Book 3: Act 1 - The Stuff of Legends

[Graven]

Arenhal takes the remains out of the way of the ford, then begins gathering stones from the river. "Does anyone know what words he'd want spoken?"

[ManWithDoor]

Arent shakes his head. "Never got to know him. I know a large selection of funeral hymns for various faiths, part of the standard bard training. So there's that at least." He tries to remember if he ever heard the man talk much about religion or the like.

[Vardaen]

The group takes the time to tend to "Mad Dog" Daniel. He is buried in a shallow grave with a rock cairn over him a safe distance from the river under a pair of trees but close to where he fell. Arent shares several funeral hymns both as you work and at the end. During the search for a suitable location Nimiriel and Arent both notice something very very odd in the town square not far on the south side of the ford -- a covered pit trap. That's right, there is a crudely dug covered pit trap in the middle of the road! Luckly for the group you've found it before any of you have fallen in. Once finished with the funeral you sling Mad Dog's sword and haversack over your back. Its hours later when you are done and the sun is starting to sink. You break for something to eat and drink and consider your options now.

All along the river bank you can see a line of houses. They are small cottages and homes with gardens and the like which seem fairly typical for Varnhold. There is a large two story building nearby, several other shops and in the middle a greensward occupies the center of town. A few trees grow around an unoccupied pillory, and a well has been dug at the southern end.

Evening Hours

Map

[ManWithDoor]

Arent cleans off his hands in the river after they're done, shaking them dry. "I'm still up for more exploring, hopefully sans more pit-traps. Once we're ready to hole up for the night, I'm most interested in occupying that two-story house over yonder." He gestures towards the biggest building he can see nearby. "Can at least have an elevated position to have a look-out tonight."

[Graven]

"Fair enough," he drops his voice, "something's watching us," Arenhal draws his rapier, moving slowly toward the larger building on the Southeast corner. Ne scans the area for more traps, pits, trip wires, even unseen magic. Returning to a more normal tone of voice, he says, "I wonder why anyone made that pit trap, they're a lot of digging."

[Othniel]

"I can feel it too," Nimiriel says quietly. Just as softly, she conjures a shadowy cloak about her shoulders, giving her the appearance of standing in shadow.

OOC

I'd like to activate my Cloak of Darkness power, giving me +6 to AC and +4 to Stealth (should already be figured into my sheet).

If I can, I'd like to claim Dan's longsword, at least for now. It's an upgrade over what I have. It's fine if I don't have access to it if there's a fight about to break out.

[Vardaen]

Nimiriel cloaks herself in darkness as she collect's Dan's sword. The group moves with some purpose for the eventual coming night. Moving into the center of town you are near a greensward that occupies the center of town. A few trees grow around an unoccupied pillory, and a well has been dug at the southern end.

North of the Commons:
A two-story inn stands just off the village commons. A sign above the door depicts a rider clinging to the back of a madly galloping horse with a green mane and a fish’s tail extending from its hindquarters. The inn’s walls are painted a cheerful shade of yellow to complement the red shutters.

South of the Commons:
This modest cottage is neatly kept and has curtains hanging askew in its windows.

OOC

Upading sheet for the sword

[ManWithDoor]

Arent sticks to corners of buildings, not feeling what the others are. The bard can read a room or melt into court. This sort of cat-and-mouse here in the hinterlands isn't his area of expertise. He trusts the others, so does his best not to draw attention to himself.

[Graven]

Those who watch Arenhal might notice his hand move to a ring on the other, just touching it, maybe a twist of the hand, then he catches himself and continues moving. He approaches the inn, checking the door and the area around it for further traps. "If this is clear, we can make camp up stairs, with fewer approaches and some walls to protects us.

OOC

Searching for traps (auto roll w/I 10'
No effect from touching the ring that anyone can see, it is definitely just a signet ring

[Vardaen]

You head up to the large building and see the sign on the front swinging wildly in the breeze with a broken hook.

KM-Waterhorse.jpg (45.06 KiB) Viewed 556 times

You then notice a single word scratched hastily into the wood of the door: "NOMEN"

You move with care, checking for traps and enemies, first on the porch then through the door into the common room. Its a tavern and inn, as expected. The first floor is dominated by a common room whose tables are still set with rotting plates of food, a kitchen, a bathing chamber and stores, along with a small wing for the proprietor and family. Up stairs you guess are the guest rooms.

Yet you don't have time to explore all of that yet for there is still a single patron the common room. A giant sized creature stands, silent and perfectly still, facing a paper strewn tabl ein the corner of the common room, one hand clutching a book. Even from here you can see the side of his head is shattered and is a mess of blood and bone, though his face betrays no notice of this moral wound. A shimmering nimbus of amber surrounds the creatures unmoving form.

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