|
Looking at the spreading bile, the Speaker's mouth curls in disgust. Listening to Deldri's breakdown of the Bile and its weaknesses, the Sarenrite draws forth their Scimitar and begins to strike at the bile to destroy it, watching it burn off their Cold Iron Blade. With their ritualistic cleansing complete, they turn to the Mausoleum.
"The Bile should be rendered inert now. Though such a hoard does not bode well for the charges we seek." they muse thoughtfully, before shrugging elegantly and keeping their blade drawn. "With no other clues barring leaving, I concur with heading into the Mausoleum."
It takes the group a bit of time to open the mausoleum stone door and find nothing of interest inside the structure except for a casket and some ages old dead flowers.
Feeling they need more information on the apprentices the group heads back into town to speak to other masters regarding the missing young folk.
|
|
Disappointed to have found little apart from the Raven, who keeps going on about Yellow foot, the Speaker steps out of the Graveyard and looks around, before pulling out their list of masters and me tally ticking off those they had seen. After a moment they make a decision.
"I suggest the Cobbler next and then the Tavern for we have been out some time and I feel we should eat before we get tired." the Speaker suggests as they hold the note out for anyone else to check.
Before leaving the graveyard area the group tries to get more information from the raven but fail to get him to say anything other than “Yellow-Foot! Get Yellow-Foot!”...the bird does not get close to anyone nor does it follow you out of the area...
Along the way tot he cobbler you learn some information about the place and the proprietor. Saringallow’s most successful cobbler, “Dependable” Drummady Laterna, has a reputation for making the sturdiest footwear in town at reasonable prices, and is willing to repair any shoe purchased from her store at a steep discount.
As you arrive at the store you see a weathered female moving about the shop as if doing the work of two.... and muttering under her breath...
"Gnome boots...." she says moving items around her shop..."nope.. not right now.. but i could take your measurements and you can pick the style and you could come back for them..." she says adding "Yes I am Laterna...who be you?"
"Is that what you are...? Never seen one of yous before. A foot is a foot though. Jut need the measurements and the material and the style. I can make it." and she goes back to the flurry of activity she was doing before you all entered.
The group continues to press Drummady and she finally relents after avoiding the topic.
"I am sure you already spoke to my ex husband Petrello. Did he tell you that he disapproved of Pavolus' fascination and interest in Gellion? Did he? Did he also mention he did not like it when our son Pavolus made Gellion those boots as a gift. My boy is nice and kind- evidenced by those nice bright yellow boots he made for Gellion. Not the color I would have used but none-the-less it was a gift. But his father, Petrello, disapproved of the gesture. Gellion was certainly the most charismatic of all the apprentices, and usually acted as the group’s de facto leader when they all got together."
|
|
Somewhat distracted by the grand footwear on display, the Speaker makes a note to make time here once this business is all over. Deciding on the shade of blue they most prefer, the Sarenrite is dragged back to the matter at hand by Wolfgang and Eris' enquiriea.
"Quite so, Wolfgang, Gellion was the Alchemist's apprentice here in town." they remind the Ustalav gentleman. "Mistress, is there anything you can tell us of the Orchard?"
"The orchard.... I know nothing of the orchard...as for where Gellion lives I know not. He did not work for me and I have little contact with his family. Go ask Majara Pricknettle about where the boy lives. She would know. She always had a fondness for that kid. People say it is to replace the family she lost in the goblin wars..." and then she scoops up the gold coin left by Deldri and checks for its authenticity using her teeth. "Cant be too sure nowadays with outsiders." she casually comments.
"wizards....no...nope..." she says scratching her chin. "Closest thing to a wizard round these parts is old Ildriss at the Erastil church... but I dont think hes'a wizard mind you."
|
|
Being reminded of the Raven, the Speaker spins on their heel with a click of their fingers and a fire in their eyes.
"Mistress, does 'Yellowfoot' ring a bell? Oh wait could it be Gellion in their yellow boots?" the Ifrit muses as their questioning gives them a potential answer. Tapping their chin, the Speaker shrugs elegantly and concurs.
"The alchemist gave us all they know I am sure, though we did not ask about a raven or yellow boots. We could quickly pop by and ask before the tavern?" they ask as they ready themselves to leave the cobbler.
The team makes their way to the Witch's End tavern. Not only do they plan to continue their investigation, but they realize that they are becoming a bit hungry as well...
A sign depicting a dark-haired figure burning at the stake hangs over the door of this building. As they enter, the adventurers notice a woman who is well over six feet tall, wearing a scowl and an apron. "Good day. What brings you to the Witch's End? Be you in thirst, or in hunger?" she asks, with as much enthusiasm as a legionnaire before battle.
"I am Alcie Kruptin, proprietor of the 'End... who might you all be? What do you all do?" she asks with a not thinly-veiled tone of suspicion, as she leads you to a large table in the corner. The tavern looks well kept, and a large cauldron sits over the fire. The smell of an excellent stew comes from the pot.
|
|
Smiling at the imposing Tavern owner, the Speaker allows themselves to be lead to a table before answering, lest curious ears should make tongues wag. Keeping their smile, the Speaker bows to the tavern keep before taking a seat.
"Hunger and Thirst both afflict us, though that is now what brings us to your door." they begin softly, trying to keep their voice low yet audible. "I am the Speaker of the Scarlet Flame, my name abandoned in service. We have been tasked in searching out the apprentices currently...absent from town"
Fresh bread can be spelled baking in back. Bowls of stew are quickly brought out to you newcomers, as well as cups of what seems to be a very fine but rough barley-wine, albeit home brewed. A pitcher of water is also set out, with earthenware mugs for anyone who needs. "The rolls will be out as soon they be done, and not a moment sooner!"
You can tell she is upset and openly hostile to you all.
"I know not who you all are and you come in here asking too many questions without knowing anything about this town or showing me why you care. I ain't one much fer gossipin'... I keeps to myself and talk no nonsense about no one else.... especially to strangers..." she says, having ignored the questions up to this point. "And I ain't one for telling others of me woes. So, ye'd best eat up, and make yer way back into town, if ye' know what'cher good fer!"
You can tell this lady is a blue collar-hard working-salt of the earth type of folk.
|
As soon as they are shown to their table, Sammakko wastes no time at all digging into the wares set before them. He does his best to keep his balance while standing on a wobbly stool, and grabs a bowl of stew and slurps it right down. He hasn't even finished swallowing the stew before grabbing a mug of ale. "Mmmphm, d'ish ish good. Do you 'appen to have any fried crickets made up?" He gulps down his mug and finally takes a breath "Don't mind my friends here ma'am. This food is great and we appreciate it. And we care about your problems, because we're Pathfinders, it's what we do!" The grippli does his best to ease her concerns, but a 3 foot frog with stew dripping off his chin isn't the most welcomed guest.
|
"You may wish to calm down a little missus! We were sent here to HELP YOU and this is how you repay us? I took this contract and I'll see those idiotic farmboys are returned to their families but judging from the amount of thick headed stubborness and sheer idiocy I had to witness since I came here I half suspect they did the smart thing and ran away! If you don't want to help us find them that fine but at least use us the kindness of shutting the hell UP!" Wolfgang explodes, clearly fed up with all the negativity shown by the locals.
The large lady takes a step back looking a tad worried at the sudden outburst. She then recomposes herself and tells the crossbowman "Calm down little one. No disrespect meant. We locals get tired of outsiders poking their noses into our affairs and no one here in town knows any of you so forgive us if we keep you all at a distance. I'll help you with what I can. What do you want to know?"
Alcie clears her throat and then says "Morvinarr, as the biggest and strongest of his friends, saw himself as their protector, the kind lout.... Where they went, he went, always making sure to keep them out of harm’s way. Most often it was Nolaria who led them on wild adventures outside of town; they would often return to the tavern to boast about their exploits and prattle on about nonsense stuff, you know- like kids. Recently, however, they seem to have been avoiding the Witch’s End, and Morvinarr has been taking more time off. I suspect they were getting into something most would not approve of— which in this town, more than likely has something to do with magic."
She stops and looks as if she may shed a tear or two but puts her rough and tough face back on to continue.
"Also when Morvinarr disappeared, I searched his room and discovered a missive." she leaves and goes into the back of the Inn, then returns with a piece of paper.
|
|
The Speaker rolls their eyes as the Tavern keeper turns their back to deal with their order. These people have a suspicious lack of care for their own Protege. No wonder the children left. Keeping the annoyance buried, the Sarenrite instead smiles politely as the food is served and helps themselves to a portion, not realising just how hungry they were.
"Yes this is indeed excellent. We have been here all day and know much about the problem at present. We are on the duties of your Mayor." the Speaker states flatly, much of her usual warmth missing. "For all of the group to go missing speaks planning or misadventure. Please what do you know?"
|
|
The Speaker ponders the note and sighs softly, thinking about what they already know and what they have been told about the apprentices. Frowning slightly, the Sarenrite drums their fingers elegantly on the table as they reply. "We have been told the group meet at the Orchard and the Graveyard. We found no clues at the graveyard but this magical equipment,which the apprentices were getting involved in. " They reason, looking over the note again. "So we should investigate the Orchard now for signs."
"I never followed Morvinarr so I know not where they met. I suppose you could investigate that. Anywho I got customers to attend to so if you will excuse me... good day."