Rumors have circulated throughout the continent of Gelinor of attacks in the Sunstrike Valley. Many small villages call this fertile valley home, and if the rumors are to be believed, these villages have been raided multiple times by different groups of small creatures. The Governor of Greenwood, one of these small towns, has sent out a message to all adventurers to come help him and his village to stop these raids once and for all. You five have answered the call, and you are all now walking into the edge of town. The sun is high in the sky, and you all can see that this small village has seen better days. Many of the houses have broken windows, and you can see a couple buildings that have been burnt to the ground. You can see the Governor's house on the other side of town, where you know Governor Nighthawk is awaiting you.
Brunella walks up the path to the town on this hot day, comfortable in the heat. Nearly naked, she embraces the heat as it rolls off her skin, sweating comfortably in balance with the environment. The villagers see a powerful dwarven woman, lithe and muscular, wearing only a loincloth and torso wrap. Cords of muscle pulse in time with her steps, under her skin. A large greatsword with a heavy stone handle hangs on her back. Her hair is red like autumn oak leaves, braided, and decorated with feathers and beads. She has white tattoo markings on her face and upper arms. She seems out of place in this village, like a being from a much older and simpler time.
Brunella walks close to an armored Tiefling. They don't speak, but keen observers can tell that there is subtle coordination in their movements. When she looks to the left, the Tiefling looks right. The Tiefling stifles a yawn, but under that gesture his eyes rove to the broken windows, scanning for threats. When taken as a whole, Brunella and the Tiefling's gazes cover all angles, in front and behind, each pair of eyes looking where the others cannot at that instant in time. Although they look like two people walking more or less casually, seasoned adventurers would see them for what they are -- dangerous.
A small makeshift tent sits beneath a tree on the outskirts of town. It rustles as the occupant begin moving around and a figure with short white hair emerges. It is a woman who seems to be of human descent but her pale blue skin reveals there is more to her heritage. She slowly begins to strap on dark leather armor above the basic wraps she wore to bed. The armor is cut in such a way that it frames the darker blue markings on her arms and chest. Similar swirling markings sit on the sides of her face. She reaches up to smooth out her bedhead, though it doesn't seem to help, for the moment her fingers leave her hair it begins shifting in place, moved by some unseen force. Evelyn groaned as she stretched out her arms and back, feeling her spine pop. 'Oh yeah, that's the stuff'She thinks rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. Peering at the sun through the leaves of the tree, she gave a start, now wide awake.
"Oh, sweet Ehlonna. Is it that time already?" She, unknowingly, says out loud. She hurriedly packs up her little campsite, taking a second to take a few bites of the jerky she brought with her. 'Gotta hurry, I forgot humans don't typically enjoy it when your late.' She tugs on her boots and throws her pack over her shoulder. Grabbing her bow, she takes a moment to enjoy its familiar weight in her hands, before slinging it over her other shoulder. With the campsite now packed she begins heading into town looking for the building she was supposed to meet the the Governor at. As she walks, she relaxes a bit and slips back into her natural hunter mode. Her hands coming to rest on the short swords at her waist while she takes in the town and its people.
"Troggmaw!" Crispy called out as she strode in with her law enforcement partner into the barhouse. "Troggmaw! Over he- Oh, he sees us. Here we are! Hi!" Crispy waves enthusiastically. Troggmaw the barbarian looks slowly at the two investigators. The elven woman named "Crispy" was always smiling. She had shoulder length brown hair, piercing green eyes, was slender, graceful, but very fit, dressed in leathers with a long coat that reached the floor. Two very sharp shortswords dangled from a holster on the side of her hip. She had a bruise on her cheek, and a few facial cuts, as if she just got finished with a scuffle just outside.
Even though she clearly wasn't invited, they both pulled up a chair and sat down next to Troggmaw and cheerfully looked around the table to see all the other thugs staring at them, saying nothing. Crispy looked everyone over, and looked at her partner. I doubt the thugs, especially Troggmaw, were expecting anyone to find them in this dump. No one said a word, and Crispy's smile was getting unnerving. "Well, THIS is akward!" She teased, as the silence continued. "Aren't you going to introduce us to your idiots pals?" Troggmaw said nothing, looking them over nervously and carefully. "No?" Crispy said. "Don't be nervous, guys! Why does everyone have to clam up- Oh, what's this?" She said, looking at someone's tall mug of ale. "May I?" Without waiting for a response, Crispy grabs a mug a takes three huge gulps, setting the mug down with a thud. "Troggmaw, did I ever tell you the time I puked Goliath food out of my nose?" Crispy's partner looked at her, laughed, genuinely surprised, and said "No! You'll have to tell me that tale one day!"
Troggmaw finally spoke up "Is this a social visit, or do you have a particular reason as to why you're here trying to embarrass me?"
"Oh we're not trying to embarrass you." Crispy said, her smile gone, looking him dead in the eyes. "We just came to tell you that we know everything about you. And we're on to you." Troggmaw leans over in Crispy's face. "You don't know the FIRST thing about me. I am a legitimate businessman, and if you think your dirty little tricks are going to work on me, you are sadly mistaken." Crispy didn't budge an inch. She leaned in closer, and gave him a huge smile. "No, I don't think YOU understand, you slimy, greasy, piece of gnoll dung. See, we don't live in your world. You live in ours. You know that one hundred thousand gold? Mhmm? Yeah, that's OURS. That's not yours. You have till tonight to hand it over, and if you DON'T hand it over, you're gonna be DEAD. So make sure to come find us, ok? You got that?" Crispy and Toggmaw looked at each other for a few very uncomfortable moments. Crispy's smile faded, and that's when Troggmaw knew she was dead serious.
TODAY..
Crispy startles awake, the dream as real as all the others. She remembered that day like it was yesterday. Things didn't go the way she wanted it to, and now her whole life was different. No partner. No job. Lots of enemies.
She gets up off the floor, stumbles out of the alley between houses and tries to keep her balance, too much drink last night. Again. The high sun beating on her tan face. She shakes her head, trying to focus. What was this place called? Greenwood? And the governor she was supposed to meet up with? Nighthawk? Come on, Crispy. You're sharper than this. You used to visit Sunstrike Valley constantly as a young elf. Don't you remember? All the friends you used to have here? When you heard this place was getting roughed up, you don't need to be a drunk, crooked cop to help out.
Maybe, just maybe..you could be useful again and forget your old ways?
That's true. But first, make this headache go away.
As you are all entering town, you can see that people are looking at you all with a mixture of joy and curiosity. They seem genuinely pleased to see people that look like they can hold their own in a fight, and judging by the looks of the people in the town, it appears that they have seen a few fights themselves. Many have visible scars and bandaged wounds, and you can see that many are wearing armor and carrying different weapons, even though they don't appear to be guards of any kind. Many of the people are doing double takes as they walk past Evelyn, almost as if they have never seen someone that looks like her before, but they don't seem to be looking in a judging way, just curious. One old woman is painting when the group walks by, and smiles brightly and shouts, "I'm glad that Nighthawk's message got out of the Valley! He should be in his house, just down the way!" She then points with her paintbrush, before continuing her craft, seeming to focus on the swirling markings on Evelyn as she paints. As you walk by another man in armor, you can see him comparing his muscles to Brunella's, but is obviously disappointed in the difference between the two of them.
Crispy stops by the old woman painting for a moment, and considers the work of art, heavily scrutinizing it.
"Nice work!" Crispy says after a moment of deep interpretation, giving the old woman a thumbs up - then picks up her pace to catch up with the rest of the group.
Zarrakir paces himself, being sure to stick next to Brunella's side. His golden eyes scan the vicinity. It was all too familiar. Muscle memory, really. After all, he was use to looking after a whole squadron of soldiers. Not so much these days, though. It's been just him and Brunella for a good long while. He definitely stood out, especially next to his Dwarf friend! His crimson skin and striking gold eyes made him hard to miss. A big black bow lays slung over his back. "Company, Brunella" was all he said as the other people seemed to draw towards them. Were they here for the same reason? Or...perhaps something more nefarious? His gaze first fell upon someone that was like him, yet strikingly different. A woman, white hair and pale blue skin. She wasn't a Tiefling, that much was evident. After a quick mental note, his attention turns to the elf staggering out of an alleyway. He'd never seen an elf like that...with so little grace.
"An Elf...a white-haired woman with pale blue skin...I think these are the people we were told about, Brunella" He whispers to his partner.
Evelyn shifts slightly, both uncomfortable with the stares, but at the same time used to them. She's perfectly fine with her appearance, in fact she thinks she looks quite dashing. With all of her life spent as a hunter though, she tends to prefer the isolation and quiet that the wilderness brings. A few trip into towns and villages like this are needed though, and with these trips typically come the stares and the whispers. Turning to the old woman, Evelyn smiles and nods in thanks to her. Continuing to walk, she begins to examine the other people who have fallen in to line with her on the same path. An almost naked dwarven woman and a red-skinned teifling man walk close together, both armed and obviously dangerous. Footsteps behind them alert her to the presence of a strange elven woman who has just run up from behind them and joined the group. Turning to the others, hands still resting on her swords, she gives a nod towards the Governor's house.
"You all here for hunt as well?" She questions, her quiet voice marked by a faint ghostly echo.
"Hey, guys, sorry i'm late." Crispy smiles as she rubs the sleep out of her eyes. "I'm just gonna take a wild guess and assume you're the group i'm supposed to meet up w- Wow, that dwarf's been lifting some rocks, nicely done! Anyways, don't we all look like a nice bunch?! Yes! the hunt! Oh, i'm Crispy. That's not my real name, just a nickname. It's a long story."
Zarrakir goes to answer, but he's quickly interrupted by Crispy. He gives them a nod. "I am Zarrakir. This is Brunella." He gestures to his Dwarven companion. "Apologies for the staring. But yes, I think we're probably all here for the same reason if we're all heading to the Governor's Manor. Crispy, yes? " He eyes her up and down a moment. "I'd be interested to hear that story. I wonder what would warrant such an odd name."
Evelyn lets out a hearty chuckle, waving off Zarrakir's apologies.
"Please if I got upset over every look thrown my way, well I might as well never leave the forest at all. Besides I'm not the only one here who warrants some strange looks." She says eying him up and down.
"I'm Evelyn Brightwood. Member of the Highever Mountain Hunting Lodge. It's nice to meet you." She holds out her hand toward him.
"Indeed!" He gives a chuckle as Evelyn points out his own exotic appearance. Nonetheless, he tries his best to be cordial. He may not know any of these other people, but he still tries to be nice. Just not nice enough to open himself up for anything. Even if he did, he knew Brunella was right there. So he shook Evelyn's hand.
"Highever Mountain? I spent some time in that range, myself. I've never been to the Lodge, but I've done my fair share of hunting."
"Maybe one day i'll tell it." Crispy winks, playfully slapping Zarrakir on the shoulder.
She unfolds a piece of parchment from her coat pocket, looks it over quickly, looks over her new companions, and smiles. "Yup. This is the right group. Just had to make sure."
She then smiles, but remains quiet. Observing her new found companions. It's only been a few minutes. Try to focus and keep your eyes on the prize. Try not to screw this up.
Brunella cautiously looks at the two arrivals. An elf, obviously a big talker. But more than that. Her movements are practiced, her tone of voice smooth. She looks like the kind of person that would approach with conversation and then slide a knife in your belly. The kind to watch out for. When the elf slaps Zarrakir's shoulder, Brunella's hands instinctively move up and over her back to her greatsword, touching the handle.
The other is a strange woman. Brunella had seem some like her on the sword coast. Sailors with an affinity for the elements. This one is a hunter? Good. Brunella has respect for those than can survive the wilds, away from the mollycoddling of cities and towns.
"I'm Brunella", she says simply. She still finds the city customs of "nice to meet you" and other such pleasantries to be inane, and is uncomfortable using them. Rather than extending a hand, she nods.
By this point you have all reached the Governor's house that the old lady pointed you towards. As you approach, you see the doors open and a gnome steps out and bows. He then looks the group over and nods, then simply says, "Follow me." and walks inside the house
Crispy holds back an urge to make a short gnome joke as soon as the door is opened, places her hands casually behind her back, and walks into the house, but not before making it playfully obvious she wants the dwarf to go first. "After you, my new friend!" .
She unbuttons the latches on her leather trench coat, better access to her short swords. You know. Should things get...hairy.
Brunella looks at Zarrakir, and tilts her head back, communicating through their unspoken tactical signs that he should take the rear while she goes in first. She then follows the gnome in.
The gnome leads you all through the modest house to an office where Nighthawk is sitting behind a desk, looking at papers. As you all enter he looks at the group and smiles wearily, looking as if he hasn't slept in days. He waves at the gnome, who bows and leaves the room, closing the door as he leaves. Nighthawk looks you all over and nods, seeming satisfied. He then takes his glasses off, and begins to speak, "Thank you all for coming. As you know, most of the villages in the Sunstrike Valley have been attacked lately. Some villages have reported kobold attacks, others have reported goblins, and one even said that kenku attacked their village. Greenwood itself was attacked by goblins a week ago, but luckily the town was able to repel them." Nighthawk stands up and pulls a bag out of his desk and begins to toss it into the air and catch it as it comes down, and you can hear metal clinking from inside the bag. "I'll even offer you all 200 gold apiece if you can find out where all of these beasts are coming from and stop them."
Zarrakir gives a slight nod as Brunella takes point. He waits for everyone to enter and then brings up the rear. " Was the Goblin Raid a week ago the most recent attack? Has anything else strange happened lately that isn't seemingly involved with these attacks?"
Rumors have circulated throughout the continent of Gelinor of attacks in the Sunstrike Valley. Many small villages call this fertile valley home, and if the rumors are to be believed, these villages have been raided multiple times by different groups of small creatures. The Governor of Greenwood, one of these small towns, has sent out a message to all adventurers to come help him and his village to stop these raids once and for all. You five have answered the call, and you are all now walking into the edge of town. The sun is high in the sky, and you all can see that this small village has seen better days. Many of the houses have broken windows, and you can see a couple buildings that have been burnt to the ground. You can see the Governor's house on the other side of town, where you know Governor Nighthawk is awaiting you.
Brunella walks up the path to the town on this hot day, comfortable in the heat. Nearly naked, she embraces the heat as it rolls off her skin, sweating comfortably in balance with the environment. The villagers see a powerful dwarven woman, lithe and muscular, wearing only a loincloth and torso wrap. Cords of muscle pulse in time with her steps, under her skin. A large greatsword with a heavy stone handle hangs on her back. Her hair is red like autumn oak leaves, braided, and decorated with feathers and beads. She has white tattoo markings on her face and upper arms. She seems out of place in this village, like a being from a much older and simpler time.
Brunella walks close to an armored Tiefling. They don't speak, but keen observers can tell that there is subtle coordination in their movements. When she looks to the left, the Tiefling looks right. The Tiefling stifles a yawn, but under that gesture his eyes rove to the broken windows, scanning for threats. When taken as a whole, Brunella and the Tiefling's gazes cover all angles, in front and behind, each pair of eyes looking where the others cannot at that instant in time. Although they look like two people walking more or less casually, seasoned adventurers would see them for what they are -- dangerous.
Brunella Wildheart, Dwarf Barbarian,Tomb of Annihilation
Nyx, Fairy Cleric, Descent Into Avernus
A small makeshift tent sits beneath a tree on the outskirts of town. It rustles as the occupant begin moving around and a figure with short white hair emerges. It is a woman who seems to be of human descent but her pale blue skin reveals there is more to her heritage. She slowly begins to strap on dark leather armor above the basic wraps she wore to bed. The armor is cut in such a way that it frames the darker blue markings on her arms and chest. Similar swirling markings sit on the sides of her face. She reaches up to smooth out her bedhead, though it doesn't seem to help, for the moment her fingers leave her hair it begins shifting in place, moved by some unseen force. Evelyn groaned as she stretched out her arms and back, feeling her spine pop. 'Oh yeah, that's the stuff' She thinks rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. Peering at the sun through the leaves of the tree, she gave a start, now wide awake.
"Oh, sweet Ehlonna. Is it that time already?" She, unknowingly, says out loud. She hurriedly packs up her little campsite, taking a second to take a few bites of the jerky she brought with her. 'Gotta hurry, I forgot humans don't typically enjoy it when your late.' She tugs on her boots and throws her pack over her shoulder. Grabbing her bow, she takes a moment to enjoy its familiar weight in her hands, before slinging it over her other shoulder. With the campsite now packed she begins heading into town looking for the building she was supposed to meet the the Governor at. As she walks, she relaxes a bit and slips back into her natural hunter mode. Her hands coming to rest on the short swords at her waist while she takes in the town and its people.
Avery Highdale-Halfling Rogue(Thief) Lv.3
Penelope Skyshatter-Dragonborn Sorcerer(Draconic Bloodline) Lv.2
Red Skies in Mourning: DM
Volqelli Ryxu- Drow Wizard(Conjuration School)/Rogue Lv. 13
TWO YEARS AGO..
"Troggmaw!" Crispy called out as she strode in with her law enforcement partner into the barhouse. "Troggmaw! Over he- Oh, he sees us. Here we are! Hi!" Crispy waves enthusiastically. Troggmaw the barbarian looks slowly at the two investigators. The elven woman named "Crispy" was always smiling. She had shoulder length brown hair, piercing green eyes, was slender, graceful, but very fit, dressed in leathers with a long coat that reached the floor. Two very sharp shortswords dangled from a holster on the side of her hip. She had a bruise on her cheek, and a few facial cuts, as if she just got finished with a scuffle just outside.
Even though she clearly wasn't invited, they both pulled up a chair and sat down next to Troggmaw and cheerfully looked around the table to see all the other thugs staring at them, saying nothing. Crispy looked everyone over, and looked at her partner. I doubt the thugs, especially Troggmaw, were expecting anyone to find them in this dump. No one said a word, and Crispy's smile was getting unnerving. "Well, THIS is akward!" She teased, as the silence continued. "Aren't you going to introduce us to your idiots pals?" Troggmaw said nothing, looking them over nervously and carefully. "No?" Crispy said. "Don't be nervous, guys! Why does everyone have to clam up- Oh, what's this?" She said, looking at someone's tall mug of ale. "May I?" Without waiting for a response, Crispy grabs a mug a takes three huge gulps, setting the mug down with a thud. "Troggmaw, did I ever tell you the time I puked Goliath food out of my nose?" Crispy's partner looked at her, laughed, genuinely surprised, and said "No! You'll have to tell me that tale one day!"
Troggmaw finally spoke up "Is this a social visit, or do you have a particular reason as to why you're here trying to embarrass me?"
"Oh we're not trying to embarrass you." Crispy said, her smile gone, looking him dead in the eyes. "We just came to tell you that we know everything about you. And we're on to you." Troggmaw leans over in Crispy's face. "You don't know the FIRST thing about me. I am a legitimate businessman, and if you think your dirty little tricks are going to work on me, you are sadly mistaken." Crispy didn't budge an inch. She leaned in closer, and gave him a huge smile. "No, I don't think YOU understand, you slimy, greasy, piece of gnoll dung. See, we don't live in your world. You live in ours. You know that one hundred thousand gold? Mhmm? Yeah, that's OURS. That's not yours. You have till tonight to hand it over, and if you DON'T hand it over, you're gonna be DEAD. So make sure to come find us, ok? You got that?" Crispy and Toggmaw looked at each other for a few very uncomfortable moments. Crispy's smile faded, and that's when Troggmaw knew she was dead serious.
TODAY..
Crispy startles awake, the dream as real as all the others. She remembered that day like it was yesterday. Things didn't go the way she wanted it to, and now her whole life was different. No partner. No job. Lots of enemies.
She gets up off the floor, stumbles out of the alley between houses and tries to keep her balance, too much drink last night. Again. The high sun beating on her tan face. She shakes her head, trying to focus. What was this place called? Greenwood? And the governor she was supposed to meet up with? Nighthawk? Come on, Crispy. You're sharper than this. You used to visit Sunstrike Valley constantly as a young elf. Don't you remember? All the friends you used to have here? When you heard this place was getting roughed up, you don't need to be a drunk, crooked cop to help out.
Maybe, just maybe..you could be useful again and forget your old ways?
That's true. But first, make this headache go away.
As you are all entering town, you can see that people are looking at you all with a mixture of joy and curiosity. They seem genuinely pleased to see people that look like they can hold their own in a fight, and judging by the looks of the people in the town, it appears that they have seen a few fights themselves. Many have visible scars and bandaged wounds, and you can see that many are wearing armor and carrying different weapons, even though they don't appear to be guards of any kind. Many of the people are doing double takes as they walk past Evelyn, almost as if they have never seen someone that looks like her before, but they don't seem to be looking in a judging way, just curious. One old woman is painting when the group walks by, and smiles brightly and shouts, "I'm glad that Nighthawk's message got out of the Valley! He should be in his house, just down the way!" She then points with her paintbrush, before continuing her craft, seeming to focus on the swirling markings on Evelyn as she paints. As you walk by another man in armor, you can see him comparing his muscles to Brunella's, but is obviously disappointed in the difference between the two of them.
Crispy stops by the old woman painting for a moment, and considers the work of art, heavily scrutinizing it.
"Nice work!" Crispy says after a moment of deep interpretation, giving the old woman a thumbs up - then picks up her pace to catch up with the rest of the group.
Zarrakir paces himself, being sure to stick next to Brunella's side. His golden eyes scan the vicinity. It was all too familiar. Muscle memory, really. After all, he was use to looking after a whole squadron of soldiers. Not so much these days, though. It's been just him and Brunella for a good long while. He definitely stood out, especially next to his Dwarf friend! His crimson skin and striking gold eyes made him hard to miss. A big black bow lays slung over his back. "Company, Brunella" was all he said as the other people seemed to draw towards them. Were they here for the same reason? Or...perhaps something more nefarious? His gaze first fell upon someone that was like him, yet strikingly different. A woman, white hair and pale blue skin. She wasn't a Tiefling, that much was evident. After a quick mental note, his attention turns to the elf staggering out of an alleyway. He'd never seen an elf like that...with so little grace.
"An Elf...a white-haired woman with pale blue skin...I think these are the people we were told about, Brunella" He whispers to his partner.
Evelyn shifts slightly, both uncomfortable with the stares, but at the same time used to them. She's perfectly fine with her appearance, in fact she thinks she looks quite dashing. With all of her life spent as a hunter though, she tends to prefer the isolation and quiet that the wilderness brings. A few trip into towns and villages like this are needed though, and with these trips typically come the stares and the whispers. Turning to the old woman, Evelyn smiles and nods in thanks to her. Continuing to walk, she begins to examine the other people who have fallen in to line with her on the same path. An almost naked dwarven woman and a red-skinned teifling man walk close together, both armed and obviously dangerous. Footsteps behind them alert her to the presence of a strange elven woman who has just run up from behind them and joined the group. Turning to the others, hands still resting on her swords, she gives a nod towards the Governor's house.
"You all here for hunt as well?" She questions, her quiet voice marked by a faint ghostly echo.
Avery Highdale-Halfling Rogue(Thief) Lv.3
Penelope Skyshatter-Dragonborn Sorcerer(Draconic Bloodline) Lv.2
Red Skies in Mourning: DM
Volqelli Ryxu- Drow Wizard(Conjuration School)/Rogue Lv. 13
"Hey, guys, sorry i'm late." Crispy smiles as she rubs the sleep out of her eyes. "I'm just gonna take a wild guess and assume you're the group i'm supposed to meet up w- Wow, that dwarf's been lifting some rocks, nicely done! Anyways, don't we all look like a nice bunch?! Yes! the hunt! Oh, i'm Crispy. That's not my real name, just a nickname. It's a long story."
Zarrakir goes to answer, but he's quickly interrupted by Crispy. He gives them a nod. "I am Zarrakir. This is Brunella." He gestures to his Dwarven companion. "Apologies for the staring. But yes, I think we're probably all here for the same reason if we're all heading to the Governor's Manor. Crispy, yes? " He eyes her up and down a moment. "I'd be interested to hear that story. I wonder what would warrant such an odd name."
Evelyn lets out a hearty chuckle, waving off Zarrakir's apologies.
"Please if I got upset over every look thrown my way, well I might as well never leave the forest at all. Besides I'm not the only one here who warrants some strange looks." She says eying him up and down.
"I'm Evelyn Brightwood. Member of the Highever Mountain Hunting Lodge. It's nice to meet you." She holds out her hand toward him.
Avery Highdale-Halfling Rogue(Thief) Lv.3
Penelope Skyshatter-Dragonborn Sorcerer(Draconic Bloodline) Lv.2
Red Skies in Mourning: DM
Volqelli Ryxu- Drow Wizard(Conjuration School)/Rogue Lv. 13
"Indeed!" He gives a chuckle as Evelyn points out his own exotic appearance. Nonetheless, he tries his best to be cordial. He may not know any of these other people, but he still tries to be nice. Just not nice enough to open himself up for anything. Even if he did, he knew Brunella was right there. So he shook Evelyn's hand.
"Highever Mountain? I spent some time in that range, myself. I've never been to the Lodge, but I've done my fair share of hunting."
"Maybe one day i'll tell it." Crispy winks, playfully slapping Zarrakir on the shoulder.
She unfolds a piece of parchment from her coat pocket, looks it over quickly, looks over her new companions, and smiles. "Yup. This is the right group. Just had to make sure."
She then smiles, but remains quiet. Observing her new found companions. It's only been a few minutes. Try to focus and keep your eyes on the prize. Try not to screw this up.
Brunella cautiously looks at the two arrivals. An elf, obviously a big talker. But more than that. Her movements are practiced, her tone of voice smooth. She looks like the kind of person that would approach with conversation and then slide a knife in your belly. The kind to watch out for. When the elf slaps Zarrakir's shoulder, Brunella's hands instinctively move up and over her back to her greatsword, touching the handle.
The other is a strange woman. Brunella had seem some like her on the sword coast. Sailors with an affinity for the elements. This one is a hunter? Good. Brunella has respect for those than can survive the wilds, away from the mollycoddling of cities and towns.
"I'm Brunella", she says simply. She still finds the city customs of "nice to meet you" and other such pleasantries to be inane, and is uncomfortable using them. Rather than extending a hand, she nods.
Brunella Wildheart, Dwarf Barbarian,Tomb of Annihilation
Nyx, Fairy Cleric, Descent Into Avernus
By this point you have all reached the Governor's house that the old lady pointed you towards. As you approach, you see the doors open and a gnome steps out and bows. He then looks the group over and nods, then simply says, "Follow me." and walks inside the house
Crispy holds back an urge to make a short gnome joke as soon as the door is opened, places her hands casually behind her back, and walks into the house, but not before making it playfully obvious she wants the dwarf to go first. "After you, my new friend!" .
She unbuttons the latches on her leather trench coat, better access to her short swords. You know. Should things get...hairy.
Brunella looks at Zarrakir, and tilts her head back, communicating through their unspoken tactical signs that he should take the rear while she goes in first. She then follows the gnome in.
Brunella Wildheart, Dwarf Barbarian,Tomb of Annihilation
Nyx, Fairy Cleric, Descent Into Avernus
The gnome leads you all through the modest house to an office where Nighthawk is sitting behind a desk, looking at papers. As you all enter he looks at the group and smiles wearily, looking as if he hasn't slept in days. He waves at the gnome, who bows and leaves the room, closing the door as he leaves. Nighthawk looks you all over and nods, seeming satisfied. He then takes his glasses off, and begins to speak, "Thank you all for coming. As you know, most of the villages in the Sunstrike Valley have been attacked lately. Some villages have reported kobold attacks, others have reported goblins, and one even said that kenku attacked their village. Greenwood itself was attacked by goblins a week ago, but luckily the town was able to repel them." Nighthawk stands up and pulls a bag out of his desk and begins to toss it into the air and catch it as it comes down, and you can hear metal clinking from inside the bag. "I'll even offer you all 200 gold apiece if you can find out where all of these beasts are coming from and stop them."
Zarrakir gives a slight nod as Brunella takes point. He waits for everyone to enter and then brings up the rear. " Was the Goblin Raid a week ago the most recent attack? Has anything else strange happened lately that isn't seemingly involved with these attacks?"
Crispy listens intently to the details, taking mental notes in her head. Just like old times...
...are they killing people? Where are they coming from? Are they taking anything? She wondered...