The mood in the streets seems to be quiet, subdued. People are moving about their business, most in small groups, very few traveling alone. Word has spread about tonight's ceremony, and it is likely to draw a large crowd. Rodrik Grath was well known and beloved of much of Trunau. No one seems to be paying much attention to your group.
Leira clenches teeth and tenses her fists at the Council answer Yet again, adults ask for opinion to get angry when they do not hear what they wanted to hear.
Once out in the streets she tells the others "I cannot bear it. Knowing traitors and assassins are within us, in these streets, and no one doing any thing to look for a solution"
The young girl seems to need some action to invest her energy rather than waiting for things to develop by themselves "Whatever, let's do whatever, just not stay here arms crossed"
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Delia listens in angry, stunned silence as the leaders of Trunau denigrate everything she has done in service to her home. She did not do this for personal glory or gain; it was all for the good of Trunau. How could they not see that?! Her seething anger gives way to an empty feeling of hopelessness as everything she had ever thought about Trunau and its greatness gives way to a bitter truth; Trunau is just like every other little town in Avistan. The glorious history of standing against the never-ending tides of Belkzen, proudly declaring their freedom, and spitting in the eye of their enemies... It was all for naught...
She looks down at her hopeknife still clutches in her hand as the councilors file out. The beautifully crafted blade was the last present from Jace before he went off to die to uphold The Vow. If the leaders of Trunau refused to uphold The Vow, then what did it matter if anyone else did? Was it truly just empty words? Had her brother and father's deaths been a pointless sacrifice? Without a word she resets the spring-loaded wrist sheath and slips her blade back into its holding. She then follows behind the others, lost in the sea of her own raging thoughts... Not really noticing the situation around her, other than making sure to gather up Jace.
'What will we do now?'
Adir's mind reels at Halgra's rebuke, flashbacks of his childhood running through his head. The large youth stands still as neither her words nor her actions allay his fears about an outside influence. "What could... why...," he stammers finally as the group leads the way out of the room.
"Of course they shouldn't be told what to do, but they didn't seem willing to listen at all. Time doesn't seem to be a plentiful resource," he protests at Dundin's comment. He rubs his hand through Tuzak's fur in a familiar, comfort-seeking gesture. "I'm uncertain what else to do, but I think I'd like to visit Silvermane at the Hopespring. If something is being spread through the town, either the food or water supply would seem to be the easiest way. Thoughts?"
Noticing her friend rage Leira takes Delia by her arm trying to support her "They don't deserve their hopeknife, you are certain..."
At Adir's proposal Leira nods "Let's see what the old druid can explain us about all this. He is ancient enough he might know about this 'Giant's Rest'"
"Sorcery or just plain fear?" Groin asks, looking to the spellcasters of the party.
Adir shakes his head solemnly. "I do not know. As tragic as Rodrik's death was, it should not generate this reaction. Trunau has always banded together in times of crisis. And even if I were to believe it a natural occurrence, I cannot believe my mother capable of such hate and fear."
That works for me! Delia is currently dealing with a bit of a crisis right now so she won't be saying a whole lot right now. Also should we go ahead and get leveled up now?
"Before going to the shops, we perhaps should consider properly identifying the gear we found. I think I will ask my mom's help on it, she has a good eye with objects. Perhaps you can help me appraise all this stuff" says the incipient sorcerer.
Once at her workbench the girl scatters all the stuff and tries to identify the magical objects properties, by casting a detect magic spell and scanning them.
iron flask containing a thin oily liquid (unidentified)
small vial holding a golden colored liquid (unidentified)
Unidentified scroll
Unidentified scroll
red clay vial marked with an etched rune
For any magical object she cannot properly identify, she shows to Songan and shyly asks "What do you think about them? Can you identify them?"
Once she finishes, she turns towards all the objects not appraised yet and starts looking at it for its price
lime green beryl
sovereign glue
noble’s outfit in red leather and gold brocade
signet ring of a dragon rampant
small clay smoke pellets
hefty tangleburn bag with a beaded pull cord
small bag nearly empty of black coals coated with a bluish powder
pinkish gold amulet set with a star rose quartz
red gold unholy symbol showing a bloody double axe on a round disc
loose black onyx gemstones
ornate hopeknife gilded red gold
heart-shaped gold locket with a small portrait inside
stuff...
iron flask containing a thin oily liquid is an oil of magic
weapon.small vial holding a golden colored liquid is a potion of shield of faith
Unidentified scroll #1 is a scroll of summon swarm written in divine script
Unidentified scroll #2 is a scroll of barkskin written in divine script
red clay vial marked with an etched rune is a potion of vanish
lime green beryl valued at 50 gpv each
sovereign glue 2400 gpv 1 dose
noble’s outfit in red leather and gold brocade 75 gpv
signet ring of a dragon rampant 50 gpv
small clay smoke pellets 25 gpv each (creates a smoke cloud)
hefty tangleburn bag with a beaded pull cord 150 gpv (combines the features of a tanglefoot bag with alchemist's fire)
small bag nearly empty of black coals coated with a bluish powder 0 gpv (coals burn to give off blue flame, not enough remaining for use)
pinkish gold amulet set with a star rose quartz 75 gpv
red gold unholy symbol showing a bloody double axe on a round disc, representing Nulgreth, the Blood God 60 gpv
loose black onyx gemstones 25 gpv each
ornate hopeknife gilded red gold 100 gpv
heart-shaped gold locket with a small portrait inside 45 gpv
Also, the silver dagger is ornate, 160 gpv
As you make your way to the Clamor, you encounter Othdan and his fiancée. Othdan runs up to you, digging around in his pockets before taking out a grey glass bead. He shoves it into Delia's hands. Thanks so much for saving me. This belonged to my uncle, he gave it to me when he retired. My da and I use it when on hunting trips, but I think you can get more use out of it. The command word is "sytita". Please accept it, I have no other way of repaying you. I am always in your debt. With that he and his girl turn to leave.
Othdan's interference suddenly draws Delia out of her malaise when he suddenly thrusts something into hands. She shakes her head as she recognizes the young man's face, but before she can even think of something to say back to him he is suddenly gone! His actions bring a slight smile to her face, a subtle reminder that the people of Trunau are not to blame for their leaders' actions. She looks down at the glass bead in the palm of her hand, then glances to Leira. "Any idea what this is?"
She looks at her companions. "Perhaps after seeing Rodrik off to the Boneyard we could all share one last meal together? It has been an honor serving with you... Even if it was for a short time." She wrinkles her nose at Dundin. "Even you, Dundin..." She smiles at him.
Adir nods agreeably at Delia's suggestion. "Seems only fitting. And we can toast the memory of the one who brought us together."
Your group finds little new at the Clamor aside from an array of weapons and metal armors. Dundin asks around if any of the smiths have worked on a decent klar, , , finding an older smithy, Yohans, a shoanti born warrior who retired to Trunau after loosing an eye in an orcish raid. I am thinkings I have vats ju vants, ya. He takes down a piece hanging along a back wall, slightly dusty, forged to look like a roiling fire cloud with lightning strikes forming the metallic blade edges. Vats do ju thinks? Good ya? The klar is of masterwork quality, solid steel, perhaps not quite the style a dwarf would wield but a good weapon or shield despite aesthetics. Brings the wraths of tha Burn Ride downs on jur enemies, ya. Only ones like it ju will finds in Trunau I betcha, ya.
Dundin only nods with his mouth open.
The heavy shield that doubled as a toboggan pales in comparison.
Delia raises her eyebrows at the ornate shield Dundin picks out. "Yohans... fantastic work."
To the other smiths she nods her head towards the door. "He is just outside, depending on how long it will take."
Yohans and the other smiths discuss together, then return to Delia. Shoulds be taking maybes the halfs an hour, no mores than the hours, ya. Ve vould vants to makes the sure it moves vell, ya. No bunchings or pulls.
Dundin smiles as he holds the shield.
There should be just enough time to complete the measurements, providing Jace cooperates with the prodding and poking necessary to accomplish the process. Delia would then be able to meet the others as they return from the Barterstones and together as a group make for the ceremony.
Delia explains to the group that she would like to remain here with Jace to assist in keeping him calm during the process. "I will meet up with you all on your way back from the Barterstones. Keep an eye out for mischief."
In this instance, I would allow Delia to work with Jace to keep him docile for the smithy to take his measurements. Taking 10 with an animal companion should be satisfactory in most noncombat, stress free situations. In other cases, rolls will likely be required as there is a penalty for failure, i.e. the actions or inactions of the animal, lost training time, etc.
Delia bids everyone a brief farewell, then leads Jace around the side of the Clamor, to allow the smithy to take his measurements. The warcat seems bothered by the smoke and sounds of the place, so the girl will have her work cut out for her, keeping the cat steady and calm during the process, a prelude of what's to come when she tries to get Jace to actually wear the armor.
The rest of the group makes their way down Trunau and out to the Barterstones. Along the way, many people are subdued and somber, the word having spread that Rodrik will be added to the fires tonight. Some shops are already closing for the day, either to allow the proprietors time for meals and chores before heading to the great pyre, or to give them time to get the best seats to view the procession and ceremony.
You find the Barterstones nearly deserted, most closing or nearly ready to do so. There are enough active vendors and stalls that you should be able to make your purchases easily enough.
If Adir has no purchases he needs to make, it would be in his best interest to leave everyone at the Clamor and go to the Hopespring, the time taken to get through town a bit longer than at first thought.
Leira checks if some of the scrolls she requested the day before are ready (protection vs. evil, comprehend languages and feather fall), and if there is a magic weapon scroll to replace the one spent at the Plague House.
She will likely look at the ring of spell knowledge I sad for the remaining gold she still needs to afford it.
The girl looks for any available page of spell knowledge of her spell level to see if she is interested to buy it.
Leira asks around, finding that yes the protection from evil and comprehend languages scrolls are ready, but there was an accident with the feather fall scroll and it is not complete. Sadly, another magic weapon scroll is not available either.
The ring is still available, though the merchant whispers there is another interested buyer, hinting around that it may not be in stock much longer. The man seems to think a moment or two, rummaging through his wares, but does not have any mystic pages like the one requested.
The merchant does seem a little interested in the girl's knowledge of arcane tools of the trade, and begins inquiring about her life, her family, and how one so young can be so learned about the arcane world. He mostly passes this off as idle chat while Leira browses, but once she leaves, the older man still watches her closely, then quickly begins closing up his stall.
"I don't have any business here, so we'll meet you at the Hopespring. I better get moving if I want a chance to tell Silvermane what's been going on." Adir pats his side, indicating to Tuzak that the big sloth should follow.
Adir's intention is to inform the older, more experienced druid about recent events and his own suspicions about the town being magically influenced in some way, including the Council and his own mother. Adir hopes for any advice or insight despite Slvermane's inability or unwillingness to physically speak.
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Adir finds Silvermane in meditation at the Hopespring. The ancient elf looks serene and peaceful, at one with the small clearing, the cool breeze, the falling waters.
Adir takes his time, the events of the past few days pouring forth in a flood of information. The elf continues his meditation, nonplussed as the human speaks, Tuzak taking the chance to rest on the grass nearby, the last rays of sunlight starting their fall over the horizon. Adir mentions his fears, his suspicions, his thoughts about how everyone is changing, how perilous the town has become.
Once finished, Adir asks the elf for advice, hoping the druid has discovered any possible causes for the changes.
Adir can surmise, based upon his experience with the druid, that he is saying this is more an issue with the people than with outside influences. It is easy for some to be open to differences when things are good, but when they get bad, people turn on one another. Trunau, for all it's openness, has had and may always have a problem with orcs and giants, the thought of some inside Trunau working with them would certainly bring out those old hatreds.
Mentioning Halgra, Adir realizes it is true, his mother has had a multitude of lovers in her lifetime, but never took one to be her husband. She has a host of children, and loves them, but does not look for any of them to inherit what she has; her things are hers, and her position is hers, hard fought and won. The children may live with her, but they get nothing else from her. She may well harbor many resentments in her, she has rebuffed many whom she previously loved. Is it really so hard to think she could lash out when under stress. Adir has never seen the hard side of his mother, but to be the Chief Defender, perhaps she has to have one.
Adir takes a lesson from Silvermane and uses his remaining time to meditate and mull over the thoughts roiling through his mind. It takes a significant amount of adjustment to embrace these ideas and, in the end, it makes him a little sad. He feels like he just grew up a bit against his will and lost some of his youthful innocence. He tries to find some solace in the company of his mentor and Tuzak.
Tuzak, sensing the change in mood, quietly rests his head in Adir's lap.
As darkness approaches, Adir thanks Silvermane sincerely, knowing that knowledge, even if heavy, is better than ignorance. Whether or not any of the others have joined him, with heavier steps than usual, he heads to the ceremony for Rodrik.
Delia works with keeping Jace calmed during the fitting and sizing of the armor, a difficult task for anyone, but with a once feral warcat like Jace... The unease pouring out from the smiths working with Jace does not help matters either. "Come now, Jace! You never gave me this much of a fuss with your old armor! This is will protect you better! I can't have you getting hurt now, can I?" She talks to the warcat like it can understand every word she says, ignoring the strange looks she receives from the smiths trying their best not to get their heads nibbled on.
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Unable to think of anything he might purchase to aid in what he is certain is a coming assault, Songan will help Delia with Jace, hoping that his own felinoid nature will aid in keeping the cat calm for his fitting.
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No one else seems to find the items they were seeking before realizing the time is fast approaching for the ceremony to begin. The shoppers regroup and head off to collect the others, together making your way to reach the Flame of the Fallen.
Your band arrives a few moments before the ceremony is to begin, and Sergeant Frum is nearby, directing you to a spot reserved near to the front, but respectfully well enough distant from the family and closer friends of the man all are gathered to honor. Jagrin, Kurst, Omast Frum, and several important people are crowded behind a small platform upon which Rodrik is lain, ready to be offered to the flames. Brinya is just off from this group, standing with Katrezra, the pair leaning on one another for support. High Priestess Tyari Varvatos officiates the ceremony. As she leads the service, you notice Kurst offering Brinya occasional glances and nods of support. The elder Grath never once acknowledges her, and her name is absent from the speeches and eulogies offered regarding Trunau's fallen captain.
A solemn dirge begins, The Calling of the Black Prince as the service comes towards an ending, Rodrik's body is slide down into the flames as the Tyari consecrates the Flame of the Fallen with sacred herbs, then performing a traditional re-quenching of Rodrik's hopeknife, the very one you recovered from the Plague House. The blade blackens in the smoke, ash and heat, a golden glow infusing the edges. The priestess then quenches the knife in a bowl of waters taken from the Hopespring, then turns to Kurst, offering him the blade.
Kurst pauses a long moment, looking at the blade, the weight of what has happened heavy upon his shoulders. Finding himself, the young man nods to her, accepting the blade reverently in both hands. He then turns, stepping almost as if to pass the blade over to his father, but then instead moves past him on to Brinya, gifting the knife to her, as the pair embrace, tears streaming down their faces. Together they turn to the flames, offering one last goodbye to the one they both loved, human and half-orc alike, united.
Jagrin scowls and turns to storm away, when the peaceful occasion is shattered by the brazen calls of signal horns. Shouts and screams from the town’s lower quarter join the clamor, followed by a crash as an airborne boulder smashes into one of the guard towers.
As the raid begins, the solemn atmosphere at the Flame of the Fallen transforms into a chaotic race to prepare Trunau for attack and protect its citizen's. Patrol Commander Jagrin Grath and Sergeant Omast Frum immediately rally the nearby guards and take command of the town militia to repel the invaders. Chief Defender Halgra and her eldest children form up a protective wall and move away from the scene, protecting their own from possible sudden or hidden forces.
Those residents capable of fighting stop what they are doing and head to the walls, while the other town leaders hurry noncombatant townsfolk into the Longhouse for safety.
Patrol Captain Kurst Grath immediately approaches your group, the shock of battle suddenly giving him focus, distracting him from his grief and pain. Everyone please, if you are able, I need you to light the beacons kept in readiness across Trunau. We need to alert everyone both within Trunau and our outlying settlements of the attack. I will be needed assembling the other militia members to repel this assault.
He hastily informs you of the beacon locations around town, the first being the nearby (area 4), the next the (near area 15), and lastly the (near area 14). The Flame of the Fallen (area 3) is already lit from Rodrik’s funeral, and where you are currently located. For Trunau to stand a chance tonight, the other beacons must be lit, and soon.
As the lieutenant waits for your agreement, he further adds, While slaying any orcs you find will be appreciated, it is even more important that you rescue any townsfolk you find in danger. Direct anyone you discover in Trunau’s Upper Quarter to head to the Longhouse (area 9) to take refuge, or to rally with other defenders available within the Inner Quarter towers, or lastly to gather at the Sanctuary (area 7) in the Lower Quarter. Can I count on you, can Trunau? What say you all?
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"I am with you, sir!"" The catfolk answers, nocking an arrow to the string of his bow and looking to the others.
"Split up to take the beacons? Or stay together?"
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"Let's stick together and be careful. Common beacon first!!"
Dundin heads off to the Common Beacon assuming the others would follow.
Within the chaos, Leira takes a desperate look to see were Sarah, Aliana and Erik are.
Provided she cannot find them in the immediate area, she loads her crossbow and asks "Wait! But... after torching the beacons, how are we going to do to protect them and ensure the attackers are not putting them off? We can probably torch and protect one of the beacons Kurst, but who is going to torch and protect the others?"
Grasping a spear tightly in one hand, Adir speaks simply, "Together."
Kurst replies to Leira, If you are not up to the job, tell me now. I will dispatch defenders from the walls to light the beacons instead. Your band should go to the Longhouse, protect it from within, leave the fighting to the militia if you are not ready.
"Understood Kurst. We will light the beacons and proceed with the plan whatever it happens with them afterwards" Leira states with hope the new captain knows what he is doing. She then joins Dundin and the others running towards the first proposed point.
Delia gives her own silent farewell to her former Captain, wishing she had the eloquence to have something more suitable. She refrains from openly glaring at the leaders of Trunau during the ceremony, yet she cannot help but find herself thinking about their brutal dismissal from earlier.
Her inner musings are suddenly distracted by the sounds of battle coming from the lower portion of Trunau! 'Damned fools! If only they had listened... No time for that now.'
She spots Kurst running up to them. "We stick together, no more splitting our group. It is an honor to fight alongside each of you again. Should we survive this night, breakfast is on me!" She draws out her bow, then checks to ensure all her weapons are loose in their scabbards and sheaths, including her hopeknife. "We are ready, Captain, let us prove it to you and those foolish councilors. Be safe, Captain! Trunau cannot afford to lose another of our competent leaders." She suddenly has to grab hold of Jace's harness as the warcat tries to rush towards the sounds of battle. "Easy, boy! There will be plenty of time for that shortly."
She shares one last look with her comrades, grins, and releases her hold of Jace's harness. "To battle!"
It takes your group only a few minutes to make your way through the panicked funeral goers and arrive at the Commons area. You easily spot the beacon, and realize it should be simple enough to ignite. A lit torch or similar flame source should be enough to set the 10-foot-wide pyramid of wood and kindling ablaze — were the scene surrounding the fire pit not one of utter chaos.
As you move closer to your objective, you see a lynch mob of nearly two dozen men and women have formed up around a huddled and cowed figure, one you recognize as Brinya Kelver. She failed to escape the area when the attack began, and now has been surrounded by scared and angry townsfolk, slowly pushing her back against the beacon, torches at the ready.
Leading the angry assembly is a young cleric named Baseil Sabask, a junior acolyte of Abadar. He is currently whipping up the group with a fiery diatribe regarding the half-orcs of Trunau. Although there are roughly forty such persons in Trunau, Baseil has convinced himself Brinya is part of the problem. He preaches that he is tired of seeing war besiege his hometown time and time again, all because of the actions of race traitors like Brinya. His waving torch wicks closer and closer to the oil soaked kindling, threatening to set it alight any moment. Her involvement with and twisting of a good man like Rodrik led to his death, and now her blood comes for us all... We must put an end to it, and we must do it
If this mob is not broken up soon, the situation will quickly escalate out of control, creating a potential riot when order is needed most. While a few members of the group are eagerly nodding to Baseil's words, most of the others are not yet convinced. The majority are harmless villagers, people who should be safely ensconced in the Longhouse or the Ivory Hall, too afraid and confused to decide, but a few others are able bodied enough they should instead be manning the walls, not scrapping in the streets with their fellow Trunauns, spilling their neighbors' blood.
I hate half-orcs myself but this is not the moment, we have to focus, and Brinya has proven an ally for most I hate her kin
Leira turns to the party and says "I will try to convince them to come to order, although I doubt they will recognize any legitimacy on me. But perhaps we can give them something else to do" she turns then to Songan "I have confidence in your skill to fascinate and unharmfully reduce the acolyte rioter if he causes further problems"
Getting closer Leira raises her voice trying to get the attention of the folk "Baseil Sabask!" she shouts again until she has the attention "Baseil Sabask! Is this what you have been told by your superiors to do while the town is under attack? To pursuit proven allies of Trunau? Is this the way Abadar seeks for order? To fight within the weakest members of our community when we most need to organize ourselves and fight foreign foes?"
Turning to the calmer villagers she says "Fast, look for some weapon to fight with, look for the weaker of our community and gather in the Longhouse like the Captain has ordered. Let's defend this place so we have time tomorrow to seek justice against the traitors of Trunau!"
Dundin rushes to Brinya's side.
"Your town is under attack and you are all needed at the longhouse."
Leira's words seem to give Baseil pause, his attitude losing some of the fire and zeal of a few moments ago. The crowd likewise calms slightly, the tight band spreading out a little as your armed group approaches, your words starting to shake them from their hysteria. The cleric replies, both to Leira and the mob, But we all know someone has been terrorizing the streets of Trunau, likely one of our own. Is it not possible, pointing his torch at Brinya, that is part of the plan, Rodrik's death but the first salvo to bring us to our knees?
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"Baseil, are you not a follower of Abadar the Gold-Fisted? My friend, how do you think the Master of the First Vault would react to what you are doing here? The master of civilization, god of cities! An invasion is here, at our very doorstep, the enemies of this bastion of that very same civilization seeking to tear it down, and all the while you are distracting the citizens from seeking safety! How many times has Abadar protected this place, keeping Trunau standing united against the hordes of Belkzen?! Yet now, when the citizens need his guiding hand more than ever to protect what they have carved out of the wilderness, one of his own acolytes would seek to divide?! Now is no time to seek vengeance for any perceived wrong! Now is the time to unite in defense of Trunau! If you would serve Abadar's purpose, do so by protecting the people here, by getting them to safety! Citizens, you all KNOW what to do! To the Longhouse! To the Ivory Hall!"