Pip perks right back up with a couple of lovetaps from Raf's wand. "Thanks, bud!" He quickly joins the others at Dern's side, though he was a little disappointed that Dern didn't really shed any light on the matter.
With a frown not befitting of the happy go lucky gnome, he simply says, "We'll set things right, Dern. Don't you worry. And there will be a song worthy of legend after it's all over."
Dern's words pique Zinthar's curiosity about the enchanted blade, so with another casting he focuses his attention on the weapon in an attempt to learn more.
It was common knowledge that warriors and their tolls often held a special bond. The barbarian with his massive weapon, the fencer with their rapier, and even the rogue and his dagger, but to those who either had the magical talent or fortuitous opportunity, some came into possession of a weapon with a soul.
To the non believers, some weapons are classified as intelligent. Through some high level magic, any weapon from the lowly dagger to the eathbreaker could contain a sentient or even semi sentient being inside that would grant the bearer special abilities if they met their circumstances.
After seeing both Captain Andoran's and Galoria's reactions, you're quite certain that Dern's holy scimitar was indeed the real thing.
As the party bid their farewells to , the group had bound for the crisp early evening within . The sun began its farewell by covering the land in a rich golden yellow.
Even fewer people milled about, as shutters closed and an eerie silence draped over the population. Continuing back onto the main road, the party was about to leave the town when a pair of familiar voices hailed them - .
"You wouldn't think to forget about us, huh?" said Cris as he approached the group. His sister followed closely. "If you're bound for , we'll follow."
The group replied to the siblings and bound for .
- - - -
By the time the party had made it to , the sun had fully set and a cool crisp evening awaited them. At nighttime, seemed like a twinkling harborside town whereby raucous laughter from nearby taverns could be heard, families ushering their children to bed, and guardsmen whistling as they made their rounds - a stark contrast to that of .
With everyone's priorities in order, the told the party they will meet them during daybreak and had went to find lodging elsewhere. Meanwhile, everyone else had meandered to the .
Passing through a familiar door, a different person had awaited them - an elderly woman who had busied herself with crocheting a multicolored scarf.
"Ah! You must be the lot that good ole had foretold of! I'm afraid that he and stepped out for a bit, but they've acquired rooms for you to use. They're upstairs, the last door on the left." Before losing herself in her work once more, she added, "Oh, and wants to meet at the parlor over yonder, first thing in the morning. I'll be sure to have a hearty breakfast ready" she said while pointing a finger to the large room nearby.
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Stephen stops the first guard the group sees. "Guardsman, there have been some murders at Hope's Hollow and Taergan Flinn's house here in Cassomir. Someone needs to be sent to secure the victims and an investigation should be launched. Hope's Hollow doesn't seem to have any sort of police force at the moment. And...bring a priest. You're gonna need a priest."
Galoria didn't mind the company on the way back, but the plans laid around their actions - actions which would have been difficult to predict - bothered her. Too many pairs of eyes and ears lay on us. "They do? My thanks for disclosing that. Did they mention what their convention was for?" Galoria's inquiry of the elderly woman would hopefully yield some insight into this coincidental happening.
Upon seeing Regine and Cris again, Rafaello is quick with a smile- and a handshake for each. After the horrors that had occured at Mother's Care, he was relieved to see the pair of them, as they reminded him of a success, something that was beginning to feel decidedly uncommon. Happy to see the siblings again, especially not at one anothers' throats, he chats with them as they walk, inquiring as to whether or not they had found their mutual lover.
Rafaello hopes that the news of the Golden Watch's meeting in the morning can be trusted, and upon arriving in his room, promptly collapses into the bed without bothering to undress. His glaive clatters noisily onto the floor, and the priest cannot be bothered to pick it up.
The guard looks at you inquisitively, and proceeds to write down your request.
"Afraid I can't do anything at the moment, however, I'll pass this along to the Captain. Thank you for your notice, citizen." he said while giving a curt nod and continuing his rounds.
- - - -
Everyone proceeds to their bunks (eventually) and rest after a weary day.
In my games, when players level up, they get back whatever lost HP they had.
Also, if it wasn't stated before, hp for level advancement follows the following formula:
average + 1 + con + favored class (if selected)
- - -
That following morning, (whomever awakens first) finds they are greeted by the innkeeper they met the previous day, Gerald, who hails you.
"I'm afraid the had left in haste this morning. wanted me to pass this along."
Having performed his morning prayers and grooming, Rafaello descends and meets with the innkeeper. Regarding the letter, he murmurs: "...Hm. Well, hopefully they'll wait for us to arrive before doing anything foolish..."
Upon the arrival of the rest of the party, he greets them warmly and gestures to the note. "I have prepared a few different spells today, in light of what we've learned about our enemies. Hopefully we enter today's inevitable battles with a bit more of Shelyn's luck on our side."
Refreshed from a solid night's sleep, Zinthar finds the bright morning inspiring him with ideas for how to better show his value to the group the next time they find themselves in battle. Plans and ideas will have to wait, it seems, as the group gets a new set of directives from their mysterious benefactors and hosts.
Disappointed that it seems they have no time for idle experimentation, the wizard makes sure to get close to Galoria during the preparations.
"Ka asmens ir diezgan īpašs.Reta dāvana patiešām. Es mīlu šo iespēju tālāk studēt to ...... viņai ....... kad mums ir vairāk laika."
Pipernortin rises early and gets shovels his breakfast down as quickly as possible. He'd had a bout of inspiration in the night - and not the kind that came in song! And especially not the kind where he was naked. Those were horrible, horrible inspirations.
He heads for the door with a tip of his oversized and extremely colorful hat. "I'll meet you guys in a bit. I've got a quick errand to run. I know a guy who knows a guy, so it should just be a run down and around the corner. Don't worry, I'll find you!"
Galoria looked at the note in distaste. "Something seems amiss here - too much rushing about." She nodded at the priest's wise decision. "It's times like these I might wish I'd graced the pew more. Hopefully with that scimitar I'll be marginally less useless." It was clear her ineffectiveness besmirched her opinion of herself in the previous encounters. Galoria didn't enjoy combat, but she did enjoy thinking of herself as effective when the hour called for it.
Galoria looked at the note in distaste. "Something seems amiss here - too much rushing about." She nodded at the priest's wise decision. "It's times like these I might wish I'd graced the pew more. Hopefully with that scimitar I'll be marginally less useless." It was clear her ineffectiveness besmirched her opinion of herself in the previous encounters. Galoria didn't enjoy combat, but she did enjoy thinking of herself as effective when the hour called for it.
"That's unfortunate my dear. But hopefully, these may help you." said Gerald as stood up and fished for a bag in the private room behind the counter.
He struggled to lift its contents, but managed to place the sack upon the counter.
" and were kind of to leave this for you. Hopefully they'll assist you in whatever endeavors may transpire."
:
10 x ornate golden and silver entwined arrows
1 x marble scroll case with a decorative sigil
3 x brightly colored potions
Seeing the contents of the bag, Zinthar raises an eyebrow in a silent request for permission, and when no objections are made he casts a spell and begins examining each item.
Rafaello hangs over Zinthar's shoulder as he examines the items, intent on helping however he can.
Between the combined powers of the Cleric and the Wizard, they were able to discern that the items the Golden Watch had left behind were not children's toys, but tools that can very well aid them on their journey.
10 x ornate golden and silver entwined arrows were actually
1 x marble scroll case with a decorative sigil contained a powerful spell -
3 x brightly colored potions were actually
- - - -
"My, these must be worth a fortune. How generous..."
Her full lips turn into a smile. "If you wanted to play, I might be willing to share."
The question posed by Rogerson keeps her gaze firmly on the answerer though.
The wizard nods his head. "Yes, these arrows should prove extra potent against vile things from beyond, like the creatures we faced yesterday. The enchantment will help them cut the demons deeper than a normal arrow could. Which is a good thing since, as we saw, creatures like these are difficult to wound."
Zinthar gives a slight glance to the quiver at his side. "Potent enough that even a poor archer like me who only draws his bow as a last resort could put them to good use. I have spells to keep my quiver ever-full but the power of these arrows is beyond duplicating....better they all stay with warriors who can truly make our enemies suffer."
"Unless there are objections, I'd like to carry one of the healing potions? Things got a little to close for comfort last battle, and I would much rather remain useful than be forced to retreat again."
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Stephen taps Galoria's new scimitar with one of the fancy arrows. "Not quite the implements of play I prefer, miss Ginodesa, but your beauty makes a compelling argument to try new things." He winks at her with a quick smile. "What made them think of evil outsiders? There must be something they didn't tell us."
Rafaello watches amusedly as Stephen gets his flirt on. As a servant of Shelyn, he can't help but hope something might blossom between the two.
With the party's directions decided, several have set out to the local markets.
As it so happens, there is no other shop in Cassomir that you can't find magic items than Brother Zaganos'.
Located near the gate that lead towards Hope's Hollow, there was a meager building adorned with ivy, leaves, and a small sign that blew in the breeze.
The shop is owned by a druid named Brother Zaganos, who happened to keep a healthy stock of prepared divine spells and imported arcane spell items.
After Rafaello and Zinthar had completed their shopping spree, they had returned to the others who had been finishing their breakfast at the Swordpoint In. It was there that upon gathering their belongings and setting out once again, something had stopped their progress outside of the establishment.
Before them stood a congregation of townsfolk of varying wealth and status - shopkeepers, nobles, commoners, and even guards. And at the forefront stood a squat fellow with a purple petticoat and gilded slacks. His appearance spoke of wealth and power.
Clearing his throat, he gave a slight nod, and smiled greatly before starting a speech.
"Adventurers, I am , and for far too long I have seen the slow decay of this mighty city and its neighboring establishments. People have been talking about what you’re doing here in the city—slaying ghosts and rescuing people. We need more folks like you! In fact, we have a few of finest missing in the woods up north. When you’re finished with the work you’re doing now, I’d like you to go after . The druids are concerned for them, which worries us. And of course, good people going missing isn’t something we can let stand. , I can promise to make your stay here in the city a memorable one."
At this point, much of the crowd had nodded in agreement. Some mothers had held on to their children and men clasped their hands together for what seemed like they wanted to join the venture.
“There’s more, too. People talk of demons and dark cults, saying it’s been going under our noses for a while. , an expert tracker, says she . If you find that fiend before you’re through, I’ll reward you a . Now there might be more I don’t know about, but I’ll give you another .
An aid who stood among the crowd joined the Governor, and began writing down requests.
“These plots have thrown lives into disarray. If you can get any sort of record of who’s been affected, let us know so we can sort through it and learn who needs justice and who needs mercy. We’ll make it known that the people of are not to be toyed with. Let them play their games in ”
As soon as the Governor finished his speech, a large applause filled the street, and much of the populace looked upon the adventurers with hope and wonder.
Pip walks up with his dogs in tow just as the Governor begins his speech. He stands to side, unsure of whether or not it was an attempt at praise or condemnation.
Whatever it was, he certainly could have used training at the Rhapsodic College. He was a fine politician, but there were so many ways to improve upon that speech! He didn't so much as flourish his garment once, nor have a musical accompaniment. A waste!
While the crowd applauds, he sidles his way in with the others. His short stature proves useful as he creeps in and behind the rest of his giant-sized companions.
"I found some stuff! What did I miss? What's he going on about- are we in trouble? If we are, I've never met you guys. No offense."
"None taken, father - Governor Bozbeyli has been generous enough to offer us additional venues of income." Galoria liked the glow of gold, but the spotlight on her was disliked. Most of her work was done in the shadows or in the wilds - and the latter I can return to with these requests.
"I'm no druid myself, but the folk of the world are a bunch that have never crossed me. If they are concerned, I believe their worry."
"Goodness... this certainly has escalated quickly, has it not?" Rafaello tugs anxiously at the collar of his robe. "Regardless, whether we wished it or not, it seems we have the attention of all Cassomir now. And while I'm certainly not above accepting pay for life-threatening work, especially what with the good probability that I have a child on the way, I can't help but approach all this with a shred of trepidation..."
Rafaello glances about nervously at his companions. "Well... we've a great deal on our plates already, but... If we were to keep an eye out for these missing rangers or this cloak-stealing fiend while we're out and about, no harm could come of it."
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"I would gladly help them, we'll be in the forest anyways. The rangers could provide us with useful information and fiends are...well, fiends." Stephen doesn't know what fiends are but they don't sound very nice.
Stephen approaches the mayor. "There's a certain need for haste on our current mission, but your rangers may also need our help now. Is there anything your people can do to speed my groups efforts along?"
Galoria raises an eyebrow at Rafaello's mention of a child. "Good probability, hmm? You Shelynites always have a story or three when love is involved..."
Pipernortin gasps. "Raf! I had no idea you were pregnant! How does that even happen?!" Without missing a beat, he turns to Galoria and puts on his best 'angry' face. (It does not look particularly angry.) "And stop calling me dad! After that whole fiasco at Mother's Care, I plan on staying young for a loooooong time."
The entire situation with the Governor is strange to Zinthar. The elven mage has been part of quite a few groups over the years but his typical role is arcane artillery, not hero or savior. It is not a position he ever thought to find himself and he wonders what it might mean for his future, and more importantly what he might learn from it.
He leans over to speak in Raf's ear. "No reason not to help if we can....but your mission for your benefactors comes first, yes? Good news is, it sounds like both tasks lie upon the same road.."
Rafaello laughs off Pip's joke- it was a joke, right?- and grins. "Yes, well, all signs did seem to be pointing toward such good luck when I departed for Cassomir and an audience with the Golden Watch. We shall see, I suppose." Then, turning to Galoria, he winks and adds: "And yes, there are, perhaps, some benefits to being one of the Eternal Rose's stock. We do tend to garner certain blessings when it comes to... love-related matters."
After Zinthar whispers in his ear, Rafaello nods. "Indeed, and that is why I have no quarrel with this new 'mission' of sorts. With Shelyn's luck, we will bump into the rangers or this swiper of cloaks without having to go too far off course."
"Surely. I have a hunch whatever obstacle they encountered might rear its head for us. Two birds, one stone I say."
"And there you have it folks! These folks are legends in the making and we're blessed to have them!" The Governor spared no expense to make himself feel important within the presence of the adventurers and his citizens. Catching the gaze of a hen pecked youth and wrapping a pudgy arm around him, the Governor smiled. "My boy, I can remember in my youth, something very similar. A cruel bandit lord and his wicked men had tried to assault our family's merchant train from but lo, we where saved by a group of adventurers very much like this. Take note lad, today, marks history! Who knows, you might join their ranks one day!" said the Governor with a hearty laugh.
Calling a scribe to his side, he took note of each of the heroes and shook their hand.
"Surely we would be most gracious and accepting of your help. Though, we wouldn't want to burden you, no?" As if on cue, the crowd started to make helpless noises to rouse the heroes. Knowing full well that his public guilt trip had some effect, he ordered the crowd to part and give way to the heroes who would advance. Several young women fawned at Captain Andoran and others tried to caress Pip's dogs.
Surely, this would become a fine day for .
As if by procession, the crowd had trickled to the easternmost gate and sent off the heroes with cheers and fanfare.
- - - -
.
The heroes had left the confines of the harbor city and are very well on their way towards the where await them against the horrors that had plagued .
The road had gone quite silent once was longer within sight and it became clear that a wall of green stood in every direction. About an hour's worth of traveling, the road started to thin into a path that lead continued as far as the eye can see.
Galoria takes one last look upon the city behind them. "Well, that was a pleasant visit." Though she tried to downplay the events, it was clear there was a touch of pride the city's leader struck in her. "We're headed into the woods, so mind your leavings; I'll do the best to keep our path private."
: Though much of the Verduran Forest is a massive expanse of wilderness, you're leading the team through what seems to be a well traveled road from Cassomir. You know that there has to be an outpost, hamlet, or stopping point at the end of this path because of the rangers. In regards to landmarks, the mighty Sellen River lies to the west giving you a constant marker.
:There are dark clouds coming from the east, potentially a rainstorm or similar within several days time. You're unsure if the path that the team is taking will encounter the brunt of the storm, but you're quite certain that its a possibility.
The adventurers continue on their path with a goal set - to help the Golden Watch
Some time passes
Having walked several miles, the heroes come upon what looked like a small town. Several hovels composed of cracked, darkened wood barely stand erect. From the distance, it seemed like no people were wandering about.
"Ah, another hollowed-out hovel. Cassomir seems to have quite a few of these around, does it not? Perhaps we'll have a bit more luck here than in Hope's Hollow..." Having said this, he begins helping Stephen look around the area.
"Looks like we're in for a bit of rain - it'll be good for the plants." Galoria doesn't seemed phased by the development, stating it more matter-of-factly instead of with caution.
*******
"Yes, let's hope these people didn't have quite as otherworldly a reason to leave as the previous residents."
She gave a quick reconnoiter around as well.
"All these failing villages... Can't help but look to ol' Andoran over there. I typically stay out of politics, but Cassomir isn't doing so hot!" He looks over his shoulder, as though an agent of the crown was already out to get him. Pipernortin had been kicked out of one nation for a minor political infraction - he really didn't need to add another to that list.
As they approached, the gnome joined the others in keeping an eye out for trouble. Still, he felt like he might have heard a rumor or two about a place to the north of Cassomir...
: You recalled in passing that it was common for trackers / hunters / woodsmen to establish small outposts within the wilderness. After all, they needed a place to prepare their meals, maintain their tools, and rest when the environment was too harsh.
: As you approached the small outcropping of houses, it became quite clear that the place was devoid of any life. Only the sound of a swinging post clattering against a ramshackle building catches your interest.
: The settlement that stood before you seemed more like a stopping point for travelers. Perhaps, this was Craggenmoor, a small Talden hamlet known for its merry folks, huckleberry cobbler and fur trapping. Rumor has it that no one has been able to beat Old Man Tickback's record of eating 13 cobblers in one session, however many have tried. Aside from that, you knew that this was a favorite of Rangers stopping in to make quick trades and gain a taste of home cooking within the wilderness.
: After recalling this fact, you were saddened at the lack of sweet smelling dessert and jovial citizens. Infact, this place betrayed any idea of what you thought Craggenmoor purported to be. Perhaps there were preserved cobblers waiting there?
: After feeling embarrassment from how horrible the fight at Hope's Hollow, you strove to keep your resolve and make up in any way possible. Using your honed senses, you scoured the dilapidated village and found that no dangers lurked there.
The outcropping of ruins stood from the road like grave markers, a collection of abandoned buildings. Instead of awe stricken citizens, the party was greeted with a silent outpost. While meandering through the settlement, several things had stood out. A disused campsite lied towards the center of the town, a sign barely hung to the largest of buildings bore the following letters CRAGG- and a trio of signs: 2 pointing north bearing BRIDGE OVER TWISTING GORGE and SERENE POOL and one to the west that reads, Three Cliffs Road.