The coins are swept into a container which disappears under the bar, to be replaced with a generous tankard of mead. "Leeya has a good head on her shoulders - and she is not the only one to have noticed the unease. More and more, folk are as likely to turn aside as they are to help or speak to another." She sighs, her opinion clear. "Ain't much, but common courtesies are growing less and less common each day that passes. I know there are tales - there always are. But if you're willing to stay and help, I would suggest you check in with Constable Harburk. Man's running ragged, he is - but his heart is in the right place."

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Optional Ability Checks

- None

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Extra Information

Current Date: 26 Eleint, 1491 DR

Kaylessa's Profile

Map of The Dessarin Valley

Map of Red Larch

Information Available for Red Larch

In reply to DM (msg # 28):

Thuldor takes a sip of the tankard of mead, savoring the sweet flavor.  "Ah that tastes wonderful.  It feels an eternity since I drank something of this quality".  He lowers the tankard to the bar. "Mistress Haeleeya did mention the Constable could be found at the Butchers.  That is just south of here, correct?  Just past the crossroads?"

"That it would be. Right past Nahaeliya's poultry shop - you won't miss it." Kaylessa's relief that someone was going to be following through with looking into the matters that concerned her was evident.

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Optional Ability Checks

- None

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Extra Information

Current Date: 26 Eleint, 1491 DR

Kaylessa's Profile

Map of The Dessarin Valley

Map of Red Larch

Information Available for Red Larch

In reply to DM (msg # 30):

"My thanks for your assistance in providing direction.  While a bed sounds quite welcoming right now, I believe I should go see the constable once I finish my drink.  It will be a way to determine the next steps." Thuldor take a deep drink of the Mead.  "Is it out of bounds to think that others may also be looking into these events?"

Update Post

The various individuals, in a loose group now that they have a common destination, make their way to the four identical stone buildings that serve as the workplace for Red Larch's butcher, Jalessa Ornra. Bypassing the first building, per the information given to them by Kaylessa, they quickly find themselves standing before a gruff-looking man who is in the middle of butchering. Hearing the group approach, he nods to the other two men working alongside him, before stepping out and looking over the group before him with a critical eye.

"Welcome to Red Larch," he says, his voice stern and commanding. "I don't recognize your faces, so I assume you're new to town. We've had some trouble with bandits recently, and I don't take kindly to lawbreakers in my town. If you're here to help, then you'll have my gratitude. But if you're just here to cause more trouble, I suggest you leave now."

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Optional Ability Checks

- None

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Extra Information

Current Date: 26 Eleint, 1491 DR

Harburk's Profile

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T'saryn departed the temple and moved away from the initiates who had also been at the temple, looking to speak to Imdarr. She moved towards the wooded area on the outskirts of town to gather her thoughts and solidify her decision about next steps. Having spoken to her mentor, Ambrose, it had been her impression that the Order would be the most obvious place to start on her search, but she had been foolish to think it would have been that easy.

The monk had concerns over the well-being of Shadowgrove, the village at the base of her monastery, and she could hear a similar worry in Imdarr's words. It wasn't that T'saryn did not care about the people of Red Larch, but her time and focus was already sworn to others. However, it had been made clear that if she wanted assistance in her mission, she would first be asked to assist the Order with theirs. The morning was wearing on and the monk would normally have been finishing up her chores and preparing for an afternoon meditation, had she remained at the monastery. But now it seemed that she must seek out this Harburk and see how she could help with some local bandits. Urgency was a new concept to T'saryn, but logic dictated that if she did not make some progress soon with the criminals who had destroyed Shadowgrove, that it was highly likely she would lose their trail. So, it was off to the butchers.

Upon entering the butcher shop and being addressed by Harburk, she approached, hands open in a non-threatening gesture. I appreciate your desire to avoid further trouble in your village. I am here to help, if I may. She further approached the man, once she noted his willingness to continuing speaking with her. Imdarr indicated that these bandits have been harassing your village for some time now. Where best could I be of service?

The monk approached the butcher with calming gestures, which Service observed with a frown. She certainly had a way with words, too, one Servic hadn’t needed to learn.

Still, the butcher’s tone stung like a wasp. Imagine, warning a servant of the order with his crest proudly displayed  as if he were some kind of common criminal! The scent of sulfur plumed around Service before he retorted.

“I only bring trouble to those who deserve it, Butcher.”

Service stepped forward, his hand tapping the pommel of his sword where it was hidden under his cloak. Talking wasn’t his forte, and his fingers were itching for action.

“If you are being troubled by bandits, I shall free you from them. Tell me what you know and I will smite them down, in service of Mystra.”
This message was last edited by the player at 22:43, Wed 30 Aug 2023.

The constable sluiced the gore which covered his forearms from his work onto the ground before pulling a rag from his belt to wipe the remainder from his hands. His demeanor never faltered, his expression something akin to the rock his home was known for. "If Imdarr sent you this way, I suppose he's considered you capable enough to not create more work for me."

He gestures for them to follow him, moving steadily towards a chair and table alongside one of the buildings. He sits, pulling a cup filled with water to him before starting his explanation of the recent trouble that he's been having with a group of bandits that have been attacking caravans and travelers on the road south of the town. While he's sure that they have a lair somewhere in the nearby hills, he simply doesn't have the time to hunt them down, because of the growing unrest in town - something that he believes that the bandits are responsible for as well.

"I can't officially hire you for this job, but I can offer you a reward if you bring the bandits to justice. And you'll have the gratitude of the people of Red Larch." He pauses, drinking from his cup, eyes on the group before him to see their response to the request.

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Optional Ability Checks

- None

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Extra Information

Current Date: 26 Eleint, 1491 DR

Harburk's Profile

Map of The Dessarin Valley

Map of Red Larch

Information Available for Red Larch

T'saryn gave the tiefling beside her a long, considering look. His aggressive posture and strong words were worthy of note. Especially if they were to attempt to work towards the same goal of protecting this town. That passion could be a very valuable quality in an ally--if it was accompanied by discipline. The monk wondered if this other traveler had much.

To the butcher, she nodded. I understand your situation. Regardless of your ability to pay, I will do what I can to help Red Larch. I am searching for some information for a personal quest of mine, so perhaps once I- She paused, glancing at the others who had also come here on Imdarr's word. -we bring these bandits to justice, I can further inquire those in your village for some help with that.

Can you give us any guidance as to where these bandits can be found? Or any other information that may help us locate them?

Chane departed the temple behind the other two with him there. He followed quietly behind them, mostly observing them while also trying to take in the town. It was oil and water watching the two in front of him, one calm and good with words while the other was straight to the point and clearly itching for action. When he got to the butchers, he nodded to him to let him know he understood what the butcher was saying about not causing any trouble. Listening to the others, he followed everyone to the table and chairs. After listening to the butcher and monk, Chane chimed in. "I'm am in agreeance with the monk. I am more inclined for information and would like to see if anyone here could assist once we have helped with your bandits." As much as Chane was wanting to find his target, he was also itching for some action.

After his prior conversation with the Harper, Titan had made perhaps too lengthy a stop at the tavern for too long a drink and a listen to the local gossips. When he finally found his way to this small town's strange combination constable-butcher, there was already a crowd. Thankfully, this crowd at least sounded like they had similar business with this constable-butcher, as he listened to a few choice words upon his approach.

"Bandits, you say?" Titan asked, luckily having no qualms about butting in when it was useful for him. "I overheard at a shop that I might find some temporary work for the constable, so if there is a reward for resolving your bandit situation, I would be glad to assist the rest of you fine folk."

Thuldor had traveled with the loose group as it headed to the Butcher.  After listening to the Butcher and the others speak, he felt that this group with a common goal could help the people of Red Larch.  He took a deep breath and stepped forward “As it seems that we have a common goal, I would like to offer my services in assisting the people of Red Larch.  It feels that this is the right thing to do, and I cannot turn from that.”

After hearing the party's assurance that they are there to help, the Constable explains his theory of the bandits having a lair nearby in the hills to the south of the town, somewhere off the Cairn Road. Giving the party a rough description of the bandits, based on the information that he's gathered, he repeats the suggestion that the group start by searching the nearby hills - warning them to be careful, as the bandits are dangerous and may be heavily armed.

With that warning and suggestion, the Constable bids the party good luck and returns to his duties, leaving the group to plan their next move.

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Optional Ability Checks

- None

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Extra Information

Current Date: 26 Eleint, 1491 DR

Harburk's Profile

Map of The Dessarin Valley

Map of Red Larch

Information Available for Red Larch

T'saryn stepped outside the butcher shop and waited for the others to exit. It seemed there was now a group, all eager to be of help to Red Larch, for one reason or another. While the wood elf would have preferred to have continued on her travels unaccompanied, based on what the constable had told them about the bandits, perhaps it was best that she did not try to encounter them unaided.

As the others gathered outside the front of the shop, the monk addressed them. It seems we find ourselves allied with the same mission. Therefore, I believe some introductions would be in order. T'saryn may as well go first. My name is T'saryn. I am a monk at the Luminescent Estuary, resting at the foot of the Lost Peaks. I have left my monastery to seek justice for harm done to the village near my monastery. And while I am not a member myself, I am here on the behalf of a member of the Order of the Gauntlet. She thought of Ambrose, and momentarily wished he had come along with her.

With nothing of a more personal note to add at this time, the monk looked at the others expectantly, a nod that they should follow with introductions.

The pale cleric, who stood slightly to the back of the group, perked up visibly at the mention of the Order of the Gauntlet. His voice and demeanor were gentle, "I must admit, I'm not the most talkative or outgoing, but as a cleric of Tyr, I specialize in healing and protective magic and will be happy to support you in any battles that we might encounter. I believe in upholding justice and fairness in this world and while I might not always have the loudest voice, I am unwavering in my commitment to see Tyr's justice and balance brought to this realm. I understand that my quiet nature might be different, but I hope you'll consider me as a valuable addition to our mission."

He paused to take a breath, obviously not used to speaking this much in front of so many strangers. "Before we embark on this journey, I'd like to know more about each of you and your roles within the party. It's important to me that we understand each other well. That being said, I am eager to learn from all of you and to lend my skills to the group. Your experience and camaraderie can help me grow as an adventurer."

He nodded back to T'saryn, clearly unsure of how to end his introduction.

Chane listened to the two go before him. He was glad to hear that there were others associated with the Order. After the cleric nodded to T'saryn, Chane stepped forward a little. While not large, his lean but muscular physique most likely gave away what he did. "Well met everyone. I am a former soldier now with the Order of the Gauntlet. I will gladly take on any situation with you all here and my trusty swords." At this mention he gestured towards the greatsword on his back and the longsword on his hip. "I am currently here on a hunt for a genasi that killed some innocent bystanders in a robbery. I look forward to working with this group in our current quest." Chane then stepped back to his previous spot to let the others know he was done with his introduction and the next person could go.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:32, Thu 12 Oct 2023.

The earth genasi raised an eyebrow and cocked his head at the human who called himself Chane. I don't recall seeing many other genasi on the road, but I'm reasonably sure I haven't done anything that could be construed as killing or robbing anyone. Certainly no innocents, at least. Titan rested a hand on his jaw and, as he thought, rubbed his thumb along the veins of smooth gold that ran across his dark skin like roots digging into fresh soil. When Chane seemed to give Titan no unusual amount of attention, Titan nodded to himself, content at least that he was not the genasi Chane seemed to be looking for.

Titan turned his gray slate eyes to the others gathered. He wasn't one for explaining his history or his hopes and dreams for strangers, and especially not Harper business, but perhaps there was some use in having more eyes on the situation. "I am called Titan. I am a musician by trade, but I know my way around a sword and have some skill with the arcane. Truth be told, I'm on the heels of another musician who may have found some untoward friends."

Knowing it was his turn, Thuldor  steps forward, head slightly bowed and running his hand through his hair.  He clears his throat a bit nervously and introduces himself.  "My apologies.  My name is Thuldor and I am a Ranger.  I am not very experienced, but I offer any assistance that I can to assist."

Service took in the group from his spot, noting an impressive range of abilities and backgrounds. He’d be a fool to leave, especially when their common goals were so fortuitously aligned. And there were some who came on behalf of the Order, so surely he could rely on those deemed worthy of its trust.

Still, when he reflected on the trials and sufferings of his past, he’d let them prove themselves as trustworthy through the forge of battle before sharing anything more than he needed to.

He stepped toward, hand resting on the pommel of his sword as it was wont to do.

“I am Service, a knight of the Order fighting on behalf of Mystra. My business is my own, but I find it aligns well with all of yours. Fight alongside me and you will have a tireless ally. Cross me, or the Order, and I will be your fiercest foe… Now that the pleasantries have been taken care of, what’s the next order of business?”

T'saryn nodded as she looked around at her new allies. Two members of the Order were among them, and even though Ambrose was still back at the monastery, she knew he would be relieved to know she would be traveling with his brothers.

She looked to the sun, noting it was still an hour or so before midday. We still have plenty of light left. Perhaps we should not linger any longer and head toward the hills the constable told us about. The monk waited in case anyone had something else to add or deal with before leaving Red Larch. If no one does, then she leads the way south, towards Cairn Road and the hills.

As the party makes their way south, they find themselves surrounded by a diverse landscape of rolling hills, dense forests, and the occasional rocky outcrop. The road beneath their feet is well-traveled but shows signs of wear and weathering, with patches of mud and dust indicating recent rains.

The air is crisp and carries the scent of pine from the nearby woods. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant calls of woodland creatures create a soothing melody that accompanies the party's footsteps. A light breeze sweeps across the landscape, causing the branches of trees to sway gracefully.

The mid-morning sun casts long shadows that stretch across the road. The golden hues bathe the surroundings in warm light, creating a picturesque scene. The occasional wildflower dots the roadside, adding splashes of color to the green and brown palette of the natural world.
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Optional Ability Checks

- Investigation
- Perception
- Stealth
- Survival
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Extra Information
Current Date: 26 Eleint, 1491 DR
Map of The Dessarin Valley
Map of Red Larch
Information Available for Red Larch

Chane took in the natural setting and always enjoyed it after being in town. The clean air and natural breeze were always welcomed. He followed second in line with the new group of travelers. He took in a deep breath as they continued on their path. His face seemed to sour a little when he detected something unnatural in the air. Taking another breath, Chane recognized the scent. His hand instinctively went to the sword on his waist but didn't draw it. He made sure not to appear as if something was wrong but kept looking around and listening. Something was off and he thought it best to notify his new acquaintances of it. "I'm not sure if anyone else has noticed, but there appears to be traces of burning wood and it has become a little too quiet from the wildlife that should be here. There also appears to be a hidden path down that way." Chane pointed towards the path that had been covered with leaves and branches. He then looked around the group to see if anyone else was able to acknowledge what he said and then waited to see what the next course of action would be.

Service raised a fist in the air, assuming the group would understand the Order’s sign for caution and quiet. Besides the smoke and the eerie absence of normal wildlife sounds, there were signs of a human presence in this area and strange marks were carved into the trees around them.

Service pointed a claw at the closest carving.

“Prepare yourselves, comrades, it seems we have found a meeting place for someone,” he spoke in his lowest register and his hand curled around the pommel of his sword. “Considering all the dark rumors going around of this place, if we head down this path we must be prepared to meet our enemies.”
This message was last edited by the player at 23:27, Sun 31 Dec 2023.

Thuldor gently loosens both short swords in their scabbards to ensure ease in drawing if needed.  He then draws an arrow from his quiver and knocks it in preparation if needed.  His eyes scan the area for any threats of note.

Standing ready with longsword drawn, Titan expected his new and more heavily-armed companions to meet the potential danger ahead face-first, but instead found himself surprised and heartened by their caution. Their armor would surely alert any listening foes to their presence, or scare off any innocent allies.

Instead, Titan sheathed his sword and pulled a dagger free. He placed a hand on the nearest tree, feeling the grain of the bark beneath his fingertips, and after a moment's meditation changed his skin to the consistency of bark, stone, and leaf so that he blended in with the forest around them. "Give me a moment," he whispered to the group.

Moving slowly and carefully to leave no footsteps or sound of movement, Titan moved into the path covered by leaves and branches to scout ahead.

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Cast racial ability: Pass without Trace (self-only, sorry yall)
New stealth: 24