OOC: Dornal wouldn't have had much of a description to give Ola, even though she wanted to know. We kind of skimmed over that RP for brevity, but he only knew the name of the merchant.
The merchant breathes a sigh of relief, and by the time Ola has referenced his name he has visibly relaxed.
"It's alright, Gilmont, you can come back out," he calls over to the boy. Looking back to the party, he says, "Gilfron is indeed my name. I'm sure the supplies I'm carrying have been missed. We could definitely use some help getting back on the road. We were just about to eat, and the last I could do is feed you for the trouble. Would you care to share a midday meal with us?"
"Thank you for your kind offer. We might as well give some rest to the horses. But what of your wagon? Do you think it is possible to fix it enough for you to reach the town?" Ola had no slightest idea about wagons and axels, and even less about repairing them, but they could not simply leave.
Gilfron scratches his head and says, "Well I don't have a spare tire, but I do have my woodworking tools, and there are ample trees about. I probably couldn't do it by myself, but with some helping hands we can probably make something work."
"Gilmont and I went hunting this morning and found some good game. I hope you like roast duck," he says as he and his son set a fire and get started with cooking.
After a few minutes, once the horses have been settled, he asks, "What brings you out this way, if I may ask? Surely five armed men and women aren't required just to come find me."
For Sylyra:
Gilfron seems to take good care of his horses. They have been tied up in the shade, off of the road, and are currently at rest. From a glance, they look sturdy and healthy.
Gilfron scratches his head and says, "Well I don't have a spare tire, but I do have my woodworking tools, and there are ample trees about. I probably couldn't do it by myself, but with some helping hands we can probably make something work."
"Gilmont and I went hunting this morning and found some good game. I hope you like roast duck," he says as he and his son set a fire and get started with cooking.
After a few minutes, once the horses have been settled, he asks, "What brings you out this way, if I may ask? Surely five armed men and women aren't required just to come find me."
For Sylyra:
Gilfron seems to take good care of his horses. They have been tied up in the shade, off of the road, and are currently at rest. From a glance, they look sturdy and healthy.
"I'm not skilled at carpentry, but I am willing to lend a hand to aid with the labor," Eonis offers, essentially willing to do any physical labor Gilfron needs for the repairs. "Just direct me on what you need and I will do what I can to help. Also, roast duck is very good. I have no specific dietary restrictions."
"Jakobe?" The man was labourer after all, he might being able to help with the trees-cutting. At least Ola hoped he could do it, and that he would want to be useful, for the sake of being hired again or some additional gratitude from the current employer. Once the henchmen was set to work, Ola explained a bit more: "It seems several villages around Phlan had been attacked and completely destroyed by unknown force. We are on the way to prevent - if we are lucky - yet another attack. And hope to deal with those "unknown forces" once and for all. If you happen to hear anything related to attacks, we would appreciate information."
Jakobe shrugs, and his face scrunches as he examines the nearby trees. "I'm no lumberjack or woodworker, ma'am. I can help if someone shows me what to do, though." The hired hand helps to rein the horses in and get them off of the road while the merchant cooks the meal and his son brings some crates out of the wagon for seating.
When Ola presses for information, Gilfron thinks. "Hmm...You know, I own many wagons and leading caravans, laden with goods for sale and trade all along the coast of the Moonsea. Sometimes I carry back orders for particularly large shipments that end up being sent by boat, but most of the time, I travel the Iron Route. I've never seen more raided villages and homes than this trip. My guess would be banditry, but it does seem a little more organized," he ruminates.
"Just two days back I saw a village in ruins, still smoldering like all the others. I avoided going in, so I don't know any more than that. I have my son with me, if there were raiders about and he got hurt I couldn't possibly forgive myself. All of those homes and villagers were there and occupied when I passed by going the other way three months ago, but I didn't see a single living soul this time."
"The situation with these attacks is indeed dire, it seems. I pray we can prevent it from happening to another village," Eonis says. She gives Jakobe and sympathetic look. "I'm as unfamiliar with this sort of work as you are, Jacobe, but with Gilfron's guidance I am sure he can provide direction to our labors. Together I am hopeful we can repair the wagon and see Gilfron and his son safely back on the road. Tyr guides us in order and benevolence, I would be pleased to be an instrument for some small act of good, today."
The longer everything takes the more on edge Arnald gets. He keeps Sly circling the area, going as far as he can while still being able to communicate.
(It seems only Arnald among us has any familiarity with wood working. Hope, he can give some directions to Jakobe. Good for calming those edges too)
"This is why we must hurry," nodded Ola. "Let's see what can be done about your wagon". While ducks were roasting, she organized the repair process as best as abilities of those involved allowed. The new axle had to survive for just a few hours and the road behind was clear.
Once that was done and food ready, she joined the midday meal. But the party was indeed in the hurry, so pleasantries were cut short. "Wish you luck on your journey to the town. Stay safe, good sir."
Gilfron continues to make conversation while the duck is cooking, remaining attentive to turn the spit for an even roast. "We should have some spice in my bag still, Gilmont, go and fetch me some."
"It has to be banditry, right? It doesn't bode well for the few that are out here. The only sign of civilization we even saw was the island ferry about a day back, and the fisher folk have always been a strange and isolated kin; they don't mix much with others."
OOC: Is anybody else, aside from Arnald, Ola, and Jakobe, helping with the repairs?
Sylyra is not helping with repairs. He does ask, “So there is a ferry?” He spreads out the map, pointing to a few landmarks. “Can you show me where the ferry is located?”
"Aye, if you travel back the way we came for about a day, you'll see a small shore below the treeline, that was where we saw it. I spoke with the boatman and loosened his tongue with a new hammer and some nails that he needed to use to repair his ferry," Gilfron answers.
He scrunches his face to impersonate an older man, "When I asked him about the destroyed villages, he told me, 'I'm more worried about the storm coming in the next day or so than I am about any rumors of a dracolich haunting the area.' In Stormy Bay, storms coming off the sea are all too common, so for a man who makes a living dealing with them, he was clearly not worried in the least."
"He was an odd sort. I have to be safe with my boy on the trip, so I further enquired as to why the boatman had mentioned a dracolich. He just gave me a long stare and said, 'There's been a plague of those with fragile minds of late, spouting such tales'. In fact, he said his island village sheltered one such soul now, who had wandered to the ferry stop two days ago. The man had apparently seen something that has made him lose his mind and spout on about the 'eyes of the dracolich' watching him wherever he goes. The boatman said he felt that the vagrant was clearly weak and confused, but something about the tale unsettles me still."
While Sylyra speaks with Gilfron, the others drag enough lumber from the trees, all outpaced by Eonis, who seems superbly focused on getting this man back on the road. As he finally finishes his meal, he and Arnald begin the attempt to rig a temporary repair.
Whether it is a result of a simple mind prone to obsession, or an intense physical regimen where she regularly pushes her body to its limits, Eonis focuses on the task and works like a tireless automaton, until it is complete. After she does take time to catch her breath a bit, and then listens to the description of the phenomenon.
“Whether there is a true physical dracolich or simply this mental toxin poisoning people’s minds with visions of fear and madness, there is something out there. I am far from understanding the shape of it, but I and the others will do what we can to stop it. Does anyone have any more questions for this gentleman before he and his son set off? The wagon seems good as new, now.”
She mops sweat from her brow, removing the mismatched gloves and taking a deep drink from her waterskin as she takes a brief rest from her labors. Her normal nervous energy and paranoia are gone in this state. It seems likely this is why she exercises and trains to exhaustion in order to get a good night’s sleep.
OOC: "... loosened his tongue with a new hammer and some nails ..." - draws some interesting pictures :)
Ola was so surprised (pleasantly) that her strength was enough to aid, that the peasant job felt like a fun game to her (not that she announced it, of course). The main point - wagon was fixed and everyone could be on the way again. Ola wished the merchant a good and safe travel again, and was ready to continue the journey.
"Well it isn't pretty, but it should see me to Phlan," Gilfron says, testing the temporary repair a short time later. "Thank you all for stopping, not many would have done so in your shoes. You've given my boy an example to look up to. Let's go Gilmont, into the wagon. We have a full day ahead of us yet."
After gathering your horses, the Iron Route lies before you, the weather still perfect for traveling.
Eonis again mounts up, having caught her breath from the exertion, and sets off with the others if they are ready to go, returning to their established travel formation.
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OOC: Dornal wouldn't have had much of a description to give Ola, even though she wanted to know. We kind of skimmed over that RP for brevity, but he only knew the name of the merchant.
The merchant breathes a sigh of relief, and by the time Ola has referenced his name he has visibly relaxed.
"It's alright, Gilmont, you can come back out," he calls over to the boy. Looking back to the party, he says, "Gilfron is indeed my name. I'm sure the supplies I'm carrying have been missed. We could definitely use some help getting back on the road. We were just about to eat, and the last I could do is feed you for the trouble. Would you care to share a midday meal with us?"
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
"Thank you for your kind offer. We might as well give some rest to the horses. But what of your wagon? Do you think it is possible to fix it enough for you to reach the town?" Ola had no slightest idea about wagons and axels, and even less about repairing them, but they could not simply leave.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
After checking on the merchant's animal(s), Sylyra watches the area for any signs of trouble.
Gilfron scratches his head and says, "Well I don't have a spare tire, but I do have my woodworking tools, and there are ample trees about. I probably couldn't do it by myself, but with some helping hands we can probably make something work."
"Gilmont and I went hunting this morning and found some good game. I hope you like roast duck," he says as he and his son set a fire and get started with cooking.
After a few minutes, once the horses have been settled, he asks, "What brings you out this way, if I may ask? Surely five armed men and women aren't required just to come find me."
For Sylyra:
Gilfron seems to take good care of his horses. They have been tied up in the shade, off of the road, and are currently at rest. From a glance, they look sturdy and healthy.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
"We're on our way to investigate some odd goings on a bit further out."
Campaigns:
DM - Waterdeep Dragon Heist PbP
"I'm not skilled at carpentry, but I am willing to lend a hand to aid with the labor," Eonis offers, essentially willing to do any physical labor Gilfron needs for the repairs. "Just direct me on what you need and I will do what I can to help. Also, roast duck is very good. I have no specific dietary restrictions."
"Jakobe?" The man was labourer after all, he might being able to help with the trees-cutting. At least Ola hoped he could do it, and that he would want to be useful, for the sake of being hired again or some additional gratitude from the current employer. Once the henchmen was set to work, Ola explained a bit more: "It seems several villages around Phlan had been attacked and completely destroyed by unknown force. We are on the way to prevent - if we are lucky - yet another attack. And hope to deal with those "unknown forces" once and for all. If you happen to hear anything related to attacks, we would appreciate information."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Jakobe shrugs, and his face scrunches as he examines the nearby trees. "I'm no lumberjack or woodworker, ma'am. I can help if someone shows me what to do, though." The hired hand helps to rein the horses in and get them off of the road while the merchant cooks the meal and his son brings some crates out of the wagon for seating.
When Ola presses for information, Gilfron thinks. "Hmm...You know, I own many wagons and leading caravans, laden with goods for sale and trade all along the coast of the Moonsea. Sometimes I carry back orders for particularly large shipments that end up being sent by boat, but most of the time, I travel the Iron Route. I've never seen more raided villages and homes than this trip. My guess would be banditry, but it does seem a little more organized," he ruminates.
"Just two days back I saw a village in ruins, still smoldering like all the others. I avoided going in, so I don't know any more than that. I have my son with me, if there were raiders about and he got hurt I couldn't possibly forgive myself. All of those homes and villagers were there and occupied when I passed by going the other way three months ago, but I didn't see a single living soul this time."
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
"The situation with these attacks is indeed dire, it seems. I pray we can prevent it from happening to another village," Eonis says. She gives Jakobe and sympathetic look. "I'm as unfamiliar with this sort of work as you are, Jacobe, but with Gilfron's guidance I am sure he can provide direction to our labors. Together I am hopeful we can repair the wagon and see Gilfron and his son safely back on the road. Tyr guides us in order and benevolence, I would be pleased to be an instrument for some small act of good, today."
Sylyra joins the others, but stays silent, simply listening, though appearing aloof.
The longer everything takes the more on edge Arnald gets. He keeps Sly circling the area, going as far as he can while still being able to communicate.
Campaigns:
DM - Waterdeep Dragon Heist PbP
(It seems only Arnald among us has any familiarity with wood working. Hope, he can give some directions to Jakobe. Good for calming those edges too)
"This is why we must hurry," nodded Ola. "Let's see what can be done about your wagon". While ducks were roasting, she organized the repair process as best as abilities of those involved allowed. The new axle had to survive for just a few hours and the road behind was clear.
Once that was done and food ready, she joined the midday meal. But the party was indeed in the hurry, so pleasantries were cut short. "Wish you luck on your journey to the town. Stay safe, good sir."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Gilfron continues to make conversation while the duck is cooking, remaining attentive to turn the spit for an even roast. "We should have some spice in my bag still, Gilmont, go and fetch me some."
"It has to be banditry, right? It doesn't bode well for the few that are out here. The only sign of civilization we even saw was the island ferry about a day back, and the fisher folk have always been a strange and isolated kin; they don't mix much with others."
OOC: Is anybody else, aside from Arnald, Ola, and Jakobe, helping with the repairs?
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Eonis was also aiding with the repairs.
Sylyra is not helping with repairs. He does ask, “So there is a ferry?” He spreads out the map, pointing to a few landmarks. “Can you show me where the ferry is located?”
Arnald STR (+ Woodcarver's Tools): 16
Eonis STR: 20
Ola STR: 16
Jakobe STR: 18
"Aye, if you travel back the way we came for about a day, you'll see a small shore below the treeline, that was where we saw it. I spoke with the boatman and loosened his tongue with a new hammer and some nails that he needed to use to repair his ferry," Gilfron answers.
He scrunches his face to impersonate an older man, "When I asked him about the destroyed villages, he told me, 'I'm more worried about the storm coming in the next day or so than I am about any rumors of a dracolich haunting the area.' In Stormy Bay, storms coming off the sea are all too common, so for a man who makes a living dealing with them, he was clearly not worried in the least."
"He was an odd sort. I have to be safe with my boy on the trip, so I further enquired as to why the boatman had mentioned a dracolich. He just gave me a long stare and said, 'There's been a plague of those with fragile minds of late, spouting such tales'. In fact, he said his island village sheltered one such soul now, who had wandered to the ferry stop two days ago. The man had apparently seen something that has made him lose his mind and spout on about the 'eyes of the dracolich' watching him wherever he goes. The boatman said he felt that the vagrant was clearly weak and confused, but something about the tale unsettles me still."
While Sylyra speaks with Gilfron, the others drag enough lumber from the trees, all outpaced by Eonis, who seems superbly focused on getting this man back on the road. As he finally finishes his meal, he and Arnald begin the attempt to rig a temporary repair.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Whether it is a result of a simple mind prone to obsession, or an intense physical regimen where she regularly pushes her body to its limits, Eonis focuses on the task and works like a tireless automaton, until it is complete. After she does take time to catch her breath a bit, and then listens to the description of the phenomenon.
“Whether there is a true physical dracolich or simply this mental toxin poisoning people’s minds with visions of fear and madness, there is something out there. I am far from understanding the shape of it, but I and the others will do what we can to stop it. Does anyone have any more questions for this gentleman before he and his son set off? The wagon seems good as new, now.”
She mops sweat from her brow, removing the mismatched gloves and taking a deep drink from her waterskin as she takes a brief rest from her labors. Her normal nervous energy and paranoia are gone in this state. It seems likely this is why she exercises and trains to exhaustion in order to get a good night’s sleep.
OOC: "... loosened his tongue with a new hammer and some nails ..." - draws some interesting pictures :)
Ola was so surprised (pleasantly) that her strength was enough to aid, that the peasant job felt like a fun game to her (not that she announced it, of course). The main point - wagon was fixed and everyone could be on the way again. Ola wished the merchant a good and safe travel again, and was ready to continue the journey.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"Well it isn't pretty, but it should see me to Phlan," Gilfron says, testing the temporary repair a short time later. "Thank you all for stopping, not many would have done so in your shoes. You've given my boy an example to look up to. Let's go Gilmont, into the wagon. We have a full day ahead of us yet."
After gathering your horses, the Iron Route lies before you, the weather still perfect for traveling.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Eonis again mounts up, having caught her breath from the exertion, and sets off with the others if they are ready to go, returning to their established travel formation.