Up the hill the mounted figure guided his weary looking horse. With each step the beast's legs sank into the mud until finally, the rider hand to dismount and guide the horse by its reins the rest of the way. By the time man and mount reached the base of the tower, the figure had taken the measure of the fortified dwelling, and the construction that was in progress.

 Sir Standrenn, late knight to the Banneret, Sir Beoron of the Eastermark, Looked up to the entrance of the tower and spoke in a raised voice to the one garbed as a mage of some sort. “Hail and well met! I am a knight that seeks hospitality from the Lord of this place.”
This message was last edited by the player at 00:22, Sat 06 July 2019.

Burne turns his head and looks back into the Tower. "Rufus, another of your followers are at the door." he calls. Burne looks down at the Knight below. "Sir Knight, The Lord of the Tower shall be done in a moment. Please feel free to tie your horse, and meet us inside the main hall." he says. The door to the Tower opens, and a servant steps out, motioning for the Knight. "Please sir right this way." he says.

Once inside, you get your first view of the main hall. A large table dominates most of the room, semi-circular. A set of starts that wrap around the outside wall leads up to rooms above, and another set of stairs leads below. You can see a few servants moving about. A few moments pass and a handsome looking man with blonde hair descends the staircase. He has not donned any armor, but he wearing casual garb, a white flowing long sleeved shirt with tan breeches. He looks upon you and gives you a respected nod.

"I take it you have a message from Verbobonc?" he asks. He obviously thinks that you are someone else.

 The Knight was led into the Tower, after he had turned his horse over to a servant as directed by the one in robes. Sir Standreen took the measure of the place, while he waited for the Lord of the Tower to make an appearance.

 Soon a man of distinguished bearing and garb put in an appearance. This had to be the Lord of the Tower. When asked if he bore a message, Standreen frowned a moment, but then remembered his courtesy. A slight bow. “ Hail and well met, My Lord. I am Sir Standreen, Knight Errant, once in the service to the Banneret Sir Beone of the Westermarck, Kingdom of Furyondy. I was caught in the storm last eve, and now ask for hospitality of your Tower.” He said in the common tongue.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:57, Sat 06 July 2019.

Rufus nods. "Ah, Sir Standreen, you must forgive me I thought you were a messenger from Verbobonc." he says. "Of course you can have hospitality, Sir Beone of the Westermarck." Rufus things for a moment. "If I am not mistaken Sir Beone has passed." he says. "What brings you all the way to Hommlet from the lands of Furyondy?" he asks.

 The Knight bowed his head, when the Lord bespoke of the passing of his one-time Liege.  And with obvious sadness, Sir Standrenn spoke.” You speak truth, my lord. Sir Beone was slain in a boundary dispute with another noble. But he died well, as a knight should, in battle. May the gods grant him eternal rest.”

 The young knight then seemed to return to the present, after having been lost in the past, for a moment.” Excuse me, to begin with, I thank you for the Hospitality, My lord.  As to why I am in these lands, I ride the glory road, my lord. I seek adventure, to right wrongs, and bring fame to my name in the doing of honorable deeds.” The young knight said with obvious enthusiasm.

"Burne and I have retired from adventuring, as you can see, I've started to attract followers and have begun construction on a keep. But..." he trails off from a moment, as Burne comes down into the main hall. "There is a group that has started adventuring around Hommlet. A few of them have decided to establish a home here, Now I can not speak for them, but I can put in a good word from a respected Knight such as myself." Rufus says. "And vouch for you." he adds. "If I may inquire, why did you not pledge yourself to one of the other Lords of Furyondy?" he asks.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:18, Sat 06 July 2019.

 The question that the lord of the tower had asked, remained unanswered for a long few moments. But then the knight errant deemed to replay.” That is a rather personal question, my lord. You have my word, I left the kingdom under honorable circumstances.” Said Sir Standreen in a neutral tone of voice.

Rufus nods. "Not all questions have easy answers, but if your departure was honorable, then that is what matters." he says. "Well my offer still stands. Burne and I have retired from Adventuring, but our passion now is protecting Hommlet from the rise of evil in the region. It seems things have started again. Golbins, Ogres, Gnolls have been seen, some of them near the Moathouse and the Temple of Elemental Evil. Those not of the region may not know what that is, its fame doesn't reach far, but here near the Gnarley Forest, its well known. Burne and I have decided to build a keep here for the protection of Hommlet. But we need eyes and ears to know if threats are near. The group at the Inn of the Welcome Wench have been tasked with finding out what is happening at the Moathouse and Temple. If you'd go and meet with them, I'm sure they would appreciate the talents you'd bring to helping. Of course, if you pledge yourself and your loyalty to me, as your Lord, I will make sure that you are given a proper living wage, and possibly more, given time. A title or land grant." he says.

 It was as if a thunderbolt from the heavens had struck Standrenn. Here he was, but newly arrived, and at the first meeting with the lord of this place, he was not only offered a place at the Lord’s table as knight, but the possibility of title and land of his own. The first was hard to believe, but the latter was beyond Standrenn’s wildest dreams.

 To say the Knight was taken aback, would have to understate his reaction. “My…. Ahem. My Lord, you overwhelm me with your more than gracious offer. I am greatly humbled and honored by your offered bounty.” Said the errant knight with honest words.

 Standrenn saw the state of the Lord’s demise upon arrival. But a single tower, and that newly constructed, with more building of a greater fortification. A small armed retinue for this lord, and then there was the offer. All this denoted a Lord in not perhaps desperate need of resources, but one that had need of reliable retainers, as he is just starting out. “Your cause sounds just, and I weary of being what is little better than a Mercenary, hiring his blade for caravan guard and such. I crave honorable service, and deeds of valor.”

 The young knight slowly drew his sword with but two fingers to show no ill intent.” If you are willing to take a chance on me, then I shall do the same.” He went to one knee and held the blade before him in both hands. “ My sword is yours, my Lord.”

-->From the Woodcutters Cottage...

Kossoth had to ask a few townsfolk directions along the way since unlike the others he hadn't been here himself yet.  None the less the walk was welcome to work off the sluggishness from the mornings wonderful meal.  The tower was an impressive looking fortification even if it was just the beginning of something much greater.  With spear lightly balanced over his shoulder he headed towards the stairs of the tower and hoped either a knowledgeable laborer or foreman would point the proper way so he didn't intrude unnecessarily on their domain.

Outside

Kossoth would notice the laborers outside, tending to the grounds near the construction site. Tied to a railing near the tower is a beautiful horse. You can also see one of Burnes Badgers (Men-at-Arms) standing near the staircase to the tower. The Badger near the door nods to Kossoth as he comes forth. "The Lords of the Tower are awake, feel free to step inside the main hall." he says.

Inside

Inside at the Main Hall. Just as Sir Standrenn bows to Rufus. Burne stands and goes over to the fireplace, reaching above the mantel, Burne takes down a bastard sword. Its not polished or pretty, its very much well used. Burne moves over to Rufus and hands him the blade. Rufus turns towards Sir Standrenn. "You've been Knighted, that part is recognized by Furyondy. As Lord of these parts, under the Archclericy of Veluna, I accept your service, and your sword." he says. "Rise Sir Standrenn." Rufus says.

Kossoth nodded his head, "Thank you my friend."

Walking up the last few stairs the Dervish made his way in past the door and into the main hall.  He didn't speak yet as it looked like they had an individual that appeared to be a knight of some sort and going through a ceremony.  Waiting quietly by the entrance he took a moment to allow his eyes to gaze and appraise the building and its accoutrements as well as the main halls table.

Burne notices Kossoth and excuses himself to the side and walks over towards the man. "Greetings Mr. Zan, your companions have told me about you, I was wondering when you were going to visit the Tower." he says. Burne was dressed in his blue robe, and was very much a practitioner of the Arcane Arts. "Excuse Rufus here, a Knight from Furyondy has just been put into service." he adds.

Bowing his head in respect he replied, "My apologies for not coming sooner friend Burne considering how diverse and important the issues seem to be around here that I and my friends seem to be taking on.  Even with our efforts appearing to be in the best interests there are always nuances that are sadly lost in translation...and considering the many efforts going on to cause trouble sometimes we can mistake that for what is being done to stabilize a situation..."

He paused a moment before re-adjusting, "And while that is one reason for me being here, the other is more personal in nature.  I'm trying to replace this spear I made on my naming day seven years ago.  I just got done speaking to Tarim and he's going to repurpose Deklo wood that otherwise would be unused that comes about from building the table that has been commissioned for here.  That combined with some thin metal inserts should make the shaft perfectly attributed.  The goal being for both the shaft and tips to be exceptional enough that they could hold an enchantment even though I do not know of anyone with such skill to do so currently," he gave the man an apologetic look knowing that the description was getting involved, "What I was wondering, if you knew, was would the metal of a blade retain any of its magic if it was turned back into an ingot and re-forged out, or perhaps be able to re-attain magic easier having held magic once before?  I have a scimitar that is made of fine steel that also holds some minor enchantment that was the thought..." and Kossoth showed Burne the blade he had in mind before his mind suddently connected some disparate thoughts and he added, "unless you are aware of any spear heads that retain their magic that the individual would be willing to part with them to be attached to my new double spear in exchange for this scimitar of course..."

Burne shakes his head as he listens to Kossoth. "Unfortunately when a magical Item is created it has much more to do with the enchantments that are placed on the item after its been crafted, not before. Now there are some materials that have natural magical within them. But for weapons that have been crafted and enchanted by a wizard, most are not. Having a magical blade is a blessing though, did you know that some creatures are immune to normal non-magical weapons. It very frightening to run across something like that. As for your spear. You know a few days trip to Verbobonc would let you visit the markets there. Its likely that they would have what you seek. But I can offer you this. The Scimitar is very nice, I could pay you for it, and you could use the gold to further your goal of securing your new spear. Its not new, but I could offer you fifteen hundred for it." Burne says.

Kossoth nodded his head in understanding without really understanding like Burne as a wizard would, "I had heard rumors of such but thankfully I've never run up against it yet." 

Shaking his head he added, "At this moment I don't think I'm going to have time to wander out to Verbobonic anytime soon." he paused before continuing, "I don't know how much others have already told you but someone is trying to stir things up...pitting Druids against Cuthberts, poisoning Jays sheep with hemlock...and I think its this person whose supposedly banded together six goblin clans, a half a dozen gnolls, a few ogres and an ogre magi and who knows how many others.  Goes by the name Lareth Goldenhair and supposedly worships the Elemental Eye.  I think it's also the individuals who captured Princess Tillahi and her companion a week ago and I can only hope they are still alive and haven't been used in some dreadful sacrificial rite..."

Another longer pause to allow him to digest what he'd said, "Althiof and Korkas scouted the moathouse last night for more clues but we were going to head south to check on rumors of ogres attacking the caravan.  If they are the same ones that are supporting Goldenhair, which makes logical sense, catching them apart from his other forces we might be able to remove them from the greater equation and make stopping Lareth easier, like we did in wiping out the force at the cavern that also stole Spugonior's spellbook." Kossoth sighed, "So you can see why I'd want a preferred enchanted weapon...but even one not preferred is better than none at all and tossing fifteen hundred coins at the enemy as they try and take my life.  Even those of us from good merchant stock realize that coin as a weapon only goes so far."

A self deprecating chuckle later he finished with, "Go for the funeral my parents said.  It'll broaden your horizons and help us honor a friend who saved us once they urged.  It's far too dangerous right now traveling this route in the Bright Desert so stay safe they said.  If only they could see me know..."

Burne nods as he listens to Kossoth tell the tale of what's been happening. "Yes, I am aware. I've deputized your Dwarven friend Althiof, in hopes that he can bring information to light about this Goldenhair and the Moathouse and Temple. I was just thinking." Burne turns to Rufus who is finishing up with Sir Standrenn. "If Sir Standrenn would be interested in going with you all to find out about these Ogres, and possibly the moathouse. He has just arrived in Hommelet and is now in the server of Lord Rufus." Burne says.

Rufus turns and replaces the sword on the mantel above the hearth. "That would be a great idea Burne, I leave the details to you of course." he says, being a man of few words. Burne turns to Kossoth and Sir Standrenn. "Perfect, Sir Standrenn Please accompany Kossoth and the others to assist with this Ogre problem, in addition help them and Althiof find out more about this Goldenhair and the Goblins." he says. Rufus turns to Sir Standrenn. "Lord Burne has my proxy, please accept any orders as if they came from me directly." he says.

The Knight regarded Kossoth, to take his measure. He made a curt nod to the Kossoth, the turned to regarded his new Lord. "As you wish, my lord. Shall I be command of this patrol then?"

Rufus shakes his head. "More, a fellow companion to the others, Not in a leadership role though. Unless it naturally goes that direction. If I were to request you become the leader of this group, I suspect that may not react to kindly. Since they have been working among themselves for the last few days. But Kossoth here can introduce you to the others. Althiof is in our employ as a deputy. Kossoth please let them know that Sir Standrenn will be accompanying you all on checking out the ogres, and possibly the Moathouse." he says.

"His assistance will be most welcome as before now I was arguably thier most skilled man-at-arms Lord Rufus, and I am merely a son of merchants and used to handling poor bandits attacking our caravans my friends." remarked Kossoth with a small dip of his head and Sir Standrenn could tell he wore nothing heavier than light leather armour, but he had a diverse set of arms from the strange double ended spear to a scimitar and shorter sword or the slim daggers at his boots.

He turned to Standrenn and gave him a short rundown as much for the knight as the two Lord's in case there was any doubt, "I will introduce him to the others, Althiof and Korkas are nimble Dwarves and by the time we get back will be catching a few hours of sleep from being up all night scouting the moathouse.  Storm is a priest and is armoured similarly to you.  Virius is an arcanist and Ali is an alchemist.  Yaotl is...well she speaks to spirits and conjures great cats from nothing to protect herself or strike at others.  There also was a man named Doran Kron who is large as a bear who came into town today and was looking to join the Sùil Ghéur." he slipped into his native tongue of Ancient Suloise for a brief moment to describe what they were without thinking.

He dipped his head at his faux pas, "My apologies...we have not yet settled on a name for our comradeship so that is simply what I've been calling it in my head.  We should go but before we do...friend Burne do you know anyone who would have a use for the venom or fangs of a giant spider?  I harvested them from the creatures infesting the Deklo woods since back home we do the same to scorpions to create an antidote but here other than the Druids who are well versed in such things who have left town to figure out who is manipulating them...I'd rather destroy it than accidentally trade it to one of the individuals trying to stir up trouble if it can't be used for good." he spread his hands.  He figured that he'd likely be destroying it but one never knew what a wizard might have use for.

 The Knight nodded to his new liege. “So be it, My Lord.”

 As Standrenn listened to the one known as Kossoth, explain what had transpired before his arrival in the area, the knight slowly nodded, as he listened. “It is obvious that someone or something with a head for organization is behind these events. Cut off that head, and the rest shall revert and fall upon one another or just drift away.”

Rufus returns up the stairs to the living area of the Tower. While Burne sees to the two in the main hall. He pulls out a small pouch of gold and hands it to Sir Standrenn. "Your first months wages." he says. Inside the pouch is twenty platinum plates. "I will also inform Ostler to give you a room at the Inn of the Welcome Wench, which will be paid for by us, until we figure out other long term arrangements." he says.

"Hopefully its just one Sir Standrenn, hopefully." he nodded.

Kossoth gestured to the exit and added, "Let's get back to the Inn so I can introduce you to the others and then I can look to the last of my needs before we head south my friend."

 Sir Standrenn accepted the purse of coins." I thank you, my lord."

 The Knight then looked to Kossoth." it is possible there are more then one,a valid observation,Sirrah. Let us depart for the Inn."

 Sir Dradenn turned and made a slight bow. " I take my leave, now. Lord." the followed Kossoth out of the Tower.

==================END OF SCENE==================