Chp. 1: The Adventure Begins.....

[Grognardsw]

Foracor the Elf / Tavern

...there is a 10% tax on any recovered loot that comes through The Keep.

Well, no one said we need come through the Keep again if we gain treasure, says Foracor to Fingal, with a mischievous look in his eye. The fourth son of Ferestivian of the High Trees sips his ale, then uses it to hold down one end of the map on the tavern table. He holds down the other end with a dagger, inviting the table of adventurers to examine it closely. Your suggestion echoes my own. We proceed west along the road, keeping an eye out for my fellow elf along the swamp on the south side of the road. Then cut up through the woods to the watchtower, and west to the skull.

But if the rumors are true, we may be facing a wizard, undead, a cult and two tribes of orcs, among other dangers. Strategy should temper blood lust. And we had best see if the Keep ruler will help us with hirelings, since its in his interest that we succeed. And as Fingal said, mules, if not steeds, will hasten our travel.

Now has anyone seen the clerics? Foracor glances about the tavern. His eyes meet the comely tavern wench again and he winks an elfish wink, then motions for another ale. I know they wish to cleanse the evil of these borderlands with their righteous might.

[Fearghus]

Fingal, Thief - Tavern

The thief taps his chin while contemplating Foracor's words, "That might be a brilliant point". He finishes his mead with a quaff and then says, "We all paid for our inn rooms. Let's have us one night of rest. First thing in the morning, all those that are in for the expedition, meet outside the inn and we march." Fingal flips a gold coin to Niles, "Now more'n one fate is tied to that map".

[mordrene]

Niles, fighter in the tavern

Fingal, Thief - Tavern

The thief taps his chin while contemplating Foracor's words, "That might be a brilliant point". He finishes his mead with a quaff and then says, "We all paid for our inn rooms. Let's have us one night of rest. First thing in the morning, all those that are in for the expedition, meet outside the inn and we march." Fingal flips a gold coin to Niles, "Now more'n one fate is tied to that map".

"Thanks Fingal, with your plan and my hammer, we should not fear undead or wizards. Now snakes, that's something different. Lets stay away from those swamps as much as possible.

So , if we are staying at the inn, then can someone show me the way," as he burps loudly from the day of heavy drinking. "I could use some rest before we go."

[MrHemlocks]

***Albertus, Human Cleric, Chapel***

Albertus, turns to Aberc. " I will be headed off to those Caves of Chaos soon. Before I do so I would like to look around the Keep and restock my supplies. Also, there were a few companions that traveled with the caravan that were looking for adventure. I will try to meet up with them and together can better clear out those caves. I thank you for your kindness and I hope to return soon."

Albertus gathers his supplies and heads off toward the inn. For he believes that the crowd he seeks will be there resting up.

[monk]

Abin - Cleric of Jascar

Abin finishes his brew and makes his way back to the common room to get some rest before the big day.

"Sometimes, companions, I oversleep. Please don't leave without me!"

[NJWilliam]

Brother Bayard, Human Cleric

Brother Bayard makes his way back to the tavern, and expresses his agreement with setting off the next day. He has particular interest in freeing any captives they may come across, since it appears there may be some.

[Grognardsw]

Foracor / Tavern-Inn

With the fellowship's plan of action set, Foracor finishes his drink and bids good night to his companions until the morn. On the way to his room he invites the comely tavern wench to visit his quarters later if she is so inclined.

Inside his room, the elf jams the chair up against the door handle and makes sure the windows are locked. Never can be too safe in strange lands, he thinks, tucking his dagger under his pillow and putting his sword Orcslicer nearby.

[by_the_sword]

Cailte Cadwallon, Halfling

Cailte pays for his meal and drink, then heads back to the inn, whereupon he pays for a nitht in the common room and another meal. He then washes and grooms himself and gets as much rest as he can for the journey ahead.

[Bloodaxe]

The night passes quickly & you arise with the sun. Your group gathers and you must decide on your destination.

[Fearghus]

Fingal, Thief

Fingal makes it a point to rustle Abin, and anyone else in the common room, from slumber, "Get up! We've our fortunes to find!"

Once at the gathering spot he makes a head count to make sure all are present; the more folk on this expedition means its more likely he'll survive. "All right, like we said on the yesterday we are gonna follow Nile's here map. We'll pass a river an swamp where an elf disappeared", he pauses a moment and looks at Foracor for emphasis. "Keep your eye's open for the pointed-eared fellow. We are following the road east and then north to an area where there are monsters! It is true. Says so on the map". He looks to Niles for support on the comment before continuing. "There's a scary hill on the way, and I won't say a detour is out of the question. But if we make it to the monsters, we'll proceed through a small set of woods before coming upon a tower. As any fool can guess that has to be the location of these Chaotic Caves that everyone is talking about. If I were to make caves to lead fools on a fool's errand I'd put'em under a tower just like on that map Niles bought".

Fingal adjusts his rope drawn breeches and looks to his companions, "Good? Good."

[NJWilliam]

Brother Bayard, Cleric

Brother Bayard simply nods at Fingal's words.

[Grognardsw]

Foracor / Tavern with the Party

"Aye Fingal, you've given voice to thoughts expressed yesterday. Let us gird for travel and put feet to path," says Foracor the Elf. At the adventurer's table, Foracor breaks his fast with a meal of ham, beer bread and berries. He discusses a double file marching order (see OOC.) "Our purses are too light for hirelings or even a pack horse. Priests - please give prayer for our safety, for the road ahead is fraught with dangers."

[MrHemlocks]

***Albertus, Human Cleric, Chapel ---heading to Inn***

After arriving at the inn Albertus noticed the others drinking and making loud talk. He listened to their talk of loot that awaits them and dangers lurk in the Cave of Chaos. Also, he found out that they were meeting tomorrow to start their adventure. Heading back to the Chapel he informs the head priest about leaving at fist light to meet up with the rest of the party and begin his quest. Bedding down for the night Albertus has an uneasy sleep. If not for the lone owl hooting a soothing melody he would of gotten no rest at all.

At the break of day he heads out to meet with the others. "Greetings all. Nice to see you again. Now that we are ready shall we begin clearing the caves of the evils that plague this wonderful Keep?" Grabbing a chair and setting himself next to Fingal, Albertus smiles and orders some food and drink. "Let me grab a fast meal and I will be ready."

[mordrene]

Niles, fighter in the keep

Fingal, Thief

Fingal makes it a point to rustle Abin, and anyone else in the common room, from slumber, "Get up! We've our fortunes to find!"

Once at the gathering spot he makes a head count to make sure all are present; the more folk on this expedition means its more likely he'll survive. "All right, like we said on the yesterday we are gonna follow Nile's here map. We'll pass a river an swamp where an elf disappeared", he pauses a moment and looks at Foracor for emphasis. "Keep your eye's open for the pointed-eared fellow. We are following the road east and then north to an area where there are monsters! It is true. Says so on the map". He looks to Niles for support on the comment before continuing. "There's a scary hill on the way, and I won't say a detour is out of the question. But if we make it to the monsters, we'll proceed through a small set of woods before coming upon a tower. As any fool can guess that has to be the location of these Chaotic Caves that everyone is talking about. If I were to make caves to lead fools on a fool's errand I'd put'em under a tower just like on that map Niles bought".

Fingal adjusts his rope drawn breeches and looks to his companions, "Good? Good."

Niles nods in agreement at the speech.excitement can be seen growing in his face. "Harumph. Now let's go. Destiny awaits."

[Bloodaxe]

Day 2 7am

Your group gathers and leaves the Keep , following the road. Niles notices faint tracks leading towards the river. A crude bridge of a fallen tree spans the river. The trail leads into the swamp, out of sight, but appears to be headed to a small wooded area.
Follow the trail?
Head to the ruined tower?
Straight to the Caves of Chaos?
Somewhere else?

[Fearghus]

Fingal, Thief

Fingal rubs his chin as Niles inspects the tracks. The thief looks from the fighter, to the swamp, and to the group. "Well, we said we'd look into the lost elf and this could be something. What say we follow?"

[NJWilliam]

Brother Bayard, Cleric

"Any danger this close to the keep is something we should look into, let's look closer at that wooded area."

[Grognardsw]

Foracor / Road Through the Forest

Foracor the Elf welcomes the walk down the road, and is glad to be gone from the keep.

"Give me the countryside anytime,” says the wood elf. He breaths deep the cool air, smells of scents of the woods, feels the crunch of leaf and stick underfoot, hears the chirp of bird and insect, basks in the sunlight. He thinks that even in these dangerous borderlands perhaps it’s not all that bad.

His nature reverie is broken by the talk of his fellow adventurers on whether to check the path leading to the swamp. Perhaps the lost elf is that way?

“Aye,” Foracor agrees.“Let us set eyes on swamp and mayhap find wayward elf.”

[MrHemlocks]

***Albertus, Cleric...leaving Keep headed for swamp***

"What other information might you had gathered about this lost elf? Why in the world would he venture alone into this dark and dangerous place?"Albertus turns to the elf. Taking the pipeweed smoke from his mouth he mentions in a questionable tone."Foracor, unless I am wrong I feel your type does not care too much for swamps. So, I wonder what a lone elf would be doing here."

[Bloodaxe]

Day 2 9am

You make good time until you get to the swamp. There is barely a path to follow, but the booted tracks continue towards the small wooded area ahead. A slight fog blankets the area. Mud sucks at your feet. The insects don't give you moments peace. Worse yet, the hair at the back of your neck stands at end.....like you are being watched. You see a movement at the corner of your eye, but when you look directly, there is a quiet splash and a few bubbles.