Velox leaves his friends behind and sees that they are still talking to the guard that had been patrolling. Oren only listened for a few more moments then he too was following Velox. He figures he'll find it quicker to go ahead and meet the local leader of Burne's Badgers. He heads between the fancy buildings and just as he goes through the crook it's easy to see the bridge the badger had mentioned.

You cross the bridge and see a farm to the left, a bit further and nearly across from the street from one another are a Tailor shop and Weaver shop by the signs.

You next come to on the right a building that appears to be some sort of community building or forum if you would. Though it seems quiet at the moment. Coming to the next fork you can hear music from a rather large building to the right, you guess that might be the Welcome Wench. You'd have to take the right fork to enter it though and you decide to continue on and take the left.

You see a man hammering out what might be a shield outside his shop to the right. He spots you and gives a nod as he keeps hammering. A sign shows that this is a blacksmith shop.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:10, Sun 13 Aug 2017.

Velox enjoyed his walk and though he'd been tempted to enter the Welcome Wench, he decided he would save that for after he'd visited with Lord Rufus.

As he neared what he thought to be his final turn he caught sight of the blacksmith and stopped saying, "Greetings, I'm headed to see Lord Rufus. I've traveled here with a few others to help out with the bandit problem. Did one of the Badgers need a new shield?" He asked referring to the work the man was doing in that moment.

In reply to Velox (msg # 2):

The middle aged human stops banging on the shield and puts his hammer down. A beagle looks up at you but since you are neither rabbit nor squirrel goes back to resting its head behind the forge.

"It is good to have help against the Bandits." he replied "I am Brother Smythe. As for the shield it's just something to work on. Burne's Badgers largely came to town fully equipped, I only have to hammer out a replacement now and then. I like to have some goods on hand to sell now and then. I welcome the return of adventurers they always have money it seems. Though if you are at the beginning of your journey you might be a little lighter than normal."

Oren looked over the Brother Smyths work, giving it his appraisal.  "Yer work be good lad, even if yer arn't a dwarf.  I am sure that some of the bandit hunters will commission more work, once they have retrieved the bounty."  The dwarf spoke confidently.

In reply to Oren Stonebreaker (msg # 4):

"Very kind of you master dwarf" he smiles.

He moves around behind the anvil. Scout, the beagle, moves out of the way lazily looking at you while he yawns.

Brother Smyth leans over and retrieves a chain shirt.

"This is my finest piece right now." Brother Smyth says holding up a chain shirt.

[Private to Oren Stonebreaker: Oren's trained eye quickly alerts him that this piece is a masterwork chain shirt. Only thing better would be if it was made of mithril rather than steel.]

Velox eyed the shirt and if he had the coin he'd have happily purchased it on the spot. "That is as fine of craftsmanship as I've ever seen. If we return victorious, you can rest assured that a shirt of that quality will be desired by all."

Oren examines the chain shirt closely, nodding his head in approval.  "The lad has it right, fine work, worthy of being called Masterwork.  Well, if we want to seek out those bandits, we cannae stand around chatting too much.  Master Smyth, tis an honor, and ye can count on seeing more adventurers coming through here.  Blessings of the Forge upon ye and yer works.  May Moradin grant that we meet again, a great deal wealthier over a fine cask of ale."  The dwarf spoke, ready to move on.

In reply to Oren Stonebreaker (msg # 7):

"Thank you lads" Brother Smyth says "Thank you brother dwarf for the invocation of your god, I'm sure he'll bless my anvil as well. Hopefully you boys find adventure and thus treasure soon. Where might you be looking for adventure?"

Velox kept his smile saying, "We are seeking Lord Rufus. We hope to gather what information is available about these bandits so that we can put an end to the menace they present to this fine town."

In reply to Velox (msg # 9):

"Lord Rufus is most often found near the guard tower where they are constructing the castle. I understand he and Burne cleaned up the bandits around Verbobonc a few years back. I've also heard tale that they got most of their riches from slaying a green dragon and plundering it's treasure somewhere where the Kron Hills meet the Gnarley forest I believe." Brother Smyth says "They are followers of St. Cuthbert rather than the Old Faith. His Most Worshipful Mage of Hommlet, Burne, likes to drink at the Welcome Wench in the evenings, despite his taste for overly long titles."

Oren pulls on his beard a moment, thinking.  "Hrmn...  That sounds like a good place to start, do ye think the others have had luck with the flower gathering?"  He spoke, raising a bushy eyebrow.

"Flowers?" Brother Smyth inquires.

"Jaroo is in need of windflower I hear to make healing potions if you are looking for quick work." Brother Smyth tells you.

"Aye, sorry about that.  I was talking to the young lad hear.  We stopped by the temple of St. Cuthbert, meeting a lad by the name of Calmer, who asked some of our group to go and gather the flowers.  Who is this Jaroo?"  The dwarf asked, wondering if something was up.

In reply to Oren Stonebreaker (msg # 13):

Brother Smyth shakes his head a bit at the mention of Calmer and St. Cuthbert. "Jaroo is the local head of the Old Faith. I'm his assistant when I'm not smithing."

He motions to the road "If you continue along the road towards the Guard Tower, the next road to the right leads down to the grove. You can find Jaroo there."

Velox listened intently trying not to assume too much but wanting to know what the smith meant, he asked, "Are Calmer and Jaroo at odds with one another?"

"Where there goals meet, they can be allies. Such as protection of Hommlet and people." Brother Smyth replies "However Jaroo doesn't care for the adherance to order that St. Cuthbert requires. Jaroo prefers a balance between good and evil, order and chaos as most Druids do."

A look of realization passes over Velox's face at the mention of the druid. "Ah, I see, yes well I'm glad they are aligned on the protection of the people here. Sir, you've been of great assistance and I look forward to returning soon and purchasing some of your wares."

Oren bows his head slightly to Brother Smyth.  "I can respect that, but me people place Order and Law high on our lists of our lives.  I am sure we will be seeing ye again, Gods willing.  May yer anvil remain strong."  The dwarf spoke, following Velox to the next place.

Velox turned to Oren and said, "Let's keep moving. I am intrigued to meet this Lord Rufus." He started walking on following the directions he'd been given before.

In reply to Oren Stonebreaker (msg # 18):

"You are welcome my friends, May Ehlonna, the Spring Maiden, guide you in your journeys." Brother Smyth says.

You continue along the road and see the road Brother Smyth had spoke of off to the right. The road is lined with trees and bushes and shrubs and if you didn't know there was a cottage there you would have missed it.

The road also continues on past Jaroo's Grove if you prefer not to stop to speak to the Druid.

Spotting the grove, Velox's curiousity gets the better of him and he calls out for Jaroo

An unarmored man appears a moment later from the cottage along the path through the grove to it. His hair is russet colored and his eyes are blue. He appears younger than you initially thought he might.

He's wearing a fine cloak you notice, though his other garb seems more mundane. A scimitar is in a sheath on his belt. He's the first person other than Burne's Badger guard you've encountered carrying a weapon. The scimitar's hilt looks quite ornate. There is also a rod dangling from the opposite side of his belt.

"Hello, I don't believe we've met, who are you?" he asks.

Oren follows the young human trying to discern a pattern in the young mans path.  As the druid steps out of the hut, Oren answers the mans question.  "Bandit hunters.  Master Smyth told us ye may be in need of some flowers, though to be truthful, Calmer has made the same request of our group.  We are seeking to find out any clues to the bandits whereabouts, or some hint of their movements."  He spoke bluntly, feeling sidetracked slightly.

In reply to Oren Stonebreaker (msg # 23):

Jaroo looks on his face not wavering at the mention of Calmer's name. "I'm sure he does need some as well. I have a small plot of them in the grove but yes additional windflower could be useful."

He looks over Oren, rubs his chin then offers "Bandit hunters you say. That is most fortunate. I had sent an Aspirant to check on some ruins not long ago. They have not reported back. The growing tide of banditry threatens the balance. Perhaps you could check on it for me. It would be a likely hideout for bandits if they are operating from there. I would of course give you the location if you agree. All I ask is that you report back your findings to me that I might report to the greater Druid community, and I'd be thankful if you could return my Aspirant to me."

Velox nodded at the man's question and said, "We would be more than happy to. But first, what is an aspirant?"

In reply to Velox (msg # 25):

"A Druid who has just completed their training but not yet part of a circle." Jaroo explains. "The ruins are a moathouse that once belonged to the Temple of Elemental Evil. It was a lookout for the Temple. With the Battle of Emridy Meadows the moathouse was bypassed. They later struck it on the way out but much of it remains. It would make a formidable base for bandits if that is where they are located."

Jaroo pauses a moment "It is located along the low road towards Nulb. About half a days walk in a marshy section of land. There are giant frogs there that can swallow a man, so please be careful. The road forks at that point and if you take the right fork it will lead you to the ruins. That section of road though is not well maintained these days, only the left fork is."

"Indeed. We will look into this. We were planning on seeking Lord Rufus before making our way out to explore but if your apprentice is in danger, perhaps we should leave now."

In reply to Velox (msg # 27):

"Just the two of you?" Jaroo asks with some concern in his voice. "Might I suggest visiting the Welcome Wench and get some additional allies. If the bandits are holed up there then the danger is to great for just 2. I had hoped my Aspirants position might protect them, they could be a captive of the bandits."

"There are more of us. They are off looking for flowers for Calmer right now. A few are looking into what's going on in the rest of the town. Oren and I are seeking Lord Rufus to learn what we can from him but the Smith mentioned you and we thought we would meet you as well. Good that we did. We will meet with Lord Rufus and then rally our allies to go seek out your student."

In reply to Velox (msg # 29):

"That seems good." Jaroo says "Ehlonna protect you this season."

Oren nods his head in thanks for the prayer.  "And the blessings of the All-Father upon ye."  He said, then indicated with a nod to Velox in the direction they were pointed earlier to find Lord Rufus.

Velox nodded and added, "And may Trithereon keep your steps light and free." He then moved back to the path to Lord Rufus.

In reply to Velox (msg # 32):

You leave the grove and travel back to the main road and go right towards the Guard Tower.

The next structure you see along the road is a barn like home with a wheel nailed to the door on the right hand side, an indication that this is the home of the local cartwright.

Then afterwards is a walled manor home on the left hand side of the road. The gates look heavy and sturdy and the wall is made of stone eight feet tall. It is clear this is the home of someone well to do. You also believe in the case of trouble it would be an easily defensible position in town, the best you've seen so far.

Not far passed the wall manor on the right hand side of the road is what appears to be a newly constructed structure. The sign on it has a saw and hammer. This is an indication that this is the local carpentry shop.

Next on the left side of the road you see a well crafted stone building. It has a low wall about four feet high setting it off from the road. You see a few children perhaps ages five to nine playing in the yard, two boys and a girl. They seem to be enthralled in what they are doing at the moment and don't notice you.

You finally reach the outer workings of the construction which is pretty obvious. The only structure completed, or well beyond the foundation stage at this point is a two story tower some 55 feet tall standing on the hill. No doubt that is where you will find Lord Rufus and Lord Burne.

(OOC: Let me know if you stop to talk to anyone else :) )

Velox considered stopping and talking to others, he knew he probably should, but they had a goal and it was time to achieve that.

He looked to his companion and said, "Oren, are you good if we go straight to the Lord's house or do you want to stop and talk to anyone else?"

Oren looked around, shrugging.  "I think we should go the Lord's house, lad.  There is time later to talk around once we get back from the bandit situation."  The dwarf spoke honestly, gesturing to the building under construction.

Velox nodded and moved on as Oren had indicated.

In reply to Velox (msg # 36):

You follow the path over the starts of the ramparts and earthworks towards the main tower. It is 55 feet tall, the tallest structure in these parts and situated on a hill making it easily defensible. As you approach the entrance you can tell there are two catapults on a parapet level two floors above the floor you are approaching and you think there are ballista on the roof. Indeed a pretty strong tower for such a small hamlet.

The drawbridge is down and the door open. A guard stands just inside the entrance. Looking above you see murder holes in the entryway and flanking it's sides are arrow slits. There is an inner iron door that is closed.

You move on into the main hall.

Flanking the inner portal are two fireplaces, where most of the cooking is done by two to three servants. The lords of the place sit in judgement either here or at a table in the curved alcove. Trestle tables can be extended down and across to accommodate about 40 people when a feast or revel is held. Several comfortable chairs are placed along the walls, and the walls themselves are hung with tapestries and decorated with shields, arms, and hunting trophies—12 shields, four long swords, two broad swords, four spears, two battle axes, and the heads and horns of various creatures. Ramps curving upwards and downwards lead to other levels.

A robed man wearing fine robes looks up from one of the chairs where he has been reading. He smiles as he rises.

Another man dressed in chain mail comes down the ramp that leads upstairs.

The robed man asks "What are your names, and what is your business in Hommlet?"

Velox bows and says as he rises, "I'm Velox, defender of the free, champion of Trithereon, or so I hope to be. And my friend is Oren Stonehammer. We are here with a band of other men and women to learn what we can of the bandits that have plagued the area and will then set out to put an end to their banditry."

"It is good to meet you Velox, servant of Trithereon. I am Burne, His Most Worshipful Mage of Hommlett. I am a follower St. Cuthbert." he begins then pointing to the fighter in chain "This is Lord Rufus."

Lord Rufus moves near the wizard but does not seem overly hostile. Rufus weapon of choice seems to be the battleaxe. His shield is emblazed with the Symbol of St. Cuthbert, he might be something more than a fighter, perhaps a paladin.

"So you've come to fight bandits, that's good. I'm glad you took the time to come here. I'm willing to assist you as far as we can. However unlike the old days we cannot take the fight to the field of battle as we have obligations to the town and this fortress. I believe the Viscount of Verbobonc has placed a bounty on the scalps of bandits. You may collect that bounty here if you wish rather than traveling back to Verbobonc. I do not believe either of you are wizards, but if you have such in your group I could arrange to assist them with scrolls if you like, perhaps even exchange a spell or two." Burne continues.

"Thank you for the offer. You wouldn't happen to know any divine spells, would you? I will be sure to relay that offer to those in the group that can cast arcane spells as I'm sure they would welcome the opportunity to trade spells and talk shop."

He paused and then said, "We just learned that Jaroo's protege has likely been kidnapped, or worse. I hope to set out soon to see if we can give him any aid. Do you feel as though your militia here is capable of protecting Hommlet while we are away?"

"Hommlet is in safe hands I can assure you." Burne says "Jaroo has not reported his missing apprentice to us. I do hope they are well. I suppose since he is of the Old Faith and we worship St. Cuthbert he did not want to seek our help. We have much work to do to prove ourselves to the town's residents yet."

"I cannot help you with divine magic, however you could speak to Canon Terjon at the St Cuthbert chapel, he might be able to assist you in such endeavors." Burne suggests.

Velox bowed once more and said, "Thank you for the advice kind sirs. My last request would be that myself and my allies be permitted to 'adventure' in this area. We'd like your blessing or at least permission to seek out the bandits and any other menaces to the freedom and safety of all people under your purview."

He wasn't sure about his use of the word purview, but it sounded like something one of his fellow knights would have said...

"We welcome your aid young Velox and that of your friends." Burne says "You have my permission, all I ask is that you report in with me to keep me informed as you visit town after your sorties out."

Velox nodded and said, "Of course. I or one of my companions will seek you out to report as soon as we have returned and we will send messages with any items of great note that you should be apprised of while we are in the field."

He bowed once more and looked to see if Oren had anything to add.

Oren keeps quiet, letting the young man speak.  At the butchering of his name, he rolls his eyes, but holds his peace.  As the two interact, he begins to enjoy the Lord of Hommet.  "I thank ye, Lord Burne.  I be Oren Stonebreaker, and we hope to aid your lands with your permission."  He spoke, bowing.  As they are given permission, Oren grins, and gives a thanks, bowing again to leave with his fellow traveler.

As they leave Velox asks, "There seemed to be a tavern back a ways, should we wait for our companions there?"

Oren nods his head in agreement.  "Aye, though I wish fer better days when me coin purse isn't so empty..."  He spoke, following the young man to the tavern.

In reply to Oren Stonebreaker (msg # 47):

You guys can talk a bit, another group got to the WElcome Wench first and so I need to give them a bit of time to RP there :)

We can't just join in?

In reply to Velox (msg # 49):

Well in a bit :), but they didn't wander around and talk as much as you did, its the other two in town, not the guys from the Grove :)

I need to give them a chance to earn a little xp bonus too so they are equal to you guys :).....only Saralessa will be behind but that's because she ran from the fight....

Guys I'm hoping to get you to the tavern soon :)

You can of course talk among yourselves on the way back :)

Velox and Oren arrive back at the Welcome Wench :)

Is there a separate thread for that?

I added you to their thread, Exploring Hommlet :), if I didn't do it right let me know :)

Not seeing it.

In reply to Velox (msg # 55):

Okay maybe now?

Yep. I see it now!