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Chapter 4: Trouble in Drellin's Ferry.

Posted by DM PawnFor group archive 0
Marklin
Fighter, 415 posts
AC:5
Hit Points:14/14
Tue 25 Jul 2017
at 23:12
  • msg #27

Chapter 4: Trouble in Drellin's Ferry

 Marklin only knew what he had made as a Man at arms,and a brief stint as a merc. " What say ye to twenty five pieces o' gold each, and a share in the spoils?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:13, Tue 25 July 2017.
DM Pawn
GM, 458 posts
Wed 26 Jul 2017
at 22:48
  • msg #28

Chapter 4: Trouble in Drellin's Ferry

Gaston agrees to Marklin's terms and says, "Right then. Looks like we have the makings a great merry band of mercenaries here."

"Of course, we'll need the 75 gold up front, standard rules of engagement to be sure..."

Gaston and company are ready to depart at a moment's notice and will sort of hang out at the inn until such time the group is leaving. None of them have mounts and have no interest in acquiring them. "Far too much work and coin involved in that game. There's a reason behind the saying eats like a horse. Eat you out of house and home!" Anders comments.

***

At the stables, the party is greeted by Delora Zann, herself once a member of the famed Golden Drake Company. She is a plain-speaking, no nonsense sort of woman, tall and broad shouldered, who wears her blonde-gray hair pulled back in a single bread. Delora currently has one warhorse, one riding and one pony available for sale. The other animals in her stables belong to the trading coster that brought the adventurers into town.

In the event the party wishes to purchase any, they cost 250, 75 and 35 gp respectively.
Eoni Daflin
Cleric, 297 posts
Sister of Avandra
AC: 8 | HP: 16/16
Thu 27 Jul 2017
at 02:31
  • msg #29

Chapter 4: Trouble in Drellin's Ferry

Eoni looked over the horses in disappointment.  Not based on any assessment of their quality, just their quantity.  If they needed to outrun a hundred strong war band, two horses and a pony weren't going to save everyone.

She wasn't expecting anyone to fight from horseback, just to flee on horseback.

"I was hoping to mount us all," she admitted grimly, "but three aren't enough."

She looked longingly at the other horses before turning back to Delora with an idea.

"Is Sal around?" she asked brightly.  "The coster from the Five Marks?"

She turned back to the others to explain what she'd surmised.

"He'll be hard pressed to leave with the roads as they are.  Perhaps we could strike a deal to borrow a few of them.  They're of no use to him until the raiders have been dealt with.  I'm sure he'd be interested in anything that would secure his earliest departure."
Valthur Ironhelm
Dwarf, 312 posts
Dwarf 2
AC: 5 | HP: 17/18
Thu 27 Jul 2017
at 05:30
  • msg #30

Chapter 4: Trouble in Drellin's Ferry

Valthur looks at the assortment of steads and snorts. "I know what you're thinking. Let the dwarf ride the pony. They're both small. Hah. I'd rather walk then ride that little thing."
DM Pawn
GM, 459 posts
Thu 27 Jul 2017
at 10:52
  • msg #31

Chapter 4: Trouble in Drellin's Ferry

Delora says the caravanmaster is staying at the Old Bridge Inn, but his head drover, Gorth, is on site. Presumably, a short while later the party talks to the head drover about their proposal. Gorth is not compelled to loan any of the caravan's draft horses to the party and says the master is considering other routes, perhaps heading back to the east to do business in Dennovar.

Likewise, if Sal is approached, he says the same. It's far too risky to let his draft horses get used to scout out a marauding warband and it takes away his option to flee, with his valuable merchandise, in the opposite direction should it all go south.

"Sorry, it's a lose, lose for me and my interests," he admits.
Eoni Daflin
Cleric, 298 posts
Sister of Avandra
AC: 8 | HP: 16/16
Thu 27 Jul 2017
at 17:04
  • msg #32

Chapter 4: Trouble in Drellin's Ferry

In disappointment, Eoni finally gave up on acquiring horses for their scouting.

"It's no use for just a few of us to have horses," she admitted.  "I'm going to deliver the translation to Sertieren.

"It should be quick but anyone's welcome to join me."

Sarah
Thief, 256 posts
Thief
AC: 4 | HP: 8/8
Thu 27 Jul 2017
at 18:42
  • msg #33

Chapter 4: Trouble in Drellin's Ferry

Sarah returns to the inn.  Anyone who is there would see her.  Those there observe the following:



Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Sarah gets a drink from the bartender, then finds a seat.  In a corner, or at least an edge.  Alone.  She sits there, staring straight ahead with eyes seemingly focused on nothing in particular.  Occasionally, she takes a drink from her mug, but she does so mechanically.

She does have a crossbow.  That's new.


This message was last edited by the player at 18:48, Thu 27 July 2017.
Sertieren the Wise
NPC, 5 posts
Sage of Drellin's Ferry
Thu 27 Jul 2017
at 22:23
  • msg #34

Chapter 4: Trouble in Drellin's Ferry

Following her business at the stables, Eoni goes to see Sertieren the Wise. Once there, she provides the translated documents and he thanks the party for their help and refunds half the money, 50 gold pieces, for the previously identified item. Additionally, if the party has any new items they want to have identified, he agrees to waive the identification fees, seeing as the Speaker has already notified him of their service to town.

Finally, Sertieren offers two wizard scrolls which might prove useful to the party: a scroll of Protection from Evil and a scroll of Mirror Image.

"For the good of the town," he offers with a kindly expression. "Go safely," he says in farewell.
Ologeon
NPC, 2 posts
Thu 27 Jul 2017
at 22:25
  • msg #35

Chapter 4: Trouble in Drellin's Ferry

Following their visit with Sertieren, the party is approached by Ologeon, who likewise was contacted by Speaker Wiston. Ologeon provides the party four potions of healing.

"May they serve you well!"
Valthur Ironhelm
Dwarf, 313 posts
Dwarf 2
AC: 5 | HP: 17/18
Fri 28 Jul 2017
at 03:47
  • msg #36

Chapter 4: Trouble in Drellin's Ferry

After negotiating with Speaker Wiston and Captain Anitah (in other words standing back with arms folded and observing Eoni as she negotiated with them), looking for horses, and sparring with the three newly acquired men-at-arms, Valthur departs from his companions and pays a visit to the blacksmith to see if his beloved Darna Coalhewer is on site.
Aldara
Magic User, 255 posts
Human Magic-User
AC: 8 | HP 9/9
Fri 28 Jul 2017
at 12:50
  • msg #37

Chapter 4: Trouble in Drellin's Ferry

Aldara accompanied Eoni to see Sertieren.  She found the priestess to be sensible enough, but, well, what if they said something too wizardly for her to comprehend!  Or, more importantly, what if there was something that needed the mage's immediate attention and she wasn't around?

Fortunately, no such thing occurred, although scrolls of arcane lore entered the equation.  She gave an appreciative nod.  Much the same is done with Ologeon's gracious provision of potions.

With whatever spare time is left, Aldara buys three more daggers to throw, and "tops off" her regular supplies.

Finances will be adjusted when I get home from work.
DM Pawn
GM, 461 posts
Fri 28 Jul 2017
at 15:58
  • msg #38

Chapter 4: Trouble in Drellin's Ferry

Valthur pays a visit to the local blacksmith, Morlin Coalhewer where is happily received by the dwarven blacksmith's daughter, Darna.

Less joyous are the judging looks Morlin flashes at the two as he hammers away at the forge. Clang, a particularly loud metal-on-metal strikes punctuates his uneasy thoughts on his daughter being swept up by a traveling mercenary. Or maybe it's not that, for Morlin himself is a seasoned veteran of goblin wars long past. Maybe it's just the thought of losing his daughter? In any event, Morlin is too busy to give it much thought and continues pounding away at his tasks.
Eoni Daflin
Cleric, 300 posts
Sister of Avandra
AC: 8 | HP: 16/16
Fri 28 Jul 2017
at 16:13
  • msg #39

Chapter 4: Trouble in Drellin's Ferry

Eoni returned to the inn for dinner.  It had been a long day traveling from Terrelton and it was well past dark when she'd finished the errands she'd wanted to run.  Some fruitful, others not.

She just hoped they wouldn't regret getting any of the horses that were available.

The Sister of Avandra almost missed seeing Sarah in the corner and went over to join her.

"No horses," she said, sitting down across from the girl.  "Well, there were horses, but only three.

"I did run into Ologeon on my way back from Sertieren's,"
she added, rummaging around in her pack.  She produced a small bottle and counted out ten gold.

"The gold is for returning with the translation and a healing potion for helping with the town.  I have three more bottles but I didn't think you had one.

"Sertieren also gave us a pair of scrolls to help in defending the town.  Aldara has those."


She caught the barmaid's eye and motioned for something to eat and drink.

"Oh," she added finally, "Sertieren said that he'd identify anything we bring him for free since we're helping out the town.  I'm pretty sure he meant while we're helping out, not forever."

OOC: Everyone write down 10 gold on your character sheet from Sertieren.
Sarah
Thief, 259 posts
Thief
AC: 4 | HP: 8/8
Fri 28 Jul 2017
at 16:15
  • msg #40

Chapter 4: Trouble in Drellin's Ferry

Sarah shakes her head.

"Not fighting hobgoblins.  Too many."
Eoni Daflin
Cleric, 301 posts
Sister of Avandra
AC: 8 | HP: 16/16
Fri 28 Jul 2017
at 18:15
  • msg #41

Chapter 4: Trouble in Drellin's Ferry

"I think we'll try to just scout them out first," Eoni explained.  "Then see if we can get them split up into smaller groups.

"I agree that more than a half dozen at a time would be too many."


She took a deep breath and looked around the room.

"That's why I was hoping to get horses so we could run if there were more than we could handle.  I'm afraid we're going to lose Valthur if it comes to that.

"I pray that we can get Jorr to lead us along less traveled routes.  Ones they won't have set for an ambush.  That's what I think happened to the town's first foray.

"We need to catch them by surprise, not the other way around."

Sarah
Thief, 260 posts
Thief
AC: 4 | HP: 8/8
Fri 28 Jul 2017
at 18:18
  • msg #42

Chapter 4: Trouble in Drellin's Ferry

Sarah keeps shaking her head.  "Not worth risk."
Valthur Ironhelm
Dwarf, 315 posts
Dwarf 2
AC: 5 | HP: 17/18
Sun 30 Jul 2017
at 06:44
  • msg #43

Chapter 4: Trouble in Drellin's Ferry

Valthur does his best to give Morlin a reassuring "I'm a respectable citizen and not a sleezeball" kind of look, but he fears it is only somewhat effective. He has to admit that the clangs seem to increase in volume as he gets closer to Darna.

Intimidating as the father's hammering is, Valthur approaches Darna and tells her more tales of his adventures at Barren Hill. The savant, the bears, the gnome, the boulder, all with some level of accuracy (and a bit of added heroism, of course). He tells her they plan to move on in 2 days time, but asks her to dinner tomorrow, hoping that the others don't plan to leave early.
Eoni Daflin
Cleric, 303 posts
Sister of Avandra
AC: 8 | HP: 16/16
Sun 30 Jul 2017
at 12:48
  • msg #44

Chapter 4: Trouble in Drellin's Ferry

"How many would be worth the risk?" Eoni asked.  It would give them a solid starting point when deciding whether to engage or avoid.

Ideally, Eoni would like to negotiate with them to form some kind of truce or boundaries, but she didn't think it was feasible.  From what she'd heard of hobgoblins and her experience with the Howler Tribe, they would always be pushing for more if they sensed an advantage.  They would need a significant show of force in order to keep them at bay.

Aldara had mentioned that she was working on something new.  The Sister wondered if it could be used to intimidate the raiders.
Sarah
Thief, 261 posts
Thief
AC: 4 | HP: 8/8
Sun 30 Jul 2017
at 16:07
  • msg #45

Re: Chapter 4: Trouble in Drellin's Ferry

Eoni Daflin:
"How many would be worth the risk?" Eoni asked.

Sarah cocks her head to the side, reminiscent of her reaction in the cave when Eoni questioned the girl about the club.  As before, Sarah's look appears to be one of puzzlement  -- but as before, she doesnt say anything so there's no confirmation as to what the girl is thinking.

She picks up her mug as if to drink but leaves it there much longer than necessary for that purpose, holding it in place as it covers the lower part of her face.
Eoni Daflin
Cleric, 304 posts
Sister of Avandra
AC: 8 | HP: 16/16
Sun 30 Jul 2017
at 22:23
  • msg #46

Re: Chapter 4: Trouble in Drellin's Ferry

"We do also have Gaston and the other two," she reminded the girl.  "Not quite as burly as Valthur, but perhaps as good as Marklin."

She thought to amend her last comparison but decided to be generous and give Marklin the benefit of the doubt.

"So we do have more brute strength available than we're used to."
Aldara
Magic User, 256 posts
Human Magic-User
AC: 8 | HP 9/9
Sun 30 Jul 2017
at 22:45
  • msg #47

Re: Chapter 4: Trouble in Drellin's Ferry

Aldara returned to the inn alongside Eoni, and ordered a drink and meal for herself in the form of heavier fare, and an ale.  She agrees with everything that the priestess says, but can't help but notice Sarah's trepidation.  "Come, now, Sarah... We've all seen what I'm capable of doing with my magic.  If I can charm a kobold or knock out a family of bears, I'll have no problem doing the same with hobgoblin rabble!  I've a new trick I've been working on, too: illusions!"

Turning to Eoni, she says, "This illusion is just that, however: an illusion.  An advanced parlour trick, made more convincing only by magic.  I was thinking of perhaps tricking these brutes into thinking I've summoned a cloud of angry bees or wasps, or called up a storm of magical fire.  Our company will also no doubt be of great use."
Sarah
Thief, 262 posts
Thief
AC: 4 | HP: 8/8
Mon 31 Jul 2017
at 15:45
  • msg #48

Re: Chapter 4: Trouble in Drellin's Ferry

Sarah doesn't respond to Aldara.  She does put her drink down.  She isn't smiling -- but that's the norm.
DM Pawn
GM, 462 posts
Mon 31 Jul 2017
at 20:57
  • msg #49

Re: Chapter 4: Trouble in Drellin's Ferry

While the adventurers are preparing to scout out the surrounding countryside for any sign of the marauding hobgoblin warband, several party members cannot help but perceive a general tension that hangs over the small town. Hushed whispers here or there as the adventurers go about their business make it quite clear how quickly word has spread through the town that Town Speaker Wiston has hired the mercenaries for the job. Cautiously hopeful faces peer from curtained windows and shadowed doorways, eager to get a look at the brave adventurers who will stand up to the hobgoblin army lurking in the Witchwood.
Marklin
Fighter, 418 posts
AC:5
Hit Points:14/14
Tue 1 Aug 2017
at 00:06
  • msg #50

Re: Chapter 4: Trouble in Drellin's Ferry

 Marklin would flat out refuse to ride anything with four legs. He was trained to be infantry, and marching is what he intended to do.

  If there was time, Marklin would carouse with the three new hires. A few drinks here, some gambling there, he had to try and get back some of the seventy five gold they fronted.

 When the time of their departure was at hand, they would find Marklin marching proud and tall, every inch a fighting man in appearance. Boots polished and leather armor oiled. His helmet and spear point gleamed in the early morning sunlight.
Valthur Ironhelm
Dwarf, 318 posts
Dwarf 2
AC: 5 | HP: 17/18
Wed 2 Aug 2017
at 04:38
  • msg #51

Re: Chapter 4: Trouble in Drellin's Ferry

Valthur spends 25 gold on the fanciest bracelet he can find for Darna, explaining that he'll be back in a few days and will treat her to dinner upon her return.

As for plans, he leaves that to the others, offering that any plan where he can axe a bunch of hobgoblins is one he favors.
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