Welcome
All
To
our story!
As you walk down the road, you realize that a terrible curse has indeed beset this land. The summer sun, usually so welcome, now dries the land and the dirt cracks. The land seems sad.. you see rotted vegetation turned under half-tilled clumps of dirt. There are even broken farming implements where it would seem the tenders of this land have given up their trade or succumbed to a rage. The scent of dry soil and sweet rotting plant matter fills your nostrils.
All smaller creeks and rivers are now dry, only the mighty Nayrwinn still flows, and it is generally too far from the fields to offer any water. Indeed, at some points you notice that attempts have been made to divert small canals from the Nayrwinn to the farmer's fields, but it all seems to have dried up just as it reached the where it would have been useful. The ground itself seems to be too thirsty for what water is offered.
As you walk along further East, you begin to see the small settlement of Cirumcroft. It seems to be more a collection of houses at the end of farm tracts than an actual hamlet. You see no people outside as you approach and as dusk settles in.
Just before reaching the settlement itself, you come up beside the remnants of a large, blackened building. It has obviously burned down only recently, as sooty footprints still surround it. A large steel shield lays covered in ash to one side, the image of a barrel embossed on it. It would seem lodgings may be difficult to come by tonight!
Ferdinand stands in front of the burnt-out building and sighs. "This is why I'm doing this. If we don't help the farmers, this will all just burn down and all of society will crumble without it's foundation. Now, shall we see if we could sleep with any of the locals?
"Help the locals, sleep with the locals, such an adventurer...how many you planning on sl...oh, sleep with the locals as in toss our bedrolls down in the barn...I see..."
"I just hope this will bring me higher in the Ancient Order of Magi." Amira sighs, "Or at least increase my power, so I might ascend that ladder..."
Sunset nods at Ferdinand Salatic's words as she walks over to the ruined building. Squatting down, it at first appears she is examining the sooty foot prints, before sprawling in the dirt and leaning back on her pack, bare foot legs akimbo.
"Awe daang! An' here I were hopin' fer a nice comfy bench, an' mead, an' mebby a scrub, an'........" She dexterously slips out of her Back-packs' bindings and scoots around to pick up the shield.
"So, whut d'ye think th' name o' the place wus?" She holds up what is obviously the burnt inns heraldry, while surreptitiously looking under the thing for anything else, as well as checking its weight/heft/balance.
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Okeys,
Sorry folks. ^^;
In general, I would say you can use the DMTOOLS Dice roller and post the results... it's quite simple and I'll show you how to use it if needs be. In the future, I will request most rolls and have you roll them. A proactive perception check once in a while is welcome of course.
Then I would assume it's best practice to let everyone post once before I describe what happens, unless of course the group becomes split at any point.
For future reference, all OOC chat will occur here:
it seems like this place has suffered much recently!
( Galen goes up to one of the houses and says)HELLO IS ANYBODY THERE! we have come to help, we are not here to hurt you
Roland surveys the blasted land and burned down building. "Out of the pan and into the fire," he mumbles.
All in all, the place looks almost desolate. Although, he's pretty sure no one from the Mirror City would ever look for him here.
"Who's in charge, I wonder?"
Holg searches for clues as to how the building burnt.
I know you said you'd call for checks and such, but Holg would look for signs.
Holg: There are far too many footprints, and all of them seem to go in every direction, as though amateurs have inadvertently obscured any clues that may have been present.
Sunset: The shield looks to be a sign that marked this building as a watering hole of some kind.
Galen: The closest house you approach, a smaller single floor building, produces a young, fat boy after you call out. He seems dirty...seeing a well-armoured and equipped warrior stuns him for a moment, then he remembers himself
"You're here to help?! You came to kill Delmvar?! Da' says it's impossible to get to him.." He stares up at you, starry-eyed.
(no worries about such checks Holg, it will help speed things up with any kind of checks you feel should be made... if you do something you think requires a check, feel free to roll it. if you choose the wrong skill, I'll use whatever is appropriate and apply the modifiers to the same roll.)
(Galen says to the boy) we are here to help, who is in charge in the village?
are you hungry?
here is some food
Roland approaches Galen and the boy . . .
"Yes, we're here to help. Where's your 'da, son?"
"Delmvar" he wonders. This town's version of a gang chief or heavy-handed land baron, no doubt.
Sunset winces at Galen's use of such a loud voice even as she skips back over to her pack and kneels, setting the shield aside to fit the straps back over her shoulders. Picking up the tavern sign again she walks over towards the house the other party members seem to be focusing on, drifting to one side and keeping an eye on the surrounding country side.
Stepping up, her eyes traveling over the boy and thence the open door, she asks with a grin,
"So lad, d'ye have a name? Ye c'n call me 'Sunset'." She smiles.
"Oh, an' who done burnt down th' tavern over yonder?" She adds, twitching her blond locks in the direction of the wreckage while holding the shield by the straps as she stands at ease and casually.
"Wus it this Delmvar bloke ye mentioned? Or per'apse 'is thugs?"
*Sunset is trying to see who or what else might be within the building behind the child*
Holg makes his way toward the house with the overly fed boy all the while looking for more clues.
When he gets over to the house Holg says, "Boy. Where can we find secure shelter, food and drink?"
The boy looks up at the strangers, noting their weapons and such, and beaming with excitement. He greedily takes the food and says, spitting all the while, "Old Ramman is in charge... Da' says he's going seee-nile though... whassat mean?!"
He stops to burp
"Delmvar's the wizard who killed all the plants...Da's at a meeting with all the other grown-ups... he says I'm big enough to take care of myself so I stayed home to clean up. They're all at the town hall... talking about what to do..."
The boy seems overwhelmed, but is obviously overjoyed to talk to strangers, and adventurers no less!
He looks to Sunset and smiles "My name's Ebb... Named after Da'..The inn burnt down last night.. Da' says it's probably the goblins that did it! Goblins!"
After seeing the half-orc, he takes a couple of steps back toward his house...then, realizing this man is with the others, he answers "I dunno where you could stay... how long would you stay?!"
The area is still devoid of any other activity.
Sunset grins kneeling down, still with the shield clutched/held before her and says,
"Um, there might be a river named somat like that? P'raps th' elder is goin' onna trip?" She raises an eyebrow quizzically as she answers the boys question. Then turns the conversation back to what the party had been asking,
"Well now, young Mr Ebb," She winks in acknowledging the responsibility entrusted to the boy, "I'm thinkin' we folks'll be seein' t' this town meetin' an' sortin' out stayin' arraignments from there.' She pauses, whether for dramatic effect, or just to gather/catch the thoughts.
"Oooo, Goblins is it? Not t' worry Mr Ebb, I'm sure thet with our help th' local folks'l be doin' all right." She smiles reassuringly,
"C'n ye be pointin' us in th direction o' this town hall, then?" She finishes, even as she glances around for a building that would match such a description/moniker.
Roland glances at the looming figure of Holg and says in a low tone:
"Why don't we leave the town hall to those who like to talk? Perhaps we can check the town's outskirts for a sign of goblins or other visitors that like to surprise in the night?"
He makes sure to turn his head and speak as not to scare the young lad
"Why don't we leave the town hall to those who like to talk? Perhaps we can check the town's outskirts for a sign of goblins or other visitors that like to surprise in the night?"
"Agreed. You take point." Holg readies his bow with an arrow nocked then takes up a position 10 ft behind Roland.
(Galens eyes light up at the thought of some action!) perhaps it is wise if we all go and scout the area first,we can talk to the townsfolk later (Galen will follow behind Roland, next to holg)
Amira quietly watches the scene with the child with amusement
Survey the area for arcane involvement to the damage in the village
Knowledge:Arcane/Spellcraft1d20=5+8=13 , 1d20=5+8=13
"What! A wizard is the cause of this malaise! Yews, let us go stop this fool Delmvar."
Roland nods at Holg and Galen, "Back in a few," then sets off seeking the long shadows that dusk brings . . .
Stealth Check - (1d20+8=23)
He works his way near where the buildings meet the fields, checking for any signs that goblins or other nasty beasts might be lurking about . . .
Perception Check - (1d20+7=14)
"Goblins...I hate goblins...stinking little rats..."
Sunset: The boy points to a large building, the largest in the small group of buildings. It stands twice as tall as the rest, and is made mostly of stone. You assume this building would be the safest and most defensible spot.
Holg steps softly and quietly, scanning the area as the sun goes down. He doesn't notice anything out of the ordinary aside from the burnt inn.
Galen follows the other two scouting.
Amira, you don't notice anything beyond the mundane at the moment, it seems as though someone simply torched the place.
Roland slips effortlessly into the gathering shadows of dusk, not seeing anything of note.
Night is beginning to fall as the three skirt the area of the buildings.
Sunset gives a mental sigh as the three men folk begin to walk off.
"Thank'e muchly Ebb." She replies, taking note of the large building pointed out by the boy.
"Now you pop back inside an' wait fer yer Da, okey" She smiles, standing and saunters after Galen and Amira.
"Pssst! Hey wait up you blokes!" She hisses, "I've got t' get me self a mite more dressed fer this! Geeze, I'm just wearin' me armor an' some eatin' utensils!" Wiggling her hips to indicate the brace of daggers sheathed there.
She sighs, quickly setting her burden down and then taking the pack off her shoulders. Not really waiting to see if any one does take notice of her.
Quickly she opens her pack and takes out her rapier, strapping it across her back. Next comes her small quiver of cross-bow bolts, which is secured high on one hip, with the light cross bow left leaning against the pack.
Rooting deeper inside she withdraws two short-swords and affixes their scabbards to either thigh. With a quick wriggle and some tugs she checks the fit of her gear, adjusts the straps of her back-pack and fits it back on with a slight struggle. Leaning over she c0cks her light cross bow, then holding it casually in one hand and scoops the shield with the other, as she skips to catch up to the other woman. Drawing up along side she rolls her eyes,
"*sigh*, Men an' their 'goblins'." She whispers to Amira with a mischievous grin. ^^
Amira watches "Sunset" with some interest
"As night falls, the goblins might return." the distracted Amira quips.
Glad to have at least caught up with the other woman in the group, Sunset agrees jovially, and seeming not the least bit concerned by the return of said possible Goblins.
"Oh, aye." All the while still looking around at the surrounding country side in the gathering dusk, her light cross-bow tucked in one arm and a lean in her gait from carrying the ex-inns' sign-age. She glances at Amira.
"Though, truth be told? I en't actually never seen a goblin. Least ways not a live one." She ruefully hangs her head, blond hair flopping about her brow.
"I mean, bein' a rigger rat, all I've been involved in is small ship fights." She again glances at Amira, possibly now shy or embarrassed, "I mean, one tussle? T' wus more 'tween th' actual crew gettin' uppity about how the pay wus gonna be split off'n the haul o' th' day." She chuckles, though her pale eyes now return to scanning the surrounding country side.
"I doo wish th' blokes had put in t' th' hall though." She sighs softly, "T'wuld've been nice t' have even a small rest after all thet walkin' t' get here. Not t' mention a chance t' get more've a chat about who thinks which is doin' what t' whom." With a quirk on her face she quietly adds with a whisper, "I really would like th' blokes t' not end up shootin' th' farmers prize cow by mistake in th' dark, y'know?" ^_^
When Roland and the team returns he advises Amira, Sunset and Ferdinand of their findings, or lack there of.
"Perhaps it's time to see what the townsfolk say?"
Taking Amira's warning seriously, he offers to keep watch outside if the group's more diplomatic members wish to address the meeting.
"I'll be up top."
Holg climbs to the roof of the town hall while looking for potential threats.
Ferdinand brushes off his armor. "Well then, let us go to this town meeting then." With that, he heads off to the town hall.
"Vigilance may help....but knowledge is the key. Attend the meeting, I shall..."
"And you Sunset, you odd bird, where shall you locate yourself?"
thinks to herself that Sunset is the oddest elf ever she did meet...
You approach the large building as your comrades begin scouting/scaling. You can hear a loud, gruff voice within yelling 'AND he seems to have those lousy Yar-gocks under his control now! How long before they come and try to kill us in our sleep or burn down the rest of our homes?!'
The sound of stomping feet and loud voices seems to echo throughout the night, even though the building has fortified stone walls.
(Galen goes up to the door if there is one and knocks loudly)
hello, My name is Galen Stormwalker, My comarades and I are here to help you
Sunset nods listening intently to what Roland has to say. When the stockily built Half-orc scales the side of the large stone building that is the center of their attention her eyes open wider and she whispers,
"Geeze, the fellers' got some talent there." approvingly, before seeming to take notice of what she herself is carrying. Quickly putting the large item down in the shadow of the buildings wall she blinks as she stands, her pale blue eyes almost seeming to glow in the faint light of the moon and the Halls windows.
"Strewth, t'is a good thing Rolands' is on our side." She looks around into the night, "I hope 'e c'n find his way out o' whut ever shadows he's slipped into." Her voice carries a small amount of admiration in it for the mans' skill. She grins at Ferdinand and Galen as they adjust their clothing.
"Aye, t'is always good t' have th' cut o' yer jib trim meetin' new folks." She winks at the two men.
"Vigilance may help....but knowledge is the key. Attend the meeting, I shall..." Amiras' words trail off and she akes note more of Sunset.
"And you Sunset, you odd bird, where shall you locate yourself?" The elf arches an eyebrow in response to Amira's phrasing.
"Well, whut with the fellers still straightenin' their trim." She winks to Amira and straightens up to her full height as she looks over the hall doors. The noise coming from inside seeming to make her hesitate,
"Ooo, nothin' like playin' t' a full audience, at least." She mutters under her breath as Galen strides past her up to the door and knocks loudly.
"Hello! My name is Galen Stormwalker. My comrades and I are here to help you!" Sunset winces as she steps back beside Amira, wiggling a finger in an ear,
"Well, the feller's got a good set o' lungs on 'im." she whispers, her voice holding the hint of a sour tone in it.
Amira raises an eyebrow.
"Did you grow up amongst elves Sunset, or amongst humans?"
Sunset glances at Amira,
"Shhh, th' pleasantries c'n wait till after, Luv. Whence we've dealt with th' rambunctious soundin' locals inside yonder.' She leans closer to whisper,
"Asides, t'is not th' raisin' whut makes a person, t'is th' living." She manages to then both pout and grin, "Ye make it sound like baking a cake!"
Sunset straightens up and awaits the reaction/outcome to Galens' loud introduction.
Waiting in the shadows, Roland becomes restless. He removes his three dice and rolls them on the ground.
One roll after the other: crowns, mooons, crowns, moons.
Alternating omens; blessing or bane. Which would he see first?
"Ooo, d'ye think they'll be friendly, like?" Sunset whispered, possibly still taken aback by the sounds emanating form the town hall.
As you enter the large, stone hall.. You note that there are probably a couple of hundred people here. All of them are human, save for maybe a halfling or two, and an old half orc. The hall is lined with benches which are full. There is a large, middle-aged man dressed in simple clothes shouting at the crowd and whipping them into an excited jumble of conversation and yells.
As you enter the hall, you are hardly noticed as the leader's voice echoes throughout. "And now you tell me that we're supposed to wait for help to come from the cities?! Why can't we help ourselves?! We survived that grey grub infestation two seasons ago! We can handle a few goblins or a crazy old man!" some of the crowd stands up and begins to cheer, others don't seem too enthusiastic about what's just been said.
Meanwhile.... everyone who did not decide to go in, make me a perception check please.
Roland tucks the dice back into his tunic . . .
Perception (1d20+7=14)
Was that something? he thinks . . . .
Sunset walks into the large, , space with a slight skip in her step. All the while taking note of faces, stances, expressions and individual folks 'mood'. She searches for 'group' lines within the assembled throng, seeing how people stand either together or apart from one another.
Stopping in what, if any, is available space, she takes careful note of the loud speakers' dress and his features, perhaps seeking familiarity between his demeanor and the young boy the party has just met.
Sunset is content to just stand in the open space of the room, emanating a cool and casual air with a smile on her face and the x-bow seemingly forgotten in the crook of her arm, and allow both the other party members to also advance into the place as well as let the locals here acknowledge said new arrivals presence.
Ferdinand confidently strides into the room. "Your help from the city has arrived!"
Amira has a look of superiority about her.
galen enters and shouts MY NAME IS GALEN STORMWALKER, MY COMRADES AND I ARE HERE TO HELP YOU, TELL US ABOUT YOUR TROUBLES!
Amira raises her eyebrow and looks to Galen
"Inside voice...inside voice..."
Sunset stands easily at the center of the room as Ferdinand walks smartly to stand beside her,
"Your help from the city has arrived!" He declares,
"MY NAME IS GALEN STORMWALKER, MY COMRADES AND I ARE HERE TO HELP YOU, TELL US ABOUT YOUR TROUBLES!" At the resounding volume of his proclamation Sunset does blink and Amira notices the elfs' ears actually seem to 'twitch'. Amira raises her eyebrow and looks to Galen
"Inside voice...inside voice..." She mentions to the half-elf quietly and calm-ly,
whispers to Sunset
As you shout out, the large man sneers to himself and his fellow farmers "Galen Stormwalker, we have a lot of troubles lately.. As you can no doubt see, we have no food and no livelihood.. We've been beset by goblin attacks and poor Myton lost his business with that inn being burned!" He almost jumps off the raised platform at the end of the room and walks toward Galen. "That wizard kills our plants and now he's trying to finish the job by destroying the only other source of income around here!"
Roland hears an odd sound, almost like a low thunder but constant and more dull-sounding, approaching from the south.