It has recently stopped snowing on the open prairies north of Longsaddle and the gray skies raise fears that the snow may resume.
The cold wind makes you want to soon reach the big ranch you see from distance which, fortunately, from the sign (two crossed swords with a horizontal bar underneath) can only be the Sharnshield Mansion, the place to find this 'Martha' who has so urgent need of the services of adventurers.
Each of you can't help but notice the others - evidently, some for one reason or another, you're all headed to the Sharnshield Mansion. And with the weather so uninviting, there's a good chance you're all drawn to Martha's call for help...
(OOC: Each player please describe their character - at least what other characters see of they - and feel free to interact a bit with each other, more so when each player has described their character - so maybe it's easier for you to role-play the relative reactions, what to say, what to think...)
Ilwythe, a Half-Orc clad in ragged clothes coming apart at the seams holds two chipped Axes, their gripping leather beginning to come off. A rapier, nicked severely, dangles from his side.
Helper of Create a World thread/Sedge is Chaotic Neutral/ Mega Yahtzee High: 34, Low: 14/I speak English, je me parle le Francais, agus Labhraim beagan Gaeilge
Engelhard "Hart" Farrun can't help but furrow her brow as it becomes apparent that the gaggle of random folk walking north out of Longsaddle is also heading for Sharnshield Mansion. She closes her eyes and takes a breath, readjusting her attitude. After all, the more who respond to the call, the more of a chance they'll succeed in whatever this Martha Sharnshield needs. Hart's used to mostly working alone, but she can get along when needed. Usually.
Opening her black eyes again, Hart turns to the supposed adventurer on her left. "The more the merrier, right?" she says with not much merriment.
In stark contrast to the half-orc, Hart is small — short even for a human. But she is lithe and strong in her own way. The billowy cloak she currently wears hides her form and gear, except for the well made longbow and quiver on her back. The skin of her face, neck and hands is a ruddy brown. Her hair is black, curly, lackluster, and braided back away from her face. She might be pretty if she tried, but it's clear she isn't trying. She looks at the adventurer on her right. "I'm not from Longsaddle. Anything I should know about Martha Sharnshield before we go in?"
Ardana walks quickly and catches up to the group headed to the mansion.
She appears human although she has a faintly alien look with high cheekbones and a narrow chin with a thick shock of black hair on top of her head and framing her tanned face. She wears a fine cloak around her shoulders, but you can see the bulk of a shield slung on her back, along with several javelins and a great sword, and a dagger at her belt. Underneath the cloak she wears chain mail, you can see an amulet bearing the symbol of Helm around her neck. She is fairly tall but not unusually so and looks strong with a sturdy frame.
"Hello there, you must also have seen the notice from Martha Sharnshield. How large must be her problem that she calls all of us to help. Do you know the Sharnshields?"
Tyrgram scratched his beard as he made his way over to Sharnshield Mansion. He had been running but recently slowed down to a regular walk when his barely digested meal threatened to disagree with him. The cold wind did not bother him so much. The hides and pelts he wore may not stop a sword in its tracks but they worked wonders on keeping the cold out. His face was similarly kept cozy by the wild grown red beard that terrified honest folk and delighted dwarves. He could have passed for a dwarf were it not for his stature of 1,83 meter which made him stand out with head and shoulders above most folks. A head that was crowned with copper red hair that contrasted the gentle blue eyes beset in a sun tanned face. A dagger, axe and wooded shield completed the entire wild man aesthetic.
In stark contrast to the half-orc, Hart is small — short even for a human. But she is lithe and strong in her own way. The billowy cloak she currently wears hides her form and gear, except for the well made longbow and quiver on her back. The skin of her face, neck and hands is a ruddy brown. Her hair is black, curly, lackluster, and braided back away from her face. She might be pretty if she tried, but it's clear she isn't trying. She looks at the adventurer on her right. "I'm not from Longsaddle. Anything I should know about Martha Sharnshield before we go in?"
'She is a child that goes shoeless, to the extent that the villagers call her Shoeless Martha.'The gravitas and sternness of Tyrgram's reply clearly indicated that this was no laughing matter. 'I intend to rectify this injustice.'
Ardana walks quickly and catches up to the group headed to the mansion.
She appears human although she has a faintly alien look with high cheekbones and a narrow chin with a thick shock of black hair on top of her head and framing her tanned face. She wears a fine cloak around her shoulders, but you can see the bulk of a shield slung on her back, along with several javelins and a great sword, and a dagger at her belt. Underneath the cloak she wears chain mail, you can see an amulet bearing the symbol of Helm around her neck. She is fairly tall but not unusually so and looks strong with a sturdy frame.
"Hello there, you must also have seen the notice from Martha Sharnshield. How large must be her problem that she calls all of us to help. Do you know the Sharnshields?"
“I’m a wanderer. I know nothing of them save their name. Do you come from here, or are you similarly a wanderer?”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Helper of Create a World thread/Sedge is Chaotic Neutral/ Mega Yahtzee High: 34, Low: 14/I speak English, je me parle le Francais, agus Labhraim beagan Gaeilge
'What transpired that so many adventurers are needed in a village FILLED with adventurers and magic?' Tarysaa Sōlus looked around at the odd assortment of people working their way north toward the Sharnshield Mansion. 'What must THEY see when they look at her? A touch gaunt. Using a staff to aid in moving against the wind. A bundled stranger among strangers.' Tarysaa sighed as she spoke a quiet word and made a pass with her hand. As the random flakes of snow melted from her shoulders, she pulled her hood up to cover her silver white hair and cold blushed, pale skin.
"Hello there, you must also have seen the notice from Martha Sharnshield. How large must be her problem that she calls all of us to help. Do you know the Sharnshields?"
“I’m a wanderer. I know nothing of them save their name. Do you come from here, or are you similarly a wanderer?”
"I left the caravan on the road to Triboar when I saw Martha's notice. I don't know but something in the wording made me feel like this was a soul in need, I was called to come here. And now we learn she is but a child, what could that mean?"
A short and stout figure comes hustling past those that have met along the path to the Sharnshield ranch. A well-worn simple brown cloak, covers similarly distressed leather armor. The click-clack of rocks in this one's satchel and the banging of a wooden shield at their back can be heard with each footfall as they pull themselves through the snow with a simple staff.
"This cold is for the birds," comes a gruff, feminine voice. "I guess that's not really true, now is it, since birds have sense enough to fly to the warmer parts when it gets like this."
Continuing towards the front door of the mansion, barely breaking stride, she adds. "If y'all are here to help out this Martha, maybe we can hold off on all the pleasantries until we get in out of this weather, hmm." The dwarf picks up her pace and hurries to get out of the cold.
All together you are getting closer and closer to Sharnshield Manor.
A few attendants who, in spite of the weather, are moving the horses out do not seem surprised to see you—perhaps, given Martha's appeal, visits from strangers are not uncommon these days.
As you get close, a small half-elf young girl, with her blonde hair gathered in two braids on either side of her head, comes rushing out of the ranch and runs towards you, yelling in excitement (in common tongue): "Oh , may Lady Goldheart be praised, are you here to help my mistress Martha, I hope?"
"Trouble. In a town FILLED with magic users and passing adventurers, a 'child' plasters the village with posters and signs and has every establishment announcing this 'need'. Make no mistake, this WILL be trouble."
"Trouble. In a town FILLED with magic users and passing adventurers, a 'child' plasters the village with posters and signs and has every establishment announcing this 'need'. Make no mistake, this WILL be trouble."
"Excuse me, esteemed lady," insists the small half-elf young girl, perplexed "maybe I didn't quite understand your answer, since I'm just a humble servant with little experience yet; indeed my mistress Martha is in trouble, but you... you, with your..." she looks at the other travelers one by one, looking for a suitable word "entourage, have come here to help her... right?"
"Trouble. In a town FILLED with magic users and passing adventurers, a 'child' plasters the village with posters and signs and has every establishment announcing this 'need'. Make no mistake, this WILL be trouble."
“Hush, Elf. Treat a ‘child’ with respect. She’s given you no reason to be antagonistic.” ’Why must Elves act so disgracefully towards those they view as impure?’
Ilwythe turns to the small child, and, in a much kinder tone, asks her “Young one, what is your name? Do you want to talk inside?”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Helper of Create a World thread/Sedge is Chaotic Neutral/ Mega Yahtzee High: 34, Low: 14/I speak English, je me parle le Francais, agus Labhraim beagan Gaeilge
...Ilwythe turns to the small child, and, in a much kinder tone, asks her “Young one, what is your name? Do you want to talk inside?”
The small half-elf young girl cocks her neck up a bit to meet the gaze of this Half-Orc clad in ragged clothes coming apart at the seams holding two chipped Axes.
Her eyes seem intimidated at first, but the kind tone of the imposing figure immediately calms her, to the point that she smiles and replies: "My name is Thia, kind sir, and I welcome you to the Sharnshield Mansion. You see, I would gladly let you in, but that way I wouldn't be doing my duty well! I must first know who you are and what you want".
...Ilwythe turns to the small child, and, in a much kinder tone, asks her “Young one, what is your name? Do you want to talk inside?”
The small half-elf young girl cocks her neck up a bit to meet the gaze of this Half-Orc clad in ragged clothes coming apart at the seams holding two chipped Axes.
Her eyes seem intimidated at first, but the kind tone of the imposing figure immediately calms her, to the point that she smiles and replies: "My name is Thia, kind sir, and I welcome you to the Sharnshield Mansion. You see, I would gladly let you in, but that way I wouldn't be doing my duty well! I must first know who you are and what you want".
“My name is Ilwythe. I and my… potential companions have come here due to, at least for me, posters around town. I know little more save what is on there. Please accept my apologies for this Elf. I know how prejudiced High Elves can so often be.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Helper of Create a World thread/Sedge is Chaotic Neutral/ Mega Yahtzee High: 34, Low: 14/I speak English, je me parle le Francais, agus Labhraim beagan Gaeilge
Giving Ilwythe a bit of a stink eye, Tarysaa bows in the most courtly of manners, "Tarysaa Sōlus, late of the University of Silverymoon, at your service, Lady Thia." As Tarysaa's cloak sweeps back, the young child sees an elf of human proportions, although a touch on the thin side. Very pale skin with a near bluish tinge and long silver white hair. Very noticable 'elven ears' jut out of all that hair, each flicking slightly in the cold wind.
The young half-elf girl lights up at the words of Ilwythe, Tarysaa and Ardana: "Then you indeed have come to help my mistress Martha! You could have confirmed it for me right away!"
She hurries you all in (pulling you at times by your clothes or by whatever part of you she can comfortably grasp): "Come then! Hurry! There is no time to lose! The mistress will be so glad to see you... Maybe at least you will be able to help her..."
She is leading you rapidly through simple and elegant wooden corridors, where the people you occasionally meet look at you sometimes with an air of condescension, sometimes with eyes veiled in sadness, sometimes with a sardonic smile.
Thia blows you past everyone with the energy of a small whirlwind.
(OOC: Now I think I'll leave everyone some time, even those who haven't posted yet... Before Thia takes you where she wants to take you, you have the time, if you wish, to have a conversation with her or among yourselves, or to ask her questions - or even to try to interact with 'the people you occasionally meet', if you like. If, on the other hand, you simply let Thia lead/take/bring you, as soon as we resume you'll find out where you finally arrive.)
Ilwythe will let Thia lead him by her hand, but will otherwise say nothing to any other characters unless spurred to respond.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Helper of Create a World thread/Sedge is Chaotic Neutral/ Mega Yahtzee High: 34, Low: 14/I speak English, je me parle le Francais, agus Labhraim beagan Gaeilge
Quickly guided by Thia, you finally enter a comfortable room, heated by a large fireplace on one side, illuminated by a large window on the other, where some chairs allow guests to sit in front of a comfortable bed... on which lies a young woman (perhaps not even 20 years old) in obvious state of advanced pregnancy.
"Welcome," the woman leans up a bit, adjusting a pillow behind her back, so she can see your face more easily, and she gives you a broad smile, "I'm Martha! Please, take a seat!"
Her face, framed by wavy brown hair, is quite ordinary, but the woman's brown eyes look decidedly friendly as she asks: "Would you like some wine? Or maybe some beer? I can have Thia bring some..."
For Daisy:
Reading this woman's body language and micro-expressions, you get the idea that she is trying to be a good host, be she would really like to come soon to the point and explain her concern - probably a really big one.
Longsaddle, 28 Hammer 1500 DR, morning
It has recently stopped snowing on the open prairies north of Longsaddle and the gray skies raise fears that the snow may resume.
The cold wind makes you want to soon reach the big ranch you see from distance which, fortunately, from the sign (two crossed swords with a horizontal bar underneath) can only be the Sharnshield Mansion, the place to find this 'Martha' who has so urgent need of the services of adventurers.
Each of you can't help but notice the others - evidently, some for one reason or another, you're all headed to the Sharnshield Mansion. And with the weather so uninviting, there's a good chance you're all drawn to Martha's call for help...
(OOC: Each player please describe their character - at least what other characters see of they - and feel free to interact a bit with each other, more so when each player has described their character - so maybe it's easier for you to role-play the relative reactions, what to say, what to think...)
Ilwythe, a Half-Orc clad in ragged clothes coming apart at the seams holds two chipped Axes, their gripping leather beginning to come off. A rapier, nicked severely, dangles from his side.
”You all came too? Thought I’d be the only one.”
Helper of Create a World thread/Sedge is Chaotic Neutral/ Mega Yahtzee High: 34, Low: 14/I speak English, je me parle le Francais, agus Labhraim beagan Gaeilge
Dream of Days Lore Bard 9/Wizard 4 Baulder's Gate: Descent to Avernus (In Person/Over Zoom)
Saleadon Morgul Battle Smith Artificer 11 Tyranny of Dragons (In Person/Over Zoom)
Hurtharn Serpti Ghostslayer Blood Hunter 7 Spelljammer (Over Zoom)
Ex Sig
Engelhard "Hart" Farrun can't help but furrow her brow as it becomes apparent that the gaggle of random folk walking north out of Longsaddle is also heading for Sharnshield Mansion. She closes her eyes and takes a breath, readjusting her attitude. After all, the more who respond to the call, the more of a chance they'll succeed in whatever this Martha Sharnshield needs. Hart's used to mostly working alone, but she can get along when needed. Usually.
Opening her black eyes again, Hart turns to the supposed adventurer on her left. "The more the merrier, right?" she says with not much merriment.
In stark contrast to the half-orc, Hart is small — short even for a human. But she is lithe and strong in her own way. The billowy cloak she currently wears hides her form and gear, except for the well made longbow and quiver on her back. The skin of her face, neck and hands is a ruddy brown. Her hair is black, curly, lackluster, and braided back away from her face. She might be pretty if she tried, but it's clear she isn't trying. She looks at the adventurer on her right. "I'm not from Longsaddle. Anything I should know about Martha Sharnshield before we go in?"
Ardana walks quickly and catches up to the group headed to the mansion.
She appears human although she has a faintly alien look with high cheekbones and a narrow chin with a thick shock of black hair on top of her head and framing her tanned face. She wears a fine cloak around her shoulders, but you can see the bulk of a shield slung on her back, along with several javelins and a great sword, and a dagger at her belt. Underneath the cloak she wears chain mail, you can see an amulet bearing the symbol of Helm around her neck. She is fairly tall but not unusually so and looks strong with a sturdy frame.
"Hello there, you must also have seen the notice from Martha Sharnshield. How large must be her problem that she calls all of us to help. Do you know the Sharnshields?"
Tyrgram scratched his beard as he made his way over to Sharnshield Mansion. He had been running but recently slowed down to a regular walk when his barely digested meal threatened to disagree with him. The cold wind did not bother him so much. The hides and pelts he wore may not stop a sword in its tracks but they worked wonders on keeping the cold out. His face was similarly kept cozy by the wild grown red beard that terrified honest folk and delighted dwarves. He could have passed for a dwarf were it not for his stature of 1,83 meter which made him stand out with head and shoulders above most folks. A head that was crowned with copper red hair that contrasted the gentle blue eyes beset in a sun tanned face. A dagger, axe and wooded shield completed the entire wild man aesthetic.
'She is a child that goes shoeless, to the extent that the villagers call her Shoeless Martha.' The gravitas and sternness of Tyrgram's reply clearly indicated that this was no laughing matter. 'I intend to rectify this injustice.'
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight: Dwarf Warlock - Secret of Greenwold
Iòlinder Corrach: Half Elf War Cleric - Allansia Adventure
Valerius Sergius Publius: Dhampir Paladin - Vae Victus
"A child? How could a child put a notice on the Triboar road? Who is helping her already?"
“I’m a wanderer. I know nothing of them save their name. Do you come from here, or are you similarly a wanderer?”
Helper of Create a World thread/Sedge is Chaotic Neutral/ Mega Yahtzee High: 34, Low: 14/I speak English, je me parle le Francais, agus Labhraim beagan Gaeilge
Dream of Days Lore Bard 9/Wizard 4 Baulder's Gate: Descent to Avernus (In Person/Over Zoom)
Saleadon Morgul Battle Smith Artificer 11 Tyranny of Dragons (In Person/Over Zoom)
Hurtharn Serpti Ghostslayer Blood Hunter 7 Spelljammer (Over Zoom)
Ex Sig
'What transpired that so many adventurers are needed in a village FILLED with adventurers and magic?'
Tarysaa Sōlus looked around at the odd assortment of people working their way north toward the Sharnshield Mansion.
'What must THEY see when they look at her? A touch gaunt. Using a staff to aid in moving against the wind. A bundled stranger among strangers.'
Tarysaa sighed as she spoke a quiet word and made a pass with her hand. As the random flakes of snow melted from her shoulders, she pulled her hood up to cover her silver white hair and cold blushed, pale skin.
"I left the caravan on the road to Triboar when I saw Martha's notice. I don't know but something in the wording made me feel like this was a soul in need, I was called to come here. And now we learn she is but a child, what could that mean?"
A short and stout figure comes hustling past those that have met along the path to the Sharnshield ranch. A well-worn simple brown cloak, covers similarly distressed leather armor. The click-clack of rocks in this one's satchel and the banging of a wooden shield at their back can be heard with each footfall as they pull themselves through the snow with a simple staff.
"This cold is for the birds," comes a gruff, feminine voice. "I guess that's not really true, now is it, since birds have sense enough to fly to the warmer parts when it gets like this."
Continuing towards the front door of the mansion, barely breaking stride, she adds. "If y'all are here to help out this Martha, maybe we can hold off on all the pleasantries until we get in out of this weather, hmm." The dwarf picks up her pace and hurries to get out of the cold.
All together you are getting closer and closer to Sharnshield Manor.
A few attendants who, in spite of the weather, are moving the horses out do not seem surprised to see you—perhaps, given Martha's appeal, visits from strangers are not uncommon these days.
As you get close, a small half-elf young girl, with her blonde hair gathered in two braids on either side of her head, comes rushing out of the ranch and runs towards you, yelling in excitement (in common tongue): "Oh , may Lady Goldheart be praised, are you here to help my mistress Martha, I hope?"
"Trouble. In a town FILLED with magic users and passing adventurers, a 'child' plasters the village with posters and signs and has every establishment announcing this 'need'. Make no mistake, this WILL be trouble."
"Excuse me, esteemed lady," insists the small half-elf young girl, perplexed "maybe I didn't quite understand your answer, since I'm just a humble servant with little experience yet; indeed my mistress Martha is in trouble, but you... you, with your..." she looks at the other travelers one by one, looking for a suitable word "entourage, have come here to help her... right?"
“Hush, Elf. Treat a ‘child’ with respect. She’s given you no reason to be antagonistic.” ’Why must Elves act so disgracefully towards those they view as impure?’
Ilwythe turns to the small child, and, in a much kinder tone, asks her “Young one, what is your name? Do you want to talk inside?”
Helper of Create a World thread/Sedge is Chaotic Neutral/ Mega Yahtzee High: 34, Low: 14/I speak English, je me parle le Francais, agus Labhraim beagan Gaeilge
Dream of Days Lore Bard 9/Wizard 4 Baulder's Gate: Descent to Avernus (In Person/Over Zoom)
Saleadon Morgul Battle Smith Artificer 11 Tyranny of Dragons (In Person/Over Zoom)
Hurtharn Serpti Ghostslayer Blood Hunter 7 Spelljammer (Over Zoom)
Ex Sig
The small half-elf young girl cocks her neck up a bit to meet the gaze of this Half-Orc clad in ragged clothes coming apart at the seams holding two chipped Axes.
Her eyes seem intimidated at first, but the kind tone of the imposing figure immediately calms her, to the point that she smiles and replies: "My name is Thia, kind sir, and I welcome you to the Sharnshield Mansion. You see, I would gladly let you in, but that way I wouldn't be doing my duty well! I must first know who you are and what you want".
“My name is Ilwythe. I and my… potential companions have come here due to, at least for me, posters around town. I know little more save what is on there. Please accept my apologies for this Elf. I know how prejudiced High Elves can so often be.”
Helper of Create a World thread/Sedge is Chaotic Neutral/ Mega Yahtzee High: 34, Low: 14/I speak English, je me parle le Francais, agus Labhraim beagan Gaeilge
Dream of Days Lore Bard 9/Wizard 4 Baulder's Gate: Descent to Avernus (In Person/Over Zoom)
Saleadon Morgul Battle Smith Artificer 11 Tyranny of Dragons (In Person/Over Zoom)
Hurtharn Serpti Ghostslayer Blood Hunter 7 Spelljammer (Over Zoom)
Ex Sig
"And I am Ardana, young mistress. I saw the notice on a signpost by the road. I hope I can help."
Giving Ilwythe a bit of a stink eye, Tarysaa bows in the most courtly of manners, "Tarysaa Sōlus, late of the University of Silverymoon, at your service, Lady Thia." As Tarysaa's cloak sweeps back, the young child sees an elf of human proportions, although a touch on the thin side. Very pale skin with a near bluish tinge and long silver white hair. Very noticable 'elven ears' jut out of all that hair, each flicking slightly in the cold wind.
The young half-elf girl lights up at the words of Ilwythe, Tarysaa and Ardana: "Then you indeed have come to help my mistress Martha! You could have confirmed it for me right away!"
She hurries you all in (pulling you at times by your clothes or by whatever part of you she can comfortably grasp): "Come then! Hurry! There is no time to lose! The mistress will be so glad to see you... Maybe at least you will be able to help her..."
She is leading you rapidly through simple and elegant wooden corridors, where the people you occasionally meet look at you sometimes with an air of condescension, sometimes with eyes veiled in sadness, sometimes with a sardonic smile.
Thia blows you past everyone with the energy of a small whirlwind.
(OOC: Now I think I'll leave everyone some time, even those who haven't posted yet... Before Thia takes you where she wants to take you, you have the time, if you wish, to have a conversation with her or among yourselves, or to ask her questions - or even to try to interact with 'the people you occasionally meet', if you like. If, on the other hand, you simply let Thia lead/take/bring you, as soon as we resume you'll find out where you finally arrive.)
Ilwythe will let Thia lead him by her hand, but will otherwise say nothing to any other characters unless spurred to respond.
Helper of Create a World thread/Sedge is Chaotic Neutral/ Mega Yahtzee High: 34, Low: 14/I speak English, je me parle le Francais, agus Labhraim beagan Gaeilge
Dream of Days Lore Bard 9/Wizard 4 Baulder's Gate: Descent to Avernus (In Person/Over Zoom)
Saleadon Morgul Battle Smith Artificer 11 Tyranny of Dragons (In Person/Over Zoom)
Hurtharn Serpti Ghostslayer Blood Hunter 7 Spelljammer (Over Zoom)
Ex Sig
Quickly guided by Thia, you finally enter a comfortable room, heated by a large fireplace on one side, illuminated by a large window on the other, where some chairs allow guests to sit in front of a comfortable bed... on which lies a young woman (perhaps not even 20 years old) in obvious state of advanced pregnancy.
"Welcome," the woman leans up a bit, adjusting a pillow behind her back, so she can see your face more easily, and she gives you a broad smile, "I'm Martha! Please, take a seat!"
Her face, framed by wavy brown hair, is quite ordinary, but the woman's brown eyes look decidedly friendly as she asks: "Would you like some wine? Or maybe some beer? I can have Thia bring some..."
For Daisy:
Reading this woman's body language and micro-expressions, you get the idea that she is trying to be a good host, be she would really like to come soon to the point and explain her concern - probably a really big one.