Dakkar looks up from his test results with a stoic look on his face "Blackscour. Also known as black lung. It comes from unclean water, but not usually this rampant. Can you show me to your well, or wherever you get your water from" ? He inquires with a serious look in his eye "I know a few herbs and some enchantments that might be able to purify the source. I have to get to Laurel as well. Maybe two heads will figure out what my one block head can't"
"Lumber eh? Oh what fun things I can do, but no to soon to burn this town down." Orderic walks down an ally and puts his mask on, adjusts his red cap and smile to himself. Singing Come out come out were ever you are Mr Payden"
slips in to the shadows to begin his search for Pay-Day.Stealth Check 1d20+6
Orderic slipped through the shadows of the dockyard as quietly as a mouse, allowing himself a smile at being in the hunt once again.
A slight noise caught his attention and he angled towards it. Two men stood in the alleys shadows, one wrapped in layers of tattered robes and with wide-set eyes in a narrow face overpowered by a large nose and the other broad-shouldered and tall in half-armor of boiled leather, a sword hilt wrapped in his hand.
"A good batch of fools on the ferry today. Talk of the pox has them in the buying mood. I moved seventeen with consideration of at least four more who convince themselves in their dreams overnight as seek me at the dawn." The robes man tossed a pouch to the armored swordsman. "That's Pay-Day's cut, every coin accounted for."
The soldier smiled, showing a gap where his two front teeth had once stood and tucked the purse out of sight. You're a good earner, Marigus. The Boss will be very pleased. I've heard tales Laurel is making progress towards a cure. If she does that, this scheme of yours is so much air and empty hands."
THe one named Marigus waved his hands in the ir as if the wsrning held no weight. "If the priest can't cure it, what hope does an apothecary have? I don't see any heroes coming to the rescue, Brego...Do you?" The pair laughed and moved off in opposite directions, Brego whistled a merry tune as he went as if he hadn't a care in the world.
If the seriousness of Dakar's words had an impact on the young wizard there was no outward sign. Though he did move across the room and took up the glass of water he had given the half-orc from where it was sitting and threw the contents out the window.
"The dirty water made mother sick." Emrys stared into space as Arthur darted out of a shadow and scrambled up his leg. "We should get you to Laurel then, and you can get medicine for mother."
Orderic takes a small peace of parchment and writes 'Here is your Share, Marugus." and places it in a pouch containing some caltrops. Then follows Brego. Staggering as if he was drunk, Orderic bumps into him Slight of Hand and attempts to swap the two pouches.
HIC!, sury ufficer, hic, I only had a weeeeeek nip of the good stiff to help with me cough Then continues down the next ally.
Brego draws back a pace, "Someone drunk should at least smell the part, friend. And not wear a mask. Kind of makes you stand out."
The warriors hand darts into his doublet and pulls out the pouch, cursing as the caltrops peirce his gloves. "Insult AND injury. Not very smart but the lift was well done, I'll grant you that. I haven't hurt anyone all day and it looks lime you've drawn the short straw."
The warriors sword rasps from its scabbard. He smiles, showing the gap in his teeth. "Your move, friend."
laughing "Ah yes the mask. I always forget about the mask. Would you believe I am just a humble plague doctor here to help cure the people of this town?"
tumbling behind Brego Acrobatics Check Rapier Drawn.
"Now do you really want to dance or do you want to go home and nurse your girlfriend there." pointing to his hand.
Brego laughed and turned to square himself with Orderic again.
"Fast of foot as well as hand, but with far too much bravado compared to brains. I'll have the true purse before we part."
The swordsman beckoned with his free hand for Orderic to toss it over.
"A man with your talents will starve in Falcon's Hollow on what we've left you to steal. You should work for us instead. Stop the herbalist Laurel from getting a cure for the Black Cough and see yourself well rewarded in coin."
"What say you, my masked friend? Or must we spill blood to see the matter settled?"
chuckles "Well enough brains to figure out your long con after only a couple of hours in this hollow. I do however like your offer for employment, so I think I will keep this pouch as an advance on my first payment. Unless you feel lucky?"
Orderic then flips the rapier in the air, does a standing backflip and attempts to catch the rapier
Brego's smile falls from his face. "You got the moves. There ain't no denyin' it, friend but I can't do it. That money belongs to Pay-Day. It ain't mine to give away and from where I'm standing you ain't done but jack and squat. No one steals from the Boss, and that means nobody."
He took a deep breath and then bellowed, "Guards! Thief!" , his sword slashing through the air as he came.
Round 1 Initative
Round 1 Initative Order
Brego’s sword flashed in a lethal arc towards Orderic’s neck. The rogue leapt backwards, the steel tip of the sword sweeping by, missing. The rogue thrust forward, only to have Brego turn the point aside with the steel of the bracer that gripped the warrior’s his left arm. Steel rasped on steel in the alleyway and the warrior grunted as the rapier drew first blood.
“A nice attempt, Mask, but the sword is only for show.”
Orderic fought for space for another thrust, his rapier flashing and dancing through the air to force the warrior back. “What do you mean only for show? “ Brego’s fist came out of nowhere, whistling by with bone-crushing force.
Round 1 Recap: Orderic drew first blood but Brego suddenly revealed himself to be a skilled brawler as well as swordsman.
Balder stepped awkwardly as the unconscious man scrapped the ground.A small cloud of dust choked him as he righted himself and the man. ugh deadweight this one is, not long even with a healers help I'd guess
So Jak, i was going to ask you about a comfy stay and meal for a night of livening up your place with some majestic song.
Balder held back vomit as black drool dripped out of the dying mans mouth.
But it appears song is the least of this towns problems. Sickness and a lack of gold. Care to share on either part? Any means a man such as myself can help out?
Round 2 Initative Order
Brego’s clenched his fingers into a fist and watched blood drip from between his fingers for a moment before raising his eyes to lock his gaze with Orderic. Furious, the brawler came at the acrobat in a rush of steel and smashing fists. “You’ll pay for that with a world of pain. Friend.”
Orderic held him off as best he could, skillful parries driving the sword out wide. BOOM A crashing fist hammered in, snapping his head back.
Round 2 Recap: Brego pours it on, sneaking a fist through Orderic's defenses.
Balder stepped awkwardly as the unconscious man scrapped the ground.A small cloud of dust choked him as he righted himself and the man. ugh deadweight this one is, not long even with a healers help I'd guess
So Jak, i was going to ask you about a comfy stay and meal for a night of livening up your place with some majestic song.
Balder held back vomit as black drool dripped out of the dying mans mouth.
But it appears song is the least of this towns problems. Sickness and a lack of gold. Care to share on either part? Any means a man such as myself can help out?
Jak grunted as he lifted the fallen man's bulk from the taproom floor. "Bad timing indeed. Laurel is the key to this whole mess. If you want to be of service, give her any aid that is within your power to give or flee before you suffer the touch of the plague that walks among us."
Back Flip 5' back (biting his inside lip to draw blood)
Acrobatics
Spitting the Blood to the ground
Fine, Fine you got me. I give up. here is your coin purse."
Feint in Combat:
drops a small pouch to the ground "Here is hopping he does not realize it is another bag of caltrops
Jak grunted as he lifted the fallen man's bulk from the taproom floor. "Bad timing indeed. Laurel is the key to this whole mess. If you want to be of service, give her any aid that is within your power to give or flee before you suffer the touch of the plague that walks among us."
Well then, lets get this man over to this healer then before he dies at our feet.
Balder, come on now. helping the locals again? with little chance of profit? your getting soft in your older years.Balder smiled as he hoisted the man carefully over his shoulder.
Who knows maybe someone here has money and they'll be thankful this man isn't dead.
Right then Jak, show me to this Laurel
DM:
Bluff
Sense Motive
Brego snorted. "Hurts, don't it?"
Orderic spat blood on the ground. "Fine, Fine you got me. I give up. Here is your coin purse."
Sense Motive
DM:
Brego smiled. "The same trick again? No wonder you wear a mask. I'd be embarrassed to show my face too."
He raised his sword and beckoned Orderic forward. "Let's finish this."
Chuckles "Ah, but there is something you do not know. I am not right handed. I did not want to embarrass you in from of your girlfriend.
moves his rapier to his left hand. Then give a great bow.
Slight of Hand to palm his dagger while bowing.
"Lets dance, but do watch your hand there. You do not want to damage it too much if you plan on getting lucky this evening."
Plan on using the dagger to cut his belt hoping to make his pants fall down.
Chern holds the door open for the others with one hand, while holding his sleeve over his face with the other.
Emrys returned to his room and gathered the carefully packed bag from the end of the bed. He walked back to his mother’s room and stood in front of her. Eyes staring into space he raised his hand up, his fingers spread wide apart.
His mother smiled and raised her hand in a mirror of her son’s gesture. The two pressed their thumb and fingertips together for a moment. Eric leaned over to Hakkar and whispered to him, ”He doesn’t like to be touched, this is what he’s comfortable with. You wouldn’t know it to look at them, but this is how he shows love or trust.”
Emrys turned to Hakkar ”It’s time to go get medicine. Mother is sick.” Emrys walked to the front door before he paused, and looked back over his shoulder. Hakkar turned to look to see what had given the young wizard pause and saw the weasel perched on Emric’s shoulder, staring back at Emrys.
Emrys walked forward and looked at the weasel for a long moment. Then silently raised his hand in front of his father, just as he had with his mother. The older version of Emrys raised his hand to touch fingertips with his son, and Arthur leapt from the older man’s shoulder to the younger.
Emrys turned and walked out of his parent’s house.
Round 3 Initiative Order
Round 3 Recap: Brego readies an action for an attack that never comes while Orderic tries and fails to pull the wool over the warriors eyes.
Round 4 Initiative Order
Brego's eyes follow the rapier, missing the swift concealment of the knife. "Luck has nothing to do with it!" He moved forward, sword leading.
Orderic say the punch coming and accepted it to get inside Brego's guard. His dagger flashed, parting leather.
Weakened, Brego's belt sagged, his trousers slithering to mid-thigh.
Round 4 Recap: Brego punishes Orderic with another stiff right, never noticing the knife in the rogues hands until it is too late and his belt is slashed, tangling his legs in his slipping trousers.
Hey there buddy keep you pants on. Save it till you get back home
Quickly spinning around Brego as he stumbles forward. dropping the dagger and switching back to the rapier.
maybe i should leave you two alone?
lifts the hilt of the rapier to cold cock him in the back of the head
Balder Crimsonsong, Emrys, Dakkar Mudwater
Roots and Remedies
Creeping ivy and full window boxes cover the façade of the rugged-looking, two-story shop bearing the faded sign “Roots and Remedies.” A
line of twenty-some somber townsfolk — some with pale, wheezing children, others seeming to be precipitously near tears — stretched from the open door.
As Dakkar and Emrys arrived, they saw the musician from the caravan laboring with a rotund red-haired fellow to carry the unconscious form of a man towards the store front and the back of the line.
A young mother exited the shop with her arm around the shoulders of her teenage son, a packet of precious medicine clutched to he chest. A rail-thin woman with severe-looking spectacles and hair pulled back into an orderly bun stepped out beside her and patted her on the shoulder.
"See that he drinks the mixture every hour until the mass breaks up. If you have sugar in your pantry, add a little to the mixture to cut the bitter. He won't like the taste but it will make him feel better."
The mother fought back tears. "Bless the gods for you, Laurel."
Laurel just nodded and allowed herself a small smile. "Nex-"
Seeing Balder and Jak carrying the unconscious man, she paused. "Quickly, you two! Get him inside." The crowd grumbled, its dark mood darkeing still. Seeing Dakkar in the crowd she nodded, her shoulders lowering in relief. "Muddy, come quick. I need you."
Emrys will maintain the same distance between himself and Dakar as he has had the whole way here. Following in his wake right into the apothecary's shop.
Once inside, the typical words will be repeated, "Mother is sick. She needs medicine." Emrys will take no note of the unconscious man, but will not interrupt what the others are doing to help him.
Round 5 Initiative Order
Brego's free hand clutched at his falling trousers, slowing his attempts to bring his sword to bear. Orderic hurtled forward, somersaulting behind the warrior before he could react. The dagger clattered to the cobbles as the hilt of his rapier thunked into ther sweet spot behind Brego's ear, sending the warrior to the ground, asleep before he hit.
Round 5 Recap: Orderic's unorthodox strategy bore fruit as he was able to outmaneuver Brego and drop him with a perfectly placed knock out blow with the hilt of his rapier.
Loot: Brego's assorted pouches hold 3 gold, 71 silver, and 18 copper pieces. Orderic recovers his dagger and bags of caltrops as well.
"now I cannot leave you leaving on one ground like this."
Orderic hums a little toon as he props Brego up agains the wall. He makes sure his pants are around his ankles, and places he hand down he underpants. The other hand grabbing his chest.
ah he is not going to be happy with me when he wakes up so I better take this sword as well. Might be able to get a few coppers for it somewhere.
Slipping in to the shadows stealth check
Once a few blocks away he removes his mask and starts searching for a pawn shop in this little town.
Chern holds the door open for the others with one hand, while holding his sleeve over his face with the other.
The last of Jak'a'Napes patrons filed past and Serena locked the front door.
"Sorry about all that. Jak sometimes still thinks he's an adventurer, reliving his glory days of derring - do. Saving the drunkard in distress and all that. These days the only battles he has are with the breakfast dishes and the only tales are those of travelers that stop in for a pint."
She walked off, leaving Chern alone for the moment.
What to do? What to do?
Dakkar rushed forward, pulling a bandana from his pocket and tying it over his nose and mouth as he went. "what is this Laurel"? he grunted as he helped lever the man onto the table "It looks like blackscourge but it sure as heck ain't"
Balder Crimsonsong, Emrys, Dakkar Mudwater
Roots and Remedies
Laurel shook her head. "It's losely related, to be sure, but it is different. I've taken to calling it blackscour."
What is blackscour?
What is blackscour taint?
How many townsfolk have blackscour taint?
Is there any cure?
There’s another medicine?
What’s in this medicine?
Do you know where we could find these ingredients?
“The rat’s tail and mushrooms are even longer shots. Way north, toward the mountains, people say there used to live a bunch of dwarves. They’re not there anymore, but I’d bet their forges are. If you can find ironbloom anywhere around here, that’d be your best bet.
“As for the rat’s tail, who knows? Well. Actually. Ulizmila, the witch that lives deep in the woods might. She’s a crafty, mean
thing that knows all sorts of strangeness. She might even have one. I don’t know what she might want for it, but I doubt it’d come
cheap. My grandmother traded her sight to the old crone for a few pages of what she knew, and that was years and years back, and I don’t know a soul who got any nicer as they got older.”
Dakkar admitted he had no idea where to find any of the three ingredients. Laurel nodded. "I'm not even sure all of them are real. There is a Consortium lumber camp in the east. Seek out a woodsman there named Milon Rhoddam, he's forgotten more about the forest than we'll ever know."
How much time do we have to get the ingredients?
"I know you've only just gotten back, but I had hoped you'd seek out these ingredients for me. It might be the only hope we have of breaking the hold of the blackscour taint." She turned to Emrys and Balder. "Sorry to ignore you up until now. Muddy and I are old freinds too long parted. You are most welcome here. Jak. Thanks for bringing him in."
Jak shrugged. "See him well is all the thanks I need. He's my best customer. I'll take my leave.....oh, Balder, is it? You do this thing for Laurel and we'll revisit your idea of custom at my inn when you return."
Emrys knows where to find Ulizmilla's Hut and the Eldest Tree from bedtime stories his mother used to tell him but has no idea where the Dwarven Ruins might be.
Balder knows the location of the Eldest Tree and the Dwarven Ruins, which he knows to have once been some sort of monastery. The forest witch Ulizmila is unknown to him. Between Emrys and Balder, you know enough to bypass a journey to the lumber camp unless you wish to travel there.
Walking down street, Orderic comes across a shop called 'Lost Treasures' who's window appears to have trinkets, bobbles, and oddities on display.
Well this looks like a good place to get rid of this blade as any
A small silver bell rings above the door as Orderic enters the shop. Cabinets surround the room revealing their offerings behind glass doors. A long wooden counter blocks the only other exit from this room. The smell of dried wild flowers is attempting to mask the smell of the mustiness that lingers in the air.
"Hello, Is anyone here? I have something I am looking at selling.
An elderly gnome stepped into the room from behind a beaded curtain. "You've certainly come to the right place, good sir." The gnome adjusted the wire-rimmed spectacles perched on his nose and peered at Orderic. "I must apologize. I pride myself in knowing all my customers but your face is new to my eyes. He glanced at the sword in Orderic's hands. Is that the item in question? Let me take a look at it while you sign the register and note the pledge the wares are not stolen and such.....merely a formality required by local law. The Sheriff....I'm sure you understand."
The transaction is swiftly concluded, gaining Orderic another 5 gold peices.
Oh I understand completely, and do not worry it was not technically stolen but liberated from the hands of a would be ruffian who thought he could take my coin purse from me. He lives, but will be sleeping for a while. I figured removing him of said weapon would make the street safer this fine evening.
Orderic signs the register with the name 'Zan Ganassa'
Thank you kindly for the quick transaction. However, allow me to give you the chance to earn your coin back. Do you have any specials on this evening?
Balder watched as the healers looked over the fallen man.
Blackscour eh, hmm. tower? fought the plague with power? no...empower. fought to empower...no...the sickness withered them hour by hour.
Ah! thats it! Balder cleared his throat and brought his award winning smile to bear.
Well, seems me and the young lad here know all there is needed to know! As the people with blackscour are withering hour by hour, seems we should make all haste.
Balder nodded his head in approval to himself Yes that line will do nicley, has a ring to it when said out loud.
Balder watched as the healers looked over the fallen man.
Blackscour eh, hmm. tower? fought the plague with power? no...empower. fought to empower...no...the sickness withered them hour by hour.
Ah! thats it! Balder cleared his throat and brought his award winning smile to bear.
Well, seems me and the young lad here know all there is needed to know! As the people with blackscour are withering hour by hour, seems we should make all haste.
Balder nodded his head in approval to himself Yes that line will do nicley, has a ring to it when said out loud.
Muddy gently placed half a dozen small red berries into Laurel's hand. Each one almost seemed to sparkle in the dim light of the room. "Take these and give em to your worst patients. Won't cure the sickness but it'll bring down they swelling and maybe give em another day" . The normally jovial healer looked at the two who had volunteered to travel with him and frowned. I don't mean no offence, but the woods 'gon treat you boys kinda rough and I don't think I can carry both y'all. We got' have to find my cousin Chern. He good in a forest and a fight. He probably still in the bar". Giving Laurel one last warm smile Muddy moved out the door and hustled towards the nearest tavern hollering at the top of his lungs "OoOoOoOoEeeeEeee... TIME TO GO COUSIN....OOOOoooEeee"!!!
"Mother needs the medicine. I know the old tree and the hut. So we need to go to the tree, and the hut and the ruins for the medicine."
"We shouldn't delay. When people are sick they need medicine."
Emrys "Mother needs the medicine. I know the old tree and the hut. So we need to go to the tree, and the hut and the ruins for the medicine."
Balder Crimsonsong "Well, seems me and the young lad here know all there is needed to know! As the people with blackscour are withering hour by hour, seems we should make all haste."
Dakkar Mudwater I don't mean no offence, but the woods 'gon treat you boys kinda rough and I don't think I can carry both y'all. We got' have to find my cousin Chern. He good in a forest and a fight. He probably still in the bar". Giving Laurel one last warm smile Muddy moved out the door and hustled towards the nearest tavern hollering at the top of his lungs "OoOoOoOoEeeeEeee... TIME TO GO COUSIN....OOOOoooEeee"!!!
Chern leaned against the wall of the inn, pondering what to do next, and then he heard it, the sound unmistakable. "OoOoOoOoEeeeEeee... TIME TO GO COUSIN....OOOOoooEeee"!!!
The call to adventure.
Emmys wait for the arrival of this cousin wordlessly. Staring in the direction of the hut. Ready to move when everyone has gathered. As soon as this cousin arrives though he will remind people that they need to leave to get some medicine. His goal now is to leave immediately.
Knowing his cousin Dakkar was heading there anyway, Chern follows at a discrete distance, to Laurel's.
This town be dyin'. Best grab Dak, and then out to the woods where its safe...
Dakkar, Emrys, and Balder Crimsonsong finally spy Chern walking towards them down the street, leading his mule behind him.
"Cousin."
Dakkar gave him the short version and he nodded. "Right. Cure. Got it. If you've got yer gear, follow me. If not, get it quick and be back here in fifteen minutes. This mule train of one ain't waitin' for anyone."
Chern glanced up at the darkening sky. "We'll be sleeping under the branches of Darkmoon Wood tonight, looks like."
The group moved off in preparation.
Chern, having no further stops to make, waits for the others to make ready.
"heh, you know me cousin. I got my basket and my spear. I'm good to go. You know anything 'bout this Ulizmilla? Name sounds durn familiar, but I just can't place it"
Chern pondered for a moment.
"Nope."
Balder rummaged through his backpack while whistling softly. Right, I'm no woodsy type, but i got something to sleep on and some days worth of dried...something?
Balder gasped as he took out a small worn journal and a ink pen. That's where you've been! thought i lost you back in the run from..
Balder stopped moving for a split second,Cough
Well fellows I'm good to go anytime now.
He touched the tip of the pen to his tongue and started muttering to himself as he scribbled on a clean page.
The sickness of falcons rest,no. The plague of the falcon folk? no. The forest flu? no.The dark scour scourge? hmm...working title
"The noisy man just coughed. He might be sick. He'll need medicine too."
embryos looked around. Everyone seemed to have their gear and was ready to go.
"But stay away from me noisy man. I don't like being sick."
"Noisy man eh?' Balder let out a deep chested laugh.
You are right at that master Emry. I have been told I'm quite loud. Sneaking about is definatley not my forte
Flash's of a dark long forgotten forest passed through Balder's mind.
I hope no one minds a little traveling song? Do you like any particular music master Emrys? Chern? Dakkar? or how about master Arthur?
Oh I understand completely, and do not worry it was not technically stolen but liberated from the hands of a would be ruffian who thought he could take my coin purse from me. He lives, but will be sleeping for a while. I figured removing him of said weapon would make the street safer this fine evening.
Orderic signs the register with the name 'Zan Ganassa'
Thank you kindly for the quick transaction. However, allow me to give you the chance to earn your coin back. Do you have any specials on this evening?
"Specials? Why of course Mr.....Ganassa, specials are our.....speciality." The gname gave a conspiratory wink. "What be your pleasure, Sir?"
- A battered bullseye lantern - 10 gp
- A coffee pot shaped like a troll's head - 3 gp
- A wooden holy symbol of Iomedae - 1 gp
- A small tent with a large patch on one side - 8 gp
- A Vial of Alchemist's Kindness - 1gp
- A small jar of Vermin Repellant - 5 gp
- A small box of good-quality tabacc cigars - 15 gp
Balder Crimsonsong, Chern, Dakkar Mudwater, Emrys
Darkmoon Wood, Day 1, Night
The tightly woven boughs of Darkmoon Wood allow but a tiny gleam of starlight to reach the thickly leaved floor below. For four hours you've marched as the light faded, moving ever northward towards the shores of Darkmoon Lake and the hut of the forest witch, Ulizmilla. At last, the setting sun bathes the forest paths in deep shadow and you made camp.
Dakkar soon had a crackling campfire going, the smoke rising into the night sky, obscuring the stars above. The dancing flames of the fire writhed and snapped, their movements almost mesmerizing. Insects trilled a dozen songs, each striving to outdo each other.
Somewhere nearby, an owl called.
Dakkar spied yellow eyes peering from the underbrush. For a moment, the druid and Darkmoon wolf merely looked at each other, and then the beast turned and vanished into the forest like a ghost. The druid's companions never noticed a thing.