The Broken Sword Tavern in Loudwater was reputed to be the place for those seeking adventure, but you had been disappointed by its paucity of patrons.
A little before dark a short, priest of Helm entered the Tavern. Laughing and slapping the backs of a few patrons, he was nearly as wide as he was tall. At first, you find it hard to believe that he would be a priest of the Vigilant One, until you see the scars along his arms. The jovial and rotund priest spoke with the barkeep before gathering you at a large round table. He needed a small party to take some supplies to the Curate of Farell Keep. Rats had gotten into the storeroom, and the Curate had sent an urgent request for prayer books, primers and some vestments.
His offer had been paltry, only 5 gp apiece and another 10 on delivery, he had sweetened the offer with the promise of lodging for the night and the aid of priests along the way, not to mention the good standing of the Curate there. The Keep itself sits at the edge of wilder lands plagued by orcs, goblins and lizardfolk, and the Castellan of the Keep is known to have a bounty on such creatures.
After a comfortable night spent at his temple, you set out with the packs of supplies, which proved to be just what the priest had indicated. The journey to Farell Keep had been short and uneventful, though the road from Orlath to the Keep had proved to be rugged, and not fit for even the sturdiest wagon.
As you travel through the hills, you catch glimpses of the Keep seated upon a large hill of exposed stone on a forest plain of rolling hills.
Along the wall eager faces peer down at you, willing to greet new friends, but with crossbows and pole-arms promise a different greeting to foes.
Soon you are climbing the road to the Keep, a shear wall of stone wall is on your left and with a steep cliff to your right. As you reach the top, the main gate to the Keep is on your left. Blue clad men-at-arms, who guard the closed gate from above shout down at you to identify yourselves and your purpose.
“Identify yourselves,” shouts down one of the guards.
The main gate and walls to either side are 20 high. The main gate is flanked by two circular towers 30 high with large arrow slits at a 20 high. Along the wall, you can see other towers at irregular intervals. The space between the wall and the cliff is irregular, generally varying between 5 and 10 feet.
Steppingforward is the one who can only be described as a giant among dwarves. He is a head taller than the average dwarf, two sizes larger in diameter, pretty much as heavy as a dwarf house wife holding two kids in her armpits and one baby in her belly. You can add one goat if you include all his equipment. The giant dwarf ( Oh what word! ) stands in front of the gate and booms. " Greetings, good people of Farell Keep! Dorcas Firesoul at your service! We were sent by the priest of Loudwater to deliver supplies to your curate! Please open your gate and let us in! Because I'm starving! " Then just at that time, the dwarf's stomach lets out a huge howl that even the guards on the towers couldn't miss.
Just a moment ago Keun was panting, slouched, and dragging his feet as he made his way up the path. Wary of the drop on the side of the path, he had trudged along staring at his feet and making himself keep going. At the shouts of the guards his head snaps up and he takes in the gate ahead. Immediately perking up Keun puffs out his chest, stands up straight, and tries to flex his muscles. While not scrawny, this is a laughable notion as he is still a wiry youth, not to mention the distance the guards are away. This sweat drenched youth is an average sized human, standing around five feet and ten inches tall. His brown hair, eyes, and tan skin are dirty, dirtier than anyone else in this group despite having set off as clean as any of them. If not just for his youthful appearance, the struggles he has had along the road have given away his inexperience.
At the words from the dwarf he nods in agreement, suddenly realizing his own hunger. Struggling to maintain his upright position he hunches just a bit.
"Open the gate!" the guard calls down. "Four walkers." The sound of bolts can be heard being thrown , along with the unmistakable sound of iron on stone before the iron bound gate's swing open.
Inside the gate is a long wall, stretching to your right (north) till it meets another wall, and to the left ending just before meeting the south tower. The two sets of double doors (1 north of you, and 1 south) and the sound of horses to the north lead you to believe part of it is the stables. A handful of boys sit beside each of the doors playing some games.
However, what draws your attention are the four men before. Standing to the front is a man in full plate armor with an open-faced helm, a kite shield and armed with sword and dagger at his waist. Beside him is a tall thin man in robes with a tablet and quill. Flanking each man, is a man-at-arms in plate and armed with halberds and short swords.
"He'll need your names," he says jerking a thumb at the man in robes, then he beacons to the boys at the south door. "You," he says, " choosing one at random, "take them to the tavern, then go tell the Curate his supplies have arrived. The rest of you, take these packs into storage."
Turning back to you, "Keep the peace and their be no trouble. If you have any goods to stow, ol' Inks here will write you a receipt and the boys can store it in the warehouse."
"Dverin Olspire. Peace is easy to keep when there's hot food and cold drink to calm the stomach," unblinking, he adds, "and when one knows ones belongings are secure."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Praise the All Father! I am saved! These naughty cheeses in the carton seduced me all along the way! " Dorcas hits his shield and enters the gate. While Laughing, humming, shaking his belly, the dwarf observes the keep from the corner of his eyes. He listens carefully to the voice of stones, and tries to figure out how long this keep stands, how good it was built and if there were any siege to the keep.
History:17 (Doubled proficiency bonus because of Stonecunning.)
"Dorcas of the Firesoul clan!" Says the fat dwarf proudly. " The son of Gryron and Gwinlynn. The eldest brother of Arlin, Gorlin and Jinnah. Three times champion of the drinking contest of Everdale town. What I missed? … Oh also I'm a priest of Moradin too. Do you need me to prove it? " He shows the holy symbol and waves his fingers.
Keun is admiring the four men in front of him, he stands with his eyes wide and his mouth almost slack-jawed as he gazes at their armor and weapons. Walking slowly while staring at these guards he shuffles in front of the man in robes, eventually saying quietly, “I am Keun.” Finally getting over his admiration he looks to the boy charged with leading them and moves to follow them. As he walks off with him, he still looks longingly at the weapons and armor all around him.
The boy leads you to the south then to the west and eventually to a large courtyard with a well (#13). Along the way, doorways into various buildings can be seen, but there purpose remains a mystery. Somewhere the voices of children can be heard laughing and occasionally squealing in joy, and an occasional citizen can be seen moving around on various tasks. All of the building are 12 foot high and made of lime washed lumber.
The tavern's door (#15) appears to be the same as the others, and with no sign, only by looking in through the small windows would you be able to tell it is tavern. Opening the door, you enter into a quiet room 40 x 20. The west wall (left as you enter) is the castle wall, against which a stone fireplace has been erected. A large cauldron hangs over the glowing red coals. On the east side is a bar and a doorway which leads to another room behind the bar.
Besides the barkeep, there are eight other patrons sitting in two groups of 4 at tables by the fire and chatting between the tables. All are dressed in plain linen shirts and pants. The barkeep himself is a non-descript man of medium height and wearing a leather apron.
From the backroom comes the occasional clatter of dishes.
Dorcus
This area of the Keep is less than 20 years old, and the rock it rests upon is natural basalt which has been leveled. You do note, that the towers have overly large arrow slits facing inward also.
Dverin pauses for a moment to take in the surroundings. He immediately notices the barkeep but decides it may be better to avoid drinking, at least immediately. From his prolonged eye-balling the bar, he not-so-secretly hopes to make it apparent to his companions his wish for one of them to get a drink for him, saving him from his own belligerent conscience.
Hungry as he is, however, he steps over to the cauldron and curiously leans over to ascertain its contents.
While so doing, he listens to the conversations of the taverns patrons, pretending to be disinterested.
Keun thanks the boy who led them here and then steps in.
Upon seeing the barkeep he calls out, "Greetings! I would like some food if you have anything to offer." While making his way into the room he looks around for a good place to sit.
Turning towards the others he asks, "Shall we share a meal? I am famished!"
The Barkeep points to a small sign on the wall reading "Bill of Fare".
"Stew is venison and vegetables," he says in a disinterested, gravelly voice. "Been cooking since this morning, so should be nice and tender."
Dverin
The stew smells delicious, and you can tell it is venison and vegetables.
As you listen to the conversation, you hear 3 threads of discussion. 1) a contest of who has the most nagging wife, 2) guessing when the next supply train will come in, 3) something in the caves are afraid of dwarves.
Dorcas watched and listened to everything around them. He occasionally touches the wall and mutters "Interesting", "I see" and something like that. Then the dwarf finds the overly large arrow slits on the towers that…strangely face inward only. He makes mental note and walks faster to catch up his friends
In the tavern, Dorcas notices Dverin's unspoken words immediately. He approaches the barkeep. Unlike most dwarves, Dorcas can talk with someone behind the counter without jumping or tiptoeing. " My stomach says, I'd be glad to join you! And I have no objection!" The dwarf laughs and talks to the barkeep. " Greetings, good sir! Your stew smells heavenly! Can we have some? I also want bread,roasted fowl and cheese. A lot of cheese! " He laughs and continues. " Ah my throat burns for ales. Do you want the same drink, my friends? Or something else? " He looks at Keun and Larissa, then gives a glance at Dverin.
The gratitude and guilt mounts, yet Dverin's stomach keeps him from being too reticent.
"Oh, if you say so, friend! Truthfully, I was hoping you'd ask." Pausing for a moment, he tells the group, "I heard say, over there by the fire, of a cave nearby. Beyond that, I heard little. Its inhabitants apparentlydon't like dwarves," Dverin eyes Dorcas, "but it might make for an opportunity, for loot or what have you. Besides, I'msure Keun is eager for something a little more challenging than package delivery."
Keun perks up a bit, but his stomach immediately grumbles. "Let's enjoy this stew and then find out more from them!" Keun gets some stew, bread, and cheese, and sets to devouring the meal. In between bites, with his mouth full of food Keun suggests, "Should we ask them for more information?" He swallows a large bite and looks around with a sheepish smile, "Or wait until we're done eating?" As he is saying his last words he is simultaneously slurping up some stew and stuffing a large hunk of bread and cheese in his mouth.
The Barkeep whistles, and a serving maid soon emerges from the back, whom he instructs in your order before beginning to pour your drinks. "Bit of advice for you, being travelers and all," he starts. "There's caves out in those woods to the east sure enough, and there ain't noth'n friendly in them. Can't remember anyone going out looking for them that has come back, and I've been pulling drafts here for nigh on ten years. This is the last stop of civilization, and even the woods right around here ain't safe by day or night."
The serving maid returns with your stew and comments before going back, "Bah, there was them mercenaries a few years ago. They got some of the bounty."
"Hmmm", he grunts. "Eight went out and three came back. Half a dozen goblin ears is what they brought back, no matter what others will tell you. And they never found those caves. And if they was hardened mercenaries, then I'm the Prince of the Moonshaes."
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"ALWAYS GIVE A MONSTER AN EVEN BREAK!"
1st Edition DMG
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The Broken Sword Tavern in Loudwater was reputed to be the place for those seeking adventure, but you had been disappointed by its paucity of patrons.
A little before dark a short, priest of Helm entered the Tavern. Laughing and slapping the backs of a few patrons, he was nearly as wide as he was tall. At first, you find it hard to believe that he would be a priest of the Vigilant One, until you see the scars along his arms. The jovial and rotund priest spoke with the barkeep before gathering you at a large round table. He needed a small party to take some supplies to the Curate of Farell Keep. Rats had gotten into the storeroom, and the Curate had sent an urgent request for prayer books, primers and some vestments.
His offer had been paltry, only 5 gp apiece and another 10 on delivery, he had sweetened the offer with the promise of lodging for the night and the aid of priests along the way, not to mention the good standing of the Curate there. The Keep itself sits at the edge of wilder lands plagued by orcs, goblins and lizardfolk, and the Castellan of the Keep is known to have a bounty on such creatures.
After a comfortable night spent at his temple, you set out with the packs of supplies, which proved to be just what the priest had indicated. The journey to Farell Keep had been short and uneventful, though the road from Orlath to the Keep had proved to be rugged, and not fit for even the sturdiest wagon.
As you travel through the hills, you catch glimpses of the Keep seated upon a large hill of exposed stone on a forest plain of rolling hills.
Along the wall eager faces peer down at you, willing to greet new friends, but with crossbows and pole-arms promise a different greeting to foes.
Soon you are climbing the road to the Keep, a shear wall of stone wall is on your left and with a steep cliff to your right. As you reach the top, the main gate to the Keep is on your left. Blue clad men-at-arms, who guard the closed gate from above shout down at you to identify yourselves and your purpose.
“Identify yourselves,” shouts down one of the guards.
The main gate and walls to either side are 20 high. The main gate is flanked by two circular towers 30 high with large arrow slits at a 20 high. Along the wall, you can see other towers at irregular intervals. The space between the wall and the cliff is irregular, generally varying between 5 and 10 feet.
"ALWAYS GIVE A MONSTER AN EVEN BREAK!"
1st Edition DMG
Stepping forward is the one who can only be described as a giant among dwarves. He is a head taller than the average dwarf, two sizes larger in diameter, pretty much as heavy as a dwarf house wife holding two kids in her armpits and one baby in her belly. You can add one goat if you include all his equipment. The giant dwarf ( Oh what word! ) stands in front of the gate and booms. " Greetings, good people of Farell Keep! Dorcas Firesoul at your service! We were sent by the priest of Loudwater to deliver supplies to your curate! Please open your gate and let us in! Because I'm starving! " Then just at that time, the dwarf's stomach lets out a huge howl that even the guards on the towers couldn't miss.
Just a moment ago Keun was panting, slouched, and dragging his feet as he made his way up the path. Wary of the drop on the side of the path, he had trudged along staring at his feet and making himself keep going. At the shouts of the guards his head snaps up and he takes in the gate ahead. Immediately perking up Keun puffs out his chest, stands up straight, and tries to flex his muscles. While not scrawny, this is a laughable notion as he is still a wiry youth, not to mention the distance the guards are away. This sweat drenched youth is an average sized human, standing around five feet and ten inches tall. His brown hair, eyes, and tan skin are dirty, dirtier than anyone else in this group despite having set off as clean as any of them. If not just for his youthful appearance, the struggles he has had along the road have given away his inexperience.
At the words from the dwarf he nods in agreement, suddenly realizing his own hunger. Struggling to maintain his upright position he hunches just a bit.
Dverin looks up at the guard and smiles, trying his best to look unassuming. Truth is, he just wants to rest for a moment.
"Open the gate!" the guard calls down. "Four walkers." The sound of bolts can be heard being thrown , along with the unmistakable sound of iron on stone before the iron bound gate's swing open.
Inside the gate is a long wall, stretching to your right (north) till it meets another wall, and to the left ending just before meeting the south tower. The two sets of double doors (1 north of you, and 1 south) and the sound of horses to the north lead you to believe part of it is the stables. A handful of boys sit beside each of the doors playing some games.
However, what draws your attention are the four men before. Standing to the front is a man in full plate armor with an open-faced helm, a kite shield and armed with sword and dagger at his waist. Beside him is a tall thin man in robes with a tablet and quill. Flanking each man, is a man-at-arms in plate and armed with halberds and short swords.
"He'll need your names," he says jerking a thumb at the man in robes, then he beacons to the boys at the south door. "You," he says, " choosing one at random, "take them to the tavern, then go tell the Curate his supplies have arrived. The rest of you, take these packs into storage."
Turning back to you, "Keep the peace and their be no trouble. If you have any goods to stow, ol' Inks here will write you a receipt and the boys can store it in the warehouse."
[Map on Campaign page updated]
"ALWAYS GIVE A MONSTER AN EVEN BREAK!"
1st Edition DMG
Dverin obliges both requests.
"Dverin Olspire. Peace is easy to keep when there's hot food and cold drink to calm the stomach," unblinking, he adds, "and when one knows ones belongings are secure."
"Praise the All Father! I am saved! These naughty cheeses in the carton seduced me all along the way! " Dorcas hits his shield and enters the gate. While Laughing, humming, shaking his belly, the dwarf observes the keep from the corner of his eyes. He listens carefully to the voice of stones, and tries to figure out how long this keep stands, how good it was built and if there were any siege to the keep.
History:17 (Doubled proficiency bonus because of Stonecunning.)
"Dorcas of the Firesoul clan!" Says the fat dwarf proudly. " The son of Gryron and Gwinlynn. The eldest brother of Arlin, Gorlin and Jinnah. Three times champion of the drinking contest of Everdale town. What I missed? … Oh also I'm a priest of Moradin too. Do you need me to prove it? " He shows the holy symbol and waves his fingers.
Keun is admiring the four men in front of him, he stands with his eyes wide and his mouth almost slack-jawed as he gazes at their armor and weapons. Walking slowly while staring at these guards he shuffles in front of the man in robes, eventually saying quietly, “I am Keun.” Finally getting over his admiration he looks to the boy charged with leading them and moves to follow them. As he walks off with him, he still looks longingly at the weapons and armor all around him.
The boy leads you to the south then to the west and eventually to a large courtyard with a well (#13). Along the way, doorways into various buildings can be seen, but there purpose remains a mystery. Somewhere the voices of children can be heard laughing and occasionally squealing in joy, and an occasional citizen can be seen moving around on various tasks. All of the building are 12 foot high and made of lime washed lumber.
The tavern's door (#15) appears to be the same as the others, and with no sign, only by looking in through the small windows would you be able to tell it is tavern. Opening the door, you enter into a quiet room 40 x 20. The west wall (left as you enter) is the castle wall, against which a stone fireplace has been erected. A large cauldron hangs over the glowing red coals. On the east side is a bar and a doorway which leads to another room behind the bar.
Besides the barkeep, there are eight other patrons sitting in two groups of 4 at tables by the fire and chatting between the tables. All are dressed in plain linen shirts and pants. The barkeep himself is a non-descript man of medium height and wearing a leather apron.
From the backroom comes the occasional clatter of dishes.
Dorcus
This area of the Keep is less than 20 years old, and the rock it rests upon is natural basalt which has been leveled. You do note, that the towers have overly large arrow slits facing inward also.
"ALWAYS GIVE A MONSTER AN EVEN BREAK!"
1st Edition DMG
Dverin pauses for a moment to take in the surroundings. He immediately notices the barkeep but decides it may be better to avoid drinking, at least immediately. From his prolonged eye-balling the bar, he not-so-secretly hopes to make it apparent to his companions his wish for one of them to get a drink for him, saving him from his own belligerent conscience.
Hungry as he is, however, he steps over to the cauldron and curiously leans over to ascertain its contents.
While so doing, he listens to the conversations of the taverns patrons, pretending to be disinterested.
Keun thanks the boy who led them here and then steps in.
Upon seeing the barkeep he calls out, "Greetings! I would like some food if you have anything to offer." While making his way into the room he looks around for a good place to sit.
Turning towards the others he asks, "Shall we share a meal? I am famished!"
Bill of Fare
The Barkeep points to a small sign on the wall reading "Bill of Fare".
"Stew is venison and vegetables," he says in a disinterested, gravelly voice. "Been cooking since this morning, so should be nice and tender."
Dverin
The stew smells delicious, and you can tell it is venison and vegetables.
As you listen to the conversation, you hear 3 threads of discussion. 1) a contest of who has the most nagging wife, 2) guessing when the next supply train will come in, 3) something in the caves are afraid of dwarves.
"ALWAYS GIVE A MONSTER AN EVEN BREAK!"
1st Edition DMG
Dorcas watched and listened to everything around them. He occasionally touches the wall and mutters "Interesting", "I see" and something like that. Then the dwarf finds the overly large arrow slits on the towers that…strangely face inward only. He makes mental note and walks faster to catch up his friends
In the tavern, Dorcas notices Dverin's unspoken words immediately. He approaches the barkeep. Unlike most dwarves, Dorcas can talk with someone behind the counter without jumping or tiptoeing. " My stomach says, I'd be glad to join you! And I have no objection!" The dwarf laughs and talks to the barkeep. " Greetings, good sir! Your stew smells heavenly! Can we have some? I also want bread,roasted fowl and cheese. A lot of cheese! " He laughs and continues. " Ah my throat burns for ales. Do you want the same drink, my friends? Or something else? " He looks at Keun and Larissa, then gives a glance at Dverin.
The gratitude and guilt mounts, yet Dverin's stomach keeps him from being too reticent.
"Oh, if you say so, friend! Truthfully, I was hoping you'd ask." Pausing for a moment, he tells the group, "I heard say, over there by the fire, of a cave nearby. Beyond that, I heard little. Its inhabitants apparently don't like dwarves," Dverin eyes Dorcas, "but it might make for an opportunity, for loot or what have you. Besides, I'm sure Keun is eager for something a little more challenging than package delivery."
Keun perks up a bit, but his stomach immediately grumbles. "Let's enjoy this stew and then find out more from them!" Keun gets some stew, bread, and cheese, and sets to devouring the meal. In between bites, with his mouth full of food Keun suggests, "Should we ask them for more information?" He swallows a large bite and looks around with a sheepish smile, "Or wait until we're done eating?" As he is saying his last words he is simultaneously slurping up some stew and stuffing a large hunk of bread and cheese in his mouth.
The Barkeep whistles, and a serving maid soon emerges from the back, whom he instructs in your order before beginning to pour your drinks. "Bit of advice for you, being travelers and all," he starts. "There's caves out in those woods to the east sure enough, and there ain't noth'n friendly in them. Can't remember anyone going out looking for them that has come back, and I've been pulling drafts here for nigh on ten years. This is the last stop of civilization, and even the woods right around here ain't safe by day or night."
The serving maid returns with your stew and comments before going back, "Bah, there was them mercenaries a few years ago. They got some of the bounty."
"Hmmm", he grunts. "Eight went out and three came back. Half a dozen goblin ears is what they brought back, no matter what others will tell you. And they never found those caves. And if they was hardened mercenaries, then I'm the Prince of the Moonshaes."
"ALWAYS GIVE A MONSTER AN EVEN BREAK!"
1st Edition DMG