The Drunderry River runs narrow and fast through much of its course before tumbling into the lowlands beneath the Fallow Hills. From there, the river spreads out across fertile plains, labouring slowly to the south before emptying into the Elmarsh Lake. Until recently this area was unsettled. The writ of the King of New Aenochre has changed all this. Several small villages, thorpes and farming communities have been settled in this region since the King’s permission was granted. The village of Malforten, nestled along the banks of the Drunderry River near the Fallow Hills, is just such a place.
The people of Malforten are few in number, but sturdy folk with many a stout heart amongst them. Knowing they were settling at the edges of the kingdoms of New Aenochre and far from help if ever there was need, those who came here were of the uncommon and daring type. Lacking support otherwise, the people of Malforten have banded together and fought off many a wild beast, bandit, and raiding goblin. They even managed to defeat a marauding band of ogres before it lay waste to surrounding farms. They are proud of their independence from the Lords of New Aenochre and their capacity to care for their own. This is why they consider their current position with not a little embarrassment. Malforten lies in the East March. This frontier region is known to be open to raiders, bandits and other nefarious creatures who fear no retribution from the West; so many villainous malcontents and upstarts thus come here to raid and, with each passing success, act with ever more audacity.
Now Malforten has come under a more dire and grievous threat than ever before. A vicious gnoll warrior, Gritznak the Bold, has come to the Fallow Hills and taken up residence in an abandoned temple. From here, his band of raiders has encroached ever more often upon the steads of Malforten, taking cattle, grain stores, and stealing away a few residents for slaves or worse. Though the men of Malforten have attempted to locate, trap or capture Gritznak, they have failed each time. Each failure has emboldened Gritznak to greater depredations, culminating with his coming to Malforten and demanding tribute.
At their wits end, the leaders of Malforten called upon the Lords of New Aenochre for knights and soldiery to help defeat Gritznak the Bold (as they are duty bound to supply). However, the delegates from Malforten were rebuffed and their request for soldiery denied, as the wars to the west and south have consumed most of New Aenochre’s veteran warriors. However, to minimally meet their obligations, several Lords of New Aenochre have offered a bounty to any who might bring an end to the depredations of Gritznak the Bold.
The afternoon is wearing on when Cedrik arrives at the borders of Malforten. In the distance he sees two dozen or so wood and stone houses with thatched roofs huddled closely together on the upper banks of the Drunderry River. Large willows and oaks are clustered along the river’s banks and around the town, while fields of grain spread out north, south and west of the village. Cattle graze fretfully even further afield. Amongst the cattle and fields are several herdsmen. Seeing Cedrik approach they call out sharp warnings in the direction of the settlement, while their large cow-dogs howl and bark guardedly. Before reaching the first of the houses, a bell begins to ring in the village alerting the occupants to Cedrik's arrival.
Cedrik spies the largest building toward the north of the village, presuming this to be an inn or tavern he begins to head in toward it.
The Inn bears the name "The Empty Flagon" and it is a single story wood structure with a thatch roof. Much like the other buildings of the village but larger in scale. Cedrik enters into a large common room with a dirt floor, stone fireplace and a single bar. Numerous tables are spaced about the room.
Cedrik walks up to the bar and waits to be served.
The blonde haired bar keep turned with a smile. "A so you are what all the fuss is about. Kerrywyn at your service." Outside the bell is still ringing.
"One half-elf is hardly a threat to the village." Cedrik notes.
The bar keep shrugs and smiles, "So will you be needing a room or are you just passing through?"
"A room please and hot meal if you would." Cedrik sighs.
Just then the door opens and a tall figure walks in flanked by five burly looking men.
Cedrik slides some coin across the bar and turns to face the newcomers. The man is tall and thin with a thick beard and shoulder length braided hair. He has a slight limp as he walks forward but Cedrik can spot the signs of a warriors training in the man. He nods and sips his ale.
"I am Eryl, I lead the militia here about." He looks Cedrik up and down, his eyebrow raising when he sees the crowns emblem on the paladins armour.
Cedrik stands, "Cedrik Voldain of the royal order. I am here to see to your gnoll problem."
Eryl barks a laugh, "This is an insult. I already command forty men, what is one more... I asked for a regiment."
"You command forty farmers master Eryl, and I am a trained paladin of the royal order of helm. I will suffice."
"You will be killed you arrogant whelp." Eryl snaps back before taking a deep breath to calm himself and shakes his head.
"Very well... Kerrywyn, I will cover the lads room and board while he stays here."
"As you say." Kerrywyn answers brightly.
Eryl waves away his men and takes a seat. The men do not leave but take a seat by the fireplace and talk amongst themselves as Eryl orders a flagon for himself.
"Word is he has come down from beyond the Fallow Hills and has taken up residence somewhere north of here. His raiders, goblins and the like have encroached ever more often upon the steads of Malforten, taking cattle, grain stores, and stealing away a few residents for slaves or worse."
"Your militia can not hold him back?" Cedrik asks.
Eryl shakes his head. "We have attempted to locate, trap or capture Gritznak, we have failed each time. Each failure has emboldened the gnoll to greater depredations, culminating with his coming to the village now and demanding tribute.... tribute damn him."
"Can I have use of your men?" Cedrik asks and Eryl shakes his head.
"Most will not travel more than a ten mile from the village, those with families at least. The last crowd that went out got their homes burned down while they were away. You might start with your own." he nods toward the holy symbol on Cedriks armour.
"There is another paladin here?" Cedrik asks surprised.
"A cleric. He keeps a shrine of helm on the eastern edge of town."
Eryl takes his leave and Cedrik eats his evening meal and places his gear in this room before venturing out into the village. The common room is getting busy as he departs and the paladin can feel the eyes on his back as he closes the door behind him. It is growing dark by the time he meets the home of Giffry, a homely cottage with a small shrine and lectern set out front. Cedrik knocks sharply on the door.
It opens after a moment to reveal tired looking old man wearing the familiar vestments of his order. He looks Cedrik up and down and smiles warmly. "So the bells were tolling for you earlier? Come in.. come in. This is a rare pleasure."
The pair exchange pleasantries for a time and then the conversation turns to the problems with the gnoll.
"I do what I can." Giffry says defensively. "Theirs more than a few walking around that wouldn't be if not for me."
"I do not doubt it." Cedrik replies, surprised as the mans sudden show of emotion. "I had hoped you might travel with me to put an end to this threat once and for all."
"It has been a long time since I have lifted a weapon in helms name, those days are but a memory now and not all of them good." while his words are dour his eyes stare wistfully into the fireplace.
"These people are terrified. It would be a great boon to our lord if we should deliver them from this beast and restore this place to order."
"I'll do it." Giffry leans forward in his seat, "Damn me for an old fool but I will follow you." The two clasp hands before retiring or an evening of prayer and meditation.
The next morning Cedrik emerges into the common room to find Giffry waiting for him, together with a tall sharp eyed woman and a pimple faced lad.
"Good morning Ser." Giffry says with a slight bow, "May I introduce the lady Blodwyn a wizard of the arcane and her apprentice Menlaus."
"Good morning." Cedrik says as he takes a seat for breakfast and waves for the others to join him.
"It is good to meet you." Blodwyn says with a bob of her head. "I have to say when I heard the bells yesterday I feared we were under attack yet again. You are a pleasant surprise."
"Thank you." Cedrik blushes. "Are you thinking to join us on our hunt?"
She laughs lightly, "Oh no, my studies will not allow it. I give you the next best thing... my apprentice."
The apprentice looks fit to burst and Blodwyn shakes her head. "It transpires that he has no patience for the study of rare plants and potions and would rather be gallivanting around the country side chasing goblins."
Giffry smiles, "I thought we might take the lad off her hands and put him to good use."
"I know lots of spells." Menlaus offers "...and Blodwyn loaned me her wand."
With that he whips out a silver tipped wand and Blodwyn shrieks for him to put it away.
"You sure about this lad. It will be dangerous." Cedrik asks.
"An ole fart and a lad wet behind the ears. Old Griznack'll ave you for breakfast." laughs a skinny armed farmer on a nearby table.
"You shut your mouth Gwion." Menlaus shrieks.
"Wot ya gonna do? Turn me inta a toad." Gwion spits.
"No he will not, but I might." Blodwyn snaps and there is frost in her voice.
"What do you know about the gnoll?" Cedrik asks the man.
"Me? No I dont know nuffin." he suddenly gets all flustered and starts to gather his pack, "I got a cow needs milking and I don't want nuffin to do with yer crazy business. You be gone and find ole Grizznack in his temple and best luck to ya."
"Wait what temple?" Cedrik rises, but Giffry places a hand on his arm.
"He might know something." Cedrik says but the old man shakes his head.
"He might but he wont be telling you."
"What temple was he talking about?" Cedrik asks.
Giffry shrugs but Blodwyn speaks up, "There is rumoured to be an old temple of the Horned One out to the north east. It could be that the gnoll is holed up there but the locals have a way of mashing rumours and legends together to make sense of things they cant control. Temple of the Horned One, an evil rampaging gnoll from the north. Put the two together and you have a grand fire side tale to tell the children before bed."
"Still there may be something to it." Cedrik muses.
INTRODUCTION
The Drunderry River runs narrow and fast through much of its course before tumbling into the lowlands beneath the Fallow Hills. From there, the river spreads out across fertile plains, labouring slowly to the south before emptying into the Elmarsh Lake. Until recently this area was unsettled. The writ of the King of New Aenochre has changed all this. Several small villages, thorpes and farming communities have been settled in this region since the King’s permission was granted. The village of Malforten, nestled along the banks of the Drunderry River near the Fallow Hills, is just such a place.
The people of Malforten are few in number, but sturdy folk with many a stout heart amongst them. Knowing they were settling at the edges of the kingdoms of New Aenochre and far from help if ever there was need, those who came here were of the uncommon and daring type. Lacking support otherwise, the people of Malforten have banded together and fought off many a wild beast, bandit, and raiding goblin. They even managed to defeat a marauding band of ogres before it lay waste to surrounding farms. They are proud of their independence from the Lords of New Aenochre and their capacity to care for their own. This is why they consider their current position with not a little embarrassment. Malforten lies in the East March. This frontier region is known to be open to raiders, bandits and other nefarious creatures who fear no retribution from the West; so many villainous malcontents and upstarts thus come here to raid and, with each passing success, act with ever more audacity.
Now Malforten has come under a more dire and grievous threat than ever before. A vicious gnoll warrior, Gritznak the Bold, has come to the Fallow Hills and taken up residence in an abandoned temple. From here, his band of raiders has encroached ever more often upon the steads of Malforten, taking cattle, grain stores, and stealing away a few residents for slaves or worse. Though the men of Malforten have attempted to locate, trap or capture Gritznak, they have failed each time. Each failure has emboldened Gritznak to greater depredations, culminating with his coming to Malforten and demanding tribute.
At their wits end, the leaders of Malforten called upon the Lords of New Aenochre for knights and soldiery to help defeat Gritznak the Bold (as they are duty bound to supply). However,
the delegates from Malforten were rebuffed and their request for soldiery denied, as the wars to the west and south have consumed most of New Aenochre’s veteran warriors. However,
to minimally meet their obligations, several Lords of New Aenochre have offered a bounty to any who might bring an end to the depredations of Gritznak the Bold.
DM - Caves of the Kobold Slave Masters
The afternoon is wearing on when Cedrik arrives at the borders of Malforten. In the distance he sees two dozen or so wood and stone houses with thatched roofs huddled closely together on the upper banks of the Drunderry River. Large willows and oaks are clustered along the river’s banks and around the town, while fields of grain spread out north, south and west of the village. Cattle graze fretfully even further afield. Amongst the cattle and fields are several herdsmen. Seeing Cedrik approach they call out sharp warnings in the direction of the settlement, while their large cow-dogs howl and bark guardedly. Before reaching the first of the houses, a bell begins to ring in the village alerting the occupants to Cedrik's arrival.
Cedrik spies the largest building toward the north of the village, presuming this to be an inn or tavern he begins to head in toward it.
DM - Caves of the Kobold Slave Masters
The Inn bears the name "The Empty Flagon" and it is a single story wood structure with a thatch roof. Much like the other buildings of the village but larger in scale. Cedrik enters into a large common room with a dirt floor, stone fireplace and a single bar. Numerous tables are spaced about the room.
Cedrik walks up to the bar and waits to be served.
DM - Caves of the Kobold Slave Masters
The blonde haired bar keep turned with a smile. "A so you are what all the fuss is about. Kerrywyn at your service." Outside the bell is still ringing.
"One half-elf is hardly a threat to the village." Cedrik notes.
The bar keep shrugs and smiles, "So will you be needing a room or are you just passing through?"
"A room please and hot meal if you would." Cedrik sighs.
Just then the door opens and a tall figure walks in flanked by five burly looking men.
DM - Caves of the Kobold Slave Masters
Cedrik slides some coin across the bar and turns to face the newcomers. The man is tall and thin with a thick beard and shoulder length braided hair. He has a slight limp as he walks forward but Cedrik can spot the signs of a warriors training in the man. He nods and sips his ale.
"I am Eryl, I lead the militia here about." He looks Cedrik up and down, his eyebrow raising when he sees the crowns emblem on the paladins armour.
Cedrik stands, "Cedrik Voldain of the royal order. I am here to see to your gnoll problem."
Eryl barks a laugh, "This is an insult. I already command forty men, what is one more... I asked for a regiment."
"You command forty farmers master Eryl, and I am a trained paladin of the royal order of helm. I will suffice."
"You will be killed you arrogant whelp." Eryl snaps back before taking a deep breath to calm himself and shakes his head.
"Very well... Kerrywyn, I will cover the lads room and board while he stays here."
"As you say." Kerrywyn answers brightly.
Eryl waves away his men and takes a seat. The men do not leave but take a seat by the fireplace and talk amongst themselves as Eryl orders a flagon for himself.
DM - Caves of the Kobold Slave Masters
"The gnoll is named Gritznak." Explains Eryl.
"Word is he has come down from beyond the Fallow Hills and has taken up residence somewhere north of here. His raiders, goblins and the like have encroached ever more often upon the steads of Malforten, taking cattle, grain stores, and stealing away a few residents for slaves or worse."
"Your militia can not hold him back?" Cedrik asks.
Eryl shakes his head. "We have attempted to locate, trap or capture Gritznak, we have failed each time. Each failure has emboldened the gnoll to greater depredations, culminating with his coming to the village now and demanding tribute.... tribute damn him."
DM - Caves of the Kobold Slave Masters
"Can I have use of your men?" Cedrik asks and Eryl shakes his head.
"Most will not travel more than a ten mile from the village, those with families at least. The last crowd that went out got their homes burned down while they were away. You might start with your own." he nods toward the holy symbol on Cedriks armour.
"There is another paladin here?" Cedrik asks surprised.
"A cleric. He keeps a shrine of helm on the eastern edge of town."
"My thanks."
DM - Caves of the Kobold Slave Masters
Eryl takes his leave and Cedrik eats his evening meal and places his gear in this room before venturing out into the village. The common room is getting busy as he departs and the paladin can feel the eyes on his back as he closes the door behind him. It is growing dark by the time he meets the home of Giffry, a homely cottage with a small shrine and lectern set out front. Cedrik knocks sharply on the door.
It opens after a moment to reveal tired looking old man wearing the familiar vestments of his order. He looks Cedrik up and down and smiles warmly. "So the bells were tolling for you earlier? Come in.. come in. This is a rare pleasure."
Cedrik enters.
DM - Caves of the Kobold Slave Masters
The pair exchange pleasantries for a time and then the conversation turns to the problems with the gnoll.
"I do what I can." Giffry says defensively. "Theirs more than a few walking around that wouldn't be if not for me."
"I do not doubt it." Cedrik replies, surprised as the mans sudden show of emotion. "I had hoped you might travel with me to put an end to this threat once and for all."
"It has been a long time since I have lifted a weapon in helms name, those days are but a memory now and not all of them good." while his words are dour his eyes stare wistfully into the fireplace.
"These people are terrified. It would be a great boon to our lord if we should deliver them from this beast and restore this place to order."
"I'll do it." Giffry leans forward in his seat, "Damn me for an old fool but I will follow you." The two clasp hands before retiring or an evening of prayer and meditation.
DM - Caves of the Kobold Slave Masters
The next morning Cedrik emerges into the common room to find Giffry waiting for him, together with a tall sharp eyed woman and a pimple faced lad.
"Good morning Ser." Giffry says with a slight bow, "May I introduce the lady Blodwyn a wizard of the arcane and her apprentice Menlaus."
"Good morning." Cedrik says as he takes a seat for breakfast and waves for the others to join him.
"It is good to meet you." Blodwyn says with a bob of her head. "I have to say when I heard the bells yesterday I feared we were under attack yet again. You are a pleasant surprise."
"Thank you." Cedrik blushes. "Are you thinking to join us on our hunt?"
She laughs lightly, "Oh no, my studies will not allow it. I give you the next best thing... my apprentice."
DM - Caves of the Kobold Slave Masters
The apprentice looks fit to burst and Blodwyn shakes her head. "It transpires that he has no patience for the study of rare plants and potions and would rather be gallivanting around the country side chasing goblins."
Giffry smiles, "I thought we might take the lad off her hands and put him to good use."
"I know lots of spells." Menlaus offers "...and Blodwyn loaned me her wand."
With that he whips out a silver tipped wand and Blodwyn shrieks for him to put it away.
"You sure about this lad. It will be dangerous." Cedrik asks.
"I am sure." he replies with a beaming smile.
DM - Caves of the Kobold Slave Masters
"An ole fart and a lad wet behind the ears. Old Griznack'll ave you for breakfast." laughs a skinny armed farmer on a nearby table.
"You shut your mouth Gwion." Menlaus shrieks.
"Wot ya gonna do? Turn me inta a toad." Gwion spits.
"No he will not, but I might." Blodwyn snaps and there is frost in her voice.
"What do you know about the gnoll?" Cedrik asks the man.
"Me? No I dont know nuffin." he suddenly gets all flustered and starts to gather his pack, "I got a cow needs milking and I don't want nuffin to do with yer crazy business. You be gone and find ole Grizznack in his temple and best luck to ya."
"Wait what temple?" Cedrik rises, but Giffry places a hand on his arm.
"He might know something." Cedrik says but the old man shakes his head.
"He might but he wont be telling you."
"What temple was he talking about?" Cedrik asks.
Giffry shrugs but Blodwyn speaks up, "There is rumoured to be an old temple of the Horned One out to the north east. It could be that the gnoll is holed up there but the locals have a way of mashing rumours and legends together to make sense of things they cant control. Temple of the Horned One, an evil rampaging gnoll from the north. Put the two together and you have a grand fire side tale to tell the children before bed."
"Still there may be something to it." Cedrik muses.
"Perhaps." the woman admits. "...perhaps"
DM - Caves of the Kobold Slave Masters
"What's the horned one?" Menlaus asks.
"An ancient god of darkness." Giffry answers, "Driven from the land centuries ago."
Cedrik nods, familiar with the legend. "So what next?" he muses.
"I hear Nefyd is keen to take the fight back to this Gritznack." Blodwyn advises.
DM - Caves of the Kobold Slave Masters