The Midnight Sky is at sea for about two hours, before she slows and starts putting into the small harbour at Dingaic. By the time she is docked, there is a small welcoming committee waiting at the quay side, and as The Captain recognises them, his eyes widen slightly.
The Captain starts ushering you together by the gangplank so that he can formally introduce you as a group, he will brook no arguments but insist that you meet the welcoming party, and that other matters can wait.
The gangplank is lowered and The Captain seems about to move ashore but, when three of the men start to climb aboard, suddenly leaps backwards and stands almost to attention. As the three reach the ship The Captain introduces them as Richard Briganda, Count Galinia; Jen Jensen, Viscount Galinia and Segovax, Treveri of the Treveris. Jen Jensen strides up to Rolf and claps him on the arm, while Segovax, with a wink, joins Elsbeth. The Captain is about to introduce your group but Richard Briganda, standing at the top of the gangplank, starts to address you instead.
"Welcome one and all, welcome to Dingaic," and with a slight bow to Segovax, "the home of the Treveris. Segovax has planned a feast in your honour tonight, you who will venture into Galinia to make her safe for further settlers and future generations, both Segovax and I salute you. But come now, come ashore and settle into Dingaic, tonight we will feast, tomorrow we will see you off, and that will be soon enough."
Having said his piece, Richard Briganda, turns and starts back down the gangplank expecting you all to follow him. Jensen walks with Rolf, and Segovax with Elsbeth, and the group head towards the village. You are led through an outer ward containing a few boats, one round house, and a dozen or so rectangular buildings, into an inner ward which consists solely of five large round houses. You are shown to 4 rooms in one of the round houses and are expected to sort room sharing out for your selves, although Elsbeth is shown to her own room.
During the rest of the day there are always a couple of youngsters on hand to direct you to the kitchens, the main hall or other places you might wish to visit. As evening draws closer you are invited into the main hall and, as guests of honour, are offered seats at the main table during the feast. When the main course, a roast boar, is bought in Jen Jensen is invited to cut himself the first slice and as he does so a mighty cheer reverberates around the hall. Towards the end of the meal Segovax’s bard gets up and performs a formal lyrical poem describing the conquest of the resettlement of Galinia, there are verses, or at least lines, dedicated to each hero and two (Segovax and Jen Jensen) get three verses each. The last verse describes a group setting off to open up the interior of Galinia, but no one is mentioned by name. The implication is clear – do a good job and you will get a line – do an exceptional job and you might get a verse of your own.
The wine and beer flow freely, but at about midnight the three nobles retire and the party starts winding down…
OOC: Plenty of scope for banter and repartee during the day or evening and an opportunity for you to decide on (in character or out) standard watch patterns, marching order etc.
As the noblemen make their way on board, Rolf picks out Jen Jensen. He makes a brief bow, a bare observence to the mans position, then returns Jen Jensens greeting enthusiastically. But their reunion is brought to a halt by the Count. At the mention of a feast, Rolf grins. It'd be a nice change to have a meal that he didn't have to stalk, kill and cook first.
Walking next to Jensen, Rolf speaks of small matters. When they reach the round houses, he takes his leave of the Viscount. He takes the first room on the left and sets his shoulder bag down on the bunk nearest the door. He spends his day getting to know the place, looking over the defenses and chatting with some of the locals. He also checks out the weaponsmiths and the stables. He also stops by the chapel and makes his peace with the gods, especially Odin and Uller. Getting back early, he has one of the lads show him where he might bathe. Doffing the armor, he puts on regular clothes. It takes a while to get used to the lack of weight.
Joining the revelry, he does full justice to the fine food and free flowing ale. He sips politely at the wine, but saves most of his attention for the ale. He has a bit more than is good for him and it shows. He roars with laughter at Jen Jensens jokes, he thumps the table loudly in response to the bards efforts and generally enjoys himself. He finds a serving wench to lave some attention upon. He stays rather later than the nobles before seeking his bed.
OOC: As far as marching order, Rolf will tend to remain toward the front of the group. He'll take the last watch so he can enjoy the quiet time before the dawn, watch the sunrise and ready himself for the day.
During the trip to the settlement in Galinia, Aenis tends to keep to
his own, still cautious of his companions and this brave new world.
He had been through many a wilderness before, but somehow this had
struck him as different. Perhaps the emptiness of the road...
After seeing his magical skills on the boat to Galinia, Aenis takes a
seat next to Mandrake once the feast begins. Although Mandrake
appears to be quite a trickster, he also appears to be the only one
here that Aenis can at least relate to. Once several minutes pass by,
Aenis strikes up a conversation.
"I've seen yer abilities in magic on the boat. What be yer name,
little one?" he says to Mandrake as he strips the meat of a bone in
his hand.
OOC: No preference here on guard duty, but I'd like Aenis in the middle of a march line, because he's not much of a fighter :)
Mandrake holds back as the rooms are chosen, following Peter into whichever one he chooses, or gets left with. After the introduction he knows that they share one important thing in common, almost, Peter cooks and Mandrake eats.
After they stow their kit Mandrake approaches Peter and says to him in an honest cheerful tone “The boy says that he can show us the way to the kitchen Peter, would you care to join me? Perhaps there are a few tips or hints that can be pried out of the cook, they may have a few exotic herbs or local knowledge that you may find interesting.”
Before Peter can answer him, he calls out to the Halfling “Smilo, would you care to join Peter and myself in a tour of the kitchens. Might as well make the most of things while we still don’t have to earn ‘em eh?”
[Time warp to banquet] "I've seen yer abilities in magic on the boat. What be yer name, little one?" he says to Mandrake as he strips the meat of a bone in his hand.
Mandrake was already well into a large lump of meat, though somewhat unusual in the present company he using a set of cutlery, he always carried it around with just in case.
Swallowing hard to clear his mouth, he replied to the man seated next to him and presented his hand but looked a little dubiously at the fellows greasy hands “My name is Mandrake Underroot of Deep Delve and it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Please forgive my not standing to bow, but I fear that I would disappear beneath the table and by the time I climb back, then these other fellows would have devoured the lot.” He laughs aloud and digs the fellow in the side with his elbow. “I’m sorry, but I did not catch your name?”
Dingaic is home to about 200 people and is an agricultural and fishing community, there are no craftsmen's workshops, nor is there a Norse temple. It doesn't take long to realise that most people are Treveris and live in the round houses in the inner keep. There are about 50 people, from a variety of backgrounds, who live and work in the outer keep.
Enquiries in the outer keep will find a Norseman who tends a minor shrine for local Norse worshippers, and will also establish that weapons and armour are normally bought from Dwarven traders who come from Farfobest.
[When the ship leaves] For such an animated little fellow, leaving the docks has a quieting effect on the hobbit. The smiles come less frequently then stop all together. Finally, he moves to main-mast and sits with it at his back, knees up, arms clasped around them and head down. Rather a sudden personality change, then it all becomes evident as Smilo bolts upright and races for the rail, hurling his lunch and breakfast into the sea. He groans a bit before returning to the main- mast, resuming the position. [Landing] He's the first one off with a grin so wide you'd think his head would split in two. As he's waiting for the rest, he dives onto his hands and walks about on them just as natural as one walks on his feet. [Walking to the keep] The easy grin never leaves the halflings face as he walks with the others to the village. He busies himself by darting about to gather wildflowers, and telling outrageous lies in response to inquiries about his past. At first opportunity, he introduces himself to Madelyn. As she looks down on him from a towering height, "Name's Smilo, miss. Smilo Underhill." He sweeps off his broad hat and kisses her hand in the most galant fashion. "What might yer name be?" [At the keep] “Smilo," cries Mandrake, "would you care to join Peter and myself in a tour of the kitchens. Might as well make the most of things while we still don’t have to earn ‘em eh?” "I like the way you think, Mandrake," replies the hobbit, falling in line. "A gnome after me own heart." [Kitchens] "Ya know," said Smilo to the cook, wiping his mouth with his sleeve, "I saw the Count and his crew, I saw the guards, but I wern't impressed. You know what impresses me?" Then not waiting. "The cooks. The cooks impress me. Sure the nobles might come in handy during a crisis, but what makes or breaks yer day? Food that's what. Kin a soldier fight on an empty stomach? No. Can a king think with his stomach growlin? No. My lady," he address the cook, "the whole thing hinges on yer kitchen." "As a token o my gratitude, I'd like ya to have this boquet." He hands her the wildflowers, smiling a smile that instantly told her that this one just wasn't crafty enough to be poking fun. [Feast] No one enjoys the food and singing more than Smilo. He eats to the point of bursting and applauds longer and louder than the rest.
Peter, tags along trying to stay somewhere about the middle of the group. His eyes wander from side to side as he walks, drinking in the sights of a strange environment. In the round house, he puts his gear in whichever rom is indicated to him, and starts to remove his out dorr clothes. When Mandrake invites him to the kitchen, Peter at first looks slightly surprised, but quickly recovers. "Yeah, why not." he grins, and tags along with the two little folk.
During the evening Peter tries at least a small portion of all of the foods, beers and wines that are served, and seems to be enjoying himself, in a restrained sort of way.
OOC: Peter would like to be in the middle of the marching order and do watches with someone large and warlike, please.
OOC2: Sorry
Elsbeth is fully at ease in the festivities, obviously at home with distant and not-so-distant relatives. She engages in animated conversation, enjoys both hearing and telling stories, endures the attentions of older women looking after and generally has a good time. To her great uncle she is respectful and yet her naturally impish nature still asserts itself.
At the feast she is gay and cheerful. Although she does not seem to eat much, she very much enjoys her dinner and the drinks served with it. She sings with the songs and proves to have a trained and very pleasant contralto voice.
As the evening wears on she finds herself watching her traveling companions. She giggles at the smaller folk and watches the quiet behavior of Peter. She more seriously watches Rolf. Though she has never been close to a norseman, he seems typical- loud, fun-loving when at play. *I'll not be wanting to parlay with that one unless I mean to follow through,* she thinks wryly.
As the drink warms her insides and makes her head spin pleasantly, she finds herself watching Callum. Though technically a countryman, he frightens her somewhat. After all, he's a full head taller and more and forbidding to look at. Why, the Great Sword he carries is full the length of Elsbeth! That other woman is a puzzle too- though warrior women are no stranger to her family, it was still striking to see one metal-clad.
The drink and fun finally give the auburn-haired woman nerve. Choosing the most difficult first, she made her way to Callum, her goblet in hand, a mischievious smile on her lips.
"Enjoying the feast, M'lord?" she asks lightly in Gaelic. "None can say that my Great-Uncle throws a small party. Have you seen its like before?"
OOC: A Norseman without a resident weaponsmith? Okay, change the relevant portion of my post to...
Walking next to Jensen, Rolf speaks of small matters. When they reach the round houses, he takes his leave of the Viscount. He takes the first room on the left and sets his shoulder bag down on the bunk nearest the door. He spends his day getting to know the place, looking over the defenses and chatting with the locals. He also spends some time roaming about the docks and, after a few enquiries, finds a fellow Norseman who tends a shrine dedicated to the Norse gods. After sharing pleasantries with the man, he makes his peace with them, especially Odin and Uller. Getting back early, he has one of the lads show him where he might bathe. Doffing the armor, he puts on regular clothes. It takes a while to get used to the lack of weight.
[Kitchens] "Ya know," said Smilo to the cook, wiping his mouth with his sleeve, "I saw the Count and his crew, I saw the guards, but I wern't impressed. You know what impresses me?" Then not waiting. "The cooks. The cooks impress me. Sure the nobles might come in handy during a crisis, but what makes or breaks yer day? Food that's what. Kin a soldier fight on an empty stomach? No. Can a king think with his stomach growlin? No. My lady," he address the cook, "the whole thing hinges on yer kitchen."
“Absolutely” interjects Mandrake with a deep bow and a grin, rather poorly hiding behind his back a jam tart that he had just lifted from a tray. “Mandrake Underroot of Deep Delve at your service and from the looks of the spread that you’re preparing for tonight, forever in your debt.”
“It was a great leader, Gnome I think, or it may have been Halfling… short anyway, who said that an army marches on their stomach. And by the looks of the way you keeps this kitchen, the soldiers here could out march the best.”
“For my part, I believe that keeping thirst at bay is almost as important. Would it be acceptable to take a bottle or two, by way of an advance on tonight’s festivities as it were?”
Mandrake takes a couples of bottles with gracious thanks and says to the others “If you gentlemen will excuse me, I’m sure that you could be in no safer hands, at least if these pastries are anything to go by. I must take my leave now, since the boy tells me there are some Dwarven traders in town and I must go and pay my respect to my cousins. You are of course welcome to join me, though they can be a little dour. Lead the way lad.”
Mandrake follows the boy to the Dwarves and when there greets them in their own language, performing his customary low bow, “I bring you greeting cousins from the Gnomes of Deep Delve and as our ancestors before I offer my friendship.” Rising he hands over one of the bottles of drink “Please accept this to anoint the anvil”, then handing over the second “and this to quench the forge fire in your throats.”
If either of the others have come along with him, then Mandrake will switch to Norse for their benefit. “I’m afraid my travel companions do not speak your ancient tongue, so I shall use the common human language”, otherwise he sticks to Dwarven.
“My friends and I shall be travelling into the untamed lands, seeking to open trading routes and links, I to talk friendship and agreements and they to protect such new friends and agreements.”
“We are of course interested in protecting old friendships and trade agreements also, and I personally would like to know of any interests that your people already have In the area so that I can ensure that we do not upset such old and trusted friends.
“I should also be grateful if you have any knowledge of the area that you feel would be of use to us. I have parchment and pen and could draw a map of what is known. I would then fill in the gaps through our travels and share this knowledge our cousins.
“Ought you can tell, of land, of castle, of warren or of burrow, races or churches may be of use, or I would meet with the elders to discuss it if this would sit better with you.”
We seem to be getting in a bit of a muddle – I am not getting the right information to you quickly and clearly enough for you to make properly considered contributions. I think it has to do with being new to DMing in this environment – I am used to more opportunity to describe and talk possibilities through with players as they are making their moves.
One problem, at the moment, is that I haven’t described your mission well enough, or given you sufficient information to work with. So tonight there is an OOC style briefing.
Another was a poor description of Dingaic, so now when the party enters a new settlement I will give an OOC gazetteer of the place, rather than just try and describe it in the text. If you are unsure about things email me and ask.
Briefing
The party are expected to establish an overland trade route along
the Galinian coast. You will start from Dingaic and travel on to
Farfobest (which is a Dwarven stronghold with whom we already have
strong trade links) . The road to Farfobest is less wild than the
rest of the region because we already have trade links , Farfobest
sells metal, weapons and Armour shipping through Dingaic and Angasa.
From Farfobest you turn along the coast to take in Mistaton and the
villages beyond – your route is up to you. Assume your characters
have a copy of the map that I sent you a couple of weeks ago. Anyone
who does not have the map, Email me and I will send it by return.
Dingaic: Gazetteer
Dingaic is a small village split in to two halves. The outer
section contains a single round house used as a barn and about a
dozen rectangular buildings. One is a small inn, the rest of the
buildings are residential. The inner section contains five large
round houses that are the residence of the Treveri family. The
Largest of the round houses is topped by a large Broch tower (Round
Tower approx. 35ft high). The inner section is home to about 150
members of the Treveri family, a Celtic family led by Lord Segovax
Treveri. The outer section of the village is home to about 50 people
of various races and creeds. Everyone in the village earns a living
by working the land, fishing, or occasionally working as a labourer
for the traders that occasionally pass through. The only other
establishment is the Inn. Religion is Celtic and services are led,
out of doors, by the Druid Nil. Other religions are practised
privately in small groups.
Darren
Feel free to rewrite the Dwarven section of Mardrake’s last post,
if it suits. Otherwise the boy will lead you to a couple of Dwarves
who look at you fairly blankly, but take a bottle anyway <g>
Sorry this is all a bit rushed. My train was delayed 40 mins in London today (I commute for 3 to 4 hours travel a day – and today it was closer to 4.5 hrs travel) – and I’m expected in the pub in 15 minutes to take part in a pub quiz. (and partake of a beer or four)
My full post will be Tuesday next week. I get to go to Amsterdam for the weekend, and don’t get back until Monday night. (Unfortunately I’m working all weekend)
OOC: London eh? I just lost a bet that the London Bridge was sold and shipped to Arizona by a millionaire!
“My name is Mandrake Underroot of Deep Delve and it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Please forgive my not standing to bow, but I fear that I would disappear beneath the table and by the time I climb back, then these other fellows would have devoured the lot.” He laughs aloud and digs the fellow in the side with his elbow. “I’m sorry, but I did not catch your name?”
As Aenis finishes gulping down his mouthful of boar, he responds to Mandrake's question; "Aenis Goodwyn, Alumni of The Dweltmeier Acadamy of Magic, at your service... for a price, of course." As he finishes his sentence, he calls for the attention of the nearest serving wench and asks for another goblet of wine. "So, are ye doing on this wild goose chase of a job?" he asks in his strict Norse accent.
That was an old one we didn't need any more. :)
Mandrake will simply say hello and ask them if there are any messages that they would like passed on.
About the bridge, the story that I heard was that the chap thought that he was buying Tower Bridge and was a little upset when he found that it wasn't the one he thought it was.
Kerim, after seeing the Captain’s reaction and the advancing figures, bows respectfully in their direction. After listening to their words he follows them, observing the general layout of the village. He picks a room at random and drops his belongings in the corner.
He returns to the ship to supervise the unloading of the tents, rations and his trade goods. Before he does however, he faces the sea and thanks the gods for a safe journey. He makes sure that the mules are fed and watered and the goods are stored somewhere secure.
During the day, he asks around about what goods they buy, how much they pay and other questions obviously related to his mercantile business.
It will be obvious that he seeks a quiet place to stand at midday, turns to face the south-east (taking a little while to decide where to face) and bows his head while saying something under his breath.
He obviously enjoys himself at the feast, but doesn’t eat or drink to excess, especially enjoying the poem. At the feast, he proposes a toast to the party – "May the fates be good to us, may our profits grow and our luck never desert us". With that he quaffs his drink down in one go.
Towards the end of the feast, he leaves early, and gets his prayer mat and offers up prayers to his god.
After his prayers, he retires to his room, wrapping himself in a blanket and using his backpack as a pillow, as the party will obviously be expected to leave early.
Suggestion for Marching Order – Front to Back (single file or column 2 wide?): Callum, Rolf, Elsbeth, Mandrake, Peter, Aenis, Kerim (leading Mules), Smilo with Madelyn (on horse back) riding to one side the side of the column. He would prefer someone to be at the back (behind the mules), just in case the fates aim an attack there!
Suggestion for Watches – Dusk to Dawn (2/Period, 4 watches?): Callum/Elsbeth, Madelyn/Mandrake, Kerim/Smilo, Rolf/Aenis
Sorry guys, i've had the week from hell, and don't have time to do a full posting, but I agree with the marching order above ... Madelyn will pretty much cover front rear and sides, as she's on horse back.
Madelyn would like to take first watch though, so if Callum will do second, we can just swap the above.
Sorry again ... i've just about caught up, so will be with you all again tomorrow
Elsbeth plans on getting a horse before she leaves. Otherwise, she is quite happy anywhere in the marching order.
OOC: About that bridge: It is located in Lake Havasu City, Arizona and was originally built in the 1820s. When plans were made to replace it in the 1960s, Robert McCulloch (of McCulloch Chain Saws) purchased it and had it shipped piece by piece to Arizona in 1967. It actually was intended to be a tax writeoff for him. I haven't seen it since I was a kid but its pretty neat where it is. Much nicer than the current one in London, I think.
OOC: Sharon, you beat me to it. I was just about to post a roughly similar message, although I've nowhere near caught up with what's happening. Is anyone a Visual SourceSafe guru? Aren't computers just great?
Callum has no problems with the suggested watches, but will get enormously huffy in anyone suggests he not go at the front of the party in the marching order.
Does this mean, that Kerim, a lowly merchant (don't snigger), has got something right? He humbly suggests that it is not his role, he is merely a merchant (with cutlass and armour - for it is a dangerous world to be in without some protection), out to make an honest living!
Before he retires for the night, he wishes those that are still awake, a goods night sleep and settles his head on his pack. He apologises to those sharing a room with him, in advance, for his snoring.
He wishes the two ladies a good night, and can only wander what a Paladin & Druid can discuss (quietly) while sharing watch duty?
As he settles, he says to himself, "I've seen that Halfling somewhere".
Revised Suggestion for Marching Order – Front to Back (single file or column 2 wide?): Callum, Rolf, Mandrake, Peter, Aenis, Kerim (leading Mules) followed by Smilo. Madelyn and Elsbeth (on horse back) riding to one side (or another) of the column (Female Cavalry?). Just a reminder, he would prefer someone to be at the back (behind the mules), just in case the fates aim an attack there!
Revised Suggestion for Watches – Dusk to Dawn (2/Period, 4 watches?): Madelyn/Elsbeth, Callum/Mandrake, Kerim/Smilo, Rolf/Aenis
OOC: In response to David/Kerim's question, Rolf will let his feelings about watches and so forth be known once we're on the trail.