The desk in Mama’s private rail car was scattered with papers, but she was flicking her pocket watch open and closed while looking out the window.
“World sure changing fast now.” Her one good eye looked up into the sky; past the coal smoke of the rail’s engine. Looking at the old world that lingered in the night sky; shattered in the war that nobody seemed to talk about anymore.
She flicked the watch close one last time before looking back down at the papers. “Right. Nother job. Who I got.” She placed the watch into the pocket of her pants, before reading over the notes given to her about the team of Delvers and Guards that were about to set out to the Widowpeak Mountains.
The Blackmire Company Contract
This is a legal contract, signed and sealed. To be respected in the Five Kingdoms and all regions the Faith Touches, between persons signed below and the Blackmire Company.
The signed below, hereby known colloquially as a Delver, will be hired to gather a item for a contract the Blackmire Company has taken and vetted as legal by all laws of the Faith and Five Kingdoms. The item hereby hired for the expedition, and the delver’s contract, is a Silver Apple. Based on research by the financier of this expedition, the Delver and Expedition will head to the Windowpeak Mountains to obtain this item.
For this, provisions for will be supplied by the Blackmire Company for 6 months supplies for the expedition. In addition, the Delver will receive a weekly stipend of 5 gold pieces (200 Gold). Upon completion of the expedition, the Delver will receive 500 gold pieces (or equivalent equaling stated total), plus whatever is remaining from their stipend.
Delver contract rules will apply as follows: 20% of all findings will be given to the Expedition Leader for expenses and costs incurred during the expedition. 40% of all findings will be tithed to the Expedition Leader and returned to the Blackmire Company. The remaining 40% is to be kept by the Delver in whatever manner they see fit and can arrange transport for. Bonus pay for a successful expedition completed in good time and standing will be negotiated upon return and completion.
In the unfortunate event of your death, your Stipend and a small cost to cover funeral arrangements will be paid to your next of kin. If left blank, you forfeit this claim.
This signed contract is to be kept both at The Blackmire Company records vault, and a copy with the Delver.
Signed,
Mama
Mama’s an old dwarf. Hair that’s gone completely silver, one good brown eye and one finely constructed glass eye. A wooden leg gives her a distinct wobble. She’s the leader of the caravan and is the highest ranking member of the Blackmire Company in your group. She never actually talks about how she got her injuries. But she tends to have a longing gaze to the shattered world that hangs in the sky most nights.
Eshe
For a human, Eshe is short and lean. Tight braided hair is normally pulled into a ponytail; and he normally keeps his travelers cloak pulled up. Skilled with a short bow, and a expert tracker, he’s kept the group supplied with deer and game while traveling in the plains. Once reaching the mountains, though, he seems to be having a harder time picking up animal trails. When not hunting, he’s normally repairing his shoes. In addition to his bow, sometimes you can get a glimpse of a set of pistols he carries on his person as well.
Ironsides
Long hair. Narrow eyes. And a frame that towers over most others, the Goliath woman known as Ironsides makes up one of the two enforcers of the group. She’s a woman of few words, keeping her attention out on the horizon. She switches between Draconic and Giant fluently, but seems to have trouble in the Common tongue. She’s skilled with a hammer and nail, a woodworker in a past life before joining the Blackmire Company in a official capacity. She does wear a copper decorative bracer on her left forearm. Draconic writing etched into it.
Sora-ha
Sora-ha also wears a copper decorative bracer on her left forearm; one that’s identical to the one Ironside’s wears. A white dragonborn, she too is one of the enforcers for the group. Keeping a close guard on the supply wagons and locked chests they are carrying. Along her hands are distinct tattoos, the normally white scales a deep red and in the shape of arcane runes.
Mr. Jacobsen
A human around his mid-fourties with a gaunt face but amazing set of hair, Mr. Jacobsen came along to tend to the horses and make sure the group managed to get to it’s destination. In addition, he brought his two older children as well. Cassie and Tyler. Together they’ve kept the wheels on and the draft horses under control and decently fed.
It was another cold morning; the light layer of frost crunching on the ground. The wagons had made camp late, wanting to set up base before resting for the night. It was only three weeks ago that you all had left Sumnergard, the last stop on the Rail and the Eastern Wall. After that, the covered wagon train was off for the Widowpeak Mountains.
Mama was sitting with the five of you at the makeshift table, steam rising from a tin cup the old dwarf was coveting in both hands. A few plates of her well known stew sat in a cast iron pot in the middle of the table.
"It about time for you all to get to work," Mama began as she wiped the sleeve of her fur lined duster across her glass eye - removing a bit of the condensation from the cup. "You find it. You get it. We leave this damn cold mountain."
"Not. Everyone. Hates. The Cold." The low hissing tone of Sora-ha came from one of the nearby tents that had been set up. The seven foot white scaled dragonborn looked over at Mama before heading over to grab herself some of the morning stew.
Mama spat on the ground. “Ironside ‘n you will love the job then.” She took a sip of whatever was in that tin. “Eshe’s out huntin’ in this barren wasteland. Not much growin’. Not see much comin in the past few days either. But that our problem. You five got to go figure out where this Silvered Apple is.”
From one of the wagons came the nagging sound of a coughing fit. Mama turned her good eye to the sound. “Little Jacobsen kids don’t belong. But that coughin getin worse.” Mama tossed out the remnants from the tin cup to the ground, struggling to get back to her feet. Her peg-leg digging into the frozen ground. “Maybe ask folks in that town if they got a doctor, in addition to anything about this Silver Apple. Should be a good half-hour walk to the town. Sure Mr. Jacobsen will let you take a horse too if needed.” Mama reached into her duster, tossing down a heavy satchel to the table between the five of you. “As yer contract stated. That's yer three weeks pay so far, then some. Split it evenly. I don’t wanna hear yer squabbling.”
The Satchel contains 10 Platinum Coins, and 50 Gold Coins.
Mama walks off to the main tent, where you can see Sora-ha, and the Goliath Ironside’s looking over the locked chests and taking inventory.
What do you do?
((Please feel free to write up any character introduction you'd like, as well as general descriptions on what you may have been doing these past 3 weeks. If heading somewhere, such as the town with a purpose, please state that as well))
((I have no initial intention of getting attached to a bunch of land loving mercenaries; however, sea work might be too risky given my recent membership upon a pirate vessel, and money is money. So, I have tried to stay aloof of the party as much as I can, without incurring disdain or indifference from my fellow mercenaries. We are a team, and we need to act like one, but that does not mean we have to get all worked up about each others' pasts and feelings. Having some experience with navigation, I attempt to help out where I can with respects to our travel, but otherwise I just try to make sure I am pulling my weight these last three weeks.))
Having spent the last three weeks without much in the way of a drink, Abigail quickly snatches up two platinum and ten gold pieces from the satchel and eyes them with a smile. "Well, I do not know about the rest of you, but I am itching for a drink. Let us see what sort of hospitality we can find in this town ahead... and see if anyone has heard about this silver apple of ours as well."
((I start to head into town in order to find out the status of the its taverns and inns - are they open, are they fancy or dives, and if there is even more than one. Should there be more than one, I visit the one that seems to be the least upstanding. While ordering her first drink, she is going to ask the barkeeper if (s)he has ever heard of a silver apple in these parts.))
((Diadochi is friendly to everyone expect to people who aren't friendly to him, in which case he is overly friendly to them. He never talks about his past, and doesn't press into anyone else's past either.))
Diadochi will likewise take 2 platinum and 10 gold. He will try to make sure that Yaalin is never too far from his shield especially if we get to the city where his curiosity is sure to get piqued.
((I'm friendly towards everyone, but I have kept my distance in letting anyone getting to know me too well. I'm not opposed to making friends, but be prepared to keep up with my ever changing ways. We are here for the job, and it must be completed no matter what. I have helped Eshe a few times in the last three weeks to track some of our game since he is having some trouble in the mountains with tracking ((survival))
Lafetha finishes up her last bite of Mama's stew, and grabs up her two platinum and ten gold. "I'm in for a drink. After all this traveling it sounds like a pretty good idea. Once we're there we should divide and concur. I'll ask the keep about a doctor for the Jacobsen kids. Maybe even the doc could know something about this silver apple too."
((I follow Abigail into town to help find the tavern(s) and inn(s). While ordering her drink, she is going to ask the keep about the doctor in town- if there is one, but before she leaves in search of the doctor she listens to what the barkeeper has to say in response to Abigail))
Scooping my share of the money into one of the myriad bags and satchels covering my shell, I wander out into the cold air. Shivering I start to follow this Tabaxi who has eluded my ever curious questions for the last 3 weeks.
"A Drink sounds good to me, warm these old bones up a bit, Diadochi you comin'?" Tugging my clock tighter against the cold listening to the coughing children, "Poor dears maybe I can find something to help them in town, children deserve warmth not this."
Diadochi lets out the loxodon equivalent of an amused scoff, "but of course, I shall be your ever present shadow. Remember personal safety is no longer your concern, it's mine. So feel free to throw caution to the wind." Upon hearing the comment about the children Diadochi replies "chills my bones to hear them taken ill like this, I'm sure in town they'll be some tonic or elixir to set them back, right as rain."
(Sitting quietly, Sim tends to stay in the back of the group and observe before he makes a move. He learned a long time ago that haste causes mistakes. Watching the others grab up their coins and leave he sits for a moment and thinks. It is good to be in the mountains again even if for only a short trip. For a person, like Sim, without a home they are the closest thing to it that he has had. Finally he stands grabs his coins and heads out of the room and finds Mr. Jacobson.)
"Your child is ill. Have they showed any issues beyond the cough? And when did they start getting sick? I have some...experience living in the mountains and living off the land. I may be able to help."
Mr. Jacobsen was out by the group of draft horses that he tended. A sets of feed bags ready for their morning feed. Cassie was out with him, bundled up in a series of heavier jackets. Their tent was similar to the others; basic. Canvas, posts, bedrolls. A small handful of personal items inside. Tyler was trying to get ready, clearly having lost some of his color, but still with a spry in his step.
”Kind of you, Sim,” Mr. Jacobsen replied. Giving a few feed backs to Cassie before letting her go off. “No issues yet. Some colors gone, but, its cold up here in the mountains. Thought it was a cold that would pass. But. Dunno.” He ran a hand through his hair. “The boys got coal in his chest from living near the rails. Figured the clean air would do him well. If you know anything, maybe some roots? Something for a tea?”
(Sim can roll medicine, and/or nature, to figure out if there’s something that should be growing around here that could help.)
Meanwhile
The town was built beside a clear path that leading up the mountains. Rocks and boulders jutted out of the ground, some by a few inches other by a foot or more. Moss and a few kinds of plants. Getting closer to the town, the boulders and rocks become far less. A loose wall, made of whatever leftover wood, stone, and mud surrounded what was clearly the entry way into the town; signs of a skirmish still present. A small graveyard was in a corner, with three mounds appearing to be fresh. The frost not yet covering the tilled earth. A simple sign hung from part of the wall simply reading: REST.
Inside, the town was abuzz with activity despite it being so early. The faint sounds of animals, mostly from within stone homes, spilled out into the stone-lined streets. Families were outside decorating, their clothing more tribal in furs and animal skins. In what could be considered the center of town was a crude statue of what very well could be a human.
(Religion Check to know more)
On the far side of town appeared to be some kind of mine, and the back wall and other exit. Just beyond the back wall, a area of flattened earth turned farm growing a few crops and some strange trees. In the center of the farm, visible from even beyond the wall, a large manor with its own surrounding fortifications. Clearly a person of some importance.
The tavern was easy to find; right next to the large clearing with the statue and what is probably the town square. A rough painting of a Blood Raven sits on the door. Inside is a cozy tavern with a few extra rooms. Stuffed birds hang in various stages of flight along the ceiling. A back staircase leads up to the few rentable rooms. Two other doors are behind the bar, closed, with the barkeep seeming surprised at his guests so early in the morning; despite the few tables that are busy eating a hot meal.
”Welcome to the Blood Raven! Haven’t seen outsiders in some time!” The balding man, thirties, exclaimed with a crooked smile. He went on to discuss the specials, before hearing inquiries about a Silver Apple, and a Doctor.
“I personally haven’t heard of such a apple,” he began. “But, I’m not much into art. The mayor might. He’s got a fine eye for trinkets. Or the Runemaker, Lady Orta. As for the doctor, there’s the old Druid of the Mountain. But the path might be closed. I haven’t seen Shepherd come down yet.”
The barkeep puts down a pint glass of a frothy cheap ale infront of those that ordered the drink. “That’ll be two copper, a piece please. Can I offer any of you some of our breakfast meats and bread while you’re here?”
Abigail winces as she swallows the cheap ale and wonders if the man has anything more palatable. "Still," she thinks, "I suppose I do not have to be stingy if I stick to this shit."
Pounding two silver pieces on the bar, Abigail smiles widely at the inn keeper and said, "I could go for some of your breakfast - and two more ales." While waiting for her companions to order their own meals Abigail asks, "You say that the mayor has an eye for trinkets? Is that his house we noticed in the field out there?"
((In order to not look too nosy, Abigail is hoping that others in her group will ask about the fresh graves, the mine, the statue, and Lady Orta. Feeling like the inn keeper could be a good resource for potential information, Abigail is hoping to ingratiate herself by being an excellent patron... or... at least that is her own internal justification for the amount of time she plans on spending here if we stay in this town for any length of time.))
After listen to what Mr. Jacobson has to say I take a moment to inspect the child ad listen to her breathing.
"I believe I can help with some herbs that will provide her some relief and recovery."
Nature Roll: 15
Sim, you remember your last venture to the mountains, someone else becoming afflicted by chest pains and a closing throat. After all - the cold of the mountains tends to impact people in similar ways. Some Frostmint should do the trick. It’s leaves can be brewed for some relief, but it’s roots do have medicinal properties if prepared just right.
Frostmint sometimes grows at lower altitudes, but you haven’t seen any when coming in or nearby on first glance. More than likely, it will either be up the mountain unless someone in town has any on hand.
Figuring out the next step to take Sim heads into town to see if they have any Frostmint on hand. It would be easier to get it there than to have to look for it in the wild. Drifting back to the last time he had to find it brings a smile to face. He had found a young woman in need. She had been all alone struggling to leave behind a rough life she hated and to start a new one from nothing. Unfortunately she had been caught unaware in a storm and had fallen ill. When he found her on the mountain and fed her the Frostmint tea she had laughed with joy as she saw the side effect of the tea for the first time. Frostmint had a minor effect of causing your breathe to be visible for a couple hours after use. Once she had recovered she went on her way but it had been nice to do something good for a moment. That wasn't usually the way thing worked out for someone like him.
Entering the town, Sim stopped a man passing by to ask after their town doctor or apothecary.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Humming quietly to myself I stop as I see the graves and scuffle marks near the gate. Confidence stemming from the large Loxodon form behind I make my way into the blood raven with Abigail. pausing only to gaze at the statue for a moment and jot some notes down in a book produced from one of my many bags. ((rolling to see if I can remember anything in my travels that this reminds me of)) 18
After listening to the specials I simply state, "Something hot for myself and my companions, this cold gets right through the shell it does." sliding two more silver pieces across the bar "I saw graves on the way in. Sadness follows death for most. Do you know who died? I would like to see if I can offer comfort of some kind."
I will dig into whatever hot arrives in front of me avoiding the ale.
Yaalin’s eyes gaze over the statue. It’s crude, carved from stone and more curiously, repurposed marble. A thick frame with arms outstretched; but the hands and face are unfinished. It’s odd to find a relic to Jeshur; the god of the lost, the homeless. Jeshur was also known as a bit of a trickster; with what few stories you’ve ever read sometimes describing a cruel trickster and other times a jolly one. He could bring ‘gifts’ that be wealth or ruin to the wandering masses. A runic stone sits in one of the “hands,” but you move inside the Blood Raven before getting a good look at it.
As the others head into the Blood Raven, Sim arrives in the town, stopping one of the locals. A few kids ran up to the man, handing him a very oddly made flower of colored cloth, something that looked handed down like a toy or ornament. “A doctor?” The man repeat, thinking, while taking the woven “flower” and patting the kids off to run around. “No… don’t have one, really. There’s a Druid who lives in the Mountain, but, the Shepherd knows the way. And the harder winter has kept him up there longer this year.” A goat barged out of one of the nearby houses, with others running after it. “Runemaker Orta may know some more. She has the odd house by the mine. But if you excuse me, I’ve gotta go help them catch that goat.” The man gave a polite nod before racing after the animal that escaped.
Inside the Blood Raven, the Barkeep’s eyes go a little bit seeing the two silver coins slam down on the bar top under Abigail’s paw. But, then seeing Yaalin also slide two silver across the bar, there nearly a small squeak of glee.
“Yes. Warm. Food. Got it!” He scurried off behind the bar. First, he poured another two ales for Abigail, giving her a small nod of ‘yes’ to the question on the mayor. Then, a small shot of a clear-ish liquid. “Give this a try,” he said as he moved on to Yaalin’s order. The shot itself smelled strongly of sea air, but tasted like salted tomato, with a heavy alcohol burn to it.
He then reached behind, taking some random leaves and crushing them up before pouring hot water of it in four different mugs. A hot, mossy tea. It was warm, had a grassy flavor, but little else. His hand was a little unsteady as he poured when Yaalin asked about the graves.
“Yeah,” there was a long pause. As he slid the drinks to the new comers. “They’re Madam Shoe’s boys and husband. We got attached by Stonecutters,” he shook his head. Trying to remember the better word choice for folks not from the town. “Mountain Goblin. Normally they don’t bother us, but, this was different. Anyway… go grab a table and I’ll bring you your food.”
It was a few minutes later before the barkeep would return with some basic flat breads, fresh from the over. Goat cheese, spiced goat-meat, and warmed poultry of some kind. A good serving portion; either because you over payed a bit or he was trying to butter you all into spending more coin. Still, it was enough for everyone. And after eating Mama’s stew for the past several weeks, a welcome change of diet and flavor.
((if we need to retcon that Diadochi paid 2 silver to get some food I'll deduct it form my funds. ))
Diadochi makes a show of taking 2 gold coins out of his coin purse with his hand and taking a single coin with his trunk before addressing the bartender "I've grown accustom to a rather comfortable life style, life on the road has ... well this is a welcome reprieve. You've been very forthcoming to us strangers with information I'd like to show you our gratitude. Diadochi's trunk passes the coin over to the bartender "Now... if you could be more specific about where we might find the mayor, shepherd, Lady Orta, and maybe even these moutain goblins... why I'd be roughly twice as grateful as I am now." Diadochi nods to the coin in his hand.
((if we need to retcon that Diadochi paid 2 silver to get some food I'll deduct it form my funds. ))
Diadochi makes a show of taking 2 gold coins out of his coin purse with his hand and taking a single coin with his trunk before addressing the bartender "I've grown accustom to a rather comfortable life style, life on the road has ... well this is a welcome reprieve. You've been very forthcoming to us strangers with information I'd like to show you our gratitude. Diadochi's trunk passes the coin over to the bartender "Now... if you could be more specific about where we might find the mayor, shepherd, Lady Orta, and maybe even these moutain goblins... why I'd be roughly twice as grateful as I am now." Diadochi nods to the coin in his hand.
((You're good on the 2 silver))
The Barkeep takes the two gold, rolling it around in his hand for a brief moment. Not breaking his gaze from the coins now in his palm, after all it was a tidy sum. Your average laborer could make about a silver a day, if they had the required skills. Then the sound of double the coin. Whatever conflict he had in his brain was gone. His opposite hand gave a snap. "Right, hang on..." he moved to another table. Looking around for a brief moment before grabbing a small piece of burnt wood from the fireplace.
The Barkeep sat in the middle of all of you, letting you eat but talking in a bit of a shushed tone. More-so excited that he could help out people and get paid for it, than involved in anything clandestine. The barkeep drew a very loose circle as a map of town. Then placed a X. "So we're here," he began. Connecting the X with a few lines. "Lady Orta, the Runemaker, is here," he drew a small tree, "in a old house by the mine. It's got the tree growing out the middle of the roof. She's old and cranky, so try not to get bit or spit on."
Then another series of lines, "Out here is the Mayor. But you kind of have to leave some of the walls to get there as his official manor is in the middle of the farm. But he's probably busy cause of Springmount." Another series of lines showing the path just outside of the town and up the mountain. "So I've never really gone too far outside of Rest. But, there should be a path that heads up the mountain. Some folks say the path eventually gets hard to find. There's another...town up there? It's supposed to be some tribe. Shepherd knows the way. He leads his goat herds between the villages and sometimes helps people get back and forth. He spends the winters up there and comes down after it thaws cause there's more to eat, and he trades with the Mayor. But, we haven't seen him. This past winter was pretty bad. The Goblins are up there somewhere as well. I don't know. The Mayor might. He's fought 'em."
The barkeep nearly shot his out to be paid, but realized the better of himself. Not wanting to be rude. "Listen, with tonight being Springmount, tonight will be very lively. Assuming you all enjoy revelry."
Glad to feel the warm buzz of alcohol in her system again, and piqued by the notion of getting to participate in revelry - and all the things such an event suggest - Abigail asks, "What is Springmount, and what sort of festivities may we expect?"
Pausing for a moment to remember why she is in this mountainous hellscape, she continues, "Also, will the mayor be attending Springmount, and do you think he might have any time to talk to us about silvered apples?" With a quick glance over at Diadochi she unenthusiastically adds, "...and where to find these vile stonecutters?"
Glad to feel the warm buzz of alcohol in her system again, and piqued by the notion of getting to participate in revelry - and all the things such an event suggest - Abigail asks, "What is Springmount, and what sort of festivities may we expect?"
Pausing for a moment to remember why she is in this mountainous hellscape, she continues, "Also, will the mayor be attending Springmount, and do you think he might have any time to talk to us about silvered apples?" With a quick glance over at Diadochi she unenthusiastically adds, "...and where to find these vile stonecutters?"
"It's our festival of the coming spring," he said, tapping the table a few times. "It's also when marriages happen. And the Mayor is marrying today to the Miss Elisha Lillington, so he should be here. So I'll assume after the ceremony you'd be able to talk to him. Maybe before? I don't know him well."
The barkeep waited a brief moment before seeing a few of the other patrons begin to take their leave and head about their daily business. His hand moved over the ash on the table, scattering the simple map before looking back to you all. "If you excuse me, I do have to get ready myself."
I memorize the simple map before the barkeep brushes it away. ((Lady Orta by the tree in the old house with the tree growing out of the roof, the Mayor's house, and the path to the mountains to reach the Shepherd))
I wait for everyone to finish their meals. While waiting, I suggest that we go visit Lady Orta first and ask her if she knows anything about the silver apple. Then I suggest we visit the Mayor after Lady Orta. By then, hopefully, the festival will be over and we can have his attention.
I start to head in the direction the team agrees on
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Prologue
The desk in Mama’s private rail car was scattered with papers, but she was flicking her pocket watch open and closed while looking out the window.
“World sure changing fast now.” Her one good eye looked up into the sky; past the coal smoke of the rail’s engine. Looking at the old world that lingered in the night sky; shattered in the war that nobody seemed to talk about anymore.
She flicked the watch close one last time before looking back down at the papers. “Right. Nother job. Who I got.” She placed the watch into the pocket of her pants, before reading over the notes given to her about the team of Delvers and Guards that were about to set out to the Widowpeak Mountains.
The Blackmire Company Contract
This is a legal contract, signed and sealed. To be respected in the Five Kingdoms and all regions the Faith Touches, between persons signed below and the Blackmire Company.
The signed below, hereby known colloquially as a Delver, will be hired to gather a item for a contract the Blackmire Company has taken and vetted as legal by all laws of the Faith and Five Kingdoms. The item hereby hired for the expedition, and the delver’s contract, is a Silver Apple. Based on research by the financier of this expedition, the Delver and Expedition will head to the Windowpeak Mountains to obtain this item.
For this, provisions for will be supplied by the Blackmire Company for 6 months supplies for the expedition. In addition, the Delver will receive a weekly stipend of 5 gold pieces (200 Gold). Upon completion of the expedition, the Delver will receive 500 gold pieces (or equivalent equaling stated total), plus whatever is remaining from their stipend.
Delver contract rules will apply as follows: 20% of all findings will be given to the Expedition Leader for expenses and costs incurred during the expedition. 40% of all findings will be tithed to the Expedition Leader and returned to the Blackmire Company. The remaining 40% is to be kept by the Delver in whatever manner they see fit and can arrange transport for. Bonus pay for a successful expedition completed in good time and standing will be negotiated upon return and completion.
In the unfortunate event of your death, your Stipend and a small cost to cover funeral arrangements will be paid to your next of kin. If left blank, you forfeit this claim.
This signed contract is to be kept both at The Blackmire Company records vault, and a copy with the Delver.
Signed,
Mama
Mama’s an old dwarf. Hair that’s gone completely silver, one good brown eye and one finely constructed glass eye. A wooden leg gives her a distinct wobble. She’s the leader of the caravan and is the highest ranking member of the Blackmire Company in your group. She never actually talks about how she got her injuries. But she tends to have a longing gaze to the shattered world that hangs in the sky most nights.
Eshe
For a human, Eshe is short and lean. Tight braided hair is normally pulled into a ponytail; and he normally keeps his travelers cloak pulled up. Skilled with a short bow, and a expert tracker, he’s kept the group supplied with deer and game while traveling in the plains. Once reaching the mountains, though, he seems to be having a harder time picking up animal trails. When not hunting, he’s normally repairing his shoes. In addition to his bow, sometimes you can get a glimpse of a set of pistols he carries on his person as well.
Ironsides
Long hair. Narrow eyes. And a frame that towers over most others, the Goliath woman known as Ironsides makes up one of the two enforcers of the group. She’s a woman of few words, keeping her attention out on the horizon. She switches between Draconic and Giant fluently, but seems to have trouble in the Common tongue. She’s skilled with a hammer and nail, a woodworker in a past life before joining the Blackmire Company in a official capacity. She does wear a copper decorative bracer on her left forearm. Draconic writing etched into it.
Sora-ha
Sora-ha also wears a copper decorative bracer on her left forearm; one that’s identical to the one Ironside’s wears. A white dragonborn, she too is one of the enforcers for the group. Keeping a close guard on the supply wagons and locked chests they are carrying. Along her hands are distinct tattoos, the normally white scales a deep red and in the shape of arcane runes.
Mr. Jacobsen
A human around his mid-fourties with a gaunt face but amazing set of hair, Mr. Jacobsen came along to tend to the horses and make sure the group managed to get to it’s destination. In addition, he brought his two older children as well. Cassie and Tyler. Together they’ve kept the wheels on and the draft horses under control and decently fed.
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
It was another cold morning; the light layer of frost crunching on the ground. The wagons had made camp late, wanting to set up base before resting for the night. It was only three weeks ago that you all had left Sumnergard, the last stop on the Rail and the Eastern Wall. After that, the covered wagon train was off for the Widowpeak Mountains.
Mama was sitting with the five of you at the makeshift table, steam rising from a tin cup the old dwarf was coveting in both hands. A few plates of her well known stew sat in a cast iron pot in the middle of the table.
"It about time for you all to get to work," Mama began as she wiped the sleeve of her fur lined duster across her glass eye - removing a bit of the condensation from the cup. "You find it. You get it. We leave this damn cold mountain."
"Not. Everyone. Hates. The Cold." The low hissing tone of Sora-ha came from one of the nearby tents that had been set up. The seven foot white scaled dragonborn looked over at Mama before heading over to grab herself some of the morning stew.
Mama spat on the ground. “Ironside ‘n you will love the job then.” She took a sip of whatever was in that tin. “Eshe’s out huntin’ in this barren wasteland. Not much growin’. Not see much comin in the past few days either. But that our problem. You five got to go figure out where this Silvered Apple is.”
From one of the wagons came the nagging sound of a coughing fit. Mama turned her good eye to the sound. “Little Jacobsen kids don’t belong. But that coughin getin worse.” Mama tossed out the remnants from the tin cup to the ground, struggling to get back to her feet. Her peg-leg digging into the frozen ground. “Maybe ask folks in that town if they got a doctor, in addition to anything about this Silver Apple. Should be a good half-hour walk to the town. Sure Mr. Jacobsen will let you take a horse too if needed.” Mama reached into her duster, tossing down a heavy satchel to the table between the five of you. “As yer contract stated. That's yer three weeks pay so far, then some. Split it evenly. I don’t wanna hear yer squabbling.”
The Satchel contains 10 Platinum Coins, and 50 Gold Coins.
Mama walks off to the main tent, where you can see Sora-ha, and the Goliath Ironside’s looking over the locked chests and taking inventory.
What do you do?
((Please feel free to write up any character introduction you'd like, as well as general descriptions on what you may have been doing these past 3 weeks. If heading somewhere, such as the town with a purpose, please state that as well))
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
((I have no initial intention of getting attached to a bunch of land loving mercenaries; however, sea work might be too risky given my recent membership upon a pirate vessel, and money is money. So, I have tried to stay aloof of the party as much as I can, without incurring disdain or indifference from my fellow mercenaries. We are a team, and we need to act like one, but that does not mean we have to get all worked up about each others' pasts and feelings. Having some experience with navigation, I attempt to help out where I can with respects to our travel, but otherwise I just try to make sure I am pulling my weight these last three weeks.))
Having spent the last three weeks without much in the way of a drink, Abigail quickly snatches up two platinum and ten gold pieces from the satchel and eyes them with a smile.
"Well, I do not know about the rest of you, but I am itching for a drink. Let us see what sort of hospitality we can find in this town ahead... and see if anyone has heard about this silver apple of ours as well."
((I start to head into town in order to find out the status of the its taverns and inns - are they open, are they fancy or dives, and if there is even more than one. Should there be more than one, I visit the one that seems to be the least upstanding. While ordering her first drink, she is going to ask the barkeeper if (s)he has ever heard of a silver apple in these parts.))
((Diadochi is friendly to everyone expect to people who aren't friendly to him, in which case he is overly friendly to them. He never talks about his past, and doesn't press into anyone else's past either.))
Diadochi will likewise take 2 platinum and 10 gold. He will try to make sure that Yaalin is never too far from his shield especially if we get to the city where his curiosity is sure to get piqued.
Lafetha Baequianea
((I'm friendly towards everyone, but I have kept my distance in letting anyone getting to know me too well. I'm not opposed to making friends, but be prepared to keep up with my ever changing ways. We are here for the job, and it must be completed no matter what. I have helped Eshe a few times in the last three weeks to track some of our game since he is having some trouble in the mountains with tracking ((survival))
Lafetha finishes up her last bite of Mama's stew, and grabs up her two platinum and ten gold. "I'm in for a drink. After all this traveling it sounds like a pretty good idea. Once we're there we should divide and concur. I'll ask the keep about a doctor for the Jacobsen kids. Maybe even the doc could know something about this silver apple too."
((I follow Abigail into town to help find the tavern(s) and inn(s). While ordering her drink, she is going to ask the keep about the doctor in town- if there is one, but before she leaves in search of the doctor she listens to what the barkeeper has to say in response to Abigail))
Yaalin
Scooping my share of the money into one of the myriad bags and satchels covering my shell, I wander out into the cold air. Shivering I start to follow this Tabaxi who has eluded my ever curious questions for the last 3 weeks.
"A Drink sounds good to me, warm these old bones up a bit, Diadochi you comin'?" Tugging my clock tighter against the cold listening to the coughing children, "Poor dears maybe I can find something to help them in town, children deserve warmth not this."
Diadochi lets out the loxodon equivalent of an amused scoff, "but of course, I shall be your ever present shadow. Remember personal safety is no longer your concern, it's mine. So feel free to throw caution to the wind." Upon hearing the comment about the children Diadochi replies "chills my bones to hear them taken ill like this, I'm sure in town they'll be some tonic or elixir to set them back, right as rain."
(Sitting quietly, Sim tends to stay in the back of the group and observe before he makes a move. He learned a long time ago that haste causes mistakes. Watching the others grab up their coins and leave he sits for a moment and thinks. It is good to be in the mountains again even if for only a short trip. For a person, like Sim, without a home they are the closest thing to it that he has had. Finally he stands grabs his coins and heads out of the room and finds Mr. Jacobson.)
"Your child is ill. Have they showed any issues beyond the cough? And when did they start getting sick? I have some...experience living in the mountains and living off the land. I may be able to help."
Mr. Jacobsen was out by the group of draft horses that he tended. A sets of feed bags ready for their morning feed. Cassie was out with him, bundled up in a series of heavier jackets. Their tent was similar to the others; basic. Canvas, posts, bedrolls. A small handful of personal items inside. Tyler was trying to get ready, clearly having lost some of his color, but still with a spry in his step.
”Kind of you, Sim,” Mr. Jacobsen replied. Giving a few feed backs to Cassie before letting her go off. “No issues yet. Some colors gone, but, its cold up here in the mountains. Thought it was a cold that would pass. But. Dunno.” He ran a hand through his hair. “The boys got coal in his chest from living near the rails. Figured the clean air would do him well. If you know anything, maybe some roots? Something for a tea?”
(Sim can roll medicine, and/or nature, to figure out if there’s something that should be growing around here that could help.)
Meanwhile
The town was built beside a clear path that leading up the mountains. Rocks and boulders jutted out of the ground, some by a few inches other by a foot or more. Moss and a few kinds of plants. Getting closer to the town, the boulders and rocks become far less. A loose wall, made of whatever leftover wood, stone, and mud surrounded what was clearly the entry way into the town; signs of a skirmish still present. A small graveyard was in a corner, with three mounds appearing to be fresh. The frost not yet covering the tilled earth. A simple sign hung from part of the wall simply reading: REST.
Inside, the town was abuzz with activity despite it being so early. The faint sounds of animals, mostly from within stone homes, spilled out into the stone-lined streets. Families were outside decorating, their clothing more tribal in furs and animal skins. In what could be considered the center of town was a crude statue of what very well could be a human.
(Religion Check to know more)
On the far side of town appeared to be some kind of mine, and the back wall and other exit. Just beyond the back wall, a area of flattened earth turned farm growing a few crops and some strange trees. In the center of the farm, visible from even beyond the wall, a large manor with its own surrounding fortifications. Clearly a person of some importance.
The tavern was easy to find; right next to the large clearing with the statue and what is probably the town square. A rough painting of a Blood Raven sits on the door. Inside is a cozy tavern with a few extra rooms. Stuffed birds hang in various stages of flight along the ceiling. A back staircase leads up to the few rentable rooms. Two other doors are behind the bar, closed, with the barkeep seeming surprised at his guests so early in the morning; despite the few tables that are busy eating a hot meal.
”Welcome to the Blood Raven! Haven’t seen outsiders in some time!” The balding man, thirties, exclaimed with a crooked smile. He went on to discuss the specials, before hearing inquiries about a Silver Apple, and a Doctor.
“I personally haven’t heard of such a apple,” he began. “But, I’m not much into art. The mayor might. He’s got a fine eye for trinkets. Or the Runemaker, Lady Orta. As for the doctor, there’s the old Druid of the Mountain. But the path might be closed. I haven’t seen Shepherd come down yet.”
The barkeep puts down a pint glass of a frothy cheap ale infront of those that ordered the drink. “That’ll be two copper, a piece please. Can I offer any of you some of our breakfast meats and bread while you’re here?”
(1 Platnium = 10 Gold = 100 Silver = 1000 Copper.)
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
After listen to what Mr. Jacobson has to say I take a moment to inspect the child ad listen to her breathing.
"I believe I can help with some herbs that will provide her some relief and recovery."
Nature Roll: 15
Abigail winces as she swallows the cheap ale and wonders if the man has anything more palatable. "Still," she thinks, "I suppose I do not have to be stingy if I stick to this shit."
Pounding two silver pieces on the bar, Abigail smiles widely at the inn keeper and said, "I could go for some of your breakfast - and two more ales."
While waiting for her companions to order their own meals Abigail asks, "You say that the mayor has an eye for trinkets? Is that his house we noticed in the field out there?"
((In order to not look too nosy, Abigail is hoping that others in her group will ask about the fresh graves, the mine, the statue, and Lady Orta. Feeling like the inn keeper could be a good resource for potential information, Abigail is hoping to ingratiate herself by being an excellent patron... or... at least that is her own internal justification for the amount of time she plans on spending here if we stay in this town for any length of time.))
Sim, you remember your last venture to the mountains, someone else becoming afflicted by chest pains and a closing throat. After all - the cold of the mountains tends to impact people in similar ways. Some Frostmint should do the trick. It’s leaves can be brewed for some relief, but it’s roots do have medicinal properties if prepared just right.
Frostmint sometimes grows at lower altitudes, but you haven’t seen any when coming in or nearby on first glance. More than likely, it will either be up the mountain unless someone in town has any on hand.
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Figuring out the next step to take Sim heads into town to see if they have any Frostmint on hand. It would be easier to get it there than to have to look for it in the wild. Drifting back to the last time he had to find it brings a smile to face. He had found a young woman in need. She had been all alone struggling to leave behind a rough life she hated and to start a new one from nothing. Unfortunately she had been caught unaware in a storm and had fallen ill. When he found her on the mountain and fed her the Frostmint tea she had laughed with joy as she saw the side effect of the tea for the first time. Frostmint had a minor effect of causing your breathe to be visible for a couple hours after use. Once she had recovered she went on her way but it had been nice to do something good for a moment. That wasn't usually the way thing worked out for someone like him.
Entering the town, Sim stopped a man passing by to ask after their town doctor or apothecary.
Humming quietly to myself I stop as I see the graves and scuffle marks near the gate. Confidence stemming from the large Loxodon form behind I make my way into the blood raven with Abigail. pausing only to gaze at the statue for a moment and jot some notes down in a book produced from one of my many bags. ((rolling to see if I can remember anything in my travels that this reminds me of)) 18
After listening to the specials I simply state, "Something hot for myself and my companions, this cold gets right through the shell it does." sliding two more silver pieces across the bar "I saw graves on the way in. Sadness follows death for most. Do you know who died? I would like to see if I can offer comfort of some kind."
I will dig into whatever hot arrives in front of me avoiding the ale.
Yaalin’s eyes gaze over the statue. It’s crude, carved from stone and more curiously, repurposed marble. A thick frame with arms outstretched; but the hands and face are unfinished. It’s odd to find a relic to Jeshur; the god of the lost, the homeless. Jeshur was also known as a bit of a trickster; with what few stories you’ve ever read sometimes describing a cruel trickster and other times a jolly one. He could bring ‘gifts’ that be wealth or ruin to the wandering masses. A runic stone sits in one of the “hands,” but you move inside the Blood Raven before getting a good look at it.
As the others head into the Blood Raven, Sim arrives in the town, stopping one of the locals. A few kids ran up to the man, handing him a very oddly made flower of colored cloth, something that looked handed down like a toy or ornament. “A doctor?” The man repeat, thinking, while taking the woven “flower” and patting the kids off to run around. “No… don’t have one, really. There’s a Druid who lives in the Mountain, but, the Shepherd knows the way. And the harder winter has kept him up there longer this year.” A goat barged out of one of the nearby houses, with others running after it. “Runemaker Orta may know some more. She has the odd house by the mine. But if you excuse me, I’ve gotta go help them catch that goat.” The man gave a polite nod before racing after the animal that escaped.
Inside the Blood Raven, the Barkeep’s eyes go a little bit seeing the two silver coins slam down on the bar top under Abigail’s paw. But, then seeing Yaalin also slide two silver across the bar, there nearly a small squeak of glee.
“Yes. Warm. Food. Got it!” He scurried off behind the bar. First, he poured another two ales for Abigail, giving her a small nod of ‘yes’ to the question on the mayor. Then, a small shot of a clear-ish liquid. “Give this a try,” he said as he moved on to Yaalin’s order. The shot itself smelled strongly of sea air, but tasted like salted tomato, with a heavy alcohol burn to it.
He then reached behind, taking some random leaves and crushing them up before pouring hot water of it in four different mugs. A hot, mossy tea. It was warm, had a grassy flavor, but little else. His hand was a little unsteady as he poured when Yaalin asked about the graves.
“Yeah,” there was a long pause. As he slid the drinks to the new comers. “They’re Madam Shoe’s boys and husband. We got attached by Stonecutters,” he shook his head. Trying to remember the better word choice for folks not from the town. “Mountain Goblin. Normally they don’t bother us, but, this was different. Anyway… go grab a table and I’ll bring you your food.”
It was a few minutes later before the barkeep would return with some basic flat breads, fresh from the over. Goat cheese, spiced goat-meat, and warmed poultry of some kind. A good serving portion; either because you over payed a bit or he was trying to butter you all into spending more coin. Still, it was enough for everyone. And after eating Mama’s stew for the past several weeks, a welcome change of diet and flavor.
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
((if we need to retcon that Diadochi paid 2 silver to get some food I'll deduct it form my funds. ))
Diadochi makes a show of taking 2 gold coins out of his coin purse with his hand and taking a single coin with his trunk before addressing the bartender "I've grown accustom to a rather comfortable life style, life on the road has ... well this is a welcome reprieve. You've been very forthcoming to us strangers with information I'd like to show you our gratitude. Diadochi's trunk passes the coin over to the bartender "Now... if you could be more specific about where we might find the mayor, shepherd, Lady Orta, and maybe even these moutain goblins... why I'd be roughly twice as grateful as I am now." Diadochi nods to the coin in his hand.
((You're good on the 2 silver))
The Barkeep takes the two gold, rolling it around in his hand for a brief moment. Not breaking his gaze from the coins now in his palm, after all it was a tidy sum. Your average laborer could make about a silver a day, if they had the required skills. Then the sound of double the coin. Whatever conflict he had in his brain was gone. His opposite hand gave a snap. "Right, hang on..." he moved to another table. Looking around for a brief moment before grabbing a small piece of burnt wood from the fireplace.
The Barkeep sat in the middle of all of you, letting you eat but talking in a bit of a shushed tone. More-so excited that he could help out people and get paid for it, than involved in anything clandestine. The barkeep drew a very loose circle as a map of town. Then placed a X. "So we're here," he began. Connecting the X with a few lines. "Lady Orta, the Runemaker, is here," he drew a small tree, "in a old house by the mine. It's got the tree growing out the middle of the roof. She's old and cranky, so try not to get bit or spit on."
Then another series of lines, "Out here is the Mayor. But you kind of have to leave some of the walls to get there as his official manor is in the middle of the farm. But he's probably busy cause of Springmount." Another series of lines showing the path just outside of the town and up the mountain. "So I've never really gone too far outside of Rest. But, there should be a path that heads up the mountain. Some folks say the path eventually gets hard to find. There's another...town up there? It's supposed to be some tribe. Shepherd knows the way. He leads his goat herds between the villages and sometimes helps people get back and forth. He spends the winters up there and comes down after it thaws cause there's more to eat, and he trades with the Mayor. But, we haven't seen him. This past winter was pretty bad. The Goblins are up there somewhere as well. I don't know. The Mayor might. He's fought 'em."
The barkeep nearly shot his out to be paid, but realized the better of himself. Not wanting to be rude. "Listen, with tonight being Springmount, tonight will be very lively. Assuming you all enjoy revelry."
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Glad to feel the warm buzz of alcohol in her system again, and piqued by the notion of getting to participate in revelry - and all the things such an event suggest - Abigail asks, "What is Springmount, and what sort of festivities may we expect?"
Pausing for a moment to remember why she is in this mountainous hellscape, she continues, "Also, will the mayor be attending Springmount, and do you think he might have any time to talk to us about silvered apples?" With a quick glance over at Diadochi she unenthusiastically adds, "...and where to find these vile stonecutters?"
"It's our festival of the coming spring," he said, tapping the table a few times. "It's also when marriages happen. And the Mayor is marrying today to the Miss Elisha Lillington, so he should be here. So I'll assume after the ceremony you'd be able to talk to him. Maybe before? I don't know him well."
The barkeep waited a brief moment before seeing a few of the other patrons begin to take their leave and head about their daily business. His hand moved over the ash on the table, scattering the simple map before looking back to you all. "If you excuse me, I do have to get ready myself."
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
I memorize the simple map before the barkeep brushes it away. ((Lady Orta by the tree in the old house with the tree growing out of the roof, the Mayor's house, and the path to the mountains to reach the Shepherd))
I wait for everyone to finish their meals. While waiting, I suggest that we go visit Lady Orta first and ask her if she knows anything about the silver apple. Then I suggest we visit the Mayor after Lady Orta. By then, hopefully, the festival will be over and we can have his attention.
I start to head in the direction the team agrees on