Leeta gapes for an instant as Rowarin begins working with what seems to be a pieces of a puzzle, not understanding what he's doing in the slightest. But he seems pretty certain of it, and that is enough. So, same as Mizu, she helps to scatter the crowd while saying "Come on! Move away! Can't you see our friend is working his magic there? Let's give him some space! Move along! Pleeeeease". She actually pushes some of the neighbours very very slightly, and they are surprised to find themselves moved away pretty easily despite being pushed so softly by a considerably less tall young girl.
Seeing that his attempt to try and disperse the crowd went nowhere, Rixi stomps towards them alongside Leeta as he waves his arms. "Hey! All of you! Move aside and stop freaking out for crying out loud! We'll handle this!" He yells as he then hears Rowarin's suggestion...
Rowarin will continue to tinker and creates a device capable of Feather Fall - "Now about the vines, I can shed a bright light up there which should burn the vines away right? Then this device I have duped "Floaty McGuffins" should be able to bring the body down gently. Just let me know when we're ready?"
Burn the vines? Hmph. Already got that covered; Once he and Leeta have moved the crowd to a safe distance away from the illusion they presumably can't see, The young paladin grimaces again, staring at the dusky rooftop as his left foot suddenly ignites (If this accidentally hits anyone it's non-lethal; He's not aiming at anything except for the vine itself). Thing is... he's worried that it might burn the roof down though, so he'll have to try and specifically aim at the point where the vine will engulf by the flame but won't blaze up to the point where it hangs and makes contact with the wooden roof or Zale herself if she's still alive. This will be a difficult task of precision to avoid an unnecessary demolition. Even then... he's give it his best shot. If he makes someone unconscious with his flame, well, guess he can call this a win-win.
Then again, Rowarin's using a non-lethal source of light to burn them down; He doesn't react yet despite having hit foot still alight, but if Rowarin's genuine plane doesn't work he'll act after that.
The Wildland Shifters Daisy Ethalena- Female Wood Elf Ranger (Monster Slayer) Ethan Wolftree - Male Simic Hybrid Warlock (The Hexblade); Crimson Sands of Time Raiden Kurosaki - Male Kitsune Wizard (Bladesinger); Lancea Rixian Nishinoya - Male Fire Genasi Paladin (Oath of Vengeance); Path Of Blood Tenebris Amaro - Male Dark Elf Druid (Circle of Stars) Yurime Hanasaki- Female Kumiho Bard (College Of Creation) Mira Laurits - Female Harengon Sorcerer(Clockwork Soul); Lancea
(OOC: After the crowd is dispersed, and if Rixian finally needs to burn the vines, Leeta will gladly Action Help him so he casts his spell at advantage. If @Rynn allows this, she'd help Rixian look for the perfect spot to aim his fire magic. Because surely 4 eyes will find that spot more easily than 2, right?)
Akyan nods to Kullogal, "As I said before, they seem to be under some spell."Then he turns to Mizu, "No, but it's the first time it's been flaunted like this." He clenches his fists and mutters to himself, "I should have gone out last night."
Soma flies up to investigate the vine, finding that it appears to have grown around the center beam of the roof. It's not growing out of the roof, but rather is clinging to it. At the top it looks as if the other end was snapped or cut off. Aside from this, there doesn't seem to be anything or anyone up there.
As the crowd continues to yell and panic, Cassian somehow manages to push through. Taking initiative, Rowarin and Leeta follow behind the elven paladin making it easier for a few of the group to push through. (The town hall is across from the inn, Rowarin has to get closer to that building before throwing his device.) Once he climbs the short steps up to the door of the Hall, Cassian turns to face the crowd. “Calm down my good citizens! What happened here is truly a tragedy, but do not soil the honor of she who has passed by arguing among yourselves. This brave soul gave her life trying to help you, should we not show her respect and give her a proper burial? Would you let her hang here while you tear each other apart?”
The crowd falls silent and the elf continues, “I know this is shocking, but please do not allow this to end your hope. I promise that we will end these disappearances, and your town will prosper once more. Now, I need some volunteers to-”His words are cut off when Rowarin tosses the device and Rixian launches a small line of flame, which instantly burns through the vines. (With Leeta's help, I'm not going to make ya roll for that.) The body falls towards the balcony only to be caught and gently lowered to the floor by Feather fall. As she is lowered, you all note that the roses have been burned away, though it's hard to tell if this is due to Rowarin's light spell or just due to the body entering the rays of the morning sun. Most of the vines are still intact, though a bit singed. Cassian gives Rowarin, Rixian, and Leeta a sad smile and an approving nod before turning back to the crowd. "Please, go back to your homes and let us take care of this."
Reluctantly, the crowd begins to disperse. As the townsfolk slowly begin to leave Akyan turns and stalks back towards the inn.
Turning back to the party, Cassian says, "We can house her body inside the Hall...it hasn't seen much use lately, and I do not think it is wise to leave her in plain sight for long. Please, help me move her inside."
After kicking the flame set alight on his foot into the vine, the fire genasi watched as Zale slowly floats to the ground. Whilst he's relieved he didn't destroy the roof with his pyrokinetic abilities, the thought of losing someone in this manner both saddens and infuriates him. It's as if they're abusing nature, bending them to perform such malicious deeds that he'd rather not see... Whatever. Best not focus on that now, not especially when Cassian look pretty devastated and is about to infect him with his sorrow...
"Um... I'm sorry for your... loss."Rixi awkwardly stutters in an attempt to maybe (?) motivate Cassian a little better. Thing is, as he looks back at the body, he isn't contempt in sitting there and doing nothing. Someone is definitely behind all of this. And if this is only the beginning, then he and whoever he's groped with is gonna have a rough time on the journey ahead.
But... if there is nothing else he can do for the moment, he'll inspect Zale's body one last time just in case... before Cassian either pushes him away or makes him carry the body over to the hall. A little evidence would be better than nothing for sure. Though... turning towards Akyan as he walks back in (no pun intended), the way he nonchalantly did so as if he's avoiding the scenario, he does have rousing suspicions that are unconfirmed for now.
Medicine: 16
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The Wildland Shifters Daisy Ethalena- Female Wood Elf Ranger (Monster Slayer) Ethan Wolftree - Male Simic Hybrid Warlock (The Hexblade); Crimson Sands of Time Raiden Kurosaki - Male Kitsune Wizard (Bladesinger); Lancea Rixian Nishinoya - Male Fire Genasi Paladin (Oath of Vengeance); Path Of Blood Tenebris Amaro - Male Dark Elf Druid (Circle of Stars) Yurime Hanasaki- Female Kumiho Bard (College Of Creation) Mira Laurits - Female Harengon Sorcerer(Clockwork Soul); Lancea
Mizu also take the chance to examine the corpse... almost appearing like he'd had the intention to do a full autopsy, but ultimately deciding that it's pretty obvious what the cause of death was. Still, he examines the body, seeing if there is anything at all to be learned from the hanging.
Medicine: 11
He stays utterly silent even after they move the body inside, thoughts racing through his mind, all running in circles with nowhere to land. He tilts his head to the side, clearly trying to make sense of this situation and decide on their next move... and also waiting to see what the adults make of what happened. He's not terribly impressed by Cassian's speech, though that may be because of his own feelings towards the recently deceased. Still, he eyes the elf, thinking about asking Mina and the others what sort of information they got out of him last night--if any.
Leeta remains silent when Cassian addresses the crowd, and when Rixian and Mizu examine the corpse she takes a look too, but focuses more on anything of interest that Zale might have had on herself than on the actual corpse itself. Of course, the monk didn't expect to find a note written by the murderer poking out of one of the dragonborn's pockets, but it didn't hurt to try anyway!
Mina hangs back as the others assist with Zale. What does this all mean? Why did things change for Zale compared to the others? Was it because she was an outsider? Did she have fey blood as well?
She starts looking around for Eleanor, she had to be around somewhere. If she doesn't find her in the crowd, she'll head back into the Inn. If she still strikes out, she'll find Akyan.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Rowarin watches in anticipation as the vines burn away, dropping the body down to the floor.. and lets out a giggle of excitement as his crude device twinkles and vibrates, activating and slowing the body down so that it gently falls to the ground. For a moment, it seems Rowarin is giddy and... happy, yes. Oh wait, there's still a dead being here, act normal Rowarin!Rowarin turns his expression into a more somber look, he doesn't want to give the idea that he enjoyed that too much.
Rowarin picks up and pockets the device, then follows Mizu into the building to aid in checking the body over. Knowing that magic is rife here (from what has been seen so far), Rowarin will attempt to see if magic was at play. Arcana:22
If magic detected: Rowarin will announce to the party "Folks, I am sensing strong magic involved here. Give me some time and I can deduce further what school this belongs to." And Rowarin will begin to pull out his spell book and perform a ritual of Detect Magic
If no magic detected: Rowarin will announce to the party "Hmmm, strange. I really thought magic would be involved here, but I am not sensing any. Perhaps this was a bit more... personal?"
Rowarin will turn to the others and wait for their thoughts on the matter.
After helping Cassian move the body inside the town hall, Mizu, Leeta, and Rowarin start the autopsy. As you do this, Cassian stations himself by the door as if standing guard.
Examining the body, you are once again struck with the intense smell of blood and roses. Vines, covered in red roses of various sizes, are sprouting from her mouth, and a few have come out of her nose and even her tear ducts, a gruesome sight though no actual blood is visible. Continuing to examine her, Mizu also finds a small scratch on her forearm which also has vines growing from it. ...this mark looks awfully similar to those wounds inflicted upon you by the plant dog's stingers.
Ignoring the grizzly sight, Leeta empties the bounty hunters pockets, and goes through her belongings. She has a coin purse with 10gp, a dagger, a rapier, studded leather, and a broken locket, poping it open, a torn, crumpled up peice of paper falls out. Inside the locket is a portrait of another dragonborn who you assume to be her mother, though you don't feel like that is significant. After un-crumpling the note, it reads-- ....Legend of Whithermore... The paper had been torn specifically to leave those words.
Based on what he has seen of the town and it's odd plant life, Rowarin is quite sure this is not natural and magic has to be in play here. Knowing this, he casts detect magic.
You sense three types of magic. Conjuration, Enchantment, and Necromancy.
Rather than staying to examine the body, Mina remains outside. It doesn't take much to spot Elenor, as the young woman is making her way towards you and the hall. It seems that she didn't want to brave the crowd and instead waited for it to disperse.
Mina is glad to see Eleanor and runs to her. "Are you alright? Did you know Zale? I didn't realize that whoever was behind these would make such a public display." she lowers her voice, "Do you know if Zale had any fey blood? We fought those things last night, you know.. the plant dogs? Its not good."
Ignoring the grizzly sight, Leeta empties the bounty hunters pockets, and goes through her belongings. She has a coin purse with 10gp, a dagger, a rapier, studded leather, and a broken locket, poping it open, a torn, crumpled up peice of paper falls out. Inside the locket is a portrait of another dragonborn who you assume to be her mother, though you don't feel like that is significant. After un-crumpling the note, it reads-- ....Legend of Whithermore... The paper had been torn specifically to leave those words.
Leetagoes through Zale's belongings carefully. Nothing out of the ordinary: weapons, gold ... wait, a locket? The monk pops it open and though she grabs the falling piece of paper very quickly she doesn't look at it inmediately, finding herself more interested in the picture instead. Was that Zale's mother? The resemblance would say so. The halfling wondered if the woman in the picture still lived and, if that was the case, how she would feel upon receiving the news that her daughter now lied dead. While it was true that Zale hadn't been very nice to Mizu, Leeta felt sad for her. No one deserved to meet their end in such a manner.
Before closing the locket again, Leeta was invaded by another thought: this bounty hunter had a locket with a picture of her mother. That must have meant that mother and doughter loved each other, right? She couldn't help but wonder how that would feel: to be loved and love in return the one that brought you to life. With a sad sigh, the monk turned her eyes away from the locket and focused on the piece of paper.
- ... Legend of Whithermore... - Leeta reads aloud - Mmm, wonder what this legend is about - she adds, as shows the piece of paper to Mizu, Rowarinand Rixian- Do you know anything about a "Legend of Whithermore"? (OOC: I did a search, because I knew this "Legend" had appeared before, but didn't remember it clearly. Leaving the results in case it helps the rest: Rowarin does know something - #244 - but I think he didn't get the chance to share it with the rest - #248)
After she asks this, Leeta turns to Cassian and asks:
- What should we do with Zale's belongings? Should they be returned to any relative or friends?
Mizu lets out a quiet huff when searching the body seems to yield no new information. Other than the fact that Zale's death had been put on display, he can't really say that this seems odd considering what they went through the night before, plus the information they gained from Akyan. He turns his attention to Leeta when she asks about the legend of whithermore, but just shrugs in response. He doesn't know anything about the story, so unless Rowarin does he has a feeling they're going to be at a loss.
"Perhaps we should leave them with the mayor for now," Mizu says in response to what to do with the Dragonborn's belongings. "Or if we happen to see one of the two she was with the other night we could give her belongings to them."He frowns, "Could they still be alive? They weren't at the tavern last night, but clearly they weren't strung up with her either, so what happened to them?"
With this new question in mind, he starts walking towards the door--likely to start searching for the two people who were with Zale when they first met her. Once at the door, he hesitates briefly, looking back to see if either Leeta or Rixian are going to follow him. Outside, Soma begins the search for him.
So there was nothing worth of value. At least, nothing that he could pick out on before Mizu, Leeta or Rowarin could do so as he scowls silently and dims the flaming light glowing in his armour. Whatever. Best head back to the tavern before trouble strikes tenfold. At least, until he hears...
- ... Legend of Whithermore... - Leeta reads aloud - Mmm, wonder what this legend is about - she adds, as shows the piece of paper to Mizu, Rowarinand Rixian- Do you know anything about a "Legend of Whithermore"?
Legend of Withermore... it sounds vaguely familiar, yet it has a different ring to his ears. He stops for a moment to process the tiny monk's question. "Not a clue." He mutters back after a silent ten seconds without even making eye contact. He definitely hasn't heard of it, but maybe it might be something to come back to later.
But... he knows vines never grow on something man made, let alone somewhere where they cannot leech whatever they attach on of nutrients. This has to be the work of a person nearby, whoever murdered her. Someone has to be in range to do all of this. He glances back at the rooftop where Zale once hung before he and the Aasimar did their thing to free the body. If Raiden was here he'd trail off to uncover this further, whether the paladin would like it or not...
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The Wildland Shifters Daisy Ethalena- Female Wood Elf Ranger (Monster Slayer) Ethan Wolftree - Male Simic Hybrid Warlock (The Hexblade); Crimson Sands of Time Raiden Kurosaki - Male Kitsune Wizard (Bladesinger); Lancea Rixian Nishinoya - Male Fire Genasi Paladin (Oath of Vengeance); Path Of Blood Tenebris Amaro - Male Dark Elf Druid (Circle of Stars) Yurime Hanasaki- Female Kumiho Bard (College Of Creation) Mira Laurits - Female Harengon Sorcerer(Clockwork Soul); Lancea
Kulogall moves to stand beside Mina, listening to her discussion with Eleanor. All the while, something is nagging at the back of his mind. He searches the rooftops, moving back and forth for different points of view, looking for anyone who may be observing the scene, looking at how the body could have arrived in that location, by what means. He listens, but mainly observes and takes note. At a break in the action, he plans to investigate the sides of the buildings, the ground further, continuing to look for clues in the area.
Rowarin finishes examining the body, and concludes the same schools of magic are in play that he found in the forest. "It's pretty obvious here that magic is in play. But, I am sensing that it is the same magic that we encountered last night, when we were starting into the forest. You know... right before things went a little crazy."
He ponders a moment whilst trying to piece together the bits of information he has, when he hears Leeta ask about the Legend of Withermore... oh right, I hadn't shared this yet!"Well, actually, now that you mention it, I actually thought about a story I was told when I was a child living here. A legend you could say." He turns to check on Podrick a moment, who has now clambered up onto Rowarins' shoulder, as if eager to listen in on the old tale.
"The town name - Withermore. It actually comes from the founding family name. The family did very well to establish the town and bring in citizens, becoming a thriving small town. The family had a daughter, Rose. If I remember rightly, they were Wood Elves. Rose was a peculiar child and even stranger adult - and this is where the legend is not the clearest. It is said her parents both died, and Rose was charged with leading the town. However, she mistreated the citizens - and is believed to have got herself into dark things. Witchcraft and such. No-one really knows what happened to her - some say she was burned at the stake, some say she disappeared into the nearby forest."
Rowarin waits a moment to see if anyone adds more, before going on "There was actually something I wanted to bring up this morning. Rixian and I both were discussing what we had seen so far last night before rest. The magic in particular... like I mentioned what I sense here is the same as what I sensed back at the forest. Schools of conjuration, enchantment - of course that much is probably a given - but also necromancy. At first I doubted it, but I feel it here too, and strong. I felt it back at that forest entrance this strong too - something is in there that doesn't want us to go in. Hence the whole charade with the girl and distraction with the attack. I think we should head back and check it out."
Once again, Rixi abruptly stops in his tracks, as if he got halted by a Command spell out of nowhere. Yikes... Rowarin spat out a lot of abstract ideas in one story. Rose... founder of Withermore... a wood elf... named after a flower... how this town came to be... why it came to be... why her good deeds went down the drain... there was a lot to process; Too much for someone like him who likes to beat around the bush. When Rowarin mentions that he was discussing about the magics, he nods in silence, as if he's agreeing with the Aasimar over what he said as he stares at the ground with... Even so... the young paladin is reminded of someone... a little familiar yet not at all so in simultaneous fashion.
Daisy... She's just like her, isn't she? Peculiar indeed for someone so stubborn, she's also wood elf like that girl and named after a flower, too; both parents died when she was young... Yet he can't even fathom her being in that 'Rose's' shoes, mistreating citizens and animals alike, getting involved in witchcraft rather than nature. That's not what a leader should do, he thinks, especially considering the pair are in fact leaders themselves. Or was, for Rixi. He had long left his misfit team a month ago when...
Wait...
The flower... the woman in Rowarin's story... the magic involved... no way...
It all clicks inside his head. The flower that was featured in the shed... the girl's name... Rose... He gasps as his amber eyes suddenly glow out of everyone's sight in horror, flashing back to the first flower he saw blooming in the darkness. It was a rose wasn't it? The woman... her fate unknown... yet presumed to be... no... this can't be. Another coincidence? Or is it the real thing? Again he can't tell as he clenches his fists and starts walking again towards the tavern against his will, even with his gut feelings getting the better of him, telling that she is behind all of this.
Sure, he could go back to the inn where the kids are as well as the forest to backtrack and find their roots (pun intended). But right now there's another matter that needs to be attended to first...
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The Wildland Shifters Daisy Ethalena- Female Wood Elf Ranger (Monster Slayer) Ethan Wolftree - Male Simic Hybrid Warlock (The Hexblade); Crimson Sands of Time Raiden Kurosaki - Male Kitsune Wizard (Bladesinger); Lancea Rixian Nishinoya - Male Fire Genasi Paladin (Oath of Vengeance); Path Of Blood Tenebris Amaro - Male Dark Elf Druid (Circle of Stars) Yurime Hanasaki- Female Kumiho Bard (College Of Creation) Mira Laurits - Female Harengon Sorcerer(Clockwork Soul); Lancea
Mizu hesitates when Rowaran starts recounting the legend of Withermore. Perhaps finding Zale's "friends" isn't the most important thing at the moment.
"Perhaps we should ask around and see how many people are familiar with the story... and how much it differs for each person," Mizu says quietly. He doesn't really like that idea, as it would take way too long. If they have any hope of rescuing Twig and whoever else may or may not still be alive, they don't have time for that. "Or perhaps we should make our way back to the woods, and see if we can penetrate it now that it is daytime."
As he speaks, Soma changes her course, now focusing on the outskirts of town and looking towards the forest for any signs of where to start.
When Rowarintells what he knows of the legend Leeta exclaims:
- What an awful story! - as she says this, she looks at the piece of paper - But I guess I couldn't expect less after everything we've seen so far. I wonder why Zale had this piece of paper in her locket? Could she possibly be a descendant of Rose Whithermore ...?
Knowing there's now way they can answer just yet, and at the mention of returning to the forest, the monk says:
- I agree with you all: the forest should be our next step, but we should depart quickly to make the most of daytime. And we should prepare to be caught there at night anyway ... it's clear there is a powerful dark magic at play there and I wouldn't count on it letting us go so easily once we enter the forest. We should pack food, water and torches at the very least- she pauses for a moment and adds - I wish there was something we could do to protect ourselves from the magical effects, but I'm not sure we can do that- she adds, remebering how Kulogallfell under Twig's influence.
- Well, let's return to Mina and Kulogall. We should share what we found out with them. And we can do what you propose, Mizu: we can ask at the StoneDog about this legend. We are going to have to go there anyway to pack some food and all that, right?
As they begin to leave the building, Leeta - who had too been focused on what was being said about the legend and the forest to realize before - hears a squeak and suddenly realizes Rowarin's rat has appeared again. She smiles broadly and says:
"I-I'm fine." Elenor states, "I just wasn't expecting this. This hasn't happened before...at-at least not that I was aware of." She glances up at the Hall door, "No, I didn't know Zale. All I know is that she was looking into this case just like the rest of us." She shakes her head, clearly shaken by what she just witnessed, "This...this changes things. I-I though the only people who were in danger were fey. Now...now I have to worry about everyone!" She takes a deep breath trying to calm herself.
While Rowarin tells his story, Kullogal scans the streets and rooftops. Like Rixian, the triton has questions as to how the body ended up here, and in such a state. He's unable to see anything or anyone around who is particularly suspicious. However, when he starts investigating the area, he finds some familiar scratches along the ground, and even on the walls of the Hall. Perhaps the Plant dogs can carry people? Aside from the scratches, there are several footprints around almost as if someone had been pacing around the building. However, the Hall is on the main road and is in the most densely populated area in town, so this could very well just be the result of townsfolk walking around.
(Sorry Mizu, who exactly is Soma looking for? The guys Zale was with? Or Akyan?)
Soma doesn't catch sight of the two guys who where drinking with Zale on the first day of the parties arrival. This is probably because they've made their way back into the Stonedog. Once he goes in, Mizu quickly spots them sitting at the same table where he'd first seen them. Both of them have drinks, and they are taking in hushed tones. Despite the recent death of one some have assumed to have been their friend, they don't seem all that sad. Rather, they seem frightened.
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Leeta gapes for an instant as Rowarin begins working with what seems to be a pieces of a puzzle, not understanding what he's doing in the slightest. But he seems pretty certain of it, and that is enough. So, same as Mizu, she helps to scatter the crowd while saying "Come on! Move away! Can't you see our friend is working his magic there? Let's give him some space! Move along! Pleeeeease". She actually pushes some of the neighbours very very slightly, and they are surprised to find themselves moved away pretty easily despite being pushed so softly by a considerably less tall young girl.
Down, down, down by the river ♫
Nessa | Alana | Ashur | Saxa | Saoirse | Auriel | Leeta
Seeing that his attempt to try and disperse the crowd went nowhere, Rixi stomps towards them alongside Leeta as he waves his arms. "Hey! All of you! Move aside and stop freaking out for crying out loud! We'll handle this!" He yells as he then hears Rowarin's suggestion...
Burn the vines? Hmph. Already got that covered; Once he and Leeta have moved the crowd to a safe distance away from the illusion they presumably can't see, The young paladin grimaces again, staring at the dusky rooftop as his left foot suddenly ignites (If this accidentally hits anyone it's non-lethal; He's not aiming at anything except for the vine itself). Thing is... he's worried that it might burn the roof down though, so he'll have to try and specifically aim at the point where the vine will engulf by the flame but won't blaze up to the point where it hangs and makes contact with the wooden roof or Zale herself if she's still alive. This will be a difficult task of precision to avoid an unnecessary demolition. Even then... he's give it his best shot. If he makes someone unconscious with his flame, well, guess he can call this a win-win.
Then again, Rowarin's using a non-lethal source of light to burn them down; He doesn't react yet despite having hit foot still alight, but if Rowarin's genuine plane doesn't work he'll act after that.
The Wildland Shifters
Daisy Ethalena - Female Wood Elf Ranger (Monster Slayer)
Ethan Wolftree - Male Simic Hybrid Warlock (The Hexblade); Crimson Sands of Time
Raiden Kurosaki - Male Kitsune Wizard (Bladesinger); Lancea
Rixian Nishinoya - Male Fire Genasi Paladin (Oath of Vengeance); Path Of Blood
Tenebris Amaro - Male Dark Elf Druid (Circle of Stars)
Yurime Hanasaki - Female Kumiho Bard (College Of Creation)
Mira Laurits - Female Harengon Sorcerer (Clockwork Soul); Lancea
(OOC: After the crowd is dispersed, and if Rixian finally needs to burn the vines, Leeta will gladly Action Help him so he casts his spell at advantage. If @Rynn allows this, she'd help Rixian look for the perfect spot to aim his fire magic. Because surely 4 eyes will find that spot more easily than 2, right?)
Down, down, down by the river ♫
Nessa | Alana | Ashur | Saxa | Saoirse | Auriel | Leeta
Akyan nods to Kullogal, "As I said before, they seem to be under some spell." Then he turns to Mizu, "No, but it's the first time it's been flaunted like this." He clenches his fists and mutters to himself, "I should have gone out last night."
Soma flies up to investigate the vine, finding that it appears to have grown around the center beam of the roof. It's not growing out of the roof, but rather is clinging to it. At the top it looks as if the other end was snapped or cut off. Aside from this, there doesn't seem to be anything or anyone up there.
As the crowd continues to yell and panic, Cassian somehow manages to push through. Taking initiative, Rowarin and Leeta follow behind the elven paladin making it easier for a few of the group to push through. (The town hall is across from the inn, Rowarin has to get closer to that building before throwing his device.) Once he climbs the short steps up to the door of the Hall, Cassian turns to face the crowd. “Calm down my good citizens! What happened here is truly a tragedy, but do not soil the honor of she who has passed by arguing among yourselves. This brave soul gave her life trying to help you, should we not show her respect and give her a proper burial? Would you let her hang here while you tear each other apart?”
The crowd falls silent and the elf continues, “I know this is shocking, but please do not allow this to end your hope. I promise that we will end these disappearances, and your town will prosper once more. Now, I need some volunteers to-” His words are cut off when Rowarin tosses the device and Rixian launches a small line of flame, which instantly burns through the vines. (With Leeta's help, I'm not going to make ya roll for that.) The body falls towards the balcony only to be caught and gently lowered to the floor by Feather fall. As she is lowered, you all note that the roses have been burned away, though it's hard to tell if this is due to Rowarin's light spell or just due to the body entering the rays of the morning sun. Most of the vines are still intact, though a bit singed. Cassian gives Rowarin, Rixian, and Leeta a sad smile and an approving nod before turning back to the crowd. "Please, go back to your homes and let us take care of this."
Reluctantly, the crowd begins to disperse. As the townsfolk slowly begin to leave Akyan turns and stalks back towards the inn.
Turning back to the party, Cassian says, "We can house her body inside the Hall...it hasn't seen much use lately, and I do not think it is wise to leave her in plain sight for long. Please, help me move her inside."
After kicking the flame set alight on his foot into the vine, the fire genasi watched as Zale slowly floats to the ground. Whilst he's relieved he didn't destroy the roof with his pyrokinetic abilities, the thought of losing someone in this manner both saddens and infuriates him. It's as if they're abusing nature, bending them to perform such malicious deeds that he'd rather not see... Whatever. Best not focus on that now, not especially when Cassian look pretty devastated and is about to infect him with his sorrow...
"Um... I'm sorry for your... loss." Rixi awkwardly stutters in an attempt to maybe (?) motivate Cassian a little better. Thing is, as he looks back at the body, he isn't contempt in sitting there and doing nothing. Someone is definitely behind all of this. And if this is only the beginning, then he and whoever he's groped with is gonna have a rough time on the journey ahead.
But... if there is nothing else he can do for the moment, he'll inspect Zale's body one last time just in case... before Cassian either pushes him away or makes him carry the body over to the hall. A little evidence would be better than nothing for sure. Though... turning towards Akyan as he walks back in (no pun intended), the way he nonchalantly did so as if he's avoiding the scenario, he does have rousing suspicions that are unconfirmed for now.
Medicine: 16
The Wildland Shifters
Daisy Ethalena - Female Wood Elf Ranger (Monster Slayer)
Ethan Wolftree - Male Simic Hybrid Warlock (The Hexblade); Crimson Sands of Time
Raiden Kurosaki - Male Kitsune Wizard (Bladesinger); Lancea
Rixian Nishinoya - Male Fire Genasi Paladin (Oath of Vengeance); Path Of Blood
Tenebris Amaro - Male Dark Elf Druid (Circle of Stars)
Yurime Hanasaki - Female Kumiho Bard (College Of Creation)
Mira Laurits - Female Harengon Sorcerer (Clockwork Soul); Lancea
Mizu also take the chance to examine the corpse... almost appearing like he'd had the intention to do a full autopsy, but ultimately deciding that it's pretty obvious what the cause of death was. Still, he examines the body, seeing if there is anything at all to be learned from the hanging.
Medicine: 11
He stays utterly silent even after they move the body inside, thoughts racing through his mind, all running in circles with nowhere to land. He tilts his head to the side, clearly trying to make sense of this situation and decide on their next move... and also waiting to see what the adults make of what happened. He's not terribly impressed by Cassian's speech, though that may be because of his own feelings towards the recently deceased. Still, he eyes the elf, thinking about asking Mina and the others what sort of information they got out of him last night--if any.
Leeta remains silent when Cassian addresses the crowd, and when Rixian and Mizu examine the corpse she takes a look too, but focuses more on anything of interest that Zale might have had on herself than on the actual corpse itself. Of course, the monk didn't expect to find a note written by the murderer poking out of one of the dragonborn's pockets, but it didn't hurt to try anyway!
(OOC: Investigation 12)
Down, down, down by the river ♫
Nessa | Alana | Ashur | Saxa | Saoirse | Auriel | Leeta
Mina hangs back as the others assist with Zale. What does this all mean? Why did things change for Zale compared to the others? Was it because she was an outsider? Did she have fey blood as well?
She starts looking around for Eleanor, she had to be around somewhere. If she doesn't find her in the crowd, she'll head back into the Inn. If she still strikes out, she'll find Akyan.
Rowarin watches in anticipation as the vines burn away, dropping the body down to the floor.. and lets out a giggle of excitement as his crude device twinkles and vibrates, activating and slowing the body down so that it gently falls to the ground. For a moment, it seems Rowarin is giddy and... happy, yes. Oh wait, there's still a dead being here, act normal Rowarin! Rowarin turns his expression into a more somber look, he doesn't want to give the idea that he enjoyed that too much.
Rowarin picks up and pockets the device, then follows Mizu into the building to aid in checking the body over. Knowing that magic is rife here (from what has been seen so far), Rowarin will attempt to see if magic was at play.
Arcana: 22
If magic detected: Rowarin will announce to the party "Folks, I am sensing strong magic involved here. Give me some time and I can deduce further what school this belongs to." And Rowarin will begin to pull out his spell book and perform a ritual of Detect Magic
If no magic detected: Rowarin will announce to the party "Hmmm, strange. I really thought magic would be involved here, but I am not sensing any. Perhaps this was a bit more... personal?"
Rowarin will turn to the others and wait for their thoughts on the matter.
After helping Cassian move the body inside the town hall, Mizu, Leeta, and Rowarin start the autopsy. As you do this, Cassian stations himself by the door as if standing guard.
Examining the body, you are once again struck with the intense smell of blood and roses. Vines, covered in red roses of various sizes, are sprouting from her mouth, and a few have come out of her nose and even her tear ducts, a gruesome sight though no actual blood is visible. Continuing to examine her, Mizu also finds a small scratch on her forearm which also has vines growing from it. ...this mark looks awfully similar to those wounds inflicted upon you by the plant dog's stingers.
Ignoring the grizzly sight, Leeta empties the bounty hunters pockets, and goes through her belongings. She has a coin purse with 10gp, a dagger, a rapier, studded leather, and a broken locket, poping it open, a torn, crumpled up peice of paper falls out. Inside the locket is a portrait of another dragonborn who you assume to be her mother, though you don't feel like that is significant. After un-crumpling the note, it reads-- ....Legend of Whithermore... The paper had been torn specifically to leave those words.
Based on what he has seen of the town and it's odd plant life, Rowarin is quite sure this is not natural and magic has to be in play here. Knowing this, he casts detect magic.
You sense three types of magic. Conjuration, Enchantment, and Necromancy.
Rather than staying to examine the body, Mina remains outside. It doesn't take much to spot Elenor, as the young woman is making her way towards you and the hall. It seems that she didn't want to brave the crowd and instead waited for it to disperse.
Mina is glad to see Eleanor and runs to her. "Are you alright? Did you know Zale? I didn't realize that whoever was behind these would make such a public display." she lowers her voice, "Do you know if Zale had any fey blood? We fought those things last night, you know.. the plant dogs? Its not good."
Leeta goes through Zale's belongings carefully. Nothing out of the ordinary: weapons, gold ... wait, a locket? The monk pops it open and though she grabs the falling piece of paper very quickly she doesn't look at it inmediately, finding herself more interested in the picture instead. Was that Zale's mother? The resemblance would say so. The halfling wondered if the woman in the picture still lived and, if that was the case, how she would feel upon receiving the news that her daughter now lied dead. While it was true that Zale hadn't been very nice to Mizu, Leeta felt sad for her. No one deserved to meet their end in such a manner.
Before closing the locket again, Leeta was invaded by another thought: this bounty hunter had a locket with a picture of her mother. That must have meant that mother and doughter loved each other, right? She couldn't help but wonder how that would feel: to be loved and love in return the one that brought you to life. With a sad sigh, the monk turned her eyes away from the locket and focused on the piece of paper.
- ... Legend of Whithermore... - Leeta reads aloud - Mmm, wonder what this legend is about - she adds, as shows the piece of paper to Mizu, Rowarin and Rixian - Do you know anything about a "Legend of Whithermore"? (OOC: I did a search, because I knew this "Legend" had appeared before, but didn't remember it clearly. Leaving the results in case it helps the rest: Rowarin does know something - #244 - but I think he didn't get the chance to share it with the rest - #248)
After she asks this, Leeta turns to Cassian and asks:
- What should we do with Zale's belongings? Should they be returned to any relative or friends?
Down, down, down by the river ♫
Nessa | Alana | Ashur | Saxa | Saoirse | Auriel | Leeta
Mizu lets out a quiet huff when searching the body seems to yield no new information. Other than the fact that Zale's death had been put on display, he can't really say that this seems odd considering what they went through the night before, plus the information they gained from Akyan. He turns his attention to Leeta when she asks about the legend of whithermore, but just shrugs in response. He doesn't know anything about the story, so unless Rowarin does he has a feeling they're going to be at a loss.
"Perhaps we should leave them with the mayor for now," Mizu says in response to what to do with the Dragonborn's belongings. "Or if we happen to see one of the two she was with the other night we could give her belongings to them." He frowns, "Could they still be alive? They weren't at the tavern last night, but clearly they weren't strung up with her either, so what happened to them?"
With this new question in mind, he starts walking towards the door--likely to start searching for the two people who were with Zale when they first met her. Once at the door, he hesitates briefly, looking back to see if either Leeta or Rixian are going to follow him. Outside, Soma begins the search for him.
Soma perception: 21
So there was nothing worth of value. At least, nothing that he could pick out on before Mizu, Leeta or Rowarin could do so as he scowls silently and dims the flaming light glowing in his armour. Whatever. Best head back to the tavern before trouble strikes tenfold. At least, until he hears...
Legend of Withermore... it sounds vaguely familiar, yet it has a different ring to his ears. He stops for a moment to process the tiny monk's question. "Not a clue." He mutters back after a silent ten seconds without even making eye contact. He definitely hasn't heard of it, but maybe it might be something to come back to later.
But... he knows vines never grow on something man made, let alone somewhere where they cannot leech whatever they attach on of nutrients. This has to be the work of a person nearby, whoever murdered her. Someone has to be in range to do all of this. He glances back at the rooftop where Zale once hung before he and the Aasimar did their thing to free the body. If Raiden was here he'd trail off to uncover this further, whether the paladin would like it or not...
The Wildland Shifters
Daisy Ethalena - Female Wood Elf Ranger (Monster Slayer)
Ethan Wolftree - Male Simic Hybrid Warlock (The Hexblade); Crimson Sands of Time
Raiden Kurosaki - Male Kitsune Wizard (Bladesinger); Lancea
Rixian Nishinoya - Male Fire Genasi Paladin (Oath of Vengeance); Path Of Blood
Tenebris Amaro - Male Dark Elf Druid (Circle of Stars)
Yurime Hanasaki - Female Kumiho Bard (College Of Creation)
Mira Laurits - Female Harengon Sorcerer (Clockwork Soul); Lancea
Kulogall moves to stand beside Mina, listening to her discussion with Eleanor. All the while, something is nagging at the back of his mind. He searches the rooftops, moving back and forth for different points of view, looking for anyone who may be observing the scene, looking at how the body could have arrived in that location, by what means. He listens, but mainly observes and takes note. At a break in the action, he plans to investigate the sides of the buildings, the ground further, continuing to look for clues in the area.
Perception : 4
If needed, Investigation : 13
Rowarin finishes examining the body, and concludes the same schools of magic are in play that he found in the forest. "It's pretty obvious here that magic is in play. But, I am sensing that it is the same magic that we encountered last night, when we were starting into the forest. You know... right before things went a little crazy."
He ponders a moment whilst trying to piece together the bits of information he has, when he hears Leeta ask about the Legend of Withermore... oh right, I hadn't shared this yet! "Well, actually, now that you mention it, I actually thought about a story I was told when I was a child living here. A legend you could say." He turns to check on Podrick a moment, who has now clambered up onto Rowarins' shoulder, as if eager to listen in on the old tale.
"The town name - Withermore. It actually comes from the founding family name. The family did very well to establish the town and bring in citizens, becoming a thriving small town. The family had a daughter, Rose. If I remember rightly, they were Wood Elves. Rose was a peculiar child and even stranger adult - and this is where the legend is not the clearest. It is said her parents both died, and Rose was charged with leading the town. However, she mistreated the citizens - and is believed to have got herself into dark things. Witchcraft and such. No-one really knows what happened to her - some say she was burned at the stake, some say she disappeared into the nearby forest."
Rowarin waits a moment to see if anyone adds more, before going on "There was actually something I wanted to bring up this morning. Rixian and I both were discussing what we had seen so far last night before rest. The magic in particular... like I mentioned what I sense here is the same as what I sensed back at the forest. Schools of conjuration, enchantment - of course that much is probably a given - but also necromancy. At first I doubted it, but I feel it here too, and strong. I felt it back at that forest entrance this strong too - something is in there that doesn't want us to go in. Hence the whole charade with the girl and distraction with the attack. I think we should head back and check it out."
Once again, Rixi abruptly stops in his tracks, as if he got halted by a Command spell out of nowhere. Yikes... Rowarin spat out a lot of abstract ideas in one story. Rose... founder of Withermore... a wood elf... named after a flower... how this town came to be... why it came to be... why her good deeds went down the drain... there was a lot to process; Too much for someone like him who likes to beat around the bush. When Rowarin mentions that he was discussing about the magics, he nods in silence, as if he's agreeing with the Aasimar over what he said as he stares at the ground with... Even so... the young paladin is reminded of someone... a little familiar yet not at all so in simultaneous fashion.
Daisy... She's just like her, isn't she? Peculiar indeed for someone so stubborn, she's also wood elf like that girl and named after a flower, too; both parents died when she was young... Yet he can't even fathom her being in that 'Rose's' shoes, mistreating citizens and animals alike, getting involved in witchcraft rather than nature. That's not what a leader should do, he thinks, especially considering the pair are in fact leaders themselves. Or was, for Rixi. He had long left his misfit team a month ago when...
Wait...
The flower... the woman in Rowarin's story... the magic involved... no way...
It all clicks inside his head. The flower that was featured in the shed... the girl's name... Rose... He gasps as his amber eyes suddenly glow out of everyone's sight in horror, flashing back to the first flower he saw blooming in the darkness. It was a rose wasn't it? The woman... her fate unknown... yet presumed to be... no... this can't be. Another coincidence? Or is it the real thing? Again he can't tell as he clenches his fists and starts walking again towards the tavern against his will, even with his gut feelings getting the better of him, telling that she is behind all of this.
Sure, he could go back to the inn where the kids are as well as the forest to backtrack and find their roots (pun intended). But right now there's another matter that needs to be attended to first...
The Wildland Shifters
Daisy Ethalena - Female Wood Elf Ranger (Monster Slayer)
Ethan Wolftree - Male Simic Hybrid Warlock (The Hexblade); Crimson Sands of Time
Raiden Kurosaki - Male Kitsune Wizard (Bladesinger); Lancea
Rixian Nishinoya - Male Fire Genasi Paladin (Oath of Vengeance); Path Of Blood
Tenebris Amaro - Male Dark Elf Druid (Circle of Stars)
Yurime Hanasaki - Female Kumiho Bard (College Of Creation)
Mira Laurits - Female Harengon Sorcerer (Clockwork Soul); Lancea
Mizu hesitates when Rowaran starts recounting the legend of Withermore. Perhaps finding Zale's "friends" isn't the most important thing at the moment.
"Perhaps we should ask around and see how many people are familiar with the story... and how much it differs for each person," Mizu says quietly. He doesn't really like that idea, as it would take way too long. If they have any hope of rescuing Twig and whoever else may or may not still be alive, they don't have time for that. "Or perhaps we should make our way back to the woods, and see if we can penetrate it now that it is daytime."
As he speaks, Soma changes her course, now focusing on the outskirts of town and looking towards the forest for any signs of where to start.
When Rowarin tells what he knows of the legend Leeta exclaims:
- What an awful story! - as she says this, she looks at the piece of paper - But I guess I couldn't expect less after everything we've seen so far. I wonder why Zale had this piece of paper in her locket? Could she possibly be a descendant of Rose Whithermore ...?
Knowing there's now way they can answer just yet, and at the mention of returning to the forest, the monk says:
- I agree with you all: the forest should be our next step, but we should depart quickly to make the most of daytime. And we should prepare to be caught there at night anyway ... it's clear there is a powerful dark magic at play there and I wouldn't count on it letting us go so easily once we enter the forest. We should pack food, water and torches at the very least - she pauses for a moment and adds - I wish there was something we could do to protect ourselves from the magical effects, but I'm not sure we can do that- she adds, remebering how Kulogall fell under Twig's influence.
- Well, let's return to Mina and Kulogall. We should share what we found out with them. And we can do what you propose, Mizu: we can ask at the StoneDog about this legend. We are going to have to go there anyway to pack some food and all that, right?
As they begin to leave the building, Leeta - who had too been focused on what was being said about the legend and the forest to realize before - hears a squeak and suddenly realizes Rowarin's rat has appeared again. She smiles broadly and says:
- And who is this little guy? Hello, Mr. Rat!
Down, down, down by the river ♫
Nessa | Alana | Ashur | Saxa | Saoirse | Auriel | Leeta
"I-I'm fine." Elenor states, "I just wasn't expecting this. This hasn't happened before...at-at least not that I was aware of." She glances up at the Hall door, "No, I didn't know Zale. All I know is that she was looking into this case just like the rest of us." She shakes her head, clearly shaken by what she just witnessed, "This...this changes things. I-I though the only people who were in danger were fey. Now...now I have to worry about everyone!" She takes a deep breath trying to calm herself.
While Rowarin tells his story, Kullogal scans the streets and rooftops. Like Rixian, the triton has questions as to how the body ended up here, and in such a state. He's unable to see anything or anyone around who is particularly suspicious. However, when he starts investigating the area, he finds some familiar scratches along the ground, and even on the walls of the Hall. Perhaps the Plant dogs can carry people? Aside from the scratches, there are several footprints around almost as if someone had been pacing around the building. However, the Hall is on the main road and is in the most densely populated area in town, so this could very well just be the result of townsfolk walking around.
(Sorry Mizu, who exactly is Soma looking for? The guys Zale was with? Or Akyan?)
Soma doesn't catch sight of the two guys who where drinking with Zale on the first day of the parties arrival. This is probably because they've made their way back into the Stonedog. Once he goes in, Mizu quickly spots them sitting at the same table where he'd first seen them. Both of them have drinks, and they are taking in hushed tones. Despite the recent death of one some have assumed to have been their friend, they don't seem all that sad. Rather, they seem frightened.