Session 155: We need to find a new adventure

It was the morning of Day 26 of Patchwall and we were all set to head out with the two adventurers that Deeb had met. One problem: neither Deeb nor the adventurers were anywhere to be found. What had happened? Had Deeb departed with them in the middle of the night? Had there been some foul play? Was it all a dream? With zero answers and no leads to get any, we decided to head back into the inn for some drinks and contemplation of what to do next.

There was one character who immediately caught Francis' eye. He was an older fellow, slightly drunk and singing. Of course the bard was drawn to music -- no matter the quality. Francis sat down and began to play his lute. The gentleman sang along (can you call it singing along if you sing the wrong words?) and introduced himself as Elmo. Then Elmo had the cheek to ask Francis to buy him an ale. Francis obliged and used it as an opening to prod for some information. Elmo shared some of his life of being a chicken farmer and the pursuits of his brother, Otis, who had gone off on a quest with a priestess of the temple of St. Cuthbert. Elmo then requested the bard share the story of the fall of the temple. Francis shared what he knew of the story and Elmo embellished it with details.

Contristo was working on a concoction. What is he hoping to accomplish? Who knows! But I'm sure its nothing to worry or even think too hard about! He found himself needing a mortar and pestle and a brazier. We went to the traders where he obtained the brazier, but the mortar and pestle needed to be ordered. I eyed some darts which, while serviceable, were clearly subpar. I talked the chatty trader, so called Greemag, down to a cost I was willing to pay. He tried to sell me a new set of motley, but I was highly offended. What sort of jester would I be if I put on the colors of who-knows-what troupe that I had bought off of some random trader? No, my Five Tents garb will will be the only colors I wear until I find another company. Greemag chatted to us about our travels protecting the caravan and the different creatures we had fought. He dropped some knowledge about gnolls, bugbears, hobgoblins, orcs and ogres. Meanwhile the trader Charles watched us silently from a corner. It was brought up that we had intended to venture out to the Moat House, but were unsure of the way. Greemag offered up Charles as an escort for the low, low price of two gold pieces a day (and 40 gold pieces to purchase some chain mail). We agreed to this arrangement -- hopefully if pays off!

Session 154: A Jaunt Around Town

 Day 24 of Patchwall

Well, howdy y'all. I reckon you would like to hear about what the odd assortment of characters this side of the forest is up to, doncha? Well, once the party, including the merchants and myself, arrived in Hommlet, we were fixin' to get our sleeping arrangements figured out, as well as some decent food in our bellies. Once we did that, Maeve, the energetic and eager chaos causer, was fixing to find out when and where our mission reward was. I was content to enjoy a warm meal, warm fire, and pleasant conversation. I reckon we've had our fair share of scrapes with brigands and ruffians as of late. After Maeve talked to the merchants, she was directed to Bern, an important mage in town, I guess. I was plumb tired from the journey and only half listening to what they were jawing at. He may have been at the table, or in a tower, I don't remember. What I do remember, is Maeve returning and giving us our shares of the 500-gold piece reward. Well, actually Deeb, who is living on high cotton, dispersed in his room. Maeve goes downstairs to try her luck gambling, while I, and the rest of the party are tired and go to our respective beds. 

Day 25 of Patchwall

The morning of God's Day started well enough: we enjoyed a pleasant breakfast served at the inn. While I ate this delicious breakfast, I happened to notice Deeb talking to some questionable people, who knows about what, no doubts untold treasures n' trouble. I was fixin' to head to the market to pick an item or three. Francis, the bard, as well as Tilendale and Contristo opted to join me on this marketplace adventure, needin' a few items themselves. The rest of the party went with Deeb to meet with the shady characters for untold riches (or a knife to the back). I sold some old armor and replaced the rations I used, and Contristo bought some fancy potion making gear (he fancies himself a potion maker now I reckon) and some daggers. Francis buys some javelins and a cloak. Having purchased what they need, Tilendale and I headed towards the local church to find what deity these locals' worship, while Francis headed to the blacksmith to pitch him an idea and Contristo headed back to the group at the inn. 

Tilendale and I are met by an acolyte from St. Cuthbert who asked how we could be helped. After I mentioned if I could've seen someone to purchase prayer beads, the acolyte brought me to see a cleric by the name of Calmert who would sell me some. After making a donation to the local poor box, Calmert sold me prayer beads. I dropped another silver piece in the box, then joined them in worship after accepting invitation from Calmert. Tilendale joins as well. After the service, Tilendale stays back to talk to cleric about a personal matter, and I say a silent prayer to Pelor before heading back. 

Session 153 Dear Diary

💖Dear Diary💖

Day 19

So there’s this guy, Aaron, who stalks innocent and super brave vigilantes who are just trying to get some merchants to a town or whatever.  He tells the merchants that it’s good that he decided to follow the group because I think he just wanted to steal the spotlight.  Why even bother following us if we were doing such a good job? Everyone was perfectly safe, and we totally had everything under control.  The merchants had basically gone behind our backs and notified the gnarly rangers. These rangers dispatched Aaron to ensure safety for the merchants.  Apparently, the merchants don't even trust us to protect them, but it’s whatever I guess.  As long as we get paid, I’m fine.  Then the off-brand Robin Hood gives Maeve a vial and just goes into the trees like nothing even happened.

We keep getting stopped by random groups of brigands, which is so rude and inconvenient.  Anyways, I punched the brigand.  I wasn’t able to find berries earlier, so I think I was just hangry.  Deeb tries to knee the brigand in the face, but Lucious tries to stop him.  Deep tries to enchant Lucious, but it doesn’t work.  Francis tackles Deeb to the ground. Maeve calms everyone down, and Deeb becomes disinterested.

Our unwilling guest is put on a wagon, and we go along our merrily little way.  Some of the group feeds the brigand at one point because what if he goes crazy with hunger and eats our faces while we sleep? we are just really good people and so nice to everyone.

Day 20

We stop at a fork in the path, and we ask the brigand what his deal is.  He was really hesitant to say anything at first, but then he shared lore about the leader of the watchtower, the temple of ailment of evil, and a wedding.  I think he said the village we are going to is in danger or something, but I’m not sure why that’s relevant to us.  I tend to avoid politics, so this village issue is not my problem.

Day 21

The merchants were like “We need to get to Hommlet asap.”  I was planning on telling them that I charge a rush fee for quests that are expedited, but then we ran into some gnomes that were on their way to go mine. I’m just glad they didn’t attack us like the groups we’ve run into before.  Looking back at it now, I should’ve stolen something from them.

Day 22

We pass by some isolated farms, and I couldn’t even find any berries.  What farm doesn’t have berries?  Not a good farm, so I guess that’s why they’re isolated.  Francis plays a prank on Deeb, Deeb tries to chase Francis, but Francis puts him to sleep.

Day 23

We ran into another group of people.  This group is from the north, and they were not happy campers.  It was just too early in the day for that kind of attitude to be honest.  This guy, Renauld Horgeston, is leading the group, and he’s just honestly not very chill.  Everyone was so sassy today.  If I didn’t want to get to the inn asap, I would've totally returned the sass with some blue flames.  I think sleeping on the ground has made me a little grumpy lately. I think I slept on a rock.

Day 24

We finally reached the inn, and I can’t wait to get paid!

Xoxo 😘

💖Eris💖