"I think the price is determined by a multitude of factors," Spriggy mused. "Difficulty, urgency, distance, time commitment, how rich the employer is, etc. But I'm still new here too, so I can't give much detail myself..." He shrugged and looked to both Istvan and the bartender in case either had more information to lend.

"But yeah, I would be up for investigating a graveyard if you guys are." The Fantom Orchid mission also sounded intriguing, but he opted to remain silent about it. He wasn't ready to start a debate about it when a perfectly wonderful consensus seemed to have already been made about the graveyard job. Besides, Spriggy always did love a good mystery. He absentmindedly patted the strange songbook tucked in a pouch at his side while he was reminded of all the undeciphered magical knowledge it undoubtedly held.

Garth nods. "It's in the town of Chestnut Hollow. A small mining village about a day's travel from here. They had an earthquake a couple of days back, then... they noticed a bunch of bodies tried to unearth themselves from their cemetery." You frown at that comment, causing Garth to sigh. "They're Buryers."

Suddenly, you understand why he said Istvan, a cleric not affiliated with the Ghostwalk, would be the best for this quest.

And you can learn that reason in the World of Arete thread, under the Ghostwalk entry.

Otherwise, you can move to the Graveyard Mystery thread for your trip.

A week passes, after you've returned from Chestnut Hollow...

Since they're a bit hard to read, the two new posters are saying:

Red kobolds are laying traps in the mines. 5$ per head. Ask Werdrid Cleaverhorn, captain of the guard of Terrill.

The Village of Tonnsborg needs help. 512$. I found this letter on a frozen barbarian, on the plains of Nuat, west of Standing Stone Keep. -Drake

"I'm not interested in collecting bounty on the heads of beings who have enough brains to construct traps," says Istvan. "A village that needs help seems like it might be worthy of assistance, though..."

By the time their group was ready to discuss their next mission, Spriggy had gone on a shopping spree or two between the mining camp and home. He even had purchased a trusty little pony to help him carry supplies. Sure, it might not be as impressive as Kharla's horse, but Lydia (the pony) seemed perfect to him.

More notably though, Spriggy had taken some time to add extra sheets of paper to his trusty songbook. He wanted more space for notes and new compositions. In the mine, when he had added the demonic words to his spellbook, it eventually caused his mind to make several intuitive connections that had eluded him before. He connected some of the demonic syllables to the some of the sounds from the mysterious song lyrics within and managed to create some new and potent words of his own. He had unlocked the capacity to cast a few actual spells! He hadn't had a lot of time to experiment yet, but he was certain his new skills would come in handy on their next mission.

And speaking of which...

"I would be up for helping the village," Spriggy replied to Istvan. "Or any of the older ones too, if they are still available. "Demonic Problems" pays well and we have experience with demons now, but... it is still pretty intimidating. I am good with whatever Kharla picks though, I suppose." He wasn't necessarily opposed to doing the kobold mission, especially since they had Kharla to deal with any traps. However, to make much money on it would involve a lot of killing. They would need to kill 103 kobolds to make more than they would on the frozen barbarian mission.

As the trio entered the Blades guildhall the red head shouted, "Hear ye you warriors, defenders, and avengers of wrongs! The town of Chestnut Hollow no longer lives in fear thanks to efforts of we of the Blades!"

To the bar she went and dropped a sizable purse there, "Twas my inaugural quest and a resounding success it was though undead of all manner and an actual demon rose to face us.  But none were a match for my companions and I.  Not to celebrate such a victory would be a grevious wrong!"

"And so we shall!"

She happily discussed with the barkeep how to organize the party
This message was last edited by the player at 14:36, Sat 06 Mar 2021.

Spriggy grinned at Kharla's gusto and slapped ten coins down on the counter when she went to plan a party with the bartender. "I'll gladly donate a keg to your celebration. That way everyone can help us party." He gave Kharla and the bartender a mischevious wink, then went back to his seat.

The redhead makes a point of speaking to all and ensuring everyone's cups remain full.  She recounts the adventure, describing how Istvan held the undead horrors at bay and both he and noble Spriggy counter the doom called forth by the Word Demon.  Everyone seems to have a grand time of it and she ensures the staff's tip is generous at the end of the event.

13:21, Today: Kharla rolled 11 using 2d6+1 ((6,4)).
- woohoo!
✴ On a 10+, choose 3.
• You befriend a useful NPC.

Istvan pick one!
Spriggy you as well as this benefits us all

(I'll pick You are not entangled, ensorcelled, or tricked. Because that would be bad.

So... how much money was spent? Just 50 from me?)

I'll Choose: You gain useful information.

Your tale draws a lot of interest. Corlis notes down your adventure, while Mortimer quizzes you on the altar and the demon. He congratulates you on your method to defeat the Word Demon, and explains that the mine's shape probably weakened the altar's spell, and stopped it from fully reanimating the bodies in it's reach.

During the party, you also get to know Nicholas Drake, one of the guild's rangers. He's a slender guy, with neck-length black hair. He's a long-time member of the guild, who usually works north of the Sunrise Peaks.



Later on, when you talk about the village needing help, you easily find Drake to ask about it. "That? Yeah, I found the message just yesterday. The messenger had the guild's fee on him, barely, so I brought it to Della. I'm not sure how he died, as cold as the nights are these days, they weren't 'arms fall off and shatter on the ground' kind of cold yet. And it didn't look like he was in a fight either.

I do know about Tonnsborg, though. It's a small hamlet on the northern shores of the Mistshroud Ocean. They're of the Zeai tribe, and more interested in fishing and hunting then by the slaving and raiding that gave barbarians their bad name. Heck, they worship Gianam the Sword! That's a rarity north of here.

If you decide to go there, I'd be willing to join you. We're not exactly friends, but I've traded a few times with their headsman Ventas, and I'd hate to know he's in trouble."

If you take the Raiders quest, you can hire Nicholas Drake as a henchman for a share of the loot.

"I think we would be fools not to accept your assistance," Spriggy said to Nicholas. "With your skills and knowledge added to our team, I think our chances of success just skyrocketed. Perhaps we can convince one or two others to join our cause as well. If you happen to know anyone who would be a good fit for our journey to Tonnsborg, let them know we are looking. We'll share our spoils appropriately, of course." Following his own advice, Spriggy went to spread the word around the guildhall and town that they were looking for some assistance. Particularly in the magical-skill area. He felt it would be great to have someone to help give a bit of equilibrium to his newfound wizarding skills...

---

Recruit roll. Hoping for an Adept. Is Nicholas Drake a Protector and/or Warrior-type hireling?
22:02, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 11 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 3,5.  Recruit roll.
On a 10+, you’ve got your pick of a number of skilled applicants, your choice who you hire, no penalty for not taking them along.

Who do we have available to choose from? What are their Skills, Cost, and Loyalty? (I don't mind helping to flesh out the characters if you provide their stats. Making interesting and unique hirelings can be a ton of fun! For instance, a "Priest" could take the form of a medical doctor, an herbal witch, or even thread-and-needle necromancer. The possibilities are endless!)
Hirelings: https://www.dungeonworldsrd.co...-the-game/#Hirelings

At Drake's advice, you make sure to gear yourselves up for a trip into the cold. The next morning, the three of you, accompanied by Drake and Charlotte, head off toward the coast...

OOC: And into the 'Raiders of the Black Ice' thread.

(Inside Gorrid's dream...)

Dark green all around, the looming shapes of the pines of Death Forest...
Small trails, sneaking through the trees...
Hidden in the dark, a low temple...
Chains and blood, prisoners sacrificed by dark shapes...
An evil scythe, floating before a glowing crystal...

'Help me...'


------

You sit together in the guild's main room, a week after you returned from your trip through the frozen wastes. Mortimer has been studying the construct you brought back ever since, but it seems he's far from done figuring it out.

You're discussing what job you could take, when a very pensive Gorrid walks into the room, heading toward your table.

The knight had been happy enough to join the guild, and with the vouching of his teammates, and especially Drake, he'd been accepted as a member.  The yarns he'd spun of his time in the service hadn't hurt either.

The man who walked down the stairs that morning looked different.  Much less certain than the group had ever seen him.  He motioned for everyone to join him at a table.

"Something has happened to me.  Gianam.  He spoke to me.  I mean really spoke to me, not just impressions.  And not just him, someone else too..."

He looked around at the uncertain glances of his friends.  It wasn't that they didn't believe him, but it was obviously somewhat of a stretch.

"Look!"  He touched the table with his finger and suddenly it took on a purple glow.  "The protector has long blessed me with the gift of healing, but never have I had such powers as this, and I know somehow that I can do more too.  But that's not what matters.

There is a place.  A dark place.  Even in my dream, I could smell the decay.  A forest where the sun never touches the earth.  And somewhere, deep in that forest lies a temple.  A temple of dangerous evil.  There are prisoners, sacrifices, a crystal.  And there is a woman.  She called to me, somehow in the dream.  She is in danger.  She needs me.  She needs *us*.

I know this is Gianam's will.  I have no choice but to follow, but I fear this task may be too much for me to face alone.

I cannot promise payment, though if it would help, I will offer my share from our last adventure, though I doubt it would compensate for the risks we will face.  But I fear if this evil is not confronted soon, it bodes ill for us all."

The paladin looked around the table, his face a mix of fear, determination and hope - hope that his friends might accompany him.

"I was given a name.  'Death Forest' - does anyone know it?"

The redhead regarded her companion with some concern, recognizing the weight Sir Gorrid struggled with.  But once payment was mentioned her familiar grin spread once more, "Posh!  I never became a Blade for coin but to serve against tyranny and oppression.  Put your coin purse away and think no more of payment to we."

"But death forests....I have heard of that recently when I was," she appeared to catch herself and glanced quickly to each before hesitantly continuing, "aaaat the...library.  Yes.   It was definitely at the library."

22:57, Today: Kharla rolled 11 using 2d6 with rolls of 6,5.  Spout Lore.
- holy &@!# that may be the first Spout Lore roll she's actually made
This message was lightly edited by the player at 04:34, Sat 17 July 2021.

Death forest is indeed well known to everyone in the province, as it marks the entire southern frontier. It's also reputed as a hideout for bandits, dark elves, and strange monsters. Crossing it on the road usually requires some protection, but exploring it's depths is a task for experienced adventurers like you.

Kharla, you can have a +1 to serve as scout while traveling through the forest.

Spriggy raised an eyebrow at Kharla skeptically, but didn't comment on her alleged library excursion. He knew better. He shared a similar sentiment as her toward Gorrid's need for help though.

"If your need is genuine, say no more. My skills are at your service. Just let me know what I can do to help." The bard definitely enjoyed getting paid, but it certainly was not a requirement for him to help a friend and spread some good on the world.

"Of course I'll come too. It not only sounds important, but if there are prisoners, let alone sacrifices-- that sounds like the purview of the god of Freedom."

Sir Gorrid smiled.  When the barbarians and goblins had overrun him and trussed him up like a turkey, he had never imagined that things would turn out so well.  This was truly a fine group of comrades - even friends.  He'd been astounded when, after he'd mentioned a week ago he planned to save his coins to eventually pay for some better armor, Istvan and Spriggy had immediately offered to loan him the funds to purchase it now.  The three's quick agreement to go chasing after what many would have interpreted as an old man's bad dream reinforced his view.

"It's decided then.  I need to go check on my armor.  It was supposed to be done today.  Someone should also pick up some extra rations, some spare gear and perhaps some additional medical supplies, though I seem to have more skill in that area now than I did yesterday...  Anyhow, I fear we don't have much time.  Can you all be ready to leave in a couple of hours?  I'd like to get a few miles under our belt before nightfall if we can."

He waited to see if there were any questions or concerns, then hurried out.  The town's armorer was a short man, but his lack of height was more than made up for in the breadth of his arms.  The paladin was unsure how he kept his dark bushy mustache from being singed as the sparks flew from the piece of molten metal he was hammering at.
"Ach, Gorrid.  Glad yer 'ere.  Suits over on 'at trunk at a back.  Gots ta sword engravin just what ya asked.  Puter-on an I'll fix up ta straps, final like."

The armor actually wasn't overly ornate.  Very much focused on function over appearance, but there was a small shield/sun/sword emblem on the breast plate that made the old fighter's heart feel warm.  He'd had plate like that once, but it had been destroyed in a battle he preferred to forget.  It would be good to feel the weight of well-forged steel on his frame again.

Once properly outfitted, he thanked the man and paid what he was owed, including his former set of scale.  "May it protect your next customer as well as it has me."  Then he hurried back to the small room above the tavern where he'd been given a bed.  He carefully unbuckled each piece of the plate, checking the pieces and making sure all was in order.  His hands weren't quite as nimble with the buckles as they once had been, but he did well enough.  Armor removed, he then continued to strip the remainder of his clothing, standing body and sword both bare to the room.

Taking the pitcher of water and a cloth from the corner of the room, he washed himself clean, then took up the sword and knelt such that the sun from the room's small window could fall on both the blade and his body.

"White sword for justice, White shield for the weak, White light in darkness.  I shall not eat nor sleep until the woman whose voice I heard is made safe or those responsible for her fate have met justice.  So I vow!"

He kissed the sword, then stood and returned it to its sheath and quickly re-garbed.  At least he'd had a few days off...

Down to just 5 coins, and no more scale mail, but I've now got a nice shiny set of plate!
(and owe 100 coins each to Istvan & Spriggy)
Boons:
- An unwavering sense of direction to the location of the woman whose voice I heard                       - A freedom from hunger, thirst, and sleep

The group finish their preparations for the day, ready to leave early the next morning...

In the Ghostwalk Rescue thread.

It's been about a week since you've returned from your necromancer hunt... and just a day since you've finally gotten your just reward for stopping the trio of assassin. It was faster for Buckthorn to be accepted into the Phoenix Blades, than it was to get the bureaucrats ruling this place to count your coins.

Things have been pretty calm lately, and you're getting the urge to get back on the road. And in the corner of the room, the job billboard is almost calling out to you...

OOC: For the new players, the Group 9 Map is the billboard announcing current jobs offered to your guild.

Are we able to sell the mirror?

In addition to the 20 coins each reward for the assassins which is evenly dispersed, I believe the unexpended loot we gathered is currently as follows:
Animated bird and racquets, (worth 6 coin)
Necromancy notes
Enchanted Mirror
Kharla's map
2 Bags of books
Gem (5 coin)
12 coins from assassins
a few daggers
three vials of poison
medallion of iron in the shape of a feline skull
10 coins from sniper & mage
alchemical bolts (3 uses - beat monsters resistance or damage small objects)
Spirit Shackle Bola

We had also collected the following, though I believe these are now used up/worthless:
Components, (worth boat passage)
Cursed scroll
Teririgt's Book

What can we get for the mirror?  What can we find out about the medallion - is it magic?  Is it worth anything?  Are the notes or map worth anything?  Who is laying claim to the other stuff?

Sir Gorrid perused the board.

"I'd rather protect villagers than chase cabbage thieves or get involved in chasing jewelry"

Buckthorn curiously eyed the group's adventure haul, from a respectable distance, he certainly didn't want to step on any toes and felt largely undeserving of much reward regardless.

After a great deal of thought, it was a difficult decision on his part to speak up and ask about retaining the spirit-shackle bola. He had quickly become fond of the simple weapon since discovering it amongst the deceased aqua-mage's belongings at the height of the assault on the town. It was much more natural to wield than any forged weapon and most children of the Stinking Mire had some experience with them from an early age.

He stepped forward, gesturing toward the rune inscribed hunting instrument and spoke;

"Might I?" he asked in an unsure manner, looking first to Sir Gorrid who seemed preoccupied reading the postings on the board and then around the room at the others for any confirmation or disagreement.

Russel picked up some daggers, "I can replenish with these and give Spriggy his back."
"Oh, any others among us know the proper usage on these poisons? If not, I hold on to them till they are needed."