Unfortunately, though the ruins are in the process of being repaired and shored up, materials for making the place livable have not been brought in yet. Wendell is, however, wearing a cloak and currently seems distracted.
Unfortunately, though the ruins are in the process of being repaired and shored up, materials for making the place livable have not been brought in yet. Wendell is, however, wearing a cloak and currently seems distracted.
Guan Hao proceeds to walk up to Wendell and wipe off any residual goo with the hem of the wizard's cloak.
Unfortunately, though the ruins are in the process of being repaired and shored up, materials for making the place livable have not been brought in yet. Wendell is, however, wearing a cloak and currently seems distracted.
Guan Hao proceeds to walk up to Wendell and wipe off any residual goo with the hem of the wizard's cloak.
No stealth is attempted.
Used to Guan Hao's unsubtle approach to life, Wendell doesn't notice anything is amiss until he smells burned wool. Cursing, Wendell prestidigitates the ichor off of his cloak and goes to check on his siblings.
Elaric turns to check on the survivors. After ascertaining that none seem in imminent danger, he leaves them to Gong's ministrations and strides rapidly back to the room which contained the altar and cauldron. What does he see?
[OOC: beyond simply looking about, does he happen to spot any glass vials? He is not focused on searching for this specific item, but, as a secondary and minor concern, will take note if one is readily apparent.]
The cauldron is gone, as is the altar. The bottles have vanished as well. All other items remain where they were left.
Does this mean both jars (moss snd preserves) are still present? Any sign of a container made of rock? A mortar and pestle set, for example?
Elaric turns to check on the survivors. After ascertaining that none seem in imminent danger, he leaves them to Gong's ministrations and strides rapidly back to the room which contained the altar and cauldron. What does he see?
[OOC: beyond simply looking about, does he happen to spot any glass vials? He is not focused on searching for this specific item, but, as a secondary and minor concern, will take note if one is readily apparent.]
The cauldron is gone, as is the altar. The bottles have vanished as well. All other items remain where they were left.
Does this mean both jars (moss snd preserves) are still present? Any sign of a container made of rock? A mortar and pestle set, for example?
Moss, preserves, and scrolls are all still present. Elaric does not see a container made of rock in this room.
Recalling he has a bottle of ink in one of his pockets, Elaric open the bottle and dumps the contents as he hurries back to the rest of his companions. Crouching to fill the now empty bottle with a portion of residual ooze corpse, he firmly reseals the bottle before looking about. Making eye contact with Boyd, the Elf gives a pained nod, "Lieutenant, my condolences on your men. I'm afraid, however, that this attack was a distraction. The cauldron and dark altar from the hags' lair are gone. In addition, I believe my suspicious about the night hag haunting your troops' sleep have additional corroboration: I saw what I believe to be Ethereal fragments - that is to say, their souls - depart at the moment of their deaths. This would only happen if some dark magic had been used to ensnare their souls somewhere on this plane of existance. I must insist on your cooperation in protecting the other troops who previously encountered the hag."
Recalling he has a bottle of ink in one of his pockets, Elaric open the bottle and dumps the contents as he hurries back to the rest of his companions. Crouching to fill the now empty bottle with a portion of residual ooze corpse, he firmly reseals the bottle before looking about. Making eye contact with Boyd, the Elf gives a pained nod, "Lieutenant, my condolences on your men. I'm afraid, however, that this attack was a distraction. The cauldron and dark altar from the hags' lair are gone. In addition, I believe my suspicious about the night hag haunting your troops' sleep have additional corroboration: I saw what I believe to be Ethereal fragments - that is to say, their souls - depart at the moment of their deaths. This would only happen if some dark magic had been used to ensnare their souls somewhere on this plane of existence. I must insist on your cooperation in protecting the other troops who previously encountered the hag."
Boyd's face is haggard, "What would you have us do? I know little of magic, but I do know that spells of protection cost time and money, both of which are in a limited supply... especially out here. I'm afraid, Master Carsalon, that we can no longer remain in the ruins. High Hills has its own wizards, and clerics, who might have more permanent defenses, but in Pyrringham I envision a losing war of attrition against the hags and their allies. If I could sell the idea further, my men seem to be the target of these attacks. If we depart, that might draw their attention away from Lord Fairmont's kin."
His brow furrowed and eyes distant, Elaric is still for a long moment before he nods and focuses on Boyd. "I think you are right, lieutenant. I have concerns, but I think a withdrawal and regrouping might be the best way to save the most lives and," his gaze shifts toward the eastern wall, "souls." With a deep sigh, he nods again, "Very well. Lieutenant, I confidently leave the packing and loading of gear and site artifacts to you and your men. We already discussed the important items discovered here which should be taken back for further study. I - and my companions, if they are willing - will assist just as soon as we have spoken with Bruna and her family. I think you are right about drawing attention away from them and this town, but I wish to be sure they know of our intentions and reasoning. If there is nothing else, let us begin packing and prepare for the trip to High Hills."
As Boyd turns, about to address his men, Elaric adds, "And Boyd?" When the lieutenant turn backs with an inquiring look, the Elf continues, "With your permission, I would like to conduct a small ceremony for your lost men. Their souls are departed, but not at peace. Perhaps, with the aid of a cleric, " Elaric glances toward Gong and back, "and the blessings of a god, we may send some measure of comfort to them."
With this, Elaric departs in search of Wendell, Bruna, and Mady.
Elaric finds Wendell deep in heated conversation with his sisters. As he approaches, he notices that Bruna looks confused and Mady looks about as afraid as the elf has seen her.
"Bruna, we cannot wait for Declan to come back. We'll send word and have him join us in High Hills. I've secured the house as best as I can, but if half the things I've heard about hags are true, then their threats are to be taken as promises. We need you out of Pyrringham," Wendell finished and draws another breath ready to continue his tirade. Before he can, Bruna cuts in,
"All well and good, but you could at least tell me why! I can't just abandon the town, it'd fall to pieces without me here!"
"The hags mentioned me by NAME, Buna! They threatened my family. My," and here he pauses, a small smile on his face in spite of the gravity of the situation, "niece in particular. Congratulations by the way, you could have told me."
Mady curses.
Bruna looks at Wendell like he's gone mad, "Wendell, I'm not-"
"Don't want to hear it older sister, I'm sorry but we can't stay much longer. A few days at most. I'll need to study the magic circle before we depart so we have some protec-"
"You're not-"
"-tion and then we can be on our way. Declan's a traveller, he'll find us without issue I'm sure an-"
"WENDELL!"
The wizard closes his eyes and gives a long suffering sigh, "...yes?"
Bruna breathes to calm herself, "I. Am not. With child. Promise."
The wizard cocks an eyebrow, "You're... sure? They were very confident when they said it."
"They said my name specifically?"
"Well, no but you're the only one who's... who's," he stops. Bruna stops.
Slowly, thunderously, the siblings turn to face the middle child.
"MADY ROLFE, WHAT DID YOU DO?!" Wendell and Bruna bellow in unison.
Mady crosses her arms defensively, "That is not your concern."
"Mady," Wendell says as if explaining things to an unusually stupid donkey, "If one of the major powers of the Underworld is threatening my surprise, and apparently bastard, niece... I DAMN WELL THINK THAT'S MY BUSINESS."
The rogue seems about to offer a fiery reply, then wilts and simply says, "Alright, that's fair."
"Who's the father?" Bruna seethes, "Do I know him? Where is he?!"
Mady shakes her head, "He's not local, and you'll not find him. He's good at hiding when he wants, better than me in fact. You'll like him when I finally bring him around."
"Oh?" Bruna says archly, "and when might that be?"
"Around the time I'm convinced my little brother won't turn him into something unpleasant and my big sister won't get the townsfolk to construct a gibbet for the occasion," Mady says flatly.
"So a while, then," Wendell says coldly, "Excellent. Well until our mystery man makes his appearance, we need to get you out of here."
"If bastardy is shameful in your culture, then I will take credit for the child, if no other man will step forward. What are the necessary ceremonies?"
He bows to Mady.
"Your loins will bear strong offspring. I would be honored."
"If bastardy is shameful in your culture, then I will take credit for the child, if no other man will step forward. What are the necessary ceremonies?"
He bows to Mady.
"Your loins will bear strong offspring. I would be honored."
Wendell and Bruna, if anything, look more aghast at this suggestion than the looming threat of a hag's curse.
Mady laughs, relieved that some attention has been taken off of her, "Your offer is appreciated but unnecessary. My siblings will... probably forgive me in time, and I hardly stay in Pyrringham long enough to call it home anyways."
"Less now," Wendell mutters, "I'm confounded as to how we're going to keep you safe from witches who step from plane to plane on a whim."
Mady scowls, "Why do you think I even need your protection, little brother? I've learned more than a little since you've been off playing at wizard, and I'm not without my own resources."
Smiling slightly at the brief tableau engendered by Guan Hao's offer, Elaric clears his throat. "May I offer some thoughts on this matter and a conjecture, both on what transpired and what may likely transpire as a result?"
Smiling slightly at the brief tableau engendered by Guan Hao's offer, Elaric clears his throat. "May I offer some thoughts on this matter and a conjecture, both on what transpired and what may likely transpire as a result?"
The siblings all turn to Elaric.
"Of course," Wendell says, "I've only heard stories, and they're damn vague beyond 'don't get involved with hags'."
With an appreciative nod to the siblings for allowing his interruption, Elaric steps further into the room. "Well, first for the conjecture - and, please, if anything does not seem to make sense, stop me, for I am thinking aloud and may not yet have the complete picture."
Taking a deep breath, the scholar begins again, "First, regarding what happened, I believe the hags to be in a severely weakened state. When hags gather into a coven, a coven never being more nor less than three hags, they pool their power. For any member of the coven to die critically drains the remaining members' power and destroys the coven's bond. When Karl and the others killed the first hag, Cobhol, they broke the coven and dealt a blow which the other two, Yfelwif and Itandoter, could not possibly ignore. Karl and the others gained an implacable enemy who is unlikely to rest until all deemed responsible are dealt with.
Second, regarding what is to come, we must consider what the hags were doing - or, more accurately, attempting to do - when Cobhol was killed.
With an appreciative nod to the siblings for allowing his interruption, Elaric steps further into the room. "Well, first for the conjecture - and, please, if anything does not seem to make sense, stop me, for I am thinking aloud and may not yet have the complete picture."
Taking a deep breath, the scholar begins again, "First, regarding what happened, I believe the hags to be in a severely weakened state. When hags gather into a coven, a coven never being more nor less than three hags, they pool their power. Should any member of the coven to die, that death critically drains the remaining members' power and destroys the coven's bond. When Karl and the others killed the first hag, Cobhol, they broke the coven and dealt a blow which the other two, Yfelwif and Itandoter, could not possibly ignore. Karl and the others gained an implacable enemy who is unlikely to rest until all deemed responsible are dealt with.
Second, regarding what is to come, we must consider what the hags were doing - or, more accurately, attempting to do - when Cobhol was killed. Thinking over what we found in the coven's nest, the outcome of the battle, and the lack of direct retribution, I was reminded of a ritual I once read about in which the fouler creatures of this world attempt to summon an Altraloth - a prince of demonkind.
When attempted by hags, a cauldron always features in the ritual, much like a wizard may utilize an arcane focus. Upon the ritual's completion, the cauldron is obliterated, its binding magics fed into the Altraloth's creation.
However, creating these princes of Hades is a taxing endeavor, and requires hags to provide significant amounts of their own life force to the process. Doing so would leave them in an incredibly enervated and vulnerable state for an extended period of time, anywhere from weeks to months, depending on the amount of life given.
If the ritual is interrupted, or if one of the hags dies before the Altraloth's contract with the hags is completed, the Altraloth will die."
Here, Elaric pauses for breath before continuing. "If I am correct, the mercenaries may have done far greater injury to the hags than simply killing a member of their coven; they might have ruined a business investment of sorts. I seriously doubt that Yfelwif and Itandoter will be focusing their vengence on anyone else, except possibly our party for, uh, being party to the final scenes of this affair."
Looking toward Mady, the Elf gives a briefly, reassuring smile, "Given all of this, I think it unlikely that your child is in imminent danger, though the closer you are to term, the greater the danger may become. I do not wish to cause undo alarm - the hags may seek other expedients in light of their desperate need to recover - but one of the ways by which hags reproduce requires them to steal a newborn very shortly after birth. The few weeks around delivery will be the time when you - and your brother, me, and the rest of the party, if you will accept our aid - must be as prepared for defense as possible. Until that time, the hags will probably not be desperate enough to risk battle in their weakened state."
With an appreciative nod to the siblings for allowing his interruption, Elaric steps further into the room. "Well, first for the conjecture - and, please, if anything does not seem to make sense, stop me, for I am thinking aloud and may not yet have the complete picture."
Taking a deep breath, the scholar begins again, "First, regarding what happened, I believe the hags to be in a severely weakened state. When hags gather into a coven, a coven never being more nor less than three hags, they pool their power. For any member of the coven to die critically drains the remaining members' power and destroys the coven's bond. When Karl and the others killed the first hag, Cobhol, they broke the coven and dealt a blow which the other two, Yfelwif and Itandoter, could not possibly ignore. Karl and the others gained an implacable enemy who is unlikely to rest until all deemed responsible are dealt with.
Second, regarding what is to come, we must consider what the hags were doing - or, more accurately, attempting to do - when Cobhol was killed.
With an appreciative nod to the siblings for allowing his interruption, Elaric steps further into the room. "Well, first for the conjecture - and, please, if anything does not seem to make sense, stop me, for I am thinking aloud and may not yet have the complete picture."
Taking a deep breath, the scholar begins again, "First, regarding what happened, I believe the hags to be in a severely weakened state. When hags gather into a coven, a coven never being more nor less than three hags, they pool their power. Should any member of the coven to die, that death critically drains the remaining members' power and destroys the coven's bond. When Karl and the others killed the first hag, Cobhol, they broke the coven and dealt a blow which the other two, Yfelwif and Itandoter, could not possibly ignore. Karl and the others gained an implacable enemy who is unlikely to rest until all deemed responsible are dealt with.
Second, regarding what is to come, we must consider what the hags were doing - or, more accurately, attempting to do - when Cobhol was killed. Thinking over what we found in the coven's nest, the outcome of the battle, and the lack of direct retribution, I was reminded of a ritual I once read about in which the fouler creatures of this world attempt to summon an Altraloth - a prince of demonkind.
When attempted by hags, a cauldron always features in the ritual, much like a wizard may utilize an arcane focus. Upon the ritual's completion, the cauldron is obliterated, its binding magics fed into the Altraloth's creation.
However, creating these princes of Hades is a taxing endeavor, and requires hags to provide significant amounts of their own life force to the process. Doing so would leave them in an incredibly enervated and vulnerable state for an extended period of time, anywhere from weeks to months, depending on the amount of life given.
If the ritual is interrupted, or if one of the hags dies before the Altraloth's contract with the hags is completed, the Altraloth will die."
Here, Elaric pauses for breath before continuing. "If I am correct, the mercenaries may have done far greater injury to the hags than simply killing a member of their coven; they might have ruined a business investment of sorts. I seriously doubt that Yfelwif and Itandoter will be focusing their vengence on anyone else, except possibly our party for, uh, being party to the final scenes of this affair."
Looking toward Mady, the Elf gives a briefly, reassuring smile, "Given all of this, I think it unlikely that your child is in imminent danger, though the closer you are to term, the greater the danger may become. I do not wish to cause undo alarm - the hags may seek other expedients in light of their desperate need to recover - but one of the ways by which hags reproduce requires them to steal a newborn very shortly after birth. The few weeks around delivery will be the time when you - and your brother, me, and the rest of the party, if you will accept our aid - must be as prepared for defense as possible. Until that time, the hags will probably not be desperate enough to risk battle in their weakened state."
Mady nods grimly, "Then the need for my flight has not changed. Whether they're in a state of recovery or not, these hags are still clearly a potent threat. I'll put as much distance between them and myself as I can. Worst case, it might compel them to split their forces and give Boyd's men an easier time. Best case, they pursue the mercenaries and give me time to escape their detection. When you're needed, I'll let all of you know how to find me."
Wendell shakes his head, "Now seems to be the worst time to head out on your own."
His sister smiles, "Who said I'd be alone? The father will want to know the situation and to assist where he can. I won't say any more, in case some devilry of the witches is spying on us," Her expression hardens, "I have to prepare. I want to be out of Pyrringham as soon as possible."
With that, she turns and departs, with a flustered and furious Bruna following.
Wendell turns to the group, "I'm sorry you had to see that. It seems as if there's little to do at present other than look over what we've found and plan for the future. Should we accompany the mercenaries back to High Hills, explore the Inverted Tower, or head back to Aedern for work? I don't much care which, but for what's ahead for my family I'm going to need money and resources beyond what's currently available. Much more than what the farm will be able to provide."
With an appreciative nod to the siblings for allowing his interruption, Elaric steps further into the room. "Well, first for the conjecture - and, please, if anything does not seem to make sense, stop me, for I am thinking aloud and may not yet have the complete picture."
Taking a deep breath, the scholar begins again, "First, regarding what happened, I believe the hags to be in a severely weakened state. When hags gather into a coven, a coven never being more nor less than three hags, they pool their power. For any member of the coven to die critically drains the remaining members' power and destroys the coven's bond. When Karl and the others killed the first hag, Cobhol, they broke the coven and dealt a blow which the other two, Yfelwif and Itandoter, could not possibly ignore. Karl and the others gained an implacable enemy who is unlikely to rest until all deemed responsible are dealt with.
Second, regarding what is to come, we must consider what the hags were doing - or, more accurately, attempting to do - when Cobhol was killed.
With an appreciative nod to the siblings for allowing his interruption, Elaric steps further into the room. "Well, first for the conjecture - and, please, if anything does not seem to make sense, stop me, for I am thinking aloud and may not yet have the complete picture."
Taking a deep breath, the scholar begins again, "First, regarding what happened, I believe the hags to be in a severely weakened state. When hags gather into a coven, a coven never being more nor less than three hags, they pool their power. Should any member of the coven to die, that death critically drains the remaining members' power and destroys the coven's bond. When Karl and the others killed the first hag, Cobhol, they broke the coven and dealt a blow which the other two, Yfelwif and Itandoter, could not possibly ignore. Karl and the others gained an implacable enemy who is unlikely to rest until all deemed responsible are dealt with.
Second, regarding what is to come, we must consider what the hags were doing - or, more accurately, attempting to do - when Cobhol was killed. Thinking over what we found in the coven's nest, the outcome of the battle, and the lack of direct retribution, I was reminded of a ritual I once read about in which the fouler creatures of this world attempt to summon an Altraloth - a prince of demonkind.
When attempted by hags, a cauldron always features in the ritual, much like a wizard may utilize an arcane focus. Upon the ritual's completion, the cauldron is obliterated, its binding magics fed into the Altraloth's creation.
However, creating these princes of Hades is a taxing endeavor, and requires hags to provide significant amounts of their own life force to the process. Doing so would leave them in an incredibly enervated and vulnerable state for an extended period of time, anywhere from weeks to months, depending on the amount of life given.
If the ritual is interrupted, or if one of the hags dies before the Altraloth's contract with the hags is completed, the Altraloth will die."
Here, Elaric pauses for breath before continuing. "If I am correct, the mercenaries may have done far greater injury to the hags than simply killing a member of their coven; they might have ruined a business investment of sorts. I seriously doubt that Yfelwif and Itandoter will be focusing their vengence on anyone else, except possibly our party for, uh, being party to the final scenes of this affair."
Looking toward Mady, the Elf gives a briefly, reassuring smile, "Given all of this, I think it unlikely that your child is in imminent danger, though the closer you are to term, the greater the danger may become. I do not wish to cause undo alarm - the hags may seek other expedients in light of their desperate need to recover - but one of the ways by which hags reproduce requires them to steal a newborn very shortly after birth. The few weeks around delivery will be the time when you - and your brother, me, and the rest of the party, if you will accept our aid - must be as prepared for defense as possible. Until that time, the hags will probably not be desperate enough to risk battle in their weakened state."
Mady nods grimly, "Then the need for my flight has not changed. Whether they're in a state of recovery or not, these hags are still clearly a potent threat. I'll put as much distance between them and myself as I can. Worst case, it might compel them to split their forces and give Boyd's men an easier time. Best case, they pursue the mercenaries and give me time to escape their detection. When you're needed, I'll let all of you know how to find me."
Wendell shakes his head, "Now seems to be the worst time to head out on your own."
His sister smiles, "Who said I'd be alone? The father will want to know the situation and to assist where he can. I won't say any more, in case some devilry of the witches is spying on us," Her expression hardens, "I have to prepare. I want to be out of Pyrringham as soon as possible."
With that, she turns and departs, with a flustered and furious Bruna following.
Wendell turns to the group, "I'm sorry you had to see that. It seems as if there's little to do at present other than look over what we've found and plan for the future. Should we accompany the mercenaries back to High Hills, explore the Inverted Tower, or head back to Aedern for work? I don't much care which, but for what's ahead for my family I'm going to need money and resources beyond what's currently available. Much more than what the farm will be able to provide."
Guan Hao shrugs.
"My glaive must drink. The blood of what beast or demon matters not. Abominations lurk below our feet, in this "Inverted Tower," ready for the slaying. Why leave when there is still good work to be done?"
Having apparently left just behind Mady, Elaric gently closes the front door behind him, rejoining the party in time to hear Guan Hao's comments. "Actually, Guan Hao, I may be able to help you with that. I have been debating what to do with our imprisoned Ettercap. As the mercenaries are leaving, the idea of leaving the beast unattended for days at a time - not to mention sending someone in to feed it and reactivate the magical barrier on a regulsr basis - seems unnecessarily risky. Such creatures are not simple, wild animals, but distinctly evil despoilers of wilderness and enemies of the Fey. I had planned to take responsibility for killing it after the next silk harvest. However, if you would rather do the honors, I shall not stop you. Though, I would go with you just in case the creature managed to overpower you... uh, of course that would only happen if it were to use some foul, dishonorable spider magic, that is."
[OOC: Should anyone wish to rush off and kill the Ettercap, Elaric will ask that no one try to kill it until after the next silk harvest, which requires input from Skoth.]
Having apparently left just behind Mady, Elaric gently closes the front door behind him, rejoining the party in time to hear Guan Hao's comments. "Actually, Guan Hao, I may be able to help you with that. I have been debating what to do with our imprisoned Ettercap. As the mercenaries are leaving, the idea of leaving the beast unattended for days at a time - not to mention sending someone in to feed it and reactivate the magical barrier on a regulsr basis - seems unnecessarily risky. Such creatures are not simple, wild animals, but distinctly evil despoilers of wilderness and enemies of the Fey. I had planned to take responsibility for killing it after the next silk harvest. However, if you would rather do the honors, I shall not stop you. Though, I would go with you just in case the creature managed to overpower you... uh, of course that would only happen if it were to use some foul, dishonorable spider magic, that is."
[OOC: Should anyone wish to rush off and kill the Ettercap, Elaric will ask that no one try to kill it until after the next silk harvest, which requires input from Skoth.]
"W-what?" Wendell sputters, "We almost died getting the damn thing in the circle, and you want to kill a valuable source of magical components just like that?"
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Roll perception
Guan Hao rolls to Perceive Towel: 2
Unfortunately, though the ruins are in the process of being repaired and shored up, materials for making the place livable have not been brought in yet. Wendell is, however, wearing a cloak and currently seems distracted.
Guan Hao proceeds to walk up to Wendell and wipe off any residual goo with the hem of the wizard's cloak.
No stealth is attempted.
Used to Guan Hao's unsubtle approach to life, Wendell doesn't notice anything is amiss until he smells burned wool. Cursing, Wendell prestidigitates the ichor off of his cloak and goes to check on his siblings.
Does this mean both jars (moss snd preserves) are still present? Any sign of a container made of rock? A mortar and pestle set, for example?
Moss, preserves, and scrolls are all still present. Elaric does not see a container made of rock in this room.
Recalling he has a bottle of ink in one of his pockets, Elaric open the bottle and dumps the contents as he hurries back to the rest of his companions. Crouching to fill the now empty bottle with a portion of residual ooze corpse, he firmly reseals the bottle before looking about. Making eye contact with Boyd, the Elf gives a pained nod, "Lieutenant, my condolences on your men. I'm afraid, however, that this attack was a distraction. The cauldron and dark altar from the hags' lair are gone. In addition, I believe my suspicious about the night hag haunting your troops' sleep have additional corroboration: I saw what I believe to be Ethereal fragments - that is to say, their souls - depart at the moment of their deaths. This would only happen if some dark magic had been used to ensnare their souls somewhere on this plane of existance. I must insist on your cooperation in protecting the other troops who previously encountered the hag."
Boyd's face is haggard, "What would you have us do? I know little of magic, but I do know that spells of protection cost time and money, both of which are in a limited supply... especially out here. I'm afraid, Master Carsalon, that we can no longer remain in the ruins. High Hills has its own wizards, and clerics, who might have more permanent defenses, but in Pyrringham I envision a losing war of attrition against the hags and their allies. If I could sell the idea further, my men seem to be the target of these attacks. If we depart, that might draw their attention away from Lord Fairmont's kin."
His brow furrowed and eyes distant, Elaric is still for a long moment before he nods and focuses on Boyd. "I think you are right, lieutenant. I have concerns, but I think a withdrawal and regrouping might be the best way to save the most lives and," his gaze shifts toward the eastern wall, "souls." With a deep sigh, he nods again, "Very well. Lieutenant, I confidently leave the packing and loading of gear and site artifacts to you and your men. We already discussed the important items discovered here which should be taken back for further study. I - and my companions, if they are willing - will assist just as soon as we have spoken with Bruna and her family. I think you are right about drawing attention away from them and this town, but I wish to be sure they know of our intentions and reasoning. If there is nothing else, let us begin packing and prepare for the trip to High Hills."
As Boyd turns, about to address his men, Elaric adds, "And Boyd?" When the lieutenant turn backs with an inquiring look, the Elf continues, "With your permission, I would like to conduct a small ceremony for your lost men. Their souls are departed, but not at peace. Perhaps, with the aid of a cleric, " Elaric glances toward Gong and back, "and the blessings of a god, we may send some measure of comfort to them."
With this, Elaric departs in search of Wendell, Bruna, and Mady.
Elaric finds Wendell deep in heated conversation with his sisters. As he approaches, he notices that Bruna looks confused and Mady looks about as afraid as the elf has seen her.
"Bruna, we cannot wait for Declan to come back. We'll send word and have him join us in High Hills. I've secured the house as best as I can, but if half the things I've heard about hags are true, then their threats are to be taken as promises. We need you out of Pyrringham," Wendell finished and draws another breath ready to continue his tirade. Before he can, Bruna cuts in,
"All well and good, but you could at least tell me why! I can't just abandon the town, it'd fall to pieces without me here!"
"The hags mentioned me by NAME, Buna! They threatened my family. My," and here he pauses, a small smile on his face in spite of the gravity of the situation, "niece in particular. Congratulations by the way, you could have told me."
Mady curses.
Bruna looks at Wendell like he's gone mad, "Wendell, I'm not-"
"Don't want to hear it older sister, I'm sorry but we can't stay much longer. A few days at most. I'll need to study the magic circle before we depart so we have some protec-"
"You're not-"
"-tion and then we can be on our way. Declan's a traveller, he'll find us without issue I'm sure an-"
"WENDELL!"
The wizard closes his eyes and gives a long suffering sigh, "...yes?"
Bruna breathes to calm herself, "I. Am not. With child. Promise."
The wizard cocks an eyebrow, "You're... sure? They were very confident when they said it."
"They said my name specifically?"
"Well, no but you're the only one who's... who's," he stops. Bruna stops.
Slowly, thunderously, the siblings turn to face the middle child.
"MADY ROLFE, WHAT DID YOU DO?!" Wendell and Bruna bellow in unison.
Mady crosses her arms defensively, "That is not your concern."
"Mady," Wendell says as if explaining things to an unusually stupid donkey, "If one of the major powers of the Underworld is threatening my surprise, and apparently bastard, niece... I DAMN WELL THINK THAT'S MY BUSINESS."
The rogue seems about to offer a fiery reply, then wilts and simply says, "Alright, that's fair."
"Who's the father?" Bruna seethes, "Do I know him? Where is he?!"
Mady shakes her head, "He's not local, and you'll not find him. He's good at hiding when he wants, better than me in fact. You'll like him when I finally bring him around."
"Oh?" Bruna says archly, "and when might that be?"
"Around the time I'm convinced my little brother won't turn him into something unpleasant and my big sister won't get the townsfolk to construct a gibbet for the occasion," Mady says flatly.
"So a while, then," Wendell says coldly, "Excellent. Well until our mystery man makes his appearance, we need to get you out of here."
Guan Hao raises his hand.
"If bastardy is shameful in your culture, then I will take credit for the child, if no other man will step forward. What are the necessary ceremonies?"
He bows to Mady.
"Your loins will bear strong offspring. I would be honored."
Wendell and Bruna, if anything, look more aghast at this suggestion than the looming threat of a hag's curse.
Mady laughs, relieved that some attention has been taken off of her, "Your offer is appreciated but unnecessary. My siblings will... probably forgive me in time, and I hardly stay in Pyrringham long enough to call it home anyways."
"Less now," Wendell mutters, "I'm confounded as to how we're going to keep you safe from witches who step from plane to plane on a whim."
Mady scowls, "Why do you think I even need your protection, little brother? I've learned more than a little since you've been off playing at wizard, and I'm not without my own resources."
Smiling slightly at the brief tableau engendered by Guan Hao's offer, Elaric clears his throat. "May I offer some thoughts on this matter and a conjecture, both on what transpired and what may likely transpire as a result?"
The siblings all turn to Elaric.
"Of course," Wendell says, "I've only heard stories, and they're damn vague beyond 'don't get involved with hags'."
With an appreciative nod to the siblings for allowing his interruption, Elaric steps further into the room. "Well, first for the conjecture - and, please, if anything does not seem to make sense, stop me, for I am thinking aloud and may not yet have the complete picture."
Taking a deep breath, the scholar begins again, "First, regarding what happened, I believe the hags to be in a severely weakened state. When hags gather into a coven, a coven never being more nor less than three hags, they pool their power. For any member of the coven to die critically drains the remaining members' power and destroys the coven's bond. When Karl and the others killed the first hag, Cobhol, they broke the coven and dealt a blow which the other two, Yfelwif and Itandoter, could not possibly ignore. Karl and the others gained an implacable enemy who is unlikely to rest until all deemed responsible are dealt with.
Second, regarding what is to come, we must consider what the hags were doing - or, more accurately, attempting to do - when Cobhol was killed.
With an appreciative nod to the siblings for allowing his interruption, Elaric steps further into the room. "Well, first for the conjecture - and, please, if anything does not seem to make sense, stop me, for I am thinking aloud and may not yet have the complete picture."
Taking a deep breath, the scholar begins again, "First, regarding what happened, I believe the hags to be in a severely weakened state. When hags gather into a coven, a coven never being more nor less than three hags, they pool their power. Should any member of the coven to die, that death critically drains the remaining members' power and destroys the coven's bond. When Karl and the others killed the first hag, Cobhol, they broke the coven and dealt a blow which the other two, Yfelwif and Itandoter, could not possibly ignore. Karl and the others gained an implacable enemy who is unlikely to rest until all deemed responsible are dealt with.
Second, regarding what is to come, we must consider what the hags were doing - or, more accurately, attempting to do - when Cobhol was killed. Thinking over what we found in the coven's nest, the outcome of the battle, and the lack of direct retribution, I was reminded of a ritual I once read about in which the fouler creatures of this world attempt to summon an Altraloth - a prince of demonkind.
When attempted by hags, a cauldron always features in the ritual, much like a wizard may utilize an arcane focus. Upon the ritual's completion, the cauldron is obliterated, its binding magics fed into the Altraloth's creation.
However, creating these princes of Hades is a taxing endeavor, and requires hags to provide significant amounts of their own life force to the process. Doing so would leave them in an incredibly enervated and vulnerable state for an extended period of time, anywhere from weeks to months, depending on the amount of life given.
If the ritual is interrupted, or if one of the hags dies before the Altraloth's contract with the hags is completed, the Altraloth will die."
Here, Elaric pauses for breath before continuing. "If I am correct, the mercenaries may have done far greater injury to the hags than simply killing a member of their coven; they might have ruined a business investment of sorts. I seriously doubt that Yfelwif and Itandoter will be focusing their vengence on anyone else, except possibly our party for, uh, being party to the final scenes of this affair."
Looking toward Mady, the Elf gives a briefly, reassuring smile, "Given all of this, I think it unlikely that your child is in imminent danger, though the closer you are to term, the greater the danger may become. I do not wish to cause undo alarm - the hags may seek other expedients in light of their desperate need to recover - but one of the ways by which hags reproduce requires them to steal a newborn very shortly after birth. The few weeks around delivery will be the time when you - and your brother, me, and the rest of the party, if you will accept our aid - must be as prepared for defense as possible. Until that time, the hags will probably not be desperate enough to risk battle in their weakened state."
Mady nods grimly, "Then the need for my flight has not changed. Whether they're in a state of recovery or not, these hags are still clearly a potent threat. I'll put as much distance between them and myself as I can. Worst case, it might compel them to split their forces and give Boyd's men an easier time. Best case, they pursue the mercenaries and give me time to escape their detection. When you're needed, I'll let all of you know how to find me."
Wendell shakes his head, "Now seems to be the worst time to head out on your own."
His sister smiles, "Who said I'd be alone? The father will want to know the situation and to assist where he can. I won't say any more, in case some devilry of the witches is spying on us," Her expression hardens, "I have to prepare. I want to be out of Pyrringham as soon as possible."
With that, she turns and departs, with a flustered and furious Bruna following.
Wendell turns to the group, "I'm sorry you had to see that. It seems as if there's little to do at present other than look over what we've found and plan for the future. Should we accompany the mercenaries back to High Hills, explore the Inverted Tower, or head back to Aedern for work? I don't much care which, but for what's ahead for my family I'm going to need money and resources beyond what's currently available. Much more than what the farm will be able to provide."
Guan Hao shrugs.
"My glaive must drink. The blood of what beast or demon matters not. Abominations lurk below our feet, in this "Inverted Tower," ready for the slaying. Why leave when there is still good work to be done?"
Having apparently left just behind Mady, Elaric gently closes the front door behind him, rejoining the party in time to hear Guan Hao's comments. "Actually, Guan Hao, I may be able to help you with that. I have been debating what to do with our imprisoned Ettercap. As the mercenaries are leaving, the idea of leaving the beast unattended for days at a time - not to mention sending someone in to feed it and reactivate the magical barrier on a regulsr basis - seems unnecessarily risky. Such creatures are not simple, wild animals, but distinctly evil despoilers of wilderness and enemies of the Fey. I had planned to take responsibility for killing it after the next silk harvest. However, if you would rather do the honors, I shall not stop you. Though, I would go with you just in case the creature managed to overpower you... uh, of course that would only happen if it were to use some foul, dishonorable spider magic, that is."
[OOC: Should anyone wish to rush off and kill the Ettercap, Elaric will ask that no one try to kill it until after the next silk harvest, which requires input from Skoth.]
"W-what?" Wendell sputters, "We almost died getting the damn thing in the circle, and you want to kill a valuable source of magical components just like that?"