Aeyd frowns when the abbot dismisses them, but ultimately understands it was for the service. While she wasn't much of a religious person, she does attend the ceremony for respects sake. If this is what gave these people hope, then so be it.

"The Curse of Talona" Religion Check: 18

After the service, Aeyd stays behind as people flooded out, up until the abbot grabs her attention to follow along to his office with the others in toe. She listens intently to what the others give in their reports, noting down certain things mentally. When it came to be her turn, and the abbot gives his opinions on what to do regarding Shalvus, she gives a nod in agreement. "I shall keep an eye on him. I want to give him the benefit of the doubt, but his story is... too hard to believe. As you said there are already issues outside the walls, and for the inside to also be unsafe..." She trails off into a frown. "While stealth isn't exactly what I am trained in, I believe I am quiet enough to go undetected. I will do my best." She gives him a curt bow. 

Claire watches and listens intently to the service.  She focuses her attention on the statue for most of the duration, as if waiting for it wink at her or for some other kind of acknowledgement, whether it be physical or spiritual.  As the service comes to and end, Claire finds herself unmoved, but lets out a sigh of relief.  To the abbot afterwards: "As long as you are dedicating time and resources to repairing the wall, I don't think I have any other suggestions... except maybe to to take Zi's counsel more seriously next time.  This is a matter of life and death for your people."

Claire turns to Torsus.  "The pit traps are a good idea!  I can cause the grass and shrubs to become overgrown around the area they are dug and camouflage them."

Although it showed very little on his face, the more Narz heard of the ideas of others, the more shame and anger began to rise up within him. Not at the others, but at himself. For while he did still hold some measure of belief in his ideas, the impracticality of simply 'inventing' something new during such trying and busy time -- and worst yet, ignoring the obvious simply due to a limited understanding in the more divine arts -- was the height of foolishness.

'If we had been back in Shokkavhin and I said such a thing infront of a superior officer I would've been lucky enough to receive 10 lashes for that' He mused with a grimace while combing his beard again. After a few seconds he shook his head, and looked on more attentively to the conversations. If but to spare others more foolishness, he would watch and wait until addressed or dismissed..

Rollo nods at the suggestion that he keep helping. "I hadn't planned to stop. These ones are the brains, I am the brawn. If you are taking suggestions though, I would trust your guard Captain less and some others more. He may be a good person but I do not think he is the best for his current job."

Aeyd, you recognize the name Talona as a God of disease and pestilence, a natural enemy to the goddess Chauntea. You're not sure what Talonas curse is however though you might assume it has something to do with the disease the group was investigating prior to your joining. 

The Abbot listens carefully to all your suggestions before finally saying If you all think you could handle making traps then I would leave the task with you. However I do ask you avoid placing said traps within the walls, the last thing I need is one of the townsfolk or worse yet the children stumbling into one on accident. However if you would brave the outside of the wall then perhaps said traps will prove useful. And I do agree that the goblin mercenaries and the guard should be working more closely together, in fact I suggested the same myself. Unfortunately most people here have been slow to trust the goblins, the guards especially. If you could help in that regard it would go a long way for the cohesion of our defending forces. Lastly while I appreciate you're opinion on Captain Stormblade, I trust that man with my life, he may have grown a bit comfortable here its true, and perhaps that's made him more lax in his duties yes. I am of the mind that he simply needs proper motivation. I've tried my best but I suppose my best isn't good enough, maybe one of you can light a fire under him and get him to take this more seriously. Regardless, I want to thank you all for your reports, I have a small reward for your efforts. The Abbot lays a pouch of gold on the table, enough for each of you to add 100 gold. There's even a little more in there for your advice. Now as I said, if you would all be willing to take those ideas and put them into action, then I think I can spare a little more for you. I'm willing to pay you fairly for work that aids in the settlements defense. If you have other things you'd rather do thats fine, I'll delegate these tasks to the Captain. So what say you?

If not already prepared in such a way so that everyone can easily take up their portion, Narz sets down if possible to start dividing up the coin. Although before things quite reach that point, he bows partway at the waist with one hand at his chest and says, "It would be our pleasure as much as it is our prerogative until further notice. I will say that, with respect to their concerns, I would not be much of aid convincing the guard to work more closely with the goblinoid mercernaries. But perhaps through the assist the Captain we might create an appropriate, uh, bonding agent." He suggest, interlocking his fingers for further emphasis. 

"Such is my suggestion, or more accurately addendum on the subject. But such as well will need to discuss back at the inn, as it is close to time to retire for the evening?" He asked somewhat suggestively.

Rollo just gives an exaggerated shrug. "I'll make sure the walls are fully prepared then." 

Barring any bright idea's due to his low knowledge in the moment, Torsus sighs as he realizes that it would likely be more mundane options needed. Though Claire could atleast help hide the traps. Pondering for a bit longer before saying.

Well Claire can assist me with the hiding of the traps. Would you happen to know where some shovels or other digging equipment can be obtained? and where I might acquire some ... sharp sticks for the spikes at the bottom of the pit? Or atleast the tools to make them ourselves?

Sorry for short posts, basically working 12 hour shifts.

The Abbot nods and says Thank you, I do appreciate the efforts you're taking for the good of the town. There are several tool sheds around the farms that have most of the tools you need. Feel free to take what you need just return it when you're finished. Now, ill let you all go for the time being. If you need anything please don't hesitate to see me. 

Unless you had further need of him the Abbot escorts you out and you all make your way back to the inn where you are provided with a late dinner. Feel free to RP or plan amongst yourselves here but ill need a course of action and an appropriate check for a week's worth of labor. So Rollo I'll need athletics if your helping with wall repair, Torsus ill need athletics for making traps and Claire can make a survival check to camouflage them. If someone plans on trying to train guards, speak to captain or otherwise get the mercs and guards to work together persuasion or intimidation depending on your taxtic for example.

(Not sure how, but I actually managed to miss the update. :( )

The hobgoblin hesitates but a moment before holding up a hand and recalling the Abbot. "A moment there budd, if you would be so kind. And apologies if this had been broached before, but would you know of any among the druids and clerics that we might possible recruit in our protection efforts? Or truly given the seasonal demands, their hands are bound to be, well, bound for a great deal of time?" Narz asked politely. If there are any the Abbot knew, then he'd follow up asking for their names and where the group might find them in the morrow.

If there are none however, then that is all from the goblinoid before following the others back to the Inn. If not along the way, then at least during dinner, Narz asks of Aeyd while with the others, "Eh there bud. If you don't mind, or can possibly work this in whatever you might find yourself getting up to over the next bit... mind handling the Shalvus observation for at least a bit. I'll send Spaz with you to assist however he can. I'd just as well have him do the job solo, but there may come occasions a more.... eh, humanoid approach might be necessary." Narz emphasizes his point by waggling his thumbs. Spaz nods along in agreement.

"I think..." He starts to say to the others after. "I'll try to speak to this captain personally in the end to help resolve this lack unity between the mercs and the guards. Although personally, most of what I've done from a military standpoint has been logistical with some exception, I might just be able to work out a sort of angle there... maybe." 

Torsus wouldn't have anymore to say, for the moment, and would go with the others when they left. Ultimately telling Narz that he couldn't assist with his request, if only because the hole(s) would take 'time' and he felt that to be slightly more pressing.

Ultimately, Torsus would try to make several moderate holes that would be just large enough to trap 1-2 what he assumed to be hill giants if possible, but if not, he would settle for a single large hole, about three hundred feet from the wall identified as most risky, trying to put some of the 'excess' dirt on the side opposite to the wall, though not so much that it was obviously displaced after Claires hopefully successful camouflage.

If only a single large hole, he'd focus more on trying to make it deep, and wide, rather than circular, with just enough space fora giant to potentially faceplant on the opposite wall if they fall and fail whatever check, before landing on some sharpened logs/branches at the bottom. (Obviously not wearing his shield while doing this work, lol)

Athl: 19 + Guidance 'as he goes' 1

At the end of their meeting, Aeyd thanks the abbot for his time and for the coin and moves along with the others to get a good nights sleep prior to thinking about how she would shadow Shalvus. She didn't want to assume his intentions were bad, but the dishonesty truly did leave a bad taste in her mouth.

At dinner, when Narz speaks to them, she is all ears. "Spaz could probably do it solo, hm? Might have an easier time tailing him than me." She chuckles lowly. "I would appreciate the help though, and I wouldn't mind being the 'humanoid' approach to any issues we might run into." There's a small glint in her eyes when she looks to Spaz. "We'll be partners in crime!"

(I'm gonna assume Stealth is what I'm looking for, and with Spaz' assistance it would be at adv, but I'll roll twice in case it doesn't count. I'll also roll perception too if that would be needed as well)
Stealth: 11 | 11
Perception:  23 | 17

Rollo just goes about silently continuing the wall repairs. If he's able to figure it out he will continue to repair after the others in the work crew have retired each day, pushing himself to the brink of exhaustion, not trusting the giants to wait to attack such a rich target.

Athletics: 24

Time was of the essence. So, while Narz would've preferred the slower method of extended observation, followed by questioning the lower ranks about their respective leaders, and then broaching the topic of more formal collaborations, the hobgoblin spent the remaining evening trying to put to paper what was already known. That said, the first day after is still one spent observing the general behavior and aptitude of the guards and goblinoids as they went about their daily business. And while he was at it if there was time, ask about the local druids. Just to see if they might -- MIGHT just be able to cobble together something in whatever free time they may have available to put together a sorta scent bond that can be deployed into the field.

Regardless of how that turns out, there is not a day Narz refrained from fielding more flock of familiars for one purpose or another. Most typically to spread the range of his view as to better monitor the greater area. He also make sure that all 3(excluding Spaz) are with him when he finally asks to speak first to Dakkurz, gathering what she would need (if anything) to make a closer collaboration with the guard possible. Then, he seeks out the captain.

At which point, if able to even get the audience with some assistance from the Abbot, Narz makes at least the token effort of praising the man's current oversight of security from at least a martial perspective, before pointing out and offering from a more tactician stand point the pros of greater integration. He takes the time as well, if able to get as far, as to get Dakkurz involved so that the three could hammer out the finer details so that -- in training at least -- both sides were properly prepared to work together for the inevitable giant attack.

Persuasion: 8. If less than 15, using Saving Face to add +3 to the roll if only able to reliable 'allies' nearby are his familiars. (Max +5). if able
(If able to Persuade less from a charismatic aspect, but appeal more from tactical advisor, then add another +3 to the roll.)

(Expending a 3rd level spell slot bare minimum each day to have at least 3 familiars from Flock of Familiars available. On the second to last day of the week, Narz will send out all 3 Snow Hawks during the day and Snow Owls during the evening to scout out the area within 1 mile of the community to search for signs of giant activity, and help Narz pull together a possible map to track their movements and activities. Below are perception checks if needed.)

Hawks Perception: 16.

Owls Perception: 15.

Owls Stealth: 9. (if advantage because of snowy terrain: 11.)

Claire helps Torsus dig the holes, and then does her best to camouflage them with plant growth, casting as many times as she needs to over the days to properly hide them, but also thickens some of the brush out from and around the holes to make it look more natural.  (Depending on how detailed you let me get out of combat, I'll lessen the amount of brush in certain areas to attempt to funnel any would be attackers towards the holes.)

Ath: 10 + Guidance: 4

Survival: 22 + Guidance 2

The Abbot stops and considers Narzs question with a frown. Well, the only two druids I know for sure wouldn't have a problem fighting are the twins, Elron and Elelyel. But its been my understanding they are leaving soon on pressing matters to the north. Should the time come to leave before the giants show I'm afraid there may be little that can be done to convince them to stay. Other than that I'm afraid my only permanent druid in town in Mrs. Tumbleleaf and frankly I'm not sure shes up for the task. Shes a bit of a pacifists that one. Still the others come and go as they please and I'm sure a few of them at least would come to the towns aid if called upon.

The Abbot doesn't have names of specific druids beyond what's mentioned but seems confident that should it come down to enemies actually getting over the wall some druids would likely be aiding without having to officially be asked for help. You all turn back in for dinner and over the course of the next week begin your various projects. 

Rollo continues to work on the repairs with the aid of the twin druids, leaving Rollow doing most of the heavy lifting and the druids mending the stone back together. After about 5 days you get about 3/4ths of the way through the repairs when the twins announce that they have to leave on urgent buisness. No amount of convincing seems to get them to stay and they soon wildshape into birds and fly off north. This unfortunately means you have to enlist the help of some more mundane workers to continue but the work continues none the less.

Torsus and Claire work on digging and hiding pitfalls on the outside of the walls to hopefully stop, or at least slow, amy advancing enemies. Unfortunately you're not able to make a hold big enough to trap an entire giant and successfully camouflage it but you are able to make them large enough to capture several smaller allies of theirs and perhaps get a giants leg stuck should they fall in. With Claires help you're able to make 4 such holes in as many days and successfully camouflage them to the point where even you have to be careful not to fall into them on accident.

 Narz, you get a tip from both the Abbot and Dakkurz that the Captain is fond of the Golden Cup beer that is brewed in town and that getting a keg of the stuff would go a long way in keeping his attention. Dakkurz refuses to buy the man his drinks leaving you with the bill of 5 gold for a keg if you decide the buy it. With the abbots help and the promise of free drink the Captain agrees to meet with you and Dakkurz.

The halforc Captain drinks heavily during the meeting and though he listens to you its clear he's not happy to be here and he makes it very clear that he doesn't like goblins of any kind, proudly boasting of the numbers of goblinoids he killed in his younger days. Despite his boastful and drunken nature you find yourself believing to be free of exaggeration. Dakkurz doesn't take too kindly the Captain either and neither does she shy from her drinks. When her turn comes she, only half jokingly, begins to brag about the number of half orcs she's killed and much more recently. Despite your attempts to keep things even remotely civil the combination of animosity and drink soon leads to an all out brawl between the two in the Captains tower. Chairs are thrown, tables are smashed, and the empty keg is tossed out the window nearly crushing some poor workers below. Finally the pair both fall, bloody and out of breath. Dakkurz stands up and helps Stormblade to his feet. The pair shake hands and agree to get their men to start training together and going on joint patrols. You're left there feeling that, though not how you planned it, you at least got the result you were looking for. 

As for your familiar they both help keep an eye on shalvus and the surrounding area. However Shalvus seems to keep to the same routine, waking up early to feed the sheep and clean their pens before attending morning mass. He then returns to the courtyard the tend to the animals needs before dissapearing to his home for lunch, despite others going to the inn. Attempts to gain entry or even peek in all fail, as it seems Shalvus has his home well secured at all hours. Unfortunately breaking in would be fairly noticeable but you may be able to pick the lock should anyone be capable of doing so.

After an hour in his home he returns to work and remains in the fields until evening mass amd then finally retires to the inn for food and drink. He stays in the inn for several hours but hardly drinks, preferring to watch people come and go until few remain. Finally, once he is one of the only remaining guests in the inn he leaves before walking the path by the walls seemingly deep in thought. He does this every night consistently. Aeyd is able to keep an eye on shalvus on the inn quite easily while the familiars handle most of the aerial recon. 

Near the end of the week Aeyd takes over the entirety of the recon however as Narz's familiar focus on checking for giant activity. They happily report that there doesn't seem to be any activity with a 1 mile radius of town. During this time Ayed has taken to following shalvus, and at the end of the tenday she finds herself sitting with the rest of the party finishing another late dinner. Rollo is nearly exhausted from the constant work on the wall but is satisfied knowing that it's nearly over. Claire and Torsus talk amongst themselves about where the next trap might go while Narz feeds Spaz some of his scraps. 

The inn is mostly deserted as its about midnight. Miros mans the bar and is mostly cleaning while Lady Drathkala reads in a corner. Music is provided by the very drunk halfling bard Oren, who hasn't shut up all week about how he was flying over the fields. To hear his story he did all sorts of amazing tricks in the air and got a beautiful view of the town from above. While the latter may be true to hear anyone else tell the story Oren attempted to do a flip and crashed into the spring, requiring saving from brewery workers since, as it turns out, he can't swim. Shalvus meanwhile is sat off in a dark corner drinking by himself. Though Aeyd tries not to be noticed Shalvus catches you looking over a few times. Finally he finishes his drink and approaches. He not so politely tells Oren to bugger off, which earn him an unpleasant frown from the halfling to grumbles to himself and steps out of the inn, likely to go for one of his head clearing walks. Shalvus crosses his arms and stares hard at Aeyd. What? You've been spying on me all week, so what is it? 

Although stealth wasn't exactly her specialty, Aeyd was confident that with the help of Spaz they would be able to successfully watch the shepherd with little to no issue. It seemed to be that way as the days went on and Shalvus had been acting as normal as she had to assume. He woke up early, fed the animals before going to morning mass, then to the animals again, home, etc... It was like clockwork. There were points in time, she considered staying behind when he left his residence to try to make her way inside, however she didn't possess those capabilities. She would even ask Spaz if they knew how to pick a lock or could find any other way inside. 

As she sits back in her seat after the long day, it had almost become habit she glance over his way, and it was because of that that he approaches them at the dinner table. She returns his hard gaze with a cool one, keeping herself composed at his (correct) accusation. "Good evening to you too, Shalvus," She starts cooly. "I apologize for the looks. I was actually thinking of a way to approach you to have a seat with us. You looked awful lonely over there." She gestures over to an empty space at the table, had he wanted to sit, then folds her hands on the table, lips thinning into a frown. "You misunderstand. I was hoping I could talk to you about... restarting. I feel as if we got off on the wrong foot and I wanted to apologize for that, but you always looked... busy. I could never find the opportune moment."

Shalvus looks at the empty seat skeptically for a brief moment before turning his gaze to Narz and Spaz. I see, and that's why you've had the cat following me too?

In the days prior, paying for the Keg had been of little problem for the hobgoblin. If but for the sake of assuring a more unified front, and avoid a similar tragedy that had befallen his own, a mere 5 gold was a pittance to pay. Be that as it may, Narz found himself thinking just prior to the meeting 'This has to work', after having his thoughts briefly drift to the situation on the druids.

What came about from the meeting had not totally been a surprise. The captain's bragging about fighting and killing some failed legion or horde or undisciplined band of goblins was neither a surprise or a deterent. No goblinoid he knew or heard of was not aware of their lot in life. The demands of their gods and superiors so often pit them against the "less civilized" and often soft-hearted races, it was always a pleasant surprise not to have a spear thrust in his face or threat made for simply getting anywhere near their settlements.

No, it wasn't until the pair were more heavily in their cups -- a fate Narz avoided in almost ever conceivable way short of leaving the meeting -- that true concern over the uncertain entered his heart. When the fight finally broke out in the end, the arcane practitioner promptly teleported to a corner off to the side; his first mug in hand, and signalling the various familiars he had on overwatch to find cover. After a few close calls and one setting arrangement change later, he is left in one corner of the bar calculating the damage expenditure, and whether to pay for that too or not. "I guess either way I should count myself lucky they hadn't decided to get really 'busy' half way through that." He mumbled..

Back in the present, Narz snaps to attention after having watched Oren bugger off for the evening. After furrowing his brow in thought for a second, he then nods slowly once. "An excessive but added measure to help find the right moment for my compatriot here. Sorry about that, though. Probably had you right and spooked, eh?"    

Shalvus stares at you both with suspicion but doesn't press the issue further. He takes a seat in the empty chair, never taking his eyes of you and not seeming to pay attention to the others. Well then what was it you wanted to talk about then? Must be important to go to such lengths.