LPDnD: The Trinal Chronicles: Episode 1

[Blackferne]

Having left the party behind at the forge you beginning walking down a road at night with your pack headed east. It is nighttime, probably close to midnight. If your memory serves correctly this road seems to be headed to Koenig Lane. It is slightly cloudy so you do not get a full view of the stars and the moon is a waxing crescent. You figure you probably have maybe four hours to walk before you need to rest. The journey to Belholt is about 55 miles from here.

[Jimer Lins]

That's at least five days walking unless I really push it, which I don't intend to. Since I slept for much of the day I'm probably fairly well rested, but I'm going to look for a place to rest before dawn, to try to get my internal clock back onto a daytime cycle. I'm going to be being fairly quiet and staying on or near the road. I'll also keep an eye out for places to refill my waterskin. Gotta stay hydrated.

I'm in no rush, so I'll just make it a relaxing stroll. If, once I get to Koenig Lane there's any traffic going my way I'll try to hitch a ride. If not, I got boots for a reason.

[Blackferne]

You walk for about three hours until you stumble across a small stream coming out of the hills and parallel to the road. A perfect spot to fill up the waterskins.

[Jimer Lins]

Done and done. Also probably a good place to camp. I'll scout off the road for a nice clearing or something, and get some rest.

[Blackferne]

Done and done. Also probably a good place to camp. I'll scout off the road for a nice clearing or something, and get some rest.

Perception check or nature will do. DC 5 and you will find a place suitable for sleeping the rest of the night.

[Jimer Lins]

Nature check:

d20: 12+0
Total: 12

Trinal will eat something from his rations and get some rest. He doesn't start a fire or anything, and makes sure he's at least somewhat concealed while he gets some rest.

[Blackferne]

You find a nice wall of trees off the road. You can set up a small camp there. If rain were to breakout there is enough leaves to keep you mostly dry, and you position allows you to spy on the road as necessary. You nibble on some dried honey oat bread. It is filling.

[Jimer Lins]

Nom nom nom. Zzzz. When daylight rolls around I'll move on.

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[Blackferne]

You wake around 10am to the sight of two squirrels staring at you. It is a bit unsettling. You pack up your sack, take a few swigs of water and nibble on the bread before heading out. As you approach the intersection with Koenig Lane you hear two people talking

"I didn't say that. I said he probably cheated on his wife. There is no way we could have known. Regardless you have to admit there was something going on." A gnome said his hand gripping his purple courderoy coat.

"I'll concede something sketchy was going on, BUT that doesn't excuse your poor manners on the subject." a young adult elf with brown hair in a short ponytail jokingly scolded him. She is wearing a forrest green tunic and pants with yellow embroidery. She has a polearm strapped to her back.

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[Jimer Lins]

Trinal makes no attempt to hide himself, or particularly to call attention to himself either. His dagger remains sheathed and he's using his staff as a walking stick, so as not to appear threatening.

When they notice him, he will sketch a bow to both and greet them.

"Good morning, friends. A lovely day for being on the road, is it not?"

[Blackferne]

The pair stop. The gnome looks at you in a puzzled facial expression and speaks.

"What do you mean? Do you wish me a good morning, or mean that it is a good morning whether I want it or..." he said in an tone fit for one of your instructors during your training. He is interrupted much to his surprise or annoyance by the woman.

"Stop it. He isn't one of your students." She chides him with a giggle. She turns to you. "Hello traveler! My name is Victae Meneldur."

The gnome changing tones from interrogating and slightly suspicious becomes energetic and outgoing.

"And I am Professor DK Gladdenstone. I have taught at Rhalbren, and have written several highly regarded books though I doubt you've read them. Not being rude, they are just very niche. Anyway you may call me Professor." He says. His tone is somewhere between joy and absentminded.

Victae asks "Care to share the road a ways? We are on our way to Belholt."

[Jimer Lins]

"That would be excellent, thank you. Companionship is always welcome when traveling. I am Trinal Katorm. What takes you to Belholt?" Trinal asks as they set out.

Do I recognize "Rhalbren" or his name?

[Blackferne]

"That would be excellent, thank you. Companionship is always welcome when traveling. I am Trinal Katorm. What takes you to Belholt?" Trinal asks as they set out.

Do I recognize "Rhalbren" or his name?

Rhalbren is one of like two "universities" in the world. Imagine the University of Bologna in like 1100AD ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Bologna ). Given your background you probably have heard of it, but meeting someone from there is very unlikely. Meeting someone who taught there is even more unlikely. As for him in specific it is extremely unlikely. Make a history check DC 30 (20 would get it) to recognize his name in specific.

"Oh a little bit of this and a little bit of that. We have some business relating to my area of expertise at the request of the local magistrates or whomever." the Professor says in what seems to be three thoughts in his head at any given time.

"Since the Professor here is on 'leave'" She makes air quotes "He thought it would be a good chance to set about the countryside for research, and freelance work." Victae says walking by your side.

"Don't think I didn't catch what you did there Victae. You won't get any cobbler tonight. The apples are mine. You forfeit them with your 'clarifications'." the Professor does air quotes. "And I'll have you know that I'll be back there. They'll see."

She simply laughs at him.

[Jimer Lins]

Trinal smiles at their byplay. He looks at the Professor and says respectfully "As a student of history, I know a bit about Rahlbren, but I never expected I would meet someone from there, let alone anyone who taught there. I am honored to meet you, Professor."

He also smiles at the young lady and says "It seems there is a tale to be had regarding your.. sabbatical", omitting air quotes, but raising his eyebrows meaningfully at the same point. "I am actually going to Belholt for a bit of research myself. I've also been lately there and can introduce you to at least a few of the locals."

[Blackferne]

"I see through your ruse of flattery young one. Still you are right there is a bit of a tale. It is a bit much to get into with a stranger, but to oversimplify let me say this. The plight of a deer being hunted by a wolf is mere child's play compared to the savagery of academia. Perhaps later after I get to know you better, or you ply me with wine, I might expound on that." The Professor says.

Victae asks "What kind of research are you looking to do Trinal? Perhaps the Professor might know."

[Jimer Lins]

Trinal laughs at the Professor's words about plying him with wine. "Well said, sir! And it would be my pleasure to ply you with wine in exchange for your tale someday."

His laugh trailing off, his face becomes more serious as he recalls the events of a short while ago. "Actually, I'm returning from an errand, where I learned that perhaps not all was what I thought it was going in. I had planned to visit the man who sent us-" here he looks a bit uncomfortable, but soldiers on "- and ask him to look at some of his books on history. However, since you're here and seemingly disposed to conversation, perhaps you might know. "

He looks at them both seriously. "I would ask that you be discreet about this, because I have some misgivings, although I cannot say for certain why. During the course of this errand, I came across a certain mark- a skull surrounded by blood droplets. It was both stamped into certain metal items, and in some cases tattooed on some individuals. I know I've seen it before, and something tells me it's religious in nature, but that's merely a gut feeling. I cannot recall anything specific, and I'm very annoyed by that fact. Does that symbol mean anything to you?"

[Blackferne]

Professor history check 1d20+9= 15+9=24

"Victae would you draw a skull in the dirt here and put I dunno maybe 8 drops around it?" The professor's brow furrows. Victae takes her polearm and like holding a large paintbrush manages to draw in the dusty road a skull without a lower jaw and put 8 drop shapes around it. She is quite the artist. "Was this the symbol you saw? Or something similar?"

You nod.

The Professor stares at it for a moment and then starts shuffling his feet over the drawing effectively erasing it.

"That's not good. The symbol is a cultist symbol for Ninlil, Merodach, Isimud, or as he is most commonly known Bha'al. As far as the clerics say, he died in the Time of Troubles to the sword godsbane. That doesn't stop nutjobs thinking they can bring him back. That's all I can remember off the top of my head. And you say you saw these as tattoos?"

[Jimer Lins]

"Yes. We-" Trinal looks uncomfortable again, but goes on. "I had a falling out with my companions, but prior to that we were on an errand to liberate some stolen goods that were being re-marked and to destroy the forge being used for it. We... well, let's just say that things got a bit heated. We found that mark-" He gestures at the scuffed-up dirt "-on some of the goods, as well as on the chests of some of the... staff. They were in no condition to answer questions about it."

He looks thoughtful.

"There was a creature that I had not seen before also." He describes it. "Then things got a bit ugly with my erstwhile companions and I decided to take my leave. However, now I'm a bit worried about this, because there was a mine that the thing came from. Was this Bha'al of any particular import to dwarves or in some way connected with underground locations?"

[Jimer Lins]

Trinal suddenly recalls something else the Professor said.

"Also, Professor, you mentioned business for the local magistrate. Did you mean the Sheriff of Belholt?"

[Blackferne]

"That creature sounds like a cavern choker. Nasty business if you aren't careful. I've heard of them hanging around cave dweller types living off scraps and stealing shiny bits here and there. Some even say they enter into 'arrangements' like guard dogs." Victae offers as she straps her polearm to her back and resumes walking.

"You'd no better than I, on that front. As for Bha'al, dwarves back in the day didn't have an particular allegiance to him as a deity. No, I'm afraid Bha'al was chiefly known for dark and malicious matters. The God of Murder was one of his monikers, but he is also said to have his hands in matters of death, retribution, and destruction. He was without a doubt evil. Some even say, though records are sketchy, that he was a mortal who acquired power of a god among an ambitious triumvirate to say the least. Though he had dominion over death, it is important to distinguish him from the Raven Queen (praise be upon her) as she is merely an inevitable shepherd to the afterlife, not evil nor good, but simply is. Bha'al if my memory serves was more about use of death for personal ambition. If you wanted your uncle's farm, maybe you poison his drink after he fixes his will to leave it to you for example." the professor rattles off clearly showing his educational and lecturing skills. He pauses for a second lost in his own head. "You asked something else....Oh no, not the sheriff, but a Baron Kiersten Powell or something."

"Baron Thurston Howell. You better get his name right, lest we not get invited for dinner. You know how I love fancy foods." Victae corrects him.

[Jimer Lins]

"That might explain its presence. It did say something about shiny things," Trinal muses. "Several days ago I went on a patrol with the sheriff, who took me by the Baron's estate and told me a bit of the local history. It seems the Baron's grandfather was very interested in clocks..." Trinal relates the rest of the story as he heard it from the Sheriff on their rounds.

He's obviously very interested and maybe a bit concerned about the information relating to Bha'al.

[Blackferne]

The day wanders on with brief stops for lunch and tea. You manage to get to Howell's Highway a better travelled highway running east and west. It is the road to Belholt. The Professor tells you stories of long ago kings and their exploits. There was the king who marched his armies into another country to aid an ally, but ended up dying on a march one day effectively stranding his army until a third ally negotiated it's release, though not without peculiar concessions. There were other stories, like a priest who was thrown out of a window because a monarch he visited was offended by his incense smell. The defenestration kicked off a large war between 7 kingdoms.

It is nearing evening.

[Jimer Lins]

Trinal suggests we find a place to camp, and begins keeping an eye out for such a place.

[Blackferne]

The three of you find a nice little spot not far off the road. It has a rock ring fire pit that has seen use over the years. A common stop for travelers you'd imagine.
Victae pulls a light tarp out of her pack and makes a small tent. The Professor pulls a small hammock out of his pack and strings it up between two trees.

A fire is made and the Professor is chopping up some apples and making what appears to be a cobbler.

"So what do your parents think of you wandering about like this?" Victae asks. "I know not all parents are fond of wandering children."

[Jimer Lins]

"Well, they miss me on the farm, of course." Trinal grins widely. "But the fact that I send most of my earnings home helps lessen that sting some."

Trinal works on a basic lean-to while he talks. (Nature check: d20+0, result 11). "My powers manifested themselves when I was younger and I realized I could see more of the world than a farm and the woods. I visit as often as I can and while they'd be happier having me home, they understand my desire to see the world."

Standing up, he surveys his work and grunts. "Not pretty but it'll keep the rain off, I think. I learned that lesson a few days ago." He looks at Victae. "And yourself? Did you also teach?"