"I am Vernon Garrick, Knight of Myth Drannor, Protector of the Light, Bearer of the Cheese Nobody Has Identified Yet," he flexes his muscles, "and victor of the magicless, solo Orc-combat."
Having rescued their kin, the hailings welcome you with open arms, hearty hugs and lots of cheer. The younger teenagers are especially impressed at your adventuring company name and with Zyllith's flourishing introduction, and with Vernon's role in the duel, which is recounted with lots of enthusiasm. In fact, many aspects of your daring exploits with magic and your skills with spells, combat and Elion's stealthy advances to free the prisoners right behind the back of the leader of the orc band. They clearly hold him in just as high regard as the rest of you, a fact which gives the young elf a sense of pride, if not a bit of surprise and humility. He accepts the praise, but assures everyone that he's not a hero, he was just lucky to have slipped the eyes of the orcs during the later moments of the fight.
Of course, all of this is great cause for celebration, and it is immediately decided that tonight's dinner should be an open air event in honor your bravery in saving so many of Stouthollow's younger members. They quickly set aside their projects repairing what damage the orcs caused and work to set up a party in a small field near the center of the village. While some set up tents, others light fires, fetch food and bring out plates and silverware and a few benches where everyone can sit. Within the hour, bundles of fresh vegetable and potatoes are gathered and cut up, chickens are cooking, beer is flowing, and general merriment has risen to high level of happiness and celebration, even more so when the banquet is finally served.
Throughout the evening, many of the younger halfling boys request that Zyllith give a display of her swarchbucking sword work. Some of women ask Arisa about herbs and healing. Other young ones plead with Belkas to create more illusions. Osmord is questioned by numerous folk about exactly what kind of creature he is and where he comes from. And of course, Vernon is asked about the unidentified cheese that he claims to carry. This is a subject of keen interest with quite a few of the folk, quite curious about trying to figure out exactly what kind it is.
At one point during the evening, Elion is inspired to recite a poem, which he speaks with compelling intensity and tone in his articulate elven voice.
"Small folk, hidden to many, in their fields of grass and sheep
Minding their own, singing and playing under the sun and skies
Until foul orcs came, bringing terror and fright
Slinging fear and death and screaming cries
Stealing and carrying away the twenties and tweens
Those who've never known such fear and pain
With their fate set bleak up on their faces
Until they just happen to cross paths with the Dragon Aces
A flurry of javelins, axes and grunts
No match for these magic wielding, swashbuckling, hammer swinging toughs
Foul orcs cut down like weeds in the grass
Force-fed their own death in a flash
Except for two who proposed a duel
No doubt to save themselves from a punishment more cruel
Until a Knight of Myth Drannor, and protector of light
Stepped up with his hammer to meet might with might
Swinging his weapon and dodging the axe
We all heard Uguk's bones go crack
Vernon swing true and ended the life
Of a foul orc crusader who most certainly deserved to die
The rest of us watched on with little surprise
When our friend saved the fate of Stouthollow
With his triumphant victory against creatures so foul
A warband not accustomed to losing a fight
Robbing and pillaging across many places
Now wiped from Faerun lands by the mighty Dragon Aces.
Zyllith proves more then happy to display her swashbuckling skills for anyone interested, though she insists on making a show of it and makes sure to gather an audience. The rest of the time she happily fills herself on the fresh homemade cooking being offered. Cheerfully engaging in friendly conversations with anyone who's willing to listen.
Vernon pulls out the cheese. "It's pungent, firm, and crumbly, with a tinge of green. I talked to a Dwarf named Morak who compared it to a lot of things, but still couldn't identify it." He hands it around.
Belkas enjoys Elion's poetry, Zyllith's feats of prowess, Vernon's musings in cheese, and Osmord's tricks. He then uses his illusions to create a series of five-foot-tall static shadow images in the air describing and embellishing the fight.
Looming orcs leading halfling captives. The Dragon's Aces approaching. Zyllith in the air behind an orc. Elion struck down by a javelin. Arisa and Osmord blasting out spells. Vernon in battle in a one-on-one struggle with an orc three times his height. Elion untying the prisoners. Vernon smashes the orc with a killing blow.
Belkas then sits down again to drink, relax and enjoy himself.
Arisa enjoys the company and the food. She uses shape water to animate some water, change the colors and make an ice sculpture of a dragon to contribute to the entertainment.
The evening progresses with much merriment, entertainment and loads of good food, and everyone in the clan seems genuinely happy to be reunited with the youngsters that you saved and brought back. You learn that the orcs did a fair bit of damage to their little hamlet, but most of it is cosmetic... thankfully... None of the structures were burned. A couple of sheep were killed, a few people's homes were ransacked, and a few people were roughed up, but fortunately everyone survived. The worst of it was a few broken heirlooms and mud tracked into the houses by dirty orc feet.
Fortunately, there was ample warning when the orcs arrived and most of the people fled, except for the six young ones who stayed to try and defend the village. Not surprisingly, they were quickly overcome and captured.
Many of the halflings are intrigued by Vernon's cheese, but no one seems to be able to identify it either. A few of the argue with each other about what it might be. One man compares it to a salty, pungent herbal cheese that he once ate in a tavern on the Sword Coast, but beyond that, no one has any real answers.
Later into the evening, one of the clan elders, uncle Ollie Woodhen, a stout, slightly portly, and halfling in his 60s, addresses the crowd, and formally thanks you on behalf of everyone for your good deed, although by now, pretty much everyone has already thanked you personally. At any rate, he presents you with a gift: a small wooden shield with an emblem of an eye that's carved into its bronze center.
Ollie explains that this is a family heirloom that's been passed down for many generations. It was (apparently) used in famous, but long forgotten battle by a distant relative, and it's been sitting in a prominent place in his home, mostly for decoration, but also to symbolically watch over the household and the clan. However, seeing as how there are no warriors in the clan, and no desire to raise any, they want you to have this gift as a token of your thanks, in the hopes that it will aid you on your adventures.
When he presents that shield, everyone raises their mugs and toasts a hearty cheer to The Dragon Aces.
Smoke, friendly laughter, and a sea of smiling laughing faces surround Belkas. He leans back into the soft grass and takes a deep swig of the warm and malty beer. Looking at his companions, he smiles. They are good people, and it is nice to see them relax and enjoy themselves. Even Crowley, now in the form of a raven, seems to be having a good time, chatting away at Osmord's taciturn familiar. Would it be so bad to stay a while in a place like this, surrounded by nice people, building a simple house, and growing grain?
The smoke blows into his eyes, burning. He closes them, and the laughter and music mingle together into screams. His heart racing, he forces his eyes open and sees the ground covered with the mangled and dismembered bodies of halflings. He blinks again and everyone is fine, still dancing and drinking and enjoying themselves.
Belkas gets to his feet and wanders away from the celebrations. His skin is cold and clammy, and his heart is only starting to slow down. He would never be able to settle down in a place like this. It wouldn't be safe for others, and he knows there is something wrong, something broken, inside him.
When the shield is presented, Vernon will accept it. "We accept this shield in a spirit of mutual gratitude. We have saved you today, but this shield may yet save us many more times!" He bows.
Arisa solemnly thanks the halflings for the shield as well” we will see to it that it is put to good use, defending and protecting good people like yourselves everywhere we travel”. She is very much enjoying herself, and is also enjoying sharing her knowledge of herbalism and healing with the halflings.
After a few hours of parrying and merriment, the party winds down, and most of the halflings head off to their homes, tired, full and quite tipsy from many rounds of honey ale, which you learn is their specialty. Ollie extends you the invitation to camp right there in the middle of the party field, and bids you a good night. Sleep comes quickly to you all after the long day, and you wake the next morning to the sounds of roosters crowing and a pig, who has apparently gotten out of his pen and is licking one of Vernon's hands.
Arisa wakes early and says her prayers, and gets ready for the day. “Well, as pleasant as this has been, we should keep moving to goldenfields, maybe after breakfast.”
Zyllith gets up, albeit slowly and groggy, as usual having reveled the night prior and taken full advantage of the honey ale she was offered. "Oh Aye, we'd be rioght chippa' after partakin' a good meal 'ere, 'fore we head out on tha road again."
Vernon is startled awake by the pig, and quickly checks for his cheese. It is still in his backpack. He pulls out the new shield to examine it in the morning light, checking for inscriptions or signs of magic. "Does anyone else want this? I'm happy to use it if no one else does, but I don't want my proximity to Ollie to short anyone. I agree that we should eat breakfast before we leave."
As you rise and make your preparations for the day, the morning also begins for the halflings of Stouthollow, who emerge from their home and start delving into their chores and tending to livestock. Farmer Pinkett apologizes for his pig Gracie, and shoos her back into her pen.
Vernon
You inspect the shield, and although it doesn't have any inscriptions, other than the engraved eye on the metal piece, you determine that it does indeed have magical properties. You realize that when you hold it, you find yourself even more alert than usual.
"I am Vernon Garrick, Knight of Myth Drannor, Protector of the Light, Bearer of the Cheese Nobody Has Identified Yet," he flexes his muscles, "and victor of the magicless, solo Orc-combat."
Having rescued their kin, the hailings welcome you with open arms, hearty hugs and lots of cheer. The younger teenagers are especially impressed at your adventuring company name and with Zyllith's flourishing introduction, and with Vernon's role in the duel, which is recounted with lots of enthusiasm. In fact, many aspects of your daring exploits with magic and your skills with spells, combat and Elion's stealthy advances to free the prisoners right behind the back of the leader of the orc band. They clearly hold him in just as high regard as the rest of you, a fact which gives the young elf a sense of pride, if not a bit of surprise and humility. He accepts the praise, but assures everyone that he's not a hero, he was just lucky to have slipped the eyes of the orcs during the later moments of the fight.
Of course, all of this is great cause for celebration, and it is immediately decided that tonight's dinner should be an open air event in honor your bravery in saving so many of Stouthollow's younger members. They quickly set aside their projects repairing what damage the orcs caused and work to set up a party in a small field near the center of the village. While some set up tents, others light fires, fetch food and bring out plates and silverware and a few benches where everyone can sit. Within the hour, bundles of fresh vegetable and potatoes are gathered and cut up, chickens are cooking, beer is flowing, and general merriment has risen to high level of happiness and celebration, even more so when the banquet is finally served.
Throughout the evening, many of the younger halfling boys request that Zyllith give a display of her swarchbucking sword work. Some of women ask Arisa about herbs and healing. Other young ones plead with Belkas to create more illusions. Osmord is questioned by numerous folk about exactly what kind of creature he is and where he comes from. And of course, Vernon is asked about the unidentified cheese that he claims to carry. This is a subject of keen interest with quite a few of the folk, quite curious about trying to figure out exactly what kind it is.
At one point during the evening, Elion is inspired to recite a poem, which he speaks with compelling intensity and tone in his articulate elven voice.
(Don’t have time for a longer post atm but Awesome)
Osmord enjoys the attention and starts to entertain the children by having his unseen servant seemingly levitate rocks and twigs above their heads.
DM - Caves of the Kobold Slave Masters
Zyllith proves more then happy to display her swashbuckling skills for anyone interested, though she insists on making a show of it and makes sure to gather an audience. The rest of the time she happily fills herself on the fresh homemade cooking being offered. Cheerfully engaging in friendly conversations with anyone who's willing to listen.
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
Vernon pulls out the cheese. "It's pungent, firm, and crumbly, with a tinge of green. I talked to a Dwarf named Morak who compared it to a lot of things, but still couldn't identify it." He hands it around.
Belkas enjoys Elion's poetry, Zyllith's feats of prowess, Vernon's musings in cheese, and Osmord's tricks. He then uses his illusions to create a series of five-foot-tall static shadow images in the air describing and embellishing the fight.
Looming orcs leading halfling captives.
The Dragon's Aces approaching.
Zyllith in the air behind an orc.
Elion struck down by a javelin.
Arisa and Osmord blasting out spells.
Vernon in battle in a one-on-one struggle with an orc three times his height.
Elion untying the prisoners.
Vernon smashes the orc with a killing blow.
Belkas then sits down again to drink, relax and enjoy himself.
Arisa enjoys the company and the food. She uses shape water to animate some water, change the colors and make an ice sculpture of a dragon to contribute to the entertainment.
The evening progresses with much merriment, entertainment and loads of good food, and everyone in the clan seems genuinely happy to be reunited with the youngsters that you saved and brought back. You learn that the orcs did a fair bit of damage to their little hamlet, but most of it is cosmetic... thankfully... None of the structures were burned. A couple of sheep were killed, a few people's homes were ransacked, and a few people were roughed up, but fortunately everyone survived. The worst of it was a few broken heirlooms and mud tracked into the houses by dirty orc feet.
Fortunately, there was ample warning when the orcs arrived and most of the people fled, except for the six young ones who stayed to try and defend the village. Not surprisingly, they were quickly overcome and captured.
Many of the halflings are intrigued by Vernon's cheese, but no one seems to be able to identify it either. A few of the argue with each other about what it might be. One man compares it to a salty, pungent herbal cheese that he once ate in a tavern on the Sword Coast, but beyond that, no one has any real answers.
Later into the evening, one of the clan elders, uncle Ollie Woodhen, a stout, slightly portly, and halfling in his 60s, addresses the crowd, and formally thanks you on behalf of everyone for your good deed, although by now, pretty much everyone has already thanked you personally. At any rate, he presents you with a gift: a small wooden shield with an emblem of an eye that's carved into its bronze center.
Ollie explains that this is a family heirloom that's been passed down for many generations. It was (apparently) used in famous, but long forgotten battle by a distant relative, and it's been sitting in a prominent place in his home, mostly for decoration, but also to symbolically watch over the household and the clan. However, seeing as how there are no warriors in the clan, and no desire to raise any, they want you to have this gift as a token of your thanks, in the hopes that it will aid you on your adventures.
When he presents that shield, everyone raises their mugs and toasts a hearty cheer to The Dragon Aces.
Smoke, friendly laughter, and a sea of smiling laughing faces surround Belkas. He leans back into the soft grass and takes a deep swig of the warm and malty beer. Looking at his companions, he smiles. They are good people, and it is nice to see them relax and enjoy themselves. Even Crowley, now in the form of a raven, seems to be having a good time, chatting away at Osmord's taciturn familiar. Would it be so bad to stay a while in a place like this, surrounded by nice people, building a simple house, and growing grain?
The smoke blows into his eyes, burning. He closes them, and the laughter and music mingle together into screams. His heart racing, he forces his eyes open and sees the ground covered with the mangled and dismembered bodies of halflings. He blinks again and everyone is fine, still dancing and drinking and enjoying themselves.
Belkas gets to his feet and wanders away from the celebrations. His skin is cold and clammy, and his heart is only starting to slow down. He would never be able to settle down in a place like this. It wouldn't be safe for others, and he knows there is something wrong, something broken, inside him.
When the shield is presented, Vernon will accept it. "We accept this shield in a spirit of mutual gratitude. We have saved you today, but this shield may yet save us many more times!" He bows.
Arisa solemnly thanks the halflings for the shield as well” we will see to it that it is put to good use, defending and protecting good people like yourselves everywhere we travel”. She is very much enjoying herself, and is also enjoying sharing her knowledge of herbalism and healing with the halflings.
After a few hours of parrying and merriment, the party winds down, and most of the halflings head off to their homes, tired, full and quite tipsy from many rounds of honey ale, which you learn is their specialty. Ollie extends you the invitation to camp right there in the middle of the party field, and bids you a good night. Sleep comes quickly to you all after the long day, and you wake the next morning to the sounds of roosters crowing and a pig, who has apparently gotten out of his pen and is licking one of Vernon's hands.
Arisa wakes early and says her prayers, and gets ready for the day. “Well, as pleasant as this has been, we should keep moving to goldenfields, maybe after breakfast.”
( Is Vernon carrying the new shield? )
Zyllith gets up, albeit slowly and groggy, as usual having reveled the night prior and taken full advantage of the honey ale she was offered. "Oh Aye, we'd be rioght chippa' after partakin' a good meal 'ere, 'fore we head out on tha road again."
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
Osmord emerges from his shell and worm takes flight with a loud caw. He slowly stretches;
"Good morning my friend, we have a long road ahead, shall we get moving?"
DM - Caves of the Kobold Slave Masters
Belkas wakes up renewed and refreshed. He bathes quickly in the stream, puts back on his armor and then walks back to see the others getting up.
He says, "A quick breakfast and then onwards to Goldenfields sounds great to me."
Vernon is startled awake by the pig, and quickly checks for his cheese. It is still in his backpack. He pulls out the new shield to examine it in the morning light, checking for inscriptions or signs of magic. "Does anyone else want this? I'm happy to use it if no one else does, but I don't want my proximity to Ollie to short anyone. I agree that we should eat breakfast before we leave."
EDIT: Investigation (if necessary): 17 + 3 = 20
As you rise and make your preparations for the day, the morning also begins for the halflings of Stouthollow, who emerge from their home and start delving into their chores and tending to livestock. Farmer Pinkett apologizes for his pig Gracie, and shoos her back into her pen.
Vernon
You inspect the shield, and although it doesn't have any inscriptions, other than the engraved eye on the metal piece, you determine that it does indeed have magical properties. You realize that when you hold it, you find yourself even more alert than usual.
It is in fact, a Sentinel Shield
Belkas waves goodbye to the halflings of Stouthollow, thanks them for their fine hospitality and promises to visit sometime in the future.