“That is impressive”, Lucius agrees. “Correct me if I misunderstand, but do the people not trust the Marshals? We can attempt to avoid the Shire Reeves on the road to avoid unnecessary trouble, but what harm in announcing ourselves at this Downs place?”.
"Well, I would suggest leaving in the morning, tis only 60 or so miles north along the road. Though the country is hilly, shouldn't take more than 4 days to get there. Five if the weather turns bad. As to keeping being Marshal's secret, well, the Downs is far from any Royal or House authority. Not even sure they are big enough for a Mayor. I'll leave that decision to you, but groups of adventurers heading north into the mountains and beyond into the Wilderlands aren't unheard of so far north."
"As to young Evan, its not that there is any evidence. More of a feeling, that he has just unofficially left the Service that me, the Sergeant and the Captain have. He'll go weeks without reporting in, then report saying none of the messages arrived. The Captain checked and it would take some strong magical or evil fields to interrupt the spells cast on our badges."
"Rumors is mostly what we have about the bad luck. Crops withering overnight, two headed calves being born, wells going dry, bad storms, houses falling in sink holes, and the like. I'd not credit any of it, I hadn't met this type of pioneering people before."
OoC: In general, much of the Eriasian populace either considers Marshal's to be a legend or they more like a Texas Ranger coming to town to facedown the local bandit or corrupt official, etc. (https://youtu.be/nWpSeuPzsKI)
Lucius listens with interest as Cinnabar answers their questions. "One or two of things occurring is bad luck, all those things at once is something else. And nothing good", he says gravely. "As the others have suggested, we will not advertise our affiliation with Marshal's whilst travelling, and possibly best if I keep my hood up for the most part as well".
He looks at the others around him. "And is our group complete, or are you expecting more deputies before the morning?"
Ragnar, arrives and enters the tavern. His traveling clothes and deep green cloak is splattered with mud of different shades from the long travel. His longbow and quiver hang on his shoulder, along with his pack, a longsword at his side. He lowers his hood, and approaches the bar keep.
From his gait and his form, Ragnar's Half Wood Elf background is evident. A tall, nearly 6-foot frame and chiseled features speaks of his physical endurance of treking the deep woods and mountains. His brown hair is pulled back into a ponytail, ranger fashion. His facial hair is rough, more from being on the trail then on purpose, but his grey-green eyes watches and takes in everything as he enters the tavern.
Worn out from the long travel and being caught in a freakish early snowstorm that showed him in for the past five days, shows on his travel weary face. At the bar, he calls for mulled wine, and some food to fill an empty belly.
Ragnar, arrives and enters the tavern. His traveling clothes and deep green cloak is splattered with mud of different shades from the long travel. His longbow and quiver hang on his shoulder, along with his pack, a longsword at his side. He lowers his hood, and approaches the bar keep.
From his gait and his form, Ragnar's Half Wood Elf background is evident. A tall, nearly 6-foot frame and chiseled features speaks of his physical endurance of treking the deep woods and mountains. His brown hair is pulled back into a ponytail, ranger fashion. His facial hair is rough, more from being on the trail then on purpose, but his grey-green eyes watches and takes in everything as he enters the tavern.
Worn out from the long travel and being caught in a freakish early snowstorm that showed him in for the past five days, shows on his travel weary face. At the bar, he calls for mulled wine, and some food to fill an empty belly.
OoC: Sorry, Aaggie, I am going to have to change some of this up... BTW, its late spring.
Ragnar
Arriving well after midnight, you find the doors to the Inn closed and locked and the windows shuttered, though light still peaks through some of the lower level windows. Hoping someone is still awake, you pound loudly at the locked door.
It takes a few minutes, but eventually the door opens. The figure waiting there is not some sleepy innkeeper. He is an older, large man in a chainmail shirt, with a well used longsword at his side. He gives you a brief, broken toothed grin before speaking, "You must be Ragnar. You're late. Everyone else is here. Let me show you to Cinnabar and the others."
Despite your being a Half-Elf, he doesn't seem concerned at all...
He leads you through the empty Inn to a private dinning area, where he opens the door on a curious group.
At the head is a Gnome, dressed in hunting leathers and a pair of short swords. Ranged around the table is another Half-Elf, a Halfling, an Emerald Dragonborn, a Dwarf, and a Half-Orc. While standing beside the door is an older woman, dressed in peasant clothing, but wearing a beautiful blue cloak with silver embroidering and intricate silver bracers.
Party (no Ragnar)
Just as Lucius finishes asking if the party is assembled, there comes a pounding at the Inn's front door. Cinnabar gives Lucius a sidelong glance before saying, "I imagine that is the last member of your party. Marius, would you mind letting Ragnar in and bringing him here. No need to play the innocent Innkeeper with him." Marius gives a cold smile (think Lurch from the original Addams family) as he opens the door and heads out.
He returns a moment later with the last member of the party whose traveling clothes and deep green cloak are splattered with mud of different shades from the long travel. His longbow and quiver hang on his shoulder, along with his pack, a longsword at his side. He lowers his hood as he enters the room.
From his gait and his form, Ragnar's Half Wood Elf background is evident. A tall, nearly 6-foot frame and chiseled features speaks of his physical endurance of trekking the deep woods and mountains. His brown hair is pulled back into a ponytail, ranger fashion. His facial hair is rough, more from being on the trail then on purpose, but his grey-green eyes watches and takes in everything as he enters the tavern.
Everyone
Cinnabar looks Ragnar over, "Rough journey I gather. I'm Marshal Cinnabar, have a seat would you. I was just answering questions about your assignment, but I'll let you introduce yourselves."
Cinnabar turns to the two humans, "Would you mind getting our traveler something from the kitchen."
Cinnabar watches as Ragnar takes a seat, muttering to himself. You do catch the words Captain, circus, joke and trouble.
Lucius sees the unfamiliar half elf enter and his eyes narrow a touch. This should be interesting. He looks him over, noting the physique and way his hair is worn ranger style, along with his choice of weapons. He would deduce that this half elf didn't spend much time in court, although he also knew that looks could be deceptive. He himself was fond of the hunt after all.
He stands slowly and nods his head curtly, using his courtly experience to show the barest possible levels of respect without drawing offence. He wondered if the other half elf would even notice though. Lucius had determined to forego House politics as much as possible when joining the Marshals, but he hadn't anticipated being in a party with someone from another House. Which one though? Knowing that his own had alliances and enmities alike with the other Houses.
"Good evening Ragnar, I am Lucius, welcome to our table", he says formally.
“Welcome ranger, it has been a long road getting here, it looks like you hit the worst of it!” Ragnik happily welcomes Ragnar with a smile, but remains seated.
”As the captain has said, you’ve not missed much, we’re just getting into the nitty gritty now.”
"So, is this meeting adjourned or do we have any other important information to discuss? It is late, and I am tired," Muktak says to Cinnabar while standing up. "I presume this inn is providing quarters for the night,"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past, I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone, there will be nothing. Only I will remain.
Lucius motions towards Muktak, "Our impatient friend here is called Muktak", then towards Ragnik, "And this is Ragnik, he often forgets to introduce himself it seems". He then looks to Eraleigh to see if he will introduce himself.
"I apologize for my curtness, it is a pleasure to make you acquaintance Ragnar,"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past, I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone, there will be nothing. Only I will remain.
Ragnar takes a seat, looks at all of you intently. "It has been some time the last we saw one another if I am not mistaken, way back to the academy days. Its good to see you all once more. I do apologize for the tardiness, was caught up in my last assignment and could not leave until it was accomplished."
"Well, If your ready for bed. The room right above this is the family quarters, and I have the room in the southwest corner. But your welcome to the rest as the Inn is empty," says Cinnabar.
Lucius also rises, "Yes thank you for your hospitality. I will adjourn to one of the rooms now, and rise early in order to make the most of the day for travelling". He will give a small bow to those in the room, gather his things and head upstairs, taking the four bed room on the left.
“My apologies, I keep forgetting I’m not known in these lands , Ragnik Daraln is the name.” Ragnik gives another cheery smile to Ragnar. “An early start sounds sensible to me, I bud you all a good evening!”
Ragnik hops off his chair and shoulder his heavy pack once following Lucius up stairs to find an unoccupied room.
Muktak says goodnight to his new associates, and goes to bed.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past, I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone, there will be nothing. Only I will remain.
The night passes without incident. The tavern is empty when you awake except for the Innkeeper and his wife, who make you breakfast before you leave and provide you with 4 days fresh rations. Cinnabar also left a map (see campaign description) of the area and instructions to take the north road for 20 miles, then take the left fork away from the sea
Please adjust rations to 6 days total.
Last chance for questions...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"ALWAYS GIVE A MONSTER AN EVEN BREAK!"
1st Edition DMG
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“That is impressive”, Lucius agrees. “Correct me if I misunderstand, but do the people not trust the Marshals? We can attempt to avoid the Shire Reeves on the road to avoid unnecessary trouble, but what harm in announcing ourselves at this Downs place?”.
"Well, I would suggest leaving in the morning, tis only 60 or so miles north along the road. Though the country is hilly, shouldn't take more than 4 days to get there. Five if the weather turns bad. As to keeping being Marshal's secret, well, the Downs is far from any Royal or House authority. Not even sure they are big enough for a Mayor. I'll leave that decision to you, but groups of adventurers heading north into the mountains and beyond into the Wilderlands aren't unheard of so far north."
"As to young Evan, its not that there is any evidence. More of a feeling, that he has just unofficially left the Service that me, the Sergeant and the Captain have. He'll go weeks without reporting in, then report saying none of the messages arrived. The Captain checked and it would take some strong magical or evil fields to interrupt the spells cast on our badges."
"Rumors is mostly what we have about the bad luck. Crops withering overnight, two headed calves being born, wells going dry, bad storms, houses falling in sink holes, and the like. I'd not credit any of it, I hadn't met this type of pioneering people before."
OoC: In general, much of the Eriasian populace either considers Marshal's to be a legend or they more like a Texas Ranger coming to town to facedown the local bandit or corrupt official, etc. (https://youtu.be/nWpSeuPzsKI)
"ALWAYS GIVE A MONSTER AN EVEN BREAK!"
1st Edition DMG
Lucius listens with interest as Cinnabar answers their questions. "One or two of things occurring is bad luck, all those things at once is something else. And nothing good", he says gravely. "As the others have suggested, we will not advertise our affiliation with Marshal's whilst travelling, and possibly best if I keep my hood up for the most part as well".
He looks at the others around him. "And is our group complete, or are you expecting more deputies before the morning?"
“Let’s just hope their bad luck doesn’t become our bad luck.” Eraleigh mumbles, looking around the group again.
Paladin - warforged - orange
Ragnar, arrives and enters the tavern. His traveling clothes and deep green cloak is splattered with mud of different shades from the long travel. His longbow and quiver hang on his shoulder, along with his pack, a longsword at his side. He lowers his hood, and approaches the bar keep.
From his gait and his form, Ragnar's Half Wood Elf background is evident. A tall, nearly 6-foot frame and chiseled features speaks of his physical endurance of treking the deep woods and mountains. His brown hair is pulled back into a ponytail, ranger fashion. His facial hair is rough, more from being on the trail then on purpose, but his grey-green eyes watches and takes in everything as he enters the tavern.
Worn out from the long travel and being caught in a freakish early snowstorm that showed him in for the past five days, shows on his travel weary face. At the bar, he calls for mulled wine, and some food to fill an empty belly.
OoC: Sorry, Aaggie, I am going to have to change some of this up... BTW, its late spring.
Ragnar
Arriving well after midnight, you find the doors to the Inn closed and locked and the windows shuttered, though light still peaks through some of the lower level windows. Hoping someone is still awake, you pound loudly at the locked door.
It takes a few minutes, but eventually the door opens. The figure waiting there is not some sleepy innkeeper. He is an older, large man in a chainmail shirt, with a well used longsword at his side. He gives you a brief, broken toothed grin before speaking, "You must be Ragnar. You're late. Everyone else is here. Let me show you to Cinnabar and the others."
Despite your being a Half-Elf, he doesn't seem concerned at all...
He leads you through the empty Inn to a private dinning area, where he opens the door on a curious group.
At the head is a Gnome, dressed in hunting leathers and a pair of short swords. Ranged around the table is another Half-Elf, a Halfling, an Emerald Dragonborn, a Dwarf, and a Half-Orc. While standing beside the door is an older woman, dressed in peasant clothing, but wearing a beautiful blue cloak with silver embroidering and intricate silver bracers.
Party (no Ragnar)
Just as Lucius finishes asking if the party is assembled, there comes a pounding at the Inn's front door. Cinnabar gives Lucius a sidelong glance before saying, "I imagine that is the last member of your party. Marius, would you mind letting Ragnar in and bringing him here. No need to play the innocent Innkeeper with him." Marius gives a cold smile (think Lurch from the original Addams family) as he opens the door and heads out.
He returns a moment later with the last member of the party whose traveling clothes and deep green cloak are splattered with mud of different shades from the long travel. His longbow and quiver hang on his shoulder, along with his pack, a longsword at his side. He lowers his hood as he enters the room.
From his gait and his form, Ragnar's Half Wood Elf background is evident. A tall, nearly 6-foot frame and chiseled features speaks of his physical endurance of trekking the deep woods and mountains. His brown hair is pulled back into a ponytail, ranger fashion. His facial hair is rough, more from being on the trail then on purpose, but his grey-green eyes watches and takes in everything as he enters the tavern.
Everyone
Cinnabar looks Ragnar over, "Rough journey I gather. I'm Marshal Cinnabar, have a seat would you. I was just answering questions about your assignment, but I'll let you introduce yourselves."
Cinnabar turns to the two humans, "Would you mind getting our traveler something from the kitchen."
Cinnabar watches as Ragnar takes a seat, muttering to himself. You do catch the words Captain, circus, joke and trouble.
"ALWAYS GIVE A MONSTER AN EVEN BREAK!"
1st Edition DMG
Lucius sees the unfamiliar half elf enter and his eyes narrow a touch. This should be interesting. He looks him over, noting the physique and way his hair is worn ranger style, along with his choice of weapons. He would deduce that this half elf didn't spend much time in court, although he also knew that looks could be deceptive. He himself was fond of the hunt after all.
He stands slowly and nods his head curtly, using his courtly experience to show the barest possible levels of respect without drawing offence. He wondered if the other half elf would even notice though. Lucius had determined to forego House politics as much as possible when joining the Marshals, but he hadn't anticipated being in a party with someone from another House. Which one though? Knowing that his own had alliances and enmities alike with the other Houses.
"Good evening Ragnar, I am Lucius, welcome to our table", he says formally.
“Welcome ranger, it has been a long road getting here, it looks like you hit the worst of it!” Ragnik happily welcomes Ragnar with a smile, but remains seated.
”As the captain has said, you’ve not missed much, we’re just getting into the nitty gritty now.”
"Welcome to the party, Ragnar." As he says this he also drops his disguise. "My name is Nadaar."
D&D since 1984
"So, is this meeting adjourned or do we have any other important information to discuss? It is late, and I am tired," Muktak says to Cinnabar while standing up. "I presume this inn is providing quarters for the night,"
I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past, I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone, there will be nothing. Only I will remain.
- Litany Against Fear, Frank Herbert
Lucius motions towards Muktak, "Our impatient friend here is called Muktak", then towards Ragnik, "And this is Ragnik, he often forgets to introduce himself it seems". He then looks to Eraleigh to see if he will introduce himself.
"I apologize for my curtness, it is a pleasure to make you acquaintance Ragnar,"
I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past, I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone, there will be nothing. Only I will remain.
- Litany Against Fear, Frank Herbert
OoC: Ragnar, I am assuming you can read back a bit.
If anyone has any last questions...
"ALWAYS GIVE A MONSTER AN EVEN BREAK!"
1st Edition DMG
Ragnar takes a seat, looks at all of you intently. "It has been some time the last we saw one another if I am not mistaken, way back to the academy days. Its good to see you all once more. I do apologize for the tardiness, was caught up in my last assignment and could not leave until it was accomplished."
"Well, If your ready for bed. The room right above this is the family quarters, and I have the room in the southwest corner. But your welcome to the rest as the Inn is empty," says Cinnabar.
"ALWAYS GIVE A MONSTER AN EVEN BREAK!"
1st Edition DMG
Nadaar thanks our hosts, says good night and starts to head up stairs, he turns and say “what time are we coming together in the morning? “
D&D since 1984
Lucius also rises, "Yes thank you for your hospitality. I will adjourn to one of the rooms now, and rise early in order to make the most of the day for travelling". He will give a small bow to those in the room, gather his things and head upstairs, taking the four bed room on the left.
“My apologies, I keep forgetting I’m not known in these lands , Ragnik Daraln is the name.” Ragnik gives another cheery smile to Ragnar. “An early start sounds sensible to me, I bud you all a good evening!”
Ragnik hops off his chair and shoulder his heavy pack once following Lucius up stairs to find an unoccupied room.
Muktak says goodnight to his new associates, and goes to bed.
I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past, I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone, there will be nothing. Only I will remain.
- Litany Against Fear, Frank Herbert
The night passes without incident. The tavern is empty when you awake except for the Innkeeper and his wife, who make you breakfast before you leave and provide you with 4 days fresh rations. Cinnabar also left a map (see campaign description) of the area and instructions to take the north road for 20 miles, then take the left fork away from the sea
Please adjust rations to 6 days total.
Last chance for questions...
"ALWAYS GIVE A MONSTER AN EVEN BREAK!"
1st Edition DMG