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The Keep of Grunwich Forest

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Fauxlosophe Since: Aug, 2010
#26: Dec 21st 2014 at 4:42:47 PM

"A noble cause," Oisín said, "Which again, you are all too generous for; We would hardly slay the beast and leave her in the lair. I will see she is returned, whether for reunion or rites, or else I will find my final resting place by her side."

He scrawled out his name out on the paper, "I shall meet the rest of you in two hours on the square. I'm having a round now, if you wish to follow along. After that, I've plans."

edited 21st Dec '14 11:42:32 PM by Fauxlosophe

SonofMelonHead Green food from the ceiling Since: Sep, 2011
Green food
#27: Dec 22nd 2014 at 8:00:49 AM

Drusus did not respond to Oisin's prospect of inn-searching, being deep in thought about the task laid before the party. The mayor had told them plainly enough that the giant they were to hunt lay within Grunwich. Drusus could only guess at what his God meant for him, yet, signing the Mayor's documents, he could feel his destiny coming closer, with only a massive and violent beast standing in his way.

As Drusus stepped outside with his usual slightly stiff gait, aided by the quarterstaff he used as a walking staff, he decided he should meet with the one the party would be collaborating with, that "Leina Brillhill" he saw in the document.

To the Paladin's proposal, Drusus merely said "Do not brainstorm as you drink, Oisin." He then said to the rest, "I am going to meet with the one joining us in our task. I assume you will be heading to the Hanged Goose in the plaza, so I shall seek you there if the conversation lasts less than two hours. Those who wish to join me are welcome."

With a bow of the head to his party, Drusus made for the tower, to see if the hooded figure still sat there.

"And then the dead man of the dead did dead things to all the dead people."-Two Best Friends Play Dark Souls
Pyrite Until further notice from Right. Beneath. You. Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Hiding
Until further notice
#28: Dec 22nd 2014 at 8:20:33 AM

Sanna saw the cleric walking out of the hall and straightened up from her half-slouch in the shade, taking it as a sign that negotiations were done. "Holy man. Where are you going?"

edited 22nd Dec '14 8:32:33 AM by Pyrite

Not a substitute for a formal medical consultation.
Fauxlosophe Since: Aug, 2010
#29: Dec 22nd 2014 at 10:14:02 AM

"I've done me thinking already, Drusus," Oisín smiled wryly, "I'll be getting ropes and chains and traps. A guide from the town who knows where the Giantkin is would be no small boon, but I trust Sanna should have no trouble locating the brute either. It is not as though they are creatures suited to stealth."

"It's hard to guess at plans until we know the lay of the beast's lair but I imagine it is in the forest or near enough; if we lay our tripwires and traps, with the beasts poor wits, I should be able to draw it, by spell and javelin, to each. I'll likely need your steady hand to keep the better part of me blood inside me, but we should be able to keep its attention. Danir can do his damage, while Lissa and Sanna do what is needed; whether healing or harming."

"If we go in the day, the beast should be sleeping and so the traps will be well set by dusk, provided the journey isn't long. Now, if that business, is settled, I'll be headed to the inn. Though if you are going your own way; do not seek me out; I'll only be briefly by the inn. I have my own tasks to do."

He turned to Sanna, "He's meeting our new companion off in the keep. Meanwhile, I'll be seeking out another."

Finally, he turned around and ready to depart, gave a wave to his companions.

edited 22nd Dec '14 10:49:36 AM by Fauxlosophe

SonofMelonHead Green food from the ceiling Since: Sep, 2011
Green food
#30: Dec 22nd 2014 at 11:09:22 AM

Drusus patiently listened to Oisin's plan. "Very well." he said simply when Oisin finished.

"Indeed." Drusus said to Sanna, following up Oisin. "As I told the others, you are free to come if you wish, though for the sake of first impressions I would urge you to mind your habits, Sanna."

Drusus proceeded onward to the tower.

"And then the dead man of the dead did dead things to all the dead people."-Two Best Friends Play Dark Souls
RedSavant Since: Jan, 2001
#31: Dec 22nd 2014 at 12:38:10 PM

Without much to say to Oisin and very conscious of the eyes of the townspeople on her and her party members, Lissa wasn't eager to stand around in the square. "I suggest we don't spread any rumors around," she said quietly as she fell in with Drusus. "We don't need people panicking, or worse yet, trying to mob and take the creature down themselves. If this is the work of a Giantkin, even in the best-case scenario they would be slaughtered... and in the worst-case scenario..."

It's been fun.
daltar (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#32: Dec 22nd 2014 at 1:20:36 PM

Drusus and whoever decided to go with him towards the tower would find the door unlocked and then a series of ladders and stairs within the building, leading ever upwards. And then, upon the last flight he would eventually come into the top of the tower, affording a fair view of the city and countryside... and on the border of it sat a short figure clad in a brown cloak.

"Well met, my fellow hunters" says the figure, turning back to glance at them. Within the cloak there was a short woman... one might think a halfling, but her bone structure and long ears would clue someone knowledgeable to her true heritage. A Gnome. She was a bit tall for one, with brown hair tied at the back into a little braid, leaving that in the top of her head free into wild clumps of straight, though thick brown hair. Her eyes a bright blue color and quite vivid as she quickly takes in as much as she can from the appearance of her future allies. Her clothes beneath the cloak are robes of green and the sparkle of jewelry further adorns her. At her side there is a leather bound book, decorated as well with a few inset jewels "I took the liberty of looking upon you as you dealt with the mayor, if you'll excuse me"

With that, she lifts her hand... and from a tree down and close to the mayor's house, something shoots out... flying to then pose itself upon her arm. A brown owl, though with some strange green markings upon her body which perched itself easily on her arm.

"If I may introduce myself... Oh what a name would I use to do that? I'll guess I'll stick with what I said to the good Mayor. I am Leina of the Brillhills, Changer of Things, Transmuter, Twinkle and Nim, Wizard of the Burrows under the Hills. You may call me as you will, but try to make it a good one, please?" says the gnome lady with a bright smile on her lips.

As for Oisin, heading to a tavern he would find the Hanged Goose where it was before... a busy tavern by the standards of this corner of the world. The staff, however, were mostly made up of halflings by the looks of it, with young maids bringing to halfling and human guests both numerous plates and mugs to make up for their small size. Behind the counter, there was a woman who seemed to run the place, a voluptuous older halfling lady holding a babe in one arm while she used the other to give indications to her staff and pour drinks both.

Fauxlosophe Since: Aug, 2010
#33: Dec 22nd 2014 at 2:52:56 PM

Oisín was mostly out of earshot by the time Lissa commented. As he was along with no one, he made a few small purchases along the way, one of which was a waterskin. The rest of the items, he left on his horse, Tírnanóg in its new saddlebags.

He came to the pub and sat at the bar counter, "Excuse me, my good woman; I'd do well for a gallon of porter. What are the brews you carry for it?"

edited 22nd Dec '14 5:56:45 PM by Fauxlosophe

Pyrite Until further notice from Right. Beneath. You. Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Hiding
Until further notice
#34: Dec 22nd 2014 at 4:43:37 PM

"Habits." Ha. Sanna was still fuming inwardly at the cleric's slight, but held her peace. It had taken several decades to keep her more animalistic nature under control, and even now she found herself wondering if the gnome's owl was tasty.

She was wary of the wizard. An adventurer with many names must have had something hidden behind them, and as a matter of pride, Sanna did not like being spied on.

"Do you know what it is we hunt, little one, and why do you chase it?"

Insight check on Leina's reply. It's the principle of the thing.

edited 22nd Dec '14 6:31:40 PM by Pyrite

Not a substitute for a formal medical consultation.
RedSavant Since: Jan, 2001
#35: Dec 22nd 2014 at 8:31:00 PM

"Easy, Sanna," Lissa advised her friend, raising her hand placatingly. "We should introduce ourselves too. My name is Lissa Scrivener; I'm a scholar," she said, nodding to Leina. "You're clearly a spellcaster; I only dabble myself. What brings you to this province?"

It's been fun.
SonofMelonHead Green food from the ceiling Since: Sep, 2011
Green food
#36: Dec 22nd 2014 at 9:21:11 PM

The climb upward was somewhat tricky for Drusus. The physical deliberation required by his condition was weighed down upon further by the chainmail he wore beneath his robes. Still, allowing the more nimble Elf and Scholar to move ahead of him somewhat, he was able to reach the top and meet with the one waiting there.

The Gnome's introduction came off as rather prideful to Drusus. As this quest proceeded, Drusus would watch her for anything that might warrant such pride.

Drusus bowed his head politely. "I am Drusus," he said, "devoted follower of the all forming." If Leina were to look about Drusus' neckline, she would see an amulet, hanging from a necklace. On the amulet, there was carved an image of a great tree, with innumerable branches.

"Our... concerned companion here is Sanna Ghibellon, from the outlands." Drusus continued. "You must forgive her, she is not fond of being watched. It is an instinct which comes with her way. I must say that I have not heard of your name or titles, though I confess I am not one who follows contemporary events closely."

"And then the dead man of the dead did dead things to all the dead people."-Two Best Friends Play Dark Souls
daltar (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#37: Dec 22nd 2014 at 10:02:47 PM

Sanna's keen instincts for reading people and the words of the Gnome wizard would find no ill meaning behind her way of expression. There was just enthusiasm for the names behind her use of so many, a simply kind of glee for each one that comes, which led her to fetch another and another to speak off. As for her request for a name... well there was a true hope hidden behind that.

"As to what we hunt, Sanna Ghibellon?" says the Gnome, careful to pronounce the name correctly, seemingly tasting how it feels to pronounce as she does so and nodding her her after it "Some sort of big biped. I mean, bigger even that you all are, a truly large creature. Walks upright, on two feet, one of which has six toes and the other five. By the depression left on the ground, I'd say they a thousand pounds, give or take 200. Significant physical properties, even beyond what such a weight and size would imply. Giantkin is the natural answer, though beyond that wouldn't dare hazard a guess"

"And yes, Lissa Scrivener. I am a scholar of magical matters" she says, as well pronouncing her name slowly and with care as she waves her fingers and then whispers a few words, causing a small ball of seemingly magical energy to dance in her hand for a few moments before it disappears "Transmutation is my field of specialization, to take something and make it something else. I'd love to share and compare notes if we got time after slaying the beast. As for what brings me to this Province... lets say I'm a native as well and I particularly don't care for a big beasty making a mess of it"

"As for my names and titles, Drusus, it is no wonder that you haven't heard them! I'd worry if you had! Twinkle I got after I ran away in a shower of sparks from crashing my greataunt's old collection of trinkets, Nim my favorite aunt used to call me as it was the name of a pet she had in her youth that I made her remember. Transmuter I got from my fellow students of the arcane arts for my specialization, Changer of Things by a particularly unimaginative human merchant, Leina is the name my clan elders gave me and my family are known as the Brillhills due to our home. When I had to tell a marauding bandit what I was, the most simple answer I could say was the Wizard of the Burrows under the Hills" says the gnomish lady with bright cheer and a smile "I got more names, most of them equally banal in acquisition and as cherished within my heart to possess"

As for what was happening with Oisin, the halfling woman, whose nickname turned out to be Ma Hamsell, provided him with a fair selection of drink given the place. Of porters they only had two kinds, though she offered some cider from the local farms, ale and she even teased the existence of a bottle of dwarven stout and fine elven wine for those with deep pockets.

Fauxlosophe Since: Aug, 2010
#38: Dec 22nd 2014 at 10:11:53 PM

Oisín smiled asked that the wine be kept aside for his return, ordering a gallon of "Lonely Sentry" Porter. He drank a pint or two and ordered his room, giving word that more may come. He bowed his head and tipped well, as the Halfling promised to be a potential friend in the town. With what remained of the gallon, he filled his new Waterskin and set out on his steed.

He came by the blacksmith and picked up a few weapons, which he similarly threw on his horse.

His shopping completed, he took to horse and rode south, to the land where he saw the young lad with the pitchfork before.

Pyrite Until further notice from Right. Beneath. You. Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Hiding
Until further notice
#39: Dec 23rd 2014 at 12:57:25 AM

"So, you have seen the footprint? Good. It will be easier to hunt it in a pack." The gnome's answer mollified Sanna somewhat, although she remained wary. "But we should hunt soon, while the sun is high. Has the half-blood had his drink?"

edited 23rd Dec '14 1:01:53 AM by Pyrite

Not a substitute for a formal medical consultation.
daltar (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#40: Dec 23rd 2014 at 7:56:00 PM

Oisin would find the young lad close to where he first saw him, as the huge pile of straw he had to work on would not be clear in just the little while he had been away. The lad must have roughly ten and half again that winters of age, a bit tall and lanky for his age... thin of body, though his limbs were long and by the way he moved the straw he was not unaccustomed to physical labor... those arms must have a bit of packed muscle on them. He had hair the color of the straw he was moving, somewhat long though sticking down and to the sides on a slightly disheveled page style. His eyes were brown, though with a light hint of amber in them. Aside from that, he seemed like a healthy boy all considered.


"That I don't know. I got my spying owl here with me" says the Gnomish lady, pointing to the bird sitting comfortably on her arm "Though yes, if we can get a start on the job today it would be good... there is a life on the line after all. If the current pattern holds, we shouldn't have another attack in a few days... but each day lost is another day on which the young local could meet her demise"

edited 23rd Dec '14 8:09:29 PM by daltar

Fauxlosophe Since: Aug, 2010
#41: Dec 23rd 2014 at 8:12:46 PM

"Lad," Oisín shouted from the road, "I saw your gesture and I thought I'd give you a chance to follow up on it. If you'd like to prove your mettle as a squire, then send for your parents and I will speak with them."

edited 23rd Dec '14 8:36:27 PM by Fauxlosophe

RedSavant Since: Jan, 2001
#42: Dec 23rd 2014 at 8:12:59 PM

Lissa nodded. "Once Oisin's done with his gallon o' porter an' his jolly adventurin' preparations, we'll get going," she said, imitating the paladin's brogue perfectly. "I'm concerned about the townspeople forming a militia and trying to take this thing on themselves if we dawdle too long."

It's been fun.
Pyrite Until further notice from Right. Beneath. You. Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Hiding
Until further notice
#43: Dec 23rd 2014 at 8:38:23 PM

"Wait. Local girl? Demise?" Sanna hadn't heard anything about that matter, and the look of irritation on her face intensified as she fished out an item from her pack - a single glove.

"Found this next to the footprint. Tracks lead north. I can follow." Her voice was sharper, more urgent. "We waste time talking. Get the paladin, get what we need, meet me at the tracks, and we move."

edited 29th Dec '14 2:18:30 AM by Pyrite

Not a substitute for a formal medical consultation.
daltar (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#44: Dec 23rd 2014 at 9:01:38 PM

The shout from the other side of the road startled the young lad as much as a Demon suddenly popping out might, though not quite as much as the shout of his mother in ire. With a light start, the boy tripped and fell right on his butt on the straw, the pitchfork landing on his lap as he rubbed his back... and then looked at the armored figure of Oisin. His figure and strength of personality was something startling normally, but even more so to the young man as he looked from the ground. It took him a moment to even process what was said to him... and then to steady his long limbs to raise himself up to his feet once again "S-Sire? My gesture? A-A squire? Did I... Do something to bother you? I was just... I..." the kid says, trying to get to mind his manners while dealing with the figure of the swordsman before him. Taking a deep breath, he tries to steady himself and though he doesn't entirely succeed he does manage to say "Are you serious or did I do something wrong, Sir?"


"Huh... can't exactly judge due to our size differences but it seems like the glove would fit the human and elf sized ladies here... Think it belongs to the missing girl?" asks the wizard.

edited 23rd Dec '14 9:21:27 PM by daltar

RedSavant Since: Jan, 2001
#45: Dec 23rd 2014 at 9:11:28 PM

Lissa put her hand down next to the glove. Her own gloves were still a little on the newer side, but much more worn-in than they had been when she had set out from the College. She felt a little bit of pride at that as she compared the size. "What do you think, does it fit?"

edited 23rd Dec '14 9:24:09 PM by RedSavant

It's been fun.
Fauxlosophe Since: Aug, 2010
#46: Dec 23rd 2014 at 9:12:07 PM

"I saw you raising your fork to us as we passed on the road, and saw in it the want to fight," Oisín said dismounting, "It's on strange whim I do this, but I can see a friend from me youth in you and as I said, a spirit like yours is not often seen. I've no great holdings but I am skilled mentor and I can pay well, though I'll not speak of that until I meet your parents."

edited 23rd Dec '14 9:23:44 PM by Fauxlosophe

Pyrite Until further notice from Right. Beneath. You. Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Hiding
Until further notice
#47: Dec 23rd 2014 at 9:40:42 PM

"Don't know. Best to ask girl's family, or acting mayor or steward. More familiar than us. More reason to go back." Sanna was practically champing at the metaphorical bit.

edited 23rd Dec '14 9:41:21 PM by Pyrite

Not a substitute for a formal medical consultation.
daltar (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#48: Dec 23rd 2014 at 9:45:27 PM

"I... alright, got it. I'll get them... I'll be quick just... please... be here when I'm back. Don't disappear" begs the boy, his eyes wild with wonder, his movements quick and nervous as he nearly stumbles over his own feet to run off into the streets... ducking through an alley... and Oisin wouldn't need to wait long until he dragged a disgruntled looking man with hair the same blond as his son, though cut much shorter, and a woman that must be his mother, as she shares his eyes and general build though grown as a proper lady of the fields.

The man, noticing Oisin and probably that his boy wasn't babbling nonsense hurries his step and wipes the frown from his face as he approaches "Sir... Good day to you. I'm Jon... Jon Carter. This is my wife Lydia... our boy, Al... He was speaking of helping you with something? Poor boy must have misunderstood"


"Does look like the right size to me" says Leina with an appraising eye "Yes, just about right. It seems too small for Drusus and really, any man of his size. It must be a lady's... and if it was near the tracks, it's near certain it belonged to the abducted human"

Fauxlosophe Since: Aug, 2010
#49: Dec 23rd 2014 at 9:59:00 PM

"A pleasure to meet the pair of you, Jon and Lydia. I am Oisín of Dunallen," Oisín came up leading his horse behind him, "This morning as I was passing by, I saw your boy with a fiery look in his eyes, striking at the air above him. The lad is eager to assist with the problems of the village and I can understand his feelings right well. I am in need of a Squire and he is of age for it; I'd be asking him to assist only with setting traps and carrying arms. I intend to keep him at a safe distance from the actual fighting and I am skilled in magic charms and protection, should any danger come."

"It is a unique opportunity for the lad," Oisín said, "And so I pray you both consider it. For the day's work, I'd leave him 10 gold pieces and a shortsword of equal value. Should he wish to remain after, I would speak with the others about offering him a share as an apprentice to our group or I would pay him out of pocket and see he doesn't want."

Oisín paused, "Should he not take to combat and wish to leave there after, I'll see no shame in it at all but will leave him his payment and sword as thanks and he might find his happiness in your home and dream no more of warfare."

"I'd not dream of letting him follow without your leave," He concluded, "These are my terms, should you like them or leave them."

edited 23rd Dec '14 10:07:12 PM by Fauxlosophe

daltar (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#50: Dec 24th 2014 at 12:02:04 AM

Jon and Lydia looked at each other for a moment... as if barely believing what they were hearing. Young Al, for his part, stood between them... knowing by the inherent wisdom of a parent's child when to hold his tongue. Lydia asked a bunch of follow up questions to Oisin. The lad was excited about the adventure, about the gold, the blade... however, the questions of Oisin ended when at one point, the lad turned serious... as if the gravity of what was happening hit him and he then asked "This means... this means I'll be able to help... bring Ria back?"

After that, the parents bid Al move away for a moment, and after asking if he'd need anything before setting off... they went to speak with Al one last time before it was definitive. The talk wasn't all that long, but Al went through it with resolution, nodding his head every once in a while and giving them a hug before he walked over to Oisin, looking at him up. His parents watched from a little distance and then nodded their head at the knight, letting them know the resolution.

"Do I need to bring my pitchfork, Sire Oisin?" asks Aldrik Carter... now, if his courage held and his life wasn't taken to become Aldrik Squire.


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