[Game #1] Main Group's Current Thread

[Landifarne]

From the previous thread:

Arkthren's Intro:

Arkthren wondered what his cousin was up to. Pursic had always been something of a wild child, but the boy had left the herbalist's shop earlier in the evening without voicing where he was going. Inexcusable, as he was Arkthren's direct responsibility. Master Holcomb's head was so lost in his weeds and mushrooms that he probably didn't even realize that his youngest apprentice had gone out.

Judging it likely Pursic was spending time with Loryn, that rascal stable hand, Arkthren excused himself after his own duties had been completed and sauntered over to the Hoof 'round the eighth bell. Jingling a few drabs in his coinpurse, the apprentice figured he could pass a few pleasant hours in the inn's taproom while he discovered exactly what his cousin was up to...it was always fun to hear what the simple folk had to say, even if some of their notions were beyond ludicrous.

Crossing the village square, Arkthren touched the foreleg and hoof that was nailed outside the inn's door. The locals thought the gesture brought luck, and who was Arkthren to doubt the veracity of the idea. Entering the establishment, the apprentice ordered a pint from Eremil and nodded to a few shopkeepers and apprentices that he knew. Moving to the back of the room, near the fire, the apprentice sat down with his drink and ruminated upon his life-

Since becoming obsessed with druidism two years ago, Master Holcomb hadn't taught Arkthren anything new. Reynard had chaffed at their master's intransigence so much that the former apprentice eventually left Holcomb's service altogether. And, even though Reynard had always been a rotten bastard, Arkthren had to admit that he had also been thinking of doing the same. It was becoming increasingly clear to the now-senior apprentice that little was to be gained by staying on.

Pursic had certainly picked up some druidic arts, but Arkthren had no talent, or interest in lynsic flows. Better to leave, Arkthren thought to himself. Pursic can take care of the master's needs, and I have been an apprentice to Holcomb for far too long.

Arkthren
At his table in the back, Arkthren looks around to see who is in the crowd, and if there is anyone from out of town.
Eventually he moves around the Hoof asking the local traders and craftsman if any of them have seen Pursic or Loryn tonight, and staying away from patrons who've clearly had too much too drink.

The Centaur's Hoof, Village of Rifford (Eighth Bell o' Noon)

Arkthren notices that it's an abnormally busy night at the Hoof, with a number of new faces to be seen...along with the normal assortment of characters.

Jenn was there, assistant to Albyn Mersson. It was a shame that Jenn had to work for the wealthy provisioner, whom everyone in Rifford hated. Arkthren's acquaintance (like most practitioners of the arts, the apprentice hernblist/mage didn't have many lasting friends...one of the reasons he felt few ties to the region) took the brunt of most peoples' complaints.

Raff and Klort were also in the taproom, enjoying a game of suffrance [Arkthren could never figure out the rules of that game...they seemed to switch every few minutes] with a couple farmers. The brewer's apprentices would probably lose a week's supply of brew to the savvy laborers.

And, there was Lord Sanblic and his retinue, of course. That nasty man was as likely to run a man of lower status through the heart with his longsword as take notice of the bloke. Everyone in the great room knew this, and a wide berth was given to that party.

Nearer at hand a few commoners and laborers spent their saved pennies on pots of ale, keeping warm near the fire and enjoying things when one of Eremil's doxies gave them the time of day. Luthyn Reevesman sat with them, and made the men a bit nervous with his presence.

And there, in the corner opposite Arkthren, was the Suevi sellsword...Sulara Erndis. That woman had come down from the north looking for adventure and opportunity. But with her thick accent and obvious northern complexion, most Fordians wouldn't tell the woman how many bells had passed since noon. Sulara had been hiring herself out as a guard over at the holding pens- and had been drinking away all of the money she was making, by the look of things. Not an angry person, apparently, but certainly not friendly looking.

Finally, Arhthren saw a face that was approachable- good ol' Borlun Fahrlain. Sitting near the fire and eating his evening meal, the burly procurer of hides and pelts was a good source of information and was always happy to swap stories with anyone willing to share a pot of ale. Arkthren had heard the man was in Rifford; probably coming down from Highwold or Ironforge and readying a shipment bound for Ostgall.

No sign of Loryn, or of Arkthren's cousin, Pursic.

Throw five 1d20s for me, and tell me what Arkthren does while waiting around.

Arkthren

Arkthren first heads over to Borlun, hoping too elicit some information from the trapper. He joins the man at his table and calls for another drink for Borlun. After spending some time with Borlun and hoping to have found out all that he could from him, Arkthren walks over to the table where Jenn was sitting and begins to make conversation. During the conversation, in a passing comment, Arkthren asks how business is going. After receiving his answer he asks for elaboration on the matter. Once this question is raised and the topic passed, he will continue the conversation for a couple minutes and then politely remove himself.

[1d20] = 14, [1d20] = 20, [1d20] = 12, [1d20] = 20, [1d20] = 3

Aurora's Intro:

The woman walks to the barkeep, she receives the rude gestures of the old one's stoically, as she had already prepared herself for such treatment. When she reaches the the owner of the building she asks him politely, Good day sir, what sorts of food and drink might you sell here?

Aurora had spent years learning how to commune with spirits and harness the energies of the world, but she had eventually exhausted her parents' store of knowledge. Reaching that point soon after maturing into a woman, the young witch was forced to make a decision: stay, and have her budding powers stagnate, or leave the confines of the Lormarsh and seek a new coven.

For the hungry woman it was an easy decision to make.

The young witch didn't regret her choice for a minute, as she had seen more of the world in the last week than during her previous eighteen years. It was all fascinating and, to the distracted girl, full of energy to be harnessed. She only needed guidance.

Entering Rifford, the furrier she had met [Was his name Korl? Korrel?] suggested that she find a bed at the inn...but warned Aurora that her people were frowned upon in Rifford- believed to be capricious and evil. Well, the fellow had it half right.

Upon entering the inn (the name of which escaped her, but it must have had someting to do with the horse's leg that was nailed outside), her reception had been as the furrier warned- with bitter scorn and derision. She was lucky to escape the men near the door with only a bit of their spittle having landed upon her dress. Likely, it would have been better to stay in the barn with the stable boy, his friend and the furrier's dog. As it was, Aurora now felt like having a grimalkin clear the room of its occupants.

Although he was fearful of driving away his customers, Eremil was even more frightened of having a marshdweller's hex directed his way. Thus, when the woman quietly ordered a drink and meal, the ostler bit his tongue and treated the woman cordially. And, even though [By His Balls, the woman's face was covered with what looked to be a pox!] he had insisted that she take her food and drink in the room he reluctantly provided, Eremil acquiesced and cleared away a space in the back when the woman's temper began to simmer. His regulars were quick to make room...

Eating slowly with small, delicate bites, Aurora observed the room and noted those who gave her furtive, dark glances. Out of the entire room only a single, studious-looking man seemed not to be hostile.

Well, perhaps that one and also Borlun Fahrlain, Aurora thought. Fahrlain I recognize from his dealings with the trappers back home, and he's not the type to begrudge a person a meal and bed.

Aurora was tired, but the evening was yet young. She debated what to do.

Arkthren

Arkthren takes a glance around the Hoof at the patrons who are throwing dark looks at the newcomer. He reflects for a moment on the superstitious behavior and closed mindedness of the people of Rifford and the treatment that he might receive for mixing with the marsh-dweller. Making up his mind he stands up and walks over the the table where the newcomer sat.

Reaching the table he asks the woman, "Do you mind if I join you?" If either consent or no reply is given, Arkthren will sit himself down in the chair opposite the woman.

"Hello, my name is Arkthren."

Perhaps the slightest bit suprised, unsettled by this mans blatant willingness to set himself apart from the majority, she graciously accepts his request "Yes, please take a seat. This table is lonely, and I'm growing bored of observing the crowd. It's very nice to meet you, I am called Aurora."

Arkthren

Addressing Aurora, Arkthren says,"You have my apologies for the gestures directed your way when you first came in; the average person, and most of the nobility for that matter, can be a terribly illogical lot. Not to mention greedy," he adds with a snort.

"So what brings you to this wonderful utopia that is Rifford?" he asks Aurora.

"Where do you come from, Aurora?
"What is it like living there?"

Replying to Arkthren, she tells himI hail from The Lormarsh, where I lived with and learned from my parents. Not long ago, I became submerged in wanderlust, and when I reached womanhood and had tapped the reservoir of my parents knowledge I decided to leave in search of adventure and additional knowledge. I was inclined to travel here, as it's one of the few towns faintly familiar to me, to seek a warm bed and nourishment. after sharing her past she pauses briefly, then says What of you? What is your story?

Arkthren

"Well," Arkthren says as he begins his reply to Aurora. "I've lived my entire life in Rifford and never been farther from it than Highwold, when my master sent me there to obtain some particularly rare herbs for the apothecary. I was apprenticed to my master at the age of 11, and shortly after began to learn some of the arcane arts from him. Other than that my life has been pretty dreary, and I've decided to move on from this town."

Vonnn's Intro:

Arkthren and Aurora exchanged pleasantries and small talk over a bell's period, trying to hide their obvious attempts to divine (or poach) a bit of the other's knowledge of the magical arts. Neither could hide the fact that he/she was a practitioner of magic, and they both enjoyed the repartee that developed. And, as the two spoke, the rest of the taproom's occupants occupied themselves with creating slanderous gossip sure to circulate throughout the village for weeks to come:

"Tha' Ar'thren be a witch, by th' blood!"
"Shush...she'll cas' a hex o' ye."
"Nay, I don' like th' smell o' thing!"
"Argh, she be a ee-vul one. I tell ye."
"Le' th' thrawn ta' me, 'olcome's 'prentice i' a witch."

Engrossed in their conversation, and Arkthren having spent the last of his funds on a couple mugs of mulled wine, the spellcasters failed to notice when Loryn escorted a diminutive figure through the door. Catching sight of the newcomer, the great room immediately went silent. But, continuing with their exchange (the spellcasters were enjoying themselves immensely), Aurora and Arkthren took no notice and were only interrupted when the stablehand brought the traveler directly to their shared table.


"Beg pard', mas'ser Ar'thren, bu' th' dwur nee' speak wi' ye," Loryn insisted, tugging on the apprentice's sleeve. Halted in mid-sentence, Arthren was taken aback, and jumped in his seat when he turned to see a red haired member of the stoutfolk standing before him. The night had become extremely strange...

...which was too much for many of the Fordians in the taproom. Gesticulating frantically, the most superstitious of the yokels warded themselves from evil and fled the Hoof then and there. "Dwur' an' witch both! Bes' check o' th' flock, man!"

The dwarf introduced himself to Arkthren in halting common, just fluent enough to get his point across:

Named Vonnn Onsen, the dwarf explained that he had traveled to Rifford at the insistance of his clan chief, Lord Odovar of Horlenholt. Instructed to travel the breadth of Eastern Norlund, Vonnn related how he was to determine what kinds of trade goods the Norlunders had to offer the Immrick dwarves and, in turn, what dwarven goods the Norlunders' desired the most. [In reality, Lord Odovar had sent Vonnn on a mission to assess what kind of threat the Norlunders would pose to the dwarfrealm over the next few years].

Interested in this new visitor, but eager to get back to his conversation with the Lormarsh witch, Arkthren forestalled the rest of Vonnn's introduction and asked what he could do for the dwarf. Taking the interruption in stride, the dwarf smiled at Arkthren and nodded back to Loryn, who had been speaking with the stoutfolk traveler over the last hour and could hasten things along.

"Dwur mas'ser Vonnn wan' t' know i' e' ca speak wi' Mas'ser 'olcomb o' th' morrow," Loryn explained. " 'olcomb pr'vide th' dwur wi' 'lixer and physic las' winters-dar' an' saf'd many a' stou'folk. 'e wish t' pay i' r'spects t' th' mas'ser."

Catching the stablehand's gist, Arkthren agreed to introduce Vonn Onsen to Holcomb first thing the next day. Exchanging a few pleasantries with the dwarf, Arkthren then turned back to excuse himself from Aurora. The apprentice had so much on his mind that he completely forgot to ask Loryn about his cousin's whereabouts.

For his part, Vonnn headed over to Borlun Fahrlain who the dwarf had met once before. Perhaps the dwarf could get a bit of information from the fur dealer before heading to the stables to bed down. With the arrival of Aurora, Loryn had informed Vonnn that the only space available was in the stable's hay pile- sharing the priviledge of sleeping with a team of pack mules with some fellow named Tay-lor. Must be one of those Suevi barbarians, thought the dwarf...

And for her part, Sulara saw an opportunity to quit guarding piles of sheep dung down in Sou'for and take up her dreams of adventure once again. Things have a way of working out in the end, the barbarian head-basher considered...

Ythgar, Freebird, Sulara, imswayze...please post here once or twice and then switch to the new thread. Everyone please read the Housekeeping thread for an update.

You'll have to imagine the dwarven accent. I don't have the fortitude to type a ton of broken dialogue, but I will try to keep it colorful!

Vonnn enthusiastically, however wearily, approaches the trapper/trader, not seeming to care or acknowledge the commotion he has helped fuel in the tavern:

Aha, well if it isn't the champion of the rustics? How does the vast wilderness treat you these days Borlun? Not sure you remember our encounter. You were trackin' a wolf two or three year back, and stumbled onto my father's farmland; as it be the very same wolf that be terrorizin' our livestock. My father won't believe I crossed your path again. You should return there once more, and do a sweep for pests. We will all have a great feast. Say man, I'm glad to run into such a veteran of the surroundins...have you trampled out norlund way of late? In my recent travels, I be spottin' a sprinklin' of Norlunder troop movements in the direction of Horlenholt where my brethren be entrenched. Can't help but wonder if those of Norlund be itchin' at expansion out Horlenholt way. Twould be a nuisance to me clan at least. What say you? Have you noticed any similar trends?

As he is chatting up the furrier, Vonnn motions to Emeril for another round for he and Borlun?

I suppose I have the Constitution to throw one down the hatch before hitting the hay...literally...ha ha ha! I hear the Fordian Slip is the pint to be drownin' in over here. Just one though, and then I need to be thinkin' 'bout me bedtime herbs and meditation.

So sir, if I were to meander my way toward the outskirts of Norlund, where might a scout set himself to catch a wide swath of information 'bout what they be thinkin' and plottin' in Norlund?

"Ah, Vonnin, is it? I think I met ye afore," Borlun responds and pushes out a chair for the dwarf to take. "I always love me a drink, bu' best stay away from tha' Fordian Slip! It'll make yer food slip right out o' yer arse, ye hear! Har, har. An' nae from the kick...from the foul water they brew i' with."

Spending the next bell talking about developments in the region, Vonnn is somewhat relieved to discover that Eorl Hroxim had been called to war in the south, helping to punish the Brugunidans for raiding into Norlund territory. The dwarf spy is alarmed, however, to hear that Hroxim has made it know that he wished to strengthen his hold on the mountain territory between Rifford and Ironforge- land that was traditionally claimed by Horlenholt.

Overall, Vonn finds that it is the continuous incursions of mountain men and trappers (such as those Borlun bought his pelts and furs from) that his people need fear the most. If those men were allowed to continue the practice of trapping and hunting on dwarven lands, then the rulers of Norlund would soon follow.

Borlun recommended that Vonnn speak with Jonlin Oakesleaf if the dwarf were to make his way to Highwold. The ranger had close ties to Horlenholt and could be relied upon to give solid, practical advice regarding the dwarves' relations with Norlund.

In the end, Borlun asked the dwarf to carry the trader's blessings to Horlenholt and to give his regards to Vonnn's father, who the man knew fairly well.

Eating the rest of his meal, Vonn decided to get some sleep. The dwarf had pressed himself that day, making fifteen miles on his sturdy, but short, legs.

Am I suppose to talk to Arkthren or Aurora?

Ah Borlun, it be so lucky I cross your path. Nary could I find such useful intel for merely the price of ale and good company. Safe travels, and stop by the farm anytime. I see some curious characters out tonight, so I must be rested and on my toes. Farewell.

Vonnn goes about seeing how to get the best spot on the haypile; thanks Loryn, if he is around; and does any praying that need be done....

Sulara's Intro:

Sulara, barbarian fighter

Sulara, taking notice of the witch, the apprentice who sat down with the witch, and a red haired dwarf, sidles closer to hear what such an odd group could be talking about. When the red haired stoutfolk moves over to speak with the fur trader, and the apprentice excuses himself from the company of the witch, Sulara takes the seat that the apprentice had a moment before, and smiling slightly says, "His hair might match mine, but we're not together, and I'm better looking. My name's Sulara."

imswayze: You're fine, things will be coming your direction come morning. I just wanted the four of you to be on board and communicating.

Sulara and Aurora spend some time talking and getting to know each other. Once they realize that they're both looking to explore the world and discover new possibilities they hit it off like old friends.

Athough Sulara has always been a bit skittish around the mystics and shamans of her people, she recognizes Aurora as such and gives the marshwoman due respect. Informing Aurora of where she has rented a small shack (in Sou'For, that portion of the village south of the ford), Sulara gets the witch to promise not to set out without telling her and then sets off in good spirits.

I've been holed up in this village for too long, the Suevi fighter thinks to herself.

----Day 1: Morning----
Arkthren returned to the herbalist shop after bidding Aurora and Vonn good night. Bouyed at the prospect of leaving Rifford, nothing could have prepared the budding mage for the scene he returned to.

As he wlked up the walkway to their abode, Arkthren noticed that the front door was slightly ajar. Alarmed, the apprentice ran through the entry and nearly stumbeld over his master, lying in a curled, fetal position upon the floor. Turning Holcomb upon his back, Arkthren noticed that the herbalist's lips were discolored and that the elderly man had been vomiting heavily.

Signs of poison, the apprentice knew.

Clearing his master's air tract, Arkthren went to the back room of the ransacked shop and opened a locked chest- to which only he had the key (after many years of service, Master Holcomb trusted the running the shop entirely to Arkthren). Removing the master's most precious elixir from their store of most valuable potions and physics, Arkthren took the flask to his master and held it to the old man's lips. Tilting it forward, the entirety of the magenta-colored, viscous liquid burped out of the flask and fell into Holcomb's mouth. Taking an eternity to flow down the old mage's throat, the restorative eventually revived Holcomb enough that Arkthren could pick him up and carry him to his bed.

Staying with his mentor all night, Arkthren fed the man water a spoonful at a time. Close to morning, Holcomb was able to relate what had happened the previous evening, after Arkthren had left the shop:

Reynard had returned that night, ostensibly to speak with Holcomb about the prospects a mage would find in Norlund's capitol or Ostgall. Reynard convinced Holcomb to share some tea and, after they had been speaking for some time the herbalist became nauseated and faint. Collapsing, the herbalist-mage could only watch in horror as Reynard ransacked the entire shop, halting only after finding the object that Holcomb dreaded the apprentice actualy find- the librum arcanis.

Thinking that Holcomb was dying, Reynard gloated over his old master. Explaining to the paralyzed herbalist how he was going to trade the librum to a practitioner of the necromantic arts, Reynard spoke of a mage called Kalaman the Black. For the promise of instruction in powerful magic- an avenue to power that Holcomb had never been able to provide, Reynard was going to deliver the accursed tome. Leaving the place, Reynard stole all of the master's potions that were in view and delivered a few kicks (one of which apparently broke several of Holcomb's ribs) to the helpless master. Near death, Arkthren had returned fortuitously and kept Holcomb from expiring.

Pursic returned to the shop late that night, incapable of of explaining what he had been up to. But Arkthren would never have revived Master Holcomb if it wasn't for the apprentice druid's help. His young cousin had a talent for healing and treating living matter that Arkthren had never been able to reach, and the older cousin was glad for the assistance.

In the morning Holcomb defied his apprentices and strained mightily to divine the location where Reynard had taken the librum arcanis: the Shrieking Hollow, some fifteen miles to the northeast of Rifford. Holcomb promptly fell unconscious at that, but not before ordering Arkthren to retrieve the blasphemous tome by any means neccessary. If Reynard or, even worse, this Kalaman the Black were to utilize the librum, great evil would be loosed upon the region as the book had a way of attracting vile, powerful creatures to itself.

Arkthren has been charged with immediately recovering the tome, but he is in need of a great deal of help. He will be taking along a few potions that he was able to scrounge from the chest, but everything else that he could have utilized was destroyed by Reynard.

The Shrieking Hollow is a (reportedly) haunted cavern that has always lain near County Osterlic. Why Reynard, and possibly Kalaman, decided to make a beeline for that location is unknown, but Arkthren needs to ensure that whomever he takes along is prepared to enter a cavern system that has its only entrance a vertical drop of nearly fifty feet.

Go ahead and start posting...your group needs to form and get organized! Sorry if that wasn't terribly clear...

[Ythgar]

Arkthren

Immediately after salvaging all that he could from the apothecary, Arkthren heads over to the Centaur's Hoof in hope of finding Aurora. Once Arkthren arrives at the Hoof, he will look around for Aurora to see if she is at a table, if so he will head over to her table and sit down. Otherwise he will sit down at the available table closest to the door, order a good breakfast, and wait until she arrives in the main room and then head over to her.

Once having successfully located Aurora and making polite inquiries into how she was, he will say, "Aurora, last night my master's apothecary was ransacked by a former apprentice of his, who also poisoned him. A book that my master had in his possession, the Librum Arcanis, a book of great power and darkness, was stolen. That former apprentice plans to sell it to a necromancer called Kalaman the Black at Shrieking Hollow. My master tasked me with keeping this book out of Kalaman's hands, and I was wondering if you would come along with me to retrieve the tome. Also, if you decide to come, it would be helpful to have as many people on board as we could. Then as an afterthought he adds, "But don't tell too many people about the exact situation, if word gets out about the Librum, bandits from all over would be tripping over each other to get hold of it.

After speaking to Aurora and receiving her answer, Arkthren will ask Eremil about the whereabouts of Vonnn, and attempt to find the dwarf. After meeting him Arkthren will explain that his master is feeling very ill. Just before he leaves, Arkthren will add, "My master's shop was recently stolen from and he asked me to retrieve something from the thief. I think that I could need quite a few people to do so; and I was wondering if you would like to help me, I'm sure Master Holcomb would be most grateful.

[FreebirdFootbagging]

Aurora looks shocked at what your telling her, truly concerned. A book that truly holds such power shouldn't be left in the hands of a Necromancer... It would upset the balance of everything! I will help you with your task, but, I promised Sulara that when I leave this place, I would find her at her home and bring her with me. Do you deem her trustworthy to your cause?

[Ythgar]

Arkthren

After hearing Aurora's reply, Arkthren says, "Thank you for agreeing to help me with this. I truly appreciate it. As to your friend Sulara, she is welcome to come, so long as you make it clear to her how delicate the situation is."

"We're going to need all the help that we can get," he adds in somber tone.

[Landifarne]

After some initial confusion and uncertainty Arkthren manages to convince Aurora, Vonnn and Sulara to help him track down Reynard and the librum arcanis. Better yet, the would-be adventurers don't make any great demands upon the apprentice mage in return, other than he bring along whatever elixirs and tonics that are available from the herbalist's stores. To that end, Arkthren manages to procure two healing tonics...and discovers that there is one more dose of poison neutralizer that he had administered to Holcomb (it took a bit of scraping and gentle healing to collect the vicous liquid at the bottom of the phial).

Collecting their gear, the four met at the Centaur's Hoof at mid-day (there was no time to waste, as the Shrieking Hollow was fifteen miles away and the party would not arrive there until dark, even if they set a good pace). Checking each other's equipment they debated for a half hour about what else needed to be rounded up.

All right, you guys look over each others' sheets and figure out what you're lacking. Sound off when everyone is ready to begin.

[imswayze]

Sorry guys. I got unexpectedly stuck away from a computer for the holiday. I will catch up tonight. Do what you have to do until then...

[imswayze]

Vonnn, bright-eyed and bushy tailed from a step up in sleeping arrangements from two nights before, is very challenged to contain the disdain for these unknown entities that have dared set forth on such an evil assault on the elderly mentor.

A chance at bringing down this scourge that be causin so much suffer? Why people, you've found m' wheelhouse! I need food! We need supplies! When should be gone by yesterday!!

Can we/should we pony up for a pack-mule or anything like that to make better time?

To the DM: What is the deal with spells for casters? According to ADD1, both clerics and druids start with two spells, I thought. Do I get two then, or is this a house rule? And the magic-user's (Arkthren) spellbook...has multiple spells written down already--both 0 and 1 level. Is there a multitude of spells clerics, druids, and witches can choose to summon from day to day, or are we stuck with our initial spells?

To everyone else: Not sure what equipment Aurora is packing yet. Other than that, we only have 50' of rope between us, at the moment. We might need more of that. Vonnn can see in the the dark, but everyone else needs to have plenty of light to see, and we need food. DM: How long should we plan on being gone, based on travel time and as many as a few days for the mission? And again, should we/can we afford a mule? My dwarven legs might limit our speed if encumbered too much.

[Sulara]

Sulara

After hearing the tale, Sulara slams her hands down and stands - doing her best to loom over everyone - "Well, we're gonna need more rope, torches, food, and I have a big enough weapon." Snarling, the word, "Necromancer" escapes her lips, "and oil, lots of oil, and a tinderbox. Dead or alive I wager they burn."

ooc: Sulara will contribute to purchase pack animals (maybe a good price from her employer?) or other supplies the party wants to purchase.

[Landifarne]

Anticipating their departure, Sulara asked her boss for the pay he owes her...and the man snubbed her. Taking offense with his attitide, the Suevi fighter cracked the teamster over the head with the butt end of her bryntroll (handaxe)- which made him much more amenable. Parlaying the owed monies into a serviceable mule, Sulara brings the beauty along. The intractable animal's name is Bill, of course.

Well, the relevant equipment you guys have on your character sheets is (not including clothes, weapons, etc):

Sulara:
- waterskin (full) - 1
- rope, 50' - .25
- iron rations, 1 week - 5
- oil flask (2) - 2
- 2 large sacks (empty) - .1
belt pouch - 1
- tinderbox w/ flint & steel - 1
- torches (3) - .1

Vonnn:
-Map Case
-Lrg Belt Pouch
-Flint and steel
-Chalk
-Holy Symbol
-Lrg Sack (2)
-Whetstone
-Wineskin
-Dry Rations (1wk)

Aurora:
-none

Arkthren:
Oil flask, 4 4
- Bullseye lantern 12
- Waterskin 15 silver
- Torch, 2 2 copper
- Spellbook (cantrips & 1st)
- Bone scroll case 5
- Parchment, 5 sheets ?
- Large sack 16 copper
- Small sack 10 copper

Belt pouch, large 1
- Wax candle, 5 5 silver
- Tinderbox w/ Flint & steel 1
- Ink & quill ?
- Charcoal (writing)
- Chalk (writing)

You'll need to figure out what to take. All you know is that the Shrieking Hollow is a cave system accessible by a sinkhole in the ground. It's reported to be haunted...as it shrieks. Literally. It's fifteen miles away, in the foothills. It your party leaves immediately you're likely to get there a couple hours after sunset, assuming you force march Vonnn- or throw him on a mule.

Gabe: 1E clerics only get 1 spell at first level, but most people use wisdom spell bonuses. I don't (sorry about that), but I grant all spellcasters four 0-level spells. Thus you have access to all the PHB and UA 1st level cleric spells, plus the orisons that I listed in the Houserules sticky. Please go over that, as some of the 0-level orisons are equivalent to 1st level spells and you will want to choose wisely. You should be happy, overall, as they give you a bunch of options.

Brendon's witch is a unique character and she gets 3 first level spells, with nothing else. Brendon, please note that I put a description of your character's spells in a spoiler in the Magic and the Gods Sticky (if you're still using your phone and can't open the pdf).

[Ythgar]

OOC:

Here's what I think the party needs in order to go to Shrieking Hollow. The estimated cost of all this equipment is 18 silver pieces. If anyone thinks the party needs something else, just let everyone know.

Saddle bags, blanket, harness for mule
5x 50' rope coil
7 large pieces of chalk
8 torches (divided among group)
1 waterskin (for Aurora)
1 tinderbox (for Aurora)
1 backpack (for Aurora)
2 weeks normal rations (1 for Aurora, 1 for Arkthren)
20 iron spikes
1 hammer (for spikes)
4 10' poles
1 whetstone (for Sulara)

[Sulara]

Sulara

ooc: looks good to me.

"I'll gather the tack for the mule. You others split up and get everything else you think we need and let's get outta here. Be at the stable in an hour!"

Sulara will then buy the tack listed above and a whetstone.

[Landifarne]

Sulara brings the mule into the Hoof's stable and talks with Loryn for a while. Helping the muscle-bound woman, the stable boy provides her with a used, but serviceable, saddle and some tack. The equipment isn't worth much, but it won't break, and Loryn makes the Suevi promise to bring him a souvenier from their expedition in return for the loan.

Heading over to Albyn Mercer's (the Hightown provisioner) shop, Sulara procures a whetstone for three copper pennies.

Arkthren has two healing potions and one dose of poison neutralizer, all three in glass phials with waxed plugs. I'll allow Vonnn to choose his (four 0-level and one 1-level) spells at this point; Aurora is stuck with the three that Brendon originally chose...as is Arkthren (he didn't have time to obtain a new spell).

[Sulara]

Sulara, Suevi Fighter with an Axe

Arriving before anyone else, Sulara sets to the task of knotting one of the lengths of rope for an easier climb - the knots close enough for a dwarf even. If time remains, she will take her whetstone to her axes.

[Ythgar]

Arkthren

Arkthren goes to the local smithy and buys from him the iron spikes and hammer. From there he heads to the provisioner and buys two weeks of standard rations. He then goes to the roper and buys five coils of rope. After all of this is done he returns to the stable at the Centaur's Hoof and meet up with Sulara.

[imswayze]

Ok, can we pack all of our supplies/mount Vonnn with one mule. If not, can we obtain another mule?

Vonnn heads over to Albyn Mercer's. Perhaps thinking good kharma never hurts and hoping to break the ice, Vonnn offers to buy Aurora a tinder box, backpack and wineskin. He would also volunteer to purchase the 4 x 10' poles, and 7 x chalk pieces and a whetstone for Sulara, leaving only the torches, I believe. Realizing time is of the essense, Vonnn says "Oh well, I'm sure this crew may very well save my hide at some crucial moment." Throws in enough copper to obtain another 5 torches, making 10 total in cumulative inventory. Vonnn, only having 11 strength, will need to disperse his purchases to avoid excessive encumbrance.

After leaving the provisioner's, Vonnn slowly lumbers his way toward the Centaur's Hoof and the rendez-vous point.

I will update Vonnn's spells on his character sheet. Are we using secondary skills or non-weapon proficiencies? Do I have the ability to be a healer/herbalist and heal non-magically?

[Sulara]

The pack mule carries 5000 lb standard 7500 max. It should handle supplies and Vonn.

[imswayze]

Very well. I think we are ready to form up, load up, and create a travel strategy if any are needed, and hit the road.

[Landifarne]

Aurora gladly accepts the equipment the others provide her, but promises to pay her companions back when she has sufficient coin. Heading up the Highwold track, the companions determine an appropriate marching order and deportment. To make better time, Vonn sits astride the burdened mule.

Travel within five miles of Rifford takes the party by numerous farmsteads, and the companions see nothing unusual. Once they have moved a couple of miles into the heart of the forested Djorsalng Valley they no longer see fellow travellers. They should hit the foothills after a few more miles of thick evergreen forest. It's about three bells after noon.

State each character's deportment (i.e. has missile weapon out...not nocked and ready, but at hand). Also, who is carrying the 10' poles? Some of you can probably come up with a clever way to deal with those. Now in the forest proper, once you give me the party's physical arrangement I'm going to start rolling for random encounters- based upon the table I have for the Djorsalng Valley.

I'll need Vonnn's spell list...

[FreebirdFootbagging]

Not long after getting in the road, the young witch apologizes deeply, "I had a few tasks that demanded my complete and utter focus. Here, please take this, to make up for the coin you spent in my stead. All the while during her travels she stays near the back in regards to marching order. Aurora always has her spear at the ready, but not her shield, that is strapped to her belt at her side.

I'm not sure how much money you had to spend, but whatever it is I'll pay.

[Sulara]

First I am sorry for adding lb to my post it should have been gp, so sorry for any misunderstanding

Sulara takes the poles a skin and some rope, working as quickly as she can she forms up a travois. Attaching the makeshift device to Bill to carry supplies and allowing room for the dwarf to ride. Sulara takes out her axe does a quick check of her armor and moves toward the front of the marching order.