Zokama glances at Musami and nods, then walks Elmo and Fennit to the door, asking How did she only kind of die?
After getting whatever answer Elmo has to give, she heals Fennit's knees again, and urges him to let someone else look at them so they don't get worse.
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Looking at Zokama, a bit confused, Huh, what? Oh, the buggedy witch. She was already dead, so yeah can you kills what was already dead? We did her good tho, 'cept cut off her head. Otis he don't like to spoil bodies like that. Goes agin' his teachings an such. Let her stand whole before the judge, in the hereafter for all to see, he says.
Zokama detects no magic in Fennit's diseased knees. The bard is beginning to suspect the poor man is falling under the worst ailment of all, old age and infirmity. It may be that the Church, if he allows it, could cure the immediate infections, but his hard life itself has done a bit on him, and likely will continue to do so.
Zokama asks Elmo where in the swamp they buried her, hoping that he is coherent enough to give some kind of directions, since the not-quite-finished task might be a disaster waiting to happen.
As the larger man holds the door for Fennit, he smiles widely at Zokoma, Oh, um, well it was pasted Nulb, down a deep pool in a big back bend of the Imeryds, there summwhere's, I think. Otis he's woody guy, me I is the axe.
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Ostler interrupts before Zokama asks about Otis, allowing Elmo and Fennit to pass into the night and take their journey home. Miss, a word please. Good night Elmo, Fennit. Take the lane right and a right and the third right again boys.
In a lowered tone he mentions Otis no longer lives in town, or even in the area. He and his father had a disagreement two years back, pretty bad they say, and he left town. Elmo took to the bottle a bit, but is good enough otherwise, and he swings a pretty good axe when given the chance. Wiping his hands on his oft carried dish cloth, While he can talk about Otis when he's reminiscing, Elmo tends to get defensive if asked about him directly.
The innkeeper continues speaking as he closes up the desk counter for the night. Elmo hires out to caravans and such from time to time, working a spell to collect enough coin to return home and nurse his habits for a few months. Glancing at the door, He doesn't drink when he's working, and rarely gets any worse than he was tonight. And he truly cares about Hommlet as his brother did before him.
Musami looks about for the serving girl Should he see her he will beckon her over, order another mug of ale since the Ostler is busy right now.
Navith thanks the men gratefully for their aid in unloading the gear, then heads back to the inn to have the animals stabled and wagon kept for the night. Navith looks over the new horse and wonders if someone in the party might care for it. For himself he feels guilty that he brought his new mare so far into battle and bloodshed, and how she has the scars to prove it.
Hearing the revelry inside brings a wan smile to his face, and though he might wish for better, richer fare than the church might provide the Pelorite's first duty it to the town, not his own desires. Navith is frustrated however to find no-one to report to, and tired emotionally, despite the refreshing wave that emanated from the restored monument, Navith finds a pallet upon which to fall into a fast and deep slumber.
"Alright then, Xaod. Let us have a look at what you've got and we'll see how much is of use to us. We should be able to provide you with cash in exchange, I hope."
Alison gladly brings Musami another ale, and asks Does anyone else need another drink, more food, anything else?
The acolyte who greeted Navith offers him a pallet in the dormitory, though it is not exactly as expected. It appears the church has limited space for guests, being a small church. The older acolytes have mostly moved on, though a trio of teens shares a small room, For the Brothers. The junior acolytes have a communal room in the basement, near the kitchen, 5 young boys all ages 6 to 12 sleeping close together on straw pallets ringed with a wooden slate frame. You are welcome to sleep here sir, or you might wait upstairs in the library for Calmert to finish with Goodwife Summers, and he might be able to loan you the Canon's bed, in his absence.
Xaod tells Braggi he will gather the gear then, and at the sailor's prompting says his farewells. I will go now then and gather the men's goods, what of them I can, and have them ready for you in the morning. You may either find me at the tent tavern or I will find you here. Again you have my thanks for today, and for the drink. Good night.
Thank you, Ostler. I appreciate you saving me from offending a friend.
Zokama sits down with some pork cutlets, wondering about Elmo's story and what might be done about it.
While Alison is at the table Musami speak to her Alison, I went to the smith and found it in darkness. This is not overly concerning to me in itself, but have you seen or heard of Tomi today? He is a good lad and I would hate for something to happen to him with both myself and Master Smyth absent.
Fil sits ! Taking in the conversation, and eating his stew, wishing Xaod a good evening. Fil will take a double room, with any member of the party welcome to join him. There is much to think about.
Toruk will spend the evening meditating outside. As the evening wanes, he returns to the inn and pays for a room for the night.
Alison informs Musami that Tomi was in for lunch earlier, and seemed fairly tired, mentioning he finished some project for the castle foreman. Perhaps he went back home for the night. I imagine it's quite lonely staying by himself, coming from a large family as he did. I wouldn't worry too much about it.
Musami orders a journeyman's stew and loaf to go with his mug of ale. I intend to spend the evening here by the fire and out of the weather. Then I will sleep and go to the smithy early tomorrow.
Musami will take a bed, pallet, whatever is available at the inn.
The night passes noisily, a series of storm clouds washes over the area, parking low above the village and valley, dumping torrents of rain amidst flashes of lightning and roars of thunder. The rains extinguish most of the lamps around town, leaving the land deep in darkness, the only lights showing from cracks and gaps in shutters or doorways.
Dawn comes to Hommlet in dull grays, only faint white on the horizon. The small river which divides the town becomes a bulging, fast moving torrent, overflowing it's banks and rising nearly half a foot above the level of the small bridge which connects the northern and southern reaches.
The moving flow makes crossing the bridge a bit dangerous, the waters making the well worn wooden planks slick and slippery. This leaves the town quiet and subdued, few venturing outside of their homes as additional rains threaten to pour at any time. The inn is quiet, with a lack of her normal visitors, and the few guests in residence taking their meals quickly before returning to their rented rooms.
Musami rises to the dull grey light of morning. Taking time out to perform his morning tasks for straightening his hair and beard he then heads downstairs to eat a simple breakfast. As he eats he makes conversation with the Ostler about the state of the river. The river runs quite close to the inn. I hope it does not get any higher or we will all be in trouble
After finishing his breakfast he heads out into the morning, sloshing across the drenched street to get to the smithy. He opens the doors, moving the buckets of nails inside out of any more inclement weather. Moving with the ease of long familiarity with the tasks he brings the coals up and prepares to ply his trade, not for others but for himself.
Musami finds the forge deserted, the coals somewhat cool though still tamped down well enough that it can be easily restored to a good intensity. Brother Smythe may not spend much time crafting weapons but he does have the tools needed to forge a shield, and enough ingots available for the project, though they are locked in a small padlocked bin. The key is likely with Tomi or perhaps inside the smith's home, if Musami wishes to look for it. Perhaps someone in your group might be able to assist you in opening the bin, since you are guaranteeing to pay for the materials used.
Musami rattles the padlock then crosses back to the inn. He wont invade the privacy of the smith's home.
Fil is up early, chopping wood as always for the inn, finding the slippery ground a bit difficult to work with, but he finds the innkeeper very kind. After his is done with that, he eats breakfast and returns to his room for a few hours, with Ostler's permission, for studying permission.
After his studying, Fil walks down the stairs and stretches, ready for he day, and he seeks out Zokama and Braggis, asking if they would like to accompany him to find Navith before meeting with Xaod.
Toruk will in the early hours and will venture outside of the inn during the pre-dawn hours to find a quiet grove to greet the sun with prayer to Fharlanghn.
Braggi wakes up hungry. He washes his face and asks for something grease and tasty for breakfast, thinking eggs and bacon.
While he eats, he wonders what kind of wares would Xaod's gang have that he could finfd a use to. Probably nothing, but maybe Fil and the others can find a good scroll or something. Who knows?
After breakfast, if Xaod is not at the inn, Braggi walks out to find him, as the priest said last night.
Navith wakes in the dormitory to find Pelor hiding behind the grey of overcast clouds. As much as he is Pelor's servant, grey skies always call to Navith, and he is put into a good frame of mind. He rises and takes a small breakfast such that is provided in the church, then heads upstairs to speak to the Canon.
Zokama gets up early and packs up her things, going down to check and see if anyone got the loot sorted out yet.
When she finds nobody around, she decides to cheer up the mood of the place with a song. She sings a couple of upbeat songs as people come in and out, not trying to be the center of attention or make money or anything, but just to make the background atmosphere more cheerful and welcoming on a rainy day.
She sings until Fil comes over and asks her if she wants to go with him to find Navith, which she agrees to, after finishing her song.
Not seeing Braggi, Fil assumes he has gone to see Xaod alone. He smiles when Zokama agrees to go with him to get Navith.
"So, I owe brother Smythe an evening of religious debate." Fil says "What do you know of religion? I do need to prepare a bit." He smiles warmly.
Zakoma considers Fil's words.
Religious debate seems like an oxymoron to me. The very essence of religion is love, peace, and kindness. To engage in debate about such things seems to encourage a spirit of contention, which is exactly what a good religion discourages. Of course if you just mean discussion and learning rather than debate, then there would be no harm in it.
She smiles with a sparkle in her eye, wondering if he is actually interested in religion or just in argument.
If so, which religion would you like to discuss? The worship of Zodal, Pholtus, Zagyg? Or Pelor, which I gather is the deity that Navith worships?
Filnefillan and Zokama arrive at the church, looking for Navith. They instead find Calmert attempting to calm an elderly woman who seems quite distressed, scolding the rotund priest for his lack of manners and the church for callousness. Calmert asks an acolyte to sit with the woman while he shows you into the next room. Realizing you are seeking Navith Calmert shows you upstairs, informing you the man sought is in the Canon's office. Feel free to knock at the door, they've only shortly sat down together.
As everyone seems to be engaged in their own tasks for the moment Musami seeks out Master Gundigoot
What can you tell me of young Tomi? He isn't at the forge this morning, which is understandable with the weather being what it is. I would like to check on the lad though. Allison tells me that he lives just beyond the Odell homestead.
Ostler nods to the dwarf, glancing out the window towards the smithy across the street. Yes, the weather is enough to keep most home today. And Tomi did seem quite happy to have finished his nails for the castle work. The man wipes his hands on a dish towel before continuing. Tomi's family's farm is a short way past Master Odell's home. I know the boy has many siblings, so the chance to work for Brother Smythe is a great opportunity for the lad. His older brother already has a farm of his own, the next brother will take over for the farm when his father finally retires, and the sister and other two brothers will divide what they can when the time comes.
The innkeeper takes a small box out from behind the front desk and looks inside, pulling out a small ring of two keys. No, the keys are here, so Tomi hasn't been by for them. It's likely they roped him into house chores today, rains like this can add extra work keeping the animals safe and dry. If you are looking to check on him I'd advise taking a small gift, the family is Old Faith and strangers without gifts are suspect. The elder Dwyer likes pies, most ales, and the occasional oddity unique to his collection of nick-knacks.
I think I will look in on them this afternoon. Could I perhaps have the kitchen make me two large steak and kidney pies and could you have a small cask of ale packed up for me for mid-afternoon? I'll go see them once I have put some time in at the forge.
With that Musami leaves the inn, keys in hand and heads to the forge. Not too long later there is the ringing of hammer on steel as Musami works on his shield.
Braggi informs the rest of the group, at least those who are still at the inn, of his intention to go and see Xaod, in case they want to join, then he leaves. He takes the heavy flail with him, having in his mind the idea of returning it either now or when he comes back from Xaod.
With Canon Terjon
Navith shofts uncomfortably, getting the distinct impression that the Canon wishes the Pelorite might doss elsewhere.
"My thanks, but I am sure I can stay at the Inn with my party..."
Zokama knocks at the door of the Canon's office.
"Pardon our interrution, might we enter," Fil calls as Zokama knocks on the door.
He flashes a smile to Zokama as he realizes he may have interrupted her introduction.
Ostler, looking a bit perplexed, nods to Musami as he leaves, Yes sir, we can have the pies and cask ready after the dinner rush, before the supper crowd arrives if that is acceptable.
You recall noticing a quartet of small tents adjacent to the larger tavern tent, all in the same style and colors. These may be the rental tents the barmaid spoke of.
Canon Terjon calls out for whomever knocking to enter. He motions for you to pull up chairs if desired, And how may the Church assist you today?
Not having anything to lose, Braggi tries throwing a quick sight at the tents, asking for Xaod of anything happens to be there.
Navith pointedly slides the coin pouch back toward the Canon as the door opens.
"Pelor provides, Canon. I understand your dilemma, and am doing everything in my power to assuage this unfortunate situation."
Braggi finds the tents to be empty. Two of the tents show empty straw mattresses with small, open foot lockers bolted to the pallets, though the air smells of recent sweaty habitation and someone clearly didn't bother to empty the befouled chamber pots. A third tent has a blanketed and pillowed mattress and the footlocker is closed and padlocked, but no one is about. The last tent shows signs of a struggle, the mattress is tossed about, straw scattered across the floor, some of it splattered in a bit of hours old blood. The chest is broken open, a busted lock laying under the pallet. Searching a little more Braggi finds scuff marks in the dirt, as though someone laid there for a bit. A tiny finger drawing is partly visible under the straw, of a long circle with three lines traced down through it, two diagonally and opposing, one down the middle. Next to it is a small M with a line underneath it. See Here
Fil looks to Zokama for guidance here. He sits down and smiles. "We came for Navith, and I came to see how the refugees are doing. Perhaps even if Brothers Smythe would be available for a short while away from the church if things are going well."
At look of shock almost passes across his face as he realizes what he just said, as he quickly tries to mask it.
Seeing Navith within the room, Zokama waits for Fil to gather him up, since they were coming to find him.
Since she is here though, she addresses Canon Terjon and describes the problem that her friend Fennit has, and asks if the church has some sort of potion or poultice that might relieve his pain, and if so, who she could talk to about that.
Canon Terjon shakes his head to Filnefillan, when asked about Brother Smythe. I'm afraid I returned from Verbobonc this morning without our blacksmith. The clerics of our order are working to treat his affliction, but it will need a bit more time before the curse is truly lifted. His was an unusual case, and he agreed with them to remain behind and study it a bit further. Smiling a bit, reassuringly, He and Lord Rufus should return in another week or so, if all progresses as presumed, recovered and ready to resume his duties and responsibilities to the town.
Canon Terjon indicates Brother Mason is indeed available for a short visit, eyeing you a bit suspiciously. I would ask you not leave the grounds with her today, on account of the weather, but I suppose we could free her for a short spell, to discuss the condition of the refugees. To you all he then adds, The group is well recovered and rested from their ordeals in the moat house, and are available should you wish to speak with them. I know they would be happy for the company.
Canon Terjon turns to Zokama, nodding sagely regarding Fennit. We do have treatments which could benefit Master Fennit, and have offered them to him, for a price, for a favor, even as an Needfest present, but were rebuffed. He turned down similar offers from Master Jaroo along the same lines I believe.
The priest takes the small pouch sitting on the desk and returns it to a drawer, frowning as he continues discussing Fennit. I fear there is something personal to which he feels undeserving of treatment, something he is loathe to discuss with any I know. He then starts to smile as he gauges Zokama's interest in the apple farmer. If you should convince him to reconsider, tell him I would gladly aid him, and to soothe his pride, I would do so for what he considers the current BEST apple of his harvest, he adds winking.
"Strange..."
Braggi tries to remember anything having to do with the drawn symbol, but nothing comes to mind. He draws a basic sketch of it, but deliberately skips the M.
Before going back to his companions, he once more walks around the tavern, looking specifically for Meridosen. He shows him the sketch. "Do you know what that can be? Braggi pays full attention to the maid's reaction.
She looks at the man, a moment of recognition of who he is crossing her face, before she takes on a bored expression, then continues to wipe out a mug, spitting in it before replying. She looks briefly at the sketch, yawns, and tells the sailor, If that is supposed to be some kind of offer, I'm not that kind of girl. Best you speak to one of the strumpets in the corner. They seem to be into the kind of odd tastes you have. She jerks her head slightly aside, the gesture attracting the attention of Zert and the other man at the end of the bar. They remain seated, feigning conversation while clearly keeping an eye on Braggi.
Fil smiles at the priest, "Brother Mason was going to teach me about your faith, so as not to waste your time. I completely agree about this atrocious weather. It is too bad about Brothers Smythe, I had wished to speak with him about his affliction and how it happened as well.
Looking to Zokama and Navith, a shadow crosses Filnefillan's face "one of my earlier companions passed rescuing the refugees. There are terrible things there below the surface. Another of my companions left shortly after that in mourning. It would be helpful to speak to the refugees. Perhaps even find them more permanent homes. "
As he continues the description, the shadow grows, and the obvious sadness shows.
"Canon, do you know the history of the Moathouse?" He looks towards the Canon, the shadow and sadness fully showimg, but also the thirst for knowledge to seal its evil.
Canon Terjon agrees to Filnefillan's request to speak with Brother Mason, and tells you the refugees are available whenever you wish to speak with them, and that it has been arranged that they will leave for Verbobonc aboard the caravan Lord Rufus and Brother Smythe will travel with on their journey back from that same capital.
The moat house was ignored during the destruction of the Temple and it's armies, for the good folk which came against the wicked hordes were so strong as to be nonplussed to the pin-prickling attacks from the garrison of the place. Only after the battles of Emridy Meadows and the closing of the Temple of Elemental Evil's quadripartite gates was attention turned to the moat house. A detachment of horse and foot with a small train of siege machines encircled the marshlands about the fortress, intending to lay it low.
The common folk for miles about came to help fight the Temple, dwarves of the Lortmils, gnomes of the Kron Hills, and the elves of Celene joined together with the Knights of the Hart, brave militiamen of Dyvers, several marshals of Veluna, all warded by priests of Verbobonc and lead by warriors of Furyondy, including the lost hero Prince Thrommel to end the menace. Smaller numbers of those same bands marched on the moat house at the end, with only the small hamlet of Nulb refusing to participate in the final assault. The small fortress was surrounded, cut off, and battered into extinction. The upper floors fell to flame and shot, the outer walls breached, the great hall assaulted and filled with the last dying gasps of those who had sought whatever foul powers the Temple had promised. All encountered fought to the bitter end, refusing surrender, seeking death over capture, the last few ending their own lives with bitter curses spilling from their dying lips.
The place is now shunned by most hereabouts, both for the former evils of what it represented, and the terrors inflicted by the horrific black lord of the place, a vile cleric of damnation who worshiped an unnamed god, and sacrificed an untold number of innocents below that wicked place in unholy rites only whispered over in well lit places. The few survivors to have escaped the cells beneath those walls are forever haunted by the memories of them.
"Oh" Braggi feigns a sad face. "Sorry. As you didn't reject my money the other day, I thought... it's okay, it's okay." Braggi extend his arms in an apologising gesture. The other idiots are watching now, so he doesn't feel like pressing her right now. He, or one of the others from the group, will look for another chance. Before leaving, he throws a direct gaze to the duo of thugs and winks, letting them know he is far from intimidated.
Too much time around tough men at sea.
Thinking that it has been a good move not to mention where he had found the strange symbol, Braggi goes back to the Welcome Wench and seeks for anyone to share his findings with.
Navith listens, his furrowed brow deepening as the tale lengthens.
"Well, we have restored Emridy. A battle fought then, and now. Now we must cleanse the Moathouse anew. I hope we do not have to assault the Temple itself again also..."
Fennit has accepted help from me twice. Is the treatment something that I can pay for and take with me? Perhaps he would accept it from my hand even if he is loathe to accept it from yours for whatever reason.
Zokama listens to the story of the moathouse, surprised with how deeply evil the history of this area is. She is glad that these people are trying to do something about it.