The Laughing Wolf Inn

Game Master Thomi Gallowshade

Mrs. Da'Gar yells through the back door of the shop: Hey, husband! We have customers! Maybe you can show them some of the things you have made.

Soon a burly Dergatal man enters from the back door. He has obviously been at work in a forge, as perspiration beads his forehead. He takes off a leather apron, hangs it on a wall peg, and motions to Thorgrim to join him. You sir, have the look of a man who appreciates fine workmanship. I pride myself in the quality of my craftsmanship at the anvil. Is there something in particular you would be interested in seeing?

I do spend much of my time in the wild and nature provides most of what I need, but I am always on the lookout for something that would help with my travels.

Really, what I need is a good strong beverage, my pup here has a taste for the stuff and I am running short. I'm not sure what he eats when he wanders off into the forest but a few days without his beverage and you think the dead had risen.

I also may have cracked my fine staff here while fighting off some fell beasts that attacked us on the road. The beasts were tainted and had awful hard skulls. My staff did its job, but it might be time to find something made from a wood more durable.

Oh, and I am always on the lookout for a good knife if you got one. I recently gave one to the shop keepers son Cayden and need to replace it. You might know him I believe? We are fairly sure his father met a dire end on the road. Lots of troubles in these parts.

Mr. Da'gar to Fener: Come over here and take a look, I might just have what you are looking for in the way of a staff. Now granted, the typical quarterstaff is usually just a piece of hardwood about 5 feet long. Still, it's a good weapon in the hands of someone who knows how to use it. The one here I have modified by putting a metal sleeve and cap on the top end. What you do is lift the end cap, and insert a flask of something potent, like alchemist's fire, or a flask of acid, and then close the cap back up. Then, when you smack something with the end, it breaks the flask! You not only land a solid blow, you can do an additional hurt! Just watch out for any splash. I only put this device on the top end, mind you. I had a model with a device on both ends of the staff, but folks like to use their staffs as walking sticks, and Tago got tired of treating folks for foot and ankle burns. Heh! How does 10 gold pieces sound for this? And, I'll throw in a dagger for free.

As for your dog, I bought some goods from the innkeeper when he left town, and I have a case of a very potent drink called Rumboozle. It features rum, wine, ale, eggs, sugar, and spices. I'll sell you the whole case, a dozen bottles, for 2 gold pieces.

Flug, for the majority, has been standing outside near the wagon and staring at the sky as the sun lowers itself to approach night. Suddenly, he seems to snap into himself and looks around.

He catches sight of Fener entering a building and then stares at the sky for another few moments before following.

The small bell of the store chimes again when Flug enters, blank-faced as he looks around inside. "Hello."

Gezzo walks over to the glass cabinet and thoughtfully looks at the items inside.

This looks like a fine collection of items. If I might be so bold, they don't appear to be as if they are your regular fare. I am a bit of a collector of items of the arcane; particularly of things that are exotic or unique. Would you have anything like that in your inventory? Or perhaps you would know where we could find something like that in the area?

He walks over to the counter and hops up on a stool while speaking to Mrs. Da'gar.

And please start a tab for my companions, we can settle once we finish our discussion.

He pulls out a full pouch from his belt and drops it on the counter making the loud, unmistakable sound of coins hitting the tabletop.

Fener to the shop keeper. I will take them both. That staff sounds mighty useful. A great place to store some of that Rumboozle for a long walk. Very handy!

Would you happen to have a bit of that Acid, Alchemist fire? I have to keep Rudy from drinking the stuff but If you have some I will buy a few flasks

Joining Gezzo, Celif and the other for dinner, Argyros eats slowly and carefully, table etiquette far exceeding what would be expected of a traveling mercenary.

I apologize for not answering you in the shrine Celif, my thoughts were ... elsewhere.

My companions and I have been hired on by the church to investigate the disruption of trade from the swamps to Kuturka. The refining of products derived from the swamp seems to be of substantial economic interest to the city.

The troubles being faced by the local population are almost certainly a symptom of the problem. I would suggest we get a good nights sleep and tomorrow we can inquire into the availability of a local guide familiar with the swamps.

Cayden: after supper I intend to spend an hour or so practicing my swordwork. If you want to accept my offer, I will show you how to properly grip your dagger and start you learning its usage. Nothing fancy mind you, but I can start you with the basics.

Celif nods to herself upon her discovery, she starts to approach the exit before mentioning There seems to be some hidden way to open the Catacombs, I would advise against entry personally, but if it's a serious goal I will do some research and bring my results to you later. With that I must take my leave, I am famished and must follow my nose, as they say. With her awkward smile sprinkled with a hint of nervous she disappears out of vision.

Celif returns to her most valuable possessions, her documents and begins to pack them up again neatly before slinging her backpack over her shoulder and taking a brief moment to nod to the Septimus shrine. Then she makes her way down the aroma filled hallways to the kitchen where she's met by Argyros and listens to his story. She nods listening as she prepares her food slowly, as if counting the seconds, she slightly hums to herself a religious hymn of happiness before turning to the remaining few of the group in the kitchen with slight tears in her eyes. She reveals a plate with a large amount smothering it I'm.... So... Happy.... FOOD! Glorious delicious meal!!!

She takes a seat slightly away from the others as much as possible and places her backpack beside her on the floor before starting to devour the plate, showing little regard for common table manners. Its been... she manages to slide out between bites as she surveys the kitchen for waterPerception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20, forever it seems like since I have enjoyed more then simple trail rations.

Mrs. Da'gar: Let's see, that's a staff for 10 gold pieces...with a free dagger...and a case of Rumboozle for 2 gold pieces. So far...12 gold pieces.

Mrs. Da'gar to Fener: Yes sir, I happen to have one flask of alchemist fire, and two flasks of acid. Normally the cost of all three would be 40 gold pieces, but you can have them for 20. Sound good?

Mrs. Da'gar to Gezzo: Honey, these are unique, because there isn't anyone around making or selling such items. They are just bits and bobs acquired in trade with travelers and such. Let's see, I will describe what we have, the sale price, and you can decide what you think you want or need.

• Sleep Arrow (2) – 66 gp each
  
• Flask, Acid (2) – 5 gp each
  
• Flask, Alchemist Fire – 10 gp
  
• Holy Water (2) – 12 gp each
  
• Tanglefoot Bag – 25 gp
  
• Black Adder Venom – 60 gp
  
• Potion, Cure Light Wounds - 25 gp
  
• Potion, Barkskin +2 - 150 gp
  

The following scrolls are one of each, all Caster Level 1, each priced at 12 gold pieces:
Dancing Lantern; Divine Favor; Identify; Magic Missile; Magic Weapon

Wand of Magic Missile: Beat up looking wand with nine charges left. 34 gp.

Spellbook: This slim book is carefully but amateurishly bound, with leather stretched tight across thin boards. The writing inside is fussy and crammed together, with words that are occasionally illegible. Eight of its pages contain spells; the final 10 pages are blank. Value: 100 gp. The book contains the following 1st level spells: comprehend languages, detect secret doors, detect undead, identify, protection from evil, protection from law, summon monster I, true strike.

No arcane crafters in the area? That's surprising, it has been my experience that those looking for solitude and certain crafting materials tend to gravitate to such places. What about the surrounding area? Any rumors of lone arcanists or practitioners of mystical arts that might have items of interest?

I take my plate and proceed to the table where Celif is sitting and set it down near her, on the opposite side of her backpack. I am glad you are enjoying the food! I agree with you that food is glorious! May I get you a glass of something to drink? Water perhaps?

Flug walks around the shop, peering inside. He starts around by looking for toys, a serious look on his face all the while.

I'll pick the following up, if available:

• Balls (juggling or not, about 3 or more)
  
• Marbles
  
• Pair of Dice
  
• Caltrops
  
• Smelling salts
  
• Spring-loaded wrist sheath (x2 if available)
  
• Vermin repellent

He removes things that catch his interest from the shelves and places them on the nearest steady surface, gathering them up.

Flug walks around the shop, peering inside. He starts around by looking for toys, a serious look on his face all the while.

I'll pick the following up, if available:

• Balls (juggling or not, about 3 or more)
  
• Marbles
  
• Pair of Dice
  
• Caltrops
  
• Smelling salts
  
• Spring-loaded wrist sheath (x2 if available)
  
• Vermin repellent

He removes things that catch his interest from the shelves and places them on the nearest steady surface, gathering them up.

You have an idea of the cost of such items, so I don't have to look them up? You may find them all - figure the cost, then divide in half for the selling price.

Celif gulps down the mouth full of food and pauses, she nods slightly before reaching into her bag to pull out a piece of parchment and wiping her mouth clean. She freezes for a moment realizing what she's done and awkwardly smiles as she exclaims Probably werid... doing that huh. After being around it for so much time it doesn't seem so rough anymore... Oh, yes thank you very much for the food as well, I was on the road for so long heading here. I thought I wasn't going to make it... Such a long walk... She begins to roll her heels around on the floor

Sure do! Here you go:

To Mr. Dag'ar I'm always in the market for weapons, heavy one handed ones preferably, or potentially armor.

Looking over his inventory, do I find any masterwork weapons or armor?
perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Fener to the shop Keeper.

I have an idea! We have a second horse and wagon that is more then we need and with your journey ahead you could use it I bet. I propose that we take all that you have mentioned along with what Flug requested. In return we will give you that horse and wagon and 250 gold. I will even through in a ridding saddle and bit to sweeten the deal.

I need to get my friend Gezzo here to agree since he is our financial manager so to speak, but if we are all in agreement, we could have a deal.

I am not too sure I am comfortable with what you are proposing, Fener. That sort of trade would need to be made with the group's consensus. And remember gentlemen, we were suppose to outfit ourselves prior to departing...we still have a journey ahead of us and will most likely need our funds.

Gezzo turns back to Mrs. Da'gar and smiles thinly.

Mrs. Da'Gar to Flug: My goodness sweetie, you sure got a handfull of stuff. Here, let me help you. She obtains a small cloth sack, and counts the items as she puts them in the sack. Okay, that adds up to 21 gold pieces and 5 coppers. I think we'll just round that down to the gold pieces. So...the total now is 33 gold pieces.

Mrs. Da'Gar to Gezzo: Not to my knowledge, I don't know of such folks around this area...and if I did, I'm not sure I'd feel safe, if you know what I mean. Did you want any of the items in that cabinet?

Mr. Da'Gar to Thorgrim: He looks you up and down, examines your weapons, and says, Wait one moment, let me bring something from the shop I've been working on. He goes out back, and soon returns with a beautiful battle axe. The handle is of polished hardwood, and has been crafted with a slight curve. The axe head, although gleaming and shiny, obviously has a sharp edge. We Dergatal take pride in crafting and using certain types of weapons. I made this some time ago, and was debating whether to sell it or use it myself. Now I know that it has been waiting for you. It's yours for 150 gold pieces. A finely balanced Masterwork medium battle axe: +1 to attack roll, 1d8, X3, 6 lbs.).

ok then. That is fine with me and makes sense. I will just take the Staff, 2 Acid flasks, skip out on the alchemist fire but take 2 Holy water in its place.

Story Master, please give me a run down on how the staff would work when you get a chance.

Mrs. Da'Gar: M-my thanks.

Gezzo: I c-can pay for my own p-purchases but the smelling salts are f-for the group.

I know exactly what you mean, Mrs. Da'gar. And no thanks, I am good at the moment. As my companions have said, we have the boy, Cayden, at the temple. If you know of any kin he may have, please let us know.

Gezzo pulls 35 gold from the pouch and sets it down on the counter.

If you hear of any suspicious activity, such as why a building would collapse on its self, I would like to know of them.

He hops down and starts to the door, pausing to turn around and look at the woman.

We will be at the temple until at least tomorrow. If you would like to speak with us.

I go and get a cup of water for Celif and bring it to her. Here you go.

Then I sit down in front of my plate and continue eating.

She nods her head in thanks and accepts the drink before continuing her onslaught against the plate with a mere fork as a weapon.

Where are your other companions? I must have missed their exit while leading the Dasun to the crypt. She takes another bite wiping her mouth with the same parchment and sighs with relief. The door seems to be sealed with some form of a protection against evil spell, I'm sure I can find a clue within these walls to open it. I just wonder to what degree of importance unsealing the door is to the Dasun, and on the counter end how important it is to seal the door again in the same manner.

She ponders to herself, her entire lecture being more to herself then anyone one person. Celif pokes at her last bite before impaling it and then dropping it into the decent of her mouth to disappear and never be seen again. She cleans her area and gathers her items before walking to the entrance of the kitchen and waving back to the group, I'm going to venture around and see if anything catches my interest, maybe even something useful in the journey ahead. She nods with her signature smile and starts walking the halls, her first stop being the supply room. She begins to surveyPerception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22 then assist her search with a magical scanningDetect Magic: 10 + 6 = 16 for items to further the groups venture.

Celif tries to open the door to the supply room, but it is locked.

Nästród eats quickly and thanks Imowen, but his thoughts are on opening the catacomb.
As usual, he doesn't know why he must, just that it is important that he do so. More than important, it is a part of his destiny and that of Celif.

He uses Detect Magic, and Guidance, to examine the church.
Perception: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 + 1 = 13

Fener makes his way back to the Temple after thanking the couple and wishing them luck on their journey.

He settles into the main room of the Temple and enjoys some of his Rumboozle with Rudy.

He states to no one in particular I always get nervous being under a roof, gives me the creeps

Why would we want to break into the temples crypts? Those people earned their rest, leave them in peace. A more important task is locating a guide who knows the swamps.

Finishing supper, Argyros will step outside, finding a quiet place to spar with the shadows and loosen his muscles after several days on the road. Should Cayden join him, Argyros will begin instructing him in the basic usage of the dagger and set him a simple, repetitive task, allowing him to grow comfortable with the blade.

As the evening grows dark, Argyros will retire towards whatever sleeping arrangements are made available, thankful for a secure place to sleep.

Nästród shrugs. "I wish I knew myself, Argyros. My gift gives me flashes of insight but does not always reveal to me the reason why. I just know it is important to our futures and that of the town."

Celif slams her foot after her discovery and scoffs, with a slightly annoyed face she examines the door Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14, then attempts to use the key she was given for the temple.

That is a beautiful ax, and with your departure I wouldn't dream of taking it from you. May it serve you well on the road. But I will purchase that whetstone from you.

That is 2 cp

After leaving the store I spend the night working on my own old ax.

Flug nods politely to Gezzo as he starts putting away his purchases. "I-I'll catch up later."

Finishing putting away his own things, he turns to the shopkeepers. "W-would you like my help p-packing?"

Cayden does join Argyros for the training, as he is very excited to have his own weapon.

Mrs. Da'Gar to Flug: I appreciate the offer sugar, but since you folks might want something else I'm going to quit packing until after you leave the village.

The sun has set, and Sirena finds a place for the horses to graze for the night. She also unloads the food boxes from the wagons and places them in the temple. I don't want to find out in the morning that some creature ate our rations, and I don't intend to stand guard over it all night. Enjoy your sleep, everyone, this might be the last time we sleep in a real bed for quite some time.

Slowly turning from the door she glares stupid door... she mumurs to herself before going toward the kitchen to ask for Imowen's assistance.

Gezzo walks into the temple and finds a seat near the alter. He rubs his forehead and sighs.

The blacksmith shop is going to stay open while we're in town. If you need supplies, they can probably provide for your requests. We have some funds for modest outfitting if needed, given to us by our benefactors.

If you decide to go to the shop, perhaps you can get the shopkeep to talk about the events happening in this town. She doesn't seem to want to talk to me.

Fener after relaxing a back goes and checks out if he can get into Tago's old office and room.

If he does he will search the rooms for anything interesting or useful.

Perception office 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Perception room 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

I am assuming he had an office and bed room , if not ignore what isn't relevant

Celif pauses hearing Gezzo as she passes in the halls, Well i'm no good with people... But I have to be better with people then locked doors. With that she nods before leaving the temple and ventures forth into the town, she notes the time may affect her objective, but isn't sure what is appropriate timing for others is. After getting a look she starts toward where she believed the smoke previously was assessed to be the Blacksmith shop. A slight clanking echoes hidden in the darkness before she uses Bright One, a shimmering halo appears above her head and emits a faint light only showing her closest surroundings.

How would a detective in those books handle... I got it! she cheers to herself quietly. As she approaches the shop she makes a point to leave the necklace hanging out, and holds the key to the temple in her hand. She'll attempt to knock if there is any sign of life inside, adjusting her glasses and fixing her robes appropriately to make her already slim figure seem less threatening.

As Celif approaches the store she notices several lamps are lit, and two Dergatal people are working inside. The door is open, and the woman greets you when you enter:

Mrs. Da'Gar: C'mon in honey, and welcome to Tools and Daggers. We're the Da'Gar family, and we're happy to see you! How can we help you?

Gezzo walks over to the supply door. He tries the knob to find it locked.

So, anyone try to get in here yet?

Celif returns the welcome with the warmest smile she can, Good evening madam, I have just arrived to this town from Kuturka, and have begun to look about your town and I was wondering if you may be able to enlighten me on what happened to the shop down the way. It would greatly help my studies as I try to investigate the region.Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19 She wonders the shop looking around as she asks looking for any items of use to her in the field.Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Fener

Says to himself : Huh, I bet Celif would find this information helpful.

Fener take the book on nature to read in his down time.

Fener opens the desk and looks into it. 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

If a key to the store room is found he walks over and opens the door.

If not Fener then calls out to Imowen Hey Imowen dear, there might be a key around for this store room but I don't want to be to rude by rummaging through Celif's desk anymore then I already have. I have feeling that maybe, with your apparent ahhhh expertise in lock smithing you could get this store room door open. It might be a good time to do it with Calef at the store to avoid any ahhh embarrassment you might feel about your skill with locks.

When Calef get back from shopping he will say to her : Hey Calif, You really need to go into the office. There is a note in there for you that gives a lot of information you might need in your new job. Some nice books in there as well and you seem to like books. I would try to deny that I was poking around in your stuff but, well.... that would be untrue. I also borrowed a handy book about the local nature, I really love that sort of thing.

I finish eating and gather up all the dirty dishes and then wash and dry them and put them away. I find the food boxes where Sirena left then and take them to the kitchen and secure them. Then I wander around the temple familiarizing myself with the layout. As I am walking I notice Gezzo standing at a door trying to open it without success.

Here, Gezzo, let me see if I can help you. I take out a few of my tools and get to work on the lock.

Disable Device: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Mrs. Da'Gar to Celif: Lots of the little stuff we have is packed in boxes, so why don't you tell me what you might be looking for, and I will get it out so you can see it. As for Modoq's building, I don't know much...we were sleeping and were awoken by a loud crashing noise...went out in the street and saw the building had fallen. Me and my husband ran over there and poked around to see if there was someone trapped inside that we could help, but didn't find anybody.

Imowen puts a tool into the door lock of the supply room and wriggles it back and forth while turning the knob. After a few moments you hear a "click", and the door unlocks and opens.

Inside the store room you see that the back wall is encased in shelves packed with books. A quick review shows they are volumes of birth, death and marriage records going back perhaps centuries. The left wall also has shelves, upon which are numerous boxes with articles useful for building maintenance - nails, grout, paint, clamps, etc.

The right wall contains shelves with ceremonial items:

• A box with 5 candles
• Wax and string tapers for lighting lanterns and candles
• A pair of silver candlesticks
• A stack of thin books with the precepts of Septimus
• A box with three scrolls
• Four flasks of Holy Water
• A box containing extra, empty flasks (6)
• A stick of incense
• A silver bowl with the emblem of Septimus engraved upon it

Examination of the scrolls shows them each to be clearly labeled as containing a 1st level spell: Bless Water, Remove Fear, and Sanctuary.

Fener walks in behind Imowen.

Imowen, you sure are good with locks. Quite the talented locksmith. I bet you have clients lining up out the doors.

He then sarcastically comments I'm sure glad I bought holy water earlier today

Nästród heads to the supply room to search it for a clue on how to open the door.

He casts Detect Magic and Guidance again.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 + 1 = 11

Flug finds himself in the temple's kitchen, eating dinner long after the others.

Well done, Imowen! Perhaps we will find something interesting in here.

Gezzo walks into the room and carefully scrutinizes every corner.

Perception: If I can Take 20+11=31, if not, I will Take 10+11=21.

Once the supply room is searched, he heads to the office. Gezzo carefully looks through the room, disturbing as little as possible.

Take 20 or 10 for the office, as above.

Thorgrim joins Flug for a late dinner.

Bloody fuss they're making over a cupboard..