Noticing the teiflings activities Valik recalls one of the most terrifying female voices he has heard in his life and speaks in Azayzel's mind
All as he follows the others. He does shout back to the trapped woman however you know, I don't think one in your predicament has any right to be bossy, ungrateful or rude my fine lady.
Torith keeps a grip on his axe and shield. He quickly heads to the front of the group. He looks for any traps, but lets Valik do the talking.
As you arrive at the last storeroom on the left you peer through the barred window to see this lady shackled to the wall.
"I shall have to cry your pardon, I do not like being shackled..." as she catches eyes with Valik she pauses and nervously licks her lips. "...against my will."
Surrounding her are numerous crates of fine wine, expensive cheeses and other makings of a fine meal.
"If you release me I shall be very grateful. I'll prepare a feast for you."
The large hunting cat padded up alongside Valik and interposed itself between the prisoner and warlock. Seeing the black skin of a drow elf, the druid felt a tingle of distrust ripple down his spine.
He bared his substantial fangs and growled menacingly, angrily at the drow.
Valik rubs Hedgecat's head as you would a pet. He also takes note of her hint.
now now, good kitty, finding a way down. No need to threaten someone that is all chained up. I do so love the more..
exotic he stiffles a chuckle.
Valik opens the door with prestidigitation and takes a step in if he can. hmm, but feasts can be quite boring my lady. So many people and so much to do, and so often are they held. Hardly any quality time to get to know someone. and he pointedly looks towards her Hmm. Do you have any inkling to where the keys for your shackles are? Or are you expecting a more, forcrul method?
ahahaha! I am the dark lady, reaper of men souls, and I have come to claim thee as my next victim! Ahahahaha!
Azayzel let's the other know, "Don't trust her! She's the Dark Lady! She spoke to me... in my mind! She wants our souls!"
Celephix casts a furrowed glance at Valik, before turning back to the Drow.
Excuse our suspicion, but perhaps you can tell us how you came to be chained up down here?
The drow struggles with her chains and points to a ring of keys on a peg beside the door, far beyond her reach. "The keys are there. The Dark Lady keeps me chained when she is gone because she fears I will escape back into the Underdark while she is away."
At Azayzel's assertion she seems confused, furrowing her brow. "That's ridiculous, The Dark Lady cares not for souls. If I were her you would already have been eaten."
To Celephix she says, "The Dark Lady killed my people and brought me up form the Underdark. She says she likes having a servant as dar kas she is. I make her meals and tend to her but she is a monster, and I would escape if I could. She often leaves for days at a time and shen hwe does she shackles me up like this. Please help me escape and I will repay you as best I can, but please, please please, I beg of you... release me."
"The dark lady... killed the drow. I still think... we should help" Is she evil...or
Celephix steps away and speaks to the others I have my concerns, this setup is a little too convenient - that said I don't want to leave her chained up if she is an innocent in this, I suggest we release her but be prepared for betrayal.
as always my dear, honestly I'm not one to err on the side of caution. Besides, surely such a pretty face wouldn't lie. he chuckles a moment.
still, I'm willing to trust her until her actions prove otherwise. Besides, I have utmost faith in our groups ability to handle one hmm, elfkind.
He picks up the keys and goes to unshackle the woman if no one stops him, however, as he does so he makes a mental connection to her.
Now, remmy, oh, do you mind if I call you remmy? It goes without saying I will trust you, however, I am also obliged to say that I draw upon powers greater than you can imagine, and this group as of now is under my protection. Ahem. That bit of unpleansantry away, do tell me more of the dark lady. What is she, who? Why does she remain here? Just think your response.
Nurvureem looks confused for a second after Valik unchains her. "Thank you my heroes!" she shouts upon being freed.
She eagerly throws her arms around each of you, thanking you each in turn. She seems totally unfazed by the dragonborn and tieflings.
"Please join me in a meal of gratitude before I'm off," she says. "It will be days before she is back and there's no reason she should keep all this fine food." she begins to pull out expensive wines and other fine food and drink. Savoury cheeses, fresh bread, preserves, pickles and even a chicken which she begins to roast over a small stove out in the large hall.
"Come sit my heroes, I will see you feted and then we shall both be rid of this drear place."
Unsure if the dark elf had any inclination that he was anything other than a "pet" large hunting cat, Hedgerow remained in animal form and opted out of participating in the offered refreshments. The element of surprise may yet come into play, if needs be.
The cat laid down with its face on its paws, resting while the remainder of his companions conversed with the newly-freed prisoner.
unfortunately I must decline your offer for the time my fair lady. We have business yet to finish here and I am afraid our reason for coming here yet beckons. Fret not however, a grander feast shall I arrange afterwards. That is, if you would be willing to travel with us a few days? After all it would seem by your tragic story that you don't have much to return too. he gives a pained expression at the end as he mentions her loss.
"I need no feast, but I don't see a problem with you traveling alongside us. Not sure about the others, but I defend those who need so"
Ashi frowns at the other's willingness to bring this unknown person along on their journey.
She waves her hand, indicating her unwillingness to partake in Nurvureem's feast, "We've tarried here too long, we have a long journey ahead..." she says, stating what was obvious to her.
Seeming very skittish, Azayzel's attention on the drow disappears. As he fiddles with a dark red stone earring he hears a voice, "Your soul is mine, none other shall possess it. Continue to do my bidding and you need not fear that I will claim it."
His fear almost seems replaced with anger as he speaks softly but not appearing to be addressing any of those that present. "For now you may hold sway over me, but that will not always be the case." He shakes his head and blinks his eyes. Now addressing the rest of the party, Are we finished here? There is something very unsettling about either this place, or our new... um... friend?... that doesn't sit well."
Nurvureem seem disappointed that you've declined her hospitality and for a moment anger flashes across her face, but then she thanks you for you r assistance and wishes you well in the storm. You wonder what she is talking about but then a huge peal of thunder rings from above and water begins to cascade in through the hole in the floor above, falling from the hole in the roof above that.
"You're welcome to stay, night is drawing and the storm promises to be a good one, but I'll not try to sway you. I have no interest in joining you above the earth, I'll be on my way. Says Nurvureem her purple eyes glinting darkly.
Checking above you find that the storm is miserable, and there's only an hour of diw wet daylight left. Your horses are already soaked and cranky.
thorin slams his hammer against the wall.
Twas a clear sky an hour ago, an ye just so happened to know the weather afta ye been chained up down here all this time? He storms into the room, having been content to keep both his distrust and dislike to himself till now.
Ye may have charmed our noble friend here but ye far from convinced this dwarf. he marches through the room to stand in front of the drow
I've always trusted me intuition, kept me alive through many a battle and I ain't bout to stop listenin' to it now. Come on the lot O ye, were leavin' an we can come back in the dark lady is ready to show herself. He gives the woman a stern, distrusting look before marching out the room and heading for the main floor.
Hedgerow-the-cat leapt to attention when the hammer hit the wall, startled and ready to attack. After hearing the mountain dwarf's tirade, the massive hunting cat padded along after him, thoroughly echoing Ironmug's sentiments in his own mind. Before leaving the room he took one last look at the drow elf and gurgled out a low rumbling growl, as he had no words to show his agreement.
Alone with Thorin in the hallway, Hedgerow looked up at the dwarf and nodded to show further solidarity.
Seemingly unruffled by Thorin's outburst Nurvureem shoots the remaining adventurers, particularly Valik a moue.
Celephix takes up position behind the dwarves, showing her support, but keeping her own delicate frame behind their more rugged bodies. ;-)
Torith appears to be torn in two, a major battle happening in his mind.
As a paladin... I swore.... but.... is she lying... or
Quickly following suit, Azayzel jumps in line behind Celephix and joins the procession out. "I may not be the best person to cast judgement on appearances, but I would definitely prefer the cold wet rain to the mysterious unknown of that lady's hospitality."
Ashi give the drow a steady look as the storm suddenly appear up on the surface. She nods at Thorin's outburst, agreeing with every point.
As the others leave the chamber, she does as well , pausing at the exit to comment to Nurvureem, "Enjoy your feast."
You head out of Rundreth manor into the rain and mount up. you ride for another hour, perhaps two before it gets too dark to continue on. The storm does not let up the entire night, that night there are peals of thunder and flashes of lightning dancing through the clouds. The din is at times incredibly loud, interspersed throughout the thunder you think you hear something like incredibly loud roaring.
You set off the next morning cold and unhappy, but determined to make it to Red Larch that day or early the next, depending on the pace you set.
The morning is overcast and muggy, the road is muddy. several miles to the west is the westwood, and open plains are to the east. As the morning passes you spot something odd. High in the sky above you you notice a handful of birds. Then you notice that these birds are actually higher than you initially thought, meaning they are larger that you thought. Everyone, except Torith , squints and is able to discern they are actually human-sized and humanoid birds.
They con't appear to be threatening, despite being clearly armed. They appear to be watching, nothing more.
Torith looks around and notices that everyone is squinting. "Do you see something?"
"Hmmph."
The dwarf was a little curious but ultimately uninterested in the flock of bird-people, as they didn't seem to take any particular interest in the group.
He half-heartedly replied to the dragonborn's query,
"Not sure. Some bird-folk flyin' by."
After a few moments of looking, Hedgerow looked forward down the muddy road and patted his horse's neck gently, reassuring and thanking it for trustily bearing him along.
Torith shrugs his shoulders at that. He calls out to where he think they might be. "And what are you doing this fine night?"
"The ability to fly is a wondrous ability. I can't imagine what kind of freedom that might give a person." With a little look of concern he addresses Torith, "I applaud your hospitality, but should we really disturb them?"
Ashi looks heavenward at the flying shapes, seconding Azayzel's comment, her voice heavy with an emotion...saddness...anger...both?
"Ah, yes...to fly. To rule the skies. Such a boon." she says softly, then her voice hardens, "Rule... and conquer. Yes, let's not draw their attention. They have the advantage."
"Hm.. they seem friendly enoughNow, if I just could recall the name of their species...What are they doing now? Torith turns to Azayzel and speaks
"They don't seem to be interested in us. Anyone here familiar with their kind?
Ashi makes a thoughtful rumble deep in her chest, "I may have read something about them.....hmmm...."
Sadly none of you recognise these avian humanoids, but you'll soon get the chance to meet them. Upon being hailed by Torith they bank to one side and begin to descend towards you. They land a few hundred feet to your east in one of the many grassy fields you have passed all day.
"Well met travelers," calls out their leader in a croaking voice. They seem peaceful enough, but wary. They have their weapons draw and look ready to bolt if advanced upon.
"Go you to Red Larch this day? And with what intentions?" he bobs his head as he speaks.
Azayzel gives Torith a nudge from behind, "Well... you asked for it. Your up chatty. Say something."
"Hmmph."
Hedge was like-minded to Azayzel and looked to dragonborn warrior for the next move. The druid had no intention of sharing their motives or plans with a group of strangers, much less strange flying humanoids.
"I am Celephix,"
"We are here on behalf of the Temple of Tyr in Waterdeep, in search of a group of people who have gone missing." Celephix keeps her tone friendly, and sees no harm in letting them know this much.
In a response to Azayzel's nudge, Torith flashes a mock glare his way, and speaks. "Other than that, we each have our own.... private intentions, but none of us mean to harm any good folk.... What about You?
Torith attempts to squint and get a glimpse of who he is speaking to
Still safely behind Torith, Azayzel adds, "We are not familiar with creatures like you, are these YOUR lands? Or are you merely passing...er... flying through?"
Ashi gazes at the avians curiously, noting their drawn weapons and nervous attitude, "Indeed, by what right or reason do you question us so?"
The bird folk come a little closer, perhaps 40 feet away from you. They have a hopping-bobbing gait that makes it clear they are not very comfortable on the ground.
"We are search for Howling Hatred. Evil men, kill our kind. You are not them, so we warn you," says their leader.
To Azayzel the leader says, "Aarakocra not own land, aarakocra not own sky. Aarakocra rest in the hills," and he points northeast towards Sumber hills."
"If go you to Red Larch beware, there have been evil men out in the night. We have seen them go there, but we stay clear form the places of humans."
Howling Hatred? What the devil is that?
"Thankee for the warnin'. Can ye tell us more about these 'evil men'? What do ye know?"
"There are evil men about in the hills," says the leader of the aarakocra. "The men of the Howling Hatred fly on the backs of beasts. This is their symbol." He touches the tips of his thumbs and little fingers together, closing his other fingers to make fists.
"Aarakocra do not announce their names. We see that you are not of the evil men. The Howling hatred are not alone in these lands, there are others. Go to Red Larch and the men there will tell you. My name is Aial, and if you need help from aarakocra ask for me." one of the aarakocra puts a hand on Aial's shoulder and cokcks his head to the north.
"May we meet again under fair winds." at that the aarakocra turn away and after short sprints they take off into the air and are gone.
That night you make camp under better weather than the one before. You expect to arrive at Red Larch the next day, and perhaps get some answers. The mud form the previous night's rain has dried out and now the roads, and yourselves, are caked in fine dusts that kicks up at every step and leads to much coughing and throat clearing.
The Howling Hatred... has anyone heard of them? Hm... maybe I have done so myself?
Looking confused, "Howling Hatred huh? Must be local, or not a very big organization. I've never heard of them either."
"I'm not sure which is worse... *cough* *cough*... the cold rain, or this infernal dust. Should we be taking this as a sign that perharps we were not meant to continue on this path?"
The Howling Hatred... has anyone heard of them? Hm... maybe I have done so myself?
Ashi rubs her chin, "A distinctive name.... and begins to think back to her previous researches.
Then shakes her head, "I have never heard of such a group...the name is rather ominous..."
The next day you set out, hoping to reach Red Larch by noon. A few hours into your morning ride you notice a slender stone monolith a few miles to the west off the road, it is only 25 feet tall, but the nearby land is flat and open making it a notable landmark. The pillar is made of granite and does not match the surrounding stone. Anyone who has passed this way before knows that this is Lance Rock a landmark that indicates you are only a few miles out from the village.
As you approach the village you begin to see farmland but grow nervous when everyone but Torith notices that no one is working the fields despite the fair weather.
Just to save some fumbling around, Here is the map of red Larch You are approaching from the south on the Long Road.
You enter into the village and are greeted by silence. Except for a dog or two wandering about the streets are empty and no one is to be found. Some of you have been here before and know that this is not normal. There are marble quarries just to the north of the town and at this time of day you should be able to hear tools and workmen, but there is only silence. The doors of the houses are closed and there seems to be no sign of panic or violence, just a lack of any people.
As you arrive at the crossroads at the center of the village you notice that the main buildings have all been defaced with graffiti. They all bear the slogan:"Throw down your gods"
Building 1 is the Allfaiths Shrine. It looks like a grand stone mansion, the two wide wooden doors are painted with the symbols of many gods and they stand open.
Building 7 is a square two-story building with ornate scrollwork iron bars protecting the windows. It has a signboard painted with a well-dressed lord and lady one on each side.
Building 10 is a long, narrow nondescript building with double entry doors wide enough for a wagon. Over the door is written "Drouth Fine Poultry"
Building 16 is a shed surrounded by dozens of wagons shrouded in worn canvas tarpaulins. A crudely hand-lettered sign over the wide main door proclaims this to be "Waelvur's Wagonworks".
The druid was sorely tempted to shift into some unobtrusive tiny animal and go snooping around for clues. In the wild he often went for months on end without meeting another person, and so relied on his wits, skills, and supernatural talents to solve his problems. He was not on his own, however. Here was a team that relied on one another. They were given the same task and they were expected to bring this task to completion together.
"I donna like the look of this dusty ghost town. Whar the devil are the town folks? Best we stay together fer now."
Hedgerow began a search for clues, looking for anything out of the ordinary in the road, under wagon tarps, and inside buildings with open doors.