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The Westgate Campaign Chronicles - serial
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<blockquote data-quote="Carlo_One" data-source="post: 7581600" data-attributes="member: 6987927"><p><strong>Choices, choices</strong></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px">The Baron put aside the issue of the lich for the moment and said that he needed to act quickly to gather information and see off any threats to his domain. He stated that he saw three avenues of approach: a punitive expedition against the Sess goblin tribe; investigating the village of Turnton, where Zagath had first appeared; or investigating necromantic activity in Westgate. The Baron stated that while his own forces should be able to accomplish either of the first two objectives, they would welcome the company's assistance. Meanwhile, the Baron had no presence inside Westgate beyond his modest residence, which was on property owned by Lady Thistle Thalavar. The Baron put the question to the party what course they would like to pursue, then retired to the side room with Carlin to discuss a private matter. The group debated for some time, going back and forth over the merits of a punitive expedition versus investigating the village. Durendin, meanwhile, managed to overhear something of the Baron's conversation, which made reference to the Lady Thalavar.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Once the Baron was informed the company was ready, he returned to hear their decision. Although there was some waffling by the party, in the end it was decided to participate in the punitive expedition against the goblins. Drakar argued forcefully for the need to do so and Flavius for his part looked forward to the coming fight. The Baron expressed his thanks, but warned the group he did not have unlimited resources. He offered 50 gold per person, plus rights to any loot obtained from the Sess tribe. The company deemed this reasonable, although Aerikoth in particular seemed put off by the prospect of having to go after a tribe of stinking goblins. The Baron then took out a chest of gold and paid each of the remaining Six Points Adventuring Company members 500 gold, 100 for the original contract and 400 in appreciation for the defeat of Zagath. Jamorin was also given a small bag of gold for his services. Jamorin agreed to travel with the group, in order to contribute his unique talents.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px">After enjoying an excellent lunch at the Baron's table, the group was provided with basic maps of Westgate and informed that the Baron's forces would be ready for the punitive expedition three days hence at the Amee Pass outpost, which was approximately a day's travel from Westgate. The Baron recommended that the company do what business was needed in Westgate and then set out for the outpost, in order to leave enough time to rest and prepare for the armed expedition. After a few hours' break, the group convened in the residence's common room, the Baron being occupied upstairs with one of his guard captains. A few minutes later, Pahar came down and outlined to the group his plan regarding the punitive expedition against the Sess tribe. Baronial guard reinforcements would arrive at the Amee Pass outpost in three days, at which time his forces and the Six Points Adventuring Company would venture into the pass. The goal would be to do as much damage as possible in one day to the Sess, then withdraw.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px">The Baron encouraged the company to leave for the outpost that same day. The company agreed, but raised the point that they needed to re-equip themselves. Baron Pahar passed out Thalavar Company tokens, which would allow the group to use the private Thalavar store next to his residence. The Baron also mentioned that his forces would be investigating Turnton and that once the company returned, he might have some more information for them. The company agreed to the Baron's plan and departed, stopping at the Thalavar store to pick up supplies.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Departing Westgate, they headed westward along Trader's Road, then turned southwest to skirt a region of broken hills and approach the Amee Pass outpost from the south. After hearing screams coming from ahead of them, they investigated and found a panicked woman who introduced herself as Melissa. She explained that the wagon she and her brother were traveling in had broken an axle and that he was seriously wounded. She led the company at a brisk pace to the site of the alleged accident, around the corner of a hill, only to have a group of bandit fighters and archers set upon the company. The company defeated the bandits in a pitched battle and then briefly tracked Melissa, who however was fleet of foot and managed to escape into nearby woods.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><em>(The first meeting with Melissa. She already demonstrates herself to be smarter - and fleeter - than most. --R</em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><em></em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><em></em><em>(The old 'damsel in distress' routine? It seems it still works on the unwary. Will have to be on guard once - if - I depart from here --C)</em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px">After arriving at the outpost, the company was greeted by the Baronial Guard captain and offered a place to rest. Oskerr, the lone survivor from the outpost’s previous guard force, was also on hand to greet the adventurers. The captain was informed by the party of the bandit attack. After some debate on how to proceed with the punitive expedition against the goblins, the group agreed to the captain's plan of a reconnaissance in force the next day, the main effort against the Sess to be made the day after that, once reinforcements had arrived.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px">The company awoke at dawn and was soon roused to action by cries from the outpost lookout that goblins had been spotted in the pass. Quickly mustering, the party discovered the presence of three goblin warriors led by a shaman, who was waving a stick with a white piece of cloth attached to it. In broken Common, the shaman managed to convince the group to go parley with the Sess chief, who was waiting just inside the pass. Despite some misgivings, the company advanced to the parley. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Once they were in front of the chief, whose name was Harakkah, he recognized the company as mighty warriors and offered a magic sword as a gift to the Baron as a show of respect and sacrifice. The chief explained, in pidgin Common, that a wizard with a scythe had given the tribe gold and magic to make them strong, so that they could attack the Amee Pass outpost. The chief said it was not worth losing his tribe and that he did not hate the Baron's forces, only had chosen the wrong side in the conflict. He would return in one week to see if the Baron would agree to a truce in the pass.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px">In response, the group strongly cautioned the chief not to make any further attacks and agreed to take the magic sword back and put the matter to the baron. This course of action caused great controversy, as Durendin was all for killing the goblins then and there and Aerikoth supported the idea of continuing the punitive expedition. Drakar's primary concern was that the balance of nature be maintained in the future, regardless of what had occurred in the past, a stance which incensed Durendin. Gumble was of the opinion it was all a trick. After returning to the outpost and explaining what had occurred to the guard captain, Durendin nearly came to blows with Flavius when Flavius backed Drakar's position. However, Jamorin quickly interceded and put his staff between the two. Gumble managed to calm Durendin, to a degree, and convinced him to stay with the company. The Baronial Guard captain decided it would be best to mount a strong watch on the pass and to let Baron Pahar make the ultimate decision on what to do, rejecting a suggestion by Jamorin to attack the tribe while they were vulnerable. After exchanging farewells with the captain, the company made the long hike back to Westgate and arrived in the area outside Mulsantir's Gate, the location of the Baron's residence.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px">The company, minus Jamorin, who had excused himself for a time to pursue his private investigations of the supposed lich, returned to Baron Pahar's residence. The Baron was surprised to see the group and at first was incensed that they had not proceeded with the punitive expedition as ordered. During the ensuing explanation of what had occurred, the divisions within the group remained clear. The Baron asked Aerikoth to explain the significance of the gift of the magical sword, which turned out to be a bane to humans, and its provenance. Drakar made an eloquent argument underlining the logic of accepting a truce with the Sess, in the process upsetting Durendin again. The incident with the bandit ambush and the woman named Melissa was also raised. The Baron told the company he would consider the options with his advisors and meet up with the company four days later at his residence.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><em>(Jamorin seems to be using his companions for his own ends with the lich. --R)</em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Pahar informed them that, regrettably, he could not afford to host the group any longer and suggested investigating nearby inns. Since the company was new to Westgate, he gave them some advice about the city. Notably, he advised them to not travel much after dark, then only in groups; areas outside the city were not protected by walls, while inside the city thieves and murderers roamed the night. He also told them of Thessar the Warrior, who was in the Shore district and was a friend to adventurers. The company thanked the Baron and departed to seek lodging. They walked over to the Gatereach Inn, which was only a stone's throw from the residence, and talked with its proprietor, Jandrico Swift.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px">After asking some questions about the group, Jandrico agreed to rent them what he had available, a large room and three small rooms; Drakar for his part preferred to sleep under the stars. Jandrico asked for one night's deposit up front, which was generously (and unintentionally) provided by Gumble for the whole group. Gumble claimed the large room and insisted on having a bath tub, happily decamping in his room and working on his current gnomish project, a pair of one-size-fits-all boots. Durendin collapsed in his own room and could not be awakened afterwards.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Flavius, Drakar, and Aerikoth set off to explore the city, with the intent of looking up Thessar the Warrior. Drakar and Flavius were overwhelmed by the size of the city and the crowds; Drakar found reason to renew his dislike of all cities, despite Aerikoth's needling in response.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px">The group lost track of each other, but Aerikoth easily navigated the streets to Thessar's house and knocked at his door. The others managed to find him just as Thessar came out to greet his new guests. After the company explained who they were and that Baron Pahar had mentioned Thessar's name, Thessar invited them in. Thessar asked after the Baron, whom he hadn't seen in a long time, and what the company had been doing. Gumble then arrived and was introduced. The group discussed some of the highlights of the campaign against the Sess. Asking about Thessar's history, they discovered his last mercenary contract had been ten years ago in the Giant's Run mountains, working with the Ironhelm clan to help repulse a raid by hill giants; the group recognized the clan name to be the same as that of Durendin. Thessar described the story in vivid terms and mentioned that since he had been the only surviving mercenary after the giant attacks, he had received the entire contract's gold value and retired on it. Thessar then insisted on breaking out his private ale stock and hearing some stories from the group.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><em>(The first meeting recorded with Thessar. His role in the tale will become more apparent over time. --R) </em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'georgia'"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Carlo_One, post: 7581600, member: 6987927"] [b]Choices, choices[/b] [FONT=georgia][SIZE=3]The Baron put aside the issue of the lich for the moment and said that he needed to act quickly to gather information and see off any threats to his domain. He stated that he saw three avenues of approach: a punitive expedition against the Sess goblin tribe; investigating the village of Turnton, where Zagath had first appeared; or investigating necromantic activity in Westgate. The Baron stated that while his own forces should be able to accomplish either of the first two objectives, they would welcome the company's assistance. Meanwhile, the Baron had no presence inside Westgate beyond his modest residence, which was on property owned by Lady Thistle Thalavar. The Baron put the question to the party what course they would like to pursue, then retired to the side room with Carlin to discuss a private matter. The group debated for some time, going back and forth over the merits of a punitive expedition versus investigating the village. Durendin, meanwhile, managed to overhear something of the Baron's conversation, which made reference to the Lady Thalavar. Once the Baron was informed the company was ready, he returned to hear their decision. Although there was some waffling by the party, in the end it was decided to participate in the punitive expedition against the goblins. Drakar argued forcefully for the need to do so and Flavius for his part looked forward to the coming fight. The Baron expressed his thanks, but warned the group he did not have unlimited resources. He offered 50 gold per person, plus rights to any loot obtained from the Sess tribe. The company deemed this reasonable, although Aerikoth in particular seemed put off by the prospect of having to go after a tribe of stinking goblins. The Baron then took out a chest of gold and paid each of the remaining Six Points Adventuring Company members 500 gold, 100 for the original contract and 400 in appreciation for the defeat of Zagath. Jamorin was also given a small bag of gold for his services. Jamorin agreed to travel with the group, in order to contribute his unique talents. After enjoying an excellent lunch at the Baron's table, the group was provided with basic maps of Westgate and informed that the Baron's forces would be ready for the punitive expedition three days hence at the Amee Pass outpost, which was approximately a day's travel from Westgate. The Baron recommended that the company do what business was needed in Westgate and then set out for the outpost, in order to leave enough time to rest and prepare for the armed expedition. After a few hours' break, the group convened in the residence's common room, the Baron being occupied upstairs with one of his guard captains. A few minutes later, Pahar came down and outlined to the group his plan regarding the punitive expedition against the Sess tribe. Baronial guard reinforcements would arrive at the Amee Pass outpost in three days, at which time his forces and the Six Points Adventuring Company would venture into the pass. The goal would be to do as much damage as possible in one day to the Sess, then withdraw. The Baron encouraged the company to leave for the outpost that same day. The company agreed, but raised the point that they needed to re-equip themselves. Baron Pahar passed out Thalavar Company tokens, which would allow the group to use the private Thalavar store next to his residence. The Baron also mentioned that his forces would be investigating Turnton and that once the company returned, he might have some more information for them. The company agreed to the Baron's plan and departed, stopping at the Thalavar store to pick up supplies. Departing Westgate, they headed westward along Trader's Road, then turned southwest to skirt a region of broken hills and approach the Amee Pass outpost from the south. After hearing screams coming from ahead of them, they investigated and found a panicked woman who introduced herself as Melissa. She explained that the wagon she and her brother were traveling in had broken an axle and that he was seriously wounded. She led the company at a brisk pace to the site of the alleged accident, around the corner of a hill, only to have a group of bandit fighters and archers set upon the company. The company defeated the bandits in a pitched battle and then briefly tracked Melissa, who however was fleet of foot and managed to escape into nearby woods. [I](The first meeting with Melissa. She already demonstrates herself to be smarter - and fleeter - than most. --R [/I][I](The old 'damsel in distress' routine? It seems it still works on the unwary. Will have to be on guard once - if - I depart from here --C)[/I] After arriving at the outpost, the company was greeted by the Baronial Guard captain and offered a place to rest. Oskerr, the lone survivor from the outpost’s previous guard force, was also on hand to greet the adventurers. The captain was informed by the party of the bandit attack. After some debate on how to proceed with the punitive expedition against the goblins, the group agreed to the captain's plan of a reconnaissance in force the next day, the main effort against the Sess to be made the day after that, once reinforcements had arrived. The company awoke at dawn and was soon roused to action by cries from the outpost lookout that goblins had been spotted in the pass. Quickly mustering, the party discovered the presence of three goblin warriors led by a shaman, who was waving a stick with a white piece of cloth attached to it. In broken Common, the shaman managed to convince the group to go parley with the Sess chief, who was waiting just inside the pass. Despite some misgivings, the company advanced to the parley. Once they were in front of the chief, whose name was Harakkah, he recognized the company as mighty warriors and offered a magic sword as a gift to the Baron as a show of respect and sacrifice. The chief explained, in pidgin Common, that a wizard with a scythe had given the tribe gold and magic to make them strong, so that they could attack the Amee Pass outpost. The chief said it was not worth losing his tribe and that he did not hate the Baron's forces, only had chosen the wrong side in the conflict. He would return in one week to see if the Baron would agree to a truce in the pass. In response, the group strongly cautioned the chief not to make any further attacks and agreed to take the magic sword back and put the matter to the baron. This course of action caused great controversy, as Durendin was all for killing the goblins then and there and Aerikoth supported the idea of continuing the punitive expedition. Drakar's primary concern was that the balance of nature be maintained in the future, regardless of what had occurred in the past, a stance which incensed Durendin. Gumble was of the opinion it was all a trick. After returning to the outpost and explaining what had occurred to the guard captain, Durendin nearly came to blows with Flavius when Flavius backed Drakar's position. However, Jamorin quickly interceded and put his staff between the two. Gumble managed to calm Durendin, to a degree, and convinced him to stay with the company. The Baronial Guard captain decided it would be best to mount a strong watch on the pass and to let Baron Pahar make the ultimate decision on what to do, rejecting a suggestion by Jamorin to attack the tribe while they were vulnerable. After exchanging farewells with the captain, the company made the long hike back to Westgate and arrived in the area outside Mulsantir's Gate, the location of the Baron's residence. The company, minus Jamorin, who had excused himself for a time to pursue his private investigations of the supposed lich, returned to Baron Pahar's residence. The Baron was surprised to see the group and at first was incensed that they had not proceeded with the punitive expedition as ordered. During the ensuing explanation of what had occurred, the divisions within the group remained clear. The Baron asked Aerikoth to explain the significance of the gift of the magical sword, which turned out to be a bane to humans, and its provenance. Drakar made an eloquent argument underlining the logic of accepting a truce with the Sess, in the process upsetting Durendin again. The incident with the bandit ambush and the woman named Melissa was also raised. The Baron told the company he would consider the options with his advisors and meet up with the company four days later at his residence. [I](Jamorin seems to be using his companions for his own ends with the lich. --R)[/I] Pahar informed them that, regrettably, he could not afford to host the group any longer and suggested investigating nearby inns. Since the company was new to Westgate, he gave them some advice about the city. Notably, he advised them to not travel much after dark, then only in groups; areas outside the city were not protected by walls, while inside the city thieves and murderers roamed the night. He also told them of Thessar the Warrior, who was in the Shore district and was a friend to adventurers. The company thanked the Baron and departed to seek lodging. They walked over to the Gatereach Inn, which was only a stone's throw from the residence, and talked with its proprietor, Jandrico Swift. After asking some questions about the group, Jandrico agreed to rent them what he had available, a large room and three small rooms; Drakar for his part preferred to sleep under the stars. Jandrico asked for one night's deposit up front, which was generously (and unintentionally) provided by Gumble for the whole group. Gumble claimed the large room and insisted on having a bath tub, happily decamping in his room and working on his current gnomish project, a pair of one-size-fits-all boots. Durendin collapsed in his own room and could not be awakened afterwards. Flavius, Drakar, and Aerikoth set off to explore the city, with the intent of looking up Thessar the Warrior. Drakar and Flavius were overwhelmed by the size of the city and the crowds; Drakar found reason to renew his dislike of all cities, despite Aerikoth's needling in response. The group lost track of each other, but Aerikoth easily navigated the streets to Thessar's house and knocked at his door. The others managed to find him just as Thessar came out to greet his new guests. After the company explained who they were and that Baron Pahar had mentioned Thessar's name, Thessar invited them in. Thessar asked after the Baron, whom he hadn't seen in a long time, and what the company had been doing. Gumble then arrived and was introduced. The group discussed some of the highlights of the campaign against the Sess. Asking about Thessar's history, they discovered his last mercenary contract had been ten years ago in the Giant's Run mountains, working with the Ironhelm clan to help repulse a raid by hill giants; the group recognized the clan name to be the same as that of Durendin. Thessar described the story in vivid terms and mentioned that since he had been the only surviving mercenary after the giant attacks, he had received the entire contract's gold value and retired on it. Thessar then insisted on breaking out his private ale stock and hearing some stories from the group. [I](The first meeting recorded with Thessar. His role in the tale will become more apparent over time. --R) [/I] [/SIZE][/FONT] [/QUOTE]
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