Windhorn (DMJK) Monday November 11th, 2002 8:52:30 AM
Someone is bound to have heard that merchants have been trading between Plateau City and Floating City in its new location. Teleportation still seems to work between the two places. Rumors that you've heard say Floating City is still on a lake, a much different lake surrounded by a deadly jungle. Still no one has quite figured out where this jungle is. Clearly it is not anywhere on the Elennian Peninsula.
Considering a possible return to dive for treasure, the group continues the journey to Windhorn. One more lift down, and you arrive on the coast. Pressing on, you reach Windhorn after night has set in. You venture in through Old Wood, cross Dragon Creek, and take the road through New Wood. The campsites at the southern end of down are largely vacant since the festival isn't going on. The farms at the southern end of town are quiet since the harvest is done. And things look fairly normal in the center of town.
It doesn't look like the village is experiencing any sort of deadly catastrophe. Then again, it is dark.
Draax Monday November 11th, 2002 5:37:05 PM
Draax looks at as much as he can see in the light that is available and tries to notice any changes that have taken place since his absence.
If it is not too late in the evening he will suggest that they go to the inn and inquire about renting rooms or if it is too late he will suggest camping in one of the campsites and setting watches in case there is something going on in the area.
Rond Tuesday November 12th, 2002 12:07:03 AM
Assuming it is more with the timing of their arrival, and not anything untowards for the village, Rond points the group to the Inn.
Hobbes Tuesday November 12th, 2002 2:26:34 AM
As the group gets closer to town, Hobbes sits up higher in his saddle, his right hand clutched around the bridle, his other slips quietly and securely about his holy symbol, holding it forth. He becomes ever more vigilant.
"Friends," he utters somberly from the middle of the group, "The silence around us begs investigation. I believe that while these people are in danger there should be no rest for us until we've a good starting point for our exploration. Right now, in fact may your villagers be in need of our aid. And would you sleep?"
He looks around for a reply, then concedes.
"But the inn is a good idea. Where better to begin to find out what's going on..."
Renik Tuesday November 12th, 2002 7:03:34 AM
"Agreed, Hobbes. Let's gather information (and refreshment) at the Inn, and see if we can find out what's been going on."
OOC DMJK Tuesday November 12th, 2002 10:37:04 AM
---------------- Kim can't post this week. Would anyone like to play Bill for him? Make a private post to DM if you can do it. ----------------
The Hearthfire (DMJK) Tuesday November 12th, 2002 10:52:29 AM
Rond leads the group to the Inn that Edmond mentioned in his letter, the Hearthfire.
Along the way, Draax looks to see the changes that have happened in the town. The biggest change seems to be that the old Chapel of Mittiri is now dedicated to Pantheon. The walled grove of Mittiri is now simply a grove tended by druids. The temple to Warrd still stands of course. Most everything else looks the way he remembers it.
The hour isn't too late, and there are still people walking about in the streets as the group marches into town. A few people point and whisper, but they otherwise leave the group alone.
Rond leads the way by the courthouse into the center of town and up to the Hearthfire. It's a simple wooden building with two stories. Judging from the outside, it probably has 6 to 8 rooms available on the top floor, and bottom floor looks just the right size for a kitchen and tavern. The sounds drifting through the closed double doors in the front sound happy, like diners enjoying a song. The scenes you're able to glimpse through the frosted windows support that conclusion.
Entering the place, you find it much the same as your evaluation. There are still a few of the town's residents enjoying a meal and some entertainment. Oddly enough, the bard is the same one that you saw in Belle's Inn. The denizens of Windhorn Hamlet seem to enjoy his performance but not quite as much as the folks in Tincrow. Most everyone turns to the door as your party walks in.
There is a bar in the back run by a large balding human male that looks like he hasn't been too long out of the military. There are two serving girls, a brunette and a redhead. They are probably in their early twenties. Judging by the way the bartender keeps his eye on the redhead, you would guess she is his daughter. There are a pair of swinging doors in the back that lead to the kitchen. To the left there is a staircase leading to the upstairs rooms. At the base of the stairs there is a desk with a small timid looking man sitting there with a ledger. To the right there is the large roaring fireplace that gives the inn its name. The bard performs on a stage nearby. The center of the room features 6 long tables and 4 smaller round ones. It looks like the townspeople are sitting together at the larger tables. Each has a collection of farmers and merchants around it. Two of the small tables feature travellers in their cloaks. They don't look particularly menacing to your well trained adventurer's eye, but three of the men at one of these tables are armed with swords.
As you take in the scene, a farmer hops off a bar stool and hurries to the front, "I'd been hoping that you'd get here. Please to see you again Rond, Draax, Bill. There's some others here I don't recognize. Pleased to meet you all, I'm Edmund. Thanks for coming so quickly."
Bill (Carl) Tuesday November 12th, 2002 11:42:07 AM
"Edmund, marvelous to see you!" enthuses the halfling, running over and pumping the farmer's hand. "How've things been? I see there've been some changes in the old place, you know I don't think I realised until now just how much I missed Windhorn Hamlet. We've been living in Plateau City, as you know, it's very different from the Horn. Now, how about a bite to eat and a drop to drink before you tell us all about it, hmm? Yes, I think I nice pie would do nicely."
Renik d20+12=20 Tuesday November 12th, 2002 11:44:28 AM
Reserved, Renik extends his hand and introduces himself to Edmund. "A pleasure to be of help" he murmurs, seating himself against a wall, and keeping a close eye on the goings on in the inn (Spot 20). He tries not to let his eyes linger too long on the redhead...
Feng Tuesday November 12th, 2002 5:23:49 PM
Feng gives a polite smile and brief nod to the two serving girls. He always thought that their job was a thankless and underrated one. The burly yet charismatic half orc, unstraps his double axe and leans it against the bar next to him. The move wasn't to ease his burden as it was to give a silent warning to any would be trouble makers. Feng smiles and shakes Edmunds hand. "Edmend this is a fine establishment you have here. My name is Feng, it's a pleasure to meet you."
OOC: for those that don't associate high charisma with half-orcs, Feng is a rareity. I know I don't think that. When I think of half orcs and charisma the word bad or poor generally fits in.
Arien Tuesday November 12th, 2002 7:11:40 PM
Arien greets the bartender warmly and then turns to regard the inn before him. He had been here briefly before. Just before the trouble with the Sentinel head had started, the trouble that had in the end sent him down the path he now walked. The events following the theft had changed the elf. The voice of the head had called out to him as he lay near death in the temple to Sekola. It had brought him back from the edge and remade him. Though it was but a brief time in the life of an elf he regarded the events as long in the past. With a small chuckle, Arien turned back from his memories and to the events at hand.
"Come friends," Arien says while montioning to a nearby table. "We should all sit while Edmund here tells his tale. Edmund, I insist that you sit with us, I'll buy you a tankard of ale as well. I find that a tale is easier told when one has something to wash it down with."
Draax Tuesday November 12th, 2002 9:20:28 PM
Draax greets Edmund with a big smile as he enthusiastically shakes the man's hand. He did not realize how much he missed the town and the people until that moment. "It is good to see you again and it is good to be home. Sorry about whatever problems you are having with your farm, I hope we can help"
He takes a sit at the table with everyone and looks around the inn, taking notice of travelers in the cloaks and swords some of them carry. If he catches the attention of the bard he will nod his head in greeting. He takes a moment to get his fill of the familiar sights and sounds before catching the attention of one of the waitresses and asking what food is on the menu. He also inquires about available rooms.
Edmund's Tale (DMJK) Wednesday November 13th, 2002 9:55:13 AM
Edmund takes his drink from the bar and takes a seat at the empty table Arien selected. The brunette comes by and takes orders while everyone is getting aquainted with Edmund. The menu consists of a turkey stew, fresh buttered corn, peas, and of course, there is a good selection of pies for Bill. The featured pie is fang berry.
While Edmund explains to Feng that the establishment belongs to Willim the barkeep, Draax is able to check on rooms with the small man sitting by the stairs. There are 2 empty ones left. One has three single beds. The other has two full beds. The little man, Paul, seems apologetic that there are no more rooms available, but the other 6 have all been taken already.
Arien soon has his ale. It's a pale ale made by none other than Willim. Kari, the brunette server, calls it Hearthfire Pale. It isn't quite as good as the Tincrow ale, but it's still a fine brew.
Renik keep an eye on the bar as the food arrives and Edmund begins his tale.
"There's not much else to tell you that I didn't mention in my note. I heard weird noises at my place one night and a scratching at the door. The next day I went to check on Elmo to see if he'd seen anything. Only somebody had busted into his place, and he was missing. I still haven't been back out there, but the town guard went out for a look. They agree that something happened at Elmo's, especially since he ain't come back yet, but they don't think it has anything to do with the cemetery."
A guy from one of the long tables turns around to look at the group and shouts over, "Edmund, what you bothering these folks for? They just got here. He's talking nonsense folks. There's nothing going on at the cemetery or else Nigel would have seen it."
Edmund turns to the group and waves his arms about frantically, "See, nobody believes me. But, something was at my door, something snatched Elmo, and there's weird stuff going on at the cemetery, I tell you!"
Feng Wednesday November 13th, 2002 10:30:56 AM
Feng briefly glances over at the other table. "I believe that the cemetary is a good place to start. There is the possibility that the cemetary is only a haven for the creature. Whatever it is might only pass through the cemetary just after sunset and just before dawn. Eitherway if there is evil there, I will find it. Hopefully the scene at Elmo's hasn't been compromised too much. A clue would really help."
Bill (Carl) Wednesday November 13th, 2002 6:07:14 PM
"Mmm! Fang berry pie! That's my second favorite type of pie! Or is it third? Wild backcurrant and apple is awfully good too... maybe it's third. Is a pretty close thing, mind you... Anyhow, we believe you, Edmund. It certainly seems like something's up. I say we pay a little visit to that cemetery tonight, and see what we can see. Then, if we find nothing, in the morning we can scan Elmo's place for any clues the guard might have missed. Don't worry, Edmund, we'll get to the bottom of it!"
The halfling is forced to stop chatting in order to eat the second half of his pie.
Renik Wednesday November 13th, 2002 6:11:19 PM
Renik contents himself with listening, nodding as Feng and Bill speak. He looks over as the villager calls over, then turns back to the others.
"Who's this Nigel?" he asks, then takes a long draught of ale.
Draax Wednesday November 13th, 2002 9:03:40 PM
Draax smiles as he addresses Paul about the rooms, "The two rooms will be fine, with this crowd that you have here we are thankful for them."
Like Feng, Draax also hopes that they will be able to find a few clues when they go to inspect the farm. While listening to the others, Draax quickly speaks to one of the waitresses and slips her two silver pieces to keep a couple of pies in reserve and away from Bill. He begins to eat his stew while he waits for Renik?s question to be answered.
Edmund on Nigel (DMJK) Thursday November 14th, 2002 8:30:56 AM
"Nigel? He's the caretaker at the cemetery. He lives out there, and he claims that he hasn't noticed anything. That's why folks don't believe me. But I've seen odd stuff like graves dug up and people in black robes with red sleeves. I could hear this eerie chanting some nights too. He's got to be lying."
"An' I don't know much 'bout investigatin' crimes or nothin', but you all might want to have a look at my place too. The town guard didn't troop out there, but I know there was somethin' scratching on my door. It might have left tracks, and who knows, they might have busted inside like they did at Elmo's by now."
Feng Thursday November 14th, 2002 5:08:58 PM
Feng believes Edmund and knows that Nigel is involved somehow. Either as part of the cult, magically influence for his silence, or paid off. Feng concentrates trying to feel the particular vibe that evil eminates [detect evil].
Renik Thursday November 14th, 2002 6:13:27 PM
The rogue leans forward. "Mmm. Sounds like we should certainly have a chat with this Nigel. Friends, what do you think? Should we pay him a little visit tonight, then check the farms tomorrow? Or save our visit to Nigel until tomorrow night, once we have had a chance to look for clues?"
Bill (Carl) Thursday November 14th, 2002 6:21:14 PM
"Urhp mhmph mum rvmph mrmble," says the halfling through a final mouthful of pie.
He swallows the last crumbs, a look of extreme gratification on his lips, then says, "Sorry, I say we visit Nigel. I know what these villages are like. That chap over there knows we are here at your request, Edmund, to get to the bottom of this mystery. If we leave it till tomorrow the whole village and most of the surrounding countryside will know a band of adventurers have arrived to look into 'odd goings on.' Nigel is sure to hear of it. If he is involved in any way I'd rather not give him any time to prepare."
He rubs his tummy and says, "My, but they really do serve the nicest pies here."
Draax Thursday November 14th, 2002 11:22:25 PM
Draax listens to Edmund and then to the others, "Feng is probably right, this Nigel fellow is most likely involved somehow. I am not really that keen on going to a graveyard at night when there might be some type of undead involved. We will be meeting them on their home ground at a time when they are at their strongest. If Feng and Hobbes wasn't with us I would be trying to talk everyone into waiting until daylight, but unfortunately like Bill said, if we don't do it tonight we lose the advantage of surprise."
The half-elf looks around the inn and then moves a little closer to Edmunds and whispers in his ear. "I assume that you are staying at the inn. Would you be so kind as to take notice of anyone that leaves the inn after we depart, that information may be useful later."
Rond Friday November 15th, 2002 12:57:43 AM
Following the conversation as best he can, Rond notices Bill's eagerness with pies. "Slow down Bill, you can have more pieces of pie as we stay here. You don't need to finish off the whole pie tonight!" He smiles at Bill as he makes his observation.
"This seems like the doings of our old friends that brought some of us together in the first place?!"
(ooc because I play more than one character I need to double check on this. Wasn't it this group that looked in graves here in the hamlett? Or was the location somewhere else, but with the similar pattern? Or is that something that got wiped from our memories after YOA?)
Edmund's caution (DMJK) Friday November 15th, 2002 10:04:51 AM
"More than half of these folks are going to leave after you if you leave right now. I can tell you right now who they'll be. They're just here for drinks and entertainment. Once that bard stops singing, they'll go then. Of course that's not for another few hours, and you all look pretty road weary already, no 'fense."
"Part o me is all fer you all headin to cemetery right now, but I kin say that your reason about surprise is probably unfo- unfou- er doesn't have a leg to stand on. Nigel's not somebody that many people like, he is a gravedigger you know, and the cemetery's out on the edge of town. These folks will just go home. It's not like there's some sort of spy network or conspiracy going on. Nigel's not smart enough for it. All the weirdness does happen at night though, so if you went now you might get the drop on 'em. If you wait til mornin though, you could probably catch 'em all asleep."
Of note seems to be the fact that Edmund never seems to talk about undead, just weirdness, Nigel, and men in black and red robes. He hasn't mentioned anything that sounds of the supernatural. Of course, he hasn't been out spying on the cemetery either. He's been sipping his ale in the tavern for the better part of a week.
Feng Sunday November 17th, 2002 2:13:20 AM
OOC: Did Feng's detect evil reveal anything?
not inside the inn -jk
Bill (Carl) Sunday November 17th, 2002 4:47:10 PM
"I suppose you may have a point Edmund. Perhaps the village gossip isn't so bad here. I was thinking really of my youth in the village. You could tell your mother you were off over to see a man about a goat, she'd tell Mrs Thwupplebottom next door, she'd tell your uncle Brodshanks as he passed on his way to market, who'd tell three oldtimers sitting on a log smoking pipes, and before you opened your door to leave there'd be a knock on it, and there that man would be, with his goat lunching on the petunias in your front garden. But that's probably just me."
Renik Sunday November 17th, 2002 4:54:10 PM
The rogue stretches. "It's true, it has been a long journey." he says to his companions. "And if Edmund is right and this Nigel is a bit of an outcast, news may well not get back to him. It might not hurt to try to gain some insight into what we face before confronting it directly. And it would not hurt either to be well rested and at our best when that confrontation does occur."
Draax Sunday November 17th, 2002 5:34:16 PM
"I'm just interested in anyone that leave right after we do, they might just be going home or they might have something else in mind. It is not really important."
Draax takes a long look at Edmund and realizes that as a simple farmer his view of the wold is probably pretty narrow. "Don't mind us Edmund, we are just peculating on what it could possibly be. The more possibilities that we guess at, the better chance that we have of not being caught unaware. But until we take a look for ourselves and talk to people that msy know something, all we have are our guesses."
Draax waits on the decision on whether to investigate tonight or wait until the morning.
Hobbes Sunday November 17th, 2002 5:52:41 PM
Hobbes sits back and says nothing, remaining attentive to the company and their guest Edmund.
Placing a coin upon the table he nods his head to the company and makes his way outside. FInding a nice location he watches those that come in and those that come out, and waits for his companions to be finished in the inn.
when to go - DMJK Monday November 18th, 2002 6:28:20 PM
"Speculatin'. Yes siree. I unnerstand that. Well, I don't know nothin 'bout this sort of thing, or I wouldn't have needed to write you fellas a letter. It's all up to you to decide."
Hobbes takes up a spot outside. It's a cool night. Without the light shining out from the inn's windows, the street would be pitch black. The moon is little more than a sliver and provides little light this night. Hobbes doesn't notice anyone arriving, and only one man leaves while the rest of the group is inside. He heads south and doesn't appear to be sneaking about.
[sorry for the late post, things were afoot this am]
Hobbes Tuesday November 19th, 2002 2:15:36 AM
Hobbes steps out onto the path listening to the wind whistle through his helmet as he watches the man heading south.
"Tis rather dangerous to be traveling alone on a night like this, sir. Do you require escort?"
Rond Tuesday November 19th, 2002 2:22:07 AM
"So it sounds like we should get some sleep and see what there is in the morning. We should probably post a guard of some sort. If it is the Sons of Dread stirring again, they maybe expecting us some how."
Feng Tuesday November 19th, 2002 5:07:24 AM
"I don't think we will find anything during the day, but it has been a long journey. The investigation can wait until tomarrow."
Renik Tuesday November 19th, 2002 6:10:27 AM
"Agreed. Let's get some sleep, then visit the two farms in the morning, and then pay a visit to the cemetery." The rogue yawns, then heads off to bed.
Bill (Carl) Tuesday November 19th, 2002 6:40:27 AM
"Well, it looks like that's decided then" smiles the halfling. Off to bed, or as my great uncle Alberthnot used to say "Up the wooden mountain to the Land of Nod". Funny fellow, great uncle Alberthnot. Used to claim that he once lived for twelve months on nothing more than half a sea biscuit and fresh air after being marooned on an island of very tiny, very noisy one-legged mushroom men. My mam said to pay him no mind, that he was crazy as a coot, but Alberthnot once showed me the other half of that biscuit, which he kept in a wooden box at the foot of his bed. "Just in case", he said."
The halfling yawns also, then heads off for bed.
Draax Tuesday November 19th, 2002 8:02:19 AM
Draax nods in agreement with the others as he goes to room and calls it a night.
To sleep and to rise (dmjk) Tuesday November 19th, 2002 11:06:33 AM
Most of the group heads up to sleep. The rooms are clean and comfortable is somewhat small. Sleep isn't long in coming.
Outside, Hobbes offers to escort the stranger, who seems a bit frightened of the hero lurking in the dark. "Um, uh, no thanks. I don't live but a few houses down the street." The man walks off more quickly and takes several nervous glances over his shoulder to make certain that a robber isn't stalking him. About a block away he disappears into a house.
After a short time it becomes apparent to him that his friends aren't coming out and that he's scaring all the villagers. His choices appear to be to go on to the cemetery alone or to go to sleep.
----------------
The rest of the group spends a restful night, and the smell of hot tea, sizzling ham, and fresh biscuits greets you as you head down to breakfast. Thet even made a breakfast pie for Bill. Hobbes seems to be missing. Sleepnig late or something else?
Hobbes Wednesday November 20th, 2002 2:06:50 AM
As the companions gather, a slight snoring noise can be heard outside and there Hobbes sits in the shadow of the roof between the inn and the stable, having maintained his vigil through part of the night is now sitting asleep.
Draax Wednesday November 20th, 2002 7:21:45 AM
Draax wakes up at the smell of breakfast and goes down to eat the meal while waiting for the others.
Renik Wednesday November 20th, 2002 7:34:46 AM
Renik tucks into breakfast, and when done is eager to get going. "Let's vist the two farms!" he urges.
Bill (Carl) Wednesday November 20th, 2002 7:37:01 AM
Bill hears the snoring, and heads out to gently wake his companion. "Come on in Hobbes, breakfast is served, and they even have pies! So what were you doing outside? Wasn't it cold out there?"
breakfast (dmjk) Wednesday November 20th, 2002 9:05:53 AM
Breakfast is warm and filling. You get an early start heading off to the two farms which lie on the northern edge of town. Edmund's farm lies on the eastern side of the main road. Elmo's farm and the cemetery lie on the western side. The cemetery is north of Elmo's farm.
Which farm should be investigated first?
Renik Wednesday November 20th, 2002 6:34:44 PM
"Well, I say we visit Edmund's farm first, then Elmo's, and finally the cemetery. How does that sound?" He prepares his pack and weapons, then looks to the others for their thoughts.
Bill (Carl) Wednesday November 20th, 2002 6:37:23 PM
"It's as good a plan as any I suppose" nods the halfling, whistling as he gathers his things in readiness for the journey. "I wonder what's been going on? Beasties, or undead horrors, or kiddies playing pranks? Who knows? Come on, let's go find out!"
Feng Wednesday November 20th, 2002 9:33:35 PM
"Well what's closest? It doesn't make much sense to waste time by backtracking across the countryside."
Draax Wednesday November 20th, 2002 9:36:26 PM
Draax listens to Renik and Bill, "Sounds good to me."
Draax ensures that his horse is feed before the party leaves the inn.
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