Valley of the Dead Campaign Thread

"Fine with me." Kimryn grabs some grass and flowers to feed her goat and jumps on, "Come on you, we're going back."

Vyrrak seems apprehensive of leaving but says to the others, "Yeah traveling at night with these unknown targets wouldn't be nice. And it doesn't look like we'll get anymore information so we may as well turn back also. This whole situation seems quite vexing."

Vyrrak then goes to grab the reins on the goat he had ridden up here and prepares to head out too.

Rhoc swings back onto Wind Dancer’s back as the others turn to leave. He casts a wary eye down the road as it winds out of view. Wind Dancer swings her head hard against his grip and Rhoc’s attention is brought back to her and the realization that he was pinning her muzzle down with an overly tight grip dawns on him. He whispers her an apology and loosens his grasp with an old ache buzzing in his fingers.

He takes up the rear of his slower companions as they head back to the port town.

Choosing to return to the village, you all leave forested area on your respective riding animals and make your way back down the hill. Altogether your searching and the ride have taken only a couple of hours maximum, with a decent amount of sunlight left in the afternoon.

As you pass the guard, he calls down to you. You can see he still looks fully engaged and ready to fire as he says,  

"I trust the expedition was fruitful! I didn't see any signs of distress nor followers so I'm guessing the group has moved on?"

He doesn't wait for an answer and lowers his bow. In the same moment, you all begin to realize that he cannot see very far into the cleared path between the Coast and Valley from his watchtower as there is a small hilltop obscuring it from his sight. His sight was fixed specifically on the area you all searched, and he is not aware that the group has made its way toward the valley. 

The goats excitedly waddle into town, seemingly knowing that Merdath would be waiting their with a bucket of treats. She takes the reins one by one and leads the animals back into their pen, thanking you for their safe return. She also lets you know that the cream was in fact alright, and the seafood chowder should be ready within a couple of hours. In the meantime, she suggests: getting that drink with Urtskeck, helping the chef and cooper with preserving ingredients, or, assisting the alchemist in creating some makeshift gunpowder. 

"Of course, you're all free to simply make yourselves comfortable until supper. There's ample fishing opportunities and Reeds (the archer) is always up for rolling some dice." 

Lirander talks to the guard about the blind spot.

"Say, friend, did you know there is a blind spot in your sight line?" He points out to him where the blond spot is.

"We hope they have moved on, but it may be best to continue having someone at this post." Rhoc relaxes and leans back in his saddle as Lirander points out the blind spot. "Have you considered putting a man up on that hilltop?"

When you go to speak with Reeds, you notice that the guard's standing position has shifted but he's still locked in on that area. His facial features are a little easier to make out now, and you can tell that he's either a very young wood elf, or a middle age half-elf. His overly serious glare shifts lighter when he responds, answering Lirander first, "Absolutely. I was worried that you were going to leave beyond the tree line as I wouldn't have been able to provide much support. I should've mentioned it before you left but I was too focused on trying to see whatever that was..." 

A long moment passes but he eventually answers Rhoc as well, albeit with some resignation in his voice, "We used to have a lookout posted there, yes. She was one of the first to go missing. One morning she just never showed up after her watch and she's been gone since."

He breaks eye contact as he finishes the sentence, and follows with, "So, any clue as to what that was? I had thought it a herd of deer but I'm restless, paranoid, and stuck in this tower so you can imagine what the mind might do." 

"Don't worry Chuck, it was just a bunch of scared deer."

Kimryn gives her goat a pat on the rump sending it home.

Vyrrak stretches his back after getting off the boat and tells Merdath, "Sounds divine. I'm sure I could spare some time and help the chef out, not a problem. Let them know I'll be by." He then waves her a goodbye as she takes the goats away.

Vyrrak joins the rest of the conversation with the guard and informs him of what they've uncovered so far, "Seems to be a herd of bears as best we can tell. Many strange things still left up in the air however. We'll have to search again at first light."

After notifying the guard about the blind spot, Lirander gets himself a drink and pulls out his flute, playing a haunting tune to inspire everyone.

Dice rolls not yet available for this section. Perfornance check.

Merdath agreed to alert the duo of Vyrrak's offer, and they'll seek you out before end of day. 

Reeds tilted his head before looking back to you, saying, bewildered, "I didn't know bears traveled in herds." He then looked at you for a second and leapt down. [Athletics: 19]

Landing a moment later, a lean elven man greets you at ground level. He's got yellow eyes, reddish hair and is fully armored in studded leather with a matching quiver. His longbow looks old, but well maintained. He grabs his chin, and nods while adding, "I guess it does make sense though. The people who have gone missing, some of them were fairly competent fighters and wouldn't have been easily take..." 

He blinks twice, his face shifting as if he's realized something awful. When he finishes his statement, its far more strained, "...Do you think the druids had anything to do with this?"

Just as he does, Lirander's song (Performance: 17) begins to flow hauntingly in the background, creeping it ways towards town... 

“A worrying thought. I would certainly hope not.” The ever-present worry in Rhoc’s chest begins to take shape around the thought of the Druids killing people in the valley. He resolves to get the party up early so he can get that sealed letter from Lord Harkowitz and make sure his son is safe.

“Best not think too much on it. Right now, all evidence seems to suggest nothing more than a herd of bears or deer.” Rhoc says, trying to not let on that he thinks Reeds may be right.

OOC: Deception 7 :o

“Since we are here for the night and I don’t drink while someone is paying for my time, I will have some chowder and do some fishing before getting to bed early. I would like to leave as soon as possible tomorrow. The earlier we leave, the more likely we are to get to the Keep while the sun is up, even if we are delayed by bears.”

Rhoc will eat quickly, then head to the wharf to do some fishing using a rope tied to his trident. Not sure how that should be rolled so I am going to guess Survival and Attacks?

OOC: Survival 15, Attack (Trident) 23, Piercing Damage 5.

Reeds considers Rhoc carefully and then nods, "You're right. Unfortunately we don't even know if its just a wayward herd, druids, or any other damn thing roaming through the valley, or if that's even connected to the disappearances. Still, that would certainly answer a few questions and I think you're on to something with getting started early tomorrow. You'll easily reach it by sundown if you start early."

Its right around then that Reeds notices Lirander playing and lightens back up. He doesn't say anything but you can see he's sort of just bobbing along to the tune.

Rhoc...

Rhoc will take the Blue Rockfish and offers Urtskeck coin to dry his fish for long term travel. With the remaining light, Rhoc will give Wind Dancer some post-ride care. He waters her, untacks her by gently removing the bridle and checking her gums. He cleans her of salt and dirt with a series of brushes, quietly humming an old orc war song. Rhoc earns his title as a horsemaster here, with careful inspection of the hooves before and after picking them. 

He then leads Wind Dancer into a stable with some feed, draping his blanket over her for warmth while he cleans the horse tack, polishing the old military saddle from his days in the service of the King. Each swipe of the sponge done to the beat of a war drum that only he hears. All these things are routine for him, done so often over the years that he could do it backwards and upside down, blindfolded and drunk. The military discipline prevents him from being sloppy however; each sweep of the sponge or polish rag is intentional and measured, done with love for his horse, but also the regimented work that is both decidedly peaceful and quiet. Quiet. The one thing that he and his son loved together. The one thing that became a gulf between them once his wife passed away.

Rhoc pauses his routine and his brow furrows as he lets out a long sigh. He usually is able to banish such thoughts and fall into a hypnotic rhythm of work, but knowing something is out there making people disappear... Rhoc can't seem to ignore how much of a failure he has been as a father, and how he may never get a chance to apologize to Adalin for it. Of course, he may find Adalin perfectly fine but that Adalin won't see him. Stubborn child. He-

Rhoc wills such thoughts from his head and grinds his mind against his work with a Rage, blotting out all thoughts but what is directly in front of him. Then he plans to bed down in the hay next to Wind Dancer. 

As Rhoc leaves for the Wharf and everyone is talking with Reeds while listening to Lirander's music, two men come walking out of the camp to approach Vyrrak. They pass Rhoc on his way over, and comment on how its always good to see people taking an interest in the local menu as he begins to fish. 

When they reach you, you see two humans of roughly equally stocky stature, each hand thick with calluses and dark hair tied tight under white bandanas. Their brown aprons have splotches of various colors ranging from red to fully bleached white. A chemical smell mixed with old fish weaves together with the afternoon breeze as the slightly taller, but less muscled, one of the left says, "We were told Vyrrak was interested in helping with some food preservation. I'm Seo, and this is Chef Luis. We'd be grateful for the assistance." 

Chef Luis adds, "Aye, and we can pay!" as he flashes a few coins pulled from his pocket. 

After finishing his chowder and guzzling down a drink, Vyrrak takes the time to relax for a change. He taps his foot and leisurely rests his eyes as he listens to Lirander's playing.

The time passes him by until he is alerted to the men asking for him, "Ah yes! Is it that time already? Paid work is the best work." Vyrrak turns his attention to Lirander and Kimryn, "I'm off for a bit as well, thanks for the tunes Lirander."

Vyrrak cracks his neck before getting up from his seat, takes his bowl and cup back to the kitchen, then heads out with the chef and his assistant. Hopefully they can make quick work of this with the three of them.

Survival: 22