Bigby will nod at the acknowledgement. He then responds to Xanrym, "Yrag? No I haven't seen him, if I had I probably wouldn't have needed the Ramne ruse, we could have come out into daylight and handle this situation together. Interesting that he took you on, he usually travels alone, obviously he thought your voice important in some way. To be honest I don't know how to find the man, he's elusive, hunted as he is. I doubt the demons have gotten the better of him, he likely was just sent wayward. I think your best bet will be to ask around Greyhawk when you get there, High Tower Inn is the Citadel's meet up spot in the city. I'll likely head there myself to see if anyone else wants to come with me to the Wild Coast." Bigby then looks suspiciously at your boots, "Well? Do we have a deal? Time is of the essence here obviously." He seems unfazed by your name dropping.
(OOC: Heh. Not really name dropping. Just trying to show that Xanrym is an agent of the Citadel of the Eight.)
Xanrym says, "Well, perhaps Yrag was getting lonely. Or maybe he was just convinced to share his many stories. Or maybe Merikka played a hand, nudging Yrag to take me with him just to lead me here to Orlane. I'm sorry that he has not made contact here, and I hope that you're right. From what I've learned so far, Yrag certainly seems like he always manages to come out of the most frightful encounters alive."
Xanrym also thanks the wizard, "Thank you for your advice, Bigby. We will certainly look for the inn once we find a cleric to help Toska. And thank you, again, for your help in getting us to The Free City in time."
At Bigby's prompting, Xanrym says, "Yes, yes, of course. But I'll need to see whether Orlane's cobbler is available at this late hour. Or find someone else in town whose boots I can buy. I don't think that I'll fit into your shoes!" (Xanrym is ~ 6 feet tall.) "My old boots were so fouled with mud and blood that I left them in The Rushmoors once I found these, and I can't walk into The Free City bare-footed!" He looks back toward town and then back to Bigby. "Or, if you're in a terrible hurry, perhaps you'd consider just taking a couple of the potions or a spell scroll instead of the boots? Or...I forgot earlier...we also have a vial of blood from a black-dragon wyrmling. And the feather of an evil harpy who was able to cloak us all in Darkness. Perhaps one of those would be a good substitute for the boots." He takes out the vial of dragon's blood and presents it as though revealing a surprise gift.
Theldrin can't help but smile, but quickly directs it at Bigby as he says with another bow, "Yes, we greatly appreciate your assistance with all this." In truth he finds Xanrym's apparent reluctance to part with the boots amusing, as he had actually fancied them as well but kept it to himself, content with the ring.
Bigby shakes his head, smiling. "That's not how these things work. I'm afraid you're not really in a position to negotiate. If you want to get that cleric to Greyhawk in time, you'll need to give me those boots. I wouldn't worry too much, if you keep exploring ruins i'm sure you'll find more items like these. When you get to my position, ruin delving becomes a bit of a chore, I'm able to get magic items by supplying my services to adventurers like yourselves." He does a little mock bow and holds out his hand for the boots.
(I'm afraid this is the deal. If you want to get Toska to Greyhawk you'll have to agree to the deal. Sorry that it's Xanrym that has to give up an item, but I did make it as fair as possible by rolling for it.)
Xanrym pretends like he wasn't trying to avoid giving up the boots and graciously says, "Of course. As you say, Bigby." He gives the boots to Bigby.
If Bigby intends to leave tonight and not in the morning, then Xanrym will need to run back into town to get Heckle and find some other boots to wear. He figures that they can purchase anything else that they'll need at the markets in The Free City tomorrow. They should also notify Mayor Ormond that they're leaving so that the sudden disappearance of the Company of the Grey Chain doesn't cause panic tomorrow.
Xanrym would also spend a few moments to talk to Wraven Stoutheart. He lets him know that Ramne was really Bigby in disguise. He says that Bigby will take the company to Greyhawk, and he'll try to inquire about Yrag there. If Yrag happens to arrive in Orlane, Xanrym asks Wraven to let him know that that's where Xanrym went.
"We understand," Theldrin adds with a warm smile. He waits patiently for everyone to be ready for the journey to Greyhawk. Finding a moment to speak with Bigby, he asks, "Have you heard of the archmage Elrenstad of Ekbir? I was a student of his before he, ah... passed away suddenly. I have been on my own in my studies of the arcane arts since... very glad to have the assistance of someone as masterful as yourself."
Night accepts the dragons head with some fascination. Bigby will want to leave at once, but gives Xanrym time to say his goodbyes.
Jillian is happy to give Heckle back, although slightly confused as he was just returned. He’s also happy to supply him with some boots, for everything he’s done for the town it’s the least he can do. Xanrym then finds Wraven and Mayor Ormond helping people pack their things and return home in the centre of the village. They’re happy to see you return, but wonder at the swiftness of your departure.
Bigby thinks to himself at Theldrin’s request “Elinstrad? Yeah i know the name, not very familiar with his work though, what were some of his accomplishments? As for a new master I feel I may make a poor one, as my life is mainly consumed with performing tasks for my own. Although if you do end up in Greyhawk I may be able to introduce to some other members of The Eight.”
"Ah, that would be splendid..." Theldrin replies to Bigby. "Elrenstad was mostlly known for developing his own style of battle magic, which I was studying.... and well, in his youth he was somewhat of an adventurer, then later served the Calyph himself before founding his academy."
Jillian is happy to give Heckle back, although slightly confused as he was just returned. He’s also happy to supply him with some boots, for everything he’s done for the town it’s the least he can do. Xanrym then finds Wraven and Mayor Ormond helping people pack their things and return home in the centre of the village. They’re happy to see you return, but wonder at the swiftness of your departure.
"Yes," Xanrym explains to Kilian, "well, we had hoped to stay here in Orlane to rest for a while, but such is the life of an adventurer! And their trusty draft horse, ay, Heckle? The Company of the Grey Chain will go where we must whenever need calls. Hopefully, we'll be able to come back to Orlane again. While we are gone, may Merikka bless this town and return Orlane to its formerly sunny and prosperous days!" Xanrym gives Kilian 1 gp for his trouble and a sack with 5 sp and 100 cp. (It's way more than the cost of the boots and feed, but Xanrym is trying to lighting his load and generate some future goodwill in case the company returns to Orlane in the future). He's intentionally vague about where and why they're leaving because he thinks that the added mystery is good for the company's reputation.
Speaking with Mayor Ormond, Xanrym gives the real reason for their departure, but he does not reveal Ramne's true identity. He merely explains that they believe that Ramne can help them find a cleric who may be able to raise Toska from death. "But you know Ramne," he says with a resigned shrug, "he will not be gainsaid, and if our company wants his help, we must go with him tonight. I don't know whether he plans to return to Orlane."
As I said above, if Xanrym can get a moment with Wraven alone, he does reveal to Wraven that Ramne was Bigby since that could be relevant if Yrag ever makes it to Orlane:
Xanrym would also spend a few moments to talk to Wraven Stoutheart. He lets him know that Ramne was really Bigby in disguise. He says that Bigby will take the company to Greyhawk, and he'll try to inquire about Yrag there. If Yrag happens to arrive in Orlane, Xanrym asks Wraven to let him know that that's where Xanrym went.
Xanrym leaves any of the gear that the company doesn't want to carry with Mayor Ormond to use or dispose of as he sees fit:
Abramo's chainmail armor and mace
the cultists' scimitars
2 locked chests from the Temple of Merikka (with their keys)
the bow and arrows from the goblins of the Dim Forest
the statue of the naga under the Golden Grain Inn
The party can fill the two other chests (Derek's chest with the poison needle trap and the one from the slaad's chamber) with the valuable treasure and strap them to Heckle for the journey. (See Other Possessions at the end of Xanrym's Inventory. It's currently ~320 gp of treasure per party member, but I guess we'll wait until we pay for a cleric to raise Toska before we divide it.)
Wearing a new pair of (mundane) boots and leading Heckle, Xanrym is now ready to depart of The Free City of Greyhawk.
Bigby nods at Theldrin's story of Elrenstad of Ekbir, noting some notes in his journal. Wraven and Mayor Ormond take the news from Xanrym well, "I must admit, I hoped a couple of you would choose to spend some time in Orlane. The people here will need leadership, and while I am happy to provide, I am getting older. Please come back to Orlane whenever you wish, The Company of the Grey Chain are more than welcome anytime. As for the statue of the naga, I will have Wraven go below the inn with a crew and extract it. I want all effigies of the naga destroyed so this town can properly move on."
I'll give you all a day before we head to Greyhawk. This might be the last time you'll be in Orlane for a long time, so if there were any NPCs you wanted to say goodbye to now would be a good time. Cirilli and Maajid come to mind, but if you want your departure to be quiet you can always just leave.
Wraven and Mayor Ormond take the news from Xanrym well, "I must admit, I hoped a couple of you would choose to spend some time in Orlane. The people here will need leadership, and while I am happy to provide, I am getting older. Please come back to Orlane whenever you wish, The Company of the Grey Chain are more than welcome anytime. As for the statue of the naga, I will have Wraven go below the inn with a crew and extract it. I want all effigies of the naga destroyed so this town can properly move on."
"Thank you," Xanrym says, "I hope that the Company of the Grey Chain will return to Orlane soon! I am confident that you have many years of good service ahead of you, Zakarius! And I'm sure that new leaders will emerge in the work to rebuild the town and re-consecrate the temple. But I would like to meet the good people of Orlane now that they're free from the dark cloud of fear and suspicion that the cult cast over the town. Perhaps we'll be back to see Orlane at harvest!" Xanrym looks thoughtfully out around the town, remembering the night he crept down the dark road to find that Mayor Ormond had been kidnapped. Now that the cult has been defeated, he no longer feels that same fear of danger lurking in every shadow. The town seems sleepy and peaceful at night. He smiles and says, "I feel like our story will bring us back here: the cult may be gone, but I worry that the dangers in the Rushmoors and the Dim Forest may be growing." Xanrym knows that if the Company never returns to Orlane, this prediction will be forgotten. But if they do, Zakarius will remember it as prophetic, adding to the party's legend.
Xanrym shakes himself out of his musing and returns to the present. He says briskly, "But the Company must first try to save Toska! Against a monster as terrible as the naga, even one mistake can prove disastrous! Toska's life was cut short, but I refuse to believe that that's the end of her story. St. Cuthbert must have use for such a courageous woman among his followers. Toska stood firm against the dreaded undead and helped faithfully in our fight against several monstrous creatures! We must try, at least, to return her to the high priests of St. Cuthbert. If Toska's bravery found favor with her god, perhaps he will make her whole and return her to service."
I'll give you all a day before we head to Greyhawk. This might be the last time you'll be in Orlane for a long time, so if there were any NPCs you wanted to say goodbye to now would be a good time. Cirilli and Maajid come to mind, but if you want your departure to be quiet you can always just leave.
Xanrym would not presume to disturb Cirilli's family so late at night. She is back with her family, and they are free from the naga's curse. If he happens to see them in the town while he is collecting Heckle or speaking to the mayor, Xanrym will say good-by and wish her well. "It is good to see your parents free from the naga's curse and your family reunited. You have lived through a nightmare and many dark nights, but take hope that you had the will to resist the naga's charms and the determination to survive to see the end of it. I hope that the experience fades, just like a bad dream on waking, and that you live to see many happy years here in Orlane!"
Xanrym would definitely seek out Maajid. He had talked about hiring the group to escort him further, but he was headed south. Unless Maajid wants to accompany the party to the City of Greyhawk, the party will have to part ways with him here. Xanrym doesn't recommend that Maajid wait for them to return because they don't know when they'll be back. "We have means to get to The Free City quickly, and we will take it for Toska's sake. But I don't think that we'll have a fast way to return to Orlane, so it may be many long months before we're back here. Now that the naga cult has been defeated, the roads in this area will probably be safer than they have been for many months."
Theldrin accompanies Xanrym as he makes his rounds, in particular wanting to bid farewell to the mayor, as well as Maajid (assuming he doesn't want to come with us).
as well as Maajid (assuming he doesn't want to come with us).
(OOC: If Maajid wants to stick to his original route, I think that he'll be fine now that the cult has been defeated. It looks like Hochoch is just across the Real Stream, one day's easy march to the west of Orlane. Trade will presumably be flowing between Hochoch and Orlane again, and Maajid should be able to find a group to travel with. Hochoch looks like a large enough city for him to book passage down the Java River to Flen or beyond. I don't remember whether Maajid had a particular destination in mind, like Niole Dra, but once he's south of The Rushmoors, I guess that overland travel in the Sheldomar Valley will be much safer.)
You find Cirilli hugging her father and brothers, all now back to their normal selves. The men (who you beat up pretty badly a few days ago) have no ill will toward you and are starting to get over the shame of what they did with the help of Cirilli. Near the family are the people who haven't recovered as fully, such as the town blacksmith, who still barks violently at no one every now and again, apologising immediately. Amongst these people is also the priest Abramo, quietly muttering to himself and crying over his deeds in the upper level of the church. Cirilli thanks you all for what you've done but keeps looking over nervously at Abramo (You remember she was his captive for quite a few days.) She asks you, "Do you think someone like that can ever be redeemed? I know that what he became wasn't his fault, but how can we ever feel safe around him anymore?"
Maajid admits that he doesn't wish to visit Greyhawk and bids you farewell, but asks a question first. "I admit, I did want to head to the capital of Keoland, Niole Dra, to set up trade routes there. But I am torn now, seeing how far this town has come in just a few days without the naga's influence, I wonder if trying to capitalise on new ventures here might be the best course for my business. What do you think I should do?"
Avery looks about the town, and nods. "I think you are right, I would suggest setting up here, capitalize on all of those new ventures that will spring up. At least you know they will, instead of heading to the capital where you will have a lot of competition."
To the mayor: "I am truly glad we could be of service here... these folks seem like the salt of the earth, good people. I hope we can venture back here before long."
Replying to Cirilli's question: "Well, give it time Cirilli... I understand if you would never trust the man again. But in time, he might indeed redeem himself."
To Maajid: "Avery has a good point..." then he adds with a smile, "and then we might see you again when we return, which I hope to do. It would be nice to sit down as friends on a peaceful afternoon, have a cup of tea, perhaps a game of chess."
Part of him wishes he could stay here, join in with the rebuilding of the town with the people here... live a simpler life. But he know it's not his fate.
Amongst these people is also the priest Abramo, quietly muttering to himself and crying over his deeds in the upper level of the church. Cirilli thanks you all for what you've done but keeps looking over nervously at Abramo (You remember she was his captive for quite a few days.) She asks you, "Do you think someone like that can ever be redeemed? I know that what he became wasn't his fault, but how can we ever feel safe around him anymore?"
Xanrym gives Abramo a long look and says, "Honestly, Cirilli, I don't know. Perhaps he was longer under the naga's spell than the others and will simply take more time to recover? May the Lady of the Calendar lead him back to the light!" But he looks worried.
When Xanrym can talk to the party privately, he finally voices his concern: "I'm worried about Abramo. As the head priest here in Orlane, his actions while under the naga's domination would not only have been contrary to his nature but also violated his divine oaths. And from all of the insane scribbling on the walls of his chambers at the temple, it seems like he may have been one of the first ones captured and turned by the cult here in Orlane. I worry that he could be unstable. If he can be redeemed, it may require help that he won't find in this little village."
@aaggie, @werelemur: Basically, Xanrym suggests that the company should take Abramo to Greyhawk with them. Hopefully, they could just turn him over to clerics of his order there. Perhaps a powerful healer could cure his mind or absolve him of the evil deeds he did while dominated by the naga. Other high-ranking clerics could at least seek divine guidance from Merikka for how his case should be handled. Xanrym worries that if they leave Abramo in Orlane, the disgraced priest may pose a danger to himself or to others (especially, Cirilli!).
Maajid admits that he doesn't wish to visit Greyhawk and bids you farewell, but asks a question first. "I admit, I did want to head to the capital of Keoland, Niole Dra, to set up trade routes there. But I am torn now, seeing how far this town has come in just a few days without the naga's influence, I wonder if trying to capitalise on new ventures here might be the best course for my business. What do you think I should do?"
Xanrym refuses to advise Maajid on his business dealings. He laughs and says, "I am happy that we could help you and see you safely through the danger of the cult, Maajid! But even if a cobbler makes you the most comfortable boots you've ever worn, it still doesn't sense to ask him to force a sword, does it? I have an interest in old tales and ancient ruins and lost magics....but none at all in commerce! Any advice I could offer on your business would be based on a foundation worse than the sinking mud in The Rushmoors."
Bigby will nod at the acknowledgement. He then responds to Xanrym, "Yrag? No I haven't seen him, if I had I probably wouldn't have needed the Ramne ruse, we could have come out into daylight and handle this situation together. Interesting that he took you on, he usually travels alone, obviously he thought your voice important in some way. To be honest I don't know how to find the man, he's elusive, hunted as he is. I doubt the demons have gotten the better of him, he likely was just sent wayward. I think your best bet will be to ask around Greyhawk when you get there, High Tower Inn is the Citadel's meet up spot in the city. I'll likely head there myself to see if anyone else wants to come with me to the Wild Coast." Bigby then looks suspiciously at your boots, "Well? Do we have a deal? Time is of the essence here obviously." He seems unfazed by your name dropping.
(OOC: Heh. Not really name dropping. Just trying to show that Xanrym is an agent of the Citadel of the Eight.)
Xanrym says, "Well, perhaps Yrag was getting lonely. Or maybe he was just convinced to share his many stories. Or maybe Merikka played a hand, nudging Yrag to take me with him just to lead me here to Orlane. I'm sorry that he has not made contact here, and I hope that you're right. From what I've learned so far, Yrag certainly seems like he always manages to come out of the most frightful encounters alive."
Xanrym also thanks the wizard, "Thank you for your advice, Bigby. We will certainly look for the inn once we find a cleric to help Toska. And thank you, again, for your help in getting us to The Free City in time."
At Bigby's prompting, Xanrym says, "Yes, yes, of course. But I'll need to see whether Orlane's cobbler is available at this late hour. Or find someone else in town whose boots I can buy. I don't think that I'll fit into your shoes!" (Xanrym is ~ 6 feet tall.) "My old boots were so fouled with mud and blood that I left them in The Rushmoors once I found these, and I can't walk into The Free City bare-footed!" He looks back toward town and then back to Bigby. "Or, if you're in a terrible hurry, perhaps you'd consider just taking a couple of the potions or a spell scroll instead of the boots? Or...I forgot earlier...we also have a vial of blood from a black-dragon wyrmling. And the feather of an evil harpy who was able to cloak us all in Darkness. Perhaps one of those would be a good substitute for the boots." He takes out the vial of dragon's blood and presents it as though revealing a surprise gift.
Avery holds up the dragon's head, "Could you use something like this?"
Theldrin can't help but smile, but quickly directs it at Bigby as he says with another bow, "Yes, we greatly appreciate your assistance with all this." In truth he finds Xanrym's apparent reluctance to part with the boots amusing, as he had actually fancied them as well but kept it to himself, content with the ring.
DC 20 Persuasion roll for Xanrym: 21
Bigby shakes his head, smiling. "That's not how these things work. I'm afraid you're not really in a position to negotiate. If you want to get that cleric to Greyhawk in time, you'll need to give me those boots. I wouldn't worry too much, if you keep exploring ruins i'm sure you'll find more items like these. When you get to my position, ruin delving becomes a bit of a chore, I'm able to get magic items by supplying my services to adventurers like yourselves." He does a little mock bow and holds out his hand for the boots.
(I'm afraid this is the deal. If you want to get Toska to Greyhawk you'll have to agree to the deal. Sorry that it's Xanrym that has to give up an item, but I did make it as fair as possible by rolling for it.)
Avery offers the head of the dragon just because, not in lieu of the boots.
Xanrym pretends like he wasn't trying to avoid giving up the boots and graciously says, "Of course. As you say, Bigby." He gives the boots to Bigby.
If Bigby intends to leave tonight and not in the morning, then Xanrym will need to run back into town to get Heckle and find some other boots to wear. He figures that they can purchase anything else that they'll need at the markets in The Free City tomorrow. They should also notify Mayor Ormond that they're leaving so that the sudden disappearance of the Company of the Grey Chain doesn't cause panic tomorrow.
Xanrym would also spend a few moments to talk to Wraven Stoutheart. He lets him know that Ramne was really Bigby in disguise. He says that Bigby will take the company to Greyhawk, and he'll try to inquire about Yrag there. If Yrag happens to arrive in Orlane, Xanrym asks Wraven to let him know that that's where Xanrym went.
"We understand," Theldrin adds with a warm smile. He waits patiently for everyone to be ready for the journey to Greyhawk. Finding a moment to speak with Bigby, he asks, "Have you heard of the archmage Elrenstad of Ekbir? I was a student of his before he, ah... passed away suddenly. I have been on my own in my studies of the arcane arts since... very glad to have the assistance of someone as masterful as yourself."
Night accepts the dragons head with some fascination. Bigby will want to leave at once, but gives Xanrym time to say his goodbyes.
Jillian is happy to give Heckle back, although slightly confused as he was just returned. He’s also happy to supply him with some boots, for everything he’s done for the town it’s the least he can do. Xanrym then finds Wraven and Mayor Ormond helping people pack their things and return home in the centre of the village. They’re happy to see you return, but wonder at the swiftness of your departure.
Bigby thinks to himself at Theldrin’s request “Elinstrad? Yeah i know the name, not very familiar with his work though, what were some of his accomplishments? As for a new master I feel I may make a poor one, as my life is mainly consumed with performing tasks for my own. Although if you do end up in Greyhawk I may be able to introduce to some other members of The Eight.”
"Ah, that would be splendid..." Theldrin replies to Bigby. "Elrenstad was mostlly known for developing his own style of battle magic, which I was studying.... and well, in his youth he was somewhat of an adventurer, then later served the Calyph himself before founding his academy."
(OOC: Kilian, right?)
"Yes," Xanrym explains to Kilian, "well, we had hoped to stay here in Orlane to rest for a while, but such is the life of an adventurer! And their trusty draft horse, ay, Heckle? The Company of the Grey Chain will go where we must whenever need calls. Hopefully, we'll be able to come back to Orlane again. While we are gone, may Merikka bless this town and return Orlane to its formerly sunny and prosperous days!" Xanrym gives Kilian 1 gp for his trouble and a sack with 5 sp and 100 cp. (It's way more than the cost of the boots and feed, but Xanrym is trying to lighting his load and generate some future goodwill in case the company returns to Orlane in the future). He's intentionally vague about where and why they're leaving because he thinks that the added mystery is good for the company's reputation.
Speaking with Mayor Ormond, Xanrym gives the real reason for their departure, but he does not reveal Ramne's true identity. He merely explains that they believe that Ramne can help them find a cleric who may be able to raise Toska from death. "But you know Ramne," he says with a resigned shrug, "he will not be gainsaid, and if our company wants his help, we must go with him tonight. I don't know whether he plans to return to Orlane."
As I said above, if Xanrym can get a moment with Wraven alone, he does reveal to Wraven that Ramne was Bigby since that could be relevant if Yrag ever makes it to Orlane:
Xanrym leaves any of the gear that the company doesn't want to carry with Mayor Ormond to use or dispose of as he sees fit:
The party can fill the two other chests (Derek's chest with the poison needle trap and the one from the slaad's chamber) with the valuable treasure and strap them to Heckle for the journey. (See Other Possessions at the end of Xanrym's Inventory. It's currently ~320 gp of treasure per party member, but I guess we'll wait until we pay for a cleric to raise Toska before we divide it.)
Wearing a new pair of (mundane) boots and leading Heckle, Xanrym is now ready to depart of The Free City of Greyhawk.
Bigby nods at Theldrin's story of Elrenstad of Ekbir, noting some notes in his journal. Wraven and Mayor Ormond take the news from Xanrym well, "I must admit, I hoped a couple of you would choose to spend some time in Orlane. The people here will need leadership, and while I am happy to provide, I am getting older. Please come back to Orlane whenever you wish, The Company of the Grey Chain are more than welcome anytime. As for the statue of the naga, I will have Wraven go below the inn with a crew and extract it. I want all effigies of the naga destroyed so this town can properly move on."
I'll give you all a day before we head to Greyhawk. This might be the last time you'll be in Orlane for a long time, so if there were any NPCs you wanted to say goodbye to now would be a good time. Cirilli and Maajid come to mind, but if you want your departure to be quiet you can always just leave.
"Thank you," Xanrym says, "I hope that the Company of the Grey Chain will return to Orlane soon! I am confident that you have many years of good service ahead of you, Zakarius! And I'm sure that new leaders will emerge in the work to rebuild the town and re-consecrate the temple. But I would like to meet the good people of Orlane now that they're free from the dark cloud of fear and suspicion that the cult cast over the town. Perhaps we'll be back to see Orlane at harvest!" Xanrym looks thoughtfully out around the town, remembering the night he crept down the dark road to find that Mayor Ormond had been kidnapped. Now that the cult has been defeated, he no longer feels that same fear of danger lurking in every shadow. The town seems sleepy and peaceful at night. He smiles and says, "I feel like our story will bring us back here: the cult may be gone, but I worry that the dangers in the Rushmoors and the Dim Forest may be growing." Xanrym knows that if the Company never returns to Orlane, this prediction will be forgotten. But if they do, Zakarius will remember it as prophetic, adding to the party's legend.
Xanrym shakes himself out of his musing and returns to the present. He says briskly, "But the Company must first try to save Toska! Against a monster as terrible as the naga, even one mistake can prove disastrous! Toska's life was cut short, but I refuse to believe that that's the end of her story. St. Cuthbert must have use for such a courageous woman among his followers. Toska stood firm against the dreaded undead and helped faithfully in our fight against several monstrous creatures! We must try, at least, to return her to the high priests of St. Cuthbert. If Toska's bravery found favor with her god, perhaps he will make her whole and return her to service."
Xanrym would not presume to disturb Cirilli's family so late at night. She is back with her family, and they are free from the naga's curse. If he happens to see them in the town while he is collecting Heckle or speaking to the mayor, Xanrym will say good-by and wish her well. "It is good to see your parents free from the naga's curse and your family reunited. You have lived through a nightmare and many dark nights, but take hope that you had the will to resist the naga's charms and the determination to survive to see the end of it. I hope that the experience fades, just like a bad dream on waking, and that you live to see many happy years here in Orlane!"
Xanrym would definitely seek out Maajid. He had talked about hiring the group to escort him further, but he was headed south. Unless Maajid wants to accompany the party to the City of Greyhawk, the party will have to part ways with him here. Xanrym doesn't recommend that Maajid wait for them to return because they don't know when they'll be back. "We have means to get to The Free City quickly, and we will take it for Toska's sake. But I don't think that we'll have a fast way to return to Orlane, so it may be many long months before we're back here. Now that the naga cult has been defeated, the roads in this area will probably be safer than they have been for many months."
Theldrin accompanies Xanrym as he makes his rounds, in particular wanting to bid farewell to the mayor, as well as Maajid (assuming he doesn't want to come with us).
(OOC: If Maajid wants to stick to his original route, I think that he'll be fine now that the cult has been defeated. It looks like Hochoch is just across the Real Stream, one day's easy march to the west of Orlane. Trade will presumably be flowing between Hochoch and Orlane again, and Maajid should be able to find a group to travel with. Hochoch looks like a large enough city for him to book passage down the Java River to Flen or beyond. I don't remember whether Maajid had a particular destination in mind, like Niole Dra, but once he's south of The Rushmoors, I guess that overland travel in the Sheldomar Valley will be much safer.)
You find Cirilli hugging her father and brothers, all now back to their normal selves. The men (who you beat up pretty badly a few days ago) have no ill will toward you and are starting to get over the shame of what they did with the help of Cirilli. Near the family are the people who haven't recovered as fully, such as the town blacksmith, who still barks violently at no one every now and again, apologising immediately. Amongst these people is also the priest Abramo, quietly muttering to himself and crying over his deeds in the upper level of the church. Cirilli thanks you all for what you've done but keeps looking over nervously at Abramo (You remember she was his captive for quite a few days.) She asks you, "Do you think someone like that can ever be redeemed? I know that what he became wasn't his fault, but how can we ever feel safe around him anymore?"
Maajid admits that he doesn't wish to visit Greyhawk and bids you farewell, but asks a question first. "I admit, I did want to head to the capital of Keoland, Niole Dra, to set up trade routes there. But I am torn now, seeing how far this town has come in just a few days without the naga's influence, I wonder if trying to capitalise on new ventures here might be the best course for my business. What do you think I should do?"
Avery looks about the town, and nods. "I think you are right, I would suggest setting up here, capitalize on all of those new ventures that will spring up. At least you know they will, instead of heading to the capital where you will have a lot of competition."
To the mayor: "I am truly glad we could be of service here... these folks seem like the salt of the earth, good people. I hope we can venture back here before long."
Replying to Cirilli's question: "Well, give it time Cirilli... I understand if you would never trust the man again. But in time, he might indeed redeem himself."
To Maajid: "Avery has a good point..." then he adds with a smile, "and then we might see you again when we return, which I hope to do. It would be nice to sit down as friends on a peaceful afternoon, have a cup of tea, perhaps a game of chess."
Part of him wishes he could stay here, join in with the rebuilding of the town with the people here... live a simpler life. But he know it's not his fate.
Xanrym gives Abramo a long look and says, "Honestly, Cirilli, I don't know. Perhaps he was longer under the naga's spell than the others and will simply take more time to recover? May the Lady of the Calendar lead him back to the light!" But he looks worried.
When Xanrym can talk to the party privately, he finally voices his concern: "I'm worried about Abramo. As the head priest here in Orlane, his actions while under the naga's domination would not only have been contrary to his nature but also violated his divine oaths. And from all of the insane scribbling on the walls of his chambers at the temple, it seems like he may have been one of the first ones captured and turned by the cult here in Orlane. I worry that he could be unstable. If he can be redeemed, it may require help that he won't find in this little village."
@aaggie, @werelemur:
Basically, Xanrym suggests that the company should take Abramo to Greyhawk with them. Hopefully, they could just turn him over to clerics of his order there. Perhaps a powerful healer could cure his mind or absolve him of the evil deeds he did while dominated by the naga. Other high-ranking clerics could at least seek divine guidance from Merikka for how his case should be handled. Xanrym worries that if they leave Abramo in Orlane, the disgraced priest may pose a danger to himself or to others (especially, Cirilli!).
Xanrym refuses to advise Maajid on his business dealings. He laughs and says, "I am happy that we could help you and see you safely through the danger of the cult, Maajid! But even if a cobbler makes you the most comfortable boots you've ever worn, it still doesn't sense to ask him to force a sword, does it? I have an interest in old tales and ancient ruins and lost magics....but none at all in commerce! Any advice I could offer on your business would be based on a foundation worse than the sinking mud in The Rushmoors."