[DFRPG] Crawl! IC

[ajardoor]

The party bunks down for the night, making sure to be prepared.
They sleep well...

DAY 7

After they wake up, the party only has to travel for two hours before they arrive back at Starhold Keep, still early in the morning.

The men at the gates look at the adventurers with scepticism. Who is their prisoner, and why?

[Hide]

Bain rests well and wakes up early, he is the first man up; standing at his lookout, he watches the mists burn on the horizon as the sun rises. One could appreciate his silhouette against the light, and listen to his prayer:

Peace is a lie.
Fear not, for fear makes the mind still.
Peace is a lie.
And by will alone, the mind is set in motion.
Peace is a lie.
Just like day breaks upon the paramos of dread, peace is broken upon the truth.

Life is founded upon the truth.

When the party arrives at Starhold Keep, Bain greets the guards, he tells them they are headed to Squad G quarters to meet with the sergeant.

I talked to Sergeant Bernard Sallow about a week ago; we have been to “The Caves” and now we are back, with news. We are taking this man to him; you may come with us, if need be.

[ajardoor]

The guards look at each other, and then shrug.
They let the adventurers go see Sallow. Bain and his comrades catch him as he is having breakfast; scrambled eggs, an apple, jam on toast, orange juice, and a small mug of beer. (Do those foods go together?)

"Huh." The military man mutters to himself. "You all made it back alive." Then he chews on some more burnt sliced bread.

[Hide]

This sure is a great breakfast sir, it reminds me of a town by the sea I visited once. Us soldiers were hosted with families that offered their help voluntarily, it was fortunate I arrived at a generous house.

Then Bain tells the sergeant of the adventure, he shows him the banners of the enemies to enrich the story... At the right time he asks the sergeant for a moment to introduce his friends and turn the bandit to him.

[ajardoor]

The military men nod their heads and take the prisoner off the hands of the adventurers.
The garrisoned men appreciate the efforts of the adventurers.
They pay them a bounty of $150 for the criminal.
The map is good enough for an extra bonus of $250.
With the business finished, the adventurers move onto other things.

The merchants in town accept the loot the party found, and pay 60% of the market value. The local general adventuring supplies shop is owned by "Quartermaster" Mosely, a fair and sharp man. He takes in most of the weapons and armor that the party could loot. The rest are sold at the market square in front of an inn.

[ajardoor]

Palling around with the soldiers eventually pays off for Bain when they tell him of some interesting stuff; there is apparently a tribe of lizard men in the swamp who were run out of the Caves three months ago and are now waylaying travellers. Also, some of the horses in the Keep palisade were attacked during the night by unknown monsters.

[ajardoor]

Fast-forward to DAY 21...

While Gathika is staying at the inn, she encounters a fat but friendly trader named Mendel ensconced in the largest guest room with his travelling companions. The merchant has arrived from the south, and is very pleasant. He wants to befriend Gathika and her comrades, introducing her to his attractive arm candy, Chantel and Sarah.

Mendel deals in small amounts of goods - only a few barrels at a time. He often befriends strangers and helps out people in need. His two sullen and quiet bodyguards (married to each other), Daisy and Otis, remain at his side but do not engage in conversation.

Mendel asks Gathika if she has had any interesting adventures in the region yet.

[PumpkinLorica]

I have been through different situations, this and that, MEOW. But let me know more about you, I like candy (=´∇｀=)

BAIN! BAAAIN!

Gathika calls for Bain, since he came for her aid he wants him to listen.

[Hide]

The first day in town, Bain meets with the whole party at Broken Hilt for dinner:

I have been thinking about this for a while, about the path we have taken and about our destination; and I believe I understand the foundation of our trust.

Bain takes one of his arrows out, and holds it showing its head...

This we can trust.

For our hands hold this question to our enemies.

I think we should call ourselves, the RIDDLE OF STEEL.

Meanwhile, on DAY 21...

Spoiler:  

Originally Posted by PumpkinLorica

(...) BAIN! BAAAIN! Gathika calls for Bain (...)

Bain, who just won a tough card game, approaches Gathika with a smile.

[vicious Violence]

Originally Posted by Hide

The first day in town, Bain meets with the whole party at Broken Hilt for dinner:

I have been thinking about this for a while, about the path we have taken and about our destination; and I believe I understand the foundation of our trust.

Bain takes one of his arrows out, and holds it showing its head...

This we can trust.

For our hands hold this question to our enemies.

I think we should call ourselves, the RIDDLE OF STEEL.

Meanwhile, on DAY 21...

Spoiler:  

Bain, who just won a tough card game, approaches Gathika with a smile.

Vic agrees the RIDDLE OF STEEL is quite clear.

I GET IT.