Andrath Wednesday November 10th, 2004 11:59:49 PM
Back at the Inn, Andrath helps himself to a second helping of sausages and mashed potatoes. "Umph...combat always makes me hungry," he says with his mouth still full of food.
He sees Harvest Moon eyeing his baked apple, and not being a fan of raisins, he pushes the dessert towards the little lady. "Here you go; I am too full of supper to fit this in. One of the other city guards that I used to work with was fond of saying 'I may be full, but my dessert side is still empty', but I think that I have filled both sides!"
As Licoln stops by to refill the ale jugs, Andrath asks, "Have you seen Caerthon yet tonight? We are supposed to meet him here, and my friend is starting to get a little concerned about his whereabouts. If we don't see him in the next couple of hours, do you know where he lives? I think that we might pay him a visit, if he doesn't show up here."
Alkali Thursday November 11th, 2004 12:50:01 AM
A quick glance at the sausage, and Alkali's thoughts turn to the scene early in the day. His thoughts are abruptly ended with the smell of apple. He eats all but the sausage and goes to rest.
DM Bob & Carla Thursday November 11th, 2004 8:34:46 AM
Lincoln finishes pouring a mug of ale for the elf before answering his question. "Caerthon spends most of his time riding the border. He stops in every now and then for a meal and a bath and we keep a place set for him. He must have a permanent encampment in the hills somewhere but I do not know where." Lincoln leans in and speaks in a low conspiratorial voice, "I like the old blodger and we look after him in respect for his past service to the valley, but he may not be all together if you kin my meaning. He's not dangerous, mind you but he does seem a bit obsessed."
Lincoln continues on to the next table and pours another mug or two of ale before dissappearing behind the counter again.
The party finishes it's meal, extra desserts and all, and some begin to make their excuses, but before they can leave the old paladin makes his way through the door and over to their table.
"Good" he says in a serious tone. "You are still here. I have brought the maps as I promised. There is still no word from Hugo and Langdon and I fear the worst." Caerthon deposits the maps on the table and removes his soiled cloak before taking a seat. He brushes aside the accumulation of cups, plates, and dinner ware before spreading apart the first of two hand sketched maps.
As he speaks he points out the particulars on the map with the tip of his dagger and his voice grows quieter. "This here is Strongwind Castle" he points to a large square on the map some 3/4 mile north of Magpie crossing. "There is a suitable ford across the river about 2 miles north of here, you can't miss it." His dagger traces it's way up the Magpie River until it reaches an "F" marked on the map. "If you head due east of here for one day you will reach a dry river valley heading Northeast. The terrain from here gets much more difficult. The evil that spreads from the dread has killed all the vegetation and only bare soil remains. The earth is scarred by gullies and ravines and there is little in the way of food or sustenance. There are no safe places to rest once you enter the dead zone!" He looks at each of you as if to emphasize the point he has just made, or perhaps he seeks to determine your mettle.
If there are no questions, he unrolls a second map, this one shows a rough layout of the Crimson Fort.
Lincoln approaches the table, a plate of sausages and potatoes in one hand and a mug of ale in the other. "Not now man" the paladin says in an exasperated tone. "Can't you see we're in the middle of something important."
Elerinn Thursday November 11th, 2004 9:35:28 AM
Elerinn observes the maps and feels quite excited about travelling into the area infested by the dread, despite the danger the paladin warns for. He eats pretty much tonight, for a gnome, because today has been a heavy day.
Lorth Thursday November 11th, 2004 10:06:25 AM
Lorth watches and tries to remember Caerthon's every word. Although he lets Andrath do the talking as he is better with words. When Caerthon mentions that there are no safe places in the dead zone, Lorth doesn't even flinch. I will go whatever the cost he thinks.
Bralin Thursday November 11th, 2004 10:18:19 AM
Bralin scans the maps, getting a feel for the terrain and defenses. Safety is not an issue.
There is a question though, concerning the nature of the quest.
"Our quest be threefold?" he asks, looking for confirmation from Lorth and Andrath. "Recover the bones of our Paladin's sire. Determine the fate of the two scouts. Determine the intent of the denizens of the Crimson Fort. Aye?"
Harvest Thursday November 11th, 2004 1:32:22 PM
Maps. Maps are so much easier to understand than scrolls. They show real places. Places to which you can go.
Harvest removes her boots and stands barefoot on the seat of the chair, leaning over the table for a better look.
Quest. The word echoes in her head as it is stated by the straight forward dwarf. A quest. Tomorrow they leave upon a quest.
Alkali Thursday November 11th, 2004 6:24:48 PM
Alkali sleeps, unaware of the eventsun folding downstairs.
Andrath Thursday November 11th, 2004 10:58:36 PM
The elf rogue looks at the map, and says, "The dead zone? That sounds like a really fun place to visit." He looks at the clerics and says, "This dead zone sounds like a place that undead would likely be found. Can you do anything special to get us ready for undead?"
When Lincoln brings over the food, and Caerthorn speaks so abruptly, Andrath adds, "Lincoln, thank you for bringing over the extra food. Can you just put it at the corner of the table, here? Sir Caerthon is explaining where we need to travel tomorrow morning, and I am certain that he meant no offense." Then the elf reaches into his belt pouch, and hands 2 gold pieces to the innkeeper.
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