The Chronicles of Dorgnad's Creek

[Maeve]

Introduction

By a cold evening of winter, a nasty blizzard was blowing through the small human settlement of Drognad's Creek. The unfortunate travellers caught in the region had all decided to settle at the local inn, called the Wyvern's Sting, for the night. Although their quests were different, they all had both one idea in mind: staying safely inside the warm building.

The Wyvern's Sting wasn't one of those big fancy inns you found in larger towns. It was a simple three stories building made of rough wood and cut stone. The first floor housed the kitchen and a large room that served as a tavern for the community, while the two upper ones were composed of rooms rented to anyone who could afford to pay the fees. The rooms of the second floor were smaller and cheaper, and the ones on the third floor were a bit larger and kept in a better state. There was also a basement, but only the employees were allowed to enter it.

That night, while the wind was roaring outside, the main room of the inn was packed full. Two merchants caravans happened to be in town when the blizzard started, as well as an expedition convoy returning from the north, and all the members of those crews were now resting in the tavern, drinking and eating, chatting, playing cards or listening to the stories of a strange old dwarf. Everything was running smoothly...

[Maeve]

Rules

1. This is a private group role-play. Only the people mentionned below have the right to post here.
   
   
2. If you are not a player, but you'd like to give your opinion or comment on something, please visit the Out-of-Character thread.
   
   
3. When posting here, follow the usual rules (PG-13, third person/past tense, semi-literate or over, etc.).
   
   
4. I can add more rules at any time.

Participants and Characters

~ Game Master ~
Maeve

~ Players ~
Atraea
Keylaleigh
killerkitty
KoyiTar
Tsemara

[Maeve]

Settings

Dorgnad's Creek:
Dorgnad's Creek is a small village of 250 souls, located at the northern end of the realm. It lays in a small valley bordered on the western side by a large lake and by a deep forest and large mountains on the eastern side. A small river also passes north of the village to end its run in the lake.
Two larger roads cross at Dorgnad's, one coming down from the north and reaching the southern towns at its other end, and the other leading from Drognad's to the dwarf colony in the mountains. The north-south road seems to be more older than the other, in fact it could very well be older than Dorgnad's Creek itself, and apparently leaded to some places in the northern wasteland. However, the snow and ice have partially covered it, making it impossible to follow after 3 days of walk.
On the side of the lake, a large dock area, with a few storehouses, has been created by the villagers. Some houses surround it, while the main buildings are located in the middle of the village. Like in any village, people can find a general store and a blacksmith shop to restock on goods. Just beside, the local inn, called the Wyvern's Sting, sits beside the guards' barracks. The graveyard can be found not too far from the barracks, with a small temple at its side, and the lord's mansion is just on the other side of a small road. The rest of the village is composed of small houses, and a few farms at the southern end. Outposts for the guards have also been placed near each of the roads to ensure a good protection.

Woodcutters' Camp:
Located above half-a-day of walk along the eastern road and river, a small woodcutters' camp has been built by the villagers of Dorgnad's Creek. It is composed of three buildings placed in a U shape. The ones on each side are dorms for the loggers, while the third one is used as a common area, kitchen and warehouse. It is normally occupied from mid-winter to the mid-spring and can accommodate 20 woodcutters, and a few travellers if needed be.

Druids' Grove:
The grove of the local druids and rangers is located somewhere to the north-eastern of Dorgnad's Creek, in the middle of the forest. Since most of the druids and rangers prefer tents and natural habitations to real houses, it is a bit difficult to know exactly where the grove is. It is said to be about 1,5 to 2 days of walk from the village.
The druids of the north are not necessarily the most friendly at first sight, being used to live in the harsh climate and with little resources, but they generally follow the principle of hospitality and will share their goods with any traveller in need.

Exploration Camp:
Some people have been wanting to explore the north of the realm for a long time. A few years ago, a group of explorers sent by a wealthy merchant asked the villagers of Dorgnad's to build a small camp in the north, where they could rest protected from the elements. The villagers accepted, in exchange of a nice amount of money, and soon a camp similar to the woodcutters' camp was built. It is located at three days of walk away from the village, along the northern road. It is composed of four main buildings, two for the dorms, one for the kitchen and common area, and the last being a large warehouse filled with goods. It is mostly occupied during summer and fall, since it is almost impossible to reach during winter.

[Maeve]

Color and Posting Style Chart

Just a small list to remember who posts in what color and the like. Just claim your color in your first post.

Bold: Yelling and the like
Italic: Thoughts, basically anything that crosses your character's mind but that he doesn't say out loud
((Double Parenthesis)): Out-of-character chat, although I prefer if you put OOC message in the OOC thread

Italic + Cadet Blue: Description of places and actions, basically Game Master talk
Dark Green: Briel Mirdnt, Maeve's Character
Crimson: Nurell Hodgekins, KoyiTar's Character
Dark Blue: Jinks, Keylaleigh's Character
Dark Orchid: Halyth Daechel, Atraea's Character
Black: Peter, Tsemara's Character
Dark Red: Aena, Killerkitty's Character

[Maeve]

Will update with more info...

[Maeve]

~ As the wind blows outside, our story starts. It is around 6PM in Dorgnad's Creek, and the night has already fallen outside, along with a thick layer of snow. The inn is filled with customers, some happy, some moody because of the weather, but all enjoying a good meal and beer. ~


Briel Mirdnt was sitting at a small table, close to the fireplace, lost in her thoughts as she watched the flames move. She had sensed the upcoming blizzard and wanted to finish her business in town before it made the roads impassable, but she ran out of luck. She then had resolved to go wait at the inn while the biggest part of the storm passed. True, she could have forced her way into the forest, but the night, with the blizzard masking the starlight, and the cold wind... She wanted to go back to the grove, but she was not that stupid.

The woman shrugged and grabbed the pint of beer a waitress had placed on her table, taking a long sip of the cold liquid. She then took the time to look at the crowd. The Wyvern's Sting was always busy during storms, but tonight it seemed almost over filled. Fortunately for her, most of the travellers had gathered around the bar to share tips and stories, making her little corner beside the fireplace more quiet. There were even a few empty table just beside, and a strange old dwarf in the opposite corner of the room... Oh right, old Thor, she thought, remembering the old dwarf that used to spend his evening reciting fairy tales and legends to the customers of the inn. She wondered what tonight story would be about while she grabbed a few bites of her meat stew and bread.

[KoyiTar]

Nurell Hodgekins was sitting at a table trying to get a half pint of beer. Of course the argument that always came up when she ordered beer had presented itself again. She decided to give up and got up to check with the caravan she was with. She was leaving them as soon as the storm let up considering they had seemingly procured a better protective net. She had taken the job of a theif protecting a merchant caravan from other theives for two reasons. One the pay was always good and two she wanted a change of pace. Sure she was a thief but often times she wondered If there wasn't more to life than that.

After checking with the caravan and getting her pay she began to wander about the inn. She would have normally picked pockets but decided against it. She had just ended and employee with several of the people here so she didn't want to anger them. "What to do now." She thought to herself, she decided she would pull up a chair and listen to the old dwarf they always had a good story to tell she knew even if at times they went on for longer periods of time than most. "Well met good dwarf. You appear to one that might have a good story or two. If you wouldn't mind I would like to hear them." She said seating herself at the table with the dwarf. At least he would know what she was.

[Keylaleigh]

Jinks was stuffed.

While The Wyvern's Sting was not the largest and fanciest of inns, it sure did have a rat problem. She had hunted down about ten of them over the past few days, and still she could smell more living ones in the darker corners of the cellars. She was bored of ratting for now, though, and decided to make her way up to the stairs and the main eating area.

There were perks to being a cat- one of them being you got free food and board at any inn you decided to frequent. There were lots of paying customers there as well, though. More than she had seen over the week of her staying there. She jumped on a table and looked out the window. Aah... that's why. she thought as she looked out at the curtain of white. Just staring at snow for too long made her cold, so she decided to make her way to the fire, laying down in front of it.

[Atraea]

Halyth Daechel sat alone at her table near one of the tavern's windows, idly playing with the pendant around her neck. Tonight would be her fourth night in the Wyrven's Sting, and she had managed to pay for one of the nicer rooms on the third floor. She had just come from a job in the surrounding area, and was taking her time getting back. She would probably be chewed out by senior members of her guild, but she didn't care. For where she had to stop, it was worth it. A smile played on her lips and soft blush grew on her cheeks. She could not help but sigh wistfully at the thought...

And just think. Were it not for this blasted storm I would probably have been there by now... Halyth pouted at the storm outside. Oh well...no use trying to get through it. I do not want to show up all bruised and banged up. I need to look my best for him. She nodded to herself, unconsciously fixing and fluffing her hair, making sure there wasn't one out of place. She normally kept it up for jobs and such, but she'd been here awhile, and the tug of the tight bun on her head was starting to give her a mild headache. After checking her reflection in the window, she looked around the tavern at the other patrons, attempting to pass the time. Just do not think about him. The time will pass faster that way. And I need to stop messing with my hair every few minutes, I am sure people are beginning to think you are mad...

"*sigh* with love." She blinked at her own words and made a small frustrated "Ooooohh," folded her arms, and planted her head in the hole they made. She raised her head, and blew the loose strands from her face.

I do wish mother had told me love made one so disgustingly obnoxious.

[Tsemara]

Peter sighed, swirling the beer in his flagon. It wasn't the best he'd ever had, but it certainly wasn't the worst. All the same he wished he didn't need to resort to drinking to pass his time. At least the old dwarf had the right idea. Telling stories and keeping the folk entertained in a way was a good way to pass the time. Perhaps a song was in order as well? He looked at the other patrons. Maybe not, they looked more like they wanted to leave or skulk than drink and be merry.

The half elf sighed, again, wishing he had taken his guitar lessons seriously, as a child. That might have provided a bit of extra cheer. But keeping sung an instrument in tune, or in good repair, especially while on the road was a pain. Though, in hindsight, so was most of the gear he had. The afformentioned gear was safely stored in his room on the second floor.

The resident cat that poked about the inn was on its' way to the cheefully lit fireplace. Peter scratched the feline behind the ears and down its' back as it passed him by. He had a faint suspicion that it was more than what it seemed. Perhaps that was the ale talking. Maybe he needed to switch to something else.

[killerkitty]

Aena stood firm against the icy cold blasts of wind vuffeting her face, even though she held her hood over it. Her dragonscale boots crunched in the thick layers of snow as she walked down the road. Yes, she had arrived in town finally. She could hardly see a few metres ahead of her, even with her keen elven eyes. She would have gone past the inn if it weren't right in front her. She paused when she heard the noise of the customers and drunkards, but decided that she had no other option than to stay there for the night. She sighed and walked in.

Immediately the wind stopped howling at her and she was greeted with cheery noises and warmth. She removed her black leather gloves and stuffed them in her cloak's pocket. She pulled down her hood and moved through the crowd towards the counter. She kept her face straight even though she felt like wrinkling her nose as the smell of beer and sweat wafted towards her.

When she reached the counter, she waited as she barman finished with someone else before turning towards her. 'I request one of your finest rooms until this storm is over,' she said calmly.

[Maeve]

The old Thor raised an eyebrow as a small woman came closer to him. His blurry sight was mistaken for some time, wondering what a child was doing at the inn. Not that it was unusual, the owner having a few kids himself and some commoners often bringing their kids for the evening story-telling. The inn was, after all, the center of the village's activities. Although, as soon as she spoke, he realized he was wrong. Halfling, he thought with a smile. He knew better than to bring her height on the topic. And what could he have said anyway: he was just a dwarf, bent down by the weight of his many seasons, only a little higher than the halfling when standing up.

"Well well, I certainly have a few stories in my bag," old Thor said with a large smile. He took a look at the crowd gathered in the room before adding: "I normally have to wait a little longer before I start, but it looks like the house is already full enough to start." He cleared his throat and passed a hand through the long white beard covering his chest. "What should I talk about tonight?" he pondered for a few seconds. He had had a tale of werewolf in his mind for a few time, but it didn't seem to suit the weather well. Nor would the fairies or ancient race's legend do. The old dwarf rubbed his chin with a hand, before making a sign of the hand to a nearby waitress. He didn't need to tell her anything, as she immediately walked over to the counter to tell the owner that the dwarf was ready to start his story.

A few seconds later, a loud yell resonated through the inn, catching everybody's attention. "People! Calm down please!" the strong voice of the innkeeper sounded. "Now, if you'd all listen, old Thor will start telling is story." He paused for a few seconds, while the waitress whispered something, before adding: "There are still a few spots left closer to the fireplace, for the people interested." With that, noises of chairs rubbing on the wooden floor and people walking around and starting to chat once more filled the inn, while the few people interested in hearing the dwarf's tale moved closer to him. The old man waited for the crowd to settle down before he said anything.

At the announce, Briel pushed the two empty chairs of her table farther, just enough so that people would notice they were free for anybody wanting a good seat for the night. She was close enough to the dwarf as it was, and thus she decided to stay where she was. The space in front of the fireplace was clean anyway, and it was usually kept for children sitting on the ground... and, today, for a cat.

Briel didn't remember seeing a cat at the Wyvern's Sting the last time she came by, but she just shrugged the thoughts out of her mind. Most inns kept a few felines to take care of the rats and mice. This one was nothing new. I just hope it doesn't mean there are rats around. Briel didn't like rodents much. Squirrels, maybe, but rats were just disgusting beast. She tried her best to stay away from them as much as possible. With a sigh, she brought her attention on the dwarf as her cleared his throat, apparently ready to start his story.

[Keylaleigh]

Jinks stretched, focusing her attention on the old dwarf. She settled down, facing him. She always loved a good story. And ths guy looked like he was full of them. Hopefully the one he told tonight was interesting- and one she hadn't heard yet.

While traveling, she listened to many storytellers weave many tales. Unfortunatley, a lot of them told the same stories, each with their different twists, of course, but the same formula. Great evil, gallant heroes, beautiful princesses... it was all old hat to the Tibbit. As she was looking around on the ground, she saw a very interesting-looking piece of glass. Batting it with her paw, she brought it closer. It would be added to her bag the moment she went back down to the cellar.

[Tsemara]

Peter left his spot to move closer to the dwarf. By the time he had moved across the room, all the chairs had been taken. Not wanting to be left out, after the 'effort' he had put into getting there, he looked around a bit. He opted to settle down on the floor by the cat, to listen to the tale the aged being was going to tell. Absently, he moved his hand to scratch behind the feline's ears.

The tall half elf looked at the other patrons of the inn. People of different races and creeds were gathered there to wait out the storm. He wondered if they had any interesting stories tucked under their belts as well.

[KoyiTar]

Nurell nodded at the dwarf. She always enjoyed a good story and to her dwarves told the best tales. "I hope its a tale of an adventure you have had good dwarf I always enjoy tales of ones adventures." She said seeing him contemplating the tale he would tell. She never normally hinted at such thinga but tonight she figured why not.

She settled down and was quite as others began to gather about. She moved the chair next to her out so others could get close. She was startled when someone lifted her out of her chair and sat her next to the fire and cat that was there. It was closer to the dwarf yes but she wasn't a child. "Oh well." She said to herself absently petting the cat that was there. She looked up at the elf that had come over and nodded as he sat down.