Necromancer's Delusion-Homebrew

"Welp, looks like we scared all the wolves into the den.. Do you think the wolves are a problem that need dealt with? I assume they are not working with the orcs..." Mucor will say rubbing his hairy chin.

"They're just animals. Let's start heading back." Yera leads her horse back in the direction of the path they came. 

If your group is heading back, need one survival check with advantage.

Mucor will move to on examine the bodies around the cave to see if any appear to be humans, trying to decide if the wolves need to be removed..

perception 22 (passive is 20)

Gabriel strokes his chin. "This path leads back to Riverwood. If we must dispose of hostile wildlife to accomplish our task, so be it. " 

Quentin frowns at the cave mouth, a thoughtful look across his visage. "I dunno... I reckon Yera's got the right of it an' ain't no sense in killin innocent animals for no good reason..." The rogue drifts off for a moment, shaking his head briefly before continuing. "But, are we sure as hellfire there ain't nuthin more to investigate here? Ole' Jessie back n' Riverwood seemed to have plenty o' faith in his boys bringin' back the intel that fingered a second cave, and I'd hate to leave a nest o' Vaeril's bastards out here jus' cause we didn't see them immediate like."

(From jesse’s briefing the caves were narrowed down to two that were large enough to support the number of orcs and goblins. The scouts didn’t track them to a precise cave when they relayed their findings, just a general area before they were captured/ killed)

Mucor- almost all of the carcasses seem to be from wild game. There are two that seem to be humanoid and from your recent intimate knowledge of orcs and goblins you can tell one of the remains is that of a goblin and the other an Orc.  Those two bodies seem to be fresher kills than some of the others that are only bone and cartilage. From the cave you hear a growl and three sets of glowing yellow eyes. They don’t seem to move closer but they also don’t move back. 

"Looks like the only creatures they have killed that walk on two legs are an orc and a goblin..." the minotaur will say looking to the others. "I say we head back to town."

(If everyone agrees to head back at this point) Yera will take the lead and attempt to find the way back to town.

Survival 20

Gabriel 's stony expression reveals nothing. "If the party has decided I will not interfere. "

Yera leads the group back most of the way towards RIverwood.  The view is just as breath taking on your descent as it was on your arrival earlier this morning.  The amber hue of light fades to a dark ruby red as the sun falls behind the mountains.  A cool breeze from the top makes its way down the slope but it is pleasant rather than unwelcome in the lower valley heat.  You find a cluster of boulders to make camp that hide your position from the trail and setup for the night about 5 hours away from Riverwood. 

The night passes by without any issues and you each feel well rested.  As you wake you sense a small change in your bodies.  You've grown stronger, your eyes seem more keen and your weapons more an extension of your body.  (You each gain a level)  As you contemplate this new augmentation of your abilities you pack up camp and make your way towards Riverwood.  

(to be continued tomorrow chat amonst yourselves on the journey to RIverwood.)

(Yay level up)

"Anyone want some fresh mushrooms" Mucor will ask holding out a huge dirty hand full of thick mushrooms.

Onyx followed closely to whomever was directly in front of him as he strained away from the sunlight. "We still got a while until we're back to town. Don't want to spoil my appetite, Mucor. Perhaps later.

AS you near the northern gate of RIverwood you are greeted by the sight of many soldiers and townsfolk waving and cheering.  As you pass through the gates on your horses townsfolk toss flowers, rice and colorful beads your way.  You are led to the town square in front of the town hall where you see a somewhat perturbed Grunting with Jesse and the elder.  "Welcome back heroes!" the elder says.  "Your friend has given us some insight about what took place on your mission as well as the information you uncovered.  Please follow me into my chambers so we can discuss your findings further."

As you make your way into the elder's chambers Jesse follows and closes the door behind you.  "We have little to no idea what took place other than you fought and won.  Not to say that we aren't grateful but... your friend here arrived last night kaawing loudly and gave us the letter and a scribbled piece of paper with the word key on it."  the elder says as he trails off and stares absently for a moment.

(que flashback to Grunting arriving and Kaawing loudly at everyone holding up a piece of paper that says JESSE   **$$$ ** until Jesse and the elder arrived which led to more Kaawing and holding up the paper and pointing to it with her other winged arm.  she eventually shoves it in Jesse's chest frustrated and goes to the inn to rest throwing up her arms in the air as she walks away.)

"Thankfully, we were able to read the hidden message and have sent word to the capital. So what happened up there?" Jesse asks

Mucor will approach Jesse and hand him the black blood-soaked sack containing the tounges, carved tattoos, and carved brands. "We  investigated both caves. One of the caves was home to a pack of wolves which we left alone. The other was home to a nest of Orcs and Goblins being lead by a fanatic.." The minotaur will say with a snort. "We eliminated everyone within the cave and made sure to bring you any important information found inside the cave."

Quentin shuffles his feet slightly, his 'heroic' appearance slightly offset by the elaborately colored bead necklace he's wearing and a rather gaudy flower he's stuck behind his ear. Still, despite his usual propensity for joviality, the rogue's expression is anything but mirthful at the moment. He finally sighs and walk up to Jesse and meet's the man's gaze with his own.

"Mr. Duke, I'm also real sorry t' tell ya, but we found what we reckon were the remains of your scoutin' party." Quentin clears his throat slightly as the images come flooding back, "They was brave folk and didn't deserve the end they got, but we sure nuff made certain they was avenged right proper. In addition t' what my companion 'ere told ya, we can confirm beyond any kinda doubt that these boys are workin' for some kinda cult of Vaeril. They bout' dropped his name e'ry time they done took another breath, and whats more, they done had a big damn statue of the sum***** hidden n' the ass end o' that western cave." The rogue's eyes suddenly widen and dart over to the Elder. "Uhm, 'pologies, sir. Meant t' say the statue was in the back o' the cave."

Quentin continues, "We cain't say for sure how long we got till' whoever wrote that letter makes his or her move, but we know it's comin', sure nuff. Them rascals got eyes on the whole damn continent and they see Riverwood as prime real estate, so ya' can bet your britches that they'll be through 'ere like hellfire afore' too long. We'd be happy to continue givin' aid to your town," Here the rogue cracks a small, albeit friendly crooked smile, "if'n you'd want to continue to retain our service like. Gotta make ends meet, ya' fellas 'nderstand, I'm sure."

"I see" Jesse says with a grim face.  "Cultists?  I hadn't heard about that before.  I appreciate your fine work and for bringing back at least somethin of the scouting party for their families.  I'll discuss your continued service with the elder but for now here's your reward."  Jesse says as he gives the elder a nod who retrieves a medium sized pouch from a locked chest and sets it on the table before you.   "I'll have to send another post to the capital about the cultists and statue.  I hope the reinforcements stationed here now will be enough to halt the Drekthar advance.  Good work men and thank you.  You've earned a day of rest, but i fear soon those will be a thing of the past. Until the soldiers leave I have nothin here for you.  These boys are so ready to fight it's all I can do to wrangle em in.  The boards at the town hall may suffice your appetite for battle if you still have it until then."

As you prepare to leave you can see the bags under the elder & Jesse's eyes as well as a wearied brow from lack of sleep.  

(So how much money do we get?)

(1200 gp in total, meaning 200 for each. at least that's what I have written down in my notes.)

Yera is silent on the journey back, only conversing when necessary, and electing to take watch whenever it was needed.

After receiving the payment and congratulations from Jesse, Yera tells her companions she needs to take care of some business and that she'll meet them back at the inn, and asks to take one of the larger rubies (100gp gold worth) in the bag of holding. She then goes back to the stables and returns the horse and its equipment as well as returning to the armory to thank the soldiers there and exchanges her heavy crossbow for a light crossbow. After that, she returns to the shop that was selling the +1 Shield and offers to buy it for 300gp as well as the 100gp ruby. (if a roll is needed: Persuasion 18) Then she'll go back to the notice board to see if any new jobs have been posted, returning to the Inn to try and find her friends, Grunting included.

(Also, max hp increase roll: 7)

With their business concluded, for the moment at least, Quentin will also make his way toward the town's magic supply shop. He ambles amiably down the town's streets, stopping here and there to chat light-heartedly with the Riverwood citizens. Though he knows about the shadow that still looms over the town, the rogue wants to keep the hearts and minds of the people as uplifted as possible, so he gladly shares stories of victory and success with those he meets, delighting in any looks of hope and joy that he sees upon the townsfolk's faces. He winks and grins and charms his way toward the shop, where upon seeing the establishment's proprietor, he will produce the oddly-warm ring that he found in the sack of ears.

"Found this ere' trinket, uh... in a cave out yonder a bit." Quentin decides to omit the more grisly details about the ring's resting place, "Had a strange feel to it, like if'n ya had it on your finger for a while an' it got all warmed up like, sept' it weren't on no finger. Hoped ya' might be able t' tell me more about it."