Taking stock sounds like a good idea.

From there, our primary concern is not getting caught. Does this road lead directly to the next village? Because as soon as they finish up in the castle, they will begin looking for survivors - and the road we took will be a very high priority on their list.

>>575
until we can confirm that lord knightly is actually dead we need to find him and alert him to the attack, i would head in the last known direction of his army

well I assume the king's in the castle at da bay so we should find where the wimmins is hidin first and not go to the bay

quest 2010/09/26(Sun)20:48 No. 277948 ID: 950529
File 128555932314.png - (41.81KB , 874x590 , 41.png )

Bert figures it's best that he get off the most obvious route and head north, the unassuming fisherman's village. With rocks and shallows, the northern coast allows little oppertunity for large ships, and is thus dominated by independent fishermen, whose produce heads through Hilltop to the rest of the island.
He has no idea where sir Kindlespirit was headed. Right now he just needs a place to rest and make plans.

Heading up the north path, Bert lets the horse trot at a peaceful pace so he can turn around and check the carts contents. Lifting the sheet he finds it is mostly filled with produce and a little bearded figure, wearing a large hat and coat, and carrying a crooked wooden staff.
It calmly nibbles on an apple while Bert stares in disbelief, until it finally talks in a highpitched voice. "Well, you haven't killed me yet, so I assume you're on the run too. Good youre here. I can't handle horses, you see. Hiding was the best I could do."

>>580
Obtain apple.

Eat apple with your new bro.

LIKE A BOSS.

Ask if the bearded fellow is a gnome. Gnomes can bring good luck on a journey, after all.

>>580
apologize for the rough riding ask the old man if he knows of any nearby settlements he'd like to be dropped off at.

I see a lady's leg.

oh yeah.

quest 2010/09/26(Sun)21:41 No. 277953 ID: 950529
File 128556248620.png - (52.96KB , 874x590 , 42.png )

Bert has no idea what to think of this. It is confusing and a bit unsettling at best.
"Uh.. Wou- Uh, would you like to sit on the front with me?", he finally stutters.
The girl nods and he helps her onto the seat, where she happily continues eating her apple.

A moment of one-sided awkwardness passes before Bert can speak again. "So, uh.. Are you a gnome..? By any chance..?"
The girl shakes her head. "No, I'm Greybrow. I'm a lorekeeper."
"..I.. I see.. I'm Bert Windleflood.. Uh, I'm heading to the north. Is there anywhere I can drop you off?"
"No, that's okay, I'll go there too."

Well then, at least she seems content for the moment.

You really need to work on your conversation skills there, Bert. You break out in a sweat every time you start talking to a woman. How about asking her how she ended up in the back of a cart, for starters. Also, you might try asking about what kinds of lore she has collected.

>>585
Little girl with her hair tied in a fake beard and wearing a wizard outfit. Yeah... umm... we should... probably call her on this eventually. I don't suppose you recognize her through as someone in particular through the clever disguise?

But dude whoever it is you should feel proud of yourself. You saved someone.

...touch her boobs

quest 2010/09/26(Sun)23:29 No. 277957 ID: 950529
File 128556897091.png - (39.74KB , 874x590 , 43.png )

This isn't something Bert can be proud of. The rescue was simply by chance - Though he is certainly happy that chance turned out this way.
Socializing isn't one of his strengths. Bert has spend all his time training for any kind of honorable encounter, as long as they are violent.
"So, uh- How did you, uh, how did you end up in the cart?", he tries again.
"Well, I was hungry." Greybrow takes another bite of the apple.
"Did you see any of the fighting?", Bert asks, surprised at how oblivious the girl seems.
"No, I was hiding already. It sounded pretty bad, though. I'm glad we made it out."
Bert nods. He is reminded not everyone experiences the world like he does.
He clears his throat and swallows the memory for now. "Can I ask what kind of lore have you collected?"
"Oh! Well, I can tell you!" Greybrow's voice increases in pitch with enthusiasm. "You know the island is called Dwemer Torn because they thought the builders of all the ruins destroyed themselves with magic? That's not true at all! The weather changed and all the crops kept being ruined, so everyone took up and left. They knew as little about dwemer as we do!"

Ask her where she is headed.

Interesting. Was it natural weather that ruined their crops? I mean, it seems strange that a place where people were living long enough to begin growing crops would suddenly develop different weather patterns and force everyone out.

Perhaps both histories are accurate, and there was some magic involved that drastically changed the weather?

>>589
Chat with her for a bit about whatever interests her, then say something along the lines of "Aren't you uncomfortable with your hair tied in front of your face like that?" If she continues to play dumb, just call her out. Nicely, as well as you can manage it.

Huh. If the weather has changed again and crops are failing, the Crown maybe attempting to carry on as usual in order to avert panic and maintain control, but would swiftly be running out of food and capital. That could be reason enough to wrest control of wealthy (and fertile, it is a farm after all) estates from mostly independent nobles. If this is so, it's also likely that some sort of trumped-up charges have been made against Sir Kindlespirit and his family and estate, so you may want to avoid revealing your identity, at least as a resident of the Kindlespirit estate for now. It sounds like you weren't too well known outside oft he estate, so you may well be able to use your real name.

I think she's lying and she was hiding for a reason. Why else would she be dressed up? I didn't read the other responses but I'm sure they'll tell you something better

quest 2010/09/27(Mon)12:41 No. 277965 ID: 950529
File 128561651160.png - (47.76KB , 874x590 , 44.png )

"I see." Bert nods politely. He clears his throat. "Where were you heading?"
"Oh, well, I was on a quest to gather lore, of course. I have done so for a long time."
Bert goes silent again. He can'tt ake this anymore.
"Uhm.. You know, I don't mind, but..", he dares, "Your disguise is easily seen through. It looks rather uncomfortable too."
He braces himself for the response, but Greybrow just unties her hairmustache and pushes the hair out of her face. She silently stars.
Bert breaks the tensed silence, "Why did you disguise yourself?"
"Little girls aren't lorekeepers."
"Then what were you doing at Castle Hilltop?"
"I ran away from home to study with aunty Maribelle. She's not an old man but people still listen to her, so, you know.. Well, I guess you should just take me home."

>>597
"And where is it you live, miss...?" If she's family to Maribelle she and her family might also be in danger, the Crown seemed hell bent on eradicating her family there and who knows where that might stop? Don't say so much yet though, we don't want her to freak out. If she lives close maybe we can try to do something before the crowns men arrive.

quest 2010/09/27(Mon)14:21 No. 277967 ID: 950529
File 12856224928.png - (50.13KB , 874x590 , 45.png )

"Where do you live?", Bert asks.
"Wargold Keep, across the swamp. But you were going north, right? Well, maybe I could find a caravan to join.."
Bert realizes Wargold Keep is home to Sir Glorybuck, who had a fierce rivalry with Sir Kindlespirit for as long as Bert can remember.
"Might I know your real name now, madam?"
"Huh? Oh, I'm Annarose Glorybuck. I guess my brow isn't really grey anyway.."

quest 2010/09/27(Mon)14:30 No. 277968 ID: 950529
File 128562300826.png - (34.12KB , 874x590 , 46.png )

New location unlocked.

Well it's not like you're going to stay in that village, it's just the nearest safe place to avoid the Crowns men. If you really wanted to get to Wargold Keep it would be better to get a boat at the village and sail back around the swamps and nearby isles. But let's get more info before doing anything hasty.

>>599
>"I guess my brow isn't really grey anyway.."
"No, it's not. You make a good lorekeeper, though."

Do we know anything about the village we are riding towards? At the very least, a name would be good. How long it would take to get there would also be desirable, so we know how long we have to travel.

Beyond that, I think we need to start planning on how to get away from our daring little escape. We left the castle on a mule-driven cart while wearing the heraldry of Sir Kindlespirit. Simply wandering into a town with a mule-driven cart full of produce, which we don't plan on selling, wearing the heraldry of Sir Kindlespirit would be rather memorable to the townsfolk, unless it is closer to a large city. Disguises, or at least removing your armor and thinking up a cover story, are something we need to start considering.

quest 2010/09/27(Mon)16:56 No. 277971 ID: 950529
File 128563179698.png - (41.49KB , 874x590 , 47.png )

"It's alright.", Bert replies, "We'll just make a stop at the village and I'll escort you home from there."

They continue their travel north and hit the village at dusk. Bert lets the horse graze just outside. From here he can calmly decide on what to do.

Bert has no idea what the village is called. He has spend no time on learning topography.

First thing we should do is check any available boats. See if there are some for rent/sale and the prices.

Do either of you have any money? Probably not, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

Is there any money on the cart? Unlikely, given that it was hauling produce inside the castle, but it is possible it is a merchant cart and there is a small amount stashed into a corner.

If it is evening, we should be looking into a place to stay after checking to see when the boats will leave. Unless we can find some money, this may mean camping out a little distance from town, or even working for a place to sleep.

Also, take off the armor. Two kids transporting fruit is a lot less suspicious than a young soldier just happening to walk through town.

i would go to the market and sell the produce, then auction off the wagon get a good saddle with the profits and some traveling supplies like robes,bed rolls and rations. do not sell the horse unless absolutely necessary. tavern may be a good place to get some information but i would hide the crest till you know whats going on politicly.

>>603
Marketplace and auction? Inventory and funds check! What do we got? Besides the horse and cart, of course. We can probably sell those if we aren't using them from here on.

quest 2010/09/27(Mon)18:05 No. 277976 ID: 950529
File 128563591041.png - (20.68KB , 874x590 , 48.png )

"Do you have any coins on you?", Bert asks Annarose.
She shakes her head silently and looks down. Bert pats her on the shoulder reassuringly. "It's alright."

Bert is no good at disguises, and hiding, and smooth talking, and what not. He's no socialite and certainly no scoundrel!
He'd rather keep his hauberk where it is. It makes him feel more confident.

Bert can't stand in the middle of the marketplace and sell things! That's what the auction house is for!
He enters it. An old man is still doing paperwork. "Can I help ya?"
"I have a horse and wagon to trade for a boat."
"Hm? You don't mean the other way around? No, you don't look like you're from here. Most people try to leave this craphole instead of moving in, mind my words. There's a lot of offers of boats for horse and wagons. Shall I sign you up so people can bid their boats and whatever extra on your horse and wagon, or shall I just look up the best offer thats available right now?"

This guy seems to have the remarkable capability of not caring, which I guess is a good thing for us. Ask him if he knows how much it would be to get a ride on an outgoing ship, or at least what ships are leaving soon.

We'll probably want to sell the cart A.S.A.P. in either case. We kind of need to stay mobile, not to mention the money.

quest 2010/09/27(Mon)18:44 No. 277978 ID: 950529
File 128563826230.png - (21.24KB , 874x590 , 49.png )

Bert scratches his head a bit unsure. "Well, I didn't exactly plan to move in. I need the boat to get somewhere quickly. Do you know how much it will be to charter a trip?"
The man looks at him as if Bert is an idiot. "Are you simple, boy? This is Erdsalt. The water is too shallow for any big boats and our little fisherboats can't handle the high seas. Well, sometimes some Easterners come in with their outlandish vessels from Pandum's Landing. I don't trust them, though, and they probably can't use your horse and wagon."

>>610
You won't need to cross the ocean, only to travel around the land. Ask him if the local boats can manage that much.

You've got a choice here, we can let this guy know you're on the run and why and hope he is more helpful, or avoid it in case it causes us problems now or later. I say don't mention all the facts to him, but if you need more cooperation you should inform whoever is in charge of the militia office about the actions of the Crown and see if they can help move things along somehow.

ask if there are any alternate ways to get to Wargold Keep

I would say avoid mentioning anything. If it is a fishermen's village, then letting them know you are on the run from the crown won't suddenly get a large merchant vessel there. He seems helpful enough so far.

Well if we can't get there by boat, we will either need to hike there or travel there by cart. Apologize to the man for your ignorance, and see if he knows which direction a port town is located.

>>612
I would avoid mentioning our origin or destination, at least unless he becomes curious. Making it public knowledge that we are heading to Wargold Keep might be bad for our health, not to mention Sir Glorybuck.

quest 2010/09/27(Mon)19:30 No. 277983 ID: 950529
File 128564100252.png - (21.05KB , 874x590 , 50.png )

"Which way is the nearest portcity?", Bert asks, ashamed of his ignorance.
"Head south to Dwemer Bay. Only place the big ships can dock. There's Pandum's Landing, but that's full of Easterners."
"I just need to cross the swamp quickly."
"Why didn't you say so? The fisherboats can cross the swamp, but you won't find anyone willing to make the trip. Tales say the place is haunted. So you'll have to make a deal with the Easterners. They stop here to stock up wether theyre going east or west, but like I said, they don't want horses or wagons. Now I gotta get back to work. Come back when you're ready to do business, boy."

Thank him for his time. One last question, though: are there any Easterners currently in Erdsalt?

After that, let's head back to the wagon and Annarose. She might know another way through the swamp. Plus, we need to decide what we are doing for the night - no money means no staying at the inn.

quest 2010/09/27(Mon)19:44 No. 277985 ID: 950529
File 128564187872.png - (34.84KB , 874x590 , 51.png )

Location unlocked: Pundam's Landing

>>615
See if you can sell the horse and cart or auction it for just money. No trading and you don't care about it being a fair deal. Just whatever you can get.

quest 2010/09/27(Mon)20:28 No. 277987 ID: 950529
File 128564451687.png - (41.48KB , 874x590 , 52.png )

"Is it possible to auction the horse and wagon off for just money?", Bert tries.
"That'd mean someone'd have to sell their boat to get that much money first, and no one wants to pay for another boat around here."
"I see. Well, uh, are there any Easterners in the village now?"
"I wouldn't know. They haven't come in here if they are. You'd have to check the inn or the militia office."
"Alright. Thank you for your time."
"Right. You come back when you want to get rid of your horse and wagon."

Bert heads out to the wagon again.
Annarose is eating her full of apples.
"Do you know how to get through the swamp?", Bert asks her.
"Huh? No? Why would I know that?"
"Well, you came from the other side."
"Yeah, but I went to Dwemer Bay first. It takes longer, but the main roads are best patrolled."

Bert is standing outside the village again.

>>619
You could probably sell it fast for some small amount, but that's rather suspicious. Like, selling stolen goods suspicious. Which it sorta is. If we're going to be anything but subtle, we should take it to the militia office. But for now let's head to the inn and ask if any easterners are around.

>>619
well if we are gonna take her home shortest route would be thru the swamps a wagon probably wouldnt make it but a horse probably could save some of the food and sell the rest with the wagon (hopefully theres someone out there who really needs a wagon) try and get a saddle some camping gear and basic survival needs (compass bedroll ect)along with some rope then see what you can find out about the swamps from the inn or militia whether theres a known route or at least a partial route and anything you can find out about it being haunted would probably be useful too.

I baw'd

And then Bert and Annarose lived happily ever after? ;_;

YOU PICK THAT BOOK BACK UP RIGHT NOW YOUNG MAN.

Just... skip a bit until it picks up again? Please? ;~;