doghead
thotd
Day Six. Late in the Afternoon. Halfpoint.
The day is approaching its conclusion, the setting of the sun hastened by the hills that have slowly risen up around you as you head towards the town of Halfpoint. The way clear enough marked as it is into the earth by the generations that have made the trip to and from the Vale.
An hour or so before the sun touches down on the hilltops you are intercepted by the folk that call Halfpoint home. A couple of halflings mounted on dogs join you from a watch tower located south of the the town. It is obviously new. Several other halflings wave from the top of the tower.
Halfpoint is a town of some 1000 souls. But it is unlike any other town in the Seven Reaches. It is a sprawling collection of small hills into which the halflings have burrowed to make their homes. There are no walls around the town, it is completely open. There are some conventional buildings. You see one or two small ones your way in. But most of them, the larger ones, are located around a small open space in the centre of the town. As you move towards the centre of town you are greeted warmly by those that you pass. Most, you note, carry some form of weapon or have something close to hand.
It is to the largest of the stone buildings in the centre of town that you are lead. It is there that you are met by Filip, a halfling of average build but extraordinary intensity. He wears a odd looking breastplate and carries a longsword. He introduces himself and his companions. He greets you warmly enough. But it is obvious that he is tired and worn. As they all appear to be on closer inspection. Filip notes the presence of Rolff with a frown but says nothing for the moment.
"You have timed your arrival well Rangers. We are just about to get a bit to eat and prepare for this night. Join us. Your horses will be cared for as well. Burr?"
One of the halflings nearby nods. "No problem Filip. We will get them fed and watered and rubbed down. We'll put them in the stables at the inn." He point to one of the other buildings nearby. "That one over there," he adds for your benefit.
"Right then," say Filip and heads inside with half a dozen other halflings in tow. Inside the building there are a number of tables set up. Along one wall there is a table of food, mostly fruits, cold meats, cheeses, hard breads and the like. A bowl of pipe-weed, a good handful of coins worth, sits at one end. In the centre of the space is another large table surrounded by a collection of halfling sized stools and benches. Along the the third wall are a few racks of weapons and shields. At the back of the hall are a collection of cots, mostly halfling sized, all neatly made up.
Filip heads directly to the large table in the centre. The other halflings follow, ignoring the table of food.
"Forgive my bluntness and lack of courtesy," apologies Filip once everyone is gathered together. "We will eat shortly I promise.
"Some time ago I sent a message to Wintercliff requesting assistance for we are under assault by gnolls. Are you all the help Wintercliff can spare to assist us? And why is it you ride in with a solitary man wearing the crest of Ringwood?"
The day is approaching its conclusion, the setting of the sun hastened by the hills that have slowly risen up around you as you head towards the town of Halfpoint. The way clear enough marked as it is into the earth by the generations that have made the trip to and from the Vale.
An hour or so before the sun touches down on the hilltops you are intercepted by the folk that call Halfpoint home. A couple of halflings mounted on dogs join you from a watch tower located south of the the town. It is obviously new. Several other halflings wave from the top of the tower.
Halfpoint is a town of some 1000 souls. But it is unlike any other town in the Seven Reaches. It is a sprawling collection of small hills into which the halflings have burrowed to make their homes. There are no walls around the town, it is completely open. There are some conventional buildings. You see one or two small ones your way in. But most of them, the larger ones, are located around a small open space in the centre of the town. As you move towards the centre of town you are greeted warmly by those that you pass. Most, you note, carry some form of weapon or have something close to hand.
It is to the largest of the stone buildings in the centre of town that you are lead. It is there that you are met by Filip, a halfling of average build but extraordinary intensity. He wears a odd looking breastplate and carries a longsword. He introduces himself and his companions. He greets you warmly enough. But it is obvious that he is tired and worn. As they all appear to be on closer inspection. Filip notes the presence of Rolff with a frown but says nothing for the moment.
"You have timed your arrival well Rangers. We are just about to get a bit to eat and prepare for this night. Join us. Your horses will be cared for as well. Burr?"
One of the halflings nearby nods. "No problem Filip. We will get them fed and watered and rubbed down. We'll put them in the stables at the inn." He point to one of the other buildings nearby. "That one over there," he adds for your benefit.
"Right then," say Filip and heads inside with half a dozen other halflings in tow. Inside the building there are a number of tables set up. Along one wall there is a table of food, mostly fruits, cold meats, cheeses, hard breads and the like. A bowl of pipe-weed, a good handful of coins worth, sits at one end. In the centre of the space is another large table surrounded by a collection of halfling sized stools and benches. Along the the third wall are a few racks of weapons and shields. At the back of the hall are a collection of cots, mostly halfling sized, all neatly made up.
Filip heads directly to the large table in the centre. The other halflings follow, ignoring the table of food.
"Forgive my bluntness and lack of courtesy," apologies Filip once everyone is gathered together. "We will eat shortly I promise.
"Some time ago I sent a message to Wintercliff requesting assistance for we are under assault by gnolls. Are you all the help Wintercliff can spare to assist us? And why is it you ride in with a solitary man wearing the crest of Ringwood?"
