Chapter 1: Into Haranshire

25th of Readying (Spring), 576 CY
It's been about two weeks since you responded to that note seeking "able bodied, adventurous types" for a "package delivery to the village of Thurmaster in Haranshire". You know the region and the pay sounded good, so you decided to investigate further. Your employer turned out to be a middle-aged, dark-haired and slightly portly wizard who introduced himself as Gordrenn, "purveyor of magical paraphernalia, material necessities and related items to many wizards of note" as he said, rather pompously. As for the job, he asked you to deliver a chest (some 12" x 18" x 18" box weighing about 20 lbs. including contents) of arcane spellcasting components to the wizard Tauster, who lives in the village of Thurmaster in Haranshire by the end of this month, the 28th of Readying.

In questioning him what's the cargo, or the rush, or the risks of the journey to warrant such pay, he assured you the way to Haranshire is rather safe and the goods are "nothing terribly expensive or important, but Tauster gets very huffy if I'm even a day late and all my usual couriers seem to be tied up in other activities". He also warned you the chest is magically sealed and tracked, so don't even think of stealing it, or opening it, for he will send all sorts of bad things after you. Once you reached an agreement, Gordrenn insisted on drawing up a formal contract that lays out the terms of your employment, witnessed at the nearest temple of The Lawmaker by one of the acolytes. As per the contract, Tauster will have to add his signature upon delivery of the chest and then the document can be turned in -there is no specific mention to whom exactly, but you assume another temple of The Lawmaker- in exchange for your reward, a total of 150 gold coins to be shared amongst you.

With no upfront payment, you couldn't afford horses, or even a river boat or barge upstream the Churnett river to take you to Haranshire, so you had to get there on foot, carrying the chest all the way. The journey so far has indeed been mostly uneventful and you've finally made it to Haranshire from the west, following the road which skirts the Lyrchwood. Thurmaster lies further to the east, but you're pretty sure you should make it to Milborne before nightfall, just in time to enjoy a proper meal and a night's rest on an actual bed.

The sun is descending and if your estimations are correct, the group should be a few hours away from reaching Milborne, because the road to the left seems to be opening up from the thicket of trees, so according to the map, you should be at the easternmost edge of the Lyrchwood. Furthermore, there's a bunch of farmers coming up from the opposite direction, clearly from somewhere around Milborne. They seem to be heading towards you at a steady, weary pace. As they draw closer, ready to pass with a wary nod, two arrows, followed quickly by another two, fly out from the woods and dig themselves into the ground just inches away ahead of the party's path!

Two of the farmers hold onto their instruments, a pitchfork and a staff respectively, that they were using as walking sticks, while the other two brandish weapons: one has a club and the other a sword. "Bandits!" they yell, and hurry forward to close ranks with your group in order to mount a joint defence. As they get near, two warriors come rushing from the woods armed with swords, having shouldered their longbows. To your surprise, the sword-wielding farmer points at Scarlet, saying "there, get that one!" as the "farmers" move out to attack you!

The two bowmen close in with their swords and try to flank Aldeera, but she deftly avoids one and the other's blow grazes off harmlessly against her armor.

Likewise, Almadel is able to dodge the apparent leader's blow as it didn't quite have the killer instinct behind it.

It's even easier for Umbar, who can tell these folks are not used to swinging their weapons at targets smaller than human size.

Caradoc isn't so lucky. In fact, luck seems to be on his attacker's side as the "farmer" manages to land a nasty blow with his club to the side of the cleric's head that rocks him, dropping him to the ground (-4hp, Caradoc is unconscious at 0 hp and bleeding).

Hanzel gets a prick from the pitchfork, enough to knock the wind out but not quite the decisive blow the "farmer" should have struck. It seems like he's intentionally holding back from an outright impalement.(-6hp, but half of that it subdual/non-lethal damage. Hanzel is now at 1hp).

Attacked from all sides, the party fight back but it's only Umbar who manages to land a solid hit with his footman's flail, knocking the wind out of his opponent (4 damage to Farmer B).

With Almadel having made a break for the woods and no one directly engaged with her in melee, Scarlet has enough space to maneuver sideways and point her spell against the entire front row of the attackers, catching all three "farmers" and their leaders in its area of effect. "Gah, my eyes!" cries out the leader in pain, as he squirms away for a moment. "Get the witch!". All around him, the frontline has collapsed and all three of his men drop to the ground (all three "farmers" are Unconscious for 8 rounds, the Leader is blinded for 4 rounds).

At their leader's command, the two swordsmen work together with one keeping Aldeera busy, so as to allow the other to disengage and move up to Scarlet. The distraction works, but no blow gets past Aldeera's defence, while Scarlet is quick to dodge a rather clumsy sword swing from the other bandit.

"My eyes! Witchcraft!" cries the leader of the bandits, before a well-aimed shot from Hanzel lands true. Stumbling around and swinging his sword in the air, the man ends up tripping over one of his unconscious comrades. (Leader is prone on the ground, "Farmer" A is awakened but prone).

The rest of the group rushes up to defend Scarlet, with Aldeera finding an opening in the melee to stab the bandit (2 damage to Bandit B). Although he tries to retaliate by striking her, it's just not possible with so many enemies surrounding him.

The other bandit, now no longer engaged with Aldeera, rushes to the aid of his leader and comrades, awakening another "farmer" up as he helps them get back on their feet (Farmers A and C are now conscious and spend their round to stand up).

With everyone rushing to Scarlet's aid as they gang up on the bandit, Aldeera lands another lucky blow that shocks her target enough for him to drop his defences just in time for Umbar's flail to smash into his skull with a sickening crunch. (Bandit B – Dead). Meanwile, Hanzel opts for a new target and less risk of friendly fire, sending another stone from his sling to smash at the other bowman (3 damage to Bandit A).

"Leave me, get them!" says the group's leader, directing his men as he's still stumbling to get up while blinded. It would be a comical sight, if this wasn't a deadly combat situation. The "farmer" with the club kneels down to shake his staff-wielding fellow awake from Scarlet's spell, while the one with the pitchfork charges straight through to Hanzel, knocking him down to the ground (3 normal and 2 subdual damage to Hanzel, who drops Unconscious and Bleeding).

The remaining swordsman lets out his best impression of a battlecry and joins the fray, swinging wildly at the group that felled his ally. His blows are wide and clumsy though, with the best one swinging a few inches away from Almadel.

Umbar swings his flail around like a madman (madgnome?) and although it doesn't land against anything that stops is momentum, it keeps the bandit occupied enough to avoid it that a combined attack from Aldeera and Almadel lands on the front and back of the bandit's chest, bringing him to his knees as blood gurgles up his throat (Bandit A - DEAD).

The remaining three "farmers" all charge up at the party, trying to take down as many targets as they can while forming a line of sorts and keeping their blinded leader at a safe distance from the fray. It is a desperate march, with no one really landing any proper blow, but at least they do manage to keep their leader out of melee while he's still vulnerable. Perhaps this could be the moment that the tide of battle turns in our heroes' favour?

Umbar's spell creates a blast of magical fire, forcing everyone to avert their eyes for a moment. There's screams and the unmistakable smell of something burning. Once the fire subsides, one of the "farmers" is laying on the ground, his flesh charred beyond recognition (5 damage to "Farmer" B – DEAD). The other two, while hurt, are still up but unarmed, having tossed their weapons aside in the heat. In fact, few yards from where the men stand, two sticks are still ablaze, what used to be a club and the handle of a pitchfork (2 damage to Farmer A and 5 to Farmer C. Their clothes made the save but their weapons did not, meaning they are now unarmed).

Realizing their predicament, the two remaining "farmers" are too far from where Caradoc or Hanzel fell to pick up their weapons instead and they clearly don't want to risk getting through armed enemies in order to pick up the swords of the fallen bowmen. As they cautiously retreat, their leader regains his vision and takes in the scenery. "Fight, you cowards!" he shouts to them, but it is already late. The two remaining "farmers" are already making a run for it and he has to concede defeat as he makes a run for it too.

Caradoc and Hanzel are brought back to consciousness, but it's pretty clear they won't be able to do much more than walk the rest of the way to Milborne. Even then, it'll take a while before they're back in fighting shape.A quick investigation of the bandits' bodies reveals little treasure and no insignia or tattoos to identify them as anything more than run of the mill highwaymen.
XP: 186 (31 each, further adjusted by any individual XP bonus modifiers)
2 longswords
2 longbows
10 Arrows, Sheaf
Quarterstaff
5gp, 18sp
The remainder of the journey, just a couple of hours as the sun sets and the twin moons rise in the sky, is blissfully uneventful. Milborne is a rather loosely populated community, as most of its residents live in the farmsteads that surround the town on both sides of the river, while the miners live in work camps just outside the mines and every so often bring their ores into town to sell them. As such, it takes a while to get past all the farms and to the actual heart of the town.

Those of you familiar with Milborne know (and if not, asking any passer by will inform you) that The Silver Crown is not really an option. Even if you were willing to overlook its shadier reputation, it's just a drinking den that offers no accommodation, so the only real option to spend the night in is the Baron of Mutton. Built out of solid wood from the nearby forests, this establishment is a bit rustic but after several days on the road and sleeping on bedrolls around a campfire, it's a welcome upgrade. Upon entering, you find yourselves in a large common room dominated by a large bar with stools in front, while several tables fill the remaining space, some with long benches and some with chairs. The clientele is clearly working class, mostly barge workers moored on the river outside, maybe the occasional merchant passing through and spending the night here. A young man, well built with a short black beard, is behind the bar working the taps. Not far from where he's located, you spot the thick guestbook, so he's likely the one to talk to if you want a room. In one of the tables, an identical copy of the barman is leaning over the table and talking to an attractive young woman with long black hair, sporting a rich blue cloak in the pattern of a starry night sky. You would assume he's the one waiting the tables, so if you were to take a table he'd come to take your order for drinks and food. Assuming he will notice, because he looks to be deep in conversation with her.

"There's options, depending on coin and comfort" the barkeep answers Aldeera with a smile. "Three silvers gets you a bunk in the common room, no liability for missing items or teeth. Pint of ale in the morning, bit o' bread... Washing's free on the trough outside. Or, if you want one of the two guest rooms, that's a fiver of silver per person. They each got five beds, but I guess we could squeeze in a little extra for your gnome friend there by the fireplace. Price includes a bread roll for breakfast, straight out the oven, with some cured bacon and maybe an egg. You get a lock for the room and we might be able to get up some hot water for a lil' extra. Some of them folks you walked in with look like they could really use it. I'm Barthelew, by the way. My brother Andren's over there, he'll drop by to sort you out for drinks and dinner. Oi, Andren!"

At his brother's call, Andren pauses his conversation with the woman, turns his head and notices the new faces at the inn. With a few deft strides, he dodges the clientele and moving through the tables, gets by the fireplace. "Hello there, welcome to the Baron of Mutton. What can I getcha, beer, ale, Redwood wine? We got mutton to spare if you want a proper meal, with taters, veg and gravy, or just a bit of stew if you're down on coin."

The order placed, Aldeera returns to the table while Andren is off to fetch the drinks. You have but a moment of respite to yourselves before the dark haired woman Andren was talking to stands up and walks towards your table. Seeing her better from up close now, her fancy blue cloak, held by an elaborate silver clasp around her neck, adds a deceptive gravitas to her appearance. Everything about her stature, facial features and the way she acts tell you she's but a young girl, maybe in her late teens but certainly under her twentieth birthday.

"Hello there!" she says cheerfully to the group. "Sorry to bother you before you could even have a drink, but I couldn't help myself. I'm Jelenneth, apprentice to the wizard Tauster, pleasure to make your acquaintance. You look rather unusual for Milborne. Uh, I don't mean that in a bad way, I mean, exotic, adventuring types! I would hear any stories you'd be willing to share with me, especially if they involve magic." That last bit she says with some smiling hesitation, as if sorry to burden you with something she's fascinated with.

Much like Aldeera, Jelenneth flashes a smile once she picks up on the illusion.
"Oh wow! You don't look like the wizardly type, but I've heard gnomes are naturals with illusion magic. Well done, sir. Yes, I am indeed an apprentice of Tauster, I reckon he'll be in his tower in Thurmaster. Doesn't travel much anyway, and if he knows you're coming, he'll be expecting you there, I suppose. Lot of the outdoors stuff's usually done by me now that I'm training under him, though I'm actually here on a break to see my parents. Dad runs the mill, you see, and my mom does some baking. Best pies you'll ever taste in Haranshire, and I'm not just saying that 'cause she's my mom. She even sells some bread rolls to this place for guest breakfast plates, fresh out the oven every morning!"

As Jelenneth speaks, Andren returns to the table with half a dozen pints of beer, which he lays on the table.
"Aye, Baron o' Mutton's got the best breakfast you'll get in any establishment all over Haranshire. We may not be a fancy part of the realm, but we know hospitality. I'll be back in a pinch with your dinners, anything else you need let me know, yeah?"

Although he's addressing you, the lad is clearly all smiles and side glances at Jelenneth. She too looks fondly at him as he puts the glasses down, but it's clear her attention is split between him and your interesting presence.

"So, uh" she asks your group "Can I ask what your business with Tauster is, or is it strictly between him and you? I mean, I'm curious, but I'll understand if you don't wanna share."

Moments later, Andren returns with plates of roast mutton, potatoes, carrots and parsnips, all topped with rich gravy. It's a filling meal that hits just right after eating packed rations for days, so between that and the beer, the night carries on merrily until it's time to retire to your room. It's nothing fancy, but it's got no strangers sleeping in with you, plus you get keys to the door and window locks, so that takes care of safety and privacy. Two sets of human sized bunk beds provide the lodging, with a single bed for whoever will have it; with Scarlet's departure, you're down to a five person group, perfectly fitting the five bed setup of the inn, which spares you from needing any extra arrangements and making the room any more cramped.

26th of Readying (Spring), 576 CY
The next morning, you awaken refreshed after a good night's sleep in an actual, proper bed. When you make your way downstairs to the common room, Andren is yet again slow to notice and serve you, but this time not due to him being in a conversation with Jelenneth. In fact, he seems to be caught up in a somewhat intense conversation with two older men. One is a middle aged man, ruddy-cheeked and barrel-chested, with floury side-whiskers showing the same gray that flecks his thinning hair. The other is an equally well built man, although clearly struck down with age. The few hair on his head is white and he seems to struggle hearing what's being said. You're pretty sure you saw the older man hanging out in this room last night, the other seems to be new. Whatever the case may be, Andren's twin brother, Barthelew, does eventually notice you and runs into the kitchen, returning to your table with a platter of steaming hot bread rolls, a small bowl of hard boiled eggs and sizzled bacon bits, a pitcher of milk, another with some sort of herbal tea brew and some cups. "Apologies for the delay, hope you had a good night's sleep. Enjoy your breakfast!"

"Jelenneth, yeah" Barthelew answers Devon. "I don't know about the motivation part, but I suppose her dad would be the one to talk to about that. Anyhows, enjoy your breakfast!" With that, the young man walks away from your table.

"That I am" the man says cheerfully, sizing up Hanzel. "Wasn't aware my daughter's whereabouts were the talk of Milborne already, but I suppose rumor travels fast, eh? Ol' Dirkaster here tells me she slept over in the staff room with him and his boys, so I figure she crept out before dawn to go gather her alchemist herbs or something. She's a wizard's apprentice, you see, me and her mom are pretty proud of her. Sometimes she's off doing odd things like that as part of her training. Wouldn't be the first time she's done it either, bet she'll be back home before nightfall."

"And I'm telling you something happened to her!" Andren protests. "She's left her bag of magical trinkets under the guest bed. I don't know much about wizardry, but I know she never goes anywhere without it!"

"Now now, lad. I know you're fond of her, but there's no reason to raise the alarm on the drop of a pin. I want her back home as well, but show a bit o' faith in her first. She's a proper spellcaster now, and well past her sixteenth birthday, such as yourself and Barthelew. If you two boys are old enough to run the Baron, she's old enough to take care of herself."

"Please sir," says Andren, addressing Hanzel, "think I heard your group mention last night you have business with her mentor, Tauster, yes? If you're headed his way, will you please be on the lookout for her? Maybe he knows where she went. And if not, maybe let him know she's missing? Maybe he can use some spell to magically trace her, or..."

After saying your goodbyes and promising to be on the lookout for Jelenneth, you set off east along the bank of the Churnett river towards Thurmaster. Besides a few run-ins with farmers or miners, none of which have seen Jelenneth, the travel is uneventful. There's a light breeze and a few clouds, which protect you from the full blast of the sun and even make this stroll somewhat pleasant, at least until your back and legs start to protest. As the sun goes down and you begin to seek a suitable place to camp for the night, in the general area between the Thornwood and the Hardlow Woods, halfway from Milborne to Thurmaster, you can't shake the feeling that something, or someone, is observing you from a distance, maybe behind the trees and bushes off the edge of the trail path. Cautious, you settle down for the night and arrange lookout shifts, but whatever has been keeping tabs on you does not make its presence known.

27th of Readying (Spring), 576 CY
The next morning, the sky is clear but the temperature has dropped. You're all too keen to get going and warm up your limbs; even better, that sensation of being watched is gone once you're back on more open territory that gives any stalkers a lot less cover to observe you from. Once again, the journey is uneventful, even during that bit where the Churnett river goes through the Redwood and turns south towards Thurmaster.

Thurmaster itself is a walled village, which you reach as the sun is halfway down on its course. Approaching, you see a great many abandoned houses, now falling into ruin, lying outside the rickety wooden walls surrounding the village. Two bored looking militiamen man the gate and give you a casual look as you approach, but obviously decide you're no troublemakers worth questioning and they just let you in. You're in town a day before your delivery deadline expires, so you could head for the inn and handle the package the next morning if you'd like, or you could make a beeline for the southern edge of the village, where a two-storey tower attached next to a house makes it abundantly clear that's the "wizard's tower" you're supposed to deliver the goods at. Those aside, the only other points of interest in the village are the general store of Thurmaster and the house of Squire Marlen, the local representative of Count Parlfray.