Having found the healer's kit, Jerod asks the others if any amongst them is more acutely trained than he in the use of the kit. He does admit to playing a doctor a few times previous on stage, and that he does 'know a thing or two', reassuring or not.
The next morning, Jerod pockets his money gratefully and thanks Ishiro, wishing him the best of luck in wherever his future takes him. When the dottari eventually come, he speaks up to address them.
"Greetings fine sirs; I hope the morning finds you well indeed. Allow me to introduce myself," he adds, waving a hand for emphasis, "..I am Jerod Winstrom, and it is in most unfortunate circumstances that we make your acquaintances this day." He looks down, bowing his head slightly in reverence. "The events that occurred here last night are quite undue anyone in this fair city, and it shames me that we arrived unable to fully prevent the horrors that were carried out."
He takes a breath, pausing and meeting Samuels eye to eye, a look of earnest clear on his face. "It all started when I was enjoying some peace in the tavern. I was regaling my fine fellows there," he adds, tilting his head and then indicating the others, "...about my array of artistic forays into the world of acting, when an ill-timed scream broke through the night. Being the fine, upstanding citizens that we are, we rushed outside to lend a hand; but to our surprise, however, we found the majordomo of the Levington estate, gravely injured and in need of immediate medical attention!"
Jerod shakes his head, then pats the man on the shoulder in a friendly manner, a slight grin playing on his lips. "It seems luck was with him, wouldn't you know it, for we rushed to his aid and ushered him inside immediately! That Gus fellow that runs the Crossed Swords, he deserves a medal!" Jerod pauses then, a hand on his chin, as though in thought. He mumbles out, musing to himself, "...or was his name Lou? Hmm. I forget," he continues slowly, but shakes it away, "..whoever he is, guy deserves a medal! He wrapped Ishiro up expertly, stopped the bleeding, and now he's right as rain!"
Then, his voice and face take on a darker tone, a grimmer expression as though a foreshadow of things to come. "..Unfortunately, it would be the only positive note that dark night. He told us his story, how the hobgoblins broke in and started ransacking the place, holding the Levingtons hostage. Naturally, my fine fellows here rushed into the streets despite any danger to themselves, hoping for a quick aid to those in desperate need. We could not locate any dottari patrolling the streets, but we did run accost of a band of hobgoblins, much to our misfortune!"
He sighed then, and shook his head. "If only there had been more time. We made our way to the estate, crept quietly in the back entrance and proceeded our rescue attempt of the Levingtons. After dispatching several more of the nasty, murderous goblins, we were surprised to find that Ishiro had followed us here; grateful for his aid, together we discovered the Levingtons' final fate, may they rest in peace." Just the glimmer of a tear is caught in the corner of his eye then, a frown clear as day about his face. He breathes a long, depressing sigh, as though greatly troubled while staring at the ground for the briefest of moments.
"But the worst was yet to come," his voice returns, as he looks back up at the man. His tone is quiet, clear, deadly serious. "Their leader, a large goblin creature of some type, was still stalking the house. After a bloody confrontation which left our number shorter one, rest his soul, we finally brought about its end." He leans in close, then, as though being secretive and lowers his voice to a whisper. "I tell you, sir, I think this was no mean ransacking. They were looking for something else, something important. They even ripped open all the stuffed game, their insides littered about the floor; not a stone was left unturned! This was not about money, no, it must have been more."
Spending the night propped up against the wall, Pallius welcomes the morning. As his wounds have slowly started closing, he sets his belongings to dry in the court yard before he heads to the meeting.
At the dottari investigation (interrogation):
After Jerod's speech, Pallius points his thumb towards the actor, "What he said."
Samuels catches himself, as he stares in awe at Jerrod's recounting of last night's events. Grumbling, he composes himself, "Right, right, that's what we thought too." He looks around the room and seeing you all corroborate the story, he continues, "Good, then. Thank you for giving us such elaborate details, Mr. Winstrom. I will look into this investigation and find out why no dottari could be found on patrol last night in the area. The guard thanks you for your courage and you look to me like a good fella, Jerod, so that's why I won't fine you and your friends for violating the curfew. I will excuse your violent methods on this occasion. After all, I'm glad you put sword and steel to those goblin folk for killin' the Levingtons. But know the dottari do not tolerate vigilantism in Westcrown. You were under no contractual obligation to the Levingtons nor were they your kin. In the future, please leave these matters to the proper authorities. A civilized society cannot tolerate vigilantism, it only encourages chaos and anarchy. Thank you for your efforts. You are all free to go. I have your names should we need further information."
Lhuar looks at Samuel and in a matter of fact voice replies, "I was always told that when one does his job properly nobody else will have to the opportunity to do it for him. I would suggest you hire more guards so you will have less vigilantes. A man must look to protect himself, and his fellow citizen when such protection is not adequately provided otherwise."
Naeli, drawn pale from her wounds and a night spent curled up in her cloak, can only listen with a distant stare to Jerod's recounting of the evening's event. Throughout the tale, she sat sunken in her hood, carefully avoiding the eyes of the dottari sent to investigate.
Thank you for your efforts. You are all free to go. I have your names should we need further information.
"I'm sure you will." Pallius mutters, waving a lazy hand over his shoulder as he heads back towards his stack of belongings (hopefully dry now) from the morning light.
15th day of Neth
12 noon
Thankfully, the wait and questioning are over and you are free to go. The rain has stopped though the sky is still overcast. The street is abuzz with news of the Levington massacre.
Readjusting the load, Pallius confers with his fellow 'defenders'. "I don't know about the lot of you, but I could use a diviner's touch. I figure I'll head towards the temple of the Inheritor and pay for services for myself, and Gregor. You are all welcome to come with, if luck smiles on us we could even sell them goblin weapons! I know they won't be needin' 'em."
Lhuar ask the others where they will be retiring to for the evening. He also ask the any of them that live here do they know the name of a decent inn, nothing to cheap, but nothing too expensive.
Whatever inn is suggested is where he will stay.
Pallius continues on his rounds. He visits the oft abandoned shrine to Iomedae, where he finds a helpful priest by the name of Carthon. The healing will cost 15 gp for a Cure Light wounds (). The burial will cost 10 gp for a simple burial in a wooden coffin without religious service. As he is making his inquiries into Gregor's burial, Carthon says, "Did you hear??? About an hour ago, at that funeral for that demon worshiper Velbottis, someone stole his body! The watch and the clergy of Asmodeus are outraged! They'll be out in force tonight!"
Pallius looks appalled at the news: "Corpse thieves? As if we didn't have enough problems!" He grumbles. "How much for a religious service? I know he wasn't one of yours... but he was a good man."
After conversing with the others, suggesting they all meet at the Crossed Sword tavern well before evening, Jerod turns to Naeli.
"Miss Naeli?" he says, offering an arm to the tiefling for balance. "Allow me to walk you to the nearest temple to get those wounds checked out. After all that we witnessed last night, can't have you getting sick from your wounds, now, can we?" he nods, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
He inclines his head to Lhuar, stating,"Master Dwarf, you may join us if you wish."
Jerod brings a rare smile to Naeli's face. "That would be....kind of you, sir. I do not feel well."
Concern suddenly clouds her face. "Given my heritage, I hope you no of some place discrete. I've found that not all such temples honor the kind words of their credos."
Pulling the hood ever further over her head, she says "I can play a convincing half-elf, alas." Grasping his proffered arm, he leans in to whisper. "There is something I must tell you. It may be nothing, but....after the temple, when next we see Pallius."
Waving his hand in front of his face, Pallius replies: "No need for the hiring of mourners. The fifteen minutes of service will suffice, I will grieve for him. About that Velbottis body snatching, it wasn't at the same graveyard was it?"
A look of puzzlement crosses Pallius's features, his brow furrowing: "Other one? I thought there was only one body taken?"
As for the body... Pallius will inform Carthon of Gregor's current location. "He fell helping save those who could not defend themselves..." Smothering any cheer in his voice.
Lhuar decides to go with Jerod and Naeli to the temple. It will give him a chance to become reacquainted with the city while they walk.
Nodding, Pallius pays the good man ahead of time. (Subtracted.)
"Indeed it does, but if you could wait until tomorrow morning for the service... I have a pressing matter to attend to this afternoon."
"Thank you sir." And with that, Pallius walks off to spend his day touring the city, and conversing with his fellow Wescrani. (Fully intending on meeting the others at Lou Gustofson's Crossed swords taverns in the afternoon).
Hoping get more than one question!
Later that afternoon, after completing your errands, the party meets up at the Crossed Swords tavern where talk is abuzz about the theft of the Velbottis corpse from the graveyard! As you walk in, you overhear the following from Lou, the ownwer, as he talks to the patrons. "I heard four dottari were killed during the commission of the crime! Man, are they pissed?! Especially the Asmodean hierarchy, who I hear, ran like b+!#*es when the whole thing went down! They have the dottari out in force combing the city but nothing yet. I pity the fool who violates curfew tonight, if this doesn't get solved soon!" When Lou notices the party, he claps, "Our local heroes, who risked their lives for the Levingtons!" The rest of the bar joins in the applause.
Jerod raises his hands, a smile about his lips as he attempts to calm their cheer. "People, people, that is not necessary. We only did what any good citizen, what many amongst you," he adds with poise as he scans the audience, as though pointing out people with his eyes, "..yourselves, would have done, in just such a desperate occasion! We are but simple, humble folk," he adds with enthusiasm, raising a hand for emphasis, ".. looking out for our own, doing what is right in the city's time of need." He pauses then, a serious tone evident in his voice." Let us watch each other as brothers in this hour of uncertainty, for we are all that we have as danger fills the streets and prosperous times seem far from outstretched hands!"
But...let us take our comforts where we may, and enjoy fine company amidst our own! Lou, a round for everyone, on me!" His voice alight with good spirit as he nods to Lou.
"Hear, hear!" "Well said!" "To more drinking!" More cheers rise up at Jerod's offer of free drinks, as the party takes their seats, and the patrons raise their glasses to them.
A short but well rounded gnome raises his mug with his fellow patrons, but sets it down without taking a drink. He watches the newcomers with interest. Not every day one can meet heroes...particularly not in a place like this.
With well rounded cheeks over a comically jutting chin, the gnome was an odd looking fellow, his bright blond, almost silver hair, doing little to make him inconspicuous. His chubby fingers drum a soft beat on his ample belly as he scans the bar, his gaze interested but not intense. He waves away a server with a smile that makes his green eyes twinkle, and holds up his still full mug to dissuade her from approaching.
They must be powerful, that group. I doubt that there are many among us that would have done what they had done, no matter what that fellow says. Not one to make put himself at the center of attention, the gnome sets to idly whittling away a slender piece of basswood as he waits for the celebration to die down.
Smiling and waving to the crowd, Pallius joins the others at the table. Raising his glass to the others he takes a long pull from his drink before speaking. "I see we have become a bit more popular. There are others I have run into saying similar things." Nodding in the direction of the crowd.
Reaching into his pack, he pulls out three (3) pouches, and slides them across the table to the others. Leaning forward, he whispers"Your share's from the goblin's gear."
Are there anything like banks here? Showing platinum pieces is not a good idea to Lhuar, not in this city. I would rather trade them for gold pieces.
Jerod catches the sliding pouch and in one fluid motion it disappears, a grin on his lips. If looked at oddly, he shrugs and responds, "What? Gotta pay for all these drinks somehow, right? "
Stretching after a hard night, he relaxes in his chair and sips his ale quietly. After several moments, he clears his throat rather loudly, in order to gather the attention of some of the surrounding patrons. "So," he begins, " ... who wants to hear the daring tale of 'A Man, His Greataxe, and the Bugbear That Meant To Separate Them'? A short little story I've been working on for some time now."
Some folk ask to hear Jerod's tale, but only if it's dirty and it's got naked girls in it! The celebration of the free drinks dies down, as the patrons go on drinking. Zeke approaches Pallius and company and waves over the gnome, addressing all of you, "Heroes or as I like to call ye, meddlin' kids, I want you to meet a good friend of mine, Tuktuk. C'mon, don't be shy. This one's got the touch, he can heal, almost at will, isn't that true? At least I think that's how you described it to me, right?"
Lhuar enters the tavern at about this time, and orders 2 drinks, both for himself.
"Well it seems this city is no short supply of people eager to give their lives for a good cause, and that be a good thing, for it seems those who aim to oppress have no reservation against taking such lives. "
The cherubic gnome nearly drops his entire mug as his name is called. He quickly sets to cleaning up the mess with a sleeve, his eyes darting about nervously the entire time. Well, then...thought this may be a bit more discreet...no back room or anything? He stands and walks over with the shuffling gait of one not known for making exercise a habit, and plops down into a chair near the others.
He clears his throat and nods, his chubby cheeks creasing in a grin that gives his face an honest, perhaps even naive, appearance. You've the right of it, sir. The Dawnflower, in her wisdom, blessed me with the gift of her healing hand. He looks about at the gathered heroes, then extends a pudgy hand for the shaking. Tuktuk Bellawok; I work with my uncle in his store...mostly carvings and such.
Lhuar shakes Tuktuk's hand. "Nice to meet cha, Tuktuk. My name is Lhuar."
Lhuar then steps aside for the others to introduce themselves.
Standing up to welcome the newcomer, Pallius outstretches his hand. "Good to meet 'ya, name is Pallius, sir is my father." He laughs.
"Come sit down, enjoy a drink! Jerod's paying after all!"
Sitting back down, Pallius doodles lazily with one hand while the occupies his drink. "What has you down this way Tuktuk?"
Tuktuk shakes both hands, and his smile grows wider. No sir, then...got it. Well... He casts a glance at Zeke. I've come down for the company...I'm told that this is the place where like-minded individuals to Zeke and myself are known to gather. Didn't expect to find real heroes here, but I can certainly agree with what the suddenly destitute Jerod there said...we do all have to watch out for each other in these dark times.
Finishing up his grand tale, which detailed an extremely bloody battle in which a bugbear gets his head lopped off by a hero who suspiciously seems very similiar to Pallius in all but stature (taller, of course), Jerod grins to himself. "..And to his surprise, she was completely naked! But being a man of honor, he rescued her from the confines of her capture and the day was saved! Everyone was happy, including the axe!"
In good cheer, and after politely waving away further inquiries with his eyes, Jerod turns back to the table to sip his ale. Having caught only part of the ensuing conversation, he sensed his name come up, focusing specifically on one word. "Destitute?" he repeated, furrowing his brow. "Times may not be as prosperous as they once were, but I've still got money pouring out of places you don't want to know about. Hah!" he says with a friendly laugh. Then, he offers his own hand, now that he's no longer preoccupied. "Watching out for each other in these dark times? Couldn't have said it better myself! Name's Jerod, Jerod Winstrom."