[PBP] Tholestia Chapter 1: Minotaur trouble and a failed ambush

[Sullaf]

"No we are not here because of your messenger although we probably came for the same reason you send him in the first place. Let me introduce myself: my name is Roland Goldsteel the second and I'm honored that our humble family is known even here in this remote mountain village." Roland says while grinning triumphantly to Diactum. "This little rabble here are my companions. We have Diactum, Wulf and the bald one is Deepwinter 7, an outstanding cook, if I may say so. There are two more men outside. We were send by Governor Starke, you might recognize his name."

Roland looks around in the room, and seeing the many holy writings he says: "I see you have been busy with the holy works. Good work indeed. When I was younger my teachers let me recite them from back to front." Roland smiles dreamily "I remember those days very well. Every day copying the holy writings, going to class, singing with the boys, swimming with the boys, washing with the boys, playing with the boys..." Roland shakes his head as to wake him up and continues with a clear voice "but we are drifting off topic. I assume the messenger has something to do with the disappearing of the tax collectors and the four knights? My first question would be if Minotaurs are connected to this and how.

 

[Ravellion]

Shocked Selwick replies: "The tax collectors haven't returned yet? Neither have the knights that have been sent after them? I was hoping that they were simply delayed or took the long way round, collecting taxes from the mining towns. Grave news indeed." Selwick pauses for a moment to fetch the tea, pours it in, then continues:"Minotaurs. Yes, that's it what our troubles are concerned. We have to give half of our harvest to them, or they'll destroy the village. The thing is, they never were so aggressive before. From what I've been told, there is this massive, fully armoured minotaur among them as well, perhaps that is the one at fault, but he has kept to the outskirts of the village so far, so the guard couldn't surround him and take him out. Actually, they probably would have died trying. I have not much more to tell you, except that they are located somewhere to the East, and that we are probably not the only village extorted. There is a ranger in the forest to the south of here. His cabin is easily found. Perhaps he has more information for you. His name is Patrick. Anyway, not much good can come from this. Take this potion of Cure Critical wounds. It might aid you in your affairs.. he puts the potion down on the table.

 

[Sullaf]

While picking up the potion Roland replies angry: "Minotaurs exploiting these fair shepherds and farmers! Not while I'm still alive!" Roland lays a small pouch on the table which tinkles with the sounds of coins and says "Here take this small gift. Use it wisely help those who need it the most, the poor, the ill and the dying. May Heironeous give you strength. Not to be rude but I would like to pass on the tea. If you have no more information to give us, we will visit this Patrick now." He stampedes out the house, but by the door he turns around while he adds "Do not worry about the Minotaurs any more... They will have to answer to ME now! Diactum, Deepwinter 7 and Wulf, follow me! Heironeous be thy guide!"[/color]

Outside he addresses Tristan, while his face begins to turn red with anger "It seems your blade will be needed once again. Apparently some Minotaurs are extorting these poor townsfolk. I hate it when the strong get rich at the expanse of the weak. Let's solve this little injustice NOW!"

Roland mounts Simba but suddenly seems to remember something "Lord Ilan is still out there, and I'm not leaving without him. So we better find him fast."

OOC: Roland will give the potion to Diactum for he is the least likely person to get hurt. Gold left on him: 350 gp

 

[Bacter]

Diactum, emotionally:



Them bastards! Minotaurs are definately not the kindest folk. I feel for you dear priest of Highloom! I've had some experience myself with town-suppressors. Thank you for the potion, we could surely use it, dear man.

I have some more questions: How long a ride is it to Patrick the Ranger? How frequently do the minotaurs attend the village and when do you think that they will come again?


As Diactum is mostly not physically active in battle, he proposes to Roland that Diactum as a magic user takes the potion with him, so that it is not likely to damage (a lot).

 

[Ravellion]

"Patrick? half an hour from town... about a mile out, but over an easily followable trail. I don't know... they said they'd come some time after harvest festival. They spoke in cruddy Merchant Tongue"

 

[Bacter]

I suggest that we check Patrick out without Ilan... We have agreed to meet him in the afternoon in the villige, and I don't think it is easy to find an invisible light-footed elf

To Roland:


You are right! Let us hurry and resolve these matters asap!

 

[takew]

"Aaa... At last. Evil will be slaughtered. And my blade will shine again. If only I had my precious...

We could try to find the elf. If he was tracking, he wouldn't be to difficult to find. And with Heironeous by our side, I'm sure this evil will be destroyed."

 

[Sullaf]

"I agree that this matter should receive our primary attention, but as stated before, I will not leave the vicinity without our invissible companion. Deepwinter 7, is there any way that you can locate him, or get in touch with him in? I do not want to waste time by just looking at the fields trying to find an invisible man." As Roland suddenly hears the paradox in his last sentence he begins to laugh. "Tristan is there any way that you can track the tracker? and with that Roland starts laughing even harder.

 

[Ilan]

Allright, since I don't find anymore tracks. I head back to town, I should arrive there, I think, around three or four o'clock. I wait till I'm visible and then I will search for the others. Or when I see the party waiting for me I walk towards them and whisper to Deepwinter to make me visible once again.

 

[takew]

OOC: YOU CAN MAKE YOURSELF VISIBLE. DOMME LUL... (offensive action)

"Lets ride..."