As you gather round the man offers a friendly "Well met travelers." He then continues "I am Krivvin Shamblestar, tavenmaster here at the Stag-Horned flagon. With two dragonborn, two dwarves a tiefling and a lordling in your party you would be hard to mistake for anyone other then the expedition sent by the temple of Tyr."
He makes a gesture towards one of the serving maids and she nods in acknowledgment. "Let's get you fed. I'll have your horses tended to and if you want to trade them for fresh ones I'll arrange that as well. I'm certain you'll want to be back on the road as quickly as possible."
The maid comes around and you each order a meal to your tastes, it's on Master Shamblestar. The tavern has a prolific kitchen in order to keep up with the refined tastes of the clientele so you can order pretty anything you desire. Once everyone's needs have been attended to Master Shamblestar begins.
"Mistress Meliamne's party passed through here nearly three tendays ago. People here have no trouble going down to Waterdeep to see their needs taken care of, and we haven't had nearly the trouble they've had up north, so they only stopped here for a few hours to water their horses and display the relics. The plan was for them to head up to Red Larch and from there decide where to go. We've had a few travelers down from Red Larch so I can confirm they made it there a few days after and moved on, although I don't know in which direction."
"By now word should have reached me, or the temple, of their next stop. If they had gone up the Long Road to Westbridge word would have come down quickly. Even if they had cut across the hills to Beliard we would have heard. If they had turned back south to Bargewright Inn I would have heard of it from Goldenfields. In short I don't know where they went after Red Larch."
"Is there anything else you need me to fill you in on?" he asks.
Ashi rumbles her appriciation for the meal provided, then taking a deep draught of ale, "Who should we seek out to discuss this with , once we'be arrived in Red Larch?" she asks.
"Red Larch is run by the town elders, wealthy business owners," answers Master Shamblestar. "The day to day work is done by Harburk Tuthmarillar. He's the local constable and judge so he'll know where the delegation was headed. You'll find him at the butcher shop where he works with his partner Jalessa when there's no constable work to do."
Azayzel's eyes widen in interest as he overhears mention of the temple of Tyr. Perhaps if he could aid this crew in their assignment, the temple of Tyr would be grateful and provide him an audience and some spiritual guidance.
He casually drifts toward a familiar face, that of another tiefling (Celephix) and attempts to break the ice. "Did he say y'all were passing through as ambassadors for the temple of Tyr? Not to bother you, but if I may ask, what have they charged you to do?"
Azayzel takes inventory of the various uncommon races in the group and a his eyes show signs of empathy, "Creatures like us are not always greeted with a warm reception, have y'all experienced a similar prejudice?"
Master Shamblestar nods to the new tiefling, "Well met Lord Gossamar. i shall leave you to discuss your business with these worthies." He motions to you all. "Please enjoy your meals. If you need me I
ll be nearby."
He then proceeds to head over to the bar and begin discussing something with the barman.
Hedgerow scrutinized the newly arrived tiefling, not attempting to hide his accounting stare. Stereotypes be damned, but there was something unsettling about mortals with fiend-blood. He then replied to the newcomer's ludicrous question,
"I donna give a stranger dwarf a warm reception, much less a strange demon-blood!"
He turned and gestured widely to his road companions,
"I donna know these folk other'n they was 'and-picked like meself for this mission, and that's all I needs to be knowin' 'bout them. Who might you be? What brings ye to these parts?"
The druid was satisfied with a beef and barley stew, never one for fancy meals with too many flavors. He preferred simple bold fare. Smiling when it arrived, he spooned soft carrots and potatoes into his mouth as he listened to the newcomer tiefling's story, truly curious about his presence here.
------------
"Yer kindness is noted, Shamblestar. A warm meal will set our bellies right. And aye, some fresh mounts'd be good."
"Well, how I came to be here is... well... let's just say... complicated. What I find interesting, is that I have been praying for a sign. Some sort of guidance to light the path to a brighter future. Once ushered in by a forgiving, just, and beneveolent deity." Azayzel looks around and moves his index finger in a circular motion. "And it would seem, that god has seen fit to cross our paths. Tell me, you said you were picked for a mission... would any of you be opposed to an extra hand with, whatever, your trials may be?"
"I will certainly never turn down aid, if given in good will - and I am not one to judge one on their ancestry." Celephix smiles slightly. "I am Celephix Doranion, of the Knights of Samular"
"I trust that Master Shamblestar is wise enough to tell us if there is anything else he believes we should know - I see no reason to delay our travel to Red Larch and see what we can find from there"
Once everyone has eaten and refreshed themselves Master Shamblestar meets you in the carriage house where fresh horses are waiting for you.
"I didn't want to say anything in the tavern but there have also been some strange happenings in these parts. Not much here in town, but I've heard word from further up the road. Strange graffiti appearing in town, strange symbols painted on road markers. Talk of armed parties moving around the countryside after dark. I'd say be wary, but I think you know that already."
"Also, about ten miles out of town, to the east of the road is an abandoned manor house called Rundreth. Whatever you see, no matter what happens, do not go there. It is incredibly dangerous. Seasoned warriors have disappeared trying to investigate that place, so it's best to just give it a wide berth."
Thorin walks in and after spotting the man strides directly to him. He listens nodding.
Aye, be there any rumors of monsters or the like round here. Local ones, or folk tales of creatures? Anythin' tha' may, if real, caused this large a delay or even a Halt.
Thorin eyed the new teifling closely. He trusted Celephix, he'd seen her often and the temple trusted her, that was enough for him. But he wasn't sure about this one. Least t'werent an orc.
Who are ye to be askin' laddie? He doesn't respond to the second question.
(Sorry, been sickly)
likely its to be bandits. Moving across the land. Unruly and thugs the lot of them.
At the mention of the abandoned house Valiks eyes perk up and a grin slwoly grows on his face.
you don't say. Well, I think I've just found our first stop. Come friend. Tell us what you know of the place.
Who are ye to be askin' laddie?
Azayzel, happy he was not immediately shunned away, responds to the dwarf, "My apologies. Of course your correct that introductions should come 1st. I call myself Azayzel Gossamar. I bring a flare for magical interests to the party. I do not imply you with responsibility for my care. I am able to protect myself. There has always been strength in numbers. Would you allow me travel with you?"
In regard to Thorin's question Master Shamblestar Strokes his chin. "The Dessarin Valley is not fully settled. There are Uthgardt barbarians on occasion, gnolls and orcs. Thankfully we have the Knights of Sammular," he nods to Celephix, "to lend a hand. The people here are resilient and independant."
@Valik "Rundreth Manor has an old and sad history. It was built by an adventurer many years ago. After he died it was passed into increasingly unseemly hands. Then 20 years ago the roof caved in while two bands of adventurers battled to see who had the right to camp there. After that word began to spread that it was haunted, passersby claimed to hear noises and see strange lights from the road. People went to investigate and most found nothing. Some found... something unexpected," he seems uncertain if he should proceed. He eyes Valik cautiously.
"Some visitors to Rundreth, younger men, of a certain... degree of handsomeness, have claimed to have encountered someone in the ruins. Someone they call The Dark Lady. They claim she is a beautiful dark elven lady who takes a liking to some of these young men. Not all of them come back however, fewer than half who are known to journey out there. Any who go back a second time are said to go to certain death."
"One young man, a singer, wrote a whole series of ballads that were quite popular for a time." He sings a slow refrain.
"For those who enter
Rundreth's gloom
Go willingly
To waiting doom."
"All I know for certain is that that place was dangerous long before this tumultous spring began."
His grin grows wider as he listens to the tale.
well, I'll be, who doesn't love a good mystery. Secrets held from such a place, why, discovering them alone would be worth a trip. Though, in all likelihood, its probably a front to a band of theives or cult of some sort. I'd wager this lady just lures em in. Still it's worth checking out.
Ashi rises as Azayzel introduces himself, inclining her proud head, "Greetings. Shunning in a sign of ignorance. One's deeds and action will determine my thoughts on their worthiness. It may be as you say, out paths crossing, time will tell. "
With that, Ashi sits and listens to Shamelsestar's story of the Manor, "If brigands do use this manor to accost the locals, it would behoove us to investigate."
I'm just here to rid myself of a burden. Do what you wish and I shall come along. But, if some cult tries to prey on the week....
Torith's grip on his battle axe tightens
"Yes Ash, shunning may be uncouth but caution is always wise."
When the human named Valik spoke, Hedgerow smiled along with him in spite of himself.
"Aye it does sound in-trestin'! Think it might 'ave somethin' ta do with our missin' group?"
"This is quite an interesting 'group' of individuals the temple has put together, and thus far I'm liking the morale."
"While I do not wish to tarry too long, we should not neglect our duties to protect the people - and the expedition may have stopped to investigate these same things."
Have been refreshed you head north our of Amphail with a new ally in and new worries. You travel for several hours, the afternoon is hot and there is not a cloud in the sky. The buzz of insect can be heard all around you. To the northwest you see the Westwood a tangled and varied forest cloaking the eastern foothills of the Sword Mountains.
As evening draws near you notice a dark shape in the road ahead. As you draw nearer you recognise the shapes of pale, dead bodies adorned with bloody slashes. You look east, up from the road, down a faded track and see a dilapidated manor house: Rundreth.
At once, Torith heads closer to the bodies, and crouches, inspecting them. He looks at them, trying to find anything that shows why the people were around here in the first place. Then, he turns his gaze to his nearby surroundings, looking for any nearby life forms
Torith looks at the bodies. It appears they're been torn apart by a wild beast, but he's not sure what kind, large claw and bite marks cover their bodies. These men are shirtless, wearing loose white linen trousers and sturdy leather boots. Their bodies are covered in fish scale tattoos, and they all have sharktooth necklaces on. They seem to have no shortage of other tattoos and older, healed scars.
Torith looks around and sees no creatures of other threats nearby. The Westwood lies to the west of the Long road and Rundreth manor is a mile to the east on a small hilltop. The air is oppressively hot, and dark clouds are starting to gether, there may be a storm brewing.
Thorin picks his way through the scene searching for clues or things that don't quite fit, while looking for the odd bauble.
Poor lads, I'd wager this be no coincidence, makes me even more worried fer the caravan. after collecting anything he deems useful or of value or that may show more of their fate. He looks up.
An that must be the manor what the tavern keep told us about. The dwarf sniffs, pulls out his axe and hefts his shield.
Aright, no time to be wastin' lads. Lets get to it.
Ashi steps around the bodies of the dead men, her eyes inqusitive but impassive. She was not stranger to violent death. She notes the distincive markings and accoutrements of the men,and begins to think of her previous researches for mention of something similar.
She takes a step down the path toward the Manor, head head high, eyes glinting in the fading night.
Not liking this one bit, the druid was happy to see how quickly his new companions sprung into action. Opting for a combat-ready yet stealthy approach, Hedgerow called upon his powers to assume the form of a hunting cat.
He padded up alongside Thorin and growled softly in mutual trepidation, sniffing the air for any further clues.
AC 12
HP 37
Speed 40'
Str 17, Dex 15, Con 14
Stealth +6
Darkvision 60'
Keen Smell: Advantage on wisdom/perception checks that involve smell
Pounce: If the tiger moves at least 20' straight toward a creature and then hits it with a claw attack on the same turn, that target must succeed a DC 13 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is knocked prone, the tiger can make one bite attack against it as a bonus action.
Bite: +5, 1d10+3 piercing
Claw: +5, 1d8+3 slashing
"That's definitely an unnerving display. All the victims share common features. Is this some sort of... cult? Does anyone have any idea what or who would have done such a thing, and why?"
"Perhaps the wounds might indicate the nature of this tragedy"
Combined medecine, perception (including smell), investigation and history checks all exceeding 20 reveal.
The dead men look like this
Among their myriad tattoos, many of which appear nautical they all seem to bear this mark.
The four men are carrying coins in their pouches. a total of 16gp, 11sp, 26cp, all of Waterdhavian mintage. They each bear a short, sharp dagger with no other signs of weapons. They were all wearing long grey cloaks, staind with salt and river mud. One of them was carrying a small jewelry bos, seemingly made from turtleshell, there is nothing inside.
Ashi gets the impression these men served aboard pirate ships along the sword coast. Their tattoos mark them as having been from different ships, not normally allied with each other. These types of buccaneers would not usually be found so far from the ocean.
Hedegerow gets a whiff of rotten flesh, far more decayed than these men are. More obviously there is a reptilian stink in the air.
A close examination of the wounds suggests something terrifying. There is a distinct possibility these men were savaged by a large reptile, something like, or perhaps even, a dragon. Anywhere from 8-16 feet long in the body, somewhere between 2 and 16 tons in weight with a wingspan of at least 30 feet.
You march up the track, towards the manor. The sun is starting to dip towards the horizon and grey clouds have begun to gather. The mansion is huge, but dilapidated. You can see the roof of the main hall has collapsed and not a single window has any glass in it. all the shutters have been torn off by wind or vandals. The large, double doors are gone leaving a single open portal to the inside, which is dim, despite the gaping hole in the roof.
Hedegerow gets a whiff of rotten flesh, far more decayed than these men are. More obviously there is a reptilian stink in the air.
The large hunting cat's whiskers quivered as it prowled along the manor path, sniffing the air and ground for details that its natural dwarven nose would be too obtuse to detect. The beast growled a deep throaty purr upon smelling a more advanced rot than the sailors' bodies, followed by a more reptilian scent.
Something heinous was afoot here. He wouldn't be able to share these revelations until he reverted to his natural form, but the details could wait. Everyone here could sense danger in the air.
----------
The beast turned to his assembled group as they approached the open portal at the front of the mansion, making sure that they were nearby in case of attack. Once the group appeared ready, the tiger lead the way into the unknown darkness behind the ominous doorway.
Valik covers his mouth with a handkerchief
Before speaking.
how crude. Still, I suppose it is a deserved death what with how much death they've likely dealt out. Hmm. I'll take that jewellery box, its rather exotic and honestly I don't think it's gonna be useful to him anymore.
As he watches the dwarf morph into an animal he speaks up.
now, correct me if I'm wrong but... Usually dwarves can't do that right?
He looks around, his eyes landing on thorin.
either way, I can perfectly fine even in the blackest of dark, I'll follow behind anyone that deigns to lead the way.
Hedgerow-tiger goes into the decrepit manor. There's a dull reek of mildew but also that acrid reptilian stink. Once this place must have been quite a sight, but now the broken roof, the water damaged and the scorch marks from countless campfires leave no impression other than decrepitude.
Once the grand hall was three stories high, flanked with mighty columns but now the stairs leading up are collapsed and the inner walls on the upper levels appear to have rotten away.
The giant hole in the roof reveals an increasingly stormy sky as the sun sets and matching that hole there is a large one in the floor in the middle of the hall.
Below is naught but darkness, but as you come in you hear a voice call from below. "Hello, is someone up there?" calls a timid sounding like an elven woman's.
Who are ye and what are ye doin' ere' peering down into the darkness.
Ashi follows the transformed Hedgerow into the manor, eyes darting to ever corner, her axe gripped tightly in her taloned fingers.
She steps to the right, to circle the hole in the ground but is brought up by the voice from below. Her head swivels toward Thorin as he responds, giving her head a shake, before growling "The Dark Lady, I presume."
The cat gingerly crept up to the hole in the floor and peeked down to see the source of the voice. The druid's mind was suddenly filled with suspicion.
Was this some sort of ruse? ...he thought to himself.
Perhaps we should shed some light on the situation Celephix retrieves her wand and with a quick gesture and word creates four spheres of light, one waits at the top of the hole while the other three drop down it, while Celephix moves close enough to see some-way down (though stays short of the edge)
Torith rushes up to the edge of the hole, and, closing his eyes, lets his strong sense of good look for the presence of evil
Valik peers around the room and the whole. (dark vision 120ft through magical and non magical)
He casts mending on any parts of the floor he steps through that seem weakened, cracked or damaged.
The hole in the floor is pretty precarious, the floor around it groans and almost feels like it might give way until Valik reinforces it with his magic. As Valik casts his spell a silvery nimbus suffuses the area around the hole but right before it fades it takes on a sickening shade.
Torith's senses reveal no source of corruption in the immediate area.
With eyes unaffected by darkness you peer beneath the main floor and discover a huge undercroft. The vaulted cellar runs at least 120 feet long and the floor is easily 70 feet below. There are dozens of doors lining the sides of the cellar, all with barred windows.
In the cellar there are long trestle tables scattered with forgotten plates and pitchers and other day to day wares, long since forgotten and left to rot.
"Please, I'm trapped down here! Can you come down and set me free. The Dark Lady is gone for now, you should be safe," cries out the voice in response to Thorin, accented in elven.
Hedgerow senses no deception, only fear and desperation.
Dark Lady? That doesn't sound too inviting. Hopefully we don't plan on waiting around for whoever SHE is!
This place is pretty creepy. Perhaps we could help this 'voice' out and be on our way? What do y'all think?"
Does anyone have rope we can secure? I can aid our descent, but getting back up is more difficult
"Please help me," calls the voice. "I'm down here at the back. The Dark Lady has chained me to the wall."
truly? Are you chained to the side of the wall or behind a door? Who are you, and how did you come to be here.
Valik doesn't like this one bit. In a quieter voice hopefully only the people above can hear
the problem here is, if this is a trap, or even if she is truly in need, and we go down. Say someone comes and cuts our rope. What then? Also, weren't all the victims in the tale men? he puts emphasis on the last word, recalling that tale told by the tavernkeep referenced only to males.
Valik's words were wise. Seventy feet down was a long way indeed, and getting stuck down there did not sound like a good risk to take with the limited information available.
She ain't goin' nowhere, thought the druid.
Though curious and wanting to help, the Hedgerow-cat leaves the pit's edge and begins looking around elsewhere in this portion of the mansion for a possible downward set of stairs or any other areas of interest.
"I....I may have a rope in my backpack. It will not be long enough to reach the ground.... but I can jump down the rest of the way. I have not detected signs of corruption as far as I know"
From down below the voice calls back to Valik. "My name is Nurvureem, the Dark Lady kidnapped me from my people and keeps me as her handmaiden. She has me shackled to an iron bar on the wall, in the last room on the left." She sounds exasperated with the line of questioning. "Please rescue me or begone, I'll not be taunted so."
Hedgerow searches about and finds a doorway that leads to a spiralling staircase down to the undercroft. Below there is only stillness and dust, no sign of scuttling vermin only remains of past feasts left to rot. The stench of rot and reptile lingers everywhere in the air. A cursory examination of the small rooms to the sides of the vaulted cellar reveal that they were storerooms. Anything of value is long since gone or gone bad.
Before traveling much further, the hunting cat returned to the group and tried to get their attention. Frustrating as it was to not be able to speak, it was nothing short of thrilling to take the form of such a powerful beast and experience life through its senses.
Hedgerow nudged several of his companions with his whiskered nose, then purred heavily. When they looked at him, he motioned with his head and returned to the downward spiral stairs that he discovered.
C'mon yez, he thought to himself.
Ashi walks along the edge of the hole carefully, look down into the vaulted space below. She notices Hedgrow-cat sidling up to her, and watches him curiously.
Catching his meaning, she follows him to the stairwell, calling back to the others, "Come. Hedgerow had found stairs down. Be alert, I trust not this Nuvereem..."
Once certain the others are following, she motions for Hedgerow-cat to go first, then descends behind him...
"Good. The sooner we get her out, the sooner we can leave." Azayzel looks around the place, half expecting this "Dark Lady" to jump out from anywhere. "Have any of you ever heard of this 'Dark Lady'?"
Azayzel scurries over to Ashifenagrisonbenabenisonnia, if they didn't know better... the party might think he was hiding behind the security of the barbarian.