The Temple of Elemental Evil game thread

I forgot - Sanora is granted inspiration as she cares for those beneath her
Matthias is granted inspiration as he searches for thorough knowledge, which is not found in books alone.

You sit down amongst the common people, and feel more at home now, soaking in the environment. This large place is truly bright and cheerful. It contains several rough-hewn tables and chairs, boards, and benches. Natural tree trunk pillars support the ceiling overhead, all dark with smoke and age.
Poisoned by ale, the motley group talk freely, now distracted by your sudden interest in Hommlet. It's hard to determine how much is genuine fact or hearsay: You learn that there are many folk here of the Old Faith, and many who serve St. Cuthbert, who wields a club. "Brother Smyth" makes weaponry but is also an assistant to the druid of the grove, who lives in the wooded area of Hommlet. The banner of Hommlet shows a green field with two acorns above a sheaf of grain - suggesting which was normally the most prominent religion. There does not seem to be great conflict between the two and the faith of St. Cuthbert seems to have brought an added element of order to the town, including recruiting militiamen for the village's protection. Among the workforce there is a weaver, a tailor, a carter, a trading post, a moneychanger, potter, cabinet maker, and there are many farmers and herdsmen.

They complain about Rannos and Gremag at the trading post charging higher prices for their goods, but are glad that more are available. They also have men for hire should they be needed by an adventuring party such as your own.

They also sing the praises of Rufus the Fighter, and Burne the magic-user, who dwell in the guard tower to the east of the village. They have done much to protect Hommlet in the 3 years they have been here and even once slew a Green Dragon. Also, the village elder is known for being a little too secretive about local operations. "If ye hang around til' evening here, y'might meet some more interesting characters".

Anrin heads outside, and Elmo is gone. He must have really run to be clear from view. Johnny passes behind you to arrange for stabling, which only distracts you for a second, but then Elmo is there again. He only wandered around the side of the building.

"Hey. HEY. f'you heading out f'r adventures, an' need some muscle...ye jus' need t'lend me some arm'r. Chain arm'r and a BIG axe. An' a few coppers here'n'there for a pint o'mead a' the end of it. Wha- je- just find me, kay?"

Elmo does not appear to have taken anything, but is oblivious to your quick search. "Jus' down there...will be back in Welc...welcome wench later..."

It turns out that several things have changed recently, for better or worse, and the talk of the town has not yet subsided back to mundane things. "Canoness Y'dey, the chief cleric of the new church of St. Cuthbert, left unexpectedly and has not returned...now the place is not so inviting with Canon Terjon in place. He is stern as a rod and not a particularly friendly character..."

Jaroo Ashstaff, the Druid of the Grove, is a recent arrival. He is well liked but is often asking for alms to be given. The villagers are more uncomfortable about new faces appearing in town, including a carpenter and stonemason.

It seems they never really accept new arrivals no matter how long they have settled. The arrivals are partly to do with Hommlet having a castle built on the East side of town, the Tower being the only complete structure. Some villagers contribute half a day's labour every week, but it's mostly done by labourers in tents nearby, who they feel are disturbing their life here.


You hear further exploits of Rufus and Burne. They recently erected a village hall for feasts and councils, and they grumble along with their excitement, not being sure if the changes are good.

The poisonous dragon preyed in the Kron Hills to the West, the domain of a large gnomish population. It was said they gained considerable treasure from it. It was only one of their great successes, another being defeating a large bandit force which had plagued Verbobonc to the north, which brought gratitude here and led to the church being built.

I walk inside the tavern with a rushed image being adopted to my stumble into the bar but I quickly pick myself up and walk over to Sanora, Loudly and joyfully saying "I truely am sorry for my late bearing. I see yer making acquaintance of the townsfolk old friend." while approaching her. When i get to her i put my hand on her shoulder and say to our fellow patrons "This one always was a pistol, *pats shoulder strongly* i hope she isnt troubling ye fellas. how about a round of drinks, on me?!

"A friend? Haha, this woman guided me through the most challenging part of my life, 'friend' is grand understatement! I shake his hand firmly and put my focus back on Sanora.

"Hommlet's FAMOUS now. Cassle? Why NOT?"
"Don't wan't th' evil temple thinkin' we a target again. Not tha' there be much o' that place left now - sealed up'n'all it is".
"The lady Canoness Y'dey gone takin' a break from duties - s'battical. She'll be back".

Elmo stumbles home like he has a sprained ankle, but he is most likely just too drunk to walk. The day is still not up so perhaps he will return later.

The crowd are once again distracted by the new arrival. "Dwarfen one now too? This be startin' too look like ten years ago. Maybe this lot brought'n army?"

They laugh at their in-joke, and you recall news of the events ten years ago when the neighbouring nations brought an end to the hoard of elemental evil in a dramatic battle, sealing up the temple and even imprisoning a demoness of some sort.

Ostler makes some extra room on the bar now that Elmo is gone, he re-arranges some of the jars on the trestle, and you notice boiled eggs, cheeses, and hard biscuits. A serving girl carries mutton, hanging from pole in one hand, and trout stuffed with specially prepared mixtures dangling from a pole in her other hand. She takes them through the door to the cooking pot outside, and you anticipate that the smell of delicious meats will fill the village this evening. It seems that the regular visitors to the Wench are accustomed to finer foods than most.

He asks Darf for 36cp for the 9 pints he poured, and goes to the barrel, changing one out for another under the counter.

A few minutes later, Ostler declares: "Well, that's the last o' the Greyhawk suds! Back to the fineries of Veluna and Verbobonc, Nyrond and Keolund! Fresh arrivals from a fine southern merchant" With that, he places a larger board listing the new prices on food.

Meals
Breakfast, plain 5 cp
Breakfast, elaborate 2s
Dinner, plain 5 sp
Dinner, elaborate 1 ep
Dinner, 7 course 2 gp
Supper, plain 3 sp
Supper, elaborate 7 sp

Common Drink(per pint)
Ale 2 sp
Ale, special 1 ep
Beer, small 5 cp
Beer, heavy 1 sp
Mead 1 ep
Mead, special brew 15 sp

Wines(per pint)
Table, local 1 ep
Keoish golden 15 sp
Sundish lilac 5 ep
Urnst white 1 gp
Celene ruby 2 gp
Furyondian emerald pale 4 gp
Velunan fireamber 1 pp

Brandies(per gill)
Local 1 ep
Keoish 1 gp
Urnst(special aged) 3 gp

Liqueur
Ulek Elixir, 1/2 gill 5 gp

John notices a great black warhorse in stables. There may be powerful fighters here on expeditions or arms up for hire.

As Darf flicks a golden piece to Ostler, with a noticeable bravado in his motion, he says " That should take care o' me bidding for the night." He turns to matthias and says "At any rate i am quite eager to inquire about that dragons tale. I might as well join the company."

You estimate that it would be sensible to visit up to 3 locations before retiring, but more if you split the group. That would be enough time to return to the Wench for the evening's revelries or to get an early start for whatever adventures may be possible tomorrow.