The barrels might be of interest to the townsfolk if we can get them to the wagon but they look rather heavy. Still might be worth it though.

Kolette grabs the sack of beans as everything is too heavy or not interesting to her - she doesn't need a rusty pitchfork.

William examines the farm tools and if he comes across a shovel or crowbar of any kind he would pick them up and strap them to his pack. After looking over the nearby farm tools, he would take some time to investigate the desk. He slides his gloved hand across the surface of the desk and checks for anything of interest on top and below the desk as well as opening any desk drawers and searches inside.

If no one checks the contents of the three barrels, William would move to investigate the contents of the barrels as well before preparing to head upstairs....

Investigation 22

William perception  2

Syed takes the coins from Eren with a grateful nod, tucking them away carefully. "Thank you, Eren. It’s been good work, and I’m glad I could help out." He glances over at the freshly mended wagon, feeling a small sense of pride at how it turned out. "It’s held together well, just needed a bit of attention. I suppose if I weren’t so focused on other things, I might have made a career out of this," he says with a quiet chuckle.

As Eren pours the wine, Syed accepts the thimble-sized glass, holding it up as they toast. The cheap wine might not be the best, but it’s a welcome respite after the tension of the day. "To brave souls and steady hands," he says simply, taking a sip. The warmth of the wine spreads through him, and he appreciates the moment of calm.

When Eren asks about his reasons for heading to Drakkenheim, Syed’s expression grows more thoughtful. "Drakkenheim... it’s a dangerous place, no doubt about that. But it’s also a place of opportunity, especially for someone like me. I’ve heard rumors of ancient knowledge hidden there—texts and relics that were lost when the city fell. I’m hoping to recover some of those, to study them, and perhaps even find something that could help with my... research."

He gestures vaguely toward the backpack mounted on Mellow, his trusty mastiff. "I’ve been working on a few projects, you see. Things that could make a difference. But I need more information, more resources, and Drakkenheim might just have what I’m looking for."

Syed pauses, considering his words carefully. "As for the others, I can’t say for sure why they’re headed there. Everyone has their reasons, I suppose. But for me, it’s the chance to uncover something valuable, something that might change things. It’s a risk, but it’s worth it, I believe."

He looks back at Eren, offering a small, respectful smile. "And what about you? A wanderer like you, I imagine you’ve seen quite a bit in your travels. What draws you to these parts?"

Zeren decides to poke around. He moves close to William as he does so.

"Your pack's leaking blood. Look around, maybe the bandits looted one that'll hold liquid better."

OOC: Perception check to find valuables or anything useful in the barn/house

21

"OH! ha.. yes well..." William replies with a nervous glance over his shoulder. "Well you know... I may have packed some snacks for Herbert and put them in my pack. He gets awfully hungry you know. he uhh.... Isn't the most pleasant to be around when he goes without eating raw meat for very long." The mageborn says before quickly changing the subject, shifting his weight somewhat nervously.

"You fought very well earlier... a lesser man would have died back there." He says as he slowly begins to relax a but more. 

Zeren's face can't be seen through his helmet, but he's staring directly into William's eyes.

"Don't lie, I can smell the difference between human and animal blood. Don't worry, as long as it doesn't endanger or cause trouble for the rest of us I don't care what you're doing with the meat. As for dying I've got far too much to accomplish to die. We all have hungers we need to feed, ambition is one of mine."

Sparkles enters the barn, along with Starry, and the two see that the party is already looking around. She spots William and Zeren talking and comes over, saying 'Hello boys! Zeren, you looked like you were planning to go upstairs, do you want to accompany me?' She then turns around and goes upstairs, but before she goes up she turns back at the two and says 'I also heard you both discussing eating my elk. If either of you, or anyone for that matter, lay a finger on Starry, I will chew off those exact fingers myself.' She narrows her eyes and says 'He's been through enough already.'

@William 

The barrels that have mead in them are full, which are four barrels worth. The standing up barrels seem to be used for sitting on. They are also empty. William finds nothing in them either. 

The farming equipment does in fact contain a rusty pitchfork, but there is also that shovel you wanted. No crowbar sadly.

@Zeren

You check loose floorboards and open drawers but nothing's in them other than papers, most of them being poetry. They're pretty cheesy too. Who rhymes "sole" with "soul"?

The rest of you all head upstairs. The elk stays behind on the first floor because it can't climb up. It sort of whines, but doesn't do anything further and sits by the stairs.

Again it's a pretty dingy room. It's probably meant for more storage but really the only things stored here are cobwebs and four treasure chests. The treasure chests don't even have anything in them just more junk! Honestly, this guy... It's a bunch of old knick-knacks that he probably had left over from his house, including pots and pans, little figurines, books, and even a scrapbook.

Unfortunately when you open the last chest, a swarm of rats jumps out and surprise! They bite you. And by you, it's William, specifically. Maybe you just smelled good? Or maybe it's because you're leaking meat. The dozen or so rats scurry up your back and start gnawing on your pouch. 

Team goes next! Again in any order. The individual rats are tiny and take up the same square as William.

@Syed

Eren nods at Syed's revelation about his work. "You sure could've."

"To brave souls."

The two glasses clink.

The caravan driver nods at what the ratatosk has to say. "It sure is. The Academy sure do hang a lot bit back there, always searching for something new to do with the delerium. Been harassing them dwarves over by the Scar for lots of it too and sos I've heard. Been friends with thems mining crew's and they'res pretty humble. Always doing the day's work. Never asking much in back."  They shake their head. "But I sure know that them purple cloaks ain't."

"If gossip ain't my middle name-" they jest, then wink. It's obvious they've been wanting to complain about them for a while. They look up at the hazy sun and wave off the next sentence. "I like you magic folks. Just don't like those up in high towers now though."

After you mention the backpack they look over. "I bet you will. Always something to see in Drakkenheim." They shuffle in their seat a little and then relax, leaning back against the wall towards the driver's seat. "You've got heart and I'm sure you'll see it."

They chuckle once you mention that. "Now Is was born in a village between Tonsberg and the city not too much far from there. Always used to check it out with my daddy and my ma to visit our cousins in the summer. Used to ride the ferry up and down for hous til the ferryman tells us to stop." They tap their chin. "Sorry that's more of my life story's than anything."

"The High Flamekeeper sends us cavarners some good moneys to go brings back some food up to the village. There's nothing much there that grows much there anymore and I need it. My daughter's back there- relocated us after the fall."

Sighing Zeren brings down his sword on the swarm off rats. It's difficult to damage with a weapon because it's made up of numerous rats, but he manages to kill a few.

"Damn vermin."

It sort of whines, but doesn't do anything further and sits by the stairs.

OOC: omg I found that to be so cute for some reason.

(before the rat attack and heading upstairs)

William's smile fades a bit when Zeren mentions the contents of his bag. After giving a small nod, He taps his bandaged nose with his gloved hand. "You've got an impressive nose friend. Herbert and I have gotten pretty good at sniffing out corpses... what with me being an undertaker and Herbert being a vulture. I hope you don't take this the wrong way friend... and I know I'm guilty of it too but uh... You've got the smell of death on you... and after what I saw earlier in the fight... I suspect Maybe it is actually the smell of undeath." He whispers quietly as he tries hard to peer into the metal helmet of the man in front of him. He is careful to speak only loud enough that Zeren can hear. "You and I got a in common friend... I think we are going to be best pals!" The mageborn says with a toothy smile and a wink before giving the armored man a slap on his armor plated shoulder...

(upstairs currently)

"Damn!" William shouts as he is quickly engulfed in a swarm of skittering rats. looking over his shoulder he quickly realizes that they are trying to get into his pack and begins trying to knock away with his hands and trow then off by spinning around. "That food isn't for you!" He shouts before quickly turning his head and attempting to take a large bite out of one of the rats racing across his shoulder.

bite Attack: 21 Damage: 5

Kolette shakes herself out of shock and says, "Pelor's chime is divine."

Toll the Dead on the swarm DC 12 vs 1

WIS save

Sparkles shouts 'Hold still Will!' as she attacks the swarm with her quarterstaff (21 to hit, 7 bludgeoning damage on a hit). She then strikes at a rat running between his shoulder blades and says 'Maybe this'll loosen up your muscles a bit!' with a grin (22 to hit, 5 bludgeoning damage on a hit).

Syed smiles politely, appreciating Eren's willingness to share. "Thank you for your kind words, Eren. It’s good to meet someone who understands the importance of the work we do, even if it’s not always easy." He takes another sip of the wine, savoring the brief moment of quiet.

"I’m grateful for your company, but I should get back to my work," Syed continues, glancing at his backpack with a hint of eagerness in his eyes. "There’s something big I’m working on, and every moment counts. But if you ever want to talk more, I’ll be around."

With that, Syed gives a respectful nod before turning his attention back to the backpack on Mellow, already mentally diving back into his project.

@Syed

"No problem! Work hard and it'll be hardly work, ya know." Eren sits back on their wagon and puts the cap over their head before realizing they should probably be out watching the wagon. "I will. Good luck there!" They hop out and venture towards the front to feed the horses. They soon realize they didn't really talk about their travels but ti seems too late for that as the little guy had already started working. Eren just feeds the horses some dried grasses.

Rat Encounter

Wisdom Save: 12 + 0 = 12 = DC 12 for Toll the Dead

The Swarm of Rats takes no necrotic damage and all together now about 50% of their health. 

They hiss and scatter, the noise still affecting them. After being bitten back by William, something they didn't expect (one ended up losing its tail from that, which to you is probably like tasty spaghetti), the majority of the rats decide for the next best target: the bipedal deer. 

They run up and down her back, taking bites as they go. You feel their small clawed feet brush against your fur.

Kolette takes 3 piercing damage from their bites (16 + 2 =18 > 17 AC).

 

Two rats break out of the swarm! One (A) darts toward Sparkles and attempts to take a bite but misses (10 + 2 = 12 < 15 AC). Its teeth not sinking hard enough as it only gets a mouthful of cloth. It squeaks. 

Another (B) scurries off towards Shayara and also misses ( 5 + 2 = 7 < 14 AC). Its bite goes no more harder than a nibble because of what they hear next.

A sudden crash from downstairs sends the rats into shock. They become stunned. "Looks like you left the front door open,'" someone chimes. They smack the bell up upon the door that you entered. The shadowy figure you can only hear whistles. "Should've known to kept the windows locked if you don't want birds to come in." 

You see a taloned hand reach up and stroke the elk who flinches and tries to shuffle away. It brays and cowers behind the steps. This only makes the person whistle-laugh even harder. This doesn't sound like the thug you met earlier, Brodan, but they sound eerily similar. 

"Brace yourselves!"

Another boarded up window comes smacking down behind Kolette. In an instant another wereraven (Z) is preening its feathers from the debris and staring right cold at you. Its upper beak curls in sight of the rats. "I didn't know you like rodents," a light sing-songy voice thrills. Her dark feathers raise and she whistles when she spots Sparkles with the dead-kenku's scythe before leaning on the railing. "Collectors, I see." She whips out her own scimitar. "May I add to it?"

Simultaneously another wereraven (X) had come crashing in from the other side this time by Sparkles. He too sports the same haggard look like the one by the railing. His wings unfurl as they nearly take up the expanse between the wall to the railing as he stretches. He doesn't make any noises but his eyes just glistens.

Round 2 begins!!!

Quote from Wysperra >>

It sort of whines, but doesn't do anything further and sits by the stairs.

OOC: omg I found that to be so cute for some reason.

 ((AW THANK YOU! elk is baby))

@William

Luckily, William, you do find a potion of healing in the chest!

Sparkles is shocked as so much occurs at once. She's relieved to see the rats that strayed from the pack has been stunned by the noise of the new arrivals, but if she was honest she would have rather fought a couple more rats then these awful black bird people. Her mind goes to poor Starry down at the bottom of the stairs, but she steels her mind, thinking If they attack Starry, they've already signed their own death note. They have no reason to harm him. Resolutely facing the wereraven nearest to her, she says nothing, just draws her quarterstaff and rushes at the thug to face them head on. She goes to strike at them with her quarterstaff, but her head is clouded with the visions of the dead kenku from earlier, and the fears of her somehow becoming one of the wereravens as the fleeing thug down by the wagon after the ambush had said, so she barely even strikes the bird with her weapon [Nat 1 for a total of 6 to hit]. However, she soon recognizes her fears and realises that this is no time to get anxious; her only goal should be striking down her foe. Her claws rake across the wereraven's face with a snarl and she prepares for the retaliating blows [18 to hit, 5 bludgeoning damage on a hit]

As the rats move from William to other targets, he spots a glimmer of light reflect off a glass bottle inside of the chest. The mageborn quickly reaches down to pick up the potion with one hand while drawing his wand from his pocket with the other. 

With a quick SLURP, William chews up the last bit of rat in his mouth as he quickly casts magic missile. As he mutters the words under his breath, three spectral skulls erupt from his wand once more and streak through the air before slamming into each of the remaining groups of rats.

Rat swarm damage: 2
Rat A damage: 4
Rat B damage: 4

OOC: arcana check to see if William knows that the potion is a healing potion... if you think that he would know then you can ignore the roll 7

"Chime the bell of death." Kolette casts Toll the Dead on the rat swarm DC 12 WIS save vs 1 necrotic.