9th of Uktar - Visitors Arrive
In the early hours of the 9th of Uktar, the townsfolk awoke to a deep chill in the morning air. The winds overnight shifted and brought the cool mountain air down from the mountains in the north. A thin layer of frost coated everything in town and left many walkways slick with ice.
The sun was trying desperately to burn through a heavily overcast sky but to no avail. The grey clouds reduced visibility in the valley as the peaks of nearby hilltops were beginning to be obscured from view. What little could be seen showed that the nearby hilltops were beginning to take on their pre-winter snow as caps of white could be seen circling the town.
Throughout the day, people made their usual preparations for this time of year. Shelters were built up for animals, food stocks were inventoried and set aside in cellars for later use. Even the fishermen were busy starting to pull their boats in from the chilly waters of the lake for the season.
In all this activity, many people didn't notice a group of heavily armed strangers enter town in the early afternoon from the main road. The motley group of six individuals went to the Olden Inn to rest from their travels on the cold road.
Later in the day, another group of individuals also entered town. Unlike the previous six, these visitors drew much attention, mostly due to their strange appearance. The group consisted of 4 individuals all garbed in long purple robes with cowls over their heads. This group also wandered over to the Olden Inn to spend the rest of the day.
What brings all these strangers to town?
The sun was trying desperately to burn through a heavily overcast sky but to no avail. The grey clouds reduced visibility in the valley as the peaks of nearby hilltops were beginning to be obscured from view. What little could be seen showed that the nearby hilltops were beginning to take on their pre-winter snow as caps of white could be seen circling the town.
Throughout the day, people made their usual preparations for this time of year. Shelters were built up for animals, food stocks were inventoried and set aside in cellars for later use. Even the fishermen were busy starting to pull their boats in from the chilly waters of the lake for the season.
In all this activity, many people didn't notice a group of heavily armed strangers enter town in the early afternoon from the main road. The motley group of six individuals went to the Olden Inn to rest from their travels on the cold road.
Later in the day, another group of individuals also entered town. Unlike the previous six, these visitors drew much attention, mostly due to their strange appearance. The group consisted of 4 individuals all garbed in long purple robes with cowls over their heads. This group also wandered over to the Olden Inn to spend the rest of the day.
What brings all these strangers to town?
posted by GM/Brannic | 7:17 AM
33 Comments:
In the Olden Inn, Mrs. Olden busily clears tables from the afternoon lunch crowd as folks settle in and relax a bit.
Seated in one corner at a large round table are six weathered souls (three humans, a half-elf, halfling and a half-orc). There are three men and three woman all seated at the table talking excitedly about several papers spread across the table.
A human man and a human woman are outfitted in battered heavy plate mail armor with several weapons sheathed at their sides.
A small female halfling is seated on the table dressed in dark green leather armor.
The other human male and half-elf female are dressed in similar looking studded leather armor and are also carrying a small arsenal of weapons.
Only the half-orc female at the table isn't wearing any apparent armor. Instead she is wearing a rugged outfit meant for outdoor travel.
Each of the individuals has on his/her person the painted image of a red hand either emblazoned upon their armor or adorning their arms.
Seated at a smaller table near the staircase leading upstairs are the four other newcomers.
Each is still wearing dark velvety purple robes with gold trim. With their cowls pulled back patrons can get a better look at them however.
The group consists of two humans and two Moon Elves (each a man and a woman).
It appears that they have finished their afternoon meal and are currently talking about several trinkets they have spread out on their table.
Rohavic, having spent a day investigating the area where Renald was killed, happened to be walking towards the Olden Inn when the first of the visitors were entering the establishment. Noting their presence, he made his way to find the rest of the group in order to discuss his findings from the previous day and mark the arrival of a few individuals into town.
Rohavic thinks that he recognizes the gait of several additional newcomers... perhaps other Moon Elves. Hurrying along he hopes to gather as many of the Regulators as possible and head for the inside of Olden Inn as quickly as possible without looking too interested.
As Brannic is clearing out some supplies from his workshop, he notices Rohavic walking over.
Dusting off his gloves he waves a greeting to his friend.
"Good afternoon Rohavic, what brings you by?"
Rohavic hails Brannic..."greetings Brannic!" he says. "Would you be free for a pint of ale at the Inn?". Rohavic then proceeds to provide a quick update to Brannic regarding the visitors to town and his investigation of the area where Renald was killed.
Brannic and Rohavic begin their short journey through town. Their destination the Olden Inn.
Perhaps they will encounter other Regulators along the way.
Brannic, come over here for a seceond yells vig from the blacksmith shop, we need to talk.
Brannic chuckles to Vig as he approaches.
"Well since you asked so nicely, Vig, what can I do for you?"
Theres something wrong with these vistors that came here today. Its very odd for them to be here this time of year.
Soemthing does not feel right with the ones with the red hand on the shields.
Brannic looks curiously at Vig, "What do you know about a Red painted hand symbol?"
Seraph, walking by, overhears the conversation some of the Regulators is having and approaches.
"Hail friends! Where are you all off to? Personally, I'm a bit parched and could go for a good smoke. The pipeweed the Olden's create is some of the best in all the realms, or so I'm told."
So the Regulators gather together and head over to the Olden Inn.
Vig is busy dusting himself off as Brannic taps him on the head and asks, "So what were you saying about this Red Hand symbol?"
Seraph looks around awkwardly...
"Me!? I wasn't saying anything about a red hand but um, where did you see this symbol?"
Brannic chuckles a bit at that comment.
"Sorry Seraph, I was speaking to Vig here. He seems wary of some of the newcomers for some reason and I was trying to figure out why."
As they continue walking, the Olden Inn quickly appears around the next turn of the street. Smoke billows out of the chimney and carries with it a fresh scent of baked goods that stirs everyone's appetite.
I will head over to the inn with you all too, I need another beer.
I know of nothing of the red hand, I even asked the other dwarves here in town and they are not sure.
My best guess is that its a merc symble, or a clan mark. I still find it odd thier are traverlers here this time of year.
Brannic shrugs, "It is odd timing that two sets of strangers are here just before the cold sets in. It might be interesting to talk with them to see what brings them to town."
Seraph walks, contemplating the symbol, with his fellow Regulators toward the Inn.
"Hmm, a Merc symbol? I suppose, typically they like to display their mark for all to see. I don't recall one with that symbol, however.
"I'll have to take a closer look at the symbol of the red hand before making a judgment."
As Brannic is about to pull open the door to the Inn, he looks to Seraph and says with a smile, "Let's see if we can't get a better look, huh?"
Inside the main room is mostly empty. The newcomers are still seated at their respective tables and a couple of locals are sitting at the bar having a mid-afternoon meal.
Mrs. Olden sees the Regulators come and and cheerfully yells out, "Come on in boys! We've got some fresh stew just off the pot ready if you are hungry."
She bustles around the bar and quickly brings Rohavic, Brannic, Vig and Seraph to a nice table in the middle of the room.
She waves over the waitress Inese to bring over your usual drinks.
"So boys, what'll it be? In to eat or just to shake the chill off your bones?"
"You're looking fine today Mrs. Olden.
"I'll have some of that stew and some of your best ale. And, make sure you get some of your pipeweed ready for after the meal my fine woman."
With a wink and a smile at Mrs. Olden, Seraph scans the bar for this 'Red Hand' symbol.
Mrs. Olden giggles at Seraph's comment and saunters off to get the food and some pipeweed.
Inese brings over a tray full of drinks. She puts down some mead for Brannic and Seraph, a tall mug of the Olden's strongest ale for Vig, and a tall glass of wine for Rohavic.
With a smile and a bow she heads back to the bar.
All the newcomers notice the special attention the Regulators have drawn and are staring in their general direction.
The folks at the large round table seem to be proudly displaying their symbol on their equipment, a red painted hand.
Seraph, looking at the strangers addresses them.
"Greetings and well met strangers. Where do you all hail from? It isn't often that we have anyone new passing through our quaint village."
The male Half-Orc bows his head and addresses Seraph, "My name is Ulaanag and these are my companions.
Hachon (A Human male dressed in studded leather armor).
Abtain (A Halfling female dressed in dark green leather armor).
Dargas (A Human male outfitted in heavy plate armor).
Jia (A Human female also outfitted in heavy plate armor).
and
Iderchan (A Half-Elf female dressed in studded leather armor).
Each gives a nod of acknowledgement as their name is mentioned.
"We call ourselves the Band of the Red Hand. As we come here seeking adventure and treasure. And who might you all be?"
"Greetings, Ulaanag."
Seraph nods to the rest of Ulaanag's companions.
"My name is Seraph, these are a few of my friends."
Seraph motions to each of his companions sitting with him.
"This is Brannic, Vig and Rohavic.
"I'm not familiar with your parties name, Band of the Red Hand. It's an interesting name...what made you all decide on a name like that for your Adventuring Party?
"I'm not sure what kind of treasure or adventure you might find here in Grey's Deep. Where did you hear about our little village?"
Hachon clears his throat, "Well the name of our group is a bit of a long story, I'd rather not go into. Needless to say, it has a personal meaning to each of us, which is why we wear it."
"As for why we are hear, while travelling with a caravan along the Black Road, we met an interesting dealer of antiquities. He spun several interesting stories about the history of these mountains dating back to the days of the Netheril Empire. Since our trail ended in Llorhk we thought it wouldn't hurt to spend some time traveling the hills in the area to see if any of these stories were true.
"Stories? I think every town has it's share of stories. If ye be looking for wealth then I doubt you'll find much in these parts. But have at it, I say.
"I might also suggest that if you don't want to talk about something, then maybe you should conceal it a bit more. Walking around with symbols proudly displayed on your armor and whatnot will call attention to it. Oh well, keep to yourself then.
"Is their anything we can help you with? Are you looking for something or someone in particular?"
The faces of the Band of the Red Hand all turn sour with Seraph's last comment.
Hachon quickly composes himself and responds with a dry smile, "We appreciate your insight into what we can expect to find in this valley. As for our symbol, your comments have been duly noted for their value."
With that, all them turn away from the Regulators and refocus their attention back at some papers on their table.
In the now awkward silence between the Regulators and Band of the Red Hand comes Jellen “Claw Hand” noisily walking into the Inn accompanied by two poor looking men. Jellen looks around for an empty table but then notices the Regulators sitting down looking towards the Red Hand group for which he does not recognize. Jellen then quietly motions to the two poor men to sit at the Regulator’s table.
Jellen, noticing an opportunity to help the travelers out, walks over to the Red Hand newcomers smiles and speaks. “Greetings gentlemen! I am Jellen, you must be newcomers to our town. I hope your travels were safe. Is there anything I can be of help with or is there anything you need? I have two others I am helping that are in need of a warm meal and drink and we all wouldn’t mind some company and adventurous stories you may bring. Please join us for an ale, then?” Jellen extends one hand outward in a friendly gesture of welcoming acceptance to town and points to the table where the Regulators and the two poor men are sitting.
Seraph turns to his friends at the table and whispers.
"Um, sorry about that guys. I didn't realize these new guys were so sensitive.
"Maybe the 'Claw Hand' will have better luck with the 'Red Hand'?"
With that Seraph smiles a bit.
"That sounded kind of funny."
Seraph then looks into the bottom of his tankard and at the wisps of smoke curly up from his pipe.
"Dang! Empty again. Hey Inese, how about another round?"
Rohavic gets up from the table and requests a bottle of wine from Mrs. Olden and 4 additional glasses. Paying for the wine with a generous tip and a wink, he moves towards the other newcomers with a welcoming hail and an elvish quote about hospitality on the road.
"My name is Rohavic, welcome to our town. It is my pleasure to meet you. I hope that wine is a beverage of choice, though forgive me if I have chosen poorly. The inn has quite a fine line of other options. I would be happy to provide one of your choosing for news of the realms."
Seraph puffs away pondering his elven friend's move. He then whispers to Vig and Brannic.
"I think our elven friend is wise beyond our reckoning and has taken the role as the 'good' cop. Let's see how he deals with our new friends."
The old man continues to puff away every now and then taking a swig of his fresh ale.
Hachon, stands up and greets Jellen at the table.
"We appreciate your gesture dear sir. In fact, I'd be happy to buy the meal for the men you brought in. Perhaps in trade you could help us with something as well? We are looking for information about Pegasus Pass. Do you know anyone who knows much about this area?"
The four purple robed individuals, greet Rohavic with warm smiles.
The male elf, stands to speak to Rohavic. "Greetings kind sir, my name is Yumi. We humbly accept your offer of wine and would be honored if you would join us at the table."
Yumi gestures to his companions, "These are my traveling partners."
He points to a human female and addresses her as Vion.
The female moon elf goes by the name of Abli
And the human man is named Ideran
"We are but simple travelers who have heard tales of dragons in these hills. We journey together to try and learn as much as we can about these magnificent creatures. Do you know of any in the area?"
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