The First Quest

When I first saw the dead elf lying there, my heart started pounding. I grabbed Willow's arm. “Do you see him? Willow, do you see him?!” I frantically asked. “Yes, Eloni, I see him. I do not think it is him.” she said in a calm voice. I was antsy, wanting nothing more than to run up to check to see if it was our brother lying there dead in the middle of the road. “But how do you know?” I asked. “How can you be sure?” Willow set down the reins, took my hand off her arm, and held my hand in both of hers. “Eloni.” she said, “Look at me.” I managed to tear my gaze away from the body in the road and met her eyes. “I do not know know for sure. But we have to think. I know what you want to do, but running up there is stupid. We do not know what could be lying in wait.” While Willow is one to observe and then act, I am not. I wanted to go there. I had to go there. Freija appeared by the carriage's drivers seat. “I will go with her, Willow.” she said. “I would like to see the bodies, as well.” Willow looked at us in turn, looked at the forests around us, and finally consented. I jumped down from the carriage and Freija and I slowly and cautiously headed up the middle of the road toward the upturned caravan. Temporalis opted to stay with the passengers, Willow stayed with the horses, and Finfer slipped into the woods to the right.

As soon as I dared, I rushed to the body of the dead elf. Although his face was mangled and his clothes and skin were torn, I instantly, somehow, knew this was not my brother. “Thank you good spirits!” I cried, as relief washed over me, knowing Woodsy was still alive. Nearby, Freija made her way through the bodies, checking for survivors, praying over the dead, when suddenly a human male that was lying on the ground began swinging wildly at Freija’s head with his mace. With it still being dark, and the human on the ground, the drow had no issues easily dodging the attacks. Frustrated, the human stood and started swinging in the direction of Freija. She easily dodged each attack, ducking and twisting away from him, which just angered him. “You stupid drow!” he yelled. “I know you’re there!” But, as he was lifting his mace again, he suddenly dropped to the ground, laughing uncontrollably. Confused, Freija said “What could possibly...” I glanced back to see Temporalis, feather in one hand and wiggling the fingers of his other hand, as if he was tickling something, while whispering. I said “Temporalis” and quickly notched an arrow. I took a shot the laughing human, but in his wriggling state I only managed to nick his calf, which unfortunately knocked him out of the spell. He was disoriented, in pain, and trying to get to his feet. I quickly stepped back a few steps, turned to our carriage and called out “It’s not Woodsy! But we were attacked!”

The other passengers, hearing my words, started panicking again. Willow turned, spoke to the passengers, then darted through the woods to the left to a small break in the trees. Having heard me shout to my sister, a human and an elf emerged from behind the overturned carriage and climbed up on top of it, both wielding crossbows. The elf on the carriage shot Freija with a crossbow bolt, grazing her arm. From the direction she had gone in the trees, I heard Willow scream, so I immediately ran toward her. As I entered the clearing, I saw a human male with a mace, and my sister clutching a bleeding arm. I shot her attacker with an arrow, hitting him in the thigh. “ANOTHER ONE?!” he exclaimed. “Stupid elves!” He swung his mace at Willow again, but she had cast a healing spell on herself moments before and was able to dodge the attack. Nearby, Temporalis continued to struggle with his attacker and Freija was dodging arrows flying at her from the upturned carriage. Freija turned toward the carriage and was greeting by the human, who was laughing uncontrollably moments before, coming for her. She stepped up to him and thrust her short sword, stabbing him in the shoulder. He growled, knocked her short sword out of her hand, and took a mighty swing at her with his mace, connecting hard to the side of her head. Freija crumpled to the ground, unconscious. “Who’s next?” he roared, looking around. He spotted Temporalis up the road a bit, toward our carriage. “You!” he growled, pointing at Temporalis. “You’re next.”

As the big human made his way to Temporalis, dragging his mace on the ground through bodies and debris, Finfer appeared at the edge of the woods near the upturned cart and quickly dispatched those on it, who were firing arrows at Freija. I fired an arrow at my sister’s attacker, planting it right between his eyes. “Are you ok?” I asked her. Shaking her arm a bit, she nodded and replied “I’ll be fine.” she said, as she made her way toward Temporalis. I followed not long behind her. Up ahead, Temporalis had managed to miss a wild scimitar swing from the elf still attacking him, and responded with a burst of dark magic into the elf's chest that caused the elf to drop his scimitar. Temporalis picked up the scimitar and sliced the elf open, killing him. Temporalis turned to the big human and said “There is still time to surrender, or you will die.” The big man smirked and said “Then I’ll see you in the underworld.” He picked up his mace and swung it behind him, preparing to bury it into Temporalis’ neck, but before he could do anything, Willow’s arrow found it's mark in the back of the human's head and he dropped, dead before he hit the ground.

With the fighting over, Willow ran to Freija and cast a healing spell on her to stop the bleeding and stabilize her. The remainder of us started searching our attackers, finding miscellaneous weaponry and a little money. Temporalis called out “I found something on this fellow”, indicating the large human. Temporalis held up a note and read it to us: Farmlands not viable, not military. Unsafe, horrid smell, send priests. “What do you suppose that means?” I asked. Finfer, who had come up behind me, pointed out, “These guys’ clothes are not theirs. His cloak is too small. I’d wager these clothes belonged to the ones who were in the carriage, before it was attacked.” Willow, supporting a very weak Freija, joined the group. "Jacob" Willow called out. "Come join us, please." Jacob peered out from behind the carriage door, shaking, and asked “Are you sure it’s safe?” Finfer snorted. Willow cast a sidelong glance at Finfer and replied “Yes, you will be safe. We would like you to see something.” Reluctantly, Jacob came out and slowly made his way to our group. Temporalis showed him the note and the ill-fitting clothing. “Mercenaries, I’d say” Jacob said, glancing around him. “I sure don’t recognize any of them from Mountain Hide.” Temporalis handed him the note. “Do you know what this might mean?” Jacob read over the note and considered it a moment. “No, I’m afraid I don’t. But I know someone who might. Plus, your friend there could use some healing. Minister Urum in Mountain Hide can help.”

Once the horses and other passengers were calmed again, we continued toward Mountain Hide. Upon arriving at the city gates, the gate guards stopped us. “Who are you and what business do you have in Mountain Hide?” Willow and Temporalis explained who we were and what we had endured. “We have the bodies of Schwerdt and Segita with us. We could not leave them back there.” Willow said. “I’d like to see the bodies, please.” one of the guards said, and followed Temporalis to the cargo trailer. As they passed the passenger cabin, the guard glanced in at the other passengers and brightened. “Jacob!” he exclaimed, pulling Jacob out of the carriage and embracing him. “I am glad to see you unhurt, my friend!” Jacob returned the greeting, then said “These people are good people. What they say is true. They saved my life, and the lives of the other passengers. They need help. Summon Minister Urum, please.” The guard said “Right away!” and motioned for another to open the gates and let us pass.

Once we were inside the city proper, a frazzled-looking dwarf ran over, with a half elf in shining but dented armor on his heels. “My, oh my, what happened here?” the dwarf asked. Our guard escort bowed his head. “Mr. Ambersharn, these people have been through quite the ordeal. I am on my way to find Minister Urum. Perhaps they can fill you in?” and hurried off. The dwarf turned to us and introduced himself. “Obman Ambersharn, owner and operator of Mountain Hide Trading Company.” As soon as he said who he was, Willow and I shared a look. Obman gestured to the half elf with him. “This is Commander Dakus, leader of our City Watch. Someone, please, explain what happened!” Willow stepped forward and recapped what had happened so far, the events of the first caravan attack, the deaths of Schwerdt and Segita, and coming across the wreckage and the mercenaries lying in wait. Temporalis provided the note to Obman and Dakus. The gate guard returned with an older male elf, quickly introducing him as Minister Urum, and took him directly to Freija.

As Minister Urum tended to Freija, Willow and I approached Obman and Dakus. “Excuse me, sirs.” Willow said. “I know this may not be the most appropriate time, but with recent events regarding caravan attacks on Mountain Hide shipments, I must ask you something. My sister, Eloni, and I have been searching for our brother. His last letter stated he took a job with the Mountain Hide Trading Company, which is why she and I are here. His name is Woodsy. Do you know him, or know where we might find him? It is very imperative that we find him right away and bring him home.” Obman goes “Woodsy? Of course I know Woodsy! He’s one of my best workers!” Excited, I asked “Is he here? Can we see him?” Obman’s countenance fell slightly. “Unfortunately, no, he is not here. He left a couple of weeks ago on a shipment. He’s expected back in a couple more weeks, still.” Disheartened, Willow said “Thank you, sir.” From behind, near Freija, Temporalis spoke up. “Might we trouble you for a place to rest? I cannot speak on behalf of my companions, but I am quite tired.” Obman nods. “Of course, of course! You will stay at the Wagon Wheel, as guests of mine. Stay as long as you like.” Turning to his City Watch commander, he says “Dakus, please see to the bodies of Schwerdt and Segita. They deserve a proper burial.” Turning back to us, he said “Follow me! I will get you set up with rooms!”

On our way to the Wagon Wheel, Temporalis commented “I couldn't help but notice that we work fairly well together.” As we walked, contemplating what Temporalis had just said, I asked Temporalis “What are the dark shapes you throw at enemies?” He seemed confused by my question at first, but then realizing what I had asked, he goes “Oh, it’s magic. Eldritch blast. I’m a warlock, you see, so magic is my primary weapon.” Before I could inquire further, Jacob caught up with us. “I’m afraid I haven’t been entirely forthcoming. I was traveling, seeing the other continent as I had said, but you see, my name is Jacob Montrose. My family is very prominent in this town, and my father is an important figure. I am his eldest son, and his heir. My father will be very grateful that I am back home, and safe, and we have you to thank for it.”

The next morning, we were greeted over breakfast by Obman. “The rooms were to your liking, I hope?” he asks. “They were more than we could have asked for, thank you, sir!” Freija says. And they were beautiful. Spacious, with thick carpeted floors and shuttered windows, beds that were larger than I had ever seen in my life, and so soft that they seemed to envelop me in a cloud of comfort. I could not remember ever having slept so well. Over breakfast, Temporalis recounted to Obman what we had learned from the bartender in Medietas, regarding the caravan shipments being unusually slow of late. Obman, listening attentively, nodded and said “I wonder if everything is connected. The slow shipments, the attacks on caravans, the note found on the mercenary. It seems too coincidental to be separate issues. Unfortunately, Dakus deems these issues a Trading Company problem, not a Mountain Hide problem. He says that the city itself and the people who reside in it are not in any danger, just the shipments, so he cannot afford to loan any City Watch to assist.”

Obman paused a moment, and looked at each of us in turn. “I’d like to hire you to find out what’s going on with these shipments, determine who’s attacking my caravans, and put an end to it. I’ll leave you to discuss my proposal amongst yourselves for a bit, as I have an errand to run. Either way, for all you've done for us and our town so far, the rooms are yours as long as you need them.” Obman stood, bowed to us, and left the tavern, leaving us to thinking on his offer. “Well,” Temporalis said, after a pause. “What do you think?” I said “My main concern is finding my brother. He is not here, but will be back. I do not plan on leaving here until he returns safely. Until then, I will offer my assistance if it is required.” Willow agreed with me. Temporalis said “I need to go to Windy Coast and Laketown, to stop the end of the world. But, to do that, I need resources; mainly gold and armor. I say we help--for a price.” Finfer agreed. “I think the note indicates undead in the farmlands.” Finfer said. “Land that’s no good, horrid smells, the call for priests--it all adds up. But farmland issues are a city problem. Obman wants us to make his roads safe again. I say we do it, for a price.” Freija, who had been quietly listening, said “I go where I am needed, and I am needed here. I will help.”

After a few hours, Obman returned and sat down with us. “Have you considered my proposition?” he asked. ”Will you help?” Temporalis spoke up. “Yes” he said, pausing for a moment. “For 250 gold each.” Obman rocked back in his chair and let out a low whistle. “You drive a hard bargain.” he said. “I'll be honest; I can’t swing that price. But, what I can do, is give you immediate support, such as new armor, weapons, horses, whatever you need to get the job done, and monetary compensation after. What do you think?” Temporalis looked at each of us. Willow & I nodded, Finfer shrugged, and Freija said “That sounds fair.” Obman slapped his palm on the table. “It’s a deal. I’ll send word to the blacksmith and tanner to provide whatever you need. If you’ll follow me to my office, I’ll write up a note for the apothecary for potions.” Obman rose from the table. “Now, I can’t give you potions, because they are too costly to make, but I can discount them.” Temporalis agreed to Obman’s terms, and we followed Obman to the Trading Company offices. He wrote a note, gave it to Temporalis, and we left the Trading Company to head to the tanner. Everyone but Freija was fitted for studded leather armor; Freija received plate armor from the blacksmith. The atilliator provided a crossbow and bolts to Finfer, and the fletcher gave Willow and I some arrows. The apothecary provided us two healing potions, which we gave to Freija and Willow to hold. After we received our items, Obman met us near the city gates. “Did you get everything you requested?” he asked. “Yes, thank you. We would like to get started immediately, if that is alright.” Willow responded. “Absolutely!” Obman said. “Do whatever you need! May the good spirits be with you!”

We decided to walk back to the second caravan attack site, rather than ride, even though horses were offered, because we can move slower and quieter on foot. Once we reached the upturned caravan, we immediately began searching the area, the bodies, the caravan, everything we could to see if we could find some sort of clue as to who these attackers were, where they came from, and what their motives might have been. “Eloni” Willow called out. “Tracks.” I went to Willow, who was crouched at the edge of the Wooded Hills Forest, and analyzed the tracks she discovered. “Five separate sets, all human and elf.” I said. “No animals or beasts. They were through here within a day. They went into this forest.” Finfer said “Looks like we found what we were looking for.” Temporalis nodded. “We need to follow those tracks. Can keep on the trail?” he asked me. “Easily.” I said. “I can help her.” offered Finfer. "Good. I’d like to look around the ruins before we head out. There might be more information to gather.” Temporalis replied. As Willow and Temporalis looked around the campsite ruins, Finfer and I stayed near the edge of the forest and Freija wandered around, searching for consecrated sites. When everyone was satisfied, Finfer and I led the way, following the tracks into the forest.

We had been following the tracks for several hours, and were deep into the forest, when our trail became intermixed with tracks of a beast, a large beast, who had been through the area very recently. The humanoid tracks were still there, but not near as strong as the beast tracks, and they split off deeper into the forest. “Look here.” I said, pointing to the ground. “We have new tracks.” Temporalis spoke up. “What do you see?” Finfer replied “A pretty large beast came across our path.” I said “It was here fairly recently, too, within the last couple of hours. Should we keep on our original path, or follow these new ones?” Willow said, “I suggest we keep our original path. We need to stay on task.” The rest of the party agreed, so we continued down the original path. We had been going for some time, when Willow quietly moved up next to me and put her hand on the small of my back. Knowing that signal, I immediately stopped in my tracks and held a hand out to halt Finfer. “Why ar--” he started, but I cut him off. “Quiet.” I said softly, and indicated to Willow. Temporalis and Freija stopped behind us. With a hand in the air, palm facing forward, Willow was indicating we should not move and stay silent. Listening intently, she said quietly “Something is straight ahead. Something big.” She nodded to me, so I proceeded slowly and quietly, Finfer next to me, Willow behind me, and Temporalis and Freija at the rear. We came upon a clearing in the trees and found a goblin riding a large wolf-type beast. They immediately spotted us, and charged straight for us.

The beast charged me, clamped its teeth on my arm, and pulled me to the ground. I screamed and fell, clutching my arm. Willow, having a natural ability to talk with animals, tried to speak with the beast, but it either did not understand her or did not care to listen to her. Instead, with her palms up in a gesture of peace, she addressed the goblin, since she does speak their language. “Tuuc! Daan ghaac o khruun mar!” (Stop! We mean you no harm!) she called out. The goblin ignored her; however, the beast responded in goblin with “O dech draal.” (You will die.). Once Willow translated to us what the beast said, Finfer immediately loaded a bolt into his crossbow and shot the goblin off the beast’s back, killing him. As Freija ran up to try to intercept any damage the beast might inflict and Temporalis cast magic at the beast, I got to my feet, pulled my short sword, and lodged it into the beast’s shoulder. However, even though Temporalis and I both managed to damage the beast, all we seemed to do was annoy it. Freija stabbed the beast in the eye with her short sword, which angered it greatly, so in retaliation it swiped a giant claw at me. Claws grated deep gashes across my chest and stomach, and I fell to the ground, semiconscious and in great pain. I heard a tremendous howl and the ground shook as the beast fell next to me, a crossbow bolt sticking out of its head.

I felt the familiar warm, tingling sensation of magical healing coursing through my body and caressing the wounds in my stomach and chest. Eventually, I was able to sit up, and stand with Freija’s help. “Who killed the beast?” I asked. “Me.” said Finfer, standing behind me. I turned and said “Thank you, you helped save my life.” I turned to Freija and said “That is twice you have healed my wounds. Thank you again.” Freija dipped her head and said “We look out for our own.” Before I could respond, Finfer asked “What was that thing, anyway?” Since I was still weak from the damage and the healing, Freija beckoned for Willow to come support me until I could stand on my own. Freija bent down and inspected the beast’s teeth, claws, and fur, and laid a hand on its side. “It’s a warg” she said. “The goblin was its owner. It must have been a scout.” From behind Freija, Temporalis spoke up. “He was a rich scout.” he said, and held up a handful of platinum.

Temporalis, Finfer, and Freija continued to search the little battlefield. Willow eased me to the forest floor, and sat with me until I regained my strength. Once they were satisfied they had found all they were going to find and I was recovered enough to continue moving, I found the original set of tracks and we began following them again. After a time we came up on a small campsite that contained two goblins and an orc. They were far enough away that they didn't notice us until it was too late. Between my arrow and Temporalis' magic, the orc quickly fell. Willow and Finfer made short work of a goblin, and Freija charged the last goblin, slicing him nearly in two. Looking around, we determined their camp was as good as anything we would make, and after making sure nobody else was in hiding, we disposed of the orc and goblin bodies in the woods and took shifts for the night.