Quote from Dreamhobbit >>

 

OOC: Skritch the thud was the wizards mastiff jumping to the floor to sniff Vakas and the door is now open with Vakas standing in it. I'll let you retcon the wildshape if you like as Vakas has solved the mystery for you.  

OOC:  Thanks, DM. I will retcon that Wildshape to have not happened... 

As they rest up, Skritch keeps an eye on this new mastiff to make sure it doesn't get up to any shenanigans with Sunhill. You can never tell with other people's dogs. It's amazing how clueless other dog owners can be. They all think their dog is perfect and never does anything wrong, even when it's clear its training has been all but non-existent and its worst impulses woefully indulged. 

Sunhill on the other hand is, of course, the exception to the rule. Such a good boy!   

Skritch gives his faithful mount a scratch under the chin and chuckles to himself as Sunhill butt-scoots across their hosts' carpet - dogs will be dogs after all...! 

This is so great getting to know you. Say, I have been carrying around this ring for a little bit. Do you have the ability to tell us what it is? 

Rachus rests uneasily though seeing how relaxed his hosts are gives him some reassurances that they are safe here for now at least. 

Vakas says to the wizards, "No, no one else, just me.  Came through yon window in the back room to get away from that horrible, poisonous cloud.  I was scouting ahead for my fine crew here; we didn't know if you were friend or foe.  I'm liking this casual conversation and would much rather you be a friend than a foe.  Perhaps we can help each other here.  That horrible thing that came out of the ground, what do you know about it?  And of this place?"  Vakas has a seat if one is available.  

You take a seat Vakas and Kineth answers your questions, "We know that the creature is a spawn of Niffelheim. A beast of cold and shadow. We know no way of slaying it, but if we can gain access to the temple in the centre of town we hope to undo the foul magics that tether it here. Your friends were just offering to aid us."

The hour passes by without incident until at last Kineth breaths a sigh of relief. "The danger has gone for now... if you are still willing to help we can leave?"

Sounds like fun - tying down a being we can't kill. What could possibly go wrong? Let's do it. After a pause, a rare thought enters Dealuri's head. Um, should we make a plan?

Skritch broadcasts in mindmode to all, "Perhaps if our kind hosts could, er, explain what lies ahead?" And then, more specifically to their hosts, "To help us ready ourselves, any thoughts you might have on what could help us succeed, oh, er, and the best way to get where we need to go? that information would be extremely helpful. Then I am sure we can, as you have requested, help.

"Also, will your dog be coming, er, with us? I don't wish to disparage your animal handling regime, but I do worry about the wisdom of bringing untrained pets on an important quest."    

"Yes, more information would be helpful and if we succeed and untether the creature will it rampage elsewhere" says Rachus.

Vakas nods, saying “Yes, let’s go. - - if you think it is clear and the beast has descended again, let’s move, and quickly.  Anything else you’ve seen here, anything else for us to worry about?  I was just scouting out the area when that noxious cloud started to arise..”