Holding on to Bear's harness, he looks down at his pet, "Bear, I've a feeling we're not in Fangwood anymore."
Grenwold has no idea where the heck the party currently is now.
”If you’re alive, then how did you end up here? This is Erastil’s realm.” Orik asks. ”40 refugees? Father Noelan would be so glad you managed to get some Phaendarians out. I mean he tried to hold them off, told us to barricade the door in case things went south, but it didn’t really do much good in the end.” Orik answers. ”Anyway, we all ended up here on this grassland here and founded Sanctuary.”
”So who did you manage to rescue? “ Orik asks eagerly.
”Father Noelan is in town. He’s got a brick cottage of his own, courtesy of Aurelia Brickworks, and quite a number of earth elementals that the hound archons helped bring in. Look for the brick house with a bow and arrow emblazoned on it. We actually got this place set up pretty quickly, but again, Erastil provides.” Orik says sagely.
”If you need to chill out, there’s the Oasis, run by Borek the Brewer. It’s bigger then the taproot, since we’ve got all kinds of guests who aren’t human sized.”Orik mentions.
"Oh yeah, we'll tell the news to everyone in the Oasis tonight!" Orik pumps his fist into the air. "Daniel's still in the land of the living, right? Guess Ryan will just have to tan his own hides, shucks to be him."Orik nods as Nigel gives the name lists of the refugees. "Aurelia would be happy to know Victor made it out. You might want to pay her a visit later to tell her the news."
"Do you know what happened to Zoya and Ada?" Orik asks, "They're not on the list of those rescued, nor are they here. Also, Korus and his other buddies from Gristledown? They used to bring pelts to Daniel."
Across the river is a large circular clearing with the paved stone path forming a roundabout around a small circular settlement of brick cottages tiled with dark grey terracotta tilles, and in the town centre on a pedestal is a clay statue of an elk-headed humanoid, which both Hedran and Grenwold recognize it as Erastil. Five shoots of grain sprout from the earth close to the statue, forming the shape of an arrow, pointing towards the clay statue.
The clearing behind some stone cottages show signs of heavy industry – some with rows of trees bursting with fruit and nuts, others with raised vegetable and herb beds, fields of grain, vineyards, or cotton plants. Other cottages have the sound of sawing, weaving of looms coming from within. One of the cottages has a sign hanging outside,”Brian's Greens”, while another cottage has a sign hanging outside, ”Happy Feet Cobblers.”. An elaborate suit of armor which a partial form of a determined warrior can be seen, is walking out of the doorway of, ”Brian's Greens,” while carrying sacks of grain to load on his cart pulled by a staglike creature with dragon scales.
Harold the carpenter's apprentice, now sporting a halo and feathery wings, spots Ratel in the street and waves, "Hey Ratel, do you need any furniture for your new home? Matthew's happy to make more."
The streets have aasimars, sleek canines with coarse, tawny coat, pointed ears, and pale eyes, lammasus, other Phaendarians now sporting golden halos and feathery wings and occasional hound archon in a blue chain shirt walking on them.
There is a large stone building, the size of a cathedral, with a beer mug sign hanging from it, and a signpost labelled, ”The Oasis.”
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Nigel's expression saddens when Orik mentions Gristledown.
"I am afraid zat zere, our news is not good. Apparently, ze Hobgoblins decided to make 'an example' of ze populace, and left ze entire settlement in ruins..."
He then looks thoughtful.
"However, ve have been given to understand zat a number of Phaendar's residents have been retained as slaves, so it is entirely possible zat people vho are neither here, nor vith us, are still alive..."
Nigel then heads for the cathedral.
At the request for Gren to perform the services, he retired for a moment to his borrowed tent to write out some rites that could be used - reflecting on his own experiences and on what he knew of Fizzbang. He began to write down what he could, when he overheard a discussion among the others about bringing Father Noelan back using the gem. He paused his writing and returned to the party.
Grenwold listened as the options were discussed, and agreed, "These folks need a proper minister - I have learned my faith in a place that is strange to them. I'd take on that role if asked - but we'd need someone to mend their wounds and spirits when I'm not around. By all accounts Noelan was a good man, and sorely missed."
Gren marvels at the vision, and takes stock of his surroundings. The beauty he sees surrounding him brings him to tears, and he weeps for what has been lost and what will be lost in the battles yet to come. To know that a rest of consequence and meaning can lay at the end of one's struggles is comfort, but after a moment, he composes himself and follows the party. While he only had spent a short time in Phaendar before the attack, he and his family had come to appreciate their generosity and kindness. He sees no sign of his kin, as was to be expected. They either escaped into the wilds or found rest elsewhere. Gnomes were always a part of, and yet separate from the rest of the folk of Golarion.
"Even if that happened, I know for sure Korus and his buddies are staunch Erastil worshippers. They should come here at the point of their demise."Orik argues. "Unless something held them up,which Father Noelan would know more about."
"I'm not expecting everyone to get here, paradise this place is, since everyone has the right to have different faiths, and this place is pretty much Erastil's domain, so those of other faiths would go to other places. "Orik adds. "If they're still in Phaendar, you're going to get them out, right?"
Nigel leads the party to "The Oasis" . The bar is an enormous building, with a high ceiling. Instead of seats, there are large cushions all over the wooden floor, next to large oaken tables. The bars clientele are an electic mix of young gold and silver dragons, lammasus, assimars and archons of various types.
A large Ulfen man, which both Ratel and Hedran recognize as Borek the brewer mans the bar. "Hey Nigel, make yourselves comfortable on the cushions. I'll get Altair to serve the drinks."He gestures to a black-skinned humanoid with ebony wings. "Would you like a beer, mead, wine or something else? Or just catching up on the gossip in heaven?"
A little uncomfortable in the realm they have stumbled into, Ratel keeps a tight grip on Bear, and an even tighter grip on mouth, not wanting to say the wrong thing. As he Follows Nigel into the Oasis, he breaths a sigh of relief seeing Borek the brewer, smiling instinctively calls out. "Hey Borek, Mead for me and Bear, you know how he likes honey. Put mine in a stein and his in a bowl." He looks at the others, as they approach the cushions, "what, Bear doesn't have hands, so it's hard for him to hold the handle on the stein."
Nigel frowns, then reluctantly notes:
"Ve may know vhy zey are not here yet; zeir spirits are restless, because not all of their bodies are in ze same place. Ve do, however, hope to rectify zat..."
Nigel smiles.
"If only it were zat simple! Unfortunately, ve are still alive, and are only visiting; ve are hoping to speak viz Father Noelan..."
”Altair, get him and his bear the mead.” The black skinned humanoid with ebony wings takes the drinks, one in a bottle and one in a bowl, then reappears next to Ratel and Bear, laying the drinks on the table. ”Your drinks, Sir,” he answers politely, then disappears and reappears back at the counter.
Both Hedran and Grenwold have no idea how the heck that happened.
”Serving drinks has never been easier when you have an archon to do the job. No more squeezing through crowds, Poof, your archon server just appears next to you with the drinks. No spillage too.” Borek remarks. ”Yeah the lammasus want them in bowls too. Has to do with no hands.”
The latest gossip in heaven was about some pathfinders who somehow got themselves planeshifted into heaven for the purpose of visiting the archives to find out how to free their fellow pathfinder, Valais Durant from her demonic curse.
”Oh dear. Sounds complicated. I am not going to pretend that I actually understand that kind of thing, and suggest you take it up with one of the hound archons, or Father Noelan.” Orik hastily backs off.
”Unfortunately we’re still alive? But you should be happy you’re still alive. I mean I might have wished that local regulations would allow selling of absinthe, but it’s still a prescribed drug. Working on getting those permits, though.” Borek answers Nigel.
”Father Noelan’s probably in his cottage tending to his vegetables. Or maybe walking his dog. Brick cottage, with a bow and arrow sign emblazoned on it. It’s peaceful here, since this is one of the deeper layers of heaven. Town security is handled by hound archons…so if you do get drunk in town, they’ll just keep you in the watch station until you sober up enough, then they’ll escort you home.” Borek adds.
Ratel looks at Nigel, "We have time for one drink right?"
smiling at Borek, Ratel lifts the mead, "I'm glad heaven has made your task easier." Quafing it down, he waits a moment for Bear to finish then he quickly follows Nigel and the others to Father Noelan's cottage.
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"Oh, I am not sad zat I am alive, believe you me; I just meant zat it might seem a bit tasteless for me to be overly happy about it, given whom I am talking to. zat said," he says, looking around, "zis is a nice place. I could definitely feel at home, here..."
Nigel's voice trails off into introspection for a while, before he shakes himself out of it, and smiles ruefully.
"However, zat is a matter for another time."
He then goes in search of Father Noelan's cottage.
Father Noelan's house is a simple brick hut, indistinguishable from the rest off the other brick huts except for the bow and arrow sign emblazoned above his door. At the back of the hut, Father Noelan, with a golden halo and feathery wings is taking a break from weeding his robust vegetable garden, belly rubbing a handsome, golden furred large dog that has his legs twitching in the air in enjoyment. On smelling the party approaching, the dog rolls back up, and starts barking excitedly at the party,its tail wagging.
"Hello Nigel,I hope your passing wasn't too horrible. If you need to talk about it, I'm always ready to lend a ear." Father Noelan greets Nigel. "And don't worry if your wings and halo haven't appeared yet, they'll appear eventually, once you get more relaxed."
"Oh and this is Cavall."He points at his large golden furred dog. "Isn't he a good boy?" He beams at his dog.
Cavall barks happily on being called a good boy.
Hedran's voice catches in a lump on his throat as he sees Father Noelan, and he says nothing.
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"Yes, please." Aubrin votes. "I'm tired of juggling 2 gentle repose spells, and lesser restoration to keep Geran up on watch. I feel overtaxed, overworked and I don't even have the time, with 3 wolves in tow, to get a drink. And I still have to check on everyone's waterskins, refill the water supply. Rhyna and Ibrahim are helping me check on the general health of the group, but still."
"I can help with the watches" - Hedran commented to Aubrin - "I can prepare an Arcane ritual that will allow someone to stand watch or keep vigil throughout the night without any ill effects"
Following Nigel into the simple abode, Ratel chuckles, "He thinks your dead Nigel." Leaning past his friend, smiling "Hey Father, what do you think Ashava would say about BEAR AND I being here?"
The mead is thick, semi-sweet and reminds Ratel of sunflowers and daffodils.
"Probably a lot. Something about the psychopomps messing up the sorting process big time. Bear, not so much of an issue, I mean Cavall is here right?" Father Noelan grins at Ratel. "But seriously, free will. If you think you've been wrongly sorted, I can tell Captain Pellinore about it and we should be able to get a psychopomp to escort you to where you're supposed to go."
"Seriously, I got my halo and wings the moment I got here, but not everyone gets them that fast."Father Noelan tells the party. "I think you sort of need to be comfortable here. And Hedran, why do you look like a deer caught under a light spell?" Father Noelan asks Hedran.
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Nigel smiles apologetically.
"Actually... ve aren't dead. Ze group of us here managed to rescue more zan 30 of ze residents from Phaendar, and escape into ze forest. Ve have managed to survive, more or less. For vhat it is vorth, your sacrifice did enable us to get to ze Shrine in time to save Rhyna and several others. Given vhat ve vere able to do for Geran and Victor, Aubrin has been casting Gentle Repose on you on a regular basis, so zat ve could try to bring you back. Zings are... stressed. Aubrin and Rhyna certainly vant you back, as does essentially everyone else. Aubrin is feeling quite stressed, and isn't sure zat she can cope. Luckily, ve recently came into possession of an elemental jewel zat would allow us to raise ze dead... and ve immediately zought of you. Vhen ve activated it, ve vere brought here; presumably so zat ve could plead our case, and see if you vanted to come back."
"It is good to see you" - he steps forward and embraces Father Noelan in a strong hug, trying to clear from his head the image of the fallen man still etched in his mind, during their run from Phaendar - "It is good to see you" - he repeats.
Father Noelan's eyes widen in amazement. "Wait, you guys aren't dead? Then how did you..." Father Noelan bursts out then pauses for a moment, "Oh nevermind. Magic."
"You managed to rescue some Phaendarians? Then you have my thanks."Father Noelan looks wistful. "I always wondered what happened to those I left behind... I'm glad some of them managed to get out alive. After those who were in the shrine at that time popped up here, I sometimes wondered if my last stand served any purpose."
"Aubrin? Stressed? Isn't she the happy go lucky sort who takes everything in her stride?" Father Noelan asks Nigel.
Nodding vigorously, Ratel adds, "Besides, neither Bear or I can use you bow, so you may as well come back and do so."
Father Noelan returns Hedran's hug. "Now I know you're still alive, I am glad to see you. Else I would have wished there was a way I could have gotten you guys out to safety."
"Tell me, who did you manage to get out of Phaendar, and do you know the fates of the other Phaendarians?" Father Noelan asks urgently. "Those that come here, yes I help to get them settled down, but not everyone's checked in, if you get my drift."
Father Noelan's cottage looks pretty much like his shack back in Phaendar, except now it has a fireplace, an altar to Erastil, proper wardrobes, chest of drawers, a rectangular oak table with six chairs. There are two doors leading out of his living room, one of which is closed.
The door to his bedroom is open and there is a wardrobe, and a rather luxurious looking bed in his bedroom, which is also connected to a wash closet.
"Tea?" Father Noelan offers to pour out some hot chamomile tea for the party out of a ceramic teapot.
"Oh that bow of mine. She's a sweet one. Got her from a fellow priest of Erastil who came to trade from Tamran on the market festival, several years back. Sort of miss her, but again there's pretty much no need for weapons here."Father Noelan replies. " Nice to have someone else taking care of the security for once."
Cavall meanwhile goes around the party nuzzling and licking them.
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Nigel nods.
"Vell, ve managed to get out Oreld, Lyria, Tammylan, Daniel, Bella, Marcus, Ajobe, Felicia, Tarethelan, Lorethiel, Ibrahim, Rhyna, Tollman, Sandra, Vallace, Patrick, Norris (Aubrin managed to nurse him back to health), Leo, Kaelan, Billy, Jet, Tara, Danny, Thomas, Edran, Aubrin, Geran, Victor, Cildon, Farrow, and Kinning."
He then looks pained.
"Ve got Fizzbang out as vell, but he vas killed by a sadistic Hobgoblin assassin a few days later - ve managed to track zat one down, and make zem pay," he says with grim satisfaction.
"Ve have also managed to make a few allies in ze woods - befriending a hunter named Azriel, and a hermit named Veld, as vell as a glade of leshies. Ve have even managed to negotiate for shared use of a cave system with a strange bunch of Troglodytes, zat call zemselves ze Children of Stone!"
Nigel then sighs.
"However, despite our best efforts, everyone is still feeling ze strain, especially after zat Hobgoblin sadist started stalking us... Do you vant to come back vith us?"
”Oreld? Oh yeah, the general good store owner, also rather good at fixing up herbal remedies. Lyria…don’t know her, Tammylan, town vet, takes care of the herd animals around Phaendar, Daniel, leatherworker, everyone wonders what lengths he’ll go to for his leathers, but Ryan and Mura count on him to provide them with proper leathers to work shoes.” Father Noelan replies.
”Bella and Tollman, goat herds, Sandra, Riverwood shrine groundskeep, Tarethelan, Lorethiel, Tara, Hunters guild members, technically Tarethelan’s the leader of the hunters guild while I’m not around.” Father Noelan rattles on.”Patrick, the town courier, Kaelan, part of the Ergas lumber jacks, Billy, a bit of a n-‘er do well fisherman who’s a little too fond of his drink.”
”Thomas, Kinning’s apprentice, I told him to keep learning what he could from her until he could strike out on his own, then possibly we might be able to pressure Kinning into more civic minded behaviour, Geran, a farmer, Victor , a potter, Ibrahim, a priest of Desna, and Rhyna, my apprentice.” Father Noelan continues.
”I hope Rhyna didn’t take my death too hard. She’s always been such a cheerful soul.” Father Noelan says somewhat sadly. ”I never meant things to turn out this way.”
”I don’t know the rest – but again they could be people coming in for the market festival. No, I didn’t see Fizzbang down here. He might have gone somewhere else – like Shelyn’s opera hall in Nirvana. He’s always liked singing anyway.” Father Noelan remarks. ”He will rest easier knowing that his murderer has faced justice.”
”Azriel – don’t know him. Veld used to live in Phaendar before she started complaining that people were getting on her nerves, then one day disappeared. I always wondered where she went to.” Father Noelan adds in.
”But how about the rest of the Phaendarians?” Father Noelan asks Nigel.” I know there are some here, and some with you, and presumably some finding rest elsewhere, but that’s like 3 quarters of the town not accounted for. Like Kethry, Zoya…”
”Troglodytes? What are those? Ah well, if they’re sharing their cave system, they can’t be too bad, no?” Father Noelan remarks.
”I will come back with you. My people in Golarion need me.” Father Noelan says resolutely. ” Sanctuary pretty much runs itself, since there are certain advantages in having a town full of like-minded individuals. It cuts down petty disputes, and Captain Pellinore should be able to handle whatever matters that time to time crop up.” Father Noelan explains.
”I’ll say I’ll miss Cavall here, though.” He looks at Cavall longingly. ”And returning to life is going to be a pain.”
Then there’s a sudden shimmer from Cavall, and as it clears, a canine-headed humanoid appears in Cavall’s place. ”I’ll join you in Golarion.” The canine-headed humanoid rumbles. Father Noelan does not seem surprised by Cavall’s sudden transformation.
Grenwold and Hedran suspect Cavall's transformation is somekind of shapechange.
Grenwold does not know what Cavall is.
”But how?” Father Noelan asks. ”You would give all this,” He gestures at the surroundings, ”up for me?”
”Yes I would. Because you’re my ward, and I would not let my ward go into danger alone.” Cavall answers.
”But once in the mortal realms I will be bound to my animal form, and be subject to mortal constrains. And once the change is made, it cannot be undone, until I return here.” Cavall continues cryptically. ”Go with them. I will find you.”
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Nigel nods.
"Ve have it on good authority zat a number are being kept as slaves, so zere is still some hope zat, at some future point, zey might be rescued."
A shadow then passes over his face.
"It is also possible zat some suffered ze same fate as Gristledown... ze inhabitants zere vere tortured, and skinned; zeir spirits are unquiet. Ve tried to settle zem, but it looks like ve need to recover zat vhich vas taken, in order to do so."
Nigel then brightens up.
"Troglodytes are a type of medium-sized humanoid vith reptilian features. Zey do stink a bit, to human senses, but zey are friendly enough. Ve will need to build goat pens, and install a netvork of Continual Flame lanterns, but ze caves should be varm, and fairly safe, particularly vith ze Troglodytes acting as a further buffer against potential foes."
When Cavall makes his change, Nigel is quite surprised, but quickly recovers.
I wonder what he is?
He then pats Father Noelan warmly on the shoulder.
"Zank-you for agreeing to come back. I know zat ze townsfolk vill be relieved..."
Nigel then looks around longingly.
"It is also a comfort to know vhat is vaiting for us, if ze worst should happen..."
"Right. Then we'll just have to bust them out."Father Noelan replies. "Now where are those Chenarsardo Rangers when you need a jailbreak...they're pretty decent at getting around."
"And what about Gristledown?!" Father Noelan's face begins to redden. "Torturing and skinning good sons and daughters of Erastil? Right. Pass me my bow and I'll stick the perpetrators full of arrows!" Father Noelan growls angrily.
"They stink? And we're sharing a cave with them? Uhhh.. Ok." Father Noelan sounds slightly dubious. "Or maybe you could talk to Oreld to see if there are...plants that will counteract strong aromas."Father Noelan suggests delicately.
"I think the townsfolk need help back on Golarion. And some hobgoblins need to be taught a lesson."
"Actually, Nigel, this is Erastils domain so you'd have to be a worshipper of Erastil to get here normally. "Father Noelan corrects him. "But the rest of heaven is also pretty nice. Like the fourth level of Heaven, Requius, is where the Great Library of Harmonious Scripture is located. The Great Library of Harmonious Scripture is the largest depository in Heaven of knowledge on the laws, cultures, inhabitants, and histories of other planes."
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Nigel bows by way of apology.
"My apologies for my error; I am afraid my knowledge of planar matters is practically non-existent. All I know, is zat I have felt quite at peace, here."
When the Rangers are mentioned, he becomes solemn.
"Ve do not know vhere zey are - the local Redoubt was abandoned; all ve managed to find vas a partially-burned note, recalling all Rangers to Fort Trevalay, and ve don't know vhere zat is."
When perfume is suggested, Nigel nods.
"Zat would probably be a good idea."
"You're probably due a visit to the Great Library of Harmonious Scripture for additional planar studies, then."Father Noelan remarks.
"I have some friends with in the Chenarsardo Rangers. I actually help them identify potential recruits." Father Noelan states. "That was what the hunters guild and the annual archery tournaments were for. I'd teach the Phaendarians woodcraft and archery and would watch on who had potential, then inform my Chenarsardo Ranger friends about them. Some of them would be later be sent invitations to join the Ranger Corps."
"Yes, I make no bones about the fact that I was training Phaendarians for guerrilla warfare." Father Noelan admits. "Sometimes I do feel guilty about it, but Phaendar has not been a safe place, and has just gotten more dangerous with those hobgoblins. I can personally attest to that. " Father Noelan says darkly.
"I do not know where Fort Trevalay is, you might want to ask Aubrin on that one."Father Noelan answers.
"Right, mortals, I've been hearing your conversation, and it seems that you are at war with hobgoblins. I was initially thinking of appearing as you previously saw me, but you know the conditions on the ground better. What canine form should I better take?" Cavall consults the party.
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Nigel nods.
"Zat certainly sounds like an interesting place to visit."
When Father Noelan mentions the training that he had been doing, Nigel shrugs.
"Vell, clearly, ze area is dangerous. You vere vorking iz ze tools you had, to try and make it safer for ze community as a whole. Zat is a noble goal..."
When Cavall asks about what form to take, Nigel looks thoughtful.
"Obviously, vhat form you take is up to you; but if you are a volf or volfdog, I vill be able to speak vith you at all times, since I have some kinship vith volves... Ve have also already adopted a number of volves into our community, so ze refugees are used to seeing zem."
Gren is quiet through most of the discussion with Noelan. Throughout his experience on the plane, he takes careful note of his surroundings and of the inhabitants.
He says, once Noelan agrees to come back, ”Many thanks, you’re doing a great service to us. Could you tell me a little about Fizzbang when we go back? I was asked to minister his last rights, and I know only a little about him. If you remember, our family only moved to town a few months ago - we did not have time to get to know many folks. On top of that, we weren’t exactly popular, which isn’t a judgment on the folks of Phaendar. Things that people don’t understand are sometimes scary, and the rumors that we were plagued probably weren’t too far from the truth, at least metaphorically...”
At this point Gren begins to pontificate about the difference between metaphor and truth, speaking quickly without pausing between sentences, but after a moment he looks around as if in a daze and says. ”You get the picture. I don’t have to tell you that some of our folk can be long-winded. Anyway, we were thankful enough to be let in. The remainder of my family is likely dead to the hobgoblins, which is a better fate than being enslaved to the Darkblight. So the only people I have to count on are these folks and Ringo, of course. But I don’t know much about the other people in town, is what I’m saying.” Gren pauses and waits for Noelan to respond.
”I vote dire wolf. A bit of wolf spirit flows through me, and so I know something about them. Dire wolves are the biggest and baddest of the wolves - and at this point, to defend the refugees, we need the biggest and baddest allies. Let your adventuring friends take care of subtlety.”
"I rather you not say anything about me being a recruiter for the Chernasardo Rangers when we get back to Golarion. I know everyone here can be trusted, but I wouldn't want to vouch for everyone back in Golarion." Father Noelan tells the party.
"All right. Wolf it is." Then he shimmers momentarily as he shapeshifts into a golden wolf.
"You know I think you looked cuter as a dog," Father Noelan says mischievously, "but since we're going into a warzone, it's probably for the best."
Cavall sniffs at him.
Very funny.
"I'll go tell Captain Pellinore on my absence, then I'll be right back here." Father Noelan then steps out of his cottage, heads to the watch station, before returning a while later.
"Yeah, Captain Pellinore wished me good luck, and told me if I saw any Barghests, to give them a good butt kicking for him." Father Noelan tells the party.
"Now I'm ready." He then clasps Nigel's hands, as the world fades away.
There is a flash of bright light then momentarily blinds everyone, then they hear a pained groan from Father Noelan, "Urghh...my head...my bow, please." As the party's vision clears, they find themselves back in the log cabin, with Father Noelan breathing shallowly, as if trying to avoid any jarring movements that might cause him more pain.
"Father Noelan!" Aubrin gasps as she moves to his side, quickly channeling healing energies into the ailing Father Noelan.
"Oh gosh. That one of the worst headaches I've ever had."Father Noelan answers, relieved as Aubrin heals him. "Thanks, Aubrin."
Later in private, Gren asks father Noelan. ”I didn’t want to say anything in front of the others, but I aspire to join the Chernasardo, along with Ringo. What do I have to do to join?”
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Nigel smirks at Cavall's comment, translating for Father Noelan:
"Apparently, he does understand sarcasm; he found your suggestion 'very funny'..."
Nigel breathes a sigh of relief when Father Noelan returns to the land of the living.
We needed a ray of sunshine, amid all this hardship...
Nigel then moves over, and starts tapping the good Father to heal him.
He then motions to Hedran.
"I believe he vas keeping your bow safe for you..."
Nigel then smiles.
"Perhaps ve should let ze others know ze good news...?"
”Fizzbang has been in Phaendar for the last 3 years. He originally came from the Veduran forest, travelled as a ministrel to Taldor, but they didn't really care very much for his simple style, so he decided to use the remaining funds of his to see if Nirmathas was a better place to perform. Jet also was left high and dry when her last Minstrel, Talisen, took up a contract under an Ulfen Earl to follow him up to the north. So she decided to try Fizzbang out and turns out Phaendar folks liked him. And he's been playing and singing at the Taproot ever since. He likes playing jigs for people to dance, since the pitter pattering of tall folks amuses him. On his free time he'd like reading books about various nobles and cities around the realm.” Father Noelan describes Fizzbang.
”Yeah I've been rather busier then usual taking care of the market festival, and Nessen's tomb custodians going missing...and no offence meant, but you gnomes tend to be a little too long and windy for my taste. If you have something to say, just get it short and to the point.” Father Noelan states bluntly.
"Well I'd say the first thing is you find some active Chernasardo Rangers. If they need a vouch for your character, I will." Father Noelan answers.
"Of course he understands sarcasm. He's a hound archon, and pretty much as smart as any of us." Father Noelan states.
"Sorry, but Raincaller is my holy symbol. So I need her around to channel and cast."Father Noelan tells Nigel.
Father Noelan then pulls himself to his feet as he walks, slightlly unsteadily, while steadying himself against the cabin wall towards the rest of the refugees. ”All right Phaendarians, I've been brought back thanks to the heroic efforts of Hedran, Grenwold, Nigel, Ratel and Robert. I know I probably look like crap, because I feel like crap but again it beats being dead any day of the week.” He gives the remaining refugees a weak smile, to be greeting by cheers from the refugees as they all gather around to touch him, just to be sure that he is really back. Rhyna runs over and gives him a hug on the waist.”Father Noelan...I'm so glad you're back...I didn't know what to do without you.”
”Just keep on doing as you've always done – serving the community with your heart and soul.” Father Noelan counsels her. ”You know that climbing a mountain isn't done within a single day, but step by step.”
Tarethelan claps him heartily on his shoulder, as Father Noelan suppresses a wince. ”Good to see you back here. I always felt guilty about leaving you to face the hobgoblins alone back at Riverwood shrine. Shouldn't have followed those set of orders.”
”If you didn't – you wouldn't have been here now.” Father Noelan states bluntly. ”Suffice to say that even had you helped...it would have just lead to your deaths.”
"It's better that you made it out to help the people of Phaendar, or who would protect them now?"
Aubrin approaches the party. "Are we really going to be staying with troglodytes? The Chernasardo Rangers had some skirmishes with them. After we killed their leader, they fled in disarray, and we thought they retreated back to the Darklands...we didn't know they still had a cave nearby."
Hearing the discussion about what kind of canine the angelic creature should be, Ratel scratches his head and asks, "How about a bear?"
watching the the priest be returned to his people, Ratel smiles, glad that they used the stone to return him. When Aubrin asks about the troglodytes Ratel nods his head, "Trust me, I was as suprised as you. They seemed sincere enough though."
"Of course you need it back; it is yours, after all. Zat's vhy I asked Hedran to give it to you...?"
"No need to ask at all" - Hedran returns the bow to Father Noelan with a smile - "It is your bow, and a magnificent weapon by the way" - he adds - "It is good to have you back Father - all these people will notice the difference"
...
"Bears aren't canines." Cavall answers.
"It would need to fall in Canidae and not the Ursidae category, which a bear is."Father Noelan expounds.
"Thanks," Father Noelan strokes Raincaller lovingly. "Now all we need is several quivers full of arrows and we'll be set for hobgoblin hunting."
"So how long was I dead and what happened in my absence?" Father Noelan asks the refugees to get caught up to speed on events.
"About a week or so, Aubrin was preserving your body, after we washedd and cleaned you up. "Patrick answers.
"Well our heroes there," Victor gestures at the party,"were running through Phaendar like a fire rescue brigade, rescuing whoever they could find."
"Yeah we tried to find those who had been taken as slaves, but as we approached the town square, we saw this creature has a vaguely humanoid head, the body of a lion, and the wings of a dragon with its tail ends in long, sharp spikes." Oreld adds."There were lots of hobgoblins and large black wolves too."
"We decided that discretion was the better part of valour and headed over the bridge to the Fangwood."Marcus says.
"We spent the first two days camping out in the woods, then our heroes found us this log cabin, which we patched up some, and been staying since. It's a little squishy and leaks when it rains, though."Danny replies.
Father Noelan turns to the party, thanking the party gratefully. " Thank you once more for rescuing my people and leading them to safety and taking care of them while I was gone."
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Nigel raises an eyebrow.
"You vant arrows? Ve have arrows. Ve have harvested *plenty* from fallen Hobgoblins."
His face then grows sad.
"Vhat shall ve do viz Fizzbang?"
A thought then occurs to him.
"Father Noelan, could you prepare Speak Vith Dead in ze morning, so ve can find out if he even vants to come back...?"
His expression then turns to grim determination.
"Additionally, my volf friends have informed me of a Hobgoblin vagon (vith troop escort) vending its vay zrough ze forest; zat sounds like a ripe target for a little Phaendarian vengeance (not to mention, a vagon and horses vould be useful for us)."