| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Sheaorlis waits patiently until everyone has taken their share from the armoury and after seeing no one is interested in the smaller weapons he replies. "We have no need of your weapons. I hope you'll keep your end of the bargain. I will discuss with the local ruler to give you safe passage."
"Stone, do you still have power to create the waves of healing light? I fear we will distress the people in the town if they see us looking like this."
"Yes I can. Are you all ready to receive the Embrace of the General's Wing's"
Displaying the sign of the crossed wings, the Cleric Channels his patrons life energy to his allies.
The party exits the Blood Vow lair, led by the silver-tongued Nighttail the Glib, as the tribe's new chieftain. The sun is still high in the sky and blinds you momentarily as you emerge from the caves. Once your pupils re-calibrate so you can see clearly, you notice that the prisoners you had released didn't wait around. Hopefully they made their way back to Belhaim safely. The kobolds you encountered outside the lair, however, are mostly where they were.
Nighttail bids you goodbye, adding, "...In a few days' time, we'll be long gone... and, take it as you will, but I hope our paths never cross again."
She waits until the party is out of sight before calling the tribe's medics to aid the unconscious kobolds.
She reach the edge of Belhaim sometime after noon. Do you return to the baroness' manor to give your report?
”Let us return and give our report. Afterwards though, I feel a hot bath, a glass of chilled wine and a chance to get to know you all better would be a welcome opportunity.”
The cleric says as the party moves away from the Kobold warren.
”I suppose we will also need to think about how we can collapse the tunnels so that something worse than Kobolds doesn’t move in, shudder the thought.”
"I agree. At least on the hot bath and the wine! And I'm sure Jori here knows how to blow stuff up." Thomas laughs out loud.
Sheaorlis frowns at the two when he hears their plans.
"No one is going to do any collapsing of tunnels until the kobolds have left the premises and we receive proper approval from the owner of this land. We should also seek some help for the transportation of the bodies of our comrades Stone, they fought bravely and deserve a better burial."
"While I agree they should be recovered, we are going to need some ladders, tools, ropes and body wraps on hand before we can do that safely without falling into a pit or getting crushed under a bolder ourselves."
"I also need to drop this bang stick off to Bookworm and maybe get a book on Draconic. I think Nighttail may have been trying to tell us off at the end, but I am not sure."
"And I wasn't proposing dropping the tunnels on them right now, just when they clear out. If goblins or bandits don't move in some farm kids will. This place is an attractive nuisance left empty."
The party makes their way up to the manor to report to the baroness. Much like the baroness herself, the regal estate stands dignified, yet humble, finely crafted stone bricks hiding behind thick vines.
The same servant greets you as before, leading you to the familiar parlor where the Lady Devy sits. She remains stony-faced even as the party enters, still bearing the evidence of the bloody toll this day has taken. Her eyes bounce from one of you to the next.
"So, it seems the two dispatches joined forces. Yet you return so soon? And two of your number are absent. Tell me," her eyes fix on the cleric, "where is your dwarven friend? And the ifriti, what of him? Please, tell me everything."
She leaves the question hanging there, but her eyes remain steadfastly on Stone.
The party makes their way up to the manor to report to the baroness. Much like the baroness herself, the regal estate stands dignified, yet humble, finely crafted stone bricks hiding behind thick vines.
The same servant greets you as before, leading you to the familiar parlor where the Lady Devy sits. She remains stony-faced even as the party enters, still bearing the evidence of the bloody toll this day has taken. Her eyes bounce from one of you to the next.
"So, it seems the two dispatches joined forces. Yet you return so soon? And two of your number are absent. Tell me," her eyes fix on the cleric, "where is your dwarven friend? And the ifriti, what of him? Please, tell me everything."
She leaves the question hanging there, but her eyes remain steadfastly on Stone.
Before reentering the manor Shearolis dusts off his clothes and tries to wipe any bloodstains he could see on the leather armour and on the weapons.
When asked about the fate of his companions, Sheaorlis looks at the ground ashamed that he couldn't do more for the group. And although he opens his mouth to try to explain what happened the inquisitor waits for his turn throwing a side-look at the cleric.
Thomas never liked the old lady.
"Yeah, we showed them good. We did spare some and they left for good. Why did you think that we were fast? After all you did send two groups and we shared the trouble."
Joriannika was unusually silent, thinking about the kobolds and the ex-slaves, and the Baroness herself. She did watch the woman carefully, judging her response.
Hanzo didn't trust easily, and he didn't waste any of it on nobles. He glanced at Stone, wondering why the Baroness had singled him out; was the cleric in trouble with the law again? Was that why he had come out to Belhaim?
That, at least, he'd know what to think of.
Almost reflexively, he casually took in the valuables in the room. Maybe the Baroness could be convinced to give them hazard pay. She was loaded, and they'd lost people... well, Stone and the orc had lost people, but they were practically in the same boat now, right?
”Ahem, well m’lady. Our contingent made contact with the enemy just outside the waterfront entrance to the warrens. We had good luck in our first engagement and killed a few, but many Kobolds were left dying, but treatable, on the battle field. The dwarf was a soft hearted sort. She would not hear of any course of action, but to stabilize and capture the wounded for your judgement.”
”The inquisitor and I ventured in hoping to maintain the momentum and surprise, while the dwarf secured and cared for the wounded. When we backtracked we discovered that the dwarf and Ifrit had met untimely ends in a most heinous pit trap.”
”Not knowing that a second strike team was involved, we pressed on knowing that if there were hostages still time was of the essence.”
”We discovered that the kobold tribe was in a bit of an internal upheaval. A ruffian haD assumed power and wrested the tribe to a new religion and put them in conflict with your lands. We found the leader had imprisoned and was torturing a female magic using kobold named Nighttail who wanted the tribe to move away from and stay out of aggressions with humans recognizing it would lead to the destruction of the tribe.”
”As unlikely allies, Nighttail and her pet dinosaur helped us eliminate the tribal witch doctor, dare I say cleric, navigate the tunnels and fight our way to the tribal leader. Just prior to our final fight we met up with your second team. We joined forces, carried the day and negotiated a withdrawal of the Kobolds under Nighttails leadership and took the tribes treasury.”
”It consisted of this masterwork sword and a few other trinkets.”
”We also uncovered that the former chieftain had reached an agreement with the town wizard. The Kobolds driven by their former chieftain and new religious leader agreed to topple the old ruined fortress for some books. Nighttail didn’t know what the books contained. The old and dying Shaman had warned the tribe their chosen path lead them to destruction. Nighttail had also given warning which is why she was being detained and humiliated before being executed.”
”Oh, and we recovered these dragon scales with the old sword.”
”Does the name, Aeteperax, mean something to you?”
The baroness seems ready to snap at the oracle for his impertinence when Stone finds his voice. She listens silently, her face stony and stoic. When the cleric finishes, Lady Origena looks at each of you in turn for a moment, each moment seeming to go on forever.
"And you are all convinced that these creatures will... keep their word?"
Joriannika stepped forward and ventured, "I believe they will, especially if we take away their access to the caves they were living in. I can see about collapsing parts of it, if you'd like. The new kobold leader didn't seem to want to go up against any more adventurers."
Hanzo sighed, but also voiced his support. After all, his payday might be in jeopardy. "Those kobolds aren't stupid. They know that if they come back, they'll be wiped out next time."
Hahahah. YES, they WILL! But we should have done it the first time!
"I'm sure they know that, Hanzo." Thomas stood in the back carefully touching the sheath of his sword.
Sheaorlis listened carefully to Stone's report, nodding from time to time and by the end he was actually amazed by its thoroughness.
"I trust they will keep to their word. As the others have mentioned, the kobolds have seen how easily uncooperative rulers fall. " The inquisitor said without a hint of doubt in his voice.
"Very well. However, if they fail to keep their promise, the consequences will be on your heads. Now, young cleric, it so happens Aeteperax was the name of the dragon slain by our village's founder, Tula Belhaim, more than one thousand years ago. Do you mean to tell me this den of reptiles was forming some sort cult worshiping a long-dead dragon, or perhaps a descendant? Or do they claim that Lady Tula failed to slay the creature? " The questions seem rhetorical as she pauses only for a moment before continuing. "Whether or not the figure of their fascination exists can wait." She takes a slow, deep, breath
"There's been a development. When you confirmed that Balthus Hunclay had perished, word was sent via raven to his only living relative, a cousin in Yanmass. Just this morning, her reply arrived-she doesn't seem all that distraught at his death, and has no interest in coming to Belhaim to claim his estate and belongings. Instead, she has requested that I auction off all of Hunclay's property and possessions so that the proceeds, minus expenses of course, can be sent to her. As you can imagine, this leaves me with quite a daunting task: cataloguing the contents of Hunclay's manor home means entering the place and exploring its interior, an enterprise that could entail considerable danger. Hunclay was something of a foul-tempered recluse, and word around town is that
his manor was warded by magical traps and guarded by monsters. The fate of the kobold who burned to death on the manor's front porch has only added to locals' fears."
"I ask for your service to Belhaim once more. Exploring Hunclay's manor and identifying any unusual or magical items there while simultaneously deactivating traps and dealing with any monstrous guardians seem to be tasks tailor-made for adventurers, after all. However, you are not permitted to loot anything you find in the manor. I will pay you a flat fee of 5,000 gp for performing this service, and you are more than welcome to participate in the auction, if you wish. We can draw up a contract right now. What say you?"
Thomas found this proposition rather amusing. This sounded like something a slightly younger Thomas would have done just for the kicks. Now he's getting paid to investigate an old house. Awesome
He didn't have to say anything, people could see in face that he agreed to the job offer. He did so anyways.
"It will be an honor to help you with this daring task."
”M’Lady, I can assure you the Kobolds were thoroughly aware of the kind of force we can bring to bear and the understanding that you could bring further wrath down upon them.”
”Unfortunately, I did not know the name Aeteperax when we first encountered it or I would have been able to ask more intelligent questions.”
”I would be happy to assist you in this next contracted endeavor.”
"It is unlikely the dragon you spoke of stayed in hiding until now. "
The half-orc eyes Thomas, Hanzo and Joriannika unsure what to make of them and if they could be trusted for this type of mission.
"No valuable items will be taken out of the property under my watch but, if we would be facing resistance inside the premises it's possible that there would be damages."
Hanzo grimaced inwardly. Perfect. They had a watchdog for the Baroness along.
Outwardly, he pressed, "If it will be that dangerous, surely you can supply us with equipment as well before we go?"
Joriannika nodded, a twinkle in her eye. "I'll help. But I'd like to hear the story of the dragon. It's not one I'm very familiar with."
Everyone nods or gives a word of consent to this new task. Everyone except Guruthos. It's not that the elf keeps silent, but that he actually speaks up.
"I'm leaving. Goodbye. Hanzo, take care."
Everyone is stunned in silence. A minute passes, the baroness makes an attempt, if you can call it that, to get Guruthos to reconsider. He remains resolutely silent, except for the raspy breathing further muffled by his mask.
"Very well. Thank you, master elf for your service to Belhaim. Here is your payment. You will always be welcome here."
She distributes Guruthos' payment, as well as everyone else's.
The rogue leaves and another man comes in with a length of parchment, upon which he writes the terms of the agreement between you and the baroness/Belhaim.
"As for the rest of you, his cousin didn't give a time limit for her request, so enter at your own leisure."
Hanzo grimaced inwardly. Perfect. They had a watchdog for the Baroness along.
Outwardly, he pressed, "If it will be that dangerous, surely you can supply us with equipment as well before we go?"
Joriannika nodded, a twinkle in her eye. "I'll help. But I'd like to hear the story of the dragon. It's not one I'm very familiar with."
"If it's stories you want, I'd suggest you speak with our local historian, Bassy. She probably knows more about Belhaim's history than I do."
"It is unlikely the dragon you spoke of stayed in hiding until now. "
The half-orc eyes Thomas, Hanzo and Joriannika unsure what to make of them and if they could be trusted for this type of mission."No valuable items will be taken out of the property under my watch but, if we would be facing resistance inside the premises it's possible that there would be damages."
"I understand, master Sheaorlis. All I ask is that you try."
"As for the rest of you, his cousin didn't give a time limit for her request, so enter at your own leisure."
"Leisure sounds great. I need a hot long bath anyways." Thomas looks ready to leave. Making his way to the back of the group they hear him weigh his coins and murmur something about the blacksmith and a visit.
Hanzo grimaced inwardly. Perfect. They had a watchdog for the Baroness along.
Outwardly, he pressed, "If it will be that dangerous, surely you can supply us with equipment as well before we go?"
"I have full faith in your abilities, master Belkin. However, you did just come into a decent amount of wealth. Perhaps you will find something in town."
With the contract drawn, the baroness dismisses the party.
Thomas accompanies Joriannika to and at the innkeep and relaxes for the rest of the day. The next morning he visits Baccus Smithy again and discusses the possibility of fitting a shiny breastplate.
Before you leave the baroness' manor she mentions how it was reported that one of Belhaim's residents who had been missing for several months, Bophre Malak, had been found. According to the two strangers who were with her, you all are responsible for finding them. Isador Malak, owner of the Malak dairy farm, has strongly requested that you pay them a visit.
"I will be checking the dairy farm and gather any information the Malak's are willing to share. Anyone care to join?" Sheaorlis asks as soon as he finds out that one of the witnesses has just appeared out of nowhere.
"Yeah... I'll come."
Hanzo hoped there would be a reward involved.
"I'll come too. What about you, Thomas?" Joriannika beamed. She was eager to go make sure the people had made it back safe and sound.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"whoa. Really? Now? But my bath..." Thomas had clearly made other plans already and seemed quite disappointed with his fellows' course of action.
Ya. Tell 'em! They can't bully us around as they please. We are in charge!!
OH shut up. Nobody's in charge of anything.
You weasel! We could do great things, despite your pathetic body, MY VESSEL.
Thomas shook his head as if getting rid of some thoughts. "OK, I'm coming with you. But then I want my hot bath! You understand, Jori?"
"As long as you don't expect me to fetch the water!" Joriannika laughed.
While you can see the Malak dairy farm just across the river from the baroness' manor, the party walks all the way through town so you can cross the bridge just south of the Wise Piper Inn. The stench and stains of your foray into the kobolds' lair earn you quite a few gawks and several staring faces. While you're sure your about to be the subject of new rumors, you hope that ones that circulate will be positive; or at least mysterious.
Isadorer Malak must have been so eager for you to visit that she waited right at the southern end of the bridge. She gives each of you the tightest 'mom hug' in the world, spewing tears and thanks for saving her daughter Bophre. She then, in a sudden switch of tone and posture, she insists you follow her to the house. Bophre, the young woman Thomas, Hanzo, Joriannika, and Guruthos had released from slavery, sits at a table. She looks much younger than any of you would have realized. Couldn't be more than 19 or 20. She seems to glow, having bathed and combed her hair, now wearing clean clothes; a plain modest dress. She also has a blanket draped around her shoulders. Her eyes sockets are deep, and she keeps avoiding the light, as if still adjusting to the brightness. It's obvious that removing the dirt will be far easier than washing away all the painful memories.
"Thank you all again so much, for saving my little Bophre."
Thomas throws the beautiful young woman a charming smile and answers her mother.
"Oh no problem at all. I would do it again, even if a dragon took her to the end of the world."