@Darion
Ulizmila is a old name in the Vale in human terms, rumours are she's a witch, maybe even a descendant of Baba Yaga.
@Corindus
You know of the Oldest Tree and where it is.
"I think I could lead us to the oldest tree. I'd rather not say why, in case any Consortium boys are out in that line listening in, but my barge captain and I found ourselves sailing further upriver, taking the Foam and Darkmoon Rivers to the Droskmere in the middle of the forest.
"From there, I've seen a tall, old tree standing above the others. Ludwig even pointed it out, calling it 'The Forest Elder.' We may find the moss there."
"I also seem to remember seeing some landmarks on one of Ludwig's maps for the region that may be useful. Something about an old dwarven monastery and a witch's cottage. Hopefully he hasn't slipped out of port yet, so I can double check. We may even be able to get him to ferry us upriver."
Laurel replies
"Well, I hope you have the correct locations, as you don't have a lot of time."
after a moment
"This Blackscuor taint is almost like a judgement from above, given this town's sinful underbelly."
Greetings Kabran! Ha ha ya! It was a great move, aint going to tell ya how I pulled it off tho. Thats my secret.
An he ATE it, did he? Heh. Didn't think he was that thic.
I'll keep that in mind if I am able to get ahold of some more, but no dice right now.
Summers pulls out a bottle of whisky and takes a drink, then offers it to Kabran.
Hooo boy. That sounds like effort. I'm not going to like this, am I? Alright. I'll go. See if she has some extra Bayleaf I could pinch while I'm there.
With that the Satyr almost skips his way out the door and down the street, drawing and playing his flute as he goes.
Nearing the Root and Remidies he slows down and takes in the scene in front of him, noting the long lineup.
Well that sucks! I dont want to wait around in no stinking lineup! Lets see if a little charm cant help...
And with that he starts playing another melody on his flute, this one faster and uplifting. A tune that gets the heart racing and brings encouragement.
As he plays he slowly meanders his way along the length of the line in a playful dance. Once at the front of the line and beside the door, he pauses for a few moments and finishes his song, then gives a little bow...
...And dashes inside the door.
Boreas Summers dashes inside quick enough that a rotten tomato misses him.
Laurel sees Mr Summers enter her store
"And What Can I do for you Mr Summers.....
I hope your Not planning on selling that enchanted fruit to me as I heard what happened yesterday at the Sitting Duck.
Also betting that prank was the last straw for poor Joanne since she's been having a bad week so if she finds you, you might receive her thanks for the prank.
And I certainly hope your not planning on supplying that enchanted fruit to that Brothel King.
As I can just start imagining the medical problems it'll cause, not to mention other possible problems."
mumblemumble. who carries rotten tomatos with them?
Oh, hi Laurel! You heard of that, did you? Well I don't have any of those left but I do have a fresh tomato! Here you go.
He hands the tomato to her.
ya. definitely not planning on doing that... That wouldn't be good.
Na, I'm here to collect the cure for Mr. Kabran... You do have it, right?
Laurel with a blank face replies
"I know your lying about supplying the fruit, it's written all over your face.
You know there will be consequences for supplying it, though given your nature I would not be surprised you'd enjoying the results."
"If your looking for the cure, at the moment there is none.
Though if you help these folks out then I might have one, and then you can give it to the Brothel King, though I'm guessing it's for his boss."
On his way to the door, Corindus bumps into the newcomer. Before he can mutter an apology, his downcast eyes notice the fellow's unusually furry legs and cloven feet.
His eyes trace upwards to Boreas' scruff and horns. Corindus' eyes widen and he stammers while stumbling out the door.
"I'm...wow, I'm going to try and catch Ludwig before the barge shoves off. Hope...hopefully Baleson left a, um, a, er, a deputy to hold him up. I'll ask him if, well, I'm just going to go."
Corindus quickly excuses himself, finally breaking away from staring at the goatman.
Kinshara looks at the forest creature dubiously, uncertain what to make of his antics.
"Mr. Summers, correct? My name is Kinshara Medaan. Laurel has just informed us of the ingredients that she requires to concoct a cure for the townsfolk. It seems you have an interest in it as well. I ask for your assistance. It seems that our quest will carry us into the deep forest and while I am willing to make the journey, I am unfamiliar with the woods. Would you be willing to serve as our guide? Though I am unfamiliar with him as yet, it seems that Mr. Holdfast is willing to accompany us as well."
"Just watch out for Mr Summer's libido, Kinshara Dear.
As he can be quite the charmer, heck how do you think he jumped the line without saying a word and only with a wind instrument.
Also he pretty much works for the Brothel King, and spends it there to."
"I swear He's almost the opposite of Joanne in terms of sin and virtue."
Corindus, you manage to catch up to Ludwig before it set off again.
Ludwig:
Sees Corindus approach and wonders what's up and goes to meet him and asks in a joking manner.
"What's wrong boy, you forgot something on the boat?"
"For once, Peg Man, I'm glad you dawdled and didn't push off, yet. There's trouble in this town, and for once the Consortium isn't the cause. The Hollow's beset by illness and, along with a few others, I've been tasked with retrieving ingredients for a cure.
"Thanks to the often strange courses on which this boat has taken us, I suspect I know where to find what we need in the woods. However, I have two favors to ask of you.
"Firstly, I need to consult some of your maps to ensure that my directions do not steer my new companions, and this entire town, poorly. Secondly, I was hoping you could ferry us up to the Droskmere to put us closer to our destinations. I can pay you with the money I set aside for an excursion to Olfden."
Ludwig:
"Both points are fine, but you do know that going up river is slow.
And this boat has a full schedule for the next week, Heck I'm a bit behind.
Though you could hitch a ride back with Mary, I could pass along a note for her to standby next to a log driver camp."
"Thank you for the warning, Laurel," Kinshara says. "That Corin fellow seems likely to return soon. While he's gone, I should see about purchasing some additional supplies for the journey. It was good to see you again, Laurel. We'll have to talk further when I return from the forest."
"I'll return shortly," Kinshara departs from Roots and Remedies and heads for Goose'N'Gander, hoping that the establishment will still be open.
The Goose'N'Gander is still open.
Kinshara enters the Goose'N'Gander and looks around for the proprietor.
"Aye, we always counted it a blessing that the river's current made it far easier to leave the Hollow than to arrive," he sighs, watching the water's flow.
"But yes, while I would appreciate the use of your maps for the region around the mere, I won't keep you from your schedule. Nevertheless, I would appreciate the note to Mary, though, since speed will be of the essence once we have the cure ingredients. Let her know that I can offer decent coin if she needs coaxing to help."
Brickasnurd Hildrinsocks:
A short gnomish man appears behind Kinshara.
"What can I do ya for lass.
Though if you looking for anti-toxin or anti-plague, we ran out just an hour ago.
But it's a bit understandable with what blew into town.
Payday and some of his men collected it as a tax, that self-serving b***ard.
Couldn't stand to let anyone else have a chance, Oh I bet he'll be judged soon for the misery he's caused."
lets out a bit of a sigh
"Almost reminds me of what made me leave my old home.
I pray the same fate is not met here.
I think the Lady of the Kirk is right, The Hollow is going to be Tested and Judged..."
let's out a last sigh.
Then picks himself up again
"But I can't let all this get me down.
Heck, that Satyr in town knows how to do a good prank and get a bit of a laugh, though I think he picked the wrong person, at the wrong time, with the wrong prank."
Ludwig:
Ludwig puts his hand on Corindus' shoulder
"my boy, you flipped the river flow again for the direction your planning.
It's easier to get from the riverside Lumber and Log Driver Camps in the Vale to the Hollow then the other way around."
then he puts his hand back at his side
"We all tend to flip something the wrong way, like how I keep flipping East and West and you point out the correction."
pulls out a map of the river noted with Log Driver and Lumber camps
"I'll get Mary to meet you at the Edgemen Log Driver Camp, as it is on the side that you'll be approaching from those old Dwarven ruins.
This will make for a very quick return trip.
Now you know Mary will likely take coin as payment, though you know she might ask for a favor in return."
Darion addresses Kinshara before she leaves for supplies
”Lady Kinshara, if you don’t mind picking up a few additional rations for me as well I’d appreciate it, I’ll stay here and wait for Corindus to return, here is the coin for my supplies. I think perhaps 4 additional days trail rations should work for me”
"We're already setting out to save the town. Think Mary has a favor in mind that can top that?" Corindus jokes half-heartedly.
He unties the waterskin hanging from his pack and sloshes it around, finding it almost empty from the sound.
"Not refilling this in town, that's for sure," he thinks bitterly.
"You were right about the fey lurking around these parts, Peg Man," he says while pulling the lid off the barge's rain barrel to refill the waterskin. "While I was visiting the herbalist, an honest-to-stars goatman walked into the shop. How about that?"
Corindus corks his waterskin and replaces the lid on the rain barrel.
"But we'll have to talk about that when next we meet. If I keep you another moment, I fear that Kreed, Pay Day, and a whole posse of lumber boys will be on the both of us."
Ludwig:
with a smile and a light laugh
"So you've run into Mr Summers, he sold himself out to Bloodeye so he could have all the fun and pleasures he has to offer.
Also I hear Mr Summers is quite the prankster, I heard he once added air spores to the pickled eggs served at the Sitting Duck.
Oh boy that was a riot, Though you sure did not want a spark or fire near there."
Darion grows impatient waiting and tries to think of ways to hasten their travel for these towns folks benefit.
”...I wonder if we might buy cheaply or borrow some horses to recover these ingredients more quickly... or if there are other means of fast transportation here perhaps I’ll go check if the others are not back soon”
"So I've heard. Mr. Summers came to Laurel's looking for a cure for the ailment. It seems strange to say, but the satyr is to accompany me, and a few others, on an expedition into the forest to acquire some items for Laurel that she requires to treat the townsfolk. I'm not here for antiplague, though it sounds tempting at the moment. I need rations for the journey ahead. Fourteen days worth, though I wouldn't be surprised if the last member of our expedition came by for more. We're a bit disjointed."
Brickasnurd Hildrinsocks:
with his Irish accent
"Oh I bet he's been drafted, due to his debt.
Now I do hope Laurel has a cure, and as your group being disjointed, it should be no surprise.
As I did a small bit of adventuring myself so I know the feeling, but that was long ago."
walks over to the self with the food rations
"Hear we go, Afraid there is not much variety among the selection here.
And it looks like I'll be needing to make more rations after you go as I'll almost be out."
"Thank you," Kinshara says, pulling out 7 gold for the rations.
"If you don't mind me asking, what happened to your old home?"
Brickasnurd Hildrinsocks:
Thanks my dear, though for listening to my witness.
I'll shave a coin off, and ask you give it as tithe to the Kirk.
with his Irish accent
has a bit of a smile on his face
"I don't mind lass, My old home is kinda like how the Hollow is now, though it also had more then just one gnome like myself.
But one of the biggest differences was the appearance of things.
The place looked and felt; safe, secure, honest, friendly, welcoming, tolerant, and prosperous.
It was anything but those; the government had complete control, the taxes were awful kinda like the LC and Payday now.
Now people put up with the taxes cause of the freebies they gave,
but you had to agree with the government views to even get those.
Heck I bet the government at the time also controlled the town's underbelly, and what came from the priests mouths."
then sorrow and sadness show on his face as if he'd seen hell itself
"Before it fell problems arose; bandits and monsters attacking and raiding more frequently even after rebuilding and making better what they destroyed.
Then what came was like divine judgement; Drought, Famine, Plague, all at once.
And a winter like no other before it.
When spring came I ran into a tall human man, and he was not a local. The man said to me "The Judgement has been decided, If I were you Mr Hildrinsocks I'd leave and not return.".
Needless to say I took his advise and left town though I was puzzled how he knew my name.
Now many others left alive after that winter stayed in town believing those in the government could help them.
Since all the local priests were struck dead with what they preached, saying those who were in power could help them more then themselves.
So the people lost their only spiritual support in town and took their dying preaching as truth, though I sure didn't believe it."
he then smiles a big smile
"Funny enough I ran across a caravan 2 days after leaving town,
I worked as it's cook and did a bit of entertaining for a month while enjoying the travel.
I did learn a few new things from them and had some fun times."
then the sorrow and sadness returns
"One day the caravan went back to my old home, and it was gone.
What was in it's place was sulfur, brimstone, salt, and some ruins.
And in the caravan we had a Dwarven miner known as Rocksmith was looking for a spot to start a new mine.
He noted that the sulfur and brimstone there were none like he'd seen before because of it's purity, it was over twice the purity found else where.
He wanted to build his mine there and I wanted to reclaim a few things from the rumble that was left.
But a priestess, and she was a beauty, who was with us at the time said this. "This land was a place one on high delivered a great punishment for a great many sins."
Luckily Rocksmith was a religious follower of Torag decided to build his mine elsewhere.
Not wanting to build a mine and get wealthy over another's punishment, especially punishment from a god or goddess.
And I did not want to be alone in a place punished by a god or goddess.
Rocksmith even put up a sign in Dwarven and Common to stop other Dwarves and prospectors from thinking about opening a mine or getting wealthy from there.
But Rocksmith was curious about why I wanted to stay and had me reveal my tale about the town and he put it up with his sign, so as there would be a memory of what happened."
then he cheers up a bit and cracks a big smile
"Now funny thing is that the priestess told the Rocksmith he'd did good in her lord's eyes and he'd receive grace and some wealth in turn.
Years later Rocksmith is down to his last few coins and living in his mine.
Then one day it almost caves in on him and the cave-in reveals a rich vein of high quality Mithral.
And boy did get a rich from that one vein.
Now I even heard he went back to the spot where he planted his signs and made a stone monument there.
The monument serves as both a warning and witness for the area, but also a warning to others.
I've heard he's been having nothing be good luck since."
his face then goes neutral
"Now I did hear of a group of dwarven prospectors who didn't heed the warning left behind, and even heard they died one by one.
Rumour has it one become an undead and is forced to patrol that forsaken place to punish those that seek riches from the town's punishment."
then he cheers up with a bit of a smile
"If did not run into that Man or priestess I would of been dead in that place either once or twice already.
Since then I've been way more religious, and try not to be like the deception of my old home town.
It's also the one reason I help Lady Cirthana when I can.
Heck you can even say I've become a support for the spiritual support of this town.
As she's also heard my tale about my old home town and she at times during her sermons uses it as a warning about sin."
"Thank you for sharing your story with me. Though it is not a joyful one, such stories are the ones we must all hear, lest we fall into the same troubles as those of your fallen home. I shall bear your tithe to the Kirk."
Kinshara pays for the rations and slings her pack over her shoulder as she prepares to leave.
"For Victory, For The Heart, Brickasnurd."
Relieved by the gnome's devotion, Kinshara heads to the Iomedean Kirk on a quick detour.
Brickasnurd Hildrinsocks:
"Stories that tell the punishment of sin rarely if ever are joyful.
But serve best as a lesson and warning of what not to do.
And you can give my tithe to Lady Cirthana when you give her your tithe."
Darion leaves a note with Laurel for Corindus when he comes back. It states:
“I went to look for horses in case we are unable to get passage on the ferry. Will by back soon have everything you need ready to go”
Darion begins his search by first asking people in the line at the Roots and Remedies
”Laurel has tasked myself and a few others with retrieving ingredients for a cure to your sickness, but we could use your help. Does anyone have horses or other animals that we could ride so that we can travel more quickly and return with the ingredients!”
If unsuccessful here Darion will search the village
After not having much luck in line or searching the village Darion returns to the Roots and Remedies and tries one more time
”Please everyone! Anyone! It is in your best interest to at least lone any animals you have to help us travel back to you quicker with the ingredients Laurel needs for a cure! Will anyone help us to help you all!!”
Kinshara as you walk to the Kirk you see things are as normal, inside the Kirk you notice that a few local people have come into the Kirk and are praying for something as they are keeping quiet only doing a light whisper as they pray.
You also see someone new, a human man of between 6 and 7 feet and platinum hair, talking with Lady Cirthana in a far corner to your current position.
He's wearing a blue and white cloak and hood, and slightly tinted glasses.
Stranger in blue:
He has finished his talk with Lady Cirthana and proceeds to exit the building and as he passes Kinshara says
"Be careful to not wake the evil that slumbers below the ruins of Dwarves that were once holy."
And leaves the Kirk before Kinshara's puzzlement of his words wear's off and to stop attempts to question him.
Darion has no luck getting any animals...
As those animals can and in a number of cases represent a good piece of their wealth, and they can't afford to lose them.
Darion has no luck getting any animals...
As those animals can and in a number of cases represent a good piece of their wealth, and they can't afford to lose them.
Stranger in blue:
He has finished his talk with Lady Cirthana and proceeds to exit the building and as he passes Kinshara says
"Be careful to not wake the evil that slumbers below the ruins of Dwarves that were once holy."And leaves the Kirk before Kinshara's puzzlement of his words wear's off and to stop attempts to question him.
With a borrowed map of Darkmoon Woods confirming his directions, Corindus returns to Roots and Remedies.
Finding Darion practically jumping in frustration and flailing his arms, he hazards a wry grin.
"I take it that our other preparations are not going well, friend?" he quips.
Kinshara shakes off her momentary confusion. There will be time to ponder the man's words later. She approaches Lady Cirthana to introduce herself.
"Greetings, Lady Cirthana. I am Kinshara Medaan, a recently called acolyte of the Inheritor. I arrived in Falcon's Hollow late last night. Laurel informed me of the town's plight and what ingredients she requires from the deep forest to affect a cure. She has named three: elderwood moss, a specially prepared root called a rat's tail and ironbloom mushrooms. A motley crew has formed for the expedition to obtain the ingredients, but I wished to present myself here before leaving."
With a borrowed map of Darkmoon Woods confirming his directions, Corindus returns to Roots and Remedies.
Finding Darion practically jumping in frustration and flailing his arms, he hazards a wry grin.
"I take it that our other preparations are not going well, friend?" he quips.
Darion responds to Corindus
”As it turns out, I’m not as diplomatic as I’d like to be. And my dizzying intellect and sound logic are lost on these folks. They’d rather insure that their horses live and run the risk of dying themselves, then part with the beasts and improve their chances of survival”
Lady Cirthana:
Lady Cirthana replies to Kinshara's words
"Well Kinshara, it is nice to meet you.
And it's good to hear your going to help Laurel with the cure.
I pray that your group has a safe, and successful journey.
I also pray for the successful retrieval of what she needs and that no evil hinders you in your group's task."
"Brickasnurd Hildrinsocks gave me this to deliver as tithing. And one for myself," Kinshara states as she hands over Brickasnurd's coin as well as one of her own.
"Falcon's Hollow needs saving from more than just itself today, it seems. I should be going. When I return, we should discuss what we can do for this town. My prayers to the goddess led me here, and no doubt she has a role for us to play."
"Before I depart, however," Kinshara states while looking over her shoulder. "Who was the man you were speaking to when I arrived? He said something strange to me as he left."
Lady Cirthana:
Lady Cirthana replies to Kinshara's words
"Ah Thank you. Brickasnurd been a big help for me helping me when I'm having some trouble."
Lady Cirthana replies to the question
"Oh he was also dropping off a good sized tithing and he's come by once or twice before.
Though for some reason I forgot to ask his name each time and speaks a bit on the cryptic side.
I think he might be a wandering oracle.
But now what did he say child? As I might be able to figure it out."
After Corindus and Darion share there witty remarks with each other. Darion looks around to make sure no one heard or at least processed his minor insult. Seeing no one eyeing or approaching him he continues and says to Corindus...
”I trust we are not going by ferry either judging by the fact that I can see it shoving off without us...eh? What then is our best course of action heading out on foot or do you have some connections we could exploit to get us moving faster?”
"My captain reminded me of what I already suspected: it was wishful thinking that we could take a barge upriver. After all, there's a reason why the Consortium relishes sending lumber downriver but loathes sending supplies upriver."
"We'll be heading into the woods on foot, but I have a contact who'll hopefully ferry us more quickly back to town, at least in exchange for a favor."
”Well with that news we better get a move on. Let’s gather our ragtag group and get a good start anyway. Since you’ve got the map I trust you’ll be leading this party? Where to first do you reckon we should go?”
”I’ve got a spell that allows communication at a distance if you like I could cast it on you if you are in the lead or scouting ahead and the rest of us could stay in contact with you through me that is”
"We should take the road northeast towards the logging camps. From there we enter the woods and skirt the Droskmere. Once we're around the lake, it's almost a straight line from the Elder Tree, to Ulizmila's hut, then the dwarven ruins."
"And I'll lead the way if need be, but once we're in the woods, I'm not keen on straying too far ahead. Ludwig's warned me about the beasts, fey, and more shiftless trappers lurking in the northern woods."