Wandered Roads (South) - a GURPS Fantasy Game
Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 12:20 pm
Here is the chat log from the other adventuring party in my current GURPS campaign. We used a different VT for session one, and then the players did a chat only Session 1-A, but for session 2, we used the MapTool and couldnt be more pleased. no combat again here, but we did make a few rolls.
everyone is mostly getting familiar with the program and we are busy setting up token and campaign properties and designing macros.
we are trying to use the most current development version to help figure out bugs and such... here is the edited chat log...
8/10/08
Session 2
Players Present: Mike, Cathy, Stephen, Zach, Ben
Characters Present: Arn Ironfist, Lorryn Sutcliffe, Valinya , Artemis
Lurkers: Chaoz
NPCs: Padraig (Ben)
It is a nice, clear summer morning as you all prepare for the ride to Williamshire. It should take just over one days ride to reach the small town to the west, according to Raldo.
Raldo: Thank you again for helping me and my town. There are many in the town that think we should attack the nearby Goblin village....
Raldo: But some of us dont think that is the answer. It is obvious that it is goblins that are vandalizing our village, but we cannot be sure which Goblins it is. Thats what we hope you can help us with.
Arn: Bahh, any Goblins a no good goblin, if you ask me!
Lorryn: It sounds like we will have to catch them in the act.
Artemis: More then happy to help out... after all... it's the duty of a 'hero', and all...
* Raldo says well if there isnt anything else we need to do here, I suppose we should head out.
Raldo looks around at the party to see if they have any last minute requests before leaving?
* Valinya gives Raldo the "go ahead" nod
Artemis gives a smile and nods his readiness.
The countryside in Greenbough County is gently rolling hills with occasional sparse groves of trees. Most of the land is being used as either farmland or grazing for herd animals.
You see many small communities as you follow the road east. The dirt track you follow generally follows the course of a small river that cuts through the landscape.
The day passes uneventfully as you ride toward the village of Williamsburg. As you ride, Raldo tells you a bit about the town and surrounding area...
Williamshire is a quiet, pastoral town of under 700 folk. It is the second largest village in Greenbough County, behind only Greenbough itself....
The town is ruled by a group of village Elders, made up of any one over the age of 45. All things of import are voted upon. His family, the Williams' are one of the original founding families, hence the name.
* Artemis pats Alfred's side as he whispers a word to his fine steed. He looks over his shoulder to Valinya, "Beautiful area... very scenic..." His smile seems slightly off as he says that, a sparkle in his eyes.
Valinya: It is very beautiful, though a bit cultivated for my tastes.
Artemis: You would find many a Gratinzi painting of these areas... probably why the poor bloke won't see a pince til he's rolling in his grave.
As the sun begins to set at the end of the day, Raldo leads you all into the hamlet of Crowlin, along the banks of the stream and nestled under the boughs of a small wood.
Raldo: We can stay here in Crowlin tonight. I know many of the folk here. They will put us up for the night
* Artemis Artemis casts a furative glance towards the wood... he hoped that they at the very least had a warm bed. Their accomadations would of course be... below his standard.
The village of Crowlin is small and homey, and several local folk agree to open their homes up to the ragged band.
The ladies Lorryn and Valinya are housed by a friendly family and the rest of the group is allowed to bed down in a dry hayloft of a neighbors barn.
Padraig, though insists on sleeping under the porch of the house where Lorryn is sleeping
Raldo: We will rest up here, my good friend, Thouzan, over at the tavern, has invited us all to dinner.
* Padraig rubs his belly and looks hungry
Raldo: Then we can get some rest and get an early start. We should be to Williamshire by morning.
Valinya: "I look forward to sampling your local food; I'm sure it is delicious."
* Artemis cast a glance around and leaned towards Raldo, "So... good tavern in Williamshire?"
* Raldo says to Padraig, come young squire, let us head to the inn. We can make arrangements and help Thouzan make preparations. Everyone else, join us when you can.
* Padraig heads off to assist
* Raldo says to Artemis, Ahh, yes, there are a few drinking houses in Wiliamshire. I will show you them tomorrow when we get there. Raldo then heads off with Padraig to help get dinner ready.
* Artemis smiles at that... good drinking houses meant good women and good drinks... perfect combiantions in his book.
* Arn gives out a grunt as he falls from his horse. "Ill be stowing my gear in the barn here and goin over to the inn to find me a taknard of ale."
A few local boys come out to help with the gear and horses.
* Artemis holds out a hand to help Valinya off the horse, "Would you like me to help you unpack, lady?" his smile is once again odd, as his eyes sparkle.
* Valinya accepts Artemis' assistance and says, "I can unpack myself but thanks for the offer."
* Lorryn makes sure Arn is all right. "Are you sure you haven't had a few all ready?" she says with a chuckle.
Valinya: "It's only a pack after all."
* Artemis he hops off of Alfred on the otherside, "Of course...." he smiles down at one of the boys and hands him the horse reigns, "You kids ever met a talking horse?" His smile is wide as he laughs.
* Arn says, "Bahh, its this darn horse. Its too tall. Why do they make 'em so darn tall, by Belimars Beard! I should give 'em a good chop right here above the knees, that would make it a bit easier for me then!" He smiles good naturedly at Lorryn and heads off with his pack.
The local boys give Artemis a strange look, take Alfreds reigns and head off to the stable.
Valinya: "Have you considered a pony, Arn? Might be better and they are certainly more sturdy ... or so I'm told."
* Artemis as Arn walks off, he makes a hand signal of 'drikning' to Lorryn.
After a few minutes, you all manage to make it to the tavern for dinner.....
Many of the locals are gathered in the tavern common room, seated around tables, eating and drinking. There is a large table near the fireplace where Raldo and Padraig are busy setting out plates and mugs. A serving girl brings out a large platter of steaming hot food.
* Artemis arrives fashionably late for the meal, he looks a bit tidied up though his hair is still windswept from the ride here. He walks casually towards the table, winking at the serving girl as he slips into an empty place.
A large man, Thouzan, comes out and greets you all as dinner is served. Arn is already on his 5th taknard of ale by this time.
Valinya: "Arn, do you think you will be OK for what lies before us tomorrow after so many ales already?"
* Lorryn arrives. She's shed her armor for more ordinary clothes, faded but obviously expensive, though the ornate sword is belted at her side as always.
* Artemis snickers at Arn, but lets his eyes follow Lorryn as she moved... obviously admiring the quality of clothing... and the woman herself.
Thouzan: My friend Raldo here tells me you all are coming to the aid of Williamshire and their recent , um, problmes. This is wonderful news.'
* Arn holds his taknard up high, "Yesh, the Heroes of Greenbough will soon be the Heroes of Williamshireburgtown, burrp."
* Artemis pounds a fist on the table at Arn's words, giving a whoop to cheer it.
Valinya: Valinya's face tightens as Arn slurs his speech.
Lorryn: "Yes, at this rate, announcing our heroics will take longer that it takes to fight the next beast."
Many townfolk nearby listening, cheer, though its not clear whether they are cheering with what Arn or Lorryn said.
Valinya: "Let's not raise high expectations ... we do not know what lies ahead.
* Lorryn nods. "A wise thought, indeed, and rarely heard at least in a tavern."
* Artemis watches the women for a moment, and smiles as he leans back in his seat crossing his arms.
Valinya: "What can you tell us of the troubles?"
Dinner goes on smoothly, with much small talk among the group and the locals. who seem like a friendly lot. Many of them have heard of the troubles in Williamshire, but dont know much about it other than it has been Goblins, probably from nearby Yeahk-Nark.
Lorryn: "Yeahk-Nark sounds like an unpleasant place, why you can hardly speak the name without spitting."
Raldo: Yeahk-Nark is a nearby Goblin village. They are simple farmers and Im not really sure they are the ones behind the attacks, though some families have been pushing for an immediate attack on the Goblins.
Valinya: "Perhaps they might know more about the attacks and who is behind them."
Lorryn: "Besides which, even though they are goblins, it seems a bit...disproportionate to attack the village over some vandalism and theft."
Artemis: "I'd like to take a look around the town before I start laying blame...."
Raldo: Yes, that is my thought. The town has been there, living peacefully for longer than I have been alive, maybe more than 50 years. We have never had any problems from them. In fact, Williamshire is a generally peaceful place, its just been in the last several months taht these acts have taken place
Raldo: I knew I was right to seek out adventurers to help with this problem. I believe you have the right idea! Not like those blasted Vassings. They want to raise up all the pitch forks and storm the village.
Lorryn: "many strange things have wracked the lands these past few months."
Valinya: "One possibility is someone wanting to incite emnity between the two villages ... someone who might benefit from the goblin village being attacked and possibly wiped out."
Lorryn: "Who are the Vassings?"
Raldo: While the crimes are serious, no one has been hurt as of yet, though we dont want anyting getting to that point if we can help it. Some folk are worried that the crimes have been getting more extreme, and they fear that it may evolve to kidnapping or attack.
Artemis: "Tell us about each crime so far..."
Valinya: "Has anyone actually seen a goblin involved in someting?"
* Artemis leans in against the table, watching Raldo.
Raldo: Ahh, the Vassings, they are one of the other 'families' in town. They hold most of the sheep and cattle in town. The middle son, Andrew, he is about my age, 25 years, he leads the local Barracks of Rurga and is always trying to stir up trouble.
Lorryn: "Oh, one of those..." Lorryn smirks.
Raldo: The attacks started as damage to some crop fields. At first it seemed that it was local youth just pulling pranks. The crops were destroyed in large swaths in the nearby fields....
Raldo: But as it happened several times in the first few months, and all the boys had been whipped well by their parents, there was great concern when it happened again. And 2 goats were missing as well.
Raldo: Then, the crop damage started turning into more livestock theft. We have lost a total of 7 goats, 10 chickens, 5 ducks, and a cow. Several geese and dogs have also been killed, but their bodies have not been taken.
* Lorryn watches Padraig shovel down his food with abandon. "Somehow I doubt the boys would destroy the town's food source."
Lorryn: "What do you mean their bodies weren't taken?"
Raldo: There have also been several instances of tools and supplies being broken and stolen. Just the other night, we lost a goat and a chicken, a plow was destroyed and something attemtped to break into the grain stores.
Raldo: All the goats, chicken, ducks and the cow have disappeard. The geese and dogs were killed and left where they fell.
Raldo: I do not know if the other animals were killed or stolen, they were just gone.
Valinya: "Killed how?"
Raldo: Cut with blades. Swords or knives probalby. I did not see them, bu that was the consesnsus of those that did see them.
Raldo: After the attacks happened a few times, we began to investigate and we found tracks leading from the village into the woods, but the tracks always disappeard in the forest.
Lorryn: "What did the tracks look like?"
Raldo: We tried what we could, kept watch, set traps, but none of it seemed to matter.
Raldo: Thats when we called in the Sherriff.
* Lorryn rolls her eyes. "We all know what a help he was."
* Arn snorts loudly. "Gaah, the Share-iff, whats he know about knowing stuff. He dosnet know."
* Artemis watches quietly before sitting back. He waves a hand to the serving girl.
Raldo: Well, he has always been reliable before. He came out to the village with a few of his men. They checked out the crime scenes and agreed that it was goblin tracks. He went straight out to Yeahk-Nark and questioned them. In fact, hes been out there a few times, lookin around for clues, but he could find no connection to the crimes
A young serving girl sees Artemis motioning to her and she comes over to see what he needs.
Serving Girl: What do you need, sir?
Artemis: "You got any wine back there, my dear?" He smiles ruefully at her as he leans back in his chair to look at ther straight.
* Serving Girl says, Of course we have wine sir. Would you like dark or light wine?
* Artemis scratches his jaw a little, "I'm in a mood for some dark wine..."
* Serving Girl says, Ill be right back with a glass for you, sir. She turns to leave, flipping her hair and looking back over her shoulder at Artemis as she goes.
Arn: "Why drink a girly elf drink like wine, when Ale will put some hair on yer chin?"
* Artemis watches her go, his eyes moving along each curve as he speaks off to the side to Arn, "Because wine will keep me sober for the wonderful night to come."
Arn: "Suit yerself, just means more for the rest of us"
* Lorryn chuckles slightly at their banter, and whispers to Valinya, "What was it you were saying about overly high hopes...?"
after a few moments, the girl brings some wine back for Artemis...
Valinya: "Actually, wine has more kick than ale ... though neither suit this 'elfy girl"
* Artemis he smiles as he takes the glass from the girl, holding it with a steady hand as he takes a small sip... sloshing it in his mouth to gather the taste as he smells it regally.
Dinner winds down nicely and most in the room clear out slowly. Raldo excuses himself and says he will meet the group in the morning to conclude their trip to Williamshire.
Arn: Arn flashes a wry wink at Valinya, seeing he struck a nerve. Smiles and says "See, now there's even more for the rest of us"
Valinya: Having cleared her plate, Valinya looks about to see if seconds might be in the offering.
The serving girl eagerly brings Valinya a second plate of food, using any excuse to walk past Artemis
Valinya: "You can certainly have my share, Arn. I've seen enough of what drink can do in my life already. I'll stick to the lighter fare ... and hearty food."
* Lorryn orders another tankard of the dark stout that's already going to her head
* Artemis nods content with the wine, watching the serving girl before looking to Valinya, "How was your food? Was it good?"
Valinya: "Very good. But my tastes are rather simple, I'm afraid."
Arn: "Hey the boy's onto something here....." When the girl comes by, "Ay there lass, more ale fer me if ye don't mind..."
There are only a few locals left in the room. Raldo and their host, Thouzan have left. Padraig has curled up on a bench in the corner. The locals at the bar are talking loudly, often looking over their shoulders at the group at the table.
* Lorryn notices the tavern clearing out and says, "By the Light,, they near to roll up the streets at half past sundown in this place..."
* Artemis stands up and excuses himself as he moves over to the bar, sitting with a few locals. He nods to them, "Greetin's to you, boys."
* Serving Girl happily brings Arn more ale.
* Lorryn watches Artemis and the locals at the bar, they're giving him 'you ain't from around here' looks.
Valinya: After finishing her second plate Valinya says, "If you will all excuse me, I believe I too will call it a night and retire."
Bar Patron 2: Hey there, boy. You come to buy us a drink?
* Bar Patron says to Artemis, You are welcome to join us for a drink, as long as your buyin.
Artemis: "Sure did, friend..." he smiles and looks towards the barmen, "Sir, bring these kind men a drink."
Valinya: Valinya rises and slips out of the tavern before things get ... interesting.
Arn: Arn looks around for anyone else of possible military or similar types of appearance.
* Artemis buys the men a drink. They drink and laugh. As the night draws on, everyone eventually heads off to bed.
* Artemis heads off to find the Serving girl.
Arn goes off to sleep off his ale
The morning comes soon, too soon for some. Arn notices that Artemis is not sleeping in the hay loft when he wakes up.
Everyone gathers in front of the tavern and make ready to leave town. Everyone is there, including a smiling Artemis.
Everyone mounts up and Raldo leads the way out of town, still following the dirt track...
The trail leads mostly north now, through the small woods. Before noon, you all arrive in Williamshire.
Williamshire is a small town of less than 700 folk, all human by the looks of it. The town straddles the small river, with a little pond in the middle of town. All the buildings are made of wood, mostly one story affairs, with thatch roofs. Some of the larger more extravagane buildings have glass windows, but most just have wooden shutters.
Several dogs run up, barking, as the group approaches. You can see the land surrounding the town is full of farmland and grazing pasture.
* Artemis crosses his legs up on Alfred's back, keeping the dogs away from him with a scathing look.
The first building you pass upon entering the town is a newly constructed, long rectangular building with many young men moving about outside, many of them sparring with swords and spears.
* Lorryn notices Artemis's odd behavior, does he think the dogs belong to someone he knows -- someone's jealous husband perhaps?
A handsome, tall, young man approaches.
Andrew: Well met strangers, he calls out, then he takes a step back upon seeing Raldo
Arn: Arn mutters, leaning towards Lorryn: "They need us with warriors in training?"
Andrew: "Oh, Raldo. Who is this you bring to our town?"
* Lorryn replies to Arn, "Exactly, and he does look full of himself doesn't he?"
* Artemis leans back softly into Valinya.
* Raldo says "Leave us be, Vassing. Go back to your training and praise of Rurga.
* Andrew says "What, you dare defile The Protectors name by your lips? You and your family will run this town into the ground, Williams. You know what we have to do, yet you waste our time and money on these, um, people."
Valinya: Valinya leans back to avoid contact with Artemis.
* Artemis grumbles silently to himself as he leans forwards again.
* Artemis but keeps his legs away from the dogs.
Arn: "Rurga teaches strength, honor and truth, they're not all bloodthirsty....aren't they?"
several of the sparring men come up to flank Andrew.
Lorryn: "Well, if you have all the answers...."
* Raldo whispers to Arn, loudly, "Well, I think Rurga's allright, but these meat heads are always wanting to start fights, but none of them have the balls to finish one, thats the problem."
Arn: "Don't get me wrong, any reason is good enough to thump on some greenskins"
* Andrew says, Whats that you mumble Raldo. You want to come down here and say that to me?
Arn: Arn smiles
Just then, several older townsfolk come rushing up.
* Lorryn sizes them up, while continuing, "but I suppose your forces lacked sufficient men, not courage." She does not hide her sarcasm.
The Elders proclaim, "Good Raldo, you have returned with your 'adventurers' Good. Welcome to Williamshire. Thank you for coming" The older men brushes Andrew and his men aside as he approaches the group.
the Elders usher you all into a open walled pavillion and ask you to take seats. Several townsfolk come to tend to the horses.
Valinya: Valinya seems a bit uncomfortable with all this attention.
Elder Thompson says "Thank you for coming to our aid. I assume Raldo here has informed you of our troubles? We are in great need of people like you. We are not a wealthy village, but we can offer you a small reward, and our eternal gratitude, if you can help us.
Arn: "MMMMmmm hmmm"
As the Elders speak, quiet a crowd gathers around the pavillion.
* Lorryn looks from Raldo to Elder Thompson. "Have there been any more crimes since Raldo left to find us?"
Elder Thompson says, Thank goodness, no, the last crime was several days ago, before Raldo left to seek help in Greenbough.
Elder Thompson:
* Arn Quietly to his friends, "quite a conincidence?"
* Lorryn whispers, "Yes, odd isn't it?"
Valinya: Valinya whispers back, "Maybe"
Elder Thompson says, the instances have never been closer than 2 weeks apart.
Elder Thompson and the last one was 4 nights ago.
Lorryn: "Do they seem to follow any sort of pattern?"
Arn: "How many total have there been?"
* Arn Arn wonders where Raldo was 4 nights ago....
Valinya: Valinya glances around to see if the Rurga boys are present and what their expressions might be.
The group from the Rurga Barracks are not present. All the townsfolk gahered around seem eager to hear what the group is going to do.
Elder Thompson says, No real pattern. At first it was just crop damage, then it turned into livestock theft, then it became some tool damage and such. It seemd the crimes started farther out away from the village proper, and as time passed, the crimes got closer to the buildings.
Valinya: "Are the incidents regular every two weeks? If not, what is the longest time between them?"
The midday sun beats down as Elder Thompson explains what has happened.
Arn: "and no one other than animals have been harmed?"
Lorryn: "It would make sense that they're foraging but that doesn't explain the broken tools."
Elder Thompson: I suppose it has been anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks between the incidents. The longest time was about a months span, that was earlier on, before the dogs and geese were killed.
Valinya: "And what evidence suggests these are goblins and not some other beings?"
Elder Thompson: The tracks were consistent of goblin tracks, at least thats the best we could figure out. We are not trackers or woodsmen. Good Sherriff Reavitt confirmed they were Goblin tracks as well. They always led from the scene of the crime to the woods or some other place of concealment, then they disappeared.
Lorryn: "So they never led directly to the goblin village?"
Elder Thompson: No, the village of Yeahk-Nark is several hours travel to the southwest, across those hills.
Lorryn: "Did they lead towards it, or elsewhere?"
as he mentions the Goblin village, several of the townsfolk begin to stir, there are even comments heard about chasing them from the county.
Elder Thompson: No, the tracks never led to the village. Mostly they led toward the woods back downstream, the woods you just came through. But the tracks always just stopped and the trail vanished once the woods were met.
Lorryn: "Is that usual for this area, I mean do other creature's trails usually vanish like that?"
Elder Thompson: Well, with the exception of birds and dragons, I dont know of many creatures that leave tracks on the ground, then dont...
There is a chuckle from the crowd at this comment.
Valinya: "Well, I'm sure there is an explanation ... and we will try to find the answer."
Elder Thompson: We will make arrangements for you all to have the use of an empty house here in town. We can supply you with food as well, for as long as needed to solve this perdicament.
Valinya: "Thank you. Perhaps we could get settled for now and look around a bit."
* Lorryn laughs. "Flying goblins, yes that would be an unusual opponent indeed."
* Lorryn suppresses a shudder at the memory of the Harpies.
Valinya: "It might be closer to the truth than we know."
Elder Thompson says, We greatly appreciate your help in this matter. If you have no further questions, we can show you to your residence here in town.
Lorryn: "Yes, it might at that...."
Valinya: "Thank you, sir."
Elder Thompson shows you to a small cottage near the western edge of town. "The house used to belong to an old man who passed away a year or so ago. He had no family and the house has stood vacant for some time. We have had it cleaned out and have used it to house visiting dignitaries and merchants from time to time.
Valinya: Valinya takes her pack and goes inside to see if she can set apart a room for the ladies.
'The cottage is a 4 room building with 2 bedrooms a kitchen and a common room. There is a small communal stable/ barn in the rear for the horses.'
* Arn Arn looks at the integrity of the structure......"looks nice"
Valinya: "Why don't we all settle in then meet in the common room to determine out plan?"
It is a bit musty, but comfortable enough. Padraig sees that the horses are settled and then claims a large chair in the common room near the girls bedroom door.
Arn: "Sounds good to me. I'd like to inspect these so-called goblin tracks and the crime scenes too"
You all find a place to stash your gear and check out the building. It appears sound enough, the doors latch and the shutters close tightly, though there is no glass in the panes.
* Lorryn smiles at Padraig and searches out a straw pallet or something for him, what with the bandits she understands why he doesn't want to stay with the men.
Elder Thompson: I believe there might still be some evidence of the tracks left. I will have someone bring some lunch and food stores over for you shortly. Then we will show you to the latest spot of vandalism.
* Lorryn opens the shutters as long as it's daylight, trying to get a cross breeze to ease the must and lingering old man smell.
Padraig: Thank ya, maam. I think this chair might be comfy enough for me though. Its got some padding.
* Arn settles down his equipment, gets weapons and tools ready for an expolration
* Lorryn readies her gear and carefully oils and sharpens her sword, singing to herself softly to try to chase away the doddering old man's spirit that is bemoaning the fact he can't find his socks.
Valinya: "Well, I'm not hopeful of seeing much that will help us at the site ... but I'd like to see where the tracks disappear."
some townsfolk bring by several plates of food as well as some packages of food for later. Mostly bread, potatoes, carrots and some fruit. They show you were the nearby well is as well as where to go to find the occasional cut of meat from the meat storage.
Lorryn: "Yes, it certainly is strange that they do. I doubt they are goblins."
Arn: "Aye, me as well, but I am not so sure on how skilled of trackers these guys are. I've done some tracking myself and was working with a good invetigator before I met ye all"
Valinya: "I have doubts about that as well ... but perhaps they are."
Lorryn: "If they can fly, it could be Harpies. They do exist, I actually encountered some on the road far from here."
Arn: "it's not just the tracks I want to see, I want to see the damaged areas as well, the entire crime scene"
Valinya: "I'd say it was time for a mid day meal" and with that Valinya begins to fill a plate.
Arn: "Do they use blades?"
Lorryn: "Their talons might as well be."
everyone is mostly getting familiar with the program and we are busy setting up token and campaign properties and designing macros.
we are trying to use the most current development version to help figure out bugs and such... here is the edited chat log...
8/10/08
Session 2
Players Present: Mike, Cathy, Stephen, Zach, Ben
Characters Present: Arn Ironfist, Lorryn Sutcliffe, Valinya , Artemis
Lurkers: Chaoz
NPCs: Padraig (Ben)
It is a nice, clear summer morning as you all prepare for the ride to Williamshire. It should take just over one days ride to reach the small town to the west, according to Raldo.
Raldo: Thank you again for helping me and my town. There are many in the town that think we should attack the nearby Goblin village....
Raldo: But some of us dont think that is the answer. It is obvious that it is goblins that are vandalizing our village, but we cannot be sure which Goblins it is. Thats what we hope you can help us with.
Arn: Bahh, any Goblins a no good goblin, if you ask me!
Lorryn: It sounds like we will have to catch them in the act.
Artemis: More then happy to help out... after all... it's the duty of a 'hero', and all...
* Raldo says well if there isnt anything else we need to do here, I suppose we should head out.
Raldo looks around at the party to see if they have any last minute requests before leaving?
* Valinya gives Raldo the "go ahead" nod
Artemis gives a smile and nods his readiness.
The countryside in Greenbough County is gently rolling hills with occasional sparse groves of trees. Most of the land is being used as either farmland or grazing for herd animals.
You see many small communities as you follow the road east. The dirt track you follow generally follows the course of a small river that cuts through the landscape.
The day passes uneventfully as you ride toward the village of Williamsburg. As you ride, Raldo tells you a bit about the town and surrounding area...
Williamshire is a quiet, pastoral town of under 700 folk. It is the second largest village in Greenbough County, behind only Greenbough itself....
The town is ruled by a group of village Elders, made up of any one over the age of 45. All things of import are voted upon. His family, the Williams' are one of the original founding families, hence the name.
* Artemis pats Alfred's side as he whispers a word to his fine steed. He looks over his shoulder to Valinya, "Beautiful area... very scenic..." His smile seems slightly off as he says that, a sparkle in his eyes.
Valinya: It is very beautiful, though a bit cultivated for my tastes.
Artemis: You would find many a Gratinzi painting of these areas... probably why the poor bloke won't see a pince til he's rolling in his grave.
As the sun begins to set at the end of the day, Raldo leads you all into the hamlet of Crowlin, along the banks of the stream and nestled under the boughs of a small wood.
Raldo: We can stay here in Crowlin tonight. I know many of the folk here. They will put us up for the night
* Artemis Artemis casts a furative glance towards the wood... he hoped that they at the very least had a warm bed. Their accomadations would of course be... below his standard.
The village of Crowlin is small and homey, and several local folk agree to open their homes up to the ragged band.
The ladies Lorryn and Valinya are housed by a friendly family and the rest of the group is allowed to bed down in a dry hayloft of a neighbors barn.
Padraig, though insists on sleeping under the porch of the house where Lorryn is sleeping
Raldo: We will rest up here, my good friend, Thouzan, over at the tavern, has invited us all to dinner.
* Padraig rubs his belly and looks hungry
Raldo: Then we can get some rest and get an early start. We should be to Williamshire by morning.
Valinya: "I look forward to sampling your local food; I'm sure it is delicious."
* Artemis cast a glance around and leaned towards Raldo, "So... good tavern in Williamshire?"
* Raldo says to Padraig, come young squire, let us head to the inn. We can make arrangements and help Thouzan make preparations. Everyone else, join us when you can.
* Padraig heads off to assist
* Raldo says to Artemis, Ahh, yes, there are a few drinking houses in Wiliamshire. I will show you them tomorrow when we get there. Raldo then heads off with Padraig to help get dinner ready.
* Artemis smiles at that... good drinking houses meant good women and good drinks... perfect combiantions in his book.
* Arn gives out a grunt as he falls from his horse. "Ill be stowing my gear in the barn here and goin over to the inn to find me a taknard of ale."
A few local boys come out to help with the gear and horses.
* Artemis holds out a hand to help Valinya off the horse, "Would you like me to help you unpack, lady?" his smile is once again odd, as his eyes sparkle.
* Valinya accepts Artemis' assistance and says, "I can unpack myself but thanks for the offer."
* Lorryn makes sure Arn is all right. "Are you sure you haven't had a few all ready?" she says with a chuckle.
Valinya: "It's only a pack after all."
* Artemis he hops off of Alfred on the otherside, "Of course...." he smiles down at one of the boys and hands him the horse reigns, "You kids ever met a talking horse?" His smile is wide as he laughs.
* Arn says, "Bahh, its this darn horse. Its too tall. Why do they make 'em so darn tall, by Belimars Beard! I should give 'em a good chop right here above the knees, that would make it a bit easier for me then!" He smiles good naturedly at Lorryn and heads off with his pack.
The local boys give Artemis a strange look, take Alfreds reigns and head off to the stable.
Valinya: "Have you considered a pony, Arn? Might be better and they are certainly more sturdy ... or so I'm told."
* Artemis as Arn walks off, he makes a hand signal of 'drikning' to Lorryn.
After a few minutes, you all manage to make it to the tavern for dinner.....
Many of the locals are gathered in the tavern common room, seated around tables, eating and drinking. There is a large table near the fireplace where Raldo and Padraig are busy setting out plates and mugs. A serving girl brings out a large platter of steaming hot food.
* Artemis arrives fashionably late for the meal, he looks a bit tidied up though his hair is still windswept from the ride here. He walks casually towards the table, winking at the serving girl as he slips into an empty place.
A large man, Thouzan, comes out and greets you all as dinner is served. Arn is already on his 5th taknard of ale by this time.
Valinya: "Arn, do you think you will be OK for what lies before us tomorrow after so many ales already?"
* Lorryn arrives. She's shed her armor for more ordinary clothes, faded but obviously expensive, though the ornate sword is belted at her side as always.
* Artemis snickers at Arn, but lets his eyes follow Lorryn as she moved... obviously admiring the quality of clothing... and the woman herself.
Thouzan: My friend Raldo here tells me you all are coming to the aid of Williamshire and their recent , um, problmes. This is wonderful news.'
* Arn holds his taknard up high, "Yesh, the Heroes of Greenbough will soon be the Heroes of Williamshireburgtown, burrp."
* Artemis pounds a fist on the table at Arn's words, giving a whoop to cheer it.
Valinya: Valinya's face tightens as Arn slurs his speech.
Lorryn: "Yes, at this rate, announcing our heroics will take longer that it takes to fight the next beast."
Many townfolk nearby listening, cheer, though its not clear whether they are cheering with what Arn or Lorryn said.
Valinya: "Let's not raise high expectations ... we do not know what lies ahead.
* Lorryn nods. "A wise thought, indeed, and rarely heard at least in a tavern."
* Artemis watches the women for a moment, and smiles as he leans back in his seat crossing his arms.
Valinya: "What can you tell us of the troubles?"
Dinner goes on smoothly, with much small talk among the group and the locals. who seem like a friendly lot. Many of them have heard of the troubles in Williamshire, but dont know much about it other than it has been Goblins, probably from nearby Yeahk-Nark.
Lorryn: "Yeahk-Nark sounds like an unpleasant place, why you can hardly speak the name without spitting."
Raldo: Yeahk-Nark is a nearby Goblin village. They are simple farmers and Im not really sure they are the ones behind the attacks, though some families have been pushing for an immediate attack on the Goblins.
Valinya: "Perhaps they might know more about the attacks and who is behind them."
Lorryn: "Besides which, even though they are goblins, it seems a bit...disproportionate to attack the village over some vandalism and theft."
Artemis: "I'd like to take a look around the town before I start laying blame...."
Raldo: Yes, that is my thought. The town has been there, living peacefully for longer than I have been alive, maybe more than 50 years. We have never had any problems from them. In fact, Williamshire is a generally peaceful place, its just been in the last several months taht these acts have taken place
Raldo: I knew I was right to seek out adventurers to help with this problem. I believe you have the right idea! Not like those blasted Vassings. They want to raise up all the pitch forks and storm the village.
Lorryn: "many strange things have wracked the lands these past few months."
Valinya: "One possibility is someone wanting to incite emnity between the two villages ... someone who might benefit from the goblin village being attacked and possibly wiped out."
Lorryn: "Who are the Vassings?"
Raldo: While the crimes are serious, no one has been hurt as of yet, though we dont want anyting getting to that point if we can help it. Some folk are worried that the crimes have been getting more extreme, and they fear that it may evolve to kidnapping or attack.
Artemis: "Tell us about each crime so far..."
Valinya: "Has anyone actually seen a goblin involved in someting?"
* Artemis leans in against the table, watching Raldo.
Raldo: Ahh, the Vassings, they are one of the other 'families' in town. They hold most of the sheep and cattle in town. The middle son, Andrew, he is about my age, 25 years, he leads the local Barracks of Rurga and is always trying to stir up trouble.
Lorryn: "Oh, one of those..." Lorryn smirks.
Raldo: The attacks started as damage to some crop fields. At first it seemed that it was local youth just pulling pranks. The crops were destroyed in large swaths in the nearby fields....
Raldo: But as it happened several times in the first few months, and all the boys had been whipped well by their parents, there was great concern when it happened again. And 2 goats were missing as well.
Raldo: Then, the crop damage started turning into more livestock theft. We have lost a total of 7 goats, 10 chickens, 5 ducks, and a cow. Several geese and dogs have also been killed, but their bodies have not been taken.
* Lorryn watches Padraig shovel down his food with abandon. "Somehow I doubt the boys would destroy the town's food source."
Lorryn: "What do you mean their bodies weren't taken?"
Raldo: There have also been several instances of tools and supplies being broken and stolen. Just the other night, we lost a goat and a chicken, a plow was destroyed and something attemtped to break into the grain stores.
Raldo: All the goats, chicken, ducks and the cow have disappeard. The geese and dogs were killed and left where they fell.
Raldo: I do not know if the other animals were killed or stolen, they were just gone.
Valinya: "Killed how?"
Raldo: Cut with blades. Swords or knives probalby. I did not see them, bu that was the consesnsus of those that did see them.
Raldo: After the attacks happened a few times, we began to investigate and we found tracks leading from the village into the woods, but the tracks always disappeard in the forest.
Lorryn: "What did the tracks look like?"
Raldo: We tried what we could, kept watch, set traps, but none of it seemed to matter.
Raldo: Thats when we called in the Sherriff.
* Lorryn rolls her eyes. "We all know what a help he was."
* Arn snorts loudly. "Gaah, the Share-iff, whats he know about knowing stuff. He dosnet know."
* Artemis watches quietly before sitting back. He waves a hand to the serving girl.
Raldo: Well, he has always been reliable before. He came out to the village with a few of his men. They checked out the crime scenes and agreed that it was goblin tracks. He went straight out to Yeahk-Nark and questioned them. In fact, hes been out there a few times, lookin around for clues, but he could find no connection to the crimes
A young serving girl sees Artemis motioning to her and she comes over to see what he needs.
Serving Girl: What do you need, sir?
Artemis: "You got any wine back there, my dear?" He smiles ruefully at her as he leans back in his chair to look at ther straight.
* Serving Girl says, Of course we have wine sir. Would you like dark or light wine?
* Artemis scratches his jaw a little, "I'm in a mood for some dark wine..."
* Serving Girl says, Ill be right back with a glass for you, sir. She turns to leave, flipping her hair and looking back over her shoulder at Artemis as she goes.
Arn: "Why drink a girly elf drink like wine, when Ale will put some hair on yer chin?"
* Artemis watches her go, his eyes moving along each curve as he speaks off to the side to Arn, "Because wine will keep me sober for the wonderful night to come."
Arn: "Suit yerself, just means more for the rest of us"
* Lorryn chuckles slightly at their banter, and whispers to Valinya, "What was it you were saying about overly high hopes...?"
after a few moments, the girl brings some wine back for Artemis...
Valinya: "Actually, wine has more kick than ale ... though neither suit this 'elfy girl"
* Artemis he smiles as he takes the glass from the girl, holding it with a steady hand as he takes a small sip... sloshing it in his mouth to gather the taste as he smells it regally.
Dinner winds down nicely and most in the room clear out slowly. Raldo excuses himself and says he will meet the group in the morning to conclude their trip to Williamshire.
Arn: Arn flashes a wry wink at Valinya, seeing he struck a nerve. Smiles and says "See, now there's even more for the rest of us"
Valinya: Having cleared her plate, Valinya looks about to see if seconds might be in the offering.
The serving girl eagerly brings Valinya a second plate of food, using any excuse to walk past Artemis
Valinya: "You can certainly have my share, Arn. I've seen enough of what drink can do in my life already. I'll stick to the lighter fare ... and hearty food."
* Lorryn orders another tankard of the dark stout that's already going to her head
* Artemis nods content with the wine, watching the serving girl before looking to Valinya, "How was your food? Was it good?"
Valinya: "Very good. But my tastes are rather simple, I'm afraid."
Arn: "Hey the boy's onto something here....." When the girl comes by, "Ay there lass, more ale fer me if ye don't mind..."
There are only a few locals left in the room. Raldo and their host, Thouzan have left. Padraig has curled up on a bench in the corner. The locals at the bar are talking loudly, often looking over their shoulders at the group at the table.
* Lorryn notices the tavern clearing out and says, "By the Light,, they near to roll up the streets at half past sundown in this place..."
* Artemis stands up and excuses himself as he moves over to the bar, sitting with a few locals. He nods to them, "Greetin's to you, boys."
* Serving Girl happily brings Arn more ale.
* Lorryn watches Artemis and the locals at the bar, they're giving him 'you ain't from around here' looks.
Valinya: After finishing her second plate Valinya says, "If you will all excuse me, I believe I too will call it a night and retire."
Bar Patron 2: Hey there, boy. You come to buy us a drink?
* Bar Patron says to Artemis, You are welcome to join us for a drink, as long as your buyin.
Artemis: "Sure did, friend..." he smiles and looks towards the barmen, "Sir, bring these kind men a drink."
Valinya: Valinya rises and slips out of the tavern before things get ... interesting.
Arn: Arn looks around for anyone else of possible military or similar types of appearance.
* Artemis buys the men a drink. They drink and laugh. As the night draws on, everyone eventually heads off to bed.
* Artemis heads off to find the Serving girl.
Arn goes off to sleep off his ale
The morning comes soon, too soon for some. Arn notices that Artemis is not sleeping in the hay loft when he wakes up.
Everyone gathers in front of the tavern and make ready to leave town. Everyone is there, including a smiling Artemis.
Everyone mounts up and Raldo leads the way out of town, still following the dirt track...
The trail leads mostly north now, through the small woods. Before noon, you all arrive in Williamshire.
Williamshire is a small town of less than 700 folk, all human by the looks of it. The town straddles the small river, with a little pond in the middle of town. All the buildings are made of wood, mostly one story affairs, with thatch roofs. Some of the larger more extravagane buildings have glass windows, but most just have wooden shutters.
Several dogs run up, barking, as the group approaches. You can see the land surrounding the town is full of farmland and grazing pasture.
* Artemis crosses his legs up on Alfred's back, keeping the dogs away from him with a scathing look.
The first building you pass upon entering the town is a newly constructed, long rectangular building with many young men moving about outside, many of them sparring with swords and spears.
* Lorryn notices Artemis's odd behavior, does he think the dogs belong to someone he knows -- someone's jealous husband perhaps?
A handsome, tall, young man approaches.
Andrew: Well met strangers, he calls out, then he takes a step back upon seeing Raldo
Arn: Arn mutters, leaning towards Lorryn: "They need us with warriors in training?"
Andrew: "Oh, Raldo. Who is this you bring to our town?"
* Lorryn replies to Arn, "Exactly, and he does look full of himself doesn't he?"
* Artemis leans back softly into Valinya.
* Raldo says "Leave us be, Vassing. Go back to your training and praise of Rurga.
* Andrew says "What, you dare defile The Protectors name by your lips? You and your family will run this town into the ground, Williams. You know what we have to do, yet you waste our time and money on these, um, people."
Valinya: Valinya leans back to avoid contact with Artemis.
* Artemis grumbles silently to himself as he leans forwards again.
* Artemis but keeps his legs away from the dogs.
Arn: "Rurga teaches strength, honor and truth, they're not all bloodthirsty....aren't they?"
several of the sparring men come up to flank Andrew.
Lorryn: "Well, if you have all the answers...."
* Raldo whispers to Arn, loudly, "Well, I think Rurga's allright, but these meat heads are always wanting to start fights, but none of them have the balls to finish one, thats the problem."
Arn: "Don't get me wrong, any reason is good enough to thump on some greenskins"
* Andrew says, Whats that you mumble Raldo. You want to come down here and say that to me?
Arn: Arn smiles
Just then, several older townsfolk come rushing up.
* Lorryn sizes them up, while continuing, "but I suppose your forces lacked sufficient men, not courage." She does not hide her sarcasm.
The Elders proclaim, "Good Raldo, you have returned with your 'adventurers' Good. Welcome to Williamshire. Thank you for coming" The older men brushes Andrew and his men aside as he approaches the group.
the Elders usher you all into a open walled pavillion and ask you to take seats. Several townsfolk come to tend to the horses.
Valinya: Valinya seems a bit uncomfortable with all this attention.
Elder Thompson says "Thank you for coming to our aid. I assume Raldo here has informed you of our troubles? We are in great need of people like you. We are not a wealthy village, but we can offer you a small reward, and our eternal gratitude, if you can help us.
Arn: "MMMMmmm hmmm"
As the Elders speak, quiet a crowd gathers around the pavillion.
* Lorryn looks from Raldo to Elder Thompson. "Have there been any more crimes since Raldo left to find us?"
Elder Thompson says, Thank goodness, no, the last crime was several days ago, before Raldo left to seek help in Greenbough.
Elder Thompson:
* Arn Quietly to his friends, "quite a conincidence?"
* Lorryn whispers, "Yes, odd isn't it?"
Valinya: Valinya whispers back, "Maybe"
Elder Thompson says, the instances have never been closer than 2 weeks apart.
Elder Thompson and the last one was 4 nights ago.
Lorryn: "Do they seem to follow any sort of pattern?"
Arn: "How many total have there been?"
* Arn Arn wonders where Raldo was 4 nights ago....
Valinya: Valinya glances around to see if the Rurga boys are present and what their expressions might be.
The group from the Rurga Barracks are not present. All the townsfolk gahered around seem eager to hear what the group is going to do.
Elder Thompson says, No real pattern. At first it was just crop damage, then it turned into livestock theft, then it became some tool damage and such. It seemd the crimes started farther out away from the village proper, and as time passed, the crimes got closer to the buildings.
Valinya: "Are the incidents regular every two weeks? If not, what is the longest time between them?"
The midday sun beats down as Elder Thompson explains what has happened.
Arn: "and no one other than animals have been harmed?"
Lorryn: "It would make sense that they're foraging but that doesn't explain the broken tools."
Elder Thompson: I suppose it has been anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks between the incidents. The longest time was about a months span, that was earlier on, before the dogs and geese were killed.
Valinya: "And what evidence suggests these are goblins and not some other beings?"
Elder Thompson: The tracks were consistent of goblin tracks, at least thats the best we could figure out. We are not trackers or woodsmen. Good Sherriff Reavitt confirmed they were Goblin tracks as well. They always led from the scene of the crime to the woods or some other place of concealment, then they disappeared.
Lorryn: "So they never led directly to the goblin village?"
Elder Thompson: No, the village of Yeahk-Nark is several hours travel to the southwest, across those hills.
Lorryn: "Did they lead towards it, or elsewhere?"
as he mentions the Goblin village, several of the townsfolk begin to stir, there are even comments heard about chasing them from the county.
Elder Thompson: No, the tracks never led to the village. Mostly they led toward the woods back downstream, the woods you just came through. But the tracks always just stopped and the trail vanished once the woods were met.
Lorryn: "Is that usual for this area, I mean do other creature's trails usually vanish like that?"
Elder Thompson: Well, with the exception of birds and dragons, I dont know of many creatures that leave tracks on the ground, then dont...
There is a chuckle from the crowd at this comment.
Valinya: "Well, I'm sure there is an explanation ... and we will try to find the answer."
Elder Thompson: We will make arrangements for you all to have the use of an empty house here in town. We can supply you with food as well, for as long as needed to solve this perdicament.
Valinya: "Thank you. Perhaps we could get settled for now and look around a bit."
* Lorryn laughs. "Flying goblins, yes that would be an unusual opponent indeed."
* Lorryn suppresses a shudder at the memory of the Harpies.
Valinya: "It might be closer to the truth than we know."
Elder Thompson says, We greatly appreciate your help in this matter. If you have no further questions, we can show you to your residence here in town.
Lorryn: "Yes, it might at that...."
Valinya: "Thank you, sir."
Elder Thompson shows you to a small cottage near the western edge of town. "The house used to belong to an old man who passed away a year or so ago. He had no family and the house has stood vacant for some time. We have had it cleaned out and have used it to house visiting dignitaries and merchants from time to time.
Valinya: Valinya takes her pack and goes inside to see if she can set apart a room for the ladies.
'The cottage is a 4 room building with 2 bedrooms a kitchen and a common room. There is a small communal stable/ barn in the rear for the horses.'
* Arn Arn looks at the integrity of the structure......"looks nice"
Valinya: "Why don't we all settle in then meet in the common room to determine out plan?"
It is a bit musty, but comfortable enough. Padraig sees that the horses are settled and then claims a large chair in the common room near the girls bedroom door.
Arn: "Sounds good to me. I'd like to inspect these so-called goblin tracks and the crime scenes too"
You all find a place to stash your gear and check out the building. It appears sound enough, the doors latch and the shutters close tightly, though there is no glass in the panes.
* Lorryn smiles at Padraig and searches out a straw pallet or something for him, what with the bandits she understands why he doesn't want to stay with the men.
Elder Thompson: I believe there might still be some evidence of the tracks left. I will have someone bring some lunch and food stores over for you shortly. Then we will show you to the latest spot of vandalism.
* Lorryn opens the shutters as long as it's daylight, trying to get a cross breeze to ease the must and lingering old man smell.
Padraig: Thank ya, maam. I think this chair might be comfy enough for me though. Its got some padding.
* Arn settles down his equipment, gets weapons and tools ready for an expolration
* Lorryn readies her gear and carefully oils and sharpens her sword, singing to herself softly to try to chase away the doddering old man's spirit that is bemoaning the fact he can't find his socks.
Valinya: "Well, I'm not hopeful of seeing much that will help us at the site ... but I'd like to see where the tracks disappear."
some townsfolk bring by several plates of food as well as some packages of food for later. Mostly bread, potatoes, carrots and some fruit. They show you were the nearby well is as well as where to go to find the occasional cut of meat from the meat storage.
Lorryn: "Yes, it certainly is strange that they do. I doubt they are goblins."
Arn: "Aye, me as well, but I am not so sure on how skilled of trackers these guys are. I've done some tracking myself and was working with a good invetigator before I met ye all"
Valinya: "I have doubts about that as well ... but perhaps they are."
Lorryn: "If they can fly, it could be Harpies. They do exist, I actually encountered some on the road far from here."
Arn: "it's not just the tracks I want to see, I want to see the damaged areas as well, the entire crime scene"
Valinya: "I'd say it was time for a mid day meal" and with that Valinya begins to fill a plate.
Arn: "Do they use blades?"
Lorryn: "Their talons might as well be."