Torsus let out a different sort of sigh. One of exhaustion with the whole matter. And it felt odd being lectured to by Claire. In the end, everyone here was right to differing degrees. And with the others making statements, as he had been unaware of the spirit-talking until Claire had arrived, that changed the math a bit. And thus he ultimately conceded the point. And if they ran into trouble... with how many enemies there were likely to be there if things went south for any reason... He'd show Narz just how much 'utility' he had. That part still irked him, as Torsus assumed that Narz's assumption was based on his primary use of his eldritch missile, and little else. If only you knew how many spells I couldn't cast simply because YOU or sometimes Claire... would be caught in the blast or effect.he thinks to himself but lets the enmity go for the most part.
Fine then, we shall go. I have a few spells I haven't used that would be of benefit, so long as no one gets in the way of them. That is part of why you have seen such limited use of my repetior. Many of my spells would also hit you both in many of the circumstances. And while I suppose I could rouse you from sleep myself.. there would also be the risk of a foe resisting it and thus taking advantage if one or both of you failed to. Regardless... yes, let us make our way there in the morning.. or evening.. or whenever they said to be there.
You all leave at first light having finished your nights rest. Heading south through the woods you creep closer and closer to the edge of the Highmore and spend a few hours walking before finding the old trail you were told to look for. From there finding the village itself is relatively easy. The village is what one would describe as rustic. Wood cabins and squat stone buildings make up the bulk of what little there actually is here. This is a small village of likely less than 50 or so residence you would wager. Over looking the sleepy village is the lodge, more a keep nestled among old pine trees on a hilltop. The building has three stories, corner turrets, and rooftop battlements. As you enter the town you find it to be sparsely populated even given your initial low estimate of their population. Only a handful of people, mostly folks in their mid 20s to 30s. You don't see any children and only a few older folk in town tending to their daily routines.
Standing amidst the squat buildings and stables you come across one of the only multi-story buildings in town. A sign out front calls it White Hart Inn. Out front, sweeping the creaky wooden steps leading up to the front door, is a floating broom operating on its own. Overseeing the work and cleaning the windows is a small, older human male whose hair has just started to turn grey in places. As you pass his eyes widen and a big smile crosses his face.
Ah outsiders! Welcome, welcome to Noanars Hold! What brings you to our humble village? The names Avgar, Avgar Filroy, I run the inn here. Its been quite a long time since we've had a visitor I tell you! If there's anything I can do please don't hesitate to ask.
Anyone with history proficiency can make a DC 15 history check to recognize the towns name.. if you're successful read the below.spoiler.
This village on the edge of the High Forest grew up around a famous hunting lodge built over two hundred years ago. In its heyday, Noanar’s Hold hosted wild hunts that attracted the wealthiest nobles and merchants of the North. Some who ventured to Noanar’s Hold never returned, spurring dark rumors that the five Hunt Lords who ruled Noanar’s Hold were arranging wanton slaughters to amuse their guests and even allowing their guests to hunt one another. The place was shunned, and the village fell on hard times. For the last century and a half there's been pretty much no news of Noanars Hold and few remember it exists.
(Claire wouldn’t know anything due to her home village’s isolationism, I won’t bother having her roll.)
”I’ll need a place to stable my horse, but otherwise, we’ve been welcomed to stay at the inn here by Sir Gerit, and we are to meet with him later today. How much for rooms? And if you have any suggestions for pastimes until evening, I would love to hear them,” Claire asks.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Mulkrip" -Hobgoblin Barbarian, Path of the Totem Warrior -Libertalia
Narz is taken aback for a second at the bright greeting. But as he thought again to the undead and their supposed hold over the area, there's a small nod of understanding of the relationship between at least the Inn and the hunters. Even so, the hobgoblin opted to remain quite for the moment, and let claire/torsus do most of the talking initially. In the meantime, he'd take a moment to reflect on the town's name, having at least spent a little time trying to grasp at least some understanding about the potential towns and village that dotted the landscape between Waterdeep and Everlund during the winter.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
His-story chek: 10
Despite his generally higher than average knowledge of historic locations, Torsus finds himself drawing a blank. In the end it didn't matter. They would likely learn something, or perhaps one of the other two knew something he didn't. Torsus however decided to try something new, and once Claire had asked her question it spurred some slight inspiration in him as well.
Or perhaps you have seen, or atleast heard of a druid named Aerglass? We have some...businesswith him, yet we've scare been able to find any information. And I figure I may as well ask wherever I go, for you never know ...
Sorry master turtle sir but can't say I know anyone by that name. You're the first visitors we've had in an age or more. Ah but you're guests of our Lords? Yes I see I see. Well you're more than welcomed to stay here, there's no charge for guests of the Lords. Least not for the rooms, stable will be a silver a night. We've plenty of rooms, this used to be the hunting lodge proper before the Lords built the keep, so you can take your pick of rooms or share a room if you like. As for past times, well we are simple folk ma'am. Not much to do out here anyway. The Lords do most of the hunting and a few people here take to dice in their free time but most people here keep to their work. Our blacksmith just returned after running astray, you could see him if you need any repairs to your armor or weapons.
Claire offers up a silver for Cauliflower, but waits for Torsus or Narz to decide on sharing a room or not, she's indifferent. "Running astray... is that Caleb you're talking about?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Mulkrip" -Hobgoblin Barbarian, Path of the Totem Warrior -Libertalia
He takes the coin and nods his head, Oh yes that'd be Master Caleb. We'd be in a right pinch without him I tell you. No other blacksmiths in town no more. Not since we lost his father when he was little.
At presumably a glance from Claire, Narz furrowed his brow in consideration for a second or two before holding up a finger to signify sharing a room. However, he did have the decency after which to look to her with a small shrug and a bit of mirth to his voice as he said, "I know, I know. You'r tired of being in the same space as us smelly fellas. But given the circumstances as of now after what happened last time, it really is for the best." He confessed, much perhaps to the Inn Keeper's confusion.
He goes on to pass a silver piece to the inn keeper for Vigo's stay, fully confident no further bribery would be necessary for the intimidating goblinoid's accommodations. "You know I've heard a tidbit about this place. Not too much mind ya, but... a few things for sure. And I find myself wondering now given the uh, importance of folk like this Caleb fella has noone ever reached out to draw in new blood? Again, I know the reputation isn't all too swell. But a rounded workforce can only benefit the town can't it? 'cause like... what would've happened if say disease or an accident took Caleb for instance?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Avgar scratches the back of his head nervously, Ah well, you've already met the Lords yes? Or at least some of them anyway. S'pose there's no harm in telling ya. Besides the fact we can't leave, nor can others approach without invitation, there's no real need to replenish our numbers. The town may seem deserted now but come night fall its quite busy you see. Anyone who dies here comes back. Been that way at least a century or more, was that way before I was born at least.
Claire crosses her arms. “With that many people essentially living forever, you’d think one of them could use a bit of their eternity to pick up blacksmithing so you’re not screwed if the one guy is gone. Is there some kind of reason that Caleb is special aside from being the only blacksmith? Sir Gerit made it seem like his presence was a matter of survival for the community.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Mulkrip" -Hobgoblin Barbarian, Path of the Totem Warrior -Libertalia
True and for years it wasn't a problem. Caleb's father died but was raised when he was born. Fell while fixing a roof you see. Of course it wasn't a problem. James didn't share his knowledge of blacksmithing with anyone but Caleb. In a town this small we didn't think that would be much of a problem, especially since we'd have two smiths that would be here basically forever. Unfortunately, while still trying to learn the trade, a priest wandered into the village. Once they learned the nature of some of our residents well, it wasn't a pretty sight. Caleb's father was lost among several others and with no way to bring them back Caleb was left to learn the rest on his own. His work keeps the town from falling apart quite literally you see. If he'd perhaps take an apprentice...but he is a difficult young man. Of course he couldn't leave even if he did train someone new. No one leaves Noanar’s Hold. Not alive nor dead. Guests of course excluded.
Torsus looked away from the man breifly as doubt crossed his face, but he turned back then ... studying the man and his words, trying to see if he can discern whether or not the man is being truthful or hiding something... Even as he states I see. And that is unfortunate. But yes, I suppose we'll find that out later. in regards to his own question, as he shuffles about slightly to get a slight look at the town itself. And unfortunate that-that happened... the preist that is. Our group is rather pragmatic, we don't want any conflict if we can help it ourselves. - - - So, you say that guests are allowed to leave but -though rare- do guests ever choose to stay? he asks, watchign the mans reaction, as Torsus more or less tries to find out if the guests who do come actually get to leave or if they are 'convinced' to stay.
Whatever the case, Torsus pays the fee to stable his pony, having realized he could have rode it here the entire way! Oh well.
Well thank you kind sir. Yes it was a truly dark time for our town that day. As for your question, I presume you're worried we may get you to stay somehow yes? Hehehe not to worry there my friend. As long as you're invited by the Lords you're safety is guaranteed. We don't get many guests as we are out of the way. Besides that, the Lords are particular of who they let in, and do not tolerate trespassers. Their domain may not be large, but we've learned our lesson about letting strangers into town without invitation. If you wished to leave none would try to stop you nor would we want to. This town is family, and while its nice to have guests, none are keen to invite strangers in for long periods of time.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(OOC: Amateurs! This is how you really roll the dice)
Insight: 19. (13) (So no higher than his passive. Nice.)
While Narz couldn't refute Torsus claim -- Nor would he under most of other circumstances, as the hobgoblin was quite proud to be pragmatic about things -- the thought had occured that had him looking to Claire with some concern. But as best as he could likely gauge it, she'd been keeping it fairly together despite the no doubt repugnance of the town's situation from just a divinely related standpoint.
"Had... And have your people ever personally had cause to assist the lords in the previous incident? The living, that is." Narz asks of the inn keeper as he tore his gaze away from Claire. "And apart from overstepping certain, uhh... boundaries, uhm... hostile actions, if you would, as that Cleric had in the past, are there any other things we should perhaps be aware of to avoid offending the lords. For that matter, uh... what are their names? My friend here *gestures to Claire* was the one to meet them directly, so certain bits were lost in the retelling. So, it'a be much appreciated having a name to address them by."
Narz, the man seems just happy to have a guest. He doesn't seem to have any ill intent towards your group nor does he seem to be hiding anything.
Us? Oh no not at all. Only people who have hunting rights in the forests are the Lords themselves. Which to answer your next question, no poaching. The Lords don't take kindly to people poaching on their land and since that priest came to town, trespassers aren't treated so friendly either. Of course you should also be sure to be polite around them. They are nobility, and expect to be treated as such.
Avgar thinks for a moment and shrugs. Really thats about it. Same rules you'd likely find in any other town or village I'd expect. As for who they are, well you've got Sir Haley Hubert, He's probably the strictest of the five. Stickler for the rules and such. He's also known to be quite keen to go on hunts, as he quite likes the sport of it even more so than the rest of them. Then there's Sir Bolle Gilroy, He is a craftsman. Makes the best leather in the village and I'd wager even beyond it. There's Lady Jane Dene who is our local wizard. She doesn't go on hunts often anymore and usually stays within the keep. I've not seen her in many decades but I remember she frightened me quite a bit as a kid. Lord Gary Cane is a bit of a trophy hunter. Likes to hunt big game and as such he doesn't come out of the keep often either though I've heard he went out on a hunt recently. Finally Sir Roderick Gerrit who is in charge of the villages security. He maintains the keeps garrison of soldiers and regularly travels the lands in search of threats. He's probably the most approachable of the five In my opinion though my father used to say that wasn't always the case. But I put no stock in stories from ages past.
Torsus let out a different sort of sigh. One of exhaustion with the whole matter. And it felt odd being lectured to by Claire. In the end, everyone here was right to differing degrees. And with the others making statements, as he had been unaware of the spirit-talking until Claire had arrived, that changed the math a bit. And thus he ultimately conceded the point. And if they ran into trouble... with how many enemies there were likely to be there if things went south for any reason... He'd show Narz just how much 'utility' he had. That part still irked him, as Torsus assumed that Narz's assumption was based on his primary use of his eldritch missile, and little else. If only you knew how many spells I couldn't cast simply because YOU or sometimes Claire... would be caught in the blast or effect. he thinks to himself but lets the enmity go for the most part.
Fine then, we shall go. I have a few spells I haven't used that would be of benefit, so long as no one gets in the way of them. That is part of why you have seen such limited use of my repetior. Many of my spells would also hit you both in many of the circumstances. And while I suppose I could rouse you from sleep myself.. there would also be the risk of a foe resisting it and thus taking advantage if one or both of you failed to. Regardless... yes, let us make our way there in the morning.. or evening.. or whenever they said to be there.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
You all leave at first light having finished your nights rest. Heading south through the woods you creep closer and closer to the edge of the Highmore and spend a few hours walking before finding the old trail you were told to look for. From there finding the village itself is relatively easy. The village is what one would describe as rustic. Wood cabins and squat stone buildings make up the bulk of what little there actually is here. This is a small village of likely less than 50 or so residence you would wager. Over looking the sleepy village is the lodge, more a keep nestled among old pine trees on a hilltop. The building has three stories, corner turrets, and rooftop battlements. As you enter the town you find it to be sparsely populated even given your initial low estimate of their population. Only a handful of people, mostly folks in their mid 20s to 30s. You don't see any children and only a few older folk in town tending to their daily routines.
Standing amidst the squat buildings and stables you come across one of the only multi-story buildings in town. A sign out front calls it White Hart Inn. Out front, sweeping the creaky wooden steps leading up to the front door, is a floating broom operating on its own. Overseeing the work and cleaning the windows is a small, older human male whose hair has just started to turn grey in places. As you pass his eyes widen and a big smile crosses his face.
Ah outsiders! Welcome, welcome to Noanars Hold! What brings you to our humble village? The names Avgar, Avgar Filroy, I run the inn here. Its been quite a long time since we've had a visitor I tell you! If there's anything I can do please don't hesitate to ask.
Anyone with history proficiency can make a DC 15 history check to recognize the towns name.. if you're successful read the below.spoiler.
This village on the edge of the High Forest grew up around a famous hunting lodge built over two hundred years ago. In its heyday, Noanar’s Hold hosted wild hunts that attracted the wealthiest nobles and merchants of the North. Some who ventured to Noanar’s Hold never returned, spurring dark rumors that the five Hunt Lords who ruled Noanar’s Hold were arranging wanton slaughters to amuse their guests and even allowing their guests to hunt one another. The place was shunned, and the village fell on hard times. For the last century and a half there's been pretty much no news of Noanars Hold and few remember it exists.
(Claire wouldn’t know anything due to her home village’s isolationism, I won’t bother having her roll.)
”I’ll need a place to stable my horse, but otherwise, we’ve been welcomed to stay at the inn here by Sir Gerit, and we are to meet with him later today. How much for rooms? And if you have any suggestions for pastimes until evening, I would love to hear them,” Claire asks.
(OOC: Narz has at least a chance to make the check, between winter studies and personal background.)
History: 8.
Narz is taken aback for a second at the bright greeting. But as he thought again to the undead and their supposed hold over the area, there's a small nod of understanding of the relationship between at least the Inn and the hunters. Even so, the hobgoblin opted to remain quite for the moment, and let claire/torsus do most of the talking initially. In the meantime, he'd take a moment to reflect on the town's name, having at least spent a little time trying to grasp at least some understanding about the potential towns and village that dotted the landscape between Waterdeep and Everlund during the winter.
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
His-story chek: 10
Despite his generally higher than average knowledge of historic locations, Torsus finds himself drawing a blank. In the end it didn't matter. They would likely learn something, or perhaps one of the other two knew something he didn't. Torsus however decided to try something new, and once Claire had asked her question it spurred some slight inspiration in him as well.
Or perhaps you have seen, or atleast heard of a druid named Aerglass? We have some...business with him, yet we've scare been able to find any information. And I figure I may as well ask wherever I go, for you never know ...
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Sorry master turtle sir but can't say I know anyone by that name. You're the first visitors we've had in an age or more. Ah but you're guests of our Lords? Yes I see I see. Well you're more than welcomed to stay here, there's no charge for guests of the Lords. Least not for the rooms, stable will be a silver a night. We've plenty of rooms, this used to be the hunting lodge proper before the Lords built the keep, so you can take your pick of rooms or share a room if you like. As for past times, well we are simple folk ma'am. Not much to do out here anyway. The Lords do most of the hunting and a few people here take to dice in their free time but most people here keep to their work. Our blacksmith just returned after running astray, you could see him if you need any repairs to your armor or weapons.
Claire offers up a silver for Cauliflower, but waits for Torsus or Narz to decide on sharing a room or not, she's indifferent. "Running astray... is that Caleb you're talking about?"
He takes the coin and nods his head, Oh yes that'd be Master Caleb. We'd be in a right pinch without him I tell you. No other blacksmiths in town no more. Not since we lost his father when he was little.
At presumably a glance from Claire, Narz furrowed his brow in consideration for a second or two before holding up a finger to signify sharing a room. However, he did have the decency after which to look to her with a small shrug and a bit of mirth to his voice as he said, "I know, I know. You'r tired of being in the same space as us smelly fellas. But given the circumstances as of now after what happened last time, it really is for the best." He confessed, much perhaps to the Inn Keeper's confusion.
He goes on to pass a silver piece to the inn keeper for Vigo's stay, fully confident no further bribery would be necessary for the intimidating goblinoid's accommodations. "You know I've heard a tidbit about this place. Not too much mind ya, but... a few things for sure. And I find myself wondering now given the uh, importance of folk like this Caleb fella has noone ever reached out to draw in new blood? Again, I know the reputation isn't all too swell. But a rounded workforce can only benefit the town can't it? 'cause like... what would've happened if say disease or an accident took Caleb for instance?"
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
Avgar scratches the back of his head nervously, Ah well, you've already met the Lords yes? Or at least some of them anyway. S'pose there's no harm in telling ya. Besides the fact we can't leave, nor can others approach without invitation, there's no real need to replenish our numbers. The town may seem deserted now but come night fall its quite busy you see. Anyone who dies here comes back. Been that way at least a century or more, was that way before I was born at least.
Claire crosses her arms. “With that many people essentially living forever, you’d think one of them could use a bit of their eternity to pick up blacksmithing so you’re not screwed if the one guy is gone. Is there some kind of reason that Caleb is special aside from being the only blacksmith? Sir Gerit made it seem like his presence was a matter of survival for the community.”
True and for years it wasn't a problem. Caleb's father died but was raised when he was born. Fell while fixing a roof you see. Of course it wasn't a problem. James didn't share his knowledge of blacksmithing with anyone but Caleb. In a town this small we didn't think that would be much of a problem, especially since we'd have two smiths that would be here basically forever. Unfortunately, while still trying to learn the trade, a priest wandered into the village. Once they learned the nature of some of our residents well, it wasn't a pretty sight. Caleb's father was lost among several others and with no way to bring them back Caleb was left to learn the rest on his own. His work keeps the town from falling apart quite literally you see. If he'd perhaps take an apprentice...but he is a difficult young man. Of course he couldn't leave even if he did train someone new. No one leaves Noanar’s Hold. Not alive nor dead. Guests of course excluded.
Torsus looked away from the man breifly as doubt crossed his face, but he turned back then ... studying the man and his words, trying to see if he can discern whether or not the man is being truthful or hiding something... Even as he states I see. And that is unfortunate. But yes, I suppose we'll find that out later. in regards to his own question, as he shuffles about slightly to get a slight look at the town itself. And unfortunate that-that happened... the preist that is. Our group is rather pragmatic, we don't want any conflict if we can help it ourselves. - - - So, you say that guests are allowed to leave but -though rare- do guests ever choose to stay? he asks, watchign the mans reaction, as Torsus more or less tries to find out if the guests who do come actually get to leave or if they are 'convinced' to stay.
Whatever the case, Torsus pays the fee to stable his pony, having realized he could have rode it here the entire way! Oh well.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
(Insight check pls)
Well thank you kind sir. Yes it was a truly dark time for our town that day. As for your question, I presume you're worried we may get you to stay somehow yes? Hehehe not to worry there my friend. As long as you're invited by the Lords you're safety is guaranteed. We don't get many guests as we are out of the way. Besides that, the Lords are particular of who they let in, and do not tolerate trespassers. Their domain may not be large, but we've learned our lesson about letting strangers into town without invitation. If you wished to leave none would try to stop you nor would we want to. This town is family, and while its nice to have guests, none are keen to invite strangers in for long periods of time.
Oh shit, i thought i had put it in there...: 8
Occassional Dungeon Master.
He seems pretty eager to have you here. Hard to tell if there's any ill intent there or not.
Claire will insight check as well, as she grows increasingly uneasy with the town’s status quo.
12
(Same result as Torsus)
(OOC: Amateurs! This is how you really roll the dice)
Insight: 19. (13)
(So no higher than his passive. Nice.)
While Narz couldn't refute Torsus claim -- Nor would he under most of other circumstances, as the hobgoblin was quite proud to be pragmatic about things -- the thought had occured that had him looking to Claire with some concern. But as best as he could likely gauge it, she'd been keeping it fairly together despite the no doubt repugnance of the town's situation from just a divinely related standpoint.
"Had... And have your people ever personally had cause to assist the lords in the previous incident? The living, that is." Narz asks of the inn keeper as he tore his gaze away from Claire. "And apart from overstepping certain, uhh... boundaries, uhm... hostile actions, if you would, as that Cleric had in the past, are there any other things we should perhaps be aware of to avoid offending the lords. For that matter, uh... what are their names? My friend here *gestures to Claire* was the one to meet them directly, so certain bits were lost in the retelling. So, it'a be much appreciated having a name to address them by."
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
Narz, the man seems just happy to have a guest. He doesn't seem to have any ill intent towards your group nor does he seem to be hiding anything.
Us? Oh no not at all. Only people who have hunting rights in the forests are the Lords themselves. Which to answer your next question, no poaching. The Lords don't take kindly to people poaching on their land and since that priest came to town, trespassers aren't treated so friendly either. Of course you should also be sure to be polite around them. They are nobility, and expect to be treated as such.
Avgar thinks for a moment and shrugs. Really thats about it. Same rules you'd likely find in any other town or village I'd expect. As for who they are, well you've got Sir Haley Hubert, He's probably the strictest of the five. Stickler for the rules and such. He's also known to be quite keen to go on hunts, as he quite likes the sport of it even more so than the rest of them. Then there's Sir Bolle Gilroy, He is a craftsman. Makes the best leather in the village and I'd wager even beyond it. There's Lady Jane Dene who is our local wizard. She doesn't go on hunts often anymore and usually stays within the keep. I've not seen her in many decades but I remember she frightened me quite a bit as a kid. Lord Gary Cane is a bit of a trophy hunter. Likes to hunt big game and as such he doesn't come out of the keep often either though I've heard he went out on a hunt recently. Finally Sir Roderick Gerrit who is in charge of the villages security. He maintains the keeps garrison of soldiers and regularly travels the lands in search of threats. He's probably the most approachable of the five In my opinion though my father used to say that wasn't always the case. But I put no stock in stories from ages past.