The Half-Orc looks sideways at the Knight and takes the offered weapons. “Thank you,” he says, somewhat confused by the pointy sticks. He is quiet as he rolls the weapons around in his bruised hands, studying the weapons‘ design. The chaffed scars on his wrists are clearly visible as he moves the weapons about. For a moment, his forehead crinkles in thought. Then, just as quickly, the crinkles disappear and the Half-Orc lets out a sigh as he looks back at the Knight. “I am zorry. I remember nozziiing. I woke up in ze cave. Now, I am here.”
His head straightens again, and he begins to restudy the weapons. Then he takes one and attempts to stab the air with it. “Iz thiiz how it iiiz uzed? Zeemz to light to hurt goblinzzz like thiis.” He stabs the air again then looks at the Knight with confusion.
Galen pulls another javelin from behind his back, takes aim at a large tree, and throws.
"I use them as a way to keep enemies at bay. But here, let me show you."
He pulls padding from his pack to cover the weapons and begins some basic attack and defense drills with the half-orc, hoping muscle memory will come into play.
The Half-Orc watches the javelin slice through the air and punch deeply into the tree. His eyes go wide at the weapon’s effectiveness. Then he looks down at the same weapons in his hands, “Wow! Now I zee. Very uzeful like that.”
Galen and the Half-Orc then spend additional time working on other uses with a javelin. “Zu are very guud wiith thiz weapon. I thank you for your training. I will uze thiiz weapon up close, but I have zomething zpecial for goblinzzz farther away. I will zhow you next time. Thank you again for the loan. When we get to Keeperz Dale, I will return theze.”
As the pair continue their trek South, the Half-Orc holds one of the javelins in front of him. As he walks, he practices the maneuvers that Galen just went over with him. “I think I am getting ze hang of theeeze.”
For Bri, Tuon and Creed.
After a long night of drinking with several members of the caravan buying drinks for the halfling and the two brother the wagons loaded up and headed east towards the city again.
On the morning of their second day of travel the city appears on the horizon. Just south of Keepers Dale a large waterfall thunders off the cliffs that form the east wall of the city and disappears in a large canyon running north along the mountains under the city wall. The two huge gates sit open with travelers and wagons passing under the watchful eyes of the Gilead troops above them.
As the wagons stop just outside the gates the four new companions bid farewell to their short lived employers.
For Galin and \*^-/
After a long days walk the two companions pass through Millvale, the lumber and mining camp north of Keepers Dale and arrive at the west gate as a large caravan pulls up.
Galen observes the caravan with a knowing eye.
"All of the fresh goods in the city mean you should be able to find what you need, and probably won't get gouged too badly. The people of Keepers Dale are pretty tolerant in general, but not everyone will treat a half-orc with respect. I'll take you to some of the more reputable shops in town. Do you have money, or will you be looking for work here?"
"All of the fresh goods in the city mean you should be able to find what you need, and probably won't get gouged too badly. The people of Keepers Dale are pretty tolerant in general, but not everyone will treat a half-orc with respect. I'll take you to some of the more reputable shops in town. Do you have money, or will you be looking for work here?"
The Half-Orc nods his head in acknowledgement of his race. When the mention of money comes up his mouth drops open a little bit, "I have nozzing," he says in a tired sigh. "Just my clothez and your javelinzzz. I should return theze now that we are near the zity. Thank you for your kindnezzz." At this, the Half-Orc extends the javelins in both hands open palms up for the Knight to take.
After the Knight takes his weapons back, the Half-Orc goes on to say, "My goal now iz to find work."
The Half-Orc then puts on a face of determination and pride. He stands up tall and puffs his chest out. While waiting in line to enter the city, he says, "Vy will find work. Buy zome weaponzz. Then I go back to the mountainzz and get my anzwerz."
"Where to, my friends? I would like to break my fast soon." Creed takes a deep breath and admires the waterfall and enjoys the morning air.
For Bri, Creed, and Tuon
York walk up on the way to the gate, "If you guys are looking for work a good place to start is at the Giant Skull, it is a tavern in Demons Gate. If someone is looking for some muscle they look there first."
For Bri
York walk up on the way to the gate, "If you guys are looking for work a good place to start is at the Giant Skull, it is a tavern in Demons Gate. If someone is looking for some muscle they look there first."
The Half-Orc's ears perk up when a soldier close by mentions possible work opportunities. He then turns his head to speak to Galen, "Giant Zkull Tavern, Demonzzz Gate, do you know vhere it iiz?"
Tuon keeps behind Creed and Bri and seems happy to soak in the city's sights and sounds.
"I know of the Giant's Skull. I was never allowed to go there. Let me put on something less conspicuous. A swordstar wouldn't really be welcome there, and I wouldn't want to go in proclaiming it. Since it seems those folks are looking for the same place, I can guide all of you there."
Galen goes to the three adventurers in line at the city gates.
"I couldn't help but overhear. Would you like a guide to the Giants Skull? It's a rough neighborhood, and there's safety in numbers."
"I couldn't help but overhear. Would you like a guide to the Giants Skull? It's a rough neighborhood, and there's safety in numbers."
"Rough neighborhood! Haw! I'd suspect so if it's behind a Demon's Gate. You can lead me anywhere so long as it's to my breakfast, yeah?" Says the big man with the greatsword strapped to his back. "Name's Creed," he says with a slight bow. "Yours?"
"Well met. I am Sir Galen Kranath. It appears you had some trouble on the journey. Not any more than usual, I trust. If it's breakfast you desire, I know of places far more suitable than the Giant's Skull. We can head there after our meal. Your friends look like thye could use a meal as well."
As he points to Bri and Tuon, Galen whispers to the half-orc, "Your meal will be taken care of, have no worries about scrubbing dishes your first day in Keepers Dale."
The Half-Orc watches wide-eyed as the big man introduces himself. He stays behind Galen, allowing the Knight to do all of the talking.
The Half-Orc nods when the Knight turns to him and offers a meal. With the city so close, the sight of newly roused fires and the smell of smoky meats and hearty breads make him realize how long it has been since he was with Cort eating a fine meal. 'I really am hungry,' he thinks to himself.
"Well met. I am Sir Galen Kranath. It appears you had some trouble on the journey. Not any more than usual, I trust. If it's breakfast you desire, I know of places far more suitable than the Giant's Skull. We can head there after our meal. Your friends look like thye could use a meal as well."
"Hmm? Oh, them! Haw! I suppose I was never taught good manners. This fair maiden is Bri, and this fellow is Tuon. His brother Roderick is over there." Says Creed, pointing each person out in turn after it becomes apparent that no one is going to introduce themselves to the newcomers.
The Half-Orc watches wide-eyed as the big man introduces himself. He stays behind Galen, allowing the Knight to do all of the talking.
Addressing the Half-Orc in a friendly manner, "And you? By what name are you called? Haw! Never mind! I bet I can guess some of the names you've been called! What name were you given? That's the better question, yeah?"
Addressing the Half-Orc in a friendly manner, "And you? By what name are you called? Haw! Never mind! I bet I can guess some of the names you've been called! What name were you given? That's the better question, yeah?"
The Half-Orc backs up a step, taken back for a moment by the big man's forwardness. Then the Half-Orc comes to the conclusion that this is just his way and realizes that he is actually being quite friendly. "Greetingzzzz, I am zorry, but I know not who I am. I met Zir Galen on ze road, now I am here. Shortly before zat, I have no memory."
"Greetingzzzz, I am zorry, but I know not who I am. I met Zir Galen on ze road, now I am here. Shortly before zat, I have no memory."
Creed's mouth drops open in response, momentarily speechless. After a few seconds, he remembers himself and says, with a broadening smile, "Breakfast and a good story, yeah? This morning keeps getting better n' better!"
Fair Tuon puts a hand on his brother's shoulder and nods. He knows that Roderick not been himself since the worg attack.
Tuon whispers seriously, "new city, Keepers Dale is our chance to forget the past. New people to help us forget. Come on Rod. It was just another wolf."
Then the warrior begins to scan the crowds and keep an experienced eye out for trouble. He knows that his looks can get Tuon into trouble. Its happened before and it will happen again.
"Breakfazzzt, Yezz. Ztory? Vy wish I knew." The Half-Orc says this with a smile though. It seems the large man's demeanor is infectious and instead of thinking about past and future, the Half-Orc is concentrating on the present. He is currently with companions and is prepared to have his belly filled. He looks over at the Knight and smiles, "Zir Galen, pleazze lead ze way."
Galen heads off through the city, describing points of interest along the way, mostly sticking to the military history of the city.
"These new walls were improved after the major goblin attack 17 years ago. At the time they were able to breach the walls fairly early in the siege, and many townsfolk were slain.
That well over there? It's actually a passage to the Underdark. See all the guardposts around? It was the site of a drow incursion shortly after the founding of Keepers Dale. Sealing it off didn't seem to make much sense, since a new tunnel could be dug anywhere. Instead, a memorial to those who died was built in the form of a well, and it's used as a way to get to the guardposts down below.
Ths here is where a Demon from the peak came all the way into the city, before a pair of Pelorian clerics sacrificed themselves, allowing the city watch to finish them off. That's why they call it Demon's Gate."
"Giant's Skull is a couple of blocks down that way. But we'll eat breakfast here at the Lion's Head. Not the poshest of inn's, but the food is solid, and Marune is good company. As soldiers, we weren't allowed through the Demon's Gate in our off-duty time, but some of us would come down here just as a way to see how far we could push things. This was about it."
Creed listens patiently to Sir Galen as the later recites the history of the city.
"Pelorites, yeah? Sacrificed themselves did you say? Good for them--that shows courage! What of Kord? Is there a temple or proving grounds or coliseum for the Strong One in Keeper's Dale?"
"Most of the temples are found in Wellhall, so I would look there first. I do believe there is a temple to Kord there, and they occasionally put on displays in the city park nearby. Wrestling, displays of strength, that sort of thing, mostly during festival days."
For DM:
"How do they treat ugly faced warriors or half-orcs in here, Galen? My guess is No Name and I may face trouble. I wouldn't want that."
Tuon's face goes hard like flint. Bri sees the natural warmth go out of his eyes.
The Half-Orc looks at Tuon, then turns to Galen. With his hands up, palms forward, he shakes his hands, "Vy want no trouble. At least not in ze zity."
"Look around you. This city is a trading crossroads, and we get all kinds of folk here. I've even heard rumors of half-fiends from the Demon Wastes living in the city, although I've never seen one myself. There shouldn't be a problem based on how you look. Keep it civilized, and you ought to be all right."
"So my face shouldn't be a problem but my manners may be. I can do friendly and peaceable."
"Just hope the demons don't have a thing against half-orcs or ugly scars."
Tuon scans the crowds as he walks and talks.
"Vy will do my best to be zivilized, but vy cannot change how I look. And vy do not mean my razzze."
Looking at the Half-Orc it is easy to determine that his ripped scraps of clothing covered in dirt and blood that barely cover his scarred body does not look very good in a civilized community. Between that and the obvious odor of his body, he most likely seems quite repulsive.
"Look No Name or can I call you .... Scardd, until we find that name of yours? Tuon grips the half-orc on his shoulder.
"Your looks and smell mean nothing to me. It's what's on the inside that matters and only time will tell..."
He points down at the halfling. "This one is as brave as a lion and you only find that out from battle. Bri - here has the makings of a seven foot tall hero."
"So Scardd if you watch out for these, they will do the same for you."
The man called Tuon suddenly grabs the shoulder of the Half-Orc. The fiery haired half-breed looks shocked at first until the words he speaks sinks in. The Half-Orc then just looks directly at Tuon and says, “When you zee me in battle, Vy will zhow you my bravery. When a tazk izzz at hand, Vy zee it through. Vy will watch out for you, Tuon.” Then the Half-Orc looks at the rest of the party in turn, “And you, Bri. And you, Roderick. And you, Creed.” Finally, with a short pause he turns to the Knight, “And you, Galen. Who hazzz brought me here for a fresh ztart.”
Then the Half-Orc looks back at Tuon. Then down at his mutilated body. Then back to Tuon again and smiles, “Zcardd fits. I will uzzze it for now. Call me Zcardd until I get my anzwerz.”
Then Scardd looks at the party as a whole, “Letzzz eat.”
Then Scardd looks at the party as a whole, “Letzzz eat.”
"I thought you'd never say so!" Says Creed with a broad smile that only gets bigger as he surveys the motley crew he is now a part of.
By Kord! Creed thinks, You never know what you find. I thought this place was the end of my road.
Roderick turns to Tuon and mumbles, "Breakfast is fine brother, but lets be on our way then. Being in this city with all of these people is already putting me in a bad mood. I need to be on the road again. The quicker we find work and are back out of this city, the better."
Then turning to Bri and pointing a figure down at the Halfling, "And remember, if there is bread on my plate, it is mine."
Then, as he walks towards the Lion’s Head, he pulls Tuon a little to the side and whispers in his ear.
response to Roderick and DM only
Then turning to Bri and pointing a figure down at the Halfling, "And remember, if there is bread on my plate, it is mine."
Bri looks towards Roderick and gives him a little devilish look. "How do you know it wasn't mine to begin with accidentally got put on the wrong plate, things like that happen you know." Bri looks at Tuon and Creed and give them both a smile. She then takes a closer look at the new companions and nods in approval. "Well before we get a bit to eat there is some err ahh shopping that I need to get done."
Bri takes off before she can hear anyone object to her going.
While walking down the street Bri finds an over confident man walking with his belt pouch half open, she runs ahead down the street so that she is not seen by the man. She then starts to walk towards him. She pretends to be looking down as she walks right into him. She turns and looks up at him "Sorry mister I should have watch were I was going."
For DM:
** spoiler omitted **
For Galen
While walking down the street Bri finds an over confident man walking with his belt pouch half open, she runs ahead down the street so that she is not seen by the man. She then starts to walk towards him. She pretends to be looking down as she walks right into him. She turns and looks up at him "Sorry mister I should have watch were I was going."
The well dress human looks down and a sneer forms on his lips "Watch where you are going you little street urchin." Pushing you out of the way he stomps off down the street oblivious to your thieving hands.
"Nicely done, I was just about to do that my self." Behind you is a black haired elf looking down at you.
"If you want to continue with this line of work come to this place tomorrow night." He passes you a piece of paper and quickly disappears into the crowd.
Note
Bri looks towards Roderick and gives him a little devilish look. "How do you know it wasn't mine to begin with accidentally got put on the wrong plate, things like that happen you know."
With his finger still extended, his eyes widen with an incredulous look at the Halfling's statement. Then he just shakes his head, swats the air in front of him while turning away from her, and mumbles to no one in particular, "Halflings." He turns around a moment later and sees her moving down the street. "Now where's she going?" he asks.
She can look after herself, Rod.
For everyone but Bri
Entering the Lions Head a larger women walks up to the group, "Galen my boy I heard you have left the Swordstars, they will definitely miss you."
Marune looks at the group behind Galen a smile that doesn't reach her eyes crosses her face. "And who are your companions?"