Shattered Star

Game Master Zesdead

"Well, we're actually looking for a man by the name of Elias Kyle and it's possible that he might have passed this way at some point. He has red hair and usually looks as though he's just rolled out of bed," Briana replies as the last of them step off of the ferryboat. "He was expected back in Magnimar some time ago and never arrived, so we've been hired to retrace his steps to try and find him. I don't suppose you've seen him or had any other strangers come through recently, have you?"

”Yeah, I remember him – ain’t been all that many folk coming ‘round these parts since before summer… went on upriver with a load of other fusty city folks ‘bout two months back. Never caught his name but that’s got ter be him I’d say. Sorry to say miss, and I’d know being the ferry man an’ all, he ain’t crossed back over the river… So’ less he’s found some other route, I’d say he’s got himself in trouble… Like I said before, it’s dangerous between here and the Stairs, one wrong step and city folk like yourselves and yer Mr Kyle can easily end up being the smartest dressed food on a trolls’ dinner menu.”

With those cheery words, Cardzi suggests you go and ask around the village, ”Your Kyle fellow may a talked to some o’ the village folks I guess – maybe they’ll be able ter hep you” and bids you farewell.

"Thank-you for your help, Mr. Cardzi. And another thanks for all your work assisting travelers on their journeys. May the Starsong smile upon you!"

Joining her friends waiting on the far bank, she mutters, "Cheery fellow, that ferryman..."

As she rides through the village with her friends, Zee surveys the surroundings. She takes a particular interest in the derelict church as they pass.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Leaving the ferry behind and leading the horses by the reins, the group take the dirt path that leads up a short slope towards a collection of buildongs circled around the ruined church. The steeple towers above the nearby buildings although, with the midday sun high in the sky, it doesn't cast any shadow... The roof of the church has collapsed in upon itself in several places yet the spire is still fully intact - and providing a roosting spot for at least three crows that you can see.

A number of raggedy chickens, running free, tell of the self-sufficiency required of a place like Ravenmoor - and are the only sign of life outside of the village square that you appear to be walking towards.

The first pair of buildings that you arrive at flank the path - the one on the left is a simple, an apparently unoccupied, residence whilst to the right, a sign hanging outside the building advertises 'Weaving Supplies, Clothing and Repairs' - the door to the weavers is currently closed with a sign stating 'shut'. Moving past, you arrive into the village square and instantly feel the gaze of villagefolk upon you...

Lined up, along a number of benches beneath an overhanging roof of the Village 'Physic', nine or ten elderly folk look up from their card games, from their books or stir from their snoozes - and watch the 'strangers' arrive. Not one makes an effort to greet you... And to the far side of the square, a sign hanging on a building neighbouring a large barn, announces the presence of the 'Trading Post and Smithy' - sat outside on a verandah, a strikingly beautiful woman, wearing a necklace of fresh flowers whilst repairing a brightly coloured dress looks up and, in contrast to the other folk, smiles towards the new arrivals.

Somewhere beyond the Trading Post, you can hear Ornigaard's voice.

Close up to the church, the true extent of the damage becomes clear - it is derelict and probably has been for many years, the roof is half gone, there are holes in a number of walls and the door to the building has weeds clogged around it.

Ravenmoor Map
B - Ferry
C - Weavers
D - Physic
E - Trading Post
F - Church

Despite being greeted with a smile by the woman seamstress Briana can't help but shift uncomfortably underneath the piercing stares of the other villagers, though a part of her had expected a reception like this.

Remember, strangers are rare here. The elderly will probably be reserved and to the young ones, we'll likely be a source of curiosity.

For lack of anything better to do she simply smiles and waves at their audience on the benches, then at the woman working on her dress. "Well, we seem to have everyone's attention. Where should we go from here?" she murmurs quietly to the others. "That woman over there might be willing to speak with us, or we could try speaking to Ornigaard's father," she adds, gazing around. As she does, she frowns with puzzlement at the deplorable state of the church.

That's strange...unusual practices or not, why have they let the building fall into such a state?

Joanna takes in a deep breath and steels herself as they near the church. The state it is in makes her feel more ill at ease, but she had learned that a smile and a cheerful voice could go a long way to making people more friendly.

"Let's try the seamstress first," she whispers back ot Briana before leading her horse over to the young woman.

"I beg your pardon, miss, but could you tell us if you've seen a man come this way with wild red hair? His name was Elias Kyle, and we are hoping to learn of his fate during his trip to and from the Storval Plateau."

While Jo is talking, Teldon retrieves the drawing of Elias he got from Kryzosiak and shows it to the seemstress to jog her memory.

Arsith takes the time to check on the church, trying to find indications of the god it was dedicated too

Not sure if you want some Perception or Know-Religion, but I'd take 20 (total 27 for Perception, 25 for Religion)

With a second look, now that she is closer, Arsith is easily able to tell that the church is dedicated to the worship of Desna - although it is probably more accurate to say, 'was dedicated to' - the building has clearly been abandoned for many years. The bell that should be visible in the tower is no longer there, the furniture that should decorate the building is gone and, even without pushing the weed-choked door open, it is possible to see that the only feature of note is a single crude idol of Desna, more akin to a gourd-faced and straw-stuffed scarecrow than a proper statue, sagging against the pulpit wall.

Arsith's close attention to the church has not gone unnoticed by the villagers sat beneath the porch of the Physic...she receives several disapproving looks as the folk grumble amongst themselves.

The girl working on the dress smiles broadly as the group approaches and, again in stark contrast to the villagefolk, even gets up and curtsies as you lead your horses to the trading post. "Good day to you... you're here for the Founder's festival? I had not thought that news of our celebrations had gone beyond the village but I am sure you shall be made very welcome". Then, as Joanna asks her questions about Elias Kyle, "Oh, so you're not here for the festival? Well I'm sure you must come along anyway - it will be a fine affair. Now, let me see...", she takes a look at the picture proffered by Teldon, "Oh yes! I remember him, he came through with a load of explorers some months back...he was real nice but he did get terribly drunk at the feast - taught some of the kids some real naughty songs", she sniggers, "Some of the parents weren't best pleased. I heard a rumour he was back in town 'bout a month back but I never saw him."

She is interrupted by a voice from within the building, "Say, who yer talking to Shel?"

As she replies saying 'folks from out if town', a bald and muscular man appears at the doorway. He looks the group up and down, before, fixing a steely glare upon Teldon, saying "Shel, go inside and finish yer chores...yer got a big night ahead of yer". The girl looks to protest but then thinks better of it and, with an apologetic smile, heads indoors.

"Now... What can I do for you folks? You lookin' to buy something?"

"Well, we really didn't bring anything festive to wear," Joanna says with a weak smile before clearing her throat as she looks down, "Actually, we are looking for a man with wild red hair named Elias Kyle. He was supposed to have arrived in Magnimar some time ago, but has gone missing. We were sent out to learn of his fate. Would you know if he had made his way back here?"

know:history (take 10): 10 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ 10 + 10 + (6) = 26
do I know what day is actually Founder's Day?

Teldon shows the likeness of Elias to Shel's father as well. After he has a chance to respond to Jo's inquiry, Teldon asks, "You don't open up the church for Founder's Day? It seems like it would naturally be a part of celebrating Priestess Kriegler?"

Teldon - you haven't previously heard of the Founder's Festival... So far as you can remember, there is nothing about such an event in any of the historical books about the colonisation and growth of Varisia.

Shel's father takes a look at the picture, "Yeah, I remember him...came through the village a few months back - 'bout the time of the festival in Desnus actually. Him and the rest of those tomb robbers stayed a night or so then upped-sticks and headed upriver. What d'ya want with him anyway? Thing is, Lame Jimmy from the Klodz farm reckoned he saw him a couple o' weeks back but I ain't seen 'im... Ya don't go believing what Jimmy says anyhows, poor lad got 'imself bit by a snake last spring, he ain't bin right since"

Swatting a fly away from his face, the man replies to Teldon's question about the church, "We do things diff'rent 'round here mister, we don’t need a building as proof of our faith, the stones be a sight better place fer worship than a building, sinct’ ye can see the stars.”

As the girl, 'Shel', is shooed off by what must be her father, Briana gives her a rueful smile as if to say 'Parents, yes? But they mean well.' She then turns her attention back to the conversation between the man, Teldon, and Joanna.

"That...does make sense," she admits to the point about seeing the stars. "We meant no offense, we're just...unused to some of the different ways that things are done out here. I'm sure some of our customs would seem strange to you if you were to visit Magnimar, Sandpoint, or Galduria, right?" She then gives Teldon a quizzical look. "Who is Priestess Kriegler?"

"She was the founder of Ravenmoor and, if the reports are correct, saved it from a plague early on in its history," Teldon answers Briana, with a smile and a lingering gaze.

Strange.... why are these people offended because I visited the church? I don't think they would give me an answer.. Maybe I should try all the same.

Arsith walks to the disgruntled folks, and try to get them in a better mood.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean ill by having a closer look at your old church. Maybe only people from yor town are allowed to go in? My prayers go to Pharasma, but I just wanted to pay hommage to the god worshipped here..

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 Duh.

Zee joins Arsith in investigating the church. When it becomes apparent that it's an abandoned church of Desna, she grasps her holy symbol and kisses it, then lets it hang obviously outside of her dress. Turning to Arsith, she remarks I a low voice, "Desnan faith is very Ok and varied. However, there is a difference between having unorthodox beliefs and abandoning one's faith. I have a bad feeling about this." She scowls at the crude idol, then rejoins her friends.

Has Zee heard tale of any Desnan worship like this?

Know (religion): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Posted from phone. Supposed to be "...old and varied..."

"Ohh, okay," Briana nods in response to Teldon's brief history lesson. "I probably should have known that, but history was never a favorite subject of mine," she continues, looking a trifle embarrassed. "My mind would always wander to other things, for some reason."

She watches with curiosity as both Arsith and Zee venture closer to the old church. "I suppose I'm just surprised that the building wasn't put to some other use if the townspeople moved to conducting their worship outside under the stars," she murmurs, not really addressing anyone in particular. She then gives a shake of her head and turns her gaze back to the man as Arsith and Zee make their way back towards the rest of the group. "You mention tomb robbing, Mister...?" Briana queries. "What makes you think that Mr. Kyle was out robbing tombs?"

Joanna let's Brianna take over the questions, but stays close, her eyes roaming the townsfolk she could see as she muttered a prayer under her breath.

Detect evil on those close enough. Not likely to get anything, but I figured it couldn't hurt.

she doesn't appreciate history... Teldon reflects with the faintest hint of a frown well, I suppose nobody is completely perfect... and I always opted out of those watercolor lessons... Perhaps it's for the best that we're different; two different perspectives, and two different sets of skills, is certainly an advantage over just one...

Teldon smiles softly as he finally manages to look away from the beautiful young noblewoman he wants so badly to kiss. He listens attentively to the answer Shel's father gives to Briana then quietly suggests to the girls "Perhaps we should go hear Lame Jimmy's tale?"

While passing the trading post he ducks inside for a moment to take stock of what wares are available and (if possible) to purchase 20 sheets of parchment and 2 charcoal sticks, which he stowes in his pack before exiting.

Teldon and Briana

Shel's father corroborates Teldon's statement to Briana, "Course, I wouldn't go saying she founded the old place - more that, when our forefathers stood on the precipice, Priestess Kriegler, saved us... Her faith was strong and that's why the songs we sing beneath the stars are for Desna alone. Course, her ancestors still live here - in fact, Mayor Kriegler an' his brother are direct descendants of the woman who saved our village", scratching at a bandage around his wrist, he makes a suggestion, "Say, if anyone knows anything 'bout your Mr Kyle, it'll be Mayor Kriegler - you should head up to his house before the feast"

As he looks around for the items Teldon requires, he responds to Briana's question, "The name's Lupescu Miss, Saul Lupescu... Look, I don't wanna offend anyone - I don't know what you folks are to him... but that group of folks heading up onto the plateau - seems to me they were looking to plunder places that were best left undisturbed if you catch my drift? No good ever came from digging around in the domain of the dead. Wouldn't surprise me if Mr Kyle got 'imself cursed"

Looking around in the trading post, it is poorly stocked... the items that are here are generally agricultural tools or local produce... But the shopkeeper does manage to find parchment and charcoal in a dusty box on a high shelf.

As Teldon pays, Shel's father tells him that Lame Jimmy's place is north of the village, "'bout half mile along the Lampblack... Just stay on the path, the marsh will swallow you whole if you let it"

Ziomarra, Joanna and Arsith

Ziomarra - It certainly isn't unheard of for the Desnan faith to worship beneath the stars - indeed, of all of the faiths, it would be fair to say that Desna has the fewest temples - her followers typically pray at roadside shrines, at crossroads and other places that resonate with their goddess' love of travel, self-discovery and exploration. However, for a place to have a church and to let it fall into disrepair, that certainly seems unusual.

Joanna - Surreptitiously looking for signs, there are no evil auras to be seen amongst the villagefolk...

As Ziomarra's symbol of faith hangs visibly around her neck, the villagefolk beneath the porch of the Physic visibly relax - walking towards them, you notice that, on their rather plain and functional clothing, each of them is wearing a small woven effigy of a butterfly winged figure upon their lapel. An elderly man gingerly gets to his feet to greet Ziomarra, "Welcome to Ravenmoor friend... You have travelled far? I see you are a fellow follower of the Dream Tender... Pray, have you come to attend our festival? We have not entertained an outsider since...oh, I guess the Desnus festival when those folks came through"

The woman who had been seated next to the man puts down the fan she had been cooling herself with, not that it is particularly warm, as she replies to Arsith, "We carry the love of the Dream Tender in our hearts, and our dreams are our prayers — we don’t need a building to worship in when the town and the world around it are our temple. The stones, that's where we sing our songs priestess... Seems that they're much closer to the stars than bein' in some building"

A few of the folk, one of whom has bandages around his eyes and is absent-mindedly stroking a stirge that has it's head laid across his lap, are still half-listening into your conversation whilst the others have already gone back to bemoaning the weather - the primary concern being whether it's going to rain on yet another of the village's feasts...

a feast... interesting...

"Thank you, Mister Lupescu," Teldon says on his way out, "for your wares and your wisdom. Pardon my ignorance but is the feast open to all who wish to join the celebration or is it by invitation only?"

"Briana Kaddren," she replies to Saul. "This is Teldon and the others are Ziomarra, Joanna, Arsith, and Nalathi," she continues as she gestures to Teldon and then to the others over where they seem to be speaking with some of the locals. "As to what we are to Mr. Kyle, we're merely the ones that have been sent to find him. Whatever business he might have had out this way isn't known to us...though I do hope he didn't cause any trouble while he was here!"

As Teldon finishes taking stock of the wares offered at the trading post, she smiles appreciatively at Mister Lupescu as she makes to leave as well. "Yes, thank you very much! I'm not sure how long we'll be here in Ravenmoor but if you think of anything else that might be useful, we would greatly appreciate it if you would let us know. As far as finding us goes, I expect that won't be too difficult to do...we do stand out a bit," she chuckles. As she turns to go, Teldon's inquiry about the nature of the feast causes her to pause as she turns to give him a slightly puzzled look.

Hum, I didn't think Teldon would be interested in attending the feast. He's usually always so focused on the task at hand...unless he thinks we might learn more if we're allowed to attend?

As they leave the shop together, Teldon leans in close to Briana and softly whispers to her in a beautiful, otherworldly tongue...

Though the words Teldon whispers to her are about as far removed from sweet nothings as possible, she still can't help but shiver with excitement at his close proximity, an excitement that she struggles to put aside in the face of more pressing concerns. As she listens, the puzzlement on her face deepens, only to be replaced with a look of worry. "Ես չէի նույնիսկ նկատել գլանափաթեթ," she whispers in return. "Այնպես որ, կարծում եք, որ միգուցե այդ գլանափաթեթ արդյունք է պայքարի մի տեսակ? Որ գուցե այդ մարդիկ ինչ - որ բան է պարոն Kyle? Բայց ինչու? Նրանք չեն վարվել, քանի որ եթե նա պատճառել որեւէ դժվարության, երբ նա այստեղ էր."

On the verandah, the shopkeeper says farewell to Teldon, "The feast is open to all...although we don't often get strangers here on the day of the festival. They'll be setting up on the Festival Grounds now although it'll be a good few hours until things'll be ready. My Shel's gonna be one of the girls vying to be Festival Queen - you've met her, she's the jewel of this village", Lupesco puffs his chest proudly and marches back indoors.

Teldon's pulse quickens as Briana's warm breath spreads across his cheek and neck. He hesitates for a moment as a series of entirely different scenarios begins to play out in his mind... He quickly forces his mind back to the task at hand and continues to whisper...

"Ես երբեք չեմ մտածել, ես կասեի, բայց ես հույս ունեմ, որ դու սխալ," she whispers back, her tone unusually somber as she throws a quick glance back over her shoulder to make sure that Lupescu wasn't listening. "Քանի որ, եթե դու ճիշտ է, ապա մեր խնդիրն այստեղ պարզապես ստացել է շատ ավելի դժվար է...ու վտանգավոր."

"That sounds like a good idea," she continues, switching back to Common. "It sounds as if we should also speak with this Mayor Kriegler, though having all of us together for that would be best I think. I'm sure that the feast will also be a good opportunity to mingle with the townsfolk and learn more." Despite the unusual and somewhat sinister turn events had taken since arriving in the small village, the young woman can't help but be curious as well as a little excited at the thought of attending a rustic feast.

Maybe we can even enjoy ourselves a little while we're here...

That's a strange town indeed...Maybe Ziomarra will be able to get more informations, as she share their faith.

The white haired woman answers
I would enjoy to watch your festival. You should never turn your eyes from a thing of peace and beauty.

"Yes, yes... You must come along to the feast, there'll be food, games, song - and they'll be choosing the festival queen", the woman smiles at Arsith, "You've got a few hours 'til the fesitval - why don't you go and take a look at our village stones while you wait? You could see where we sing our songs to the Wings of the Stars - maybe then you'll understand why we have no need for a church".

Whilst you talk, a small group of children run through the village square, shrieking with laughter and headed towards the house - just beyond the smithy - where Ornigaard said he lives. Mere moments later, a slightly older child runs through after them, sackcloth wrapped around his head and shouting after his friends, "Old Man Wrinkles is comn' for yer!!!"

After the children have run away, Arsith says seriously and quietly to Joanna and Ziomarra

I don't know why, I have a bad feeling about this...Let's be cautious.

"I do too," Joanna says, showing Arsith and Ziomarra a worried frown.

By the time the chikdren have run through the square, the elderly folk have gone back to mumbling amongst themselves about the weather, the harvest, the festival and, predictably, the 'youth of today'... Any excitement or interest in the 'Strangers' having dissipated very quickly...

Somewhere beyond the smithy, you can hear an adult voice scolding a miscreant child, "I told yer before Zachary, you ain't to go filling the little uns' heads with stories of Old Man Wrinkles nor the Water Wolf nor any of the other stuff... Yer hearing me? Nights are growin' longer now and the last thing me and yer mother want is for your brothers and sisters to be stayin' up all night afeart' to go to sleep"...

...and somewhere beyond the scolding, you can hear people whistling and singing a gentle melody...

What are you folks up to? Any more interaction with the old folks in the square? Go and check out the Stones? Or more investigation of the church? Introduce yourself to Mayor Kriegler? Go and find Lame Jimmy? Or check out what is happening to the north of the square - whistling / singing and / or the scolding from Zachary's father?

Lots of options here folks... Decide how you are going to move your investigations forwards

Maybe we should ask this Zachary boy about the "Old Man Wrinkles", to see if that rings a bell in our brains? Maybe it's just a local legend, a tale to frighten children into obeissance, but maybe it's something more darker we could recognise, a true, real monster using dark fairy tales as a cover... I'm not that good with children, unfortunatly. I find strange and odd that a place dedicated to Desna now calls on a nightmarish creature. But I'm not a follower of the Dreamer like you, Ziomarra, so I may be totally wrong on my assumptions.

Arsith tries to find something related to Old Man Wrinkles in the holy stories she knows
Know Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Arsith – in all of your travels, you have never heard of the name ‘Old Man Wrinkles’ being used to describe anything or anyone.

Everyone else cool with heading after the children and discussing with Zachary and / or the adult scolding him?

As Briana and Teldon exit the trading post, she spots the others standing in something of a huddle nearby, looking both uncomfortable and slightly worried. "Well according to the proprietor of the trading post, Mr. Lupescu, it sounds as though Mr. Kyle hasn't been seen here since sometime in Desnus, though his daughter mentioned she had heard a rumor that he was here again roughly a month ago. Of course she didn't actually see him, so take it with a grain of salt," she informs the others once they've regrouped.

She listens with curiosity as Arsith suggests finding out more about the local legend of 'Old Man Wrinkles'. "Well..." she says slowly, "I suppose it couldn't hurt, though Mr. Lupescu did suggest that we speak to a Mayor Kriegler if we wanted to know more about Mr. Kyle's visit here. He also mentioned a Lame Jimmy who claimed to have seen Mr. Kyle a few weeks ago, so speaking to him might be a good idea too."

Though Briana wanted to see if the rest of her companions felt the strange sense of unease that she and Teldon had felt, she knew that out in the open of the village commons wasn't the time or place to discuss it.

Hopefully we will be able to find a private place to talk and compare notes, and soon.

I'm good with checking out 'Old Man Wrinkles' first if everyone else is, hehe. Probably a good idea to keep in mind that with Nalathi busy IRL and all the vacations happening/going to happen (Teldon & Arsith), the game will probably slow for the next few weeks, too.

"I think it's worth following up with Lame Jimmy, but I've never heard of 'Old Man Wrinkles' and a few minutes spent speaking with the children won't likely have any impact on our ability to track down and hear from him... Lead on Arsith."

Arsith is startled by Teldon's words

He didn't even listened to me... I just said I had no talent with children..

Then she looks at Briana
Well, how could I blame him? He's in his own little world, and only Briana exists for him. THat's what love do to you. That's what love did to me and my beloved Lenore.

Smiling, she answers
I'll do my best, Teldon. But don't expect too much of me.

She goes to Zachary's house, and politely knocks at the door.

Teldon seems more relaxed...before, I'm not sure he would have had the patience to be willing to go speak to a child about fairy tales and boogeymen. Not that I'm complaining, as it means we're less likely to quarrel as a group over these things, but I wonder what changed?

"Don't worry Arsith, we're all here with you. I don't know that I'm very good at speaking with children either, though..." her voice trails off as she glances over at Nalathi, who had been unusually quiet since arriving in the village.

Nalathi sometimes seems a child herself, so he might respond better to her...but she hasn't seemed herself lately and trying to force her to speak if she isn't feeling well wouldn't be a good idea. I hope nothing serious is wrong...

"But I'll help as best as I can," she finishes aloud, offering the white-haired woman a smile. "It was...'Old Man Wrinkles', you said? I'm not sure if I've ever heard of him or not," she furrows her brow, thinking as they follow Arsith to Zachary's house and wait patiently as she knocks on the door.

Kn. Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Kn. Nature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Kn. Planes: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Kn. Religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Yes, Briana is a bit oblivious at times...it genuinely does not occur to her that perhaps she's having a positive effect on Teldon or anyone else unless someone mentions it to her, hehe.

Briana is definitely having a positive impact on Teldon, though in this particular case...

Hmm... 'Old Man Wrinkles'... that sounds menacing... these folktales usually have some basis in reality, like that water-wolf from a malformed cow; I wonder if there's some manner of malevolent fey or lesser fiend... perhaps some loose-skinned undead... that occasionally haunts this place...

Picking up on Briana's reassurances to Arsith, Teldon adds, "Oh, I didn't mean you'd have to do all the talking... I just didn't know which child it was and needed you to lead us to the appropriate one..."

of course, it could just have easily come from a wrinkled old man with a nasty temper...

"Children always seem to be attracted to scary stories. I don't think this is any different here. I've never heard about 'Old Man Wtinkles,' but then again, no one in Kaer Maga had heard tale of The Sandpoint Devil... a legendary creature well-known on the Lost Coast."

After a pause, she lowers her voice and adds, "There is something off about the townsfolk's reverence of Desna. They're using honorifics I have not encountered before. It's not unusual to worship the Song of the Spheres outdoors at night, but it's very odd to let a perfectly good Desnan church to fall to ruin. And that idol of Desna in the ruined church gave me a bad feeling."

She brightens, and says in her usual voice, "After we meet this child, perhaps we should introduce ourselves to Mayor Kriegler."

I remember a woman told me earlier about some "Village stones" where they pray to Desna, we should check these too after we talk with the child-if we're allowed to speak to him...

When Zachary's father answers the door Teldon engages him in diplomatic discourse with the intention of making him more favorably disposed toward the party before asking if they might hear more from the boy about this particular tale... assist, anyone?

diplomacy (take 10): 10 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ 10 + 8 + (2) = 20 so, 22 if i do get an assist

Talking between yourselves, none of you have previously heard Tales of 'Old Man Wrinkles'...

Leaving the old folks to their ailments and musings, the party trudge along the dirt track that leads north from the village 'square', past the smithy / trading post and towards the sound of the scolding. Although the raised voices are now subdued, it is still easy to deduce which of the small houses is the residence of Zachary... Walking up a well-tended path, you arrive at a blue-painted door with a cast-iron knocker in the shape of a wheat-sheaf. The noise from the knocker, as Arsith raps it against the door, is sharp and loud... and the voices within the house immediately stop their discussion...

...as you listen to footsteps approaching, the adult voice calls back to a protesting child's voice, "Is this the mayor come to tell me of your latest misdemeanour Zachary?"

The door swings open and a rugged - yet handsome - man stands before you. He looks at you for a moment with a quizzical look on his face before a broad smile sweeps over him, "Say, you must be the folks who helped Ornigaard rescue ol' Applesauce? He tells me that you managed to catch the little varmint before it gone and flew 'cross the river - he's terrible sorry for putting you folks out".

He thrusts out a hand of friendship, "The name's Viorec an' I get the pleasure of being Ornigaard's father...him plus four other littl' critters. Anyways, what can I do for yer?"

When Teldon asks if he may speak to Zachary, Viorec casts a vaguely disappointed look at the tall lad sat in the corner and nods at him, "That there's my eldest...Zachary. I hope he ain't been up to no mischief against you folks?"

The lad comes and stands next to his father, "I ain't done nothin' to them Father...I promise", closer to the natural light in the doorway, you can see the family likeness on the boy - he too is notably handsome. With pleading eyes, he looks at the strangers, ready to answer questions...

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

"Any mischief wasn't his fault. I don't think any of us expected to see a stirge as a pet, so that was a bit of a surprise," Joanna says, making a point to not mention that it was also draining her horse of blood.

Sense motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Arsith didn't knew how to engage the conversation and bring the topic of "Old man wrinkles" on the table, so to speak. She is totally unaffected by the man's good looks.

Nice to meet you, mister Viorec. We assure your boy caused us no trouble, and we were happy to help him finding his pet. My friend Teldon here is an avid collector of little known facts and unusual stories, so we'd just like to hear your son's tales about this Old Man Wrinkles", as he seems to be quite knowledgeable on the subject. Out of hearshot of your other children, of course.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 ...Nope.

With a broad smile (and her silver butterfly pendant hanging over her scarves), Zee adds, "Your Ornigaard seems like a very nice young man! It was a pleasure to meet him, and I'm glad we could help him corral his pet. I will say that we were a bit surprised to see a stirge kept as a pet, but thankfully we assessed the situation correctly. I had to use a bit of magic on Applesauce so we could easily catch him, but I assure you the spell did not harm him or will cause any lasting effects. I've only ever thought of stirges as dangerous pests... It's fascinating that you folk have figured out how to domesticate them!"

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Viorec," Briana smiles as she shakes his hand. "I'm Briana. Like my friends have mentioned, it was quite a surprise to see a stirge kept as a pet, but I'm glad that we were able to get control of the situation before things got too far out of hand."

She then turns to Zachary and offers him a smile as well. "Arsith is right. Even though we're in town on other business, our friend Teldon here can't resist a good story and so we thought we would drop by and hear the tale of Old Man Wrinkles...if you would be willing to share it?"

Sense Motive (Untrained): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14 Close but no cigar!

Diplomacy (Aid Another): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Sense Motive (take 10): 10 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ 10 + 8 + (1) = 19

Sensing the boy's nervousness Teldon thinks for a moment then adds, "Indeed, I would like to hear the boy's tale, but as Arsith said it would be best to do it alone, lest he be tempted to omit details for their sake, or to over-embellish to show off for them."