In the middle of an area now known as the Fallen Duchy, the environs of Dragon's Delve include many overgrown (and sometimes forgotten) ruins. The Duchy of Chordille fell almost 100 years ago, and compared to those happier days, the region now lays as an almost uninhabited wilderness.
At the center of the Fallen Duchy lie the ruins of Chordille Keep (which itself provides entrance to Dragon's Delve). This ruin offers no intact structures--only vine-grasped piles of stones, overgrown outlines of foundations, and the furtive hint of walls and arches. The entrance to the dungeon itself is little more than an twenty-foot wide open pit with an exposed stone stair that descends into darkness. Various explorers and treasure seekers have left the entrance well-cleared. Likewise, the observant adventurer may notice the remnants of cooking fires and other signs that previous delvers have made camp near this pit.
Chordille Keep rests atop a long, gentle hill known as Bryson's Look. The area grows thick with silver maples, boxelders, and the occasional firethorn. At the north end of Bryson's Look, near the mighty River Turant, lies Brindenford. This small town offers a few amenities to those looking to risk the dangers of Dragon's Delve thanks to its minor importance in trade. Brindenford rests at a major crossing of the Turant for the Queen's Road, upon which travel caravans laden with the spices and salt traveling to the west and those bearing wool and iron goods to the east. Likewise, loggers from the north use the Turant to send wood down to the mills to the south, and Brindenford offers a landing for this process as well.
Currently, the town remains independent, as no authority higher than its lord mayor claims the wilderness in which it carefully nestles. Technically, the entire region falls under the rule of High King Rudik in faraway Kelmanosh, but even his vaunted tax collectors do not venture this far west. With trade once again increasing, however, this may change in the near future.
Brindenford lies approximately two miles from the ruins of Chordille Keep. Most folk of the town know better than to go there, fearing the very real tales of orcs and goblins lurking there, and the more fanciful (but still possibly true) tales of evil spirits and curses that haunt that sad place. Still, one can't spend an evening in the taproom of the Lost Shepherd Inn, chat with the locals in the hiring hall, or sit with the fishermen on the dock as they complain about the loggers without hearing a rumor or legend about the mysteries that lie within Dragon's Delve.
The sign over the front door shows a shepherd with a crooked staff but no sheep. This must be The Lost Shepherd Inn! The word on the street is that there are three taverns in Brindenford, but this is the one that appeals to those interested in exploring the ruins and dangers of the nearby dungeon. If you are to find others of like mind to aid in the expedition to the fabled Delve, this must be the right place.
Inside, the building’s great age cannot be concealed by the frequent obvious repairs, and so the interior is drafty and dusty. But, fires in multiple fireplaces keep the place comfortably warm. The taproom is large and comfortable, with a high-placed loft above the door offering additional seating. A wide staircase in the back corner leads from the loft up to the second and third stories.
As you enter, a middle-aged halfling, his black hair only just starting to gray, calls a greeting from behind the bar. "Howdy, traveler! Welcome to the Lost Shepherd." The halfling's wide smile reveals a gold tooth that gleams in the firelight.
A thin dwarf with dirty blond hair walks up to the bar wearing a thick gray cloak. He sits down and taps on the bar before saying softly "I'll take an ale." As he waits, he takes a silver coin and begins flipping it and catching it before it lands.
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~After having had a long trip to Brindenford, Donna is now ready for a drink and perhaps a meal. After wheedling out some information about the area from some of the guards, she decided to head to the Lost Shepherd Inn and check out the place. After pausing for a bit in front of the inn to check out the area and get a feel for the place, Donna opens the door and walks in. Donna gives a big smile to the halfling that greeted her~
Good day, my friend. I am a wanderer who has come to this place in search of some drink and perhaps some food. I am also a talented musician. If you are in need, perhaps I can provide some entertainment for the patrons.
Arent has been on the road for sometime, but even though he dislikes the trappings of civilization, the decay of Brindenford brings him some comfort. He trods heavily up the steps into the Lost Shepard. His tired eyes, and worn face make him seem much older that his is. He nods and grunts to the halfling running the bar and trudges over to a spot by the window.
" 'keep, what you have for food and drink."
Strak jogs through the streets until he finds the sign of the Shepherd. He stops and thinks, "This must be the place the guard had spoken of ...". Strak quickly appraises the building, unslings his long spear so it won't hit the door frame, pulls the door handle, strides in and stops after two steps with his mouth hanging open.
The other patrons see light from the door and a dark-skinned half-orc enter the room. Strak is tall and solidly built with black braided hair. His eyes are sharp and wary. But he gawking at the interior of the tavern. What is this? An Orc with a flash of blue eyes? His clothing consists of worn leather hides with a tougher outer leather armor. He seems to have a tattoo on his left arm.
"Howdy, traveler ..." comes a small voice. Strak pries his eyes away from the depths of the room looks down and says to the halfling, "Such comfort! Such warmth! Do you have any food?"
Strak does not notice the nervous titters from the bars other patrons as he lays down his pack and weapons on the floor nearby.
Dressed in the black and red vestments of Gorum the god of war, a greatsword strapped high on his back Nevil heads to the Lost Shepherd, suggested to him by the gate guards.
Nevil steps into the Lost Shepherd pulling a small brush from a hidden pocket inside of his robe’s sleeve and brushes away dust accumulated from travel. Nevil approaches the cleanest looking table and sits and addresses the others seated, "Blessing of Gorum be with you", waves over a barmaid, "a flagon of water and vegetable stew please".
"Just ale for me, barkeep," says an older, gruff-looking man. "I don't like to eat before I drink. They say that's bad for your health."
"Just ale for me, barkeep," says an older, gruff-looking man. "I don't like to eat before I drink. They say that's bad for your health."
"Actually 9 out of 10 healers recognize that drinking on a empty stomach leads to ulcers, muscle atrophy and heart disease...uhm...sorry for interrupting...never mind...".
"Actually 9 out of 10 healers recognize that drinking on a empty stomach leads to ulcers, muscle atrophy and heart disease...uhm...sorry for interrupting...never mind...".
"Hmmp, it's amazing what some people pass of as fact. Civilization is the cause of ulcers and lack of work and exercise lead to muscle atropy and heart disease." Arent confirms in his oh-so-knowledgable and unapologetic way.
"Come and sit with me, maybe if we bunch up service will be a bit quicker." Arent waves a hand over the open chairs at his table.
"Actually 9 out of 10 healers recognize that drinking on a empty stomach leads to ulcers, muscle atrophy and heart disease...uhm...sorry for interrupting...never mind...".
"Bah, healers! What do they know about drinking? The best medicine is drink!"
"Hmmp, it's amazing what some people pass of as fact. Civilization is the cause of ulcers and lack of work and exercise lead to muscle atropy and heart disease." Arent confirms in his oh-so-knowledgable and unapologetic way.
"Come and sit with me, maybe if we bunch up service will be a bit quicker." Arent waves a hand over the open chairs at his table.
Strak stands at the bar. Then looks dubiously at his mug of drink for a moment, tastes it, stares at it again. Arent's hand wave attracts his attention. He then rather openly stares at the small group gathering at the table. Nevil, in particular, seems to garner an appraising stare.
"Bah, healers! What do they know about drinking? The best medicine is drink!"
"Actually 9 out of 10 healers recognize that drinking on a empty stomach leads to ulcers, muscle atrophy and heart disease...uhm...sorry for interrupting...never mind...".
"Only dwarves would rather have ale than a healing draught when lying wounded on a battle field. If only you knew about all the normal and magical maladies that can afflict a belly wound, there's peritonitis and twisted bowel syndrome and ...sorry I'm doing it again".
A thin dwarf with dirty blond hair walks up to the bar wearing a thick gray cloak. He sits down and taps on the bar before saying softly "I'll take an ale." As he waits, he takes a silver coin and begins flipping it and catching it before it lands.
"Sure, friend!" the halfling exclaims with a friendly smile that accentuates his gold tooth. "The name's Juddelo Green. Welcome to Brindenford. Four coppers for the mug." Juddelo slides a cup of ale towards Rurik.
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"Only dwarves would rather have ale than a healing draught when lying wounded on a battle field. If only you knew about all the normal and magical maladies that can afflict a belly wound, there's peritonitis and twisted bowel syndrome and ...sorry I'm doing it again"."Bah, healers! What do they know about drinking? The best medicine is drink!"
"Actually 9 out of 10 healers recognize that drinking on a empty stomach leads to ulcers, muscle atrophy and heart disease...uhm...sorry for interrupting...never mind...".
~Donna grimaces at Nevil's comments~ And on that note, I think I will go get cleaned up. Master Juddelo, would you like me to perform some of my music after I get cleaned up?
Good day, my friend. I am a wanderer who has come to this place in search of some drink and perhaps some food. I am also a talented musician. If you are in need, perhaps I can provide some entertainment for the patrons.
The halfling gives Donna a friendly smile. "Welcome, wanderer! I'm Juddelo. Food and drink we have in plenty. As for your music, well, there's talent...and then there's talent. Perhaps a demonstration would be in order? The folk around here are used to hearing my sultry voice, perhaps a change would do some good."
Arent has been on the road for sometime, but even though he dislikes the trappings of civilization, the decay of Brindenford brings him some comfort. He trods heavily up the steps into the Lost Shepard. His tired eyes, and worn face make him seem much older that his is. He nods and grunts to the halfling running the bar and trudges over to a spot by the window.
" 'keep, what you have for food and drink."
The barkeep gives a welcoming nod in return. "We have good stout ale, nothing fancy, but it serves the purpose. Wine by the pitcher, whiskey by the shot. As for food, we've got lamb stew, some fresh-baked bread, bacon in the pan, and vegetables roasted with sage and thyme. Any of that suit your taste?"
"Howdy, traveler ..." comes a small voice. Strak pries his eyes away from the depths of the room looks down and says to the halfling, "Such comfort! Such warmth! Do you have any food?"
Strak does not notice the nervous titters from the bars other patrons as he lays down his pack and weapons on the floor nearby.
"What, this old place?" Juddelo the barkeep asks with a laugh. "The Lost Shepherd, she's nothing as fancy as that. Still, we try to keep it comfortable enough. As for food, we've got it in plenty." Juddelo repeats the menu that he had just stated for Arent.
Dressed in the black and red vestments of Gorum the god of war, a greatsword strapped high on his back Nevil heads to the Lost Shepherd, suggested to him by the gate guards.
Nevil steps into the Lost Shepherd pulling a small brush from a hidden pocket inside of his robe’s sleeve and brushes away dust accumulated from travel. Nevil approaches the cleanest looking table and sits and addresses the others seated, "Blessing of Gorum be with you", waves over a barmaid, "a flagon of water and vegetable stew please".
"Well now, we've got an interesting one here, don't we?" Juddelo gives Nevil an appraising glance up and down. "I don't think I've quite seem the likes of you around here...and I've seen a lot of fanciful folk pass through on their way to the old ruins. Just what you've got in mind too, if I don't miss my guess. And, I'd say you're not the only one. But let's see now, water and vegetables. It's not stew as such, but we've got some carrots and turnips roasted up with sage and thyme. Will that serve?"
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~Donna looks around, trying to get a feel for the crowd (Sense motive check of 14), then after getting the feel for the crowd, she sets her pack out and strings up her lute while humming softly to her self. After that, she breaks into a song that is appropriate to the crowd. (Perform - Sing = 25 and Perform - Lute = 18) After her performance, she looks at Juddelo and grins~ Did I pass?
"Just ale for me, barkeep," says an older, gruff-looking man. "I don't like to eat before I drink. They say that's bad for your health."
"You look healthy enough to me, yessir." Juddelo thrusts a mug of ale into Sol's weathered hand. "But, if the old stout's what keeps you in good health, who am I to argue? Four coppers for the cup."
"Actually 9 out of 10 healers recognize that drinking on a empty stomach leads to ulcers, muscle atrophy and heart disease...uhm...sorry for interrupting...never mind..."."Hmmp, it's amazing what some people pass of as fact. Civilization is the cause of ulcers and lack of work and exercise lead to muscle atropy and heart disease." Arent confirms in his oh-so-knowledgable and unapologetic way.
"Come and sit with me, maybe if we bunch up service will be a bit quicker." Arent waves a hand over the open chairs at his table.
As several of the newcomers gather at the table with Arent, Juddelo calls out, Well, let's get you some better service then, if you're going to sit for a while. TARAN!" he hollers in a voice that seems too loud for his small frame.
From the back room, a young woman come out to serve the group. She is just on the pretty side of plain, with long brown hair in a ponytail and a clean white apron over her simple dress. She smiles warmly, and says, "Hello, I'm Taran. Can I bring you anything?
~Donna grimaces at Nevil's comments~ And on that note, I think I will go get cleaned up. Master Juddelo, would you like me to perform some of my music after I get cleaned up?
"It would be an honor and a pleasure, if you please," answers Juddelo with a smile.
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~Donna grimaces at Nevil's comments~ And on that note, I think I will go get cleaned up. Master Juddelo, would you like me to perform some of my music after I get cleaned up?"It would be an honor and a pleasure, if you please," answers Juddelo with a smile.
~Donna smiles at Juddelo and then gives a bow~ Thank you kind sir. I am sorry that my talent is not greater, ~Donna then shrugs and grins~ but we do what we can with what we have. Let me go get cleaned up and refreshed, then I will do my best to give the patrons some pleasant music to dine by.
~Donna looks around, trying to get a feel for the crowd (Sense motive check of 14), then after getting the feel for the crowd, she sets her pack out and strings up her lute while humming softly to her self. After that, she breaks into a song that is appropriate to the crowd. (Perform - Sing = 25 and Perform - Lute = 18) After her performance, she looks at Juddelo and grins~ Did I pass?
Donna tunes up her instrument, then launches into a spirited rendition of "The Maid in the Meadow" that abruptly causes every voice to cease talking and every eye to be drawn to the young bard.
When the song comes to an end, the people of Brindenford erupt into claps and shouts of acclaim. "More, more!" and "Sure beats old Judd's caterwaul, that's sure!"
Juddelo stands speechless and slackjawed for a moment before he finds his voice. "Well now...I'm not the owner of the Lost Shepherd, so I can't exactly offer you steady work or the like. But, the least I can do is buy a round of drinks for the house! The Shepherd's not heard a voice like that in so long as I can remember. Well done, lass!"
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~Donna give a big grin at everyone's reaction, enjoying the crowds reaction~ Ok. One or two more songs, then I must get washed up. ~She then sings a few more tunes that she thinks that everyone would like (Perform Sing and Lute Rolls of 20 and 17)~
"Sure, friend!" the halfling exclaims with a friendly smile that accentuates his gold tooth. "The name's Juddelo Green. Welcome to Brindenford. Four coppers for the mug." Juddelo slides a cup of ale towards Rurik.
The dwarf takes the silver coin he was flipping and sets it on the counter. With that, he takes the mug and takes a drink. "Keep the change."
"What, this old place?" Juddelo the barkeep asks with a laugh. "The Lost Shepherd, she's nothing as fancy as that. Still, we try to keep it comfortable enough. As for food, we've got it in plenty." Juddelo repeats the menu that he had just stated for Arent.
I will try some of your bread and water. That's all for now.
"Well now, we've got an interesting one here, don't we?" Juddelo gives Nevil an appraising glance up and down. "I don't think I've quite seem the likes of you around here...and I've seen a lot of fanciful folk pass through on their way to the old ruins. Just what you've got in mind too, if I don't miss my guess. And, I'd say you're not the only one. But let's see now, water and vegetables. It's not stew as such, but we've got some carrots and turnips roasted up with sage and thyme. Will that serve?"Dressed in the black and red vestments of Gorum the god of war, a greatsword strapped high on his back Nevil heads to the Lost Shepherd, suggested to him by the gate guards.
Nevil steps into the Lost Shepherd pulling a small brush from a hidden pocket inside of his robe’s sleeve and brushes away dust accumulated from travel. Nevil approaches the cleanest looking table and sits and addresses the others seated, "Blessing of Gorum be with you", waves over a barmaid, "a flagon of water and vegetable stew please".
"That will do fine, thank you. I am heading towards the ruins but I need to find a group going there who needs a combat healer first. It was suggested by my temples abbot that this tavern would be a place to find such a group".
She smiles warmly, and says, "Hello, I'm Taran. Can I bring you anything?
"Thanks, Taran. You can bring me some of that lamb stew, bacon and ale." Turning from the server, he turns to he new tablemates and says, "thanks for joining me for all my time on the road, I do prefer to eat with others."
The door to the Lost Shepard burst open, and many of the customers turned their heads to the noise. And then further downwards when nothing was to be seen. A small woman with long brown hair in a ponytail, adorned in a sleek maroon robe, stood at the door with a mischevous smile shining on her delicate features. "Hello!"
The gnome then proceeded to stride on into the crowded tavern, ignoring the most likely incredulous looks, elbowing and shoving her way through kneecaps and shins to make her way through the crowd. After jabbing a particularly pudgy leg out of her way, Bella noticed a crowd gathering around a table, an white-haired dwarf beckoning others to join. I've never seen a dwarf that ancient!
Walking up to the table, Bella reaches out and taps the dwarf on the shoulder with a wide grin. "Hi! Why are you so old?"
~Donna give a big grin at everyone's reaction, enjoying the crowds reaction~ Ok. One or two more songs, then I must get washed up. ~She then sings a few more tunes that she thinks that everyone would like (Perform Sing and Lute Rolls of 20 and 17)~
As with her first performance, Donna truly wins the crowd over with her deft skill on the lute strings, in combination with her melodious voice. As she retires to wash up, she leaves the common room of the Lost Shepherd ringing with shouts of praise and offers to buy her drinks.
The dwarf takes the silver coin he was flipping and sets it on the counter. With that, he takes the mug and takes a drink. "Keep the change."
Juddelo pockets the silver with a grin and a wink. "Many thanks, kind sir!"
Nevil moves over to Arent Tarkok's table brushes off a seat and sits down. "Thank you for your invitation; I am Nevil of Otterdale novice Warhealer of Gorum. I am here to test myself in the ruins nearby but I am in need of companions. Would you know of anyone else so inclined?".
Would you know of anyone else so inclined?".
"I have interest in those ruins," Arent begins," I have they swarms with unnatural things that threaten to spill up and desecrate the land."
Would you know of anyone else so inclined?"."I have interest in those ruins," Arent begins," I have they swarms with unnatural things that threaten to spill up and desecrate the land."
"Then I suggest we travel together to the ruins, provided we can convince some of the tougher looking patrons of this tavern to join us as well".
Listening quietly to the conversation, Bella lightly punches the old dwarf on the arm and shouts angrily. "Hey! I asked you a question, mister!" The small gnome clearly enounciates each word as they leave her lips, an annoyed expression across her face. "Why. Are. You. So. Old?! I've never seen anything like it!"
But in regards to the ruins, her eyes light up. A grin creeps across her dainty features and any observer can see Bella has been filled with new fervor. "Ruins you say? Do you think there might be some magic stuff there? Like a magic sword of fire?! Or maybe even a bow of ice?! Oooooooh, it sounds so amazing! I wanna go!" Bella's words are laced with excitement, completely ignoring the fact no one has answered her inquiries.
"I have interest in those ruins," Arent begins," I have they swarms with unnatural things that threaten to spill up and desecrate the land."
With this last statement, Strak arches his eyebrows, gathers belongings, walks over to Arent and spikes his spear into the table.
Addressing the dwarf, he says,
"This is good! I too have heard of gathering armies. Nothing shall spill upon this land while I draw breath."
Listening quietly to the conversation, Bella lightly punches the old dwarf on the arm and shouts angrily. "Hey! I asked you a question, mister!" The small gnome clearly enounciates each word as they leave her lips, an annoyed expression across her face. "Why. Are. You. So. Old?! I've never seen anything like it!"
"Hey, hey," Arent grumbles,"It's not right to punch and shout at people. If you must know, and I don't see how its any of your business, I married young and it made me old. Like I'm sure your bound to do to some poor man" After finishing he erupts in laughter that he hopes will be be echoed by others.
"Little girl, I don't think a tavern is the safest place for you to play. Perhaps you should go back to your mamma and leave us adults to talk".
"Hey, hey," Arent grumbles,"It's not right to punch and shout at people. If you must know, and I don't see how its any of your business, I married young and it made me old. Like I'm sure your bound to do to some poor man" After finishing he erupts in laughter that he hopes will be be echoed by others.
"Yeah, well, I only hit you 'cause you were ignoring me, so there." After listening to the Arent's response, Bella sighs in annoyance. "Awwww. Well that's not at least half as exciting of a story as I wanted it to be. But still. You're really, really, really old looking! I want to congratulate you on your accomplishment!" If the words came out of any other's mouth it might seem like teasing, but Bella speaks with an excitable grin, proving that her words are felt from the heart.
"Little girl, I don't think a tavern is the safest place for you to play. Perhaps you should go back to your mamma and leave us adults to talk".
Bella's eyes widen in shock. "L-little girl?... Excuse me?!" Her tiny gnomish hands bunch up as a result of her anger and she points an accusing finger at the half-orc. "I am a full-grown gnomish woman, thank you very much, and a powerful magician extrodinaire! You don't see me making fun of every half-orc that comes walking my way! Maybe I should start, if they're all half as rude as you are!"
"Little girl, I don't think a tavern is the safest place for you to play. Perhaps you should go back to your mamma and leave us adults to talk".Bella's eyes widen in shock. "L-little girl?... Excuse me?!" Her tiny gnomish hands bunch up as a result of her anger and she points an accusing finger at the half-orc. "I am a full-grown gnomish woman, thank you very much, and a powerful magician extrodinaire! You don't see me making fun of every half-orc that comes walking my way! Maybe I should start, if they're all half as rude as you are!"
"My apologies ma'am but your appearance and demeanor appear to be that of a human child. I have never met any gnomes at the temple so I am unfamiliar with your race physiology or abilities. In my defense I was acting out of concern and not being rude like punching strangers in the arm and telling them that they are old. If I was like my less civilized cousins violence would have been my response not concern for your well being."
Rurik approaches the table. "Excuse me, but did you say you were going into the ruins?" With a quick flick of his hand, he holds up a thin piece of wire. "In that case, you may need my expertise."
"Please sit we have just begun speaking of the ruins, no plans have been made yet but one with skills in locks and traps would no doubt be very useful", Nevil says as he unconsciously places his hand over his coin purse.
"A strong arm and sharp weapons will also be needed", he says to Strak, "will you join us as well?"
"Please sit we have just begun speaking of the ruins, no plans have been made yet but one with skills in locks and traps would no doubt be very useful", Nevil says as he unconsciously places his hand over his coin purse.
"A strong arm and sharp weapons will also be needed", he says to Strak, "will you join us as well?"
Strak pries his spear out of the table, leaving a rather large divot of stressed wood, which he casually presses back down with his thumb.
"My arm, weapons and my speed will be necessary. These ruins may contain answers to my own questions, so I will come. Besides, if this place is fierce, then you need me. I do not think that this soft-looking group would last long without me."