Rising Knight play by post thread

[The Dungeon Master]

Rising Knight

A constable has informed you of a bounty offered for the capture of a raiding gnoll named Gritznak. You find yourselves on the road to Malforten in search of fame, fortune, adventure, treasure and even, incidentally, Gritznak.
Characters:

Name unknown (Hyarion’s character):

Hoarfrost Rugarth: As a half orc child, was beaten by family for his ugliness, resulting in great scars on face. Once while being beaten in public, an abbot from a local monastary rescued him and took him in. This happened at the age of 9. He has since been trained to look for the balance in the world about him and the goodness that comes from that. He is shy and very leary of people. Slow in trusting, but a steadfast friend to those that do win his trust. Keeps his hood up to hide his disfigured face. Will loosen up with wine and good company, letting his gaurd down and showing his talents to amuse those about him. He does this by juggling various odd objects.
At age of 20, he sets out to prove his worth upon the world that looks down upon him.
He is 5'11" 195lbs, Buzzed black hair, Green eyes, and green tintish skin.

Loreli:

Othrik: Othrik is a young Dwarf from Grundliche Hohle who grew up in a family of blacksmiths. Raised from childhood in a busy smithy, Othrik has gnarled, powerful hands and an almost sooty complexion to his rough features. He is large for a Dwarf, with a barrel chest, gray eyes, and a long reddish-brown beard.
Growing up hearing the legends of Dwarven heroes of the Goblin Wars and Winter Dark Wars, his admiration for them and a tendency to daydreaming led him to his calling as a cleric in the order serving Grundliche Hohle’s greatest hero: Dolgan, The Forge King.
His father is a veteran of some sort but rarely speaks of it and never at length, preferring the quiet life of a hardworking blacksmith raising a family. Watching his father limp with an old wound and finding a scarred battleaxe in his wardrobe only served to feed Othrik’s resolve to see some of the wide world on his own before he returns to the life of the forge and settles down.
For now, Othrik has just begun learning to call on divine magic and is eager to try his hand at adventuring. His training at arms is basic, but swinging a heavy blunt weapon with great force and accuracy is no great challenge to one who has spent decades in front of an anvil.

Introduction:

Date: The first of Erstdain, Year 1097md (Millenial Dark) or 13285df (Dwarf Year)

Location: On the West Way, along the Drunderry River, heading toward Malforten in the East March of Outremere.

It’s up to you if you want to have known each other or have met in answer to the bounty on the gnoll.

[Candace]

Loreli is a fairly attractive female human, with a sword on her hip and a lute on her back.
She has little time for stories of herself, but is always in the taverns or on a rock in the square telling tales of great heroes' of old, inspiring young and old alike with her tales of great people and even greater deeds.
She is never too busy to lend a hand to any who may call on her aid, and is usually seen with her long ruby red hair tied back from her face as she helps children fetch kittens from trees and the elderly fix up their homes after a storm.
She wears clothes of the deepest reds and blues which make her deep blue eyes gleam from her pale, near snow white face.

[malagate]

OOC: I vote that we met in response to the reward notice and we know only what has been posted in the introductions. Any objections?

[Candace]

I'm fine with whatever everyone else wants.

[malagate]

Othrik shrugs his wide shoulders, adjusting the large pack and battleaxe strapped to his back.

Unconsciously tugging at his long auburn colored beard, the Dwarf surveys his new companions as they trudge along the road. Any glance his direction is answered with a broad grin.

Taking in their surroundings, he continues to watch for a well or clean, running water nearby. He is constantly aware of the empty flask he carries and knows he will feel much better once it is full of blessed water.

[monk]

Under his hood, Hoarfrost glances at his new companions. He is impressed with the dwarfs physique and marks him as one not to cross. The females wardrobe of red and blues pleases him. He remains silent, aware, listening. Walking with staff in hand, he seems at peace.

[Candace]

Walking along beside her newfound companions, Loreli can't help but wonder of what stories they have from their individual travels. On the road she will tell them any tales she has heard of Gritznak.

Loreli leads Legend by his reins, for most of the time, offering that should anyone grow weary they may rest awhile and ride him.

[The Dungeon Master]

The Drunderry River runs narrow and fast through much of its course before tumbling into the lowlands beneath the Fallow Hills. From there, the river spreads out across fertile plains, laboring slowly to the south before emptying into the Elmarsh Lake. Until recently this area was unsettled. The writ of the King of Outremere has changed all this. Several small villages, thorpes and farming communities have been settled in this region since the King’s permission was granted. The village of Malforten, nestled along the banks of the Drunderry River near the Fallow Hills, is just such a place.

Malforten lies in the East March. This frontier region is known to be open to raiders, bandits and other nefarious creatures who fear no retribution from the West; so many villainous malcontents and upstarts thus come here to raid and, with each passing success, act with ever more audacity.

The West Way is a dusty track leading across the grassy plains of western Outremere. It passes through several small villages before ending at the settlement of Malforten. Here, two dozen or so wood and stone houses
with thatched roofs are huddled closely together on the upper banks of the Drunderry River. Large willows and oaks are clustered along the river’s banks and around the town, while fields of grain spread out north, south and west of the village.

Cattle graze fretfully even further afield. Amongst the cattle and fields are several herdsmen who call out sharp warnings in the direction of Malforten when you approach, while their large cow-dogs howl and bark guardedly.

Before reaching the first of the houses in Malforten, a bell in the town is rung by someone.

[Candace]

"Let's keep our pace, no need to make them think we are here to do them harm. We can just go in, find a place to rest a moment and then see what we can find out. If we rush things we'll most likely find them guarded at best, hostile at worst. These poor frontier towns have been left entirely to the wolves out here."

Loreli looks at the town and occasionally rises a hand in a friendly wave to the farmers and herdsmen as they walk by.

[hyarion]

Maedhros smiles grimly, "The wolves been here recently. Let us hope that we are not mistaken for them." the half-elf continues to walk easily but from the set of his shoulders it is apparent that he won't allow himself to be caught off guard if anything happens.

[malagate]

"Aye, mismatched bands of armed travelers are bound ta' be trouble for these folk in many a case." Agrees the ruddy Dwarf.

He grins at all passers-by amiably.

[monk]

Hoarfrost continues to keep his eyes on the road ahead; "People who work the earth. Simple needs and wants, as all things should be....Let us be wary but also accepting."

[The Dungeon Master]

People look up, but no one seems to confront or threaten you once you are assessed to not be bandits, at least for the moment. Most of the folk appear to be farmers or cattle men. The largest building in town has a sign identifying it as the “Empty Flagon.”

[Candace]

"Shall we head to the tavern, that is the most likely of places to find some good stories and learn more of what troubles these folks. Besides I'm sure we could all use a little something to was the dust from our throats."

Loreli smiles and looks for a stable behind the tavern or a place to lash him out front.

[malagate]

"A cold mug will suit me fine" replies Othrik.