Betrayal of the Dragon Queen.

The Characters.

Hedrag – Fighter, XP 10, HP 19, Level 2.
Peran Freeshadow – Rogue, XP 8, HP 17 Level 1
Derowen – Ranger, XP 7, HP14 Level 1
Morwen – Magic User, XP 6, HP 15, Level 1

NPC’s

Theobald the Merchant.
Crusina the Elf Maiden.

The group are making their way to the city of Northgate. They have arrived late in the afternoon at Windrest, a small outpost some 10 miles west of Northgate. As they entered the outpost and old woman accused Theobald of stealing her pigs and both Crusina and he were take off by the outpost guard.

At Windrest outpost.

Random Verbs. Describe. Attempt. Travel.

Theobald and Crusina are led away by four of the guards, the old woman follows them shouting curses and expleatives at them. Morwen and the others remonstrates with the guard who spoke to Theobald.

Morwen makes a Cha check, (Cha 9). d20 roll = 4. Great Success.

“you know that it is impossible for Theobald to have stolen the womans pigs, he has only just arrived here. You have no reason to take them both away, let them go this minute”.

The guard smiles a toothless smile at Morwen, “Shut up girl or I will be taking you away instead. I know they did not steal the pigs but the old woman is a nuisance and its the only way to shut her up. Your friends will be free to go once the old woman thinks justice has been done. Get yourselves to the Broken Skull, your friends will soon be joining you there, have no fear”.

“Who did steal her pigs”? Morwen asks in reply.

“No idea, probably someone jealous of the fact the old woman has, well had, pigs”, the guard turns from Morwen, “I doubt we will ever know and I am not that interested, Skorn and wolves are causing bigger problems for us here”. With that he and the three other guards go back to the gate house.

The companions find their way to the Broken Skull tavern which is already quite lively with locals drinking after their days work. Securing rooms and stables for their horses the companions order food and drinks, securing a quiet corner from which they are able to rest and await the arrival of Theobald and Crusina. Its not long before darkness falls and their two friends along with the guard they spoke to enter the tavern and join the four cmpanions.

The guard downs an ale and wipes his toothless mouth, “well, the old woman seems content for now but she still wants recompense for her lost pigs. I doubt she will be happy when she finds we have let you go, best you leave early in the morning before folk are up and about. The old woman may seem harmless enough but she knows how to cause trouble”.

” But why did she accuse someone of theft when she new it could not possibly be them”? asks Morwen.

“I think someone describe me to her, made her believe that I was the thief but why, that I do not know”, replies Theobald.

Question. Does the guard have an idea why? d6 = 4 No, but…
Question. Does Crusina have an idea why? d6 = 5 No.
I get a new NPC from the Midland setting book. Roll d100 = 35. Kirkwood a male midlander.

“to get you away from the elf maiden”, a man of midland origin, unkempt with wild raven coloured hair and a long beard stands before them.

Crusina jumps up, “Kirkwood you old rascal, when did you get here”!

Kirkwoods tale.

The man bangs his empty tankard on the table, “fill me a cup and if you are willing I will tell you what I see and what I know”.

Theobald laughs, “Kirkwood, no one gives a flying snake about you’re prophecies, what you say you know is usually…”

Kirkwood cuts him off, “you will want to hear this one Theo my friend”.

Crusina puts her hand on Theobalds arm, “let him speak”.

“I got to Windrest just this morning, from the South. An army led by a dread Sorcerer marchers North. They say he is twisted and torn beyond all evil and with powers to summon those from the dead. He has spies and agents everywhere, they look for those who could thwart his ambitions…”

The guard cuts Kirkwood off “I have heard such rumours, rumours tho are all they are”.

“Not so my friend, this threat is real enough, I have seen him with my own eyes. He knows the Dragons speak to you Crusina, you are a threat to him”.

“The dragons once spoke to me but no longer”, Crusina looks to Morwen, “they try to reach us but all we hear is their pain”.

Kirkwood continues, “His march North is slow but relentless. What he aims to achieve with his army I know not but I know you are in danger Crusina,”.

The guard stops Kirkwood talking, “in danger she may be but not tonight, I will hear no more of this from you Kirkwood, lets talk of happier times eh”.

Day 5. To Northgate.

Weather. Much Wetter.

Staying overnight at the Broken Skull cost each of the companions 2sp.

When the companions come down in the early morning, Theobals and Crusina are waiting and all set to get on their way. Theobald still dismisses Kirkwoods story but all the same would rather get away from Windrest before people are out and about, he does not need a repeat of last night.

The party saddle up their horses and then move out. Its pouring with rain again. The gate guard has changed but they are not stopped as they leave. and taking the Eastward track to Northgate they all seem somewhat releaved to be on their way.

Question. Do they have an encounter on their way to Northgate. d6 = 3 Yes, but… (I decid the encounter takes place before they leave the outpost) d100 roll for village encounter = 56. Dog takes a liking to on of the party. 1=Theobalg. 2=Crusina, 3=Darowen, 4=Morwen, 5=Hedrag, 6=Peran. d6 roll = 5 Hedrag.

As they turn to travel northwards Hedrag notices he is being followed by an elderly street dog with a grey snout and one eye. Hedrag tries to send the dog back to the outpost but it steadfastly refuses to go. See he is wasting his breath, Hedrag offers the dog some food which it gladly takes.

“Looks like you have found yourself a companion” quips Peran.

“He seems determined to follow us, scruffy thing that it is” replies Hedrag.

(the dog is in fact a canny and ferocious fighter and will fight to protect its bipedal pack mates).

Around midday they arrive at the city of Northgate, all are cold, tired and wet through thanks to the rain.

Too be continued.