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Chapter 1: The Road to Morgansfort.

Posted by DungeonmasterFor group 0
Glanduil Ulazana
player, 18 posts
HP 1/6 AC Elf FTR/MU
Tue 7 Nov 2017
at 18:04
  • msg #73

Chapter 1: The Road to Morgansfort

Glanduil grimaced as the arrow was removed but the pain quickly subsided. Clearly the knight was expertly trained for the field triage as all knights must be, he thought to himself. Glanduil thanked the knight and marveled at the serenity in the chapel. The Half-Elf nodded toward Breccan and lowered his head and clasped his hands in front of him in respect to their loss. Glanduil tried to listen but could not understand the foreign language.

Glanduil then waited for an appropriate amount of time and did not interrupt. Once he observed that they were finished with their conversation he approached the priest and bowed.

"Holy father I wanted to extend my condolences to all gathered here." Glanduil again nodded toward Breccan.

"I wanted to thank you. And I would like to offer some of my wealth. I hope this small contribution helps in any way."

OOC: Glanduil will offer 1 gold to the church
Dungeonmaster
GM, 56 posts
Wed 8 Nov 2017
at 19:58
  • msg #74

Chapter 1: The Road to Morgansfort

Irene smiles at Veskard and Gilly, but says quietly through her smile, "I'd hold off on that, boys.  The big cook is my Dad, and he tends to use his army training on anyone who tries to get me to come away for a roll in the hay. It's nice to be appreciated, though. By the way, if you're looking for work, hang around after dinner tonight. A lot of people who need a good sword arm or...shall we say, a specialist or two...tend to gravitate here in the evenings."

She glances over at the bar, where the mustached cook is wiping a glass and clearly watching your table, while trying to seem nonchalant. Then she heads for the bar to get more food and drink for incoming guests.
Dungeonmaster
GM, 57 posts
Wed 8 Nov 2017
at 22:38
  • msg #75

Chapter 1: The Road to Morgansfort

When Carnalore approaches the priest he smiles. "I will be glad to help you, my child. Tah's healing work is freely available to all, though you should give if your conscience prompts you."

quote:
"Holy father I wanted to extend my condolences to all gathered here." Glanduil again nodded toward Breccan.

"I wanted to thank you. And I would like to offer some of my wealth. I hope this small contribution helps in any way."

OOC: Glanduil will offer 1 gold to the church


"Thank you, kind sir. Your generosity will provide several meals for some of the poorest families in the area. Let me pray for you both." He lays his hand on each of you, closes his eyes and speaks again in the same ancient language.

Glanduil, you are healed for 1 point by Ragnar (this is the result of a house rule I haven't posted yet) and 5 points by Father Thelbain. Carnalore, you can receive up to 4 points from Thelbain, but I believe you're only down 2.
Dungeonmaster
GM, 59 posts
Thu 9 Nov 2017
at 05:14
  • msg #76

Chapter 1: The Road to Morgansfort

As Wyrran opens the packet and unfolds the page, more shimmering vines appear and slowly fade. The writing is in Elvish, of course, and the writer has elegant, impeccable penmanship.

Master Galaeth,

We trust this message finds you well. We feel we must change the focus of your mission in the human lands. Our friends to the south are becoming even more troublesome than before and we are seeking those worthy of becoming our allies. Duke Helsung of Slateholm seems to have the marks of a worthy ally of the realm, being a man true to his word who has ruled his domain well. But we need to know more before placing our trust in him.

For decades, Helsung's family has held back the vuldrani surging out of the forests to the south of them. Now that task has fallen to Helsung's great-nephew, Halden. He has a reputation as a cunning warrior, but he is very young. The southern forests must be secured for the good of our kingdom and all civilized lands. If he fails, any alliance we might forge with his family will also fail, for they will be overwhelmed.

Therefore we give you two tasks. First, observe the baronet, his inner circle, his warriors and his subjects. Take his measure and theirs. Second, look for opportunities to act against the vuldrani in the area. Historically, scouting and raids by small groups has been the best way to discover their aims and numbers. We have heard reports--little more than rumors, but from reliable sources--that the vuldrani are overwhelming human and elven settlements that were once able to stand against them. Gather allies for yourself and do what you can to discover the truth.

We wish you success, and give our prayers to the gods for your safety.


Amalthea
High Queen and Majestrix of the Elven Courts


"Vuldrani" is a catch-all term elves use for goblinoids, orcs and other humanoid monsters who gather in mass numbers for evil purposes. You also know "our friends to the south" is almost certainly a reference to trouble from the Urdish Imperium on the island of Corvish, which is directly south of the Sunset Islands and the elven capital of Avenrho.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:45, Fri 06 Apr 2018.
Gillifian Bristlebeard
player, 14 posts
Can you lend me tuppence?
I've forgotten my wallet
Thu 9 Nov 2017
at 16:24
  • msg #77

Re: Chapter 1: The Road to Morgansfort

Dungeonmaster:
Irene smiles at Veskard and Gilly . . . "It's nice to be appreciated, though."


Gilly winks at the pretty girl and sips his beer. He imagines that roll in the hay as he watches her sway around the room serving the others, but then he catches her Dad's stern eye and he studiously turns back to the others.

"Sounds like we may have any number of opportunities available to use here," he comments. "Though honest work is vastly overrated as a pastime, I fear."

He takes out the nugget of gold he received as part of the spoils from their encounter with the goblins and looks at it carefully to see if there is any knowledge to be gleaned from its structure.

While he is thus engaged, however, he keeps his ears carefully tuned to the murmur of voices in the tavern, listening for anything that might be of interest.

OOC: Is anyone playing at cards or dice yet? Is there a darts board?
Dungeonmaster
GM, 62 posts
Thu 9 Nov 2017
at 17:24
  • msg #78

Re: Chapter 1: The Road to Morgansfort

Gilly doesn't see anyone playing dice or cards. There is a dart board on one wall of the tavern, but it's not being used at the moment. Except for a few stragglers, most of the patrons have finished their meal and are returning to work.

He finds that the nugget of gold is just that: A small lump of unrefined metal with no identifying marks.

As he listens, he hears a woman getting up from a nearby table say to the other servant girl, "Now, don't you run off to Slateholm just yet. Wait until the lord has the roads completely clear. I heard tell those orcs raiding the farms and caravans up north tried to kidnap pretty young girls in two of the raids. Best you stay in the fort until they get killed off." The woman is middle-aged, plain and wearing brownish-grey clothes with a bonnet-like hat. She appears to be trying to be discreet, and failing because the background noise in the tavern is causing her to speak more loudly than she should.

As Gilly glances at her, he notices a man, also middle-aged, at another table who appears to have stopped eating his pork in mid-bite and is staring at Gilly's gold nugget. The man is well dressed and has large mutton chops, which is not a fashion you've seen anywhere in the region.
Carnalore Hostine
player, 19 posts
Elven Magic User 2
AC 10 | HP 5/7
Thu 9 Nov 2017
at 18:23
  • msg #79

Chapter 1: The Road to Morgansfort

"Thank you, sir. And thank Tah," Carnalore says. She lingers in the temple momentarily to pay her due respects -- and to stay with Glanduil, whom she recognizes from the caravan. As they leave, she places a gold piece in the coffers.
Wyrran Galaeth
player, 13 posts
Elf Magic-User
hp 7/8, AC 11
Thu 9 Nov 2017
at 18:40
  • msg #80

Chapter 1: The Road to Morgansfort

Wyrran folds and puts away the message, then turns and speaks sincerely to the young man:

"Master Halden, it seems that events have preceded the good intentions of the High Queen. As you would have heard by now, our caravan was attacked by a semi-organized group of goblins only a few hours before arriving here. Queen Amalthea wanted to warn me and urge me to cooperate with you and your family regarding growing threats south of Slateholm and in the general area of Morgansfort in particular. Please, feel free to share with me your thoughts on proper courses of action and specific delicate operations that may be required.Through our recent hardship, I may have the opportunity to muster a group of people with particular talents in order to strengthen the human and elven settlements of the area and aid you in returning the peace. I am humbly at your disposal, with Queen Amalthea's blessing."
Gillifian Bristlebeard
player, 15 posts
Can you lend me tuppence?
I've forgotten my wallet
Fri 10 Nov 2017
at 15:30
  • msg #81

Re: Chapter 1: The Road to Morgansfort

Dungeonmaster:
Gilly . . . notices a man, also middle-aged, at another table who appears to have stopped eating his pork in mid-bite and is staring at Gilly's gold nugget.


The halfling nonchalantly tucks the nugget in an outside pocket, and then leans across the table and whispers to Veskard.

"See that fellow with the strange whiskers over there -- no, don't just turn and stare at him! Take a look real casual like, in a moment. He's been making cow eyes at you and kissy lips too. I think he likes you."

As soon as things get a bit busy, Gilly will move the nugget surreptitiously from the outside pocket to an inside one.

OOC: Please move ahead, I'm just vamping with Gilly. I have rarely had a character I enjoy as much. Much more fun than the dour dwarf I had first proposed.
Veskard
player, 36 posts
Warrior
Fri 10 Nov 2017
at 17:15
  • msg #82

Re: Chapter 1: The Road to Morgansfort


 Veskard continued to eat,but between mouthfuls of pork. "I be eating. Iffin ye think him pretty, ye can have em" He washed down the pork with some ale.
Dungeonmaster
GM, 65 posts
Thu 16 Nov 2017
at 22:54
  • msg #83

Re: Chapter 1: The Road to Morgansfort

Wyrran Galaeth:
Wyrran folds and puts away the message, then turns and speaks sincerely to the young man:

"Master Halden, it seems that events have preceded the good intentions of the High Queen. As you would have heard by now, our caravan was attacked by a semi-organized group of goblins only a few hours before arriving here. Queen Amalthea wanted to warn me and urge me to cooperate with you and your family regarding growing threats south of Slateholm and in the general area of Morgansfort in particular. Please, feel free to share with me your thoughts on proper courses of action and specific delicate operations that may be required.Through our recent hardship, I may have the opportunity to muster a group of people with particular talents in order to strengthen the human and elven settlements of the area and aid you in returning the peace. I am humbly at your disposal, with Queen Amalthea's blessing."


Halden smiles. "We are humbled by Queen Amalthea's kindness." He nods to Kellin, who fetches a map case from one of the bookshelves. The Baronet takes it and lays out a map of the Fort's environs. A few spots have been circled on it with chalk. "There are a few places for you to choose from. And one of them is surprisingly close to home..."
Dungeonmaster
GM, 66 posts
Thu 16 Nov 2017
at 23:45
  • msg #84

Re: Chapter 1: The Road to Morgansfort

The tavern is not quiet, but is not nearly so loud as it was at lunch. You've all finished a dinner of hearty lentil soup with dried goose and mugs of ale. You found you tended to gravitate to each other because of the past days you spent together on the road. After all, you ate three meals together every day, so why not now? You welcomed Breccan to your table; he thanked you, ate in near silence and left to make final arrangements with some merchants who want to move some goods to Slateholm.

Gilly notices the man with the mutton chops is back, sitting at the same table he was before. He's doing a much better job of covering the fact that he's watching Gilly, but considering how obvious he was during lunch, it's not nearly enough. A mahogany-skinned woman with a high-collared dress and silver hair in a tight bun who appears to be about the same age is sitting with him and glances your way occasionally while nursing some wine.

A quiet cheer goes up from the tavern patrons as the door opens and a smiling young man--perhaps 25 years old--with brown hair and eyes enters. His clothes are well cut, but not terribly expensive. He wears a longsword, and the hilt has some of the finest metalwork you've ever seen. In his left hand is a cylindrical map case. Wyrran recognizes him, but the rest of you have never seen him before.

He is not tall (Kellin, following him in, is more than a head taller), nor handsome, but he has perfect military bearing and a radiant smile. He calls out to the tavern matron--"A round for the house, Lianna"--and makes his way to your table, standing behind the empty chair Breccan had sat in.

"Good evening. I've heard of your heroism this morning and wanted to speak to you personally. And as I mentioned to Master Galaeth this morning, we have a need for folks such as yourself. Oh, I've forgotten my manners! I'm Halden Rathwynn Morgan. May I join you?"
Argon
player, 17 posts
Fighter 2
AC-1 | 15/15HP
Fri 17 Nov 2017
at 00:45
  • msg #85

Re: Chapter 1: The Road to Morgansfort


Argon offers the man his hand and introduces himself. "Argon at your service." He takes drink from his tankard before adding "What work did you have in mind ?"

-
Veskard
player, 39 posts
Warrior
Fri 17 Nov 2017
at 01:32
  • msg #86

Re: Chapter 1: The Road to Morgansfort


 Veskard was busy filling his pipe,and getting it going with the candle from the table. After a few puffs, he nodded to the newcomer.
Leleanne Gethell
player, 21 posts
Fri 17 Nov 2017
at 07:19
  • msg #87

Re: Chapter 1: The Road to Morgansfort

Leleanne, dressed in a simple but tight-fitting black dress that tastefully went to her ankles, sipped her wine and listened intently. So far that evening she'd particularly enjoyed making heads turn as she entered the tavern, and had been giving flirtatious glances to anyone attractive who looked her way. She was used to making an impact wherever she went, but it was much more pleasurable out of her armour.
Gillifian Bristlebeard
player, 16 posts
Can you lend me tuppence?
I've forgotten my wallet
Fri 17 Nov 2017
at 13:33
  • msg #88

Re: Chapter 1: The Road to Morgansfort

Gilly waves away the great plumes of smoke Veskard is puffing out and shifts on the bench to get away from the source. He's not really that upset by it, he is using it as an excuse to move to a position where he can watch Mutton Chops and Silver Hair a bit better, and keep his back to a wall.

He nods politely to Morgan and gives Leleanne a wolf whistle.

"I hear the landlord's selling your bathwater at tuppence a sip," he laughs. "I've save you a seat, right by me."
Leleanne Gethell
player, 22 posts
Fri 17 Nov 2017
at 13:43
  • msg #89

Re: Chapter 1: The Road to Morgansfort

Leleanne's expression changed to one of mock-disappointment. "Only a tuppence! That's outrageous! Back at home people used to queue for miles at the temple door just to catch a glimpse of me. It looks like I need to improve my reputation around here." She sat back and took another sip of her wine, smiling.
Glanduil Ulazana
player, 21 posts
HP 6/6 AC Elf FTR/MU
Fri 17 Nov 2017
at 17:01
  • msg #90

Re: Chapter 1: The Road to Morgansfort

Glanduil looks up as he appeared to be sipping at a glass of mead. He twirled the glass around watching the sparking golden brown honey wine as it reflected the light from the flickering torches in the in. He raised his left arm in greeting to Halden. He winched slightly as the arrow was just recently removed. "Greetings sir. Please by all means. Please join our table."
Carnalore Hostine
player, 20 posts
Elven Magic User 2
AC 10 | HP 7
Fri 17 Nov 2017
at 18:40
  • msg #91

Re: Chapter 1: The Road to Morgansfort

Carnalore nods, moving her seat aside slightly to make room.
Wyrran Galaeth
player, 14 posts
Elf Magic-User
hp 7/8, AC 11
Fri 17 Nov 2017
at 18:56
  • msg #92

Re: Chapter 1: The Road to Morgansfort

Wyrran sits up, nods politely to both men an leans forward, eager to listen and see Halden's plans.
Dungeonmaster
GM, 67 posts
Sat 18 Nov 2017
at 14:21
  • msg #93

Re: Chapter 1: The Road to Morgansfort

Argon:
Argon offers the man his hand and introduces himself. "Argon at your service."


Argon finds that the young man's handshake is firm, and his hands are not soft as he would expect a lord's hands to be. He sits down.

quote:
He takes drink from his tankard before adding "What work did you have in mind ?"


"I'm glad you asked" He opens the map case and, pushing a few plates here and there, spreads it out. It is a map of the Fort's region. A few spots have been circled on it with chalk. The southern portion is familiar, as Rosemount is near the bottom of the map and you can trace the length you traveled on the Old Road to get here. You estimate that roughly half the territory between Morgansfort and Slateholm is depicted on the northern portion. The Old Road snakes through the grassy lowlands between the forest and the sea. Here and there along the road, you see villages and fortified roadhouses. He points to three spots in quick succession.

"North of us on the old road, there has been strange activity. There have been attacks by orcs on caravans and farms. They're stealing livestock and waylaying travelers, the usual orcish mayhem. But this is where it turns odd: On the last few raids, the orcs made special efforts to abduct young, pretty blonde women. This may simply be coincidence, but it strikes an odd note."

"To the south, we have a goblin problem, as you may have noticed," he observes drily. "The Toothsmasher tribe dwells in old mines abandoned by the lost Dwarven kingdom of Gryk Thalak, but something has changed because we are seeing greater numbers of them. We're either seeing an alliance of tribes or members of other tribes are being drawn to the Toothsmashers."

"And right here," he says, stabbing his finger at an island just to the south of the fort, which you remember seeing as you rode past, "are the ruins of an old Sturmsai fortress. The Sturmsai were the rulers of this area before the Urds came, barbarians in manner and tradition but with much knowledge we would normally associate with a civilized people.

"This fort was the last stronghold of a barbarian chieftain whose name is lost to history, said to be entombed there with his treasures after he fell in battle with an Urdish legion. But I digress...the reason we're concerned with the fort is that there have been sightings of humanoids on the island. Some of the witnesses have described orcs, others goblins. The only thing that's certain is that they have set up some sort of observation post there. I could send troops in to clear it out, but there are tunnels and cellars underneath the fort that would need the attention of specialists such as yourselves. My father lost almost a dozen men in there when I was a little boy; our soldiers just don't have the proper skills."

"I leave it up to your discretion how to proceed. You would, of course, keep any salvage you recover."


He sits back and drinks from the tankard of ale Lianna has brought him.
Glanduil Ulazana
player, 22 posts
HP 6/6 AC Elf FTR/MU
Sat 18 Nov 2017
at 16:00
  • msg #94

Re: Chapter 1: The Road to Morgansfort

Glanduil leans back in his chair and looked away distantly as though lost in thought. He took out a pipe and stuffed it with tobaccao from a small worn leather pouch from his backpack. He then struck a small piece of flint on a stone and the flare of light is quickly placed to the pipe. The Half-Elf then placed the flame over the tobacoo and took several puffs and soon there was a sweet aroma of cherry drifing around the table. At the same time the red flare of the tobacco also cast  his face flickering shadows.

"This is troubling news indeed. Are there any militia that can be dispatch north to address the issues from the Orcs? Indeed I warrant the abduction of the lasses is a concern and should be investigated without delay. The pressing danger is this perceived thread from the Goblins. Golbins are foul littler buggers but if they are indeed unified as it appears that is a danger that must be addressed. If there is indeed an alliance, and I am sure this must be confirmed, then we need to take steps ere we are plunged into war."

He paused then added, "Is this Sturmsai keep in any way linked to the Goblin activates? "
Dungeonmaster
GM, 68 posts
Sat 18 Nov 2017
at 16:52
  • msg #95

Re: Chapter 1: The Road to Morgansfort

Glanduil Ulazana:
"This is troubling news indeed. Are there any militia that can be dispatch north to address the issues from the Orcs? Indeed I warrant the abduction of the lasses is a concern and should be investigated without delay. The pressing danger is this perceived thread from the Goblins. Golbins are foul littler buggers but if they are indeed unified as it appears that is a danger that must be addressed. If there is indeed an alliance, and I am sure this must be confirmed, then we need to take steps ere we are plunged into war."

He paused then added, "Is this Sturmsai keep in any way linked to the Goblin activates? "


"I plan to send detachments north with each caravan, which should guard them against the orcs, but someone must find their lair and root them out eventually. As for the Sturmsai keep, we're not aware of any link between it and the goblins, save that some of the people who claim to have seen humanoids on the island say they were clearly goblins."

"He lowers his voice. "The island has been regarded as haunted by many of the commoners, and many have claimed over the years that they have seen ghosts. As a result, I'd discount these reports if it weren't for the fact that some of them have come from soldiers under my command, warriors not given to fantasies. One of the commoners even claimed they had seen kobolds there recently, but I can't imagine an orc or goblin being mistaken for a kobold!"
Argon
player, 18 posts
Fighter 2
AC-1 | 15/15HP
Sun 19 Nov 2017
at 02:10
  • msg #96

Re: Chapter 1: The Road to Morgansfort


Argon rubbed his chin with his free hand as he again took another swig of his ale. "I for one think this castle being close and having a sight line to the village and all those that enter and leave might just be the best vantage point for those attacks on the caravans. Clearing it may do us all some good and give us some clear ideas on who is behind the attacks. At least that is my vote."

-
Leleanne Gethell
player, 23 posts
Sun 19 Nov 2017
at 14:49
  • msg #97

Re: Chapter 1: The Road to Morgansfort

Dungeonmaster:
"North of us on the old road, there has been strange activity. There have been attacks by orcs on caravans and farms. They're stealing livestock and waylaying travelers, the usual orcish mayhem. But this is where it turns odd: On the last few raids, the orcs made special efforts to abduct young, pretty blonde women. This may simply be coincidence, but it strikes an odd note."


Leleanne stopped listening after he said pretty blonde women. She was both outraged and terrified at the same time. Those poor girls; she didn't want to imagine what the orcs were doing to them.

"Must free those girls, and immediately. Everything else is secondary. Is there any evidence that the orcs from the north are taking the girls to the castle? If not, then it can't be our priority. If those girls are still alive, we must help them." Leleanne was an accomplished actress, and could often make men (and some women) do what she wanted, but this time everything she said was genuine. Her expression was pure anguish, and she almost looked like she was going to burst into tears.
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