Alys: The rank-and-file cultists were blown to bits by Bivaris' Thunderwave. You're confident that there's not enough of them to zombify, even if anyone wanted to. After two hours, you're able to perform the proper rituals to make sure that the lead cultist and Humphrey won't be brought back.

Bivaris: With the cultists dead, you're easily able to destroy the runes beyond all use.

Vastra patches herself up a bit while all of this goes on. 28

"Hey Alys, can I have some of the leaf?"

Alys helps herself to some peanuts. " 'nuts 'n 'erb cures all!" She'll say with a mouth full of peanuts. The wizard will pull out her kit and pack one for the road, or here.

Yvan breathes a sigh of relief when he sees the battle is over and won, hefting his axe back into its place on his back. The fight took a bit out of him and if the group allowed it, he would rest (and take a few peanuts).

Resty rest for the mountain man: 41

Stella is also relieved by the rest, sitting on a rock and playing with Obsidian while she gets her breath back.

Hit Die: 11

"Well then, if we are all well and rested, I would like to be out of these woods as quickly as possible. But we should gather as much evidence as we can before we depart. Lady Vastra, being the brains of this operation, do you think it makes sense for you to take a sketch of these runes, just in case there is further knowledge to be gleaned here through research? We should also do a thorough search of the Cult Leader's person. Meanwhile I will look around for any other remnants of this ritual that seem worth bringing back to our benefactor."

Perception: 11

"I like it here! The forest is our friend!" Kasha burped out, smiling in an oblivious way. She got up and took out a single peanut handing it to each person. "A peanut for you. A peanut for you. A peanut for you. A peanut for you.." This went on until everyone had a peanut.

Stella smiles. "Why thank you, Kasha." She eats her peanut contentedly.

"Thank you, darling." Vastra eats the peanut that Kasha gave her and sketches down the runes that were on the ground before Bivaris destroyed the circle. "It's a good thing that I have a good memory. And thank you Furlong, but I'd say that Alys does just as much of the intellectual heavy lifting as I do."

A search of the leader's body reveals a non-magical scimitar, a few talismans that you can deduce were part of some ritual, a staff that he had used as a druidic focus, and the amulet with the symbol of Melkithon. The vest of bones that he's wearing is good for denoting rank, but as you discovered in combat, it doesn't serve as armor.

"I suppose that taking back some of these amulets and talismans might serve as proof of a job well done."

Vastra takes a puff from Alys' pipe.

"Mmmm. Indeed."

Furlong will help gather what they think is most relevant as evidence and pack it for travel. When he doesn't think the others are looking, he will also take a moment to enjoy his peanut treat, which he finds quite tasty and reminds him of his home town.

After taking the time to rest and gather some evidence for Hartley, you all get up and head back. Now that the attempt to bring back Melkithon has been foiled, the weeds and vines that have been growing throughout the forest have fallen back and the path is easier to find, although those without darkvision need some aid, which Vastra is willing to provide with her magic. After about an hour of marching, you get back to the mansion, where the horses are waiting for you. "Next time we come back to that mansion, it'll be as the legal owners of it. Obviously, it'll need some renovation, but it still beats the places that we've called home before."

"Kasha, you're back! We knew that you guys would win!" Victor neighs happily when he sees all of you. The horses take you out of the forest where you rest, before returning to Cerellia tomorrow. The ride back to the city is unremarkable as usual and when you get back, you're able to get to Hartley's penthouse without trouble. The room is mostly packed up and Maxwell has a smile when he sees you. "Friends! I take it from your return that you were able to accomplish the mission I had assigned you."

"Hi Victor!" Kasha squeaks happily, "OhHhH, I missed you!" she gave the horse a loving hug, petting him. "We did win! We're all ok. Come, let's go back to Cerellia."

"Master Hartley, I am happy to report that the fine heroes of Misfit Company have indeed thwarted the dastardly doings of this druidic cult, risking life and limb in the name of the good of this land at its innocent citizens." Furlong glances over his shoulder at Stella as his lips briefly curl into a smile. "We appreciate your patronage and generosity of your reward. If I may ask for one additional favor, it would be to tell tale of the brave doings of Misfit Company, so that our services may be enlisted by more upstanding citizens such as yourself who require aid in writing wrongs and thwarting evil. Until then, I look quite forward to getting this lodge back into ship shape. It's been a while since if tended to the maintenance of such a household, and I've quite missed the work. This will serve me well in our leisure time." he cracks his knuckles loudly.

"And more peanuth'ths!" Kasha chews, mouth full.

Stella gives Furlong a small smile as he speaks, eyes sparkling with mirth, and nods at Maxwell. "Yes, we stopped them," she says simply. "And we are thankful for your support that allowed us to discover them in the first place, not to mention the mansion you so generously gifted us with." She gives the briefest of bows. "Do let us know if there's anything else we can do for you in the future, Lord Hartley."

Hartley smiles at you, Furlong. "Of course. I'll make sure to spread the word of the mercenary group that prevented a great evil from returning to the world." He pulls out a Sending Stone and hands it to Stella. "This stone will allow you to contact me, or me you, regardless of our locations on the continent. However, it only works once a day, so it should only be used for urgent business, as much as I would appreciate to converse with you." He gestures toward a group of servants that are also standing in the room, some of them holding bags of gold. "As promised, I'm giving you ownership of the manor in addition to a financial reward. These servants will help you to restore the mansion to it's condition before all of this happened, as well as maintain it for you." He finally responds to Kasha and her request. "I personally don't have any peanuts on me, but your pouch contains enough gold for you to purchase enough for your hearts content, my friend."

He grabs his bags and his wife and son come out of their quarters, bags also in hand. "Now as much as I enjoy your company and the city, it's time for us to end our vacation and return to Merisia. Until next time, friends." You all leave Eldath's Repose, and as you make your way through the city streets, a messenger boy approaches you all, informing Furlong that the item he commissioned was finished two days ago and is ready for pickup. 

Alys would look to Kasha, "Where do we stock up?" she'd grab a handful of peanuts.

"Capital! Thank you, good boy." Furlong will make his way to the shop with haste to retrieve his item and pay the balance.

 For all intents and purposes, Barnabus could not leave the meeting with Hartley fast enough. Though he had been content to demurely follow along and kept his mouth shut, even as a half-orc once more, then young man seemed both melancholy at times, and agitated at others since leaving the forest. "Hey kiddo? What'cha yer name? And... uhm... Ya don't happen to wind up delivering messages fer a lotta different folks around town? Even the exclusives?" He asked, opening up for the first time in a while. "Was hope'n to find someone that kind of got that... uh... Sagely air bout'em. And... well.. figured I'd ask fer ya run off..." Barnabus trails off rubbing the back of his neck.

Stella nibbles her lip as they leave the Repose. She glances at the others. "We're going to want to do some shopping before heading to the manor. I, for one, will be going to pick up a new cloak and some studded leather, I think. If I'm going to be running into the middle of a battle, I might as well be harder to hit." Obsidian bats her ear, and she laughs. "And Obsidian wants treats."

Barnabus: The messenger boy looks at you curiously, not really understanding what you're looking for. "What do you mean, like a priest or something?"