Forth Into New Perils: Chapter 1, Part 2

Forth Into New Perils: Chapter 1, Part 2

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"There is a peculiar pleasure in riding out into the unknown. A pleasure which no second journey on the same trail ever affords."
-Edith Durham

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Third Moonday of Falmonan 499 IR

The snows came in the night as every citizen of Brae expected, not the flurries of Fall but the full on pressure of winter snow. In years past the snows have waited until Huntianmonan. The optimists claim that it may ensure spring an earlier return, but there are few optimists when it comes to winter these days and most assume it means a harder, longer cold season. As the soon to be travelers awoke they take notice of the pounding flakes and note that the drifts already appear knee high, they thank whomever they pay homage to that their destination lay not far from Brae. They consider what they learned last night.

The destination is a Cavern to the Northwest, thankfully not far from the road itself but it would be a dim man indeed to not fear the fact it is only reportedly accessible by the waters of Whitelake. There is little concern for much boat traffic on those waters at this time of year but they are known to be choppy and bitterly cold. Gaidon has stated that there is no immediate concern that the Seekers would have found this location but it is possible always to meet them on such tasks and he laid out what he knew about their cult.

Once the piece is secured he wants the party to bring it back to him so he may then lead them and their precious cargo to the secret stronghold of the Protectors of the Door. Once there the group may either continue their work for the Protectors or may go on their way, hopefully to possibly aid in the future if the need arises and they deem it a fitting cause.

For now the group will need to prepare itself for the road ahead, carefully deciding what to take and what to leave at their lodging or, if need be, what to purchase in town if they feel their current supplies to be lacking. An Agreed upon departure time was set for Midday so everyone has until then to prepare. Gaidon is sitting in the common room near the fire if anyone has questions for him, it appears that for the time being there are no others in the room save for a different serving girl, a tired looking innkeeper, and an old looking Tabby cat prowling for scraps.

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Gathered at the Hearth: Chapter 1, Part 1

Gathered at the Hearth: Chapter 1, Part 1

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"What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness?”
― John Steinbeck

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Third Marketday of Falmonan 499 IR  

Brae lies in the land of Heligioland.  Heligioland lies north of the Central Icebarrier within what is now known as the Low Winterlands.  A land still blighted by the Blizzard War it has become a known land of ruins that dot the landscape to this day.  There are forces of good to be found in The Hearth Knights who make up what consists of a Military for the land, their focus is only on the protection of the people of Heligioland and leave the ruling of the country to its settlements as there is no one ruler.

Brae itself is renowned for main export, a clay known as Greenpot Clay was discovered some 120 years ago creating something of a clay rush on the town.  Now they remain the largest distributor of Greenpotware in the lands of Rassilon but were ill prepared to monopolize their find so during the spring and summer months the Clay Diggers descend on their tracts of land to get their own little piece.

As Fall comes to a close, the population of Brae settles in for the long winter months ahead, the village has any number of lodging houses due to the influx of diggers who keep a temporary residency in the town over the spring and summer but there is only one that interests you right now, the Clayman’s Respite.  Within the walls of the impressive Tavern and Lodging house is the man you seek, Gaidon ap-Rochad.

Gaidon ap-Rochad:

An Anari, as can be discerned from his name, little is actually known about him personally save for the fact that he has a job that needs doing that can only be handled by a small group of capable individuals.  You all have your reasons for being here and are eager to find out just what might be so important to bring some of you away from your various guilds and other obligations.  For some of you it may just be for the sake of adventure or curiosity alone.

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OUT OF CHARACTER KNOWLEDGE, PURELY FOR THE SAKE OF THOSE READING:

It is unlikely that the other characters would know these facts unless they become revealed at some point.

• Corbin Frostshadow – His journey has not been far, he has been working with a Roadwarden‘s group on the roads north of Myre for years now (in the center of Heligioland) when the leader of the group (as well as old friend), a Saxan by the name of Agdi Odwinsunu, approached him.  He had received a missive from an old friend requesting aid in forming a small band of fighting men to assist in retrieving something.  Agdi would not elaborate but impressed upon Corbin that it was important that the call be heeded.  Agdi felt that Corbin would make an asset to the group and asked if he would travel to Brae and meet with a man named Gaidon ap-Rochad in the Clayman’s Respite at dusk on the Third Marketday of Falmonan.
• Kaldric Gerrulfsunu – Kaldric has enjoyed a few years traveling the realms with caravans, fighting off threats as they presented themselves.  An odd situation arose recently, apparently someone by the name of Gaidon ap-Rochad paid the price for assistance from the Iron Guild and Kaldric’s superior asked if he would be the one to attend to the issue.  All Kaldric knows is that this is a job that has been bought and paid for, albeit an odd sort of job as it only involves one Iron Guild member and, as far as he knows, no caravan to protect.
• Kladr Deepgaze – The letter read, “I knew your father.  Kalfor was a great dwarven leader, and had a wisdom that inspired me as a young man to focus on the arts of spellcraft.  I am greatly saddened to hear of his death, so young for your kind, and the deaths of so many of your kin.  It has taken a while for me to find you after discovering he had a son.  I was hoping you might do me the honor of a meeting.  I’ll admit, it is not solely a chance to get to know you but I have a task that may be of some interest to you.  Enclosed will be the date, place, and time we may meet.  I hope to see you.”
•  Rurick Halfgraden – The worst thing about Detran being called away has certainly been the lack of action.  In fact Rurick hadn’t been this bored in ages, and it had only been a few days since Detran left with the Legion without him.  Rurick was about to storm down to the Legion office to demand work the day he received the missive letter from Detran.  It read, “I’m certain you are wondering why the Legion chose me and left you behind for our current task, I need to make an admission regarding that.  It was my decision to leave you behind sir dwarf and before you grab your gear and seek our trail hear out my reason.  There is a man whom I owe much to that recently sought my skills for a task of upmost importance, but alas I could not separate myself from the duties currently tied to the Legion.  You, however, though an asset to the Legion are not yet sworn to it. Enclosed are the directions to Brae and instructions on when to meet with a man named Gaidon ap-Rochad.  If you leave upon receiving this, you should arrive a few days early. Stay warm Rurick, may we meet again someday!”
• Birgir Oathspeaker – Despite his resolve to make a name for himself as a man of the road, Birgir had been nervous he’d never find a cause worth fighting for.  Fortunately for him, the fates had sent him a cause.  He still does not know what Gaidon has in mind for the group he’s putting together, but Birgir is certain it must be of some import.  Since the day he aided the man fending off that orc not 20 miles from the home he had just left Birgir has felt a calling to aid him.  Soon others would be joining the cause, Birgir has been told.  Let’s just see their mettle Birgir thinks.

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A freezing wind whips through the buildings in Brae despite how close together they are.  It is getting noticeable colder as the night nears, a strong indication that the last flickers of Fall will soon be behind the village.  Pulling cloaks and furs closer to themselves four travelers file into a local tavern named the Clayman’s Respite, as they arrive the barkeep takes notice and informs them each that a private room has been set aside if they are to meet with “the Anari”.   In no time the four are met with a fifth as a young Saxan man with a spear walks in, he looks at the group gathered before him, a Frostbourne, a Saxan, and two Frost Dwarves.  He takes his seat among them and looks toward the door expectantly as if the "Anari" is someone he knows.  The fire settles in the corner, eerily loud given the silence in the room.

Birgir Oathspeaker

Birgir Oathspeaker, the Youthful Wanderluster
 

Parry 8 / Toughness 8 / Charisma 0 / Pace 6"

Current Rank: Novice w/0XP

Glory: 0

Bennies:

Edges:

1. Brawny: Toughness +1 load limit is Strength x 8
2. First Strike: May attack one foe who moves adjacent

Hindrances:

1. Heroic (Major) Character always helps those in need
2. Illiterate (Minor) Unable to read or write
3. Hard of Hearing (Minor) -2 to notice sounds

Languages:

Trader: Common Speak for many a traveler

Saxa: Saxa 

Attributes:

• d8 Agility
• d4 Smarts
• d8 Strength
• d6 Spirit
• d6 Vigor

Skills:

• d10 Fighting
• d6 Climbing
• d6 Intimidation
• d6 Notice
• d4 Survival
• d6 Swimming

Weapons:

• Long spear: Damage d8+d6 - Parry +1, Reach 1, 2 Hands wgt 5lbs

Armor:

• Scale Hauberk (T,A,L) - +2 Armor - 25 lbs.
• Pot Helm - +1 Head 50% head protection - 4 lbs

Gear: (48 lbs / 64 lbs.) 

• Bedroll - 4 lbs
• Winter Gear (cloak\Parka) - Adds a +2 to vigor vs cold weather 3 lbs

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Character: Birgir Oathspeaker

Race: Saxa

Origin: Not saying atm

Class: Spearman

Age: Not saying atm

Gender: Male

Height: 6' 2"

Weight: 198 lbs

Today was the day.

                Birgir slowly climbed out of his bed, though truth be told, he hadn't slept a wink last night.  He gingerly tiptoed through the common sleeping room he shared with his brothers and sisters.  They would arise soon to begin their chores around the farm, but Birgir wanted to be on the road before they awoke.  The goodbyes would be too hard.

                Today was the day.

                  Birgir crept past the room where his parents were sleeping.  If his father was awake, Birgir would only have to listen to another lecture about responsibility.    It was his mother that convinced the cantankerous old man to let him leave, and for that Birgir would always be grateful.  

                Today was the day.

                Birgir finally reached the front door to his family's tiny cottage.  He looked at the equipment he  had left neatly stacked by the door.  It had taken him several seasons of odd jobs around the village but he had finally saved enough money to afford his very own weapon and suit of armor.  The blacksmith had chuckled as he counted out Birgir's hard earned coin.  His departure had become something of a joke around the village.  There were even bets being placed on when he would return: freezing, broke, humbled.

                As he donned the winter clothes his mother had stitched for him, Birgir thought back on what had instilled him with this wanderlust.  The epics of the Skalds had enthralled him since he was a child and he had grown up dreaming of becoming a hero.  His parents had hoped that time would temper his desires, but Birgir would not be dissuaded from his path.  He would protect the defenseless.  He would punish the wicked.  He would become a hero his village could be proud of.

                Pushing the last of his doubts out of his mind, Birgir quietly opened the front door of the cottage.  He took a deep breath of the chilly morning air as he gazed at the road stretched out in front of him. 

                Today was the day.