Dinpel says "good gumbo, Dinpel share treats, Gumbo thirsty Dinpel share water <put dried rations and cup of water from my skin before the groundhog> Tell me Gumbo, see two legs by that two legs earlier? <indicate the druid who is standing by the dried blood> Dinpel find dried blood there.
“Ooooh, yum yums,” Gumbo waddles over oblivious to the fact that he is talking to a gnome. After taking a few bites, “Two legs? No. Many legs. White legs, Yellow legs.”
To Aradove, she hears Dinpel and the groundhog share squeaks.
Dardin has been in the tavern room of Erian’s Rest for about an hour. He has been occupied listening with interest to a mostly one-sided conversation between two men regarding the guard positioning on the east wall around the mill. To further gain his interest, it looks like a female elf has just purchased them drinks and is about to join them.
Ava sits back finishing the rest of her ale. Shortly after Snell rejoins his companions, the card game apparently ends. The players now make there way to the wall with the target and start throwing axes.
Alair arrives back to check on Ava. "Would ya like another ale, maybe some food? If not, and not to be rude more courteous actually, I might suggest you pay your tab and move on. The day miners will be retuning to the Glen soon from work. They can get feisty. Especially if there is a single, pretty woman such as yerself here." The young dwarf looks kind of nervous.
Dinpel says "good gumbo, Dinpel share treats, Gumbo thirsty Dinpel share water <put dried rations and cup of water from my skin before the groundhog> Tell me Gumbo, see two legs by that two legs earlier? <indicate the druid who is standing by the dried blood> Dinpel find dried blood there.“Ooooh, yum yums,” Gumbo waddles over oblivious to the fact that he is talking to a gnome. After taking a few bites, “Two legs? No. Many legs. White legs, Yellow legs.”
To Aradove, she hears Dinpel and the groundhog share squeaks.
"Dinpel will you tell me what he is saying to you? Does he know any information that will help us? Aradove stops herself, Oh how rude of me I am sorry I will wait until you are finished."
Gumbo, were these yellow legs and white legs male or female? <then will ask "how long ago; this day refering to sun or last; was it bright or dark out.
Gumbo, were these yellow legs and white legs male or female? <then will ask "how long ago; this day refering to sun or last; was it bright or dark out.
Gumbo looks at Dinpel and sniffs a little. "Any more yum yums? Boy? Girl? Don't know. Had funny fir. Some soft, some hard. Come before hot ball when still dark, yellow legs take white legs. More yums yums now?"
"Ho mihillio (halfling term: moderately interesting really tall person), what be you saying of the little demons on the eastern side. If the eriansglenners know they be here then mogilia (halfling term: honor or duty, specificly 'if you don't want to look like a dog's arse) demands you share whay they know so my clansmen can be defending themselves."
Lady Janas finishes with Hallvard and sketches a wave of thanks.
Then she moves over to the two men, leans over to the lumberjack and stretches out a slender hand.
"Thank you for allowing me the pleasure of joining you both. I am the Lady Janas Harturi and I too would like to join this discussion gentleman."
"If you don't mind?"
"Hail aelfin one," I say bowing so deeply the top of my head nearly sweeps the floor, "I was after asking these chatterers what they be saying of goblins on the eastern edges. I'll be takin' your pardon and leave as soon as me gets my answer."
As I stand fully, I catch Lady Janas' eye, and though I can't bury a book in my expression, I try to make it plain there is far more to me than meets the eye.
I turn back to the two men, specifically the one who has been babbling a way like a brook full of rocks, "What say you of the little demons in the fields?"
Dinpel thanks the groundhog and gives a few more nuts and fruits and collects his watercup as they ability fades for the day and returns to Aradove and relates.
Well, keep in mind that groundhogs dont have names for races and dont count or anything like we do, things are more either food or a threat or cover or like that; they are pretty easy going and not that curious as a group.
Anyhow, it was more than two; was several to many; some yellow, some white skinned; some in armor; some not; Gumbo, what the groundhog calls himself, did not notice if they were male or female and doesnt have the scent ability that say your wolf friend does. This all took place last night sometime before sunrise. Thank you again for the dried rations.
Dinpel looks around to ensure nobody like a sneaky git goblin is sneaking up on them; and then looks toward the mill to see if the others are returning; he is holding his loaded xbow and is kneeling to not be too obvious over the grass and motions Aradove to squat a bit to as to not stand out. (I am not sure how high the grass is compared to Dinpel's height, but many wild grasses are nearly as tall as he is so let me know, thanks)
The foreman turns, and you notice that he is wearing a symbol of Fharlanghn around his neck. He recognizes the church affiliation of Shepherd and Memnon, puts on a helpful smile, and says, “Greetings revered, what do I owe this honor and pleasure.” He then bows his head in respect.
Memnon looks at the foreman and bows back to the man "Greetings sir we are looking for a man named Earm the foreman in the front told us we could find him here."
Lady Janas tries to read the halfling, face, book and all the rest. Just a quick impression to decide if it is worthwhile continuing.
Then she turns back to Pleoh and Elne.
"Apologies dear sirs but this halfling's business with you seems to be far more pressing than mine. Enjoy your drinks gentlemen. I shall await your convenience," finishes the Lady with a faint bow.
Memnon looks at the foreman and bows back to the man "Greetings sir we are looking for a man named Earm the foreman in the front told us we could find him here."The foreman turns, and you notice that he is wearing a symbol of Fharlanghn around his neck. He recognizes the church affiliation of Shepherd and Memnon, puts on a helpful smile, and says, “Greetings revered, what do I owe this honor and pleasure.” He then bows his head in respect.
Veirax bows simultaneously with Memnon, studying the foreman's face as the knight introduces them.
"Good foreman, it is an honour to meet one who has placed his faith in the Dweller on the Horizon. I am one of his Errant Shepherds, Veirax Kelten. What was your name, good sir? Wise Fharlanghn has sent us here with our friend Ormod to speak with Earm... Would you be able to tell us where he is, and could we kindly ask to take a moment out of his busy schedule to speak with him?
"If time should permit, and if you and your men should be so inclined, I also would be glad to bestow the blessings of the Far Walker upon you after we have spoken to Earm... one never knows what hazards shall cross one's path in the future, whether near or far, especially in your line of work..."
The shepherd sneezes repeatedly as some of the sawdust drifts to his nostrils... "My apologies..."
Lady Janas tries to read the halfling, face, book and all the rest. Just a quick impression to decide if it is worthwhile continuing.
Then she turns back to Pleoh and Elne.
"Apologies dear sirs but this halfling's business with you seems to be far more pressing than mine. Enjoy your drinks gentlemen. I shall await your convenience," finishes the Lady with a faint bow.
"Nay m'lady, stay and be well, though methinks it was the said same mention of the little demons that drew your finely pointed ear to the table, so it is amatter of interest for you as well, and lo it was you after being invited, and me after barging and all, so your seat takes the precedent over mine."
In response to your sense motive roll, you can detect that the little fellow is no where near half as bad at the common tounge as he puts on, his word choices and patterns are incongruent with that.
"any'rection, <elven>these idiots will never answer my questions anyway, so i'll just listen in, if you don't mind </elven>, me'll be o'er here if you gents care to unburden your souls of the truth"
Pleoh and Elne both watch the Elf / Halfling interaction. Pleoh with curiosity. Elne with annoyance. Then Pleoh speaks, apparently interested in anyone listening to him. “I was telling the good sergeant …”
“Enough,” interrupts Elne. He glowers at Pleoh, “What you are saying is meant for the guard. The guard has listened, and this information will be used accordingly. Then he sternly looks at Dardin, “This matter will be handled. No need to involve yourself.” His face and voice soften slightly as he turns to regard Lady Janas, “My Lady, the drink is appreciated, but I must ask that you leave guard business to me and my superiors.” With this he stands and looks down at the other man, “Pleoh, this matter is discussed, and for tonight closed. Do you understand?”
Pleoh looks up, but then looks away to avoid eye contact, “Ye, Yes, I understand.” He starts to sulk as Elne leaves the tavern.
"Hark now tap keeper, the man forbids the man to speak, so how many hours be there from here to night's middle that we may drink away before his tounge is not so bound."
Translation:
(I am not sure how high the grass is compared to Dinpel's height, but many wild grasses are nearly as tall as he is so let me know, thanks)
The grasses by the river are taller. You are about 100 or so feet to the west. With all of the wagon and worker traffic, the grasses are low and trodden on making many dirt patches
"Hark now tap keeper, the man forbids the man to speak, so how many hours be there from here to night's middle that we may drink away before his tounge is not so bound."
** spoiler omitted **"Hark now tap keeper, the man forbids the man to speak, so how many hours be there from here to night's middle that we may drink away before his tounge is not so bound."
"So far to the fall of 'morrow's morning, and yet so much left unsaid. It seems your curt friend is being after telling you what and how to be, but why not you tell me such as you know so that I may protect me and mine from any harm that may be coming."
I take the now vacated seat, and with a gesture indicate that lady Janas should go ahead and take her place as well.
Memnon looks at the foreman and bows back to the man "Greetings sir we are looking for a man named Earm the foreman in the front told us we could find him here."
"Good foreman, it is an honour to meet one who has placed his faith in the Dweller on the Horizon. I am one of his Errant Shepherds, Veirax Kelten. What was your name, good sir? Wise Fharlanghn has sent us here with our friend Ormod to speak with Earm... Would you be able to tell us where he is, and could we kindly ask to take a moment out of his busy schedule to speak with him?
"If time should permit, and if you and your men should be so inclined, I also would be glad to bestow the blessings of the Far Walker upon you after we have spoken to Earm... one never knows what hazards shall cross one's path in the future, whether near or far, especially in your line of work..."
The shepherd sneezes repeatedly as some of the sawdust drifts to his nostrils... "My apologies..."
The man nods his head politely in greetings to the trio. “May the Far Walker bless you also. If you’re not used to the dust, it sure can hinder your senses. I am Abeodan. You want to speak with Earm? Good lad. Good worker too. Been putting in long days. Pulling lots of lumber these days.” He then turns and shouts above the saws. “Earm. Come here lad.” At the sound of the shout, a young human male stops and looks up. He has a full round head of blond hair with small stubble rounding out his cheeks. He is about six feet tall, tan and well muscled. He has on rough clothing covered in dust and dirt. He bounds over at the call of his supervisor. He looks from Abeodan, then to Memnon and Shepherd. Finally, his gaze turns to confusion and his mouth drops a little as it settles on Ormod. He seems speechless. “Earm, these fine people want to ask you some questions.”
"So far to the fall of 'morrow's morning, and yet so much left unsaid. It seems your curt friend is being after telling you what and how to be, but why not you tell me such as you know so that I may protect me and mine from any harm that may be coming."
I take the now vacated seat, and with a gesture indicate that lady Janas should go ahead and take her place as well.
Diplomacy 18+3=21
The man nods his head politely in greetings to the trio. “May the Far Walker bless you also. If you’re not used to the dust, it sure can hinder your senses. I am Abeodan. You want to speak with Earm? Good lad. Good worker too. Been putting in long days. Pulling lots of lumber these days.” He then turns and shouts above the saws. “Earm. Come here lad.” At the sound of the shout, a young human male stops and looks up. He has a full round head of blond hair with small stubble rounding out his cheeks. He is about six feet tall, tan and well muscled. He has on rough clothing covered in dust and dirt. He bounds over at the call of his supervisor. He looks from Abeodan, then to Memnon and Shepherd. Finally, his gaze turns to confusion and his mouth drops a little as it settles on Ormod. He seems speechless. “Earm, these fine people want to ask you some questions.”
"Thank you, Abeodan. Would you be so kind as to give us a moment alone with Earm? Again, I will be happy to bless your workers afterwards, if such is your wish..."
Veirax leads Earm toward the open south gates, hopefully out of ear shot of anyone else, and also in order to better understand the young man above the din of the saws. He smiles to the lad reassuringly. "Good afternoon to you, Earm. Abeodan has told us how fine a worker you are. I am Veirax Kelten, Errant Shepherd of the Far Walker, and with me is Memnon Varial, Knight of Rutania. We are visiting the mill in the company of our friend, Ormod the Baker, who you seem to recognize. Please do not be alarmed by our presence. We merely hope that you can help us find Ormod's daughter, Estra. If I am not mistaken, Estra is quite fond of you and has been spending quite a bit of time with you... is that correct? Do not fear that I shall pass judgement on you, Earm, for it is not my intention..."
"As I'm sure an honest lad such as yourself will understand, Ormod --loving father that he is -- is concerned for his daughter's welfare. He has not seen her in a while, and we thought you might know where she is... Ormod, is there anything else in particular you might wish to say?"
Well, since I doubt any of our companions speak wolf; perhaps you or I should look to how there doing and bring them back; not sure though; you see them? spot 15+2=17
Lady Janas stares down at the calm situation that is now a perfect mess. Why the secretive attitude of Elne? Why the abrupt end to the carefully engineered situation?
She smiles at both men. "Unfortunately my business proposition seems to conflict with the local guards rule of law. My friends and I could have helped you against the goblins. It is unfortunate Pleoh but under the circumstances I do not wish to get anyone into trouble, myself included."
"Thank you for your time but if your situation changes then perhaps you and I can discuss this at such time. Away from prying eyes," emphasizes the urbane elf.
"However Pleoh the night is young, and perhaps we can become better acquainted now your meeting with Elne is over." She sits and coyly smiles at the lumberjack.
Turning to the halfling she ends with a gentle grin,"I missed your name in the suddenness of your welcome. Perhaps we can start slowly with that? And a little of yourself for added colour, please."
After Ava wonders around the city for a few hours she comes upon a place called Oakleaf Inn. She decides that it looks like an interesting place and head in. As she walks in she sees an elf see reconizes from the caravan, she only saw her for a minute then but she is good with faces. Near the elf is a halfling raving on rather loudly about some kind of demons or whatnot.
For Dm:
I stand up on the chair, bringing myself to the hight of a rather short human teenager, "I," I begin with a flourish, "am Dardin, of the Undafoot clan, Grun of the Brakmugrra Vendo." It would all seem very imperial if not for the uncontrollable wriggling of my nose and whiskers which make it seem as though you are learning history from a preposterously tall field mouse.
"I am bound by duty an honor to combat the Night Horrors, among which are the little demons you tall folk call goblins, and I do so in the most ancient of traditions, binding eldritch fire and arcane anger to my will."
Stepping up fully onto the table, the top of my head nearly cresting six feet, "and lo, though I am but an 'Afling, and not so very close to any of you, I have sought shelter in eriansglen many a time, and so mogillia is clear, for thine walls are thine and you have welcomed me as a friend, so into an honor clan we have come. So if indeed little demons lay in evil intent upon your fields and forests, then brothers I shall aid to root them out."
A look around for a moment, wondering if anyone might applaude, which of course they do not. So instead I slump into my chair again, my lips barely even with the table top. "Tapkeeper, a few pillows please if you will, or one of the high stools from the bar, I fear the glass that looks down on me as the lesser being."
"And hail, what is this, another hearty soul armed in the street of eriansglen, come m'lady," he says towards Ava, "come be known to us, so that we three may rid the Pleoh of his fears as only hearty hearts can. And when the songs be sung of us, they can mention how two such as ye were seen with the noble and handsome Dardin ko'Brakmugrra."
Ava walks over to the halfling and says in pleasent voice " Hello Dardin, my name is Ava. It is a pleasure to meet you. Who is your elven friend? What is all the uproar about?" Ava stares kindly at her new halfling acquaintance as she wonders why is this group of people so agitated.
She looks to the bar the and signs to the barkeep for something to drink. After wondering for such awhile she was quit thirsty. Ava decides to pull up a chair and have a seat. She has a feeling she'll be here for a little while.
For Dragonmann/Dardin:
Pleoh looks at the three people that are occupying the three seats that were empty a moment ago. Enamored by Lady Janas and energized by Dardin he says, “Well, I guess general information about the situation couldn’t hurt.” He moves in a little to whisper to his new companions. “I have a dwarf friend who watches on the east wall at night. Goblin activity seems to be increasing, so he says. Now, the mill is on the east side. I co-own the mill and know that it is important to the Glen. Meaning, it would be a good target for the filthy devils. Horrors, as you call them. I want extra guards on the east wall, but that Elne thinks I am just paranoid and looking after my own interests. I tell ya though, them devils are up to something.” During the discussion, Dardin gets his pillows and Ava gets her drink.
"Thank you, Abeodan. Would you be so kind as to give us a moment alone with Earm? Again, I will be happy to bless your workers afterwards, if such is your wish..."Veirax leads Earm toward the open south gates, hopefully out of ear shot of anyone else, and also in order to better understand the young man above the din of the saws. He smiles to the lad reassuringly. "Good afternoon to you, Earm.
Abeodan nods his head, “Glad to be of service, and a blessing is always welcome.” he smiles at you with another nod.
Earm listens intently, but then in a rush of words, “Is Estra OK? Is she missing? The last time I saw her was last night. She usually waits for me to finish work, and then I walk her home. With all of this lumber, I have been working past dark. When Estra wasn’t in her spot last night, I assumed she walked home in fear of being too late to be home. When I didn‘t see her today, I was worried, but I assumed she got in trouble and was not able to visit. I was going to check on her when I left here today. Please tell me she is ok.” His head shifts to each of you. He carries a worried look as if his mind is going in crisis. Ormod stands there in shock.
Well, since I doubt any of our companions speak wolf; perhaps you or I should look to how there doing and bring them back; not sure though; you see them? spot 15+2=17
You see Memnon, Shepherd, and Ormod talking to a young man just outside the south side doors of the mill.
Memnon can see that this young man truly cares about this girl and maybe Dinpels paranoia might not be all that misplaced after all.
"Can you show us where she usually waits for you? We have some experienced trackers in our group and they might be able to see if she left a trail last night."
"Armed? me no I am safe here in the Glen. Such weapons as I carried on the caravan are merely part of my elven heritage,"
"Madam, any friend of Dardin's is most welcome at the table. We are swopping stories and histories my dear," adds the elf.
"In fact it is the others on the last journey who are far more able to handle the likes of bandits and goblins. I know of two woodland warriors, scouts and spellcasters of nature. Plus two church officials of the Far Wanderer, each equally capable of handling danger and one very able to heal its various hurts. Beyond that there are other mercenaries and magicians to be called on. The last caravan blessed Erian's Glen and possibly you - Pleoh?"
Dinpel scans the countryside for encroaching trouble and tries to note anyone from the mill that is covertly taking interest or perhaps running off as if to tell the supposed goblins of this development. spot 15+2=17 and wonders if the others will be joining them or if they should wave and get there attention, but decides to wait and watch for trouble.
"Well pleoh, rest assured there will be more eyes upon the eastern wall this night, at least two, and maybe six," I glance at the two ladies nearly as comely as I, "now best you be tottering off before your guard friend decides you have breached his edict and puts you in the cage."
Assuming he does totter off, I glance around checking the bars for other elvish ears, if I don't see any,
I ask Ava, <elvish>"Speak elvish?"</elvish> Quietly, <elvish>"Sorry to seem so puffed up, but most of them will think I am a drunk idiot now, which is better cover than not being seen at all in a place like this. I am not sure what brought each of you to eriansglen, but methinks it would be wise of us to be wondering round-about to the eastern wall to see what the goblins may be up to. It concerns me greatly that the watchman seems unconcerned at all."</elvish>
Returning to my normal tone, "And yes ladies, it is possible for one such as me to entertain two such as you, so finish you drinks and food if you wish, and lets be off for a demonstration."
Lady Janas sits patiently awaiting Ava's and Pleoh's thoughts on her question.
"Dardin if you wish to go, go, I for one am enjoying the company of Pleoh and am yet to hear what your friend has to say for herself," encourages Lady Janas.
Lady Janas sits patiently awaiting Ava's and Pleoh's thoughts on her question.
"Dardin if you wish to go, go, I for one am enjoying the company of Pleoh and am yet to hear what your friend has to say for herself," encourages Lady Janas.
Dinpel scans the countryside for encroaching trouble and tries to note anyone from the mill that is covertly taking interest or perhaps running off as if to tell the supposed goblins of this development. spot 15+2=17 and wonders if the others will be joining them or if they should wave and get there attention, but decides to wait and watch for trouble.
"Ethelwulf should have been back with Erian by now. I think something may be wrong." Aradove lets out a high pitched whistle for Ethelwulf. Ethelwulf comes running back from the mill towards Aradove but he is alone.
Seeing the druid's wolf acting a bit odd, then running off suddenly, Erian stows his pen and paper and leads Sherwyn after the wolf. Seeing his two companions, he calls out, "Nothing out of sorts over there. Were you in need of me?"
Seeing the druid's wolf acting a bit odd, then running off suddenly, Erian stows his pen and paper and leads Sherwyn after the wolf. Seeing his two companions, he calls out, "Nothing out of sorts over there. Were you in need of me?"
"Oh thank you so much for noticing Ethelwulf. Dinpel has found some unusual things over here and Etherwulf has been unable to pick up a scent or a track. We found some blood and what appears to be a clump of blond hair. Dinpel spoke with a groundhog and found out some interesting information. I will let him tell you what he found out."
"Oh thank you so much for noticing Ethelwulf. Dinpel has found some unusual things over here and Etherwulf has been unable to pick up a scent or a track. We found some blood and what appears to be a clump of blond hair. Dinpel spoke with a groundhog and found out some interesting information. I will let him tell you what he found out."
At the indication of a possible trail of blood, Erian inspects the area. He obviously possesses some skill at tracking, carefully investigating the area, noting how it would be in its "natural" state, then looking for variations caused by anyone (or anything) moving through the area. At the site marked by blood, he looks for footprints, scraps of material, and any other evidence that might give him some idea as to what happened here.
Maybe you should check a bit farther out; we have been over this area with a fine tooth comb and might have messed up the scent and tracks by now; the tracks should be sometime before sunrise this morning and here is the blood; (read back for what I related earlier as I will say about the same thing about the yellow and white legs)
Ava looks at the elf and Pleol, and says "I don't mean to be a bother. When I was invited to sit, I thought this was a friendly conversation. After I listened to you talk, I realize something serious is going on. I aslo realize that you need help and I'm in the process of looking for work. I would be glad to help in any way I can. That is, if you will let me help."
Ava sits back after she respondes to the elf waiting to see how she will reply. She hopes that they will accept her help.
"Can you show us where she usually waits for you? We have some experienced trackers in our group and they might be able to see if she left a trail last night."
Earm, looking distraught, says, "Yes, of course. Any thing to help." He starts leading you in a southern direction. You notice Dinpel, Aradove, Ethelwulf, and Erian up ahead, in the direction that the boy is taking you.
Dinpel scans the countryside for encroaching trouble and tries to note anyone from the mill that is covertly taking interest or perhaps running off as if to tell the supposed goblins of this development. spot 15+2=17 and wonders if the others will be joining them or if they should wave and get there attention, but decides to wait and watch for trouble.
Dinpel notices nothing unusual. After a few moments of watching, you see Memnon, Shepherd, Ormod, and a young man coming in your direction.
Upon searching, Erian comes to the assumption that whoever was here must have covered their tracks.
Erian regards the area for a moment, then says over his shoulder (in a voice that bespeaks someone still lost in thought), "Whoever was here worked to cover their tracks. No easy task, so probably familiar with woodslore. I need to check around the entire perimeter--could take an hour or so...maybe faster, or at least more thorough, with Aradove and Ethelwulf helping."
Beyond that there are other mercenaries and magicians to be called on. The last caravan blessed Erian's Glen and possibly you - Pleoh?"
Pleoh looks around the table at the exchange. Confusion sets in when the elegant elven language is spoken, especially by the Halfling. Then the calming voice of Lady Janas comforts him though, “Mercenaries, Magicians? Don’t know much about magic, but there are always explorers coming through. Especially now with the winter thaw in the north. Always wantn’ to check out The Vines or the Skywards. Them explorers usually have a mage of two, along with toughs with swords and stuff. But evn’ with out them, the Glen is well protected. Well with the druids and rangers. And then there’s Putnam Rand and his clerics, the guard of course, cant forget about them. Well then you have good ol’ Gifre over at Dashes & Dust. His potions and the like are real popular with them explorer types. Also, a little known secret. I know because I sell him special wood, but he usually doesn’t make a business of sellin’ his stuff at market. That would be Kolli, I‘m speaking of . He’s a mage. He buys wood from me to make staffs and such. I guess the Glen is well protected, now that I think about it, and this caravan brought a lot of good folk. Like you three I guess.”