Still trying his best to keep covered, and hide his features, he speaks up to Herka. “Ya know... we came here to address a problem. Some sort o’ trouble with these woods. Thought you should know why we came as it seems like you’re well aware of the troubles here. Anything we ought to know about strangeness has come in these last ten years besides these trees?”
Garnet moves over to the cart taking the horse's reins to lead him forward. Pauseing to pet the good animal and check for any inquiries from the encounter. She could see Ithelion investigating and questioning the guard. Leading the horse toward the elf, Garnet speaks while they walk. "Ithelion, I noticed you speaking with the guard and your investigation of the creature. Did you discover anything?"
Ithelion is drawn back to the present by Garnet's question and smiles weakly. "Not much, I'm afraid. They look like ... plants ... rotten, insect-infested plants. It's almost as if they have been animated by magic...some sort of plant-undead, perhaps."
She pauses then frowns, realizing that perhaps that is exactly what they are. "Lorell mentioned a vampire...and there's some sort of connection to an ancient line of Dragon Priests. The connections remain a mystery."
"Walter..." she says, nodding in the guard's direction, "...started to say he thought they were connected to the goblins and the fruit. I think he may be on to something. If that damned stupid guard captain had let him speak, we might know more. Maybe Daemyar will have luck, or perhaps you."
He gaze moves to guard captain again, "I have the distinct impression that Herka and I may not be destined for a great and lasting friendship."
"Did you have any insights? Have you ever seen anything like this?"
@Daemyar - Herka glances to the side and pulls up on the reins as you jog up beside her. “It’s not really my place to say.” Looking at you, a hint of remorse in her eyes, she says, “Look, I take care of the merchant lady. It keeps me focused and I take pride in it. Like me father before me.” Seeing you’re not really buying it, she continues. “Alright, yeah it’s like the old man," she gestures to Walter, "says. My daddy was captain when that weird human came through. And with that weird frog of his. That's when things started getting weird - these blights started showing up, more goblins and kobolds - even a couple reports of hobgoblins wandering around up here and on the Old Road." She shudders. “You haven’t been the first who’ve professed to want to make things right, so excuse me if I don’t get attached.”
She looks sad, a bit down. “For you, this is an adventure; for us, these are our friends, family, our people - dying.” She shakes her head and steels herself once more. “It doesn't matter. For now, you and your friends are in possession of House Hucrele goods and need to talk to Lady Kerowyn.”
@Garnet - As you lead the horse onwards, you are deep in thought. From your study with your mentor and remembering his vast teachings, you know that for something to become corrupted, there needs to be magic or evil, or at least some great tragedy for there to be any effect. Your thoughts drift to ghosts and revenants as one example of how this might happen. And you know that vampires are powerful, undead beings - their very existence is anathema to your beliefs. You know a bite causes vampirism and the blood is said to hold magical properties. Taken together with what Lorell has mentioned about his vision, you begin to have some suspicions about these tree creatures. The powerful magics imbuing the vampire perhaps could have transferred into the tree which, as a living thing, could be corrupted by a vampire. A fruit-bearing tree’s fruits could be at particular risk of becoming infected. But that alone shouldn’t be enough - no, there must be something else, something more to cause such an effect. The answer could lie in the local environment but you’re not sure. Perhaps asking some locals in Oakhurst might yield some answers.
you can see the forest give way to an open expanse of land: a welcome sight for your eyes. The claustrophobic feeling of having dense forest on one side and a mountain range on the other disappears, though in the distance to the West the jagged peak of Mount Hotenow sits ominously. You follow the road up a small ridge, before you lies the town of Oakhurst. The mountain features prominently on the West but the town is cradled on the other sides by deep, thick forest. You would guess the town holds about800-1000 people altogether. From this distance you don't see anything in great detail but you can make out the town square, and you see some signs of commerce happening. You notice a small road that leads to some farms to the left. From your vantage point, you see some cows and sheep out grazing, though there seem to be more humanoids than necessary standing about - looking like they're on guard or waiting for something to happen. "Welcome to Oakhurst, oh brave adventurers," Herka says with a snarky grin. She looks up to Walter and says, "Let's take them to the boss. How's he?" she nods her head to the injured crossbowman in the cart. "Yeah, he'll be makin it," Walter replies. Nodding, Herka quips "Fine, let's go then."
She leads you along the New Road into town and stops before the square in front of a large, gated property. The symbol from the cart is also featured here, and the main gate has a giant iron "H" melded to it's top. The captain gives the reins of the cart to Walter and gives the reins of her own horse to a young lad who comes running. It seems as if he is about to say something, but Herka shakes her head subtly and the boy runs off.
A few more guards make their way over to you and they and Herka lead you into the mansion (mansion being a relative concept in Oakhurst). You are led down some stairs into a cellar and put into a smaller room. “Lady Kerowyn will be here momentarily,” Herka tells you. No more than 5 minutes go by before she shows up. Kerowyn is a beautiful human woman - perhaps 40-50 years old with a noble air about her. Her hair is graying and worry lines caress her face. She is dressed practically but the clothing she wears is undeniably expensive. Her face at the moment is a mix of worry and anger. “So, these are the thieves and murderers who destroyed my wagon, killed my people, and took my goods? Well? What day you? Why shouldn’t I march you all to the square right now and let the mob deal with you?”
A mixture of contempt and anger clear on her face, and still in a gloomy mood from the days events, Ithelion is unable to stop herself from responding.
"Is that what your idiot captain told you, or did you come to this ridiculous conclusion all by yourself because -- apparently quite stupidly -- we were following the instruction in the note that you wrote? Did you not, actually, want to know the fate of your people?"
Realizing her outburst might make her feel a little less angry, but also may not be helpful, she makes a visible effort to stop herself saying more. She settles for glaring at the woman.
Krom steps forward a bit placing the head of his warhammer down on the ground and leans on the handle and very sternly says, "Oy, we ain't no thieves lass and the lot of us ain't been havin' the greatest of days tryin' to get here. Now I'm only goin' to be sayin' this once so ye better listen. We found yer cart already ambushed with one horse dead, one injured and mostly looted. The lot of us tracked the crazies down and put an end to whatever in Moradin's holy forge they was doin'. We put the dead to rest the best we could and took back what items we found to bring here. That's when we got waylaid by yer perky guard captain and ended up fightin' more creatures on the road before reaching the town. The lot of us are tired, hungry, and upset. Now if ye want to go check to make sure this is true, Ithelion can show ye on her map where about all this took place so ye can trot your fanny there a look fer yerself."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Be excellent to each other, and roll for initiative dudes!
Ithelion turns to look at Krom and nods in surprised agreement. Given how angry she is, she was worried at what he (or Daemyar) might say -- or do. At the mention of the map she turns back to the woman, "Indeed."
@Ithelion - the mention of Herka as an idiot has the 4 guards immediately half unsheathe their long swords, and Herka’s face grows dark with embarrassment and fury. At a slight gesture from Kerowyn, however, they return their swords to their homes. Herka is silent though drilling holes into you with her eyes. Another nod from Kerowyn and 10 gold pieces are placed on the table by a guard. Kerowyn states at you for a moment before saying, “She is anything but an idiot - I pay her specifically not to be one. And no, she did not tell me - in fact, she defended you - apparently you saved poor Reginald. Thank you. As for the fate of my people, I have to assume they ended up like the others.” She shudders.
@Krom -
Kerowyn waits for a moment before bursting out in laughter. “Sir Dwarf, I appreciate your forthrightness - and I believe that’s the first time anyone has referenced my “fanny” since my husband died. You can always count on a man of the clothe to tell the truth. I pay my guards to be thorough and suspicious, not philosophers. So forgive them their hesitancy with your story. Clearly, it was the idiot nature of my captain that caused her to doubt you were the ones responsible.
@all - “We've been having a lot of trouble - more so than usual - over the last year or so. More twig blights than ever and the forest and the animals seem wrong, aggressive even. It has been mostly confined to The Old Road but slowly, like a disease, it has crept forth.” She looks slyly at you all.“I see the note but did you find anything else, I wonder?”
Ithelion draws a deep breath, trying to settle her mind. Her gaze remains fixed on Kerowyn, but softens somewhat. At least the town has one seeming adult, despite her posturing.
"The...creatures...had been preying on travelers for a long time. Apparently torturing them and eating them and collecting their possessions, in no particular order. We counted at least 20(?) bodies in various states of decay. Some wore uniforms like those of your guards, but there were others as well...and there were many more bones in their large cauldron."
She pauses, remembering the kobold. "After we dispatched them, we discovered a...living...captive -- a kobold -- who was suffering from the most hideous wounds." She pauses again, closing her eyes, resisting the urge to empty her stomach once more. She places her hands on the table to steady them.
"Saving him was beyond us, but I swore to deliver a note to his brother. And I am sorry we did not arrive in time to save your guards."
"As for the camp...we searched it, piled the bodies, Krom..." she nods in his direction, "...ministered to their spiritual needs as he saw fit. We collected what salvage we could from the camp -- as is our right -- then resumed our journey here. On the road we met your guards...and the rest you know."
"As Krom said, today has been a bad day for all of us. We are here to investigate the corruption that plagues you, and our actions so far -- on the road and in the camp, once verified -- should speak for themselves."
Granet followed Daemyar's example and stayed back, withdrawing into her cloak as much as possible. Humans, excpecialy ones used defending themselves, did not always take random races positively. This came from a rather unpleasant experience on her way to The Yawning Portal. Garnet had come across a remote fishing village that thought she was a monster at first sight. The people there were not familiar with the idea that Genasi could vary so much in appearance. The whole experience ended without major incident, only resulting in a few lite arrow wounds, some fish gut covered armor and a blacksmith with a broken nose. This time Garnet was not keen to test these people's tolerance, they already seemed hardened into being naturally suspicious by their environment.
She idling listened as Ithelion and Krom spoke hopefully their honest frustration would get through to this woman.
However, just in case,while they continued speaking Garnet took stock of their surroundings for if escape became nessisary. The guardsmen looked skilled enough, but defeatable. Herka would present the real challenge, obviously, she was more passionate and would probably fight back with a fury.
Garnet planed that if things went awry, she could tip the cart over for some temporary cover. Daemyar was ferocious enough fighter that he would be able to adabt quickly if needed. She looked around, the gate is behind..
On the way into town Garnet saw a smaller route to the southeast, other then the main road, it would be better than then the straight bolt across farmland behind the estate,to open....
Garnet's thoughts trailed off and she released the iron grip on her sword hilt ,shedidn't realize she was holding. Hoping no one noticed, she returned her attention to the woman ahead. Still considering the outcome of this conversation.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
19
@Garnet - no worries. I understood and I think the general though process came across just fine!
Herka watches you - watches all of you, in fact - studiously and closely. As you wrestle with inner turmoil, she notices your sword arm gripping the pommel tightly whilst your eyes have a faraway look. She slightly, imperceptibly (only Krom notices), shakes her head, her eyes pleading with you.
@Ithelion -
You finish your first sentence and Kerowyn holds up a hand to stop you. "Leave us,"she tells the guards surrounding you. "You stay,"she says quietly to Herka as she is about to leave. As soon as you have the room, Kerowyn sighs. "Continue wizard," she waves her hand. She stops you at certain points to give a bit more detail. "The mongrels from the forest - they were once our people. Most lived on the outskirts of town to the north and east. Something happened to them - they became obsessed with 'voices' and 'dreams'. Like the forest and it's creatures, some of them became....something else. They began killing, torturing, and eating anyone they could. It was like they were possessed by something."
5
In spite of herself,
some tears begin to fall and she suddenly looks older and more weary. "The kobolds have a roost in the mountains maybe a day's travel from here. They have not caused us problems - in fact, we sometimes trade with them and they are generally harmless. Some of them, I am told by Felosial, moved into some ruins close to here several years ago. Felosial tells me there has been fighting between them and a horde of goblins living deeper in the ruins. However, we haven't seen many of them - the ones that live in those ruins - in a long time. It stands to reason they might also be corrupted in some way by whatever is affecting the forest."
As she listens to you further, she glances to Krom. "Thank you for that, I am happy and appreciate what you have done. I hope they find rest."
She snorts as you talk about her trade goods as some minor salvage open for the taking. She notes the contradiction between your honourable actions of the promissory note and your sense of entitlement of her expensive goods. "The fact is, I am willing to be flexible. In fact, I have a proposition for you. I...-" As she begins to talk, her voice cracks and wavers. "Herka...?" Herka steps up and puts a hand on Kerowyn's shoulder. "Of course, Lady," she replies before looking at you all. "As I said earlier, you have not been the first to come here interested in ending that which troubles our little town. However, as I have seen with my own eyes, you are capable enough,"she looks at Ithelion, "albeit perhaps lacking in manners. I have come to expect it from elves though, so no hard feelings." She grins at the wizard, enjoying the little jab, before continuing. "About a month ago, another party of would be heroes ventured into the depths of the ruins to try to find the source of the problem. We think the ruins are the source, mainly through Corkie - sorry, Dem Nackle, she's our cleric here in town - through her own auguries. Anyways,"she gives Kerowyn's shoulder a squeeze, "this party included my Lady's own children, Talgen and Sharwyn." Kerowyn gasps at the mention of her own children and bursts out: "I begged them not to go! I went to Corkie to have an augury done and she could not say whether they would survive!" Her face becomes more angry now. "I want you to go bring them back. You like to salvage? You can take anything you find there, just bring them back. I am prepared to give each of you 250 gold each if you bring them back in good shape. If....if you find them dead, I will give you 125 gold each for the return of their family rings. They are gold and have our family crest on them."
She wipes her eyes, her face returning to the stoic mask you first saw. "I don't know how you found out about this place and I don't care. The fact is Corkie said 'salvation would come on the heels of misery'. I just don't know if you are salvation or misery. I am sorry for keeping you this long, I know you must be tired and weary. Give this," she hands you a wooden replica of the Harper pin that Adathar gave you ages ago, "to Garon. You can find him at the Ol' Boar Inn. He will provide you with room and board and food. I trust you will think about my offer and let Herka or myself know. Please avail yourself of the town but be ware! Some of those you will speak with have lost people over the years to this rot coming from the forest and the ruins."
[as an OOC note/question, I only use the spoiler tag to make entries look less long in the thread. You all can/should read them - I assume that you do ;) Is that okay for everyone? Or distracting? Would you rather me just make long-form posts without 'spoiler' tags?]
(( OOC; spoilers work fine for me; if we are in the same room/area, I assume we can read them...perhaps that's inappropriate, but I assume private is sent by PM, like the dreams etc ))
At the mentions of the Kobolds, Ithelion raises her eyebrows but says nothing.
To the apparent contradiction, and at Herka's jibe, she smiles in appreciation then speaks.
"I am, at heart, an historian. The arrogance of elves? Well...history does not look favourably upon it. But, entitled adventurers? You should be careful around them...histories, and fates, hinge upon their actions and their success or failure."
She glances around, perhaps bewildered by her own words before continuing. "At least...that is my reading of history, and, more recently, the word of demanding -- and not very forthcoming -- Celestials."
She shrugs "I have to admit that it is possible that I am too trusting, and read too much romantic fiction. Though my family says I am too aloof...too analytic."
She listens to the rest of the story without comment, then closes her eyes, trying to imagine the perspective of those who have to live through the grubby details of history rather than watch from a distance as it unfolds over centuries -- or read about it. She largely fails.
"We have not had a good day...but you..." she looks between Herka and Kerowyn "...your lives...I can not begin to understand. What drives your choices, what doesn't...my research speaks of grand arcs, or intrigue. but of you...of us...the wrinkles in the fabric...it tells me nothing."
Visions of the dying Kobold, and the grieving spider cloud her memory. She takes a deep breath.
"But loss...loss -- perhaps, more accurately, transience -- is something I have recently begun to understand." She shakes her head and her face hardens as she pushes uncomfortable thoughts from her mind, then her focus returns to Kerowyn, he gaze once again steady. "Your children are likely dead. The gold -- likely 125 -- is irrelevant to our..."
She stop abruptly, her fatigue, both emotional and physical, finally becoming plain, even to her. To those around her she seems to be barely holding on to her sense of reality "...our quest."
She continues, her tone now detached. "Whatever assistance you provide will be welcome. What material aid you provide will increase our chance of success. Our chance of ridding you of this corruption depends, in no small part, on your own commitment and cooperation."
"However you might choose to stint that support, is your choice alone and carries no blame...for you have lost more than I ever wish to understand."
Remembering her promise to the Kobold, she adds in a quiet, sad voice, "Though not everything we retrieved is yours to reclaim."
She turns to her companions, "We should speak to the cleric and the kobolds."
Finally, she releases the tight grip she has held on the table, and collapses into a seat.
"I am done. I need rest. We should speak more in the morning."
"But loss...loss -- perhaps, more accurately, transience -- is something I have recently begun to understand." She shakes her head and her face hardens as she pushes uncomfortable thoughts from her mind, then her focus returns to Kerowyn, he gaze once again steady. "Your children are likely dead. The gold -- likely 125 -- is irrelevant to our..."
She stop abruptly, her fatigue, both emotional and physical, finally becoming plain, even to her. To those around her she seems to be barely holding on to her sense of reality "...our quest."
Kerowyn stiffens as you mention her children being dead and her eyes turn icy cold. "Unnecessary comment but one that clearly shows you understand nothing about humans nor loss. I hope you never do, to be honest. Yet I am a woman of my word and the offer still stands. From what was in the manifest of that particular shipment, I think you have enough 'assistance' from me already. Feel free to explore the town, talk to the people - they often have a different perspective on situations like this and may have insight into something I do not." With that, she gives a nod to Herka and takes her leave. Herka leads you out the way you came and points out the inn and some of the other points of interest (refer to the map above).
With that, you have the day/evening to yourselves. It is around dinner time, there are some people about who give you some glances (nothing aggressive). There are some town militia around but they seem to just nod your way (you get the feeling they know about you already). What do you all wish to do?
[[OOC - if it wasn't clear from her comment of "being flexible" about the goods you took, Kerowyn is willing to let you keep the items if you accept her quest to find her kids, who joined an adventuring group to the ruins. otherwise, well, let me know if you're planning on accepting her quest! XD]]
(OOC: I'm good to move on.)
Be excellent to each other, and roll for initiative dudes!
Daemyar would like to speak to Herka.
Still trying his best to keep covered, and hide his features, he speaks up to Herka. “Ya know... we came here to address a problem. Some sort o’ trouble with these woods. Thought you should know why we came as it seems like you’re well aware of the troubles here. Anything we ought to know about strangeness has come in these last ten years besides these trees?”
Paladin - warforged - orange
Garnet moves over to the cart taking the horse's reins to lead him forward. Pauseing to pet the good animal and check for any inquiries from the encounter. She could see Ithelion investigating and questioning the guard. Leading the horse toward the elf, Garnet speaks while they walk. "Ithelion, I noticed you speaking with the guard and your investigation of the creature. Did you discover anything?"
( Not in the cart just leading the horse)
Ithelion is drawn back to the present by Garnet's question and smiles weakly. "Not much, I'm afraid. They look like ... plants ... rotten, insect-infested plants. It's almost as if they have been animated by magic...some sort of plant-undead, perhaps."
She pauses then frowns, realizing that perhaps that is exactly what they are. "Lorell mentioned a vampire...and there's some sort of connection to an ancient line of Dragon Priests. The connections remain a mystery."
"Walter..." she says, nodding in the guard's direction, "...started to say he thought they were connected to the goblins and the fruit. I think he may be on to something. If that damned stupid guard captain had let him speak, we might know more. Maybe Daemyar will have luck, or perhaps you."
He gaze moves to guard captain again, "I have the distinct impression that Herka and I may not be destined for a great and lasting friendship."
"Did you have any insights? Have you ever seen anything like this?"
@Daemyar - Herka glances to the side and pulls up on the reins as you jog up beside her. “It’s not really my place to say.” Looking at you, a hint of remorse in her eyes, she says, “Look, I take care of the merchant lady. It keeps me focused and I take pride in it. Like me father before me.” Seeing you’re not really buying it, she continues. “Alright, yeah it’s like the old man," she gestures to Walter, "says. My daddy was captain when that weird human came through. And with that weird frog of his. That's when things started getting weird - these blights started showing up, more goblins and kobolds - even a couple reports of hobgoblins wandering around up here and on the Old Road." She shudders. “You haven’t been the first who’ve professed to want to make things right, so excuse me if I don’t get attached.”
She looks sad, a bit down. “For you, this is an adventure; for us, these are our friends, family, our people - dying.” She shakes her head and steels herself once more. “It doesn't matter. For now, you and your friends are in possession of House Hucrele goods and need to talk to Lady Kerowyn.”
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
History: 18
Adding some additional narration to this post just wanted throw up my roll here while I do that.
@Garnet - As you lead the horse onwards, you are deep in thought. From your study with your mentor and remembering his vast teachings, you know that for something to become corrupted, there needs to be magic or evil, or at least some great tragedy for there to be any effect. Your thoughts drift to ghosts and revenants as one example of how this might happen. And you know that vampires are powerful, undead beings - their very existence is anathema to your beliefs. You know a bite causes vampirism and the blood is said to hold magical properties. Taken together with what Lorell has mentioned about his vision, you begin to have some suspicions about these tree creatures.
The powerful magics imbuing the vampire perhaps could have transferred into the tree which, as a living thing, could be corrupted by a vampire. A fruit-bearing tree’s fruits could be at particular risk of becoming infected. But that alone shouldn’t be enough - no, there must be something else, something more to cause such an effect. The answer could lie in the local environment but you’re not sure. Perhaps asking some locals in Oakhurst might yield some answers.
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
No more than 5 minutes go by before she shows up. Kerowyn is a beautiful human woman - perhaps 40-50 years old with a noble air about her. Her hair is graying and worry lines caress her face. She is dressed practically but the clothing she wears is undeniably expensive. Her face at the moment is a mix of worry and anger. “So, these are the thieves and murderers who destroyed my wagon, killed my people, and took my goods? Well? What day you? Why shouldn’t I march you all to the square right now and let the mob deal with you?”
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
A mixture of contempt and anger clear on her face, and still in a gloomy mood from the days events, Ithelion is unable to stop herself from responding.
"Is that what your idiot captain told you, or did you come to this ridiculous conclusion all by yourself because -- apparently quite stupidly -- we were following the instruction in the note that you wrote? Did you not, actually, want to know the fate of your people?"
Realizing her outburst might make her feel a little less angry, but also may not be helpful, she makes a visible effort to stop herself saying more. She settles for glaring at the woman.
Krom steps forward a bit placing the head of his warhammer down on the ground and leans on the handle and very sternly says, "Oy, we ain't no thieves lass and the lot of us ain't been havin' the greatest of days tryin' to get here. Now I'm only goin' to be sayin' this once so ye better listen. We found yer cart already ambushed with one horse dead, one injured and mostly looted. The lot of us tracked the crazies down and put an end to whatever in Moradin's holy forge they was doin'. We put the dead to rest the best we could and took back what items we found to bring here. That's when we got waylaid by yer perky guard captain and ended up fightin' more creatures on the road before reaching the town. The lot of us are tired, hungry, and upset. Now if ye want to go check to make sure this is true, Ithelion can show ye on her map where about all this took place so ye can trot your fanny there a look fer yerself."
Be excellent to each other, and roll for initiative dudes!
Ithelion turns to look at Krom and nods in surprised agreement. Given how angry she is, she was worried at what he (or Daemyar) might say -- or do. At the mention of the map she turns back to the woman, "Indeed."
@Ithelion - the mention of Herka as an idiot has the 4 guards immediately half unsheathe their long swords, and Herka’s face grows dark with embarrassment and fury. At a slight gesture from Kerowyn, however, they return their swords to their homes. Herka is silent though drilling holes into you with her eyes. Another nod from Kerowyn and 10 gold pieces are placed on the table by a guard. Kerowyn states at you for a moment before saying, “She is anything but an idiot - I pay her specifically not to be one. And no, she did not tell me - in fact, she defended you - apparently you saved poor Reginald. Thank you. As for the fate of my people, I have to assume they ended up like the others.” She shudders.
@Krom -
Kerowyn waits for a moment before bursting out in laughter. “Sir Dwarf, I appreciate your forthrightness - and I believe that’s the first time anyone has referenced my “fanny” since my husband died. You can always count on a man of the clothe to tell the truth. I pay my guards to be thorough and suspicious, not philosophers. So forgive them their hesitancy with your story. Clearly, it was the idiot nature of my captain that caused her to doubt you were the ones responsible.
@all - “We've been having a lot of trouble - more so than usual - over the last year or so. More twig blights than ever and the forest and the animals seem wrong, aggressive even. It has been mostly confined to The Old Road but slowly, like a disease, it has crept forth.” She looks slyly at you all. “I see the note but did you find anything else, I wonder?”
Map
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
Daemyar is just doing his best to avoid notice.
Paladin - warforged - orange
Ithelion draws a deep breath, trying to settle her mind. Her gaze remains fixed on Kerowyn, but softens somewhat. At least the town has one seeming adult, despite her posturing.
"The...creatures...had been preying on travelers for a long time. Apparently torturing them and eating them and collecting their possessions, in no particular order. We counted at least 20(?) bodies in various states of decay. Some wore uniforms like those of your guards, but there were others as well...and there were many more bones in their large cauldron."
She pauses, remembering the kobold. "After we dispatched them, we discovered a...living...captive -- a kobold -- who was suffering from the most hideous wounds." She pauses again, closing her eyes, resisting the urge to empty her stomach once more. She places her hands on the table to steady them.
"Saving him was beyond us, but I swore to deliver a note to his brother. And I am sorry we did not arrive in time to save your guards."
"As for the camp...we searched it, piled the bodies, Krom..." she nods in his direction, "...ministered to their spiritual needs as he saw fit. We collected what salvage we could from the camp -- as is our right -- then resumed our journey here. On the road we met your guards...and the rest you know."
"As Krom said, today has been a bad day for all of us. We are here to investigate the corruption that plagues you, and our actions so far -- on the road and in the camp, once verified -- should speak for themselves."
Granet followed Daemyar's example and stayed back, withdrawing into her cloak as much as possible. Humans, excpecialy ones used defending themselves, did not always take random races positively. This came from a rather unpleasant experience on her way to The Yawning Portal. Garnet had come across a remote fishing village that thought she was a monster at first sight. The people there were not familiar with the idea that Genasi could vary so much in appearance. The whole experience ended without major incident, only resulting in a few lite arrow wounds, some fish gut covered armor and a blacksmith with a broken nose. This time Garnet was not keen to test these people's tolerance, they already seemed hardened into being naturally suspicious by their environment.
She idling listened as Ithelion and Krom spoke hopefully their honest frustration would get through to this woman.
However, just in case,while they continued speaking Garnet took stock of their surroundings for if escape became nessisary. The guardsmen looked skilled enough, but defeatable. Herka would present the real challenge, obviously, she was more passionate and would probably fight back with a fury.
Garnet planed that if things went awry, she could tip the cart over for some temporary cover. Daemyar was ferocious enough fighter that he would be able to adabt quickly if needed. She looked around, the gate is behind..
On the way into town Garnet saw a smaller route to the southeast, other then the main road, it would be better than then the straight bolt across farmland behind the estate,to open....
Garnet's thoughts trailed off and she released the iron grip on her sword hilt ,shedidn't realize she was holding. Hoping no one noticed, she returned her attention to the woman ahead. Still considering the outcome of this conversation.
Edited:( sorry fell asleep with my phone a posted the same thing twice! And my sentences were all crazy. )
19
@Garnet - no worries. I understood and I think the general though process came across just fine!
Herka watches you - watches all of you, in fact - studiously and closely. As you wrestle with inner turmoil, she notices your sword arm gripping the pommel tightly whilst your eyes have a faraway look. She slightly, imperceptibly (only Krom notices), shakes her head, her eyes pleading with you.
@Ithelion -
You finish your first sentence and Kerowyn holds up a hand to stop you. "Leave us," she tells the guards surrounding you. "You stay," she says quietly to Herka as she is about to leave. As soon as you have the room, Kerowyn sighs. "Continue wizard," she waves her hand. She stops you at certain points to give a bit more detail. "The mongrels from the forest - they were once our people. Most lived on the outskirts of town to the north and east. Something happened to them - they became obsessed with 'voices' and 'dreams'. Like the forest and it's creatures, some of them became....something else. They began killing, torturing, and eating anyone they could. It was like they were possessed by something."
5
In spite of herself,
some tears begin to fall and she suddenly looks older and more weary. "The kobolds have a roost in the mountains maybe a day's travel from here. They have not caused us problems - in fact, we sometimes trade with them and they are generally harmless. Some of them, I am told by Felosial, moved into some ruins close to here several years ago. Felosial tells me there has been fighting between them and a horde of goblins living deeper in the ruins. However, we haven't seen many of them - the ones that live in those ruins - in a long time. It stands to reason they might also be corrupted in some way by whatever is affecting the forest."
As she listens to you further, she glances to Krom. "Thank you for that, I am happy and appreciate what you have done. I hope they find rest."
She snorts as you talk about her trade goods as some minor salvage open for the taking. She notes the contradiction between your honourable actions of the promissory note and your sense of entitlement of her expensive goods. "The fact is, I am willing to be flexible. In fact, I have a proposition for you. I...-" As she begins to talk, her voice cracks and wavers. "Herka...?" Herka steps up and puts a hand on Kerowyn's shoulder. "Of course, Lady," she replies before looking at you all. "As I said earlier, you have not been the first to come here interested in ending that which troubles our little town. However, as I have seen with my own eyes, you are capable enough," she looks at Ithelion, "albeit perhaps lacking in manners. I have come to expect it from elves though, so no hard feelings." She grins at the wizard, enjoying the little jab, before continuing. "About a month ago, another party of would be heroes ventured into the depths of the ruins to try to find the source of the problem. We think the ruins are the source, mainly through Corkie - sorry, Dem Nackle, she's our cleric here in town - through her own auguries. Anyways," she gives Kerowyn's shoulder a squeeze, "this party included my Lady's own children, Talgen and Sharwyn." Kerowyn gasps at the mention of her own children and bursts out: "I begged them not to go! I went to Corkie to have an augury done and she could not say whether they would survive!" Her face becomes more angry now. "I want you to go bring them back. You like to salvage? You can take anything you find there, just bring them back. I am prepared to give each of you 250 gold each if you bring them back in good shape. If....if you find them dead, I will give you 125 gold each for the return of their family rings. They are gold and have our family crest on them."
She wipes her eyes, her face returning to the stoic mask you first saw. "I don't know how you found out about this place and I don't care. The fact is Corkie said 'salvation would come on the heels of misery'. I just don't know if you are salvation or misery. I am sorry for keeping you this long, I know you must be tired and weary. Give this," she hands you a wooden replica of the Harper pin that Adathar gave you ages ago, "to Garon. You can find him at the Ol' Boar Inn. He will provide you with room and board and food. I trust you will think about my offer and let Herka or myself know. Please avail yourself of the town but be ware! Some of those you will speak with have lost people over the years to this rot coming from the forest and the ruins."
[as an OOC note/question, I only use the spoiler tag to make entries look less long in the thread. You all can/should read them - I assume that you do ;) Is that okay for everyone? Or distracting? Would you rather me just make long-form posts without 'spoiler' tags?]
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
(( OOC; spoilers work fine for me; if we are in the same room/area, I assume we can read them...perhaps that's inappropriate, but I assume private is sent by PM, like the dreams etc ))
At the mentions of the Kobolds, Ithelion raises her eyebrows but says nothing.
To the apparent contradiction, and at Herka's jibe, she smiles in appreciation then speaks.
"I am, at heart, an historian. The arrogance of elves? Well...history does not look favourably upon it. But, entitled adventurers? You should be careful around them...histories, and fates, hinge upon their actions and their success or failure."
She glances around, perhaps bewildered by her own words before continuing. "At least...that is my reading of history, and, more recently, the word of demanding -- and not very forthcoming -- Celestials."
She shrugs "I have to admit that it is possible that I am too trusting, and read too much romantic fiction. Though my family says I am too aloof...too analytic."
She listens to the rest of the story without comment, then closes her eyes, trying to imagine the perspective of those who have to live through the grubby details of history rather than watch from a distance as it unfolds over centuries -- or read about it. She largely fails.
"We have not had a good day...but you..." she looks between Herka and Kerowyn "...your lives...I can not begin to understand. What drives your choices, what doesn't...my research speaks of grand arcs, or intrigue. but of you...of us...the wrinkles in the fabric...it tells me nothing."
Visions of the dying Kobold, and the grieving spider cloud her memory. She takes a deep breath.
"But loss...loss -- perhaps, more accurately, transience -- is something I have recently begun to understand." She shakes her head and her face hardens as she pushes uncomfortable thoughts from her mind, then her focus returns to Kerowyn, he gaze once again steady. "Your children are likely dead. The gold -- likely 125 -- is irrelevant to our..."
She stop abruptly, her fatigue, both emotional and physical, finally becoming plain, even to her. To those around her she seems to be barely holding on to her sense of reality "...our quest."
She continues, her tone now detached. "Whatever assistance you provide will be welcome. What material aid you provide will increase our chance of success. Our chance of ridding you of this corruption depends, in no small part, on your own commitment and cooperation."
"However you might choose to stint that support, is your choice alone and carries no blame...for you have lost more than I ever wish to understand."
Remembering her promise to the Kobold, she adds in a quiet, sad voice, "Though not everything we retrieved is yours to reclaim."
She turns to her companions, "We should speak to the cleric and the kobolds."
Finally, she releases the tight grip she has held on the table, and collapses into a seat.
"I am done. I need rest. We should speak more in the morning."
Kerowyn stiffens as you mention her children being dead and her eyes turn icy cold. "Unnecessary comment but one that clearly shows you understand nothing about humans nor loss. I hope you never do, to be honest. Yet I am a woman of my word and the offer still stands. From what was in the manifest of that particular shipment, I think you have enough 'assistance' from me already. Feel free to explore the town, talk to the people - they often have a different perspective on situations like this and may have insight into something I do not." With that, she gives a nod to Herka and takes her leave. Herka leads you out the way you came and points out the inn and some of the other points of interest (refer to the map above).
With that, you have the day/evening to yourselves. It is around dinner time, there are some people about who give you some glances (nothing aggressive). There are some town militia around but they seem to just nod your way (you get the feeling they know about you already). What do you all wish to do?
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
[[OOC - if it wasn't clear from her comment of "being flexible" about the goods you took, Kerowyn is willing to let you keep the items if you accept her quest to find her kids, who joined an adventuring group to the ruins. otherwise, well, let me know if you're planning on accepting her quest! XD]]
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons