Crescent Valley: The Story So Far

Volume 1: All in favor, say, "Pie!"

• here entries are needed from the start of the campaign where the first players set out on the beer run ***
• the writing below is from Inge who added this to her character sheet. It was written from Airin's perspective but I tried to adapt it a bit - it is of course open for changes!! ***

The Forming of the Group

(From Kendry Leafwin Pipewood's perspective)

Back at home for a bit after helping on the last wood-gathering trip to the Culverwood, Kendry was thinking he would like to join with some of his friends in adventure, as some other relatives have done before him. He wrote a letter to Duncan & Polly suggesting such. Here's a paragraph from that letter:

"You know, I was thinking we ought to get some of our friends together sometime soon, and go on an adventure. Like search for dragon's treasure, or rescue a princess, or foil some brigands who harry travelers, or the like. What do you say to that, good Duncan? It could make for some rollicking good stories, eh? And I think that my sister Selithe is getting antsy to get out and see more of the Wold, too. Maybe Nalfein, my second-eldest brother, could come along. And Shale, and Polly. Can you think of anyone else?"

Kendry's adventures began, with delivery with Nalfein, Selithe, cousin Willoughby, Shale, Polly, Duncan and Mayzie of rumberry pies from Grandmother Eglantine in support of the candidacy for Burgomeister of Aunt Marigold Pipewood Pastna. Negotiating their way past, and later through some toughs, finding themselves directly involved in the political process (who knew Marigold would be quite so high-strung?), with all three candidates vying for their support, the team is sent on a 'quest' to pick up some beer for the party, at the behest of Calfast Rowgold Tunnelly, who is running for the Adventure's Party.

Beer Run - Version 1 (Airin) - A great synopsis

Following the others Airin Moondancer Turnbell and Olo Thistlefoot head out to find their friends who have already embarked on the Beer Run. However it was not Airin or Olo who found their friends, but the other way around! The young adventurers had been caught by fairies and were fast asleep when they stumbled onto their friends. From then onwards they traveled all together. Kendry and his sister Selithe, Mazie, Polly, Shale, Airin and Olo.

The others had just been robbed by a group of Goblins and the beer was stolen. Going after them to retrieve the beer was their only option. They would not be able to show themselves anymore in town if they would go back without it. So into the dark Culverwoods they went, following the tracks of the Goblins.

This time our young adventurers set up an ambush to surprise the Goblins with great success. The goblin leader Bob died with 4 bolts and arrows in his torso and fell to the ground before he was able to speak. There they found Patterson ... stripped to his undies, tied to a tree. Another Halfling joined the party! Airin looted Bob's remains and found 4 interesting signet rings.

Yet luck was not on their side as the barrels of beer were sent to the ogres in the mountains ... off they went again. Yet they stumbled upon a few goblins that were about as flat as a pancake ...

It was the Half Ogre Mage Lomar, who later became their friend, his doing. Even though they managed to tie his toes together hoping to capture the huge creature, Lomar did not hurt the little Halflings. Thanks to the halflings Lomar was able to get his drum back. He was a fantastic bard! With his help our friends managed to bring back the beer to town and win the elections for Calfast.

Beer Run - Version 2 (Kendry) - longwinded

The Cart & Boat Trip to Brock, And Negotiations

This involved a one day cart ride to the ferry landing (where Willoughby chose to stay behind to care for Biscuit the pony), then a record-setting one day boat trip - with Kendry attempting to ride on a shield as he hung on to a long rope, pulled behind the sternwheeler down river. After a few dips below the water's surface, he managed to get back up on the boat without drowning. Polly dubbed this new sport 'water chariots.'

At Trader's corner, they tried to bargain with Brock, a big half orc known far and wide for the high quality of his brewed beverages. Nalfein put his foot in it by muffing Calfast's instructions on the exact password to use for Brock. After the brother of Kendry and also Selithe got the wind knocked out of him, the rest of the party managed to calm Brock down. They bought a cask of Brock's Delicious Hard Cider, and three casks of Brock's Best Beer. To pay for Brock's aggravation, Duncan, the mute halfling monk, stayed behind to help with chores for an undetermined amount of time.

Heading Back - It Seems (Pesky Goblins!)

Transporting the beer back upstream looked to be an uneventful, attainable task. While sleeping at one of the captain's favorite spots along the shore at the end of the first day, the party spotted what seemed to be a lady gnome being chased by a band of goblins. Rising to her rescue, the group was pulled into the ruse. The goblins' purpose was to steal the boat. They killed two crew members, almost did in the captain, and many members of the party were badly wounded. Kendry managed to get at least one barrel of Brock's Best Beer to shore, but the goblins escaped back downstream with the boat and all that was left on it.

Polly came upon a cowering goblin. In the meantime, a lady and her guardian - also passengers on the boat - held a discussion. He wanted to take her away. She insisted they stay and help. He expressed concern for her discovery.

Kendry, after seeing the goblin was tied up - and with a bit of a rebuke from Polly for trying to handle something that she had under control - spoke with him. The goblin's name was Bobbles.

Soon, the lady told those there to gather about her. Her shape changed from that of a beautiful woman into a unicorn. In a flash of light, healing spread out to all who were near her. The captain, the members of the crew who had not been killed, and the group of young halflings stood amazed, and well.

The Longest Post In The Wold - Kendry Tells All

The following (Kendry – The Longest Post in the Wold) gives a fair outline of the party’s beer run. It is a speech that Kendry gave to folks at Calfast’s last political party.

After folks have had a chance to tuck in some of the great food provided, Kendry takes advantage of the moment to do as Calfast requested.

[Note to fellow adventurers - feel free to add your highlights and anecdotes to the telling of this story. I'm just doing what Calfast requested. And you know that hobbits can be longwinded. :-)]

KENDRY'S SPEECH: In the Wide Wold, There Are Foes - But Many Friends, As Well

Introductions

"Hi, all. I'm Kendry. Kendry Leafwin Pipewood, mainly from Humble's Ford, where my ma and pa have a little farm, and make instruments of music and toys - and some good pipes, too, just like the one that Mister Halsey Topbottom Oakendale is enjoying this very minute," he nods toward the amply wide farmer hobbit sitting at the next table. "Smokes smooth, eh?" he asks.

"Isn't this a great party? Good folks, good food, good fireworks - and great beer! Right? Right!" He nods his head with a broad smile as several in the crowd acknowledge that fact.

"Well, the way that beer came to you, turns out, was quite the adventure," he begins. "Let me take a sec' and introduce you to some of 'em who brought the beer to you.

"But just before I do - know this: There are foes out there in the wide Wold - but many friends, too."

Selithe and Nalfein

"This here is my sister, Selithe. She's got some talents with the cards, and has even studied magic a bit. Beautiful voice, she has. We grew up singing together. My brother, Nalfein also was with us.

Polly

"You all know Polly Leafwin Turnbell. She's been practicing with the militia, and is one of my favorite cousins." He looks around. "'Course, I have lots of favorite cousins," he jokes, but gives her a wink.

Duncan

"Duncan Settlefoot - he doesn't talk with his mouth, but his hands say a lot - he lives right near Polly. I'll let you know where he is a bit later.

Mayzie

"Mayzie Greenhill Treetender - she came with us, too. She was raised by the elves - and even has a wolf friend - I know some of you have seen her around town once in a while.

Shale

"Shale Leafwin Oakendale - off in the corner there with that pie and a mug of beer - I used to live with him and his folks out in the Culverwood. He's been staying with the Leafwin Turnbell's for the past few years - no stranger, here.

Willoughby, Airin, Olo, Patterton

A few others came too - Willoughby Pipewood Fancytoes, of Angel Falls. And we met some more along the way. Airin Moondancer Turnbell and Olo Thistlefoot of Humble's Ford, here, for example, and Patterton Cloverturn Burrows - wait until you hear his story. Captured by goblins, and all.

We set off

"Well, we set off to travel to Trader's Corner. A cart and pony, also what they call a war pony, and eight of us from Hovel, Humble's Ford and Angel Springs. We headed south of town here," he says, pointing off in that direction, "to the Wash Away Bridge over the Peaseblossum River. There we met caravan leader Saloman, who took us toward the docks. One of the ox carts broke down, so we had to set up for the night. My brother, Nalfein, got us playing a game of tag called 'Wildman' - it's really fun, too. Anyone here know that one?"

Thinking he is getting too wordy describing the mundane - but, then, don't lots of adventures begin with everyday life, that then takes a turn?

A Spritely Visit

"Well, that night, the strangest thing happened. My aunt Nilli told me about this before, and if she says it, I pretty much know it's true." As he says this, he pulls out his lute and makes a few adjustments to the tuning. "Some of you have heard of ... well, let me tell you first what happened. Maybe you can guess once I fill you in a bit.

"As we went to sleep, an owl landed in a tree nearby. We all had our bellies filled with a real good stew," he says, and rubs his tummy contentedly, "and drifted off nice like. Well in my dream, I saw these tiny little spheres of light, floatin', spiralin' about. Falling like dust. Soon lightning bugs and dragonflies were buzzing around in a funny dance. Frogs, crickets, joined in as this music started filling the air." As he explains this, he starts plucking the melodies he recalls from the dream. "The little critters changed right in front of my eyes into little fey, and they were so spritely. They smiled and buzzed, and wiggled their cute little bums, and were silly and funny and happy. Guess what happened then?" he asks. "Guess what sprung up in a circle around us where the bright orbs fell? I'll give you a clue. They grow up outside when you're sleeping, and are so tasty in soups or salads. Kind of round at the top, with a little stem holding them up."

He gives members of the audience a chance to guess. "No, not flowers." He laughs when someone suggests tomatoes. "Not quite - these are not red. More brownish, overall." When a young mother and a farmer shout out simultaneously, "Mushrooms!" Kendry plays a quick riff of triumph on his lute. "Right-O! It was a circle of mushrooms. But," he says, holding out his hand in caution, "these were not just any mushrooms. No, sir! They pulsed in time to the music, and sort of glowed from within, once in a while.

"The little people with wings - they were maybe three or four inches tall, that was all - they would shake their fingers if you reached out for the mushrooms. I kind of remembered in my dream my Aunt Nilli telling me about the mushrooms at a faery dance. 'Don't eat their mushrooms, if you want to see your family again before they're old and grey.' So, how many do you think I ate?" he asks the crowd. "Two? Three? Twenty nine?" he laughs at the latter suggestion. "Nope. You didn't all turn old and grey on me, now. Yes, yes, some of you already bear the honor of many years - but not too many more grey hairs than when we left a few days ago."

"You didn't eat none!" calls out a somewhat cross-eyed young hobbit in his twenties.

"Right you are. Nary a one. Wanted to, though. So, if you ever find yourself in a faery circle, what do you do? Repeat after me: 'Don't eat the faery mushrooms.' Got it? 'Don't eat the faery mushrooms,'" Kendry repeats. Directing with one hand, he gets more of the audience to say, 'Don't eat the faery mushrooms!'

"All right, good advice. But, we can eat regular mushrooms, as long as we know which ones are safe.

"Anyways, when we woke up, guess what? We had ALL had the SAME DREAM! Every single one of us! And those faeries had eaten up all the rest of our stew. Licked the pot clean, they did. But they left us presents."

He opens a pouch, and withdraws a small bundle of leaves. "Inside these very leaves, they left us each three wild elderberries. Fragrant and tasty they were - and very precious. Our friend, Mayzie, called them 'goodberries'. They were magic. Eat just one - and it was like a full meal, all by itself. If you get hurt a little, one of those berries can help to heal you up!

"Later, we compared stories, and everybody pretty near had the same sweet dream. We kept most of the berries - which helped us later, I'll tell you!" He then asks if anyone knows which kind of faeries these were. To the first person who answers 'Sprites' - he hands his sister Selithe a goodberry, and asks her to give it to that person, and explain what it is.

The River Trip

Kendry tells a bit about the captain and mixed crew of the riverboat, and how the big paddles and the sails and the current helped speed the boat downriver. That Willoughby stayed behind with Biscuit the pony and the cart. He tells of what Polly called 'water chariots' - riding a shield on the water while attached to a rope tied to the back of the boat.

Trader's Corner

Kendry relates meeting Samual, then Brock. How Nalfein put his foot in his mouth, and got a stomach full of fist. And of how, once the misunderstanding was cleared up, negotiations began in earnest. The wonderful taste of the beer. The early departure of the boat, with us and brew on board, and Duncan's plan to stay behind for a few weeks at Brock's place. He sings the song of Markie, Brock and Duncan:

Markie, Brock and Duncan
They work a well-run inn
At Traders' Corner outpost
They deal in beer and grins

Markie serves great eggs and ham
Brock keeps things straight, his strong right hand
Is sure to serve the Wold's best beer
And keep the trav'lers full of cheer

Silent Duncan twirls the broom
Defeats dust devils, sweeps the room
One day his name through all the Wold
"Duncan - Hero - the quick and bold"

Markie, Brock and Duncan
They work a well-run inn
At Traders' Corner outpost

They deal in beer and grins

Good Sleeping Spot ... Really?

Going upstream is harder work. The Captain pulls ashore at his favorite spot. We enjoy our rest ... until ... "A gnome, a lady gnome, came running through the woods, bearing a lantern, in the middle of the night. And right behind her - seven or eight ferocious goblins!" He sings, a capella, the six-line song he had sung to inspire his friends to take heart.

We shall rescue, from dark beasties, Brave hearts have we Light the pathway Stop the beasties Save the gnome!

Battle, The First

The bard weaves the story of how the ruse was staged, and the ambush on the boat; the captain and Biguns and others being gravely wounded - the rescue of only one barrel of Brock's Best Beer before the triumphant goblins stole the boat. He tells of Shale's duel with the crafty goblin leader, and of the valiant actions and efforts and frustrations of his other companions.

Bobbles & The Lady of Light (The Unicorn, That Is)

And, after all was done - Polly's discovery of a heavily wounded goblin: Bobbles.

He asks Bobbles to come up, and he introduces him to the gathering. He asks Bobbles to tell the story of the 'Lady of Light' - and translates for him, editing as necessary. He then reveals that she was, in fact, a unicorn - who used her powerful magic to heal the whole party. Of Bobbles' good heart - so different from most goblins. And how he, and Runt, the little kobold, helped guide us through the dark of night to the place the boat was beached.

New companions - Airin & Olo

He gives the cleric of Wardd - Olo, and Airin, the skillful, a broader introduction - and tells of how they, too, had been aided by sprites, who had given them goodberries. "There are foes out there in the wide Wold, yes - but so many friends, too!" This theme Kendry weaves throughout his story...

Battle, The Second; and A Rescue

The whispered plans, the trip through the woods, and two goblins - one Bobbles, and one Kendry - but in the guise of Barker - whom Bobbles calls Uncle Foxbiter. The dangerous tree that wraps victims in its vines. The carnage left by goblins killing goblins, vying for leadership with Grekie gone.

He tells those gathered of their bold approach to the laboring goblins, and of goblin Bob's rage, and Bobbles' intercession to save the life of 'Uncle Foxbiter.' The members of the party concealed in the surrounding brush, tension mounting as the darkness wore on, and the unloading of the boat drew to a close.

Patterton

Of Patty's plight, and how he came to be prisoner of the goblins, Kendry lets Patterton himself tell a bit, and the 'interrogation.'

Victory! Then Pursuit

All the bad goblins, save one, killed in the ambush initiated by Shale's trigger finger, he speaks of the role each hobbit played, and sings the next song:

Tricky goblins took us in, So glad they had hoodwinked us, But goblins took the bait they hooked, And swallowed whole the line and look! Their head cut off, and tail draggin', Hogwild booty drops off the wagon

Now be ye brave And be ye bold This newborn tale Shall long be told!

He covers the coming of the captain and crew, the aftermath, mentions the funeral of Moopy, Bobbles' best friend, then their setting out, accompanied by Bobbles, Biguns and Slag, to follow the wagon that got away. Nalfein and Mayzie, plus Ghost, her wolf, stay behind to help out with repairing the boat. He does not mention the rings that Airin found.

Forensics: Squished Goblins and the Big Snorer

Finding flattened goblins (and Bobbles rejoicing over a new gold tooth), the party tries to figure out how this might have happened. Giants? Trebuchet? The answer soon comes: A giant, now asleep at the foot of an old tower, and a large, empty beer barrel next to him. The treasure chest he holds to his side, and the ship's sails serve as his blanket. The party ties him up, with Airin's expertise. Kendry & Bobbles explore the tower, bringing rocks to tie the ropes to. Kendry finds a book of songs and poems and stories. Some good stuff!

Lomar, the Friendly Ogre

The giant's eyes open! Biguns and Slag attack! Biguns is pushed back, the wind knocked out of him, and Slag misses. The bard leaves out the part where the giant turned to mist. Some secrets are best kept secret. But, after some initial misgivings, the party sees the giant means no harm. And Kendry quotes one of his poems, and tells him he likes it. We learn his name - Lomar.

He again introduces Lomar to the crowd. He speaks of his treasured drum, the music, the feast, the fellowship. He sighs, contented.

A Quick Trip Back Home

"Wait! We have to get the beer back, right away!" Kendry recalls. He tells of how Lomar, the friendly ogre, carried them and the casks, sail, rigging and all swiftly back - even helping them get the extra cask of Brock's Best they hid in the woods near the captain's favorite resting site. Sleeping at the docks, bringing Biscuit and cart and newfound friends back to Hovel ... there is a lesson in all this:

The Lesson

"Know this, and do not forget: There are foes out there in the wide Wold - but many friends, too.

"The Adventure Party will help us learn better how to defend against our foes - and how to grow a wider circle of friends.

"And Pawlie is right in what she said. We halflings are one clan, one family. I am related to every single one of the halflings who helped in this little quest. We spend enough time going through genealogies, and we'll find we are all cousins, aunts, uncles, grandfolk, grandkids.

The Politics

"And now, at last, that I've talked your ears off, let's listen to some music, break out that cider, too - Brocks Delicious Hard Cider - and celebrate together the coming election of the hobbit with a vision and a plan. Calfast Rowgold Tunnelly recognizes the importance of maintaining our core traditions - family, friends, food, farms, hard work, good times, fair play, and taking care of each other. Calfast Rowgold Tunnelly also knows that sometimes, to keep the old, you need to stretch, and accommodate the new. With him as our candidate, you don't lose - you gain! The Adventure Party remembers what's important, and finds new ways to help defend what's good in our old ways. Vote, tonight, for Calfast Rowgold Tunnelly!

The Music (and a half pint of Brock's Best Beer)

Grabbing Patterton's newly-filled mug of beer he just set down, Kendry takes a good swig. "Thirsty!" he says.

Then he lays down the three chords on his lyre that lead into a well-known hobbit song about the joys and pleasures of halfling life, and into some follow up medleys. He waves Selithe over to help him out, and Bobbles on the spoons. He calls for other musicians - Lomar, especially, to join on in making for a merry celebration, and any of his friends who want to help.

When Calfast indicates he is ready to speak, Kendry will help rally the crowd to listen to their candidate.

Three Woes! (Airin)

During the Election party three witches came to disturb the party. They were flying on broomsticks warning everyone for imminent danger. In the meantime it seemed the 2 moons of the Wold were about to align!

Volume 2: Family Trees

The group went to see Aunt Marigold (clearly one of the three witches). As they came to her house, 3 strange and very hostile dogs were guarding the garden. They were able to sneak past the dogs up to the house and peak through the window. Only to see Aunt Marigold and two other ladies tied up to their chairs !! In front of them a wolf-man !

With a bit of luck the party was able to sneak around the back of the house and surprise the wolf-man with a well thrown tangle foot bag (Crescent's favorite weapons). Before this came to an end there was a bright white flash ... and dazed they all woke up the next morning.

Once again they all went to see Aunt Marigold. This time the three dogs were nice and friendly and neither Auntie nor her 2 friends wanted to talk about last night. In fact they refused to hit the topic. While the group was having lunch with pie at Aunties they were joined by Morpth. Later they all rushed out to see Ellise and his wife Penelopee who was giving birth. They needed to get into the Culverwoods to give birth in there the way it is supposed to happen with Halflings.

Before they reached Penelopee's house they were ambushed by a Bird Elemental - this "lady" was composed of only birds. The group quickly made an end to this. (Fioni was a member of that bird flock. She was knocked unconscious by Airin)

Birth of a King

The trip to the Culverwoods was pretty calm, but once they arrived they were ambushed by a group of druids. 2 druids were killed and the group managed to get inside the old oak. Penelopee should have given birth inside the Oak but she left the oak and walked on her own towards an ancient druidic circle. There she gave birth to the Fey King - Ebryon !! A Satyr !! The group fought the Fey King untill he eventually disappeared in the earth when the Wold cracked open. But was the Fey King, Ebryon, really destroyed ?!?

With Ebryon gone it was time to lick their wounds. They returned to the Whistler Oak to congratulate Ellis and Penelopee with their new born baby girl, and were asked to help naming the little child. It was in front of the whistler oak that the Crescent Valley gang met Savoulus the Druid, Clover, a druid from the Secret Circle of the Culverwoods, and Mirridan, a member of the Gold Dragons !

They all wanted to know what had happened in the past hours, and tales were told. During this conversation the Crescent Valley halflings were invited to visit the Castle of the Gold Dragons ! There, Podo was nearly squashed by Valdor who felt insulted by Podo's comments :-) While visiting Plateau City, the Halflings searched for the Woldian League of Adventurers, and joined up.

Once back in the Crescent Valley it appeared nature had gone wicked, and foul plants grew in Aunt Marigolds back yard ...

Visiting aunt Marigold to find some explanations, the bold adventurers discovered something hidden in auntie's backyard. Some odd crystalline sunflower started to use our friends for target practice! Quickly this strange plant was turned to rubble, and our friends discovered a trail of rotten fruit and vegetables leading into the CulverWood Forest.

Steadily our friends followed this odd trail leading them through the thick forest towards the River. There they met the strange character Mungo Hardbottle. This strange figure helped our friends as he assumed the trail would lead them to Lawni's Lens. An old Castle that was used to observe the stars. Their little tracking adventure was suddenly interrupted by a strange dream - too real and they all shared that same dream. It showed them how Queen Maab defeated the Fey King Ebryon! It also showed the fate of Ebryon as he divided into several Avatars to be spread all over the Wold.

At Lawni's Lens

Upon their arrival at Lawni's Lens they encountered the Avatar of Ebryon that was hidden in the Crescent Valley. He was no match for the brave group of young adventurers, and they conquered him offering them to judge the fate of Ebryon, the Fey King... Kill... Reform ... Sleep...

There inside Lawni's Lens, the group encountered Aya, the newest member of the group. Mungo told them stories of the Lens and it was especially Kendry who wanted to explore the seemingly abandoned Castle. A family of ghosts and a deceitful Gargoyle were met along this exploration. It was somewhere in the Library that they met Thobias! Another relative of Kendry.

The strangest thing happened as they explored the Castle's library and when Podo tried to inspect an ancient looking Tome of Magic, the entire group was suddenly teleported to the gates of Angel Springs

There, in the capital of their gorgeous valley they met Zardock and Calfast. Look like trouble's brewing as the Giant Towers seem to be in trouble... Time for a new adventure...

• more should come here. Since the Towers a lot happend but Inge left shortly after this I think.