Tavern Tales and Rumours

[Ithildur]

A tense exchange involving a gold haired Elf was heard on the street just outside of the Blade and Stars, merely a day after the second incident inside the establishment. The Elf was seen hurling insults at a dark haired beauty, while two others apparently involved were attempting to talk sense into him while defending the woman. The target of the berating apparently did not raise her voice once, seeming to remain calm and rational.

In the end the Elf spun on his heels after a final parting insult and walked off at brisk pace. Though his actions indicated otherwise, he did not seem as if he was drunk at the time.

[Arianna]

"Local gate guards can be heard talking about a man in red and a woman with a Large axe entering town while dragging a very small box behind them that was tied up with a rope"

[orangetree]

Upon hearing of beasts attacking a child, a valiant halfling knight of Yondalla attempts to dispense some justice to any beasts on the coast and ensure that these actions will not be tolerated.

...though certainly a great effort especially solo, her reports indicates she was ambushed by gibberlings, and forced to retreat not quite able to slay any of them. Her pride wounded more then her body, she knows she did her best.

[Analogkid]

Word spreads of two large ogre warriors assaulting the town of Ruqel. Those who inquire further might hear some speak of how the ogres were seen chasing a lad dressed in red and black clothing from the lions way straight into the heart of Ruqel. Either way, through a valiant effort by the locals, the ogres were slain in the end.

[gonz.0]

A man was seen making his way into Beregost, the rumors differ as to who, but he arrives leading a horse with a giant wolverine draped over the saddle. A second horse was following with the tattered remains of most of a dozen deer hides.

The tanner was heard telling those who would listen at the Jovial Juggler, "It was the biggest and meanest son of a whore he'd ever seen, but that there was only two arrow holes in the body, and the fur was singed about the holes, but them deer hides were only usable for thongs and patches... that wolverine tore them up horrid. "

[gonz.0]

Horatio, a well known man about town was seen drunk for a few nights at the Blade & Stars, only to find himself in a drunken argument with a man outside. The rumor was that he spent the night in the guard tower by the east gate, only to be released after winning a bet about juggling knives.

[gonz.0]

"An intrepid postal delivery engineer was spotted ....." she began.
"I'm sorry, but what are you saying?" the taphouse patron responded?

The hin journalist from the Beregost Town Crier sighed frustrated, and started again. "I am telling you, that a message carrier from Baldur's gate that seemed familiar with the area, braved a horrible death at the hands of the dead risen and walking, nay, stalking the fields near Tempus Tears... and recovered the body of a fallen wizard. He wasn't willing to comment. However; the priest of the temple was grateful, as the poor soul might have risen to become another plague on the town. They deal with undead there you know... a great deal... " She paused for effect but noticed her audience was becoming bored and turning away, seeking another ale. "When asked, the priest said he did not know the poor fallen man, but in his spellbook was a journal entry that identified him as Rasfan Fizzlewick. I don't suppose you have heard of him? Have you?" She asked pleadingly, hoping for another lead on her story.

"Nope, can't say that I have." The man said and got up to walk away from the pestering cub reporter, not even bothering to thank her for the ale.

[kid]

On the notice boards at Baldur's Gate and Ruqel a crisp paper would state the following:
_____________

A warrior and mage seeks aid in dealing with an orc encampment near Ruqel.
Scouts, healers and adventurers of all kind are welcome.
For payment and employment seek Ssiltarsak [That name seems to be scribbled hastily and/or sloppily] the Lizardfolk who can usually be found by the entrance to the prayer house at Ruqel.
Please sign name and suspected time of arrival on this massage if interested.

J.Walker
[Over the name will be a scribbled signature]
__________
Feel free to reply or PM and maybe we can schedule these with a few lowbies. Estimated CR is somewhere between 3 and 5 for the final mission, though mostly i'd be happy to just form some sort of low level group and take things from there.
I am a Euro player but have some flexibility, especially on weekends.

[Mick]

Word spreads that there is a situation brewing near the docks. The doors to one of the warehouses have been closed and blocked by city guards. A small gathering of onlookers suggest that something is afoot.

If asked, the guards relate that one of the warehouse hands, Ruyon, came to the watch headquarters wounded and bleeding. He relates that he was moving two large and very heavy crates that had just arrived and one was suddenly sundered from within. He provided a rather vivid description of a hideous stone statue trying to kill him. He apparently yelled to Brogan for help, but when the dwarf saw the creature, he fled into his office and locked the door. Ruyon fled the warehouse, his pants wet with blood and otherwise.

Ruyon's wounds have been tended, but the guard fears that Brogan may still be trapped within the warehouse. Guards have been dispatched and currently prevent anyone from entering while the Captain figures out who to send in to investigate. He will likely be most receptive to anyone offering the help out.

Encounter set. CR 4ish.

[kid]

A freakishly tall half-orc wearing light armor was seen walking over to the guard house, then making his way back along the docks towards the blocked warehouse. He exchanged a few words with the guards before starting to pace back and forth before the large doors, muttering and cursing, edging the various onlookers to join him inside.

Eventually, he drew a monstrous greataxe, muttered a few incantations and touched a small ring on his finger. He closed his eyes briefly and then roared, opening the door with a wild swing and charging in.

The was a brief sound of struggle, hiss and growls, grunts and blows exchanged and then silence.

A moment later the half orc walked out, seemingly fine and well, and while his clothes were covered in blood, he seemed to be unharmed, reporting the threat has been removed.

[Arianna]

A recent patron remarked on the missing door to the Blade and Stars

the barkeep declined to answer why his door was missing . .. .

[gonz.0]

A masked and hooded woodsman, reported by Bentley to be a trusted scout left a message deep in the night with the gnome who then proceeded to post a notice in the bar, and at the gate.

= BEWARE =
A large construct has been sighted in the Cloakwood.
The immense beast is under control of Goblins.
Do not tarry and do not approach it on fear of death.

... Several hours later, just inside the east gate, at a tavern with no door...

The bartender listens attentively, as do some of the patrons who are still conscious and able to listen though some the next day won't remember due to drink and such.

The haggard looking fellow, several days whiskers and dark smudges of dirt making his face appear darker and older than he sounded, told a story. Perhaps he would not have had an audience, but for the fancy bow, and sword at his hip, and the armor he wore.

I tell you Aundy, when Calil told me she heard something large crashing through the brush and trees, much bigger than orcs and worgs... I thought she was just warning me of the goblins perhaps capturing a dire wolf to set to guard outside of their warren. If only... I admit, I am not fearless facing a pack of their mounts and hounds... the goblins train them and raise them to be fearsome critters. And they can smell you if you don't take care... get your sent and then they are on you. Best to be wary. If she had not said it was near the warrens.. I might have stumbled onto what she was warning me of instead of approaching cautiously.

I crept up on the warrens, and then as I was masking my scent, I noticed... that wasn't just a puddle, but a huge footprint... and deep. I'd wager either the thing that was making the steps was massive, or carrying a large warhorse under each arm, and a cord of firewood on it's back. That's how deep the print was. Then I saw the other prints and knew it's direction... so I crept up, then I saw it, it was stone colored, and stood stock still, till a stag came by with it's doe in tow. The thing, by the distance I was at it was difficult to tell it's height, but it's head was about twice the height of the stag's antlers from the ground. It lashed out with it's massive arms. as the thing was shaped like a man... and snapped the necks of both of the deer *he snaps his fingers* like that. Then it picks up the deer and walks off with them.

I followed, and damned if it wasn't delivering the meat back to the goblins... like they was... like they were controlling it somehow. I've only seen something that big once before, a golem made of clay, made by one of them wizards from the enclave... but this one looked like it was clay turned color of stone... like a huge man, twice as wide, twice as tall, and ungodly strong, and when it walked... the ground shook, like a full team of horses stomping in unison might make it shake.

I say... stay out of them woods... the goblins have a new pet, or ally... and damn thing looks like it could rip your arm off while shaking your hand, by accident, if it had a mind to try such a thing. Them goblins with their worgs are dangerous enough, you add this thing, and I'd wager a well armed squad of the fist, would fall to them.

He continued drinking heavily throughout, not slowing, as if he was very disturbed by what he saw, or perhaps it was something bothering him before... none could tell, but he stayed at the bar for hours, looking in need of sleep, but not leaving. Even though he did switch to tea after an hour or two... at the bartender's behest.

[Mick]

Messengers from Gullykin arrive in Beregost with a request for help.

It seems that as a merchant approached the gate of Gullykin just after dark, he was set upon by what was described as a pair of two-headed giants. The merchant, his horse, and his small wagon were all smashed and then carried off into the sharp teeth.

Scouts from Gullykin were sent to follow the giants. The traveled only a short distance into the wood before they saw three of the beasts dividing up the merchant's wares and beginning to feast upon him and his horse.

The leaders of Gullykin are concerned that the giants may see the village as easy pickings if they are not dealt with in response to this incursion. However, the giants are more than the militia there feels it can handle and thus they have sent a request to Beregost for assistance.

Encounter set. CR 8-9(ish)

[Arianna]

A large warrior lady was overheard talking to the barkeep in the blade and stars about seeing a large wolfish looking thing standing on two legs near the woods tween the gate and Uthgart

[Zelknolf]

Messengers from Gullykin arrive in Beregost with a request for help.

It seems that as a merchant approached the gate of Gullykin just after dark, he was set upon by what was described as a pair of two-headed giants. The merchant, his horse, and his small wagon were all smashed and then carried off into the sharp teeth.

Scouts from Gullykin were sent to follow the giants. The traveled only a short distance into the wood before they saw three of the beasts dividing up the merchant's wares and beginning to feast upon him and his horse.

The leaders of Gullykin are concerned that the giants may see the village as easy pickings if they are not dealt with in response to this incursion. However, the giants are more than the militia there feels it can handle and thus they have sent a request to Beregost for assistance.

Encounter set. CR 8-9(ish)

Messengers arrive to Beregost and Gullykin, carrying the Champion of Ruqel's seal. The giants are dead, but the merchant's remains were not recoverable. A few comment that they sighted Lady Irithyl herself leading a small party into the Sharp Teeth to handle it.

(( There might be some special/unique/fancy (but unlabeled/ mis-CRed) ettins in BG? Some odd numbers in that group. I can take a look if none of those ettins were supposed to be fancy beyond their possession of potions. ))