(Casual D&D) A Game of Trust

[Festy_Dog]

This is a big deal, those two are up to their eyeballs in something, and its something which is kinda important if it revolves around all these leader-types. Maybe old Cuthbert guided me to 'em to keep a watchful eye on things, make sure they do okay. He's given me a second chance, and I shall not throw it away nor fck it up. Time to make this official.

Once he is done with his horse Nurthk approaches the focal pair of the group.

"I know I haven't known either of you long, but from everything I've heard and all that has passed in the time I've been in your company, I consider your task to be one of great importance. It is my duty as a follower of St. Cuthbert to protect those who require protection, and so for the duration of your quest I pledge my loyalty and service to you," he says solemnly, "It's been a long time since I've done real protection work, but this time I won't fail."

 

[dpdx]

After tending to Niccolo, Fendric stands to address Nurthk:

"Nurthk, in my faith, it is often said that All Good Things are Revealed Under the Sun, and so it is with your battle prowess, your noble soul and your steadfast protection. Your God should be proud, and your pledge is appreciated. May you not have to endure the attention we do, but we are ever glad to have you with us. Bless You."

Fendric looks back at Niccolo: "So, Niccolo, if your things are ready, and you feel up to it, we can load them and you onto Sunray, and proceed, I think. At least he looks reasonably calmed down now..."

 

[Guilt Puppy]

Hiritus follows in after Nurthk's oath, pausing respectfully. "And let that pledge be mine as well."

He moves to his horse, and mounts the animal with no great haste, then tosses its mane through his fingers.

"You see the way he stood when we were under attack? All the horses kept a good calm, well-trained indeed, but him," he pats the horse proudly, "didn't even twitch. Think I'll name him Stalwart... A good name for a horse, no?"

Meanwhile, the others are gathering there things and readying their mounts, to leave if Niccolo is ready to ride.

 

[dpdx]

"Probably smarter than we are, Gods Save us All, " Fendric nods to Hiritus, chuckling. "Stalwart's a good name. Oh, and before I forget to tell you, I appreciate and thank you, too, Brother Hiritus. Pelor Bless You."

Fendric loads the last of Niccolo's things atop Sunray, leaving Niccolo space to ride, and figuring he could use the help. When Niccolo's ready, Fendric will help him up, then climb aboard himself.

"Indeed, Niccolo, a noble companion like yourself deserves his own mount, and I intend to get it for you, should the Radiant Holiness see fit to grant us some coin... But for now, make yourself comfortable, as you'll probably need your strength for what lies ahead."

 

[Uriel]

Niccolo mounts up behind fendric, content for the time being, though he dreams of a dappled grey Pony of his own some day...and a new suit of clothes and perhaps a shirt of light mail, truth be told. Still, he was alive and amongs friends, so not all was bad...

 

[Guilt Puppy]

The rest of the trek goes easily enough. As the scruff gives way to actual trees -- still too sparse to call a forest, but certainly closer than the lands you've travelled through thus far -- you meet no more trouble with the wildlife, unless you count the splotch left on Nurthk's shoulder by a passing cormorant.

The terrain is hilly, and it's something of a surprise when you pass over one mound, and find yourself staring down into a little garden, being tended by a bearded halfling who looks up at you in surprise. Beyond, the hills roll down, and you can see the ends of more houses, and then the river, wide but calm, with cobblestone bridges making tall arcs over it, with donkeys carrying large packs being led across by their short masters. Small pointed boats backed with small pairs of paddlewheels line the waterway, some being unloaded of large sacks, placed in wagons and pulled up winding soft-dirt paths. On the other side, you see more houses, finely made and well-kept all halfway buried in the hills, most of them sporting little crops of their own.

As the Heironeans reach the crest behind you, the bearded halfling turns and calls across the town, his hands cupped and his voice surprisingly loud: "Ozzy! You better come and see this!"

 

[dpdx]

Fendric decides to try the diplomatic, yet guarded approach: [Diplomacy check: 20! +4 = 24]

"Greetings, good sir, and Pelor's Blessings be upon you! How are you this fine day?"

 

[Festy_Dog]

Nurthk remains vigilant, and assesses the party's surroundings with a critical eye.

 

[Guilt Puppy]

The halfling looks up at you, smiling amicably. "Very fine, thank you kindly." Then he turns again and shouts: "Osbourne! Hurry up!"

Soon you see the target of these shouts, huffing his way up the hillside in a long satin coat, white hair wiring out from underneath a tan bowler cap. "No, no, no!" he shouts up at you. "No roads! No roads! Just go home! No roads! We won't stand for it."

 

[dpdx]

Fendric tries to make his case that they are not roadsmen. "Worry not, good sir. We're from the City Guard, in Bethel. We're looking for an important cleric that may have been taken prisoner and passed this way. We have no shovels, no road-building magic. There already was a road that brought us here, but we wish to build no other."

Fendric dismounts, and approaches. "I'm Brother Fendric, of the Temple of Pelor."