Gina
First Post
Changes: The Longwood Farm and Three Oaks
Morning came and Tieran decided to take another look at the magical backpack. He noted several things of interest about it. There was something inside the “dimensional pocket”. He said that the pack could hold much more than it looked like because it has some sort of dimensional pocket in it. However, due to it being damaged, he did not suggest any of us putting our hands inside since we might draw back a stump. So, he tried a mage hand to get the object out and was not surprised when it didn’t work. So, we saved that little mystery for later, when we could find someone to fix the bag.
We set out then, back to the road and on to Three Oaks. We estimated that we would reach the Longwood farm in time for a nice noon meal there. We were certain that they would welcome us, since our last visit had saved so many of them from death.
So, we walked along the road, reaching the turnoff to the Longwood farm near noon. As we approached it, we heard the sound of hoofbeats. After a moment we decided that Kytum-up should hide beneath the mound of Owlbear parts on the travois we had rigged up from some tree limbs and blankets.
We waited then as the horsemen approached, perhaps a dozen of them, carrying a banner with a symbol of the empire on it and a starburst design. Must have been the symbol of their order or whatever it is that soldiers have.
They halted as they saw us, their captain speaking to us from horseback. The captain asked us our business. All of the soldiers seem to want to know our business, I suppose they ask that of everyone these days, but really, how many are likely to admit that their business is to spread evil and chaos throughout the land? Anyway, we told him that we were bound for the Longwood Farm, for a visit and then on to Three Oaks. The captain nodded, appeased for the moment and then seemed to notice the Owlbear pelts and heads on the travois.
During our introductions, the captain seemed uncomfortable about me being a “Priestess of Eliwyn”, a druid. I don’t understand that, but who knows what is in the minds of people these days. Still, I know that there are others of my order fighting in the wars, so it is strange that he should be so wary.
He gestured to the hides on the travois and asked what they were. We told him. He and his men looked rather surprised, seems that they had been charged to go after the Owlbear and kill it.
A group of adventurers, led by a cleric of the Great Church, named Callan Daleson had gone out after it several days before. There had been four of them, Callan, a human, an elven woman, a half-orc, and a dwarven man. Sounded a lot like the bodies we found in and around the Owlbear’s lair. We told the captain as much. He looked surprised, but told us to go to Lord Philwen in Three Oaks to get the bounty on the creatures.
Then, he and his group moved off to continue their patrol. As they did, we noted that most of the soldiers looked very young. They must be taking them on patrol to get them seasoned before sending them to the front.
After the soldiers had gone, leaving nothing but dust behind them, we moved on to the Longwood’s farm. There were a great many changes since our last visit. The first of these was the large, wooden palisade that had been erected around the farm, there was a partially completed gatehouse, it was as if the farm were a village. Anyway, as we walked through the palisade, we saw that much was the same, but there were also great changes here. The houses, barn, chicken coop, and other buildings still stood, along with newer ones. There were also tents and pavilions, seemingly occupied by new people as well. Yes, the farm was well on its way to becoming a village.
James Longwood, the elderly man who had been locked in the root cellar during the spider attack, limped forward to greet us, having been fetched by one of the children upon our arrival. I think the child’s name was Louise, yes, Louise Longwood. James looks well these days, he seems to have regained a sense of purpose with the recent wars and hardship. His time as a member of the legions shows plainly in his shiny armor and weapons, his bearing is dignified, his limp less pronounced than it had been before.
He greeted us, and introductions were made. I had a moment when I forgot my new face and wondered why he did not recognize me. I shall have to get used to that, but it is difficult since in my mind and heart, I am still nearly the same person.
He conveyed several pieces of information to us, after greetings were exchanged.
When we asked about the walls, he told us that they had been erected by a wizard in the service of the Empire, very much like the new stone walls in Eaglesford. The wizard who came was called Aramir, and he works with Moira in Three Oaks.
I noticed some new construction under the main house, though no one mentioned it. In fact, they all seemed rather uncomfortable about us being there and certainly about us poking around.
I got Thaile and we went inside the main house to take a look. As I distracted the farm people with some tales of our escapades, Thaile noted a chest that looked as if it had been moved a time or two to allow access to a trapdoor beneath. Still, there were too many people to check farther.
We had a lovely meal and were soon ready to move on, hoping to make Three Oaks before nightfall.
As we prepared to leave, I threw caution to the winds, turning to Uncle James and asking:
“So, what is it you are building under the main house?”
There was a stunned silence as everyone turned to stare at us, well, me in particular.
Then, Uncle James took control of the situation, leading us a little away from the rest of the group. He asked us why we thought that they were building something under the house. I explained what I had seen that tipped me off to the construction and he told us that they had been told to keep quiet about it, and asked that we do the same.
The area under the house was built to be a “safe house” for Aramir and other wizards. They don’t enter from the house and the Longwoods don’t know where they enter from. The room has been in use a time or two already, but if anyone becomes aware of its existence, it will be dangerous for the wizards who use the room as well as the Longwoods.
Strange that Wizards need a place to flee to, I would have believed that their towers were sufficient. This makes me wonder if there is a similar place in Eaglesford, as payment for the wall there.
Being the daughter of a carpenter is useful sometimes. I was able to give Uncle James a list of the things that had suggested to me that there was construction below the house. He seemed eager to address these issues, hoping, I guess to hide all evidence that the room even exists.
We bid them good day and continued our journey to Three Oaks, arriving near dusk. We moved quickly past the large military encampments toward the city gates. We were questioned upon our arrival, but the guards let us in after we answered their routine questions. Kefk stayed outside the town, Kytum-up coming in with us to see where we were staying. He and Kefk agreed to switch the circlet between themselves, which would allow each of them to spend some time in town.
We arranged accommodations at the Griffon’s Claw inn. There were many Legionnaires there, relaxing, I guess. Something seems strange about the soldiers I have seen in town, but I cannot figure out what seems wrong. I shall have to think on it, perhaps it is simply that there are so many of them when I have seen so few soldiers in my life.
The rooms were expensive, but Mor’Elandi used his elvish pompousness to great effect, getting better rooms and meals included from the landlord. We arranged to stay for five days. It seems a long time, but we have a great deal to do in town. Interestingly, the landlord was most eager to take gold. It seems that much business these days is done with letters of credit and he was not kindly disposed toward the practice.
After we settled in, Mor’Elandi went about some secret mission of his own, Thaile went to the House of Darmon and to the Great Church, I went to the House of Korok, making an appointment with Brother Mamet for the next day at two in the afternoon. Tieran remained in the room, studying his spellbooks.
July 21st
Morning came and we made our way downstairs to have a mediocre breakfast in the inn. Mor’Elandi told us he may have a lead on getting some of the damaged goods repaired.
After breakfast we went to the castle, to gain the bounty for the Owlbears. We waited for a long time, Lord Philwen is very busy these days, it seems.
During our wait, a young woman came to see us about repairing the damaged magic items we had. She introduced herself as Sorell, an assistant to Zameet. She was a mousy-looking creature, soft spoken and shy. She was, however, very willing to assist us. We sent the bag with her to be repaired, the armor and bracers needing an armorsmith to be repaired.
We inquired about potions and scrolls. She said that she might have some potions lying about and we should come later to speak of them and possibly purchase them. Scrolls we might get from Damien or Zameet.
She seemed almost in awe of Tieran. Strange, I have never been particularly in awe of him, but then, I have known him for a very long time and have seen some of his more spectacular errors in judgement. Of course, I must also admit that he has known me for just as long and has seen my own errors as well, and I suspect that mine are greater in number!
After a long wait, we were taken in to see Lord Philwyn. The Herald spoke for a while. I am not clear on what he said, after the first few minutes, I wasn’t really listening anymore.
Eventually, the long-winded fellow gave up and Lord Philwen moved forward to ask some questions. The steward moved to take the Owlbear parts away. Tieran and Mor’Elandi stopped him and we moved into another room to begin negotiations.
After negotiating for a while, we received two letters of credit for 1,000 gold pieces each in payment for the Owlbear pelts and skulls. When I questioned whether shopkeepers would take the letters of credit, the steward said that yes, they would all take them and did we know someone who was reluctant to do so? We moved on to see Zameet, saying nothing more about the letter of credit.
Zameet had some scrolls available and was able to help us determine the command word for the ring of Enlarge Person that we have. It will enlarge one person, once per day for six minutes. Thaile suggested that I use it for now, since it might be useful in combat.
Tieran will come later to speak with Zameet about what scrolls he will be purchasing.
When we left the shop it was nearly time for our appointment with Brother Mamet at the House of Korok.
Morning came and Tieran decided to take another look at the magical backpack. He noted several things of interest about it. There was something inside the “dimensional pocket”. He said that the pack could hold much more than it looked like because it has some sort of dimensional pocket in it. However, due to it being damaged, he did not suggest any of us putting our hands inside since we might draw back a stump. So, he tried a mage hand to get the object out and was not surprised when it didn’t work. So, we saved that little mystery for later, when we could find someone to fix the bag.
We set out then, back to the road and on to Three Oaks. We estimated that we would reach the Longwood farm in time for a nice noon meal there. We were certain that they would welcome us, since our last visit had saved so many of them from death.
So, we walked along the road, reaching the turnoff to the Longwood farm near noon. As we approached it, we heard the sound of hoofbeats. After a moment we decided that Kytum-up should hide beneath the mound of Owlbear parts on the travois we had rigged up from some tree limbs and blankets.
We waited then as the horsemen approached, perhaps a dozen of them, carrying a banner with a symbol of the empire on it and a starburst design. Must have been the symbol of their order or whatever it is that soldiers have.
They halted as they saw us, their captain speaking to us from horseback. The captain asked us our business. All of the soldiers seem to want to know our business, I suppose they ask that of everyone these days, but really, how many are likely to admit that their business is to spread evil and chaos throughout the land? Anyway, we told him that we were bound for the Longwood Farm, for a visit and then on to Three Oaks. The captain nodded, appeased for the moment and then seemed to notice the Owlbear pelts and heads on the travois.
During our introductions, the captain seemed uncomfortable about me being a “Priestess of Eliwyn”, a druid. I don’t understand that, but who knows what is in the minds of people these days. Still, I know that there are others of my order fighting in the wars, so it is strange that he should be so wary.
He gestured to the hides on the travois and asked what they were. We told him. He and his men looked rather surprised, seems that they had been charged to go after the Owlbear and kill it.
A group of adventurers, led by a cleric of the Great Church, named Callan Daleson had gone out after it several days before. There had been four of them, Callan, a human, an elven woman, a half-orc, and a dwarven man. Sounded a lot like the bodies we found in and around the Owlbear’s lair. We told the captain as much. He looked surprised, but told us to go to Lord Philwen in Three Oaks to get the bounty on the creatures.
Then, he and his group moved off to continue their patrol. As they did, we noted that most of the soldiers looked very young. They must be taking them on patrol to get them seasoned before sending them to the front.
After the soldiers had gone, leaving nothing but dust behind them, we moved on to the Longwood’s farm. There were a great many changes since our last visit. The first of these was the large, wooden palisade that had been erected around the farm, there was a partially completed gatehouse, it was as if the farm were a village. Anyway, as we walked through the palisade, we saw that much was the same, but there were also great changes here. The houses, barn, chicken coop, and other buildings still stood, along with newer ones. There were also tents and pavilions, seemingly occupied by new people as well. Yes, the farm was well on its way to becoming a village.
James Longwood, the elderly man who had been locked in the root cellar during the spider attack, limped forward to greet us, having been fetched by one of the children upon our arrival. I think the child’s name was Louise, yes, Louise Longwood. James looks well these days, he seems to have regained a sense of purpose with the recent wars and hardship. His time as a member of the legions shows plainly in his shiny armor and weapons, his bearing is dignified, his limp less pronounced than it had been before.
He greeted us, and introductions were made. I had a moment when I forgot my new face and wondered why he did not recognize me. I shall have to get used to that, but it is difficult since in my mind and heart, I am still nearly the same person.
He conveyed several pieces of information to us, after greetings were exchanged.
Lissia went North with Garret to fight at the front.
Two Centuries of Legionnaires are now garrisoned at Three Oaks
The goblin problem has been dealt with
Three Oaks is not as it was when we were last there, there are large military camps near the town, many soldiers in town and around.
Two Centuries of Legionnaires are now garrisoned at Three Oaks
The goblin problem has been dealt with
Three Oaks is not as it was when we were last there, there are large military camps near the town, many soldiers in town and around.
When we asked about the walls, he told us that they had been erected by a wizard in the service of the Empire, very much like the new stone walls in Eaglesford. The wizard who came was called Aramir, and he works with Moira in Three Oaks.
I noticed some new construction under the main house, though no one mentioned it. In fact, they all seemed rather uncomfortable about us being there and certainly about us poking around.
I got Thaile and we went inside the main house to take a look. As I distracted the farm people with some tales of our escapades, Thaile noted a chest that looked as if it had been moved a time or two to allow access to a trapdoor beneath. Still, there were too many people to check farther.
We had a lovely meal and were soon ready to move on, hoping to make Three Oaks before nightfall.
As we prepared to leave, I threw caution to the winds, turning to Uncle James and asking:
“So, what is it you are building under the main house?”
There was a stunned silence as everyone turned to stare at us, well, me in particular.
Then, Uncle James took control of the situation, leading us a little away from the rest of the group. He asked us why we thought that they were building something under the house. I explained what I had seen that tipped me off to the construction and he told us that they had been told to keep quiet about it, and asked that we do the same.
The area under the house was built to be a “safe house” for Aramir and other wizards. They don’t enter from the house and the Longwoods don’t know where they enter from. The room has been in use a time or two already, but if anyone becomes aware of its existence, it will be dangerous for the wizards who use the room as well as the Longwoods.
Strange that Wizards need a place to flee to, I would have believed that their towers were sufficient. This makes me wonder if there is a similar place in Eaglesford, as payment for the wall there.
Being the daughter of a carpenter is useful sometimes. I was able to give Uncle James a list of the things that had suggested to me that there was construction below the house. He seemed eager to address these issues, hoping, I guess to hide all evidence that the room even exists.
We bid them good day and continued our journey to Three Oaks, arriving near dusk. We moved quickly past the large military encampments toward the city gates. We were questioned upon our arrival, but the guards let us in after we answered their routine questions. Kefk stayed outside the town, Kytum-up coming in with us to see where we were staying. He and Kefk agreed to switch the circlet between themselves, which would allow each of them to spend some time in town.
We arranged accommodations at the Griffon’s Claw inn. There were many Legionnaires there, relaxing, I guess. Something seems strange about the soldiers I have seen in town, but I cannot figure out what seems wrong. I shall have to think on it, perhaps it is simply that there are so many of them when I have seen so few soldiers in my life.
The rooms were expensive, but Mor’Elandi used his elvish pompousness to great effect, getting better rooms and meals included from the landlord. We arranged to stay for five days. It seems a long time, but we have a great deal to do in town. Interestingly, the landlord was most eager to take gold. It seems that much business these days is done with letters of credit and he was not kindly disposed toward the practice.
After we settled in, Mor’Elandi went about some secret mission of his own, Thaile went to the House of Darmon and to the Great Church, I went to the House of Korok, making an appointment with Brother Mamet for the next day at two in the afternoon. Tieran remained in the room, studying his spellbooks.
July 21st
Morning came and we made our way downstairs to have a mediocre breakfast in the inn. Mor’Elandi told us he may have a lead on getting some of the damaged goods repaired.
After breakfast we went to the castle, to gain the bounty for the Owlbears. We waited for a long time, Lord Philwen is very busy these days, it seems.
During our wait, a young woman came to see us about repairing the damaged magic items we had. She introduced herself as Sorell, an assistant to Zameet. She was a mousy-looking creature, soft spoken and shy. She was, however, very willing to assist us. We sent the bag with her to be repaired, the armor and bracers needing an armorsmith to be repaired.
We inquired about potions and scrolls. She said that she might have some potions lying about and we should come later to speak of them and possibly purchase them. Scrolls we might get from Damien or Zameet.
She seemed almost in awe of Tieran. Strange, I have never been particularly in awe of him, but then, I have known him for a very long time and have seen some of his more spectacular errors in judgement. Of course, I must also admit that he has known me for just as long and has seen my own errors as well, and I suspect that mine are greater in number!
After a long wait, we were taken in to see Lord Philwyn. The Herald spoke for a while. I am not clear on what he said, after the first few minutes, I wasn’t really listening anymore.
Eventually, the long-winded fellow gave up and Lord Philwen moved forward to ask some questions. The steward moved to take the Owlbear parts away. Tieran and Mor’Elandi stopped him and we moved into another room to begin negotiations.
After negotiating for a while, we received two letters of credit for 1,000 gold pieces each in payment for the Owlbear pelts and skulls. When I questioned whether shopkeepers would take the letters of credit, the steward said that yes, they would all take them and did we know someone who was reluctant to do so? We moved on to see Zameet, saying nothing more about the letter of credit.
Zameet had some scrolls available and was able to help us determine the command word for the ring of Enlarge Person that we have. It will enlarge one person, once per day for six minutes. Thaile suggested that I use it for now, since it might be useful in combat.
Tieran will come later to speak with Zameet about what scrolls he will be purchasing.
When we left the shop it was nearly time for our appointment with Brother Mamet at the House of Korok.