Magnus: Calling out, you hear faint replies coming from behind the rock pile.
Gaius: You find the following weapons and items in this cave:
- 4 shortspears
- 8 daggers
- 12 darts
- 1 flask of alchemist's fire
- 3 doses of blue whinnis poison
- 8 suits of small-sized studded leather armor
The nocturne seem fairly well terrified of Tarrana at this point. As to Brodgar's question, Kravathku simply looks puzzled again. "Humans are cattle of the bearded folk. Cattle may defend themselves, but they do not hunt. This place is cursed."
"They're here! Help me dig them out. " Magnus says, before dropping to his knees and beginning to move the stones that he is able to. Sweat at this point soaks his robes, but if he can just push himself for a bit longer, he will be able to rest.
Stilgar listens to Kravathku's recollection intently, committing the words to memory. Yet, the relief of a sated curiosity was not granted, for the nocturne's tale of the trio of warriors only bred more questions. Questions that she did not know the answer to. Nodding solemnly, and seeing that the two nocturne were thoroughly intimidated, the cleric speaks once more.
"There are those that would use words to deceive, but I am not among them. Go now, with the knowledge that Baal protects these lands."
Waiting until the nocturne depart, Stilgar, having heard Gaius' call, would head over to assist in the excavation.
... having heard Gaius' call, would head over to assist in the excavation.
... having heard Gaius' call, would head over to assist in the excavation.
Rather than leaving the way the group came in, Kravathku and her mate move back up the tunnel whence they came. Brodgar and Tarrana follow and ensure they try no tricks. Further up the NW tunnel there is a fork. The left leads into a high, arching cavern, the floor piled with guano. A sinkhole opens to the night sky. Here the two nocturne saddle one of their great bats, launching up through the sinkhole. They give a strange, trilling cry, and two more of the immense flying mammals launch from the walls to follow them.
Meanwhile, the others are able to clear the rocks away from a four foot high entrance into a deep, narrow cave. Here you find Willem and Esther. Both sport minor wounds, but are alive. Landon, the constable's deputy, was the unfortunate victim in the cooking area.
The other fork of the NW passage leads to a honeycomb of passages and small caves, apparently the nocturne living quarters. There is evidence that this place supported a larger population in years past. Kravathku's portion of the caves is much larger, and sports a surprise: a flat rock festooned with alembics, beakers, tubes, and other assorted equipment, glassware, and strange ingredients. The party is able to gather the following from this area:
- An alchemist's lab
- 6 vials of acid
- a bottle of fine wine
- 4 bottles of whiskey
- 2 vials of antiplague
- a silver thurible
worth 50gp - a carved hardwood puzzlebox worth 50gp
At the end of the NE passage, past the "larder," the tunnel ends in a large piece of statuary. A humanoid figure is carved in bas relief from the cavern wall, apparently seated. The whole thing is some 15 feet in height. Who or what this figure used to be is unknown, as mineral deposits from moisture running down the figure at one time have obscured all detail, leaving an eerie figure that looks as if some great wax sculpture had been left too close to a flame and partially melted.
At the base of the figure is a stone basin, perhaps once a font, but now dry. it is also liberally coated in mineral deposits.
Magnus clutches the boy close to him for a moment, assuring him that all will be well. He introduces himself to Esther, and offers a hand to help her up. He also offers them both some food from his pack as they likely have not eaten in a long time and a full stomach helps to calm the nerves. Looking in his bag, he sees that the Finding sphere has deactivated. He now feels an interest in testing the capabilities of the object. He will wait until the morning though, knowing it must be given time to recharge.
Gaius examines the puzzlebox. Is it currently open?
"Do we want to rest for a few hours here, or get these folks home?"
Magnus swallows his tongue. He is drenched in sweat and would very much like to pass out right there. At the same time, he knows that the villagers have had it worse this night and should decide for themselves.
Willem returns Magnus' embrace, glad to be safe once more. While both villagers are eager to return home, Esther worries about the descent down the mountain in the dark. She is willing to wait until daylight. Willem will do whatever the group feels is best.
Gaius: the puzzlebox is not open.
Magnus, Let me check these first...
Aside to one of the others.
whisper "Somone should remove the remains of the nocturne and the poor deputy."
Magnus gathers some cloth from the beds of the Nocturne and uses this to wrap the body of the Deputy.
Magnus speaks to his dwarven ally quietly. "Stilgar, as a man of the church, would you say we should carry the deputy with us for a proper burial in his town, or here so that the family does not have to see the poor man's state. I am not sure what the correct custom would be in this case. "
"Here you go Magnus it looks the best of the lot.
Glad to have rescued the two villagers, Jinjer will help dispose of the nocturne's bodies - throwing 'em off the rocks is good enough for her! "Food for crows and worms is all they are worth," she mutters to herself and any close enough to hear. Of course, she will do whatever the group decides to do with the bodies.
Once this is done and the decision to rest here for the night is made, Jinjer allows the events of the day to consume her. She staggers a little ways off from the rest of the group and weeps silently for the dead they were unable to save and for allowing her anger to get the best of her. Once she has regained control of herself, she will wash her face from her waterskin, find a place to lay down, and promptly fall asleep.
"He deserves nothing less than a reunion with his family, one way or the other," Stilgar would say sadly, kneeling by the deputy's carefully wrapped body, "Close to home - that's where he would want to be." He would murmur a prayer over the man's body before standing, a mixture of emotions and thoughts churning within him. He resolved to explain everything to the others the next day, when everything has had time to settle.
Deciding to not risk removing his armor here, Stilgar would lay down his bedroll and sit upon it, contemplating the long's day's events before falling asleep.
Due to a shortage of bedrolls, Magnus will try and clean the beds of the Nocturne as best he is able, casting his one use of prestidigitation and giving the best quality coverings to the child and the woman before settling in with Tuboo in his lap. He does not remove the marbles from the entranceway to the cave, for security's sake, but he informs everyone to watch for them if they need to step outside during the night.
Tarrana sits by the fire not showing any real signs of exhaustion or battle weariness her clothes stil smoking a touch. She simply watches it. Gazes through it into a world perhaps no one else can see.
The group spends the night in the caves, having secured the remains of Landon, disposed of the nocturne bodies, and made the cave as comfortable as possible. Morning comes without any further surprises or interruptions.
Try as he might, the puzzle box proves too subtle for Gaius to work out the secrets of its opening.
Is there anything else the party would like to investigate here before returning to Dunshale?
Jinjer wakes early and joins Tarrana near the fire (which is probably dying out by now). She says nothing for a time but then asks, "I heard you...caught on fire last night...with no harm to you. How is that possible?"
Her tone is soft and curious, like that of a child awestruck by some strange experience.
Afterward, she suggests they hurry to get the villagers home. "Never know when the nocturnes will decide we are worth eating and return." Of course, she mutters this to only her companions, careful that Willem and Esther do not here her.
Magnus awakens with a slight krink in his neck, hurriedly studies his spells, gathers his items, and goes down to retrieve the mounts.
Gaius approaches Magnus in the morning.
"Morning Magnus. You should take a crack at this." Gaius hands you a small puzzle box. "I found it in with the rest of the gear. I am afraid it stumped me."
The cleric of Baal awakens with a start, stretching momentarily before kneeling on his bedroll with his holy symbol in hand, silently requesting more of his deity's power.
After his meditation, Stilgar would stand, looking to his allies.
"Is everyone in good health? I shall channel Baal's power if any healing is necessary," he would say, realizing that he might have overlooked his companions' injuries during the battle, "I can also provide clean water, if necessary."
"Is everyone in good health? I shall channel Baal's power if any healing is necessary," he would say, realizing that he might have overlooked his companions' injuries during the battle, "I can also provide clean water, if necessary."
Brodgar dwells through the rescue, disposal, and night on the Nocturne's words. Cattle. He had rarely heard the racial relations described quite so frankly before. It all made a sick sort of sense.
The dwarf sleeps uneasily, awakening early and performing the customary rites to Baal before taking a seat near the morning fire.
Jinjer's whispered warning follows with his own state of mind. "We would do well to hurry, I agree. We should see to the animals and figure who rides where." His eyes wander to the body of Landon, thinking if Stilgar's mount or his own could bear the burden.
"Thank You Gaius, I shall have to give this a try. "
Magnus looks at the puzzlebox intently and tries to intuit the solution from his knowledge, while also looking for any details of the nature of the machine. What are the markings? Is this a child's toy, or a holy symbol of some sort? He will slowly work towards the proper solution.
Jinjer wakes early and joins Tarrana near the fire (which is probably dying out by now). She says nothing for a time but then asks, "I heard you...caught on fire last night...with no harm to you. How is that possible?"
Her tone is soft and curious, like that of a child awestruck by some strange experience.Afterward, she suggests they hurry to get the villagers home. "Never know when the nocturnes will decide we are worth eating and return." Of course, she mutters this to only her companions, careful that Willem and Esther do not here her.
Tarrana looks up at Jinjer and smiles weakly. "Were I to know the answer to that I still don't believe the story would be a simple one." She looks at her thin delicate orange hands. "The spirits call me many things. The only thing I can think of is that when elves speak of being one wiht the forest and dwarves being one with the stone they are merely waxing poetic. When I speak of being one with the flame, it is merely truth. No more. No less." Tarrana continues her staring at the dying fire. She picks up a dying ember that seems to come to life and become brighter in her hands. She sits into a kneeling position and becomes silent for a time.
Jinjer quietly observes her strange companion a few moments more and then nods to Brodgar and says, "Let's pack up and get out of here. The sooner we leave, the sooner we get back to town where it's relatively safer. We'll strap Landon's body to my mule and I'll lead him...home."
"Agreed," Stilgar says in agreement with Brodgar and Jinjer, whilst slinging his pack over his shoulder, "I imagine our absence has only bred more anxiety among the villagers. Also, the Speaker sent a runner to the Jarl calling for aid last night - his warriors may have very well arrived by now. Be prepared."
Looking over his companions, the cleric then grimaces, as he reflects on the selflessness they have exhibited so far. "It's occurred to me that I have not spoken of why I gathered you together. The night's events have complicated matters... I fear that meaning was hidden amongst the violence. We had best return to Dunshale first, but once we get the chance, I will explain everything."
Giaus rapidly repacks his kit, including the captured gear. He takes special care with the poisons, the poisoned weapons and the flask of fire.
"To Dunshale then. To joy,..."he says looking at the rescued townsfolk. "...to grief,..." looking at the bundle Jinger carries. "...to answers." looking at Stilgar.
"And maybe to new problems." Looking at Tarrana.
The party is most eager to leave the cannibal gnomes' caverns, so come dawn the group prepares itself and escorts Willem and Esther downhill to the mounts. The journey is without incident. As the group reaches Dunshale once again, traveling overland, they note a party of dwarves, six strong, heading out of town to the northeast. They are mounted on shaggy mountain ponies. There is also a mule-drawn cart with a ballista mounted in it.
Your return is bitter-sweet, with rejoicing at the return of Willem and Esther, and mourning for the loss of Deputy Landon.
Willem's parents pledge any and all assistance they can to the lot of you for the return of their son. They say you are always welcome in their home and if there is ever a way they can assist you, they'll do so.
Gregor's thanks is more material. He presents each of you with a pair of snowshoes and a set of winter clothing. Also, an emergency supply of food, consisting of dried fruits and vegetables from his farm, as well as beef jerky.
Landon's father is deeply grieved by his son's passing. However he is grateful that the group kept his body from its intended desecration. He presents the group with the fur of a silver fox As well, he presents Jinjer with a beautiful shortbow. "Made it for my son when he was a boy," he says. "It was the first bow he ever hunted with. Use it well."
Magnus has an inspiring moment while pondering the mysterious puzzlebox. He reflects on his experiences in the previous day and begins writing in his spell-book with fervour. He comes out with two new spells that he did not know before and he feels generally stronger and wiser for it.
From Tarrana, He learns the power of flame and teaches himself how to "spark" small items on command this day, searching into his spellbook and finding the perfect match.
From Jinjer, he develops an ability to "vanish" into the surroundings"
From Stilgar and Brodgar, Magnus learns the value of "striking true against your foes.
And Magnus learns much from Gaius. He does not need a spell to remember him by.
He still has many questions. What was the language those Nocturne spoke? Who's statue sits deteriorating there? What will become of the situation with the dwarves and humans?
Hit Dice upgrade also:
After this, he heads to the event of the feast with the dwarves. As he and Tuboo advance towards the Northeast, he is uncertain of what will happen this night, but he knows there is much to learn from the "rulers" of this region. He only hopes that they will learn something in kind.
While anxious to divulge the details of his mission to his comrades, Stilgar resolves to meet the Speaker beforehand, if possible. "It will be a while before the Jarl's forces return," he would say to them, "We should meet sometime before then, but I must talk to Speaker Chandler first."
Upon meeting him, the cleric would describe the details of the rescue mission if asked for them, and knowing that the village was still recovering, would ask if there are any more ways he could be of assistance.
Willem's parents pledge any and all assistance they can to the lot of you for the return of their son. They say you are always welcome in their home and if there is ever a way they can assist you, they'll do so.
Gregor's thanks is more material. He presents each of you with a pair of snowshoes and a set of winter clothing. Also, an emergency supply of food, consisting of dried fruits and vegetables from his farm, as well as beef jerky.
Landon's father is deeply grieved by his son's passing. However he is grateful that the group kept his body from its intended desecration. He presents the group with the fur of a silver fox As well, he presents Jinjer with a beautiful shortbow. "Made it for my son when he was a boy," he says. "It was the first bow he ever hunted with. Use it well."
Jinjer smiles at the offer of Willem's parents, and graciously accepts the winter clothing and food from Gregor. But when Landon's father gives her the bow he made for his son, she can barely contain her emotions. Eyes brimming with tears, Jinjer bows her head as she takes the bow, and manages to say, "I will use it...to honor your son's life. You have my word."
Jinjer wanders off, looking for a drink, and awaiting the meeting with Stilgar, secretly dreading what news he has for them.
Character sheet updated.
As for the puzzle box, you take a good part of the day to sit and fiddle with it. The box itself is made of hardwoods, and the outer surface covered in strange geometric designs. You find you are able to manipulate portions of the box, changing the designs as you go. It seems to be set in three stages. However, try as you might, you are unable to find the proper sequence to open the box fully.
Gaius:
** spoiler omitted **
Gaius:
The party returns to Dunshale approximately midday, so there are still several hours before the dwarves' feast this evening. The proprietor of the Flask and Flail is willing to give Stilgar a total of 80gp for the 4 bottles of whiskey.
Magnus takes some time to familiarize himself with his new spells, practicing the pronounciation and the hand-signs until they are familiar. He then joins Stilgar on the market, trying to sell their plunders, offering his help with the haggling process. He is impatient to know about the reason for Stilgar's assembling this group.