Zert is the original source for the map you possess which led to the moat house. However he attempted to dissuade your interest in it and instead to focus on hobgoblins to the north. He told you he'd explored the moat house and found it an abandoned ruin with no connection to the bandits.
Meridosen and Zert spread false testimony about Cedryk to the Town Council when he was dealing with the aftermath of Jaroo's death, nearly framing him for the crime.
Meridosen and Zert disappeared while being sought by the Town Council to answer for their false testimony and explain other suspicious activities around Hommlet. You do not know if they were ever questioned or answered for their actions.
Canon Terjon indicates it would seem unlikely the Temple would be open again. The Circle of Eight worked with the priests of Saint Cuthbert, Pelor, and Beory to seal not only the main gate, but other portals located deep within the ruins with powerful magicks which repel the approach of evil entities. The walls were breached in multiple places, the towers razed, and both the main hall and lower levels warded to be a prison for much of the evil influences which permeated the place. While some such as Canoness Y'dey were not so certain, I believe my superiors in Verbobonc the Temple of Elemental Evil was put to rest.
Regarding a cure for Fennit he adds I am afraid I am only able to cast the spell myself which would aid him, though I suppose if I gathered enough ingredients I might, and I only say MIGHT be able to brew a potion for the man. There would unfortunately be a cost for such a remedy, and any donations would be appreciated.
"I myself witnessed something horrific in the lower levels of the Moathouse. Those refugees saw it, too. Perhaps someone or something is trying to awaken the portals and bring those horrors back. What better camouflage than a dilapidated old keep?"
Fil looks at the Canon, his look between sadness and seriousness "someone had hoarded the undead there. Taken the people from the caravans, including the one the refugees had been with. There was some sort of... creature down there. It could control minds. It is not all about bandits, Canon. The people of Hommlet need peace, but need not to worry."
Fil looKS at Navith and Zokama. He continues, pulling his tunic, showing he is missing a nipple and addressing everyone "Dangerous things beyond bandits are there. I could hardly breathe for days after this happened. I have heard of ancient elven magic in the area and came to research it. If the area needs to be protected from evils such as this, I will do so. I would hope that you understand, Canon, that Evil rises when ignored or hidden away. Even if the seals are good, and cannot be reopened, that doesn't mean that an attempt to reopen them is not happening. This means danger for all.
Fil sighs. "Zokama, Navith, I have no right to ask for your help, but what I have seen there is beyond what we can do without you. Would you be so kind as to help protect these innocent people? You are both amazing, and I am sure that Toruk, Braggi, and Musami would be glad to have you with us in this second venture. "
To Canon Terjon:
If you are able to create a potion for him, I would be most grateful. I believe I could get him to take it. And of course, I would be happy to pay your expenses for such a thing. Our group has the money. As soon as we divide it among ourselves, I can pay you.
To Fil:
I would be happy to join your group to fight the evil that we have seen here. I do ask, however, that you sort the loot before we embark, since you preferred to do it yourself. I unfortunately spent my last orb on a room at the inn, and would like to be better prepared for our next fight, if possible.
Navith looks long and hard at the elf, a mixture of horror and pity warring inside him at Fil's maiming. He considers their experience on the plain of Emridy, Filnefillan standing side by side with Navith, and all that after already suffering at the moathouse.
The Pelorite thinks of his own mission, and of his share in the success against the undead. It seems the dark places exist to be thrust into the light, and these rag-tag adventurers are here to do it. And Navith cannot bear to leave them to their fate.
"Pelor guides me, and I am his hand. I will accompany you, Braggi, Musami and Toruk. [here nods to Zokama] With Zokama we will obliterate this blight."
"Zokama, Navith, thank you both," Fil says as he smiles, somewhat wistfully as he begins re-covering himself up. He addresses the Canon as he begins to speak again. The council believed that the only problem was bandits. I believe worse lurks there. We must not cause a panic in Hommlet, however. Can we trust that you will maintain your peace on this matter, on your faith?"
Musami makes one last strike with his smithing hammer and sets aside the partially complete shield. Wiping his brow he moves to ready the forge for the evening packing the coals and putting tolls away. He makes sure to take the keys to the material store with him as he closes up behind him.
Stepping across the street he steps into the Welcoming Wench nodding to Alison and Gundigoot. An ale please lass.
He looks around the room and does not see any of his companions. As he sips his ale he speaks to Gundigoot. I have reconsidered my visit to the farmstead. I would still like to send the ale and pies though, as a token of my good will. Is there a young person who could be trusted with taking the items and a small note out there for me?
He sits and makes a note to go with the food and drink.
Brother Mason can arrange to meet Filnefillan after supper and before evening prayers at the Church.
Canon Terjon calls together the survivors of the moat house and installs them in the adjacent library, where there is enough room for them and the three of you to discuss whatever questions you might have. With Navith, Zokama, and Filnefillan will be the human woman Ashari, the gnome Wilrick, and the half-elf Deerfellow. The merchant Aeron Danse left town two days prior with a merchant caravan bound for his hometown, Verbobonc.
Braggi returns to the Inn, passing Musami while he is working at the forge. He finds only Toruk at the Inn, having completed his morning rituals, the rest of the party mentioned to the staff they were going to visit the Church.
As the Canon leads and seats everyone in the library, Fil takes note of the book titles he can see in the room.
"Thank you, Canon for bringing us together on such short notice. I am sorry for this nature of the questions I have to ask."
Fil looks to the three survivors, smiling warmly to them.
"You are all looking very well today, considering the weather. Sadly, I have to ask some unpleasant questions about the horrible place you were held. I hear you will be leaving soon, but we plan on getting rid of the evils of that place. We need your help."
He looks to both Zokama and Navith for guidance on these delicate questions.
He gives Ashari the most reassuring look he can, as he is unsure whether contact would be appropriate, and he looks at Deerfellow respectfully.
"Ashari, the gnolls did horrible things to you, but there was something else down there, something beyond them. Your look of horror when we rescued you, and I have reason to believe that it affected minds or was able to control the undead. Was there such a creature there?"
Zokama smiles and greets the survivors, trying to make them feel comfortable and safe.
Navith likewise appears as congenial and open as he can, hoping the display of Pelorite insignia might ease folks' minds and hearts.
Braggi decides he'll be having a look over Terrigan's Tent, in case Meridosen or any of the thugs decide to play a move. He informs Toruk of where he is going to be, in case any of the others want to join when they're finished with the Canon.
The trio are clearly still somewhat shaken when recalling the circumstances around their capture and imprisonment, but they try to hold themselves together as they discuss the ordeal.
Deerfellow leads the tale, occasionally with comment from Wilrick. Ashari remains quiet, holding herself close, rocking slowly in the chair, the gnome occasionally patting her hand or petting her arm. We met a few humans under that place, the leader, his superiors, a couple of fellow human guards. After them, his voice lowering a bit, as though somewhat kinder, were the kells and buchveer. That Lareth led the place, with the anxious woman I think. They asked us questions about the girls taken by his boss, the armored man who led the raid. They asked "who were they, where were they from," that kind of thing. They wanted to know all we knew about those girls, but nothing about us.
The gnome pips in at that point, his voice higher pitched, a bit tinny, But you ask after the eaters, the twisted things from below the dungeons. Don't know what they were, but I've heard stories. Olven tales of spirits twisted by darkness, by thoughts of madness and death, things perverted away from the natural order. They speak to your head, voices softer than a whisper but clear to the mind, dark things, evil thoughts. They were leaning in close, nearly whispering, the Lo'Vendol, eaters of the dead.
A different girl is waiting behind the bar, watching you occasionally, but you don't recognize her. She's cute, attractive even, someone you would normally be attracted to, in any other situation. Now however, you feel like she's staring into your soul, the feeling giving you tingles up and down your spine.
The pot boy Ian returns after delivering the food and scroll to the Dwyer family farm. He stops to inform Musami the family is grateful for the kindness, and they will see to it that Tomi helps with the project, but they're sad to say that Tomi isn't with them today. He should be staying at the smithy, in Master Smythe's quarters. Look for him there.
Musami treks back over the street to Master Smythe's quarters and opens the door (it is unlocked, isn't it?) looking inside of Tomi.
The small two room home is divided by a half-wall. The front room contains a small table, a long counter, a small hearth, and two old chests. On the other side of the wall is a pallet rack containing a straw mattress, a few blankets, and a down filled pillow. The bed is made, but poorly, and empty. The small table holds a small plate, cup, and utensils, dirty and half eaten.
Musami pokes about the house, looking for any sign as to what may have happened to Tomi and where he may have gone.
Looking over the home, Musami can tell Tomi picked up his dinner from the Inn, brought it back to the shop, ate most of it, then appeared to have left, without a struggle, without a mess. It does not appear he came back afterwards.
It appears Tomi didn't go to his family home, so where else might a young lad go, flush after his first successful venture as a blacksmith's apprentice, with a bit of free time on his hands?
Musami scratches at his beard, thinking hard. Where would the young lad go? And why has he not returned all day? Musami will close up the house as he ponders.
Wracking his brain the only thing Musami can remember about Tomi, aside from his smithing, the little he learned of his family, and his intense desire to escape the boredom of the farm is about a run-in Tomi had with the son of the horse trader, and that he shared friendships with a small group of the town's youth.
Fil is listening intently to the trio, paying close attention to Ashari. "Thank you, and can you describe Laredo to me? Also the anxious woman?"
As he looks at the gnome, he asks another pair of questions. "So, they can control the mind. This I believe, having experienced it myself. Did you ever see one?" he listens for the description. Then, watching Ashari's and the gnome's reactions closely he asks "Did one take Ashari away for a while? "
He also apologizes for the upsetting last question.
He will be doing some research on the creatures as he gets back into his studies as well.
They indicate Lareth was tall, 6' 1" to 6' 3", long blonde hair, stern featured, clean, perfumed, and immaculate. He wore flanged heavy armor with an ornate pattern, like a large flaming eye. He spoke softly, sweetly, but with a hint of malice underneath. His long thin fingers were painted, the nails trimmed to sharp points.
The anxious woman was called Gren, a dark haired woman of pale ivory skin and soft features. She seemed normal until observed closer, her ears were often hidden by her hair, concealing small bony points, and her tongue was very long and forked.
Wilrick corrects Filnefillan regarding the Lo'Vendol. The tales say they speak to the mind, whispers mostly, urging victims to commit horrible acts, slowly driving them insane. I don't recall tales of them controlling their prey. They seem to thrive on victims committing atrocious actions of their own volition, before eventually killing and consuming them.[/b] As to seeing them, We saw something, a few somethings, but the guards called them grave-walkers, although I'd say they were similar to the Lo'Vendol. They came from below the dungeon and fed on those who died from the tortures. They began to devour Clem before he was dead, pausing. Gods, the screams, they won't stop... Wilrick and Ashari hug close, no longer talking.
Deerfellow continues, Ashari was only taken by the Kells, not those things. And none of us were taken below, only from the prison to the torture room across the room. Lareth and Gren came to us at their leisure. Taking Ashari's hand in his own, She won't be able to tell you where the kells laired, if you want to know. Sshe's blocked that all away, for the best you understand.
Navith listens with rapt attention. He has no soothing words to provide even a modicum of succour to these suffering folk, his lips clenched in a grimace.
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Dwur: Dwarves
Noniz: Gnomes (neblin)
Hobniz: Halflings
Olve: Elves
Bakluni: Arabic culture
Flannae: Native American culture
Oeridian: Western European culture
Rhennee: Gypsy culture
Suloise: Aryan culture
Svirfneblin: Deep Gnome
Dwuergar: Deep Dwarves
Euroz: Orcs
Kell: Gnolls
Eiger: Ogres
Jebli: Goblins
Celbit: Kobolds
Hojebline (hobgoblins)
Buchveer: Bugbear
Jialt: Giant
Truknt: Trolls
Noblink: Norkers
Drow: Dark Elves
"S+$~" Braggi thinks. "Too late. Okay, let's see what this crone's about..."
He walks to the bar and asks the barmaid, putting some coins where she can see it and reach it. "Mead, please. Where can I find Zert?"
The young woman takes the coins and sets a mug of warm, watery mead down on the bar beside Braggi. Zert, don't think I know who that is. A friend of yours? Terrigan watches closely from the far end of the bar, not hiding the annoyance covering his face.
Zokama continues to offer support to the survivors, not sure why Fin is asking such invasive questions, but hoping that it is leading to something valuable.
"Thank you all. I only have one last question for you, and I promise never to speak of your horrible experience ever again. Did they indicate where the market was or why the location the women were from that they were taking was important?".
At this point, Fil offers his hand, both as comfort as well as in apology to the victims. He genuinely feels bad and is trying to hide it, albeit poorly, but he has seen much subterfuge in this small village, much more than a town it's size.
"Okay..." He offers a pair of coins more. "Could you tell Terrigan I'd like to have a chat with him?"
To Filnefillan
The trio converse openly with themselves then unified reply to Filnefillan, Deerfellow leading with No they didn't explain if the girls were going to a slave market, or to some other specific end. They seemed to really want to know from us why the girls were important, why were they from wherever they came, and if the girls had any special significance that we might be able to share. Aside from their connection to a nobleman, and being protected by Clem and his troopers, we don't know if they were special. They acted fairly normally to us, even sharing in duties around the caravan during evening stops. Hardly something noble or special persons might pursue.
To Braggi
The barmaid smiles sweetly to Braggi, a smile any other day would have held much promise, but now seems hollow, dangerous even. She scoops up the coins and walks along the bar, stopping and speaking to the tavern owner. She hands the coins to him, gesturing back at the sailor with a sharp jerk of her head. The man says something to her, then downs the short beer sitting before him. He then nods to someone in the crowd behind Braggi before walking slowly over to the man.
I think you might be in the wrong place friend. You might find better service elsewhere.
"Thank you, you have all been much too kind. My questions have been so difficult, especially given the horrors of the Moathouse. We now know some of what has happened, and some of what to prepare for, as this must be stopped before someone else is harmed.
Fil takes a moment, thinking it through. "When you reach your final destination, would you be so kind as to send a missive to let us know you have made it safely? I have been terribly rude, and, after we see this work done, I will send you a missive indicating that you will never have to worry about those horrors again, and you and your friends have been avenged."
The trio agrees to send word once they have successfully returned home, and again offer their thanks and appreciation to the group for rescuing them from the moat house. Should you find the girls, let them know Clem's last thoughts were their safety, and that he died honorably protecting us as he had attempted to do so for them.
"Listen, lad. If these two are up to something and you know about it, you should tell us." He looks Terrigan in the eyes. "The whole village could be in peril, and we don't really need double play here." Pointing back with his head, he adds "You can also tell your men I'm no danger."
Bowing before the trip in thanks. Fil thanks them. "Thank you. If I find them, you have my word that I will send word to you and will confirm Clem's dying attempt to protect all of you."
He thanks the Canon and requests his leave to visit Brother Mason to set a time to meet, asking if Zokama and Navith wish to follow him or to meet at the in.
Terrigan signals and a few of the other patrons gather nearby, not touching Braggi, instead sneering, smacking fists in hands, giving the sailor dirty looks, etc.
The tavern owner looks Braggi up and down, smiling, Danger, pfft, ehh boys, then spits sideways at the dirt floor, missing a spittoon by over a foot. We don't know you, we don't like you, and we don't know your "two," neither, do we? The crowd chuckles and nods in consent, voicing a few Yeah... Right... Tell 'em Terrigan... Hommlet scum...
The owner steps a bit closer, his breath reeking of stale beer and too much lipweed, his bluster propped up by the crowd. You and your village can go to shyte for all we care. You want our sweat, you want our blood, you want our bones to break, all to build your precious tower. Again the crowd murmurs in agreement. You reward us in misery, make us live in mud and muck, gesturing around at the ground and tent overhead, and pay us in tiny bits to your "big baubles," gesturing lewdly, the latter eliciting several laughs and suggestive jeering among the crowd. We here stick together because all of you would rather all of us just do for THAT pointing in the direction of the castle. Then you want us to simply die away and not dirty up your sweet little town any more. Not today lackey, not tomorrow, not ever.
Turning to the crowd he raises his arms up, gesturing to his audience, Terrigan's knows it's own, Tent Town. Tent Town. Tent Town..., the crowd joining in his calls, some standing, some clapping.
From behind the bar the unnerving woman watches Braggi closely, her eyes piercing him in their intensity, a sweet and innocent smile upon her lovely perfect face, the facade creepily shadowing something unwholesome deeper inside, something unnerving, her lips silently repeating the cheering call of the crowd.
Zokama elects to return to the Inn, where she performs a song for whoever is there, trying to distract herself from the disturbing things that she heard today.
Afterward she sits wondering if she needs to visit a nearby town in order to gear up for a challenge the size of the moathouse.
"Watch your tongue, lad. I'm not from Hommlet, and I'm certainly not a lackey."
He knows they're probably out of reach of reasoning, but still. "All I want is to get paid and not die at the hands of undead or hobgoblins. Your problems with your working conditions don't concern me." He stares at the woman. "Now go solve your own things instead of complaining, and let me go. I remind you that I still have a sword at hand." He slowly turns himself to try to have a wall at his back.
Terrigan laughs out loud, smirking at Braggi. He gestures widely to the crowd. Clear a path boys, we've got ourselves a mighty HEERROOO here. Step aside, HEERROO coming through. He's got important business waiting, can't be spending no more time here. And watch out for his BIG ol' sword. He turns away from the man and steps over to the bar, taking up a drink the bar maid slides across to him. Make sure he finds the door now, his HEERROO-ship might not be used to our kinda place.
The crowd gathers up, forming a corridor of bodies from the bar to the tent's door flap, two to three men deep on each side. The crowd smiles, laughing and cheering at Terrigan ejecting the warrior.
Calling over his shoulder at Braggi, but not deigning to look, By the way HEERROO, your precious town council gave me full rights over this place. As long as it's mine you and yours, you ain't welcome back here, big sword or no.
Fil excuses himself and goes to visit Brother Mason, setting a date for dinner at the inn to learn of the Cuthbertine faith before returning to the inn to spend the rest of the day studying and dividing the loot with the group as everyone is present.
Filnefillan returns to the Inn, finding Zokama working on a few songs in the tap room. The place seems fairly deserted, only the staff currently present, most other patrons staying in their rooms as the rains start to fall again, swamping the already waterlogged town.
Glancing around the room Fil and Zokama take stock of their companions, realizing the need to divide up the items recovered from their recent activities. Equipping and preparing to return to the moat house has become ever present on their minds. It is only at that moment they realize they've not seen Toruk for several hours now. Navith, check, at the Church. Musami, check, at the forge. Braggi, according to Ostler, check, visiting Xaod. Toruk, Toruk, Toruk...
"Pray that you don't need a HEERROOO to save YOUURR precious tent, given to you by the authorities you so despise" says Thrall, looking at the barmaid.
Braggi walks away from the tent and goes back to the Welcome Wench. He shows his friends the sketch. "There was also an "m" there." He comments on what happened on the tent, emphasizing Xaod's disappearance and the barmaid's shady look.
DM:
To Zokama, prior to Braggi arriving.
"I fear that Toruk has gone. All these evils have been awful, and I cannot blame anyone for leaving. I pray I am wrong.
Once Braggi Arrives:
"That is a very strange rune. I wonder what it's from." Fil thinks about what he's seen recently, and his recent studies, as well as coded messages he has seen.
"Did you see anyone else there? Anyone who might want to do us harm or convince others that we are the harmful ones, because someone in that tent has to be convincing the tent-dwellers that the Hamlet hates them."
By itself Filnefillan would believe the strange rune were a traveler's mark for the worship of Hextor, commonly used to represent danger. Together however with the "m" he's uncertain of the intended meaning, making him unsure of the overall message of the marks or their purpose.
"Yeah, the barmaid." Braggi gives a physical description.
"At first, I thought the M meant Meridosen, since she had been acting shady. Then I thought it could also mean Moat."
Ostler is tending the bar this evening, Molly working in the kitchen. The maid Alison is sitting by the fire, reading quietly from a small book, slowly mouthing the words to herself and one of the pot boys, Ian, a friend of Tomi.
The craftsman and amateur alchemist Kalizar sits in the corner by the stairs to the lodgings, together with two men dressed as woodsmen. They appear to be deep in conversation among themselves, paying little attention to the rest of the room.
A fat old merchant is at a table close to the fire, nodding off a bit in his chair. You learned earlier in the day he was intending to transfer from a caravan heading into Celene for one bound for the Wild Coast, but the latter group didn't arrive this morning, most likely due to the weather.
Ostler comes round with a small platter of drinks, politely interrupting first Kalizar and company with refills, then your own conversations, to offer the remaining cups. Outside the weather picks up in strength, a loud roil of thunder crashing in the distance as the rains start pounding intensely against the sides of the white stuccoed building. The dark clouds overhead seem to assure few visitors will be coming by the Inn tonight. A short round if you will, to liven the mood. Yours and mine, though I'm not sure which is worse on a day like today.
As he walks away he stops, turning back to you. Since your friend left his things upstairs, am I to take it he will be coming back? Traveling on a day like today seems ill advised, but I suppose he and they had their reasons. I know, I know it's not my place to ask. I was only just wondering if he should be charged for the room, not that anyone will be asking for it, not now. The sound of thunder cracks loudly overhead, answering the distant call from before.
I will cover the cost of his room. After a brief while, at what seems like a break in Alison's reading Musami will move over to speak to Ian. Lad, you are of an age with young Tomi. Have you seen him today?
Taking a moment away from his apparent studies, Ian looks up at the dwarf. Not since last evening, good sir. He seems a bit apprehensive, looking at Alison before hanging his head, looking away. He was with Mickey and Corl, and a few of the other boys. Shuffling his feet, he grows silent, Alison looking at Musami a bit confused.
Mickey is an older boy, 16, and friends with the teamster's hooligan son Corl. They seem to find many new and inventive ways to cause trouble. Alison closes the book and looks at Ian, staring until he looks up at her, feeling her gaze. They were going to Nulb Miss Alison, to visit, well, to see you know, ummm... that place.