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Message: <blockquote data-quote="mips42" data-source="post: 6399160" data-attributes="member: 6746242">At this the dwarf gives a gap-toothed smile 'It's about dadburned time! 'Open up, Gritch! And fetch Silverthorn, he'll want to to talk to these ones!' Within moments, you hear large bars being moved and the gate swings open, revealing a battered and burnt Crown Point. Nearly every building you can see has at least some damage. Some have been recently repaired, mostly homes. Others stand empty with still smoldering roofs. The ox' hooves echo weirdly in the nearly barren streets. You see only the very old or the very young loitering about, everyone able seems to be working hard, outside the palisade, repairing buildings, and bringing food and water to those in need. As soon as the cart is through, the large gate closes and is barred again, leaving only a small man-door open. Within a minute or two a large man with dark hair and an impressive mustache, wearing a dark grey cloak emblazoned with a three-pointed silver star approaches and says 'greeting and well met. I am Alain Silverthorn, current leader of what remains of Crown Point and her people. I understand you have come from Herons' Hollow. You are most welcome as is whatever you may have brought with you. You may leave the cart here, it will be taken by one of the people to be handed out according to need. Please, follow me.' With that, he leads you on a circuitous route to a large building. There is black soot staining the exterior walls, as well as the roof, which show signs of recent repair. He leads you into the building and offers you all seats. 'You may have noticed signs of damage to our fair town. I tell you now that we are lucky it is standing and that only the resilience of the people make that true. 'Almost fourteen days ago, the Crown Point was attacked by a large, monstrous host. Goblins and Hobgoblins made up the bulk of the host but I know that I saw at least one Ogre as well. They pelted the palisade with arrows and stones for a night and a day, but the wall held. Then they started with the flaming pitch and arrows. We had not the men to fight the fires and the horde, though we certainly tried. They breached the gate and killed or captured many of our best warriors. 'Then, their leader, a huge Hobgoblin called Kuruk came to the gate with a white banner, asking to treat with us. We could not refuse for they had us, if they had wanted to. 'This Kuruk stated he wanted the wepaons of "The black sparrow". I told him truthfully I knew not what he spoke of. He said that I would and that I would deliver them withing one moon cycle or his host would return and burn Crown Point to the ground, and I believed him. Every few days he sends some of his host to harass our people. Right now, what we need most is knowledge. Who or what is this Black Sparrow? What are the weapons Kuruk spoke of? We just don't know. If I were not tied up with trying to restore Crown point, I would seek out master Kelik, who lives in a large building near the north wall. He has not been seen since before the creatures came, though so I have no knowledge if he is alive or dead. We are living upon borrowed tie already and, in truth I know not what you could do but I encourage you to try. My order, the silver thorn, will help in any way we can.'</blockquote>

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