Return of the Runelords, Book 1: Secrets of Roderic's Cove [IC]

[Blackhawk101]

“Who is this Kolton and how would the have information on Goblin activities?”Alandra asks the gathering.

[lostsole31]

"Even smaller towns have their unfortunates, transients, and vagabonds," laments Bořek. "Kolton is one such person. He's surprisingly charming, but a destitute wanderer all the same. It makes sense that in getting away from populated areas of town, he would find himself seeing those doing things away from more settled eyes."

[Blackhawk101]

“He sounds like a good person to visit for information. Let’s stop and see him on our way out to where the caravan was ambushed.”

Alandra turns to the two Dwarves, “Try not to worry. We WILL bring your people back to you!”


To the party she says, “All in agreement?”

[lostsole31]

The party agrees and heads outside. It actually takes only 1-1/2 hours of asking around before the party finds Kolton, mainly because Kolton was seeking the heroes as well.

"H-hey, guys," says Kolton nervously with a high voice. "I-I hear you have been trying to keep the town safe. So, some dwarves got captured by goblins ... I don't know if you've been to the armory or not, but the survivors of the attack are there. Yeah, I know how easy it can be to get lost in this region. I know better than most that monsters lurk in the Churlwood and prey upon those who travail the Chavali River. Hey, you in town a few weeks ago when there was that big fight and all? Anyway, you gonna help the dwarves?"

[Blackhawk101]

Alandra smiles at the vagrant tolerantly.“You must be Kolton! We have met the dwarves and agreed to help them recover their abducted comrades!””Dear, Could you lead us to the location where the wagon was attacked since you know that area well?”

[lostsole31]

Kolton blanches. "Not for love or money will I go back there, but I can tell you where it is," and he tells you how to get there.

[Blackhawk101]

“Well thank you for your help citizen!” Alandra exclaims.

She suggests to the group that we might get some rations, water and camping supplies just in case we get stuck out in the woods overnight.

[lostsole31]

Bořek then leads the party to Conrel's General Store, and she gives her own bit of gossip. Since its original owner (a robustly rotund man named Conrel) passed away, Varna Rigsten (female human) has been running the town’s expansive general store. In addition to typical sundries, Varna also supplies animal feed. Recently, she’s become concerned with reports from her teamsters that goblins in the nearby Churlwood have been growing bolder and have been spotted at the edge of the woods, hurling taunts, insults, and the occasional bit of rotten food.

Alandra, what and how much of what do you wish to purchase?

[Blackhawk101]

Alandra recites her shopping list: “Trail rations 5 days, lantern and oil flask, flint and steel, warm weather-proof cloak or poncho, and bed roll.”
“How does that sound? I am not really much for outdoor activities but I am all in for the cause!”

[lostsole31]

The shopkeep asks some amplifying information ... "What type of lantern? Basic hooded? Also, I see you have a cloak, do you want a traveling outfit rather than just a peasant dress?"

[Blackhawk101]

Alandra puts a finger to her perfect lips thoughtfully before replying.
“A traveling outfit sounds perfect! Do you have anything in red!”

She makes a dismissive gesture with her hand and laughs.
“I can use magic if I need light! How silly of me. I won’t need a lantern.”
”Just the other items please.”

[lostsole31]

"If'n you ain't gettin' a lantern, do you still want a flask of oil?" asks Varna.

[Blackhawk101]

Alandra shrugs. “Sure. Could come in handy!”

[lostsole31]

Alandra purchases the following for 47 silver:
5 days trail rations (25 sp)
1 flask oil (1 sp)
flint & steel (10 sp)
traveler's outfit (10 sp)
bedroll (1 sp)

There are no "fitting rooms" so she can't change over right now in her clothing.

Feiya, in her creepy way, asks, "Do you have what you need to carry fresh water?"

[Blackhawk101]

“Oh! Feiya, you startled me! Try not to sneak up on me dear.”
The beautiful woman pats the canteen on her belt in answer to the witch’s questions.
“All set!”

[lostsole31]

Feiya herself had purchased some food and a bedroll, but nobody else purchased anything.

Where to now?

[Blackhawk101]

“If everyone is agreed, let’s make haste East along the Churlwood road to find the site where the caravan was attacked. From there, maybe we can track the missing dwarves and their Goblin captors!”

[lostsole31]

Roderic’s Cove sits on the northern bank of the Chavali River, and the Churlwood borders the river’s southern bank. The Chavali averages a thousand feet wide in this area, so swimming across is not the best option. The PCs can charter a boat to ferry them across the river to the Churlwood at a cost of 2 gp for a one-way trip, or they could walk about a mile up the Chavali River to a spot where a bridge has been started and a Cove resident ferries people across for just a few coppers.

Which way do you suggest?

[Blackhawk101]

As time is of the essence, Alandra suggests spending the gold for the more expedient boat ride. She does try to sweet talk the captain for a reduced fare due to the dwarfatarian nature of their mission.

[lostsole31]

Alandra finds that no matter how golden a tongue, this is not a land of hagglers, and the party is charged 16 gold ... which can come out of party treasure. The boat is chartered and they are dropped off on the other side. Now what?

[Blackhawk101]

Well you can’t blame a girl for trying.
Alandra will gather the group and head East on the road with Borek in the lead.

Spoiler: crunch

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For my benefit:* Psychosomatic Surge: Feiya, Ranghen, Rodrigo, Ziggy, Daji + Self