Shepherd's Crossing

Dyoken obliges, taking a knee. "Mind you, nightfall is approaching. It's not ideal for a search." 

Knowing that at least one of you will listen to this tale, Elder Gaddok starts to regale you with the tale of Stole the Hero. As he speaks, it's almost like the room goes dark and you see what he explains to you with your own eyes.

This is the legend of Stole. 

A long time ago, we used to dwell in a place called Rubblecreek. It was a peaceful village that resided not too far from here. Work was plentiful and families were happy. Everyone had a place in the community... except for one. 

Stole.

On a stormy day, not unlike this one, a babe's cry lured all the villagers out of their homes and toward the center of town. There they found a mysterious bundle in a basket labeled Stole, written in ivy as it would happen. As the people swarmed the basket, the Priestess of Udea pulled the wrapped bundle from the wicker and revealed the face of the crying child. The gasp of the villagers overcame the crack of thunder as they all witnessed a sight yet unseen - a demonic child. 

With no parents to speak of, the Priestess of Udea took the child in. He was named Stole, as it was the only clue of his identity. The child was ostracized and rarely kept company aside from his aging caretaker. He worked in the fields owned by the farmers at the behest of the priestess and had a way with animals. He shepherded goats, which only furthered the jokes and insults lodged his way by his peers, but Stole made the best of it.

When Stole was a young man, a band of goblins came to the village and attacked. Frightened and used to an easy life, the villagers fled and hid in their homes. Stole, alone, stood against them. Single-handedly, he vanquished the goblins. One might believe that Stole would have finally found appreciation, but seeing his 'dark' talents the villagers felt only fear. Not even the Priestess of Udea could convince them otherwise. That same day, Stole departed, but the village found peace... but only for the next few days.

You see, the goblin attack was only the precursor to a greater doom. Nary a week after, a horde attacked the village. The horde was made of all sorts of monsters. Goblins, orcs, gnolls, and they were all led by a cruel gnoll mistress we only call Thi-Fa. They threw fire onto the rooftops, they slew people in the streets, and they relished their viciousness after seeing that the village had only one defender. Just when all hope was lost, Stole reappeared brandishing a curved blade, unlike anything anyone has seen before. 

Again, Stole fought and defeated a large number of this horde alone. Thi-Fa noticed this challenger slaughtering her troops and howled with fury. The two engaged in combat, they were evenly matched as Thi-Fa ordered members of her pack to press their advantage, but after a long battle, Thi-Fa was felled. With the death of their leader, the remaining monsters fled back to the mountains afraid that the demon may turn his ire to them next.

The night was saved by Stole, yet Thi-Fa had managed to secure a mortal wound. The Priestess of Udea tried to heal the wound, but it would not close despite her clerical powers. He passed away, but not before requesting that he be buried at a specific location...

The village destroyed, we built a new home which we named after our great hero, but do not think this story has such a sad ending! For you see, every time monsters attack - Stole the Hero appears! Covered in bandages and wielding his curved blade, Stole always comes back to rescue us when we need it most.

"And so you see, that's why it's particularly odd he hasn't come back yet," Elder Gaddok remarks. "In my years, I've seen Stole with my own two eyes no less than 10 times! Mercy, the tiefling girl you asked about, I think she bears a great weight on her shoulders. Mysteriously arriving in the same fashion as Stole? Not only that but a tiefling with coloring more akin to a dark-skinned human than red? I believe that Mercy has set out to fight the gnolls herself..." The elder shakes his head. "Please, will you head to the old village of Rubblecreek and see if you can find her? Convince her to come back to us? While you are there, we would certainly appreciate it if you would dispatch the gnolls in the area as well... I would appreciate it to the tune of, oh say, 500 gold pieces?"

(You can make any checks you think appropriate, but I will say Luthok knows the spoiler if he stayed and listened.)

Muireach thinks over the story, “Tell me, this blade. What are it’s features?”

Dyoken nods and stands, but before he makes for the door he asks, "Do you have anything more that can help us on this quest?" 

@Muireach "Eh, the blade?" the elder strokes his chin, "I believe the blade... is curved... wait I said that already. I can say that... I think it looks pretty cool."

@DK "I have a map of the valley you can borrow. It has the old village marked on it. I can show you a vague idea of where Stole's tomb is in case the girl isn't around the village."

DK takes the map and charges into adventure! (How long 'til night fall?)

It is basically night time right now with the storm blotting the sky with its raindrops and whatnot. It is nearly dinner time. 

Dyoken borrows Luthok's Lantern from Merrick and lights it.

Luthok listenes to the old ones tales. He knows that old people usually carry a lot of great wisdom and stories, with himself as no exception. "Somethin' weird with this demon-blood feller. Might be a curse or a blessing that makes him come when the town is trouble. That explains the strange erection of the statue too. I suggest we follow them in the morne'. I get moodswings when I miss out on sleep." 

At mention of the word “moodswings,” Muireach looks into the hard camera.

Merrick listens intently to the story of Stole. "Swole sounds like a strong fellow indeed!" he muses. "Well, let's go!"

(so what is the plan my dudes. Going back to the inn and eating with the archeologists? Hitting up a tavern? Starting your adventure literally right now? 

Also, a note, Vivi listened to this legend too. Garamon is off doing his own thing somewhere...)

DK consults with his allies and we hold an impromptu vote.

DK feels time is of the essence and would like to begin immediately.

Luthok suggested waiting 'til morning.

I believe we are all at our full strength, but Merrick and Dyoken don't have Darkvision.

Time is indeed of the essence. Muireach votes Go.

Luthok joins in with the eager ones. Although not without a series of humphs and grumphs. 

Merrick is halfway out the door before he realizes everyone is discussing something. "We can talk later, right now we need to go!"

Dyoken carries the lantern and gives the map to Muireach.

Muireach squints at the map, then realizes that he is holding it upside down. This was a good choice.

Map:

Our heroes decide to venture forth immediately despite the weather and darkness. How brave! With them currently is Vivi, while Garamon is doing whatever it is he does when left to his own devices. Looking at the map, it becomes clear that following the creek will lead them easily to the ruins of Rubblecreek Village. Everyone is well aware of the gnoll problem, and so the group keeps vigilant as they make their way toward their destination.

I need a survival check from someone and perception checks from everyone. Please feel free to also roll any checks that seem pertinent to the task at hand.

(Muireach can see =P )

Dyoken navigates the wet and slippery slopes (Survival: 3, Perception: 7)