Anton listens all the partecipants at the meeting.
Replying to CWE, Anton says:
"Yes, mine friend, your people are welcome to share our sacred spaces, 'cause our Old Ways are different but also akin. Unless you will find that it's better to have your own spaces, you will be always welcome."
Returning to speaking to all
"For now, we can't afford to spent the public resources on building great shrines and temples, but I'll do mine best to provide all of us, and all of our churches and faiths, at least one place for their sacred duties. Only it will take some time to achieve so."
"This dragon is a threat for our people, I'll gladly help in this quest too. Also it will be a good exercise to go back in an adventure.
I'll ask one of the elderly to lead the community morning celebration in mine absence.
But, Mine First Lady, before all the groups depart for new adventures, I think it's better if we coordinate our expedition a little more.
While out we could also explore the surrounding lands, but it's better to avoid mapping the same place twice or more, as we did in the past."
"The dragon had been seen in the southern Narlmarches, which means the south part of the big forest in the West, while the wolf and the suspected worg has been seen in the Estern Hills. Nobody has idea where the trolls or the shambling mound are located"
Lands east of the Shrike are unexplored, so I'll head there with the worg hunters. Wouldn't be surprised if one of our groups runs across trolls and mounds as we explore. Although... though the alchemist is more than welcome to set up shop, my ma's got first dibs.
Lorald had stayed out of things for the most part, let those suited to words and court flowery deal with such things. When his help was needed he gave it and made himself useful in things he was more suited to. The arrival of another cousin effected him little, Karan was not the most well liked but personally he never had any trouble with her. She was rather clear cut in her ways and he respected that, even if others did not take to it well at times.
With his newly granted position he collected a few promising people to form a patrol, under no illusion that the budding settlement was safe from both with out and with in. He managed to form a small patrol group of eight. Five were competent and made up the rank and file, given the starting title of Green Feathers. Two were a slight cut above the rest and started just above the others, with the title of Bronze Talon. Finally the one with the greatest expertise was given the second in command position and the current highest rank of Silver Talon.
Not long after he heard of a gathering called by High Priest Anton concerning the religions with in the settlement. Feeling that his own patron should be represented he attended, listening and adding little at first. At an opening in the discussion he speaks up.
"Olheon is an empyreal lord, as such her following is normally small. While I would like to change this, it is a personal desire with little reason to be forwarded. As long as their is room for her and her ways, then all in due time is more then agreeable. I would also propose that until a more suitable representative for Olheon appears I take on that role in addition to my other duties."
He nods and seems to be done.
EDIT: Missed the post of Lorald. Adding a reply to him:
"As long as another representative will not be found, you are of course welcome to take a sit on this council too. Hoping this role will not interfere with your others numerous efforts for our community."
"I don't want to underestimate all of us that have already volunteered to fight this supposed dragon, but if the voices are confirmed and that's a real dragon we are going to meet in battle, we will need all the possible strengths to join in this particular expedition. Does Nobody else want to join us?"
Anton speaks this words to the others that still not have proclaimed if and where they are going to depart.
His tone of voice, not seeming particularly afraid for himself, seems instead more concerned about others possible consequences of the expedition.
As she steps out of her room, she blinks, keeping her eyes closed for a few seconds, then opens her eyes again. She groans. Putting her hand over her eyes
"I hate the sun"
She growls, then makes her way to the main meeting hall
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Jenya turns to Dai Hu. So have you heard anything about the other adventurers. They went to slay a dragon didn't they?
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The main conference halls is a large room in the center of the castle. It has large windows high along the domed ceiling that allow light to enter into the room at all hours of the day. The walls are also in the process of having mosaics built depicting scenes from the founding of Emermark and the adventures of it's heroes. The only one so far complete is that of Raven Slaying the Stag Lord.
In the center of the room is a massive wooden table, at least a dozen feet across this circular table has enough seats for all of Emermark's councilors, and more. All the seats are identical, save for one that bears a slightly higher back with the flag of Emermark carved and painted upon the height of the back.
Seated at the conference table is Lord Lory Surtova, dressed in fine robes and expensive jewelry. His amber eyes shine with eagerness. Standing behind him is Karan Orlovsky, gold armour shining, silently taking in each new arrival, as though wieghing their worth.
Standing beside Lory at the table is Dai Hu. Somewhere on the periphery of the room, in the shadows, you detect movement, and notice Nugrah the Decrepit, not exactly hiding. He seems to be polishing the wooden paneling of the room with a filthy rag, his robes still stained and moldy.
As you enter Ambassador Lory rises to greet you. "My nobles lords and Heroes. How wonderful to see you again. I am so glad your hunt was successful. The people have been most concerned about the monstrous wolves to the East. Now that you have dispatched the beast they are much relieved. On behalf of the Government of Brevoy I offer you this humble reward," he places a large purse of gold on the table . "for your role in securing the border. I would suggest displaying the pelt in the town square for a few days, in order to reassure people the threat is well and truly behind them."
After the appropriate thanks and congratulations, Dai Hu sits, a bit gingerly, and calls this session of the council to order. He first inquires if there is anything you would wish to know or anything you would desire before beginning the meeting proper.
"I have the head over my room door. Would that be okay?" the drow asks with a grin. A slight nod at her family member before she takes a seat
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Glad to be of service Jenya says with a smile I think wearing the worg cloaks made out of the pelt around FreeWater will be impressive enough for the townfolk
Would like to know where the other council members are and if we have any news of them before we proceed Jenya continues directing her statement to Dai Hu.
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"Whatever you think is best Lady Orlovsky," says Lory.
"First, and most sadly," announces Dai Hu. "There have been attacks on the outskirts of the town. Several nights ago several cattle were violently slain. The next morning a young maid was found dead. The next day a shepherd boy and a half dozen of his sheep were similarly, and violently killed. People have suggested it may be bandits or a wild beast."
"Most unfortunate," says Ambassador Lory. "An awful tragedy, I have reached out to their families and offered my support."
Kyras nods at Jenya's mention of a dragon.
" 'as dere been any news on dat matter?
Out of de two, i'd say we had de better pick. Granted, dat fight wit de wight was a nasty one.
At least Akiros and Alanya 'ave recovered."
Either bandits or wild beasts Jenya frowns Should be easy to tell them apart. Nasty business on hand if we can't. Maybe some sort of predatory monster
Before checking in the with the council, Raven first goes and checks on her faithful and the acolyte she left behind to lead them in her absence. She also checks on the progress of her temple..
When she arrives at the council hall, she pauses for a moment to admire the tapestry depicting her defeat of the Stag Lord. It looked grandiose, heroically epic even. Raven put a hand on her chest and slowly moved it in a spiral pattern, whispering to herself. "Only She knows."
When it is her turn to speak, Raven does so with poise and dignity. "Honored Lords and Ladies, I request that my share for the reward go towards the building of the temple to the Queen of Ravens and to help ensure that there is pay for the pyremasters and midwives to continue their jobs within Freewater."
A slight bow and then she sits next to Zartana, a wry grin on her face.
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"There has been no news from the other Founders"
"The bodies have been moved to the cold cellar here in the castle, prior to burial, where you may inspect them if you wish. The maid was named Saki, she was out collecting berries for breakfast shortly before dawn. The shepherd was named Beven. He was apparently returning his flock to town shortly after dark when he was set upon."
"I can assure you the remains are quite grisly," says Dai Hu, blanching a bit. "None have wanted to inspect them too closely."
"There are also a few petitioners waiting outside, when you are ready to hear them. Upon news of your return they insisted upon an audience."
You might like to know that i used your resurrection situation as a tale.
In a S&S game i told that tale, with minor differences of course, to a crew member who is a follower of Pharasma. He liked it very much. ;)
White Eagle having tended the wolf pups eventually makes his way to the council chamber.
when the oppurtunity arrises concerning the wolves. I wish it to be known that the area of the wolf lair still is populated by a more docile wolf pack. they will keep to themselves as long as we respect their terretory. any incursion either way, I ask to be informed before any action be taken.
CWE takes his share of the reward, not quite sure what to do with it immediately, but in time it will serve a purpose.
taking a seat he listens to the tales of the attacks. I wish to see the remains of those slain. then I will scout the areas of attacks, possibly tracking who or what is behind it to its lair.
looking to Zartana Worg Slayer, in light of these atatcks, I feel it best that we deal with the threat to the people before we deal with any other ceremonies. do you agree?
She nods. So it will be another hunt then. So be it.
"Very well, be it bandits or beast, they will be put down. And hard. We will not tolerate such behaviour"
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Jenya nods as well. Let the petitioners know that they'll have to wait just a bit longer for an audience. We need to inspect the body as soon as we can.
Raven nods. "Let us hear the petitioners, then I will see to the bodies of our people. There is something out there hunting them."
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Dai Hu makes notes of the discussion and assures Councilor White Eagle that anyone traveling east will be duly informed of the wolf situation. The petitioners are asked to return another day.
You are led down to the cold cellar where two bodies wait on cold stone slabs, eerily reminiscent of the Lonely Warrior's barrow mound. The bodies have been ferociously mutilated, it is not a sight for those with delicate stomachs. Heal check please.
Ah, by Desna, this is the work of something evil Jenya says reacting to the sight with a grimace
Still she's seen quite a lot of horrible sights in her time in the Stolen Lands and so holds in her revulsion to examine the body thoroughly.
Raven looks on the bodies with a discerning eye. "My Queen, show me how these two came to be with you."
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White Eagle sends Elangomat to fly around the settlements get a feel for the people and what he sees among the poulace. (he may not understand but generally if there is discontent that can sometime be visually evident)
going to the cellar White Eagle examines the bodies.
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Carefully examining the bodies reveals they were killed by a large man-sized animal, such a wolf or a worg, and both bodies appear to have been partially eaten.
Dai Hu takes you to the site of the last attack, on Beven the shepherd boy. It's just the six of you in a hilly field outside of town. The remains of several sheep are scattered around in bloody chunks.
Jenya can keep her survival and perceptions checks, but anyone else can roll too.
Kyras makes a hard attempt keeping his breakfast down and covers his eyes trying to calm down.
"Dis is de most gruesome det i've seen in years and from dis close."
Alanya seems less shocked.
"That is sad, they've been mutilated by a degree i couldn't inflict. Poor people."
She takes a closer look at the ground.
Was Saki the maid picking berries around this area?
She simply looks at the bodies. Another group of bodies. This is getting worse. How many enemies does these lands have?
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White Eagle examines the area, with Elangomat indisposed for a bit he does not have his spirit's guidance but still the presence is not forgotten.
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In response to Jenya's question Dai hu glaces at some notes. "Similarly far from town, but elsewhere. Saki was killed two night ago, so the scene is not as fresh, but I can take you there as well. Understandably, people have chosen to shun the sites of these incidents, from fear and revulsion."
Further perusing his notes he adds. "Both victims were killed on consecutive nights. Neither had enemies of any kind. Some local witnesses claim that wolves were howling on both nights."
At the mention of wolves White Eagle and Jenya find tracks that appear to be those of a large wolf. Fresh from the hills in the east it's eerily similar to the tracks you spend days chasing. Following the tracks you find they lead to a nearby copse of trees. They do not appear to exit from it.
Both of their keen eyes find a disturbing sign however, a pair of bare human foot prints do exit the copse of trees, and then head towards town. On the hard packed road the trail becomes impossible to follow, but the implication is obvious.
"The night Saki was killed," says Dai Hu, swallowing hard, "was the first night of the full moon. Tonight is the last."
"There will be another killing tonight if we don't put a stop to this quickly.", Raven says in an almost otherworldly voice.
"Great..."
She shakes her head
"We need an army to deal with these things"
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I am sure that if whoever it is that has such an ability, will do well to conceal his identity. I fear that little will be gleaned but still it is worth a try.
going to the advisor Dau Hu, Information that we have discovered today, if leaked to the people may cause more harm than good, I fear vengance may fill thier hearts and then only the innocent will suffer. I swore to protect the creatures of this land that bears no evil taint. for the sake of all let us keep our findings to ourselves and make our inquires discreet
After Dai Hu leaves, Raven turns to Chief. "While I agree with your sentiments Councilor, in my experience, most things with such an ability have little control of it. The longer we wait, the more deaths will be on our hands, and long before their time has come due. I will discreetly ask around to see what I can get from my parishioners and some of the other townsfolk. Somebody has seen something, that I'm sure of. If we can deal with this before the night has come, then we can rest and be ready for what our other folk have to say on the morrow."
Raven will then head into town and do exactly as she said.
"That beast best hope i do not find it first. It dies before it turns..." with that she heads into town after Raven.
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Jenya indicates the human footsteps heading back into town The person who's doing this knows there is something wrong with him or her and still walking back into town. They may not control themselves when they've changed. But they're making a murderer's choice when they're not. she says flatly.
We need to find a vantage point where we can see someone walking out of the city tonight. What kind of weapon hurts werewolves?
Jenya heads to the patrol group headquarters and asks if they've noticed anything with anyone wandering out alone at nightfall or coming back at dawn.
More generally Jenya would want to know what kind of folk are generally out and about on the outskirts of Freewater at night and how many.
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The footprints were large-ish.
In the Obsidian Eagles headquarters, which is, at this time, just an office in the castle, you meet Silver Talon Waldo Maja, catfolk head of the patrol in Lorald's absence.
After conferring with Keeper Poole he says that no one has reported any naked men coming into town in the morning but he had heard some talk about a strange, quiet Kellid tribesman has come to town recently, and that he’s been spending much of his time drinking or sleeping in the room he's rented from a local. This Kellid is named Kundal and apparently he has been disappearing in the evenings and returning in the early morning.
Some Kellids have made their way to Emmermark to work as lumberjacks or other labourers, but this man does neither. He spends his days drinking or sleeping and his nights somewhere else.
As the the others investigate among the people White Eagle calls Elangomat back and investigates all of the attack scenes for any patterns or additional clues.
also White Eagle can speak with any wolf or eagle that is in the area. Elangomat could locate other eagles to act as additional sets of eyes.