Looking closely at the plaque, the half-orc gives his estimate.
"That plaque could fetch some pretty coin, about 100gp maybe."
"That is better. I'm sorry guys, normally I am pretty sturdy. We can keep exploring if you guys want, I'm ok."
She does not look ok but does look embarrassed.
"Nonsense, Bethany! You don't feel well. Of course we'll leave and get you some care."
I can't wait to get out of this place.
"Do you need help to walk, hon?"
Vors carefully sets Bethany down on her own two feet.
"Misery loves company, they say."
"No no. I will be ok. I do feel better. That little bugger.. that was sure something."
Verik looks at the plaque and ponders it for a second...
Ah! I know that plaque! It's the motto of the Canteclure Family, an older family of this area... Wonder if they are the former owners of this chamber...
Ah! I know that plaque! It's the motto of the Canteclure Family, an older family of this area... Wonder if they are the former owners of this chamber...
"If so", the half-orc grunts, "they have a lot to answer for, fuzzyface!"
Verik cringes at the new nickname. Igh... That is worse than Skintail... Seriously, you have more fuzz on your chin than I do on the entirety of my face!
Brynn follows the group out, staying near the back and always careful to check behind herself--unsure of what might appear from deeper in the dungeon than we explored.
... "they have a lot to answer for, fuzzyface!"
Grilnik looks shocked at 'fuzzyface' as well as Verik's retort to a lesser extent.
Now I remember why no one wanted to come with me to see the world...Grilnik shakes his head "I didn't realize I was working with such unkempt beards." Grilnik sighs "Well, let's take this plaque up top and see if we can't gather more information while Beth gets better."
Being not too far from the entrance, you are able to exit through the celled area. Into the room with the dead centipedes. Collectively you make it up the rope into the first floor of the tower. You clear out the front door of the tower and make your way out of the tower area to the town proper.
Outside it is definitely night, but there is still some life in the town. It sounds like the music in The Wise Piper is ending and people are heading back home.
Where would you like to go?
Grilnik picks up the rope that Beth had abandoned earlier and hands it to her.
"Anyone want to poke around town before we head back to The Wise Piper?"
"No, no,", Vors lamented, "I've had too many things poke me today. I want an ale like a fat child wants candy."
"I don't mind if you guys want to look around but should we find that woman?"
Clearly Bethany does not want to poke around but would not admit it.
"Bethany needs rest," Brynn announces. "Why don't we head to the Wise Piper. Vors can settle in with his liquor, and we can ask where to take Bethany for healing. Yes?"
Verik can't decide if he should go with the men or the women... He didn't mind eating (infact now that he thinks about it...) However! One of the women where injured and it would only show his concern if he where to come, after all when one is hurt company is always welcome!
But as he ponders on, he sighs. His hunger has beaten his kindlyness and he opts to join the men in the bar.
As the bulk of you move you way to The Wise Pipper, you see a few people milling about outside. While it seems like the main act is over, a the inn still has a few guests enjoying the rest of their meal and drinks.
A few outside the door take notice at you, "Hey! Its you 5! You find anything interesting? You all look a bit dirty... Is the little one ok?"
"Oh, I would LOVE to tell you the tale of our adventure so far, sir, but Bethany here is in need of healing. Can you point us in the right direction? Perhaps a powerful healer or cleric lives in town?"
With a caring look over at Bethany. "Well, you have a few options. Your best bet is Nilos over at the Shrine of the Seven Roses. You can also see Eupaphenia over at the House of Abadar, but she might charge more. There is also a chance Xemne over at Xemne's Tonics might have a potion or two that could help." They seem very helpful to you. One of the guys can't quite take his eyes off you. He sure looks like he is trying to avoid wandering eyes.
Looking like he forgot some more, because he wants to be very helpful, "Oh! There is also Anagrit. She is a Herbalist, but she is a bit weird.. You could also check with the elf Emarthine, over at the Willoway Orchard. She likes nature and stuff, I have seen her do little magics before."
"I would send you to go see the Kells at the druid island. But the druid Azmur and his wife Rima were traveling. They were due back more than two months ago, but no one's seen them. I worry they took a wrong turn and came upon some nasty trouble - Though what could be scary enough to give them trouble I'd rather not think about.. Sorry, I am rabbling. Go take care of your friend!"
"Wonderful! Would you can to show us the way? We're new in town." Brynn asks, smiling sweetly.
"What do you think, Bethany? Shall we visit Nilos first?"
You are standing outside The Wise Piper now.
"Well if you want to head to the Shrine of the Seven Roses, you will want to head north on Devy Road, right here. You will pass the Belhaim Commons Amphitheater. Then take a right on Belhaim Road. You will want to walk right past that stuffy Tavern the Grayhands, then The Shrine of the Seven Roses will be on your right."
"Thank you!" Brynn replies, then tries her best to not get lost following the directions.
---
Once we get to the Shrine of the Seven Roses, Brynn opens the front door for Bethany and follows her inside.
"Hello? My friend here is in need of healing."
Grilnik goes with Brynn and Beth to The Shrine of the Seven Roses. "If the treatment at the temple proves too expensive, I know of a few remedies that help with numbing poisons like this. I'll just need a day and a few things I can pick up around town."
Vors offers to carry tiny Bethany to The Shrine of the Seven Roses. Regardless, the half-orc stays by the barbarian for either physical or emotional support during the journey.
"It won't kill me not to get a drink before bed", spoke Vors, before quickly taking out his holy symbol of Cayden Cailean and kissing it. "Sorry, boss."
"Besides Bethany's health takes precedent."
-------
On the way to the shrine, Vors reveals that sometimes he considers becoming a cleric of Cayden Cailean. "It'd be nice to bring some divine power down on a foe along with a knife in the back", the half-orc thinks aloud.
As you enter the Shrine of the Seven Roses you see a beautiful building. It's filled with a variety of artwork from around the inner sea and beyond. There is soft music that seems to permeate from the walls itself. You get the sense of peaceful serenity from the building. Its built out of a very clean marble floors.
All being said this is one of the nicer buildings in the town that you have seen.
You see a few people in the building. It looks like they are packing away art supplies and some musical instruments. You notice the musical act from earlier in the building, putting away their instruments. You get the impression they are acolytes in the temple.
A very well dressed human male approaches the group. Seemingly heading straight for Brynn, "Well hello there beautiful. How can I direct the abundance of Shelyn's love to you?.." He notices Bethany looking a bit sluggish in her movements. "Oh! You seem to be a bit under the weather, little songbird. What happened"
His attention seems to focus fully on Bethany after he notices her injury. His initial attitude was rather flirtatious to Brynn, but went much more serious and helpful once noting the injured.
"Oh seven roses. Lets go there, I feel bad for making you do this. I am sure I can find it while you guys do, whatever, and catch up."
Once she / they get to the temple.
"Ummm... An Imp, little flying guy, did something to me. I don't know but.." she looks at her hammer "see I need to be in top form to help my new friends."
too long of a pause
"Sir."
"Don't you worry, Bethany," Brynn remarks, happy that Vors is carrying the girl. "We're friends. And friends care for one another."
---
At hearing that Vors has considered being a cleric, Brynn smiles. "Really? That seems like a noble cause. What's holding you back?"
---
Brynn lets out an appreciative whistle at the sight of the building interior. "Nice place."
Brynn smiles sweetly at the well-dressed acolyte. "Well, aren't you kind! But right now, we're here for my dear friend Bethany. She got wounded while we were looking into the collapsed tower." Brynn then turns the attention onto Bethany, urging her forward towards the man.
"Can you heal her?" she asks.
At hearing that Vors has considered being a cleric, Brynn smiles. "Really? That seems like a noble cause. What's holding you back?"
Vors was taken aback by such a forward question. At that same moment, the wooden holy symbol under the half-orc's tunic tickled him slightly enough to notice.
Wow! Cayden! Subtle?!Vors waffled some several moments thinking of a good rebuttal..but couldn't find one.
"I don't know anymore. Nothing I guess."
The rogue continued his journey with his new friends quiet and lost in thought.
"Ah! No need calling me sir, little songbird. I am but a humble artist bathed in Shelyn's music and love."Bringing everyone farther into the temple, there are beds used for healing. It looks like the room is empty. Nilos gestures Bethany to a bed.
Looking over Bethany. "Well it sounds like a little devil injected you with some poison. Good news its not in your system anymore. Bad news the damage it caused is going to linger for awhile."
Looking to the entire group. "This damage will heal naturally over time, but I can help it along faster. I will have to petition The Eternal Rose for some power to heal a large amount of the damage, and I won't be able to do that till tomorrow. If you would like to stay here over night I can assist your natural healing, then Shelyn willing I can heal the rest of the damage in the morning, after my morning prayers."
Gesturing toward a donation bin, "All I would ask is a donation to our temple's fund of 60 gold. This goes toward funding art and beauty in our town and community."
Vors eyes went wide. "Um..I suppose I can put in 10gp." The half-orc looks to his companions.
Grilnik shakes his head and looks up at the others.
"I'm broke, but for next to nothing I can probably treat Beth over the course of tomorrow."
"Ah! No need calling me sir, little songbird."
"Wait, what.. I... I can't sing. Ohhh I get it."
---
"Um..I suppose I can put in 10gp."
"Wait, what, no? Lets think about this. I'm ok. How about we just go get a beer and think about this. This place is fancy, whatever Grilnik can do will be good."
Quietly to Grilnik. [small] "I like roses but this place is a bit much." [/small]
... "I like roses but this place is a bit much."
Grilnik nods approvingly.
"Are you sure, hon?" Brynn asks.
She turns to the acolyte and remarks with an embarrassed smile, "We weren't paid for out last job, and the new one is what caused this. We don't really have the funds for such a large tithe... Is there any way you could do it for less?"
But, at the sound of Bethany insisting Grilnik heal her, Brynn nods. "Of course, hon. If that's what you'd like best. I'm sure Grilnik will take great care of you."
As the group files back out of the chapel, Brynn smiles at the acolyte. "Sorry about that. Thank you for your time."
---
"Back to the Wise Piper, then?" She confirms.
The cleric looks to all of you, "The donation can be made after the healing is complete. It does require a decent amount of my power for the day. Just let me know, I understand either way."
As you head back to the inn, it is nearly empty. Talia is cleaning up.
"Yes, I am sorry for taking up your time. Once we get paid I will come back I think. I don't want to be laid up for too long."
With a grim smile she turns to Brynn.
"Yes, lets head to the Wise Piper."
Brynn turns to leave, but then suddenly turns back to the acolyte. "Of course! We found a valuable object in the ruins, worth more than the tithe, but we have not had time to sell it yet. Could we give it to you in exchange for taking care of Bethany?"
"Would that be alright, Grilnik?" Brynn asks, since he's got the plaque.
Verik had headed to the bar, ahead of the group, he figured they would have no trouble on their own, so he ordered himself a nice meal.
He would be eating said meal when the party returns to the tavern.
Nilos says, "There is no rush on the donation. As for this object you found. May I see it?"
Assuming you show it to him. He briefly looks it over.. "interesting. Definitely a piece of Balhaim's history. I know for certain our future baron, Arnoholde Devy would be interested in this. He lives at the Devy manor with his mother. I will ask Sheylyn for her grace in healing this damage in the morning, so if you change your mind you can always come back."
"Thank you. With luck I will come back in the morning."
Bethany will head to the bar with the others, or wherever. Still clumsy but now that she is above ground she is a little more confident that she won't fall down a hole and break her neck.
At the bar Verik is sitting in a nearly empty hall. Talia is closing up shop, but kept the kitchens open for you all.
[b]"So how did it go? You are all alive, so that is good. You figure out why the tower fell?"[b]
She is moving around the room, trying to talk and work at the same time.
Grilnik shakes his head.
"We have a few ideas on how the witch tower got its name, but not why it collapsed. Methinks we'll be going again tomorrow or the day after, depending on Beth."
Grilnik helps himself to some of the cheese and bread "Thanks for keeping the kitchen open."
While chewing, Grilnik pokes around the kitchen a bit, looking for common herbs that he can use to treat Bethany.
Verik is eating quite a bit, stuffing any food he can into his mouth. Seems he is very occupied with eating, and doesn't seem to be listening to what anyone else is saying.
He swallows after a minute and raises a finger. Ah, I would definitely like to search more of the tower.
Bethany give a little laugh watching Verik stuff his face. I guess I am not the only one who eats more then their size.
Clearly her balance issues have not bothered her appetite as she works her way though a second dinner.
"I am sure whatever you can do about the poison Grilnik will be enough. I would like to see what else there is in there."
"Well i am heading up. Just put the dishes away and I will take care of it in the morning. There will be a good oat with honey mix in the morning if you are awake and ready to head out again." She locks the front door and heads off to her room in the inn.
As you all settle down for the night, finding your individual rooms, Grilnik follows Bethany with some supplies he has found.
You all have a restful sleep, though Bethany and Grilnik wake up semi often to reapply and clean up wounds as the muscles are cleansed and cleaned out. Even with that, they rest well.
Brynn also thanks Talia for the food and her thoughtfulness. She sits at the bar/a table with the others and eats her food politely.
During the meal she asks her comrades:
"Are you trained in medicine then, Grilnik, in addition to being a cleric?"
"How are you feeling, Bethany? I'm sure with Grilnik you're in good hands."
"Will we be resting in town then, tomorrow? And returning to the Witch Tower the day after? How long with Bethany's convalescence last?"
"How are you feeling, Vors? You certainly had a run of misfortune down there."
"There are plenty of people to speak to in Belhaim, while you are resting, Bethany. Perhaps I can learn some more about the town's history, and Balthus Hunclay's reputation while you're resting."
"I heard that a pair of locals--Azmur and Rima Kell--who went travelling a while ago and have yet to return. Apparently they were due back more than two months ago. It could be nothing of import, of course, but considering the... distastefulness of the chambers in the Witch Tower, the suspicion over Hunclay, and the presence of kobolds, perhaps we should keep our ears open for other rumours about ill fortune and missing persons. There might be something larger at work here."
"Perhaps someone should check in at the Sheriff's Office and with the Baroness tomorrow, as well."