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Dot here. We'll begin once everyone checks in!
Dot!
Dot
What does that mean anyway?
Damage Over Time
Department of Transportation
Dragons of Taldor
Devil Overlord Training
Dotting
By the way, guys, I have opened up a small wondrous item shop back in town. If all goes well, I hope to run Rifiki out of business by year's end, so if you were planning on buying anything from that crook, I'll give you 10% off his lowest price.
After stopping at the usual watering hole on a quiet night, the four of you are approached by the barkeep Gwendolyn Pierce with a job offer. In her usual fashion, she is rather tight-lipped about both the details of the job or what lead to her choosing each of you. She assures you that your contact will answer any questions you might have. With little else to do for the evening you decide it's at least worth a look.
Making your way to the rendezvous just a few blocks from the tavern, you come to a small walled garden, tucked between a pair of larger buildings. The small space is a stark contrast to the urban sprawl surrounding it. Vines and creeping ivy climb the walls, carefully trimmed rosebushes wrap the pillar of lattice walls that stands in the center, this is obviously an area tended with loving care. Spread around the sides, a trio of small fountains bubble happily, carved to represent the deities Gozreh, Shelyn and Desna respectively.
A young half-elf in thick, pale green robes occupies one of the benches surrounding the central lattices, his eyes closed in a peaceful stillness. Upon your arrival, he startles slightly, eyes popping open as he takes the appearance of your group. Standing, he bows awkwardly to the four of you, speaking in an uncertain tone, "You must be the...Gwendolyn sent you, yes? She assured me you would be capable and...and I'm sure you are. Her reputation is impeccable. The matter I've come to you with is one that requires a measure of discretion of course and...", he trails off completely looking embarrassed, "I'm sorry, I'm getting ahead of myself.", the young man takes a deep breath, steadying his nerves, "My name is Jehron. I have come here from a small druidic community a days travel west of here seeking aid. We are a small group, seven of us full practitioners of the faith and perhaps two dozen others who have chosen to embrace a simpler life and live under our protection. These last weeks that protection has been challenged and we find ourselves needing to turn to outside aid.", a tinge of fear and perhaps sadness creeps into the corner of Jehron's eyes and he is slow to continue, "...there is a danger that prowls the wilderness outside our community, poisoning it against us. Those who journey outside the community are set upon by the same beasts we used to share the land with comfortably, we find other creatures torn to shreds and simply left to rot...we of the faith do what we can but...our efforts have proved insufficient. Three days ago, two members of the community disappeared from the creek just outside the village. Blood was found but, by the time I left, there had been no other sign of them. It cannot be allowed to continue like this, it cannot...and so I come to you for help. Will you track down the source of this blight and end it?"
"Just point me in the right direction and I will smite the foul creature! My magic in unmatched. For I tap the very essence of the arcane force itself."
"A good fight? How can I possibly pass that up?"
Benlei nods at the half-elf, grinning. "I can't promise I'll track it, but if we can find it, I can fight it. The Dawn will protect you and your community, I swear."
"It may be good to visit the place of the attack. Perhaps we can learn more about the nature of the beast and its affliction. Clearly some sinister force is at work.
Jehron blinks uncertainly, managing an awkward smile, "Well...at least your enthusiastic...", he glances at the darkening sky, "I realize it grows late but you must understand, given the circumstances I'm eager to return to the community as soon as possible. With that in mind, I've purchased a cart. Not my preferred method of travel but if you're willing I would collect it and set out immediately. The bed should be large enough to accommodate the four of you getting some measure of sleep while I drive. If you're to have any hope of success, you'll need to be alert for the hardship awaiting you..."
Questioning his motive never even crossed my mind.
"Sometimes falling asleep can be difficult. But I've mastered a technique that works every time."
Bartholomew climbs into the cart, arranges his bag as a pillow, lies down, tosses some multi-colored sand into the air. A dazzling flash of light comes from the cart, and you can hear light snoring only moments later.
Arcing a puzzled eyebrow at Bartholomew's antics, Benlei climbs up as well. She sits against the side of the cart, looking out over the side, and waits for sleep to come.
Jac was satisfied with the recent haul from his readings that day. So satisfied in fact, he thought he'd have a drink to wind down before returning to his room. Upon entry he noticed a familiar face in the crowd. The exotic Human woman from his unfortunate run in with the Demon Cat. The thought made him shutter. That and the remnants of the Chills he was once afflicted with.
He spoke with her candidly, thanking her again for saving his life. They shared a drink and were approached by the bar maiden about the job. When Benlei agreed Jac was eager to know more. He hoped to perhaps return the favor of kindness.
They left beside the two other folks who were picked and introductions were made. A short walk brought them to the Half-Elf who would be their contact. Jac listened closely.
"Beasts huh? I'm confident in the other three's combat ability so I guess my job is to provide some foresight. Count me in!"
Jac ascended the cart and pulled his rugged Harrow Deck from it's pouch and laid it upon a simple cloth he carried.
"Anyone care for a spirit reading? I can maybe answer questions about our upcoming trials. It doesn't hurt."
"Snoooooooore"
Jehron is quiet throughout the night and as you all settle into the cart the rhythmic motion lulls you to sleep. Come dawn you are awoken by the first light filtering in through the canopy of trees now overhead, the cart having traveled well into the western forest. Jehron seems to make no note of your awakening from his place at the reins. The half-elf is hunched forward, his expression concerned and wearied in equal measure. He seems to be watching something above the path stretching ahead of the cart. Following his gaze, you can just make out a long trail of smoke through the overhanging branches. It appears to be coming from somewhere no more than a couple miles ahead. Finally noticing his passengers are awake, Jehron rubs at his eyes wearily, ”You’re awake, good. Ready yourselves.”, he points upwards, towards the smoke, ”I fear that smoke may be the harbinger of further tragedy.” Snapping impatiently at the reigns, he urges the horses to a more urgent pace.
A short time later, you arrive at the source of the smoke. Jehron's village seems as though it would be exactly the quiet, peaceful backwood you would imagine...on any other day. Today, smoke still rises from the shells of the nearest two cottages. People stand nearby as if in a daze, ashes and blood on their clothes, still others rush to gather their belongings so that they might flee. Seeing the devastation, Jehron curses angrily, "No no no. You bastard what have you done? This has to end!", leaping from the wagon, he abandons the four of you and sprints the last three hundred yards to the village proper, charging past the houses towards the massive oak that dominates the center and the low moss covered building that wraps around it's base.
Benlei reaches for her blade as the cart nears the village and begins oiling it. When the half-elf informs her of the smoke, she turns to take a look, but says nothing until they draw closer.
On arriving at the village, she drops off the wagon as well, moving forward at a more sedate pace, her hand on her hilt. "The Dawn guide us...We should begin our search for this madman immediately. Jehron, do you have any leads we could begin with? If not, these cottages may have some hint. Either way, I'm certain the Dawn will put this mystery to rest soon enough."
Finnian also draws his blade and follows the half-elf.
Bartholomew readies his wand of True Strike, and follows as well.
Jac saw everyone else pile out of the cart and he followed suit.
"Hey Jac, maybe this isn't the best time, but I'll take you up on that reading now if you're willing. Harrowing on the go, as it were."
"I'd imagine whatever menace awaits us will give me no time to prop up a table on which to place the cards. After, maybe?"
"Very well. I will just have to take my chances without it. Good thing my magic is so refined."