KINGMAKER:
The Wardens of the Greenbelt
Entry 4.
Exploring The North & West
The party spent a few days at Oleg's. A number of building projects were started; barracks for the garrison which involved enlarging one of the towers, a temple & forge for Jarn and increased storage above the stables for the Wardens. The two loggers and their guards set off for the nearest forest to start collecting timber for the projects.
Jarn worked on new armour for T'lef in his rudimentary forge. Meanwhile the weather was changing for the worst and the Spring rains started. Kesten Garress, the garrison commander, asked the Wardens to be on the lookout for Falgrim Sneeg. Sneeg is a Varisian mercenary who Garress worked with. He had robbed his fellow soldiers and had made off into the Greenbelt to become a bandit. Garress would prefer him taken alive so that he can face trial in Restov. The Wardens are promised a useful reward in return for the capture.
William asked if Oleg could secure some books for him; spell or arcane tomes if possible but also local folklore or fictional tales would be of interest. The Wardens suggested that Oleg consider recruiting from Restov as the trading post was becoming more popular and Oleg might need more help.
At last the Wardens set off to explore the northern area they had been assigned. The rains were becoming more frequent and heavier. Not long after setting off they came to a low hill which gave a good view of the surrounding area and to the forest edge in the distance. It seemed an interesting point and may be suitable for a lookout tower in the future. From that vantage they could see a creature prowling the edge of the forest. It seemed large and predatory. Between them they identified it as an Owlbear and let it be.
Their journey took them back through some of the forest they had explored before but they then reached more plains beyond the forest. The roads were becoming muddy by now but it didn't hinder their progress too much. They came across a farm where they were offered shelter after explaining their mission. They told the farmer about some of their plans including the appointment of a teacher at Oleg's. In return he told them of a village, Gulcross, further along the road and other villages to the west and south. As they proceeded and the track became muddier they spoke to a farm-hand sheltering up a tree who was looking after some cows. He confirmed the news about the village ahead.
Before they reached Gulcross they met another wagon heading up the road towards them. The owner introduced himself as “Honest” Sam, a travelling merchant. After showing the Wardens his current stock they manoeuvred both wagons passed each other through the clinging mud and they went on their way.
They soon came to the village of Gulcross where they took shelter at the inn. The father of the local chapel was asked about Jedhail; he knew of him but hadn't seen him recently. Jarn suggested that the father arrange a meeting for the following evening where they could discuss the future of the Greenbelt and Jarn could conduct a service. The next day they set out to explore the surrounding area. The only notable location they found was an ancient cairn which they decided to leave alone for the time being. The surrounding countryside was thoroughly explored and the Wardens returned to Gulcross. In the chapel that evening the villagers gathered and Jarn gave a display of Torag's divine blessings. Whilst wandering around Ione was tripped by a mischievous grig that was flittering about in the evening light. In the inn they were introduced to Anza The Jay, a guide. After explaining herself to the party and how the party would benefit from her experience they agreed to employ her.
The next day the Wardens and Anza headed south across the plains, exploring as they went. The area was sparsely populated with only a few small farms. Their wanderings took them south west along the edge of the forest. Anza's knowledge of the tracks and roadways proved useful as they avoided most of the mud and boggy stretches. That evening they reached the hamlet of Orin Beck. This was a small farming community and they were made welcome in the local inn. As they dried themselves out and warmed up in front of a large fire they spoke to the only other traveller at the inn. He was Wino Jordan, a sometime mercenary. As the conversation continued and they discussed where they were bound they agreed that he should accompany them back to Oleg's trading post, as that was the direction Wino was heading.
The following day they headed into the fringes of the forest. Anza brought them, rather reluctantly, to the village of Oakhurst. It had a troubled reputation and all the party felt ill at ease. Anza and Wino were sent to the south of the village to make camp beyond the bridge over the fast flowing river. Meanwhile in the village, Jarn identified an evil presence as they entered. They were confronted by Colan the village leader who didn't make them feel welcome but the Wardens continued to the chapel which had been dedicated to Torag but had suffered desecration and fire. They found some burnt scrolls in the ruins and took them away to see if they could be recovered. They were joined by Kensa who had been the rector of the chapel; she was also Colan's wife. She said they should not stay because of the evil that the village harboured but Jarn swore he would rededicate the chapel immediately and would remain until his work was done.
