Semus, who had been waiting at the Wounded Crow for some time, saw the crowd gather long before the Herald appeared.
People hear what they want to hear, and thus some wouldn't not like the Herald's tale, Semus didn't expect things would get out of hand though.
Semus pulling one of his axes from his belt as he moves in front of the Herald, he gets ready to chop at anyone that gets past the knight and the elf. At the same time, he looks for an opening in the crowd that would facilitate a retreat if needed.
Before Drake can act one of the rabble tried to punch him.
And misses his mark
The last thug tries to kick the kender
And does non lethal
Drake slams the thug that attacked him with the butt of his sword on his forehead. The force of the blow causes him to stagger backward and fall backward off the stage to the ground unconscious and a large bruise. He then gives an intimidating speech and glare to the other thugs.
The Nerakan commoners seeing one of their number wounded by a man eating plant and another slammed in the face by a warrior with a massive sword, decide they are outclassed there and flee the stage. Semus with his keen senses is able to find a route though the crowd to get the Hearld to the relative safety of a nearby alley. as for the Dark Knights, they are occupied beating down protesters with saps and are not playing attention to the party in particular.
Seren sighs, then asks in Khur, "What exactly were you thinking, master Herald, that provoked you to tell that particular tale when there were Nerakans in the crowd?" The Qualinesti sighs again, somewhat exasperated. At least the Dark Knights aren't attacking them. Yet. He looks to the protesters, expression somewhat sad. He knows he cannot help them yet, but... watching them being beaten by the evil knights disgusted him. "I wish we could help..." He mutters in Common. "In any case..." He turns his attention back to the Herald. "Are you wounded? Can we help?"
The old Herald recovers from his dazed state and is lead to the back alleyway with the aid of the party. He says in common "Oh yes, I think I am allright. It does appear that the Nerakians are still rather bitter about the truths of the events that transpired not so long ago. Perhaps I should have shown more tact in the histories I chose to reveal in this town."
He takes a moment to get his bearings and looks at the group looking all of you over and giving you a wide eyed glade. He says, "I know you. I have seen you all before in my visions. Serenatholos of the Qualenesti, Semus of Kendermore, Clarabibulus of Mount Nevermind, Datura of the Kagonesti, Terevalis of the White Robes and Drake Squire of the Knights of Solmnia. You are the reason I have come to this town of Pashin. But we shall not speak here. Do you know of a safe place we can go?"
Clara is still fidgeting with the mutagen in her hand, but is relieved that Drake was able to get the thugs to back off.
When the Herald says her name, her eyes widen. Maybe it really IS true; maybe I WILL be a Great Adventurer like Grampa Umbilicus...
Her usual zest seems to flow back into her face and chest.
"Great Herald, several of us are staying at the Five Dragons, and the innkeeper seems to be a fair and reasonable woman. Would you like to follow us there?"
The Herald says, "Oh yes, the Five Dragon inn. It sounds like a pleasant enough place. You know Takhisis had five dragon heads when she was alive. I bet she spent countless hours arguing with herself. After all five heads, five minds, ho ho ho." He chuckles to himself a bit and then says, "What were we talking about again? Oh yes, the Five Dragon Inn. Let us go there then. I could use a drink of that Khur coffee this land is known for. Wakes you right up it does." He taps his staff and says, "Welp, time's a wasting destined ones. Lets get a move on." and he starts heading down the alleyway.
Seren scratches his head quietly, wondering whether or not the man is befuddled by the heat, his age, and the blow to his head. Sighing, he sets it aside and begins to follow the Herald up the alleyway. "Excuse me... But what exactly do you herald? Or for whom are you a herald?" He asks politely, though he has no doubt the old man will try to evade the question. It wouldn't be mysterious if he told the 'destined ones' what exactly he represented. It simply wouldn't do.
A Sense Motive might give Seren more insight into the man. As you travel toward the inn he says, "I have lived a long for a man good Serenatholos and followed many paths. In my youth I was an inquisitive boy wishing to know the truth of the world we live in. As an adult I followed the path of High Sorcery taking up the Robes of the White and mastering the art of Divination to better understand the flow of fate and the will of the gods. I fought for the forces of good as a White Wizard. I fought side by side with evil during the Chaos War to help defeat a greater evil. And then in the Gods departure I retired from my wizardry days to become a Sage and historian in this dark new age. Now the visions have returned and they have led me here and to all of you."
The young elf arches a brow. A former Wizard of High Sorcery? Most unusual, especially for one to still be so spry, as it were, in his old age. Not many had kept their robes when the three moons vanished, and had instead embraced the ways of 'wild' sorcery, which Seren, in theory, practiced himself. He examines the elderly man closely, eyes narrowing slightly. He is not suspicious, yet, but the man was curious, most... curious. Of course he was. That was the nature of such people, the bard realizes, laughing inwardly. "You have indeed lived a very long time, good Herald, but you did not really answer my question. Perhaps I'll give you another that you'll like more?" He laughs, taking any sting from his words. "How did you come to be known as the Herald?" He also examines the man for any sign of where he might be from, whether it is in his manner of speech, his body shape, or anything else.
Seran's bardic knowledge and geography skills give him little to go on as the Qualinesti are rarely well informed on the affairs or figures of humanity. As for your sense motive you think the old man is a bit senile in his old age and seems quick to lose himself in random thoughts at times. He does have a weathered look in his eyes of someone who has seen a lot in his life so his mind being a bit addled is to be expected.
"Herald? I don't recall ever working in a kings court in my travels." He then thinks and gathers his words "Oh my title, 'The Herald' oh yes well I traveled the land as a Sage telling numerous tales of the history of Krynn. As I spread the teachings of history to others the people began calling me 'the Herald' and it became the name that I was remembered by. Not my real name don't you know but good enough to be addressed by I suppose.
Herald, I have heard it said that you are Astinus, the fabled Chronicler of Krynn's history who disappeared when the Dragon Queen stole the world.
He chuckles at the comment made by Terevalis, "Ah so you're versed in some of the rumors I see Terevalis. There is many names I am called by. In the end who I am is meaningless. What matters is who you think I am. Let me tell you the tale of Harrowvale. There was a common man named Tanis who organized the people of the village to fend off an invasion of goblins. The man named Tanis was neither brilliant nor a skilled warrior. But because he lead the people of his village to victory and shared the same first name as Tanis Half-Elven, the village believed he was truly Tanis Half-Elven, Hero of the Lance. Such is the error that names can bring."
I was just a mere apprentice in Silvanesti when the Chaos War broke out. Though I had the opportunity to study with the elven mages, how wonderful to be able to step in the fabled halls of the Towers of High Sorcery. The magic you must have seen.
Datura feels a little upset that the fight didn't last longer, mainly just because he was kind of hoping to not waste the gift granted to him by the World Mother. He is happy to feel her presence after her absence for so long, and decides to let the power remain until it wears off instead of dismissing it, so that he can enjoy his connection to her. The years he was without seemed endless.
He is uncertain how this human man knows his name, but it seems his cousins are taking care of the questioning. He will just sit back and listen, keeping an eye out for any dangers as they escort the man back to the inn they stopped at earlier.
The group eventually reaches the Five Dragon Inn and enters. The Herald walks in and Emaline's eyes widen when he enters, "By the Gods are you the herald that the town has been abuzz about?"
He bows slightly and says, "It is a name I am know as. May I have a seat at a table and one of your fine Khur Coffee drinks?"
Emaline says excited, "Oh most certainly!" and quickly whipes off a table, prepares a seat then heads off to get the Herald his coffee.
The Herald takes a seat on the chair and stretches a bit, "Oh these old bones are not like they were in my youth. Now the Towers of High Sorcery now that's a place. The Tower of Wayreth is a beautiful structure, full of knowledge and magics of the ages. It is shame about the Tower of Nightlud though, who knows what knowledge still lies in its dark halls."
Clara looks expectantly at the old human.
"Herald, you said we are the reason you came to Pashin. Can you explain?"
Seren smiles faintly at the gnome's question, wondering whether he should add in his say. No doubt it was because they were to be great heroes of some sort... A White Robe, a Knight of Solamnia to be, a... gnome, an afflicted kender, a druid, and himself? An unlikely group of heroes, indeed... But who knows? He laughs inwardly, letting the Herald explain himself.
Drake is pleased that the thugs backed off and no one was hurt in the altercation. He listens intently to the Herald speak on the way back to the inn. When there is a lull in the conversation Drake will ask Great Herald, have you any news on Palanthas or Solamnia in general?
The Herald would fall more into Knowledge: Local or Knowledge: History. The Herald gets his cup of khur coffee and takes a drink of the coffee and looks to the group.
"Yes I am here because of you. In my dreams I had a vision of an elven object once held in the Palace of Quinari, in the kingdom of Silvenesti. I then saw a vision of you six traveling into a forest and confronting the man who holds it, a former squire of the Dark Knights, an evil man named Pegrin. The item was stolen from the palace during his cowardly flight from Silvanost. The item takes the form of a six sided box and is a key to something long lost. It is up to you brave heroes to retrieve the key and find what it unlocks, for the gods wish the key to be in your hands. This is all I can tell you."
"We've heard of him! In fact only a few hours ago we agreed to bring him to justice. We don't yet have a good lead on how to find him though. Do you have any insight on his whereabouts, or how to track him down?"
The Hearld says, "The man you seek lies to the south of Pashin in the outlining woodlands of the Silvenesti Forest roughly a days travel from here. Rather intelligent actually considering few would risk getting close to the forest with all those Minotaurs about. An excellent hiding spot for bandits seeking to hide from the local authorities. Be careful you don't drift too far into the forest though. The Minotaurs are not to kind to those they find milling about in the forest."
"Especially elves." The Qualinesti says grimly, eyes hard. "Thank you for your information..." Although it almost seemed too convenient... He shrugs inwardly and smiles a little.
"Datura, do you recall whether Aranol went south from Pashin?" Seren asks quietly, looking to the Kagonesti. "I suspect he may be using his knowledge of the forest... if he has any, to aid these foul criminals in their attempts to take travelers and their goods." He leans back in his chair, considering. "I believe that most of us are still ready... should we attempt to strike out today?" He looks to his companions, eyes sparkling.
We should head out immediately.
Semus who had been quietly listening to the information just handed to them, speaks to the Herald.
Sir Herald, In your dreams, did you see me?, are you certain? there are many kenders in Pashin.
Expecting a nod from the old man, Semus continues, Did you happen to see how many people are in Pegrin's gang?
Semus attempts to recall of a place, within the described distance and direction that would serve as a hideout for Pegrin and his gang.
I think I have a reasonable idea of where they might be, I can lead you there. He says to the rest of the group...
The Herald nods and says says, "Indeed I did Semus. As I have said I have seen all of you in my dream. Quite a motley crew but who I am to question the visions fate chooses to reveal to me. You have a vital role to play for you have many skills and abilities that the others will require to succeed."
Indeed with the Knowledge: Geography roll you think you know of a good place where the men could be hiding in the forest.
For once, Terevilas and I are in complete agreement. ;)
Seren nods appreciatively at Semus. "Very good. I knew we'd appreciate your presence soon enough..." He leans back in his chair, taking a deep breath. "I only asked earlier because I know that wizards need to prepare their spells, and I was unsure if Terevalis needed to prepare spells for battle, in which case we could wait until tomorrow. If everyone is confident, then let us go." He stands, looking to the Herald. "Any final words of wisdom for us, Master Herald?" Or seeming wisdom, he adds privately, scratching his cheek idly. He must have something, surely, after all... If he didn't, then he wouldn't fulfilling his role as mysterious prophecy bearer. Then it strikes him to wonder whether or not the man's visions were truly reliable, or if they were just... conveniently supplied by someone else. Seren smiles, pushing the thought aside for now.
The Herald says to the group, "I have told you all I can my friends. Your first task is to retrieve the key. My advice is that after you retrieve the key you seek someone with knowledge of elven relics. As for myself I will rest here for a while before I head off to the Wounded Crow. I have the best room in the inn and tavern set aside for me and I would not like to waste the hospitality so generously offered. Good luck noble heroes."
Clara glups slightly, and says "Brave and true compatriots, let us be off on our Great Adventure."
"Semus, can you lead us toward this place? I don't know these roads. Shall we be traveling in plain sight, or trying to make it there covertly? I've made it a point to learn how to be unobtrusive when I need to be."
Kagonesti, perhaps your plant shall feast well when we are done!
So barring any additional actions the party wishes to undertake the group leaves the inn and heads toward the south gate of Pashin. Along the way however the group witnesses something. A trio of dark skinned Ergothians have a common dress Kender man and a young kender child dressed in a ragged blue dress cornered. Semus recognizes the man as Kelwick and his daughter Mayleaf, the family he's been staying with. He holds a filthy dagger at the ready and keeps Mayleaf behind her. Mayleaf is obviously frightened.
The head Ergothian man has a Scimitar drawn and looks angrily at them.
He says in accented common, "I KNOW that little thieving brat stole my coin purse last night. Saw some little scamp like her sneaking around the bar. Don't deny it, ya kender are all a bunch of thieves! Hand over what ya stole or I'll be taking my money out of yer hide!"
Kelwick says, "Please sir! My daughter did not steal your money."
The man yells "LIAR! All you Kender are thieving bastards with quick fingers! Ya skamp stole me pouch and I want my coin!"
Semus pulls one of his Axes and runs up to Kelwick, pointing at the leader with his axe he snarls enraged Not all Kenders are thieves, some know how to fight, you so much as touch that Girl, and I'll chop your fingers and feed them to your friends!
What is going on here gentlemen? Do you mean to attack two kender, including a child(!), in the streets? Look at her, she is terrified. Put your weapons away, calm down, and lets talk about this civilly.
Seren puts his hand over his face, regretting the kender's presence already, albeit not in the way that one might have usually expected. "Calm yourself Semus!" He calls, moving forwards as well, before he turns to the Egrothian. "Begging your pardon sir, but what evidence, beyond the fact that these two are indeed kender, do you have that the young one stole your purse? I am sure this is a misunderstanding." He curses his own interfering nature silently as he speaks though. "Please, calm yourself. I am sure these things can be resolved with words, not swords." He looks meaningfully at Semus. "Or axes."
The word of Drake assisted by Seren convinces the man to stand down. He sheathes his scimitar and the men turn to Drake and Seren. "Right, lets talk about this civilally then. You seem like a law abiding individual. That girl there is a thief who stole my money. I was near broke as it was before the theft. Now I have no money and its all that little scamp's fault. I want back what she stole from me, ten steel."
Semus turns to Mayflower and whispers in Kender Did you steal from this one Mayleaf, tell me... I am not mad at you, you don't need to speak, just blink if you did he says kindly.
Mayleaf does not blink, she just shakes her head and looks scared at the burly men who threatened her and Kelwick.
When Semus says that the man shoots him a glance and says, "I may work for money but I am no thief, unlike you thiefving pickpockets. What is there to take from a Kender than what they have already stolen from someone else. I Rember seeing this kid sneaking around the bar and then my purse was gone. She is the one that has my coin!"
You could roll sense motive to see if he is lying about this.
Datura corrects Seren's question, "No, the man I tracked was heading east. He could have turned south, but we didn't follow far enough to see. If he is with this Pegrin, then we will meet him there." When they discuss supplies and when they intend to leave he adds, "I know some of you say to leave now, but it is late in the day already, is it not? Also, how well stocked are you for a trip through the sands? I can often easily find food for me and Awd, and through the wisdom of the World Mother can produce my own water. Are the rest of you prepared for a day through the desert? If it's a day's travel to get there, we will have to stop halfway through and make camp in the desert. If we leave in the morning, we could arrive by nightfall."
Datura doesn't get involved, Seren and Drake having already jumped in, and he doesn't have much of an opinion on it. He wasn't there, so doesn't know who is or isn't telling the truth. The Kender are known for taking things, even when they are unaware of it. He does offer one question, "Were you drinking when you saw her? Alcohol does dim the senses you know?"
So the evidence you have is she was there, and later your coin purse was missing. Did anyone actually witness her take your coin purse, or are you merely making assumptions based on racial stereotypes? For all you know it could have been some Nerakan cutpurse to make off with your coins without you even knowing.
Also a sense motive to see if he is lying (although I doubt it, I'm pretty sure he believes himself that she did it, even if those arent the facts) or to sense anything else about the man.
From the sense motive Drake get that YES the man was robbed and he is very upset about it and looking for someone to blame. He probably remembers someone dressed in blue but from what he has said about being down on his luck Drake gets the idea that he probably had a lot to drink that night so his memory was likely fuzzy of the details.
The man listens to Drake and Datura and then stutters as he has the realization they might be right. "Well..er I did have a few drinks last night. Can't be sure he was her but I don't see a lot of people in blue dresses around town and... well she's a Kender. Of course she's done it. Or... it could be those Nerakans, they're shifty fellas."
Right, you go get those Nerakans... good luck!
Semus, sighs in relief and thanks his companions with a nod.
You guys stay out of trouble, I'll be out town for a few days he says to Mayleaf and her father.
The man looking disappointed about not getting any of his money back out of this and realizing that causing conflict here would end badly for him says, "Right. Maybe I've got the wrong person. I'll go looking for the culprit elsewhere. I have my eyes on you sneaky buggers though. Don't think I won't thump the next kender who tries to get their greezy little hands near my purse.
He looks to his companions, says something in Ergothian and signals for them to go. The men give a glare back for a moment before leaving with their friend further into the town.
Kelwick says, "Thank you Semus." he looks to the others "And thank the rest of you as well. You may have saved my daughter and myself from those angry men. I assure you my daughter stays close to me and I do not let her near any taverns. This certainly was a case of mistaken identity. Indeed things for the Kender in Pashin has become progressively worse. Just yesterday the Dark Knights tossed three Kender out of town due to accusations of thievery. Things are getting more and more difficult for our people by the day."
He looks back to Semus, "So heading out for a few days huh? Well don't blame you for doing so. Getting some time out in the wilderness will do you good and get you away from the troubles of Pashin. Wish I could do something for you for helping me out but I don't have a lot of coin and my home is not large enough to provide a place to sleep for the rest of your friends. But if there is something I can do for you in the future, don't be afraid to ask. ok?"
Before the men leave Drake will give him 5 steel. I hope you get back on your feet, and this is a reminder to not jump to conclusions in the future.
He then gives 5 steel to Kelwick after he mentioned to Semus that they are having a hard time, saying compassionately I hope this helps.
The man eagerly accepts the money from Drake, his spirits brightened that he has at least something back from what he lost "Thank you sir. I am Hogart of Ergoth and it is rare to see such generosity in this town. Be sure I shall be more careful in the future and make sure I find the right villain rather than make accusations. Good day to you."
With that he leaves looking at least somewhat better dispositioned than before the incident.
Kelwick also takes the money but does not grab it immediately giving a look of 'are you sure' before seeing Drake's resolve and taking the money. The money goes into his pouch and you say, "My word! Five steel. This shall feed my family for more than a fortnight. Thank you sir.", He bows.
Seren smiles quietly as the others resolve the situation without his aid. It is a mark of a master to have others do things for themselves, indeed... Or at least, that was something one could learn from E'li's example. "I am glad that was resolved. Perhaps we should move on?" He "drops" some coin of his own (the same five steels worth), for the kender child, winking at her subtly.
"Rise, let us be on our way.
The party moves its way through town and leaves Pashin by the south gate heading off into the desert. Thankfully as it is "Winter" and late afternoon the party has no problem with the heat. Enough time passes that the bruises from the brawl earlier have healed (Remove all subdual damage from your characters) About half-way through they journey the sand turns into grass although the sun is setting by then and the heavens begin to shine. The moons positions at the moment are:
Solinari: Waxing Crescent (Between 18 and 1)
Lunitari: High Sanction, Full (Position 10)
Nuitari: High Sanction, Waxing Gibbous (Position 7)
After a few more hours of travel, the ground is covered with a light sheet of snow and the trees in the area are progressively getting thicker. With the aid of Semus and his tracking skills, the group finds some signs of travel and follows the footprints. Eventually the group sees a bright firelight shining through the trees and vague signs of tents through the tree cover. What does the party do?
Ah yes, here is the map link.