BYTING Byting is a fishing town in the kingdom of Crabbing. It has a population of 35,000, mostly fisherfolk and their families, though the odd merchant, peddler, or pilgrim who wishes to visit the Temple of Waevus can also be seen amidst the throng. Byting is bordered to the west by the Sea of Tamakuk, to the south by the Grimmore Marsh, to the east by the Gleamwoods, and to the north by the Darkwythe mountains. It is ruled by Reeve Ewan Cadwyn on behalf of Darius Swann, the duke of Crabbing. A town council assists the reeve and deals with other menial matters. The main trade in Byting is that of fish. Fisherman and their families build their diets around it, merchants come from all over Cortan to trade for it, and it is shipped off to other cities to the far east. It is even used as a currency in some situations, a one-pound fish equal to one clamm. Currency: 1 gp = 1 crabbit 1 sp = 1 clamm 1 cp = 1 shelling
THE GLEAMWOODS The Gleamwoods are situated four miles to the east of Byting. Dark trees loom overhead, letting only minimum light onto the leaf-scattered forest floor. Yellow eyes peer from dim caves, the trees and bushes often seem to have a life of their own, and shadows flicker of their own accord. While humans rarely enter it, the forest is home to gnomish clans, who constantly age war on one another and battle for dominance, occasionally banding together to deal with a particularly dangerous goblin threat. The four greatest clans, Armstrong, MacKinnon, MacDougall, and Baird, dominate the weaker clans and demand tribute in the form of food, wood, and weapons. Ogres and goblins are forced to fight for the scraps left behind by the mighty clans, whom they dare not challenge openly without staggeringly greater numbers. These creatures fight for survival in a complicated hierarchy, and none wish for outside involvement.
THE DARKWAYTHES The Darkwaythes are a vast network of closely crags, which live perpetually in an unnatural darkness formed by strange cloud formations. Storms of thunder, lightning, and acid rain are a frequent, almost daily occurrence, and none but the strongest orc warbands and distant stone giants dare live here. Deep beneath these mountains is a network of black caverns and grim pools, where pale things slither and abominable creatures worship merciless gods. Among these foul beasts dwell the peaceful selkie, living in exclusive communities and fishing the waters of Lac Montagne, which provides warmth from underground vents and a steady supply of fish. These resources are both invaluable to the selkie during the cold winters.
THE SEA OF TAMAKUK The sea of Tamakuk is a vast expanse of roiling waves, dangerous whirlpools, and sharp black spires that rise out of the sea like teeth in a gargantuan maw. The Seventeen Isles, Oceanhome, and Tikkamaw are all notable locations to be found in this ever-shifting landscape. Kuo-toa, sahuagin, merfolk, sea-elves, and things even older than the land itself lie beneath the wild surface of this sea in calm and forgotten realms.
GRIMMORE MARSH Many eerie tales are told by the inhabitants of Byting of Grimmore Marsh and the terrible creatures said to haunt it. From savage fey to loathsome undead, the stories told are many and varied. The solitary hermits and shepherds who dare eke out a living in the mud have learned to mark well the unnatural fog and strange sounds that occasionally arise, and steer clear of them. Bullywug clans roam the marsh, hunting the pale fish that live in the murky water and occasionally clashing with the pirates of the feared Pillager, who raid the bullywug villages.
Many, many years ago, when the gentle elves shared the land with the peaceful races and lived in harmony, power-hungry men from far lands to the east came in their hordes. And in the battle known as The Battle Where No Shield Was Raised, the armies of men killed in cold blood the peaceful elves as they stood weaponless behind a white flag. And to this day, it is said that among the murky waters of the Grimmore Marsh can be seen the red stain of blood.
The biting wind has sufficiently numbed you from head to toe by the time you approach the tall wooden palisades that protect Byting from the occasional orc warband. The chill weather, however, is not enough to keep the hardy residents inside their homes. You can hear men shouting loudly, women calling their screaming children home, livestock bleating, braying, oinking, and mooing, dogs barking, and birds shrieking. Smoke from chimneys drifts lazily out to sea, to join the fog which is steadily moving inland. Everywhere the smell of fish penetrates the air, invading your nostrils and seeping into your clothing.
A commanding half orc strides from the docks into the town. He is immediately assaulted by the smell of fish and dirty humans. His journey has been long aboard a merchant ship delivering its cargo of dried fish from the smaller islands within the Sea of Tamakuk. He has a mean presence around him as the years on the sea have hardened him beyond his age. His life as a pirate taking whatever he could has steeled his nerves and strengthened his back.
As he walks into the small fishing village, he notices that the women and children turn to look away as he passes. Accustomed to this greeting, Ghorbash grunts and moves on. His journey as a merchant sailor is over, and it is time to get back to what his bloodthirsty heritage does exceptionally. He walks up to the nearest fishmonger, and asks "Where is the nearest tavern?" The man cowers, and stutters...."Just over there, two streets up on the right." Without a word, Ghorbash leaves the man and walks in for a drink.
The place is small and damp. A seamen's tavern full of sailors, but none like him. He sits at a table in the corner and orders up a dark porter beer while he ponders his next move.
A commanding half orc strides from the docks into the town. He is immediately assaulted by the smell of fish and dirty humans. His journey has been long aboard a merchant ship delivering its cargo of dried fish from the smaller islands within the Sea of Tamakuk. He has a mean presence around him as the years on the sea have hardened him beyond his age. His life as a pirate taking whatever he could has steeled his nerves and strengthened his back.
As he walks into the small fishing village, he notices that the women and children turn to look away as he passes. Accustomed to this greeting, Ghorbash grunts and moves on. His journey as a merchant sailor is over, and it is time to get back to what his bloodthirsty heritage does exceptionally. He walks up to the nearest fishmonger, and asks "Where is the nearest tavern?" The man cowers, and stutters...."Just over there, two streets up on the right." Without a word, Ghorbash leaves the man and walks in for a drink.
The place is small and damp. A seamen's tavern full of sailors, but none like him. He sits at a table in the corner and orders up a dark porter beer while he ponders his next move.
He is getting some nasty looks from the bartender, who feels he is scaring off his clients, but the red-faced man does nothing openly hostile.
Ghorbash sits back and takes a long draught of his beer. It takes so good compared to the swill he has been drinking aboard the ship. He is physically tired, but sleep is far from his mind. He scans the room to take stock of those in the tavern. When the barmaid asks if he wants anything more, Ghorbash replies, "Meat. Bring me cooked meat." The girl rushes off and whispers something into the bartenders ear while looking at Ghorbash. The half orc dismisses her immediately and goes back to his drink.
OOC: What sort of people are in the tavern? Is there anyone of note that Ghorbash should be interacting with? If not, he will enjoy his peace and quiet
OOC: I assume that Gris is next to Adoy near the end of forest not so far from the town or something like this.
Girs checks his backpack that lies on the ground. Everything ready to go. He puts it on his shoulders and grabs his spear. He looks into the sky and speeks to himself
"my people..one day i'll find the answers..i hope it will not be to late..be strong brothers"
Then he shakes his had "The old monks is right nothing will change in life if one will stay in the same place"
Gris looks at his new friend "So Adoy are you and your little friends ready to go? What your senses tells you? What direction should we go?"
The bartender hurries off to the back and a few minutes later reappears with a huge side of roast mutton on a plate. "Quite the appetite you got there, eh?" he says to Ghorbash, a perfectly normal comment, but in this case loaded with sarcasm and distaste.
Adoy Stands up leaving the worms to their squirming, and looks at Gris.
"You have found no answers amongst the trees, and these worms know nothing of your plight. Perhaps we may find answers or help there." He points towards town. "Your family disappearing was no act of nature, more likely some mage or demon is at work. If we keep our wits about us we may learn some rumor or clue that will help us find the truth we seek."
Grunting as the bartender leaves, Ghorbash tears into the roasted mutton. It was so succulent. His home is the sea, but the food and drink on land can be so indulgent. Swallowing down his meal, he sits back and orders another beer. A bard starts playing a tune on his lute, which brings Ghorbash back to a day of yonder year.
Ennis sits at a table in a corner of the Sailors' Roost tavern, which is situated near the docks of Byting on one of the city's busier streets. The table is near the front of the common room next to a large window, so the red-haired swordsman has a good view of both the common room itself as well as the street outside. He nurses a small mug of mead, a bit more expensive than ale in these parts but more appealing to his palate. His blade, Zenith, remains by his side.
"Well, that's interesting..." he says to himself as he watches the barkeep heckle what is easily the most interesting thing to have walked into the tavern all afternoon. It's not every day that you see an orc-blooded in a place like this, at least not without a black-flagged ship out in the harbor.
He'll give the half-orc some distance for now, just watching to see what he does.
OoC: Anything interesting about Ghorbash's appearance and/or demeanor for Ennis to take note of at this point?
Also, I hope the DM doesn't mind me naming the tavern. I feel like going a more sandboxy approach means being a bit more creative and descriptive in our interactions with the world, but do correct me if that's overstepping my bounds.
Pulling her dark cloak tighter, Ayoola fastens her pace at the sight of civilization. Her frizzy hair is heavy from the cold sea wind. It had been a cold and unpleasant journey from Riverwatch. Ahead of her, she can make out the shapes of two travelers. A huge one and a tiny one, they make for quite a comical duo.
It is now about 5:00 in the afternoon, and it has begun to drizzle lightly, a very common occurrence in Byting. The people around pay it no heed and go about their business as normal.
Adoy to Gris "Hmmm..... I see wisdom in your caution, unfortunately I am as easily mistaken for a goblin at a distance as you may be for some larger monster. Perhaps we should try to find a more "normal" individual to help us obtain entry to this town without incident. Though I fear that in itself may not be an easy task. In my experience civilized peoples are easily frightened."
Adoy is distracted by the commotion of the village and fails to notice the human woman approaching from behind apparently amused rather than frightened by the duo.
Ennis smiles as he listens to the gentle pattering of the drizzling rain outside. He takes a deep breath through his nose to get a good whiff of fresh rain mixed with the sea air, but is mildly disappointed to find that the scent is too mild to penetrate the myriad aromas of the tavern itself. He lets out a sigh as he continues to watch Ghorbash.
"Oy, fellow travelers," Ayoola announces herself as she approaches the two figures. A gnome and a... she isn't sure about the larger guy, eyeing him up and down with a inquisitive smirk. She bows. "Dr. Ayoola Nyu, researcher of the arcane and enthusiast of the odd. The two of you aren't per chance from this little town?"
Ghorbash notices someone sitting at a table near the window of the tavern continually eyeing him. In fact, he is a bit shocked because those who stare him like that are usually ones who are looking for a fight. He quietly chugs the rest of his beer and places the empty glass on the table. Picking up his battleax and the rest of his gear, he approaches the red haired stranger.
"Hey you. Do you know me or are you looking to know my axe?", Ghorbash says looming over the table. The tavern has gone silent, and everyone has turned to stare at the interaction. The music has stopped and the barmaid is cowering behind the bartender who appears to be reaching for something under the bar.
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BYTING
Byting is a fishing town in the kingdom of Crabbing. It has a population of 35,000, mostly fisherfolk and their families, though the odd merchant, peddler, or pilgrim who wishes to visit the Temple of Waevus can also be seen amidst the throng. Byting is bordered to the west by the Sea of Tamakuk, to the south by the Grimmore Marsh, to the east by the Gleamwoods, and to the north by the Darkwythe mountains. It is ruled by Reeve Ewan Cadwyn on behalf of Darius Swann, the duke of Crabbing. A town council assists the reeve and deals with other menial matters. The main trade in Byting is that of fish. Fisherman and their families build their diets around it, merchants come from all over Cortan to trade for it, and it is shipped off to other cities to the far east. It is even used as a currency in some situations, a one-pound fish equal to one clamm.
Currency:
1 gp = 1 crabbit
1 sp = 1 clamm
1 cp = 1 shelling
THE GLEAMWOODS
The Gleamwoods are situated four miles to the east of Byting. Dark trees loom overhead, letting only minimum light onto the leaf-scattered forest floor. Yellow eyes peer from dim caves, the trees and bushes often seem to have a life of their own, and shadows flicker of their own accord. While humans rarely enter it, the forest is home to gnomish clans, who constantly age war on one another and battle for dominance, occasionally banding together to deal with a particularly dangerous goblin threat. The four greatest clans, Armstrong, MacKinnon, MacDougall, and Baird, dominate the weaker clans and demand tribute in the form of food, wood, and weapons. Ogres and goblins are forced to fight for the scraps left behind by the mighty clans, whom they dare not challenge openly without staggeringly greater numbers. These creatures fight for survival in a complicated hierarchy, and none wish for outside involvement.
THE DARKWAYTHES
The Darkwaythes are a vast network of closely crags, which live perpetually in an unnatural darkness formed by strange cloud formations. Storms of thunder, lightning, and acid rain are a frequent, almost daily occurrence, and none but the strongest orc warbands and distant stone giants dare live here. Deep beneath these mountains is a network of black caverns and grim pools, where pale things slither and abominable creatures worship merciless gods. Among these foul beasts dwell the peaceful selkie, living in exclusive communities and fishing the waters of Lac Montagne, which provides warmth from underground vents and a steady supply of fish. These resources are both invaluable to the selkie during the cold winters.
THE SEA OF TAMAKUK
The sea of Tamakuk is a vast expanse of roiling waves, dangerous whirlpools, and sharp black spires that rise out of the sea like teeth in a gargantuan maw. The Seventeen Isles, Oceanhome, and Tikkamaw are all notable locations to be found in this ever-shifting landscape. Kuo-toa, sahuagin, merfolk, sea-elves, and things even older than the land itself lie beneath the wild surface of this sea in calm and forgotten realms.
GRIMMORE MARSH
Many eerie tales are told by the inhabitants of Byting of Grimmore Marsh and the terrible creatures said to haunt it. From savage fey to loathsome undead, the stories told are many and varied. The solitary hermits and shepherds who dare eke out a living in the mud have learned to mark well the unnatural fog and strange sounds that occasionally arise, and steer clear of them. Bullywug clans roam the marsh, hunting the pale fish that live in the murky water and occasionally clashing with the pirates of the feared Pillager, who raid the bullywug villages.
Many, many years ago, when the gentle elves shared the land with the peaceful races and lived in harmony, power-hungry men from far lands to the east came in their hordes. And in the battle known as The Battle Where No Shield Was Raised, the armies of men killed in cold blood the peaceful elves as they stood weaponless behind a white flag. And to this day, it is said that among the murky waters of the Grimmore Marsh can be seen the red stain of blood.
Flayr Flameseeker | Genasi/Fire | Wizard/School of Evocation | Level 2 | Custom Campaign: Cold Cash
Are we ready to begin?
Flayr Flameseeker | Genasi/Fire | Wizard/School of Evocation | Level 2 | Custom Campaign: Cold Cash
OOC:I'm ready when you are.
(Adoy is sitting in a mud puddle, fruitlessly attempting to teach earthworms to communicate.)
The biting wind has sufficiently numbed you from head to toe by the time you approach the tall wooden palisades that protect Byting from the occasional orc warband. The chill weather, however, is not enough to keep the hardy residents inside their homes. You can hear men shouting loudly, women calling their screaming children home, livestock bleating, braying, oinking, and mooing, dogs barking, and birds shrieking. Smoke from chimneys drifts lazily out to sea, to join the fog which is steadily moving inland. Everywhere the smell of fish penetrates the air, invading your nostrils and seeping into your clothing.
The village of Byting is yours to explore!
Flayr Flameseeker | Genasi/Fire | Wizard/School of Evocation | Level 2 | Custom Campaign: Cold Cash
Ghorbash
A commanding half orc strides from the docks into the town. He is immediately assaulted by the smell of fish and dirty humans. His journey has been long aboard a merchant ship delivering its cargo of dried fish from the smaller islands within the Sea of Tamakuk. He has a mean presence around him as the years on the sea have hardened him beyond his age. His life as a pirate taking whatever he could has steeled his nerves and strengthened his back.
As he walks into the small fishing village, he notices that the women and children turn to look away as he passes. Accustomed to this greeting, Ghorbash grunts and moves on. His journey as a merchant sailor is over, and it is time to get back to what his bloodthirsty heritage does exceptionally. He walks up to the nearest fishmonger, and asks "Where is the nearest tavern?" The man cowers, and stutters...."Just over there, two streets up on the right." Without a word, Ghorbash leaves the man and walks in for a drink.
The place is small and damp. A seamen's tavern full of sailors, but none like him. He sits at a table in the corner and orders up a dark porter beer while he ponders his next move.
Flayr Flameseeker | Genasi/Fire | Wizard/School of Evocation | Level 2 | Custom Campaign: Cold Cash
Adoy is having little luck with his earthworm class, but he is not one to back down from a challenge!
Flayr Flameseeker | Genasi/Fire | Wizard/School of Evocation | Level 2 | Custom Campaign: Cold Cash
Ghorbash
Ghorbash sits back and takes a long draught of his beer. It takes so good compared to the swill he has been drinking aboard the ship. He is physically tired, but sleep is far from his mind. He scans the room to take stock of those in the tavern. When the barmaid asks if he wants anything more, Ghorbash replies, "Meat. Bring me cooked meat." The girl rushes off and whispers something into the bartenders ear while looking at Ghorbash. The half orc dismisses her immediately and goes back to his drink.
OOC: What sort of people are in the tavern? Is there anyone of note that Ghorbash should be interacting with? If not, he will enjoy his peace and quiet
OOC: I assume that Gris is next to Adoy near the end of forest not so far from the town or something like this.
Girs checks his backpack that lies on the ground. Everything ready to go. He puts it on his shoulders and grabs his spear. He looks into the sky and speeks to himself
"my people..one day i'll find the answers..i hope it will not be to late..be strong brothers"
Then he shakes his had "The old monks is right nothing will change in life if one will stay in the same place"
Gris looks at his new friend "So Adoy are you and your little friends ready to go? What your senses tells you? What direction should we go?"
The bartender hurries off to the back and a few minutes later reappears with a huge side of roast mutton on a plate. "Quite the appetite you got there, eh?" he says to Ghorbash, a perfectly normal comment, but in this case loaded with sarcasm and distaste.
Flayr Flameseeker | Genasi/Fire | Wizard/School of Evocation | Level 2 | Custom Campaign: Cold Cash
Adoy Stands up leaving the worms to their squirming, and looks at Gris.
"You have found no answers amongst the trees, and these worms know nothing of your plight. Perhaps we may find answers or help there." He points towards town. "Your family disappearing was no act of nature, more likely some mage or demon is at work. If we keep our wits about us we may learn some rumor or clue that will help us find the truth we seek."
Ghorbash
Grunting as the bartender leaves, Ghorbash tears into the roasted mutton. It was so succulent. His home is the sea, but the food and drink on land can be so indulgent. Swallowing down his meal, he sits back and orders another beer. A bard starts playing a tune on his lute, which brings Ghorbash back to a day of yonder year.
Gris to Adoy "Yes..it is possible. I hope this town people will not atack us. They probably are not familiar with my kind.."
Gris starts walking towards the town
Ennis sits at a table in a corner of the Sailors' Roost tavern, which is situated near the docks of Byting on one of the city's busier streets. The table is near the front of the common room next to a large window, so the red-haired swordsman has a good view of both the common room itself as well as the street outside. He nurses a small mug of mead, a bit more expensive than ale in these parts but more appealing to his palate. His blade, Zenith, remains by his side.
"Well, that's interesting..." he says to himself as he watches the barkeep heckle what is easily the most interesting thing to have walked into the tavern all afternoon. It's not every day that you see an orc-blooded in a place like this, at least not without a black-flagged ship out in the harbor.
He'll give the half-orc some distance for now, just watching to see what he does.
OoC: Anything interesting about Ghorbash's appearance and/or demeanor for Ennis to take note of at this point?
Also, I hope the DM doesn't mind me naming the tavern. I feel like going a more sandboxy approach means being a bit more creative and descriptive in our interactions with the world, but do correct me if that's overstepping my bounds.
Pulling her dark cloak tighter, Ayoola fastens her pace at the sight of civilization. Her frizzy hair is heavy from the cold sea wind. It had been a cold and unpleasant journey from Riverwatch. Ahead of her, she can make out the shapes of two travelers. A huge one and a tiny one, they make for quite a comical duo.
It is now about 5:00 in the afternoon, and it has begun to drizzle lightly, a very common occurrence in Byting. The people around pay it no heed and go about their business as normal.
Flayr Flameseeker | Genasi/Fire | Wizard/School of Evocation | Level 2 | Custom Campaign: Cold Cash
Adoy to Gris "Hmmm..... I see wisdom in your caution, unfortunately I am as easily mistaken for a goblin at a distance as you may be for some larger monster. Perhaps we should try to find a more "normal" individual to help us obtain entry to this town without incident. Though I fear that in itself may not be an easy task. In my experience civilized peoples are easily frightened."
Adoy is distracted by the commotion of the village and fails to notice the human woman approaching from behind apparently amused rather than frightened by the duo.
Ennis smiles as he listens to the gentle pattering of the drizzling rain outside. He takes a deep breath through his nose to get a good whiff of fresh rain mixed with the sea air, but is mildly disappointed to find that the scent is too mild to penetrate the myriad aromas of the tavern itself. He lets out a sigh as he continues to watch Ghorbash.
"Oy, fellow travelers," Ayoola announces herself as she approaches the two figures. A gnome and a... she isn't sure about the larger guy, eyeing him up and down with a inquisitive smirk. She bows. "Dr. Ayoola Nyu, researcher of the arcane and enthusiast of the odd. The two of you aren't per chance from this little town?"
Ghorbash
Ghorbash notices someone sitting at a table near the window of the tavern continually eyeing him. In fact, he is a bit shocked because those who stare him like that are usually ones who are looking for a fight. He quietly chugs the rest of his beer and places the empty glass on the table. Picking up his battleax and the rest of his gear, he approaches the red haired stranger.
"Hey you. Do you know me or are you looking to know my axe?", Ghorbash says looming over the table. The tavern has gone silent, and everyone has turned to stare at the interaction. The music has stopped and the barmaid is cowering behind the bartender who appears to be reaching for something under the bar.