Path of the Warlord One shot
Welcome to the Country of Norheim.
On the Continent of Rehinlund,
Beyond the mountains known as the Titans lies the cold northern country. Forged by war and blood. The times of conquest have ended, but the strife continues in these lands.
The people are hearty and strong. They value deeds of strength over all else. Magic has been lost to Norheim. None know why this has happened. Most think that with greater technologies, the need for magic became less necessary and soon the ability atrophied like a muscle amongst the people. Though it is rare, there are some who still practice it. Mostly grifters and criminals using it to ill ends. Because of this, displays of magic are often seen as threats and met with hostility. Magic users beware.
You all came to this country seeking further adventure and renown. You find yourselves in the town of Farwyl, A peaceful quaint village. You are relaxing in the Tørst Mead Hall having some food and libations.
The Mead hall consists of one long bench with seats on either side. Every patron sits at this table. Because of this, your party is together but seated amongst strangers on either side of you. The din of chatter and tankards clinking is all around you. It is a very cheery. Despite the colder temperatures outside, you find a warm atmosphere within this hall.
Character introductions
A human male who has had his eye on you but has been very quiet near you takes a big sip of his tankard and turns to your group.
"You're not from around here. Well met. You look capable. Perhaps you'd be willing to assist with something? I have coin if you've got the time.
My name is Jakob. This is Magnus. He is a mercenary I hired to keep me safe. I am in hiding here in Farwyl. I am what you'd call, witness to a crime. I was part of a traveling merchant caravan selling our wares in different cities around the country.The roads can be dangerous so we often band together to give us strength in numbers. We stopped off at Jarl Aaren's keep near Stonespire. He promised to purchase our entire stock and bid all of us stay at the keep for the night while the items were offloaded and payment was calculated. Having no reason to rush off, we decided to stay the night and rest.
I awoke early the next day to find someone in my room brandishing a dagger. He leapt for me but luckily The merc I hired for that job intervened and tangled with my attacker. I ran out in the commotion to find all the people in my caravan murdered and all our goods removed from our carts. I managed to sneak off without being seen. Not before I found an incriminating note scattered amongst a stack of correspondence. Apparently The Jarl had hired one of the local warlords to ransack our shipment to make it look like a random criminal act. The note I have is a correspondence between the Jarl and this warlord outlining the whole scheme. The supplies split amongst them will bolster both forces. I narrowly escaped with my life and I intend to bring this letter to Balmora and present it to High Queen Fiusnath to bring attention to this awful crime committed by one of the leaders in this country.
The roads to Balmora are being watched by This warlord's band. Volath is his name, and judging by the brutality with which he dealt with the other merchants, I don't want to meet him in my travels. If you could escort me to the capital, I would pay you handsomely."
He drops a velvet pouch down onto the table and it makes a heavy impact as it falls. 300gp
"I will pay you the rest when I arrive safely in Balmora. Do we have an accord?"
Horses or on foot?
You make your way out of the mead hall and set off on your 50 mile trek northward
If the players go on foot, the it will take two days and they will have to rest.
This encounter will happen when they rest, or as they travel on horseback:
As you move along the road an unnatural fog rolls into the path from the nearby woods. Far off into the distance you hear a cackle as points of light surround you
And begin to attack
Encounter Party vs. 4 Will-o-Wisps
Once the battle dies down the mist rapidly leaves the area and you see no signs of life or what could have caused this.
Continuing on...
The day moves onward as you traverse the open lands to reach your destination.
You're about 10 miles from Balmora and you hear footsteps rapidly running toward you.
((IF the party is on horseback, most of the attackers will be on horseback. If they are on foot, the attackers will be on foot))
You see a red skinned Hobgoblin armed head to toe in plate armor. and he is flanked with two vicious looking types.
"Well well, you delivered my quarry safely to me. Thank you travelers. Now bugger off and let me tie up this loose end"
Encounter vs. Warlord and 3 Bandits.
Magnus is very capable but will betray the party when it comes down to just he and Volath left alive. He will Attempt to kill Jakob and take the letter and tear it up.
If Jakob survives:
You manage to get him to the city of Balmora where he gives you another 300gp and thanks you immensely for standing up for justice. He schedules a meeting with the High Queen's court to discuss his matter of betrayal and murder. Charges are brought against Jarl Aaren and he eventually meets the Queen's swift justice. But that is a tale for another time.
If Jakob Dies:
You stand in the midst of the carnage to see the lowly merchant's lifeless body. (300gp is on his person along with a small dagger)
You achieved some semblance of Justice by avenging the deaths of those merchants and made the land a bit safer by eliminating Volath but without proof, Jarl Aaren's misdeeds may never Come to light. Perhaps you can formulate a plan to foil the crooked Jarl but that is a tale for another time.
The party will be attacked by 2 Winter Wolves. Especially if they travel on horseback.
Starting Gold
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