The Age of Worms consumes the Realms
Group Composition:
(for quick and easy reference)
: Mikel Cormaeril - Male Human Martial Rogue.
: Greylan Mooneye - Male Elf Wizard
: Hetta Smallbrow - Female Halfling Druid
: Jeny - Female Human Barbarian.
Background Information:
Daggerford has always been a peaceful, prosperous town but recently things have started to take a turn for the worse. Nearly two years ago, unknown assassins poisoned the Duke of Daggerford, Pwyll “Greatshout” Daggerford, his sister,Lady Bronwyn, and his bastard brother, Lord Llewellyn Longhand, leaving the duchy without an heir. (Luzane Parrin’s late husband died in the same incident.) The perpetrator(s) were never caught. Soon thereafter, the Town Council met and elected Lanod Ondabar of Irieabor, the little-known brother of the wellrespected Delfen “Yellowknife” Ondabarl, as governor-mayor. Rumors suggest that the Town Council settled on Lanod Ondabarl as a compromise candidate and lesser evil in lieu of Balabar Smenk, guildmaster of the local mine owners and all around corrupt, unpleasant man.
As governor-meneral, Lanod quickly appointed his old adventuring companion, Cubbin, as sheriff and began selling political favors from the former duke’s castle to the highest bidder. In less than 24 months, the once-proud town of Daggerford has become synonymous with vice and exploitation, to the frustration of Sherlen Spearslayer (human female, Captain of the Garrison). Long-established businesses have been sold, their owners forced out by “new investors” allied with Lanod and Cubbin.
In conscious imitation of the Lords of Waterdeep, the identities of the 23-member Town Council of Daggerford are nominally secret except to each other, but “everyone” knows the roster includes the town’s guildmasters and most prominent clerics.
You have all been in the Daggerford area for long enough to have witnessed this decline and have gotten fairly tired of it.
And with that said, play begins..
Today is market day in the town of Daggerford and whilst more established businesses have been bought out by "new investors" the spirit of the local market vendors has yet to be quashed. Every fiveday and tenday of each ride the marketplace fills with farmers and small merchants selling their wares. Today is no different, ten of the stalls in the market square are already filled, A lot of smalltime merchants from outlying areas are visiting today, a lot of them selling similar wares leading to a competative enviroment. Sellers call out to any who will listen, claiming that their wares and only theres are the cheapest and of the best quality, creating quite a frenzy of buying amongst citizens looking for a good deal.
No fewer than three merchants are selling jerky and trail foodstuffs today, each trying to capitalise on the number of people in Daggerford who are planning trips away from the corrupt town. Another competitive area of sale is religious items, three purveyors of items linked to the dieties are all claiming that only their products will guarentee a close link to the Gods and offering hope to the depressed populace. The other four stalls are filled with an eclectic selection of merchandise; barding and pet supplies, fruits and vegetables, shields and crafting tools.
This is where you come in, buying, selling, come out to gossip or just out for a stroll you all come across the thriving market.
Taking in a deep breath and looking about the market place, , Jeny is wondering to herself what adventures today will uncover.
Hetta dislikes the market day, but knows it is a necessary evil. The crowds are just too much, especially for the diminutive druid.
Letting her large dog, Hugh, make a path, she makes her way to a fruit stand and starts examining the wares with a practiced eye.
Greylan moves between the carts and stalls, spending most of his time with the fresh fruits and vegetables. Picking up a particularly sweet smelling fruit, Chit-Chat comes to life, excitedly grinding her teeth together in anticipation.
"How much for this?"
Greylan exchanges a few copper for the apple, and begins to clean it on his shirt.
Chit-Chat looks at him expectingly, as he searches his pockets for his dagger. "Damn. I must have left it at the bar last night. Sorry girl, I'm going to have to get new one first"
Greylan moves over to the crafting supplies stall, looking about at the wares displayed. "Good morning, I'm just looking for a small blade, I seem to have misplaced mine. Any little knife will do."
Greylan moves between the carts and stalls, spending most of his time with the fresh fruits and vegetables. Picking up a particularly sweet smelling fruit, Chit-Chat comes to life, excitedly grinding her teeth together in anticipation.
"How much for this?"
Greylan exchanges a few copper for the apple, and begins to clean it on his shirt.Chit-Chat looks at him expectingly, as he searches his pockets for his dagger. "Damn. I must have left it at the bar last night. Sorry girl, I'm going to have to get new one first"
Hetta recognizes the elf and the rat from the bar last night coming up to the fruit stand, but he doesn't seem to have noticed her.
As he starts to move away, she calls over the crowd, "Greylan, right?"
"Oh hey Hetta! I didn't see you dow..err...over there! See anything interesting at the market?
We just love fresh fruit, so I try and pick some up early enough at the market. I can't seem to find my little blade though." Greylan notices Hetta's eyes move to his side, and the hilt of his rapier. "Oh not that thing. I need to cut this apple up for Chat. She won't eat it any other way."
As if on cue, Mikel appears, "Someone ask for a dagger? Hmm, let me see, do I have one?" he says with mock seriousness. "Oh yes! Give that here, Grey' " he says holding out his other hand for the apple, with dagger ready to cut a slice off.
"Oh hey Hetta! I didn't see you dow..err...over there! See anything interesting at the market?
We just love fresh fruit, so I try and pick some up early enough at the market. I can't seem to find my little blade though." Greylan notices Hetta's eyes move to his side, and the hilt of his rapier. "Oh not that thing. I need to cut this apple up for Chat. She won't eat it any other way."
Hetta pulls her small knife from her belt. "Here, I can cut that for her.
"I'm just here to pick up some food -- eating in the taverns all the time gets too expensive. And I need some supplies for Hugh," she adds, indicating the large husky.
"Oh well, it seems we have an embarrassment of knives," chuckles the young swashbuckler. "The fruit is all yours to slay, Hetta."
"Whoa, hey Mikel. I haven't had this many knives pointed at me since last week's incident at the Chateau with that 'merchant'. Who knew he was married! Remember that!"
Greylan takes a look at the proffered blades. "Well, whichever blade is cleanest, I guess. Go for it.
I really would like to get my blade back though. It's my lucky one. You know, the one that helped me win the dagger throwing contest."
Greylan turns to Hetta: "I never thought Mikel would let me live that one down. He's a good sport, and with a little practice could be as good a shot as me!"
Hetta laughs. "Mikel, what a surprise. It's good to see familiar faces in the crowd, even if we only met last night." She cuts the apple and holds out a piece to Chit-Chat.
"Oh thanks!" replies Mikel ironically to his wizard friend, "Well, maybe the two of us should fence at some point. Maybe I can teach you something." All of which is said with his usual mixture of humour and mock-epic.
"Not a worry, Hetta," he adds sheathing his dagger. "I think my blade might be a bit greasy for Chat's liking."
Chit-Chat greedily accepts the piece of fruit, and Greylan does the same, offering the other pieces to his friends.
In between chewing and with a sly smirk: "And I think I could teach you a few things about fencing as well. The first lesson being that it's a good way to get hurt. I prefer to keep a distance. It's a lot harder to get stabbed that way. I happen to have invented fencing at a distance. It's called archery. Have I ever shown you my bow? And no, that's not a euphemism."
Greylan chuckles, amused at himself, and gently offers the last piece of the apple to Hugh, who is waiting patiently for his turn.
"Have you guys seen anything interesting at market today? It seems pretty same old, same old, but you never know!"
"Have I ever shown you my bow? And no, that's not a euphemism."
Hetta chokes momentarily on her piece of apple.
Greylan chuckles, amused at himself, and gently offers the last piece of the apple to Hugh, who is waiting patiently for his turn.
Hugh sniffs at the apple, then looks to Hetta. Hetta says a word in Halfling, and Hugh wolfs down the treat. "Thank you," she says to Greylan.
"Have you guys seen anything interesting at market today? It seems pretty same old, same old, but you never know!"
Hetta looks about. "No, nothing in particular other than you three. But crowds aren't my best environment."
The Cormyran rolls his eyes at the elf, but laughs at his 'bow' joke and Hetta's reaction. "Of course, you probably have a few years practice over me with that sapling. I prefer a sturdy crossbow; hand it to man and he can use it within minutes. Preferably not on oneself!" he says.
Greylan laughs too, and acquiesces: "Well, it's probably for the best that we can't test our little theories. Not since they banned public archery demonstrations! I still say it was an accident!"
Looking around for a moment at the throng of people, Greylan brings the group in a little closer."I noticed that they seem to be implementing some kind of barter system at the crafting booths. Hardly a coin is transferred for the goods that are given out. Whatever they're trading must be worth the cost. Take a look guys, discretely, just watch for a few minutes. How can they be so obvious?"
"Yeah obvious..." says Mikel uncertainly, "What?" he adds in puzzlement.
"Well, something's up there, for sure. It could just be a frequent buyer program, you know, buy one get the rest free. Maybe you just need to be the right person. Why don't you go up and take a look? No need to be obvious. Maybe ask about their special payment options."
Greylan winks at his friend, fully immersed in this game they play.
With a sigh, Mikel goes over to one of the booths. He briefly thinks about asking Greylan what on Toril he should be asking about, but doesn't want to appear even more dense than he already has.
With a broad beam, he goes over to one merchant and says, "Well met, how goes it today?"
Greylan moves in closer to Hetta, whispering: "This is going to be good. Watch".
When Mikel turns round to check, Greylan quickly breaks from the whisper, and provides an innocent beaming smile to coax his friend in the task.
Hetta tends to Hugh for some made-up task while trying to keep an inconspicuous watch on Mikel.
Jeny standing out of the way, watching the suspicious market stall with obvious disdain for the "sneaky" activities going on, spots a somewhat out of place looking human now talking with the merchant.
i don't like this, sneaky behavior
The two men running the crafting stall fix their gaze on Mikel. One, the taller man with dark hair stays stoic and frowns a little. The older of the two, a slightly rotund man with thinning blonde hair, smiles warmly however. "Well met, it goes well, thank you. How can we help you today?"
"Mallik?" A smooth, suprised female voice calls out from behind Mikel. "Shouldn't you be causing trouble in Waterdeep?" The elven woman asks with a small polite smile that causes the men behind the counter to twitch a little.
Mikel (always one for a pretty face) has a sidelong glance at the woman and smiles slightly in appreciation. He tries to get some clue as to what's going on here, by assessing their body language and their tone.
Once he has a better idea (or not) of what's up, he says, "Waterdeep, eh? City of Splendours, apparently."
"Indeed it is" The elven woman replies with a smile, her eyes lightly taking in the details of Mikel's face. "and I'd suggest if you plan to see it one day soon that you move away from these gentlemen before Sherlen arrives" She adds before facing the men with a pointed look.
"You wouldn't.. we used to be.." The younger of the two men utters before he's silenced by a glare from the other stall holder.
For Mikel:
"Ah now, an honest young man like me wouldn't want to end up with a besmirched reputation. I'll bid you good day, gentlemen."
He turns to the elven woman with a wry smile and says, "Thanks for tipping me off; my 'friend' over there set me up as a prank. What is it these fellows do?"
Greylan watches with delight, ready to jump in if his friend looks in danger, but confident enough in Mikel that he maintains a relaxed posture.
"Hetta, are you getting all this? I never meant for him to get caught up with a woman like her!"
"Hetta, are you getting all this? I never meant for him to get caught up with a woman like her!"
Hetta watches, wide-eyed. "Yes, but who is she?" Hetta looks around. "And do you see that tall woman with the huge axe? She looks familiar somehow."
"Where? Oh. OH. Over there. Yeah, I recognize her. A hired hand, if you know what I mean. She must be pretty desperate for work, as I often see her in the employ of different people. I wouldn't want to get on her bad side!"
The two men quickly start to pack up their stall, slightly worried smiles on their faces as they try to cover their nerves.
"Ah, a friend wanting to play a prank often ends in more disaster than an enemy plotting against you" The elf replies smoothly with a smile "Those two are little more than petty theives but there are some people in Waterdeep that aren't very happy with them." She adds as she moves away from the stall, elegantly shrugging her shoulders as she does so.
Mikel accompanies the woman, "Well, thanks again. The last thing I need is to end up in the company of thieves," he chuckles. "I'm Mikel, by the way."
An enigmatic little smile forms on the elven womans lips as she walks alongside Mikel. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Tirra" She introduces herself lightly.
Intrigued by the activities between the human, the merchant and some Elf woman, Jeny is shocked to see them walk across the market place to Greylan.
I better go over there, if anything happens to that old coots apprentice i'm sure he'll blame it on me and doc my pay
"Good morning Greylan... your not causing to much trouble are you?"
Greylan, startled by Jeny's sudden appearance:"Oh?! Me? No, no. Never. Mikel over there seems to be getting into something, however. That boy, always sticking his head where it doesn't belong...We should keep an eye on him. It's the least we could do."
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Tirra." Mikel says with genuine enthusiasm and grins, "You know, would you mind just quickly getting my own back on my friend?"
"An eye for an eye" Tirra agrees with an amused smile "Of course I have no objections" She agrees with Mikel's words before giving him a dazzling grin.
Forcing a smile Jeny introduces herself to the small one.
"And good morning to you, the names Jeny"
Mikel returns her smile, "Excellent!"
He returns to his friends with Tirra, looking concerned, "Greylan, there's a problem. I was talking to those fellows there and er, well... we got to discussing payment methods... well I sort of said that I was your employee. To make us look important sort of thing. And... this lady is well, Sergeant Tirra. She said that we're both under arrest for illegal dealings and suspicion of possession of illegal narcotics! We have to go to the guardhouse with her. Sorry! I tried to say you had nothing to do with it but she wouldn't believe me!" he babbles fearfully.
Forcing a smile Jeny introduces herself to the small one.
"And good morning to you, the names Jeny"
Hetta smiles brightly. "Hetta Smallbrow, and this is Hugh."
He returns to his friends with Tirra, looking concerned, "Greylan, there's a problem. I was talking to those fellows there and er, well... we got to discussing payment methods... well I sort of said that I was your employee. To make us look important sort of thing. And... this lady is well, Sergeant Tirra. She said that we're both under arrest for illegal dealings and suspicion of possession of illegal narcotics! We have to go to the guardhouse with her. Sorry! I tried to say you had nothing to do with it but she wouldn't believe me!" he babbles fearfully.
Hetta frowns when Mikel says "there's a problem," and tries to make herself part of the background, but realizes she is likely in no danger.
"Narcotics? Are you kidding me?", Greylan stammers!
Thinking quick, Greylan begins to fumble in his pocket.
"I tried to tell you that these were just spell components. A little feather here, some ash and dust there. This candle? Not a narcotic. Doesn't even smell very good! And this, this is just a piece of pork, from last night's dinner! I don't even know how it got there."
Greylan continues to hold the piece of pork in his hand, while waving his hands in the air emphatically as he speaks.
"So. I don't think there'll be any need to go to the guardhouse. Thank you Seargeant, but your vigilance is needed elsewhere! Goodbye!"
Greylan attempts to leave, whistling nonchalantly, but half expecting to be grabbed before he can make a move.
"I'm afraid I'm not kidding Greylan" Tirra announces, falling in step beside him as he attempts to flee, her face a picture of seriousness. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to accompany me to the watchhouse. I cannot simply take your word that you're not involved in narcotics, the candle or meat could easily be used to hide something. Please come with me, I'd hate to have to use force" She states in a matter-of-fact tone, the expression on her pretty face one of seriousness.
Sense motive DC24:
"I'm afraid I'm not kidding Greylan" Tirra announces, falling in step beside him as he attempts to flee, her face a picture of seriousness. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to accompany me to the watchhouse. I cannot simply take your word that you're not involved in narcotics, the candle or meat could easily be used to hide something. Please come with me, I'd hate to have to use force" She states in a matter-of-fact tone, the expression on her pretty face one of seriousness.
Sense motive DC24:** spoiler omitted **
Greylan's face changes to a shade that matches his name. Resigned, he puts the piece of pork fat back into his spell components pouch.
"Alright, I'll follow you, but I want it to be known that Ondabarl will be informed of this. He'll set the matter straight!"
Greylan is purposefully vague about which Ondabarl will take care of the matter.
Mikel (never one to prolong a prank) starts to smirk, then snorts heartily with laughter, almost crying, "Sorry, oh gosh, I'm sorry - I couldn't keep it up! Just to see you gabbling away about pork and candles! I nearly died! That's too funny!"
"Pork is right! You're a swine Sir Cormaeril!"
Greylan, red in the face, recovers what dignity he can. "Well, I suppose it's fair. I brought this on myself."
"Dear Tirra, I hope this little fiasco hasn't soured your newly developing impression of us. Allow me to introduce myself: I am Greylan Mooneye, distinguished apprentice to Delfen Ondabarl. And this is Hetta Smallbrow, with her impressive friend Hugh. Behind me is a tower of a woman; her name is Jeny. And I'm sure you've met our friend Mikel well enough. "
"Greetings Mikel and Tirra."
Since meeting Hugh Jeny has lost almost all interest in the group around her.
Looking at Hetta
"That is quite an animal you have there, may I pat him?"
Before Hetta can even answer Jeny begins to stroke Hugh's head, oblivious to any growls or snarls.
Tirra gives a light laugh of her own as Mikel cracks up. "I'm sorry Sir Mooneye. I hope my helping Mikel in his revenge won't sour your first impression of me too badly, I just couldn't resist, my usual travelling companions really aren't ones for jokes of any sort." She explains with a genuine and open smile "I'm Tirra Shaali, it's a pleasure to meet you all"
Hetta chortles as the joke is revealed. "Nice to meet you, Tirra." Then she realizes Hugh needs her attention.
Looking at Hetta
"That is quite an animal you have there, may I pat him?"
Before Hetta can even answer Jeny begins to stroke Hugh's head, oblivious to any growls or snarls.
Hetta is about to interject a word of caution when she sees Hugh submit quietly to Jeny's touch. She frowns, gives Hugh a brief command, then smiles again at Jeny. "You have a way with animals, Jeny. But Hugh isn't always so friendly -- better to let me talk to him first."
Hugh isn't always so friendly -- better to let me talk to him first.
"Of course how stupid of me, if everyone who saw Hugh gave him a pat he'd be turning soft in no time... best he get used to tougher conditions and stay tough."
Oblivious to any other discussion Jeny interrupts those standing around her. "Who's up for breakfast? I reckon I could eat a horse... anybody know a place that serves good horse?."
Tirra gives a light laugh of her own as Mikel cracks up. "I'm sorry Sir Mooneye. I hope my helping Mikel in his revenge won't sour your first impression of me too badly, I just couldn't resist, my usual travelling companions really aren't ones for jokes of any sort." She explains with a genuine and open smile "I'm Tirra Shaali, it's a pleasure to meet you all"
"Travelling companions? Have you journeyed far? Ah what a stupid question", Greylan stammers. "Of course you have. Well, at any rate, if you are so well travelled, what brings you to Daggerford? You don't look like a miner."
At the mention of eating Horse, a wave of nausea passes across Greylan's face. Holding his stomach with one hand, he suggests: "We don't have horse on any of the menus in this town, but I do know where you can get something equally as filling. The Happy Cow is still serving breakfast at this time; we can eat on Ondabarl's tab!"
Greylan turns to the elven woman: "Tirra, you are more than welcome to join us. The food is quite good."
Laughing hysterically, Jeny manages to give Greylan a good slap on the back as she almost shouts "Greylan my boy, You've got to learn to take a joke, do I look like an Orc all of a sudden? you didn't actually think i ate horses did you?"
This is of course a slightly awkward situation because Jeny defiantly looks like she could eat a horse... and none of you can be 100% sure she hasn't.