Sinaria is one of Ustalav’s northern most Counties, lying east of Odranto and north of Barstoi. Even ignoring the proximity of Sinaria to the Worldwound and Numeria, the county, fertile though it be, is for the most part, an uninviting land filled with ancient, moss draped forests and cold, damp swamps.
Through trial and terror, Sinaria has always been a land of song. Echoing across the algae-thick waters of Lake Prophyria, the voices of downtrodden peasants, mysterious swamp folk, and the virtuosos of Karcau’s famed opera cry to the heavens for lives better than those granted them, and—when those entreaties fail—chant to choirs below for the charity of the damned.
For the moment the Countess Sasandra Livgrace rules Sinaria with a gentle hand and is much beloved by the people – a rarity in the tragic realm of Ustalav. Sasandra holds court in Karcau from her home, Starling House, that overlooks the beautiful Lake Prophyria.
It is to her court that you are summoned to meet with one of her courtiers, a Vennel Endronail, to discuss potential employment. Things have been quiet on the employment front - there is some sort of local festival happening in a few weeks time and already prices are rising on basic and luxury foodstuffs and wines.
Fact is whether it be boredom or financial drives, you are eager for work.
You are shown into one of the antechambers in the Countesses building and met by a man in rich clothing who appears to be in his late 20's. He stands confidently like he can handle himself but his manner is as if he is uncertain of his position.
Ahhh, excellent, you've arrived, he says with a degree of enthusiasm. I'm looking for a spot of help and I am hoping you are the right people for the job.
The village of Faubourg has been one of the major producers of rice, okra, grown near the swamply land of the Graidmere swamp and other foodstuffs and excellent wines closer to the village. However we're not seeing their foodstuff in the market here... and with our upcoming celebrations? Well, it could drive up prices uncomfortably - to the point that prices stay high afterwards.
Its only in the last few months that its been noted that throughout the past year, the population of Faubough has undergone a steady decline. Many farmers have packed their possessions and, for unknown reasons, migrated to other, less fertile areas. Some homes have simply been found abandoned, with food on the table or crops unharvested in the field. No explanation has ever been offered for these strange disappearances. Sometimes the families have returned in a week or two, and other times they have never been heard from again.
I sent an agent out over two months ago - he has not returned. I sent a pair out two weeks ago and I haven't had word back from them. I think a larger group may be prudent... and that brings me to you.
Normally a caravan guard would feel good about earning a Silver crown a day but I am prepared to double that. Its about four days travel there and four days back. Allowing for two days for you to meet with the mayor or any of my surviving agents and help resolve the issue, you'd be back in ten days, so that would be 2 gold crowns in your pockets and the festival just around the corner to enjoy it with.
I will send a group of wagons and some guards five days after you leave to wait at another town on the way to Faubough, the town of Hochoch. Once things are resolved, let them know and they can gather up the foodstuffs for a timely arrival to market. The Countess will sell the food at a lower rate and hopefully keep prices down.
Any questions?
Just tell me what to kill. I done my mask.
Mala is dressed in her vestments, expecting a meeting with the Countess.
"Of course we are happy to assist the Countess in any way possible." Mala says in a pleasant tone. "The Crowns are a fair rate, and I am certain they will do well in aiding the less fortunate in and around Karcau."
" Vennel, can you tell us the names of those you have sent before us and their descriptions? I assume they were trusted by you, but do you have any reason to suspect them of being bad actors, as it were?" Mala asks. Stopping to think on his words a moment, she continues, "Have exports stopped from Faubough or have caravans been turned away?"
"Good sir, I'll gladly help you with this, but there is no need for your coin. However, it most certainly could help if you let me know of any rumors or suspicions you might have. I'm knew here, having just arrived, and wouldn't know to make heads nor tails of things in these parts."
Vennel smiles at Rex's youthful exuberance and confidence.
Thats the spirit! I feel better about this already! He seems more sure of himself than when you arrived.
He turns to the dwarf.
I hadn't thought about needing to tell people about the region but you've a point and you certainly are a diverse group.
He rings a small bell and asks a scribe to put together a small brief for you as well as a crude map.
It should be ready by luncheon - by which time I am hoping you will be ready to leave
Settlers, ex-soldiers turned farmers for the most part, were given land grants and dispatched to the area to set up a new community. The origin of the name of the town is under debate but its generally thought to be a corruption of the name “Foul Town”, a tribute to the quality and smell of land apportioned to the pioneers.
After a season or two of drier weather and hard labor on draining the fringes of the swap, the land here proved to be very rich, often producing crops half again as large as those grown in more mundane soil. Faubourg quickly grew into a thriving community of 300 people.
The stagnant bogs and slime-coated pools of this section of the Graidmere swamp is called ‘The Rushmoors’, and occupy much of an otherwise fertile plain. To the north of the marsh, the dark recesses of the Dim Forest cause even the most stalwart travelers think twice before entering among the tall trunks and dangling tendrils of moss.
Orcs, goblins and worse have been reported, (often in large and bloodthirsty war bands), as have Kellid barbarian raiding parties along the borders of the County for as long as the town has existed. Bizarre aberrations have been sighted in the area but Faubourg has been fortunate enough to avoid the worst of the attentions of those who would see it in flames. Part of its good fortune has been Fauboughs commitment to defense. The towns ex-soldiers, and their sons formed a hardy militia of its own and once profits started rolling in, better quality arms and armour were purchased. Until now that has been enough to keep the town safe.
Only a ten years ago, enterprising merchants (seeking to maximise profits) opened a small caravan track through the previously untraveled Dim Forest and allowed wagons to by pass the worst of the swampland in order to transport Faubourg’s harvests. The road has never been safe but a lucky or well armed wagon train could make the journey.
Yet something is not right. In the last few months the harvests finding their way to market have been less and not all the wagons that traveled to the far off farming town have returned.
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Rex looks startled at first, but realizes that they are going anyway.
We can do this sir. You will be glad you put your faith in us. I used to be scared and weak, but with them... I am better. You could not put your faith in a better group. And I thank you for giving us this job. We will try and find your men, as well as figure out what is behind the disappearances... We will not dissapoint you. Rex takes a breath and looks at the group nervous about what they think.
Grimm stands impassively and listens to the humans plea for help. He has heard this before, from other villages and hamlets; such and such need to be done for so and so. Blah, blah, blah. Long as the money is good, and it might lead to further work, Grimm is interested.
"I agree with the elf! Lets get a move on....daylights burning. Will we receive a retainer to equip ourselves before heading out, Sir?", he asks.
Not on your life... or mine for that matter Master Dwarf. I thought I was hiring a 'finished product' so to speak. They money will cover your food and leave you some profit. However it is not unreasonable to ask for some money up front. I'd normally not bother as it encourages 'bad behaviour' but I trust the boy and yourself.
He gives you all 1 days pay in advance (ie 2gp)
He hands you a contract for you to make your mark and then tells you to return mid day for the briefing document.
Travelling order/Marching order?
The journey is swift and uneventful until you hit the Dimwood, past the town of Hochoch. The mist seemingly clings to the trees as much as the stringy moss does. The sound of insects rings through the trees and across the road. Cicardas, crickets, bugs of every description join in making a cacophony that first maddens then distracts and finally becomes soothing.
Which means that when they stop suddenly you know that something is coming your way.
Ahead, through the mist and past the trees around you, you can hear the creak and squeak of some sort of wagon.
Mala is dressed in her vestments, expecting a meeting with the Countess.
"Of course we are happy to assist the Countess in any way possible." Mala says in a pleasant tone. "The Crowns are a fair rate, and I am certain they will do well in aiding the less fortunate in and around Karcau."
" Vennel, can you tell us the names of those you have sent before us and their descriptions? I assume they were trusted by you, but do you have any reason to suspect them of being bad actors, as it were?" Mala asks. Stopping to think on his words a moment, she continues, "Have exports stopped from Faubough or have caravans been turned away?"
The first agent, Ryan, was one of our men from the clerks office. It's possible he was ambushed or was lost. The second group, two men, they were Lleweyn and Benjan - Lleweyn is an elf. Blonde hair green eyed and a haughty sort. Benjan is a short man, brown of hair and eye. They'll have a leaden seal they can use to prove identity - you are more unofficial so no seal for you.
As for the wagon? No, they aren't being turned away - some make it back here but not nearly the amount we'd expect.
Adran listened to Vennel make his appeal and agreed to go along and help. He signed the contract when he was given the chance to do so. He also accepted the 2 gp.
Adran thought to himself, "Darn, still shy of what I need to buy a decent longsword with. Should be able to afford one after we finish this job though."
Adran then got his gear together, armored up, arranged his weapons as usual and joined the group on the journey. As far as marching order goes, he would simply have tried to keep himself and Rex in the middle of the group.
Mala is happy to review the contract, and assuming there is nothing oddly binding or distasteful in it, sign it.
--
Peering around the mist and trees, Mala asks in a low whisper "Do the rest of you hear that?"
"Sounds fair to me. My hammer is at your service. What are your rules on found treasure?"
"Sounds like a wagon, I would wager. Lets see what is there. Blast I hate this fog...
Grimm moves forward towards the sound of the wagon, hammer at the ready.
Rules on treasure will have to wait as the mist swirls and eddies and a wagon breaks through into sight.
A man is slumped down in the seat, reins loose and hanging. The old horses plod forward, just following the road without much in the way of guidance.
Adran thinks, "This doesn't look right."
Adran calls out in a loud voice, "Hello wagon driver! What news do you have?"
"Can someone stop this wagon? Jump up there and grab the reins? The driver looks injured, but I can tell better if the wagon isn't moving." Mala says distressed.
Adran comments, "Maybe if somebody offered the horses something to eat it might help."
"I have some experience with horses, but it is probably better combined with using the reins they are accustomed to." Mala offers.
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If Rex succeeds he would grab the reigns and look scared. He hadn't done anything like it in years, and is not skilled with horses. He looks at Mala and says quietly What ever you are going to do, please do it.
He will glance at the uncosious man, and see anything out of the ordinary like a bruise, in case he is in need of Mala at the moment.
"Just pull the reigns firmly and say wooooh" Mala advises.
Mala approaches the horses carefully but cheerfully trying not to spook them. Gaining their trust (hopefully) Mala rubs the lead horse gently on the nose.
Having helped with the merchants of his clan loading and unloading wagons of goods, Grimm has some familiarity with the vehicles, and halts the wagon so the others can climb aboard. (land vehicles prof. from soldier background)
Adran approaches the wagon with the others. He takes off his backpack and rummages around inside it. Taking some dried apples from the rations that he has, Adran offers them to the horses. That done he puts his backpack on and awaits events.
Between the kid jumping up to secure the reins and the comforting words of those both familiar with animals and wagons, the wagon is secured in short order.
The wagon bed is empty apart from a camping kit and some food supplies.
The man is in a bad way and one of his legs is swollen in a bad way. An examination shows he's been bitten by a snake or snakes three times on that leg. The wagoneer groans and opens his eyes.
Damn snakes got me - swamp is full of 'em. Am I gonna die?, he groans before falling back unconcious.
He may well. He looks in a bad way.
I will try to figure out what action are needed to treat him.
Gusteelus quickly has the man sitting in a reclined pose with the leg hanging down over the edge of the flatbed making it harder for the poison to circulate up. Under circumstances of a fresh bite he might be able to do more but the best he can do is give him water and try to move some of the venom residual to the wound out. He makes a small cut on the bites starts kneeding downwards on the mans swollen leg to push the venom out of the cuts, ignoring the groans. The elf works out a poutice may help draw the worst of the poison out as well as that some sort of tonic or soup to give the man strength would help.
Having finished with the horses Adran goes and looks the wagon driver over. He asks, "Did you notice anything about the snakes that might be helpful? How big were they? What color were they? Did they make any noises before they attacked?"
As Adran waits for the man's reply he tries to think of what he knew about any herbs that might help.
Slapping the man around some to raise consciousness the man gasps out Swamp adders, brown with copper heads, two of them, and then lapses into unconsciousness.
Watching Gusteelus in action, Mala nods her head with confidence. "Yes, exactly. Perfectly done!" Mumbling to herself about snake bites, she digs into her newly purchased healer's kit for a moment but keeps saying 'no' as she rummages around.
Seeing what Adran has found so far Mala says, "Yes, yes. Exactly! These, like this, only if you can find some of these berries that are even a bit bigger. I can make a poultice that should help him!" Mala pulls out her holy symbol and begins a prayer to Sarenrae, "Glorious Dawnflower, Your Wisdom guides my hands in this world and the next. Blessings upon this poultice if it be Your will for him to see Your glory again with tomorrow's sunrise."
Grimm watches the group help the snake-bit man. He keeps his eyes open in case anything tries to sneak up on them.
"Relax a bit Rex. I think he said two snakes, not a two-headed snake." Mala smiles, trying to put Rex at ease. "The horses certainly will not be happy if the snakes approach."
"Here, " Mala demonstrates a calming brushing movement with her hand on one of the horses, "do this for a while, it'll help sooth the both of you. You did quite well jumping up on the moving wagon by the by, thank you for being so quick on your feet!"
The insects gradually resume their droning efforts to find a mate. Nothing dangerous jumps out.
Between Beckett, Gusteelus and Mala, hes' in good hands medically but a poultice as described by the cleric of Sarenrae will help him a great deal.
You'll need to have two or three people searching along the road... and in the mists to have a chance of finding them.
Rex gets lucky and spies a bush that seems to have the berries described by Mala. Cautiously, and watching for snakes the kid is able to secure the ingredients and in short order the man is conscious and able to take some water.
I guess you aren't thieves or robbers then?, he croaks out gratefully.
Gustav Schmitt - merchant. Who are you?
Adran says, "My name is Adran Liadon. I am a sage. My friends and I were hired by a courtier working for Countess Sasandra Livgrace. She was concerned because she had heard rumors of bad things happening in Faubourg. She had also noticed that shipments of food from that town to the city of Karcau had fallen off."
"She sent one of her retainers to check things out and he did not return. She then sent out two more retainers and they did not return either. Finally she had her courtier hire us to investigate. I know that the Countess is concerned for both the health and safety of her subjects living in Faubourg as well as the effect on food prices in Karcau if the normal flow of trade is not restablished."
"Given that you are a merchant it would be reasonable to assume that you may know of things happening in this area that could adversely affect trade and possibly put the inhabitants in danger. We would welcome anything you could tell us about this situation. "