"I can certainly stay just in case the burning needs to start, but I would appreciate if at least one of you stronger, fighting types could stay with me just in case as well."
Dolok will also cast Detect Magic just in case.
Once others have left Dolok will pull out the "map" drawn earlier & burn it.
Lunarinus, you are right of course. You could ask the magistrate to send some more people to dig. It would not hurt to ask. Have you found anything else here of note?
Hearing Dolok, Chillel nods and adds:-
I will stay also. I can do little with the magistrate.
Chillel looks around for wood to gather to burn bodies.
After listening to the conversation from a distance, Lady Cirthana approaches, but you can tell she refuses to look at Sennetta's corpse. Lunarinus, if you would accompany me back to Harg's tribunal and let him know what your paladin senses detected, I hope that will be enough to convince him to give us authority for what is necessary here. If not, I will go to Sheriff Baleson, I am certain, permission or not, he will gather his deputies and see to this dark work. Regardless, Sarenrae's envoy has done more than enough in this regard. We do not need for you to waste time and energy digging up corpses, we need you to find a cure. If you are willing, I think it would be a good idea to go to the Consortium's main camp this evening still. You should have just enough daylight left to make it there. Milon Rhoddam usually spends the night there giving his reports to Jarlben Trookshavits, then heads back out in the morning for his scouting forays. I realize this means you would be forgoing the comfort of Jak's inn rooms, but I do feel that time is one of our greatest enemies here, and the sooner you can enter the woods, the sooner you can return. Cirthana's voice is tremulous with emotion and urgency, and though she seems to address Lunarinus with her eyes, it seems she is addressing everyone with her words.
What say you?
Gettin' pretty free about pickin' where we sleep . . . .
Callin' on the "hospitality" of the Consorshum's not an encouragin' thought. Not if his workers are anything like 'im -- Kreed. I'm all fer gettin' this done on the quick-like, but I'd sooner trust a man who's fed me and taken coin for the price of a room than the 'thority of a man who's clearly more high-strung about his profits than the people makin' 'im the money. Arms crossed over his chest, it's clear that Kairon was counting on sleep in a real bed, with good food nearby.
"Sounds like GREAT advice to me! Come on! Let's go right now!" Dolok starts to walk off towards the woods, looking back at the rest of the party expectantly, then slowly stops, "Uuummm ... which direction is it?"
Lady Cirthana is right. We should head to the encampment. We need to find a cure soon, or else all of Falcon's Hollow will be in danger. Kairon, I am sorry. I know you want to go to Jak'a'napes, but time is our greatest enemy. We need to leave now, otherwise we are risking the lives of innocents.
With that Lunarinus turns and asks Cirthana quietly,
Where is the camp, exactly?
"Oh yeah! I remember now where it is! Silly me! Come Lunarinus, it's this way! Come everybody! We must hurry to reach the camp before night is fully upon us! There's hope yet to save the town, but we must hurry to do so!."
Dolok starts off again in the direction of the camp, again looking back expectantly at the rest of the group.
Fine, fine.
Kairon starts muttering about " . . . finally off the boat . . . meal I can keep down . . . ." and so forth, but turns his attention back to the widow's corpse and the treeline. Go say what needs ta be said, Scipio. I'll keep an eye on this, in case anybodies get . . . uppity.
Upon hearing Dolok, Uhhh . . . Now?! Which is it?
Looking surprised at the level of enthusiasm for the haste, Lady Cirthana says, I am encouraged by the willingness of some to go so quickly, and I would do whatever I can to aid you. I can talk to Vamros alone if I must, and if he won't listen to reason, I'll find Deldrin Baleson and I'm certain he'll do what's necessary. Does everyone have the equipment they would need with them? If not, I can certainly have some of the Jacks in town bring out whatever you have left behind. She pauses for a moment looking at the sun's position barely descending in the western sky. I am usually not one for such haste, but I feel that in these circumstances it is warranted.
"Good Lady Cirthana, Sir Lunarinus, I would beg of you, if you are both ok with this idea of Lady Cirthana speaking to Vamros alone, then let us head on out to the camp! The hour draws late already & it will take us some time to get there. We will be hard pressed to get there before night is fully upon us as it is already! But fear not, I can 'light' the way if needed!"
"Come Illiam! The good gnome can wait! He will understand that we have urgent business to attend to! We don't want to miss Milon at the camp & I'd rather get there before he goes to sleep!"
Lady Cirthana, I have been carrying this backpack and cloak around all day expecting to leave at the earliest opportunity. I absolutely agree we should be out of town and searching for ingredients for the cure urgently.
Let us depart immediately.
What is that halfling up to now. This isn't exactly the time for socialising.
"If you feel you must, it is your decision. I know how Master Figueroa was as of barely over an hour ago. Not much can have changed in that time & since Hildrinsocks would have been in his store during that entire time I doubt he has any fresher news or information. But if he does I must know it as well! So, yes go, just run as quick as your little legs can carry you small one! And if I see you delay any further I will gladly warm up your heels to speed you along the way!" As Dolok snaps his fingers together causing a small burst of flame to pop & disappear above his fingertips.
”The lumber camp is not too far away.” Baradim will say from behind the group, making his way forward with Kanga walking beside him. ”Lady Cirthana is right, we should convince the sheriff and his men to the burning of the bodies. I trust the paladin’s word and his instincts and the longer we wait, the more bodies we will need to burn.” The words do not leave Baradim nonchalantly. There is a serious tone in the half-orc’s voice as he looks over towards the grumbling Kairon.
”You’ll get used to the simple comfort of a bedroll on a bed of pine needles, good priest, I assure you. Perhaps I will even be able to catch some game as we move but we must move tonight. This disease threatens people I call friends here.” It was perhaps the first time Baradim showed any pressing interest in the wellbeing of the others but the paladin’s observation and the warning the book has given has made the hunter more uneasy. The faster they go, the quicker they’ll be able to return and aid the others and limit what could be an even more serious issue. ”Catching the ranger before he leaves is critical, he knows this forest better than I do.”
Baradim looks to the good lady, shaking his head as he hoists his bag off of the ground. ”I’ve been ready. The main camp is only a few hours away, we’ll arrive before the night truly settles in. The lumberjacks are a surly bunch but they are that way from the land they live in. The woods are not kind to the weak.”
He’d catch the discussion between Illiam, Dolok, and Chillel and would arch an eyebrow slightly. He would catch Dolok’s irritation. Stepping up, he placed a hand on Dolok’s shoulder and gave a friendly if firm squeeze. ”Keep your anger in check. If Illiam believes it can help, then let him go.” Baradim’s eyes look over at the halfling with a stare that looked like it was trying to look through him. ”Go with all haste Illiam, if you think it is so important.” The hunter seemed to study the wizard for a moment before turning and moving down along the graves, waving for those that were ready to follow him.
”The path isn’t too shrouded to the lumber camp but the later we wait, the slower we’ll be. We’ll need torches, for those that cannot see well in the dark.” Baradim made his way towards where the lumber camp would be, waiting on the edge of town for the others to reconvene and to head off. He’d wait on one of the cut stumps that was there, Kanga laying down lazily between his feet.
"Comfort comes after we fixed this foul disease. Baradim's words carry a wise weight." Goruck's voice sounds angry, almost incredibly so as he mentions the disease. The mountainous half orc's posture shifts, and for a moment the swordsman seems ready to charge into the woods.
Blowing out a deep breathe, Goruck adds, "I apologize. The dead and I have an...uncomfortable relationship. Scipio, would it better us for me to provide security for Kairon or aid you?"
Just as well, reckon. Got all m'stuff with me, anyhow. So let's do this.
We are all going into the woods, Goruck. We must find a cure for the disease. I trust Lady Cirthana to take care of the body burning.
With that Lunarinus turns and follows Dolok and Baradim.
"I will hold my anger in check Baradim, as long as that little one convinces me he is running as quickly as he can! We must make haste! If he delays us any further I will make him move quicker, I assure you!"
"I apologize. The dead and I have an...uncomfortable relationship.
The dead and I get on just fine. So long as they observe proper etiquette and remain still, silent and inactive.
Chillel takes up a position in the middle of the group, matching herself to the pace of those encumbered by armour.
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Not waiting for a response to the bell, Illiam calls out in Gnome: Brickasnurd, tha thu an seo? Feumaidh sinn a bhith a 'bruidhinn, ach chan eil mòran ùine. Before attempting to peek behind the counter where Brickasnurd appeared earlier.
Illiam's loud greeting is answered by the gnome shopkeep coming out from a door opened to the back of the shop. He has powdered sugar all around the rim of his mouth, and bits of some sort of pastry drop out of his mouth as he answers. Feasgar math Illiam! Back so soon? I have a couple hours before I close up shop yet? Or did you think of something else you need. Brickasnurd brushes sugar from his shirt front and pants, and smiles coyly. Don't mind my mess. Mum Gessane came by with some of her fine sugared tarts. She's still trying to pay me back for the Osirian oil lamp. He says confidently, as if that explains just about everything important.
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Sorry, but I won't be able to make it later. I found a recipe that is supposed to cure the sickness that's been going around town, and a group of us are about to leave to search for some of the ingredients. I wanted to stop here first though, and see if you might have them, or knew anything that would help us in finding them. The ones we need are Ironbloom mushrooms, pickled rat-tail root, and elderwood moss.
Illiam is being honest at this point, if overplaying his importance a bit. He is, however, gauging Brickasnurd's response to look for any signs that he might know more than he's letting on. After all, although Illiam doesn't think that Brickasnurd is the Necromancer, he has to admit that the gnome is the second most likely candidate in town.
Bwah! Brickasnurd coughs up more pastry crumbs, and takes a few stuttering breaths for a moment. Then he walks behind his counter, disappearing from view for a moment, the sound of his booted footsteps the only notice of his presence. When he appears on the other side of the counter his left hand is tugging thoughtfully at his scruff of beard, while his right fidgets at something in his pocket. He looks directly at Illiam then, with the sternest look Illiam has yet seen on the usually jovial gnome's face. Yer going into a 'choille, aren't you? You'd have to be.
Brickasnurd's entire demeanor changes, he seems to become taller, stronger, wiser, perhaps a shade darker, yet clearly he has not changed physically at all. He waves a hand and the door to his shop shuts and locks, as do the two other doors to the rear parts of his shop. He walks up to Illiam and looks him square in the eyes. Beware the woods Illiam my friend. There are ancient, dark, and hungry things in the Darkmoon Wood, and the trees themselves will try to make you lose your way. Mark me, he says just above a whisper, do not even trust your own eyes when you're in there. He walks behind his counter then, again, and fumbles around on his shelves. As he does so he continues to talk. I don't have any of those ingredients. I know what rat-tail root is, but not sure what pickling process it needs. I'm guessing you'll be looking for Ulizmilla. Don't trust her either, if you can find her; that witch moves her hut so damn often it's like she's playing a game of hide and seek with the woods themselves. He stops what he's doing for a second, perhaps considering if in fact that is what she might be donig. Then starts up again, She'll sing you sweet words, and the next thing you know you'll be scrubbing her pots. It's obvious by the rattle of items on the shelves that Brickasnurd is searching for something. The oldest part of the forest is the northern part, near the foothills of the Five Kings, that's where it started growing anyway, but it's shifted and undergone some destruction and regrowth. Still that's where I'd start when looking for the elderwood, if 't'were me anyway. Ironbloom mushrooms probably are growing like weeds on all the rusting iron the dwarves left behind in their old monastery. That's north too, really close to the Crag. That's the best advice I can give, but... He seems to rummage around more earnestly. Aha! There it is. He says and comes around from behind the counter with a small, grey, very ordinary looking bag.
This is for you Illiam. He says and hands Illiam the sack. It's more than it appears. But I'm sure you would have figured that out before too long. There's more to you than meets the eye, I knew that the moment I met you. When you reach your hand into the bag, you'll feel a small ball of fur. Throw it out and the ball becomes an animal. It makes bats, rats, cats, weasels, and even occasionally a dog you can ride! He exclaims and claps his hands together in excitement. May all the old gods and the new be with you and your friends Illiam. Come back to us with the ingredients, and I'll make sure the town knows of your deeds of bravery. He waves his hands again and the doors open, and he seems to become a little smaller, a little weaker, a little simpler, just a gnome shopkeep.
What do you say we go outside and you can give that bag a try? I always love wondering what will come out next.
Once outside Illiam asks, What sorts of creatures frequent the woods Brickasnurd? As they walk down the few steps from his shop to the street.
Oy! A good question m'boy. Brickasnurd says. Wolves, oh the wolves, wolves everywhere sometimes it seems. Watch out, they bite! They like to knock you over too so they can gang up on you. Snakes too, lots of different kinds of snakes. I've even seen some dragon-kin in the woods, wyverns and the like. All sorts of nasties, but there's some good things in the woods too. It isn't all bad. At night, in a peaceful glade, you might be blessed to watch the glowmold light the forest floor. All in all keep on your toes, you'll be just fine, 'specially with them big burly turtled-up types hanging around, with their long pieces of steel. Those are handy every once in a while for scaring stuff away. He smiles big and his eyes take on a vacant expression for a moment. Then he looks at Illiam and says, Well? You gonna give the bag a try or what?
Illiam does in fact reach his hand into the bag, feeling a small palm-sized ball of fur. He throws it out.
When Illiam releases the the ball of fur it begins immediately growing into a large gray-furred wolfhoud. The dog lands squarely on its massive paws, equipped with riding saddle, and it looks at Illiam expectantly. Nice! The very pleased halfling says. Then jumps into the saddle and spurs the dog on, eager to join his new friends for a little adventure. He waves back at the gnome shopkeep and calls over his shoulder. Thanks Brickasnurd! I won't forget this! His voice trails away as he turns the dog north right in the middle of the low market, scaring a bunch of shoppers half to death.
When Illiam comes riding up, Dolok will be quite happy. "Whooo! Now that's the way to speed things up sir! Getting your own riding dog huh? I LIKE it! And I certainly appreciate you going to the effort of speeding things up like this!"
Turning to the rest of the group, "Ok! Let's head out! Illiam can tell us whatever he's found out while we hustle along the way!"
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Illiam relays Brickasnurd's warnings about the woods and about Ulizmilla, along with his advice about the ingredients and the creatures that might be encountered along the way, almost word-for-word (though they have no way of knowing what's been paraphrased).
He rides his dog as possible before resorting to hustling along with the others. Brickasnurd gave me some help to catch up, Illiam explains, keeping the particulars of the Bag of Tricks to himself for the time being, but the magic was limited.
Well, your trip was more most useful then. Brickasnurd suggests looking for elderwood in the oldest part of the wood... hmmm, sounds likely. Also the most dangerous, just our luck.
Silently, Goruck fell into step behind Scipio, his closest hand hitching a ride on his weapon's pommel.
The first hour of marching towards the treeline and the Lumber Consortium's main camp goes smoothly, with even occasional chatter about the flowers in the fields, and the beautiful weather. The second hour of keeping up that same pace, though, turns everyone inside as they begin to feel the weight of the exertion. Finally, with the sun sitting just above the western horizon, providing long shadows, and the beginnings of dusk light, the camp comes into view. Lunarinus calls a halt to the running pace, and turns to walk among the group, giving each one in turn an approving smile and a pat on the back.
I appreciate all of your efforts thus far, and... He suddenly stops his speech and stares back towards Falcon's Hollow. The group turns with him and everyone stands silently for a moment, still catching their breath, and realizing the gravity of what they see: a thin line of smoke rising into the sky. When Lunarinus starts speaking again it is a bit more somber. Lady Cirthana kept her word. That's all he says for a moment, but then turns back to the direction of the lumber camp. Kairon, you've got Kreed's writ? Let's make ourselves known here. He says and begins a slow walk toward the few squat buildings and large tents that make up the Consortium's remote headquarters.
Yep. Right here. Let's see if rot grows downward.
But, first, gather 'round, folks. Kairon waits till the other six draw close, and then takes his iron-wrought winged ankh in both hands, and bows his head for a moment. The ankh glows for a few seconds, and the group feels a subtle thrum on the edges of perceptibility -- but the moment passes, and weariness falls away.
"Finally! I was getting tired of all that fast walking! ... So, let's proceed & see what kind of reception we get in this here lumber-camp. I'll be ready to give them either a warm & friendly greeting or a warm, 'not-so-friendly' greeting if the need should arise.
We are here trying to get information, Dolok my friend, which means we need their co-operation. I know you can't stand Kreed, but it might be politic to keep that to yourself for the moment. We simply cannot afford to fail.
Both literally and metaphorically a hothead. He may well be right about Kreed, however.
Chillel tries to remain alert to her surrounds and periodically checks everyone is present and OK.
Feeling the fatigue purged out of him by Sarenrae's power through his confidant Kairon, Lunarinus breathes a heavy and happy sigh. Thank you my friend. He says, patting Kairon on the back again, just for good measure. He then turns to Dolok, Chillel is right Dolok. Any personal feelings we may have about Kreed and his consortium's tyranny over their workers must be kept silent for now. We'll need Jarlbren's say so to enter the woods from here, and Milon's knowledge to help point us where to go. If you feel you cannot stay at peace within yourself, perhaps you should stay out here while others of us discuss things? Lunarinus adjusts his lucerne hammer, shifting it back in place across his back after its having been jostled by the quick march, then drops one hand to rest easily on the hilt of his scimitar, as his gaze shifts from the smoke rising over Falcon's Hollow in the distance to Dolok expectantly.
Ha! I like this guy! Pick the warmth or the burn, indeed! A genuine smile lights Kairon's face for a moment, but he sobers quickly. Scipio and Chillel are right, Dolok. I've little problem with stayin' outside the camp with ya, if you think it's best. Not too eager to be proven right, y'might say.
You lot go on ahead -- me'n Dolok'll stay "in reserve". All I need ta know is which building you'll be in. Kairon takes the writ from his belt and offers it to Lunarinus.
"No my friends! You have misunderstood my intent! I only mean that if there prove to be any hostiles that attack us, I will be ready to give a 'warm' greeting. If we are allowed into the camp, then I will greet the campers with a warm smile & warm words of greeting. Please, rest assured I have no hostile intents towards the lumberjacks. I do not believe them to be at fault or to have caused any of this delay, in the way that Kreed" as he stops to spit on the ground every time he has to say that name, "has done."
I don't think we misunderstood much, there, Dolok; seems you're itching for a fight . . . . And, hopefully, now's not the time. Maybe try "faking it" for a bit? No matter what's said?
Is there more to your hatred of Kreed than him delaying taking needed measures against the Blackscour Dolok? He seems responsible for many deaths on that score.
Then turning to Kairon and Lunarinus:-
I think we have made our point. Remember, Dolok and I are locals, it is our friends and family dying.
"Well, Lady Chillel, and all of you my new companions, must remember that besides his delay in seeking a cure he also has always treated Master Figueroa - as well as many others - as if they were his own personal slaves almost. Forcing them to do things for him, often paying nothing or a mere pittance of what would be proper payment for the service rendered. Such a person as this deserves no sympathy or friendship from me! Maybe some Pity as such a life must be truly miserable indeed."
"I agree with Illiam." Baradim will say for a moment, stepping up and giving a nod of thanks towards Kairon as he rolls the last few aches of the long run out of his body. "Kreed is an awful man but talking about how awful he is won't change anything at the moment. We need to get these ingredients. He'll work with us, you can't rule over the dead after all." Baradim will whistle and Kanga will catch up, properly tired and ready for at least the promise of a warm fire down below.
"Horrible men mark history, but great men are honored. Let your love for your master decide your actions." Gently patting Dolok's back, he adds, "Trust me, hatred is a dangerous fuel. You burn plenty bright enough without consuming yourself."
Glancing around, Goruck starts to walk toward congregation of structures.
All excellent words of advice. Let's all keep tempered heads, but, at the same time, open eyes. They may be conscripted to help us by Kreed's writ, but that does not mean that they will love us. Lunarinus says, and then begins walking towards the building that appears to be the cutmaster's main office. Let's be about it then.
As the six man, one woman party leaves the road approaching the camp they are greeted by four armed guards, dented breastplates, marked shields, and notched longswords show that these men know their way around combat. Visored helmets block all but their eyes. Their greeting for the party is a hasty raise of a hand and a Halt! What's your business here? Kairon approaches and displays Kreed's writ, and the guard gives it a strong look through, then hands it back and points the group to a small rectangular wooden building with one door facing the road. As the group approaches the building and surveys the grounds it is impossible not to notice a tall three story defensive tower in the center of the camp. Three men with longbows stand atop the tower arrows at hand, but as of yet not nocked into the strings. Clearly the Consortium takes defense of their camp seriously. Getting closer to the building makes one thing extremely obvious: not everybody is going to fit inside. In fact as Lunarinus opens the door it becomes apparent that only two people will fit in what is a small office occupied mostly by a desk and a gruff man occupied with examining and writing in some large leatherbound book. He looks up and says...