Taking in the heavy gold ring's fine workmanship, Layla nods. "That would definitely eliminate that concern...though...I'm not the one of us with more closely held secrets to protect." she says turning to Miya.
"This could make sure that no one but those of us you choose to share your true nature with find out." she offers.
Randu doesn't argue with that, "Well earned regardless who takes it. I'm rather proud of our little group." He admits.
Despite the valuable items you now carry, your return journey to Falcon's Hollow is a safe, quiet, and expedient one. The dusty logging town is much as you left it, albeit with a bit more palpable tension in the air as the property auction draws near.
It will be important to quickly make a report to Commander Odeber so she can send a team to secure the rest of Bloodeye's stash, as well as turn over the more dangerous or high value items to be inventoried.
You step out from the old Kreed Manor, repurposed into the headquarters for the Diamond Regiment in Falcon's Hollow, after having made your report to Commander Odeber. She takes the recovered contraband into custody and dispatches a detachment to recover the rest of Bloodeye's stash before his Redrock agents can make another attempt to snatch up the ill-gotten and downright dangerous goods.
Thanks to some deft negotiation on your part, Commander Odeber doesn't instruct you to return or surrender the other riches you recovered in the course of your mission. Despite being a paladin in addition to a military commander, Odeber recognizes that allowing such wealth to remain in your hands will benefit of the people of Falcon's Hollow. You almost wish you could see the creative paperwork she will file to justify or obfuscate the windfall on your part.
Now that the clean-up portion of the mission falls into the hands of the regular army, you are granted some downtime to rest and recuperate from your latest deployment. With the date of the auction rapidly approaching, this might be a good time to assess the real estate and property going up for sale and deciding which ones you might be interested in vying for.
Randu Riggling, cook, witch, agent, and all around sourpuss halfling begins to investigate purchasing the Rouge Lady. He decides he has plans for it, big ones. It's not enough to just close the bordello side of things. If he really wants to help folks in this town, then it is time to empower the people. In this case, the women who were pressured to work there with little other option.
He tries to gather all the former workers up who weren't part of the Redrock guild or too loyal to Bloodeye or Kreed. He will arrange a meal for their time, and talk to them. Some have done better since it was closed, but others are now just selling their bodies on the side in no safer conditions.
With the power to detect thoughts, his knowledge of the town, and such, it's not too hard to find out which workers were cruel or openly criminal, and leave them out of this. Or so he hopes.
"Ladies, and some sirs?" He says as he gathers them around the table that is, ironically, almost too tall for him to put the food upon, fortunately he has a step stool to do that when needed, "I thank you for coming, those of you that did, and ask you to keep this quiet until the auction is done, though it will not truly hinder me much i suppose if word gets out, just annoy."
One working girl, emphasis on the word 'Girl' for she is far too young to be plying the trade in Randu's opinion, immediately starts eating. Others look at the halfling questioningly, and he realizes that word has gotten out that he is a being of power. They may not know of all he can do, or how he does it. They may not know he has authority with Andoran's orginzations, but they do know that he was part of those that hindered, nay, toppled, Kreed and his Cronies.
"Oh dig in, please," He says. The food is nourishing AND delicious. He gives them time to do so, then resumes his pitch "The Rouge Lady is many things, a gambling den a... how to put this delicately..."
"A cathouse," One prostitute , an older woman whose beauty is fading thanks to a hard life chuckles, "And that's as delicate as it gets, isn't it?"
"A cathouse," Randu agrees, "And, as you all know, as a place of abuse and torture, or so it was. It will NOT be again." The halfling is firm in his voice, "It's up for sale, and we're going to clean that basement and transform it, we're going to wink out the bordello... I would advise entirely... and switch to dancing which will still cause a scandal but be a lot safer, we'll make sure the gambling is honest, with more options, though of course, the House will still make a profit as host, AND we'll open a feasthall. Best food in Falcon's Hollow where parties can be held around tables. Banquets and gathers and so on around local farm produced meat, fruit, greens, and grain! Mark me, farming will increase now that fair prices for the goods are being offered, that means farmers will save money trading food to us than far away towns. At least on the perishibles. Our Gambling Hall feast hall dancing hall will be a place where a working man can fill his belly and have a good time, without women bullied to work on their backs or starve."
"You keep saying us?" Says Orvis, who like Pulk is probably wondering why they're even here as they never worked at the Lady. "But Pulk and I are confused we got the invite."
Pulk nods.
"You got the invite, Orvis, because you can cook, and I won't always be here. I need you to cook, and teach others to cook when I can't. Pulk? Well, Pulk's my friend and I'd like him in on this and also we could use a big fellow like him, sober on the job mind, to escort folks out who can't behave if he wants the job. And I say Us..." He looks to the women mostly at this, "Because I don't intend to be the only one owning this new place. Have you folks heard of what's known as a Worker's Cooperative?"
Many, of course, had not, and Randu explains as best as he himself understands, and the caveats "I'm offering a chance for each of you here to donate some money to the bid, to work at this new Lady as dancers, gambling guides, food servers, bouncers, bartenders, and cooks. I intend to make sure there are lessons in cooking and dancing for those what want it, though as I can't dance a lick I'll have to hire someone to teach others that. If one of you ladies is a good dancer and would like that task, please speak up. This money is not just being thrown into a pit. You will own a share of all profits based on how much you chip in. I want this place to be owned by the folks who work there. Oh me too, and I know I won't be cooking here as often as I should. Now, some of you ... well, you aint' got that much saved up, and you can't really chip in but you'd like to. Same as it ever was, the more coin you have, the easier it is to make more coin. It's costly being poor, cheap being rich. You put the bare minium down though ,and I'll cover a small remainder that you can pay me back later on." He clears his throat, knowing what some of the worried looks indicate, "At NO interest! This isn't meant to be one of the Consortium's bloody debt traps. Now there will be a time limit, and agreement not to sell your shares outside of things. Have to have that last or the first time on of us hits hard times, the Consortium or some other opportunist will snatch up shares covertly and we'll end up without control of our fates again."
Some relieved looks spread as he clarifies that they won't be in perpetual debt as rates go higher and higher, "You willing to put this in writing?" One cautious woman says.
"Yes I am, and as I HATE Paperwork, that should tell you a lot," Randu admits.
"We'll get votes on buisiness choices?" One of the younger working girls finds her courage.
"Thank Folgrit and Cayden yes." He says and his own relief shows, "I maybe gone for a time, and I'd feel guilty leaving things in a lurch. Obviously, I'd have the largest shares of things as I am putting most of the money forward, but in theory you all might be able to over ride me, and plenty of times I'll be happy to go with whatever you all agree too .It's not proper democracy, I admit. But it's the best I think I can do that will allow every Andoran here a chance to get a leg up. The more money this place makes, the more money each of you will make... and I don't mean tips. I mean profits. We'll hammer it all out with effort. Who knows, maybe I'll get sick of the whole thing and once I make my money back I'll offer to sell my control to it and wipe my hands of it. I think this will get us training, finicial security, and choices we never had under the old powers. We change the name, as the Rouge Lady has bad memories on it. Maybe the Dancing Lady, or the Lucky Lady or maybe something without lady in it at all. Now, who is interested in being more their own boss than they ever were before?? "
If the plan falls apart, he'll make the purchase on his own though it may cost him dearly. If only some join in, he'll understand and try to adapt his plan for fewer members in the workers co-op. If the majority are for it, and eager, his eyes light up, for he will have turned a formerly abusive place into a place where folks can have a say in their own business, and the Consortium will have a hard time getting hooks into it! Hell, he'd even save some coin meaning more can be spent for new furnishings and those tutors!
"... if the town you protect has any good-hearted dwarven residents, use some of this wealth to help them and their neighbors. Also encourage them to visit these halls of their ancestors, if only once."
Randu visits every decent dwarf he knows of in town, and may surprise them, as knocks on their door, and when the answer, he hands over a small bag "Within this bag is ten gold. Keep nine for yourself and your family, but the tenth should go to a worthy neighbor in need of help even if they be not a dwarf. I bring you news from Ulfgar the Chalkost, of the halls of worship he would hope every dwarf of good standing visit if only once." And directions are given.
The reactions of the various dwarves should be interesting. They don't normally seem to be the sort to surprise. "My message delivered, my promise kept. Folgrit be with you and yours."
Obviously, Randu can't take the boy into his new business, even if his plans work, and yet, something occurs to him... has anyone asked Savram what the hell HE wants?
He seeks out the boy, too young to direct his own life perhaps, but old enough to have an opinion, and Randu wants to hear it, "Pardon me, Lad. I'm Randu Riggling. Sorry about you being without a home right now, and your father and all that. I understand you don't want back in that tower. I was going to ask you if there was a family you were going to that you favored? Or if you liked the idea of the good temple folk caring for you? You've got little reason to trust me, but I figure with a bit more coin on your side, the family or place you prefer might keep you on if they're of a like mind. Willing to talk about it?"
Miya stood in front of the brew house. One of the taxable endeavors the evil nobles no gone used to grab cash. The nine workers stood there looking at her. The head brewer shuffled his foot and waited.
"Needs the roof fixing and the name changed, but I think I can work with this."
She smiled at the workers.
"Well Gents and Lady"
She nodded to the half elf alchemist who had come with her
"My good friend Randu is setting up a Bordi-house come Saloon, for local workers and the passing tride. And if I know him well, it will be a hit. So I gavered you here becouse this place up until recently made what passed for ale in this town. Well that is all about to change. We my good workers of this fine house of beer, are going to make batter and expand."
She indicates to the half elf.
"This is Arnira Greenwood and she is going to help you make this not just a bew house but also a distillery. Brew master Hooper, I hear that other then the swill your last owner made you make, on the side you made a dark ale, sweet at nuts and hard hitting like a Dwarf. That is the ale I want you to make from here on out. From that Arnira will make a liquer that will knock your socks off."
She steped back to a cart that they had come on, which had bags of grain on and a thing clovered in cloth. She pulled the cloth off to reveal a sign.
"I have local glass blowers working on bottles and the pinrters doing lables. Here is Gain, and.."
She held out a bag of coin.
"Seed money to start you off with Brew master"
he looked at the bag and the cart then could not help himself, the large man ran over and huggered.
"This will keep 20 or more family's in work"
He said putting her down.
"Thats the plan."
Miya added.
"O and this is a cooperative ender. I paid for the place but its a lone only. I have the paper work here. Once you sign, YOU all own it, you will share in he risk and profit. Once you pay me back that lone"
She gave them all a look and wink
"So you want in?"
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He had not really spoken to the others about their plans, nor did he tell them his, it was... personal. He had never been as nervous as he was right now. Its not everyday you told a female you wanted her as your life mate.
Naulla was so beautiful and smart and just amazing. He found himself pacing outside the wood shop she was working at licking his lips a lot.
Finally working up the courage he went into the shop. To officially ask Nualla to be his....
"Nualla if you uh have a few moments i would like to speak with you."
He began his mind racing and scowling.. He sounded like a formal idiot. What was it about this lass that tied up his tongue!
I u... the nation has tasked us with many things. but that isnt what i wanted to talk to you about.. uh... I "
He figited and partially slumped lower taking a moment to take a deep breath.
"As you know all things that belonged to the consortium is up for sale. I am looking to secure a good portion of land, both farming and logging to establish a new colony of catfolk in the area. I was wondering if you would like to be my mate and help in this endevor.Also is there anything up for auction that strikes your fancy we can try to purchase it as well..."
He rushed over the part about being his mate pratically twitching in nervous anticpation.
last of all she spend a little money for a plat of land way in the woods. Sorting a small underground log cabin be built for her to stay in. It has spaces for her to be in fox form. So she could go hunting and keep her low cost things, there.
Randu finds a handful of individual dwarves living in Falcon's Hollow. The most prominent is Tabrik Splint, who serves as a deputy for Sheriff Baleson and works with Mayor Callahan. Now that Magistrate Harg is no longer under the thumb of Kreed and the Consortium, he and Splint are more open with their relationship - which was not much of a secret in the first place. Deputy Splint directs Randu to the other five dwarves living in and around the town who have worked as loggers and porters. It takes some convincing from Deputy Splint for them to accept Randu's gifts.
The women and men that Randu approaches about his plans for the old Rouge Lady are very enthusiastic about the proposal. Between his prior reputation as a level-headed albeit sour cook and his new fame as a liberator and government agent, Randu is readily acknowledged as a reliable man to pull off this renovation and revitalization.
Not only do they agree to contribute what limited funds they can spare to purchase the building and grounds, but Randu also picks up rumors that his soon-to-be employees and business partners are actually going around town and quietly requesting and suggesting that other locals should abstain from competing for the Rouge Lady in the auction.
Miya, similar to Randu, is met with considerable excitement with her business proposal. Although she does not have the established reputation that causes locals to accept Randu's leadership, Miya's enthusiasm makes up for this, and she has eager business partners on board.
Rrruh finds Nualla also excitedly accepting his proposal, although she is clearly more excited for the partnership rather than the farm or catfolk colony.
Of course, Randu has already appraised the property
He could go around threatening people, but that was the OLD way of doing things so he TRIES to be nice...
Even going as far as to arrange for food to be at the auction even for rivals to lighten the mood, and hoping it doesn't count as a bribery attempt.
He's tempted to use his Detect Thoughts to get an edge, but it seems the wrong way to begin a new Hollow.
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The auction for the abandoned Rouge Lady elicits more nervous glances than bids. Perhaps Randu's soon-to-be business partners have made the rounds and convinced their neighbors not to bid, or perhaps all the locals are wary of buying into the one-time base of the Redrock Guild. You wonder whether many of the townsfolk worry that, somehow, Bloodeye will return and exact revenge.
Ultimately, Randu handily wins the property, and with the contributions from his partners, he only needs to spend 300gp of his own money.
The efforts made by Randu spill over and synergize with Miya's own overtures among the Andoren citizens participating in the auction. She wins the Sitting Duck - soon to be the Golden Fox - for 400gp, and a separate plot of land on the forest's edge for 200gp.
No one can say Randu didn't play nice, and while he wouldn't encourage his co-owners to give anyone the glare, he does have to wonder if Pulk and some of the ladies didn't do it on their behalf.
The fact fear of Bloodeye returning might be a factor isn't lost on him, but he will make sure the place has security ready for trouble. Regardless, when he.. no, when THEY win the auction, a rare smile crosses his features. So much coin saved means he can make over the interior all the more...
The Rouge Lady will be no more and in it's place? Well, he glances over at Sage and the two have a conversation. To name Ambrosia in the place's new identity might be unwise without his patron's given approval. And might reveal too much about him as well.
Sage hoots
Randu snorts at the dig, but nods. Sometime later in celebrations, he'll suggest to his fellow co owners they name the place 'The Frolicking Cauldron Feasthall & Gambling Den'. No doubt locals will shorten it soon anyway.
Doing better than he thought he would, while he must reserve some coins for renovations , he does keep an eye out for a bargain or two as a back up. But mostly, he's just hoping others, like Miya, get what they hoped for.
Miya slaps the back of the master Brewer and grins at the Half-elf.
"We are in business, the grain will be here in the week, and the smith is working on the still. once we get the wart in the kettles and the grain roasted, we can start on the dark ale. The one thing I want is Honey and we can also make some mead. "
She got the paperwork then went and joined
Randu looking at the other lots. She was on the lookout for a good plot to put bee hives on.
"Rrruh do you know anything about bees and honey making? I have an idea how to use that woodland plot I just paid for. How dose mild magic Honey sound"
Then she goes back to the archion, looking for any water mills to other, warehouses being put up. She needed somewhere to keep bear, weat and honey if her plans worked out.
"Layla, you best keep an eye out for a Pig Farm, Pig poo is the best place to get salt peter, one of the things you need for black powder."
Rrruh and Layla are a little less savvy - or lucky - when securing their properties. It ends up costing each of them 500gp to purchase the auction lots they have their eyes on, but it brings relief and pride nonetheless.
As for young Savram, he sheepishly admits to Randu that he finds magic fascinating and wants to learn more, but he's scared of the ways his father put magic to use. He doesn't want to follow in Vade's footsteps, experimenting with dead flesh and disturbed bones.
As for young Savram, he sheepishly admits to Randu that he finds magic fascinating and wants to learn more, but he's scared of the ways his father put magic to use. He doesn't want to follow in Vade's footsteps, experimenting with dead flesh and disturbed bones.
Randu mmms, and admits to the boy, quietly, "Well, I'm no wizard, and I don't think my path's for you. But we'll try to find you a mentor who knows other schools of magic. In the mean time, I can talk shop with you any time while you study it on your own. Abjuration, Conjuration, Divination, Enchantment, Evocation, Illusion, and transmutation are also avenues... I know that much." And he chats up the boy about just how WIDE the spectrum of even just arcane magic is, seeing which if any appeals to the boy. He won't suggest the boy become a witch, but knowledge arcane, and spellcraft? That he can give lessons in.
Later, he'll see if there are any wizards moving in the area of goodly nature that might take an apprentice, or plot a way to lure one to town. IT may not be instant, but perhaps over the course of a year. He can pay for some modest tuition.
Layla completes her purchas, steep as it is, happy to have her new property to explore, and improve upon. The idea of turning the tower into a future bastion of both magic and alchemy, possibly becoming a place to introduce new magi to the art of arcane gunslinging fills her with ideas.
But first would come the clearing out of Vade's dark work.
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"One of the first things we did upon being stationed in Falcon's Hollow was taking a census of its residents - documenting their vocations, skills, and the like," Commander Odeber reports when consulted by Randu in search of potential tutors for Savram. "It seems that Sharvaros Vade was the only user of arcane magic in the town. I suspect that Gavel Kreed was very wary of magic users not obedient to him, so he ran them out of town.
"In my capacity as your liaison with both the army and the government, I can send a request to Almas for one of our battle mages to be assigned as tutor to the boy. Alternatively, we can also canvas among private citizens - those affiliated with the university or the Pathfinders, for instance - who might volunteer for the duty."
Commander Odeber withdraws some new documents from a desk drawer, signalling a change in subject.
"It's actually a positive turn that you're setting down roots here because General Marusek has assigned your unit to Falcon's Hollow indefinitely. New agents are being recruited and trained for your intelligence division to operate in Almas, Augustana, and along the Chelish border. However, the frontier region here in Darkmoon Vale has been made a priority for your department.
"The nearby Isgeri border has been identified as a likely point of infiltration by agents from both Cheliax and criminal organizations, so we need our own top agents near at hand to counter their threat."
"Good to know, and an honor really." Layla says, considering the news of their long-term sationing. "I've very much come to like this place, and those making their home here."
"One of the first things we did upon being stationed in Falcon's Hollow was taking a census of its residents - documenting their vocations, skills, and the like," Commander Odeber reports when consulted by Randu in search of potential tutors for Savram. "It seems that Sharvaros Vade was the only user of arcane magic in the town. I suspect that Gavel Kreed was very wary of magic users not obedient to him, so he ran them out of town.
"In my capacity as your liaison with both the army and the government, I can send a request to Almas for one of our battle mages to be assigned as tutor to the boy. Alternatively, we can also canvas among private citizens - those affiliated with the university or the Pathfinders, for instance - who might volunteer for the duty."
Randu ponders both options, "No disrespect to you or other members in service to our armed forces, but if we can find a civilian of good character that can be vouched for, I think a private citizen volunteer might be better. I don't want the boy to feel pressured to become a battle mage as if it were the price for his training. Maybe a retired battle mage would be fine, but active service? No. THank you though."
Commander Odeber withdraws some new documents from a desk drawer, signalling a change in subject.
"It's actually a positive turn that you're setting down roots here because General Marusek has assigned your unit to Falcon's Hollow indefinitely. New agents are being recruited and trained for your intelligence division to operate in Almas, Augustana, and along the Chelish border. However, the frontier region here in Darkmoon Vale has been made a priority for your department.
"The nearby Isgeri border has been identified as a likely point of infiltration by agents from both Cheliax and criminal organizations, so we need our own top agents near at hand to counter their threat."
Randu smiles at that, "Well, I've made some fallbacks for when I must leave town, but this as our headquarters works dandy for more than one of us." He nods to his friends.
"For now, you can consider getting your new property settled properly to be a priority. Apart from the fact that having some stability will be a boon to your effectiveness as agents, visibly putting down roots will help better endear our respective organizations, as representatives of the Andoren government, with the local population. General Marusek is very keen on winning over the public's good will. I believe she thinks it will help prevent foreign or criminal agents from finding aid or comfort here in the frontier."
Commander Odeber pauses, apparently mulling a heavy thought before continuing.
"The only truly official piece of business I have for you, unfortunately, is tracking down the wizardly father of the boy, Savram, who you've taken under your wing for the time being. Given your desire to help the boy, I know this isn't an ideal turn of events, but based on testimony from local residents about the nature of Vade's work, we simply can't allow him to be a rogue operator if he's still in the region.
"We'd like you to investigate his whereabouts. If he's still in Darkmoon Vale, you are to bring him in for questioning about his work, loyalties, and intentions."
At the mention they get to settle in, he smiles.
At the mention they have to hunt the boy's father, he mutters "Well, first good mood I had in years, no way it was going to last. Do we have any leads mentioned by testimonials?"
"Having just purchased the tower, we can go through it for any hint as to his whereabouts. And to be honest, bringing him in for questioning would be a bit of a relief. Otherwise he'd likely be able to get into the tower through some secret entrance at any given time and raise all types of hell." Layla comments.
Miya is testing beer, and very happy doing it
"Tower is a good place to start" He admits, "I can tell you Savram never wants in there again so I don't think we should press him to help too hard."
"That's fine." Layla replies "Besides, I wouldn't want to expose any civilian to whatever he might have had going on in there until we check it out properly."
"Agreed. Now that his former residence has legally passed into your ownership, there are no complications that would prevent a search for evidence. This is fortunate because the locals have not been able to provide any leads.
"I do not believe that they fear Vade or reprisal for speaking against him, certainly not the same way they once feared Kreed. Instead, it seems likely that Vade was careful enough in his comings and goings that the citizens did not take notice. Of course, given his reputation, it is also likely that some residents intentionally kept their heads down, so to speak."
"That seems likely." Layla replies, nodding. "I suppose we'll head there first thing and open the place up, see exactly what it is I've gotten myself into, and report what we find." she says with a chuckle.
"Aye, Layla." A bit amused at a thought "For you this might be clearing out the attic of a bought sight unseen house. Let's hope it's tidy but be ready."
Once you begin your investigation, you find that the tower once belonging to Sharvaros Vade is in quite the state of disarray. It's hard to say whether the maligned wizard rifled through his notes and belongings in a hurry when he fled or if he just kept his home a mess like this. The only room kept in any semblance of order is the room that once belonged to his now-abandoned son, Savram.
Randu does a lot of detecting magic to be sure.
With a sigh, Layla buckles down to the task of sifting through the chaos.
It would seem that Vade absconded with the most valuable magical curios in his collection, taking them wherever he may have gone. However, Randu finds a strange robe made of coarse hempen left behind in a wardrobe among other clothing. This robe radiates with conjuration magic, and pending some proper identification, proves to be a robe of infinite twine.
Meanwhile, Layla finds a couple potential clues to where Vade has retreated.
She deciphers a set of research notes that suggest Vade had an interest in the abandoned cottage of the infamous witch Ulizmila, located within the depths of Darkmoon Wood. She also finds a book on dwarven engineering with cross-referenced notes that seem to point to a partially exposed dwarven ruin in the foothills of the mountains north of the forest.
Miya looked on as the others worked.
"Well that looks interesting...potentially useful too." Layla comments as she studies Randu's discovery. "It looks like there are a couple of places Vade could have bolted to." she says, pointing out the evidence she managed to uncover.
"Another witch?" At the mention of Ulizmila of Darkwood "She has a reputation.. " He tries to remember what he has heard of her.
Miya, courtesy of her engineering knowledge, knows that dwarven architecture has evolved over the past thousand years or so to account for earthquakes and volcanic activity, following the destruction of the former dwarven capital of Jernashall. The remnants of Jernashall and other satellite outposts and settlements left behind by the dwarves of the Five Kings Mountains are still attractive sites for adventurers, treasure hunters, archeologists, and Pathfinders, despite the uncertain condition of these ruined sites.
Randu has heard many stories about Ulizmila, the Witch of Darkmoon Vale.
It is said that Ulizmila is a daughter of Baba Yaga, and rumors suggest that Ulizmila could kill with a word, turn a man into a goat, and shoot lightning from her eyes. Ulizmila left Darkmoon Vale several decades ago and has not been seen since. Her cottage is located deep in the Darkmoon Wood, but none dare look for her cottage.
While most locals believe that despite her power she was just a wicked mortal woman, Randu knows that she was actually an especially powerful green hag. Her children and allies often preyed upon the Andoren residents of Darkmoon Vale, culminating in the Harpy-Hag Massacre of 4603 AR. The ongoing conflict was finally ended when a son of the prominent Larko family married one of Ulizmila's many daughters.
"Oh dear, folks, that name... Ulizmilla, some think she's just a story to scare bad children into behaving. Smart folk know that she's quite real. They say she's the daughter of old Baba Yaga herself, can kill with a word, turn a man into a goat, and cast lightning bolts with a glance. She left a long time ago they say, leaving that cottage behind deep in the Darkmoon wood, but few dare look for it. They assume she was a powerful witch, but just a mortal woman. Truth is, she was a powerful green hag, she and her children were a threat to all of Darkmoon vale. Big Harpy-Hag Massarcre of 4603 AR... till a son of the Larko line married one of the hag's daughters." He ponders "If she is gone from that cottage, it's likely got a lot of nasty tricks in it."
"And an enticing spot for a dark mage forced to abandon his tower." Layla surmises.
Miya tells the others what she knows of the dwarven architecture.
"And a Dwarven ruin is sure to have wealth. Either is possible." He nods to Miya when she mentions what she knows
Ulizmila's cottage is located deep within the forest, which you would have to cross if you intend to take the direct route to the dwarven ruin in the mountain foothills. This would allow you to investigate both locations in sequence, but it means braving the primeval forest.
Taking the long route around Darkmoon Wood and heading right for the ruins would avoid the forest hazards, but it would take more time, and if Vade is at the cottage, he might get away.
"If we want to make sure that Vadeis no longer a treat, we should go through the forest and check on Ulizmila's cottage." Layla points out.
"The cottage it is, though I confess I feel like a guppy going into shark waters." He prepares to go unless someone else objects
"Come on"
Miya said
"It will be fun"
You secure provisions from the Diamond Regiment quartermaster stationed in Falcon's Hollow, then set out northward into the forest. Darkmoon Wood has long been the stuff of superstition and scary stories around the Vale. Even if the Lumber Consortium's tyranny has been smashed apart, there are older, stranger dangers that lurk among the primeval trees.
Clearly not much of the wilderness type, Layla tries to help with finding their way through the ominously dense forest
Randu is no druid or ranger, but perhaps you don't work with feeding lumbermen for years without hearing some of their warnings about getting lost in the wood and how best to avoid it.
Miya slipped into fox form and went ahead of the others.
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He had been so distracted hte last few days, talking to folk in the vale, writing missives to his clan and hers. As he put the finishing touches on the final letter he remembered he was supposed to help search the old mages tower.
Oh light oh light....." he muttered gaterhign htis things and rushing out of hte room only to collide with is intended.... more delays. He smiled in leaned in nuzzling his cheek to hers and even giving her a soft little kiss....
"My one.. I have well the letters and invites worked up, I am late though we were to investigare the tower and ... and....Light you are beautiful."
He mentioned meeting the others and rushed off..... only to promptly return to the room they now shard to gather his things. By the time he recaught up with the others he was flustered tail lashing ears twitching but still smiling. Nualla alwasys seemed to have him in a constant state of flux... and somehow he seemed to enjoy that.