"What do we know about those we are supposed to meet? We should share this information with each other so as to be better prepared for all eventualities."
Valic declines to tour the city tonight, This dwarf has spend enough time walking the last two days and besides, this city stinks.
Thank you for the fine meal Valic. You are a credit to the clan.
Thanks for backing us up back there with the guards. If you were a little shorter and had a good full beard, you could almost pass for a dwarf.
You still haven't told me if you're good with an axe. What style of warrior are you?
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
|
Well, nice work guys Valic says as we walk to the place where we are to meet with Keal in the morning.
Valic will retire early after buying a decent meal for the party and pray for an hour before Bed.
Let me know how much I spend on the evening GM.
Two gold for all to enjoy beef stew with potatoes, onions, and obelisk 'shrooms.
Five gold for all to have a three course meal: elven greens with sweet honey bacon sauce or sauted obelisk 'shrooms, then a Sumberton onion soup with gorgon cheese and bread, followed by a steak with potatoes, more 'shrooms, bacon, and bread.
Note: He will only do this if one of the others is kind enough to accompany him.
I wish I had known you wanted to explore the city. I would have accompanied you.
"What do we know about those we are supposed to meet? We should share this information with each other so as to be better prepared for all eventualities."
You could try asking around the inn. Good luck and you'll need it. They're a tight-lipped bunch.
|
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
|
Note: He will only do this if one of the others is kind enough to accompany him.
I wish I had known you wanted to explore the city. I would have accompanied you.
"What do we know about those we are supposed to meet? We should share this information with each other so as to be better prepared for all eventualities."You could try asking around the inn. Good luck and you'll need it. They're a tight-lipped bunch.
Try more ale next time!:)
Both of you can still explore the city. I'll post some info before I post about your meeting with Keal.
Five it is, those poor humans looked missarable on that fun march today. I will take you up on your offer of beer tonight cousin.
"I appreciate the company Harlynd. I prefer to know as much as possible about a place. You never know when the information may prove useful..."
"Thank you for such a hearty meal. Your kindness is appreciated."
Thanks for backing us up back there with the guards. If you were a little shorter and had a good full beard, you could almost pass for a dwarf.
You still haven't told me if you're good with an axe. What style of warrior are you?
Thanks for the ale! The axe is not my best weapon, I'm afraid. I prefer the flail. I find the vile creatures tend to be easier to hit when they've fallen down.
|
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
|
Harlynd of Clan Dorak and Telvar Quartermain explore the city before retiring. The Sly Wink inn is located just to the east of a bridge crossing the Headwater River. It is on the southeast side of an octogon shaped open area.
In the same open area is the Acorn Stamp, a clothing shop that sells durable clothing. Acoss from there is the Faminestri Marine Supply, for riverboatmen.
Down the street to the east they find the Justice Street Arms and Armor shop. And back across the bridge is the Oakleafe Shoppe, fine jewelers capable of making magic items as well.
A little farther to the south they find the road called Pious Way, which is home to various temples. A large temple to Pholtus, god of purity and blinding light, is made of white marble with golden oak doors bound in polished iron. It looks like a fortress. A sign proclaims healing available in exchange for alms for the faithful.
|
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
|
All of you sit in the Sly Wink in the early morning, eating breakfast and waiting for Keal Kseo. When he arrives, you are suprised by his appearance.
He is accompanied by one guard, which is a low number for most merchants. But he is armed not with a showy weapon but with a servicable and extremely well crafted longsword that must be at least masterwork if not magical. He carries his cloak thrown away from the hilt which seems to show he knows which end to grip and which is the pointy end.
Beneath his finery, you see a glint of metal. He appears to be wearing a light shirt of chain, which is also rare for merchants. He is also fit and lean without the well stuffed look many merchants tend to sport.
It only takes him a moment to spot your mixed dwarf and human party. With what looks like a grin of true appreciation he strides over to your table.
“Good morning Rurik, Harlynd, and Valic of Clan Dorak. And good morning to you, Telvar Quartermain and Vandryl Kiyrson.” He pauses after each of your names as if to commit your face to memory.
“I am Keal Kseo, merchant of the Chicane Guild. My fine companion here is Talon. Welcome to Sumberton. May I sit?” At your invitation he joins you. Talon quietly moves to stand with his back to the wall behind Keal.
“You have eaten? Then I would like to get right to business if I may.”
“Two days ago, goblin bandits raided the Chicane Guild caravan carrying spices and bitter fruit bound for Sumberton and eventually Hemyulak. We need them back. My guild is willing to pay you each 200 gold for this recovery operation as well as keeping any treasure found with the bandits that is not part of the shipment or clearly marked as guild property.”
“Questions?”
"Im always up for smashing some goblin heads"
I am definatly willing to get back your property. Where do you suppose that they would have taken it?
I would be foolhardy to go into this situation without asking some questions, though I realize you may not have answers.
Were there any survivors of the raid? Were they able to give you any information about the attackers that we could use (even a "they fled into the woods to the east of the caravan" could help)?
Exactly where did the raid take place? Unless you have an idea of where the goblins may lair, we will need to find the site to track them down.
Do you have a manifest from the shipment? I would hate for a goblin chieftan to have appropriated some unmarked item that we could otherwise return to you.
*assuming no better start location for the search is forthcoming*
We will proceed, honorable merchant, with this task for you with all due haste. Where can we find you upon our return?
So, are we ready?
I can carry quite a lot and still keep moving, but how much supplys are we going to be bringing back, perhaps we should invest in a pack-mule if there is going to be a large load to bring back. IF the party wants to buy one, I will chip in one fifth of the price of a mule and pack saddle.
I can carry quite a lot and still keep moving, but how much supplys are we going to be bringing back, perhaps we should invest in a pack-mule if there is going to be a large load to bring back. IF the party wants to buy one, I will chip in one fifth of the price of a mule and pack saddle.
Aye Valic, that is a reasonable plan. I will also contribute towards a pack mule.
My questions are more or less the same as Vandryl's. Do you know how many goblins there were? How were they armed? Do you you know which goblin tribe carried out the attacks? If there was a survivor, we need to speak with them as soon as possible.
I agree that the site of the raid would be the best place to start the search. We need to get there as quickly as possible.You are right Vandryl, tracking the goblins will be more difficult the longer we wait. It's too bad it rained yesterday, that will definately make tracking the goblins more difficult.
With regards to the mule, I think its more important that we get to the ambush site quickly. As the goblins ambushed an entire caravan, I'm not sure a mule would be sufficent anyways.
As dwarves are not known for their speed, would it be possible for the Chicane Guild to lend us some horses and ponies?
You could send a rider with us to take the horses back as soon as we get to the trailhead. We can walk back once we have defeated the goblins. If we had a way of sending a mesage to you, such as a pigeon, you could send a caravan for your goods.
" I will also fork for the mule, cant have supplies holding me down."
"On the way here (and the way we are returning I believe) we encountered an odd sight...green dragon droppings. What have you heard or might you know about the activities of the green dragons or elves that may be of help to us? You never know when a seemingly simple goblin raid may be more than meets the eye."
"Have there been other goblin raids recently? How do we know it was goblins? If someone saw them, did they have any special markings or clothing? Do we know how organized they seemed or if they had a clear leader?"
|
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
|
I would be foolhardy to go into this situation without asking some questions, though I realize you may not have answers.
Were there any survivors of the raid? Were they able to give you any information about the attackers that we could use (even a "they fled into the woods to the east of the caravan" could help)?
Exactly where did the raid take place? Unless you have an idea of where the goblins may lair, we will need to find the site to track them down.
Do you have a manifest from the shipment? I would hate for a goblin chieftan to have appropriated some unmarked item that we could otherwise return to you.
"A caravan teamster escaped just before he was taken into their lair. He reported well-armed goblins and hobgoblins attacked them and took them to Kurkle Ridge. The lair is underground."
Keal says, "The crates are marked with the Sumberton sigil, a crescent moon and a sheaf of wheat. The crates are heavy, so you'll need some way to bring them out."
|
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
|
*assuming no better start location for the search is forthcoming*
We will proceed, honorable merchant, with this task for you with all due haste. Where can we find you upon our return?
So, are we ready?
Keal says, "When you return come to the Sly Wink and tell the barkeep. He will send word to me."
|
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
|
My questions are more or less the same as Vandryl's. Do you know how many goblins there were? How were they armed? Do you you know which goblin tribe carried out the attacks? If there was a survivor, we need to speak with them as soon as possible.
I agree that the site of the raid would be the best place to start the search. We need to get there as quickly as possible.You are right Vandryl, tracking the goblins will be more difficult the longer we wait. It's too bad it rained yesterday, that will definately make tracking the goblins more difficult.
With regards to the mule, I think its more important that we get to the ambush site quickly. As the goblins ambushed an entire caravan, I'm not sure a mule would be sufficent anyways.
As dwarves are not known for their speed, would it be possible for the Chicane Guild to lend us some horses and ponies?
You could send a rider with us to take the horses back as soon as we get to the trailhead. We can walk back once we have defeated the goblins. If we had a way of sending a mesage to you, such as a pigeon, you could send a caravan for your goods.
"The goblins were well armed and armored, perhaps from the Eyepopper clan. We believe around ten hit the caravan and made off with several crates. You may speak with a caravan teamster who escaped if you wish."
"If you would prefer, we could provide each of you with a light warhorse or warpony with saddle and bags now. And another 50 gp when you return."
|
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
|
"On the way here (and the way we are returning I believe) we encountered an odd sight...green dragon droppings. What have you heard or might you know about the activities of the green dragons or elves that may be of help to us? You never know when a seemingly simple goblin raid may be more than meets the eye."
"Have there been other goblin raids recently? How do we know it was goblins? If someone saw them, did they have any special markings or clothing? Do we know how organized they seemed or if they had a clear leader?"
"Perhaps the recent stirring in the Vaathwood is connected to the hobgoblin raid. When you recover the crates perhaps you will learn more. I believe something evil in the woods is stirring up the elves. Perhaps it is enough to push out some green dragons as well. Where the droppings from young dragons?"
"This raid is the first we know of. One of our caravan teamsters was captured by the hobs and escaped."
"Eyepopper hobgoblins have an eye tattooed on their heads. They paint eyes on their shields. And they smear the eyes of enemies on their tattoo and on their shields."
"The raid was led by a goblin with a dog-like companion. The goblin was lightly armored and wielded a sword and bow."
I am not much for riding horses. I prefer the ground myself, however if all others want to ride then I must.
I would like to buy that mule with saddle bags though in any case.
"bach, no pony will carry a dwarf into battle let alon a dwarf ride a pony into battle."
If, indeed we know the location, then extreme haste is not an issue. My training is in infantry fighting, and I will keep my own feet on the ground.
I think we will take you up on the offer for the pack-mule however, as it will help us in transporting the goods back here upon our return.
EDIT:
"The only advantage to the horses is that we may arrive at this camp in daylight (when the humans can still see) as opposed to late evening and that seems not enough to outweigh the value of the gold we will receive upon the successful completion of our journey."
"The only advantage to the horses is that we may arrive at this camp in daylight (when the humans can still see) as opposed to late evening and that seems not enough to outweigh the value of the gold we will receive upon the successful completion of our journey."
"The goblins were well armed and armored, perhaps from the Eyepopper clan. We believe around ten hit the caravan and made off with several crates. You may speak with a caravan teamster who escaped if you wish."
"If you would prefer, we could provide each of you with a light warhorse or warpony with saddle and bags now. And another 50 gp when you return."
I think you've given us enough information for us to get started. We won't need to speak with the teamster.
If we know where the goblins lair, we don't need to hurry to the ambush scene. Like Vandryl, I do my fighting on the ground, so I won't opt to take the warpony as part of my payment.
We will however, purchase the mule from you.
We should still hurry--15 miles is a long walk any day and there might not be a trail to the goblin's hideout. It would be nice if we could get to it before nightfall.
No marching songs today I'm afraid. Everyone one should keep as quiet as possible.
Could someone else lead the mule? I'm not good with animals.
I think you've given us enough information for us to get started. We won't need to speak with the teamster.
If we know where the goblins lair, we don't need to hurry to the ambush scene. Like Vandryl, I do my fighting on the ground, so I won't opt to take the warpony as part of my payment.
We will however, purchase the mule from you.
We should still hurry--15 miles is a long walk any day and there might not be a trail to the goblin's hideout. It would be nice if we could get to it before nightfall.
No marching songs today I'm afraid. Everyone one should keep as quiet as possible.
Could someone else lead the mule? I'm not good with animals.
I will lead the mule from the back. Perhaps we should get more than one, I would think that 3 would be good, I will offer to take the other two out of my share of the payout.
I will lead the mule from the back. Perhaps we should get more than one, I would think that 3 would be good, I will offer to take the other two out of my share of the payout.
One mule should be enough. We can use it to take back the most valuble items. We can hide the rest and have the Chicane Guild pick them up.
Any more mules are just going to be difficult to control. However, I won't stop you if you really want them.
|
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
|
So, are we ready?
Vandryl's first sight of the temple is awe inspiring. The stone temple is built in a large, imposing rectangle. Its white washed walls gleam and not a speck of dirt or grime can be seen on them.
Each corner of the two story building is capped with burnished steel, reflecting the sun's rays in all directions. The massive roof has steel shutters, open to allow the light inside despite a light rain.
As Vandryl turns to head back to the inn, the clouds open and a ray of sunlight strikes one of the corners. The reflected light bathes him in a warm, pure glow washing away two days of hard travel and grime with purifying light. A rainbow appears above the temple, its light reflected and shattered into colorful rays from all four corners.
Pholtus smiles today.
|
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
|
Keal accepts your offer. He will provide two mules if you wish, as a compromise between one and three, for twenty gp.
He wishes you well and tells you he looks forward to your report when you return with the Chicane Guild's goods.
"May Pholtus walk with you," he says. He takes his leave.
DM--I will post your journey, taking into account your matching order and skill use, as soon as possible. I'll try to get to it this weekend.
My work schedule is different next Mon-Wed so I won't be able to post much but will try to follow up at least once before returning to posts in the morning on Thurs.
|
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
|
Your party heads south from Sumberton. The road gradually crumbles into a rough trail. Scattered hamlets give way to solitary dwellings and even those give way to ruined cabins, slowly being taken back by nature.
When the trail dips into hollows, however, you find remains of an ancient road system better made than even the streets of Sumberton. Rather than cobblestones you find crumbling bricks, in some places so cunningly laid that no mortar was needed as the cracks were so small. Strange that someone would build a road to nearly empty hills.
About three hours into your journey you find tracks of goblins. Several hours old, they change from stealthy maneuvering to a flat out run. The tracks end in a mess of trampled grass and mud in a hollow not too far away.
Nestled at the base of a worn cliff, the hollow consists of a few trees fed by a stream that tumbles in a waterfall over the cliff. Beneath the trees, you see the remains of several slashed open humanoids, probably goblins and hobgoblins. You also see a sack, ripped open, and spilling treasure to the ground.
Alert for the possibility of ambush, you carefully look around before going any further. About seventy feet away, something the size of a large horse moves out from the shadows of the trees.
As tall as a man at the shoulder, the beast is as majestic looking as it is deadly looking. What appears to be a golden brown horse from the hindquarters gradually gives way to golden feathers, sharp talons, and the fierce beak and eyes of a giant eagle.
The creature's beak is smeared with blood. Keeping one beady eye on its surroundings, it plunges its head down with lightening speed to rip a strip of hobgoblin steak out, jerks it head back, and gobbles it down.
The bag near the hobgoblin rips further, spilling gold onto the ground.
DM--the beast hasn't seen you yet. Do you try to back away or do you wish to try some other plan?
What is that thing? Any chance we can make it friendly? Remember, I'm not very good with animals.
I will ready a bless spell, If it starts to move towards us in an aggressive mannor, I will cast it.