Dragon's Egg - Act IV

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

"I'm glad to know Bren is safe. A friend of his fought at our side, but fell in battle. He may regret not joining us. Bren's a good man, but too set in his ways to fight alongside elves and women.

"As for how I fight, when I trained with the monks, I thought it foolish to use my bare hands when I could instead carry a sword. I combined the training and invented a way to use the sword to lift my enemies after impaling them, and so I spent most of my life savings on the biggest sword I could find when I prepared to head north. From my first kill to my twentieth, the blade proved effective."

Nissa's giving me a look. I better tell the short version...

"I was forced to drop my sword in Arendal. Fish demons summoned a creature; it ran its body against the docks just after my sword sent a fish demon through the rail. I dropped the sword and jumped through the broken rail to scale the cliffside, praying to Brynhild my arms would be strong enough to get the others to safety. The leader of the militia there is a one-armed woman devoted to Brynhild. It was for her that I dropped the sword.

"Long story short, I thought of an old friend as I prayed--my friend and training partner who vowed to serve her goddess without a weapon. She trained herself to be a weapon. She is small, but her fists are like rocks--believe me, I know. Why my body was so hardened by the end of my teens is due to my failure to dodge her attacks.

"I had bronze plate draped over me as I was praying and contemplating the way of monks. The armor wasn't properly fastened; I simply undid the buckle and made my nun's vow. I felt the touch of my goddess then, and after I saw to the safety of those in need, I rushed into battle. I killed seven with my hands that night, and another seven the day we rescued the children.

"I suppose I'd have killed as many with the sword, but there is a certain freedom to not relying on steel. When I dropped my sword in Arendal, I felt useless and afraid. But fighting like this, the enemy can come at me while I'm at the dinner table, in my sleeping gown, in the bath. No matter; I'm battle ready."

So much for the short version.

I tell Conal, "Well, speaking of baths, I better clean up before I go to the temple representing Brynhild as Her nun. If you're not sick of me talking your ear off, perhaps we can meet later. I want to know more about these orcs."

I bow to Conal as the monks do, and I head into the Badger.

 

[Steerpike]

In Town

Conal listens to Baldhart's story, nodding along with her reasoning. When she mentions how many enemies she took down bare-handed, he looks at her anew, giving her an appraising look. "It does seem like you have the blessing of your goddess, and I don't suppose that's something to be trifled with. Sounds like you and yours know how to take care of yourselves.

"Ah, here it is. Supposed to be called Badger's Place. 'Badger' was Rik's nickname when he was younger. Quick to get angry and fierce as he could be in those days, or so my Da told it. These days, most of us just call the place Rik's."

Conal offers handshakes to those in the group again, saying "I'd love to hear more from all of you." He looks at Cadell and Liadan. "Tales of elves, particularly, as we don't see your folk around here much. But, alas, I'm on duty and I'd better get back to it." After the farewells, he turns and walks back toward the road through which the party entered Ballara.

Badger's Place is not entirely dissimilar to the Spear, in Arendal. At least, from the outside it has the same general appearance, and it looks to be laid out in roughly the same way. The chief difference being that the stables associated with Badger's Place are behind the inn and a bit to the party's left, in the direction of the river. Other buildings stand between the stable and the river, but snatches of the flowing water can be seen through gaps in the buildings, and the elves can make out the sound of the lazy, flowing water. A few sea birds whirl in the sky ahead, having likely followed the river up all the way from the ocean.

Inside Badger's Place (or Rik's, if you prefer), is a large central floor with four long tables with benches built into them. Smaller tables and chairs are scattered around the rest of the room. A wide fireplace is built into the wall on the party's right, and though the fire in it is very low at the moment, it looks like it could hold a fire big enough to warm the entire room. At the far end of the room is a bar, behind which a thick, white-haired man in an apron is standing, giving instructions to a teenage boy - a list of ingredients from the sound of it. The only current patrons of the inn are a couple of old men seated at table nearest the bar, each with a large wooden cup in hand. Between them, on the table, is a wooden board with thickly, uneven wooden edges. The bottom of the board is carved with a series of triangles jutting out from the edges toward the center, and each plays had a series of thick, round wooden disks placed on the triangles. A pair of dice rest at the center of the board, and right now the old men seem more intent on the group entering the Badger than their drinks or game.

The old proprietor, presumably 'Rik,' looks up when the group enters and wipes his hands on his apron. He comes around the bar, hesitates with a slight hitch in his step when he sees the elves, and then says "Welcome to Badger's Place. Badger is me, and there ain't a better place to rest yer legs and fill yer stomachs for days o' travel in any direction. Least, not for them as can pay."

Outside of Town

Aliron and Bressel are able to find a suitable camping spot away from the road, a wide, clear area nestled in a group of trees and largely sheltered from the worst of the northern snowfall. Masama sets in right away to help establish the camp, but lingering near the edge of the clearing from time to time as though listening for trouble. Burnbright and Branwen tag along, Burnbright injecting herself in any way possible to be helpful in preparing the camp - carrying wood, clearing ground, or whatever needs doing. Branwen wanders over to sit by an old log near the edge of the clearing and watches the others with large eyes. Burnbright cheerfully says something to the young harpy whenever she walks past, but Branwen is soon lost in her characteristic humming.

As the group is going about its business, Branwen's voice suddenly rises in volume, her song growing in timbre. Burnbright stops and looks over at the young harpy, who is now staring at a point directly into the woods. A moment later, a white fox with a black nose moves slowly out of the forest, its steps having a certain monotony, its eyes fixed on Branwen. The fox is small, even for one of its kinds, and Branwen extends a hand toward it while it is still a good twenty yards away. Burnbright looks at Aliron, Bressel, and Masama, her mouth open.

Masama gestures toward Branwen and says "She is getting better at this thing."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

Nissa invites Dalla and the children to join her by the fireplace. I speak to Rik. Or does he prefer Badger? Perhaps I'll let the man introduce himself, then I'll know for sure.

I bow and introduce myself as "Baldhart Eisenberg, servant of Brynhild," as usual, and tell the man, "I'm here to see to the children." I make a hand motion toward the kids, Nissa and Dalla, then go on to say, "I was thinking baths would be nice, but the children may prefer a hot meal before a hot bath. I'm happy to eat first, but no bread or finger food for me."

I glance at my hands. Perhaps the snow washed off most of the blood, but I still don't feel clean.

As I take out my purse, I tell Rik the Badger, "I'll pay for myself and the women and children by the fire." Cadell, Liadan and Zoran are with me, so, "The elves and the Paladin, too. Four rooms sounds like enough. The elves in one, me and the half-halfling in another, and the Paladin and the young lady. Between her and the Paladin, the children can sleep comfortably."

I lower my voice a little, but so Rik and the teenager can still hear—and maybe the old men, but it's only the children's ears I mean to spare—

"I just want you to know that those children have suffered. They were to be sacrificed. Two of their brothers died trying to prevent them from being taken, as did their adoptive mother. We followed five child-sized footprints, but by the time we arrived their sister's heart was cut out and being eaten by a dark elf." I take out a few gold coins, then add, "Let them feel like little princes and a princess. I want them to have the best cuts of meat, your best meal, seconds on the milk if they ask, or a warm drink if they prefer. Food for all ten of us, in fact."

 

[Philster401]

"I'll help pay for the rooms and I'd like to offer my help with finishing the palisade, if I could." Zoran said simply and quickly.

 

[Keitsumah]

Keit and Batos: Outside of Town

I watch the fox emerge from between the trees with a hint of trepidation, but more so toward Branwen than the fox. Batos lays on the ground, panting after having helped Burnbright carry some particularly heavy branches; though he is nowhere near tired looking yet.

"Think we could go hunting for some deer? Or rabbits?" I suggest, and the wolf barks in response. He doesn't seem interested in the fox and instead heaves himself onto all fours, padding off into the woods.

"Be careful not to attract any of the locals!" I call over one shoulder, then move to Branwen. If we want this ability to be used for any good, we may as well at first teach her to only use it on certain things. I make sure not to startle the young harpy with my approach, and crouch down next to her before looking at the fox and pointing at it, just like she's gesturing.

"Fox." I say with a smile, hoping to teach her first what the animal is.

* * *

My paws drum over the forest floor, and within moments I am a good distance from the camp. However, I do not go out so far that I cannot hear Keitsumah if she were to shout.

Lowering my nose to the ground, I begin sniffing around. The fire may be set up, but we still need more food than our meager rations.

(Track Deer)

(he does have the +3 as str, but i figured since hes a wolf with advanced senses that would be fair to add it here too)

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

I sit by the fire with Dalla and the kids. Oh, Baldy's probably telling the owner the gloomy stuff.

I tell the kids, "I'll bet Baldy's having a table set up for us now. So what would you like to eat?" I try to be cheerful as I can without overdoing it. "Think of the best meal you can get, and we'll see if the old man can make it for you."

 

[Steerpike]

Badger's Place

When Baldhart introduces herself, Rik wipes a hand across his pant leg and extends it to her. "I'm Rik. This here's my place." He offers a smile that grows wider when Baldhart mentions what she wants to purchase. "Business been a bit slow lately. I'm mighty glad you have you." He shakes Zoran's hand as well when Zoran speaks and offers to pay part of the costs.

When Zoran mentions the palisade, Rik says "You'll want to run back out and catch Conal. He'll be happy to take any helps what's offered, I can tell you that."

Rik looks at Nissa and the kids and does some quick calculating in his head. "I reckon it comes to about 8 gold, 6 silver, what your asking for. We'll get started on it right quick."

He seems greatly pleased by the entire affair, at least until Baldhart mentions the dark elves and what happened to the children. A cloud passes over Rik's face and he hisses out a warning, trying to interrupt Baldhart. "There's some things that's best not talked about this near the Taint. Evil doings and the like. They say the Witch of the North got ears everywhere, and evil talk draws her attention." The man seems genuinely worried. He casts another quick glance at the kids and says "I'll get started."

Just then the children erupt in a chorus of answers to Nissa's question about what they want to eat. Being in the inn, and around some semblance of civilization, seems to have brought them out of their shells a bit. Nissa is met with choruses of "Rabbit! Deer! Potatoes! Bread with thick butter! Cakes and honey for desert!" as the children each throw out what they want to eat. They suddenly look even more famished than when on the road.

Rik, overhearing, says to Baldhart "Hungry bunch you got there. Rabbit I can do. Deer I'll have to check on - believe we got some left. Bread and butter we got. I'm fresh out of cakes, but I can make one easily enough with what I got on hand. Don't have no honey, but we get some sweet syrup out o' the trees across the river and I reckon the kids will like that just as well."

Camp

Burnbright watches Batos pad off into the trees and says to Keitsumah "I can go hunting to, if it will help. I bet I can get us some food. Masama looks over his shoulder, lips pressed together, and says "Not alone." Burnbright nods and starts gathering her things.

Branwen looks up at Keitsumah when she approaches, a broad smile on the young harpy's face. She stops singing, but still the fox lingers for a moment, staring at Branwen as though entranced. When Keitsumah tells her the name of the animal, Branwen turns back to the animal. Her lips move wordlessly for a moment, then she raises a finger at the animal and says "Fock."

Burnbright starts giggling and Masama snorts.

Batos

It takes Batos only ten minutes to catch the scent of deer of some kind, a group of them moving to the southeast. He creeps through the forest on their trail, ultimately sighting them grazing at the edge of a wooded area. The wind is blowing crosswise and will not carry his scent to them. The adult deer are large, particularly the males, with tremendous racks of curving antlers atop their heads. The largest of these has a thick, shaggy growth of fur descending from the neck. There are nine deer overall - two males, four females, and four fawns.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

I let Rik know I appreciate his warning. I take out 6 gold and 6 silver, asking Zoran if he'll pay 2 gold for his part. I then head to the fireside, asking Dalla how she'd like to work out the rooms.

"Perhaps you would keep Gunnar and Abbi with you, and Zoran, would you mind if the older boys share your room?" I'd offer to take Abbi in my room, but I think the children should be paired or not split at all. Of course, all four children could share one room and Zoran and Dalla could share another. I won't suggest that. Instead I tell Dalla the arrangement for the four rooms: me with Nissa, Cadell and Liadan, Zoran with the two older boys, and Dalla with Abbi and Gunnar. "Unless, of course, you would prefer a different arrangement."



Nissa

Baldy's trying to get Dalla to talk to her again. Well, I'll give their four-second conversation a miss.

I reply to the kids, "Oh! You all have such good taste, now I can't decide what I'll eat. Definitely some bread and mashed potatoes—both drowned in butter." I turn to Abbi, "Lucky for me I have a human mother. My father's people—you call us halflings—are not as slender as I am. All my friends used to say they'd become 'butterballs' if they ate like me."

 

[Philster401]

"Sure, here," Zoran said then he pulled out 2 gold pieces and handed them to Rik

Then he said, "I have no problems with them staying with me, if the children don't mind that is. Or all six of us could share a room if the children don't want to be separated if that's fine with Dalla."

 

[Keitsumah]

Keitsumah

I guess we all have to start somewhere. Though i better be careful with this word.... I smile at the harpy child and nod encouragingly. "Fox. Thats a fox." I say again, pronouncing the "x" a bit more clearly than needed for her to understand.

Batos

I crouch as soon as I spy the deer, considering my options. A fawn will be easiest to kill, but the stags may turn on me. Then my gaze focuses on the largest stag and my muzzle curls back to expose my fangs briefly. That one would provide a good deal of meat, and that herd really only needs one male...

Prowling around in a wide circle to try and avoid alerting them, I wait and follow patiently until I am within pouncing distance.

Hidden beneath a bush tainted with snow, camaflouging with my white fur, I wait until the stag dips its head to feed and charge for its throat:

 

[Steerpike]

Badger's Place

Rik takes the coins from Baldhart and Zoran and ducks behind the bar area, rising a moment later with four keys in hand. "They're all upstairs, two on one side of the hall, two opposite. I can have yer meals brought up to you when they're done, or you can come back down to eat them." He and the kid begin making preparations. The two old men go back to their game, though still casting the occasional glance at the group.

Dalla flushes slightly at the mention of a room with Zoran and says "I'll take Gunnar and Abbi. No offense, I just..." She stops herself, pressing her lips together, and holds out her hand for a key. "Thank you both for paying for the rooms."

The two older lads don't mind sharing a room with Zoran. The prospect of a comfortable bed and their impending meal has taken a lot of the edge off of them, and while waiting for the food they've been eyeing Zoran's weapons and armor with great curiosity, though neither of them has worked up the courage to ask anything.

The kids laugh at Nissa's story about her father's people. Abbi says "If you turned into a butterball I bet you wouldn't be able to f - " Gunnar's hand claps over her mouth, and Abbi's eyes grow wide. When Gunnar removes his hand, Abbi says "Well, it would be funny, that's all." She forces a smile. No one in the inn appears to have taken any notice of what the kids are saying or doing.

Camp

Branwen listens to Keitsumah and tries to sound out the word a bit more slowly. She gets an initial "fock" or two in, to Burnbright's continued delight, then manages a "fock-sss," and finally a "fox." She seems pleased with herself and crooks a thumb at herself and says "Bwannen," the points at the animal and says "fox." By the time that happens, the fox is out of whatever stupor it was in and it dashes away into the woods, leaving Branwen frowning.

Batos

Batos catches the deer by surprise and gets his bite in before the deer has a chance to react. The rest of the herd scatter. Batos doesn't maintain his grip on the deer, though. It tears away, leaving the wolf with a mouthful of flesh, blood and hair. ((Need a damage roll from Batos))

A ragged wound in the deer's throat weeps red onto the ground, but the animal is not finished. It ducks its head and charges at Batos with its tremendous antlers:

[1d20+4] = 20+4 = 24

While Batos struck true, the deer's charge is fierce and tremendously accurate. They rake along Batos' fur and find soft flesh beneath:

[1d8+2] = 4+2 = 6

((6 damage to Batos))

The deer looks gravely wounded, but stands its ground stubbornly as its herd-mates disappear into the trees.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

I can't help but grin at the way her cheeks turn pink. Oh, but this probably brings thoughts of Tommen. Let's get her mind on someone else—

"That should work. And perhaps once the children are settled, I'll get you some parchment so you can write to your mother. I plan to do the same tonight."



Nissa

I try not to laugh at the children's attempt at discretion.

"Oh, I suppose I'm the first… er… halfling you met. Well, a round figure is considered a more attractive look among my people." Looking directly at Abbi, I add with a smile, "Not that I ever let a man decide how I'm supposed to look."

 

[Keitsumah]

Keitsumah

I smile and nod to Branwen when she gets the word correct, marveling at how fast a learner she is. Smiling, I touch her nose with one finger and say "Bran-wen!" slowly. "You are Branwen!"

Batos

My initial blow has done some damage, but when the old stag lashes out I am not surprised. It takes a whole pack to bring down an experienced fighter like this one.

The deer charges, and I duck, but not fast enough as his horns score into my back and leave welts. Growling in pain and anger, I use the little opening I find to lash out at his throat again as he moves past:

But before I can get a grip and bite down his shoulder and foreleg slams into me and knocks me away.

 

[Philster401]

"Very well. and no offense taken," he to went a little red in the cheeks but had a better time hiding his embarrassment.
So he decided to ask the boys, "you want to see my sword or armor I seen you staring at them."
He also glanced at the men and tried to get a better look at them without them noticing.
(I know I must likely need a roll for this. If so what do I need to try and roll for.) (I'm also not sure if I'd be able to do a detect evil again yet)

 

[SeverinR]

Camp
Aliron:
"very good Branwen. Keep practicing your words and singing and you will get better." Aliron smiles at her. "I must keep my practice up to, so I will slip out and check the area and look for our next meal. I ill not be far, so give a shout if you need me." Aliron glances at Bressel and Massama, as he readies his bow and arrows.

Bressel:
"We'll be fine. You'll hear trouble long before we can shout."

Aliron moves away from camp towards the road, moving slowly for silence and stealth.
First he will check the road, look towards town for signs of trouble, then will move off to hunt circling camp in a widening circle outwards, looking for tracks or animals.
Focusing on stealth for the hunt and for food or preditors, animal or humanoid.
His bow in hand with arrow noched.
[Aliron will note Baltos tracks, but will not follow. He wants to hunt not help the wolf hunt.]

 

[Steerpike]

Badger's Place

Dalla gives a curt nod to Baldhart. "I should write, I suppose." She gathers her charges together to head for her room, once she gets a key. "I think the children should eat in the room." Abbi grins at Nissa as Gunnar tugs her away.

Rik nods and promises to send the meals up when they're ready.

The children who have been watching Zoran look up at him when he speaks to them. They both nod, one adding "I wish we had swords and armor when them demons came after us. We need to learn how to fight, so if they ever come again they won't get us."

Zoran is able to observe the two old men without being seen. Most of the time, they're focused on the game in front of them, with the occasional curse coming from one as the other makes a move. They still glance over at the group now and again, but their initial interest is starting to wane.

Rik makes sure everyone has a key who needs one and heads toward the back to get the dinners started. The young lad watches the front counter, but occasionally disappears into the kitchen at Rik's call.

Camp

Branwen watches the place where the fox disappeared for a moment, then looks back to Keitsumah. She tries to repeat her own name a few times, saying it slowly like Keitsumah did, but the 'r' in 'Branwen' still gives her trouble. At once point, she visibly struggles to get her tongue in the right place and manages something that sounds a little more like the right word.

When Aliron leaves, Branwen starts to follow, then notices no one else is going after him and stays put. She sits next to Keitsumah and gets out the doll Masama made for her, setting it in her lap and watching the forest.

Aliron

Aliron moves away from camp quietly. He passes signs of Batos, but does not follow them. After a few moments, he can hear, faintly, the sound of the wolf engaging some prey, and of deer springing through the woods far away. The elf is quiet, and able to monitor the road without making a sound. Everything looks clear. Wildlife is plentiful in the area, though most of it is small. Apart from the deer he heard, Aliron spots a fox, any number of squirrels, wild hares, and a group of large black birds with a red stripe in the plumage just above their eyes.

Batos

The deer continues to bleed profusely and is slowing down. It takes another half-hearted swipe at Batos with its antlers:

[1d20+4] = 2+4 = 6

The deer misses.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I smile at the children when they speak of learning to fight. It's tempting to offer to teach them alongside Biorn, but how many children do we want tagging along with us to Drimmen-delve and beyond? As few as possible, I should think. Branwen is quite enough. At least Burnbright and Biorn are older.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

"Looking forward to it," I say to Dalla politely.

I let out a sigh when she leaves, then explain to Zoran, "She's still pissed off at me for killing her boyfriend."

 

[SeverinR]

Camp
Aliron:
Aliron is out for a relaxing hunt and to recon the area, so he will be picky about his targets.
Looking for a larger rabbit, ground hog, beaver, or if a deer comes close then that will do, but if the deer were spooked they might not slow down enough to get a good shot at.

Bressel:
Sits down humming softly as he cleans his armor and sharpens his blades. Looking very relaxed but always listening and watching for signs of trouble.

He looks over at Branwen with a smile, points at her,
"Branwen"
Then points at himself,
"Bressel"

 

[Keitsumah]

Batos

Panting hard, I pick myself back up and dodge the deer's antlers, noting its sluggish movement. Pushing the advantage I have now, I spring at the stag once more:

But luck doesn't seem on my side again, as the deer stumbles away and my teeth only sink onto a thick patch of fur. Growling, I pull away and circle once more to try and get in a fatal bite.