Toadstool bows to the elder and starts conversation in a worried and speedy manner: "Greetings, uhm hello yes. We are just some travelers, no wanderers and adventurers and, and we stumbled upon some troubling information. I know I am rash, no hasty right now, but, but maybe we can go to some private quarters and talk? I, I don't want to sow seeds of panic in your serene and, and calm village."
OOC is there any way Toadstool would know anything about that runic circle?
Two days ago, a figure emerged from a nearby cave entrance to the underdark. He was frantic, clearly looking for shelter. And so the village of South Fork had turned out to be the perfect refuge.
Huddled in an alley within sight of the village entrance, a young half-drow cloaked in shadow watches the meeting of the party with the elder Eamon. The village was normally quiet, Mal had observed when he arrived, and arrivals of armed adventurers meant trouble was likely afoot.
He glances to his left, meeting the eyes of the Dragonborn across the plaza that he had met the day before.
A couple of days ago a white dragonborn arrived to the village, looking for inspirations and unheard tales from the locals. He spends his evenings scribbling in a small journal and trying out tunes on his lute, often assembling a little crowd around him.
His attire is aesthetic and fashionable, but a closer look reveals that it is also an armor. A simple rapier is on his side, that looks rarely usen, but kept clean and ready.
Orann is in the middle of scribbling in his book when he meets the gaze of the half-elf and waves at him with earnest smile on his face. Then he notices the newcomers and his eyes light up. "Real heroes?" he thinks to himself and starts to nonchalantly move closer, trying to hear what they are talking about.
Rinn had found the disappearance of the Vistani and Anges rather odd, though of course very curious to his arcane mind. He had never heard of such a people before, and now they seemed to have disappeared like vapor. The high elf wizard is pondering the possible magic they could have used for much of the trip.
OOC - Prepared magic missile instead of burning hands. I thought having guaranteed damage is a good idea, especially with how we roll.
His attention is definitely shifted towards South Fork when they arrive. The massive oak, the mysterious twin phenomenon, and the ancient runes...it's all incredibly tantalizing, and he's sure that all of this holds something deeper.
OOC - Rinn is definitely interested in those runes, and likewise wonders if he has seen them in any of the various tomes he's read or travels he's been on.
Rinn stands beside his companions Yaudara and Toadstool, allowing the orc druid to begin the discussion with this respectable elder of South Fork. He nods to the Elder, and says, "Yes, as my friend suggests, we have some news of great importance to the village...however, I do feel like, perhaps, we can at least start with introductions, since I'm sure that you'd like to know those to whom you speak." With that, the elf bows, saying, "Greetings, good sir. My name is Eradin Siannodel, journeyman of the Arcane Syndicate, though you may call me Rinn. To whom do we have the pleasure of speaking with?"
The elf is trying to calm the situation, trying to make it obvious that they aren't just there to cause panic, and know that showing respect to elders is generally a good tactic (even if, more than likely, he's older than this human man).
All the while, his Tressym familiar, Rachael likewise is showing manners to the village elder, sitting patiently by her master's feet. She's trying to keep her posture and poise, ever wanting to be perceived as divine (as all felines do), but she can't help but be a bit distracted after she notices the half-drow and dragonborn trying to eaves drop on the conversation.
Yaudara will wait for the villager to respond to Rinn, and then introduce himself at the appropriate time as Yaudara of the Order of the Golden Lions, whom Torm himself has guided to this village in order to protect it and its people from the coming danger.
Toadstool starts mumbling to himself a bit angrily, because he again has fouled up a perfectly normal social encounter. As he does that, his eyes meet the white dragonborn and he thinks to himself: "Oh, another monster, like me."
Rinn puts a hand on Toadstool's arm and says, "It's fine my friend. I'm sure this fine man took no offense. You were just caught up in the moment due to the urgency of the news that we have." The elf turns back to the elder and smiles and says, "He sometimes gets ahead of himself, but he is of a good-nature. Alas though, we bring very dire news, but do not wish to cause a scene here in public."
Both the druid and the wizard examined the stone circle as they passed it, exchanging knowing glances as they recognized the circle's significance as a sacred site of pagan worship. The stones of the circle were meticulously placed and carved with cryptic runes, and was likely used for rituals and sacrifices under the watchful gaze of the oak tree.
This was old magic.
As the heroes relayed the details of the impending goblin raid, Eamon listened intently, his sightless eyes seemingly fixed on the towering oak. He took a deep breath, the lines on his weathered face deepening as he considered their words.
"We appreciate your warning, truly," Eamon said, his voice carrying the weight of age and experience. "But South Fork has faced goblins before and withstood their raids. We are a resilient people, and we have our ways of protection."
"Goblins are known to be a nuisance, but they are rarely more than a handful at a time. Six or so at most, causing trouble until they are chased off. They are simple, foolish creatures, their leaders easily outwitted and quickly dealt with."
Eamon raised a gnarled hand, indicating the oak tree. "We provide for him, and Grandfather Oak will provide for us ... as he always has."
Nearby, a pair of young twins eagerly watched the conversation as it unfolded.
Toadstool listens carefuly and then adds: "Well, yes, yes small band of these goblins, these vermin are easy to handle, to subdue. Did that to some few days ago, yes. But these are no ordinary uhm foes. Their master, no leader is smart. And, and they have a partner, no ally Rat king. We saw tens of, of goblins and ogres... I really hope, yes hope that you have enough to protect yourselves!"
"I will second the warning my companion's given," Yaudara says, stepping forward and nodding in Toadstool's direction. "This was no mindless rabble we saw, but a veritable horde, which seemed focused on your demise. It would be wise to take more than your usual precautions."
"A single one of their outposts had more goblins than what you describe," affirms Rinn, "these goblins appear much more organized, and are backed by a mage of some sort. Further, they have gathered others to their horrible cause of pillaging, as noted by my friend, Yaudara."
He looks towards the tree and looks back at Eamon, saying, "While traditions, especially of the magical kind, should be respected, these raiders have already taken out other villages. I would imagine that Grandfather Oak would rather have your people cautious but safe, rather than the opposite."
The half drow peers out of the alley and frowns. An attack of some kind, coming right for the village. And these strangers would lead the defense.
Only his second day on the surface, and this was happening. How unfortunate.
He lifts his cloak, checking that his bow is strung and his arrows are in order before approaching the group from behind.
”If what you say is true, about the horde of goblins and ogres, then you could probably do with more numbers on your side. Otherwise, death is certain. I’ll lend my bow to your defense - I quite like this little town and I’d rather it not be sacked by the goblins.”
He nods his head, giving a half-smile. “I’m Mal’thrae, by the way. Call me Mal.”
The dragonborn is still scribbling in his journal about the Grandfather Oak when the half drow approaches the travelers. He quickly joins in : "And I am Orann! I would be honored to join you to witness your success and make a song about it!" He gallantly bows and checks for reactions of others.
Yaudara nods. "Well met, the both of you." The short, earth genasi hefts his yklwa and lion-engraved shield, and smiles at them. "From what we saw at the goblins' lair, we can use every stout heart and strong arm we can get, if we're to survive what's coming."
Toadstool turns to the two new faces: "I am Toadstool, Toadstool is my name. Uuh yes we will need help, indeed we will. There is strength in numbers if we learn anything from goblins, yes."
Rinn looks towards the new faces and smirks a bit, surprised to see these newcomers, with Rachael looking at him to mentally tell him that they've been listening in.
He pets the nervous tressym, she always being one to be a bit skeptical of newcomers, all while saying to the dragonborn and half-drow, "It's good to see other brave souls willing to guard against these goblin hoards, though I warn you, our road has already been wrought with dangers...and I fear that this this Goblin King may be the greatest yet."
While perhaps many of his kind have a distrust or drow, he has traveled wide and knows better than to automatically assume that they mean harm...especially when their company needs all the help that they can get.
The mage turns back to the village elder and says, "Please, good sir, at least hear us out...we may be travelers, ignorant in your traditions and the blessings of your Grandfather Oak, but many a mighty wizard or powerful druid have been slain by being too quick to brush aside warnings.
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Toadstool bows to the elder and starts conversation in a worried and speedy manner: "Greetings, uhm hello yes. We are just some travelers, no wanderers and adventurers and, and we stumbled upon some troubling information. I know I am rash, no hasty right now, but, but maybe we can go to some private quarters and talk? I, I don't want to sow seeds of panic in your serene and, and calm village."
OOC is there any way Toadstool would know anything about that runic circle?
OOC — Yes. Please make an Intelligence (Religion) ability check.
Two days ago, a figure emerged from a nearby cave entrance to the underdark. He was frantic, clearly looking for shelter. And so the village of South Fork had turned out to be the perfect refuge.
Huddled in an alley within sight of the village entrance, a young half-drow cloaked in shadow watches the meeting of the party with the elder Eamon. The village was normally quiet, Mal had observed when he arrived, and arrivals of armed adventurers meant trouble was likely afoot.
He glances to his left, meeting the eyes of the Dragonborn across the plaza that he had met the day before.
A couple of days ago a white dragonborn arrived to the village, looking for inspirations and unheard tales from the locals. He spends his evenings scribbling in a small journal and trying out tunes on his lute, often assembling a little crowd around him.
His attire is aesthetic and fashionable, but a closer look reveals that it is also an armor. A simple rapier is on his side, that looks rarely usen, but kept clean and ready.
Orann is in the middle of scribbling in his book when he meets the gaze of the half-elf and waves at him with earnest smile on his face. Then he notices the newcomers and his eyes light up. "Real heroes?" he thinks to himself and starts to nonchalantly move closer, trying to hear what they are talking about.
Dirty 20 in sheet
Rinn had found the disappearance of the Vistani and Anges rather odd, though of course very curious to his arcane mind. He had never heard of such a people before, and now they seemed to have disappeared like vapor. The high elf wizard is pondering the possible magic they could have used for much of the trip.
OOC - Prepared magic missile instead of burning hands. I thought having guaranteed damage is a good idea, especially with how we roll.
His attention is definitely shifted towards South Fork when they arrive. The massive oak, the mysterious twin phenomenon, and the ancient runes...it's all incredibly tantalizing, and he's sure that all of this holds something deeper.
OOC - Rinn is definitely interested in those runes, and likewise wonders if he has seen them in any of the various tomes he's read or travels he's been on.
Rinn stands beside his companions Yaudara and Toadstool, allowing the orc druid to begin the discussion with this respectable elder of South Fork. He nods to the Elder, and says, "Yes, as my friend suggests, we have some news of great importance to the village...however, I do feel like, perhaps, we can at least start with introductions, since I'm sure that you'd like to know those to whom you speak." With that, the elf bows, saying, "Greetings, good sir. My name is Eradin Siannodel, journeyman of the Arcane Syndicate, though you may call me Rinn. To whom do we have the pleasure of speaking with?"
The elf is trying to calm the situation, trying to make it obvious that they aren't just there to cause panic, and know that showing respect to elders is generally a good tactic (even if, more than likely, he's older than this human man).
All the while, his Tressym familiar, Rachael likewise is showing manners to the village elder, sitting patiently by her master's feet. She's trying to keep her posture and poise, ever wanting to be perceived as divine (as all felines do), but she can't help but be a bit distracted after she notices the half-drow and dragonborn trying to eaves drop on the conversation.
Yaudara will wait for the villager to respond to Rinn, and then introduce himself at the appropriate time as Yaudara of the Order of the Golden Lions, whom Torm himself has guided to this village in order to protect it and its people from the coming danger.
Toadstool starts mumbling to himself a bit angrily, because he again has fouled up a perfectly normal social encounter. As he does that, his eyes meet the white dragonborn and he thinks to himself: "Oh, another monster, like me."
Rinn puts a hand on Toadstool's arm and says, "It's fine my friend. I'm sure this fine man took no offense. You were just caught up in the moment due to the urgency of the news that we have." The elf turns back to the elder and smiles and says, "He sometimes gets ahead of himself, but he is of a good-nature. Alas though, we bring very dire news, but do not wish to cause a scene here in public."
Both the druid and the wizard examined the stone circle as they passed it, exchanging knowing glances as they recognized the circle's significance as a sacred site of pagan worship. The stones of the circle were meticulously placed and carved with cryptic runes, and was likely used for rituals and sacrifices under the watchful gaze of the oak tree.
This was old magic.
As the heroes relayed the details of the impending goblin raid, Eamon listened intently, his sightless eyes seemingly fixed on the towering oak. He took a deep breath, the lines on his weathered face deepening as he considered their words.
"We appreciate your warning, truly," Eamon said, his voice carrying the weight of age and experience. "But South Fork has faced goblins before and withstood their raids. We are a resilient people, and we have our ways of protection."
"Goblins are known to be a nuisance, but they are rarely more than a handful at a time. Six or so at most, causing trouble until they are chased off. They are simple, foolish creatures, their leaders easily outwitted and quickly dealt with."
Eamon raised a gnarled hand, indicating the oak tree. "We provide for him, and Grandfather Oak will provide for us ... as he always has."
Nearby, a pair of young twins eagerly watched the conversation as it unfolded.
Toadstool listens carefuly and then adds: "Well, yes, yes small band of these goblins, these vermin are easy to handle, to subdue. Did that to some few days ago, yes. But these are no ordinary uhm foes. Their master, no leader is smart. And, and they have a partner, no ally Rat king. We saw tens of, of goblins and ogres... I really hope, yes hope that you have enough to protect yourselves!"
"I will second the warning my companion's given," Yaudara says, stepping forward and nodding in Toadstool's direction. "This was no mindless rabble we saw, but a veritable horde, which seemed focused on your demise. It would be wise to take more than your usual precautions."
"A single one of their outposts had more goblins than what you describe," affirms Rinn, "these goblins appear much more organized, and are backed by a mage of some sort. Further, they have gathered others to their horrible cause of pillaging, as noted by my friend, Yaudara."
He looks towards the tree and looks back at Eamon, saying, "While traditions, especially of the magical kind, should be respected, these raiders have already taken out other villages. I would imagine that Grandfather Oak would rather have your people cautious but safe, rather than the opposite."
The half drow peers out of the alley and frowns. An attack of some kind, coming right for the village. And these strangers would lead the defense.
Only his second day on the surface, and this was happening. How unfortunate.
He lifts his cloak, checking that his bow is strung and his arrows are in order before approaching the group from behind.
”If what you say is true, about the horde of goblins and ogres, then you could probably do with more numbers on your side. Otherwise, death is certain. I’ll lend my bow to your defense - I quite like this little town and I’d rather it not be sacked by the goblins.”
He nods his head, giving a half-smile. “I’m Mal’thrae, by the way. Call me Mal.”
The dragonborn is still scribbling in his journal about the Grandfather Oak when the half drow approaches the travelers. He quickly joins in : "And I am Orann! I would be honored to join you to witness your success and make a song about it!" He gallantly bows and checks for reactions of others.
Yaudara nods. "Well met, the both of you." The short, earth genasi hefts his yklwa and lion-engraved shield, and smiles at them. "From what we saw at the goblins' lair, we can use every stout heart and strong arm we can get, if we're to survive what's coming."
Toadstool turns to the two new faces: "I am Toadstool, Toadstool is my name. Uuh yes we will need help, indeed we will. There is strength in numbers if we learn anything from goblins, yes."
Rinn looks towards the new faces and smirks a bit, surprised to see these newcomers, with Rachael looking at him to mentally tell him that they've been listening in.
He pets the nervous tressym, she always being one to be a bit skeptical of newcomers, all while saying to the dragonborn and half-drow, "It's good to see other brave souls willing to guard against these goblin hoards, though I warn you, our road has already been wrought with dangers...and I fear that this this Goblin King may be the greatest yet."
While perhaps many of his kind have a distrust or drow, he has traveled wide and knows better than to automatically assume that they mean harm...especially when their company needs all the help that they can get.
The mage turns back to the village elder and says, "Please, good sir, at least hear us out...we may be travelers, ignorant in your traditions and the blessings of your Grandfather Oak, but many a mighty wizard or powerful druid have been slain by being too quick to brush aside warnings.