Hoo boy, I am going to stick that sling bullet somewhere amazing, and we’ll discover what wanting me to drop dead really sounds like! :mad:
Jack, nothing like work to take your mind off your troubles. Come give me a hand to get Sir Gawain’s horse ready, I’m sure he’ll not walk when he can ride. And if we raise lumps on a scalp or two before we’re done, well, teach some people to work for the wrong petty tyrant, eh?
Crumlin states that this is a rural community with farmers, foresters and fishermen. Any ‘extra help’ would be the troops under Sir Guy Gisbourne’s command.
Simon the peasant (who is still following his new friend Cullen) says he doesn’t know anything about fighting and could he please not get involved in any.
However if the party want news spread around, Simon knows just what to do! 
“It’ll be easy on Market Day. A word in the ears of the right people and I can soon have a crowd meeting you anywhere you say. Do you want me to tell them that you are going on a rescue, or should I wait until you get back?”
Crumlin thanks Aciryas - this is how the Temple of Heimdall teaches us to behave!
Jack cheers up listening to Hans. He mutters something about ‘where the sun has never shone’, then blushes.
“I knew you were the right gnome for the job! You and your lot will get my brother back. 
Ummm … but Sir Gawain left on his marvellous horse a little while back…”
Crumlin adds "Yes, Sir Gawain was called to Uppingham about urgently curing a disease. But as his Squire, you can continue to represent him. 
"
Crumlin quickly asks who has access to a horse. He discovers:
Crumlin says the stables in Oakham will hire out riding horses.
Since neither Cullen, Hulgfar or Salazar wear heavy (i.e. metal) armour, they don’t need a Warhorse.
"It is truly said that … for evil to triumph, all that is needed … is for good men to stand around and … do nothing. We must … find the boy.
“However, the message said that the child will be … devoured … if Crumlin does not … withdraw. Why choose that word? Who, or what … will devour him? Does that help us … deduce where he might be taken?”
Crumlin thanks Salazar for his fine words.
He adds that ‘devour’ could mean:
)Cullen thanks Simon for the offer to spread the word and hand him 10 silver to keep his throat and the throats of his friends well lubricated throughout the day.
Once Simon is gone, I explain to Crumlin, that I never expected any help, I was just aiming to spread some goodwill among the voters. I always say, “feed two birds with one seed.”
Simon sets off happily, saying that’s enough cash to buy even the Town Crier a drink.
He says he’ll spread the word a bit to start with, wait by this Town Gate for your return - then unleash the Town Crier if you are successful.
"I have no skill … with horses or riding. I can pay for a horse, but … wouldn’t know a good one from a nag at death’s door. I don’t want it to … founder … along the way and possibly cause the boy to … lose his life.
Perhaps someone with a bit of … knowledge of horseflesh can help me pick one out, and … advise me on what gear I will need?
I will be grateful."
I can possibly help those that need a mount and I find myself in need of one. While I can judge the general health of a horse or pony, I am fearful of what prices they may go for, I am no skilled horseman.
Salazar, you have [COLOR=Purple]Horse Riding as a non-weapon proficiency. A rider with this can:
Also Aciryas knows Animal Training (Horse) and Cullen can Speak to Animals. [/COLOR]
Jack Baker pipes up “I work part-time at at the Oakham stables. They are pleasant people, who care about their horses.
A simple riding horse would cost 25 gold pieces, but of course it wouldn’t be battle-trained, i.e. a Warhorse. Fine for travel, though.
A light Warhorse (could carry anyone not in metal armour) would be 150 gold.
Shall I lead you to the stables?”
:smack:
I did read the file, honest. I think my brain is less like a colander and more like a sieve nowadays.
No worries - just keep the game moving!
Cullen turns to Jack, "It would be wonderful if you led us there, do you know how much serviceable tack would cost with the horse?
My funds are limited, I will be looking for a good riding horse, saddle, saddlebags and tack. I will cast a Speak with Animals to interview these new companions and friends.
Please let me know how many equines we will be adding to the rescue party."
I’m sorry guys, for my lack of input. Things have been busy and I’ve only been popping in to SD for a quick post or response. I am going to try to get caught up on reading the thread and back involved today.
Jack smiles happily. “Pass me a gold piece, give me a moment’s start and I’ll get all your riding gear thrown in with the purchase price!
Oh, and there’ll be no problem casting spells to check the goods - these people are honest.”
He leads the party to Oakham Stables.
Alan A’Dale is there, chatting to a man inspecting a horse’s hoof.
He smiles when he sees you and tells the other man he’s got visitors.
The other man carefully unfurls himself to a height of over 7 feet. :eek:
“Pleased to meet’ya!” he booms. “My name’s John Little, but everyone calls me Little John.”
Alan introduces the party, saying that Gawain’s squire (Hans) is amongst them.
“Great!” Little John’s voice resonates round the stables. “Any friends of Lieutenant Gawain are welcome here.”
After Cullen Speaks to Animals, the party are offered 3 light riding horses in top condition for Cullen, Hulgfar or Salazar*. Each mount costs 25 gold pieces, including full tack.
(*since none of these characters wear metal armour, they are fine on such mounts.)
Although none of the horses are battle-trained (they won’t face an armed opponent, nor fire etc), they are fast, friendly and easy to ride.
Little John, sizing up the party as adventuring types, says that if the horses are left either with instructions (i.e. Speak to Animals), or with a battle-trained mount, they will wait patiently for their owners.
The party, now moving speedily (Erjg can run alongside the riders for hours), regroup outside the Oakham Town Gates.
They notice the guards (wearing Gisbourne’s insignia) have returned and are looking nonchalent.
Cadogan tells the party that because of the early drizzle, the ruts of the Wain are clear. So the trail is easy to follow, even from horseback.
Am I able to train them for battle? It might not be necessary now, but it would be good to know for future reference.
Excellent! Let’s press on.
[sings, off-key]
Tum-ti-tum, tum-ti-tum, tumty-tumm-titum,
Tum-ti-tum, tum-ti-tum, tumty-tumm-titum,
Tumm tumty tum, tumm tumty tum,
Tum-ti-tum!
Tum-ti-tum!
Tum-ti-tum!
[/s,o-k]