|
Post by DM-Delfon on Oct 13, 2012 14:11:40 GMT -5
Alea, since the death of your father, and your subsequent exile from your family estate. You have made your way in the world mostly by singing for your supper... literally. Walking all day until you're to road wary to continue, you find a local farmer, and offer your entertainment services in exchange for a meal and a place to sleep. You're not really sure how long you've been on the road, since travel like this begins to blur together after a time. The rains of spring seem to have past, and the hot days of summer are just beginning to cool in the evenings when you see the hearthfire smoke of the village of Ashbury on the northern horizon.
Stonehaven brothers, the two of you played a terrible game of cat and mouse for weeks while you fled from the abundant horde of Orcs. The filthy vermin that stole your home away from you. You've heard them brag loudly to the night, that the Orcs have set up their own community within the ruins of Coppervault. They call it G'nak Thrash. In the weeks of running and hiding from unbeatable odds, you've been separated from all your kin. Every Dwarf from Coppervault with the exception of each other, has been separated from you, lost, captured, or killed. It is with heavy hearts that you trudge down the small path south into the village of Ashbury.
Hank, today is a day much like any other. You've finished your chores, and headed off to hunt. Today, like most days you hunt along the north end of your property, right at the edge of the Deadwood forest. The trees offer excellent nesting to various birds that like to eat your families crops, and Pearl is really quite good at catching them on the wing. Today she managed to bring down four large crows, which is far more than your family needs. So you gather up the extra, and head into the village proper to offer your bounty to Rally, over at the Bent Stalk.
The village has all that a rural farming community could need, three flour mills, a general store, a smith, and a small tavern which also has a few rooms for rent. There is a small shrine which caters to both Pelor, the god of the sun, and Obad-Hai, the god of nature. Aside from housing for those that live in the village itself, there is also a fairly large cemetery which is home to five generations of Ashbury residents ancestors.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 14, 2012 2:07:52 GMT -5
Kholmar heaves a sigh of relief as the village comes into view. He points to the town and puts a hand on Slag's shoulder
"There ye be, me brother. I told we'd live to fight another day. But that day won't be today. I don't know about ye, but the first thing I be doing, is findin' the nearest tavern. I got me sum fergettin' to do."
The dwarf wearily starts the last leg of their bitter journey. Kholmar gives his belt pouch a shake and a satisfied nod of his head, that there just may be enough coin to achieve the oblivion he so badly desires.
|
|
|
Post by Marcimus on Oct 14, 2012 14:12:20 GMT -5
At the edge of town, Hank stops and makes sure the crows are fastened securely to his belt. Once sure that he is not going to lose any of his game, Hank looks up in search of Pearl who is sure to be circling overhead somewhere. Letting out a high pitched whistle through his teeth and holding out his gloved hand, Pearl dives and sprawls her wings just above Hank's outstretched hand to land softly on the side of it. Hank quickly puts a hood on Pearl and starts toward the Bent Stalk.
Heading through town Hank sees many familiar faces, waving to each in passing and giving a polite greeting. Every now and then he will be stopped by a few closer acquantances, asking about his father's crops or how hunting was today, Hank engages in the small talk and leaves each person with a smile on their face. Finally Hank reaches the Bent Stalk putting his free hand on the door he pushes on through.
|
|
|
Post by Sugarphix on Oct 14, 2012 15:34:02 GMT -5
Alea stumbles into town on legs that are weary with road travel and ready to give out. Her course over the last few days has not taken her near many farms and it has been almost three full days since she has had a meal. Her clothes are dirty, her cloak ripped, her face dusty, and her green eyes look a little too bright in her pale face. Spotting a shrine to her god, Obad-Hai, she reaches into her pouch to find an offering to place in the bowl. She sinks to the ground, seeking a momentary reprieve from walking, and silently offering him a prayer of thanks that he should lead her to a place that might bring her custom and food. Finding only a copper, she removes one of her expertly crafted arrows from her quiver and lays it across the mouth of the bowl. Hopefully, someone will be able to fetch a good price for that, she thinks.
She struggles to stand, and is almost unable. Her legs like jelly, protest as she tries once again to move toward the heart of any town, the tavern. Her too warm skin rises in goose bumps as a fevered shiver takes her. The light starts to dim, her vision blurs, and the light that she still sees plays tricks with her eyes. She nears the tavern with uneven steps, and feels the strength leaving her. A man is entering the tavern ahead of her, and she tries to call out to him. Her voice fails her, and she stumbles the last few feet to the door. Reaching out desperately, her fingertips brush the clothes on his back as she falls into darkness.
|
|
|
Post by Marcimus on Oct 15, 2012 19:59:24 GMT -5
Pearl lets out a loud screech just as Hank is about to enter the tavern, which is quite unusual when she is hooded. Hank is not sure why Pearl is so distressed and tries to speak soothing words to her in Sylvan. She lets out another loud shriek and this puts Hank on edge, he again tries more soothing words and this time it seems to work. Hank not sure why Pearl was screeching, sets her on the nearby hitching post and unhoods her to try and better communicate. Just as Hank unhoods Pearl he feels a light brushing down his back and turns to find a young distressed woman collapsing at his feet.
With all the training his Mother has given him in medical care, being quite skilled herself, it does not take long for Hank to figure out this lady has likely lost conciousness due to heat exhaustion and dehydration. Quickly Hank crouches down, putting one arm under her neck and the other under her knees, he heaves her off the ground. He starts toward the door of the Bent Stalk, turning he puts his back against the door and is careful not to bump the woman's head. Just before he pushes the door to enter he says "fly" in Sylvan to Pearl and the bird takes of from the hitching post to ride the thermals overhead. Hank bends his knees and pushes against the door to try and find some aid inside.
__________________________________________________________________________ Heal: 1d20+6=19+6=25 Strength: 1d20+1=13+1=14
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Oct 16, 2012 10:24:54 GMT -5
Entering into the Bent Stalk you see the familiar sight of the large warm common room. Two hearths sit opposite one another along the side walls, and the well worn, but well cared for bar lines the back wall. As you enter the feeling in the room is of the quiet before the storm. The staff scurry about preparing for a busy night, since once the sun sets and the work is done this place will be standing room only.
One of the maids sees your burden and says, "by the light of Pelor!" Before darting to clear the place settings from a table to make space. The Elven woman is awake, but disoriented from whatever ordeals she has been through. Another maid arrives with a pitcher of water, and a damp cloth.
|
|
|
Post by Sugarphix on Oct 16, 2012 10:38:11 GMT -5
Alea feels the solid ground fall away from under her as she is lifted into the arms of the kind soul that has found her. She blinks, but her eyes don't really focus as she drifts in and out of awareness. She gets a glimpse of blond hair and the shirt that she had reached out to, and is glad that her last attempts at garnering notice has paid off. Rolling with the wave of his steps, she tries to move her lulling head up onto the space between his neck and shoulder, so it will be protected, and making it more easy to be carried. Subconsciously, one dangling hand moves to grasp her sword to make sure it's still there, before it falls away again.
Her next moment of awareness is of her body being laid out on the hard surface of a table. She tries to speak again, but her throat is too parched to make a sound. How would she have gained a coin in this place, she wonders deliriously, if she can't sing for her supper.
As the young man puts her down, she reaches for his hand or sleeve so he won't leave her.
|
|
|
Post by Marcimus on Oct 16, 2012 18:04:49 GMT -5
At the first maid's remark Hank responds, "I believe she is just a weary traveler suffering from over exposure to the sun's heat and lack of water..." Hank slowly eases the woman down onto the table to fetch some water. As he turns to go get the water he sees the second maid arrive with the pitcher and cloth, "You read my mind sweetheart."
Hank turns back to the woman as he feels her grab at his sleeve, and by the time he has turned to look at her she seems to be unconcious again. Hank takes the pitcher and cloth from the maid, he soaks the cloth again and lays it across the woman's forehead. Turning to the maids he asks, "could one of you grab a couple more cloths and something soft I can use to prop her head up?" When the woman returns with what he asked, he raises the unconcious lady's head slightly. He takes the remaining clothes and stuffs them into the pitcher, he uses all but one to lay across her neck. The last cloth he uses to slowly dribble water into her mouth.
Turning to the maid, "She'll probably need a bed, if she doesn't have the coin I'll pay for it. But for now we'll just try to get her concious and coherent, sound like a plan? I have no clue who she is or where she came from, but she needs us to help her."
|
|
|
Post by Sugarphix on Oct 17, 2012 11:40:17 GMT -5
Alea claws her way back up through the darkness toward the cool soothing light ahead of her. The first thing she is aware of is the blessed feeling of cool water moistening her parched lips and filling her mouth, coating the tongue that is hungering for liquid. She swallows before doing anything else, relishing the the taste. Her eyes blink open and several people swim into view.
She becomes aware of the cold compresses on her neck, and with one final shiver, her fever breaks and her over-stressed muscles begin to slowly relax. She finds a rusty sounding version of her voice and looks around at the wenches and man there, and thanks them. She struggles to sit up, but her head swoons, and she is unable. Secretly relieved, she continues to relax on the table for the first time in days.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 17, 2012 16:48:34 GMT -5
Kholmar is both relieved and nervous as he enters Ashbury. Relieved to finally have returned to some sort of civilized land and nervous because of the predominantly human population. He had never travelled this far from Coppervault before.
Finding a tavern, Kholmar smiles and slaps Slag on the shoulder.
"There ye be! Our destination has been reached. And not a wee bit too soon."
The tired, dirty Dwarf enters the Bent Stalk. Seeing some people tend to a semiconcious elf, Kholmar is happy that some serious drinking has already started.
Kholmar takes a seat uncomfortable with his surroundings, attempts to speak to the serving maid in very broken and unused Common.
"Gid day, Lassy. Culd'n I hav'n pleez dwirvn ale. Think yee. An kep m cummin'. An we be need'n room too."
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Oct 18, 2012 12:09:40 GMT -5
(You guys had that well in hand, so I let you roll with it. I guess I should get back into things now ) Hank, Annet winks at you when you call her sweetheart, and slips in beside you to offer what assistance she can in helping the elven woman. Lani dashes off when you ask for a pillow or something, returning a few minutes later with enough strips of cloth to finish the job, and a nice soft pillow. Rally calls out, "Her room is covered Hank, it's been a while since I had an Elf under my roof. From the looks of those instruments, I betcha I would have offered her a room for a song or two." Brothers Stonehaven, you see the human fellow behind the bar wave you over when you enter. The two serving wenches are clearly busy with the other fellow tending to the semi-conscience Elf. They never could hold their booze, except for that Firewine they sometimes drink. A Dwarf could learn a thing or two from an Elf when it comes to Firewine. When you reach the bar, the human fellow greets you with tankards in hand, "Hello my Dwarven friends. My name is Rally Waterborrow, welcome to the Bent Stalk. When the ladies are finished over there I will have them prepare a room for you both. In the meantime, enjoy this Waterborrow Stout. It's the closest I can get to Dwarven Ale here. I haven't seen a shipment down from Coppervault in near on a month, has something happened up there? You fellows look like you've been through a tough time recently."
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 18, 2012 23:39:08 GMT -5
When Mr Waterborrow asks about Coppervault a look of disgust crosses Kholmar's face. He downs the mug of stout.
"Cupprvelt be no mur. Bluudy orcs be tuk it. Few be iscape. Perd'n, frend. Now fer drunk. Morrow fer talk."
The sad dwarf motions to his empty mug and will drink until he can drink no more.
|
|
|
Post by Sugarphix on Oct 19, 2012 5:32:28 GMT -5
Alea watches the dwarves come in, and remarks that hey actually look worse off than she. She recognizes the looks on their faces, the same expression of deep sadness and weary resignment that she sported after she had lost her father and was banished from her home. It was the look of folk who had lost everyone and everything. When the Dwarf mentioned that Coppervault had been destroyed by orcs, she understood that she had been right. With her limbs now regaining strength from resting, she dared to try to sit up once more. She managed it this time, and in a somewhat more reliable voice asked Hank for the bowl of water he had been using to dribble water into her mouth:
"I no longer need to drink from strips, I'd bring the bowl right to my lips."
Assuming he gives it to her, she, like the inexperienced elf she is, downs the cold contents of the bowl in one fell swoop. Almost instantly she is rewarded by a sharp stabbing sensation in her previously empty stomach. Her hand flies to her middle as she suffers, but she tries to plow through, to explain her current predicament to those that helped her.
“My Name is Alea, I come from afar, I came to this village to sing like a star, I’d play for my supper and maybe a room And raise all your spirits up out of the gloom. I haven’t seen farms now for many a day, And I knew I would find myself in a bad way, But I kept on trudging as long as I could, Until I grew weary, and fell where I stood.”
|
|
|
Post by Marcimus on Oct 24, 2012 9:24:50 GMT -5
"Nice to meet you Alea, but how about we just worry about feeling better for right now. You take a seat on the bench and we will get you something light to eat so you can regain your strength." Hank offers Alea a hand down from the table and continues to support her by grabing her elbow with his other hand. Once seated he turns to Annet and Lani, "Could we maybe get a small plate of cheese and bread for now, and some more water or a light ale please. Oh and please take these to Rally." Hank pulls the crows from his belt and hands them to one of the serving girls.
"You' re lucky you made it as far as you did and the only trouble you had was heat exhaustion.Now tell me, what is a nice girl like yourself doing traveling on her lonesome? Roads out there can be dangerous." Hank gives a slight smile and takes a seat beside Alea on the bench.
|
|
|
Post by Sugarphix on Oct 24, 2012 18:15:24 GMT -5
Alea gratefully takes Hank's aid and once seated, struggles with the words to tell him how she came to be outcast. Thinking on it too much would make her start sobbing like a school elf, and she had already shown enough weakness. She hadn't talked about the event to anyone since it had happened, playing up the fact that she was alone and a bard as the way she preferred it. But something, perhaps the kindness this farm boy had shown to her, or the look on the dwarves faces, made her feel like she wasn't alone for the first time in months. She looked to his earnest face, about to begin, when she saw him pass the crows across to the serving girl. Her tummy growled perceptively, and before she could stop herself, her first thought slipped out.
"It has been days since I have had any meat, I wish there were more than bread and cheese to eat."
Immediately, she showed restrain, realizing that she may have offended all those who had helped her. She surely didn't want them to think she was scoffing at them, as truly, the bread and cheese would surely fill her like a feast after her sore lack of food. She accepted the small plate of cheese and bread, and a small mug of ale, which she eyed suspiciously, and thanked the girls profusely. Then turning to Hank, she began telling what she could.
“In a dale we had a farm, Where we were safe, then came to harm, My father was killed by three men, I took his sword and slew them then. And because I chose the blade, My mother’s last words to me did bade Me to go out on my own, She forced me to leave my loving home. I miss my sister, Soliloquy, She was the dearest one to me. My father dead, The road ahead, Is now all that I’ll ever see.”
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Oct 24, 2012 18:30:47 GMT -5
When Rally hears of your sorrow he shakes his head and mutters an impressive oath. Rally holds up a finger, and walks away. A full minute later Rally returns from his room, "From my own private stock friend Dwarf." The Human barkeep places a bottle of true Dwarven spirits. The bottle has a warning to prevent Elves and Halflings from even smelling the cork. "You fellows take this bottle up to your room when you're ready, I believe you know just how potent this concoction is?" When you nod agreement, he lets go of the bottle. "See you tomorrow night." He adds a wink to show that the last was at least partially in jest.
Lani darts off to get the meal while Annet takes the crows from you. "You know Rally'll make me clean these don't you? That's okay Hank, you can make it up to me later." She ends the last with an overly familiar smile for Hank, and a glare for Alea when Hank isn't looking. A few minutes later a light repast is delivered, an the two of you are left to yourselves.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 24, 2012 23:28:51 GMT -5
Kholmar raises an eyebrow as Rally hands them the bottle of dwarven liqour.
"Think ye, frend. This be do good. We be not eat good in weeks. Sum fude be good, pleez."
Kholmar enjoys some more stout while he eats. Even bland human food proved very satisfying after having eaten very sparingly since they left Coppervault.
After spending some time in the bar, continuing to drink the stout, Kholmar finally retires to his room. As he leaves the bar, he raises the bottle of liquor in salute to Rally.
"Yuu be viry kynd."
Upon reaching their room. Kholmar pours the liquor into two mugs. He clanks his mug against Slag's.
"Me brother. Tomorrow starts the first day of our journey to retake our home. I know not how long that road be, but we will avenge our beloved mother and brethren."
With that Kholmar downs the mug of liquor. He grits his teeth in pain as the potent liquid burns as it's swallowed. The dwarf felt slightly tipsy from all the stout. He drank his half of the bottle very quickly. The powerful brew burned his gut.
But Kholmar was not happy. He slams his mug on the table in disgust.
"Blast! We need more! I be still awake."
The dwarf gets out of his chair to make his way back to Rally. But as he stands, he wavers momentarily, his eyes roll in to the back of his head and he crashes to the floor.
Blessed oblivion.
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Oct 25, 2012 7:31:50 GMT -5
Rally gets you your food, and sticks around to chat idly. He seems interested in the Dwarven culture, but he's remarkably good at asking questions that won't bring back memories of your lost home. Between serving other customers he keeps returning to your end of the bar to resume the conversation. You realize that he has managed to keep you from thinking about your sorrows, and even enjoy a little bit of the evening. When you raise the bottle in salute, Rally smiles and holds up the tankard he's about to serve in return.
Rally continues about his evening waiting for the thud thud of two Dwarves hitting the floor. He's kept Lini and Annet later than he normally does so that they can help get the Dwarves into proper beds, just in case they didn't quite make it. When the first thud of Dwarven flesh hits the floor he nods, and mumbles, "Here's to at least one night of dreamless sleep friend Dwarf." He raises a shot glass, knocks back a shot, and groans as it burns it's way down.
|
|
|
Post by Sugarphix on Oct 25, 2012 9:03:25 GMT -5
Alea catches the bar maid’s glare, and defensive thoughts spring to her mind. It wasn’t my fault I collapsed, and he happened to be the one to pick me up! Her hand creeps toward her hilt, but she stops herself. It wouldn’t be good or fair to make a scene under the one roof where people had been kind to her. Also, she wasn’t completely sure she could wield her sword with any conviction at the moment anyway. What’s Annet’s problem? She wonders. She looks from Annet to Hank, for the first time noticing that he isn’t merely a rough-hewn farm boy, but that the lad is handsome, and has quite a charm to him. Glaring back at the retreating serving girl, she takes a deliberately delicate bite of bread topped with cheese, and turns to speak to Hank. She offers part of the meal to the lad and tries to get a good grip on the true situation.
“I think that lass is sweet on thee, Pray tell, between you, what there be, For I’d not want an enemy, Nor to offend one nice as she.”
Alea over annunciates the nice, when referring to Annet. After Hank has given her a suitable answer, she goes on.
“So tell me, from where do you hail? Did you come here by road or trail? Have you a wife and family, That requires you home most directly? Or can you stay and chat a while, For if you would, t’would make me smile, It’s been a while since I’ve had a friend, With whom I need not just pretend.”
|
|
|
Post by Marcimus on Oct 26, 2012 21:54:38 GMT -5
Hank returns a polite smile to Annet, once she has left the table he turns his body slightly so that he is facing Alea. "I don't mean to be rude, maybe it's where you came from or just because you are a bard, but do you always speak in rhyme? Not that it's bad, you do it well, it's just odd is all." Hank kind of sits awkwardly looking at his hands before looking up with a smile and composing himself. "My family has a farm just outside of Ashbury, it is only my parents and my brothers though, no wife. Conveniently that means that I get to stay here with you. Are you feeling any better? You are looking much better." Hank's face lights up as a huge smile crosses his face.
Hank looks to the bar to catch Rally's eye, when he does he motions for two drinks to be brought to the table. Turning back to Alea, "Excuse me for a moment, I have to go grab my friend." Before waiting for a response, Hank quickly jumps up from the table and steps outside. Outside he retrieves Pearl with a whistle, hooding her as quick as possible and heading back into the Bent Stalk. Hank sits beside Alea again, "Meet Pearl, she is my best friend and my hunting partner." Hank looks at Pearl admiringly and runs his fingers down her back.
|
|
|
Post by Sugarphix on Oct 27, 2012 6:03:10 GMT -5
Alea brightens as Hank agrees to stay for a while. She is intrigued when he flees from the bar and returns with a good sized bird, this time alive. It is wearing a sort of leather hood over it's head, but seems content to let him stroke it non the less.
"The truth is, Hank, I've just begun To learn to roll words off my tongue, I sing and play with some good skill, but lyricizing escapes me still, So this has now become the way, I speak even in day to day Conversations so that I'll improve, Find the knack and hit that groove, Although once my guard has come down, And I've performed for this small town, I'd imagine I might slip, Into real speech small bit by bit. But for now, 'tis how I practice, Learning skills means keeping at this.
I thought it odd that your best mate, Is something 'twould fit on a plate, Not that she would make a meal, She hasn't quite got that appeal, I mean her size is so petite, Communication no mean feat, How did you come by such a friend, On whom you clearly would defend, I guess I shouldn't say a word, When my only friends are my bow and sword."
Alea looks down at her sword hilt, embarrassed at such an announcement, and slightly saddened by the realization that it is true.
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Oct 27, 2012 8:55:55 GMT -5
Over time as you guys talk the bar begins to fill up with farmers, and their helpers. It begins just past sundown as those without families come in to eat, but before long it seems like the entire village must be here. Most people have a mug and socialize, but there are a couple that have enough to make them slur their words. Within a couple hours people begin to filter out, excusing themselves because the chores begin before the sun does. By about nine the place is almost empty again. The only people who remain are Rally, Lini, the two of you, and two farmers. One looks very nearly drunk, while the other looks sad. He has been nursing the tankard in his hand since he came in.
Hank you would know the sad man recently lost a child to an accident.
(If you want to perform, you would do so during the busy phase Alea, I was just giving an overview of the entire evening.)
|
|
|
Post by Sugarphix on Oct 29, 2012 18:55:05 GMT -5
As the crowd begins to thicken in the tavern, Alea does ask Rally if she may perform to earn her keep. She knows Hank has offered to pay for the room, she could pick that much out from the earlier conversations that were going on around her as she was swimming in and out of consciousness. However, she didn’t want to be a burden to him, and welcomed the chance to stretch her now well lubricated vocal chords. She picked up her lute, tuned it, and sprung up onto her chair. She strummed a few chords as an introduction, and began to sing:
“Come one and all, let me spin you a tale, Of trickery, and love, whist you nurse your ale, And if the mood strikes you to get up and dance, Then I’ll sing you this song and you may have that chance.
Down in a burrow lived young maidens, three, A shepherd, a spinner, and one that could weave, One day came a rich man with manners and looks, Who was learned, a scholar with all kinds of books.
He wanted a tapestry made by the three, Depicting a scene of a knight’s gallantry, For them, in return, he would offer them gold, If they finished within the first month, they were told.
But lo and behold, they were taken aback, One night when they noticed his weighty gold sack Growing smaller and smaller as night after night, He took each girl out to show her the sights.
All innocent, the girls noticed it not, That the handsome young man spent his gold as he bought Them each trinkets and tokens of love, all so new, When they realized they didn’t quite know what to do.
They were virtuous maids, who were tighter than water, But they fell in love, used the weave work as fodder, To guilt both the others into giving up chances, To dine with him, stroll with him, forgo their dances.
Till finally, they asked him to declare his choice, He had wooed them all, and so then he must voice, Which one he would have or their efforts would stop; No more shearing, or spinning, or weaving they thought.
But out came the coin purse, dangling in the air, And asked them ‘Why ladies, cannot you all share? For if not, it will take some time to decide, Which one will join me where I do reside.
And so in the meantime, I’d continue working, As I count the end of the month is but lurking, Just round the corner, you’ve not finished yet, And if next month starts, not a penny you’ll get.’
So the maidens kept working, but fighting broke out, They harried each other, and also the lout, That had come in between them, and they couldn’t work, Too busy one upping, their business was shirked.
And so in the end, the tapestry flowed, ‘Twas gorgeous, magnificent, the man fairly glowed, And he left them, all three, with naught but a kiss, As by one day their deadline they sadly had missed.
And so comes the moral the sisters did learn, As they stayed with each other, and love they did spurn, One should their take time falling in love at one’s leasure, And never again mix one’s business with pleasure.”
While she sang the hauntingly beautiful melody, she made eye contact with as many people as possible, drawing them into the story of woe. When she finished, she smiled down at the crowd, tipped her head in a slight bow, and reclaimed her seat, motioning for a mug of ale. She downed half of it in one draught, and looked to Hank for his reaction.
Perform Check: 11+7 (cha + ranks) = 18 singing 18+3 (cha) = 21 playing
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Oct 31, 2012 10:08:12 GMT -5
Throughout your performance the crowd pays attention to you, with only a few short conversations spoken hurriedly and quietly. At the end of your tale several people place coins on your table. Rally comes over and places a gold piece down, and says, "You've earned it, normally half of these fellows would have been home a couple hours ago." When you eventually sort out the money, you find one gold piece, eleven silver pieces, and ten coppers. With your tale completed, the Bent Stalk empties into the night. All except for Rally, Lini, the two of you, and the two farmers mentioned above.
(It's up to you guys to round out the evening. I will resume narrative once I wake everybody up.)
|
|
|
Post by Marcimus on Nov 6, 2012 23:00:58 GMT -5
As Alea sits down beside Hank he blurts out, "Rookie my ass! That was great! I understand that practice makes perfect, but you don't seem to need any more practice..." Hank trails off, realizing his outburst was largely due to the quick couple of drinks he had had during the performance. "Excuse me my lady, I was just so impressed I could not hold it in." After watching Alea down her ale he offers to get the next drink, "May I get you another?" Before hearing a response he waves over one of the servers and orders two shots of Rally's special honey liqueur for the two of them. "You really will enjoy this stuff, it will soothe those vocal chords of yours."
Sitting with Alea and continuing to consume more alcohol, Hank's words start to slur and advances become more obvious. At one point Hank goes to stand to use the bathroom, but instead of standing he falls to one knee. Embarassed, he grabs the table and rights himself, "I am sorry my lady, I do believe it is time I called it a night. Shall we meet back here for breakfast? I think I will stay at the Inn tonight... I don't know if I could make it home... You will have to forgive my fortuity, your beauty distracted me from good judgement..." At this forward remark Hank winks obviously and heads over to the bar to get a room for the evening.
|
|
|
Post by Sugarphix on Nov 7, 2012 7:45:22 GMT -5
Alea blushes at Hanks obvious approval of her skill, though despite the drinks, she refrains from letting her speech drop out of rhyme. She does not yet know him well enough, and talking earnestly with a man that is drunk can be a mistake, she knows.
She tries the honey liqueur, and finds it is quite to her liking, continuing to imbibe more as the evening progresses. She is not sure exactly how to deal with Hank in this state. She knows her appearance is considered beautiful to human men, and has undergone many an offer and cat-call from drunk patrons at the various inns and taverns she has performed at. However, this is the first time one has made advances that she's actually liked. For a few fleeting moments, she considers sharing a bed with him, however, she is innocent and does not yet know the ways of coupling. Furthermore, she suspects that at least part of the desire she is feeling is due to the alcohol, and would not be able to live with herself if she gave up her virtue this night and then had to undergo Hank shunning her for a common strumpet the next day.
No, she would wait. For now though, the poor lad was having trouble standing, let alone walking. She stood somewhat more steadily than he had, and taking his hand in a quick manoeuver, looped his arm over her neck. She got a room number from Rally, and waved off the knowing look he gave her. Let him think what he wants, she bristles. Stumbling slightly under Hank's unbalanced weight, she helps him up the arduous journey of the uneven wooden stairs to the room. Once there, she sits him on the bed in front of her, and begins removing anything he is carrying that might hinder sleep, slapping away his hands if he tries to get too friendly. She contemplates his clothes, and not seeing any new shirts in what she removes from him, she removes his, perhaps glancing at his chest and stomach a little to long to be modest. Once she realizes she is staring, she busies herself with setting his shirt across the back of a chair. She decides to leave him in his pants and britches. She bids him lie back, and feeds him water from a pitcher on the nightstand to offset his headache in the morning.
Drinking some water herself, she unrolls her bedroll on the floor across the room, and lays back to drift into a comfortable sleep, fully clothed, clutching her father's sword in one hand.
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Nov 7, 2012 8:44:37 GMT -5
All of you are awake, too early, to the sound of the door into the tavern being opened so quickly that it slams into the wall. BANG! Followed by a hoarse voice shouting, "Orcs! There are Orcs in Ashbury!" When the four of you arrive downstairs you find a man bent at the waist leaning heavily on his knees. His breathing is ragged, but between gasping breaths he is speaking with Rally. Rally is only wearing loose fitting linen pants, but he is holding a loaded heavy crossbow in one hand and a stout cudgel in the other. Lini and Annet are busily forming a half circle wall of knocked over tables facing the door to the Bent Stalk.
Whenever you arrive you get a version of the story from one of the milling farmers. All of whom are dressed for working in the fields, and all of them have some sort of farming implement held like a weapon instead of a tool. In total there are about a dozen people in the bar, aside from those named above and the four of you.
The story is that a dozen armed and armoured Orcs rode into town on massive snarling wolves. Whenever they managed to catch or corner a fleeing townsfolk they always asked the same question in broken Common, "Where be da Dwarfies?" Regardless of the answer the townsfolk are released. Although somewhat roughly if they didn't know the answer or wouldn't share the answer with the Orcs. So far only one man has been injured, and even he wasn't killed. He attacked the band of Orcs when they cornered one of his children. The Orcs knocked him down, disarmed him, and had one of their wolf mounts sit on him until the boy answered, "You mean Dwarves? They're staying at the Bent Stalk. I saw them last night, there is an Elf there too!" He adds excitedly before he realizes once more who he is speaking with.
As people make preparations to defend the Bent Stalk, an Orcish voice calls out, "Give us the Dwarfies, and we goes. No Dwarfies, and we burn down da building!" The Orcs shout gutturally at this, "We's also wants a tribute ta leave dis place all peaceful like"
(Anyone who wishes to be wearing their armour can be doing so. There is time for putting it on, you just won't be downstairs right away. You could have slept in light armour without issue. If you wake in medium or heavy armour you would be fatigued. Which since none of you have slept long enough, won't matter this time. You are all fatigued, either from the booze or from true lack of sleep.)
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 9, 2012 11:46:25 GMT -5
Shocked awake at the call of orcs, Kholmar jolts out of bed only to be overcome by fatigue and nausea. He muttered under is breath. "Cursed, orcs. I thought there would be more time."
He dons his armour, grabs his weapons and makes his way to the others.
Hearing an Orcish voice call out, "Give us the Dwarfies, and we goes. No Dwarfies, and we burn down da building!" , Kholmar turns to Rally.
"Rally, you be gud man. Very kynd to uss. We be fight orcs ourselves. Too many, we be taken. But save town. But know, orc come back someday and be burn town anyway, many more orcs. Better be fight together now, as team. We go, if you like, but be better fight. What say you all. Orc be not trust."
|
|
|
Post by Sugarphix on Nov 10, 2012 15:06:07 GMT -5
Alea snaps awake at the sound of one of the tables downstairs being toppled,rolls out of bed and dashes to the window, staying low so as not to be seen. She listens to the commotion outside: the scream of shocked townsfolk at the sight of the Orcs, the panting wolves that they are riding, the gravelly voices asking those in the tavern to hand over the dwarves. Alea jumps to the conclusion that it is the two haunted looking brothers from the night before, remembering that they spoke of Orcs that very night.
She races to the bed and shakes Hank from sleep, covering his mouth so he won't make a commotion at the rude awakening.
"There is trouble down below, It is time for us to go, Grab your things now, quick, make haste, There is little time to waste! Orcs have gathered in the street, Seeking out the Dwarve's defeat, A diversion I might cast, So the Dwarves can beat a retreat, fast."
She re-rolls her bedroll, gathers the rest of her belongings, and proceeds downstairs to explain her plan to the Dwarves and bar below. Upon gaining the ground floor, she sees tables have become barricades, and the staff are gathered together. She approaches and explains that she will go out into the street to create a diversion, so the Dwarves may escape soundly out the back door. Then the Orcs can come in and search the place if they like, and they will find nothing.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 11, 2012 23:54:29 GMT -5
Kholmar looks very unhappy as the elf describes her typical elven plan of trickery.
"I be tired running. Be run many days. We be stand, fight now. If town can't stand up to few orcs, may as well all leave before horde comes.
No town be safe from orc horde. Kill this group. Rally other towns. Stand together to defeat orc.
Time be wasting. We be go first."
|
|