Another hot day - Flamerule 11th

H 96/L 76, Winds N20 mph, 3/4" of rain

Ivan has put together another delicious meal and a few of you enjoy your food out in the bright sun of the courtyard.

“Agh, it’s going to be another hot one today” exclaims Kregnok, “It reminds me of a time-“

“Mr. President!”

Johann Cross the carpenter approaches. “Just wanted to let you know that the barracks are finished. It is a two-story structure with ten-beds on each floor.” (DM Note - this cost the group 200 gp)

Johann clears his throat and continues, “You may want to consider hiring some general laborers. We can build things a lot faster if we didn’t have to cut down trees ourselves and haul them over to the site.”

“And that damn halfling friend of yours has been nagging me about his tavern he wants build. Tell him it will cost 3,200 to build. But it would house 20 guests in 10 rooms, room for a dozen horses in the stables, a nice kitchen, a storage room, and a room for the servants.”

“Last I got you an estimate on the wall you talked of building near the Everlund Pass to close off this valley. As luck would have it there are two huge, natural rocks at the end of the valley that we can build around. It leaves us to fill that 50-foot wide area. Now a wooden wall (thickness 6 in, Hardness 5, HP 60, Break DC 20, Climb DC 21) would cost you about 8,000 gp.”

Johann smiles, “But I have a better solution. I discovered that you have a potentially good quarry on your hands. Looks like you could cut stone from the mountain walls and drastically cut down on the cost of a stone wall (thickness 3 ft, Hardness 8, HP 540, Break DC 92, Climb DC 22) for just 5,000 gp. You might consider hiring a mason to look into it. It could probably be pretty profitable for you as well. Well, that’s it. Let me know what you want done.”

Kregnok glances up at the sun again, “Moradin’s beard! It’s going to be a scor-“

The dwarf is cut off mid sentence as the trumpets blare that someone approaches. Considering the fear of a massive orcish attack, you all brace yourself.

The guard calls down from above, “Single female, with dog.”

After a brief interview with Captain Dominic, the elf woman and her dog enter the courtyard. Her hair is golden in color and wild in appearance, she has what looks to be twigs embedded in her hair. She wears leather armor and a shield made of antlers on her back. The dog obediently sits next to it’s master.

“Greetings. My name is Vadania of the Nether Mountains. I have noticed increased activity in this newly formed valley and came to investigate. Myself, and my faithful companion, Odif, wish to offer my services to assure a balance between nature and man.”

"Greetings and well met Vadania, and you too Odif." Umberto stands and bows. "I am Umberto Lunini. I was wondering when a walker of the woods would happen upon our establishment. I warmly welcome you to Rockhammer. Being a Monk of the Shining Fist, I appreciate your desire for balance, and we would of course welcome your counsel. Let me introduce you to our elected leader and master smith, Kregnok." Umberto smiles politely at the new guests, anxious to share his thoughts on balance and maintaining equality.

Greetings. It seems we have been a flood with new faces lately. I am Melisi, I hope your stay at our keep is a pleasant one.

Aye welcome, welcome indeed. Kregnok Stonefist at yer service. Ye've met Umberto, I've no doubt the two of ye will have much to discuss. Why don't we move inside where it's a bit, cooler. This heat, almost as hot as a dwarven forge!

As you all move inside the cool confines of Rockhammer Hold, Tian exits. You all stand in the doorway while Tian hold her head down. “I would like to apologize for my…condition yesterday. The rest” she looks up at the sturdy walls, “and security of being here as done wonders for me. I hope I can earn my keep around here, that was our motto at the Alliance.”

Well now! I'm glad to see your spirits have improved. While Umberto and Vadania have much to discuss, I'd be interested in hearing more about you. Why don't you join us, and tell us about this Alliance?

Tian smiles, “The Magician’s Alliance. We were based in Silverymoon where I have lived my entire life. A handful of us went left the start up another branch along the Silverymoon Pass near Hawk’s Nest. We were in a temporary camp while we made preparations for our tower.”

Tian gets really quite for a few moments. “The orcs…must have been watching us for some time. The came in the night…and…got us all.” Tian fights the tears back. “The, uh, next thing I know I’m being carted back to their camp I guess. But something happened. They had to wait for…her. She…entered my mind…and took control. I don’t have full recollection of what was next but I know we were in some ancient Netherese ruin. She…she was looking for something. The next thing I remember she was out of me, but it didn’t seem like for long. I made a break for it. I ran. I ran for what seemed like forever. I could feel the orcs behind me the whole time. Before I knew it, I was here.”

Tian shakes off the riggers of the story, “So, could you use a spellcaster in your stronghold?”

Of course we can. That is of course, if you're certain you'd not return to Silverymoon.

"No," she says sheepishly, "I would rather stay here."

DM Note - Tian is a 1st level wizard with max ranks in Spellcraft, Knowledge (Arcana) and Knowledge (Silverymoon). Her feats include Scribe Scroll, Spell Focus (Evocation) and Still Spell. It will cost you 10 gold pieces a month to have Tian as your NPC.