Latro stretches and yawns as he arises to the sunny dawn. "Hello beautiful morning! What do you have for me today?"
Seeing his companions also stirring, he begins to speak,
"So what's our plan? After breakfast that is. Back to town to see our next direction? Maybe try to chase down the interloper? I'm eager to get started and try out my new cloak!"
Canas practices arcane gestures, making sure his gauntlets won't interfere with his magic. Satisfied, he begins to pack his belongings. "Tarjin is more likely to find us than we are to find him whether or not we search for him. I say we return to town now."
"Also, would any of you happen to want my old gloves? I would keep them, but I doubt they would work properly with the gauntlets on anyway."
"Canas, I should be able to make use of them for now. You won't get much for them back in town. Let's find our guide and head back to town."
Rising noisily in the morning, Rulf starts a fire with the wood he'd luckily kept dry in his tent the night before and starts getting breakfast ready for everyone. Unfortunately he'd washed out the blood stains from his cloak and left it out to air and after the brief meal he sets about wringing out the garment with much muttering about intemperent weather Damn an blast it he says loudly Now ah've gone an torn me own cloak cause a those blasted good fer nuthin rain bearin clouds up there. Thinking on what Latro said last night he calls out, young Latro me boy, d'you still have yer old cloak an may ah borrow it a time please.
A little latter, so, ah'm guessin it's off ta Fallcrest an tell Faringray what we've uncovered he says joining the others in their pondering of the mask.
"Most certainly Father Rulf. You've been very kind in healing me and you also agreed that I could have this new. So here you go. I hope it works as well for you as it has for me."
After munching on some breakfast, Latro speaks to the group, "So I guess we should probably get moving. No telling what adventures await!"
|
Kava awakes early for her prayers to the Protector, then up and leaves just after dawn to the other side of the ruined tower and clad only in her cloth tunic she stalks to a deserted spot. With a bar of sweet smelling lavender soap she enjoys a brief morning shower in the cold rain, away from the eyes of boys. She was little more than a child when she left her clan only months ago with her childhood friend Madresh, but in the last few weeks she feels so different from the 16year old hatchling that made the journey almost arogantly to find herself. Instead of the morally rigid black and white world she had imagined she has found a startingly briliant tableau of characters and races unlike anything she had imagined. Her self assuredness blostered with the armour of youth quickly was erroded by the vast honesty of the real world. Yet still feeling the beads of cold rain run down the long muscles of her neck to form rivers and streams on the lithe curves of her long limbs, she feels like the shy girl again, sneaking off out out from the eyes of men and boys - none resembling the boisterous wyrmlings of her youth, but men of strange races who she has come to consider closer friends than she may have ever known. After a brief shower she wraps her soap and rejoins the group.
"Would you like a little help with the fire Father?" Kava inquires spouting a little flame from her smile. ...
... during breakfast talk starts up more naturally than it has in weeks. It's not been long that the group has not been on the run or on the hunt, and for the first time in a while they can take a short respite to enjoy one another's company. "What are everone's plans?" she poses over the fire set in the shetler of a tents oil cloth awning "I have discovered some of the temples to Bahamut in the Vale that I sought, but I am feeling keen to stay here for the time being. There are mysteries like this skull I would like to unravel and I am feeling good about what we are doing here for the folks." She continues to oil the mithral plate, loosing up the old armour and asside to Rulf appeciatingly "I could definatley get used to Dwarvish food"
yey, there's naught like dwarven cookin lass but tis the ale ye stay for, mark me words Rulf says with a chuckle as he passes the just cooked bacon and eggs on Kavas plate, enjoying the company of fast friends.
Yer know, ah think when we get back ta Fallcrest ah'd like ta pick up the odd encantment or two ta make this campin lark easier an a'course ah'd like ta follow up on that damn curious mask. After a moment a furrow crosses his brow Ah suppose ah'd best send a letter ta that old coot Grundelmar an make sure he ain't burnt down our new church or nuthin.
|
|
"Sounds like money well spent, count me in. To tell the truth I never payed any attention to ritual lectures at home." Kava gets out the combined wealth found since last split and starts to count it up in 5 lots somewhat unucessfully:
"We have this firebeetle potion, the gold mask, 395gp, the residium vial, this piece of Jade, 2 more potions of healing, oh and the ugly gold skull (that I would like to take to the sage in Winterhaven if Captain Faringray knows not of it) ... I have also got some more gold of my own to share on rituals and equipment for us all."
Through mouthfuls of food, Latro speaks, "I'm inclined to agree with you Kava. Dwarven cooking is quite nice! Not as good as my Mom used to make, but much, much better than trail rations and even inn food."
"I've been having a great adventure so far and don't think going back to farming will be the same. If it's all the same to you, I'd like to continue to tag along with you, my new friends. And I'll contribute some gold to some new rituals. Of course, I'm with Kava when it comes to rituals. Other than some old farmer tales about making it rain, I don't know much else. I agree with Father Rulf. I think we should check out the skull and see where that leads. Of course, we might hear about some new adventures in Fallcrest too!"
You break camp and depart the ruined tower. The sun is bright and a cool spring breeze makes the hike fairly pleasant. As you near Winterhaven, a column of black smoke becomes visible. Coming over another rise it becomes apparent that the town isn't burning, but several soldiers stand around a bonfire some distance from the town's walls.
When the soldiers spot your approach they take up defensive positions and two run back to the keep. Finally, they recognize you and relax. The soldiers return to their grim duty, piling goblin bodies onto the fire. At least a dozen already burn, and a dozen more are scattered in various poses of violent death around the walls, most with arrows and bolts protruding from them.
Now you notice the scorch marks on the walls and the bars of the main gate have been damaged. A battering ram lies in the grass beside the road. The gate opens and Captain Faringray walks out to meet you.
"Captain Faringray! What happened here, if you don't mind my asking?"
"I don't mind, not after the service you've done for me. Goblins attacked the gate just before dawn." Captain Faringray gestures to the pile of corpses. "We withstood the attempt, but I'm worried. I'm only guessing, but I'm pretty sure they were just feeling us out."
The captain leads you upwind of the stinking pile towards the gate, before continuing. "I'm sure if they had gotten in, it would have been bad, but 30 goblin and hobgoblins with a tree wasn't going to conquer this town. I fear the worst is to come. If you're not to weary from your recent heroics, you should come and meet with Lord Padraig. Further, I am sure he would like to know the details of what happened at the tower."
Well Faringray we're a bit sore from our travels but ah'm sure we could spare a time ta see this Padraig fellow. We've got a few questions yer might be able ta answer too.
Rulf happily let's Faringray lead the way taking the time to wander past the bodies and breath deeply Ah, there's nuthin like the smell a roastin goblins ta remind yer of a battle well won. Keep up the good work lads he calls as an aside to the guardsmen in the area as he passes by.
|
|
With the sun out and everyone's posetions drying and warm the mood lifts and Kava is in good spirits for the first time since leaving Fallcrest pursued by Goblins. Arriving outside Winterhaven she inspects the reminants of battle with concern and a battle trained eye.
after sniffing the air Kava looks at Rulf in mock disgust tougue out to the side ...
... recovering she turns to Captain Faringray "I am glad we were able to warn you, thought I agree that this could only be a skirmish force given the size of the army following us. We encountered troops with flying mounts as well."
As they walk into the town propper she looks looks at the guards and soldiers and in a loud alto voice "" She throws the guards at the gate a salute.
Some of the fresh recruits beam at Kava's comment, but the few older veterans, give a polite nod and keep at their work, likely well aware othat the goblins may return, better prepared.
Passing the guards and entering the keep, the place seems alive with nervous energy. Several carts flood the small square just beyond the gate, and townsfolk move to and fro discussing the early morning events. In fact, the vendors don't seem to be doing much buisness, but plenty of gossip.
The captain leads you to the inner gate, where the guards there remove the bar and let you through. He takes you right to the manor house, and without question you are all led to a large study where Lord Padraig greets you. A large map of the region is spread out on the table. "Greetings, Captain, adventurers. Welcome to Winterhaven. I understand you have assisted some of our other esteemed visitors quite recently. Good show."
With a big grin, Latro worms his way through his companions and begins to speak excitedly. "You bet it was a good show. And great fun too. We slashed and smashed and stomped those evil bandits and crazy undead!!" His grin fades a bit as he remembers his place, "Oh sorry sir. I forget myself." He bows deeply, "Good morning Good Lord Padraig. We have news to share and ask your leave to do so."
Looking over his shoulder, Latro whispers to his companions, "How was that? I hope I didn't offend him with my lack of decorum."
Lord Padraig listens intently to Kava's tale, the only interruptions he makes are "Hmmm"'s at particularly interesting points. Once she has finished there is a long pause until he finally speaks up. "I can't see the line that connects everything." He asks you to go over some points of your adventures again, notably running from the army and meeting Owyk. After that he seems more focused on the tactical elements that he can deal with.
"The incineration you witnessed gives us hope that every goblin in the Vale isn't raised against us. If only we had more of that magic... The goblin activty we have been aware of seems focused at a ruined keep a couple miles north of us. The goblins that attacked in the night came from the north and the survivors left that way. Unfortunately, I can't risk sending any troops that way because we need to prepare for any further strikes..."
|
|
"I think you are all right" Kava says to Latro in a stage whisper.
She introduces the companions by name "Your Lordship, we have reason to believe that there is something of a gathering of evil in the Nentir Vale." with his leave she goes on to describe ...
- the encounter with the dragon Szartharrax and his Kobolds
- the letter found in Szartharrax's lair
Wux re mighty vur sjerit, munthrek scum vur weloh swine claim nomeno thaczil lae astana. Si, Irontooth, offer an gebalam. mrith douta letoclo, Winterhaven geou fall kiarf sooner. vur boja hesi combined forces geou cleanse wer entire arux. Si eagerly nkyorl douta jiquen, vur boja wux geou thric longer qe forced ekess scavenge wer countryside. Wux geou qe vi daar."
meaning...
oh, majestic szartharrax,
you are mighty and yet, human scum and tiny swine claim this land as theirs. i, irontooth, offer an alliance. with your help, winterhaven will fall much sooner. and past our combined forces will cleanse the entire valley. i eagerly await your acceptance, and past you will no longer be forced to scavenge the countryside. you will be a king.
- the letter of introduction from Lord Markelhay to Lord "Ernie" Padraig (pg 14)
- the Hobgoblin and Hippogriff and running from the goblin army in the Guardbury Downs
- in the defiled Temple of Bahamut the ritual to awaken the Red Dragon that killed Douven Stahl.
- the Skull worshipers in the tower; Falk the necromancer, Lurash the bandit, the returned dwarves and finally the Golden Skull
She unwraps the golden skull and presents it to Lord Padraig. We were thinking of checking this with your local sage.
|
|
"By your pardon m'lord - I think that there is more than a few necromancers in the valley, someone named Irontooth bound on conquest of Winterhaven; Goblins to the south performing a draconic resurection in Guardmore Abbey; and skull headed bandits, also necromancers with eyes on a dark ritual; and now a horde from the north. That is more than enough evil for one Vale and I am intent in digging it out by the roots." she pauses a moment
"I cannot speak for my brave comrades but I am most keen to chase this current evil to the north. By Io's blood the people of the Vale need protecting"
A'loran steps up to stand beside Kava. "And the rest of us are also firmly committed to removing the Evil in the Vale."
Here, here says Rulf in agreement
Canas nods in agreement.
The Lord seems relieve, "Well, I apologize for putting you on the spot like that, but you will be doing all of us a great service."
"You are free to see Valthrun, Pelor knows he keeps his own time. He should be in his tower, or more likely at Wrafton's"
Whats that, did someun say pub. Come ta think on it Ah am a bit parched now yer mention it Rulf pipes up from the height of Kava's elbow. We can kill two stones wit one bird that way, see this fella an down a few foamy brews at same time, perfect says Rulf quite pleased with his own reasoning.
"Oh I quite agree on leaving town for another adventure. And a bit of libation sounds great too. I'm thinking some cherry wine for myself! That is if we have your leave, wise Lord. And again I'm sorry for forgetting my place earlier."
Latro's infectous smile returns as his thoughts turn to further adventures and tall cup of cherry wine.
|
|
The Lord seems relieve, "Well, I apologize for putting you on the spot like that, but you will be doing all of us a great service."
"No apologies necessary your Lordship. Bahamut would despair if one did not stand by a fellow in need."
...Whats that, did someun say pub. Come ta think on it Ah am a bit parched now yer mention it Rulf pipes up from the height of Kava's elbow. We can kill two stones wit one bird that way, see this fella an down a few foamy brews at same time, perfect says Rulf quite pleased with his own reasoning.
"Rulf, I take it that bird in this metaphor is a jug of ale and the stones are your liver and conciousness. But I guess we owe ourselves a night of relaxation."
The Lord dismisses you and he and the Captain continue to go over Winterhaven's defenses. You make your way through the throng of farmer's carts and back to Wrafton's Inn. A cheer sounds out when you enter the crowded common room. It's source is a table full of familiar dwarves. Salvana Wrafton, looking just a little bit busy, is quick to greet you with a warm smile. "Welcome back, travellers."
A'loran pulls out a handfull of gold and hands it to the barkeep. "How about a round for all to celebrate this day." whispers to his companions "Let us hope we survive our future endeavors as well."
Salvana directs you to a small table occupied by an older, well groomed human, "There he is." Then she announces "This round is on these fine travellers!", much to the approval of the crowd.
The dwarves seem to get over being snubbed as soon as the next round of full ale mugs arrive at their table. Valthrun looks up at your approach and says, "I've been expecting you. Not many adventurers come through without seeking my advice at some point."
Rulf goes and joins the dwarves briefly to share an ale. tis good ta see you lads made it back in one piece. Ah tell yer there was naught but evil basteds all tha way ta the bottom a that tower. An that Falck fella, their leader, we killed im right an proper. so you boys'll ave no problems from that lot if yer returnin ta ya dig.
A little later he bids the Dwarves farewell and returns to the table with his friends. Thankee A'loran, thar were a nice drop a ale. Anyone else thirsty, Valthren what'll yer have? Time fer me ta get a round he says taking everyones orders and heading to the bar to get drinks.
He then returns to join the party and Valthren in conversation
|
|
from accross Kava salutes the dwarves with a raised drink and calls them by name "Ho Viknus! how fare you Adark, Dirkun? Idor and Markel are you keeping your clansman honest? Mister Stonerain and my good friend Sorik".
She then moves to talk to the Mage,
"Archmage Valthran? Your leige lord suggested you when we found an artifact in the ruins of Vanamere's tower. Frankly ..." she lowers her voice "it feels evil, I am loathe to take it out in public considering the persons looking for it. Perhaps we could show you in more private offices? "
Latro orders a pitcher of wine and offers to share some with the dwarves. After being rebuffed with his offer of wine, he orders a round of ale for the table of dwarves and thanks them for allowing him to partake in a grand adventure.
Returning to his companions, Latro begins to rehash their last adventure, right down to A'loran's timely lauching of the necromancer into the air.
"I can't wait until morning! I'm ready to have some more fun!!"
The dwarves embrace the formality that Kava shows, and make a grand gesture of thanking the party, eventually garnering the attention of the entire inn. Finally Sorik hands over a heavy sack of coins and says "This is not a right proper gift. Given the time we would have had crafted chains of platinum set with rare gems. Alas, tomorrow we return to Hammerfast, and in crude times crude gifts must be given. And don't think of denying our right to give our bold rescuers such. You would be impugning our honor, and then we'd have to give a gift of steel!" The dwarves erupt into belly laughs and continue to toast your health.
Valthrun is quick to nod at Kava's hesitation and leads the way to his tower. Up 4 flights of stairs, but not at the top of the five story stucture, he unlocks the door to a well appointed library and sitting room. "The refreshments will be lacking compared to Wrafton's but we have a touch more privacy. Now, what evil have you loosed upon the world?"
|
|
after a hesitant glance to her conpatriots Kava reaches into her pack and produces the golden skull
"I feels ... I don't know how else to describe this ... it feels evil. We brought it back from Vanamere's tower, well more like tomb, and it was locked with in the sarcophagus of a warrior of Kord. While it was sealed for the necromancer who was trying to open it it opened for us and fearing more wicked creatures bound on recovering it for other nefarious deeds we brought it with us. If you could tell us more about it we can decide the best thing to do with it for the good of all."
I guess you got the message before I could post
Valthrun nods and immediately goes into the telling of what he knows of the tower and skull. "A pair of retired adventurers—an elf wizard named Vanamere and a human fighter named Lethion Goldenhawk—married and built this tower as a private residence, sinking a considerable amount of their accumulated wealth into the endeavor. Only later did the tower become important to the defense of Nentir Vale, and only after special agreements were reached with the owners."
"When Lethion passed away, Vanamere placed his remains in a secret tomb carved out of the hill beneath the tower. With him she buried their remaining treasure, including magic items seized during their careers. One of the items entombed with Lethion was a gold-plated human skull, taken from the corpse of a gnoll demon-worshiper in the Ogrefist Hills. The golden skull is believed to be one of several stolen from the Temple of Yellow Skulls."
"Goblins from the Winterbole Forest tried to overrun the tower on several occasions, but their attacks were rebuffed. Thirty-odd years ago, the goblins joined forces with a clan of ogres and a giant, and descended from the hills in force. They pounded the tower with rocks and broke through its defenses. Vanamere used a ritual to summon a mighty storm. When they breached the tower, a great bolt of lightning struck its peak, causing the tower to explode. Jagged shards of rock killed most of the invaders. The magical attack so frightened the remaining monsters that they fled back into the hills, never to return. What became of Vanamere, no one knows. According to legend, when the lightning struck, she became one with the tower and remains trapped within its ruined walls to this day."
"Not much is known of the Temple of Yellow Skulls, but the ruins of an evil shrine stand in the middle of the Ogrefist Hills. Legend tells that a rakshasa prince summoned demons to this place and bound them to his service by imprisoning their vital essences in gold-plated human skulls. None of these have yet been recovered from the ruins, but the story persists. Deep caverns beneath the ruins lead all the way down to the Underdark, and from time to time dangerous monsters of the deep places emerge here and prowl the nearby lands."
"It up to you to decide what to do with this skull. Winterhaven is not safe, but if you are headed someplace darker and wish me to take temporary custody... I can."
Rulf stands up in shock and looks at the skull with new respect and a hint of fear in his eyes. So yer mean ta tell me that this ere skull holds the essence of a demon or someat. By Kords mighty fists, ow do we destroy the blasted thing then and send tha evil spirit back to tha pit where it b'longs?
"So, this contains the spirit of an ancient demon worshiper? Interesting?" Canas taps the skull with his knife when the owl hoots. "Oh relax, it's not like it's going to possess me." *whoo* "Why? Well for one the King would rip whatever remains of it's soul to shreds." *whoo* "Oh, there's just no reasoning with you, is there?"
“The keep was built during the height of the old empire. Some sort of watchtower. I can’t recall what for. Some think it was to guard against gnoll marauders, but I don’t think that’s right. Whatever, the keep outlived its usefulness. It’s been a ruin since before I was born." Valthruun pulls out a book and flips to a marker.
“It was built by the old empire, Nerath, as I suspected. Not to watch for marauders, though. No. It was built over the site of a rift to the Shadowfell, a place of darkness and shadows!
“Not all of the Shadowfell is evil, but this rift apparently connects to an unholy sanctuary of Orcus, the demon lord of the undead. Skeletons, ghouls, and stranger, fouler creatures crawled through the opening into the light of day. The empire destroyed the undead and then sealed the rift and built a keep over the location to watch over it and contain its threat. I thought that was the end of the story. Now, I’m not so sure."
"Destroying the skull.... I don't believe I have the resources to safely do that. And there's always th chance that destroying it would release the contained demon."
"Demons, huh? That sounds like an adventure that could get one killed. I vote for letting Valthrun keep the skull for now. No sense in releasing a demon in Winterhaven. Any words of wisdom should we come upon some demons? Other than run away that is?"