“Welcome to Zelkor’s Ferry. I hope the captain didn’t question you too hard at the gate. You may be a person bent on finding an adventure, but you don’t look like a troublemaker to me.” The woman’s blue eyes seem to twinkle as she smiles at you. Her light brown hair is beginning to show some grey, but her arms look strong where she has pushed up the sleeves of her brown dress. “If it’s adventure you want, let me tell you, you’ve come to the right place. Although we hold our own here, this area can by no means be considered safe and there’s plenty for a brave soul to find and do.
“I’m Amelia, and my husband and I are the proprietors of Bristleback Inn. It’s been in my husband’s family for several generations.” She leads you into the building’s common room and continues. “A room with your board is one gold piece a night... Thank you very much. The stable is just next door and stabling for a horse or mule is one silver piece. Anything more exotic than that and you’ll have to ask Bristleback; we own the stable, too. The two fellows out there, Vort and Igor, are both decent folk and will take good care of any of your animals.”
Amelia turns to survey the room, and you take a look around also. The inn’s low-ceilinged common room is really nothing special, but out here so far from civilization it seems to have all the comforts of home. The tables are well-worn, but also well-scrubbed. In fact, a teen-aged girl with hair the color of honey is engaged in scrubbing one right now. “Don’t forget the sides, Ysbel,” Amelia says to her. The slender girl looks up at the comment, flashes a shy smile when she sees you looking at her, and then goes back to her work.
The shutters are open to let in some fresh air, and at the far end of the room a small fire burns in the fireplace as an old man snoozes in a chair nearby. Sitting at one of the tables is a female halfling, wearing chainmail, finishing up her breakfast. Her eyes scan you each in turn, while she continues to eat. Lamps are set into brackets high on the walls, to provide the most light in the evenings and also keep them out of the way of clumsy patrons. The bar is on the other side of you, before the stairs; it is supplied with a couple of kegs, and a row of pottery mugs hung on pegs on the wall. The treads on the stairs are worn in the centers.
Amelia gives one last satisfied look at the room, then turns to you. “I need to get out back and weed the vegetables or pretty soon we aren’t going to be able to find the food for the weeds. The privies are around back to the left; the kitchen garden is to the right. If you end up around that way by mistake, watch your step because I don’t want anyone trampling on my garden. You ought to take a look around and chat with some of the people here; I’m sure several of them have things to tell you about their own experiences in this area, things that might help keep you alive when you head out looking for your destiny.” With that parting remark, Amelia also disappears through the door to the kitchen and leaves you alone.
You’re not quite alone, though, as you realize when a soft voice interrupts your thoughts. “Pardon me.” It’s the young maid; Ysbel, that was her name. She’s now working on a table nearer you, and lays down her small scrubbing brush when you turn.
“I couldn’t help but hear what Amelia said about people having things to tell you. I know someone who tells amazing stories! Some of them may even be true.” She gestures to the old man sitting in the corner by the fireplace and continues. “That’s old Russ. He’s Amelia’s grandpappy, and to hear him tell it, he may have tamed this whole area single-handedly when he was young. There’s no doubt his stories are interesting, though they might not be helpful to you. Let me just get his attention.”
Ysbel steps to the fireplace and touches the old man on the shoulder, then raises her voice a little. “Pappy! Here’s someone who wants to hear all about how you cleared out that dungeon when you were young.”
The old man starts out of his snooze and looks up at the girl, then squints at you. He uses his arms to straighten himself in his seat and squirms back and forth a little bit to get more comfortable. When you step closer, you see a pair of crutches lying next to him and note that he has a peg on his right leg. At a second glance, though, you realize that his other leg isn’t folded underneath him; it’s missing completely, cut off at mid-thigh. A small lute lies along the left side of his chair, and one of the pottery mugs stands close by on his right, placed on the broad hearth surrounding the fireplace.
“So yer interested in an adventure, eh?” Pappy begins. “I can tell ye about some adventures. I’m a bit dry though; bring me a beer, if ye’d be so kind, girlie.” He passes his mug to Ysbel, who shakes her head at him, smiling.
“Pappy, it’s way too early in the day for you to start on the beer. I’ll get you a mug of water from the rainbarrel, though; it’ll be cool.” Ysbel starts off on her errand and Pappy smacks his mouth a few times experimentally, then turns to you.
“Did ye know that we’ve a dungeon practically in sight of our watchtowers? The Mouth of Doom, they call it, out in the middle of the forest to the south of us. Oh, my friends and I found it right enough, nigh onto fifty years ago now. I suppose it was a nice enough little dungeon, and it gave us a thrill or two, but it was nothing compared to the granddaddy of all dungeons!”
Ysbel returns just then with the mug of water. Pappy takes a small sip, then downs a larger swallow with a grimace and sets the mug carefully on the hearth. Ysbel takes up her scrubbing again at the other end of the room but appears to be listening in to Pappy’s story as well.
Pappy’s voice is raised, and he shakes his fist in the air. “Rappan Athuk – now that was a dungeon! My friends and I were well known at one time, though not the stuff of bards’ tales. We were powerful, and we made our presence felt. We fought malicious specters down there, and nasty creatures with big mouths that lived in heaps of trash. We battled an undead king to a standstill, though there were no winners that day and both sides crept away to lick our wounds. In fact, we got further below that dungeon than anyone else I’ve ever known. You wouldn’t know it to look at me now but I was a powerful wizard once, back before I lost my legs – and half my mind.”
Pappy reaches for his mug and takes another drink, then sets it back down. “I’m afraid I’m worn out with all this talkin’. Though it’s nice to have an audience, I don’t usually talk this much in a week. Thank ye for listening to my adventures, but I’m in need of a little rest now.” The old man settles himself in his chair, then leans his head on one hand and his eyes drift closed. You start to turn away when you hear him mumble softly, “And whatever ye do, don’t go down the well.”
"Hmmm the Mouth of Doom. I have heard something about that place. Seems there are some areas deep down where the air is bad and if you camp there you just might not wake up!! Best we keep our wits about us if we decide to explore that place!"
Jericho stands at his full 6 feet height of attention as he follows Amelia into the inn, and later while listening to Pappy's tales. Military life is just a part of who he is, ingrained into his DNA as a child. He tries his best, or as best as anyone can, to not let the massive halberd he carries disrupt the others in the inn. As Pappy concludes his tale, Jericho thanks the man respectfully for his advice. What the hell could be down that well?
To Dobins: "So this Mouth of Doom lies to the south, huh? I've heard rumors of gnolls to the south. Maybe they're using it as a base? Hmmmm... By the way, Jericho Greywind, soldier at arms." Jericho stretches his hand out.
Dobin grasps the fellow's extended hand and gives it a good squeeze, testing the mans strength. Smiling and seeing someone he would consider an equal, he welcomes him.
"Glad to have another warrior with us! Well whoever 'us' is! Dobin Cur, ex-guard and new to this adventuring business. Pleasure to meet you!"
Kwin nods in agreement with Jericho. "I've heard those rumors of gnolls as well. But I'm not too concerned; if we cannot handle a few motley gnolls, then we have no call to be heading into the wilderness.” He regards the drowsy Pappy with a critical eye. A wizard, eh? I must be wary that my fate is kinder…
Kwin nods to the warriors in greeting. "I am Kwin Avassar. I am a scholar from Kyonin, and a mage of modest ability."
The half-orc among you finally decides to speak. Parfin Groud is my name. Like you, I'm working for myself for the first time. Nice to know we can keep whatever we find for ourselves and not for some noble or merchant.
Parfin looks at each of you quickly as he continues. I've heard a thing or two about this place as well. Seems that a couple of levels underneath this Mouth of Doom place there is a long passage, supposedly miles long, that connects up with the main levels of Rappan Athuk. Maybe we can find a way in this way, if that's true.
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Slapping at his neck, a thin man in his mid years with already a head of grey hair, pulls back his hand and peers at it. You know, the bugs will only get bigger...
With that, he pulls out a cloth and cleans his hand before holding it out. You can call me Felix, I am looking forward to delving into these places. They sure do name them pleasant, Mouth of Doom. I suppose it keeps the children out. Well all except me, as a child that is, I would have went in and seen for myself. I suppose things haven't change much, since here I am.
He clears his throat nervously, and puts the large amount of equipment on a near by table, far to much for a small man as himself to be carrying. Rappan Athuk now there is a name, full of intrigue. Oh hey, I just read that there is a tomb that is supposed to hold a great priest, of course he is entombed behind seven seals. With that he pats his bulky bags. I bet I can figure out how to open it up, maybe some good would come of it.
Gratefully, Ysbel asks him what he would like to drink before he could continue his banter, of course she now bears the brunt of his verbal deluge, as he asks questions about what fermentation process was used in the local drinks and which seasoning in the food. I am allergic to paprika and ...
Seems all of us have heard bits about this Mouth of Doom. Maybe that could be our first expedition together? Parfin will ask the others. Unless anyone knows of something closer to the town here.
Jericho smiles at the halfling, "Ah, m'lady, if you're the healer, you will be my best friend!" He bows at her curtsey. Looking over to the half-orc, he seems surprised by his intelligence and chastises himself for judging a boon by its cover. "The Mouth of Doom, yes, sounds like a fine place for us to make our name."
"Well! Now that is settled, does anyone know how to get to this place? Maybe a map or guide could help?? And we will need provisions, I suppose. What else do we think we might need? As a group, perhaps we should pool our resources and pickup items which will make our exploring a little easier! After all, we are splitting the treasure evenly, right!?"
Ysbel does her best to answer Felix's questions, but doesn't really seem to be that knowledgeable about the craft of beer making. "If you'd like I can have Gumbel talk to you about your dietary requirements. He's our cook you see." Her eyes widen as Felix asks about the Mouth of Doom, "You're...you'd...I mean, you want to go there? All I know is that is south of town, fifteen miles maybe? Pappy might be able to tell you more, though he can be a heavy sleeper. One of the town guards, Bernhard, I think he's been there before." she gets a dreamy look in her eyes as she says the guards name.
Hmm, sounds like we'll need horses and such. Anyone sell or rent the beasts here?
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While looking over the various implements in his bags, Felix remembers something and gets a dour look on his face. Wasn't there a building with a "Necromantic" sign on the front door? The dead don't much bother me, but ones that get up and walk around while they should be laying still are unacceptable. More to the point individuals that empower them to do so are deplorable! What is that all about?
Ysbel address Parfin's question, "Oh, sure. Odo and Amelia own the stables next door as well. I'm pretty sure Odo's got a mule for sale, and maybe a few riding horses. The stablehands would know for sure."
Ysbel's face goes a little pale at Felix's mention of the necromancer. "Ulman" she says in a near whisper. "Ulman Dark. He's a strange, creepy man. I think the only reason Odo and the other tolerate him is because he's a pretty decent healer." She looks side to side, then leans in saying "They say Ulman brought Garamod back to life. Pharasma watch over us."
The other halfling watches Rose's approach, she nods "Greetings Rose, I'm Lilia. My story? I'm a sellsword dear. Well, sell-dagger maybe more accurate." You notice she wears two daggers on forearm sheaths, as well as a bandolier giving her quick access to six more. "Kinda between jobs at the moment, but I probably won't be hanging around Zelkor's Ferry much longer. There's a raft due in three days and when it leaves I plan to be on it. What's your story?"
Lilia looks over the assembled group again in the common room. "Looks like you are in good shape Rose. I've been in and out of Zelkor's Ferry and up and down the Coast Road too many times to count over the last two years. Keep your eyes open and that whip handy, lots of bandits out there. Wide-eyed adventurers make easy pickins." Sitting back in her chair, pushing her plate away, she continues "I'm sure I'll be back in a few months, you can bring me up to date on your adventures then." Lilia gives you a sly wink.
So, to the Mouth in the morning then? We should be able to secure mounts and such with the stable here. What say you?
Assuming that is the plan Parfin will purchase a mount and whatever gear might be needed. Seeing that I'm not knowledgeable about horses and tack and whatever a little guidance on the subject would be helpful.
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I agree with Parfin, we should get under way quickly. Might I offer a toast, "Fate favors the bold!" with that Felix swigs down a mouth full of what Ysbel had handy, immediately his face turns pale as beads appear on his forehead. Much to his and your surprise he manages to keep the liquid down. Well... That was... Surprisingly worse then it smelled.
Did you say horses, humm. I wonder what breed they have here. I have to say, I didn't even research that before I left. Must make note to not forget that in the future. He pulls a journal from his belt and begins to write something within, lost in his thoughts.
Dobin has be quietly watching the group form while drinking a very tasty ale they produce here at the Inn.
"Well I guess that is settled. Let us see if we can procure a map perhaps. You have a general provisioner here in town I take it?"he asks Ysbel.
Parfin, heads over to the stables to see what he can find out. One of the stablehands, a young man named Vort, regrets to inform you that while they do have riding horses on occasion at the present time they have none for sale. There are two mules that he'd be happy to part with though for 13 gp each (including bit and bridle).
"Ramus Pye's Trading Post." Ysbel nods at Dobin, a bright smile as she averts her gaze from his. "He'll buy and sell just about anything. He should be open for business by now."
Giving the girl a bright smile, Dobin heads out of the Inn and over to the Trading post.
"Good day to you sir. I am looking for a local map of the area. Some colleagues and I are wising to find a place called the Mouth of Doom, some 15 miles south of here. Do you have such a map?"
You are greeting by a ringing sound as a bell chimes above the door. The room is full of so many things that it’s hard at first to pick out any individual items. Then the odor of the place hits your nostrils: a combination of musty furs, drying herbs, oiled weapons, and other more exotic scents. A ruddy, red-haired man looks up from where he is working at a long wooden counter.
“Greetings! Welcome to Rasmus Pye’s Trading Post!” He puts down an oiled rag he was using to wipe a sword and rubs his hands with a cleaner cloth. Coming around the counter, he extends his hand to you for a friendly clasp. “Rasmus Pye I am, purveyor of the common and the fine. Whatever you’re heart’s desire, I know where to get it for you – within reason, of course,” he adds hastily. “So you’ve just come in, eh? A map, eh? No doubt in the area seeking for adventure. The Mouth of Doom, mmm. Well, when you need some supplies, you just be coming to Rasmus Pye and I’ll provide them to you at a fair price, yes indeed. Folks wonder how I can get so many things away out here, and it’s because I believe in doing right by people, and so they in turn do right by me." he shuffles a few things around, clearing a space, then opens a drawer in the table next to him taking out a blank sheet of paper. Grabbing the quill and ink next to his ledger, he dips it in a few times and begins sketching on the paper. "If you head southwest out of town staying out of the woods, until you come to the lower branch of the XXX river. Follow the river until you come to a ruined cottage. From the cottage head south into the hilly woods. As you clear the woods and head up the hill you'll find the Mouth of Doom. Plain as day. Probably a little over six miles, and the terrain is pretty clear besides the woods." He hands you the map. "When you come back, remember ol' Rasmus when you are ready to sell or resupply."
Dobin is very surprised to find such a well stocked shop this far into the wilderness.
"Quite impressive sir! I have rarely seen such a well stocked shop such as yours! I will be sure that the rest of our band knows of your fabulous shop and we purchase our equipment here. Thank you for the map, now what is your policy on the selling of items? What percent of the true value do you offer, and do you carry anything magical? Weapons, armor...whatever. I am sure we will also need potions and the like, or should we visit the local wizard for such?"
Kwin joins in the toast, and pats his pack. "And I've got a good bottle of wine here to toast again after our first successful foray!"
When the group splits up some for the evening, Kwin will seek out some of the guardsmen. "Gentlemen, I'm looking at some travelling tomorrow. I've heard some talk of gnolls raiding to the south. Has there been any more talk of them? Has anyone coming or going said that bandits or mauraders been a problem lately in these parts?"
"Wizard?" Rasmus laughs. "Good sir, I am a wizard. I make it my business to keep things well stocked, though magical items are a bit more rare for me to have in stock. At present, I have a pearl of power, though I suspect it would be of little use to you personally. In a pinch I could scribe out some arcane scrolls to sell you if you'd be interested. Pretty standard rates for buying, half price unless you bring me something really, really special."
"As for potions, you'd be bett..." he stops himself, "Ulman Dark has some healing potions, though the swamp root he uses in them can be toxic if you ingest too much. "
Heading over to the gate, Kwin makes some small talk with the two guards on duty. They are friendly enough and helpful. One of them, Bernhard, says "We turned away a group of goblins a few weeks ago, trying to breech the wall, little idiots. As for the gnolls, well, they are smarter. They know when they are outnumbered, so they've left us alone. I heard they came from a pack that lives in the Mouth of Doom, but I'm not sure we can ever really know that. Ya know? Travelling? You just got here and you're off again already? Following the Old Path to the Coast Road? "
Jericho joins his comrades in drinks. "To a prosperous and safe journey!" When the group splits up, he spends the night eating dinner and looking for any female "entertainment", if available. His gear is fully stocked and he double checks food and rations.
"Actually, some new friends and I are considering braving the Mouth of Doom. Foolhardy, I know. But the rewards may be worth it. And I am hoping some good may come of it; I am researching dark menaces like those that lurk there in hopes of helping fight them elsewhere."
He's a little hesitant, then asks "Would you be offended if I offered you the price of a few ales for your help?" If they don't balk, he'll give them a silver each.
"My pardon good sir! I was under the misconception that wizards did not work in such..umm..mundane jobs, no offense! This Ulman Dark...you do not seem too fond of him. Is there something we should know about? I would prefer to deal with an honest trader like yourself."
Jericho manages to have a fun-filled, but physically unsatisfying night drinking and flirting with Ysbel.
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Bernhard looks around as Kwin politely asks about giving them some coin and says, "Thank you sir, but no. Captain Skorma would have our hides if he even thought we were taking some kind of...a..well, you know, gifts. Tell you what though, when you come back from the Mouth fulla gold, we'll be happy to help you celebrate over in Bristleback's!"
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"Ulman Dark." Rasmus sighs. "You know, I should take up the potion brewing arts just to put that charlatan out of business. By the Layers, if I put some goblinwart flower in dirty rain water it would probably be more effective than some of what he sells. Cash up front, no real guarantee of success." Rasmus huffs in disgust. "Though he did raise that Bekyar lad from the dead last year, can't fake that I suppose. Couldn't do much for 'is leg, but would you rather be dead or have a missing leg?" Rasmus lifts his hands and shrugs.
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Earlier: Kwin, joins in with Jericho's toast, with a glance at the short-lived folks so willing to risk all. I can learn much from them...
Bernhard looks around as Kwin politely asks about giving them some coin and says, "Thank you sir, but no. Captain Skorma would have our hides if he even thought we were taking some kind of...a..well, you know, gifts. Tell you what though, when you come back from the Mouth fulla gold, we'll be happy to help you celebrate over in Bristleback's!"
"I thought that might be the case. Thank you kindly for the news, and I will be glad to buy the drinks if we make it back with a heap of gold!" With that, Kwin will shake hands with the guards, a shine of admiration in his eyes at the honest warriors employed by the small town.
"Sound like a unsavory sort. I will warn our group to stay away unless it is life or death. Thank you for all your help sir. I look forward to seeing you after our return from this Mouth of Doom. Now what do I owe you for the map? And don't say nothing, even if it is just a drink at the Inn! I pay my debts, and I find myself indebted to you good sir...for the map as well as the information! And good company is always worthwhile."
Lilia seems more than willing to drink, motioning Rose to join her. "I was part of a band of adventurers called The Topaz Arrow. Been with them, eight or ten months. Good coin hiring out as caravan guards, occasionally raiding bandit camps. The usual. Until Drusilla. Crazy old forest witch! She hires us out to 'clean out a spider nest.' She says it's gotten too big and it's upsetting the balance of the forest around her. We made our preparations, and went to clean out the nest. She told us it was a big nest, she didn't tell us there were forty giant black widow spiders in the nest! Too many of the fools with swords rushed into the lair not realizing how many spiders there were. Too few made it out. With most of my company dead and no pay for the botched job...I'm on a boat out of this hellhole." She pauses, taking a deep breath. She closes her eyes can clenches both hands into fists for a moment. She exhales, opening her eyes and fists. "Anyway, a short stay in Senghor or Bloodcove maybe and I'll be ready to come back. Looks like your friends are gearing up for some adventure."
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Rasmus smiles at Dobin, "Fair enough good sir. 5 silvers." Rasmus writes the transaction in his ledger.
"My thanks Rasmus. Wish us luck and a fat bag of loot for when we return!"
Dobin heads back to the Inn to show the party the map he has procured and have another cool ale before supper!
When Dobin shows the map to everyone, Kwin expresses great interest.
"May I?" he asks, holding out a hand for the map. After a moment of studying it, he pulls out a book from a waterproof bag, along with a small leather pouch. The pouch contains writing implements and ink, and he uses them to copy the map into the book. When he flips to a blank page to copy the map, the others can see that the initial pages contain very dense writing in a range of languages.
"Hmmm..yes, a map, that was a good idea, Dobin. Should make our life easier."
"I hope so. Like they say in the guard, 'the only easy day was yesterday'! From what I have been gathering, a tribe of gnolls lives in the area of the Mouth. Also, unless it is absolutely necessary, I would stay away from Ulman Dark, the Necromancer here in town. Rasmus has nothing good to say about the fellow."
Jericho grimaces, "Don't particularly care for gnolls. They're tall, tough, and smell horrible and attack in packs. At least from what I have heard. We have our work cut out for us."
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Umm, I was just thinking... he puts his finger to his chin and strikes a provocative pose If we take horses, who will watch them? We may be within this labyrinth for days if not at least many hours, or perhaps come out in a different location. I will be remise if my equine friend that I rented was to be eaten by said gnolls within the area or rode off by a bandit. Perhaps it would be best to travel on foot, I am not shy of walking.
At any rate, I need my beauty sleep before dancing with destiny. he picks up his gear and looks as if to buckle under its weight and then after a brief moment of steadying himself makes his way to his sleeping arrangements.
Parfin tells the party that riding horses are not available. Probably good we don't get any. With our luck they'd be stolen, or worse. Parfin will then just enjoy having something to eat and drink, mainly keeping quiet and listening to the other tell stories as the night passes away.
Huh, beauty sleep? Think I could use a bit of that? The half-ogre laughs at his own joke and then bids the others good night.
And so, on the 17th day of Kuthona 4713 AR a band of new friends set out from Zelkor's Ferry, striking out to make coin, and a name for themselves!
Following the map provided Rasmus and the river is quite straight forward, the plains leading to the river are fairly clear and easy to navigate. Once you pick up the river it is also easy to follow along the east bank.
Forwarded and on the watch for gnolls, you travel several miles along the river when Dobin and Jericho pick up fresh tracks of some gnolls. Judging by the tracks you'd estimate at least 4-6 of the hyena-men though they are trying to mingle their tracks to confuse their numbers. You are coming up on a more densely wooded section along the river after having been mostly in the open for the half mile.
I'm not smart enough to make sense of these here tracks. Any of ya have some idea as to what we might be in store for up in these woods? Parfin puts a hand on his earthbreaker as if expecting trouble to find the party. Who wants to lead us in there?
Parfin will have no issue with being on point but if someone else would rather take the lead he'll give way with no trouble, falling in behind them.