Bay 12 Games Forum

Finally... => Forum Games and Roleplaying => Topic started by: Glacies on March 24, 2015, 03:26:45 pm

Title: (ISG) Fantasy Suggestion RPG: Back To The Baron's Castle
Post by: Glacies on March 24, 2015, 03:26:45 pm
I'd like to practice drawing, and I'd like to practice writing. So, here's a forum game. Fairly long intro before you guys get to start making choices, I know, but hopefully the world-building in the beginning will give the forum a bit to work with as far as informed decisions.

I can post regular updates with sketchier drawings and rougher writing, or slower updates with slightly better art and writing. Your choice, forum.
---
For you, the world has always been quite small. As a foundling at the local monastery, you were passed to a kindly family of simple farmers. With them, you worked the land, picking up the useful skills of the countryside. As a small boy, it was determined that while you were a decent sort, a hard worker and likely a pious and concerned soul, you weren't talkative, and preferred a solitary existence.

(http://i.imgur.com/4oGUbR1.jpg)

Indeed, you are mute. A sort of primitive sign language is employed by your immediate family and your acquaintances. But before we go any further, what is your name?

In the spring of this year, the local Knight met you by chance, and was oddly taken with you. Despite your handicap, Sir Bernard noticed your general knack for picking things up quickly, and perhaps seeing your lack of back-talk as a perk, he took you on as a squire.

(http://i.imgur.com/hi4gwII.jpg)

Throughout the summer, you lived at Sir Bernard's manor, attending to his horses, picking up a little martial skill (though not much – the local militia is quite lax) and the general skills a servant is expected to have. Combined with the skills you gained growing up, you have a versatile skill-set. Your only noticeable weak-point is illiteracy.

(http://i.imgur.com/K5PJoN7.jpg)

Generally, it's an uneventful summer. You don't make any close friends at the manor, though the servants are friendly enough. For the most part, you divide your time between the odd jobs Sir Bernard assigns you and solitary leisure.

The many years of peace that have generally blessed the land, however, are interrupted one morning when a messenger rides to the manor.

(http://i.imgur.com/bPkn8z0.jpg)

The man slides from his horse and hands Sir Bernard a scroll case, speaking rapidly as he does so. “We must speak in private, milord.” They disappear into the manor's study, and when they return, the messenger departs after a quick meal, leaving his horse and taking a fresh one. You and the rest of Sir Bernard's men are gathered.

(http://i.imgur.com/O0C19hg.jpg)

“Fellows, we must depart to the Baron's castle. Be quick about it.” Uncharacteristically serious, the Knight gives orders that the party travels armed, and quickly. By the afternoon, a company of twenty men sets out to the Baron's castle.

That night, Sir Bernard confides in you. “The messenger told me the Baron wants us because goblins have been spotted scouting out the lands nearby. They can only be a vanguard for a larger force – the Baron is worried that the greenskins are going to come over the mountains in force.” He sighs, the worry on his face obvious. “I don't wish to cause a panic, but I am concerned. We haven't seen greenskins over the mountain in a lifetime. I don't think we're ready.”

(http://i.imgur.com/fZRfvQp.jpg)

After a few days travel, the party arrives at the Baron's castle. Sir Bernard quickly meets with the other knights of the land and goes to meet with the Baron, leaving you to your own devices within the Baron's castle. You have a number of places you could while away your time at. Choose one.

(http://i.imgur.com/hAk0iyP.jpg)
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: Peradon on March 24, 2015, 03:32:45 pm
Our name is Gerald Brokenheizer.

Go to the guardhouse and see what the guards are up to. Maybe train a little.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: ~Neri on March 24, 2015, 03:35:26 pm
((This is not bad art, it's quite good in my opinion.))

Guardhouse, then kitchens for a bite to eat. Then observatory to relax.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: WillowLuman on March 24, 2015, 03:41:00 pm
Observatory, if only to make you draw it :P
Other places first of course.
Crap, how do people get their pencil drawings on to the computer with such fidelity?
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: ~Neri on March 24, 2015, 03:44:03 pm
((Scanners.))
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: WillowLuman on March 24, 2015, 03:53:50 pm
What I mean is, never had much luck with those :(
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: ~Neri on March 24, 2015, 03:59:55 pm
((Get an art scanner.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: The Froggy Ninja on March 24, 2015, 04:55:19 pm
Gerald No-Kin (Even when adopted most orphans didn't take on the name.)
Chapel. Priests are pretty learned. Might try reading.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: Glacies on March 24, 2015, 05:46:01 pm
That's right, your name is Gerald No-Kin! Of course, you don't often get the chance to introduce yourself, so it's not likely to come up much.

While Sir Bernard is meeting with the Baron, you go up to the Guardhouse. Here, the Baron's local men at arms store their equipment, train, and generally lounge about. Gerald sees only an older man, lean, with an ominous looking eyepatch. He's sharpening a sword on a grinding wheel, and as Gerald observes him, he looks up.

(http://i.imgur.com/84xxXxu.png)

“What do you want?” he grumbles. Gerald shrugs. “Oh, that's right. You're that squire of Sir Bernard's, the one with his tongue cut out. Don't you have anything better to do?” Gerald shrugs again.

(http://i.imgur.com/wyicA0d.png)

At that point, another man comes in. “You're Bernard's squire?” he says with a mischievous look. “What say you and I spar a little?” The newcomer's young, blonde and wears a smug expression. The old man looks wary, but says nothing as the newcomer grabs a wooden sword off a rack and swings it a couple times experimentally. He grins. “Well?”
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: evilcherry on March 24, 2015, 10:00:37 pm
Making pencil drawing so easily is a talent in itself IMHO!
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: ~Neri on March 25, 2015, 12:20:58 am
I feel sorry for that guy's arm. That sword must weigh like ten pounds with all that metal. Most certainly unwieldy. May as well duel him, we'd have an absurd advantage if he uses that sword and we use a proper one.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: Glacies on March 25, 2015, 11:14:35 am
Not quite.
Quote
...as the newcomer grabs a wooden sword off a rack and...
But don't expect proportions to be consistent or all that relevant, either.
---
Gerald agrees, and grabs a wooden sword off the rack. The smug guy quickly illustrates why he's so self confident, instantly on the offensive. Several quick jabs drive Gerald back, and then, laughing as he does so, the smug guy clouts Gerald upside the head once, twice-

"Enough!" the old man says, rising from the grindstone. "You're done."

The smug guy gives a mock bow, and replaces the wooden sword. "Right you are, Gaffy." He yawns, and leaves. The old man turns to look at Gerald, who is clutching the side of his head. His vision swims a little. Then, the old man says "All right, sit down." and as Gerald sits down, he gets offered a wineskin. A mouthful of watery wine and a moment or two later, Gerald feels better. Gaffy, the old man, looks at Gerald and sighs. "You could use some advice, I guess. Wouldn't want to see that again."

(http://i.imgur.com/ZNApl4Z.jpg)

So the early part of the day is spent as Gaffy delivers a lecture on the cruder points of combat.

(http://i.imgur.com/Ic1Fkcl.png)

By the end of the morning Gerald has made some significant improvement. But now that that's over, where to now?
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: Generally me on March 25, 2015, 11:23:07 am
Observatory
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: Lord_lemonpie on March 25, 2015, 11:30:20 am
Go to the stables
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: Glacies on March 25, 2015, 04:03:24 pm
The observatory is up a tall tower, and since it's mid-day Gerald expects to find it empty. So he's somewhat surprised to see both an elderly man in the robes of court magician, and a young woman. They look at Gerald curiously as he comes in. The man is tall, wiry and his hair is silvery-gray. He looks well-nourished without being particularly overweight, and wears a couple of subtle articles of jewelry. The young woman has a sharply defined nose, a distinct softness to the rest of the face, and her hair is brown. She wears the clothes of a noblewoman.

(http://i.imgur.com/dCe5BGA.png)(http://i.imgur.com/OJrsN76.png)

“Hello,” says the man, “Who are you?”

Gerald points at his throat somewhat pointedly and shakes his head.

“Ah.” the man looks at the young woman. “This is probably Gerald, Sir Bernard's squire. I heard about him.” The young woman asks “The mute one?”

Gerald nods.

“Allow me to introduce myself, then. I'm Lady Hera, the Baron's daughter. Don't snicker! And this is Mal, he's the local town's wizard. What do you want?”

Gerald shrugs, the universal signal for indifference.

“Well,” says Mal, “Look around all you like, just, don't touch anything without asking, okay?”

Around the room there are a series of telescopes, an astrological globe, a table with star charts, and a bookshelf. Lady Hera is sitting in an armchair, reading something. Mal is studying the star charts, and presumably it's his staff propped up against the table. There's a decent view of the green from here, and the town not far from the castle is visible as well. The ceiling is the most marvelous feature, because from the inside, there isn't one. Bright sunlight streams in warming the room. Gerald recognizes this as some sort of illusion; from the outside, the observatory had a peaked conical roof.

(http://i.imgur.com/Zv3RC6n.png)

Gerald could:
Ask Hera what's she's reading.
Ask Mal about the star charts.
Look at the green
Look at the astrological globe
Look at the pictures in the various books.
Look at the town.

Pick any 3. Also feel free to request art of specific things from the game.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: Parsely on March 25, 2015, 04:46:05 pm
Ask Hera what she's reading, ask Mal about the star charts, then carefully look through the telescope without touching it.

((Yeah this is pretty great, I like the parts when you go for detail.))
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: The Froggy Ninja on March 25, 2015, 08:26:10 pm
Both asks and try to comunicate a desire to learn a few words. So you can carry around yes, no, and introduction flashcards at least.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: Glacies on March 25, 2015, 08:30:24 pm
Gerald indicates he's interested in Hera's book, pointing and tilting his head quizzically. Hera looks back up at him. “Oh, this...? It's a book about the celestial bodies. Do you know about astronomy, uh, Gerald?” At the shake of his head, Hera launches into an explanation.

(http://i.imgur.com/plut0QM.png)

“You see, the stars and planets in the sky are inextricably linked to magical forces and beings on earth. When something important is happening here on Earth, we can learn of it in the night sky. Here, look.” she says, and shows the book to Gerald. It's an old book, with tarnish silver gilt on the edges of the pages. There is a two-page spread, faded with age.

(http://i.imgur.com/DdzkieO.png)

“The stars show the fates of great wizards and heroes, of monsters, forces, and greater powers. New stars appear and old ones die, and some remain constant.” Hera explains.

“Yes.” says Mal from across the room, “And recently, we've seen a host of new stars appearing in the night sky. A white pulsar, a faint red, an ominous green and a large black has begun to pulse where previously it had lain dormant. Do you follow?”

Gerald nods. Mal gestures for him to come over, and soon he is explaining the charts he's going through.

(http://i.imgur.com/lTLE7Z1.png)

“Here, in this quadrant, we see the emergence of new stars. Their proximity means they're quite close on Earth – that they all appeared at the same time is an omen that cannot be ignored. Which is why we're here. We must know if these celestial events will affect us.”

Mal appraises Gerald for a moment. “Are you learned in lettering?” Gerald shakes his head. “Pity.” says Mal, “We could use another set of hands around here.” He returns to poring over the charts.

It's clear these two are intent on their research, so Gerald checks out the telescopes. Sadly, it's midday, so they can't really see anything interesting in the sky. The devices are fascinating, though, and Gerald careful plays with it for fifteen minutes or so. Mal looks up at Gerald as he starts to leave, and tells him “Perhaps come back later, after dark, and you'll be able to see a marvelous sight.” Hera waves, and then Gerald is off to...Where? This is the last location we can visit before the day is over and more mandatory plot happens, so choose wisely! Or don't. ;) You can already communicate the concepts of yes and no easily. An introductory flashcard would be a good idea, come to think of it. It poofs into your inventory retroactively, though it will only be useful to literate people.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: Parsely on March 25, 2015, 10:59:13 pm
To the guard house! Meet the captain.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: Peradon on March 26, 2015, 12:45:43 am
We were just in the guard house. Go to the kitchen.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: Parsely on March 26, 2015, 01:35:32 am
Quote from: Peradon on March 26, 2015, 12:45:43 am
We were just in the guard house. Go to the kitchen.
Oh. +1 to kitchens.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: Glacies on March 26, 2015, 03:03:18 pm
Gerald goes down to the kitchens. It's a bustling place full of activity. The head cook is directing a dozen servants in the preparation of a large meal; unsurprising given that the Baron's retainers have all gathered to meet. The kitchen is quite large, with several fire pits. Large iron cauldrons bubble away, and a pair of deer roast away on spits over cookfires.

(http://i.imgur.com/6C4Rgth.png)

It's not long before the head cook notices Gerald, and tells him to either get out or start peeling potatoes. Since he's got nothing much better to do, Gerald complies and is soon seated in a corner of the kitchen peeling the biggest potatoes he's ever seen and listening to gossip.

(http://i.imgur.com/y20Az59.png)

“-usual complainin', nuffin' to worry yor head about, moi dear.”
“Heard the squire of Sir Bernard got in a fight with George this mornin'.”
“Light above knows we can't host em' for long.”
“Hope that Malleus goes back where he came from soon, man gives me the shudders.”
“Mind how you speak of your betters!”
“-Doesn't seem to care, honestly.”
“-and he was mad enough about this that he started hitting him!”
“-Dropped right in front of the Baron, what a disas-”

As the evening drags on, and it gets closer and closer to the evening meal, a messenger arrives. It's the same man who arrived at Sir Bernard's manor a few days ago, and he's got a bag of mail. First, he goes to the head cook and hands her a white envelope. “Something for you, ma'am.”

The cook snatches it away hastily and pries it open. “It's from my son.” she announces proudly. “He's been made a bertie!” This draws a couple “oooh”'s from the crowd of staff. While everyone huddles around the head cook as she reads the letter, the messenger comes to Gerald and gives him a curious look. “I didn't expect to find you here. I have a letter for you. Hmm. And no mistaking it – it's for 'Gerald the silent.'. Dunno who sent it – it was just on the mail carriage.”

Highly curious, Gerald takes the parchment from the Messenger. An unsigned scroll, when unrolled depicts a symbol of lines and geometric shapes that mean nothing to him. The messenger leans over. “Looks like magic symbols to me, like the kind you get on the Machinist's stuff. Might be you could talk to Malleus later – he might know something.”

(http://i.imgur.com/zDSEtVY.png)

Then the messenger shrugs and takes his leave, shooting one last curious look at Gerald.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: Generally me on March 26, 2015, 03:05:56 pm
Ask Use interpretive dance to show that we need to find some one called Malleus
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: Glacies on March 26, 2015, 03:19:16 pm
Quote
Ask Use interpretive dance to show that we need to find some one called Malleus

This might not be a canonical update. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSVSbdmrT0U)

(http://i.imgur.com/1GCAPVl.png)

Sadly, they don't seem to get it.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: WillowLuman on March 26, 2015, 03:30:51 pm
Definitely keep an eye out for Malleus, though.

And take that letter to the observatory.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: The Froggy Ninja on March 26, 2015, 03:52:26 pm
Magic. Mal, the local town wizard, is Malleus.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: WillowLuman on March 26, 2015, 04:02:29 pm
Quote from: The Froggy Ninja on March 26, 2015, 03:52:26 pm
Magic. Mal, the local town wizard, is Malleus.
Well then, let's take it to him then.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: Araph on March 26, 2015, 04:35:12 pm
This is great and Gerald needs to show off his moves more. Create a dance-based form of sign language.

Quote from: HugoLuman on March 26, 2015, 04:02:29 pm
Quote from: The Froggy Ninja on March 26, 2015, 03:52:26 pm
Magic. Mal, the local town wizard, is Malleus.
Well then, let's take it to him then.
Also this.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: Generally me on March 26, 2015, 04:49:47 pm
Quote from: Glacies on March 26, 2015, 03:19:16 pm
Quote
Ask Use interpretive dance to show that we need to find some one called Malleus

This might not be a canonical update. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSVSbdmrT0U)

(http://i.imgur.com/1GCAPVl.png)

Sadly, they don't seem to get it.
YES Morrre Morrrrrrre
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: Glacies on March 26, 2015, 08:59:45 pm
That evening at dinner, the visitors and the Baron's court assemble for dinner.

(http://i.imgur.com/B8CXZsj.png)

At the head table, Malleus and Hera are deep in conversation, as is the Baron and his various retainers. Gerald wolfs down his meal, since he wants to talk to Malleus about the parchment he got. Once he's had a couple of bowls of stew, he stands up and walks over to where Mal is sitting and gets his attention.

(http://i.imgur.com/TYwQYtt.png)

Mal reaches out and takes the scroll, and looks at it for a moment. A worried expression crosses his face, and he quickly excuses himself and gestures for Gerald and Lady Hera to follow him out. Back up to the Observatory, where he is instantly digging through books.

(http://i.imgur.com/QgOdDZl.png)

“That is the mark of summoning for something. How did you get this?” he asks. Gerald shakes his head, and Mal continues flipping through tomes in a rather hurried way. “It bears a certain resemblance to...ah, here we are!” he says. His face darkens.

“Gerald, this mark, it is the mark of a devil. An Eyrines, or fallen one.”

Hera and Malleus both look highly concerned. “Why do you have this? Were you sent it as a threat?” she asks, “Or does someone think you can use it?” More shrugging from Gerald. “Either way,” Malleus says “It cannot be a good sign. I can infer this symbol is diabolic in origin, but we'd have to look through the chapel archives to narrow it down.”

“I'll go to the chapel,” says Hera, “And check the library there – maybe there's information about this.” She leaves, hurriedly.

“Why do you think you received this?” Mal asks. “Wait, nevermind. Just tell me, you aren't mixed up in anything bad, are you?” Gerald shakes his head, the picture of innocence.

“If you find anything else like this, if anything else like this makes it's way to you, let us know, please.” he says. With a concerned expression, he stares up at the night sky. A cluster of stars pulse faintly, white, red, black and green.

(http://i.imgur.com/JDySk1Y.png)

Soon, Hera returns with a book clutched under each arm. She places them down on the table, and begins flipping through them. The tomes have ominous looking covers, and are filled with illuminated pictures of rather nasty looking demonic things. Malleus and Hera quickly locate the exact symbol.

“Sycarixian, archenemy of Carcerixian. Siblings cast out from the heavens, each blame the other for their failure.” Hera says, lifting the tome up and showing Gerald and Malleus. There's an illustration of a woman, wearing a furious expression, black and red feathered wings behind her opposite a male version holding a flaming sword. “It says that she was last seen one hundred and fifty years ago, but she was sealed away beneath a runestone in the steppe. She was on a rampage, slaughtering indiscriminately, but a group of champions summoned her brother and with his help defeated her and sealed her away.”

(http://i.imgur.com/5NP0PUg.png)

Malleus harrumphs. “All fine and good. But it still doesn't bode well. What of the its star?”
“A faint red star, supposedly” and here Hera points at the star charts. “Here.” They do a quick comparison of the night sky with the charts. “Yes.” says Malleus. “The star is still there. Which means the devil is still hopefully imprisoned.”

Gerald takes a peek through the telescope and sees the distant, sparkling red star. It's close to the cluster of bright new stars, but it shows no activity.

“Well,” says Malleus, “I hope this doesn't mean the fates have bad things in store for you, Gerald. Perhaps it would be best if you...well, you probably do try and stay out of trouble, don't you? Maybe it has a way of finding you.”

Malleus and Lady Hera go over their work once more, and once satisfied, they turn back to Gerald again. “All right,” says Hera, “You'll probably be leaving in the morning, so just in case...” she reaches in her pocket and pulls out a small charm on a string. “Wear this to protect you.” she says. “It should ward away evil influences.”

Malleus nods, reaches over to the table and picks up a glass globe. He briefly waves his hand over it, whispers something, and the globe lights up from within, filling the room with a pale yellow light. He quickly swaddles it in cloth and hands it to Gerald. “And take this, in case it's helpful. Goodness knows what you're in for, but if a mysterious source is sending you diabolic sigils, you'll need all the help you can get.”

(http://i.imgur.com/RKCAdIp.png)

They excuse themselves, and Gerald returns, the evening meal having wound down. Sir Bernard locates Gerald in the great hall. “Ah, Gerald. There you are. We leave early in the morning, so try and get some sleep. I'll tell you about what happened on the road home.”

Gerald's sleep is troubled by dreams where he is in the dark, and feels the brush of feathers on the back of his neck.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: ShadowHammer on March 26, 2015, 09:36:11 pm
If we feel the feathers again, quickly go light a lantern/torch/candle and see if there's anything there. If there isn't, put out the light source and hide under the blankets until we fall asleep. If there is, we'll cross that bridge when we get there. Alternatively, we could just hide under the blankets period.

I love this art style, by the way. It's pretty awesome.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: evilcherry on March 26, 2015, 11:18:05 pm
Once again, you really got a talent. Reminds me of Le Petit Prince.

Please consider a career in writing illustrated children's books.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: Lyeos on March 26, 2015, 11:37:27 pm
Posting to keep up with it*, quite nice so far.
*Also because diplomancy diplomacy with an illiterate mute seems like a fun challenge.

Quote from: ShadowHammer on March 26, 2015, 09:36:11 pm
If we feel the feathers again, quickly go light a lantern/torch/candle and see if there's anything there. If there isn't, put out the light source and hide under the blankets until we fall asleep. If there is, we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

Isn't he already asleep, though?

Quote from:  Glacies
Gerald's sleep is troubled by dreams where he is in the dark, and feels the brush of feathers on the back of his neck.

Or is he waking up before feeling the feathers?
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG (with bad art!)
Post by: Glacies on March 27, 2015, 12:01:07 am
Thanks for all the praise, you make me squee with delight and rub my hands together as I rock in my chair grinning like a maniac. Update in an hour or so, all going well.
Edit: Maybe a bit more than a hour, but still.

- - -

On the road the next morning, Sir Bernard rides at the head of the pack, with Gerald just behind. “The Baron says that between the goblins out on the steppe and the omens his wizard has warned him about, we're going to bring up the men, keep regular patrols, that sort of thing.”

With a heavy sigh, Sir Bernard continues. “If it comes to the greenskins coming over the mountains in force, we'll have to be ready to meet them.”

(http://i.imgur.com/QyXIYZ0.png)

Gerald knows that Sir Bernard has never seen any real conflict. The thought of fighting in his homeland clearly does not appeal to him – or for that matter, to Gerald, who has only heard vague stories of the horrible things the Orcs and Goblins have done in the past. A host of bogeymen by all accounts.

As the host returns to Sir Bernard's manor, they're greeted by Sir Bernard's family, his servants, but also in attendance are two strange women. One is clearly advanced in her years, bent and leaning on an ashen staff, clad in gray robes with long, gray hair hanging in a braid over her shoulder. She has a stern frown on her face. The other woman is much younger, and wears a mantle of black feathers. Her hair is dark red, and her complexion freckled. She wears a smug expression.

(http://i.imgur.com/lxVmPl5.png)

“Well, this is a surprise.” says Sir Bernard. “Gertrude, it's good to see you again. What are you doing here?”

The older woman treats the knight to a baleful expression. “I've heard about the Baron's orders. Somethin' I think you ought to know about.”

Hastily, Sir Bernard dismounts. “Come in, and we'll talk about it.” The groom collects his horse, and the local priest steps forward. “Sir, do you really want to invite her in? She's a...well-” The knight cuts him off. “I once adventured through the countryside with this woman. Witch or not, she has her heart in the right place. I trust Gertrude Thurlow completely.” He pats the priest on the shoulder. “Don't you worry about it. Now, what is it you wanted to talk about?” he asks, and the knight and the elderly woman enter the manor.

Meanwhile, as Gerald and the other men are generally unpacking, the witch's companion comes up to him.

“Hello. You're Sir Bernard's squire, right? Name's Esther. I'm Lady Thurlow's apprentice.” She reaches out to shake hands. Gerald obliges. “What's your name?” she asks.

There is an awkward pause.

(http://i.imgur.com/czZGHjU.png)

They let go of each others hands and Gerald gestures at his throat and shrugs apologetically.

“You...can't talk? Can you spell out your name?”

Again, shaking his head. Gerald tries to direct her to someone else, and Esther shakes her head. “That's, uh, that's too bad.” After another moment staring futilely at one another, Esther makes a sort of shape with her hand and says “So, does your name start with an 'A?'”

- - -

(http://i.imgur.com/egmak5s.png)

Ten minutes later, after extensive guessing, shaking of heads and frustrated laughter, Esther wrings Gerald's name out of him. “You really have to pick up this reading thing. Saves us a lot of trouble.” she remarks.

“Anyways, I'm bored.” she frowns. “What is there to do around here?”
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: You're about to get out of the Proverbial Midgar
Post by: escaped lurker on March 27, 2015, 05:45:26 am
Too bad she won't be allowed inside the kitchen. Peeling potatoes really seems like her kind of thing...

Else, whatever we do, we really shoul not show her the letter. Or the orb. Or the charm.

No, really.
Don't.

Alright, alright. But in that order.  :P
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: You're about to get out of the Proverbial Midgar
Post by: The Froggy Ninja on March 27, 2015, 08:03:18 am
What about the introduction flashcard?
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: You're about to get out of the Proverbial Midgar
Post by: Generally me on March 27, 2015, 01:27:53 pm
Interpretive dance?
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: You're about to get out of the Proverbial Midgar
Post by: ShadowHammer on March 27, 2015, 03:10:49 pm
Mime casting magic and/or brewing potions, in an attempt to inquire about witchcraft.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: You're about to get out of the Proverbial Midgar
Post by: The Froggy Ninja on March 27, 2015, 03:35:44 pm
Quote from: Generally me on March 27, 2015, 01:27:53 pm
Interpretive dance?
But also this.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: You're about to get out of the Proverbial Midgar
Post by: Parsely on March 27, 2015, 04:08:39 pm
Quote from: ShadowHammer on March 27, 2015, 03:10:49 pm
Mime casting magic and/or brewing potions, in an attempt to inquire about witchcraft.
+1
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: You're about to get out of the Proverbial Midgar
Post by: Glacies on March 27, 2015, 10:49:13 pm
Quote from: The Froggy Ninja on March 27, 2015, 08:03:18 am
What about the introduction flashcard?

Whoops, sorry! Completely forgot about it – hopefully this won't turn into a trend.


Quote from: GUNINANRUNIN on March 27, 2015, 04:08:39 pm
Quote from: ShadowHammer on March 27, 2015, 03:10:49 pm
Mime casting magic and/or brewing potions, in an attempt to inquire about witchcraft.
+1

- - -

Using some interpretive mime, Gerald asks Esther about witchery in an arm-wavey sort of way.

(http://i.imgur.com/0fzR5db.png)

Esther's a bit taken aback by Gerald's curiosity, but launches into a slightly wary explanation, getting more enthusiastic as she goes on. “Witchery is a form of magic that's got a lot in common with ordinary wizardry – you can learn spells out of a book, but there's more art to it than science, if you know what I mean? I mean, I work out of a book, but I just sort of intuitively choose when to use my abilities.” She preens. “It's sort of a mixture of spontaneous casting and memorization. We keep a book of shadows, but a witch mostly knows the contents by heart anyway.”

“I'd show you, but, you know, that would be an irresponsible use of my powers,” she states somewhat smugly, “And Lady Thurlow would chew me out.” Esther sighs melodramatically. “And the brewing of potions and stuff,” she waves dismissively, “that's just medicine and knowing which plant does what, it's all mundane, but useful stuff. All learning.”

Having learned a bit more about how witches work, Gerald tentatively takes out the scroll with the diabolic mark on it, and hands it over to Esther.

(http://i.imgur.com/MpUDkuF.png)

Somewhat wide-eyed, Esther peers at the scroll. “Uhm. This is, er, some sort of demonic rune? Or, wait, no, there's too many linear marks, this is...is this diabolic?” she peers at Gerald with newfound wariness and curiosity. “You didn't, uh, where did you find this?”

Gerald signs out an 'M' for mail, and after a little bit of guesswork, Esther guesses the correct answer.

“That's, uh, that's pretty creepy.”

One of the servants comes up. “Sir Bernard has called a meeting. You're wanted in the manor.”

(http://i.imgur.com/9D3kIpM.png)

Sir Bernard's followers are gathered around in the main hall. Sir Bernard stands at the head of the table with Lady Thurlow at his side. “Men, we've a quest to undertake!” he claps his hands together and rubs them. “Lady Thurlow tells me she's learned of a magical sword that has been laying in the bottom of a pond out in the forests. It will be very helpful if the greenskins invade...as it looks like they will. We're going to go out and get it. Lady Thurlow and her apprentice are going to come with us and show us the way. All of you should go get ready. We'll stay another day, resupply, and then head out again.” Sir Bernard clears his throat. “That's all.” Then, he turns to Lady Thurlow, and remarks “Just like old times.”

The old witch actually smiles.

A murmured mixture of excitement and complaint goes through the assembly. Esther very lightly punches Gerald on the shoulder and goes to rejoin Lady Thurlow. What does Gerald take with him for the next trip? Anything else he should do while he's on Sir Bernard's estate?

- - -

Non-canonical

(http://i.imgur.com/UAiOGgk.png)
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: You're about to get out of the Proverbial Midgar
Post by: Lyeos on March 27, 2015, 10:56:05 pm
Clearly, he needs to attempt to take Esther along.
He should also, you know, creatively express doubt that a sword at the bottom of a pond wouldn't be rusty, magical or otherwise. Unless that's its magic.

On a more serious note, maybe express a desire to begin learning to read after this 'quest'?
To help with communication? But actually for magic.

And he should ask roughly how long the trip is expected to take so he can properly prepare.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: You're about to get out of the Proverbial Midgar
Post by: ShadowHammer on March 27, 2015, 11:01:19 pm
Go get a wood-carving knife or something so we can whittle stuff and stuff. Maybe some paper and drawing stuff as well, and a book so Esther can teach us to read.
Quote from: Lyeos on March 27, 2015, 10:56:05 pm
Clearly, he needs to attempt to take Esther along.
He should also, you know, creatively express doubt that a sword at the bottom of a pond wouldn't be rusty, magical or otherwise. Unless that's its magic.

On a more serious note, maybe express a desire to begin learning to read after this 'quest'?
To help with communication? But actually for magic.

And he should ask roughly how long the trip is expected to take so he can properly prepare.
+1 to above, except I'm sure Sir Bernard will handwave pack us food and sleeping stuff, so the length of trip doesn't really matter too much.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: You're about to get out of the Proverbial Midgar
Post by: Glacies on March 27, 2015, 11:01:39 pm
Quote from: Lyeos on March 27, 2015, 10:56:05 pm
Clearly, he needs to attempt to take Esther along.
He should also, you know, creatively express doubt that a sword at the bottom of a pond wouldn't be rusty, magical or otherwise. Unless that's its magic.

On a more serious note, maybe express a desire to begin learning to read after this 'quest'?
To help with communication? But actually for magic.

And he should ask roughly how long the trip is expected to take so he can properly prepare.

Esther is coming along, since she's the older witch's apprentice.
We can only speculate on the magical nature of this magical sword.
The journey is estimated to take roughly a month, there and back. Lots of very rough, hilly woods to get through.

Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: You're about to get out of the Proverbial Midgar
Post by: ShadowHammer on March 27, 2015, 11:05:59 pm
Make sure to bring sufficient noms for the trip, and a warm blanket.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: You're about to get out of the Proverbial Midgar
Post by: Lyeos on March 27, 2015, 11:12:19 pm
Perhaps he could use a little time to work on his lackluster interpretive dance fighting skills?
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: You're about to get out of the Proverbial Midgar
Post by: Glacies on March 28, 2015, 03:32:05 am
Gerald, with Esther tagging along, goes into the local chapel and gets a large parchment and some charcoal sticks. Esther enthusiastically agrees to help Gerald pick up basic literacy, and the local priest seems to warm up to her after learning that, loaning the two of them a book of the rites of the Silver Flame to work with while they're on the trail.

(http://i.imgur.com/2w9313S.png)

Since this quest isn't a hugely urgent one, Gerald also takes a whittling knife and a whetstone, for carving things out of wood. A thick woolen blanket is begged off Sir Bernard's wife, and Gerald takes a simple short sword and short bow, making a mental note to get some more practice in. Gerald is okay for a novice, but lacks much of the experience other followers of Sir Bernard have of similar age. As the party intends to travel through thick woodland, they'll be on foot, so he doesn't take much more.

(http://i.imgur.com/5mkOHCI.png)

The next day, the party sets out, Sir Bernard in the lead and fifteen men, ages roughly sixteen to thirty, tag along in addition to Gerald, Esther and Lady Thurlow. Everyone except the witches are lightly armed in case they run into the goblin scouting parties they've heard about, but the mood is generally optimistic.

(http://i.imgur.com/OXK2tCy.png)

“The sight beyond sight tells me of this magic sword.” explains Lady Thurlow. “I don't know the specifics, but I can feel when we draw closer to it, and I see it in my dreams, glowing, pulling like the current of a river.”

(http://i.imgur.com/kG4Vo2E.png)

The party makes their way through the woods. They bring down the odd stag or boar, and forage for fruit and vegetables. The forest is mostly untouched, since it's quite dangerous for the solitary traveler. Poachers are rare, because men are not the undisputed ruler of the woods.

(http://i.imgur.com/jofCMCz.png)
A monster surveys the party from a high cliff.

Esther and Gerald spend many hours working first on the alphabet, then later, slowly and laboriously through the prayer book. Gerald picks it up relatively quickly, yet not as fast as he'd like. One day, Esther mentions that Gerald is probably the first proper friend she's had, given that she's lived with Lady Thurlow in their corner of the woods all her life. For his part, Gerald has had plenty of friends in a manner of speaking, but none who were willing or capable of teaching him to read. He punches her very lightly on the shoulder.

(http://i.imgur.com/WKG2n7i.png)

Two weeks into the journey, Lady Thurlow announces they're drawing very close to the sword. The party emerges into a clearning with a large, fresh pond in the center. The surface of the water emits a faint whine and ripples from the center. Sir Bernard walks to the lip of the pond. Faintly glowing blue, a pitted, rust-coated longsword lies a couple of feet under the surface of the water.

(http://i.imgur.com/VH5vV46.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/bnE1qte.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/jPXTInD.png)
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: You're about to get out of the Proverbial Midgar
Post by: Glacies on March 28, 2015, 03:33:06 am
(http://i.imgur.com/yLn49pE.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/Axtbhdt.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/hByD4VQ.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/kgSrsCZ.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/Ts7xz2W.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/Zj75tIk.png)

Gerald spots a huge orc bearing down on the line of archers, and dives for cover.

(http://i.imgur.com/9rbBg4p.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/rBLBYUw.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/WfvJbib.png)

Then, the huge orc turns to face Lady Thurlow.

(http://i.imgur.com/jnkGF6d.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/VppiGjH.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/awlitww.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/Cv1Ej8u.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/Okz9bQD.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/NuNQ9ho.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/dwqwOVT.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/DOiGyKs.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/UGVMAFn.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/R8cDtEj.png)

Suddenly, the orc freezes, rocks back and forth for a moment, then sinks to his knees.

(http://i.imgur.com/421Ygzl.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/GimyCvY.png)

The goblin holds out his hand to Gerald. “C'mon,” he says, “On yer feet. Breathe.”

(http://i.imgur.com/n3LJ1JH.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/oNFAJTg.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/jgw9BIM.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/d2TjCEq.png)


The goblin leaned down over one of the fallen. “This one ere's still breathin'. Carry him, wouldja?” Gerald and Esther gently lift the injured man, who is delirious and muttering nonsense. The goblin walks over to the pond and pulls out the sword, stepping around Sir Bernard's body. “Hell of a lot of trouble for a rusty sword.” he says scornfully. “C'mon, you lot. Before any more of em' crawl out of the woodwork.”

(http://i.imgur.com/KrXkOtD.png)

The goblin leads them to a cave concealed in the brush. Inside, he lights a few candles so they can see. There's a bedroll here, and they gently lower the injured man onto it. The goblin inspects him. “Yeah, this ain't great. Either of you got much in the way of healin'?”

(http://i.imgur.com/LBt2fll.png)

“I do.” says Esther, and she kneels down and examines the man's injuries. Moments later, she says “It's not good. I'm going to need some herbs for a poultice.” “Well, that's great.” the goblin says, “I'll hold the fort here and make sure your pal doesn't leak too quickly. You two go off and pick the flowers you need, awright?”

Where to?

(http://i.imgur.com/y1csRrk.png)




Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: In the woods
Post by: Generally me on March 28, 2015, 03:58:19 am
go to the mushroom glades

Also why is there a goblin helping us
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: In the woods
Post by: Glacies on March 28, 2015, 04:19:56 am
Goodness knows. He certainly doesn't dress anything like the goblins that attacked the party. He's probably not with them. But that'll have to wait till later, right?
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: In the woods
Post by: WillowLuman on March 28, 2015, 01:21:07 pm
Aw, just as we were getting to know them :(
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: In the woods
Post by: Lyeos on March 28, 2015, 01:22:11 pm
Let Esther lead! She probably knows more about this stuff!
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: In the woods
Post by: ShadowHammer on March 28, 2015, 01:52:46 pm
Quote from: Generally me on March 28, 2015, 03:58:19 am
go to the mushroom glades
+1
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: In the woods
Post by: Parsely on March 28, 2015, 05:34:21 pm
That escalated quickly.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: In the woods
Post by: Glacies on March 28, 2015, 06:31:29 pm
The two head out across the woods, focused on the task ahead. Esther gathers the herbs she needs for her poultices and witchery, while Gerald simply tags along trying not to think about what has just happened. They're both just going on adrenaline at this point – or some sort of endorphin, at any rate.

(http://i.imgur.com/bXHLuFD.png)

There's a sweet smell in the air, and they turn around a corner and discover a grove of giant mushrooms. Gerald and Esther let out yawns. There's a fairy ring of huge, tree sizes mushrooms around a field of normal, black with white spotted shrooms. Poking out of the bed of mushrooms are several bleached bones. Visible in one place is a goblin skull covered in little spore-shoots.

(http://i.imgur.com/1m6n4Oy.png)

Curious, Gerald picks one of the mushrooms, and it lets out a great cloud of spores. “Oh, this isn't good...” Esther murmurs sleepily, rocking on her heels and shuffling backwards. Gerald has trouble staying away, blinking as his eyelids grow heavy. They back away as fast as the drowse allows, and a high, smooth, unnatural voice calls out.

“Why don't you stay a while, take a little nap? It's won't hurt to get a little...rest...” it says.

Esther: 16(+5)=21 (Success!)
Gerald: 9(+3)=12 (Failure!)

Gerald feels the sleepy feeling overcome him, and Esther grabs his as he starts to fall. Mocking, high pitched laughter seems to come from all directions, and out of the woods, dozens of tiny winged fairies appear. Spinning around Gerald and Esther, they laugh and make faces. They gather in a swarm, and close in on the two.

(http://i.imgur.com/G8SmAqx.png)

Esther holds her hand up and a magical barrier appears. The fairies whine and bounce off, screaming furiously as they bounce ineffectually against the barrier. Esther slowly drags Gerald away from the mushroom glade, and the fairies do not follow far. Eventually, Gerald regains consciousness. They sit and rest on a log for a moment.

(http://i.imgur.com/mdvB1bD.png)

“I'm sorry.” she says, “I wasn't...I wasn't paying attention because, because of what happened-” and her voice cracks. Shaking the doze away, Gerald pats her on the shoulder. Esther inspects what they've collected so far.

“We have almost enough now. Just a little more.”

Pick another location on the map.

(http://i.imgur.com/eTMtknG.png)
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: In the woods
Post by: ShadowHammer on March 28, 2015, 06:51:36 pm
Let's find the hidden cave.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: In the woods
Post by: The Froggy Ninja on March 28, 2015, 07:07:20 pm
Oak. Nymphs or Dryads ho!
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: In the woods
Post by: Parsely on March 28, 2015, 07:36:10 pm
It's so weird that we would just trust that random goblin with the magical sword. It doesn't seem right at all that we would be okay with leaving him with our wounded and the treasure we set out for after only a short discussion.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: In the woods
Post by: Glacies on March 28, 2015, 07:46:58 pm
Valid point. However, the Goblin speaks with a highly authoritative voice, and Gerald is both conditioned to obey orders and totally unbalanced by Sir Bernard, oh, and everyone else being dead. On top of that, he DID save Gerald's life. So it occurs to Gerald that it might have been a dumb thing to do, but it's too late now.

...

Yes I know that's probably a plot hole aaargh
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: In the woods
Post by: Parsely on March 28, 2015, 09:46:08 pm
Heh, it's okay. (I just hope that goblin doesn't betray us.)

I vote for the clearings. That's gonna be the best place to find flowers, cause sunlight.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: In the woods
Post by: Generally me on March 29, 2015, 04:25:10 am
Smoke
Because Gerald wants to kill stuff
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: In the woods
Post by: escaped lurker on March 29, 2015, 04:45:33 am
Quote from: Generally me on March 29, 2015, 04:25:10 am
Smoke
Because Gerald wants to get killed by stuff

Fixed that for ya'.

....

+1. Let's enjoy the plot-armour while it lasts! ;3
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: In the woods
Post by: Parsely on March 29, 2015, 04:53:08 am
Pretty sure we lost our sword, but AFAIK we still have our bow. We'd just end up being forced to run away or defended again by Esther, even if we don't die, we might get her killed if she needs to protect us.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: In the woods
Post by: Generally me on March 29, 2015, 06:27:09 am
Naaaah... I'm sure we could wrestle them to death or use INTERPRATIVE DANCE to confuse them
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: In the woods
Post by: Glacies on March 29, 2015, 04:07:30 pm
Trails of smoke come from the woods, and Gerald goes to investigate. Esther voices some concern. “The greenskins that attacked us might have been camping there, or, uh, there might be more of them there.” Gerald shrugs. Could be, he thinks, but we might also find someone friendly, with help or medicine for our friend. Or even a Cleric, if we're lucky.

Of course the answer is a bit of both. As they get closer, it becomes obvious that it isn't just campfires burning, but an entire camp. Peeking from the treeline, they see a clearing full of burning tents and the recent dead.

(http://i.imgur.com/Wj0ietc.png)

Several mutilated elves are nailed up to trees around the clearing, their tents smashed and burnt, their pack animals killed over hastily improvised cookfires. One bonfire contains what Gerald eventually recognizes as the burnt corpse of an elf. It seems from the tracks they were attacked by a raiding party, overwhelmed by superior numbers, and subsequently slaughtered.

(http://i.imgur.com/NRvhy7p.png)

As they make their way to the center of the wreckage, they spot a survivor. He's tied naked to stake in the very center of the campsite. He's in bad shape – one eye is a red ruin and the other is tightly shut, most of his fingers are cut off quite crudely, he's got several surface cuts and bruises, and it also looks like he's been castrated. Still breathing shallowly, he calls out, first in a language neither Gerald nor Esther understand, then “Who's there?”

Esther responds a bit weakly “We're...we're not here to hurt you...”

“Betrayed.” he croaks. “Killed our sentries, killed us all. Left me as a warning...”

What does the party do?

- - -

It was only after I finished writing this entry and drawing the pictures that I said to myself “Holy crap! This went to dark places real fast!” Hope I don't alienate my audience by trying to be grimdark...I bet you guys ask to communicate with the elf in interpretive dance.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: In the woods
Post by: Lyeos on March 29, 2015, 04:16:45 pm
Look around for anything of use, since Esther quote clearly has to handle communication here.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: In the woods
Post by: escaped lurker on March 29, 2015, 04:21:07 pm
interpretive dance Gesture to untie him. Or do so.
Unless they also have broken his spine, there is little chance we could make things worse for him. If we are capable of bringing him back to the hideout without dooming our other patient, would be a more pressing consideration though.

Quote from: Lyeos on March 29, 2015, 04:16:45 pm
Look around for anything of use, since Esther quote clearly has to handle communication here.
+1, As I doubt they have taken all of the elven knifes, swords or whatever they had before the attack.

Quote from: Glacies on March 29, 2015, 04:07:30 pm
It was only after I finished writing this entry and drawing the pictures that I said to myself “Holy crap! This went to dark places real fast!” Hope I don't alienate my audience by trying to be grimdark...I bet you guys ask to communicate with the elf in interpretive dance.

This being bay12, you would need to make a detailed and prolonged account of torture to alienate... the forum rules. Else, I daresay that most have commited worse fates with or on their dwarves, intentionally and unwittingly. Quite possibly both.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: In the woods
Post by: ShadowHammer on March 29, 2015, 05:58:07 pm
Quote from: escaped lurker on March 29, 2015, 04:21:07 pm
interpretive dance Gesture to untie him. Or do so.
Unless they also have broken his spine, there is little chance we could make things worse for him. If we are capable of bringing him back to the hideout without dooming our other patient, would be a more pressing consideration though.

Quote from: Lyeos on March 29, 2015, 04:16:45 pm
Look around for anything of use, since Esther quote clearly has to handle communication here.
+1, As I doubt they have taken all of the elven knifes, swords or whatever they had before the attack.

Quote from: Glacies on March 29, 2015, 04:07:30 pm
It was only after I finished writing this entry and drawing the pictures that I said to myself “Holy crap! This went to dark places real fast!” Hope I don't alienate my audience by trying to be grimdark...I bet you guys ask to communicate with the elf in interpretive dance.

This being bay12, you would need to make a detailed and prolonged account of torture to alienate... the forum rules. Else, I daresay that most have commited worse fates with or on their dwarves, intentionally and unwittingly. Quite possibly both.
+1
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: In the woods
Post by: Glacies on March 29, 2015, 07:09:47 pm
First, Gerald quickly scours the camp for anything of use.

Gerald:14(+2)=16 (Minor success!)

(http://i.imgur.com/UKNif3B.png)

He finds a set of decent steel knives and a short sword of better quality than the one he has*, and a quiver of good quality arrows that got overlooked. Meanwhile, Esther does her best to treat the injuries the elf has, and then they untie him and improvise a stretcher to transport him.

(http://i.imgur.com/uTG4at5.png)

Once untied, the elf loses consciousness, and while he doesn’t lose much blood, that's because he doesn't have much to lose. Gerald and Esther leave the burning camp and trek through the woods back towards the cave with their injured friend and the goblin in it. The forest is oddly still as they make their way back, as if it is holding it's breath.

The goblin is still there when Gerald and Esther return with the elf. He's scouring the blade of the magic sword with a lump of steel wool and seems to have taken much of the rust off. “Oh, you're back – and you brought a friend. Great.” he says.

(http://i.imgur.com/Evsu2NL.png)

They gently put the elf down and Esther and the goblin start administering first aid.

Goblin: 10(+16)=26 (Major Success!)
Esther: 12(+7)=19 (Success!)

Gerald is suitably impressed with the speed and precision with which wounds are sewn, bandaged and generally attended to. The goblin winds bandages all around the elf's face, “He's go blind if he tries to use the good eye too soon...” and then they move on to the man from the party, who also receives stitches and a nice herby poultice.

(http://i.imgur.com/36qndXg.png)

“We should open a freakin' hospital.” the goblin says. “The hell did you find this guy?” Esther explains what happened. The goblin's expression is grim. They survey their handiwork, then Gerald and Esther fix the goblin with expectant stares. “I suppose you want some answers now, right?” He sits down and produces a pipe, and begins to light it. “Ask away.”

(http://i.imgur.com/95kkTM5.png)

“First, who are you?” asks Esther.

“You can call me Kurt.” he says. “I'm named for the god of Kobolds, which is damn odd for a goblin, but there ya are. I'm a senior professor of mechanical sciences for the Machinists, which probably doesn't mean a hell of a whole lot to you. I'm from the capital, and I'm not with the guys that jumped ya, if that wasn't already obvious. I already got a handle on who you are, cause' I came out lookin' for you to find out what some nobody's squire – sorry – is doin' with a symbol of Sycarixian. Might have taken a peek at your mail.” he shrugs apologetically.

“So, why are you helping us?” she asks.

“Seemed like the decent thing to do, that's all.” he says dismissively. “So you got any idea why someone's sending you diabolic sigils?”

Gerald shakes his head.

“I was afraid of that. Someone's tryin' ta use you as a pawn, just your luck. Anyways, here.” he hands Gerald the sword, now much less rusty. It glows faintly blue, enough to light the small cave handily. “Dunno what that thing does just yet, but at least it makes a decent readin' light.”

“So now what?” Esther asks.

“Well, I think you ought ta get back into civilization soon as ya can. It ain't just a couple little raiding parties out there – looks like a full on invasion's goin' on. Looks to me like the orc federation crossed the steppe under magical cover. Which is one hell of a feat. Best get home before it's burnt to the ground.”

Kurt hands the Esther a map. “This will probably help. Anyways, I'll stick around with ya until you get back to more civilized land, just to be sure. Oh, looks like your friend is coming around...”

Sure enough, the injured man groans and attempts to sit up, only to wince in pain and lie back down. He looks around without moving his head too much. “What happened?” he croaks.

(http://i.imgur.com/APidXhp.png)

Esther explains the situation while Gerald shares his waterskin with the injured man. He doesn't seem that pleased. Esther asks who he is. “Name's Vincent...who's the goblin? Why's he helping us?”

Gerald shrugs expressively. “Did anyone else make it?” Gerald shakes his head, and Vincent sighs deeply and closes his eyes. “Damn, damn, damn...”

It will take a little while for everyone to recover. Now is the time to formulate plans, discuss general strategy, and take stock of the situation.

Gerald's inventory:
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Esther's inventory:
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Vincent's inventory:
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Kurt's inventory:
Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Map of the area
Spoiler (click to show/hide)

*That I keep forgetting to draw on him!
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: In the woods
Post by: ShadowHammer on March 29, 2015, 07:20:20 pm
Stay here until everyone's recovered enough to travel safely, then stealthily make our way to the Baron's castle. Maybe we can find help there.
While we're waiting, learn to read more. Stay alert, though.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: In the woods
Post by: Glacies on March 31, 2015, 09:54:00 am
With Vincent and the elf in the state they are, the party is in no fit state to travel, so a few days will have to be spent resting. To save on lantern oil and candles, Kurt suggests they prop up the magic sword with a couple of rocks and let it light the cave. To keep himself busy, between tending to the wounded, Gerald and Esther continue the reading lessons.  At this point, Gerald has a pretty solid command of the alphabet and feels comfortable enough with writing words like Dog, bed, cat, run and bee. Kurt quietly cleans and sharpens every sharp thing in the cave for the party, and then moves on the cleaning and repairing Vincent's chain shirt with a bit of steel wool, a small pair of pliers and what appears to be a bottle of lemon juice. Even that doesn't take him terribly long, so then he moves on to repairing everyone's leather shoes, rewaterproofing them and reinforcing them. Occasionally he leaves the cave for a few minutes to do a bit of quick reconnaissance, but returns within fifteen minutes or so with a disappointed look.

(http://i.imgur.com/ewWJ4aL.png)

Esther spends a little bit of time working with her book of shadows, which Gerald sees is a tall, thin volume bound in hide and covered with occultist symbols. Vincent spends most of his time sleeping, but when he's awake, he tells everyone about how he grew up at a farm on Sir Bernard's land and how he was taken on some six years ago as a man-at-arms. He's twenty, or thereabouts at his reckoning.

“We should go back and bury Sir Bernard, and the Lady Thurlow and everyone else...” he says. “It wouldn't be right to leave them there.”

Esther agrees – “They could rise as angry spirits if they felt abandoned” – Kurt adds that their corpses probably have a lot of useful stuff that could be of use on the journey and Vincent and Esther both give him withering looks.

Later, the elf quietly groans, and then whispers “Er ég á lífi?”

Kurt responds. “Fyrir nú. Þú ert með vinum. Sofa og batna.”

Apparently satisfied with this, the elf goes back to sleep. By the second day, Vincent is capable of standing and slowly walking around, though it is a little painful. “I guess I could get along with a crutch good enough.” Gerald then whittles a very rough  -wooden crutch- with his woodcarving knife.

(http://i.imgur.com/WkUFdSe.png)

Kurt suggests it's time to formally decide on a plan. “Do we wait till our friend here is capable of walking or do we carry the git and leave sooner? Do we go out and give last rites to your old boss and your pals or drop that in favor of makin' better time? And lastly, if we wanted, we could cut north through the woods towards the riverboat landing and then get the elves to loan us a boat, or we can just travel south overland the whole way. Whaddya think?”

Esther and Vincent are both in favor of giving the dead their last rites, Vincent is in favor travelling south overland while Esther and Kurt want to try the boat method. Somehow, against all odds, they're all waiting on Gerald's opinions as if he's somehow become party leader. He is the one with the magic sword, after all.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: In the woods
Post by: The Froggy Ninja on March 31, 2015, 10:27:49 am
Last rites, carry and boat.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: In the woods
Post by: Generally me on March 31, 2015, 12:33:26 pm
Quote from: The Froggy Ninja on March 31, 2015, 10:27:49 am
Last rites, carry and boat.
+1 whether we should bring the elf along
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: In the woods
Post by: Lyeos on March 31, 2015, 02:10:54 pm
Quote from: Generally me on March 31, 2015, 12:33:26 pm
Quote from: The Froggy Ninja on March 31, 2015, 10:27:49 am
Last rites, carry and boat.
+1 whether we should bring the elf along
+1, though I wouldn't be surprised if the elves are dead.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: In the woods
Post by: Glacies on April 01, 2015, 01:37:34 pm
April fools update.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: In the woods
Post by: Lyeos on April 01, 2015, 05:18:55 pm
Overcome your differences through the magic of dance!
You almost got me. Still gonna roll with it, though.
Title: Re: Fantasy Suggestion RPG: In the woods
Post by: Glacies on April 01, 2015, 11:10:57 pm
Gerald agrees that the dead are due their last rites, and Kurt suggests he stick around with the elf while Esther, Vincent and Gerald go out and deal with their dead friends. Vincent voices some suspicions. “Aren't going to slit his throat and run off on us, are you?” to which the goblin makes a face. “No.” Esther pipes up. “He hasn't betrayed us so far. Give him a chance.” Vincent harrumphs. They depart early in the morning, just before the sun begins to creep up over the horizon.

(http://i.imgur.com/DDmNFlD.png)

The clearing with the pond is circled by crows, and the insects of the forest have started their work on the fallen by the time the party arrives there. The pond has gone stagnant and murky with blood, and there are a multitude of bodies. First, the orc and goblin corpses are separated from the human ones. The two black steel axes the huge orc used are thrown into the pond by Esther with a scowl. Then Vincent says “Maybe I'm being too ambitious. There's a lot of fallen. We couldn't possibly dig twenty or so deep enough holes.”

“We'll do a pyre.” Esther suggests. “That's still a lot of work, but sure. At least we have the tools for it.” Vincent agrees. “Of course, the smoke will signal the greenskins, so we'd better move fast afterwards.” They begin building the bonfire with the firewood the party had originally taken with them, and Gerald borrows an ax from one of the dead for gathering lumber. Once they've started, they realize that it's an even harder task than they first anticipated, but determined to see it through, the party spends all day collecting enough supplies for the bonfire, felling small trees and dragging them into place.

(http://i.imgur.com/c2Do10L.png)

As respectfully as possible, Gerald, Esther and Vincent pile the dead on the bonfire they've constructed. Esther stares grimly at the form of Lady Thurlow lying on the bonfire. She holds the old witch's book of shadows delicately, as if it might bite her.

Vincent tells Gerald gently that if Sir Bernard fell in battle, it technically falls to Gerald to uphold his duties until the Baron appoints another knight. So he ought to take Sir Bernard's armor and badge of office. This proves to be a somewhat foolish errand, since almost none of the armor fits, but they reverently relieve Sir Bernard of his armor, and Gerald takes his gorget and gauntlets and the little seal of authority he carries. Then they pose him holding his sword in both hands, eyes closed. In death, his face seems slightly amused.

(http://i.imgur.com/sv6JLjQ.png)

Vincent sets aside a spear, and all the rations it would be practical to carry. As the sun goes out of sight, they finish setting everything up, and, exhausted and drenched in sweat, the party lights the pyres. The flames start low and smoky, but soon they are licking at the heels of the fallen. Vincent says “We should say a few words, do a reading out of your holy book. Something...” Then he looks over at the other two, and shakes his head. “Never mind.” Everyone stares at the pyre, wanting it all to be over. Vincent is actually the first to start crying, but Esther and Gerald start moments later, wracking sobs and, in Gerald's case, a silent stream. Finally, when the party is all out, Vincent shoulders the pack of rations and takes up the spear and starts making his way back to the cave. Esther and Gerald follow him.

Kurt looks up as they enter the cave. “Did you get it done?” Gerald nods. “All right. You look wiped. Get some sleep.” Vincent is too tired to argue, and drops off immediately. Gerald sits leaned up against the back of the cave wall and as his eyelids grow heavy, he feels Esther lean against him, head on his shoulder. She falls asleep, and then moments later, so does he.

The next morning they have a quick breakfast of venison jerky and dry bread with wine, and start out. The journey through the forest is quiet. Vincent and Gerald carry the elf on the improvised stretcher, slowly and still stiff from the previous night. Kurt remarks that it's a good idea to go to the boat landing cause' they can drop off their injured pal with the elves there, and then make good time after that. Because of how tired the party is (not to mention how impeded they are by the injured elf), they don't make great time and call it a day early to get extra rest.

Gerald tries to work on reading the holy book, but it's still well out of his league. He understands maybe five percent of what he's reading. Esther works from Lady Thurlow's book of shadows, and Kurt alternates between peering at the map nervously and keeping watch. Vincent sleeps.

(http://i.imgur.com/7kbuf0X.png)

The next morning everyone's feeling a little better, and they make better time. The elf wakes up during the trip and moans a bit, but otherwise doesn't have much to say. The forest starts to grow a little nosier. Birdsong and incidental animal noises are more frequent. The morning passes uneventfully.

However, after their brief pause for lunch, things get exciting. From out of the woods, a dozen little fairies swoop out, whooping and screaming. They begin biting at Gerald and the others. They almost drop the stretcher the elf is laid on, but recover it before he topples out of it. Esther waves her hand irritably and a small ball of black flame grows around her hand. With a flick, she sends it at the fairies and one shrieks and dies, spiraling to the forest floor smoking. The other fairies scatter.

(http://i.imgur.com/V1RWPeR.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/g7WDAud.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/PiSQwBo.png)

“Aren't the forest folk your friends, witch?” Vincent asks.

Esther shoots Vincent a dirty look. “Not the Unseelie. They aren't friends with anyone. Not even each other.” she replies. The party briefly stops to bandage the small bite wounds, but are soon on their way again. The party soon discovers a game path, and make even better time. Soon, however, they come to a fork in the path. They have two choices: left or right. The left path brings the party closer to the river's edge, and the right cuts through thicker woods.
Title: Re: (ISG) Fantasy Suggestion RPG: Almost out of the woods
Post by: Glacies on April 04, 2015, 03:38:16 am
Here's what the cast would look like if I colored them in:
Spoiler (click to show/hide)

And here's a drawing of Esther a friend of mine did:
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: (ISG) Fantasy Suggestion RPG: Almost out of the woods
Post by: Lyeos on April 04, 2015, 12:02:55 pm
Gerald: Lightly smack Vincent upside the back of the head for continuously being an ass towards other party members.

Then point to the path that goes

/me flips a coin

Left.
Title: Re: (ISG) Fantasy Suggestion RPG: Almost out of the woods
Post by: ShadowHammer on April 04, 2015, 12:12:13 pm
Quote from: Glacies on April 04, 2015, 03:38:16 am
Here's what the cast would look like if I colored them in:
Spoiler (click to show/hide)

And here's a drawing of Esther a friend of mine did:
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Nice.
Quote from: Lyeos on April 04, 2015, 12:02:55 pm
Gerald: Lightly smack Vincent upside the back of the head for continuously being an ass towards other party members.

Then point to the path that goes

/me flips a coin

Left.
+1
Title: Re: (ISG) Fantasy Suggestion RPG: Almost out of the woods
Post by: Glacies on April 05, 2015, 04:19:06 pm
The party takes the left path, which gradually slopes towards the river. They find a path that follows the river's edge, sunlit and well trodden. Periodically they notice trees marked with little runes. The journey is quiet and peaceful, and the party begins to feel they're out of danger.

(http://i.imgur.com/5sSOc6O.png)
The path by the river is free of random encounters.

Things go well. Esther and Vincent rotate carrying one end of the Elf's stretcher. “Not long now.” Kurt observes. “Gonna have to make myself scarce soon.”

“Why's that?” asks Esther.

“That's a complex sociological issue that I would love to lecture you all on but I'll just water it down and say the elves don't like goblins.” he drawls.

(http://i.imgur.com/9TdPbtX.png)

The next morning, Kurt decides at an arbitrary point to disappear into the woods. One moment he's there, then the next time they look, he isn't. “Good riddance.” grunts Vincent. Esther and Gerald both scowl at him. “Sorry, sorry, I'm just hauling some elf with only one good arm down some forest road I've never been in my life, accompanied by a witch and a mute I owe fealty to.” he grumbles bitterly. “I have a name, you know.” Esther huffs, and she stomps ahead further up the path. Gerald treats Vincent to a wry expression.

(http://i.imgur.com/gq0fWXd.png)

The elf groans again. “Was...was that a ..” he mumbles. “a...goblin..? Why?”

Vincent replies somewhat hesitantly. “Yeah. He sewed you up all right, but now he's gone. Don't know what he was planning. But we're close to the other elves now. Won't be long now.”

“Good.” the elf whispers.

A half hour later, a group of elves accompanied by Esther come to the party. Their leader seems to be a warrior of some sort wearing a pair of swords. His hair is tied back in a long braid, and he has a bemused expression. At the sight of the injured elf on the stretcher, his expression becomes sour. Gerald and Vincent are relieved of their burden by a pair of plainly dressed elves who hustle away the injured elf.

(http://i.imgur.com/pDDLg9Y.png)

“Your friend here,” the leader gestures to Esther, “explained what happened. I have a few men looking for the goblin. Hopefully he'll come without struggle.” Esther looks doubtful and nervous at this statement. Vincent also momentarily looks concerned.

“I am Loramil, a champion of the Court of Spring.” the leader introduces himself. “You are...Vincent, and Gerald, right?” They both nod. “Well, come along and you'll be able to have a decent meal and a rest. Then we can talk.”

- - -

Soon the party arrives at the riverboat landing. A series of small stone houses overgrown with vines accompany a small dockland. There's a central fire pit in the middle of the elven village. The number of adults far, far outnumbers the number of children. They all are busying themselves with tasks of various sorts.

(http://i.imgur.com/2xHDQtN.png)

Esther and Vincent explains what happened. How Lady Thurlow had the vision about the sword, how the party was lead there, how the greenskins ambushed the party. Loramil is a little baffled by the goblin. He's also quite displeased about the elves who were massacred. “We know the one you brought us. He was part of a scouting party sent out to assess the greenskins numbers. You said he told you they were betrayed?” Loramil scowls as Esther and Gerald nod in unison. “One of our own siding with the greenskins is hard to imagine. What they could have offered is beyond me.”

“Uh. Loramil,” Vincent interrupts his musings. “Can we borrow a boat to get back to the Baron's castle? We've got to let him know what's happened here, and warn everyone.”

Loramil nods. “Yes, we can manage that. You can have a boat, and someone will see to it that you're properly supplied.”

(http://i.imgur.com/BbSlmvx.png)

After a day's rest and relaxation in the elves forest camp, the party is shown to their boat, a four person craft with oars and a lantern affixed to the bow. Supplies for the journey are already packed on board. Loramil joins the party at the dock. “I'd like to join you.” he says. Vincent looks puzzled. “Isn't your duty here?”

Loramil shakes his head and lets out a small laugh. “No, I only lead when I need to. We aren't quite as fixed a society as you men. I'd like to offer my assistance to the Baron. And I'd relish the chance to test myself against the greenskins. If they're set on invading Rivertown, I don't want to miss the chance to test myself.”

Vincent nods. “Well, all right then. Assuming you don't mind?” Vincent looks at Gerald and Esther. They both nod.

“So,” the elf continues “Let's get going.” And he jumps down into the boat.

- - -

(http://i.imgur.com/XiV5tPx.png)

Later, the party is drifting down the river at a decent clip. Vincent is obviously in higher spirits and whistles cheerfully. The trees practically fly by. Gerald and Loramil alternate rowing. There is an odd clunking noise and the boat shakes ever so slightly. Vincent stands up, nearly loses his balance, and takes up his spear. Pointing it at where the boat dips, he prepares to spear whatever it is that comes up.

Then a familiar voice calls out. “It's me, ya git. Put yer spear down.”

“Oh.” Vincent says with a heavily ironic tone. “It's you. Great.” Nevertheless, he bends down and helps Kurt climb aboard. The goblin shakes like a dog, and water goes flying. He takes his goggles off and winks at Gerald. “Don't mind if I grab a lift, do ya?”

(http://i.imgur.com/gLEFvEE.png)

Loramil crosses his arms and glares. “I take it you're Kurtulmak, then.”

Kurt nods. “The very same.” and he holds out his hand to shake. “Ánægður að hitta þig. Við skulum ekki vera óvinir.”

Tentatively, Loramil shakes his hand. “Allt í lagi. Ekki láta mig sjá þetta.” and the tension around the boat disappears.

(http://i.imgur.com/MVHVJtE.png)

- - -

Spirits are high, and grow higher when the goblin produces a bottle and starts passing it around. Some of the party begins to sing a traditional boating song, though Kurt doesn't know half the words and Vincent can't carry a tune in a bucket.

“Down the swift dark stream you go,
Back to lands you once did know!
Past the rushes, past the reeds,
Past the marsh’s waving weeds,
Through the mist that riseth white
Up from mere and pool at night!
Over rapid, Over sand,
South away! And South away!
Seek the sunlight and the day,
Back to pasture, back to mead,
Where the kine and oxen feed!
Back to gardens on the hills
Where the berry swells and fills
Under sunlight, under day!
South away! and South away!
Down the swift dark stream you go
Back to lands you once did know!

(http://i.imgur.com/zWRMNKd.png)

- - -

The journey by boat will only be a couple days. What should Gerald do on the boat?
Title: Re: (ISG) Fantasy Suggestion RPG: Rowing your boat
Post by: Lyeos on April 06, 2015, 02:54:00 pm
Offer to help with the rowing sometimes.
Work on his literacy some more.

Keep an eye out for strange things!
Title: Re: (ISG) Fantasy Suggestion RPG: Rowing your boat
Post by: Generally me on April 06, 2015, 02:58:41 pm
Quote from: Lyeos on April 06, 2015, 02:54:00 pm
Offer to help with the rowing sometimes.
Work on his literacy some more.

Keep an eye out for strange things!
This
Title: Re: (ISG) Fantasy Suggestion RPG: Rowing your boat
Post by: Kobnach on April 06, 2015, 10:23:33 pm
Quote from: Generally me on April 06, 2015, 02:58:41 pm
Quote from: Lyeos on April 06, 2015, 02:54:00 pm
Offer to help with the rowing sometimes.
Work on his literacy some more.

Keep an eye out for strange things!
This

+1
Title: Re: (ISG) Fantasy Suggestion RPG: The Baron's Castle
Post by: Glacies on August 31, 2015, 04:25:21 pm
Gerald continues his studies with the holy book, and continues to pick stuff up. Vincent, now that he doesn't have to strain himself, is much more pleasant to be around and ceases to be rude to the other party members.

Loramil and Kurt spend most of their time conversing in elvish. Occasionally Loramil breaks out into verse. Vincent still seems worried about the goblin's agenda, but doesn't press the issue. Generally, the boat ride is pleasant and calm.

(http://i.imgur.com/8yzbz6z.png)

The party pulls up on a small beach as the sun begins to descend, and they unpack the boat and set up camp a little ways inland. Vincent and Loramil cover the boat with boughs, while the other three pitch tents and assemble a small campfire. Once camp is set, everyone gathers around the fire.

(http://i.imgur.com/EkqSrDU.png)

“So,” asks Vincent, “Where do we stand?”

Gerald shrugs. Is he supposed to know?

“Well,” says Esther, “I don't think my home is safe with the orcs and, uh, goblins loose in the countryside, and I want to find out what the Baron plans to do. So I guess I'll stick with everyone until we have this all sorted out.”

“You already know why I'm here.” Loramil says. “You probably haven't seen the end of the orcs yet, and I'd love to get some more practice with the sword in. The Baron will probably want my help fighting them off, so as long as we're heading into conflict, I'll accompany everyone.”

“Speaking of which,” Vincent says, “Gerald, I owe you an apology. My wounds made me a bit surly, and I didn't have time to think about things. With Sir Bernard passed on, as his squire, you now serve as the Knight for our home. This means I owe you my service. I should have told you this sooner, but wherever you go, I follow.”

Kurt tells everyone “I just wanna see how this all plays out. Someone sent ya that diabolic symbol for a reason, and it probably ain't good.”

The evening is quiet. Loramil volunteers to keep watch for the first part of the night since his sleep needs are much lower than a human's, and Kurt suggests that he does the last third of the night. Vincent shoots this down, since he's not comfortable with the goblin keeping watch, and volunteers himself to wake up early and do it. Gerald stays up a little late reading by the campfire. A lot of it goes over his head, but he can manage the simple things on his own.

The next morning, the party gets up, cooks a hot breakfast, breaks camp and gets back in the boat. The shore practically flies by as the boat flows downriver, and by the late afternoon the Baron's castle comes into sight.

The Baron's castle sits on top of a steep hill on one side of the river, overlooking Rivertown on the other side. The Stonebridge, which is exactly what the name makes it sound like, spans the gap between the town and the castle, which has multiple plumes of dark smoke coming from it.
(http://i.imgur.com/cdxqUWw.jpg)

Kurt climbs onto the bow of the ship and pulls out a spyglass.

“Looks like the place is gettin' attacked. I see the odd orc on the battlements...”

“All right, what will we do?” Vincent asks. “Should we dock on the castle's side and see if we can go help, or should we dock at Rivertown?”

Title: Re: (ISG) Fantasy Suggestion RPG: Back To The Baron's Castle
Post by: WillowLuman on August 31, 2015, 04:39:14 pm
It's baaaack!