| The Mines of Lugard; Fixxxer, STAY OUT | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Mar 11 2006, 12:57 PM (3,255 Views) | |
| Didge | Apr 29 2006, 11:26 PM Post #121 |
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Residential Alaskan Igloo & Walrus Inspector
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Rúmil bowed slightly when addressed by Father Jerald and replied, “And praise to you and Pelor as well Father Jerald, for I did not accomplish such a feat without assistance. I am glad to hear that the ones we tended last night have stabilized. Although I would like to speak with you in private afterwards, regarding those who may not have survived the night, if that is permissible.” Rúmil’s voice trailed off slightly near the end, as if not wanting to discuss the matter in front of those who were not of the cloth and could not understand the innate intricacies that one must understand if they follow a higher power. Rúmil nodded again, as if to emphasize the importance of speaking with Father Jerald afterwards before taking up a seat at the table. Those who were familiar with religious customs would know that Fharlanghn priests are known to pray by name for each individual’s safe journey in the afterlife for those who have left their prime material bodies. Looking at the meal before him Rúmil couldn’t help but feel his stomach grumble at the idea of a hot meal. However against his stomach’s wishes Rúmil pushed his bowl away from him and sighed. With clinched eyes he bowed his head slightly and spoke to Jonas, “Please forgive me sir, but I cannot eat this now in good conscious. Not if there are others in this place that are doing without. I ate last night more out of not being conscious of the others needs and for that I apologize. I do not mean to offend, but I ask that this be given to one in the village that needs it more than I. I can survive on my trail rations for the time being.” With that Rúmil pulled a package of iron rations from his pack, raising one eyebrow he looked again at the warm meal sitting on the table and then back down at the iron rations, shaking his head slightly as if to reaffirm his decision he paused, and then attempted to change the topic. “Let us discuss exactly what is going on here. I have already expressed my desire to help, and with that I,” Rúmil paused, then looked around the table at his traveling companions who seemed eager to know more, “we,” he continued, “need some information. Tell us what has happened, and leave out no detail, no matter how insignificant you may think it is. The more we know the quicker we will be able to sort out what has happened and how to prevent it from happening again.” |
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| Aladdar | Apr 30 2006, 09:58 AM Post #122 |
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There Is No Member, Only Zule
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"Yes, certainly." Father Jerald indicated in response to Rumil's request to speak privately. Master Tilles looked shocked for a moment at Rumil's insistence on eating his travel rations, but then smiled. "Your generosity is heartwarming and shows us a great soul that is lacking in those who have attacked us. It warms my heart in this time of great cold, but eat. We have plenty for now. The attackers not only burned the building but slaughtered much of our livestock as well. We either eat it now or let it spoil. I would rather use it for the good, besides I think you will need the energy in the days to come." Tilles examined the room taking in the loving smile of his wife who sat by the door, the somber face of Father Jerald and the four adventurers who sat around the table with him. Rumil had shown his compassion and heart already through the night and in his actions this morning. Father Jerald had shared his thoughts already and Tilles was sure the man was trustworthy. The other three were a mystery to Tilles, but if Rumil trusted them enough to travel with, then he would trust them as well. "I guess the beginning is where we should begin." Tilles began as he scopped a mouthful of the food on his plate. "Our town was not always as prosperous as we have been as of late. For a long time we were only a small farming town, only a speck along this trade route between the great nations. That was until we discovered the mines almost twenty years ago now. They are not of great wealth, but to us, they have transformed this town. We mine for coal which is somewhat rare around these parts and while not as rich as gems or gold, has brought us quite the trade. Things had progressed wonderfully throughout the past years as we explored the mines in the hills to the north and learned our trades. That was until about 2 months ago when all communication was lost from the mines. After a few weeks of hearing nothing, we began to become worried of a cave in and we sent a small portion of our militia in to investigate. Only one returned. John Gold was his name, God rest his soul. He returned mad it seemed and raving about red eyes peering from the dark, the torturous screams of the militia as they were slaughtered, and ghosts. He would often wake from his fevered dreams screaming at the top of his lungs that they were coming. It was shortly after this that the raids on the merchants began. We noticed it slowly, as the merchant trade began to dwindle and we found shattered carts along the road. We were never able to find any clues as to who was attacking them aside from whatever was in the mines. The townsfolk believe it to be ghosts, although I find that talk foolish, although not nearly as foolish as our plan. We decided to fight back, and although I could get no one to venture into the mines, we did manage to mount an offensive to protect the merchants. Every night we would patrol the roads and the countryside around the area looking for the bandits who were attacking the merchants, but we came up empty. We found nothing until a few nights ago when the screams from the town brought us back. We came back to find the town in flames our citizens dead and wounded. They spoke of small evil invaders, with red eyes, and mottled brown and green skin who moved with a purpose and a vengeance. Now you bring word of goblins in the woods. We have not had goblins around these parts in as long as I can remember. I don't know if that is what truly is in the mines, but I have no one who will brave them to find out and none who will leave their families alone at night now. We must either eradicate this menace or give in and move on to other areas. We need your help, you're the only hope we can see. You withstood the attack on the road where others have been slaughtered with barely a scratch. You're all we have. We have no money to pay you for your journey and I understand if the risk is too much for you. We offer you anything of value that you may find inside the mines to take as your reward. Please, will you help us?" Tilles had seemingly forgotten the food on his plate as he stared deeply into all four of their eyes pleading for help. |
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| Shapeless Caren | Apr 30 2006, 12:42 PM Post #123 |
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Voices in her mind. Whispering. Always.
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Overwhelmed by his request, and trying hard not to show it, Dru manages to say "Yes." before she has to stop speaking, or she will leak tears. |
| Darkchild. Alone in the dark... | |
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| Didge | May 2 2006, 09:42 AM Post #124 |
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Residential Alaskan Igloo & Walrus Inspector
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Rúmil smiled as Jonas at the offer to eat and almost a bit too hastily stowed his trail rations for the lure of warm food instead. The taste of the fresh food was more enticing than the aroma that had wafted through the air. Rúmil paused from the pleasure of eating the fine meal as Jonas spoke of the men who had disappeared in the caves. Emptiness then filled the pit of his stomach that no amount of food would fill. He could feel the queasiness setting in as Jonas spoke of the attack on this town. Rúmil’s own memories filling in graphic details of his own background as Jonas spoke. He waited until Jonas was finished speaking, and Dru's own meek voice adding weight to his own choice in helping these people. Rúmil turned to Father Jerald, then cleared his throat, his voice clear as day and filled with grim determination, “I take by Jonas’ indication that this John Gold did not survive the following days after he made it back from the mines? It would have been good to speak with him, even if nothing more than to attempt an estimate of the numbers in the mine.” Looking towards Jonas, Rúmil softened his tone, “Fharlanghn’s will asks that we travel, but even he acknowledges that the road is not meant for all. It is this will to travel that is voluntary, not coerced and given your town’s circumstances I cannot abide by the decision to move on. Trying times cause us all to do what we can Jonas. You made a decision based on what you thought was right, and I respect you for that. Too many times I’ve seen so-called leaders follow their own desires and not what was best for their wards. There was no way you could have known that whatever was attacking the merchants would be so bold as to attack your townsfolk while you were gone. If you’re half the man your people believe you to be, then you know this is the case. Trust in their strength, as you would your own, and it will guide everyone to where they need to be.” For the benefit of both Father Jerald, Jonas and his wife, Rúmil added, “It matters not what inhabits this mine of yours, whether it be ghosts, goblins, or whatnot. Fharlanghn has brought me here to help, and in whatever means I can, I will. Without growing towns, such as yours, individuals will not wish to travel, and that is an offense to everything I hold sacred. I am at your aide, and by the looks on my fellow companions faces, and their lack of objections, I believe they are in as well.” “Now tell us, kind sir,” Rúmil added with a bit of a grin and attempting to add a bit of levity to a somber conversation, “where we may find this mine of yours, so that we may help. I have a feeling that whoever, or whatever, is in those mines are in for a spot of trouble in the name of four travelers seeking a solution to your problem.” |
| When you're making an Adventure, remember to ask, "WWMPD" (What Would My Player's Do?) Then tailor your adventure around that. | |
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| DaveReaves | May 2 2006, 10:50 AM Post #125 |
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Can't believe its not butter
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Thrug had little idea what the conversation was about. He pretended to listen out of respect but after Tilles started using large words his real attention was on the food presented to him. As near as he understood it, someone had taken something that belonged to Tilles and now the man wanted it back, a direct result of Thrug's lack of understanding of most the Common language's homophones. The meal was so good that Thrug had no choice but to accept the mission. In his culture you were only presented with a quest during a meal if the quest of utmost importance and not accepting the quest after eating was very disrespectful and you might get your face bashed in, not to mention the fact that you would be invited to far fewer meals. "Thrug get back yours," Thrug said after swalowing the last of his breakfast. Thrug snickered and muttered in Orcish under his breath that he didn't even need a meal to take this quest. With a start like this it could only be a good day. |
| Where all paths will eventually cross: The Random Inn | |
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| DarkElf | May 2 2006, 11:56 AM Post #126 |
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Ritual Partaker
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Jack savors his meal. With everyone around him saying yes, and one of his basic needs met, there is no way he can no. On thinking of his second basic need, he looks at Dru and smiles "Yeah I'm in, sounds like it would be fun" |
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| Aladdar | May 2 2006, 12:10 PM Post #127 |
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There Is No Member, Only Zule
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Father Jerald clapped his hands and produced his first smile while making the sign of pelor with his right hand and clasping his left hand in a fist across his hear. "Wonderful, may the light of Pelor shine down about you this day." "Wonderful indeed," Tilles exclaimed. "This journey will not be easy however I am convinced that you have been guided here on this day by the hand of the God's themselves. I only wish there was more we could give you for your assistance. Now, as to the location of the mines." Tilles stood up for a moment and headed into the next room and quickly returned with a large parchment rolled up and carried under his shoulder. He moved to the front of the room and unfurled it revealing a large map of the area which he hung from the wall. "This is the main trade route, and this is Lugard." He pointed to the sections on the map revealing each. "And here are the mines." He pointed to a section just Northwest of the city of Lugard. "This road leads directly to the entrance and takes about an hour and a half at a normal walk to reach. In better times this road was perfectly safe. Now we do not know, so take precautions on your journey. And as to the mines themselves I'm afraid I do not have a map but Father Jerald has visited the location once a few years ago after a terrible accident. Father, can you give them any description of the location?" The priest stood up slowly, scratching his head as if deep in thought. "I remember very little that may be of help and I didn't venture very far into them. This path leads you to the entrance where you'll find a large iron door cut into the side of the hill. Entering takes you down a steep hill leading beneath the earth. There is a hallway leading off to the left to the miners sleeping and storage quarters. Several other pathways lead off to various caverns which is where the main mining goes on. I'm afraid that's all I can remember. There was a cave in in one of the pathways which I believe has since been closed off and that's where I headed to do my work. I'm sorry, but that is all I remember." Tilles rose once again, bouyed slightly by the thought that his townsfolk may soon be avenged. "Any questions?" |
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| Didge | May 2 2006, 03:44 PM Post #128 |
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Residential Alaskan Igloo & Walrus Inspector
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Rúmil’s eyes narrowed as he scrutinized the parchment map laid out before him and the others. He was intent upon committing it to memory and studying what details he could to discern their location if they were to wander off the road leading to the mine. Already his mind was churning out the possibilities of approaching the mine from another direction. He was fairly sure that with his navigational skills that it would be possible but looking at the map he wasn’t sure how much longer it might take to approach the mine from a different approach. Rúmil looked to Jonas and asked, “I’ve two questions that must be asked. First, are there any game trails, or perhaps another route to the mine besides the road? I feel that this road may be under observation from whatever, or whoever, is responsible for the atrocities in this town. I wouldn’t want to give away the element of surprise if we can help it. I feel that if we can approach from a different angle, that even given the fact it may take a bit longer, we might be able to get there undetected.” “Secondly,” Rúmil tilted his head in an inquisitive manner towards Jonas’ wife, “Is there any way I can get the recipe for this wonderful food you’ve prepared for us once we are done? I consider myself a bit of a cook and looking at the satisfied look on my compatriot’s faces I’d do well to learn this one for the travels ahead.” |
| When you're making an Adventure, remember to ask, "WWMPD" (What Would My Player's Do?) Then tailor your adventure around that. | |
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| Aladdar | May 5 2006, 08:40 AM Post #129 |
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There Is No Member, Only Zule
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Tilles thought for a few moments while his wife blushed over the compliment to her food. "We have no other roads that lead to the mine although there are a few hunting trails that lead close enough but they wind back and around and I'm afraid you'd get lost traversing their..." "Unless.." Father Jerald interjected. "Unless we can convince old Karl Gusterson to show them the way? He's a might old by now but he might be willing to lead them there at least." Tilles leaned back in his chair for a while and thought. "He's an old man but still spry enough to do it and if anyone can move through these woods safely he'd be the one for it." He looked back towards the adventurers. "I could take you by his home if you'd like. He lives a bit of a walk away, and he's a little strange at times, but if that's the way you'd want to go I can show you to him." |
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| Shapeless Caren | May 5 2006, 02:06 PM Post #130 |
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Voices in her mind. Whispering. Always.
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"Sure." Dru' tells him. |
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| DarkElf | May 8 2006, 07:44 PM Post #131 |
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Ritual Partaker
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"I know we are having a spledid meal, But I must be the voice of caution. Are we really going to have an old man lead us into a bandit, monster filled forest, to a dangerous mine?" "And then is he just going to walk back with out a scratch?" I must insist that we not endanger this fellow" |
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| Didge | May 8 2006, 11:02 PM Post #132 |
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Residential Alaskan Igloo & Walrus Inspector
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Rúmil turned to his friend Jack, "I agree we should not endanger this fellow. Once he has shown us the path though, I'll be able to retrace his steps as I'm quite skilled at navigating in the wilderness such that as long as I have cardinal directions we won't get lost." With a bit of a smirk, a raised eyebrow, and an after thought Rúmil added, "However do not discount a man for his age young Jack. Or shall I remind you how old I am?" Turning towards Jonas, Rúmil evened his tone and said, "please, if it were permissable we would like to speak with him and at the very least learn of the area through his words. The more we know takes away any advantage the enemy may have." |
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| DarkElf | May 8 2006, 11:13 PM Post #133 |
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Ritual Partaker
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"yes, Rumil, but you are still young compared with your race, and have a long and healthy life ahead of you, unless of course a sword...or dagger stops it short." Jack replies with a huge boyish grin." "let us meet this guide. oh I am in need of a bag of flour, and a wick, would you by anychance have such supplies, Tilles?" |
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| Aladdar | May 9 2006, 06:14 AM Post #134 |
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There Is No Member, Only Zule
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"Oh I would advise against discounting him for his age." Tilles began, cracking a small smile. "He may be old, but he can walk less than 10 feet from you and you'd never know he was there. The finest hunter I ever knew. I once watched him walk right up on a deer and slit its throat without it ever knowing. Oh we ate fine that night." Tilles supressed a chuckle as he remembered the seriousness of the situation. "If there's anyone who can get you there unnoticed, he'd be the one. Finish up, as soon as you're all done eating we'll begin the treck to his home." |
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| Aladdar | May 12 2006, 07:34 AM Post #135 |
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There Is No Member, Only Zule
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I can't believe I'm doing this but Bump |
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