The Next Morning
Ostler Gundigoot knocks on everyone's doors just after 7 Bells to inform you the dining hall is open for breakfast. Good morrow. Time is passing. The weather looks fair today, though clouds on the horizon look to be heavy. He asks if anyone needs fresh water or sundries to complete their morning ministrations. He sends Alison with warm water and towels if needed. I've placed Alison at your disposal this morning, anything else you need, just let her know. I will be downstairs for now, and joining you at the tower. Once again, please accept my apologies for yesterday's unpleasantness.
Downstairs the private alcove has been set aside for your group again, the table set with fresh fruits, a crock of warm porridge, a pan of sliced honeyed ham, a platter of fried eggs, a bowl of spiced potatoes, and a trio of small raisened loaves. Molly brings in a small flagon of warm cider and mugs. Is there anything else you might need, anything we can get for you?
A militiaman sits quietly near the doors out of the inn, waiting patiently, occassionally glancing in the direction of the small alcove. He nods and offers greeting as you make your way downstairs for breakfast.
Cedryk awakens in the room and is confused. He remembers heading back from the church, but after that it is al a blur.
"Did I fall or something on the way back? I..I cannot remember how I get here."
Jocasta is well-composed in the morning, her hair freshly brushed and a bit of blush on her cheeks. Apparently she means to make a good impression at the meeting.
She slides into the alcove with a nod and a friendly smile to Alison and Gundigoot. "Thank you," she says. "At least we can meet on a full stomach."
She takes a slice of ham and a bowl of warm porridge to start her breakfast, and says to Cedryk, "You passed out from exhaustion after yesterday's events, and you were brought here to rest."
"Musami helped you into this place. I'm glad you're feeling better, but you should most certainly eat something."
Fil takes a small bowl of porridge and some fruits. He takes a small portion of ham.
"I have a feeling that we will all need our strength today."
He frowns and lowers his voice for Jocasta and Cedryk to hear. "I'm willing to guess that those cultists are paying the bandits to cause trouble. Better to mask whatever problems they are causing."
Toruk nods at Fil. "Zert and other locals may also be in league with the cultists. After talking with the owners of the local trading post I'm also wondering if the slave lords are somehow involved."
He helps himself to breakfast. "Are we returning to the moat house this morning?"
Jocasta finishes chewing a bite of the ham and says, "Depends on how the meeting goes."
To the Tower
Just before 9 Bells Ostler Gundigoot makes his way to the tower, accompanied by anyone willing to travel with him. The militiaman from the inn walks behind the group at a respectable distance, watching the road, the houses, and the fields along the way. Ostler talks briefly about how the townsfolk were at first reluctant to accept the leadership of Lord Burne and his cousin Rufus. They performed a great service to Verbobonc, defeating a green dragon plaguing the Iron Woods. For that act of heroism the Viscount made Burne a lord and ceded to him dominion of Hommlet and the lands around for a day's ride. Lord Rufus remained with Burne to oversee his troops, the "Badgers," and aiding in the construction of a grand castle on yonder hill. So far they've only completed the tower, but have laid foundations for much more yet to come. Lord Rufus will be leaving soon, once an opening in the Knights of Verbobonc becomes available.
Two militiamen stand at attention atop a set of circular stairs which rise one level of the tower, opening across a small cleft spanned by a lowered drawbridge. They stand aside and allow everyone to cross, returning to guard the entry once passed. Welcome to the future home of Castle Devarn calls Lord Burne in greeting.
Musami awake as the Ostler knock on the door. He rises brushes his hair and beard then rebinds them. He dons his armour and heads downstairs to partake of the breakfast. Upon seeing the millitiaman in the corner of the room he nods and greets him politely.
Musami accompanies the Ostler to the castle. As the enter he looks about apraisingly at the stonework.
The stonework is utilitarian and fairly basic. It is structurally sound and relatively modern by human standards. An improvement over the work seen at the moat house to be sure. The foundations laid in spots along the hill, to support the future walls and structures of the final castle, however show a bit more promise, potentially designed to have both aesthetic as well as functional basis's. Of course the place looks like it will be 3 to 5 years before that work approaches completion.
Braggi responds to Lord Burne's salutation. "G'day"
He stands nervously there, waiting for the meeting to take place, thinking these westerners like to talk a lot when there's action to be taken.
At the Tower
Inside, the open chamber has been set up as a small audience room, with a pair of chairs atop a small dais against the far wall. A table stands to the left topped with somthing, the shapes indistinct, covered in a large sheet. To the right several chairs have been placed for a small gathering of village elders, one for Ostler Gundigoot, the Graf Kenter Nevets, Canon Terjon, Sheriff Renton Odell, and a man introduced as the moneychanger Nira Melubb. Two additional chairs are placed amongst them, both draped in black. Six other chairs are set in the room, five to the left, one to the right. A single militiaman is standing guard in the room, announcing you as you arrive, showing Cedryk to the one chair to the right, the rest of you the chairs on the left.
The guardsmen then snap a salute to Lords Burne and Rufus on the dias, and then leave the room, closing the door behind them. Lord Burne bangs a small orb on the arm of his chair to call the room to order. He looks you all over and addresses the assembly. Thank you all for coming this morning, and our apologies for the pomp. We must maintain a semblance of order, justice and the show of a trial for the people, reassuring them we are addressing the issues facing Hommlet appropriately.
Sheriff Odell then stands and addresses Cedryk. Upon further investigation yesterday evening it was discovered that in addition to losing Jaroo, our miller Mytch Wodson and his family are deceased. It appears they were poisoned some time ago, their bodies stiff and cold in their beds. The mill has been used during that time as a refuge, of a sorts, for persons unknown. Refuse and waste suggests the visitors were not of a wholesome sort, the home defaced and vile messages carved or painted on various services. The man pales a bit as he continues. The bodies were not treated well, abused and defiled as well. The entire home is unclean.
Lord Rufus picks up the conversation from there. The man Zert Delang and the maiden Meridosen have also disappeared, apparently moments after your group left the inn. Testimonies from witnesses are mixed, no one quite sure when they left or with whom they consorted. Some even suggested I was involved, though as you are all aware I was at the church witnessing your own statements regarding recent events. Clearly there is a dangerous strangeness plaguing our town, and we need more information.
Sheriff Odell then discusses Hiram and his whereabouts. Thus far no one has indicated knowledge of our blacksmiths condition, and we hope we might continue to keep it that way. From the testimony you provided the man is well aware of the danger he presents and fled to protect his fellow townsfolk. This is admirable and we hope to see him safely returned to our fold. The Old Faith fellowship have some small funds set aside and Graf Nevets is sending off to Verbobonc for any possible cure for his were-disease. Two patrols have been dispatched to look for Hiram and Boron, to bring them back peaceably. We hope you will consider this if you should find him in your travels.
At this point they ask Cedryk more pointed and directed questions about the false Jaroo, prying specifics from his recollections to form a picture of the creature. Cedryk pieces together enough to tell the group Fake Jaroo morphed from the appearance of Jaroo, his features melted away to those of smoth gray clay, taking on another more blank form. See the Not Jaroo image in the Townsfolk folder.
Lord Burne then discusses the creature and events. We are not sure what exactly this creature is, though I intend to research it further. If you have any ideas I would be happy to explore them. In the interim we must assume the creature may still be lurking around Hommlet, spying on our activities. As such we would like to entertain your suggestions for how we proceed. He pauses to await any suggestions on how your band wishes to be portrayed and positioned in town. He does add, We would like however, to hire you, whether openly or in secret, to investigate these matters more directly, to discover what information you can regarding the bandits of the Flaming Eye, any activities occurring at the moat house, and any other dangers pertinent enough to bear a direct threat to Hommlet. For that end, we have an offering to encourage this course, his arm gesturing towards the covered table.
Lord Rufus walks over and removes the sheet from the long tressle, showing it to be piled with gear, supplies, and equipment, as well as a few additional, potentially useful items. Gathered discretely from a few of our shops, as well as purchases from the caravan you once protected, we offer what items of these you will, as a retainer and payment for serving Hommlet during these trying times.
18 days’ worth of trail rations, 2 medium tents, 6 full waterskins, 2 coils of 50 feet hemp rope, an ornate compass, a small tinderbox, 6 tindertwigs, 5 torches, an Everburning Torch, a grappling hook, a healer's kit, 3 empty sacks, 2 flasks of Acid, 3 flasks of Alchemist's Fire, an Antitoxin, an Antiplague, an arcane Scroll of Scorching Ray, an arcane Scroll of Web, a divine Scroll of Cure Moderate Wounds, a divine Scroll of Lesser Restoration, a double-ended masterwork quarterstaff, a masterwork broadsword, a masterwork rapier, a masterwork warhammer, 2 masterwork chain shirts, a suit of masterwork chainmail, a suit of masterwork leather, 2 Oils of Magic Weapon, 2 Potions of Bull's Strength, 3 Potions of Cure Light Wounds, a Potion of Invisibility, a Wand of Cure Light Wounds (38 charges), a Wand of Mage Armor (13 charges), a Wand of Magic Missile (21 charges), a Wand of Magic Weapon (17 charges).
Lord Burne adds Please feel free to take what you can use from this offering, a pack mule is waiting outside to be at your service while you are working for the benefit of Hommlet. I would ask however you not take anything you will not need, say for resale to one of the local merchants, as we would prefer the rumor not spread of either our largess or of the enormity of the threat facing the town. Panic, dispair or civil division is something we hope avoid, which is why we sought to hire outsiders in the first place.
"If this clears up that we have no ill will towards you, and you with us, it is understandable your want to hire outsiders. Given your subtantial worry here, I cannot say that I would refuse to help you. Bandits and potential worse threats, as well as knowing the condition of your blacksmith is good. The grey shapechanging creature is also of concern."
Fil thinks for a few moments.
"What would you have us do if we find deeper threats to Hommlet or the region? How would we report this information to you discretely?"
Musami examines the weapons and armour before selecting the mastework suit of chainmail. He also takes 1 portion of trail rations.
My thanks to the town. I will repay your kindness.
I would council the community to be cautious in their dealings. Perhaps set up a system by which people can identify who they are speaking to. Maybe code words or pass phrases?
Braggi puts his eyes on the heavier armour, though the dwarf seems to claim it first. "Well, he'll need it more than I will." Looking at the sword, he weighs the blade and throws a few cuts.
Finally, he decides he'll take one of each potion. "These could save my arse."
"As for how to proceed, well... this seems a small village, I guess everybody knows everybody. You lot should check on small details that you know from the other, and that a stranger shouldn't."
Fil thinks for a while, seeing that the others, are as awestruck by the town's kindness as he is,
"As to our shapeshifting threat, perhaps a white lie could help us here. Do you perhaps have a handful of black gloves about? We could each put a small splint inside them, nothing that would actually hinder us, claiming we had our ring fingers removed. If we suspect the creature, we can step into a private room, ask to remove the glove with the group, and, if the finger is missing, then we have caught it."
"This all assumes the creature can't read minds, of course," says Jocasta, as she packs away the alchemical items.
"The only infallible way to detect such an entity would be with a spell, or by forcing it to try to do something that we absolutely know it can't do," she continues. "But until we have a better idea of what it is we're really shooting in the dark."
Lord Burne smiles at the group, realizing they misunderstood the question of the assembly. We apologize for not being clear with you, we have no intention of informing the community at this time of neither the shifter threat nor the spies in our midst. Best to let our enemies remain in the dark of our awareness to the plot. He sets the orb down on a small pedestal next to his chair and stands. We refer to how best explain to the townsfolk whatever verdict we decide to publicly give regarding your involvement in the situation with Hiram and Jaroo.
Taking a small message scroll from his pocket Lord Burne reads it to your group. Jacobs found Hiram. Refuses to return. Needs another day. Has not killed. He rolls the tiny message back up and deposits it into the pocket on his robe. Hiram will be gone another day, so our smithy remains empty, to the notice of our people. If he survives another night without killing anyone, he should be free of his affliction for a few weeks. Hopefully we will find some way of curing him that will not deplete his funds nor those of the Grove. Lord Rufus and I will donate what we can of course, but much is tied up in the construction, so coin is scarce.
He steps down from the dais and strolls slowly towards the table. These items have been gathered from where we could without becoming obvious to the folk. We prefer to not inform the public you are in our employ, but we must tell the people something about you, about Jaroo's death, something that will set their minds at ease and mislead any spies watching to our plans. Any suggestions you have would be appreciated, for like us you too will need to live with the story, he smiles at you each, At least until the threat has been confronted and the truth can be revealed.
"The closer to the truth, the better," says Jocasta. "Cedryk really is a druid, a member of Jaroo's order. He really did come here to meet Jaroo. We may be able to simply tell people 'initiated rites secret to the druids' and let that lie. Then we tell them that Jaroo was old, very old, and Cedryk came here to perform one of those secret rites for his funeral. To outsiders it seems odd but he was 'being returned to nature.' It's strange but the druids have enough mysteries that it's believable."
I have briefly discussed working in Hiram's forge with him. I will go and work the smithy in what time I can spare. A smithy is important to a town. It will provide you for a reason for me being here also.
And our arrival is simply an unfortunate coincidence with the death of Jaroo, as it truly is.
"The closer to the truth, the better," says Jocasta. "Cedryk really is a druid, a member of Jaroo's order. He really did come here to meet Jaroo. We may be able to simply tell people 'initiated rites secret to the druids' and let that lie. Then we tell them that Jaroo was old, very old, and Cedryk came here to perform one of those secret rites for his funeral. To outsiders it seems odd but he was 'being returned to nature.' It's strange but the druids have enough mysteries that it's believable."
Once the others have gathered their items from the table, Cedryk takes the quarterstaff, leather armor, divine scrolls and any potions left by the others (not sure what was left...if anything)
"Those who prepared Jaroo for burial will know something happened, as will any who helped clean the shrine. I do not know who is senior in the Old Faith here, but you will need to speak to them to ask those of our faith to remain quiet about the happenings. "
The aged town mayor, Kenter, speaks on this point. That is one thing I would like to address. The fellowship of the Old Faith recognizes that Cedryk wasn't responsible for Jaroo's death, and we appreciate his desire to help with the restoration of the Grove, but we request some time to adjust to these changes. At least until we have Hiram back, though we're unsure if that will even possible with his condition. Hiram was training to be Jaroo's replacement, and young Yundi has started learning to follow suit for Hiram.
He then holds out what appeared to be a shortened shepherd's walking crook, and holds it out towards Cedryk. The faithful would ask that young Cedryk be entrusted with this, Jaroo's staff, to be used to avenge his death on those seeking to do Hommlet harm. While it is part of the office of the caretaker of our grove, we feel that loaning it to you may in some small way ease the rift between us and give you some sense that Jaroo's spirit stands with you, harboring no ill will to you or yours, nor do we as well.
Toruk will take the divine wands as well as the grappling hook and the healer's kit. "Thank you Lord Burne. These items will be put to service in the defense of Hommlet."
"I am a simple researcher, sadly. My research brought me to this area from my homeland. I am learned on many subjects, and am studying more of them. Currently I am working on local geography and how to extrapolate that to larger areas, but, if there is a cure for your smith's condition. While not a glamorous person, a learned sage can be a boon for a town, and that is something I am. Perhaps, once we are able to figure out this business in the moathouse, I may find a home here that I may help with that sort of thing? A traveling sage looking for a more permanent home is not terribly unusual."
He looks to Toruk, and the items he has taken from the table.
"And it would speak ill of me if I did not do my job to defend a place I might call home, would it not? These things could be put to great use, but I would like those that have made you suffer the most to be put to justice."
Jocasta stows away several alchemical items and one of the healing potions.
"Whatever I don't use, I'll return," she says. "And whatever I keep, I will pay for, when I can raise the funds."
"Well, well." After everyone is finished looting the table, Braggi begins to show some impatience. "I guess you lot can come out with a proper way of saying why we don't deserve to be beheaded. For us, action boys, I think it's time to try our new toys at the moat house, don't you agree?"
Braggi is a bit disappointed by the items offered in payment, since he was looking for a nice armour or a suitable weapon, but well, when the job is done he might offer some kind of trade.
Cedryk takes the ancient staff.
"I...I am not sure what to say. I will use it with honour and return it to the community as soon as the threat at the moathouse is over. Thank you, and I hope to be able to help the community here as well."
Cedryk replaces the quarterstaff he had previously taken, as the rod will suffice.
"I agree with Cedryk and with Jocasta. But we need a way to trick the monster. That much is known, thus why I suggested the black gloves. We most certainly have work to do at the moathouse, which we should move towards right now, if possible, then we can come back and report our findings and bring whomever to justice as needed."
Toruk salutes Lord Burne and turns to leave. "We have business at the moat house. I suggest we leave at once."
Lords Burne and Rufus share a look between them, one of resignation. Burne returns to his chair, calling for his guardsmen. Four men enter the chambers from the back and a doorway to the right. They begin to clear away the table and everything on it not already claimed. The assembled town leaders shift uncomfortably in their chairs as the meeting seems to meet an abrupt end.
Looking to your group, Lord Burne nods.Very well, and thank you for what patience you offered in listening to our request. He sighs a bit, then pulls himself to attention, formally announcing It is the finding of those assembled that you are innocent of involvement in the recent events which transpired. You have no obligations in the matter, no responsibilities to those injured or the village proper. You are hereby free to depart these proceedings, our judgment duly rendered, no final sentence to be handed out. You are free to complete any last affairs you must in Hommlet, and may then leave with no further hindrance from our auspices. You have our apology for misunderstanding you and the situation. We trust these tokens shall in some small way see you on your way.
With that he stands and together with Lord Rufus they retire through a small door to the right of the dais. The other townsfolk look after them, nod to you briefly, Ostler Gundigoot offering a weak smile, and then they too depart through the same door. The guardsmen then show your band back to the tower entrance and the stairs to the bailey below.
As you make your way back through town towards the jeweler's shop you pass the inn, where a pair of guardsmen are leading a group of guests out and past you, along the way you came. Amongst them are the wizard Spugnoir, the strange pair Turuko and Kobort, and a man you haven't met, dressed in dark leathers. Spugnoir nods and smiles as he passes, though the others don't seem to pay you any heed.
Further along across the river you reach the jeweler's shop. The door is locked, the windows shuttered. A man sits on a barrel around the side of the shop, outside a small dwelling built onto the shop. He seems to be wittling a short piece of hickory.
Before he leaves, Cedryk turns to the Lords Burne and Rufus, as well as the other elders.
"I vow to find the creature who killed Jaroo. I also vow to protect the village to the best of my ability, which may not be much, but I am willing to lay down my life to bring a balance back to these lands. On my oath as a Druid, I do swear."
He gives an embarrassed nod and turns to leave.
Braggi is about to answer to the Lords' words, but he thinks better. "So, now they're pissed because we didn't solve their problem. What's next? I'm not a politician."
Decided, though, to indeed solve the problems he can, he agrees with Jocasta. "Yeah, let's sell this box and go back to work. I need some action."
As you make your way back through town towards the jeweler's shop you pass the inn, where a pair of guardsmen are leading a group of guests out and past you, along the way you came. Amongst them are the wizard Spugnoir, the strange pair Turuko and Kobort, and a man you haven't met, dressed in dark leathers. Spugnoir nods and smiles as he passes, though the others don't seem to pay you any heed.
Further along across the river you reach the jeweler's shop. The door is locked, the windows shuttered. A man sits on a barrel around the side of the shop, outside a small dwelling built onto the shop. He seems to be wittling a short piece of hickory.
* He looks up at your group staring and standing around the locked door. Might I help you?
"Good morning," says Jocasta politely. "We're looking for the jeweler...?"
The man sees Jocasta step to the front of her band and quickly jumps up and gives a deep bow, reaching out to take her hand. My manners, so sorry. Good day to you, fair senhora, planting a soft kiss to her middle knuckle. Alas my lord is away, a meeting at the tower. I am Shoon, Alex de Shoon, his man at arms and protector. My lord should return this afternoon. Dusting off the barrel he sat upon he offers it to Jocasta. It would be my honor to entertain you while you wait for his return. A pleasure really. He removes the wide brimmed hat upon his head, running his hand through thick black hair, smiling brightly. I'd gladly tell you tales of my days in far off Greyhawk, or perhaps sailing the Nyr Dyv with a band of pirate hunters. Maybe you'd like to know what I found buried deep within the Cairn Hills, yes.
"Charmed," says Jocasta, "but I regret that we are on a timetable, and we must be on our way if we cannot conclude business now. Thank you for the offer, though, and we will certainly be back; you can regale me with a story of the Nyr Dyv then. I have a soft spot for pirate hunters." She gives a wry smile and gestures for her friends to continue on their way. "Alas, we have other business to attend, and it cannot wait."
The man rushes around the group to again speak with Jocasta. Wait wait wait. If your need is urgent the master's wife is home. I can speak to her on your behalf, ask her to make an exception and attend to you. I would need but a name, so I may tell her of the damsel in desperate need of her services. Hat in hand he waits for a reply. She may not have quite the skills of her husband, but she has a good eye all the same, and would be most fair to you I am sure.
Braggi rolls his eyes at the tremendous amount of bullshyte being scattered around by the so called "pirate hunter".
Cedryk seems far away in his mental wanderings and pays little attention to the man and his antics. Hedgewyk rides on his shoulder, a troubled look on the small plants face.
You are outside the moat house, standing before the scene of the fight with the frogs. The creatures' bodies have suffered some predation from other marshland creatures, one rather viciously torn apart and fed up, down to the bones which were gnawed upon, cracked open, marrow removed. A large and biting swarm of midges and flies have gathered over the corpses, resenting any further disruptions of their own feedings.
Jocasta hesitates only the barest moment as she scans the team, then says, "I'm sorry, but our group is really pressed for time. Perhaps another day." Then it's off to their quest.
"Let's get into fighting positions," she suggests. She draws one of her ubiquitous daggers and waves toward the entrance. "One at a time over the bridge."
Braggi, Cedryk, Filnefillan, and Jocasta slowly cross the bridge and take positions just inside the courtyard, signaling for the next person to cross. As Musami attempts to quickly make his way across the rickety wooden drawbridge it gives way, dropping him into the muck, mud and rotting sludge gathered over time beneath the rotted planking.
Fortunately for the dwarf he was able to grab hold of one of the chains which previously held the thing up, and climbed his way up onto the far bank, soaking wet, smelling of rotten eggs, slimy gunk in places too embarrassing to mention.
Toruk remains outside the moat house, on the bank surrounded by the midges feasting on their bloated meals. The distance to the other side looks to be about 10', 12' to avoid the loose bank on either side.
Fil climbs down to help Musami up onto the bank, and offer his cloak from his traveler's outfit to help him dry off, not that Fil will be using that again.
We'll be seeking another way across on the way out, for sure.
Toruk strips his armor, bundles it up and tosses it over the moat to the others. He then takes a running leap across the moat.
Toruk jumps across the moat and lands on the firmer ground before the entryway into the courtyard. With help he again dons his armor and the party seems ready to move.
With caution your group approaches the opening into the moat house. Filnefillan again feels that strange prickling sensation that someone or something is watching your group, but he cannot locate the cause of the feeling.
You find the inner chamber fairly much as you did previously. In the dim light from the entry you can see the room is roughly 30' deep by 50' wide, your position angled along the south west to southern corner of the room. Along the western wall to your left a hallway disappears back west which reeked of excrement and waste, a similar passage heading south just off to your right. A small alcove is shrouded in shadows where Musami had heard rodent activity on the western edge of the northern wall. The eastern edge holds the damaged door still slightly ajar from before, opening to the northern room beyond.
The interior floor is still covered in wind blown leaves and the ruins of the halls former furnishings. The debris is hacked apart and battered, strewn together here from the adjacent areas. Nothing seems to have disturbed the fire which was once set amongst the rubble.
A close look to the floor shows a build up of traces of rats and other vermin, the boot prints of men from before, and yourselves, though no new tracks seem evident, though the crisscrossed nature still makes tracking difficult.