Tunnels & Trolls The campaign begins...

[The GrandMage]

Detton

Detton looked over at...Rowena. Rowena. He moved his tongue inside his mouth, getting a taste for the name. He looked at the man,...Shan'do. He tasted that word as well. "I'm Detton."

He looked out of the town, towards the destination of the group. "You can carve that on my headstone if you bother to bury me. I don't think I'll mind much if you don't."

 

[LadyRozes]

Rowena tried to hide the shock from her face.."I always pray for the dead Mr. Detton.. It is one of my duties I used to perform at the temple I had lived in.."

 

[LadyFairy]

Alonria tryed not to laugh at her friend, as he straped the keg to his body like a make shift pack, along with his axe. Tho she didnt agree with his drinking, it seemed so much appart of him that she couldnt say him nay to often. Nay my friend i gatherd all i needed the other day when i arrived in town, i thank thee tho for asking. she said to the dwarf, as she double checked her own supplys making shure she had all she needed.
As far as healing salve, bandages, rope, rashins' ect...pulling a cloth from her pack, along with a wet stone, she began to sharpen the dagger she kept at her back, as well as checking her bow, arrow's and such, before they went out to meet the other's.
Having done all that she turnd and offerd the wet stone and cloth to the dwarf. i know you have accepted this quest only to get yourself killed my friend and i mean no insult, for dwarves are known to keep there blades sharp, but ive no wish to die quite yet. would you concider safe guarding my back if not your own?? Alonria seriously hoped she had not offended her friend, but she needed to know that he wouldnt get himself killed at the first opetunity, she had little friends as it was. She didnt want to loose this one.

 

[Xaositect]

Vortigern was taken by surprise when Detton swung his pitchfork directly at his head. He was fairly sure that the peasant had truly intended to kill him but accidently missed. As the dirty peasant shambled away in a manner that bespoke arrogance born of ignorance he swore under his breath, "That slight will not be forgotten my friend. You have truly sealed your doom."

Once he composed himself Vortigern turned his attention back to Alonria. The woman seemed to be the only truly intelligent one of the group. "To answer your questions, my dear lady, I know you will need my magic because it is the one thing that everyone needs and few have. I have never been to these particular mountains but I have had a few...experiences with these creatures. You would do well to heed my advice. You and I seem to be the only people of intellect in this group so I will offer you my friendship, at least for as long as it suits me. Now if you'll excuse me, there are afew things I must gather before I am able to join you on the road." Vortigern gave Alonria a slight bow and then took his leave.

Vortigern headed directly to the secret cache he had made before entering Chadwick. In a hollow tree stump, out of sight from the wall he had stashed his backpack. He had not dared trust its safety at the inn. Within it were all the materials he requiered to cast his spels, including his must sacred possession, the grimoire. He fished out his wide belt that was full of various pouches and wrapped it around his waist. He took the time to carefully select each component he needed and put it in a specific pouch. He also found several throwing daggers and put them into sheaths at the back of his robe. He hated to use such crude implements, but his spells never lasted froever and he sometimes needed them.

Having taken care of the essentials, Vortigern strolled back into town and purchased a weeks worth of rations. Despite what Rowena had said, Vortigern didn't trust others to provide him with food. He was used to leading a solitary existence, independent of other people. Once he had sufficiently supplied himself he headed of to the designated meeting place.

 

[poohlive]

The dwarf gave a grunted laugh, watching the wizard walk away. Arrogance... reminded him of an elf. He could easily see getting tired of that man, and letting his axe accidentally fall into the poor man's back while he slept.
"I think he likes you," he bumped purposely into Alonria, "Just be careful. I hear wizards have ancient potions that make them go for hours and hours in the night."
At his he laughed out loud. They had finally made it to the meeting place, where others were already waiting. He plopped himseld down, sharpening his blade.
"I made an oath a long time ago, with my people... It's stuck in blood. I can not break it. If I find a time to die, I will take it, but I promise until then, I'll keep you safe. We won't have too many harrowing problems until the mountain anyway. A wandering troll or a few wood cats.... Hell, the way that pompous wizard acts, he can probably take them out on his own."

 

[Xaositect]

"It is quite possible that I could," said Vortigern as he caught the tale end of the dwarf's rant, "though I'll leave them to you if you so desire."

He took a place opposite the two unlikely companions and looked Alonria over. He began to wonder about her, and Vortigern did not wonder about much. Of all these would be heroes she was the most mysterious. He could easily discern the motivations of the other companions. The dwarf was obviously suicidal, but too proud to perform the deed himself. The Pitchforker was obviously a runaway serf who was seeking his fortune. How Vortigern ached for his old station. He would have had that man drawn and quartered in an instant for such defiance. But this was no time to dwell on the past.

Shan'do, that elf who was slightly off, seemed equally concerned with wealth. He wasn't sure of Zex's motive. Unlike the surly peasant he seemed to be a true warrior. Perhaps he wished to test his mettle. The gnome was probably some runaway who thought he could find his niche among vagabonds such as himself. That Rowena would be bothersome. Vortigern disliked the clergy. They relied on fickle deities to give them direction in life. Vortigern wanted no part of them.

The hooded one was obviously hiding something and doing a damn good job of it. She had made a point of blending in to the background. Those who did not wish to stand out often had talents beyond those who did. She would bear some scrutiny.

Alonria was the only one Vortigern couldn't fathom. She was open yet seemed to conceal much. He wonder over her origins. He wasn't entirel sure she was human. She was certainly fair of face, though Vortigern would never admit such a thing to himself. He believed himself beyond petty infatuations and adolescent dreams.

Vortigern sighed to himself. He would not be satisfied until he understood this woman. That was all there was to it. Steeling himself and putting on an air of haughty detachment he walked over to Alonria. "Though I am aware of your name I do not believe we have been introduced. I am Vortigern formerly of House Tintagel. May ask after your own name?"

 

[LadyRozes]

Rowena busied herself by looking at the map the priest had given them. She knew it was going to be an interesting adventure that was for sure .. She brushed her dark hair out of her face and then looked up. "If we have everyone ..then we should head off right?" She gave her companions a lopsided grin.

 

[Jagged]

OOC: Nice to see the whole party getting acquinted.....an interesting group to say the least. Nobody has killed each other yet.....good start. Okay only Pcs in the party so far.....and I gather you plan to leave outside the town.


IC: (as GM)

When or if you assemble outside the town near the trail to the mountians by the river. There is alarge flat rock there and and upon rolling out the map on the rock you notice several things marked on it as well as notes.

The first day's journey along the path marks at the end of a days journey (some 15 miles through the plains) ends on the first of the hill of the hill region. Along the path symbols for deer and fish at spots in the river are marked.

The hill itself has a mark of buildings and a note (Old pagan compound...three stone houses...temple and store house. Long Abandon by settlers many journeying into the mountains spend the night or even whole winters there...some adventurers have perished while others report nothing at all.)

The hill does give a view of the mountain though and a mining camp is a mile off from the hill to the east. To the west of the hill is the ruins of a very large mining town. Once gold was found there thousands of miners, settlers, merchants, soldiers, and adventurers poured into the plateau town. When the war of the gods broke out they were among the first to feel the wrath. A 300 day seige was fought bloodly agains the trolls before all were slaughtered.

The fortress town now in ruins is a tangled mess of tunnels, hidden rooms, strong points, and towers. The fight long over looters both human and troll still find much to make the town worth a visit.......though it is not with out peril of its own. Giant rat creatures live under the town eating and fighting and breeding....they average about 5" tall and hairy...they prefer short swords, spears and round shields though they have been known to use short bows. There is much yet to know about the old town.


Much adventure is before you....

 

[Screech]

Shan'do examined the map closely. "Hmmm. I would suggest heading to that pagan compound. It could previde shelter for the night. Plus, it never hurts to have more than one God on your side" He gave a cheeky grin to Rowena

"Of course, it seems there will be ample oppotinity for hunting on the trail - if everyone knows how"

 

[Xaositect]

After finishing his conversation with Alonria, Vortigern made his way over to the map. He watched the others to take careful not of their reactions. Shan'do made a valid point about the pagan grounds although the wizard didn't enjoy his attempt at levity. There was a chance, thogh slim at best, that the ruins contained some forgotten manuscript or tome that he might make use of.

"I agree with the elf," said Vortigern, "We should try to find all the creature comforts we are able, we won't have the opportunity once we reach the mountains. If we get there early we should be able to set up a defensible position just in case something should take an unwarranted interest in us."

Vortigern adjusted his belt and his backpack so that they sat more comfortably. He straightened himself an held his staff out like a walking stick. He looked around waiting for someone to take the lead.

 

[LadyFairy]

Alonria had blushed at her companion's jibe, and was greatful that he would guard her back and be with her for at least a time before he ended his life. She would take his advice about the wizard tho. Wizards had there own ways of using people and doing things for there own reasions.

When Vortigern had arrived and introduced himself it had confused her all the more, She awncerd his questions hoping that maybe she could find some reasion why he would be interested in her, for she was only a half breed elf, My name is Alonria Lia Moonbrook. Forgive me if i do not give you a title, i am on a self seeking quest, and am unsure as to wether i have one or not.

After talking with the wizard for a few more moment's Alonria was still puzzled as to his questions about her. Walking over to join the others after the wizard left. She listened as they descussed going to the pagan campground, once everyone agreed. She went back to her companion, letting him know where they were headed, and they all began to move out.

 

[The GrandMage]

Detton

Detton grunted, looking over at the dwarf. So, he too planned on dying once given the chance. He didn't sound like he'd go easy, though. He nodded, deciding to keep close to the little warrior. He could learn much.

He looked around, and shrugged, glancing off into the distance. "Who cares where we're going as long as we get there? I agree with the Priestess, we should leave now that we've got ourselves together."

 

[Screech]

Shan'do looked at Detton. "Well of course we should leave as soon as possable, but to have a direction to go in is better than moving randomly. After all, we can be fairly certain settlements hold greature treasures than wilderness!" Shan'do's eyes glazed over slightly as he gazed off into the distance

 

[LadyRozes]

Rowen nodded, "yes let us head towards the Pagn campground.. best to be able to get places where we will be able to pick up supplies and such should we have need of them.. Let's head out now..the campground is atthe end of the path .. So we jsut follow the road then .. shall we." With that Rowena rolled up the map stuck it in her satchel with all the other herbs adn knicknacks she carried..

The satchel itself was sew and resewn in many different places looking very old and ragged, but Rowena refused to part with the bag.. it was the elder helrbalist's bag and ..she was the only family rowena knew.. Straightening it out, she started a fairly slow pace to make sure that the dwarf would be able to keep up. Shorter people have shorter strides and she was a bit on the shorter side herself being 5'4."

Walking along the path Rowena hums an old tune from her youth.. she had heard it so many times around the woods.. and since she had been traveling she had been doing it to help her pass the time.

This was a different experience for Rowena. having never traveled with anyone before, she was nervous. Her journeying had taken her far from her temple, and she had a grand time stopping along the many villagers along the way .. still feeling the pull to take her far away .. somewhere in the mountains was the answer she saught .. she didnt know what it was she was searching for just that it was there, and she knew when she would find it .. she would know.

 

[poohlive]

Tol'Chuk took up the rear of the pack, as soon as everyone had a say in which way they'd go. Treasure and supplies, what rubbish. Go towards the mountain, that's all that mattered, everything else was...
Well, it was just in the way, that's all.
He had taken his axe, holding it in both hands, and watching the sides of the path with discernable interest. Nothing seemed to be moving, or following them, what a shame. He'd like a nice group of wood cats or something right about now. Let them tear through half the group, and he could die choking one of them, and his axe embedded in another.
Ahhh, what a way to go. He smiled at this.
No use day dreaming though. They had quite a hike, and he wasn't getting any younger. He kept up well enough, adjusting the ten gallons of beer on his back every now and then.

 

[Xaositect]

Vortigern waited until most of the party had passed him. When Detton walked by the wizard put on his best look of noble detatchment. He wanted the pitchforker to realize he was nothing to the former noble, though his insult burned deep within Vortigern's heart.

Vortigern approached Alonria and flashed her wide grin, " Well my dear, if we are to travel together there is no reason to abandon civility. As you have not claimed a title let me be the first to bestow one upon you. Lady Alonria would you be so kind as to accompany me?" Vortigern offered his arm to Alonria.

 

[Lostsoul8626]

Zex

Zex walked beside Rowena and listened to her hum. It was soothing. Just as he passed what seemed like the hundredth tree a feeling of death washed over him. Somehow he knew this adventure would be his last.

 

[LadyRozes]

Rowena smiled at Zex. He seemed like a quiet fellow much like herself. Every once in a while she would gaze at up at the sky and note the time .. knowing when it came to dusk .. they would have to make for camp.. this night they would be in the woods.. something she was okay with .. if not for the cats she kept hearing about that were wandering in the woods. She was glad she had the blessings of her goddess, somehow she knew that she would need them soon. She turned to Zex again and smiled then looked concern when she saw the grave look on his face. Not knowing him too well she didnt wish to intrude on his thoughts.



As the time wore on, Rowena realized that they would never make the camp this evening.. so she turned backed and asked the others, "Do you all wish to stop for night at dusk or keep going until we hit the camp.. it is a full days journey and we had had only half the day ..so.. what do you all wish to do? .. we can take shifts of watches to make sure there is always someone to watch .. otherwise we can force ourselves to move on... its really up to you all."

 

[The GrandMage]

Detton

Detton didn't notice the wizard acting superior. He was more worried about looking out for the man-eating cats. Usually larger predators weren't too close to towns, but that was no reason to drop ones guard.

Detton stayed close to the dwarf, but allowed enough space for the dwarf to swing his axe between them. He didn't want to get between him and anything he may want to do if danger cropped up. He was obviously a trained warrior, and Detton was not.

 

[Xaositect]

Vortigern looked up at the sky and noticed how dark it had become. He had been so engrossed with Alonria that he hadn't been paying attention. That just wasn't like him. He shook of his sudden doubts and responded to Rowena's question, "I think it would be wise to set up camp before it gets too dark and the predators are out in force. As for security, I have a spell that will alert us to any intrusion. I for one intend to get a full nights sleep."

 

[Jagged]

Leaving Chadwick you note a few interesting things. The Priest from the Norse temple watches you all march off from the wall and waves to you as a sigh of good fortune.

You see a local farmer hand a man who looks like a wizard a pouch of money. The wizard raises his hands while holding his staff loft.......Suddenly a large dark cloud comes into view above the small farm and begins to rain heavily. As you continue to march away you belive it rains for a half hour above this one farm before stopping.

On the river not far from view a few boats bounce on the water. The waves are actually a bit big as the river comes from the mountains. When looking at those on the boats you notice they apear to be minors. Several dwarves among them...all are waving as they continue on down towards where you left. It seems some still think the search for gold is worth the risk of dealing with the trolls.

As you begin your debate about camping out for the night you find you have arrived at the beginning of the plains which is only a brief spell to the hills which are within view. There are still clumps of trees around and you all have even seen some animals from time to time.

Out of the woods coming at you on angle from the west is another kind of animals........another party. Moving slower....soon they spot you though as your paused.

Smasher Trolls....warped in leather strips from head to toe only eyes exposed. Violent but simple warriors they all carry clubs...you count 6 trolls...and 14 dazed humans ( 8 women/ teen girls 6 late teen boys) which appear to be under a simple spell of some kind. The magic users should know it is a simple prepared dust they is commonly sold and can be made easily in mass amounts.

I particularly large troll steps foward and says in broken common, "give us your gold and you may move on....otherwise prepare to die?!!?!"

 

[Screech]

"A-ha!" Shand'do drew his bow and nocked an arrow, drawing it back, he aimed at the big one who had spoken eariler. "It will be your gold that will change hands tonight, fiend!" Without a moment's hesitation, he released the arrow, watching it fly toward the Troll

 

[LadyRozes]

Rowena cried out startled by the sudden move to action. She then realizes they will need guidence and so she casts a spell to bless everyone in the party to make sure they feel like they can overcome their foes.. and then cocks her crossbow

 

[poohlive]

The dwarf gave a hurried grunt, sighing as he marched to the front of the lines. He had almost not cared about his gold so much. A small pouch now, most of his wealth was on his back, swishing and swashing as he ran.
Some idiot in the party had already decided to be a hero and let an arrow fly. He shook his head, none of these guys apparenlty knew how to deal with trolls.
"Whoah... hold it... hold it. Now! We don't need to do this. An all out fight. What'll come of that..."
Certainly not death. At this rate, they'd take them on even, one and one. Tol'Chuk couldn't have that... it'd be pointless. He would barely get his axe dirty.
"Now, I have a proposition, before we all act like chickens with our heads cut off, and get into a dirty and sloppy fight. A wager, if you would. All of our gold, versus all of yours. A man's duel, or rather, a Troll's duel. The best from our group, versus two of the best from yours.
"It's a fair fight, two on one. No one else interferes. No spells, no aid of any kind. If we win, we take your money, move on... if you win, you take our money, we'll move on."
He spoke softer, so only his party could here, "They won't honor the bet either way, so watch out. Be prepared. They'll probably pick some innapportune time to interfere. Still, it's a challenge, and I can't deny that... unless of course, anyone else wants to volunteer?"

 

[Xaositect]

Vortigern raised an eyebrow. He was surprised by the dwarf's insight and cunning. Perhaps there was more to this Tol'Chuk than met the eye. "If they take the bait and you keep them distracted, I'm sure I can get those prisoners away from the trolls. I'll need back up, preferablly someone with a bow."