Othlo Janke

Thomas Nolton's page

10 posts. Alias of caster4life.


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The guards in the barracks mutter to themselves as Perrin fixes his clothing while Kelian changes back into his old clothes without blinking. He's much more accustomed to the odd doctor than these fellows. One of them objects "Hey now! How are you going that without moving your hands or speaking any magic words? Bother... this one's going to be harder to keep an eye on..." The guards have a very little experience guarding spellcasters.

When the searching is finished, Mel, Perrin, and Kelian are reunited. Thomas bids them all farewell. "Now don't take too long before ye all come back and visit. The place won't be the same without ya. Especially given what we lost... It's been a pleasure workin' with ya. Take care of yerselves." The halfling doffs his characteristic, weather-beaten cap and bows low to the three of you.


Thomas nods. "Aye, good doctor. I should be gettin' home to Lily and the babes. I think I've had enough of adventures for a while."

Kelian looks a little downcast and is quiet for a bit then finally gets up his courage. "Is it alright if I stay with you? I feel like I'm finally starting to do something with my life..."


Astin is a medium-sized town of about 500 inhabitants that is a regional hub for crops, lumber, and other trade goods. As you ride donkeys through the hard-packed earth of the street, your gagged prisoner draws strange looks.

Thomas agrees to your plan. "Aye! I'll take us to the city watch's barracks." But Thomas doesn't make it quite that far before being accosted by some concerned members of the city guard.

Two men with spears approach you. "What's this? Why is this man bound and gagged?"


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Thomas smiles as you show up, ready to hit the road. "Well. It seems I'm becomin' quite the travelin' man. Didn't think I'd be travelin' to Astin and back again then immediately headin' somewhere else! But the town's in good hands." He smiles gratefully at the greying father who led the costly defense of the gate.

He then turns to the two of you "And Lily's happy to know I'm not alone this time. I'm in the capable hands of you two, who've proved the usefulness of your unusual talents. And I'm sure the young lad will prove to turn out as good a man as his father. I think I can take to the road with a smile this time."

He helps adjust the loads on the mules and strokes their long noses soothingly. Then, without even glancing at the bound elf, he encourages his mount forward.

As you ride off, you glance back over your shoulder. The people of Brookside are confused and hurt but the majority of them are alive and they know whom to thank for that. They wave as you ride slowly off. Perrin notes the bandages on some while Mel spots the first attempts at bowyering in the hands of others. Thanks to you, Brookside lives on.


Thomas approaches Hirda, Mel, and Perrin. He addresses Perrin and Hirda, not knowing Mel particularly well.

So ye want me to ride to Astin, eh? I'm ready to go. What do ye want me to tell 'em?


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Aye! I'll ride to Astin if ye need me to!

Lily, for once, agrees with Thomas taking a risk.


Mr. Nolton steps forward, holding his shabby hat in his hands.

He was a good man, that Cyrus. He told me to listen to me wife and stay safe while he went into danger. What happened?

Thomas looks up at you, ready to hear the worst.


Thomas looks at his concerned neighbors standing round and shrugs his small shoulders and says with some exasperation

Okey okey. If all ye be thinking it be so serious, I'll wait to check me traps until Jacob finishes his breakfast and can come with me.

He jerks a thumb towards a nearby hut with a thin trickle of smoke beginning to curl from the top.


Nah don't ye waste yer time wit me. I'll be fine. You lot go an' see if you can get any answers at the Higgins farm.


Now Lily, I know you're worried 'bout me. And that's sweet. It really is. But I'm just goin' into the woods for a wee bit to check the traps. A good breakfast with some meat to go with the taters will settle our wee ones down more 'an anythin'. I'll be back afore ya know it.