Adventures from the Lost Tomes

Game Master Dementia Walker

Godelina sighs and shakes her head.
"Let us retire. All I see is debauchery, no evil." she says as she looks to Edan for a moment. "I did not see you on the dance floor. Did no one wish to dance with you?"

'Shari's eyes widen on hearing 'Lina's question to Edan. She glanced at Lanten and quickly covered her face to hide the growing smile on her face.

'Shari's eyes widen on hearing 'Lina's question to Edan. She glanced at Lanten and quickly covered her face to hide the growing smile on her face.

awaiting the response is certainly tense :D.

Edan managed an awkward smile, and glanced over at Ushari, trying to not look uncomfortable at the question. "I-- That is, I did not fare so well at dancing as you did", he said neutrally as he turned to make for the exit of the Dryad with some relief. Figuring out how things were being influenced around here was proving to be a greater challenge than he anticipated.. Maybe the druid would prove more beneficial when they went to talk to him?

Edan managed an awkward smile, and glanced over at Ushari, trying to not look uncomfortable at the question. "I-- That is, I did not fare so well at dancing as you did", he said neutrally as he turned to make for the exit of the Dryad with some relief. Figuring out how things were being influenced around here was proving to be a greater challenge than he anticipated.. Maybe the druid would prove more beneficial when they went to talk to him?

Godelina nods with a small smile.

Apologies, time of year and all that. I hope all of you are having happy holidays

All of you depart the dancing dryad and while none of you found what you went in looking for most of you found out something new about yourself.

Since it is now late in the night there are not many people moving about the street since most sensible people go to bed long before now and you have no trouble making your way back to your respective places of rest. You all sleep peacefully until morning when the rising of the sun wakes you.

Just let me know where you want to head, I remember Edan saying something about visiting the Druid.

Post got eaten when Paizo went down. Also I assume their rooms are opposite of next to each other for this scene.

On their way back to the temple alone, Godelina continues on her way with Edan. Once outside her room she turns to him as she unlcoks her door, biting her lip before finally saying.
"You look really handsome in that." as she says this blood rushes to her cheeks and she quickly makes her way inside her room, closing the door quickly. "What on earth am I thinking? He has no interest in me, we are on a mission and by the inheritor I have already annoyed him and everyone else for finding nothing on my suggestion for the dryad. she pauses for a moment as she remains leaning against the door Besides, I think he'd like 'Shari more. She's pretty and doesn't look like a boy with short hair. she remains dealing with these confusing emotions and thoughts, afraid of the next day being awkward.

Apologies for the delay in a response. Had to finish a work project just before the holidays and I have been swamped. Looks like I missed some interesting banter. ;-)

When 'Lina returned, Lanten decided to say little and listen. Her insight was helpful, but he was more taken by her apology. He had to admit that his respect for the paladin was growing - despite his experiences of dealing with "authoritarian" individuals.

His serious revery was broken up by her pointed questions at Edan. Like 'Shari, his response was to stifle a chuckle. "Let's just say...he could have been someone's 'knight' this evening," he jokes with implication. When nothing further comes of their searches, Lanten nods with 'Lina's agreement to leave.

The walk home is quiet and he thinks upon the nights of closing the tavern at home - a familiar feel of completeness; of a day's good work. While their efforts hadn't been that successful, maybe it was just a good experience to have. He glanced at his new friends, looking to gauge how they were doing and what thoughts he had of them. It was in such a pleasant mood that he offered to walk 'Shari back to the Lizard Boat while 'Lina and Edan returned to the temple. And assuming there was no issue to the offer, he waited until they were alone to offer his hand for the rest of the walk - a gesture he hoped would be reciprocated.

Having seen 'Shari safely home, Lanten wanders slowly back to his boarding house. The sounds of music still haunts him and he sings a low song about a pretty girl in a shade tree. He quietly makes his way into his room and gets himself settled for the evening. The evening's routine is the same - a glance at a large cameo and some passages from an old book he carries before he falls into sleep.

His dreams are a mix of imagery - of elven maids with 'Shari's sky blue eyes and noblemen in dark suits; dryads dancing with priests who look like Edan; and masked couples who bear resemblance to 'Lina and Mistertique. It all blends into a moment of his kiss with 'Shari and more passionate images before his slumber goes deeper and unreadable.

'Shari laughs in reply to Lanten's joke. "Yes, he certainly gathered many...ahhh favors with his gallantry! She gives Edan a playful wink as she finishes her drink, ready to depart.

The walk back with her friends is pleasant and when they arrive back at the Temple, 'Shari gives Edan and 'Lina a goodbye hug. "I will see you both tomorrow." She then continues on with Lanten in her arms.

As she slips out of her dress and shoes and climbs into her bed trying to let slumber carry her away, one image filled her mind: Those beautiful eyes of his...

Edan only rolled his eyes at the pair of jokesters as they walked, but was thankful that it was dark, otherwise they would see how red his face was getting. 'It was certainly a novel experience', he thought to himself, reflecting on the night. The Dryad was someplace that he had no desire to revisit as any sort of entertainment.. There was nothing there that he was interested in experiencing. The mission that they were dispatched on still hung over his head, and he was still at a loss as to how they might proceed.

When they reached the temple, he was never more relieved to see familiar walls. The hug from 'Shari was returned, as well as Lanten's nod of parting, thoughts of his bed growing stronger the closer he got to his room. Even so, as he walked, he could not help glancing over at 'Lina, trying not to get caught admiring. She did look amazing in that dress, but that was something that one did not need eyes to know. When they reached their rooms, what she said surprised him. It took a couple of seconds for him to get it as he looked away for a moment, uncertain of how to respond, but any response he would have given was lost when he was distracted by her hasty retreat.

Shaking his head, he entered his room, and removed the clothing as carefully as he could, the small spell that he had memorized proving surprisingly useful in a number of situations, cleaning it. After a moment of thought, he applied it to himself as well, figuring that if it could clean clothes, why not a person.. Or people?

Well, it worked on him, at least. Maybe 'Lina would be willing to be a test subject tomorrow. As he stretched out on his cot with a relieved sigh, he drifted off before he knew it, his head full of too many thoughts to sort them out.

Godelina was surprised ast Ushari's hug and wasn't quite sure to respond in a awkward manner, but lightly returned it.

During their walk earlier she too was often glancing at him too discreatly, however it seems their eyes never met but remain curious of eachother.

perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Seeing as Edan didn't knock on the door and hearing his door closed she lets out a sigh.
"Thank the gods. That could have been awkward." she says outloud to herself as she undresses. She puts her blade to the side, keeping it as a dagger on the cabinet beside her bed and putting on her night gown, taking a longer than normal stare into the mirror. She was getting certain thoughts, bad thoughts that she was told would cloud her judgement when doing Iomedae's work. She found her cheeks were flushed and then blew out the candles, wanting to sleep and forget about these silly, childish emotions, but even in her dreams she wasn't free from them.

The dreams she experiences end up being quite intense. She has the choice to cut down somekind of evil, shadowy demon, however it's enveloped Edan and if she strikes with her sword, she'll possibly kill him too. Every bone in her body tells her to smite the evil no matter what the cost, but she cannot bring the blade down. because of her hesitation she watches as the creature grows larger, moves to envelope her and Edan begins to rot away infront of her. She wakes with a start in cold sweat and tears in her eyes, but she curls up again, deciding to try and get a good sleep, no matter what.

Once you wake in the morning you all meet at the Lizard boat, as has become your morning routine to talk about the next steps you want to take in your investigation.

The morning Godelina is dressed in her armour as before. She yawns, having had trouble sleeping, but not letting it take over. She waits outside Edan's room, leaning against the wall and looking at her black, wondering if the being inside might have the answer or her reflection in the blade.

She wasn't up to talking about last night and hoped that Edan wasn't going to press the issue and get on with their job. After their lead went to a dead-end, she feels that they need to hurry up and get back to work.

Edan came out of his room with a yawn, and was headed into a stretch when he was startled, realizing that 'Lina was leaning against the wall by his door, jumping slightly. His sharp intake of breath ruined his yawn, but he gave her a sleepy smile, once he recognized her. It was always nice to see 'Lina in the morning. It was something that he was growing used to.

"Mornin'" he mumbled, rubbing one eye and passing his hands through his hair. Surprisingly, his hair obeyed, and he let his arms drop, wearing what he usually did since he had discarded his armor. The linen shirt was clean, as were the breeches, his feet in the boots that they had arrived here in. There was a whole day ahead of them, and he hoped that there would be some clues somewhere in it. He said nothing of the night before, not wanting to spoil the morning with complex talk, and looking forward to breakfast at the Lizard Boat rather than here at the temple.

Remembering something, he went back into his cell and grabbed his sketchbook, tucking the charcoal stick behind his ear. He did not know why, but perhaps because he was pleased at the morning, Edan offered his arm to 'Lina in a imitation of the more polite manners that they had seen the night before.

Godelina couldn't help but smile back. Something about the way he looked in the morning made her smile. Perhaps it was the way he kept together or that he managed to smile the way he did in the morning. She wasn't sure, but she found herself smiling in return, then blushing as she realised what she just did and cleared her throat.
"Let us get going. I don't want to waste any time needlessly like yesterday. I pray Iomedae forgives us all for the deadend we found and the wasted time." she states as she turns, ready to make their way, but stops as she notices he disappeared. She looks back to see him coming out with his sketchbook and piece of charcoal on his ear and for a moment she gives a soft smile and shake of her head before straightening up again. "You...drawn anyone with the charcoal before?" she asks in a attempt to find a topic to talk about besides last night.

for some reason, a image came into my head of her being painted first with her armour, then in a night dress and then without one. Making me think of that terrible Titanic movie.

'Shari wakes up to the sight of sunlight streaming into her room from the window. Blinking her eyes, she groggily shakes the cobwebs out of her mind. She glanced at her bed sheets which were all twisted and covered with sweat. Apparently her sleep had not been all that restful, and the more she thought on it she knew the reason why.

She sat up abruptly realizing she had not only missed breakfast, but was running late to meet up with her friends. Hurriedly splashing cold water on her face to help wake up, she pulls on some nice leather pants and a light blue cotton blouse. Tasteful and cute, she thought. She regretted not having enough time to braid her hair but time was wasting. She pulls on her leather boots and decides to arm herself discreetly as before.

Hurrying to the dining area, she waves to 'Lina and Edan while hiding a pang of disappointment at not seeing Lanten. I hope he is OK....and he still wants to see me again.

Good morning, Edan, 'Lina! I hope you have both recovered from last night!"

For Lanten, morning is a noisy affair - with boarders up for the morning meal and children yelling about. Last night's drinking left him a little groggy and his dreams seemed to have left him a little tired. He ignores the morning crowd and goes straight to the courtyard. Cold water from the well wakens him as he takes a deep drink of water.

His sword practice is simpler today. His thoughts range on all of his new friends from last night. Despite his own troubles, his instincts feel more than ever that it's important to help them. He chuckles at this feeling. Like Pappy used to say - you meet people over tea; you meet true friends over ale.

Thinking of his father, he needed to know what he was about in Saltmarsh. Hopefully that meant a trip to the dwarf's bar at some point, but there were other matters to attend to for now. His head clearer, this morning he decided to wear his heavier gear and swords. The delay in getting prepped put him later than he thought. And for the first time today, he was concerned that would worry 'Shari - that she would think he didn't care about her.

As dashed to the Boat, he thought of the journal and a snippet of poetry: She dressed in finery of blue; And her wonderous looks scared more'n a few; But when I saw her sweet smile; I dared the chance to stay awhile. As he strode into the Lizard Boat and saw the rest gathered there, he couldn't help but remember that as he looked at 'Shari and gave a small smile.

"Morning, all. Sorry for the delay. I think we all need to some black tea and cinnamon to get us awake, eh?"

The smile she returns to him is a bigger one, and he can see the faint outlines of a blush beginning to form on her cheeks.

"Good morning Lanten! I think some hot black tea is a wonderful idea!" She waves the waitress over to bring the group a pot of tea (with cinnamon). Once she has returned with the tea and four teacups for them, 'Shari sips the tea and looks into Lanten's sky blue eyes adding, "I hope you slept well last night. I wish..." She turns away and coughs softly. "Well anyway I think Edan wanted to see someone in town, what was his name again?"

"You...drawn anyone with the charcoal before?" she asks in a attempt to find a topic to talk about besides last night.

It was a bit too early to answer a question like that and have to deal with the resulting train of thought (and questions) that it would generate, so Edan only responded with an enigmatic look and then pretended to be distracted by the sights of the town in the morning. Taking a deep breath of the morning air, he yawned once more, and then looked over to 'Lina. "I wonder what breakfast is at the Boat today.. Are you hungry?", he idly asked before heading towards their daily routine.

"Well anyway I think Edan wanted to see someone in town, what was his name again?"

Edan had his sketchbook open and was working on the outlines for something, more a standing figure against some sort of background, with his cup of tea near his other hand, and nodded at 'Shari thoughtfully. "The Druid of Frog Park was one of the things we had planned.. There was also the orphanage to inquire in, and the Lizardfolk. The Temple of Gorum was a possibility, and the museum contest are what I remember us mentioning in passing.

Putting the charcoal stick down, he picked up the tea and took a sip, looking towards the kitchen of the Boat, wondering what breakfast might be.

Godelina Evelyn wrote:

"You...drawn anyone with the charcoal before?" she asks in a attempt to find a topic to talk about besides last night.

It was a bit too early to answer a question like that and have to deal with the resulting train of thought (and questions) that it would generate, so Edan only responded with an enigmatic look and then pretended to be distracted by the sights of the town in the morning. Taking a deep breath of the morning air, he yawned once more, and then looked over to 'Lina. "I wonder what breakfast is at the Boat today.. Are you hungry?", he idly asked before heading towards their daily routine.

She shrugs at the question, not sure what to say.

'Shari Velnokal wrote:

"Well anyway I think Edan wanted to see someone in town, what was his name again?"

Edan had his sketchbook open and was working on the outlines for something, more a standing figure against some sort of background, with his cup of tea near his other hand, and nodded at 'Shari thoughtfully. "The Druid of Frog Park was one of the things we had planned.. There was also the orphanage to inquire in, and the Lizardfolk. The Temple of Gorum was a possibility, and the museum contest are what I remember us mentioning in passing.

Putting the charcoal stick down, he picked up the tea and took a sip, looking towards the kitchen of the Boat, wondering what breakfast might be.

"If children are in danger, we best check out the orphanage. Even if they are not, it will be best that we investigate to make sure they are not, however if the drud has been acting strange he might know a few things or have become a danger." she states as she focuses on these tasks at hand, clearly putting all her thought power into it.

as per DM's suggestion I'll give a nudge here.

Godelina looks to the group, noticing that 'Shari and Lanten appear to be somewhat distracted, though she doesn't bother to ask any awkward questions.
"So it's the Orphanage of the Druid? The Druid might be dangerous if he is behaving strangely, I could never understand those who woreship nature, but he may know something we do not. The children could be in danger if there is any truth to the stories and I feel uncomfortable at a child so young to be near such danger when it is not their calling..." she trails off for a moment, eyes glazing over as she stares into empty space. "...some would dare say lucky."

'Shari tears herself away from gazing into Lanten's eyes as 'Lina's words bring her out of her reverie.

Wow...he is SOOO handsome...I know he LIKES me too...What could possibly go wrong?

"Uhhh...I suppose we should talk to that druid first. What say you, Lanten?

Just setting her up for the shock of seeing Ramar again, he he.

O-uh...mischief's afoot. And I don't mean the cultists. ;-)

"I hope you slept well last night. I wish..." She turns away and coughs softly.

Lanten also focuses on 'Shari, although he does look towards 'Lina and Edan with a thoughtful look in his eye - as if assessing them anew today. He answers 'Shari with a curious grin and a far-away look in his eyes, "I did. Some interesting memories of last night's events kept me company."

Amid the morning conversation, he drinks two cups of black tea with heavy dose of cinnamon - a bitter, spiced mix that brings him awake and gets him hungry. Seeing that the others might be hungry as well, he goes to waitress to get some of warm, morning bread, jam, and some sausage or ham (if they have it) to get them filled up for the day.

"So it's the Orphanage or the Druid?

"Uhhh...I suppose we should talk to that druid first. What say you, Lanten?

A mixture of thoughts comes to his mind as he sips his tea. There's a sudden rush of self-interest to suggest going to the Dwarf's Bar, but that he quickly puts away. My matters can wait... He looks at 'Shari, and nods in agreement to go see the Druid.

"I think its good we see what's going on with him. At best, we might find someone who can give us some straight answers. At worst, it'll be one more dead or blocked end - we seem to have no trouble finding those." There's an attempt at dry humor in his tone.

But he also turns to 'Lina and adds: "Id like nothing better than to barge in the Orphanage if those kids are in danger. Problem is, I don't think we can do it without busting in and that would only get us in trouble with Saltmarsh's law. I don't think the governess there is too keen on visitors without due cause. And by cause, I mean evidence or at least some witnesses. It'll have to keep - maybe until after we get a chance to do some reconaissance." There was something in 'Lina's statement that made him answer - as if she is implying more to her concerns about the children than she let on.

"I wasn't suggest we burst in, however I am at a loss as to how we could be allowed in without rising suspecion..." she thinks for a moment as she looks at 'Shari and Lanten for a moment as a idea comes to her mind. "You could pose as a couple, looking for a child. If there is anything odd going on, we would then have good reason to go in. You are right however, the druid would be easier unless you feel we should split up?"

"I wasn't suggest we burst in, however I am at a loss as to how we could be allowed in without rising suspecion..." she thinks for a moment as she looks at 'Shari and Lanten for a moment as a idea comes to her mind. "You could pose as a couple, looking for a child. If there is anything odd going on, we would then have good reason to go in. You are right however, the druid would be easier unless you feel we should split up?"

From a character's perspective, I would say splitting up makes sense. However, from the player/DM side - splitting up the party can be a mess. I am thinking we should stick together.

Lanten nods in agreement at the first start of her statement, but pauses at the impromptu plan. A small smile spreads across his face - with a glance towards 'Shari in amusement, he states: "Well...me Pa always said I should start a family early. Do you think so?"

After a chuckle, he adds: "I'm not dimissing your plan, 'Lina. It's a solid idea and could be helpful. Maybe after we visit the Druid, we should give it a go."

Talking out of character, I think 'Shari and Ramar have already tried to investigate the orphanage - not sure if I remember correctly. So, in order to make it less obvious - it may have to be 'Lina and Edan (or Lanten) who pose as the interested couple. Just a thought.

'Shari's face turns a delicate shade of red as Lanten's words play in her mind. She takes a drink of tea to help calm herself and replies (avoiding meeting Lanten's eyes). "As I recall, Ramar and I did try to gain entrance to the orphanage but the proprieter there denied us access." She glances upwards for a moment. "I suggest we all should head to the orphanage together. It might give us more leverage."

"Sounds like a plan then. Moving on to the Park first, then see if we can get over to the orphanage..." Lanten glances at Edan for confirmation, but sees he's busy sketching while eating breakfast. "...Maybe that trip to the museum?" he throws in lastly with amusement to get the cleric's attention.

Edan gave a half grin, finishing a couple strokes on the page before he glanced over at Lanten with an amused smile. "Just because I have not commented, does not mean that I am not listening, Sir Tiberiu."

Then, just to do it in spite of his statement, Edan pointedly took a bite of the last of his breakfast, giving a "so there" look to Lanten. Belatedly, he remembered that the other were also watching that particular exchange, and looked at 'Shari and 'Lina with an embarrassed smile. "Um, sorry.." Pushing his plate away, he put the charcoal stick back behind his ear and closed the sketchbook. The sketch he had been working on looked a bit like a certain familiarly armored figure leading a charge with the rising sun at her back.

"Druid, then figure a way for the orphanage.. I doubt the matron would take well to less than a legitimate attempt.." lapsing into silence as he thought about ways to manage that, he sipped his tea before rising.

finishing your respective meals you all stand and make your way to frog park where you heard that the druid is keeping residence as a caretaker of sorts.

Fir and pine trees dominate this sizable park, with a few willow trees growing near the park’s marshy interior. The ground here has always been a bit sloshy, making it difficult to build structures. As a result, a cleric of Obad-Hai purchased the land for a low price, and druids of the deity have tended to the area ever since. Frog Park derives its name from the large number of frogs that dwell here; on some nights, their susurrus can be heard all the way to the town market. Most people attribute the frog population to the park’s proximity to the northern wetlands. Statues of frogs decorate the park, but most visitors find the place just too swampy for regular visits. ooc is just for background, you could discover it easily by talking to anyone in town that has lived there for a while.

Let me know of anything you are doing as you enter the park/ look for the druid.

The suggestion was in character whilst out of character I know a cardinal rule is to never split the party.

godelina nods, thinking on the group's decisions and ideas. She looks to Edan and gives a nod.
"Let us go see this druid. Hopefully he can shed some light on what's happening here." shes says as she curiously looks over at Edan and wonders what he's drawing

"Just because I have not commented, does not mean that I am not listening, Sir Tiberiu."

"Let us go see this druid. Hopefully he can shed some light on what's happening here."

With a mild smile, Lanten does a slight bow to the cleric. "Point taken, Master Crosier." As he gets up and settles his gear, he mutters, "Amen to that...," at 'Lina's statement.

On the walk to the park, he retains a slightly amused look and tends to stick closer to 'Shari, but doesn't add much. Periodically, the smell of the salt-air tickles his senses, bring a slight wave of nostalgia. He seems relaxed, but keeps his eyes open.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Instead of his more casual wear, he wears his guardsman's armor to the park - feeling a semi-official look (without his badge) might improve their chances at talking. He's comfortable, but tries to avoid the marshy terrain for concern of the weight. He looks for a dry trail that might lead them closer to the Druid's residence, or at least a public area where he might be found.

Edan stepped carefully, though he was no stranger to dirty feet. The marshy park was.. Interesting. He had almost gotten used to the breezes that carried the smell of saltwater or the rotting vegetation scent that came when the wind came from inland. Since they were looking for the druid, he hoped they were not interrupting anything.

"Ferrin!", he called, looking around. "Druid Kastilar, Druid Tolivar sent me to you!" Knowing little about druids and their practices, he hoped that they would not accidentally antagonize him. He could recall stories told about Druids that shifted into great and fearsome forms. Edan looked around carefully, but headed further into the park with confidence, looking for a dry(er) trail like Lanten was.

Perception:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Godelina remains close to Edan, placing her hand on her hilt to be ready for what might happen next. She had no idea what trouble might appear here. She was afraid something might be wrong and kept her eyes out to focus on any possible danger, but it appears as if her eye settle on a couple, sat together and holding hands just ignoring the world around them and she gives a soft smile, lost in thought for a moment.

perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

'Sahri walks along next to Lanten, part of her attention focused on the surroundings and the rest on the way his body moves. As they enter the marsh, she grimaces at the mud and dirt which caked her pants and boots.

Lovely area to live in...

As Edan's voice rings out, a sense of nervousness overtakes her and her hand roams to the hilt of her dagger. She jumps slightly as the sounds of some unknown animal echo off behind her somewhere. She unconsciously slides closer to Lanten a look of nervousness in her blue eyes.

Perception 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Apologies, I posted on Sat, but apparently it got eaten and I didn't check back until now.

You all see from behind a small corpse of trees a little way off a disheveled head poke itself into view for a moment before a voice calls out from behind it. "Tell her to keep to her own affairs and I will keep to mine!"

Despite some nerves, Lanten can't help but be amused for the moment. The sudden comment (or something similar) reminded him of the all too often drama of a fellow hoping to get a quick pint in and avoiding the wife's chores.

Giving 'Shari a reassuring touch on the shoulder, he starts walking towards the druid's copse - trying his best to not make any threatening moves. "Com'n now, Mr. Druid - we're just needing a moment of your time today."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

"Go away, go away, GO AWAY!" his voice rises with each repetition inside the corpse.

Wow...are all druids this hostile to visitors?

'Shari's voice chimes in, "Excuse me Master Druid, we do not want to take up a lot of your time here. We just want to ask you a couple of questions and then we will be on our way."

Diplomacy AA Lanten 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

"Please sir, we are only here to help and root out the evil in this town. We have heard and seen many things, including evil priests who have been converted from our church. We hope you could shed some light on what is going on here." she points out as she calmly takes a step forward when pleading her case.

"Let's hope he's not part of that evil...otherwise we're like the chickens asking the fox for help," Lanten mumbles to 'Shari as they try to coax the druid's attention.

When Godelina mentions evil the grumbling from the corpse of trees grows quiet and the druid pokes his head out again. "Evil? What evil?" He says, and steps a little way away from the trees before stopping.

Godelina relaxes in posture and knowing how timid he appears, remains where she is so she doesn't spook him.
"We know someone has turned a lizardfolk to stone and we have also learnt that there is a allience between the people of this town and them due to a battle with the shark people. The Sahuagin I believe they are called. We do not know why this person has done it, but we have found that the statue in the museum is a real creature that was turned to stone by powerful magics." she points out this first issue. "Me and my comrade here were sent to investigate drops in the temple of Iomedae here. Unexplained and substancial drops in those coming to the temple and we found one such family who was missing a son had been tricked into praising a 'god of luck' which was actually Asmodeus. We believe someone is altering people's lives so that this 'luck' happens as soon as they change religion, but we do not know the reason, nor where their son dissappeared to." Godelina goes on to explain other subtle findings they have, pointing to something very strange going on in this town, but no actual concrete evidence or lead to guide them to the one or more parties involved in what is happening. "We were hoping you might have seen or heard something. Is that the reason you have been hiding from others?" she says in the hopes that this is correct and she is on the right path to understanding what's going on in this town.

Couldn't have said it better. ;-)

Couldn't have said it better. ;-)

not bad for someone who has inflamed tonsils and keeps swallowing air, huh?

An approving look was on Edan's face-- not that Godelina could immediately see it, as he let her take the fore when she began speaking-- at the way she summarized their situation. The report would have a whole lot more weight coming from her mouth, and hopefully her appearance would lend yet more weight to her words. So he stood back and let her speak, looking around at their surroundings. He had never seen a park of this nature, so it certainly was interesting.

Once 'Lina concludes her explanation, his attention is back onto the Druid, curious about what his response was going to be.

As your explanation drags on the druid visibly relaxes, but when you get to the part about him hiding he tenses up again. "Hiding? Me? Now what would give you that idea?" and he begins slowly edging back towards his corpse of trees that is about 20 feet away.

'Shari watches the strange druid closely and wonders what he is so worried about. "Is there something bothering you, good sir? We don't wish to bother you, we just had some questions that's all." She cannot help but glance about her wondering who else was nearby.

Perception 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Having pleaded their case, Lantnen decides to find a comfy spot on a rock or tree to sit and pulls his wineskin out. "Seems Friend Druid here's a bit nervous today. If the voice of an angel can't put him at ease, maybe a spot of elderberry wine will help. Heard its quite soothing, eh?" He attempts to make his tone as non-threatening as possible and remains at ease to see if that will help the matter at hand. Bluff: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

As your explanation drags on the druid visibly relaxes, but when you get to the part about him hiding he tenses up again. "Hiding? Me? Now what would give you that idea?" and he begins slowly edging back towards his corpse of trees that is about 20 feet away.

Godelina narrows her eyes, tired of this druid acting scared.

"What? Monsters? There are no monsters here, this is a park in the middle of town. Don't be silly. No monsters he says as he glances back at the grove he just came out of."