An Old Family Secret

"That is a good idea, sir! Tell us Blacksmith, what is the report?"

Tuq is unused to the formalities of nobility. "Hiya, Chief! I am Kayatuq of the Amarok. You have many brave men in this village - the local guards and these common folks."

Tuq tells the Duke of the battle at the fort, the squire's counter-charge against the seige, their journey to the Gin mill and finding Wella. In the way of the Amarok, Tuq barely mentions himself and highlights the great deeds of others.

"Arris is fallen in flame and ashes. The Prince hold Tyne still, but uner siege. I am to raise an army to break it."

"There is nought much of import to relate, m'lord. You have certainly been told of the attack on the town and fort. After that, a short walk took us to a small infestation of goblin filth at the mill. We cleaned it handily, freeed their captives, and returned in haste. "

"You've proven yourselves in the counrtyside. I need to get messages to the towns. Time is running out for the prince. You'll leave at first light. Be careful of the towers. They're involved somehow."

"Sure, we could help run messages, but I am confused.... what does all of this have to do with burning down the town library and imprisoning the local guards?"

The Duke nearly cracks a smile.  "The... Library... You'll be out there so you've a right to know."  He leads you to a table with a map and what look like game pieces all over it.

Pointing to a black rook in a town, "There are other towers in several of our towns, all libraries: ancient architecture of Gnomish origin. The creatures have only turned up near them."

"The Squire has some... unfortunate misconceptions, but he's a good soldier. His uncle is the librarian. He believes he is protecting his uncle from an unfair investigation. Were I a younger man I'd route him out of the 'library', fire it, and put him in stocks.  But perhaps he'll uncover something in there.  No doubt he is searching the place to rule out a threat."

"I love Gnomish architecture! It has always fascinated me since I was a pup. Did you know they use a spiral pattern of brick laying? It allows their towers to appear to lean, some as much as 18 degrees. They aren't just old crumbling towers, they tilt by design."

Tuq can barely contain his excitement, "Can we examine the tower before we leave? Maybe the towers themselves hold some clue as to why the goblins are interested in them!"

"Hmmm..." The Duke seems to consider a new thought. "I don't think the squire will let you in for fear of my interference. But when you've delivered this message to Lastwater, the Librarian there may entertain your curiosity. They won't have many soldiers to send, but we need to rule out their tower as a threat."/

Tuq fidgets like a child that needs to pee, "Sure!  that sounds great.... I can't believe I didn't recognize the Library tower as Gnomish earlier.... Uncle Alitokok will be so thrilled to hear about them!"

Tuq doesn't wait for the Duke's leave, but rushes outside.  Tuq heads towards the Library tower to look at the outside, jabbering about the leaning towers and spiral brickwork.

The Duke's quartermaster will supply you with 1 step better quality of any armor or simple or martial weapon you have. (i.e. from studded leather to chain shirt). You can also equip with any normal gear.

Report to StarWars. This adventure to Lastwater will begin after that. Our Newcomer can make a level 3 character between now and then.

Does that mean we get our original weapons returned? Chef isn't going anywhere without his curved blade, or his cutlery set. Favored weapon, sentimental reasons et al.

Robyo wrote:Does that mean we get our original weapons returned? Chef isn't going anywhere without his curved blade, or his cutlery set. Favored weapon, sentimental reasons et al.

It is all returned to you.

Looking forward to the next installment.

Me too - fun game so far

Chris wrote:Me too - fun game so far

This!!

I'll wait to do any updates until next time Alan.

Definitely had fun with it, great run for a first time forum game!