Eliseera shakes her head at the display of suspicion shown by the villagers. This will definitely not help things...not one bit.
She holds out her hands in request of the speaking staff. Once it has been handed to her she addresses the villagers in a clear strong and hopefully reassuring voice, "Please relax here! Those in Endhome have not forsaken you to your fate. That is why I am here! You could send your messengers to Bard's Gate yet who among the rulers there would listen to your pleas? If we work together here, we can unravel the mystery of who wishes you all harm!"
Kakao quickly pipes up "Co-operation is the key. Working together we can come up with ways to protect everyone."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
|
Eliseera shakes her head at the display of suspicion shown by the villagers. This will definitely not help things...not one bit.
She holds out her hands in request of the speaking staff. Once it has been handed to her she addresses the villagers in a clear strong and hopefully reassuring voice, "Please relax here! Those in Endhome have not forsaken you to your fate. That is why I am here! You could send your messengers to Bard's Gate yet who among the rulers there would listen to your pleas? If we work together here, we can unravel the mystery of who wishes you all harm!"
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+8
"We are content to keep your guard that you offer, madam. Bards Gate is two weeks away by foot, though. We might never even make it. However, one of our runners could make it to Bard's Gate in a day. There are always mercenary types around. The guilds wouldn't let the governor ignore us. Sure, you say you are here to help, but I think you misunderstand the mapping of the situation. Or did you perhaps not walk here from Endhome as you have claimed?" Aldan says.
Kaerl adds, taking the staff next. "We will work together. We must. I am ready to elect runners to travel to the Longhunters and the guilds of Bard's Gate. They should be sent soon, to avoid traveling tonight. As soon as possible."
|
|
** spoiler omitted **
The villagers nominate Kahr immediately to be the first runner. It seems he has a reputation as fastest in the village. Morti would recognize the boy as one of the men drilling the other day. He seemed quick with his hastily carved quarterstaff.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
'He will be sentencing those poor runners to death.' Mikka thinks to herself shaking her head.
"We are content to keep your guard that you offer, madam. Bards Gate is two weeks away by foot, though. We might never even make it. However, one of our runners could make it to Bard's Gate in a day. There are always mercenary types around. The guilds wouldn't let the governor ignore us. Sure, you say you are here to help, but I think you misunderstand the mapping of the situation. Or did you perhaps not walk here from Endhome as you have claimed?" Aldan says.
Kaerl adds, taking the staff next. "We will work together. We must. I am ready to elect runners to travel to the Longhunters and the guilds of Bard's Gate. They should be sent soon, to avoid traveling tonight. As soon as possible."
Eliseera gives the man a long look as he questions her truthfulness. "Why no I did not walk here on my own. I rode on a mule...Does that not qualify as walking?" She shakes her head slightly before nodding in agreement to the decision made by Aldan. "Very well Aldan. I have no quarrel with you here. It is a wise decision to have a fallback plan in place should we need it." She gives the runner Kahr a look over trying to judge his capabilities and experience.
She then sees the dwarf Morti up in the pews and approaches him. "It seems like you have something to share with us?"
Nodding toward Kakao then glancing toward Eliserra briefly, making sure Kakao sees.
"Cooperating is wise. How might we do that best do you think Kakao?"
Nodding toward Kakao then glancing toward Eliserra briefly, making sure Kakao sees.
"Cooperating is wise. How might we do that best do you think Kakao?"
Nodding towards Eliseera, Kakao says "She currently seems to have some ideas. Once she has said her piece, perhaps we can make a few additional suggestions." It shouldn't be too difficult since it appears she hardly even glanced at this report she was supposedly given.
He smiles at Eliseera, encouraging her to continue.
Eliseera looks the gnome over again wondering what he was thinking of. It was hard to get a read on him as he was not human, not wired the same as those she worked with on a regular basis.
"Well, after looking over my report it seems as if this 'Hollow Man' has been tasked with killing various village members. The motive for these slayings, however, remains unclear. None of the villagers hve any signifigent wealth to speak of so profit is not an apparent motive. Therefore it is a reasonable assumption a these slayings are for a personal vendetta." She turns to face the other party members. "What have you discovered so far when you talked with the villagers? Have any of them drawn the ire of anyone who may be capable of controlling the Hollow Man?"
to make a golem requires powerful magic, to control it less so. We have no suspects yet. Wood golems are made by druids. There are none here. But it is controlled. It heads for specific targets.
|
|
As he sleeps, Caramir watches as shade disappears between the roots of a large tree, vanishing into the darkness beneath a beautiful glowing brown willow.
Eliseera's report does not say such things. It merely says that she represents house Montepierre, and is duty-bound to find M. Baron Montepierre.
Kahr looks confident, and he has the build of a distance runner - lean.
As you discuss everything, the village bickers between two terrified boys.
What do you do?
Kakao wanders over to the distance runner, Kahr. Smiling, he says "Everyone agrees that you are best qualified to make the run. Whom among the others do you think would best help you with this task? It will likely take a bit of cleverness and bravery as well as the ability to run."
---
Once the runners are selected, Kakao says to Kaerl "It would be a good idea to have some people gather dry wood and put it someplace where a fire wouldn't spread. Perhaps put a ditch around it?
Searching the village for anything out of place would also be good. If not animal carcasses, there must be something marking the victims. If we can find it, perhaps we can erase it.
Are there any in the village who are injured? If there are, I am willing to heal them when I see to the wounds of Okrin and the others."
Once Caramir wakes up, he scans the area around to confirm he is safe, looks for Shade and they both double back to Levoca. He will try to remember the path to get back here.
|
|
Kahr takes the speaker stick and chooses the woodsy eldest son of the widow Anna. She seems less than thrilled and speaks against it. Kahr is reprimanded, and it seems like they will go towards an older young man, the brother of the Hunter you have already met.
Kaerl seems a little uncomfortable about gathering up a lot of flammable material, but he does condone sending some of the militia men out to grab dry wood.
No one else reports any injuries. It seems like the wives all appreciate that offer.
Eliseera is silent as she watches the scene between the villagers play out before her. I certainly hope these villagers know what they are doing. The roads be not safe.
As the villagers follow Kakao's lead here, she cannot help but smile sardonically. I still cannot believe they bought all of that! It is funny what people will spill from their guts if you seem to be genuinely interested in their welfare. Now to get to business and find the Baron...else this trip be a complete waste of time.
She approaches Kakao and the others, "Is there anything I can do to assist here? I have a keen eye. Perhaps there is something you have overlooked where a fresh set of eyes might pick out?"
"Wise enough, lad," Morti claps the boy on the shoulder before rising to wait a turn for the speaker stick.
"As we plan to have the option of burnin' here in the village, we might as well use th' things designed for't. What can we do to repair th' kiln, or t' drain the witch pit? Who can take th' lead on making either o' those ready?"
She approaches Kakao and the others, "Is there anything I can do to assist here? I have a keen eye. Perhaps there is something you have overlooked where a fresh set of eyes might pick out?"
Kakao looks around and pauses a moment to think. I don't really think the villagers will do a good job searching. None seemed convinced that there was some sort of marking of victims.
"Discreetly look for anything out of place. I honestly don't know if the corpse from last night is still in Baca's hut, but if it isn't perhaps one of us could point one out in the woods.
If you've any training in magic, perhaps you could look over the wooden men at the border.
Before nightfall, we need to decide if they are something we destroy or not. I don't want the Hollow Man animating them again like last night."
Hearing mention of the wooden men.
"From what I recall, the wooden figures were made as protection of sorts. By the villagers I presume, but there's no harm in looking more closely at them."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Hearing mention of the wooden men.
"From what I recall, the wooden figures were made as protection of sorts. By the villagers I presume, but there's no harm in looking more closely at them."
Kakao nods his understanding. "I'll look at them, see if there is anything I recognize as a protection. I would like anyone else that knows something about magic to check as well.
If we can't figure out a way to prevent the Hollow Man from using them again, I'm in favor of turning them into wood chips or tinder."
Tilting his head a bit, he looks around at those present. "We left a few items at our camp in the woods last night. Are we going to try and retrieve them today or wait until tomorrow? I would like to be back here by nightfall in case of another attack by the Hollow Man. May help keep some of the villagers happy because then they can see what we do. Less room for rumors to grow."
Once that is decided, Kakao finds a somewhat quiet spot in the chapel and prays. Then he comes back to heal those who are hurt.
Kakao asks around the village, to find out of there are any of the animals that went mad still alive where he could talk to them. If given a weird look, he grins broadly and explains "Gnomish magic!"
A bit later, Kakao goes out and looks at the wards.
Eliseera nods in reply. "Yes, if someone would wish to influence the Hollow man, that is the most likely way to do so." After Kakao finishes heal up his party members she follows along behind and examines the wards closely, looking for anything out of the ordinary.
Once finished, she addresses those of the group who tagged along. "I would like to have a look at...who was it...Baca? Yes...Baca's hut, if that is OK with you."
Here, I'll show you the way.
Karl leads Eliseera to Baca's hut.
Eliseera smiles at Karl. "Thank you. I do appreciate your help here...and your trust."
As the two approach the hut, Eliseera slows her pace. "So, can you tell me if anyone else has been inside the hut since Baca's...passing?" She asks the mage. She nervously fingers the hilt of her rapier as they get closer.
Come on, girl. No need to be scared here!
Once they arrive, she waves off the others and silently pads around the outside of the hut looking for any tracks or other signs of passage. Assuming nothing unusual is outside, she will head to the entrance and peer inside the hut, her hand gripping her rapier tightly.
Karl frowns. I'm not certain. I don't think so.
Kakao nods his understanding. "I'll look at them, see if there is anything I recognize as a protection. I would like anyone else that knows something about magic to check as well.If we can't figure out a way to prevent the Hollow Man from using them again, I'm in favor of turning them into wood chips or tinder."
Nodding, Morti says, "Sure would be nice to deal with them when they're not tryin'a kill us. We should talk t' Kaerl about 'em, though, before we go whackin' 'em to bits. See if there's anything he can tell us about why they were put up."
Tilting his head a bit, he looks around at those present. "We left a few items at our camp in the woods last night. Are we going to try and retrieve them today or wait until tomorrow? I would like to be back here by nightfall in case of another attack by the Hollow Man. May help keep some of the villagers happy because then they can see what we do. Less room for rumors to grow."
"I can go break camp an' haul our gear back here, but I expect it'll take the better part o' th' day, an' I'm not sure any of us should be wanderin' about on our lonesomes. Maybe Okrin can come wi' me, while you all carry on the investigatin' here and work with Kaerl on preparations?"
Nodding.
"I'm happy to accompany you Morti. I think it wise to make our preparations before nightfall."
Tilting his head a bit, he looks around at those present. "We left a few items at our camp in the woods last night. Are we going to try and retrieve them today or wait until tomorrow? I would like to be back here by nightfall in case of another attack by the Hollow Man. May help keep some of the villagers happy because then they can see what we do. Less room for rumors to grow.""I can go break camp an' haul our gear back here, but I expect it'll take the better part o' th' day, an' I'm not sure any of us should be wanderin' about on our lonesomes. Maybe Okrin can come wi' me, while you all carry on the investigatin' here and work with Kaerl on preparations?"
Nodding.
"I'm happy to accompany you Morti. I think it wise to make our preparations before nightfall."
Kakao smiles and nods his head in agreement. "Please do your best to be back before sunset. I would rather leave the stuff out there another day if it meant we would be at full strength here tonight."
Stepping closer to them, and in a quieter voice, Kakao adds "See if you can find any signs of Caramir while in the woods."
---
A little later, Kakao goes to find Karl Chillstrike. "I want to talk to Kaerl about those wooden stick men, but before doing that I thought it best to see if you have any insights on them." Kakao will happily exchange information and invite Karl to to join him when he talks with the villager.
Karl thinks after Kakao asks about the stick men.
It is obvious that the hollow man could control them. So there is a link of some sort. I think it is a magical link in that they are all created by the same type of magic. Druidic, I think. We should find out who made them. And maybe we should destroy them.
Karl thinks after Kakao asks about the stick men.
It is obvious that the hollow man could control them. So there is a link of some sort. I think it is a magical link in that they are all created by the same type of magic. Druidic, I think. We should find out who made them. And maybe we should destroy them.
Puzzled, Kakao asks "Really? How can you tell it is druidic magic? I'm curious.
Have you been able to identify their original intent? Although I have some training in magic, I was hoping you had analyzed them and could perhaps tell me more of their original function."
|
|
Morti, You get some grumbling from the crowd. It's clear that none of them are masons as the staff makes its way around the room. They are not engineers or dredger, they are farmers and hunters and woodsmen it seems. Aldan supposes that three men could take turns, and that seems alright with the crowd - divide up the work, but none seem decided on which area shall be prepared. Witch pit or kiln or make something new?
CLW ON OKRIN - only heals 2
CLW ON MIKKA - only heals 8
CHANNEL - only heals 2
Grass pokes up through the floor where Kakao stands as he channels energy.
Each of you who examines the wood wards reveals that they are crudely made scarecrows, inert magically speaking, and kakao is not familiar with anything like these from his religious training.
In Baca's house, Eliseera sees an empty room with a dirt floor. Dust has already begun to settle here on the shelves.
Eliseera glances over the inside of the hut watchful for any threats, but once nothing jumps out at her she relaxes her grip on her blade.
Did you truly think the Hollow Man was lurking in the shadows, ready to add you to the body count? She thinks to herself.
Once she has glanced around her, she motions to Karl. "You have magical capabilities? If you could, I would like more light in here."
Once Karl has obliged her, she slowly scans the area looking for anything out of the ordinary taking her time. She will concentrate on the floor looking for hidden stashes or other clues.
|
|
E is thorough going over the floor over the course of an hour. At first not seeing anything, she goes back over everything inch by inch, sifting the ashes in the fireplace and probing the mud-made walls roof and floor with her dagger.
The hour's long and thorough search reveals nothing out of place in or around the earthen hut.
Kakao@ Oh, my family was interested in druids for...reasons I guess. I was tasked in learning a bit. I wasn't much good at it, but wood golems are a druidic item. It seems logical if the Hollow man can use them, there is a link.
He looks around to see if anyone is overhearing Druids are a bit weird
Kakao@ Oh, my family was interested in druids for...reasons I guess. I was tasked in learning a bit. I wasn't much good at it, but wood golems are a druidic item. It seems logical if the Hollow man can use them, there is a link.
He looks around to see if anyone is overhearing Druids are a bit weird
Kakao shrugs and replies "I'm still not convinced that the Hollow Man is a mindless automaton. It may not think like a normal being, but it does seem to adjust to new situations."
Looking around, he then adds "Regardless, it seems we are agreed that those posts should be chopped up and put with the other wood. Time to talk to Kaerl before starting that process."
Kakao then goes off to find Kaerl.
You are mistaking programming for intent, I think. Golems in general are mindless, and are empowered by the dead or elemental spirits. So I have been told, anyway. They simply obey orders. An order like "follow the trail of dead animals, kill any at the trails end, kill any who prevent you accomplishing this task" would be sufficient to do everything it has done. Of course there is the other possibility. Golems can go berserk, which makes them...unpredictable and lethal.
Karl shrugs.
there have been stories of intelligent golems, and I guess that is possible. But why would it travel all that distance to attack a, forgive me, fly speck of a village in the middle of nowhere? It is more likely that someone is doing the thinking for it. Someone is laying the trail of dead animals. Not the hollow man. That someone is the murderer.
While walking around the village trying to find Kaerl, Kakao is willing to continue the conversation.
"I would suggest we pause this discussion near any villagers. They are worried enough without us showing that there is any disagreement amongst us.
The monster switched targets repeatedly, showing reasonable tactics in doing so. It did not just attack one of us until dead nor did it just attack the one who most recently attacked. It seems that goes beyond simple instructions.
The monster hesitated, then summoned the wooden men. I've never heard of a golem who could summon or animate objects. It then had the animated stick men scout Baca's house. Once again, it seemed to react to what happened.
The monster was able to find it's way through the woods without markers. I got turned around, but it never did. It continued to town in spite of us having removed the markers.
Please think again about what you have seen. Are you sure that it can be explained by a complicated set of instructions?"
Kakao smiles and nods his head in agreement. "Please do your best to be back before sunset. I would rather leave the stuff out there another day if it meant we would be at full strength here tonight."
Stepping closer to them, and in a quieter voice, Kakao adds "See if you can find any signs of Caramir while in the woods."
"To be sure," replies Morti, "I'd rather not be stuck out there at night by our lonesomes -- was unpleasant enough with the all of us there!"
To Okrin, "Yes, let's be off while we still 'ave time to get back."
|
|
Okrin and Morti head into the woods...
When you find Kaerl speaking with a returning wood-chopping party, he turns to speak with Kakao for a moment. The others standing within arm's reach.
"No." Kaerl replies in a straight tone. "Those are the village's wood wards. Don't go mucking about with them. They are important to us. All of us."
When you find Kaerl speaking with a returning wood-chopping party, he turns to speak with Kakao for a moment. The others standing within arm's reach.
"No." Kaerl replies in a straight tone. "Those are the village's wood wards. Don't go mucking about with them. They are important to us. All of us."
Puzzled, Kakao says "We checked and they have no magic. Are you sure you want to leave a weapon that the Hollow Man has already shown it can use around your village?"
If Kaerl is insistent, Kakao will abide by his decision. He will not be happy about it, but he will not push the topic any more today.