D&D – game 2 (Mediaeval English background)

The Game Room
21

[QUOTE=Malacandra]
[loudly]Well, Sir Gawain! Think any of the vile caitiffs in this dog’s bottom of an apology for a town be worth the trouble of an honourable joust? Or do we just hunt up lodgings and hope like hell that the beds have less fleas and the tavernkeeper’s daughter be less poxed-up than last time?[/loudly]

That do for a start, Mr DM? :smiley:

Clever Hans is loaded as per my email - that’ll do for now.
[/QUOTE]

Hans, impugn not the character of this fine town and its worthy denizens! Let us find an inn of a decent sort, where neither proprietor nor common thieves are likely to render us impecunious, and rest for a while.

<Gawain scratches at a flea-bite, muttering something very unpaladinly under his breath>

And act with virtue once we get there. Should you pluck another malady of the nether regions from a poxy doxy, do not expect me to cure it.

22

[QUOTE=What Exit?]
Looking for an area near the fairgrounds and where people are beginning to congregate, I set about planting a variety of fruit seeds in an 8"x 8" area.

“Good people, I bring you greetings from Lugh Lámhfhada and in hopes of a great festival of Lughnasadh, I give you many and varied fruits today.”

I proceed to cast my Plant growth on the fruit seeds I planted, encouraging them to grow fast and strong and healthy and to produce fresh and sweet fruit and berries.

"Enjoy the bounty and if I may bend your ear a bit, I wish to speak of two things. One very good and one very dangerous to the future of good and safe harvests and clean water of Rutland.

There is one that has lived near you but not among you that has always cared for the area. She has hellped protect you in silence and now is willing to more actively protect you. This is Marion the senior Druid in Rutland. A few already know her, especially among your herbalists of the apothecaries and rangers.

She is willing and able to become your new Sheriff if you would elect her. She can keep you safe from both enemies and the creeping plague known as pollution.

On that note is the second thing I wish to speak of. There is a currently a creeping danger to Rutland. A blight upon the land. There are mines near here that are POISONING the land! I wonder if any here might help in investigating this and halting this blight.”
[/QUOTE]

You are working just outside the town (Clever Hans rode out to see what the fuss was about, made his comment, then rode back).

A number of folk coming to Oakham from Burley-on-the-Hill and Upper Hambleton stop to listen.
Most are fascinated by the rapid plant growth but look puzzled when you mention Marian.
Their comments include:

  • I didn’t know we had any Druids in Rutland, let alone senior ones

  • there aren’t any Rangers round here, are there?

  • I like your dog; what breed is he?

  • this mine job; does it pay well?

  • I thought Sir Guy was the Sheriff?

  • no, silly, Gisbourne’s the Lord of the Manor

  • so who’s standing for Sheriff?

  • it’s that woman there; the one with the kestrel on her arm

  • why doesn’t she speak?

  • dunno, but this bloke 'ere could sell eels to fishermen!

  • aye, he’s got the gift of the gab alright

Attracted by the crowd, a couple of uniformed* troopers come over to you. After listening for a moment, they order you to move on.
A peasant (smelling of fish) promptly shouts “You ain’t got no right to do that! These people ain’t in Oakham, so it’s got nowt to do with you.”
The crowd obviously agree with him and the troopers reluctantly retire back inside the town boundary.

Marian is being asked questions about the election, but is looking more and more nervous and uncomfortable. Suddenly she runs into a copse of trees (her kestrel leaps into the air and follows her).
The peasants shuffle their feet and say they meant no harm to the lady. One goes to apologise, but comes back looking puzzled. “She ain’t there! There’s just trees. And she ain’t hiding behind them…”

*they wear the insignia of a mailed fist

23

[QUOTE=Paladud]
Hans, impugn not the character of this fine town and its worthy denizens! Let us find an inn of a decent sort, where neither proprietor nor common thieves are likely to render us impecunious, and rest for a while.

<Gawain scratches at a flea-bite, muttering something very unpaladinly under his breath>

And act with virtue once we get there. Should you pluck another malady of the nether regions from a poxy doxy, do not expect me to cure it.
[/QUOTE]

A man supervising the construction of the barriers for the jousting turns to Gawain and doffs his cap with a bow.

“Excuse me, Sir Knight, but if ye seek an inn, there are but two in the town. The Old Plough has music, while the **Merry Monk ** is frequented by military men.
You will need to hurry, for the rooms will soon be taken, what with Market Day today and May Day on the morrow.
Of course the Temple here will also serve weary travellers.”

24

[QUOTE=glee]
Marian comments “It did feel more like a Sending, but it didn’t feel like the ones I occasionally get from Lugh (Patron of Druids). There should have been more … rabbits.”
[/QUOTE]

Sorry! Sorry! Computer acting up, grandmother going to ER… RL has been a female dog lately.

“I have had odd dreams,” Cadogan admits, his gravelly voice a touch gruff, “but those last night were odder than normal. If we shared them, there may be more to them, but I am no soothsayer to make sense of such visions.”

When the soldier-folk come ambling and threatening, the Ranger narrows his eyes in their general direction. His generally neutral expression remains, just with a sprinkling of warning and menace as he regards them. This far and no further, his expression says, but he does not start flailing around with a sword, just idly resting his hand on the hilt of his blade.

He does lift his chin a bit in recognition and something akin to amusement when someone asks about Rangers hereabouts. The amused look in his eyes flat out vanishes when the Marian goes running off. When the peasant lady announces that the woman has vanished, Cadogan begins to stalk toward that copse of trees, pausing to look down at the ground before his gaze rises to the trees.

I’m going to try and use Tracking to figure out if there’s some place her footsteps just stop. I’m also looking around to see where her Kestrel went, since if she just vanished, it might have gone with her, but if she’s still here somewhere, probably it is too?

25

[QUOTE=fluiddruid]
Ergj gives a slight smile, the kind he reserves for only people he knows quite well. He nods his head forward slightly in agreement, then digs around secretly in his bag. He attaches something furtively to his hook, and casts it before you can see what it is. He then takes a deep breath and lies back against the stone of the bridge, looking up at Hulgfar with a mildly amused expression.
[/QUOTE]

Hulgfar acknowldges, briefly considers catching a fish from under the water, But decides to stay on land and watch all these loud strangers, paying special attention to the well-armoured knight out of the corner of his eye.

26

[QUOTE=Little Plastic Ninja]

“I have had odd dreams,” Cadogan admits, his gravelly voice a touch gruff, “but those last night were odder than normal. If we shared them, there may be more to them, but I am no soothsayer to make sense of such visions.”

[/quote]

When you meet the others, you will discover you all had the identical experience. That’s never happened to you before.

[QUOTE=Little Plastic Ninja]

When the soldier-folk come ambling and threatening, the Ranger narrows his eyes in their general direction. His generally neutral expression remains, just with a sprinkling of warning and menace as he regards them. This far and no further, his expression says, but he does not start flailing around with a sword, just idly resting his hand on the hilt of his blade.

[/quote]

The soldiers initially enjoy ordering the peasants around.
But when they notice you, they look a bit shifty and take a step back. You can see they are making a note of your equipment, and one of them points at your horse and nods in recognition.

[QUOTE=Little Plastic Ninja]

He does lift his chin a bit in recognition and something akin to amusement when someone asks about Rangers hereabouts.

[/quote]

Well you and the other couple of Rangers on Rutland patrol are pretty discreet (and good at heading off trouble!).

[QUOTE=Little Plastic Ninja]

The amused look in his eyes flat out vanishes when the Marian goes running off. When the peasant lady announces that the woman has vanished, Cadogan begins to stalk toward that copse of trees, pausing to look down at the ground before his gaze rises to the trees.

I’m going to try and use Tracking to figure out if there’s some place her footsteps just stop. I’m also looking around to see where her Kestrel went, since if she just vanished, it might have gone with her, but if she’s still here somewhere, probably it is too?
[/QUOTE]

Cadogan succeeds with a TRACKING skill.
He traces Marian’s footsteps into the copse, but they stop directly in front of a tree. There are no signs of anyone else. The kestrel is sitting in the tree, preening itself.

27

[QUOTE=fluiddruid]

Ergj gives a slight smile, the kind he reserves for only people he knows quite well. He nods his head forward slightly in agreement, then digs around secretly in his bag. He attaches something furtively to his hook, and casts it before you can see what it is. He then takes a deep breath and lies back against the stone of the bridge, looking up at Hulgfar with a mildly amused expression.

[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=wolfman]

Hulgfar acknowldges, briefly considers catching a fish from under the water, But decides to stay on land and watch all these loud strangers, paying special attention to the well-armoured knight out of the corner of his eye.

[/QUOTE]

Crumlin does a double-take at Ergj’s manouevre and stares briefly at the Lizardman, narrowing his eyes.

Then, noticing the Knight and squire, he says to Ergj and Hulgfar “Excuse me a moment, gentlemen.”

Clearing his throat, he addresses Gawain with a bow. "Sir Knight, I notice your shield symbol (Heimdall’s Horn). I too share the faith (Crumlin shows the same symbol in a small version hanging around his neck). I am an Acolyte in the Temple here and I would be honoured to introduce you to a Curate, who I am sure would offer you (Crumlin briefly hesitates) … and your squire … the hospitality you deserve.
If I am not mistaken, your magnificent Warhorse is from temple stock - we have the privilege of a brother horse here in Oakham. And of course I can show you to the stables when convenient.

28

[QUOTE=Paladud]
Hans, impugn not the character of this fine town and its worthy denizens! Let us find an inn of a decent sort, where neither proprietor nor common thieves are likely to render us impecunious, and rest for a while.

<Gawain scratches at a flea-bite, muttering something very unpaladinly under his breath>

And act with virtue once we get there. Should you pluck another malady of the nether regions from a poxy doxy, do not expect me to cure it.
[/QUOTE]

“Well, if that be your attitude, master,” exclaims Hans very audibly, “you’re on your own next time we’re rooming alone and there’s not a wench to be found!”

Muttered: “There’ll be damn-all thieves in this town, Gawain - at least, none who’re any good. Mister Stick-Up-His-Chutney Gisbourne has seen to that. I’ll make sure none interferes with your worldly goods, if you like.”

29

[QUOTE=glee]
Hearing this, a stallholder approaches.
He mutters to Aciryas “By your leave, Curate”, then turns to Salazar with a smile. “It is indeed a wonderful sight. And so are the bargains available today! My names is Charles and I am a tailor. I wonder if I can interest you in a warm, stylish cloak?”
[/QUOTE]

A cloak, with the weather so warm? Tailor, we may have use of your services, but why would my friend need a cloak?

30

[QUOTE=NAF1138]
A cloak, with the weather so warm? Tailor, we may have use of your services, but why would my friend need a cloak?
[/QUOTE]

Ah, thank you good Curate. Tis true the weather is warmer, but we can surely expect regular rain here in Rutland. A good cloak and hood keeps out the prying fingers of damp.
(turning back to Salazar) May I say that for the discerning (such as yourself), that two cloaks are better than one. :slight_smile: I see a discreet shade of brown for travelling, but a glorious mixture of yellow and purple (trimmed with green, of course) to truly announce your presence.
(looks at Aciryas) And of course, any friend of Heimdall’s Temple is awarded a small discount!

31

[QUOTE=glee]
Ah, thank you good Curate. Tis true the weather is warmer, but we can surely expect regular rain here in Rutland. A good cloak and hood keeps out the prying fingers of damp.
(turning back to Salazar) May I say that for the discerning (such as yourself), that two cloaks are better than one. :slight_smile: I see a discreet shade of brown for travelling, but a glorious mixture of yellow and purple (trimmed with green, of course) to truly announce your presence.
(looks at Aciryas) And of course, any friend of Heimdall’s Temple is awarded a small discount!
[/QUOTE]

What do you think Slazar?

Can I examine the cloak he is offering?

32

[QUOTE=NAF1138]
What do you think Slazar?

Can I examine the cloak he is offering?
[/QUOTE]

Aciryas is not a tailor or weaver, so has no specialist knowledge.

However the first cloak looks perfectly serviceable and effective against the rain.

The second cloak is … eye-catching. :eek: It is bright yellow and deep purple and has fluffy fur trim dyed bright green.

33

[QUOTE=glee]
Aciryas is not a tailor or weaver, so has no specialist knowledge.

[/QUOTE]

hee, I figured as much.

34

“That’s… Quite… A… Hm. Colorful. Cloak.” Salazar talks as if he’s having to chose each word from a long list. “It. Might. Look… Good on you…” He looks to Aciryas.

35

[QUOTE=ArrMatey!]
“That’s… Quite… A… Hm. Colorful. Cloak.” Salazar talks as if he’s having to chose each word from a long list. “It. Might. Look… Good on you…” He looks to Aciryas.
[/QUOTE]

Would that I could friend Salazar, but my order has taken a vow to only wear plain clothes.

But the vendor is right, you might want to keep yourself dry from the rain…I am going to go admire the…um…the bit of wall over there. You can catch up with me when you are done here.

: pats salazar warmly on the shoulder and wanders off chuckling to himself:

36

[QUOTE=fluiddruid]
Ergj gives a slight smile, the kind he reserves for only people he knows quite well. He nods his head forward slightly in agreement, then digs around secretly in his bag. He attaches something furtively to his hook, and casts it before you can see what it is. He then takes a deep breath and lies back against the stone of the bridge, looking up at Hulgfar with a mildly amused expression.
[/QUOTE]

Ergj notices that there is a engraving in the half-finished bridge, of the letters ‘W S’.

37

[QUOTE=ArrMatey!]
“That’s… Quite… A… Hm. Colorful. Cloak.” Salazar talks as if he’s having to chose each word from a long list. “It. Might. Look… Good on you…” He looks to Aciryas.
[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=NAF1138]

Would that I could friend Salazar, but my order has taken a vow to only wear plain clothes.

But the vendor is right, you might want to keep yourself dry from the rain…I am going to go admire the…um…the bit of wall over there. You can catch up with me when you are done here.

: pats salazar warmly on the shoulder and wanders off chuckling to himself:

[/quote]

Crumlin smiles at Aciryas and comes towards him, saying “Good Curate, I’d like to introduce Erjg and Hulgfar. They are Warriors from Portsmouth and have kindly agreed to help us with the election.
We fishermen all want to protect the fish stocks.”
He adds in a whisper “Our order hasn’t taken a clothing vow … oh! I see!”

Charles the tailor promptly offers to sell Crumlin one of the colourful cloaks.

Crumlin cheerfully declines, saying “I think it is too magnificent for me! Perhaps you should think about offering it to a Noble. Of course, as you know, High Priestess Edith Weston performs important Temple ceremonies and I expect **Baron Thorganby Wheldrake ** will be here tomorrow to run the May Day combats as usual.”

38

[QUOTE=glee]
Crumlin smiles at Aciryas and comes towards him, saying “Good Curate, I’d like to introduce Erjg and Hulgfar. They are Warriors from Portsmouth and have kindly agreed to help us with the election.
We fishermen all want to protect the fish stocks.”
He adds in a whisper “Our order hasn’t taken a clothing vow … oh! I see!”

Charles the tailor promptly offers to sell Crumlin one of the colourful cloaks.

Crumlin cheerfully declines, saying “I think it is too magnificent for me! Perhaps you should think about offering it to a Noble. Of course, as you know, High Priestess Edith Weston performs important Temple ceremonies and I expect **Baron Thorganby Wheldrake ** will be here tomorrow to run the May Day combats as usual.”
[/QUOTE]

Aciryas gives a short bow of greeting to Erjg and Hulgfar: Well met, brave warriors. My prayers shall be with you as you aid our noble quest.

39

[QUOTE=NAF1138]
Aciryas gives a short bow of greeting to Erjg and Hulgfar: Well met, brave warriors. My prayers shall be with you as you aid our noble quest.
[/QUOTE]

Crumlin whispers to Aciryas “Well said! Now may I please meet this chap?”
He discreetly indicates Salazar.

Whilst doing this, Crumlin carefullly makes sure he does not disrespect the mounted Knight (by turning his back on him).

40

[QUOTE=glee]
Crumlin whispers to Aciryas “Well said! Now may I please meet this chap?”
He discreetly indicates Salazar.

Whilst doing this, Crumlin carefullly makes sure he does not disrespect the mounted Knight (by turning his back on him).
[/QUOTE]

Aciryas: :quietly to Crumlin: Certanly (insert apporpriate honorific here). :more loudly: Friends, I in turn would like to indroduce you to a great friend of mine, and a cunning ally to us all, my dear friend (insert apporpriate honorific here) Salazar.

Salazar, this is (insert apporpriate honorific here) Crumlin of whom I have spoken to you, and these fine…er…gentelmen are Erjg and Hulgfar, brave Warriors from Portsmouth who have kindly agreed to help us with the election.