The steward escorts you back to the manor house and up to the second floor by stairs in the main hall. A short hallway leads to a heavy wooden door. He opens the door for you to enter what looks like a library. There are several book shelves holding volumes and scrolls. A desk is across the room. Ullur is sitting behind it. He stands when you enter. To his right you see Olar who looks like he is fresh from hard work. There are chairs sitting before the desk. A fine rug covers the floor. An armor rack stand in the far corner and hold a suit of scale mail made from what looks to be wood. The oak leaf symbol is present on the chest.
As you enter, you pass into the area of a Zone of Truth.
Ullur welcomes you, "Please join us and have a seat. I understand the rudeness of placing you into the area of my spell. But, we have little room for error out here on the edge of the mountains. I must protect my clan and lease-holders. I hope that you understand. I will treat with you honestly if you do the same."
"Lord Ullur, it is quite understandable and expected, given the extreme conditions where you domicile, that you would take necessary means to protect your clan. I would do the same."
"Please speak freely and honestly and you will be repaid in kind." Kragen touches his Holy Symbol in a gesture, thinking to himself, Tyr would approve. And smiles fondly.
“Perhaps more complete introductions? I am Ullur Barder, son of Olle, Lord of Barder Ranch.” He gestures to Omar, “This is Olar, my son.” Olar stands and nods, “Greetings, again.”
Kragen stands, addressing Ullur. "Well met, Ullur Barder, Son of Olle, Lord of Barder Ranch." nodding to Olar. "Greetings again, Olar Barder, son of Ullur."
placing his hand to heart "I am Kragen Gravelbeard, Son of Anvil, hailing from Clan Delhalls of the Galena Mountains, Cleric of Tyr.
Bows to Ullur and then Olar, then looks to the others in anticipation.
Ullur Barder and Lord Barder I'm Chadwick LeRoy Jenkins, Paladin of Tyr. I hail from a village called Monstordrink in the Silver marshes. Many thanks for granting us an audience.
I foresee many days of hard rations ahead of us, so this meal <gesturing towards it> is most welcomed.
Your lordship, I am Trolkarl Ravenshield of Cormyr. Thank you for your hospitality and frankness. I respect the boundaries you have set to protect those under your care.
Trolkarl holds his hands open, intending a gesture of peace.
The truth, forced or not, is the same—if you are concerned with safeguarding these realms and the welfare of good people, then we have mutual interest.
Erbert is walking around the room, causually looking and peering at the volumes and scrolls. His hands twinkle with excitement as he looks for anything unknown, anything that he can use. Periodically he looks around, looks over to Ullur and Olar, and when a quiet moment approaches, he says “Erbert Jenkor Jerriheimerschmidt, of the Red Eye band. Solver of mysteries. Master of illusions. Evoker extraordinaire. While I understand your intention, casting a spell on one’s guests is rather rude, and sometimes… dangerous. But, like I said, I know the good place that it came from. So we can move forward, yes?” Erbert pauses and faces Ullur and Olar, watching for any dissemblance or disingenuity.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Ullur nods as he pours several goblets of wine out from a decanter from a tray sitting on his desk. "You are correct, Erbert of the Red Eye Band. My apologies again for resorting to this. I fear a fast decision must be made that involves my trusting a heavily armed group of strangers that appeared on my doorstep tonight," he says with a half smile. These he offers to each of you and lastly to Olar and for himself. "Olar has returned from investigating the fire you saw to the north," he turns to him. "Why don't you tell them all that you saw." He then sits at the desk again taking a long drought from his goblet.
Olar nods to his father, "Yes, thank you," he says taking the goblet and drinking. "The Bright Water Ranch is located where you saw the smoke. They sit beside the river on a rise that overlooks a section of rapids. The river makes a large pool on the downstream and upstream sides, but the rapids are not navigable. They operate a ferry service across the river there for anyone who needs it. One of their lease holder's farm was attacked at sundown behind the mountains. That is unusual for the goblins and bugbears that attacked. They prefer the cover of night. It was a typical kind of raid. Some livestock were taken, buildings damaged, a barn was set afire and that is what made the smoke. It could not be saved." He pauses a minute and continues, "But, the unusual parts of this were that they were reported to be led by a half-orc wizard, and, they took two of the younger farmhands hostage. The fighting was over and the barn could not be saved when I arrived. The goblins had a few hours lead back into the mountains with night falling; not the best time to pursue them without a strong force. I returned here just a short while ago to report to my father."
Ullur then speaks, "Thank you Olar. You made a wise decision not to pursue with the small force you had with you." He turns back to address your group, "Your arrival and reporting the smoke to Olar was helpful. You have my thanks for this. It is good for our neighbors to see us riding to their aid in time of need. Even if that aid arrives after the nastiness. We must stick together in our mutual defense." He leans back in his chair. A thoughtful look crosses his face. "The question is what do we do about this now? Tell me more about this Craddock you are pursuing. Is he some kind of opportunistic bandit? Or, does he work at someone else's behest?," he directs these questions to Trolkarl.
Craddock is no ordinary adversary. He is a warlock serving a demon of the abyss and an agent of the drow.
We first encountered him in Luskan, where he took captives for the demon lord Azzariol for ritual sacrifice. We have also been told that he is an agent on the surface world for a drow known as the Black Spider. We know little of the Black Spider, but have been told he is searching for a way to make powerful items with some furnace they are searching for.
He has escaped both engagements we have had with him. My companion's frustration with this behavior led them to call him “Craddick, the coward.” He is without honor and does flee when the tide has turned, but do not underestimate him. Many of the captives taken and some of them sacrificed were trained warriors. As with this raid on your northern neighbors, the attacks were considered bolder than typical bandit or goblin activity. His cunning and unpredictability make him a formidable foe.
Both Ullur and Olar react with mild surprise at the mention of the Black Spider. After Trolkarl finishes his tale, Ullur replies. “The Black Spider is known to us. He has been inciting orc tribes to raid the settlements for the past two years,” he says. “We have not been able to determine why, only that he is behind it.”
“We have no knowledge of the Black Spider other than that name and an affiliation with Craddick the Coward. Absent a clearer path from any information you can supply, we will likely investigate this most recent raid in hope of finding clues that will let us track down The Coward.”
Olar replies to Hoid, "Are any of you skilled at tracking? If not, with my father's leave, I can assist you in finding those responsible. These were goblins and bugbears. I am skilled at knowing their behaviors and patterns."
Ullur nods his approval, "Yes, son. Of course. You can lead them to Bright Water and follow up there if anything new happens over night tonight. Then, track down these goblins and teach them the consequences for raiding here." He looks to your group, "What say you to this plan?"
Your company would be most welcomed <he adds a small bow>.
While we have managed some tracking so far, none of us are particularly trained in the craft. Plus your knowledge of the surrounding area and these creatures habits would be invaluable.
Ullur nods in approval. Olar also nods, "We should get rest. The goblins will have a head start. It will be a long few days." Ullur asks the group as you feel the Zone of Truth end, "Is there anything else you would like to ask or discuss?"
You see out the window of Ullur's study that Selune is a waning crescent. Just a day or two until it is a new moon and providing no illumination at night.
Ullur smiles back to Chadwick, “The wild places of the world are the temples of the Treefather.” He then demures, “There is a suitable place for quiet reflection of other faiths here as well.”
Ullur and Olar take your leave as you are guided back to your rooms in the low building. There is a room there that Kragen and Chadwick are able to use for prayer to the Justice Bringer. You are noticing more now the symbols of Silvanus are throughout the buildings of the ranch. Sleep comes easily and dawn seemingly too soon. Olar meets you in the courtyard with your horses. They were taken care of overnight and fed as well as groomed. They are all bright eyed and look better than you have seen them yet. There are two ponies with the group of horses as well. "I took the liberty of bringing mounts for our smaller folk," Olar greets you. He looks to Gneuman and Erbert, "I hope that these will be good for you?"
You see that the saddle bags have been filled as well. "The grooms have filled our packs with provisions for the journey," Olar pats one of the saddle bags. "We should not be slowed by the need to hunt for our meals for a while." Several women approach with waterskins and a tray of baked rolls with sausage through the middle. "We can eat as we travel. Our first destination is the farmstead attacked yesterday and is a short ride. We should make it there by mid-morning."
The steward escorts you back to the manor house and up to the second floor by stairs in the main hall. A short hallway leads to a heavy wooden door. He opens the door for you to enter what looks like a library. There are several book shelves holding volumes and scrolls. A desk is across the room. Ullur is sitting behind it. He stands when you enter. To his right you see Olar who looks like he is fresh from hard work. There are chairs sitting before the desk. A fine rug covers the floor. An armor rack stand in the far corner and hold a suit of scale mail made from what looks to be wood. The oak leaf symbol is present on the chest.
As you enter, you pass into the area of a Zone of Truth.
Ullur welcomes you, "Please join us and have a seat. I understand the rudeness of placing you into the area of my spell. But, we have little room for error out here on the edge of the mountains. I must protect my clan and lease-holders. I hope that you understand. I will treat with you honestly if you do the same."
Kragen moves forward and takes a seat.
"Lord Ullur, it is quite understandable and expected, given the extreme conditions where you domicile, that you would take necessary means to protect your clan. I would do the same."
"Please speak freely and honestly and you will be repaid in kind." Kragen touches his Holy Symbol in a gesture, thinking to himself, Tyr would approve. And smiles fondly.
“Perhaps more complete introductions? I am Ullur Barder, son of Olle, Lord of Barder Ranch.” He gestures to Omar, “This is Olar, my son.” Olar stands and nods, “Greetings, again.”
Ullur then turns back to your group and waits.
Kragen stands, addressing Ullur. "Well met, Ullur Barder, Son of Olle, Lord of Barder Ranch." nodding to Olar. "Greetings again, Olar Barder, son of Ullur."
placing his hand to heart "I am Kragen Gravelbeard, Son of Anvil, hailing from Clan Delhalls of the Galena Mountains, Cleric of Tyr.
Bows to Ullur and then Olar, then looks to the others in anticipation.
Ullur Barder and Lord Barder I'm Chadwick LeRoy Jenkins, Paladin of Tyr. I hail from a village called Monstordrink in the Silver marshes. Many thanks for granting us an audience.
I foresee many days of hard rations ahead of us, so this meal <gesturing towards it> is most welcomed.
Gneuman bows deeply. "Well met, M'lords. I am Gneuman, son of Gnorman. A simple holy man of the small folk and a former merchant. At your service."
Your lordship, I am Trolkarl Ravenshield of Cormyr. Thank you for your hospitality and frankness. I respect the boundaries you have set to protect those under your care.
Trolkarl holds his hands open, intending a gesture of peace.
The truth, forced or not, is the same—if you are concerned with safeguarding these realms and the welfare of good people, then we have mutual interest.
He calmly meets Ullur's gaze with a smile.
“I am called Hoid. I will let my compatriots speak. As you know, I am not compelled to speak the truth.”
Erbert is walking around the room, causually looking and peering at the volumes and scrolls. His hands twinkle with excitement as he looks for anything unknown, anything that he can use. Periodically he looks around, looks over to Ullur and Olar, and when a quiet moment approaches, he says “Erbert Jenkor Jerriheimerschmidt, of the Red Eye band. Solver of mysteries. Master of illusions. Evoker extraordinaire. While I understand your intention, casting a spell on one’s guests is rather rude, and sometimes… dangerous. But, like I said, I know the good place that it came from. So we can move forward, yes?” Erbert pauses and faces Ullur and Olar, watching for any dissemblance or disingenuity.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Ullur nods as he pours several goblets of wine out from a decanter from a tray sitting on his desk. "You are correct, Erbert of the Red Eye Band. My apologies again for resorting to this. I fear a fast decision must be made that involves my trusting a heavily armed group of strangers that appeared on my doorstep tonight," he says with a half smile. These he offers to each of you and lastly to Olar and for himself. "Olar has returned from investigating the fire you saw to the north," he turns to him. "Why don't you tell them all that you saw." He then sits at the desk again taking a long drought from his goblet.
Olar nods to his father, "Yes, thank you," he says taking the goblet and drinking. "The Bright Water Ranch is located where you saw the smoke. They sit beside the river on a rise that overlooks a section of rapids. The river makes a large pool on the downstream and upstream sides, but the rapids are not navigable. They operate a ferry service across the river there for anyone who needs it. One of their lease holder's farm was attacked at sundown behind the mountains. That is unusual for the goblins and bugbears that attacked. They prefer the cover of night. It was a typical kind of raid. Some livestock were taken, buildings damaged, a barn was set afire and that is what made the smoke. It could not be saved." He pauses a minute and continues, "But, the unusual parts of this were that they were reported to be led by a half-orc wizard, and, they took two of the younger farmhands hostage. The fighting was over and the barn could not be saved when I arrived. The goblins had a few hours lead back into the mountains with night falling; not the best time to pursue them without a strong force. I returned here just a short while ago to report to my father."
Ullur then speaks, "Thank you Olar. You made a wise decision not to pursue with the small force you had with you." He turns back to address your group, "Your arrival and reporting the smoke to Olar was helpful. You have my thanks for this. It is good for our neighbors to see us riding to their aid in time of need. Even if that aid arrives after the nastiness. We must stick together in our mutual defense." He leans back in his chair. A thoughtful look crosses his face. "The question is what do we do about this now? Tell me more about this Craddock you are pursuing. Is he some kind of opportunistic bandit? Or, does he work at someone else's behest?," he directs these questions to Trolkarl.
Craddock is no ordinary adversary. He is a warlock serving a demon of the abyss and an agent of the drow.
We first encountered him in Luskan, where he took captives for the demon lord Azzariol for ritual sacrifice. We have also been told that he is an agent on the surface world for a drow known as the Black Spider. We know little of the Black Spider, but have been told he is searching for a way to make powerful items with some furnace they are searching for.
He has escaped both engagements we have had with him. My companion's frustration with this behavior led them to call him “Craddick, the coward.” He is without honor and does flee when the tide has turned, but do not underestimate him. Many of the captives taken and some of them sacrificed were trained warriors. As with this raid on your northern neighbors, the attacks were considered bolder than typical bandit or goblin activity. His cunning and unpredictability make him a formidable foe.
Both Ullur and Olar react with mild surprise at the mention of the Black Spider. After Trolkarl finishes his tale, Ullur replies. “The Black Spider is known to us. He has been inciting orc tribes to raid the settlements for the past two years,” he says. “We have not been able to determine why, only that he is behind it.”
”What would you do now?,” he asks the group.
“We have no knowledge of the Black Spider other than that name and an affiliation with Craddick the Coward. Absent a clearer path from any information you can supply, we will likely investigate this most recent raid in hope of finding clues that will let us track down The Coward.”
Olar replies to Hoid, "Are any of you skilled at tracking? If not, with my father's leave, I can assist you in finding those responsible. These were goblins and bugbears. I am skilled at knowing their behaviors and patterns."
Ullur nods his approval, "Yes, son. Of course. You can lead them to Bright Water and follow up there if anything new happens over night tonight. Then, track down these goblins and teach them the consequences for raiding here." He looks to your group, "What say you to this plan?"
Your company would be most welcomed <he adds a small bow>.
While we have managed some tracking so far, none of us are particularly trained in the craft. Plus your knowledge of the surrounding area and these creatures habits would be invaluable.
Bright Water Area Map
Ullur nods in approval. Olar also nods, "We should get rest. The goblins will have a head start. It will be a long few days." Ullur asks the group as you feel the Zone of Truth end, "Is there anything else you would like to ask or discuss?"
You see out the window of Ullur's study that Selune is a waning crescent. Just a day or two until it is a new moon and providing no illumination at night.
Thank you, you have been very gracious hosts. I wouldn't mind some place quiet for prayer and reflection. Do you have a temple or similar place?
Ullur smiles back to Chadwick, “The wild places of the world are the temples of the Treefather.” He then demures, “There is a suitable place for quiet reflection of other faiths here as well.”
Kragen will join Chadwick in reflection and contemplation.
Ullur and Olar take your leave as you are guided back to your rooms in the low building. There is a room there that Kragen and Chadwick are able to use for prayer to the Justice Bringer. You are noticing more now the symbols of Silvanus are throughout the buildings of the ranch. Sleep comes easily and dawn seemingly too soon. Olar meets you in the courtyard with your horses. They were taken care of overnight and fed as well as groomed. They are all bright eyed and look better than you have seen them yet. There are two ponies with the group of horses as well. "I took the liberty of bringing mounts for our smaller folk," Olar greets you. He looks to Gneuman and Erbert, "I hope that these will be good for you?"
You see that the saddle bags have been filled as well. "The grooms have filled our packs with provisions for the journey," Olar pats one of the saddle bags. "We should not be slowed by the need to hunt for our meals for a while." Several women approach with waterskins and a tray of baked rolls with sausage through the middle. "We can eat as we travel. Our first destination is the farmstead attacked yesterday and is a short ride. We should make it there by mid-morning."