S@squ@tch's N1: Against the Cult of the Reptile God IC

[Ayden]

As the innkeeper swallowed the potion and regained his senses, Krager stood back up and was about to nod his head in thanks to the elf when a brief moment of post-combat rage erupted among them. However the rage was short lived and as introductions were made Krager spoke up also.

"I am Krager and as Hanseath's gifts are still with me, I will be able to mend some of the wounds tonight. I will go with you to seek those who would come after children, as they are an abomination that must be destroyed."

[sblock=apology]I have been keeping my son these past few days and he has been a bit under the weather. He is much better now, so here is hoping I won't be falling behind again.[/sblock]

 

[airwalkrr]

Destroyed? Ari's eyes widen, Let's not be too hasty. It certainly appears as if mindless savage reptiles have committed murder in, pardon the pun, cold blood, but it is also possible that there is an entirely rational explanation for why they decided to put on war paint and brandish weapons against children in hostility. I mean, the children might have been... well, they could have easily... um. Ari pauses for a moment, his chin resting on his hand.

No, nevermind. Destruction sounds good to me!

 

[Phoenix8008]

Listening to Ari try to rationalize the actions of the monsters, Stonefist can do nothing but listen with amazement as he looks sideways at the elf while one of his eyebrows slowly rises in questioning wonder.

No, nevermind. Destruction sounds good to me!

"Indeed." Stonefist agrees once the elf finishes and comes to the only proper conclusion.

 

[s@squ@tch]

Orlane


That evening:

Daron's gratitude goes unmatched, he makes available to the group his top ales and wines, and give to the dwarven priest a wand of some sorts, that was given to him by another adventurer, as a reward and thanks.

He sets you up in individual rooms in the Inn, located behind the tavern, and the night passes peacefully.

In the morning, the smells of fresh baked pastries, along with frying bacon and eggs rouses you from sleep. You all partake in a hearty breakfast, and with Daron's thanks and several days of rations, you set out to find Orlane -- Daron gave you a sheet with some written directions, telling you it shouldn't be too difficult to find, and the request that if you make it back his way, to bring along some of Orlane's signature wine.



From Hochoch, the Realstream is quickly crossed at a shallow ford, and you follow a caravan track that winds along the south side of a narrow creek. The plains here are flat and grassy. Occasionally, large cottonwood trees grow along the stream, but in general the plain is unforested.

For several days, you pass through an uninhabited region with no untoward experiences. Finally, staying always to the right of the creek, the track enters a region of prosperous farms surrounded by fields of grain or pastures for cows and goats.

Early on th efourth afternoon of the trip, a clustter of buildings and trees becomes visible ahead, with the stone walls of a temple beyond -- ORLANE.

At the outskirts of Orlane, a large grove of elms is visible to the left, while several wooden buildings border the road to the right.

OOC:

1) Wand given to Krager is a Cure Light Wounds, with 6 charges left.
2) Disregard any markers on the map -- this is my original from 1982, and has been run several times, with various markings used to denote which locations had been visited by the parties.
3) Squares on this map are currently 20'.

Actions?

 

[scranford]

Gideon Novak - Human Mercenary

Gideon stops for a moment as he approaches the village, and looks around to see if he spots anything unusual or out of place.

Listen Roll (1d20=20)

spot Roll (1d20-1=17)

If nothing is out of place he rolls his shoulders with a loud pop, and looks for signs of an inn.

 

[airwalkrr]

Ari shall observe the area, looking for signs of normal village life. If he notes a strange absence of it, then he will use Alacritous Cogitation to cast mage armor. Otherwise, he will proceed into the town with the group.

I would advise caution, my fellows. We have seen many fields yet nary a farmer. I fear the fate of those in this town have already been sealed.

 

[Phoenix8008]

Stonefist stops with the others to look at the village as they approach. "The days of travel have sped by us and now we are here. We shall find out what is going on here to make those children run for days to get help." the dwarf speaks for what seems the first time in days. Taking a drink from his waterskin, he replaces it in his back pack before looking around briefly to see what there is to see.

OOC: Listen and Spot checks (1d20+4=14, 1d20+2=3)

 

[s@squ@tch]

The peaceful village of Orlane plays out before you. Rather modest farm houses dot the road that you have travelled into the town proper.

You stop and listen, as you are a bit on edge, after the lizard attack at the tavern.

However, you do not notice anything out of the ordinary. In the distance, you can hear sounds of livestock, and in the distance, you see a few people working in their private gardens near their homes. The sounds of children playing also reach your ears, although you do not see any children in your immediate area.

OOC: Spot, Listen checks do not pick up anything out of the ordinary.

 

[airwalkrr]

The sight of life and livelihood is welcome. We should approach some of the villagers and see if they know anything of the children who were chased out of town.

Ari approaches the nearest villager working in a garden outside their home and querries, I beg your pardon, but we have come from up the road to investigate the happenings here. You wouldn't happen to know of any missing children in this town would you?

 

[YeOldeAlbatross]

Alessin Greenbond

While the course of the journey is easy enough, Alessin seems nonetheless sullen. He mostly keeps to himself and complains frequently of his boredom with the quiet, pastoral landscape. Upon finally arriving at the destination of Orlane, instead of being relieved at the journey's end, the rogue seems more tense than ever. His violet eyes shift to and fro, constantly looking out for sudden threats, and his hand never strays too far from the dagger at his hip.

As the party walks up the path into the town proper, Alessin addresses the others. "Something about this 'peaceful' town doesn't sit well with me. Perhaps it would be wise to discuss a plan for a cover story before we announce ourselves..." Alessin's voice trails off as Ari rushes ahead.

Ari approaches the nearest villager working in a garden outside their home and querries, I beg your pardon, but we have come from up the road to investigate the happenings here. You wouldn't happen to know of any missing children in this town would you?

"Oh, gods...so much for subtlety." Alessin can only shake his head and follow his fellow elf, listening carefully to what the locals have to say.