Georg:
'They've reached the edge of the field!'
'Everyone, charge!'
*Epic Battle music commencing*
'Is that all they've got? I'm running out of opponents here.'
'Ah, much better.'
*More random acts of violence*
Georg:
'Cyric's Blood! They're entering the Starling house. But if we don't hold the next wave off, the whole village will be overrun.'
'Let's go, Rebecca! If we hurry, we can stop them before they find the children!'
'We can't let the next wave by. I'm staying here to help with the defense.'
Georg:
'We could use every sword. But the children...'
'You do what you think is right. I'm going in before anything can happen to my brother or sister.'
The fun continues without Bevil.
(burned out)
'Nothing against a good fight or anything but I could use a break.'
The militia defeats the remaining dark forces.
Georg:
'Thank the gods that's over. We would have not held them much longer-'
'Please stop opening your mouth.'
Suddenly, Rebecca's foster-father and two mysterious bowmen appear out of nowhere.
Everyone:
'It's the cavalry! We're saved!'
The forces of evil fail to withstand the combined might of these three archers. Soon, the battle is won but victory comes with a terrible price.
Confusion and bafflement runs rampant through the gathered Harbormen. Rebecca is taken aside by her foster-father during the heat of the discussion. He has a mission for her, he says. Deep within the swamps lies a ruin that hides a small metal shard. A magical item he received the day Rebecca's mother died (wink, wink) and what he believes is the cause for this attack. Now Rebecca must retrieve it. Not sure what to make out of what she just heard, Rebecca takes Bevil, who is a bit mournful about the lost of his siblings at first, and leaves West Harbor to the south.
'It's been an age since I've come this far into the swamp. There are some twist and turns before we get to the ruins.'
'What do you mean?'
'Well, what you can expect in a swamp. Bugs,
lizards,
the usual stuff, y'know.'
The two battle their way through all those usual lizards and bugs and reach the ruins.
Before they go in though, Rebecca wants to investigate another structure that stands nearby.
'We should turn back. These aren't the ruins that your father wanted us to search.'
'How do you know that?'
'No one's
ever been able to get in. Georg says it's been here for generations.
And Tarmas says that he heard a story about a wizard who tried to get in once and never returned.
Besides, if your father wanted us to go into these ruins, you'd think he'd have told us
how to get in.'
'Yeah, you’re right. We'll go back.'
Rebecca approaches the ruin's entrance, unaware of a perfectly hidden figure that watches them from afar.
They can hear chanting behind the door.
Lizard Priest:
'And before we fight them for our ancestral hatching ground, we ask for your blessings.'
*Door bursts open*
'Knock, knock!'
Lizard Priest:
'A warm blood - here!? Your very presence offends the stone god!'
(anxious)
'There certainly are an awful lot of them. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea.'
Lizard Priest:
'Kill them!'
'Guess it's too late to think about that.'
-The next scene was cut due to budget restrains-
'That was quiet a brawl back there but it was worth it.'
*Congratulations! You received a metal shard*
'We were risking life and limb - for
that?'
'Oh, you mean I didn't tell you?'
'None of this makes any sense. Your father can do his own blasted quest from now on. When you're done searching around, let's get out of here.'
'Let's go.'
Rebecca's foster father is already expecting them.
FF:
'You've returned - and you've brought the shard.'
'That's all you can say? I almost died out there!'
FF:
'If I did not believe you could handle the task, I sent another.'
'Yeah, well
you weren't out there in the swamp getting attacked by lizardfolk.'
FF:
'No, I was here attending to the wounded, Bevil - now find Merring and do the same.'
(leaves)
'I don't know how you put with him, Rebecca.'
(aside)
'You can get used to a lot of things.'
FF:
'Now for the shard - let me see it.'
Rebecca holds up the shard.
'As you can see I've found it, what now?'
FF:
'I need you to go to the city of Neverwinter. Find my half-brother Duncan, retrieve the second shard, and take it to a mage you both can trust.
Duncan owns an inn in the Docks District of the city, the Sunken Flagon. Not the most...reputable place, but safe enough.'
'I better not have to take Bevil with me.'
FF:
'No. As you probably realize, he will be of no help outside West Harbor.
He would only slow you down. Bevil is made for... simpler things.'
'I'll say. Like cleaning the stables.'
FF:
'It's a better fate than others, I assure you.'
'What about the attackers?'
FF:
'The creatures that attacked us will leave West Harbor alone once they realize their quarry has fled. If all goes well, you should be in Neverwinter before they find your trail.'
'I've heard enough. I go pack my things.'
FF:
'Say your farewells - your boots may travel many roads before you return. I let some of the others know you are leaving - but not the why of it.'
'That's your farewell then?'
FF:
'Perhaps we will speak again and gain an understanding for each other.'
'It's a little too late for that now.'
FF:
'Return when you are ready to leave, and we will speak of the path you must take.'
Rebecca does as she was advised. She replenishes her supplies and says her farewells when
Georg cuts her off.
Georg:
'So your father is sending you to Neverwinter, eh? I can't say that I approve, if it were a militia matter I wouldn't send you alone, but I don't have any right to tell him how to raise a child.'
'Drop the act, Georg. I'm in a hurry.'
Georg:
'Can you at least tell me why you are going? Your father wouldn't tell me a thing.'
'Why do you want to know?'
Georg:
'I lead the militia and it's my responsibility to protect the village even you. I know we've had our... "difficulties" in the past, but you're still under my protection. So why are leaving?'
'I've been looking for any excuse to leave here.'
Georg:
'I've always thought that your ambition was bigger than our village. It's going to be your downfall one day.'
'We'll see about that.'
Georg:
'Anyways, it won't be easy reaching Neverwinter. I've traveled that way once or twice. It's a dangerous journey, especially for one traveling alone. You might want to ask around the village. There may be a few people that would still be willing to help a troublemaker like you.'
'Farewell.'
A couple of minutes later.
'I'm done with what I wanted to do, father. I'm ready to go.'
FF:
'Good, to get to Neverwinter, take the road that borders the Starling farm out of town. It is the only road through the Mere of the Dead Men - so following it should be easy. The road itself has not been patrolled, and few travel it. Move quickly, and you may be able to avoid the many beasts of the Mere.'
'So, should I expect random encounters?'
FF:
'I suspect you will see your share of battle before you reach Neverwinter. Stray from the road and the danger is even greater.
I've made it known that you travel directly for the city - in hopes that the enemy will pursue you along the High Road.'
'You've always been paranoid. No random encounters then but how do I reach Neverwinter if not on foot?'
FF:
'Head to the small port town of Highcliff once you're clear of the swamp. From there, you'll seek passage on a ship to Neverwinter.
There is a ship called the Double Eagle that will await you there. Her captain, Flinn by the name, is a trusted friend of mine and will ferry you safely to the city.
Your trip to Neverwinter will be quicker by water, and my attempt at misdirection may allow you to reach Highcliff before the enemy becomes aware of your true route.
I have nothing more to say. It is time for you to go, my daughter. Each moment you remain here brings greater risk to the village.'
So, with a refreshed spirit and the head filled with possibilities of a new, exciting future, Rebecca leaves her hometown for good. Her newfound élan doesn't last long.
Exhausted and slightly angered by this uneventful journey, she decides to call it a night and relax in the casual tavern she comes by.
A small group of
Thugs and a dwarf have gathered at the entrance.
Dwarf:
'Now that we're outside, maybe you want to tell me again... slowly this time, so you can think about what you're saying.'
Thugs:
'You're a small one to be taken this road all by yourself, dwarf. Maybe you've come looking for trouble... unless you have a little coin to convince us otherwise.'
(annoyed)
'Would you gentlemen please let me pass?'
Dwarf:
'My halfling friend is right, I believe you all be threatening
me... if you ever decide to throw a punch that is. Even the stranger can see you're too scared of your own shadows to do it.'
'You're taking me out of context here.'
Thugs:
'Is that so? Maybe both of you want to pay, how 'bout that?'
'Now you've made a mistake you'll soon regret.'
Thugs:
'All right, I've heard enough of this - come on, boys. Let's deal with the dwarf and his new friend.'
Swords are draw and fists are raised but the Thugs don't bring as much into the fight as they claim and eat dust. The dwarf turns towards Rebecca and starts a friendlier conversation.
Dwarf:
'Have to admit, wasn't expecting a halfling to come along - to pitch in like that.
Name is Khelgar Ironfist. Been making my way along the Coast for some time now, stopped in the Willow here for a brief fight.'
‘You seem rather calm, considering those men wanted to kill you.'
Khelgar:
'Yeah it's a shame. I was just looking to trade a few punches, then share a drink when it was all done. Either way, they get my coin, they way I saw it.'
'Those folks don't look like they'll be waking for a drink anytime soon.'
Khelgar:
'Doesn't matter - they weren't worthy of a drink anyway, bringing blades into it. A friendly brawl I would have been up for... but robbery with weapons.
So tell me, what brings you out along the Mere? Roads aren't exactly safe you know - and they're getting worse all the time.'
'I'm on my way to Neverwinter to fulfill a task I myself don't fully understand.'
Khelgar:
'Seems it's your lucky day then. I happen to be traveling to Neverwinter as well.'
'My lucky day indeed.'
Khelgar:
'Glad we see eye to eye - and when fortune smiles, who are we to turn away.
I say we step inside the Weeping Willow here and share our stories over a few of the innkeeper’s best.'
'Sure, as long as you pay the bill.'
A few cups of ale later.
A
lot of ale later.
Khelgar:
'And that's why I headed to Neverwinter. I heard there's a house full of monks there... a monastery, right?... heard they'll train anyone, just for asking. Couldn't ask for a better opportunity.'
'Whay Nenawinter? Tshere must be plenty *burp*onasteries around.'
Khelgar:
'If you know a closer one that'll train for free, well I'm all ears. Just as long as I get that monk training.'
(giggles)
'Aw 'onk.'
Khelgar:
'Aye, that's the short of it.'
'Whay?'
Khelgar:
'As it happens, I didn't
always wanted to become a monk, what happened was -'
A dramatic interruption occurs.
Khelgar:
'Well, look at this - our next round of practice just arrived.'
The guests rise from their chairs.
Khelgar
'You sure don't want me to handle this one alone, lass? You can barely stand.'
'Thatsh awraight. Tshey fight bedder when I'm drunk.'
They valiantly rescue the patrons from the upcoming onslaught. But a hero’s work is never done that easily.
'Shure, whay not.'
*Your actions have shifted your alignment 1 point(s) toward Good.*
'Waddaya do tshat for?'
Khelgar:
'You seem to have a knack for finding trouble, Rebecca.'
She makes a flourish gesture.
'C'um with me 'n I show you trouble.
Tshis big.'
*Influence gained with Khelgar: 1*
Khelgar:
'And that's quiet a lot. We'd better hurry... don't want these creatures to leave before we get there.'
No need to tell Rebecca to bring the fight to the next level.
'Awright, whosh dying first?'
More breathtaking kick/punch action follows after which Rebecca has rescued a trader.
'I du...I donn.. I cn't read thish, shorry. I'll just go over tshere.'
'Hm, tshose beds look comfy.'
A few seconds pass.
Khelgar:
'That was the last of 'em but we better keep moving on - I don't mind a fight, but don't like bringing others into our battle... Rebecca?'
(snorts)
Next day, after curing her headache with a big cup of morning tea, Rebecca talks to the
Innkeeper to check out.
Innkeeper:
'Looks like we were lucky to have you and your dwarf friend here. You'll always be welcome here at the Weeping Willow. Those who survived own you their lives.'
'Yeah, about that. I'm still waiting for my reward.'
Innkeeper:
'A reward? But I've already gotten you a free room and tea! There are barely enough travelers for me to stay in business nowadays. And with the ones that died here, even fewer will want to visit.'
'You would have been left with nothing if it weren't for me.'
Innkeeper:
'You have a point there. And I suppose there's no hurry to the repairs, seeing as the attack chased off what few customer I had. Here...is there something else?'
'Actually yes, I was hoping for something to happen. Not important. I bet there will be other opportunities on my travels. Farewell.'
Khelgar rejoins her on the road.
'You're still here?'
Khelgar: (casual)
'Well now, I've had a good time so far. And the way you attract trouble... I haven't had this much fun since that tavern back at Bogen's Pass where I was using that trestle table as a battering ram.'
'I hope that there is a point to your story.'
Khelgar:
'Look, we're headed the same direction and you seem to have more enemies then friends, what say if we travel together? Might be able to teach each other a few things.'
'I agree. It will be safer if we travel together.'
Khelgar:
'Good. I'd be glad for the company - and the conversation.'
*Heavy metal tune kicks in*
*Khelgar (
) has joined the party*
'And don't you worry about me keeping up - Khelgar Ironfist carries his own weight. I won't be slowing you down.'
Thus ends the story in which Rebecca forms her very first party during a tavern visit. What other challenges might await her? Only time will tell.
'Can we turn off the epic battle music now? It has been looping for hours. I already have one migraine, thank you.'
Right.
