Preparations ready, you depart towards Falcon's Hunting Lodge, deep within the Neverwinter Woods.
Rhok leads the way, his experience in this type of terrain makes sure you take the most direct route to the Lodge. But even so, Falcon's house is 50 miles from Phandalin, forcing you to spend a night in the forest.
Guard turns are boring, except for a couple of boars that wander into the camp during Lia's turn. Both her and the animals are equally surprised, and the wild pigs flee before she can raise the alarm.
You continue travelling the second day, until you find your destination.
A thin fog surrounds a fortified compound standing in a clearing on the east side of a narrow river. A ten-foot-high log palisade surrounds the compound, whose main building is a two-story stone-and-wood affair with a high-pitched roof, gables, window shutters, and a stone chimney. Attached to the main building is a blocky tower of gray stone, its high roof lined with battlements. Other structures include a two-story stable house and a gatehouse whose flat roof is enclosed by iron railings. A stone bridge spans the river, ending before an oaken door set into the gatehouse’s outer wall. Mounted next to the door is a bell with a short rope hanging from its clapper.
Roughly a minute after ringing the bell, you hear steps on the other side of the gate. A sliding sound is followed by a thump and the door slides open. A human stands there, he's probably 60 years old, but it's hard to tell by the way his skin is wrinkled.
He looks at the four of you, and introduces himself as Corwin in a raspy voice "are you here for a hunt? if so you are in luck, there are no groups scheduled for this week and we have rooms available. Master Falcon is in the main lodge."
Corwin smiles and beckons you to folow him into a two story building "please wait here while I let master Falcon know that you have arrived. There is mead, water and biscuits in the cabinet by the corner." The buttler leaves through the staircase, leaving you in a large room. A huge dining table occupies the center and hunting trophies cover the walls.
A few minutes later Corwin returns, following a 6 and a half foot tall human. A scar next to his right eye makes him look menacing, but his attitude is friendly. Short brown hair covers his head, coming down both sides as sideburns. He wears a a fur-lined cloak over his studded leather armor and walks with the confidence of someone who fears nothing "welcome! Corwin here tells me that you are here for business." He grabs a horn from the cupboard and pours mead for himself "orcs and half orcs are plaging the forest and I believe they have taken residence in a house that belonged to a wizard but has been abandoned for years, some 10 miles from here. I would be more than grateful if you could take care of this for me."
Lia smiles at Falcon as he arrives. "Do you know about how many orcs are there?" She asks once he has finished speaking. "I mean, a few dozen is fine, but if there are hundreds..."
Xarrothturns to see Falcon, trying some of the biscuits and a small taster of the mead. A warm smile is on the dragonborn's face as he sees the impressive human, "A welcome well received."
The immediate jump into business is no surprise, "I agree with my comrades sentiments; the amount of orcs is nebulous, but by the way you have not tackled them yourself, I would guess definitely more than... twenty? Thirty? You seem capable with a fine establishment around you. Would asking for your assistance be out of hand?"
Lia smiles at Falcon as he arrives. "Do you know about how many orcs are there?" She asks once he has finished speaking. "I mean, a few dozen is fine, but if there are hundreds..."
"Probably less than a dozen. The orcs are not a pressing danger, but their presence is driving the game further into the woods" Falcon replies "the real problem is that they have allied themselves with some sort of half-orc shamans. I could swear I saw some small twig creatures walking around with them last time I explored that area."
"And can you tell us about the terrain around the house? Walls? Forest?" Rhok asks
"The house is in the middle of the forest and it does not have a wall. It used to be surrounded by a garden, but that should be overrun by weeds after all this time." The hunter continues, giving Rhok specific directions to find it easily.
Xarrothturns to see Falcon, trying some of the biscuits and a small taster of the mead. A warm smile is on the dragonborn's face as he sees the impressive human, "A welcome well received."
The immediate jump into business is no surprise, "I agree with my comrades sentiments; the amount of orcs is nebulous, but by the way you have not tackled them yourself, I would guess definitely more than... twenty? Thirty? You seem capable with a fine establishment around you. Would asking for your assistance be out of hand?"
Falcon smiles at Xarroth's suggestion "I'm happy here with my lodge, and I prefer to stay. Nobles get the urge to hunt on a whim and arrive suddenly, expecting me to be here for them." He winks and continues in a hushed tone, as if asking you to keep the next information secret "most of them would not be able to hit the outside wall from 5 paces, so I tell them that we will both shoot the animal at the same time. After we pick our kill, I tell them that of course it was their arrow the one that fell the beast. They get to keep their pride, and I get to keep their coin!"
Rhok, hearing that the possibility of surprise is possible with the forest and overgrown weeds allows himself the ability to enjoy the fine food, mead, and the company of those around him. He still absent-mindedly scratches at the gray splotch on his arm while enjoying the revelry
"I just need to swing by Thagren's before we head out, then I'm all set. Are any of the other spots close to Falcon's" Rhok replies
Currently playing: Rhok Skatu - Another Dragon at Icespire Peak
Lothlién follows Rhok , going to Thagren's before leaving the town. He's justing walking around, though.
"Works for me." Lia says as she has her morning meal. She gathers her gear and is ready to head out.
Rhok goes to Thagren's, and pay's him the other 5 gold for the fixed hand crossbows "Thank you for the excellent and fast work!" he thanks him
He'll then meet back up with the group afterwards
Currently playing: Rhok Skatu - Another Dragon at Icespire Peak
Preparations ready, you depart towards Falcon's Hunting Lodge, deep within the Neverwinter Woods.
Rhok leads the way, his experience in this type of terrain makes sure you take the most direct route to the Lodge. But even so, Falcon's house is 50 miles from Phandalin, forcing you to spend a night in the forest.
Guard turns are boring, except for a couple of boars that wander into the camp during Lia's turn. Both her and the animals are equally surprised, and the wild pigs flee before she can raise the alarm.
You continue travelling the second day, until you find your destination.
A thin fog surrounds a fortified compound standing in a clearing on the east side of a narrow river. A ten-foot-high log palisade surrounds the compound, whose main building is a two-story stone-and-wood affair with a high-pitched roof, gables, window shutters, and a stone chimney. Attached to the main building is a blocky tower of gray stone, its high roof lined with battlements. Other structures include a two-story stable house and a gatehouse whose flat roof is enclosed by iron railings. A stone bridge spans the river, ending before an oaken door set into the gatehouse’s outer wall. Mounted next to the door is a bell with a short rope hanging from its clapper.
"Guess I should announce us..." Lia says, crossing the bridge and pulling the bell rope.
Lothlién follows, ready for trouble
Roughly a minute after ringing the bell, you hear steps on the other side of the gate. A sliding sound is followed by a thump and the door slides open. A human stands there, he's probably 60 years old, but it's hard to tell by the way his skin is wrinkled.
He looks at the four of you, and introduces himself as Corwin in a raspy voice "are you here for a hunt? if so you are in luck, there are no groups scheduled for this week and we have rooms available. Master Falcon is in the main lodge."
"Hello. Im Lothlién; me and my friends actually came to help you with the charmed orcs situation"
"So, in a way, yes, we are here for a hunt" Rhok smiles and thanks Corwin
Currently playing: Rhok Skatu - Another Dragon at Icespire Peak
Lia nods and smiles as well. "At least an orc hunt, if that works out..."
"A righteous hunt, yes!" Xarroth smiles, looking to the others impressed with himself, strands of white smoke streaming from his nostrils.
"Do we need to knock, or is it ok if we just enter the Main Lodge?" Rhok asks Corwin before heading in the direction of the Lodge
Currently playing: Rhok Skatu - Another Dragon at Icespire Peak
Corwin smiles and beckons you to folow him into a two story building "please wait here while I let master Falcon know that you have arrived. There is mead, water and biscuits in the cabinet by the corner." The buttler leaves through the staircase, leaving you in a large room. A huge dining table occupies the center and hunting trophies cover the walls.
A few minutes later Corwin returns, following a 6 and a half foot tall human. A scar next to his right eye makes him look menacing, but his attitude is friendly. Short brown hair covers his head, coming down both sides as sideburns. He wears a a fur-lined cloak over his studded leather armor and walks with the confidence of someone who fears nothing "welcome! Corwin here tells me that you are here for business." He grabs a horn from the cupboard and pours mead for himself "orcs and half orcs are plaging the forest and I believe they have taken residence in a house that belonged to a wizard but has been abandoned for years, some 10 miles from here. I would be more than grateful if you could take care of this for me."
OOC: thanks everyone for you patience.
Lia smiles at Falcon as he arrives. "Do you know about how many orcs are there?" She asks once he has finished speaking. "I mean, a few dozen is fine, but if there are hundreds..."
"And can you tell us about the terrain around the house? Walls? Forest?" Rhok asks
Currently playing: Rhok Skatu - Another Dragon at Icespire Peak
Xarroth turns to see Falcon, trying some of the biscuits and a small taster of the mead. A warm smile is on the dragonborn's face as he sees the impressive human, "A welcome well received."
The immediate jump into business is no surprise, "I agree with my comrades sentiments; the amount of orcs is nebulous, but by the way you have not tackled them yourself, I would guess definitely more than... twenty? Thirty? You seem capable with a fine establishment around you. Would asking for your assistance be out of hand?"
"Probably less than a dozen. The orcs are not a pressing danger, but their presence is driving the game further into the woods" Falcon replies "the real problem is that they have allied themselves with some sort of half-orc shamans. I could swear I saw some small twig creatures walking around with them last time I explored that area."
"The house is in the middle of the forest and it does not have a wall. It used to be surrounded by a garden, but that should be overrun by weeds after all this time." The hunter continues, giving Rhok specific directions to find it easily.
Falcon smiles at Xarroth's suggestion "I'm happy here with my lodge, and I prefer to stay. Nobles get the urge to hunt on a whim and arrive suddenly, expecting me to be here for them." He winks and continues in a hushed tone, as if asking you to keep the next information secret "most of them would not be able to hit the outside wall from 5 paces, so I tell them that we will both shoot the animal at the same time. After we pick our kill, I tell them that of course it was their arrow the one that fell the beast. They get to keep their pride, and I get to keep their coin!"
With all of the information seemingn to be gathered, Lia settles back and enjoys the food and drink.
Rhok, hearing that the possibility of surprise is possible with the forest and overgrown weeds allows himself the ability to enjoy the fine food, mead, and the company of those around him. He still absent-mindedly scratches at the gray splotch on his arm while enjoying the revelry
Currently playing: Rhok Skatu - Another Dragon at Icespire Peak