In the courtyard of Moongleam Tower, Brevig thanks Spar for his assistance and bids him well.
The paladin's first try to mount is foiled when the gelding pulls away, balking at his heavily armored form. Brevig frowns, unaccustomed to riding a beast which cannot read his thoughts. He takes a moment to firmly grasp the saddle horn and plant his back foot, then demonstrating more strength than form, springs forcefully up, and once mounted, clucks encouragingly at the horse, which snorts unhappily in reply. ‘I’ll summon Ashento when we arrive at Rauvencross. Until then, you and I shall have to make do with each other.’
He tests the gelding’s strength and temperament for a moment, then, chin high and broad shoulders relaxed, the Paladin smiles wryly at the others, “To Rauvencross!” and takes the lead, cantering toward the road (or pulling up on the reins to hold if anyone is having trouble with their mount).
DM for Deathworld: Lost Mine of Phandelver// Story Guide for COYOTE and CROW: Cahokia Forever//Dev Horndin Curious Critters//Co-creator: Princes of the Apocalypse - A DnD Story
Fargoth casts his eyes over his new companions with a small smile on his face as they wrestle with the new mounts. He hears the paladin's shout to move, and climbs onto the remaining horse, stowing his longbow for easy access, should it be needed. Spurring it in the direction of the others, he sidles up alongside Donir. "You'll be alright?", he asks, a look of friendly concern on his face.
(Regarding horse and rider: Gully (Donir), Po (Brevig), Ranger (Fargoth), Chips (Gwin), and Fenni (Patrin))
Days one and two of the eastward journey are marked by mild autumn weather and the serene beauty of the Rauvin River valley. The horses provided by Moongleam Tower prove to be cooperative for their new masters. Midday on day two the party encounters a herd of elk, and after casting find steed, Brevig will continue the journey on a new mount, allowing Po to carry equipment and lighten the load for the others.
On the evening of the third day, as the sun begins to disappear behind the brooding peaks of the Nether Mountains, the party sees its first glimpse of Rauvincross. Perched on both sides of the river as it passes through Moon Pass, the little mining town seems a rather lonely outpost in this part of the world. Light from candles and fireplaces flickers through the panes of simple windows in simple houses. The braying of a donkey momentarily fills the air, and moments later the playing of a fiddle in the local tavern reaches your ears. The music, lively and lighthearted, is a welcome sound after your three-day journey.
As you absorb the sights and sounds of this remote place, a woman suddenly calls out, "They're here!"
Her voice conveys a mixture of excitement and relief. The middle-aged human woman stands just outside her front door with a broom in hand and a small child clinging to her apron. She then takes a few steps forward, gazing at the party all the while, before she says, "But where's Hark? He's come with you, yes?"
Any relief she might have been feeling suddenly gives way to concern. "Hark. My brother," she says. "Left here days ago to fetch help. I saw all of you and figured he'd hired you. Where is he?!"
Patrin strokes the side of Fenni’s neck as he steps the horse forwards. ‘I’m sorry, Ma’am, we didn’t pass anyone on our journey here’ he says carefully, stepping down from the horse so he’s not looming. ‘What’s happened that you needed to send for help?’
In the span of a few minutes, Evie--for that is the woman's name--explains that Rauvincross has fallen prey to some sort of evil. In the past month, the town has lost a horse and three mules to some sort of giant creature (based on the footprints near the river). More recently, a child has disappeared and the small search party tasked with finding the boy was destroyed. Portions of their remains were found hanging from some trees a few miles upriver. Convinced they needed outside help, the town leaders commissioned Hark to travel to Everlund and hire a few swords to save Rauvincross from further trouble.
"So, you can see why I was so relieved upon seeing you," Evie explains.
Brevig slides down easily from atop the Elk, the two seeming to move as one. 'Rest, Ashento,' he messages to the spirit inhabiting the proud antlered beast. The steed nudges in among the horses at a water trough, and Brevig approaches the townswoman, his clear, prairie-wheat eyes showing sympathy.
"Milady. Perhaps your brother and our party passed in opposite directions, unaware of each other's presence. Or, he might have arrived at Everlund the night before we -- very early -- departed. He could be still on his way. We are merely passing through Rauvincross on our way to our destination farther East. Yet perhaps," looking to the others, "we may see what is to be seen and help if we can."
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DM for Deathworld: Lost Mine of Phandelver// Story Guide for COYOTE and CROW: Cahokia Forever//Dev Horndin Curious Critters//Co-creator: Princes of the Apocalypse - A DnD Story
Donir hops down as well, sending Gully off to drink. He furrows his brow at the woman's words, looking quite worried.
"We were not sent by your brother, but I believe we can still help. We cannot simply pass through without assisting you as much as we can. Has anyone who still lives seen this creature in detail? Also, is there any pattern to its attacks? If so, we may be able to anticipate and capture or destroy it."
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"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
Gwin has dismounted Chips and is feeding her an apple while listening to the conversation taking place between her companions and Evie. Interspersing a wide-eyed "oh no" here and there upon hearing about the disappearances and loss of life, she is clearly distressed by this news. This will not do. Not one bit, I say.
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‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
Patrin nods 'We can't pass by without taking some time to investigate a missing child. Who would it be best to speak with about the child, and about where the search party was found, Evie...?' he aims to portray a calm competence, drawing on his prior experience as an investigator.. 'Also, who represents the law in this settlement - a mayor or other leader perhaps?'
Looking to the rest of the group, he adds 'It does no harm for us to better learn each others' tactics, and strengths, too...'
Brevig looks relieved and smiles gratefully, uttering a silent prayer of thanks to Amaunator, for joining him to a group of such generous-hearted heroes. He is attentive to details although sanguine with the likelihood that one of his new allies will more quickly understand the nature of the foe they are now seeking.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM for Deathworld: Lost Mine of Phandelver// Story Guide for COYOTE and CROW: Cahokia Forever//Dev Horndin Curious Critters//Co-creator: Princes of the Apocalypse - A DnD Story
Evie looks down at the child who stands next to her, and says, "Run and fetch Corva, will you?"
The girl, who's been silently playing with a small ring by placing it on each of her fingers repeatedly, nods and hurries off. A few minutes later Corva stands before you retelling the events of a few weeks ago. She swears her neighbor's mule was dragged upriver by a creature that had "twice the height and twice the heads of a normal fellow." And if there's a pattern to the attacks, no one has detected it yet.
In response to Patrin, Corva then explains the missing child belonged to a widower named Griff, and he was one of those killed in the search. "Griff's boy was an only child. Honestly, if his son is dead and gone, it might be a mercy that Griff followed him to the grave," she muses solemnly.
Evie then explains the search party's remains are a few miles upriver on the eastern shore. "We've left 'em where they were found. The evil is too great; we dare not go near. And Rauvincross has nothing so formal as a mayor or a lawman. A council of elders--folks who've been here forever--gather, discuss, and vote. Not a perfect way of doing things, of course. But we muddle through."
You cannot avoid noticing that the child who was sent for Corva hasn't returned yet.
Gwin approaches Evie and takes her hands into her own. Do not fret, dear. We will investigate, and if Griff's boy is still alive we will find him, and also dispatch whatever is causing so much trouble. I have my own theories, I do.
Looking around her, the cleric continues, where did your little girl go? I was admiring her ring and was hoping to share some sweets with her. I'm sure this has been distressing, even for the wee-est ones.
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‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
To Evie, Brevig asks, while his eyes point to where the girl sat playing before she left to fetch Corva, "Your daughter..." and his eyes raise to Evie's, then glance with concern after the path the girl took, "is she friends with ...I'm sorry, I did not hear the name mentioned...Griff's son?"
DM for Deathworld: Lost Mine of Phandelver// Story Guide for COYOTE and CROW: Cahokia Forever//Dev Horndin Curious Critters//Co-creator: Princes of the Apocalypse - A DnD Story
Patrin, Gwin, and Brevig alert Evie to the absence of the girl who was there minutes ago. The woman's response is, expectedly, one of mild panic. "Rinny!" she exclaims before turning and running along the road that leads farther into town.
"Yes," answers Corva in response to Brevig. "Friends with Griff's boy...with Emrick...she is."
Again, with an agility unexpected in someone so short and round, Gwin is atop Chips and addressing her companions with an urgent tone. We must make haste, lads. We cannot let her go after the child alone. And with a click click of her tongue and gentle heel nudge, Chips is bounding off in the direction of Evie. To a casual observer, the site of a raven-haired hill dwarf, with cloaks flying behind her and a jaunty bounce in the saddle every time her steed lands a hoof would be a comical sight. But to anyone who knows Gwinlynn Karmadark there is nothing she is more serious about than serving her god through serving others.
As Gwin bounds after Evie she will cast Thaumaturgy to triple the volume of her voice in order to call out and hopefully stop the panicked woman from entering into a dangerous situation alone.
"Gwin, lass, hold u- Oh, blast it, it's no use. Well, I suppose we've no choice but to follow her, aye?"
Donir heads over to his horse, scrambles onto its back once more, and trots after his follow dwarf. He moves briskly, but not in a full gallop like Gwin. After all, gallop or trot, they should catch up to the fleeing woman soon enough. Though their legs may be less stubbier than the stout folk, humans still have nothing on horses.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
In the courtyard of Moongleam Tower, Brevig thanks Spar for his assistance and bids him well.
The paladin's first try to mount is foiled when the gelding pulls away, balking at his heavily armored form. Brevig frowns, unaccustomed to riding a beast which cannot read his thoughts. He takes a moment to firmly grasp the saddle horn and plant his back foot, then demonstrating more strength than form, springs forcefully up, and once mounted, clucks encouragingly at the horse, which snorts unhappily in reply. ‘I’ll summon Ashento when we arrive at Rauvencross. Until then, you and I shall have to make do with each other.’
He tests the gelding’s strength and temperament for a moment, then, chin high and broad shoulders relaxed, the Paladin smiles wryly at the others, “To Rauvencross!” and takes the lead, cantering toward the road (or pulling up on the reins to hold if anyone is having trouble with their mount).
DM for Deathworld: Lost Mine of Phandelver // Story Guide for COYOTE and CROW: Cahokia Forever // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Co-creator: Princes of the Apocalypse - A DnD Story
Fargoth casts his eyes over his new companions with a small smile on his face as they wrestle with the new mounts. He hears the paladin's shout to move, and climbs onto the remaining horse, stowing his longbow for easy access, should it be needed. Spurring it in the direction of the others, he sidles up alongside Donir. "You'll be alright?", he asks, a look of friendly concern on his face.
(Regarding horse and rider: Gully (Donir), Po (Brevig), Ranger (Fargoth), Chips (Gwin), and Fenni (Patrin))
Days one and two of the eastward journey are marked by mild autumn weather and the serene beauty of the Rauvin River valley. The horses provided by Moongleam Tower prove to be cooperative for their new masters. Midday on day two the party encounters a herd of elk, and after casting find steed, Brevig will continue the journey on a new mount, allowing Po to carry equipment and lighten the load for the others.
On the evening of the third day, as the sun begins to disappear behind the brooding peaks of the Nether Mountains, the party sees its first glimpse of Rauvincross. Perched on both sides of the river as it passes through Moon Pass, the little mining town seems a rather lonely outpost in this part of the world. Light from candles and fireplaces flickers through the panes of simple windows in simple houses. The braying of a donkey momentarily fills the air, and moments later the playing of a fiddle in the local tavern reaches your ears. The music, lively and lighthearted, is a welcome sound after your three-day journey.
As you absorb the sights and sounds of this remote place, a woman suddenly calls out, "They're here!"
Her voice conveys a mixture of excitement and relief. The middle-aged human woman stands just outside her front door with a broom in hand and a small child clinging to her apron. She then takes a few steps forward, gazing at the party all the while, before she says, "But where's Hark? He's come with you, yes?"
Donir leans warily over Gully's side, peering at the woman.
"Hark? I can't recall any Hark. Do any of the rest of you know what she's talking about?"
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
Any relief she might have been feeling suddenly gives way to concern. "Hark. My brother," she says. "Left here days ago to fetch help. I saw all of you and figured he'd hired you. Where is he?!"
Patrin strokes the side of Fenni’s neck as he steps the horse forwards. ‘I’m sorry, Ma’am, we didn’t pass anyone on our journey here’ he says carefully, stepping down from the horse so he’s not looming. ‘What’s happened that you needed to send for help?’
In the span of a few minutes, Evie--for that is the woman's name--explains that Rauvincross has fallen prey to some sort of evil. In the past month, the town has lost a horse and three mules to some sort of giant creature (based on the footprints near the river). More recently, a child has disappeared and the small search party tasked with finding the boy was destroyed. Portions of their remains were found hanging from some trees a few miles upriver. Convinced they needed outside help, the town leaders commissioned Hark to travel to Everlund and hire a few swords to save Rauvincross from further trouble.
"So, you can see why I was so relieved upon seeing you," Evie explains.
Brevig slides down easily from atop the Elk, the two seeming to move as one. 'Rest, Ashento,' he messages to the spirit inhabiting the proud antlered beast. The steed nudges in among the horses at a water trough, and Brevig approaches the townswoman, his clear, prairie-wheat eyes showing sympathy.
"Milady. Perhaps your brother and our party passed in opposite directions, unaware of each other's presence. Or, he might have arrived at Everlund the night before we -- very early -- departed. He could be still on his way. We are merely passing through Rauvincross on our way to our destination farther East. Yet perhaps," looking to the others, "we may see what is to be seen and help if we can."
DM for Deathworld: Lost Mine of Phandelver // Story Guide for COYOTE and CROW: Cahokia Forever // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Co-creator: Princes of the Apocalypse - A DnD Story
Donir hops down as well, sending Gully off to drink. He furrows his brow at the woman's words, looking quite worried.
"We were not sent by your brother, but I believe we can still help. We cannot simply pass through without assisting you as much as we can. Has anyone who still lives seen this creature in detail? Also, is there any pattern to its attacks? If so, we may be able to anticipate and capture or destroy it."
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
Gwin has dismounted Chips and is feeding her an apple while listening to the conversation taking place between her companions and Evie. Interspersing a wide-eyed "oh no" here and there upon hearing about the disappearances and loss of life, she is clearly distressed by this news. This will not do. Not one bit, I say.
‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
Patrin nods 'We can't pass by without taking some time to investigate a missing child. Who would it be best to speak with about the child, and about where the search party was found, Evie...?' he aims to portray a calm competence, drawing on his prior experience as an investigator.. 'Also, who represents the law in this settlement - a mayor or other leader perhaps?'
Looking to the rest of the group, he adds 'It does no harm for us to better learn each others' tactics, and strengths, too...'
Brevig looks relieved and smiles gratefully, uttering a silent prayer of thanks to Amaunator, for joining him to a group of such generous-hearted heroes. He is attentive to details although sanguine with the likelihood that one of his new allies will more quickly understand the nature of the foe they are now seeking.
DM for Deathworld: Lost Mine of Phandelver // Story Guide for COYOTE and CROW: Cahokia Forever // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Co-creator: Princes of the Apocalypse - A DnD Story
Evie looks down at the child who stands next to her, and says, "Run and fetch Corva, will you?"
The girl, who's been silently playing with a small ring by placing it on each of her fingers repeatedly, nods and hurries off. A few minutes later Corva stands before you retelling the events of a few weeks ago. She swears her neighbor's mule was dragged upriver by a creature that had "twice the height and twice the heads of a normal fellow." And if there's a pattern to the attacks, no one has detected it yet.
In response to Patrin, Corva then explains the missing child belonged to a widower named Griff, and he was one of those killed in the search. "Griff's boy was an only child. Honestly, if his son is dead and gone, it might be a mercy that Griff followed him to the grave," she muses solemnly.
Evie then explains the search party's remains are a few miles upriver on the eastern shore. "We've left 'em where they were found. The evil is too great; we dare not go near. And Rauvincross has nothing so formal as a mayor or a lawman. A council of elders--folks who've been here forever--gather, discuss, and vote. Not a perfect way of doing things, of course. But we muddle through."
You cannot avoid noticing that the child who was sent for Corva hasn't returned yet.
‘Where did the young girl go, who was sent to fetch you, Corva?’ asks Patrin, his old investigator’s mind kicking in at the anomaly.
Gwin approaches Evie and takes her hands into her own. Do not fret, dear. We will investigate, and if Griff's boy is still alive we will find him, and also dispatch whatever is causing so much trouble. I have my own theories, I do.
Looking around her, the cleric continues, where did your little girl go? I was admiring her ring and was hoping to share some sweets with her. I'm sure this has been distressing, even for the wee-est ones.
‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
To Evie, Brevig asks, while his eyes point to where the girl sat playing before she left to fetch Corva, "Your daughter..." and his eyes raise to Evie's, then glance with concern after the path the girl took, "is she friends with ...I'm sorry, I did not hear the name mentioned...Griff's son?"
DM for Deathworld: Lost Mine of Phandelver // Story Guide for COYOTE and CROW: Cahokia Forever // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Co-creator: Princes of the Apocalypse - A DnD Story
Patrin, Gwin, and Brevig alert Evie to the absence of the girl who was there minutes ago. The woman's response is, expectedly, one of mild panic. "Rinny!" she exclaims before turning and running along the road that leads farther into town.
"Yes," answers Corva in response to Brevig. "Friends with Griff's boy...with Emrick...she is."
Corva then turns and runs after her friend...
Again, with an agility unexpected in someone so short and round, Gwin is atop Chips and addressing her companions with an urgent tone. We must make haste, lads. We cannot let her go after the child alone. And with a click click of her tongue and gentle heel nudge, Chips is bounding off in the direction of Evie. To a casual observer, the site of a raven-haired hill dwarf, with cloaks flying behind her and a jaunty bounce in the saddle every time her steed lands a hoof would be a comical sight. But to anyone who knows Gwinlynn Karmadark there is nothing she is more serious about than serving her god through serving others.
As Gwin bounds after Evie she will cast Thaumaturgy to triple the volume of her voice in order to call out and hopefully stop the panicked woman from entering into a dangerous situation alone.
‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
"Gwin, lass, hold u- Oh, blast it, it's no use. Well, I suppose we've no choice but to follow her, aye?"
Donir heads over to his horse, scrambles onto its back once more, and trots after his follow dwarf. He moves briskly, but not in a full gallop like Gwin. After all, gallop or trot, they should catch up to the fleeing woman soon enough. Though their legs may be less stubbier than the stout folk, humans still have nothing on horses.
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
(Insight check to see if Corva seemed a bit ‘off’: 18)
Patrin quickly mounts his horse, not having seen anywhere obvious to tie it, and races after the women, alert to danger..
(Perception: 18 / 11 Passive)