“Searching the harbor is a good idea, but doing so after talking with Elro will be easier.” There was some difference between answering the questions of strangers and providing information to someone with the leader of the Glassblades. ”I’m going with you all and if I can’t manage to exchange the plate armor I will search for a smithy. If you’re alright with a little detour I can accompany you to the port.” He said to Brandon while following the group to the barracks. “Otherwise, I would rather search either the cabin or Pelc’s. Can’t say that I exactly care about Tulgi, Hulil or Raegrin.”
Kotar didn’t had in him to abandon someone that he could otherwise help, even if they were bandits, but that didn’t mean he cared about the trio. The battle in the cave was a fresh wound and their companions did try to kill Elro when it was almost sure they could have simply escaped.
“I don’t know much about Aeor or the ruins so I may not be the best of guides, but I’ll do my best.”It wasn’t much reassuring, the goliath knew, but it was better than lying to the dwarf and everyone else. Specially because such lie could very well cost their lives.
Brandon enters the barracks and smiles at the old elf’s energy. “Sit down and rest, friend. You have had enough excitement for one day.” His smile fades, however, with Elro’s question. “The Liel’s are sick with the disease.” he nods to Ressys “Winterwalker confirmed the poison has taken a hold on them. We did recover the second vial and there is no other sign of spores at the inn. We should be looking for a place to destroy the vials. Any ideas?”
Brandon was not surprised by the information Elro provided on the poison. “You don’t give good news, Ranger, but it was expected. We plan to journey to Eiselcross to search for a cure. Any information you have on where Urgon traveled and may have found the items would be helpful” He gives Elro a sideways glance “and any assistance you can provide in arranging transport wouldn’t hurt either.”
As they walk to the barracks, Durnham listens to Kotar and nods at his suggestions. “You may not know the fallen city, but you’re far more familiar with the cold wilds and mountains of Eiselcross than I am. It’s you’re guidance and wisdom for survival that we need, not to mention your sword arm.”
He then continues leading them to the barracks. After they arrive and Brandon fills Elro in he adds,“for the sake of those children, and their parents... we are all driven to find a cure. Though we can only guess where that might be. It stands to reason that if Urgon found it all in Eiselcross then the cure may be there too but... we don’t even know where to start and we’re hoping you had some ideas on what our next steps should be.” Durnham shrugs uncomfortably as the enormity of their task settles on him. He looks to Elro hoping that the older ranger has some idea of where his Uncle may have gone or how they could retrace his path... or even if Eiselcross is the place they should go to.
"Yes, what they say is true." Ressys nods in agreement "They have only recently contracted the disease from what I can tell. So they have time, time for us to seek the antidote. Our understanding is the disease is Aeor in nature. Nature itself has revealed to me that the disease is manufactured. Urgon brought the spores back from Eiselcross. So there must be someplace there that is Aeorion and that is where he found them. I see our only hope in going to where Urgon went and seeking an antidote. If the disease was manufactured and not natural the cure is likely the same and hopefully found where Urgon found the spores."
"We need information. Eiselcross is vast and harsh. Do you know where Urgon went or who may have helped or guided him? We do not have time to search all of Eiselcross. You must know of where he went? Palebank Village is the launch point for expeditions to Eiselcross. I have seen the increased traffic from Uthodurn to the village. What can you tell us of these operations and their destinations from Palebank to Eiselcross."
Qidira steps in behind the others, her large ears taking in all that is said. Knowing that there is nothing she could add that has not already been said, she remains quiet shutting the door behind them against the cold winter air.
“That I can bring.”He said to Durnham as they entered the barracks, his spirit heightened ever so slightly by the words of the dwarf. It was good to feel like he could be useful again. “Gotta make use of that good maul.”
It would rob him from the use of the shield, but if he got the splint armor the right size it would make little difference. Sometimes, Kotar knew well enough, stronger attack can be the best defense. With that in mind he awaited the others to speak their piece.
“If you have no information on that, Elro, we intend to search in the harbor and Pelc’s place. In this case it would be helpful to have some kind of written endorsement.”The goliath mentioned to the Glassblade. “On the help subject, I have a splint armor with me, but it is dwarf-sized. I was hopping the garrison would have an armor of the same kind that fits me. We could make an exchange, if it’s alright.”
It wouldn’t be the first or greatest concession Elro made to the group, besides a branch of a uthordonian force would have its share of dwarven combatants.
“Oh, and Irvel said that you can count on him for any help with resources.”
Elro’s face drops at the news that the Liels are infected. “Then it’s bad news indeed, if the innocent have been drawn into this so deeply. I had hoped that you might find a simple and painless solution here in Palebank, and I almost let myself believe it possible”
He taps his right index finger on the open book, thinking.
“But the job was to find the cause of the illness, and that you have done. Here, payment as agreed”
Elro takes a small leather bag from his trouser pocket and places it on the desk: “One hundred gold pieces, as promised. Now I must ask you to take a further, more dangerous step – although Corellon be praised it seems that you are prepared to do so. Nevertheless, it is a task that deserves compensation; if you can retrieve an antidote from Eiselcross and get it back here then another two hundred will be paid”
Elro waits at this point, taking in all your faces and gauging if the determination to see this through remains. Satisfied that you are all prepared to make the journey, he grunts approvingly and continues.
“If you’re heading to Eiselcross then the best place to start is Syrinlya, an Uthodurnian outpost on Foren, Eiselcross’s largest island where most expeditions launch from – I will try to arrange you some transport. It’s a long sail, nine days, so make sure you have warm gear and a deck of cards. While I’m arranging the transport, I will try to get you a lead to follow at the other side”
When Kotar asks about the armour, Elro looks him up and down before exhaling deeply: “You’re a big lad, that’s for sure. One of my ‘Blades, Veyas, is a big lad. Maybe not as stocky, but I think his kit should fit you without too much trouble. If you’ll hand over the suit you found, we’ll call it a fair trade – I'll return your suit to stores and procure a new set for Veyas. Give me a moment”
The aged, wounded elf gets out of his chair gingerly and goes through the door into the barracks area. He returns a few minutes later with a large collection of steel and leather slung over his shoulder, clanking with every step. He lays it carefully at Kotar’s feet, takes Urgon’s suit in exchange and lays it in the corner behind his desk.
“Irven is a good man, but I don’t think he has anything we can use at this point. Get that antidote for his family though and you’ll have a friend for life – the man is well connected south of the Dunrock Mountains”
Aware that a lot has been discussed, Elro slows slightly and recaps: “Take the rest of the day, one night of good rest will serve us better than rushing. I will arrange transport and a contact in Syrinlya then meet you in the morning”
Looking at Durnham he asks “Where will I find you in the morning – the inn, the cabin or at your parents’ place?”
It takes Durnham a moment to realise that Elro means his adopted elf parents.
Ressys nods to Elro. "Then I will return in the morning prepared for the next step of our journey. I have a few supplies I will wish to gather. If there is nothing else I will take my leave for the moment."
Ressys has nothing further to say to Elro. After the rest of the party is set and gathers together outside he offers them each their share of the gold from Tulgi. "20 each from Hulil and 20 each from Elro if my numbers are correct. We will not need the money for passage to Eiselcross, Elro says he will arrange it." He wraps his cloak a little bit tighter and looks at the his companions. "If one of you has taken a bow or acquires one they may have these arrows or I will seek to sell them and split the proceeds with you. I have some small supplies I need to gather. I will then sleep outside the village walls tonight. I have preparations I must make for our journey on the morrow. The moon will be out tonight and I need to be alone. I will return in the morning."
(I have removed 80 gp from my sheet and added 20 back in.)
“Nine days!?” Durnham is shocked by the time it’ll take before they can even begin the search for the cure. “There’s no quicker way to get there? Nine days there and Nine days back... not to mention the time searching... that is going to be cutting it close.” He shakes his head. “We will do what we must. Thank you Elro.”
He looks to the others and suggests, “Shall we split the coin we have received from Hulil as well? I would like to get some supplies before morning.”
”As for my plans tonight,” and he returns to Elro, “I will stay with the Moonshadows. I haven’t spent any time with them since returning. But I need to check my Uncle’s cabin for any clues about where he went before the end of the night.“ He looks towards the others, “if anyone would like to stay at the cabin, it is available for you.”
Seeing Ressys step outside he follows and speaks up, “Hold on a minute winter.” He removes the bag of holding from his shoulder and reaches inside to remove the chest with the vial of frigid woe and sets the chest carefully on the ground. He then sets the bag down pushes the bottom of it out through the top to turn it inside out, emptying the contents on the floor. “Let’s see what was in Pelc’s bag before we split up for the evening.”
Qidira looks in sympathy at the obvious pain the leader of the Glassblades suffers and looks at the the large leather-bound book in front of him with interest considering asking to have a look herself, then is distracted by a reassurance of the family's survival chances by Ressys' reminder that they had only recently contracted the illness. She refocuses her attention on the information. As a researcher, details were important. It seemed that the disease took several weeks to run its course. Eiselcross is definitely where they must go and they just might have the time to make some sort of a difference but the timeline would be tight.
Watching as Elro produces payment for what little it felt that they had done so far to reach a solution, she thinks about how 100 gp could be put to good use. The offer of 200 g more for the trip and antidote they were bound to look for regardless sounded like more money than she'd ever thought possible.
Elro's instruction to Syrinlya on Foren seemed hopeful, a next step and help with transport, but nine days. The lead when we get there will help in many ways to save the time it took for the travel and get them again on a new trail to follow. She hoped her small stomach was up for such a long voyage, she would eat light just in case. A slight smile to herself at the mention of cards, she didn't have cards, but dice and she' was itching to earn a little more coin with them again.
The fine set of gear at Kotar's feet and the suggestion of a night's rest for the group would be well. Give her some reconnaissance time without anyone looking over her shoulder. They could be ready by morning, but it will be a busy night.
She follows the others outside for discussion and thanks Ressys for sorting out her share. She shakes her head at the arrows, growing more comfortable with the idea of the crossbow, adding more bolts for it to her mental shopping list. Bidding him good evening.
Hearing mention of the Cabin, Qidira speaks up. "Yes, I would like to gather some clothes if that is still ok and maybe take another look about it? If there's any truth to that payment, it still might be there?" Then watches with interest as the small bag is emptied of its contents.
"What shall we do about destroying the vials and the other contaminated items?" She asks before investigating the pile on the ground.
“Yes of course you can have anything you can use from the cabin. I’ll be heading there as well to look through my Uncle’s notes after we are done here. We could travel together and I’ll leave you with the key... not that you need it,” and he smiles at Qidira to convey that he meant no offense. “I will go back and talk to Elro about the vials before we go. I just wanted to look through this bag first and see what was in it before we split up for the evening.”
Amidst the chaos, battles and plague, he had completely forgot the promise of gold to the point it was honestly surprising to watch the leader of the Glassblades hand them a bag full of coin. What did not surprise Kotar was how Elro asked them to look for a cure and not for free. A hundred more gold pieces, passage to Eiselcross and a place to start looking, it all came with the elf’s offer.
Durnham was unhappy with the travel time and understandably so, but the goliath knew that was an estimative under good weather. The way to his home was hard, few hours of fog would be enough to delay the travel a whole day. A thought better left unsaid.
“You can count on us.”The fighter spoke sure that his companions shared the same determination. Soon after Elro did agree with the trade and Kotar was more than happy in handing the dwarf-sized splint armor. Hurried and somewhat clumsy, the goliath started to put his now piece of gear into his backpack and watched as Durnham and Ressys talked preparations for the next day.
“Elro is a good man, but wouldn’t be better to destroy it all without involving him? I think the fire idea is our bet.”
Brandon thanks the old Ranger for both the payment, which he had honestly forgotten about, and the offer for assistance in securing both passage to Eiselcross and a potential lead when they arrive. “Thank you Elro, we shall do our best for the Liels and their children. You have my word.”
Walking outside with the others, “I would like to stay in the cabin tonight as well, Durnham, if that is alright with you. But first, I would like to visit the trading post. I too am in need of cold weather gear and other supplies that may ease our journey.” Qdira and Kotar’s discussion on the vials focuses his attention to the present. “Yes, I agree they should be destroyed before we depart. Will a simple torch be enough? What will it take to get hot enough to deal with the spores?”
He looks on with interest as Durnham inspects the contents of the bag, wondering which of Pelc’s curiosities may have made it inside, and if it could aid their mission. A dark raven perches on a nearby tree branch, head cocked in interest as well, almost like it is trying to peer into the bag as well. “Off, you feathered fiend. Nothing in here for you”Brandon tosses a stone at the raven, who gives a cry of outrage and flies away.
Durnham turns the bag of holding inside out and a number of items clatter to the floor: A petrified mouse, a silver snuffbox inscribed with the word ‘Dreams’, a whistle made from gold-coloured wood, a vial of ink, a small bag of salt, a straw hat and an ivory whale statuette.
As he looks through the items out of the bag, Durnham gives Brandon a questioning look and follows his gaze towards the raven that flaps away from his thrown stone but shrugs it off as odd behavior and goes back to studying the items.
“Hmm well these look interesting. Let’s see if any of them are magical.” He then removes his spellbook opens it up and begins muttering the words and makes the familiar intricate gestures for ritual to detect magic.
Ressys watches as Durnham turns the bag upside down and an eclectic collection of items appears. He then casts Detect Magic with a small wave of his hand a couple short words in a strange language. Whatever it is he detects he reaches down to pick up the ivory whale statuette and look at it closely. You hear him mumble "Interesting."
As Brandon shoos the raven away he can't help but notice. "That raven has followed us and I am fairly certain it is the same one. Its interest seems to be in you Brandon. What do you know of it? I would say it is an omen. Seeing ravens often signifies that you have a strong, mysterious energy force in your life. Something to consider at least."
He gives Brandon a long look and then continues.
"I would welcome you when I visit the trading post. You would do a better job negotiating prices for these items we need to sell and the supplies we need to purchase than I will. I am not used to these ways, living mostly off the land, as I do."
As Ressys casts his spell, Durnham stumbles in his ritual and huffs out exasperated. ”Well I suppose there are benefits to preparing that spell sometimes,” he grumbles loudly as he closes the book and puts it away. “There are 5 cutlasses and 5 crossbows here Winter,, if you want to try to sell those as well.”
Qidira watches casually as the Goliath tries to work all the pieces of his new gear into his pack and agrees that we should tend to the vials ourselves. Oil would enhance the flames and she needed to get some more for her tinkering regardless. "Perhaps oil to bring the flames up to a high enough heat to ensure destruction of the spores? I'm sadly out at the moment, but we should be able to find some at the trader's. It'd be used commonly for lanterns."
Grinning at Durnham's confidence in her lockpicking skills, she watches him pour out the items. She can't help think of him as a jolly little present giver as most items poured from the bag had some appeal for her. Except perhaps the mouse who likely was a hapless victim of the extra dimensional space and couldn't find its way out again. Definitely NOT a hiding space then.
Ressys, looking over the whale figurine, mentions omens and strong, mysterious energies when sighting the Raven himself. It does seem tied to the warlock somehow.
As Durnham starts his ritual, Qidira eyes the outraged Raven and asks, "Brandon, could it be possible that you've accidentally summoned the creature? I've heard of wizards with familiars, perhaps its drawn to your magic? I even heard of one speaking before, though I'm not sure I'd know what to do if it said something." Then as an afterthought, "I too would appreciate some help in the negotiating department. I'm much slicker with dice in my hands than at a merchant's counter."
Shortly after, Durnham's ritual appears to resolve without results. She considers the possibility of him casting it later then notes Ressys has already seen results of his own. "Ressys what did you find?" She asks of the druid.
"Durnham, earlier when we gathered the crossbow bolts, I neglected to gather some extras - would you be willing to split the difference with me? I plan to make could use of them given an appropriate opportunity."
Durnham nods to Qidira and reaches into his backpack to retrieve a stack of bolts. “Here, I took some but you can have the rest.” He gives her 46 bolts.
“I like your idea.” He said to Qidira’s suggestion of using oil. The stronger the flame the better the chances of getting rid of that cursed vial and its content. “We should do that outside of the village.”
And hope for the better. For all that Kotar knew Frozen Woe had survived hundreds, maybe thousands of years. Maybe they would need more than just fire to kill it. In the end he decided to push the thought away.
“On the trading post subject, I would like to survey the area for a glaive.” The goliath spoke with his mind in the times back at the cave where he wished for one. Now that he was a few coins heavier it seemed like the perfect moment to search for one. “The silvered maul can deal with stranger enemies and the sword and shield brings more defense to the table, but a glaive would give me some more range. Nothing like a bow, but I’m not that great with these weapons of precision so…”
Kotar looked at the rest of the group, looking to see if they understood his cue. It was better if he didn’t take any of the bolts. Curiosity sat upon his eyes, remembering Ressys’ exclamation about the ivory statue.
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“Searching the harbor is a good idea, but doing so after talking with Elro will be easier.” There was some difference between answering the questions of strangers and providing information to someone with the leader of the Glassblades. ”I’m going with you all and if I can’t manage to exchange the plate armor I will search for a smithy. If you’re alright with a little detour I can accompany you to the port.” He said to Brandon while following the group to the barracks. “Otherwise, I would rather search either the cabin or Pelc’s. Can’t say that I exactly care about Tulgi, Hulil or Raegrin.”
Kotar didn’t had in him to abandon someone that he could otherwise help, even if they were bandits, but that didn’t mean he cared about the trio. The battle in the cave was a fresh wound and their companions did try to kill Elro when it was almost sure they could have simply escaped.
“I don’t know much about Aeor or the ruins so I may not be the best of guides, but I’ll do my best.” It wasn’t much reassuring, the goliath knew, but it was better than lying to the dwarf and everyone else. Specially because such lie could very well cost their lives.
Brandon enters the barracks and smiles at the old elf’s energy. “Sit down and rest, friend. You have had enough excitement for one day.” His smile fades, however, with Elro’s question. “The Liel’s are sick with the disease.” he nods to Ressys “Winterwalker confirmed the poison has taken a hold on them. We did recover the second vial and there is no other sign of spores at the inn. We should be looking for a place to destroy the vials. Any ideas?”
Brandon was not surprised by the information Elro provided on the poison. “You don’t give good news, Ranger, but it was expected. We plan to journey to Eiselcross to search for a cure. Any information you have on where Urgon traveled and may have found the items would be helpful” He gives Elro a sideways glance “and any assistance you can provide in arranging transport wouldn’t hurt either.”
As they walk to the barracks, Durnham listens to Kotar and nods at his suggestions. “You may not know the fallen city, but you’re far more familiar with the cold wilds and mountains of Eiselcross than I am. It’s you’re guidance and wisdom for survival that we need, not to mention your sword arm.”
He then continues leading them to the barracks. After they arrive and Brandon fills Elro in he adds, “for the sake of those children, and their parents... we are all driven to find a cure. Though we can only guess where that might be. It stands to reason that if Urgon found it all in Eiselcross then the cure may be there too but... we don’t even know where to start and we’re hoping you had some ideas on what our next steps should be.” Durnham shrugs uncomfortably as the enormity of their task settles on him. He looks to Elro hoping that the older ranger has some idea of where his Uncle may have gone or how they could retrace his path... or even if Eiselcross is the place they should go to.
Noob
"Yes, what they say is true." Ressys nods in agreement "They have only recently contracted the disease from what I can tell. So they have time, time for us to seek the antidote. Our understanding is the disease is Aeor in nature. Nature itself has revealed to me that the disease is manufactured. Urgon brought the spores back from Eiselcross. So there must be someplace there that is Aeorion and that is where he found them. I see our only hope in going to where Urgon went and seeking an antidote. If the disease was manufactured and not natural the cure is likely the same and hopefully found where Urgon found the spores."
"We need information. Eiselcross is vast and harsh. Do you know where Urgon went or who may have helped or guided him? We do not have time to search all of Eiselcross. You must know of where he went? Palebank Village is the launch point for expeditions to Eiselcross. I have seen the increased traffic from Uthodurn to the village. What can you tell us of these operations and their destinations from Palebank to Eiselcross."
Ressys looks expectantly to Elro for information.
Qidira steps in behind the others, her large ears taking in all that is said. Knowing that there is nothing she could add that has not already been said, she remains quiet shutting the door behind them against the cold winter air.
“That I can bring.” He said to Durnham as they entered the barracks, his spirit heightened ever so slightly by the words of the dwarf. It was good to feel like he could be useful again. “Gotta make use of that good maul.”
It would rob him from the use of the shield, but if he got the splint armor the right size it would make little difference. Sometimes, Kotar knew well enough, stronger attack can be the best defense. With that in mind he awaited the others to speak their piece.
“If you have no information on that, Elro, we intend to search in the harbor and Pelc’s place. In this case it would be helpful to have some kind of written endorsement.” The goliath mentioned to the Glassblade. “On the help subject, I have a splint armor with me, but it is dwarf-sized. I was hopping the garrison would have an armor of the same kind that fits me. We could make an exchange, if it’s alright.”
It wouldn’t be the first or greatest concession Elro made to the group, besides a branch of a uthordonian force would have its share of dwarven combatants.
“Oh, and Irvel said that you can count on him for any help with resources.”
Elro’s face drops at the news that the Liels are infected. “Then it’s bad news indeed, if the innocent have been drawn into this so deeply. I had hoped that you might find a simple and painless solution here in Palebank, and I almost let myself believe it possible”
He taps his right index finger on the open book, thinking.
“But the job was to find the cause of the illness, and that you have done. Here, payment as agreed”
Elro takes a small leather bag from his trouser pocket and places it on the desk: “One hundred gold pieces, as promised. Now I must ask you to take a further, more dangerous step – although Corellon be praised it seems that you are prepared to do so. Nevertheless, it is a task that deserves compensation; if you can retrieve an antidote from Eiselcross and get it back here then another two hundred will be paid”
Elro waits at this point, taking in all your faces and gauging if the determination to see this through remains. Satisfied that you are all prepared to make the journey, he grunts approvingly and continues.
“If you’re heading to Eiselcross then the best place to start is Syrinlya, an Uthodurnian outpost on Foren, Eiselcross’s largest island where most expeditions launch from – I will try to arrange you some transport. It’s a long sail, nine days, so make sure you have warm gear and a deck of cards. While I’m arranging the transport, I will try to get you a lead to follow at the other side”
When Kotar asks about the armour, Elro looks him up and down before exhaling deeply: “You’re a big lad, that’s for sure. One of my ‘Blades, Veyas, is a big lad. Maybe not as stocky, but I think his kit should fit you without too much trouble. If you’ll hand over the suit you found, we’ll call it a fair trade – I'll return your suit to stores and procure a new set for Veyas. Give me a moment”
The aged, wounded elf gets out of his chair gingerly and goes through the door into the barracks area. He returns a few minutes later with a large collection of steel and leather slung over his shoulder, clanking with every step. He lays it carefully at Kotar’s feet, takes Urgon’s suit in exchange and lays it in the corner behind his desk.
“Irven is a good man, but I don’t think he has anything we can use at this point. Get that antidote for his family though and you’ll have a friend for life – the man is well connected south of the Dunrock Mountains”
Aware that a lot has been discussed, Elro slows slightly and recaps: “Take the rest of the day, one night of good rest will serve us better than rushing. I will arrange transport and a contact in Syrinlya then meet you in the morning”
Looking at Durnham he asks “Where will I find you in the morning – the inn, the cabin or at your parents’ place?”
It takes Durnham a moment to realise that Elro means his adopted elf parents.
Ressys nods to Elro. "Then I will return in the morning prepared for the next step of our journey. I have a few supplies I will wish to gather. If there is nothing else I will take my leave for the moment."
Ressys has nothing further to say to Elro. After the rest of the party is set and gathers together outside he offers them each their share of the gold from Tulgi. "20 each from Hulil and 20 each from Elro if my numbers are correct. We will not need the money for passage to Eiselcross, Elro says he will arrange it." He wraps his cloak a little bit tighter and looks at the his companions. "If one of you has taken a bow or acquires one they may have these arrows or I will seek to sell them and split the proceeds with you. I have some small supplies I need to gather. I will then sleep outside the village walls tonight. I have preparations I must make for our journey on the morrow. The moon will be out tonight and I need to be alone. I will return in the morning."
(I have removed 80 gp from my sheet and added 20 back in.)
“Nine days!?” Durnham is shocked by the time it’ll take before they can even begin the search for the cure. “There’s no quicker way to get there? Nine days there and Nine days back... not to mention the time searching... that is going to be cutting it close.” He shakes his head. “We will do what we must. Thank you Elro.”
He looks to the others and suggests, “Shall we split the coin we have received from Hulil as well? I would like to get some supplies before morning.”
”As for my plans tonight,” and he returns to Elro, “I will stay with the Moonshadows. I haven’t spent any time with them since returning. But I need to check my Uncle’s cabin for any clues about where he went before the end of the night.“ He looks towards the others, “if anyone would like to stay at the cabin, it is available for you.”
Seeing Ressys step outside he follows and speaks up, “Hold on a minute winter.” He removes the bag of holding from his shoulder and reaches inside to remove the chest with the vial of frigid woe and sets the chest carefully on the ground. He then sets the bag down pushes the bottom of it out through the top to turn it inside out, emptying the contents on the floor. “Let’s see what was in Pelc’s bag before we split up for the evening.”
Noob
Qidira looks in sympathy at the obvious pain the leader of the Glassblades suffers and looks at the the large leather-bound book in front of him with interest considering asking to have a look herself, then is distracted by a reassurance of the family's survival chances by Ressys' reminder that they had only recently contracted the illness. She refocuses her attention on the information. As a researcher, details were important. It seemed that the disease took several weeks to run its course. Eiselcross is definitely where they must go and they just might have the time to make some sort of a difference but the timeline would be tight.
Watching as Elro produces payment for what little it felt that they had done so far to reach a solution, she thinks about how 100 gp could be put to good use. The offer of 200 g more for the trip and antidote they were bound to look for regardless sounded like more money than she'd ever thought possible.
Elro's instruction to Syrinlya on Foren seemed hopeful, a next step and help with transport, but nine days. The lead when we get there will help in many ways to save the time it took for the travel and get them again on a new trail to follow. She hoped her small stomach was up for such a long voyage, she would eat light just in case. A slight smile to herself at the mention of cards, she didn't have cards, but dice and she' was itching to earn a little more coin with them again.
The fine set of gear at Kotar's feet and the suggestion of a night's rest for the group would be well. Give her some reconnaissance time without anyone looking over her shoulder. They could be ready by morning, but it will be a busy night.
She follows the others outside for discussion and thanks Ressys for sorting out her share. She shakes her head at the arrows, growing more comfortable with the idea of the crossbow, adding more bolts for it to her mental shopping list. Bidding him good evening.
Hearing mention of the Cabin, Qidira speaks up. "Yes, I would like to gather some clothes if that is still ok and maybe take another look about it? If there's any truth to that payment, it still might be there?" Then watches with interest as the small bag is emptied of its contents.
"What shall we do about destroying the vials and the other contaminated items?" She asks before investigating the pile on the ground.
“Yes of course you can have anything you can use from the cabin. I’ll be heading there as well to look through my Uncle’s notes after we are done here. We could travel together and I’ll leave you with the key... not that you need it,” and he smiles at Qidira to convey that he meant no offense. “I will go back and talk to Elro about the vials before we go. I just wanted to look through this bag first and see what was in it before we split up for the evening.”
Noob
Amidst the chaos, battles and plague, he had completely forgot the promise of gold to the point it was honestly surprising to watch the leader of the Glassblades hand them a bag full of coin. What did not surprise Kotar was how Elro asked them to look for a cure and not for free. A hundred more gold pieces, passage to Eiselcross and a place to start looking, it all came with the elf’s offer.
Durnham was unhappy with the travel time and understandably so, but the goliath knew that was an estimative under good weather. The way to his home was hard, few hours of fog would be enough to delay the travel a whole day. A thought better left unsaid.
“You can count on us.” The fighter spoke sure that his companions shared the same determination. Soon after Elro did agree with the trade and Kotar was more than happy in handing the dwarf-sized splint armor. Hurried and somewhat clumsy, the goliath started to put his now piece of gear into his backpack and watched as Durnham and Ressys talked preparations for the next day.
“Elro is a good man, but wouldn’t be better to destroy it all without involving him? I think the fire idea is our bet.”
Brandon thanks the old Ranger for both the payment, which he had honestly forgotten about, and the offer for assistance in securing both passage to Eiselcross and a potential lead when they arrive. “Thank you Elro, we shall do our best for the Liels and their children. You have my word.”
Walking outside with the others, “I would like to stay in the cabin tonight as well, Durnham, if that is alright with you. But first, I would like to visit the trading post. I too am in need of cold weather gear and other supplies that may ease our journey.” Qdira and Kotar’s discussion on the vials focuses his attention to the present. “Yes, I agree they should be destroyed before we depart. Will a simple torch be enough? What will it take to get hot enough to deal with the spores?”
He looks on with interest as Durnham inspects the contents of the bag, wondering which of Pelc’s curiosities may have made it inside, and if it could aid their mission. A dark raven perches on a nearby tree branch, head cocked in interest as well, almost like it is trying to peer into the bag as well. “Off, you feathered fiend. Nothing in here for you” Brandon tosses a stone at the raven, who gives a cry of outrage and flies away.
Durnham turns the bag of holding inside out and a number of items clatter to the floor: A petrified mouse, a silver snuffbox inscribed with the word ‘Dreams’, a whistle made from gold-coloured wood, a vial of ink, a small bag of salt, a straw hat and an ivory whale statuette.
As he looks through the items out of the bag, Durnham gives Brandon a questioning look and follows his gaze towards the raven that flaps away from his thrown stone but shrugs it off as odd behavior and goes back to studying the items.
“Hmm well these look interesting. Let’s see if any of them are magical.” He then removes his spellbook opens it up and begins muttering the words and makes the familiar intricate gestures for ritual to detect magic.
Noob
Ressys watches as Durnham turns the bag upside down and an eclectic collection of items appears. He then casts Detect Magic with a small wave of his hand a couple short words in a strange language. Whatever it is he detects he reaches down to pick up the ivory whale statuette and look at it closely. You hear him mumble "Interesting."
As Brandon shoos the raven away he can't help but notice. "That raven has followed us and I am fairly certain it is the same one. Its interest seems to be in you Brandon. What do you know of it? I would say it is an omen. Seeing ravens often signifies that you have a strong, mysterious energy force in your life. Something to consider at least."
He gives Brandon a long look and then continues.
"I would welcome you when I visit the trading post. You would do a better job negotiating prices for these items we need to sell and the supplies we need to purchase than I will. I am not used to these ways, living mostly off the land, as I do."
As Ressys casts his spell, Durnham stumbles in his ritual and huffs out exasperated. ”Well I suppose there are benefits to preparing that spell sometimes,” he grumbles loudly as he closes the book and puts it away. “There are 5 cutlasses and 5 crossbows here Winter,, if you want to try to sell those as well.”
Noob
Qidira watches casually as the Goliath tries to work all the pieces of his new gear into his pack and agrees that we should tend to the vials ourselves. Oil would enhance the flames and she needed to get some more for her tinkering regardless. "Perhaps oil to bring the flames up to a high enough heat to ensure destruction of the spores? I'm sadly out at the moment, but we should be able to find some at the trader's. It'd be used commonly for lanterns."
Grinning at Durnham's confidence in her lockpicking skills, she watches him pour out the items. She can't help think of him as a jolly little present giver as most items poured from the bag had some appeal for her. Except perhaps the mouse who likely was a hapless victim of the extra dimensional space and couldn't find its way out again. Definitely NOT a hiding space then.
Ressys, looking over the whale figurine, mentions omens and strong, mysterious energies when sighting the Raven himself. It does seem tied to the warlock somehow.
As Durnham starts his ritual, Qidira eyes the outraged Raven and asks, "Brandon, could it be possible that you've accidentally summoned the creature? I've heard of wizards with familiars, perhaps its drawn to your magic? I even heard of one speaking before, though I'm not sure I'd know what to do if it said something." Then as an afterthought, "I too would appreciate some help in the negotiating department. I'm much slicker with dice in my hands than at a merchant's counter."
Shortly after, Durnham's ritual appears to resolve without results. She considers the possibility of him casting it later then notes Ressys has already seen results of his own. "Ressys what did you find?" She asks of the druid.
"Durnham, earlier when we gathered the crossbow bolts, I neglected to gather some extras - would you be willing to split the difference with me? I plan to make could use of them given an appropriate opportunity."
Durnham nods to Qidira and reaches into his backpack to retrieve a stack of bolts. “Here, I took some but you can have the rest.” He gives her 46 bolts.
Noob
“I like your idea.” He said to Qidira’s suggestion of using oil. The stronger the flame the better the chances of getting rid of that cursed vial and its content. “We should do that outside of the village.”
And hope for the better. For all that Kotar knew Frozen Woe had survived hundreds, maybe thousands of years. Maybe they would need more than just fire to kill it. In the end he decided to push the thought away.
“On the trading post subject, I would like to survey the area for a glaive.” The goliath spoke with his mind in the times back at the cave where he wished for one. Now that he was a few coins heavier it seemed like the perfect moment to search for one. “The silvered maul can deal with stranger enemies and the sword and shield brings more defense to the table, but a glaive would give me some more range. Nothing like a bow, but I’m not that great with these weapons of precision so…”
Kotar looked at the rest of the group, looking to see if they understood his cue. It was better if he didn’t take any of the bolts. Curiosity sat upon his eyes, remembering Ressys’ exclamation about the ivory statue.