By the time the clerics reach Silvam, everything is packed up for the night. One less booth is being disassembled. Many seem to have left the village, most of those who stayed are in the tavern.
"It looks like we'll be doing some carousing." Calistria gives Hailey a one-armed hug. "Come on, let's see if we can't find our vendor."
Saying that, Calistria leads the way into the tavern. Though she does pass by the one booth being disassembled to ensure that it isn't the carver they seek.
Antal recognizes you and tells you. "i know the man you seek. Vladov left about an hour ago, his cousin lives a couple hours north of here. I think he was planning on spending the night there."
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Rois leaves the baron dissatisfied, Damn Ustalavians...always taking their safety for granted. Do they not realize that Lastwall is all that stands between them and the return of that cursed Litch King? We are so close to the border, you can almost hear the screams of the dying heroes. If this little town falls, Lastwall will be surrounded and all will be lost.
When the party reaches the tavern, Rois is still mulling things over. Then, he announces quietly. "I do not feel that the baron is doing enough. Will someone stay here with me to help shore up the town's defenses?"
I do hope Voryn agrees to stay. He knows the town best...who we can trust. He would be a valuable asset to what I have planned.
"Thank you." Calistria says to Antal. "I do appreciate your help. I wonder if anyone bought any carvings from him today? I'd like to see one."
"his work is popular, but I don't know of anyone specific who bought from him today."
"I'll stay with you Sir Rois, and help with whatever needs done."
Calistria turns to the room and raises her voice.
"Hello! I heard there was a lovely carver named Vladov in town today selling his work. I missed the chance to buy from him but I'm willing to trade to get one of his pendants. If anyone has one, I will trade a kiss, from me, for it."
Channel Energy uses left: 4
Bit of Luck uses left: 2
Swift looks slightly downcast. He doesn't want to risk Calistria getting into any harm. He might also have a small, innocent, playful crush on her.
"It's been so long since I've been in the company of such interesting women... One almost forgets what being human is like. I'll make sure to keep my emotions in check. Attachment to someone or something inevitably leads to the pain of their loss. I must judge if I am ready to attach myself to these people..."
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While the girls and Swift are in town, Garekk stays with Sir Roice. This has all the makings of a disaster... "Sir Roice... you are the most militarized among us. I am very unsettled about all this. What are your thoughts? What do you think our next move should be? I don't want to anger the Baron, but can not sit back and do nothing."
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"I am in full agreement, Garekk. But, like the Baron, forming a true militia will panic the citizens and get them killed...either by the undead or each other...untrained men with weapons will use them even if there is not an enemy in their midst."
He then looks around and surveys the tavern, "We do not want to raise a panic but we do need to fortify the town while keeping the baron unawares. Our best bet, I think, is to collect a favor from the barkeep. He has seen firsthand how we helped the village when it was in need. This tavern is the center of the community and can become a safe place for the citizens when the undead attack. But first, we will need his permission, and his aid."
Gregor pokes his head out from the kitchen, "I bought an amulet for my new child priestess, if you would bless the child i would be happy to give it to you."
Calistria smiles brightly.
"Even better!" she exclaims.
For a moment, she considers offering the blessings of two clerics instead of one but she realizes Hailey's blessing might not be well received.
"We should do it outside under the stars if we can, please? The Starsinger's blessings are best laid there than indoors."
Gregor takes Calistria across the road to his small house. The child and wife are soon outside with them. Calistria's blessing is quick but leaves the villagers happy and Gregor hands her the amulet he bought.
Visually it appears to be similar but a different pattern than the ones you have seen before and is about 25% bigger.
I want to know how much the people seem to like and agree with the baron's policies. How likely are they going to do something that goes against the baron's wishes?
Calistria is proud to ask Desna to place the baby, wishing the child the freedom to choose the path her life will take and the wisdom to make wise decisions on that road.
Once she has the amulet, she offers it to Hailey for examination.
Channel Energy uses left: 3
Bit of Luck uses left: 2
I want to know how much the people seem to like and agree with the baron's policies. How likely are they going to do something that goes against the baron's wishes?
[dice=knowledge local]1d20+5
The baron is well liked by the people, he doesn't interfere in their lives, taxes are low and problems like the bandits you guys dealt with are solved quickly. At the same time he is considered to be harsh but fair in his judgements of any crimes. The people are unlikely to support any plan that goes against the Baron.
No magic in this amulet.
As will Calistria, from a more religious side of things.
The symbol is an arcane mark carved into wood. You don't know who this specific mark indicates.
The symbol is an arcane mark carved into wood. You don't know who this specific mark indicates.
Just to clarify, the symbol is a carved arcane "mark", not Arcane Mark the spell. But, the symbol does signify some sort of possession - like a wizard's calling card? We just don't know whose calling card it is...
The symbol is an arcane mark carved into wood. You don't know who this specific mark indicates.Just to clarify, the symbol is a carved arcane "mark", not Arcane Mark the spell.
This part is true. It could be like a wizards calling card, or just a cool symbol someone decided to carve, or anything in between.
This part is true. It could be like a wizards calling card, or just a cool symbol someone decided to carve, or anything in between.The symbol is an arcane mark carved into wood. You don't know who this specific mark indicates.Just to clarify, the symbol is a carved arcane "mark", not Arcane Mark the spell.
But is the symbol is unique to one specific individual? Or, do we not have any idea?
But is the symbol is unique to one specific individual? Or, do we not have any idea?This part is true. It could be like a wizards calling card, or just a cool symbol someone decided to carve, or anything in between.The symbol is an arcane mark carved into wood. You don't know who this specific mark indicates.Just to clarify, the symbol is a carved arcane "mark", not Arcane Mark the spell.
You don't know.
Just had a thought - are there any local superstitions about the festival (or, the time of year for the festival)? Maybe the season could give reason to the timing of the attack.
"That nickname is utterly delightful." Calistria says with a grin. "Now, let's go gather the boys and see what the next plan is. Do we travel to see the carver or wait here in town for something to happen? I'm in favor of seeing the carver. Then again, I'll always pick the path with motion instead of sitting."
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You don't know of any weird beliefs about this day.
Calistria smiles warmly and places her hand on Hailey's shoulder.
"That is a sweet thing to worry about." she says, feeling pride and love for her new friend. "If you wish, you can go with the fellows to the carver and I will stay here to guard the baby. Your expertise will be needed there more than mine."
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Hailey is horrified at herself, and tries to control the strange sensations within her from Sister Callie's touch. She looks at her, but says nothing.
What is this feeling? So sudden and unwelcome? What is this warmth? This kindness for a baby who is not going to be a wizard, a sorcerer, or even a bard. Why waste my energy on concern for . . . yet it is there. No, this is inappropriate. I'm here to do serious work. Only those who prove themselves through discipline and study . . . but what about sorcerers? They don't do anything worthwhile to gain their power and yet they are undeniably welcome in Nethys' flock. You've been out of church and away from the libraries and discussions and debates far, far too long. Focus yourself. Cold as ice, wise and knowledgeable. There is no room for tenderness. You have a job to do! Get yourself to that church and write your letter. Petition for the Archbishop to send more experienced men, or better yet, women, down here because this more than you can handle on your own. I do not want my heart to grow three sizes today!
Hailey stops and looks at Sister Callie, fighting to freeze the unwelcome growing warmth of love for this baby.
"Yes, Sister Callie, guard the child. That is best. Before we go, I have something I must do. I was sent to report my findings. I must do that. It won't take long. Excuse me. I'll be back within an hour."
She leaves, heading directly for the church.
The church is empty but unlocked.
Calistria speaks with the child's mother, offering to help her with the baby and household chores in exchange for a bit of floor to sleep on for the night.
Calistria speaks with the child's mother, offering to help her with the baby and household chores in exchange for a bit of floor to sleep on for the night.
so it is agreed
Hailey searches for paper that the priest would not mind her using, and a pen and ink.
You find all you are looking for in a small room at the back of the church.
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If Hailey finds any papers that the priest wouldn't mind her using, and ink and a pen, she will write down everything that has happened that would interest the church of Nethys, starting from the birth of the baby and ending with the intention of going to investigate the carver after this letter is completed.
"I request," she writes, "additional researchers who are greater in power than I am. From what I've seen here, there is strong evidence that great magic is at work which bears further scrutiny. I also confess to a certain . . . corruption in me. I am starting to care, ever so slightly, about the town and its residents. I know this is improper. It must displease him so. But I fear I may be too close to the situation and thus losing my impartiality. Are there any prayers or meditations I can try to refocus myself solely on the task at hand? Gratefully yours, Archbishop, Sister Besh."