Please, you must let me out. my masters need ot know of Rohkar's betrayal in capturing me. As for what benefit you may gain, well... he leans a little closer to you, holding the bars of his tiny cage "It seems that there is an opening for someone to take Rohkar's place in giving us aid in our scouting of this southern land. riches and protection would be given to those who aid Winter in controlling these lands.
You may have beaten up on a few of my kind, and you killed a few humans. but don't think that means you will be able to stop what is coming. you soft southerners have no concept of the power of the fey, or the dangers of ice and snow. choose the right side
________________________________________
Meanwhile, downstairs the surviving bandits accept the room and bundle up, obviously not feeling well. they do not seem in danger of dying soon, but they certainly aren't moving quickly or doing anything strenuous.
Lady Argantea accepts Brominate's company as they wait for the rest of the crew to finish upstairs.
"That morning is a bit of a blur. I was inside of the closed carriage, so i did not see the start of the fight. We stopped, and I heard yelling in anger and then in pain. it got colder than should have been possible inside the carriage, and the lock was broken off somehow. I was grabbed quickly by two men, but before they put a bag on my head I caught sight of many of my guards dead in the snow. Snow! here! it didn't make sense. I saw our captain frozen solid in ice, then I was knocked out and awoke in the cellar. after that I only saw two different men who brought food for me. I'm sorry that I can't tell you more of the attack...
__________________________________
As Easlis loses interest in the conversation he starts collecting supplies from the store room. he finds the magic was coming from three scrolls and three oils. there is also a collection of mundane alchemical gear, including 3 vials of poison and 10 alchemist fires. there is also a small lockbox.
Listening to the fey in the cage talk, Nyalis comes up with a new question. I wonder if we have heard any of these names before especially if he mentions Teb Knotten, he thinks.
Speaking to the fey, he asks, "You've mentioned your masters several times. What is your master's name? And your master's master, if you know it."
Assuming he gets a response, Nyalis adds to the interrogation. "Oh, I think we have chosen the right side. If nothing else, our side doesn't kidnap royals and raise the dead."
Grim laughs. It seems an honest laugh, not the kind of mirthless noise you probably expected.
Switching back to Taldane: "Kill it. probably fastest to just throw the cage in the fire downstairs. It will do nothing but lead us to our deaths, except maybe get some intelligence about us to his superiors. I'm not keen on them knowing I exist. Too late to prevent that, though, really."
After going through the contents of the scrolls, Easlis looks over the last one at the fey and sighs, and spoking gravely: "I am very sorry but the Ulfren is right."
He then draws his scimitar, pushes the blade through one of the cage openings then lifts it up gently, together with the cage, holding it far from his body. He then begins to climb down the stairs slowly. "Your kind has done enough damage to this land and its people. And now you're threatening not only us but all of Taldor. Leaving you here to starve or worse, to be found by your masters are not options I can consider."
Stopping in front of the fireplace, Easlis turns to the lady: You'd better cover your ears and look the other way. This would not be pretty. then facing the fey:
"Final words for redemption?"
If no one would stop him, regardless of what the fey might say he would throw the cage in the fire and would gloomily collect the magical items and lockbox from upstairs adding them to the pile near the locked chest.
Nyalis nods in agreement with Easlis and Grimgisli. "We certainly aren't joining the ranks of your side and you aren't helping yourself here. I say let's get on with it. Easlis, do you want to use Yulin's blade? It's known to hurt the fey more than regular steel." Nyalis draw's Yulin's cold iron longsword and presents it to Easlis hilt first, as if handing it to an executioner.
Bazikian watches Easlis talking tough to the fey and holds his tongue, hoping it's a bluff. He waits, giving the fey a chance to speak up and give them some more information, but as Easlis goes to throw the creature onto the fire he breaks.
"No Easlis, you can't!" Bazikian's voice breaks, and tears start to leak from his eyes as he dashes up beside the half-elf. "You just can't! Battle and self-defence is one thing, but if we do this we're just as bad and evil as they are!" He tugs at Easlis's sleeve. "Please," he whispers in a small voice. "Don't do this. Don't be a murderer."
"Yes, he can. We can't hold the spy indefinitely, and as soon as it is free, his betters will be targeting specifically us. Being hunted by a large group bearing the resources to drop this winter here is not how I want to start the day. Any day. You?"
Easlis spends some time looking at the three scrolls, and finds himself struggling to figure them out. However, he finally translates one of the scrolls, and once he does that realizes that all three were for the same spell. the three scrolls are all Lesser Animate Dead (2HD).
________________________
As Easlis starts to bring the little fey closer to the fire, his protests get louder, alternating between begging for his life, promising you places in the new hierarchy once the region is conquered, and threatening all sorts of tortures that will be visited on you should the fey find out what you have done.
When Bazikian tries to stop the Magus, the sprite calls out "Yes! Listen to the gnome! He understands! you cannot do this, I am but a helpless prisoner! Is this how you wish for the fey to handle our prisoners when we take this land from you? Burn me and watch as your own families are burned in cages in remembrance of this act!
Brominate watches all of this but does not stand or even speak up about what is going on. He sits at the table but has, at this point propped one leg and foot up on the bench with him. During his conversations with Lady Argantea, he tried on the boots of elvish make to see if they fit.
Picking the longsword Nyalis offered, the magus uses it as another support point for carrying the cage, nodding to him in sign of thanksgiving.
Just when he was about to throw the fey in the fire he stops, listening to what Bazikian and Grimgisli had to say, and leaves the cage down, near the fire.
He takes a deep breath as if a big burden was removed from his shoulder before listening to the fey make one final attempt of ensuring his safety. He looks down at it and smiles at him. "Southerners have a fascination with fire. They think it purifies the body and the soul. Shakes all the magic off... things, symbols, people, it doesn't matter.
I've asked my dad once what would she do if they'd try to burn her on a pire. He said she'd probably laugh at their stupidity."
His voice became much more serious.
"If that is our fate then so be it. This is my resolve."
He draws up Yulin's sword in both of his hands and pierces with it the cage and the creature inside it. He leaves the room and the sword behind.
Bazikian breaks away from Easlis with a sob and runs over to Brom, burying his tearful face in the human's shirt.
Nyalis picks up Yulin's longsword and inspects the edge for any signs of wear or abuse. Finding none, he comments to nobody in particular "Remind me never to get on Easlis' bad side. "
After re-sheathing the sword, Nyalis looks around all of the rooms to see if anybody has missed anything before returning downstairs.
Once he is back downstairs, he makes small talk with the rest of the group as they prepare for dinner. Nyalis does take special care to ensure there is enough firewood to last throughout the night.
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Zeke runs over and buries his face in the half-elf's shirt, like a child who has witnessed something terrible, like a beloved pet dying or hearing your father won't be coming back from the war after all.
Brominate spoke no words, for words would provide no comfort. He gently encased his arms around the gnome. It'd been a long time since he'd held a child, held his daughter.
And so, while it might have been for a different reason, the few tears that came unbidden to Brominate's eyes shared the same source as his friend's: the pain of loss.
He blinked them away before anyone noticed.
Easlis' strike is swift and true, killing the fey almost instantly, cutting him off mid-plea. the cold iron slices through the little creature easily, and it is quite clear it didn't survive the strike.
The mood is a bit subdued as everyone makes their preparations for the evening. the remaining bandits watch warily, giving Easlis in particular a wide berth as they settle back into the room they had been sleeping in.
Lady Argantea addresses the group.
"Thank you again for coming to my aid. it is clear there is more to be done, however, if these fey really are trying to take over this country. We have to find a way to stop them now, before they can bring a full invading army in! Have you learned anything about this portal they are using to move so far south so quickly? Is there perhaps some way a team like yours could disrupt it?"
"Don't know about what the others have found, but I don't know much more than it is there. I know a couple of other things, though. None of us are properly prepared to survive long in this weather. We get you back to town, and I can retrieve my winter gear. Certainly didn't expect to need it now! Then I can help everybody else outfit properly for the weather. And we can pick up some cold iron weapons. If we're going to be facing a significant number of these frozen fey, we're going to need every little advantage we can create."
In the other room, Easlis draws his spellbook out and starts making notes on some of the empty pages. His thoughts wondered on the past events but he tried to keep them in check trying to focus exclusively on writing down his observations of the arcane.
The information he managed to gather from the necromancer's spellbook and scrolls provided the last piece of the puzzle for finalizing the spells he has been trying to conjure for the past months.
Nyalis adds to the discussion with the Lady Argentea, "Good Lady, coming to your aid was our direct charge. Our first order of business will be to get you back to safety in Heldren once the sun rises in the morning. When we are there, we can get you back on your journey and you can help spread the alarm in your lands."
Looking at the evidence, Nyalis summarizes what they know. "Right now, I think we only know three things. " Holding up one finger on his hand, he starts to tick off the knowledge they have gathered. "First, there is at least one more powerful fey around, who is strong enough to make all these bandits cower and do his bidding. We have heard the name Teb Knotten before and will likely hear it again." Raising another finger, Nyalis continues, "Second, there is a map upstairs with a spot labeled the 'winter portal'. This may be a good place to continue the investigation." Finally, Nyalis raises a third finger,"Third, and most importantly, this danger from the cold north and fey is real and must be taken seriously. I do think some of the council in Heldren will not want to hear the news but it is the truth. I do hope you'll help us impress the gravity of the situation on the village."
……..
Then, after the conversation, Nyalis joins Easlis in the other room. "I think now is a better time to start looking through the necromancer's spellbook. You're welcome to look at mine as well, should you find it helpful." With that, Nyalis puts his book on the table for Easlis to examine.
At some point, Brominate will ensure every bandit is in that southern room for the night. He himself will not go in. He'll also go to his pack of stuff, pull the three scrolls he discovered out, and join the magus and alchemist.
"Hey, fellas? Y'think you might could help me understand what these say? I'll hold on to 'em for now, but it'd be nice to know what they do."
Hearing Nyalis outlining what the party knows, he stands up, face morose. "Yes, we must warn the village. We wouldn't want any murderous beasts descending on it." He gives Easlis a look that is both sad and a little angry, then turns on his heel and heads to his bedroll, still wounded and exhausted both physically and emotionally.
"Very well, Lady Argantea replies. "I will of course accept your aid in returning to your village. I am sure from there I can secure transport back to the capitol where I will do what I can to rally a defense for the unexpected invasion. Unfortunately with the death of most of my crew, I will not be able to send anything in the way of aid with you. I hope for all of our sakes that you are able to find a way to stop these fey before they establish a foothold here."
As everyone settles in for the night, the bandits do not appear to be in any mood to start trouble. they comply with commands given to them easily, and they keep to themselves in the room under the stairs.
Easlis and Nyalis spend some time looking over spells and choosing what they want to copy and prepare. after a long hard day full of many new experiences and a few close calls, everyone falls asleep very quickly once they elt themselves.
in the morning, Lady Argantea is awake quite early, clearly enjoying the feeling of not being cooped up in a cellar anymore. the bandits are quite helpful and are happy to aid Brominate (or someone else) in making a breakfast with some suplies found in the stores of the lodge.
Stretching as he starts moving, grim stokes the fire, rebuilding it if the group let it drop to a bed of coals while they slept.
He looks out a window to see how bad the weather appears to have gotten. Assuming it looks no better . . ..
"I'm guessing we're going to take these bandits back to town with us, too? Then we need to have everyone grab all the clothing and blankets we can find, try to bundle up as protection against the cold. The trip back to the edge is going to be tough. There won't be a fire to warm ourselves on the way out like there was on the way in. Might even be good for several to gather together under a couple of blankets for the walk."
Bazikian wakes and once again takes on kitchen duties, working away with the former bandits to prepare breakfast for all. The little gnome is no longer teary and blotchy-faced, but he isn't his typical bubbly self.
Brominate helps out with Zeke. Not wishing for the day to start with sour attitudes, he does his best to silently cheer up Bazikian until he starts laughing out loud, or at least wearing a genuine smile.
In response to Grimgisli, Brominate approaches him and speaks softly,
"I don't think they really pose a threat to us, but d'ya think we should maybe tie 'em up together as we journey back to Heldren? I mean, I'm not wanting anyone to die today that isn't trying to kill me first, but I also don't trust 'em in the slightest. Kinda like me Father."
The magus gets out of the room yawning and stretching like nothing had happened the day before.
He had checked the alchemist's spellbook but found the notation they used quite riddling and for all Nyalis's best efforts he did not understand how the different components of their spells tied up together.
Not wanting to waste more items than strictly needed from his dwindling component pouch he stored the scrolls and necromancer with the other items which he slowly transported back to the carriage. He also checked the other bodies outside for useful items being extra careful not to be seen by the remaining bandits.
"Brom, you know that's actually not a bad idea. There's no point for the necromancer to be hogging all that fine silk rope. I guess it's time to give the wake-up call to our friend downstairs. Grim, care to give me a hand with this?"
He starts pulling the rope and once the necromancer is on the same level he says: "I hope you had a good night and feel rested. There's a long and arduous road ahead of us. Care to share with us a little story before we head off? I heard it would make the way back so much smoother, for the one telling it. "
"However you want to play it. In their shape the cold is a better prison guard than either of us."
---
As Easlis brings the caster out and starts talking about the walk, Grim grins. "We can solve the problem of him being a casting threat easily enough. Force him to leave his hands exposed. As cold as it is out there, he's likely to lose a few fingers. Should make it hard for him to cast spells anymore." He looks the necromancer in the eye. "But you're not going to force us to treat you like that, are you?"
Nyalis examines the Necromancer's spellbook and learns what he can from it, and tries to help Easlis learn what he can from his formulas.
After the morning sun wakes the group, Nyalis goes through his morning rituals and makes another dose of his mutagen while the others eat breakfast. Once everybody is up and about, Nyalis tries to get the rest of the group away from the bandits. "I have enough magic to get some of us back to town with out regard for the cold but not enough for all of us and the bandits. Let me know if you need protection from the elements and I will do what I can to help that. Also, I don't have a problem with the bandits being cold but we should probably make the Lady Argentea as comfortable as possible. "
Bombs per day: 6/6 - DC15 reflex save for half.
Extracts per day: 3/3
Lamp Oil Flasks: 3
Rations 4/5
Mutagen: dex mutagen (+2 AC, +4 dex, -2 wis) 10 mins/level
Grim just grunts, nods, and goes back to trying to help the bandits prepare for the walk.
"Actually freezing a finger or two won't be..." Easlis stops his technical comentary as soon as he figured what Grimgisli was aiming at.
"Like you said Nyalis, our biggest priority would be to return Lady Argentea safely.
So I suggest having her ride the carriage and take all measures she is kept warm. Don't bother expending that magic on me I think I might be getting used to all this cold."
He then walks to Bazikian, kneels on one knee and tries to start awkwardly a conversation "Hey little fellow, had a good sleep? About last evening: I know the fey have been kind to your kind once, and that my actions will seem wrong a lot of the time. Yet we must ensure we do everything we can to contain and hopefully drive them back. Can I count on you?. " He lays his right hand on the gnome's shoulders.
Bazikian looks up at Easlis searchingly, hoping for some sign of contrition or acknowledgement of his evil act the night before. Seeing none, he drops his eyes, sighing.
"You can count on me, Easlis. You can count on me to give my life in the service of Heldren, and all good folk. You can count on me to draw the fire of our enemies so that you and the others can accomplish deeds that I cannot. You can count on me to fight tirelessly against evil. And you can count on me to tell you when what you are doing is wrong, and evil."
The little gnome looks Easlis straight in the eye. "The real question is: can I count on you? Can I count on you not to become a monster as you fight monsters? Can I count on you to hold to the good while fighting evil? What you have demonstrated so far is that I cannot." He shakes his head, his expression one of deep sadness. "If we become evil to fight evil, we aren't doing good. We are doubling evil. And that is what I am here to fight." With that, he shrugs the half-elf's hand from his shoulder and goes to pack up his bedroll and gear in preparation for the day's travel.
Brominate loads everything he doesn't want to carry onto the cart outside. He helps with anyone else's packs as well. Not to mention any excess loot.
He then goes and finds Easlis' silk rope, and he'll bind each bandit's hands, in one continuous strand so that each bandit is bound and they're linked together. "Sorry about this fellas. The road to recovery from a life of crime isn't an easy one, but, 'by the stars' is it worth it! Thanks for being so civil, albeit under threat of death Though, I imagine you reckon facing the courts and jailers is a much better option than whoever was above your captain."
The bandits' mood is glum as they are tied together in a chain gang. they are unhappy about it, but they clearly recognize that their only hope now is to cooperate and hope for better treatment if they claim they were forced into their crimes by an evil wizard.
Lady Argantea comes out fo the room she commandeered looking much better. she has cleaner herself well and changed into a new outfit tfound in one of the rooms. it doesn't fit her quite right and is not particularly feminine, but her projected confidence makes her still seem regal.
she takes her place in the wagon without complaint and waits for the group to move forward.
_________________________________
The journey back to the edge of the wood is uneventful. several times during the walk Grim spots wolves watching the group but they apparently are not keen on attacking such a large group of humans.
Soon enough, the group leaves the icy winter of the forest and arrives back in the slightly cool air near Heldren. after the snow and ice it feels almost hot.
What do you wish to do in the village?
Brominate's suggestion is that the first thing they do is return to the council chambers (or whatever they were called) to deliver the Lady safely, hand over the bandits, report our findings of this icy invasion. If the group then wanted to agree to meet back by dawn the next day, they could venture forth once more towards the heart of the woods, using the map found in the lodge.
---
Leading the way, Brom strolls in to the chamber from which they received their quest.
"Hallooo?"
Upon seeing Ionnia Teppen, Brominate nods his head in a brief bow saying,
"Your councilship, Lady Argentea, safe and, for the most part, unharmed. We also have apprehended some of the bandits involved. I say "involved" rather than "responsible" for their leader, this unconscious fella and a wizard or summat like that, coerced them through fear. These gents here surrendered and have fully cooperated with us. They must still pay for their crimes, I understand and agree, but I felt you should know the whole of it. When you're ready, we can divulge all we learned...and I don' think you're gonna like it..."
Easlis does not make any further attempts to reconcile with
Bazikian during the return trip preferring to let time take its course. Once in town, he follows Brom to the Town Hall and picks off where his elven kin has left off.
First off, let's start with the good news. Besides the apprehension of the captors and the rescuing of Lady Argentea, we managed to find out what was the source of the strange weather phenomenon you had lately: In the heart of the forest where the lady was attacked, there seems to be a portal of some sorts that might be linked to another plane. Its effects on the environment around it are quite astonishing, though something tells me you would not be too keen to experience it or to meet its inhabitants...
Following Brom's example, Easlis takes a longer break leaving the other members with more honey on their tongues to break the bad news to the council. What was I to say? That there is no guarantee that the winter effect would not extend to the town, that its proximity to the portal would put it at risk of attacks from creatures of another plane, that we've likely put it more in danger by bringing the bandits, the necromancer and the target of the fey in town.
Grim waits for the first two to say their peace. "My companions are staying more 'sunny-side up' than the situation warrants. You are being invaded through a magical portal. The invaders are aggressive, poison and magic wielding fey from the far North. They have found human allies to assist them, one this foul necromancer." He points at the captive spellcaster. "Their portal is spewing the cold of my homeland across your forest. And it seems to be expanding the longer the portal remains open."
"I am very pleased that you were able to rescue the Lady. I was afraid she would not have survived this long. Did oyu find out what they were planning to do with her?
The rest of what you learned is quite concerning. We are not prepared for an attack, we are not near enough a border to have a regular militia. I will send word to nearby cities to ask for support and troops to prepare. But we are not equipped to fight in such harsh conditions. Do you think the winter will continue to spread?"
She looks at the ragged band of humans you have brought to the town.
"I will need to meet with the rest of the town council to decide what should be done with these. It is not often that bandits are brought in for justice. usually they either escape or are killed. what caused you to spare their lives? Not that I disagree, I just did not expect it."
Brominate responds, but his voice has lost its loose, backwater twang. It seems formal, educated.
"I have seen enough of the wanton destruction of life in its myriad forms. The truth is, how could I ever actually know someone else's story? It would be folly to think of these here as mere men of motiveless maliciousness. They each have their own personal hopes, fears, desires, and demons. Much like me. And I imagine, Lady Ionnia, much like you, too. The historians and universities write books and keep records of the large figures who made history, assigning motives to their actions as if those they write about sat down and told them what they were thinking. So, they are people. Men who surrendered. Powerless. Frightened. Killing them would have been murder. My friend... good, noble Bazikian said it best just this morning: If we become evil to fight evil, we aren't doing good. 'We are doubling evil. And that is what I am here to fight.'"
With that, Brominate bows himself out of the conversation for a moment, and walks over to a nearby window if there is one, quietly standing, alone in his thoughts, watching the streets full of people, each of them with their own story, wishing he cared more. But he didn't. His own hypocrisy put a foul taste in his mouth.
Nyalis adds to Brominate's conversation with Ionnia. "I do tend to agree with my friends here. These men surrendered and we were never sure if they acted of their own accord or were influenced by the magic of the fey or the necromancer. We brought them to you as the local authority in the area. We are happy to give statements or participate in a trial as you see fit but we have done our part to end the kidnapping of the good Lady Argentea. We will follow the council's will whatever it may be."
He then continues, "On the subject of the winter portal, I do think it is something that cannot be ignored for any time no matter how small. We saw dragons, cold fey and other unnatural creatures come from this portal to the winter. We may know the source of the unnatural winter from a map in the bandit's lodge but it is not something that will go away on its own. I do think that raising an army may be the best option you have here."
Then, trying to lighten the mood, Nyalis asks a question. "How is Yulin's recovery going? I do think we owe him some debt for giving us good advice and his trusty sword."
"Currenly you would need every fighting man you have at your disposal to keep the town safe, even the ones we brought. Hmmm, maybe not the one who calls himself Rohkar... the unconscious spellcaster is... was... the leader of the bandit group, and still holds valuable information. If we are to continue on the dangerous mission of closing the portal, we need to gather all the information we can from him, as it could make the difference between life and death. So at least one of us needs to be present for the questioning."
Easlis lowered his gaze and continued on a somber tone. "In our journey we've also found Old Man Dansby, I suppose you had been looking for him. I have a personal request to ask you: could you look over the small boy and find him a safe place to stay until we return? Once we are finished I'll be going to fetch the lad from the farm, it's not safe there... I'll also have to break the news to him."
"Look at these other men. They are sick. Ill." He shakes his head. "Once they stopped fighting against us, they have been amazingly cooperative and patient. I find it very likely that without a certain pushy, negative influence" he makes no effort to hide the fact he points at the necromancer at this point, "they may have never been involved as they were. Still, they will bear watching as they heal, if you let them."
Bazikian supports Grim's statement. "Yes, these men have been very helpful since the necromancer was defeated. It felt like we had liberated them as much as captured them. I daresay, once they've proved their trustworthiness they would relish the chance to swing a sword in support of Heldren rather than for the cruel fey."
"Very well, I will take your words into consideration. We will hold these men under watch in our barracks which is really the only thing equipped with a suitable prison cell. We will treat them fairly and give them a chance to prove their willingness to leave their lives of crime behind them. the Necromancer is a bigger concern. I do not trust our ability to properly hold one such as him.
Unfortunately we also do not have a proper magistrate here in this small town. The law would require that he be tried in a court in a larger city. Transporting him could be a risk. I will have to discuss this with the town council. It would have been simpler if he had died in your battle...
She leads you to the same room you met Yulin in the first time. This time, Yulin is standing on his own, and walking around slowly. "They told me you saved Lady Argantea! Thank you so much. They haven't let me see ehr yet, but I am almost healthy again. As soon as I'm able I will gather a few other men and finish bringing her home. He holds up a hand that is now missing 2 fingers.
"unfortunately I may never hold a sword quite like I used to, but I will still serve my Lady to the best of my ability. I hope my blade served you well. If you continue to fight the evil fey, you will need it. Please keep it and do well by my name.
Back in the main room, Ionnia gathers you together. "You have done much for us already, but as you say there is a bigger threat with this magical portal you speak of. You have survived more than we ever thought to find in our own Border Wood. please, we need your experience and ability now. Seek out this portal and find a way to stop these invaders. if we move quickly perhaps we can drive them out before they bring in an entire army!
"All these people...."
Brominate looked around, and then at the others staring at him. He hadn't meant to speak out loud. Might as well keep plowing on through.
"Way I see it, what's here is here. 'ighest priority is closing that gateway to...wherever it leads. Otherwise you'll find yourself a council member of ashes and corpses. But if we are able to come back through the portal before it closes, then we can focus on driving out the remainders. Hopefully, though, someone can begin attending to that smaller issue while we're gone.
Gents, we can leave in the next couple of hours or at first light. I don't know if that will make much difference. I have a couple errands to run before we head out. Y'all okay with meeting just outside of town, near the caravan wreckage where Lady Argentea was kidnapped?"
The magus couldn't help but snicker hearing the words of the councilwoman. "If I remember correctly you've explicitly asked for him to be alive bragging about Taldor justice."
Then hearing what Brominate was suggesting, Easlis opens his eyes wide in astonishment: "You don't mean to say, you're actually planning on going in through the portal? There might be some other way of closing it, coercing one of their masters, performing a ritual or even try to break it. I think it would be safer if we all meet again at The Silver Stoat. We can't assume to roads are safe just because the bandits are behind this side of the walls."
Ultimately he turns his attention to Yulin, pleased to see him on his own two legs: "You should have seen how the elf wielded it, you would have sworn it was his own from birth."
"I think some of us made some equipment orders we'll need to pick up. A night warming our bones and gathering good winter wear would be well spent, as well. I agree with the Silver Stoat for a rallying point. And let's not make any assumptions either way about what we'll need to do. Explore and understand before we do something else stupid, right?"
"Again, I leave the details of these bandits to you. You are certainly in a better position than I to adjudicate their fate."
When she brings up the subject of the winter portal, Nyalis adds his input: "I do think the winter portal is something that needs seen to immediately. Whether we can close the portal, destroy it, or set a full time garrison outside it remains to be seen. Dealing with the portal will be something the five of us need to see to. On the other hand, the lodge that the bandits used as a hideout is currently abandoned. If you can spare the manpower or get a new garrison for it, that may be something else for the council to do."
Nyalis greets Yulin with a warm smile and some obvious relief. "I am so glad you survived your injuries. Your sword was quite a benefit to bot me individually and us as a group. Your biggest help, though, was the information you gave us about the cold and the fey. For that, we will forever owe you a debt. Should you need anything from me, you need but ask. I will be sure to keep adding victories to the history of your sword. "
"Given how cold things are, it does seem wiser to set off at first light and not try to move under winter and the dangers of night. I do think I will be at the Stoat for dinner and to spend the night but in the meantime, if you need me I will be at the Apothecary. "
Bazikian has been rather quiet for most of the exchange. He nods in agreement as Nyalis outlines his plans for the night. "I'll meet you there later,"he says, gathering his things and making for the door.
Troubled by Easlis's murder of the fey and unsure how to deal with it, Bazikian seeks counsel. He heads to the temple of Erastil to see Elder Safander and hear his wisdom.
Entering the temple, he feels an immediate wave of calm wash over him, but his underlying unease remains. Bazikian finds the Elder praying in his chamber, and knocks softly on the door jamb. He greets Safander, then explains that he is troubled and needs to talk to somebody.
"We succeeded in our mission, but... at a cost. My companion, Easlis, murdered a captive fey in cold blood. It was locked in a cage, and he just stabbed it to death! I... I sort of tried to stop him, with words, but he wouldn't listen. And then I got upset with him. He just... doesn't care. All he cares about is... winning. At any cost." He sighs. "But then again, we stopped the immediate threat. The town is safe, at least for the moment. And the fey wasn't very nice, not very nice at all. He was probably an evil killer. But now we have to go into this portal, and face more enemies, and I'm sure we'll get into some other situation where Easlis will want to kill creatures, or torture them, or some other horrible thing, and I don't know what to do. I don't know how to stop him, or even if I should try to stop him. But I was always taught that evil never cures evil. I don't want to be evil! I don't want to do evil, I don't want to let evil be done, I don't want to be any part of evil!" Breathless and upset, the little gnome looks up at Elder Safander, his eyes teary, his face blotched. "I just don't know what to do, Elder. Tell me what to do!"
With a plan to meet at the Stoat, which is where'd he be tonight anyway, Brominate heads out into town. He nods at the townspeople he'd met over the past month. Not really know, but could recognize their faces, sometimes even remember their names. The corner of his mouth would curve slightly, indicating a grin, of sorts. And all the while thinking there might not be any hope for these people. He would continue to feign confidence, but whatever they were dealing with was vastly larger in scope than anyone seemed to realize. But Brominate knew, deep down in his gut, that he'd found himself wrapped up in something he couldn't step away from. He wished he could; wished he could simply forget; wished he could get back on the road and find the man who took... but this, might be the one thing more important than his own personal journey for revenge.
Brominate went to the various shops to sell what he felt no need for. He sold for trinkets and ingot.
He went to the apothecary to discover what the four potions he had acquired were, and he also went to Old Mother Theodora's to see if she could interpret what these scrolls of parchment were. Depending on what they are, he might try to negotiate and haggle and talk up the worth of the scrolls to sell them to the wise witch.
But she was the village wise woman for a reason!
He went to the smithy to sell a short sword, short bow w/ 10 arrows, and masterwork hand crossbow w/ 10 bolts. He knew he'd need money to buy the cold iron dagger he ordered, so he made sure to show the proper respect as that of an army veteran, always kind but never flattery. He hoped maybe he could either get more money than usual for these items, with better luck than with Old Theodora.
Ionnia nods at Nyalis' suggestion. "I will send some of the men in the village to use the lodge as an outpost. without the Sentinels out there watching the woods for us, we need to at least have some scouts to report back if things change. She pointedly ignores Easlis' comments about her fluctuating moral code.
The group splits up, looking for the equipment they need for the next phase of their mission. the townsfolk are helpful, and eager to help the people that are at least trying to solve the problem of the strange weather. it seems like most of the townsfolk are unaware fo the larger issues in play, and are mostly just worried about the effect of the snow on their harvest this year.
the merchants are able to identify your loot. you have:
elixer of hiding
potion of invisibility
potion of pass without a trace
potion of spider climb
scroll of endure elements
2 scrolls of magic weapon
scroll of unseen servant
Safander listens to Bazikian without interruption for several minutes, then pours him a cup of tea to help him relax a bit.
"This is unfortunately a common question we face in this world my friend. There is much evil in the world, and the potential for evil inside every person we encounter. You and me, just as much as your friend Easlis. We have chosen a path of trying to supress our evil desires and to bring good in the world. But others have not chosen such a path.
We cannot force our companions to follow our codes. do not take that burden on yourself. How would you have prevented this act of violence, if not with your words? Would you have stabbed the man? stop one violence with another? He has to make his own choices.
You are responsible only for your own actions. do not let evil influence your actions, and always seek to be the bigger person there is a glint in his eye as he says that, but he doesn't pause for a reaction. "in time you can hope that your own light will influence this man more than the darkness around him. You will face more darkness, and there will be plenty more moral gray areas to muddle through. Stay true to your faith, and perhaps your friends will learn from your example.
"There's also the matter of our recompense. We've completed two of your demands we will be needing funds to prepare for the third. Master Grimgisli could you see to this? I have a personal business to take care off. Nyalis, see you at The Stoat"
He walks towards the door which opens abruptly as if of its own accord and turns back towards Ionnia before leaving the room: "I trust that my request for giving the orphan a place to stay will be taken cared off as well. Or else you would have bigger concerns than the portal ." with a sign of the fingers the town hall door closes with a thud behind him.
Drawing the axe from the mule sack he starts asking questions about the Dansby farm and makes his way towards it. He only stops shortly at the smith for selling the mundane armor and weapons.
The half-elf knocks on the door of the farm and asks from behind it: "Hello? It's Easlis. Is anybody here?"
"May I come in?" He enters the room making no attempt to hide the longbow and the axe, then takes a seat and looks the young Dansby in the eyes.
"We've just returned with Lady Argantea. It is quite ugly out there and we'll have to make another journey in the morning to finish what we've started." He looks at the axe turning it around in his hands. "We've found these our way. They belong to your father. I believe he fought bravely with them, and I think he would have wanted that you should have them."
Easlis hands the axe to the boy, hilt first but makes no attempt on taking off the bow. "I'll have to ask you if you'd allow the lending of the longbow for one more mission. It is very dangerous in the woods and I presume, soon it will be the same here. I've also come to take you to the village, you will be safe there until I return."