Our party of intrepid heroes has spent the last week in Fallcrest, staying at the Nentir Inn. During that time, they have taken care of various and sundry mundane and menial tasks, but after running into each other repeatedly, they began to take meals together at the Inn, and the comfort of familiarity has begun to give way to the bond of friendship.
During that time, the heroes have shared some of their stories with each other as they became better acquainted.
Caelyn revealed to the others that she is on a quest of self discovery, searching the land for challenges to be overcome. She has also confirmed that she has traveled to the natural world from the Feywild, though she has not delved into the specifics of her history or House.
Kaedir has told his new comrades that he grew weary of the isolation that weighed on him over the last several years, and that he is now traveling the realm in search of companionship and adventure. He also mentioned his training with the Rangers of the Harken Forest.
Leeandra told her new friends that the village she grew up in was attacked, and that she traveled South in search of Douven Staul, a long time teacher from her youth whom she refers to as an uncle. She seems hesitant to talk about the subject in depth, but it is obvious that the tragedy still weighs heavily on her heart.
Luxa has proven to be the most talkative, and perhaps to have the most to tell, despite being the youngest by several years. She shared sketchy details of her young childhood, when her family was attacked by shadow-men, both while they were staying at the Rangers' Lodge in the Harken Forest, and then a second time when they were returning to the same place - which is when she was separated from her family. She spoke little of the last few, troubled, years in Hammerfast, but she did reveal that she had run into some trouble with the local Guild Thieves there. Like Leeandra, she grows quieter when asked about her family, and it is apparent the shadow of her parents' absence has not faded.
Maxim, who seems to a confidence somewhat beyond his years, has only spoken briefly of his youth, telling the others he grew up in a fairly quiet area raised by respectable parents with little trouble. His manner and speech indicates a thorough education, and his accent tells of Southern heritage.
Amidst the pleasantries of good company and the counterpoint doldrums of running errands, some of the heroes have just discovered a few interesting bits of information that seem sure to influence the future course of action:
Caelyn and Luxa ran into the merchant they rode into Fallcrest with, Myrond Benethil. Myrond was clearly disturbed by something, and Caelyn inquired. She soon learned that he had lost one of his clerks to the foul kobolds that have been attacking travelers on the western road. Caelyn learned that the Lord Warden has been looking for someone to help him deal with the problem permanently, and Myrond's distress over his business and the clerk seems to have provided just the impetous she needs to take up the challenge.
Maxim heard stories that appear to be related to Myrond's trouble. The sorcerer learned of the ruins of an old castle located within a day's ride of the town. The ruins, known as Kobold Hall to the locals, has been overrun by the little beasts for years. More interesting than that, however, Maxim learned that Nimozaran, the High Septarch of Fallcrest, has expressed an interest in the situation. Rumor has it the Guildmaster Mage feels the kobolds are too organized, and that some dark force must be at play within the castle. Certainly if the most powerful mage in Fallcrest is interested in what is happening, something in the ruins will be worth Maxim's time.
Finally, Leeandra found a merchant that remembered having sold Douven some digging gear and provisions. According to the merchant, he was headed West out of Fallcrest three months back, headed back to what he called The Burial Site. Leandra is very pleased to have found some clue to her old teacher's whereabouts and hopes her new friends will help her look for him, now that she has some idea where to search.
That evening, back in the Nentir Inn's dining room, the party gathers for its supper, eager to share the news of the day. Before the meal is finished, the decision to look into the kobolds is unanimous. Plans are laid out to seek an audience with the Lord Warden on the following day, and then to equip themselves for the journey.
No comments:
Post a Comment