"The lair is near the fork just outside of town?!?" Auric asks in surprise, "no wonder you feel so strongly about dealing with it! Perhaps we could arrange to borrow some horses and first thing in the morning some of us could ride to Deep Furrow to see about Reiko's vision and drop off the tome and then ride back to meet at the fork in the afternoon to head to the liar?"
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It's been a long, exhausting day for most of you. It was exhilarating to have what seemed to be an exceptional victory when things looked difficult, but you pulled it through.
Now, it's time for a well-deserved rest. There will be more to do, tomorrow.
There's space in Tania's camp, or just about wherever you choose to lay your head, outside.
Everything is booked, otherwise.
You do have a house that was given to you temporarily, but it's well off to the north.
Aya heads to Tania's camp and, hopefully, gets a good night's rest. In the morning, after learning her spells for the day, she heads to the Giant's Mug for breakfast and the meeting with the party.
"Excuse me," Auric says to one of the locals, a weathered man in his 30's or 40's who'd been among the archers, "could you please direct me to the town's temple or shrine?"
After receiving directions he heads to the holy site. He does his best to discern which ground has been consecrated and rolls out his bedroll in that area. He uses his backpack as a pillow, to ensure that nobody can reach the dark grimoire without going through him. He prays against the influence of its evil until he slips into a deep slumber.
In the morning he says his prayers, gathers his things, and rushes to the Mug where he is to meet the others, anxious to get on the road.
"So, who would like to come to Deep Furrow... and how many horses can we get? We'll have to leave very soon if we're going to be back in time to raid the lair this evening..."
At the meeting, after most of the party arrives, Aya shows the party the items she has been carrying for them and offers the to the party:
3 bottles of Alchemist’s Fire
1 Glitterdust Scroll
1 Alchemical Tinkering Scroll
2 Crocks of Healing (1d80
2 Thunderstones
2 Tanglefoot Bags
1 pouch with 14 Tindertwigs
2 vials of acid
2 vials of Poison
1 large Crystal on leather throng (50 gp)
5 Darts
1 Dart with Sleep Poison
Antonio would like to get an Alchemist's Fire, a Thunderstone and an Acid.
Aya suggests that Sakuro copy the Glitterdust spell from her spellbook instead of using the scroll. She loans Sakuro her spellbook.
Spells in Aya's Spellbook:
All Cantrips
First level:
Burning Hands
Color Spray
Enlarge Person
Floating Disc
Glitterdust
Grease
Mage Armor
Magic Missile
Protection from Evil
Ray of Enfeeblement
Shield
Sleep
Shocking Grasp
Second Level:
Gust of Wind
Scorching Ray
She gives Antonio an Alchemist's Fire, a Thunderstone and an Acid.
Aya tells Auric, reminding the party: The party owns 2 draft horses and a cart, unless Hortense has already sold them. If some of you go to Deep Furrow today, we will not be able to go to the ogre lair tonight. I think we should go to the ogre lair first. It will take a full day to get there and back using horses.
"It will take about 8 hours to ride there and back, plus perhaps as much as an hour to seek healing for Reiko and entrust the book to the Lawbringer for safe keeping until we return..." Auric answers, "that's why I said we'd need to leave first thing; if we depart now we could rendezvous at the fork by about 4 hours past midday."
"I agree that this ogre threat needs to be dealt with right away, but I'm sure that effort would benefit from Reiko's blade... perhaps we could have his condition examined first? I don't know how long the trek from the fork will be but it sounds like we could probably accomplish all this today?"
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I'd rather not go tired. It'll take another couple of hours to get to the lair, assuming everybody can climb up that nasty winding path easily. That'll mean we face the ogres just a little after dark, if everything goes perfectly, with no delays. We'd drag back in not desperately shy of midnight - assuming we don't load up the wagon with the goods we could sell.
Tania looks at Auric and takes him in. Optimism was great.
It meant never having to expect any trouble.
Nia'Nikta watched everyone seperate and no one really acknowledged the things that would need to be done for travel.
"Reiko, I am going to drop you off at the Tavern for now. I will make sure you have good food and drink and someone able to help you up to your room. I will make sure to come get you in the morning and will ride with you if we have horses. You are not alone and I will help you through this." Nia's cultured voice was scincere and she was the type to keep her word once given. She would sit him down at a table as Baldeck told his tales. Not wanting to step in to tell her own stories she left him to ply the tavern.
Heading to the bartender or closest bar maid she would smile. "My companion Reiko over there needs fine food and drink. He has had a very rough time of it and I would appreciate any help you can give him. He can't see so he will need assistance to his room when he is ready."
She slid them two gold and a warm smile to pay for the services.
Heading out she would ask around finding the local stable master. While traveling the cart may carry much, when loaded with gear it would leave little room for people to ride.
"Good day sir. I wished to see about renting some horses for the group that took out the patriarch and helped defend the town. One of our companions has run afoul of terrible magic and we wish to take him to Deep Burrow to see him cured. We should be able to bring them back some time after nightfall. Is it possible they can be ready at first light? I would need at least one heavy horse and three more light riding horses if possible."
Once those arrangements were made she would head back through town looking around for Alyra.
"Miss Alyra, may we speak for a short while. I had some questions I wished to ask. They may seem personal so you don't have to answer them if you don't wish to."
Nia'Nikta smiles warmly at her. "I am a collector of tales and knowledge. An archivist of sorts. Something you said early caught my ear and wished to speak with you about it. You said you were a Sister of the Sea? Or was it Daughter? What did you mean by that? Also, you talk about the great destiny this group has. Even Auric. Are you a seeress?" Not once had she had been told that she was one of the destined ones and to be honest. She was happy with that. She just wished to travel with them and write their story. She liked being and observer and participant of their quest without having the added weight.
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The next morning she rises early and gets the horses bringing them to the meeting place possibly surprising everyone.
Seeing the trouble Reiko's found, Manton gasps.
The priest from Wild Roc is still here. We should see him! Stay here, I'll get him.
Manton quickly disappears in the back. Within a couple of minutes, he's back with the priest that performed the blessing of the soil.
Again, Manton is paying attention.
I'm sorry, miss. We have no stables. Most folks with horses have barns, and then there's the caravanassary. There is a hitching post up front, though, and I can make sure he's fed and groomed for so little...
In the morning, it's not Manton that brings out food, but Miriam.
Everyone's doing something. It's an honor to serve heroes!
Jun walks to the house and spends his time perfecting his new found abilities. He also talks to some of the new comers to get to know them better when there is time. He comes back to town the next day to help with the clean up of the battle.
Nia would smile at the priest. "Of course, I am surprised no one told me of you being hear earlier. It was brought about due to foul magics. I thank you very much. There is something else of great import you may also be able to help us with. Would you be willing to come with me to speak with Auric. One of our number? Something has come into our possession that we need help identifying and possibly getting rid of."
She easily slides her hand into her coin purse as she studies the priest.
Aya gives Jun 2 tanglefoot bags and 2 tindertwigs.
She gives the Alchemical Tinkering scroll to Sakuro.
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60 gold would be the nominal casting fee a wizard or one of the more profit minded temples might ask for a spell of this magnitude, but we know it's a lot to ask. Anything you feel you can give, sister.
The priest is actually from the wealthiest temple in the area, but maintains humility.
Just to move things along, in the morning, Reiko can see again, unless he has objections. ;)
Alyra does answer your question, too.
I am one of the Sisters of the Sea, indeed. Father knew he could no longer continue as he had, so he created us.
Alyra never quite looks directly at you, but you sense that she's looking in her own way.
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I know what you're planning, boy, and if you do it, I swear the very stones of your temple will weep. They cannot destroy me, but I can destroy them.
There is a pause, then the voice continues.
Entertain, for a moment that we could share a purpose. My time of vengeance is growing near, and I will have it. There is evil in this world that surpasses mine, like the one I will destroy. I care not what I must do to achieve this end, but all that attempt to stop me will suffer miserably.
The voice goes silent.
Aya looks from the Priest to Auric. This is one of the applications for the party funds I have been keeping. She then pulls out a coin pouch, counts out 60 gp. and hands it to the priest. We appreciate your assistance in this manner. How can we help in restoring Reiko's sight?
"You have our gratitude, priest" Auric says with a grin. "Tell me, are you capable of creating circles of protection? During my training we were taught that they could be used to bind things, but creating one is beyond my abilities... if we found a leatherworker who could inlay the silver circle on to a piece of leather, could you make a binding circle of it?"
Aya- can we pay for this out of party funds too?
"Well, the gods have smiled on us. It seems perhaps we are supposed to head straight to this lair. When do we leave?"
After the spell, Reiko stands and bows to the priest.
You have my thanks. Rest assured that I shall not use your gift for anything but goodwill toward this town, and all who need it.
After the priest leaves, he turns toward the group.
You have my thanks, as well. You helped me when I was weak. I will pay back my debt one day, but for now, I believe we have an ogre lair to investigate?
He retrieves his meager belongings and makes ready, after thanking Manton for yet another exquisite breakfast, and packing some food for the trip.
Nia'Nikta had not asked what amount he wanted but when he answer she nodded. "Thank you for your candor. It is a bit refreshing." Pulling a small pouch off of her belt she looked in it and pulled out a few coins and then handed him the pouch. Within was 70 gold. "Take this donation with my best wishes. Shall we meet here in the morning. I am sure my group would be more than happy to make your acquaintance. Maybe we can speak of my second request in the morning."
Smiles brightly at him. "Actually, I was mostly looking for a stables for my companions. I was going to go about arranging horses for them to rent or borrow for our travels. I am unsure curing Reiko will still waver Auric in his quest to go to Deep Burrow and it had been talked about getting horses but no one actually bothered to ask. Which is why I was. Is their anyone you know that would loan us their horses?"
Nia'Nikta felt her heart pound slightly in excitement. "May I ask who your father is? And why he could not continue on as he had." She would look at her smiling.
Nia'Nikta would sit back away from the group and then shakes her head at Auric's request. Standing she moved closer.
"Good Priest. My companion is asking you for a protection circle but not stating what it is he is wanting to bind. Since it has not been identified we are not even sure if such magics will work." She looked at Auric. "I would not want your safety jeopardized because you did not have all the facts before attempting such things. Such, Artifacts, as I am want to believe this may be require special handling. Especially since it has a will of its own and so far has not been treated with much respect." Her voice was low enough only those gathered could hear.
I'm sorry - you'd have to ask around. There are some smaller farms close by, at least.
My father - the father of the Sisters - was Ulorimas, the sea titan of old. He was neutral in the war, but sided with the gods, in his heart. He did do some small acts in their favor. Do you know of him?
Sensing your excitement, Alyra cocks her head in thought.
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That said, he was an elder titan. After the titanswar, titans were stripped of their power to a great extent, and the gods used that to bolster theirs. Only the eldest of the titans could resist that. You aren't sure what happened to him in particular, but he was a casualty of the Titanswar.
"I do not know much of him. I know he was an Elder Titan and a casualty of the Titan's war. I actually came here to learn more about Titans. I found our archive very lacking and have been trying to learn more. Can you tell me about him? What was he like? What he looked like?" She blushed slightly. "I am sorry if I am to forward about this but I have always been a seeker of knowledge and the titan's fascinate me the most."
'She is a Titan's daughter. Maybe not in blood as we know it but he created her. She could be a Titan's child. If there is more than just traditional birth possible for the reference this could be.......complicated to figure out what it was my parents were talking about.'
I didn't know him long before the blindness struck and I got the powers, but I can still remember. He was very pale, almost white, and tinged with aqua. His hair was greenish, and reminded me of seaweed. He was slender, for a titan, and more of a scholar than most - but that is second-hand knowledge more than anything. The elder titans were all gone, after the war, and I was created at the end of it.
Alyra is talking ancient history, literally . First-hand.
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That morning, talking to Auric after restoring Reiko's vision.
I can create a ward against evil, but it loses its potency very quickly, I'm afraid. It's an incredibly strong barrier up to that point, and I actually have it in memory, right now, because of what I'd heard - but it only affects one person. There is a greater spell that affects an area, but that is beyond my humble abilities. It wouldn't last, either.
The priest looks apologetic, holding his hands out, face up in a gesture of humility.
"Thank you anyways," Auric says reassuringly to the priest, "I knew it was fairly unlikely when I asked." Then, turning his attention back to his new companions, he adds, "With Reiko's sight restored I think we could probably head to the ogre's lair this morning, if that's still the plan?"
Reiko finishes packing his food, and turns to Auric.
Yes, I believe that would be the best idea. We should attack with as much daylight as we can. I would not want to do battle with the brutes at night.
The sleeves of his travel coat are pulled down to his wrists, today, when they are usually rolled up.
Antonio pauses packing supplies for the trip. He put his foot up on the hitching post and nodded at Auric and Reiko.
"Aye, I concur. We have to make sure and do it quickly."
He looked off into the distance.
"There are other things we have to look into, perhaps far more dangerous and this is just distracting us."
Antonio goes out and herds the expedition members together at the Giant's Mug. He hands out the Tabards to the new members making them official Lakeroot Sherrif's Deputies.
"Now, raise your right hands. I forget the words, but you better say 'I Do.'"
Antonio grinned as he swung his crossbow up onto his shoulder.
"Yep, we're hitting the ogres. Let's go!"
He leads everybody out of town and up the road.