"Well, why are we helping Baldenan if they don't like us anyways? And if we are, wouldn't you want them to know that it is Bard's Gate assisting to try and mend ol bridges and all that?" Nefire scratches her head trying to understand the goings on about cities. "Doesn't make much sense to be all quiet about it."
Imril gives a patient smile and listens to Nefire attentively before replying. "I agree, politics does not always make much sense... That is why I do my best to leave it to politicians."
"Bard's Gate is a city that is built on and thrives due to trade. We are the hub for most any and all goods going from one place on this continent to another. That means we have to deal with everyone. Whether they like us or not, our official position is that we like them," he explains, flashing his winning smile. "So Bard's Gate does it's all to be neutral whenever possible. In politics. In trade. And so on."
"But Red Branch is not Bard's Gate..." Imril says with importance. "Red Branch is merely an inn with a large social footprint, if you will. It sponsors sporting teams and art competitions of many sorts. It hosts festivals and has a large outreach program... All in an effort to draw in more and more customers. That is the Red Branch the public knows. But we know different... We know that Red Branch looks to solve all kinds of problems that others can't or won't. We try to stop small problems before they become big problems. And here we are trying to help Barony of Baldenan. Not because they like us or we like them... But because if whatever this problem is grows unchecked that is bad them and potentially for all the regions around them. Best to cure it while it is small and in a foreign land than before it grows and comes to our door, eh?"
"Anyway, that is Red Branch's stance. Behind the scenes. Secretly," he sums up. "Whereas Bard's Gate position is one of neutrality and only ever interfering with other regions when invited..."
"we do it because we care!" The cat says, it's words positively dripping in sarcasm as it lifts it's head from between its own back legs to look directly at Nefire to gauge her response, "and you get to kill thingsss without consequence"
"Kill things...."Krumar says with a hint of disgust "Well if my count is correct I am up to 3 and Dabbert has 0....I suppose it is a good thing I am here to help"
Once the question and answer period is over Imril nods to the Aspirant, gathers his things and then wishes you all luck before departing.The Aspirant then clears his throat and takes over the details portion of the mission…
It is arranged for you to have horses and supplies to last you a few weeks on the road.It is ensured that you each have enough coin in your pockets for Inns and the like when available. A checklist is gone over to make sure nothing was forgotten (Bedrolls? Check!Lanterns? Check! And so on…) before you are finally given the thumbs up to hit the road and begin your journey.
The one last minute change is in regards to Garth.At the last moment another red cloaked officiant looking young man rushes out and advises there is an issue which must be addressed.“Sorry, a personal issue,” the Aspirant explains with a sad grin and ushers Garth off back in the direction of Red Branch with the lad who came rushing out.“But I’m sure the five of you are more than up to the task…”
((Garth will catch up later if he shows up but he’s been quiet so far so *shrug*))
And with that your horses are urged onward and you make your way out of Bard’s Gate out of the western gate with your rough map and a general idea that the Barony of Baldenan is generally west-southwest from home.
You take the road west for the first few days, first traveling through the Stoneheart Forest and then through the rolling lands of Fairhill whereseveral Halfling villages can be seen not far from the road and where fine ales and tobacco leaves can be purchased for a premium.They are worth it…
Around the fourth or fifth day you pass into lands which are outside the direct influence of Bard’s Gate.They are not dark and evil places - the road is still tended and small villages or single homesteads can be spotted - but hands are generally kept closer to weapons and travelers more likely to greet one another warily than with grins and nods.And you still have days to go before you reach the Barony…
Your first realization that you may have indeed crossed over into the Barony of Baldenan is when some guards are spotted coming your way…. But Jordgubb will describe that encounter from his own unique perspective…
OK, so here is where I am roping all of you into helping craft the narrative.What we’re going to try is this:
I will bring the party up to an encounter and then tag in one of you.I will provide some basic information about the encounter and answer any questions that the one tagged may have.They will then take the reins and write up the encounter however the heck they want.They can make it short and sweet or get creative and flowery.They can make it a social encounter, a melee encounter or a mix of everything…. The idea is they describe the encounter how they (the character) sees it and thus they can make themselves the hero, someone else a buffoon, or whatever they so desire…. Only rules are no players actually die and to try to be a bit of an adult about this.You kind of get to run other people’s characters here - Have fun but don’t abuse it.
Buuuut… Whatever is described is just that character’s perception.Everyone else is free to post afterwords “clarifying” what their own character “really” did or putting their own spin on events or such.For example, if Jordgubb said Dabbert hid in the bushes the entire time, Dabbert is of course free to post a response about how he really took out 4 of the foes single handedly but did so with such skill and speed that Jordgubb was still picking himself up off the ground before when the fight was over or something?
Once everyone has had their say (or not) and things have quieted down then I will post again - Perhaps giving some “Official Clarification” if I think is needed but also maybe just moving us on to the next encounter and then tagging the next player who will get their turn.
My hope is that since we are really only doing Lairs that this will put a fun spin on travel and random encounters and allow you all to really put the flavor of your characters into the game?
If someone just really doesn’t want to do it for some reason they can of course bow out of their turn…. This is meant to be fun, not homework :)If you want to bow out on your turn just advise me and I will do it myself…
And reminder - We’re all adults here but we all also (hopefully) love our characters.So keep that in mind when writing about what other people do, eh?Use common sense and if in doubt maybe ask them before stepping even close to the line of questionable?I think we’re a good group of easy going people but that’s no reason to push the limits…
And if you DO have a problem with how someone else portrayed your character or such, please do not get too mad?Bring your concern to them or to me (whichever you are more comfortable with) and let’s address it before it turns into a thing.And if this doesn’t work out we’ll just scrap it and go back to a much more normal format…. I just really like the idea of this truly being a cooperative story we tell here and everyone getting a chance to shine and influence and flavor things…
As mentioned… Jordgubb is up first!Mostly ‘cause he already sent me his magic item list…. (C’mon people!Get on it!!)Specially this first time I want to give everyone a turn and I will either pick who goes next randomly or if someone wants to volunteer I shall pick from volunteers…
Madness, am I right??LoL… of course feel free to ask questions, make comments or whatever on Discord…
The road is long and the horses ride hard for those not accustomed to it, the sight of the Baldenan guards fills the group with at least a slight wariness as Imril had warned us to remain secretive, but also with a relief that a break was soon to be taken to speak with these guards.
The guards themselves seem to have descended down to the road forming a kind of checkpoint for passing carriages and carts, a small garrison set off to the side of the road alerts the group that this, likely, well used trade route may have had troubles in the recent past.
Jordgubb scampers off in his cat form as the guards approach, sniffing around a stopped cart coming the other way. Leaving talking with the guards to the more socially approachable members of the party.
From this other stopped cart Jordgubb can hear the guards questioning the group, a hasty excuse for the reason for travel made up by Krumar as he introduced his 'band of travelling performers'. He begins a song but is quickly stopped by the guards who seem to have become more than simply fed up with their more than boring job. As Krumar introduces the other 'members' of his performing troupe; Nefire shows a feat of strength, by lifting the fully armoured Dabbert over her head, Dabbert is amusingly introduced as Krumar's bodyguard and errand boy, where as Raevyn takes on the role of the small teams healer, manager and general caretaker/deal maker, not that anyone would even consider not paying top gold for the wondrous act Krumar puts on, or at least that is what he assures the guards.
The cart in front of the group is cleared for leaving just as the guards begin checking over the group's own cart.
As the other cart passes you all a sickly green cat hops off the back with a pot balanced precariously on its head and dexterously hops into the back of the groups cart. We are soon cleared to go, the guards believing Krumar possibly for his charm, possibly simply relieved that he was stopped from singing in their faces. But regardless, the group is given unhindered passage into the barony.
Once out of earshot of the guard the sickly cat nudges the pot and speaks to whoever may be sitting in the cart with him, "I'm gonna grow some stuff in my room when we get back hehe"
As Krumar pulled out instrument after instrument, he amazed the guards to the point where their mouths were agape! Song after song encore after encore the guards showered him with praise. Nefire wanted in on the action and lifted Dabbert up out of the mud over her head a whole 2 feet off the ground. Krumar worked that into a song. Nefire with the strength of 2 full sized men and Dabbert as nimble as a 3 legged cat worked nicely in the grand finale. Krumar finished and held out his hat where the guards showered him with gold coins. He hops on his horse and begins trotting away talking to Raevyn. “See Raevyn that’s how you do it. A little wit and charm and the voice of an angel. I always feel like I’m forgetting someone or something in these songs About our endeavors...”
Nefire doesn't pay much heed to the guards, she figures they are just a necessity but doesn't call for her attention one way or the other. As they wait, she notices Dabbert walking near a poisonous snake and doesn't realize it. Now knowing his fear of snakes, she decides not to yell it out and cause a big commotion. Instead she lifts him up out of the mud and carries him a bit away before setting him down.
But the others cheered her for this feat? She looks confused as she doesn't understand what is really going on. Krumar is singing, but that is typical, she honestly wishes he would stop...
Earlier Raevyn dipped her head in acknowledgement to the sickly cat squints. Her pen moves, noting Jordgubb’s simple to the point wishes. Respect. Next, there’s a small smile teasing the corner of her lips as Nefire enjoys the flower and describes her blood type. She too notes her wishes, fitting of a true warrior. Her eyes eventually look to Krumar during his response, then to Dabbert and back. She’d nod to Krumar then note him under the same burial as Jordgubb, and Dabbert categorized as a warrior’s burial along with Nefire unless he later specifies. The doctor also makes note to check their blood types herself at some point. Standing from her seat, she meets Imril’s gaze prior to following the cats ass, Jordgubb, and the others out the door.
On the road for the first few days passing by and through the Halfling Villages, Raevyn takes advantage of the fresh local food, ingredients, herbs and spices, and some of their seeds. She’d take particular interest in the smokeables, convincing the tobacco farmers to share the real stuff, the good herb. This is the product she’d sample and stock up on for the trip. Any alcohol she’d entertain is only the purest and/or sweetest of spirits. The sweet ones were for pleasure, the purest was stocked for disinfectants.
Now Raevyn had finished rolling herself a smoke, tapping it prior to bringing it to her lips and lighting it. She takes a deep drag off of it while her companions move into position, taking on their respective and natural roles. She simply exchanges a look with the guards, exhaling a large plume of fragrant smoke into the air. The doctor need not say anything as Krumar does all the talking and Nefire does all the heavy lifting. She simply reaches a hand out to collect the gold from Krumar’s ‘admirer’s’. They were quite pleased to pay them to move along and out of earshot. “Indeed, that is how you do it.” She smiles with her smoke in the corner of her mouth as she counts the coins now in her possession. “You’ll just have to keep showing me how it’s done, and trying until it feels complete.” And financing her research.
“And what is it you have here… Ah a fellow pot head!” Raevyn is quite curious when the cat returns with a pot on his head. She’d accept it while Jordgubb settles in the cart. She feels around, then sticks her hand in and pulls it apart. There were two pots! “and you brought enough for the ‘class’.” She smirks. “What are you going to grow?” She places his pot next to him. “We can exchange theory and method along the way.” She says as they pull away.
"hehehe yesss, the eldersss in my commune would smoke often to commune with nature itself, I wasss known to partake sometimesss merely for the joy. Thiss pot however I wass thinking could be used for my plants of a... Hm, poisonousss variety."
He Bates his teeth in a gleeful amusement as he thinks to himself that, him and the sly doctor may have more in common than he first thought, squinting he wonders if she too enjoys the taste of fresh corpses, humanoid or otherwise.
The Barony of Baldenan is indeed known to be a bit of a martial region ruled with a strong, paranoid hand. But perhaps that is less true here on the outskirts of the barony as these guards do stop and check those using the road but they seem bored, annoyed and perhaps looking for an opportunity to impose a little extra road tax if the opportunity presents... Having collected a tariff on the botany merchants before you, the guards are a little less greedy. More so when it becomes apparent how little you all have anyway. They were fully prepared to wave you all past until Krumar started putting on his show, oblivious to the groans and complaints. How he mistook their waving you on for applause would keep a team of psychiatrists plump and well fed until the next age...
Finally with some pushing and shoving, a a kick to Krumar's ass which he surely mistook as an unwanted advance, the group once more gets moving down the road, having avoided any undue taxes but with some guards who would rather never see you again. Jordgubb did successfully pull off a little larceny, skirting away with a couple of nested clay pots atop his head before the carts in front of you pulled away. He is seemingly happy to share three of them for the growing of... let's say "medicinal herbs"... but he selfishly grabs and keeps one specific pot as his own. He's not sure what it is about this pot yet but he know's it is something... ((https://www.dndbeyond.com/magic-items/9172070-pot-of-awakened-topiary added to Jordgubb's inventory.))
Moving along, the carts that were right in front of you at the checkpoint push their horses and wagons at double time to escape the sound of Krumar's singing while you all set a more leisurely pace. Enjoying the music? Or plagued by it such that your pace is slowed by it? Who knows...
((I'll fish on Discord to see if we have a volunteer for our next encounter or if I should roll for our next victim...))
((While we wait and since our travel and all is a bit nebulous...))
As you head deeper into the Barony of Baldenan you pass lone or small clumps of homesteads and farms before finally reaching small hamlets and villages. This far on the outskirts there is few actual businesses but if you ask around politely enough, and don't come off as a guard or anything, you can find people willing to make you homecooked meals or put you up for a night for a coin or two. You also hear the first rumblings and rumors that may touch on what you are looking for...
"Don't get me wrong, my Elton had a roving eye and would chase any skirt that swished, but his feet always brought him home again. Skirts can be distraction but that boy knows where he gets three free meals a day and a free bed..." explains one father who asks for assistance changing a wagon wheel in exchange for some of the moonshine he brews out back.
"The guards insist Milly must have just run off with some guy," a mother complains as she ladles out stew that has been brewing in the same pot over her hearth since they built the place twenty odd years ago. "If Milly had found a guy she'd be shouting it from the rooftops! I love her, mind ya, but Milly is nothing to look at and as much as she yearned to she never once caught a man's eye."
You hear many such stories like these. Half a dozen, at least, and it does indeed seem to be too many people missing without word for it to be coincidence in such a small area. But despite all your inquiries there ain't one person who saw a thing. The missing was off on this chore or task or whatnot around twilight or so and just never returned... Three different people do mention they heard a noise when they wen't looking, these were from people who were noticed missing quickly and looked for quickly - mostly on the young side. Two described the noise as a weird laugh, though each mimicked laugh sounded very different, and the third described it as an odd repeated cow moo... But there were no cows in the area.
Being local yokels these people perhaps know about one other missing person but there is no daily paper or anything so they certainly do not know about the full scope of missing people and get even more distressed about ever seeing their loved ones again if you let it slip. None know anything about bodies with missing bones and if it is brought up their either get horrified or think it is some kind of joke and get insulted...
((This is mostly a filler informative post but of course feel free to respond or elaborate if you wish... And if you think you have a skill or something that may illuminate things more, feel free to give it a try...))
Krumar thinks back to his traveling days and sweet simple faced Milly. Krumar can't help the lady folk that throw themselves at him nor would he try to. Upon hearing her mother and smelling the sweet smell of what he believes to be beef stew Krumar stops and chats "Hello there. You say Milly is missing? I met Milly not long ago whilst traveling this realm playing my melodious tunes and sweet songs to the masses. Perhaps you saw my performance? Krumar, is my name. When did poor Milly go missing?"
Raevyn falls to the back and would observe as she does. She'd quietly note what things she could as the group went along. There was something about the way the locals would originally react to their armoured companion(s), and the way they would talk about the guards. Was it related in any way? A reason for distrust? Or just the norm here? Running her finger down her notes, she pauses at the sounds reported to being heard. That piqued her curiosity. "Are there many ravens that reside in the area?" She wondered out loud.
Refocusing on the more factual as she carefully packs the moonshine, the doctor gathers that the common denominator amongst the stories told was the missing being out around twilight. "Should we desire to investigate further, it appears being out around twilight could be a prime opportunity." Raevyn offers and looks to Krumar, not at all suggesting he be bait. "You know Krumar, perhaps you should perform this evening." She encourages. "Maybe they'll come back for you once they hear your voice."
(Passive Insight: 17 - the vibe about the guards) (Flat roll:16Add: +2 if Nature, +2 if investigation, +4 if history, +9 Arcana for the sounds. Animal? Kenku? Spell?)
"You?" The mother asks. "And... Milly??" She couldn't be more shocked if she had been struck by lightning. Multiple times. "How... When... Why?!?" But she quickly brushes that aside and shakes her head. "Gods above, perhaps there IS someone for everyone..."
Milly, as it turns out, has been missing for nearly a year now. These are farmers and the like on the outskirts here so they mostly tell time by seasons and such so getting anything much more specific is more or less not happening. Indeed, it's been roughly a year for all the missing, though the more clever in the group (Raevyn, Jordgubb) do note that those on the furthest outskirts of the Barony were the first taken and those closer to the seat of power of it more recently - though sill like 9 months or so... You have not yet reached anyplace that had the bodies empty of bones...
There is no more ravens in the areas of the disappearances than any other farm areas, it would seem. Nor back when it happened was an increase noticed. The band could try to lay in wait or set bait around twilight as they wish... But it seems unlikely to find anything so long after the disappearances.
((Insight regarding the guards - The Barony is a bit of a militaristic region ruled by a strong hand. Too strong, you sense the locals think but would never say to outsiders. Guard is a good job to get as you'll never go hungry so long as you are willing to take food from others, but those who take it are ostracized from any who knew them before.))
((Flat roll - Is this for the weird laughs? Best you can tell without having heard the actual thing is that it is no beast or bird.. You would guess it is something that has a consciousness enough to laugh?))
Krumar looks at Raevyn and smiles "You know that's exactly what these folks need...some cheering up! No, no, no I insist! I will play this evening to raise spirits! Where should I set up" Krumar looks around for a place where he can set up his instruments and sing to draw a crowd.
Krumar does indeed play for the folks around this small hovel and the few backwater guards, well more like militia he figures. He plays a fantastic set singing about his accomplished career and that of his companions. The folks sang along to his songs and danced the night away.
"Sing of Krumar, courage and grace, Words like fire, songs embrace. Tales of heroes, bold and true, With every note, the legends grew. Through every verse and melody’s might, Krumar turns dark to dawning light."
The townspeople especially liked the comical genius of his song about Dabbert
"Dabbert joined the ranks one day, Armor clinking, bright and gray. But with his sword, he stumbled back— Missed the enemy and dropped his pack. Oh, Dabbert the soldier, try as he might, Fumbles by day, tumbles by night. Brave as a lion, clumsy as a goose, In the heat of the battle, his helmet’s loose!"
Sadly the fun did have to end. The group left the next morning after Krumar was showered with praise, trinkets, and food. Of course he shared with the group but kept a fair share of the food. Afterall he did provide the entertainment for the evening. The next leg of the trip was spent tuning out Jordy talk about poison and how he misses eating goblins and the Dr talk about death and science....Krumar wished he had ear plugs....He tried to sway conversation to himself but each time he did he senses his little friend was going to tear his arm off and beat him with it. So instead he thought of new songs he could sing about little Neffy.....Oh Neffy....that will rhyme with all sorts of words...that's a good one, he thinks to himself.
It is close to dusk when they finally reach the next village. Krumar calls out "Hello there!" but the village was eerily quiet. As they approach the outskirts of the village Cat Jordy pounces ahead finding no signs of life...as it has been abandoned. He reports back to the group "Seems everyone left....probably didn't have enough goblins to eat....Oh how I miss the crunch." Krumar gags a little. Nef pipes up in a deep rather intimidating voice "Well no sense standing about. Let's eat the food our gracious bard gave us! He is a swell guy. Oh look that house looks stable, let's eat there."
The group do indeed go into the house Nef pointed out out of fear that contradicting her would cause her mini rage boil to the surface...Krumar can't help but wonder how someone so tiny feels the need to overcompensate so much....there has to be some sort of complex for that....Neffy Complex has a nice tune, he writes it down. While in the house Krumar finds a cute little blanket. "I call dibs! I'm tired you all figure out a watch." He takes the blanket and snuggles up to it "Nite Nite!" Magically this little blanket summons a full sized four post queen sized bed which is more comfortable and inviting and did I mention comfortable than anything else in the world. The others see Krumar magically tucked in and out cold snoring within seconds. As they figure out their watch they here a shout from outside "Come out, come out little piggies"
What does the remaining non sleeping members of the group do?
Jordgubb is more than confused at the display from the bard, this clearly delusional man was thanking these people for throwing half rotten vegetables at him as the group leave the next day, Krumar keeps grinning and telling the group how wonderful all of the 'presents' were, and how cheerful he had made that town, though the jeers were apparent to everyone but the bard. Is this how townfolk act, only hearing what they want to? Still, Jordy never said no to free food, and his iron stomach didn't care too much at the more squishier vegetables that had been collected.
Talk of poisons, potions and brews with the dark doc were very entertaining to the druid, and as they found the deserted town Jordy was more than happy to scout it out. Come night watch he was still up, having picked some less than edible plants on their travels he was attempting to squish them into an infectious paste for a base for a new poison, when the voice from outside stopped him, "uhhh theressss no piggiesss in here right?" He asks as he looks around to the other members of the group. Sidling up to the window Jordgubb takes his quarter staff and gently nudges the curtain to one side, peering out into the darkness for the source (perception 12)
Nefire is happy that Krumar keeps most of the old veggies to himself. I mean, they were alright she supposed, but honestly, her rations were almost better. She couldn't help but keep eyeing the cat. She knew it was Jordgubb, but man... a roasted cat right now sounded delicious.
Nefire responds to Krumar sarcastically in calling him a swell guy, but she means it when she thinks she finds a stable house. When the figure outside shouts and calls them piggies, she's about to grab her axe and gut him like one, but Jordgubb's words make her chuckle and she holds herself and she nods and waits to see what the dragonborn is going to do next. She sure wishes Krumar's snoring wasn't so loud though.
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"Well, why are we helping Baldenan if they don't like us anyways? And if we are, wouldn't you want them to know that it is Bard's Gate assisting to try and mend ol bridges and all that?" Nefire scratches her head trying to understand the goings on about cities. "Doesn't make much sense to be all quiet about it."
Imril gives a patient smile and listens to Nefire attentively before replying. "I agree, politics does not always make much sense... That is why I do my best to leave it to politicians."
"Bard's Gate is a city that is built on and thrives due to trade. We are the hub for most any and all goods going from one place on this continent to another. That means we have to deal with everyone. Whether they like us or not, our official position is that we like them," he explains, flashing his winning smile. "So Bard's Gate does it's all to be neutral whenever possible. In politics. In trade. And so on."
"But Red Branch is not Bard's Gate..." Imril says with importance. "Red Branch is merely an inn with a large social footprint, if you will. It sponsors sporting teams and art competitions of many sorts. It hosts festivals and has a large outreach program... All in an effort to draw in more and more customers. That is the Red Branch the public knows. But we know different... We know that Red Branch looks to solve all kinds of problems that others can't or won't. We try to stop small problems before they become big problems. And here we are trying to help Barony of Baldenan. Not because they like us or we like them... But because if whatever this problem is grows unchecked that is bad them and potentially for all the regions around them. Best to cure it while it is small and in a foreign land than before it grows and comes to our door, eh?"
"Anyway, that is Red Branch's stance. Behind the scenes. Secretly," he sums up. "Whereas Bard's Gate position is one of neutrality and only ever interfering with other regions when invited..."
"we do it because we care!" The cat says, it's words positively dripping in sarcasm as it lifts it's head from between its own back legs to look directly at Nefire to gauge her response, "and you get to kill thingsss without consequence"
"Kill things...." Krumar says with a hint of disgust "Well if my count is correct I am up to 3 and Dabbert has 0....I suppose it is a good thing I am here to help"
Once the question and answer period is over Imril nods to the Aspirant, gathers his things and then wishes you all luck before departing. The Aspirant then clears his throat and takes over the details portion of the mission…
It is arranged for you to have horses and supplies to last you a few weeks on the road. It is ensured that you each have enough coin in your pockets for Inns and the like when available. A checklist is gone over to make sure nothing was forgotten (Bedrolls? Check! Lanterns? Check! And so on…) before you are finally given the thumbs up to hit the road and begin your journey.
The one last minute change is in regards to Garth. At the last moment another red cloaked officiant looking young man rushes out and advises there is an issue which must be addressed. “Sorry, a personal issue,” the Aspirant explains with a sad grin and ushers Garth off back in the direction of Red Branch with the lad who came rushing out. “But I’m sure the five of you are more than up to the task…”
And with that your horses are urged onward and you make your way out of Bard’s Gate out of the western gate with your rough map and a general idea that the Barony of Baldenan is generally west-southwest from home.
You take the road west for the first few days, first traveling through the Stoneheart Forest and then through the rolling lands of Fairhill where several Halfling villages can be seen not far from the road and where fine ales and tobacco leaves can be purchased for a premium. They are worth it…
Around the fourth or fifth day you pass into lands which are outside the direct influence of Bard’s Gate. They are not dark and evil places - the road is still tended and small villages or single homesteads can be spotted - but hands are generally kept closer to weapons and travelers more likely to greet one another warily than with grins and nods. And you still have days to go before you reach the Barony…
Your first realization that you may have indeed crossed over into the Barony of Baldenan is when some guards are spotted coming your way…. But Jordgubb will describe that encounter from his own unique perspective…
The road is long and the horses ride hard for those not accustomed to it, the sight of the Baldenan guards fills the group with at least a slight wariness as Imril had warned us to remain secretive, but also with a relief that a break was soon to be taken to speak with these guards.
The guards themselves seem to have descended down to the road forming a kind of checkpoint for passing carriages and carts, a small garrison set off to the side of the road alerts the group that this, likely, well used trade route may have had troubles in the recent past.
Jordgubb scampers off in his cat form as the guards approach, sniffing around a stopped cart coming the other way. Leaving talking with the guards to the more socially approachable members of the party.
From this other stopped cart Jordgubb can hear the guards questioning the group, a hasty excuse for the reason for travel made up by Krumar as he introduced his 'band of travelling performers'. He begins a song but is quickly stopped by the guards who seem to have become more than simply fed up with their more than boring job. As Krumar introduces the other 'members' of his performing troupe; Nefire shows a feat of strength, by lifting the fully armoured Dabbert over her head, Dabbert is amusingly introduced as Krumar's bodyguard and errand boy, where as Raevyn takes on the role of the small teams healer, manager and general caretaker/deal maker, not that anyone would even consider not paying top gold for the wondrous act Krumar puts on, or at least that is what he assures the guards.
The cart in front of the group is cleared for leaving just as the guards begin checking over the group's own cart.
As the other cart passes you all a sickly green cat hops off the back with a pot balanced precariously on its head and dexterously hops into the back of the groups cart. We are soon cleared to go, the guards believing Krumar possibly for his charm, possibly simply relieved that he was stopped from singing in their faces. But regardless, the group is given unhindered passage into the barony.
Once out of earshot of the guard the sickly cat nudges the pot and speaks to whoever may be sitting in the cart with him, "I'm gonna grow some stuff in my room when we get back hehe"
As Krumar pulled out instrument after instrument, he amazed the guards to the point where their mouths were agape! Song after song encore after encore the guards showered him with praise. Nefire wanted in on the action and lifted Dabbert up out of the mud over her head a whole 2 feet off the ground. Krumar worked that into a song. Nefire with the strength of 2 full sized men and Dabbert as nimble as a 3 legged cat worked nicely in the grand finale. Krumar finished and held out his hat where the guards showered him with gold coins. He hops on his horse and begins trotting away talking to Raevyn. “See Raevyn that’s how you do it. A little wit and charm and the voice of an angel. I always feel like I’m forgetting someone or something in these songs About our endeavors...”
Nefire doesn't pay much heed to the guards, she figures they are just a necessity but doesn't call for her attention one way or the other. As they wait, she notices Dabbert walking near a poisonous snake and doesn't realize it. Now knowing his fear of snakes, she decides not to yell it out and cause a big commotion. Instead she lifts him up out of the mud and carries him a bit away before setting him down.
But the others cheered her for this feat? She looks confused as she doesn't understand what is really going on. Krumar is singing, but that is typical, she honestly wishes he would stop...
Earlier
Raevyn dipped her head in acknowledgement to the sickly cat squints. Her pen moves, noting Jordgubb’s simple to the point wishes. Respect. Next, there’s a small smile teasing the corner of her lips as Nefire enjoys the flower and describes her blood type. She too notes her wishes, fitting of a true warrior. Her eyes eventually look to Krumar during his response, then to Dabbert and back. She’d nod to Krumar then note him under the same burial as Jordgubb, and Dabbert categorized as a warrior’s burial along with Nefire unless he later specifies. The doctor also makes note to check their blood types herself at some point. Standing from her seat, she meets Imril’s gaze prior to following the cats ass, Jordgubb, and the others out the door.
On the road for the first few days passing by and through the Halfling Villages, Raevyn takes advantage of the fresh local food, ingredients, herbs and spices, and some of their seeds. She’d take particular interest in the smokeables, convincing the tobacco farmers to share the real stuff, the good herb. This is the product she’d sample and stock up on for the trip. Any alcohol she’d entertain is only the purest and/or sweetest of spirits. The sweet ones were for pleasure, the purest was stocked for disinfectants.
Now
Raevyn had finished rolling herself a smoke, tapping it prior to bringing it to her lips and lighting it. She takes a deep drag off of it while her companions move into position, taking on their respective and natural roles. She simply exchanges a look with the guards, exhaling a large plume of fragrant smoke into the air. The doctor need not say anything as Krumar does all the talking and Nefire does all the heavy lifting. She simply reaches a hand out to collect the gold from Krumar’s ‘admirer’s’. They were quite pleased to pay them to move along and out of earshot. “Indeed, that is how you do it.” She smiles with her smoke in the corner of her mouth as she counts the coins now in her possession. “You’ll just have to keep showing me how it’s done, and trying until it feels complete.” And financing her research.
“And what is it you have here… Ah a fellow pot head!” Raevyn is quite curious when the cat returns with a pot on his head. She’d accept it while Jordgubb settles in the cart. She feels around, then sticks her hand in and pulls it apart. There were two pots! “and you brought enough for the ‘class’.” She smirks. “What are you going to grow?” She places his pot next to him. “We can exchange theory and method along the way.” She says as they pull away.
just an unstable unicorn.
"hehehe yesss, the eldersss in my commune would smoke often to commune with nature itself, I wasss known to partake sometimesss merely for the joy. Thiss pot however I wass thinking could be used for my plants of a... Hm, poisonousss variety."
He Bates his teeth in a gleeful amusement as he thinks to himself that, him and the sly doctor may have more in common than he first thought, squinting he wonders if she too enjoys the taste of fresh corpses, humanoid or otherwise.
Krumar pulls out his flute "Who'd like some music?" Waiting for no one to confirm that they want to hear any, he begins to play a lovely tune
The Barony of Baldenan is indeed known to be a bit of a martial region ruled with a strong, paranoid hand. But perhaps that is less true here on the outskirts of the barony as these guards do stop and check those using the road but they seem bored, annoyed and perhaps looking for an opportunity to impose a little extra road tax if the opportunity presents... Having collected a tariff on the botany merchants before you, the guards are a little less greedy. More so when it becomes apparent how little you all have anyway. They were fully prepared to wave you all past until Krumar started putting on his show, oblivious to the groans and complaints. How he mistook their waving you on for applause would keep a team of psychiatrists plump and well fed until the next age...
Finally with some pushing and shoving, a a kick to Krumar's ass which he surely mistook as an unwanted advance, the group once more gets moving down the road, having avoided any undue taxes but with some guards who would rather never see you again. Jordgubb did successfully pull off a little larceny, skirting away with a couple of nested clay pots atop his head before the carts in front of you pulled away. He is seemingly happy to share three of them for the growing of... let's say "medicinal herbs"... but he selfishly grabs and keeps one specific pot as his own. He's not sure what it is about this pot yet but he know's it is something... ((https://www.dndbeyond.com/magic-items/9172070-pot-of-awakened-topiary added to Jordgubb's inventory.))
Moving along, the carts that were right in front of you at the checkpoint push their horses and wagons at double time to escape the sound of Krumar's singing while you all set a more leisurely pace. Enjoying the music? Or plagued by it such that your pace is slowed by it? Who knows...
((I'll fish on Discord to see if we have a volunteer for our next encounter or if I should roll for our next victim...))
((While we wait and since our travel and all is a bit nebulous...))
As you head deeper into the Barony of Baldenan you pass lone or small clumps of homesteads and farms before finally reaching small hamlets and villages. This far on the outskirts there is few actual businesses but if you ask around politely enough, and don't come off as a guard or anything, you can find people willing to make you homecooked meals or put you up for a night for a coin or two. You also hear the first rumblings and rumors that may touch on what you are looking for...
"Don't get me wrong, my Elton had a roving eye and would chase any skirt that swished, but his feet always brought him home again. Skirts can be distraction but that boy knows where he gets three free meals a day and a free bed..." explains one father who asks for assistance changing a wagon wheel in exchange for some of the moonshine he brews out back.
"The guards insist Milly must have just run off with some guy," a mother complains as she ladles out stew that has been brewing in the same pot over her hearth since they built the place twenty odd years ago. "If Milly had found a guy she'd be shouting it from the rooftops! I love her, mind ya, but Milly is nothing to look at and as much as she yearned to she never once caught a man's eye."
You hear many such stories like these. Half a dozen, at least, and it does indeed seem to be too many people missing without word for it to be coincidence in such a small area. But despite all your inquiries there ain't one person who saw a thing. The missing was off on this chore or task or whatnot around twilight or so and just never returned... Three different people do mention they heard a noise when they wen't looking, these were from people who were noticed missing quickly and looked for quickly - mostly on the young side. Two described the noise as a weird laugh, though each mimicked laugh sounded very different, and the third described it as an odd repeated cow moo... But there were no cows in the area.
Being local yokels these people perhaps know about one other missing person but there is no daily paper or anything so they certainly do not know about the full scope of missing people and get even more distressed about ever seeing their loved ones again if you let it slip. None know anything about bodies with missing bones and if it is brought up their either get horrified or think it is some kind of joke and get insulted...
Krumar thinks back to his traveling days and sweet simple faced Milly. Krumar can't help the lady folk that throw themselves at him nor would he try to. Upon hearing her mother and smelling the sweet smell of what he believes to be beef stew Krumar stops and chats "Hello there. You say Milly is missing? I met Milly not long ago whilst traveling this realm playing my melodious tunes and sweet songs to the masses. Perhaps you saw my performance? Krumar, is my name. When did poor Milly go missing?"
Raevyn falls to the back and would observe as she does. She'd quietly note what things she could as the group went along. There was something about the way the locals would originally react to their armoured companion(s), and the way they would talk about the guards. Was it related in any way? A reason for distrust? Or just the norm here? Running her finger down her notes, she pauses at the sounds reported to being heard. That piqued her curiosity. "Are there many ravens that reside in the area?" She wondered out loud.
Refocusing on the more factual as she carefully packs the moonshine, the doctor gathers that the common denominator amongst the stories told was the missing being out around twilight. "Should we desire to investigate further, it appears being out around twilight could be a prime opportunity." Raevyn offers and looks to Krumar, not at all suggesting he be bait. "You know Krumar, perhaps you should perform this evening." She encourages. "Maybe they'll come back for you once they hear your voice."
(Passive Insight: 17 - the vibe about the guards)
(Flat roll: 16 Add: +2 if Nature, +2 if investigation, +4 if history, +9 Arcana for the sounds.
Animal? Kenku? Spell?)just an unstable unicorn.
"You?" The mother asks. "And... Milly??" She couldn't be more shocked if she had been struck by lightning. Multiple times. "How... When... Why?!?" But she quickly brushes that aside and shakes her head. "Gods above, perhaps there IS someone for everyone..."
Milly, as it turns out, has been missing for nearly a year now. These are farmers and the like on the outskirts here so they mostly tell time by seasons and such so getting anything much more specific is more or less not happening. Indeed, it's been roughly a year for all the missing, though the more clever in the group (Raevyn, Jordgubb) do note that those on the furthest outskirts of the Barony were the first taken and those closer to the seat of power of it more recently - though sill like 9 months or so... You have not yet reached anyplace that had the bodies empty of bones...
There is no more ravens in the areas of the disappearances than any other farm areas, it would seem. Nor back when it happened was an increase noticed. The band could try to lay in wait or set bait around twilight as they wish... But it seems unlikely to find anything so long after the disappearances.
((Insight regarding the guards - The Barony is a bit of a militaristic region ruled by a strong hand. Too strong, you sense the locals think but would never say to outsiders. Guard is a good job to get as you'll never go hungry so long as you are willing to take food from others, but those who take it are ostracized from any who knew them before.))
((Flat roll - Is this for the weird laughs? Best you can tell without having heard the actual thing is that it is no beast or bird.. You would guess it is something that has a consciousness enough to laugh?))
Krumar looks at Raevyn and smiles "You know that's exactly what these folks need...some cheering up! No, no, no I insist! I will play this evening to raise spirits! Where should I set up" Krumar looks around for a place where he can set up his instruments and sing to draw a crowd.
Krumar does indeed play for the folks around this small hovel and the few backwater guards, well more like militia he figures. He plays a fantastic set singing about his accomplished career and that of his companions. The folks sang along to his songs and danced the night away.
"Sing of Krumar, courage and grace, Words like fire, songs embrace.
Tales of heroes, bold and true, With every note, the legends grew.
Through every verse and melody’s might, Krumar turns dark to dawning light."
The townspeople especially liked the comical genius of his song about Dabbert
"Dabbert joined the ranks one day, Armor clinking, bright and gray.
But with his sword, he stumbled back—
Missed the enemy and dropped his pack.
Oh, Dabbert the soldier, try as he might, Fumbles by day, tumbles by night.
Brave as a lion, clumsy as a goose, In the heat of the battle, his helmet’s loose!"
Sadly the fun did have to end. The group left the next morning after Krumar was showered with praise, trinkets, and food. Of course he shared with the group but kept a fair share of the food. Afterall he did provide the entertainment for the evening. The next leg of the trip was spent tuning out Jordy talk about poison and how he misses eating goblins and the Dr talk about death and science....Krumar wished he had ear plugs....He tried to sway conversation to himself but each time he did he senses his little friend was going to tear his arm off and beat him with it. So instead he thought of new songs he could sing about little Neffy.....Oh Neffy....that will rhyme with all sorts of words...that's a good one, he thinks to himself.
It is close to dusk when they finally reach the next village. Krumar calls out "Hello there!" but the village was eerily quiet. As they approach the outskirts of the village Cat Jordy pounces ahead finding no signs of life...as it has been abandoned. He reports back to the group "Seems everyone left....probably didn't have enough goblins to eat....Oh how I miss the crunch." Krumar gags a little. Nef pipes up in a deep rather intimidating voice "Well no sense standing about. Let's eat the food our gracious bard gave us! He is a swell guy. Oh look that house looks stable, let's eat there."
The group do indeed go into the house Nef pointed out out of fear that contradicting her would cause her mini rage boil to the surface...Krumar can't help but wonder how someone so tiny feels the need to overcompensate so much....there has to be some sort of complex for that....Neffy Complex has a nice tune, he writes it down. While in the house Krumar finds a cute little blanket. "I call dibs! I'm tired you all figure out a watch." He takes the blanket and snuggles up to it "Nite Nite!" Magically this little blanket summons a full sized four post queen sized bed which is more comfortable and inviting and did I mention comfortable than anything else in the world. The others see Krumar magically tucked in and out cold snoring within seconds. As they figure out their watch they here a shout from outside "Come out, come out little piggies"
What does the remaining non sleeping members of the group do?
Jordgubb is more than confused at the display from the bard, this clearly delusional man was thanking these people for throwing half rotten vegetables at him as the group leave the next day, Krumar keeps grinning and telling the group how wonderful all of the 'presents' were, and how cheerful he had made that town, though the jeers were apparent to everyone but the bard. Is this how townfolk act, only hearing what they want to? Still, Jordy never said no to free food, and his iron stomach didn't care too much at the more squishier vegetables that had been collected.
Talk of poisons, potions and brews with the dark doc were very entertaining to the druid, and as they found the deserted town Jordy was more than happy to scout it out. Come night watch he was still up, having picked some less than edible plants on their travels he was attempting to squish them into an infectious paste for a base for a new poison, when the voice from outside stopped him, "uhhh theressss no piggiesss in here right?" He asks as he looks around to the other members of the group. Sidling up to the window Jordgubb takes his quarter staff and gently nudges the curtain to one side, peering out into the darkness for the source (perception 12)
Nefire is happy that Krumar keeps most of the old veggies to himself. I mean, they were alright she supposed, but honestly, her rations were almost better. She couldn't help but keep eyeing the cat. She knew it was Jordgubb, but man... a roasted cat right now sounded delicious.
Nefire responds to Krumar sarcastically in calling him a swell guy, but she means it when she thinks she finds a stable house. When the figure outside shouts and calls them piggies, she's about to grab her axe and gut him like one, but Jordgubb's words make her chuckle and she holds herself and she nods and waits to see what the dragonborn is going to do next. She sure wishes Krumar's snoring wasn't so loud though.