"Better to leave now and get the most out of the daylight." Barnabus says to the group.
"I'd suggest we gather our equipment and see if we can find any clue as to what might have happened to the Yurlings."
'Good, their thinking about what we need to do.' Finishing his breakfast of eggs and bacon, Brunner wipes the froth from the 'Jack of ale' out of his mustache. He nod his head in agreement with Baranbus, turning to Lanliss, "Ance we gaither uir gear we will heed 'at way. Ah figure th' statue will be th' first hin' we see, But we'll hae tae fin' th' missin' fowk afair we spend a lot ay time studyin' it."
'For public purposes, I'd rather people see Scarlet as an accountant rather than a 'locksmith' though he does both jobs well.' Looking at Scarlet he asks the lad. "Weel Scarlit, ur ye satisfied wi' th' financial arrangements?"
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Putting down his fork
Now hold your horses, eager beavers. We are going to explore a cemetery. Remember the fight with the undead, and we will be in most likely close quarters fighting, I know we all remember the fight in that cramped tunnel. So we what we have here is people missing in a 'CEMETERY' and a legend of a king protecting his grave. You know what that means don't you?
Dalron looks at each member of the party.
Goblin troubles.
So I would like to get more of these blunt arrows if they have any here.
Smiling at Brunner, "Yeah. The pay seems good for a potential search and seek job."
Scarlet then wolves down his food and finishes his drink. "Ready to go. If we are going to a graveyard, the dawn seems like the best time to do it."
He then listens to Dalron reasoning, "Hmm... I might want to get a light mace or something when we do run into more skeletons."
“If you are needing any kind of equipment you should head over to Hergon’s shop. His shop might be named a general shop but you’d be surprised what all he might have in there. For our sake, I wish you all luck.” Mia hands you a coin pouch containing 50 gold for the each of you. She then makes her way out of the Cornet and Cabbage Inn, at the door she turns. “I’ll be at the barracks if you need me, and don’t forget no one else knows about what is happening.” She leaves the inn.
Dusting his hands off on his apron, Ian walks up to the group. “Well, if you need to stay another night you know where to go... if you would like I could hold your rooms for you if you paid upfront for another night...”
Once the party is ready they all leave to head to the Kingsholm General Store to pick up the items Scarlet and Dalron were asking about. Once arrived at the General Store, you see Hergon unloading the wagon you brought to town. Smiling as you ask for the few items he perks up and heads in his store.
“I have just the thing for you.” Hergon places a quiver of 20 blunt arrows on the counter and a light mace on the counter. The light mace is an ornate looking weapon. The leather wrapped grip is intertwined with brown and white stained leather meeting at the pommel which is an eagle claw holding a dark stone. The head of the mace is three eagle heads looking outwards. “I came across these when I bought out a traveling merchants wagon when he was deciding to retire. I could let them all go for 10 gold.”
“Is there anything else that you are looking for? I do have a bit of great gear for adventurers like yourselves.”
"Do you have any water blessed by a holy man?" Barnabus asks the shopkeeper.
'Paying ahead, that puts a lot of trust in us, or she really wants us to keep it quiet. Not a problem, were known for our discretion.' Nodding to the captain as she pays Scarlet. Brunner follows the others back to Hergon's store.
As Hergon lays the mace on the counter, Brunner shuffles up, first looking to Scarlet then Hergon, "Might oi?" He examines the mace and the dark stone in the pommel, showing it to Barnabus. "Interestin' design, roi Barnabus?"
“Because of a business agreement I do not carry any kind of divine goods. But we do have a temple in town and the holy woman I am sure would be very pleased to fulfill your needs.” Looking at Brunner examining the mace; “Oh don’t be thinking to much of it. I had it checked out once I purchased it. It does stand out in a crowd that’s for sure.”
Lanliss also purchases a set of blunt arrows.
"Did the shipment from Sten arrive in good order? I'd like to make sure that that business in concluded so it's not on our minds as we head out."
“I am sorry, but that one quiver of blunt arrows is all I have. They are rather hard to come by. But I did find something that must have been mixed up in my shipment. There were six cloaks in a box. Maybe these were intended for you?” Looking between the group of you his face pauses for a moment as a realization comes over him. “Were there originally six of you...”
Lanliss gasps in excitement and examines the cloaks. Then he'll try his on.
"I feel like we should wrap up our affairs quickly and get on our way. The Yurlings may be in danger and in need of our assistance."
Pulling the cloaks out from the box Lanliss sees a crimson red hooded cloak with silver stitching along the edge and where the hood attaches. Flipping the cloak the other direction you see the inside has more of a dark green fabric. You find a note pinned to one of the cloaks.
Lanliss shares the note and will give the cloaks to whomever wants them, and hold onto the unused cloaks for those that don't want them... BRUNNER.
"By the way," Lanliss says to Barnabus as they walk, "I can create holy water. I just need to do it on a day where I'm unlikely to need to cast other spells."
Scarlet reaches into the 'group fund' and pulls out 10 gold coins. Handing them over, he grabs the mace and checks it's swing. "These should be good for skellies."
Scarlet also takes one of the cloaks, figuring they are dark enough to still work for sneaking in the night.
"If you've no holy water? What about alchemist's fire?" Barnabus asks Hergon.
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Picking up the blunt arrows
you wouldn't have any more by any chance? I would like to get another quiver if you have it.
Dalron resets his quiver and straps one to the other one to have a double quiver. One for normal arrows, one for special arrows.
Then grabbing a cloak
At least it has a green side
'Blasted Sten, It's just impolite to turn down a gift.' Reading the note and rolling his eyes, Brunner takes off his traveling cloak and accepts one of the reversible cloaks, putting it on with a sigh. Noticing the surprised looks he shrugs, "Whit? it is impolite tae turn doon a gift." Nodding to Hergon, "Och aye we used tae be a scuttle."
Once the transactions at the general store are finished he adds, "Ah hink holy water is a guid idea, let's gang tae th' temple an' meit thes holy hen."
Barnabus will claim his cloak and put it on with the red side facing out.
He ignores the fact that it will drag somewhat on the ground behind him because of his height.
"We look fantastic!" Lanliss beams. "Let's finish our supplies and go sav--"
He cuts off with a side glance at Hergon. "Um, go do that thing."
“Alchemist fire... I do have a few vials around here. I keep those locked up, I wouldn’t want them to be knocked over and burn my beautiful business down.... Here they are. I do have three of them. I would let them go for 60 gold pieces. I believe it is a fair price.”
Hergon turns his attention to Dalron; “Unfortunatly that one quiver is the only one I have. I haven’t come across many of those in my line of work.”
The party finished up with all of their purchases and leaves the General Store. They follow Hergons directions that takes them through this small village and they arrive at the village temple. Walking up to a set of large double wooden doors, you see The Holy Symbol of Calistria covering most of these doors.
Calistria temples host numerous sacred prostitutes and act as centers of gossip.
Her followers range from prostitues to spys to the house wife who has been the subject of an affair and is biding her time to seek her revenge on her husband and his mistress.
Walking into the temple, you see that the room is open except for large sitting pillows scattered across the floor with an alter of Calistria at the center of the room. Noticing the group walk into the room a figure looks up from the alter and heads your way.
Approaching the party is an beautiful Elven woman who is dressed in a manor that would make most of the group blush. Her single layer of yellow silk is so thin that nothing is left to imagination. You also notice that she is provocatively gripping the hilt of a leather whip with her left hand. She greets you with a seductive smile and demanding smoky eyes.
“May the “Lady in the Room” fulfill your every need and desire! Welcome to the temple of Calistria. I am Mailea, head priestess at this temple.” With that she bows a deep bow and keeps her eyes locked on the eyes of the group.
Slowly standing back up “Welcome, it is my pleasure to host this company of men in Calistria’s presence. What an... exotic group. What needs are demanding to be satisfied?”
"Not so sure about what kind of temple this actually is..." as we walk up to the front door.
Once inside:
"Hello yer ladyship, we were directed here by the proprietor of the general store because we were inquiring about the availability of blessed water in this town."
"Would you have any you could provide us in return for a donation to yer temple?"
At the mention of the priestess' name, Lanliss smiles at a private joke and watches how she will interact with the others. He makes no move to hide his holy symbol of Desna.
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At the general store
"That's alright, these blunt arrows are hard to come by so I try and get as many as I can."
"Here you go Lanliss this should help your stock."
Handing Lanliss 6 of the blunt arrows.
At the Temple
"This is sure a friendly town."
Shifting from one foot to another not quite ever looking at he eyes
When the party leaves the temple and are on the road
Dalron elbows Scarlet
"If I get hurt, I wouldn't mind her laying hands on me, if you know what I mean. he he"
Scarlet hands over the 60gp to the merchant for the alchemist fire before joining the others to the temple.
Upon entering the temple, he spots the priestess and instantly slips behind the group. Almost hiding from her. He mumbles just loud enough for his friends to hear. "She reminds me of my mother."
As they enter the temple, Brunner blushes slightly, then leans over to Barnabus, ” Weel they certainly worship somethin' haur.”. Hearing Scarlets observation, Brunner chokes back a guffaw, turning, putting a finger to his lips. ”Ssshhhh, Laddie we dinnae want tae offend.” Then attempting to watch the lady without watching the lady.
Nodding his head in agreement with Barnabus' request.
'Well, for the right price she would probably let him.' shaking his head at his mental observation, 'Torag forgive me, it's not right to judge.' Brunner follows along embraced by his own judgmental nature.
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A few minutes down the road Dalron gets down to business.
As they get within site of the cemetery Dalron slows down to 1/2 speed to make sure he does not miss anything out of place, like dragon claws over a boot print.
And to see if the family and guards did go this way.
"This hard packed ground really doesn't allow prints to show well."
"Maybe when we get to the cemetery I will be able to tell more."
As he takes a quick look around.
Because he wasn’t being very discreet, Mailea walks up to Dalron and straightens his cloak then pulls him close enough for him only to hear.
Laughing as she walks away from Dalron she turns Barnabus. “Holy Water? What kind of temple would this be without that. I have as much as you’d like. Only 25 gold per vial.”
Smirking towards Dalron and letting out a flirtatious laugh “Other than Dalron who needs a hand, is there anything else I could help you with today? And don’t worry, I’m much nicer than your mommy...” As she glances towards where Scarlet is hiding.
"Thank you yer ladyship, I'll take two of those vials of blessed water." Barnabus tells the priestess.
"Much obliged."
Still hiding behind his friends, Scarlet gives a strain smile. "Being nicer wouldn't be that hard to do."
As the party leaves, Mailea lets out a flirtatious; “Hope to see you soon” along with a wave.
The party sets off towards the cemetery and quickly realize why the Yurlings had stopped off at the inn before leaving to grab some food. It takes a couple hours on foot.
Ivy winds its way up the iron bars of the cemetery gate. No rust discolors the black metal, and flowers blossom near the wall. Beyond the wall, you see a gravel walkway that weaves its way up through well groomed grass and white tombstones. A few statues rise up along the hillside, their gray features gleaming in the sun. The enterence to the gate is open.
A narrow path winds its way up the hill towards a large structure flanked by ancient, life sized statues. From this distance you are not able to make them out. The graveyard appears old but lovingly cared for. Fresh gravel covers the path and flowers, not weeds, grow besides the tombstones.
"Maybe that King statue isn't as big as they make it out to be in the stories if you can't see it from here." Barnabus remarks.
To Dalron:
"Any sign of humans coming and going recently?"
Walking through the pleasant cemetery, Brunner comments, "It is a braw lookin' cemetery, it speaks weel ay a fowk fa caur fur their passed kin."
gesturing toward the north with his hammer, Brunner chuckles, "If we waur taller we main be able tae see it better, but it shoods be oan th' north end ay th' cemetery."
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"This is the best kept up cemetery I have ever seen.
"Being so kept up really shows the prints"
They must have a druid tending this place being so kept up
He thinks about that as this boots crunch on the gravel path.
After looking for prints he snaps his head up and looks around.
If I was a Druid where would I be he thinks to himself.
"Guys, being how kept up this place is, it might be wise to stay on the path for right now."
As you continue down the path you do notice that there has been foot traffic on this pathway, but that is not odd being that it is a cemetery and that the Yurlings came up this way. You’re on the right track. As you begin to get closer you start to make out the life sized statues that are flanking the entry way of the mausoleum. One looks like a warrior, heavily armored, sword at its side and shield at the ready. The second looks like a figure with flowing clothes, still at a distance not able to make it out.
'I like the look of that warrior fellow.' smiling to himself. 'Maybe later, Dalron will let us walk off of the path and I can take a closer look.'
Scarlet is glad they have decided to come to the graveyard during daylight, never really liking going at nighttime, even though he has many times in the past.
As they move up on the statues, his noses itches as he looks around.
Hoping to catch a glimpse of the larger statue of the great king, Lanliss isn’t really paying much attention to his surroundings. His bow is drawn, though.
Barnabus and Brunner are too busy pointing out inferior human stonework to notice much else.....
Continuing down the trail, it leads to the mausoleum. Everyone is busy trying to find where this statue of the king is or looking at how well groomed the grass it to realize what is lurking from behind the two statues that are flanking the mausoleum enterence. Scarlet sees movement at the feet of the statues Two pairs of feral eyes gleam out at you from behind the graven images. Wolves begin to charge!
Vs Dalron
Vs Lanliss
The wolves charge out one attacking Dalron and one attacking Lanliss. Both land bites, but Dalron is caught off guard and gets knocked to the ground. The wolf above Dalron is snarling and biting out at him, blood dripping from its teeth ready to strike. Dalron took 7 damage, Lanliss took 2.
Initiative
Surprise Round
Scarlet
Round 1
Wolves
Brunner
Lanliss
Dalron
Scarlet
Barnabus
"Look how lifelike those wolf statues are ...... oh grood gracious!"
Even though he saw them coming, Scarlet was startled by the vicious attacks from the wolves. Snapping out at those around them the wolves continue to attack those who are still standing.
Wolf 1 moves to Brunner
Wolf 2 continues to attack the standing Lanliss
The wolf that was attacking and standing over Dalron moves to his marching order partner and lashes out at Brunner with a bite that almost misses, but is able to get a bite in on him. Bites just above the knee that causes Brunner to fall to the ground as he is tripped.
The wolf on Lanliss continues to bite out and hit him. Fortunately for Lanliss, he is just to spry for the wolf and dodges the trip.
Initiative
Round 1
Brunner
Lanliss
Dalron
Scarlet
Barnabus
Round 2
Wolves