Kyras looks towards the horizon while he leans against a tree.. Straight to the witch so we can return what she asked for. Then we should return to the capital.
Tell her what you wish Finwick. She seems to of taken a liking to you. Just make sure you are not intended to go in the pot with those mushrooms. With a grunt Kyras rises to his feet and prepares to travel.
Taldani still dripping gobs of tendriculous digestive goo from his person squints at the comments from the thief.
Careful what you say little one. Or the next time we can tie a rope around your waste and use you as bait to lure the next monster out
The next morning Taldani sits by the fire listening to the discussion about how to proceed. I have no preference one is as good as another to me. He does spare a low chuckle to the comment of Kyras and finwick being cooked.
Danna examines the mushrooms to try to get an idea of their properties.
She agrees that they need to get the mushrooms to Bedlame and back home ASAP.
After riding one day back to the Grudin River Ford and another day north to the outskirts of the Capital the Guardians bypass the city and head straight for the witch's hut arriving the late afternoon of the third day.
The hut looks exactly the same as you saw it last. A plume of smoke rises from the chimney and Crow stands watch in the yard. As you ride closer, and before any of you can reach the bell, you hear the high pitched voice of the Bedlame call from within, Don't just stand there with your mouths open catching flies! Come in! Come in!
Crow! Show them in!
The scarecrow responds by standing, opening the gate and pointing at the hut's door.
Bjelich dismounts and secures Mokos and MP by the tree. He passes through the gate and smiles at the wondrous scarecrow in the old ladies yard. As an aside, he turns to Finwik, You know, in some towns scarecrows were known to kidnap little children in there sleep.
The cleric wipes his feet outside then politely removes his wide brimmed hat as he steps over the threshold of Bedlame's cozy hut. Good afternoon madame, I trust you have been well since our last visit. Not wanting to get on the woman's poor side again, he keeps his tone respectful... and his distance from the untamed druid. Finding a safe spot to stand, Bjelich awaits Finwik to do the honours of presenting Bedlame with the mushrooms and recanting our tale.
When the group passes by the Capitol, Danna suggests that she stay there, believing that her presence at the witches hut might be a detriment.
Kyras agrees that Danna should return to the capital. He tells Taldani to accompany her waving away her expected protests. The fewer of us at the witches the better and I do not want to take a chance on anything happening to you. Anyhow, my brother has never been that trusting of witches an is likely to cause more trouble with us then with you.
Kyras tethers his horse and enters the hut with the others. Shush Bjelich lets try not to upset her. She can probably see and here everything the scarecrow does.
Kyras looks over the hut and the witch inside but merely nods to acknowledge her presence and steps to one side of the door. This is Finwicks play lets see the little rogue in action.
Taldani looks at Kyras for a moment as if ready to argue then shrugs his shoulders and moves his horse beside Danna's.
Truth be told I would rather return to a good bath and get the stink of tendriculous stomach off of me. He smiles at her a twinkle in her eyes.
Finwik winces as he walks past the scarecrow. Upon entering the little hut, he bows to the witch and says Pleasant greetings my lady. We were successful in attaining the mushrooms that you sought. I fear, however, we had already rescued the small child so we no longer require information about his where.....abouts... Would you, perchance, have any other goods or services that you might be willing to part with for these marvelous mushrooms?
Excellent! The Old Bedlame exclaims while examining the procured fungi. These will do nicely! How did you fare against the guardian of the mud bowl? Looking the group over, she remarks, Looks like you are down one mister stuffy pants and a smart mouthed child! Did the Tendriculos eat them? she asks with a smile.
At Finwik's comment she harumphs. Found the child eh? Nodding to herself she adds, I'm sure I can share something with you in exchange for the mushrooms. She cackles as she offers, Do you wish to learn about something old, dangerous and valuable or about something newer, crazy, dangerous and worthless?
Finwik licks his lips and his eyes dart toward his party before settling back on the old woman. Rubbing his hands together in anticipation, he says I believe I speak for the entire group when I say that we would be remiss if we did not endeavour to improve our treasury. Indeed it is our duty to amass as much wealth as possible, so that we may adequately protect the citizens of our fledgling nation from the harsh reality of living in a fronteir town.
With a sweeping bow, he continues Please tell us more regarding the old and valuable artifact. And perhaps now that we have provided you with a service, he says with a wink, would you consider sharing some of your services for a price? I am sure that a woman of your most clear capability has extensive knowledge in crafting, enchanting or brewing potions?
Standing off in the corner, Bjelich listens to every word the skillful gnome drips into the ears of Old Bedlame. He smiles to himself, Now here's a fellow who really knows how to talk to people...I should take note!
The Old Bedlame chuckles softly as a smirk creases her already heavily wrinkled face. Like there was ever any doubt huh little one? Something valuable it is then.
Standing suddenly completely still, the old woman closes her eyes and her voice becomes raspy as she speaks. A half a days ride north east of the Gurdin River crossing you will find a bit of country peppered with small hills and mounds. One of them has recently cracked open... death and wealth awaits those who trespass below.
Opening her eyes, Old Bedlame pulls her shawl tighter as she sits upon her stool by the cauldron and mutters, The days grow shorter, the winds bring cool air. It will be an early winter this year.
Looking to Bjelich she remarks, You look like you know how to handle an ax. Split some more firewood and stoke the fire would you?
She directs Kyras to retrieve her some jars from a shelf, as she takes the rattlecaps and begins to deftly peel them. She drops the prepared mushrooms along with some ingredients from the jars into the bubbling water, humming as she stirs the mixture. A potent smell wafts from the pot, pleasing but with a hint of bitterness that stings the nostrils.
After a few minutes she takes up three mugs and dips them into the boiling water, offering one to each of you.
Drink up and we can discuss what services I can provide.
He tells Taldani to accompany her waving away her expected protests. The fewer of us at the witches the better and I do not want to take a chance on anything happening to you. Anyhow, my brother has never been that trusting of witches an is likely to cause more trouble with us then with you.
Danna shrugs and rolls her eyes at Kyras then looks pointedly to the town in the very near distance. What do I care if Taldani prefers a bath to the questionable hospitality of the witch, it seems the intelligent thing to do. The capital is right there, she points, It's not like we will be making a run through ogre infested woods!
She sighs at Kyras' excessive 'nobleness' and worry for her safety.What an old fuddy-duddy he is.
She then looks at him again and notices the new lines that have appeared on his forehead over the last month. Her expression softens,
Don't worry about us, have fun with Bedlame! She says with an attempt at humour. She smiles fondly at him then nods to Taldani and the two gallop off to their respective bath houses and beds.
Smiling politely, Bjelich nods, Madame, then makes his way over to the fire. Stoking the embers with what kindling the old woman has left, he makes sure the flames are licking the air steadily before heading outside. Doning his wide brimmed hat, the cleric steps outside and takes a deep breath of refreshing air. Happy to be working with his hands, he finds an old rusted axe behind the house and gets to work splitting logs. The old woman is right, Bjelich does know his way around an axe and in no time he has split over a dozen logs. Returning a few minutes later with a large stack of firewood, he is careful to wipe his feet at the entrance before gently setting the freshly split wood by the hearth. Once again removing his hat, Bjelich places a few more pieces on the fire. The pontiff takes a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe his brow and graciously accepts the old woman's offer of he presumes to be mushroom tea.
But I can't just call this mushroom tea, that would be too common a name for such an exotic blend..
Mmmm! What do you call this tea Madame?
Kyras eyes the brew suspiciously for a moment then shrugs his shoulders before taking a long drink. Leaning his back against the wall he watches as Bjelich brings in the fire wood. We have been here five minutes and she has us working like her servants.
I am curious what the rare mushrooms add to this brew madame?
Old Bedlame looks at Bjelich like he is a child. Black. Rattlecap. Tea.
To Kyras she replies with more than a hint of mischievousness in her voice, You don't feel their effects yet? Smiling she adds, You will! Give it another moment dearie!
Bjelich smiles, Oh, how original, and subtly rolls his eyes as the old woman turns to speak to Kyras. Erastil grant me patience!
The cleric stops mid sip to eye Bedlame questioningly, Wait, effects?! What effects? Not daring to utter more than he has to, he quickly looks to Kyras and back to the old woman, waiting for her to elaborate.
Seeing Bjelich's eye roll and hearing his tone, the elderly woman continues to harass the cleric. You are complaining to the wrong person sonny! I didn't name it. Besides, I would think a follower of Ol' Deadeye would see the simplicity of the name and rejoice. No need to flower it all up when the obvious name works so well.
Before any of you can get another word in, you notice things getting clearer and brighter. Your vision seems to be improving as you can clearly make out finer details as you look around. The darkened hut seems to brighten significantly as well.
Just as you are adjusting to your enhanced vision you start to feel a euphoric rush. You feel confident and sense of well-being and happiness overcomes you, pushing away negative thoughts you may be having.
Finwik cannot help but let out a giggle as his emotions swoon.
I see the rattlecaps are working their magic now, the Bedlame remarks. Now seems like a good time to inquire as to your intentions with regards to the Stolen Lands. What is to become of my swamp and the other areas around the Tuskwater?
Your new sense of profound contentment, coupled with your seemingly impenetrable faith in yourselves has you compelled to speak truthfully.
Black Rattlecap Tea
Type ingested; Addiction none/minor, Fortitude DC 1 (+1 per usage until DC 10)
Price 100 gp
Effect 1 hour; gain low-light vision (or gain double the range if you already have low light vision)
Effect 1 hour; +4 to perception and diplomacy checks
Effect 1 hour; affected as per zone of truth (DC 15 will negates)
Damage for 1d4 hours after effects end; 1d3-1 Cha damage
Kyras looks about the room at first amused by the effects brought on by the tea. I should not be surprised by this turn of events. Is she is afraid of what we intend to do?
Smiling at the witch Kyras sets down his empty mug and looks calmly at her.
Good witch, we are here to put a claim over the stolen lands and to make it safe to travel and settle. We are not here to take away from any that were here before us. We seek allies not enemies in this dangerous land. So long as you present no threat, and are willing to work with our empire then I guarantee the safety of your swamp. More then that, we would offer our protection to you.
The old woman wrinkles up her nose and gestures dismissively. Bah! Spoken like so many before you. "Stolen" lands alright. "Empire" says you. "Guarantee". "Protection". Those are mighty big words you are throwing around. What makes your promises better than those that came before saying the same thing?
Bjelich's enjoyment of the tea stops. He remains silent but the expression on his face looks as a Deer caught in the headlamps of a fast moving wagon. Again, my faith has been challenged and again I have failed to live up to the expectations of others... Pale and lost in thought, the cleric says nothing. He does not heed what the old lady and Kyras discuss. Instead his eyes unconsciously wonder the floor as his mind tries to grasp with who he is.
Old Bedlame awaits Kyras' response...
Kyras pushes himself away from the wall and sets down the cup of tea he has been drinking. Looking directly at Bedlam his eyes locked on her face.
Dear lady, I expect our actions stand behind the words I have stated. We have defeated the Stag Lord, made allies with the kobolds of the region. We have set aside the running of our kingdom to find a single child of a nameless family because we value loyalty. Those that wish to work with us, we have welcomed and those that oppose us, we have defeated. I have nothing to offer but my word, and to stand behind what we have done so far. We strive to bring peace and order to the broken lands. If there is more that you wish me to offer to reassure you, name it.
The old woman does not shrink away from Kyras' gaze. After a long moment of contemplative silence she finally speaks. How altruistic of you to save the child so selflessly and how brave to defeat a bunch of ruffians and bandits! The sarcasm in her voice is obvious. She continues more sternly, Your past deeds do not concern me. It is your future intentions that do. She stirs the cauldron once more before tapping the spoon upon the edge of the giant vessel and placing it upon the table. There are many things within, and outside, the Stolen Lands that will oppose your plans of conquest. Some powerful. Others goodly creatures in their own right. You will find the path ahead of you fraught with danger and complexities. Many before you have tried to tame the Green Belt and all have failed.
Relaxing her expression she adds while gesturing at Finwik, All that I ask for now is that this one visit me regularly to chat.
Now on to business, she says rubbing her hands. I am adept at crafting all manner of magical baubles as well as enchanting arms and armor. Of course I can brew many types of alchemical extracts and for the right price, I can even build you your very own Crow!
What is it that you desire?
Bjelich looks around at the others and wonders if they will ask Bedlame for anything. His eyes blankly look at the floor for a moment then, knowing the old woman's disapproval of him, he timidly raises his hand, I, uh, might have need of a new bow. But I fear what it will cost me.
SPELL STORING (PRICE) +1 BONUS ... AURA strong evocation and varies CL 12th WEIGHT —
A spell storing weapon allows a spellcaster to store a single targeted spell of up to 3rd level in the weapon. (The spell must have a casting time of 1 standard action.) Anytime the weapon strikes a creature and the creature takes damage from it, the weapon can immediately cast the spell on that creature as a free action if the wielder desires. (This special ability is an exception to the general rule that casting a spell from an item takes at least as long as casting that spell normally.) Once the spell has been cast from the weapon, a spellcaster can cast any other targeted spell of up to 3rd level into it. The weapon magically imparts to the wielder the name of the spell currently stored within it. A randomly rolled
spell storing weapon has a 50% chance of having a spell stored in it already. This special ability can only be placed on melee weapons. A spell storing weapon emits a strong aura of the evocation school, plus the aura of the spell currently stored.
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS COST +1 bonus Craft Magic Arms and Armor, creator must be a caster of at least 12th level
Meanwhile back at the fort...
Danna stables her horse and heads off to the baths for a good scrub. Finishing her ablutions she decides to check in with Kestin to see if anything has come up in the time they have been gone. She then checks on Crix, Than and Kressle to see how they are doing.
Meanwhile, back at the fort...
Kestin reports all is quiet, with construction beginning and going smoothly.
Crix and Than are happy to see Danna and tell her that they have been training every day, practicing what she, and some of the others, have been showing them.
Kressle puts on a good face when Danna visits, but Danna is able to tell that something is bothering the ex-bandit.
Danna is pleased with Crix and Than's progress and tells them that she looks forward to seeing them showing off their new and improved skills in the morning.She especially watches Than for any signs of difficulty adjusting to his new environment and asks Crix privately if he is having nightmares or other troubles.
While visiting Kressle she notices Kressle's discomfort and attempts a heart to heart, Kressle, I can see that although you may not wish to bother me with it, something is obviously bothering you. Is everything okay?
Kyras looks at the old witch perplexed by her response for a moment.I will take that to mean at least for the moment we are allies. Thank you for the offer. I need nothing at this time perhaps the others do. By your leave good lady I will take my leave so I can return to the capital.
Certain that Old Bedlame will make what he wants, money up front, the cleric thanks her and bids farewell as Kyras makes his exit.
Lost in thought, Bjelich follows the rest of the party back to the capital.
Kressle looks at Danna, somewhat embarrassed. It's nothing really. It's just... It's just I haven't been around this many people for a long time. Especially women. I'm afraid I don't fit in very well and I think many of them harbour ill will towards me, being an ex-bandit and all.
Trying to being dismissive, she adds, Really... it's nothing. I'm sure you have other more important things to attend to. I'll be alright. Really.
With Finwik's confirmation that he will visit her regularly the group bids their farewells and head for home.
The ride is uneventful and they arrive safely.
Upon his return he is curious to know how the people are getting along, and if anyone else has gone missing. To start, Bjelich catches up with Mikmek. Insisting on having lunch with his favorite kobold, Bjelich recants the groups progress with Old Bedlame, filling in any gaps Danna may have left out. He asks about Jhod and how much progress the priest has made and also of the town itself. Failing to learn of any pressing news about the capitol, the cleric gives thanks and checks on Akiros. How is he adjusting to his new life and role here?
To put his mind at ease, Bjelich wastes no time in reacquainting himself with the community. He very much wants to see the mood of the people for himself, what are the people saying? What do they wish to see happen here? What do they need? Where can he lend a hand? The cleric will work as much as he can to prevent his mind from wondering and reflecting on things other than his faith.
Danna's gut tells her that Kressle is putting on that she will be ok. That the ex-bandit may be considering something drastic.
Bjelich's inquiries are met with all good news. Nobody new is missing, the construction is progressing well and Akiros is adjusting well to his new life and responsibilities. He does admit that he hasn't really be busy in his official capacity as of yet, but that suits him just fine.
The townspeople are likewise generally happy with current events. The return of Tig and the ever expanding construction and improvements has everyone celebrating the exciting times.
Danna, suspecting that Kressle is more upset that she is letting on, doesn't let it go. She looks thoughtfully at the distressed woman for a moment then speaks, Kressle, everyone has done things they regret, just ask Kyras. I understand that women especially can be unkind but we expect more from our fellow women than men do. You have done your best with the life you were given. You have now reached a crossroads. There is a difficult road and an easy road; I know that you are strong and a survivor and that the difficult road is something that you can travel successfully. You are not alone now however, we can assist and guide you down this road on both the very rough sections and the smoother ones just as you can help us, you just need to let us know. Than and Crix are doing well under your guidance and your actions alone are what have kept them alive and well this long. In time the other women will recognize your contributions and accept you. My door is always open to you and I would value your counsel and company.
Danna puts her hand on Kressle's shoulder and gives a gentle squeeze. Please don't hesitate to come to me to discuss anything.
Danna makes it a point to try to engage Kressle more in the coming days and tries to keep her busy with Than and Crix's training. When the others return she informs Kyras of Kressle's unhappiness. She also writes to Svetlana, asking the more experienced woman's advice.
Kressle manages a smile and a thank you.
The next few days see Kressle through herself entirely into training Crix and Than. She does seem happier when doing so and does occasionally take up the offer to visit Danna for company and conversation.
It is early in the morning of a cold winter's day when Mikmek calls an emergency meeting of the small council. As soon as everyone is present he reports ill tidings. A raven arrived this morning from Templeton. Jhod sends word that bandit activity has risen dramatically in the area in the past week overwhelming the local militia's ability to deal with the issue. Numerous accounts of robbery and murder have been flooding in from the surrounding area. A number of locals are missing as well. He is requesting immediate assistance.
Before discussion can even begin on the matter he adds, And a rider arrived in the night. It appears there has been a monster attack in the woods to the west. A lone survivor of a wood cutting crew managed to escape a nighttime attack of his camp. The man claims that a score of men are missing. He didn't actually see what was attacking the camp, but caught sight of a large bipedal figure rending a man limb from limb. He fled, chased by something else, only managing to escape by diving into the Skunk River and floating downstream. Whatever was chasing him, gave up and returned in the direction of the camp. The man is pleading for a rescue attempt in case others have managed to survive.
Mikmek looks gravely upon the Guardians for their response...
Whiping dust from his brow, the cleric's eyes can't believe what his ears are telling him. Speaking to himself he mutters, It was too good to be true. Its been months since anything and now all of a sudden two tragedies...
His tone serious, Bjelich addresses the kobold, but only to review what it is he's just heard. Mikmek, you say these incidents happened in the woods and Templeton, each is west of here. Turning to the others he presents his thoughts, We should be able to investigate both events with minimal travel. Standing, Bjelich steps across the room to the map of Silvania hanging from the wall. Our first priority should be here, where the woodsmen were attacked. Pointing to the spot of the attack in the woods, he traces a path with his other hand starting at the castle, I suggest we head west, into the woods. We can follow the roads parallel to the Skunk River to the woodsmen's camp and search for survivors. Bjelich's fingertips meet at the camp. Adjusting his stance to afford the others a better view, he continues, Provided there are survivors, we can then escort them back to Silverguard along the same route. Looking away from the map, Bjelich looks to the others before continuing, We then retrace our steps, find the creature, deal with it then carry on north to Templeton. With any luck, we will encounter these bandits on the way.
Danna agrees with Bjelich to the point of heading west and looking for the potential survivors but knows that the best laid plans are often quickly rendered irrelevant. I'm not sure we can make any particular plans after that, I think it might just depend on what we find. Either way I think we need to get going immediately. We can't have our people in fear for their lives! As soon as everyone has weighed in she says again. We should leave this morning. and heads out to ready her things.
She informs Kressle, if she is around, of their plans and says goodbye to Crix and Than. She asks Kressle to visit her parents and see if anything unusual has been reported in their area of Thornshill.
She is ready to ride within the hour.
Finwik arrives to the meeting approximately half an hour late. Staggering in, with red eyes and reeking of booze, he is obviously still drunk from the night before. Judging by his disheveled appearance, it is unlikely he even bothered with sleep. More likely - he stumbled here directly from whatever tavern or brothel he last visited.
He begins to apologize and dips into a deep bow but promptly loses his balance and falls over. From his position on the ground he lets out a hearty guffaw. Rather than rising and attempting the bow again, he is resigned to his position on the ground. He shifts to make himself a little more comfortable and turns his head toward Mikmek, listening to the news.
As Danna mentions leaving immediately, the blood drains from Finwik's face. He lowers the flask (that had seemingly materialized out of thin air) and says Leave this morning? What time is it? Don't we need to rest..er...prepare...or..something? Seeing flat looks on the faces of his companions, he rises from the floor quickly. He grimaces and presses one hand to his forhead and takes five deep breaths.
With a resolved look on his face, and just a gentle swaying to his pose, he secrets away his flask and says Alright then. No rest for the wicked!