There are 7 scrolls... all clearly marked (probably purchased)
Scroll of Good Hope CL 7th
Scroll of Haste CL 5th
Scroll of Glitterdust CL 3rd
Scroll of Delay Poison CL 4th
Scroll of Ventriloquism CL 1st
Scroll of Invisibility sphere CL 5th
Scroll of Deep Slumber CL 5th
There are also 3 books...
The dainty elf wizard looks at the scrolls in the bag.
"The haste spell can give someone blinding speed. Not bad."
He looks around. "Shall we go to our favorite inn. I can tell you how a dwarf tried to get a witch drunk to get secrets out of her."
Sunny nods, even as she nudges Suny enthusiastically with a cheeky grin.
"Goin' ta' tha' Inn be a right proper idea!" She gently begins to untangle Suny from her bonds. She looks the other Elf in the eyes.
"We's got lots ta' be talkin' abouts!" She says brightly to the companions around her.
It is a good five mile walk along the wagon trail - through the ordered rows of the tree farm, and past the northern tip of the mire to the village.
The village is surfaced with cobblestone. There appear to be about fifty buildings... most look residential. The center is open - apart from a fairly large fountain in the center of the vacant square, which is surprisingly ornate for its surroundings.
You first pass a chapel adjoined to a house. One the narrow stoop, a bald man with a dented forehead in a light stone colored frock nods and waves. (known to Braxton and Corum as Brother Sverin) He stands and peers into the wagon as it passes. He addresses Braxton... "You appear to have injured among you... let me know if I can be of any assistance."
The next building on your left is the most upscale looking of the village. A sign hangs by the front door "Clio and Vern's Bed and Breakfast"
Past that, is a building front with the sign "Doyle's Run Town Hall".
The next building appears to be the tavern mentioned "Ye Olde Belching Badger"... It is an L-shaped building with a pavilion in the crook of the L.
Apart from the priest, there is no one out. Once you approach the tavern however, you can hear many voices inside.
Sunny helps Suny down from the wagon.
"Right, first thing we do is get ourselves cleaned up, Missy." She says confidently to the other Elf. Then she looks to the others.
"I can pay a large way fer room, food and lodgin' with me shine." She says to every one else,
"Be there much chance of this Mayor feller's plans still be havin' threads a-danging loos?" She looks to Suny.
"Be there a way ye feel a 'kinship' with any of yer fellows? Would ye be havin' an idea as to how many there might still be?" She asks, even as she leads the other Elf towards the tavern.
Zed takes a moment when they're outside the town to use his hat of disguise. He makes sure there's no trace of the large scar on his face, and just makes some random alterations with no specific face in mind. He ends up with a curly blond haired fellow with dark eyes
Corum leads the group to the tavern that he watched the dwarf try to get the witch drunk.
"I know a tavern that has hard ale for dwarves and delicate wine for elves and many things in between."
When you enter, there is a redheaded dwarf at the bar with his finger in the chest of a man in light armor. The dwarf has a blond girl bound, gagged, and stuffed in his backpack. Her head, feet, and hands are poking out the top. "What do I think I'm doing? I'm minding me own business... what'r you doin? I'm telling you one last time Warden... My witch."
The light-armored human -referred to as the warden, looks up at those entering the tavern. "Your elf companion is back, Karthak."
Karthak the redheaded dwarf turns and smiles, then scowls at the warden. "Companion? Bah. More like betrayer... scamper off when I'm away, Corum you rat..." He wipes one eye then the other... then the beer foam from his mustache. "Brother Sverin told me everything. Scares pretty easy for a priest of Gorum, if y'ask me... Thought you went an got yerself killed by this... nastimancer in Mayor's clothing."
Warden Horne wearily objects "Karthak... listen to yourself"
A human male with long blond hair leans behind the bar to the left as you enter. There are several booths here, and a couple tables. The bottom steps of the stairs to the second floor are against the far wall. There is a door to the right which leads to the pavilion.
The only other patrons are a group of five seated at a booth and table pushed together. They appear to be too engrossed in their own conversation to notice the minor conflict or your entrance.
Sunny frowns as she sees the state of the girl over the short person's shoulder.
"Here....I know why I went an' tied up my person. Why's you got yours in'a sack?" She calls to Karthak. Moving slowly around furniture towards said Dwarf. Keeping one hand behind her back where she holds Suny's hand in its grip.
Zed stiffens upon seeing the tied up girl. He sets his things down and whispers to Sunny "See what's so important that those five talking over there are ignoring this conflict" he walks strait towards Karthak, no pretenses. He stops in front of him, arms folded "Karthak the dwarf...so what gives you the right to tie up this girl?"
Karthak turns with a "eh?", and then answers "Oh I'm just holdin er for a friend... She's a witch y'know... Caught 'er up to no good down in the sewers..." You now see a hideous doll tucked in belt as he leans in. "Not about to deny meself a bit of drink just cos I'm on prisoner guard duty... Don't give a hairy hump what the warden says."
Zed doesn't move "Do you have any proof that she's a witch? And if so that she was even casting evil magic?"
Karthak chuckles to himself "Proof? Naw... left 'er broomstick back at the house."
This provokes a stern look from the warden before he explains to Zed. "He was one of a few I gave the authority to deal with some trouble we were having below the village." The warden glances at Corum as if to get a clue if he should continue... He pulls forth a paper from his cloak.
"Here is the issue. One of our townspeople - a worker at the mill, arrived on horseback before you... without his head. A note was pinned to his chest "The mindwiper is dead. Your minds are your own... as are your choices. Choose wisely. Release my child, and those who submit will be spared. Deny me this, and your souls will be reaped on the harvest moon." Signed Gilvorgione..." He folds it and hands it to Corum. "Counting this evening, that is four nights away."
Karthak adds "And I ain't givin her up. Still got bruises from scrappin with'er zombified squid-foot gobbos."
Suny tells you quietly "I don't know if hes got anything still cookin. There were others like us, but they left the academy the day we were created. They were all identical, and looked like Doyle's creator... Sirius Horth. They were a foul bunch, and seemed to make Doyle pretty nervous."
Corum explains:"The witch tried to kill us all. Her punishment is being subject to Karthak's company. If you will notice, Karthak is not known for his social skills."
He buys a round for the party and explains in the impromptu council of war: "It appears the town is being made to suffer in this war. Unfortunately giving in will cost more lives in the long run. But we are here to celebrate a successful battle against the shapechangers. I particularly toast the actions of those who captured the mayor. Seeing through his clever deception and catching him flat on his face was extraordinary. A toast to you!"
Corum raises a glass of wine in a solemn salute.
"When we are in a more private setting, we can discuss our next move."
Corum gestures with his hands to the other party in eavesdropping range.
Sunny nods quietly and subtly to Suny...still looking at Karthak and The Warden. She tilts her head.
"Here, I think you's readin' that letter tha' completely wrong way. Now, me an' me mates here," And she gives Suny a hug,
"We's seen things down under that mill." She nods seriously, "And so, as fer this lass an' her connections? I think ye'd be better advised in takin' care of her fer now. Some where secure but, y'know, comfy an' maybe wait a tad longer afore doin' somethin'.....'Rash'." She nods assertively, before turning and skipping over with Suny to where Corum is indicating the party gather.
Zed's posture softens "I see, sorry for the harsh greeting"
Karthak accepts the drink bought by Corum, and turns from the bar... nodding to Sunny as she skips away. "Aye... yer probly right. I'll get'er settled in back at the house. Read'er a bedtime story or somethin." He waves off Zed's apology as a trivial concern, then bounces to adjust the weight of the backpack holding the bound witch girl. He then picks up his mug, and sighs looking at the front door before willing himself to leave.
"Maybe stop by... play cards'er somethin..."
Sunny nudges Zed as she skips past.
"Here! They's got some one captured who's freinds done toffed maybe one a tha' doubles AND give 'em a warnin' about whut's under tha' mill." She huffs.
"Ken ya see where I be thinkin' they's got's their headin' all wrong an' be leadin' fer a rocky course?" She waves a free hand dismissively,
"I give 'em fair enough warnin', like. T'is up ta' them if'n they put their puzzle ta-gether. We's jus' got's ta' hang aroun' an' maybe pick up tha' pieces, hey?"
Sunny giggles, giving Suny a quick hug as she comes to join the gathering group nearby Corum. (^_^)
"Go ahead and finish your drink Karthak." The man behind the bar comes out to the table selected by Corum to take any orders for food or another round of drinks. He brings Corum's preferred wine, two whiskeys and an ale for Braxton. He sets those drinks down and nods to the two he knows... "Afternoon. Welcome to Ye Olde Belching Badger. I am Thulfi I am bartender, proprietor, and serving girl tonight. I am happy to say Miss Quillwort is back in the kitchen, and other than hagfish slime we are fully stocked! So.... fire away!"
Sunny sees about getting a bath set and what's on the menu for dinner.
Varian joins the others at the table and settles in. "Hello Thulfi, I'll have a whiskey and water. and something to eat... what's on the menu?"
Sunny nudges Suny and whispers, "Here...that folks dun't look much like a lass....Do they?" She blinks and shakes her head.
"We have quite a selection. Butcher left town this morning with his family. I bought his entire stock for a steal. As far as specials... Miss Quillwort has been working on a mushroom cream sauce that accompanies rabbit, chicken, or pork quite well... or with potato for those light of coin. Several of the gentlemen over yonder have ordered it with potato, and have yet to complain."
He turns to Sunny and responds "Baths are upstairs past the rooms. Say the word, and I will have it readied for you."
Sunny utters a quiet 'squee' of delight at Thulfi's words, hugging Suny enthusiastically.
"Aye! A bathin' an' a feedin', pleaze! Ooo! 'Shrooms! Oh, how I love me them things! Yes please! 'Shrooms an'..um...maybe..." Sunny looks to Suny for her thoughts on what to have with the wondrous delicacy that is 'Shrooms. (^_^)
"See! T'is a good thing ta' have enough shine ta' partake of tha' important things in life...Like 'shrooms" Sunny explains to Suny, even as she gives a shiver of delight a the thought of the meal to come.
Sunny looks to the others, "Well..some bathin' an' such afore tha' meal, perhaps? Make a body a tad more presentable." She says with a grin.
Varian casts a quick prestidigitation spell to 'clean up and be more presentable', then nods to Thulfi. "Well, being as you say, light of coin, I will take the potatoes with mushroom sauce, thanks."
Sunny waves a free hand at Varian, "Whut's tha' use o' shine if ye cain't give it ta' friends?" She says, deftly bending over nad settling her salvaged chest upon the floor, thence squatting down and perusing its contents after she's flipped the lid open.
"Now....less see here...." She mutters to herself, even as she takes out a few of the meager items she retains. From within the box comes a soft 'click' and she does something mysterious within for a moment....
Before lifting out a small hand full of coin. She reaches up and offers said items of 'shine' to Varian,
"Here ya go, mate. Shine fer somat ta' fead on an' such." She deftly closes/put away everything with her chest, standing and resting a foot upon its lid, even as her other arm snakes around Suny again. She looks back to Thulfi.
"Tell ye what. How's about I set up a tab? Then, when me friends need somat...what in't too outrageous...There be no misunderstandin' a'tween folks, hey?" She suggests brightly.
"Okeys, where tha' bathin' at!" She declares, getting ready to drag Suny off for some relaxing sudsy time before dinner.
"Thanks, Sunny. I owe ya. Thulfi... change that, I'll have the chicken with mushroom sauce. A little meat will just hit the spot." Varian flashes Sunny a wide smile of thanks, then adds. "Baths can be fun and all, and I understand the enjoyment of getting wet and clean, but the offer is out there for dry cleaning with a spell if all you're after is clean."
Sunny nods and smiles at Varian's thanks/comments.
"Aye, magic be good an' all.....But....It jus' dun't seem ta' reach all tha' right places, ya-know?" She replies. (^_^)
Zed walks up to the table "I'll take mine with rabbit please" he puts down some coin, a bit more than is needed. He lowers his voice "And who are those gentlemen you spoke of?"
Diplomacy
Thulfi nods when Varian changes his order. "Very good sir"
He slightly turns after glancing at Zed's coin - putting his face completely opposite the group in question, "Out of towners... one came three days ago by himself... the others came last night... some kind a group. They all have the same little compass thing. Loner doesn't chat it up too much. I think he's been goin somewhere else to eat.. probly Clio's. Can't even convince him to try Miss Quillwort's cooking." He shrugs and backs up a bit. "Excellent choice, sir."
He looks to Sunny "I'll send up Mishka to draw your bath, m'lady"
Zed smiles "I love someone who's good at their work, thank you" Zed sits down and sips some water from his backpack, mulling over what he just heard
Lyrralt has been leaning against the wall taking it all in. After watching the "twins" head upstairs to take a bath he shakes his head with a smile.
"A bath sounds fantastic to me as well! Once that is finished, I would love to try Miss Quillwort's rabbit stew. Also, is there somewhere in town I might purchase some new clothes? Mine seem to been abused quite thoroughly."
Corum sniffs approvingly at his wine and sips it slowly.
"When we have taken sufficient refreshment we can talk business out on the pavilion. Until then, let us enjoy and evening of refinement."
Speaking to Thulfi, "Rabbit with extra sauce. You set a fine table. Abadar would be proud."
He begins: "I am Corum Merandur. Mage, scholar and wanderer in order of importance. I have been looking for an appropriate challenge for my magical talents. Pitting myself against the villianous necromancer here has been a fitting duel of wits and arcana."
He points to Karthak, "Much better than sharing the droll banter with a dwarf socialite. You know how you can tell the extroverted dwarves, they look at YOUR boots when they talk to you."
Corum holds out his bottle of wine to pour into a willing glass.
Zed smiles and chuckles as Corum tells his story, then offers his glass up "I'm afraid my story is nowhere near as exciting. Well not the most recent part anyways. I was hired to infiltrate and gather intelligence on the army and after spending a few weeks behind their lines I was found" he sips the wine, tasting it for the first time "I am Zed Ulmin, but I'm afraid I don't have much of a title yet. I guess you could call me a liberator"
After downing his whiskey and water, Varian takes the proffered wine from Corum. "Thanks. I am Varian, and I have little story to tell.. I was guarding a caravan that was taken by a force of goblinoids. I was taken prisoner, and managed, with the help of a full force of other prisoners to overcome our guards and get free. Zed I must say, proved to be instrumental in our freedom, so the title of liberator is quite apt."
Lyrralt sits and moves his glass forward, welcoming a good glass of wine after his ordeal.
"I am Lyrralt Calil, of Andoran. I came out here in search of adventure and was hired on as a guard. My employer was looking for writing of D'Argent Sol in this area. Also, he was interested in a cube shaped artifact. Our travels and searches led us here and we were ambushed and as far as I know I was the only one taken alive. I escaped with Zed, Varian, and the curious elven girl."
Mishka the housekeeper comes down the steps from drawing the elf twins baths. Thulfi - standing with a tray in the doorway between the main tavern and pavilion, asks her to draw a bath for Lyrralt as well. She waddles over timidly "But sir, the second bathing room is locked... seems its been for a while. Days I believe. Don't even seem to have the key..."
One man of the other group speaks up gruffly... loud enough for the whole tavern to hear. "Its mine. Paid for it all week. You gave me the key yourself old woman. You must not remember. Your other customer will just have to wait."
Thulfi continues to your table refreshing drinks and sides. He addresses Lyrralt "It will be a while before a bath is available... as you probably heard... I just asked my brother about the tailors and clothes merchants. They are apparently still in town, and have been taking customers in their residence since the market emptied. I hope things will be back to normal soon."
The baths are about as primitive as you have seen in an inn, but the room and tubs are clean. There are quite a few coarse soaps, but Mishka leaves a couple half-used bars she "found lying around the bed n breakfast" where she mentions she also works.
She shuts the door on her way out, and the little bar falls into place - latching on your side for some secure privacy.
Braxton lags behind the group wondering where the could of taken Errik, knowing he was his ticket back home. As they arrive back to the Tavern he stays in the background avoiding the Dwarf's rants going to take a drink of whiskey he notices his flask empty. After the others order he looks to Thulfi, "Get me a bottle of cheap whiskey and some pork with mushrooms."
The human sits down at the table and follows suite with the others, "As I said before my name be Braxton Raith, I've been living in this town for a few years now. Still not sure what is going on with all this crap, but knowing that stuff was my friend Errik's department. Now wheres that whiskey I ordered?"
Lyrralt walks over to the man that has the bathing room rented. Exaggerating his wounded condition. (Though he does sport some good ones.)
"Good sir, I will gladly refund the amount paid for the week for the bathing house if you would simply allow me to get one good, relaxing bath in. If you so agree, I will leave to get some clothing and give you plenty of time to remove whatever possessions you have and do not want in there while it is in use. As you can see, I have had a rough couple of days and allowing me this respite would put me in your debt and earn you a friend for life.'
Zed laughs in amusement "A bard is offering his lifelong friendship! Imagine the songs he could create for that woman you fancy, or the tales he could tell. I'd take him up on that"
Diplomacy (Aid)
The table of men turn their attention to Lyrralt. They appear at first as though they would rather not be interrupted, but the bard has them smiling... appreciative of his situation and offer.
"No."
They turn to the man sitting with them, and seem taken aback by his response. It is a tense, awkward moment until Zed chimes in. The man seems to feel the pressure from his dining companions. "I uh... Of course you misunderstand... I was not finished... I mean the bathing rooms here are vile, and unsuitable for such a fine young man. Use the baths at Clio and Vern's two doors down, and tell them to bill room three... I insist. Uh here..." He places a leather ledger on his lap, scribbles into it, then tears out and folds the note - handing it to Lyrralt. He nods a "that's that", and returns his attention to his drink.
As you move from the table, you hear one of the men whisper "What has gotten into you Holfstedt?"
He responds "I am sorry. Not feeling too well I suppose."
The man seems to be experiencing a wide range of emotions, and his temper seems that of someone overwhelmed. He is also looking at the two of you like he is pretending not to know you, and annoyed at your presence.
it is nine words written in a language unknown to you.
"Sir, your kindness has refreshed my sense of hope. I shall not forget you nor your generous act."
Lyrralt flourishes a bow and walks back to the table.
Lyrralt sits at the table and takes a drink, nonchalantly looking at the note.
"Well if I am to leave I think that the twins should be told so they do not worry. I shall be back gentlemen."
With that Lyrralt heads towards the bathing room Sunny and Suny are in. He will knock on whatever door he thinks it might be.
"Sunny, dear, can you let me in? I need to go next door and there is something I need from you before I go."
You hear a muffled voice inside.
It sounds like someone trying to yell while gagged.
Hearing that, Lyrralt will the proceed to break down the door, kicking it.
Failing that he will yell for Zed and Varian.
"Sunny is in trouble! Sounds like someone is attacking her!"
He gives it another kick trying to get the door open as soon as possible.