Season 1 - Episode 7: Homeward Bound

[SmootRK]

Nivek does his best to do whatever chores are necessary to keep the group ready to move, and also anything that seems to need tidying up around for the Druid (wood chopping, clearing debris, etc.) "I may not know the way of the woods well, but I know how to keep myself busy. The Forge Lord does not care for idle hands".

[Joe the Rat]

Mandross is eager to begin an adventure - and as such is eager to get the current one finished.

[SmootRK]

Once back in civilization, Nivek does his part to assist our party in selling/trading/bartering the weapons and armor pieces we have acquired. Other than our warriors skill with using weapons, Nivek is probably the most knowledgeable about quality/construction/valuation of 'smithy' items. He lends his persuasive skills to any such transactions as he can. If possible, Nivek would like to make the appropriate trades to acquire a set of chain armor in the proper dimensions for a Dwarf.

"Do we have a plan for heading out in other direction than the environs of this town?", Nivek asks of the party. "If we are to remain around here, I would like to inquire about hiring a few helpers. We could use a couple of guards and a couple of porters/general labors to manage our gear and campsites so that we can explore as lightly encumbered as possible."

OOC: Nivek will look into renting a room or otherwise entering into an agreement with the blacksmith for some space. He will offer to lend a hand while in town and otherwise make himself useful. A portion of his treasure will go towards building some sort of altar/minor shrine for now.... with an eye for a proper Forge-Temple in the future.

other than armor mentioned above, I will review for a shopping list.

[JoeCarr28]

Once back in civilization, Nivek does his part to assist our party in selling/trading/bartering the weapons and armor pieces we have acquired. Other than our warriors skill with using weapons, Nivek is probably the most knowledgeable about quality/construction/valuation of 'smithy' items. He lends his persuasive skills to any such transactions as he can. If possible, Nivek would like to make the appropriate trades to acquire a set of chain armor in the proper dimensions for a Dwarf.

"Do we have a plan for heading out in other direction than the environs of this town?", Nivek asks of the party. "If we are to remain around here, I would like to inquire about hiring a few helpers. We could use a couple of guards and a couple of porters/general labors to manage our gear and campsites so that we can explore as lightly encumbered as possible."

OOC: Nivek will look into renting a room or otherwise entering into an agreement with the blacksmith for some space. He will offer to lend a hand while in town and otherwise make himself useful. A portion of his treasure will go towards building some sort of altar/minor shrine for now.... with an eye for a proper Forge-Temple in the future.

other than armor mentioned above, I will review for a shopping list.

Woah!! - You're not quite back in civilization yet . I'll post the Coastwood-Northridge journey tomorrow, and then the Northridge-Marketstone finale later in the week. Then we're done for Season 1.

[SmootRK]

OOC: insert it where you will... just trying to give you some material that you can narrate away when the time comes.

[JoeCarr28]

After gathering your remaining belongings and Jumbles from the Old Man's cave, Barnaby leads you south towards the edge of the Coastwood. You pass the tree where Hiker and Doughbert were ambushed by wolves just two days ago, although somehow it seems much longer (10 months! ). By mid-morning you break the treeline and find yourselves back in open countryside. It's something of a relief after the oppression of the forest and the caves during the last couple of days. With a lingering gaze at Paladin (affection? contempt? relief?), Barnaby turns and plods back into the forest, and you quickly lose sight of the bear amongst the trees.

The mood in the party is upbeat as you continue south towards Northridge. Compared to the forest, the open, rolling countryside makes for easy going, but it's still a full day's walk back to the farm. With the sun setting, you finally climb a stile into the northernmost field of Northridge. As soon as her feet hit home soil, Alma is unable to contain herself and she begins to sprint towards the lights of the farmhouse.

When you finally catch-up with her, the two farmers are locked in a tearful, but happy, embrace and the celebrations begin. Having been without a proper kitchen for three whole days, Paladin quickly makes up for lost time despite his fatigue, cooking up a feast for everyone at the farm, including the farmhands, and ensuring that the cider keeps flowing. But by 8 pm the events of the last two days catch-up with the halfling and he falls asleep at the table, his hand around a tankard and his head nestled in a plate of potatoes.

Mid-way through the evening, Alan hands Tannen a bag of gold coins, his half of the reward for returning Alma. He explains that he'll take the party to Marketstone in his cart tomorrow to claim the other half from Kitchener.

It's not until later in the evening that you realise that Scathias, your fellow-party member, is nowhere to be seen. Alan explains that the strange elf left, unannounced, sometime during last night. He assumed that Scathias had got bored with all the waiting around and had gone to find the rest of you.

With bellies full, sleep soon catches up with the rest of the party, and one-by-one you retire to the farmhands' quarters for a peaceful night's rest. In the morning, you rise, breakfast, and join Alan and Alma in the farmyard where they're readying the cart for the journey to Marketstone.


~9 am, 30th day of Harvestide.

[Iain_IF]

Paladin whistles while he works in the kitchen, his facade covering up his crushing loss at being separated from his bosom buddy Barney.

Paladin has a number of questions for Alma now that she's back home. Primary among them is the dresses. Now that they are at the farm, he's got no problem giving them to her, and he's keenly interested to see if they fit; were they made for her or someone else? Also, what light can Alma shed on their origin. Were all of Morward's friends coming for a wedding, and therefore the party should expect a bunch of unhappy company soon?

Paladin also shops the hermit's tale of the tower and the goblins to the farmer and farmhands looking to see if any of them know more about it and how to get there. He also asks them about the unidentified horse brands and whether the owners they have identified so far have set a reward for their return.

Paladin engages the others in discussion about what they're going to tell Bertie. Paladin strongly recommends they limit what they say to meeting the goblins and meeting the bandits and rescuing Alma. He counsels against bringing our treasure (They could tax it or take it!) or the paperwork (They could burn it or take it!) into town. Bertie is a bad bad man, baddest man in the whole damn town, he says. He's badder than Leroy Brown and meaner than a junkyard dog! We should get our money and go.

Finally, he suggests we decide here at the farmhouse how to divide things so that we provide a unified front to Bertie. The reward is 500 GP flat, he says. Hiker wasn't there at the beginning, but I think he should get a full share. Mandross was there only at the end, but he's handy. I suggest we split it 7 ways: 1 split for each of the folks who have been around basically since the beginning; a half share for Mandross, and that we use the remaining half share to have a party! That's like 70 gold each, 35 for Mandross, plus some. And a kick-ass party! Or we can buy stuff for the hermit out of the remaining half share. Like a lot of honey, I'm sure the hermit would like honey.

[Joe the Rat]

Mandross enjoys the walk. After spending a fair amount of time cooped up in caves and cages, the open road is a welcome sight. With walking stick in hand, and a horse in tow (which he has nicknamed Bailey), He hums a marching tune. He uses the time on the road to learn more about everyone's experiences, and how they came to the bandits.

After reunions and greetings, with the celebration in full swing, Mandross decides to take the stage. Taking the bits and pieces that he got from the others, he weaves together a tale of heroes: Tannen the brave captain. Nivek the wise and loyal. Karl and Hiker, the stalwart warriors (that means strong and steady, Hiker). The clever and crafty Doughbert, and the cunning and comedic Paladin. He attempts to weave in the objections and interjections of others as it goes. Their escapades with the goblin raiders, and assault on the horde of bandits to save fair Alma sounds a bit more epic than everyone remembers. Mandross' part is surprisingly understated, and he makes no mention of the hermit - the old man deserves his privacy. That does leave a bit of a plot hole with Barney the Bear (as Paladin is sure to insist on his inclusion in the tale - followed by sorrowful drinking at being separated from his dear friend), but this is a first telling. These things get better with practice.

When the potatoes arrive, Mandross grabs a few even-sized tubers and shows off a little juggling. "Hot potato! Hot potato!" He also apologizes for the mess when he drops two of them.

After things quiet a bit, Mandross digs out the maps and papers he had seized from the bandits, and asks any available about some of the local features. He is particularly keen about any trails or features that are not known to others. He also looks for the tower on the maps. At Paladin's warning of Bertie, Mandross gives him a sly look. "Really, my personal documents? I do not think he would be so foolish as to try and search my belongings. Magicians are known to be subtle, but dangerous when angered. But no, I think we'll keep them safe. Our need for them is greater." He will tuck them carefully away in his scroll case. He is also grateful for the offer of inclusion in their award, if the group agrees with Paladin's breakdown. He also suggests picking up a cake or two of salt for the hermit.

[Hywaywolf]

Doughbert spends his time when they first arrive at the farm taking measures to insure that the treasure and weapons they have liberated are securely stored in a sturdy outbuilding in full site of the farm house. He inspects the interior for access points from the walls, roof and floors to be sure the door is the only access. He'll then securely shut and tie the door tight with special knots learned from his devotional studies. He will then take first watch as protector of the hoard. When Paladin approaches he'll ask him to have Tannen organize a 2 man watch cycle to protect our valuables. He frowns at Paladin when he takes the 4 dresses to give to Alma since it takes a away from the treasure hoard, but he begs forgiveness from Master Loche for this lapse in his duty to protect the group belongings. He is also slightly disturbed by some of the talk he's heard about returning the horses to their previous owners. It was their own lack of faith in proper security that lost them so they should be required to pay a penance for their return.

If he is relieved by a second watch he will go into the farm house to eat. If he is not, he will stay on guard and eat a ration bar. If he goes into the house he will join in the conversation and discuss his belief that a penance should be taken for the return of the horses. He will vehemently resist any move to leave the treasure here at the farm unless half the party stays to guard it. And even then he will want to take the weapons in to town to sell after the group has selected what they want from the pile. He'll also suggest we keep enough to outfit however many retainers we wish to hire. He will ask the Farmer if the town has a militia and how well they are armed. He has no problem with the way Paladin wishes to split the reward.

Before the night is over Doughbert will make several walks around the farm and the treasure shack checking to make sure all is calm. He will occasionally stop in the shadows and wait 15-20 minutes at a time to hear what he can hear. When its time to rack out he will make a lean-to next to the treasure shack and sleep there

(OOC- Who is running karl and will he be staying with us?)

[Iain_IF]

Paladin thinks Doughbert is a hoot and, after Mandross's stellar performance (and Barney talked and stood on two legs!), Paladin spends a few minutes, after relieving Doughbert for dinner, tossing his kitchen scraps out on the far side of the outbuilding. He hopes the noises of the night animals feasting lulls Doughbert into early rest.

Paladin's not a follower of Loche, so he's got no clue what Doughbert is yammering about. Reward is probably worth more than the horse, Paladin reminds Doughbert, and the brand isn't going away anytime soon. Better to get something for them legally than be hunted down for rustling over a misunderstanding. Paladin rolls his eyes. Believe me, I know.

With respect to the looted valuables, the farmer doesn't need them, we know where he lives, and Hiker knows the folk here, reasons Paladin. You can't carry it all yourself. You and us will be seriously outnumbered in town, probably just by folk Bertie can round up. Best to hide it here, trap it with your halfling wiles, and return for it.

If we are taking it with us, then we should divide it up here between us, amends Paladin. That way it makes it harder to get snatched in its entirety. Just leave the weapons, armor, and whatnot to sell in town.