Season 2 - Episode 1: Bertie's Boys
Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2012 1:57 pm
Morward, the pony-tailed bandit leader that you defeated in the Coastwood Caves, didn’t always make the smartest decisions in life. If he could have his time again, he’d probably just let you take Alma. Or maybe he’d claim the reward himself. As it was, buoyed by his own bravado, he ended up pin-cushioned by Paladin and Hiker.
But there was one thing Morward was right about. And that was the fact that Kitchener would end up getting all the credit and plaudits for your hard work.
Oh, sure enough, for the first few days after returning to Marketstone, you were the toast of The Wheatsheaf. But somehow, over time, that changed. “New” versions of the story emerged. Yesterday evening, Nivek was particularly disgruntled to overhear someone recounting how Kitchener himself had led you all into battle and how he'd defeated Morward in one-on-one combat (although, if truth be told, Kitchener hasn’t been the only one embellishing the tale; on more than one occasion you’ve heard how a brave halfling rescued Alma - and Karl - from the clutches a ferocious minotaur ...).
Two weeks on from Alma’s safe return, many residents in Marketstone can’t even remember your names. Most now refer to you collectively as “Bertie’s Boys“ (although never within earshot of Kitchener himself). Whilst you don’t like it, Kitchener himself can be uncannily persuasive and has a knack of never taking “no” for an answer. That’s how you find yourselves standing in his office one evening awaiting your next assignment …
“Right team, ...“, your lord and master begins, “Got another little job for yer. Nuthin’ too tricky this time. No goblins or nuthin’. Just a little collection and delivery job for a business associate o’ mine, Abraham Hall, down in Westport.”
He continues with barely a pause. “Now, I know yer a little short-handed since dumb and dumber took off, so I’ve found yer a couple fresh faces. Big un’s Gannicus - dab hand wi’ a pair of swords 'e is. Little un’s Leo - knows ‘is way ‘round the countryside, so you shouldn’t go gettin’ yerselves lost.”
Before you can even think about exchanging pleasantries with your new party members, Kitchener carries on with his monologue. “I’ve arranged transport for yer with one o' the merchants. He’ll be leavin’ for Westport with his wagons firs’ thing in the mornin’. He’ll be glad of ‘avin’ a few extra swords - yer can’t be too careful on that road. He’ll drop you off at the Hall residence in Westport, and Abe'll fill you in on all the details. Oh, and I turned yer stolen ‘orses over to the militia as well. Best if we avoid any entanglements wi’ the law, eh? Got a nice reward though - ‘ere’s yer share. No need to thank me.” Kitchener throws Tannen a leather pouch with 30 gold pieces in it.
“Right, as is customary before a new job we’ll ‘ave ourselves a little drink”, and he pulls the familiar set of grimy glasses and a half-bottle of fiery liquor from his desk drawer and pours you each a generous measure.
~4 pm, 14th day of Leaffall
Marketstone at Obsidian Portal
But there was one thing Morward was right about. And that was the fact that Kitchener would end up getting all the credit and plaudits for your hard work.
Oh, sure enough, for the first few days after returning to Marketstone, you were the toast of The Wheatsheaf. But somehow, over time, that changed. “New” versions of the story emerged. Yesterday evening, Nivek was particularly disgruntled to overhear someone recounting how Kitchener himself had led you all into battle and how he'd defeated Morward in one-on-one combat (although, if truth be told, Kitchener hasn’t been the only one embellishing the tale; on more than one occasion you’ve heard how a brave halfling rescued Alma - and Karl - from the clutches a ferocious minotaur ...).
Two weeks on from Alma’s safe return, many residents in Marketstone can’t even remember your names. Most now refer to you collectively as “Bertie’s Boys“ (although never within earshot of Kitchener himself). Whilst you don’t like it, Kitchener himself can be uncannily persuasive and has a knack of never taking “no” for an answer. That’s how you find yourselves standing in his office one evening awaiting your next assignment …
“Right team, ...“, your lord and master begins, “Got another little job for yer. Nuthin’ too tricky this time. No goblins or nuthin’. Just a little collection and delivery job for a business associate o’ mine, Abraham Hall, down in Westport.”
He continues with barely a pause. “Now, I know yer a little short-handed since dumb and dumber took off, so I’ve found yer a couple fresh faces. Big un’s Gannicus - dab hand wi’ a pair of swords 'e is. Little un’s Leo - knows ‘is way ‘round the countryside, so you shouldn’t go gettin’ yerselves lost.”
Before you can even think about exchanging pleasantries with your new party members, Kitchener carries on with his monologue. “I’ve arranged transport for yer with one o' the merchants. He’ll be leavin’ for Westport with his wagons firs’ thing in the mornin’. He’ll be glad of ‘avin’ a few extra swords - yer can’t be too careful on that road. He’ll drop you off at the Hall residence in Westport, and Abe'll fill you in on all the details. Oh, and I turned yer stolen ‘orses over to the militia as well. Best if we avoid any entanglements wi’ the law, eh? Got a nice reward though - ‘ere’s yer share. No need to thank me.” Kitchener throws Tannen a leather pouch with 30 gold pieces in it.
“Right, as is customary before a new job we’ll ‘ave ourselves a little drink”, and he pulls the familiar set of grimy glasses and a half-bottle of fiery liquor from his desk drawer and pours you each a generous measure.
~4 pm, 14th day of Leaffall
Marketstone at Obsidian Portal