Hermia gives a firm nod after a moment. "Aye. All efforts of investigation should be placed on hold until we can secure them who live without the community within," Hermia replies, and then bites her lip. "I... will spend my evening restoring the chapel as best I might, as it is the one location where the people might gather for information and guidance."
Although... the circle is evidence as well. Perhaps I may find a measure of paper and writing implements to copy its design for further study? Hermia shakes her head at the thought.
"Thou shalt not suffer evil to exist," Hermia seems to quote with a manner of authority. "Yes, let us return to the mayor, and speak to him of our caution and our plans, but not be so eager to make him anxious by revealing our foe, hmm?"
As you all approach the village, you can see a wagon has been rolled across each entrance to the stockade blocking each entrance. Small fires have been set up around the perimeter and you can see wioth the help of the light, men with bows and spears standing vigilent. When the guards recognize you they hurriedly push a wagon away and hurry you in before replacing the wagon. One guard if questioned will direct you to the Mayor's inn where a good many folk seem to be gathered. The mayor upon seeing you hurriedly bundles over to you all and greets you.
" Ah good to see all of you again. Did you find anything out? You were gone for so long, of course I have made beds available to you whenever you wish. Have you seen one of the farmer's boys? He came in with his family and was looking for him, maybe you talked to him along your route?"
Gaeron winces at the mayor's question, wondering if the poor soul they had seen being eaten had been the zombie's food. "No Ser Mayor, I am afraid we have not met up with the said Farmer." He pauses and looks back at his companions, silently asking them whether or not to bring up the topic of undead ravaging the missing townsfolk. To do so might incite panic and chaos, something they did not need at the moment with all of the palpable evil Hermia had sensed emanating around the entire village.
Kynneth waits for a time when he can speak to Hermia somewhat alone. "Pristess, I would like to assist you in the cleaning of the chapel, if possible. Having had a very religious upbringing I would like to help."
"Thank you, Kynneth. Perhaps your eyes may notice some detail of the summoning that Brother Abraxus and I have missed," she says hopefully. "I must warn you, however, that the scene is quite gruesome, and we've quite a bit of work ahead of ourselves."
"Mr. Mayor," Devin says as he puts his hand on the man's shoulder. Dropping his voice to a hushed tone, "We need to talk privately with you, gather your trusted officials and please meet us inside. Our news is urgent." He nods slowly, grim faced, to the Mayor as he begins heading toward the office.
The mayors face drains slightly and stammers out "Yes..yes of course, give me a momment and I shall gather them. With that he bustles off with a fake smile on his face reassuring his fellwo townsfolk as he gathers up a few men and a woman. When he is done he waves your group over and you all proceed upstairs and down a small halway and enter a what looks like an office of sorts that used to be a room in the inn but has then been converted. Papers lie haphazardly on a small desk near one end and a few plush chairs lay about the room enough for everyone as it is one of the larger rooms. Siging the mayor takes his seat behind his desk and looks at your party of adventures. Among the others is the blacksmith, a thin reedy looking man that has a pair of glasses upon his nose, a rough worn looking woman, and an older looking farmer. The blackmsith breaks the silence tentively.
"has anyone seen Col? I haven't found him scine nightfall. He would want to be here as im sure you would Mayor."
Devin turns to the blacksmith, "We spoke breifely with him at the wall before we left. But that was several hours ago." He turns back to address the Mayor, "He will have to be sought out when we finish here."
He then addresses the larger group "We have grave news, this is no simple band of Orcs. There is a dark sorcerer about that is summoning evil spirits and causing the dead to walk." He scans the room, giving a moment for the weight of his words to sink in.
"On the road we encountered three abominations that had attacked and killed someone. It may have been this farmer you were looking for. We defeated them but their master eluded us." He turns back to the Mayor directly "It's possible that this wizard may be an outsider attacking the village, or it could be someone from within trying to destroy or take control of the village."
Devin turns and begins pacing in the small space, talking as much to himself as the group, "We must gather anyone living outside the village for protection, but this may be the very act our mage is waiting for." He turns abruptly to his companions, "What do you think? If we bring the villagers together, are we protecting them or drawing them into a trap?"
Hermia's eyebrow raises at the mention of a man missing from amongst the gathering. "This Col was the apothecary?" she muses aloud. "Had he any particular relationship with your former priest?"
Hermia considers Devin's proposal for a few moments before speaking. "Even if it were a trap, if we are to gather each here, we could take an accurate count, and know how many have gone missing, and for certain that the perpetrator..." she trails and looks to the Mayor and the assembly and withholds her words.
Gaeron watches Devin give the news to the town officials, noting their shock and horror at such grim tidings. He crosses his arms on his broad chest, clenching his knuckles as Devin finishes and then begins pacing. At the question concerning the outlying farmers, Gaeron steps forwards, speaking loudly enough for all to understand him plainly.
"Better we gather the peasants together in town than allow them to continue falling prey to the evil beasts and their devilish master. If that is the sorceror's plan, then at least we have the knowledge that no one else will be hunted like game by these foul undead monsters. Better we protect them here than allow these sporatic murders to continue, Ser Cross.
He bows his head to Devin, the mayor and the other town officials. "The decision is up to you, Ser Mayor, but I have cast my opinoun for what it is. Together we at least stand a chance of fighting these creatures off."
Devin nods at Gareon "I agree in principal, my only concern is one," turning to the Mayor "And it is just one, we are guessing at the motivations at work here." Turning back to Gaeron, "But one reason for this might be to get all the townsfolk into the village at once. If I wanted to gather everyone together, in one place. Creating fear and chaos in the wilderness and the farms, and leaving the village as the only protected space, would be a good way to do it. I'm not sure that's what is going on, it might as likely be that they want to keep people from visiting the grave yard. Or the whole thing might be a distraction from a larger goal. But is is a possibility that we must consider."
Kynneth watches Devlin and Gaeron talk to the mayor and the other assmebled guests. He agrees that it might be a good idea to bring all the people together, but it might not be practicle, as well there will be some who will not leave their land, or who discount these stories.
The man with the glasses looks over at Hermia and studies her closely. "No I am the apothecary Col is the one who helped organize our defenses. He says in a slightly lilting accent. He turns away and goes back to looking to the mayor for direction.
The mayor on the other hand is holding his hands together and looks at all of you in turn. "You realize that you would be confining us to a slow death?Un less you get out there and stop this...this madman we will all die of hunger without the crop being pulled in. SO what is your plan then how do you intend to help us?"
Gaeron ponders this and then comes up w a possible solution. "Perhaps you could send a select few out in the full daylight to harvest as best as they can before dusk. Meanwhile, my companions and I will be hard at work investigating your graveyard, trying to find the source of this dark magic and undead sorcery. DOes this sound satisfactory?" he asks, giving them all a wide, cheering smile that he doesn't feel entirely himself but he does his best to impart an optimism onto the grim and frightened simplefolk.
"Gaeron is right, Mr. Mayor. We understand your need to tend to the crops. Yet if all your farmers are attacked then who will be left to bring the crops in? You must make sure that no one travels alone outside of the village. The must be in groups of three or more, preferably armed." Devin turns back to the assembled group, "There is little we can do tonight for those in outlying farms, we need to focus on preparing for tomorrow. It's up to you to decide what to tell the townsfolk but they need to understand how serious this is and how it's important that they not travel alone outside during the day. No one must be out after dark, even in groups." He then nods to his companions, "We will find the foul schemer that is doing this, but you must protect your people until we vanquish him."
Kynneth steps forward and clears his throat. "Ermmm..excuse me gentlemen. The lady Hermia and I shall retire to the chapel to do what we can to clean the stain of evil from its stones. I will leave the arranging of defence to those best suited to it. If you have need of us, you will know where we are." With that he looks over to Hermia and signals her to proceed him out the door. As he leaves he gives the apothecary a puzzled look and mutters under his breath.
Hermia's eyes pop at Kynneth's bold pronouncement that there has been evil done within the chapel. That information she would not have shared with any. She immediately moves to Kynneth, and tugs at his arm. "Indeed," she says, and hurries away with him.
When they are outside the inn, she speaks to him in a hushed tone. "I caution you not to speak so easily of evil in the presence of our employers again," she warns. "The ease with which one speaks of it... It is just as like to incite terror of us, more so than the entity which plagues this village. We are strangers in this community, we must purport ourselves to be of the highest quality to earn their trust if we are to set it to rights."
Hermia looks up at Kynneth with pleading eyes, hoping for sign that she successfully conveyed her intent.
Hermia Sense Motive
As Hermia and Kynneth depart they can hear an uproar of raised voices as they exit.
"What? What has happened in the church?" asks Durag.
"Evil what evil? In the church? What?" Asks the woman.
"Ranger, what has happened? You will explain things." Says the mayor angrily as he stands up from behind his desk.
As Hermia and Kynneth come downstairs a grim looking man with cold eyes is coming up the stairs and stops looking where you came from. Kynneth recognizes this man as Col.
"Ah master Kyn, did you make it to the graveyard? I heard you were back I was out with the guards patrolling the perimeter when the meeting was called. How does it go and where do you two head off two when the meeting seems to just now be going full tilt?" He says the last bit with a hint of a smile entering his features.
Kynneth looks at the woman with a stunned look on his face. "Why would you keep something like this from these people? They have a right to know what has happened, do they not? Or have I read you wrong, and your concern for the community is not as committed as I though." Before he can get an answer, Col arrived.
"We did not make it to the graveyard, unfortunately. Any news from the patrols?." He looks to Hermia for further input.
"This community is at the breaking point. They have lost their priest, the pinacle of their faith. All that remains to them is their chapel."
Hermia winces at Kynneth's reply to Col. She is extremely wary about the man, especially his sly smile.
"Evening prayers," Hermia answers, and still clutching Kynneth's arm, blushes and appears to demur.
Hermia untrained Bluff
not knowing that her bluff is terrible, however..
Hermia looks up to Kynneth with a look of pure adoration and wonder. "We met along the ways and couldn't bear to be apart from each other a second longer. It is my good lord Erastil's way to encourage families. What better way than to start with my own example?"
As the villagers begin swarming towards Devin with questions, Gaeron steps forwards, placing a hand on the man's shoulders and giving him a grim nod, then puts himself between the townsfolk and his ranger companion. "While investigating the missing priest's domicile, we discovered someone else had...visited his home and had begun practicing dark magic. I wish it did not fall to me to inform you, but Hermia and I suspect that the magic may have involved a summoning. Of what we do not know, but the nature of the runes on the walls and floors do not leave much to the morality of the one who drew them."
He raises a hand and eyes each villager evenly, his voice serious. "I strongly caution each of you from going into the house until we have cleansed the evil atmosphere from its walls, or until we have hunted down and destroyed the sorceror who is responsible for your misfortune. Lord Mayor? I would suggest putting your effort into the plan Devin and I have suggested. Perhaps the outlying farmers would be more willing to travel into the main village if you paid them a visit yourself to deliver the grim tidings? I would be in your debt for helping us remove these people, if only slightly, from the harm that could befall them while isolated."
Diplomacy:
Devin returns Gaeron's nod, "Our companions will take care of your chapel. They are experts, this is what they do. But as he said we must let them work."
Devin relaxes visibly, "We should get down to the business of planning for tomorrow. Now that we have a better understanding of the threat facing us, there is much to do. We need to organize groups to protect the farmers in work, and to protect you as you make you rounds to convince them to come into town before sundown tomorrow."
@Devin and Gaeron
The townsfolk calm down enough to start asking you questions one at a time due to Gaerons level head and diplomacy and Deivins smooth talk.
The mayor settles down visibly and nods in agreement "Yes yes we shall let your companions work in peace we shall ward away visitors if there are any and I expect the council will wish to get to their families and we will do as you suggest Devin, we will gather the farmers and work out a plan."
@ Hermia and Kyn
Col's eyes seem to drop a few degrees in temperature and his friendly nature drops.
"Here now I help run this village and I don't want anyone snooping around with no reason now you tell me straight or Ill have the village guard trump you up and down the entire length of the village."
Though slight of build Col's physique suggests whipcord strength and his his fist curls around a longsword at his belt a ring around his finger flashing slightly.
Kynneth looks at Hermia, then to Col. A blush starts at his neck and quickly rises to the tips of his slightly pointed ears..."Errmm...yes...umm..come my dear!" GULP!!
He takes Hermia's hand and attempts to stroll casually out the door..his clammy hand in a near death grip with hers'.
Hermia perception
Hermia Sense Motive
Hermia sighs and lets go Kynneth's arm to study Col.
"If you count yourself a defender of this community, Master Col, you will allow us to go in peace," Hermia says, summoning an air of cool superiority she reserved for her dealings with large groups of persons at the temple. "We've business at your chapel, readying it to receive visitors starting on the morrow. I've charged myself with the duty of taking and recording the names of each of your citizens, their abilities, and the number of their children, their elderly, and their sick.
"Tomorrow we range to gather up them who live outside this community and bring them within the palisades. The availablity of food and potable water will become an issue if we do this, and I will need to make as accurate a survey as possible."
Hermia sighs. "If you intend to forestall our efforts here, I cannot blame you for your suspicion of us, but I do ask that you not draw upon us and frighten the people more. We are here to assist you."
Hermia Diplomacy
Kynneth attempts to walk past Col shaking his head. I thought we were suppose to be investigating this place and now you want us to stop? This place is very confusing."
"Just get going and don't try and lie to me again. Good luck on the morrow though way things are headed you'll need it. This whole village will. He says finally as he studies both of you before turning away ominously still holding his sword. As he leaves it seems to grow a little bit warmer though you hadn't noticed the change in temperature moments before. As you watch Col ascends the stairs and walks into the council meeting.
@ Devin and Gaeron
You hear the door open and the other members of the council greet a tall man dressed in a dark cloak holding a longsword. His hand holding the ring gleams slightly but you take no notice of it as he begins to greet the others as well.
Devin you recognize him as Col.
Hermia walks a little ways with Kynneth, then stops him and pulls him closer and rises on her toes to place a gentle kiss on his cheek. "Thank you," she says softly, and wipes any measure of saliva she might have left away with her thumb. "I might have fibbed, but it was for the best of the community," she says and sets herself back on the flats of her feet. Her eyes seem to have a dark, haunted look to them for a moment. "I do hate to be called a liar."
Hermia leads Kynneth to the chapel. Outside the doors she pauses, and looks back to him. "Steel your resolve, friend," she says. "I've need of another set of eyes trained in the arcane. I could not decipher the symbols, but perhaps you can."
After another moment's hesitation, Hermia casts on her holy symbol, pulls the door open slightly and gestures for Kynneth to enter, then follows him quickly and pulls the door closed behind them.
Gaeron gives the newcomer a quick look up and down, eyes lingering on the sword and glittering ring.
Perception:
He then shrugs and nods to the man with a polite smile. He then turns his attention back to the mayor to continue setting up their plan with the man alongside Devin.
Kynneth prepares himself for the horror of what is in the building. He walks into the chapel, eyes looking over everything in the steady light of Hermia's spell.
"Ah, Col, glad you're here. I was starting to think we were going to have to go hunt you down." as Devin smiles slyly at the new arrival. "We were just starting to make plans for tomorrow. We found today that the attacks are also happening during the daylight. We need to organize the farmers into work crews so they can be guarded while they work. I'm sure you will be able to coordinate the farmers protection, but we have to make sure everyone is back in town by nightfall."
Kynneth looks around the building, examining the runes and studying their locations and meanings.
Col merely nods and instead of sitting he leans up against the wall near the wall as if waiting for the decision.
Mayor Heimen turns towards Devin and Gaeron and asks "So while we make a work detail as you say what will your party be doing on the morrow?"
Devin meets the mayor's gaze, "We will be getting to the bottom of this. We will have the who, and hopefully why, and then we will bring this crisis to an end. I only hope we find that it's some diabolical outsider, and not a devious and cunning member of your town behind this. It would be unfortunate to have to investigate your townsfolk in order to resolve the situation." Devin then turns to the group, "In the morning we are going to need some supplies and a horse to carry them, who can help make that happen?"
Mindful of the smell and the filth about the ground, Hermia carefully chooses her way through the chapel, attempting to find a bucket and either a brush or some cloths so that she can begin the likely arduous task of restoring the temple to rights.
Once found, Hermia sets her belongings down on one of the benches, and extracts a bar of soap to assist in the endeavor. Before setting to work, however, fearing reprisal from the forces of Evil, she pauses and begins speaking a prayer in
"Good Lord, Father of the Home and protector of our Hearth, lend us your and assist us in restoring this chapel to its proper function."
Hermia rolls her sleeves up passed her elbows and is careful where she places her knees while she works. There are tears in her eyes at the stench and the foulness of the acts that defiled this place, but she sings a hymn dedicated to her divine Father which is quite enjoyable.
After you and Kynneth spend a few hours inside the chapel the feeling of something watching you seems to grow until you no longer can ignore it.
A chill goes up Hermia's spine and her breath is far more labored than necessary when she sits back on her feet. An acolyte of Erastil's temple, she is inured to simple physical labors, even joining the farmers during harvest season when the occasion called for it, but for some reason the simple task of cleaning the chapel has left her feeling drained.
"Something... wrong here," Hermia fairly pants. "This... ha... task is beyond the magics my Lord Father lends me," she informs Kynneth sadly.
Listening to the lovely music being made by the beautiful priestess, Kynneth cannot help feel something stir deep within himself. A feeling that he does not have a name for, but it makes him want to ensure he does not let down Hermia. The kiss might have helped push his feeling in this direction, as well.
Using his magic, Kynneth helps to clean the marks off the walls and floor, paint over those marks that cannot be completely removed, and even freshen the air with the smell of wildflowers. But it is all to no avail...the feeling of 'wrongness' still emanated from the very being of the place.
"I do not feel the same as you Hermia. Have faith in yourself and the gods. All will be made right!"
Hermia shakes her head and struggles to rise, mopping sweat from her brow with her sleeve. "No, Kynneth," she says, her voice strained. "Something is terribly wrong here. We cannot invite people into this place if it affects me thus."
Hermia rises slowly, and stiffly, but it is a noticable effort to do so. She spares a smile for Kynneth as she goes to her pack, and slings it over her shoulder. "It was my intent to spend the night here, but I believe that would be exceedingly unwise," she says. "We should return to the others, and discuss what is to be done on the 'marrow. If they've greater need of my services ranging than this community has need of a priestess to settle them, I would like to know before I receive my spells in the morning."
Kynneth quickly goes over and helps Hermia gather her things. He then assists her out of the chapel. He take one more look into the now cleaned building and shrugs. Perhaps it is because he is only a student of religion, and not a vessel of his deities power that the place does not affect him as it did the priestess.
"I will do as you ask Hermia. Whatever you think is best. We shall return to the others. Again, I would like to examine that book you found. Perhaps, not being a priest, I might be able to discern what it is about."
With that said he helps her into the street, only standing close if she needs his help, otherwise letting her set the pace.
Hermia blushes at mention of the book, bites her lower lip and looks away for a moment. "Aye, Kynneth, I... had forgotten," she admits softly. "I have the sneaking suspicion that it will not make for pleasant reading before bed," she continues and sighs.
Largely fatigued from a difficult day, compounded by anxiety over the state of the town and the strange effect the desecrated temple had on her body, Hermia keeps the pace slow. "I recognize how foolish my suspicion of Col must appear now, but something about his smile unnerved me. I've... no real fondness for warlike men," she says while they walk. Hermia sneaks a glance at Kynneth and blushes again, "Which is not to say that I dislike Brother Abraxus or Mister Devin, the first being a man of faith and the other... the other is our companion."
Hermia inhales and smiles at Kynneth. "I feel that you and I are similar in many ways, although wholly different in others," she laughs softly.
Kynneth smiles awkwardly at Hermia. "I do believe we are much more alike than either of us first thought. My interest in religion goes much further than that of a layman. I hope, in the future, to become ordained within my church. Nethys holds all magic sacred, and all knowledge holy."
Realizing that this was probably the longest speech he has given to one of his new companions, Kynneth blushes slightly and looks down at his feet.
"Oh yes, that book. Maybe some of the answers are in there...I am not too sure we should wait to examine it...but I do understand your reservations. I will bow to your decision, of course."
"Oh! I did not mean to imply that I did not wish to read the book," Hermia corrects, her tone displaying a reserve of passion she did not believe she had previously. "I simply... was afraid."
Hermia bites her lower lip and looks up at Kynneth. "I did not leave my temple on the greatest of terms. My Father, brothers and sisters and I disagreed about what was best for the community, and I... was asked to leave," Hermia says and looks at her feet as well. "Fundamental differences in philosophies can divide a temple, it is said, and weakens the foundation of the community.
"I came to Grunshire with the hope that I might find a place here, and found... this. It is a bit fantastic, but, I trust that you will assist me to banish the evil that threatens this community, so that it can heal."
"Of course I will help you. Yours is a noble quest, and I am sure our other companions will also rush to assist you in your saving this town. It is why we are here after all. There up ahead, we are almost back to the community hall."
@ Devin
The mayor turns his head to Devin and says in reply
"Regarding the horse and supply if you visit any of the townsfolk many of them could help you but the horse...I don't know if we have any to spare. But the woman you can talk to is Laurela Tavem, she runs the probably what you could call it general store."
He then turns and gestures to the single woman left in the council meeting. Laurela tilts her head at Devin, she was of middle age her coppery hair beginning to fade to gray.
"Mines the shop just across from the mayor's tavern."
Devin breaks a wide, warm smile "My lady." as he bows his head. "If you wouldn't mind joining my companion and I downstairs, for a bite to eat perhaps. We can discuss my... requests, without keeping everyone else." he continues as he lifts one eyebrow.
The then returns his attention to the rest of the group, "Thank you all for your attention and your help tomorrow. Together we will see this through."
As the members start to file out Devin shakes their hands and offers words of confidence. He then turns and smiles again to Laurela, "Tell me, good lady," as he offers her his arm, "is there a Mr. Tavem that I have yet had the honor of meeting?"
Gaeron bows farewell to the Mayor and the others then follows Devin and his companion down the stairs silently, reviewing one of the many codexes he memorized back in the Church of Apsu. He clears his mind for the most part and focuses on his silent inaudible prayer and praise to the Dragonlord then opens his eyes as they halt in the commonroom.
He takes the time to simply admire the rustic appearance of the place, then takes a seat slowly and waits for Hemria and Kynneth to rejoin them.
Laurela face darkens slightly as she turns away from Devin and briskly makes her way to the door almost slamming it shut.
Mayor Heimen shakes his head and pats Devin on the shoulder," Laurela's husband was one of the first to die in the night. He was coming home from a crofter's farm with a load of goods. She found him the next morning. It wasn't pleasant, the day after the body was gone. Just gone. Maybe see her in the morning give her time to cool down. You had no way of knowing and she will realize that. In time. Now can I get you two anything to eat while your waiting or did you want my wife to make your beds up?"
Devin grimaces at the Mayor's news. "Indeed, that is tragic." He turns to Gaeron, "Come, let us eat. Hopefully our companions have been successful at their task and tomorrow we can focus on finding this fiend."