Heec thought she would be at the pub. He stands to get a better view when he sees... Tae!!!
Great...
Heec scurries over to Tae's table. Sooooo? How did it go?
She wasn't there.
And?
So I talked to Teek...
Ooooo... that had to be uncomfortable!
Now why do you say that?
Because! That's her lover! You saw how they were together! Did seeing them together light a fire in you? Did you want to smack him across the face?!
Keep your voice down! No, it didn't! I just want to talk to an old friend...
Mmhmm. Sure. That's all you want. I can't see through you at all!
What did you do while I was out? What nonsense did you sign us up for? Where are we going now?
Funny you ask that...
I was just kidding! I don't want to go anywhere! I'm tired and I need a few days to just relax!
And we can. It may take a couple days for Tradstone's son to craft a new set of nunchaku for me before we go on an adventure into the Crags with him.
WHAT?!
You don't need to go if you don't want to...
Tae is fuming. After the moment has settled down... You can't just keep signing me up on these adventures without talking to me about it? What if I don't want to go...
We've had this discussion before. You never do which is why I have to sign you up for them. You'd never see the outside world if didn't drag you to look at it.
But it's not always about what you want for me. Sometimes, it's about what I want for myself.
Then if you don't want to go, you don't have to. Young Tradstone and I will be just fine.
... Is that his name?
I don't think so... I just can't remember it right now...
Why not call him young Loderr?
Yes... that would be more logical... but young Tradstone has a better ring to it, doesn't it?!
Anyway... I can't let you go on these favors by yourself. You know you're just going to get yourself in a situation you're not going to be able to get out of. Which, ironically, will be the title of my biography. "Taetorm the Reluctantly Advantageous: Forever getting Heecrid the Brash out of situations he can't get out of himself".
That's a long title...
It's a working title...
Boffe! What's on tap tonight?! We're celebrating the beginning of another adventure!
B: We’ve got 90 year Indith Pale Ale and A Wizard Is Always Late And Generally Are Ne’er-Do-Wells...no offense, of course, it was imported from outside of Thay and we all know how they feel about magic types.
As Boffe is explaining the tap roster Shae enters the Tavern and starts looking for Tae.
Actually, I've noticed Marta just walk in (deception check of 13) and I have much to discuss with her. I'll leave you two alone! He takes two of the beers and hurries off to a table in the corner by himself.
Thank you for meeting me here, Shae. I'm so happy we can talk again after all these years. How have you been? What happened after I left?
She sits down at the table and reaches over to shake his shoulder in an excited way. Shae goes on to explain how after Tae left she spent more time in the High Forest where she met Teekskrid. They both shared an interest in herbology but since there wasn’t much left to discover in the High Forest they married and struck out on their own. They eventually settled in the Neverwinter Wood but the elves there are more interested in defense then in the type of research Shae and Teek do. They finally moved to Cragglefrock, which was still a young village at that time, and have lived there ever since. They have built a life with a small shop that serves the needs of the community. They mostly grow or forage their own food and they don’t need much in the way of money which leaves them able to concentrate on finding or growing new types of plants and then systematically finding out what the possible effects are. They have kept meticulous notes about their discoveries and they hope that one day their writings will be added to the vast repository of knowledge about the plants of Faerun.
That's great to hear, Shae. I'm so happy you've found peace and meaning in your life. Teek sounds like a wonderful companion. I wish the best for both of you. So tell me about this new herb you're testing out.
Heec has found himself at a table in the corner, sipping on his beer and people watching.
Shae replies, "Only after you tell me about your life man. It's been too long, you know? What have you been up to you crazy adventuring type?
She is on her second tankard of beer.
Heec Perception Check
Heec scans the room with the trained eye of a person who has basic sight and sees a few everyday people hanging out having some beers or dinner after a day of work.
Tae goes on to tell her about life after High Forest, the story of how Heec and Tae met, the clovers of Drimbledrage and that relentless razorvine in Neverwinter Wood. As he tells his story, he can tell she's less interested in what he's talking about and more interested in the drink or the distractions around the bar. He knows it's probably just the effects of herb she's testing but this wasn't how he wanted to spend his time with a friend from another age.
It's been wonderful catching up with you, Shae, but I really should be getting back to Heec. He's apparently signed us up for another adventure, as he often does, and we're waiting to meet Marta here or go find her? I'm not sure what we're supposed to be doing but we'll locate her somehow. Take care and say hello to Teek for me.
He picks up his mug and heads to Heec's table.
Heec was hoping to locate Marta at this establishment as he's done before but, apparently, after every given opportunity for her to enter, she still hasn't. But then... when chance came...
Shae is enjoying the time spent with an old friend. Even under the effects of the experimental herbs she is testing she feels a close kinship with Tae. After all, “Brothers before Harlots.” as the saying goes. She is surprised when Tae cuts the evening short to deal with business, but seeing as he is an important adventurer she knows he must attend to more important matters. She settles up her tab and leaves.
Heec summons all of his will and projects it into the universe. He pours everything he can into his desire for Marta to be present at the tavern, like the one book he read that one time where if he could only wish hard enough then it must come true!
While he is concentrating on trying to bend the very fabric of the universe to his own desires much like a writer would bend the narrative of a story for the sheer sake of convenience, he doesn’t notice Marta walk in and sit right next to him.
M: Heec, what are you doing? Junea told me you were back this morning and that I should be expecting you at any time. I finally thought I would try you here. We’ve got important matters to discuss.
Marta looks around to make sure no one is able to hear their conversation.
M: Will you keep it down? This isn't top secret information, but the fewer people who know about our plans the better. Here is the latest. While you were securing the rights to set up logging operations in Neverwinter Wood, members of the Loderr clan volunteered to scout the side of the mountain to keep an eye on goblin activity. We had a handful of basic wards that will hopefully give us some indication if they are going to move from that position. They still haven't returned but we have been in intermittent contact with them. They haven't reported any activity yet. So for now the abandoned mines closest to our village are seemingly safe. We did receive a traveler who reported raids along the roads both on the north and west side of the Crags. That must be how they are sustaining themselves for the time being. So here is the situation...
Marta explains that there are four main peaks or plateaus to the Crags. Mount Hotenow is the easternmost peak of the range. Then there are three plateaus fanning out to the west, with each one smaller and with a lower elevation as you move west. The smallest, westernmost plateau is where the goblinoid encampment is. There is a group of hobgoblins, goblins and bugbears that have secured that plateau. The next biggest plateau is where the gnoll encampment is. The largest plateau is where the orc encampment is. Each encampment is slowly growing in size, but unless there is a large host hidden in the mountains themselves, each encampment by itself isn't a huge army. Marta wants the two elves to go scout out the encampments and try to mitigate or stall any actions if possible. She explains that most people seem to forget that you can talk to these creatures. At the last the goblinoids and the orcs. Gnolls are notoriously difficult to talk to.
I'm not sure if you're aware but, though technically they're able to speak, most of the words we've heard them use have been "Ragghh!", "Kill!" and "Die!"
And "Gold sponge!"
Ah yes. Who could forget "Gold sponge"?!
That's a story for another day but I'm worried we may be biting off more than we can chew, especially if they're anything like the deserter we just encountered in the woods. If we had assistance, perhaps but the two of us against an entire encampment? What exactly do you expect us to be diplomatic about? "Please leave. We order you on behalf of the Council of Kragglefrock." I don't think that'll go very well. And after we take out the orcs, we have the hobogoblins and bugbears and so on and so on. This just doesn't seeming like a fight Tae and I would be able to win on our own.
With those words, Tae's eyes widen. He takes a deep gasp. Can it be?! Heec has finally found logic after all these years?
I've always been logical. But there's a big difference between being helpful and logical and helpful and reckless and this sounds like a death trap for the two of us. I know you'd never put us in a situation we couldn't handle but we're not about to eradicate the forces on our doorsteps by ourselves. Who will join us in this fight?
M: You are right. We are asking you both to take a big risk for a place that you haven't lived in long. The truth is we don't have any information to operate on. Everyone here is afraid of these creatures and between the two goblins that you encountered and the elves in Neverwinter Wood being on high alert doesn't help these suspicions. But we don't really know why they are here or what they hope to do. Our village is so small that they might feel like they can roll over it or they might not care at all about us. I know more than the average person about dealing with goblinoid and orc races, I mean look at me. I don't think we NEED to eradicate them, just find out what they want and try to get some information about how advanced their operations are at this time.
She sighs again and shakes her head.
M: I don't think the wife will like this. If you want me to join you I will. I can speak the language and know a little bit about the lay of the land. If I promise to come with you, will you help us?
M: We'll depart in two days. We will rest and gather our supplies tomorrow and leave at dawn the following day. Take care of anything you need to because we may be gone some time.
She puts a bracing hand on Tae's shoulder and departs.
The trio of heroes spend the next day preparing for the journey and adventure ahead. They meet at the Commons as the sun slowly ascends past the horizon.
Marta is wearing a chain mail shirt and is carrying a handful of weapons, including the spiked pick you've seen before. She is shifting uncomfortably with all of the equipment strapped to her back and looks a little nervous.
M: Morning boys. Hope you got everything done that you needed to yesterday because this may take some time.
Heec thought she would be at the pub. He stands to get a better view when he sees... Tae!!!
Great...
Heec scurries over to Tae's table. Sooooo? How did it go?
She wasn't there.
And?
So I talked to Teek...
Ooooo... that had to be uncomfortable!
Now why do you say that?
Because! That's her lover! You saw how they were together! Did seeing them together light a fire in you? Did you want to smack him across the face?!
Keep your voice down! No, it didn't! I just want to talk to an old friend...
Mmhmm. Sure. That's all you want. I can't see through you at all!
What did you do while I was out? What nonsense did you sign us up for? Where are we going now?
Funny you ask that...
I was just kidding! I don't want to go anywhere! I'm tired and I need a few days to just relax!
And we can. It may take a couple days for Tradstone's son to craft a new set of nunchaku for me before we go on an adventure into the Crags with him.
WHAT?!
You don't need to go if you don't want to...
Tae is fuming. After the moment has settled down... You can't just keep signing me up on these adventures without talking to me about it? What if I don't want to go...
We've had this discussion before. You never do which is why I have to sign you up for them. You'd never see the outside world if didn't drag you to look at it.
But it's not always about what you want for me. Sometimes, it's about what I want for myself.
Then if you don't want to go, you don't have to. Young Tradstone and I will be just fine.
... Is that his name?
I don't think so... I just can't remember it right now...
Why not call him young Loderr?
Yes... that would be more logical... but young Tradstone has a better ring to it, doesn't it?!
Anyway... I can't let you go on these favors by yourself. You know you're just going to get yourself in a situation you're not going to be able to get out of. Which, ironically, will be the title of my biography. "Taetorm the Reluctantly Advantageous: Forever getting Heecrid the Brash out of situations he can't get out of himself".
That's a long title...
It's a working title...
Boffe! What's on tap tonight?! We're celebrating the beginning of another adventure!
Tae scoffs loudly.
Boffe replies.
B: We’ve got 90 year Indith Pale Ale and A Wizard Is Always Late And Generally Are Ne’er-Do-Wells...no offense, of course, it was imported from outside of Thay and we all know how they feel about magic types.
As Boffe is explaining the tap roster Shae enters the Tavern and starts looking for Tae.
She's here!
Where?! Heec scans the room.
Shhhhh! Quiet down you buffoon!
Heec spots here. Ah ha! There she is! 3 Wizards, Boffe! Shae! Over here!
I won't be forgetting this...
Shae jaunts over with an unusual swagger as Boffe delivers the beers to the table.
S: Boffe, I'll take the same and make mine a double!
It almost looks like she checks Boffe out as he walks back to the bar. She turns and punches Tae on the shoulder.
S: What's going on Wiznerds? You ready to do some drinking tonight?
AlllllRIGHT! This is my kind of party!
... Shae? Is everything okay?
S: Everything is great! I am trying out this new herb and it has me totally pumped man. Totally pumped!
Boffe drops off a flagon of beer and Shae takes a long drink before setting it down. She wipes her mouth with the back of her hand.
S: Do they have darts here? I never remember if they have darts. I could totally destroy both of you at darts.
She looks at Heec.
S: Whoo!!! Let's do this!
Oh... I see...
Heec is noticing a bit of disappointment in Tae.
Actually, I've noticed Marta just walk in (deception check of 13) and I have much to discuss with her. I'll leave you two alone! He takes two of the beers and hurries off to a table in the corner by himself.
Thank you for meeting me here, Shae. I'm so happy we can talk again after all these years. How have you been? What happened after I left?
Shae calls after Heec.
S: Pusillanimous!
She sits down at the table and reaches over to shake his shoulder in an excited way. Shae goes on to explain how after Tae left she spent more time in the High Forest where she met Teekskrid. They both shared an interest in herbology but since there wasn’t much left to discover in the High Forest they married and struck out on their own. They eventually settled in the Neverwinter Wood but the elves there are more interested in defense then in the type of research Shae and Teek do. They finally moved to Cragglefrock, which was still a young village at that time, and have lived there ever since. They have built a life with a small shop that serves the needs of the community. They mostly grow or forage their own food and they don’t need much in the way of money which leaves them able to concentrate on finding or growing new types of plants and then systematically finding out what the possible effects are. They have kept meticulous notes about their discoveries and they hope that one day their writings will be added to the vast repository of knowledge about the plants of Faerun.
That's great to hear, Shae. I'm so happy you've found peace and meaning in your life. Teek sounds like a wonderful companion. I wish the best for both of you. So tell me about this new herb you're testing out.
Heec has found himself at a table in the corner, sipping on his beer and people watching.
Heec rolls a perception check of 9 (5+4).
Shae replies, "Only after you tell me about your life man. It's been too long, you know? What have you been up to you crazy adventuring type?
She is on her second tankard of beer.
Heec Perception Check
Heec scans the room with the trained eye of a person who has basic sight and sees a few everyday people hanging out having some beers or dinner after a day of work.
Tae goes on to tell her about life after High Forest, the story of how Heec and Tae met, the clovers of Drimbledrage and that relentless razorvine in Neverwinter Wood. As he tells his story, he can tell she's less interested in what he's talking about and more interested in the drink or the distractions around the bar. He knows it's probably just the effects of herb she's testing but this wasn't how he wanted to spend his time with a friend from another age.
It's been wonderful catching up with you, Shae, but I really should be getting back to Heec. He's apparently signed us up for another adventure, as he often does, and we're waiting to meet Marta here or go find her? I'm not sure what we're supposed to be doing but we'll locate her somehow. Take care and say hello to Teek for me.
He picks up his mug and heads to Heec's table.
Heec was hoping to locate Marta at this establishment as he's done before but, apparently, after every given opportunity for her to enter, she still hasn't. But then... when chance came...
Heec makes a Luck Check of 19.
Shae is enjoying the time spent with an old friend. Even under the effects of the experimental herbs she is testing she feels a close kinship with Tae. After all, “Brothers before Harlots.” as the saying goes. She is surprised when Tae cuts the evening short to deal with business, but seeing as he is an important adventurer she knows he must attend to more important matters. She settles up her tab and leaves.
Heec summons all of his will and projects it into the universe. He pours everything he can into his desire for Marta to be present at the tavern, like the one book he read that one time where if he could only wish hard enough then it must come true!
While he is concentrating on trying to bend the very fabric of the universe to his own desires much like a writer would bend the narrative of a story for the sheer sake of convenience, he doesn’t notice Marta walk in and sit right next to him.
M: Heec, what are you doing? Junea told me you were back this morning and that I should be expecting you at any time. I finally thought I would try you here. We’ve got important matters to discuss.
With a feeling of defeat. Tae pulls up a seat next to Heec without saying a word.
Ut oh... I know that look on you means...
Heec turns to Marta. Greetings Marta! Junea did say you wanted to talk. I'm glad fortune smiled upon me to bring you here!
Why are you shouting...?
Can't a Moon Elf be excited for the next adventure?! So Marta, what's the word? Have the goblins attacked our lands or the neighboring towns?
Marta looks around to make sure no one is able to hear their conversation.
M: Will you keep it down? This isn't top secret information, but the fewer people who know about our plans the better. Here is the latest. While you were securing the rights to set up logging operations in Neverwinter Wood, members of the Loderr clan volunteered to scout the side of the mountain to keep an eye on goblin activity. We had a handful of basic wards that will hopefully give us some indication if they are going to move from that position. They still haven't returned but we have been in intermittent contact with them. They haven't reported any activity yet. So for now the abandoned mines closest to our village are seemingly safe. We did receive a traveler who reported raids along the roads both on the north and west side of the Crags. That must be how they are sustaining themselves for the time being. So here is the situation...
Marta explains that there are four main peaks or plateaus to the Crags. Mount Hotenow is the easternmost peak of the range. Then there are three plateaus fanning out to the west, with each one smaller and with a lower elevation as you move west. The smallest, westernmost plateau is where the goblinoid encampment is. There is a group of hobgoblins, goblins and bugbears that have secured that plateau. The next biggest plateau is where the gnoll encampment is. The largest plateau is where the orc encampment is. Each encampment is slowly growing in size, but unless there is a large host hidden in the mountains themselves, each encampment by itself isn't a huge army. Marta wants the two elves to go scout out the encampments and try to mitigate or stall any actions if possible. She explains that most people seem to forget that you can talk to these creatures. At the last the goblinoids and the orcs. Gnolls are notoriously difficult to talk to.
M: ...but you already knew that. What do you say?
So you wish for us to take a diplomatic strategy?
I'm not sure if you're aware but, though technically they're able to speak, most of the words we've heard them use have been "Ragghh!", "Kill!" and "Die!"
And "Gold sponge!"
Ah yes. Who could forget "Gold sponge"?!
That's a story for another day but I'm worried we may be biting off more than we can chew, especially if they're anything like the deserter we just encountered in the woods. If we had assistance, perhaps but the two of us against an entire encampment? What exactly do you expect us to be diplomatic about? "Please leave. We order you on behalf of the Council of Kragglefrock." I don't think that'll go very well. And after we take out the orcs, we have the hobogoblins and bugbears and so on and so on. This just doesn't seeming like a fight Tae and I would be able to win on our own.
With those words, Tae's eyes widen. He takes a deep gasp. Can it be?! Heec has finally found logic after all these years?
I've always been logical. But there's a big difference between being helpful and logical and helpful and reckless and this sounds like a death trap for the two of us. I know you'd never put us in a situation we couldn't handle but we're not about to eradicate the forces on our doorsteps by ourselves. Who will join us in this fight?
Marta sighs.
M: You are right. We are asking you both to take a big risk for a place that you haven't lived in long. The truth is we don't have any information to operate on. Everyone here is afraid of these creatures and between the two goblins that you encountered and the elves in Neverwinter Wood being on high alert doesn't help these suspicions. But we don't really know why they are here or what they hope to do. Our village is so small that they might feel like they can roll over it or they might not care at all about us. I know more than the average person about dealing with goblinoid and orc races, I mean look at me. I don't think we NEED to eradicate them, just find out what they want and try to get some information about how advanced their operations are at this time.
She sighs again and shakes her head.
M: I don't think the wife will like this. If you want me to join you I will. I can speak the language and know a little bit about the lay of the land. If I promise to come with you, will you help us?
Heec takes a long look at Tae. Tae looks back at him and understands the gravity of this situation.
We'll help in anyway we can but we'll need you there, for guidance and to translate.
With those words, Heec's eyes widen. He takes a deep gasp. Can it be?! Tae has found kindness after all these years?
Does your hilarity have no end?
Indeed it does not. We will help you, Marta. When would you like to depart?
M: We'll depart in two days. We will rest and gather our supplies tomorrow and leave at dawn the following day. Take care of anything you need to because we may be gone some time.
She puts a bracing hand on Tae's shoulder and departs.
The trio of heroes spend the next day preparing for the journey and adventure ahead. They meet at the Commons as the sun slowly ascends past the horizon.
Marta is wearing a chain mail shirt and is carrying a handful of weapons, including the spiked pick you've seen before. She is shifting uncomfortably with all of the equipment strapped to her back and looks a little nervous.
M: Morning boys. Hope you got everything done that you needed to yesterday because this may take some time.
We're ready! I love the smell of the morning air when an adventure is about to begin!
That makes one of us...
Come now! This will be just what you need to take your mind off other... things... Heec nudges Tae with his elbow.
Back off. I'm not in the mood.
As you wish. Lead the way, Marta!