[Game Thread] Chapter 2: Siege of Bordrin's Watch

[MontageManiac]

Currently
Date	28th of Eleint (The Fading), 1493 DR
Time	8:15
Location	Brindol, Elsir Vale
Weather	Cloudy (fog), 59 F/ 15 C

The morning broke, sun creeping into the valley, cradled by the mountains to the north and south, bathing the lush farmland, trees, and forests in the warm glow of a new day.

Brindol awoke from its slumber, some a little worse for wear due to the celebrations the night before, but in general there was a hopeful air. Evil had been vanquished, and like an oppressive storm cloud that hangs ominously above one's head, the dissipation of such a darkness leaves such relief for those who experienced the dimness and dread.

Of course, it was still Cloudy over Brindol, and just slightly chilly. Waking up and gathering their supplies, a majority of the group finds themselves in the tavern portion of the Thistle. Eoffram had food and drink prepared for the group before they began their journey to Overlook. It would likely be the only warm and hearty meal they'd have for the coming week.

As they gathered and prepared, two things were aparent. One, Haaliryl was nowhere to be found, and second, neither was Belkas. Checking their rooms upstairs, Agnes, Dantas, Moonbrook, and Blossom could see both their rooms had been cleared out. Belkas' room at least contained a note:

My dearest friends,

I cannot begin to express how much this adventure has come to mean to me. It has given me freedom I never thought possible, and granted me the privilege of some new, very dear friends, which I did not think I would have the luxury of enjoying again in my life. However, Fate seems to be a fickle thing, and there are matters that I must attend to alone. I will do what I can to find you again, if not in Overlook then elsewhere. Should Fate see fit to plunge me unceremoniously into peril and danger, and Luck does not seem to be as forgiving, I hope to see you all at another time, in another realm.

With great sincerity and gratitude,

Belkas Falzaran

Having read the note, and made of it what they will, the group gathers outside the Thistle to make their departure, where they are greeted by a curious sight.

Rowan, Fiona, and Jax are standing outside with bags packed as though travelling on a journey. Rowan smiles at the group and nods to them, "If it’s acceptable with you all, we’d like to join you on your journey to Overlook. While I wouldn’t say that Brindol is still in danger… I feel my responsibilities have grown a little bit," he looks towards Jax and then back at the group, "And I find myself feeling… confined after our little adventure. I was using skills I had not in a long time, and I honestly can’t really bring myself to carry on with the Thistle after my father’s passing. It was his place, not mine. So I sold half-interest to Eoffram, and figured I’d make a go of things in Overlook, perhaps with their militia or guard. It seems they can certainly use all the help they can get right now."

Fiona smiles and steps forward, placing a hand on Rowan’s shoulder while another is protectively on Jax’s, "We understand you have to make haste. I’m sure we can keep up. It just seemed… opportune for us to make this rather hasty decision now considering the circumstances. I hope you will not find us a burden." Jax offers a slightly less weak smile then she managed the night before, looking at the group around them. Nix took a step forward and hopped up to lick at Jax’s cheek, her face just a foot above the large hound’s shoulders.

From down the road the group could see a group heading towards them. Eoffram smiled and looked at the group, "There were a few honourable members of our community who wished to pay their respects in person to the Heroes of Brindol before they left."

From down the street, the group could see Charles, Adronsius, Sertanian, Jalissa, and even Zerriksa walking towards the group. Charles immediately stepped towards Rowan and wrapped his arms around the Tavern owner’s son, hugging the man firmly and for a long time, as though he never wanted to let go. "I could give you a position in Brindol’s guards you know? You’d be of great value here. I could even make you a Lieutenant right from the start." Rowan chuckled and shook his head, patting Charles on his shoulder.

"It’s not that simple friend. We’ll be back to visit every now and then." Jalissa stepped up to Agnes and looked at her for a moment, hesitating, and then wrapped her arms around the Cleric giving her a deceptively powerful hug, "You are very brave Agnes Jager, and I hope I can be brave like you in the coming time, and wish you nothing but the best, and hope you don’t die anytime soon, and… well, thank you." The female elf cleric of Ioun is surprisingly brief and smiles, stepping aside.

Adronsius hands Moonbrook a pouch, "There be two potions of healing in that sack, so don’t go and lose it, ya hear me elf? An’ er… listen. I know I can er be… a little gruff ‘round da edges. But truth be told… yer a’right. Fer an elf… I’d be happy to help you and ye kin whenever ye’s need it, I swear on m’ clan, house, and family." The dwarf bows slightly, to Moonbrook, more than he’s done to most other than Agnes.

Sertanian steps up to Dantas and offers the young man a sharp salute, "You showed great courage, and clear thought under pressure young man. I have no doubt you’ll be quite the leader someday. Overlook is mostly known as a trade center, just about everything passes through there at some point, including knowledge and information. We are pretty knowledgeable on our local lore here, but I feel as though anything you saw in Rivenroar you may want to investigate further could have some information in Overlook somewhere. Anything you discover, I’d be very happy to know about." The old, retired militia sergeant holds out his hand towards Dantas to shake it.

Zerriksa steps towards Blossom, leaning on a cane to support her weight, she scowls at the young woman, not intentionally, but merely as the default state of her facial features it seems. "Path of the Four Birds was it? Well, you may find something interesting in Overlook that is familiar yet alien to you child. Don’t shy from the truth. Embrace it." She then promptly walks past her and towards the Thistle, "Eoffram, do you have any of that spirit that tastes like an embalmed newt’s deathbed?" The half-elf rolls his eyes as the woman walks past. You could almost hear cackling laughter as she passes into the building.

Finally the councilman steps forward and nods to you all, "Thank you for doing this. I feel better knowing you’re all travelling to Overlook. Be careful on the roads, as there is no shortage of danger in our times. Good luck." Eoffram nods to the group and smiles.

OOC Alright, so where is Haaliryl during all of this? Dantas has magically bound his longsword and shield to him (I believe you can do a maximum of 2 with your archetype right?). Also @Nasrith, don't forget while you are wielding the shield you get a +1 bonus to perception checks. Moonbrook has Nix. Agnes has said her prayers, and she is ready to set-out. Blossom is blossom and always ready to kick the ass of everything I throw at her. Damn monk. So choice for the group. It's going to take 1.5 days of game-time to get to Talar. Do you want to RP a campfire setting, talking with Rowan, etc. etc.? Let me know how you want to approach getting to Talar. Also, YAY! Chapter 2! Let's keep the party rolling!!!

[MasterMind007]

Haaliryl walks to the tavern from the direction of the stables, and notices the gathering outside. She keeps her distance, not wanting to go through a crowd. As most of them leave, she approaches Dantas and whispers something to him.

[Nasrith]

Dantas rises and readies himself as the sun rises into the sky. "You would be a welcome companion for the journey, Rowan. Fiona, Jax, it will be a pleasure to have you both along as well."

The young noble grasped Sertanian's outstretched hand and matched his firm shake. "Sertanian, thank you. I will keep an eye out for anything I can learn about Rivenroar. There are many mysteries yet to be solved around that place. Keep well."

Clad in his armor and traveling cloak, the broad-shouldered warrior watched as many of the friends they had made in Brindol receded into the distance and a few others walked beside them. Noticing Haaliryl a moment before she was on top of him, he fell a few steps behind the others.

[MasterMind007]

Haaliryl stood motionless, staring at Dantas as she whispered.

[Ganguropocky]

She rose as rested as she could be, given the coming battle, and said her prayers. Rowan's wife had been kind enough to tend to the mess that was her clothing and she was thankful more than she'd care to admit to be in the comfortable leather she wore rather than that skirt. She descended the stairs that morning ready to travel and wrapped warmly in the cloak she'd received the night before.

Flying again the colors of her father's brigade.

It felt nice.

When it was revealed to them that Rowan had intended to come along, it was clear that Agnes was conflicted. She chose not to speak on the matter, however, preferring to gather her thoughts properly before voicing her opinion.

Besides, before she could get a word in edgewise, Jalissa was approaching. In the hesitation, Agnes thought to stop her, but soon found herself bound in the arms of the elf. She could not help but blink softly. The hug was returned with careful hands, no longer sure how fragile the woman was, and when they parted, Agnes was blushing.

"Thank you... For your kind words. To survive in that place took just as much bravery as it did to enter willingly." She spoke softly, not entirely used to any of this.

"And there is little to thank me for, I'm only glad to help."

She would wait patiently for Adronsius to be free, and step over to him.

She respectfully lowered herself to his height to speak to him,"Dear friend, thank you for helping preserve the memory of my father, simply by knowing him... and remembering tale. And... take pity on me that I might ask of you to take another burden for my sake."

She told him of the sorry state she had found the shrine in, and explained that she would have stayed to take care of it herself if the situation was not so dire. Her request, was of course, that he do something to help.

[Nasrith]

If anyone were to look back, they would have seen Dantas leaning close to Haaliryl, having a whispered but forceful discussion. At one point, his hand brushes the side of his pack. When he doesn't seem to come away with anything, it gives the sense that the gesture was almost unconscious.

[MasterMind007]

Haaliryl stared at Dantas for a while more, before walking off a bit away from everyone, but still in sight.

[G in Japan]

When Moonbrook finds the others in the morning, it looks as though she hasn’t rested at all. If possible, her cloak is more caked with grime than before and her hair is a tangled mess, but she looks far happier than she has since the whole mess in Brindol began. She approaches the others from behind, however, so by the time that she moves up to stand with them, the look is fading away. As she approaches, she doesn’t look away from Rowan, Fiona, and Jax.

"Rowan," she begins, keeping her gaze on Jax, "This is not an easy journey in the best of times and we need to make haste. Are you sure you can keep up? If you say yes, I will believe and trust you. You proved yourself in the rescue at Rivenroar. But I am worried about the others. From what Troyas said, we cannot afford to be late." She gives the innkeeper turned duelist a moment to respond before turning toward Adronsius.

"May we never have to use your gift. I will keep them safe." With a slight bow of her head, Moonbrook places the two potions carefully into her pack before tightening it against her back.

"If we are ready, then, we should not dally."

[Skylarious]

Blossom can only stammer a thank you to Zerriska for her words, and is left to ponder what the woman might know. It seems my path continues to take me toward this strange destiny, even when I do not seek it out. She is in a quieter, more contemplative mood than the party is used to after that, and they can see her murmuring mantras to herself and gazing up at the sky for long periods.

[MontageManiac]

Currently
Date	29th of Eleint (The Fading), 1493 DR
Time	12:30
Location	Talar, Elsir Vale
Weather	Light Rain, 62.5 F/ 17 C

Adronsius smiled at Agnes and nodded towards her, "Aye lass, I'll do ya right and make sure that shrine be ready on your return, if you wanted to come back that is." The dwarf nods to her, and wife a stubby fat finger at the corner of his eye, "Be damned dust from the road..."

Rowan shakes his head at Moonbrook, "We won't slow you down, and if you are feeling slowed, we should be able to manage our way." He smiles and grabs a hold of his pack, and Jax's, lifting it up without effort and adjusting both bags into a travelling position. Nix remained by Jax's side and they continued forth.

------------------------

After a day and a half of travelling, a light rain sprinkled the Southern Elsir Valley. With Brindol dwindling in the East, the group could see Talar in the distance of the next morning, a tall, and slightly mis-shaped tower rising above the ground, barely visible through the rainy mist.

They arrived in Talar that afternoon. The group could see a tower clearing through the rainy mist of the noonday chill. As they approached closer to the town, they could see fields of wheat and barley, cows grazing, people working fields, just about ready to gather crops. Harvestide was approaching, a time of reaping, celebration, and families gathering together to celebrate a hopefully bountiful harvest.

Talar was one of the major agricultural communities in the Southern Vale, providing food for many of the towns, including Overlook and Brindol. As the group continued to approach the town, the sound of the river to the North, providing a soft roar in the distance that mingled with the whistle of the wind, blowing along the valley and making the tall grasses, the wheat, and the barley sway to the rhythm of the world. It wasn't Waterdeep's decadence, Baldur's Gate's opulence, or the majesty of Silvermoon, but despite the crips air and early chilly weather, Talar was a hauntingly beautiful sight of simplicity, and calm.

All of which could be threatened in a little under 5 days if they did not reach Overlook in time. The group would have to purchase horses in town if they were to make it.

Moonbrook had travelled through Talar many times, and knew the stableman, Frederick, in the North of town by the river (#5 on the map). He was perhaps a little crotchety, but always treated her fairly. As they entered the outskirts of town travelling along the main road, they could see the mottled tower quite clearly atop a hill in the center of town. The base of the tower was obscured by what looked like a fort which had seen better days and appeared to be unused for perhaps a decade or more. En route to Frederick's Stables, the group passed by the Merchants Quarter (#6 on the map), when they heard what sounded like a frustrated woman's voice in the square.

"Listen, for the last time, I don't know any gods-be-foresaken site of magical influence anywhere in the Vale. If you want to travel to Brindol from here, I could likely arrange that, but it'd cost you 10 gp for the guide, and that's not including my fee for arranging the service. That's just to Brindol. If you wanted an open ended guide for the region, we'd have to discuss terms, contract, all those bits. Now as for making Talar your base of operations, I think I could help you find an open stall if you wanted to open your... uh... what would the type of shop you'd like to open? And again, do you have enough to even do that? We don't quite cater to your... type of clients I think..."

Moonbrook would recognize the voice almost immediately. It was only recently she passed by Talar, and was arranged to escort a group very much like this woman was describing. It was Amafrey Hornraven, a human woman in her 30s who was the wood-elf's main point of contact within Talar.

Once the group got closer, they could see that she was in fact speaking with a tiefling male, who was looking at her with a dead-pan expression.

Teegank

He was slightly heavy-set, and about half his head was shaven in what looked like a dragonchess stylized pattern, with the other side of his head displaying long, deeply violet hair parted over in what could only be described as one of the most odd looking, and highly managed hairstyles much of the group had ever seen. Even Dantas who prided himself on being abreast of the most popular and regal fashions was at a loss for words to this man’s stylings.

Another curious feature was the fact that on the left side of his head (the same side as the shaven hair), his horn had apparently been snapped off at one point. He also had decorated his facial features quite extensively with metal studs which stuck along his eyebrows, his ears, his chin, and even through the septum of his nose, including a large studded collar he wore around his neck, almost like in the slave-pens of Amn. He was dressed in a torn-black tunic which hung off his shoulders, revealing swirling tattoos on each arm, purple like his hair, along with some facial tattoos of a similar colour.

OOC Alright everyone. Welcome to Talar and the beginning leg of your journey to Overlook and Chapter 2!!! Let's give Arachobia a big welcome! I look forward to his posts in character and can't wait for all of your interactions with his character

[Arachobia]

Teegank stands, exasperated, with his arms folded as the women blathers on.

"10 gold!? You know, if I wanted to have everything including the shirt off my back stolen, I'd have just rolled over and let those bandits have their way back between here and Shaarmid. Hells, women, I've been on the road for ages. I could do with a bit less gab."

His tail twitched and curled as he lashed it about in the dust

"As for my shop... I doubt you'd even comprehend the type of services I can give, but I guarantee that there's a lot of people who will pay to have me work my magic on them. We aren't all so lacking in imagination that we're content to stumble through life with the appearance we were dealt. Get me a stall, and you won't recognize half this dirty town in a year."

He turns as the women looks at the others approaching.

"What're you lot gawking at?"

 

History

Dice Roll:

1d20+5

(10)+5

Total = 15

[G in Japan]

As the group reaches Talar, Moonbrook guides through the town toward the stables. She nods to a few people, but keeps her stride steady and purposeful so as not to invite anyone to speak up and potentially slow down her progress.

When she hears the familiar voice, though, Moonbrook slows and half-urns to the others. "That is an acquaintance of mine. She arranges groups of travelers for me, when I am in the area and able. Perhaps we should take a moment and speak with her. She will know of any troubles on the road we may encounter between here and Overlook."

Turning toward the sound of Amafrey’s voice, Moonbrook steps into the square, just in time to catch the end of the tiefling’s rebuttal.

"I am one of the guides she is referring to," Moonbrook replies to the tiefling in a neutral, business-like tone. "However, I am currently taking this group to Overlook, in the opposite direction. What business do you have in Brindol? I am afraid they were recently attacked by a hobgoblin warband and may not be able to accommodate any newcomers."

 

Dice History:

d20+2

(19)+2

Total = 21

[Nasrith]

Dantas trudged toward Talar with a fine grey cloak thrown over his armor. His hood was up to cover the majority of his features from the day's drizzle, but a few damp locks of hair hung down in front of his face all the same. His journey to Brindol had been blessed by good weather and the monotony of a week's worth of travel hadn't yet broken past the initial wanderlust he had felt when he set off from the Rocannon Estate. Now however, it was obvious the young noble had grown tired of the rain, the road, and the thin film of mud that had gathered on his boots.

His frown lifted ever so slightly when they finally crossed the threshold into town. "Not exactly Overlook, but I'll take a backwater inn over another night on the road," he said, trying to infuse his voice with a bit of joviality to fend off the drear of the noontime weather.

Standing a bit taller upon entering the town, Dantas pushes back the hood to reveal high, noble cheekbones and a full mane of blond hair. His pretty nose wrinkles as the light precipitation touches down on his exposed face, but traipsing around town with his hood over his face gives altogether the wrong impression, he had decided. A few confident strides bring him within arm's length of Moonbrook, and he analyzes the scene with deep blue eyes from over her left shoulder.

"What she says is true," he adds in a smooth baritone. "They have had more than their fair share of trouble of late. Though they are safe now, they may not be as welcoming of..." He paused, his eyes moving over the mysterious tiefling from top to bottom. His last word hinted at no negative feelings towards the dark-skinned humanoid, just a well-practiced courtier's tongue stating the truth as gently as possible. "... Strangers."

 

Dice History Check: Tieflings:

1d20+2

(3)+2

Total = 5

[Arachobia]

Teegank's tail swishes, as he folds his arms to glare at the newcomers. Inwardly part of him is pleased at the talk of Brindol having it's fair share of trouble. He likes others thinking he is trouble.

"Well, maybe what I am looking for is not even in Brindol..."

He exams his nails casually, as if looking for dirt.

"I am a former student of the White Lotus Academy," he drolls, "I simply came to this... town... in pursuit of investigations that I doubt are within your comprehension... But I am not sure where the site is, to be honest."

"You're a guide." he says, looking at the one who introduced himself as such. "Why are you taking these others to Overlook?"

[Ganguropocky]

Lord Bahamut... give me strength...

She practically groans, and steps up along side Moonbrook.

For a change, she is handsy, resting a palm on the elf's shoulder. "I think we lack the time we're spending here, and clearly if this man's quest is so far beyond our comprehension he may as well. Perhaps we all should mind our own business."

The cleric's single eye fixed solidly upon the tiefling's, meeting his glare with her own.

A haughty ranger, and a murderous thief were bad enough. Agnes would not abide a thug.