This story begins on a pleasant spring-day afternoon in the fortified village of Daggerford. Its street filled with people and its air carrying the sound of all of its inhabitants and visitors busy with their daily activities.
The market square is packed full of farmers and craftsmen looking to sell the fruits of their work for its well-deserved price and merchants looking to conclude profitable business. Surely not as colorful and exotic as the markets in Baldur's Gate and Waterdeep, where the air is filled with the strangest smells and the light is alive with the reflection of the most peculiar jewellery, but nothing has the same flavor as the small trade concluded between the smith and the soldier, the farmer and the midwife, all shaking hands and smiling at each other after the deeds are done.
Even the river flowing next to the city walls is busy. Small boats and ferries are sailing its pale waters, wading travellers across its stream, and transporting goods in and from the city. Yells and laughter can be heard from boat to boat, from boat to dock, from dock to boat.
The ducal castle looms over all this activity, home of the Duchess Morwen and her cohort. Horses are placidly grazing the large span of grass surrounding the castle.
It looks like a perfectly normal day in Daggerford. Those who are of keen ear and following the local gossips, however, would soon learn that recent, strange disappearances are troubling the townsfolk and the local militia. Like always, it is difficult to recognize the truth from an inflated story that someone made up for five minutes under the spotlight at the tavern, but three events seem to be common among all the stories: a family of farmers has been massacred in their own house in Potter, a small hamlet South-West of Daggerford, near the Ghostling Woods. Rumor has it that a young boy named Arnold and now recovering at the local temple of Chauntea; a young girl disappeared into thin air from her house in Gillian's Hill, a small village along the Trade Way, to the South; and finally it is heard that the lizardfolk living in the Lizard Marsh to the West are waging battle to the lord of Cromm's Hold. It seems to be common knowledge that Lord Cromm is a self proclaimed scourge of the lizardfolk, often leading unjustified raid in the Lizard Marsh, claiming he is the sole and heroic defender of Daggerford against the reptile abomination that populate the marsh.
At the Happy Cow Tavern, the place favoured by a quiet clientele of farmers and townsfolk, customers vent out their frustration against the local government, unable to protect their hard-working citizens.
Conversely, the refined patrons of the River Shining Tavern do not seem particularly troubled by any of this. Surely we can handle any problems that afflict the poor peasants? And what do they have to complain so? Perhaps the town militia was spread a bit thin, but surely there was no cause of concern behind the stone walls of Daggerford?
At the Lady Luck tavern, the Inn of choice of adventurers and soldiers, it is said that good coin is offered to anybody that could aid the local militia in the search operations. Sherlen Spearslayer, the head of the guards, has secured a small amount of gold, and she is offering it to anybody that could provide information that would lead to a rapid resolution of their troubles.
It is on this stage, that our heroes make their entrance. They are here for their own reasons and businesses, like most of the people in Daggerford. But they are also unaware that the gears of faith had just started turning, and that they were about to begin a journey that would forever change them.
The story starts when a half-elf, clad in clerical robes dusty from his journey, arrives in front of the Lady Luck Tavern, standing at the Western corner of the busy Marketplace. He holds a large piece of parchment, his hands trembling with excitement and trepidation as he is looking for a suitable place to affix it. He sees a wooden board, not far from the entrance of the Tavern, well visible to the people in the square and to those entering the Lady Luck. Perfect. His excitement growing, he finds a couple of free nails on the board and sticks his parchment to it. In the beautiful calligraphy that only a man of letters could muster, these words are written:
Seeking Adventurers
Scholar of Candlekeep seeks to employ the brave and inquisitive
to investigate local disappearances and possibly more.
Willing to compensate for days served and some expenses.
Inquire for interviews at the Lady Luck Tavern.
Satisfied with his own work, heart pounding, the half-elf turns and starts walking into the Lady Luck Tavern.
Perusing disinterestedly at the merchant stalls hawking their wares, Mara Trieste’s attention is suddenly caught by the robed figure across the way at what looks to be an inn, attaching some sort of paper to the common board. Curious she begins to walk over, her tall and muscular frame causing more than a few passersby to look twice. Her hair is wild and twined with flowers and matted in a few places; those parts of her skin that show reveal a deep tan that only comes from prolonged work in the wilds. Mounting the steps, she pauses to read the broadsheet closely. At the mention of disappearances, her countenance darkens and jaw clenched, thinking of her lost family. She opens the door and steps in. She judges the space incorrectly, causing her trident to scrape the door jamb as she enters, which causes several heads to turn in response. Staring down any who meet her eyes, she walk in further to the bar and inquire about the message posted outside. “Water and some info, barkeep,” Mara states gruffly, waiting for an answer.
A tall cloaked figure enters the tavern. He takes his hood off, revealing himself to be an elf. He moves toward the bar, seemingly floating due to the length of the cloak. He speaks with a gentle, serene voice. “May I have a sweet mead? I am weary from my travels.”
Once he gets the drink, he takes a sip of it. He leans towards the bartender, taking on a more serious tone. “I heard strange things have been happening around Daggerford. What can you tell me about them?”
Eavesdropping on conversations as she meanders through the marketplace, Ellara Nightflower pauses when she hears rumours of attacks and disappearances, a dark skinned half-elf lingering awkwardly near to centres of gossip, which inevitably dry up and disperse. Seeking more information, she moves towards the parchments she can see nailed to a board. As she reads the newest looking one, her hand tightens on the hilt of the long sword sheathed at her right hip and she grits her teeth for a moment. Her dark eyes skim the surrounding buildings, locating the Lady Luck tavern quickly and moving into it. Though she walks with no swagger or threatening air, the other people in the square seem to leave more than normal space around her. Once in the tavern, she pauses a moment, pushing the curls of blue-black hair that frame the sides of her face behind her ears and wanders closer to the bar to wait her turn, seeing that there are already individuals waiting to be served.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xanaphia Nailo: Level 4 Warlock, Grey Hands PbP.
Ellara Nightflower: level 1 blood hunter, Curse of Strahd
After posting his little ad, Father Cadfrey makes his way to the Inn. He appears to be a thin built man standing a bit taller than those around him, 6'1" tall. His long brown hair half hangs out of a ponytail. He is dressed in travel robes, boots, belt and a travel pack can be seen on his back but is covered up by a shield and a mace hangs loosely on his right side. The shield has the image of 7 stars on its boarders with a mist rising up and taking over the middle of the shield.
Father Cadfrey takes out a rag from the left sleeve of his robe and wipes his face. his face is a bit pale, more from the product of a long trip by foot rather than his complexion.
Father Cadfrey makes his way to the location of the innkeeper and says in a quick and bit haggard voice:
"Luck and coin to you. I am a scholar from Candelkeep and my mentor, Brother Maynard, advised me this was a wonderful establishment and I would be able to rent room and meal for a reasonable price. I would like both if you please."
Father Cadfrey catches a breath after he finishes his statement.
At a table near the bar sits a young nobleman, the dust of travel still on his voluminous cloak, a cloak which makes it evident he's trying to be inconspicuous and failing. He wears a vacant expression, his eyes in the distance, as his fingers trace the top of some item on the table. He does look up a moment as Mara enters somewhat noisily, but quickly returns to his reverie, seeming oblivious to the conversations at the bar.
The tavern is a two story structure with crown glass windows, oak framed walls and a wooden roof. Both levels of the warehouse have been opened up into a single lofty room, with balconies all around it at varying levels. Each balcony contains a booth for patrons and is linked to at least two other balconies by broad flights of stairs. The walls of the tavern are hung with weapons, armor, banners, spitted beast heads, and similar trophies of battle brought in by various patrons. The most striking of these is the huge, mummified wing of a dragon. In the center of the taproom is a large stone column set in the middle of the floor. On its surface are displaied battered shields, personal runes, or other mementos of patrons. The entire northeast wall of the taproom is covered by a huge, splendid color map of the Realms from Calimshan to the Spine of the World, and the Moonshaes to Raurin.
It does not seem to be a busy afternoon at the tavern: most of the patrons seem to be Daggerford milita come for a quick lunch and a glass of beer before resuming their service. Bringing them food, is a fair looking human maiden with brown hair that must be in her twentieths. At the bar, a short but strong looking human man with a white beard and green eyes is pouring beer for his patrons. At the corner of the long bar table you notice a single glass, filled with what seems to be very fine liquor, untouched and apparently unattended.
After you approached the bar and made your requests the barkeep looks at all of you with a warm and knowing smile: "Ah, drink and news. You can count on that being always on the menu at the Lady Luck". He finishes pouring the beers and prepares them on a tray for the server to bring them to the customers in the tavern.
He then serves a glass of fresh water to Mara. "Here you go milady, Do let me know if you want something stronger after you finish with that. We are very proud of our selection of ales".
He then turns with a smile to Lorian: "A sweet mead? I have got just the thing for you, good sir". And starts pouring an amber liquid in a ceramic tankard. While the glass is getting full he looks over to Father Cadfrey and says: "The dish of the day would be fish stew, sir. Would that please you?" And it turns his gaze towards the serving girl in the room, "Gilda, my dear! Another stew for the gentleman from Candlekeep at the bar!" He finishes to pour the beer and lays it in front of Lorian. "That will be 5 copper pieces, my lord."And to Father Cadfrey: "It would certainly be possible for you to rent a room here, sir. That would be 8 silver pieces per night. That would include your meal, if you were to stay with us."
He then wipes his hands on his apron and serves himself a glass of water. "Where were we? Ah, news!" He takes a sip of water and puts it behind the bar. "Well, I guess you heard of folk disappearing around the area. What I know is that the most recent of these events was the one in Potter, a small hamlet some 13 miles South of here. 19, if you take the main road through Gillian's Hill. A whole family of farmers got attacked right in their house." He shakes his head. "Terrible tragedy. Only survivor is a little boy called Arnold. He managed to get away while his mother distracted the attackers. That is what a true hero looks like, if you ask me." He takes another sip of water and continues "Anyway, poor little Arnold is now at the temple of Chauntea to recover, here in Daggerford. He was found on the road near Daggerford by some militia scouts. Apparently all he remembers is a big wolf mauling his mom and the sound of high pitched voices and the screams of his family.
"Captain of the guards Sherlen Spearslayer sent over some scouts over in Potter to investigate but they haven't returned yet. I don't know what happened to them. If you are thinking of investigating the matter yourselves, my lords, lady, I heard it best not to interrogate poor Arnold further than what he already has. I heard some soldier saying that the boy really doesn't know much more than what I told you and he really just needs his rest and peace, after all that happened to him.
"There is also concerning news from Gillian's Hill. A small girl, Hannah, vanished in front of her house while she was playing. Her mom went to call her inside for dinner and she simply wasn't there anymore. It has been about a month and search operation have led to nothing. Folk start to believe a psychopath from Gilian's Hill has her locked in his basement. It's hard not to see an ounce of reason in this story: the village is not big, there is really not many places she could have wandered off and vanished. Other people say some outsiders kidnapped her...I don't know though...for all I know they live at the western edge of the village, far from the trade road. I don't see some foreigner going through the trouble of doing that in plain day.
"And then there is Lord Cromm. Ah, that is a piece of work, if you ask me. He has always had something special for the lizardfolk. Thinks he is defending the whole Faerun against them! He lives in a keep right at the edge of the Lizard Marsh, from where he is known to leave for his little hunting games in the marshes. Don't get me wrong: I wouldn't just go have a stroll in the marsh and a chat with some lizarfolk shaman when I am bored! They are indeed dangerous, especially if threatened. But they mostly keep to themselves. Except for now, it seems. They must have tired of Cromm's antics, because they seem to have the keep under siege. I hear Captain Spearslayer wants to lead an armed host to personally settle the matter. She hopes there might be a peaceful way out of this, but if it comes down to war with the lizardfolk, they can't just let them kill Lord Cromm. If it were up to me, I would just leave Cromm sort his own mess by himself. This means that the Captain cannot spare any man to sort out Potter and Gillian's Hill.
"I am sure this all spells job opportunities for whoever is skilled enough to help.
He then notices Ellara. "Ah, milady. I humbly apologize. Got carried away. The older I get, the more I like to tell stories, especially to adventurers. What can I get you?"
Ellara attempts a small smile back at him, speaking in a surprisingly soft voice, “It’s fine, I came for the stories, actually, that and the job posting on the board outside. You don’t happen to know anything about it?”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xanaphia Nailo: Level 4 Warlock, Grey Hands PbP.
Ellara Nightflower: level 1 blood hunter, Curse of Strahd
"By Magic" Father Cadfrey exclaims as he listens to all the barkeep has to say.
Father Cadfrey almost runs to a table taking off pack and shield. He rifles through his pack then realizes he has forgot to buy a journal. "Pixie Stix" he exclaims again. "Cadfrey old boy, you need to get your things together if you want to be a top scholar"he mutters to himself.
Father Cadfrey sets out trying to remember key points in the barkeeps story for later reference.
Once his stew arrives he sighs a bit: "I really am not a fan of fish stew" he says to himself as he picks up a spoon and absently plays with the stew."
After a few moments Cadfrey will arrange his things and then sit his seat so he could have a view of the tables. He will look at each of the guests. If they give him a look he will smile broadly and raise his cup towards them saying "Greetings!"
Like a bee drawn to the flower, Mara turns in the direction of the priest. “I am also interested.” She looks at the others and says, “Good to meet you all.”
“Ellara Nightflower,” she says, nodding to the others and moving over to his table and taking a seat where she can see as much room as possible, “And yes, I’m interested.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xanaphia Nailo: Level 4 Warlock, Grey Hands PbP.
Ellara Nightflower: level 1 blood hunter, Curse of Strahd
As he sees the young cleric's table begin to fill up, Dahvik Aloro rubs the traveler's stubble on his cheeks and comes to a decision. He calmly pockets the object of his reverie and rises. As he does so, his mien subtly changes. He loses the haughty tilt of his chin and the travel-weary stoop of his shoulders. He approaches the table, now much more comfortable in his cloak, and takes a seat.
"Dahvik Aloro," he says, looking at each of the adventurers in turn. "I'm interested, too." He turns his attention to Father Cadfrey, ready to listen.
Seeing all of the respondents he smiles broadly. "Come Come, please have a seat" Father Cadfrey indicate the chairs at and around his table, "and we can discuss business."
Father Cadfrey stands and adjust his robes properly. : "Let me introduce myself. I am Father Cadfrey of Candelkeep. I have been commissioned , by the heads of Candelkeep, to research a reoccurring phenomena in the Realms. Over many years there have been recorded cases of unexplained disappearances. And it would appear that these disappearances are occurring again here in Daggerford.
Father Cadfrey pauses a moment. "After careful research of the current disappearances and eyewitness accounts of past incidents, it is believed that these disappearances are connected. I am to study these cases and record what is found for the annuals of Candelkeep. What I have been advised is to seek out adventurers to aid me in my research because.."
Father Cadfrey takes a sip from his cup then sits down and leans into the center of the table. his tone seems grave and his voice low.
"....What is believed is, that these disappearances may actually be abductions from another plane."
This story begins on a pleasant spring-day afternoon in the fortified village of Daggerford. Its street filled with people and its air carrying the sound of all of its inhabitants and visitors busy with their daily activities.
The market square is packed full of farmers and craftsmen looking to sell the fruits of their work for its well-deserved price and merchants looking to conclude profitable business. Surely not as colorful and exotic as the markets in Baldur's Gate and Waterdeep, where the air is filled with the strangest smells and the light is alive with the reflection of the most peculiar jewellery, but nothing has the same flavor as the small trade concluded between the smith and the soldier, the farmer and the midwife, all shaking hands and smiling at each other after the deeds are done.
Even the river flowing next to the city walls is busy. Small boats and ferries are sailing its pale waters, wading travellers across its stream, and transporting goods in and from the city. Yells and laughter can be heard from boat to boat, from boat to dock, from dock to boat.
The ducal castle looms over all this activity, home of the Duchess Morwen and her cohort. Horses are placidly grazing the large span of grass surrounding the castle.
It looks like a perfectly normal day in Daggerford. Those who are of keen ear and following the local gossips, however, would soon learn that recent, strange disappearances are troubling the townsfolk and the local militia. Like always, it is difficult to recognize the truth from an inflated story that someone made up for five minutes under the spotlight at the tavern, but three events seem to be common among all the stories: a family of farmers has been massacred in their own house in Potter, a small hamlet South-West of Daggerford, near the Ghostling Woods. Rumor has it that a young boy named Arnold and now recovering at the local temple of Chauntea; a young girl disappeared into thin air from her house in Gillian's Hill, a small village along the Trade Way, to the South; and finally it is heard that the lizardfolk living in the Lizard Marsh to the West are waging battle to the lord of Cromm's Hold. It seems to be common knowledge that Lord Cromm is a self proclaimed scourge of the lizardfolk, often leading unjustified raid in the Lizard Marsh, claiming he is the sole and heroic defender of Daggerford against the reptile abomination that populate the marsh.
At the Happy Cow Tavern, the place favoured by a quiet clientele of farmers and townsfolk, customers vent out their frustration against the local government, unable to protect their hard-working citizens.
Conversely, the refined patrons of the River Shining Tavern do not seem particularly troubled by any of this. Surely we can handle any problems that afflict the poor peasants? And what do they have to complain so? Perhaps the town militia was spread a bit thin, but surely there was no cause of concern behind the stone walls of Daggerford?
At the Lady Luck tavern, the Inn of choice of adventurers and soldiers, it is said that good coin is offered to anybody that could aid the local militia in the search operations. Sherlen Spearslayer, the head of the guards, has secured a small amount of gold, and she is offering it to anybody that could provide information that would lead to a rapid resolution of their troubles.
It is on this stage, that our heroes make their entrance. They are here for their own reasons and businesses, like most of the people in Daggerford. But they are also unaware that the gears of faith had just started turning, and that they were about to begin a journey that would forever change them.
The story starts when a half-elf, clad in clerical robes dusty from his journey, arrives in front of the Lady Luck Tavern, standing at the Western corner of the busy Marketplace. He holds a large piece of parchment, his hands trembling with excitement and trepidation as he is looking for a suitable place to affix it. He sees a wooden board, not far from the entrance of the Tavern, well visible to the people in the square and to those entering the Lady Luck. Perfect. His excitement growing, he finds a couple of free nails on the board and sticks his parchment to it. In the beautiful calligraphy that only a man of letters could muster, these words are written:
Seeking Adventurers
Scholar of Candlekeep seeks to employ the brave and inquisitive
to investigate local disappearances and possibly more.
Willing to compensate for days served and some expenses.
Inquire for interviews at the Lady Luck Tavern.
Satisfied with his own work, heart pounding, the half-elf turns and starts walking into the Lady Luck Tavern.
Perusing disinterestedly at the merchant stalls hawking their wares, Mara Trieste’s attention is suddenly caught by the robed figure across the way at what looks to be an inn, attaching some sort of paper to the common board. Curious she begins to walk over, her tall and muscular frame causing more than a few passersby to look twice. Her hair is wild and twined with flowers and matted in a few places; those parts of her skin that show reveal a deep tan that only comes from prolonged work in the wilds.
Mounting the steps, she pauses to read the broadsheet closely. At the mention of disappearances, her countenance darkens and jaw clenched, thinking of her lost family. She opens the door and steps in. She judges the space incorrectly, causing her trident to scrape the door jamb as she enters, which causes several heads to turn in response. Staring down any who meet her eyes, she walk in further to the bar and inquire about the message posted outside. “Water and some info, barkeep,” Mara states gruffly, waiting for an answer.
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
A tall cloaked figure enters the tavern. He takes his hood off, revealing himself to be an elf. He moves toward the bar, seemingly floating due to the length of the cloak. He speaks with a gentle, serene voice. “May I have a sweet mead? I am weary from my travels.”
Once he gets the drink, he takes a sip of it. He leans towards the bartender, taking on a more serious tone. “I heard strange things have been happening around Daggerford. What can you tell me about them?”
Eavesdropping on conversations as she meanders through the marketplace, Ellara Nightflower pauses when she hears rumours of attacks and disappearances, a dark skinned half-elf lingering awkwardly near to centres of gossip, which inevitably dry up and disperse. Seeking more information, she moves towards the parchments she can see nailed to a board. As she reads the newest looking one, her hand tightens on the hilt of the long sword sheathed at her right hip and she grits her teeth for a moment. Her dark eyes skim the surrounding buildings, locating the Lady Luck tavern quickly and moving into it. Though she walks with no swagger or threatening air, the other people in the square seem to leave more than normal space around her. Once in the tavern, she pauses a moment, pushing the curls of blue-black hair that frame the sides of her face behind her ears and wanders closer to the bar to wait her turn, seeing that there are already individuals waiting to be served.
Xanaphia Nailo: Level 4 Warlock, Grey Hands PbP.
Ellara Nightflower: level 1 blood hunter, Curse of Strahd
The elf looks around the tavern and its patrons while waiting.
Father Cadfrey
After posting his little ad, Father Cadfrey makes his way to the Inn. He appears to be a thin built man standing a bit taller than those around him, 6'1" tall. His long brown hair half hangs out of a ponytail. He is dressed in travel robes, boots, belt and a travel pack can be seen on his back but is covered up by a shield and a mace hangs loosely on his right side. The shield has the image of 7 stars on its boarders with a mist rising up and taking over the middle of the shield.
Father Cadfrey takes out a rag from the left sleeve of his robe and wipes his face. his face is a bit pale, more from the product of a long trip by foot rather than his complexion.
Father Cadfrey makes his way to the location of the innkeeper and says in a quick and bit haggard voice:
"Luck and coin to you. I am a scholar from Candelkeep and my mentor, Brother Maynard, advised me this was a wonderful establishment and I would be able to rent room and meal for a reasonable price. I would like both if you please."
Father Cadfrey catches a breath after he finishes his statement.
At a table near the bar sits a young nobleman, the dust of travel still on his voluminous cloak, a cloak which makes it evident he's trying to be inconspicuous and failing. He wears a vacant expression, his eyes in the distance, as his fingers trace the top of some item on the table. He does look up a moment as Mara enters somewhat noisily, but quickly returns to his reverie, seeming oblivious to the conversations at the bar.
He's not.
The tavern is a two story structure with crown glass windows, oak framed walls and a wooden roof. Both levels of the warehouse have been opened up into a single lofty room, with balconies all around it at varying levels. Each balcony contains a booth for patrons and is linked to at least two other balconies by broad flights of stairs. The walls of the tavern are hung with weapons, armor, banners, spitted beast heads, and similar trophies of battle brought in by various patrons. The most striking of these is the huge, mummified wing of a dragon. In the center of the taproom is a large stone column set in the middle of the floor. On its surface are displaied battered shields, personal runes, or other mementos of patrons. The entire northeast wall of the taproom is covered by a huge, splendid color map of the Realms from Calimshan to the Spine of the World, and the Moonshaes to Raurin.
It does not seem to be a busy afternoon at the tavern: most of the patrons seem to be Daggerford milita come for a quick lunch and a glass of beer before resuming their service. Bringing them food, is a fair looking human maiden with brown hair that must be in her twentieths. At the bar, a short but strong looking human man with a white beard and green eyes is pouring beer for his patrons. At the corner of the long bar table you notice a single glass, filled with what seems to be very fine liquor, untouched and apparently unattended.
After you approached the bar and made your requests the barkeep looks at all of you with a warm and knowing smile: "Ah, drink and news. You can count on that being always on the menu at the Lady Luck". He finishes pouring the beers and prepares them on a tray for the server to bring them to the customers in the tavern.
He then serves a glass of fresh water to Mara. "Here you go milady, Do let me know if you want something stronger after you finish with that. We are very proud of our selection of ales".
He then turns with a smile to Lorian: "A sweet mead? I have got just the thing for you, good sir". And starts pouring an amber liquid in a ceramic tankard. While the glass is getting full he looks over to Father Cadfrey and says: "The dish of the day would be fish stew, sir. Would that please you?" And it turns his gaze towards the serving girl in the room, "Gilda, my dear! Another stew for the gentleman from Candlekeep at the bar!" He finishes to pour the beer and lays it in front of Lorian. "That will be 5 copper pieces, my lord." And to Father Cadfrey: "It would certainly be possible for you to rent a room here, sir. That would be 8 silver pieces per night. That would include your meal, if you were to stay with us."
He then wipes his hands on his apron and serves himself a glass of water. "Where were we? Ah, news!" He takes a sip of water and puts it behind the bar. "Well, I guess you heard of folk disappearing around the area. What I know is that the most recent of these events was the one in Potter, a small hamlet some 13 miles South of here. 19, if you take the main road through Gillian's Hill. A whole family of farmers got attacked right in their house." He shakes his head. "Terrible tragedy. Only survivor is a little boy called Arnold. He managed to get away while his mother distracted the attackers. That is what a true hero looks like, if you ask me." He takes another sip of water and continues "Anyway, poor little Arnold is now at the temple of Chauntea to recover, here in Daggerford. He was found on the road near Daggerford by some militia scouts. Apparently all he remembers is a big wolf mauling his mom and the sound of high pitched voices and the screams of his family.
"Captain of the guards Sherlen Spearslayer sent over some scouts over in Potter to investigate but they haven't returned yet. I don't know what happened to them. If you are thinking of investigating the matter yourselves, my lords, lady, I heard it best not to interrogate poor Arnold further than what he already has. I heard some soldier saying that the boy really doesn't know much more than what I told you and he really just needs his rest and peace, after all that happened to him.
"There is also concerning news from Gillian's Hill. A small girl, Hannah, vanished in front of her house while she was playing. Her mom went to call her inside for dinner and she simply wasn't there anymore. It has been about a month and search operation have led to nothing. Folk start to believe a psychopath from Gilian's Hill has her locked in his basement. It's hard not to see an ounce of reason in this story: the village is not big, there is really not many places she could have wandered off and vanished. Other people say some outsiders kidnapped her...I don't know though...for all I know they live at the western edge of the village, far from the trade road. I don't see some foreigner going through the trouble of doing that in plain day.
"And then there is Lord Cromm. Ah, that is a piece of work, if you ask me. He has always had something special for the lizardfolk. Thinks he is defending the whole Faerun against them! He lives in a keep right at the edge of the Lizard Marsh, from where he is known to leave for his little hunting games in the marshes. Don't get me wrong: I wouldn't just go have a stroll in the marsh and a chat with some lizarfolk shaman when I am bored! They are indeed dangerous, especially if threatened. But they mostly keep to themselves. Except for now, it seems. They must have tired of Cromm's antics, because they seem to have the keep under siege. I hear Captain Spearslayer wants to lead an armed host to personally settle the matter. She hopes there might be a peaceful way out of this, but if it comes down to war with the lizardfolk, they can't just let them kill Lord Cromm. If it were up to me, I would just leave Cromm sort his own mess by himself. This means that the Captain cannot spare any man to sort out Potter and Gillian's Hill.
"I am sure this all spells job opportunities for whoever is skilled enough to help.
He then notices Ellara. "Ah, milady. I humbly apologize. Got carried away. The older I get, the more I like to tell stories, especially to adventurers. What can I get you?"
Ellara attempts a small smile back at him, speaking in a surprisingly soft voice, “It’s fine, I came for the stories, actually, that and the job posting on the board outside. You don’t happen to know anything about it?”
Xanaphia Nailo: Level 4 Warlock, Grey Hands PbP.
Ellara Nightflower: level 1 blood hunter, Curse of Strahd
Farther Cadfrey
"By Magic" Father Cadfrey exclaims as he listens to all the barkeep has to say.
Father Cadfrey almost runs to a table taking off pack and shield. He rifles through his pack then realizes he has forgot to buy a journal. "Pixie Stix" he exclaims again. "Cadfrey old boy, you need to get your things together if you want to be a top scholar" he mutters to himself.
Father Cadfrey sets out trying to remember key points in the barkeeps story for later reference.
Once his stew arrives he sighs a bit: "I really am not a fan of fish stew" he says to himself as he picks up a spoon and absently plays with the stew."
After a few moments Cadfrey will arrange his things and then sit his seat so he could have a view of the tables. He will look at each of the guests. If they give him a look he will smile broadly and raise his cup towards them saying "Greetings!"
Father Cadfrey
Upon hearing Ellara's question about the posting outside Father Cadfrey perks up:
"That posted would be mine my dear. Do you have an interest in a position in this investigation? Father Cadfrey says with a broad smile.
The elf takes another gentle sip of his mead. He tilts his head in Father Cadfrey’s direction, listening in. “You’re the one that posted it?”
Father Cadfrey
Upon hearing a second response father Cadfrey will turn to the elf and give him a forma greeting in elvish the say:
"Yes I did post the advert in the town square. Just recently to." Father Cadfrey says with a smile and nods.
"You have some interest in a position as well?"
Like a bee drawn to the flower, Mara turns in the direction of the priest. “I am also interested.” She looks at the others and says, “Good to meet you all.”
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
The elf nods. “I am Lorian. And, to confirm, you are the Scholar of Candlekeep?”
“Ellara Nightflower,” she says, nodding to the others and moving over to his table and taking a seat where she can see as much room as possible, “And yes, I’m interested.”
Xanaphia Nailo: Level 4 Warlock, Grey Hands PbP.
Ellara Nightflower: level 1 blood hunter, Curse of Strahd
As he sees the young cleric's table begin to fill up, Dahvik Aloro rubs the traveler's stubble on his cheeks and comes to a decision. He calmly pockets the object of his reverie and rises. As he does so, his mien subtly changes. He loses the haughty tilt of his chin and the travel-weary stoop of his shoulders. He approaches the table, now much more comfortable in his cloak, and takes a seat.
"Dahvik Aloro," he says, looking at each of the adventurers in turn. "I'm interested, too." He turns his attention to Father Cadfrey, ready to listen.
Father Cadfrey
Seeing all of the respondents he smiles broadly. "Come Come, please have a seat" Father Cadfrey indicate the chairs at and around his table, "and we can discuss business."
Father Cadfrey stands and adjust his robes properly. : "Let me introduce myself. I am Father Cadfrey of Candelkeep. I have been commissioned , by the heads of Candelkeep, to research a reoccurring phenomena in the Realms. Over many years there have been recorded cases of unexplained disappearances. And it would appear that these disappearances are occurring again here in Daggerford.
Father Cadfrey pauses a moment. "After careful research of the current disappearances and eyewitness accounts of past incidents, it is believed that these disappearances are connected. I am to study these cases and record what is found for the annuals of Candelkeep. What I have been advised is to seek out adventurers to aid me in my research because.."
Father Cadfrey takes a sip from his cup then sits down and leans into the center of the table. his tone seems grave and his voice low.
"....What is believed is, that these disappearances may actually be abductions from another plane."
Lorian’s expression suddenly becomes serious as he hears about this other plane. He mutters to himself, silently, “Just like what I saw..”