Silas can you roll Bardic Knowledge on the ingredients?
Damned if I know where it is, though.The rat’s tail and mushrooms are even
longer shots. Way north, toward the mountains, people say there used to live a bunch of dwarves. They’re not there anymore, but I’d bet their forges are. If you can find ironbloom anywhere around here, that’d be
your best bet. As for the rat’s tail, who knows? Well. Actually. Ulizmila, the witch that lives deep in the woods might. She’s a crafty, mean thing that knows all sorts of strangeness. She might even have one. I don’t know what she might want for it, but I doubt it’d come cheap. My grandmother traded her sight to the old crone for a few pages of what she knew, and that was years and years back, and I don’t know a soul who got any nicer as they got older.
Lady Cirthana quails a bit at your mention of being an inquisitor. She stammers an apology Umm, well certainly I didn't mean LIE about the cure. I would never... I mean...
She trails off and seems eager to be about her business
She's new to this, alright. Mother Tibalt wouldn't have batted an eye at the word inquisitor, and Father Samus would have challenged me to a duel if he thought I were accusing him of anything..couse, Samus, hot blooded as he was, never would have even hinted at anything dishonest either. "Sister Cirthana," He says with understanding, "I'm glad I misunderstood you on that then, and I apologize if it sounded in anyway like an accusation. I know how hard it must be to be in a remote village like this, and with the plague, and all, I can only imagine your frustration in being able to assist only so much. But you are trying to help these folks, sister. And for what its worth, I admire you for it." He inclines his head, "Please don't hesitate to call on me if the local congregation has needs."
Silas starts humming and mutters, "for a moment there I thought I remembered a song about the Dwarves and their halls, ah it's gone, no matter."
Hecktor's attitude immediately makes Gared suspicious.
"I'm one of the deputies of this town, and if you've any sense, you'll stand away from the door and let me check your business here is legitimate," Gared replies firmly, his hand dropping to the haft of his handaxe.
Silas carries on humming and starts absent mindedly tapping a slow beat with his foot. "I half remember a song about a dwarven king who was cheated out of his inheritance."
"Yes I remember now, a slow lament for all that was lost by guile rather than honest combat." Silas starts softly singing a melancholy tune in dwarven.
"Unfortunately the song doesn't say where the lost hall was exactly, it could be half a world away for all I know."
Silas drifts out of his reverie, and says to Dr Lawson, Michael and Laurel, "One stanza from the song I remembered speaks of a ritual procession from a Monestry in the hills to a large river somewhere in what we call northern Andoran. I believe the only river of any size around here is the Foam or perhaps one of it's tributaries so that Monestry can't be too far away. My guess is somebody in town knows where it is, although it's probably just a pile of rocks now for that song is very old."
Hecktor, being a hardened merc, is not impressed by Gared in the least.
Finding it rather amusing actually.
In the same calm voice:
"For a deputee you sure don't have alot of professional patience, do you? If you are who you claim to be you'd even know i am no thug."
Pointing at the axe,
"Aw, come on, that little thing hanging from your belt. It's rather cute.", Hecktor said with a mild smirk.
Hecktor leans in the opening of the door:
"Guys, there's a temperful guy claiming to be the deputee, coming to see if we aren't on illegal business inside the shop. Michael, he doesn't trust me or your fine steed standing in front of this shop."
Turning back towards Gared with a face as if nothing has happened;
"Head on in."
Hecktor continues looking at the feats of the horse. Seeing a brush hanging from the saddle, he starts combing the manes.
Lucanor is heard to say, "As you like, sister." as he returns to thee others.
Silas drifts out of his reverie, and says to Dr Lawson, Michael and Laurel, "One stanza from the song I remembered speaks of a ritual procession from a Monestry in the hills to a large river somewhere in what we call northern Andoran. I believe the only river of any size around here is the Foam or perhaps one of it's tributaries so that Monestry can't be too far away. My guess is somebody in town knows where it is, although it's probably just a pile of rocks now for that song is very old."
"Mmm?" Lucanor only heard part of that, but the mention of Monastery has him curious.
Hecktor leans in the opening of the door:
"Guys, there's a temperful guy claiming to be the deputee, coming to see if we aren't on illegal business inside the shop. Michael, he doesn't trust me or your fine steed standing in front of this shop."Turning back towards Gared with a face as if nothing has happened;
"Head on in."
"We're not making enough coin for anything here to be illegal, neighbor," Lucanor says drily. "See if the Deputy wants to help against the plague."
Hecktor didn't catch the answer, since he was tending to the horse.
Michael shrugs at Laurel's request to be quiet about the Consortium, but keeps his mouth shut all the same. After listening to Percival, Silas, and Laurel talk of a cure, he finally decides to open his mouth again.
"Well, it's seeming like there is something I can do to help after all. Tomorrow morning I'll head out into the Vale to find the oldest tree. It shouldn't be too hard, as it's also probably the biggest. But then again, I might run into a case of not being able to see the tree for the forest. Once you're in there everything starts to look the same."
When Hecktor pops his head in and mentions a deputy, Michael grows concerned.
"Ma'am, you may just have been right to tell me to shut up when you did."
Silas explains to Lucanor, "Of old the rock brothers had a monastery somewhere in these parts, probably up in the yonder hills. While it's no doubt a ruin, it's as good a place as any to find ironbloom mushrooms. Never heard of them? Neither had I! It seems Laurel's grandma was something of an authority on the blackscour, and she found a cure.
The recipe calls for a number of things found in any good herbalist shop such as this, plus three rather more unusual ingredients: Elderwood moss from the oldest tree in a forest; a specially pickled root called rat’s tail; and seven ironbloom mushrooms which are associated with the dwarves."
Gared's gaze narrows at Hecktor's disrespectful nature. He's about to act on it when a young child catches his cloak and speaks to him. Gared glances at Hecktor and draws his lips together in a fine line as the man begins to brush down a horse. He nods to the child and bustles past Hecktor into the shop.
"I'm Gared, one of the deputies of Falcon's Hollow," he begins, before catching sight of Michael.
"I see the prodigal son returns," he remarks, the tension in the room rising a notch before Gared breaks out into a wide grin. "If I'd realised you were leading this ragtag bunch, I wouldn't have given your man outside a tongue-lashing. Although he could do with learning some manners." Gared crosses to Michael and holds out his hand in greeting.
"So I take it that this isn't a casual visit then," he says darkly, "You here about the taint?"
Michael takes Gared's hand and gives it a firm shake.
"Well, he's not my man. We just met at the bar and he's kindly watching my horse for me. Anyway, no, it isn't a casual visit. I got word about the sickness here, and that Payday's trying to evict my parents since the old man fell ill. Figured I'd come home and see if I could help. What about you? Never figured you'd stick around here, let alone become a deputy."
Silas explains to Lucanor, "Of old the rock brothers had a monastery somewhere in these parts, probably up in the yonder hills. While it's no doubt a ruin, it's as good a place as any to find ironbloom mushrooms. Never heard of them? Neither had I! It seems Laurel's grandma was something of an authority on the blackscour, and she found a cure.
The recipe calls for a number of things found in any good herbalist shop such as this, plus three rather more unusual ingredients: Elderwood moss from the oldest tree in a forest; a specially pickled root called rat’s tail; and seven ironbloom mushrooms which are associated with the dwarves."
"Sounds like we've got a lot of places to go then," Lucanor nods, "Much obliged for the lore. I suppose we best get moving assuming all here are coming."
Then Gerard comes in, and he sees Michael knows the deputy. Glad they get along after all
"So I take it that this isn't a casual visit then," he says darkly, "You here about the taint?"
"Seems we all are, more or less, neighbor," Lucanor says, "You know the local area and wilderness well?"
Gared shrugs after Michael finishes speaking.
"Dad has sunken into his cups and it is all I can do to keep Freya from having to work in the flophouses. It was a choice of become a deputy or join the Consortium. I like to think I made the better decision," Gared's voice strains a little, "But now Dad and Freya have the taint and I'm stuck trying to stop this town from falling to pieces. Laurel has been burning the wick at both ends just trying to keep as many people from dying as possible. Without her, we'd all probaby be under the ground by now."
As Lucanor chips in, Gared turns to look at him.
"I do, I've had to chase down my fair share of criminals around these parts. I'm not so familiar with the deep forest, but there are probably some around who can share their knowledge if needs be. What do you need to know?"
"We could use some help tracking down some ingredients to make the cure for the blackscour plague. "Elderwood moss from the oldest tree in a forest; a specially pickled root called rat’s tail; and seven ironbloom mushrooms which are associated with the dwarves." According to the folks here anywho. If you know where the locations are, it might save us hours stumbling about. I'm Lucanor by the by."
Knowledge Geography, Nature and Local all can be rolled by anyone who heard Lucanor.
Hecktor, having overheard part of the conversations, standing near the door, turns his head;
"Ironbloom mushrooms? On my way to this town i've met a scholar in an inn. He was doing historical documentation on dwarves.But the details of the conversation are vague."
Hecktor tries to remember details.
Percival nods thoughtfully. "Ironbloom, rat's tail, elderwood moss... sentimental names but, if their medicinal power is strong, then I will seek them out." He looks around between you all. "I must confess, I find all your enthusiasm with helping out this town quite... wonderful. I am far too used to working alone in such endeavors." He gives you all a timid smile.
Well, don't dawdle now. I have many "patients" to see. Go get me those herbs before more people die from this taint. Off you go.
With that Laurel scoots you out onto the porch and begins seeing townsfolk again.
"Well we know what's needed, just not where to look exactly. I'll wager there's folk in town who can help us find all three items, but who to ask?" Silas turns towards Gared, "Deputy, you know the townsfolk, who around here knows the hills like the back of their hand? My guess is they will have seen the ruins even if they didn't know what it was. Somebody probably knows where that tree and the witch is too for that matter."
So our adventure begins, I get the feeling not everyone in town will be happy with us trying to find a cure, sure a bunch of us got a note from "Payden", but somebody sent a goon last night - there's more going on than we know.
I can only see the poor folk, perhaps I'm jumping to conclusions, but Pa always said to trust your instincts they're there for a reason.
"One other thing Deputy, it seems this town is simmering like a kettle. Is it just the taint or is there something else a newcomer should know so they don't step into something unawares?"
Gared tries to rummage his memories for any references to the ingredients, specifically for where they might find them.
Gared's knowledge of the surrounding area appears to help him as he begins to recall some memories.
He snaps to when Silas speaks to him. "I'll be able to guide us well enough," he starts, "I've lived in the Hollow for most of my life and I've been tracking people down in the forests for years. As to the events locally, this town is run by the Consortium. There are always simmering tensions, particularly between Payday and the Sheriff. We can ill afford to rock the boat though, the town needs the business of the Consortium; without it this town would cease to exist but few have the coin to safely make it to another settlement. It's a hard life for many and there are those who will be quick to anger. Best to just remain polite in our dealings with any of the locals. We should head to the Sheriff so that I can tell him I'll be out of town for a couple of days. He won't be happy but the cure is more important than looking up a couple of drunks."
Lucanor heads out with the others as they are shown the porch "Sheriff it is, then. Then back to the matter, and hopefully in good time."
Lucanor keeps his eyes on who might be following or watching themm, though he isn't obvious about it.
While walking out of the shop, Michael looks to Gared.
"You sure you can help us find this stuff? I mean, I'm not doubting you, but I'd just think you'd be needed closer to town. I doubt we're going to find this stuff within a day's distance of town, otherwise we'd probably already have it."
Michael walks over to his horse and begins to climb into the saddle. As he's climbing up he says, "I already said what I want to look for first. I'm planning on going out into the Vale tomorrow morning and searching for the oldest tree. But it's getting late now and I still haven't even seen my folks yet. You guys can head to the sheriff's and talk to him, but I've got to see if I can patch a few things up at home. I'll probably sleep there tonight as well. If you want to help me tomorrow, I'll be setting out just after daybreak. Gared can tell you where the house is. I'd offer you all a place to sleep, but I'm not so sure how well received my homecoming will be."
Hecktor gives back the leading strings of the horse to Michael.
Turning to Gared as the guy is passing by;
"Well, now that the misunderstanding about our identities has been cleared up. You are already acquainted with the others, it'd be rude not to introduce myself. Name's Hecktor. Quite convenient that we're heading for the sheriff. While we were in the inn a man came up to us asking to see the sheriff."
Reacting to Michael;
"Don't stress yourself out. We'll likely see you tomorrow....and Michael, that's a fine steed you have there. A real cared for beauty."
"We'll try to meet you at your place on the morrow, Michael. Best we stick together as much as possible after all, we've already got more attention than a carnival it seems."
"Taint is the biggest problem in town at the minute, the Sheriff and other deputy can handle things and more can be sworn in if there is a need for more bodies," Gared replies to Michael, "Without someone to guide you, then at best you'll miss one of the ingredients and at worst, I'll find your corpses out there in a couple of years."
"Gared," he says by way of reply to Hecktor. "I'd suggest being more forthcoming with other townspeople. There are some desperate folks out there now."
"Sticking together seems wise, some of the locals are none too friendly. Let's go see the sheriff and then maybe we can ask around to see if anyone knows of old ruins up in the hills."
Gared tries to rummage his memories for any references to the ingredients, specifically for where they might find them.
1d20+4
1d20+4Gared's knowledge of the surrounding area appears to help him as he begins to recall some memories.
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As you weave your way through the dying light of Sunday, the shadows lengthen and....... everyone make perception checks at -8 due to the low light and distance.
Was that someone lurking up ahead? No the light is playing tricks on me its just the shadow of a tree swaying in the breeze...
I'm ill at ease here, jumping at shadows. I need to calm down, my companions are armed and look like they know how to fight. Besides I have a few tricks up my sleeve if needs be.
Lucanor mutters, "Shady sort of town."
Gared claps his hands unexpectedly as the party make their way to the Sheriff's Office.
"I've just remembered the Sheriff has a map of the area, I've looked at it enough times that I know exactly where we are going for these various ingredients we need," Gared can't help but let a tremor of excitement into his voice.
In his sudden excitement, Gared fails to notice any impending danger.
Hecktor vaguely hears Lucanor's comment. Well in this light there was sense in that.
You are about HERE When 2 men pop out of the shadows and stop you, they are armed with swords, axes and bows.
The leader says Where ya goin? Don't youse got an invitation to see Payday? Best be thinking about going elsewhere, cuz ya aint getting to Baleson.
Map located HERE I'm also going to put the map in the campaign info tab.
Ok Initiative Order
Gared, Hecktor
Lucanor
Silas
Toughs
Michael and Horse
Leader
Percival
Accenting his size by standing next to his companions..
Slowly revealing the big shiny scythe..he looks at them, putting up a maniacal sadistic smile. Saying in a calm disturbing way:
"Well now, the crops have popped up from the dirt. Harvesttime has come."
Ah ha, so I'm not seeing things! Maybe I'm not going crazy after all... I don't think I care for this Payday, I'll see the Sheriff if want to.
Hecktor has pulled steel, this will end in blood - I must stop this now before it gets out of hand.
Silas calls to the lead thug in the most improbably amiable way. His voice has changed almost beyond recognition thick with the local twang and with a slight swagger he hollers,
"Never mind the Sheriff, you're my long lost buddy! Hey bud! Don't you remember
me? I'm back! How you doin'? I told you I'd come back one day! You remember that day long ago don't ya? Hey don't be a stranger amigo, standing around lookin' all cross like. No need for a steels over a little misunderstanding, eh? Not with my brother from another mother! Tell your man its OK, come on over and introduce yourselves."
"Payday already sent us word, we're to see the Sheriff to keep up appearances and then report to him tomorrow just like he told you to tell us."
Percival blinks in surprise and leans forward to squint at the men. He raises a hand politely. "Excuse me? Sirs? You appear to be wielding axes, swords and etcetera, and uttering threatening remarks. Could you please clarify if you are intending physical violence? I would like to know before I respond in kind?"
Michael, not looking for bloodshed, stares somewhat angrily at the two men.
"I never got any letter from Payday, and I wouldn't answer that moron's request for anything anyways. Now, you can either move out of my way and let me go home or... As Michael finishes his last sentence he pats the head of the war hammer hanging from his belt.
Edit: NVM.
Silas' spell has a noticeable effect on the leader. He relaxes and says Ah, hey guy. S'cool we know you. to his other men he says They aren't going see Baleson, they are gonna do what the little man wants the other toughs give the party a dirty look and slink back into the night.
The leader introduces himself The names' Hamby my brother, whats yours?
Hecktor grins at Silas' spell's effect and retracts his scythe. Resuming his casual composure he quietly stands by to listen what the shady goon has to say.
"Well, it looks like you've got things under control here now. I'm going to head off. You can fill me in in the morning."
Michael takes the reins of his horse and starts her into a slow trot away from the group.
Here goes nothing...
Silas claps Hamby on the back as if he'd known him for years, and in jovial voice says, "Aww heck now Hamby, you're just trying to spare my purse! You know good old Silas keeps his word! I lost that bet good an proper, and now it's time for me to buy you those drinks just like I promised. We where heading to the tavern anyway. What it's not this way? Show us the way Hamby! Never mind Payday, you've done your duty for tonight! Time to kick back and relax with some old friends, besides if we're at the Tavern we're not at the Sheriff's - see everyone's the winner! Come now, that bourbon is calling ya!"
Hamby blinks a bit Awe shucks man. Thats swell, could do for a good bit o the fire in my belly. What'd you say bout Payday?
"Don't you worry, on my behalf I'll be sure to pay my respects to master Payden first thing tomorrow. I know he's not the most patient type, but a reunion of old old friends, he knows how it is... But come now, that's enough shop talk for tonight, the bar awaits us! Tell me about the waitresses Hamby which ones are easy on the eye?"
I'm not looking for a conquest, just want to keep Hamby on safe topics. We're on a schedule here, need to get him blind drunk before the charm wears off.
Hamby replies to Silas Hah, reminds me o the time when I was drunk in Almas and met the MOST interesting waitress. I'll tell ya what she could do over a drink.... Hamby turns towards the direction the Sitting Duck.
Percival gives a small smile and whispers "Shall we meet in front of the herbalist's shop tomorrow?" And leaves. He spends the evening helping care for plague-sufferers.