"We should be careful, we don't know the effect of the ichor and ones so far gone", Normont says, having stowed his sample away in his backpack out of sight. "We wouldn't want a riot".
"Perhaps if we stand apart, and see which sample they are drawn to. It has magical properties, so we likely don't even have to show them the ichor, which would make it a good test?".
Dev‘s sense of scientific method extends only so far as tying one length of shoelace to fasten the broken shutters at home to their frames, and if the shoelace is too short, trying a longer shoelace instead.
He observes Normont’s calculated experimentation with great interest. Not because he understands it, but because he cannot predict what the gnome will do next. The seeming whimsy of the rigorous logic is thrilling to the lad.
Lokilia carries the container with the tannin-hued water back to the stockade. Like Normont, she will place her sample away in her pack and out of sight. "A good idea," she says. She enters slowly into the building, moving as far from Normont as she is able. She shifts her eyes between the affected and the gnome, waiting to see what happens.
There is a definite drift in the crowd behind the stockade toward Normont, none seem interested in Lokilia....but they are all silent and not agitated at all....
Seeing the apparent draw of the group towards Normont, Lokilia notes, "It does seem the magic influence is there for your sample and not mine. Should I take mine out and see if these folks can sense anything still in it? Maybe we could ask Gundiwr?" She waits though to see what others' opinions might be.
Seeing the crowd drift as one in his direction, Normont nods approvingly.
"Well it may have been a crude experiment, and ideally I would like to repeat it many more times to be certain, but with such limited time I think we have to be confident our hypothesis was correct. The black milk as they call it, can be purified by magic. Although if you want to present your sample to them it wouldn't hurt, Lokilia. And yes, ask Gundiwr, the feedback of one of the subjects is always relevant".
"Then I think it is time we presented this to Ugart", he says to the others. "With any luck, the Scarlet Badgers have people capable of such purification, and those that are able to perform the controlled burns too. And they, or we, can always send for help if needed".
Lokila quickly takes out her sample and holds it in her hands. "Gundiwr? Do you think you could help us out?" she asks. "This container was filled with the Black Milk, but then I tried to purify it. Can you still sense any trace of the... foul material that normally draws you to the Black Milk?" She holds it to where he can see it, but stays just a short step back so that he cannot actually get to it, should he be drawn to drink it.
Dev’s jaw slowly drops open in stunned fascination as the poor affected Red Badger people react to the two containers exactly as Normont had predicted.
‘Wow, the effects of his scientific experiments are like… like magic, just about,’ the tiefling gasps to himself. He is reminded of a line from a story he read the prior year in Drynna’s dusty library by a bookish buccaneer named Ar’Thor Seaclerk…;)
Lokilia nods, smiling at the seeming success of the magic. "You're right Gundiwr! Normont has a sample that wasn't purified." The half-elf is clearly excited. "It's not perfect, but it at least points to a way to help clean up some of the Black Milk as you call it. Though it would take a lot of work, there's just so much of it out there!" Her elation is tempered a bit by recalling how many of the pools that cleared for a moment simply returned to darkness a few moments after her spell. "Well, we should go talk to Ugart and let him know what we found."
With their experiment finished, he leaves the warehouse and makes his back to Ugart with the others. He keeps the sample of the ichor in his pack.
"I wonder if they have messengers here. A missive from Magnus to the Cobalt Soul and one from myself to the Chamber of Whitestone would surely speed up the arrival of any aid. I know you mentioned passing on the information when we get to Whitestone, Magnus, but we don't know that we will be going there, and even if we do, it might not be for weeks or more".
"I was thinking the same thing and was going to inquire before we left. Let's see what Ugart has to say depending on our findings and then we can have our notes sent along. Then another good nights rest and we can continue on with our quest knowing the Black Milk should all but be cleaned up soon." Magnus say.
With their experiment finished, he leaves the warehouse and makes his back to Ugart with the others. He keeps the sample of the ichor in his pack.
"I wonder if they have messengers here. A missive from Magnus to the Cobalt Soul and one from myself to the Chamber of Whitestone would surely speed up the arrival of any aid. I know you mentioned passing on the information when we get to Whitestone, Magnus, but we don't know that we will be going there, and even if we do, it might not be for weeks or more".
"I was thinking the same thing and was going to inquire before we left. Let's see what Ugart has to say depending on our findings and then we can have our notes sent along. Then another good nights rest and we can continue on with our quest knowing the Black Milk should all but be cleaned up soon." Magnus say.
The group headed back to the barge which had emptied out somewhat in the meantime.
Greycrow was within talking with a group of Elders, Ugart and two younger male Bugbears were putting away the tables and foodstuffs and a group of children were playing in one of the siderooms.
As the companions entered they all turned to regard them.....
As Lokilia heads into the barge and see Ugart she starts to speak. "Hey, we tried some experiments and I think we had a tiny bit of success with the Black Milk." But as she notes everyone turning to look at her and the rest of the group, she falters a bit in her words. "Yea, and... well, perhaps Normont can explain it all."
"Lokilia is quite right. We have also examined those affected by the Black Milk, and found that there should be no lasting damage to their minds or personalities, provided they do not consume more. Unfortunately, the physical abnormalities will remain until powerful healing magic can be used. More powerful than we have access to I am afraid", Normont starts to explain as he walks into the room and towards Greycrow and the group of elders.
He takes a deep breath, "In order to ensure the Black Milk is made safe, we have two proposals. We are aware that the substance is flammable, but it does produce an acrid smoke that would likely be dangerous to inhale. So the first option is to burn the Black Milk, whilst ensuring the prevailing wind is in a direction away from your settlement. It should also be done carefully so the fire does not spread more than intended. We can provide guidance on how to do this if you need it", he adds, his words clear and calculated.
"The other option, is to purify the Black Milk. Lokilia has managed to clear a small amount of its aberrant properties, which should work equally well on larger quantities. It will take some time, and require people with the right knowledge of magic, or in fact artifice, as I also know a method to achieve the same effect. This method will take longer than the burning, but is undoubtedly safer", he concludes.
"Yea, the purification certainly worked," Lokilia starts. "Although many of the pools turned black again pretty fast. There's just so much of that Black Milk coming! It's going to take a lot of work to cleanse." She sounds a bit disappointed, but hopefully that at least there is a potential way to clean this up.
"If you have some paper lying around I could use, I can copy my notes and give you the processes of how to accomplish both tasks." Magnus chimes in, "Also if I could hire someone to run another copy of these instructions and some other notes back to Wildstone I would greatly appreciate it and pay the person who brings the notes to the city offices of the Cobalt Soul and I believe Normont here also has some messages that need to be delivered."
"Lokilia is quite right. We have also examined those affected by the Black Milk, and found that there should be no lasting damage to their minds or personalities, provided they do not consume more. Unfortunately, the physical abnormalities will remain until powerful healing magic can be used. More powerful than we have access to I am afraid", Normont starts to explain as he walks into the room and towards Greycrow and the group of elders.
He takes a deep breath, "In order to ensure the Black Milk is made safe, we have two proposals. We are aware that the substance is flammable, but it does produce an acrid smoke that would likely be dangerous to inhale. So the first option is to burn the Black Milk, whilst ensuring the prevailing wind is in a direction away from your settlement. It should also be done carefully so the fire does not spread more than intended. We can provide guidance on how to do this if you need it", he adds, his words clear and calculated.
"The other option, is to purify the Black Milk. Lokilia has managed to clear a small amount of its aberrant properties, which should work equally well on larger quantities. It will take some time, and require people with the right knowledge of magic, or in fact artifice, as I also know a method to achieve the same effect. This method will take longer than the burning, but is undoubtedly safer", he concludes.
Greycrow nodded as the other Elders considered Normonts words, " We have some folk with some small talent for magic that may be able to affect such a solution......but I think fire will be the safest option...the faster the temptation is gone the sooner we can release those held."
" Healing their afflictions is likely beyond us, but we are not unaccustomed to scars...", she indicated her own claw and tooth ravaged form.
She looked across towards her husband, " Ugart, Love, it is time."
"Yea, the purification certainly worked," Lokilia starts. "Although many of the pools turned black again pretty fast. There's just so much of that Black Milk coming! It's going to take a lot of work to cleanse." She sounds a bit disappointed, but hopefully that at least there is a potential way to clean this up.
Greycrow and the others nodded to Lokilia in understanding and thanks, " We will persevere."
"If you have some paper lying around I could use, I can copy my notes and give you the processes of how to accomplish both tasks." Magnus chimes in, "Also if I could hire someone to run another copy of these instructions and some other notes back to Wildstone I would greatly appreciate it and pay the person who brings the notes to the city offices of the Cobalt Soul and I believe Normont here also has some messages that need to be delivered."
Ugart nodded to Greycrow and then looked to two human aspected young men at the far end of the room, they approached both wearing satchels over their shoulders one of them proferred a sheet of parchment and a sliver of charcoal bound in leather.
Ugart headed into the sideroom shooing the kids out of the way and returned with a metal strongbox which he easily lifted onto a table and opened with a key from his pouch.
" If you are crossing the river you should take these with you to assist your journey...", Ugart offered.
Looking into the box you see a number of items:-
- Three pairs of boots: one trimmed with ermine, one inscribed with chamois images and the other stitched with silver thread.
"We thank you for your generosity and for accepting our gift of knowledge," Quinn says in response to Ugart. He looks at this party with amazement at the work they were able to do in such a short period. There is much to learn from his new friends, still finds himself uneasy with doubt about being helpful or useful at all to his friends. He is not as smart as Normat, Devout as Lokilia, as Connected as Magnus, or as inspiring as Dev. Quinn only brings destruction and muscle which could be done with one of Normat's inventions.
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"We should be careful, we don't know the effect of the ichor and ones so far gone", Normont says, having stowed his sample away in his backpack out of sight. "We wouldn't want a riot".
"Perhaps if we stand apart, and see which sample they are drawn to. It has magical properties, so we likely don't even have to show them the ichor, which would make it a good test?".
Dev‘s sense of scientific method extends only so far as tying one length of shoelace to fasten the broken shutters at home to their frames, and if the shoelace is too short, trying a longer shoelace instead.
He observes Normont’s calculated experimentation with great interest. Not because he understands it, but because he cannot predict what the gnome will do next. The seeming whimsy of the rigorous logic is thrilling to the lad.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Lokilia carries the container with the tannin-hued water back to the stockade. Like Normont, she will place her sample away in her pack and out of sight. "A good idea," she says. She enters slowly into the building, moving as far from Normont as she is able. She shifts her eyes between the affected and the gnome, waiting to see what happens.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
There is a definite drift in the crowd behind the stockade toward Normont, none seem interested in Lokilia....but they are all silent and not agitated at all....
Seeing the apparent draw of the group towards Normont, Lokilia notes, "It does seem the magic influence is there for your sample and not mine. Should I take mine out and see if these folks can sense anything still in it? Maybe we could ask Gundiwr?" She waits though to see what others' opinions might be.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Seeing the crowd drift as one in his direction, Normont nods approvingly.
"Well it may have been a crude experiment, and ideally I would like to repeat it many more times to be certain, but with such limited time I think we have to be confident our hypothesis was correct. The black milk as they call it, can be purified by magic. Although if you want to present your sample to them it wouldn't hurt, Lokilia. And yes, ask Gundiwr, the feedback of one of the subjects is always relevant".
"Then I think it is time we presented this to Ugart", he says to the others. "With any luck, the Scarlet Badgers have people capable of such purification, and those that are able to perform the controlled burns too. And they, or we, can always send for help if needed".
(OOC: Cross posted so adjusted Normont's to fit)
Lokila quickly takes out her sample and holds it in her hands. "Gundiwr? Do you think you could help us out?" she asks. "This container was filled with the Black Milk, but then I tried to purify it. Can you still sense any trace of the... foul material that normally draws you to the Black Milk?" She holds it to where he can see it, but stays just a short step back so that he cannot actually get to it, should he be drawn to drink it.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Gundiwr was staring at Normont but after a few moments he seemed to recognise his name and turned toward Lokilia.
" It....no...I don't think so....he does though...", he pointed at Normont.
Dev’s jaw slowly drops open in stunned fascination as the poor affected Red Badger people react to the two containers exactly as Normont had predicted.
‘Wow, the effects of his scientific experiments are like… like magic, just about,’ the tiefling gasps to himself. He is reminded of a line from a story he read the prior year in Drynna’s dusty library by a bookish buccaneer named Ar’Thor Seaclerk…;)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Lokilia nods, smiling at the seeming success of the magic. "You're right Gundiwr! Normont has a sample that wasn't purified." The half-elf is clearly excited. "It's not perfect, but it at least points to a way to help clean up some of the Black Milk as you call it. Though it would take a lot of work, there's just so much of it out there!" Her elation is tempered a bit by recalling how many of the pools that cleared for a moment simply returned to darkness a few moments after her spell. "Well, we should go talk to Ugart and let him know what we found."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Gundiwrs face collapses a bit when you mention Ugart but he nods encouragingly.
"Indeed", Normont replies.
With their experiment finished, he leaves the warehouse and makes his back to Ugart with the others. He keeps the sample of the ichor in his pack.
"I wonder if they have messengers here. A missive from Magnus to the Cobalt Soul and one from myself to the Chamber of Whitestone would surely speed up the arrival of any aid. I know you mentioned passing on the information when we get to Whitestone, Magnus, but we don't know that we will be going there, and even if we do, it might not be for weeks or more".
"I was thinking the same thing and was going to inquire before we left. Let's see what Ugart has to say depending on our findings and then we can have our notes sent along. Then another good nights rest and we can continue on with our quest knowing the Black Milk should all but be cleaned up soon." Magnus say.
The group headed back to the barge which had emptied out somewhat in the meantime.
Greycrow was within talking with a group of Elders, Ugart and two younger male Bugbears were putting away the tables and foodstuffs and a group of children were playing in one of the siderooms.
As the companions entered they all turned to regard them.....
As Lokilia heads into the barge and see Ugart she starts to speak. "Hey, we tried some experiments and I think we had a tiny bit of success with the Black Milk." But as she notes everyone turning to look at her and the rest of the group, she falters a bit in her words. "Yea, and... well, perhaps Normont can explain it all."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
"Lokilia is quite right. We have also examined those affected by the Black Milk, and found that there should be no lasting damage to their minds or personalities, provided they do not consume more. Unfortunately, the physical abnormalities will remain until powerful healing magic can be used. More powerful than we have access to I am afraid", Normont starts to explain as he walks into the room and towards Greycrow and the group of elders.
He takes a deep breath, "In order to ensure the Black Milk is made safe, we have two proposals. We are aware that the substance is flammable, but it does produce an acrid smoke that would likely be dangerous to inhale. So the first option is to burn the Black Milk, whilst ensuring the prevailing wind is in a direction away from your settlement. It should also be done carefully so the fire does not spread more than intended. We can provide guidance on how to do this if you need it", he adds, his words clear and calculated.
"The other option, is to purify the Black Milk. Lokilia has managed to clear a small amount of its aberrant properties, which should work equally well on larger quantities. It will take some time, and require people with the right knowledge of magic, or in fact artifice, as I also know a method to achieve the same effect. This method will take longer than the burning, but is undoubtedly safer", he concludes.
"Yea, the purification certainly worked," Lokilia starts. "Although many of the pools turned black again pretty fast. There's just so much of that Black Milk coming! It's going to take a lot of work to cleanse." She sounds a bit disappointed, but hopefully that at least there is a potential way to clean this up.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
"If you have some paper lying around I could use, I can copy my notes and give you the processes of how to accomplish both tasks." Magnus chimes in, "Also if I could hire someone to run another copy of these instructions and some other notes back to Wildstone I would greatly appreciate it and pay the person who brings the notes to the city offices of the Cobalt Soul and I believe Normont here also has some messages that need to be delivered."
Greycrow nodded as the other Elders considered Normonts words, " We have some folk with some small talent for magic that may be able to affect such a solution......but I think fire will be the safest option...the faster the temptation is gone the sooner we can release those held."
" Healing their afflictions is likely beyond us, but we are not unaccustomed to scars...", she indicated her own claw and tooth ravaged form.
She looked across towards her husband, " Ugart, Love, it is time."
Greycrow and the others nodded to Lokilia in understanding and thanks, " We will persevere."
Ugart nodded to Greycrow and then looked to two human aspected young men at the far end of the room, they approached both wearing satchels over their shoulders one of them proferred a sheet of parchment and a sliver of charcoal bound in leather.
Ugart headed into the sideroom shooing the kids out of the way and returned with a metal strongbox which he easily lifted onto a table and opened with a key from his pouch.
" If you are crossing the river you should take these with you to assist your journey...", Ugart offered.
Looking into the box you see a number of items:-
- Three pairs of boots: one trimmed with ermine, one inscribed with chamois images and the other stitched with silver thread.
- a cloak stitched with silvery thread.
- A golden badgers head necklace.
- a quiver stitched with silver thread
-
"We thank you for your generosity and for accepting our gift of knowledge," Quinn says in response to Ugart. He looks at this party with amazement at the work they were able to do in such a short period. There is much to learn from his new friends, still finds himself uneasy with doubt about being helpful or useful at all to his friends. He is not as smart as Normat, Devout as Lokilia, as Connected as Magnus, or as inspiring as Dev. Quinn only brings destruction and muscle which could be done with one of Normat's inventions.