The morning air in Thornwood is crisp and fresh as autumn fights to hold on for just a moment longer. The farming town has just completed their fall harvest which offers many of the hard working citizens a bit of reprieve from their daily tasks. With this, the town is much busier than a normal day in Thornwood would offer. Most of the caravans had already passed through town on their way to the Bridge Festival that is underway in Holden Heights. Most of the travelers passing through now are delivery food and linen materials to the nearby cities and settlements.
One last caravan awaits departure from Thornwood as its horses gain a bit of needed rest. Hitching a ride on this caravan were several travelers from the coasts of the Glimmering Sea. This was most likely their first time in Thornwood and they were looking to see what the city offered.
[town recap]
Thornwood is one of the larger towns between Holden Heights and Caterona to the north. Home to vast growing fields and cattle ranches, it provides most of the food that is consumed within the region. The town square is rather small but has several buildings of note.
The lord's manor here functions as both her residence as well as where leaders of the town govern. It isn't a grand estate but rather a two story structure with the second level used for living space and the first level is full of offices. Lady Gweyir Pajeon has always been thought to be a kind and fair ruler. She oversees all issues within the town herself no matter how large or small.
The library to Talos here is rather small in size compared to other towns though it is one of the tallest structures in Thornwood. The library looks like a spiraling tower that rises several stories into the sky. The outside stone features no windows. Most believed that the librarians preferred it that way so light would not damage the ancient works held within.
A general store seems to function as the main place to buy food and farm equipment. The husband and wife that run the shop are gnomes that have been in this town forever. No matter what you purchase, you're bound to get a story or two from the pair as well. Full of rather common and mundane items, it doesn't offer adventurers much but sometimes mundane items could be the difference between life and death.
There are also several trade workshops near the town center. If anyone needs something made within town, they normally head here to find the blacksmiths, tailors, and leather workers. The smell of ash is strong in this section of the city.
Every town seems to have a tavern and Thornwood is no different. The tavern sits just off the main road and welcomes travelers with cold ale and fresh meats and vegetables. From the outside, the building isn't that impressive and venturing inside would offer the same. The locals don't seem to mind though as it's often packed inside when the work for the day has been completed. The sound of music can be heard coming from the tavern.
Vallen makes his way to the trade sector to find the workshops of several different crafting styles. Walking along the street, Vallen can see that each shop desires function over style. The lower prices here compared to the castles along the sea are a bit shocking at first but then he realizes the people here probably do not have coffers of coin stored away like some of the businessmen of the north.
The smell of ash lingers in the air and grows stronger as he stands before what was once a rather remarkable smithy. Fire seems to have taken the structure leaving only the metal of the forge behind.
-------------------------------------------
Jubal makes his way through the line of wagons hoping to find someone responsible for the caravan. He eventually finds a human that is rather large in stature and physique that looks to be able to wrestle a bear if he needed to. He's wearing rather light clothing often found among sailors of the north that provides plenty of cover from the sun but little in the means of warmth. He's currently securing several crates in the wagon and giving orders to one of the guards taking post here in Thornwood.
---------------------------------------------
Xinq, having some familiarity with social hierarchy, makes his way to the estate of Lady Gweyir Pajeon. It isn't that impressive and seems to be rather low quality and standing compared to the estate's he's familiar with back home. It leaves the kobold feeling rather sad for the city but he's able to understand that money isn't the most important thing to these people so they have no reason to flaunt their wealth. Standing outside the manor is a pair of human guards dressed in light leather and armed with short swords and shields. They give you a keen look over as you approach. "Welcome traveler," one of the guard says. It's a bit strange as you expected some level of aggression. "What brings you to Thornwood," he says in a peaceful tone.
------------------------------------------------
Alain, Svent, and Kairn, What are you up to upon entry to Thornwood?
-------------------------------
Valyncia, Corlin, and Cailee wake up to the sound of a caravan arriving in town. The ground shakes under the hooves of a large number horses as the caravan comes to a stop in the nearby town square. Breakfast has been prepared by Valyncia's parents and you're all able to start your day after your long rest. What would you like to do today?
-----------------------
(Players I believe we have lost thus far: Raymond.
Valyncia wakes up early, a habit instilled in her by her parents, to help out around the house with morning chores and preparing breakfast for their guest. During this time she takes a moment to step outside and try to catch sight of the caravan moving through town. Looking across the street, she is still upset by the sight of the burned down blacksmith shop in front of her.
Once her new friends are awake she will join them for breakfast along with her parents. After that they can all move on to their goal for today: Finding Kairn.
The Halfling Cleric stood in front of the burned down blacksmith, his shield and warhammer stowed on his back. Vallen looked about the ash and building and then the forge or what maybe left of it. He stood in the middle of the building and looked up to the sky and clutched his holy emblem around his neck, closing his eyes and muttering a prayer, "Merveille... Is this the start of what you shared? The town and fields still stand, can you offer any guidance?" He finishes his prayer and looks about the building further and to see if anyone is nearby to ask some questions.
((Not sure if you want a Perception or Investigation check or nothing at all.))
"Good morning", Xinq's tone is brisk and businesslike. "I am Warren Castellan of Thousand Steps and I am on my liege, the Duke's business. I would seek an audience with her Ladyship, should she be in residence."
((Today has been pretty crazy. Sorry for lack of setup here.))
The guards nod at Xinq request before escorting him into the interior of the building. The structure has the feeling more of a lodge than a government building. Off to one side you see a group of people discussing the proper taxing protocol in relation to the harvested amount of crops harvested and sold within and outside of the city. One of the farmers seems quite upset and insists that too much is taken from his revenue and he won't survive the winter if the prices aren't adjusted accordingly.
Another group of town leaders seem to be discussing the idea of placing a toll for travelers coming through the town in hopes of generating additional revenue. Some of those gathered object saying that travelers will just tramped the fields rather than pay a coin. Others suggest that some extra coin would lead to better infrastructure throughout Thornwood including better roads and even better schools. It doesn't sound like either side is going to relent on their argument.
Moving pass that, you're brought to what looks like a rather common office door. The two guards enter before you and receive acknowledgement from Lady Gweyir Pajeon saying that you may enter.
You're greeted by a rather stocky human woman that would stand 6 feet tall if she weren't sitting at her desk. She has broad shoulders that make you think she's tended to plenty of fields over her lifetime. She seems to be in her late thirties and carries herself with poise but seems welcoming.
She gestures to one of the seats before her desk and says, "My name is Lady Pajeon. And what do I owe this pleasure?"Her voice is rough and deeper than you expected.
Kairn and Svent make their way through Thornwood. It feels nice for Kairn to be back in his hometown after the short trip but that pleasant feeling quickly fades as he is met with worried glances from the other townsfolk. When he gets to his shop, he quickly understands their demeanor. Vallen stands looking at where the shop once stood. His forge lay exposed to the elements and the structure around it lay in ash. Tools caked in layers of burnt lumber hide beneath the soot and debris. The forge, designed to handle extreme heat seems to be no worse for wear and could be up in running in a day or two with some effort.
Valyncia, Corlin, and Cailee exit from the blacksmith shop across the road to see Kairn looking over the wreckage with a large lizardfolk.
((You all may roll investigation to try and figure out what caused the fire))
Kairn freezes, his mouth open in shock. My...my forge.... what in the hells happened to my forge?! Pale and shaken, he finally finds his feet and stumbles forward, starting to sift through the ash, staring around and seeing if there are any clues to what happened. Investigation: 5
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Back and ready to DM and chew bubblegum. And I'm alllll outta bubblegum.
Valyncia, upon seeing Kairn arrive rushes over across the street, "Kairn! Thank Sorata you're alive. We were looking for you out in the fields after what happened here. I'm sorry you had to come back to this."
((And for the last time hopefully, feel free to describe your characters so that the others know what you look like. This is the final roster for this campaign so we'll work on getting current items ironed out and then get everyone on the path to whatever they'd like to do :) ))
Kairn looks through the ash and finds little evidence for what started the fire. He does find a few personal items that he's able to dust off and keep. His mind goes through what could have caused this fire. He knew that he'd put out the fire in the forge before he left. There was nothing here that could have started a fire as he kept his shop very orderly.
Svent stands just over six feet tall. He is covered head-to-tail in dappled green and brown scales, the color evoking dull sunlight filtered through swamp water. Alligator-like teeth protrude from a long, powerfully built jaw. As his head scans from face to face (moving one moment, utterly still the next) you notice a flash of bright reddish orange from what looks like a frill held close against the back of his head, trailing down his back and tail. He wears almost nothing and what he does wear looks almost new, the cut edges of his alligator-hide loincloth still sharp and relatively unworn. The rest of his gear is a strange mix of nearly brand new modern equipment and well worn pieces clearly made from scavenged material. A fine rapier and matched dagger sit on the same belts as a well-worn braided whip and a dagger fashioned from a massive canine wrapped in leather. The longbow on his back, made from some sort of twisted swamp wood, is well worn and grooved from long use. The quiver at his hip holds an assortment of arrows, some as uniform as you would expect from any local fletcher, the others all mismatched feathers and sinew. Strapped to his pack and looking altogether out of place is a tall iron fishing pole, so shiny and new that you doubt it has ever been used.
"It appears that the building burned in a fire." Seeing Kairn speaking with someone new, Svent looks to them and says, "I am called Svent."
Valyncia looks like an extremely tall human, nearly 7 feet, with a very athletic build from years of running and playing through the wild woods outside of town. She's always been a wild child in both the literal and figurative sense. When she wasn't playing in the forests she would help her father in his blacksmith shop, swinging very large hammers.
She wears a simple tight fitting outfit made of natural colors and materials, another habit she picked up from her father as wearing any long or flowing clothing can be risky near a forge and red hot metal. She typically wears her hair long past her shoulders as she generally doesn't bother trimming or styling it at all, though she's careful about tying it back into a tight ponytail whenever she works by the fire. Her eyes are a deep yellow gold color, and pretty much the only hint of her Shifter nature whenever she's in her human form.
Those from this town know that Val is the adopted daughter of the human blacksmiths across the road. She doesn't really bother to hide her lycanthropic tendencies as such secrets are impossible to hide in as small town. But she generally remains in her human form as much as possible so as to not upset others too much. When she does shift into her other form she appears essentially like a werewolf. Growing even bigger and more muscular then before, with a large wolf-like snout with long sharp fangs. The fur across her body matches the same brown texture of her hair. Contrary to expectation, however, she doesn't have a tail in this form.
"When I got here your shop was already on fire." Valyncia says to Kairn, clearly disappointed she wasn't able to do more. "I tried to go in and make sure no one was inside, maybe try to stop the flames. But I was too late. ... I think someone might have set the fire intentionally. When I went inside I saw a pile of oil cloths where they shouldn't be, at the center of the fire. I think someone set them there and lit them to start the fire."
Kairn is a little taller than average dwarf, with a bald head and white beard. His beard is a little patchy and black in some places from the forge, and the skin around his hands and arms is scarred and calloused. His face is friendly though, and he generally has a grin under the bushy beard. When he's working the forge, he wears a simple sleeveless linen tunic that has burn holes all over it over leather trousers. Currently, he's wearing chainmail but his hammer and shield are sheathed.
Intentionally? Kairn continues poking around the ashes, but his mind is racing. The elf... the trio... the goblin... but why? What did any of them stand to gain? And was it one of them? Or another of the hundreds that came through? Was it someone's idea of a dark prank, or was it a message? Kairn's mind whirled through each of these questions, then started over. After a long few moments, he realized the others were watching him, and with an effort, gave Valyncia a tired smile. Thank you, my dear. What you did was already too much... you shouldn't have risked your life. But thank you. This... it can be rebuilt... eventually. Svent, it's a good thing we met. I think some traveling will do me some good for a little while.
He goes around and gathers up some scrap pieces of metal to put in his pack.
He was halfling that seemed to lack the typical mutton chops, but had a shaved head on the side and the brown hair on top his pulled back into a neat small ponytail, he was of average height for a halfling with an athletic build. He wore well kept, if not a little dull in its shine, chainmail, with a plain looking tabard over it and a leather belt with various pouches attached it around his waist. He wore a holy emblem around his neck, that had the symbol of his god Merveille on it. On his back a shield also bearing the holy emblem of Merveille along with warhammer also on his back.
Holy Emblem Description: A winter tree that has no leaves. The branches reach out like tendrils to the edges of the crest.
Vallen looks to the group that was gathered now, as he to stood in the ruins of the shop. He looked to the some of the members he recognized for the caravan and nodded to them, looking at Kairn, "This is your place?"
The morning air in Thornwood is crisp and fresh as autumn fights to hold on for just a moment longer. The farming town has just completed their fall harvest which offers many of the hard working citizens a bit of reprieve from their daily tasks. With this, the town is much busier than a normal day in Thornwood would offer. Most of the caravans had already passed through town on their way to the Bridge Festival that is underway in Holden Heights. Most of the travelers passing through now are delivery food and linen materials to the nearby cities and settlements.
One last caravan awaits departure from Thornwood as its horses gain a bit of needed rest. Hitching a ride on this caravan were several travelers from the coasts of the Glimmering Sea. This was most likely their first time in Thornwood and they were looking to see what the city offered.
[town recap]
Thornwood is one of the larger towns between Holden Heights and Caterona to the north. Home to vast growing fields and cattle ranches, it provides most of the food that is consumed within the region. The town square is rather small but has several buildings of note.
The lord's manor here functions as both her residence as well as where leaders of the town govern. It isn't a grand estate but rather a two story structure with the second level used for living space and the first level is full of offices. Lady Gweyir Pajeon has always been thought to be a kind and fair ruler. She oversees all issues within the town herself no matter how large or small.
The library to Talos here is rather small in size compared to other towns though it is one of the tallest structures in Thornwood. The library looks like a spiraling tower that rises several stories into the sky. The outside stone features no windows. Most believed that the librarians preferred it that way so light would not damage the ancient works held within.
A general store seems to function as the main place to buy food and farm equipment. The husband and wife that run the shop are gnomes that have been in this town forever. No matter what you purchase, you're bound to get a story or two from the pair as well. Full of rather common and mundane items, it doesn't offer adventurers much but sometimes mundane items could be the difference between life and death.
There are also several trade workshops near the town center. If anyone needs something made within town, they normally head here to find the blacksmiths, tailors, and leather workers. The smell of ash is strong in this section of the city.
Every town seems to have a tavern and Thornwood is no different. The tavern sits just off the main road and welcomes travelers with cold ale and fresh meats and vegetables. From the outside, the building isn't that impressive and venturing inside would offer the same. The locals don't seem to mind though as it's often packed inside when the work for the day has been completed. The sound of music can be heard coming from the tavern.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Vallen makes his way to the trade sector to find the workshops of several different crafting styles. Walking along the street, Vallen can see that each shop desires function over style. The lower prices here compared to the castles along the sea are a bit shocking at first but then he realizes the people here probably do not have coffers of coin stored away like some of the businessmen of the north.
The smell of ash lingers in the air and grows stronger as he stands before what was once a rather remarkable smithy. Fire seems to have taken the structure leaving only the metal of the forge behind.
-------------------------------------------
Jubal makes his way through the line of wagons hoping to find someone responsible for the caravan. He eventually finds a human that is rather large in stature and physique that looks to be able to wrestle a bear if he needed to. He's wearing rather light clothing often found among sailors of the north that provides plenty of cover from the sun but little in the means of warmth. He's currently securing several crates in the wagon and giving orders to one of the guards taking post here in Thornwood.
---------------------------------------------
Xinq, having some familiarity with social hierarchy, makes his way to the estate of Lady Gweyir Pajeon. It isn't that impressive and seems to be rather low quality and standing compared to the estate's he's familiar with back home. It leaves the kobold feeling rather sad for the city but he's able to understand that money isn't the most important thing to these people so they have no reason to flaunt their wealth. Standing outside the manor is a pair of human guards dressed in light leather and armed with short swords and shields. They give you a keen look over as you approach. "Welcome traveler," one of the guard says. It's a bit strange as you expected some level of aggression. "What brings you to Thornwood," he says in a peaceful tone.
------------------------------------------------
Alain, Svent, and Kairn, What are you up to upon entry to Thornwood?
-------------------------------
Valyncia, Corlin, and Cailee wake up to the sound of a caravan arriving in town. The ground shakes under the hooves of a large number horses as the caravan comes to a stop in the nearby town square. Breakfast has been prepared by Valyncia's parents and you're all able to start your day after your long rest. What would you like to do today?
-----------------------
(Players I believe we have lost thus far: Raymond.
Also note: Kairn has posting restricted at work.)
Valyncia wakes up early, a habit instilled in her by her parents, to help out around the house with morning chores and preparing breakfast for their guest. During this time she takes a moment to step outside and try to catch sight of the caravan moving through town. Looking across the street, she is still upset by the sight of the burned down blacksmith shop in front of her.
Once her new friends are awake she will join them for breakfast along with her parents. After that they can all move on to their goal for today: Finding Kairn.
The Halfling Cleric stood in front of the burned down blacksmith, his shield and warhammer stowed on his back. Vallen looked about the ash and building and then the forge or what maybe left of it. He stood in the middle of the building and looked up to the sky and clutched his holy emblem around his neck, closing his eyes and muttering a prayer, "Merveille... Is this the start of what you shared? The town and fields still stand, can you offer any guidance?" He finishes his prayer and looks about the building further and to see if anyone is nearby to ask some questions.
((Not sure if you want a Perception or Investigation check or nothing at all.))
"Good morning", Xinq's tone is brisk and businesslike. "I am Warren Castellan of Thousand Steps and I am on my liege, the Duke's business. I would seek an audience with her Ladyship, should she be in residence."
Kairn stretches his legs, and decides to head over to his home and check on things while he's here.
Back and ready to DM and chew bubblegum. And I'm alllll outta bubblegum.
Unsure what to do, Svent follows after Kairn uninvited. "I will go with you."
((Today has been pretty crazy. Sorry for lack of setup here.))
The guards nod at Xinq request before escorting him into the interior of the building. The structure has the feeling more of a lodge than a government building. Off to one side you see a group of people discussing the proper taxing protocol in relation to the harvested amount of crops harvested and sold within and outside of the city. One of the farmers seems quite upset and insists that too much is taken from his revenue and he won't survive the winter if the prices aren't adjusted accordingly.
Another group of town leaders seem to be discussing the idea of placing a toll for travelers coming through the town in hopes of generating additional revenue. Some of those gathered object saying that travelers will just tramped the fields rather than pay a coin. Others suggest that some extra coin would lead to better infrastructure throughout Thornwood including better roads and even better schools. It doesn't sound like either side is going to relent on their argument.
Moving pass that, you're brought to what looks like a rather common office door. The two guards enter before you and receive acknowledgement from Lady Gweyir Pajeon saying that you may enter.
You're greeted by a rather stocky human woman that would stand 6 feet tall if she weren't sitting at her desk. She has broad shoulders that make you think she's tended to plenty of fields over her lifetime. She seems to be in her late thirties and carries herself with poise but seems welcoming.
She gestures to one of the seats before her desk and says, "My name is Lady Pajeon. And what do I owe this pleasure?" Her voice is rough and deeper than you expected.
Kairn and Svent make their way through Thornwood. It feels nice for Kairn to be back in his hometown after the short trip but that pleasant feeling quickly fades as he is met with worried glances from the other townsfolk. When he gets to his shop, he quickly understands their demeanor. Vallen stands looking at where the shop once stood. His forge lay exposed to the elements and the structure around it lay in ash. Tools caked in layers of burnt lumber hide beneath the soot and debris. The forge, designed to handle extreme heat seems to be no worse for wear and could be up in running in a day or two with some effort.
Valyncia, Corlin, and Cailee exit from the blacksmith shop across the road to see Kairn looking over the wreckage with a large lizardfolk.
((You all may roll investigation to try and figure out what caused the fire))
Kairn freezes, his mouth open in shock. My...my forge.... what in the hells happened to my forge?! Pale and shaken, he finally finds his feet and stumbles forward, starting to sift through the ash, staring around and seeing if there are any clues to what happened. Investigation: 5
Back and ready to DM and chew bubblegum. And I'm alllll outta bubblegum.
Valyncia, upon seeing Kairn arrive rushes over across the street, "Kairn! Thank Sorata you're alive. We were looking for you out in the fields after what happened here. I'm sorry you had to come back to this."
((And for the last time hopefully, feel free to describe your characters so that the others know what you look like. This is the final roster for this campaign so we'll work on getting current items ironed out and then get everyone on the path to whatever they'd like to do :) ))
Kairn looks through the ash and finds little evidence for what started the fire. He does find a few personal items that he's able to dust off and keep. His mind goes through what could have caused this fire. He knew that he'd put out the fire in the forge before he left. There was nothing here that could have started a fire as he kept his shop very orderly.
Kairn turns around and has a far off look in his eyes. V-Valyncia? Did you see what happened here?
Back and ready to DM and chew bubblegum. And I'm alllll outta bubblegum.
Svent sees Kairn looking around for the source of the blaze, and also tries to figure out what might have happened.
Investigation, 16
"It appears that the building burned in a fire." Seeing Kairn speaking with someone new, Svent looks to them and says, "I am called Svent."
As Svent looks at the ash, he thinks on his time in the wilds. Was it lightening or perhaps an angry god that did this?
Valyncia looks like an extremely tall human, nearly 7 feet, with a very athletic build from years of running and playing through the wild woods outside of town. She's always been a wild child in both the literal and figurative sense. When she wasn't playing in the forests she would help her father in his blacksmith shop, swinging very large hammers.
She wears a simple tight fitting outfit made of natural colors and materials, another habit she picked up from her father as wearing any long or flowing clothing can be risky near a forge and red hot metal. She typically wears her hair long past her shoulders as she generally doesn't bother trimming or styling it at all, though she's careful about tying it back into a tight ponytail whenever she works by the fire. Her eyes are a deep yellow gold color, and pretty much the only hint of her Shifter nature whenever she's in her human form.
Those from this town know that Val is the adopted daughter of the human blacksmiths across the road. She doesn't really bother to hide her lycanthropic tendencies as such secrets are impossible to hide in as small town. But she generally remains in her human form as much as possible so as to not upset others too much. When she does shift into her other form she appears essentially like a werewolf. Growing even bigger and more muscular then before, with a large wolf-like snout with long sharp fangs. The fur across her body matches the same brown texture of her hair. Contrary to expectation, however, she doesn't have a tail in this form.
"When I got here your shop was already on fire." Valyncia says to Kairn, clearly disappointed she wasn't able to do more. "I tried to go in and make sure no one was inside, maybe try to stop the flames. But I was too late. ... I think someone might have set the fire intentionally. When I went inside I saw a pile of oil cloths where they shouldn't be, at the center of the fire. I think someone set them there and lit them to start the fire."
Kairn is a little taller than average dwarf, with a bald head and white beard. His beard is a little patchy and black in some places from the forge, and the skin around his hands and arms is scarred and calloused. His face is friendly though, and he generally has a grin under the bushy beard. When he's working the forge, he wears a simple sleeveless linen tunic that has burn holes all over it over leather trousers. Currently, he's wearing chainmail but his hammer and shield are sheathed.
Intentionally? Kairn continues poking around the ashes, but his mind is racing. The elf... the trio... the goblin... but why? What did any of them stand to gain? And was it one of them? Or another of the hundreds that came through? Was it someone's idea of a dark prank, or was it a message? Kairn's mind whirled through each of these questions, then started over. After a long few moments, he realized the others were watching him, and with an effort, gave Valyncia a tired smile. Thank you, my dear. What you did was already too much... you shouldn't have risked your life. But thank you. This... it can be rebuilt... eventually. Svent, it's a good thing we met. I think some traveling will do me some good for a little while.
He goes around and gathers up some scrap pieces of metal to put in his pack.
Back and ready to DM and chew bubblegum. And I'm alllll outta bubblegum.
He was halfling that seemed to lack the typical mutton chops, but had a shaved head on the side and the brown hair on top his pulled back into a neat small ponytail, he was of average height for a halfling with an athletic build. He wore well kept, if not a little dull in its shine, chainmail, with a plain looking tabard over it and a leather belt with various pouches attached it around his waist. He wore a holy emblem around his neck, that had the symbol of his god Merveille on it. On his back a shield also bearing the holy emblem of Merveille along with warhammer also on his back.
Holy Emblem Description: A winter tree that has no leaves. The branches reach out like tendrils to the edges of the crest.
Vallen looks to the group that was gathered now, as he to stood in the ruins of the shop. He looked to the some of the members he recognized for the caravan and nodded to them, looking at Kairn, "This is your place?"
Kairn shakes his head. Was my place. I suppose this is all mine still... but I dunno if I'd call it a place now.
Back and ready to DM and chew bubblegum. And I'm alllll outta bubblegum.