(Corvin/Mordred Adventure 2): Hole in the Thornwall

[Edeldhur]

Jalko

"Fair enough" - Jalko nodded at Lawrence- "I'll go check on my Mother, and grab my things - then I come back outside"

[archolewa]

Lawrence breathes a sigh of relief. "You know Jalko, you're a constant pain in my supply train, but I do appreciate that you're reasonable about it. Come on Hellen. Don't know how I'll explain this."

Hellen shakes her head, but puts a smile on her face. "Oh that's easy. Anybody asks, just look at them, shrug and say 'You know Jalko.'"

Lawrence chuckles. "Yeah, that'll probably be more than sufficient. We'll at least get you and your friends some food, Jalko. Can't really spare food for... the rest. For one, bringing that much food out here would lead to some awkward questions. But the five of you we can manage."

Corvin fetches the cart holding Mordred's body, while Hellen and Lawrence brings him some bread, with some strawberries, and blueberries. Not exactly a feast, but compared to bread well on its way to stale, cram and bits of fruit well on their way to rotting, it's downright delightful.

Jalko ducks into a house off the Green, and returns a few minutes later, now sporting a small sword at his hip, and a sling slung over his shoulder.

The two bring the cart back outside the palisade. Astrid has already laid out her bedroll along the edge of the road, while Kasper has a merry fire going.

"Hope you guys don't mind a fire," says Kasper when Corvin and Jalko get back. "Figure we're in the Refuge, so it should be safe enough."

Sebastian is leaning against a tree, looking across the road to the fields on the other side. He sighs. "Feels good to be back behind the Wall. There's no layer of filth here. But at the same time, I feel heartened. Like, as much damage as the Kinslayer did, I really truly believe now that it can be healed. That it will heal, with time, and perhaps careful tending by us."

Kasper nods. "I can kind of understand that. I feel a similar way, at least in spirit. We've been beyond the Wall. Confronted a small sliver of the damage the Kinslayer inflicted, and even there amidst the monsters and evil, we find decent people looking for a better life. That gives me hope. Who knows how many other pockets of Free Peoples are out there who've managed to defy the odds and scrape out a living, who've managed to hold onto their basic decency despite the horrors all around them?"

Astrid rolls her eyes, though she's got a hint of smile. "Now look what you've done Sebastian. You got the preacher preaching."

Sebastian holds out his hands as if to say what can you do?

Kasper chuckles. "Sorry Astrid. It's my greatest vice."

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@Edeldhur We can roleplay Jalko's interaction with his Mother in a separate thread if you'd like, or just let it be off-camera. I have no problem either way. I just figured Jalko needed to have some family in his home village, and someone would bring them up!

[shaidar]

Corvin

Corvin smiles at Kasper's optimism "It is good to be back inside the wall, and I hate to burst the bubble, but where is Grimm? He didn't appear earlier when the others came out of the forest."

[archolewa]

Astrid's smile, such as it was, vanishes, and she grabs her sword. Kasper leaps to his feet, while Sebastian straightens from the tree.

There's a faint whispering from the trees, barely indistinguishable from the rustling of leaves in the breeze, then Jandley emerges.

"Gone," says Jandley. She shakes her head. "I'm sorry Corvin. I was focused on the refugees, the cart drivers, the village, and making sure our children stayed close. Grimm must have slipped away at some point during the excitement."

"We should find him," says Astrid. "Who knows what damage he'll cause?"

Jandley scoffs. "A single halfling who looks more than a little goblinoid? And a stupid, and cowardly one to boot. I'd say he ranks pretty low on threats-to-the-Refuge. Besides..."

Jandley looks back towards the dark trees. "You're not going to find him. Not at night. Not when we're not sure when exactly he slipped away."

[shaidar]

Corvin

Corvin shakes his head "It's not your fault Jandley, he's had many opportunities to slip away and I'm surprised he left it so long. I'm a fair tracker, but where would I start looking for his tracks? And even if I found them it's going to be difficult to follow them in the woods. Yes, he could no doubt cause trouble, but as Jandley says he looks goblin enough that he's going to attract attention. I think we need to focus on getting everyone safely to the monastery, and keep an ear out for any rumours that might be him. Unless you think otherwise?" he looks around.

[Edeldhur]

Jalko

@Edeldhur We can roleplay Jalko's interaction with his Mother in a separate thread if you'd like, or just let it be off-camera. I have no problem either way. I just figured Jalko needed to have some family in his home village, and someone would bring them up!

Apologies for the delay - busy with family visiting until the 10th

Yes, let's leave it off camera - I don't mind it being used as an off-camera narrative element, but not really interested in roleplaying it out, if that is ok.

Again the antics from Lawrence and Hellen make Jalko smile at them - "Yeah, yeah, I am the ONLY troublesome one around these parts" - he raised his hands - "But seriously, thank you for this" - the halfling added as they walked back into the village - "How have things been around here?"

--------------------

Regarding Grimm:

"I am sure if he wants to do harm, he will find a way" - Jalko frowned - "There are enough ill intentioned people on this side of the wall"

[archolewa]

"Perhaps we can warn the guard when next we're in Thorncity," says Sebastian. "We can say he was a prisoner who managed to escape us, if we don't want to reveal the existence of the halflings. It'll be a bit of dirt on our face, but at least then they'll know to keep an eye out for him."

[shaidar]

Corvin

Corvin shrugs "That works for me, I'm not bothered about how it might look."

[archolewa]

June 6th - AR 1

The next day dawns sunny and warm. Safe behind the Wall once more, they are all able to sleep more deeply than they have in days. Astrid awakens with a relaxed, content look on her face. Though her expression tightens, and becomes a bit more drawn when she looks to where Mordred typically slept, and sees Jalko instead. Still, as she packs up her gear, she seems lighter, and healthier somehow. As if a great weight has been lifted off her shoulders. Her skin too is no longer quite so pale and wan as it was. It seems like the time spent back in the sun, eating well and moving about have been good for her. She looks much more like the Astrid whom Corvin knew before he left home.

Kasper and Sebastian both look more relaxed and rested as well. The two chat and chuckle as they gather up their stuff. Once they finish, Kasper takes a moment to softly sing a of power, holding his holy symbol against his chest as he does so. He then spends some time checking in on and working with the halfling refugees.

Finally, he steps up to Corvin and Jalko and speaks in a low voice. "I believe the Seer is quite happy with our efforts. I feel my connection with Him has grown, and my mind can manage two prayers now. I sang a prayer that allows me to see if anyone wishes us ill intent, and took some time helping the halflings. Just in case any of them are of a similar mind as Grimm. None of them intend us harm."

"Kind of wish you'd had that prayer ready when we met Terri," says Astrid with a hint of bitterness.

Kasper nods. "As do I. It may have made our choices clearer one way or the other. But it is what it is. I have learned my lesson, and have it prepared now, and in light of Grimm's disappearance last night, I felt it wouldn't be a bad idea to gauge the intentions of the rest of the halflings. The Order of the Weeping Eye expects us to aid all who wish to escape the Kinslayer's corruption, but it also expects us to keep our eyes open."

---------

Astrid is now level 2 (a very boring level for Fighters, but hey she's got double-digit HP now!).
Kasper and Sebastian are both level 3. They each can now cast two spells a day. Those two both also have Weapon Feats available for training.

[shaidar]

Corvin

Corvin is happy to see his friends contended. He smiles at Kasper "I'm happy for you. I'm also glad we there are no potential issues with our halflings friends. I know I can be a little idealistic sometimes, but I recognise when we need such practicality. The past is the past and it's not something we can change, just learn from, so what is the point on dwelling in it too much. Hopefully we can get the monastery today and Jandley and her people can start to make their adjustment in a safe place."

He helps to distribute breakfast to the halflings and see how they are feeling after their first night in The Refuge.

[archolewa]

When Corvin asks how the halflings are faring, Jandley gives a little smiles and sniffs the air. "There's something different here. Can't quite put my finger on it. It's a lot less, I don't know. Oppressive I suppose. Reminds of one morning, earlier in the Spring, when things felt lighter somehow. Suspect that was the morning after the Kinslayer had died. Well, it feels like that all over again."

Sebastian nods. "Between the Seer, and the Thornwall, we were able to keep the Kinslayer's corruption out of the Refuge. Here, the Kinslayer's taint is non-existent. Or at least, minimal."

"That so? And I thought your fancy Wall was just to keep the orcs out," says Jandley.

"It was a miracle of the Earth Herself," says Sebastian. "A boon to aid us in defending both ourselves and what little of Her had not yet been violated."

Jandley takes a deep breath, and looks around. "And you guys left this. Willingly?"

Astrid laughs a little. "Well, when you put like that..."

[shaidar]

Corvin

Corvin shrugs "People needed our help. Hopefully one day the people of The Refuge can spread beyond the walls and repopulate the world out there, although I admit that won't be easy."

[archolewa]

Jandley shakes her head. "I'd say this whole place is full of a bunch loons, but well. The Kinslayer's dead and you're not, so hey! Who am I to question? Though I hope you won't mind if we stay right here behind the Wall. We've spent enough time out there for a dozen halfling lifetimes."

[shaidar]

Corvin

"You have, and I certainly don't think any less of you and your people for wanting to stay here. You have children to think about. I'll do my best to find somewhere you can live the rest of your lives, but I'm not sure how long that will take."

[Edeldhur]

Jalko

Again the antics from Lawrence and Hellen make Jalko smile at them - "Yeah, yeah, I am the ONLY troublesome one around these parts" - he raised his hands - "But seriously, thank you for this" - the halfling added as they walked back into the village - "How have things been around here?"

I am assuming all is ok-ish

The halfling moves along with the others, nodding silently at the news from Kasper, and offering no comments to Jandley - he had not left of his own accord, but then again life is never what you plan it out to be.

[archolewa]

Jalko

Again the antics from Lawrence and Hellen make Jalko smile at them - "Yeah, yeah, I am the ONLY troublesome one around these parts" - he raised his hands - "But seriously, thank you for this" - the halfling added as they walked back into the village - "How have things been around here?"

I am assuming all is ok-ish

Things are in fact going quite well. The death of the Kinslayer has led to a lot of soldiers being discharged, which means the village got an influx of able-bodied men and women just in time for planting. Planting is starting to slow down now, and Lawrence is almost giddy with how productive they were. They're on track for a bumper crop this Autumn, and with a much smaller army to support, they might even get to keep the vast majority of it!

Sorry, missed that one.

The halfling moves along with the others, nodding silently at the news from Kasper, and offering no comments to Jandley - he had not left of his own accord, but then again life is never what you plan it out to be.

The group sets out for the monastery. By afternoon, the forest is replaced by farmland and rolling pasture peppered with small, dense woods. The trip goes smoothly, save at one point where they need to navigate through a flock of sheep, and their rather defensive sheep dogs that have settled down across the road for an afternoon nap. But the shepherds wave the dogs away, and exchange some minor pleasantries with the group.

Once they are past, Jandley looks back over her shoulder at the shepherds and their flock, her son's hand held tightly. There's an expression of utter mystification and awe on her face, like she has just encountered something out of legend.

As the sun begins to go down, they come upon a large hill. A small village encircles the foot of the village, and a monastery sits at the top of the hill.

"Allow me to head up and speak with the monks first," says Kasper.

He makes his way up the hill. The villagers have begun to return to the village from a day out in the fields. They throw Corvin's group some mildly curious looks, but other than a few exchanged pleasantries, don't say much. They are likely used to people coming and going due to the monastery.

By the time Kasper comes back down the hill, the western sky is ablaze with golden-red light.

He gestures and leads them up the hill. "I have spoken to the Abbot. He is eager to welcome us."

"How much did you tell him?" asks Jandley warily.

"Everything. Including your appearance," says Kasper.

Jandley stops. "And he still..."

"If we arrived with Corvin sorely injured, would you be shocked if the Abbot welcomed us?" asks Kasper. "Your appearance is no different. A wound upon the soul, rather than the body perhaps, but a wound all the same. It is not something to be feared or condemned. Simply treated."

Jandley licks her lips nervously, and looks at the others. She sighs and rubs her face. "None of this makes sense. But fine. If it means my son will be safe, insanity it is."

The group reaches the entrance to the monastery. The monastery is a collection of small buildings bult into the hill surrounding a moderately sized chapel sitting at the top. The chapel is encircled with a large stone wall, though the wall is unguarded. Likely this is the place the villagers fall back into when Kinslayer raiding bands are sighted in the area.

A tall, gaunt man in mail stands at the entrance to the chapel. A blue-painted wooden symbol of a weeping eye hangs about his neck. He gives a friendly smile and approaches. "Welcome, welcome to the Sanctuary of Saint Jacob. You must be Corvin. It is an honor to meet you. I am the Abbot Paul. And where are those who need healing?"

[shaidar]

Corvin

Corvin nods and smiles at the man

"Yes, I'm Corvin. It's good to meet you Abbot, and to finally arrive here. Thank you for agreeing to look after our friends, they are a little nervous. This is Jandley and her people."

He turns and gestures to the halflings as he speaks.

Have they vanished or something?

[archolewa]

Corvin

Corvin nods and smiles at the man

"Yes, I'm Corvin. It's good to meet you Abbot, and to finally arrive here. Thank you for agreeing to look after our friends, they are a little nervous. This is Jandley and her people."

He turns and gestures to the halflings as he speaks.

Jandley tenses, and pushes her son behind her. The Abbot slowly approaches, hands up. "It's nice to meet you Jandley. Let me get a good look at you, if you don't mind."

Jandley hesitates a moment, glances at Corvin, then allows her hood to fall away.

The Abbot studies her goblinoid-tinted features for a moment, his expression grave in the same way a medic's is grave when studying a wound. He then glances around Jandley at her cowering son, and gives him a gentle smile. "Good, no sign of corruption on your son. That's good. Means there's hope. Do you know what hope is, Miss Jandley?"

Jandley shakes her head slowly. "Not really, sir."

"Well, perhaps here you will. Welcome to the Refuge. Welcome home." The Abbot gestures for Jandley to follow him.

She hesitates a moment, tightens her grip on her son's hand, and then slowly follows him. The other halflings share nervous looks, mothers clutch their children, and then follow after.

The Abbot pauses and turns back to Corvin. "I apologize for my manners, but you are free to stay the night as well. Kasper can show you to the guest quarters. He spent some time here in his younger years."

"Let's get ourselves some food," says Kasper. He leads the group to one of the outlying buildings, which contains a small, simple mess hall. They get some porridge, plus a few in-season fruits and vegetables.

"So, are we going back to Thorncity then?" asks Sebastian as they dig in.

Have they vanished or something?

Nope. He's doing that thing people do when they're 98% sure they know the answer, but don't want to make assumptions.

------------
There were twenty halflings in total. Two were killed in the initial skirmish that led the group to the Hole. Gribbl was killed, and Grimm snuck away. That leaves 16 halflings that successfully reached the Monastery.

So, 500 + 16 * 5 = (580)/5 = 116 XP for Corvin and Jalko, and 58 XP for Astrid, Korvin and Sebastian for successfully completing the kidnapping quest.

And you guys also still have those gems you found in the abandoned Monastery that need to be appraised. You'll get XP based on the value of those as well once that happens.

I think this gets Corvin to level 4, and Jalko close but not quite to level 3. Corvin will level up after the rest tonight.

[Edeldhur]

Jalko

Eats and observes the others in silence.

Only 35 more XP to level up

[shaidar]

Corvin

Corvin digs into the food.

"Going back to the city sounds good, Astrid and I found some gems in the elvish abbey so we need to get them appraised. But I do want to be at the Grove for the solstice, and I'm guessing Sebastian will want to be there too." he turns to Kasper "Do you think the abbot might let us stay a little bit longer, just to help Jandley and the others settle? It's just they seem so nervous and this must be so different for them."

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Yup 808 xp