Forest:

 Above is for the forest folk

Forest:

By the time Tharin and Fizzbang make it back to the town it is just after noon and they meet Aracynth and Kynortas sparring near the forest. The two large warriors are circling each other intently and commenting on steps taken, blows struck, and clanging parries.

Tharin is slightly hunched, carrying a large, makeshift pack over his back of what appears to be an animal pelt; the contents look quite heavy. Fizzbang is holding his bleeding right arm and looks rather sullen.

Aracynth paused after Kynortas struck home for the fourth time. More frustrating was that the Human had blocked his every strike with that blasted shield of his. He had been quick to study the Dragonborn's own fighting style and soon began capitalizing on the myriad openings Aracynrh's defenses. This contest was plainly over, though the Aracynth took solace in the fact that when his blows did score properly, they would carry considerably more weight than the Human could muster behind them.

Just as he was about to call the contest, a rustling in the forest behind him caught his attention, and he turned to see Tharin and Fizzbang, a bit worse for wear than when they had left a few hours ago. "Tharin! Fizzbang! Were you to sparring as well?" He quipped, hoping to put them at ease. The battle-fatigue was plainly obvious though, and Aracynth frowned, silently berating himself for not being there to help. "How fared the hunt? You're at least both on your own two feet. Let me see to those wounds.." The Dragonborn put his longsword away and stepped towards them, waiting for their answers.

"Our hunt did not go as planned. We didn't see the elves, but we came close to a settlement before being attacked by these two fellas."

Tharin hefts the two pelts and the meats to the ground, then opens the pack.

"Though this went better than I anticipated. There are more parts deeper in the woods, but I couldn't carry that much back with us. If you'd like to get some bones and organs, you should be able to retrieve them in a few hours of following the path. As for how we are faring, I think Fizzbang could use some assistance, but only if he wants to keep his blood on the inside."

"That is quite a haul." Aracynth said as he stepped closer and knelt down to the Gnome. "Our own endeavor went far better than expected, though I will leave it to Kynortas to relate." 

Aracynth retrieved the pendant from beneath his cloak, making the pass and invoking Bahamut's name as he casted Cure Wounds, pressing his glowing hand to Fizzbang's right shoulder.

6

"There, that should at least stem the bleeding." Aracynth remarked heavily. Though his spirit soared as the divine energy passed through him, the effort was taxing when it was done. Spell fatigue was much more rapid than the Healing magic he had used before, like someone just punched him in the chest. He rose slowly, focusing on his own breathing.

The training with Aracynth had proven fruitful. He was a capable warrior. A little brash, and light on defense but when his blows struck home Kynortas was certain they would have left him severely wounded had they not been going lightly or wearing armor. 

Tharin and Fizzbang's coming out of the woods wounded had left him concerned but he knew Aracynth's magics could be of help.

"We also have healing potions if we need them." Kynortas thought to himself.

"Good job catching lunch you two. We can sit and eat while we discuss what happened while you were looking for Tharin's people."

Kynortas finds some nearby rocks, makes a fire pit and a seat for Fizzbang, and with Tharin's permission grabs some meat and begins to roast it over the fire. After lunch starts cooking Kynortas begins to relate the tale.

"Shortly after you two ventured into the woods we tracked down his Lordship, the Duke Armitage. We managed to convince him that we were on the trail of a dangerous criminal thanks to your previous information, Tharin. We relayed we were also here at the behest of Duke Oglethorn to find his daughter who had been missing. We stated that the Duke of Ibben was worried for his daughter with this criminal on the loose and that she needed to be found. He was convinced, thankfully, by this mostly true telling and is setting up a meeting later today with both her ladyship and Duke Armitage's son. They have apparently become inseparable as of late. Duke Armitage is worried, however. The young lady was well known to both the Duke and his son. They were friends since childhood and it seems her lady was a frequent visitor. She has been acting strangely all of a sudden. Not quite the lady the Duke knew growing up. It also seems that the Duke Oglethorn is a Duke in name only. He trains with dwarven barbarians and has mostly renounced his magical ways. He cares for his people and would rule among them making this land harmonious. This fact has actually aggravated Duke Oglethorn and appears to be part of the points of contention between them.

Speaking to this sudden change in the young ladyship, Duke Armitage does not know the cause. I asked if he thought it might be magical in nature and he replied that he was uncertain. He did say that if it was he would think of Duke Oglethorn as magic was always his domain. I believe that was all of the relevant information. Did I miss anything Aracynth?" He queries the dragonborn. As he does so he removes one of the sticks with meat on the end from over the fire and peels some meat from the dripping roasted chunk. He takes a bite and although a little gamey it is very palatable.

"One thing that has troubled me for a while. These town were given to the dukes after the King's March. That happened before I was born, over 100 years ago. These dukes do not seem to be that old, nor are they elven or dwarf, or any other long-lived species."

Aracynth settled around the fire, listening to Kynortas bring the others up to speed. He chimed in at the Human's prompt, "The Duke Armitage does indeed act as a man considerate beyond fault, and expressed concern that the Lady Rhea should leave before they can cure her malady. He also remarked that the Duke Oglethorn changed considerbly after his appointment and settlement in Ibben; How he has become a bit odd himself since building his castle, and it reminded me of the Duke Oglethorn's unease yesterday morning ere we departed. Duke Armitage deeply resents the estrangement of his former friend."

Aracynth paused, as he picked up a spit, and his brow furrowed at Tharin's remarks, "Also troubling I think, is that the Duke Armitage has claimed to have sent notices of the Lady Rhea's location and condition to Duke Oglethorn directly, though apparently something is preventing these notices from arriving. It is a lot to think on, and we still have an audience with the Lady Rhea this afternoon, in the gardens behind the Longhouse." Aracynth took a bite of the roasted game, appreciating the simple taste that he had long missed. "Fizzbang, do you know much of Ibben's history? You are a native there, yes?"

Fizzbang felt the healing magic surge into him and sighed. By the Nine Heavens that felt good! At first he considered some witty and cutting remark for the Dragonborn, but thought better of it. Perhaps it was time to bury the proverbial great-axe. "Umm...thanks Scales, for the help. With the bloodflow and all. He winced as he moved his injured arm, the wound not entirely closed. "I'll try to avoid that bleeding thing again, but if I should need a quality fix-up I'll know who to find."

Fizzbang listened to the conversation unfold. He'd be in Ibben a long time."Ogglethorn's been around for awhile, must be over a hundred years or so. Decent man, if a bit distant. He keeps trade flowing and keeps his people in line. The penal mine helps with the latter of course, but its far better than the headsman's axe. Still, a life sentence hacking at rocks beneath the dirt is hardly gentle." 

Fizzbang's eyes dart around, checking for eavesdroppers. "There's always been this rumor though. Through the seedier types you understand. I heard it from Two-Toes Greg the half-troll myself! He said that there's a secret Assassin's Guild hidden away. Not that I can confirm or deny, just a rumor you know. Still, many a moderately credible source has seen a strange black uniform around over the years."

After this short rest (*ahem* you may heal/whatnot) you see that the sun is indeed creeping back to the east, beginning to fall over the trees in that direction. It is perhaps several hours after noon and Harold begins walking your way.

"The Duke is ready for you. He is in the gardens as he stated," he eyes your very large heap of badger meat and pelts. "Hunted the forest, eh? Giant Badgers were your quarry?" He shakes his head and begins walking back to the Longhall.

"It sounds like there is another layer to this story of which we are unaware. We should tread carefully on this. Duke Armitage seems like he wants to live his life, but as you said his age is suspect and I trust Duke Oglethorn even less than I did before. Let's investigate all possibilities and trust no one but each other moving forward. Looking into matters such as these is a dangerous notion and doing so without others to watch our backs is a foolhardy venture. Shall we make a pact here?" Kynortas asks the group. "Watch each other's backs, fight alongside in battle if need be, and shed only the blood of our enemies not each other?"

"I can agree to that, should my needs be met in due time. I'll make sure none of you get too far from the law while looking into this business. Down that path lies chaos and discord. Nothing good, in either case."

Tharin follows Harold toward the longhouse, bringing some of the cooked meat and the pelts.

"They were an unexpected party to our breakfast, and we told them of their rudeness. I hope the Duke will forgive our tardiness with these gifts."

Aracynth watched Tharin go off to banter with the Guard Captain, after committing to their makeshift band. "I will deign only to do what is Right and Just, and see that no harm should befall the Good or innocent. So long as our task does not stand opposite to this, then you may count on the continued support of my arm, and the Divine Graces I've been blessed with." Aracynth then stood and repacked the remainder of the hunter's conquest, before following in the Elf's footsteps towards the gardens.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, now! Binding blood pacts are not exactly my cup of tea!” Fizzbang protested. “I mean, sure, I’m not going to screw you guys over, you seem like a decent lot after all. I’ll help you as far as is reasonable, but I’m not about to hang over some missing teenager.”

Harold grunts in recognition to Tharin's presentation of the meat. "Thanks. We will make sure to put it to good use," he stops walking and turns fully to Tharin. "I recognize that most of you are from militant backgrounds. Please excuse me for not knowing your rank, but you must understand my... apprehension of random adventurers seeking my Duke," he bows his head slightly and takes the pack of badger meat then walks into the hall.

Once you all reach the garden you see the Duke speaking with a young man. Presumably the Marquess, he stands almost as tall as Duke Armitage, with the same dark hair and large stature. He has a young face peppered with stubble and is currently in riding clothes. As you approach the Duke holds up his hand and turns to you:
"Friends! I told you we would speak with my son! Maverick, these are the gentlemen I was speaking about. Now, I told you what they want and they have given us no reason to mistrust them. Please be true, son."

Maverick looks at his feet before turning to you, "Good afternoon. I know you seek Lady Rhea, and yes, I know where she is, but I must know that you intend her no harm. If I thought it a good plan I would have intended to bring her home sooner..." he turns to his father, "I know I wouldn't be able to stay away from home so long." He stands stiffly, regarding you all and anxiously awaiting your reply.

Aracynth sized up the young man, before approaching with a bow, "Good afternoon, Young Lord. I am Aracynth, a Paladin of Bahamut, hailing from distant Lysia. I swear to you by my Faith and Bahamut's Divine Grace, that none of us will harm or ill the Lady Rhea. We were sent hence for two-fold reasons, in pursuit of a Villain who wronged my Elven compatriot here, and to see to the Lady's safety at the behest of Duke and Duchess Oglethorn.

Initially, we were under the impression that the two were related, though we were much relieved when your Lord Father confided in us of the Lady's company and safety. We will suredly do all we can to help the Lady Rhea recover from whatever malady plagues her.

My comrades here are Kynortas, a former Guard from Lysia, Tharin, an Elven Hunter whose former party was ambushed and ruthlessly killed down near the Duskwater Swamp, and Fizzbang Grogsnout Moldywart Heathcliff, a skilled mage from Ibben whose small stature belies his great prowess, intellect, and honor. By your leave, we seek only to help however we can."

Persuasion : 23