3. Whispers at the Fire

Whispers at the Fire


  • ((way to goDwin, give the dm's an escuse to turn the creek into the new "well", were gonna have hell to pay and its all gonna come from Ponces creek..))


  • Dwin emerges from the Great Hall and watches the tail end of the altercation with his advisers and the old farmer that Dwin has known for decades. He approaches slowly…

    Earlscott the Bald! Is that you? Beard-longer, and head-balder… can't say I don't know the feeling! I'd also say ya aint changed much since I first met ya...still rousin folks fer a fight!

    Dwin grins as he walks over to the bearded man and clasps his hand and pats him on the shoulder.

    Earlscott, ya know ya can always come and holler at me. Don't take it out on these lads–they are just acting on my orders. You know how dedicated young lads can be...

    Dwin pats him on the shoulder in almost a fatherly way with this last remark.

    Now, if anyone has a reason to despise the furballs its you… Don't think fer one second I've fergotten Ponce's devotion -- and his ultimate sacrifice for this land. Its folks like him, who's memory keeps our Militia honorable and dedicated.

    Dwin turns to the folks assembled.

    Lads and lasses, this here is Earlscott the Bald. Some o you may remember his son, Ponce, who served under me during the Bugbear invasions and gave his life defending our gates. May he rest in eternal peace.

    He turns back to Earlscott now, more serious.

    That furball we had here… I had to take a chance and see if his information was valuable. Turns out it was. That's a good thing. All of my men had orders, and I swear to ya they were never more than a heartbeat away, from slittin' his furball throat if he presented any problems.

    All I am after is to make Norwick safer for folks like you, and all these folks around here... that's it. If it meant puttin' a bugbears jaw back on so he could give us some information, so be it. There was no disrespect meant, to you or to Ponce and our memories of him. I hope you understand me there.

    Dwin calls Fendon over from wherever he was standing doing nothing of worth.

    Fendon, all this talk gives me an idea. Tis a sad thing when memories of good folks get lost like leaves floatin down a stream….

    I'd like to name that stream next to the Mills in the east, which up until this moment has no name... Let's name it "Ponce's Creek." Its a never-endin source of water that will help both those mills, the farms, and Norwick, prosper... and it seems like a good way to memorialize a fallen hero like 'im. its a reliable source of water, and no one will ever be able to blame Ponce's creek fer goin' dry.*

    Talk to a woodcrafter and have a sign made which names the creek, and dedicates it to "Ponce, Son of Earlscott the Bald, proud and dedicated citizens of the Realm".

    He turns back to Earlscott, smiling again.

    Only if that's alright with you, of course, Earlscott…

    • sorry, i just couldnt let a post about Ponce go without mentioning the word blame someplace…

  • Those around the crafters hall recently speak of a confrontation. Aramuil and Elyl on one side and a commoner (whose name no one present seems to know) on the other. Upset over the town of Noriwck aiding and harboring a sworn enemy, the commoner (an older gentleman with a greying beard - a farmer most say) did his best to light a fire under the good people of Norwick that sit idly by, wasting their lives and voices around a damn cooking pot whilst the governing few choose to bring a dangerous and vile enemy to their harth and allow it there to rest and enjoy the caring touch and warmth of lady Tristina - all in the name of "information." Quite the exchange took place, a heated argument over such actions.

    Grumbling and griping by a few ask how it is that one put into place to -advise- the ruling elite of Norwick in matters reagrding the arcane would be allowed to command orders to the town guard.


  • _As a few days pass and the majority of townsfolk seem beguiled by the bread and circuses that the noble dwarf Dwin and the other officials offer to appease the anger over the town harboring a bugbear.

    The loud gatherings dwindle to little more than a few grumpy individuals that make their anger well-known to any that would listen. Most pay little attention to the rambling and even those few harboring ill-will eventually stop their rants… but one man continues his vigil, standing back from the apothocary and watching... watching and waiting._


  • _The Chancellor and his Gold cloaked personal guard Farly start making their rounds throughout town, laughing and trying to raise smiles from the local folks that are understandibly confused, upset, angry, or a combination of all three.
    Its clear that a dwarf-joke or two isn't enough to cut the tension.

    Later that day, several rothe-drawn carts enter town from the north filled with ale kegs and other foodstuffs. Farly directs the dwarven deliverymen towards "chef" so that Ivor can begin cooking._

    Norwickians! I don't deny these are trying times, and I thank you all for your trust in leadership. Harboring furballs in our Healing-house? I know, I know… It sounds utterly mad. I assure you that you and your families were never in danger--and in fact, will be safer as a result!

    Dwin gestures to the feast area already being set up Come all! Let's enjoy a simple feast together and do what Norwick does best; hold together as one. I'll be servin' the rothe-ribs myself so get in line, grab an ale, and let's all enjoy ourselves!

    Redcloaks! You too! Just keep the ale-drinkin' to an acceptable minimum. Dwin says this while looking directly at Chet


  • The guards at the apothecary go back to regular duty, and word gradually leaks out that the bugbear isn't at the apothecary anymore. Of course, nobody seems to know where it was, or how it left without anyone noticing; but at teh very least the townsfolk stop grumbling and complaining.


  • The crowds disperse at the show of force from guard and advisor, the townsfolk grumbling and continuing to complain in the safety of their homes and drinking halls instead. The common folk of Norwick still openly call for the death of the bugbear over the next few days, but none have dared to take actions in to their own hands as of yet…

  • C

    Rumors and local hearsay have it that the mysterious kidnappings and murders of late can be linked to the actions (or inactions) of an elven druidess. It is said that because of her, more innocent lives will be taken. What exactly it is that she did seems to be unclear, ranging from the impossible to the overly intricate, depending on which drunken local the information is being spewed from.


  • A sudden strike of lightning rents the sky and thunder booms as Aramuil walks up, his lightning-white cloak flapping in a sudden harsh, cold wind. He glares at the assembled townsfolk who have gathered with their torches and the like for a moment, before speaking.

    "We keep a bugbear in the apothecary to tell us about enemies that threaten your very lives, the daemonic goblins and undead that threaten this town, but all you people can think of is to satisfy your bloodlust?! Disperse and go back to your homes, let those who are trying to defend you deal with the bugbear; if you were in danger from the bugbear, we wouldn't let it live. Disperse or myself and the guards shall do so forcefully!"

    The townsfolk might not notice it, but Aramuil gestures slightly and lightning again cracks across the sky, followed by thunder.

    ((Note: Aramuil used the spells Hallucinatory Terrain to make Norwick look stormy, Gust of Wind for the wind and a Prestidigitation for the sound effects))


  • Cyrian pushes his way through the mob until he gets to the front, he then turns and as loud as he can shouts out over the sound of the mob, that if they dont disperse immediately they will be dealt with the old fashioned way, and as if you emphasise a point he rears back with his mighty gauntleted fist and punches the trunk of a nearby tree sending leaves falling to the ground and leaving an impressive dent in the bark, then looks out over the croud to see who will be first.


  • Chet's sweatin it out, having drawn the short straw for guard duty at the apothecary. He spots davos standing his ground at the great hall wasting his breath trying to order the crowd to disperse.

    "Hells … I been dragged off by deaders, beat silly by tree wieldin ogres, shot up by gobs...an now 'bout ta get mobbed oer a damned buggered bear!"

    With a grunt, he draws himself up to look as menacing as someone named chet possibly could and follows suit, ordering the crowd to disperse … to little effect.


  • _A crowd of commonfolk has been gathering now and again outside the Apothocary and then moving to the Great Hall. Angst and anger over the harboring of a foul beast the catalyst for the gathering, the crowd chants "KILL THE BEAST" as they gather. Some carry torches and others carry pitchforks but their intent is the same…

    Those listening to the mumbling and grumbling of the group overhear conversations calling for the death of the bugbear know as Tomek and any like him._


  • Aramuil reassures the townsfolks, and Tristina and Kia that he won't harm anyone, and is only a temporary guest of Norwick. Furthermore, Aramuil seems to regularly check on the bugbears condition; as if waiting for him to recover fully. The elven mage further insures townsfolk that if the bugbear causes any trouble he will deal with the creature himself.


  • _Commoners and guardsmen alike begin to gossip over the latest guest at the apothecary, a bugbear who people are calling Tomek. Most seem appalled at the fact a bugbear is being treated for wounds and staying in the company of the towns healers. Most common folk seem to think the beast is too dangerous to be treated so kindly… that it belongs behind bars, they say, or better yet on a pike set on the wall to ward away others of his kind.

    Redcloaks have been posted within the apothecary and both Trista and Kia send all those asking about Tomek to the Chancellor and his Advisor. No one is admitted to see the creature without permission from them first. Only the barracks chef Ivor seems to come and go freely to deliver buckets of foul smelling slop he calls "stew", which most assume must be some strange bugbear dish ... or a horrible new method of torture recently invented by the oddball chef._


  • There was another goblin attack on Norwick recently, again with Ogres present. Aurelia immediately advised that a small group of her kinfolk sneak behind the army and go straight to the elven ruin. After her many weaks of tracking and learning of the Night Hags methods she believed that a group small enough to get in undetected could kill the Hag before she had a chance to escape. After all her kin minus Delaclya returned instead to Norwick carrying siege weapons of some sort, Aurelia advised Delaclya to tell them to meet her at the camp at dawn, while Aurelia scouted the area to find the best method of attack. She emphasised the importance of stealth as on more then one occasion in the past the Hag had escaped with magic the moment there was any sign of danger.
    Hours later as the sun crept over the horison Aurelia could feel the ground shaking, to her ultimate dismay a force greater then any she had seen in years was marching through the forest, they stopped at the forests edge and prepared for a war. Aurelia to her ultimate dismay, knew in her heart that the Hag had already escaped, sure enough when they got into the camp there was no sign, she was able to find her ally Tomek and ensure he was not killed along with the ogres and goblins in the massacre. Tomek was healed but his jaw was so severely damaged he could not speak, he was taken to Norwick to recieve a regeneration spell so that he can tell what he know. Tainted goblins seemed very very keen on killing Tomek and attacked in wave after wave trying to get to him, Aurelia and Delacly staying at his side protectively while the remaining force fought back the goblins. Tomek was eventually taken into the apothecary and recieved his treatment.

    ((Thanks again Lucid for the event!! im not even gonna list the names of anyone who was there, last i counded there was 16 or more ppl with levels ranging from 4 to 16. . . so. . . yeah . . .))


  • The Arch-Druidess Naiya and a large group consisting of Nere'yn, Belia, Shannon, Ivor and a few dwarves she's already forgotten the name of were seen heading east of the Rawlinswood to try to find a way to heal the forest or at least any clues to do with the tainted goblins. They had reportedly fought a large band of goblins, an umberhulk and a minotaur and became very gravely wounded, but came back with nothing. The druids seemed to be searching for anything in particular only a druid could spot, but came back frustrated and empty-handed.


  • The quiet of Norwick was shattered by an attack by undead, during this attack a portal appeared and Aramuil was pulled in through it. Cherry, Elridith and some others ((Can't remember everyone else, sorry)) went through a similar portal after his portal disappeared. Sometime later, after the attack, Aramuil came running from the north, strangely, shouting for Cherry. After frantically searching the area where the two portals were, life-sized statues of two hins dropped from the sky. Aramuil, Elyl and many others went south after that, returning after some time looking frustrated, Aramuil as a troll carrying a life-sized statue of Elridith. Suddenly, Cherry and the others reappeared, much to the joy of Aramuil who kissed and hugged his love, exclaiming his sheer joy to the Seldarine.


  • A zombie stumbled into Norwick in the afternoon and was promptly put down by one of the guards and Aurelia. Aurelia, Dwalin and Tornar thought it important to ensure the safety of the road. Aurelia went ahead to scout and reported back only a dozen weaker undead. Tornar decided to return to town and leave the undead, Aurelia and Dwalin stayed to put them to rest. Aurelia went on to scout out the forest, when she eventually caught sight of a ghoul of some sort, she tracked it for some time but lost sight of it. Aurelia snuck into the graveyard to see if there was anything unusual, she say a group of ghouls and so went back to report the sighting. Dwalin, Aithe and Aurelia then entered the graveyard to put an end to the ghouls. Aurelia thought perhaps she would go around the edge of the forest to get around the group of undead and find out what they were guarding, as she was cutting between the gravestones one of the ghouls ran across her path, away from where the large group of ghouls was, Aurelia determined that the first group was merely a distraction and so she followed the running ghoul which lead her to some sort of shrine where it got on its knees and began some sort of ritual. Aurelia watched from the edge of the forest aware of the other undead nearby and so not wanting to draw attention to herself. Whe the shrine caught on fire Aurelia decided it was time to stop the ritual, she imbued two lightning arrows for accuracy and fired them at the ghoul, repeating the process causing the ghoul to stop the ritual and flee. She tracked it to an opening in the forest leading to the east woods, Aithe and Dwalin didn't want to continue the hunt so Aurelia went ahead alone, eventually the other two caught up to her to convince her to retreat, but Aurelia wouldnt allow another evil to escape. They discovered it had laired in some burrows of turned up dirt and the area littered with goblin and humanoid body parts, the ghoul eventually came forth accompanied by magical darkness and Dwalin was able to deal it a killing blow. The party returned to town after going through the forest instead of the graveyard.
    ((Thanks again Lucid!!))


  • Several hours after the Ogre attack there was yet again another attack, this time consisting mostly of Goblins. Aurelia had a suspicion that the Hag may yet again be involved, possibly using the goblins as a distraction while she brings more Ogres from around the region. She tracked the goblins as far as the near west where the goblins had set up camp for their scouting party, she returned to Norwick to let the guards know that the west woods was not safe to travellers. Over the course of about a day Aurelia had gathered a formidable group of adventurers to help push out the menace, some of those gathered included, Nere'yn, Belia, Tomohiro, Ivor, Elyl, Saffy, Edward, Andrew, Karion, and Celestria. ((sorry if there was more i missed 😕 )) Karion, Nere'yn and Aurelia scouted the forest to bring the information back to the group. The three of them waited at the south gate with the information for several hours, apparently the group was back in Norwick deliberating who should lead the raid…eventually the three of them got bored and decided to return as it was very likely their information from scouting had grown stale, this time their scouting showed the goblins had set more traps and increased their guard.
    After returning again with the information the group had finally prepared and arrived to the south, the party formed a plan based on the information provided and attacked the camp, they killed many goblins and beetles without any casualties. The group continued into the farther west, Aurelia decided she had met her objective of clearing the dangerous goblins of the west woods and retreated back and south to go and continue to try tracking the Hag.
    ((I believe it was Lucid that left the goblins in the west woods before he went to sleep, not sure for certain but thanks to all involved. And i wasnt around for the adventure in the far west so i dunno what happened ))


  • Seems there has been yet another Ogre attack on the town. Aurelia who arrived shortly after the attacks started was heard mentioning that the Ogres were similar to those that attacked her and her elven companions in the Elven ruin a couple weeks ago. Though she has been scouting in the forest near the ruin since then she mentions she does not yet know the motives behind the Ogres attacks.
    This time she accompanied a group to the ruin, she hoped this time to find some answers while the Ogres were present. It took some time to get in as the Ogres had barricaded themselves inside but once the group got in the Ogres were felled quickly, one of the warriors present mentioned seeing a flash of light as someone who appeared humanoid dissappeated. Aurelia had suspicion that it may either be the Hag she has been trying to track or a Wizard which threatened her and her friends.
    After much searching she discovered a set of tracks which belonged to the Hag, the tracks appeared out of nowhere and ended suddenly, as if she appeared and dissappeared. With this new information Aurelia is keen on continuing her search for the villain and bring an end to her tyranny
    ((Thanks again to Lucid for the event!))