Chapter 2: The Long Road to Glory

[Synthalus]

NARRATOR

The Company of the Jagged Rose awaken from a restful nights sleep and congregate in the taprooms common room for a hearty breakfast. Sotha Sil and Seebo inform the group that all final preparations have been made for the journey and that soon the Company will be on the move. There is just one final hurdle to be crossed, The Laird's Feast. After breakfast the various members of the jagged Rose finish buying last minute supplies and busy themselves with studying spells and sharpening steel. At last the time for the feast came.

THE LAIRD'S FEAST
Because of the special relationship between your group and the gnomes of gnome vale, their scarred old lord, GWAYLAR, has invited you to a feast in his Granite Hall. There, after much eating and quaffing of gnomish ale, Laird GWAYLAR pounds his flagon on the trestle and the hall becomes silent.

" This feast is in your honor, Jagged Roses, because such friends as you are rare hereabouts. Just as you have welcomed our valley as a haven, so too have you been greeted by the ULVALNONIZ, our Gnomish Clan as you would call it, for our own reasons. It is not meet to speak it, but as the Laird, I must so say. Despite our warlike clansgnomes, our valley is often troubled by attacks. While you have not experienced such a raid, we feel that one is imminent. We wish to forstall such an incursion, for each time the Noblink horde strikes, we suffer many losses, though each time we slay these creatures by the score and they run howling back west..."

Here Laird Gwaylar trails off. While you have never seen an embarrassed gnome, the look upon the face of the clan leader seems to convey a great deal of discomfort at having to admit that he and his folk need outside assistance.

"Noblink are Norkers in human speech, aren't they ? "

One of the Jagged roses asks. Before any answer can be made, all of you seem to speak at once, virtually shouting assurances that nothing would please you more than seeking out and slaying a tribe of such vile humanoids as Norkers.

"Be warned that while the noblink form the bulk of the scum, they are always accompanied by fiercer things-now trolls, again ogres, last time a pair of hill giants! Our heroes must fight these monsters, and so the losses occur. Your quest will not be for a raiding band of mere norkers as you call them, but for these creatures and the thing which commands them forth."

HISTORY
About two years prior to the coming of the adventurers about
to descend upon the place, a great mountain giant discovered
the Temple. Residing in it was a band of puny norkers. Being of
unusual mental ability, the giant chose to enlist these humanoids
as servants rather than slay and eat a dozen or so and
chase off the rest. The norkers were surprised and delighted at
their good fortune. Expedient servitude soon became willing
service as these humanoids learned how beneficial it was to
have a master as powerful as the mountain giant. The giant
used his ability to summon and control other monsters to build
a secure lair for himself and his servants. The norkers likewise
sent out word that here was a place where their fellows could
dwell safely, with plenty of opportunity for fighting and killing,
and looting too. The Temple now houses a community of
monsters based around this same mountain giant, the lord and
master of the upper and lower levels of the place. By raiding
and by parting with some coins in payment for supplies
brought to the Temple by humanoid bands and other giants,
he has established what he believes is as secure a lair, as
comfortable a stronghold, as any giant could ever hope for.
The norkers occasionally raid Gnome Vale for food: game,
sheep, gnomes, fruit and produce, whatever. The larger monsters
accompany them to see that they go and return properly
and to help carry the loot as well. The mountain giant, Groorg,
seldom ventures forth anymore, as he has many minions to do
his bidding. It is not exactly that he has become lazy or fearful,
it is that he has turned his attention towards the dungeon
beneath the temple. Treasure has been found there, and every
so often Groorg and some of his powerful companions will
venture into its depths to seek out more wealth for the mountain
giant's cache of loot. Meanwhile, he enjoys his leisure,
with many at his beck and call to serve his needs. The weakest
of his forces, norkers and gnolls, serve as sentries and front
line troops. Ogres and trolls are at hand to assist with more
difficult opponents. Groorg himself will usually not go into
battle above, but he is ready and willing to defend his lower
domain, for to lose it means the loss of an easy existance, if not
death.


COMPANY OF THE JAGGED ROSE
Each of you looks at the other. Smiles spread and heads nod in
silent assent. Your party is, in reality, far too strong for a mere
band of petty humanoids, but such creatures and a powerful
leader - that indeed is worthy of you! This offers promise of a
rich treasure in addition to assisting friends. What more could
be asked of adventurers such as yourselves? What more
indeed!

SOTHA SIL AND SEEBO TOGETHER
"TO YOUR HEALTH!", they shout in unison, as the parties tankards
are raised. "TO YOUR LONG AND PROSPEROUS RULE! WE
SET OFF AFTER THE FEAST!"

[GreyWolfVT]

Zendur returns the empty pitcher to the tavern before going off to the feast. At the feast he keeps his grumbling complaints to himself. But Saph and the gnome thieves can hear something about "The temple, then orcs now norkers, gnolls, ogre's trolls and giants great!"

[Synthalus]

SOTHA SIL

"Sotha puts his hands together an outstretches they before himself cracking all of his knickles in the process then says to the Company of the Jagged Rose;

" First things first then. I would reveal something kept secret from you by the Mages guild of Pandathaway and myself. I was tasked with three objectives for this mission and have only mentioned one. First the temple must be cleared we are all aware of this. Second the Orc Tribe must be Cleared from this region to ensure that the gnomes of Gnome Vale survive. Thirdly we must secure a contract with the Alchemists guild of Gnome Vale to trade Potions to the Mages guild at a cut price so that the guild can corner the potion market in the south. Make no mistake we are here to get this contract. You are all being paid well to perform these tasks and I would be remiss to not mention that I have grown fond of all of you, and wish for you all to grow wealthy from this venture as well as survive it alive. However this I know not to be the case. If any should want to turn back, NOW IS THE TIME. I am sorry that I had to deceive you it was not my intention but it was needed to get you all here. You are the very best adventurers that money can buy and I could not risk you declining my offer. As a result I will forfeit my share of the reward money to the surviving members of this company along with a lifetime guarantee of magical support from myself should I also survive. If everyone is ready I would cast Protection from normal missiles on everyone as well as stone skin before we start our journey. it will take us no more then 2 days to reach the perimeter of the orc Tribes domain. From there we will need to tread carefully well approaching their cave stronghold. If every one is ready say AYE! "


(Everyone must say AYE before the adventure can continue, if you have any issues with Sotha or Seebo then voice them now but the Adventure to the Temple cannot and will not begin without and AYE from every character.)

[GreyWolfVT]

Zendur reluctantly "Aye. Orcs might be a bit easier. I've taken action to have their leader slain afore we get there."

[Inferno]

Ulfang Chainbreaker, barbarian:

"AYE!" bellowed Ulfang around a large shank of lamb. The barbarian was eating and drinking his fill, which was not inconsequential, continuing the party from last night.

He hadn't exactly followed the fine print about alchemists' guilds and cornering the potion market. Tomorrow, when he figured it all out, he would be angry at being fooled, and fooled by wizards no less. But today was for feasting!
"Aye," he repeated with a carefree, hearty laugh.

[Grognardsw]

Ariknoq Turonqar, half-orc fighter/cleric

The battle priest of Qord joins his comrades at the feast. When the ale is delivered, Ariknoq stands. "Let us thank Qord for victory and strength in battles to come." He raises his flagon. "Now a prayer to bless this drink."

"Our lager,
Which art in barrels,
Hallowed be thy drink.
Thy will be drunk, (I will be drunk),
At home as it is in the pub.
Give us this day our foamy head,
And forgive us our spillage's,
As we forgive those who spill against us.
And lead us not to incarceration,
But deliver us from hangovers.
For thine is the beer, the bitter, the lager.
Barmen."

Ariknoq listens to Sotha the sorcerer.

"Aye."

[Nordbo]

Thurgot Bolt

not more hung over than any other self-respecting viking, assuredly proclaims: "Gods praise a 'yes' today - fools a 'no' tomorrow. Aye, it is!"

[saalaria]

"Aye, why not. I have nothing else planned this day."

The ranger returns to eating his bread

[Dram]

Saphjawx- Aye, I will go on this added adventure as it has been a very eventful few days. As I have taken action to have there shaman slain also.

[Inferno]

Ulfang Chainbreaker, barbarian:

Ulfang raised half of his low brow at the enigmatic words of the Dwarf and the Drow. Then he went back to drinking, and stuffing his face.

[ravenn4544]

Tarcil Ranger/Cleric raises a glass, "Would be my honor to spread righteous justice with these brave companions - AYE!.... however, " he raises an eyebrow to Sotha Sil, "How 'righteous' is a mission that seeks potion profit for a few versus a quest for the benefit of the land?"

[Synthalus]

SOTHA SIL

"This is a fair question lord Tarcil, However it is not my place nor my desire to question my orders from the Mages Guild. It is merely my place to make it happen. I only tell you now because I want no deception between us as we travel the long road to the temple. Trust is not Given it is earned and I have mislead you all. I would reveal my own deception as to placate your sense of morality, that you my forgive me my minor slight. I will say this on the matter of your question, Clearing out this Temple will help the gnomish people of Gnome Vale. The political reasons for the guild sending us here should not matter to you, but you should know at the very least why I am here and what governs my actions. I hope you understand that this is just business as usual for me. Nothing personal and you may expect my full support of this mission.

[ravenn4544]

"Well, I stand by by assent to the missions at hand - as to what happens with this contract, we'll, let's see what we can make of it..."

[Synthalus]

DM

we wait for Dogma to post as Master Seebo before we can begin. Sorry Saalaria I'm using my phone to post so it's I miss your response.

[Synthalus]

NARRATOR

Master Seebo raises a stone Goblet of gnomes ale and says;

AYE! Let the journey begin.

Sorry Dogma I had to answer for you to continue the adveture. You will be with the group as they travel. Just pop in and post when you can.

[Synthalus]

NARRATOR

So the journey begins. The company of the Jagged Rose assemble at the gates of the city, make one last gear check a d then Sally for down the long road to glory.

Every character will have a stoneskin in spell cast on them at the beginning of each new day so please remember this. Sotha Sil and Seebo are with the group but will only act in battle if absolutely necessary, unless dogma posts on his own. Sotha will be the one casting the stoneskin spell each day.

it will take approximately two days to travel to the valley occupied by the orc tribe. Random encounters will be rolled by me as follows.

1D6 for the morning travel period
1D6 for the afternoon travel period
1D6 for the night time camp setup period
1D6 for the night time sleep period.

If a roll of a 1 happens there will be a random encounter. If a roll of 6 happens the GM may decide to force an encounter at his discretion.

I will make these rolls on Thursday the 26th.

[Inferno]

Ulfang Chainbreaker, barbarian:

Ariknoq Turonqar, half-orc fighter/cleric
"Our lager,
Which art in barrels...

Ulfang would drink to that! At last, a god he could understand!

The next morning, at the gate, the black-maned barbarian grumbled at Sotha. "Aye, trust needs to be earned. And you've some work ahead of you, wizard. I knew all this free food, drink and gifts was too good to be true. What exactly does "securing a contract from the Alchemists' Guild" entail? What will this company do, and when will we do it?"

As they set out, before they would need to be watchful, Ulfang brought his horse alongside Ariknoq's and idly asked, "Who is Qord? And what cares he for the puny lives of men?" The barbarian usually knew better than to discuss religion with priests.

[GreyWolfVT]

Zendur if he has a moment will rush to the thieves guild and deposit the money given to the guild from the assassin's guild to lighten the load he is taking on the quest. Then he will return to the party as they depart. If anyone gives him a look he speaks up "What?! I had some business ta deal with."

[Synthalus]

GM

Zen has plenty of time. There is also a bank in gnome vale if he wants to make his deposit there instead. It's up to him.

[Grognardsw]

Ariknoq Turonqar, battle-priest of Qord

Ulfang Chainbreaker, barbarian:
As they set out, before they would need to be watchful, Ulfang brought his horse alongside Ariknoq's and idly asked, "Who is Qord? And what cares he for the puny lives of men?" The barbarian usually knew better than to discuss religion with priests.

"Qord is power, worshiped with violence, sanctified in blood. He is the sword and the axe," says Ariknoq. "Qord graces his worshipers with strength, bravery and cunning. He expects blood and souls; his priests deliver such. To die in battle is to do him honor. I can tell you more of his teachings. Many barbarians follow his way."