As the group travels through the countryside they can see the influences of the city gradualy fading away as they head out into the rural countryside. The first three day's journey are uneventful. On the afternoon of the fourth it rains quite a bit.
The fifth day is equaly dull but towards evening smoke can be seen rising from the woods to the left of the road up ahead. From the general direction of the smoke come the sounds of tools at work, axes hewing, hammers beating, and the distant voices of mens' merry banter as they go about their daily work. Clearly some woodsmen have a camp up ahead. Taking the time of day into consideration it's highly likely that they'll be settling down for their evening meal shortly and probably wouldn't mind the company.
I've started a player handouts thread with the map of Harranshire that Gordrenn gave you guys. The group are currently somewhere just off the western edge of the map by the lyrchwood (which seems to be comprised mostly of larch trees).
Shen's face brightens again for the first time since the rain started yesterday. "Looks like we may get a hot meal tonight. Who knows? Maybe they have a few spare beds as well."
Yes, a hot meal would be nice indeed Godric says. For the rain has soaked his clothing and given him a slight cold and nasty chill that won't seem to go away.
Hasta nods glumly and continues to trudge along behind the others. The novelty of being above ground has faded, and now the new experiences of rain and wind are unfamiliar, uncomfortable and undesired. Old Olgerd Ironheart made adventuring sound exciting and romantic. It was certainly neither thus far.
Garrick will move out to side of the party.
"Back shortly - just going to have a quick look-see..."
Garrick will then attempt to move off quietly & unseen, using the failing light & whatever cover he can.
Sneaking up ahead Garrick comes across a clearing in the woods (with a well worn path leading back to the road). Three men seem to be finishing up the day's work. It looks like they've been felling trees and splitting logs. Most of the logs have been loaded on a wagon to take somewhere but a few have been piled up beside a log cabbin (probably to fuel the fire who'se smoke drifts lazily up from the chimney). They're tidying various tools away and chatting about the day's work. Their banter seems a bit forced. It's as if they're all aware of something uncomfortable but none of them want to say it (and as if they are, in fact, intentionaly trying to keep their mind off the topic).
After a bit two head back into the hut and one walks to the edge of the clearing to relieve himself before joining them. They don't seem to have noticed Garrick, no knowing glances were scast his way, no whispered or coded messages. Perhaps they all picked up on his presence subconsciously but he suspects it was something else that's got them all stirred up. From what he could make out he hears that one is called Brud and another Kleggy. The younger one is named Aldred (he's the one who had to go and make water).
Amras looks up at the clouds and shakes his head. "If I knew I would be spending most of my time soaked while traveling I would have stayed home. Let's hope Garrick finds a place with a roof to rest our heads." As he looks to his side he sees the dwarven knight smiling with his hand out as if catching the rain. "Sir Thorgrin what are you doing?"
"Ah my friend," Thorgrin put his hand on Mage Tasartir's shoulder "we do not get rain in our halls beneath the mountain so I am enjoying the experiences that great Moradin is putting in my path."
The chat for a few moments about their respective homelands as they stay with the group.
Shen laughs, "I have never been fond of the rain myself, Amras. I know it is considered strange by others of our kin, but I have always preferred city life. Eh, Corellon can look after us anywhere he wishes, right?"
As the group approaches the camp Garrick rejoins them. At the sound of voices outside one of the woodsmen (Garrick recognises him as Brud) sticks his head out the door. Spying strangers he calls out "Kleggy, Aldred, we've got company."
The woodsmen step out of the cabbin to inspect the newcomers. Kleggy is a scrawny middle aged man, Brud seems boistrous and cheery, 'though currently on the defensive, and Aldred is a lanky youth with a pipe tucked into his belt. After looking you all over Kleggy takes the initiative. "Well you'd better come in," he says. "Aye," cuts in Brud, "there's bad folks about, robbers an' whot not. If you lot step inside we'll throw some more stuff in the stew and see about having a nice old get together eh?" Aldred touches his pipe absentmindedly.
"Oh come on in," entreats Kleggy, "it might rain or summat and we can't go leavin' you lot out in the cold now can we?"
Giving the woodsmen a rather dishevelled but grateful look, Hasta steps inside.
"Thank you sirs," she begins. "I've had enough of rain to last me a lifetime."
"Your generous offer is welcome!" Says Kharsis as he tries to find the tree that will offer the best shelter to his horse.
"Bad folks about did you say? It sounds like some good will just put you on our way then!"
Aye, ye have my thanks aswell. now let us get inside before we catch a cold...
Everyone bundles into the hut and it soon becomes very crowded. At Brud's insistence, Aldred produces his pipe, Brud gets out a small drum, and they begin to play a jolly tune whilst Kleggy huddles over the pot chopping up leeks and a few potatoes to add to the stew.
Godric quickly get's inside and takes off his woolen travelling cloak heavy with rainwater. He sits down by the fire and listens to the music.
Listening gladly to the music, Hasta helps in whatever way she can with the stew. No fancy elf food this - stews are a familiar dish for her. If there's nothing she can do, she takes out her guitar, unwraps it and tries to play along as best she can if they don't mind.
Garrick checks the area around the hut, then takes a quick 'slash' behind a bush.
He then enters the room - rather wet - his mis-buttoned breeches suggesting his delayed arrival.
As he enters he quietly covers up his spell component pouch as he takes off his wet cloak.
He nods to the hosts and extends his right hand -
"Hello. My name is Garrick. I see you've met the others - sorry, just got taken bit short in the tree line. Thank you for your very kind hospitality.".
Garrick looks for place to sit and hums along with the music.
Old Kleggy scowls at Hasta's untutored pluckings but Brud applauds her efforts. Clapping, laughing and giving her a good pat on the back. "Hahah," he cries, "she may be small but the girl's got spirit! Why, she'll be even better with a little practice inside her."
Aldred plays on for a bit with Brud drumming along. When dinner's ready everyone eats and sits around the fireplace sharing tales. Most of the woodsmen's talk is of brigands on the roads but Brud recalls an old tale. There was once an evil cult of Nerull, the death god, in this area. They once had a stronghold in a forest far to the north of here. They were hunted down and eradicated by a noble knight, Lord Parlfray, who's son, or grandson - he's not quite sure, now rules over the area of Harranshire from Parlfray's Keep.
As the evening draws on people begin to get tired and nod off in the small cabin. Sometime later that night Garrick finds himself awake. Old Kleggy has re-entered the cabin and heads for his bunk. It's a late hour for a stroll but the old boy's clearly had something disturbing on his mind all day. Well Garrick's too tired to look into it now but he remembers the fact for later.....
In the morning folk rise and a rudimentary breakfast is served (very rudimentary). The three woodsmen announce that they'll be taking their logs in to Milbourne today and they'd gladly accept the company of a bunch of armed fellows such as yourselves since times are hard what with bandits and scoundrels out to rob any who travel these parts. They go outside to load up the cart with timber while the rest of you gather up your belongings and prepare to leave.
Not really believing that bandits would choose to attack such a well-armed group, Shen nonetheless spends the time to check the draw on his bow, make sure that none of his arrows were warped by the rain, and ensure that his sword is loose in its scabbard. Finally, satisfied that all of his gear is in order, he steps outside to join the others.
If the woodsmen are not yet finished loading up their haul, Shen offers to help.
Garrick will ask then put his bulky backpack on the cart. (His 'special' tools are on a special belt around his waist. The spell component pouch hidden, but readily available on his belt).
Garrick will walk behind the cart, drawing his cloak around him to keep out the cold. He'll wile away the time chatting to whoever's nearest.
Checking all her equipment is safely attached to her, Hasta takes up her quarterstaff and walks alongside the cart, swapping stories with Aldred and Brud. Kleggy just seems a bit unapproachable to her. Mindful of the warning last night, she keeps an eye on the surroundings for any sign something's amiss.
Kharsis thinks he might remember something about Lord Parlfray. Maybe his family even had a visitor of this name when he was younger. Or was it Arlfray, or Parlbay? He doesn't remember very well.
However, as he rides slowly at the head of the group, his head is full of knights in shining armor fighting evil monsters of Nerull. Sometimes, it's almost if he can hear the battle resound further in the forest...
Kharsis does indeed remember something about Lord Parlfray. There was indeed a hero of that name who drove out a bunch of death cultists from Harranshire and then settled down there. He'd never had much reason to doubt the tale before, nor to believe it, but this was living proof that adventures and heroes really did happen. He remembers hearing that the current Lord Parlfray is a peaceful man. In fact, oh yes, that was it, one evening he was on his way to chapel and he had passed a mansion where some rather frivolent party was taking place. As he'd passed the window he'd heard a young woman with a very shrill voice exitedly explaining to her friend that Lord Parlfray's son was young and single, and not only that but that he was an only child and so likely to appreciate affection. The two girls seemed quite exited at the prospect impressing their virtues upon the young man if only they could persuade their respective fathers to visit such an out of the way place. They must hurry as such an eligible young man was likely to be snapped up if they weren't quick about it.
Meanwhile, back in the present, the three woodsmen haul their handcart along the road towards Milbourne, the Lyrchwood on the left of the road continues to stretch on. There's no need to ask how it got it's name as the predominent type of tree is fairly evident.
After about three quarters of an hour the cart comes to a halt witha bump. Cursing Brud goes round to the side to inspect the wheel. It's just ridden over a submerged tree root a bit too hard and the wheel's come loose. Old Kleggy curses and spits, walking round to watch Brud's efforts to get the cart in working order once more while young Aldred fidgets and looks into the woods nervously.
Deep amidst the foliage Kerrig scowls, "no don't look this way. Bugger, he's seen us boss, what do we do?"
"Might as well go for it before the idiot blows our cover" growls Kerrig's master.
Two arrows fly from the forest. One thuds into the side of the cart and the other lands sticking out of the pile of logs protruding over the top of the sides.
With a swagger a burly man dressed in hardened leather armour strides from the treeline, a rather large club in his hands. Letting the club swing gently from side to side he says "alright boys, so you've brought them right to us. Good job."
Straightening Brud and Kleggy grab heavy logs from the cart to use as makeshift clubs and try to look fierce (something old Kleggy seems to have no problems doing). Aldred forgets to grab a log 'till a sharp kick to the back of his calf from Kleggy reminds him. He stands there nervously holding his lump of wood.
The ringleader scans the group quickly and picks out Hasta. "That's the one" he says, indicating her with a gesture of his bludgeon, "I want her alive!"
"But what about the others?" asks Brud?
"Kill 'em, every last one," snarls Kleggy through clenched teeth.
"Garlan?" Brud asks the ringleader. Aldred trembles.
"No witnesses" scowls Garlan, clearly annoyed at an underling letting his name slip.
Beyond the treeline Kerrig and Lentan draw their bows back and take aim....
Okay folks, it's battle time.
Round 1:
Shenaistos smiles as he strides towards the woods and around the cart. "You'll regret this" he declares as he lets loose an arrow at Garllan that strieks the cart's side instead.
"Brud, Aldred," cries out Hasta, "what are you doing? Why would you attack men of the cloth?!"
Brud advances slowly around the side of the cart. Kharis directs his horse towards the woodsman and levels his spear at him. "This is not your fight Brud" he ceclares.
With a slightly lopsided cocky smile Garrick strides around the cart and speaks a few magic words. Flashing colours spray from his fingertips and engulf Kleggy, Aldred and Garlan. Spying the arcane gestures Garlan turns his head aside to shield his eyes. Kleggy is too busy glaring at young Aldred to recieve the full brunt of the blast but the young lad's eyes glaze over and he slumps to the ground.
Scowling Kleggy steps forwards and swings his club at the grinning elf but his eyes are still recovering from the colourful blast and his blow swings wild.
Whilst Amras moves towardas the cover of the trees, Godric calls out "come on Thorgrin" and moves up to support Garrick. Thorgrin trudges forwards pausing only to hurl a short throwing spear at Garlan which wings the man's armour, clipping his shoulder and notching the hardened leather plate as it passes.
Round 2:
Advancing swiftly Shenaistos fires off an arrow that sinks into Garlan's thigh. The man cries out in anger as much as pain and, raising his club above his head, he rushes the elf. Suddenly there is a whoosh and a thunk. An arrow from Lentarn's bow shoots over the elf's shoulder and embeds itself in the great club that was about to crush his skull into jelly. Garlan stops and stares in diebelief. He didn't even see the elf load! Shaking his head to clear away any more residual blurriness from Garrick's spell, he steps forwards and prepares for battle.
Kerrig's arrow also flies true, catching Thorgrin in the shoulder. Grunting the dwarf advances upon him, hefting his axe above the shoulder and raising his shield defensively.
Seeing a horse bearing down upon him Brud backs off, the tip of his club dipping. Kharsis goads his steed past the simple woodsman and turns to face the club wielding Garlan. Backing up a few paces Garrick utters some sorcerous incantation once more and old Kleggy slumps to the ground snoring. Godric walks over to him bearing rope with which to secure the hostage. Hasta moves closer to the fight, clearly intent on using some short ranegd spell, or getting a good view of someone to do something precise.
Round 3:
Seeing the club up close Shenaistos realises he's in some pretty serious danger and Garlan's got a mean glint in his eye. Dropping his bow he franticaly draws his sword and grips it with both hands. He hews desparately at the bandit who parries his blows with the massive club. Despite various heroic tales he's heard, Shenaistos realises that spearshafts and clubs are more resistant to a sharp sword's edge than he'd been led to believe and he feels a jarring sensation run up his arms as the weapons collide.
At a word from Hasta, a strange saplike liquid bubbles up to the surface of the club. Garlan looses his grip and it slips through his fingers as he gasps dumbfounded, then curses in anger, spitting hatred at his would be victims.
As Godric begins to bind the snoring Kleggy, Brud starts towards his workmates but stops suddenly as a cry echoes out across the scene. Kharsis sways in the saddle, an arrow from Lentarn protruding from his side. The horse rears and whinnies. Settling it the wounded rider steers his horse towards Garlan and Lentarn, struggling to stay upright.
Drawing his sword Kerrig charges out from behind the tree making a beeline for Thorgrin. The dwarf raises his shield but there was no need as the bowman's sword barely clips the corner of the shield on it's way downwards into the ground. In answer the dwarf raises his axe and hews downwards, catching the man across the shoulder and chest. Kerrig drops, his cry of horror cut short. As his life's blood bleeds out into the dirt it is clear his end is nigh. Thorgrin gives this little though 'though as he turns and stomps towards Garlan.
Garrick moves towards the woods and speaks some magic phrase again. Lentarn begins to feel weary and before he knows it he has slumped against the tree snoring and slowly sinks to the ground.
Seeing that he is the only man standing Garlan surrenders. The remaining sleeping brigands are quickly trussed up good and propper but Kerrig's a lost cause (unless someone wants to try and administer first aid before he bleeds to death).
While the three woodsmen bore only logs and wore thick winter clothing (equivalent to padded armour of inferior quality), Kerrig and Lentarn each wore professionaly made padded armour and were armed with a longsword and a longbow. Kerrig has 18 arrows remaining and Lentarn 17. Garlan himself wears leather armour and had his big two handed club. They also have a grand total of 17 gp and 50 sp among their possessions (someone might want to add that to the party stash).
Brud is clearly sorry for his part in this whole affair and hangs his head sheepishly. Garlan curses him, calling him weak, pathetic, useless and wishes he'd never hired the burly woodsman for an important matter like this.
So, quick battle status should folks want to heal their wounds. Kharsis has suffered 8 damage and Thorgrin has been wounded for 6.
Hi
I'll go & try to staunch the dying bandit's wounds. Ask if our Cleric can cast an orison (heals 1 pt) to stabilise him.
If no-one disagrees, I wouldn't mind the bow & some arrows. Don't need the armour or other weapons - hopefully I won't be in melee combat.
Cheers
Paul H
Sure, I'll heal him :) A list of items would be cool, so we could divide it up betwwen us.
Quote from: Squigface on April 08, 2008, 05:40:23 PM
Sure, I'll heal him :) A list of items would be cool, so we could divide it up betwwen us.
QuoteWhile the three woodsmen bore only logs and wore thick winter clothing (equivalent to padded armour of inferior quality), Kerrig and Lentarn each wore professionaly made padded armour and were armed with a longsword and a longbow. Kerrig has 18 arrows remaining and Lentarn 17. Garlan himself wears leather armour and had his big two handed club. They also have a grand total of 17 gp and 50 sp among their possessions (someone might want to add that to the party stash).
Yeah it would wouldn't it? :p
Ok, ok, teach me not to read everything :Doh!: I second the notion that we add the money to the part stash.
Shen paces the battlefield, working out the adrenaline that rushed through him in the final moments of the fight and keeping an eye out for stray arrows that are still usable.
I'd like to have a longbow (putting my shortbow up for grabs) and a share of the arrows.
Strolling up to Garlan, Hasta looks at him defiantly. Even tied and on his knees, he's slightly above her eye level.
"What's all this about wanting me alive then?" she asks angrily. "What did I ever do to you?"
As his horse comes near the group, Kharsis almost falls from the saddle, an arrow obviously sticked between two ribs. It looks like he doesn't really know how to deal with this...
Godric rushed over to Kharsis to see to the wound (I'll use cure light wounds), and then moves onto Thorgrin to see to his (Cure light woulds healing domain spell). "You fellows need to take more care before rushing into the fray like that."
Kharsis is healed 5 points and Thorgrim recieves 8 points of healing (enough to cure all 6).
Since the hand cart's mostly full of logs it's only really possible to pile one or two unconscious bodies on there. The rest of the brigands will need to walk (and need to be coerced to walk too). Let me know who's planning on taking care of them to make sure none run away or anything. The town of Millbourne is about seventeen or eighteen miles away. You might be able to make it by nightfall at a push but it's more likely to be sometime tomorrow.
"Thank you Godric. But I rushed nowhere you know, it's the arrow that found me..."
Rubbing his bruised side, Kharsis will offer to "coerce" one of the captive to walk.
"I'll join ye in tha' Kharsis, though we could prob'ly fit some more in he cart if we took out some 'o tha wood"
Shen returns to the cart just in time to catch the tail end of Godric's remark. "Ah, but the sale of that wood would add a nice bonus to our promised payment. And perhaps Aldred and Brud, at least, would walk a bit more willingly if their shares of the profits were awaiting them at the end."
Turning to Hasta, he says, "I must thank you for your assistance in that fight. I know a little of the workings of magic, but I have rarely had the chance to see it used so brilliantly."
Hasta blushes at the compliment.
"Well, it's not that difficult a spell; I'm still very much an apprentice myself. As for the uses, I owe that to Master Ironheart. He was a very inventive old dwarf indeed. Besides, you're no slouch with that bow yourself."
On hearing the word 'Magic' Garrick pauses and smiles to himself, then continues checking the 'salvage' from the fight.
Hopefully the party will let him keep one of the bows and some arrows - not a bad exchange for 3 spells. As he catches sight of the box to be delivered, he once again fights the urge to see what's inside. Were these just bandits, or were they here for some other purpose.......?
After a while the group get moving. Garlan curses Brud calling him weak and the big man sheepishly admits that he wishes he'd never got mixed up in this whole thing in the first place. After about four or five miles the road approaches a babbling brook crossed by a small ford. Aldred, who has been recovering on the cart, asks where they are and Brud tells him they've left the new mire far behind them and are now crossing Cutter Brook. He adds that after about twelve miles they'll be passing the turning for Harlaton and should be reaching Milbourne shortly before sunset. Aldred shakes his head to clear it of any residual magical effects (hey, he doesn't know what happened to him) and then hops off the cart to help move it across the brook.
True enough, after some twelve tiring miles on the road (made no better by Kleggy and Garlan's surliness and reluctance to help out in any way) the party reaches a t-junction. Turning left they soon reach the town of Milbourne. A huddle of houses can be seen beyond the river, easily accessible by a ford. A short distance downstream from the ford half a bridge juts out, unfinished, across the river. From the state of it work wasn't abandoned recently and it's been there for a few years now.
Looking across the ford to town a grizzled old dwarf can clearly be seen sitting on the far bank, a fishing rod grasped in his hands as he crouches beside a basket containing tackle and otheer assorted things he'll need to catch fish with. Behind him is a public drinking house of sorts and across the road from him is a working water mill and a market place (although all the stall holders have shut up shop this late in the evening).
Further back the village clearly sports a second pub further in, a chapel, some shops and a noble (if somewhat decrepid and run down looking) manor house. Please see the enclosed map, a copy of which will be posted in the player handouts thread.
Looking up the dwarf hawks and spits a gobbet of solid looking phlegm into the river before returning to his fishing.
In the background there's clearly some sort of activity around the second pub further back in town. People are moving about in an uncoordinated manner, not quite dashing but there's certainly a bit of husstle and bustle going on back there so something must be up.
"Well, we should try to find who could take care of our..guests. And also a place where to spend the night. I wonder what kind of temple it is over there..."
Kharsis will try to see some deity symbol as they come closer to the chapel.
Shen looks askance at the waters of the ford, wondering how deep they are. Deciding that safe is better than sorry, he carefully places his weapons on the driver's seat of the cart before wading into the river. The water is unpleasantly cold, and the hour is late; he impatiently looks forward to ending the evening's business and finding a place by a warm fire.
Garrick holds on to the cart and braces himself to cross the ford. Hopefully a warm fireplace and a cold ale will wash away the dirt of travel.
Godric crosses the ford and moves towards the pub with all the activety "By the gods, what be all this commotion about?"
Spying the bound prisoners the old dwarf shakes his fist at them. "Bah, string 'em up" he declares. Shrugging at Godric's question he returns to his fishing. At this distance a disturbance can be heard from the nearby pub and a man is forcibly ejected through the doors, off balance and spittingout a tooth. After facing up to the door and threatening it he staggers away into the darkness, nursing a grudge but looking to sleep it off and come back another day. From the sounds of it there's a full scale pub brawl brewing. At least the people dashing about near the other pub aren't thumping each other.
After retrieving his belongings from the cart, Shen turns toward the grizzled dwarf. "Good sir, is there a jailhouse or some such where we might safely leave these bandits to face justice?" There is not much hope in his tone, though, as more sounds of fighting spill from the pub and no lawmen are in evidence.
"Bah," the dwarf spits, "tek 'em to old Garyld oop t' road an' turn right afore the chapel. He's th' town constable, 'though you wouldn't think so. Doesn't do much of a decent job. 'e's th' carpenter as well, see, an' tha' line of work seems more lucrative to 'im." With a scowl he turns his eyes back to the rod. "Wish my brother's son were 'ere. 'e'd mek a good constable 'e would. But tha' uselss boy's gone an' got lost somewhere. 'e were s'posed t' be visitin' a good two months back and where is 'e eh? Not a sound nor sight of 'im." Glaring back up at Thorgrin he speaks directly to the dwarf "tell the what, if tha' sees that good fer nothin Snagger tell 'im I'm waiting fer that visit and he'd better hurry oop an' no exuses mind."
Hooray, Snagger's npc character sheet now has a name :).
Garrick takes note of the directions given to the constable's place, and starts to lead the prisoners there. The sooner this lots's taken care of the quicker he can warm up in a nice tavern.
As he looks across to the bawdy tavern he wonders what the commotion is? More importantly, what's the women like here?
Thorgrin follows behind the group of prisoners with his axe at the ready, "No need to head off on your own Garrick." Thorgrin looks back at the rest of the group as if asking, 'are you coming?' He heads off to take the prisoners to the constable.
Amara's looks around while trying to get as much water out of his clothing as he can. "One way or another I get drenched. Can't I get a few days of being dry?" He continues to look around. "So now what?"
"I'm following you Thorgrin." Nods Kharsis.
"Let's meet the constable. I hope this won't delay us too much."
Also the young paladin wants justice to be done properly, the place makes him nervous...
Shaking his head in bemusement, Shen helps herd the prisoners in the direction of this "constable/carpenter." He'll keep an open mind until he actually meets the man, but how can a carpenter be qualified to dispense justice and keep the peace?
Passing beneath the wordless inn sign, the image upon which depicts a silver crown, the party heads up through thwe now abandoned marketplace, past a shop and, shortly before reaching the chapel, they turn right. As they do so, looking through the gap between two buildings, one of which is clearly the smith's workshop, they observe two young men dash across to the mill and enter inside. Nobody seems to stop them and many of the milling throng observe their actions so it can be assumed that they aren't about to cause some sort of trouble.
The carpenter clearly doubles as a fine bowyer, as evidenced by the number of bows on display outside his workshop and the fine timber work pieces slotted together to form his home. There are also a few chairs on display and a pair of large hounds sit near the door. At the party's approach they smell the prisoners' fear and growl. From within comes the thud thud thud of a crutch and the door swings open. Framed by the doorway is a man in his late fourites or early fifties. His lean form is topped by a mop of thick black hair showing only a hint of grey 'though his skin tells his age.
His eyes quickly take in the sign and his friendly demeanour turns to one of admonishment. "Oh Brud, what have you gotten yourself mixed up in this time man? Now Kleggy, I'd expect to see you mixed up in this, whatever it is, and who are your friends eh? More good for nothing vagabonds causing trouble I'll not doubt. And young Aldred too? Too touched by ale to tell a foul plan from a noble deed I'll be bound."
At this young Aldred blurts out "it was all him, he did it," pointing at Garlan who spits at the boy and swears under his breath. Brud hangs his head and merely mumbles sheepishly that he's "sorry Garyld, really sorry".
"Well," says the aging carpenter, "I'm afraid this time sorry won't cut it. There's some sort of ruckus at the Baron of Mutton that warrants my attention." Hobbling out a yard or so he calls out "hey Dag, Ren, what's going on?"
A young man of the watch (as evidenced by his fairly plain "uniform") glances back at and, advancing to the door of the inn, hollers inside and recieves some sort of reply. Jogging back to Garyld he pants out of breath, "it's the girl boss, my da' says she's gorn missing like an' tha' there young Andren's in a right old state. Says 'e wants t' raise a search party an' everything."
Scowling Garlynd announces that "well I don't have no time for that boy. Yer father'll have ter deal wi' it. You an' me've got ter take these 'ere prisoners to squire Carman. Tell you what, "he says, looking at the group, "why don't you lot head over to the Baron o' Mutton an' see if you can keep things calm. I'll be back ter deal wi' it as soon as I can. I owe yer one." And with that he hobbles off leading the group of prisoners with young Dag bringing up the rear.
Lowering his axe Thorgrin steps up and announces "If the lass needs to be found then we should help. They are stretched thin here."
And of course, if anyone asks "why us?" then Garyld will point out that "you took care of this lot without loss of life didn't you?" :)
"You're right Thorgrin, just as if the gods brought us where we were needed! Let's meet the baron."
Before leaving, Kharsis adds:
"As for this lot, constable Garlynd, I have to say this one - pointing at Brud - gave up the idea of harming us when the others attacked, only a couple of words were needed to make him come back to reason. I just want to make it fair, whatever will happen to them."
Garrick's ears prick up at the thought a young woman might be in trouble.
Addressing the constable:
"Greetings, I'm Garrick". waits for a reply.
"You seem to be in charge here. OK to leave this stuff here.." (points to hand-cart) "..while we see what's happening at the Inn.."?
If the constable agrees, Garrick grabs his back pack and heads for the inn.
"Shouldn't we lighten our load before moving on to another issue?" Amras looks at the chest as he speaks. Shurgging he adds "its just a thought."
"Amras..... a woman might need our help. Surely that takes preceedence over a simple delivery? It's not as if it's medical supplies or anything. Besides, we might find out more information for our journey at the inn.."
I thnk I will be forced to agree with Garrick on this, unless you think we should split up.
"I am fine with it either way. I just didn't want to take a chance with the chest. The constable didn't seem to worried about putting the search off so that's why I suggested it." Amras looks around and the says "I'm with the group."
"I agree with Garrick too. Anyway we're stuck here at least for the night, so we could help while we're here. We also shouldn't forget that our opponents had a grudge against Hasta, and we still don't know why. Maybe we can learn more and avoid more troubles on our way..."
Wow. It's been so long, I had almost forgotten that we have a delivery to make. Fortunately for our decision-making skills, the chest is to be delivered at Thurmaster, the next town over.
Shen says, "A girl is out alone at night with the likes of Garlan prowling the roads? How dare we think of ought else 'til she be recovered?" With that, he strides purposefully toward the inn, scowling at the dark imaginings running through his mind.
Sir Thorgrin switches weapons and touches his hammer to his shield "By Moradin's will its been decided then. Lets be off." With that he follows Shen.
The people around the inn seem to part, not so much out of respect but more out of the slow realisation that strangers are in their midst (and nobody wants to be too close to a stranger untill they've got used to them a bit). Sounds of shouting can be heard from within. It's a man's voice, young and distraught.
Inside the building every man is standing. One young man is restraining another who is desparately trying to charge ou blindly into the night. "She's gorn," he calls out, "she's gorn an' I'm gunna foiynd her!" The man restraining him tells him to "calm down young Andren" and keeps trying to get him to sit down. The innkeeper trembles nervously behin the bar. Despite the ruckus, this place still seems more respectable than the other pub in town. The sign above the door features a large plate with bits of meat on it, gripped by the hands of a plump man (almost as round as the plate itself) who'se head protrudes over the top of the plate wearing some sort of posh hat. Clearly this is the Baron of Mutton.
As Thorgrin enters the room he heads toward the Baron of Mutton "We have come from the constable to aid you in the search for the missing lady."
Quote from: Custom_Hobby on April 17, 2008, 02:42:42 PM
As Thorgrin enters the room he heads toward the innkeeper "We have come from the constable to aid you in the search for the missing lady."
Erm, the pub's called The Baron of Mutton. The innkeeper has his own name thanks :P.
Honest Mistake, at least he didn't say it
After a few minutes a plump middle aged man busstles into the building. He's broad chested with large sideburns that show the same flecks of grey as his thinning hair. He is accompanied by the two young men who ran to fetch him.
"What's this," he asks, "what's going on with my little Chenna?"
"She's gone," cries someone from the agitated crowd.
"Gorn missin'" adds another, "she's been and gone an' vanished innit?" adds another voice.
"I have to find her," calls out the young man, "I must!" one or two of the young lads try to restrain him and the middle aged miller* tries to calm him down.
"What have you done with her?" he demands of the innkeeper, "she wuz staying in yer inn right? You've sold her off ter gypsies or something!
"Now then Andren," consoles the miller, "gypsies ain't been near town fer two months now and you know it. P'rhaps she's gorn off collecting herbs or maybe that there Theothrastus has called her over ter see 'im like. Nobody knows how those wizards do things."
* He was fetched from the mill, remember?
At the mention of a wizard suddenly Amras stops looking so glum. "Wizard you say? Do you have any ideas where we should start searching?"
Sir throgrin strides over to the elven wizard and gives him a sound pat on the back. "Thats the spirit magus Tasartir.
Quote from: Custom_Hobby on April 18, 2008, 03:19:12 PM
At the mention of a wizard suddenly Amras stops looking so glum. "Wizard you say? Who is this Theothrastus? Do you have any ideas where we shoudl start searching?"
Erm, he's the guy you olks were hired to deliver a chest full of spell components too.
Alright so I am having a bad week. Its been a while since I read the start of the adventure. I fixed it
Quote from: Custom_Hobby on April 18, 2008, 04:07:04 PM
Alright so I am having a bad week. Its been a while since I read the start of the adventure. I fixed it
Don't worry mate. The boards were down for a few months so I'm happy to take it easy for now and juts drop gentle reminders while people get back in the groove.
Shen nods and adds, "We have business of our own with Theothrastus. We can keep an eye out for the girl once we arrive in Thurmaster. Tonight, however, it may be best to ensure that there is no more mundane cause for her disappearance. We have encountered bandits on the road, and there may be more of the same about."
Garrick notices the commotion with the young lad, and approaches their group. Addressing the yooung man:
"My name's Garrick, and I may be off to see that wizard in Thurmaster. Who is this girl that's missing, and what's she to you"?
If the young man answers, Garrik asks for a description, and where the girl was last seen/would likely to be. He also asks the relationship between the girl and the wizard.
Hasta remains quiet and listens for the description of the girl, glad that the others seem to agree that they should go looking for her. It wouldn't be right not to lend a hand if they could.
It soon becomes evident that nobody knows what's happened but they know what happened beforehand. Chenna, a local girl (the miller's daughter) is the apprentice of Theothrastus of Thurmaster. She is also betrothed to be married to young Andren. Andren's the grandson of the innkeeper and often works part time at the inn with his brother Bran. He's been away taking food supplies to the mines up north and only just returned.
Last night Chenna returned from Thurmaster and renetd a room at the inn. She was looking forwards to seeing Andren on the morrow, and he was fully expecting to see her upon his return.
Unfortunately she has not been seen since entering her room last night. She simply wasn't there in the morning.
No description yet but there shall be one forthcoming. Let me know if anyone wants to search the girl's room or question the innkeeper or something.
Itching to begin the search, Shen immediately springs into action upon hearing that the girl was last seen entering her room. He rushes up the stairs two at a time, realizing only as he reaches the landing that he has no idea which room was hers. Slowly, he comes back into view, his face turning bright crimson as he realizes that all eyes are now on him. He mumbles something unintelligible and looks pleadingly toward his companions.
As Shen bolts up the stairs Amras asks what room was hers. Once he gets the answer he shouts it up to Shen as his red face becomes visible. Amras steps closer to the innkeeper "Is there anything else you can tell us?"
Kharsis frowns as Theothrastus' name is spoken.
"Pretty strange isn't it? Exactly the spellcaster we have to meet in Thurmaster...I begin to think something odd is happening..."
Kharsis walks to the door of the inn, and tells Shen: "When you are in the right room Shen, wave to me from the window if there is one, I'll get a look outside..."
Hasta follows Shen to the room, albeit a bit slower. Cogs turning frantically in her head, she wonders if the disappearance of the girl has anything to do with her attempted kidnap earlier. They're both young, spell-casting females after all, though one would think the difference between dwarf and human was big enough. If a connection exists, at least the girl was wanted alive.
Garrick asks which was the girl's room then asks everyone to wait outside as he hecks the room out.
(Door's left open so other party members can see. Will do search check round and under bed. Will also check cupboards & any chests in room).
"Kharsis, do me a favour and talk to the poor lad & see what you can find out".
To the others:
"Please keep the others back, will you"?
Okay, little bit of a correction because I made a slight mistake.
The man behind the bar isn't the innkeeper.
The innkeeper is 89 years old (and likes to remind people of the fact, he is human afterall). He no longer runs the inn. His two grandsons Andren and Bran run the inn. If Chenna was staying at the inn last night (which she was) and people have known she's been missing since late afternoon/early morning, then howcome Andren's only just found out now?
Well obviously I threw in the exuse of him taking food supplies up to the Carman Mines to the north of town. But then the young man comforting/restraining him is obviously his brother Bran. So who is that guy behind the bar?
Obviously he's just some local bloke who just helps out behind the bar a bit when one of the brothers is away.
So..... while Halpen (the miller) comforts Andren, Bran speaks to those downstairs whilst Garrick and Shenaistos examine the room she stayed in last night. Bran explains that "Chenna came in last night and hired the room. Sheretired early for the evening in the morning she was gorn."
"Yeah, an' that's not like her it is," cuts in Andren, "not like her at all. She wouldn't go w'thout saying her goodbyes an' she'd leave a message for me too."
"Aye, that she would," confirms Bran, "anyroad, Andren here found a box of magick things under the bed didden' he?"
"Oh aye," adds Andren, "magic stuff like candles, balls of string, chalk an' some nasty smelly stuff she sez is for fire balls or sommat." He shrugs, his knowledge of magical matters clearly expended by his recognition of the fact that some of this stuff was used by magicians to make magic stuff happen. "Her door weren't locked neither an' we reckon she would've locked it when she went ter bed like."
"An' she certainly wouldn't leave tha' stuff a'hind," says Halpen.
"She was a lovely girl," sobs Andren, "an' now I'll never see her ever again." At this both Halpen and Bran comfort him with words like "now you know that bain't goin'ter happen" and stuff like that.
"Look," he says, "she's my Chenna an, well, Haplen's girl too, but she's got black hair an' green eyes an', an' an' she's really pretty like, an' she allers wears a blue cloak an' look, I've even got a picture of her here." At this he thrusts a locket containing a very small painting forwards for all to see. (He'll show this to the others too when they come downstairs). "I jus' know somethink bad's 'appened to her. We've got ter save her."
Meanwhile upstairs Garrick and Shenaistos begin searching the girl's room. It's clean and tidy with no signs of a struggle. The door is left unlocked and there is still a small box (kind of jewelery box sized but fairly plain) under the bed containing a number of things that Garrick recognises as being spell components. He can even hazard a geuss that a few of these spells might have included sleep & fireball (although the bat guano, saltpetre and the other one don't seem very used).
By the time they have returned downstairs Andren has been persuaded not to mount a dissorganised one man search of the surrounding area. He begs the party to make haste to Theothrastus (her master and mentor) as the old wizard might know where she's got to (maybe he sent her out on a mission) or may be able to assist in finding her. He is a wizard after all and they can find things out with magic stuff.
OOC: Does Hasta recognise any more of the components? She is a wizard too after all.
IC: Returning downstairs with the others, Hasta quickly recognises Andren's need of comfort. Squeezing his hand, she looks at him determinedly.
"We'll find her for you," she says. "Don't you go worrying any more, she'll be back safe and sound. Now, how do we get to this Theothrastus fellow?"
We have a map that shows how to get from Milbourne to Thurmaster. At a glance, I'd guess it'll take about three days. Am I close, Balgin?
Shen checks the window for signs of forced entry. He then slides it open and sticks his head out as far as he can without risking a fall to check the wall around the window. Spying Kharsis below, he waves until he has the paladin's attention.
If Shen notices anything unusual, he will bring it to Garrick's attention.
As a spellcaster Garrick realises that the girl wouldn't leave voluntarily without her spell components and takes them to Andren. Taking him aside he asks if these belong to his girlfriend.
Privately, to the rest of the party (out of earshot to non-party members);
"These are spell components - she'd never leave without them. Something's not right here - we'll need to speak to the constable......."
Waits a moment in thought...
Amras takes a look at the components, "We should probably take these with us."
"I'll hellp with looking around outside" Sir Thorgrin steps outside to help the Paladin search for clues outside.
Kharsis puts a friendly hand on Andren's shoulder before going outside: "We'll find out what happened to her. Try to stay calm and do what you can to find her too. That's what she would want you to do. Ok Andren?"
The young paladin will then leave the inn, and check from which window Shen is waving from. He'll get a look at the ground, and at the wall too.
Searching outside generaly reveals the tracks and footprints of everyone who lives in the village. Kharsis isn't really able to find anything useful below the window. Hasta recognises a few more of the spell components (I'll need to check what they are 'though but it's basicaly low level spells on the whole).
According to the map (and my notes) it should take two or three days to reach Thurmaster by road. However, there is a barge that can make the journey in a day (only one barge that goes one way one day and then turns round and comes back). I'm going to be generous and say it's at Milbourne at the moment (so it'll be leaving sometime in the morning). The boathouse (and the dock) are down by the half - a - bridge.
Garrick asks around about the barge. If the captains about in the inn Garrick asks about working passage downstream.
If the bargemaster agrees - Garrick asks the rest of the party if they'll join him on the barge. Journey'll be quicker, and we can ask the wizard about his protege.
"Sounds like a good idea." Amras looks around at the rest of the group "We might get there before she does if she went that way."
Shen nods in agreement. "We have found no clues to aid in a normal search. Enlisting the help of a powerful wizard like Theothrastus seems prudent."
"Good, we seem to be in agreement".
"What say we stay here ovenight, and travel by barge in the morning? Maybe we can get some more information over a glass or three of wine with the locals. Hmmm.... I wonder if the bargemaster is here already..."?
Whilst the barge's captain isn't here (he's more likely to be at the rough pub) there are a few locals who say you'll need to go down to the boathouse and talk to a woman called Capella. She handles all the boating arrangements and it's her you'd need to talk to in order to arrange passage. Also, as it's evening, it might be worth putting it off 'till morning to go and see her.
After observing everything going on Sir thorgrin speaks up "Why don't we go check the other Pub and see if anyone knows anything?"
"Good idea Sir Thogrin. You don't look like the sort for an inn crawl - just proves we shouldn't judge by appearances"
Garrick smiles, then extends his right hand gesturing for the paladin to lead the way.
"Good idea Thorgrin. I guess we have some time before the barge leaves, isn't it?"
Kharsis nods at Garrick, and moves forward.
As it seems the group cannot set off until tomorrow, Hasta remains at the inn with Andren, trying to help console him and learn a bit more about Chenna. If other subjects come up, she'll pay special attention to what's been happening recently - anything really that might explain a disappearance.
"In that case I think it would be wise for one of us to stay with Hasta. I'll stay" Amras sits down with his back against the wall looking around the room not far from Hasta.
Shen follows those headed for the other inn as far as just outside the Baron of Mutton. He then turns and says, "If Hasta is correct in her guess that Chenna's disappearance is related to her own attempted kidnapping, it may be best if I remain here to watch over the wizards." With that, he begins looking for a vantage point where he can keep an eye on the majority of the possible entrances to the inn, but where he will not draw unnecessary attention to himself. Once he finds such a spot, he settles in to watch for suspicious activity until his companions return.
Garrick, Kharsis and Sir Thorgrin head off to The Silver Crown. Inside the inn there is a generaly cloud of tobacco smoke. Some seedy looking rough types are playing cards in a corner and others sit huddled over their drinks, glaring at each other. There don't seem to be any barmaids, just the barman and his younger assistant (probably his son, the family resemblence is noticible). In fact it looks as if the son doubles as bouncer. The atmosphere is tense and heads turn as the door opens and newcomers step in.
Garrick will stand at the bar & buy an ale. He'll check out the customers for anyone he recognises - if not he'll look around to find someone he can 'chat' to, then join them to find out what's going on. mayb even buy them a drink.
[Use Gather Information]
Kharsis will join Garrick and take the same drink. Letting his eyes float on the room, he will then try to detect evil, following his holy sense.
Sir Thorgrin decides not to get a drink but does stay with Kharsis & Garrick. He looks around the room to see if he notices anything. He also listens to see if he can pick anything up in conversations as he passes people. He stays at the ready in case they are attacked.
Well the locals in this pub are a surly bunch. Kharsis quickly observes that this is more of a drinking house than an inn, meaning that it doesn't have rooms to let. Garrick and Thorgrin eventualy find out that the drinkers haven't even heard of the disappearance at the Baron of Mutton yet (and their responces range from dissinterest to sarcasm to mild concern). They also discover that one of the card players was recently accused of cheating and a fight broke out (but he won so clearly he wasn't cheating "knocked th' teeth right outta his mouth!").
Scanning the room Kharsis senses bad feelings from one of the card players. He's glaring at the cheating card player and probably intends to settle things in a rather unconventional way after the pub shuts later. There's minor wickedness present in one or two of the other patrons but not as strong as in the angry man.
I'll sort out the money for those drinks in a bit.
Garrick 'works the bar' gathering information as he can, keeping as much distance between himself and the obvious paladin. Also asks some shady looking customers about getting some 'specialised' kit - lockpicks, poisons, etc. He also asks quietly about 'guild membership'. (Letting local thieve's guild they may have potential new member).
After a while Garrick asks about passage on the morning barge.
After a few discreet inquiries Garrick recieves suggestions to seek out a certain "upright man" of good standing by the name of Dern Cullen. Mr Cullen himself is in the inn tonight. He is a middle aged man who keeps his grey hair and jawline beard short and neatly trimmed. His clothes are made of good durable cloth but a tad old and worn. He pays little attention to the ruffians that stand at his shoulder as they banter and glare at each other. As Garrick approaches he focusses on the elf and awaits his greeting. There is a sense of power about this man like a coiled spring waiting to be released. He does not seem amused or intrigued by the elf's appearance, he merely exudes an ominous presence that is almost a tangible force.
Sir Thorgrin stays a couple of steps behind Garrick. He keeps an eye on everything around them and lets Garrick do the talking.
Garrick catches Dern Cullen's eye and slightly nods to a quiet corner. (Or at lest a less obvious place to talk). If Cullen accepts Garrick will buy another drink and follow him.
Garrick's not sure if this is a 'Guild' contact or something entirely legit.
Looking the elf up and down Dern finaly speaks to the men who surround him. "Well, well, well, here's a pair of well rattled chums and no mistake. Pendle, buy them a drink each, there's a good pal." The group chuckle and one breaks off, headed for the bar.
"Now then," says Dern, speaking directly to Garrick, "why don't you come and sit here with me an' share a tip of rum belch with me. There's no need to shoole away in the shadows. There's nothing to say as I'm afraid to speak in my pal's company like." At this the men surrounding him chuckle once more.
Oh thieve's cant is fun. I'll need to check which languages Garrick is fluent in but with successful decipher scripts/int checks he should be able to work out the gist of it. I highly recommend Gary Gygax's The Canting Crew to all of you for entertainment value. It's largely based on the late rennaissance thieve's cant with the addition of various "obsolete" words and others he included for fun to fill gaps or that just happened to tickle his imagination.
Since Kharsis doesn't seem to pick something interesting in the room, and Garrick does, the young paladin will simply stay where he is. He will try not to look too much at the table where Garrick sat, drinking his ale. However, should things go bad, he's on the ready to fight... You never know, with such awful places, thinks Kharsis.
Garrick joins Dern for a drink, and tries to find out what's on offer - items or information.
Sir Thorgrin walks over to Kharsis "Lets hope he can find something useful."
Well Garrick sits down and, as Pendle brings him a drink, Mr Cullen mentions that alittle bird told him someone might be looking for gilks (lockpicks), a bess (crowbar) or even a family man (at Garrick's geuss, this refers to a fence who recieves stolen goods and also trains up scoundrels in various arts and also forges petty documents, but it could mean a few other things as well).
As the discussion takes place a young lad with a prominent nose and spotty face bursts in and exitedly informs Dern that "Kerrig and Lentarn are roasting the pigs".
"Well now," says the aging knave, "I always knew they was a right pair of roaring boys. We don't want nuffing to do with scourers like that."
"But mr Cullen sir," insists the spotty faced lad, "they've gort Kleggy an' three others an' all."
Giving him an unpleasant look Mr Dullen replies, "well then that's right different isn't it? Kleggy's a right captain sharp and no mistake. He's probably dragegd hapless friends into something they'd have done better to keep out of. There's nothing we can do for them now but pray, and hope the great beak does right by 'em."
From this Garrick ascertains that Kerrig and Lentarn have been arrested (he knew that already) but that Dern Cullen considers them to be a pair of mindless thugs without a shred of conscience who'll rob, assault and even abuse the watch without shame.
Kleggy is clearly a bully boy who's heavily into witness intimidation and debt collection but Aldred and Brud don't seem to be involved in anything dodgey.
Dern isn't going to do anything to get them out of the mess they've got themselves into (or if he is, he isn't going to discuss it here) and he's advised his underling to "hope the judge is deals fairly with them".
Garrick asks if there's been any other strangers around recently, or any unusual 'contracts' being offered. Garrick also points out that the arcanist seemed to be specifically targetted.
Once the main questions are out of the way he gets down to business and asks about local 'trade' - who to avoid, good marks, etc. Garrik pats his concealed toolbelt when lockpicks are mentioned. He also asks about this vllage downstream, and about the wizard there.
Over the course of a few minutes Mr Cullen informs Garrick that the local chapel of siant Cuthbert is very popular with the townsfolk. Cuthbert is very strict on good behaviour and all the locals at least pay lip service (and some are truly devout indeed). As such there aren't many opportunities to get up to no good (and those that do often go to confession to at least seem remorseful for their deeds). Out here in the countryside the local priest and the townsfolk take a more lax view of the good saint's strictness but the local guards (all three or four of them) are not a force to be triffled with. The village shopkeeper, in particular, is very security conscious and alert.
He also tells him that while Thurmaster is closer to Lord Parlfray's castle, it's fairly run down and impoverished (due to large scale attacks by lizardmen from the marshes years ago). As such the folk of Thurmaster are more inclined to lawlessness, why, the town's inkeeper has three of his own ladies who sell cool ale (women of easy virtue who also sell booze). The shopkeeper in Thurmaster is less alert than the one in Millbourne but Dern warns that the banker of Thurmaster is not to be trusted. He does not rob folk blind but keeps introducing new fees and charges after negotiations have been agreed on.
He knows that Theothrastus is a wizard, the only one in all Harranshire. The old boy likes to come out and put on fireworks demonstrations for the children during religious festivals. Other than that the aging wizard likes to keep to himself. "And his tower, you've just got to see his tower," he chuckles.
Nodding at sir Thorgrin he adds "I see you've brought Snagger with you." When asked what this means he explains that, "well when the only dwarf in the village spends three or four months telling us that his nephew's coming to see him and then finaly a dwarf turns up what are we meant to think?"
After a while Garrick, Thorgrin and Kharsis return to The Barron of Mutton. Shenaistos has observed the townsfolk going about their evening business. Everyone seems upset and a bit on edge but that's understandable what with the sudden disappearance of Chenna, Theothrastus' apprentice.
Back at the inn Andren and Bran produce a rather appetising stew from the kitchen as dinner for their geusts. They also set aside two of the private rooms for the group (neither of which is Chenna's room or the common room). Evereyone eats and then retires for the night. Spellcasters may wish to sort out their spell lists for the day to come.
In the morning Andren wakes the group and takes them down to the boat house where they meet Capella, a stocky woman in her thirties with her dark hair bound in a greasy ponytail that curls around her neck and down over her left shoulder like an oily ferret or something. She tilts her head on one side and eyes the newcomers up as if measuring them up for something.
Andren explains the situation to her and she listens quietly, eyeing up the newcomers, hands folded behind her back. She agrees to give you all passage on the barge for free if you help load it up and this end and unload the contents when it reaches Thurmaster. Once unloaded the dockers will take care of them. You can also act as security for the barge's contents on the journey.
So the party help load sacks, crates and barrels onto the barge. Once the few crew push off the barge begins it's merry route downstream. The forest to the south of the river seems to flash by at a faster rate than they would on foot. The boatmen keep an eye out for brigands and ne'erdowells in the woodlands to the south and the fileds to the north. The weather is thankfuly dry and even a little sunny but the day itself is thankfuly uneventful. As evening draws on the barge reaches the docks of Thurmaster.