Summary: The Goblin gets a step in on Yaalin, before being felled. Diadochi's hammer cracking it against it's head again, causing it to collapse. Breathing, but, out cold. Abigail takes a breath, in a pool of her own blood, but isn't quite as down for the count as it seems.
----
You can still hear the sounds of Goblin chants as they scurry along roofs and out of the walls, ducking into shadows to cover their escape. The wolf lays off in the distance with the dead mage on it. A knocked out Goblin is by your feet.
Abigail, still dripping blood from her wound, gleefully starts to mutilate the goblin while repeating profanities at it. ((Does no matter if the goblin in unconscious or dead, she just starts hacking at it.))
After leaving a shredded meat sack on the ground, Abigail cuts off its head, then proceeds to go collect as many other heads as possible before returning to the inn. 5
Sim watches as the wolf and Mage skid to a halt the mage tumbling over and over a few steps further. Sim jumps off the roof and heads over to the dead mage to recover the Runes and anything else it may have. Including it's head. He also takes the wolf's pelt, the meat for the caravan and it's bones for stew. (One of my abilities: When you forage, you find twice as much food as you normally would.)
(If it does have the runes) Picking up the Runes Sim uses Arcana7 to see if he knows or feels anything from the stones.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Yes lets get these fires out"
I will also investigation17 for the runes stones. If I find them I will attempt to return them to their place on the Statue. If someone else has them I will attempt to persuade them to return them as well.
"I need some tea after that ordeal. I almost lost it back there."
Abigail: You carve up the dead Goblin, before taking it's head as well and adding it into your bag of heads. Your travel sack is rather full at this point, and damp from the excess blood lingering around. As you look around the town, you do not find any good opportunities to take off heads laying there.
Sim: You easily find two runestones on the Goblin Mage. Neither are glowing as they were before. One is cracked, while the other is in pristine condition. While you know they are some kind of magical, you're unable to deduce exactly what their purpose is. It takes you a little bit of time to find a good spot to skin and butcher the wolf, but you do quite the effective job at it. Gaining bones, teeth, meat, and a fair if not smelly hide. It seems being tamed and ridden by goblins to not be the best thing for a wolfs pelt.
Diadochi & Yaalin: You both assist the town in helping put out the fires. You find the Mayor, looking like he had been in a few more scuffles. A gash along his eye, a finger that's most likely broken. A limp that'll heal with a good night's rest but, he stands assisting and giving out orders on putting out the fires. Eventually, finding your way to Sim, you can tell he's got the runestones as he butchers a wolf with efficiency. When looking back at the statue, it appears that their forced removal damaged the runstones a bit. They'll need to be refitted after some chips and dings from being removed by force.
Lafetha: Looking out the window, you eventually see your compatriots return. Many of them injured in some capacity or form.
You all find yourself sleeping rather soundly between two different rooms of the inn. For the first time in a few, long weeks, actually on a bed. (You all get a long rest without any further incidents)
That next morning, the sounds of the town start early. Folks stopping by the Blood Raven to grab a hot morning meal. People letting out their animals. Some persons heading off to the Mayors estate to work on the larger farm, while others go about their daily lives. A few houses have folks standing outside, laying black marks across the doors - a sign of death and mourning for the folks of Rest. For such a battle that was yesterday, today seems much more normal than some of you may expect.
Diadochi will sleep in, and insist they get a hot meal before heading out (2 silver?). Despite everything his mood hasn't changed. Then he will go wherever Yaalin goes.
Diadochi will sleep in, and insist they get a hot meal before heading out (2 silver?). Despite everything his mood hasn't changed. Then he will go wherever Yaalin goes.
Stretching from her shell in the morning, Yaalin yawns deeply over the sleeping form of her bodyguard. Heading down into the inn she approaches the innkeeper.
"do you have tea? any kind really as long as it is hot" then after paying for and sipping the tea, I will take notice of the activity outside. Seeing as the people do not seem bothered by the previous nights attack I turn back to the innkeeper, "Has this happened before? if you aren't comfortable telling me can you direct me towards the mayor? He might have the information I seek. I would like to know more about the history of your towns statue and the frequency of these incursions. Those runes are unlike Anything I have ever seen and want more time with them. maybe if you tell me where the goblins are I can retrieve the others? or have they been gone a long time?...."
Yaalin bolstered by the tea will continue in the vein her curiosity piqued until the innkeeper interrupts or his eyes glaze over.
Persuasion9 to get the innkeeper to tell me what I want to know.
After returning from carting the food back to the caravan along with the pelt to be cleaned and used for warmth, Sim circles around the town to check on the tracks left by the Goblins who got away last and night and went back up the mountains. (Mountain Ability: While tracking other creatures, you also learn their exact number, their sizes, and how long ago they passed through the area.) Investigation23
After returning from carting the food back to the caravan along with the pelt to be cleaned and used for warmth, Sim circles around the town to check on the tracks left by the Goblins who got away last and night and went back up the mountains. (Mountain Ability: While tracking other creatures, you also learn their exact number, their sizes, and how long ago they passed through the area.) Investigation23
((It's technically survival to track, but same roll in this instance.))
Sim, your morning is a bit warmer than yesterdays. The hour long hike to the camp and back not quite crunching on the frozen ground quite as hard. Mama, and Mr. Jacobsen both enjoy getting some other meat and items for Mama's stew. Really, the team at the camp is happy for anything else than Mama's stew. You did not see Eshe in your small time in camp though. While circling around the town you take a look and see the tracks. You find several small tracks that you're assuming to be Goblin, based on the majority of them happening about ten hours ago now. Easily a dozen that escaped. It also seems that they had another three wolves with them as well. Although you're not sure if the wolves ever entered the town, the tracks looking heavier. Like they stayed outside and ran off during their retreat. It does appear that when they left, they didn't return. The tracks heading up along your sight line to the mountain paths.
Stretching from her shell in the morning, Yaalin yawns deeply over the sleeping form of her bodyguard. Heading down into the inn she approaches the innkeeper.
"do you have tea? any kind really as long as it is hot" then after paying for and sipping the tea, I will take notice of the activity outside. Seeing as the people do not seem bothered by the previous nights attack I turn back to the innkeeper, "Has this happened before? if you aren't comfortable telling me can you direct me towards the mayor? He might have the information I seek. I would like to know more about the history of your towns statue and the frequency of these incursions. Those runes are unlike Anything I have ever seen and want more time with them. maybe if you tell me where the goblins are I can retrieve the others? or have they been gone a long time?...."
Yaalin bolstered by the tea will continue in the vein her curiosity piqued until the innkeeper interrupts or his eyes glaze over.
Persuasion9 to get the innkeeper to tell me what I want to know.
The Barkeep gets some hot water and his own assortment of leaves. Steeping a hot mug of tea (2 copper) before placing it down in front of you. "Have we ever been attacked before? I mean... sure. Goblins. White Hawks. All sorts of critters coming along the mountain thinking we're a snack. Town's learned how to keep itself safe." He gave a small sigh as he looked over at the bloodstains on the ground. "To be fair, though, the Goblins are getting bolder. There was a skirmish before you came to town. This raid was, well, biggest I've ever lived through." After he simply shrugs. "Life goes on. Can't dwell on it. We'll mourn. Those that can with tithe to those that lost." He trails off a little bit... going back to cleaning.
"Oh! Wait. You mentioned the runes? To be honest, that statue's been around since I was a kid. Lady Orta, well, she's the runekeeper. She'd know about them. As for the mayor, he's got the big estate in the middle of the farm. Kind of outside the back of town."
Squatting down to look at the tracks Sim sees the number of Goblins and Wolves that got away and shakes his head, knowing if they had all come into town the end result would have been much worse than it was. He stands up wiping his hands on his pants and heads into town to inform the others and the Mayor of what he found outside the town. He had to persuade the Mayor to focus on strengthening the towns defenses. Even though it may take time to upgrade, if their defenses included a proper stone wall or Palisade and wall guards to help warn and prevent these things they would be more secure and the town would grow. Unless something is done long term the goblins will come again and again, since they failed to get the runes, and they would wipe out the town. Figuring the others are probably at or near the Inn Sim heads that way. Hopefully he will run into Yaalin on the way to hand off the Runes.
(I'll join whoever heads to talk to the mayor and try to persuade him of my ideas for security.)
Abigail comes down and grabs some breakfast from the inn keeper. "I do not suppose you know where one could secure a backpack you would? My old one is full of... well, it was ruined during all the fighting last night."
((Abigail will spend the morning eating and trying to secure the following gear: a new backpack for her adventuring gear, some caltrops, and healing potions - if there are any in town or at Lady Orta to be had within her purchasing power. If she runs into or finds out her party is headed to the mayor's she will join them with the sack of heads... hopefully the mayor is good on his word.))
Abigail comes down and grabs some breakfast from the inn keeper. "I do not suppose you know where one could secure a backpack you would? My old one is full of... well, it was ruined during all the fighting last night."
((Abigail will spend the morning eating and trying to secure the following gear: a new backpack for her adventuring gear, some caltrops, and healing potions - if there are any in town or at Lady Orta to be had within her purchasing power. If she runs into or finds out her party is headed to the mayor's she will join them with the sack of heads... hopefully the mayor is good on his word.))
Abigail and the Barkeep talk for a little bit, and he definitely points you in the right direction for what you're looking for. Although, at first, he was fairly unsure on exactly what caltrops even were. The town has no official shops, most folks either crafting what they need or trading with one another. It does seem that the Blood Raven acts as a central point for knowing who might have what, though.
Finding a backpack is actually the easiest thing for you; everyone in town has some skill in leather making and keeps several bags on hand for carrying supplies around. One of the townsfolks that the Barkeep pointed you to only asks for 1 gold, as their family will be without one while he has to make a new one. In nearly every port, 2 gold would be a steal for a sturdy bag like this, and could go as high as 4.
Caltrops take longer. As you've been in town a good day now, there are two resources the town is lacking. Wood, and Metal. They don't even have a proper blacksmith anywhere to your knowledge. However, you do find someone that agrees to carve some bones into caltrops. Due to it being more of a custom job, and the wanting to get it done fairly quickly, it ends up costing you 2 gold 5 silver for the job. Pricey, compared to other spots.
Finding any kind of potion is neigh impossible. Stopping by the one location that the Barkeep Recommended - Lady Orta's - you see her house has a pool of blood by the door. Goblin blood. Inside is the sounds of something frying, with the oddest of odors coming from the door when she opens it. That wicker facemask hiding her features beyond the large yellow eye that is barely visible. She does have a single potion that could be parted with, for 70 gold.
Finishing off Her tea Yaalin Pats Diadochi on the back. "I think we have some talking to do." Heading for the door "Mayor first I think then Lady Orta unless one of the others has seen her. I would like to know what happens if we can give Jeshur back all his stones. Might help all these people,and us out a great deal. though we should remind our friends of the apple we were hired to get. I suspect Mama won't be happy if we forget."
I will head for the Mayor and attempt to figure out where this lost temple I recall is in relation to the goblin warrens.
((Abigail purchases the backpack, but does not have the money for the health potions, and doubts the efficacy of bone caltrops - so does not buy this either. Overall, this experience reinforces her view that this is a mountainous hellscape.))
((Abigail, you can roll a persuasion check against any of the prices retroactively, but 1 roll each. Lafetha, we can retroactively say what you were doing, if anything as well.))
The group goes about their morning business - before getting together and heading off to the mayors house. It's a easy walk from the square by the Blood Raven over to the far part of town. Heading through buildings and winding walkways before coming across a more open field. Nothing has started to grow yet, but villagers were busy tilling and turning soil. One thing struck everyone's nose - it smelled. In the center of a few different patches, high piles of manure. Steam rising from it. A few townsfolk heading over to it and combining it with water and dirt, turning it into a fine paste. One that would help insulate their stone homes, and act as a simple glue.
Wandering the barren fields, and around the home, about a half dozen what appeared to be guards; clad in leather armor, shields, and spears. Yaalin saw a few of them fighting last night when she was wandering the streets. Engaging in the more populated areas, and guarding the water runners. They give a few nods to Diadochi and Yaalin, having met them after the goblin retreat. A modicum of respect for the two assisting with putting out fires in town. For the area being a farm, there is little livestock. Some goats, some pigs. A few dogs barking and a cat or two. No mules. No horses. No real beasts of burden.
Flanking the Mayors house by a hundred feet or so are large mounds carved from the earth; some kind of silo for what they grow and supplies. The house itself is made of weathered, imported wood. A large porch on both the first and second floor overlook the town. Most the windows were closed with wooden shutters. The center part of the house appearing to be made of stone. (INT/ History check to know more about the design work.) Several chimneys extend up through the roof as well, small billows of smoke coming out.
You knock, wait. Knock again, wait a bit more. Eventually, a house servant opens the door. After a brief discussion, brings you through the homes halls. It's decor is rather... different. Mashed elements of what used to be high fashion back in the Kingdoms, just not put together in any meaningful way. However, a few art pieces hang on the walls, and down a few rooms you get the chance to glance over at. One painting that is prominent, a large male orc clad in armor leaning on his ax. By it's side, the same set of armor on display. Down another hallway, a few rare books and statues on display. Items that even to the untrained eye, have quite a bit of worth.
The servant leads you to a room set up as a study and eating room. Ledgers are splayed open on a table, the mayor looking through them and flipping pages. He looks tired... unsure if its from the drinking, the fighting, or because it was also his wedding night. He looks up to you all, clearing his throat as he stands upright, and straightens his shirt. The bruises on his face are healing nicely; and his broken finger twined to the one beside it to prevent too much movement.
"Ahh, yes. I wasn't expecting company. Forgive my appearance," he runs a hand through his hair - slicking it back. "What can I help you with today?"
The mayor listens to some of Sims ideas, nodding a bit. "Yes, all fine ideas. Ones we've discussed before in the town. But people prefer having homes they can hide in, than having a wall and living on the street." He shrugs it off, seemingly unmoved by the ideas.
"Yes well, We thought it only prudent I to check in after the events of last night, see how you and the city are holding up and all that. I'd like you to know that you have our full commitment to ending this goblin threat on your town. If you could help us as to the location of those goblins, it would really help us help you. We noticed last night they were after a rune stone in that statue, you wouldn't know why they'd want that, and how many we would look to recover form these goblins? We've also Promised Lady Orta we'd look into reclaiming a temple of her people, but when it came it it's location she was sparse on the details, if you had any maps of the area it would be a boon to us. I couldn't help but notice the picture of a dashing orc fellow, must have been of great importance to have a picture painted of him."
"Yes well, We thought it only prudent I to check in after the events of last night, see how you and the city are holding up and all that. I'd like you to know that you have our full commitment to ending this goblin threat on your town. If you could help us as to the location of those goblins, it would really help us help you. We noticed last night they were after a rune stone in that statue, you wouldn't know why they'd want that, and how many we would look to recover form these goblins? We've also Promised Lady Orta we'd look into reclaiming a temple of her people, but when it came it it's location she was sparse on the details, if you had any maps of the area it would be a boon to us. I couldn't help but notice the picture of a dashing orc fellow, must have been of great importance to have a picture painted of him."
History:
It's a stone house, nothing out of the ordinary to you.
"I do appreciate the concern, and your offer to assist in the matter. And thank you for saying my Grandfather was such a dashing fellow. He founded Rest, you know," the Mayor goes into a bit of history of his Grandfather, the Orc painted in the other room. A bright smile spreading across his face, easily enjoying talking about lineage and history of forefathers.
"I will gladly negotiate a contract wit you all to eliminate these Goblins," he continues after a minute. Getting back on track after her and Diadochi discuss lineage and the importance of it. "They've grown bold. And I firmly believe that strength is the answer to best deal with them." His hand presses against the table a bit, too firmly. His knuckles going white. "I can tell you this. Something has unified them and turned them. There used to be multiple clans, but based on yesterday, I'm thinking someone has them joining forces. As for where they are, I do not know. They lurk around at night, and not everyone can see in the night. Tracking them in a mountain range known for making widows of people isn't exactly something I'd recommend. My brother would know, but, I've yet to see him return from the mountain. It's been a bad winter."
He lets out a small sigh, wrapping his signet ring against the table his at a few times. When Diadochi mentions the runestones, his attention returns. "Now that is.. concerning. I don't know exactly what they're up to in terms of that. Do they have the runestones right now? Are they still in the statue of the Spirit of the Mountain? Or do you have them?" he asked, a bit more concerned. He nods as the group answers ((deception to say they have them, and/or you do not)). You do notice that he doesn't call the statue Jeshur, as Yaalin figured out it was actually of. It's entirely possible the town doesn't know who the statue is even crafted to.
He does mutter something in Orc under his breath for a second. ((perception 15+ to hear it)) "I have a singular map that may be helpful, but it's of too great importance to me and the town to give away. I'm sure you can understand."
Round 4 (End)
Summary: The Goblin gets a step in on Yaalin, before being felled. Diadochi's hammer cracking it against it's head again, causing it to collapse. Breathing, but, out cold. Abigail takes a breath, in a pool of her own blood, but isn't quite as down for the count as it seems.
----
You can still hear the sounds of Goblin chants as they scurry along roofs and out of the walls, ducking into shadows to cover their escape. The wolf lays off in the distance with the dead mage on it. A knocked out Goblin is by your feet.
What do you do?
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Abigail, still dripping blood from her wound, gleefully starts to mutilate the goblin while repeating profanities at it.
((Does no matter if the goblin in unconscious or dead, she just starts hacking at it.))
After leaving a shredded meat sack on the ground, Abigail cuts off its head, then proceeds to go collect as many other heads as possible before returning to the inn. 5
Sim watches as the wolf and Mage skid to a halt the mage tumbling over and over a few steps further. Sim jumps off the roof and heads over to the dead mage to recover the Runes and anything else it may have. Including it's head. He also takes the wolf's pelt, the meat for the caravan and it's bones for stew. (One of my abilities: When you forage, you find twice as much food as you normally would.)
(If it does have the runes) Picking up the Runes Sim uses Arcana 7 to see if he knows or feels anything from the stones.
Diadochi looks at Yaalin "I say, glad that's over. Next I think we should help the rest of the town, but of course it is your call."
Diadochi will follow Yaalin wherever she goes.
"Yes lets get these fires out"
I will also investigation 17 for the runes stones. If I find them I will attempt to return them to their place on the Statue. If someone else has them I will attempt to persuade them to return them as well.
"I need some tea after that ordeal. I almost lost it back there."
Abigail: You carve up the dead Goblin, before taking it's head as well and adding it into your bag of heads. Your travel sack is rather full at this point, and damp from the excess blood lingering around. As you look around the town, you do not find any good opportunities to take off heads laying there.
Sim: You easily find two runestones on the Goblin Mage. Neither are glowing as they were before. One is cracked, while the other is in pristine condition. While you know they are some kind of magical, you're unable to deduce exactly what their purpose is. It takes you a little bit of time to find a good spot to skin and butcher the wolf, but you do quite the effective job at it. Gaining bones, teeth, meat, and a fair if not smelly hide. It seems being tamed and ridden by goblins to not be the best thing for a wolfs pelt.
Diadochi & Yaalin: You both assist the town in helping put out the fires. You find the Mayor, looking like he had been in a few more scuffles. A gash along his eye, a finger that's most likely broken. A limp that'll heal with a good night's rest but, he stands assisting and giving out orders on putting out the fires. Eventually, finding your way to Sim, you can tell he's got the runestones as he butchers a wolf with efficiency. When looking back at the statue, it appears that their forced removal damaged the runstones a bit. They'll need to be refitted after some chips and dings from being removed by force.
Lafetha: Looking out the window, you eventually see your compatriots return. Many of them injured in some capacity or form.
You all find yourself sleeping rather soundly between two different rooms of the inn. For the first time in a few, long weeks, actually on a bed. (You all get a long rest without any further incidents)
That next morning, the sounds of the town start early. Folks stopping by the Blood Raven to grab a hot morning meal. People letting out their animals. Some persons heading off to the Mayors estate to work on the larger farm, while others go about their daily lives. A few houses have folks standing outside, laying black marks across the doors - a sign of death and mourning for the folks of Rest. For such a battle that was yesterday, today seems much more normal than some of you may expect.
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Diadochi will sleep in, and insist they get a hot meal before heading out (2 silver?). Despite everything his mood hasn't changed. Then he will go wherever Yaalin goes.
((Two silver will get you a very good meal))
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Stretching from her shell in the morning, Yaalin yawns deeply over the sleeping form of her bodyguard. Heading down into the inn she approaches the innkeeper.
"do you have tea? any kind really as long as it is hot" then after paying for and sipping the tea, I will take notice of the activity outside. Seeing as the people do not seem bothered by the previous nights attack I turn back to the innkeeper, "Has this happened before? if you aren't comfortable telling me can you direct me towards the mayor? He might have the information I seek. I would like to know more about the history of your towns statue and the frequency of these incursions. Those runes are unlike Anything I have ever seen and want more time with them. maybe if you tell me where the goblins are I can retrieve the others? or have they been gone a long time?...."
Yaalin bolstered by the tea will continue in the vein her curiosity piqued until the innkeeper interrupts or his eyes glaze over.
Persuasion9 to get the innkeeper to tell me what I want to know.
After returning from carting the food back to the caravan along with the pelt to be cleaned and used for warmth, Sim circles around the town to check on the tracks left by the Goblins who got away last and night and went back up the mountains. (Mountain Ability: While tracking other creatures, you also learn their exact number, their sizes, and how long ago they passed through the area.) Investigation 23
((It's technically survival to track, but same roll in this instance.))
Sim, your morning is a bit warmer than yesterdays. The hour long hike to the camp and back not quite crunching on the frozen ground quite as hard. Mama, and Mr. Jacobsen both enjoy getting some other meat and items for Mama's stew. Really, the team at the camp is happy for anything else than Mama's stew. You did not see Eshe in your small time in camp though. While circling around the town you take a look and see the tracks. You find several small tracks that you're assuming to be Goblin, based on the majority of them happening about ten hours ago now. Easily a dozen that escaped. It also seems that they had another three wolves with them as well. Although you're not sure if the wolves ever entered the town, the tracks looking heavier. Like they stayed outside and ran off during their retreat. It does appear that when they left, they didn't return. The tracks heading up along your sight line to the mountain paths.
The Barkeep gets some hot water and his own assortment of leaves. Steeping a hot mug of tea (2 copper) before placing it down in front of you. "Have we ever been attacked before? I mean... sure. Goblins. White Hawks. All sorts of critters coming along the mountain thinking we're a snack. Town's learned how to keep itself safe." He gave a small sigh as he looked over at the bloodstains on the ground. "To be fair, though, the Goblins are getting bolder. There was a skirmish before you came to town. This raid was, well, biggest I've ever lived through." After he simply shrugs. "Life goes on. Can't dwell on it. We'll mourn. Those that can with tithe to those that lost." He trails off a little bit... going back to cleaning.
"Oh! Wait. You mentioned the runes? To be honest, that statue's been around since I was a kid. Lady Orta, well, she's the runekeeper. She'd know about them. As for the mayor, he's got the big estate in the middle of the farm. Kind of outside the back of town."
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Squatting down to look at the tracks Sim sees the number of Goblins and Wolves that got away and shakes his head, knowing if they had all come into town the end result would have been much worse than it was. He stands up wiping his hands on his pants and heads into town to inform the others and the Mayor of what he found outside the town. He had to persuade the Mayor to focus on strengthening the towns defenses. Even though it may take time to upgrade, if their defenses included a proper stone wall or Palisade and wall guards to help warn and prevent these things they would be more secure and the town would grow. Unless something is done long term the goblins will come again and again, since they failed to get the runes, and they would wipe out the town. Figuring the others are probably at or near the Inn Sim heads that way. Hopefully he will run into Yaalin on the way to hand off the Runes.
(I'll join whoever heads to talk to the mayor and try to persuade him of my ideas for security.)
persuasion 11
Abigail comes down and grabs some breakfast from the inn keeper. "I do not suppose you know where one could secure a backpack you would? My old one is full of... well, it was ruined during all the fighting last night."
((Abigail will spend the morning eating and trying to secure the following gear: a new backpack for her adventuring gear, some caltrops, and healing potions - if there are any in town or at Lady Orta to be had within her purchasing power. If she runs into or finds out her party is headed to the mayor's she will join them with the sack of heads... hopefully the mayor is good on his word.))
Abigail and the Barkeep talk for a little bit, and he definitely points you in the right direction for what you're looking for. Although, at first, he was fairly unsure on exactly what caltrops even were. The town has no official shops, most folks either crafting what they need or trading with one another. It does seem that the Blood Raven acts as a central point for knowing who might have what, though.
Finding a backpack is actually the easiest thing for you; everyone in town has some skill in leather making and keeps several bags on hand for carrying supplies around. One of the townsfolks that the Barkeep pointed you to only asks for 1 gold, as their family will be without one while he has to make a new one. In nearly every port, 2 gold would be a steal for a sturdy bag like this, and could go as high as 4.
Caltrops take longer. As you've been in town a good day now, there are two resources the town is lacking. Wood, and Metal. They don't even have a proper blacksmith anywhere to your knowledge. However, you do find someone that agrees to carve some bones into caltrops. Due to it being more of a custom job, and the wanting to get it done fairly quickly, it ends up costing you 2 gold 5 silver for the job. Pricey, compared to other spots.
Finding any kind of potion is neigh impossible. Stopping by the one location that the Barkeep Recommended - Lady Orta's - you see her house has a pool of blood by the door. Goblin blood. Inside is the sounds of something frying, with the oddest of odors coming from the door when she opens it. That wicker facemask hiding her features beyond the large yellow eye that is barely visible. She does have a single potion that could be parted with, for 70 gold.
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Finishing off Her tea Yaalin Pats Diadochi on the back. "I think we have some talking to do." Heading for the door "Mayor first I think then Lady Orta unless one of the others has seen her. I would like to know what happens if we can give Jeshur back all his stones. Might help all these people,and us out a great deal. though we should remind our friends of the apple we were hired to get. I suspect Mama won't be happy if we forget."
I will head for the Mayor and attempt to figure out where this lost temple I recall is in relation to the goblin warrens.
((Abigail purchases the backpack, but does not have the money for the health potions, and doubts the efficacy of bone caltrops - so does not buy this either. Overall, this experience reinforces her view that this is a mountainous hellscape.))
((Abigail, you can roll a persuasion check against any of the prices retroactively, but 1 roll each. Lafetha, we can retroactively say what you were doing, if anything as well.))
The group goes about their morning business - before getting together and heading off to the mayors house. It's a easy walk from the square by the Blood Raven over to the far part of town. Heading through buildings and winding walkways before coming across a more open field. Nothing has started to grow yet, but villagers were busy tilling and turning soil. One thing struck everyone's nose - it smelled. In the center of a few different patches, high piles of manure. Steam rising from it. A few townsfolk heading over to it and combining it with water and dirt, turning it into a fine paste. One that would help insulate their stone homes, and act as a simple glue.
Wandering the barren fields, and around the home, about a half dozen what appeared to be guards; clad in leather armor, shields, and spears. Yaalin saw a few of them fighting last night when she was wandering the streets. Engaging in the more populated areas, and guarding the water runners. They give a few nods to Diadochi and Yaalin, having met them after the goblin retreat. A modicum of respect for the two assisting with putting out fires in town. For the area being a farm, there is little livestock. Some goats, some pigs. A few dogs barking and a cat or two. No mules. No horses. No real beasts of burden.
Flanking the Mayors house by a hundred feet or so are large mounds carved from the earth; some kind of silo for what they grow and supplies. The house itself is made of weathered, imported wood. A large porch on both the first and second floor overlook the town. Most the windows were closed with wooden shutters. The center part of the house appearing to be made of stone. (INT/ History check to know more about the design work.) Several chimneys extend up through the roof as well, small billows of smoke coming out.
You knock, wait. Knock again, wait a bit more. Eventually, a house servant opens the door. After a brief discussion, brings you through the homes halls. It's decor is rather... different. Mashed elements of what used to be high fashion back in the Kingdoms, just not put together in any meaningful way. However, a few art pieces hang on the walls, and down a few rooms you get the chance to glance over at. One painting that is prominent, a large male orc clad in armor leaning on his ax. By it's side, the same set of armor on display. Down another hallway, a few rare books and statues on display. Items that even to the untrained eye, have quite a bit of worth.
The servant leads you to a room set up as a study and eating room. Ledgers are splayed open on a table, the mayor looking through them and flipping pages. He looks tired... unsure if its from the drinking, the fighting, or because it was also his wedding night. He looks up to you all, clearing his throat as he stands upright, and straightens his shirt. The bruises on his face are healing nicely; and his broken finger twined to the one beside it to prevent too much movement.
"Ahh, yes. I wasn't expecting company. Forgive my appearance," he runs a hand through his hair - slicking it back. "What can I help you with today?"
The mayor listens to some of Sims ideas, nodding a bit. "Yes, all fine ideas. Ones we've discussed before in the town. But people prefer having homes they can hide in, than having a wall and living on the street." He shrugs it off, seemingly unmoved by the ideas.
"Any.. other business?"
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
history 13
"Yes well, We thought it only prudent I to check in after the events of last night, see how you and the city are holding up and all that. I'd like you to know that you have our full commitment to ending this goblin threat on your town. If you could help us as to the location of those goblins, it would really help us help you. We noticed last night they were after a rune stone in that statue, you wouldn't know why they'd want that, and how many we would look to recover form these goblins? We've also Promised Lady Orta we'd look into reclaiming a temple of her people, but when it came it it's location she was sparse on the details, if you had any maps of the area it would be a boon to us. I couldn't help but notice the picture of a dashing orc fellow, must have been of great importance to have a picture painted of him."
History:
It's a stone house, nothing out of the ordinary to you.
"I do appreciate the concern, and your offer to assist in the matter. And thank you for saying my Grandfather was such a dashing fellow. He founded Rest, you know," the Mayor goes into a bit of history of his Grandfather, the Orc painted in the other room. A bright smile spreading across his face, easily enjoying talking about lineage and history of forefathers.
"I will gladly negotiate a contract wit you all to eliminate these Goblins," he continues after a minute. Getting back on track after her and Diadochi discuss lineage and the importance of it. "They've grown bold. And I firmly believe that strength is the answer to best deal with them." His hand presses against the table a bit, too firmly. His knuckles going white. "I can tell you this. Something has unified them and turned them. There used to be multiple clans, but based on yesterday, I'm thinking someone has them joining forces. As for where they are, I do not know. They lurk around at night, and not everyone can see in the night. Tracking them in a mountain range known for making widows of people isn't exactly something I'd recommend. My brother would know, but, I've yet to see him return from the mountain. It's been a bad winter."
He lets out a small sigh, wrapping his signet ring against the table his at a few times. When Diadochi mentions the runestones, his attention returns. "Now that is.. concerning. I don't know exactly what they're up to in terms of that. Do they have the runestones right now? Are they still in the statue of the Spirit of the Mountain? Or do you have them?" he asked, a bit more concerned. He nods as the group answers ((deception to say they have them, and/or you do not)). You do notice that he doesn't call the statue Jeshur, as Yaalin figured out it was actually of. It's entirely possible the town doesn't know who the statue is even crafted to.
He does mutter something in Orc under his breath for a second. ((perception 15+ to hear it)) "I have a singular map that may be helpful, but it's of too great importance to me and the town to give away. I'm sure you can understand."
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Abigail Persuasion Checks:
((Abigail checking on the price of the Caltrops - Persuasion: 12; Abigail checking on the price of the Health Potions - Persuasion: 7))
"I would very much like to study your map, mayor." Abigail chimes. "Also, are you still paying for goblin heads? I have here a sack of them for you."
Studying the map:
Intelligence + Navigation Tools? 19
((same roll for Nature or Investigation))
If Persuasion is needed for the goblin heads:
Persuasion: 19