-Episode 9-
Threshing 6th thru 13th, Downtime Week-
(expend 48 gp for the Ruins of the Lady expenses, equipment repair, food replacement, healer kit restock, etc., 100 gp for two Trollbood potions, 30 gp for two Willowmoss poultices)
-Down week rolls:
-Garrick, no unusual event-
-Edwin, no unusual event-
-Ronan, Something happens-Offered a dangerous mission–Tie back in Remote Event from Threshing 3rd “Struggle for Portals”
-Sylvia, in recovery, no roll-
On Titheday, the King’s Steward, Lord Hevran, stopped by our quarters. “Honored guests of the crown, immigrants to Feldholm, as you know, today is Titheday.” He raises an eyebrow.
“And? We are new here. We do not own any shops, we don’t own property. We don’t seek his majesty’s protection,” I reply with a shrug.
The stewards gestures at our surroundings, “You live as his guests, within his walls, and I know that you and Ronan both practice a trade, the girl is a known thief whose freedom depends on my liege’s good graces, and that Master Edwin especially is enamored of your host’s magnificent library. I’d say you receive as much benefit from our lord’s protection as anyone else, yet you’ve not sworn to his service. You are but mercenaries and vagabonds. Pay your taxes and be recognized as members of our kingdom.” The steward smugly explains. “Forty crowns per household is expected.”
“You do realizes that his majesty sent us to Minthouth-Tor and did not pay us for our service, correct?” I sternly reply.
Q: Does he waive our taxes? EXCEPTIONAL YES
Lord Hevran purses his lips, “That is true. In spite of not having sworn yourselves to the House of Free, you have proven faithful allies.” He opens his ledger, and marks that the four of us have paid in service, then snaps the book closed. Then he smirks, “See to it that you continue to serve his majesty well. I wish you good fortune.” And with that, he leaves, no doubt to dispatch tax officials throughout the realm.
After dealing with the steward, seeing to equipment repairs and replacing spent supplies, buying a couple of vials of trollblood and two new willowmoss poultices, I spent the week at the keep mostly tending to Sylvia and her injuries, making sure she’s fed, comfortable, resting and not bored out of her mind. To that end, I also purchased a chess set and enlisted Edwin to teach us how to play the game. When not playing chess, I work on Sylvia’s letters, as it is important that she learn to read and she proves an eager student.
Q: Is Edwin given any poison remedies? YES
For his part, Edwin spent much of his time in the keep’s library and with Morris and Enid. They seem to have enlisted his help in brewing the antidote to the poison afflicting the guards and he is allowed to keep four doses for us, which I add to our company provisions.
Ronan spends his time at the Scuffed Cuff, making and and repairing shoes. He tells me that he met a man trying to raise a company of fighters to help lift a goblin siege at Iron Gate. He was offered a sizable sum to serve as an officer, as it seems the dwarves are desperate. But he mentioned that they were mostly enlisting young farmers with dreams of glory, plus a few local toughs and some caravan guards. There aren’t many true soldiers around outside of the king’s guard and town watch. He sold the fledgling company his old set of mail as well as Sylvia’s and my old leather armor on our behalf, but turned down the opportunity to march to war alongside unskilled levies.
Q: Do other adventure companies join the expedition? EXCEPTIONAL YES (Rolled 4d4 to see which of the four companies go, Broth and the Riders of the Usn, Zernth and the Knights of the Stone Table, and Ruthfar’s Riders all accept the mission) Q: Will the expedition be successful? YES (So those three companies will all return safely afterwards, but are unavailable should the city be attacked in the meantime) (d6 weeks, 6 weeks)
And while Edwin and Morrus distribute their remedies to the king’s guard, the castle bustles with activity as the household prepares for his majesty’s birthday celebration. Performers visit the hall and audition for the Queen, and the other guest rooms are prepared to house the lord’s more remote vassals.
Threshing 14th-the King’s Birthday-(Mine and Chat GPT’s version instead of the published version-My birthday concept, Chat GPT to provide spoiler free but campaign book relevant rumors to discover)
-Pleasant, light rain in the afternoon, good breeze-
-Immersion-Feel something grainy-
E: Ambiguous Significance: the Informing of Intrigues
Scene #60:
The day of the King’s Birthday finally arrives. A week of steadily increasing activity has transformed the lord’s keep into a place of fragrant beauty, with fresh flowers adorning every shelf, and the kitchen staff working overtime in preparation for the feast. Sylvia aches to get up and about and see what’s happening, and I struggle to force her to continue her rest.
In the city below, a huge troupe of entertainers has set up their circus. Jugglers and acrobats performing for the masses before their private show to take place in the great hall this evening.
“Come on Garrick! I want to see!” Sylvia pleads. “After all, you can’t keep me in bed, and just think. That dress I bought, for this day, it shouldn’t be wasted now should it?”
“Fine,” I eventually relent. “I’ll see we can borrow a cart so you can ride into town and watch the circus.”
“I can walk, you know. I’m just a little sore is all.” She protests. “In fact, I am practically well already, having had such a good physician looking after me these last few days.”
I shake my head with a chuckle as I help her out of bed, then turn away, leaving the room so she can dress. She soon joins me in the hall, moving a little slower than normal, but steady on her feet.
I purse my lips and nod, “Yes, you seem fine.” I then ask Ronan and Edwin to join us in going to town.
Q: Will Edwin break away from his books? YES
Both men decide to accompany us, and we are soon on our way to the market square. The streets are crowded with visitors from the countryside and even more distant villages, all having come to town either to pay their taxes, enjoy the festivities or both.
Edwin nods thoughtfully, “Very fortunate that the King’s birthday is so close to Tithe Day. Or perhaps he wisely ties the two together, just to make things easier for collections.”
-Constitution roll 16-
Ronan raises an eyebrow and I give the wizard a sidelong glance, while Sylvia hustles forward, excited to see what she can, weakness of body overwhelmed by her youthful enthusiasm.
-Encounter-Townsperson-Peasant-Needs help-Against Bandits-(rolled for village, and got hinterlands-no particular village, which explains why he’s not asking his manor lord, male in is 50’s) Q: kidnapping? YES Q: Wife? YES E: Negative for Serpent Cult: the Ruination of the Mundane
A farmer sees us in the crowd and stops Ronan, “You! You’re a warrior, right?” he gestures towards the hammer dangling from Ronan’s belt, then notices my blades as well. “The two of you! I need your help. A gang of bandits have taken my wife and are threatening to kill her if I do not pay them one hundred crowns for her safe return!”
I choke at the ransom, “A hundred crowns? What, are you a burgher?” I look the man up and down.
He shakes his head with tear stained eyes, “No! But…my neighbors call me a miser, and everyone thinks that I have gold. But I do not. I promised them the money within a fortnight, but told them I had to sell my sheep, my hogs, my dairy cow, my harvest and everything else to raise it. I had hoped the king’s guard could help, but I haven’t seen any of them since I arrived last night. Please masters, help me!”
“How many are there,” Ronan asks.
Q: Does he know them? NO
“More than a dozen,” whispers the man, crestfallen. “Hard men. The Red Hook’s men.” He looks up at us desperately, “Please! They’ll kill her!”
Ronan’s eyes narrow as he looks towards me, I sigh, and ask Edwin his opinion.
Q: Does Edwin wish to help? NO
“Pay the men,” replies Edwin. “It is the most certain way to ensure your wife’s return. If you return with your livestock, they will know you betrayed them. And if you cannot afford a hundred crowns for ransom, you are unlikely to be able to hire help either. You know there are a dozen of them. There are only four of us. If your lord will not help. Why should we?”
The man whimpers in fear, “But…I will have nothing.”
Ronan replies tersely, “You will have your life, and your wife. Where is your lord in this?”
“We live in the countryside. The land is free, no desmene service,” he whimpers, eyes cast down.
Ronan nods, and Edwin shakes his head. I put my hand on the man’s shoulder, “Tell me where. Perhaps, after her safe return, my companions and I may yet bring them to justice. But on this day, paying the ransom is the safest course.”
Q: Does he tell me where? NO
“Forget it! Nobody will help! Nobody cares! Our lives mean nothing to the likes of you!” he tearfully fumes. My companions have already followed Sylvia’s path into the crowd around the circus. I release the man’s shoulder and do the same.
I soon make my way through the crowd and am unsurprised to see Sylvia perched on top of a cart with other youths straining to get a look over the crowd at the acrobats and jugglers. Her green eyes sparkle with delight and her wide smile tells me the performers are doing their job. And Edwin, both tall men, easily see over the rest of the crowd. I purchase candied apples for the four of us, sharing with my companions. Sylvia giggles when I pass one up to her. Edwin grins like a child. Ronan accepts his, dourly with a shake of his head, pretending that such frivolity is beneath him. I lean back against the wagon while the crowd marvels at the sights before them.
-Encounter-Inquisitor-
As I eat the sticky apple, I spot an unusual figure making its way through the crowd. The familiar hawk faced helm, the white robes over mail, an Inquisitor! I had not seen members of that order here before and only rarely outside of Kardon. I nudge Ronan who follows my gaze, furrows his brow and says, “I suppose we should get back in the habit of attending services and tithing.” I chuckle at his observation.
Q: Does he approach us? NO
The inquisitors gaze seems to meet mine briefly, then he moves on. He seems to be searching from something or someone, but obviously not us.
-Constitution roll-20-
As a light rain begins to fall, the performers end their show and scurry towards the keep. My companions and I do the same, soon changing clothes for the birthday feast. Rather than seeming tired from the exertion, Sylvia is energized with excitement, and we soon join the assembled guests in the great hall. Nearly two dozen noblemen, their wives and heirs are in attendance, a number of halflings, some guild masters and prestigious merchants, the royal family, and servants galore. The king’s household men are largely absent, still recovering from their mysterious ailment, and his guards are replaced by members of the town watch.
-Persuasion 21-success! All charisma checks get a +1 for this evening!-
As we enter, the chamberlain announces our presence as “Master’s Edwin, Garrick, and Ronan, and Mistress Sylvia, rescuers of Princess Jen Free and friends of the Kingdom!” Edwin bows sharply and we follow the examples he taught us after having read that book of etiquette he had found in the royal library.
-Roll who we sit with from the attendees, generate personalities of those not yet defined-
Edwin and Ronan are led to seats near the crown, adjacent to Lord Stefan of Fishhook, a friendly looking fellow in his thirties with a hooked nose sits next to Edwin, while on the other side, Ronan is seated beside General Beck, the commander of the King’s men, who looks a little ill still, but has made an appearance nonetheless.
-Conversation topic-Equipment-
Sylvia and I are seated beside each other at the low table, between the captains Len and Torrin of two rival fishing fleets. The man next to me nods towards my enchanted blade, “That’s elven steel, is it not? Cost a pretty penny I’d wager,” the young man, Len, leers. I cannot help notice the silver thread woven into his vest.
I shrug, “Elven steel, yes. Found it though, in the ruins of Morn.”
The man scoffs, “Treasure hunter, huh? Make a lot of coin that way?”
I shrug, “Enough for food, drink and lodging. What else do I need.”
(Insight fails)
“Tax free income? Must be nice” he smirks. I protest but he’s already lost interest.
“Do you also seek, wealth and treasures beyond imagine?” the much older, ruddy cheeked man, Torrin, beside Sylvia whispers as he places his hand on her knee.
“Uh, hu, ummm, excuse me,” she stammers, suddenly getting up.
“Sylvia, please come back to the table,” I suggest, moving to her seat so she can take mine.
Q: Does she return? EXCEPTIONAL NO
She shakes her head emphatically, and I follow her out into the hallway, music, the clanking of goblets and the aroma of a fine meal fading in the distance as I follow her outside to the gardens.
-Conversation topic-parents-
In the meantime, Edwin discovers he is seated next to Lord Stefan of Fish Hook. “I heard rumors that a student from the Iron Scholarium had joined the royal court. In choosing to pursue knowledge arcane, were you forced to give up claim to your father’s estates?”
Edwin shakes his head, “No, my lord. My father was a tallow worker. He made candles. Now, I can summon light with but a word.” He smiles, conjuring a tiny flame to a fingertip.
Lord Stefan smiles and nods appreciatively, “My father often reminded me that even the lowly can change the world. Do not forget where you came from friend.”
“So, you are lord of Fish Hook? Southwest along the coast? It was pointed out to us when we sailed to Iron Gate on behalf of Tummus the Wine Merchant.” Edwin inquires.
“Yes, you undoubtedly saw many of our boats off the shores. It is a good village. Prosperous. Hard working, loyal people,” the noble nods. “But what brought you to Feldholm?”
“The lure of ancient knowledge, unplundered ruins and the opportunity to master may craft, of course,” replies Edwin, sipping the rich wine served at table.
Q: Does Edwin get a dungeon lead? EXCEPTIONAL NO
“Ah, yes! Intrigued by the legends of ancient elven magic, from lost kingdom of Elhana Sur, no doubt? Or seeking the treasures of Thurm, and the forbidden tomes that gave rise to the Lich King himself?” the noble shakes his head, “I pray you never seek out the latter, though, I am sure there is more legend than truth behind whatever tales brought you here. True, ancient ruins can be found in the North woods, and even more in the Troll Highlands and beyond the ten barons, but they have been picked clean over the centuries. All you are likely to find are goblins in these parts. Or perhaps a quick death. If you were wise, you’d attach yourself to a noble’s court, and restrict your studies to ancient tomes. I hear there is a very extensive library in Kiddimir. Perhaps you should join my court even? I could grant you quite a reasonable stipend, and you would have more peace than in the Royal court or that of a northern Baron?”
“A most gracious offer, my lord. But I have already declined the King’s invitation. It would be uncouth to accept yours instead. Especially on his majesty’s birthday,” Edwin demurs. Lord Stefan nods in agreement and thy continue their conversation about local legends and lands.
For his part, General Beck merely introduces himself to Ronan, then turns his attention back towards his wife, ignoring Ronan for the rest of the evening, much to the soldier’s relief.
E: Setback to ‘The King’s Birthday is coming’: the Carrying of Death
Scene #61:
I follow Sylvia into the gardens where she turns towards me, anger and disgust in her eyes.
“I can’t believe that man! Who doe he think he is!” exclaims Sylvia turning towards me. Then she shudders, “Ugh! He’s so…old! And gross! Did you see his splotchy red skin? And he’s…he’s…older than you! Older than Tummus! Eww!”
“Forget him. He was wrong to grab you like that, but you can’t let him ruin your evening. You’ve been looking forward to this feast for over a month now,” I reply.
“I’d have cut him, you know. Out on the street. People would try that. Offer me coin. Food and a warm bed for a night. No way! Never! I’m not a whore!” she exclaims, tears in her eyes and rage in her words.
“I know. I know you aren’t. And you are better than him. We can stay out here, if you want,” I stay and wait
Q: Does she calm down? NO Q: Does she send me away? YES
She paces back and forth for several minutes, still fuming, “You go back inside. I’m done. I’m going to my room.”
“I can walk you there,” I offer.
“No! Go back to the party. I don’t want anything to do with it anymore,” she snaps, red faced with rage as she storms off. I shake my head and return to the great hall.
-Intimidation 18-
Once inside, I lean down behind Master Torrin, digging my hand into his shoulders with a firm grip and whisper, “You ever lay another hand on my friend, you’ll learn what my hands are capable of”
-Torrin is now a Rival-
Torrin pales as he glances back up towards me. Master Len, who heard the exchanges, grins wide, “Here’s one willing to cut your lines!” he taunts. Torrin’s eyes flash with anger, then he looks away, embarrassed, and says little the rest of the night.
Thick slices of roast boar were served alongside roast carrots, potato wedges and diced onion. Honeyed nutbread filled with raisins, sugared apples, an assortment of cheeses rounded out the feast, and our wine cups never went dry.
-Constitution 19-earn merchant favor-
After dinner, Edwin joins several of the guests tasting foreign wines that Tummus has brought to share. Sharing his insight regarding their provenance and bouquet, charming the other guests with his insight, and helping Tummus extol the virtues of his wares.
-Performance 12-fails-
Ronan dances with the woman in the gossamer gown who we watched perform at the Lost Crow Inn. She was part of the circus troupe in town and had performed during dinner while I was outside with Sylvia. He learns her name is Lila Rose and that her troupe has travelled these lands for the last eight years, hopping from one barony to the next.
-Insight 10-fails-
I make casual conversation with other guests as musicians play and people dance, drink and chat. I learn a bit about who’s who among the guests, and that the man I threatened is one of the five most powerful men in town, but not much else.
Prince Jon, deep in his wine, nods towards me and suggests I join in tomorrow’s hunt, as he would enjoy winning another wager against me. Princess Jenn smiles coyly, slipping away from one suitor or another. The king moves freely among his faithful subjects, enjoying their praise and welcoming their gifts. On our behalf, Edwin gives the king the electrum pendant we found at the Broken Spire.
-Carrying of Death Event-13 of the king’s men and 2 of his bodyguard died before receiving the cures-
Then I notice a courtier enter the room and whisper into Sir Jon Small’s ear. The king’s champion closes his eyes briefly, nodding, then he waves off the servant. His prior joy over his friend’s celebration ended at once as he discreetly leaves the great hall.
Q: Does the king notice Jon’s absence? NO Q: does the prince slip away? YES E: Setback to ‘Marlowe wants to find ancient lore’: the Attainment of Love Q: Enid? EXCEPTIONAL YES Q: Noble? EXCEPTIONAL YES
While the king is too wrapped up in the festivities to notice his bodyguard’s departure. I notice Prince Jon slipping away with a young noblewoman, undoubtedly the daughter of one of his father’s vassals. Then, surprisingly, I see that Edwin has his arm wrapped around the apprentice, Enid’s, waist as he continues to talk about wine while she places morsels of fruit or cheese in his mouth, giggling as she does so. An interesting pair, the tall, rail thin wizard, and the Court Wizard’s short, pudgy apprentice, but they seem rather enamored of each other. I shrug. Perhaps that is to be expected given how much time they have spent together this last week in her master’s laboratory.
As guests begin to depart, I am among the first few to leave, retiring to our quarters to check on Sylvia.
Q: Has Sylvia calmed down? YES
I gently knock on her door, and she bids me enter, “How are you?” I ask, seeing her now in her regular tunic.
She shrugs, “Alright. Was the party fun”
“The look on that old man’s face when I offered to show what my hands can do if he dared laid his on you again was pretty amusing,” I offer.
She chuckles, “Thank you for that. Anything else happen?”
I shrug, “Well, Edwin is deep in the bottle. And that apprentice wizard, Enid, is hanging all over him.”
“Nice!” she laughs, “Should we lend her that love potion we found?”
I shake my head, “I don’t think they’ll need it. But perhaps I should brew something for his hangover in the morning.”
“No, let him suffer. A drunken Edwin deserves it,” she teases, rolling her eyes, “stray cat indeed.”
I laugh, and she invites me to a game of chess. We play until our eyes grow heavy, then I retire to my room.
-Threshing 15-The Hunt-
-Pleasant, Clear Skies, Gentle Breeze-
-Sound-Splashing-
Scene #62 (Negative Alteration):
At the king’s invitation, and in response to Prince Jon’s challenge, Ronan and I agree to join the grand hunt the king is hosting as part of his celebration. Fully refreshed after yesterday’s events, Sylvia is eager to be outside once more and joins us as well. Edwin is not in his quarters, but we suspect we know where to find him. He is not much for hunting anyway. Sadly, nearly all of the king’s vassals have chosen to return to their homes, leaving the king in a foul mood.
Ronan, Sylvia, and I follow His Majesty, Prince Jon, and Princess Jenn, Prince Allard, and a couple of dog handlers northeast towards Littleshir. The ground is muddy, and we splash through a number of shallow puddles.
-Conversation topic-Wealth-
“Treasure hunters,” the king calls out from astride his horse. “You and your man, Edwin Marlowe, come to my land seeking treasure. And somehow, you get tangled up running errands for the crown and fighting goblins, uncovering a vile plot against me. Have you found wealth yet?”
I look up towards the king, “A bit, my liege. Not enough to retire to lives of luxury mind you, but enough to live well for a year. Your gracious hospitality has certainly made that easier.”
“My hospitality? Yes, out of gratitude for saving my daughter’s life,” he glances towards Jenn astride her white mare, who blushes, “I made you my guests until my birthday.” He chuckles, “Which was yesterday.”
I nod, “Yes, my liege. A prudent guest does not overstay his welcome. Your vassals prove that to be the case.”
Q: Does that annoy him? NO
“Nor do they leave early when they were expected to stay,” he shakes his head.
“These are treacherous times. Goblins in the woods, stirred up by the Children of the Serpent. Yesterday even, at the festival, a farmer told us the bandit, Red Hook, had kidnapped his wife and was holding her for ransom. There is growing lawlessness, and your vassals do well to see to their lands,” I observe.
Q: Does he take offence? YES
“Are you suggesting the realm is unsafe under my rule?” the king glowers at me.
“Not at all, your majesty. I am suggesting the realm is facing dire threats that must be overcome,” I shrug.
“And how would you suggest doing that, huntsman?” The king scowls.
“Ideally, a few well placed arrows. But one must find the target first. It is hard to cut the head off a snake when you don’t know where it lairs,” I muse.
-Morning Encounter-Local Patrol-
As we approach the forest edge, we see the same men as from a few weeks ago, once again patrolling the edge of Littleshir’s fields. “Your majesty!” bows the sergeant on recognizing our party. His men do the same. “I trust your birthday celebrations when well.”
The king nods towards the man, “Sergeant Wells. How goes it here. Is that puma still preying upon sheep?”
“No my lord, it has not been seen in weeks,” Sergeant Wells replies.
The king glances at me, with a smirk. Then turning back towards the Sergeant, announces, “Then we must find more worthy quarry for our hunt! Carry on, good man.”
The sergeant and his men bow once more as we continue past, and they resume their patrol.
Soon, we reach the woods, and dismount, the nobles securing their horses and we tether our mule. Our small hunting party excited to find something worthy. The king, wearing a boar tusk necklace given him the night before by his wife, smiles, “Find us a boar as big as this one must have been. That is the challenge for today,” he laughs. “My sons! Show these foreigners how we hunt in Feldholm!”
Prince Jon and Allard each take a dog team and handler and set off into the woods, “Twenty crowns, Garrick! I’ll best you again!” Prince Jon calls out.
“Not this time, your Highness,” I retort.
Princess Jenn boasts, “Did not my brother defeat you in one such wager already?”
Sylvia retorts, “We had the shot! But it was a sacred animal, and we couldn’t take it.”
Q: Does this cause offense? YES
Princess Jenn bristles, “So you say that you would have won had my brother not defied the gods?”
“Yes!” Sylvia doubles down before I can stop her.
Q: Does he defend his son? YES
The Princess’s eyes narrow, while the king taps the boar tusks he wears, considering our words. “The family, Free, has been blessed by the gods for generations. A sacred boar is ours to take if it is in our lands, yet it may have been a reckless choice for my son to make. But it was his to make. Let us hunt.”
Taking his boar spear, the king leads us into the Northwoods, away from the path his two sons followed.
-Garrick Survival-11, Prince Jon-10, Prince Allard-10-
-Encounter-minor annoyance-camp flood?-
I soon pick up a game trail and begin leading the way. The king amused by my ability to track without a hound to guide me, carefully inspecting the hints of a boar’s passage as I point them out to his majesty. “Most impressive,” he mutters.
-Stealth 3-
We come to a swollen creek, still flush from yesterday afternoon’s rains, “We’ll find it..Get down!” I shout as I see black robed men closing on us, and put an arrow in one as they suddenly rush towards us.
“Kill the king! Grab the girl!” shouts their leader, stretching a hand towards king and muttering an incantation. The enemy are upon us in an instant, though King Free immediately cuts one down, as does Ronan. Even Princess Jenn manages to stab one, whose look of surprise is ended by Sylvia’s arrow.
We are easily cutting down the cultists, when suddenly, the king collapses, ensared by the magic of the cult leader. Then a second spell caster rushes upon him, and hand sheathed in black magic, closes his grip around the king’s throat and his lordship’s flesh begins to visibly rot. Jenn screams in horror, “No!”, then she is knocked cold by one of the cultists while Sylvia fights by her side against overwhelming odds. Ronan and I are cutting down foes left and right, with Ronan now facing the original leader, while the second spellcaster stabs at the king.
Sylvia cuts down another cultist with her shortblade, then staggers back towards Ronan, abandoning Princess Jenn as the other man that was on her grabs the fallen noble, and drags her away. I cut down another man and charge at the pair hacking at the king, just in time to see one hoist his majesty’s severed head from the sovereign’s bloodied corpse!
The vile priest reaches towards me, hands cloaked in foul magic. My skin sears where we brushes my wrist. Our battle goes back and forth while Ronan cuts down the enemy leader and chases after the two men fleeing with the Princess. One turns back to face him, and the two are quickly at a standstill, neither getting the upper hand.
Sylvia helps me put down the King’s murderers, and then we rush after the Princess, cutting down Ronan’s foe as we pass by, the three of us hoping to follow our adversary before he can escape.
-Survival 24-
We quickly run him down as he is just about to reach a pair of horses. As he throws the princess over one’s saddle, Syvlia’s arrow and Ronan’s crossbow bolts slam into his back and he crumples to the ground.
Q: Does the horse bolt? YES Q: Does she fall off? NO -Survival 8-
The horse races away with the unconscious princess slung over its saddle. I quickly hop on the other horse in pursuit, but lose sight of the animal as is races through the woods towards some unknown destination.
Scene #63 (Negative Alteration):
With the king dead, and the princess lost, I dismount and begin looking for horse prints, intent on not losing the trail, and hoping that Ronan and Sylvia know to bring his majesty’s corpse back to the castle.
-Ronan and Sylvia-Encounter Foresters-Q: Do they persuade them to help? NO Q: Do they suspect treason? YES Q: Attack? YES E: Remote Event: the Extravagance of Weather
A group of hunters stumble across the grisly scene as Ronan and Sylvia return king’s remains. “We need your help. There are two horses at the forest’s edge, go fetch them for us.” Ronan commands as the hunters look over the corpses.
“That’s King Free!,” one of the men realizes in horror, then looking at Ronan and Sylvia, “You aren’t king’s men! Murderers!” The other three hunters react in shock, but all raise bows and one fires as Sylvia ducks for cover. Ronan rushes them. He cuts down two of them and the other two flee for their lives!
“Crap!” curses Ronan, and he and Sylvia quickly recover the king’s body and severed head, heading back towards the treeline.
-Garrick Encounter-Goblins-Survival 22-Stealth 14-I’ve got a track on the horse!-2d4=4 goblin hunters
I finally come to spot the horse, having tracked the well winded animal. I was grateful the princes hadn’t been thrown from the animal for safety’s sake, but also annoyed that the chase was taking so long. Yet, as the horse comes into view, I realize that it is not alone. It is surrounded by four goblins, gloating over their find, both an animal, and a girl! Though their dialect is strange, I catch enough of it. They speak of food and a sacrifice, but they have not noticed me yet, so I sneak in close and lunge into their midst, cutting one down before they even realize I am there!
The others put up a brief fight, dodging in and out as goblins are wont to do, but after I cut down two more, the fourth flees for his life and I loose sight of him. I check the Princess’s pulse, then carefully revive her using Fyre Root to wake her from her stupor.
She looks up at me in horror, “Where? What happened? Father?” she stammers.
“He’s dead. We need to get you back home. Can you ride?” I ask, helping the poor girl to her feet.
Q: Does she break down? YES
“No!” she screams in anguish, sobbing and tearing at her dress as I hold her tight, trying to keep her from injuring herself.
“Let it out, let it out,” I coo, holding her tight. “Be still.”
-Persuasion 3-
She pushes away from me and starts screaming, “How could you do this! You let him die! You should have saved him!”
“Control yourself, my lady. There are goblins about. Your screaming will draw more,” I gesture towards the goblin corpses at our feeet.
-Persuasion 5- Q: Does she go the right way? YES
She looks around in shock and fear, then leaps on the horse and begins riding. I shake my head, and go back to retrieve the horse I left behind once I spotted hers. Then follow after.
-Evening-Ronan/Sylvia-no Encounter–Garrick Jenn-Small cat- hunting- Q: Did the brothers’ make it back? EXCEPTIONAL NO Q: Do we beat Ronan? YES
We soon reach Firth. The princess, dress bloodied and torn races through the town gate. I stop and ask the watch, “Have the prince’s returned?”
They shake their heads, “No master. What happened?”
“What about my companions, Ronan and Sylvia?” I ask, and learn they have not been seen either. I nod, “The king is dead. They should have his remains. See to a cart to help them. Secure the gate, watch for trouble. I need to see the queen.” I spur the horse through town, and people duck out of my way as I race through Firth after the princess.
—
-Morruss saving throw-1, okay, so yes, the poison worked-Edwin’s Observant trait makes investigations easy-
Q: Norwegian wood? YES
Scene #64 (Positive Alteration):
Earlier that same day, Edwin woke up beside Enid in her well appointed suite. The girl giggles, “Well, that was a pleasant turn of events last night,” as she kisses him once more.
He leans back, gently stroking her hair braided, chestnut hair, “I don’t think your uncle will be pleased.”
She laughs, “No. He won’t be. He doesn’t really trust you. Thinks you are dangerous. Too ambitious. Reckless!” she teases playfully. “I think you are just curious, like the rest of us. Eager to learn. And what’s wrong with that?”
Edwin kisses her forehead, “Nothing at all,” then they spend a few more minutes together.
Afterwards, cleaning up and dressing, they enter Moruss’s laboratory, “Uncle? Where are you?” Enid calls, confused and looking around.
Edwin’s eyes scan the room, his brow furrows. “He hasn’t been here since last night. The shutters were drawn when we entered, the braziers are unlit. Your uncle is a creature of habit, as we all are.” He leads the way to the wizard’s quarters, and there, they find the old man cold in his bed.
“Morrus?” Enid stammers, rushing to her uncle’s side.
She checks his pulse while Edwin picks up the chalice of wine next to he man’s bed and smells the aroma. “Poisoned.” He looks down at the corpse, and puts his hand on Enid’s shoulder, “I’m sorry. There is an assassin in the castle. We must talk to Sir Jon.”
Q: Does she keep it together YES
Enid leans over and closes her uncle’s eyes, then follows Edwin downstairs to Sir Jon Small’s quarters where the old man is still recovering from having been poisoned.
Q: Are they granted entry? NO
A guard is posted outside Sir Jon’s room, “Good morning Enid. Master Edwin,” the guard greets them. “Oh, sorry, Sir Jon is not receiving visitors this morning.” The guard explains as the two reach the door.
-Persuasion 4-
“This is a very urgent matter,” Edwin explains. “There has been a death in the castle. Sir Jon needs to be informed.”
“Another member of the company?” the guard sighs in despair, “My orders are clear, Sir Jon is not to be disturbed. He needs his rest or…” the guard shakes his head. “Get out of here. I’ll tell him when he wakes. Who was it?”
“Lord Morrus,” Enid whispers, “my uncle.”
Q: Does he yield? NO E: Ambiguous Significance: the Antagonizing of a Burden
The guard flinches. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize he was sick.”
“He wasn’t,” replies Enid.
Edwin pulls her away, “Pack your things,” he whispers, “There is an assassin and a traitor loose in the keep. We must be ready to leave.”
Q: Does she agree? YES
The girl nods, “Yes, yes…you are right. We need to get out of here. If someone wanted my uncle dead, they might want us dead too.” The pair split up to pack their bags.
Q: Are they intercepted? YES
One of the king’s bodyguards stops the pair in the hall, “Enid? Are you going somewhere?” the knight asks, noticing her travel pack laden with books and that she has donned a cloak and travelling boots.
-Deception 19-
“Yes, Sir Rudolf,” Enid smiles, “My uncle has asked me to deliver some books to Mossbeard that the old man wished to examine. We’ll be back in a few days.”
The knight, pale and clearly unwell nods his head, “Safe travels, Enid.”
The two then scurry down the hall and out of the castle. “Do you have a horse?” Edwin asks.
“No,” Enid replies, “Besides, I don’t want to leave Firth until we know what is going on. I’m afraid, if we leave town, we’ll seem suspicious.”
Edwin nods, “We already do. We should get as far from here as possible. Or find the traitor before he finds us.”
Enid stops and stares at the lanky wizard, “How? From outside? And who else is in danger?”
Edwin stares back up towards the keep, “I am not sure. I need Garrick.”
—
Q: Are the king’s horses gone? YES Q: Was the mule still secure? NO
Reaching the edge of the woods, Ronan sees that the Free’s horses are all missing, and Sylvia’s mule is grazing in the nearby fallow. He kneels down to study the tracks in the mud.
-Survival 9-
He furrows his brow, and Sylvia asks what’s wrong. The soldier shakes his head. I’m not sure. I don’t think the horses were stolen. The mule with our pack would have been taken as well. And if they bolted lose from their tethers out of feara, the mule would have gone with them. I think our princelings took their horses back home.”
“Why would they do that?” Sylvia asks, the color fading from her face.
Ronan fixes his eyes on the girl, “That journal you found. In the steward’s quarters. Prince Jon is a traitor.”
“He planned the ambush?” Sylvia gasps in astonishment.
Ronan nods. “There is no way all of the king’s vassals would refuse an invitation to a royal hunt. Only one with authority, like the King’s son, could arrange that. He likely told them the hunt was cancelled and that they should return home. Then with his father, and his sister out of the way.” Ronan looks back down at the mud, checking for any signs at all. “Hmmm, and perhaps is brother too.”
“We’re dead, aren’t we?” Sylvia stammers.
Ronan fixes her with a steely gaze, “Not yet. But Garrick and Edwin are in danger.”
“We have to warn them!” She exclaims.
Ronan thinks carefully, then responds slowly, “No. We have to trust them. Come with me.”
With the king’s remains loaded onto the mule, Ronan and Sylvia approach the village of Littleshir.
“Where is Sergeant Wells,” Ronan calls out to one of the farmers. The halfling looks up at the visitors
Q: Is sergeant wells nearby? NO
“On patrol still. He’s in the southern fields,” the farmer replies.
“Who is lord of this village?” Ronan asks.
“Sheriff Wyles,” the farmer replies. “His home is the large one at the village square.”
Ronan thanks the man and leads Sylvia to the village square.
(Generate Sheriff Wyles)
Scene #65 (Negative Alteration):
Ronan and Sylvia head towards the village square towards Sheriff Wyles’ home, only to spot the two hunters that escaped from the woods. “There they are!” shouts one of the panic stricken men.
The sheriff looks up towards Ronan and Sylvia, four King’s men standing nearby, hearing the hunter’s accounts, draw steel.
-Persuasion 10-
Ronan scowls and declares, “The king’s hunting party was ambushed. These two men stumbled across the aftermath, and mistook us for the Prince’s assassins. We fought to protect your king. And brought his remains here.”
“Stand down,” commands the Sheriff to his men. “You came here? And didn’t go to Firth? What’s this about the Prince?”
Sylvia interjects, “Someone poisoned the king’s guard. Someone told the other nobles not to join the day’s hunt. Someone told the Children of the Serpent where to ambush the king. And someone took the princes’ horses, leaving our mule, but knowing the king would not be coming home.”
Ronan adds, “Lord Hevran had evidence possessed some evidence hinting that the prince was in league with a cult of anarchist, but no proof. We suspect the prince of treason. We may be wrong, but either way, the king is dead.” Ronan pulls the body from the back of mule, letting the headless corpse fall to the ground, wrapped in a cloak, head concealed in sack.
Q: Does the sheriff believe them? NO
The sheriff’s breath catches as he considers what is before him. Then he orders, “Arrest them.” The guards draw steel and rush forward.
Sylvia quickly raises her bow and fires before dashing down the street. One of the men pursues her while the other three charge Ronan, whose hammer is already in hand.
Sylvia manages a fighting retreat, kiting her pursuer, harassing him with arrows until he finally gives up chasing her and returns to help his fellows against Ronan while Sylvia clambers over the village palisade and into to the fields beyond.
Ronan is surrounded by three well trained, mailed men. It is a long and grueling fight, but he eventually puts two men on the ground just as Sylvia’s pursuer returns to the fray. Ronan curses, assuming the girl is dead, but even winded, and wounded, they are outmatched.
Four dead or dying soldiers at his feet, and the corpse of the king in the village square, Ronan glares at the Sheriff. “We are not Feldholm’s enemies,” his eyes survey the halfling villagers, staring in wide eyed shock, but unwilling to collect weapons and throw themselves at the warrior. “Bury the girl and the king with more honor than you’ve shown here.” He takes the mule, and heads out of the village.
Outside, panting in fear, Sylvia stands atop a nearby rise in the ground and looks back towards Littleshir. Her heart leaps when she sees Ronan walking back out of the village with the mule behind him. She races down to meet him, throwing her arms around the man.
“I thought you were dead!” she exclaims, tears streaming down her face.
He holds her tight, and lets out a long, slow breath, “I thought the same of you.” Calming himself, and regaining his composure, he adds, “We go north. Lost Crow Inn. We are not safe in Feldholm. Hopefully, the others will think to go there as well.”
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