Evilhalfling
Adventurer
Rogues Gallery
You have been arriving at Count Hathwick's fortress over the last several days, The fortress is a rambling construction built over many years, some of the architecture looks sized for goblins, other larger chambers and halls were built by successive owners.
There are many chances for meeting each other unofficially before the farewell dinner.
The low ceilings (7') in parts of the castle have bothered everyone but Lilly and Rayburn.
As the final evening before you set out, the count is holding a small farewell feast.
Held in a less formal dining room than the great hall, you all sit along the sides of a single long table. At the head of the table is the count, the viscount (Redwold??) to his right, then Reyband Hathwick, and Kerin Rookstone. To the left is Jared Anuvien is the only other elder present, (Jared is Xaros' uncle, as his father had important business matters to attend, and could not be present.) (wysiwyg's PC), then Xaros with poor Lily sitting at the far end of the table, perched uncomfortably on a box, on top of her chair. You were all announced by a herald as you were seated. Everyone is dressed in their finest (or in borrowed clothing if necessary)
It is midspring and light is still coming in through a large (but barred) window. As the evening wears on that fades, until with a few words and a wave of the counts hand, the candles all spring to life. Your meal is roast pig with potatoes and mushrooms, with fine wine although the count urges that you drink modestly, for you will be leaving early the next morning.
Count Hathwick
"Welcome my brave scions, to a time of adventure and glory! We have all heard stories of the peasant and his friends killing the dragon, uncovering vast riches etc, why should the peasants have all the fun? When your parents and I were young we fought against gnolls, each other, or provided the funds for others to do so (1), etc, now thanks to out beloved monarch Funistan the II, (2) there are no wars, etc to be had. Instead we send you brave young men out to war with the creatures of the night. Goblins, gnolls, bloodsucking plants etc, once you are tested by these foes you may be ready for dragons, or to resume your place within your houses. Seek well for fortune and glory. If you should perish untimely your families can pay for a return if your companions can get you back within a week. If this is not possible please see to it that as much gear as possible is returned to the grieving family, along with tales of the vengeance you have extracted.
As you know tomorrow is the day slated for your first journey together into the wilds of South Denumbria, etc. I have obtained a map to the Spring of Good Fortune, a magical springhead that is supposedly running again after being dry for many years. It should take you all about a week to ride to the last civilized area, and perhaps another week into the wilds. Feel free to discuss your plans, ask any questions you may have of me, etc, and enjoy the food!"
With that the meal begins.
Reyburn [sblock] Your father casually wondered how Kerin found out about the venture, and if agents of the crown were involved. The crown is said to keep a close eye on what the nobles are doing, although it is uncertain if it is magical supervision, agents or divine inspiration. (gather info 18+mods)
While at the magical academy several teachers inquired about your fathers progress in his studies of the magical arts. You know that he maintains his own alchemy lab and there are a few stories of him using fireballs in the wars of his youth, but you really don’t know how far he has come since then. [/sblock]
Lily [sblock] you have been here the longest, and mostly ignored during that time. One thing has come to your attention – at the feast the count is carrying a faint magical aura of one or more active spells, which he did not have the first time you met him. You wished you had paid more attention to the lecture on understanding auras, because you know its possible to determine the school of magic in an aura, and his aura has faint pink threads, you just don’t know what that means. [/sblock]
Xaros [sblock] Your uncle mentioned that the count dabbles in alchemy, and has a fair stockpile of magical elixirs. If he is approached properly he may contribute a few. You have heard nothing about a spring of good fortune before. (bard lore roll 10+mods) [/sblock]
Kerin [sblock] although your reception seemed strained at first, everyone treats you very well. The count certainly willing to spend a lot more money on his castle, and its defenses than your father does in these peaceful times. A cursory detect evil finds some among the servants, but the count and the members of your new company are clean. [/sblock]
You have been arriving at Count Hathwick's fortress over the last several days, The fortress is a rambling construction built over many years, some of the architecture looks sized for goblins, other larger chambers and halls were built by successive owners.
There are many chances for meeting each other unofficially before the farewell dinner.
The low ceilings (7') in parts of the castle have bothered everyone but Lilly and Rayburn.
As the final evening before you set out, the count is holding a small farewell feast.
Held in a less formal dining room than the great hall, you all sit along the sides of a single long table. At the head of the table is the count, the viscount (Redwold??) to his right, then Reyband Hathwick, and Kerin Rookstone. To the left is Jared Anuvien is the only other elder present, (Jared is Xaros' uncle, as his father had important business matters to attend, and could not be present.) (wysiwyg's PC), then Xaros with poor Lily sitting at the far end of the table, perched uncomfortably on a box, on top of her chair. You were all announced by a herald as you were seated. Everyone is dressed in their finest (or in borrowed clothing if necessary)
It is midspring and light is still coming in through a large (but barred) window. As the evening wears on that fades, until with a few words and a wave of the counts hand, the candles all spring to life. Your meal is roast pig with potatoes and mushrooms, with fine wine although the count urges that you drink modestly, for you will be leaving early the next morning.
Count Hathwick
"Welcome my brave scions, to a time of adventure and glory! We have all heard stories of the peasant and his friends killing the dragon, uncovering vast riches etc, why should the peasants have all the fun? When your parents and I were young we fought against gnolls, each other, or provided the funds for others to do so (1), etc, now thanks to out beloved monarch Funistan the II, (2) there are no wars, etc to be had. Instead we send you brave young men out to war with the creatures of the night. Goblins, gnolls, bloodsucking plants etc, once you are tested by these foes you may be ready for dragons, or to resume your place within your houses. Seek well for fortune and glory. If you should perish untimely your families can pay for a return if your companions can get you back within a week. If this is not possible please see to it that as much gear as possible is returned to the grieving family, along with tales of the vengeance you have extracted.
As you know tomorrow is the day slated for your first journey together into the wilds of South Denumbria, etc. I have obtained a map to the Spring of Good Fortune, a magical springhead that is supposedly running again after being dry for many years. It should take you all about a week to ride to the last civilized area, and perhaps another week into the wilds. Feel free to discuss your plans, ask any questions you may have of me, etc, and enjoy the food!"
With that the meal begins.
Reyburn [sblock] Your father casually wondered how Kerin found out about the venture, and if agents of the crown were involved. The crown is said to keep a close eye on what the nobles are doing, although it is uncertain if it is magical supervision, agents or divine inspiration. (gather info 18+mods)
While at the magical academy several teachers inquired about your fathers progress in his studies of the magical arts. You know that he maintains his own alchemy lab and there are a few stories of him using fireballs in the wars of his youth, but you really don’t know how far he has come since then. [/sblock]
Lily [sblock] you have been here the longest, and mostly ignored during that time. One thing has come to your attention – at the feast the count is carrying a faint magical aura of one or more active spells, which he did not have the first time you met him. You wished you had paid more attention to the lecture on understanding auras, because you know its possible to determine the school of magic in an aura, and his aura has faint pink threads, you just don’t know what that means. [/sblock]
Xaros [sblock] Your uncle mentioned that the count dabbles in alchemy, and has a fair stockpile of magical elixirs. If he is approached properly he may contribute a few. You have heard nothing about a spring of good fortune before. (bard lore roll 10+mods) [/sblock]
Kerin [sblock] although your reception seemed strained at first, everyone treats you very well. The count certainly willing to spend a lot more money on his castle, and its defenses than your father does in these peaceful times. A cursory detect evil finds some among the servants, but the count and the members of your new company are clean. [/sblock]
Last edited:
