Unfortunately it took you too long to respond, Bulwark.
The group see's what's going on, but ultimately, for varying reasons decides to press on, glad that hey weren't caught up in whatever was going on there. The day presses on and as the sun rises, so does the heat. And unlike in the morning, there was no wind to counterbalance the heat, everyone (except maybe bulwark) begin to sweat everywhere, the air feeling muggier than a swamp after the 'events' of the morning. Small conversations are held but the heat made conversation tedious as everyone felt their own degree of 'I wish it weren't this warm.'
Eventually, the group is within a few miles of the campsite of the fishmongers they had met prior to Bulwark, as well as their own former campsite. And a group of dwarves can be seen being overwhelmed in combat by a slightly larger group of Aaracokra, including an odd creature that seemed to be made of wind itself.... (Dc 14 arcana to determine it's an Air Elemental)
The birdmen seem to be well armed, while the dwarves seem to be armored in no more than clothing and armed with pickaxes.... Blood fills the air as one of them is torn open by a javelin piercing his skull just right, the dwarf falling to the ground, barely able to make a scream before his world went black.
Rose immediately draws her hammer before looking back and forth between the fighting groups. Her first instict was to jump to the aid of the dwarves, not necessarily believing the Aarakora to be evil but rather suspicious of the elemental and knowing most dwarves in the area to belong to a goodly clan. Seeing the dwarf fall only solidifies those insticts yet still he chooses to act against her intuition. Stepping towards the group with hammer in hand and quickly casting a spell to boost the confidence in her voice (guidance) Rose slams the pommel to the ground and stands as tall and straight as possible and shouts in what she hopes is a commanding voice Halt! Stop this madness at once in the same of Selûne or face her wrath! Not expecting that to stop everyone she hhoped at least it would offer a brief moment for the party to figure out who is the aggressor in this conflict. (If someone else wants to use their action for insight or perception?)
"Not again..." Fallan exclaims loud enough for her party to hear. She takes in the tumult as best she can, and her heart immediately goes out to the dwarves. Whether that was due to the similar height, or her recent friendly encounter withFine-Ale Trist, she wasn't sure. Listening to Rose's command in the name of a god, she figured she would try to help. Focusing her thoughts, she pushed her mind toward the flying (and whirling) creatures and hoped to bring the combat to a halt.
[T] "Take heed! Cease your fighting NOW! You will regret any other actions... As the cleric tells you... STOP!"
Not confident the birds will listen, she also calls into being two of her psychic blades, in preparation for any trouble that may come their way now.
Bulwark sees the creatures and holds up a hand to stop the others but it is to slow to stop them from getting involved. He has no idea what is going on but saw no reason to get invovled. He shakes his head and readies himself, opening his palm to let electricity run from the gems in his hands. "Seems to late to not get involved..."
As Rose and Fallan take charge of hailing the combatants, Bell takes a moment to survey the scene, looking for perhaps a cart of goods, or a hostage, or anything that may explain why the battle has broken out, or what one side might be after.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
first group: 12
Second Group: 15
Third group: 15
The entirety of the group, dwarves and birdmen alike, seem to stop in their tracks, as the towering midget uses her commanding voice. Though there was perhaps a bit of assistance from a similarly toned voice in their head only further sewing confusion in them all. The hesitation lasting a few long moments as the the birdmen screech out AA! They are cultists! They have doomed our village! We are all that remains of our tribe, we MUST kill them all! to which the dwarves seem to scoff incredulously Lies and slander! We were heading tae Silver-moons to sell our wares! The birdmen seem to enrage at the counterpoint, however they also don't seem to be lying. The conviction in their voice making it seem that whether true or not, the Aaracokra believe what they are saying to be so.
Bell scans the area, the only cart being left on the trail a bit between all parties involved. The cart contains what look to be ores in need of smelting, and a smaller cart of seemingly normal travel supplies, like food, tents, etc. To bells eyes, it seems the Dwarves tale is true. No hostages on either side, though there is a dead dwarf, the one which the party saw fall moments before. And the dwarves themselves seem to have taken the worse of any beatings, though that's not hard when the birdmen are staying out of melee range by taking full advantage of their natural abilities....
Rose's actions have granted the party a surprise round. More surprise rounds may be possible, depending on player actions.
If able to get in range of at least one Aarakora Rose will summon twilight sanctuary to end the madness she believes is affecting them.
Thinking she may know what going on Rose takes a few tentative steps forward. Good folk heed my words. The Dwarves are not cultists. There is foul magic afoot affecting the minds of people and causing madness. There is no need for you to fight amongst yourselves! Though hoping they Aarakora would listen Rose uses this moment to get closer to them, hopefully close enough to summon her twilight sanctuary and end the madness should the bird folk be under its influence.
Fallan recognizes the "confusion" her "pushed thoughts" can cause in the actions of the bird folk. Hearing Rose's admonishment and thinking that Fallan understands what she is trying to accomplish, Fallan attempts to continue to convince the birds that Rose has the direct support of her god, and as a result, guidance being given specifically to those Rose addressed.
[T] "Listen to what my little one says. You will not benefit from death coming to this place today. Return to your nests and protect and rebuild your clan there."
Rose begins approaching the combat area, that seems to have stopped in the confusion of the parties approach. It was then that Bell would notice that Cadderly seemed to be frozen with indecision, and in obvious horror at the death of the dwarf. It's clear he wants to do something but Bell, a relatively seasoned fighter can see just how green the young man is. She can see his limbs frozen in a way that, if a true danger approached he might get struck down if his hesitation persisted too long, but she can also see a determination burning deep inside.
He then adds to the chorus of voices himself, though his voice wavers a bit T-Tis true! You are under the effect of an un-natural poison, known as the C-Chaos Curse! It takes your most immediate desire or your most fervent, and amplifies it to the most! T-tis clear you're hunting cultists, and I do not doubt your claims, but these dwarves are clearly just travelers!
The dwarves seem to cry out at Cadderly's exlaimation Yeah, we aint no derned cultists ye bloody murderers! And the tension in the air ceased, as the sanctuary fell over the entire group, with the exception of maybe one or two on the outer edges as she finished approaching. her pall falling voer the majority of them and calming their senses. Suddenly a voice echoes in their minds once more, and Fallan unintentionally makes a perfect semblance of Selune's voice, and if Rose had heard it, she would undoubtedly believe that Selune had indeed spoken...
Finally, Cadderly chiming in only solidifying Rose's convincing argument, Fallan's perfect recreation of the voice of a deity, their eyes seem to clear. not as if a haze had been lifted, so much as their senses, and logic returning. Suddenly the weight of what they have done seems to fall on them as the realization that they had been out of their own control.
The dwarves were furious but they made no move to attack. Sensing the air change they cautiously begin to tend to their wounded, keepign an eye on the birdmen... just in case. ...Thank ye 'alflings... we might have been in a worse bind if ye hadn't shown up when ye did....
Fallan slowly moves over to where Rose stands, fully aware that she may be engaged in magic or prayerful spell-casting. After enough pause where Rose finally turns and acknowledged Fallan's presence, she asks Rose in a hushed voice: "If they are under the effects of this 'curse', just how far away are we from its center, and how do we go through this without being affected again? I already have a new disdain for honey, I don't want to be hating some other new food too! And we don't need to be running into 'combat-happy' flying foes either. Got any ideas?"
When thing seem calm Rose moves a little closer to just to make sure everyone gets hit with the sanctuary before returning to stand next to Fallan. Surveying the people around them Rose sighs with relief that her attempts at reason seemed to prevail. When Fallan asks her question Rose does her best to mask her concern with confidence. I don't know Fallan, I'm not sure what to donhere other than continue the path we are on. I have faith Selûne will protect us, and failing that, we'll have each other to rely on. Rose places a hand on Fallans shoulder and gives her fellow halfling a reassuring smile to let her know it will all be alright before turning to Belle. Belle, can you talk to the Aarakora please? See where they came from, where they might have fallen victim to the curse and about these cultists they are hunting? Walking over to the dwarves and inspecting the dead Rose begins tending to the wounded. Those who are hurt, let me tend to your wounds. I can give your friend his last rights if you want but if you'd rather a priest of Moridin see to him I understand. In fact I suggest you good dwarves head for home. Silverymoon is not safe and is plagued by the same madness these folk fell victim too. We aim to put a stop to it but for not the city should be avoided at all costs. And please, don't be too angry with the Aarakora here, their actions were not entirely their own. Rose looks around for whoever seemed to be the leader amongst these dwarves and asks If ye don't mind me asking, which clan are you all from?
Belle approaches the bridfolk and raises a hand in greeting, sheathing her rapier as she does. "Howdy! Mind if I ask you fella's a few questions? We're sorta investigating this poison and it sounds exactly like the kind of thing a cult would be involved in. I'd love to hear more about it."
The dwarves were still wary of the birdmen, but the aaracokra' made no moves to attack, even landing as they sorted out their muddled thoughts. The day muggier than ever due to the clouds passing through earlier only made the day go from tolerable to unbearably hot for most. Not enough to stop adventurers but enough to stop the common man and make him hope for shade as sweat and condensation formed on his or her body. That would be me. I'm head miner Oro's. And we're from the Stouthammer clan. Mining faction.. obviously. the man seemed winded, but not due to breath or injury, rather likely another factor, as he could be seen subtly trembling. And we'll seek out one of our faith. Though I do take kindly to yer offer, but I can't speak for me third cousin there. he said as he sat down against a rock, leaning against it for support until his rear found the ground.
Closing his eyes for a few moments and taking a deep breath... And thank ye for your aid. If what you say is true, they might 'ave killed us all thinking we were some loonies. Though I still fail tae see how they came to that conclusion. But it doesn't matter, they did, and now it's over. Bloody curses though? as if the world don't have enough problems already. And not bein able to sell our wares in such a large city will.. put us back... but I suppose if we'd all died, it wouldn't make much difference.
he pauses then, thinking, and he asks to no one in particular... Well.. the nearest place to silvery is Everlund, so I suppose me lads will go there. But yes, please if ye can, tend to my wounded friends. Among the dwarves, four of the seven remaining alive sport severe wounds, while the other three only have minor ones. Then of course there's the body of the one, who was being moved by two of those who weren't as badly injured.
When bell approaches, sheathing her weapon so as to effectively declare that she wasn't a threat, asking her question, only to be met with confused stares, and whispering among themselves before one finally speaks up. Poison cultists? No, there aaare no such cultists. The ones who aaattacked my village promised us water in exchange for goods aaand moneys. Aaaa few days aaafter they left, a great storm hit us, in aa torrential pouring like no other. We only survived because we were hunting for food when it happened.
Just hours ago we saw these dwarves sitting and dancing, when the clouds began to raaace as they did thaat daaaay... We thought they had performed some ritual.. but looking at them now... I can see we were mistaaaken... but We were so.. certain...
As the aaracokra tells his tale, Cadderly, finally shaken off his nerves, approaches to correct the situation .. Ahem... I need to correct you on that. There is a cult that uses poison... They are known as followers of Talona. They are the group whom attacked my library several months ago. They are also responsible for the curse with which you were thusly effected... I'm, sorry that it happened to you. If only I had defeated Barjin back then.... anyone looking at Cadderly could see the ghost of a guilt weighing on his shoulders (metaphorically)
Rose begins treating the wounded, using her spells to heal the most grievously wounded before moving on to the next. We just came from Everlund and the city seemed to be normal, so perhaps you will be able to trade there like you said. It seemed as we left they got hit with a strong storm, a peculiar looking one at that. We didn't have time to return and check on them but perhaps they're going to need that or for repairs. If I may ask a favor of you Oro's. When you finish your buisness and return home, would you please relay what we told you about Silverymoon to your clans leader? At the very least caravans should avoid the place though if he has the warriors to spare it would be good to secure the roads leading to Silverymoon. Prevent others from wandering in. I suppose I'm not really in a position to offer any sort of significant reward or payment on behalf of Silverymoon but the deed would certainly not go unrewarded.
Bell sets a hand on Cadderly's shoulder for a moment. "This isn't your fault, it's the cult's fault, but... stick with us and you may get another chance to fight." The Satyr looks back to the birdfolk. "Can you tell us what this man looked like? His clothes, and symbols on his garb? Also the location of your settlement would help give us a sense of direction in which the cult could be moving."
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"Mulkrip" -Hobgoblin Barbarian, Path of the Totem Warrior -Libertalia
"So, not only is there a curse that can spoil one's enjoyment of good food out there, but the very WEATHER is also out of whack? How do you fight a thundercloud and flash flooding? Is there some way we can track the direction of these mysterious storms? Or any coincidence about who is where the storms are? Kind of suspicious that someone 'selling water' precedes a gullywasher almost drowning these birdmen, ain't it?"
Fallan does her best to assist Rose in her ministrations to the wounded, not quite sure what else she can do to help. Although it appeared to pain her almost as much as the combat wounds pained the dwarves, she even broke out some of her recently acquired bread and offered it to the ailing to give them something to take their minds off their wounds.
As Rose heals each one (atleast 1 spell slot per cast barring aoe healing if you have it, no rolls needed. 7 dwarves total) they thank her for it, but clearly, with the adrenaline of life or death combat fading, they're entering exhaustion. Though it was exhaustion made easier by the fact that their blood was no longer flowing from wounds. Only moving to rest against something, even if it was another of their group.
As Rose explained the situation, Oro's nodded a bit, his eyes occasionally flicking to the Aaracokra, still wary. Aye, we can tell our cheif about what ye told us. And we'll see if Everlund needs what we have in the process. At a discount of course. As fer payment, ye saved our lives as far as we can tell, that is payment enough this time. But aye, even if the cheif says no, I can get the few we got here to keep a warning on the road, atleast so someone has the choice and knowledge.
Cadderly hardly seems swayed by Bells words. Though it's obvious its an internal struggle Cadderly is facing. Though what specifically was impossible to tell. Heh.. I was barely cut out to fight back then. But we shall see. Thank you for your words... he says before Bells focus shifts back.
Mmh. He looked like a simple man. Normal trader. Hunts fish for aaa living. Seems friendly. Wears clothing... light... leather, one had robe. Rest had leather. No symbol, robe was plain. And our home.... his voice trails off for a moment before forcibly being brought back... In what you call sword mountans.. Near kryptgarden forest. Highest peak on east face. Can see Westbridge. Gone now..
The dwarves seem appreciative of the offered food, and seem delighted to taste it once it enters their hair-covered maws. Thanking her profusely for her kindness though they seemed unable to answer her questions, not knowing about that entire scene. However the one who had been speaking to Bell moments ago hears the question and chimes in. Can't. Can only run, aaand hope not to die before you make it out. Not sure what to saay on tracking it.. clouds came towards our tribe, tribe suddenly hit with storm in perfect sphere, flooded dpwn the mountainside, broken bodies.... destroyed homes, left only the mountain... They said rock would bring water. So we need only hunt, and use the rock for water.
Rose thanks Oro for the assistance before turning to join Belle and to speak to the bird folk. Catching the last bit of their conversation however she simply pale and remains in place for a moment as the familiar description of not only the storm but the supposed cultists hits her. Th-that can't be true. Surely you must be mistaken. Why would they? What is there to gain? Rose doesn't wait for any answers before she starts nervously pacing as thoughts race through her mind. Dammit! Everlund! The storm we saw was just like that! And I met those fishermen on the road...and they...and I..Rose walks off and faces the road back to Everlund and mutters a few words to herself. Is the a test Lady Selûne? How many cults can be wandering the same area? Roses paces off to the side of the group for a while by herself visibly upset and unsure what to do.
Fallan's head snaps around quickly as some of the words spoken finally clicked in her head.
"YOU use the rock for water? Do you HAVE this "water-making rock" with you now?" Fallan's eyes scan the horizon, wondering if the storm they saw over Everlund was homing in on this very rock of which they spoke. "Is this rock small enough to be carried while traveling, or was this part of the mountainside? Or just a boulder they put in place for you? Do you understand what I am asking? are you and this stone being 'followed' by a magical (and obviously way too big) rainstorm??"
To Rose and/or Cadderly, or anyone else that might know, she also asks: "If this 'curse' is spreading in it's area of impact, is it possible that the curse could also affect magic, or magic items, and increase their potency, the same as it increased the proclivities of the folks we saw in Silverymoon, or these fine feathered folk here? Can that happen? Is that a thing?"
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Unfortunately it took you too long to respond, Bulwark.
The group see's what's going on, but ultimately, for varying reasons decides to press on, glad that hey weren't caught up in whatever was going on there. The day presses on and as the sun rises, so does the heat. And unlike in the morning, there was no wind to counterbalance the heat, everyone (except maybe bulwark) begin to sweat everywhere, the air feeling muggier than a swamp after the 'events' of the morning. Small conversations are held but the heat made conversation tedious as everyone felt their own degree of 'I wish it weren't this warm.'
Eventually, the group is within a few miles of the campsite of the fishmongers they had met prior to Bulwark, as well as their own former campsite. And a group of dwarves can be seen being overwhelmed in combat by a slightly larger group of Aaracokra, including an odd creature that seemed to be made of wind itself.... (Dc 14 arcana to determine it's an Air Elemental)
The birdmen seem to be well armed, while the dwarves seem to be armored in no more than clothing and armed with pickaxes.... Blood fills the air as one of them is torn open by a javelin piercing his skull just right, the dwarf falling to the ground, barely able to make a scream before his world went black.
All I have time for but how does the party react?
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Arcana 17
Intimidation: 19 + 1
Rose immediately draws her hammer before looking back and forth between the fighting groups. Her first instict was to jump to the aid of the dwarves, not necessarily believing the Aarakora to be evil but rather suspicious of the elemental and knowing most dwarves in the area to belong to a goodly clan. Seeing the dwarf fall only solidifies those insticts yet still he chooses to act against her intuition. Stepping towards the group with hammer in hand and quickly casting a spell to boost the confidence in her voice (guidance) Rose slams the pommel to the ground and stands as tall and straight as possible and shouts in what she hopes is a commanding voice Halt! Stop this madness at once in the same of Selûne or face her wrath! Not expecting that to stop everyone she hhoped at least it would offer a brief moment for the party to figure out who is the aggressor in this conflict. (If someone else wants to use their action for insight or perception?)
"Not again..." Fallan exclaims loud enough for her party to hear. She takes in the tumult as best she can, and her heart immediately goes out to the dwarves. Whether that was due to the similar height, or her recent friendly encounter with Fine-Ale Trist, she wasn't sure. Listening to Rose's command in the name of a god, she figured she would try to help. Focusing her thoughts, she pushed her mind toward the flying (and whirling) creatures and hoped to bring the combat to a halt.
[T] "Take heed! Cease your fighting NOW! You will regret any other actions... As the cleric tells you... STOP!"
Not confident the birds will listen, she also calls into being two of her psychic blades, in preparation for any trouble that may come their way now.
Bulwark sees the creatures and holds up a hand to stop the others but it is to slow to stop them from getting involved. He has no idea what is going on but saw no reason to get invovled. He shakes his head and readies himself, opening his palm to let electricity run from the gems in his hands. "Seems to late to not get involved..."
Perception: 13
As Rose and Fallan take charge of hailing the combatants, Bell takes a moment to survey the scene, looking for perhaps a cart of goods, or a hostage, or anything that may explain why the battle has broken out, or what one side might be after.
first group: 12
Second Group: 15
Third group: 15
The entirety of the group, dwarves and birdmen alike, seem to stop in their tracks, as the towering midget uses her commanding voice. Though there was perhaps a bit of assistance from a similarly toned voice in their head only further sewing confusion in them all. The hesitation lasting a few long moments as the the birdmen screech out AA! They are cultists! They have doomed our village! We are all that remains of our tribe, we MUST kill them all! to which the dwarves seem to scoff incredulously Lies and slander! We were heading tae Silver-moons to sell our wares! The birdmen seem to enrage at the counterpoint, however they also don't seem to be lying. The conviction in their voice making it seem that whether true or not, the Aaracokra believe what they are saying to be so.
Bell scans the area, the only cart being left on the trail a bit between all parties involved. The cart contains what look to be ores in need of smelting, and a smaller cart of seemingly normal travel supplies, like food, tents, etc. To bells eyes, it seems the Dwarves tale is true. No hostages on either side, though there is a dead dwarf, the one which the party saw fall moments before. And the dwarves themselves seem to have taken the worse of any beatings, though that's not hard when the birdmen are staying out of melee range by taking full advantage of their natural abilities....
Rose's actions have granted the party a surprise round. More surprise rounds may be possible, depending on player actions.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Persuasion 19
If able to get in range of at least one Aarakora Rose will summon twilight sanctuary to end the madness she believes is affecting them.
Thinking she may know what going on Rose takes a few tentative steps forward. Good folk heed my words. The Dwarves are not cultists. There is foul magic afoot affecting the minds of people and causing madness. There is no need for you to fight amongst yourselves! Though hoping they Aarakora would listen Rose uses this moment to get closer to them, hopefully close enough to summon her twilight sanctuary and end the madness should the bird folk be under its influence.
Fallan recognizes the "confusion" her "pushed thoughts" can cause in the actions of the bird folk. Hearing Rose's admonishment and thinking that Fallan understands what she is trying to accomplish, Fallan attempts to continue to convince the birds that Rose has the direct support of her god, and as a result, guidance being given specifically to those Rose addressed.
[T] "Listen to what my little one says. You will not benefit from death coming to this place today. Return to your nests and protect and rebuild your clan there."
18
Rose begins approaching the combat area, that seems to have stopped in the confusion of the parties approach. It was then that Bell would notice that Cadderly seemed to be frozen with indecision, and in obvious horror at the death of the dwarf. It's clear he wants to do something but Bell, a relatively seasoned fighter can see just how green the young man is. She can see his limbs frozen in a way that, if a true danger approached he might get struck down if his hesitation persisted too long, but she can also see a determination burning deep inside.
He then adds to the chorus of voices himself, though his voice wavers a bit T-Tis true! You are under the effect of an un-natural poison, known as the C-Chaos Curse! It takes your most immediate desire or your most fervent, and amplifies it to the most! T-tis clear you're hunting cultists, and I do not doubt your claims, but these dwarves are clearly just travelers!
The dwarves seem to cry out at Cadderly's exlaimation Yeah, we aint no derned cultists ye bloody murderers! And the tension in the air ceased, as the sanctuary fell over the entire group, with the exception of maybe one or two on the outer edges as she finished approaching. her pall falling voer the majority of them and calming their senses. Suddenly a voice echoes in their minds once more, and Fallan unintentionally makes a perfect semblance of Selune's voice, and if Rose had heard it, she would undoubtedly believe that Selune had indeed spoken...
Finally, Cadderly chiming in only solidifying Rose's convincing argument, Fallan's perfect recreation of the voice of a deity, their eyes seem to clear. not as if a haze had been lifted, so much as their senses, and logic returning. Suddenly the weight of what they have done seems to fall on them as the realization that they had been out of their own control.
The dwarves were furious but they made no move to attack. Sensing the air change they cautiously begin to tend to their wounded, keepign an eye on the birdmen... just in case. ...Thank ye 'alflings... we might have been in a worse bind if ye hadn't shown up when ye did....
**"combat" is over**
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Fallan slowly moves over to where Rose stands, fully aware that she may be engaged in magic or prayerful spell-casting. After enough pause where Rose finally turns and acknowledged Fallan's presence, she asks Rose in a hushed voice: "If they are under the effects of this 'curse', just how far away are we from its center, and how do we go through this without being affected again? I already have a new disdain for honey, I don't want to be hating some other new food too! And we don't need to be running into 'combat-happy' flying foes either. Got any ideas?"
When thing seem calm Rose moves a little closer to just to make sure everyone gets hit with the sanctuary before returning to stand next to Fallan. Surveying the people around them Rose sighs with relief that her attempts at reason seemed to prevail. When Fallan asks her question Rose does her best to mask her concern with confidence. I don't know Fallan, I'm not sure what to donhere other than continue the path we are on. I have faith Selûne will protect us, and failing that, we'll have each other to rely on. Rose places a hand on Fallans shoulder and gives her fellow halfling a reassuring smile to let her know it will all be alright before turning to Belle. Belle, can you talk to the Aarakora please? See where they came from, where they might have fallen victim to the curse and about these cultists they are hunting? Walking over to the dwarves and inspecting the dead Rose begins tending to the wounded. Those who are hurt, let me tend to your wounds. I can give your friend his last rights if you want but if you'd rather a priest of Moridin see to him I understand. In fact I suggest you good dwarves head for home. Silverymoon is not safe and is plagued by the same madness these folk fell victim too. We aim to put a stop to it but for not the city should be avoided at all costs. And please, don't be too angry with the Aarakora here, their actions were not entirely their own. Rose looks around for whoever seemed to be the leader amongst these dwarves and asks If ye don't mind me asking, which clan are you all from?
Waiting on a response from Bell.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Belle approaches the bridfolk and raises a hand in greeting, sheathing her rapier as she does. "Howdy! Mind if I ask you fella's a few questions? We're sorta investigating this poison and it sounds exactly like the kind of thing a cult would be involved in. I'd love to hear more about it."
The dwarves were still wary of the birdmen, but the aaracokra' made no moves to attack, even landing as they sorted out their muddled thoughts. The day muggier than ever due to the clouds passing through earlier only made the day go from tolerable to unbearably hot for most. Not enough to stop adventurers but enough to stop the common man and make him hope for shade as sweat and condensation formed on his or her body. That would be me. I'm head miner Oro's. And we're from the Stouthammer clan. Mining faction.. obviously. the man seemed winded, but not due to breath or injury, rather likely another factor, as he could be seen subtly trembling. And we'll seek out one of our faith. Though I do take kindly to yer offer, but I can't speak for me third cousin there. he said as he sat down against a rock, leaning against it for support until his rear found the ground.
Closing his eyes for a few moments and taking a deep breath... And thank ye for your aid. If what you say is true, they might 'ave killed us all thinking we were some loonies. Though I still fail tae see how they came to that conclusion. But it doesn't matter, they did, and now it's over. Bloody curses though? as if the world don't have enough problems already. And not bein able to sell our wares in such a large city will.. put us back... but I suppose if we'd all died, it wouldn't make much difference.
he pauses then, thinking, and he asks to no one in particular... Well.. the nearest place to silvery is Everlund, so I suppose me lads will go there. But yes, please if ye can, tend to my wounded friends. Among the dwarves, four of the seven remaining alive sport severe wounds, while the other three only have minor ones. Then of course there's the body of the one, who was being moved by two of those who weren't as badly injured.
When bell approaches, sheathing her weapon so as to effectively declare that she wasn't a threat, asking her question, only to be met with confused stares, and whispering among themselves before one finally speaks up. Poison cultists? No, there aaare no such cultists. The ones who aaattacked my village promised us water in exchange for goods aaand moneys. Aaaa few days aaafter they left, a great storm hit us, in aa torrential pouring like no other. We only survived because we were hunting for food when it happened.
Just hours ago we saw these dwarves sitting and dancing, when the clouds began to raaace as they did thaat daaaay... We thought they had performed some ritual.. but looking at them now... I can see we were mistaaaken... but We were so.. certain...
As the aaracokra tells his tale, Cadderly, finally shaken off his nerves, approaches to correct the situation .. Ahem... I need to correct you on that. There is a cult that uses poison... They are known as followers of Talona. They are the group whom attacked my library several months ago. They are also responsible for the curse with which you were thusly effected... I'm, sorry that it happened to you. If only I had defeated Barjin back then.... anyone looking at Cadderly could see the ghost of a guilt weighing on his shoulders (metaphorically)
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Rose begins treating the wounded, using her spells to heal the most grievously wounded before moving on to the next. We just came from Everlund and the city seemed to be normal, so perhaps you will be able to trade there like you said. It seemed as we left they got hit with a strong storm, a peculiar looking one at that. We didn't have time to return and check on them but perhaps they're going to need that or for repairs. If I may ask a favor of you Oro's. When you finish your buisness and return home, would you please relay what we told you about Silverymoon to your clans leader? At the very least caravans should avoid the place though if he has the warriors to spare it would be good to secure the roads leading to Silverymoon. Prevent others from wandering in. I suppose I'm not really in a position to offer any sort of significant reward or payment on behalf of Silverymoon but the deed would certainly not go unrewarded.
Bell sets a hand on Cadderly's shoulder for a moment. "This isn't your fault, it's the cult's fault, but... stick with us and you may get another chance to fight." The Satyr looks back to the birdfolk. "Can you tell us what this man looked like? His clothes, and symbols on his garb? Also the location of your settlement would help give us a sense of direction in which the cult could be moving."
"So, not only is there a curse that can spoil one's enjoyment of good food out there, but the very WEATHER is also out of whack? How do you fight a thundercloud and flash flooding? Is there some way we can track the direction of these mysterious storms? Or any coincidence about who is where the storms are? Kind of suspicious that someone 'selling water' precedes a gullywasher almost drowning these birdmen, ain't it?"
Fallan does her best to assist Rose in her ministrations to the wounded, not quite sure what else she can do to help. Although it appeared to pain her almost as much as the combat wounds pained the dwarves, she even broke out some of her recently acquired bread and offered it to the ailing to give them something to take their minds off their wounds.
As Rose heals each one (atleast 1 spell slot per cast barring aoe healing if you have it, no rolls needed. 7 dwarves total) they thank her for it, but clearly, with the adrenaline of life or death combat fading, they're entering exhaustion. Though it was exhaustion made easier by the fact that their blood was no longer flowing from wounds. Only moving to rest against something, even if it was another of their group.
As Rose explained the situation, Oro's nodded a bit, his eyes occasionally flicking to the Aaracokra, still wary. Aye, we can tell our cheif about what ye told us. And we'll see if Everlund needs what we have in the process. At a discount of course. As fer payment, ye saved our lives as far as we can tell, that is payment enough this time. But aye, even if the cheif says no, I can get the few we got here to keep a warning on the road, atleast so someone has the choice and knowledge.
Cadderly hardly seems swayed by Bells words. Though it's obvious its an internal struggle Cadderly is facing. Though what specifically was impossible to tell. Heh.. I was barely cut out to fight back then. But we shall see. Thank you for your words... he says before Bells focus shifts back.
Mmh. He looked like a simple man. Normal trader. Hunts fish for aaa living. Seems friendly. Wears clothing... light... leather, one had robe. Rest had leather. No symbol, robe was plain. And our home.... his voice trails off for a moment before forcibly being brought back... In what you call sword mountans.. Near kryptgarden forest. Highest peak on east face. Can see Westbridge. Gone now..
The dwarves seem appreciative of the offered food, and seem delighted to taste it once it enters their hair-covered maws. Thanking her profusely for her kindness though they seemed unable to answer her questions, not knowing about that entire scene. However the one who had been speaking to Bell moments ago hears the question and chimes in. Can't. Can only run, aaand hope not to die before you make it out. Not sure what to saay on tracking it.. clouds came towards our tribe, tribe suddenly hit with storm in perfect sphere, flooded dpwn the mountainside, broken bodies.... destroyed homes, left only the mountain... They said rock would bring water. So we need only hunt, and use the rock for water.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Rose thanks Oro for the assistance before turning to join Belle and to speak to the bird folk. Catching the last bit of their conversation however she simply pale and remains in place for a moment as the familiar description of not only the storm but the supposed cultists hits her. Th-that can't be true. Surely you must be mistaken. Why would they? What is there to gain? Rose doesn't wait for any answers before she starts nervously pacing as thoughts race through her mind. Dammit! Everlund! The storm we saw was just like that! And I met those fishermen on the road...and they...and I..Rose walks off and faces the road back to Everlund and mutters a few words to herself. Is the a test Lady Selûne? How many cults can be wandering the same area? Roses paces off to the side of the group for a while by herself visibly upset and unsure what to do.
Fallan's head snaps around quickly as some of the words spoken finally clicked in her head.
"YOU use the rock for water? Do you HAVE this "water-making rock" with you now?" Fallan's eyes scan the horizon, wondering if the storm they saw over Everlund was homing in on this very rock of which they spoke. "Is this rock small enough to be carried while traveling, or was this part of the mountainside? Or just a boulder they put in place for you? Do you understand what I am asking? are you and this stone being 'followed' by a magical (and obviously way too big) rainstorm??"
To Rose and/or Cadderly, or anyone else that might know, she also asks: "If this 'curse' is spreading in it's area of impact, is it possible that the curse could also affect magic, or magic items, and increase their potency, the same as it increased the proclivities of the folks we saw in Silverymoon, or these fine feathered folk here? Can that happen? Is that a thing?"