I stay in the shadows until all of my companions emerge from the constabulary and then sheath my weapons and join them. I say "What did she tell you? Did she suggest a place to start an investigation? Where do we go from here?"
I stay in the shadows until all of my companions emerge from the constabulary and then sheath my weapons and join them. I say "What did she tell you? Did she suggest a place to start an investigation? Where do we go from here?"
jirkin repeat to Alton what has happened.
He speaks soothingly to her in Karandic "Rest easy, lady. I will do my best to visit over the next few days and continue your treatment, if time and the guards permit. Have faith that we will get you out of this, by whatever necessary".
Examining Gosia, you find that she has been quite badly treated, including having dislocated fingers and a sprained ankle as well as a number of bad bruises.
You are able to make her a little more comfortable, but it will take some longer term care to see her back to full health.
As you examine the woman, the Inquisitor watches you closely.
Laithe pays little heed to the Inquisitor as he tends to Gosia.
Rejoining the rest outside the constabulary, Laithe motions the group away from the constabulary, out of earshot before responding to Alton's question:
"The way I see it there are 2 possible avenues of investigation - one in the Dimwood, the other here in the town. Gosia seemed to feel the killer came from the forest, but hadn't ruled out involvement from someone in town.
I'm leaning towards the forest as a start point, and would suggest we try and track down this woodsman, Jarred Hale. He sounds as though he may be able to give us better insight into the Dimwood and its less savoury inhabitants. We can visit Gosia's house on the way and see if the items she mentioned are still there. We can also stop at the grave site; I have some skill in tracking so am hoping we'll be able to find some clues that the guards have missed.
Assuming this doesn't turn up anything, we can return to town and make further enquiries here. I am loathe to split up at this stage - there is a killer on the loose, and I'm also not convinced we are safe from the inquisitor. What do you think?
I agree with Laithe, the Dimwood should be our starting place and we should sneak out this Jarred Hale.
Vorn continues to look at you, face inscrutable as usual, for long after you stop speaking.
Finally he speaks. “Yes, I have been merciful. And I will help with your … investigation. Constable Farbridge has the details you ask for. Constable?” It is difficult to tell how the Inquisitor has taken your words, although he appears to be as helpful as could be expected at this stage.
“And,” the Inquisitor interjects, “after much prayer to Arton, it was revealed to me that Troskie was guilty. She was tried, found guilty, and sentenced, according to the laws of the Empire and the laws of the Church. In my generosity I have granted you a chance to search for further evidence, and I suggest you go seek it, rather than questioning the evidence that has already been collected. The interview is at an end. Yes, you may send someone to soothe the wounds the woman sustained in resisting the constables’ arrest, and then, Constable, return her to her cell.”
The Inquisitor stands aside from the door, clearly inviting Troy and Keildrithe to leave.
Rising once again, Keildrithe responds to Inquisitor Vorn: "We thank his holy grace for sharing with us his knowledge, generosity, compassion, and... fairness. I shall send for one of my companion's, who may treat the Lady Gosia's wounds."
Keildrithe walks past the Inquisitor, opens the door, and calls out: "Friends... all is well. In his kindness, Inquisitor Vorn has granted us permission to treat Lady Gosia's wounds. If one of you would possess healing lore, the lady would benefit from your comfort..."
Looking at Inquisitor Vorn one last time while standing with one foot outside the door, Keildrithe states: "I trust your word of honour as a loyal servant of Arton, Inquisitor, that no further harm will come to lady Gosia over the next seven days, and that the authorities will not interfere with our investigation."
Calling over his shoulder in Karandic on his way out, as he gives way to Laithe: "Gosia, be brave! We shall return soon and you shall live to taste freedom again... you have my word!"
"The way I see it there are 2 possible avenues of investigation - one in the Dimwood, the other here in the town. Gosia seemed to feel the killer came from the forest, but hadn't ruled out involvement from someone in town.I'm leaning towards the forest as a start point, and would suggest we try and track down this woodsman, Jarred Hale. He sounds as though he may be able to give us better insight into the Dimwood and its less savoury inhabitants. We can visit Gosia's house on the way and see if the items she mentioned are still there. We can also stop at the grave site; I have some skill in tracking so am hoping we'll be able to find some clues that the guards have missed.
Assuming this doesn't turn up anything, we can return to town and make further enquiries here. I am loathe to split up at this stage - there is a killer on the loose, and I'm also not convinced we are safe from the inquisitor. What do you think?
"You speak wisely, friend Laithe. However crazy this may sound, part of me also suspects that if creatures from the Dimwood indeed are involved in the slayings, then they may have acted on instruction from a master or accomplice living here in town, who is using them to conceal his heinous plans. I therefore agree, let us stick together for now and recover whatever helpful items we may from Gosia's cottage, as well as search for additional clues around her home. Then, should we find this Jarred Hale, he may help us make connections with the creatures of the forest and identify the remaining pieces of the puzzle.
"But before we go, I would like to ask ol' Dras to send someone to check in on Gosia on a regular basis, especially if we end up spending a few days out of town..."
Looking at Inquisitor Vorn one last time while standing...
"As I said Oldsun, you have a week. I suggest you use the time wisely," answers the Inquisitor.
---
Outside in the square, the church bells begin ringing again, announcing the beginning of the morning service. The Inquisitor strides past your group, back into the darkened interior of the church.
Only a few stragglers are left in the square with yourselves, although two soldiers continue to stand guard outside the constabulary.
---
The Dimwood surrounds Barg to the west, north and east, but the land has been extensively cleared to the north and east, for farming and other industry, and the forest now lies several miles from the village in those directions. However, to the west, at the back of the village and behind the castle bluff, the forest lurks but a few hundred yards from the village walls. It is in this direction that Gosia has indicated her cottage, and indeed the Valley of Snails, lie.
"But before we go, I would like to ask ol' Dras to send someone to check in on Gosia on a regular basis, especially if we end up spending a few days out of town..."
Laithe listens to Keildrithe, nodding. "I agree, Gosia could use the care and a friendly face over the next week, and we might not be around to provide it."
Turning to the group he says "I think I have everything I need, but if anyone needs to stock up on equipment or food, now might be a good time?"
Looking around at the closed up shopfronts bordering the square (even the inn seems to be closed now) you recall that most businesses in Atuscan controlled town tend to be closed on Highdays, at least for half the day.
Looking around at the closed up shopfronts bordering the square (even the inn seems to be closed now) you recall that most businesses in Atuscan controlled town tend to be closed on Highdays, at least for half the day.
"Church service is about to begin, and will last a few hours. There consequently will remain few in the village to question during that period. Let us not waste precious time waiting for the service to end... I shall leave a message for Dras at the Crow's Call, asking him to tend to Gosia... Then, I propose that we go directly to Gosia's cottage..."
I agree, we should move on. I for one have everything I shall need. At least I hope so. Keildrithe; is there anyone in the town who you beleive we can trust and who might be able to watch the townspeople for clues on who might be in league with the creatures of the Dimwood?
I agree, we should move on. I for one have everything I shall need. At least I hope so. Keildrithe; is there anyone in the town who you beleive we can trust and who might be able to watch the townspeople for clues on who might be in league with the creatures of the Dimwood?
"For every choice there is a conseqnce, make your choice carefully, for not our lifes are in danger,but an innocent woman who deserves better than just being locked up in a ceil, we should set foot toward the woods now. Jirkin waits to see what everyone else is going to do. "And remember if we fail this, we will be the madmen,but if we are successful then we will be honored!" Jirkin then checks his spellbook scamming the pages then putting it back in his pack.
"And remember if we fail this, we will be the madmen,but if we are successful then we will be honored!"
"I am not convinced we will be honoured, at least not by all, should we succeed in our quest. We must be on guard as the Inquisitor will not take kindly to being proven wrong. However, you are right in that Gosia relies on our success, and as we have pledged to help her, our own personal honour is at stake.
But let us focus on the task - it seems we have a consensus that the woods is our best starting point. Let us stop briefly at the inn to enquire after someone who can attend on Gosia, and perhaps enlist someone in town to keep their ear to the ground for us. Then we can be on our way, for time is against us."
Laithe motions for the rest to follow and makes his way to the Crow's Call.
I agree, we should move on. I for one have everything I shall need. At least I hope so. Keildrithe; is there anyone in the town who you beleive we can trust and who might be able to watch the townspeople for clues on who might be in league with the creatures of the Dimwood?
Most of you have heard stories of the Dimwood. Some, such as Laithe and Jirkin have even travelled through parts of it, or at least traversed its borders. As you prepare to head into that place, you share those stories amongst yourselves.
The Dimwood has an evil reputation, although some parts of the forest are worse than the others, and the area you are travelling towards, the western portion which is connected to the bulk of the forest to the east by a relatively narrow band of woodland to the north, is not deemed as bad as some. Still, the locals whisper of fey, and evil spirits, and trow. In some places it is said that the trees and plants themselves are hostile to travellers. It is rumoured that elves live in the eastern part of the forest, and a secretive group of necromancers known as the Magi are said to have an enclave there too, or somewhere not far beyond the forest. Parts of the forest are also said to be home to elusive woodsmen, primitive relatives of the Karands.
It is known that many of the wild animals who make the forest their home are unusually aggressive and dangerous. In particular the wolves of the western woods have a fierce reputation as man-killers, and have been known to attack even bands of well armed travellers.
While many of the small woods and copses within the province support loggers, charcoal burners and hunters, not so the Dimwood. People keep away from the forest, and if they must venture through they do in large, well armed bands, or else small groups who can travel quickly and quietly.
The Valley of Snails is little known to any of you, although you understand it lies a day or more’s journey to the west of the village, and is said to be abundant with wild-life – and presumably snails!
Still, the locals whisper of fey, and evil spirits, and trow.
I think that either one of us should stay here or that we should ask this Dras person to keep an eye on events here in Barg while we go into the Dimwood. It is my hope that this 'Valley of Snails' is not in fact inhabited by either large quantities of snails or very large snails.
Still, the locals whisper of fey, and evil spirits, and trow.
I think that either one of us should stay here or that we should ask this Dras person to keep an eye on events here in Barg while we go into the Dimwood. It is my hope that this 'Valley of Snails' is not in fact inhabited by either large quantities of snails or very large snails.
I think that either one of us should stay here or that we should ask this Dras person to keep an eye on events here in Barg while we go into the Dimwood. It is my hope that this 'Valley of Snails' is not in fact inhabited by either large quantities of snails or very large snails.
I look at Keildrithe and say "You are fro these parts and know them best. What is the quickest way to Gosia's home?
Troy has been largely silent for the past little while, and as the group discusses preparations to leave, he finally speaks. “I’m at home – and competent – in a town, or on the deck of a ship. But forests, and spirits, and snails of, possibly, unusual size? I’m not so sure I’d be much help. I also don’t trust that Inquisitor much at all … I think it would be better if I stay here, keep an eye on the girl and the priest. I’ll get in contact with the old man too Keildrithe, see what he and his clan can do to help.
“Good luck … and safe journey. I’ll see you in a few days.”
The group says it’s farewells, and begins heading in the direction that Keildrithe indicates, the north west gate out of town, and the road leading to the forests’ edge.
As we begin to walk Jirkin speaks "I must caution to everyone that when we are in the forest that the Magi, are a danerous group. I was kiddnapped and forced to learn their dark ways,i was able to escape. This is why i wear this mask, to hide myself from them and to soon take my revenge for what they did to the family name...but right now i am going to leave that aside right now, and i am sorry to tell you a part of my history that no one else has heard for i know some of you were wondering why i was wearing this mask, this is the reason."
As we begin to walk Jirkin speaks "I must caution to everyone that when we are in the forest that the Magi, are a danerous group. I was kiddnapped and forced to learn their dark ways,i was able to escape. This is why i wear this mask, to hide myself from them and to soon take my revenge for what they did to the family name...but right now i am going to leave that aside right now, and i am sorry to tell you a part of my history that no one else has heard for i know some of you were wondering why i was wearing this mask, this is the reason."
That's appropriate Jirkin, although you think the Magi's influence is further east, you are travelling to the western arm of the forest, you are unaware as to whether their influence has spread so far.
A fairly narrow dirt path, etched by years of tramping feet and farm wagons, leads west by north west away from the village. Just outside the gates you pass by a few buildings which spill out beyond the confines of the village walls; a tannery, a slaughterhouse, a few rude hovels. Narrow paths lead between these building towards northern farmlands.
Continuing further along the path, the rocky ground rises steeply to the south, becoming almost a cliff face of crumbling black rock, with the Baron’s castle far above. To the north of the path, a rough rock wall, four to five feet and covered in dying ivy separates the path from the village graveyard.
Passing the main iron gates to the graveyard, and the smaller lich-gate a little further along the path, the trail becomes less traveled, with weeds and nettles growing in the wagon wheel ruts. The cliff face to the south begins to fall away from the path, an open, scrubby area filled with thorny bushes in between, and you see a dark line of close packed oak and pine trees up ahead, the trail and field between here and there strewn with fallen yellow and ochre leaves and dried pine needles.
Just before the trail pierces the tree line, a crude stone platform covered with and surrounded by head sized orange spheres rests by the side of the path.
Walking to through the fields, Laithe makes his way to the front of the party. "Unless anyone objects, I'd like to travel at the point, 20 paces or so in front. I am in my element among the trees and would like to keep a close eye out for tracks or anything else of significance. Hopefully, I will also be able to spot anything that may approach within the Dimwood".
Just before the trail pierces the tree line, a crude stone platform covered with and surrounded by head sized orange spheres rests by the side of the path.
As we draw near the platform, Laithe stops and scans it and the surrounding area, trying to determine if there is any danger.
Assuming he sees none, he approaches the orange spheres (pumpkins?? with caution for a closer look. He also scans the area for any signs of coming and going
Walking to through the fields, Laithe makes his way to the front of the party. "Unless anyone objects, I'd like to travel at the point, 20 paces or so in front. I am in my element among the trees and would like to keep a close eye out for tracks or anything else of significance. Hopefully, I will also be able to spot anything that may approach within the Dimwood".
As we draw near the platform, Laithe stops and scans it and the surrounding area, trying to determine if there is any danger.
Assuming he sees none, he approaches the orange spheres (pumpkins?? with caution for a closer look. He also scans the area for any signs of coming and going
Keildrithe cautiously follows Laithe up to the platform, and peers closely at the spheres.
I also begin to search the platform and the area around it, looking for any writing or unusual features on it.
An ancient, hewn slab of stone, resting atop two squat stone blocks, stands about three feet above the ground level. It is covered in dozens and dozens of grinning, leering jack’o’lanterns, turned to face the dark forest. Older, rotten pumpkins lie on the ground all about.
---
Despite the fallen leaves, the canopy of the forest is still quite tightly woven and thick, allowing little sunlight to reach the forest floor. Eyes strain to make out the forest interior from the bright sunlight outside. It seems that the trail splits in three just within the treeline. A leaf covered path turns north, seeming to parallel the tree line a score of yards within the forest. A narrow dirt trail winds its way between the gnarled roots and trunks of ancient oaks, heading roughly north west. A third path, wider than the other two, but quite overgrown with sickly looking weeds and brambles, leads west-south-west.
---
Laithe, kneeling on the dry earth (somewhat unusually for this season, it has not rained in a week or more) you see the sign of passage of many booted and shod feet, apparently having passed through here in both directions several days ago. Moving a little further into the forest, it seems that all the most recent tracks lead down the north and north-west trails.
Keildrithe, you are aware of a custom amongst the locals of Barg of leaving jack’o’lanterns on this slab, which they call The Devil’s Table, to frighten away spirits and fey from the forest. The Table itself (the stone slab) has been here for as long as anyone in the village can remember, its original purpose lost to time.
Alton, the stone platform appears ancient. If there was ever anything carved into it, it has been long since worn away with time. Your thorough search finds nothing except the rotten carcasses of pumpkins, and a few viable wax candle stubs.
After studying the trails for a little time, Laithe stands and turns to the rest.
"The North-west and West south west trails show sign of recent travel by many people. From what Gosia told us, I would guess the third trail heading West South-West leads to her house. She said it was west, close to the eaves of the forest. What do you all think?"
After studying the trails for a little time, Laithe stands and turns to the rest.
"The North-west and West south west trails show sign of recent travel by many people. From what Gosia told us, I would guess the third trail heading West South-West leads to her house. She said it was west, close to the eaves of the forest. What do you all think?"
After studying the trails for a little time, Laithe stands and turns to the rest.
"The North-west and West south west trails show sign of recent travel by many people. From what Gosia told us, I would guess the third trail heading West South-West leads to her house. She said it was west, close to the eaves of the forest. What do you all think?"
While looking at the platform, Keildrithe explains the custom of the Devil's Table to the other party members.
Then, looking at the trails that Laithe has just brought to their attention, he says the following, while stroking the stubble on his chin: "My understanding is that few travel the forest. The boot prints on the north and northwest trails would suggest that soldiers came through here not too long ago, likely when they found the body of young Feile and the others, and then dragged lady Gosia back to town. Gosia said her cottage was near the eaves of the forest... I would take that to mean close to its edge, and therefore along the north track, which currently parallels the forest's edge. The soldiers may have found the bodies somewhere along the northwest track.
"If the north track does not lead to Gosia's home, then the northwest path is bound to intersect with it again, further up, if the latter is to lead to the eaves of the forest rather than deeper into its heart... My suspicion right now is that the less travelled southwest trail leads to the Valley of the Snails... what say you, my friends?
"If all are in agreement with that analysis, then I propose that we start by invesigating the north track, and then, if necessary, we can travel the northwest and southwest paths (in that order)."
"If the north track does not lead to Gosia's home, then the northwest path is bound to intersect with it again, further up, if the latter is to lead to the eaves of the forest rather than deeper into its heart... My suspicion right now is that the less travelled southwest trail leads to the Valley of the Snails... what say you, my friends?
"If all are in agreement with that analysis, then I propose that we start by invesigating the north track, and then, if necessary, we can travel the northwest and southwest paths (in that order)."
Laithe looks at the trails once more, and then turns back to the group, somewhat sheepishly.
"You are right of course. And yes, the well travelled trails are likely to be due to the passage of the guards. One may lead to the clearing where the bodies were found and the other to Gosia's cottage? In any case, as you say, the North track looks like a good starting point"
I agree" Jirkin nods his head, also we head into the forest Jirkin looks around to find anything out of place,
" I guess there is nothing stange here...i hope."
Jirkin follows the party ready for anything to happen.
Not only is it dark under the canopy of the trees, but it is quiet – almost unnaturally so. You would expect to hear the noises of small animals, bird song, insects humming, but there is none of that. Occasional rustling noises within the sparse undergrowth or thick overhead canopy are unexpected, causing the travelers to start in surprise or alarm. The occasional creaking noises from the slight breeze rocking tree branches make the trees seem somewhat sinister, as though waiting to drop their branches on you.
The darkness under the heavy canopy means there is not as much undergrowth as you might expect, but it still looks like moving around off the trails would be difficult. Gnarled roots seem to grasp and trip, sickly looking ivy-like vines drape from trees and crawl over the ground alongside a prolific vine bearing sharp looking thorns. Drifts of fallen, rotting leaves hide hollows and hillocks and treacherous footing.
The path winds its way through the trees, angling slightly away from the forest edge, although the farmlands of Barg can still be glimpsed here and there between the gnarled trunks to your right. The crunch of autumn leaves seems loud underfoot.
Following the path for some one hundred yards or more leads you to an open clearing within the trees. Laithe, in the lead, pauses to indicate to those following that there is a change ahead.
From the mouth of the clearing, which is some twenty yards across and roughly circular in shape, a small cottage can be seen resting towards the far side of the clearing. The cottage is made of stone, roughly stacked but sturdy looking, with ivy and wild rose growing up its side. The roof of the cottage is steeply pitched, and clad in weathered timber shingles, with heavy wooden shutters pulled closed over the windows.
It would be an idyllic scene, made more pleasant by the tinkle of running water from somewhere behind the cottage, if not for a few details. No smoke curls from the cottage’s tall stone chimney, and a vegetable garden between the path and the house has been trampled into the dirt. The front door, facing you, hangs open, half off its hinges at a crazy angle.
Laithe,
From the mouth of the clearing, which is some twenty yards across and roughly circular in shape, a small cottage can be seen resting towards the far side of the clearing. The cottage is made of stone, roughly stacked but sturdy looking, with ivy and wild rose growing up its side. The roof of the cottage is steeply pitched, and clad in weathered timber shingles, with heavy wooden shutters pulled closed over the windows. It would be an idyllic scene, made more pleasant by the tinkle of running water from somewhere behind the cottage, if not for a few details. No smoke curls from the cottage’s tall stone chimney, and a vegetable garden between the path...
Laithe immediately moves just off the path, where he is in some cover from trees and undergrowth. He motions with his left hand for the others to approach, and then turns momentarily, lifting his finger to his lip for silence.
Turning quickly back to the clearing he scans for any further sign of movement and strains his ears to see if he can determine what it is he hears.
As the others approach, but without turning he whispers "There is something up ahead, inside the cottage. We should proceed with caution - what do you think? If anyone is adept at sneaking forward to gain a closer look, we could cover you from here while you get into position? Otherwise I can assume a different shape and head in for a look?"
Still watching the clearing closely, he awaits a reply.
From the mouth of the clearing, which is some twenty yards across and roughly circular in shape, a small cottage can be seen resting towards the far side of the clearing. The cottage is made of stone, roughly stacked but sturdy looking, with ivy and wild rose growing up its side. The roof of the cottage is steeply pitched, and clad in weathered timber shingles, with heavy wooden shutters pulled closed over the windows. It would be an idyllic scene, made more pleasant by the tinkle of running water from somewhere behind the cottage, if not for a few details. No smoke curls from the cottage’s tall stone chimney, and a vegetable garden between the path...Laithe immediately moves just off the path, where he is in some cover from trees and undergrowth. He motions with his left hand for the others to approach, and then turns momentarily, lifting his finger to his lip for silence.
Turning quickly back to the clearing he scans for any further sign of movement and strains his ears to see if he can determine what it is he hears.
As the others approach, but without turning he whispers "There is something up ahead, inside the cottage. We should proceed with caution - what do you think? If anyone is adept at sneaking forward to gain a closer look, we could cover you from here while you get into position? Otherwise I can assume a different shape and head in for a look?"
Still watching the clearing closely, he awaits a reply.
Jirkin whispers, "i can't move that quietly, so whoever is quieter should see what "thing" is in the cottage, or if no one is able to be quiet you should change shape."
Laithe, whatever you heard is now silent, and from here you see no further sign of movement.
I smile and step forward, clearly in my element. "Allow me. Stealth an skulking are cheif among my talents." and with that I slip off into the trees towards to cottage. Making use of as much cover as I can I carefully I sneak forwards.
Alton, the front door of the cottage is only about forty feet in front of where the group currently stands. The clearing is relatively, well, clear between here and there, so the only way to approach the cottage unseen would be to slip off the path amongst the trees, as you said you were doing, and circle around the cottage to approach from the rear where the cottage seems to be only 5 or 10 feet from the treeline.
On the right hand side of the clearing there is a band of trees roughly 40 feet deep before the forest opens up into the fields and farms beyond. That way, the forest is not as gloomy, and there is more undergrowth and foliage on the ground.
On the left hand side of the clearing, the land rises slightly, the trees crowd close and the light is dim and diffuse. As you look in that direction you see another narrow trail leaving the clearing at about the center of the left side, heading west.
Which way (left or right) do you slip into the trees and make your way to the cottage?
I smile and step forward, clearly in my element. "Allow me. Stealth an skulking are cheif among my talents." and with that I slip off into the trees towards to cottage. Making use of as much cover as I can I carefully I sneak forwards.
Laithe nods and whispers a reply "Be careful. It may just be a forest animal, but with the lack of normal forest sounds in this area, I don't want to take any risks. I will cover you."
With that he quietly pulls out his sling and a handful of sling bullets.
I take the way to the right, drawing my weapons as I go.
Alton seems almost to fade from view as he makes his way through the trees on the right hand side of the clearing, flitting from shadow to shadow, his feet expertly avoiding fallen leaves and twigs.
Laithe stands ready at the edge of the clearing with his sling to hand, watching the doorway of the cottage for further sign of movement.
Keildrithe drops his pack and loosens its main compartment straps, giving him easy access to his beldach, should he require it. He also pulls his sling from a belt pouch and grabs a few bullets, while allowing his eyes to shift from the surrounding woods, to the front door of the cottage, and back to the woods again. He holds his breath, listening carefully for any movement in the forest...
"Jinkin, watch our backs," he whispers. Then, to himself and barely audibly, "careful, Mr. Hilltopple, careful..."
.
Keildrithe too thinks he sees a brief flicker of movement - a darker shadow moving against the darkness within the cottage. However, the contrast between the bright light of the clearing and the darkness within the cottage (or within the western and northern tree-lines for that matter) make it impossible to make out any more from this distance.
---