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Adventure Background (Please read if you haven’t already):
Spoiler:
The Village of Hommlet – or merely “Hommlet,” as it is commonly called
– is situated in the central part of the Flanaess, that portion of
western Oerik Continent which is known and ‘civilized.’ The
hamlet-sized village (local parlance having distinguished it with the
greater term) is located some twenty leagues southeast of the town of
Verbobonc, or thereabouts, on the fringe of the territory controlled by
the noble Lord the Viscount of Verbobonc. It is at a crossroads.
To the north is the mighty Velverdyva River, along whose south bank
runs the Lowroad. Many days’ travel to the east, on the shores of the
Lake of Unknown Depths (Nyr Dyv), is the great walled city of Dyvers.
The village of Sobanwych lies about halfway along the route. Below that
to the southeast and east are miles and miles of forest (the Gnarley),
beyond which is the Wild Coast – Woolly Bay and the Sea of Gearnet. The
road south forks a league or so beyond the little community, one nch
meandering off toward the Wild Coast, the other rolling through the
lower Kron Hills to the village of Ostverk and then eventually turning
southwards again into the elven kingdom of Celene. The western route
leads into the very heart of the gnomish highlands, passing through
Greenway Valley about a day’s travel distant and going onwards to the
Lortmil Mountains far beyond.
Hommlet grew from a farm or two, a rest house and a smithy. The roads
brought a sufficient number of travelers and merchant wagons to attract
tradesmen and artisans to serve those passing through. The resthouse
became a thriving inn, and a wheel and wainwright settled in the thorp.
More farmers and herdsmen followed, for grain was needed for the
passing animals, and meat was in demand for the innfolk.
Prosperity was great, for the lord of the district was mild and taxed
but little. Trade was good, and the land was untroubled by war,
outlaws, or ravaging beasts. The area was free, beautiful and bountiful
– too much so, in the eyes of some.
Whether the evil came west from Dyvers (as is claimed by one faction)
or crept up out of the forestlands bordering the Wild Coast (as others
assert), come it did. At first it was only a few thieves and an odd
group of bandits molesting the merchant caravans. Then came small bands
of humanoids – kobolds and goblins – raiding the flocks and herds.
Local militia and foresters of the Waldgraf of Ostverk apparently
checked, but did not stop, the spread of outlawry and evil.
A collection of hovels and their slovenly inhabitants formed the
nucleus for the troubles which were to increase. A wicked cleric
established a small temple at this point. The folk of Hommlet tended to
ignore this place, Nulb, even though it was but a days’ travel by
horseback away. But its out-of-the-way position was ideal for the fell
purposes planned for this settlement, as was its position on a small
river flowing into the Velverdyva. The thickets and marshes around Nulb
became the lair and hiding place for bandits, brigands, and all sorts
of evil men and monsters alike. The chapel grew into a stone temple as
its faithful brought in their ill-gotten tithes. Good folk were robbed,
pillaged, enslaved, and worse.
In but three years, a grim and forbidding fortress surrounded the evil
place, and swarms of creatures worshipped and worked their wickedness
therein. The servants of the Temple of Elemental Evil made Hommlet and
the lands for leagues around a mockery of freedom and beauty. Commerce
ceased, crops withered; pestilence was abroad.
But the leaders of this cancer were full of hubris and, in their
overwhelming pride, sought to overthrow the good realms to the north,
who were coming to the rescue of the land being crushed under the
tyranny wrought by the evil temple. A great battle was fought.
When the good people of Hommlet saw streams of ochre-robed men and
humanoids fleeing south and west through their community, there was
great rejoicing, for they knew that the murderous oppressors had been
defeated and driven from the field in panic and rout. So great was the
slaughter, so complete the victory of good, that the walled stronghold
of the Temple of Elemental Evil fell within a fortnight, despite the
aid of a terrible demon. The place was ruined and sealed against a
further return of such abominations by powerful blessings and magic.
Life in Hommlet quickly returned to a semblance of its former self,
before the rise of the temple. For five years afterward, the village
and the surrounding countryside have become richer and more prosperous
than ever before. A monstrous troll which plagued the place for a time
was hunted down by a party of passing adventurers. Carrying the ashes
and a goodly fortune as well, the adventurers returned to the village.
Before going elsewhere to seek their fortunes, the adventurers also
returned a portion of the villagers’ losses. Other adventurers, knowing
of the evil that had once resided in the area, came to seek out similar
catches, and several did find remote lairs and wealth – just as some
never returned at all.
After a time, adventurers stopped coming to the area. It seemed that no
monsters were left to slay, and no evil existed here to be stamped out.
The villagers heaved a collective sigh – some pained at the loss of
income, but others relieved by the return to the quiet, normal life –
and Hommlet continued its quiet existence for four years more.
But then, a year ago, the bandits began to ride the roads again – not
frequently, but to some effect. To the good folk of Hommlet, this
seemed all too familiar, so they sent word to the Viscount that wicked
forces might still lurk thereabouts. This information has been spread
throughout the countryside, and the news has attracted outsiders to the
village once again. Who and what these men are, no one can be quite
sure. All claim to be bent on slaying monsters and bringing peace and
security to Hommlet; but deeds speak more loudly than words, and lies
cloak the true purposes of the malevolent.
As far as knowing each other, it is possible that some of you have
adventured together before, or know each other somehow. If you want to
flesh that out, feel free. You will be undertaking a mission for the
King of Furyondy, Belvor IV, and his agents have carefully selected the
members of your group. Those of you that don’t know each other will
have had a (approximately) 400 mile trip from Chendl to Hommlet to get
to know each other. So a two to three week trip, based on your rate of
movement. Those that have not purchased mounts will be provided with
riding mounts by the crown.
There is something rotten in the state of Furyondy!
__________________
"One
of the students stands out from the others, because it looks like he
doesn't care about hiding his rocket launcher." -- Zack2216 on the
intricacies of social interaction at Detchitoyo High School
"Now go forth! And bring me back more of those minty-things! Or... I will crush your head like an egg!"
Tasty Hipogriff egg ommelette!
A chop 'ere an' a hack there, we'll fix 'em good!
__________________
Quote:
Originally posted by LUKELIGHTNING:
Realism? What would you do "realistically" if a coworker stole from
you? Kick the bastard out, that's what you'd do. And if you were Zog
the Archmage of Energy, you'd probably incinerate him as well.
I
think Otto and Verdis are getting along quite nicely. Otto has
introduced Verdis to fine wines and possibly fine women as well. I
imagine Otto and Verdis have had quite a good time in Chendl (possibly too good of a time!).
Alas, it's time to move on with the mission and all. Otto is not
necessarily very excited about it, but he'll play along for now. The
upside is that Otto has never been to Hommlet, so he expects there may
be some surprises in store for him there. Local fare, possibly even
some local brews. Should be interesting if nothing else.
Well, Ragnok has bursted out in laugther more than once when seeing the effect wine pefumed water can have upon halflings and humans. Firewater despised! what kind of are those?!
Actually he was able to appreciate that one of those vintages was of
fine warm quality, the Moonmeadow Otto called it... but he'd have to
get bored of ale and firewater before he admits such a thing!
Well, Ragnok has bursted out in laugther more than once when seeing the effect wine pefumed water can have upon halflings and humans. Firewater despised! what kind of are those?!
Actually he was able to appreciate that one of those vintages was of
fine warm quality, the Moonmeadow Otto called it... but he'd have to
get bored of ale and firewater before he admits such a thing!
Otto reminds Ragnok (in Dwarven no less) about the wide variety of ales
and liquor he has sampled in the Lortmills when among the Dwarves.
Besides, there are some very stout wines (well maybe not wines
per se), that Otto thinks Ragnok would find especially... invigorating.
In particular, Otto suggests a liquor that can be made from potatoes.
Otto suggests they speak at length on this subject during the trip to Hommlet.
Otto suggests a liquor that can be made from potatoes.
Quote:
Otto suggests they speak at length on this subject during the trip to Hommlet.
Much more interested than he had expected, Ragnok indeed agrees upon
it, and if interested enough, migh someday take Otto to his clan's
subterranean brewery in Yatil Mountains.
In the way, he lets the out primary reason that brought him here, to
find his brother's killer, and if possible, carry the proper ceremonies
upon the burial site. No, he isn't sure that his brother died, but he
prepares himself for the worse.
-Why does he let out such a personal information? well, his travel
companions have the right to know, and besides, if he had wanted to
keep it a secret he wouldn't have joint anyone-
----------------
After speaking about this liquor, he asks Kine if he had heard of such
a thing in any story; he has come to value the knowledge of this elf,
as the accounts and liege of a dwarf are reccounted upon death, this
elf holds the knowledge of enough stories as to challenge a Thane to
storytelling...
His music is another matter but if it goes hand by hand with the stories, welcome they be!
Last edited by Land Outcast : 04-02-06 at 01:13 AM.
Much more interested than he had expected, Ragnok indeed agrees upon
it, and if interested enough, migh someday take Otto to his clan's
subterranean brewery in Yatil Mountains.
Otto welcomes the chance to see a Dwarven stronghold, and to sample their selection of ales and other potent potables.
Kine
knows little of dwarves or their Thanes, but he tolerates Ragnok's
constant talking with a good natured distractedness. However, requests
for stories seem to just bounce of Kine's head as he rides on,
seemingly oblivious.
He hums to himself often and from time to time seems to be watching
something far off, in a completely different direction from their
travel.
Ragnok's latest request seems to penetrate his perpetual fog and he
gives the dwarf a puzzled look as if noticing him for the first time.
"The wind sings to me of far off lands. . . but not of potatoes. I am sorry."
ooc
Land Outcast, you may wish to read Kine's background. He's not exactly
the standard sort of bard. You're unlikely to get many stories, sung or
otherwise, out of him. His music is of a more primitive, non-verbal
vein.
Did you actually plan to have the 400 mile trip covered in the IC thread? Or will it start upon arrival in Ham/Hom/Omlet/te?
No, we'll start with your arrival on the outskirts of Hommlet. I am
fine with you guys roleplaying the journey in here, I just wanted to
make sure you knew this was the OOC thread. Your OOC spoiler threw me
off!
Land Outcast, you may wish to read Kine's background. He's not exactly
the standard sort of bard. You're unlikely to get many stories, sung or
otherwise, out of him. His music is of a more primitive, non-verbal
vein.
I've read it, but I was pointing at the "Bardic Knowledge"... I guess you picked upon enough tales an' stories when
Quote:
the wind brought whispers of new troubles from all over.
anyone else notice the weird April Fools Censorship?
Quote:
One of the best features of the new Intellifilter is its "passive
aggressive" setting. It is able to pick up on passive-aggressive posts
and moderate them accordingly using a series of complex algorithms.
This means an end to those "I didn't technically break any rules"
situations which we know aggravate us all.
Every
time you guys pull out the Fae wine, Lucius pulls out his symbol of
Hieroneous and prays for his drunken party-mates to see the true light
of tea-totalling. He also prays that those who do not turn from bowing
to their alcoholic idols shall be blown to smithereens, in his mercy.
He also burns down the Welcome Wench when he sees it.
Posted Dara on the RG. Let me know if you think something is amiss.
LOL! Just read Dara's description. The image that came
immediately to mind was Racquel Welch from One Million Years B.C., but
with a chain-shirt instead of a leather bikini.
LOL!
Just read Dara's description. The image that came immediately to mind
was Racquel Welch from One Million Years B.C., but with a chain-shirt
instead of a leather bikini.
LOL!
Just read Dara's description. The image that came immediately to mind
was Racquel Welch from One Million Years B.C., but with a chain-shirt
instead of a leather bikini.
She
is 19 years old, has long, honey blonde hair and beautiful grey eyes.
Her athletic body is well-trained and in perfect shape, and her skin
bears a light tan. Despite her martial training, Dara looks all the
woman she is; between her feminine curves, lissom moves and a striking
self-confidence she appears very attractive.
I
think Otto and Verdis are getting along quite nicely. Otto has
introduced Verdis to fine wines and possibly fine women as well. I
imagine Otto and Verdis have had quite a good time in Chendl (possibly too good of a time!).
Alas, it's time to move on with the mission and all. Otto is not
necessarily very excited about it, but he'll play along for now. The
upside is that Otto has never been to Hommlet, so he expects there may
be some surprises in store for him there. Local fare, possibly even
some local brews. Should be interesting if nothing else.
I hear they make a tasty omelett in Homlett...
Sorry, I didn't realized I checked in at the wrong thread. Let's get
this party started. So many wines so many women so many songs! We must
get busy!
ALright
guys, I will get the IC thread posted sometime today. Depending on how
busy work is, you may have to wait until tonight. But I'll try to post
it sooner than that.
Er. . . sorry, but I would have thout our actions have spoken louder
(CAPSLOCKer?) than words. See, how eager we are to spring into . . .
inaction and indecisiveness