Visiting Triboar

The party continue onward towards Triboar, upping the pace slightly after their "encounter" with the short folk and keeping a close eye out for sign of possible ambush or pursuit.

As the afternoon wears on, little else is seen, although at one point a herd of deer are startled from a small hollow near the side of the trail and make a few hearts race for a moment.

As the sky starts to darken a little, showing an approaching dusk, a dry stone wall in reasonable condition appears in the distance. As the party come level with it, they can see it encloses what looks like a farm field. Ahead a farm building with out houses and the like signifies the start of civilisation again, and a figure is seen momentarily running across the yard and heading towards the main farmhouse. The sound of a door slamming is heard as the figure disappears inside. A few moments later as the party draw close to the entrance to the yard, an upstairs shutter opens, and a couple of figures appear, looking suspiciously at the party.

"Hail & well met travellers", yells the older man waving a hand whilst the younger man, who looks likely to be his son, continues to eye the party suspiciously as he fiddles with something out of view. "Ye be headin' in 't' town?"

<Balnor wrote>:
> Balnor will look up to the man. "Hello, I assume that
> this is Triboar, We are just a few weary travellers
> looking for a place to stay for the night and for a
> place to buy equipment. If you could direct us to a
> inn I would be very much obliged! If there is none
> please just tell us where we can find a place to
> stay my good man. Oh!!! I almost forgot! my name is
> Balnor, this is the group I have been travelling with for
> some time now, this is Milo Yavandle, Celly, Luc......
> If we may have the honour of having your name sir?? I
> am dearly sorry I am very bad in remembering my manners."

The man and his son pause for a moment as Balnor speaks to them.

"Tribour is about a mile that-a-way," he finally says, pointing a finger down the trail the party have been following. "Go to the inn called the 'Talking Troll'. Tell 'em that folks from the Hoskins farm sent ya. Ya'll git good fare there."

<Milo wrote>:
> "good sir," taking the lead now from Balnor, but trying to
> keep the conversation going, "we have travelled from the
> north, and seek Jaunda at the '6 Windows Inn'. could you
> point us his way? We have news from his brother, Jones."

"The 6 Winder's eh?" the man snorts. "Crap food there. But y'll find it opposite side o' road from the Talkin' Troll. Ye can't miss it. If ye git t' the main cross roads, then y've gone t' far. Dunno no Jaunda though."

<Milo wrote>:
> To the old man- "Thank you much for the information
> and direction. Might I ask one more?" Assuming he
> agrees, Milo continues. "We spotted a band of small
> humanoids with spears and shields a few miles back.
> Do you know of this? Are they a group that we should
> be wary of, or are we just paranoid travellers?"

At the mention of the small humanoids, the man's eyes dart back along the trail, as if he might spot the creatures Milo referred to. "Sound's loike a band o' Kobolds. Useful t' know that they might be in the area. They don't come this way that often." He turns and speaks more quietly to his son who nods before disappearing from the window. The man addresses the party again. His demeanour seems softer and he speaks in a more conversational tone. "Thanks for the warning friends. They don't tend to bother us here, but lone or small groups of travellers are at risk. Oi've sent me lad t' warn some of the farm-hands t' be on the look out."

He looks at the sky momentarily. "If ye wanna git inta town before dark, I suggest ye git goin'"

****

The party continue down the trail, passing large fenced fields, many with cattle that a number of horsemen seem to be rounding up and leading towards large cowsheds for the night. As the trail kinks around another farm building, a small city - Triboar - comes into view before you, lights already being lit to hold back the gathering gloom of dusk. You estimate it to be a town of perhaps 2,500. The trail, turns into a paved road, and starts to lead towards the centre.

There are no walls protecting Triboar, and the party have to wend their's way through a number of corralled areas, stockyards, caravan yards and the like, all of which encircle the center of town. The smell of horse and steer manure is thick in the air, as you enter the small crossroads city of Triboar. Dispite the hour, there seems to be a fari number of people still wandering the streets, and the party get no more than a curious look as they enter the town.

Considering the lack of defensive walls - those from Neverwinter remember the sense of security that the strong city walls generated against possible attacks from orc (and barbarian) hordes - the fear is lessened by the site of well-armed soldiers bearing Triboar's coat-of-arms patrolling the streets. These soldiers in particular look at the party, almost judging them to see if they might make trouble.

As the party reach virtually the centre of town, with the last light from the sky having disapeared, they see several buildings with signs identifying them as businesses. On the left is "The Six Windows", a somewhat rickety old, small wooden inn. The sign says the innkeeper is named Jaunda. The house seems to have about 40 windows, not just six.

On the opposite side of the road is "The Talking Troll". Another wooden building, this is a tavern of rather shabby means, to judge from the outside.

"Not sure about this one" says Blondung, his nose wrinkled in disgust at the sight of the farmer's recommended choice of inn. "Perhaps there are more further ahead?"

Looking 30 yards ahead, a main crossroads can be seen, presumably the junction with the Long Road (heading North/South) and the start of the Everlund way (heading East). The intersection itself is large, with a sizeable farmer's market in the middle of the intersection. The market is just finishing shutting down for the night. On the north east corner of the square stands a formidable building with two-story tower that looks like it could be the seat of government.

The party enter the "6 Windows" inn, and stamp the melting snow from their feet. The inn is not exactly full to bursting. Apart from the bar tender, a slovenly looking bar wench, and what looks like a cook who just disappeared back into the kitchens as you entered, there are only nine other patrons in the bar.

Three of them are sitting on tall stools at the bar, and twist around to look at you as you enter. They look like local ranch hands, still wearing their leather trousers and spurs for their horses. They stare rudely at the party for a while before returning to their drinks. They occasionally laugh loudly as they talk about some of the local women in coarse terms.

A further four men are sitting in a darkened corner clustered around a small table. They also stare up at the party briefly before they return to their card game, only a low murmur occasionally drifts from them.

There is a single dwarf, sitting on a single short stool to the right hand side of the fireplace. He has a full pack resting on the floor next to him, upon which a horned helm and a pair of gauntlets rests. A battle axe and a shield lean against the fireplace, and he is dressed in banded mail, although he has loosened the fastenings to relax in the bar. He too looks up from his flagon of ale as the party enter and nods a polite greeting before staring back into the flames.

Finally, a young man, dressed in simple tunic and shirt, lifts his head from his book and stares over his glasses at the party as they enter. He is sitting alone at a small table to the left hand side of the fireplace, about 12 feet from the dwarf. (OOC: It is a large fireplace)

In between the two loners, is the largest table in the bar, one end pointing towards the blazing hearth.

Herod stamps his feet one last time, and pulls off his furs, shivering slightly at the change in temperature from outside. He strides to the large table and sits down at the end nearest the fire. He nods again at the dwarf who glances at him. Blondung, Soggrin and Von Fedel also start to move in that direction. The bar wench starts to move out from behind the bar, and as the party start to get themselves settled on the table, asks in a bored voice. "What can I get you folks?"

<Balnor wrote>:
<SNIP entering the inn>
> "Hey Milo!! Guess what?? We are at an inn now, you know
> what that means?? You are going to have to have some fun!!
> No more sitting in he back ground. Once you get your business
> done here you will have to sit and have many a drink with me.
> By the looks of it this dwarf here could also use a drink
> and to relax a bit, he looks way too uptight!"

The three ranch hands at the bar again stare round at Balnor's exclamation of impending fun. They snigger amongst themselves before returning to their drinks. They continue to laugh loudly and joke with themselves.

<Balnor continued>:
<SNIP comments to dwarf>
> To the rest of the party. "Come on now we should all have fun here
> tonight it is not a sad day so why should we treat it like one??"
> To the bar maid "Kind and beautiful lady would you care to bring a
> round of ale for every one including our dwarf here, (leaning in
> to her) he looks like he could use it. And what ever is hot and
> ready to serve for dinner! And by the way what might your name
> be?? If you would let me have the pleasure of your name I might
> let you have the pleasure of mine! Of course if I am being too
> pushy just let me know! Oh and do you knwo Jaunda we have some
> business to attend to with him."

As Balnor complements the bar maid, she gives a start, staring at him sharply to see if there was any hint of sarcasm. Seeing none, she shrugs it off, though from a slight flush around her neck, you can see that it has had a small effect. "Yeah yeah. What did you say? Ale for all? Even the ladies?" This time, you can hear a trace of sarcasm in her voice. "Ale is 1 silver and 5 thumbs a gallon. I'll just bring some flagons and a few jugs shall I? As for food, you want the 1 silver menu, the 3 silver menu or the half-crown menu? That translates to Soup and Bread, Stew and dumplings, or Roast and Vegetables. All pork."

As the bar wench heads off to fetch the various drinks and food ordered, one of the ranch hands tries to slap her bottom as she passes, but she deftly twists out of the way, obviously wise to their games.

Meanwhile, the barman raises his voice. "I'm Jaunda. What business might you have with me?" he asks suspiciously.

OOC: As I think I might of mentioned yesterday, this may well be my last post until the 2nd Oct due to being on holiday. Just in anticipation of Milo presenting the package from Jones to Jaunda...

*******
"A package eh? From my brother you say?" Jaunda takes the package and opens it exposing an engraved silver plaque. A piece of brightly coloured paper falls out which he snares from the air before it lands on the wet bar. As he reads it, he smiles broadly. "He remembered!" He turns the piece of paper around to show the brightly coloured lettering reading "HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROTHER!"

"Thanks" he says. He turns the paper over, reading some small writing on the back. He then picks the plaque back up, which you can see is engraved with a simple house, on which are 6 large windows. He flips it over, and you can see that the back has a half crown stuck to it. He pries it loose and passes it to Milo. "Thanks again!" he says, before turning and placing the silver plaque up on the top shelf behind the bar.
*******

<Serena wrote>:
> Serena talks with one of the persons working in the Inn and
> asks about a room. If there is no room available, Serena asks
> where she could go to.

Jaunda smiles broadly as Serena asks for a room. "I think I just might be able to squeeze you in," he jokes. "Are you all staying? I can offer you one large dormitary style common room at the back, which sleeps 12 if you are all on a budget, or I have 4 twin rooms spare upstairs and 3 single rooms right at the top." He pauses to look again at the party, taking in the mud and grime from the road. "I can also arrange for your laundry to be done, and we have 2 bath tubs as well." He pauses again, as if trying to assess the wealth of the party. "The cost will be a crown for each of the double rooms, a half crown for each of the single rooms, and 4 crowns for the common room. Laundry will be 5 thumbs per person. Hot baths by arrangement, at 1 silver each bath."

<Serena continues>:
> After arranging this and putting her belongings in a safe place
> she returns to stay with her fellows and have some good
> time. After all they have passed, some drinks and a good talk
> is welcome.

<Cleo wrote>:
> Cleo smiles at Balnor's suggestion. They haven't had a chance
> to relax in a while and they needed one. When the barmaid comes
> back she asks her "Is there some place to wash here?"

"Toilets out the back, there is a pump out there. But if you are staying," she says, jerking her head towards where Serena is still talking to Jaunda about the rooms, "then you can get to use the bath tubs at a small extra cost."

OOC: For the benefit of the new-comers (Larz and Merrell), I will describe the existing party and lay the scene a bit more:

The party that has entered the inn consists of the following people. I have included names for clarity even though not all of them have been formally introduced yet! (Where are your manners everyone?! :-)

The PCs
** Milo, who has introduced himself as priest of Ilmater, a stout man of slightly above average height, is dressed in hide armour. He is sat at the end of the table, warming his bare feet at the fire (i.e. his reference to his dogs barking - feet smelling :-) He has blue eyes and brown hair held back with a headband as well as a short beard. Propped against the wall is a quarterstaff and a mancatcher.

** Balnor, the likeable rogue, is sloshing his ale around in a race to get drunk. He is sitting at the table nearest Larz the dwarf (OOC: The right side). He is a charismatic person, with green eyes, brown hair, he is 5'8",175lbs and well built. He is wearing bright clothes as well as hide armour and has a rapier and main-gauche sheathed at his waist.

** Cleo is a young looking woman of above average height, nearly reaching 6 foot. When she first arrived, she looked fairly un-feminine, being dressed in chain mail under the winter furs, and armed with shield and broad sword, but having freshened up, and let down her long black hair, her light green eyes almost sparkle with femininity, and she seems most pleasant. She too is sitting on the right side of the table, next to Balnor.

** Yvandel is an accomplished ventriloquist for such a young man and his skill with his two faced puppet (Volo and Dolo) is impressive. He has no visible weapons, and wears no armour, but is a charismatic fellow who seems to get on well with everyone. He has sat on the left side of the table, next to Milo and a short distance from Merrell.

** Ceely is a half elf, and the only non-human currently in the party. She has an unruly mop of hair which, although naturally reddish blond, has been bleached to a salty whiteness. She has a winning smile and appears to be missing a finger on her left hand. Standing 5 and a half feet tall wearing chain mail, she carries a longbow a good foot taller than herself, and also an unusual weapon, a harpoon. She was sat next to Yvandel on the left side of the table, but has just left to go have a long bath.

** Serena has long black hair and light green eyes. She is armed with battle axe and long sword, and dressed in chain mail (OOC: I don't have all my records here at home - so I am guessing on that one!). She sits quietly at the far end of the table next to Lucretia.

The NPCs
** Lucretia is a large well muscled man, although not overly tall, sitting almost morbidly at the end of the table furthest from the fire. His furs lie draped over the back of his chair, and he has unbuckled his splint mail and his two swords, a long wicked looking bastard sword and a short sword.

** Herod introduces himself as a priest of Tempus (see below for some dialog). He has a battle axe at his side and is dressed in chainmail. He is sitting next to Soggrin on the left side of the table. He seems a decent enough chap.

** Soggrin is a barbarian woman (of the Black Raven tribe judging from the black feather in her top-knot. She is dressed in what looks like a home-made clothing made from blankets. She has an expression of disdain on her face as she looks at the trappings of civilisation that make up the inn. Her face is beautiful and she looks as if she could be as hard as ice if pushed. She sits on the left side of the table next to where Ceely was sitting.

** Blondung is a wimpy looking fellow, still huddled in his furs at the bar end of the table on the right. He is slightly nervous looking, and keeps glancing around the inn as if expecting something to pounce out on him. He is of average height and build and does not really stand out from the crowd.

** Von Fedel, probably the oldest man present, has a slightly crazed look to his eyes and clutches his satchel to his chest almost all the time. He has shrugged off his furs and is wearing some ill-fitting scale mail. He sits next to Blondung, and seems to pay little attention to his surroundings.

[Larz]
> "You all seem to be in good spirits this night mind If I join yeah?
> Name is Larz of Clan Fireforge."

Herod smiles at the dwarf. "Please do join us good dwarf" he says. "My name is Herod, I am a priest of Tempus, and collectively, my friends and I are out exploring the world so to speak. Appropriately enough, we call ourselves 'The Unknowns'" He grins at the comedy of the name.

[Merrell]
> "Merrell Greenwood at your service. I gather from your delivery
> that you are hired-hands, perhaps adventurers? And heading to
> Longsaddle was it? That's north is it not? [pause] Yes, yes,
> that will do. My search takes me in that direction, and I could
> certainly use the company. Do you mind a travelling companion?"

Herod looks at the mage. "Nice to meet you Merrell"

[Balnor]
> "You are also heading north huh?? Well we could use one of your
> profession considering we have none. That is if I am correct in
> my first impression of you. You look like any old grandma would
> be able to best you in a straight out fight, which is why I
> would guess to see fire coming out of those hands in no time. I
> do not mean to offend you, I have a way of doing that and by the
> way my name is Balnor."

Blondung glances up at Merrell, interested. "You forget my talents Balnor", he says with a tight smile, "although I guess you probably don't think of me as 'one of yours' yet" he finishes.

[Merrell]
> The sketch and the verbal description given by Merrell portray a half-elven
> female, who goes by the name Aran. He describes her to be a small, frail,
> attractive girl. Her hair has been cut short, but is an unmistakably rich
> red-gold color. Her eyes are large and violet. He doesn't have much
> information about the man whom he explains has kidnapped her. Only that he
> is a powerful Zhentarim mage.

At the mention of a powerful Zhentarim mage, three heads jerk up in response. All of them stare at Merrell, although each with different expressions. Soggrin, the barbarian woman who has not yet spoken, obviously ill at ease simply being in the town, stares in fear. Blondung too has apprehension on his face, although he is also curious as to the identity of the unknown Zhentarium mage.

Von Fedel looks up with almost fanatical glee, and glances quickly at Soggrin to see her reaction. He rubs his hands together for a moment before speaking. "This mage. Do you know his name? It wouldn't be Manshoon by any chance would it?"

Soggrin glares at him with obvious malice. "Pah! You still think Manshoon will praise you when he finally finds you!" she says in heavily accented common. "He is more likely to blast you for letting Xred kidnap me away from him!"

Blondung winces at the 'blasting' comment. "I'm not that keen in meeting him again myself," he says.

Herod, seeing Larz and Merrell's obvious confusion, explains. "Apparently, the all powerful leader of the Zhentarium, Manshoon, kidnapped Soggrin from her tribe quite a while ago, in order to get her with child on midsummer night next year." He waves his hand off handedly. "Something to do with some ancient Netherise prophesy I think."

Soggrin glances at Herod as he tells her story with obvious pain and suffering in her eyes. She lifts her chin defiantly and glares at Von Fedel and Blondung.

"Apparently, Manshoon set these two to guard her", Herod continued, jerking his thumb at Von Fedel and Blondung. "When Xred kidnapped her from Manshoon in turn, he grabbed them as well." Herod paused for a moment to check he still had the newcomer's attention. "Just so it makes sense to you, Xred is, sorry was, a powerful ogre mage who was the leader of a tribe of orcs in a clearing in Neverwinter woods. Apparently he found out about Manshoon's plans, and decided he would steal Soggrin from Manshoon and try it himself. He had some weird interpretation about this Neth prophesy that meant the date would be this midsummer night, and that he also needed human slaves to grind some special seeds for him."

Herod's voice goes very solemn for a moment as he relates the next part of his tale. "Xred's orcs captured us about a week ago or so to be those slaves. I'm glad to say that Xred is now dead, along with most if not all of his orcs, killed by a Banshee who lives in Neverwinter Woods. We have been very lucky, and managed to escape with our skins mostly intact."

Von Fedel laughs for a moment, the sound slightly unsettling as it borders on being a cackle. "And you owe your lives to me and the Dark Sun, for without our help, you would all have died at the banshee's wail!" he exclaims staring defiantly around the table.

"I owe you nothing you piece of offal!" spits Soggrin, before she lapses into her barbarian language and continues to curse Von Fedel and Blondung under her breath.

Von Fedel grins at her, before grabbing something invisible around his neck and putting his hand into it. A moment later he pulls out a few balls of beeswax which he tosses on the table. He grins again maniacally, and then clutches his satchel against his chest again.

Herod continues his story. "Von Fedel is I'm afraid to say correct. Without these balls of wax that he prayed for we would have succumbed to the Banshee's wail. It was a close thing for Lucretia at the time!"

Lucretia finally looks up from his drink at mention of his name. He glances at Herod, then at Von Fedel, scowling, before going back to contemplation of his drink.

[Milo]
> If Merrell allows, Milo takes the parchment from him and hands
> them to Soggrin, Von Fedel and Blondung.
>
> "Have you guys seen this girl? I thought you all knew something
> about Zhentarim mages..."

Blondung looks carefully at the sketch before shrugging. Von Fedel glances only briefly, before looking away showing no recognition.

***

As the party settle down, with some of the more hygienic members of the group nipping out and getting washed , food is eventually brought out and the party start to really relax and (in Cleo's case literally), "let their hair down".

The inn remains relatively empty, with only the three ranch hands and the four card players the other customers.