3.1 Return to Ardrest
The Frostyear Guardians, Book I:
The Heroes of Adrest
9 Ches, 1491
3.1 Return to Ardrest and Next StepsThe story so far: Saleek arrived in the small town of Ardrest some two weeks before its local equinox festival, "the fortyear festival." Seeing that the town was being bothered by the local Blacksash gang, he tracked the group to a local farm. He returned to Ardrest to find the town under attack by goblins. He and several other adventurers repelled the attack. The next morning they set off to track the goblins to their lair.
On the way he was joined by Varian and Kenris and deeper within the lair Randal, Rini, and Donny joined. The group fought and defeated the goblin leader, Noch, and then then traveled deeper into the mine guided by a goblin they freed from Noch's leadership in order to confront "the crooked lady," a figure that seemed to have terrified the goblins into attacking the town. In the deepest tunnels the group was attacked by a monstrous humanoid woman and after a seeing Saleek's stone the creature retreated into the water.
With all the threats neutralized the party was then able to free the goblin's prisoners, a group of local children apparently taken during the attack days before.
It is now the morning of the 9th of Ches, as the party makes their way out of the goblin cave, followed by a group of young children. The priestess Yvla and the dwarf Mandar that had been watching the entrance greet the party, and Donny the tortle takes his leave to deal with his own holy mission.
Saleek rolls [[1d10+3]] = 6 +3 = 9 for HP
SALEEK WHISPER TO DM: Yeah, I had forgotten how we generate hp, so I put everything max, I was totally at 23 Max hp at level 2, I switched it back to 23+9 now.
SALEEK: (friendly) "Ylva, mandar, it is good to see you both."
YLVA: Ylva returns your greeting but upon seeing the injuries and the children you are leading out, rushes forward to be begin administering aid and healing magic.
"I did not know the goblins had taken anyone let alone children! Thank Lliira they are not hurt merely tired and hungry. Their families will certainly be happy to see them in Ardrest."
SALEEK: "Yes, well all do well with a warm meal and a soft bed for the evening, perhaps even a cold beverage."
"We can discuss our next move there..."
RANDAL: (confident) "I'll drink t' that! By th' time we're through with 'em, them goblins’ll think twice before coming back 'ere!"
RINI: (worried) "I do not believe the goblins were the real threat. That creature got away. I fear she will be back."
Rini turns to Saleek…
"Who are these two?"
The dwarf, Mandar, would explain that he and the elven cleric, had left Ardrest with Saleek to track the goblins but had not entered the mines. In addition, Mandar points out that he found a small, relatively sturdy cart nearby that could be used to carry some of the smaller children back to town.
SALEEK: "They are friends rini, please lets go back to town, I will meet you all there. I have something I need to attend to first..."
With a friendly smile, saleek takes to the skies and flies around looking for the goblin he had left tied to a tree…
Saleek rolls [[1d20 + Medicine (Wis)]] = 7+2 = 9
RINI: Rini begins ritual casting Tenser’s Floating Disk and for about ten minutes speaks the incantations and then pulls out a vial of mercury. He lets one drop out which forms a 3 foot diameter disc, 1 inch thick and floats 3 feet above the ground.
"Well, okay then. Some of the children can ride on here. Mandar....Ylva was it? Lead the way."
At the edge of the forest: Saleek finds the goblin without terribly much trouble along the edge of the forest. The goblin's body is cold and unresponsive. His mouth is flecked with some sort of dried black fluid and there is a pile of dead blackened grass beneath him. Other then that the goblin bears no obvious injuries.
Back at the goblin mine: the 6 young children clap in awe at the magic floating disk and most of them vie for a spot on the floating contraption. The eldest a dwarf girl of about 9, carrying an infant does not partake. The children all have fun floating south out of the forest until about an hour later when the spell begins to fade.
Between leaving in the morning and with the aid of the cart and Rini's magic. The party is able to make good time back to Ardrest and you estimate that you would be able to make it there just after sundown if you travel directly.
Saleek Gets close to the goblin, investigating whether it is still alive. [[1d20+Medicine (Wis)]] = 1+2 = 3
As Saleek gets close to the goblin a large fly crawls out of the goblin's nose. Startled, Saleek automatically stabs the goblin several times with his shortsword. But he's pretty sure the goblin was dead before that anyway.
SALEEK: With a heavy sigh and slumped shoulders saleek carries the goblin down, and proceeds to dig a hole.
With the time it takes Saleek to properly bury the goblin, the rest of the party with the children in tow can easily catch up to him as they make thier way out of the forest. Ardrest lies to the southeast and you should be able to reach it by just after nightfall if you go directly.
RINI: Rini keeps moving toward Ardrest, all the while writing in his notebook about his encounters within the goblin lair. He instructs his familiar owl to fly ahead to keep an eye out for any threats or creatures and report back if she sees anything.
SALEEK: Saleek flies wing to wing with rinis familiar
With two sets of airborne eyes, navigating back to Ardrest is fairly trivial and you are able to make good time even with a cartload of children. Let me have everyone there make a perception check for the way back.
PERCEPTION ROLLS
Saleek rolls [[1d20+Perception (Wis)]] = 7+4 = 11
Randal rolls perception [[1d20+Perception (Wis)]] = 11+1 = 12
Rini's owl's perception check [[2d20k1+3]] = 2,7+3 = 10
Rini rolls perception [[1d20+Perception (Wis)]] = 17+0 = 17
Kenris rolls perception [[1d20+Perception (Wis)]] = 12-1 = 11
Varian rolls perception [[1d20+Perception (Wis)]] = 11+5 = 16
With the aid of the flying lookouts you all are able to steer well clear of any hazards along the path back to Ardrest. The rocking of the cart has soon put all the children to sleep expect the eldest dwarven girl, who seems very protective of the lot. It is all things considered a pleasant half days journey back to the town.
DM WHISPER TO RINI: While your familiar is more focused on the general area, you do have time to notice that along the road you are following and just outside the town there is some sort of figure on what appears to be a crude sort of guard tower made mostly if boxes. And they are watching your approach.
RANDAL: To make the journey feel quicker, Randal sits with the eldest girl and quietly tells her stories about how they sneaked into the goblins lair to save them. The tales are significantly exaggerated, emphasising the skill and cunning of the party, and the unrestrained cruelty of the goblins.
The dwarven girl seems rather skeptical at first, but she is only about 9 and is soon watching you with wide eyed wonder. She also seems rather enamored with your young ward, Edward.
DWARF GIRL: (admiring) "The mean goblins said we was gonna get ate by big bad monsters if we made any noise. I'm glad they all got kilt!"
RANDAL: (passionate) "“They sure did. Took a right beating, and th’ monsters too! Oh, did I tell ye about th’ one in th’ lake? Twas all foul and slimy, wit teeth sharp as...” *and he breaks into another mini narrative, overlooking the interaction between Edward and the dwarf girl as he does so* “...and drove it back into th’ depths, didn’t we?” *he calls forward to the rest of the party*"
DWARF GIRL: (disgusted) "*she looks about as somber as a 9 year can as she comes to the realization of just how much danger she and the other children were in.*
They said if our parents didn't give them stuff, the goblins- they was gonna take us down and the bad lady would make us slaves and if they didn't like us they would eat us!
SALEEK: Saleek rolls [[1d20+Perception (Wis)]] = 15+4 = 19
Saleek lands next to the wagon, giving his wings a rest.
(confident) "We had the situation completely under control, this goblins didn't know what hit them."
Saleek gives a playful wink at the dwarven girl.
DWARF GIRL: "*Smiles a little at the bird man, the girl at least partially aware of Saleek from his visits to town.*
That's good mister bird. I wasn't gonna let them take any of the little ones. I dinna want anyone to get ate!"
SALEEK: (friendly) "These kids were lucky to have you with them!"
The girl seems proudly, all the children growing more excited as the ruins of the Highroad, and the squat silhouette of Ardrest become slowly visible on the horizon.
SALEEK: (cheerful) "Looks like we're almost home..."
In the few days you've been gone from Ardrest (those of you that have visited the town before) you can tell that the townspeople have been busy. Where once the road that lead into town from the south had been open, now someone appears to have driven many sharpened logs into the ground to form a rough barrier. Just to the side of the road is something akin to a small tower, made mostly of wooden boxes.
RINI: Rini calls his owl back to him before they approach the town and quietly strokes the bird's head as he whispers to her. Looking up at the tower and barricade he looks to Saleek....
(curious) "Was this always here?"
SALEEK: (curious)"**in a whispered tone**
No...rini, stall them for me, I hope something sinister isn't afoot, have your owl scout the town with me..."
(cheerful) "I'll be right back everyone!"
Saleek takes to the skies to scout out the town.
Saleek rolls [[1d20+Perception (Wis)]] = 1+4 = 5
Rini sends Aspen out to circle the town with Saleek. Perception check [[2d20k1+3]] = 8,3+3 = 11
Saleek, some speck of dirt gets kicked up during your take off and you spend most of the time trying to dislodge it from your eye. Rini's owl has an easier time. The makeshift tower is manned by a lone halfling woman. She is making no particular attempt to hide herself and is armed with a crossbow.
SALEEK: Saleek returns, still wiping dust from his face.
"**in whispered tones**
(relieved) I think we're good rini."
RINI: Rini simply nods and as Aspen returns, Rini snaps his fingers and returns his owl into his pocket dimension.
SALEEK: "Let's get these kids home."
KENRIS WHISPER TO DM: Dear GM im struggleing with a choice i have to make. About my oaths. Story wise is it possible that i can take the oathbreaker path? this would show my backstory of being expelled from the silver ladies embrace. Or does this not make any sence?DM WHISPER TO KENRIS: I'm not going to say no, bit me sure that's really what you what. Oathbreaker is made as a straight villain, and thier abilities go against parties a lot. Being a pally struggling with your convictions doesn't mean you've gone full villian...
KENRIS WHISPER TO DM: Can we use Unearthed arcana? maybe ill go Oath of Treachery that will be a better hook for my char
KENRIS WHISPER TO DM: Something in the line that my char was let down by his diety and that he now only trusts the power he can get for him self.
DM WHISPER TO KENRIS: Let me look it up. It's more of a nature of the oath thing rather than the gameplay abilities right?
KENRIS WHISPER TO DM: Yes the nature of the oaths. i can link them for you if you want.
KENRIS WHISPER TO DM: http://dnd5e.wikidot.com/paladin:treachery
DM WHISPER TO KENRIS: I don't see the treachery oath as problematic as oathbreaker. You might just want to have a clear reason in mind why he's still following the party.
As the party approaches the town, the halfling woman does level her crossbow at the group but relaxes it as she recognizes Saleek, Ylva, and the children. A young halfling boy breaks away from the wagon and runs forward, scrambles up the makeshift tower, and embraces the woman in a tight hug.
The halfling is a small, gruff woman, with close cropped, fiery hair. The look of anger fades from her eyes as she embraces the child. She gives out a loud shrill whistle and within the quater hour the people of Ardrest are gathered around the makeshift gate happy to be reunited with the children.
KENRIS: (friendly) "Allow me to introduce myself My name is Kenris i believe you know Saleek and Ylva."
SALEEK: "Theyre with me."
RINI: Rini stands to the side and watches the reunions a bit awkwardly, fidgeting with his component pouch. After a few minutes, he pulls out his notebook and begins reviewing his notes from the goblin cave.
SALEEK: "How about we all get a drink, see what our next move is."
RANDAL: (pensive) "I'll go fer a drink anytime, but tis no good takin' the youngsters anywhere disreputable. What's more, they'll want t' be seein' their loved ones. Better we take 'em home first."
FLYNDAK GREENVALLEY: *The halfling woman would have given Saleek a glare, but slowly smiled.* Ah, a few days ago I wouldnta given yer word the weight o' yer breath... but reckon that's twice ye bailed us out. I pegged ya for ghoul bait, I guess I'm out the silver... Ah well, I'll make sure these lil ones get to thier families right. I reckon Ansil will likely want to hear whatcha been up ta."
SALEEK: (friendly) "My word is my bond."
FLYNDAK: "*The halfling woman has a momentarily awkward look of someone who has put thier foot into their mouth.* Aye... well... I was sayin' yer alright... I guess. *She very pointedly goes about trying to inspect and organize the rescued children. *"
RANDAL: "“Most of ‘em are yers, anyhow” *Randal moves Edward to the side, so he doesn’t get included in the group of children from Ardrest*"
RINI: "I don't know these people... but they have been in troubles of late?"
GM OOC: That's right. Saleek is the only one who has really spent anytime in Ardrest. It is a small village built over some older ruins. There is a inn (the Decrepit Crab) and a marketplace to the south. A shrine, general store, blacksmith and the townhall/jail where the local sheriff Ansil Ironfist can normally be found.
Mandar and Ylva will take thier leave of the party at this point. Yvla returning to the shrine and Mandar just heading off into town.
SALEEK: "They are good people, and they have experienced some troubles."
RINI: "And... Where is the library? I would like to spend some time with their scholars and discuss our adventures with the goblins"
KENRIS: (serious) "Where is this shrine i have a score to settle,"
The shrine is not hard to find, it is one of the larger buildings in the settlement and sits atop the hill that makes up the northern section of the town. It is a large stone building, made of half former ruins and shored up with newer construction. It is not dedicated to any particular god, but several travelers have left icons or other symbols to thier deities within.
A library is harder to find. Ardrest is bit of a frontier town, and literacy is far from high. Saleek might remember the Decrepit Crab having a few books though they are likely far from scholarly. The shrine, or town hall might have some as well. And there are a variety of peddlers in the marketplace which might have something.
KENRIS WHISPER TO DM: "Dear GM, can i say for story sake that i leave my holy symbol in the shrine ? as a clear indication that i have chosen another path. Not Oathbreaker btw."
DM WHISPER TO KENRIS: "Of course, sounds good to me."
SALEEK: Saleek instructs them on how to get to their desired locales, as well as how to get back to the tavern. He then heads to the tavern himself.
KENRIS: Kenris walks with this head bowed down towards the shrine. Kneels says a final prayer and leaves his holy symbol depicting the silver lady on the shrine. He walks away with a visibly improved gait, as if a heavy burden has been lifted from his soul. Without hesitation he walks towards the Decrepit Crab.
(playful) "So Saleek what do you recommend in this * he looks around him * establishment"
SALEEK: Saleek smiles at kenris, as best as a beaked face will allow.
(cheerful) "I recommend their dwarven stout."
(cheerful) "If you're feeling reckless then perhaps their dragons blood ale."
RINI: At the news of no library in town, disappointment spreads across Rini's face and meekly follows his new companions to the Decrepit Crab.
RANDAL: (doubtful) "If we mean t' discuss our next move, I'll steer clear of th' dragon's blood. Let's keep our wits 'bout us, shall we?"
(curious) *he turns to his ward* "d' ye drink, lad?"
KENRIS: "Ok The stout it is"
Despite the general air of excitement that followed the return of the town's children, inside the Decrepit Crab, the mood is still somber and the air heavy. The sun is just about set and casts long shadows through the mostly repaired windows of the tavern. Although it is still early for the heavy drinking, most of the patrons seem to be somberly staring into thier cups. Counter to this is the young barmaid, Marti, who seems to be all but skipping between the tables with a twinkle in her blue eyes.
MARTI: (cheerful) "Here you are a round for all the brave heroes. The first one's free! *she sets down tankards for everyone including Edward, with a flirtatious wink*"
RINI: Rini slides the tankard back towards Marti.
"May I get a herbal tea instead? ... I mean thank you for the offer... I.. I am not a big drinker you see.. and..."
Rini faces turns a little red and he just trails off his sentences into a quiet whisper.
KENRIS: "Dear girl I have come to known that you are named Marti is this true?"
"Such a fine name *wink*"
SALEEK: (serious) "I have two leads, before all this goblin business I was investigating the black sashes, basically a bunch of hoodlums that have been terrorizing the town, I dropped my investigation when the goblins attacked."
(serious) "I also heard something regarding the green valleys, a family that was taken by forest spirits. Possibly some cult activity, as it was people in masks that might have taken them."
(serious) "When kenris and I first met, he also spoke of a zombie infestation, to the north."
RANDAL: (amused) "*to Edward again* “Looks like yer drinkin’ either way.”"
(curious) "“Them goblins made talk of th’ crooked lady. I take it that was th’ first ye’ve heard of her?”"
SALEEK: "Heard of her during the initial attack. I'll put some feelers out see if I can get any more information regarding her. She won't get away next time."
The teen girl picks up the tankard in front of Rini and maintains distinct eye contact as she drinks it in its entirety. \"Aye aye! Anything for a brave hero.\" She returns Kenris's wink and then skips off to fetch some tea."
Edward rolls [[1d20]] = 18
As it turns out, Edward is either a practiced drinker or a natural prodigy, able to keep up with the adults at the table with seemly no ill effects.
EDWARD: "I don't think the goblins liked working with that monster much, sir. They seemed awful afraid she would eat them."
SALEEK: Saleek chuckles at the kid.
"You're right, those goblins were terrified of that wretched hag."
Saleek pulls his pack up to the table.
"We should split all this treasure."
RANDAL: Randal watches wide-eyed as Edward downs his drink. He blinks then nods to Saleek."
"“Lemme see. I got...” *he goes into his pockets and produces the three potions - one a bubbling pink and two a deep red* “From Noch’s chest.”"
Marti returns bearing a small metal teapot and some form of tea. She gives a whistle eyeing what amounts to a small fortune for a farmer laid out on the table. A few people begin to filter into the Crab, but still the overall atmosphere is quiet and grim.
RANDAL: (suprised) "“Aye, that’s a lot o’ loot. We’d best be wary of prying eyes about” *Randal looks in suspicion at those filtering into the tavern*
(suspicious) *he leans in conspiratorially and speaks in hushed tones* “I’ve seen men try their luck over less. I don’t know th’ people o’ this town, but I suggest we keep ourselves discreet.”
RINI: "That's probably for the best"
Rini quickly packs away his share into his pack. After securing his items, he pours out a cup of tea and begins to sip the hot drink.
"So, we have some hoodlums, a missing family and undead... some exciting times in Ardrest."
SALEEK: "never a dull moment, thats for sure. but...these people have changed my life, and i willing to repay them in any way i can."
RANDAL: "“A noble cause. Well, rest assured I’ll be willing t’ do th’ same, fer th’ sakes of th’ families o’ this town, if nothing else.”"
As you finish divvying up your loot, a familiar face, to Saleek at least, enters the tavern. It is Ansil Ironfist, the captain of Ardrest's limited watch. The dwarf looks even more worn down than when the party left several days earlier with large bags under his eyes. Trailing behind him is a small halfling woman who somehow seems in even worse condition; a wild look in her eyes and hair a mess of unkempt curls.
ANSIL: Ansil steps up to your table, his limp seeming even more pronounced, and deposits a heft bag of coins in the center.
(tired) "That's yours. 150 gold coins for the return of our children. I didn't expect much from the lot of you, not after the... words I had with that dragon fella... but... the people here thank you all for your aid."
(serious) "*he leans in, keeping his voice low, * now... tell me was that everyone? Where there... bodies? *Although he is whispering, the crowd in the tavern seems to be hanging on the answer.*"
SALEEK: Saleek leans in, slightly.
(serious) "I don't recall any bodies...ansil, is there a child missing..."
HALFLING WOMAN: (panicked) *Ansil nods solemnly, and opens his mouth to speak, when suddenly the small halfling woman pushes past him* Alma!? Have you seen my Alma? Is she... oh gods, no! I can't loose her too... she's all I have left after Rosco... after Rosco..."
SALEEK: Saleek doesnt say a word and gets off his chair, a solemn look on his face.
(tense) "Where was the child seen last..."
ANSIL: (serious) "*Ansil sighs heavily* There are at least six still missing. Most are older. Some have been gone for a week. Mostly we assumed they ran off... some might have gone missing the night of the attack. Young miss Halfhill... we belive that occured that night as well."
HALFLING WOMAN: (panicked) "Alma... she's not even a year old! Please... when I think of what those monsters could do..."
SALEEK: (tense) "Those monsters will wish for a swift death, should they touch a hair on those kids heads."
ANSIL: (tired) "*Ansil nods I agreement.* Other than Jandi's *he gestures to the halfling woman* infant, the rest are well into thier teens. But they've been gone too long for "entertaining" themselves in the woods. One of my guards failed to report this morning too. This place is going to the fucking hells..."
RINI: "Sounds like another mystery... are we to be sure the goblins or that crooked lady didn't eat them?"
SALEEK: (brooding) "We Comb the area, well split up search a mile out and come back to report. Does that sound feasible to everyone one?"
RINI: "Perhaps... Ansil was it? Your guard... where was he, or supposed to be, this morning? Maybe we should start our investigation there?"
SALEEK: (tense) "good idea rini..."
ANSIL: "Aye... the lad's name is Goodson. I sent him home from his watch last night myself. And before you ask: I checked he ain't asleep in his bed. The boy wants to prove himself bad, so if he got himself into trouble it was probably while trying to investigate the disappearances on his own. The only place I've been able to send my men to search was Jandi-here's farm... *The dwarf pauses and thinks for a moment, and drops his voice even lower,* I hear tell he's been seen around that Kelsey lass..."
RINI: "Ah I see. And where can we find this lass?"
MARTI: (playful) "*Overhearing your conversation, Marti quickly slides herself up and injects herself into the conversation. * Huhu, looking for Leti, huh? Rent a bed for the night and she'll probably find you. I'm sure we could find you much better girls though. *She bats her eyelashes playfully.*"
ANSIL: (serious) "Yes... Letitia Kelsey has a bit of a... reputation. The family has a house up on the hill. That is as good a place as any to look."
JANDI HALFHILL: (desperate) "L- Letitia? Y- you think she has my baby!?"
SALEEK: "well begin searching there..."
Ansil nods slowly and then proceeds to indicate the location of the Kelsey residence near the blacksmith's shop. Ansil moves to console the halfling woman and makes to lead her out of the tavern.
ANSIL: "I shall be in the jail, if you find anything. And the same reward will apply if you find any of our other missing people."
RANDAL: “Aye, we’ll be in touch. Perhaps we celebrated prematurely. We should be off briefly.”
The sun has just set do you plan to head to the Kelsey house immediately then?
KENRIS: "That hammer may I request the use of it till someone else needs it?"
RINI: "Might be best to investigate before the trail gets cold?"
SALEEK: saleek steps outside and looks at the ski, taking a deep breath. he stretches his wings and takes off.
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