"Thanks Terrem. It sounds like they liked you!" says JJ, ruffling the lads hair.
"Was the eye-thingy talking with another eye-thingy, or just the to veiled woman? Do you think her voice was the same as the one that spoke in the corridor before they took you away from us?"
JJ tries to ask the questions as easily as he can, not wanting the scare Terrem, but wanting to find out as much as he can while it is still fresh in they boys mind.
"Did you see any ways in or out of the spherical room? Doorways, or a trap door in the wooden floor?"
-=-=-=-=-=
Talking with Gretchyn.
"Thanks Mum. If you can remember anything more about the address, I'd love to go and talk with the people there. See if any of them can remember his parents. It's nice to know that he has some powerful people looking after him."
Just a pity they don't also look after his brothers and sisters.
As happy as Marigold was to see Terrem unharmed, the whole situation puzzled her.
Sounds like some sort of magic? But why go to all the trouble?
While the others are speaking with Gretchyn, she sidles quietly over to Maxim.
"D-do you think he's been p-put under a spell? What he described sounds like some sort of m-magic..." she asks quietly, not wanting to alarm Gretchyn or the others.
Terrem thinks a bit on the questions, the child clearly satisfied with the special attentions "No, there was only one, and I am pretty sure it was the same voice at the large gnome cave"
"The only thing was like a ring at one side of the room. It was as big as the big eye. Do you think it was a door? It was made of very different materials and engraved with the picture of another eyed ball creature with all those appendixes." the boy seems a bit excited rather than scared when remembering about the weird creature "The eyes in the appendixes where very pretty, like gems of colors. And the eye in the centre was an even larger crystal, as big as Patch's fist!"
"Oh yes... and the doorframe ring was made of stone, but I remember there were plenty of strange symbols written there." he looks at JJ then adds "I am sorry JJ, I do not remember more. I was looking at the veiled woman"
-=-=-=-=-
"Sure" nods Gretchyn "Come with me" the headmistress leaves for her office. She opens a files cupboard and searches there for a minute or so until she retrieves Terrem's file.
There is not much information there, but among the sparse details stands the date of registration, at 4707 AR, and the number of the house were he was living at Ash Avenue, very close to the Tipped Tankard.
JJ notes down the address. Turning to the others who have gathered he looks a little uncertain.
"I really want to talk with Uncle Alek about what happened..."
"And we have to let him know the Dark Stalker has got away, although I doubt he will be a big threat any longer. Surely he will go someone else for easier pickings..."
"Did anyoen find out if we can get Ruben restored. I'm sure my many times great ancestor would have known magic to do that, but we have all fallen a long way from that age. Perhaps someone in the Blue Crater Academy...?"
He streches out, the horror of day's events below ground slowly catching up on him.
"But first, first I want a bath and a nice soft bed. If I see Uncle Alek now, he'll probably want to drill me in swordplay for hours, and after that bang I took early on.. well.. I could do with a rest. Why don't we meet up tomorrow, around midday, and see if we can find out anything about Terrem's family. Maybe meet at the Tipped Tankard."
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Maxim listens to the account of the creature and his abduction from the child, keeping a keen eye on the youngster as he jabbers away:
:
Discerning little, the dwarf announces he too will go his own way afterward;
"I'll sell and trade what I can of the more mundane treasure, once I secure the coin for Rueben's healing and come find you all at the Tankard when I'm done..."
He makes for the street, then stops in his tracks. offering a grimmer thought;
"Link has to be the kid. He's either a plant, pawn or a familiar of some kind... but we need to dig more into his history somehow. If they value Terrem so much, then if it comes to knockin' heads with the Eye-beast and the Veiled Lady then we have bait or leverage for that fight..."
Maxim wearily enters his Uncle’s offices, and gives his customary nod to the guards and staff before meeting with the rogue.
Once settled and with a drink in his calloused hand the gun-mage updates Adrick on the finer points of their adventures – the liberation of Malachite and the subjugation of those kidnapped and not found.
The gun-mage highlights several points during their conversation;
”The Darkland slavers are grabbing folk from the city. Some we recovered, others are still lost. One child, Terrem was targeted and taken from us by an huge multiple-eyed creature. It wielded magicks causing some of our company to suffer slumber and petrification. The child was returned, safe and unharmed to that orphanage… by a masked woman – its accomplice. I’ll endeavour to find out more, but the child may be useful leverage against it, or a pawn… Anything you might discern of the lad or perhaps where he awoke would be useful...”
Maxim smiles as he recounts his treaty and support for his former home;
”Adrick I have taken the opportunity to broker potential trade lines with the freed folk who still live in the Malachite. Old Davked holds the Urgosh now, but the last dwur are weak in numbers. I pledged you could support their growth, help them rebuild… Only a fellow dwur truly knows of their toil and such… Of course access to the gnomiz ruins would be required… Thus in helping The Malachite we can claim Jzadirune…”
He also cites the attempted recruitment of two of the freed Cauldronites; Deven Myrzal and Irruth Mercadi as eyes and ears for his Uncle's benefit.
"Gave them both coin to get them back on their feet, with the promise of more should they hear or see anything relating to the nobles or guilders of the city. Might yield naught, but the odd gem could be of great use in your politicking and dealings Uncle... You may want to reach out to them to confirm my approach had credence?"
The dwarf then beckons towards the further treasures looted and recovered.
”More weapons, armour and treasures from the deep if you can see them sold on as previously that would be most accommodating Uncle.”
"We do not have maps of the Darklands. That place is too dangerous Ryan. I do recommend your group to stay away from there. Too powerful beasts lurk there. It is better if we try to find a way to make sure the dwarves are able to keep the entrance to Cauldron safe"
Ryan fails miserably at containing his surprise at Jenya's admonishment to stay out of the Darklands.
"It's a shame about the church not having any maps of the Darklands, but truly, we are to stay out of them? They invaded our city and stole our children to sell to others in the Darklands. How can we not stop those who wish to do us harm? Sorry, no disrespect meant, I'm exhausted please excuse my disrespect. Thank you for the reward, my companions will be very grateful as am I. "
Ryan takes his leave to get some much needed rest and to avoid speaking out of turn with his superior. On the morrow he will meet up with the others at the tavern and advise them of the reward however he will leave most of the money at the church, no sense tempting the Last Laugh
Jenya relaxes her own tone at the young cleric's expression against her counsel "I think I understand how you feel" she looks concerned at Ryan "It is frustrating to assume our own limitations, but we cannot fight all the evilness in the world by just our little forces. The Darklands is not a small place, we do not know where to look, and most people had been saved."
"Furthermore, we need to keep improving the life here at Cauldron, and the Flood season will be here soon." Jenya still sees disappointment and frustration at the cleric's eyes "I can give word of your deeds to the lord Major's Office"
"Your group will be recommended to have an audience soon. You deserve to be commended and recognised." finishes the priestess adding "And you have showed resolution and preparation enough. Time for your tonsure has arrived" Jenya smiles.
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At the mention of flood season coming , Ryan has the good grace to look remorseful, it was one of his duties within the church to help during this time so that the lower wards within the city are not flooded. Yet at Jenya's words about the tonsure, or beginning his next step in the church's organization, The exhausted cleric's shoulders lift noticeably. "Thank you, when will it begin? And what must I prepare" He concludes with a nod of acceptance.
"Barmaid a round for my companions please as well as an extra for our companion not able to return yet. And a round for any guardsmen here today, in thanks for the job they must perform."
Turning back to his companion
"A toast, to fallen comrades, returning that which was lost, and living to go forth again as heroes!
JJ, Maxim, Kikinnin, Marigold, Jenya told me we will have an audience were we'll be commended and recognised by the Lord Major's office. JJ, the Surabar name will once more be the name of a living breathing hero walking the streets of Cauldron. Gartham's Gun's legacy will grow a bit with each telling as well as that of the Rouradont name. How about you Miss Marigold? Or rather Mistress Montejay of the Heavenly order?"
His eyes coming to a rest on the untouched mug of ale, the young cleric sobers a bit. "Ah Master La'Chance till we meet again, thank you for
your sacrifice."
Although she still feels a nagging sense that something isn't quite right, Marigold can't help but admit that Terrem certainly seemed his usual self and thankfully unharmed from his strange experience.
At least JJ and the others seem interested in tracking down where Terrem and his family used to live.
Thankful to be back above ground the halfling spends the rest of the day at the orphanage, enjoying the company of Anafa and all of the other children and orphanage staff. However, the jubilation is marred with a sense of loss.
We said we'd bring everyone back, but there's still one of us missing, she thinks sadly. You were and are one of us whether you liked it or not Ruben. I swear we'll save you somehow.
When the evening is at an end, she makes her way to her small living quarters and almost immediately falls into an exhausted sleep.
When Marigold's eyes flutter open the next morning, she stares up at the ceiling of her room. In the peaceful and quiet space it was hard to believe that everything with Jzadirune and the Malachite Hold had really happened.
But it did, didn't it? And there's still some loose ends to try and wrap up. I'll need to go by Bluecrater at some point and make sure that Professor Drundlesput and Jeneer got back okay...though after what happened I wouldn't blame them if they needed a few days before going back to work!
She hurriedly dresses and gathers her things before once more heading out into the streets of Cauldron and on to meet the others at the Tipped Tankard. When she arrives, she looks around for Gryffon before sidling over to the table occupied by her companions just in time to hear Ryan propose a toast.
"T-to the ones returned and the ones still m-missing," she chimes in, raising her glass as her eyes linger on the empty seat and untouched drink. "B-but I d-don't know about that whole 'hero' thing...at least n-not for m-me," she adds, blushing when the cleric puts forth her new 'title'.
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JJ sits at his favourite place at the Drunken Morkoth. He can enjoy from that point the funny pictures of Cauldron’s lake legendary monster. His favourite barmaid soon catches eye of the young man and closes by with a smile “A long day work JJ? We have stewed trout for today, taken from Kingfisher’s lake.”
Adrick’s bodyguards, Daxavalt and Kerg, greet Maxim as he arrives the shop. His uncle receives the dwarf anxious to know the results of the adventure.
Adrick listens attentively Maxim’s report making small notes about some topics “Slaves… of course, how have we not thought that was what they looked for… I wonder what Vervil Ashmantle thinks of all that”
“An eyed creature?” murmurs Adrick a bit surprised about the revelation “Ohm Davked, that oldy, he has been all his live as limited in thought as his son Zenith, but he is even weaker than his son” he takes a sip of rum before continuing “All the better. This is our opportunity to decide what is done in the Malachite Fortress. I have an incoming business on hand and the Malachite forges will be of great use. I will make a trip there myself and perform some arrangements”
When explained about Deven Myrzal and Irruth Mercadi the dwarf smiles “I like how you think Maxim, you are performing a great job. I will make sure they have a visit to further ensure their collaboration”
He counts and pays for the retrieved equipment with happiness “Ah, we are doing a good business with this stuff Maxim. Both the hillfolk and the Alleybashers are recently requesting plenty of combat equipment and they pay for it as if they were new. And we do not even need to smuggle the weapons through the gates!” The dwarf retrieves an extra bag of coins “This is for you. Extra payment for all the great work you are performing”
The bag contains 100 gold pieces.
Jenya updates Ryan about the tonsure ceremony “Get yourself fine white silk clothings. The ceremony is set to happen in three days. Remember to bring your copy of The Order of Numbers and decide for one object you want to give to the community to symbolize your dedication to them” the priestess adds before you go “Oh, and of course, feel free to invite to the ceremony anyone you want”
After the meal, you head to Orak’s bathhouse. The middle-aged dwarf of ruddy complexion, thinning red hair and long beard receives serious the young man “Haven’t seen you in some days. Is everything ok?”
On the main basin the light of the stars filters from the opening in the top part of the dome creating reflections on the water and all over the single occupant of the pool, a beautiful redheaded woman. The silver light makes her intricate facial tattoos even more mysterious and her wild red hair like a flame. The woman looks at JJ for a second, then keeps her serious expression immersed on her deep thoughts.
As you reach the tavern Gryffon Malek comes to you “Thanks for saving me. I had really lost all my hopes of breathing once again Cauldron’s air” he holds the hand of a fine young woman, Lyssa Haventree. She hugs Marigold when she arrives “How can I repay you for all you have made for us? Please, all of you are invited to our wedding during the Flood Season.”
When Ryan invites all the guardsmen to a round there is an ovation at the tavern. A couple silver pieces is enough for the invitation. The greeting is not that harmonious when the toast to the heroes arrives, but some close guards follow the group.
Ryan exposes the group Jenya’s offer to have an audience at the Major’s Office.
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Kikinnin looks ovey Yuathyb's clothing, and remembers his Fading. He pauses over the bundle, as one would a fallen comrade in battle. You can't save them all, Scaly. Best remember that, but don't let it overwhelm you. You saved the children, who rested on a higher shelf than this one.
...
The black-beard listens to the account of the veiled woman's delivery of Terrem, and commits it to memory. When Ryan departs for St. Cuthbert's, Kikinnin follows him, saying his farewells to those he now considers comrades.
When Maxim offers to help negotiate trade with his Uncle, Kikinnin nods in appreciation.
...
Entering the Church, Kikinnin looks on the halls with a newfound respect. He watches as Ryan enters Jenya's office, but prefers to remain outside. Priests can nestle with priests. And there's something about Jenya that rubs him the wrong way.
Instead, he takes a seat in the pews, and does some rough contemplations.
You there, Abadar? Were you, when we were sent below? Pretty sure you were. Not fully sure, mind you. Don't take that personally, it's just... you know... doubt, is all. You gods are supposed to be all-powerful, right? Or not? Haven't given that much thought, until now. You can't all be all-powerful, that just doesn't work, but you're really powerful. That's why you've got yourselves plenty of followers. Like Ryan. Boy's got some power there. Kikinnin looks down on his axe, and sets it on the seat next to him.
That's why I'm here, sitting here talking to you. See, I had a moment down there, where I was hurting, and I hoped for healing, when the others were a little occupied. I didn't call out, but I did, in my mind. And someone answered. I think that someone was you, and my wounds closed. Didn't have time to think until now, but now that I've got a moment, I wanted to thank you. So, thank You. If You're gonna be around for a while, I'll hear You out, if You're granting me a seat at the table. Not sure how long that'll be, but I won't complain for my length of time. You helped me save my Mor, and those children, so I'll help You as best a mortal stone can. Kikinnin picks his axe up, then stands and waits for Ryan to finish reporting to Jenya.
...
"...and living to go forth again as heroes!"
Kikinnin snorts, and shakes his head at the young priest.
"Ah Master La'Chance till we meet again, thank you for
your sacrifice."
"Last I checked, there was still hope for returning LaChance to flesh and blood. There's no sacrifice there, only bad luck. The only regret that man's gonna have coming back from stone is being unable to ever attain that level of hard in the presence of women." Kikinnin tosses back his own, then Ruben's as-yet-untouched mug. "Buy him a drink the next time you see him. There's no mourning here today."
When an audience with the Mayor is mentioned, Kikinnin half-smirks, shaking his head again. "We gonna talk about something more pressing, like Terrem or the other side of the slave trade here in Cauldron?"
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Old codger has forgotten how to enjoy the moment Ryan thinks to him self when Kikinnian nearly chokes on his ale at his heroes comment.
"We all sacrificed something when we went below this city in search of the missing. Wether it was just time, or gold, or innocence." Ryan retorts with a pointed look at both JJ and Marigold. "Yes it was bad luck that he was caught unaware by that creature but the same nearly happened to all of us and there is still a chance that he can be restored. I have not given up on that yet. But I'll give you the last point the ladies will be disappointed." Ryan ends with a laugh, not intending to sour the mood at the table, this was a moment for joy and a bit of wool gathering before probing what their future holds.
Ryan allows the conversation to flow for a while wanting to hear from JJ all that Terram had told along the way mentioning that Jenya had warned the Darklands to be a very dangerous place they should avoid
As things begin to come to a close and mugs lie empty with offer of refills negated Ryan pipes up once again. "in three days at St Cuthbert will be my tonsure. You are all invited should you wish to come. It is the ceremony to move into my next duties within the church hierarchy."
JJ sits back, enjoying the feel of a full purse and his ability to spend it and whatever and whoever he likes.
"A very long day Jenny. But a good one! Some friends and I... we found what had been happening to all the people vanishing from the streets of Cauldron!"
He smiles at her. "Managed to save most of them too. "
And my little brothers and sisters
"We found all the kids from the orphanage. That makes me very happy"
He gives her a big smile and pushes an extra coin. An extra gold coin across to her. "I think the Trout sounds great. Have yourself a drink as well, and keep the change."
The picture on the wall catches his eye. "Ever see the lake monster Jenny?"
He spends a pleasant hour trying to chat up the pretty, and very wily barmaid before retreating in defeat to the bathhouse.
JJ gives Orak a nod. "More than Ok Orak. Been down to the Malachite!" he waits a moment to see if the name lights any recognition with the old dwarf.
"Anyway, seems there were some folk from Cauldron down there what didn't want to be. Goblins had overrun the place. Dark treachery. Anyway. Goblins are now... gone. Cauldron's folk are mostly back, and the hold in the hands of your kin once again. But I could use a soak and a half."
He gestures to the woman. "Not seen her before. Who is she?"
That doesn't stop him disrobing and joining her in the pool.
"Evening miss." he says, tipping an imaginary hat.
What would Ruben have done? I'm sure he would have had some clever words and her warming his bed within the hour. Poor Ruben.
In the tavern JJ orders a meal and just smiles happily at Gryffon and Lyssa. "That is great news!"
He is loathe to spoil such an announcement with mundane activity, especially sad ones.
"Did anyone find out if there is a way to restore Ruben. I was thinking about him last night..."
He tries to suppress a shudder. "That could have been any of us. After we try and find out about Terram's family, I think I will go down to the Blue Crater academy and see if they know of a way to restore him. I'll ask about that big floating eyeball too. Surely someone there will have heard of them."
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Kikinnin hears no answer to his internal questions. That said, an unnatural feeling of hope seems to be born inside him.
The silence is broken by a deep masculine voice "He touched you, isn't it?" Aleck Tercival stands at the other side of the corridor with travel bag and bedroll to his back "It is fruitless to look for him. He chooses his weapons, but never tells them why" he closes by the dwarf leaving the bag at the floor for a second "He chose me years ago, and I know how confusing it feels at the beginning."
Aleck brings his hands to his neck and grasps a thin chain bringing out of his shirt a golden key. The symbol is so worn out by time and use that the silver used as a base for the golden layer can be seen in multiple locations "Take this. It is yours now Kikinnin"
The man picks up the bag and looks to the temple entrance "I will be away for a time. Need to check some things at Redgorge"
Jenny seems impressed at JJ's story "Will Terseon Skellerang give you a medal?" the girl looks at the young man chest.
She laughs at the mention of the Morkoth "J+%. No, never. I guess you need to be a drunken fisherman to see it appear"
Orak seems a bit surprised at the mention of the Malachite "It has been a time since I have heard of the old dwarven hold. Met once with one dwarven woman from the Malachite. Good hips." he laughs "It was during my adventuring times. Before I found the decanter of endless water"
When asked he looks at the woman "Her? Triel I think. I have heard she was part of the watch for a time"
As JJ enters the misty waters the stars reflections twist taking the woman out of her thoughts. She finally seems to realize of JJ and smiles "Good upper body. Athletic but well shaped arms. You are a swordsman, aren't you?"
You notice one of the guards reading one broad sheet of paper next to you. The Cauldron Herald main page catches your eye.
JJ smiles happily. "That would be pretty special wouldn't it. A medal from the mayor!" he looks pretty pleased by the thought.
"Apparently we might be meeting him sometime. So I guess it's possible!"
"If you could change it into a Decanter of endless Whisky, you'd make even more money!" laughs JJ.
Within the pool JJ relaxes, letting the hot waters sooth away the aches, pains and stresses of the trip underground. Every now and then he reaches up to rub the side of his head, where the giant dwarfs blow landed. Something seemed not right, but he wasn't too sure what.
He looks a little surprised when the woman speaks to him.
"Ahh, yes..." he stammers.
OK JJ, this is it, pretty ladies talking to you in the bath! What would Ruben do?
"Triel is it? Yes. I've been practising a bit. " he acknowledges.
Right, talking. Talking is good...
"You're in the guard aren't you? Maybe you could give me some pointers?"
He looks at her arms "You look pretty athletic yourself."
"Oh look! Your Cousin is getting press! Killing kobolds."
He looks a little disgusted.
"Hey..." he adds after a moment.
"That is us..."
He reads out loud
"..A previously unknown
adventurers group without name braved the long forgotten ruins of Jzaridune to rescue four missing children..."
"We are famous! he exclaims.
"Sounds like we need to come up with a good name though. Stormblades is pretty sweet..."
The woman laughs as all answer to JJ "I hope you are more experienced with the sword than you are with the tongue" she walks towards the pool stairs saying "Look at us, two lonely souls in a starry night. Clearly no one waits for us home"
She walks up the stairs making sure her firm back body is a clear sight for JJ as she gets out of the pool. The intricate tattoos cover all her body. "It seems I forgot both my towel and the key inside the wardrobe. Perhaps you can help me with that"
When you wake up in the morning you find your hands are different, a bit translucent. Scared you look for somewhere where to reflect your image only to find all your body has become slightly translucent.
"However it is taken, and besides they do this day in and day out, we've made a foray into the undercity to retrieve some lost children. I think we will need to stay together a bit longer before we get named, wether we choose it or it is chosen for us."
Though Ryan is cautious, he is also happy that their little group made it into the paper. Even though playing second fiddle to his cousins better known band.
"Lyssa!" Marigold cries, hugging her friend tightly. "Where have you b-been??? I'd heard that you were m-missing too...and Gryffon wasn't sure either when we f-found him. Ohhh, I'm so happy t-to see you!"
After introductions and the toast are made, her eyes grow wide as JJ reads of their group's exploits in the paper. "W-wow...n-news travels f-fast!" But it also serves to remind her that they'd met there for a reason. "O-okay...so we w-wanted to look into Terrem's p-past right? JJ I can g-go with you to B-Bluecrater when you g-go, I need to see h-how things are going and m-make sure they know P-Professor Drundlesput and Jeneer are okay."
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Late to the party Maxim trudges into the tavern still wearing a hard expression he left with.
The dwarf collects a nip of liquor then sits, flashing a weak smile at the others jollity;
"Good news and bad news my friends... First the good..."
The gun-mage pulls forth several bags of coin for each of the group;
"Coin for us all. 1410 Gold Suns, 1400 Silver Moons and 1102 Copper Stars. Equal share for each o' us... Including Stony Lachance..."
Maxim raises his drink in a toast for his comrade, then eyes his hand with a melancholy look;
"Heh. Life is ironic... That's why I forsake the gods... Sorry my friends but I do... they did nothing for me at the Forge and still do nothing for me now..."
The gun-mage knocks his shot back with a grimace then presents his hand for all to see - his weathered hand now oddly translucent in patches.
Gritting his teeth Maxim hisses a low whisper:
"Got the damned Fade..."
Kikinnin accepts Alek's gift, tucking into his own undershirt. He'll bring it out every once and awhile and study it, just won't do it while he's in company like the paladin's at present. "Uh, thanks." He flounders for words. "Uh, may Abadar protect you, on your way to and from Redgorge. I can't tell Him what to do, of course, but I can hope He does look after you."
Kikinnin shoves hard against the table, standing up, and looking more closely at Maxim's Fade, trying to place it against the quality of Yuathyb's Fade. He doesn't get much closer, physically. He keeps to himself thoughts of how many times the blond-beard might have clapped him on the back.
"Maxim, what the hells is that? When did it start?! Did you touch the stalker? Is it contagious?!" He looks at the others, not for their reactions, but for any sign of Fade on themselves.
Before he realizes what he's doing, he removes his leather gloves, revealing hands covered in reptilian scales on their backs, palms callused from the leather straps of many, many weapons. No sign of Fade on them, at least. When he's sure, he dons his gloves again, suddenly self-conscious.
"Damn it, Maxim. It doesn't take much to understand that the stalker finished his Fading while we fought below. How long do you have to figure out how to fade your Fade?"
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Maxim shoots his fellow dwarf a hard look at the less than charitable reaction;
"How in the Nine Hells do I know? I ain't no sawbones nor an expert in eldritch blights... I broker deals an' shoot those that need shot... All I know is Jzadirune's Book tells of it being linked to spell-weavers an answers may be found in the Demonskar... but who knows?"
The gun-mage taps his glass looking for the barkeep to set up another dram, then flashes a wry smile:
"Course if you are all real concerned about catchin' this Vanishing as the gnomiz called it, then I'd best leave the coin in my possession..."
JJ is more than happy to emerge from the bath and help the lady. As to demonstrating his swordwork... it would appear he is an entheusastic amataur who has never had a real battle before. He'd probably learn a lot from sparring with her.
The tavern
JJ looks in horror at the hand.
"Maybe we should take you to the temple of St Cuthbert. Uncle Alek would know what to do... Terrem's family has waited this long, we don't want The Fading to spread throughout Cauldron as it once did Jzadirune."
He seems suddenly not interested in lunch, but rather focused on the crisis at hand.
"No time to wait. Not if Kikinnin is correct. That Stalker just ...vanished.. overnight. What are we waiting for?"
Maxim shakes his head as he rises to collect his drink, downs it at the bar, then trudges back;
"Been reading... Thinking... Book tells how its magick items that were affected. Now before you all get all squirrely on me - weapons and arms ain't of the gnomiz forges. That's Malachite metals. I reckon its been the wand... damned handy it was too... but its done for me... Surabar's dust likely too, but if ye ain't showing signs by now reckon your good... Might be the Bag o' Holding too... Damn."
The gun-mage grimaces;
"Huh. Here's me thinking Lachance was the unlucky one. Need to find out more, ain't going to yer High Cudgelite lessen I know I need to..."
"It's a disease Maxim. You could just vanish away like your black powder. But with a wimper, not a bang. It killed off most of the gnomes, and they abandoned their home. "
He looks angry for a moment.
"And it's ....irresponsible to know we have it in Cauldron and not do something about it. We should get that stuff from the creeper checked too. Maybe it still carries the taint."
A paniced look crosses the boys eyes.
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As Maxim makes his statement about the gods Ryan is momentarily a bit uncomfortable with the turn of the conversation. Used to outburst from Kikinnin in stressful situations, this was different, as they were sitting around the table in the tavern enjoying a drink. "Hey Maxim, I don't think that is ..... damn" voice trailing off as the mage shows his hand to the others.
A small pit opens in his stomach as he realizes that one of their own has been struck by the mysterious illness. Ignoring Kikinnin as he self conciously checks his own hands, a somewhat understandable response; he tries to think about what he does know, which is precious little.
"While you may have little faith in the gods right now Maxim, know that I will stand with you to determine the cure, sometime the gods leave us to determine our own fates, for it makes us stronger
I don't know that going to the church with this is an immediate way to solve the issue JJ, I know that probably sounds strange coming from me but do you not think the gnomes would have seeked a divine response to cure them? You, are just a fighter, no offense, and it was your first thought. No this is more involved than that."
"Do we know anything about the Demonskar?
However before I can depart for this I will need to advise my superiors what is going on"
Marigold shrinks back in horror when Maxim shows them the fading of his hand. "Oh n-no..." she whispers. Eyes wide, she quickly looks down at her own hands and arms and then back up at the others. "We h-have to d-do s-something! We can't j-just let M-Maxim disappear, not after we already lost R-Ruben and D-Dandarrion!"
The halfling takes a deep breath and slowly exhales, trying to keep calm. "O-okay...we n-need to know what's already b-been tried to cure this, so we kn-know where to start. B-Bluecrater p-probably has b-books or p-papers on what h-happened last time. M-maybe we should st-start there?"
Maxim looks to both Ryan and Marigold with a hard smile;
"Aye. I know you stand with me Taskerhill... and I can take faith in that. The gnomiz would have exhausted every damned source possible... Both the Church and Bluecrater might have something to offer... but Hell's Teeth we've bigger fish to skillet! My plight ain't to de-rail what we've started..."
The dwarf looks grim set and determined;
"I'll do some digging of my own... but need to attend to something first... at Ghelve's. Alone. I'll be back by supper. Meet back here at sundown? If the cups move on their own you know it'll be me har! An' spend some of your hard earned coin..."
The gun-mage flashes a melancholy grin, then rises from the table.
As everyone takes their leave after Maxim's revelation, Ryan stops JJ and MG, "Can you check with the Accademy about the Vanishing, any notes they may have would be great as well as anything they have on the Demonskar, who knows it might give us further leads into why the Darklands invaded Malachite. I will be heading to the church, to check their archives, as well as prepare for my tonsure"
Leaving the Tipped Tankard, Ryan stops in and orders his robe to be used for the Tonsure, and a stop at Gurnezahn's Smithy to check on the availability of a MWK Agile Breastplate and to see what Maces he has available.
At the church he will spend an hour in his studies with Abadar's Book of Numbers, before buckling in for the evening.
As JJ forces open the changing room the tattooed woman enters closing the door after her and pressing her warm and soaked body against JJ's chest.
"Let's see that swordplay then" she adds while softly pressing the young man's body against the wall. The woman seems to enjoy JJ's inexperience.
When the boy wakes up long after the heat of the night passion, and with just a towel covering him, the woman is no longer there to be seen.
When you check at the house pointed by Terrem’s file you find a wooden construction with windows blocked by wooden boards. Despite the terrible state of the construction it is still robust and protecting. The faint sulphurus smell of Cauldron’s lake is perceptible from here.
When you knock the doors, you discover a small family with two kids live there in bad conditions (no meaningly different from the other neighbourhood inhabitants). They state to know nothing about a Kharatys family. When asked about how long they have been living there, the become tense “Who send you? We have no reasons to answer you! Leave my property!”
Ryan checks at Zanathor’s provisions for a white tunic. He finds something acceptable but not shiny although Bjellkir seems more interested to racount his story with the crater Lake Monster encounter. Showing his wooden leg to Ryan he exclaims “And he bite me here! Can you belive it?! If he wanted me to die, f&#+ him! I survived that bastard!” when pointed for silk clothings he states “If you do not like my clothing try at Maavu’s imports, but that old one will sell you for 10 times the price of mine!”
At the smithy, Phalian Gurnezarn shows a fine agile breastplate to Ryan. 500 gp reads the label “Ei! I am the best smith at town, and the only one non controlled by the Lathenmire family. That comes with some extra charges”
You easily get access to St. Cuthbert library. There are plenty of volumes about healing and spellcasting theory.
“It is bad news the plague still posses a threat. The gnomes attempted to erase all magical items ever produced at Jzadirune, but perhaps you have still found some of the old ones… For what I know it is a magical plague, a disease that makes ones vanish after some days. I do not know of any gnome that saved himself.” he looks concerned at Maxim “Sorry”
Maxim is granted access to his other plans though.
People are happy to see Marigold back at work, specially those saved by her. When she asks for an special permission to access the inner library she is granted too “You helped save some of our workers, of course, you can access the restricted area for today”
"Haha! Perhaps he was just checking to see if you tasted good, and its a good thing you didn't. .... Yes I could go to Maavu's but I wasn't proposing that I was asking if you had this in silk, this will be a perfectly adequate material for the ceremony. Apologies, no disrepect meant. How long for the fitting to be completed and the tunic to be delivered to the church and how much good sir?" Ryan chats amiably a few more minutes as measurements are taken before leaving the shop.
Admiring the breastplate Ryan responds Very true, and looking at this it is worth it, however would you consider a discount for an up and coming adventuring group. I'll let it be known the breastplate came from you and anything else we should purchase from you. Your support would be beneficial for us but as we grow in recognition so will your shop be known for it's expert work."
With his superiors blessing Ryan pours over the text penned about the Gnome's Vanishing, on one hand looking for what just didn't work and on the other searching for avenues that had shown promise even if they failed in the end. And most importantly anything pertaining to the cause of the disease. With a prayer for guidance he sets to work
"hmm perhaps this will help"
"Hey.." says JJ putting up his hands.
"Nobody asked me. I'm a friend of a boy who used to live here when he was a baby. Have any of your neighbours been here a bit longer than most? Maybe they could tell me something."
He takes out a silver coin and flicks it to the mother.
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Maxim nods at the gnomes deductions;
"Aye. Reckon we probably did... Found a wand I used to good effect pentamerous times. .. probably afflicted me then... me being a dwur who spent time amongst the gnomiz could be a factor too..."
The gun-mage gives Keygen a hard smile;
"Appreciate the talk. Appreciate the silence more... My group know, but don't see no need for anyone else to be hearing of this... complication. Leastways not yet."
Maxim walks through the gloom of the gnome-delve, only briefly stopping to speak to the dark as he gathers his thoughts;
"Hackbus you crazy old firecracker. Dunno if you can hear me my friend... seems like life's thrown me a trick shot and I've been winged with this damned Vanishing that beset you gnomiz..."
The gun-mage takes a sip from his flask and grimaces at the strong liquor;
"Good drop. You'd have liked it. Most likely used it for some cockamamie exploding bomb tho... Anyway Hack... If we fail. I this can't be beat an' I fade... Hopefully you'll be waiting... been too long..."
He toasts the shadows, pours a nip upon the floor, then bleary eyed trudges on.
Zanathor laughs "Oh! Well, I think I can sew some adjustments in a day or so. The whole thing will be 5 gold pieces"
"Well, the iron has been coming fine into town lately, so I guess I can risk a once time promotion" says Gurnezahn selling the armor to Ryan "I do not know in the future though with this raise in taxes what will be of our businesses"
Ryan checks different general encyclopedic volumes without much success. Then reverts to described treatments in the temple for some decades ago. On a compilation of 4641 AR you finally found an entry that describes the attention to several gnomes afflicted with a mysterious fading the gnomes called "Vanishing".
Researching further the record Ryan finds the clerics of Abadar attempted all kinds of remedies, but none was effective and the patients just disappeared some days later. There is a late entry that describes divine magic and Abadar's blessings seemed to have some effect, restoration and lesser restoration spells able to gain time, and ultimately a couple of cases that were healed after pity priests of known powerful connection with the god requested the favor needed to remove the curse from the afflicted.
The man seems confused and asks once again JJ to leave "We do not want problems." and closes the door. The woman though opens it some seconds later and whispers "Forgive John. The house was empty when we arrived. We did not know it is the property of other people. No one came ever asking questions here before." she takes the coin and looks at the neighbours house "Old Edd has lived here all his life. He might know more"
Following this hint you knock at the door of the old man. When he opens you find a white bearded man with misaligned teeth. He looks over your shoulder as if he has problems to really see where are you "Kharatys?" he seems to only match the name with an old part of his memory "Yeah, that poor family lived in that house in terrible conditions. Both mother and father were town guards, but they hardly had enough to live. The father was scavenging metal all around the city to keep feeding the new born. I remember they had a baby just before their assassination. Was it 9 years ago?"
"I'm j-just glad we were able to b-bring back so m-many of the m-missing p-people," Marigold smiles in response to the happy reception she gets at work. "And t-thank you for letting me p-peek at the restricted archives - I p-promise I'll b-be very careful!"
Although she wishes she had to the time to chat with Losriel and Zinli, first there was work to do. After being ushered into the restricted archives, she gazes around at shelves upon shelves of books.
Okay, first I need to figure out what direction to tackle this from. Should I look into magical cures or focus on the history of the Vanishing and Jzadirune for clues?
"Let's t-try recalling our history," she finally says aloud to no one in particular. "M-most p-people would look to m-magic first b-but maybe there's something that got overlooked elsewhere..."
Though it takes the better part of the afternoon, Marigold finally manages to amass all the history books she can find that might have some sort of relevance to her quest and then begins to pore through them...
Marigold is still affected by the late events and cannot focus totally at the task at hand.
Furthermore, the first time for her at the restricted area, her eyes take on books more focused on her own life. She finds one dedicated to the filth fever of 4709 AR. It describes at long how the terrible plague stroke Cauldron and several hundred died before the city clerics could get the plague under control. The scribe writes the most probable reasons a lack of fruits in the city combined with some pest distributed by the growing numbers of rats.
As she tries to go back in time, she finds a passage on the creation of the Flood Festival. 4684 AR. The rainiest winter in centuries resulted in massive flood damage to the lower reaches of Cauldron. Thanks to the combined forces of Sarcem Delasharn, Asfelkir Hranleurt, Embril Aloustinai and other clerics the flooding waters were kept at bay. The next year the Flood Festival was founded as commemoration of the deed and the clerics kept fighting the waters during the rainy season. The freakishly wet winters continued to happen during several years before the weather finally returned to normal. By then the Festival was a city big event and was kept despite the largest floods are ended.
Marigold is kept thinking on her own experiences during past Flood Festivals when a door opens and Zinli enters "Sorry, sweet, the day has passed. They asked me to tell you the time has past." she then smiles "I am ecstatic to know the details of your adventure. Let's have a coffee together"
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"The gnomiz would have exhausted every damned source possible..."
Kikinnin frowns. "That doesn't bode well. You're thinking their mages and ministers had no leverage over the Fade? Not good. Not good at all." The black-beard reaches for more drink.
When the group seems ready to separate, then rejoin for supper, Kikinnin debates what to do. His armor pinches, but he doesn't much care about altering it anytime soon. For what sounds like an unwinnable search for overcoming the Fade where the gnomes failed, the black-beard decides to ask around about Kazmojen's business associates for the rest of the day.
He returns to supper with the others to share what he may have learned with his daily investigation.
First two names say nothing to Kikinnin, but the last one he recognises after a small thought on it. Xoden Nightshield was an inhabitant of the Malachite Fortress by when the dwarf was living there. He was good at controlling the quality of the materials used at the forge.
Something strikes then Kikinnin's memory.
Xoden opened a small workshop at Cauldron a while before you left the Malachite. In fact you had been in the workshop performing a rat eradication treatment. You did not give it any relevance back then, but you remember clearly the dwarf was tense while you were working, and he insisted you that one of the rooms was clean and did not allow you in.
After asking a few questions to selected people no one seems to know much about the other two, but a bodyguard of the Verhooven's family says he has heard of certain group of half-orc mercenaries and smugglers leaded by some Blue Duke. But his information is not direct and lacks of more details.
You also find a discussion in one tavern, one of the people there defends that... "The Flood Festival is a front, founded years ago by a cult of Asmodeo to fund a secret army of bloodthirsty mercenaries hidden in caverns below the city"
"Assassinated? Wow.." says JJ
The plot grows deeper. And sounds like the guard might know more.
"My thanks. And yes, about nine years ago would be right." He offers to buy the old man an ale and some food, and spends some time with him learning other bits of interest and keeping the old guy company.
Later in the day he'll head off to the guard to see if he can learn anything about the Kharatys's deaths.
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Once in back in the Hold of Malachite, Maxim meets with his fellow dwur once again, seeking out first Old Davked;
"Greetings Wise Holder of the Urgosh. I bring news that my Uncle Adrick Garthûn will visit with you soon to, as promised, discuss a trade agreement that will ensure the Malachite returns to its days of greatness."
The gun-mage nods in agreement at his own words before continuing;
"I bid that you listen to his words and the terms he proposes. Adrick is a surface dwur, but has made me the beard I am today. He knows best how you can rebuild trade and craft, and how to navigate the gilded ways of the surface..."
Once he says his peace and takes his leave, Maxim seeks out Gralthar at the Forge.
He presents her with several items and outlines what he requires of these from the famed craftsdwur of The Malachite. . He also pulls forth two hand axes previously recovered;
"These I will hone myself. I need... to take my mind off other matters Gral. If you'll indulge me... I've a hankering to test out some old skills..."
:
:
"Ha! That will work perfectly, here's 3 god now with the remaining 2 on delivery. Many thanks and stay away from the lake my friend, he may decide he wants a second taste."
"Thank you, will likely save my skin in more ways than one."
Ryan says as he pays the smith. Many thanks.
"That dwarf, money is his only friend. Well, receive him I must as we are in difficult times" adds Davked.
Maxim works a fine blade on the axes.
It is late after the afternoon questioning at Ash Avenue. You probably need to leave the Watch visit for the next day.
You probably gather again for dinner at the Tipped Tankard. The night arrives at Cauldron once more.
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JJ turns up to the Tipped Tankard looking a little tired.
"Sorry... late night last night!" he grins.
"I found an old guy who knew Terrem's folk. The Kharatys. Apparently they were members of the guard." The boy then pauses, and leans closer.
"And guess what.... " his voice drops as he he gives the news
"They were assassinated."
He leans back on his chair and has a glass of ale.
Heh, I wonder what uncle Alek would think of that. Me, drinking in public!
At that moment his eyes go wide and his face pales. His glass drops to the table as he holds out a shaking hand.. A very pale and slightly translucent hand.
"Oh no...."
"Huh? Oh..." Marigold starts, having gotten temporarily lost in the pages of history. Then her friend's words sink in and she flops her arms across the table in a manner that would've been highly comedic under other circumstances. "Oh no! I g-got so distracted reading about the F-Flood and the f-filth f-fever outbreak that I lost t-track of t-time!" she groans. "I d-didn't learn anything useful..."
Sadly, she knows that she likely won't have another chance with the restricted books anytime soon and slowly cleans up her work table and packs her things away. "C-coffee would b-be nice..." she responds, trying to keep herself calm and the tears at bay. "I've st-still got some t-time before I need to m-meet my friends..."
When the time comes to meet back up with her friends, Marigold makes her way back to the Tipped Tankard with a heavy heart. Once everyone is there and seated, she listens as JJ first shares what he learned about Terrem's family.
"A-a-assassinated!?" she gasps, eyes wide. "H-how? Wh-why? Wh-what did they d-do?" As a million questions race through the halfling's mind, it all comes to screeching halt as JJ suddenly grows pale and holds up a hand...now slightly translucent, the same as Maxim's. "N-no...it's sp-spreading..."
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Kikinnin looks across the table at JJ, then to Maxim, then back to JJ. "Alright now, this is getting out of hand. Sorry, not talking directly about hands getting... aw, you know what I mean. First Maxim, now JJ. Until we have you two taken care of, we can't rightly pursue the stuff I came up with today, let alone the stuff the rest of us are finding out now, such as JJ with his new speak of murder relating to Terrem." The black-beard finishes his brew, wiping his beard free of foam.
"Xoden Nightshield is a new lead, regarding the Blue Duke and Grehlia Carnis, the others involved with Kazmojen. I figure we can find him, and squeeze him for more information, when the time comes. He's got a room in his workshop that made him all nervous, last time I whittled some rodents for him." Having spoken his peace, he begins anew on the more pressing matter at translucent hand.
"You all learn anything new regarding the Fade? I don't remember seeing Maxim and JJ shaking hands on our excursion. You two shake hands earlier? What if one of us shook hands with you now? You think we'd catch it? You shake anyone else's hands since we came back?" Kikinnin rubs his temple, a hurt beginning to arise from too much thinking. "It could be the touch, spreading from mug to waitress, to fork to plate to mouth to kiss to..." He looks about the room at the other patrons. "Could it be that bad? I mean, it was that bad for the gnomes, and now it's broken free to the surface... I don't think it passed below to Malachite, otherwise those we rescued would have said something. No. This is Jzaridune-born, and we need to get to its root, otherwise that tree will grow to shade us all."
Maxim sits looking at JJ's hand, then clenching his own (now gloved) fist.
He shoots Kikinnin a hard stare and sighs;
"Surabar likely picked it up from using the Dust of Illusion. Nothing to do with shaking hands or such. I'm convinced its root is the magic items, nothing more, nothing less. It lingers in the enchanted items of the gnomiz... Use them and you risk getting this Fade..."
The gun-mage rubs his temples, looking wearier now than when in battle in the Malachite.
"Reckon I could try and discern if any of the items we recovered carry the taint of The Vanishing... Now we know something's amiss and the likely sources... Ghelve suggested as much... and I take the lock-maker at this word and all... Anyone else got anything, save our lumberjack here?"
He once again shoots Kikinnin a jaundiced look.
JJ looks a little uncomfortable at the 'kissing' comment...
"Just this breastplate from the dwarf-hold.." he says in the end.
"Have a check. But I know that the priests St Cuthbert can remove diseases. So I want to try them first. Maybe they have some memory of the original Vanishing in their archives. Maybe it spread too fast amongst the gnomes for their own clergy to save them all."
He doesn't look especially hungry.. or thirsty any more.