Dark ages.

[JennyDK]

The dark ages. The time in human history where science, logic and reasoning were still surpassed by superstitutious believes and praising of the gods above.
This is the time where peasants served under the iron rule of kings and nobles and where life expectancy was incredibly short for most people. Povery reigns supreme and there is little to no medical knowledge. The best you could do was to make sure to pray to the right god and hope your life was not put short by many of the rampant diseases.

[JennyDK]

New Adventure: The Fate of Duskhill

The setting:
The small village of Duskhill, England, with a population of mere 87 people, also counting the monks in the local monastery. The year is 1587.

Important figures:

Father Mathias:
An old, but still physically spry and able. He sees everyone in town as his children and is well loved by all. He treats everyone with love, compassion, respect and good manners. He has always lived in Duskhill and hasn't left the village for a very long time. He knows everyone in town, who all sees him as the most pious man they ever met. He spends a lot of his time walking around the village, talking to others and in general keeping up with things.

Baron Mannfred von Karma:
A tough, but fair lord of the village and its surrounding areas. He is rarily seen move out of his fortress/mansion, which lies a little walk away from the village. Most see him as very mysterious and some have never even seen him at all before.

Captain of the guards - John Mercer:
Mannfred's right hand and acts as the top authority below the baron. Everyone knows the two of them served in the army and are old buddies. After that, Mannfred gave him his position. He is not an unpleasant or mean person, but he does have a short fuse toward those not showing respect. As long as you show him proper respect he can be friendly and understanding, even pleasant.
He holds command over 8 guards in the small village. They are not the most trained, but still much better than peasants with pitch forks. He makes one round daily.

Merchant Gerhard:
The richest man in the area, below the baron of course. He is the textbook example of a hard bargainer and greedy merchant. He will do all he can just to make profit. He owns the big general store in town by the market. If he senses you to be without money he will ignore you, unless feeling threatened or annoyed enough. Kids will often try to make pranks against him.

Nikolai the beggar:
Nikolai is better off than many other beggars, since he often helps out household chores for families and others, in exchange for a meal and occassionally even coin. Most see him as strange, but friendly and harmless. He often play games with the village children and in general is very social. He is not the brightest of the bunch, but most knows that if you are looking for gossip, he is in the know.

Timothy:
The baron's faithful head butler. A very stereotypical kind of the bunch, who looks down upon anyone below his station and even those on it, will still be looked upon a bit disdainly. The baron is the only one that he lavishes with adoration, praise and respect.

Map of Duskhill:



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The current scene and situation:
It's the middle of the night, with everyone but the town guard doing their night shift, keeping an eye on the village.

Edited February 8, 2021 by JennyDK

[Thatannoyinggod]

Brother Deaca walked down the road, right on the edge of the town of Duskhill. Duskhill was a small village from what he had heard. He had heard some tellings of the head of the parish in this town, Father Mathias. That was where he was heading to that night. He waved to the guards patrolling the village, not hiding the monk outfit and crucifix that he wore. "Hello and pleasant evening to you all. I am Brother Deaca, a pilgrimaging monk. I was hoping you might direct me to Father Mathias so that I might find shelter for the night."

[Cash Money Chad]

" I don't know where a priest would live besides the monastery! If you are cold you can sit by the furnace, that is if you don' t mind the sound of banging metal!" The black smith sounded before banging the metal into shape. It was late at night but the weary black smith had deadlines on his commissions. Though it was late at night people did not bother him the people realizing his work was important and he was the only black Smith for miles. Most people became so uses to the banging it became white noise or people fashioned plugs for their ears to drown out the sound. The guards did find it a hazard because the banging made it hard to hear intruders but like the people of the village they concede that the work is important and because he was the only black smith, the situation could not be helped.

[Nafarman]

Even in the middle of the night, Daedalus had his face hidden under the hood of the leather vest he was wearing. It wasn't the best for his vision, but to keep himself out of unnecessary trouble there wasn't a better way. With each calculated step he reached closer to the bridge, on the other side of the bridge was his destination; the village of Duskhill. He had been looking for a particular sword, with amethyst bore into the center of the handle. The sword wasn't much when it came to combat but its real value was hidden in its ancient craftsmanship, and an old script carved on to the blade. He had heard rumors of a merchant named Gerhard, who could have the sword or possible leads to it. Thinking it was worth a shot, Daedalus set out to meet him.

As he stood at the other end of the bridge, he observed how peaceful the village was. Even the guards patrolling around the village looked too relaxed. "These people... gonna have dyspepsia from too much peace." He murmured to himself as he started to pace towards the village, hoping he would find some inn to stay the night.

[Neptune]

“Well, aren’t you a fine beauty…” Winchester said softly as he observed the coloured moth that fluttered uselessly in the glass jar where he had placed it, lit by the small campfire that he had made. He watched as it settled on the bottom of the jaw, its antenna twitching nervously. A smile broke out over his face and he chuckled, “Not the one I came for, Marble, but a valuable find nonetheless.” He glanced over at the well groomed white horse that seemed to give him an exasperated look. He ignored the horse as he went to his saddlebags and placed the jar inside. He then turned his eyes towards the small collection of dim lights that were close by indicating where the village of Duskhill sat nestled beside the river. 

Carefully, he took out a torch from his bags and lit it using the fire before putting the campfire out. He then took hold of Marble’s reigns and started to head towards the village, hoping for a bed to sleep that night. A village like this wasn’t somewhere he tended to go often, however he had been told by a friend and fellow Lepidopterist, that there was a beautiful moth that lived around the village. Thus he had come to hopefully find the moth so that he could have one more rarity in his collection. As he stepped into the boundaries of the village, he glanced around for someone to inquire where there were some beds. After all, to him, the low buildings almost looked identical to one another, so he was finding it a little difficult to figure out which might be an inn. He supposed he could impose upon the baron, however it was extremely late at night and he doubted the baron was one to understand his purpose here.

[Thatannoyinggod]

Brother Deaca turns to the blacksmith that yelled out to him with a small, but pleasant smile. "Thank you, my son. I greatly appreciate you. And the ringing of your steel is like the choirs of heaven to a lonely traveler such as myself." The monk gave a bow and small wave to the guards and made his way to the smith. He found a small stool and sat himself by the forge, warming his hands and feet. "It is very kind to allow me to warm up here. I am Brother Deaca, it is a pleasure to meet you."

[Cash Money Chad]

"Give it a while and you will get as sick of it as everyone else!" The Black Smith joked as he pounded that molten hot metal into shape. Sparks flying with every powerful strike of his mighty hammer. "It's no problem, I could use the company anyway. Argomire Balthalis is the name,  good to meet you brother Deaca. Sorry I couldn't help you find who you are looking for. I dont know much about what goes on outside the village aside from books." He said before plunging the hot metal shape into the water. The steam acting as a sauna filling the area with warm hair.

[JennyDK]

The evening slowly turns later and later as the last people are heading into bed, fatigue and sleepiness finding each and every person in the village or close to it.

The small village does hold an inn, called The Braying Goat, which still has the innkeeper up and awake, in case anyone wishes to rent a room for the night. There is still light in the windows, letting anyone know that they are still open for now.

The two guards walk around, still vigilant, even though there is nothing but peace and quiet present in Duskhill tonight.

[Neptune]

As Winchester moved deeper into the village, he had noticed guards that seemed to patrol the rugged streets, ever vigilant. But while they seemed to gaze at him from afar, they never seemed to draw close enough for him to address them. Thus he found himself moving almost aimlessly, although his confident strides might fool an observer into thinking he knew his way. It was not long until he noticed a red glow, and he found himself drawn towards it like the moths he adored would have been. He found himself close to what appeared to be a blacksmith, with what appeared to be a priest. After a moment to consider his options, he decided to intrude upon them, “Excuse me, Master Smith! Learned Priest! If I may interrupt your conversation, I would like to inquire as to where I might be able to find the inn!” He spoke with the kind of posh accent one might expect of those from a noble upbringing. While he didn’t intend for it, his words could be considered almost condescending.

[Nafarman]

Daedalus was a stranger to this village, yet no guard had stopped him yet to question. Not like he wanted to get questioned or interrogated, but he was feeling a little uneasy. He began to wonder what if the guards were planning an ambush, or something of that sort. He was not used to having smooth paths.

The closer he was getting to the center of the village, the quieter it was getting. With careful eyes, he observed the place, and two guards came to his sight; patrolling the area. He felt more comfortable now, at least they weren't planning any ambush. Now to find an inn. It wasn't much of a difficult task for him, as everything other than one building was already tucked under the cover of the night. He approached the building, he was certain there would be vacant rooms seeing the place open; but had his doubts about finding warm food.

Edited February 20, 2021 by Nafarman

[JennyDK]

3 minutes ago, Nafarman said:

Daedalus was a stranger to this village, yet no guard had stopped him yet to question. Not like he wanted to get questioned or interrogated, but he was feeling a little uneasy. He began to wonder what if the guards were planning an ambush, or something of that sort. He was not used to having smooth paths.

The closer he was getting to the center of the village, the quieter it was getting. With careful eyes, he observed the place, and two guards came to his sight; patrolling the area. He felt more comfortable now, at least they weren't planning any ambush. Now to find an inn. It wasn't much of a difficult task for him, as everything other than one building was already tucked under the cover of the night. He approached the building, he was certain there would be vacant rooms seeing the place open; but had his doubts about finding warm food.

A little bell was rung as Daedalus shuffled through the door. His face was still hidden under the hood as he approached the innkeeper over the counter, "Any rooms vacant?" he gently spoke, resting his arms on the counter.

As the guards make their round, they do come upon the stranger who walks into the village this late in the evening. They soon approach him and keep their hands near their short swords."Halt! Who goes there? State your business", one of them says in a calm and non aggressive manner.

[Thatannoyinggod]

Deaca sat for a little bit, feeling much better after warming up and enjoying the company of the blacksmith. He watched the man work and looked over the small village. He saw people were beginning to head home, realizing how late it was getting in the night. He was just about to ask the black smith for directions to the church when he heard shouting happening down the road. "What was that?" The monk rose to his feet and began walking down the road, seeing that some guards had stopped a person over by the bridge.

[Cash Money Chad]

As the Black Smith plucked the metal from the cooling water he noticed a man approach in the fancy garb of a noblemen. He strode over them with a confidence about him but once he got closer there was a hint of slight uncertainty on his face. " Yes there is an Inn around here the Braying Goat." The Black Smith squinted in the direction of the noblemen trying to look past him to see if that was the Inn's light on or the building next to it." You see that light over there, there is a good chance that the Inn keeper is still awake." The Black Smith said with a gruff apprehensive tone." You might want to head that.." The Black Smith was cut off by the words " Halt, who goes there!?" The Black Smith having finished that particular commission set his hammer down and went with the priest to look over at the commotion by the bridge." My guess is ths guards spotted someone who looks like trouble. "

[Neptune]

Winchester glanced in the direction that the black smith had indicated, quickly spotting the building with the soft light that illuminated its features. Winchester moved to thank the man for his answer however a voice carried on the cool night air, catching their attention. Winchester watched as the priest, who didn’t seem to have noticed him, get up and move towards the voices. He watched as the black smith moved to follow the priest, clearly curious as to what was going on. Winchester watched the two departing men for a moment before deciding not to follow. After all, if it was trouble, then the guards that he saw patrolling would take care of it. It was, after all, their job and he knew that it was often best not to interfere with them. Following the directions of the blacksmith, he headed towards the Inn to see if the Innkeeper really was up this late.

[Nafarman]

On 21/02/2021 at 01:34, JennyDK said:

."Halt! Who goes there? State your business", one of them says in a calm and non aggressive manner.

Daedalus didn't resist the warning. But he took a moment to quickly assess the environment around him before facing the guards. Two guards stopped him, a priest was approaching the spot and some faint banging noises could be heard. People were awake. He didn't have the luxury to neutralize the guards if worse came to worst. "Greetings and salutations, gentlemen." Daedalus said calmly, facing the guards. A hand slid under his vest as he continued speaking, "I arrived here on behalf of Thomas Alvard. Merchant Gerhard informed master about a relic he had come across, I am here to examine the relic." He brought out a letter, addressed to Merchant Gerhard. Signed by Thomas Alvard, with a royal seal. He was prepared for a situation like this. Although the seal was forged, he had passed through with the same seal in a few occasions before.

Edited February 24, 2021 by Nafarman

[JennyDK]

17 hours ago, Nafarman said:

Daedalus didn't resist the warning. But he took a moment to quickly assess the environment around him before facing the guards. Two guards stopped him, a priest was approaching the spot and some faint banging noises could be heard. People were awake. He didn't have the luxury to neutralize the guards if worse came to worst. "Greetings and salutations, gentlemen." Daedalus said calmly, facing the guards. A hand slid under his vest as he continued speaking, "I arrived here on behalf of Thomas Alvard. Merchant Gerhard informed master about a relic he had come across, I am here to examine the relic." He brought out a letter, addressed to Merchant Gerhard. Signed by Thomas Alvard, with a royal seal. He was prepared for a situation like this. Although the seal was forged, he had passed through with the same seal in a few occasions before.

The guard who spoke up comes closer and grabs the sealed letter, examining it as well as a mere guard can do. He does give the stranger a few questioning looks, before speaking up again."I see. Why are you arriving this late and without an escort? Who are you exactly?", he asks, while still holding the letter of supposed interest. The other guard remains just as calm, but still at the ready. Luckily, it seems like the person before them is not wearing armour like them or have a weapon bigger than maybe a knife or dagger. Of course, it still pays to be cautious.

[Thatannoyinggod]

When brother Deaca saw that the guards were, what sounded like, interrogating a traveler, the priest decided to not get involved at the time. He didn't wish to upset any guards and it was indeed getting later in the night. The priest decided it would be a good idea to get some rest. He came back to the blacksmith and waved good bye before heading down the road towards the small church, hoping to seek brotherhood and refuge from the town's priest. 

[JennyDK]

3 minutes ago, Thatannoyinggod said:

When brother Deaca saw that the guards were, what sounded like, interrogating a traveler, the priest decided to not get involved at the time. He didn't wish to upset any guards and it was indeed getting later in the night. The priest decided it would be a good idea to get some rest. He came back to the blacksmith and waved good bye before heading down the road towards the small church, hoping to seek brotherhood and refuge from the town's priest. 

The village is not very big after all, so it doesn't take too long before he finds himself at the monastery of the village. It is a minor place, but still a more than a fit place for worshippers to live in and perform their duties at. There is a torch lit near the large double doors that serve as the main entrance to the place. Normally, one of the monks are on night guard duty, just in case and it is very likely to be the case here as well.

[Cash Money Chad]

The black Smith waved good bye to the priest then continued his work. He finished three commissions before rhe night ended ans enjoyed a short rest before it was back to the old grind stone. Literally sharpening swords for the guards as well as a few for the villagers home security. The work was long and difficult and surly the work would carry on through the week. All the black Smith wanted at this point was a hot bath and a goos book to read but such things were not easy to come by this day and age especially without gold. So in order to enjoy him self one day the black Smith had to work tirelessly all day and night.

[Neptune]

Winchester approached the building that the blacksmith had pointed out, looking around to try and find signs of life. He was not used to staying in such an establishment, and thus he was a little unsure as to the ettiquette regarding entry. He was hoping to also see if there was somewhere that he could settle his horse for the night. His gaze returned to the faint light outside before he approached the door. He reached out, to see if it was locked. Either way, he called out, "Innkeeper!" He hoped that it would draw any attention from inside, whether the door was locked or not.

[JennyDK]

2 hours ago, Neptune said:

Winchester approached the building that the blacksmith had pointed out, looking around to try and find signs of life. He was not used to staying in such an establishment, and thus he was a little unsure as to the ettiquette regarding entry. He was hoping to also see if there was somewhere that he could settle his horse for the night. His gaze returned to the faint light outside before he approached the door. He reached out, to see if it was locked. Either way, he called out, "Innkeeper!" He hoped that it would draw any attention from inside, whether the door was locked or not.

Luckily, there appears to be a small stable which part of the inn building. Here he may park his horse for now. Once he reaches for the handle to open the door, he finds it to be unlocked and he gains access to a very empty tavern, with only a rather stout looking innkeeper is putting up chairs onto tables and looks like he is about to close down for the night soon enough."Ahhh, good evening stranger. You are too late for any food or beverages. All I can offer, is my small, but nice rooms for the night. I would be glad to partake in idle chatter, but it is far too late for a proper conversation", he tells the traveller who emerged into the inn.

[Nafarman]

On 24/02/2021 at 13:08, JennyDK said:

"I see. Why are you arriving this late and without an escort? Who are you exactly?", he asks, while still holding the letter of supposed interest. The other guard remains just as calm, but still at the ready. Luckily, it seems like the person before them is not wearing armour like them or have a weapon bigger than maybe a knife or dagger. Of course, it still pays to be cautious.

Daedalus chuckled hearing the question about escort. "I'm a mere servant to Thomas Alvard, escorts are too luxurious for me. I was supposed to be arriving the next morning but as you can see I ran out of food. That motivated me to find an Inn. The other ones I came across so far, were already dried out." It wasn't his habit to talk a lot, but Daedalus kept speaking, giving out needless information so they get distracted from asking about his name. He doubted if a small village would be cautious of a mercenary such as him, or guards would even know about him; but none can be too careful after all. "While on the topic of the Inn, it would be really kind of you gentlemen if you could guide me to one," Daedalus added with a smile, reaching out a hand to have the letter back, assuming they were done examining it.

[JennyDK]

The guard is not really one to let a stranger wander about here this late at night."I cannot let you pass before you identify yourself. Also...show us any weapons you may carry. We do not want any potential criminals here. Duskhill is a peaceful place and we intend to continue to being so. Once we are sure you are harmless and know your identity, I will gladly point you towards the inn in town", he says, not really happy about letting someone wander about, thus the extra security and questions. The other guard just keeps himself ready, whilst trying to observe the surroundings a bit as well.

[Thatannoyinggod]

When Deaca arrived at the monastery, he waved to the monk on night duty. "Good evening and God's grace upon you, brother. I am Deaca. I am on a pilgrimage, and I ask for shelter for the evening in your parish." He gave a small bow with his head and made certain the monk could see his crucifix. His feet were sore and tired weariness was beginning to weigh upon him.