Marc turns to the others when Bealzius is finally free of tendrils. I'd like to be clear on something. I've no intention of slaughtering every creature we come upon. I don't mind killing, and I'll certainly hunt down anything that's a danger to the village, but I'm not interested in invading someone's home and then threatening to kill them. He looks around the group to each in turn. These creatures didn't attack until we threatened to kill them. He pauses and looks to Kendall. Now, perhaps they were just looking for an excuse to attack. But there's no reason to give them one. This could easily have all been a misunderstanding.
Hafdan shrugs his shoulders and eases his blades back into their sheathes. "I'm not about to argue for the indiscriminate slaughtering of every fluffy creature we run across in the woods but there are things that simply need killing. Demons being one of them. If we're talking about parleying with the hordes of the Abyss, that might requier further discussion."
I'm fine with hunting further, though after we escort these men back. He walks over and nudges the sinspawn with his boot. This here should be fine to hang from the wall, but if you'd prefer something bigger we can look for it. My concern isn't finding monsters to fight, it's fighting and killing when that's not necessary. Only Bealzius knew what that creature, as he points to the cythnigot, was saying. They could have just been trying to tell us this was their home and asking us to leave. It's true that they attacked us first, so I have no issue with striking them down. But given that Kendall threatened them with death simply for talking, I'd expect nothing less from them.
He pauses and looks towards Bealzius, Now, you mentioned it was a demon, and if that's the case then the fight was worth it. But, that thing, nodding to the forlarren, is no demon. This time we happened to fight and kill foul creatures. But we could have easily started a fight with anything that came upon us, be it dangerous to the village or not. All I'm asking is that we be more careful in the fights we choose. And I'll not slaughter a fallen creature after a fight until I know it's purpose.
He chuckles, Though that usually, but apparently not always, occurs before the fight.
He ties up the Sinspawn so that it can drag behind the cart.
In response to Lucrezia's question Ludwig points to the sinspawn.
That thing...if the bandits ain't terrified of that, I don't know what'll do it. If you want to go deeper, gods bless ya, but whatever you find in there...I shudder to think. Just...uhh...don't start any fights with the goblins if ya do go too deep. We don't need them stirring up faster than they would. And make sure ya have a tracker or something...it's easy to get lost that far in.
As for demons, I don't know nothing about them. But...the war...well things happened. So many people and so many armies were fighting. We burned down miles of forest. I'm not surprised that demons and the like are leftover from the things that happened here.
Unless someone stops them, they hurriedly start to head back towards the town.
Bealzius watches the townspeople depart, wondering if his companions will do anything to stop them.
"It is illegal to consort with Demons. That will earn you a few years on a rack to be certain. Demons are best left ignored, or destroyed if they stand in our way."
Marc not only makes no attempt to stop them, he's clearly joining them (after he finishes tying the Sinspawn). Let's get a move on, before we're attacked again.
He chuckles at Bealzius' comment, I'll keep that in mind when a Demon Lord wishes to speak to me rather than squash me like a bug.
That is for certain Lucius that we are not here to hunt, but I upheld the law of Cheliax by slaying this filth! as he keeps his eyes in Marc I needed no excuse, they were creatures of the abyss and I a have a sacred obligation to send them back anywhere I may find them, as it is also an important task for those that fight for the peace and stability of Cheliax for the vile demons thrive in chaos, I defend law
Taking his eyes away from Marc and calming down I think they would scare the least threatening bunch, but probably an average group would ignore it, and Marc I apologize for my tone, just this filth is intolerable, they way they... destroy and corrupt, I just wont have it
Marc nods slowly in response to Kendall. I agree that this creature, indicating the cythnigot, had to die. But keep in mind that we had no idea what it was requesting of us, or what it wanted, before you threatened to kill it. The other creature could have been a slave of this one, or a thrall of some sort that we could have freed. All I ask is caution when deciding on when to fight and when to talk.
Marc pauses as he mounts his horse to leave, Kill all the Demons you wish. Just think before you speak and act. We're lucky that Halfdan saw the other creature or we could all be dead instead of those things.
That is for certain Lucius that we are not here to hunt, but I upheld the law of Cheliax by slaying this filth! as he keeps his eyes in Marc I needed no excuse, they were creatures of the abyss and I a have a sacred obligation to send them back anywhere I may find them, as it is also an important task for those that fight for the peace and stability of Cheliax for the vile demons thrive in chaos, I defend law
Taking his eyes away from Marc and calming down I think they would scare the least threatening bunch, but probably an average group would ignore it, and Marc I apologize for my tone, just this filth is intolerable, they way they... destroy and corrupt, I just wont have it
"Your dedication and conviction are admirable qualities, Kendall. However, it looks like everyone has had enough excitement for the day." Lucius says as he nods to the men going back. He will stay on foot the rest of the journey and lead his mount. He clearly looks far more comfortable on the ground than he did on horseback. He will put his bow away so he has a free hand on the reigns.
The return trip to town is rather uneventful though, when the group returns, most of the townspeople recoil from the sight of the body being dragged by the cart. Most of adults take their families inside and you all hear whispering as they close themselves in their homes. Some of the orphans, with little else to do, watch from a distance as the men start to unload the trees. They begin to cut the trees into more manageable pieces, making some headway before deciding to take a break and some of the children brave the sight of the body to start hauling away some of the workable pieces of lumber. Other than that the town is quiet.
When the group gathers together during the break and are most likely all eating lunch, Lucrezia asks, "Now that we've helped the villagers gather lumber for a wall and come up with a "scare-bandit", shall we take our leave soon? We still have our original destination to head out to and I gather it will not be a quick or easy trip so we should not tarry here for too long."
Agreed. Though we might wish to spend the night. Some of us are injured and could use the rest. Those of us not can help start on the wall. But you're right, we have somewhere to be.
Bealzius tenderly readjusts the makeshift bandages placed over the sores opened by the tendricular fungus.
"A night's rest would indeed be a boon. Perhaps I can ask the priest here for a vial of unholy water."
Agreed. Though we might wish to spend the night. Some of us are injured and could use the rest. Those of us not can help start on the wall. But you're right, we have somewhere to be.
Lucius nods his head in agreement. "It would be wise to rest up here at least another night. Unless some catastrophe hits this town before then, we should leave first thing in the morning.
Bealzius tenderly readjusts the makeshift bandages placed over the sores opened by the tendricular fungus.
"A night's rest would indeed be a boon. Perhaps I can ask the priest here for a vial of unholy water."
If asked, Valix says that he has two vials of unholy water available, for 30g each. He says that if the group passes back through, he'd be happy to make more for a small donation if the materials are provided.
Other than that, Valix will once again put the group up for the evening. Attempts to help with the wall seem to go well and the townsfolk seem relatively enthusiastic, though they treat you all with a mix of concern and thanks for venturing into the forest. The night passes uneventfully (go ahead and spend any healing spells you want to prior to resting) and in the morning the children are already up early working on the wall. The sinspawn isn't present, but if asked, the children tell you that Ludwig has taken it to "make it so it won't stink so much".
It is with a heavy heart I have to agree this is not our destination and we did what we could, but Lucius your way of saying it does not help, for we are no cowards...
It is with a heavy heart I have to agree this is not our destination and we did what we could, but Lucius your way of saying it does not help, for we are no cowards...
"Of course not. I did not mean to say that we were. I meant that things look stable here. If something does happen, we should stay and help. Otherwise we have no reason to delay our original trip any longer." Lucius replies confused as he thought he was clear before.
Marc works on the wall until dinner and sleeps well. He, again, removes his armor before sleeping within the church and rises early. He walks the length of the work that's been done so far before breakfast.
Seems like they have things well in hand. Everyone feeling up to continuing on?
Lucrezia will approach both Hafdan and Bealzius and offer to cast a healing spell on them. If they agree:
Later on, Lucrezia will perform after dinner for any of the villagers caring to listen. After that, she will turn in for the night and then wake early to pack up. When Marc asks, Lucrezia answers that yes, she is ready.
Marc works on the wall until dinner and sleeps well. He, again, removes his armor before sleeping within the church and rises early. He walks the length of the work that's been done so far before breakfast.
Seems like they have things well in hand. Everyone feeling up to continuing on?
Lucius will also help with the wall until nightfall when he sheds his armor for the night. In the morning he will re-don his equipment and prepare to head out. Depending on what supplies the church has in stock, he might restock rations and some more arrows for the trip ahead.
"I am ready whenever everyone else is. Those sores are not going to kill our wizard, are they?" That last part said with a slight smile.
I have no problems Marc, just hope that law prevails and not the brigands when we are gone
That night he would go to bed early and wake up early also to ready everything for the departure.
The next small town is another three days out and there are two beyond that before you reach your destination. The path suggested by the townspeople in Lurion and the map provided by the Hellknights gives the forest fairly wide berth and travels on roads that were well traveled prior to the wars, therefore quite far from the now burned in edges of the Chitterwood.
The next small town is another three days out and there are two beyond that before you reach your destination. The path suggested by the townspeople in Lurion and the map provided by the Hellknights gives the forest fairly wide berth and travels on roads that were well traveled prior to the wars, therefore quite far from the now burned in edges of the Chitterwood.
"I believe we should make stop at the next town, as our supplies will be low. 3 days on the road will exhaust them." Lucius says to the group.
Bealzius blanches at the cost of the unholy water.
"Perhaps another time. I am grateful for your offer."
He nods at the offer of a healing spell, and prepares for the evening's rest and spellbook study.
On the morrow, he and Threx mount their war steed with few words to anyone, other than a hypothesis on the nature of demonic interferences by arcane stipulations.
Lucrezia will approach both Hafdan and Bealzius and offer to cast a healing spell on them. If they agree:
Hafdan gets 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Hafdan rubs his shoulder, stretching out the tight muscles as the arcane warmth flows through his body. "Much appreciated mi'lady. Far better treatment than I'm used to receiving in the field." he says with a laugh.
"I believe we should make stop at the next town, as our supplies will be low. 3 days on the road will exhaust them." Lucius says to the group.
Hafdan nods in agreement. "Better to eat a warm meal and sleep with a roof when we can. Cause there will be plenty of times when we can't."
Lucrezia will approach both Hafdan and Bealzius and offer to cast a healing spell on them. If they agree:
Hafdan gets 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4Hafdan rubs his shoulder, stretching out the tight muscles as the arcane warmth flows through his body. "Much appreciated mi'lady. Far better treatment than I'm used to receiving in the field." he says with a laugh.
"I believe we should make stop at the next town, as our supplies will be low. 3 days on the road will exhaust them." Lucius says to the group.
Hafdan nods in agreement. "Better to eat a warm meal and sleep with a roof when we can. Cause there will be plenty of times when we can't."
I vote that we stick to the road on our travels. Not for ease of traveling but because I would like to make sure that is safe for any travelers and that they are no bandit groups ready to waylay any innocent people.
The trip, as it has been so far, is relatively quiet. Assuming no one calls for a stop, the group passes rather uneventfully through the next two towns which are in similar condition to the town of Lurion. Food is purchasable in each town for 5sp a day on the spot (eating a meal with a family) or you are able to buy what amounts to rations for 1gp each. Travel is uneventful, but the shadow of the Chitterwood is almost physically oppressive over the two weeks of travel.
The group finally stops in Rundun, the last village outside of Gillamoor which stands two day's ride away. This town, while similar in size, to the others you've passed, is far more occupied. The burned out buildings have refugees squatting in them and have crude additions and repairs made. As you pass you see planks tied in place with torn pieces of clothing, stones dragged from other homes, and clear signs of old violence on almost every home. When the group reaches the center of town, even the homes that seem to have survived the war are clearly heavily vandalized. Doors have been torn off or broken into pieces, rooftops are damaged, and some of the crude repairs made to the outer homes seem to have had their materials taken from these houses. Here the townspeople are even more afraid, all of them lock themselves inside as best they can as soon as they hear horses on the outskirts and it seems even Asmodeus had forsaken this place as not even a ramshackle church has been constructed.
As usual, Lucrezia passes the time by singing. At some point (most likely next time the are off the horses and camped), Lucrezia will attempt to identify the vials Marc took off the body.
Lucrezia will hand the unidentified vial to Bealzius and ask him if he can figure out what it is since it appears to be beyond her skill.
When the group arrives in Rundun, Lucius takes a look around. He seems uncomfortable surrounded by the poverty and the destitute people.
"This is not right." Is all he can say while his eyes wander around this town.
Once we reach the town and see no one willing to greet us yet, Lucrezia will suggest that they quietly go make camp at what used to be the town green (I'd assume a well or fountain nearby for water) and let them see that we intend them no harm and give them the chance to approach us first. As usual she will sing while setting up camp (unless the plan to set up camp is objected to).
At the last village before Rundun, Marc will completely replenish his stock of travel rations. He also purchases a few extra days worth on the assumption that there will be nothing available in Gillamoor. Do any of the towns have feed for the horses for sale?
Lucrezia follows Marc's example and replenishes hers as well.
Horse feed is available for 1sp per day along the way.
As for Rundun, the town does have a well, which is clearly the best maintained and cleaned thing in the town. It seems set aside from most of the homes but a low wall has been built on the far side of the well about 10 yards from it. It seems fairly clear that the townspeople have expected intruders to attempt to access the area and have done what they can to protect it given their few resources.
Lucius will also spend what he has left on rations.
Regarding the spoils for our previous battle, Lucrezia suggests that the hold be divided equally amongst the party and that Marc and Hafdan each get one of the clw potions since they are frontline fighters and thus most likely to become injured and neither of them are capable of healing themselves. She will also suggest giving the silversheen potion to Lucius for use upon his arrows should they encounter something vulnerable to it. Lucrezia says she would like to hold onto the ring for now.
Also she would bring up the topic on how they would divide spoils in the future as well so as to avoid any confrontations. Lucrezia will give her opinion that gold be split equally, items go first to those who can use them and need them the most and any items not needed be sold and the gold from the sale split.
I would have this discussion occur before we made it into Rundun since if there is any discussion it would not do for others to think our party divided.
Regarding the spoils for our previous battle, Lucrezia suggests that the hold be divided equally amongst the party and that Marc and Hafdan each get one of the clw potions since they are frontline fighters and thus most likely to become injured and neither of them are capable of healing themselves. She will also suggest giving the silversheen potion to Lucius for use upon his arrows should they encounter something vulnerable to it.
I would have this discussion occur before we made it into Rundun since if there is any discussion it would not do for others to think our party divided.
Lucius agrees with the lady's suggestions. He will gladly accept the silversheen.
Marc agrees with Lucrezia and takes the cure light wounds potion, if no one objects.
When she requests to hold on to the ring he replies, Agreed, it might come in handy later on. And I expect there's no one willing or able to buy it out here anyway. As for the gold, I'd suggest dividing it as evenly as possible, with the left over held by Lucrezia, and noted, to be divided when we find more.
Hafdan chuckles at the mention of him being a front-liner. That does me too much honor but I will happily accept the potion. Better to have and not need, eh?
Hafdan will agree with Lucrezia and also suggest possibly maintaining some form of group alotment, maybe the gold dividing equally into all the members and this extra fund to provide for common group use, like dealing with a fallen comrade.
Marc shrugs at the suggestion of a group fund. I don't see a need for it, but I don't object. If an ally falls and needs something, I'll search their things for it. If they don't have it, then one of us will give it and they'll pay us back. But I've no objection to buying healing equipment exclusively, with money set aside as an extra share.
Bealzius agrees with sharing the gold equally.
"I would like to recommend that we hold a percentage aside as a donation for the Chelish government, if we can. If we must keep what wealth we have for our own resources, that may not be possible."
With a small investiture of magical energy (not even enough for a cantrip), Bealzius searches for the arcane signature of the liquid in the vial that Lucrezia handed him.
Given that much of the gold we gather from fallen enemies will most likely be used by us to buy equipment and supplies for us to use on our mission for the Chelish goverment, I would say that that is support enough.
Given that much of the gold we gather from fallen enemies will most likely be used by us to buy equipment and supplies for us to use on our mission for the Chelish goverment, I would say that that is support enough.
"I agree with Lucrezia. We need enough to complete our mission. I do not think that the Chelish government will notice a small amount such as the two hundred we have collected."
Marc chuckles, I thought we were the donation to the Chelish government.
With a small investiture of magical energy (not even enough for a cantrip), Bealzius searches for the arcane signature of the liquid in the vial that Lucrezia handed him.
1d20+10
Shall we hand out the gold, if there are no objections? Perhaps hold about a half share for buying healing equipment. We found, what, four hundred? Say... He pauses for a moment and seems to be counting in his head. Sixty for each and forty to be set aside?
I agree with Lucrezia the spoils of battle in the name of Cheliax serve that very precise purpose and he smiles at Marc That we are my friend, for we are representing Cheliax in person for this endeavor
After listening to the math from Marc
I rather give out 50 or 40 gp and have a bigger common fund for us to have in case of emergencies
Marc frowns, I don't see what purpose this common fund serves. Emergencies? What sort of emergencies? If we need healing provisions then we should buy them. What we find will go to those that can use them. He frowns and shakes his head. If it will be useful to our cause and I'm able, I'll buy it. Whether it's my earned money or in some separate fund. I expect no less from the rest of you.
Lucrezia shrugs, I would rather not deal with a large common fund. First we'd have to decide who would carry it and if gets to be large, well, gold isn't light and it could become a pain to carry around. I also wouldn't want to have any arguements over what constitutes an emergency worthy of spending that gold on. And like Marc, if there is something useful to our cause, I have no problem buying it myself if I am able. After all, we are not in this for our own financial gain, but to help the people of our country.
"If a situation comes up where we need to pool our resources for something, then we can. I believe that since we are all adults, we can hand out our fair share when we have to. But for now, I believe that we should split anything we find monetary or otherwise, evenly."
Lucius says matter-of-factly.