Girvan Adventure XII

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=210 BGCOLOR="#99CC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12a8dfc3.jpg"> <div> <B> </B></div> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=82 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12b8dfe1esnpes.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#336666" FACE="Arial" ><B>Missiledine's Archives</B></FONT><B>     </B><B>|</B><B>     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Missiledines Archives"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id142.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Girvan Adventure I"><U>Girvan Adventure I</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id143.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Girvan Adventure II"><U>Girvan Adventure II</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id145.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Girvan Adventure III"><U>Girvan Adventure III</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id166.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Girvan Adventure IV"><U>Girvan Adventure IV</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id174.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Girvan Adventure V"><U>Girvan Adventure V</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id177.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Girvan Adventure VI"><U>Girvan Adventure VI</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id184.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Girvan Adventure VII"><U>Girvan Adventure VII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id196.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Girvan Adventure IIX"><U>Girvan Adventure IIX</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id198.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Girvan Adventure IX"><U>Girvan Adventure IX</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id203.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Girvan Adventure X"><U>Girvan Adventure X</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id206.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Girvan Adventure XI"><U>Girvan Adventure XI</U></A>   |   <B>Girvan Adventure XII</B>   |   <A HREF="id210.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Girvan Adventure Epilouge"><U>Girvan Adventure Epilouge</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id6.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Missiledines Archives"><U><B>Archive Directory</B></U></A></div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=398 colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12b8dfc3.jpg"> <div> <I>Girvan Adventure XII</I></div> <bR> <div> Dukejr01: so, shall we get started?</div> <div> Missiledine: sure</div> <div> Missiledine: let me open some files</div> <div> Missiledine: Ok... where were we? In Girvan... you have divided the loot and (at least for now) Ferric has left you</div> <div> Dukejr01: okay. Corren helps Rolb to the Druids.</div> <div> Missiledine: Rolb is in pretty bad shape and will need either magic or a couple weeks rest</div> <div> Dukejr01: I assume Rolb wants magic</div> <div> Missiledine: well, that will be outside of town</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren will ask the gat guard.</div> <div> Dukejr01: gate</div> <div> Dukejr01: "My friend needs a healer. Where can we find the local Druids?"</div> <div> Missiledine: "Northeast of here, in the Corunna Forest, about ..... (GM checking)</div> <div> Missiledine: 30 miles along the Varsol road."</div> <div> Missiledine: He says. "Thgat is the nearest Grove that I know of."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Hmm.... Gonna need to sleep first. Is there a local healer to tend his wounds here in town this evening?"</div> <div> Missiledine: "Ya might find an intinerant Druid in any of the villages, but your sure to find one at the Grove."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Many thanks. Here, have a beer on us." Corren gives him a copper bit, two dollars(?)</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren goes into town.</div> <div> Missiledine: He scratches his head, "Of course, I think there are a couple Druids in town right now...."</div> <div> Dukejr01: </div> <div> Dukejr01: "eh?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren looks politely intersted.</div> <div> Missiledine: "Uhmmmmm.... Let me think... Oh yeah, Idra, the Advocate for that Druid that is on trial.... He's a Druid from Corunna Grove, or so I</div> <div> hear."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Oh. thanks!" NOW Corren gives him the money.</div> <div> Missiledine: ok</div> <div> Dukejr01: </div> <div> Missiledine: </div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren goes into town looking for the local constabulary.</div> <div> Dukejr01: gates closing soon?</div> <div> Missiledine: isn't hard to find them... the Watch office is across the square from the gate you came in... yes, in about a half hour</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren leads the horses and Rolb over there. he checks Rolb to make sure he is still with us. and then asks a watchman if he knows where the Druid is.</div> <div> Missiledine: "Hmmm, you mean Idra? Last time I saw him, he and Kohl were heading off to supper."</div> <div> Missiledine: "Your friend looks poorly... what happened?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: "He took a fireball from that damn mage. He's in need of healing."</div> <div> Missiledine: "A fireball? What? Where? When?"</div> <div> Missiledine: </div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren chuckles. "Rolb here is a great storyteller, I am sure he will be happy to recount the whole story about the Kidnappers, the Rescue, and a bandit</div> <div> named Sharkey once he is feeling better and has a few beers under his belt. Any idea which inn they went to?"</div> <div> Missiledine: "Kidnappers? You mean the ones who took Herdon Junuk's boy? He stopped in here a few hours ago to talk to Sheriff Kohl."</div> <div> Missiledine: He points down the street to a respectable looking establishment. "Over there. They should still be there. I'll walk over with you."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "That's them" Corren nods. "I suppose we'll have to talk to the Sheriff too, Want ta get my friend patched up. Thanks. I will stand you a round, then"</div> <div> Missiledine: he leads the way chatting as he goes... "Some of Junuk's men were tellin us about it... said there was a big fireball that got some</div> <div> guy... must be your friend there...." Rolb just looks at him with an expressionless stare</div> <div> Dukejr01: Is he okay? or just annoyed?</div> <div> Dukejr01: don;t want him going into shock or anything</div> <div> Missiledine: "They said that most of em got away... didn't catch any, eh? Hard to catch brigands..."</div> <div> Missiledine: he seems okay</div> <div> Dukejr01: WE got 7 of them total. Killed that Hunchback fellow.</div> <div> Dukejr01: oops. quotes.</div> <div> Missiledine: the Watchman stops dead in his tracks. "Killed the Hunchback?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Can;t be many of them around."</div> <div> Missiledine: "You killed the Hunchback?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: </div> <div> Missiledine: he starts walking again, with more speed</div> <div> Missiledine: </div> <div> Dukejr01: </div> <div> Missiledine: </div> <div> Dukejr01: </div> <div> Dukejr01: </div> <div> Missiledine: the Watchman leads the way into the inn. Pausing while Rolb climbs wearily from the horse</div> <div> Dukejr01: Can Corren carry the money? Corren helps him down.</div> <div> Missiledine: When you are both ready he goes in first... </div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren looks around he street. Sighs. "Suppose I stay with the chest or carry it in?"</div> <div> Missiledine: the room beyond is crowded with patrons and diners. Your guide looks around and catches the sleeve of a serving girl, "Where is</div> <div> Deputy Sherif Kohl?"</div> <div> Missiledine: Rolb shrugs, "Suit yerself... "</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren carries it in.</div> <div> Missiledine: "Tis gonna be causin a stir one way or tother."</div> <div> Dukejr01: is this the kind of place that will serve commoners?</div> <div> Missiledine: </div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren chortles. "Righto. not letting it out of my sight."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Cool. </div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren looks around for a table.</div> <div> Missiledine: as you come in, a few people look up at you, but there isn't that much notice taken of you with the chest on your shoulder... Rolb's</div> <div> rather bedraggled, scorched and bloody appearance does raise some whispers tho</div> <div> Missiledine: you see your guide beckoning for you to follow</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren follows.</div> <div> Missiledine: Rolb follows you</div> <div> Missiledine: Across the common area are several curtained alcoves, the Watchman leads you to one and peeks in and says something, pausing</div> <div> to listen. Then he turns to you and nods, pulling the curtain back</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren stops. puts down the chest. looks.</div> <div> Dukejr01: He removes his helm.</div> <div> Missiledine: at the table inside is a middle aged man in a good quality tunic and light leather and an older man in the grey brown robes often</div> <div> associated with Druids</div> <div> Missiledine: "Yes?" Asks the younger of the two. "Who are you?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren bows slightly. a little sketchily, unsure what to do exactly. "Beggin' your pardon, m-lords. I am Corren, this is my friend Rolb. He's been hurt bad,</div> <div> and needs a healer."</div> <div> Missiledine: "Hmm, and how did you cme by these hurts?"</div> <div> Missiledine: </div> <div> Dukejr01: "Rescuing Paldur Januk, M'Lord. That Sharkey fellow threw a fireball on him."</div> <div> Missiledine: "I see. Sit down." He points to a couple chairs</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren helps Rolb Sit down before he does himself.</div> <div> Missiledine: "Herdon Junuk told me to expect you. I just wanted to make sure you were who I thought you were."</div> <div> Missiledine: "You need a Priest?" He asks</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Aye. Tis us." "Rolb here is of the Old Faith, m'lord."</div> <div> Missiledine: "Ah, I see." He looks to the older man who says, "I am Ulias Idra, a Keeper of the Old Faith. I will see to your friend."</div> <div> Missiledine: He makes no move to do so tho</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Thank ye." Corren looks relieved.</div> <div> Missiledine: "Unfortunatley, I can do nothing for him here in town."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren nods, expecting instructions."</div> <div> Missiledine: The Watchman says, "They killed the Hunchback." The two men are silent. "What?" Asks Kohl. "They killed the Hunchback!" He</div> <div> repeats excitedly</div> <div> Missiledine: "Is this true?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren blinks "Errr.. About this tall, " Corren discribes hair and face briefly.".. with a hump? Aye. Our Mage Ferric casts a spell of some sort on him,</div> <div> and I thrust this here spear home."</div> <div> Missiledine: 'Aye, we kilt im... wats the big deal... he died right handily." Rolb grumbles</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Seemed surprised." Corren adds.</div> <div> Missiledine: "He was a notorious bandit in these parts." The Druid says</div> <div> Missiledine: "There's a reward for his head!" The Watchman offers excitedly</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Didn't take his head with us. Probably not there anymore"</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren looks ruefully at Rolb</div> <div> Missiledine: "Awww, that's a shame! Fifteen hundred farthings too."</div> <div> "Cal," The Sheriff says. "Leave us."</div> <div> Missiledine: Grumbling the watchman leaves</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren looks at Rolb and sighs.</div> <div> Missiledine: <$7,500></div> <div> Dukejr01: </div> <div> Dukejr01: </div> <div> Missiledine: lol</div> <div> Dukejr01: </div> <div> Dukejr01: </div> <div> Dukejr01: </div> <div> Missiledine: "Tell me exactly what happened." The Sheriff says</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren doesn't expect Rolb to do much talking in his condition so he takes up the tale from the Tower.</div> <div> Dukejr01: shall I type it all out?</div> <div> Missiledine: </div> <div> Dukejr01: "Aye. Well, we Rolb, Ferric, and I went to see what was in the abandoned copper mine upstream of Janik's ambush site. Found so right odd fellows</div> <div> defending the place. They told us of the abandonded Tower in the Girvan forst that the Hunchback was using as a base."</div> <div> Missiledine: The Sheriff listens with interest</div> <div> Dukejr01: After watching those fellows a bit to make sure they didn't betray us to them, we made our way ther yeterday. The Tower was abandond cuz the river</div> <div> shifted and we found it late yesterday afternoon. Rolb and I scouted the place and found it surrounded by pits and traps to here and gone."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "This morning we moved in, I had found a suspicius pile of rocks that I wanted closer look at in the light. Turned out to be a foundation of a small building,</div> <div> and looking further, I found a tunnel running undergroung toward the Tower."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Pushing through the snakes we followed the tunnel til it met with the shitter for the tower... begging your pardon, lords."</div> <div> Missiledine: They smile slightly. "Go on."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Ferric cast a spell on us and lifted us up through their, uh. latrine. that was in the celler of the tower."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Once inside, we overheard his Hunchback fellow talking to his man, they passed us nd we followed." Corren uses his fingersto sketch out a map of the</div> <div> celler.</div> <div> Missiledine: "Did you hear any names?" The Sheriff asks suddenly</div> <div> Dukejr01: "WE heard them talk to the kid, Paldur, and we waited in this room for them to come back. them we jumped em s they passed. Rolb and I killed the</div> <div> other tall fellew, I think his name was Roclar, cuz the Hunchback says that when the mage cast his spell on him"</div> <div> Missiledine: "Roclar? Hmmm." He looks thoughtful.</div> <div> Dukejr01: "After the tall fellow fell, I killed the Hunchback, thinking that his men would be coming right quick. Sure enough, as soon as I thrust home, the other door</div> <div> opens and a guard sees us. Rolb here went to get the boy and I went to the other door to keep them from trapping us in the celler."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren shakes his head. "After the tower was alerted, they shoved stuff in front of the door and light it on fire. we and the boy had to escape back down</div> <div> the shi... er, latrine."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Once we came out we saw a bunch of blue cloaked riders round the tower. thinkin;' they were Royal, we almost went to talk to them. Good thing we</div> <div> didn't. I climbed a tree and watched em a bit and they were frioends of the bandits inthe tower. passing drinks, talking and laughing"</div> <div> Missiledine: The Sheriff frowns, "Blue cloaks eh? That explains it..." He trails off waiting for the rest of your story</div> <div> Dukejr01: WE decided to leave fast. so we head toward Girvan. a couple hours later, we see 10 blue cloaked riders lead by a black cloak. Ferric decides to fly on</div> <div> ahead and try to warn the Boy's father so they don't claim the ransom, err.. well, dishonest-like."</div> <div> Missiledine: "Ten and one..."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Dunno what happened to Ferric then, but we run into the blue cloaks again coming out of the forest. we skirt that lot and head to town. but when we</div> <div> spot another set of riders nearby, we decide to scout tem a bit thinking they were the Januk's men.</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren pauses. "We only saw 8 blue cloaks, so we din;'t know where the other three were."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Anyway,. while I was scouting. Rolb and Paldur get jumped. I hear the boy yell for me to help and I get back to see a big cloud of dark and fighting</div> <div> inside. That was an intersting battle. In the end. Rolb and I are left standing with one ded blue cloak at our feet, both hurt and the boy gone."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "We track them down. pretty easy. the blue claoks and the black cloak fellow - we later learn he's named Sharkey, an albino and mage, are talking about</div> <div> the exchange. the Father won;t deal til he sees Paldur."</div> <div> Dukejr01: They send Palduer with three men on horse. two in back with crossbows. Rolb and I get in close and jump em. Rolb takes his man's horse down and I</div> <div> knockthe other to the gorund. then I chucked my spear at the lead man's horse. Paldur breaks loose and rides to his pop. In the end, all three are dead and Rolb</div> <div> here takes a fireball from that Sharkey fellow. He screams at us that he will get us and rides away."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corrne is wishing for a beer.</div> <div> Dukejr01: </div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren winds down.</div> <div> Dukejr01: Rolb have anyting to add?</div> <div> Missiledine: The Sheriff listens to the end without interrupting again. Then he says, "I will tell you a few things. The Hunchback was an evil, twisted</div> <div> and sadistic bastard and like attracts like. He has, or had, a loyal following of like minded scum. Many of them have paper out on them, maybe</div> <div> some of the ones you killed.... I can't be sure. There are two in particular to watch for. Sharkey, the albino mage. A perverted, sadistic</div> <div> necromancer of the worst kind imaginable. There is a 2,000 farthing bounty on him. The other is Roclar. I don't believe that the tall man you</div> <div> describe is him. He is rather small in stature. He was the Hunchback's right hand man and bodyguard. Fanaticly loyal and truly insane. Further,</div> <div> the numbers you described are perhaps half of the total gang. The rest will undoubtably follow Sharkey, who, in my opinion, is the real brains of it.</div> <div> If he said that he will get you, then watch your backs."</div> <div> Missiledine: Rolb listens to this and mutters, "Lovely."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Aye." Corren nods. "Er, you be wanting to see this tower, Sheriff?"</div> <div> Missiledine: He shakes his head, "No, it is out of my jurisdiction."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren scratches his head. "Those fellows at the copepr mine seemed mighty dicey, too."</div> <div> Missiledine: The old Druid will flag down a wench and ask you what you want to drink. Rolb sighs happily, "V&V."</div> <div> Dukejr01: copper</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Brown."</div> <div> Missiledine: "Yes, but it is a Royal Forest and my authority is limited."</div> <div> Missiledine: "But I will pass it on to the Count."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren nods, accepting his beer he takes a looooong pull and sighs happily.</div> <div> Dukejr01: the Sherriff ask any more questions?</div> <div> Missiledine: The Druid says, "After supper I shall accompany you to a nearby farmstead that belongs to one of the Faithful. There I will be able to</div> <div> help your friend."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Are we dismissed?</div> <div> Missiledine: "Are you planning on staying hereabouts for very long?" The Sheriff says</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Um. Dunno, lord. See to Rolb's healing, that's the farthest I've planned. 'Cept have a bath and one of each beer they have here."</div> <div> Missiledine: "I do not approve of Hedron Junuk's tactic in offering such a large reward. It has spawned violence, criminal activities and brought</div> <div> many violent men into an otherwise peaceful town. The sooner that treasure chest is out of here, the better."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren blinks. "Aye, Lord, be on our way soon as Rolb's better"</div> <div> Missiledine: "Also, I do not want to be called upon to investigate your deaths in my town. Be very careful." He looks around, "Where is your other</div> <div> frienmnd... what's his name.... Ferric?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: does corren know?</div> <div> Missiledine: </div> <div> Dukejr01: "He went his own way outside town"</div> <div> Missiledine: "Hmmm, well if you see him, warn him. I am serious, be very, very careful."</div> <div> Missiledine: The Druid smiles, "Go, have something to eat. I will wait for you."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Is Rolb hungry?</div> <div> Missiledine: yes, it would probably help</div> <div> Missiledine: the sheriff will wave you off with a smile as well. "Congratulations on a job well done."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren ducks his head, "Thankee"</div> <div> Missiledine: "I do not mean to sound harsh.. My problem with Junuk is not your making. Good work."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren orders a rich meal for both of us, and "One of every kind of beer you have. What will you have Rolb?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren surveys his lineup of beer happily.</div> <div> Missiledine: Rolb will order a rich meal as well, and a flask of VV</div> <div> Dukejr01: Its Corren's turn to pay.</div> <div> Missiledine: Even injured he has an amazing capacity for alcohol</div> <div> Dukejr01: Alcohol tolerance i cool</div> <div> Dukejr01: i = is</div> <div> Dukejr01: </div> <div> Missiledine: when you exit the curtain, carrying the chest, the room falls silent as everyone watches you</div> <div> Dukejr01: is there a table?</div> <div> Missiledine: There is a table.. you get settled</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren puts the chest under the table and puts his foot on it.</div> <div> Missiledine: The innkeeper hurries over... "What can I get you gentlemen? Dinner is on the house! Anything for the men who killed the Hunchback!"</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren grins. "Thanks!"</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Gues I will owe you dinner later." he says to Rolb.</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren still tips the wench well.</div> <div> Missiledine: Rolb orders, roast duck and assorted goodies, then, after the innkeeper leaves, says "This will be the most expensive mealk we ever</div> <div> et, laddie."</div> <div> Missiledine: He isn't smiling as he says it</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Aye. I think we need to find this Sharkey and put paid to him first"</div> <div> Missiledine: "Aye."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Damn. shoulda taken his head."</div> <div> Dukejr01: </div> <div> Missiledine: "Nah use cryin over spilt blood lad."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren stuffs himself. He is looking forward to a bath. but that will wait til after healing.</div> <div> Missiledine: "Tomorrow we'll stop by the Watch barracks an see what kind of paper there is on the gang."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren nods. "Might need help killin' em. think we should check out those other fellows?"</div> <div> Missiledine: "Other fellows? Ye mean the buckos whe were gonna stomp our other companions?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Nah. I mean see what those rats at the copper mine are up to. Might need help taking them too"</div> <div> Missiledine: "I wonder bout them... they ken it was the hunchback and the albine afor we did... yet they never showed up..."</div> <div> Missiledine: (Rolb is talking about the adventurers)</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Think they might take it amiss that we got the reward?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: yes</div> <div> Missiledine: "ye never ken... As for those other rats... Hmm. That is a different pickle. I dunno want to spend anytime in the Girvan Wood huntin any</div> <div> but that albino bastard... If we get ourselves tied up diggin out those cubs, we may miss the lion breathin doun our back."</div> <div> Missiledine: "then agin, they mit ken summat about the gang and its whereabouts..."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Go back to Drunmore? Regroup there and then strike out?"</div> <div> Missiledine: "We can do that... But we have to eitrher make an effort to flush this hare, or make tracks to other parts as soon as we can. The longer</div> <div> we ang about ere, the more likely we'll get chopped."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Well, we finish our meal and get Rolb out to the farm for healing.</div> <div> Missiledine: As you finish eating the Drud comes up. "Are you ready?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Aye." Corren helps Rolb to his feet and retrieves the chest.</div> <div> Missiledine: you go out to your horses, the Druid has the inn's groom fetch his horse (he is apparently staying here)</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren helps rolb up and checks the horses.</div> <div> Missiledine: The gates are closed, but when the Guards see the Druid, they quickly open up. "We'll be back in a few hours." He tells them. They</div> <div> promise to let him in..... </div> <div> Dukejr01: okay. Corren habitually checks equipment.</div> <div> Missiledine: You quickly turn off the main road and follow one of the many farm tracks in the area. Soon you see the lights of a partly fortified</div> <div> farmstead ahead</div> <div> Missiledine: The Druid leads the way to the gate, which is of thick woven wood, set in a wall of thorns, that even in the light of the lantern by the</div> <div> gate, look long and mean</div> <div> Missiledine: There is a bell by the gate and he reaches out and rings it.</div> <div> Dukejr01: Cool.</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren is looking around.</div> <div> Missiledine: A few minutes later you see two men, armed with crossbows, just at the edge of the light on the otherside of the gate</div> <div> Missiledine: "Who goes there?" One calls. The Druid replies "It is I, Ulis." The men move forward to peer cautiously</div> <div> Missiledine: "Welcome Master!" Cries one and they quickly open the gate</div> <div> Missiledine: "I come with good men." The Druid says as he leads the way through the gate. "Bid them welcome. The injured man is of the Faith."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren follows. he nods politiely.</div> <div> Missiledine: They will guide you to the farmhouse, a large cottage. There are other buildings here, sheds, barns, hay ricks....</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren dismounts.</div> <div> Missiledine: As you dismount, one man goes on inside, you can hear him announcing Ulis and your presence. You hear feminine voices and a</div> <div> middle aged matron comes bustling out to give Ulis a hug</div> <div> Dukejr01: corren helps Rolb down and sees to the horses.</div> <div> Missiledine: 'Welcome back, old fool!" She says. "What have you brought this time?"</div> <div> Missiledine: "Good men, one, who is of the Faith, needs healing." She seems to grasp the situation instantly and comes forward to help you with</div> <div> Rolb</div> <div> Missiledine: "I am Lyssa." She says. She bears a strong resemblence to the old Druid</div> <div> Missiledine: "You are welcome in our home."</div> <div> Missiledine: Rolb nods his thanks, "Thank ye, milady. Tis a bonnie place ye ave ere."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Ma'am" Corren nods politely. "Thank ye"</div> <div> Missiledine: you are lead into a large kitchen area and made to sit and are offered beer, wine or cider</div> <div> Dukejr01: Rolb is taken away?</div> <div> Missiledine: The old Druid takes some cider, saying "Wine after work."</div> <div> Missiledine: No, he is sitting too</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren will accept a beer.</div> <div> Missiledine: A pretty young girl comes out from another room, "All is ready mum." She says, then, with a squeal of delight she hugs the Druid</div> <div> "Uncle! It's been so long!" She hugs the old man, but she has an eye on you. The Druid pushes her away. "Allow me to introduce Rolb and</div> <div> Corren." He gestures to each of you. "As you may have guessed, this is my family. My sister Lyssa, her husband Bristen, son Balin and their</div> <div> daughter, Lindi."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren looks around a bit. he likes it her. homey.</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Miss." Corren smiles.</div> <div> Missiledine: They have prepared a cot in another room and Ulis and Lyssa take Rolb back there and pull the curtain. You are offered some bread</div> <div> and cheese. Lindi refills your beer</div> <div> Missiledine: "How came you to be so injured?" She asks</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Thank ye, Lindi."</div> <div> Missiledine: she can see traces of your wounds still</div> <div> Missiledine: </div> <div> Missiledine: !</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Well, that is a rather long story...." Corren grins. "See, Rolb and I heard about this reward offered by a man named Januk for the</div> <div> return of his son. You've heard of it?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: I think Corren is down by one hp still.</div> <div> Missiledine: Ulis comes out to fetch some water and hears you. "You are talking to one of the three men who slew the hunchback and put paid to</div> <div> almost a third of his gang of cut throats." He says with a smile</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren flushes a bit.</div> <div> Missiledine: Lindi's eyes get big and Balin and Bristen both look impressed</div> <div> Missiledine: "Really?" Asks Bristen</div> <div> Missiledine: Ulis leaves again</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Aye. Rolb and I, and a companion named Ferric, rescued Paldur and killed seven, including the Hunchback. Didn't think to take his</div> <div> head though. Didn't know there was a price on it."</div> <div> Missiledine: Bristen chuckles, "Then your not from around here."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Rolb is a better storyteller..."</div> <div> Missiledine: "Please tell us!" Lindi says with a smile</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren shakes his head. "My clan lives further east. Rolb's from the Frontier."</div> <div> Missiledine: Balin chuckles too, "Aye, we cud tell." He says in a very good imitation of Rolb's brogue</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Allright then." Corren tries to tell the story, glossing over the goriest part, but starting with teh meeting of the farmer on the road, and</div> <div> describingthe snake nest.</div> <div> Dukejr01: want me to repeat it all? :-)</div> <div> Missiledine: Everyone listens with rapt attention, especially Lindi... You have a good half hour of uninterrupted story telling before Ulis and Lyssa</div> <div> return </div> <div> Dukejr01: </div> <div> Missiledine: "Rolb will sleep a bit." Ulis says "Then he'll be fine. Now I'll take that wine!"</div> <div> Missiledine: Wine and food are brought out and Ulis relaxes and recovers his energies</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren looks relieved. "Thank ye, for that."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "First it was my turn, now his."</div> <div> Missiledine: "I am here to serve the needs of the Faithful." Ulis says</div> <div> Missiledine: "Oh?" Lindi asks</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Oh, well, Rolb and I have only known eachother a few weeks. We met in the boxing ring at the Lendale Faire. I managed to knock</div> <div> him back one and after bought him a beer. Being Katalla we sorta hit it off. I gain from his experience and he gains from having a youngster</div> <div> dumb enough to take point. Our first adventure together took us into th' Palood, under Contract (he says it with a capital C) for a Lord by...."</div> <div> Dukejr01: </div> <div> Missiledine: :-D></div> <div> Dukejr01: gee thanks.</div> <div> Missiledine: lol</div> <div> Missiledine: We can assume that you tell the whole thing!</div> <div> Dukejr01: okay</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren's life has been exciting lately</div> <div> Missiledine: everyone listens with interest, they refill your glass several times while you talk</div> <div> Missiledine: </div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren doesnt get tipsy. just wets his whistle.</div> <div> Missiledine: ok</div> <div> Missiledine: A good hour later, it is now getting on towards midnight, Ulis will go in to check on Rolb. He comes out a few minutes later and</div> <div> says. "He'll be along in a few minutes. He just needs to dress."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren is happy to hear that.</div> <div> Missiledine: Maybe five minutes later Rolb comes out, looking almost as good as new. Though he is still a bit pale and his clothes could use</div> <div> some cleaning and mending.</div> <div> Dukejr01: Don't we both</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren grins at him. "Ready to do it all over again?"</div> <div> Missiledine: he will also have a bit of wine and a snack, while socializing for a few minutes.. "Mebbe not tonite."</div> <div> Dukejr01: corren sticks to beer.</div> <div> Missiledine: Finally Ulis says, "It is tpast time we left. Come my friends, let these farmers get some well earned rest."</div> <div> Missiledine: Everyone says goodby and wishes you well. You are both invited to stop by and visit anytime</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Aye. Thank ye for your hospitality."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Goodbye"</div> <div> Missiledine: You mount up... Lindi makes a point of giving you an extra smile</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren blushes a little.</div> <div> Missiledine: and head on out. Bristen closes the gate behind you and with a wave, sends you off.</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren suggests to Rolb as soon as we are out of earshot of the gate that we divide the coin into our rucks and fill the chest with</div> <div> rocks and dirt.</div> <div> Missiledine: Rolb nods in agreement, but says "Now? In the mid of the night?"</div> <div> Missiledine: "The ground is bloody frozen solid, lad. Did ye bring a shovel in yer pocket?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: "I was hoping to do it while you were bing healed, but I was distracted...." Corren grins. "I will graba few rocks and we can make the</div> <div> switch in our room at the inn."</div> <div> Missiledine: </div> <div> Dukejr01: yeah. but he can be trusted, I think.</div> <div> Missiledine: ok</div> <div> Missiledine: "What is it you want to do?" Ulis asks</div> <div> Dukejr01: "or we can put that other spoil in it, liek the knives"</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Oh, I was just worried about the chest full of coins we have here. Awfully tempting."</div> <div> Missiledine: "You wish it full of rocks and dirt? Empty it and put it on the ground."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren does so.</div> <div> Missiledine: Without getting off his horse, Ulis leans over the chest, murmurs something, then sits back in the saddle. The box is half full of</div> <div> fresh loam and several large stones.</div> <div> Missiledine: "That should do."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren stares. "Thank ye! Mighty kind, lord.. er, Druid sir."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren locks it up. divides the coins roughly. not terribly concerned about $$ just weight. he trusts Rolb.</div> <div> Missiledine: Rolb helps you put the now heavier box, up on the horse. You split the coins and re mount</div> <div> Missiledine: a shortwhile later you are back at the town gate. Ulis calls the guards by name and they open up, something strictly against the</div> <div> rulkes. He thanks the men and leads off to the inn. Dismounting he leads his horse in and rings a bell to sommon a stable boy. "Where are</div> <div> you two staying?" he asks</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Uh, Haven't taken a room yet." Corren looks pensive. "mighty late"</div> <div> Missiledine: </div> <div> Dukejr01: </div> <div> Missiledine: "Come, I will call the inn keeper." The stable boy will let you in and Ulis will leave you in the common room while he gets the inn</div> <div> keeper</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren tips the stable boy 4 bucks to take caer of the horses.</div> <div> Missiledine: despita e being woken, the inn keeper is happy to find a room for 'the heros'</div> <div> Missiledine: he accepts it gratefully</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren carries the chest in. guarding it... :-)</div> <div> Missiledine: you are shown to a nice, comfortable room. Ulis bids you good night</div> <div> Dukejr01: Corren shakes his head. murmers his thanks. "Goodnight."</div> <div> Missiledine: the inn keeper gives you a key, asks if there is anything he can get you</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Not til morning, thank ye."</div> <div> Missiledine: "Good night then." He leaves</div> <div> Missiledine: </div> <div> Dukejr01: k</div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>