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Post by Hexenritter Verlag on Jul 31, 2018 0:15:38 GMT -5
Mighty Darci mormonyoyoman raikenclwThe common room of the Wayfarer's Rest is abuzz with activity as the sun disappears over the mountains casting a long shadow of the Vale and Last Hope Township. around a table off to the side sits a group of relative strangers, all new to Last Hope & the Vale. The motley group has drawn stares from some of the regulars - old trappers, hunters and mercenaries taking a day or so off before taking work with either a caravan or river boat taking trade from the small isolated town. The smell of savory pies, a stew of root vegetables and game and smoked fish, mingled with pipe smoke, wood smoke from the central fire and alcohol fills the common room; as does the sounds of eating and loud conversation. The innkeeper a balding salt n' pepper haired fit man with a patch over his left eye and numerous scars over his exposed flesh peaking out from his stained blood red tunic; holds court from behind the bar as he splits his time talking to patrons, filling drinks and cleaning mugs. Three comely lasses weave their way to any from the kitchen carrying trays, flirting occasionally with the customers as they do their jobs. All three look a like and have a passing resemblance to Arden one-Eye the innkeeper. They are named Beeka (the eldest), Tasha & Ephra (the youngest) and look like younger versions of their mother the cook, Areena - sister to the current Witch of Last Hope, Šanda the Red who also currently owns the Wayfarer's Rest Public House. Food is spread across the table in front of you as you eat, talk and and take in the nearby conversations. [ OOC: Take it from here.]
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Post by mormonyoyoman on Jul 31, 2018 7:08:54 GMT -5
The beardless youngster (one can hardly call the fuzz on his chin a BEARD) is enveloped in his own world, writing in a book of vellum pages. The cider on the table in front of him is untouched. Next to him, the large hairy man with the unkempt hair looks over his own mug to the small group around the table and asks "How is it that the Prince's own fighting men let him be captured and how do we rescue him?"
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Post by Mighty Darci on Aug 1, 2018 20:21:22 GMT -5
Togork the Half-Ogre sits uncomfortably in the undersized (for him) chair. He doesn't like crowds and knows humans look sideways at one such as he, although he doesn't understand why. At 9 1/2 feet tall he is very large even for a Half-Ogre, being very robust and one of the strongest of his kind and more nimble than most. His large bulbous nose and wide generous mouth is highlighted by larger than usual "small" tusks. He is much darker than most Half-Ogre's being of a dark gray hue. He smiles (a ferocious grin that makes strong men quail) at the large portions placed before him and begins to eat. He sits to the left of Gwindeth and seldom strays from her side and usually lets her do the talking.
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Post by Mighty Darci on Aug 1, 2018 20:27:33 GMT -5
Gwindeth the female Half-Orc of medium greenish brown complexion has more pronounced tusks than is usual for a female. She has a horribly scarred face that makes most very uncomfortable. She sits and takes in the crowd, her movements are quick and sure as she notes who is where and what they are about. She has let it be known that they are volunteers to rescue the prince and will do whatever needs to be done.
She is amused at how uncomfortable her companion is and knows he will relax as he eats, as long as he is not bothered, which she hopes will not happen. She has come to rely on his strength and endurance which has pulled them thorough some tough spots.
She checks out the two humans, one absented minded and waiting to die, the other an unkempt loud mouth. She says, "I am sure his men didn't do it on purpose, didn't they find them dead? I imagine we'll have to find him and make it up as we go."
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Post by Mighty Darci on Aug 1, 2018 20:37:51 GMT -5
The Half-Orc brothers Grimbane and Grimdeath are seated across from Gwindeth. They do not seem bothered by her scars, if anything, they make her more attractive (she survived did she not). They know all about surviving, owing there's to an unusually violent mother, they fed well on their enemies growing up. They are taller than usual, burly and of gray hued complexion. Black hair worn long and braided. They have large tusks, almost as large as the Half-Ogre. They are surprised to see Gwindeth with the Half-Ogre, but note that Half-Orc women have no time for weaklings.
They grimace at Gwendeth's reply to the shaggy human, pleased at her reply. They focus on eating, knowing that sometimes meals can be hard to come by and that one eats when eating is to be had.
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Post by raikenclw on Aug 1, 2018 23:32:45 GMT -5
. . . the large hairy man with the unkempt hair looks over his own mug to the small group around the table and asks "How is it that the Prince's own fighting men let him be captured and how do we rescue him?"[The scarred female half-orc] says, "I am sure his men didn't do it on purpose, didn't they find them dead? I imagine we'll have to find him and make it up as we go."The reddish scaled reptillian fellow wearing the russet tabard of his Order nods and leans forward, "Yes, I agree. We will most definitely have to 'wing it,' as I believe the vernacular term phrases such endeavors. I am afraid that Josiah . . ." Here he gestures toward the large (for a human) and similarly-attired fellow sitting beside him, who nods slightly in acknowledgement of Sora's gesture. " . . . and I were unable to discover very many details regarding the attack during our inquiries. I *assume* that someone can at least direct us to the location of the ambush, but we have yet to speak to anyone who claimed to be able to serve as a guide."Looking over at the hirsute individual who made the initial disparaging comment, Sora smiles grimly and adds, "Although I am also wondering how experienced guards were so utterly routed. Perhaps there is more to this than a simple ambush. Because in my experience, even 'simple' ambushes often involve treachery of some degree."
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SORA
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Post by Hexenritter Verlag on Aug 2, 2018 0:49:21 GMT -5
Sora mulls over the info he got and remembers that the now dead Baron was against Prince Halborn heading into the Ruins as he wanted others to do so but those Sora spoke to believe the prince wanted one last hurrah before settling down and assuming command of the barony. People liked him but thought he was a bit foolhardy & too adventurous for his own good. Though he had some men at arms with him he had a few comrades from his recent travels join him, a half-elf magic-user named Arodril, a human of low birth and a glib tongue, named Londo & a outlander named Rurik. None were seen again. But that is all Sora could remember beyond what he stated before, no real clues other than they took a river boat to a recently abandoned riverside village that is a half mile from the old north road that used to connect to the old town upon whose ruins Last Hope was built upon.
If the others did any serious asking around you heard similar things or at least close to the above though minus the names of Prince Halborn's companions as he learn their names from the priestess Latra.
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Post by mormonyoyoman on Aug 2, 2018 5:50:36 GMT -5
The young man looks up from his writing (though he continues writing) "Perhaps we heard amiss? There was talk of some unfamiliar magicks which caused the Prince's guards to break and run. Do any of you know if there be truth to this rumor?" He appears too solemn for his apparent age, until he seems to notice Sora for the first time which seems to please him immensely.
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Post by raikenclw on Aug 2, 2018 21:52:12 GMT -5
. . . he seems to notice Sora for the first time which seems to please him immensely. Sora thinks: I hope he's not contemplating intimacy, as my tastes definitely lie elsewhere.Responding to the spoken comment, Sora says: "I heard nothing of any odd magics."Looking aside (and up) at his companion, Sora asks: "Did you hear of any such, Josiah?"The large man shakes his head mutely. |
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Post by mormonyoyoman on Aug 3, 2018 6:28:21 GMT -5
The young man looks disappointed, scribbles some more, then dips a forefinger into his cider and presses it onto the page before closing his notebook.
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Post by Mighty Darci on Aug 4, 2018 9:46:11 GMT -5
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SORA
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Post by Mighty Darci on Aug 4, 2018 9:49:45 GMT -5
. . . he seems to notice Sora for the first time which seems to please him immensely. Sora thinks: I hope he's not contemplating intimacy, as my tastes definitely lie elsewhere.Responding to the spoken comment, Sora says: "I heard nothing of any odd magics."Looking aside (and up) at his companion, Sora asks: "Did you hear of any such, Josiah?"The large man shakes his head mutely. Gwindetth grimaces, " Are not all magic odd?" Then continuing, "What is our plan? How soon can we get on the road? I am not one to sit around doing a lot of talking." |
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Post by Mighty Darci on Aug 4, 2018 9:51:37 GMT -5
Togork pauses in his eating and looks around the table at each one giving them a suspicious glance, then after a much softer look at Gwindeth goes back to eating.
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Post by Mighty Darci on Aug 4, 2018 9:54:23 GMT -5
Sora thinks: I hope he's not contemplating intimacy, as my tastes definitely lie elsewhere.Responding to the spoken comment, Sora says: "I heard nothing of any odd magics."Looking aside (and up) at his companion, Sora asks: "Did you hear of any such, Josiah?"The large man shakes his head mutely. Gwindetth grimaces, " Are not all magic odd?" Then continuing, "What is our plan? How soon can we get on the road? I am not one to sit around doing a lot of talking."Grimbane and Grimdeath glance at each other then Grimbane says, "All magic are odd and those that meddle in it. We too would like to get on the road, first thing in the morning if that is agreeable to the lot of you. But tonight we eat and drink." |
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Post by Hexenritter Verlag on Aug 4, 2018 11:14:04 GMT -5
You learned of two ways to travel to the ruins, the first is overland 5 miles north along the overgrown old north trade road which is little more than a cart path now for the homesteads in the area and secondly by the river up to an abandoned river village but it doesn't cut much time. The only reason the prince used it as it was an easy launching point for him and his men and he wanted to investigate its recent sacking of the village and see if the tracks led to the ruins or another hiding hole.
Depending on if you are cautious & exploring as you move north it'll take you about 4 hours by foot or 2 hours if you march instead; if you have steeds 2 hours while exploring or an hour at a casual but brisk clip. If you take the river boat it'll cost 2sp each plus each mount since it is a short trip. If you choose to march you'll need to take an hour break before heading into the dungeons.
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Post by Hexenritter Verlag on Aug 4, 2018 11:24:15 GMT -5
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SORA
I thought he was more reptilian but that was based upon the description in a post in TPD's Ruins of Murkhill PbP. That said Tieflings vary in appearance from more mannish but with something off about them (aura, smell or little fangs) to more bestial or demonic, depending on their sire or how filtered the blood is. This one is not native to the World of Jal-Khôr where the Vale of Dorgand resides. |
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Post by Mighty Darci on Aug 4, 2018 12:27:28 GMT -5
You learned of two ways to travel to the ruins, the first is overland 5 miles north along the overgrown old north trade road which is little more than a cart path now for the homesteads in the area and secondly by the river up to an abandoned river village but it doesn't cut much time. The only reason the prince used it as it was an easy launching point for him and his men and he wanted to investigate its recent sacking of the village and see if the tracks led to the ruins or another hiding hole. Depending on if you are cautious & exploring as you move north it'll take you about 4 hours by foot or 2 hours if you march instead; if you have steeds 2 hours while exploring or an hour at a casual but brisk clip. If you take the river boat it'll cost 2sp each plus each mount since it is a short trip. If you choose to march you'll need to take an hour break before heading into the dungeons. Gwindeth says, "I propose that we go by river boat to the village and check through it for clues, and from there into the dungeons. Most of us don't have mounts, so the boat ride will save us some walking." |
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Post by raikenclw on Aug 5, 2018 0:50:53 GMT -5
OOC: If that is a tiefling, then they are quite handsome fellows, I thought they were supposed to look demonic. [OOC: As I understand it Tieflings aren't really demons, they just have demon-tainted blood. In modern terms, they've got a smattering of demon DNA. Besides, not all demons look inhuman. Maybe Sora's great-great-great-great grandfather was a really handsome guy with extremely strong genes who got seduced by a succubi.  ] |
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Post by raikenclw on Aug 5, 2018 1:04:50 GMT -5
Gwindeth says, "I propose that we go by river boat to the village and check through it for clues, and from there into the dungeons. Most of us don't have mounts, so the boat ride will save us some walking."Sora nods, then says in a musing tone, "It strikes me that perhaps the Prince's vessel was spotted on it's way to the village. It might be profitable to see if there is a trail leading from the area of the landing site crosscountry to a location on the riverbank. If so, there may be a further trail leading from there to the location from which such an observer may have come."He shrugs then adds, "As to the general lack of mounts, the rest of you are doing Môlvigg's Work for naught but the slim prospect of loot. Perhaps I may be able to prevail upon local adherents of my deity to loan us something, saddle-broken mules if nothing else. It certainly can't hurt to ask." |
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Post by raikenclw on Aug 5, 2018 2:31:23 GMT -5
[OOC: . . . doing Môlvigg's Work . . . Thanks for the edit! I'm having a hard time remembering how to spell "Molvigg" and also, I don't know how to make my keyboard do the "o with a tilde" thing.] |
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Post by Hexenritter Verlag on Aug 5, 2018 18:31:42 GMT -5
[OOC: . . . doing Môlvigg's Work . . . Thanks for the edit! I'm having a hard time remembering how to spell "Molvigg" and also, I don't know how to make my keyboard do the "o with a tilde" thing.] Molvigg is fine or you can just copy & paste if you really desire to. I only edited as it was spelled mulvigg & I went what the heck i can edit it. |
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Post by Hexenritter Verlag on Aug 5, 2018 18:35:38 GMT -5
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Post by Mighty Darci on Aug 8, 2018 22:57:45 GMT -5
Gwindeth says, "I propose that we go by river boat to the village and check through it for clues, and from there into the dungeons. Most of us don't have mounts, so the boat ride will save us some walking."Sora nods, then says in a musing tone, "It strikes me that perhaps the Prince's vessel was spotted on it's way to the village. It might be profitable to see if there is a trail leading from the area of the landing site crosscountry to a location on the riverbank. If so, there may be a further trail leading from there to the location from which such an observer may have come."He shrugs then adds, "As to the general lack of mounts, the rest of you are doing Môlvigg's Work for naught but the slim prospect of loot. Perhaps I may be able to prevail upon local adherents of my deity to loan us something, saddle-broken mules if nothing else. It certainly can't hurt to ask."Gwindeth nods and says, " That sounds like a plan, bright and early tomorrow morning then?" Togork looks up and adds, "Can't ride mule, can keep up, long legs walk fast." Grimbane and Grimdeath grinning say, " Ridin' better'n walkin.'" |
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Post by mormonyoyoman on Aug 9, 2018 0:03:27 GMT -5
The seemingly-inattentive young man and his companion agree to this plan, and plan on an early start. The big hairy guy murmuring that some kid best not keep him awake all night with his readin' and nonsense.
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Post by Hexenritter Verlag on Aug 9, 2018 0:39:59 GMT -5
As the sun peaks over the mountains and its light giving rays banish the lingering darkness of dawn the streets of Last Hope Township come alive. Wayfarer's Rest is outside the walls upon a short rise overlooking the Last Hope Trade Road. Sounds of cooking and people getting up and moving downstairs to the common room filter into your rooms as you awaken after a long nights rest, as you gather your wits the rich smells of food wafts up stairs from the kitchen, setting your stomachs to growling. The smell of cooked bacon, freshly baked breads and the floral scent of tea tantalize your collective noses to one degree or another.
You gather in the common room and break fast as you are not sure when your next hot meal will come and decide what last minute preparations are needed before you head north, such as getting mounts and/or booking passage on the next river boat north along the upper Dorgand River.
If you check with the local livestock merchant he'll let you know a mule plus tack will run you 35-39GP whereas a riding horse will run you 95-99GP each. As previously noted a boat ride will cost 2sp per person and per mount. The next boat will leave at midday once it has a full load of cargo and passengers.
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Post by raikenclw on Aug 9, 2018 23:39:35 GMT -5
[OOC: Does Sora get any help from his co-religionists? If not, he can only afford one additional mule, given his current lack of wealth.]
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Post by Hexenritter Verlag on Aug 10, 2018 0:07:50 GMT -5
[OOC: Does Sora get any help from his co-religionists? If not, he can only afford one additional mule, given his current lack of wealth.] He could get a mule or two with maybe some rations as it is the beginning of the trading season and there is little to spare. The fields need to be prepared and sewed with new seed. You get the feeling though you are a paladin of their deity you are still a stranger who hasn't shown his worth. Since you are going to the ruins, there is no guarantee you'll come back, so a mule or two and rations are all they will part with without gold. Now if you survive & come back with treasure they might cut you a deal on future purchases if only to curry favor with the church. |
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Post by raikenclw on Aug 10, 2018 23:51:55 GMT -5
[OOC: Two mules but no rations (the others only mentioned needing mounts), then? Three mules total, if Sora pays 30 silver? Can we get any more, if we agree to take a local along to bring back the mules if we don't emerge from the dungeon after a reasonable amount of time?]
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Post by Hexenritter Verlag on Aug 11, 2018 0:36:06 GMT -5
[OOC: Two mules but no rations (the others only mentioned needing mounts), then? Three mules total, if Sora pays 30 silver? Can we get any more, if we agree to take a local along to bring back the mules if we don't emerge from the dungeon after a reasonable amount of time?] No, but they are willing to sell the third for 10gp + the cost of tack at half price used (8gp). |
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Post by mormonyoyoman on Aug 11, 2018 1:14:52 GMT -5
(If the big hairy guy is aware of this mule trading, he'll offer to help the poor guy. But since neither he nor his junior companion have introduced themselves, I have the feeling everyone is gonna nickname him "Harry.")
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