There's a brief pause of silence as she considers everything for a moment before she lowers the crossbow. hoho! Hobby scholars easy? They have those now? Oh my how times have changed. Come in come in, sorry for the armed reception, but we've had plenty of trouble with orcs and goblinkin around here. Hard to find anyone who hasn't lost someone in some war or skrimish over the last oh hundred or so years. The price we pay living in such wild lands. But fear not, Granny Zoar keeps the law around here. None will bother you without my say so, and if what you say is true, perhaps you.can earn a little trust. You're a healer right miss? I have someone who could actually use your services. One of folk found themselves being attacked by trolls coming in from the north. I'm not sure why but they've been wandering further and further from the Evermoores and now poor Jenny has gone and gotten herself hurt pretty badly. If you could help with that, then maybe we'll say I believe you're not trying to trick and old lady into letting her guard down.

Claire lowers her hands.  "Splendid!  If you show me to the poor lass I can work my wonders.  Uh... you're very kind to hear us out, Miss Zoar."

Oh I wouldn't say that, afterall, I'll have my eye on your friend here the entire time though I am curious as to what you are all doing traveling with one if them hobbies. But for now I need ya help. She leads you out of the tavern and to one of the log houses in the center of town before knocking on the door. Jenny? Its Zoar, I got someone who says they can help heal Zach.  A young woman opens the door, her eyes are red with tears. Truly? Thank the gods! I think he wounds are starting to fester, if you can help we'll be indebted to you for life! 

She leads you to a room where a young man lays unconscious in bed. He has several open wounds on his chest and it looks like something tore off his right hand. It looks like someone tried to mend the wounds as best they can but without magical healing its unlikely he'll survive. Zach here was out foraging when he was attacked by a troll. He was real close to town too, so we were able to get to him in time to prevent the worse but without any healers In town, well. Zoar shrugs not wanting to say the rest with the man's wife in the room.

Torsus had shrugged at Narz' retort, in the end it didn't matter but his shrug was more of an "Allright, I suppose' than a dismission of the comment. I meant no offense. Many would simply consider me a giant turtle that can speak and walk on two legs. In the end it doesn't matter what you are but how people percieve you. And after that it's up to you to change that perception. he said noncommittally for such an otherwise 'grandiose' statement. Though he was momentarily confused by Claires interjection since to him there was no snipping.. atleast not yet. But she was naïve (it seemed) so he chalked it up to her not understanding. Or perhaps he was the only one who saw it the way he did?

When the hullabaloo happened at the town, For once, torsus chose not to pipe up and totally not because the player was having RL issues deciding to see where it went, and how claire, the human of the group, would handle it. He wasn't overly afraid of the arrows and weapons, his shell deflected far more than it didn't unless urben is rolling the dice but he didnt feel like fightign an entire town of mostly commoners  -he assumed-.

As things more or less died down, he let out the tired sigh of an old man before following everyone to where Zatch was. And with little else he could do he simply asked I am surprised people were more concerned with Narz than I.. or perhaps concerned is the wrong word... but curious. I feel i'd be the stranger creature. Regardless... could you tell us of any recnt attacks besides the one that left Zatch as he did, if only to help distract everyone else as claire does her work?

Well, recently its mostly been attacks like this one. Trolls have been wandering in from the Evermoores recently, though this is the closest to town one has ever gotten. In the last few weeks we've already lost 4 people to troll attacks. 

Claire leans over the man and spends a few moments studying the man and his wounds.  She had always half-assed her studies back home since she could rely on her magic, but after her power could do nothing for Rollo, she's decided to take the physical craft a bit more seriously.

Medicine check: 12

Regardless of what she studies, she does turn to her divine magic to get the work done, as without any particular healing supplies it's the surest and quickest way.  "Divine Light, wash through this vessel.  Purge all invasion and imperfection.  Remove the puss, and bless this flesh with your guiding glow." (Casts Lesser Restoration)  Claire follows the purifying spell with actual healing, casting Cure Wounds: 12

At Torsus prior noncommital commentary and shrug, the hobgoblin sighed and shook his head, but say no more on the subject. It was enough(for him, at least) that the Tortle acknowleged the error and got over the confusion there.

Although he very much intended to have a seat at the bar once things calm down, Narz had stopped to raise a speculative brow. "S'pose that means you want me to come along then?" He'd request of Granny prior to departure, and would clarify further if need be with a "To make it easy to keep an eye me". After which point he'd follow if the answer is yes, but intend only to take notes throughout the following proceedings to start with. Torsus comment along the way would get a short chuckle out the hobgoblin. But respectfully, he wouldn't interrupt Granny in answering.

If otherwise left to his own business however at the tavern, he'd find himself a seat, order a drink in the meantime, and pretend to read until everyone got back. However, he commands Spaz mentally to keep after the rest of the group and observe things at a distance. Even if that meant being stuck outside.

Torsus looks straight at the woman, asking if she's ever considered using the block button, or reporting the trolls to an admin

Torsus simply nodded to the womans short description. He doubted the party would attempot to aid .. based on their prior comments of 'hurry quickly to this point!' but who knows? Ultimately, he ends up watching as Claire does her thing. Torsus had no healing magicks, and he doubted that there were any he'd ever get that weren't in some way also destructive in some way. Out of the three, his own spells were focused entirely on one thing, disrupting an enemies mind... or flinging them around. Narz's was similar but Narz could also probably learn other things. While claires was mostly meant for protection or healing in some way. With a bit of support.

Claire, you're able to tell that infection has set in despite the towns best efforts to treat his wounds. Without intervention there would be a decent chance the man would have to lose an infected limb assuming he didn't die of infection. You could, if you had the right materials, treat him with certain medicines that would lessen the infection but given you have divine magic at your disposal it is as you say, the surest way. Your first spell purges the man's body of the infection almost instantly allowing you to then heal his would. His body glows with holy light and the wounds begin to close themselves. His hand however will not grow back, at least not without some stringer form of magic but that is something you've still yet to learn. The man slowly comes to once the spell finishes its work. Ugh, Jen? What happened? Who are these people? Brief explanations and not so brief thank yous follow before you are allowed to leave. Lady Zoar pats you on the back Thanks for that lass. Maybe you're friend ain't so bad if you're following him. Guess you can all stay as long as you'd like. Let's head back to the inn and you can tell an old lady what brings you all to her town.

Narz, you're actually requested to stay at the inn, so as not to frighten an already upset family. Eventually the others return with Lady Zoar who no longer seems to look at you like something she just stepped in. Well, welcome to our town. How long you plan on staying?

Assuming the question had been meant for the group, Narz gently shrugs in response. "Preferably no more then the night, mam. Still got a ways to go to reach our next destination 'n all that." He admits as much nonchalantly. "That is of course ya'll be hearing recently of any dragon sightings, or of a frost giant roaming on through by the name of Harshnag?" He asked of Lady Zoar; his book at that point fully set down to give the woman his full attention. "S'posedly Harshang is some kind of friend to small folk or what-have-ya, and hopefully the key to help settle a bit of an overarching issue in the realms that we be hoping to see to." 

She considers for a moment before shaking her head. Can't say that rings any bells but, well perhaps Granny Zoar can nudge you in the right ddirection. For a price that is. See I has this friend whose quite knowledgeable when it comes to the comings and goings of people and has a penchant for collecting information. You do me another favor, I'll tell you where they are. If anyone will know where your giant is milling about itd be them. 

Torsus looks around with very faint surprise, but a tit for tat made sense even if it was tedius. And with the man healed and the racism settled, Torsus spoke up, saying Mm, well it seems we've collected our eggs in a basket, and I believe I can speak for the group confidently when I say: Tell us what this favor is an we shall do it. I dont think Narz would be opposed nor claire since it may lead us to our goal we've sought after. though in his mind he sighed, as every time he attempted to say anything one or the other had a problem with it in some fashion and he mentally prepared for it like someoen would who knew they were about to be whipped.

Zoar nods and pours herself a drink from behind the bar. Well, as I've said, trolls have been wandering in from the Evermoores. Their proximity to our town has already caused several injuries as you've seen. I don't think this is just some mere coincidence, something must be driving them to flee the swamp. I'd like the three of you to investigate the Evermoores, find whatever is scaring off the trolls and if possible take care of it. Report whatever you find to me and you'll have your reward.

For once Torsus had been right on the money. As goal oriented as Narz tended to be, tracking down/utilizing a possibly lead on a branching objective enroute to Everlund fell neatly into previously discussed exceptions for delaying their arrival. Even still, Narz visibly reaction is a small nod of agreement before breaking out pen and ink to take notes in his book.

"Wouldn't be surprised if recent troubles has something to do with bigger giants or giant-kin, what with the whole overarching upheaval we're looking into as-is. But of course we know what they say assumptions." He gives Zoar a crooked grin then sighed and combed at his beard. "... We can head out first thing in the morning and see what's up. Though if you or another local you know could fill us in on things we aughta keep an eye out for in addition to your mystery while navigating the moores, that'd be 'preciated. Ya know, general hazards 'n all that or survivalist crap as ya might put it." 

Zoar nods and gives off a not so quick lost of general hazards you should avoid, poisonous plants, getting swamo muck in your boots, leaches etc etc. As for the trolls themselves well, II'm sure you already know they heal exceptionally fast. Gotta hit them with fire if you can. My people generally attach cloth dipped in tar or oil then set them alight though magical fire will do just fine if you have the know how. Of course you could just hit them with a torch if you don't mind getting close. Trolls fear nothing but fire, so thats the trick. Other than that there's not much more to say about the beasts. We've not seen any so particularly large or grotesque to be of note, so I wouldn't say there's any out there that are more dangerous than the rest but you never know for certain what you'll run into out there. Eitherway if you could, I would ask you remain out there at least a few days unless you find the source earlier. If you can't find anything after say 5 days then you should return. I doubt you'd find anything if you lingered and the longer you remain out there the greater risk.

(everyone will get adv to their survival checks with the knowledge provided by Zoar)

Narz promptly jotted down as much as he could and mentally noted to furbish things later. "Here's hoping it don't take us the full five days to sort things out, but we'll see in time I s'pose." He commented. "If you got any spare rags and oil, that'd be appreciated. But if not, I believe we got a little something something to make due with." He asks of Zoar.

Turning afterwards to the rest of the party he adds, "Seeing as its a little on the late side -- just a tidbit really, I'd say get what rest ya'll can. Come tomorrow morning at o-six-hundred sharp, we gotta be out there and on the hunt. Heck. If either of yo can prepare something so we can capture and interrogate the trolls, all the better. From what I understand they tend to be little smarter than Hill Giants half the time, but they aught not need be to at least give us a general idea of what and where to look for what's got'em spook." At that, unless there was more to discuss, the hobgoblin intended to spend the rest of the afternoon/evening[?] going over a few tactics the trio might employ before ultimately turning in for the night. On the subject of which, despite Zoar's assurances, Narz is especially mindful to set up what silent wards and even the protective barricade if his room allowed for as much. 

(OOC: Not sure if it was ever discussed how much the room and board might cost... especially for Narz. But so long as it's not something outrages like 50 to 100gp, he'd try to pay just about double, citing it to be for the earlier trouble that was his unexpected visit)

The next day he reconvenes with everyone in the tavern for breakfast, though is notably more subdued and ultimately eager to depart once everyone is good to go.

Torsus' face controts in confusion What in the seventh hell is 'Six Hundred ""oclock"'? Why don't we just wake up at six, it's far earlier in the day." he says, having clearly never heard of military time before. Shaking his head, mumbling The fool wants us to leave so late in the day....  though it was low and likely only a few words were caught. Dusting off his shell, whether there was dust or not....  before simply moving past the point. But yes, we shall take note of this. I have some hempen rope that may have additional side effects, as it is commonly used in some pipes! or so i've heard, if we can light it. Regardless, Oil may be all i need. As for a way to interrogate one.... none of my spells would allow that directly. Though I could put them to sleep, and we could attempt to bind them.... he postulates, saying aloud while really only speaking to himself. 

Torsus doesn't need to setup wards, due to his paranoia, his dart of warning will alert and wake him should anything be attempting or even thinking about attacking him specifically, within a short range. (20/30) And torsus is late by several minutes to the table.

Claire conjures up a mote of flame in her hand.  “Fire shouldn’t be an issue for us.  Though we will want more than one source if I’m to use any of my stronger spells.”  At the talk of times and hundreds Claire just looks confused and keeps quiet; she understands Torsus’ comments but also trusts Narz’s intelligence, and so assumes the disparity in her understanding is her own.  Eventually she turns to Madam Zoar. “In any case, thank you for the information.  In the meantime, what kind of food can we procure here?”

(ready to progress unless dinner-breakfast would be eventful)

You all get fed and a night's sleep before heading out in the morning. I'm gonna ask you each to provide me a survival check with adv thanks to Zoar as well as perception. I'd like three of each to cover a possible three days, depending how the rolls look you may not need all of them.

If you'd like to do something specific while you're searching the swamps declare it and make an appropriate roll or ask what the roll should be. 

Claire will keep an eye out for any wildlife she may be able to approach, and should she find something that doesn’t skitter away immediately, she will cast Speak with Animals and attempt to communicate.

Perception: 11