clearing.
"I may, The baker told me others where heading out the Village and I may go with them. My think is, it's always best to travel in a group, the way the world is now"
he nodded and his Dad added.
"I think that is a good idea. Hearing of Bandist and all kinds of things around these parts. And if you in a party, then you make meet the love of your life."
His wife blushed.
"I did not know you had both been adventures"
Hellen spoke them.
"Yes I was fighter back then, hammer and shield in hand. He was our new cleric. Green as they came, they made me look after him and I have never stopped. "
The Butcher looked at his wife with Your embarrassing eyes.
Then he turned to Lirillith and spoke.
"I know you the kind to keep yourself to yourself,
Lirillith but if truth be told, when your in a party you make
friendships that last a lifetime. We keep in touch with our old party members and now then then they come by. Think about it"
And she did, soon she was done eating, helped Helen to wash up and headed back to the small house. Seeing taff she went inside and finished packing. Coming out she took the meat from the smoker, packed it into Taffs saddle bags and looked around one more time.
"Well then TAff, let's go see who ease is heading out the village today."
And she headed to the village center to see who was there.
Hedrak sat outside his small cottage, chewing on a simple meal of dried venison and black bread. The morning air was fresh, the scent of rain still clinging to the earth. He traced a finger over the faded lines of the tattoos on his arm, their meaning still a mystery.
Nyrond was weary, burdened by war’s scars. He had come seeking answers about himself, but the land’s struggles were plain to see. Perhaps, in aiding it, he would find his own path.
He slung his bow over his shoulder and rose. The road called.
As Lirillith walks Taff by her side she sees the half-orc who was living down the lane. He also seemed to be packed and also heading out of town. She made her way over to him, not knowing if he spoke Elvish she said.
"Braf cwrdd â chi, ydych chi'n mynd allan o'r pentref hefyd?"
Asking if he was heading out the village as well.
The halfling consumes his meal with great gusto. Sausages and eggs fried in lard and fatty bacon help to provide protein. Buttered thick whole wheat bread with orange marmalade and a bowl of oatmeal with raisins and apples with pine nuts and brown sugar rounds out the meal.
The taller than normal halfling rose early. He bathed and made sure to pray to Yondalla, asking her to take him to any halflings that were in need of her help, and to help him be the best example he could be. He donned his armor and weapons after breakfast and left for the day, a small skip to his step and whistling a halfling trail song.
His leather armor is new and his cloak has in green, yellow, and brown. His shield has a cornucopia painted on it. Being a newly ordained member of the clergy, and a wayward warden, he is excited to begin his ministry. He makes sure to grab a chunk of bread and thick cheese and butter with a slab of honey roasted ham to have as a snack later.
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I found this information on a Greyhawk wiki:
Yondalla has a special order of priests called "The Wayward Wardens". It is made of priests stricken with wanderlust who wish to see the world. They never settle long in one place for long periods of time. They come to the aid of halfling communities needing protection.
The Wayward Wardens are a loosely organized fellowship of Yondallan priests. Wayward Wardens serve the Provider and Protector by coming to the defense of besieged or threatened halfling communities in need of additional protectors.
After Van prayed and memorized, his meal consisted of something akin to what he had in his time with the clergy, pottage (stew) with coarse bread and a small chicken. He packed some bread for the road next to his rations. He had but a week to wander about here in the north until his food supplies ran out. Then he would need to come back to the Village of Sedrahill.
However, until he avenged his parents, or at least was able to show competence in his wizardly skills, he would not return to Rel Mord. While not past his prime yet, several more years he would be. Now was the time, become what he always wanted to be or sweep the floors and assistance with daily mass would be all that he would ever know. While there's no shame in such noble deeds, after all, the masses need the Gods, especially Heironeous in these dark times, that was not supposed to be his fate.
-------
As he steps out of the small cottage, gear packed tightly, he notices a few characters he had not seen in his last few days wandering about Sedrahill. An elf speaking in Elven, to a half-orc! Not a common sight in Rel Mord to be certain.
Though the question was not directed at him, he answers in anyway, in elven. "Wel cyfarfod fi yw Van Vynolis. Rwy'n mynd allan o'r pentref".
He pauses, the normally charismatic man not exactly sure how to proceed from there he thinks to himself, "How does one ask others he does not know to go on an adventure?"
Here's a map of Sedrahill. Lucky for me, I bought those Raging Swan Press maps.
As Lirillith walks Taff by her side she sees the half-orc who was living down the lane. He also seemed to be packed and also heading out of town. She made her way over to him, not knowing if he spoke Elvish she said.
"Braf cwrdd â chi, ydych chi'n mynd allan o'r pentref hefyd?"
Asking if he was heading out the village as well.
Hedrak halted, his sharp gaze shifting from the elf to her war-cat, then back again. He stood tall but carried himself lightly, his movements deliberate, almost weightless. Dressed in plain traveler’s garb, he had the look of a wanderer - lean, athletic, and seemingly content with silence. A shortbow rested across his back, a quiver at his hip, and a pair of worn iron knuckles hung from his belt like a relic of a less disciplined past.
The words she spoke were unfamiliar, flowing and musical, but their intent seemed clear enough.
"I don't speak Elven," he said, voice calm and steady. He tapped his chest lightly. "Hedrak. And yes, I’m leaving." His gaze drifted toward the road ahead, and he nodded at Van "Seems I’m not the only one."
Van grins and responds to Hedrak, "She asked if you were headed out of the village, so your elven isn't too bad".
"Wel cyfarfod fi yw Van Vynolis. Rwy'n mynd allan o'r pentref".
She grins at his words.
"Da i gyfarfod Van Vynolis. Myfi yw Lirillith Gillantian ac yr wyf fi hefyd yn mynd allan o'r pentref. Fel y meddyliaf fod y hanner orc hwn. Ond o’i ymateb ef, ni chredaf ei fod yn siarad elfi. Os ydych yn gwybod orc, a allech chi ofyn iddo os hoffai ymuno â ni. Credaf ei bod hi'n well inni deithio fel grŵp."
Well met Van Vynolis. I am Lirillith Gillantian and I too am headed out of the village. As I think this half orc is. But from his responce I dont think he speaks elvish. If you know orc, could you ask him if he would like to come with us. I think it better we travel as a group.
Then looks puzzled as the two speak in common.
Van grins and responds to Hedrak, "She asked if you were headed out of the village, so your elven isn't too bad".
"Thank you friend" - the half-orc nodded with a smile - "I am Hedrak. Well met" - he paused - "If I am headed out of the village? I believe I am. I think it is time" - Hedrak finally added confidently.
"What about you, and the Miss Elf?"
The the words Miss elf, she points to her self, and in bad common says.
"Lirillith Gillantian yes, is me"
And nods the word me, trying to get the common words right.
Her cat comes and sits next to her, its big, with a saddle and bags on it. she scratches it ear. Looking at you both,
On back is a well made Elf Comp-Bow, powerfull by the looks of it. A elf hunting knife in her boot, the scabard on her back holds a large caved elf blade. And in her hand is a tall think Elf spear. Her clothing is well made but well warn, Elven leather, all pastels browns, yellows and greens. I hunter by the looks of her.
"Rwy'n siarad Orc", he replies to the Elf.
"I also speak Elven. Despite language being a barrier, I suppose we could all take to the road together yes?". Nodding to Hedrak.
He translates for the Elf, "Ond er bod iaith yn rhwyst, credaf y gallai ni i gyd fynd ar y ffordd gyda'n gilydd, ia?"
All of you see a beautiful minstrel with a cart and a team of horses. She looks at you and says, "Travelling, right?"
Whistling his travel song, Ricktor comes up to the group of people talking. An elf! he says to himself. I miss the elven people
He approaches the group, The blessings of Yondalla be with you all this fine morning as he offers some dried apples he has in a pouch.
Van nods to the Halfling, "And the blessings of Heironeous to you kind sir". He waves off the apples.
"Is this some sort of serendipity perhaps? Five travelers all with some sort of ah... wanderlust congregating at the same pace and same time?"
He translates to Elven, "A yw hyn yn rhyw fath o serendipity efallai? Pum teithiwr i gyd gyda rhyw fath o ah... Wanderlust yn ymgynnull ar yr un cyflymder a'r un amser".
She mods at Van Vynolis.
"Rhaid bod tynged"
"must be fate"
All of you see a beautiful minstrel with a cart and a team of horses. She looks at you and says, "Travelling, right?"
"That is true" - Hedrak nodded - "Why do you ask?"
He approaches the group, The blessings of Yondalla be with you all this fine morning as he offers some dried apples he has in a pouch.
"Well met and good morrow" - the monk greeted back, but politely declined the apples.
"Is this some sort of serendipity perhaps? Five travelers all with some sort of ah... wanderlust congregating at the same pace and same time?"
"It does seem like it"
Taff moves and sniffs all of the newcomers. He dose not seem to be worried about any of them. And slinks around them. Then he sees the minstrel with a cart and wanders over.
Lirillith walks over and looks at the minstrel.
"You want?"
She says in bad common.
"Vygnolis Keep is in need of some adventurers," said the minstrel. "Something about the caves of chaos have become overridden with monsters again."
She looks puzzled not understanding what was said, looking at the others.
"Nid yw fy nghun yn dda iawn. Fe ddes i yma i'w ddysgu ond mae'n dal yn ddrwg iawn."
She taps her chest with the flat of her hand.
"My Common bad, but work to make butter"
My common is not very good. I came here to learn it but its still very bad
Knowledge local to see what Van knows about Vygnolis Keep or the "Caves of Chaos" -
Van turns to the Elf, "Mae Yon Minstrel yn ceisio cymorth gan anturiaethwyr mewn lleoliad cyfagos. A yw hyn yn rhywbeth y byddech yn ymuno ag ef?"
"I can help your common as we go!"
Knowledge local to see what Van knows about Vygnolis Keep or the "Caves of Chaos" - 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Van's eyes widen as he realizes something, "The Keep on the Borderlands.
It was in my family, a few generations ago, but as my most recent forefathers abandoned trade and nobility for the life of the Clergy, I doubt it would be a place I could claim. I've never visited it before.
My fourth cousin, Kevin Vygnolis, notice the similarity to my own name, is the current fee holder.
If I wasn't sold on the idea before, I certainly am now.
What say the rest of you? Care for a taste of adventure?"
"I feel it is the path which makes more sense" - Hedrak nodded to Van, and to the minstrel - "Should we set foot to the road, or perhaps look for caravans headed in that direction and join them?" - he suggested.
Turning to the minstrel he added - "What are these Caves of Chaos you speak of?"
She nod, agreeing she would go with them.
"I go too"
Rickton jumps up into the carriage and sits on the head, swinging his legs over the edge. By the way, my name is Rickton Huckleberry. I am a Wayward Warden of Yondalla! he says.
"I feel it is the path which makes more sense" - Hedrak nodded to Van, and to the minstrel - "Should we set foot to the road, or perhaps look for caravans headed in that direction and join them?" - he suggested.
Turning to the minstrel he added - "What are these Caves of Chaos you speak of?"
"They are caves full of monsters," says the minstrel. "If you go clear them out, the fife owner will be glad and might give you a reward."
"Certainly these monsters will pose a threat for the surrounding regions?" - Hedrak replied - "Thus I would be interested in looking into these caves"
She nod, agreeing she would go with them.
"I go too"
The broken common from the elven woman brought a smile to his lips - "That is good"
Rickton jumps up into the carriage and sits on the head, swinging his legs over the edge. By the way, my name is Rickton Huckleberry. I am a Wayward Warden of Yondalla! he says.[/ooc]
"I am Hedrak"
"Well met Rickton. I am Van.
Minstrel, do you have a name? Are you willing to allow us to ride with you to the Keep?"
"Well met Rickton. I am Van.
Minstrel, do you have a name? Are you willing to allow us to ride with you to the Keep?"
"My name is Jannae," she says. "Yes, you can accompany me to the Keep."
As the other climb up onto the cart. Lirillth, jumps onto Taff, and they move behind the cart to follow it. One hand on her War-Cats Saddle the other holding her elven spear up. They plod along as the others talk.
The halfling waves to his new friends and asks if they have any stories to help pass the time.
The halfling waves to his new friends and asks if they have any stories to help pass the time.
"No stories of my own I am afraid. I have been related to and brushed up against many who are famous and righteous, and on occasion played a minor role in major matters. But such contributions are not worthy of a story as they really aren't my own, they're someone else's. That's why I'm here, I want to make stories of my own".
Hedrak mostly reverts to his own quiet self during the journey - "Not much to tell friend" - he replied to Rickton - "Much like Van I feel things are just now beginning" - he smiled.
The minstrel plays on her lute.
Van sits back in the wagon and breathes a sigh of relief, he was certainly hoping that he would find at least one person to adventure with, but by great luck he has found an entire band. His palms begin to sweat as he realizes that he is about to actually embark on a quest, and not just to fetch water or a broom, but a true quest. Danger lurks here, I must not romanticize this trip. These caves contain beings that would slay all of us, true life and death stakes.
She liked the music and rode behind them.
The halfling will tell the group about tallfellow halflings and Yondalla.
Lots of humans don't know about us or her, but we are around.
"I'll be stopping in Ardulanth to replenish my supplies," says Jannae the minstrel. "You might want to replenish your supplies there. The rest of the way will be dangerous."
She listens to them talking Common trying to learn the language.
Every now and then she picks out a word or two.
"I do not posses much coin, but it will be interesting to visit this Ardulanth settlement"