Mud. Mud and rain. Mud, rain and grey skies. A trio that seem to have been your constant companions since you set out from Darkwall, a little over a month ago. A scrawled notice on some of the boards around Darkwall had drawn your attention and for one reason of another you'd ended up signing on. A quick few weeks, that would eventually let you return to the city with some easy money in your pockets. Of course it was never that easy, and it had been a miserable trip so far, with the weather and the soggy ground slowing you down, with the downpour swelling streams and causing more than one wheel to break and have to be repaired on the road.

From hamlet to hamlet, from village to village, all the faces, names and places all started to blur together a little, but the feeling of the ice cold rain remained constant. Even the campfires you light every night fail to chase away the cold and damp, further darkening the mood among the hands, except for the caravan-master.
Mervin Alae, the elven merchant who hired you, had apparently not had a very profitable year so far.
Failing crops had ramped up the price of grain and had left him in the red. You gathered that this trip was not something he usually undertook this late in the season. Having more riding on this trip than usual, had caused Mervin to hire on more guards then the five he usually had. Choosing to bank on taking his wagons and carts to some of the more remote villages and towns, places not often visited by traders carried its own risks. If the venture failed then he would have lost even more money for little return, but then again if it succeeded, he would possibly have earned enough to tide him over until next year. Luckily the gamble seemed to have paid off. Everyone of the seven wagons and two carts you've been guarding are now filled. Burlap sacks of wheat, oat and rye, barrels of salted fish and game, as well as crates of smaller items.

For the last few days its been coming down harder than before, seeping into your clothing and belongings, and turning every road into a slippery morass. You wind your way through the Gravestone foothills, and along with the bellowing oxen you push and pull, heaving carts and wagons along, until you finally crest a rocky hill and see the lights of Oakfield ahead. The torch lights promising, a chance to get warm, a decent meal, and a dry bed at the large inn that is easily spotted through the rain.
As you trudge into the town towards the inn, you look around and take in the small village of Oakfield. You can make out stocky wood and stone structures with thatched roofs, a few with seperate stables, from which you can hear horses and other livestock. A lone dog runs across the road, stopping to sniff the air and then quickly scurries off at the unfamiliar smells.

As you approach the inn, easily the biggest building in town, you spot a sign hanging above the door with a simple painting of a gilt cup or tankard,a sizable crack running down the side, and the name 'The Cracked Mug' written underneath it. You can hear faint noises inside of music and of people talking.



Pulling to the entrance, Mervin steps down from the lead wagon, and leaned back a bit, cracking his back with a tired sigh, "Orh by the gods I need a drink". He pulled down his hood and looked around, before turning to you and the rest of the guards, "You should head inside. If you see the barman or someone else who workds here, tell them to send someone out to give us a hand with the wagons".

Erdan walked hunched over; a futile attempt to feel like he was staving off the water.  It did no good.  Water dripped off his hair and ran down his face despite the sopping wet hood suctioned to his head.  Even for a wood elf who enjoyed nature in all the seasons, this was miserable and his irritability was equal to everyone else's, albeit late to the party.

The misery had also been delayed more by the caravan leader.  Between him being a fellow elf and his unabated optimism, Erdan clung to that as long as possible, but the chill he felt in his bones made the world feel darker and foreboding.  It had even elicited bad dreams during his meditations, imagery of a potential future in a twisted wood, unwelcoming and sinister.

When the wagon wheel had broken, he assisted with the tools he brought along, further endearing himself to the crew of the caravan.  He had made jokes to lighten the mood and the job proved quicker with the extra pair of hands he brought to the task.

The animals were a source of comfort for him and he had spent time helping to tend to them throughout the trip, brushing and changing their blankets.  Some of the other mercenaries had mocked him from afar, questioning if he was there to guard or serve the footmen.  The wood elf had ignored them.

When he wasn't helping, he was at his post or socialized with his companions, navigating whatever moods they portrayed as best he could until the weather claimed his.

He never thought he'd be so happy to see a town and an INN.  Erdan resisted the temptation to rush inside and practically throw himself at a fire.  Instead, he stayed behind to help settle the caravan.  It didn't feel right leaving the animals and everyone else out in the rain while he languished in warmth.

He'd join his friends when the work was done.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:20, Tue 10 Jan 2023.

The idea of signing on as a caravan guard had amused Sasyra immensely (as well as Mervin, until he'd seen her shoot). The day before they had set out, the weather had been full of the memories of summer and the endless possibilities of the road. Now the road was just another lie laid bare, covering her feet- her ankles - her shins in dull grey mud. The entire affair hadn't just dampened her feet (her boots leaked, her feet were always wet!) nor soaked her skin (the knitted shawl was little protection against the endless rain), it had drowned her lively spirit.

So seeing the lights of Oakland brought a glimmer of hope to the poor girl. Her pace didn't quicken, but she lifted her eyes from the soily suspension that coated her path to the buildings beyond.



Sasyra approached and then paused just before the door. The lights were on, and the rain might have masked the sounds of habitation in the Inn itself, but on the porch, under the eaves of the building, surely she could hear music of chatter from inside the building?

---

OOC: Are there any sounds of life coming from inside the building?

It was about the middle of his term of enlistment with the Darkwall Watch when Tegan had decided that the true measure of a man-at-arms was whether he could do his duty -- and do it well -- when the weather turned rainy, cold, and nasty. It was easy enough to wear shiny uniforms and strut about, winking at the lasses, when the weather was balmy and mild. But many of those whom the Half-Elf thought of as "sunshine soldiers" could not function very well in the sort of weather that the caravan had suffered through for their entire journey.

That did not mean that Tegan had to like the rain, cold, and the mud, of course. But he had persevered, and did what needed to be done without whining or complaining.

The good news was that as near as Tegan could tell, Master Mervin seemed to have won his gamble and would have a profitable outing, when all was said and done. As the son of a blacksmith who ran his own smithy and shop, Tegan well knew that oft-times there was a fine line between turning a profit and having a bad month.

One thing that had pleased Tegan immensely was that the group of caravan guards who had signed on at the same time he had all seemed seasoned enough to give a good account of themselves if push came to shove -- which had not happened, at least as of yet. Whilst serving in the Watch, he had sometimes been in skirmishes where, as the squad leader, he had found himself covering for new recruits who had not yet mastered the concept of using the pointy end of their swords to stab their foes with.

One thing that had disappointed him a little was that the entity whom he had come to think of as "The Light" had not made further contact with him since that night in his bedroom, above his father's smithy. But, upon further reflection, he decided that it was not his place to have any expectations as to how or when -- or even if -- he would be contacted by The Light once again.

But all of that aside, when the caravan crested a hill (whose incline required Tegan and some of the other guards to get down and push on the mud-encrusted wheels as a means of aiding the weary oxen) and the Half-Elf caught sight of the beckoning lights of a village, Tegan grinned broadly. Tonight he would have a roof over his head and could dry out his sopping-wet clothing and boots, and dinner would almost certainly be better than what they had become accustomed to on the road.

Tegan heard Master Mervin give the crew of caravan guards leave to head into the inn, but he did not feel right doing that as long as there were still goods packed in the wagons of the caravan that needed to be unloaded -- and guarded, for that matter. Truth be told, now that the wagons were at a standstill and most of the wagon-drivers and guards had relaxed their vigilance, 'twould be a perfect time to work some mischief, to the Half-Elf's way of thinking.

He nodded to the caravan-master and said "Thank you, Master Mervin. But if it is all the same to you, I think that I shall stay out here with the wagons and stand o'er-watch until all of the goods are stored away somewhere safe for the evening."

Tegan caught sight of Sasyra, who had paused on the doorstep of the local inn, perhaps in an effort to shake some of the rain from her cloak. Following up on the caravan master's idea, he called to her. "Sasyra, can you send some brawny lads out to help with the unloading?"

With a chuckle he added "I suspect they'll be much more inclined to help a comely lass than to listen to the rest of us filthy mudlarks."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:52, Mon 09 Jan 2023.

If there was one in the group who would be unaffected by poor weather, it would be the young man that marched proud and straight-backed through all of their travels, as if he was on a military parade ground. Often was he found humming some marching tune, or song from his childhood in order to life the spirits of others. But now that there was such a downpour that his white-and-blue surcoat was so soaked that it was becoming a waterlogged anchor, even his spirits started to dim somewhat. That was evident in the quiet poem he recited to himself as they slowly made their way into Oakfield.

"O what can ail thee, knight-at-arms,
Alone and palely loitering?
The sedge has withered from the lake,
And no birds sing.

O what can ail thee, knight-at-arms,
So haggard and so woe-begone?
The squirrel’s granary is full,
And the harvest’s done.

I see a lily on thy brow,
With anguish moist and fever-dew,
And on thy cheeks a fading rose
Fast withereth too.

I met a lady in the meads,
Full beautiful—a faery’s child,
Her hair was long, her foot was light,
And her eyes were wild.

I made a garland for her head,
And bracelets too, and fragrant zone;
She looked at me as she did love,
And made sweet moan

I set her on my pacing steed,
And nothing else saw all day long,
For sidelong would she bend, and sing
A faery’s song.

She found me roots of relish sweet,
And honey wild, and manna-dew,
And sure in language strange she said—
‘I love thee true’.

She took me to her Elfin grot,
And there she wept and sighed full sore,
And there I shut her wild wild eyes
With kisses four.

And there she lullèd me asleep,
And there I dreamed—Ah! woe betide!—
The latest dream I ever dreamt
On the cold hill side.

I saw pale kings and princes too,
Pale warriors, death-pale were they all;
They cried—‘The Merciless Beautiful Lady
Thee hath in thrall!’

I saw their starved lips in the gloam,
With horrid warning gapèd wide,
And I awoke and found me here,
On the cold hill’s side.

And this is why I sojourn here,
Alone and palely loitering,
Though the sedge is withered from the lake,
And no birds sing..."

The poem died on his lips as they finally pulled up to The Cracked Mug. Brushing his short cropped, dark brown hair back, his usual smile found it's way back onto his face. Warmth, good company, a few libations, and a few hands of cards were just the thing to raise the spirits of anyone.

But that might have to wait for now. As miserable as this little company was, he could only imagine the discomfort of the horses that pulled the wagons and provided transport for all the goods that they protected. Leon had a fondness for horses. His father had owned several fine Selincourt destriers, and Leon had learned to ride upon them, and developed a deep sympathy and empathy for the animals. He hoped to own his own some day.

"I will help with the horses, Master Mervin. With all this mud, someone will have to check their shoes, and they will need thorough brushings to get all the mud and water from their coats," Leon offered to his current employer.

He knew he wouldn't be able to rest easily until he knew the horses were properly squared away. And even the ministrations of strange stable hands would be barely enough to set his mind at ease.

It had amused Adeline to hear the complaints of the other guards and caravaneers over the constant damp and wet. She might be as miserable as anyone else, but that was a normal state of affairs for the grizzled bounty hunter; the weather didn't have much impact on her usually dour mood. Oft times she'd be heard remarking "No such thing as bad weather. Just bad clothes." So much so it almost became a mantra for her before raising her hood and heading out into the rain to scout the road ahead for the day. Her well weathered and maintained clothes were designed for this and she fared better than most for it.

For all of her sourness, she inevitably returned to the wagon train each night with fresh supplies; clean spring water, nuts, berries and mushrooms were common, but every now and then there'd be eggs or small game for the night's cook-fire. A welcome change from the dried meat and hard tack of their trail rations.

She was glad to be on the road and away from Darkwall. Although she and Erdan had returned there to resupply and find work, she hated the place. Too many bad memories and too many old rivalries and scores to settle. Out here she had the luxury of releasing her guard, not that she ever really did, but the thought that she could comforted her. She enjoyed working with the rest of the team; Tegan had a military air of command which she respected, despite his Elven blood and young Leon had a refreshing enthusiasm. Only the Fleck girl irritated her; despite her prowess with a bow, Adeline couldn't help but wonder what she was doing out here in the wilds, but didn't care enough to ask and left her to her business.

As the wagons pulled up to the Inn, Adeline emerged from the rain to meet them there. She waved a curt greeting to the others to announce herself and set to helping with the physical labour without comment. She knew what needed doing and got to it with a will.

Mervin frowned, as if surprised by anyone turning down the chance to get out of the rain, but eventually shrugged, "Suit yourself, appreciated though". The other guards, already on their way inside, stopped and looked at eachother,  before turning back to the wagons with a sigh.
As you begin to find room for the wagons, you see a scrawny looking teenage boy come scrambling out to you, a large oilskin cloak pulled up over him, and looking around for any sign of who was in charge. Mervin sighed and stepped up to intercept him, "Oi! Over here...".

Eventually you, the other guards and the rest of the caravan hands get all the animals under cover in the large stable attached to the inn. Rubbed down and fed, the oxen and horses finally begin to settle in for a rest.
Taking a last look around each beast, Mervin calls you all over, "Now I told that kid to get us some tables, and to get some ale and food ready, So lets out of this infernal cold".

Finally making your way to entrance to the Cracked Mug, you push your way through the door and are immeditely met with a wall of noise, smells and warmth. Coming in out of the cold evening rain, the interior of the inn seems very bright at first. Taking a second to let you eyes adjust, you see a large tavern room. Covered lanterns and candles set in sconces on the walls, and on the tables, give the interor a warm cozy feel.



Though there are other patrons it is immediately clear that you and rest of the caravan hands are the largest party in the place tonight. A few outsiders, like yourselves, easily recognized by their packs, travel gear and clothes, as well as the local patrons. All look up as you make you way inside, but quickly turn back to their own drinks and conversations. As you begin taking of your wet cloaks and coats, a redheaded halfling girl, dressed a light brown dress runs and points to the back of the room, "This way please, Master Steelback has your tables set up by the fire". Following the serving girl, you are led towards four large wooden tables that seemed to have been moved so as to be as close to the fireplace as possible. On each table you see mugs and tankards as well as three foaming flagons of ale waiting for you. "We're still getting the food prepared. I'll bring it out as soon as it's done". She nods to you all and walks back towards door behind the large wooden bar on the other end of the room, opposite the fireplace.

Tegan overheard the words "brown-nosers and lick-spittles" and could hear the general tone of complaint as some of the guards from the other mercenary company passed him by. He straightened up and gave the men a hard stare, intending to both give them something to think about and to make certain that he remembered who the troublemakers were.

He had known men -- and women -- like these in the Watch. Some people were more than happy to collect their pay, but were considerably less than eager to pitch in when there was any work or fighting to be done. It always seemed that they had some excuse as to why they needed to sit out for a while, rather than doing what needed doing.

~I'm tempted to call them out on it here and now. It might result in a fight, but I'd rather deal with it now than have men like that at my back if we run into any trouble between here and Darkwall.~

After a moment's thought, however, the Half-Elf thought better of it. ~I need to back off. Master Mervin hired these people, and I won't be doing him any favors if I cripple or run off some of his guards whilst the caravan is still on the road. Suck it up, Buttercup, and get back to work.~

With a last, lingering look at the complainers, Tegan went back to helping to move the beasts of burden into the village stable. Eventually the animals and the wagons were squared away to the caravan master's satisfaction, and everyone headed inside.

The warmth that Tegan felt as soon as he stepped through the door of the Cracked Mug was nearly as comforting as the warm embrace of a beautiful woman. The warmth was the first thing that he noticed, but he could also smell the wood smoke from the fire, as well as some of the delicious smells of food. The Half-Elf thought that he could pick out roasted venison and boar by their smells, and felt certain that Adeline could do so.

He was pleased when the flame-haired Halfling directed them to the tables that had been pulled up close to the fire. Tegan claimed a seat that would give him a good view of the interior of the room and the doorway. ~It's probably not necessary, but a little caution in an unknown place is not a bad idea,~ he thought to himself.

He set his shield and backpack down on the floor, leaning both of them against a nearby wall. Then he unfastened the broach that held his woolen traveling cloak closed, and hung it from a nail close to the fireplace so that the heat would dry it. As he turned to sit down, he noted the steam coming from the wool as the warmth of the inn's interior began to take effect.

Tegan began filling the waiting tankards and mugs with ale, and handing them to those who had chosen to sit at the same table as he had . . .

---

OOC:

I like to make it easy to distinguish between my character's spoken words and his unspoken thoughts. Accordingly, Tegan's unspoken thoughts will be written in lavender (which looks to be a blue-gray against my background color) and italics, and will be bracketed with tildes (~) instead of the more familiar quotation marks that are used with spoken words. Tegan's spoken words will be written in blue.

I have cleared this methodology with the DM. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 22:51, Tue 10 Jan 2023.

The care of the beasts finally over, Leon felt the weariness of the road finally catch up with him. Upon entering the fire lit interior of the inn, all present could see fresh streaks of mud and dirt on his face and hands. Placing his soaking cloak with the rest of the traveler's cloaks, which would no doubt dry out over the course of the night, the young knight walked over to a chair and sank into it.

"A fine day's labor my friends!" Leon declared cheerily, looking up at the others and having his usual grin fix itself back in place.

But before he began enjoying the provided ale, the young knight still had some work to do before he relaxed. Placing his shield next to the fire, the young man also unstrapped his sword-belt from across his waist and hung it from the back of his chair. He then unstrapped his surcoat from his body, and hung it by the hearth for the flames to do their drying work. It was strange to see him out of the blue and white bit of clothing, as the emblem of his House was something he proudly bore on both chest and shield. A two-headed griffon on a blue field clasping a white chalice catching a raindrop from the heavens. Now only in bare chainmail, he struggled out of the links with a terrible clamor. Once free of the armor, he drew a dry rag from his bag, and began cleaning the wet steel. Once he was satisfied that it was dry, he pulled a small cask from his bag, popped the cork, and poured what looked like a strange mixture of oil on the rings, before slowly and methodically massaging it into every single ring on the entire suit. That finally done, he dried his hands with that same cloth, pulled his slightly less wet gambeson off his body, mussing up his wet hair in a most comically spiked fashion. That left him sitting in the chair in only his riding trousers, a simple white tunic, and his mud-stained boots.

Much different than the heavily armed and armored knight that had wandered in a few moments ago.

"May I please get a bottle of wine when you get a moment, mademoiselle? Pinot noir, if you have it. A twenty year bottle of Château Louareux, if the gods have smiled on me and seen fit to deliver me a miracle in your fine inn..." he called to the redheaded Halfling girl. Turning back to his employer and his companions, he grasped his mug of ale and raised it high, and gave a short toast to them all.

"May there always be work for your hands to do,
May your purse always hold a coin or two.
May the sun always shine warm on your windowpane,
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you,
And may the gods fill your heart with gladness to cheer you!"

Adeline paid no mind to the dour glances and snide remarks of their fellow guards; if all they wanted was to suckle at the teats of civilisation like children, then they were welcome to it. They'd reap their reward in the long run. Hard work and hard living made the body strong and she took pride in hers and the things she did to maintain it. Once the labour was done and they were invited in to dine, Adeline followed behind the others, giving one last, wary look outside before closing the door behind them. Last to enter, she was last to sit and didn't mind that it put her back to the room. She trusted Tegan enough to give her the nod if anything went down, let alone her own prickly senses.

Like Leon, she took the time waiting for their ale and meal to disrobe of her cloak and armour. First her boiled leather bracers and greaves were removed and rubbed down, followed by her scaled brigandine with much less of a clatter than the young knight. She'd take the time to clean and oil it later. She re-fastened her belt over the padded jack she wore beneath her armour, keeping her bullwhip at her hip alongside the customary set of chained manacles that jangled ominously whenever she moved. Both were knotted expertly to stay firmly in place, but ready for quick release. Her sword, a functional thing if not pretty, she kept close to hand hung from it's baldric from the back of her chair. Shield, pack and cloak were neatly stacked by the fire to dry.

Adeline snorted derisively at Leon's expensive taste, but saluted his toast nonetheless; she might not have agreed with all of it and said as much in response. "The gods can do as they please with their rainbows, but I'll raise a mug to honest work for honest coin." Which she promptly did before downing half the tankard in a single swallow. Out of her armour and cloak, she exuded animal physicality; lean and athletic, there wasn't a spare bit of fat on her. Anyone that dare look in places that might garner her ire, might notice the keys hanging from a leather thong around her neck, tucked loosely inside her tunic. She looked around their group judging the mood by their faces before throwing a glance over her shoulder at the other occupants of the room, reading it like a book.

Most of the caravan hands fill into the seats surrounding the prepared tables, shrugging off their overcoats and cloaks, as they take a mug or tankard. Some don't even do that but simply slump into their chair, the trials and tribulations of the day finally catching up to them. Soon food begins to filter out from kitchen, the serving maid reappearing with steaming trays of cooked meats, roasted, and boiled vegetables, dark bread, hard cheese and gravy boats filled with thick sauce, "There you go". A loose silence descends on the group as the food is ladled onto wooden plates and passed around the crew.
As you eat, you notice Mervin getting up from his seat and walking over to the bar. Behind the large dark wooden bar, you see a young, dwarven man wiping down the table top. Bald with a shortly clipped beard. He is wearing a stained, worn leather apron and a white shirt with rolled up sleeves. The two seem to fall into a friendly conversation, with Mervin clearly gesturing to the outside and the road ahead.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:38, Wed 11 Jan 2023.

Unlike Leon and Adeline, Tegan refrained from removing his chain mail. He planned to do so later in the evening, when he could devote more time to cleaning and drying it. Mains had taught him never to let water sit too long on armor or weaponry. It was much easier to deal with water than rust, once it had gained a foothold.

The Half-Elf did, however, remove his helm and sit it down on the table-top, alongside his plate. He had filled his own mug last, after he had poured ale for everyone else at his table. Now he lifted his mug to Leon and Adeline in turn, in recognition of what they had said.

Truth be told, Tegan was a bit puzzled why The Light had chosen to elevate a blacksmith's son to the paladinhood (for, as he grew more accustomed to his powers, he slowly realized what the boons that had been gifted to him meant) instead of Leon -- or someone very much like him. For, to Tegan's way of thinking, the young man who hailed from the Selincourt Barony seemed the perfect knight -- unfailingly polite, with courtly manners and a smile for all, yet always willing to pitch in and do his share when the situation called for it.

And although it seemed that Leon had not learned trade of a man-at-arms in the same way that Tegan -- and Adeline, for that matter -- had, the Half-Elf would bet his last copper that the Human would prove to be a stout shield-brother when the time came to form up the shield wall.

Tegan found himself smiling at the Half-Orc's comment. "My father would agree with you," he replied. "And he raised me up in that same fashion."

The longer he was around Adeline, the more Tegan found himself feeling comfortable around her -- which was not something that he had expected when the caravan first set out upon its journey. But now that he had come to know the bounty hunter better, he could think of no one whom he had rather have at his side if it became necessary for them to draw steel ere their trip ended.

Truth be told, he had come to think of both Adeline and Leon as his shield-sister and shield-brother, for he well knew that 'twould fall to the three of them to hold the line against Trouble, should it come their way. He hoped that the mercenaries from the other company could also be relied upon, but he did not regard them with the same level of confidence as he did the two who were sitting at his table.

By now steaming hot food had been brought out to them, and Tegan did not plan on letting any of his go to waste. As he began eating, it did not escape his notice that Master Mervin had gotten up from the table and gone over to speak with a Dwarf who was working behind the bar.

~Most likely asking the innkeeper about conditions on the road betwixt here and Darkwall. If 'twere me, I'd want to learn as much as I could before heading out for the remainder of our journey.~

"Does anyone know how close we are to Darkwall?" he asked. "I will confess that I have never before been on this stretch of road."

Tegan knew that the Half-Orc had traveled about more than a little in pursuit of her bounties. When a man or woman took to their heels and fled from the Law, they oft-times wanted to put as much distance between themselves and Darkwall as they could.

"How about you, Adeline? Have you been to these parts afore?"

"Or mayhap you, Sasyra?" he was quick to add, for he knew that the Fleck were a footloose people, who traveled far and wide.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:10, Thu 12 Jan 2023.

As the food arrived, Adeline turned her attention back from the room and to the task at hand. She packed away the hearty fare as well as any of the trenchermen present, perhaps even more than most. Though she was loathe to break a smile at the best of times, the rich meal was a welcome change from that which they'd enjoyed on the road, even supplemented by her meagre forage. Lubricated by the houses ale and a full stomach she even managed a hearty, if solitary, chuckle at a passing joke.

Her hunger sated and the conversation turning to matters of import, Adeline leaned back in her chair nursing her tankard as the unfortunate piece of furniture creaked under her not inconsiderable weight. She grunted at Tegan's query before answering. "I've walked just about every road leading out of Darkwall, but I can't say I've ever really been this far north too often. Maybe once, Oakfield was somewhere I'd find a bounty but from what I hear it's days are numbered. All's here is coal and beans; ain't no riches, glory or fortune for the bla'guards I normally chase." She shrugged nonchalantly as if that said everything about the place.

The bounty hunter took another sip of ale and sighed her satisfaction before raising an eyebrow at Tegan and Leon and jerking her head over at one of the patrons, giving her companions a pointed look. She lowered her voice and leaned forward conspiratorially. "Seems to me that all's not well here. Mother there looks like she's something to say, but can't find her voice. Not my business, but figured you upstanding folk..." she made the epithet almost an insult "...might want to grease the wheels if you want to hear her sing." The patron in question looked to be a middle aged local by her dress, nervously nursing an untouched drink whilst throwing glances at the group of newcomers. Her piece said, Adeline leaned back once more and attended to her drink, her eyes half-closed as she listened to the hubbub around her.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:18, Thu 12 Jan 2023.

Erdan helped settle the last ox and took a moment to lean his ear against its side, listening to its deep bovine breaths and pounding heart.  He inhaled that earthy scent of domestic beast.  Home, he thought with a sigh.  How long had it been since he left?  How long had he been traveling with Adeline and Sasyra before joining this caravan?

It didn't matter.  The wagons, the animals, and the hard working people all had a familiarity he had unknowingly missed for some time.

With another sigh and a gentle pat on the ox's neck, the wood elf exited the stables and trotted to the INN, arriving last out of everyone in Mervin's company.  He paused under the awning outside and took off his cloak, wringing it out as much as he could and kicked the post to knock off some of the mud. He shook his head in vain, then twisted water out of sections before entering with his cloak hung over his forearm.

He allowed himself to smile at the patrons with an occasional nod.  His cloak found a hanging near the hearth.

The toast had been missed, but certainly not the serving.  He leaned in between Adeline and Leon to snatch up a plate and a mug.  "Who'll be singing?" he asked innocently in response to Adeline's comment as he bit a chunk out of the dark bread and washed it down with several gulps of ale.

His boots squished as he rounded the table to take an empty chair and set the plate down while emptying his mug then reached for the next available one.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:54, Thu 12 Jan 2023.

Around the crew are still digging into their food, the tension of the last few days dissipating as their mugs empty and their bellies fill.  At the other end of the tavern space you notice an older looking human man, a long swooping moustache  on his face and clad in brightly colored, if a little fader clothes, shuffles over to a small raised area next to the bar and slings a lute off of his shoulder. Checking the instrument was in tune, he adjusted a few dials, cleared his throat and began to play. Soon lively music began to filter through the air, giving the already pleasant evening a more relaxed feel.

"I am a man of poetry, stories, and song. You should never tempt me, Master Amakiir..." Leon chuckled, setting down his drink and gently dabbing his lips with a pure white handkerchief that he had pulled from somewhere.

Leon often sang songs of old heroes, tales of glory, and drinking songs of his homeland. This was no exception, as the music being played by the others put him in the mood to celebrate freedom, and martial spirit.

"There's a sound heard across the land
It's heard across the sea
You'll only hear it
If you listen with your hearts
And one day hope to be free

To hear the sound of freedom
Many gave their lives
They fought for you and me
Those memories will
Always live inside us
And now, it's our time to be free

Where the eagles fly
I will soon be there
If you want to
Come along with me, my friend
Say the words and you'll be free
From the mountains to the sea
We'll fight for freedom again

So ring out loud for all the world to hear
From the sea to shining sea
Let freedom ring and every man be king
To live as one through the year

Where the eagles fly
I will soon be there
If you want to
Come along with me, my friend
Say the words and you'll be free
From the mountains to the sea
We'll fight for freedom again

Now is the time
We all must stand together
So raise your hands
Show them we are strong
Side by side, the fight goes on forever
Marching to the battle with this song

Where the eagles fly
I will soon be there
If you want to
Come along with me, my friend
Say the words and you'll be free
From the mountains to the sea
We'll fight for freedom again

Where the eagles fly
I will soon be there
If you want to
Come along with me, my friend
Say the words and you'll be free
From the mountains to the sea
We'll fight for freedom again

Where the eagles fly
I will soon be there
If you want to
Come along with me, my friend
Say the words and you'll be free
From the mountains to the sea
We'll fight for freedom again

Where the eagles fly
I will soon be there
If you want to
Come along with me, my friend
Say the words and you'll be free
From the mountains to the sea
We'll fight for freedom again!"

Now, it was clear that the gods had not seen to grant the youth the voice of an angel. However, he more than made up for it with enthusiasm and unwarranted confidence.

OOC Mechanics
16:58, Today: Leon Renard rolled 7 using 1d20. Performance: Song.

Sasyra walked into the Cracked Mug and almost blocked the door as she paused, looking at the different sights around her. She saw the selection of bottles behind the bar, the kegs being steadily emptied by servers handing tankards to the crowd.

"It do be so warm and cosy in here," she muttered to herself, finally moving along and following Adeline and Tegan, setting onto a seat with them. "It do be so warm in here, it be like I'll melt like a candle!" The warmth of the tavern already starting to work on the frozen limbs that the deluge on the road had caused. It was like her bones were feeling the heat for the first time in an age.

Leon's singing wasn't the most fantastic - but the look on Sasyra's face didn't give that away at all. She clapped as he finished his song and then paused, before trying her won version.

"Where the eagles fly
We've all been there
Me and him and you
Come along with me, my friend
Say the words and you'll be free
Flitting the air with glee
Say the words, you'll be free..."

And stopped when she realised she was singing aloud. "Oh, Sorry." She smiles at a passing server. "Small ale and some food please..." she said.

There was a lot of noise in the common room of the Cracked Mug. Some of the locals were talking to one another, and over this background hubbub Tegan could hear the sound of the lute that was being played by the fellow up on the small stage, and -- nearer to where the Half-Elf sat -- Leon and Sasyra had raised their voices in song.

But none of this was what held Tegan's attention, for he had heard Adeline say quietly, her voice very nearly a whisper, that all was not well here.

~Not well in a general sense, or not well here and now, immediately?~ the paladin found himself wondering. Clearly one version was much more serious than the other, but what was Adeline implying? To Tegan's eye, the Half-Orc did not appear to be readying herself as if Trouble was close by, but it could be that Adeline was one of those rare people who could stay calm and keep their heads, even when faced by nearby danger.

Tegan had heard enough to think that something about an elderly woman who was seated partway across the room was what had caught Adeline's eye. He rubbed his forehead (intending to hide his own eyes, at least somewhat), and gave the woman in question a side-eyed glance, hoping to be able to spot what the Half-Orc had noticed . . .

---

OOC:

20:14, Today: Tegan rolled 13 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 11.  Perception Check re: Noticing What Adeline is Talking About.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:06, Fri 13 Jan 2023.

Adeline scowled and opened her eyes, glaring wide-eyed at the others in mixed incredulity and irritation. "What are you morons singing like larks for? Or perhaps more like crows in your case Leon; stick to the swordplay, boy. I guess they don't teach turn of phrase north or south of common folk. I weren't talking about none of ye yodelling for our supper; that's his job." she jerked her head at the minstrel playing. "I were pointing out that woman there." Adeline's beefy arm blatantly pointed out the woman in question and raised her voice so she could be heard at least at the next table, if not the entire establishment. "The one obviously having trouble plucking up the courage to come and ask us band of fine adventuring folk something important to her when she'd really rather not, either because we're a bunch of ruffians from out of town that she's got no inkling of who we are or what we're capable of doing to her, or because it'll hurt whatever passes for her reputation around these parts to be associated with such outsiders." Her scowl deepened. "But then again, perhaps she's changed her mind now that we've clearly established that we're a traveling circus rather than potential mercenaries for hire." Adeline downed the last of her ale, slammed down her tankard and looked around for the woman she'd spotted earlier, genuinely expecting her to have fled at her outburst or at being pointed out in a crowd. Then again, if she had then Adeline didn't really care; if the woman was too full of fear or doubt to ask what she wanted, that wasn't the bounty hunters problem.

The wood elf's eyebrows raised as their companion had her outburst.

"Adeline," he said calmly. "Inside voice, please...  We're all a little ruffled by this infernal weather, so allow the boys to blow off some steam the way they please.

If you like, we can start a bar fight with the mercs who've been giving us glares all day." He smirked, enforcing the suggestion as a jest. "I'm sure throwing fists will make you feel better."

In the tavern room the minstrel's music stopped as Leon begins to sing, and he cocked his head slightly as if listening intently. After the first verse he chimes in, the lute gaining in strength as he becomes more comfortable with the melody, until he's accompanying the young knight.

As the music ends and as Adeline points her out, verbally if not physically, the lone woman blanches and swallows hard. She glances at the door for a second, but seems gather up enough courage to decide not to run. Standing up, she tries to straighten her clothes and walked over to your table. As she approaches, you see dark lines under redened eyes and a  "I'm sorry I didn't mean to stare. I couldn't help but overhear...", she looks around at your table, "You're bounty hunters? You find people?".

Tegan rose to his feet as the woman whom Adeline had previously pointed out hesitantly approached the table where the group was sitting.

"Please, goodwife, have a seat," he said, gesturing towards the spot on the bench that he had just vacated, "and make yourself comfortable."

When the woman inquired as to whether they were bounty hunters, Tegan replied, "At the moment, we are working for Master Mervin, over there by the bar. We signed on to guard his caravan."

He refrained from mentioning that Adeline was a bounty hunter by trade, thinking that the Half-Orc would speak out if she wished that fact to be known.

"Why? Has someone gone missing? Someone whom you would like to have found?"

Adeline gave Erdan a toothy sardonic grin. "Hah! That it might sharp-ear, that it might." She gave her travelling companion a 'friendly' thump on the arm that was intended to take the sting out of the slur as much as allay any fear of recrimination from the Elf's admonition, but it would probably leave a bruise come the morning.

As the woman approached and Tegan addressed her, Adeline was inwardly glad that she'd found her courage in the face of the half-orc's unstated challenge. She turned a shrewed gaze on the nerve-laden woman "Takes guts, missy." she admitted with a nod, her tone deferring respect. "But yeah, the sarge has the right of it; we's employed for the now. Less'en ye've a better offer, of course. I, for one, don't work for free but the songbird here..." she jerked her head sideways in Leons direction "...he's a soft spot for them's in need. Might be willing to leap hero-like to a damsel's distress!" Adeline guffawed brashly at her own sense of humour and poured herself another ale, chuckling to herself as she took a swig. The little confrontation had got her blood up and lifted her spirits. Added to the possibility of a sideline earning her a bonus on this trips pay, it had put her in a good mood.

As she watched the friendly (and brutal) banter between orc and elf, the Fleck just shook her head and looked at the woman who was being so earnest and taking such a risk as to talk to strangers - one of whom was an ogre. Or was that a Bugbear? Sasyra decided asking Adeline might be a bad idea - SHe didn't know her that well, after all. The woman though, she looked like life had done her wrong.

"What be it you're wanting to ask us, Miss? We do be guards for the caravan of Mervin but... Well, just tell us. We'll see what we can do, if we can do anything."

The woman nodded at Teagan's offer, "Thank you". She sat down quickly, "Uh its my husband, Halric. We live here in Oakfield, I work at the general store and Halric's a miner, at the old coal mine up the road to the north. He's gone missing", she looks down as she speaks as if trying to remember everything she prepared to say earlier. "He hasn't been home in two days... and since the rain flooded the ford on the road to Darkwall, there are no Stormcrows in town I can ask for help". She looked around the group, shaking her head, "He wouldn't do this, hasn't done this".

"I can understand why your husband not coming home for two days would concern you, Goodwife," Tegan replied to the woman.

"You said that he worked . . . works . . . at the mine. Has anyone else gone missing from there, as far as you know?"

"And do you know if there has been any sort of trouble there, before?"

Just about then something else that the woman had said dawned on Tegan. "You mentioned the ford on the road to Darkwall being flooded because of the rain. Is there another way to travel to Darkwall? For a caravan, I mean."

The woman looked at Teagan with a confused frown, the question derailing her train of thought, "No not for miles, its one of the reasons the inn is in Oakfield, I dunno about the caravan, but no one from Darkwall has come through for a few days". She refocuses back on her story, "As far as I know he's the only one missing. I asked the others, but no one saw anything I think. I told him not to work at that mine. The old workers said it was cursed, being so close to the old Abbey, but we needed the money. The mines around here have been drying up".

"Sounds like the caravan may be staying here in Oakfield for a bit whilst we wait for the water to go down and the ford to become passable again," Tegan replied. He doubted that Master Mervin would care to risk any of his wagons or teams in a hazardous river crossing -- especially one that could be avoided, given a little patience.

"That being the case, let us speak to our caravan-master. If we are going to be here an extra day or two, I think that we should be able to investigate your husband's . . . absence. I, for one, would be willing to do so -- although I cannot speak for my brothers- and sisters-in-arms, of course."

Turning to face his companions, he said "I think that we need to speak to Master Mervin about this and gain his permission -- well, those of us who are interested in helping this goodwife, any how -- since we are under contract to him."

Erdan quietly drank from his mug as Tegan conversed with the woman.  It seemed odd that she referred to them as bounty hunters considering only Adeline had truly worked as such.  He wondered who'd she been talking to, especially seeing how they haven't been in town for longer than a few hours.  Or maybe she just thought mercenary and bounty hunter was one-in-the-same.

When Tegan addressed everyone at the table, the wood elf sat up straight.  "You're welcome to speak with Mervin.  I'd say the other mercenary party can guard the caravan while we're out.  Not that I'm keen on going back out in this weather so soon, but..." He offered the grieving woman an assuring smile. "I'm happy to help if we can."

Adeline was listening closely. Despite her cavalier attitude, she was a professional and wouldn't overlook any details that might be important. "Old mines and cursed abbeys? In this kind of weather? No offence lady, but there's some might say he went looking for trouble. Whatever ghost stories the old timers tell, and I'm not saying I believe 'em, there's usually a grain of truth. If even half I hear about old mines is at all right, they be risky business at the best of times, let alone with rain-wash loosening up all the rocks and such. Probably just got himself stuck under a collapsed mine-prop or something." She snorted derision and supped her ale before going on.

"If there's coin involved, though, how about you tell us everything you know and we'll find out if we're stopping a while. When I say everything, I mean it; the mine, your husbands operation there, who else has been there or has seen or worked with your husband recently, anyone that might have a claim up there or any monetary arrangements with you or your husband, your own business in town and if anyone might hold a grudge. Even the abbey and why people say it's cursed. Before that though, let's start with the part about the payment..."

The woman nodded again as each of you spoke, "I understand", but looked over at Adeline with something like anger flashing across her face, "As i said I already spoke to the others working the mine. Don't you think that was the first thing I did?! No one saw him disappear, and he's worked the mines around here for years, he wouldn't have gone far from the others while down in the mine". She bit back her anger and continued, if a bit colder in tone, "We don't have much money, but what we have is yours if you find him or... find out what happened to him".

As the rest of you spoke, Teagan saw Mervin finish his conversation with the dwarf, and rubbing his chin with a frown as he made his way back to the tables, "Gods dammit. Seems the ford's washed out up ahead. No one here seems to know when the water will drop enough to let the wagons pass". He looked up with a sigh, "Guess we're here for the duration. I've spoken to the inn keeper, and he has enough room to put us all up for a few days, though some of you will have to bunk up".

Sasyra nodded along, and when Adeline started on her tirade, started to frown. The orc and she were very different. What was better than exploring? Of asking questions? Of looking in the nooks and crannies of the world to find answers?  She'd always been a curious person, always been excited to delve into the woodland where her family had camped in the glades. And now, with her boon...

"I'll take a look for him. You'll need to point me to the mine, of course, but it can't hurt to have a peek, can it?" She smirked and glanced at Adeline quickly before looking back at the poor woman. "I mean, I'm not a big tough warrior or anything, but I'm not scared of the dark." She smiled sweetly (though it could be interpreted as ginned mischievously).

"Mervin, would it be okay if we went exploring for a little? You think the caravan will be okay for a couple of hours?"

Adeline smirked at the woman's anger and brushed off Sasyra's implied taunt like water off a ducks back. "No need to get snippy Miss. I'm asking *you* so *we* don't need to go hunting all over town to track down anyone that might know something. Not that I won't do that anyway if all you got was nuthin'. If you're payin', I'm workin' and it looks like we're in town a while." she added as Mervin confirmed their immediate travel arrangements.

"In case you din't catch it, what I want to know from you most is if you or your missing man have any enemies or if anyone would profit from him going missing. Like you said, hard times means desperate people."

Tegan looked on as Adeline and the local woman engaged in a conversation. He was glad to hear some fire and spirit in the local's responses to Adeline -- the woman had seemed so timid and hand-wringingly faint-hearted earlier, when she first addressed them.

The Half-Elf turned towards Mervin as the caravan-master approached their table. He listened as Mervin explained what he had learned. Tegan saw no reason to mention that the local woman had already said that the ford was impassable, so he stayed quiet and let the caravan-master finish what he had to say.

Sasyra spoke up next, and volunteered to go and search for the missing man. Tegan nodded to her approvingly.

The paladin rubbed his chin thoughtfully, and added a little to what had already been said. "Boss, this here woman has been telling us that her husband has gone missing, up in the local mine. Well . . . no, let me start over -- that's not quite right. It's more that that's where he works, and he hasn't come home in a couple of days. She says that's unusual for him -- that he hasn't done anything like this, before."

"She's hoping that we can look for him, on her behalf. By 'we', I mean those of us here at this table. At least, those of us who are so inclined."

"True enough, that'll leave you a little short-handed -- but as long as we will be here for a while any way because of the problem with the ford, maybe it won't be a hardship."

"Do we have your permission to try and aid this goodwife?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:28, Thu 19 Jan 2023.

"She means well," Erdan interjected, addressing the woman. "You wanted a bounty hunter and Miss Adeline is the best one I've ever met.  She's just being thorough."

He crossed his arms and sighed as Tegan addressed Mervin.  If his kinsman denied the request, Erdan was likely to sneak out anyway. After all, the man didn't own them and from the sound of things, there would be nothing else to do either.

Leon wandered over from where he had been singing, poorly, but enthusiastically. His face was flush with merriment and embarrassment in full measure. But his grin never left his face. He quickly went over to his cup and downed a few mouthfuls to quench his thirst and cool his throat. Which was when he overheard Tegan explaining the conversation that he had missed while signing.

"Would we be leaving now? I think these strong walls and the good sword arm of the regular caravan guards should be more than enough to ensure the safety of the goods for the few hours we are away. Right, Master Mervin? Surely there comes no harm in performing a good deed at no cost to yourself," Leon asked, all earnest and innocent.

Would we be leaving now?

The wood elf's face scrunched up at Leon's question.  "Gods, no! Can we at least get a good night's sleep somewhere warm and dry?"

Even sleeping in tents were not accomplishing that, having been soaked through and never drying before the next night.  Drip, drip... Drip, drip... He'd slept in the open rain before, but never a monsoon and he was not enjoying it.

He downed the rest of his second ale, already feeling a little buzzed and glanced at the woman among them, remembering himself.  "Sorry, miss.  No offense, but we've been out in this weather for what feels like a year and a day.  Surely you'd grant us a little reprieve before sending us out to find your wayward husband."

Mervin frowned as Teagan and the rest of you spoke, glancing over at the woman and then at one of the tavern windows where the rain was still drumming on the glass. After weighing the situation, he gave a tired shrug, "Fine. Far be it from me to deny anyone a chance at a good deed, or profitable work. But...", the older elf held up a hand, "The barkeep says the ford could clear as fast as the day after tomorrow, so that's when were pulling up stakes and moving on, and if you're not there then you don't get paid". Nodding once to seemingly settle the matter in his mind Mervin walked over to his table and grabbed a tankard as he sat down, "Hope I don't regret this...".

Back at your table the woman breathed an audible sigh of relief, "Thank the gods", the tension she felt towards Adeline easing a bit.
Obviously trying to remember all your questions she turned to Sasyra, and then looked around at you all, "The mine's up north, 'bout ten miutes from town. Shuster Mine it's named, after the guy who discovered the coal there, I think. He's never had any enemies. I mean sometimes he'd get into a fight or two, gods know he's no angel, but not anything like that". She wiped her nose on her sleeve, "Like you said, times are hard 'round here and he had to find work where he could, though there wasn't much to get down there". She brightened a bit as Leon spoke of setting out right away, but then nodded as Erdan spoke, "Yeah, it would probably be better if you wait 'til morning. You might miss him in the dark".

Tegan listened as the caravan master talked through his reasoning and made his decision about allowing some of his guards aid the local woman in her search. "Understood,"he said.

"The caravan will be pulling out the day after tomorrow, and you won't wait if we haven't returned by then," he repeated, just to make certain that everyone understood. The Half-Elf found himself wondering if it might keep raining for that entire period of time -- or at least part of it -- and whether the weather might have something to do with whether or not the ford would be passable on the expected timetable.

After Master Mervin wandered off to his own table, Tegan turned back to the ongoing conversation that swirled around the local woman. It sounded as it had been decided that the group would not be heading out until tomorrow morning -- which sounded reasonable to Tegan, and would allow everyone to get a good (and dry) night's rest before commencing the search.

"We'll move out in the morning, then," he said to the woman. "Is there someone in charge over at the mine? Some one whom we should talk to, to let them know what we will be doing, and  that we are acting on your behalf?"

"Also, I'm afraid that I never caught your name. I am Tegan -- Tegan Adalondor, from Darkwall."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:17, Thu 19 Jan 2023.

Tegan was so formal and respected ownership & lordship.  It could be tedious and disruptive when a job needed to get done.  If time was of the essence, he figured the half-blood would hem and haw down to the deadline.  Maybe that's why Erdan got along with Adeline more than the other men.

She shared his priorities and the wood elf would've sooner just head down the mines without so much a thought of who'd care besides the miner's wife.

He didn't blame Mervin for his threat either.  The kinsman understood deadlines, although he likely thought the search for a missing miner was frivolous at best... And maybe it was, but the talk of curses and a potentially abandoned abbey made Erdan question what kind of arcane secrets could be involved here.  That was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.

With a gesture to the halfling making her rounds, a third mug of ale found his hand.  Gods be good, it'd be nice to get good and drunk and then fall asleep in front of a fire.  He took a gulp of his drink and set his muddy boots on the table, scooting aside the empty plates that had been in front of him.

His slender free hand laid across his belly as he kept his attention on the woman when Tegan asked for her name, taking a less dramatic sip from his mug.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:46, Thu 19 Jan 2023.

"Very well. Well-rested eyes spot more than bleary ones..." Leon conceded, and with just a hint of disappointment.

With a lady in distress, the boy was likely to charge straight into the teeth of a Dracolich if asked. Most likely with a prayer on his lips, and a smile on his face. But he was not so foolish that his romantic visions completely clouded his judgement.

"However, might I offer to escort you back to your home, my lady? 'Tis most foul weather, and it is not wise to walk alone in the night. And forgive me, perhaps I missed the start of this conversation, but might I have the pleasure of your name?" he asked, holding out a hand to take hers in meeting.

"Oh. I'm sorry, My name's Gwen. Gwen Klom, from... here I suppose", she answered with a half hearted smile.

After a while the woman excuses herself and leaves the table, heading home. As she goes she gives each of you a final look and nod, "Thank you. I didn't know what to do. I know that he might be... but I'd like to at least know".

As time passes the food stops coming, as does the drink eventually. The rest of the night passes without much incident, with the rest of the caravan slowly filtering up to their rooms. As you decide to turn in as well, you discover that while rooms Mervin has rented are not the height of luxury, they are warm and dry, with each room sporting two beds, large enough for two people. Each room is also equipped with lanterns chained to the wall, a small table with a couple of chairs to match and a wash basin on a metal stand.


OOC:
How you decide to bunk up is entirely up to you, any 'free' beds would be taken up by another caravan hand.

Also, if you had more questions for Gwen, please feel free to ask them in OOC and I'll answer them asap.

"Good evening to you, then, Mistress Gwen," Tegan replied to the local woman.

"Hopefully we will have some news for you on the morrow." He refrained from saying 'good news', for he did not like to encourage unrealistic expectations. And his time spent in the Stormcrows had taught him that with Gwen's husband having been missing for two days, now -- he supposed that tomorrow would be the third day -- well . . . the chances of finding a missing person alive decreased as each day went by.

As the evening wound down, Tegan decided to make an early night of it instead of staying down in the common room, drinking and gaming. He needed to clean his armor and other gear before turning in, and he well knew that would be quite the chore. Plus, he wanted to get sufficient rest that an early start tomorrow morning would not be a substantial hardship.

And so it was that the Half-Elf headed upstairs soon after Gwen had left the inn. He found a room that did not contain anyone's gear as of yet, and claimed one of the beds for himself. He got along well enough with all of the small group of traveling companions, so he figured that he would be perfectly happy with whoever came in to claim the second bed -- or, for that matter, if no one did, and he had the room to himself.

Tegan left the door to the room open, to show that a bed was unclaimed. He set his shield, backpack, and sword over by the wall near to his bed, and changed  from his armor into his common clothes. Then, taking a rag and a bit of oil from his backpack, he set to work cleaning his chain mail, humming an old Watch marching tune as he did so . . .
This message was last edited by the player at 02:00, Sat 21 Jan 2023.

Excited at the events of the evening, Sasyra perhaps imbibed too many alcoholic libations, perhaps sang too loudly of her people's songs, but nothing too extreme. She did, for instance, make it to her bunk (well, a bunk...) unaided, and settled into sleep before the inn was quite quiet. She tucked her dagger under her pillow; her people told many legends of abduction in taverns such as this of her folk - probably to keep them from staying far from the caravans and clan...

She slept well.

Later, sometime in the night
Sasyra tossed and turned in her bunk, murmuring softly, hand holding the hilt of the plain (but very sharp) dagger she carried with her. Her dreams were filled with images.

She ran across an endless grassland, the stalks of the green sea lashing her as she fled. She couldn't tell what was hunting her but could hear the thunder of their feet. A scream nearby made her spin around, but she saw nothing save an endless swaying emerald funeral shroud. Then heavy breathing from to her right. She turned and ran instinctively before a sudden stabbing pain in her chest send her into a convulsion of agony.

She saw herself, looking down on her body as though hovering above it, her torso a map of ruin, blood seeping into the earth... Into the earth...

Her consciousness followed aa droplet of her blood as it seeped into the loamy soil, and down, under the grass roots, into the earth below... and down, and down, and then into a void - a cave or mine beneath.

Drip.  The droplet traversed the void and hit the ground below. Her consciousness followed it. The sound of the droplet's landing echoed around the black chamber.

And something moved closer...

Sasyra awoke, drenched in her own sweat, clutching the dagger to herself like some talisman to ward off evil. Her earlier enthusiasm for going into the mine waned somewhat

Erdan got himself very inebriated, never holding an empty mug longer than a few second.  The reminders of home had left a bad seed in his heart and thoughts of abandoning his quest had plagued him for days before arriving.  He needed to numb it away and deny it ever existed.

Such reckless abandoned was nothing the old Erdan would've done.  He knew he was changing from what was happening to him, but was it bad?  He felt a lust for life, a curiosity for the unknown and, most of all, powerful.  No, that Erdan was gone and this one had a new home to long for which required him to keep going forward.

The alcohol had claimed him quickly and he was dancing and singing with Sasyra & Leon with little encouragement.  He used magic to fill the air with music played by invisible musicians that accompanied their songs and drowned out the local minstrel who didn't know the melodies sometimes.

Near the end he found himself slumped in a chair, muttering the word "Tomberry" and speaking gibberish.  Eventually someone had to escort him upstairs where he was deposited in the free bed with Tegan.

The elf tossed and turned, wriggling out of his leather vest and then his clothes until there was nothing left.  Once undressed, he settled on his stomach and began snoring softly.  Sweat glistened on his olive skin, permeating the room with the faint smell of a drunk.

Like Tegan, Adeline was conscious of the need to tend to her gear and wake early. Despite this and having no desire to join the company in their revelry, she nonetheless sat by the fire to dry, clean and oil her armour, sword and leathers, all the while drinking prodigious quantities of the local ale and devouring whatever was left of the food that was brought. ~Waste not, want not~ she mused to herself as she worked, ate and drank, stubbornly ignoring or harshly rebuffing any unwanted merriment that came her way. Dancing and singing were far from her idea of fun or relaxation. Instead she turned her mind to the activities of the morrow and their plan of action; it would do well to prepare before rushing off to explore some old mine that had likely claimed at least one victim in the wake of the recent weather.

When Erdan was finally inebriated to the point of unintelligibility she resigned herself to helping her friend, if she could stretch their relationship to call him that, upstairs and dumped him unceremoniously into the bed on the other side of Tegan's room, handling the Elf's lithe weight with ease. "Make sure he's up before you join me downstairs tomorrow. There's plans to lay and things to discuss before we set out. I wake at dawn." she said bluntly to the darkness on Tegan's side of the room, slurring only slightly from her own tipsiness, whether the former sergeant was awake or not. Her piece said and her good deed done for the day, she only returned back to the common room to retrieve her own gear before making her way up to the room Sasyra had claimed and without ceremony or permission, dumped her gear by the other bed. Adeline watched Sasyra dreaming as she undressed and wondered what terrors haunted her unwaking world. She might not have liked the Fleck girl much, but they were the only women in the caravans guard contingent; the least she could do was give the other the peace of mind that her rest wouldn't be disturbed by any unwanted male presence or attention.

The bounty hunter slept lightly, as she ever did, and drifted off still with one eye on the little rooms only door, her intention to be up with the dawn. Her roommates sudden awakening disturbed Adeline's sleep, her eyes snapping open and across the darkness at Sasyra, irritation writ plain across her features were the other woman able to discern them in the warm dark of the inn's night. "Sleep, girl. We start early and your nightmares help no-one. Especially me." she said, not unkindly before shutting her eyes and following her own advice.

Leon was surprised that his offer of escort was refused, but of course respected her decision. Perhaps it was a case of perceived propriety? Not that Leon had any intention of causing a scandal. He was a romantic at heart, and devoted to his ideals. He would no more be the cause of adultery than he would randomly strike down a peasant child.

So, instead the young nobleman went back to his revelry, only switching to water now that he knew he would have a serious task in the morning. It would not do to set out on a rescue mission bleary-eyed and head pounding like a blacksmith's anvil. Still, he enjoyed a few more songs, and a hand or two at cards, before retiring at a respectable hour, in order to get a comfortable night of sleep. Having already taken care of the maintenance of his armor and out garments earlier, he had nothing to do besides run his blade over a whetstone a few times to make sure it was at peak sharpness for any unpleasantness that may befall them the next day.

Retiring to his room, he knelt besides his bed, drew his sword, kissed the pommel and the imagery of Reina's silver chalice, and began his nightly prayers under his breath.

"I give my body, heart and soul, to Reina, whom I serve. No plea for help shall find me wanting. No obstacle will stand before me. No evil will taint the lands bequeathed unto me. When the clarion call is sounded, I will ride out and fight in the name of the Baron and divine Reina. That which is sacrament, I shall preserve. That which is sublime, I will protect. That which threatens, I will destroy, for my holy wrath will know no bounds. Honor is all. Chivalry is all. Rejoice, for we, the Knights of Selincourt, will be your shield..."

And then he slipped into bed, making sure his sword was within arm's reach in this unfamiliar place, then promptly drifted of into the easy and untroubled sleep of the innocent and the contented.

The night passes quickly, and as morning arrives you make your way down into the tavern hall. Some of the caravan hands are already there, though a few of them look like they never really left, and greet you groggily. Outside you can see the rain is still coming down, though not nearly as hard as it has done the last few days. Though the cloudy, grey sky casts everything in a slightly dreary light, the solid evening meal and full nights rest in a decent, and more imortantly dry, bed has you feeling more upbeat than you have in days.

Looking around you see the same halfling serving girl behind the bar, polishing glasses, gesture towards the tables you'd sat at the night before.
On them you see a couple of large dark pots on thin metal stands, each one filled with steaming oatmeal. Underneath them you can see small oil lamps heating the bottom of the cast iron pots, seemingly keeping the contents warm. Bowls and spoons are set next to them, along with pitchers of water, milk, and what looks like some kind of fruit juice.

Sasrya awoke and dressed quickly, rechecking the straps on her armour to make sure that it was fitted correctly. Her quiver of arrows hung at her hip, and her bow, though unstrung now, was held in her hand. Her dagger was ready for stabbing. When she noticed that Adeline stirred, she smiled (somewhat forced, it has to be said) and said, "I've a bad feeling about the mine. I think we should go armed." She shrugged. "Don't ask me why. It's just a feeling."

Heading downstairs, she ate a few mouthfuls of oatmeal but wasn't really interested in it. The fire, however, gave her a pause. She turned to the halfling barmaid and leaned closer.
"Hello, excuse me?  Do you have any lanterns or anything we could borrow? One of your community has gotten himself lost in a mine and we're going down to find him. I think having a light source might be really useful. Could we borrow one?" She smiled sweetly, using her maximum-level charm.

OOC:
22:54, Today: GM, on behalf of Sasyra, rolled 19 using 1d20+2.  Persuasion.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:55, Sun 22 Jan 2023.

The halfling girl looked up at Sasyra with surprise, “You gonna look for Halric?”. Putting down the glass, she glanced back at door to the kitchen for a second, before reaching down under the bar. Retrieving a slightly battered, yet still functional oil lamp, she slid it across to Sasyra, “I never gave this to you”.

Sasyra quickly slid the lantern into her backpack and nodded in appreciation to the girl. "The sun, sky and earth bless you," she said quietly, voice edged with seriousness. She picked up her bag and stepped outside onto the covered porch, watching the drizzle and waiting for her compatriots...

Tegan had purposefully gone to bed rather early, and had gone easy on the ale, as well. He knew that he needed to be up early this morning, so he saw no reason to make it difficult on himself.

He put on his armor, since he was unsure whether the group would want to get under way as soon as possible. As far as he was concerned, he could eat trail rations whilst on the march, but he suspected that some of the others would be inclined to have a sit-down breakfast at the inn before heading out into the rain.

Before heading downstairs he wakened Erdan by pulling at his toes. Every now and again he had seen men who had gone to bed dead-drunk come up swinging if they were awakened unexpectedly, so he did not want to be anywhere near the Elf's fists -- just in case.

"Sorry to disturb you, but it is morning already," he said.

"'Tis time to head downstairs. I daresay that some of the others are already down there. Oh -- and there is water in the wash-basin on this stand over here if you need to dunk your head."

Somewhere in the night, Erdan had made it under the blanket.  His dark ginger hair was mussed terribly and covered most of his face.  His feet dangled off the end of the bed.

When Tegan tugged at his toes, the elf jumped and looked at the corner of the room in his haze.  He groaned and turned his head toward Tegan, nodded and then flopped his head back down with a soft thump.  "I'll be down in a minute," he mumbled.

After Tegan left, he sat up and stretched.  A frown dropped from his lips as he noticed his clothes strewn around his bed.  Sighing, he snapped each article in the air causing clouds of dirt to flutter about.  He bathed thoroughly from the basin and did, in fact, dunk his head, then twisted the water back in from his hair.

He sat down on the bed and took a deep breath as he finally noticed the throbbing in his head.  For a moment, he just rested his face in his hands and took a moment to hate last night's Erdan.  But he couldn't afford to make people wait for his self-imposed misery to end.

The wood elf was likely the last to make it downstairs, and didn't speak to anyone, but he was presentable despite sporting damp hair.  His breakfast was more water than oatmeal and would likely be rations later.  Hard tack tends to settle the stomach better than gruel.

Eventually, he dropped his spoon into the half-full bowl and pushed it forward.  After gathering his gear and weapons, he swung his cloak around his shoulders and tied it in place.  Hood up and walking staff in hand, he signal he was ready to go.

Oakfield in the daylight is a might better looking town than it seemed in the relative darkness you arrived in. While it is evident by the slightly rundown air of the place that the town has seen better times, you still see signs, as the town begins to wake up, of a place that is still alive with people and activity. A bell starts ringing as you walk out onto the covered porch, mingling with the sounds of hammerblows on an anvil in the distance, and you begin to see a handful or more of children emerging from houses, some walking, but most sprinting through the rain towards what looks like the second biggest building in town. A large single story structure, with a small wooden steeple. A pair of double doors are open wide, as you watch a portly looking woman just inside pulling on a length of rope descending from the ceiling above her, in unison with the bell.
Across from the tavern you see a smaller stone and wood building, it stands out among those around it by having a tiled roof that slopes down towards the back of the building. Large panes of glass gives you a look into what looks like a general store. Across one of the panes you see 'Gilberts Goods' painted in tarnished white lettering.

Setting out of Oakfield you head north, towards Shuster Mine. The roads leading up into the foothill are as muddy as ones you walked last night, but someone has thought to lay wooden planks, branches, small logs along the path, giving wagons something to drive on and prevent them from sinking in too far. It is not as cold as the day before, and after the revelries of last night, the brisk air feels bracing for those suffering under the effects of a hangover.
After about ten minutes walk up into the hills, you begin to hear voices, the neighing of horses and of men and women working, and turning a corner you come up to the covered entrance of the mine. In front you see a line of mining carts, some still full of dirt and detritus, and some empty waiting to be filled. The voices you heard prove to belong to a couple of men working a team of horses. A long thick chain trails behind the horses, back into the darkness of the mine. As the man whistle and tap the animals, coaxing them to pull,  another cart emerges from the mine entrance loaded with black coal. As you approach, one of the grime covered men looks up at you with a frown, "Sorry, can I help you?".

It seemed to Tegan that the rain was not coming down quite as hard as yesterday, and the sky seemed slightly brighter. He didn't consider it to be an omen -- he did not really believe in such things -- but it did brighten his mood somewhat. And the planks, logs and whatnot that had been laid in the path that led up to the mine were definitely an improvement over the seemingly bottomless mud that the caravan had struggled with whilst traveling some of the more rural tracks and roads.

As it turned out, the hike up to the mine was a relatively short one, and soon enough the companions were greeted by people whom Tegan assumed were miners.

"Good morning," the Half-Elf replied to the man who had spoken to him. "We are here on behalf of Gwen Klom. She mentioned that her husband, Halric, had not returned home from the mine for the last several days, and she asked if we would search for him."

"We are with the caravan that is quartered in town until the ford over the river becomes passable, so we are more or less at loose ends . . . and those of us who you see here have agreed to help."

"Is Master Korenth available to speak with us for few moments? I'd like to let him know what is going on, and ask him a few questions about where we should begin looking  for Halric."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:21, Mon 23 Jan 2023.

Erdan held his cloak closed around him, hunched over and shuffling behind the group.  The copious amount of water he drank helped alleviate the headache, but his stomach still wasn't especially happy.  He sighed as the rain began to soak through the hood, and he could feel his hair becoming damp again.

His mind wondered to the mention of the abandoned abbey and looked around for it as they approached the mines, allowing Tegan to take the lead with talking to the foreman.  When the half-kin stopped to talk to one of the miners, he sidled up beside Adeline and leaned close to talk to her over the cacophony of workers and rain.

"Am I the only one who thinks it's going to be a hassle to explore the mines while others are working it?  I'm thinking with the talk of curses, we should start with the nearby abbey.  There could be a cult or some devious creature laired up in there.  Or something else..."

The wood elf didn't want to be contrary to the whole group while everyone seemed gung-ho about diving into the mines.  He wanted to see if he had an ally with the idea and knew Adeline enough to guess she wouldn't be so single-minded.

The miner looked at you for a minute, "Yeah alright. I'll go get 'im". As he walked off you see him briefly whisper to the other one, before heading down into the mine. As you wait, the other miner keeps an wary eye on you, giving you a curt nod as a greeting.
It isn't long before two people emerge from the darkness, one familiar, the other not.
A tall, lanky looking, older human man leads the way out into the light. Dressed in rough looking work clothes and covered almost from head to toe in black dust and grime, his blue eyes stand out as he quickly gives all of you measured look. Making his way over to you, he wiped his hands on a piece of cloth he pulled from his back pocket and scratched his wiry beard, "I'm Korenth, the foreman. Mogn said Gwen sent ya?".

Despite the rain, Leon looked fresh, and eager. His surcoat had yet to be soaked all the way through, leaving him mostly dry at the moment, which might be part of the reason he was in a good mood at the moment.

When the miner walked off to find the foreman, the young knight turned his attention to his companion.

"Whatever inconvenience we, or the workers, suffer because of our investigations are worth it, is it not, Master Amakiir? A life may or may not be at risk. Priorities and civic duty my friend. Or is it perhaps last night's cups and a desire to go indoors and out of this weather that are moving your lips to the Abbey?" Leon said with a small, good natured smile at Erdan.

When Korenth returned, he let Tegan continue to be the voice of the group.

In reply to GM (msg # 57):

"Master Korenth," Tegan replied, nodding his head by way of a greeting. "I am Tegan Adalondor, out of Darkwall."

"And aye, Gwen requested that we come and search for her husband, Halric. It seems that Halric has not returned home for the last two -- or mayhap three now -- nights. We do not wish to get in the way of your people, who all have jobs to do. But we would like to provide some answers for Gwen, if we can."

"That said, can you tell us when and where you last saw Halric? For example, if he was last seen down in the mine, that would tell us one thing. But if he had finished his shift and was on the way home when he was last seen, that would be something else entirely."

"Also, have you or your people ever heard or seen anything out of the ordinary down in the mine?"

Tegan turned to his companions. "Does anyone else have any questions for Master Korenth? I am sure that he is a busy man, and 'tis better if we get all of our questions asked at once."

Erdan turned a not-so-good-natured glare at Leon after he called him out on his reckless consumption the prior night. "I'm well enough, Sir Renard.  Thank you for your concern..."  He forced his expression to soften, though not enough to feel warm.

Admittedly, reacting slighted was out of character for the elf, but he'd had a growing unease from the nostalgia and the drinking only served as a temporary distraction.  He hoped getting back on track with adventuring and gathering more resources for his quest would alleviate his doubts.

"It's my experience that myths and rumors about curses and superstitions have a root in the truth somewhere.  Certain places, like abbeys, can draw the attention of things that fuel those stories.  It's been pinned in my mind since the woman mentioned it in the same breath as the 'cursed mines'.  So, I assure you that my priorities belong to the task.  I'm just seeing the forest beyond the one tree in front of us.

"If you're keen on diving headlong into the abyss without trying to prepare, then please be the first in line.  I'll wait to see what happens to you before I follow."

It was then he heard Tegan offer the rest of the party an opportunity to ask a question and he decided that he'd follow up here with his suspicions. "What can you tell us about the supposed curse these mines have on them?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:35, Wed 25 Jan 2023.

Sasyra was one of the Fleck - a culture where negotiations were conducted by men, and where the women sat beside, voicing their opinion with looks and glances, gestures and faked smiles. Mostly. Her grandmother had been so formidable that her grandfather had no other option but to negotiate with her voicing her opinion at every turn. SHe was an exception to the rule, however.

Korenth seemed fully engaged by the questions of Tegan and Erdan, so instead, Sasyra looked at the other miners, subtly examining them for any marks, lesions, deformities or religious symbolism. She half imagined that they'd have dribbles of blood over their heads after last night's dream, but that had been a dream. She was sure.

Mostly.

She shivered and smilked, turning abruptly to Koreth. "Excuse me, but... Did this mine be dug out entirely, or did you open up any new natural voids within the rock, caverns or the like?"

---

OOC:
I'd like to examine the miners for anything that marks them out of the ordinary
This message was last edited by the player at 07:32, Wed 25 Jan 2023.

Korenth continued to slowly wipe off his hands as you all spoke, "A lot of questions, but if they'll help Gwen then...", he nodded. "I told Gwen this, but the last time I saw Halric was two days ago, around when we knocked off". Korenth nodded to the man next to him, who then walked back to the horses, "He was a bit run down, but who isn't these days. We talked a bit and then I went home, never saw him since". At the mentions of the mine he looked back at the entrance, "No, we've not broken through to any underground caves or the like for a while. To be honest I think the old place is just about tapped out, but so long as there's still coal to follow, we keep digging. As for the supposed curse? Look, I've worked the pits around here for longer than I care to remember, and if it wasn't this mine that people told stories about, then it'd one of the others. There's nothing down there but dirt, rock and coal. That said...". He took a step closer to you and lowered his voice a bit, "The old abbey, that's a different story. Gives me the creeps. Something in the stone up there. Been off limits for as long as I can remember".
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:56, Wed 25 Jan 2023.

The wood elf gained a smug satisfied grin at the foreman's earnest whispers about the abbey.  He crossed his arms and raised his brows at Leon.

"I say we start with the abbey," he reiterated.  "We have no indication that he's down in those mines other than he worked down there.  If he was, you'd think the other workers would've seen him -or his body- by now.  Something could have easily happened to him on his way home."

At first he was ready to concede his suggestion, but now he was confident to double down.

Besides, he thought. There may be more interesting discoveries within.  It was a self-serving reason that he wouldn't vocalize, but justifying it otherwise was easy enough to avoid suspicion of intent.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:57, Wed 25 Jan 2023.

"Thank you, Master Korenth, Tegan replied with an amiable nod when the mine foreman had given his answers.

"You have been most helpful, and likely saved us a good bit of time respecting where we should begin our search. Hopefully that will allow us to find Halric all the sooner -- and may even save his life."

Turning to address his companions, the Half-Elf heard Erdan speaking his mind.  "Given what we have just heard, I agree, Erdan," he replied.

"My vote goes towards commencing our search at the abbey."

---

OOC: Erdan, it looked to me like your IC comments to Adeline (Msg. #56, above) were spoken in a low voice, and were likely intended for the Half-Orc's ears only. Accordingly, I have assumed that Tegan (IC) did not overhear them.

DM, I am forgetful -- is the abbey located along (or near to) the trail from Oakfield to the mine? Thanks.

Leon gave the miner a polite bow before turning to his companions.

"Well, I dare say I take back my earlier jest Master Amakiir. It seems we have need of investigating the place after all, aside from getting out of the weather," he said with a half-apologetic smile.

"Aye, I also say we head that way first. If we find nothing, then I say we roll up our sleeves and get to spelunking the crevices and caves that the miners haven't gone yet," the young nobleman said thoughtfully, stroking his chin.

With a glance at her companions, Sasrya turned to face the miners. She smiled pleasantly. "I'm really pleased that you care so much for your friend, Halric. Clearly, you're a good set of friends. We promised we'd look for him, and we're willing to head into the Abbey - perhaps stupidly, it has to be said. But still, we're willing to look. Will one of you not lead us to the Abbey? For Halric? For Gwen? I know you want to do right by your friend."

She smiles, looking hopefully at Korenth and his companions.

OOC:
22:55, Today: Sasyra rolled 13 using 1d20+2.  Persuasion roll
This message was last edited by the player at 22:56, Wed 25 Jan 2023.

Korenth looked over at Sasyra with a pensive expression as he thought it over, before slowly shaking his head, "No. I like Gwen and I hope you find Halric, but it really was something up there that took him, then I'm not going up there. I have a family of my own".

"I do be understanding. Though I'd argue that Halric and Gwen were already part of your family. But I do be understanding. Point us in the direction of the Abbey and we'll be finding him, and perhaps exorcise any evil that does be there, to boot." The outward politeness remained, and the tone was the same as before, but there seemed steel in her voice too - Korenth had evidently disappointed her.

Korenth's face tightens as Sasyra speaks, "East", he points. As you look in the direction he gestured he looks over you all, "Follow the foothills for about a quarter mile, until you come to the forest. You'll find the ruins are in there". He looks around at you all, "Good luck", before walking back to the others, who steps up to him, and begin talking in low tones.

OOC:
When you're ready the one leading/guiding the group will need to make a Survival roll.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:08, Thu 26 Jan 2023.

"I'm sure I can get us there," Erdan assured his party.  "Be ready to get your boots muddy."

He nodded to the foremen and turned in the direction of the abbey, leading them off the path.  His gnarled walking staff moved about, picking away roots and vines.  He ducked under low branches and occasionally looked back to ensure everyone was keeping up.

17:25, Today: Erdan Amakiir rolled 19 using 1d20+3.  Survival Check. – 19
This message was last edited by the player at 22:30, Thu 26 Jan 2023.

"Excellent, Erdan," Tegan said, nodding to the Wood Elf when that worthy volunteered to lead them to the abbey.

Having just gotten directions from Korenth, Tegan found himself wondering how difficult it could be to find several buildings, even if they were in ruins.

But, just the same, he was pleased that someone with some woodscraft had stepped up to lead them to where they needed to be.

"I have a signal whistle, Erdan," he added. "Would you like to borrow it, or will you be close enough to the rest of us to stay within line-of-sight?"

Erdan did a slow 360 turn and shook his head as he continued along a deer path headed toward the abbey.  "I'll keep a pace to follow," he said before turning forward again and brushed leaves aside from his face.

"Just try not to trip or get yourself stuck."

Erdan's warning brought forth a chuckle from Tegan.

"Aye, if I fall into a bog and get mired, I'll be sure to give a shout."

Adeline had kept to herself all morning. As promised, she'd risen early and was ready to head out as soon as she'd finished breaking her fast. She had a pensive expression as they approached the mine, wondering to herself whether the mine was the best place to start but shrugging off the thought as the group came to the decision to head toward the abbey instead.

"If you're happy to lead the way." she said plainly to Erdan. "I'll look for tracks along the way. Maybe our prey took off one way or t'other before ever reaching this abbey." As she shouldered her pack once more and made ready to move on, she smirked at her Elven friend. "And if you get lost, I'll be glad to put us back on track!" she laughed; a brash and nasty cackle.

15:45, Today: Adeline Ashburner rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  Survival/Perception, search for tracks.

Passive Perception/Survival: 15 (if it counts!)

The dice roller hates me, I swear.

Leading the way Erdan make good time as you traverse the stonefilled ground of the foothills. Ruggedly beautiful, it is rough ground with rocky outcroppings and small clusters of shrubs and thin trees. As you move and climb, the rain eases to a drizzle, and the sky lightens as the day progresses and pale sun gains in strength. Finally you find yourself looking down at the edge of a dark evergreen forest.



A light fog floats among the tops of the dark green forest, covering most the interior beneath  the mist and branches. A thick layer of needles and brush cover the ground as you enter, and the thick pine branches cuts off both the outside sounds, as well as those of your footsteps, creating a muffled bubble around your group.
Finally you emerge from the forest into a wide clearing, you stop and wipe your brow from the stale humid forest air. This should be the place, the abbey, or what was left of it. The Korenth had said the been abandoned for as long as anyone remembers, letting the old buildings fall into disrepair and finally to ruin. Most of it looks overgrown, but you could still see some standing walls and pillars underneath the green.



The cobblestone paths too, had resisted the forest and plants, some still visible under the swaying grass and undergrowth. From the remains there seemed to have be three main structures to the abbey. What looked to have been a main building, that once must have been several stories tall. Several tall, jagged, wall remnants still stand, among trees that must have have grown as the building crumbled around them. A smaller, but seemingly more ornate ruin across from it is also still has visible low walls. Finally the third building, situated on a small hill apart from the other two, at first glance not much of it remained, but a you could still distinguish the outline of the basic square structure.

As they emerged to find the ruins, Erdan stopped abruptly and raised his hand without looking back.  His brown eyes turned to amber as his senses changed.  He glanced about the immediate area, his back rigid and tense.

"Do you hear that?" he asked over his shoulder lowly.

"It's not that bad. I wouldn't build a summer home here, but the trees are actually quite lovely..." Leon mused aloud as they emerged from the evergreens into the ruins.

When Erdan mentioned hearing something, the young knight's gloved hand fell to the pommel of his sheathed sword, and he cast his eyes around, looking for all the wicked creatures from the old wive's tales that he had heard growing up.

"What have you heard, my friend?" he asked warily.

OOC Mechanics
17:29, Today: Leon Renard rolled 12 using 1d20. Perception.

~Well, this could be worse,~ Tegan thought to himself as he followed Erdan through the forest. ~At least the rain seems to have slacked off.~

The Half-Elf had been a little concerned that the floor of the forest would have heavy underbrush beneath the trees. Truth be told, as  a city boy, he had not known what to expect. However, as it turned out, there was not as much undergrowth as he feared might be the case -- although the brambles were frequent enough (and the thorns big enough) to make him glad that he was wearing armor.

If Erdan was following a trail, Tegan was unable to see it. Nor could he see the sun through the towering trees, causing him to wonder how the Wood Elf could tell which direction to choose. ~Well . . . I suppose that they are called *Wood* Elves for a reason. Luckily, he is not city-born and bred, as I am.~

Soon enough, Tegan found himself rooted in one spot and staring around at the ruins of the old abbey. "Why in the world would a miner come to a place like this?" he wondered out loud. "Especially given the reputation this place has amongst the local folk."

"Mayhap 'twas not entirely voluntary," he added.

When Erdan tensed and asked if anyone had heard something that he apparently had, Tegan shook his head. "No," he replied, quietly.

The Half-Elf began turning this way and that, trying to hear anything out of the ordinary . . .

---

OOC:
16:40, Today: Tegan rolled 8 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 6.  Perception Check at the Abbey.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:51, Fri 27 Jan 2023.

"That's just it," Erdan confirmed quietly. "Ruins are usually quickly taken over by the surrounding wildlife and I don't hear a single creature.  That's not a good omen."

The wood elf slowly lowered his hand now that he'd issued his warning to those less perceptive.  "And, no, I suspect it wouldn't be voluntary.  Any objections to me scouting ahead?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:21, Sat 28 Jan 2023.

"Hunh," Tegan grunted when Erdan explained his reasoning about the silence. Something like that would never have occurred to Tegan.

"Now that you mention it, it *does* seem quiet."

He nodded when Erdan volunteered to do some scouting. "Sounds good to me, as long as you are comfortable doing it in a place like this."

"Do you want us to follow at a distance, or wait here for you to look around, and come back to report?"

Adeline too could hear the eerie silence of the place and it got her hackles up, visibly putting her on edge before the ruins even came into view. She nodded agreement at Erdan's assessment and responded to his question bluntly. "Only if you go alone."

Her attention turned to Tegan, as the one she considered their de facto leader, her tone taking on an advisory air. "In a place like this, there's too many unknowns for anyone to be going off alone. Keep your hands near your hilts and ain't no-one going out of sight of at least one other. We're looking for a missing person; no use adding to that list. If he wandered here on his own steam and we find him drunk in a bush somewhere? Great. If there's more at work here than a three day bender and there are hostiles, I want us to be ready for it." The half-orc's stern gaze met each of the companions' eyes for confirmation.

"I say we split up to cover ground. Tegan, Leon and Sasyra; you take the big ruin over there. Me and Erdan will look over the smaller one. We can all get together to take on that one up the hill. No use half the group sitting around twiddling thumbs and counting clouds while one person does all the work. We're here to find someone, so I reckon we all peel eyes and get lookin'."

As Adeline spoke, she began tightening straps, shifting the load of her equipment, readjusting her attitude from travel to action. She checked the darts she had holstered and strapped in various places across her body, testing their tips with her fingers. She checked the knots holding the whip at her belt to ensure quick release, loosened her sword in its scabbard and hefted her shield, giving it a few warm-up swings as she stretched out the kinks in her neck with an audible crack. She rolled her shoulders and a predatory glint entered her eye.

Sasyra shrugged. The orc's ego meant that the pair would never be fast friends but now wasn't the time to put mud in her boots - that would wait until later. "Well, what do we be waiting for?" she said, turning and stringing her bow as she headed towards the larger of the sections of the ruins, nocking an arrow to her bowstring.

Erdan was about to answer when Adeline protested.  He kept his back to them for a moment as she spoke, swept between the buildings she spoke of with his lips pressed thin.  Even the air felt wrong here.  The wood elf's presence adapted to natural weather, allowed them to blend in, but this mist didn't cause that sensation on his skin.

It wasn't until Sasyra spoke and started to move that he turned around.  His amber eyes fell on her momentarily and then moved to Adeline.

"I was going to stay in sight," he told the orc. "This place stinks of the unnatural and I can sense things the rest of you cannot.  If it makes you feel better, you can scout with me.  A second pair of eyes looking for the mundane would likely benefit the effort.

"The rest of you," he continued, glancing between the others. "Can watch us for trouble from several paces behind.  Just let us get close enough to the ruins to understand what's ahead of us."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:32, Sat 28 Jan 2023.

Tegan chuckled with amusement at Sasyra's eagerness to charge ahead. "What we are waiting for, I do believe, is to reach a consensus on how to proceed."

After both Adeline and Erdan had voiced their opinions, the Half-Elf said "My vote is to proceed as Erdan suggests."

Glancing over at Adeline, Tegan continued, "Granted, we could cover more ground if we were to split up. But the day is still relatively young, and there are only three buildings to explore. And given Erdan's concern about how quiet everything is just now -- as well as the abbey's general reputation -- I believe that we would be better served to not split our forces."

"And as for having a scout out in front of us, as Erdan suggests, that is a wise tactic in my opinion. While it is not without some danger, a stealthy and cautious scout should serve us well. It decreases the odds that we will be surprised by foes, whilst at least giving us the possibility of surprising them instead."

Adeline listened to the discussion and shrugged her compliance. "Good enough." she agreed with Tegan and Erdan."I don't see much use in sending someone forward such a short distance and I still think time's wasting, but I'd be happier knowing there was at least someone at my back if things went south and any warning is better than none...even if it is a pretty elven squeal! Hah!" she clapped Erdan on the shoulder in just about the same spot she'd thumped him the night before and snorted at her own humour.

"Come on then, Amakir, go ahead and show us what your sight sees that ours do...er...does...um soddit, don't." the iron-tongued half-breed stumbled over the slightly awkward phrasing but rallied when she was back on firmer linguistic ground. ...and I'll look out for everything else. I'll be a few paces back while you lot wait here and follow on before you lose sight of us round any corners. Agreed?"

Pausing and glancing behind her at the party still talking, Sasyra rolled her eyes. Didn't they understand someone could be hurt? This wasn't some sort of grand adventure, it was a rescue mission. She continued walking towards the ruins slowly, hoping they'd catch up.

"I do swear,", she muttered to herself. "I wish I'd never been gifted. No good has come of it for anyone. And now I do be entering the dead places of the world."  Her mind recalled the legend of the Wendigo, hungry spirits of the woodlands, and the Yasamanta, giant wolves that feasted on the hope of people, making them depressed and infertile.

Her bowstring tightened a little at the tales that she recalled. But her feet did not falter as she approached the larger section of the ruins.

"Several paces behind -- more or less -- it is, then," Tegan said, echoing Erdan's stated preference.

"Lead on, then," he added, nodding to the Wood Elf and Half-Orc in turn.

Erdan allowed himself a chuckle when Adeline gave his shoulder a smack.

As everyone else discussed the manner in which they'd enter the ruins, Erdan suddenly realized that Sasyra was missing.  He looked about for a moment until seeing her behind him, heading toward the largest building.  "Or we just march on," he said with a grin.

There was something to be said about the Fleck's ability to act while others debated, and normally he would've been right beside her, but his weariness of the ruins made him hesitate.  Internally, he chided himself for being so... bureaucratic.

Drawing the short sword from his belt, the wood elf turned on his heels and trotted after her.  As he came up beside Sasyra, he lifted his walking staff, holding it parallel to the ground to reduce the noise they made.

His amber eyes stayed alert as they drew closer together.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:11, Sun 29 Jan 2023.

As Erdan and Sasyra push their way through the undergrowth onto one of the paths, the rest of you in tow, you see faint signs of the old Abbeys inhabitants and the life they must have lead. Rusted pieces of farm equipment lie on the ground, their wooden handles long since rotted away. What could have happened here? The largest of the buildings looms over you as you approach, its dark, overgrown granite walls both decayed and imposing at the same time.
Remains of solid stone stairs run up along the brickwork though the floors they once connected too have long since perished. Looking around the age of the place soon becomes apparent. The mortar holding the walls together looks like it would crumbles at a touch, and it is clear that the surrounding forest has shielded this place from total collapse.

Not much remains but in the eastern corner you see evidence of an old scriptorium. Empty, cracked ink vials. Corroded book locks and quill nibs.

OOC: You can all take a Perception roll as you come up to the ruins.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:43, Sun 29 Jan 2023.

Sasyra paused, looking around the tomb of learning that the ruins seemed to be. She kept her bow ready, only stumbling over a low wall she hadn't quite seen.

OOC:
Sasyra rolled 8 using 1d20+3.  Perception.

~Why would the monks have left their farming tools in the fields to rot and rust away?~ Tegan wondered to himself as he nudged what appeared to be the badly rusted metal portion of an old plow, now half-buried in the soil, with the toe of his boot.

He was pretty sure that he had heard somewhere, some time, that people who lived in abbeys like this one were called monks. As to why that was, he had no idea. Tegan did not think that monks were trained in the ways of battle, and he found himself wondering if that had proved to be a problem for the people who had lived here -- a long time ago, it seemed.

~Seeing all this old equipment left to rust and rot makes me wonder if they were caught by surprise by raiders. I wonder who -- or what -- might have done such a thing? Given the way the buildings look, it would have happened a long time ago.~

It seemed to Tegan that the old buildings -- while not in very good shape by Human standards -- might be an attractive place for beasts or monsters to claim. Certainly, it would give them some shelter from the weather, and a handy place to set up a base camp.

The Half-Elf turned his attention to looking for tracks, or any other signs of recent habitation . . .

---

OOC:

15:31, Today: Tegan rolled 15 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 13.  Perception Check re: Abbey.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:28, Sun 29 Jan 2023.

The wood elf glided along side Sasyra, surveying every new inch that came within the range of his special sight.  Then he caught the vibrations beneath some rubble.

He touched the Fleck's arm with the back of his hand holding the sword.  "Hold on," he whispered. "I see something."

Erdan swallowed and unconsciously held his breath as he stepped away from Sasyra and toward a heap of debris.  He felt the hairs on his arms stand on end as he drew closer and sweat beaded on his brow (or maybe that was condensation from the mist).  It could be treasure or a trap or... worse, but he had to know.

He began by cautiously poking at the rubble with the end of his staff, knocking away an unrecognizable chunk of rusted iron.  If things remained still, he chose to move closer while sheathing his sword, crouched down and reached out to dig away whatever was concealing the object of interest.

16:34, Today: Erdan Amakiir rolled 9 using 1d20+3.  Perception. – 9
And we're back to losing favor with the dice gods.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:58, Mon 30 Jan 2023.

Adeline grunted her derision of Sasyra's disregard for the groups discussion, but held her tongue. ~If the girl wants to charge ahead and get herself in trouble, that's on her~ she kept the thought to herself. As the group proceeded toward the largest of the ruins, Adeline kept her eyes open. She wasn't interested in the history of the place and nor did the mystery of why a community would abandon their livelihood intrigue her. She was looking out only for tracks and danger; that was her job. Distracted by Erdan stopping in his tracks to look closer at something, Adeline lost focus and watched the Elf as he investigated.

00:49, Today: Adeline Ashburner rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  Perception.

As Erdan stops and kneels down, you all take a second to get a better look around at your surroundings. The ruins of the main building rises above you. The tallest ruin of the three, this seems to have been where the abbey's inhabitants lived and worked, when not outside. You see some ornamentation on some the stones, though wind and rain has erased most of the details and features of what was carved on them.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:22, Mon 30 Jan 2023.

Tegan's study of the grounds of the old abbey did not reveal any evidence of recent habitation -- no tracks, campfire sites, or primitive shelters. It was possible that some of the beasts of the forest were making use of the ruins and that the Half-Elf's woods-craft was simply not good enough for him to recognize their tracks, but there was nothing that he could do about that.

Erdan seemed to be occupied in a close examination of something, so Tegan reached out and tapped Adeline lightly on the shoulder and silently pointed towards something of interest that he *had* noticed.

There was  a pair of chains up against the inside wall of the building, hanging from some stone steps that were further up the wall. While showing a coating of rust, to Tegan's eye they looked to be newer than the ruins themselves.

A second glance at the washed-out images on the wall and carvings put Tegan in mind of something that he had heard, once upon a time. He decided to mention it to his companions, in case one of them was more familiar with what he was seeing than he was.

Not raising his voice above a whisper he said "I believe that I can see the likeness of the Verdant Hunter on that wall over there."

Mayhap that meant nothing. The carvings and images on the wall looked to be quite old, so it could be that whoever had made them was no longer here. But the more all of his companions knew, the better, the Half-Elf supposed.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:55, Mon 30 Jan 2023.

The elf produced a small metal box from the debris.  Stones and dirt cascaded off as he lifted it and ran his hand across the top revealing etchings of a language he didn't know.  Slender hands turned it over and caressed the surface for seams, latches or other textures.  His golden eyes narrowed as he gave the discovery a critical examination.

The breath he had been holding released in a slow stream that blew away the dusting that still clung to the metal.

Sasyra paused and glanced at Tegan, following his gaze. "The Verdant Hunter?" she asked aloud, searching for the image that he had spotted. There seemed to be something in the back of her mind she recalled about the deity...

OOC:
Sasyra rolled 18 using 1d20+2.  Religion, proficient.

As you look around the forests surrounding the ruins seem to creep closer, though you know that to merely a trick of the mind as the oppressive feeling of the silence of the clearing still continues to unnerve most of you.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:29, Tue 31 Jan 2023.

Adeline shrugged off the feeling of encroaching claustophobia; they were just trees like any other. They still had a soul to find and he wasn't in any box or on any murals. Still, the day was early yet and they could afford to linger a while. "The Green One?" she echoed after Sasyra overheard Tegan's whisper. The bounty hunter had no interest in the machinations of the gods and paid them little mind. "Don't see how that affects us, Sergeant." she said bluntly even as she wracked her mind for any tidbit of information she might have gathered in her years in the profession; maybe some former collegue or quarry had mentioned something that could be useful and brought to light.

Turning her attention to Erdan and the box he'd found, she padded gently toward the Elf to look over his shoulder. "What have you found now, Elf?" Her tone indicated she didn't expect anything significant, but she wasn't about to turn away from a potential source of information. "Let's hurry this up so we can get back to finding our man, eh?" She itched to scour the ground for tracks, but she appreciated that they needed to be thorough. "If you ain't getting any luck with yer magic eyes, let a pair of normal ones with some sense look." The burly half-orc held out a hand and glared her unspoken insistance that Erdan give the box over.

OOC:
15:23, Today: Adeline Ashburner rolled 22 using 1d20+2.  Investigation, The Mystery Box.

15:23, Today: Adeline Ashburner rolled 9 using 1d20.  Religion, The Verdant Hunter.

While Adeline waited and looked down at the box, there were still a few things that she could glean even from a distance.

Erdan considered Adeline for a moment, looking between her and the box before handing it over.  "I suspect it's protected by magic.  It could be magically locked or trapped.  Please be careful."

He watched for a moment, his muscles tense should he needed to dive away in case of a dangerous event.  He realized that allowing the orc to handle something potentially dangerous that she likely didn't understand did her a disservice, but he'd learn not to be stubborn with her.

Sasyra's and Adeline's obvious haste to move on may become tiresome for Erdan.  Sure, their main goal is to find the miner, but he'd been gone for days already and was likely not alive.  It was a cruel train of thought, but the elf had a more important promise to keep and that required him to turn over a few stones along the way.  If he had to trail behind, he would.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:24, Tue 31 Jan 2023.

"Perhaps, or perhaps not," Tegan replied with a shrug to Adeline's comment that "the Green One" would not affect them.

"But I felt better speaking up about what I had noticed and letting everyone decide for themselves."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:19, Tue 31 Jan 2023.

Sasyra confirmed at a glance the graven image, and at once pitched her bow to a more upright position, ready to fire immediately.  Cautiously, she began to move towards the image, talking as she did.

"We do be needing to have caution. The Hunter do be an old god, and dangerous. We - my family I do mean - used to make offerings to trespass through his woodland without being harried by his hounds."

Approaching the image, she sought any sign that offerings had been made to the Verdant Hunter in the hope they might tell her more.

Adeline took the box and despite what her erstwhile friend might think, she was as cautious with it as she would be any mage-wrought artefact, their creators or their ilk. She'd brought in enough petty wizards, hedge magicians and witches to know that caution is the better part of valour. She couldn't gag or bind the box against any of its mischief, like she would any of her spellcasting quarry, but she could handle it with care as she took a closer look. "Don't go fretting Erdan." she dismissed the Elf's concerns with a wave of her hand after resting her shield against her leg to hold the box with both hands. "I mightn't have no couth, but I ain't an idiot." Amakir's travels with the Half-orc to date confirmed her self-assessment; brash and antisocial she might be, but when it came to the crunch he knew she didn't like going off at half-draw and possessed a thief's paranoia when it came to the unknown.

Engrossed in her inspection of the box, she could only raise an eyebrow in sceptical disbelief at Sasyra's assertion that the old gods were anything to worry about. While she certainly didn't want to anger any gods, she wasn't about to go out of her way to placate them either. She'd always maintained a live-and-let-eternity attitude toward religion and it's deities and it had served her well until now. Until spectral dogs started gnawing at her greaves, she placed her attention firmly on the mysterious box, which had piqued her interest more than she'd care to admit. "Can anyone decipher this script? It's no tongue of man, elf or beast that I know." she put the question to the group as she mused over the boxes fine construction and curious lack of tarnish or patina after a presumably significant time buried.

Turning the box over, she listened and felt for the subtle shift of its contents as she looked for any sign of traps or locks. She appreciated Erdan's warning of potential magical influence, but was more wary of any mundane deterrents; those she could deal with. The other was out of her bailiwick and there was nothing she could do if magic was involved except stand well clear. Without trying the lid, she looked closely at the seam and joints, probing for any puzzle-box movement even as she searched for hidden holes, unexpected indentations or even discolouration of its silvery faces where wax or another material might conceal a key-hole or nasty surprise. "What have you got for me, little thing? Show me your secrets." she muttered to herself as she worked.

As more of you look around at the wall carvings you can all begin to make out the pictures of so called Verdant Hunter. Images of a large bearded man, with pointed ears, crowned with antlers or branches. Around his legs you notice faint images of large canine creatures lurking behind him.

Tegan kept his head on  swivel as he waited for Erdan and Adeline to complete their examination of the box that the Elf had found, and move on.

He could not deny that there was a sense of dread or foreboding that seemed to seep out of the stones of the old abbey, much as a cold morning mist seemed to rise up out of the very ground itself.

~Settle down, Tegan,~ he told himself. ~Don't let your nerves get the better of you. Until you actually glimpse something to worry about, cease your fretting. You remind me of a little lad who is afeared of monsters creeping around under his bed at night.~

Sasyra glanced around at her companions. "Has anyone any meat? We need to make an offering. We don't want to deal with the consequences for upsetting an Old God." The silence made her automatically assume that there would be no animals to hunt in the vicinity - and there was no way she was stepping foot into the woodlands to hunt without paying the price first.

After all, she knew the stories about the Fleck who hadn't followed the old ways.

Adeline looked up in frustration, staring daggers at Sasyra. Combined with her lack of progress with the box, the Fleck girls insistence that they participate in some ritual irritated her beyond reason. "We don't need to do anything of the sort. Keep your hokey religion and superstitions to yourself, girl. Keep your head down and your affairs your own; good advice for governments and gods alike, y'hear? Now keep it down unless ye've eyes for whatever damned language is on this box." She returned her attention to the box in question, her brow furrowing in combined concentration and consternation. "Any of you lot read dragon-tongue or dwarf runes maybe? I can't find no traps, but until I know what this says, I ain't opening it for all the gold in the Rat King's vaults. Here..." she offered the box back to Erdan "...you found it, you open it. Like I said, it's clean as far as I can tell. Unless it's been magicked, o'course." The bounty hunter shrugged and picked up her shield, turning her eyes and attention back to the matter at hand. She scanned the treeline around them before turning her eyes down and looking for tracks or other sign of man or beast passing through.

10:52, Today: Adeline Ashburner rolled 15,6 using 1d20+5,1d20+5 with rolls of 10,1.  Survival, look for tracks (adv. vs. human/elf)

As you look over that box Erdan and Adeline have been examining, you can all see the lettering on the top. Sasyra especially recognizes the script and tell tale runes. Draconic.

It cannot be seen, cannot be felt, Cannot be heard, cannot be smelt.
It lies behind stars and under hills, And empty holes it fills.
It comes first and follows after, Ends life, kills laughter.

Beautifully crafted the box doesn't seem to have any locks or anything to hold it closed, yet it remains tightly closed.

Walking around, Adeline doesn't immediately see anything on the ground. About to give up, she glances up at the surrounding ruins, and notices among the overgrown stones, a scuff where something had rubbed against the moss covered wall above their heads. As she saw one, there was another, and another. Something, or someone, had climbed across the walls, leaving faint marks where they had gripped the rock.

Sasrya turns to look at the orc, an eyebrow raised and spots the script. "I can read that," she says simply.  She steps closer... "There, it says it cannot be smelt, so its not orcs, is it..." Relaxing the string of her bow, she holds out a hand for the box.

"May I?"

Her outward calm was nothing to the little petty vengeances she was already devising for the poor Adeline. Some of which involved mashed root vegetables in her boots, or painting love hearts on the orc's armour.

Leon could be a patient man if required. As his teachers had often taught him, there was no use fretting about the passage of things beyond mortal control. When the sun rose and set. How long it took water to boil. That kind of thing. But things that were within his sphere of influence, well, that was another matter. He gripped the hilt of his sword anxiously, and waited for the others to return, or call the all clear.

The waiting was interminable.

To well mannered to actually grind his teeth, he instead simply tried to pick up any information that he could from where he stood.

OOC Mechanics
22:58, Today: Leon Renard rolled 4 using 1d20+2. Perception.

A withering look graced Adelines face at Sasyra's back-handed comment about orcs. "Very droll." Her voice was deadpan. "Well." Adelines tone became impatient again. "If you can read it, we're all ears."

Even as she was prompting Sasyra to read the riddle of the box, she looked closer at the scuffs and marks on the walls, pointing them out to Tegan and the others. Her voice low, she wondered aloud at what might make such tracks. "If there is something here, whatever it is, be wary of what's above us." she warned.

"Good eye," Tegan said with a nod of approval when Adeline pointed out the marks on the walls up above their heads.

"If we don't find our man down here at ground level -- or in some catacombs down below -- we should probably take a closer look up there at some point."

---

OOC: DM, are there some steps that allow easy access to the elevated portions of the walls? I remember that steps have been mentioned when describing the abbey, but I don't recall the location. Thanks.

As you look around you see, on the walls of the building, a series of broken stone steps that lead up. Fairly rough, and the steps might be a challenge to traverse, but it is definitely possible.
Glancing up there are a few wider stone ledges held against the corners of the ruin further up, but most of the floors are completely gone.

Sasyra reads aloud the draconic text and tilts her head, muttering.
"I'm sure i've read this somewhere before. I want to say 'an egg' but thats not right at all..."  She shrugs. "It can't be an egg, can it? Does anyone have an egg?"

OOC: Nat 1 on the INT roll >.<

The elf frowned as Sasyra read off the inscription.  He touched his index and middle finger to his bottom lip absently as he considered its words.

"It has to be a clue as to how to open the box, but I'm unfamiliar with the riddle."

He let out a burst of laughter before quickly stifling it as he remembered their surroundings. "I don't think the answer is an egg, bein lóth.  Let's pocket the thing for now and stay on task.  I doubt it'll be of imminent value and I'd feel safer if we had time to be cautious with it."

Erdan held his hand out to her.  "I'll take it back."

He then looked around, noticing they were short one.  "Where's Leon?" he asked the Fleck.

OOC: For those who speak Elvish, "bein lóth" is a term of endearment Erdan uses which literally translates to "pretty flower".
This message was last edited by the player at 08:12, Sat 04 Feb 2023.

As you all stand around you hear the faint clattering of stones falling, and as you look around you're able to discern, even through the sound twisting fog, that the noise seemed to have come from the more ornate ruin at the 'peak' of the semi circle of buildings inside the clearing. The first sound you've heard here, beyond the ones you made yourself.

"Well, hells," Tegan muttered, turning to stare in the direction that the sound had come from. "I can hear it, but I can't see it -- not in this fog."

"I will give anyone two to one odds that our man wasn't the one making that noise."

The Half-Elf checked the buckles on his shield to make certain that they were good and tight, and he took a good grip on the javelin that he held in his weapon-hand.

"Let's go and see who -- or what -- it is, though."

With that, he set off in the direction of the noise.

~It seems that we have lost any sense of formation or discipline. I need to catch up with Sasyra and take the lead myself. If there is trouble up there, I need to be leading the way.~

---

OOC:
21:12, Today: Tegan rolled 5 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 3.  Perception Check: Headed Towards the Noise.

Comments: How's anybody supposed to see anything in this thrice-damned fog? :)
This message was last edited by the player at 02:29, Mon 06 Feb 2023.

Erdan tensed when he heard the noise and turned his attention in the direction.  His eyes fell on Tegan as he started to move.

With a fluid motion, he snatched the box from Sasyra and reached over his shoulder to deposit it under the flap of his backpack.  "Sorry," he offered at his rude action.

The wood elf then drew his sword and followed his kinsman, crouching slightly, ready to spring into action.

16:10, Today: Erdan Amakiir rolled 15 using 1d20+3.  Perception. – 15
This message was last edited by the player at 21:10, Mon 06 Feb 2023.

As you appraoch the smaller of the more impressive of the ornate buildings, you can see the faded remains of impressive carvings and reliefs on what remains of the walls and pillars. The abbey's chapel, it looks like. Nearing the entrance you can see what must have been an impressive set of metallic double doors lying rusted and overgrown in the grass, as the building crumbled they must have broken off. You can still see some images of the Verdant Hunter underneath the verdigris and muck. A bearded face, eyes looking up the sky with a series of runic script that none of you recognize flowing around the faded images. The rest of the reliefs are too corroded to make out. Looking around, your hopes of finding Halric among the crumbled walls are soon dashed. Most of what might have remained inside the ruin looks to already have eroded beneath the elements, leaving only scraps and pieces. You are just about to turn your attention elsewhere when a glint catches your eye. Glancing to investigate you see a metal slab covered in dirt and grime. As you look closer you see some of the plants and debris surrounding it have been scraped or cleared away, as it the things had recently been moved. You see a slight gap underneath on one side, a dark hole in the ground. There must be something underneath.

Tegan spent a moment looking at the rusted remnants of the two double doors that had long been exposed to the elements. ~Wonder how they came to be ripped off and flung to the ground? It took something strong to do that. Or mayhap the stone where the metal was attached to the walls just crumbled away, over time. But it was quite a while ago, from the looks of things.~

There were more weathered Verdant Hunter images to be seen, and Tegan also found himself wondering about that. ~Mayhap some hunters or druids inhabited this place at some point after the original folk who lived here were gone. Once again, though, none of the images look to be new or fresh.

~No signs of Halric, though. At least we haven't found his body -- I suppose that's a good thing.~

The next thing to catch the Half-Elf's eye was the metal slab that looked to have recently attracted the attention of somebody or something, given that some the coating of dirt and debris that lay atop it had been scraped away.

Tegan bent over, his hands on his knees, and inspected it. "I've got a crowbar in my pack. I'll stick the end through this little opening, and see if I can lever up the slab."

"Don't know if it'll work 'til I try it, but it's better than sticking my fingers down there to grab the slab, I'm thinking," he said with a chuckle.

"Everyone 'ware, in case this ends up disturbing something's home, and they are wroth with us."

With that said, the paladin unbuckled his shield and laid it and the javelin that he carried lightly on the ground. Then he shrugged the pack off of his shoulders and opened it up, pulling forth a crowbar.

As he had explained, he stuck the end of the crowbar into the opening between the slab and the ground. With a grunt of effort, he attempted to lever the slab up . . .

---

OOC: 10:37, Today: Tegan rolled 12 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 9.  Str. Check to Lever up Slab.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:29, Tue 07 Feb 2023.

The wood elf stood by, allowing Tegan to make work of the hatch.  He glanced about the area, keeping an eye out for any trouble without.

His slender fingers white knuckled on his staff and sword.  The adventure was proving to be fruitful already, but the ominous atmosphere dampened his excitement for it.  His eyes fell on the Verdant Hunter and the ruins above his head.

Was he a god or a man fit for legend?  He admitted that he'd never heard of this being and yet Sasyra had some inkling and warned that he needed appeased.  Erdan hoped they weren't something else's offering to him.

Adeline wasn't the kind to stand aside when there was labour to be done. Following Tegan's lead, she doffed her shield and backpack. Wrapping her fingers around the same edge the sergeant had his crowbar under, she braced her legs and added her considerable weight and strength to the effort.

OOC:
19:26, Today: Adeline Ashburner rolled 22 using 1d20+7.  Strength (Athletics), lift slab.

NB: 18 if Strength only.

At first the slab resists your efforts, but as Tegan and Adeline work together heaving and pushing, it finally begins to slide across the ground. After a couple of minutes hard work, you push the metal out of the way, and look down. The first thing that hits you is the smell. Musty, stale air, filled with the stench of heavy earth, decay and stagnant water. As your eyes adjust you see a broken stone stairway that leads down, it's walls covered in moss, algae or mold. It looks to descend into a cramped, short tunnel, only a few feet long, at the end of which you see a barred door.
Rusted and covered in verdigris, the door looks old, yet still somewhat sturdy. At its bottom right corner however, the metal bars are wrenched and bent outward, as if something pushed it's way out On the ground next to the hole, you see blood stains smeared across the ground and stone as if something, or someone, had been dragged or pulled under it into the darkness beyond.

"Well that isn't ominous and disturbing at all." Adeline muttered sarcastically, looking at the bloodstains leading into the dark pit. She pointed toward the ragged hole in the door and turned to Sasyra. "Reckon that there's your egg, missy. A bit of darkness is good for the soul, so they say, and it's the answer to yon boxes riddle if'n ye're asking me." The bounty hunter shrugged off the thought for later and re-slung her pack while they decided how to proceed.

"I'll volunteer to crawl through if no-one else wants the job. It's that or we tear this door off its hinges. Hahaugh!" Adeline flexed as she laughed at the thought, the plates of her armour clinking softly. Shifting the slab had begun getting her adrenaline up and she appreciated the rush with a toothy grin. Erdan had seen her like this before and knew she'd start pushing for action without reprive if she wasn't held back.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:15, Wed 08 Feb 2023.

"Well, since you were the first to volunteer, I shan't step in to deprive you of the honor of being the first one into the breach, " Tegan replied to Adeline.

If someone else had said such a thing, they might well be suspected of sarcasm. But in this instance, it seemed as if the paladin meant precisely what he was saying.

"As soon as you have cleared the breach, I shall be right behind you," the Half-Elf added.

"Unless, of course, something gobbles you up as soon as you stick your head in . . . in which case, be sure to give a yell," he suggested cheerfully.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:40, Wed 08 Feb 2023.

Sasyra glanced guiltily at the hole and then looked at Adeline. "It doesn't look safe - You couldn't fight back if anything came for you." The orc lady was frustratingly annoying and rude, but Sasyra didn't want her hurt - or in danger. But Tegan's words robbed her of the moment - after the half-elf supported her action, Sasyra felt like she couldn't argue.

Instead, she pulled the battered lamp from the inn out and began trying to light it. "At least lets make sure you can see..." she muttered.

Adeline quickly reacted to Sasyra's genuinely helpful lamp-lighting, waving her hand in a shoo-ing motion. "Quit that. Are you trying to get me killed, girl?. I see well enough without announcing my presence. I'll be fine." The half-orc hefted her shield and nodded at the battered, but sturdy, armament. "She always goes first." Her voice had a hint of pride which turned swiftly to her more customary irritation. "You can light that thing when I give the all clear. Gottit?"

Adeline held Sasyra's gaze just long enough to confirm her understanding, before bending at the knee to look through the dark opening.

OOC:
23:49, Today: Adeline Ashburner rolled 25 using 1d20+5.  Perception.
Using Darkvision out to 60ft.

Erdan remained silent and still as they made short work of the slab and discussed Adeline's descent.

He raised a brow when the orc provided the answer the the riddle - the one he couldn't answer. Darkness...  Sometimes the thought that bounty hunter just liked to surprise him in the most dramatic ways.  The elf's expression turned to concern as his friend started getting pumped up for action.  He only hoped that wouldn't lead to recklessness.

When she denied Sasyra's offer to provide light, he nudged the Fleck gently and then tapped his temple with his staff.  "Orcs and elves see better in the dark than humans," he informed her quietly.  His smile was meant to soften the slight between them.

As Adeline kneeled down and looked through the broken bars, she could see the tunnel continue for around thirty feet before opening up into some sort of a larger, rough hewn room. While she could not make out the opposite wall, she could see a life sized stone statue of a tall, horned man, standing on a plinth about ten feet inside the room.
He seemed, from this distance, to be scuplted as if he was reaching out towards her with one hand, while holding a broken spear in the other.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:18, Thu 09 Feb 2023.

Adeline took a deep, calming breath before getting on her knees and, shield first, crawled through the gap. She got to her feet on the other side, maintaining her shield stance as high as possible whilst keeping a close eye on the corridor ahead. Once upright, she loosed the whip at her belt, its slick, snake-like length falling sinuously to the ground. She twitched the grip, sending the tip snaking forward and back as she started carefully edging forward down the corridor, her senses screaming at the darkness to reveal its secrets.

OOC:
23:03, Today: Adeline Ashburner rolled 6 using 2d20+5, dropping the highest dice only.  Perception w. disadvantage (dim light).

23:03, Today: Adeline Ashburner rolled 16 using 2d20+4, dropping the highest dice only.  Stealth w. disadvantage (armour).

As the holy RNG gives, so it takes away...

As Adeline approaches she see the tunnel looks to open up into a large natural cavern. Rough walls and ceiling, about thirty feet up, over a level stone floor. With no light thus far, it becomes darker and darker, and without darkvision anyone else would find themselves in the pitch dark.

Ahead there statue of the muscled, horned man, with a fiece but noble visage, becomes clearer. Beautifully carved or scuplted, it stands about a foot taller than Adeline. Clad only in a loincloth the statue has one hand extended towards you, palm up, while in the other you see him holdin the top half remains of what looks like a spear of some sort. Behind him you see the rest of the stone weapon lying on the ground, snapped off.

~I don't hear any shouting. Or any sounds of weapon-play on the other side of the door. I suppose that is a good thing,~ Tegan thought to himself.

"Adeline," he called out quietly.

"Do you see a bar or a latch -- some way to open the door from that side?"

~I can crawl through that hole if I have to. But it seems silly, if there is a way to open the door from the inside.~

Stopping briefly to stare in mixed admiration of the craftsmanship and disdain at the waste of time and effort of such an elaborate devotional piece, Adeline sneered and turned her back on the statue, toward the sound of Tegan's voice. She headed back toward the door to get a better look at her side of the door. She checked the door itself for latches or the like, as well as the walls either side in case there was a lever or pulley.

"All quiet this side." she murmered, just loud enough to carry through the door. "Give me a minute. Just checking for a latch."

Sasyra stepped away from the door, using the available daylight to help her light the lantern - less in preparation and more for something productive to do. She wasn't really paying much attention to what she was doing though, keeping an ear out for any sign of commotion.
"If they are in danger, I can't not do my best to save them," she said to herself. "They'd do it for me, I think."

Once lit, the Fleck put away her bow and drew her dagger. The bow wouldn't be much use in the confines of the tunnels. She'd be as likely to shoot Adeline in the back as anything else in the face in the claustrophobic underworld.

There is a latch, a simple metal handle on top of the door, though it seems corroded and covered in rust. It looks like there had been one on the borrtom as well, but it has been destroyed by whatever made the hole.

OOC:
A Strength check or a Thieves tool(Dexterity) check to open it. DC 15.

Spotting the latch, Adeline gripped in firmly and prepared to wrench it free, but then stopped herself, considering the consequences of using brute strength. Putting her weapons aside for a moment, she fumbled in her pack for a touch of armour oil which she applied to the lock and hinges before producing a file and a tiny prybar. She set to work removing rust and working at the aged metal until with a sharp, metallic pop, it came free. Carefully hauling on the door, aware of the bent bars scraping against the door frame, she opened the portal for the others.

The half-orc nodded at the assembled crew and bent to retrieve her armaments. "You might want that lamp now, missy." she said before turning her back and walking back into the gloom toward the statue to take a closer look.

:36, Today: Adeline Ashburner rolled 15 using 1d20+4.  Thieves Tools (open latch).

"Well done, Adeline," Tegan said with a nod as he entered the chamber. He walked over to join the Half-Orc in examining the life-sized statue.

"The Verdant Hunter again," he said. "It seems as if there is imagery of one kind or another depicting him, everywhere we look."

"Excellent craftsmanship," the Half-Elf observed after a moment. "Better than I would have expected from deep forest dwellers."

The door screeches a bit as Adeline forces the rusted hinges to turn, but eventually it opens enough for you all to pass through with no issue.
As you go forward you see the room where the statue sits is indeed a natural cavern, and by the looks of it, it had to be directly beneath the building ruins above. Some of the walls seem to have been worked a bit, to widen the space but it still retains a cavernous feel. Looking around there are two tunnels leading out of the room to the left and right, one on each side.

"You'd be surprised what forest dwellers can do, kinsman." Erdan commented as he followed Tegan in. "Just because there are no streets and sewers, doesn't mean there aren't tools and art."

His amber eyes admired the statue's physique, allowing his magic sight to perceive any auras upon it.  Are you a god, he wondered. Perhaps fey or the charismatic leader of an ancient cult who embellished your prowess?

The way Sasyra talked of him, he was likely believed to be a god in her eyes.

"Hunters need prey," he said absently as he approached the figure. "Blood comes from a kill... Our query is surely dead and we are likely the next to catch his eyes.  Shame we didn't bring an offering like Sasyra suggested."  It was hard to tell if he was talking to his companions or just thinking out loud.

Sasyra holds the torch forth and follows Adeline, Erdan and Tegan down, the yellow glow of the lamp signaling her approach to her cat-eyed allies. The sickly light made the Verdant Hunter's face seem strange, casting deep shadows in the carved lines.

Looking at the statue, Sasyra began examining the base for any inscription. She wondered if, perhaps, she might be able to find some clue as to why the Hunter would be worshiped by those who hid him underground...

Looking around the cavern room, you don't see anything notable beyond the two tunnels that lead out, and the stairway behind you.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:00, Mon 13 Feb 2023.

"There is an inscription here..." she says quietly, using the lantern to read it aloud.

'When the Hunter beckons, the hounds will answer, and the Hunt is called."

The words make her snap her eyes to the upturned palm of the statue, holding the lantern close, lookin for a seam or join in the stone. "I wonder if the hand can be made to beckon - If so, we could perhaps lure whatever is down here into an ambush."

"Hrungh." Adeline grunted. "His spear's broke. Maybe he just needs fixing." Without waiting for recommendations, she bent to pick up the broken haft and looked closer, turning it in her hand to see if the broken end would match that which remainined attached to the statue. She hesitated to offer the stone haft up to the break; whilst she herself believed in none of the superstitions that Sasyra had been bandying around, she yet appreciated that magic traps went well beyond her expertise.

Looking at the spear, Adeline examined the break and the stone it was made from, but nothing seems strange about it. The break is jagged, and looks natural enough, other than the fact that is was broken in the first place.

OOC:
00:47, Today: GM, on behalf of Adeline Ashburner, rolled 15 using 1d20+3.  perception.

As Sasyra and Adeline examined the well-crafted statue, Tegan turned his attention to the floor, searching for the blood trail that he had first noticed near the bottom-right corner of the entrance door.

Having not seen a body, he assumed that whoever or whatever had been dragged -- or had crawled -- through the low opening between the door-bars had most likely gone into the left-hand or right-hand tunnel that he could see leading off of this chamber.

But which one?

---

OOC:
21:14, Today: Tegan rolled 11 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 9.  Perception Check re: Blood Trail.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:38, Tue 14 Feb 2023.

"It's just a statue," Erdan announced. "I doubt its more than an idol, but it does beg the question of who placed it here. This doesn't seem like it was part of the abbey."

He stepped back to allow Adeline and Sasyra to do whatever they were attempting to do and glanced at Tegan. The elf was about to do the same and with the torch light, searching for the trail may be easier even if his darkvision was good enough without.

Erdan also examined the surrounding for signs of the road most traveled, searching for blood or a worn path grooved by repeated traffic.

00:02, Today: Erdan Amakiir rolled 22 using 1d20+3.  Survival Tracking. – 22

As you both look around, Tegan looking for more blood and Erdan for tracks, you have mixed succes. There is no immediately visible blood, but the left tunnel does show sign of use. Small humanoid foorsteps, as well as a faint trail of animal tracks. Canine in nature, they are massive, each one easily the size of your own footprints.

Watching Adeline fiddle with the butt of the spear, Sasyra touches the bare stone and whispers an incantation softly. "Blessed stone, hale of heart, where once was whole, ne'er break apart."

OOC: Using the Mending Cantrip on the statue to heal the break with the spear - and not just to mess with Adeline (though its a good bonus!)

"The Hunter won't be pleased we're trespassing here. Let's not compound his fury by the disrespecting him."  She patted the statue kindly, addressing it directly.
"Hunter, as an offering, I do be making whole your shaft. Grant us safe passage..." She wasn't expecting an answer from it. And she really wished she'd listened more as a child, offering to the god as the caravans had passed through the darker forests.

Just as she was wondering if anyone had just such magic as Sasyra began weaving, Adeline shrugged and held the broken off haft up to the jagged break, turning it so the pieces married up nicely. "Ain't no disrespect in taking a look, same as leaving well alone, so no need for no fury. I do like to see a thing made whole though." Adeline mused.

Adeline turned to Erdan and Tegan to see what they'd discovered. "Seems to me the left tunnel's been used, but that don't mean much if the one using it can fly or crawl up them walls." To emphasise he point, she made a show of slowly lifting her gaze, craning her neck to check the ceiling and walls for any signs like the ones she'd seen in the ruins above.

As Sasyra speaks the incantation the stone spear haft turns semi liquid, the broken ends flowing together until the break disappears, and it is whole again. A minor act of respect and veneration of the Hunter, hopefully heard by the ancient deity.

As Adeline looks up, she can see a few similar markings across the ceiling, scuffed scratches on the rough stone and minor stalactites.

"I suppose that'll have to do," Erdan commented as Sasyra made her offering. "Let's hope it's enough to grant us some favor.

"Whether the creatures here walk on the ceiling or the floor, our only clue seems to be to the left. Let's move on before we petrify from time."

He was first through the left passage, keeping his elven eyes and ears open.

20:08, Today: Erdan Amakiir rolled 18 using 1d20+3.  Perception. – 18

Tegan was unsure of what signs or tracks Erdan had spotted, for the Half-Elf was unsuccessful in his own efforts to spot a blood-trail inside the chamber. But the Wood Elf seemed certain that the left-hand opening was the one to investigate, and that was good enough for Tegan.

He fell in behind Erdan, placing his javelin in its oversized leather quiver, and drawing his longsword. The blade was better for close-in work, and it seemed to the paladin that was more likely than ranged combat, given the fact that the group was moving into the close confines of a tunnel.

---

OOC: 20:57, Today: Tegan rolled 5 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 3.  Perception Check: Into the Tunnel.

Comments: Sheesh. It's a good thing that Erdan took the lead in going into the tunnel. :)

As you venture down the ten foot wide, dark left tunnel the signs of something moving through here soon become more evident, a set large canine tracks, as well as a smaller boot prints. They look to lead both to and from the statue cavern. You also see more blood smears along the floor. The tunnel itself looks carved from the surround rock by humanoid hands. Roughly hewn, it twists and turns, seemingly following a seam of softer stone. As you come around a slight bend, you notice on the floor in front of you, what looks to be a chunk of fur covered meat. From this distance it looks like a leg from a deer, or a goat perhaps. Though mostly intact, it has been torn or at least crudely hacked away from the rest of the rest of the animal, of which there is no sign. Ahead of you the tunnel winds on, but you can hear a slight echo ahead. The tunnel must widen up further along, though into what you still can’t see.

"I think that I just heard something up ahead," Tegan whispered. "I believe that we are getting close."

Turning to the Half-Orc and Wood Elf, he said "In my opinion, this would be a good time for you, Adeline, and you, Erdan, to act as scouts once again."

"Sasyra and I should hang back a ways, lest the light from her lantern or my noisy armor alert whoever -- or whatever -- is down here of our approach."

"Come back and report if you can. If we hear the sounds of battle, we shall come up to support you, on the double."

The Half-Elf glanced around at his companions. "How does that sound to everyone?"

"Good call." Adeline agreed with Tegan, her voice low as she thought the same herself. "Erdan. Do you want to take the lead or shall I go ahead? You've a softer step than me, so if I make a racket, I'll create a distraction. Either way you can get into a good position unseen. Hopefully."

The wood elf stopped when Tegan addressed the party.  He nodded to Adeline, keeping tight grips on his sword and staff. "I'll be on first," he conceded.  He was already leading, so might as well keep to it.  He ignored the haunch on the ground.  Just another sign of the predator he was expecting to encounter.

Erdan crouched a bit, softening his step as best he could and crept along, keeping to the right wall when/if the tunnel widened.  Still keeping his senses open to magic, his gaze swept high and low.  His ears shifted back when he paused to listen every few paces.

He thought he saw something out of the corner of his eye and when he jerked his head suddenly in that direction, he banged his sword against the stone with an unfortunately clear clank.

12:25, Today: Erdan Amakiir rolled 4 using 1d20+3.  Perception. – 4
12:25, Today: Erdan Amakiir rolled 6 using 1d20+3.  Stealth. – 6

Well RIP

As you creep forward, the clanging of Erdan's sword rang down the tunnel. Though it wasn't  loud, the surrounding silence only emphasized it, and caused you all to hesitate. Continuing onward, you all pass the bloody chunk of meat on the floor. Up close you see bite and claw marks across it, some seem larger than what a normal wolf could make. The blood stains continued along the floor, but before you enter any upcoming cavern, you hear a faint whistling noise and you see a metallic glint fly out of the darkness towards Erdan. A sharp pain, as the warlock looks down to see a dagger sticking out of his stomach, a slight dark energy playing along the razor's edge, before he sinks to the ground. Ahead you hear a harsh whisper and light footsteps approaching.

OOC:
22:33, Today: GM rolled 21 using 1d20+5.  attack.
22:38, Today: GM rolled 5,8 using d4+3,2d6. damage. So that's 13 total.
Ouch sorry Erdan....

Everyone roll initiative.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:45, Fri 17 Feb 2023.

OOC: As requested:

16:47, Today: Tegan rolled 13 using 1d20 with rolls of 13.  Initiative (Tunnel Fight).

Erdan's eyes widen as the amber color of his irises faded to the normal brown.  His sword and staff clattered to the ground as he dropped them to grip the hilt of the dagger in a failed attempt to pull it out.  The wood elf dropped to his knees and then fell half sideways, still holding the implement of his pending doom.

OOC: Double RIP

I assume I'm not rolling initiative, and just to keep things rolling, here is my first Death Save roll for this turn:

17:57, Today: Erdan Amakiir rolled 12 using 1d20.  Death Save (DC 10). – 12

Successes: 1/3
Fails: 0/3

Sasyra, conscious that her light source might tip off anyone in the cavern, remained at the back and shielded the light as best she could so that there was just enough light to see by.  She never saw the knife fly out and hit Erdan, but she heard the impact and smelled the blood.

OOC:
00:05, Today: Sasyra rolled 9 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.

Only a few paces behind Erdan and with her hunter's paranoia making her ready for an ambush, Adeline was barely taken off guard when the knife flew out of the darkness and hit her friend. She cursed herself under her breath for not insisting on taking point. Almost instantly her shield was raised, the whip in her hand snaking back and forth with greater agitation as her muscles tensed in preparation to leap forward and protect her friend from further duress. An animal growl escaped her lips as she strained her eyes to see who, or what, threatened their little expedition.

00:58, Today: Adeline Ashburner rolled 22 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.

The footsteps quicken, and out of the shadows you see a small humanoid figure moving towards you, another jagged dagger clutched in its cloth wrapped hand. Covered almost entirely by a dark, hooded cloak, the creature hisses aggressively as it rushes forward.



OOC:
18:18, Today: GM rolled 10 using 1d20+3.  initative.
18:19, Today: GM, on behalf of Leon Renard, rolled 12 using 1d20.  initative.

So the initiative order is:
 - Adeline
 - Tegan
 - Leon
 - 'the thing'
 - Sasyra
 - Erdan
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:16, Sun 19 Feb 2023.

The animal growl on her lips turned into a predatory roar as Adeline leaped forward, leaving the care and defence of Erdan to the others. Her shield high, her long legs covered the distance down the crude corridor. Even as it appeared she wouldn't reach the diminutive creature, her leather bullwhip snaked out from behind the shield, unseen until the last moment, it's long reach making up the remaining distance. Perhaps it was her haste, perhaps her rising anger, but either way her aim went awry.

OOC:
Move: Directly toward the creature.
Attack: Whip,melee vs. creature
19:36, Today: Adeline Ashburner rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  Attack (Whip).

Tegan did not have a good view of what happened in front of him, but suddenly Erdan dropped his sword and staff, and crumpled to the floor of the tunnel. Quick as a flash, Adeline rushed forward to engage the small figure that had emerged out of the darkness, hissing aggressively.

Tegan's first impulse was to rush forward to aid Adeline, then he noticed that Erdan was not getting up. Instead, the Wood Elf was stretched out on the floor, and looked to be either unconscious or dead.

Hoping for unconscious, Tegan quickly sheathed his sword and called out to Leon and Sasyra, "Aid Adeline. I'll get Erdan healed up."

~Hopefully.~

The ex-Stormcrow realized that he might not need to give any guidance to Leon and Sasyra, but you never could tell with civilians -- at least not until you had fought with them enough to know how they would react to the stress and uncertainty of battle.

Tegan sidled up against the side of the tunnel, to give Sasyra and Leon as much room to pass by as he could. Kneeling down beside Erdan, he touched the Wood Elf's shoulder with his gauntleted hand. A flash of pure white light erupted under the gauntlet, and seemed to flicker  over Erdan's prone body, much in the manner of lightning flashing across a rainy sky.

---

OOC:

Free Actions: Sheathe longsword, speak.

Move: Tegan will press up against the wall of the tunnel so as to give Sasyra and Leon as much room as he can to move by him, and will kneel down beside Erdan.

Action: Tegan has a Laying on Hands Hit Point Pool of 10 Hit Points. He will expend up to the 10 Points that are available to get Erdan as close to his maximum Hit Points as possible.

Behind most the group, Leon drew his longsword and moved forward, towards the fight. Running up beside Adeline, he brandished his shield and readied his sword to strike the creature should it move within range.

OOC:
Free action: Draw sword.
Move: Move up beside Adeline
Action: Ready

Seeing Adeline and Leon forming a makeshift shield wall, the creature hesitated for half a second before rushing forward silently towards Adeline. As it ran at the group, the ragged hood slid back a bit revealing a wide mouth filled with needlelike teeth, a long drooping nose and a pair of pale glowing eyes.

Raising its dagger to strike at Adeline, Leons sword whipped out, catching the creature in the chest, scoring a long bloody gash along its ribs.

Letting out a screech of pain as it was hit, the slash the creature had been meant for Adeline went wide, hitting nothing but air.

OOC:
Creature
Move: Move up to Adeline and Leon
Action: Attack Adeline

12:28, Today: GM, on behalf of Leon Renard, rolled 16 using 1d20+5.  attack.
12:30, Today: GM, on behalf of Leon Renard, rolled 7 using 1d8+5.  damage.
12:37, Today: GM rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  attack.
This message was last updated by the GM at 11:42, Sun 19 Feb 2023.

Sasyra watched as everyone else reacted, leaving her alone with her lantern at the back of the cavern tunnel. She glanced behind her, a cursory glance to check nothing was sneaking up behind before moving close to Tegan.

"Will he live?" she whispered. Of all of them, Erdan was the closest thing she had to a friend in the band. But as soon as she asked the question, she knew the answer. <red>"Good. Good."  She flipped the dagger in her hand, now no longer holding it like a melee weapon but readying it to throw at the earliest opportunity.

OOC:
Free: (I'm hoping it's free!)  Put down the lantern safely
Move: To Erdan and Tegan, as there is no width for her to enter the fray in the corridor.
Action: Ready Action: If the beast becomes visible to her, throw her dagger at it. If the creature is kind of visible, then the ready action trigger is when it is in less cover by the bodies of her allies.

The dagger slipped away from Erdan's gut and fell to the ground.  His eyes fluttered open as Tegan's light washed over him.  It took a moment to get his bearings.  When his eyes fell on the humanoid creature attackinig Adeline, he simply reacted.

The wood elf picked up his staff and, propping himself up on one elbow, held it above his head, incanting a spell.  The staff glowed a faint green and silently burst out ethereal leaves that swepted toward the engaged group as if directed on the wind.  It floated in a stream behind the attacker and then spread out into an spherical shape.  The leaves seeped into the bodies of anyone caught in the spells wake.

OOC: Casting Sleep.  Not sure if there's room behind the creature to center the spell in a way that does not encompass Adeline & Leon, but I'll risk it.

15:04, Today: Erdan Amakiir rolled 30 using 5d8.  Sleep HP affected. – 30
This message was last edited by the player at 01:51, Mon 20 Feb 2023.

As Erdan released the spell the creature, ready to raise its dagger for another attack, stopped dead in its tracks. Blinking a few times, as if trying to shake off the effect, it finally collapsed to the floor as the sleep enchantment took effect. Unfortunately in his haste to end the battle Erdan miscalculated the range of the spell, and as the creature fell to the ground, so did Adeline. Seeing the opening, Sasyra who had been waiting for an opening, threw her dagger, but to no avail as the attack went wide.

OOC:
From where Erdan is, it would be dificult to see a place to center the spell without hitting Leon and Adeline, but not impossible. It'll be an Arcana check, DC 10, to do so.

13:04, Today: GM, on behalf of Erdan Amakiir, rolled 7 using 1d20+4.  arcana.
 Wow, even by proxy...

13:57, Today: Sasyra rolled 20 3 using 2d20+2 with rolls of 1,17.  Flying dagger.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:28, Mon 20 Feb 2023.

Erdan cringed as Adeline fell and Sasyra wildly threw her dagger.

"Stop!" the wood elf hissed as he reached out for his sword before getting to his feet. "They're just asleep.  Tie that thing up - carefully. Hopefully we can get some answers."

Adeline was just maneuvering for a second blow of her whip when the magic took ahold of her and sent her flopping to the ground, the tension of battle immediately releasing as she drifted to the land of nod with a gentle crash of shield and armour. She snored. Loudly.

"Hunh," Tegan grunted, his voice low. "Asleep, you say?" he replied to Erdan.

"That's good to know."

"Well, we don't want Adeline's snores to wake up our foe." he observed.

Whether or not he was jesting, the Half-Elf quietly moved over next to the sleeping Half-Orc and nudged her gently in the ribs with the toe of his boot. "Wakey, wakey, Sleepyhead," he said with a chuckle.

~If she startles awake and comes up swinging, I need to be able to jump back out of the way,~ he mused.

---

OOC: It occurred to me that Tegan *would* wake up Adeline first (before dealing with Mr. Bad Nasty), just in case the subdual efforts did not go well -- in which case, the more party members who are ready to fight, the better. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 17:23, Mon 20 Feb 2023.

"Wstfghul." Adeline snorted in her sleep at Tegan's toe-nudging. "Huh? What?" As sleep left her and she blearily came back to her senses, Adeline suddenly realised where she was and what had happened. Her face turned stormy for a moment at being subjected to the magical slumber, but when she looked over, saw the sleeping creature and put it all together in her head her expression changed from anger to her normal dour professionalism. Rolling to her feet, collecting her weapons as she did, the half-orc coiled her whip and slung it at her belt before looking at the others. "I don't care for being caught unawares like that, but I can't argue with the results." she shrugged, her voice low to avoid waking the creature. "I assume the magic don't last long. Best to bind that thing 'fore it wears off, I reckon. Be ready to catch him if he wakes before I get these bindings on." So saying, she took the manacles from her belt, produced a ring of keys from the thong around her neck and set to carefully putting the creature in irons, moving gently to avoid waking it. Unfortunately, she was more used to rough-handling her captives rather than treating them with kid-gloves.

OOC:
19:46, Today: Adeline Ashburner rolled 3 using 1d20+2.  Sleight of Hand.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:51, Tue 21 Feb 2023.

Even as Adeline tried to tie up the small creature as gingerly as possible, feeling the cold metal of manacles caused the thing's eyes to snap open, "Yen'lieth ar faeyen!". With its dagger lying on the ground, the creature lunged forward at the half orcs throat, its needle toothed mouth wide open, as it tried to grab her and tear a chunk out of her. Fortunately for Adeline the creature's confusion and haste caused the attack to miss, its jaws snapping shut inches from her neck.

OOC:
22:04, Today: GM, for the NPC the creature, rolled 13 using 1d20-1.  unarmed attack.

We are back in initiative. New round, Adeline is up.



This message was last edited by the GM at 21:19, Tue 21 Feb 2023.

Jerking instinctively back from the creatures snapping maw and cursing herself for her clumsy attempt to bind it while asleep, Adeline let her combat instincts take hold. Snatching her sword from it's scabbard, she thrust at its gut, trying to catch it off-guard before it came fully to its senses. "Back, cur!" she growled at it in response to whatever vile language it spat at her as it attacked.

OOC:
Free (as part of attack): Draw Short Sword
Attack: Short Sword vs. Creature (Sneak Attack for adjacent ally (Tegan))

22:35, Today: Adeline Ashburner rolled 16,14 using 1D20+5,2D6+3.  Attack (shortsword), Damage (inc. Sneak Attack).

"Bloody hells!" Tegan exclaimed as the situation spiraled out of control in the blink of an eye. Their foe -- whatever manner of vile creature it was -- jerked awake when Adeline started to bind it with shackles and lunged at her, seemingly trying to sink its fangs into her throat.

Adeline reacted more quickly than Tegan, and used her blade to good effect. The Half-Elf wrenched his own sword free from its scabbard, but his blade-work was hurried . . .

---

OOC:

Free Actions: Speak, draw longsword.

Action: 17:53, Today: Tegan rolled 12 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 7.  Melee Attack (Longsword).

17:56, Today: Tegan rolled 12 using 1d8+5 with rolls of 7.  Damage (Longsword, Dueling Fighting Style): If Applicable.

Comments: I went ahead and rolled Damage, even though it may well not be applicable. I suppose that a 12 *might* hit, if our foe is not wearing armor and is not particularly dodgy. :)
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 23:10, Tue 21 Feb 2023.

The creature came to an abrupt stop as Adeline drove her sword through its chest, staring down at the weapon for a second, before gurgling up a mouthful of dark, almost completely black, blood.  Looking back up, it tried to hiss at you through stained teeth, “Yen’lieth a…”, but slumped to the floor with a rattling sigh. As it hit the floor it suddenly flashed with an unbearable blindingly bright light. Looking back down at the floor you don’t see a body, but instead a thin layer of ash covered the ground where it had fallen. Also the flash fades, you hear a distant screeching howl echoing from the tunnel ahead of you. Not close, but something had definitely become aware of your presence by the sudden burst of light.

OOC:
Well that was quick :)

Everyone except Sasyra, please take a Con saving throw, DC 10. If failed you are temporarily blinded for one round, so six seconds since we are not currently in combat.

We are now out of combat, again.

You all recieve 25 xp.

Adeline snarled her contempt as the strange creature died on her blade. "Pathetic." she uttered before it slid off her weapon and she flicked the blood from her blade. She covered her eyes as the thing burst into a flash of light, but even so she still saw spots as her vision was forced to readjust. The howl from ahead brought her quickly back to task and she hurried to scoop up her shield and manacles from where they lay, after sheathing her sword. "Seems we've more company and they don't sound happy." she stated the obvious bluntly. The half-orc blessed Erdan with a stern gaze "And none of your witchery to the back of my skull this time, sharp-ear." She spat on the ground and turned her back on her traveling companion, her anger clear to see by her expression. Erdan well knew that her ire with him would expire in time, as much as he knew how much she loathed those things she didn't fully understand.

00:20, Today: Adeline Ashburner rolled 11 using 1d20+2.  Con vs. Blindness.

Sasyra had paused, turned and walked to pick back up the lamp before stalking forward on tip-toes to pick up her dagger when the fracas had broken out. The press of bodies between her and the creature had protected her from the flash of bright light. She paused, thinking.

"It mentioned the hunt. I do be thinking - I don't be an expert mind - but I do be thinking that this is some underworld version of the Hunter's cult. Who did be hearing such things? Not I of course, but maybe... Could that be a thing?" She stepped forward, glancing at her allies, making sure any that were blinded didn't wander into rocky outcrops, pushing her way forward and hunting for her knife amid the ash of the dead creature.

"I think we're in for a fight soon," she muttered, nodding further down the tunnel.

Guided by some instinct that he did not fully understand, Tegan raised his shield in front of his eyes just as the creature that they had been fighting disappeared in  searingly-bright flash of light. It lasted but an instant, and when the Half-Elf looked again, there was nothing left of their foe but a pile of ashes.

Tegan knew . . . well, he had seen it in a dream . . . that, when landing a successful attack with his sword, he could call upon his Patron's power to unleash a powerful burst of radiant light to harm his foes. He found himself wondering if Adeline had the same sort of ability.

He walked over and stirred the ash with the toe of his boot, then turned and glanced back at the Half-Orc. "Damn," he said quietly.

"Did you do this?" he asked, stirring the ashes again with his boot.

---

OOC:
20:19, Today: Tegan rolled 20 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 18.  Con Save v. Blindness (DC 10). Success.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:44, Wed 22 Feb 2023.

Adeline was turning to look at Sasyra, her brow furrowed at something she'd said when Tegan interrupted her train of thought. "What? Stab it so hard it burst into flames? Don't be ridiculous." The bounty hunter snorted, incredulous at her own suggestion, whatever Tegan thought of her. "I ain't some witch or mageling, but I can tell you that thing weren't no goblin or gnome for sure. They don't explode when you stab 'em." Adeline laughed at the macabre humour before finishing her thought from earlier, her gaze bearing down on Sasyra. "Hey. You said it mentioned a hunt. That mean you understood what it said, girl? Sounded like gibberish to me."

Erdan opened his mouth to protest attacking the creature, but it was too late.  In an instant, he found himself blinded for a few moments.  He covered his sightless eyes with the back of the hands that held his weapons.  He spent the next six seconds blinking and looking about until his vision cleared.

"It was Sylvan," Erdan interrupted. "Could've been fey...  I wouldn't be surprised, honestly. Fey do love their games and that includes hunts."

He frowned down at what was left of the creature.  "You could've flat-bladed it or punched it with your hilt."  The wood elf shook his head.  Violence didn't beget answers and Erdan would rather have information over blood and ash.

Sasyra turned and smiled sweetly at her companion. "I do be understanding you, too." She winked, and bend, recovering the blade she'd thrown. "In truth, I recognized the root of the words, rather than the message itself. It sounded... familiar."

Tegan cocked his head and listened, in case the howl that he had heard earlier was repeated -- it might give him a clue as to how fast whatever had made the noise was moving.

Sasyra had obviously made note of it also, having warned that they were likely going to have another fight on their hands soon.

Tegan understood after-battle chatter -- it was not unusual for people to be on edge and still fired up after fighting for their lives against someone or something that wanted to kill them.  But he needed to get them thinking about fighting the next battle -- not the one that was over and done with.

The Half-Elf cleared his throat. "My vote would be to move ahead and see if we can find better terrain in which to do battle," he said.

"This narrow tunnel is fine for a defensive stand, but it makes it difficult for those in the rear ranks to support those in the forefront."

"We can always retreat back to this narrow choke-point if we find ourselves outnumbered and hard-pressed."

Inclined to agree with Tegan and his pragmatic attitude toward the situation, Adeline nodded her assent. "I agree. I'm taking point this time, though. Any knives from the dark can hit my shield instead of Erdan's soft, elven belly." She uncoiled her whip again, letting it sinuous length hit the ground and shot a dark look at Erdan. "And you can comment on my methods when you have a gremlin up in your business trying to eat your face. I stand by my kill." With that, she stalked forward to see what lay ahead.

11:15, Today: Adeline Ashburner rolled 16 using 1d20+5.  Perception.

11:14, Today: Adeline Ashburner rolled 8 using 2d20+4, dropping the highest dice only.  Stealth (disadvantage for armour)

Walking on you finally exit the tunnel and instead enter another cavern. Not as wide as the statue room, it does stretch farther than you can immediately see, even with darkvision, and seems to descend further in. A natural space, like the room you've just come from, it too is filled with stalagmites hanging from the twenty foot ceiling above you, and as before the floor in here has been leveled and smoothed.
What immeditely catches your attention though, is in the centre of the floor as you enter you see what looks like a massive square block of blood stained, grey stone. Splashed across the top of the stone you see more blood, seemingly fresh as far as you can tell from where you are. Along the sides of the block are more images, as well as flowing script etched into the rock.
The tops of the walls in here bear more ingraved images, though these are not entirely of the Hunter. Here he is reduced to a more faint figure in the background and the focus instead seems to be on his canine companions. Pictures of large, snarling wolflike creatures, their stone eyes carved to seemingly follow you wherever you are in the space. Glancing about in the faint light of the lantern, you see shadows dance along the walls. The flickering flame almost brining life to the picutes and reliefs.
 Below each image, set into the wall, you notice metal slabs, each one about three feet wide and covered in dark green verdigris.

Tegan took a look around the chamber, then moved towards the area that was shrouded in darkness. He figured that if Trouble came, it would come from that direction, and he wanted to stand so as to be one of the first to meet it.

Then he glanced back at the Fleck adventureress. "It appeared to me that some what we saw earlier may have struck a chord with you, Sasyra," he said quietly.

"Does any of what we are seeing now mean anything to you?"

Itching to investigate, especially the plates set into the floor, Adeline nonetheless recognised the importance of their safety first and allowed Tegan to take the lead into the room and stayed at his right shoulder as he advanced. While he looked ahead into the darkness, she scanned side to side trying to discern if she could see any signs of recent activity or movement in this grisly altar room.

15:47, Today: Adeline Ashburner rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  Perception.

"Let me see..." she muttered as she held the lantern close to the engravings, examining them closely. In the lantern light, she traced the engravings with her finger, scowling.

"Baba Maughn used to talk a little of these creatures - the Hounds. They were the wolves that hounded down the Hunter's prey. But here... I don't know... I'm trying to remember any tales of them - like this."  The images intrigued her, and disgusted her in equal measure.

OOC: Sasyra rolled 11 using 1d20+2.  Religion, proficient.

Sasyra tries to remember what the Elder had said about the Hunter and his hounds. It's faint, but she does remember that the hounds were supposedly fierce beasts, that followed him in a large pack. There was something about the hounds hiding among the prey, hidden until called, but the exact story eludes her.

Ahead the rest of you as you walk closer see more of the room. The whole room seems to descend downward, as if the entire room itself goes down deeper into the ground. The smooth floor seems to turn back into more rough stone as it disappears into darkness. Adeline notices more of the marks she had seen outside, along the walls and on the stalagmites in the ceiling.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:15, Sun 26 Feb 2023.

As he listened to Sasyra's explanation, Tegan's lips compressed into a thin line as he considered the possibility that they might be set upon by a pack of ferocious hounds.

"Seems likely that they'll be coming from that direction," he said to his companions, motioning towards the end of the chamber that was shrouded in darkness as he thought back upon the baying that he had heard when they killed the . . . whatever it was . . . that had attacked them.

"I'm going to head that way to see if I can find a good defensive position -- perhaps the mouth of a tunnel. Hopefully, with this slope to the floor, those making ranged attacks can shoot over the heads of those fighting on the front line."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:52, Sun 26 Feb 2023.

Erdan frowned at Adeline chiding him. He sheathed his sword and retrieved his bow from his back, replacing it with his staff.  He readied an arrow with it and followed behind Tegan without saying anything.

The room did indeed disappear into the earth and floor of the room you're in, the stone becoming rougher and rougher into the natural stone forming a much smaller, shallow hole. On the floor inside it you suddenly become aware of a naked figure lying on the cold uneven stone, shivering slightly. Around it is more blood, some on the walls and ceiling, but most splattered across it and on the ground around it. You can hear rapid, shallow breaths as you stop at the edge of the descent.

"I'm going down to try and get him out of there," Tegan announced to his companions.

"Be ready. He did not get down there by himself."

"Be careful," Erdan warned the half-elf.  He pulled the arrow back on the string, making it tight and ready to be unleashed at a moment's noticed.  His ears twitched with agitation and his eyes narrowed as they searched the surroundings ahead for danger.

13:11, Today: Erdan Amakiir rolled 15 using 1d20+3.  Perception. – 15

As Tegan approached, he could see that the male figure was lying flat on its stomach, completely naked. In the light from the lantern you all suddenly see intricate runes, lettering and slashes across the man's back and legs, each one looking as if it had been carefully carved into his flesh.

Despite the man's shallow, rapid breathing he seemed to remain otherwise completely still, lying motionless on the stone floor. Around him were more bloody chunks of meat, the remains of the deer you had seen earlier.

Behind the rest of the group, Leon whipped around, his sword at the ready. "I heard something. There's something back here.".

~Nine hells!~ Tegan thought to himself upon hearing Leon's warning. ~How did it -- or they -- get behind us?~

But he did not feel comfortable abandoning the seemingly helpless man at his feet. For, for all he knew, there were more foes nearby, other than the one that Leon had heard.

Plus, the young noble from Selincourt was well-armed and -armored, and perfectly capable of giving a good account of himself . . . whereas the pitiful wretch whom Tegan had just found had neither the means nor the training to defend himself.

And so it was that, at least until the situation became more clear, the Half-Elf stayed put. His shield had long been readied on his off-arm, and now his blade was drawn.

"Are you Halric, husband of Gwen?" he asked the naked man.