The Kobolds' Story

Preface: The following is a true story of an epic encounter my adventuring party had one late night while gaming endlessly into the night. As all roleplaying games go, the story that unfolded is not my own as the Game Master. It belongs to the ages, and as such I share it with you.

A Frightened Village

Our adventure begins as three foolhardy young men from a small village in the Dalelands decided they had enough cow dun and goats milk. Grant, perhaps the strongest in the village. Sam, a mischievous trickster and Don, a seasoned hunter. The men had been drinking heavily one night at the local tavern and made a pact to always fight for right. Our friends have just stumbled into a small village south of Shadowdale with the chill of late fall lingering into dusk. The people look worn and tired. A shadow of fear glints in their eyes. Supplies running tight Sam takes the lead and ask a nearby boy if there is somewhere they could have some stew, a fire and a pint of ale. The young boy answers, "Miss Gallows runs the Hanging Man up the road. She be having beds and food most nights." The others agree and they head to the Inn.

After a short walk up the road they arrive at the Inn. As they approach they notice old wooden doors stand guard against the deepening night. A large two story building with dark smoke rising from the chimney, and the distinctive smell of roast mutton. Grant lumbers forward and rushes into the Inn.

Shaking the road dust off and eyes adjusting to the dim interior the boys notice a small stout figure holding a broom, staring up at them. At 3 feet tall with a long snout and sneaky eyes the figure speaks in a high pitched voice, "What would you have gentlemen?".
They stand there stunned into silence at the tiny finely dressed creature in front of them. An awkward pause. "Stop gaping!
Yes, Gentlemen, I am a kobold. My name is Gallows. If you could stop your staring and let me know what I could do fer you I would be helping."

Don answers, "A room and meal mam!"

They pay for a room and are informed that the stew is ready and the fire is warm. As they are sitting in the common room enjoying the delicious belly swelling food, Sam notices a small frail figure covered in blankets near the fire. Curiosity taking its' toll, he slyly walks over and warms his hands. The frail creature appears to be an older kobold. White wisp of hair hang like brushes from his brow. Wrinkled skin wraps his snout. And a gaping empty mouth opens and speaks in a firm voice.

"Hello There youngin.", says the old grizzled Kobold. He then whispers softly, "If you buy me a pint, I will tell you a story of treasure."
Sam quickly obtains a pint to accompany his own and pulls a chair to the fire. Handing the pint to the old wretch, he sits back with his legs crossed. Cautious he remembers he has a dagger tucked under his belt if the old creature should try anything.

"My name is Karicitinmia, I was the elder of the eldest tribe of Jasc. I carried the story tome of our history to the resting place in Aknamar. This is the story of how my family came to this village to run this very place we stand."

Karicitinmia tells his story.

The night continues and after a few more Ales with Sam listening intently, the old kobold goes silent. Looking up Sam notices that his companions have already fled to their beds. He thanks Karic for his story and walks unsteadily up to his room.

The next morning he excitedly shares the story with his companions and exults in delight, "The old kobold said that treasure is buried west of here in the mountains. Guarded by few, a small fort holds untold riches and artifacts of a kobold tribe. He wants revenge on those that forced his family away and ask only that we leave no one alive."
Don, thoughtfully silent. Grant breaks the silence and snaps, "When do we leave?"

They spend the day gathering supplies and head out before the midday heat begins to linger.

To be continued.. Check out Part 2

Grant - Human Age 19 Warrior Favorite weapon: Two handed Battle-axe
Sam - Human Age 17 Thief Favorite weapon: Dagger
Don - Human Age 20 Hunter Favorite weapon: Bow

Image Source: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kobold_artlibre_jnl.jpg