"Cairns on the morrow, yes!", Khedron will agree enthusiastically. "The coins in my purse are lonely and be pinin' for company."
"Da taught us nae ta be freeloaders, and ta always bring something for the stew pot when we're guests in someone's hold. Master Dulok, we have a deer we'd like tae offer your kitchen in thanks for your hospitality."
"We'll also be wantin' tae check this Captain's Blade place. Mayhap the captain will give us a good price for these orc weapons!"
Before Thorghrim can argue, Khedron will continue in a low voice: "Hold, brother. Da told us not tae be rude. We cannae dry the meat and sell the weapons withoot splitting up, and da told us nae ta do that either. We give the deer tae Master Dulok...we're polite, and the deer does nae go ta waste. We sell the weapons and get some coin today. We find out what we can aboot the cairns and go in the mornin'."
Dulok accepts the venison and has Roryn take it to the kitchens before showing you your rooms. “This will go well inta tonight’s stew!”
Picking up on Kirra’s obvious attentions Roryn asks “So are ye all bespelled inta looking alike? I hae ne’er ‘eard o dwarvish twins mooch less five being twins an all” Roryn’s bright blues eyes sparkle with curiousity, “In all me travels I hae seen a lot o wondrous things an such, but five twins, or is that fivesies? Ah well you sure are pretty and being so armed ye must be very good with all those weapons. I am very good with a bow and can hit a squirrel at 100 paces without any trouble” Once Kirra gets Roryn to talking it seems as if his mouth has a life of its own.
By the time y’all get settled into your rooms, the day is well on its way of being beautiful and full of promise. Not to mention Kirra’s arranged tour by Roryn later in the evening.
The directions to the Captain’s blade are simple, go back down hill to the commons, head west on The Vein and the last building on your right at the intersection of Cut Lane and The Vein is the Captain’s Blade.
Your walk there is pleasant, uneventful. You see various people moving about, some stare at you but whether or not it is due to being quints, or being strangers, or dwarves or any combination cannot be determined. A pair of Constables stand on the stoop of the Sheriff’s Office next to the road you need to take to go to the Captain’s Blade. If their sloppy uniforms are any indication as to their abilities, these men must be very ineffective.
The most notable part of your journey is in the commons when a brilliantly plumed child exits the General Store. Her bright green robes and with a brilliant blue cloak lined with deep hued yellow catch all of your eyes. What you first thought to be a child is actually upon closer examination a Lightfoot Halfling,
For Gant only
For Thorghrim only
You all arrive at the Captain’s Blade, a single storied building with the sign of a Man Standing at a Tiller holding a bared long sword. Entry is gained and the interior of the shop’s customer area is neat and organized, with single handed bladed weapons to the right single handed blunt weapons to the left and all two handed weapons at the back. A glass display counter holds numerous knives. All of the weapons seem to be well made weapons, nothing that will shatter at first blow.
The man behind the counter is of medium height (for a human), brown hair and eyes and apparently in physical shape. His leathers are of good quality and well kept. “Good Morning to you….” He pauses briefly upon seeing you all “Welcome to the Captain’s Blade, I am Tyrol Ebberly, the proprietor how may I be of service”
After counting out the money into Khedron’s thickly calloused hand, Ebberly asks “So, are you all wishing for adventure?” He chuckles at your glares and grimaces “No, I can’t read minds, so you all don’t have to get upset. People only come here for three reasons, first to buy ore. Second to seek treasure in the ancient cairns and barrows. Third to hide from someone or something. No one comes for anything else.” Ebberly pauses while polishing the glass case “There are many old graves out there, and most have been looted. So if you want to save time you might want to speak with some other adventurers down at the Feral Dog.”
“Remember, if you need quality weapons, I am your man and if I don’t have it I can get it. If you wish to purchase ranged weapons, well there is Venelle’s towards the Commons, but don’t forget your coin purse as you will surely need it!”
Gant doesn't need to buy anything right now. He probably does, just doesn't know better. He puts the money in his pouch, cinches it tight and hides it under his tunic, the way he's seen the dwarven merchants do whenever they dealt with humans. He keeps 5 silvers out for tonight's drinking. He'll keep his eye out for the halfling. "I just know she's a spell caster. I have these thoughts bursting out of me. I can almost feel the patterns and waves of magic waft over Faerun. Yes, my weapons have power, but the need to tap into the magic energy is within me. I can feel it."
I'll follow my kin and try to keep them safe. Whenever possible I'll watch for rear attacks and ambushes, even in the bar. I'll have a couple of ales, but won't get drunk. Maybe my lack of desire to get totally smashed on ale is as contrary to my dwarven heritage as my almost physical need to touch magic.
Thorghrim will follow his family to the weapons shoppe. As the group begins the short walk to the establishment, he will sidle up to Gant...
"So, what is it between you and the Peck?"
If Gant answers right away, then Thorghrim will shut up and end up looking intently at the great swords in the shoppe (without offering to buy anything).
If Gant does not respond, Thorghrim will continue to ask about him looking at the Hobbit until he responds, starts a fight, or Thorghrim collapses from exhaustion from continually asking several days later... Whichever comes first.
"You gave her a look... Don't shake your head, you did... I can understand if you like her... If you are into Pecks, of course (followed by a shudder)... So what was that look about? Do you know her from somewhere... Why haven't all of us met her too? Do you think she is pretty (another shudder)? Why were you looking at her like that?" ETC...
Khedron will also save his money. He can't really think of anything he wants to buy at the moment, so he follows Gant's lead and stuffs his cinched money pouch in his tunic. good idea!
He will keep out 2gp for the night's drinking, hoping to win extra drinks in dart or dagger throwing games. manlings don't think dwarves can throw! are they in for a shock!
If a fight erupts between Gant and Thorghrim, Khedron will do his best to move it outside so as not to risk damaging the storekeeper's merchandise (and risk having to pay for damages now that we finally have some coin). Otherwise he will stay out of it unless a non-family member gets involved somehow, in which case they will get a punch in the gut for their trouble.
"Ach! Those eyes!!", Kirra thinks to herself. Although, the look on her face probably speaks it louder than words. "It's as if I cud strip daen and go fer a swim in 'em!"
Kirra explains that we are "quints". "At least that's what they call us daen te where we're from!" She’ll tell the positives and the negatives about being quintuplets and the positives and negatives about being the only female. By the time she's done and ready to head out to the shops with her brothers, Roryn will have no doubt that she loves her brothers fiercely and will protect them to her death although she'll never hesitate to "clout 'em one when they need it or....jist for the fun 'o it!"
During their walk, she'll take notice of the Halfling only to wonder what would make someone dress that way. She won't spend her money anywhere today but at the bar either. She's thinking of Roryn but quietly aware of what's going on around her. Trying to make sure no one takes advantage of them while they're conducting their business or that they don't get robbed walking down the street. "Ye never nae wut can happen in a human taen!" She's very interested in the town taking in as many details as possible.
After leaving the Captain's Blade she'll question her brothers, "Wut's the good in explorin' the cairns 'n barrows if they're all robbed and barren?!"
She'll follow along with her brothers looking forward to her meeting with Roryn later, tossing down a few ales, singing some good dwarven drinking songs and maybe even a good fight!
The day goes uneventful, as you return to the Covenant to rest and get settled in. The supper in the common room is good, filling and the company boisterous. Other than a different accent these Covenant Dwarves seem to be a good lot. After supper is finished and the dishes cleared stories are exchanged over some pipeweed and ale. The Covenant Dwarves recommend that you go to the Feral Dog, as this is the place of action with no cover charge as the Emporium has, and not so hoity toity as Lazare’s House with its Dragon Chess games. Roryn asks Kirra if she would like for him to escort her to the Feral Dog.
The sun has just set and the minute walk to the Feral Dog is pleasant. Roryn provides a continuous monolog about the town and the various landmarks. He explains about the Feral Dog
“The ting aboot the Feral Doog be that dey fight doogs in the basement. If ye like ta bet on such tings den dis be the place tae go.”
The front door is slightly battered, but opens easily revealing a common room that runs from right to left with several tables between the front and the back. The stained and scarred wood floor still display the results of many nights of hard drinking. The bar at the far wall stretches for 45 feet at least half the length of the room.
Sitting at the near corner is a very large albino half-orc. He pauses slightly in his drink to look you all over. The first thing you notice is his great axe, a master crafted weapon to be sure, with a well worn handle. The second thing you notice is the strange tattoo on his forehead that stands out easily due to him being completely bald. There are approximately 20 miners already starting with the nights revels.
You notice an elf maid dressed in tight leathers sitting alone with a flagon in front of her. Her slanted green eyes look you over briefly then return to her drink.
The barkeep is busy serving ale from a keg behind the bar, the black board behind him has the following list;
Ale…….4 nibs/mug
Beer….. 2 nibs/mug
Wine…..2 shards/pitcher
Whisky..4 shards/bottle
Grog….. 3 shards/bottle
Cheese… 1 shard
Bread….. 2 nibs
Stew…… 2 shards
Meat of the day….5 shards
You find a table to seat all of you. Just as you take your seats a wench comes up, her somewhat white blouse barely holds her charms concealed as she throws out a red skirted hip and asks what you want, but first show the color of your coin.
The ale is passable, not as good as the ale you had from the Covenant, which much to your surprise was from a local brewery at least Roryn claimed it to be. The crowd is lively and spirited. By midnight at least two fights have erupted and you learn that a patron fell into the dog pit and before he could be rescued was killed by the contestants.
Things you learn:
The Elf is named Tirra and she likes to challenge patrons, for money of course in dagger throwing and she is a member of the Free City Adventurers.
Betting on the dog fights start at a minimum of a Shard.
The Adventuring Party known as the Free City Adventurers are planning to raid the Stirgenest Cairn and have been bragging about it. The Stirgenest is to the Southeast on the other side of the lake.
Roryn has heard of another cairn that is supposed to have only been partially explored and may still hold onto its treasures. He will provide the location if the party will cut him in on a portion of the treasure. He cannot go as his uncle keeps him too busy around the Covenant.
The half-orc is called Kullen and most patrons fear him as his rages are legendary.
Thorghrim will partake of drink while in the Feral Dog.
Taking part in either or both of the fights if he can, Thorghrim will delight in the worship of the Goddess and will shout a monosyllabic blessing sounding a bit like, “Ooff” with each punch (both landed and received)…
Thorghrim will not bet on the dog fights as he considers such an activity to be stupid and feels that the patrons who died in the pit got just what they deserved for actually watching two dogs fighting and calling it entertainment.
And, if the subject comes up, he will have no problem saying so to anyone who asks…
Upon hearing that the ‘Free City Adventurers’ are going to raid the Stirgenest Cairn, Thorghrim will pull Khedron and Kiira aside and say quietly (as far from the Elf as he can pull them), “We should take that cairn… Tonight… Before the Elf witch can get there.”
Thorghrim will partake of drink while in the Feral Dog.
Making a point of running to see both of the fights if he can, Thorghrim will delight in the worship of the Goddess and will shout blessings to the combatants on a punch by punch basis. If any of the family stays with him, they will see an extremely rare thing on Thorghrim’s face… obvious happiness.
They might hear him offering commentary to those around him (another rarity)… He can be heard to say things like, “Thoot lad suoor’ caen land a punch, eh!?” and, “Nah THIS be entertainment!” and, “Hit ‘em in thur snoot, ya sweaty beasty!”
This state, only visible when he is either participating in or watching such activities as this, causes Thorghrim’s countenance to appear quite striking and handsome. The effect will last for mere seconds once the fights are done as his beaming smile quickly slumps down into his normal scowl… Although, the brothers and Kiira might still see a slight spring in his step indicating that despite his look, his happiness continues on…
Thorghrim will not bet on the dog fights as he considers such an activity to be stupid and feels that the patron who died in the pit got just what he deserved for actually watching two dogs fighting and calling it entertainment.
And, if the subject comes up, he will have no problem saying so to anyone who asks…
As the evening winds down, Thorghrim will have a barely detectable ‘far away’ look as he mentally replays the fights over and over in his head. After a while, he gets “that way” again (as his siblings name the condition in which he needs to guided around lest he be left pondering whatever he is pondering for hours on end…).
He will semi consciously follow whomever finally gives him the shove to go back to their quarters for the evening…
Gant keeps himself steady at 1 mug of ale per hour, while watching the crowd for threats. "Maybe I'm a strange dwarf for wanting to cast magic and for not getting drunk."
Gant will try to quietly tell his brothers and sister that it might be wise to avoid mentioning that we are looking for a cairn to loot to anyone other than Roryn. "I don't mind cutting him in for a share, but since all he's doing is telling us where the cairn is, that share better be small."
Kiira feels much as Thorgrim does about the dogfighting. Totally not interested. She will partake of the ale. "Ach! This tastes like doog piss!" She'll laugh considering they fight dogs there and then say, "Ah, well! Da fairst tastes the wairst! Bring me two more to chase this one doon with and it'll taste like god piss instead!" She'll laugh again. Harder this time because god is dog spelled backwards! She wants to have fun and enjoy Roryn's company. She'll sing and dance if there's dancing but she will always try to keep a wary eye. She'll keep an eye on the half-orc, "Noo he be an interesting sort!" She'll watch the elf woman and her matches and try to get Khedron to challenge her and she'll listen to everything hoping to get any more info about the town, the people or adventure. She'll needle Gant a bit and laugh at Thorgrim because of how excited he gets over the bar fights. And, she'll wonder why Moverock is so quiet as of late. If any of her brothers get in a fight, she'll jump to help them but seeing how she has Roryn there, she won't be looking for any fights of her own this night, even though there is plenty of opportunity to start one!
Khedron is at first interested in the dogfighting (thinking they are talking about gnolls). When he sees that it is merely dogs, he loses interest immediately. waste o' a good critter.
Presently he begins to wonder, and eyes his stew suspiciously.
He will stay out of the fights as they don't involve him or his clan, or even dwarves for that matter.
After half a dozen ales he will begin to loosen up, and by the time he gets to a dozen Kiira's needling about the elf woman finally gets to him. "Orrigh! I'll ha' a match wi' her!"
He will swagger over to Tirra, who is collecting her winnings from the latest challenger. "Ye seem handy wi' yonder pigsticker! Care for a match? Three shards i' it?"
First throw (1d20+5=17)
Second throw (1d20+5=13)
Third throw (1d20+5=9)
His throws get progressively worse as Thorghrim is constantly pestering him, offering advice on where to hold the dagger, how hard to throw it, how is it weighted, Brother, hold ye' tongue! I'm busy!, perhaps Khedron would let Thorghrim examine the blade to make sure it's not tampered with, shut ye' yap!, after that throw shouldn't Khedron exchange blades with Tirra...
His last throw doesn't even stick in the target. The laughter of his siblings at the table, the smug gleam in Tirra's eye, and the constant prattle of Thorgrhim build to where Khedron...
...turns and lands a solid right hook to Thorghrim's jaw: Swing at Thorghrim (1d20+4=22, 1d3+3=4)
Shut ye' hole ye' filthy sod!
Tirra notices Khedron immediately, “So a dwarf? When have the stone folk taken up with knife throwing? I thought a hammer toss more to your liking” Tirra smiles very prettily while gracefully standing. “Hello Roryn, I see you have found a very lovely companion, I am Tirra, new to Diamond Lake” Tirra introduces herself to you all.
“Yes, I accept your offer to toss the dags.” Tirra explains the rules while walking to the barkeep. She places her 3 shards down and when Khedron does as well the Barkeep lays two ordinary daggers on the counter. The 6 shards are taken by the Barkeep, and Tirra explains "He keeps a shard per player, as house tithe, and the winner will get the rest, this is why a 3 shard is mininum."
Tirra lets Khedron pick first, then takes the other. To Khedrons practiced hands the dagger is well balanced and more than sufficient in killing a wood target. Tirra leads Khedron with Thorghrim, Kirra and Gant following. Moverock stayed at the table nursing his drink.
Tirra stands at the line marked on the floor, and she tells Khedron “Challengers go first” and she stands aside to let Khedron make the first toss.
From the line the target is 25 feet away and Khedron makes his first toss into the inner ring, near the central circle. “Nice one”, Tirra states and makes her throw. With her leathers stretching in interesting places she whips the dagger out and into the center circle. “Okay we both made the first toss, onto the next” Tirra indicates for Khedron to collect the daggers while giving Thorghrim a strange look at the constant badgering.
While Khedron retrieves the daggers, she looks at Kirra, “you have such beautiful hair” and before Kirra can answer Khedron returns, and takes his place and throws, just as Thorghrim states “Ye are standing wrong brother” and Khedron’s dagger thunks into the outer ring, but missing the inner ring.
Khedron’s glare at Thorghrim goes unnoticed by its target, but Kirra and Gant both notice it.
“Ooh that’s not so good” Tirra commiserates as she takes her place on the line. She brings her arm back, once again stretching the leather vest tight, and swiftly launches her dagger right into the central circle. “Ah I have won, would you….” Before she can complete her sentence Thorghrim receives Khedron’s advice!
The punch clips his jaw squarely knocking Thorghrim back a step and shutting him up very effectively.
Initiative!
Following Khedron both to the bar and to the dagger throwing line, Thorghrim will offer his brother what he feels is good solid wisdom…
After perhaps 2 solid minutes of attempting to get through to the ‘eldest’, it finally gets down to Khedron’s throws…
“Tha’ hoose blades be dull and na’ waeted proper fa’ yoor hand… Notice tho…. The Elf witch... Uuuhhh, nuthin personal, lassie…”
He will offer the Elf as she halts a second to give him a bemused look at his choice of phrase…
“… has hands made fer tha thin blade…”
As Khedron takes his second throw…
“Chook up on the handle! What are ya duin?… Throwin like a girl ya are!”
At that, Thorghrim stops and wonders for a brief second why Kiira and the Elf maiden have the same unreadable wide eyed look on their face. Thus, as he is concentrating on them, ' POW!!!' Khedron’s punch catches him completely by surprise…
Stumbling a bit backwards with the blow, he will rub his jaw and look up at his ‘older’ brother…
“Ha! Ya’ call tha’ a punch then? Glory Be to th’ Goddess! I’ll joost ha’ ta’ show ya hoo it’s done then…”
With loud “HAZZAH!” Thorghrim will cast himself onto Khedron with his fists flying before him!
Thorghrim's Initiative Roll against Khedron: (1d20+5=7)
For a small moment, Khedron gets that weird hair on the back of the neck thing as he sees Thorghrim’s face transform from scowl to rapturous joy as the ‘youngest’ brother swings with all his might…
Thorghrim will stand his ground, suck in a bit of air with a sharp hiss, and shake his hand in the air involuntarily as his fist connects with the sharpest part of Khedron’s helmet causing his fingers to sting greatly…
Thorghrim does not hear anything from the crowd about them...
Khedron glories in the momentary silence as his 'younger' brother wipes his split lip with the back of his hand, his face transforming to that creepy mix of joy and rage. The blessed silence is broken by Thorghrim's feeble taunt and battle cry.
initiative vs Thorghrim (1d20+6=10)
The eldest anticipates his brother's move and bobs right, his left fist jabbing where he expects Thorghrim to put his face. His opponent has learned, however, and ducks back at the last minute - inadvertently pulling his punch up into Khedron's helmet.
second punch at Thorghrim (1d20+4=9, 1d3+3=5)
"Is thot the best ye have in ye? I expect yonder elf witch packs more o' a punch!"
"Had enough, have ye?", Khedron asks, cocking his left fist.
Khedron feints with his left and looses a wild haymaker with his right, hoping Thorghrim took the bait: Third punch at Thorghrim (1d20+4=8, 1d3+3=5)
Easily dodging Khedron’s wild swing, which he saw coming all the way from the mountains of home, despite the loud ringing in his head left by the first punch, Thorghrim will shout, “Ha! Ya’ ‘avent got ‘nough churchin up yet, laddie!”
With that, he will throw another gleeful punch at his brother’s nose…
A rabbit punch at Khedron: (1d20+3=13, 1d3+2=4)
As Khedron bobs and weaves to neatly miss Thorghrim’s rabbit punch, he will shout, “...Hold still and let me stoomp some sense into ya’!
"A've git five shards oan th' happy yin!" Kiira nudges Tirra and says with a wink, "He's git a lot o' pent up anger, he does!" If anyone wants to bet she's game. She'll start standing her ground and forming a wall with Gant to give her brothers room to really brawl. She's having a GREAT time!! She'll turn and give Roryn a big smile and a wink before she turns back to start giving Throgrim some moral support. Roryn may be one lucky dwarf come the end of the evening!
"Bah! Ah ha' sense aplenty! Ah'll gi' ye' a bellyful o' it!"
Khedron throws a right to Thorghrim's belly. The force is enough to lift him off his feet for a moment (causing onlookers to wince), but Thorghrim's armor took the blow so no damage is done. Fourth punch (1d20+4=16, 1d3+3=6)
The other patrons, all start yelling bets out after Kirra's proclamation. Tirra steps back with a truely astonished look on her face. Her response to Kirra's betting, "Uhh, aren't they both your kin?"
The Barkeep, yells out "You going to have to pay for any damages, I'll hold the wagers and the house keeps 10%!"
Money starts to fly as sides are drawn up over the two deranged brothers. Odds are even at this point.
Releasing an audible “Ooof!” with Khedron’s hit , Thorghrim will respond with another rabbit punch while standing his ground…
Rabbit Punch: (1d20+3=17, 1d3+2=3)
Connecting with Khedron’s left jaw, Thorghrim will let out a “Whoop!” of delight at the feel of it.
Once again standing his ground, Thorghrim will lash out at his brother with a left jab:
A left jab: (1d20+3=13, 1d3+2=5)
As Khedron leans away from the blow causing a miss, Thorghrim will grumble to himself and move for better position to his right.
The jab to his jaw stings a bit. "This be a bar fight! Dinnae be gi'in me love taps! Here's how it's doon!"
When Thorghrim bobs right, Khedron's haymaker is there to meet him. Fifth hit: (1d20+4=24, 1d3+3=4)
It's a solid hit but fails to ring his brother's bell (no crit, only 4pts damage). possible crit (1d20+4=10, 1d3+3=6)
Khedron jabs with a left and comes in close with a right uppercut, catching Thorghrim squarely on the chin: sixth hit: (1d20+4=24, 1d3+3=5)
But the braid of Thorghrim's beard deflects the blow enough to again avoid his bell being rung: second possible crit: (1d20+4=5, 1d3+3=6)
Sensing his advantage and probing for the knockout shot, Khedron throws jabs at Thorghrim to see what he does. They are blocked but Thorghrim is clearly slowing. seventh punch: (1d20+4=15, 1d3+3=4)
"Ha enough, broother? I'll buy ye a mead i' it'll quiet ye mouth."
"Aye thay ur, Lass," Kirra answers, "Mah oldest 'n' youngest broethers! Th' fights atween us ur plenty! A'll bet oan th' mean yin neist time! Kirra notices the turn of events, laughs and exclaims, "Ach! Looks lik' ah shuid huv bet oan him this time, tho'!" She turns back to the fight with encouraging yells to Thorgrim, "Come oan, Thorgrim! Skelp him whaur it hurts!"
Oi...Gant will keep an eye out for anyone seeking to profit or take advantage of my kin during this distraction.
Thorghrim hears his brother’s taunt and bobs to the right in an attempt to get under Khedron’s defenses… There is a momentary flash that there is something wrong as Khedron leans the “wrong” way… Thorghrim has thrown his weight into the move and only helps the iron in his brother’s left fist end his movement nearly dislocating his jaw…
Thorghrim will shake his head in an attempt to clear it sending sweat droplets flying about the bar. “Glory be ta’ th’ Gooddess, lad! A fine hit!”
This time, there is no feint Thorghrim as lashes out with a fast back fist…
A Backfist Attack: (1d20+3=13, 1d3+2=3)
As his right swings wide missing the target, Thorghrim’s eyes widen as he realizes his mistake a moment too late…
‘WHAM!’ Khedron’s fist connects with his jaw in a nearly perfect example of an upper cut punch! The hit drives his own beard braid into his throat causing him to bend over coughing.
With knees wobbling visibly and his gleeful expression reduced to that of a hung over oldster, Thorghrim will fling his fists in one last desperate attempt to connect with Khedron’s look of victory…
A wild drunken punch: (1d20+3=5, 1d3+2=3)
Blowing out between his teeth, Thorghrim emits a grown and staggers into someone in the crowd watching the fight. They promptly push him back into the affray. Vaguely seeing Khedron rush toward him (he can’t tell if it his motion or Khedron’s drawing them together), Thorghrim will cross his arms before his face somehow blocking his brother’s next hit…
Through a growing haze in his mind that he fiercely tried to shake off, Thorghrim hears Khedron’s voice as if from a great distance…
"Ha enough, broother? I'll buy ye a mead i' it'll quiet ye mouth."
Wobbling on his feet, he drops his hands and squints and stares at Khedron for a moment as if he is trying to see clearly who is speaking to him…
“Mead?.... Sweet mead?”
At his brother’s slow nod behind still balled up fists, Thorghrim will say… “Aye, a mead wood go doon right… I’M NO’ SAYIN YA’ WON OR NOTHIN!...” He will announce for the crowd…
“A good fight shud go wi’ a good drink!” And, Thorghrim will do his best to gather himself up and start walking toward the bar…
And after Kiira (laughing the whole way) turns Thorghrim around and actually points him toward the bar, he will make good on his brother’s offer of mead…
"'n' that's that! Guid rammy (fight) brother!", Kiira says to Khedron, "Ye did th' goddess proud!" She gives a wink to Roryn as she takes Throgrim by the shoulders and directs him to the bar. " That wis ferr entertaining!"
The crowd cheers, and shard, nibs and a few dragons exchange ownership, Kirra pays her bet.
Tirra looks at Khedron and Thorghrim “Well that was entertaining, never witness a dwarven bar fight before.” She turns to Kirra and Roryn “So do either of you want to try the dags?, hopefully you will kiss rather than punch each other”.
Gant’s and Moverock’s vigilant protection of their brothers’ worship of Haela only picked up on the betting.
Thorghrim still feeling wobbly remembers a saying from his great aunt, the clan priestess “Victory dinnae mean ye nae making the offerings tae our Goddess, rather tis the act itself she appreciates. Win or lose ye are still praying when battle be joined, but winning is mooch more fun than losing”
Khedron also nursing back a little of his pain, remembers another lesson from his Da “box yer brothers’ ears, but try not tae break anything”
The rest of the night goes uneventful, although when Gant is returning from the Jakes, he finds a note stuck to his cloak.
Gant Spoiler
Gant does some discreet inquiries as to whom B may be and finds out that it is more than likely the colorful Halfling, Bezell. The Standing Stones are also called the Menhirs and they are located to the Northwest of the town on a hill above the Vein.
The night ends with the Quints back at the Covenant, and Roryn offering to escort Kirra to her room.
Gant leaves a note for his kin and will be at the standing stones at dawn. The note says: "I think the halfling Bezell wants to meet me in private at the standing stones near the edge of town on a hill above the vein. If I'm not back by mid morning, assume that something ill befell me."
Gant will take his stuff and make a survival (to track who may have come to the hill while circling it just before dawn), spot and listen check to look for treachery prior to the meeting
Screwed up the roll I guess...take the first three rolls, so I rolled a 16 Survival, 11 spot and 15 listen.
Out of curiosity Kiira will take a turn at the daggers. She'll pony up her three shards, take her pick of daggers and gets the feel of it and.....
First throw:
Second throw:
Third throw:
If she wins, she'll collect her winnings with a wink of her eye at the barkeep and buy the elf whatever she's drinking.
If she loses she'll laugh and say, "Ach! Ye cannae win thaim a'!!!" She'll still buy a drink for the elf and head over to snog with Roryn.
She will gladly accept the escort and mess around with Roryn some more but won't do the dirty deed. She is a respectful, albeit wild, dwarven girl and would not disrespect her father or this house. As far as where we go to adventure, she's rather steer clear of something she knows someone else is going to do, especially since the elf is well-known around here. She'll have to be persuaded to go to the Stirgenest only because she doesn't want to stir up trouble in this town.
THIS POST IS A PARTIAL POST TO ANSWER KIRRA’S AND GANT’S POSTS;
STILL AT THE FERAL DOG
After Thorghrim and Kheldron move to the bar, and Kirra pays her bet off, and places her three shards down she meets back at the throwing line with Tirra. Roryn’s blue eyes are filled with a mixture of misgivings and hope, “Good luck, mylady” he utters softly as Kirra takes her stance. She grabs the dagger as she saw Tirra do so by the tip, and hauls back, pauses tilted over backwards, and like a coiled spring lets fly! Her dagger lands squarely outside the outer ring almost to the edge of the target.
Obviously remembering that it was only words from Thorghrim that sparked the earlier brawl, Tirra stays quiet and takes her throw. Her blade lands inside the outer ring, and she turns to Kirra “Well I won, and that is it for me tonight. You have a good evening and maybe we’ll see each other another night” Tirra heads to the target, collects the daggers, and exchanges them for her winnings and she leaves out the front door.
THE NEXT MORNING AT THE STANDING STONES
Gant when you arrive predawn to the Menhirs, which is a group of large worn stones set in a circle with a ring of smaller stones set inside. The cool air is refreshing as you scout the area, but you find no recent tracks or anything else. When you step inside the ring though you hear a chuckle, the likeness to a wind chime comes to mind, and the Halfling appears in front of you sitting in the middle of the ring.
“Hello, I am Bezell” As she waits for your response, you cannot but notice she several very long and ornate hair pins stuck throughout her massive mane of golden locks.
“Gant, that is a good name, the reason I wished to meet with you is I sensed the ripening of mystic energies within you” Bezell pauses, adjusts her skirts, “I did not wish to bring this up in front of your fellow dwarves, knowing how prickly they are about the topic of magic. So I have a proposition for you.” Bezell waits for your nod of assent, “I can help bring those mystical energies out, only if you would do me a favor in payment. In the Whispering Cairn is an item of mine, if you agree to retrieve it for me as soon as possible, I will teach you the basic principles of bringing your magical energies to the fore and being able to channel those into something other than a large and brilliant colored fart!”
Bezell will wait patiently for Gant’s response, “Yes I will teach you right now the first steps you must practice and the rest when you return with my item. Also I will have your oath on your clan name that you will do as I ask”
If Gant agrees
If Gant does not Agree
Gant agrees. After talking with Bezell, he heads back to his family and tells them that he has been asked to retrieve an item from the Whispering Cairn, a ring stolen from the halfling girl we saw earlier. A guy named Crowe wearing a yellow shirt and green jacket, a young human male, stole it.
Gant states "I'd like to explore the Whispering Cairn first, please. If the Stirgenest still appeals to us later, we can do that one then?"
Thorghrim: HP 2/15 (13 points temp damage); AC 17
Having downed about half of the mead that Khedron pushed into his hand (or ale if mead is not available here) Thorghrim looks up at Gant through the haze of nearly having been beaten into unconsciousness by Khedron...
Spilling his mead a bit, he will squint up at his brother and say, "Uh... Hmmmm... Nah Kay!... Hammmm Forgh it allll the wa'!" As he spits out a tooth, it gets stuck to his beard with the spit, blood, and mead that is now trailing down his beloved braid. A slow stupid smile will appear on his face.
All will watch silently as Thorghrim's eyes then roll back into his head and he falls backwards to the floor with a loud "Ka Thunk" of punch drunk Dwarf and armor... He is obviously out of action for the night...
Khedron and the others will commandeer a wheelbarrow and get Thorghrim back to the hold in good order, where they will unceremoniously deposit him in his bed. There is discussion of dumping him in front of the fireplace, but we all agree it would be bad manners towards our host.
In the morning over breakfast the quints discuss their plans for conquest and world domination. When Gant asks to go to the Whispering Cairn to recover stolen property, and Kiira discourages us from unduly annoying the locals, an accord is quickly reached.
We will respectfully ask the counsel of Master Dulok concerning a reputable place to purchase healing potions from, as well as how much we should expect to pay.
We will also purchase the map from Roryn, and pay him 10gp now rather than later (2gp each). This way, if we do not come back, it cannot be said that a debt went unpaid by Granite Runners!
This business attended to, we will say our farewells to Roryn and Dulok and be on our way.
Year 1373 DR 6th of Leaffall
After paying Roryn, who thanks you profusely, you head to Church of Helm, where healing can be procured. The day is warm and slightly cloudy.
The Church of Helm, located in the town commons has an austere stucco exterior. It has one decoration, the staring eye with blue pupil on the front of an upright war gauntlet displayed above the front double doors.
The main hall, is empty of worshippers at this time of day (mid morning) but you find Hameneezer a Cleric of Helm easily enough to make your purchases. He greets you politely and handles your purchases swiftly.
The vials of healing are sealed with a staring eye in the wax. The eye is a bit unnerving as it appears to follow you no matter how you move it.
Following Roryn’s map, you head North for an hour where you find an abandoned building. A quick inspection reveals the roof is sound, and no one has taken up residence and it appears to have once been an office of some sort. The map gives you an indication that the entrance to the cairn is about 10 minutes east of the building.
You easily find the opening to the cairn- a wide monolith-lined portal partially obscured by underbrush and boulders.
Taking a look inside you see that natural light dimly illuminates a long hallway extending north into darkness. A faint breeze brings with it sibilant whispers that sound almost like sighing breath. It must be a trick of the wind, but the effect is almost lifelike.
The walls bear horizontal bands of deceptively simple geometric patterns at waist level (chest level for you all). In places the bands reveal startling detail, but in others the walls look as though they have been hacked apart with weapons or eroded by the rigors of time. Flakes of ancient paint, brilliant purple and a dull mustard hue, still cling to the walls in places, hinting at what must once have been a riot of color. A thin coat of dust coats the floor.
Just inside the darkened tomb, the hallway branches into shallow alcoves to the east and west. Here the walls bear the most significant damage. Dozens of clumsy etchings mar the beautiful ancient masonry like graffiti on a cityu wall. A clumkp of soiled cloth about the size of a Halfling rests in the rounded terminus of the western alcove.
Outside, the wind picks up, and a chorus of almost human sounds rises from the darkened hall.
Having awoken to a massive headache and feeling the lingering bruises from his brother’s loving fists last night, Thorghrim finds himself in an unusually good mood. Though unnoticed by most, one or two of his siblings might detect a slight spring in his step and perhaps even a tiny hint of an upward curl to the left side of his mouth as he goes through the process of gathering and donning his gear.
After purchasing his two healing potions, Thorghrim will become very unnerved by the way in which the Eye of Helm continues to stare at him from the two vials he now owns…
After nearly tripping twice and finally reaching the cairn, one of the brothers… Gant maybe (Thorghrim doesn’t know which), finally notices his stares at the bottles and orders him gently to, “Put those away… We’re here!” Only then does he truly notice that the group has traveled some distance from town.
With a visible shudder as he places the twin vials in his belt pouch, he will utter a prayer to the Goddess. Thorghrim will then help look about the house and eventually, once there, the entrance to the Whispering Cairn.
Noting the sounds apparently emanating from the crypt, he will think to himself, “Hmmph! Whispering Cairn indeed! Tis soom trick o’ the wind it is…” As the others loose or pull their weapons, Thorghrim will pull his as well and will tromp in with everyone else.
With weapon held at the ready, he will scan about for enemies:
A Spot Check in the Hall: (1d20+ 10=30)
Once inside , without a word, Thorghrim will move into and investigate the alcove to the west of the group’s position.
Gant purchases 2 cure lights at the temple of Helm as well. Crossbow at the ready, he follows into the cairn.
Khedron will purchase 2 cure light potions at the temple. He looks at the eye on the sealing wax for a moment and hastily stuffs them in his belt pouch.
Remembering his father's warnings, he will also purchase a heavy wooden shield. Lad, a greataxe be a fine weapon, but nae sa gud in tight spots, ye follow?
With his shield on he is AC 19. Drawing his warhammer, he will follow the others into the cairn. Khedron will pause a moment to let his darkvision adjust as he peers down the hall: Spot, listen, and search checks (1d20+8=22, 1d20+6=25, 1d20=2)
If he sees nothing of interest, he will follow Thorghrim into the west alcove.
Thorghrim, Khedron, Kirra and Moverock you notice a faint flickering green light north of you further into the cairn, you let Gant know about. Before you go to investigate, Thorghrim notices what look like a pile dirt is actually a moldy bedroll in the west alcove. A quick check reveals nothing in or around the bedroll.
Kirra & Moverock continue to watch the green light, but do not notice anything. Khedron you think you heard something further down towards the light, but you are not sure what it was. It sounded possibly as if something dry and hollow was tapped against something.
As you move forward tactically, you reach the second open area. To your right the tunnel ends about fifteen feet in a large pile of dirt and rubble. It looks to be a collapsed tunnel, something that stirs fear in your dwarven souls. Tunnel collapses and earthquakes are top o the list for dwarvish horror scenarios.
The western hall extends perhaps forty feet, ending at a small marble platform raised about six inches off the floor. A strange, curved piece stands upright on the platform, but at this distance you cannot determine anything else of it.
Kiira will purchase two healing potions as well and, noticing how the eyes seem to follow her and how that seems to be bothering Thorghrim, will put both of her vials in front of her own eyes with the tops facing outward. Then walking backwards in front of Thorghrim, taking care not to fall on her arse, she'll keep taunting him, " Ah see ye, Thorghrim, ah see ye!" Once she's had as much fun with that as she can, she'll put her potions away and continue on with her brothers, keeping an eye out for the unexpected. Every once in a while Roryn's blue eyes will pop into her mind and she'll smile....not even realizing she is. She might even be caught quietly exclaiming, "Sich bonny eyes" a time or two!
When they reach the cairn she'll go into alert mode. She too will allow her vision to adjust before she enters too far and will suggest that they give the collapsed tunnel a once over before they leave it behind them to make sure that it isn't some kind of trap. "Mak' sure that's nae a trap, Moverock," she'll quietly whisper right in Moverock's ear, "Someone's bin in 'ere 'n' a'm waantin' tae mak' sure they're nae behind us whin we shift further in."
1d20+3=18 - Dex check for walking backwards and taunting Thorghrim
1d20+5=9 - Spot check
1d20+5=11 - Listen check
1d20+0=13 - Move silently check
Leaving the rotting bed roll in place, Thorghrim will just look at Khedron as his brother shrugs with that, "well, that was a waste of time..." look on his face. Walking past Khedron, he will step forward to investigate the green light ahead…
Stopping momentarily, he looks back to his family and waves them forward with a scowl (perhaps a bit more ‘scowl like’ than normal), and without a word turns back and begins slowly moving toward the light.
His pace will slow and he will slide to the left against the wall as he looks about to get the lay of the land alight in green…
A spot Check for the environs about the green light: (1d20+10=12)
As he nears the green glow, his hands will tighten upon the hilt of his weapon and the sweat will begin to flow down his brow as he tenses for a possible attack… An irrational bit of fear bubbles up from deep within him. His brow wrinkling ever so slightly, he will redress himself for being afraid...
"This 's whay they make foon o' ya, Thorghrim...", he will think to himself...
"Luik a' Thorghrim! He's scaured li' a Kobold he is!" "Hey Thorghrim! Are yoo gonna wet yoor paants!?" "Ha Ha Ha Ha!"
Over and over in his mind the taunts of the lads from Falhallen and that damn human kid after that time 20 years ago when he was afraid of that snake plays in his head as he inches forward...
Gant moves to the corner southwest of #2, crossbow ready. Readied action for any opponent so he can take a shot if someone pops up.
"The light is odd. That noise is odd"
Khedron watches Moverock and Kiira check the caved-in tunnel. The stone is fine. What else would you expect from manling construction?
"Aye, an odd noise it is." He will turn back to see Thorghrim moving off towards the green light. Khedron will follow behind, close enough to back his brother up in a fight, but not close enough to impede Thorghrim if he jerks back suddenly.
Khedron will try to be silent - more to give the others quiet in which to listen and search than from any vain hope of sneaking up on anything. move silently (1d20+4=6)
He will pause to adjust to the green light and have a look around. spot, listen, search (1d20+8=18, 1d20+6=18, 1d20=1)
Kirra the cave in is exactly that, a cave in. The stone has been settled for at least 20 years. Ignoring the marble platform to the west you all move forward (north) Thorghrim, Khedron, Gant, Moverock, and Kirra. The flickering green light is getting bigger, but not brighter.
The central hallway opens into a large chamber with wings leading to the east and west. Across the chamber to the north yawns a twenty-foot-wide open arch draped from top to bottom in translucent cobwebs. An eerie green light flickers from beyond the webs, casting strange shadows about this room.
The place smells of animal spoor and wet fur.
To the west, three short stairs lead to a wide marble dais, but the far end of the wing is obscured by darkness.
Huge slabs of cracked masonry and irregular piles of scattered debris choke the eastern wing, giving the appearance of complete collapse.
The sibilant, almost human whispers present in the passage become a chorus in this massive chamber, eerily echoing off the walls.
Upon entering the middle of the room, you see emerging from the shadows of the debris to the east a large wolf. Its face is savagely scarred and its eyes gleam with what you think is malice. As it slowly stalks into the room two other smaller wolves slink in behind it.
Initiative!
Thorghrim: HP 15/15; AC 17
Thorghrim's Initiative against the Wolves: (1d20+5=8)
Forgetting the taunts of his past when he sees the wolves, Thorghrim will take up a defensive stance and await the onslaught of the wolves. Though his expression does not change, he is getting a grim feeling…
Not noticing that Khedron is close by due to his focus on the green light and his musings of the past, Thorghrim will call to him, Khedron!!! Wolves!!!
A strike with the Great Sword: (1d20+3=13, 2d6+3=10)
HP 16/16 AC16
Initiative roll, wolf battle (1d20+2=3) Rolled a total of 3
Please note that Gant is at the corner southwest of the #2 on the map, as stated in my previous post. He is not in the spot listed on the map. He would also not be so close to other party members when there is that much room available. For future reference: Gant will try to stay at least 20' away from any other party member, towards the rear. He will scan behind for threats but doesn't want to be huddled up next to anyone unless space constraints prevent it.
Gant doesn't see the wolves from his spot on the map, but sees the rest of the party tense up. His readied action still stands.
Crossbow shot (1d20+3=14, 1d8=1) Pretty sure that missed. AC14, 1 point of damage.
Khedron hears the wolf before he sees it. He hisses a warning to Thorghrim, but he is too wrapped up in reliving childhood issues to pay attention. Initiative (1d20+6=16)
Recalling the wise words of his father Dogs don't bite you right away unless they're trained, son. They will stop in front of you and bark at you to make you go away. When they do that, just thump them on the head. Khedron will do just that: Good doggy! (1d20+4=21, 1d8+3=8)
HP 17/17, AC 18
Kiira's initiative:1d20+3=5
Kiira will turn towards the wolves and ready her attack for as soon as a wolf is in range. She quickly calls to Gant neither shouting nor whispering, "Gant!" She just wants to get his attention on us.
Her hit, should a wolf come withing range: 1d20+5=20, 1d10+3=11
Initiative Order at the start: Khedron, Moverock, Wolves, Thorghrim, Kirra, Gant.
Initiative Order when Gant fires: Khedron, Moverock, wolves/Gant, Thorghrim, Kirra.
The wolves charge!, The lead and largest wolf springs at Khedron with the other two wolves flanking his sides. When the lead wolf clears the east wall of the passage, Gant fires and slightly grazes the lead wolf’s back as the bolt gets stuck in the webs to the north.
The lead wolf snaps at Khedron, who deftly steps out of its slathering jaws and promptly gives it another scar to it right shoulder.
The flanking wolves #2 comes into Thorghrim’s reach, but he misjudges its speed and misses. #2 bites into Khedron’s left leg Wolf 2, tries to take Khedron’s leg from out under him, but Khedron’s balance is too good and he keeps his feet.
Moverock who was holding his action takes a swing at wolf 1, and misses with his waraxe. Kirra although lands her waraxe into its skull killing it instantly!
Thorghrim: HP 15/15; AC 17
Missing on his first attempt, Thorghrim will huff out a blast of air through his mustache as he allows the weight of his weapon to carry him to his left .
He stumbles a bit as he reverses his swing…
A hit on Wolf #2: (1d20+3=6, 2d6+3=10)
Missing the wolf terribly, Thorghrim will inwardly thank the goddess for his move to the left allowing this enormous whiff to miss Khedron…
”I need to be following the faith a bit closer! The Goddess is mad at me for sure!” He will furiously think to himself as he works hard to keep his balance after yet another wild swing…
"A good hit, sister!", Khedron will shout, masking his pain at his leg wound. And I just got healed up after those orcs pincushioned me the other day. B~$~@+&s!
He will jerk his warhammer up from the lead wolf and swing it over his head and down in an underhand arc, aiming to meet the breastbone when the beast leaps at him. Graceless yes, but very fast. Bad dog! (1d20+4=16, 1d8+3=6)