D&D 5E Talls S&H adventure

[Herosmith14]

Well, he's a right daisy, isn't he, Orin thinks to himself as the knight storms into the tavern with his arrogance and insults. The rogue raises an eyebrow at the declaration about the orcs. There could be a valuable opportunity here, and he intended to take it, despite Sir Pelleton's piggish attempts at dissuasion.

"Look, Sir Knight," the warbred began, "I'm jus' a sellsword, which means I take coin I can git reasonably safely.

"However, I don' think Lord Saxton would have declared an open contract if he intended for ye to go an' deal with the orcs yourself." Orin made sure to word his statement carefully, so as to not imply Pelleton wasn't half the warrior he claimed, no matter how true Orin thought that was. "So, if ye go an' kill their chief first, fair's fair an' I have no objections. That doesn' mean I won' look into this, also."

 

[JustinCase]

Having missed Sir Pelleton’s loud entrance because of their visit to the Church, Saarthax and Bernold did witness the company making their way through town rudely. Entering the inn soon after, they see the rude man is in the middle of talking to three people at the bar.

Saarthax feels both relieved that he is not the center of attention at that moment, yet at the same time slightly disappointed.

”Orcs?” he softly repeats the last thing he heard, then his eyes widen at the sight of a warbred, just sitting there like his people never helped kill the rightful king!

Realizing Saarthax’ feelings, Bernold quickly holds his hand on the dragonborn’s shoulder, gently keeping the larger man from doing anything stupid before knowing more about the whole situation. The dragonborn nods, takes a deep breath and sighs.

Then he moves to where the squire has just affixed the notice, and Saarthax reads slowly.

”Those orcs,” he says loudly so Pelleton can hear, ”what did they do?”

 

[TallIan]

There is a gasp from behind the bar, as Giselle realises the insult from U’Tempei. ”Weeel beee suuure tooo goo baaack toooo yooouuur faaar aaawaaaay laaand” Sir Pelliton’s childish reply serves only to emphasise his own low wit as the insult from U’Tempei goes unnoticed by the knight. He looks at the bread held up by Eowyn as if it were a rat. He flicks it with a gauntleted finger, sending the bread spiraling over Eowyn’s shoulder and splattering her and the warbred with honey and butter.

"However, I don' think Lord Saxton would have declared an open contract if he intended for ye to go an' deal with the orcs yourself." Orin said. "So you know what Lord Saxton wants now do you." Peeleton lets out a chuckle, looking around the room searching for a laugh. He leans in close to Orin then says in a low voice, "Do me a favour then, warbred, kill at least two of them afore ya' die." He stands upright and turns back to the room. His laugh is cut short when he spots Saarthax.

”Those orcs, what did they do?”

"Well, well. Old Bedegar's pet dragon pup." says Pelleton, walking towards the newcomers. "Why, its the orcs what killed Bedegar and, I believe, your da. I woulda thought you'd be long gone by now. Lord Saxton's not so soft on outlaws. He'd rather not have trouble with his betters. 'corse you could always go after 'em ye'self, fam'ly honour an all that. Maybe the warbred can help. The pair of you can get four or five?"

He turns and helps himself to some more ale. After intimidating a few more terrified villagers he says, "Best go rub myself with some horse$#!*, get the stink of this place off me." As he heads to the door Carroc calls after him, "G-good evening Sir Pelleton." Pelleton pauses for a moment, "Yes - next time you have a rat problem, Carrot, best ask a knight. Ratcatchers often bite worse than rats." He leaves, followed shortly by his men.

Outside the inn you can hear them mount up and head back out of town. The inn slowly picks up, but there is much more subdued.

 

[jmucchiello]

U'Tempei turns to the barkeep, placing two fingers at her neck before reaching into her purse. "I would pay for the food and drink that was just stolen. Please see that everyone robbed has their mugs and plates replenished, and mine as well." If she objects to her characterization of events as a robbery she just gives him a withering stare. She retrieves seven gold and touches two fingers to her left wrist. "Is this enough?"

 

[JustinCase]

Saarthax is perplexed by the man’s obvious lack of information - and intelligence. Of course it were orcs who attacked the former baron, but it was no orc that killed the dragonborn’s father. And he was not sure the chief of White Tusk clan was the main suspect. But then, Saarthax never really learned the differences between orcs.

He did, however, distinguish between individuals and their alleged crimes. And the oaf knows nothing of the sort.

Before he has time to collect his thoughts and form a reply, the knight storms out of the inn.

”What a remarkable idiot,” Saarthax says, as he sees U’Tempei offer to pay for the barkeep’s expenses.

”Allow me and Bartold to contribute,” he says while producing three coins as well. ”None should suffer for such a man’s callous disrespect.”

He looks the woman in the eyes, then does the same with the polder and the warbred. His gaze lingers on the latter for a few moments before seemingly deciding upon something.

”My name is Saarthax, son of Sorthos, who was of the Dragon Phalanx. This is my friend Bartold. How about we teach that brute a lesson in humility, by let’s say, capturing that orc before he does?”

 

[jmucchiello]

U'Tempei turns to the newcomers and places a finger on her left temple, her right temple, and her right jawline. "VithSecI Saha," she says. She places the edge of her hand on her breastbone and says, "I am U'Tempei !Nothen. I agree. Perhaps, given the scare that person has given these fine folk, we buy everyone a new drink. And tomorrow, we find this orc chieftain. He might have better manners." She runs a finger from her right jawbone to her right temple, it looks like a kind of salute.

 

[Herosmith14]

"Call me Orin," the warbred tosses three gold onto the bar, as well. "Drink an' showing up that twat sounds like a good deal."

Looking at the two drakes across the bar as he wipes honey off of his cheek. "Don' see a lot of yer kind around. Good to see a few more scales bouncin' around."

 

[JustinCase]

Saarthax nods to both as they introduce themselves and agree with the idea of capturing the orc. Bartold, the human man by the dragonborn’s side, raises an eyebrow at Orin’s remark.

”You’ve encountered many dragonborn?” he says with a mixture of curiosity and disbelief.

”Haven’t met a warbred before,” Saarthax laughs, ”And I didn’t expect to share a drink with one if I ever did, but here we are! The world is full of amazing things, Bartold. The Gods are working their magic still.”

 

[KahlessNestor]

Eowyn Rosebud
Evening
Gravesford/Reluctant Pig
Round 0

Eowyn frowned as her bread was slapped from her hand, making a mess. She looked at it sadly as it slid down the wall. The bartender handed her a rag and the little polder wiped the honey from cheek.

When the Saarthax and U’Tempi suggest going after the orcs themselves, Eowyn considered. She wasn’t a violent person, but the orcs had been causing trouble in her forest with the refugees that had settled around her hermitage. They would need to be dealt with by someone, and these three looked capable. She nodded her assent.

[sblock=Eowyn’s Actions]
Save:
Move:
Free Object Interaction:
Action:
Bonus Action:
Reaction:
Conditions:
Concentration:
Inspiration:
[/sblock]

[sblock=Mini Stats]
Initiative: +2
Perception: +4
Speed: 25
AC: 16
HP: 34/34 HD: 5/5d8+2

Spells
Cantrips: Druidcraft, Magic Stone, Resistance
1) 4/4 Cure Wounds, Faerie Fire, Healing Word
2) 3/3 Enhance Ability, Healing Spirit, Hold Person, Lesser Restoration, Pass Without Trace
3) 2/2 Dispel Magic
[/sblock]

[sblock=Party Loot]
[/sblock]

[sblock=Goals]
[/sblock]

[sblock=Party]
U'Tempei !Nothen - human eldritch knight
Arcata Dulat - human divination wizard
Saarthax - dragonborn paladin
Orin - warbred mastermind rogue
[/sblock]

 

[Herosmith14]

Orin nods towards Saarthax and his companion. "I've me' one," he replies into a swig. "He prob'ly saved my life."

 

[TallIan]

OOC: Just waiting to see if [MENTION=4936]Shayuri[/MENTION] is going to add something to the character intro's. Otherwise it looks like you're ready to move on. Tonight or in the morning?

 

[jmucchiello]

OOC: U'Tempei suggested in the morning and no one seemed to object

 

[JustinCase]

Saarthax looks surprised -- well, to someone who knows how to read the draconic expression.

"I really need to hear that story one day, Orin!"

Then the dragonborn gestures to the barkeep for a drink for him and Bartold before looking around the inn to gauge the other visitors' response to the goings-on.

OOC: The morning seems like a good idea.

 

[TallIan]

OOC: U'Tempei suggested in the morning and no one seemed to object Missed that detail. Not sure what's happened to Shayuri, but with 22000 posts I don't think that we've lost him.

Giselle eyes widen at the sight of the gold on the bar. Brecca, quickly busies herself filling everyone’s drink. When the other two both offer some gold, Giselle’s eyes widen. ”I think that should be enough to keep everyone wet for the evening. Don’t expect people’s friendship to last much past the evening though, people are fickle and ale is a great way to forget things.”

She listens to the conversation of the strangers buying everyone drinks. "Careful, Pelleton is not a man to cross. He was unpleasant enough before Lord Saxton knighted him, but at least his thuggery was kept in check. Now that he is the law, and a favorite of Saxton’s, he’s unbearable.”

The evening wears on and the townsfolk drift off to their houses and the few guests gradually retire upstairs. All seems set for a restful night.




BOOM!

In the early hours of the morning you are awoken by a loud explosion that rocks the stone of the inn. A huge pillar of colourful flame shots into the sky from near the river. In the fading light you can just about make out three figures, one carrying something bulky fleeing south. A terrified shout ”Fire!” is quickly taken up by the townsfolk and the sleepy town is suddenly a hive of chaos of people running around with buckets. An authoritative voice rises above the rest of the noise, ”Form a line! Here! To the river!” The chaos starts to form into order as buckets are filled and passed along to burning building when suddenly there is a shriek from the darkness, ”Orcs!’ and a line turns into a stampede fleeing towards the inn.

One lone watchman readies his crossbow and scans the dark for orks.

 

[jmucchiello]

U'Tempei forgoes normal rising rituals as there is an emergency. She was expecting an early start so she had slept in her leathers. She grabbed her weapons and was looking for orcs. "Which way are the orcs?" She asks -- subconsciously imagining tapping two fingers to her wrist -- anyone on the street as she heads toward the fire.

 

[Shayuri]

Arcata burst from her room, in nightgown and dressing gown, having barely paused to get her slippers on. Her spells were far better for starting fires than putting them out, but if the town was under attack...

She paused as she hurried downstars just long enough to spot Gavien. The troubadour caught her look and nodded, then hurried outside on his own. For the moment they'd continue the ruse, letting him gather information without seeming to be associated with her. For now though, they were both needed.

With a thought, the wizard reached out to a snowy owl circling above the inn, startled by the explosion. Fly towards the fire, see if anyone is coming this way, she instructed her familiar. Keemi hooted quietly and banked towards the place where the blast had emanated from.

"Keep fighting the fire!" Arcata called out as she emerged from the inn. "You will be protected from any attackers!"

 

[JustinCase]

With a start, Saarthax wakes up from the explosion. After a moment he realizes there is a fire, and they must help.

No sooner have the dragonborn and Bartold left the inn to assist with the line of water buckets, when panic overwhelms the villagers. Orcs!

"Our gear!" Saarthax yells and starts to run back inside when the battle priest stops him. "No time! We must help defend the village with what we are carrying!"

Nodding, the dragonborn takes a broomstick from next to the inn door and, still in his nightclothes, moves to where the lone watchman stands.

"You get our stuff," he tells Bartold, "And I'll help the watch best as I can until you return."

OOC: I was going to get back for my armor, but then decided it wouldn't be the paladin thing to do. So currently AC is 10 instead of 19, and the only weapon is an improvised club/staff in the form of a broom. At least until Bartold returns with my stuff...

 

[KahlessNestor]

Eowyn Rosebud
Early Morning
Gravesford
Round 0

Eowyn jolted awake at the sound of the explosion. She was curled up in her cloak behind the forge, pressed against the warm brick wall, head resting on her pack. She quickly got up, her red hair standing every which way, and slung her pack on her back.

Did someone yell orcs?

Eowyn pulled a handful of stones from her pocket. She whispered something and blew on them and they glowed a bit. Then she whispered another spell as she hurried toward the fire.

[sblock=Eowyn’s Actions]
Magic Stone: 3 stones

Save:
Move:
Free Object Interaction:
Action: Cast Resistance
Bonus Action: Cast Magic Stone
Reaction:
Conditions:
Concentration: Resistance
Inspiration:
[/sblock]

[sblock=Mini Stats]
Initiative: +2
Perception: +4
Speed: 25
AC: 16
HP: 34/34 HD: 5/5d8+2

Spells
Cantrips: Druidcraft, Magic Stone, Resistance
1) 4/4 Cure Wounds, Faerie Fire, Healing Word
2) 3/3 Enhance Ability, Healing Spirit, Hold Person, Lesser Restoration, Pass Without Trace
3) 2/2 Dispel Magic
[/sblock]

[sblock=Party Loot]
[/sblock]

[sblock=Goals]
[/sblock]

[sblock=Party]
U'Tempei !Nothen - human eldritch knight
Arcata Dulat - human divination wizard
Saarthax - dragonborn paladin
Orin - warbred mastermind rogue
[/sblock]

 

[TallIan]

Eowyn, sleeping behind the forge, is closest to the explosion. She quickly realises it was Pinna’s cottage that has gone up in flames. She casts a couple of spells, then heads towards the house just before the cry of, ”Orcs!” sends everyone else running to the inn.

Eowyn finds Ryon, one of the watchmen, trying to hold a rear guard. When questioned he says, ”I don’ know ‘bout orcs, not seen any. I did see three – things, too big t’ be people, running sou’ along the river bank. Once of ‘em seemed ‘urt.”

Getting closer the hideous smell of burnt hair and flesh assaults your nostrils and you spot two figures heaped on the ground near the cottage. Broken and bent at impossible angles. They must have been caught in the explosion. You quickly spot a big smear of blood that suddenly becomes drips indication that someone dragged an injured person a few yards before picking them up and heading south and towards the river.

The others fight their way from the inn along a narrow street until they reach the market green, where you can all see the burning cottage just outside of town. Crossing the green you find a lone watchman peering over his crossbow, covering a small figure searching the area around the burning building. ”E-Eowyn’s gone to ‘ave a look. She’ll need some ‘elp if der are orcs.” he says.

 

[jmucchiello]

Having already asked which way the orcs were, U'Tempei is relieved to see other catching up to her. But still there's no sign of orcs as she head past the burning cottage.