Strahd's "RttToEE" CLOSED - Page 2

stonegod · 10th August 2006, 11:30 PM

The Kid's mind worked fast, like his once again twirling hands. "So... contact the folks who tore it down last, see what they say, and track down the red robed ones? Got it." Looks around at the others. "What are we waiting for?"

Land Outcast · 11th August 2006, 12:03 AM

"What are we waiting for?"

"Good question, are we expecting someone else that we have to wait until first light?"
The Kid does have a sharp mind, but he can prove troublesome if his overanxiousness proves to be more than a harmless trait

Rhun · 11th August 2006, 12:18 AM

The dwarven warrior nods at his new companions words. "If there is a threat to me kin, know ye full well that I intend to stop it." Korbryn looks about at the others. "I'm not one fer waiting. The sooner we get moving, the sooner we can put an end to this threat."

Kafkonia · 11th August 2006, 03:33 AM

"Kid," Llewellyn says, "while some of us can make haste this moment, it would perhaps be in your best interests to spend the night asleep. I would hate to lose my life because you were too anxious to get sufficient rest. Or for any other reason, in all honesty." He hesitates. "I have forgotten to make introductions, have I not? My name is Llewellyn. I serve the sage wizard Bigby."

Land Outcast · 11th August 2006, 04:22 AM

"I'm sure we can all come to an agreement about wether it will matter or not to Iuz our well-rested or ill-rested persons when we are put to the blade"
Enthusiasm and sarcasm have left his voice, Edirion has returned to his dry speech and from the looks of it, it will be the last he's saying this night.

Strahd_Von_Zarovich · 11th August 2006, 07:11 AM

Let me add one more thing before you retire to your quarters.
Atzil says and takes a final sip from his wine
We prefer you investigate on your own, Elmo likes to drink, and when he falls to the alcoholic beverage he tends to speak a lot, last thing we need is panic or letting our enemy to be on their tows and suspect that we know anything, with no doubt there are enemy agents around Hommlet and in the royal courts as well.

I wish you a good night sleep and a safe journey, One thing I can say for sure
He says and look outside of the window
The weather is against you.

Rhun · 11th August 2006, 05:46 PM

Korbryn looks out at the foul weather, a grim look upon his mangled visage. "It always be something. Weather, evil threats..." he looks down at the wine standing on the table before him, "or weak wine, in some cases."

Tonks · 11th August 2006, 06:33 PM

Pleased that others had found his words to be of some value, Lenuran listened as the First Council spoke of vipers in the midst of both Hommlet and the Royal Court. He was not surprised that if the Darkness was seeking to spread once more that it would enter the nearest town, but he was surprised to learn the First Council considered the inner sanctum compromised also.

‘It seems that while I was unable to achieve much in my time, others were far more successful.’

Looking out the window quickly as Atzil mentioned the weather; Lenuran saw the flashes of lightening in the distance and wondered if the gnomish village had retreated into the central hall to weather the storm.

‘Careful old boy or you will be too busy seeing phantoms of what could be to see what is…’

Sensing that the meeting was nearing its end, Lenuran stood and addressed Atzil once more.

“Thank you for the advice and warning on what we should expect. I have no doubt that Hommlet has changed much in my absence, but perhaps some things have remained the same. I would not impose upon you to stay longer if there are matters which need your attention First Council. The morning will find us all soon enough and if your words are true, this might be the last good night sleep we have for quite some time.”

Rhun · 11th August 2006, 08:42 PM

Korbryn turns at Lenurnan's words to regard the gnome with stone gray eyes. "I gleen from yer words that ye've been to this Hommlet place? What kind of place is it?"

Land Outcast · 11th August 2006, 08:47 PM

Great, plain great, now we are to extract information from a drunkard...
Edirion's thoughts are interrupted by the gnome's mention of Hommlet, he was intending to go wherever he was to be housed this night, but knowing about that place, and possibly getting some knowledge about the "war heroes" would be the first step into the job..

stonegod · 11th August 2006, 08:57 PM

Popping a cherry tomato into his mouth, the Kid openly looks at the gnome, hoping for a good tale.

Tonks · 12th August 2006, 02:34 AM

Lenuran had not expected his words to have such an effect on the others, but with the First Council proclaiming him as far more than a simple scribe, he should have seen the possibility of this happening.

Taking a quick sip of his wine and looking towards the east for a moment, Lenuran knew he could stall no longer. With a steady voice that seemed to pull each of the listeners just a little closer towards him, Lenuran started to speak.

"The last time I was in Hommlet was almost a decade ago, just after the original Temple was destroyed. I was sent to the village, as it was little more than that at the time, to collect what information I could on those who had ventured into that vile place. Sadly all there was for me to gather were the memories of the people they briefly interacted with as they passed through the town. After I found out that thee was little to be gained from visiting the famous landmarks of the moathouse, the town of Nulb, or the insides of the temple itself, I began searching for the homelands of the heroes and met with little success there as well."

Feeling that those gathered cared little to hear about the things he could not provide for them, Lenuran focused instead on the information that he could give them.

"There is a castle, well they call it a castle but it is little more than a glorified watch tower, built by two locals named Burne and Rufus. I was never invited inside, so I can tell you little more than it appears solid and the locals draw a measure of confidence from its presence. Elmo was seen a buffoon who managed to keep the militia running despite his shortcomings, but I know this only from whispered conversations that I had with many of the townsfolk while I rested in the Welcome Wench. To be honest I am surprised to hear the First Council mention him again."

Reaching down and brining his glass to his lips once more, Lenuran moistened his lips and resumed his narrative.

"I only had the pleasure to speak directly with two of the junior priests of the Church of St. Cuthbert, Calmer and Terjon were their names. They mentioned the Canoness many times, but I was not in Hommlet long enough to press the issue of meeting her. It was Ostler Gundigoot's advice that I heeded in this regard, I wonder if he still runs the Wench as he was an old man when I first met him, as he knew the pulse of the town like no other."

Lenuran's smile fades as his mind recalled the darker memories of the small town.

"Even good people can be fooled though, as the Temple had spies planted in the Trading Post and even though they were eventually discovered, the damage was done to the morale of the town. Cuthbert himself alone knows what jail those two have been condemned to spend the remainder of their days.

Forcing himself to shake off the dark cloud, Lenuran refocused on the many positive memories that he carried from his visit.

"There are many good people that I hope still call Hommlet home. A dear friend of mine, Madame Naddy Tomanloft, ran a small leatherworking shop. She was a fine craftsman, and the fact that she is a fellow gnome is not a fact I would overlook.
A fine wizard also called that town his home, and Spugnoir and I shared more than one bottle of imported elvish wine while I was in town. The druid Jaroo Ashstaff of the Old Faith also keeps a home in the small grove he calls his own. It was a pleasure getting to spend many mornings in that small slice of paradise."

Taking the last swallow from his glass of wine, Lenuran placed it back on the table and placed his hands on the edge of the table.

"I wish I could tell you more, but I was in town for less than two weeks before I moved onwards."

Land Outcast · 12th August 2006, 02:52 AM

Edirion nods, once, sharply.

It is good to know where we are heading... no, there aren't any news on that, we just got our destination colorfully fleshed out...

To know there were those who they could contact once in the town results enough of a relief for Edirion, who was starting to think the Council was playing the ridicule by sending them in a "subterfuge" mission without any resources at all.

Incompetence of these nobles is evident, one of us had more useful information than they provided us with. At least we do have someone who is already proving his value here.

stonegod · 12th August 2006, 08:31 PM

The Kid finishes his last piece of mutton as the gnome finishes. The scarred elf then makes his nod, reminding him of a dour commander he once knew. Wiping his mouth with an available piece of cloth, the Kid added, "Then, I guess we rest and leave tomorrow. I'd like to see a map to best scout a trail, but other than that, I'm set."

Strahd_Von_Zarovich · 13th August 2006, 11:41 AM

Second Sunday, Coldeven. 9/3/600

You wake up to a loud knocking on the Door
The first counsel will wait you in the south gate
Says the guard and depart.

*****************************

I wish you safe travel, bring back good news friends
Says Atzil as he waits under the cover of the Gate tower.
Hopefully the rain will stop tomorrow.

By foot or with horses?

stonegod · 13th August 2006, 02:09 PM

The Kid hunkers down under a voluminous cloak, trying to stay dry. He leads out a fiesty roan with an impressive military saddle. On the horse, you can tell that the Kid depends on natural skill than training to ride the horse, but he seems competent enough for non-cavalry.

"Let's do this."

OOC

Land Outcast · 13th August 2006, 04:57 PM

After the first knocking, the guard is startled to find the door is being opened.
"Yes?" asks Edirion, ready to depart some four hours ago.

The first counsel will wait you in the south gate, Sir

Without a word, the elf leaves the man in front of his room and directs himself to the south gate.
--------------

Walking through the courtyard, paying no heed to the rain, the elf brings his steed from the stables and in one swift motion is on the practical saddle, ready to depart.

Strahd_Von_Zarovich · 14th August 2006, 02:16 PM

Passing one of the many streams that spring from the deep of the Kron hills and connect to the Velverdyva a mile from Verbobonc, you make your way to the town of Hommlet, the road is well kept and it's safe to travel during those times of peace. farms are scattered around the many Cotton and wheat fields all the way from the grassy plains to the Kron hills in the south, blanket of cumulonimbus clouds cover the sky and the sun, the rain pours and those of you who wear helmets can hear the annoying knocking sound of the rain.
This weather kept most of the merchants back in town, which is why traffic is light, both human and gnome delayed their plans to travel to and from the hills it seems. Flocks of birds can be seen in the horizon, escaping the foul weather, even the wild beast decided to stay inside their tunnels and hideouts.
A group of pilgrims can be seen no the road, making their way to the free city, there are six of them, they are covered with heavy cloaks, to protect their small bodies and faces.
Some of them approach you with heads down and extended hands.
Will you donate some coins to Cyrrollalee The Faithful?

Knowledge religion

Tonks · 14th August 2006, 03:29 PM

Second Sunday, Coldeven. 9/3/600

As the guard rapped on his door, Lenuran came awake quickly and met with the others assembled by the south gate. The rain had maintained its steady fall during the night leaving the cobbleroads slick. Riding on the small pony he had purchased after the meeting was over, Lenuran knew that the journey would be far from pleasant for him, but he would not slow the others down by walking.

'Sores heal quickly and with some luck I will gather the knack for this soon...'

The meeting with the First Council was brief with Atzil saying little more than a final wish of good luck and gods speed and then they were off towards Hommlet.

After the sixth hour of steady rain, Lenuran's cloak began to allow moisture to seep through which did little to keep Lenuran's mood positive. As they were approached by a band of smallfolk pilgrims requesting coin, Lenuran felt shame in complaining about his position while their were clergymen travelling in the rain and mud. Reaching into his side pouch, as the bulk of his coin was hidden in his pack, he pulled two gold coins free and approached them with an easy smile on his face.

"On such a day as this how could we not spare some coin for the clergy. May it help those in need as you travel north."

stonegod · 14th August 2006, 03:43 PM

Rain did not bother the Kid; you got used to it when you sat and waited during recon. In addition, the constant twirling of a free dagger in his non-reins hand kept his mind occupied. He saw the gnome was uncomfortable, but did not comment. He would get used to it.

With the appearance of the small band, the Kid hunkered down in his saddle. He did not have anything against them---he did know these folks---but the faithful did not help him too much during this urchin days. Too busy fighting the war or protecting the richer flock. Sure, some church goers were good enough, but, for the most part, the Kid did without them.