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Post by achinca on Jul 1, 2008 15:06:27 GMT 1
After 6 days of riding, the group stops. They are about 1 day ride to reach Kingsholm and Odlin, the formerly cowardly wizard decides it is time for a plan.
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Post by Caledonian Achilles on Jul 2, 2008 13:44:49 GMT 1
The group huddle together with the horses tied safely nearby. The journey has given them much to think about.
"well we don't know what we're up against. We could send a few to scout ahead but I'd rather not put any more of the fellowship in peril. But blundering in together might just result in all our captures or worse."
he looks across at his comrades for ideas
just in case other players havent read Achinca's last post in the Barrows Edge thread (the previous story thread), have a look there and maybe post in the loot thread what items you have you eye on. otherwise i'll sell all the surplus stuff and dish out the money
until ilya gets back, im keeping the masterwork weapons/armour incase he wants to wield them, otherwise i'll assume we've sold them
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Post by achinca on Jul 3, 2008 16:41:10 GMT 1
The group rests, wondering what the next step will be. The tracks do go toward the village but they could also go toward the cemetary.
Kingsholm has a peaceful reputation, a town which is trying to make a name for itself other than the cemetary and the statue of the forgotten king.
Augustine and Stadvas feel that it would not do any harm to approach the town and gather clue on why the group went towards Kingsholm.
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Post by puffthemagicdragon on Jul 3, 2008 20:33:13 GMT 1
After the long ride, Ryx is glad to be able to relax before going into Kingsholm.
"Maybe we should just go on in the town. Everyone can't be working with Zlak, we might be able to find some valuable piece of information." The elf looks back down to his trail rations, held in his left hand. He easily picks through some of it, snatching little pieces and deftly tossing them out as he turns his nose up. "Then maybe we could get some decent food, I'm tired of these rations." Finally he sets his rations down and grabs his waterskin. After taking two healthy drinks, he hands it out to anyone else before replacing it back near his backpack.
"Maybe we should go in at night, so we're not so easily seen and noticed." Ryxikor says looking back up to the others.
I have no need for the MW flute, just thought it would add to my character, but if we need to sell it its ok.
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Post by Caledonian Achilles on Jul 5, 2008 10:53:51 GMT 1
Looking down at the town and then the cemetery, Odlin turns back to his companions with a stern countenance.
"Zlak could have spies there. He fooled the people of Barrows Edge, and he could do the same for Kingsholm. Well he knows me Augustine and Stadvas would have reason to go looking for Jukia. It may be best of we hide outside of town for now"
The dwarf shifts his gaze to the rakish dandy that has newly joined their group. "I don't think his spies will be looking for a lone elf minstrel peddling tales and entertaining children with his masterwork flute?" Odlin notes with a grin.
"No heroics, find out if there might be spies, guage the mood of the town and if they've seen Zlak or any of his ccompanions like a halfling, a human, an elf or half elf. Also if there have been any sightings of hobgoblins in the vicinity. If it's clear then give some signal like tying a coloured ribbon somewhere we can see, then we'll come in to the town"
The wizard waits to see if his companions agree.
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Post by puffthemagicdragon on Jul 7, 2008 4:24:14 GMT 1
Ryxikor brightens at the thought of the undercover work. After listening to the dwarf, the elf redies himself and heads off alone to the town of Kingsholm. He remains careful and cautious, but with his carefree elven manner, it's easy for him to pull off the bard act. Once he enters the town he looks for some sort of tavern.
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Post by achinca on Jul 7, 2008 15:22:39 GMT 1
Ryxikor enters the sleepy town of Kingsholm. The town is quiet with very few people in the street. He sees the sign of a tavern called the Coronet and Cabbage. He enters it and see a large number of people in the inn, in heated conversations. There are guards at a table, men and women. A large man behind the bar says “Welcome traveler! We do not see many elves around this part of the world. What brings you to our beautiful town of Kingsholm? I am Ian Turnbrand, town councilor and innkeeper!”
The man tone is welcoming and friendly but Ryxikor notices that tension and stress is showing up on the face of a few patrons, including the guards.
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Post by Caledonian Achilles on Jul 7, 2008 21:27:11 GMT 1
Odlin and the others wait for the signal from beneath cover.
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Post by puffthemagicdragon on Jul 8, 2008 4:21:54 GMT 1
Ryxikor rides into town, wondering where everybody is. He looks around til he finds the tavern, and enters. He doesn't have to try hard to put a smiling face on, he's sincerely is glad to be off the road. As he looks around at the patrons and approaches the bar he hears the welcome of the bartender.
"Good evening, Ian, I am Ryxikor, a traveling minstrel hoping to bring cheer to you townfolk." He looks to the man and smiles then winks, "Well, actually, I'm a novice minstrel, I purchased this here flute,", he says as he starts pulling it out of his pack to show it to Ian, "from some adventurers in Barrow's Edge not to long back. So I'm really just learning to play while I travel around meeting new and friendly people." he says with a smile.
"Ian, I've been traveling for a week and would love to have a hot meal and ale." Keeping the ear of Ian, Ryx continues the act of the talkative elf. In between mouthfuls he continues, "I was gonna try and compose a tune to the adventurers I bought this flute from. I heard they cleaned out some underground temple or something of all its beasts."
Ian, what are the guards here for? It looks as though this is a meeting of sorts. I'm not interupting anything am I?
Later in the conversation, "Well, Ian, as I rode back through Barrow's edge, it was leveled, with a few survivors. I did what I could to help but had to move on. Something was said of a man named Zlak, ever heard of that name? Or seen any goblinkin about?"
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Post by achinca on Jul 8, 2008 18:13:12 GMT 1
Ian nods at Ryxikor comments. “Well the town could easily use some good cheers. Things are not as peaceful and sleepy as they used to be….. You came all the way from Barrow’s Edge? This is quite a trip, at least a week or ten days by horse….. Are these adventurers still in Barrow’s Edge? This is too bad because we could use their help, especially if they have expertise in cleaning up underground area….. No I have never heard of anyone named Zlak and we have not seen goblins in years, thanks Pelor. A meeting? Not really .. just some folks getting together for some good food and ale …”
At that moment, a woman gets up. She was sitting next to two guards. She is wearing an armor, has a shield hanging from her chair and a long sword at her belt. “I am Mia Desarna, Captain of the Guard. I have observed you since you entered and I believe there is more to your story that you pretend to say. I wonder if you are a decoy or an envoy. I hope your intentions are good or you will face my wrath.”
Ian intervenes “Mia, it is enough. You are being paranoid and it is not our way to be suspicious. Yes our peaceful ways have been disturbed but we cannot forget who we are. You see stranger, Kingsholm has always been a sleepy and charming village. We are famous for our graveyard and no one ever remember any disturbance happening in the graveyard. We believe the area to be blessed, and we believe the town has been protected by its proximity to the statue of the forgotten king. Now, suddenly, that immunity is gone. So people are scared and even terrified, which make them edgy.”
Mia erupts “Ian you are talking too much as usual!”
At that moment a dwarf speaks up “Mia, I understand your prudence but we all know that we do not want to send more townsfolk there. If this bard can help us or find us help, we should not lose the opportunity. Hello, I am Gran Stoutbrace, Town councilor and owner of the general store. Do not judge Mia. She has the town best interest at heart. Continue Ian, no one tells a story like you.”
Ian clears his voice and continues “The Yurlings, mother Desiree, Father Morgan and daughter Tyra went the day before to prepare Morgan’s Dad Gunar, who recently passed away of old age, may Pelor have his soul, to prepare for interment in the graveyard's mausoleum. They did not return. When the family's servants reported them missing, two sentinels, what we call the town guards, went to investigate and didn't return, either. As you imagine, Mia is reluctant to send any more sentinels because the one she sent, a dwarf man named Dornal and a human woman named Zeera, are trained warriors that Mia trusts to do their job. However, and Mia would agree, the sentinels are not as competent as professional soldiers or mercenaries. You need to remember that no trouble of any kind has occurred in the graveyard for as long as the townsfolk can remember. All our l Legends about the graveyard are positive ones about protective spirits and eternal rest. The only known danger are wWolves and other creatures live in the hills north of the graveyard, but the high fence, the regular patrols, and the lack of prey keep them out. The mausoleum is kept locked and only town councilor and the sentinels have keys to the main doors.”
At that moment, Gran Stoutbrace speaks up “On behalf of the town, I would like to offer you and if you have any companions, 50 gold pieces a piece to investigate the disappearance of the Yurlings and the sentinels. We will pay you an additional five times that amount to go into the mausoleum and catch or destroy whoever or whatever defiled the place. That's a total of 300 gold pieces each for the deed."
Silence follows and all eyes are turned on Ryxikor.
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Post by puffthemagicdragon on Jul 8, 2008 19:08:23 GMT 1
The elf looks around the room, at the faces of the people of this sleepy town. Turning back to the dwarf, Ryxikor smiles broadly, "Ahh, master dwarf, that sure sounds like a mighty sum. Don't be fooled by these blades I carry, " he says as he lightly pats the sheath of his rapier, "they offer little protection for a lonely elf on the road." Ryx takes another spoonful of food with a piece of bread. Suddenly the wily elf holds up one finger on his left hand, like he wants to add something, while he grabs the mug of ale with his right. After taking a swig of ale to help wash down the food, Ryx turns back to the group, "However, I've met many people on the road some of which are the sort you are looking for. I've been told by a group of adventurers, that have been in this area as of late, that I have friends that watch over me. Spying a serving girl with a bright yellow ribbon in her hair, Ryx continues with his story, "Now I'm not sure what is exactly meant by that, but I was told if I ever need help to tie a yellow ribbon around that old oak tree out front, well any tree actually. Now this is a trusted and skilled group and I would be more than happy to offer what services I can. "
Ignoring any strange looks from the people of this town, Ryx hops up from his seat and procedes to ask the girl for the yellow ribbon. Once he has ribbon in hand, probably with the persausion of Ian, Mia, and the dwarf, he ushers the others outside with him as he ties the ribbon around one of the smaller branches. He then turns and smiles before entering back into the tavern, "Now let's wait and see what happens." The elf then finishes his meal and ale. He then gently picks the flute back up and hopes he doesn't have to play since the last time it wasn't that good. Suddenly, as he waits on his companions, he turns to Mia, "So, who was buried in the mausoleum?"
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Post by achinca on Jul 8, 2008 20:27:58 GMT 1
Ryxikor listens carefully but stays in character. He smiles at the gold sum and with the convincing looks and comment from Ian and Mia, is able to take away a silk gold ribbon from a waitress hair. Although the waitress complaints, it seems that she mind more the fact that Ryxikor takes the ribbon in public rather than in the privacy of her room. Her green eyes keep checking the exotic elf from head to toe as he takes the ribbon off.
After taking tying off the ribbon to a branch, Ryxikor goes back in the tavern and continues his fact gathering mission.
Mia replies “Only prominent citizens of the town are interred in the mausoleum. Most are buried at the base of the hills that extend to the north of the sprawling graveyard. It is a great honor for some to be granted authorization to be buried in the mausoleum. We have always been worried about grave robbers. I am still not convinced you are not one of them.”
Ian clears his voice and adds, “Virtually all of my ancestors have been interred in the mausoleum at on time or another. I think the Uncle Karim was caught and killed by a jealous husband and my great-grandmother Pluka who thought she had arcane skills and ended up burning herself and the house to the ground. Other than that, they should be all there.”
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Post by puffthemagicdragon on Jul 9, 2008 3:36:12 GMT 1
Ryxikor slowly leans back on his barstool, his large almond shaped eyes starting to have a far-a-way look to them, as though he is lost in deep thought, or lost in thought, or just lost. Suddenly he blurts out, "The philanderer, Uncle Karim, the great grandmother Pluka, and of course, we can't forget the non-trusting Mia, now if there's not song with them then I'm a bugbear's behind.......haha haha haha!" He trails off slowly towards the end, then laughs and puts on the most sheepish grin he can, hoping he hasn't offended anyone, but trying hard to play the part of the dandy elf. Once the elf does get any sideways glances, he gingerly scoops up his new masterwork flute made of some dark wood, and begins playing the same tune he practiced on his way to this little town.
perform: 1d20(11)+2 (for the MW flute)=13,
Do I get to use my CHA bonus, i believe its +4, that would make it 17
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Post by Caledonian Achilles on Jul 9, 2008 13:40:59 GMT 1
Odlin turns to the others after he sees the yellow ribbon
"Well Ryx hasn't forgotten about us."
Getting the horses together, the threesome ride in to town with their pack horse. Augustine keeps a wary look out for goblinoid spies or servants and it is hard to determine who is more stern: the dwarf or the human.
Once they find Ryx's horse, they tie their's too and head in, every watchful.
The wizard notices Mia an Ryx talking but they move to a table without speaking, waiting to hear what has transpired. Odlin gives Stadvas a look saying he's ready for trouble if it should brew
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Post by achinca on Jul 9, 2008 14:29:18 GMT 1
Ryxikor feeling finally inspired, plays song on his flute. He makes fun of Ian’s ancestors and Mia paranoia but due to the good quality of his flute playing, he generates good hearted laughs.
Even Mia replaces her frown by a smile for a few seconds. When Ryxikor is done, the waitress from which Ryxikor took the yellow ribbon brings him a mug of ale. She flashes her eyes and says “From Ian”.
A dwarf and two humans enter the inn. The drawf is wearing a used leather poncho and has a helmet made of a black dragon head. A strong and tall fighter in armor sits next to him and a nimble yet quite capable ranger joins the group.
The inn goes silent for a second until Ian breaks the silence. “Welcome travelers! What brings you to the great town of Kingsholm. I am Ian Turnbrand and I am a town councilor and owner of this inn.”
Mia gives a looks at the group and put her hands on her sword by reflex while starring at Ryxikor.
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