Vernon is slightly concerned by the Ogre's mentioning of the prisoners, but will leave with the group. If they need to fight, he'd rather have the element of surprise, and a party that feels as prepared as he feels.
Leaving the cave and the goblins and ogres behind, you all turn around and begin heading back towards Nightstone. The first half of the walk passes quickly as you descend out of the hilly terrain back into the flatter grasslands that surround the village. Eventually, you catch up with the villagers, who are all moving pretty slowly. Morak the dwarf sees you approaching and he and some of the other people greet you. He talks to you while you walk.
"Aye, thank ye again for your service to our village. We mighta all perished if it weren't for you folk. At the very least, most of us woulda' died tryin' to escape, but thankfully, we only lost a few to those vile creatures."
"Sounds like we got a might bit o' repair work ahead of us to put things back together. I am dismayed to hear of the death of Lady Nandar, what happened? Can you tell me any more?"
"And who are the rest o' you? Arisa introduced herself to me, but I'd like to properly know who it was who has saved us."
Zyllith smiled warmly to Arisa and Belkas in succession, showing genuine gratitude for their compliments, "Aw, thanks luvs, I'm glad we were able ta' successfully haggle. Truth be told I wus ready ta' start fightin' it out if'n the negotiatin' took a turn sour. But I'm jus' glad we got them village folk out safe an' sound. Was tha' most important thin', aye?" She looked over at the Osmord and Vernon as she spoke to them with a wink, "Dun' worry luvs, now tha' the village folk be safe we can always come back an' give 'em gobbies a rioght propa tossa if ye like. Pretty sure they'd 'ave somethin' decent hidden in there, not ta' mention whot gold we gave 'em."
Eventually, after catching up with Morak and the other villagers, Zyllith happily introduced herself, "Aye, well met! I am Zyllith, 'tis a rioght pleasure ta' meet ye all, an' happy ta see yer lot relatively safe an' sound now." She gave them a bow with a bit of a flourish before righting herself and speaking once again, this time more somber, "Sadly tha' Lady Nandar wus already perished when we arrived at tha' keep. Ye'd 'ave ta' ask her guards whot survived back at Nightstone fer details, but seemed as like tha' lady suffered injuries durin' tha' giant attack. Truly we be saddened by her death as well."
From there Zyllith remained quiet for a bit, giving everyone else the chance to introduce themselves as well while she settled into the quiet hike as they made their way back to town. After a moment she made her way to the halflings of the village, hoping to speak to them. "Unfortunately tha' gobbies did a solid job clearin' out most o' tha town when they came ta' loot tha' place. But we managed ta' recover whot we could. Including this locket. Forgive tha' assumption, but figured one of ye might know who this might belong ta."She then showed them the locket she had bartered for from Gwerk back when they were in Nightstone.
Osmord gives a smile an a nod in response to Zyliths words. He had to admit she had a gift in that area, something he could never dream of aspiring to. To the villagers he replies,
”I am named Osmord, a student of the arcane. I am glad to help.”
The halfling woman is walking with three children, all who look to be about 10 and under, and carrying one who appears to be about 3 years old. When she sees the locket, she bursts into tears. "Oh!!! Larlow!!! My Larlow... thank you so much, dear. I can't tell you how much this means for you have found this. I am Taels and these are my wee ones, Barely, Midge, Nancy, and Dollop the little one here. We barely escaped when my husband was killed by one of those falling boulders that rained down from the sky. I keep his picture in here. I wouda' grabbed it, but we had to run out so quickly in the attack. I don't know how we survived this whole ordeal, but Yolanda in her mercy kept us safe and sent you to rescue us, so thank you again for what you and your companions have done for us."
Zyllith at first just smiled trying to comfort the hafling woman as she stood crying before her. She had hoped to simply learn more about the locket, see what it was worth or if its owner even survived. But seeing the woman crying like that for her husband, well there was just no way she could be so heartless as to deny her. Instead she simply took the locket and placed it in her hand. "Aye, sorry fer yer loss. I cannae say we was sent here by anyone but our own eagerness, but I'm glad we could help ye as much as we did. Even'f we could'nae save everyone, 'tis enough ta' remind ye tha' no all is lost. Ye' still got o' peice of Larlow with ye." With that she walked away, leaving the halfling woman to morn her loss while she helped the rest where she could.
To Morak: "I am Vernon Garrick, Knight of Myth Drannor, Protector of the Light, Bearer of the Cheese Nobody Has Identified Yet." He pulls out the slightly-aromatic cheese block he left home with. "Ever seen this kind before?" Vernon glances at the priest, beginning to gather the courage to tell him about the unicorn head.
Belkas smiles widely and says, "I am Xaltotun the Unfathomable, originally from Baldur's Gate. It has been a pleasure to be of some small service to the good people of Nightstone."
When he is alone with the others of the group, he says, "I decided to use another name in case the Black Network comes looking. And Xaltotun is an insufferable prig who deserves anything they throw at him." Belkas grins to himself.
"We seem to have achieved the goal we first came here to resolve. The goblins will not bother the village soon. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely that anyone will be able to pay us or cover the gold you have all kindly used to save the villagers. I have enjoyed working with you all and would like to continue to do so if you are willing, but does anyone have any thoughts on where to head next?"
To Vernon, Morak responds, "Well, ain't you a cheeky fella? A cheese bearing knight from Myth Drannor, ya say? Here, lemme take a look."
Giving Vernon's cheese a hearty sniff, the dwarf recoils a little. "Whoa, that's a might strong rind ya got there. Smell's a little bit like Luiren spring cheese, or Halfling's Cheese as ya mighta heard it called, but it's a harder block for sure. Halfling cheese is a bit softer. That slight greenish color makes me think it's got some curry in it, like you find in Calishite cheese. I had some o' that a few times before... it's right spicy. Not so much to my liking."
"Hard to say, though. Most Calishite cheeses are firmer, though, this stuff's a wee bit more crumbly. So I ain't sure exactly what you got there, my knightly friend, but if ya want, I may have some flatbread we could try it with when we get back to my inn... that is if it ain't all been ransacked by goblins and giants."
"Where'd ya find that, anyway?"
To Belkas, Morak answers, "As I said, we're all grateful for your service. I may have a bit o' coin tucked away in me room, if it's even still intact. Perhaps we can pay ye all back in another way. We'll see what's left o' the village."
Speaking with Zyllith, Morak says, "Where you from anyway? I get a lot o' travelers at me inn, but I never heard an accent quite like yours. My guess is you ain't from the Sword Coast or the Heartlands? My guess is somewhere on the other side of the Sea o' Fallen Stars, but I ain't never been there myself, so I'm only taken a wild shot in the dark."
Soon, you emerge from the lightly wooded hills and make it back to Nightstone. The guards see you approaching with the villagers, and one of them calls out in excitement, and they lower the gate. You all cross back into the village with the exhausted, completely relived inhabitants who you have just rescued. Many of them stare in horror at the state of things, but they're clearly excited to be home again.
Arisa says “It is good to be back. We should raise the gate bridge again. Until everyone can rest up at least. Morak, I am afraid your Inn is not in good shape, but I will find an out of the way corner to get some rest. I am glad we saved all these people, but my heart mourns for those who were lost. I need to spend some time in prayer and reflection, to help me understand what we should do next.”
She takes her leave and heads to the inn, where she will camp in Kella’s room for a long rest.
As you enter the gates, the flying cat suddenly appears, seemingly out of nowhere. It flutters above Arisa's head for a few seconds, and then lands right in front of her and looks up at her with its wide, friendly feline eyes.
Morak was in the middle of telling you that they lost six people in the caves, who were killed and eaten by the goblins and ogres.
When he sees the cat, he says, "Well hullo, Rillix!! Where'd you come from? I'm glad to see that you're still alive and well... although sadly, I cannot say the same of yer owners."
The dwarf reaches down and pets the cat, giving it an affectionate scratch behind the ears. The cat responds quite favorably.
As the walked back to town, Zyllith responded to Morak's questions with a confirming nod, "Oh aye, ye got a good ear ta' pick up on tha'. 'Tis true I crossed tha' Sea o' Fallen Stars ta' get 'ere. Bit o' round about path ta' get this far west, if'n bein' honest. 'Twas there among tha pirate kin tha' I pick'd up ther' speech, would seem. Neva' much thought on it till I reached tha' Sword Coast. Just how I am now." Zyllith was happy to share tales of her travels to reach this side of Faerun, though she made sure to avoid discussing anything of where she came from prior to reaching the Sea of Fallen Stars.
Upon reaching town she took some time to help the villagers return to their town as they tried to pick up the pieces. Eventually making her way to the Inn, she is immediately engrossed when the adorable winged cat makes its presence known once more, "Aww! So Rillix be yer name! So happy ta' see yer all well, ya' adorable lil' scampa'! We found tha' kitten earlier when we first arrived, but seemed we only dun' managed ta' scare tha' lad off." She tries to reach out carefully and see if the cute creature would allow her to pet it this time around.
Answering Zyllith, Morak adds, "I guess me ears are still workin ok...I know I heard a smidge o' that land out past the Sea o' Fallen Stars in yer voice, but it sounds a slight bit different from the few other folk I've met from those lands. Never met no pirates, though, so I guess that would explain it. Anyway, I'ma glad you made it out this way. Welcome to the west. I wish I could offer ye a better fare, but it seems as if my inn's been picked almost dry by them goblins. Maybe there's a few things that survived, if I can scramble up some kinda vittles, then I'm happy to provide you with what meals I can muster."
Continuing to scratch the cat, he says, "Yep, this little feller here is Rillix alright. Good little fur ball. He's a Tressym, if ya didn't know already. He belonged to the Xerbrims, elderly couple who were killed in the giant attack."
"You know... The Xerbrims got a son named Miros, who lives in Goldenfields. It's not too far from here... just a few days walk. Would you mind heading that way and letting him know what happened to his parents and deliver ol' Rillix here? He's the only family Miros got left."
"After you rest, of course. I'm sure you been though a lot already during the past couple days. You're welcome to stay at what's left of the inn if you want to recuperate."
Rillix definitely accepts Arisa's snack and responds with a purr as it he rubs affectionately against her leg.
Arisa says “I think we might be interested in doing that!” Arisa says, clearly enjoying the creature. ”But rest first. I should be ready in the morning.”
Belkas says, "Agreed. If the rest of the group is willing, I would be happy to bring the Tressym to Goldenfields after we rest and eat."
Belkas países for an instant and then adds, "You should be aware that the ruffians we expelled may come back some day, either in force, or posing as merchants. I would humbly suggest you organize yourself for the defense of your village as soon as possible and to be wairy of strangers. They mentioned that they were part of the Black Network, or something along those lines."
Belkas then takes up the offer of room and board and settles down, Crowley invisibily keeping watch over him.
During the rest of the afternoon, most of the villagers have begun the process of inspecting and cleaning up the wreckage of what's left of their homes and the other buildings in Nightstone. In talking with Morak and some of the other inhabitants, you have learned that Darthag Ulgar, the proprietor of the Lionshield Trading Post was one of the people who died at the hands of the goblins and ogres in the caves.
You also learn a little bit about who survived and the families whose homes and fields you searched while rooting out the goblins.
Agganor Family. Destiny Agganor is Nightstone’s tiefling midwife. Her son, Grin (mid 20s), worked in the village’s stable house, feeding the horses and cleaning the stalls for Lady Nandar.
Delfryndel Family. The Delfryndels are Tethyrian humans. They own and operate Nightstone’s windmill. The surviving family members are Renarra Delfryndel (age 64), her youngest son Zalf (age 40), his wife Elize (age 37), and their two adolescent children, Darson (age 17) and Hildy (age 14). No family members died in the giant attack, but Renarra’s eldest son, Olaf, was killed and eaten by the goblins.
Hulvaarn Family. The Hulvaarns are Damaran human potato and turnip farmers. The surviving family members are Godrick Hulvaarn (age 32), his wife Prennis (age 30), and their three children: daughter Jehanna (age 12) and twin sons Ellis and Ghalt (age 9). The children lost their grandfather (Godrick’s father, Nestor) in the giant attack on Nightstone.
Nesper Family. The Nespers are Tethyrian human pumpkin and squash farmers. None of them were killed in the giant attack, but three of them died at the hands of the goblins and ogres in the Dripping Caves. The surviving children are Yondra (age 15) and her brother Sarvin (age 11). They lost both of their parents and an older sister named Sylda.
Osstra Family. The Osstras are Tethyrian human wheat farmers. The surviving family members include Thelbin Osstra (age 52) and his husband, Brynn (age 52), and their good-hearted nephew, Broland (age 23). Brynn lost his elderly mother and younger sister (Broland’s mother) to the goblins.
Summerhawk Family. The Summerhawks are strongheart halflings. Taela Summerhawk (age 28), an apothecary, comforts her four young children, Barley (age 10), Midge (age 8), Nincy (age 6), and Dollop (age 3). Taela’s husband, Larlow, was killed in Nightstone when a rock fell on their house.
Most of the people of the village are quite dismayed that the namesake of their town (the large chunk of obsidian) has been stolen by the giants, leaving a huge hole in the middle of the town square.
Morak answers Arisa and Beklas. "Aye, that'll be a good favor, Miros won't be too happy to hear the news, but he'll want to know, and I'm sure he'll give this little furry flying friend a good home."
"Black Network you say? I don' know what they'd want from this little town, we ain't got much here, but we sure don't want to be part of any smugglers. Looks like most of Lady Nandar's guard has survived, I s'pose we'll have to keep an eye out and be a bit more wary about who comes here. That ain't my style, I like being open and welcoming to visitors, but seems that the world's changing right now, and not necessarily for the better."
Morak lets you hole up at the Inn if you wish, and after doing some cleanup, he works to prepare some simple meals with whatever supplies is left.
Arisa- both before going to rest and the next morning , does what she can to comfort the villagers for their losses, offering prayers where she can, or just listening to their tales. She tries to give them hope that they can rebuild. She doesn’t understand why the giants would do this sort of thing.
Seeing the grief-stricken faces of the villagers, Belkas tells the children a funny story about how a small girl outwitted an evil giant. He uses his magic to create images in the air of the different scenes and at other times sound effects.
Afterwards, with Crowley's permission, he lets them pet the imp in crow form, and then has him disappear from sight.
Vernon will decline Morak's offer of flatbread. "I found the cheese in a box in the attic, but no one would tell me where it came from. I will hang on to it for now. This on the other hand," pulling out the blood hawk, "should return to its rightful owner." Assuming he's told to whom it belongs or to which family its owner belonged, he will return it.
Vernon will watch to see if the "priest" goes back to the temple. If so, he will follow and offer him the Unicorn Head. "We rescued this from the goblins when we first arrived. After much, prayer, it has helped me see Mielikki's light." He holds it forth. (If he determines that someone else is the priest through ordinary conversation, he will offer it to them instead, otherwise he will hang on to it without showing anyone.)
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Vernon is slightly concerned by the Ogre's mentioning of the prisoners, but will leave with the group. If they need to fight, he'd rather have the element of surprise, and a party that feels as prepared as he feels.
Leaving the cave and the goblins and ogres behind, you all turn around and begin heading back towards Nightstone. The first half of the walk passes quickly as you descend out of the hilly terrain back into the flatter grasslands that surround the village. Eventually, you catch up with the villagers, who are all moving pretty slowly. Morak the dwarf sees you approaching and he and some of the other people greet you. He talks to you while you walk.
"Aye, thank ye again for your service to our village. We mighta all perished if it weren't for you folk. At the very least, most of us woulda' died tryin' to escape, but thankfully, we only lost a few to those vile creatures."
"Sounds like we got a might bit o' repair work ahead of us to put things back together. I am dismayed to hear of the death of Lady Nandar, what happened? Can you tell me any more?"
"And who are the rest o' you? Arisa introduced herself to me, but I'd like to properly know who it was who has saved us."
Zyllith smiled warmly to Arisa and Belkas in succession, showing genuine gratitude for their compliments, "Aw, thanks luvs, I'm glad we were able ta' successfully haggle. Truth be told I wus ready ta' start fightin' it out if'n the negotiatin' took a turn sour. But I'm jus' glad we got them village folk out safe an' sound. Was tha' most important thin', aye?" She looked over at the Osmord and Vernon as she spoke to them with a wink, "Dun' worry luvs, now tha' the village folk be safe we can always come back an' give 'em gobbies a rioght propa tossa if ye like. Pretty sure they'd 'ave somethin' decent hidden in there, not ta' mention whot gold we gave 'em."
Eventually, after catching up with Morak and the other villagers, Zyllith happily introduced herself, "Aye, well met! I am Zyllith, 'tis a rioght pleasure ta' meet ye all, an' happy ta see yer lot relatively safe an' sound now." She gave them a bow with a bit of a flourish before righting herself and speaking once again, this time more somber, "Sadly tha' Lady Nandar wus already perished when we arrived at tha' keep. Ye'd 'ave ta' ask her guards whot survived back at Nightstone fer details, but seemed as like tha' lady suffered injuries durin' tha' giant attack. Truly we be saddened by her death as well."
From there Zyllith remained quiet for a bit, giving everyone else the chance to introduce themselves as well while she settled into the quiet hike as they made their way back to town. After a moment she made her way to the halflings of the village, hoping to speak to them. "Unfortunately tha' gobbies did a solid job clearin' out most o' tha town when they came ta' loot tha' place. But we managed ta' recover whot we could. Including this locket. Forgive tha' assumption, but figured one of ye might know who this might belong ta." She then showed them the locket she had bartered for from Gwerk back when they were in Nightstone.
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
Osmord gives a smile an a nod in response to Zyliths words. He had to admit she had a gift in that area, something he could never dream of aspiring to. To the villagers he replies,
”I am named Osmord, a student of the arcane. I am glad to help.”
DM - Warlock of Firetop Mountain
The halfling woman is walking with three children, all who look to be about 10 and under, and carrying one who appears to be about 3 years old. When she sees the locket, she bursts into tears. "Oh!!! Larlow!!! My Larlow... thank you so much, dear. I can't tell you how much this means for you have found this. I am Taels and these are my wee ones, Barely, Midge, Nancy, and Dollop the little one here. We barely escaped when my husband was killed by one of those falling boulders that rained down from the sky. I keep his picture in here. I wouda' grabbed it, but we had to run out so quickly in the attack. I don't know how we survived this whole ordeal, but Yolanda in her mercy kept us safe and sent you to rescue us, so thank you again for what you and your companions have done for us."
Zyllith at first just smiled trying to comfort the hafling woman as she stood crying before her. She had hoped to simply learn more about the locket, see what it was worth or if its owner even survived. But seeing the woman crying like that for her husband, well there was just no way she could be so heartless as to deny her. Instead she simply took the locket and placed it in her hand. "Aye, sorry fer yer loss. I cannae say we was sent here by anyone but our own eagerness, but I'm glad we could help ye as much as we did. Even'f we could'nae save everyone, 'tis enough ta' remind ye tha' no all is lost. Ye' still got o' peice of Larlow with ye." With that she walked away, leaving the halfling woman to morn her loss while she helped the rest where she could.
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
To Morak: "I am Vernon Garrick, Knight of Myth Drannor, Protector of the Light, Bearer of the Cheese Nobody Has Identified Yet." He pulls out the slightly-aromatic cheese block he left home with. "Ever seen this kind before?" Vernon glances at the priest, beginning to gather the courage to tell him about the unicorn head.
Belkas smiles widely and says, "I am Xaltotun the Unfathomable, originally from Baldur's Gate. It has been a pleasure to be of some small service to the good people of Nightstone."
When he is alone with the others of the group, he says, "I decided to use another name in case the Black Network comes looking. And Xaltotun is an insufferable prig who deserves anything they throw at him." Belkas grins to himself.
"We seem to have achieved the goal we first came here to resolve. The goblins will not bother the village soon. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely that anyone will be able to pay us or cover the gold you have all kindly used to save the villagers. I have enjoyed working with you all and would like to continue to do so if you are willing, but does anyone have any thoughts on where to head next?"
To Vernon, Morak responds, "Well, ain't you a cheeky fella? A cheese bearing knight from Myth Drannor, ya say? Here, lemme take a look."
Giving Vernon's cheese a hearty sniff, the dwarf recoils a little. "Whoa, that's a might strong rind ya got there. Smell's a little bit like Luiren spring cheese, or Halfling's Cheese as ya mighta heard it called, but it's a harder block for sure. Halfling cheese is a bit softer. That slight greenish color makes me think it's got some curry in it, like you find in Calishite cheese. I had some o' that a few times before... it's right spicy. Not so much to my liking."
"Hard to say, though. Most Calishite cheeses are firmer, though, this stuff's a wee bit more crumbly. So I ain't sure exactly what you got there, my knightly friend, but if ya want, I may have some flatbread we could try it with when we get back to my inn... that is if it ain't all been ransacked by goblins and giants."
"Where'd ya find that, anyway?"
To Belkas, Morak answers, "As I said, we're all grateful for your service. I may have a bit o' coin tucked away in me room, if it's even still intact. Perhaps we can pay ye all back in another way. We'll see what's left o' the village."
Speaking with Zyllith, Morak says, "Where you from anyway? I get a lot o' travelers at me inn, but I never heard an accent quite like yours. My guess is you ain't from the Sword Coast or the Heartlands? My guess is somewhere on the other side of the Sea o' Fallen Stars, but I ain't never been there myself, so I'm only taken a wild shot in the dark."
Soon, you emerge from the lightly wooded hills and make it back to Nightstone. The guards see you approaching with the villagers, and one of them calls out in excitement, and they lower the gate. You all cross back into the village with the exhausted, completely relived inhabitants who you have just rescued. Many of them stare in horror at the state of things, but they're clearly excited to be home again.
Arisa says “It is good to be back. We should raise the gate bridge again. Until everyone can rest up at least. Morak, I am afraid your Inn is not in good shape, but I will find an out of the way corner to get some rest. I am glad we saved all these people, but my heart mourns for those who were lost. I need to spend some time in prayer and reflection, to help me understand what we should do next.”
She takes her leave and heads to the inn, where she will camp in Kella’s room for a long rest.
As you enter the gates, the flying cat suddenly appears, seemingly out of nowhere. It flutters above Arisa's head for a few seconds, and then lands right in front of her and looks up at her with its wide, friendly feline eyes.
Morak was in the middle of telling you that they lost six people in the caves, who were killed and eaten by the goblins and ogres.
When he sees the cat, he says, "Well hullo, Rillix!! Where'd you come from? I'm glad to see that you're still alive and well... although sadly, I cannot say the same of yer owners."
The dwarf reaches down and pets the cat, giving it an affectionate scratch behind the ears. The cat responds quite favorably.
As the walked back to town, Zyllith responded to Morak's questions with a confirming nod, "Oh aye, ye got a good ear ta' pick up on tha'. 'Tis true I crossed tha' Sea o' Fallen Stars ta' get 'ere. Bit o' round about path ta' get this far west, if'n bein' honest. 'Twas there among tha pirate kin tha' I pick'd up ther' speech, would seem. Neva' much thought on it till I reached tha' Sword Coast. Just how I am now." Zyllith was happy to share tales of her travels to reach this side of Faerun, though she made sure to avoid discussing anything of where she came from prior to reaching the Sea of Fallen Stars.
Upon reaching town she took some time to help the villagers return to their town as they tried to pick up the pieces. Eventually making her way to the Inn, she is immediately engrossed when the adorable winged cat makes its presence known once more, "Aww! So Rillix be yer name! So happy ta' see yer all well, ya' adorable lil' scampa'! We found tha' kitten earlier when we first arrived, but seemed we only dun' managed ta' scare tha' lad off." She tries to reach out carefully and see if the cute creature would allow her to pet it this time around.
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
Arisa gets a big smile - and her tired and sad face disappears as she pets the flying cat. “We missed you little one- here- would you like a snack?”
She offers it some more meat rations that she moistens with water.
Answering Zyllith, Morak adds, "I guess me ears are still workin ok...I know I heard a smidge o' that land out past the Sea o' Fallen Stars in yer voice, but it sounds a slight bit different from the few other folk I've met from those lands. Never met no pirates, though, so I guess that would explain it. Anyway, I'ma glad you made it out this way. Welcome to the west. I wish I could offer ye a better fare, but it seems as if my inn's been picked almost dry by them goblins. Maybe there's a few things that survived, if I can scramble up some kinda vittles, then I'm happy to provide you with what meals I can muster."
Continuing to scratch the cat, he says, "Yep, this little feller here is Rillix alright. Good little fur ball. He's a Tressym, if ya didn't know already. He belonged to the Xerbrims, elderly couple who were killed in the giant attack."
"You know... The Xerbrims got a son named Miros, who lives in Goldenfields. It's not too far from here... just a few days walk. Would you mind heading that way and letting him know what happened to his parents and deliver ol' Rillix here? He's the only family Miros got left."
"After you rest, of course. I'm sure you been though a lot already during the past couple days. You're welcome to stay at what's left of the inn if you want to recuperate."
Rillix definitely accepts Arisa's snack and responds with a purr as it he rubs affectionately against her leg.
Arisa says “I think we might be interested in doing that!” Arisa says, clearly enjoying the creature. ”But rest first. I should be ready in the morning.”
Belkas says, "Agreed. If the rest of the group is willing, I would be happy to bring the Tressym to Goldenfields after we rest and eat."
Belkas países for an instant and then adds, "You should be aware that the ruffians we expelled may come back some day, either in force, or posing as merchants. I would humbly suggest you organize yourself for the defense of your village as soon as possible and to be wairy of strangers. They mentioned that they were part of the Black Network, or something along those lines."
Belkas then takes up the offer of room and board and settles down, Crowley invisibily keeping watch over him.
During the rest of the afternoon, most of the villagers have begun the process of inspecting and cleaning up the wreckage of what's left of their homes and the other buildings in Nightstone. In talking with Morak and some of the other inhabitants, you have learned that Darthag Ulgar, the proprietor of the Lionshield Trading Post was one of the people who died at the hands of the goblins and ogres in the caves.
You also learn a little bit about who survived and the families whose homes and fields you searched while rooting out the goblins.
Agganor Family. Destiny Agganor is Nightstone’s tiefling midwife. Her son, Grin (mid 20s), worked in the village’s stable house, feeding the horses and cleaning the stalls for Lady Nandar.
Delfryndel Family. The Delfryndels are Tethyrian humans. They own and operate Nightstone’s windmill. The surviving family members are Renarra Delfryndel (age 64), her youngest son Zalf (age 40), his wife Elize (age 37), and their two adolescent children, Darson (age 17) and Hildy (age 14). No family members died in the giant attack, but Renarra’s eldest son, Olaf, was killed and eaten by the goblins.
Hulvaarn Family. The Hulvaarns are Damaran human potato and turnip farmers. The surviving family members are Godrick Hulvaarn (age 32), his wife Prennis (age 30), and their three children: daughter Jehanna (age 12) and twin sons Ellis and Ghalt (age 9). The children lost their grandfather (Godrick’s father, Nestor) in the giant attack on Nightstone.
Nesper Family. The Nespers are Tethyrian human pumpkin and squash farmers. None of them were killed in the giant attack, but three of them died at the hands of the goblins and ogres in the Dripping Caves. The surviving children are Yondra (age 15) and her brother Sarvin (age 11). They lost both of their parents and an older sister named Sylda.
Osstra Family. The Osstras are Tethyrian human wheat farmers. The surviving family members include Thelbin Osstra (age 52) and his husband, Brynn (age 52), and their good-hearted nephew, Broland (age 23). Brynn lost his elderly mother and younger sister (Broland’s mother) to the goblins.
Summerhawk Family. The Summerhawks are strongheart halflings. Taela Summerhawk (age 28), an apothecary, comforts her four young children, Barley (age 10), Midge (age 8), Nincy (age 6), and Dollop (age 3). Taela’s husband, Larlow, was killed in Nightstone when a rock fell on their house.
Most of the people of the village are quite dismayed that the namesake of their town (the large chunk of obsidian) has been stolen by the giants, leaving a huge hole in the middle of the town square.
Morak answers Arisa and Beklas. "Aye, that'll be a good favor, Miros won't be too happy to hear the news, but he'll want to know, and I'm sure he'll give this little furry flying friend a good home."
"Black Network you say? I don' know what they'd want from this little town, we ain't got much here, but we sure don't want to be part of any smugglers. Looks like most of Lady Nandar's guard has survived, I s'pose we'll have to keep an eye out and be a bit more wary about who comes here. That ain't my style, I like being open and welcoming to visitors, but seems that the world's changing right now, and not necessarily for the better."
Morak lets you hole up at the Inn if you wish, and after doing some cleanup, he works to prepare some simple meals with whatever supplies is left.
Arisa- both before going to rest and the next morning , does what she can to comfort the villagers for their losses, offering prayers where she can, or just listening to their tales. She tries to give them hope that they can rebuild. She doesn’t understand why the giants would do this sort of thing.
Seeing the grief-stricken faces of the villagers, Belkas tells the children a funny story about how a small girl outwitted an evil giant. He uses his magic to create images in the air of the different scenes and at other times sound effects.
Afterwards, with Crowley's permission, he lets them pet the imp in crow form, and then has him disappear from sight.
Vernon will decline Morak's offer of flatbread. "I found the cheese in a box in the attic, but no one would tell me where it came from. I will hang on to it for now. This on the other hand," pulling out the blood hawk, "should return to its rightful owner." Assuming he's told to whom it belongs or to which family its owner belonged, he will return it.
Vernon will watch to see if the "priest" goes back to the temple. If so, he will follow and offer him the Unicorn Head. "We rescued this from the goblins when we first arrived. After much, prayer, it has helped me see Mielikki's light." He holds it forth. (If he determines that someone else is the priest through ordinary conversation, he will offer it to them instead, otherwise he will hang on to it without showing anyone.)