Dreams Into Journey

"They were performing some sort of ritual in the central area of the village."  Lia says, holding up the amulet she had taken from the body.  "Has anyone seen this before?" She asks the group at large.

Valentia will take a look at the amulet Lia just showed everyone, seeing that she had taken one from the kobold that was still with her.

To the Sargeant, she steps up to speak on the group's behalf. "I'd say we got good news, yes, besides defeating the leader, another thing tormenting this village seemed to be some sort of ooze, which was dealt with without that much problem."

“And the lizardfolk of the village have managed to reclaim the rest of the village, so its unlikely anyone who ran will have a safe harbor,” Oswin will mention.

Sargeant Forscal takes a look at the severed head, "Oof! He was an ugly one! Good work!"

Valentia still does have the amulet she took from the kobold on her. At a glance, amulet and pendant look nearly identical with their emblem's design, but the one that Lia has is a bit simpler due to its size.

"Odd... Oozes aren't usually found around in the marshes. The water would dissolve them pretty easily. But if you say it's gone, then there's not too much to worry about."

"At least we won't need to worry about the mopping up the rest of them if the lizardfolk reclaimed their home."

"Wait, you mentioned a ritual? That's distressing, we'll need to talk about it later. We need to regroup with the Captain."

The groups rendezvous with Caena and the rest of the attacking force. They are back in ranks with Caena in front of them, you can see that a portion of the original amount in attendance is no loner there.

As you approach Caena sees Gark toting the severed head.

"So, this was the piece of trash who was leading the brigands. Never thought I'd see Freidrik the Blaster taken out so soon in my lifetime. Nice work, seeing as you also brought proof of your success, I think additional reward is in order for you when we get back."

Gark, who generally keeps a flat demeanor, gives a little smile when Caena says this.

 I think additional reward is in order for you when we get back

After the few late arrivals come back, he party and the town guard head back toward Kohmstead. It takes until the early evening before they are back in town limits. The militia that stayed behind to protect the town sees the returning army and let out a cheer!

As the party and the guard returns to the mayor's house, people are lining the streets. The general feel is overall celebration, although you do see a few worried faces who notice that numbers are a bit smaller than when they left.

The group returns to the conference room where briefing took place and it only takes a few moments until Mayor Adlaran comes up with several people carrying multitudes of sacks.

"You all look like a right mess! Guess that means the job we-" He starts, but interrupts himself as he sees Gark holding the severed head.

"Yeah, that answers my question. Ca-can someone take care of that?" He says as he starts looking visibly ill.

Sargeant Forscal takes the displayed head and says, "I'll do it."

He then leans over to the party, "Drinks are on me tonight," then leaves the room, taking one of the sack with him. A unmistakable jingling is heard from it.

As Forscal leaves, Caena says, "That reminds me, come to my office in the north barracks after we're done here."

The little more sweaty mayor then continues, "Right, our town owes you all a debt of gratitude, especially you lot."  He points to the party.

"Now, that said, I have no illusions that our problems with bandits are over. In fact, we just made a power void, a big one. On the other hand, the Alpha Jackals were a big enough target that the others might - keyword, there - might stay off the roads for a while."

"Nevertheless, here is your payment for the risk and a job well done. Also know that you are always welcome in this town."

(25 gold each)

"Thank you."  Lia says as she accepts a pouch.  "If you have any other issues you need dealt with just let me know." She glances to the group.  "I am sure we would all be willing to help out." She amends, trying to get use to the idea of being in a group now.

Gark agrees with Lia with a shrug “If it pays, I can help”

Looking at everyone, "We should split up spoils before we forget.”

Oswin nods, “Good idea, Gark, but lets get somewhere more private I think.”

"Hope you're not too much of a hurry, because I do have a little extra." Caena says as she beckons you and grabs her share.

Back at the northern barracks, Caena leads you inside, the set-up is more or less the same as with the other one. But her office is a little larger with a proper desk.

She starts speaking as she fumbles with some keys for something under her desk. "Freidrik was a real piece of work. We were hoping to get him one of these days. I don't doubt you noticed that there were no wanted posters for him at all. You've faced him in a fight, so you know how dangerous he would be some fool just trying to make a name for themselves."

"Nevertheless, you did us a big favor of taking him out. He killed a lot of our men, directly and indirectly. So, here's some extra coin for making sure he wasn't walking away."

She takes out some gold and divides it into five stacks of ten (10g) each.

"Again, thank you for your help, I don't think the fight would've gone nearly as well without you. What do you say we take up Forscal on his offer? Paperwork is tomorrow me's problem."

"Sounds like a good plan to me."  Lia agrees, taking her ten gold.  "Everyone else up for a drink?"

Oswin pockets his share, “Always. Where’s a good place?”

"Ok, we can split the loot on the way to the inn" Gark adds

(OOC: Gark has 9 gems worth 50 gp each, plus whatever was in any bags that we ended up keeping)

"I don't frequently drink, but if I need a special occasion to do it, I think this is as good as any. As for the place, wouldn't that be Forscal's choice?" Valentia says to and asks the group, just after picking her own little pile of gold for herself.

"Not very much choice, considering the Pick and Tap is only one that has been able to survive so far. Almost entirely due to how it's closest to the mine."  Caena says with a shrug. "I'll meet you there, it's a hassle to doff this stuff."

On the way, the group splits the spoils (I'll post on OOC chat).

As soon as they enter the Pick and Tap, a booming voice calls out, "Haha! There they are! The real force behind the Alpha Jackals' downfall!" Followed by a loud cheer.

Weaving their way though the crowd, shaking hands and receiving back or shoulder pats while given thanks and congratulations, they finally make it to a table with Forscal out of uniform.

"Glad you could make it!" Forscal greets the party. With several freshly-poured drinks already on the table. "Don't be shy, have a seat!"

"While you're at it, don't keep us in suspense..." Ragkohm says, "We're nearing very drunk, almost nothing goes on in this town besides mining... We need details! What happened at that stronghold?"

Lia takes an ale and sits back, letting others tell the story.

The festivities roll throughout the evening and late into the night. Most of the team recalls the day's events while Lia is content with listening to everyone tell their versions. Of course, the tellings are not without numerous interruptions and questions from the other patrons of the tavern. All the while, new drinks keep coming as soon as a cup empties.

(How many is everyone actually drinking?)

There is one point at the end changes the mood, the revelation of a large dragon skull under the marshes. But what disturbs some is that the ritual within it had something to do with the skull. Causing some mentions of the Empire of Wings to start spreading through the crowd.

(Oswin would take care not to get actually drunk.)

(Valentia is maybe able to finish one cup of one drink, but being she's not much of a drinker, I don't think it goes beyond that.)

For the conversation, Valentia's not fantastic with words, so she only chimes in to talk on certain moments when she thinks she has something to add to the story, and when talk of an empire starts floating through the tavern, she decides to be the one to ask. "May I ask about that empire? I can't say I have any information on them, but it's not the first time I've heard an empire being talked about. Although the creature in the forest didn't call it the Empire of Wings, he called it the lost empire."

(Unless she does have some information on them, in which case, History Check: 8)