Arindale leans over to Braden and Maegge, Finally, a reaction out of Glorf...I was beginning to think we had a Golem in our ranks!
You tell im' Glorf.
With that Arindale magically fills his cup hanging from his waist with Ale, takes a deep pull, and waits for the fireworks to start with a large Grin on his face.
As the others turn to leave, Ranim offers gratitude focusing on the moment. "We thank you for this opportunity, Master Rufus, Mayor. We assure you what we wish to say is most important."
As they leave, and Glorfin scolds Tybek, Ranim quickly interrupts before Tybek can offer a retort. "If we are to convince the council of anything, perhaps we should quickly discuss our roles. There is little difference between a speech and a performance. Let us decide what we wish to say and convince the council of first and find the best way to relate this to them. While we are all with good intentions...," Ranim looks to Tybek as she says this, "...it seems we have to be cautious with our chosen performance."
"I have the patience of stone kinsman... but you are trying it most dearly"
"Aye but Ahh'm tellin the truth and they dannae believe me! They're callin me a villain! . . . "
As Glorfin speaks to Tybek with solemn ferocity, Tybek holds his tongue, but he is still clearly upset and defensive. Finally, when Glorfin releases him, the grumpy clockmaker trudges off to let the others speak for him.
"You tell im' Glorf."
Overhearing his friend's words, Tybek looks back to give Arin a dirty look, and then he keeps walking with his head down. He goes and sits down under a tree and pulls out his pocketwatch to gaze upon and reflect on his own childhood and how he got to be where he is today.
Never one to let an opportunity like this slip him by, the dense man walks over, Somethin' wrong? Here drink this and tell me your troubles...
hands Ty another full mug.
"Somethin' wrong? Here drink this and tell me your troubles... "
"Somethin wrong?!! Somethin wrong?!! Am Ahhh hearin richt?!! Ahh just saw yae given Glorfin yer full support which tells me loud and clair what side of the fence yer sittin on. Ahh ken when somebody wants anither tae shut their trap and yae've made that pretty clear. Ahh admit, yer offer o' beer is a gud start tae makin amends, but Ahh'm still nae pleased wid the situation. Ahh just dannae like be accused o' bein a thief and although Glorfin is nae accusin me, he wants tae curb me frae expression mae opinions on the matter. Ahh suppose Ahh cannae help maeself when Ahh get on the defensive. Ahh jist dannae like the idea that Ahh could end up back behind the bars fer something Ahh didnae dae. Ahh cannae stand injustice yae ken, especially when something wasnae mae fault! Well, mebbae several mair pints mae help me tae feel better."
Tybek takes the mug of ale and gulps it down loudly as foam and ale spills over the top of the mug and down his beard. After finishing the pint, he slams down his tankard and declares. "Well, that was much better! Dae yae hae anither one tae help me drown oot mae sorrows?"
The big man looks at the Dwarf confused, Of course I was cheering him on, that was the first emotion that I have ever seen him show. It means he is warming up to the group. I wasn't really paying attention to what he was saying though.
Was he yelling at you? Sometimes you do come across a bit...agressive.
he gives Ty a winning smile then points his fingers at the cup and a frothy mixture fills it to the rim...[b]That should ease your troubles.
"Of course I was cheering him on, that was the first emotion that I have ever seen him show. It means he is warming up to the group. I wasn't really paying attention to what he was saying though."
"Ahh, Arindale. Yae dannae ken what yae're even sayin!" Tybek sighes and then a smile comes to his face under his bushy beard. "You may be a simple soul, but yae are a gud friend, Arin! Sae yae think Ahhm a wee bit agressive? It must be mae passion fer life yer noticin."
He gives Ty a winning smile then points his fingers at the cup and a frothy mixture fills it to the rim..."That should ease your troubles."
"Aye, yer a gud soul, Arindale. Let's drink tae yer health!"
Tybek raises his tankard and with a grin on his face guzzles down another pint.
Maegge goes to find Jaroo to hear about what happened at the Moathouse in anticipation of the plot advance.
Braden follows Maegge to check on his faithful mount.
Tybek drinks with Arin for a while and then goes back to the Welcome Wench.
While Arindale and Tybek head back to the Inn, the hobbits head to Jaroo's grove. When they arrive, he is not there. A moment later a large man with soot on his face arrives wiping his hands on his pants and wearing a heavy apron with multiple scorch marks on it.
Good afternoon. Are you the adventurers with the dog? Jaroo said you might be stopping by.
Assuming you say who you are the large man offers a hand:
I am Brother Smyth. I help Jaroo in the grove, but most of my time is spent working the forge. You got a fine puppy there. Looked like it took a nasty bite from some disease ridden rat. Anyway, the dog seems to be much better today.
Brother Smyth then lets out a whistle and a few seconds later, the big dog comes bounding up the path looking much healthier than yesterday.
Brother Smyth then looks at you: If there is anything else I can do, please let me know. Otherwise I must get back to work. The Mayor's favorite horse threw a shoe yesterday and the brewer needs some straps for the barrels for his next brew.
Brother Smyth leans in: He says it is a special brew using raspberry.
He then steps back, smiles and heads back to his shop and forge across the street.
_______________
After the disagreement and having to shush Tybek several times, the usually solem Glorfin heads out and finds a big rock next to the river where he takes a seat. While he is sitting there, he has a feeling as though something is wrong in the world. Not the same sense of a great evil as brought him to Taldor and thence to Hommlet, but more a sense of loss as though someone close is gravely ill or in great danger.
This feeling brings a feeling of uncertainty to the angelic dwarf. Ogoun brought me here and I have found that there is a great evil, a great disturbance in all that is natural. But, now, something else calls me. Is it Ogoun directing me elsewhere? Or is it a desire to return to the mountains and the stones that are the heart and soul of a dwarf?
Troubled by these thoughts as the sun begins to slowly drop below the horizon of the once again cloudless sky, Glorfin rises from the stone on which he sits and returns back to the Inn to see whether the council has arrived, or whether Tybek has gotten himself tossed out of town. Glorfin figures either is of equal probability.
Tybek looks about for a seat near the fire place where he can sit and drink without any interruptions. Upon seeing a serving wench, Tybek declares loudly, "Ahh'll hae mae usual drink. Oh and dae yae hae anything new on yer menu fer me tae eat that daesnae empty mae coin pouch?"
Since Jaroo appears to be out, Maegge looks Braden - now reunited with his faithful riding dog - and shrugs.
"Back to the Wench?"
His stomach rumbles in approval at this proposition.
Tybek takes out his pocketwatch and checks the time impatiently. "As the price goes up, the service gae doon. Daes anybody ken what service is around here?! Ahhm lookin fer something tae eat on yer menu!"
Braden nods:
"I sure am hungry too. Let us go back."
When Braden and Maegge return, Tybek calls them over to his table. "Come on o'er yae wee halflins. What hae yae been up tae? Ahh hope yer nae causin tae much trouble aboot the town." He says with a grin. "Sae what is the next step? Dae we need tae talk tae the toon tyrants, Ahh mean, leaders?!"
Ty, you and the town leaders didn't get off to the best start ye-know. Braden and Meagge, unless you two have an objection, how about you let me and Ranim do the talkin'.
I know my way around makin friends but...hmmm, what should we say though? If you tell me what to say I can say it!
The dim man says ardently.
Ranim, having returned to the inn for another performance, takes a break from between songs to sit with the others, "It seems it would depend on what we would like from them. Which is the question we should ask ourselves, what do we want from this town?" Ranim sips at her water, letting the feel soothe her vocals. "I've found it difficult to work with city officials in the past, expecting travelers to be trouble. What have we found at the moathouse thus far to be of concern?"
"Ty, you and the town leaders didn't get off to the best start ye-know. Braden and Meagge, unless you two have an objection, how about you let me and Ranim do the talkin'. "
"Ahh just dannae understand why they hae such trouble wid me. In the work district of Maheto, anyone wid the name Odeon was treated wid the highest respect and Ahh was nae exception. In fact most people thought Ahh had great charm and wit and Ahh could always get the folks tae hae a richt gud laugh! Mebbae they just cannae understand mae accent. All mae auld tricks just dannae seem tae work on these folk."
"If you tell me what to say I can say it!"
"Ahh'll tell yae what tae say! Yae tell them nae gud copper pinchin prats that we deserve a great deal mair respect than their given us an that they ought tae be given us a hefty reward fer all the gud stuff that we dae. The fact that we disrupted bandits and now a group o' fanatical cultist is a gud start tae makin this neighborhood a great deal better. In fact, Ahh bet we're already increasin the value o' their real estate by just gettin rid o' the riff raff!"
"What have we found at the moathouse thus far to be of concern?"
"The moathoose is nae much o' a concern except fer the fact that every time we gae back tae it, some bloody fiends decided it was time tae repopulate the rooms! Mebbae we should ask them tae build an inn at the moathoose sae we dannae needed tae keep comin back tae toon!"
Braden can't help but get drawn into the discussion again.
"Ty, just keep out of trouble, and the townsfolk will come around. Having bandits running around spouting doom from the fire lady is the most of what we have found. The allusions to a beautiful one that hires people that do despicable deeds is also disturbing. I just hope we can find some magic trinkets to help us out."
The party gathers in the Inn. You all notice that Glorfin appears uncomfortable as though something is concerning him more than usual. Nonetheless, those less emotionally cognizant in the party cheerfully continue to consume the local fare while waiting for the expected meeting with the town elders.
As the sun begins to drop and the locals begin to appear, you all wonder whether the elders are going to appear. Finally, Rufus appears along with the young mage, you believe his name is Burne. A few minutes later a man you have seen, but not met before appears garbed in robes with the holy symbol of Iomedae on them. He also heads back into the rear room where Tybek was caught spying a few days earlier. The priest is followed by Jaroo a few minutes later and then the village elder. Finally, another elderly gentleman you have not seen before who appears to be a farmer of some type heads into the back room.
About ten minutes later, Rufus comes out and beckons you all to join them.
Once you are in the back room, it is silent for a few moments before the man who looks like a farmer steps forward:
Good evening gentlemen. I have been asked to speak on behalf of the council. I am Harold and a lifetime resident of Hommlet. Today you brought back to this town two who you claim attacked you and your group. And one corpse. All three of these men were paying customers here in this Inn for the past week or more. Now two are being held as prisoners and the corpse waits for a decision.
So, what do you have to say about the prisoners and corpse you brought here today?
Tybek tries tae keep quiet but gets mad at the thought that he would be accused of another crime. However instead of shouting out a defensive reply, he turns to Arindale and tells him what to say.
"Tell Harold that just because yae pay yer bills at the Wench daesnae mak yae gud! Tell em that the corpse was a fanatical cultist tae an evil fire witch called Zugtomy. If he was still a payin customer he would o' lured even mair dim witted weak minded fools tae join club hell hole and then we'd all be dealin wid a greater social problem. If they dannae believe yae, all they need tae dae is ask these twa numbskulls. Noo, gae ahead and translate that tae the auld codger."
Arindale gives Ty's shoulder a squeeze of support before he looks to Glorfin to see if he is going to speak....when he sees an odd look on the dwarf's face he assumes that he and Ranim will have to take the lead. He does his best to sound confident and competant knowing this is important. He motions to Ranim to stand before the council wiht him,
Ranim, you are a good story teller, please bring the council up to speed on our run-in with the would-be bandits.
He waits for Ranim to finish describing their encounter, including the confession of each of the men before adding the following in his simple, but straight forward fashion,
As you can see there is more going on around this town than we and maybe you, thought. We came here as simple adventurers trying to earn some money and maybe a little glory. We have good hearts and have never meant the town any harm. Sure we want to earn some gold for our actions but we do care about others and wanted to warn you about what we were told. Try speaking with the dead man and the ones we captured if you have that magic, they should support our tale. he says with some passion...
At Arindale's prodding, Ranim takes center stage in the backroom. For some reason she cannot explain to herself, the audience assembled gives her a feeling of nervousness. A feeling she attempts not to betray outwardly. She relates the events of the moathouse with Zert.
"Friends of the council, we've come today to relate to you the events that transpired earlier today. We returned to the moathouse..." Ranim continues on, relating all the events that occurred, including the confessions the men gave and under what circumstances. She ends with the arrow that struck Zert, killing him.
The council listens as Ranim and Arindale relate the days events. Once the story has ended, it is silent for a few moments before the younger mageish man, Burne, speaks up.
You speak of some queen named Zugtomy. What do you know of this queen? You say that Zert, the deceased, spoke of her as his queen of fire. Do you have any more information on this so called queen?
"You speak of some queen named Zugtomy. What do you know of this queen? You say that Zert, the deceased, spoke of her as his queen of fire. Do you have any more information on this so called queen?"
Tybek quietly tells Arin what to say."Tell em that we dannae ken tae much aboot the fire queen, but fer some gold we'll gae and find oot. Try tae get them tae offer us some gold for dae'n a job!"
We know nothing other than what we have already told you sir. For some reason he wanted to try and stop us and when he failed he was killed.
Now that you mention it though, we were going to finish our exploration of the old moathouse. Some other bandits had disappeared down there when they went to the lower levels supposidly. There may be clues down there?
Do you know more about this ...Fire Queen? He did say she owned this land before you and wants to claim it back.
If there is something down in the moathouse that will tell us more we could possibly bring that information back to you?
Burne nods at your answer and then turns to the other council members before nodding to Harold. Harold then sighs and takes a deep breath.
Hommlet has been here for many years. It was here when Taldor was great. It was here when Cheliax claimed rule over Taldor. It was here when Aroden held sway over most of this land. But, Hommlet has always followed a simpler belief.
As Harold says this, you see a bit of a scowl from the Iomedaen priest.
Hommlet has always been a farming community. When Taldor and Cheliax were great, it was also the crossroads for trade from what is now Galt, Andorran and Taldor. Today, most caravans from the east stop at Yanmass, but for centuries these great caravans continued west to the Five Kings Mountains to trade for dwarven crafts, to Kyonin for elvish magic, and to the other nations to the west. And, most of these caravans passed through Hommlet.
Then, Aroden died or disappeared. When this happened, the lords of Taldor turned to internal bickering, fighting, and on occasion murder and worse. Cheliax turned to Infernal worship. Galt turned into a land of chaos.
And, Hommlet became but a dusty village on a road rarely travelled. Without the Taldor cavalry, monsters came down from the frigid fog peaks, goblins, trolls, gnolls, bugbears. Even giants. To protect this town, the town returned to its roots and was protected by the power of nature. For centuries those who follow the Old Faith have protected this land, seeing that the ground was fertile, assuring that the crops grew and the people remained healthy and strong. As he says this, Harold nods toward Jaroo: Jaroo has been here for many years. And before him, many other druids protected this land.
And then, about a century ago, while Taldor and Cheliax were embroiled in internal chaos and backstabbing, some dark power began to view the land hereabouts as a prime spot to create a foothold of evil. Over a period of more than twenty years, the land became more and more populated with every type of evil creature. First it was goblins and gnolls. As I mentioned, it soon included trolls, evil giants and other powerful evil monsters. Then, true evil appeared. There were great brush fires, bitter winters, massive storms and unnatural earthquakes. These were followed by the appearance of true monstrosities, denizens of other planes.
It was soon discovered by the druids that a temple dedicated to this evil had been build a few days north of here. Its location was difficult to discern as it was protected from scrying by all but the most powerful. But, it was finally found and it was a place of pure evil. To combat this evil, the druids sent out a call to the west, to Andorran, to the elves and the dwarves, for any evil such as this does not abide by national borders and with the chaotic state of politics in Taldor, little help was expected from the former ruler of this land.
An army was raised and marched from the west. A great battle ensued which claimed the lives of many good men and women. But, eventually the evil was defeated and it was believed that the temple was sealed forever.
Having finished his brief history of the area, Harold sits back down and takes another drink of water while waiting to hear your response.
Harold pauses and takes a drink of water.
The Moathouse was an outpost of this evil. And the fire queen of which you reference, Zugtomy, she was the goddess who these evil creatures followed.
Huh, sounds like some of her evil minions might be back then if her followers are in your town and attacking people. Zert also had some Goblins following him...I bet that evil is starting to rise again and bring other evil creatures to her banner..that would be my guess, Braden you are a smart one, what do you think?
After Braden has a chance to respond, We are going to this "outpost" to check it out tomorrow unless you have a better idea? If you have anything that can help us to succeed, we would appreciate it, this place sounds more dangerous thatn we originally thought...
"So are yae saying that yae've heard of this Zugtomy witch?!! So this run doon moathoose that bandits and gobbies were usin fer a hideout was actually a great a terrible evil place before they even showed up?!! Well, Ahh'm glad yae decided tae tell us! Sae Ahh trust yae believe oor story noo?!!"
Jaroo nods: Yes, it has always been an evil place. Would that it had been completely destroyed when the armies fought the Temple so many years ago. Unfortunately it was not and ever since it has been a haven for bandits and humaniods. Every so often adventurers such as yourselves go there to clean it out, and every time within a few weeks or months, some new pest has taken it over as their base of operations. While Hommlet has a strong guard capable of defending the town against the bandits and goblins in the area, we simply have never had the resources to level that accursed place.
As the discussion proceeds, Maegge grows increasingly pensive.
"Sirs, what does it mean for all of us here in Hommlet that Zugtomy seems to be active again?"
Braden nods at the cleric's words.
"Evil is definitely taking root in the depths of the moathouse and the worship of Zugtomy is not dead. This is not the wild evil of a few--it is the organized evil of many. It is probable that the cycle of evil has come full circle. We may have to look at the places evil collected before and see what has happened over the years. Bandaging up an infected wound does not remove the infection."
Tybek arms Arindale in the ribs and whispers intensely to him. "Stop tryin tae ignore me, Arin! Make an offer tae them! Tell them we'll gae and investigate the temple fer a thousand gold sails danger fee each. Dannae stutter noo. Say it noice and loud so they all can hear!"
"We should continue to investigate the moathouse then, to find out what evil has set up there. And then perhaps the remains of this temple. It would seem it's story is not finished yet. It would be nice to give it a true ending, rather than repeat another verse."
Ranim gives some more thought before asking, "Who else may know more about this tale, and any tales of Zugtomy? The performance will be better if we can rehearse first."
Arindale whispers back, Let me handle this one Ty, when you are trying to woo a maiden, you don't lead with I want to take you up to your room.
You tell her how pretty her hair is and how she smells good. I am doing the same thing here.
As we mentioned before, any assistance to our cause that you can lend would be very helpful. We are going to the moathouse and will certainly face dengers that may be part of this Fire Queens plans, and possibly affect Hommlet. We will certainly inform you of anything we find in the dungeons.
Jaroo looks from you, one to the next as you all speak up. Finally, he turns back to Braden:
Be careful you assumptions my little friend. The "Fire Queen" as you term her is no queen. What she is, or was, I do not know specifically. But, those who worshipped her and brought death and destruction to this part of the realm in ways that were twisted in the exact opposite of the balance of nature. They used fire and ice, storms and earthquakes to destroy. The called forth evil from other planes the wreak havoc in this land.
Jaroo pauses: Trust me, whatever you may see or think, those who follow her are the epitome of evil. They would rather tear you limb from limb and eat you rather than speak with you. And those that will speak with you do so only for their own benefit, or from fear of those more powerful than them.
Jaroo then pauses again and takes a sip from his glass of water. As he does so, the mayor stands up: Our town is not wealthy and while proud, we do not have the resources necessary to make an assault on the moathouse, let alone the temple if it yet exists. As Jaroo says, the temple, if it even exists anymore, is several days from here and sending our guard away would be an open invitation for the goblins and bandits to attack all that we have built.
The mayor turns and looks to Jaroo, the priest, and the young mage.
We do not have much, but should you need healing or help, we shall seek to assist you at less than we would normally charge. Our resources are not unlimited, but between us, we shall endeavor to give you what assistance we can. For now, we offer you what we can spare, which hopefully we will not need in the town in the near future. Should you require more, please speak with Jaroo or Terjon.
With that, the Mayor places 4 potion bottles on the table before him.
2x Potion of CMW (CL3)
Potion of Bull Strength (CL3)
Potion of Restoration, Lesser (CL3)
The Mayor then stops and things for a moment, before looking at Tybek and Arindale before speaking again:
And remember, as you discovered with your friend Zert, evil has many ears, some you may suspect, and many you would not. The Mayor is now looking directly at Tybek. So, use caution with whom you choose to speak of your exploits.
"We do not have much, but should you need healing or help, we shall seek to assist you at less than we would normally charge. Our resources are not unlimited, but between us, we shall endeavor to give you what assistance we can. For now, we offer you what we can spare, which hopefully we will not need in the town in the near future. Should you require more, please speak with Jaroo or Terjon."
Tybek turns to address Arindale at Jaroo's words. "Ahh've heard this all b'fore. They are just bein stingy! Well if yae cannae get the thousand god sail fee, then at least ask five hundred gold as well as free lodging and King's Ale! That cannae hurt morale!"
"So, use caution with whom you choose to speak of your exploits."
"Why are yae lookin at me?!! I'm nae one tae gae and blether around toon about what we're up tae! Ahh'm just lookin tae earn a decent income and get some quality ale at a gud price!"
Gold does us no good if we are in the grave Ty, that is why I asked for magical help. The potions are worth than the gold you think we need and will keep us alive to get whatever gold and magic is down in the moathouse.
To the gathered group, Thank you, you won't regret giving us your assistance. We will let you know what we find out down there.
Unless any of you have anything else let's go? looking at the rest of the group...
After any other comments and they leave the leaders presence, By Cayden's cup my head hurts. I hate talkin' to fancy types and trying to be all nice and stuff.
But we did get two important things out of em. The magic potions and magical aid for a reduced price. I think that went pretty well, what do you guys think?
Tybek does his best to hold his tongue from saying anything regrettable in the presence of the leaders, but once out of earshot of that room, he gives Arindale an earful.
"Why did yae nae ask fer free beer and housing. We are daein an important job fer the village and we need oor nourishment and beauty sleep! Ahh mean, we dannae need tae be worryin about the bare essentials back in the village when we are gonnae be worryin aboot stayin alive down in the depths o' the moathoose! What were yae thinkin, priest?!"
"Yeah, and free food!" chipped in Maegge, which was promptly followed up by a stomach-rumble of Halfling proportions.
Ok, just to expedite things a little.
__________
In the morning when you awake, Glorfin comes down to the common with his armor and shield polished to a shine as usual. However, he appears to be in an even more solemn and dour than usual.
My friends He says. Last night I received a vision from Ogoun. I must leave as my lord calls me elsewhere. If I may, I hope to return and see this vile evil destroyed, but now I must return to my home under the mountains.
With that, he gives you all a nod of his head, straps on his heavy warhammer, and heads out into the hot morning sunshine.
___________
Breakfast is served hot and tasty as usual and the Ostler seems to charge you less than expected for the amount consumed by the two hobbits and the dwarf.
____________
Once you are all satisfied with full bellies, you again head out, now five, to see what unexpected twists the moathouse may hold for you. Your trip to the moathouse is quiet this day except for Tybek's complaining which most of you have now learned to ignore most of the time. After carefully crossing the broken drawbridge, you slowly make your way back into the keep, but only after peaking through every arrowslit and behind each broken and rotting door to assure yourselves that nothing new is waiting to spring out at you.
_____________
They don't know us yet Ty, give it a little more time they will be eating out of our hands right Ranim!
They gave us 4 powerful potions...right Braden? And they have offered us support in spells from the town if we need them! That will go farther than gold or a bed. Stop being shortsighted..."Tt's not the mug of beer in front of you that you want, it's the keg behind the bar!"
That's what the high priest used to tell me when he was tyring to teach me my lessons.
@ Maegge, You want free food or a potion that puts your stomach back in your ribs?
We also need to split up these potions, I need a beer so you guys figure it out! he says in an annoyed manner...Ungrateful &**%^$#%#&$&^%&^ itche's
That morning, Glorf your leaving???? Uhhh, you going to take that magic shield with you? I know you earned it but we could really use it heading down into that Hellish dungeon below the moathouse to destroy the evil!