Chapter 1: Greatwall

[Darklin2]

Montego continues to laugh and drink with his compatriots until he hears that the merchants are about to arrive.

"What did she say about those traveling merchants? I wonder if they are in the market for any armed guards. Might just be our ticket out of here after all."

Not sure they would let us off the wall for merchants. And not much gold in taking empty wagons anywhere. If I had the gold I'd buy a wagon and bring the goods in. Prices are getting higher everyday a wagon load of goods here would make tons of gold. But I guess it would be better than standing around watching the Orcs out of bow range.

[Hotgoblin]

Not sure they would let us off the wall for merchants. And not much gold in taking empty wagons anywhere. If I had the gold I'd buy a wagon and bring the goods in. Prices are getting higher everyday a wagon load of goods here would make tons of gold. But I guess it would be better than standing around watching the Orcs out of bow range.

Muldgarr Petri replies in a hushed voice, Sia, I do not think asking our superiors would be a wise choice, we should convince the merchants they need our protection!!! Who in our ”band of brothers”, would be able to talk them into needing us? He smiles at Kranston.

[hedgeknight]

Before Kranston can respond to Muldgarr's hint, the front door bangs open and three Greatwall guards walk in. You recognize them as a sergeant and two men-at-arms. As they approach you, you see another three Greatwall guards enter through the back door and head toward your table.



As they arrive, the sergeant - a harsh-looking man with a scars across his nose and on the left side of his face - turns to you with his finger pointed. "You...and you...and you..."

He identifies each of you in turn, even pointing out Cassius who is about to return to the kitchen for food for the merchants, then barks a command:
"Your presence is required by the captain of the Greatwall guard. Come with me."

[Darklin2]

SAI

What is this about sergeant ? We have done nothing wrong, any ideas what the Captain wants?

Sai sits in his seat looking at the others and awaiting a reply.

[OGRE MAGE]

Montego stands from his chair at attention, like any good off-duty soldier.

“This better not be about another tour on the wall. My fighting talents are wasted up there, and you know it, Sergeant!”

[Monsieur Rose]

Cassius

Cassius puts down the tray he was carrying and smiles at Trilena. "Duty calls, my dear. Unless you want to tell these fine gentlemen no." He pulls off the apron, hangs it up in the kitchen and gathers his meager things.

After a few seconds, he returns and addresses the Sergeant. "Sir. May I say that you look concerned. Do these miscreants warrant seven armed men to wrangle?" He waves his hand at the table.

[ChubbyPixie]

Kranstön shifts his drum to his side as he moves to stand easily at attention. He’s not sure why, but this moment feels to him like the beginning of something epic. Something that will merit retelling. Accompanied by a driving beat and possibly some drum rolls at key moments, of course.

[Hotgoblin]

Muldgarr Petri rises from his seat. He senses the urgency in the Sergeant’s voice, so he slams his beer and says, Yes, sir. Lead the way.

[hedgeknight]

SAI
What is this about sergeant ? We have done nothing wrong, any ideas what the Captain wants?
Sai sits in his seat looking at the others and awaiting a reply.

"What this is about soldier is following orders. I'm following mine, and I suggest you get off yer ass and follow yours!"

Montego stands from his chair at attention, like any good off-duty soldier.
“This better not be about another tour on the wall. My fighting talents are wasted up there, and you know it, Sergeant!”

"All I know, Montego, is you need to fall in line and do as you're ordered."

Cassius
After a few seconds, he returns and addresses the Sergeant. "Sir. May I say that you look concerned. Do these miscreants warrant seven armed men to wrangle?" He waves his hand at the table.

The sergeant glances at the table of merchants and sighs. "Cassius, just fall in line. Clear?"

Kranstön shifts his drum to his side as he moves to stand easily at attention. He’s not sure why, but this moment feels to him like the beginning of something epic. Something that will merit retelling. Accompanied by a driving beat and possibly some drum rolls at key moments, of course.

The sergeant nods at the dwarf. "Never seen a drumming dwarf in my life. I fought beside many a dwarf in the war. Instead of toys, they carried swords, axes, and hammers. You know how to handle one of those?"

Muldgarr Petri rises from his seat. He senses the urgency in the Sergeant’s voice, so he slams his beer and says, Yes, sir. Lead the way.

"Follow me."

The sergeant escorts you, under guard, out of the tavern, through the streets, and into the main hall of Greatwall Keep itself > a giant, pillared room containing a massive, wall-length hearth. A raging fire warms the barren marble walls and floor, and illuminates a long and wide oaken table covered with parchment and maps.
After about 10 minutes the guards snap to attention as double doors at the end of the hall swing open. In strides Gillmore, Captain of the Greatwall guard. A well-built man with a a war-hardened face but with a manner more cordial than the sergeant who escorted you here.



"I must apologize for the manner in which Sergeant Krayquer has brought you here," Gillmore begins, his deep voice resonating throughout the vast chamber. "But our time grows short. Please sit down and relax, as I have something which I need to discuss with you." He claps his hands twice, and two servers appear with jugs of wine and begin serving you. Then he orders everyone else except for you and Krayquer out of the room.
When all have left Gillmore begins.

"As you are aware, Iuz and his forces of evil continue to pressure us, despite the peace agreement. This jeopardizes Greatwall's strategic position; we rely almost entirely on outside sources for supplies, and the violence has made the journey her too unprofitable for most merchants. Even our traditional trading partners in Willip refuse to take the risk.
"I need to prove to them they can make the trip safely and profitably. This is where you come in.
"I wish you to escort a caravan of three merchant wagons to Willip and back. The caravan leaves tomorrow at dawn and must return as quickly as possible, before winter strikes. The wagons carry traditional trade goods, to be exchanged for the food and supplies we will need to survive the oncoming winter. Iuz's raids have occupied my forces so completely that I must turn to you.
"You will use the old Grabford-Critwall-Willip trail to resupply the border posts and to show the Willip merchants that it can still be traveled safely. I understand this will put you along the Veng River, a stones throw from the land of Iuz. Fear not - border patrols guard the riverbanks from Iuz's incursions.
"For your heroic service to Greatwall, I will award you each 1,000 gold pieces upon your return."

He claps his hands again and the servants re-enter with several sacks, each containing 250 gold.
"This additional payment should be enough to cover whatever expenses you might have before you leave."

He pauses again and looks at each of you confidently. "Well, my friends...what do you say?"

[Darklin2]

Sia

Sorry Captain we didn't mean to disrespect the Sargent. I for one would be willing to help the cause. Will the fort be providing horses and additional weaponry or do we need to find our own? I am more than willing to attend to the medicinal needs of the group. What say you fellas? 1000 gold is alot for doing anything plus 250 gold up front.


Should we bring wagon loads of supply back with us to help with the winter supplies?

[ChubbyPixie]

“I, for one, sir, am more than willing to volunteer to further the ends of this Great Kingdom and, in doing so, to ‘waggle my digits’ in the very face of Iuz, to use a common dwarven phrase,” says Kranstön, making an effort not to literally jump at the mention of two-hundred and fifty gold, much less a thousand. Gambling debts don’t pay themselves. And sometimes no one else pays them, either. That doesn’t make someone a bad person, just... unlucky. But luck was with Kranstön this day. All he had to do was not die before collecting his windfall.

“However!” he exclaims, suddenly, gesturing to the others with a sweep of his arms.“I will not go without this, my team of... specialists! We are a well honed machine, an ABSOLUTE UNIT!” He leans in near to Muldgarr and whispers, quietly. “What is it you do, again? You’re a woodsman, you said?”

[hedgeknight]

Sia
Sorry Captain we didn't mean to disrespect the Sargent. I for one would be willing to help the cause. Will the fort be providing horses and additional weaponry or do we need to find our own? I am more than willing to attend to the medicinal needs of the group. What say you fellas? 1000 gold is alot for doing anything plus 250 gold up front.
Should we bring wagon loads of supply back with us to help with the winter supplies?

Captain Gillmore chuckles when Sia mentions Sergeant Krayquer, and you note that the Sergeant's face darkens in anger, but he remains quiet.
"I should think the gold I just gave you will finance your trip sufficiently," Gillmore replies, shaking Sia's hand. "And I am glad to have you aboard. I hope the group won't need, ah, medicinal needs but, I am grateful to know you will be along. Your name, good sir?"
After a proper introduction, Gillmore says, "Yes, you will escort the return wagons with the supplies we need for the winter."

“I, for one, sir, am more than willing to volunteer to further the ends of this Great Kingdom and, in doing so, to ‘waggle my digits’ in the very face of Iuz, to use a common dwarven phrase,” says Kranstön, making an effort not to literally jump at the mention of two-hundred and fifty gold, much less a thousand. Gambling debts don’t pay themselves. And sometimes no one else pays them, either. That doesn’t make someone a bad person, just... unlucky. But luck was with Kranstön this day. All he had to do was not die before collecting his windfall.
“However!” he exclaims, suddenly, gesturing to the others with a sweep of his arms.“I will not go without this, my team of... specialists! We are a well honed machine, an ABSOLUTE UNIT!” He leans in near to Muldgarr and whispers, quietly.“What is it you do, again? You’re a woodsman, you said?”

This brings a louder laugh from the Captain and he walks over to the exuberant dwarf and says, "I am confident in your abilities, master Dwarf, and should your companions, erm...attempt to stray from their mission, I am sure you will remind them of our agreement here today, yes?"
He turns away and then turns back just as quickly. "Kranstone, I believe is your name. Am I right? Of Ulek, yes?"

Even though he appears stern, it is easy to see why men fight and die for this Captain Gillmore. He is ready with a laugh and a handshake as easily as he is ready with a sword.
"What say the rest of you?" he asks, his arms outstretched to include the room.

[OGRE MAGE]

Montego stands proudly when asked about his participation, nearly choking on his drink of wine when he hears the amount of the reward.

"Yes sir, Captain Gillmore, sir! If I can aid the progress of the trade routes in any way, then you shall have my sword, sir!"

He tries not to sneer too much at the grumpy Sergeant when he accepts the captains terms......and his bag of gold.

[Hotgoblin]

Muldgarr Petri

Muldgarr appreciates the pre-payment and eyes the room for any extras lying around... Thank you Captain!! My brothers in arms are the best of the best, we will not let you down!! My prowling knowledge and use of my bow and sword should compliment our team! He winks at Kranston.

[Monsieur Rose]

Cassius

Cassius is speechless, his glass of wine perched halfway to his lips. A vague whimpering can be heard emanating from his throat. His eyes fixated on the bag of gold with his name on it. More gold than he's seen since he left Veluna.

"Gulp." The wine finally reaches its destination and coaxes some words from the stunned elf. "For that sum, I'll carry the goods on my back, Sir. Two questions, if I may. Who is leading this caravan, and if we do run into conflict with Iuz, do we engage?"

Cassius forces his eyes away from the gold to face the Captain.

[hedgeknight]

Captain Gillmore is visibly moved by your enthusiasm...even though it may be helped along by the amount of gold offered ...and he shakes hands with each of you and says, "Sergeant Krayquer here will brief you on the mission. The merchant Malin, and two trader comrades, shall meet you at the citadel gates at dawn tomorrow. But...if you wish, you may meet them tonight at The Behir and Beholder."

Captain Gillmore thanks you again and leaves the chamber. Once gone, Krayquer clears his throat, crosses his arms and barks, "Ok, listen up! Here's a few things you need to know before you head out tomorrow:
1/ Border posts are a day or two of travel apart; plan accordingly with food and water and supplies.
2/ The terrain is open and visibility will clear to about 25 yards off the main trail.
3/ Orcs mainly raid at night, if they raid at all. My sources tell me they are few and far between, so if you show force, the stragglers will not bother you.
4/ And this is the most important > kill any lizardman on sight!

Any questions? Good. Now...oh, one more thing. You'll need this."

The sergeant pulls a piece of rolled parchment from his vest and rolls it out on one of the tables. It is a MAP:

Players map at the bottom; just scroll down viewtopic.php?f=848&t=9263

You can see all of the forts and stops along the trail...all the way to Willip.

"Now...like I was about to say...get out...and good luck!"

Actions?

[Darklin2]

SIA

So by this Map is there a common trail to these places? Doesn't look like much on the map. Is Grabford or Mursten our first stop? I suppose the drivers know the way. Have there been any attacks from Molag across the river like there have been here?

Sai shakes his head. Realizing this guy doesn't give two shits about anything. Thinks to himself. Piss poor intell and attitude.

Well fellas I am headed to the stables to purchase a horse and a few other belongings before we head out. Sai starts making a list in his head but is speaking it out loud.

Medium Warhorse, Saddle with saddle blanket, bit & bridle, Long Sword with sheath and a quiver of sheaf arrows to counter balance on my saddle horn, a medium shield, and 1 Week Iron Rations should get me through. Forage for the rest. Ehlonna will provide.

Makes his way to the door and out to the armory and stables.

[OGRE MAGE]

Montego looks up form studying the map only long enough to ask one question.

"Why are you so worried about the lizardmen? I thought that orcs were the main pawns of Iuz?"

[ChubbyPixie]

“The captain’s heard of me.” says Kranstön, puffing out his chest a little. “Probably saw my opening set at the Muddy Raven.” He is clearly pleased at the recognition.

“See you this evening at the Behir and Beholder, my brothers in arms, for those of you who enjoy beer and fine drumming!” he pronounces dramatically as he bows and strides out the door and off to the stables. In his mind he has already named the pony he intends to buy - Eustace, a fine name for a pony - when he passes a haberdasher... only to promptly turns on his heel and enter.

One fresh new wide brimmed feathered hat later, he continues on his way to procure his new companion, along with all the accoutrements - blanket, saddle, saddlebags, the works, in the fanciest variety he can manage.

I calculate all this to be roughly 31 gold - deducted.

In the evening he will head to the Beholder to discover what he may of these merchants and their wares.

[Hotgoblin]

Muldgarr Petri

Muldgarr pockets his pre-paid funds... Yes, let’s meet later at the Behir and Beholder. Now off to the stables to find a suitable mount and purchase other equipment for our excursion.
He purchases Willow, a younger mare, riding equipment and acquires a bedroll, rope, oil and flasks, water skin, caltrips, chalk and replenishes his supply of lembas bread.