Most villagers nod affirmatively as Utar confirms his initial understanding. But when he mentions venturing into the forest, all eyes turn to Hupe. "Well, not quite..." Hupe restarts apologetically. "Because of this shaky truce with the fey, we thought we should do whatever we could... maybe they hadn't found Halvin yet. There was a chance we could get to him before he truly damaged this agreement... we decided that a few of the villagers would go and see if they could find Halvin before he was found by the fey."
Grinna picks up from where Hupe left off: "We sought out the services of Serelis Greenleaf, a half-elf ranger that lives outside Kabel's Hill but still in the local area. We hoped he'd serve as a guide, but he adamantly refused and insisted that if we were to send anyone into the forest, it'd be only to their own peril. Well, Phlan wouldn't respond so we felt we had no other option, and time was of the essence if we were to find Halvin before the fey did. So, the next morning, six hale and hearty men set out into the forest, each carrying a letter signed by each resident of Kabel's Hill."
Hupe interrupts his wife, earning him another glare: "That was two tendays ago and we've heard neither hide nor hair of them since."
When Utar and Doozey imply possibly not being bound by the agreement with the fey, many faces around the tavern turn to surprise. A person in the crowd tries to confirm: "You came from Phlan, right?" Without waiting for a response, Hupe clarifies: "The agreement is not with Kabel's Hill only. It's with Phlan."
Denae finds a lull in the conversation to respond to Doozey: "Lucky for you, you already have a half-elf ranger in the group. That said, it might be worth paying this Serelis Greenleaf a visit."
This just gets worse and worse. So it wouldn't be tracking down one hermit, it would be tracking down a whole fellowship of lost villagers plus whoever else ventured into those woods after them. Utar suddenly recalls a children's rhyme about a hungry old woman that he best see if a certain odd halfling is aware of.
Plus whatever agreement was in place was in place with the whole of Phlan, so presumably any retribution for breaking it could fall anywhere.
Utar gives the gathered villagers a hard look, and becomes more matter of fact in his tone of voice.
"So, Halvin plus six others have been missing for two tendays. Has anyone else ventured into the forest since? No matter the number, by all accounts those on the other side of the agreement might see that as cause to abandon their side. Has anything odd happened in the village since they entered the forest?"
Insight - 20 Does Utar feel that the story they are being let into is the whole of the matter?
(OOC Is "don't go into the Quivering Forest" something that folk in Phlan warn newcomers about? Assume history or investigation might be the most relevant checks? Either way both are +2 for Utar - 19.)
While awaiting his response from Denae, Doozey listened at first with rapt attention, and initially even nodded along, accepting their reasoning. It didn't make the actions of the volunteers any less foolish, and yet there could be no denying their bravery and willingness to step up to resolve their own problems despite the dangers. Though almost moments later, both stoutling and tundra mastiff bowed their heads, seeming suddenly struck with melancholy.
But the fleeting proved to be a fleeting one, for following the revelation about Phlan's ties, both their heads whipped up and eyes went wide. "But... wait... is that why?"Doozey muttered to himself. But before he could further formulate his thoughts, Denae's words cut through growing mental bramble. "... Mn. At the very least, we can ask'em if they seen'em, or heard anything of late of note." He whispered to her while Utar addressed the villagers.
He then looked to the Half-Orc cleric and adds, "I... wouldn't be too hard on them. You do remember that incident with the dragon a... what was it now? I wanna say... at least a month ago or so -- you know, that whole big operation that nearly got us all killed. Well, Phlan might've already screwed the pooch on that one a little? Technically? Ugh. Either way-..."The stoutling turns to Grinna. "Another question, thought it might be a touch of a sensitive one, but, uh... Did apart of this whole deal ya had going have anything to do with handing over elven bloods that find their way here by any chance? I-I know, weird question, but if'n ya wouldn't mind...?"
"Yes, Halvin plus six others." Hupe confirms embarrassingly. "Everyone else in town has been accounted for. No one else went into the forest." Then, likely as a response to Utar's third questions, or perhaps almost as an afterthought, one of the scruffier villagers hollers out "T'was prolly dem damned faeries tha' killed my cows! Damn their eyes! Damn their wings!" A quick turn of the head reveals that this is the inebriated man Neya had noticed in the crowd earlier. Although the man is thoroughly drunk, his laments over the loss of a few of his prize cows seem genuine. After a few of the others in the room chuckle at him, he obstinately invites "any of ya fools tha' don' believe me ta come and take a look fer yerselves!"
A few more chuckles drown out the man's voice, but the show is enough to scare away one or two of the younger folk in the crowd. One of them is Alma, the teenager with whom Doozey had initiated a conversation earlier. She excuses herself: "Mama said that when the drunks start showing themselves unashamedly, then that's time to head home." She then begins to make her way to the door.
As the conversation refocuses on CRAP, Denae agrees with Doozey about asking Serelis Greenleaf a couple of questions, while Neya asks one about him right away. Grinna fields it: "Aye, Serelis is a half-elf ranger who acts as an occasional go-between for us locals and the elves in the Quivering Forest. We don't really go looking for him. No one actually goes to his cabin; since it is in the woods, it's considered off limits. Serelis simply appears from time to time to check on everyone and see if we need anything."
Before Utar's earlier word get lost in the ether, Doozey shifts the conversation again. The mention of a dragon has the locals scared, even earning an audible collective gasp. But soon, Grinna finds herself answering fresh questions. "Elven blood? No, no such thing." She follows Doozey's eyes going around the room and proves to be a smart cookie. "Ah, I see... You are wondering about elves here in Kabel's Hill. You have a good eye. The truth is that people in these parts pay proper respect to the fey; even going so far as to offer them a drink, at a minimum to clear the road dust out of their mouths."She points to the free food and mead she brought to the group and then to Denae, who doesn't miss the chance to get a rise out of her CRAP companions: "Ha! You are welcome!" Grinna continues: "Sooner or later, however, any elf in Kabel's Hill finds their way into Greenhall, or so I suspect. Serelis is a bit of an exception, I guess."
While the conversation continues, it is Utar's turn to keep a sharp eye and ear on the locals (spoiler below for @MB):
Despite the slow start, you feel that Hupe and Grinna are now sharing the information they have in a forthcoming manner. Both Hupe or Grinna seem to care too much about the town to not want their problem solved. Your offer of help was Gond-sent (see what I did there?). If there was any hesitation from their part, it was likely due to their way of living. They clearly value hospitality above everything else. They wouldn't let anyone call them bad hosts.
Their earlier pause can only mean that they expected you to know where this was going. You suspect that they believed you knew the implications of the map's markings. Their assumption is likely linked with the little bit of information you shared with them: the fact that you came from Phlan. In other words, they expected you to be fully aware of the arrangement Phlan (and Kabel's Hill by extension) apparently has with the Quivering Forest. You sense a bit of surprise on their end upon realizing you were not fully aware.
Although you have heard about it before in Phlan (things like "Quivering Forest is haunted" or "The fey are gonna get you!") you are pretty sure no formal agreement between the two parties has been mentioned out in the open before. Lord Valero, may he rest in peace, may have known more about it, and perhaps so does his accomplice Lady Dala Silmerhelve, but if they did, they kept it close to their hearts. Doozey's talk about "a dragon" and the "big operation" starts ringing a few bells in your head.
Finally, you have investigated enough cases in and around Phlan to know that folk seeking your help are often not omniscient. Although Hupe and Grinna are sharing what they know, you suspect you may benefit from gathering info from other sources, perhaps by paying a visit to those other Kabel Hill landmarks you identified when arriving, or perhaps by checking out those dead cows, or perhaps by going to see this Serelis person, or perhaps by trying to find this other "location deeper into the forest than even Greenhall" according to what they told you regarding Halvin's map. Heck, why not go take a look at Halvin's hut?!
Utar nods along as Dozey jogs his own memory of their journey into the forest. CRAP handles themselves well enough that day, surely they could do the same now that tey were older and wiser, more experienced in this sort of thing.
His mental check list for things to do in the morning was growing and growing as the villagers reeled off a few likely sites to begin their enquiries:
1) Check on the dead cows.
2) Check out Halvin's barn, maybe his map.
3) Try to find Serelis Greenleaf in the Quivering Forest.
In his heart he had already accepted the quest to try and find Halvin and the six others sent to find him and bring them home, maybe try to re-establish a peace between whatever lurks in the darkness of the Quivering Forest and the residents of Phlan.
"So, I'm not saying we are, as it would need to be a group decision, but if we were to go into the forest and try to bring your missing villagers, descriptions would help, as would a copy of the letter you sent them in with."
Doozey at least seems to genuinely consider the elder man's words, and made his own mental note to visit the man's farm on the morrrow. That is of course, after asking about its location later. But before that...
"Mn! A wise one, your mum is. Safe travels, and, oh! The name's Doozey, by the way."Doozey flashes Alma a small but genuine smile and waves the teenager goodbye. But by the time she makes it to the door however, a look of concern crosses his face. Yet seeming rather than voice it or act, the stoutling simply dismisses the feeling with a curt shake of the head, then once again pivot attention back to the larger conversation/investigation at hand. Unfortunately for Denae, all she gets out of Doozey is a confused look, as the stoutling either fails to quite make the connection between her presence being a boon, or for once chose not to read too much into a given topic.
Either which way, he's just as happily presses on in adding to Utar's last point. "Aye. Descriptions of them and that Seralis fella. 'cause even if he's an obviously
Doozey at least seems to genuinely consider the elder man's words, and made his own mental note to visit the man's farm on the morrrow. That is of course, after asking about its location later. But before that...
"Mn! A wise one, your mum is. Safe travels, and, oh! The name's Doozey, by the way." Doozey flashes Alma a small but genuine smile and waves the teenager goodbye. But by the time she makes it to the door however, a look of concern crosses his face. Yet seeming rather than voice it or act, the stoutling simply dismisses the feeling with a curt shake of the head, then once again pivot attention back to the larger conversation/investigation at hand. Unfortunately for Denae, all she gets out of Doozey is a confused look, as the stoutling either fails to quite make the connection between her presence being a boon, or for once chose not to read too much into a given topic.
Either which way, he's just as happily presses on in adding to Utar's last point. "Aye. Descriptions of them and that Seralis fella. 'cause even if he's an obviously cantankerous type or some such, I wouldn't put it past the fae to use his visage to lead any would be local 'invaders' astray."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Alma waves goodbye to Doozey and exits the establishment. He turns to continue the conversation with the villagers and finds them answering Neya's question: "I'm afraid not," Hupe apologizes yet again. "The six brave villagers who went after Halvin took the map with them."
Looking pensive, Utar asks for descriptions and a copy of the letter, but Hupe focuses first on his voiced indecision on whether to take the inevitable request to save Kabel's Hill: "We..." He looks at his wife for confirmation or permission, which are given. "We... We have been saving coin for a long time for such eventuality. We know Phlan doesn't respond to our pleas very often, so we have prepared for the eventuality of having to find our own solution. Our first attempt, sending some villagers after Halvin, has apparently failed. If you agree to be our second go at it, at saving this town, and perhaps even Phlan by extension, we would be more than happy to hand our emergency fund to you. We have saved up to 1,000gp over the years, everyone in the village contributes to it, and I am sure I speak for everyone when I offer it to you as a reward for saving our lives and livelihoods, as well as for finding out what's become of the missing villagers."
Before waiting for an answer, likely hoping his next actions will confirm your decision to help, Hupe hops off his chair and says: "Let me go get for you the copy of the letter we have kept. It is in the back." As Hupe disappears behind the kitchen door, Grinna turns to the next point: "Right, descriptions... let's see..."
Feeling a bit claustrophobic, Grinna begins to shoo the rabble away from your corner of the table before getting back to her intended descriptions. Unfortunately, she doesn't get a chance to really get into it. The nervous buzz of the Leaky Bucket's common room is shattered by a scream of terror. A heartbeat later, Alma bursts back in through the front door. "They know! They know what we did!" she cries, throwing herself at Grinna's feet and clawing madly at the halfling's clothes with one hand and pointing out the door with the other.
Utar throws his hands up as Hupe starts detailing financial rewards. The backpedalling is quick and rushed and Utar doubts anyone has heard him given Alma's sudden return.
"Woah, woah, woah! I meant that the decision to enter the forest was up to each of us, I wasn't looking for a reward. If anything, maybe you need to be looking to keep the village in one piece, that man's cows..."
As Alma bursts back into the inn, Utar finds Bonecounter at his hip and rushes outside without a second thought.
Doozey lets out a low whistle in surprise at the sum, as well as prompting Biscuit to pop from the bowl of soup he'd somehow snuck(if not previously was given). "Phlan's been more neglectful than I thought."He murmurs. Unfortunately, he's no more able to further add his weight to Utar's suggestion when Alma bursts through the door. But whereas Utar and Neya are quick to rush out, the stoutling grimaced and rubbed his forehead. "We'll looks like things are about to get complicated."He said as he slid out of his seat. "Biscuit. Prarie Dog."At the command, the mastiff, who'd initially looked on concern over Alma, immediately stiffened up, "BOOF"ed once in the affirmative, and then bound out after the others.
But the stoutling took his time, and glanced about the bucket at least one last time as if expecting to see something... off. However, if nothing else stands out over the next thirty seconds or so, or the party calls for his assistance, only then would he hurry along sooner outside than later, utter a curt request for everyone else in the tavern to hold up inside.
No sooner had Alma collapsed than everyone in the inn shoves and pushes to get outside first (Doozey never gets a chance to utter his curt request). Neya, Utar, and Denae (and soon Biscuit) have to find their way past a rushing crowd of villagers in getting out of The Leaky Bucket. Doozey is left behind momentarily, along with Alma, Grinna (who is still having her clothes clawed at by the teenager), and a returning Hupe, who is caring a piece of paper now but whose attention has also fully turned to what may be beyond the front door.
With the sudden emptying of the common room in the tavern, Doozey has little of note left to perceive.
As four-fifths of CRAP wrestle their way through the throng, various villagers cry out in alarm and issue prayers to the gods for protection; some silent, others not so much. The two dozen or so people from inside the inn are now gathered around the town's central signpost. Hanging from it is an adult human male, blood streaming from his eyes and mouth. The victim's name is uttered by many in the crowd: "Rerk!" Simply hearing the laments of the people around the gruesome scene is enough for the CRAPers to gather more info: Rerk is a local farm hand and one of the six men who ventured into the Quivering Forest in pursuit of Halvin, the halfling hermit.
In addition to the blood streaming from his eyes and mouth, there is also a hairpin stuck to Rerk's chest. A few pieces of paper are pinned by the stabbing tool. Rerk was certainly not hanging from the signpost when CRAP arrived.
Pushing his way through the crowd, Utar rushes to the hanging man. Throwing his arms around the man's legs, the half-orc lifts the body, hoping that it might ease whatever tension is on the poor man's neck.
In place of urging calm in the locals as intended, Doozey found himself sighing and rubbing his forehead. Knowing, however, that there was little there can be done though, the stoutling stayed true to his other course of action. Albeit not without giving Alma one last sad look before making his way outside. Biscuit by that point had or was in the process of pushing his way through the crowd if need be to obey Utar's request! Though without any hands to speak of, he'd instead tried to squeeze enough of himself between Utar and the man to try and act as a stepping stool. All to help keep him propped up while others worked on the actual getting down part.
"Oh for the love of-..."Started Doozey, still blind to the exact situation given the small forest of bodies in the way, but puzzling out enough to start to put a hand on Apostle. "... No. They have it. Better to be-..."He trails off from there, releasing his grip on the blade in favor of doing a quick scan of the surroundings. Eventually he settles on darting away and off to the side of the 'Bucket', before breaking out the claws and attempt to clamor his way to the roof in hopes of getting a better visual of the village at large. Then maybe, JUST maybe he might spot a fleeing culprit or traces of their escape despite the rain and gloom.
-Perception: 26. (adv. from keen hearing and smelling if either would apply)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Utar and Neya make their way through the crowd first. The Tormite brings Rerk down, using an arriving Biscuit's help to settle down the villager carefully. Two other commoners lend a hand as well, springing to action after Utar's command. Neya asks for some space and begins by checking Rerk's vital. Perhaps a surprise to many witnessing his state, Neya confirms that Rerk still has a pulse, though it is unstable and weakening. "Despite his injuries, Rerk is alive!" One of the helping villagers confirms to all after getting the nod from Neya. The crowd gasps and some even cheer.
Neya's field-medic-like examination continues: Rerk's eyes have been put out and replaced by polished, black stones. They are carved to resemble large, lidless eyes. They don't seem attached in any careful way, and Neya thinks that removing the stones would be relatively simple. Rerk's tongue has also been cut off. A foot-long bone pin has been driven through sheets of paper into Rerk's chest; effectively pinning them to him. Neya thinks the pin could also be removed, but this may require some skill in order not to further damage Rerk (a separate medicine check).
Now also looking at Rerk, and more precisely at the bone pin, Denae adds her own piece of analysis: "The pin is quite long and well-crafted, and this decoration right here on the top is a piece of highly polished jet. I bet it is worth a good sum. A good memento for good Rerk here, should he survive this."
In the meantime, Doozey has found his way to The Leaky Bucket's roof after taking a quick look around at ground level. From above, he is certain he'd be able to spot any fugitives, be it by sound, sight, or smell. The rain might muddle the senses a bit, but it also increases the chances of muddy footprints being left behind. At least in theory... Despite heightening his sense to just before assuming his werebadger form, the ranger fails to spot any "smoking gun", to the point that the lack of a culprit's smell, prints, or any visible disturbances in itself becomes the most telling piece of evidence.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Utar takes in what remains of Rerk and for a moment considers whether it might be a kindness to let the poor man die. No eyesight, no tongue; he'd be a burden on his family until the day he died.
Pushing those thoughts away, Utar takes the man's hand and gives it a squeeze. "Rerk, you are not alone. You've been returned to Kabel's Hill. You are home now, Rerk. You are safe."
As he speaks, Utar casts a first level healing word, hopefuly enough to stablise the man until whatever is required next can happen.
Rerk recovers 5 hp.
Utar turns away from Rerk and whispers to Neya and Danae, "Do you think we can remove the stones and pin safely?"
Most villagers nod affirmatively as Utar confirms his initial understanding. But when he mentions venturing into the forest, all eyes turn to Hupe. "Well, not quite..." Hupe restarts apologetically. "Because of this shaky truce with the fey, we thought we should do whatever we could... maybe they hadn't found Halvin yet. There was a chance we could get to him before he truly damaged this agreement... we decided that a few of the villagers would go and see if they could find Halvin before he was found by the fey."
Grinna picks up from where Hupe left off: "We sought out the services of Serelis Greenleaf, a half-elf ranger that lives outside Kabel's Hill but still in the local area. We hoped he'd serve as a guide, but he adamantly refused and insisted that if we were to send anyone into the forest, it'd be only to their own peril. Well, Phlan wouldn't respond so we felt we had no other option, and time was of the essence if we were to find Halvin before the fey did. So, the next morning, six hale and hearty men set out into the forest, each carrying a letter signed by each resident of Kabel's Hill."
Hupe interrupts his wife, earning him another glare: "That was two tendays ago and we've heard neither hide nor hair of them since."
When Utar and Doozey imply possibly not being bound by the agreement with the fey, many faces around the tavern turn to surprise. A person in the crowd tries to confirm: "You came from Phlan, right?" Without waiting for a response, Hupe clarifies: "The agreement is not with Kabel's Hill only. It's with Phlan."
Denae finds a lull in the conversation to respond to Doozey: "Lucky for you, you already have a half-elf ranger in the group. That said, it might be worth paying this Serelis Greenleaf a visit."
This just gets worse and worse. So it wouldn't be tracking down one hermit, it would be tracking down a whole fellowship of lost villagers plus whoever else ventured into those woods after them. Utar suddenly recalls a children's rhyme about a hungry old woman that he best see if a certain odd halfling is aware of.
Plus whatever agreement was in place was in place with the whole of Phlan, so presumably any retribution for breaking it could fall anywhere.
Utar gives the gathered villagers a hard look, and becomes more matter of fact in his tone of voice.
"So, Halvin plus six others have been missing for two tendays. Has anyone else ventured into the forest since? No matter the number, by all accounts those on the other side of the agreement might see that as cause to abandon their side. Has anything odd happened in the village since they entered the forest?"
Insight - 20 Does Utar feel that the story they are being let into is the whole of the matter?
(OOC Is "don't go into the Quivering Forest" something that folk in Phlan warn newcomers about? Assume history or investigation might be the most relevant checks? Either way both are +2 for Utar - 19.)
While awaiting his response from Denae, Doozey listened at first with rapt attention, and initially even nodded along, accepting their reasoning. It didn't make the actions of the volunteers any less foolish, and yet there could be no denying their bravery and willingness to step up to resolve their own problems despite the dangers. Though almost moments later, both stoutling and tundra mastiff bowed their heads, seeming suddenly struck with melancholy.
But the fleeting proved to be a fleeting one, for following the revelation about Phlan's ties, both their heads whipped up and eyes went wide. "But... wait... is that why?" Doozey muttered to himself. But before he could further formulate his thoughts, Denae's words cut through growing mental bramble. "... Mn. At the very least, we can ask'em if they seen'em, or heard anything of late of note." He whispered to her while Utar addressed the villagers.
He then looked to the Half-Orc cleric and adds, "I... wouldn't be too hard on them. You do remember that incident with the dragon a... what was it now? I wanna say... at least a month ago or so -- you know, that whole big operation that nearly got us all killed. Well, Phlan might've already screwed the pooch on that one a little? Technically? Ugh. Either way-..." The stoutling turns to Grinna. "Another question, thought it might be a touch of a sensitive one, but, uh... Did apart of this whole deal ya had going have anything to do with handing over elven bloods that find their way here by any chance? I-I know, weird question, but if'n ya wouldn't mind...?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Curious, Neya asks, "About this Serelis Greenleaf, his attitude about the forest mean he went in at some point in the past, yes?"
Extended Signature
Rolling insight for Grinna: 21
"Yes, Halvin plus six others." Hupe confirms embarrassingly. "Everyone else in town has been accounted for. No one else went into the forest." Then, likely as a response to Utar's third questions, or perhaps almost as an afterthought, one of the scruffier villagers hollers out "T'was prolly dem damned faeries tha' killed my cows! Damn their eyes! Damn their wings!" A quick turn of the head reveals that this is the inebriated man Neya had noticed in the crowd earlier. Although the man is thoroughly drunk, his laments over the loss of a few of his prize cows seem genuine. After a few of the others in the room chuckle at him, he obstinately invites "any of ya fools tha' don' believe me ta come and take a look fer yerselves!"
A few more chuckles drown out the man's voice, but the show is enough to scare away one or two of the younger folk in the crowd. One of them is Alma, the teenager with whom Doozey had initiated a conversation earlier. She excuses herself: "Mama said that when the drunks start showing themselves unashamedly, then that's time to head home." She then begins to make her way to the door.
As the conversation refocuses on CRAP, Denae agrees with Doozey about asking Serelis Greenleaf a couple of questions, while Neya asks one about him right away. Grinna fields it: "Aye, Serelis is a half-elf ranger who acts as an occasional go-between for us locals and the elves in the Quivering Forest. We don't really go looking for him. No one actually goes to his cabin; since it is in the woods, it's considered off limits. Serelis simply appears from time to time to check on everyone and see if we need anything."
Before Utar's earlier word get lost in the ether, Doozey shifts the conversation again. The mention of a dragon has the locals scared, even earning an audible collective gasp. But soon, Grinna finds herself answering fresh questions. "Elven blood? No, no such thing." She follows Doozey's eyes going around the room and proves to be a smart cookie. "Ah, I see... You are wondering about elves here in Kabel's Hill. You have a good eye. The truth is that people in these parts pay proper respect to the fey; even going so far as to offer them a drink, at a minimum to clear the road dust out of their mouths." She points to the free food and mead she brought to the group and then to Denae, who doesn't miss the chance to get a rise out of her CRAP companions: "Ha! You are welcome!" Grinna continues: "Sooner or later, however, any elf in Kabel's Hill finds their way into Greenhall, or so I suspect. Serelis is a bit of an exception, I guess."
While the conversation continues, it is Utar's turn to keep a sharp eye and ear on the locals (spoiler below for @MB):
Despite the slow start, you feel that Hupe and Grinna are now sharing the information they have in a forthcoming manner. Both Hupe or Grinna seem to care too much about the town to not want their problem solved. Your offer of help was Gond-sent (see what I did there?). If there was any hesitation from their part, it was likely due to their way of living. They clearly value hospitality above everything else. They wouldn't let anyone call them bad hosts.
Their earlier pause can only mean that they expected you to know where this was going. You suspect that they believed you knew the implications of the map's markings. Their assumption is likely linked with the little bit of information you shared with them: the fact that you came from Phlan. In other words, they expected you to be fully aware of the arrangement Phlan (and Kabel's Hill by extension) apparently has with the Quivering Forest. You sense a bit of surprise on their end upon realizing you were not fully aware.
Although you have heard about it before in Phlan (things like "Quivering Forest is haunted" or "The fey are gonna get you!") you are pretty sure no formal agreement between the two parties has been mentioned out in the open before. Lord Valero, may he rest in peace, may have known more about it, and perhaps so does his accomplice Lady Dala Silmerhelve, but if they did, they kept it close to their hearts. Doozey's talk about "a dragon" and the "big operation" starts ringing a few bells in your head.
Finally, you have investigated enough cases in and around Phlan to know that folk seeking your help are often not omniscient. Although Hupe and Grinna are sharing what they know, you suspect you may benefit from gathering info from other sources, perhaps by paying a visit to those other Kabel Hill landmarks you identified when arriving, or perhaps by checking out those dead cows, or perhaps by going to see this Serelis person, or perhaps by trying to find this other "location deeper into the forest than even Greenhall" according to what they told you regarding Halvin's map. Heck, why not go take a look at Halvin's hut?!
Utar nods along as Dozey jogs his own memory of their journey into the forest. CRAP handles themselves well enough that day, surely they could do the same now that tey were older and wiser, more experienced in this sort of thing.
His mental check list for things to do in the morning was growing and growing as the villagers reeled off a few likely sites to begin their enquiries:
1) Check on the dead cows.
2) Check out Halvin's barn, maybe his map.
3) Try to find Serelis Greenleaf in the Quivering Forest.
In his heart he had already accepted the quest to try and find Halvin and the six others sent to find him and bring them home, maybe try to re-establish a peace between whatever lurks in the darkness of the Quivering Forest and the residents of Phlan.
"So, I'm not saying we are, as it would need to be a group decision, but if we were to go into the forest and try to bring your missing villagers, descriptions would help, as would a copy of the letter you sent them in with."
Doozey at least seems to genuinely consider the elder man's words, and made his own mental note to visit the man's farm on the morrrow. That is of course, after asking about its location later. But before that...
"Mn! A wise one, your mum is. Safe travels, and, oh! The name's Doozey, by the way." Doozey flashes Alma a small but genuine smile and waves the teenager goodbye. But by the time she makes it to the door however, a look of concern crosses his face. Yet seeming rather than voice it or act, the stoutling simply dismisses the feeling with a curt shake of the head, then once again pivot attention back to the larger conversation/investigation at hand. Unfortunately for Denae, all she gets out of Doozey is a confused look, as the stoutling either fails to quite make the connection between her presence being a boon, or for once chose not to read too much into a given topic.
Either which way, he's just as happily presses on in adding to Utar's last point. "Aye. Descriptions of them and that Seralis fella. 'cause even if he's an obviously
Doozey at least seems to genuinely consider the elder man's words, and made his own mental note to visit the man's farm on the morrrow. That is of course, after asking about its location later. But before that...
"Mn! A wise one, your mum is. Safe travels, and, oh! The name's Doozey, by the way." Doozey flashes Alma a small but genuine smile and waves the teenager goodbye. But by the time she makes it to the door however, a look of concern crosses his face. Yet seeming rather than voice it or act, the stoutling simply dismisses the feeling with a curt shake of the head, then once again pivot attention back to the larger conversation/investigation at hand. Unfortunately for Denae, all she gets out of Doozey is a confused look, as the stoutling either fails to quite make the connection between her presence being a boon, or for once chose not to read too much into a given topic.
Either which way, he's just as happily presses on in adding to Utar's last point. "Aye. Descriptions of them and that Seralis fella. 'cause even if he's an obviously cantankerous type or some such, I wouldn't put it past the fae to use his visage to lead any would be local 'invaders' astray."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
“A look at the map could help clue in what he may have looking into,” Neya says.
”Is it still at the barn?”
Extended Signature
Alma waves goodbye to Doozey and exits the establishment. He turns to continue the conversation with the villagers and finds them answering Neya's question: "I'm afraid not," Hupe apologizes yet again. "The six brave villagers who went after Halvin took the map with them."
Looking pensive, Utar asks for descriptions and a copy of the letter, but Hupe focuses first on his voiced indecision on whether to take the inevitable request to save Kabel's Hill: "We..." He looks at his wife for confirmation or permission, which are given. "We... We have been saving coin for a long time for such eventuality. We know Phlan doesn't respond to our pleas very often, so we have prepared for the eventuality of having to find our own solution. Our first attempt, sending some villagers after Halvin, has apparently failed. If you agree to be our second go at it, at saving this town, and perhaps even Phlan by extension, we would be more than happy to hand our emergency fund to you. We have saved up to 1,000gp over the years, everyone in the village contributes to it, and I am sure I speak for everyone when I offer it to you as a reward for saving our lives and livelihoods, as well as for finding out what's become of the missing villagers."
Before waiting for an answer, likely hoping his next actions will confirm your decision to help, Hupe hops off his chair and says: "Let me go get for you the copy of the letter we have kept. It is in the back." As Hupe disappears behind the kitchen door, Grinna turns to the next point: "Right, descriptions... let's see..."
Feeling a bit claustrophobic, Grinna begins to shoo the rabble away from your corner of the table before getting back to her intended descriptions. Unfortunately, she doesn't get a chance to really get into it. The nervous buzz of the Leaky Bucket's common room is shattered by a scream of terror. A heartbeat later, Alma bursts back in through the front door. "They know! They know what we did!" she cries, throwing herself at Grinna's feet and clawing madly at the halfling's clothes with one hand and pointing out the door with the other.
Utar throws his hands up as Hupe starts detailing financial rewards. The backpedalling is quick and rushed and Utar doubts anyone has heard him given Alma's sudden return.
"Woah, woah, woah! I meant that the decision to enter the forest was up to each of us, I wasn't looking for a reward. If anything, maybe you need to be looking to keep the village in one piece, that man's cows..."
As Alma bursts back into the inn, Utar finds Bonecounter at his hip and rushes outside without a second thought.
"I see. I'm guessing they found it necessary to divide the map when they set out?"
Neya doesn't get her answer due to Alma's sudden entrance. She follows Utar outside to assess the situation.
Extended Signature
Doozey lets out a low whistle in surprise at the sum, as well as prompting Biscuit to pop from the bowl of soup he'd somehow snuck(if not previously was given). "Phlan's been more neglectful than I thought." He murmurs. Unfortunately, he's no more able to further add his weight to Utar's suggestion when Alma bursts through the door. But whereas Utar and Neya are quick to rush out, the stoutling grimaced and rubbed his forehead. "We'll looks like things are about to get complicated." He said as he slid out of his seat. "Biscuit. Prarie Dog." At the command, the mastiff, who'd initially looked on concern over Alma, immediately stiffened up, "BOOF"ed once in the affirmative, and then bound out after the others.
But the stoutling took his time, and glanced about the bucket at least one last time as if expecting to see something... off. However, if nothing else stands out over the next thirty seconds or so, or the party calls for his assistance, only then would he hurry along sooner outside than later, utter a curt request for everyone else in the tavern to hold up inside.
-Perception: 27.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
No sooner had Alma collapsed than everyone in the inn shoves and pushes to get outside first (Doozey never gets a chance to utter his curt request). Neya, Utar, and Denae (and soon Biscuit) have to find their way past a rushing crowd of villagers in getting out of The Leaky Bucket. Doozey is left behind momentarily, along with Alma, Grinna (who is still having her clothes clawed at by the teenager), and a returning Hupe, who is caring a piece of paper now but whose attention has also fully turned to what may be beyond the front door.
With the sudden emptying of the common room in the tavern, Doozey has little of note left to perceive.
As four-fifths of CRAP wrestle their way through the throng, various villagers cry out in alarm and issue prayers to the gods for protection; some silent, others not so much. The two dozen or so people from inside the inn are now gathered around the town's central signpost. Hanging from it is an adult human male, blood streaming from his eyes and mouth. The victim's name is uttered by many in the crowd: "Rerk!" Simply hearing the laments of the people around the gruesome scene is enough for the CRAPers to gather more info: Rerk is a local farm hand and one of the six men who ventured into the Quivering Forest in pursuit of Halvin, the halfling hermit.
In addition to the blood streaming from his eyes and mouth, there is also a hairpin stuck to Rerk's chest. A few pieces of paper are pinned by the stabbing tool. Rerk was certainly not hanging from the signpost when CRAP arrived.
Pushing his way through the crowd, Utar rushes to the hanging man. Throwing his arms around the man's legs, the half-orc lifts the body, hoping that it might ease whatever tension is on the poor man's neck.
Athletics - 24
"Don't just stand there, get him down!"
In place of urging calm in the locals as intended, Doozey found himself sighing and rubbing his forehead. Knowing, however, that there was little there can be done though, the stoutling stayed true to his other course of action. Albeit not without giving Alma one last sad look before making his way outside. Biscuit by that point had or was in the process of pushing his way through the crowd if need be to obey Utar's request! Though without any hands to speak of, he'd instead tried to squeeze enough of himself between Utar and the man to try and act as a stepping stool. All to help keep him propped up while others worked on the actual getting down part.
"Oh for the love of-..." Started Doozey, still blind to the exact situation given the small forest of bodies in the way, but puzzling out enough to start to put a hand on Apostle. "... No. They have it. Better to be-..." He trails off from there, releasing his grip on the blade in favor of doing a quick scan of the surroundings. Eventually he settles on darting away and off to the side of the 'Bucket', before breaking out the claws and attempt to clamor his way to the roof in hopes of getting a better visual of the village at large. Then maybe, JUST maybe he might spot a fleeing culprit or traces of their escape despite the rain and gloom.
-Perception: 26. (adv. from keen hearing and smelling if either would apply)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
While Utar is able to muscle his way through and Doozy can navigate a forest of legs, Neya has to negotiate between villagers.
General dexterity: 15 (15)
Once she is through, she helps Utar take down the body and assess Rerk’s body.
Medicine: 10
Extended Signature
Utar and Neya make their way through the crowd first. The Tormite brings Rerk down, using an arriving Biscuit's help to settle down the villager carefully. Two other commoners lend a hand as well, springing to action after Utar's command. Neya asks for some space and begins by checking Rerk's vital. Perhaps a surprise to many witnessing his state, Neya confirms that Rerk still has a pulse, though it is unstable and weakening. "Despite his injuries, Rerk is alive!" One of the helping villagers confirms to all after getting the nod from Neya. The crowd gasps and some even cheer.
Neya's field-medic-like examination continues: Rerk's eyes have been put out and replaced by polished, black stones. They are carved to resemble large, lidless eyes. They don't seem attached in any careful way, and Neya thinks that removing the stones would be relatively simple. Rerk's tongue has also been cut off. A foot-long bone pin has been driven through sheets of paper into Rerk's chest; effectively pinning them to him. Neya thinks the pin could also be removed, but this may require some skill in order not to further damage Rerk (a separate medicine check).
Now also looking at Rerk, and more precisely at the bone pin, Denae adds her own piece of analysis: "The pin is quite long and well-crafted, and this decoration right here on the top is a piece of highly polished jet. I bet it is worth a good sum. A good memento for good Rerk here, should he survive this."
In the meantime, Doozey has found his way to The Leaky Bucket's roof after taking a quick look around at ground level. From above, he is certain he'd be able to spot any fugitives, be it by sound, sight, or smell. The rain might muddle the senses a bit, but it also increases the chances of muddy footprints being left behind. At least in theory... Despite heightening his sense to just before assuming his werebadger form, the ranger fails to spot any "smoking gun", to the point that the lack of a culprit's smell, prints, or any visible disturbances in itself becomes the most telling piece of evidence.
Utar takes in what remains of Rerk and for a moment considers whether it might be a kindness to let the poor man die. No eyesight, no tongue; he'd be a burden on his family until the day he died.
Pushing those thoughts away, Utar takes the man's hand and gives it a squeeze. "Rerk, you are not alone. You've been returned to Kabel's Hill. You are home now, Rerk. You are safe."
As he speaks, Utar casts a first level healing word, hopefuly enough to stablise the man until whatever is required next can happen.
Rerk recovers 5 hp.
Utar turns away from Rerk and whispers to Neya and Danae, "Do you think we can remove the stones and pin safely?"
Neya inspects how the pin is stuck in Rerk and tries to formulate a plan on how to remove it.
Medicine: 15 (22)
With the plan in place, she takes it out while trying to not to add to the suffering the tortured man already has as much as possible.
Extended Signature