Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"

Rylan remains quiet and withdrawn throughout the return to Red Larch.

At some point, upon their return to The Swinging Sword, Rylan pulls Rumble and Arkun aside to say, "Gentlemen... If I may have a word.  Our experience at Lance rock has left me troubled beyond words.... I came to this land to enquire about the well-being of my sister and I fear... well.... I worry, after seeing the horrors that exist in this world, that the situation might be more dire than I at first suspected."

He looks to the fine clothes he brought from home, now soiled with muck and grime and undead offal.

"I'm no adventurer." He says with shaking hands and a hint of tears welling in his eyes. "I'm not the wisest fellow in the world but I have sense enough to understand that... And to the extent I'm capable of any heroics, well... I need to reserve those for protecting my dear Savra."

He looks in the direction of the others and grimaces. "I didn't want to tell the others. Maybe because I'm a coward. Maybe because I'm worried they'll try to convince me to stay. But you two were the first friendly faces I saw when I arrived here. You helped me think, at lest for a little while, that I could be someone's savior... So, I figured I at least owed you both a goodbye." He looks away, trying to summon his own courage. "I'd be lying if I didn't say I was terrified but... The Goddess whispers that my sister needs me... and I have no choice but to respond."

(If they'll let him, Rylan will slip out quietly and head back up to check in on the Tarnlar's to continue on his quest alone.

Aldric leans in to Rumble's whisper, then turns to the novice, speaking in greater volume — not a whisper, but lower than usual: "If we had a drawing of the eye, I believe that would be simpler. How are your drawing skills?"

Rumble offered little resistance when pulled aside except to give quick word to Aldric, letting him know that they'll catch up in just a few moments. But the earth genasi could not have been more wrong. And while not the sharpest tool in the shed, it scarcely took long for him to figure out where things were going once Rylan began saying his piece; but still, Rumble respectfully listened without an ounce of judgement showing on his face.

A look of guilt briefly showed when the paladin mentioned the others trying to convince him to stay, as the same went for the novice. But otherwise, there was nothing but understanding and even sympathy for the man. If allowed, Rumble placed a firm hand on Rylan's shoulder, opened his mouth as if to say something, only to sigh as the words fail to take shape at first. "Rylan... Yer no coward. Yer just mortal. Same as everyone. And that's not a bad thing... and regardless of whether yer Goddess has whispered it to you, or if you yourself feel the righteous of the change in course, know that... that at the end of the day, we respect your decision, and could but only wish you well on your journey."

He snorts. "I'd go so far as to say that, as Tyr as my witness, I wish I could be of more immediate help. But, duty calls elsewhere, and I ain't wont to ignore it. Just as you can't ignore your own calling." He smiled. "Just... if anything does happen, don't be afraid to reach out to us later. And if our paths are to cross again, know that we'll be look'n forward to face whatever may come at your side again." With that and a few more pats to the shoulder, Rumble stood back to let Arkun say his own piece, before bidding the paladin goodbye one last time. 

Not long after, Rumble returned to Aldric's side, and just in time to still make the suggestion. In response to Aldric's follow-up, Rumble says with a half smile, "Only one way to find out." He then looks to  Kaylessa and says, "You got some ink and parchment I can use? Or maybe some charcoal? There's, uhh... something we want to show ya in hopes maybe it might, I dunno, make more sense to ya then it did to us."

"Tyr judge me if I'm wrong, but I believe Red Larch will rest more easily now that that foul necromancer has been removed."

Kaylessa nods along at first, until she realizes the severity of what Aldric is saying. "Necra--necromet...see, I knew it!" she shouts, drawing a few glances her way, but only for a moment. "I knew there was somethin' off about that place." She turns to look at Rumble. "Didn't I say it? I said there was an evil there."

"My good lady, might I inquire where I might refresh myself before dining?"

"Why of course!" she says to Melek. "We're fancier'n we look 'round here, upstairs we've got baths aplenty for you to git yourself all clean. We got cisterns on the roof, too, and pipes in the rooms so you can turn a valve over the basin and get yourself some runnin' water. Just don't be takin' it all, we're in a bit of a drought to start the Spring, so we gotta haul water from the ponds in the mornin'."

"You got some ink and parchment I can use? Or maybe some charcoal? There's, uhh... something we want to show ya in hopes maybe it might, I dunno, make more sense to ya then it did to us."

"Oh I'm sure I can rustle somethin' up for ya. If nothin' else I'm tear ya a page out of my ledger. Y'all sit yourselves down and rest your weary toes, I promised a reward and I intend to get it to ya, along with your parchment," she answers Rumble.

It only takes a few moments for her to re-emerge with ink and parchment, along with a bag of fifty gold pieces. When Rumble draws his best approximation of the symbol, she holds it up and looks from multiple angles. "Hmm...nope! Ain't never seen anything like it," she eventually says. "Looks creepy though. Like it's lookin' at my soul."

Current Leads:

1. Bandits: Constable Harburk Tuthmarillar has heard rumors of a bandit lair south of town.
2. Ghost: Pell Mhandyver claims to have spotted a ghost near an old tomb near the hills outside of town.
3. Tricklerock Cave: Albaeri Mellikho pointed you here to rumors of legendary treasure.

Red Larch Known Locations:

1. Allfaiths Shrine: Wayside shrine used by many faiths and owned by none
2. The Swinging Sword: Three-story inn with stables and dining room
3. The Helm at Highsun: Ramshackle two-story tavern with good food and drink
7. Helvur Tarnlar, Clothier: Quality clothing store and point of contact for the Lords' Alliance
10. Drouth Fine Poultry: Red Larch's largest poultry shop
11. Jalessa Ornra, Butcher: Four buildings housing Red Larch's butcher and constable
14. Mhandyver's Poultry: Red Larch's less impressive poultry shop
15. Haeleeya's: Bathhouse and dress shop that doubles as a point of contact for the Emerald Enclave
16. Waelvur's Wagonworks: Workshop selling wheels, axles, and wagons
18. Mellikho Stoneworks: Red Larch's northern quarry

Aldric does as he is instructed, removing his kettle helm once again as he takes a seat at the same table as Arkun. He motions for Rumble to do the same.

"I would like to leave town again before the day's out, but it wouldn't hurt to eat a homecooked meal while we have the chance," the old knight comments to the earth genasi. "With each moon brings more trouble; the sooner we can find Grimjaw and Rivergard Keep, the sooner we can put an end to the trouble that's been plaguing the Dessarin Valley."

He looks around briefly for the druid, and when he doesn't see him, he mentally shrugs.

After Jaylessa returns with the ink, parchment and gold, the half-orc watches as Rumble sketches the strange eye. He is disappointed but not surprised when she doesn't recognize the emblem. He folds up the parchment and tucks it away for later.

"I don't know that we're going to need rooms, but we would like something to eat," Aldric says to the proprietor.

After she leaves, he says to the others, "We should head south along Cairn Road to where the sheriff said bandits have been reported. With any luck, they'll have the information we seek."

After Kaylessa's initial outburst left Rumble grinning (much to his later chagrin), and his subsequent request for parchment leading ultimately to a dead end regarding the symbol, he promptly shifted gears in trying to follow Aldric's lead. "And even if not, they'd at least be one less tangible and potentially more direct threat to the town off the board. Though-..." He trails off there for a moment to fish around in his pack for something, but then catches himself just before pulling out the wand. "Hmm... after seeing to the bandits, we prolly should check out that whole ghost situation as well. It's a long shot, but... I mean, could be they might know something about the symbol if its been around fer a bit. Though, before it comes to that, and 'fore we leave town altogether, I wanna visit the, uhh, Allfaiths Shrine as well. See if the symbol either rings a bell." 

Melek returns from upstairs faster than expected, having taken a relatively brief bath as requested, but looking refreshed all the same. He has also changed into simple but comfortable-looking evening wear, and joins the group at the table.

Standing politely beside them, Melek says: Once more, I thank thee all for thy rescue. After bathing, I feel... more as I ought. May I join thee?

Then not having been privy to the foregoing conversations, he adds:

I'm sure after a night's rest in a bed I will be fully restored. Do thou have any plans as yet for the morning? I would favour a foray into the hills, but will gladly assist with any other venture. How fares brother Rylan? Will he dine also?

"Oh why certainly, first meal is on the house," Kaylessa says. "Y'all can ask Ghileeda for the menu and she'll run you some food from the Highsun. Though I wouldn't complain if you use some of that reward for a night here," she winks.

OOC: I'll let the conversation continue here as you sort out what to do next. I've added 10 gp to each character's inventory (including Rylan since he was present for the quest).

If you're going to rest in town, just let me know and I'll assume a long rest happens after the day's events.

If you're going to split up or further explore the town, each of you can give me your character's next destination and I can resolve all at once so we don't get stuck in town forever (although I am still trying to post more often during the week).

((OOC: For those suggesting leaving town immediately, be aware that it is evening in town already, and getting dark. Not saying that leaving is not an option, but would mean making camp not far from town. I have no particular preference for which lead to follow next. Melek advocates for option 2 or 3, but will go along with 1. If there is time before bed, Melek will still plan on going to the All-Faith Shrine. I know someone else was too, just can't find it in the thread.))

(@Zorg: Where are you getting it's evening from? Even with all the discussion going on, at best it would be mid-afternoon, since we left in the morning and it was half a day's walk from the cave. That said, depending on where we go we'll likely still wind up making camp outside so maybe still a moot point. :S)

In answer to Melek's initial question, Rumble just pulls out a seat and gestures to it while giving Melek an assuring grin. "Eheh... uhm, we'll certainly think about that, mam. If not tonight, then certainly another, I assure you." Rumble smoothly assures, though the grin afterwards would still come off making him looking a little goofy than suave. He then looks to Melek with bushy brows almost knitted together in worry. "Still feeling that bad, huh? Well..." He glances warily to Aldric, and then shakes his head.

"While I'm sure yer still feeling a bit sore, camping out -- i-if it comes to it -- aught naught to, uhh, disrupt the healing too bad." He smiles weakly, and then sighs. "As for fer Rylan, well... His goddess has called him to take care of other matters, and, uhh... He won't be joining us fer a good long while." He added by way of explaining. But if pressed, Rumble would go on to explain in greater detail.

OOC: Post #458 did say "The ground floor of the Swinging Sword is settling into its evening rhythm." The picture I was trying to paint when you arrived was it was the end of the afternoon and folks were leaving work and headed to home or leisure. It's not late late, but after seeing events in town through, you might be able to travel for a few hours more.

"After dark is the best time to catch a band of bandits unprepared," the old knight says, watching Kaylessa's hips as she walks away. He turns then to raise his own bushy brows at Rumble. "Take down the watch and then catch the rest sleeping. With luck, we'll have little trouble tying up the lot of them. Then we just have to pry their tongues loose."

Finally, he looks at Melek. "We could use your help. We've lost a few on this journey already, and I'm not too fit for sneaking. We should have time to visit the shrine — so long as you're not planning to pray too long."

Looking around the inn, he comments, "I wonder if we can pick up a few pairs of manacles before we leave town."

Melek nods slowly, then tactfully counters: Confronting them after darkness is wise... but searching for them after darkness, in unfamiliar terrain, may prove difficult. 

He also nods his head with a slight tilt and slowly blinks his eyes, as a gesture of agreement and acknowledgement for the invitation to join Aldric's band.

"Mnn..True..." Rumble murmured in agreement to Aldric, yet continued to rub his chin as if chewing over the words. As the more senior pressed on with his next words directed to Melek, the earth genasi's shoulder sag at the reminder. "Yea... First Ms. Sylra, and now Rylan and... hoi..." His muttering trailed off from there with him shaking his head and clicking his tongue.

His face lights up with Melek at least in semi-agreement, and quickly tries to counter the counter: "True, but while we're out 'n about getting manacles and other stuff 'fore we leave, ain't like we can't also maybe ask the locals a bit more 'bout the lay of the land while we're at it. Plus, not all the bandits will necessary have as sharp as eyes as we lot seem to possess. And if they've been getting as cocky as we suspect, they prolly won't be 'xpect'n anyone to come try somethin' with'em for some time yet."

OOC: Is anybody going to the Allfaiths Shrine with Melek or is the party splitting up? The party isn't yet aware of a place to buy Adventuring Gear within Red Larch, so some exploring may need to be done, or questions may need to be asked. For ease of exploring, if that's the route you would prefer to take, the red buildings on the Red Larch map all represent locations of interest within the town (as well as the cluster of 3 blue buildings north of The Helm at Highsun), so if there's a red building without a number, chances are there's something worth seeing there.

Once I have more of a picture of what the party would like to do in town I can advance us!

(OOC: Rumble intended to do so, if only to inform them about the Lance Rock situation and ask if it would be possible to get the grounds consecrated.)

OOC: Aldric would ask Kaylessa if she knows where manacles might be purchased.

Arkun stays alone in the main room, he seems used to doing so.  He seems to be processing everything they witnessed in the cave, making mental notes to himself, from time to time he looks up as Aldric or Rumble approaches, but he does not move to engage them.  When Aldric comes over and has a seat, he takes a deep drink and looks him over, trying to read his thoughts.  The elf has none of his prior snappy banter, he is still processing everything that has happened, what it may mean, and where they go from here.  

Arkun says to the others gathered at the table, “I am not for heading out tonight, I need to meditate and process everything that has happened, reconnect myself to what grounds me.  I can’t imagine trying to corner and capture a group of bandits with the spent way that I feel.  I wish you well if you decide to do that, I can’t join you if you are headed there tonight.  I could be ready for an early morning event if you wish.. it only takes me roughly four hours or so to gain what I need, but I would caution you to be careful if you go without me.  Maybe Melek can watch over you and how do you people say it, pull your ass out of the fire?  If I’m not there and you can regale me with all of your tales in the morning if you wish… I cannot go until I reconnect and recharge…”  Arkun waits to hear what is said, turning his legs toward the bar and Kaylessa, getting ready to stand.  

((OOC: Ah, I thought the list provided was the extent of the town's offerings... I should have known by the gaps in the numbering... glad to know that I haven't missed all the exploring! Certainly Melek's first stop would be the Shrine (1), esp as it's just next door. He's also partial to the finer things in life, so if the clothing shop across the road (7) is still open, or the bathhouse up the street (15), he would take a look. He's had a bath already, so would be scouting for next time. I'm assuming many businesses are closed for the day, but a walk up the north road as far as (18) to see what's there would be worthwhile. He probably wouldn't venture from the main road. I also assume we are going south tomorrow, so he'd leave the south road until morning, and check it out on the way out of town. So 1, 7, 15, and anything of interest along the north road. I also just realised that Melek doesn't have a bedroll, so he'd be on the lookout for something along those lines... maybe even a tent... but without a mount or pack horse, that might be too much to carry. Something for the future perhaps... ))

Melek nods at the elf's recommendations, hoping that its sufficient to sway Aldric's opinion towards staying in town until morning. Sleeping in a bed is much more civilised. 

((As for the shrine, Melek's intent is chiefly to pray and make a monetary contribution. His background and interest is chiefly in religion, so he would also be keen to talk to the head priest if there is one, or any of the clergy.))