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Crossing the stone causeway across the water is easy enough, the rocks are slick but the path is of a width for it not to cause much difficulty. Once across and climbing up the steep bank, you are able to get a much better view of the surrounding area.
To the east and south east, hills roll on as far as you can clearly see, though there is almost no foliage upon them. They look like the dirt and rock scree like what you made your way up now.
South, things flatten out and become farmlands with the occasional building scattered between the fields. A small river meets the ocean a few miles west of you, a windmill rotating slowly turned by the water on its bank with the land turning to forest beyond that.
Bordering the river, just a little inland, is a fairly sizable village though only a few of the buildings have smoke rising up from their chimneys. Even from here, the town has clearly seen better days. Most of the structures are wooden, some clearly half fallen into collapse. There is some sort of town square surrounding a well of sorts, with occasional figures going about their business between structures.
Look there a town with living people. We can get a few answers there said sumak pointing his finger
Tenoch takes in the view. I certainly do not know of this place. That town looks... "That town looks like it's not in the best of conditions. Still, a working mill and some farmland, it shouldn't be overrun by bandits. The people must be undergoing a hardship of some sort," he muses. "Come let us be off. As Sumak has suggested, we may be able to find some answers."
"Well lets be on our way then.."
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Making your way down to the small village becomes even more clear that the town has seen better days. It must have been a fairly sizable town at one point, but you would be surprised if more than a couple hundred people live here now, even taking in the surrounding farms. The few villagers who pass within eyesight look at you with the passing curiosity that an insular town may always have for an outsider, but perhaps oddly they don't seem to be afraid of the rather odd makeup of the party, some of whom might draw attention of guards even in a big city.
The town square is little more than an open muddy space, cut with the ruts of wagon wheels, with a squat stone well in the middle. Off to one side is an inn, the largest building in the vicinity, whose sign proclaims it to be the Golden Nugget though its color has faded to a rust color. Opposite the inn is an open shop with baskets of dry goods set out front. An aged woman sat by the basket is mending a net and narrows her eyes at you. A half-block from the square, you pass the first stone building you've seen in town, which appears to be some sort of church, its walls covered in flowering vines, though as you walk by its clear it too is abandoned with a roof caved in.
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Saradel smiles and says to the others What a...charming...little village. There seems to be some sort of Antipathy effect in the town as well. She then walks over and heads into the Inn.
"Ah yes.. I wonder waht alignment or creature type is blocked? Hope its not one of us.. Come lets ask around for information on the sword and perhaps we should find out where we are.."
Walking over to the aged woman.. "Hello, can you please tell me whats the name of this town? And perhaps what provence we are in?" As she's asking she'll pull a single gold piece out of her pocket, making it visible..
As Tenoch walks into town he stumbles to a stop. What is this feeling? Have I been here before? I feel... I need... "Where? he whispers.
He catches up to the others and hearing Saradel and Selene talk, he looks confused. "Antipathy? Blocked? I do not understand. Did you two feel something as well? Your description doesn't fit the feeling I..." he pauses and slowly turns, trying to see if there is a directionality to the feeling that has come across him, or if he can identify anything or anyone visible as the source. Perhaps this is where I came from, and this is some feeling of... no... I did not see recognition in the eyes of the people... I... "... don't know."
The little information we can gain here will be of little value since it appears that we remember nothing
Sumak will dismount and head inside the inn
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"Ain't so sure where you are, eh? Not too many people come visit us anymore, specially not walking up from the shore. You in a ship that lost course and shipwrecked or something? You better not be some thugs from Caldraza. We don't put up with their sort. You best be knowing you are on Chillhame now and we don't like that sort!"
Her voice raises a bit towards the end there, and the door of a house across the street pushes over, an older man and boy not much out of his teens step out. Both have swords on their hips and bows over their shoulders and wear some armor. The boy starts to step forward but the older man gives a shake of his head causing the lad to sit down on a small barrel on the porch, letting them both keep an eye over the chat to ensure there isn't any trouble.
This two-storey inn smells of fish and is usually full to the brim with villagers drowning their sorrows in penny ale. The inn’s name may have dated from the time when the town was booming and now seems like an ironic joke; the only golden thing in the place is the smoke-stained ceiling.
While everyone else grows quiet around the room, one table of four men who are obviously several mugs in and all wearing various swords of leather armor and armaments look over at you. The one who must be the leader of them speaks up in a voice that causes the rest of the customers to quickly look back down at their own ales. "And just what the hell is this, hm? Where did the freaks come from? What are you doing in Bronce? We ain't got no welcome sign."
Really i so no such sign but since you are asking so nicely. We are escorting a nice lady who is doing research on Starkweather John for a book she is compiling. I am the cook, the Half orc is her body guard, the cat guy is a friend of hers and the girl with horn is an alchemist we picked up on the way as she is looking for specific herbs reagent that can only be found in Chillham. But right now we are all tired and hungry from a long walk. Oh and this is Fred the pack Dog who carries most of our camping gear and myself.
Wouf !
Saradel bristles, and looks hard at the man. Freaks?! You must be looking at your reflection in your libation good sir. Turning to the Innkeeper she curtsies and says A pleasant morning to you sir. We require rooms in your excellent establishment should there be vacancy. Also, food and drink would not go amiss. Smiling she lays down two gold pieces. A round of drinks for your patrons for their warm welcome as well.
Moving close to ruffle Fred's head Sumak will whisper
he smiles and then add
True Innkeeper you can ready a table for five if you don't mind.
She smiles and hands the lady the coin.. "Well to be honest we're kinda lost.. We were sent in this direction by my patron to do some specific research on a man and his sword. We hope we can actually find the weapon and as such i would greatly appreciate any information you could give me.. Yalls little town is the first we've seen so naturally we came to get our bearings and a bite to eat possibly.."
"Do not worry yourself Miss for we are not bandits from Caldraza.. Nor are we bandits in general.. As i said, Researchers!"
"Now would you happen to know of a Folk Hero by the name of Starkweather John perhaps? He is the man my patron sends us to look for, umm well his sword anyways.. She holds out 2 more coins for the lady to see.."
Rusigari nods as Saradel identifies the feeling to the rest of the party.
That's...odd. Quite a powerful spell for such a small and seemingly poor village. Wonder who they're trying to keep out? And more importantly...who could have cast the spell?
Rusigari corroborrates Sumak's story, leaning relaxedly against the counter.
"Yes, indeed. We're trying to uncover the history of something called the "Sword of Starkweather John", quite a fascinating tale I'm sure...except nobody we've talked to so far has known a thing about it. We've tried villages like these all over the world, following rumors, but with no luck so far. The inhabitants are always so...dull, you know? And if I'm being honest, none too bright either. But as soon as we saw this place, I knew! There's a higher caliber of villager here, yes indeed, I can just sense it. You seem like such a smart lady, wise in the ways of the world. Surely YOU'VE heard something, madame?"
Tenoch finally shakes himself out of his reverie and looks around, trying to find his companions. He sees Selene and Rusigari talking to the old woman and the door to the inn closing behind the others.
About to head towards the inn as well, he pauses when the old woman's voice raises and the door behind her opens allowing two men well, a man and a boy to appear with seeming aggression. Tenoch takes a step in that direction but stops when he sees the older man, keep the younger from being brash. Perhaps they are just there to protect the woman, should things turn south, since she bacame rather agitated. Perhaps I'll stay nearby to make sure things remain... peaceful.
Tenoch takes a couple more slow steps in their direction and stops, still several yardsaway, close enough to get there should there be trouble, but not close enough to hear much more than snippits of the conversation, aside from where voices become raised.
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She reaches out impressively quick and snatches the two coins out of Selene's hand, tapping them together before tucking them away somewhere. "I can't imagine it is all that surprising if nobody you've talked to elsewhere would have known about Starkweather John. Kind of a folk hero I guess for those what believe in that sort of thing. They say that there was some war that spilled over to our island a long time ago. John had been part of some fellowship that struck some big blows to their upper command. By the time the fight got this far, John went face to face with some sort of black skinned spell flinger who tried to take the town. Supposedly when John showed up they took off and made for the little island north east of here. John cut him down and but was left with poisoned wounds that even the clerics of the flower lady couldn't patch up. Died right in her church."
She points at the collapsed stone building just down the street. "Roof gave out before I was born, they stopped caring about that sort of stuff so much when the mines ran out I guess. Father Bronson came in a few years ago hopin' to fix it up, but I think he expected us to have a little coin to chip in. Got here and his house basically became the new church. Heh." Pausing as if realizing she got a bit off track, she shakes her head and gives a little shrug. "No idea what happened to Starkweather after all that. There is a cemetery behind the church, could have been buried there I guess. Graves are just crosses there though so I wouldn't know. Father might know more I guess, he follows bledwiesse and John was considered sacred to her at the time by her temple. But he's an outsider too, so who knows what he actually knows."
"Well thank you very much for the info Madam?" Turning to Rusigari.. "I deffintitely think we should talk to Father Bronson on the subject.. Shall we join the others for some food first?" As she turns she notices the man talking to Tenoch.. "Oh well hello friend! So very nice to make your acquaintance.. My names Selene.. And you are?" She curtsies to the man..
He turns to the man talking to Tenoch and gives a little half-wave/salute.
"Greetings there, sir. I am Ruisgari Rashiska, Sorcerer and researcher into the tales of the past, pleased to meet you!"
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He glances over towards the tavern keeper, dipping a hand in his pouch and pulling out a few coins which he drops on the counter. "Sounds like these fine folks are wanting some dinner and a room. Make sure they are well fed and I'm sure Jinnie will get them settled in for the night."
That cruel smirk returns as he looks back at the tiefling and gives her a nod of his head. "Keep in mind my business proposition, eh? And sleep well." He offers a wink at that before motioning to the other three again who quickly finish off their drinks and raise up to their feet and the four begin to make their way out.
"Fair enough, officer, we're not looking for any trouble. We'll make sure to avoid the local color then."
Rusigari shoots the man a smile.
She then goes over and sits at the table, smiling at the other townspeople.
Tenoch pauses for a moment before looking at the constable inquiringly. "Please allow me to apologize for my ignorance as I believe that I may not be from around this area," he begins, Strange statment to make..., "so I don't know the laws of this town... But if this man and his ilk are thugs that squeeze what I can see, just by the state of the buildings, is an already troubled population... Why do you not, as the representative of the law, arrest him and his men? Bring them to justice, so to speak."
Trouble? Oh we're not here for any trouble i assure you.. Quite the opposite really we are looking for infomation on a most famous person, a mister Starkweather John! The lady over there was kind enough to send us towards Father Bronson for more infomation.. Would you perhaps have anything to add, information wise?
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The constable sighs a bit as he watches them walk down the street, disappearing up towards the north back towards the coast where you came from. "Need certain things to corral someone like that. Can know lots of things without any proof of it and frankly nobody in town is going to talk about Jim's activities to me. Quite honestly I'm getting up there in years and while the kid here has heart but he's still getting his sword arm in shape. I don't look forward to the day some proof does come forward. But if your friend scorned him, I'd be careful and watch yourself. You wouldn't be the first outsider who has disappeared in town without much proof and Jim and his lad's aren't slouches."
He blinks a bit at Selene's question, tilting his head some. "Starkweather John? You're stirring up all this over some old legend. All I know is that his tale is a headache for me. The superstitious believe that our town hasn't seen any attacks or trouble like other parts of Chillhame because he still protects us in spirit. Leaves little respect for my job when people think a damn drunk is the one patrolling the streets at night and watching our outskirts."
Once the table is taken, most of the villagers seem to try their best to keep their eyes to their own mugs. Its difficult enough to take in outsiders, no less ones who seem to be on their way to getting disappeared by the local toughs.
After a few minutes, a plane girl in her mid-twenties comes over with a tray of mugs of simple ale as well as servings of a stew. "You and your folks will be in the first two rooms upstairs when you look to settle." She adds quietly under her breath "It ain't so wise to rile up Jim like that. He's not just some drunk or something, he's got a lot of pull around here and his boys were all soldiers. You might want to do what you can to make good."
Soldier you don't say and in what regiment might that have been? speaking in a softer voice so that only she can hear: Are they the local protectors or just the local bully, thugs my dear? he says with his most charming smile.
"Did he just call us freaks? How rude! That shows how unintelligent he really is, for racisim is a true sign of it.. Anyways, thank you for your time Davan and i promise we will start no trouble while in oyur town.. But at the same time we will not be bullied by some ignorant thug.. Now, good day to and your man.. Come on guys lets get something to eat.."
Walking towards the inn Selene will enter and look for her other companions.. Once she finds them.. Did yall hear that ass call us freaks out there? So very very mean that is.. And what was the proposal he was talking about?" Turning to the bartender.. "Oh Hi! My name is Selene, so nice to meet you.. Could we perhaps purchase something to eat miss?"
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When those outside step into the inn, Sumak and Saradel are sitting at a table with mugs of ale set up around and bowls of stew in front of them. The inn is quite full but most of the villagers are staying quiet and seem to be focusing on their drinks. A barmaid is at the table having words with them, though she seems to be trying to slink away as the bartender is eyeing her in annoyance.
Louder Just a moment Barkeep, the woman who just got to sit with us need to order !
in a softer voice so that only the girl can hear:
Be honest with us. They nodding toward the rest of the party can handle themselves rather well. So i'll ask straight up, do you yourself consider them an asset to the town or a burden you have no idea how to get rid off?
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The barmaid glances back towards the tender for a moment before answering quickly. "Look, Jim is my husband's brother, whatever trouble he may cause. I'm sure he gets into plenty of mischief, but he mostly leaves the townsfolk alone beyond charging too much for his mill. But it isn't like there are any other mills around so I don't know that things would change if anyone else took it over."
Very well then, the half orc will have to behave i guess. He only fights evil people and oppressors. Its some kind of Vow he made although i can't seem to understand for the love of the Gods why he replies with a smile
Rusigari follows everyone else into the inn.
"I don't know Sumak, these people look pretty oppressed to me." he whispers "The only person who'll speak a bad word about that thug and his crew is the constable. I think we may have to watch out backs."
Up to you. I don't really care one way or the other as long as he isn't trying to end my life. I am just a halfling we are just a chicken stealing people and live the big problems to the longshanks. he replied with a smile
Tenoch looks at the constable sadly. "So you know of things, and that man may even have done some ill deed towards another visitor to the town, but without proof, your hands are tied. We will keep our eyes open for anything that may help in that regard. And should it, or some finding of your own lead to an arrest, please let me know and I will do what I can to assist in his capture. But for now, I shall join my friends to find out more. Stay safe, constable."
Tenoch then walks into the inn and looks around to find his colleagues. Taking a seat with him he looks at the two who were in here first. "It seems you two found some adventure. We saw that fellow, Jim, outside, and he mentioned something about considering a business proposal. From what I've heard of the man, I expect it was not something particularly palatable."
Looking to the group.. "Well lets push aside all the bully mess, for i found out some decent information on Mr. Starkweather.. Apparently a long time ago he was a badass and after being mortally wounded he died in this very town.. There's a crumble church down the that apparently he died in.. There's a priest, Father Bronson, that now runs the church to Bledwiesse out of his home and i was told he might know more.. I was also told that Starkweather might be burried in the old church's cemetary, or perhaps under the rubble of the church itself.. So we have some clues to follow on the marrow.."
That and some more trouble Sumak grumble under his breath
Saradel takes the other room, bedding down and taking similar precautions to Sumak after that lout Jim threatened her and called her a freak. The gall of the man! Settling herself on one of the beds, she spends a good portion of the night reading before finally passing out in her formulae book.
"Oh oh! I'll bunk with Saradel! Been a while since i had a sleep over lol.. I usually sleep under the stars with a leaf pillow.."
Saradel looks over as Tenoch walks up and says The man is a blustering bully who doesn't deserve to have fine people such as this under his thumb. He kept talking about his "cut" and such moronic things. He is one to be watched but other than that I don't know much about him. What did you find out?