"The fellow who attacked us on the road, or whoever he works for."
Meridian checks that his musket is properly loaded, then hands the axe and dagger back to their owners after cleaning the gore off of them.
Turning to the prisoner, "We kept you alive. Now tell us everything you know."
Robert sighs, leaning against the nearby wall and resting his tired hands. His arms ache from the repeated firing of his arrows. "We should find a safe place to rest, perhaps look for your horses."
Once out on the street, Simon blew three times on a signal whistle.
A short while later his horse came trotting nervously up the road.
"I tend to end up in sticky situations a lot. It's worth the extra coin for a well-trained horse."
"Ye take yer horse, I'll take me lizard. That thing wont climb so well if ye need it too." Stating to Simon, looking over at the prisoner with a evil grin. "I say we drag him behind the horses till he talks or gives us what we want. Or he just passes away."
Zhan will lead his horse out from the back of the jail cell and check him over to make sure he didn't take any unnoticed injury. He pointedly ignores what's going on with the prisoner.
Kiwyn breathed a sigh of relief when Simon returned. "This one and his fellows are just as responsible as their leash holders. They deserve whatever happens to them. " The little wizard glared at their captive then quickly returned her attention to the girl. "If we are going to investigate the town, that could take some time. We should find what supplies we can, food and such, especially now that we a have an extra mouth to feed."
Leading the girl out of the jail she whistles for her own horse. A few moments later Noroikawa trots up with Simon's horse. "I'm glad horses are herd animals. I figured they would keep each other safe." She comments as she pats the horse's neck. Kiwyn takes a moment to introduce Nowa to the girl when she realizes, in all of the confusion she had not learned the girl's name.
Kiwyn crouches down and gives the girl a small friendly smile. "I think it's time we properly introduced ourselves. My name is Kiwyn and this is Noroikawa." She motions at the horse who only snorts at the sound of his name. "It means 'lazy rivier'. I call him that because he loves to just plot along slowly when he can. But he's a good horse and he can run when I ask him to." She then takes turns motioning to each of the others in the group and introducing them before finally smiling at the girl and asking her own name. "So what should we call you?"
The captive shuffles to his feet and keeps close to Meridian. He speaks while the group is reorganizing. "I am a part of The Brotherhood. We are an old and dangerous cult dedicated to the Evil gods. The man who attacked you is Seifer. He is a battalion leader among The Brotherhood. Myself and the other two were just initiates. Seifer and the Sniper were the only two full-fledged members. All members hold a ring that allows them to teleport back to our lair. That's how Seifer and his Sniper escaped so quick. The Brotherhood is organized by something we refer to as The Voice. It has no flesh or blood, but speaks to us through our thoughts. It organizes our strikes, and tells us where and what we are looking for. The ship that crashed on the shore carried an ancient artifact called the Blood of Mystra. It's a fragment of a jewel that we've been seeking for millenia. Its powers are far more vast than any of you can comprehend. The Brotherhood has several pieces of the jewel, and the piece that you have is one of the only few remaining. But now you've gone and pissed off The Brotherhood. Oh, they'll kill me for telling you about them, but I can't begin to imagine the hell they will bring upon you. You could join them if you value your lives.....but then, they don't care much for life, as you've seen."
The little girl listens to Kiwyn, unaware of the man, before speaking. "My name is Khloey."
"That plan makes sense, Kiwyn," Robert says. "We should also decide where we should go next."
When their captive speaks, Robert listens intently to the man. "Then I suppose it is lucky for you that we do care for life. Would you happen to know where it is best to move next to avoid The Brotherhood for now? We are ill-prepared and tired. And thank you, at least, for sharing your information with us. What is your name? And the Sniper is only referred to by his title?"
He doesn't speak. Only Seifer knows his real name.
"He's as evil as a drow's skin is black. I would rather take a few iron spikes and hang him to a wall, it'd be a better use for him. It would only take me a few moments to whip some up with the fires and random metal about. Or ye can let the roaming dead take him after he passes? Ye just let me cut his belly and he'll go for few days/hours.... well at least till the undead get him. " Silent grins.
Intimidate:
"Too much effort. Hanging is faster." Simon says, clearly not listening to what the prisoner had to say.
Robert frowns. "If you're going to treat a man like some animal for the slaughter, please don't expect me to sit by and watch. I understand your reasoning but at least treat him without cruelty, as a being, not as a beast to put down lest we become but beasts ourselves.
Zhan will activate his Discern Lies ability and turn to the man.
"Is everything you have said true? Is there anything you know that you believe will help us defeat your former brethren?"
The little girl listens to Kiwyn, unaware of the man, before speaking. "My name is Khloey."
"Khloey you say. Well now. isn't that a pretty name." Kiwyn smiles at the girl.
"That plan makes sense, Kiwyn," Robert says. "We should also decide where we should go next."
Looking up at the gillman as he speaks the kitsune nods in agreement. "I suppose that may depend on the little one here." She looks back at Khloey for a moment before the others begin discussing how best to deal with their captive. She gets a sense that they are trying to intimidate the man, but can not help frowning.
Robert frowns. "If you're going to treat a man like some animal for the slaughter, please don't expect me to sit by and watch. I understand your reasoning but at least treat him without cruelty, as a being, not as a beast to put down lest we become but beasts ourselves.
"I have to agree with Robert." Says as she stands up. "Besides, this should not be talked of in front of one so young." Holding Khloey's hand she takes Nowa's reigns and looks to Robert. "If you care to join us, we are going to look around for supplies."
Kiwyn starts to lead the girl and horse off, leaving the others to get what information they can out of their captive with having to worry about scaring the poor girl further. She was beginning to grow fond of the little girl, but she knew that they would have to take her someplace safe to stay.
As they walk she looks down at the girl and tries to think of delicate way to ask the following questions. "Khloey, you're going to need clothes and such. Where did you live? Also, do you have any family outside of town? Someone you can stay with?"
Simon raises an eyebrow. "Done right, hanging is about as humane as killing someone gets. You have a better idea? We aren't letting him go or taking him with us. Maybe you think we should lock him back up in the jail where all these nice townsfolk can look after him until his trial? It's a nice thought, but I think I see a flaw in that plan..."
"I'm going to do one more sweep of the area to make sure there's nothing we missed. You folks figure out what best soothes your conscience and satisfies justice. If he's still standing around by the time I get back, I'm going to make it easy and put my sword through his chest so we can leave."
Mounting up, Simon takes off an a slow canter.
The man looks fearfully at Silent, who is an obviously gruff Deurgar. There's no doubt in his mind that Silent will go through with his word. "Well..."says the captive. "I don't know of anything to help you defeat them, but if I can somehow rejoin their ranks, I may be able to help you from within. It won't be easy though, I'll need proof that you are dead. The man slides slowly away from Silent.
The little girl looks to Kiwyn. "I have no blood family outside of town. My god-parents live in Camden, but that's nearly a two weeks ride from here. I don't know where my parents would be if not here, though. she starts to sob. "And all my clothes are at my home, but I don't want to go back there. I don't want see anymore bad things. She continues to sob into Kiwyns shirt, clutching her for dear life.
Kiwyn hugged the sobbing little girl and stroked her hair. "I understand." She bit her lower lip as she remembered the older woman who had seemingly died to protect Khloey. She had was sure it had been her mother. Kiwyn could not, though, begin to speculate on her father's where abouts. The kitsune could only hope they did not find him in a state where they would have to defend the girl from her own father.
Forcing herself not to frown or dwell on that possibility she used her sleeve to wipe Khloey's tears and give her a small smile to reassure her. "Very well then. We will simply have to find you some new clothes."
"Kiwyn, ye take that brat and walk away. Fish that goes for ye too. I got no quarrel with ye, but that man is gonna talk one way or another. I got some rope and a sharp axe that say so." Looking to Simon as he mounts his horse. Silent yells, "It seems ye got the stomach for it, can ye tie a tourniquet quick enough so he dont bleed out?"
Turning back to prisoner he moves to grab him, "Ye be lucky if ye die, but that fish there will be bringing ye back. Be sure of that. Ye won't be seeing ye god or whatever the nine-hells ye believe in. Ye'll be seeing me and me axe." Silent grins in a almost evil manner.
Intimidate:
Zhan reads Silent and is pretty sure the man is serious. He himself would intervene before it come to such, but of course the cultist doesn't need to know that...
"You'd best speak quickly. I don't believe you that you mean to aid us. Iomadae allows me to see untruths, and you stink of them. Do you know anything else that would aid us, and can you think of any reason we should let you live? Answer us, or see justice done now for all the lives you partook in taking."
There is a clear double click as Meridian thumbs back the hammers on his musket. Meridian is otherwise silent, letting the sound speak for him.
The man looks in horror at the group around him. He starts to stammer nervously. "I-I-I....the stone." he shuffles backwards. "It draws them, th-they sense it. Gods help you all. It is death that will find you. Nothing can protect you from The Brotherhood. Find them before they find you. Fighting is your only hope." It is clear that the man is being truthful.
The man tries to rise to his feet to flee.
Also, the fires have died down, and there are still some bodies laying around. Some have dissolved into dust, but others have just shriveled into husks. The stench of rotting flesh is clearly in the air.
Zhan shakes his head regretfully while drawing his gun. With a deft motion, he fires twice, placing two slugs in the fleeing man.
"By your own admission, I pronounce you guilty of murder and necromancy. The penalty is death."
As the man starts to run, Meridian levels his musket saying, "Why do they always run?" Aiming carefully, Meridian fires twice at the man.
Robert watches the proceedings, not doing anything to stop it but not helping it along either.
Simon stops when Silent speaks and watches the firing squad execution impassively.
When the man falls he turns back to the rest.
"We need to leave."
"I think ye might be right. Leaving wouldn't be a bad thing. Besides not much left in town besides the dead." Silent shakes his head.
"I would like to take a turn by the blacksmith and an alchemist if there is such in this town. I need to resupply. And your weapon has given me an idea, Zhan."
"You're a craftsman then? It is a unique piece, and I've come to treasure it. However, if it will help our cause, you are free to examine it more closely."
Taking Khloey by the hand she heads towards what is left of the market area. Kiwyn hopes to find clothing, supplies, and food for the girl. As the move along she will attempt to distract Khloey from the bodies still around.
The captives is delivered to death swiftly. Four bullet holes decorate his back, with another through his forehead. He is dead. The fires are starting to dwindle, and all is silent in the town. There are a few main concerns among the group right now.
Kiwyn is focused tightly on Khloey, keeping her safe and making sure she has fresh clothes and food. There is also the matter of her family. She has relatives in the city of Camden, a major city that is two weeks, close to three, away from Eastwall. But her direct family is nowhere to be found. You have The Brotherhood to contend with, and a child to protect could spell trouble for your safety.
There is also the matter of the Blood of Mystra. You still are unaware of its abilities or purpose, and it seems to be a beacon for The Brotherhood. There is the very obvious arcane power within it that an Archmage could help you decipher, or at the very least would be appropriate to bring to the attention of a mages guild.
Lastly, not all the townsfolk are accounted for, but you have no inclination of where they would have went. Experience tells you that with danger on your trail, making a long journey to a place like Camden isn't in your best interests. Most of the guardsman seem to have made it away safely though, so a roving battalion protecting a flock of civilians would be hard to miss.
The town of Eastwall is quiet in the aftermath of the destruction. Meridian, it would be no trouble to loot any supplies you need from the smith's shop or alchemists shop. Zhan and Simon, you remember there was something the Arch-Bishop wanted with you two, but they are no longer present. Silent, your job at the Blacksmiths is definitely no more. You do however have some belongings that you could pack up from the shop. It crosses your mind that taking something extra for the road wouldn't hurt either. Lastly, Robert, you have the sneaking suspicion that the jewel has something to do with you. A ship having dragged you into the shore, with no living crew left to pilot it couldn't have been an accident.
Away from the others as final preparations to leave are made, Simon catches Zhan.
"Keep an eye on the child. I don't trust that she isn't some kind of elaborate ruse or trap by this Brotherhood. They seem the sorts that would have no qualms about using a child as a contingency plan in the event that anyone survived their attack on the town."
Robert frowns as he takes in the lull to think about recent events. Now that he thinks about it, it was odd that a ship had carried him to shore. Ordinarily, he would thank the mercy of the oceans but perhaps it might have been something else.
He shakes his head and resolves to think about it later, when in safety, and goes towards a general shop to find out where he is.
Meridian first pulls out his signal whistle and blows a short series of notes; a signal to his horse to come to him if it can; hopefully it survived and hopefully the packhorse did not break its leading rein. He waits a short time to see if he can hear or see his mount approaching.
Whether or not the horse reappears, Meridian gathers some supplies from the blacksmith and the alchemist to allow him to replace his expended ammunition, to fabricate a new rifle, and to craft a larger caliber of cartridge than the ones that Zahn is using.
Meridian manages to find his required supplies. With nobody in the town, it's easy to sift through the remains and find useable materials. The alchemists shop in particular had a vast array of items to choose from. When his horse returns, he is able to load everything up.
Robert scours through the town, eventually finding a map of the local and greater vicinity. You had overheard the little girl talking to Kiwyn about her family in Camden, and the city is clearly marked on the map. You can see there are two direct routes you can take. One is a river path, traveling from the nearby ocean to Camden. The other is a trail that leads over a mountainside, and through a small forest. Camden looks to be located near the middle of the province you're in, and seems to be a decent length trip. Looking for food and camping supplies would be a good way to prep for the journey ahead.
Kiwyn manages to help Khloey find clothes. After changing, Khloey is in a much happier mood. She's become attached to Kiwyn, and doesn't leave her side.
"You're a craftsman then? It is a unique piece, and I've come to treasure it. However, if it will help our cause, you are free to examine it more closely."
I am skilled in the crafting of both firearms and the ammunition for them. This," Meridian pats the butt of his double-barreled musket, "is my own make, except its enchantment; I paid well for that. Though it may take me some some time to figure out a repeater like yours. I would appreciate the chance to study both the weapon and the shells it takes."
After gathering the supplies and loading his pack horse, Meridian will ride back to meet up with the others.
"So, do we look for the other townspeople or do we head for Camden?"
With a little soap and water and a fresh set of clothes it was almost as if this were a different girl. Kiwyn could not help but smile at the change in her mood. She used her own brush to get Khloey's hair into some order.
Kiwyn collected extra clothing, food, bedding and other survival necessities for Khloey, including a small utility knife she could use and carry comfortably. After packing everything into one of her saddlebags she leads Khloey and the horse around to gather a few last supplies for her own. If she can find a decent bookstore still in good shape she'll venture in to look around. And if possible either a jeweler's or the alchemist shop Meridian found if possible.
Once she has gathered everything she can for the two of them she regroups with the others.
After gathering the supplies and loading his pack horse, Meridian will ride back to meet up with the others."So, do we look for the other townspeople or do we head for Camden?"
”My vote would be to head to Camden.” The wizard offers. ”We already know Khloey’s god-parents are there. Also with its size, we should be able to find more help and information on this Brotherhood or the Tear.”
Kiwyn looks down at Khloey, smiles and gives her hand a little squeeze.
"The townspeople might be heading for Camden as well," Robert says, unrolling a map he found. "My vote is for Camden. If we go to Camden, there are two ways I found that we can take. One is a river path, which I would prefer, going near the ocean. The other is a mountain trail that leads through a small forest. Either way, Camden will be some distance away and we should bring food and supplies. While it may be risky, I am unsure of what other direction to go and I loathe to leave you all."
"You seem to be a key piece of the mystery of this cult. Regardless of where we go, Zahn and I are going to keep you around. My guess is you'll be needed to stop them."
Silent will go back to his/smith's shop. He'll scour around for his things. Also anything that was valuable to smith or himself. (ooc:Lemme know if I find anything, crafting stuff or items.HP Roll:)
After a while of scrounging up his things and anything that may look valuable.(Silent has no problem looting from the dead, they can't use it in the after life.)
"Id say we go toward the mountain trail. I dont much like headed by water, that's where most would choose to travel. Safest thing we can do is get this girl back and safe. Soon as we can. She's a risk we can't take if we're going after this cult." Silent sighs. "I'll travel with ye for now. To protect thee lasses and I owe those cultist for burning down me shop."
"I afraid I must disagree with the opinions proffered so far. We can keep the girl safe with us until we get a chance to deliver her safely to he god-parents. However, if we leave now and come back, we essentially abandon any survivors to the cult. We don't know how they did what they did; not looking for those survivors might be as good as abandoning them to the cultists. I don't like endangering the girl by keeping her with us, but we know that that not all the villagers are accounted for here by those that became undead. Did the rest escape, or were they taken, to be experimented upon late? Since we have no idea, I recken it's safest to assume they are at risk. I vote we find out what happened to them first. If they're safe, grand, we'll take the girl on; but if they're not, we may have to do something about it."
"Good point."
"You have a point, Zhan. I am amenable to either option. A large group would be easier to track especially if they escaped in a hurry."
"I am more comfortable finding out what happened to the survivors. This situation has me on edge and I would know they are safe before I take the girl to Camden."
Kiwyn bit her lower lip. She felt a little ashamed for not thinking the survivors could still be in peril. Slowly she nodded in agreement. "You are right. We should see about the possible survivors."
"Seems like the first step should to check out likely places in the town they might have gone, the second to check the major roads and paths to see if there is a direction they might have used to leave it."
"Has anyone seen any structure in town that might be capable of holding a large number of people? One that might be able to be secured would make a good choice. A town hall, guard post, even a large stone building like a bath house or a library might be used in a pinch. In times of crisis, people will often flock to churches and temples, and clergy would have been able to potentially keep the monsters at bay. We should scout the town for such locations and check them out. Look for anything like doors or windows being boarded up, or impromptu barricades."
"No one should travel alone, so we should split into perhaps two teams... I'd suggest Simon, Kiwyn and I make up one group, and Meridian, Clicks, and the Smith here make up the second. If either team runs into trouble, a gunshot will be the signal. We'll meet back here in an hour. Any objections?"
"Sounds good. You take east, and we take west?"
Simon nods curtly and turns his horse east.