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Message: <blockquote data-quote="James McMurray" data-source="post: 1174769" data-attributes="member: 743">On the way to the Village of Bloodstone, the party wind walks rapidly along the road, searching for the mercenaries they hired. When they find them, it is a horrible sight. It seems the dragons took out their ire on the warriors, as all that remains of them is a large mound of melted metal and flesh. Shaking their heads, the party travels back down the road, and soon arrives above the city of Bloodstone. The Village of Bloodstone once knew better days. Situated on the shore of Lake Midai where the Beaumaris river runs into the mountains to the south, it was once a center of commerce and trade. There are signs of old mansions, now torn down or burnt, in the fields where farmers labor. The village is small. The stone defensive wall that once protected it is broken in many places. The road leads through the town gate - the wooden doors sag from their hinges, unable to close. Their drop to earth draws a few stares out of a large building whose sign bears three dancing clowns. The citizens of Bloodstone gather outside silently to watch the group's arrival. These are obviously poor people, fearful and distrustful of outsiders. You watch their sullen faces as you descend from the sky. A few of the men are armed with crudely fashioned homemade weapons, but none of them move to even touch them, unsure if you are emissaries of the Bandit Army or not. A few woodsmen carry bows at their sides. All in all, not a promising lot from which to forge an army. A heavyset young man with a bushy blonde beard steps out of the inn in front of you, wiping his hands on his apron. The building is as poor as the town, but it was obviously once a very fine place. He greets you with a hearty, booming voice. "Welcome, I say, Welcome! Welcome to the Inn of the Clowns. I am your humble host, Stefan. Stefan the Innkeeper is the first person you've seen yet that seems genuinely glad to see you. He, at least, is not afraid of adventurers from the outside world. "Please, enter my humble establishment," Stefan booms. "Our home is your home. Raquel! Carlotta! Make our guests comfortable! What can I bring you fine gentleman this evening?" "Bumten Von'Deren at your service" Making sure to say it loud enough so that everyone in the bar hears me. Then while scanning the room " Don't look so sad my friends!  THis is a time of celebration...Drinks for everyone Stefan!"  Sit down next to Rikus and try to get the attention of the prettiest bar maiden. Farlight shakes his head at the horny gnome. "We need to start recruiting troops asap.  I would propose the sorcerer teleport him and myself to the various towns we came through on the way here and hire who we can.  For mass transit of the troops to here, we can have the sorcerer teleport what he can, I'll word of recall what I can (teleporting back to a place with him) and wind walk as much of the rest as possible.  Although I think he can probably teleport most of what we find. Builders and engineers will also be needed.  Some catapults and ballistas will be usefull for slowing/weakening and advancing army as well as dealing with wyvrns and giants.  Any thoughts?" Rikus suggests opening a gate to a different plane with a large field in it, and then walking the troops through. On the other side another gate could be opened to the Village of Bloodstone.  I think talking to the baron and seeing what sort of defenses if any are left here in town, as well as getting him on board with the plan else we may find him working against us for fear of reprisal." Farlight says, "I'm also a little worried about those dragons joining in on the bandit attack.  I don't see a prob with the tribute bandits, as long as we set up an ambush in town, and have up spells to prevent them from teleporting out to warn the horde, we should be ok. Bumtin looks over from where he was trying (unsuccessfully) to get Carlotta's eye, "Yeah I can teleport a ton of people in a day if I need to. I did ask aust's friend to look into hiring troops in Greyhawk."  Farlight says, "Maybe there is some way we can use magic to build defenses more quickly, we'll need to check into that also". When no one offers any immediate advice, Bumtin speaks up. "While you guys are talking to the Baron unless my company is required I would like to get a better look at this town." This last bit is obviously not phrased as a question. "Carlotta would you mind?" Carlotta isn't sure, but after Stefan nods his ok, she says, "I get off in between lunch and dinner, in about an hour. Perhaps I could show your lordship about." At the sound of that, one of the men in the back of the back of the room stands up. He's a weasely looking fellow with an unshaven face and a beard that looks like it is trying to grow itself as far away from his ugly face as it can. "What makes you think you can do anything about the bandits? And why should we even believe anything you have to say. You're probably just bandits yourselves, come down to see if there'll be any trouble come tribute time! Chased off the dragons my ass!" Bumtin laughs at the dirty man, and its obvious that pisses him off.He stomps over to the gnome's table and kicks his chair (and Bumtin as well) over into the floor. "Don't laugh at me you little piece of <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />! If you want anything out of the people in this town, you're gonna have to grow some <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />ing manners and learn that you ain't <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> until you've proven you're <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />. Stefan's got a business to run, so he'll humor your cockamamie claims, but if you expect anyone else to follow you, much less even believe you're the new dragon-slaying stewards, you'd damn well learn to treat folks with respect!"Stefan moves over to the table and speaks calmly to the big guy, "Jacob. Jacob. Lets calm down now. These folks are going to have to discuss things with Tranth before any sort of stewardship is aranged. And maybe they are full of crap. But they did come floating down out of the sky looking like clouds, and that speaks volumes to me."Jacob still doesn't look impressed, and he just stands over Bumtin, who is now covered in his drink."Hold, if there is any need for violence, it won't be with the little gnome.  Please address your assults and complaints to me, my companions have little patience with such things.  I never said we slayed the dragons, they fled, and as I'm sure you know dragons move very quickly and are difficult to track.  We did expell them from their cave, and hopefully they won't return.  I am Farlight.  As for if we are bandits, I assure you we are not.  You are correct in assuming there is no way to tell at this point, but once we start investing resources into this town, rather then taking from it, it will be shown that we are not.""Well, that remains to be seen I s'pose. Tell your little bitch here to learn some manners, or I'll 'ave to teach 'im."At this, Sovemil stands and turns his attention to Jacob.  "Friend, I would appreciate a bit more respect for my companions, if that is not too much to ask," he says with a glance toward Bumtin.  "He meant no offense, if you follow me, but please accept my apology for his words in any case." "I'll be needing an apology from him. Not you."Stands up and start brushing the excess drink off his robe. "LISTEN HERE FOOL, YOUR IGNORANCE IS YOUR ONLY SAVING GRACE!"  turn and walk towards the door.  "Farlight deal with this man before I have to."  "Stefan, I am just stepping outside for a moment please let me know what my tab is."  "And Carlotta I well see you soon."  This last bit for Carlotta is accompanied by a wink and a smile.Rising to his feet and gently resting his hand upon the blade resting comfortably at his hip "If you want our respect you too sir must earn it, your insults do little to aid that cause." The massive warrior strolls forward easily moving the table aside "And as far as the small one goes, call him a bitch again and we will see your threats to their conclusion."(intimidation 23) "My recommendation at this point is for you to sit down and go about your business.  If we were bandits you would most assuredly be dead by now" Rikus reaches into his money pouch retrieving 10 gold coins then turns to Stefan "This should cover the meals" as he hands the coins to Stefan.  He then turns to move towards the door and stops with a glimmer of mischief in his eyes and turns back to Jacob " So whats it gonna be friend... do you take us at our word for now or do 'I' get to prove myself to ya" "Big man with a sword against unarmed folks. Of course I've got to back down, but you can tell that little BITCH that I don't take <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> from nobody, not even you. We'll meet again when you don't have that sword and a buncha friends around, or when I've got one and some o' my own." Jacob turns to leave. Farlight shakes his head.  "By the Gods".... "Lets go speak with the baron, we can work on PR later.  I'll hold training tomorrow on how not the threaten and belittle the town folk.  Then I'll need to research an impotence spell to cast on the gnome, then maybe we can focus on dealing with the bandits.  Sovemil, you're an experienced tracker, do you think you could posibly find the bandits' headquaters.. If so how long would you estimate it taking you... I would like to perform a pre-emptive strike if possible(taken from W's book of bad political moves)"  *Stands and moves toward the doors*  Thank you for your services, I shall be returning for the evening tonight..Please hold a room(gives money as required)....And please try not to kill anyone people, remember our enemies are common, and they are the bandits." Rikus undoes the the straps holding the massive sword at his waste and sets it on the nearest bar/counter.  He then strolls outside to wait for Jacob leaving the sword on the counter.  As he walks out the door he says a few words.  "We shall have a go at it then, we will make it civil, I'll be waiting outside without my friends and sword, I'd rather end this now than end up having to fight you to the death later." With that he walks into the streets and begins to unclasp his armor to ready for the ensuing brawl. Seeing Rikus' anger growing, Sovemil strides out the door with Rikus' sword in hand (to prevent it from "disappearing").  "Rikus, though I may be new to your fellowship here, I believe the best course of action would be one of peace - the bandits are the ones we need to keep our focus on, not silly townsfolk with bigger mouths than intellects," he says, trying desperately to dissuade Rikus from pummeling Jacob into a meaty pile of goo. When the two make it out into the street, they see Jacob standing next to Bumtin. "Well litle fella, your friends aren't here to protect you now. Care to show me how you'd 'deal with me'"? He reaches down and back to scratch his ass, and gives his hand a crious sniff when he's done. Looking over, he sees Rikus and Sovemil approaching. "Uh huh, time to gang up on someone eh? My problem ain't with either o' you two. Its this little piece of crap that bugs me. If he's a big time dragon hunter he shouldn't ahve any problem witht he likes of me." He looks down at Bumtin, "Unless of course your courage matches your height?"Bumtin replies, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "Well you are just set on fighting me aren't you. I have no weapon on me and you are such a towering man. Now I could fight you, but I am here to help, how about you wait to see what we have to offer then make your judgement on us.""I already made my judgement on you. Why don't you just show me what it is you've got to offer right now? Unless of course you ain't got <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />. in which case its time for you to leave.""Well fine Jacob, I guess we'll have to solve this problem won't we."  Bumtin starts to roll up the sleeves on his robe.  "How about we exchange one blow each? Whomevers hurts the most wins. If you win I well leave and not return. But if I win, you well have to help me and my friends in swaying the other townfolk who may doubt us. I well even let you hit me first, and you can even pick the judge on who decides whose hit was the hardest" Farlight says "Fine Bumtin, kill him if you must, I will be on my way to speak with the Baron, see you there."  He then strides off into the streets, wondering how the group will ever manage to rule well if they can't even keep from brawling in the streets.A few of the onlookers gasp out loud. Stefan holds up his hand towards Bumtin. "Nobody said anything about killing. I won't be a part of this". He starts to head back inside.While Bumtin is distraacted by Farlight and Stefan, Jacob charges at him and kicks him, sending him sprawling into the dirt.Bumtin stands and wipes the dust off of his robe. "Very well done Jacob. Now my turn!"  He begins to wave his arms and legs and runs at Jacob screaming  "HHHHHIIIIYYYAAAAHHH!" As he reaches Jacob, Bumtin unleashes a portion of the stored agony that he has accumulated from the pool of pain. Clutchng at his arm and screaming in agony, Jacob drops to the ground and begins to sob.Farlight continues his trek towards the Baron's manor, and reaches it just as the sounds of the townman's cries reach his ears. Farlight walks through the crumbling gateway into a sparsely grassed courtyard. The two-story manor is in obvious need of repair, but was definitely resplendent in the past. As Farlight walks up and knocks on the front doors, he hears a muffled voice from inside. "Just a moment please." A moment later an older man somewhere in his fifties opens the large double doors. Despite their appearance, they slide open easily at his touch."Well hello there my good sir. What brings you to the manor?"</blockquote>

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