Your party is now approaching the Village of Hommlet, having ridden up from lands of the Wild Coast. You are poorly mounted, badly equipped, and have no large sums of cash. In fact, all you have is what you wear and what you ride, plus the few coins that are hidden in purses and pockets. What you do possess in quantity, though, is daring and desire to become wealthy and famous. Thus your group comes to Hommlet to learn. Is this indeed a place for adventurers to seek their fortunes? You all hope, of course, to gain riches and make names for yourselves. The outcome of this is uncertain, but your skill and daring, along with a good measure of luck, will be the main ingredients of what follows, be it for weal or woe.
The small community at the crossroads is a completely unknown quantity. What is there? Who will be encountered?
Where should you go? These are your first explorations and encounters, so chance may dictate as much as intelligence. Will outsidersbe shunned? Are the reports true — is the whole community engaged in evil practices? Are the folk here bumpkins, easily duped? Does a curse lay upon those who dare to venture into the lands which were once the Temple's? All of these questions will soon be answered.
The dusty, rutted road is lined with closely-grown hedges of brambles and shrubs. Here and there it cuts through a copse or crosses a rivulet. To either hand, forest and meadow have given way to field and orchard. A small herd of kine graze nearby, and a distant hill is dotted with the wand stone chimneys with thinplumes of blue smoke rising from them. A road angles west into the hill country, and to either side of the road ahead are barns and buildings — Hommlet at last!
The adventure begins...
.
The Village of Hommlett—or merely "Hommlett," as it is commonly called—is situated in the central part of the Flanaess, that portion of western Oerik Continent which is known and 'civilized.' The hamlet-sized village (local parlance having distinguished it with the greater term) is located some 30 leagues southeast of the town of Verbobonc, or thereabouts, on the fringe of the territory controlled by the noble Lord the Viscount of Verbobonc. It is at a crossroads.
To the north is the mighty Velverdyva River, along whose south bank runs the Lowroad. Many days' travel to the east, on
the shores of the Lake of Unknown Depths (Nyr Dyv), is the great walled city of Dyvers. The village of Sobanwych lies about halfway
along the route. Below that to the southeast and east are miles and miles of forest (the Gnarley), beyond which is the Wild Coast,
Woolly Bay, and the Sea of Gearnat. The road south forks a league or so beyond the little community, one branch meandering off
towards the Wild Coast, the other rolling through the lower Kron Hills to the village of Ostverk and then eventually turning southwards
again into the elven kingdom of Celene. The western route leads into the very heart of the gnomish highlands, passing through
Greenway Valley about a day's travel distant and going onwards to the Lortmil Mountains far beyond.
Hommlet grew from a farm or two, a rest house, and a smithy. The roads brought a sufficient number of travelers and merchant
wagons to attract tradesmen and artisans to serve those passing through. The resthouse became a thriving inn, and a wheel and
wainwright settled in the thorp. More farmers and herdsmen followed, for grain was needed for the passing animals, and
meat was in demand for the innfolk. Prosperity was great, for the lord of the district was mild and taxed but little. Trade
was good, and the land was untroubled by war, outlaws, or ravaging beasts. The area was free, beautiful, and bountiful — too
much so, in the eyes of some.
Whether the evil came west from Dyvers (as is claimed by one faction) or crept up out of the forestlands bordering the Wild Coast
(as others assert), come it did. At first it was only a few thieves and an odd group of bandits molesting the merchant caravans. Then
came small bands of humanoids—kobolds or goblins—raiding the flocks and herds. Local militia and foresters of the Waldgraf of Ostverk
apparently checked, but did not stop, the spread of outlawry and evil.
A collection of hovels and their slovenly inhabitants formed the nucleus for the troubles which were to increase. A wicked cleric established a small chapel at this point. The folk of Hommlet tended to ignore this place, Nulb, even though it was but 6 miles distant.
But its out-of-the-way position was ideal for the fell purposes planned for this settlement, as was its position on a small
river flowing into the Velverdyva. The thickets and marshes around Nulb became the lair and hiding place for bandits, brigands,
and all sorts of evil men and monsters alike. The chapel grew into a stone temple as its faithful brought in their illgotten
tithes. Good folk were robbed, pillaged, enslaved, and worse.
In but three years, a grim and forbidding fortress surrounded the evil place, and swarms of creatures worshipped and worked their wickedness therein. The servants of the Temple of Elemental Evil made Hommlet and the lands for leagues around a mockery of freedom
and beauty. Commerce ceased, crops withered; pestilence was abroad.
But the leaders of this cancer were full of hubris and, in their overweaning pride, sought to overthrow the good realms to the north, who were coming to the rescue of the land being crushed under the tyranny wrought by the evil temple. A great battle was fought.
When the good people of Hommlet saw streams of ochre-robed men and humanoids fleeing south and west through their community,
there was great rejoicing, for they knew that the murderous oppressors had been defeated and driven from the field in panic and
rout. So great was the slaughter, so complete the victory of good, that the walled stronghold of the Temple of Elemental Evil fell within
a fortnight, despite the aid of a terrible demon. The place was ruined and sealed against a further return of such abominations by powerful
blessings and magic.
Life in Hommlet quickly returned to a semblance of its former self, before the rise of the temple. For five years afterward, the
village and the surrounding countryside have become richer and more prosperous than ever before. A monstrous troll which
plagued the place for a time was hunted down by a party of passing adventurers. Carrying the ashes and a goodly fortune as
well, the adventurers returned to the village. Before going elsewhere to seek their fortunes, the adventurers also returned a
portion of the villagers' losses. Other adventurers, knowing of the evil that had once resided in the area, came to seek out similar
caches, and several did find remote lairs and wealth—just as some never returned at all.
After a time, adventurers stopped coming to the area. It seemed that no monsters were left to slay, and no evil existed here to be
stamped out. The villagers heaved a collective sigh—some pained at the loss of income, but others relieved by the return to the quiet, normal life—and Hommlet continued its quiet existence for four years more. But then, a year ago, the bandits began to
ride the roads again—not frequently, but to some effect. To the good folk of Hommlet, this seemed all too familiar, so they sent word to
the Viscount that wicked forces might still lurk thereabouts. This information has been spread throughout the countryside, and the
news has attracted outsiders to the village once again. Who and what these men are, no one can be quite sure. All claim to be bent on
slaying monsters and bringing peace and security to Hommlet; but deeds speak more loudly than words, and lies cloak the true purposes of the malevolent.
You find yourselves in make-shift inn. It is pretty much just a large tent with bunks and cots near the walls and a round bar in the middle with a rotund dwarf serving ale. There are 4 or 5 table with chairs scattered around them. Across from the door there is a fire with a boar roasting over it. There is a slight hole cut out to attempt to let the smoke out, but all you can breath in is the smoke and charred boar. At this time there are only the 6 of you, the bartender, and an innkeeper inside, but you saw 2 or 3 tents outside scattered around the larger one. You can tell this is not a very commonly used inn and people tend not to stay here long, preferring to just travel on to Hommlet.
Kala slaps down a sliver next to the bartender, the handsome half-elf smiles. "Tell me, my good dwarf, have you been to Hommlet yourself recently?"
Quick with a smile and a laugh, the half-elf runs his hand through his brownish-red hair. A finely lacquered pan flute in hand he offers the dwarf a tune, "I can play you a tune if you like, a wonderful ballad if you like. I used to play in the court of the Viscount of Verbobonc you know? Wonderful place. He had an honest to goodness dwarven brewmaster working there. What d'ya say? A bit of a tune for some ales for me and my friends?"
"Me, no. Much safer up here. But plenty of profit to be made" As he gestures to all the empty tables around him and rolls his eyes.
"Sure why not. But given the luck of all the previous people passing through, it may be your funeral march"
He then slops some dark brown ale into a grime crusted mug and hands it to Kala.
"It's too bad you don't have a full room, I love to perform for a proper crowd." Kala takes a long drink from the mug.
Kala begins playing an upbeat tune on his pan flute, and launches into a satirical account of the 'great accomplishments' of the Viscount, interspersing the upbeat music with his melodic diatribe.
Afterward, "What news from the road to Hommlet? Dangers abound? Thieves, brigands and bandits galor? Not many return travelers from that direction?"
Dot
By Clangaddin's Silver Axe this trip was a long one. the stocky dwarf says, spotting another Dwarf in the room Garnult says Hail Forge-Brother. What brings you to this place?
Kala looks at Max and smiles, "So, three dwarves walk into a bar...ah I'm just kidding." Kala flashes a winning smile at the dwarves. "Come friends, join us for ale!"
Chuckling from the performance the dwarf replies "We haven't heard from Hommlet in a few days. The only people that ever end up coming from there are traders. We tend not to see the adventurers come back through. I wouldn't know much about the road or the area around Hommlet, but when you are there look for Ostler Gundlgoot. He is the owner of the inn there. He should be able to help you out and put you in the right direction."
"Ostler Gundlgoot, sure thing. We'll look for him, thanks friend. Say, I don't think I caught your name. Mine is Kala, Kala Kana." Kala gives a triple-wave bow to the dwarf.
Sturgiss walks boldly into the room peering about with his normal intensity. "Is this Hommlet? Who is in charge here? I am here from the Lortmils in the name of Moradin to stomp out this emerging evil before it has a chance to rear it's ugly head.
Then at the strange looks he gets he speaks in his over loud normal manner. "This place is a lot smaller than I thought from the talk... though I suppose evil doesn't need a lot of room to develop.
LATER...
When approached by his kin...
"Greetings brother. I am Sturgiss of the Fauxbeard clan. I have come to confirm the emerging taint of evil here, and to stamp it out if necessary. I've always got room at my table for one who serves Clangaddin. Have a seat.
Noticing the symbol of Moradin on Fauxbeard's armor Garnult nods approvingly Good Dwarven ale for those who follow good Dwarven gods.
Nadarr enters the tent and looks around. After a little bit he goes over to the innkeeper and says, "I would like to have a mug of ale. I would also like to know when the boar will be ready as I am famished. Last but not least, I'm interested in knowing if there's a store in the area I could sell some odds and ends at."
The dwarf nods at Kala, "My name is Rurek Broadbeard."
When Sturgiss walks Rurek responds. "No Hommlet is another few hours down the road."
Rurek hobbles his way over to the boar, cuts a small slab off, puts it on a dusty wooden tray and hands it and a pint of ale to Nadarr. "That will be 5 silver. Cora may be able to help you out, she is in the smaller tent outside. She doesn't have much in stock right now, so if you want a better shop your best bet will be in Hommlet."
Nadarr pays the dwarf and says, "Thank you for the information."
Nadarr starts to eat his meal and finds that dust aside, it's actually rather good.
"I've got ale and might be able to scrounge up some wine. If you want something other than that you will have to go to town."
After he serves everyone he asks "So do you guys plan on staying the rest of the day and night here or are you moving on down to town?"
"Certainly I prefer a larger crowd to perform for. The ale is...wet, but perhaps we should press on to Hommlet while we still have the daylight." Kala downs his mug of ale, slamming it down on the counter with authority.
Nadarr turns to the others and says, "If you do not mind my joining you, I would like to accompany you."
The group of 5 start on the road to Hommlet. The road is about 10 feet wide with another 10 feet of cleared brush on each side of the road. After that is dense woods. Half way to the village you see a roadblock consisting of 2 wagons with a small gap in between. There is a Man standing on top of the left wagon. As you approach he yells "Halt, This is Lubash's territory! No one may enter without a 'donation' to his greatness."
Nadarr looks around to try to see if the man has any companions nearby.
Kala takes his pan flute off his hip and says, "I am happy to donate a song to Lubash. Is that you my good sir?"
Nadarr you see a slight shift in the trees to your right as one guys shifts around to get a better view of the group.
The man steps a little higher on the wagon, and responds to Kala "Lubush doesn't care about music, he just wants the gold we bring him. If you want to pass it will be 3 gold a head...4 for the singer."
"So sad to say the last donation to Lubush I gave a ways back was the last of my gold. Since I've already contributed to Lubush's safer roads program, how about you give us a pass?" Kala says with a smile.
He looks around nervously "The lowest I can go is 1 gold a head...I can't let you go by for free..." You can see he is very nervous now. You can hear him murmuring to himself"I can't go back empty handed, he will have my head...who took up a post further up...it was probably that stupid half-orc..." When he realizes you could hear him, he puffs back up and says, "1 gold a head or you don't get through! Thats final!
Kala turns his torso away from the man, looks at his new companions and winks. "That work for you boys?"
Kala points at his pouch, and taps it twice, he then subtly points to his bolt case and taps is three times.
Catches up with you. His clothes are a bit worse for wear, but as well maintained as can be done by inexpert hands. His bow though, is well kept up and looks to be his weapon of choice .
"I finally caught up with you lot. Been told that a group was headed this way looking for some excitement, and I guess I've found you. This seems a touch boring a location though. Didn't the problem here get put down a long time ago?"
Nadarr whispers, "There's at least one more of them to our right. Regardless, I wouldn't give him anything other than weapon strikes and offensive spell casts."
He starts to laugh. "Lubush the Ogre will eat you all alive. He is the master of these lands, pray you don't meet him." He then crosses his arms, but catches Kala tapping his pouch and bolt case. "What was that?!" He takes a step back not sure what is going on.
"Just asking my friends here if they wish to pay your generously reduced rate, or fight. Personally I am inclined to pay, I hate to kill a man on an empty stomach." Kala says flatly.
"Just toss your gold on the ground there and be on your way. No more funny business." He points to a spot on the ground near the other wagon that has somewhat been dug out.
Nadarr says, "There are many ways one can offer tribute. This one is mine."
Nadarr then casts an Eldritch Blast at the man standing on the wagon.
Seeing the dragonborn unleash his magic on the man, Kala Kana does a front roll across the ground toward the trees where the other man (men?) is hiding. As he stands up from the roll, he draws a crossbow bolt and loads it into his crossbow, point it toward where the warlock indicated. "Stay where you are. I haven't eaten yet and I don't want to kill you."
Nadarr catches everyone, even his own party, unexpected and blasts the Human. He looks down at his singed chest, more in surprise than pain.
The bandit grabs a Longsword and shield that were propped next to him on the wagon (somewhat hidden from your sight) and swings down at Max. He is slightly off balance from the unexpected blast and the sword swings over Max's head.
Another bandit comes running out of the woods where Nadarr indicated and takes an arrow to the chest. He makes it 2 steps out of the woods but is staggered by the shot and stops. He is still standing, but just barely, looking dumbly at the arrow in his chest.
Then 2 bolts come flying out of the left side woods one at Garnult, and one at Nadarr, and 1 bolt from the right side towards Kala.
The bolts barely miss Garnult and Kala, but score a solid hit to Nadarr. The 3 archers were well hidden in the woods, but are clear now as they were just on the edge of the woods.
Initiative is now:
Max
Nadarr
Kala
Tarick
Garnult
Sturgiss
Then back to the top.
Garnult closes with a shout For the Axefather! as he draws his weapon and shield!
Nadarr will draw his crossbow and shoot at the man on the wagon.
"Now that's just rude. I hate thieves... though that might have been a bit hasty".
Sturgiss draws his war pick, and shield and stomps off towards the bandits hidden on the left side.
Warpick
hole
Tarick takes a shot at one of the archers at the edge of the woods.
Nadarr's bolt hits the bandit solidly, slicing a line in his arm. He is hurt, but doesn't seem too affected by it.
Tarick takes aim at the bandit that hit Nadarr and knocks him back into the woods. You do not see the bandit rise back up.
Sturgiss charges the other bandit on the left side and drives a hole right through his chest. The bandit falls over looking helplessly at the giant hole.
Garnult, are you attacking the archer on the right side or the main bandit on the wagon?
And it is Max's turn before the bandits get to go again.