The Frontier # 14
Having arrived at Whispering Hollow, the Seekers split into three groups to infiltrate the village. The group of Validar, Stephanie and Araduin leaves first.
The sun is starting to fade over the mountains as they ride into town on the north road. The first structure they come upon is an abandoned farmhouse. Its doors and windows have been boarded shut.
Several children play in the yard of the next house, but run from sight upon seeing the riders.
The Inn of the Whispering Elms is soon in sight. The trio dismounts before the Inn. Stable hands escort the mounts into the nearby barn.
The common room of the Inn seems to have a cheery atmosphere, in sharp contrast to the rest of the village. Only half a dozen patrons are in the room as they enter. Several depart the Inn moments later.
A large, middle age woman bearing a large smile comes over the table the party is seated at.
"Welcome, Lords and Ladies to the Inn of the Whispering Elm! I am Derla Crum, proprietor. You must have journeyed long and far to arrive in our fair village. What can I get you, travelers?'
GM Notes:
The Inn has a good-sized menu of food and drinks. Both are of good quality. When asked about rooms, Derla will say that all the rooms of the Inn are vacant. Private rooms will run 2 gp per night. Each room has a comfortable feather bed, a wardrobe, a table with 2 chairs and a nightstand.
It is dusk as the second group reaches the east road into Whispering Hollow. Large Elms line the road, leaving the party in near dark conditions.
As they ride along, they become aware of noises off of the road. Moments later a group of 5 goblins step out of the shadows. The leader of the group speaks, in broken common.
"What you want? Why you here?"
Before the group can reply, the leader speaks out loud in goblin. More noise is heard, and you get the distinct feeling that there are more goblins out of sight.
"Answer, human! Or else!"
The leader brandishes his short sword.
GM Notes:
The goblins are about ten feet ahead of the party. Except for the leader, the other four have spears and short sword.
Back at the campsite, the rest of the Seekers continue their vigil. Shortly before nightfall, they see the group of Validar, Stephanie and Araduin ride into the village and enter the Inn.
Night has fallen and there is still no sign of the second group.
Time passes slowly as you watch what goes on down below. Suddenly, a piercing shriek fills the valley! The cry of some unknown creature. Whatever it is, it is far away from your location.
The hours pass by, and the moon is now high in the sky. It is then that something odd is noticed. Wendy seems to be nowhere in sight. A quick search of the area confirms this. She is nowhere to be found....
Gm Notes:
That should give all of you plenty to do! I'll update this post as necessary during the week.
Here is the complete and up-to-date listing of party levels.
| Name | Race/Sex | Class/Lvl | AC/HP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Araduin | E/M | M/1 | 4/4 |
| Cereld | H/M | C/4 | 4/28 |
| Dalliance | E/F | F-M/2-2 | 1/12 |
| Dwaladin | D/M | C-T/1-1 | 7/6 |
| Finrod | E/M | F-M-T/2-2-3 | 5/14 |
| Flint | D/M | F/2 | 0/20 |
| Raeden | H/M | D/3 | 7/24 |
| Stephanie | H/F | F/3 | 2/32 |
| Ticat | H/M | F/3 | 2/30 |
| Validar | H/M | F/3 | -2/26 |
| Those with a shaky future: | |||
| Arafel | H/F | R/1 | 4/9 |
| Dar | E/M | R-C/1-1 | 5/10 |
SUBJ: ti-cat (R) FROM: JPtigercat 11/13/89 S#: 74038
::: whispers :::
Raeden, Arafel... listen to me. There will be more goblins, probably archers, possibly mounted.
If we surrender, they will torture us. If we fight, they will kill us all. If we all flee, their archers will spit us like pigs. Now, you must obey...
Wheel your horses, when I say "now", and ride swiftly back to camp. Tell them what is happening.
If the goblins have no archers, and no mounts, I can take them all with my bow, or enough that I too may escape... if it is as I fear, I am the only one who can assure your safety.
Raeden... your god go with you. Arafel, make sure he makes it back.
You mustn't argue, you mustn't talk... go.
Pulling his fur hood back, Ti raises his hand in greeting to the goblin leader. His hand is inches from his arrows. His other hand inches toward his bow.
"Now!" he hisses to Raeden and Arafel, as he whips out his bow and shafts.
SUBJ: Raeden (R) FROM: Belrek 11/13/89 S#: 404372
Raeden is startled but not completely shocked by Ti-Cat's plan (he is learning), he thinks to argue against it but realizes it would be futile; after a few seconds he nods his agreement (doesn't like it though) and awaits the signal. As he waits he whispers in his horses ear and that of his companion, Arafel, telling the two fine steeds that they must run as they have not before, so that Ti-Cat's actions will not be in vain; and maybe they can do some good. He will ride at full gallop, making sure that Arafel is with him, back towards camp, hoping that Ti-cat's plan is successful, but at the same time he feels the sorrow that comes at the hands of Death, he feels his breath in the air; he hopes that Ti-Cat can some how escape.
SUBJ: Araduin (R) FROM: Deslock 11/13/89 S#: 808808
- It would seem it is not too difficult to disguise Elven features after all. Still, this should prove interesting. Also, knowing goblin may be of some use in this town. -
On our way through town, I shall note alternate routes out. We may need them later. In the Inn, I shall sip an ale, and listen to the talk of the locals. If the mood seems right, I'll sing a song; perhaps this will loosen the tongues of the tavern goers.
SUBJ: Dalliance FROM: Random0 11/13/89 S#: 823771
"Gods! What a time to pick for a stroll!! Might she have been snatched so quietly that we didn't hear? It seems unlikely, but we must be very careful, and we must find her." I draw my sword, but also have a Sleep spell ready. It may be of more use than steel, as Sleep would not be harmful to the girl.
"Cereld, what now?"
SUBJ: Stephanie
Upon seeing the village and entering the cozy Inn, Steph feels almost at home. "I could live here", she thinks.
When the Innkeeper comes over, I'll be polite and let Validar do most of the talking. I'll order up a large meal, chicken or turkey if they have it. Assuming the nothing else happens, I'll retire to my room for the evening. The chance to sleep on a feather bed after a week on the hard ground is hard to pass up!
GM Notes: Group One
Within 15 minutes of your arrival, the rest of the patron's are gone. You also noticed that they all left before nightfall.
"You don't want to be outside at night', Delra will say if questioned. "But it's good to have travelers here in the ol' Inn again. I must say, young lady, it's been awhile since I've seen someone devour a meal like that!"
Her large smile never fading, Derla gathers up the dishes and carries them into the kitchen, leaving the group alone in the common room.
GM Notes: Group Two
On Ticat's command, Raeden and Arafel spur their horses on. The goblins appear to have taken by suprise. A few spears chase after the two, but none reach their target. In moments, Ticat and the goblins are out of sight.
Spectrum's Comments: And thus Ticat gets the heroic exit that he desired. I did leave the situation open just in case he decided to return. He did not.
SUBJ: Damn fool kids! (R) FROM: FINROD 11/14/89 S#: 447771
"Obviously, we must try to find her, but also we must watch the town, in case our companions down there should need us. You and Cereld look for Wendy, and I shall keep watch here. Try not to go beyond earshot, however. If you should need me, or I you, we must be able to shout.
"All with your permission, of course, Cereld!"
::Finrod turns back to scrutinizing the town, most especially the southern edge, where we should long since have seen group two move into town.::
"Curse it all, I'm really getting worried. "
SUBJ: Cereld FROM: Lanceson 11/18/89 S#: 497150
"Very well Finrod my friend, we will search for Wendy while you remain here. I don't think I have to tell you to stay alert. If there is something out here, we have to all stay on guard. Ok Dal, lets go. We'll stay within sight of each other at all times, just in case."
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 11/18/89 S#: 467503
- It would seem song would be inappropriate at the moment. Perhaps the barmaid would be willing to tell us something of this town. -
If Derla returns to the common room then I shall ask why no one ventures out at night, and something of the history of this town.
SUBJ: Validar FROM: Panther13 11/18/89 S#: 464786
A side comment about the possible nature of the beast whose scream was heard throughout the valley might be useful, as well.
I am curious as to why no one goes out. It may be the priest's, but I have a feeling that it is something more! I am also concerned about the team we were to meet and what became of them. This is clearly a hostile area. We must be on our full guard. I suggest (amoungst ourselves) that at the very least, we keep our weapons close at hand this evening.
The frontier # 15
In the now nearly deserted common room at the Inn of the Whispering Elm, Validar, Araduin and Stephanie question Derla. The Innkeeper silently pulls the window shades, bolts the door and blows out any unnecessary lamps.
"I'm a fair judge o' character, and you three seem to be of good stock. This valley is a dangerous place for ye. A temple of Hextor is close by. While most o' the townsfolk dislike 'em, we can't do much 'bout it. You ask why no one goes out at night 'bout here. Take a listen... That there's the cry of th' Mountain Monster."
"We's don't know what the beastie is... No one has lived long enough to see it. It's even got the Hextorites shakin' in their boots."
When question about the Mountain Monster in particular, Derla will respond with:
"Th' whole trouble with th' monster started several winters back. This feller named Akbar showed up and moved into the ol' wizards tower to the south of town. Folks claim that he freed the monster. No one knows fer sure Akbar was never seen again. Th' monster appeared a few times, but then there was nothin' for a couple of years. Just in the last few weeks, th' monster appeared again.'
After that, Derla bids the group good night and departs.
Back out in the forest, the main group spreads out to look for Wendy. Dar manages to locate her tracks. Following them leads to a clearing a short distance away. The tracks lead to th center of the clearing and then stop. No trail can be found from there.
Having lost the trail, everyone returns to the camp. All is quiet down below in the village. Occasionally the wail of some beast is heard in the distance.
Suddenly, Raeden and Arafel ride into camp at full speed. They quickly dismount and relate their story. How the goblins suddenly appeared and how Ticat bravely held them off.
SUBJ: Dal FROM: Random0 11/19/89 S#: 507419
Sword sheathed but the words of my Sleep spell on the tip of my pink little tongue, I nod to Cereld and start searching the area, careful to keep him in sight. The sounds from the valley and town are disturbing, but I try to ignore them for the moment and concentrate on the task at hand. I trust Fin to keep an eye on things and alert us if needed. My concern for Wendy grows steadily as we move through the darkness.....
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 11/19/89 S#: 512002
"Could this Akbar be Wendy's father? If so, then we should visit the tower of which the barmaid spoke. But that will have to wait for the morn. Although our comrades have not arrived, I do not think we should leave this place just now. We do not know where they might lie, and wandering about while this creature is abroad would not be a wise course of action. If we can somehow surmise there locale, that would be another matter. What say you?"
SUBJ: Validar FROM: Panther13 11/20/89 S#: 47941
"This is very interesting news. I am starting to wonder some things, but cannot voice them without more proof. I am worried, however. Very worried."
"Derla seems trustworthy, but I still think we need to take care what with the Hextites so near. Be on guard."
"I hope that everything is not unwell with our comrades. There are numerous things that could have gone wrong and nothing we can do about them this night. In any case, I wonder how this Akbar, whom I fully believe to be Wendy's father, ties in with this mountain monster. I have a sinking suspicion that there is more to this mission than we originally believed. Be careful this night, indeed, my friends."
SUBJ: Stephanie
"Right, guys. Let's get some shut eye."
Steph goes up to her room and crawls into bed. She places her sheathed sword under the covers and attempts to sleep. The monster loose in the valley and her missing companions fill her thoughts making for a restless night.
SUBJ: Full Moon.... (R) FROM: FINROD 11/23/89 S#: 475641
Finrod gazes thoughtfully up at the Full Moon and listens to the sounds from across the valley. When the searchers return empty-handed and with word that Wendy's tracks vanished in the middle of a clearing, he does not seem surprised, but rather nods his head as if this confirms some suspicion that had been forming in his mind. For now, though, he is silent.
When the two members of group two return, he questions them at length about EXACTLY what they saw and heard both before and after the Goblin encounter.
"As soon as it gets close to dawn, Cereld, I would like to take our good Druid here and one other, and sneak over to where the encounter occurred, timing to arrive there at dawn, if it is alright with you. And if Ti-Cat has not returned by then, I suspect he will be in need of our help. I want to get a good look at the spot where those Goblins stood...they may be very real, but then again, they reek to me of illusion...Nothing concrete, just a feeling, from someone who has studied such."
Finrod Returns his gaze to the Town spread out below in such seeming innocence, and he wonders what Stephanie is doing down there, and whether she is in any danger.
SUBJ: Dalliance FROM: Random0 11/23/89 S#: 478015
"Finrod, if you have no objections, I wish to go with you and Raeden. The goblins may not be illusions, and my sword and magic may be of use. I am greatly concerned that Ti has not returned. As for Wendy, it seems obvious she has not merely wandered off, but has been stolen from our care. By what, and what means, I cannot yet say. But I, too, have my suspicions."
Turning to Cereld, I ask his permission to go with Fin and Raeden.
SUBJ: Cereld (R) FROM: Lanceson 11/25/89 S#: 487584
"Yes Dal, you, Finrod, Flint, Raeden and Arafel can return to the sight, but I think you must go now and not wait until morning. Your elven eyesight will more than compensate for the darkness and I fear that we cannot wait till morning. We must know what became of Ti now morning might be too late. If the goblins managed to capture him alive, and if they are working with that temple, then they would probably bring him there for questioning. And I have some idea how these Hextorites question people. I would not wish it on an enemy, let alone a friend. Also they might find out about the other group we have down there, endangering Validar and the others. So I say go now and find the goblins and the fate of Ti. I will remain behind to continue to search for Wendy. Finrod you are in charge. If Ti is dead, avenge his death if you can, but don't take any unnecessary chances. If he is alive, you know what to do. Good luck my friends and may Heironeous BLESS you on this endeavor."
SUBJ: Raeden FROM: Belrek 11/25/89 S#: 487668
(After Cereld's blessing)"...And may the watchful eye of Obad-Hai be with us in these, his woods and his protective arm around us."
Raeden leans over to pat and pet his horse on the head, letting him know that he has done well and at the same time telling him that he must still ride again this night.
Raeden is now ready to go.
The Frontier #16
Quickly mounting up, Finrod, Dalliance, Flint, Raeden and Arafel ride off into the night. Almost an hour later, they reach the site of the attack.
The first sight to greet the party is the ghastly sight of Ti's fatally wounded stead lying in the moonlight. A quick search of the area turns up two goblin corpses. Ti's arrows driven into their lifeless forms.
There is no sign of Ti himself, although the sight of his shattered sword makes things look bleak. Puddles of blood cover the road. Nothing of any value is located.
However, in the pre-dawn light, the tracks of the goblins can be seen leading down the road, towards Whispering Hollow. Something heavy was dragged behind them.
Morning comes to the Inn of the Whispering Elm. Validar, Araduin and Stephanie arrive downstairs about the same time. Derla has already been about and has the morning meal prepared.
Near the end of the meal, Derla comes to the table and takes a seat.
"I've got some news, this morn. One o' the outlying farms has attack last night. Th' Hodkins place. Everyone o' them was done in by th' beastie. If your lookin' into this mystery, that might be th' place to start."
Derla gives you the location of Hodkins farm. It is on the way to the old wizards tower.
After the meal, the group sets out to the farm. A few miles out of town, along the West Road, they come to the farm. The main house is in ruins. A huge section of the wall appears to have been ripped out. All is silent.
At the base camp, the rest of the night passes without incident. Shortly after dawn, they can see Validar's Group gather outside the Inn and ride off to the west. Shortly afterwards, a group of goblins arrive on foot. They enter the Inn for a moment and then leave. They also appear to be heading west.
GM Notes: ...And the mystery continues to deepen...
As of this post, the characters Arafel, Dar Thaltus and Dwalidin are consider NPC'S.
SUBJ: Stephanie
I'll quietly slide down from my horse and draw my sword. Trying to be as silent as I can, I'll take a look around the house.
"What kind of creature could cause this much destruction?"
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 11/28/89 S#: 505572
I'll also dismount and go to examine the farmhouse.
"Whatever did this, I don't think it will be sneaking up on us. Subtly doesn't appear to be one of its major features."
In looking over the wreckage, I'll attempt to determine whether the damage was caused by natural or magical means.
SUBJ: Validar FROM: Panther13 12/02/89 S#: 57160
"Let me tell you, fair Stephanie, there are many creatures that are capable of such destruction. I only hope that whatever the beast is, there are no more than 1."
Validar will also dismount and draw his sword, looking around.
"I agree the beast does not seem one for stealth. We must be careful none the same."
Validar will examine the building and eventually the interior to see if there is anything to further learn. I will also look for any obvious signs of where the creature went from here. If it isn't too subtle, it may not be hard to follow.
"I have a feeling, my friends, that this is the work of the magician in question. I would not be surprised if our trail leads us to his tower. Things are starting to come together, but there are a few things that do not quite fit, as yet. I have a bad feeling about all this, comrades. Make certain that your swords are not far from your hands!"
Spectrum's Comments: Not much in the way of comments for this particular batch of files. The story is progressing nicely and without any major debates happening, the posts were actually smaller in size, thus making it possible to cover three posts in one file. So what is really going on here? Stay tuned!