|
Alleran tips his hat to the herbalist once more as he departs her shop. Walking down the lane, he follows his nose to the source of the cinnamon scent wafting through the neighborhood. Finding himself at what appears to be an inn, he enters through the street door. Scanning the room for familiar faces, his eyes alight upon the town guard and cleric.
The ranger heads over to their table, "Hail and well met. Zova Lex, I believe that we are searching for each other. You have news?"
Zova looks up at Alleran, nodding contentedly. "Alleran, by Abadar's scales, here you are!" She turns to the others. "Everyone, this is Alleran. Ford and I traveled with him in search of ingredients for the plague's cure. As of right now though..." She looks back to the ranger/ "The Sheriff informed me that I would be assisting you in whatever matters the Regiment may need extra bodies for in the area. So it looks like we will be working together for some time longer. I unfortunately, do not have many details as to what the assignment is, perhaps you can fill me in?"
Zova gladly pulls up a chair and makes a gesture offering some of the panckes if Alleran wishes. "What I know is that it has something to do with guarding shipments from werewolves, correct? I've heard of attacks recently."
@Verigan No apologies necessary!
|
|
Alleran accepts the seat, motions to a server for something to drink and replies, "There was a werewolf attack on Olfden just a few nights ago. It was no attack on a shipment, but a full scale attack on the town including, siege weapons. Olfden was able to repel the invaders with the help of the Diamond Regiment, but not without cost."
Looking around at the newcomers gathered at the table, he asks, "Who are your friends?"
The corporal pauses at the thought of the sacrifice of his brothers and sisters-in-arms. "Still there are many things which need doing closer to Falcon's Hollow. For instance, that plague which we worked to defeat is known amongst dwarves and other cave dwelling races, but it almost never reaches the surface. It is no accident or unfortunate coincidence that it came here. We can return to the monastery ruins and further investigate. We didn't have time to thoroughly search the place and there may be more clues to uncover."
Taking a moment to drink and draw breath, he continues, "Further, I have been apprised of a situation with the local fey. It seems they, too, are beset by a heretofore unknown disease and their queen has requested the help of the Diamond Regiment. Following the attack at Olfden and fear of attacks on other settlements, they are shorthanded. I have been asked to look into it. This may be a coincidence, but there could also be some connection to the sickness here. Perhaps it's even the same plague and we already know how to cure that."
He pauses again and then asks, "What say you, will you help and how shall we proceed?"
Jak almost dumps a skillet's pancake on the ground after hearing Verigan's name; the smile fading from his face.
As the door opens he quickly goes back to his pancakes. Throwing together another plate and drink, and putting his smile back on, he places the plate on their table.
"No need Zova. The heroes of the hour should all be rewarded. So have all you can eat."
Zova smiles to Jak "I am just doing my job. The true heroes are the ones who wen of their own initiative."
Turning back to Alleran, "From what I could gather, this fellow here is named Verigan. Don't know much more about him though. And this is Kiezel, a devotee of Torag just as Ford is. He wishes to restore the forge to its former glory. Now as to your proposition... It certainly seems like we should aid the fey first. Perhaps their illness is the one Greypelt warned us about. If he by any chance has the corpse of any creature affected by it, Laurel may be able to look into it. The fey could make a great ally... Alternatively we could head directly to them and see if they have the... Corpse of any if their own effected by the disease to examine... They might even know more about it than us."
Ford caught a sideways glance at Jak's close call. Did something... bother him? It was after that Verigan guy spoke... did they know each other? Ford thought this might bear some further digging. "So, Verigan. What brings you to Falcon's Hollow? I can't imagine it's the local sights. Yet, anyways. Once we get that forge up, I plan on making it quite a spectacle."
"Nah, you're a hero too, Zova. After all, I was the one nearly eaten by a giant dragon snake... thing. You guys got me out of it." Ford replied, nodding to Zova.
Ford grimaced, chewing at his remaining bit of pancakes as he listened to Alleran and Zova speak. "It's true. Blackscour typically doesn't arrive so close to the surface. Too much light, not enough damp air. The fact it was found in a well around here is very suspicious. But I doubt it was put there intentionally... a bit risky... more likely, there is some sort of tunnel or shaft that runs close to the well basin, but I can't imagine what would be digging around... down... there..." Ford paused, looking off into space as if thinking about something.
My apologies Verigan, that was rude of me! I didn’t think you wanted to partake in the conversation.
Hi Alleran, the name is Kiezel. He extends his arm to offer a handshake.
Going to the aforementioned ruins anyways I think in search of the forge Ford Spoke off. Might as well lend a hand, I’m on personal leave from the temple anyways.
Verigan? No he is Verigan. Pointing towards the rogue. I’m Kiezel.
Verigan catches glance of the man named Jak sheepishly place the food on their table. Verigan watches as the man goes back into the kitchen. Vergian's gaze doesn't leave the kitchen door as he responds to Ford. He stifles a slight laugh as the ranger mistakes the dwarfs identity, and jabs a thumb to himself in correction
"Yes, I have quite a personal interest in smithing. My late mother did it. You wouldn't happen to know who the fellow is who fumbled the food by accident? I imagine he owns the place but whats his name?"
Verigan catches himself before his questions start to seem suspicious and tries to play them casually
"How well do you know him?"
Zova nods to Verigan. "That is Jak, owner of this fine establishment and some would rogue best cook in Falcon's Hollow. Truth be told, I've never seen him act in such a manner. Perchance you two have met at one point in your pasts. From his reaction, perhaps one of you made quite an impression on the other."
Zova cocks her head, curious as to what this Verigan had to say.
Verigan fingers the pages of the journal at his side, contemplating. He leans back in the chair and rests his hands on his chest. Finally, he throws a side-wards glance at the kitchen and then turns back to Zova
"Intriguing, and possibly its funny how small a world can be. I might have to talk to the fellow. Please excuse me for a moment"
Verigan makes a calm brisk stride towards the kitchen doors where Jak was and enters
Jak looks up at Verigan. "So you are the one that the book was for."
Verigan his eyes never blinking or wavering nods his head in the affirmative
"Perhaps there could be somewhere to talk where there would be less ears?"
Jak nods and heads into the back. A moment later two ladies walk out and Jak waves Verigan in.
The taller lady has long auburn hair, one amber eye and a green eye, walk over to the stove and continues where Jak left off.
The other one, with short brown hair but the same eyes, walks over to the party. "Is there anything you all need?"
Walking into the back Verigan sees boxes with different food stuff alone with a larger kitchen like area.
Jak looks to Verigan.
Verigan pulls out the leatherbound journal from his knapsack, and holds in front of him
"I need you to tell me about my mother. Specifically why did she die and if this notation is yours. I am also wondering why she was investigating attacks down here thats not something a smith would normally do. What is so important about the caravans that run from here"
Jak nods.
"I was the one that sent that journal back to you. It is very odd. Most of the shipments coming out of here are wood and wood items. I don't know why a smith, never mind a smith from so far away, would care. So I looked into it a little."
"While the caravans were attacked, little was taking: Just people killed. A few people from each caravan are missing. So it is considered that they killed the others. But there is still no why for the attacks."
Jak takes a moment scanning the room before he continues.
"Her attack was brutal. There were some new people in here; very normal as this is a much calmer place than the other major inn. We chatted a little about the town and other things going on. We were at it for at least an hour. The whole time she was writing in her journal. I joked about her writing about my pancakes. She smiled and said they may be worth writing about. "
A small sad smile shows on Jak's lips.
"The others in the room had been silent the whole time. So I asked them about what lead them to this town. The smile on her lips failed and she reached into her side pulling out a gun. But they were nearly on top of her by then. She shot one of them, but another ripped her throat out. The only things I heard of doing that is a werewolf. Blood was going everywhere. One of the others began to cast a spell and they all vanished with your mom's body. The only thing left behind was that Journal."
Ford seemed lost in thought for a moment, not even noticing the conversation continuing around him, nor that another had sprung up out of earshot. "...Greypelt mentioned there are kobolds living below the forge. I wonder... that copper dragon Jak mentioned. If I could get his help... I bet we could win over the kobolds without having to pick a fight!"
Ford stood up, pounding the table and smiling at his apparently brilliant plan. "Right! So...! Shouldn't be too hard! Metallic dragons are typically pretty friendly... I think. I mean... how hard can it be to find a dragon and convince him to come with me to placate a bunch of kobolds?" he asked... apparently completely unaware of how utterly stupid that plan sounded out loud.
Verigan takes this all in with a tinge of sadness but his face betrays nothing. He ponders the conversation for a few moments, however he feels a stab of hope
"So.. quite possibly. She may or may not be dead? I mean surely that is a mortal wound but did you actually see her die? Why would werewolves target her? What connection do they have to her? Where could I find some of these werewolves and what do we already know about them?"
Verigans mind raced with possibilities as he fired off question after question. His brain never missing a beat thinking about his mother and what has become of her
Jak speaks in a comforting way. "While I did not see her die, there was a lot of blood. I don't know that they were Werewolves, but who or what attacked her was something as strong as one. This area has troubles with werewolves. So it is the 1st thing that came to mind. The darkmoon wood to the north, and Wolfrun Hills to the southeast have werewolves."
Ford paused, thinking a bit before grimacing slightly. "Hrm... actually, before I do, I should stop by and speak with Lady Cirthana first. I have something I wanted to ask her first."
Pleased with his apparent planning, Ford stands uop, collects his dishes, and leaves a few coins on the table to pay for his meal before walking outside towards Cirthana's residence (or temple, whatever she had set up and was working out of.)
So what will we do? Ford has his forge and you 2 have a werewolf problem. Kiezel says while looking at Alleran and Zova. I’ve offered my help with both endeavors.
|
|
Alleran looks to the dwarf, "No, we have another disease to investigate. The Diamond Regiment is currently taking point on the werewolf problem. Ford's obsession with rebuilding a forge in what are now wilds in the midst of several nasty issues seems unhealthy and unwise to me, but that's him. Nothing I've ever said has impacted his course of action."
"So are you saying there is also a chance that she could have been kidnapped for whatever reason these things thought it necessary?"
"Was she involved with anything..bad? If you had the means to go looking, where would you go? Do you think this Dark-moon wood would be a good place considering their characteristics were similar to a werewolves with their strength"
Jak snugs his shoulders.
"I don't know. I am still wearying of thinking she is still alive. but she was looking into the shipments where people had been going missing. she looked to be a good person. but there are a lot of bad people to get involved with in this town."
"Both places would be good to start. but they are also very big and dangerous places. It could take weeks to explore and still you may miss what you are looking for. Both the Dark moon and the Wolfrun Hills have werewolves. If you really want to do this... I will ask around more. I know what it is like to lose your family. I think you should look into if anyone is heading out into the areas and go with. Groups show up here all the time exploring the woods, and mountains. A lot safer and you would have more eyes to help."
Walking inside the large white temple, Ford find A fully armored woman praying at the far end of the room. "Welcome," she speaks up without turning.
Ford blinked, looking about the temble and finding the armored woman. This must be Cirthana... as far as he knew, nobody else in town was dressed like they were prepped for a battle. Except for him, anyways... and Alleran... aaaaaand Zova... aaand now Kiziel... perhaps that logic wasn't the most solid anymore.
Giving a bow, Ford smiled back as he approached. "From Torag to Iomedae, greetings." he responded, bowing again respectfully to her praying altar. "Lady Cirthana? I... doubt you'd remember me, but I imagine you'd know my friends, Zova and Alleran... and I recall you from Ms. Laurel's shop some days ago. Zova informed me you and Ms. Laurel distributed the cure about the Hollow. I am glad to see I could help."
"...oh, my apologies, I didn't mean to barge in and start rambling. I did have a reason to visit: I was planning to return to the forge remains we found at Droskar's Crag and begin refurbishing it... but I wanted to know if I could provide some aid to you or the Hollow's citizens before I departed. It seems you all have a bit of an... issue with regards to the town's authority figures."
"Yes, that sounds reasonable thank you. I overheard the party at the table I was sitting at talking about such things"
Cirthana smiles. "Torag has been a good ally to Iomedae. Your work to save the people shines the light of Torag loudly. It can be lonely in a town with so few willing to visit."[/b]
"Keep showing that town a better path is all I can ask."
Ford nodded, smiling a bit sheepishly and rubbing the back of his neck. "Eh... I dunno about all that. I mean... I guess I'm a threat to the doors around here, but- erm, sorry. That's not important. I mean, if you want to thank anyone, talk to Zova or Alleran or Hound. They did the real work... oh!"
Ford reached for his waist, pulling out a small jingling sack. "Zova told me your service here is kinda small. I know it's not much, but... maybe use it to help some of the townsfolk? I'm thinking Ms. Elara could use some help with her orphanage. There was an... incident, sadly." Ford looked down before turning for the door. "It seems I've got help now as well. He's a dwarf named Kiziel, seems he got in only recently. He seems willing to help as well, so... yeah..."
I gave my word to Ford I would help him. A fellow brother. I will keep him safe.
Kiezel pats Alleran on his shoulder and walks towards the door. I’ll have a word with Ford. Walking through the door Kiezel turns around once more. Tell me which way you’re going, If Torag is willing we will meet again soon.
Seeing Ford Kiezel yells Ford. Wait up! after catching up Kiezel smiles at Ford. My brother, let me tell you something. Torag has granted me a vision. I’m standing in a decrepit abandoned town. Smoke coming from Droskar’s Crag. I ‘m attacked by a red dragon who breathes fire over me. The next image is me standing amidst undead pounding away at armor and arms. Other undead are shoveling dead bodies in the forge. They are all wearing unholy symbols of Droskar, the dark smith.
I don’t know what it means but I also think we need to check out the forge. The problem is your friends also need your help in finding a cure for the second sickness plaguing the fey in the woods. I don’t know if my vision will come to pass, but I know the living take precedence over the un(dead). Let us help you friends first so they can help us in return. It’s your choice, I will follow/help you either way.
Ford blinked, coming to a halt and waiting for Kiezel to catch up. Listening intently, his mind started to race as he mulled over the vision the dwarf describes. "...that's... strange. Everything I've read doesn't indicate that Droskar has a say in the undead... then again, it doesn't say to the contrary..."
Ford frowned as he pondered this vision, but as Kiezel finishes, he looked up, grimacing a bit before looking back at his feet. "...I can try. I'm more comfortable with crafting metal than medicine... and even that I'm not exceptionally great at. I'm... really all I'm good at is books. I don't know how helpful that will be."
Ford frowned at the ground a bit more, before lifting his gaze and nodding at Kiezel. "...no, you've got the right of it. A forge does no good if it has nobody to serve. I suppose re-sanctifying the ground will have to wait a bit... I hope Torag understands. Let's see if the others have an idea of where to start with this." he said, following Kiezel back to the tavern.
Nova turns to whoever is left and frowns. "So, I believe the most pressing matter at this time is..." she nods to Ford and Kiezel as they stroll inside. "The most pressing matter is getting in contact with the fey. We must make it to them before their disease kills off too many of them and then subsides. After that, I suppose we could ask for their assistance in rejuvenating Torag's forge. That would seem like an appropriate enough payment for helping them in their time of need, wouldn't you say?"
Ford nodded, folding his arms and frowning as he looked at the ground. "Do you think? Fey are more trickster types, aren't they? ...I'm not sure, I'm asking, I haven't met any, really..."
Ford looked up between the others, before grimacing a bit. "So... uhm... do we know where to find the fey?"
Nova thinks for a second. "Aye, they do tend to chafe at concepts such as law and order... but I believe that some, especially their ruling powers, would have some sense of honor and would provide assistance to those who help them... assuming we complete the job in time. As for their location... I am sure that we could ask around..."
With that, Zova stands up and wanders around the tavern, looking for someone who might know where the fey are.
Anyone know where to find the fey? More of a mountain person myself, not a lot of fey creatures there. Maybe someone knows a forest creature who can tell us more?
Zova knows that Fey have ties to nature and Gnomes carry some fey blood in them. But they are not fey.
When asked, a few people say that the fey have been trouble for a long time. The town needs the wood, but the fey get upset at their cutting down of the woods.
Anther person tells a dubious story about how fairy blood turns lead into gold and that some of the lumberjacks quit after they have the money to leave.
They bring up a rumor that Brickasnurd Hildrinsocks, the owner of Goose’n’Gander and the only Gnome in town, gets some of his stuff for the fey.
A woman says that a fey hides in the waters of the Brookman's Well. Some times a person will draw water from the well and vanishes on the way home.
One guy says he heard from a lumberjack that there are fey up by the south side of Droskar's Crag. That they live in some abandon city and chase out any one coming near by.
Another person says that there is a big dead area east of Droskmere lake. He says the fey killed the trees and plant life to keep the lumberjacks from getting to it.
Zova returns to the party and sits down. "Well, I've heard quite a few stories abut the fey in my asking around and some of them seem to have merit. We should head to the Good'n'Gander to talk with their owner Brickasnurd. He's a gnome and apparently gets some of his supplies from the fey. If anyone would know where to find them, it would be him... and perhaps he can offer us some token to ensure safe passage through their territory."
She then turns to Ford. "It seems that they absolutely loathe the Lumber Consortium's work in the area. It would not be too far of a stretch to say that if we can help them see that the forge will help slow or even stop the town's dependence on wood, they might be more willing to work with us to repair the forge."
Ford listens, pondering the info and rubbing his chin. "...that's a good point. The enemy of my enemy is my friend... and the Lumber Consortium seems to have made a loooot of enemies." Ford replied, nodding in agreement.
"That'd be as good a place as any to start. Gnomes are partly fey, right? I think, anyways..." Ford said, standing up and patting the table. "...forest creatures... oh! Perhaps Greypelt would know something else. I mean... I know he's a worg and he's not exactly something you'd want to be friends with, but... he's stood by his word. That's good enough."
Nova stands and gestures for the group to follow her to the gnome's residence, hoping to get on track as soon as possible.
Let's go talk to the gnome. Standing up Kiezel walks outside and waits for the others to lead the way.
Walking outside the party looks to the right and sees a very normal looking building with a simple sign saying "Goose 'n' Gander". But as the party walks inside they find caves made out of overflowing shelves packed high overhead. The walkways look to twist and turn when looked down. Among the common fair of domestic supplies looks to be many odd items.
Standing there some of the stuff that stands out are: A bug in a glass tube, wood figures of animals with human heads, a blood-stained chisel, and a trident with a giant spoon head on the lower side.
Off to the right is a less cluttered counter that looks to be where a person would pay. But no one looks to be there.
Ford blinks as he steps into the apparent wonderland of weird and intriguing objects. "...wow. And I thought our archives were cluttered." Ford peers through a variety of the objects, quirking his eyebrows and shifting through bits and pieces.
"...that's troubling." Ford said, picking up the chisel and frowning. "You think this was like this already, or...?" His eyes traipse over the rest of the trinkets, trying to see if anything stuck out at him.