A Short Detour

A Chance Encounter

The characters arrived at the town of Jonstown for various reasons. It was certainly the largest town in the area known for its exotic visitors, as a start for exciting journeys and it was market week where all traders from near as well as far gathered. The town was busy as well as overcrowded and into this the characters arrived. Eventually they ended up in an alehouse off the main market square whereby some happy coincidence they ended up sitting at the same table introducing themselves. Korsar bought the first round and after that the party settled in for a good drink. Later, that day they were approach by a merchant, Elslee, who offered the party employment. In return for 20L each (half upfront the balance on successful delivery of a box) the merchant wanted a box delivered to his cousin in Runegate. The box contained a family heirloom and his cousin, Dotiar, would pay the balance of the funds upon delivery of the box. The party readily agreed, and it was arranged to meet the merchant at the Issaries temple the following morning to pick up the box as well as sign the agreement under oath in front of the god.

The following day the party arrived at the appointed hour, the contracts were signed, the monies paid, and the box handed over. After sorting out supplies the party set off on the main road towards their destination. As they travelled on the road the scene became more rural and wilder with the traffic dwindling to nothing.

In afternoon the party heard screams coming from small woods near the road, so they decided to investigate and in a clearing, they found a women collapsed bleeding whilst a boy was trying fend off three boars with a sword that was clearly two big for him. The party leaped into action trying to drive off the boars.

 

A Promise Made

The battle with the boars was hard fought with several members of the party becoming injured, especially Korsar but eventually the party emerged victorious. The woman was badly injured but the boy, her son, was uninjured. She introduced herself as Renuvela as well as her son Nemiast and explained that due a family emergency they were travelling to Runegate. Korsar realised that she was from one of the local tribes, the Sambari tribe, but also noticed that her clothes, although fairly good quality, were dirty and some of her tribal jewellery was missing. She further explained that the journey had been dangerous with a fear of bandits and she was worried they would get attacked again. The party, since they were going that way anyway, promised to escort her and her son thereunder their protection.

After Gotgrim had butchered one of the boars for supplies the party set off again towards Runegate on the main road. A few hours later they stopped and made camp for the evening. After a hearty hog roast meal the party settled down for the night and with no interruptions had a good night sleep. In the morning, after breakfast, they set off again but later on in the morning they noticed what appeared to be a magpie following them which they chased off with bow fire. Later on that day the party noticed, on a ridge, a rider that appeared to be shadowing them. Soon after the rider was joined by a second at which point Renuvela became very nervous. After a further 3 riders appeared the first two riders rode down to the party follow by the other 3 at a respectfully distance. As the first two closed Korsar readied his bow and shouted out for them to stop. One of the riders told the other to stop whilst he trotted towards the party.

He introduced himself as Parhast, clearly a Orlanthi, and explained that he had been tasked by the tribal king with bringing the women and boy to justice for grave crimes. At which point Renuvela protested loudly that this was all lies and they were going to be killed. The second rider appeared next to Parhast and from her tattoos was clearly a Storm Bull worshiper. Her face was half painted in blue and half in white reflecting the colours of the two axes on her back. The party queried what would happen to them. Parhast swore that he was here to ensure justice would be done. At which point the party agreed to hand them over. The Storm Bull worshipper then advanced on Renuvela who tried to run. As she caught up with Renuvela she brought out her axe and struck Renuvela felling her. The party protested and Parhast stated that they had been sentenced already. The party then, remembering their promise, leapt into action with a befuddle spell being cast at the Storm Bull worshipper and combat starting.