A Wet Ride Wednesday December 13th, 2000 12:56:14 PM
Clurt takes the weapon and gold with a grunt and moves quickly up the wooded slope west of the road. He is soon lost to sight.
The harder rain alternates with drizzle for the next couple of days, leaving everyone thoughly wet and cold. It ends suddenly one morning when Trace and Sly ride out from beneath the clouds. The boundary where the wall of rain ends is distinct, as the road on the other side is dry.
The mountains of the Skinny fall away inland and everything begins to dry out. The party is merely very damp as you top a rise in the Trade Road to see a wide river valley spread before you. The last rays of the setting sun pick out the sparkle of Hook City to the Southwest.
A short distance down the road from you stands an inn of moderate size. Warm light beckons from its windows. A pair of large wagons are parked nearby, and several animals are penned in the corral.
Sly Foxx and Luke Wednesday December 13th, 2000 3:04:19 PM
After Sly grab onto the arm of Traceand slides onto the back of the saddle, wispers in his Big Brother's (Trace) ear," I don't trust that Orc, HE had murder in his eyes...)
Qwint (Ceil) Wednesday December 13th, 2000 3:14:03 PM
After several days in that sleeping bag of Sly's, Quint feels great, and the only thing to show for his part in the battle is a scar. He tells Uteva,"I got to get me one of those thing, comes in to dare handy." After the rain and finally comming to the edge of Hook City, and the warm glow of light from the Inn. Qwint smiles at Uteva and pointing to the Inn, tells her "Look there the most beautiful sight in the Worl."
Lok Mufflefoot Wednesday December 13th, 2000 3:38:12 PM
Seeming to let the weather affect him, the halflings ears visibly droop during the journey. His steps fall with a hint less skip in them as he trudges on. When he sees the warmth of the inn almost emnating from the happy abode, his ears twitch with anticipation. "Hot food, warm bed, dry clothes!!!" He suddenly prances about giggling at the thought of all of it. Winking happily the halfling adds "And people to entertain, maybe even children!"
Sir Thomas Wednesday December 13th, 2000 7:27:59 PM
Cold and wet, the knight doesn't let his misery, if any exists show. He rides a few yards, fifty or so, ahead of the wagon. He wants to be only slightly ahead of the group as kind of a second lead man. He feels very at home on top of the horse and has strong urges to let it run, but resists all of them. The hood of his cloak is up to protect him from the rain somewhat, but when the rain stops falling he removes that. He runs his hands through his lengthening hair and rides on. When they come upon the inn he smiles to himself. He rides at the same pace and ties his horse up to the wooden bar besides Trace's. He waits for the wagon to arrive and his friends to gather and enter. He is the last to go into the establishment.
Ilsidur Wednesday December 13th, 2000 11:18:04 PM
Like the rest of the party, Ilsidur shakes the rain off his cape, and rolls it up to stow it in his pack. He rubs the horse dung off his foot, and curses under his breath, "By Baltaran's black beard, I hate horses! If the gods had meant us to ride, he would have given us bowed legs and a more-padded butt. I'm glad Sir Tom is so happy, but give me good old hard ground any day!" he mumbles. Then his disposition lightens up as the sun warms and dries him off. He dires off his crossbow string and moves with the rest of the party towards the inn, to see what kind of ale they might have on tap. "Hopefully, they have a tun of Mountainhome Dark somewhere in the back of the wine cellar," he thinks to himself.
Trace and Radiant Wednesday December 13th, 2000 11:18:39 PM
Trace is relived to see the inn as they finnaly get out of the rain and back to some normal setting that dosnt dampen the heart. Trace ask Sly if Luke would be able to guard the horses and wagon while everyone goes inn to dry off and get some needed rest and sleep, maybe even a glass of green gnome wine before he sleeps. Trace enters first into the inn looking ragged with his weapons hanging off of him, his black hair soaked along with his cloak clinging to his armor. Looking around for some empty chairs or booth to sit and order some drink and eat. As Trace leads the group to some empty chairs he sooths Radiant as he is pretty sure this is his first time to be around this many creatures in a small enviorment. If a wench arrives Trace orders "Yes I would like to order some meat, bread and cheese for me and the others if they want along with a bottle of green gnome wine if available. Also do you have lodgeing available tonight and maybe a bath?"
Alyndar Thursday December 14th, 2000 4:45:38 AM
Everyone sees Aly's mood stay the same since letting the Orc go. Miserable and short tempered. He stays hunched over on the cart at a failed attempt to stay somewhat dry and that only seems to make his mood worsen. When the rains lets up and a few hours of sunshine arrive, his mood doesnt lighten up, he stays hunched over on the cart, urging the ox onward down the road. When arriving at the Inn he tends to the animals and his cart before entering the Inn, he asks for a private room and a HOT bath. He sends out for his clothes to be washed and dried and asks for a bottle of their strongest brandy and a plate of meats and cheeses to be sent to his room. He tips the wait person 2 gold pieces and pays for the groups accomodations and meals for the night.
After bathing and eating and drinking the whole bottle, he dresses himself for bed, and goes to sleep.
Uteva Thursday December 14th, 2000 12:47:21 PM
Teva grins at Qwint's comment, but her worried gaze follows Alyndar. "Have you ever seen him in such a mood for so long before?" she asks the others. "His gloom seems to have outlasted the weather. A warm, dry night will do us all some good, I hope." Winking at Lok, she asks, "Do you fancy juggling to music tonight?"
She accompanies the others inside but only pauses by the table. "Trace, order me something hot and filling, please. I'm going to see if I can't scrub off some of these freckles." She asks about a bath and hurries out of the common room.
The Three Forks Inn (DM Lee-Anne) Thursday December 14th, 2000 2:48:02 PM
A gawky young half-orc hurries out to take charge of the horses and draft animals. She shoos the group indoors, and crouches to make friends with Luke.
You pass beneath the trio of pitchforks arrayed above the lintel into the warmth and good smells of a comfortable common room. Trestles with benches and smaller tables are arranged about a hooded central fireplace. The seats are half filled with patrons, and Trace is able to find a large table near the stairs at the back of the room.
A steely-haired human serving -- er -- wench greets the ranger with a welcoming smile that soon turns to a puzzled frown. "I don't know the green," she says. "The only gnomish we have're a few ales and the Fanfo Blackberry. Got a bit of a kick to it, that, but it's heavy enough fer yer meats. Will you try it? I'll get yer order." The matron turns to go and calls over her shoulder, "We've also got a hearty spiced stew, stuffed artichokes, and roast stingroot."
By the door, the greying innkeep listens to Alyndar's requests and nods politely. "The Three Forks Inn is happy to serve, sir. We've only the six private rooms free, but," and he appraises the party briefly, "if some few of them are willing to share, we can accomodate all of your needs for 30 gold pieces."
The man accepts payment and snaps his fingers, bringing a small boy running. "Young Garn here will see that you're taken care of." He turns to direct Uteva toward the baths while Garn leads Alyndar up the stairs.
The matron soon returns to the table with two large platters heaped with food. One holds an array of hard and soft cheeses, fresh herb and nut breads, and slices of roast lamb, smoked beef, marinated chicken, and some unfamiliar white meat. The second has a large dish of crisp golden roots, and smaller pots of gravy, honey, thick garlic cream, and a spicy vegetable sauce.
"Yon elf paid yer stay and board," she says pointing toward Alyndar's retreating back. "Now, what drinks will you have?"
Sir Thomas Thursday December 14th, 2000 7:34:08 PM
Sir Thomas tips the young half-orc that greets them a few silver pieces, whatever he can find in his small, understocked purse. "Thank you for your trouble." Thomas adds before he follows the others inside.
Inside, Thomas takes in the scenery and sits down at the table. While waiting for the food, Thomas hurries over to the ruffled Alyndar, "Thank you for taking care of the arrangements friend. Have a good evening." Thomas doesn't want to impose on any plans the elf may have for the evening so he keeps it short. He then returns to eat dinner and fellowship with the rest of the group. When he finishes eating he excuses himself to go take a bath and get his clothes cleaned as well. He shaves while he's bathing and retires for the night. On his way to the room he asks the group, "should we be concerned about our things? I don't usually have so much to watch over."
Sly Foxx and Luke Thursday December 14th, 2000 8:06:59 PM
"Your right,Big Brother. In fact I'll get some food and take a bath, and then I'll bring Luke his food and stay the night." then turns to Luke and tell him,"I'll going to get you some food and be right back. Watch the wagon and the other animals." Sly scratches Luke ear.
Qwint Thursday December 14th, 2000 8:17:34 PM
Qwint limps a little, But follows the others to a takes a seat. Quint orders a ale, and watches the other patrons. When the food is brought, He watches Sly eat. Then thinking to himself,*Boy! Sly must have a tapeworm? If I ever eat like that, I'd be fat.* Quint eat a plate full, turns to Uteva,saying" I'd rather have one of Alyndar's meal..."
Trace and Radiant Thursday December 14th, 2000 10:04:22 PM
Trace answers the wench, "I am not much on the hard stuff but any kind of wine will do. Grapes are fine but the wheat and barley will do me in for sure. Also my friend would like a bowl of the hot stew." Pointing to Uteva. When Uteva returns Trace makes room for her to sit. "Some of us will have to bunk together so I thought we could share a room. You can have the bed and I will make a pallet on the floor since I only sleep about four hours, after that I will go and check on Sly outside." After his meal Trace entertains the patrons playing fetch with Radiant useing a small stick that he has picked up on the way in.
Ilsidur Thursday December 14th, 2000 11:20:26 PM
Like the rest of the party, Ilsidur starts to dig into the feast of food. He asks the barmaid, "Would you happen to have any Mountainhome Dark? If not, I'll have some of your darkest stout. Just don't give me any of that weak elven stuff." After supper, he pulls out his journal to update it, then goes upstairs for a bath and a trim of his beard. Coming back downstairs, he approaches the innkeeper. "My name is Ilsidur Wayfinder, and I and my companions are travelling to Hook City. We would be interested in any information that you could impart that might make our journey easier. Also, we were 'bothered' by a huge bear-like orc, and I was wondering if you know anything about him, and perhaps where we can find him? I would make it worth your while for some useful information." He awaits the innkeeper's reply.
Uteva Friday December 15th, 2000 12:54:55 PM
Teva soon retuns to the table dressed in a clean shirt and bodice. "I feel more human!" she says, plonking down on the bench and setting her harp carefully beside her. "Like many things, rain is preferable in moderation." Pleasure shines from her face as she tastes her first scoop of stew. "Even Aly's cooking, Qwint."
She orders a pale ale from the grey-haired serving wench. "Sure, Trace," shrugs and grins at the elf. "My gear is in the second room on the left." After polishing her bowl with a chunk of bread, she quickly tunes her harp and does some limbering exercises. "Do you boys have any requests?"
The Three Forks Inn (DM Lee-Anne) Friday December 15th, 2000 2:17:07 PM
After his bath, Alyndar finds a smaller version of the meat and cheese tray and a bottle of excellent brandy. Gart soon arrives with the cleaned clothes and a little plate that holds a baked stuffed pear drizzled in sweet cream. "Just leave your tray," the boy says, pointing at the floor outside the door. "I'll take it away." Wide-eyed at the size of his tip, he retreats from the room, leaving the wizard in peace and quiet.
Down in the common room, things begin to get rowdy as Uteva launches into Fall Karye's Round, joined by a table full of very muddy drovers. The serving matron puts a hand protectively on her hair each time Radiant flies by. She brings Trace a light purple wine, and proudly hands Ilsidur a heavy flagon. "The Mountainhome," she says proudly. "Just broached, so mind the head."
Local patrons trickle in, joining the travelling crowd in filling the seats. A dark-cloaked man slips in the door and sits in one corner. He keeps his hood drawn low, and refills his small glass several times from the bottle he orders.
The innkeeper listens to Ilsidur and scratches his scalp with yellowed fingers. "The Three Forks is happy to help, Wayfinder. The Trade Road should put you in Hook in a day or so, if you travel afoot. It's usually a safe stretch, though we hear of trouble these days. Your orc, though." He shakes his head. "I'm afraid I can't help with that."
The well-dressed half-elf at his elbow interrupts impatiently. "Are you down out of Gateway? What's the road like?"
Sir Thomas Friday December 15th, 2000 10:25:17 PM
The clean Thomas was about to head to bed in his clean clothes when, lucky for him he stopped to ask the question that got lost in the fun. He decides to stay up and listen to Uteva play some songs. He sits quietly enjoying the mood of the room. It doesn't take him long before he wishes to give praise and so excuses himself to pray and go to bed. He goes into the room that he will share with whoever stumbles in and begins to pray. When he is finished, he goes to sleep leaving the more convenient sleeping arrangement for his absent roommate.
Sly Foxx and Luke Saturday December 16th, 2000 11:54:02 AM
Sly listens to Utiva's songs, then after about an hour, Sly leans over and says "Good night to you all, I'm very tired But I will take a bowl of stew to Luke." Then to Trace and Uteva,"I'll be sleeping with Luke and keeping my eyes and ears open, Good sleep to you." Sly scoop a bowl full of stew and making his leave, will step out the door and head for where the wagon and the other animals are. There He will make his bed under the tarps and into his bedroll, with Luke at his side.(Sly is a half elf and sleep very lightly and no more than four to six hours. I thinck)
Owint Saturday December 16th, 2000 11:59:49 AM
Qwint ask for another ale, and leans back on the wall. Listening to Uteva's songs, but keeping an eye on the patrons. Half noticing the one in the hooded black cloak.
Ilsidur Saturday December 16th, 2000 11:39:15 PM
Ilsidur takes a long swallow of the thick black beer, then slams the empty flagon down on the table with a loud thump. A rare smile crosses his face, and a faraway look enters his eyes. "Ahhh," he sighs, " Mountainhome Dark, with a good head. I haven't tasted Mountainhome since I left my own home in the mountains almost a year ago." Then he calls out to the barmaid, "Good lady, another if you please!" He raises his fresh flagon in a toast, "To new friends, and old friends remembered," and proceeds to drain the second flagon.
After coming downstairs from his bath and beard trim, he orders another beer for his talk with the barkeep. When the half-elf interrupts, Ilsidur turns to face him. "We have come from that direction, but with a number of detours. The road is wet, and washed out in places, due to days of heavy rains. Also, orcs are attacking the caravans, and are taking prisoners for sale to a cult. Are you headed that way?"
Lok Mufflefoot Sunday December 17th, 2000 11:12:26 AM
Lok giggles and gets a nice plate of food and a small glass of wine. Completely unused to the lightheaded feeling it provides the halfling slowly goes from happy juggling entertainer, to a less agile yet still entertaining visage of silliness. Moving from table to table, he tells jokes in the genre of "How many halflings does it take to build a bridge? Three, One to acquire the wood, One to convince the engineer to come, and one to steal the river." Wiggling his ears as he goes, the halfling does a lopsided tumble here and there, occasionally knocking over a chair seemingly oblivious to the reaction of the crowd, yet entertaining himself greatly.
Uteva Monday December 18th, 2000 12:48:07 PM
The young woman calls a good night to Sir Thomas and Sly and takes a break from singing to moisten her throat. Watching Lok's antics, she has to muffle a laugh behind one hand. She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear and exchanges a worried glance with Trace and Qwint. "Maybe we should rescue him before he embarasses himself competely," she suggests, half-serious.
The Three Forks Inn (DM Lee-Anne) Monday December 18th, 2000 1:43:35 PM
The half-elf frowns at Ilsidur. "At least as far as Threshold. Wet roads come as no surprise, but -- slavers, you say?" He drums his fingers on the bar for a moment, then slaps his hand down. "I'll hire those extra guards, then," he tells the innkeeper, who nods and moves away.
Turning back to the dwarf, he holds out a hand. "Felsidian, and thanks for the warning. You've likely saved me some trouble. Don't like to interfere between a man and his gods, but all these cults are becoming bad for business. So, you're headed to Hook, are you?"
Near the central fireplace, a rather wobbly cartwheel brings Lok to a landing in the lap of a rough-looking young man with a raw scar across his cheekbone. The man scowls down at his unexpected guest as silence descends over the room. On Trace's arm, Radiant squawks and half-spreads his wings.
Quint Monday December 18th, 2000 6:14:40 PM
Quint smiles at where Loc has landed, then turns to Uteve and tell her,"Don't worry Luc can take care of himself. But if you think that he need any help, I'll go with you Trace."
Sly Foxx and Luke Monday December 18th, 2000 6:19:58 PM
Sly has made a very nice and cozy nest in the wagon,and he is almost invisable under those tarps. But his view of the main street is just a little dim, good for all sort of patrons of the night. Sly will watch and every so often will nap, BUT the slitest sound he will be alert.
Trace and Radiant Monday December 18th, 2000 10:05:14 PM
Trace sees the accident with the foul temper looking man and walks over to help his friend return to his feet. "Forgive his intrusion sir, he has been fighting so many battles these past few days and this is his first chance to relax and enjoy himself. Come now Lok you have met your limit on the the barley. Time for us to get some rest so we can be fresh on our way out tomorrow." Trace gives buys the man another drink, "Mam, could you bring this man another round of whatever he is drinking? I will buy his next two drinks and just put it on my tab and I will pay it in the morning." Trace moves himself between Lok and the upset patron as he tries to walk him upstaris. Trace looks to the others to recomend that they follow.
Sir Thomas Monday December 18th, 2000 10:40:15 PM
Having had a satisfying prayer to both Alemi and Domi, Thomas sleeps fitfully.
Lok Mufflefoot Monday December 18th, 2000 11:13:22 PM
"Hiccup" the halfling says as though it is a statement to the man. Looking at Trace with only half comprehension truly shining through the halfling says "Yesh fighting bing bang boom an da halfling" he looks rather curiously at the man and lifts up part of Trace's shirt and fashions a mock pillow with it making snoring noises. Looking curiously up at Trace the halfling lifts his arm and seems to investigate his armpit and pockets quite thoroughly and clumsily. Looking rather lost he says quite loudly as Trace begins to haul him off "I lost my potatoes I did, didn't finish them off, they in your pockets Trace?" He looks hopefully cockeyed to Trace. Nodding to the innkeeper thankfully he continues "And they were good and so big coulda eaten this halfling..." The rest seems to be mumbo jumbo as Trace succesfully begins to haul the halfling off to the sleep that is obviously needed.
Ilsidur Tuesday December 19th, 2000 12:27:26 AM
Ilsidur shakes the half-elf's hand and replies, "Well met Felsidian, I am Ilsidur Wayfinder, let me buy you a drink." Ilsidur orders a round for himself and the half-elf.(Why don't they call them half-human, he thinks to himself.) "You are right, my friends and I are heading to Hook City. It will be my first trip there, do you have any advice about the place?" Even though the trip has been long and wet, Ilsidur is in no hurry to get to bed. If Felsidian is interested, he will have a couple of more drinks and find out whatever he can about Hook City. Afterwards, he will head upstairs to bed.
Alyndar Tuesday December 19th, 2000 11:19:26 AM
As people who are coherent walk by Aly's room, they here snoring coming from within.
Uteva Tuesday December 19th, 2000 12:55:09 PM
Teva quickly stands, grabs her harp, and moves to support Trace. She smiles apologetically at the man, and holds her breath, waiting.
The Three Forks Inn (DM Lee-Anne) Tuesday December 19th, 2000 1:40:32 PM
The tense silence stretches for a long moment, and Ilsidur's question about Hook City falls into the middle of it. Then the scarred man's scowl changes to tolerant amusement, and he waves Trace and Lok toward the stairs. "No harm's done," he says, as the innkeeper sets a fresh flagon before him. "Next time, be sure he drinks from a smaller cup!"
Sound returns as half of the patrons laugh and resume their interrupted conversations. The other half seem to seize on Ilsidur's question as appropriate entertainment.
Someone from among the tableful of muddy drovers calls out, "Wear very tall boots!"
A young woman shouts, "Stay clear of the Bridge. It's dangerous."
The scarred man rumbles succinct instructions to a bawdy house, causing more laughter. The suggestions fly fast and furious.
"Head straight for the Bridge! It's stacked with magical wonders like so many baubles!"
"I hear you have to buy your ale by casting spells."
"Those mages are too hoity-toity fer their own good."
"Just living in all that magic turns you into a wizard."
Felsidian listens to all this with an amused smile while draining the last of his drink. When things have quieted down a little, he tells Ilsildur, "Best thing to remember about Hook City is: they take their magic very seriously. Civility even more so." He sets his glass down lightly. "If you'll excuse me, arrangements to make before the morrow. Good journey to you." He leaves quickly.
Qwint Tuesday December 19th, 2000 11:17:54 PM
Qwint finish his ale, pick up his backpack and arms, then headed for the stairs. Turns and tells Trace and Uteva"I'll bunk in with Sir Thomas, O K ??" Then up the stairs he goes, and into the room Sir Thomas is sleeping. Very quitely makes his bed near the door.
Sly Foxx and Luke Tuesday December 19th, 2000 11:21:57 PM
Sly sleep off and on. The Street are quite and not much traffic is going on. So Sly will doze a little bit more.
Trace and Radiant Tuesday December 19th, 2000 11:22:41 PM
After makeing sure that all is well down stairs Trace carries Lok upstairs and maks a pallet next to Sir Thomas bed. After he makes sure that Lok is safe and secure for the night, Trace moves into his room then makes a pallet next to Uteva's bed then lays down to sleep. "Uteva, you sing beautyfully, allmost enchanting. It reminds me of my old girlfriend back home. Well before she and the others were killed she use to sing at our weekly gatherings when we shared our hunt or harvest. You just remind me of her. You have a good night." Trace sleeps for four hours then makes his way outside to check on Sly Fox and Luke.
Lok Mufflefoot Wednesday December 20th, 2000 4:49:11 PM
The halfling hiccups furiously as he is lead to his cot. Thanking Trace superfluously for his help in only the way a drunk halfling can thank, he giggles and wiggles his toes as he lies there till sleep thankfully takes him. Occasionally even in his sleep, a hiccup escapes his dry mouth.
Ilsidur Wednesday December 20th, 2000 6:38:53 PM
Ilsidur heads upstairs and takes one of the empty rooms. He leaves one of the shutters cracked open so as to awaken at first light. He puzzles a little over what everyone in the common room had to say about Hook City. It sounds like everyone there is a wizard. He spends a few minutes updating his journal, then liad down for the first good night's sleep in what seem like months.
Sir Thomas Wednesday December 20th, 2000 6:48:00 PM
Thomas wakes up at each instance when someone enters the room, but upon seeing friendly forms in the dark he drifts back into dreas of grandeur in the name of justice.
Uteva Wednesday December 20th, 2000 7:06:55 PM
Teva follows the boys upstairs and climbs into bed. She smiles sadly at Trace's words, but says only, "Thank you, Trace. Sleep well."
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