Jinjer will find a patch of woods nearby and spend a few hours alone, searching for materials to craft more arrows. She needs the relative quiet of the woods to clear her mind...and to talk with Kurnan about her purpose here in Dunshale with these companions.
Diplomacy check to improve shopkeeper's attitude and get better deals.
If it is ever advantageous while in the shop, Magnus will use his send senses ability to look through eyes in the back of his head, or to listen at a door without moving from where he stands. Perhaps this is if there are multiple shopkeepers exchanging messages, or talking in the back room after we make a sale about " what suckers those guys are."
Ugh.
Brodgar heads to the temple of Baal, sitting towards the back and contemplating the nocturne's motives. That's where he will remain for a few hours, until Stilgar's return.
While selling their goods, Magnus speaks to the man in charge of one of the stores.
" Tell me, shopkeep, what can you tell me about the dwarf party that was here earlier in the day, and why exactly are they carting a war machine about with them? "
After returning to the chapel and meeting with Jinjer again, he will pass the puzzlebox to her.
" A most confusing thing this, maybe you can intuit better than I can understand. Here I'll help you as best I can and we can complete it together. "
Magnus: The woman running the general store is hesitant to give you more than half price for the items. She says the owner of the store would be angry with her for adjusting the prices. Sale value will stay as set.
As for the dwarves, they're apparently out hunting nocturne.
Magnus: The woman running the general store is hesitant to give you more than half price for the items. She says the owner of the store would be angry with her for adjusting the prices. Sale value will stay as set.
As for the dwarves, they're apparently out hunting nocturne.
It is a very clever box.
Magnus and Jinjer put their heads together, working for a good hour before they finally get the last pattern into place. Once done, they are able to twist the top half of the box 90 degrees, and then pull it free of the lower half, revealing a small hollow within.
In the hidden space inside the puzzle box is found a strange ring. It appears to be crafted of bronze, with a large raised top in the form of a stylized star, and a folded piece of paper. Written upon the paper: Present the spark to the Forgefather. You will find him quenching blades in the cave. If it is pleasing to his eye, he will allow you passage.
Magnus and Jinjer put their heads together, working for a good hour before they finally get the last pattern into place. Once done, they are able to twist the top half of the box 90 degrees, and then pull it free of the lower half, revealing a small hollow within.
In the hidden space inside the puzzle box is found a strange ring. It appears to be crafted of bronze, with a large raised top in the form of a stylized star, and a folded piece of paper. Written upon the paper: Present the spark to the Forgefather. You will find him quenching blades in the cave. If it is pleasing to his eye, he will allow you passage.
Stilgar is all too glad to accept whatever prices the shopkeeper offers for the equipment. He was never one for haggling, and it was a small blessing that the shopkeeper was willing to buy the goods at all, considering where they got them from. However, he decides to keep the two vials of anti-plague, in lieu of their medicinal value.
As they leave the shop, Stilgar would turn to Magnus, "If you would, come to the chapel as soon as possible. Tell the others. There is gold to be distributed, and answers to be given. Time is of the essence."
Having spoken, Stilgar would depart to the chapel, where he would meet Brodgar and prepare an empty room with a table, if available.
Magnus Complies with Stilgar's request and gathers at the temple. He and Jinjer work together on the puzzle for a time while they wait. When the final piece of the puzzle clicks into place, Magnus' face lights up and he holds Jinjer's gaze for a bit longer than is formal before smiling coyly at her. " We make a pretty good pairing, don't you think?" He shares the contents of the box with the group at their meeting.
"From the sounds of it, I suspect this belongs back at the Nocturne's cave. Perhaps that statue is the "Forgefather" they spoke of? Is this a logical conclusion? "
Magnus Complies with Stilgar's request and gathers at the temple. He and Jinjer work together on the puzzle for a time while they wait. When the final piece of the puzzle clicks into place, Magnus' face lights up and he holds Jinjer's gaze for a bit longer than is formal before smiling coyly at her. " We make a pretty good pairing, don't you think?" He shares the contents of the box with the group at their meeting.
"From the sounds of it, I suspect this belongs back at the Nocturne's cave. Perhaps that statue is the "Forgefather" they spoke of? Is this a logical conclusion? "
Jinjer returns the coy smile. "You keep dreaming, okay? It's good for boys like you." But...she doesn't break his gaze or lose her smile.
"What does this mean? Do we have to go back to that cave?"
Magnus Complies with Stilgar's request and gathers at the temple. He and Jinjer work together on the puzzle for a time while they wait. When the final piece of the puzzle clicks into place, Magnus' face lights up and he holds Jinjer's gaze for a bit longer than is formal before smiling coyly at her. " We make a pretty good pairing, don't you think?" He shares the contents of the box with the group at their meeting.
"From the sounds of it, I suspect this belongs back at the Nocturne's cave. Perhaps that statue is the "Forgefather" they spoke of? Is this a logical conclusion? "
Ok Tarrana will accept the food and cloak somewhat surprised at the reaction she's given.
She'll take both the acid flask and alchemists fire as they both burn as well as the other. She'll also take her share of the gold whatever that will be. In the meantime I'll just assume I've been following the group around doing my crazy hippy luna lovegood thing.
Stilgar stands at the table he had set up in the chapel, waiting quietly for his companions to all settle. When they have, he would close the door and lock it, making it apparent that what he has to say is confidential. Satisfied that he has everyone's attention, the cleric would open his travel pack and take two items out of it, before placing them on the table.
The first would be a medium-sized cloth sack, which would emit the telltale jingle of coins as it hits the wooden surface. The second item he handles more delicately, a scroll tube that the others might recognize as the one he had back on the hill where they had gotten attacked by the nocturne. As he gently places the latter object on the table he would begin to speak, one of his hands resting atop the tube.
"Several nights ago, I was visited by a dwarf that bore the red of the Inquisition," he began, recounting the moment as accurately as possible, "Rather than striking me down as I had feared, he conferred to me a task that he emphasized was of great importance, insisting that I call for the aid of people that I can trust. The task is simple, as he put it - find the one responsible for Grundar Ironfist's death five years ago."
Deciding to give the whole story before allowing the group to ask questions, the cleric took a breath before continuing. "'There is a storm coming,' he had said. I could not tell why, but something in his voice gave me a sense of foreboding, the feeling that there is more to this than I could ever imagine... so I accepted his request." Stilgar would push the scroll tube towards the others before releasing his grip on it. "Before leaving, he left me this collection of documents, describing a number of events that occurred five years ago. He claimed that they are all connected, and that the answer can be found by finding that connection. After what happened last night... I am inclined to believe him."
Having finished speaking, Stilgar would stand and wait for the inevitable questions, allowing his companions to peruse the contents of the scroll tube.
The scroll tube contains various reports, notes, and letters, to and from various officials involved in these separate incidents. Nothing has been added or appended to these to indicate that there is any reason for them to be related. The main thing they have in common is that they all occurred during the same general time (Fall to Winter, five years ago.) The only addition is a single note on the top of the pile as you unroll it from the tube, which says: Find Grundar Ironfist's murderer. The way lies somewhere in these.
Below is a summary of the information
*An unusual number of reported sightings of Akaara in the area during the time period. (The winged humanoids usually aren't seen in the lowlands, except in the wilds, or on infrequent trading missions.)
*There was an attack by the Nocturne on Dunshale on the night of High Harvest five years ago. Nothing unusual about such raids, but this one was repelled by the villagers without dwarven intervention.
*An informant reported that a group of young folk from Dunshale traveled northwest into the mountains with the intention of attacking the Nocturne lair to stop any further raids. This information remains unverified.
*At Midwinter Dunshale was raided by a band of Narok, the barbarians from across the Plain of Moving Ice. They managed to make off with a portion of the villages food stores despite sustaining heavy losses, including one of their Snow Wyrds--members of their tribes with a magical affinity for cold magics. The villagers defended themselves until a force of soldiers from the fastness arrived to repel the raiders. It is reported that a large number of Narok had already been killed. The village stores were supplemented by supplies from the fastness that winter.
*Witnesses reported a female fiend destroyed several of the Narok, burning them to death, when they attempted to break into the general store.
*An informant reported that the fiend spotted was disguised as Lillian Eventide, wife of the storekeeper.
*Dispatched Inquisition forces entered Dunshale unannounced and captured Lillian Eventide and her husband, Boris.
*Inquisitors determined that the creature known as Lilith Eventide was a half-devil. Boris Eventide was found to be human.
*Even under intense interrogation, Boris Eventide maintained that he and his "wife" came to Dunshale from far to the south, from a human-dominated city called Highroad, to escape to a new life. The half-fiend provided no pertinent information.
*Boris Eventide was found guilty of harboring an enemy of the state and sentenced to death. The half-fiend was also slated for mandatory execution. They were taken to a hilltop north of Dunshale and destroyed by the holy fires of Baal, called down by clerics of the Inquisition.
*Boris and Lillian were reported to have a son, one Shade Eventide, age 20. He disappeared shortly before their capture and his whereabouts remain unknown.
*The day after the execution, the Jarl declared martial law in Dunshale to stop a reported attempt at uprising. A force of dwarves descended upon the village without warning. [As a former resident of the fastness, you are privy to a piece of information that the villagers are not: there is a secret exit at the base of the hill, allowing troops to deploy just south of the bridge over the Dunwater River, rather than exiting the main gates at the top of the hill and descending.] Villagers were confined to their homes until an official census could be taken.
*During the first day of occupation, Grundar Ironfist was murdered in the common room of the Flask and Flail. His body was discovered by a pair of soldiers sweeping the building. Why he was there is not clear. He had been stabbed in the back twice, one kidney and his heart pierced. The weapon was a broad, stabbing blade.
*The census discovered one other resident missing. A young woman named Aidan Hakar, age 17, daughter of Brynn and Davinia Hakar, ranchers, was unaccounted for. The parents were interrogated, but they did not know their daughter's whereabouts. She had traveled to Three Oaks to deliver some sold stock, but never returned.
*One other personage is unaccounted for. The chapel you currently tend was originally built for a man named Asheron. He was a human cleric of Baal, an orphan raised and trained by the dwarves. It was the hope of the clergy that a human member of the faithful would bridge the gap between human and dwarf and inspire greater loyalty. The last word from him was that he took a trip to Three Oaks to visit an old mentor, a dwarven cleric that had taken up residence in the chapel there.
*Shortly after the occupation, a group of resistance fighters attacked, presumably in an attempt to liberate the village. They were repelled. A captured fighter was interrogated. He claimed that the group attacked in order to free a compatriot of theirs they believed to be held captive by the occupying forces--a woman by the name Damaris. No other information was forthcoming.
Magnus notes as much of this information into his mind as possible, allowing his sub-conscious to begin long term formulation. As he commits this information to memory, he presents some more information.
" It appears that we have some information gathering to do. Tonight I shall be an invited guest of the Jarl at their feast and I will try to gain as much information as I can without betraying my true intents. If you have any suggestions or items that may help me in my search, I'd be very appreciative. After that, we should consider searching the Nocturne's Caves using this... " He holds up the ring and notes from the puzzlebox. "These were inside the puzzlebox we took from the Nocturne hideout. I suspect they may reveal a hidden room there. After that, we should consider a trip to Three Oaks and perhaps even to the Narok's location. Obviously there may be some answer to be found here in Dunshale as well, but we must attempt to avoid repeating history as much as possible. " When he mutters that last sentence, he looks specifically at Tarrana. How quickly would her story become a mirror of Lillith's? Was this woman truly a devil? He could not dwell on it now. She had defended his friends in two battles now and had earned his trust, regardless of her appearance.
Tarrana glances back at Magnus and rolls her eyes before laying on the heavy sarcasm."Oh blood and bones my plot of killing the jarl himself has been foiled by the gnome master detective! I'll have to eat his soul and chew his bones before he reveals my dastardly plot to the good dwarves!" She makes exagerrated growling noises as she claws at the air wild eyed at Magnus before she bursts out in laughter and shakes her head almost sadly as she covers her face with her hands.
Magnus does smirk... for a moment, but then his voice is serious yet again. "I meant that, perhaps this Lillith woman may not have been as the records claim. We have already seen your affinity for the flames and your resistance to their power. The vision on the hill showed a woman with the same qualities, perhaps this vision was of Lillith and her love. We've already seen the Nocturne attack on the town, and we villagers set out to see the Nocturne away from further raids. The social climate is ripe for an uprising and the Jarl's forces will look for someone to target their blame upon. If you choose to ignore the similarities, that's your choice. Myself, I'm going to be preparing for a Narok raid in midwinter. That's the next on the list. "
K(Local)
Knowledge Geography
Knowledge Nature
Jinjer listens quietly with no attempt to interact or respond.
Brodgar takes the notes last, holding them longest and idly scratching his chin as the others discuss matters.
"I agree, we should head to Three Oaks as soon as we are able," he says. "I would hope that the Inquisition wouldn't turn on those aiding their investigation, but they do love a scapegoat," he continues with a look at Tarrana. "As for asking around town, if there is knowledge, we would just be digging into an already re-opened wound after last night's occurrences."
As for the Narok themselves, you don't know much more than the common hearsay. Barbaric warriors from outside the Marches, they supposedly carry the blood of demons, allowing them to survive brutally cold temperatures and making them fearsome unholy warriors. It is said that they can tame the ferocious polar worms of the northern reaches and ride them into battle.
Thinking back, you recall that Speaker Chandler has held his position for nearly five years now, being appointed not long after the uprising. His appointment was not by village vote, as is normal, but by the word of Thane Olgrin Ironfist.
Given the party's deeds on behalf of the town, any Diplomacy rolls made to gather information or influence reactions will have a +2 modifier.
Brodgar takes the notes last, holding them longest and idly scratching his chin as the others discuss matters.
"I agree, we should head to Three Oaks as soon as we are able," he says. "I would hope that the Inquisition wouldn't turn on those aiding their investigation, but they do love a scapegoat," he continues with a look at Tarrana. "As for asking around town, if there is knowledge, we would just be digging into an already re-opened wound after last night's occurrences."
"I can say with certainty that Stilgar would be held just as guilty as I am for being a scapegoat. I would caution that this might be exactly what they ahve in mind.
Honestly, it sounds as if this road has been traveled before, and perhaps to its inglorious end. I say we do something that has not been done."
know nature
Gaius reads through the papers.
"Well there is no mention of the group from the town going back to the Nocturen caves. So if that ring is the key to something then having it now might give us an edge."
Concerning the Narok: They are savage barbarians and descended from demons, allowing them to withstand the bitter cold of their homelands. They are wild, merciless, and unstoppable. They have the power to tame the great polar worms and ride them into battle. So goes the common thought on them.
Jinjer shares what she knows of the Narok with her companions.
"Three Oaks is our next destination, I believe. What say the rest of you?"
Jinjer sips on an ale and puts down some food - whatever is on the menu or whatever she could scrounge up.
"Three Oaks would seem to be a good place to start... but we must tread carefully," he would begin, running his fingers through his beard in thought, "The last thing I want to do is draw the Jarl's attention. Or Grundar's, for that matter. Given what happened last night, once the Jarl's men find out that we have already slain the nocturne, they may come upon us in a heartbeat... leading to aforementioned complications." He says this last bit whilst looking at Tarrana, giving a stern nod.
"Three Oaks would seem to be a good place to start... but we must tread carefully," he would begin, running his fingers through his beard in thought, "The last thing I want to do is draw the Jarl's attention. Or Grundar's, for that matter. Given what happened last night, once the Jarl's men find out that we have already slain the nocturne, they may come upon us in a heartbeat... leading to aforementioned complications." He says this last bit whilst looking at Tarrana, giving a stern nod.
"Why would they come for us? Was killing the Nocturne a crime?"
"That said being absent for a time might be a good idea. If it were only myself I would head back to the Nocturne's cave to see if that ring and that statue are related but if that is where those troops were going then I can see giving waiting until the caves are not so crowded.'
Okay, so the party intends to travel to Three Oaks to continue their delving into the past. Magnus is planning on attending the dwarves' Harvest Feast tonight in the Jarl's fastness. Will the group be waiting for him to return and leave the following day? If so, I'll jump ahead. Otherwise, is there anything you'd like to do before leaving?
Diplomacy (if needed):
Three Oaks it is. Brodgar will make a brief excursion to buy a light crossbow and some bolts, if he can, having been reminded of how important a ranged weapon can be. Apart from that he's ready to head out.
I'll update inventory after acquiring that is confirmed.
He says that the group that set out is apparently heading for the caves last known to be used by the Nocturne. If they find nothing there, they are checking out two other known caves, and then reoccupying a watchpost in the mountains, where they will be setting up the ballista to take down any of the gnomelings' great bats, should they be seen.
You find that the young dwarves make mention of soldiers sent out to root out bandits and rebels, but they know little about exact locations or troop strengths. The only thing you get of certainty is that another group will leave tomorrow after the feast, led by Captain Morgrim. He tends to be a scary figure, with a scarred face and angry demeanor.
Surprisingly, the Jarl himself is not in attendance. The festivities are overseen by his wife, Agna. Apparently, the Jarl is off at a Moot, a meeting of the Jarls. Thane Ironfist and his son are in attendance, and Grundar spends some small amount of time speaking with you. When you turn the conversation to the politics of the Marches, you find your sentiment of self-governance of the humans to be received with skepticism, if not outright contempt. The prevailing view is that the humans are prone to rash behavior, not to mention open rebellion, and that it is best to keep them under control as best as possible. The Thane points out that Speaker Chandler is a fine example of what humanity can rise to when they cooperate with dwarven authority.
Your attempt to slip away unnoticed from the festivities is successful. However, you are unable to uncover any documents of real interest before being intercepted by a helpful guard who helps the lost guest back to the feast.
Magnus returns from the feast, uncertain as to whether or not he has planted the seeds of change, but he must move on.
" I was not able to find much information, but the dwarven troops are seeking out rebels and bandits in force lately. The next patrol leaves in the morning, led by Captain Morgrim . I fear that this may be the beginnings of a crackdown on human freedom. Perhaps we should delay our departure until we know the quarry of this group. We may need to protect some freedom-fighters. I am open to leaving for Three Oaks as well. The decision belongs to the group. "
Jinjer grunts and turns to Magnus, speakly quietly in the Gnome tongue.
For Magnus
After a few seconds, she turns back around to face her companions, her arms across her chest. "I'm still in for Three Oaks. What can we do against a bunch of Dwarves hell-bent on rounding up troublemakers...except to not be among those causing trouble?"
"Trouble would find us," Stilgar would say, having spent the length of the day tending to the chapel, "regardless of whether we're the ones who caused it. I'm hesitant to leave the humans here under Morgrim's watch... they are good people, but if what Magnus says is true, then this patrol won't be interested in truth."
In the Morning, Magnus will eat breakfast with Willem's family.
" These are troubled times. I am glad that you have been reunited, but there may be greater concerns. I fear that your village may be besieged. You are on the edge of town and you may have a chance. Keep alert and if things get tough, you must be ready to leave at a moment's notice. Tell no-one where you are going. Tell no one that you are going. I will find you soon enough. Keep together, keep safe. "
"Hmmmm... I was planning on turning this newfound coin into a night of debauchery and a new shirt but if our first world friend is correct I think that shopping can wait until Three oaks. It is time to follow the wind, I think."
Gaius will make arrangements to store the extra food, clothes, and snowshoes at the flail until they return. Unless of course it is closer to winter that I think it is.
How much is the stage to Three Oaks?
The trip to Three Oaks will take two days, unless the party wishes to force march, in which case you'll be able to make it in one. (No stagecoach, I'm afraid; you'll be hoofing it.)
Knowledge(nature):
Jinjer says the signs point to early snowfall. Taking warm clothes is a must. As for the snowshoes, it might depend on how long you stay.
The Albright family (Willem's folks) are happy to receive the warning. However, it would seem likely that unless Morgrim has information that leads him to the villagers, he'll be going abroad into the foothills, where it is said that the bandits and rebels hide. Still, best that the folk of Dunshale be on their guard.
Gaius is unable to locate the mysterious trio. They seem to have simply faded away, with no one he speaks to able to ascertain just how and when they made their departure.
Stilgar nods as the others speak their pieces. While reluctant to abandon his post at the chapel, he agrees that it is best that they head to Three Oaks as soon as possible. Too many of the mysteries converged there to ignore.
"Perhaps I should have a little more faith in my own people," he had said with a humorless chuckle, "I can only pray that they hold onto reason while we are gone."
The cleric would suggest that they get to Three Oaks as quickly as possible.
Your group gathers up its gear and sets out for Three Oaks, one of the larger settlements in the Jarldom. The road sets out east, bridging the river and circling north around the fastness peak. Then it meanders in a more or less easterly direction, through freshly harvested fields, past herds of sheep and cattle, and by orderly orchard rows, now emptied of fruit and nuts.
As the sky burns rose and orange and the sun dips down between the western peaks, the party comes upon a two story building with a palisade enclosing a yard in front of it. Lights burn in the roadhouse's shuttered windows, but otherwise all is quiet. The gates of the yard stand open, a sign sporting three downward pointing swords hangs from a post over the entryway.
K(nobility, local, or religion)
" Well, I would say this likes as good a place as any to retire for the night. Shall we share rooms? "