Sure! Maybe we can find out what happened to the rest of my group, while we're at it. I kinda expected 'em to run into us by now . . . .
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As the party heads back up to the surface, BG pulls out the small piece of Noqual the Crowned Skeleton had on him, showing it to Aldhrenhald & Boudacia. "Didn't you guys say that the guy who wanted the map had a piece of this metal much like this? And that his girl was killed by a skeleton? Perhaps it is connected somehow."
"And that priest chick wanted proof of the elimination of this 'Crowned Skull' gang, so his skull should work, right?"
"But I don't recall anyone mentioning a quest to take care of Grulk and his bandits--we getting paid for that one, or was that one just for fun?"
"Yes Brother Guiness, the "priest chick" wanted proof of elimination of the Crowned Skull gang. She is quite important so you might want to get her name and title correct, which I believe is either "priestess chick" or "prioress bimbo". As far as I recall we killed off Grulk and his bandits as an altruistic public service. And it was fun."
The band of adventurers has basically cleared the 2nd level of The Emerald Spire, and is currently debating the possibilities of going back into town or not.
"Great, so in addition to spiders we've done public works. Hooray! So... do we carry on or head back and get our just rewards?" says Sama. She waves one hand airily, conjuring a brief draft of lavender scent on prestidigitation to carry off the sickening smells of the dungeon and its cadavers (and, not incidentally, to remove such awkward scents from the party as well).
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"Great, so in addition to spiders we've done public works. Hooray! So... do we carry on or head back and get our just rewards?" says Sama. She waves one hand airily, conjuring a brief draft of lavender scent on prestidigitation to carry off the sickening smells of the dungeon and its cadavers (and, not incidentally, to remove such awkward scents from the party as well).
Tamlara says nothing, just going along with the group's decision (once it's been reached). While she remains quiet, there is a look of . . . contentment on her face.
As the party heads back up to the surface, BG pulls out the small piece of Noqual the Crowned Skeleton had on him, showing it to Aldhrenhald & Boudacia....Boudacia takes the piece of Noqual and examines it. "Intriguing."
Boudacia then turns to Kairon, saying "Kairon, you kindly mentioned healing the effects of the spider venom. We haven't had much time between combat, but how would you go about this? I still feel weak, nothing too serious, but I am still affected."
Kairon looks at Boudacia's wound briefly and then assures her: I'm pretty sure I can have you sorted out by morning. If you can tough it out till we get to wherever we stop for the night, I'll take care of it then. Sound good to you?
"Well! Since I've got the map, I'll lead I guess." Aldhranhald says, pulling the map from his pack, unrolling it, and then heading back the safest and most expedient way to the surface.
"Come along lords and ladies, perhaps we should spend the night at the Stonde farm again, and let them know we've destroyed a significant portion of the undead threat. I'm sure they would be happy to know."
"That will be fine thank you Kairon. I am just a bit weak, not that I am a physical powerhouse at the best of times. Stopping at the Stonde's farm sounds good to me. Maybe we can buy a bit more of their produce, they lost the man of the house and are struggling."
As BG follows Aldhranhald’s direction up and out of the dungeon, he considers the options...Shorter trip and fresh produce or forced march and fresh Dwarven Stout...
”The Stonde farm sounds like a reasonable fallback plan, but perhaps we can push on to the taver....I mean fort...tonight.”
The party heads back up to the next level & when you reach the exit and see the large glenn surrounding the tower you are reminded of the magical portals to other horrifying dimensions you have all seen open at random across this glenn. You decide to rush as quickly as you can in a straight line for the nearest treeline, which oddly enough is 500 yards in any direction you go.
As luck, or the gods, whichever you each happen to believe in, would have it, you make it safely across the glenn. Though you all saw another portal open some distance away from you, and all you could make out was a landscape like nothing you have ever seen before except for maybe your worst nightmares. It is so horrifying as to be beyond words ...
Once you make it into the woods, you are again reminded of their name, "The Echo Woods", where nothing sounds natural and it seems impossible to determine the direction from which any sound comes from.
You seem to be making it safely through the woods this time. You must make a decision however; take it slow and easy and hope to be allowed to spend another night at the Stonde homestead camping under the stars? Or do a forced, hurried march to try to get back to town before the gates close at sunset?
"I concur Brother Guiness. We can try to force march to town, and maybe not make it, or go to the Stonde farm. I like the idea of paying them for some produce, but I am just kind hearted."
"Yes, I remember this place."
"Yes, I remember this place."
"I'm for pressing on."
"I'm for pressing on."
"Gods, I hate that echo!"
"...."
Gansu looks around uncomfortably.
"Yes, I remember this place."
"Yes, I remember this place."
"I'm for pressing on."
"I'm for pressing on."
"Gods, I hate that echo!"
"...."
Gansu looks around uncomfortably.
If y'all say the vegetables are good, I'll be fine with going to the Stonde farm. Me'n my group just headed in straight from the fort -- meetin' some new folks'd be fine by me! Seems a day for it!
"Obviously, since I am the one who suggested it, I'm in favor of visiting the Stonde family on their quaint, rustic farm." Aldhranhald says, looking to Tamlara and Sama to see if they concur.
"Sure, I'd rather not walk more than I have to," says Sama flippantly.
The party makes it safely to the Stonde homestead about 30 minutes before sunset. Everything appears to be safe as you hear the familiar sounds of the chickens in the yard and goats in their pen. Soon you see a couple of small children running around the corner of the house playing at something or other, until they notice your group. For a brief moment they just stare at you & then suddenly, "MOMMA!!! MOMMA!!!" as loud as they can manage as they streak off back towards the font of the house.
Shortly thereafter you see Ilyana Stonde & her son Davon come around the house in a prudent, but determined manor. Ilyana is carrying her pitchfork in a menacing manner, while Davon is brandishing a sledgehammer he looks quite capable with. Once they see your group they relax for the most part, but then as they look more, they tense back up partially. Davon speaks up, "Lady Boudacia, Lady Tamlara, Sir Aldhranhald! It is good to see you alive & well! Though you seem to be missing some people and have some other folks whom we know not. Is all well?" as he nods to each of the individuals mentioned, and then focuses his attention on the others, especially the two dangerous looking ones with all the weapons and armor ...
He clearly awaits a response.
"Please relax, they are friends or we would not have brought them here.
All is well and those not with us have left not died. The new faces are Bother Guiness, Gansu Kaichuta, Sama Kattan and Kairon Dalton, stout hearted friends all. And these are Ilyana Stonde and her son Davon. We find ourselves returning after the gates will be closed and were hoping you could find us a place for the night once more. And perhaps we could purchase some of your excellent fresh food in the morning. We have gathered some gold in the Emerald Spire so are capable of paying for such if it suits you." Boudacia smiles at seeing the Stondes again, and gestures towards each person she introduces.
Kairon bows his head politely at the introduction. Nice t' meetcha! If I can help with anything, let me know. I'm a healer by trade -- and soon enough I'll be helpin' Boudacia recover from a bad spider bite. Be no trouble to tend any hurts or complaints y' may have.
Gansu bows.
"Gansu Kaichuta, at your service."
Sama seems to be entranced with watching clouds scuttle across the night sky, and it's not until Brother Guiness nudges her that she says, "What? Oh, hello! Sama. Hi. Don't mind me."
Ilyana & Davon relax their stances once they hear Boudacia's words. "Well any friends of yours are certainly welcome here! I am also glad to hear the others are not dead. That big, funny-sounding northerner will be missed, as will the others of course. As far as finding you a place to stay for the night? Just as before, you are welcome to camp out in our yard. And buying any food is always welcome as it saves us the trip to the market to sell! Welcome friends! Please, make yourselves at home!"
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"Thank you kindly, Ilyana. Might you have a bit of ale to sell as well? My supply is getting a bit low. Also, my companions have told me about the incident with the skeletons. We had a run-in with them as well underneath the Spire", BG says, shuddering almost imperceptibly with the memory of that battle where he was frozen in place, "and we destroyed the necromancer who created at least some of the undead who troubled these parts."
"If ye don't mind payment in copper, I have a feeling this will buy us a pretty good feast tonight, and I am right tired of carrying it all."
Brother Guiness pulls out a sack full near to bursting with copper coins -- 2000 cp, weighing 40 lbs -- and hands it to Davon.
After introductions and the assurance that their new traveling companions are not, in fact, mindless undead come to eat their brains, Aldhranhald reaches out to embrace Davon and Ilyana in a warm hug. "'Tis wonderful to see you all again, Stonde family!" He says, wearing a genuine smile.
Later as the group settles in for the night, Aldhranhald reminds them, "I have the spell Keep Watch prepared, and can cast it on any willing participant. The spell is sometimes off-putting for those that have not experienced it before, but it will allow you to stay wide awake all night, and yet, in the morning, you'll experience all the comforts of a good night's sleep. Magic, amiright?! Anyone want to volunteer? Elsewise, I would be happy to accept my turn as the watcher."
"Oh my! WOW! Uuummm ... Uh ... I mean ..." Says Davon as he takes the sack of coin, almost dropping it in surprise at the heavy weight of it and obviously being quite surprised and flustered, not knowing what to do or say for a moment.
The mother, Ilyana, gets a very red face and huge smile before saying: "My goodness! Good sir, ... Brother Guiness was it? This is most generous and kind of you! I am afraid we have no ale here on the farm, only water or fresh goat's milk if you'd prefer? We cannot usually afford such things as ale. We are nought but poor, humble farmers you see, barely making enough to feed all the young ones now that my husband is gone. But we shall certainly be glad to give ye as much as a feast as we can manage!" And then turning to Davon, "My son, go quickly now and put that away in a safe place, then tell the rest of the family we are celebrating tonight and to make ready as quickly as possible! Then go and kill our best goat AND a chicken as well! Prep them for cooking as quickly as possible! We must hurry and do our absolute best to honor these guests!"
And Davon quickly runs off around the house yelling for the children to get cleaned up quick.
"Please, don't put yourself out. We are not Lords, just travelers!"
"I am afraid we have no ale here on the farm..."
"I have met many farmers who brew their own beer. I am told that it is not hard as long as you grow the right things. Do the Hellknights hereabouts forbid it? "
Since he volunteered, Aldhranhald casts Keep Watch and touches Brother Guiness to imbue him with the magic's power to both stay awake and aware all night, and to start the next day as refreshed as if he'd slept for eight hours. "Thanks Brother!" He says, before settling in by their fire to read.
... "I have met many farmers who brew their own beer. I am told that it is not hard as long as you grow the right things. Do the Hellknights hereabouts forbid it? "
Davon responds, "No, it is not forbidden, but having no adult men around, we just have not spent any of our meager resources on it."
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After having a huge feast (by comparison to whatever rations you have been munching on at least), though with little to no ale to go around, everyone except the Dwarf settles in and gets a good night's rest. Come morning of the 29th of Desnus, all feel refreshed and ready to move on.
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Brother Guiness stands quietly at the edge of the campsite, a location chosen to provide a good view of the party and all approaches to the camp. He is alone with his thoughts and the occasional rustle of the local nocturnal fauna.
This armor is a pain to get in and out of, but it has saved my life several times in the last few days. I'll have to get some of the dents hammered out when we get back to the fort. For now, I feel safer having it on with all the monsters roaming these woods.
Taking a deep breath of the night air, BG wrinkles his nose. Perhaps I should visit the laundary facilities as well!
Just when BG is starting to get tired, dawn lightens the sky, and he is suddenly fully rested (and healed)! Finally moving from his post, BG helps break camp and starts looking for breakfast...
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Over breakfast, Brother Guiness has a detailed discussion with Davon about the science and art of proper brewing technique. ”With the supplies you have here and a few adjustments to your crops, you should be able to make a few varieties of ale. If I am right, this could be a great source of additional income, especially if you partner with a good distributor in town, like Mistriss Kagnin at the Helmed Lady.”
Turning to his friend, Tamlara, BG adds, ”What do you think, Tamlara, could Kagnin use another supplier of ale?”
"Even if they only have you for a customer Brother Guiness the Stondes would prosper"offers Boudacia with a friendly smile.
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After breakfast is finished, Brother Guiness suggests we head directly to the Fort.
"I'll head to Rillin's Armory and get my armor touched up. I can also take the weapons and such that we found and try to get a decent price for them. With any luck, we can convert our loot to coin and have it ready to split by lunchtime--at the Helmed Lady, of course. Sound good?"
”What do you think, Tamlara, could Kagnin use another supplier of ale?”
Swallowing her eggs, Tamlara responds, "I'm sure she could, especially if you're giving them tips on brewing good dwarven varieties."
Just as Aldhranhald is readying Guiness for a night of watch-keeping, Kairon more thoroughly peruses the nature of Boudacia's wound and its attendant poisoning.
Hmmm . . . . Yeah. You'll be as hale as can be by morning, Boudacia. That I'm sure of. Lemme see if I can help ya along a bit faster, though . . . .
Bringing forth his winged ankh, the priest calls upon the soothing strength of Sarenrae. Αποκαταστήστε τη δύναμή της!
Once he evaluates the spell's efficacy, Kairon gathers the remainder of the party close together, save Tamlara, and channels the vivacious energies of his goddess, mending wounds and easing hurts to the last extent of the grace with which he is blessed.
Finally, he turns to Tamlara with his satchel in hand, and treats her injuries by dint of raw skill.
"I think the question, Brother Guiness, is rather, what kind of brewing should they take up, and where they can get the supplies to make the best quality," Sama adds to the conversation.
"Y'know if we ever get rich we could maaaybe see about building a little boarding-house out this way so we don't have to impose upon our dear hosts all the time."
"Thank you Kairon. Your ability to heal is a precious asset."
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"I think the question, Brother Guiness, is rather, what kind of brewing should they take up, and where they can get the supplies to make the best quality," Sama adds to the conversation.
"Y'know if we ever get rich we could maaaybe see about building a little boarding-house out this way so we don't have to impose upon our dear hosts all the time."
BG leans over to Sama and says, ”Well, the key to good brewing is to keep the impurities out by keeping everything clean. As I was explaining before, there is enough equipment on site to put together a basic brewing setup for the simpler ales. They could be up and running in a month or two. The money they got last night should be enough to replace the goat and chicken several times over, as well as buy some good quality hops seed and yeast. If it works out well, they could get some fancier equipment secondhand from the Kagnin or the winery—Caerlin’s winery, I think—or trade for equipment at the blacksmith.”
Thinking for a moment, Brother Guiness adds, ”Of course, they may not want to brew at all, and just grow high quality crops to sell to those who brew. We all serve our part in the sacrament of beer for Cayden Cailean...”, adding with a smile, ”Including those of us who just drink it...”
Turning to the others, BG states, ”And as to getting rich, let’s be off and see what rewards await us in town for our work at the Spire!”