This is the beginning of one of the greatest adventures ever told. Here Adventurers will face death and unravel the mysteries of the Cult of Elemental Evil.
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Ekaitz looks human on first glance. He's wearing studded leather armor and a few other scant, simple garments. Careful examination reveals that his eyes appear to be two deep pools of clear water, his skin is just too pale and slightly translucent to be that of a healthy human, and his long black hair is always damp, no matter the environment or time of day. Additionally, his fingers and toes show slight webbing. He is in fact an amphibious Undine, equally well suited to life on land and under the waves. He carries several weapons on him along with several holy symbols, the most well-worn of which is a drift-wood carved symbol of the Empyreal Lord Ylimancha.
Earth tones, leather armor, waxed cotton patchwork cloak, wooden shield, and scimitar Nex looks like a druids light infantry. The clothing is both practical and intentionally nondescript. He has a think beard and broad shoulders and by his side sits a wolf at attention.
Each of you have received letters from the Viscount of Verbabonc addressing not you directly but your superiors. In the letter, they tell of an increased presence of bandits near the village of Hommlet. Normally the local folk would have some militia or better yet adventurers passing by to aid them. This is not a normal village. It lies not far from a hub of villainy that doesn't prey on the town, respecting it. No this has the village's council as well as the Church of Iomedea seeking out my aid. So I entrust each of you to select someone skilled in adventuring and investigation to seek out these bandits and report any strange connections or occurrences with the old derelict temple of evil to our agents within the church.
With that, you were sent for whatever reason to do the bidding of the Viscount. Why you were chosen only your superior truly knows, but you have an inkling. It takes you a minute to get to the Village. The direct you first to a small Thorpe called Dockshire. This Halfling Thorpe has only a Tavern/Fort that allows ships to float by and gets most of its goods from the local Halfling farms. Here you await your companions, each given with the letter a small badge baring Hommlets crest(which is on the map). Once you meet up it is only a days ride to Hommlet proper
A muscular black haired man roaming the streets of Dockshire wearing a darkly colored cloak having three symbols: on his shoulders ( a crane and a panther ) and the back of the neck the Hommlets crest. The hood of the cloak was over his head making the badge visible to every passerby.
For an untrained eye, he seems to be holding a weirdly shaped walking stick with the top covered in leather. However, if one would get closer and have a look at a crack in the leather he would be able to see it for what it really is: a glaive.
I'm sure the reverend archimandrite had his reasons, sending me as his representative to that faraway village must a great honor. Farvil kept saying to himself as the halflings, half his size, were passing back and forth on the road with the tavern.
He kept going around in circles in that village for hours and had not seen not even one wearing that crest on their clothes.
Maybe, they aren't wearing it. Or maybe they're all halflings and have it pinned on the back the same as me. He pondered checking the back of nearby halflings.
Pajet whistles tunelessly as she approaches Dockshire. Her dark blue hair is a tangled mess, and there's a spring in her step even as she walks with a very slight limp, favoring her left leg. She's not particularly remarkable for a gnome, though gnomes in this region are remarkable simply by being there. Her leather armor is travel stained, and she makes no move to hide the dagger, longsword and shortbow that she wears with the dull grey cloak that hangs quite open around her shoulders. She has a letter in her hand and is scanning it quickly glancing up and around her as she does so.
Yes, this is definitely a place that Mom and Dad passed through. I knew that name was familiar! Now, let's see if can't find any familiar faces, or barring that, badges.
Pajet makes here way into town and immediately notices the tall, broad human figure who seems to be looking for something. When she squints she can see a badge like the one she's found on the back of his neck.
Smiling, the gnome hustles towards him, waving her badge to get his attention, "Hey there stranger! You look like you're part of the party that I'm here to see! You've got that badge with Hommlet's crest pinned to your cloak and I bet you've got a letter telling you to meet people here! Name's Pajet, and I've got a letter and a badge as well! Mind you, I wasn't supposed to have them, not exactly anyhow.
"I happened across a heavily armored warrior type about a day back. He must have been newly out of some sort of training as apparently he thought he could outrun a pack of wolves in plate armor. You can probably guess how well that went. Sadly I was too late to help him out, as they wolves had already picked what they could around the armor off him and left by the time I found his body, but he did have this letter and badge.
"I figured I should deliver it here to let you all know that Master Falstrom's appointee isn't going to make it, and to offer my services in his stead! I've been wandering about, looking for something worth doing, and if this letter is to be believed this could be it!"
Pajet sticks out her hand to shake as she lets the stranger take in what she's said.
Nex hears the word wolves loudly spoken in the direction he is heading. He listens closely he approaches hearing 'badge', and 'letter' he assumes he is in the right spot, though he is not wearing the badge.
"It is sad to hear that we have lost one of our number already."
Nex's wolf looking around and almost as tall as the gnome.
"I am Nex Lupe and this is Amarok. We will be travelling with you."
Ekaitz spends a while observing the small assembly from a far before determining that they're likely safe enough. He approaches and holds out a hand showing his pin, and when he speaks he does so with a thick accent. Greetings, I am Ekaitz Ubiño D'Ezkala, son of the First Watcher. I received the summons as it travelled to my village, and I respond. I hear there is a bandit problem and we are to investigate and stop it, yes?"
Quite proud of herself, Eÿliana strides to the concealed door leaving the guild's dingy hall. Their training had been helpful when all she had was her own wits to survive, but now it was time to leave and find her own way. For months she had looked for a way to extricate herself from their greedy clutches and two nights ago, Rulx had given her just the opportunity. As she opened the door, she feels the presence of the young man before her eyes spy him. He was shaking and bent over as he was slipping a parchment through the message pass.
He jumped as she reached for her rapier. "NO! no. I'm just a messenger from the Viscount!" he held a small scroll out as he used his free hand to protect his head. She didn't respond but snatched the scroll from his quivering hand. It's his seal, alright. Eÿliana thought to herself and she waived a hand at the messenger. He didn't hesitate. "G'day!" he muttered as he turned and scurried away.
Now, why would the Viscount send the guild a message... and with his seal so visible. She looked at the seal very closely looking for signs of a forgery. None, but it was heavy. Sealed on both ends with wooden caps, she knew that something came along with message. A quick shake confirmed that it wasn't coin, but it felt heavy. Must be metal.
She looked over her should, but no one was coming to the door from within. She had opened the door before the bell was rung. Considering her options another minute, she finally shrugged, slipped it into a small pocket on the underside of her dark green cloak and disappeared into the streets of Verbabonc.
Pulling her hood over her white hair, the rogue kept her deep, blue eyes vigilantly scanning everything about her surroundings. Once she was convinced she wasn't being followed, she slipped into the alley between the Laughing Skull tavern and blacksmith's shop. With her back against the wall, she slid down to one knee, behind the over flowing rain barrel and pulled out the scroll. She mindlessly reached down and drew the hidden dagger from her left boot. Breaking the seal with the tip of the blade, she unrolled and read the message. Hommlet...
The memories flooded her mind and the distant smells filled her senses. Rosemary. Toasted hazelnuts. The smell of a dirty stable. And incense from the temple. They made her smile and then shudder. Eÿliana held open her hand. Resting in the palm of her brown leather glove was the small, metal badge with the crest of Hommlet engraved upon it. She tumbled the badge in her nimble fingers. They were not covered by the thick leather of her gloves. She had cut them off last spring when Ol' Bikem had taught her to pick a lock.
Nodding to herself, she whispered, "I'll go... best to get out of the city for a while..." She opened up the leather satchel she carried close to her chest. Pushing her mother's journal to the side she slipped the scroll and the badge into it and fastened the buckle. Pulling the cloak tight about her, she slung her pack over her right shoulder and left for the city gates that led toward Dockshire.
After a short walk to the small halfling village, the rogue can't help but notice the two humans speaking with the lame gnome as another tall man approaches. She catches the eye of the one carrying the scimitar and flashes both palms at him and nods. Reaching into the satchel she briefly displays the badge, then waits for a reaction. They could be other recruits for the Viscount or worse, from his court.
Seeing the group of obviously non-Halflings in the street, Keva angles towards them as she approaches the Tavern-Fort. Seeing as how they look like a grab-bag of assorted people, it would make sense that this was the group she was to join with before heading to Hommlet. Walking up to them, she nod in greeting as she says "Hello, everyone. I take it that you were all sent here by the Viscount?"
Everyone else sees a tall and thin woman, with pale skin and white hair. Her skin is covered in faint blue patterns, and her eyes are the color of silver. She wears studded leather armor, simple travelers clothes, and a gray woolen cloak. At her back is a shortbow, and a pair of shortswords hang at her belt. On her left shoulder hangs her pin, placed to where it could easily catch the eye.
As you gather in the small halfling town you see a few dozen regular sized humans. They were loading a few dozen casks of liqour in a wagon. The men where simple folk not normal travelers. They were a bit worried and even though a few of them were being offered protection by a group of chain shirted halflings. They denied saying they were glad for the offer but declined as they were halflings after all.
ANother group of humans were a bit more armored and seemed to keep to themselves. The halflings even gave them a bit of distance as the four men seemed to ooze malice. They wore chainmail, had swords and spears. There shields had a symbol on it once but use has worn it to a few pieces here and there.
Lastly a wisp of a girl in Padded armor plays with a few of the Halfling children teaching them little chants about the seasons and animals. She holds a Spear in one hand and from her neck dangles a stylized silver charm in the shape of mistletoe and holly crossed together. the Red haired human girl seems completely at easy and comfortable here with no real issue. Not far from her is a burly farmhand with a dagger and short sword baring a small shield with the symbol of Hommlet on it.
Otherwise halflings are running about trying to sell flowers, fruit, carvings, grain, ale and what have you. Some are bartering for this and that. THe biggest sale is that of the Ale as the men are plopping down several goldpieces for it.
Pajet squints at the letter she found once more and then nods. "I guess that it does lead off with the bandits, doesn't it? I was more excited about connections to the old derelict temple of evil that you're supposed to be looking for connections to. Derelict temples tend to be where exciting things happen." The gnome looks around, taking in the inhabitants and taps her finger on her chin in thought.
"If we judge a book by it's cover, we'd assume that the surly humans over there are connected to any bandits in the area, at least if they're enough of a presence to be out and about in broad daylight like this. I suppose we should start asking around some and figure out what's going on. I think that I'll mingle with the townfolk here, do some shopping and see what I can't learn. I've been through the area before, though it's been a while, and I might be able to use old acquaintances to start getting some information if I run into any. If anyone wants to come with they're most welcome to!"
Without waiting to see who agrees or disagrees with her plan, or what they might have to say, Pajet slips off into the crowd and makes her way through the various halfling merchants, purchasing a flower here and some fruit there as she goes (which she passes along as treats to any halfling children who seem unsupervised,) and chatting up merchants to learn what she can of the bandits in the area, as well as the group of standoffish humans. As she does, she keeps an eye out for anyone she might remember from her childhood passage through the town who she might be able to get more detailed information about.
Nex lists off the options as he sees them pausing between each item.
"So, we have a teacher wearing armor with a bodyguard. The bodyguard may have an association with the town based on the shield."
"Next, some halfling trying to protect people. They may know what people need protecting from."
"Thugs, that said halflings are afraid of."
"Finally, we can finder the church or city council."
village's council as well as the Church of Iomedea seeking out my aid/
"I would wait until the children are gone to talk to the teacher."
"The halfings seem like a good option."
"We should have information before addressing the thugs."
"And the church will be there tomorrow."
Farvil salutes each bearer of the badge and wonders how could a diverse group like them could have acquired the badges? He wonders if it's possible that more of them have gotten them the same way the gnome had.
"Farvil's the name, I'm pleased to make your acquaintance. It seems we all have received the same information. Not much to go by... I was sent here by the head of my order. No idea who this count or viscount is but if his holyness considered that he is need of my help, I will do his bidding.
Farvil looks around the town in search of other members who had the badge. It was easy to spot the strangers in that hamlet.
The roads are treacherous nowadays. Even halflings add to your numbers and to your chances of reaching your destination unscathed. I think you judge the armored men too harshly. Just cause they like to keep to their own business does not make them thugs. Farvil tries to add his two cents on the events unfolding around them. He is taken aback by the speed in which the gnome tries to detach from the newly formed group and tries to offer his protection: "Hey little one, if you go looking for trouble you should always be prepared for the worse. I could watch your back."
"The man with the wolf and the white-haired girls would be easy to spot if need be, but a quick gnome like that...
"Let's try to regroup at the tavern. Try not to get in any trouble." Farvil says to the rest of the group before heading after the gnome.
Ekaitz nods as his companions weigh their options. "I may speak to the halflings. When any of you want to speak to these so-called 'thugs,' I shall accompany you and together we will ascertain truth."
At that, he approaches the group of armored halflings and shows them his badge. "Gentlefolk, greetings. You are protectors of this town, yes? And you are having bandits troubles, yes? Tell me more."
Pajet grins as the sturdy human follows her into the crowd, offering his protection. Turning her head as she walks, but somehow not running into any of the halflings they pass by she engages in some cheerful banter. "It's great to meet you Favril! No need to worry just yet, I'm not seeking out trouble this time; this is just gathering information, but but it's good to know that you'll come with me when I do! Now, what sort of fruit do you fancy? It looks like they've got some lovely plums in that booth just over there ..." As she speaks the gnome almost topples over as her right leg buckles for some unknown reason, but quickly recovers her bearings, grins and makes her way to the fruit merchant.
Nex will keep an eye on Ekaitz as well as the thugs. Making room and giving him room to work.
He will signal to Pajet to go support him as she seems charming and diplomatic.
"Pajet can you go with Ekaitz to talk to the halflings. I would but I lack your charm.'
The Halflings swing your way and smile. At the sound of protectors and bandit troubles a halfling, the smallest of the group but with a mustache that curled out over half a foot from his nose, probably longer if unfurled. On his head was a floppish cavalier hat with an ostrich plume coming from it. On his back where two short swords and at his belt a sling and atleast six daggers. He walked up to Ekaitz.
The halfling eyes you up and down before he sniffs his nose and taps his gloved hands on his chin."Why yes we are. We are the Knights of the Dog, A prestigious order of Warriors devoted to Cayden Caylen, and the added benefit of protecting Halflings and any good hearted folk from evil. Which included Bandits!" He says drawing his Shortsword with an accent followed by the other halflings around him that echoed the same. They Shouted together in Halfling 'Freedom', before sliding it back into his sheath and laughing.
"As for bandits, they are not as dangerous between here and Hommlet. Most of us halflings have had to deal with some displaced animals and a few beasts. Nothing we can't handle. The thick of 'em are north of Hommlet which isn't as surprising as Nulb is out there and them Pirates aren't opposed to a bit of highway robbery now and then. Still we help wwhere we can."
"So Stranger what brings you through Dockshire?"
Haggling was not something that came naturally. It helped that he was generally intimidating enough that few people decided to attempt to get the better of him. In this case, it may have been working against him, since he was trying to barter some of the extra resources he had gained for some fruit.
"-what? Of course the meat is good! If you think that I'm—" The shout of "Freedom" from the riders drew his attention away from the trade, and he took the fruit, conceding the deal for the current price. If those badges that he could see glinting from some of them were what he thought they were, then they were the ones that he should be meeting. "—Fine. Deal."
Seeing the blue-haired gnome coming in his direction, it was difficult to miss the other, taller human that trailed behind her. It was also easy to spot the badge that was on his cloak. He was also pretty certain that he was easy to see, so instead, he turned to face them and waited.
When the gnome was close enough, he gave them a nod of greeting. "You two got a letter and a badge, yeah? My name's Augrok."
Augrok was definitely one of the tallest people in the village, though he carried himself with a sense of awareness and... courtesy. He was certainly well-groomed, though there was a necklace of what looked like teeth of many different animals tied around his neck. Definitely a bit at odds with his manners.
"I am Ekaitz. Ylimancha has guided me here but I work on behalf of the regional governance. My companions and I investigate and stop the troubles surrounding Hommlet. You do your town a service, as do we. Tell me, who is this and why do you avoid them?" Ekaitz nods slowly towards the group of rough-looking humans as he asks his last question.
And just to be sure, sense motive on the halflings, are they on the up and up?
Cayden Caylen? she thought. I's a wonder these halflings haven't drunk themselves silly by this time of day... Eÿliana slid up silently behind the group that had approached the short warriors. She had seen their badges and hoped it okay to mingle amongst them. The rogue knew better than to be surrounded, so she kept to the edges of the exchange with a hand resting on her rapier, hidden beneath her cloak.
Seeing the half-orc and gnome approach as well, she nods and flashes her badge again. "Eÿliana." she says to them, and returns her attention to the halflings and their conversation with Ekaitz.
"Weirdo name, Not sure who Ylim...Ylimcha." He stops and shrugs before continuing."As for the trouble just an influx of Bandits. could be due to something about Demon worship or some Wizard brewing north of Nulb. Probably sniffing around the old temple. Which is why those men are here, they are dangerous mercenaries form the south hired to help reinforce some rich town up north. They don't say what town but they are intense and don't seem to be hurting anyone so we let them enjoy in our towns offers. We believe ourselves a respectable neutral zone" The man says twitching his nose which makes his mustache move curiously
----
Alot of Halflings give the Half-Orc a wide birth. Only the ones shilling their wares really are doing much of anything with him.
Nex studies the halfling as he speaks trying to determine if the mustache is a tell.
"Eyliana, pretty name my dear welcome to Dockshire"
Nex treats most situations like battle formations in the militia in which he was trained. There are positions, the vanguard, flank guard, the middle guard, and the rearguard.
He has identified Pajet, Keva, and Eÿliana as being the vanguard in social situations. So he slips one of them the information that the halfling is holding back.
"He is not sharing everything."
Pajet cranes her neck a bit to look up at Augrok before flashing him a toothy smile. "Good to have you here Augrok. I'm Pajet and this is Farvil. Right now we've got some very important things to do and I think that you're going to be able to help." She looks at the half-orc seriously for half a moment as if attempting to judge him in some way, before continuing. ... "What do you think of the quality of those plums you just purchased? I've told Farvil that I'd get him one, but I want to make sure they're worth it first. A good plum is divine, but there's no sense wasting your time with them if they're off."
Without seeming to wait for Augrok to answer, Pajet strides around him to get closer to the merchant and leans over the fruit on display, looking it over critically. "So I'm looking for a couple apples and 3 of your best plums. Are those Honeycrisps there? They'll do nicely! But do you have any plums behind the counter that you're saving?" The gnome talks about fruit, praising most of what she sees and accumulating a small pile of it as she goes. Interspersed in the barter and banter she asks about the armored halflings, who they are and what they like to eat, the various groups of humans, and how the town in general is doing.
As she talks to the fruit seller she acknowledges Eÿliana's brief greeting with a wave and a smile of her own. "Name's Pajet and I'll give you a proper greeting soon! Right now I need to squeeze a few of these grapes."
Eÿliana eyes Nex as he whispers in a hushed tone. She recoils slightly, likely from the musty smell of the forest that permeates his hide armor. She drops a piece of dried beef at his feet near the wolf that seems to be a pet of sorts. The rogue circles around and approaches the halfling with the unkept mustache. They have such small hands, keep a wary eye on them.
"Wizard, you say? First I've heard of that. Our summons only mentioned bandits and the old temple. What makes you think a wizard could be the source of the bandit activity?" Only partially caring about the answer to her inquiry, Eÿliana watches the halfling intently for signs that may suggest he knows more that letting on.
The wolf happily eats the meat.
Ekaitz gives the halflings a well-meaning but perhaps slightly condescending look at his troubles with the deity's name. "Ylimancha, divine protector of the coasts and those who call them home. But that is no matter here."
As Eyliana asks them further questions, he raises an eyebrow at her but waits respectfully for her to finish, then follows up with another question. "Have you heard any names put to this wizard or demon?"
Seeing the gnome losing her balance for a second Farvil jump to help her, grabbing her by the arm. "Are you alright?"
He was surprised to hear the half-orc asking questions about the badge. "Indeed, it seems the count has sent summons to every corner of the country. It's not that I don't trust your prowess in battle, seeing that you're well equipped with a blade and pointy things; but do you know by any chance why the viscount or count has chosen such a unique way of sending help?"
He watches patiently as Pajet tries to buy fruit provisions from the vendor and begins to wonder if he's hearing a weird form of haggling or if the gnome's using a coded language only she and the vendor know.
Getting closer to Pajet such that his voice will not be heard from a distance he says: "Is he one of your old acquaintances? Why are you scaring away his customers?"
Pajet winks and returns Farvil's whisper with one of her own. "I'm not scaring away his customers. I am his customer. He's selling fruit, I'm buying it, that's how open markets like this work. I know, it can be complicated."
With another smile, the gnome turns the small pile of fruit that she's accumulated in front of her and grabs two plums. She tosses them in quick succession to Favril, relying on his reflexes to catch them. "Now, you take those. One of them is for you to eat. You can have your pick, but they'll both be excellent. The second is for you to take to that young girl that's been staring at our friend Augrok here from around the corner of that building. Tell her that it's OK to be curious about people that don't look like others she's seen before, no matter what her parents say, but that it's still not polite to stare. I've just about finished up here, but I'll meet you over at that flower merchant when you're done with the delivery."
Pajet shoos Farvil away and the turns her attention back to the fruit merchant, finishing up this transaction and the first part of her information gathering.
"Never knew we asked for a group to come here?" He shrugs wondering why they thought Dockshire would ask for outsiders to help them."We are halflings miss, save those passin' thorugh none of yer human leaders care much save we pay taxes and don't cause trouble" He looks straight at Eyliana a bit of bite coming out on that last part before he exhaled through his nose causing his curly mustache to flare out, then roll back in.
"As for the Wizard, I am taken a guess. Saw some undead wanderin around. me and the lads were gonna take them down til we saw them weird rune things in 'em. Instead we came back got our cleric friend to come out and turn them away. Ol' Jarred went ta Hommlet to talk to the Cleric there to see if they had any scrolls for him to cast permanently some undead repellent or whatnot on the walls."
He twirls his musstach a bit before he continues."If you ask why I think it be a wizard instead of a cleric.Well in the old battle field me n me boys were on patrol and noted a few robed gits out there poking around. When we went to investigate we were spotted and got some lovely magical darts in the ass for our troubles."
The tallest of the Halfing warriors, a woman with a hammer, pick and sickle, as well as a light crossbow in full chain, stepped forward looking at the swaggering mustached halfling and spoke up.
"Forgive Mortimer he likes to be a bit talkative, and blabber on." she says giving him a look before she curtsies and smiles."I am Madeline Surefoot, Knight of Iomedae and he is speaking the truth about the wizard and the summons. We know not of any summons we are only halflings. As for the demon, a few Halflings and elders have whispered that all this increased banditry and whatnot is the work of the Evil Demon of yore. I believe the One the Cult who was defeated. The ones perverting Elements to there will. Still, It is just hearsay. I hope that I have cleared up some confusion for you all." She smiles a sincere smile unsure how to give any more information to you.
Nex nudges the closest part member, "That one, the Knight, that's the type with answers.'
Nex will go up to the bodyguard.
"Excuse me. May I have a moment of your time. I have to look out for a few new people in town." Gestures toward the including a huge half-orc barbarian, a shopping gnome, several blue tinted individuals. "Who should we be avoiding? What areas are dangerous? Any paths in and out of town particular problems? Thank you again."
The girl teaching smiles as you come over but her 'Bodyguard' comes over and growls. She looks at him and he huffs. A silent exchange is made and he goes back over by himself. She waits until he is far enough away and blushes.
"Sorry about him sir. I am Leesa. I come here from Hommlet time to time to teach the ways of the Green Faith. My father doesn't care much for me going out. Which I know is wrong but I have to come. I love these kids and just a bit of adventure is thrilling! So father sends Turk here to follow me" She says pointing at the bodyguard.
"As for what to look out for there are a few dangerous things about. Jaroo makes sure many of the creatures stay away, and the old wards set up by the Clerics of Imodea have lasted a long while. Bandits have become an issue and east of Hommlet, as well as talk of the Undead and things from the Field of Bones. but a few traders have turned back to Hommlet after trying to go down the road through the woods or through the gnome controlled Hills. But why do you ask a stranger?" She says being polite.
"We are worried about the Bandits and we have heard rumours about evil temples, wizards and undead. I like to have as much information as I can before going anywhere dangerous."
Farvil takes the plumbs and instead of sharing the plums with the girl at the other end of the street he gives the half-orc one of them. "This gnome sure has a quaint behavior. "
He leans on the wall of the building with his arms crossed, watching as the one named Nex and one of the white-haired women try to get what information they can out of the halflings. Taking a bite from the fruit he continued. "They're looking somewhat worried. I wonder if they've found something useful about our next destination or anything new as to why we've been called."
Keva will have spent her time up to this point quietly observing the other members of the group, assessing them before deciding to do anything. She will have stayed near enough to the group conversing with the halflings to hear their conversation while her eyes watched the others go about their business. Seeing that everyone is doing well for the time, she elects to remain silent for a while longer. If anyone goes to talk with the four mercenaries, she will move up to accompany them, but will wait until someone else wished to go.
Ekaitz grimaces unpleasantly at the tall halfling woman's mention of a demon cult. "Thank you madam, sirs, and may the gods go with you in your tasks. You have given us many helps."
With that, he gives the group of halflings a curt bow and goes to meet up with Nex over by the teacher and her bodyguard, nods to them, and listens in for the moment.
"That is a wise course of action traveler. I will tell you we rarely have any such issues in Hommlet. I know we have had a couple of goblins now and then but mostly unless its someone seeking to cause trouble Master Jaroo and Canon Terjon keep away wild beasts and undead. So I guess we are sorta lucky" She says smiling as she stands ever the picture of youth.
"Me and Turk should be heading back to Hommlet soon. I do hope your journey is a peaceful one. My the Natural order guide you and keep you" She says as the kids began to tug at her pants and she giggled before following them over to a halfling selling honey and bees.
Having followed, Ekaitz over to listen to Leesa talk with the others, Eÿliana fidgets with the handle of her foil tucked away beneath her cloak. She gently slid the blade out an inch before returning it fully to the sheath. Repeating the process several times, her mind drifted to her memories of Hommlet. It had been nearly ten years, since she had stepped foot in the small village, but the memories were clear as yesterday. Undead and evil cults... this isn't for you... she thought. Yet the tension in her mind grew as she thought of the kind clerics that had once taken care of her. Visions of their demise began to fill her head as her anxiety grew.
When the young druid said her farewells, Eÿliana came back to the present. Her shoulders were rolled forward and her stance widened. She felt the grinding pain in her teeth as she gnashed them. In her left hand, her boot dagger had arrived. This startled her, and she let the tension go. She didn't recall drawing the blade, but her angst was felt. I will go to Hommlet... The thought was settled in her mind. She would return, not to fight but to ease her mind at the sight of the Temple of Iomedae and its kindly priests.
Pajet finishes her business with the fruit merchant and turns to see that Favril has given the other plum to Augrok. "What are you doing? He already has fruit! He just bought it. Pah, I suppose if I want to get anything useful done I'll have to do it myself." Shaking her head she packs all her fruit into her backpack except the sole remaining plum which she takes to a small girl who's been peeking around the corner at them, staring, mouth wide open. The gnome, being less threatening due to sheer size has a brief conversation about the town and what the girl thinks about the people who have been visiting, curiosity being fine, staring being impolite and which flower sellers are the kindest to the children when they're not selling. After that smiles and pats the girls head before moving on to another stall.
As time passes the armored Mercenaries begin to gather their stuff and head towards the northern gate. The mean loading casks have the small barrels stacked two high and are beginning to rest a third. The Halfling Warrior band heads over to a kennel where dogs hop up excited. Lastly, the Girl and her'Bodyguard' are off talking to the children the lovely Leesa handing off small well-carved holly and mistletoe symbols that were panted to the children, before she finally rises and turns north as well.
At the southern gate come more travelers. Another wagon loaded with goods, a Dwarf with a donkey, A robed figure on a white horse and another wagon driven by a couple of halflings with "milk" crates full of vegetables.
What do you do now?
"Let the natural world protect you."
Farvil just shrugged at Pajet's remarks and let her be on her way seeing she wouldn't get in any immediate threat bothering the vendors and curious girls.
Whistling a jolly tune he makes he wonders the streets a bit more seeing what other goods the halflings had to offer, how their build their homes if they exhibit some local customs. Once he felt the hamlet had nothing new to offer he returned to their designated rendezvous not bothering putting on his hood to expose the badge beneath it.
He was not sure he would be able to remember the names of all those people but their figures were clear to him and would not have a problem spotting them even in dim light.
Demon worship or some Wizard brewing north of Nulb - Evil Demon of yore. I believe the One the Cult.
Cult to a Dark God or Demon - said by bandit according to gnomish ranger and officer to Verbabonc.
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Bandits have become an issue and east.
Old mill east of Hommlet has been seen with small lights at night
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Undead and things from the Field of Bones - Gaint that has a pet bear
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Dragon-like creature in the woods
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Master Jaroo and Canon Terjon keep away wild beasts and undead.
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Other:
A group is heading north May be safe to travel with them!New arrivals: a Dwarf with a donkey, A robed figure on a white horse and wagon halflings with "crates of vegetables.
"Let's grab what we need quickly and travel with the caravan to Hommlet."
To the group heading north, "Excuse me are you all heading to Hommlet? If so we should travel together it may be safer for all of us. I know you have all heard the rumours."
Having finished with her information gathering, Pajet makes her way back to the group. Seeing Nex starting to put together a plan, she joins him and quickly shares the rumors that she's picked up so that he can summarize them with the information that the others have picked up through their various inquiries.
"I think that I've got what I need for now from Dockshire, and we can always come back if we want to. I'm all for wandering north some, and more company never bothered me!"