"That's... An unexpected story, I must say." Johoshiro says as politely as possible. "Well... I'm still a humble acolyte, so I don't think I can remove poison from people... Maybe slow it down for a few hours." his tone is clearly apologetic. "You should try one of the senior priests, Sir Vance... Brother Gima is quite blessed. I'm sure he could help you. He came back from the Grand Library not 20 minutes ago... I might be somewhat difficult to get him to raise his eyes from his scrolls, but he's always very helpful... He must be in the temple's library. If you have the time, you could register yourself as a visitor... It... Uh... It does cost a small fee, but it doesn't take long... Or you could wait for him, I can't go fetch him, since it's my duty to welcome and guide visitors, but I can point him out when he comes out."
I'll ask around to every priest I can find. I'll explain them the situation, ask for the monetary price and ...Of course we'll be glad in helping the church of Gozreh in anything we can
You talk to one of the priests.
"I'm not sure this work is best suited for our church... We worship the sea and skies. We protect nature and share its blessings." he sounds like a teacher instructing a kid. "From what you tell me, whatever this man is involved with... It's anything but natural." he doesn't seem sure about what to say next, so he stops for a moment, scratching his long beard... "Still I don't see why it can't be helped... There's one follower of the sea and skies that might have the time, inclination and ability to aid you... His name is Orult Folyó. You should be able to find him no farther than a couple miles up the Onyx Serpent. His magic is strong, and he rarely passes up a challenge... But his mind is... unusual."
Taking 10 for a 19 in Kn (local) for the Onyx serpent thing.
"I'd be happy to make a donation to a noble following. Tell me about Tsukiyo while I register. Truth be told, I haven't embraced a patron yet." Cyrus gives a friendly smile as he takes out his coin pouch.
Taking 10 for a 19 in Kn (local) for the Onyx serpent thing.
Most of the road from Blue Shell to Stonybrook follows the Onyx River, only diverging at the very end of the journey, where the road starts following a much smaller stream of water that not by coincidence shares the name of the mining town.
The Onyx Serpent has its name because of how sinuous it is, similar to the trail left by an snake's movement on the sand. It's also possible and relatively common to find onyx gems in it, although exploration of this resource is forbidden. This is in part due to the Alihanna's pact, but mostly because too many settlements depend on the river for clean water. In fact, polluting and/or disrupting the Onyx Serpent is a considered a very serious crime in pretty much every settlement of Blue Shell island.
Travelling along the river, it's actually pretty common to see minor charms and wards placed on it. How many of those hold any real power and how many are just superstition or decoration is nearly impossible to tell, though.
"You will find no greater patron! Even Shizuru, the Empress of Heaven sees Tsukiyo not only as her lover, but also her equal. The Prince of the Moon not only rules the night, but also guides the spirits. His greatness is such that his evil brother, Fumeiyoshi, the Lord of Envy once murdered him... The first jade stones were formed when the tears of Shizuru mixed with Tsukiyo's blood..." Johoshiro's voice is solemn and melancholic while saying these last few words, but he soon regains his spirit and excitement. "But our Lord wouldn't stay dead for long! Qi Zong, Master of Magic and Medicine, knew that the world was much lesser without the glory of Tsukiyo, so he resurrected our lord, and now... We once again are blessed by his presence in the night and safely guided through the spirit realms upon our deaths, for Tsukiyo is always with us!" he spreads his arms, as if pointing out the decorations around you. "The Purple Moon... What other god could create such a marvelous and beautiful phenomenon? Who but the Prince of the Moon could change the color of the moon itself and open the gates to the spirit self... Some refuse to see the truth... They say the moon is purple like amethyst, not green like jade... But what they forget is that jade can be purple as well. So we honor our lord by donning not only the sacred green, but also the blessed purple."
Johoshiro is legitimately passionate about his beliefs. And he's far from being the only one. Around you, priests and acolytes, meet and greet followers and passer-bys quite enthusiastically. They can be a bit nosy or annoying, but don't seem to have any ill intentions, and will politely apologize and leave others in peace when told that they are interrupting or bothering anyone.
As he tells the tales about his deity, he leads you to a nearby library, where a librarian in typical Tian clothes (with numerous green and purple touches added to them) welcomes you.
"Welcome, sir." she says, quite politely. "My name is Aihara Aki. Pleasure to meet you. How can I help you today?"
You and Johoshiro explain you want to register for the library.
"Of course, sir. I just need to see your citizen registry card and collect an small fee of 5 gold pieces."
Cyrus listens earnestly to Johoshiro speak of Tian gods. He nods in agreement when he hears of his explanation of the Purple Moon phenomenon. "That sounds like the truth to me."
Upon hearing the librarian, Cyrus frowns.
"Ah I'm sorry. I only arrived a few days ago so I haven't been registered yet..." He pauses then adds, "I hope that doesn't cause any problems."
Leng cleans up the skull and seeks out the Feathered Lady. He picks up a can of high quality bird seed as well before he leaves.
"Well... You could still wait Brother Gima outside, if you want..." says Johoshiro. "I apologize, but I must go back to guiding visitors. Hopefully, Aihara can aid you. I wish you best of luck, Sir Vance. You're always welcome to visit our temple."
Saying that, Johoshiro leaves, returning to his post at the main entrance of the temple.
After shopping around for a bit, you spend 10 gp on the best bird seed you can find. One that's supposedly grown and blessed by druids from the Howling Mountains.
Having done that, you move towards the western gate, which leads to the Onyx Serpent Road (name after the river it follows along). The wilderness nearby is where the Feathered Lady is said to live, and where the city folk go look for her.
You decide to explore the forest, but are unable to find any tracks leading to her... Eventually, you do find someone: A couple hunters carrying a slain deer and a few rabbits. They look quite surprised by your appearance.
"Uh... Hello, stranger." one of them speaks with an unsure tone. "You're... Not from here, are you?"
Eitylen thanks the priest to travels the onyx serpent upstream in search of Folyó...but note before buying 5 regular daggers.
"This forest? No."
"Is there nothing you can do? Someone's life hangs in the balance..."
"I really need to speak to Brother Gima."
After buying your new daggers, you leave the city through the north gate and travel the road that follows along the Onyx Serpent river. You cross a few travelers, merchants and at least one military (?) company on your way... A little over 3 km from Blue Shell you see a man sitting on a large rock at the river, whistling and fishing.
He meets the description of Orult Folyó given to you... A man in his late 30's, with very long and wildly messy light brown hair and beard, both adorned with animal bones carved in the shape of different animals.
He wears an extremely ragged robe that must have been blue at some point, but only has a few vestiges of the color now... His pants are dark grey and about a palm too short, like high-water britches. The most noteworthy piece of clothing, however, is the large naval captain's hat he wears on his head.
A black and white avocet rests on his shoulder.
"Yeah... You don't look quite like the 'woodsman' type" says one of the men. "Bad choice of clothing, no boots, no provisions, no hunting weapons... You lost? We can guide ya back to the city if you want... On our way back, anyway."
"Yeah... You should go home. These woods ain't no playground."
"I really can't let you in without registering... But I guess I leave just for a moment to check if Brother Gima can see you. As long as it's for just a moment..."
You thank her, and Aikawa leaves her seat to enter the library (but not before placing a "The attendant will be back in a moment. Sorry for the inconvenience." sign on top of her desk). She walks with a quick pace, visibly unsure on whether to prioritize haste and efficiency or grace and composure.
She returns not 10 minutes later.
"Brother Gima says he'll be here shortly. You... uh... You can wait here if you want." she says with a formal tone (while trying to hide her slightly heavy breathing from the exercise).
She is sincere... But mistaken. It takes over an hour for Gima to show up. The tian man is his late 20, with dark black hair styled in a typical tian topknot and his beard is cleanly shaven. His posture remains straight and formal at all times, and a short, curved blade can be seen by his side.
He wears a hakama embroidered with green and purple details, including the holy symbols for Tsukiyo, Shizuru and Qi Zong. And has jade-framed spectacles on his face.
Despite his formal appearance, he has a number of tiny ink stains in his hands.
His speech is low and carries a thick Tian accent, but still easy to understand.
"Did you call for me?"
"I appreciate your concern. I assure you, I can take care of myself. My body has been honed to the point it is a weapon in itself and my feet are callused as to make footwear redundant. I can walk on hot coals without undue discomfort."
"However, you are correct that I am no woodsman. My tracking and survival skills are limited. Perhaps you could spare a moment?"
"I am searching for the Feathered Lady, I require her aid to cure a man of a deadly poison before he dies. Any assistance you can render in finding her would be appreciated. If not, I bid you a good day and a safe trip back to Blue Shell."
The two men are somewhat taken aback by your reply...
"Well... You sure sound confident. If you say you can take care of yourself, I'll believe it." The smarter-looking one replies, shrugging his shoulder. "Now... About that Feathered Lady... She lives deeper into the woods than this. I've never heard of anyone that FOUND her. She's the one who finds you. You just have to attract her attention and hope she takes a liking to you."
"My brother's wife knows a lady who called her my singing like a canary." the other one adds. "...But my cousin did it by dressing like a giant owl!"
"Uh... You'll probably have better luck finding a place with lots of birds and making a offering or something." the first one says.
"Hey... If it works, it works!"
"If you believe half the crazy sh*t your cousin says, you're whole stupid!"
The two men start bickering and insulting one another, apparently forgetting about you, but they don't seem angry with one another.
Eitlen cross-leg sit at some distance from the man. Close enough for the man to notice him but not that much as to disturb his fishing. The elf observes the situation, and after a while and if the man seems to be in good mood, Eitylen approaches and says
Good day, are you brother Folyó?
Tai Leng puts fist to palm and bows.
"Thank you for your assistance. Good day."
He walks off singing like a bird. Poorly.
Assuming that doesn't work, he starts to seek out a large gathering of birds to accost.
The man turns to look at you, visibly intrigued by your presence.
"Am I?" He tilts his head slightly, as if taking a moment to think... "Hmmm... I think so. I haven't checked."
His voice is calm and relaxed, as if his reply were perfectly normal.
No one is around to see your performance (thankfully)… But you soon find a large group of birds, mostly ravens, sitting atop a leafless tree. A cacophony of caws, tweets and “kraas” quickly takes place as the birds flap their wings wildly, but stay on top of their branches.
A moment later, silence returns. And the birds just stand still… Staring curiously at you.
"Are you hungry?" he asks rhetorically and opens up the bag of feed.
He spreads the feed in a loose pile, and carefully lays the bird head charm on top.
"Please tell your mistress I desire an audience with her."
They cackle and tweet excitedly as you lay the bird food on the ground... But quickly stop when you place the charm on top of it.
Suddenly, there's silence. The birds stare deeply at you, their eyes glowing a faint green light and then you hear the voice... A very intense and serious-sounding female voice that simultaneously comes out of all the birds at the same time.
"Where did you get this? Did you make it?"
"I found it in the sewers, a gift from a thankful Otyugh for driving out an evil creature."
Cyrus bows curtly to Brother Gima.
"Hail Brother Gima, I am sorry to trouble your studies..." Cyrus recounts the events of last night to Brother Gima.
"I'm worried what that creature found down there may be a threat, the dying man seems to be our only link to finding out more. My friends and I were hoping there might be something you could do to save the man, having heard of the prestige of your faith."
The elf replies in a casual tone
It might be convenient for me, indeed, if you were brother Folyió, follower of Gozreh teachings. Do you think is there an expeditious way to elucidate the enigma of your identity?, I'm afraid the favors I have to ask to Brother Folyó can't wait fo too long.
The glow in the birds' eyes intensify as they silently stare at you...
"An strange tale." say the birds in unison. "But sincere."
Then the voice comes no longer form them, but from shadows to your left... From them emerges a woman in dark green long dress. Her hair is carefully adorned with many colorful feathers, as are her silver earring and black pearl necklace. Her eyes are quite large with light brown irises, expertly highlighted by black eyeliner. Her lips are small, round and painted with leaf-green lipstick. Her body is feminine and somewhat skinny, with modest breasts and a long neck and delicate hands and feet. She walks barefooted, but doesn't leave any tracks behind.
She appears to be between her mid twenties to early thirties... But something about her tells she's seen more than her age would indicate.
"I don't think the birds used for crafting that charm died by your hand... Good for you. What do you want, coigreach?"
"No need to flatter me. It won't affect my decision." his voice is calm and collected, but also cold. "I've never heard of a poison that couldn't be neutralized through magic... And Dayne's alchemy is quite famous, he has no sense, but I do not doubt his alchemy. There must be something else at work. I could make an interesting case to study..."
"Eh... I'm sure he won't mind if I am." the man says nonchalantly. He then stretches his arm towards you, holding a freshly caught salmon "Fish?"
Yeah, why not. - Eitylen sits and waits a little to see if the guy is cooking the fishes or if he plans to eat them raw.
Good to hear that I won't mind you being him. Uhm, do you happen to know how brother folyó would react to a petition of help from a stranger?, Because if he would be ok with it, I totally would ask him to help me heal a poor man afflicted by a strange poison.
He doesn't seem to be eating any of them, just placing whatever he fishes on a basket by his feet. He does occasionally feed the smaller fish to the bird on his shoulder.
"I'm sure I know how I'd react" he says with a friendly smile on his face. "Hmmm... Poison is not good. Pretty stupid to eat or breathe it. Probably best if he dies... Makes the world stronger. Smarter." despite the harsh words, he doesn't lose the friendly tone or atmosphere around him, and even gently pets the bird. "Was it a viper? Vipers are quick, so I don't fault him for being bit by one... But viper's poison is not strange (I'm quite familiar with it, actually). And it's poison either. It's venom. Ah! Another one!"
Folyó (?) pulls another fish with his rod; Already the 6th or so since you started talking to him.
"I did not mean to offend." Cyrus says apologetically and bows his head. "I was just eager to make a good impression. I've heard good things about Tsukiyo around town and from Johoshiro."
"Sir Dayne said the man only had two or three days at most left. I'm not sure what price a challenge like this demands, but I would be in your debt Brother Gima and more than willing to repay in any way I can. The patient resides with Sir Dayne at the moment."
"I have duties to attend that can't be delayed... But I can probably take the time to check him later tonight... Hopefully I can aid him, but if not... If the poison is as powerful and unique as you say, at very least it'll make a good subject for my researches. Bring him to this temple at nightfall, and I'll take a look at the afflicted man."
Leng ignores what he assumes is a slur and addresses the Feathered Lady.
"During that same encounter in the sewers, we saved a man from two creatures that were killing the Otyughs, humanoid things with odd powers. Unfortunately we did not drive them off before the man was infected with some kind of toxin or venom. None of the mundane or alchemical cures have worked, so we seek magical aid. I'd heard you were an accomplished healer, and hoped you would help."
"There are indeed afflictions that only the mystical arts can heal..." she says with a solemn (and slightly condescending) tone. "I could help this man... But it comes at a price. If you're willing to pay it, bring me the victim. I'll do what can be done for him."
"What is the price? Given the vagueness I assume it is more than gold."
She looks at you as if saying "obviously".
"What use is gold for me? No... What I require is... An envoy. Someone to take something there and bring something here. Ask a question and tell me answer." she says in a cryptic tone (which, you have impression, is at least partially rehearsed). "How long can you hold your breath?"
"Three minutes, half that if required to heavily exert myself while under."
"Thank you Brother Gima, feel free to call on me at any time. I currently reside at the Mad Shark." Cyrus bows again and makes his way to the markets to do a bit of shopping before nightfall.
Eitylen follows the man line of thoughts
Well, it's quite safe to say that the poisoning was not a natural one and therefore the man's death will not result in an improvement for the world.
The woman, places her finger on her chin, as if pondering about something.
"Hmmm... That's not good. Well... I'm sure you'll be able to do better when the time comes. There are a few weeks before the delivery must be made... And that's if you decide you agree with our deal." she then turns around and starts walking away. "You know my terms. You can leave now. Return if you want."
"Sure, sure... There are some services that might benefit from your aid. If I can heal your poisoned man, I'll be expecting fair reparations."
"Well... The Serpent is quite natural. And it brings life to all." he says with a friendly smile. "Bring your dumb man here... I'm sure I can convince the Serpent to restore him. It might want something in exchange, though... Rivers and Serpents are both quite fickle."
"Interesting." Leng says, then bows to her.
"Thank you for the audience. I apologize that my abilities are not sufficient for your payment."
Oh well, you see, the unnatural part of the poisoning is related that there were not a natural creature involved, but the foul magic
"Do not worry..." she says, her voice getting more and more distant as she walks towards the shadows in the vegetation. More distant than the actual physical distance between you two would imply.
"There are ways around that..."
She finally disappears amid the foliage. When she does, the birds on top of the leafless tree fly away in a rush, each one in a different direction.
The hermit looks at you with a condescending expression. You can almost hear him saying "Seriously?" in your mind.
"Pffft... It matters not. The serpent can fix it. Or my name is not possibly Orult Folyó. Maybe." he then raises his index finger, like a teacher about to make a very important remark. "You shouldn't mess with fowl magic, though. Geese are nasty beasts!" His voice is completely serious.
As sure as your name maybe Orult Folyó, I'll bring the man as soon as possible
Eitylen Hurries to the town and you know the rest.
After talking to the potential healers (and shopping around for a bit), you all rendezvous back at the Mad Shark.
So yeah, the Gozreh guy said he is willing give it a try
"The Feathered Lady will not help. Unfortunately I cannot hold my breath long enough to purchase her services."
"What does holding your breath have to do with it?" Cyrus frowns but doesn't push for an answer.
"Brother Gima from the church of Tsukiyo said he was willing to take up the challenge. He'll come by later tonight. By the by, did you know that the Purple Moon is a creation of Tsukiyo? No wonder his following is growing so fast."
We can hurry to see if the priest of Gozhre is able to heal the man, if not we can be here by night to meet that brother Gima
"The Feathered Lady will not help. Unfortunately I cannot hold my breath long enough to purchase her services."
"Brother Gima from the church of Tsukiyo said he was willing to take up the challenge. . By the by, did you know that the Purple Moon is a creation of Tsukiyo? No wonder his following is growing so fast."
"Weird, seems like both the healers run on the same schedule. Who should we take him to first?"