We should look after our horses....
Johenric looks around and moves to the place where the horses of the group are housed.
"I agree, but first I shall attend the Sergeant"
Victoria checks to see if the strike is serious and scoop up the rock, she also watches the crowd, ready to start 'dealing with them' should they become more unruly.
Now that the horses are "secured" the mob moves on. Joskul groans painfully as you help him rise.
Oh damn, that rock was surely hurled by a giant...ouch. I guess they took the horses, eh? Hard to blame the people when a monster is roaming through the streets.
"I am disgusted by their actions, however I tend to you and your wounds first. Those people should be taken to the town square and be flogged for the common thieves they are"
"I do hope you are alright Sergeant"
I have experienced worse battles, M'lady. he laughs dryly and clears his throat Now tell me, did you find anything in the ruined house?
"Yes, but not sure...what...just yet. We will need to investigate our evidence for more detail. The middle of a riotous street is not the place for that though, let us all get inside"
Sergeant. Are you alright?....How many people are living in Carrion Hill? Do you have an idea how many have gone or intend to leave the city?
The sergeant wipes some blood away that threatened to run into his left eye and replies
There are about two thousand inhabitants, I guess...and I think most of them are on the run. We have to be fast, otherwise they will tear the whole city down in their panic. He looks to the dark silhouette of Crown manor and says
Ok, what about retreating to the mayor?
Assuming we have some time to discuss with the mayor certain aspects, I think this is a very good idea. After you...
"I have seen mobs at work before in Karcau, and they are not pleasant to deal with. However, I agree, let's see that the mayor is safe. Once we have ascertained his safety then I will try to give assuring words to the people of Carrion Hill that the evil in this town will be vanquished!"
"Then I guess we'd better be quick about dealing with this mystery monster and the cultists. Let's see if the Mayor has any more leads."
"Alright, to the manor it is." As they pass the people in the streets, Kirk gazes at them with curiosity, but shows no emotion over their plight.
The walk back to Crown Manor is difficult to say the least. Hordes of people dragging through the streets, carrying their whole households in their arms or fighting about wagons with other families, make walking up to the manor a difficult task. The Crows and the town militia try their best in upkeeping the order, but the chaos is overwhelming. Rumours must have spread that the monster has appeared at several other places in the city and now everyone expects to be stomped by the invisible entity at every moment.
Crown Manor is deserted of guards and alone the mayour stands in front of it, watching from the hill the fleeing people in the streets.
I have ordered to close the gates. I will not allow that these cowards flee the city!
Is his greeting phrase as you arrive.
What have you found out? We have to hurry up, you see what is going on, eh?
The mayor looks even more tired than on your first meeting, yet he tries to appear confident...
At the sight of the infighting, bickering, and madness along the streets to the manor, Solaric climbs up to the roof of a nearby building, blows his magnificent horn to draw their attention and then he calls out.
”Hark good people! Gather around, citizens of Carrion Hill. Gather near and listen to me! I am Solaric Zekkaran and we are Karcau’ Chosen. We have come from that fair city to help you with the evil that plagues this town.”
”We have fought ogres from the north, hoards of undead and we smited evil villains including the infamous Rag Man of Karcau. We served the fine people of Karcau, and now we are here to serve you! We have fought and we have freed those people of the evil fiends that once plagued their innocent. The evil flees at our sight in to the shadows, but we have cast the light of trust, justice, and all that is good upon those shadows. The light will prevail, my friends. I tell you again, the light will prevail. The evil in this land will fall. You can trust me there. I tell you again, and I tell you a hundred times, the light of truth, justice and goodness will fill your streets again.“
”Now, today, this moment, at the beckoning of your fine mayor, we have come to Carrion Hill to draw our swords and cast out the evil in your city. Yes, you have seen an evil foe beyond one’s reckoning, and yes these are challenging times, but in the face of such challenges, help has arrived, and the evil upon this land will be dealt with. Furthermore, Carrion Hill is filled with a strong people that will not run in the face of danger. They are built of the strong stuff of the earth that endures the test of time! Trust me when I tell you, that peace, justice and order will be restored. Trust me when I tell you the streets of Carrion Hill will be safe for your children to play in once again. That goodness arrives like a powerful storm that cannot be stopped!”
”Now, today, at this moment, I Solaric Zekkaran, call upon you to do your part and trust in the Inheritor, The Father of Creation, and the deities of all the faiths of purity. For today, their servants have arrived and will see that justice and goodness will prevail in your fine city.”
”Return to your homes, and be safe! Yes, you heard me. Be safe here in your homes, and give the powers of light their chance to shine into the darkness! Do not run, but look within and trust to the good that will soon engulf the evil of this land! Return to your homes and trust! Speak to each other of faith and courage, and you will see that you are made of stronger stuff than you even know. Now, I Solaric Zekkaran, knight and priest of the blessed powerful Iomedae, call upon you to stand your ground and hear the calm power that flows within you all. I do not say to be foolish, but to let the calm spirit enter your hearts and know that all will be well! Do not fear the evil, but know that it will be dealt with in due time. The light will shine again. Listen to your hearts and hear the power of good that will overcome the evil!”
Solaric pulls forth his Rhemoraz horn and blows a sweet note that fills the city inspiring hope and courage.
Diplomacy
__________________________________
Once Karcau’s Chosen reach the manor and Solaric greets the mayor politely and with a respectful bow.
"Well met, Sir. We have returned."
”I have ordered to close the gates. I will not allow that these cowards flee the city!”
Once, Solaric listens to the mayor’s tough talk rant, he replies calmly with the voice of true authority.
”With all due respect, Sir, the tighter you close your grip around your people, the more fear will engulf them and the more they will panic and flee. Let go of your own fear, and treat your citizens with trust and respect and you will see them arise to the challenge upon them. This is not a time for coercion and a strong fist. This is time for courage and a strong heart. If you open those gates, you will show them that you are not afraid, and that Carrion Hill will not fall to the evil that plagues this land. Trust me, and you will see the truth with which I speak.”
”What have you found out? We have to hurry up, you see what is going on, eh?”
”Indeed we have found out that the creature which plages your city is a Yog-Sothoth, a dark god of planes. It comes from the the Dark Tapestry, a realm between the stars...a very very dreadful plane where cosmic horrors and ancient gods dwell. It was summoned here by a group of five who call themselves the Keeper of the Old Ones. They used a stange book called the Pnakotic Manuscripts that they used to bring the creature to this realm. Tell us, good Sir, what do you know of these five individuals?”
"Well, becoming quite the knight we expect, bravo Solaric, bravo"
Victoria seems very satisfied with her friends performance.
Chuckling at Victoria's remark, Harl adds,"Looks like our friend has found his callin', hehehe."
Retcon - Reaction to Solaric's speech:
The chaotic worm of humans halts as Solaric begins to speak. Slowly the terror in some of the faces before you vanishes and is replaced by resolution.
After Solaric has ended, about half of the people turn around and make their way back to their homes, some men and women even take their weapons and militia uniforms out of their packed belongings and hasten to Crown Manor. With his inspiring speech the half-drof has surely turned some minds!
Now:
The mayor is shocked by your mentioning of an evil deity that destroys his city, without responding to your comments about how to run a city, he continues
Oh oh oh...I knew such a thing would happen some day. My father was mayor in Lepidstadt and then the monster came and murdered a dozen people and now I'm also haunted by the family curse...what? If I know someone of these five? Why didn't you ask Sergeant Joskul, he knows pretty much everyone in the whole city!
Retcon - During Solaric Speech:
Johenric standing next to Victoria and Pitr, he says:
Solarics speech is incredible and for sure he has been kissed by a goddess. Lets hope that the people believing in his speech will not regret staying here...
"Why didn't you ask Sergeant Joskul, he knows pretty much everyone in the whole city!"
"Perhaps, that was a mistake on our part. However, I thought it would be best to discuss the issue with you before we began asking too many questions. However, it sounds like you are not aware of these five. In regards to the family curse, do you think this is real and has anything to do with the happenings around here, or are you just expressing your rotten luck?"
Now at the manor
If I know someone of these five? Why didn't you ask Sergeant Joskul, he knows pretty much everyone in the whole city!
Johenric turns to the sergeant and ask:
Do you know anyone potentially being involved in this? I remember one with a long nose and long dark hair...
Johenric tries to find out if he knows something about Yog-Sothoth.
Knowledge Planes
Has Johenric heard something about the family curse being mentioned by the mayor about his father in Lepidstadt?
Knowledge History
@ Johenric:
You have heard of the beast of Lepidstadt, an intelligent flesh golem that murdered several people. You are not sure if the mayor's father was involved in the happenings.
You don't know anything about the Yog-Sothoth.
Joskul scratches the back of his nose and replies
Mhh, five? No can't help you with that, but the one you described was Baskherwell, a swamp druid who lived outside the city. I know he had some friends in the city...but....damn, I forgot their names...If I just wouldn't suffer from this terrible headache, just can't concentrate.
The mayor sighs and interrupts him
Family curse? Oh well, might be true, eh? Maybe I'm just cursed, but why does that beast not attack me then? And sergeant, try to concentrate harder, this is really important.
"Headache, huh? Might just be tension. You want me to roll a cigarillo for you. It might help you relax."
"Joskul, is it possible that you can tell us where this druid, Baskherwell, lived. Or even better, can you take us to his home?"
"Headache, huh? Might just be tension. You want me to roll a cigarillo for you. It might help you relax."
"Pitr! Why must you insist on smoking those terrible cigars! They may clear your mind, but they give the rest of us a blooming headache and infected lungs to go with it."
Turning to Joskul, the half drow elf comments, "Please don't mind Master Jendarne. Although he has improved greatly and he has been working on his vices, this is one habit that he can't seem to break! May I instead suggest drinking water for headaches. The purity of the liquid is refreshing and helps with circulation."
Out of curiosity, Victoria casts a Detect Magic on the poor sufferer of these 'headaches'.
"Have you had these headaches long...?"
Nah, not long, started when the stone hit me. This Baskerwhell fellow lived in the swamps, but I can't show you the place, all misty and creepy there. We should rather find his friends inside the city. What about checking the taverns...at least those that are still open...and begin asking for him?
"I had a feeling you would suggest taverns. My friends love to frequent these places." Solaric glances over at Kirk and Pitr briefly. "We will proceed there shortly. Is there a particular one that you would recommend?"
Try the Blind Seer, the place where you meet the most shady people in Carrion Hill.
Joskul replies.
"Very well, we will give it a try." Turning to two of his companions, he cannot help but mention the obvious. "Just remember, gentlemen, we are on business, not leisure!"
Turning back to Joskul he asks, "Would you like to accompany us there, Sergeant?"
The mayor pipes in
Surely, a guide will save precious time!
"...and time is of the essence."
"Ha, a tavern. I guess even crazy culists gotta drink."
Joskul grins and leads you back into the stream of people ^who follow this way and that like headless chickens. Joskul however, knows a lot of shortcuts and through narrow alleys and backyards guides you to the Blind Seer, a small, shabby building which once was painted white and is now rather brown. You are on the backside of the building in a small walled yard with several crates and barrels and an empty dog cage in it.
Ok, that's the backdoor. I think entering through it is a good idea, eh?
"What is wrong with the front door, my friend? I have nothing to fear, even if this is an establishment of ill repute! Is there something I should know about this place?"
"I know it isn't you style Solaric, but it's probably better if we maintain a low profile until we find who we're looking for. Actually, we know these cultists are involved with evil underworlders. Maybe Solaric can try and curb his holiness for just a minute and do a bit of spying."
"I am not use to all of this slinking about in shadows, but perhaps you are right. Ok, my friends. The back door it is!"
Johenric raises his hand.
Ah...not so fast - let us make use of our mental capabilities! It might be a good idea to make use of both doors. If we split ourself into two groups, one group could attract the attention, whereas the other group who used the back door could observe how the public is behaving? It has some charm to me. First the back-door group went in - Pitr and Kirk for sure. Lets say 15 minutes later the front-door group - Solaric being a symbol of the good - enters the room. During this, the back-door group might figure out some hints by observing the individuals belonging to the public who observes the front-door group. What do you think?
Johenric waits for the ours to response.
And having the group split could make it easier for the back-door group to get in contact with those persons we are looking for. They could start easily a discussion about the front door group - should not be too difficult for Pitr?
"Fifteen minutes is a long time without backup." Kirk seems to dislike the idea of splitting up when there's an evil god of planar power on the loose. "Best to stick together in case something happens."
"Kirk's suggestion is reasonable. Although I do like your idea, Johenric, I am aware that a paladin in the room can have this effect of causing all conversation to cease. In this case, perhaps it is better for me to tone down my bold entrance and my proclamation of justice and righteousness, and simply have a chat with the locals on who this Baskerwhell fellow is."
If you find one minute more suitable, do not be fixed on the fifteen minutes. It is about do we want this or not. If we believe this is too dangerous, we don't do it. However, as we are talking about a tavern and not a dungeon, I actual do not see such a big danger, but I see the potential benefit. Anyway, I leave it up to the group.
"The arrival of a cat at the front door might force one or two mice out the back. Perhaps a pair of us could wait at the other entrance a short while and see what happens. Kirk and I look like very unliley to be the comrades of a noble Paladin, so perhaps it could be a good ruse? We will simply try and stall anyone suspicious leaving, and if no one comes after a minute we will enter"
"Come Kirk, I feel completely safe in your good hands"
"Like I want to enter a bar with Chuckles here," Pitr points a thumb at Solaric. "Alright, as long as someone has the back door. Let's go."
"Ok Jendarne, so we'll enter the front door. But tell me, Pitr, how should I enter? Am I suppose to swagger in and keep quiet like you or should I go in as bold as brass and start talking up a storm as this paladin likes to do? In other words, do you want me to be subtle or be myself?"
"Let's just keep it subtle until we see what we're dealing with."
"Ok, then I'll follow your lead. I'll wrap my cloak around myself, hide my holy symbol and pretend I am some sort of enforcer or bounty hunter. I'm not good at lying, but I can try and be . . . well as you say, subtle. Ok, after you, good sir!"
"Alright," Kirk grumbles, and heads around around back with Victoria. He checks that the magical rapier is tucked safely in his belt, then stands a few feet from the back door.
"How long do we wait, or are we going inside first?"
"Let us just wait here a few moments and see if any suspicious looking people are making suspicious looking exits... we count to sixty and then we go in the back door and join the others. It might all be for nothing, but worth the short investment"
Pitr leads the way through the front door taking a good look around as he ambles over to the bar.
perception
You drag through the passing crowd and enter the Blind Seer. Inside you stumble right into some kind of speech a drunkard, standing on a table, is giving
...an' sho I shay, we kill de mayor an' burn down hish houshe to make thish nightmare end! What do you shay my friendsh?
The crowd of 50, mostly armed, listeners cheers and begins to press out of the door.
Not thirty seconds after Solaric promises to be subtle, he does the opposite. Upon hearing the mob form, he draws his sword and casts aside his cloak revealing his gleaming plate mail armor. Putting his great horn to his lips he fills the room with the magnificent noble sound to get everybody's attention.
Perform
"Hark, my friends. I Solaric Zekkaran have arrived and I see none too soon. I have come to Carrion Hill to put an end to this nightmare. So I ask that you sit down, my friends, make yourselves comfortable and hear what I must say to you!"
”I have fought ogres from the north, hoards of undead and I have smited evil villains including the infamous Rag Man of Karcau. My companions and I have served the fine people of Karcau, and now we are here to serve you! We have fought and we have freed those people of the evil fiends that once plagued their innocent. The evil flees at our sight in to the shadows, but we have cast the light of trust, justice, and all that is good upon those shadows. The light will prevail, my friends. I tell you again, the light will prevail. The evil in this land will fall. You can trust me there. I have told others in your town, and I will tell you a hundred times more, the light of truth, justice and goodness will fill your streets again!“
”Now, I must tell you that your mayor, in his infinite wisdom has summoned my companions and me to this fair city to put an end to this madness. This is a calling I am pleased to do. However, I need the support of noble people such as yourselves. Taking down the Mayor and his house will only work against our cause. United together, we will forge a mighty sword of truth, justice, and light in this town. I will be the sword tip that will smite the heart of the evil, but you, my friends, are the hilt of the blade that will destroy the fiend that terrorizes this town. Together, we are the unstoppable blade that will be talked about for generations to come. Like your ancestors, I now call on you to rise to the challenge that we all face and be brave as we forge this sword together."
”So it is at this time, I ask that you join with me and stay right here and in support of your mayor. Together we will forge the bond of friendship that will likewise forge the sword that will put an end to this evil realm. Yes, you heard me. Be safe here in the Blind Seer, and give the powers of light their chance to shine into the darkness! Do not run, but look within and trust to the good that will soon engulf the evil of this land! If you must leave, then return to your homes and be with your families! Speak to each other of faith and courage, and you will see that you are made of stronger stuff than you even know. Now, I Solaric Zekkaran, knight and priest of the blessed powerful Iomedae, call upon you to stand your ground and hear the calm power that flows within you all. I do not say to be foolish, but to let the calm spirit enter your hearts and know that all will be well! Do not fear the evil, but know that it will be dealt with in due time. The light will shine again. Listen to your hearts and hear the power of good that will overcome the evil!”
Diplomacy (with touch of Glory)