A Merchants Folly, A Militia's Duty

[Zeric]

oneeyedpete said:

"Aye, milady, we'll see t' it," said Cathmhaol.

He watched as the Baroness made her way into town. "Ye don't think this is some sort o' plot t' get us out o' the way, d' ye?"

"What for, Boss? A surprise birthday party? I doubt it. I think she's just thinking of all that lovely tax revenue she'll be missing out on if trade in these parts begins dropping off. Nothing like a cut in income to get a noble shiting themself." Zeric answered.

oneeyedpete said:

Cathmhaol shook his head. "Gi' Vane a shout. I doubt he's had time t' wash so tell him he's ridin' downwind o' us!"

Zeric nodded in fervent agreement, "Damned right, Cath. I knew we made you leader for a reason..."

He headed off to find the great unwashed mass that was Vane before Cathmhaol cuffed his ear, "Vane! Get your gear together, Herself wants you, me and the Boss to go on a little trip..."

Zeric filled Vane in on what he knew of the situation with the merchants and the bandits.

[Dungeon Master]

oneeyedsaltyjack said:

oneeyedpete said:

"Aye, milady, we'll see t' it," said Cathmhaol.

He watched as the Baroness made her way into town. "Ye don't think this is some sort o' plot t' get us out o' the way, d' ye?"

"What for, Boss? A surprise birthday party? I doubt it. I think she's just thinking of all that lovely tax revenue she'll be missing out on if trade in these parts begins dropping off. Nothing like a cut in income to get a noble shiting themself." Zeric answered.

OOC - You know I really hadn't thought of that Phil.

[Dungeon Master]

Zeric disapeared into the house to find the Undead Hunter, Vane. The stable boy stood in front of Cathmhaol with the three horses. It was early and cold, the breathe of the steeds coming from their nostrils like the steam from a Lantan device.

The horses were fine specimens; a black stallion of at least 15 hands with white splashes around its noble head; a brown mare slightly smaller than the stallion, its head shaking from left to right as it whinnied impatiently; the final of the three horses was a grey gelding, patient and strong waiting quietly for the off. All three are equiped with a saddle and a pair of saddle bags, full of rations. Attached to the saddle is a rope and a full wineskin.

Within five minutes, Vane appeared carrying a rucksack, with a half dozen flasks attached to it. His hammer in his right hand, ready for action. Around his neck a necklace of what looks like garlic, causing a terrible stench.

"Im ready, lets go!"

OOC- Youd best tell me what your taking. Which horse your taking and what order your going in.

[Zeric]

Zeric selected the gelding, reasoning that it was the more sensible of the three.

[Cathmhaol]

"Y' big girl!" said Cathmhaol to Zeric sarcastically, walking over to the stallion and taking hold of the reins. He looked up into the horse's eyes and said, "Hey there, big fella." He stroked the animal's powerful neck, gently running his hand down its side.

As the animal relaxed, Cathmhaol swiftly grabbed the creature's testes and squeezed hard. He yanked the reins so the horse had no choice but to look into his eyes. "Now listen t' me," he snarled, "Let's make it clear! I'm the boss. If'n ye fanny around, I'll wrench yer knackers off and feed 'em to Vane w' his stinkin' garlic. Now are ye gonna be a good horsey or is it bye-bye bollocks time?"

[Zeric]

oneeyedpete said:

"Y' big girl!" said Cathmhaol to Zeric sarcastically, walking over to the stallion and taking hold of the reins. He looked up into the horse's eyes and said, "Hey there, big fella." He stroked the animal's powerful neck, gently running his hand down its side.

As the animal relaxed, Cathmhaol swiftly grabbed the creature's testes and squeezed hard. He yanked the reins so the horse had no choice but to look into his eyes. "Now listen t' me," he snarled, "Let's make it clear! I'm the boss. If'n ye fanny around, I'll wrench yer knackers off and feed 'em to Vane w' his stinkin' garlic. Now are ye gonna be a good horsey or is it bye-bye bollocks time?"

OOC: ROTFLMAO!!! That is why you're playing a DW barbarian, isn't it? Perfect - it's The Forgotten Realm's Horse Whisperer. ;D

[Dungeon Master]

The smelly undead hunter claimed the final steed for himself. Then climbed on the horse looking rather uncomfortable.
"Always hated horses, they spook at the first sight of a ghoul, been thrown off by far to many in graveyards." he muttered.

He looked towards Cathmhaol
"Where are we off to first, boss?"

OOC- theres a map in the map section that will help somewhat

[Cathmhaol]

"Sou' West," grunted Cathmhaol by way of reply. "Liam's Hold's down the coast, we'll ha' t' go through the Lizard's Swamp. Scaley bastards better b'have the'selves or there'll be trouble!"

OOC: I'll take sword, dagger, armour, shield, sleeping blankets, tent, flint, steel, cooking pot... err... has anyone got a copy of Aurora's?

[Zeric]

Zeric nodded his agreemant to Cathmhaol's route. Not that disagreement would have made a difference with the gruff warrior, "Aye, Cath. We'll keep our eyes open and if we meet resistance, we'll just have Vane here lift his arms and give them a whiff of his 'pits, eh Vane?"

[Dungeon Master]

"Your a very funny man, mage. So funny in fact, that when the fowl beasts that are undead crawl past me towards you and your fair smell. Ill laugh " replied the undead hunter seriously

OOC- you can reply to that if you want. Ill post the next bit below. You wont travel through the swamp, just around the edge. As the Hold is situated on the eastern edge ofthe swamp
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Date : Alturiak the 7th, Year of the the Rogue Dragons (1373 D.R.)
Location : Liams Hold
Time : Sunset
Weather: Clear and cold



You spend the day riding along the path to the Trade Way. The traffic is relatively sparse. You meet a few farmers who are making use of the good early weather to get their first supplies to the towns and villages.

The path meets the Trade Way a few miles north of Liam's Hold. The Trade Way itself seems busier and there are more armed men on the road.

As the Sun is setting you reach the small village of Liam Hold. It is guarded by a fortified tower built be the eponymous Liam, from which the village gets its name. The tower is part of the Holdfast Inn, which is good enough to deserve coverage in any guidebook to Sword Coast establishments. Near the tower and Inn is an extensive field, thats empty, for caravans to park their wagons.

OOC- for background lore on Liams Hold. See the towns and viallages section.

[Cathmhaol]

"There's our first port o' call," said Cathmhaol, pointing to the inn. "Ale t' wash away the trail dust an' a chat wi' the locals t' see what they know."
He made a very theatrical show of patting down his jerkin. "Oh dear," he said forlornly, "It looks like I've forgotten m' purse. Ye lads'll ha' t' get the beers in..."

[Dungeon Master]

"You were always tight, Cathmhaol" remarked Vane "Shouldn't this come out of the Daggers funds, anyway?"

"Ive been down this way before, searching for the unusual Ghast, didn't find any. " He sighed "But the owner, Binn, is a good man and the Inn is half decent for its size"

[Cathmhaol]

"I was carryin' the money in the same purse," said Cathmhaol, "But no matter, it's good o' ye to get the first round in."

He led the way to the inn, absent-mindedly took out his purse to tip the stable lad a few pennies to look after the horse, and went in through the door. The smell of ale, food, sweat and an underlying soupcon of dried vomit assailed him as he entered. "Ahhhh, ain't no smell like it in the world," he breathed with a big smile on his face. "Reminds me o' someone I once knew..." He looked puzzled as he tried to remember the girl's name but got distracted by the passing chest of a buxom serving wench. "Nevermind!" he chuckled.

He made his way to the bar and clicked his fingers to attract one of barstaff. "Three ales, when you're ready. The pungent one is paying!"

[Dungeon Master]

The Inn consists of Liam's Tower, full of ornately carved stone stairs and arched windows. The stone floors are carpeted and adorned with furs, giving the place a feeling of warmth and welcome. Its bustling now at nightfall, full of local farmers and the odd merchant waiting for their evening supper. An slender female sits at the end of the bar,wearing rich woolen clothes, huddled next to the fire. She seems to feel the cold here more than most. She anxiously checks all entrants into the bar, with a careful eye.

He made his way to the bar and clicked his fingers to attract one of barstaff. "Three ales, when you're ready. The pungent one is paying!"

"Ah yes" replied the barman "I remember him! Spent weeks searching around here for a ghost or ghast or ghoul or something? Couldnt find it though could you? Found nothing. They always find nothing around here. Halyndliam hid his treasures well I think and also the creatures that defended them?"

He brought up the drink. Leaned towards Cathamhaol and whispered.
"Your not from Cromm's Hold are you?"

[Zeric]

Zeric wrinkled his nose at the thought of ale, "I'll have a cup of decent wine, please barman... As a matter of fact, we are from Cromm's Hold... why do you ask, goodman?"