"We could hie to Mossbarrow by the Hunter's Lodge. They might know what manner of dealings have been foisted on us."
Hearing Ostgar mucking around in the vicinity, Hrod ropes him in. "Lad, would you hie with us to the Mossbarrow?"
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Iren's PbP - Chapter 1
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Oyster Sauce
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Humbaba
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ERYFKRAD
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"To the Hunter's lodge a ways south, thence East to Mossbarrow."Humbaba wrote: ↑ May 2nd, 2025, 09:42Zollo, having never before seen a map, looks askingly at Hrod.
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Alfwine attaches himself to whichever group happens to be closest.
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SpellSword
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► TL;DR Summary
Producing one of the dagger sized rat fangs, Stein von Steiner taps at the table top with the massive tooth. As if in response to his rhythmic assault on the wooden surface, the quiet rattling of the other teeth in his deep pockets creates an eerie sound as the man shifts his weight.
"Not just holy water. But also fire... We'll need proper lamps or lanterns if we're going in after them. I don't want to revisit the cellar's candle situation, leaving us in the dark while these vermin gnaw our bones." He continues lightly rapping on the table as he speaks, "If we travel into the rat's lair, they'll smell us coming. Fortunately I may have a..."
His expression takes on a wry grin, with a hint of obsession, that perhaps only a man who has spent a day with a smelly murderous rat on his back can muster "... a solution of sorts. We shall become rats ourselves, in smell alone hopefully."
He quickly explains, "Although I mostly have found use of my talents to brew substances fit for human consumption, the ways of alchemy are not unknown to me. Instead of seeking out the town's alchemist if you have need of such services, I can spare anyone dedicated to our vermin erradicating cause the loss of coin. So long as the ingredients are provided for your mixture, of course."
The tooth's motion stops point down against the table as he shows the group a fox-tallow vial with his free hand. "With this and a few more ingredients I'll gather upon the morrow, a concoction can be made that will mask our scent from the beasts." The vial of fox-tallow slips back into his coat and the drumming resumes only to suddenly stop again as he witnesses Zollo's challenge to the bundled rat. "What is it with this place and rats?"
The man didn't just look dangerous. From the way @Zollo handled himself in the cellar, he definitely was no stranger to combat. Stein's gaze turns to the club wielding man's companion @Hrod Lastson who's axe had been among those that brought down the Big One. If they were to fight legions of boar sized rats in the bowels of the Earth, it may prove vital to make the acquaintance of these fighting men.
After a moment studying Zollo and Hrod, Stein excuses himself and walks to table where the fierce looking men appear to be looking over a map. As he approaches the table, he greets them and points his rat tooth at the disturbing bundle, "You appear to share our enmity towards these vermin. If your business won't take you from the region, can we count on you when the time comes for us to descend to the depths and slay these monstrous beasts?"
Last edited by SpellSword on May 3rd, 2025, 22:29, edited 2 times in total.
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Val the Moofia Boss
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Gunthard ponders Stein's words. "I'd say we smoke the rats out of the basement, fight them up above in the open and in the light. We narrowly avoided a fatality the last time we went down into a rat's nest, and who knows how many more might be in this one."
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Hrod heeds @Stein's. "Aye, I will put mine axe to good use when needed. But it looks like we have other tasks to see to as well, which might bear upon the infestation at hand."
And in response to @Gunthard he adds, "Or we could flood their warrens and avoid fighting altogether, should the prospect worry thee."
And in response to @Gunthard he adds, "Or we could flood their warrens and avoid fighting altogether, should the prospect worry thee."
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Stein runs his fingers over the rat's tooth as he carefully considers @Gunthard and @Hrod's words. "The local Candlewright has spoken to me of a grease that can be used to repel vermin, and supposedly evil spirits. Perhaps the formula can be altered, or just burned outright, to pass its effects into the rat's hole by smoke. Ash tree root combined with bone-meal tallow..."
He pauses as the thought of a massive interconnected tunnel system strikes him and then adds "He also mentioned rats chewing into his delivery crates leaving the barrel's stinking of blight. These things are everywhere. If it doesn't drive the beasts deeper into their lairs... will the towns folk take kindly to it if they are suddenly expelled from the earth throughout Vertidor?"
With the thought of gathering ingredients for various smoking concoctions on his mind Stein inquires "If you will forgive my intrusiveness, I heard you mention heading to Mossbarrow by way of the Hunter's Lodge. I find myself in need of visiting both of those locations to gather supplies for use against the rats. With bandits and now worse giant vermin in the area, I would ask if I may take the journey with you?"
He pauses as the thought of a massive interconnected tunnel system strikes him and then adds "He also mentioned rats chewing into his delivery crates leaving the barrel's stinking of blight. These things are everywhere. If it doesn't drive the beasts deeper into their lairs... will the towns folk take kindly to it if they are suddenly expelled from the earth throughout Vertidor?"
With the thought of gathering ingredients for various smoking concoctions on his mind Stein inquires "If you will forgive my intrusiveness, I heard you mention heading to Mossbarrow by way of the Hunter's Lodge. I find myself in need of visiting both of those locations to gather supplies for use against the rats. With bandits and now worse giant vermin in the area, I would ask if I may take the journey with you?"
Last edited by SpellSword on May 4th, 2025, 05:31, edited 6 times in total.
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Val the Moofia Boss
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Gunthard thumps his chest. "I can scour the area for your materials. The rats were already menacing this inn. They are going to pop out either now, or after we are gone. Preferably now."
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ERYFKRAD
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"You need ask no leave to join us. It would be well if you could keep pace."SpellSword wrote: ↑ May 4th, 2025, 05:10. With bandits and now worse giant vermin in the area, I would ask if I may take the journey with you?"[/color]
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He finds himself nodding in agreement as @Gunthard speaks. "True, it is as you've said. Better to face the mayhem now with armed warriors than villagers confronted with the beasts as winter sets in and their hunger lures them from the cellars." Despite this the knowledge of how fast a seemingly friendly town can form an angery mob remains burned into Stein's memory.
Stein recounts the details and locations Olwin and Donarin gave him about ingredients for the anti-rat camouflage "I wonder if the mountain mushroom really does make one see ghosts... As for the 'Warding Grease' to smoke out the beasts, the bone-meal tallow can most likely easilly be acquire from Candlewright who taught me the recipe. A location for gathering Ash tree root is not known to me though." and with that he asks Olwin if he happens to know of the elusive root.
He thanks @Hrod and assures him with confidence that his strength will allow him to keep up with them. "I'll travel lightly so as not to hold you up." and with that he makes a mental note to leave the massive rat fur pelt in his room at the inn.
Stein recounts the details and locations Olwin and Donarin gave him about ingredients for the anti-rat camouflage "I wonder if the mountain mushroom really does make one see ghosts... As for the 'Warding Grease' to smoke out the beasts, the bone-meal tallow can most likely easilly be acquire from Candlewright who taught me the recipe. A location for gathering Ash tree root is not known to me though." and with that he asks Olwin if he happens to know of the elusive root.
He thanks @Hrod and assures him with confidence that his strength will allow him to keep up with them. "I'll travel lightly so as not to hold you up." and with that he makes a mental note to leave the massive rat fur pelt in his room at the inn.
Question to Olwin reaction roll
Result: 8
Reaction:
2d6
= 8 (6,2)
Charisma 9:
0
=
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DemoGraph
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While Felix waits for an opportunity to join Kal or go looking for eager muscle, he joins the group that discusses the rat crusade. Still preoccupied with his state of luck, he absentmindedly flips through the report that Stein has brought, until hair raises on his neck.
- Audaces, I think we have to think about this. - He interrupts and points a line in the report for everyone to see.
- Audaces, I think we have to think about this. - He interrupts and points a line in the report for everyone to see.
- You know what it means? It means... - He bends and unbends his thumb theatrically. - tool handling. It means intelligence. We must be ready to face not mere animals down there.Irenaeus wrote: ↑ April 25th, 2025, 00:06o Right forepaw displays a fifth digit, partially opposable
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Irenaeus
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The Wind Rests, But Kal Does Not
Kal Arion sits motionless at a corner table. The common room of the Mountain’s Last Light hums with a low, digesting rumble. Tankards are half-empty. Talk is abundant but varied. Outside, the first shafts of light since dawn stretch long fingers over rooftops, giving them a golden look this afternoon. Kal's hands are still, but his mind spirals inward. Having listened to Norman's request and seen Stein's report, is now pondering his visions and the path forward. The confirmation of the creatures' weakness to holy water reinforces the need to cooperate with the Church, despite his reservations and Father Alstanis's earlier caution.
The descent from the belfry… it hadn’t felt like falling. It felt like belonging to the sky — the air cupping him, the currents lifting him. And that Voice… not the one in the glade. Not the pure one. The new one, still felt divine — but cleverer, laughing, bright with too many teeth.
He exhales slowly.
He had once believed he was chosen. Now he wonders if he’s being fought over.
Memory Kindled and Kal's Decision
Speaking of the Voice. The memory of the finger-knife game, however, juxtaposed with Zollo's earlier display, stirs his dormant quest for vengeance against the raiders who killed his family. He decides that in addition to assisting Norman at the Church and participating in the initial underground investigation, he will make discreet inquiries around town – at the market, the inn, perhaps even questioning guards using the writ as pretext – about the three remaining raiders who he hunts. Memory flashes... A flick of the blade. Blood on the grass. The scarred man grinning, pinky already gone. The boy laughing, too tall, tattoos like worms on his neck. The hunchback whispering, “No names here, just debts.”
They’d fled justice. Left Kal to die. And they were still breathing.
Kal’s simmering rage, spiritual crisis, and the ambiguity of his commitment to either justice or vengeance makes him an emotional cornerstone of the party’s mystic adventure.
Kal Hunts Shadows
While this inner turmoil takes place inside Kal's mind, the discussion about the crucial logistical provisioning for a descent underground is taking place. Brenna tells them: “If you go down there with plain torches and no prayer candle, don’t blame the dark for eating you.” Taking heed of the good woman's warning, the calmly authoritative Wolfgang informed Norman and the rest of the party that he would lead a "thrifty" market team with the following budget, both token and pooled:
30 silver pieces allocated officially, recorded by the Bailiff’s quartermaster. Additional 15–20 sp in pooled party funds, if willingly offered by the adventurers. Total practical budget: 45–50 silver pieces.
After conferring with Norman and Wolfgang about the supply run for the coming delve, Kal tells them he is first going around town for one last mission of information gathering and recruitment, as an excuse. Stepping out into the light, the sun is still high, the breeze lighter now, and he puts cloak of duty back over older, darker armor.
Kal sees someone crossing the inn's doorstep and approaching. After talking to the group about the rats and feeling luckier about himself, Felix wants to join him in wandering around town to look for tough youngsters who might want to go underground with the party. He has his own curiosity guiding him as well.
Felix’s Search for Trouble-Seekers
The unlikely due crosses the dirty main street from the inn and quickly arrives at the market square. With the weather's clearing, the market stirs. They are soon greeted by many townspeople, some greeting them effusively and thanking them for helping the town deal with the rats, and others in panic from rumors that have spread from the Bailiff's hall - Ostgar's work. Most of the attention goes to Kal Arion, as his clerical robes attract the eyeballs of these people in need.
Felix takes the opportunity to walk among shadows and side-streets, looking for the hungry-eyed, the foolish, the bold. Some seek coin. Some just want a story. Some might not return.
After talking to many people, and despite his poor charisma, he manages to find these people interested:
Felix stoically thinks this group could be a source of humor, pathos, or even disaster — and he bet some of the adventurers will want adopt at least one of them before too long.
Meanwhile, Kal has dispensed the roused crowd and spends his time speaking to vendors in the market, servants and drunkards in small ale cantinas, and weary watchmen at the constabulary.
A cobbler’s apprentice recalls a man with arm scars (He wore a scarf over his arm but the apprentice saw the scars anyway) and a missing finger — saw him a week ago or so, haggling with a goat merchant over smoked cheese. The man told the merchant he was headed north.
One ale servant tells Kal:
“There was this boy — well, a man, but small — came through the market square not a week back. Pale. Vivid ink on his neck. Kept his hood up, eyes down, trying to hide the tattoos. Paid well. Talking to himself, but I didn't pay much attention. Didn't linger.”
At the constabulary, across the market square, the sharp-eyed corporal named Jarrek listens carefully to Kal's inquiries. Then leans in:
“Three days past, a man in a black cloak with a hunch walked right past the tower checkpoint at dusk. Refused to stop. Didn’t look back when we called. Left to the south, toward the abandoned Weir’s Dike, past the tanner’s shed.”
“We didn’t follow. Not our jurisdiction. But I don’t like his shadow.”
The three seem to have split, but they cannot be far... right? Weir’s Dike is likely the hunchback’s hideout — perhaps all three have passed through there.
A Cold Resolve
“They’re close. I’ll find them. I don’t know yet how justice will come, but it will come.”
Kal Arion sits motionless at a corner table. The common room of the Mountain’s Last Light hums with a low, digesting rumble. Tankards are half-empty. Talk is abundant but varied. Outside, the first shafts of light since dawn stretch long fingers over rooftops, giving them a golden look this afternoon. Kal's hands are still, but his mind spirals inward. Having listened to Norman's request and seen Stein's report, is now pondering his visions and the path forward. The confirmation of the creatures' weakness to holy water reinforces the need to cooperate with the Church, despite his reservations and Father Alstanis's earlier caution.
The descent from the belfry… it hadn’t felt like falling. It felt like belonging to the sky — the air cupping him, the currents lifting him. And that Voice… not the one in the glade. Not the pure one. The new one, still felt divine — but cleverer, laughing, bright with too many teeth.
He exhales slowly.
He had once believed he was chosen. Now he wonders if he’s being fought over.
Memory Kindled and Kal's DecisionSpeaking of the Voice. The memory of the finger-knife game, however, juxtaposed with Zollo's earlier display, stirs his dormant quest for vengeance against the raiders who killed his family. He decides that in addition to assisting Norman at the Church and participating in the initial underground investigation, he will make discreet inquiries around town – at the market, the inn, perhaps even questioning guards using the writ as pretext – about the three remaining raiders who he hunts. Memory flashes... A flick of the blade. Blood on the grass. The scarred man grinning, pinky already gone. The boy laughing, too tall, tattoos like worms on his neck. The hunchback whispering, “No names here, just debts.”
They’d fled justice. Left Kal to die. And they were still breathing.
Kal’s simmering rage, spiritual crisis, and the ambiguity of his commitment to either justice or vengeance makes him an emotional cornerstone of the party’s mystic adventure.
Kal Hunts ShadowsWhile this inner turmoil takes place inside Kal's mind, the discussion about the crucial logistical provisioning for a descent underground is taking place. Brenna tells them: “If you go down there with plain torches and no prayer candle, don’t blame the dark for eating you.” Taking heed of the good woman's warning, the calmly authoritative Wolfgang informed Norman and the rest of the party that he would lead a "thrifty" market team with the following budget, both token and pooled:
30 silver pieces allocated officially, recorded by the Bailiff’s quartermaster. Additional 15–20 sp in pooled party funds, if willingly offered by the adventurers. Total practical budget: 45–50 silver pieces.
After conferring with Norman and Wolfgang about the supply run for the coming delve, Kal tells them he is first going around town for one last mission of information gathering and recruitment, as an excuse. Stepping out into the light, the sun is still high, the breeze lighter now, and he puts cloak of duty back over older, darker armor.
Kal sees someone crossing the inn's doorstep and approaching. After talking to the group about the rats and feeling luckier about himself, Felix wants to join him in wandering around town to look for tough youngsters who might want to go underground with the party. He has his own curiosity guiding him as well.
Felix’s Search for Trouble-SeekersThe unlikely due crosses the dirty main street from the inn and quickly arrives at the market square. With the weather's clearing, the market stirs. They are soon greeted by many townspeople, some greeting them effusively and thanking them for helping the town deal with the rats, and others in panic from rumors that have spread from the Bailiff's hall - Ostgar's work. Most of the attention goes to Kal Arion, as his clerical robes attract the eyeballs of these people in need.
Felix takes the opportunity to walk among shadows and side-streets, looking for the hungry-eyed, the foolish, the bold. Some seek coin. Some just want a story. Some might not return.
After talking to many people, and despite his poor charisma, he manages to find these people interested:
► Show Spoiler
Meanwhile, Kal has dispensed the roused crowd and spends his time speaking to vendors in the market, servants and drunkards in small ale cantinas, and weary watchmen at the constabulary.
A cobbler’s apprentice recalls a man with arm scars (He wore a scarf over his arm but the apprentice saw the scars anyway) and a missing finger — saw him a week ago or so, haggling with a goat merchant over smoked cheese. The man told the merchant he was headed north.
One ale servant tells Kal:
“There was this boy — well, a man, but small — came through the market square not a week back. Pale. Vivid ink on his neck. Kept his hood up, eyes down, trying to hide the tattoos. Paid well. Talking to himself, but I didn't pay much attention. Didn't linger.”
At the constabulary, across the market square, the sharp-eyed corporal named Jarrek listens carefully to Kal's inquiries. Then leans in:
“Three days past, a man in a black cloak with a hunch walked right past the tower checkpoint at dusk. Refused to stop. Didn’t look back when we called. Left to the south, toward the abandoned Weir’s Dike, past the tanner’s shed.”
“We didn’t follow. Not our jurisdiction. But I don’t like his shadow.”
The three seem to have split, but they cannot be far... right? Weir’s Dike is likely the hunchback’s hideout — perhaps all three have passed through there.
A Cold Resolve“They’re close. I’ll find them. I don’t know yet how justice will come, but it will come.”
Last edited by Irenaeus on May 4th, 2025, 09:27, edited 3 times in total.
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Humbaba
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"So let us then be off.", Zollo says to Hrod, impatiently prodding and poking the rat fleshling.
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Irenaeus
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Forging Pacts and Departing Paths
The common room of The Mountain's Last Light, warmed by the unexpected afternoon sun and the lingering smell of stew, becomes a hub of intense discussion and preparation. The adventurers, having shared their morning's findings and received the Bailiff's sanction, now grapple with how best to proceed against the threat lurking below.
Gathering the Supplies
Norman and Wolfgang take on the practical task proposed earlier: securing essential supplies for whatever lies ahead. Norman, recalling his less-than-stellar reception from traders earlier, confers briefly with Wolfgang, whose thrifty nature and organized mind make him a logical leader for this errand. Their goal is clear: acquire the fundamental tools needed for exploring dark, potentially dangerous underground passages, referencing a list perhaps mentally compiled from experience and the recent discussions. The will request the Bailiff's token budget promised and supplementing it with some of the party's pooled funds.
They are about leave the inn and head towards Vertidor's main track, aiming for the town's market square and primary provisioner, when a tall boy in militia leather armor uniform (gambeson over burlap padding) and carrying a short sword in his belt arrives, who must be in his late teens. He salutes the party as he stands near the door. “I’m Linno Aldwick, town militia, reporting in. The captain of the guard sent me here to run errands for Cleric Norman and Master Wolfgang”, he announces. The kid is wiry, sunburnt, and has wind-chapped cheeks. “and whoever else they have vouched for.” He seems eager and by his speech not as dumb as one would think, and very deferential towards both adventurers.
Brenna arrives from the back with four waterskins, saying “Spare waterskins - four should do, for water or... other liquids. Just forget what you put in each.” She also gifts the men two warm blankets for the cold. Under Norman’s instructions, she passes them to Linno, asking him to fetch holy water from the Church. The boy bows and leaves.
Wolfgang calls Tillomar. “Ranger, can you follow me into the town market and help me gather proper equipment for investigating these underground tunnels?” Tillomar, still wary of superstitions with his cured hand and all the strange things happening, nods “Aye, let me and my wolfhound Fergal lead you in this errand.”
On the main street to the market, they meet Greenwald the Tallyman, who is leaving the town with a bodyguard and servants. He tells Tillomar, whom he met earlier: “I saw your friend Felix around talking to street rats, he seems to have impressed them. Him and his gang, along with a robed cleric left in the direction of the Church. As for the rest of us merchants, we decided to leave for refuge out of the walls in a secluded place for a couple days after hearing of swarms of monstrous rats in underground tunnels.” This is the effect of Ostgar’s exaggerated report leaking from the Bailiff’s hall. Their party leaves the town through the main gates to the west.
Nevertheless, the duo stride to the market square where they show the town’s quartermaster the party’s signed requisition. The place smells of dried meat and lamp oil, but looks almost empty of townsfolk indeed, other than many traders still packing their goods for the departure. The parchment bears Bailiff Voseric’s seal, but even that earns only a grim nod from the robed quartermaster scribe overseeing the stalls. “You’ll find what remains,” mutters his, barely glancing up. “No credit. Just this.” He hands Wolfgang a wooden tally rod, marked with notches totaling 10 silver pieces, valid only for delving provisions - no luxuries.
Wolfgang and Tillomar go down the market stands, tents and shops to buy what they feel is most important with the noble always haggling and using his position to optimize deals. Practical and meticulous, they consider prices and availability, mentally ticking items off their list. “We'll need torches, a good dozen... And oil – plenty of oil flasks, say half a dozen? I also want strong rope, at least four coils of fifty feet. Iron spikes and hammers, a sturdy crowbar, possibly a shovel or mattock. And some sacks for carrying finds or equipment."
They find the first provisioner; the grease-smeared vendor barely looks at them as he sells them a dozen torches. “Four bundles of three left. Yours for 8 coppers each bundle.” At the apothecary, the apprentice shoves a half-empty crate of six oil flasks forward. “We were selling to miners last week. You get what’s left. That will be 3 silver pieces.” They buy 200 feet of old rope, hempen and frayed, divided in four bundles of 50 feet. The seller spits: “They’ll hold weight, but don’t blame me if you fall on your own pride. 15 coppers total.”
Moving on, they get three sets of small hammers and spikes - for only 2 silver - from a blacksmith’s boy with red eyes and blistered hands. “Father left. Didn’t say goodbye...” Wolfgang presses the tally rod wordlessly. A shopkeeper of a general goods stand is busy packing to leave the town, with a panicky tone, he tells them. “Take all that, I don’t have space for to take anything else on my trip back west to central Arandia. Here is a too dangerous, rumor of monsters spread. Mark your way well, noble. The mind forgets what you do not record.” Wolfgang takes many sticks of chalk, four sacks, a cookpot and a sewing kit with needles, threads scissors, and a thimble.
A contrast to the last trader is the lantern-seller’s optimism; he shakes hands as he loads one each for Wolfgang and Tillomar. “They will light your darkness for long, my friends. Here are half a dozen doses of lantern oil too, only five silver pieces total.” An old peddler in the market square insists they take his pulley. “This was for lifting grain. May it now lift treasure.” When inquired about that, he vaguely says. “Everyone in this town knows there is much treasure buried underground and no one ever had the courage to dig deep enough. Even me.” He scurries off.
They find the crowbar and shovel within among various odds and ends from a half-collapsed stall near the Bailiff’s hall. The vendor is gone. The quartermaster allows Wolfgang to collect the rest. Final Tally: Wolfgang negotiated some small savings and freebies, stretching the original 10 silver token with scraps of his own coin for a total of 13 silver pieces and 4 copper coins.
As Wolfgang and Tillomar load the goods to return to the inn, they hear a boy nearby tell a girl: “They’re going into the cellar. That’s where the King Rat lives.” Another boy points to Tillomar and replies: “If he dies down there… can I have his boots?”
Laden with bundles of torches, heavy coils of rope, clanking spikes, flasks of oil, perhaps a shovel strapped across a back, and extra sacks and waterskins, Tillomarand Wolfgang return to The Mountain's Last Light as the afternoon light begins to fade. A faint pounding of boots echoes beyond the inn’s shutters. Moments later, the door opens with a gust of cool air and a blur of brown cloth. Linno is back from the Church. The lad enters, gasping from the dash.
“Got ‘em! Four skin-fulls — filled by Father Altanis himself! Sealed 'em with wax too, just like you asked.”
He pauses, glancing around the room full of adventurers like they’re heroes from a bardsong. The golden afternoon light, streaming through the windows of The Mountain's Last Light, does little to ease the tension as the regrouped adventurers digest the latest information and plan their next moves.
The Mossbarrow Contingent Forms
At one table, Hrod Lastson, having studied the rough map provided by Olwin, looks towards the others, particularly his silent companion. "We could hie to Mossbarrow by the Hunter's Lodge," he suggests gruffly. "They might know what manner of dealings have been foisted on us with this... package". He glances around the room and spots Ostgar, who seems unoccupied after his panic-inducing report at the Bailiff's Hall. ""Lad," Hrod calls out, perhaps seeing potential use in the former guard's alertness, "would you hie with us to the Mossbarrow?".
Ostgar, maybe looking for a way to be useful (or just escape the inn), readily agrees, "Aye, I'll hie with you". Zollo, unfamiliar with maps, simply looks to Hrod for confirmation of the route. Hrod points on the map, "To the Hunter's Lodge a ways south, thence east to Mossbarrow". Seeing this group forming around the strange quest, Alfwine, perhaps feeling less anxious in the company of the stoic Hrod or intrigued by the mystery, quietly attaches himself to them. Zollo gives a curt nod, seemingly accepting the expanded company for this peculiar errand. A subgroup focused on Ailber's bizarre quest begins to coalesce.
Strategies and Alchemy
Meanwhile, Stein Von Steiner, energized by his successful errand and Frott's report, joins the main discussion about tackling the underground threat. Producing one of the massive rat fangs, he taps it rhythmically on the table. "Not just holy water," he declares, echoing Norman's report. "But also fire... We'll need proper lamps or lanterns if we're going in after them. I don't want to revisit the cellar's candle situation...". He offers his alchemical skills to the group, "Instead of seeking out the town's alchemist... I can spare anyone dedicated to our vermin eradicating cause the loss of coin. So long as the ingredients are provided..."
He then reveals his idea for scent camouflage, holding up the vial of fox-tallow purchased from the Candlewright. "With this and a few more ingredients I plan gather upon the morrow," he explains with a wry, almost obsessive grin, "a concoction can be made that will mask our scent from the beasts. We shall become rats ourselves, in smell alone hopefully". His explanation is briefly interrupted as he glances towards Zollo's table and the disturbing bundle. "What is it with this place and rats?" he mutters under his breath.
Gunthard listens intently to Stein's talk of descending into darkness. "Hold," he interjects, perhaps slamming a fist lightly on the table. "Go down there again? We nearly lost you last time, Stein! I say we smoke the rats out. Fight them up here, in the open, in the light!". He looks at Gunthard, nodding slowly. "True, it is as you've said. Better to face the mayhem now with armed warriors than leave villagers vulnerable".
Hrod, overhearing from his table, adds his own suggestion, "Or we could flood their warrens and avoid fighting altogether, should the prospect worry thee".
Stein considers these alternatives, running a finger over the rat tooth. "Smoke, flood... well, the Candlewright spoke of a 'Warding Grease' made with Ash tree root and bone-meal tallow that repels vermin. Perhaps it could be burned...". He pauses, frowning. "But these tunnels... Olwin hints they go deep, Ostgar reports breaches elsewhere... If we smoke or flood them out, will they merely flee deeper? Or worse," his past trauma surfacing, "will they burst out everywhere? Expelled throughout Vertidor amongst panicked townsfolk?
Joining Forces
Seeing the Mossbarrow group forming and realizing both the Hunter's Lodge and the areas Olwin indicated for his ingredients lie along their likely path, Stein approaches Hrod and Zollo's table. "You appear to share our enmity towards these vermin," he begins, gesturing towards the bundle with his rat tooth. "If your business won't take you far from the region for long, can we count on you when the time comes for us to descend and slay these monstrous beasts?". Hrod responds readily, "Aye, I will put mine axe to good use when needed. But it looks like we have other tasks to see to as well, which might bear upon the infestation at hand".
Seizing the opportunity, Stein asks, "If you forgive my intrusiveness, I heard you mention heading to Mossbarrow by way of the Hunter's Lodge. I find myself in need of visiting both those locations to gather supplies... With bandits and worse about, may I take the journey with you?". Gunthard thumps his chest. "I can scour the area for your materials.” Hrod agrees without hesitation, "You need ask no leave to join us. It would be well if you could keep pace".
Stein assures him he will travel light, making a mental note to leave the heavy rat pelt in his room. He shares the ingredient locations Olwin and Donarin provided, and asks Olwin about a specific source for Ash tree root needed for his camouflage strategy. Olwin ponders, then suggest checking near old, lightning-struck ash trees in the woods near Quiet Hill to the north, and mentions the Bailiff's records might note other timber resources of the type.
Zollo, seeing the group readying, prods the now-still fetus bundle impatiently and says pointedly to Hrod, "So let us then be off". The Mossbarrow group – Hrod, Zollo, Stein, Gunthard, Ostgar, and Alfwine – begins gathering their gear, preparing for immediate departure as dusk approaches.
While this unfolds, Ostgar, perhaps feeling restless or wanting to contribute something before leaving, asks the room at large, "Anyone fancy a quick game of dice for copper while we wait? Does anyone even have dice?". His question likely goes unanswered amidst the more pressing preparations.
Alfred the Bard is gathering stories. Da Great Green Prophet remains inscrutable.
________________________________________
Follow-up (Late Afternoon / Approaching Dusk):
We have reached a pivotal point where motivations diverge and a strong organic fork presents itself: descend beneath Vertidor… or journey outward toward Mossbarrow.
The formation and imminent departure of the Mossbarrow/Hunter's Lodge expedition group: Hrod, Zollo, Stein, Gunthard, Ostgar, and Alfwine.
• Departure: This group gathers their gear and will likely leave Vertidor's Rest within the hour, heading south towards the Hunter's Lodge first (approx. 40 mins south-west), as per Hrod's plan. It would be better to arrive before dusk fully settles and sleep there, as it may not be prudent to push on towards Mossbarrow through unknown paths in night time. Stein travels light, focused on finding his alchemy ingredients. Hrod and Zollo are focused on their strange quest. Ostgar and Alfwine accompany them, seeking safety in numbers and simply following the closest available action.
• Inn Group Actions: The remaining members at the inn (Norman, Wolfgang, Tillomar, George) must now finalize their own next steps, short-handed:
o Church Visit “Down Into the Dark” : They could visit Father Alstanis before dusk falls to request undercroft access. Kal Arion and Felix might be already heading that way, with a string of recruited wannabe adventurers. It would be best to arrive before evening prayers or the priest retires. This action focuses on investigating the rat threat and the detected source of evil and hopefully sealing at the source and completing the mission, as sanctioned by the Bailiff.
o Further Investigation: Do they use the writ now to investigate the derelict building Fergal indicated, or examine maps with Olwin or at the Bailiff’s hall, or do they wait for the Mossbarrow group's return? Perhaps it would be an alternative idea to rest at the inn, planning a more coordinated underground investigation for the next morning. Gunthard and Hrod’s strategic ideas (smoking/flooding) might be revisited.
• Time: It's now late afternoon. Daylight is limited and any significant action will mean the adventurers better be prepared for a night operation. The Mossbarrow group will be travelling as dusk approaches.
Chapter 1 concludes with the party splitting, one group heading out on a potentially perilous journey southeast based on a strange quest and ingredient gathering, while the other group finalizes immediate preparations in Vertidor for tackling the underground threat, possibly starting their approach to the Church as evening draws near.
The common room of The Mountain's Last Light, warmed by the unexpected afternoon sun and the lingering smell of stew, becomes a hub of intense discussion and preparation. The adventurers, having shared their morning's findings and received the Bailiff's sanction, now grapple with how best to proceed against the threat lurking below.
Gathering the Supplies
Norman and Wolfgang take on the practical task proposed earlier: securing essential supplies for whatever lies ahead. Norman, recalling his less-than-stellar reception from traders earlier, confers briefly with Wolfgang, whose thrifty nature and organized mind make him a logical leader for this errand. Their goal is clear: acquire the fundamental tools needed for exploring dark, potentially dangerous underground passages, referencing a list perhaps mentally compiled from experience and the recent discussions. The will request the Bailiff's token budget promised and supplementing it with some of the party's pooled funds.
They are about leave the inn and head towards Vertidor's main track, aiming for the town's market square and primary provisioner, when a tall boy in militia leather armor uniform (gambeson over burlap padding) and carrying a short sword in his belt arrives, who must be in his late teens. He salutes the party as he stands near the door. “I’m Linno Aldwick, town militia, reporting in. The captain of the guard sent me here to run errands for Cleric Norman and Master Wolfgang”, he announces. The kid is wiry, sunburnt, and has wind-chapped cheeks. “and whoever else they have vouched for.” He seems eager and by his speech not as dumb as one would think, and very deferential towards both adventurers.
Brenna arrives from the back with four waterskins, saying “Spare waterskins - four should do, for water or... other liquids. Just forget what you put in each.” She also gifts the men two warm blankets for the cold. Under Norman’s instructions, she passes them to Linno, asking him to fetch holy water from the Church. The boy bows and leaves.
Wolfgang calls Tillomar. “Ranger, can you follow me into the town market and help me gather proper equipment for investigating these underground tunnels?” Tillomar, still wary of superstitions with his cured hand and all the strange things happening, nods “Aye, let me and my wolfhound Fergal lead you in this errand.”
On the main street to the market, they meet Greenwald the Tallyman, who is leaving the town with a bodyguard and servants. He tells Tillomar, whom he met earlier: “I saw your friend Felix around talking to street rats, he seems to have impressed them. Him and his gang, along with a robed cleric left in the direction of the Church. As for the rest of us merchants, we decided to leave for refuge out of the walls in a secluded place for a couple days after hearing of swarms of monstrous rats in underground tunnels.” This is the effect of Ostgar’s exaggerated report leaking from the Bailiff’s hall. Their party leaves the town through the main gates to the west.
Nevertheless, the duo stride to the market square where they show the town’s quartermaster the party’s signed requisition. The place smells of dried meat and lamp oil, but looks almost empty of townsfolk indeed, other than many traders still packing their goods for the departure. The parchment bears Bailiff Voseric’s seal, but even that earns only a grim nod from the robed quartermaster scribe overseeing the stalls. “You’ll find what remains,” mutters his, barely glancing up. “No credit. Just this.” He hands Wolfgang a wooden tally rod, marked with notches totaling 10 silver pieces, valid only for delving provisions - no luxuries.
Wolfgang and Tillomar go down the market stands, tents and shops to buy what they feel is most important with the noble always haggling and using his position to optimize deals. Practical and meticulous, they consider prices and availability, mentally ticking items off their list. “We'll need torches, a good dozen... And oil – plenty of oil flasks, say half a dozen? I also want strong rope, at least four coils of fifty feet. Iron spikes and hammers, a sturdy crowbar, possibly a shovel or mattock. And some sacks for carrying finds or equipment."
They find the first provisioner; the grease-smeared vendor barely looks at them as he sells them a dozen torches. “Four bundles of three left. Yours for 8 coppers each bundle.” At the apothecary, the apprentice shoves a half-empty crate of six oil flasks forward. “We were selling to miners last week. You get what’s left. That will be 3 silver pieces.” They buy 200 feet of old rope, hempen and frayed, divided in four bundles of 50 feet. The seller spits: “They’ll hold weight, but don’t blame me if you fall on your own pride. 15 coppers total.”
Moving on, they get three sets of small hammers and spikes - for only 2 silver - from a blacksmith’s boy with red eyes and blistered hands. “Father left. Didn’t say goodbye...” Wolfgang presses the tally rod wordlessly. A shopkeeper of a general goods stand is busy packing to leave the town, with a panicky tone, he tells them. “Take all that, I don’t have space for to take anything else on my trip back west to central Arandia. Here is a too dangerous, rumor of monsters spread. Mark your way well, noble. The mind forgets what you do not record.” Wolfgang takes many sticks of chalk, four sacks, a cookpot and a sewing kit with needles, threads scissors, and a thimble.
A contrast to the last trader is the lantern-seller’s optimism; he shakes hands as he loads one each for Wolfgang and Tillomar. “They will light your darkness for long, my friends. Here are half a dozen doses of lantern oil too, only five silver pieces total.” An old peddler in the market square insists they take his pulley. “This was for lifting grain. May it now lift treasure.” When inquired about that, he vaguely says. “Everyone in this town knows there is much treasure buried underground and no one ever had the courage to dig deep enough. Even me.” He scurries off.
They find the crowbar and shovel within among various odds and ends from a half-collapsed stall near the Bailiff’s hall. The vendor is gone. The quartermaster allows Wolfgang to collect the rest. Final Tally: Wolfgang negotiated some small savings and freebies, stretching the original 10 silver token with scraps of his own coin for a total of 13 silver pieces and 4 copper coins.
As Wolfgang and Tillomar load the goods to return to the inn, they hear a boy nearby tell a girl: “They’re going into the cellar. That’s where the King Rat lives.” Another boy points to Tillomar and replies: “If he dies down there… can I have his boots?”
Laden with bundles of torches, heavy coils of rope, clanking spikes, flasks of oil, perhaps a shovel strapped across a back, and extra sacks and waterskins, Tillomarand Wolfgang return to The Mountain's Last Light as the afternoon light begins to fade. A faint pounding of boots echoes beyond the inn’s shutters. Moments later, the door opens with a gust of cool air and a blur of brown cloth. Linno is back from the Church. The lad enters, gasping from the dash.
“Got ‘em! Four skin-fulls — filled by Father Altanis himself! Sealed 'em with wax too, just like you asked.”
He pauses, glancing around the room full of adventurers like they’re heroes from a bardsong. The golden afternoon light, streaming through the windows of The Mountain's Last Light, does little to ease the tension as the regrouped adventurers digest the latest information and plan their next moves.
The Mossbarrow Contingent Forms
At one table, Hrod Lastson, having studied the rough map provided by Olwin, looks towards the others, particularly his silent companion. "We could hie to Mossbarrow by the Hunter's Lodge," he suggests gruffly. "They might know what manner of dealings have been foisted on us with this... package". He glances around the room and spots Ostgar, who seems unoccupied after his panic-inducing report at the Bailiff's Hall. ""Lad," Hrod calls out, perhaps seeing potential use in the former guard's alertness, "would you hie with us to the Mossbarrow?".
Ostgar, maybe looking for a way to be useful (or just escape the inn), readily agrees, "Aye, I'll hie with you". Zollo, unfamiliar with maps, simply looks to Hrod for confirmation of the route. Hrod points on the map, "To the Hunter's Lodge a ways south, thence east to Mossbarrow". Seeing this group forming around the strange quest, Alfwine, perhaps feeling less anxious in the company of the stoic Hrod or intrigued by the mystery, quietly attaches himself to them. Zollo gives a curt nod, seemingly accepting the expanded company for this peculiar errand. A subgroup focused on Ailber's bizarre quest begins to coalesce.
Strategies and Alchemy
Meanwhile, Stein Von Steiner, energized by his successful errand and Frott's report, joins the main discussion about tackling the underground threat. Producing one of the massive rat fangs, he taps it rhythmically on the table. "Not just holy water," he declares, echoing Norman's report. "But also fire... We'll need proper lamps or lanterns if we're going in after them. I don't want to revisit the cellar's candle situation...". He offers his alchemical skills to the group, "Instead of seeking out the town's alchemist... I can spare anyone dedicated to our vermin eradicating cause the loss of coin. So long as the ingredients are provided..."
He then reveals his idea for scent camouflage, holding up the vial of fox-tallow purchased from the Candlewright. "With this and a few more ingredients I plan gather upon the morrow," he explains with a wry, almost obsessive grin, "a concoction can be made that will mask our scent from the beasts. We shall become rats ourselves, in smell alone hopefully". His explanation is briefly interrupted as he glances towards Zollo's table and the disturbing bundle. "What is it with this place and rats?" he mutters under his breath.
Gunthard listens intently to Stein's talk of descending into darkness. "Hold," he interjects, perhaps slamming a fist lightly on the table. "Go down there again? We nearly lost you last time, Stein! I say we smoke the rats out. Fight them up here, in the open, in the light!". He looks at Gunthard, nodding slowly. "True, it is as you've said. Better to face the mayhem now with armed warriors than leave villagers vulnerable".
Hrod, overhearing from his table, adds his own suggestion, "Or we could flood their warrens and avoid fighting altogether, should the prospect worry thee".
Stein considers these alternatives, running a finger over the rat tooth. "Smoke, flood... well, the Candlewright spoke of a 'Warding Grease' made with Ash tree root and bone-meal tallow that repels vermin. Perhaps it could be burned...". He pauses, frowning. "But these tunnels... Olwin hints they go deep, Ostgar reports breaches elsewhere... If we smoke or flood them out, will they merely flee deeper? Or worse," his past trauma surfacing, "will they burst out everywhere? Expelled throughout Vertidor amongst panicked townsfolk?
Joining Forces
Seeing the Mossbarrow group forming and realizing both the Hunter's Lodge and the areas Olwin indicated for his ingredients lie along their likely path, Stein approaches Hrod and Zollo's table. "You appear to share our enmity towards these vermin," he begins, gesturing towards the bundle with his rat tooth. "If your business won't take you far from the region for long, can we count on you when the time comes for us to descend and slay these monstrous beasts?". Hrod responds readily, "Aye, I will put mine axe to good use when needed. But it looks like we have other tasks to see to as well, which might bear upon the infestation at hand".
Seizing the opportunity, Stein asks, "If you forgive my intrusiveness, I heard you mention heading to Mossbarrow by way of the Hunter's Lodge. I find myself in need of visiting both those locations to gather supplies... With bandits and worse about, may I take the journey with you?". Gunthard thumps his chest. "I can scour the area for your materials.” Hrod agrees without hesitation, "You need ask no leave to join us. It would be well if you could keep pace".
Stein assures him he will travel light, making a mental note to leave the heavy rat pelt in his room. He shares the ingredient locations Olwin and Donarin provided, and asks Olwin about a specific source for Ash tree root needed for his camouflage strategy. Olwin ponders, then suggest checking near old, lightning-struck ash trees in the woods near Quiet Hill to the north, and mentions the Bailiff's records might note other timber resources of the type.
Zollo, seeing the group readying, prods the now-still fetus bundle impatiently and says pointedly to Hrod, "So let us then be off". The Mossbarrow group – Hrod, Zollo, Stein, Gunthard, Ostgar, and Alfwine – begins gathering their gear, preparing for immediate departure as dusk approaches.
While this unfolds, Ostgar, perhaps feeling restless or wanting to contribute something before leaving, asks the room at large, "Anyone fancy a quick game of dice for copper while we wait? Does anyone even have dice?". His question likely goes unanswered amidst the more pressing preparations.
Alfred the Bard is gathering stories. Da Great Green Prophet remains inscrutable.
________________________________________
Follow-up (Late Afternoon / Approaching Dusk):
We have reached a pivotal point where motivations diverge and a strong organic fork presents itself: descend beneath Vertidor… or journey outward toward Mossbarrow.
The formation and imminent departure of the Mossbarrow/Hunter's Lodge expedition group: Hrod, Zollo, Stein, Gunthard, Ostgar, and Alfwine.
• Departure: This group gathers their gear and will likely leave Vertidor's Rest within the hour, heading south towards the Hunter's Lodge first (approx. 40 mins south-west), as per Hrod's plan. It would be better to arrive before dusk fully settles and sleep there, as it may not be prudent to push on towards Mossbarrow through unknown paths in night time. Stein travels light, focused on finding his alchemy ingredients. Hrod and Zollo are focused on their strange quest. Ostgar and Alfwine accompany them, seeking safety in numbers and simply following the closest available action.
• Inn Group Actions: The remaining members at the inn (Norman, Wolfgang, Tillomar, George) must now finalize their own next steps, short-handed:
o Church Visit “Down Into the Dark” : They could visit Father Alstanis before dusk falls to request undercroft access. Kal Arion and Felix might be already heading that way, with a string of recruited wannabe adventurers. It would be best to arrive before evening prayers or the priest retires. This action focuses on investigating the rat threat and the detected source of evil and hopefully sealing at the source and completing the mission, as sanctioned by the Bailiff.
o Further Investigation: Do they use the writ now to investigate the derelict building Fergal indicated, or examine maps with Olwin or at the Bailiff’s hall, or do they wait for the Mossbarrow group's return? Perhaps it would be an alternative idea to rest at the inn, planning a more coordinated underground investigation for the next morning. Gunthard and Hrod’s strategic ideas (smoking/flooding) might be revisited.
• Time: It's now late afternoon. Daylight is limited and any significant action will mean the adventurers better be prepared for a night operation. The Mossbarrow group will be travelling as dusk approaches.
Chapter 1 concludes with the party splitting, one group heading out on a potentially perilous journey southeast based on a strange quest and ingredient gathering, while the other group finalizes immediate preparations in Vertidor for tackling the underground threat, possibly starting their approach to the Church as evening draws near.
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DemoGraph
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Adventurer's Guild
We don't know yet that holy water was already taken. So Felix is still going to get it, unless he gets some interesting and urgent information from the kids.Irenaeus wrote: ↑ May 9th, 2025, 07:15o Church Visit “Down Into the Dark” : They could visit Father Alstanis before dusk falls to request undercroft access. Kal Arion and Felix might be already heading that way, with a string of recruited wannabe adventurers.
I thought that after talking to kids, Felix should send them in their way to get all the gear they could scramble. Especially shields, face rags and some weapons. He would tell them to come to the inn at the evening for the discussion of the future actions.
And maybe on the way to the church Felix could visit armory of the city guard. Maybe they have some spare weapons and gear they can share.
