third eye

Sir Shane's Story (Legend in the Mist)

The man looked surprised at first, but then nodded with a knowing grin and winked at Sir Shane for buying the lass a drink. "Sure, sure. One for Elaine."

He then proceeded back to the kitchen, and the next time he came out with stuff, he went to the huntress' table and placed a jar in front of her. Leaning closer to her, he whispered something in her ear, then left her.

She turned to the knight's direction, without any ladylike shyness, and nodded at him. After a few moments of open curiosity, she turned back to her food and drink, leaving it to the man to make further contact.

Sir Shane's Story (Legend in the Mist)

"Ah-ha. Well, you can ask Elaine here," he nodded towards the hunter-looking female still at her table, "or maybe wander around north or west. There's talk from the south, too, but you know, southerners..." and he made a condescending handwave, "sensible folk stay up, not down."

The traditional tension between northerners and southerners was apparently very much part of this man, and probably the town in general.

Sir Shane's Story (Legend in the Mist)

I went with pence and pound on a whim, because it fits the names on the map and the rustic fantasy vibe, at least for me.

Sir Shane's Story (Legend in the Mist)

"A pound a night, if you want breakfast with it. That's what most people choose, anyway. How many nights do you want?" - by now he mostly dropped out of the polite mode he tried to keep up, but was obviously not at home with it.

Sir Shane's Story (Legend in the Mist)

"That's 30 pence, Sir. Would you like to stay in the Goatbeard, Sir?"

Sir Shane's Story (Legend in the Mist)

"Errr, fine. I'll be bringing the food ..." - and he left the knight alone. About two minutes later he turned up with the beer, then a short time later with the stew. He placed all the things Sir Shane ordered on his table without any further words.

Sir Shane's Story (Legend in the Mist)

Yes, Sir Shane. Take a chair. And he swept around with his arm, indicating the numerous empty tables. May I ask what, ummm, purpose do you have in our town? Barleytown has the best beer in the world, but it's not a court for nobles.

Sir Shane's Story (Legend in the Mist)

The inn was moderately busy in the early afternoon, but obviously had much more space than the half-dozen patrons took up, mostly eating alone at a table. The gruff man who was serving food to a hunter-like fellow, didn't make small talk, just put the bowl of stew on the table. The hunter nodded at him, and started to eat at leisure. She had a hooded cloak dropped on the back of her chair, sturdy leather boots, and a piercing, clear gaze.

The others were elder people, sipping a mug of beer, or staring out the window.

The man who served the food noticed the knight entering the Goatbeard. He stopped and took a few steps towards Sir Shane. He tried an awkward bow, but stopped midway, and searched for the proper word for a few seconds. Ummm, welcome good lord, to the inn. What do ... would you like to have?

Sir Shane's Story (Legend in the Mist)

Barleytown

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After arriving in the Dales, and asking around in Underbough and Fairpoint, Sir Shane learned the main source of the talks about weird things awakening. As far as the folks of the riverside villages could tell, it all came from the west, where Barleytown lied. Some of them specifically mentioned the inn there, where people congregate after the monthly market, the Goatbeard.

Barleytown was well-known for its good yield of its namesake, and the beer made from it. The locals were very proud of it, making it a point with every visitor to taste it, always offering a free mug for fresh arrivals. The mysterious Dolmen Knolls could be found north of town, providing an infinite source for spooky and cautionary tales for the towners. 'You'll go to the dolmens!' was a phrase scary enough for most children to become obedient. The Craggen Highlands, however, were less mysterious but more directly dangerous, as the wild hillfolk usually hunted all intruders to set an example.

All in all, Barleytown was itself peaceful, with exciting things around it, to keep the folk gossiping and guessing whenever they got bored.

Sir Shane's Story (Legend in the Mist)

Ok, I like this very much.

I'd like to go through the challenges in the intro adventure, which perfectly corresponds with Sir Shane's goal (and excuse) for coming to the Dales. After that, you'll set the direction of his story.

And first game post is up in the [IC] tab!