The town is Krar.  It's small, poor hamlet filled mostly with poor leek farmers and their families. Krar is located at the edge of forest called "The Wandering Forest", named such because the paths inside it, used to navigate, seemingly change sporadically.  No map older than one month is reliable. Fortunately, there isn't much that anyone knows about inside the wood worth getting to regularly.

In it's center, built like many of the other buildings in town out of thatch and sturdy wood is the inn/restaurant/alehouse "The Compass". It's dingy, slightly dim and full of noise as the town people enjoy life with a suspicious amount of abandon.  Both men and women are in here, clinking mugs and telling tales.

On one wall, opposite the bar and away from chairs and tables so that people can gather around, is a bulletin board.  There are several jobs, notices, a bulletin for a large town square party that was held 3 days ago and apparent threats listed on the board, but the ones that catch our adventurers eyes reads...

Attention to any and all traveling adventurers and journeymen who read this.  There is a job available for good pay for a few days and nights work acting as a courier through the Wandering Forest.  If interested, and I hope you are, please come to see me at your earliest convivence.

Thank you,
Mayor Wysym Rainey

The door to the inn opened with a creak of old and rusted hinges. The light outside poured into the dimly lit interior. That was until it was blocked out by the outline of something huge entering through the opening.

The was a thump and an audible curse in a gravelly voice as whatever had just entered had smacked its head on the beam over the door.

The creature pushed the door shut with one beefy hand which made it rattle in its frame the catch just barely holding it in place as it closed.

As people turned to see what was happening their gaze fell on an extraordinary sight. There standing in front of the door was the biggest humanoid bear anyone had ever seen.
His fur was dirty sand in colour with died cobalt blue clan tattoos running through it. he wore leather armour and at his belt on one side was a battle axe and the other a mace.
But it was the two handed maul draped across one shoulder that marked him as someone you didn't cross.

He surveyed the patrons of the inn, some turned away under his gaze then he noticed the board to one side and walked towards it. The people gathered there parted for him without a word.

Bending down he let the maul slide off his shoulder the two headed hammer slamming down into the dirt floor sending a shock wave through the feet of those nearby.

He studied it for a moment then his eyes fell on the notice asking for couriers he gave a grunt then turned to face the inn

In a voice that sounded like boulders rolling down a mountain " so can someone point me in the direction of the towns mayor it would seem I might have business with him"

Sitting on a wooden chair that is much too large for him, drinking wine from a glass that takes both of his hands to hold, Brikur waves to Oberon.

"Oberon! Over here, sir!" He stands up on his chair and flags down one of the serving people. "Bring me an ale, please!" he shouts to them, leaning forward and gesturing meaninglessly with his hand, the other braced on the table. "The biggest you have, for my friend, here!"

Again, he turns towards the giant bear standing by the board and waves him over. "Come over here! Sit down!"

Brikur's smile beams out from the faint mustache and goatee on his face, his normally piercing eyes dimmed somewhat by the glass of wine he had before the one sitting on the table in front of him.

Brikur stumbles down from standing on his chair to sitting on it and shakes his head as the big bears walks over. "I had hoped to see you here, but actually seeing you is marvelous!" He turns his head and coughs softly as he wipes at his eyes.

"Sorry. Too much wine," he says, his voice softer, and waves at the tears in his eyes. "How have you been?"

Save one.

His stance was balanced, booted feet just wider than shoulder-width apart, gloved hands clasped behind his back. A long oilskin cloak hung from broad shoulders, stained and tattered from long use against inclement weather. Atop his head was a wide-brimmed hat, equally battered, with enough character to possibly have a following of its own. His narrow hips were adorned with some sort of strange weapons having the appearance of miniature crossbows, but not quite.

The head cocked a bit as from somewhere behind him the voice of a gnome surged over the din of the crowd who were busy making comment about the humongous brute who'd approached the bulletin board. He listened for a moment, having long ago taken in all of the postings, and then pivoted in a perfect about-face.

From beneath the brim of the leather hat, two bits of light burned the deep red color of dying embers. Eyes they were, and scan the patrons they did, for the third time since he'd entered the establishment.

He waited patiently for the bearish brute to respond before he made utterance of his own, lest he interrupt some pertinent exchange between behemoth and diminutive.

When an opportune moment presented itself he declared, "I too seek an audience with the mayor regarding courier duties. Perhaps we might combine our efforts for the benefit of safety in said endeavor..." The pinpricks of crimson that were his eyes glowed softly in the shadows hiding his face.

Oberon's huge head turned at the sound of his name being called and what passed for a smile crossed his face but it actually looked more like a predator eying up its prey.

"master Breakbolt I should have known a nardowell such as you would be sulking around here in the shadows" he added as he moved through the crowd to the little man's table.

He picked up a chair and moved it to one side then settled down on the floor in a cross legged position still he looked too big for the table which creeked as he rested an arm on it.

"well met my friend its been awhile but a drink is a good start in our continued relationship"

Just then a stranger spoke up near them, or was thst something... Oberon surveyed the being before leaning over to grab back the disguarded chair and slide it across towards the new comer.... "my friend here will provide the drink if indeed that is what you have".... There was no sarcasm in his voice just a matter of fact question "if you intend approaching the mayor perhaps a group of three would be more appealing to the good man that me and this little..... Gentleman" he said nodding at Birkur and grinning..... Again not a nice sight for those of a nervous disposition

The figure eyed the chair a moment and then decided to accept it. He sat down and struck a pose of someone ready for action at a moment's notice.

"My internal chemistry is such that strong drink is neither tolerated nor  necessary. I go by the moniker NIX, though I've also been called Number Nine on occasion. I appreciate the offer and look forward to a lucrative undertaking."

The pinpricks of crimson seemed to take everything in.

Space was made and given around the threesome.  Wary eyes took them and took notice of their actions. The loud noise of the room quieted little when the three adventurers met, as if everyone tried to subtly eavesdrop.

The tender of the bar passed out the drinks ordered by Brikur and hearing them ask where the mayor was located, gave them directions.  He's friendly, large and smells like beer.  His movements are a bit slurred, like his speach when it comes out."It's the big house, over by the hill on the edge of town.  He lives there and works from there.  Once you look for it, you can't miss it. He'll be happy to hear someone answered that posting, no one here would do it and it's been a few days. None of you must be from around here? If you want my advice, I'd pass on that job.  Holler if you need anything else." He waits a moment to answer any other questions then heads back behind the bar to tend to someone else.

"Barkeep," NIX said as the big man was about to turn away, "Would you care to elaborate on that? Or are you being purposely cryptic as to the warning so as to build further tension amongst the patrons?" The stranger gestured towards all those around the room suddenly pretending not to be trying to listen...
This message was last edited by the player at 09:02, Mon 07 Feb 2022.

The barman looks at NIX and says "Look around... all these festivities?  This town isn't usually this rowdy or raucous.  It's because the "The Day of Sacrifice" has just passed. Every 10 years or so... there's a selection." The room gets a little quieter and he leans a bit closer, this is seemingly a taboo topic.

"Those not from a round here or too close to it, would call it a kidnapping.  One young woman goes missing. 5 days after that, a bounty of dried fruit and meat, some ale and other libations appear.  The local legend has it that the Last Disciple has chosen his bride and is paying for her with the food.  Admittedly, it's a lot of food. This year, the Mayor's daughter was taken."  The barman's eyes seem to darken slightly at this last thought.

"The mayor is an alright man.  And his daughter was a good enough girl.  But mostly people are happy that their children or them themselves weren't taken.  The Mayor is probably going to try to get you to go after the girl.  This happens every time and never ends well."

Oberon growls at the idea of allowing a innocent to be taken and that the town is ok with it. " I take it the mayor has never hired adventurers to go after others that have been taken but come his own daughter and suddenly the ritual is too close to home. I think I would like to have a heart to heart with this mayor of yours before we go and find the girl." he said loud enough for those around to hear. The big bear stood and picked up his maul.

Turning to his companions " I have suddenly lost my appetite especially if this being served is the offering for the girl. I think we need to speak to the mayor" and with that he left the inn

"So the people are celebrating that it wasn't them or theirs..." the Orean said thoughtfully. It was a lot to consider and he would spend a good deal of energy analyzing this information.

But not now.

"Thank you for the advice, we're obviously outsiders and sometimes local goings on are not well shared with... strangers like us." This lot was indeed strange, even by NIX's reckoning.

NIX placed a tip on the table where the barkeep could see it, but saved the awkwardness of allowing the rest of the patrons to notice. "We'll of course go speak with the Mayor. Again, I appreciate your candidness. Chances are that we will make it back this way, hopefully sooner rather than later. If you happen to come across further information that could be useful to us, you'll be sure to pass it along, will you not?"

The Orean stood to leave and follow the hulking bear-like fellow out of the tavern. "By the way, what's your name?" he asked the barkeep, "I am most frequently called NIX."


OOC: I'd like to try and make this NPC (the barkeep) a Contact using my Novice Talent. This is a Communication (Persuasion) test... GM assesses the Difficulty TN
NIX rolled 11 +5 (Comm. w/Focus) = 16 using 3d6 with the AGE System (({4}, 6, 1)).

Sorry about that. I think I accidently unsubscribed or something?  Took me a little while to refind the game after I noticed.

You pass the test and make the contact - Pell the Barman.


The barman shrugs and says to Oberon "You're right.  In the past it's been a seemingly random selection of who is taken.  And now someone with means, has the means to hire out and get them back... I can't say I blame him, but I also don't think it's right.  What's fair for one should be fair for all."

The Barman nods when hearing that they'll be moving on to the mayor. He tosses their coin back to them and says "If you're willing to help, least I can do is give you these drinks. Nice to make your acquaintance NIX, call me Pell.  If you need anything else, you know where to find me.  Otherwise, good luck and happy hunting!" he walks back behind the bar to serve some who have lined up there, waiting.

The group talks a bit and finishes as much of their drink as they'd like, probably fairly hurriedly, before leaving.  The streets outside are mostly empty.  One or two people coming and going and more coming into the tavern the group is leaving.

The Mayor's home and office is exactly where Pell had described it and was easy to find.  A knock on the door and a few moments later, the group is in a large firelit study.  Everything is made of fine waxed wood and smells of leather and smoke.  A row of books, worth a small fortune no matter what their contents, lines the wall behind a large wooden desk.  Sitting intensely behind the desk is a smallish man.  Bald but with a mustache.  The air around him feels heavy with purpose. This is the Mayor.

"Adventurers... I want to thank you for coming out and responding to my posting. The job should be fairly straight forward.  My daughter was taken and I believe she was taken to the Tomb of the Lone Disciple. You go out into the Wandering Forest and to the Tomb of the Lone Disciple.  Bring my daughter back, dead or alive. I just want her back.  In return, I'll give you a few supplies to get there and back and I'll pay you handsomely. I think it should only take about 3 days and you can be on your way." He says all of this trying to remain stoic, and only mostly succeeding.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:38, Fri 25 Feb 2022.

"The pleasure of acquaintance is quite mutual Pell, I shall look forward to relating our tale to you and your patrons upon our return." There was a quiet confidence in the tone of NIX as he bade farewell to the barkeep. He joined his companions and looked forward to the meeting with the Mayor.

~~~

The Orean looked around the Mayor's mansion, taking in the furnishings and the decoration. Much could be discerned from a person's tastes in such things...

"Well met, I am called NIX, this is Brikur," he gestured to the gnome and then to the huge bear-like person beside him, "and Oberon. I've only recently made their acquaintance, but if I understand correctly, they've know each other for some time. All of this is beside the point however, we're here to take up the task you've offered. We've heard that many have undertaken this endeavor before us... and that none have returned. I find such a mystery and challenge very intriguing. May I ask, what is the nature and reason for this event which has caused your daughter to have been tak- that is, gone missing?"

NIX hoped that they might gain a little more information about the odd occurrence, its frequency and any other details that might help them in their search.

"Do you have a painting or other likeness of your daughter which we may look upon so as to know her when we see her?"

Oberon towered over the mayor as his black eyes bored into the man " you are willing to pay tog get your daughter back but have never been willing to put youre hand in your packet for the good people of this town when their children are taken...... What makes you and your daughter so special?"

The big bear growled under his voice" I will go to this place you mention and I will kill any there once the deed is done there will be no more sacrifices DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR" he said loudly

It was clear the man loved his daughter but Oberon had little time for anyone who put themselves above others

Wysym nods knowingly, almost ashamedly, as the adventurers speak.  He's happy to hear they will take on the undertaking, but something obviously troubles him. He pushes himself back from the desk and goes around to open a drawer.  He can't meet our eyes as he speaks, and it seems like he's taking his time looking for something.  Like he doesn't want to talk about something.

He sighs before continuing "I'll see if I can find a picture in here. As for the rest... You all obviously aren't from around here and don't have the full picture... so let me explain.  Several generations ago, this town was founded. It was during the Battle of Faiths, and several pilgrims found their way our here, to the middle of nowhere. Isolated from the war but with no protection.  They met a man out here, who called himself the Disciple, and offered them protection and sovereignty over themselves in perpetuity.  But they promised him in return, a bride of his choosing. Fools..." Wysym stands up behind the desk, holding an oval picture frame.

He walks over to NIX and hands him the picture.  It's a girl, around 12 years old.  Brown hair, brown eyes, fair complexion.  She has a nice beaming smile and a mischievous look in her eyes.  "This is Anna.  She's older now, around 18, but she'll be hard to miss.

Anyway, The Disciple kept his part of the bargain.  As they built the town, a dense forest rose around it.  Deep and inscrutable, it acted as a good defense on it's own. Hard to navigate from the town and back, through it.  Then it became apparent that the difficulty in navigation arose due to the paths inside it moving. Wandering.  So now this area is called the Wandering Forest.  And through it lies his temple or tomb.  Whichever. As you say Oberon, the first woman was a sacrifice.  The town thought they could trick him into taking an old woman who claimed she'd be happy with him. He was obviously unhappy with their choice but after some arguing and back and forth, he chose her and she went off with him, happy to do her part to defend the town.  Neither were seen again.

Then, about 5 years after that.  Another woman went missing.  Then another 10 years after that.  And almost every 10 or 15 years since. A deep mist rolls through the town at night, and creatures can be seen moving within.  And in the morning, a woman is missing."  He sighs heavily and looks Oberon in the eye.  "This isn't a sacrifice we're making. He's coming and taking them.  As for sending men after these women in the past... well some have tried, some have not.  I'll admit, I've been in town  and in power for 3 takings now and I have never done anything much to stop them or help get the women back.  As for what's different... It's my daughter.  And I have to do what I can to protect her.  Surely you understand this! If you can put an end to this, and end these takings, I'm sure everyone will be happy."

oberon was still angry, the town should have protected their own but it was not his place to question their bravery " do you have an unclean dress your daughter wore or a brush, something with her sent on so I can see if I can pick up their trail. Even is the paths move the sent will be on the wind and I can hopefully track that instead"

NIX reached at took the painting of the mayor's daughter. He looked at it for several moments very intently and then handed it back, having memorized the likeness. "She has a very beautiful smile."

"This is a disturbing tale, now I understand better the townspeople's reluctance to speak much of the situation. People are scared, but a decade or more is a long time and they begin to forget, perhaps thinking maybe it won't happen again. I would very much like to be a part of putting an end to this, if such a thing is possible." He glanced at the huge, bear-like Oberan and knew that it would in fact be possible.

"I get the sense that perhaps there is a bit more you can tell us before we go marching toward danger. Please, now is the time, don't hold anything back."

"I... we, accept the job and we'll be ready to depart, I would assume, very shortly."

Wysym nods vigorously to NIX and says "You get it. As for what I'm leaving out..." He gets up from the desk and moves to the door, opens it and says something to the person outside, and stays there "It's not much.  Just details.  You see, no one really knows what's going on here. None of us were around when it started and like you say, every 10 years it's hard to maintain good information."

He starts speaking again in an almost exasperated, "you can't blame me for this manner". "What I can tell you is every generation or so, someone or group of someones goes off to try to get the women back.  If they're gone for more than a day, they never return.  If they do return, they never have much to report other than it's difficult to get through the forest and they gave up.  For the mercenaries, they may be taking the money and leaving, job incomplete.  For the friends and family... well they hardly returned.".  He looks up and absent mindedly taps his feet, before continuing. "As for other things, before the taking occurs, there is usually an increased occurrence of wild life and strange reports of things in the woods. About 30 years ago, someone described something they saw out there as an "unholy" creature." He shrugs as if  to say "what can you do?".

There's a knock on the door, which he opens and now in his hand are some riding clothes.  A light but sturdy top and a pair of trousers.  He goes to his desk and grabs a square of paper. Then hands the clothes to Oberon and the paper to NIX. "She wore these riding clothes yesterday.  She was, is, a lover of horseback riding.  She should have built up a good sweat in there.  Hopefully that's good enough. And that paper there is a map.  It was made last week so it should be close to up to date.  You know the Wandering Forest's paths move and change... This is the best that I can do." The map is a top down view with some paths marked and a symbol to indicate the town and one to indicate the tomb.

While reviewing the map, he goes over to the desk and writes something out and returns to hand it to the group.  "And this note should help you get whatever supplies you need, within reason.  Feel free to go where you need to in town and get supplies.  I'm happy to cover the cost of anything fair and reasonable.  And I'll have your money ready for you when you get back. If there's nothing else, I want to wish you good luck and beg you to bring my daughter back."

NIX took the note and glanced it over, finding it in order. He nodded to the Mayor. "Very good. We'll get outfitted and leave at once. Though this Wandering Forest sounds like a bit of a challenge, we should return with your daughter, or word of her, soon enough."

He waited for Oberon to get the scent off the girl's clothing and then indicated that he was ready to leave.

~~~

As they left the Mayor's residence, NIX asked his companions, "Do you prefer to go afoot, or shall we see about mounts, at least for Brikur and I?" He also began to list off standard supplies they'd need. "Perhaps just a pack animal or two... Or maybe we should just travel as light and as quickly as possible?"

Oberon gave the man one final look " we will do out best to bring your daughter home either alive or dead. I will not allow an innocent to be left in the forest alone with no one to lay her to rest. I also promise if it is in my power the thing that has taken her will also play a heavy price for what it has done to this village."

With that the big bear stood shouldered his maul and left the house. Once outside he took a deep sniff of the girls belonging and then spent a moment sniffing the air then swung his maul across his back before dropping onto all fours and started to sniff the ground at the edge of the village.



20:21, Today: Oberon rolled 18 using 3d6+5 (5 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {5}, 3, 5.  tracking.

will spend my 5 stunt points to get a good direction and if possible a sent of the kidnapper and how many there were 

By the time NIX had returned with some supplies, the huge and bear-like Oberon was already working on finding spore of the Mayor's daughter. They were certainly a motley crew, and had been quite taken notice of by the town as word spread quickly in these sorts of situations. NIX ignored it all and followed Oberon where he led.

"Find anything yet?" He asked quietly.