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Imedren stared at the cowering form of TaBog. Something between pity and disgust was rising on his face as he shook his head. "This isn't about you being afraid, TaBog! It's about finding Nutmeg. There isn't a battle of wills to use this. There is a cost but it's something you are given. The only thing you need to do once you have the magic is focus your thoughts on Nutmeg when you use the Magic. Now put your hands on the orb and use it."
Poisonous detestation flashes across Tabog's face as his gaze is ripped away from Dramm and addressed to Imedren once again. He hesitates at the sorcerer's words until it is almost uncomfortable, his words seemed like a relief from the energy of the silence. "Thank you Imedren, you would know better then I. having just used the orb yourself. How do you feel after peering into its depths?"
"Like I said, it cost me something to use this. The rumors of this being tainted are true. It will also taint your soul, but it will grant you the power to see what you want. Decide if it's a cost you can pay... don't make Anophth's death a waste." A cruel move but he needs resolve. Imedren thought to himself.
"Imedren!" Uruuna scolds. "That's not fair! What's gotten into you lately?"
"Uruuna, he can't be afraid to do what's necessary. This is his son we're talking about." he started to say.
Dramm has been silent, staring at the image in the swirling mists of the orb. He doesn't react when Tabog asks him to peer inside, nor to Imedren's push. Only after Uruuna's scolding does he speak. "Death. The Oracular is death of the soul. The cost of controlling who dies depends on the price you'll pay." He stares coldly at the orb. "Destroying your enemy is the goal. Survival is an afterthought. The Fey deserve to be destroyed." Dramm reaches for the orb.
"And what of the Demon Lord and his cults Dramm?" Tabog asks.
"I told you, Tabog. I don't have any interest in fighting the cult. I'll do it because we need Nutmeg back. I'll kill Katandramus because it will make Ezekia happy. Us and her are all that matter in this city. Everyone else is beyond me. I told you that outside the Moore House." Dramm's fingers touch the orb, testing its surface. "I'll kill Katandramus, then I'll grow until I can kill the Long." Dramm hesitates when the mists gather around his fingers.
The mists part to reveal a dark, dank cell. Nutmeg sits huddled in the corner, arms wrapped around his legs. He is malnourished and bruised, with tear streaks in the dirt on his face. A threadbare blanket and a bucket are the only concessions towards comfort in the cell. Peering through the iron bars is a red-skinned fiend, feminine in aspect, with four arms sprouting from her torso. She gazes at the boy almost lovingly.
"Nutmeg!... I don't know what's worse; the fact that he's trapped there or the flash backs he'll be getting from when he was a baby... " Tabog laments.
Now that you've lifted the Oracular from the its bronze cradle, you notice that there is an inscription on it.
It appears to be an incantation of the travel spell from the Teleportation tradition. You could use it to travel to Nutmeg's location right now if you wanted to...
***
You decide to rest before going to rescue Nutmeg. You set up your bedrolls around the room, Dramm and Joy using their healing spells to tend to the wounded. Uruuna makes her displeasure with Imedren clear as she pointedly moves her bedroll to the opposite side of the room as him. She's also careful not to place it too close to Selgaer either. The more perceptive among you might notice the conflicting emotions flickering across the halfling's face.
It's unclear how much time has passed by the time you wake up, but you feel refreshed and ready for the coming challenges. At least, you hope you're ready...
***
(Earlier)
Sel watches the arguments back and forth with growing caution. As people start to bicker, he backs away, towards Joy. He crouches down on his haunches and says, You ok, kid? Come on, let's turn away so we don't have to watch this. Hey, you want to hear a story? Sel then goes into a story of how he entered a pie eating contest, and the humorous events it took as one unfortunate event after the other led to pies being thrown back and forth. His goal is to get th girl to giggle so she doesn't have to hear. Plus, laughter helps fight off depression from wtinessing such horrors that they've seen tonight.
When Dramm makes the sacrifice to see Nutmeg, Sel says to Joy, No; don't watch. It's not something we need to see. Let them find out, and we'll pick up the trail from there.
(After the images)
Sel is aghast. They finally found out where the child is, and they want to sleep? What kind of fools are these? We need to get there as soon as we can! But he holds this tongue. He's already caused enough drama today, when he confronted Uruuna earlier. He does not want to be the source of more.
He sets down his weapons and finds a comfortable place to rest. It has been a long day.
***
At first Imedren was contemplative over what he'd done. He'd only tried to make sure TaBog was willing to do whatever it took to save Nutmeg, he wanted him to be dependable. It took him a while to realize he'd used Anophth's sudden demise as a horrible way to motivate that behavior. He'd been upset by that and more so by the way TaBog had hesitated but were those really excuses?
Clearly Uruuna hadn't thought so. Even now she was upset. He pulled out the faerie medallion he had found. He examined it, tracing the lines of the indentations. Then he put it on. His vision sharpened, becoming again. Did I upset her so much? No. It can't be the only thing but... he laid down, thinking. After a time he decided that perhaps he would make amends to TaBog after they'd rested. Wearing the amulet kept him awake longer than he'd thought, it wasn't until everyone else had started sleeping that he was finally able to rest himself.
Imedren woke with a start as some of the others began moving. As he realized there was nothing wrong he shook his head feeling much better than he had before. He a defensive armor spell and then made his way over to TaBog.
"TaBog, I.. I wanted to apologize for my behavior before. That was not fair of me to you at all."
"Imedren, we live in a world that is constantly under attack. We, all of us, have been fighting since the day we could throw a punch. That is stress and the stress builds and builds and sometimes it makes us...."
Tabog looks at Dramm; "...Dwell..." He looks at Joy; "...Hide..." He looks at Uruuna; "...Forget..." Finally, looking at Imedren again; "...and say things we might not mean. As long as we all remember how to forgive, and move past these things, we'll make it. Don't sweat it pal, you're more then forgiven."
Imedren was shocked by TaBog's acceptance. He had spent a long time coming to his conclusion to apologize but TaBog had clearly been thinking about the motivations more. "Thank you, TaBog. Now let's go rescue your son."
Once you are ready, you join hands as Imedren reads the incantation on the bronze cradle. Powerful magic gathers around you before opening a gap in reality and whisking you through, transporting you hundreds of miles in the blink of an eye.
You find yourselves in the dark stone chamber outside of Nutmeg's cell. The boy had fallen into a fitful slumber, but your arrival causes him to wake up with a start. His eyes widen as he lunges for the bars "Dad!" he calls in a hoarse cry.
His demonic jailer crouches before the cells, a wide grin splitting her horrific features as she flexes her four claws. "I told you, whelp, I am the only family you need now. The kitten belongs to me, and you will not take him. I am Lamentation of the Choleric Wastrel, and I will sup on your screams of agony!"
No sooner has the monster finished her speech than Selgaer's spear lodges in chest, eliciting a scream of pain. Blood flows freely from the deep wound as the faun smirks in satisfaction.
"Uruuna, I'll provide backup for you." Imedren says, casting a foretelling.
The halfling nods grimly, and while her mind reels at the sight of the horrifying demon, her uncommon courage lets her swallow her fear. She charges into combat, but her swing goes wide as the demon dodges away!
"Nutmeg! I-"
Seeing the demon up close was sobering, so much so that Tabog had to stop and get away. He was here to save his son but knew he couldn't spend time on sentimental reunions while up to their necks in demons.
He rolls away and takes aim at the monster, but Tabog was finding it hard to shoot with shaking hands.
Joy remains mute while Imedren and Tabog trade harsh words over the orb.
Nothing I can do. Nothing I can do., she repeats to herself silently as a mantra.
When things have calmed a little, she enjoys the company of Sel. And giggles at his antics, indeed switching away from thinking of darker matters for a time.
She attends to the wounded as best she can, along with Dramm.
*************
With a skin like oak bark, Joy sees Nutmeg...and his jailer.
And she is angered.
"Nutmeg! We're coming!", she cries, as she hurls a bolt of witch fire at the female figure!
Dramm is quiet for much of the rest. He sets himself a spot on the floor near Joy and expends his healing with her help. Seeing Anophth had clearly shaken him, but whatever had been broken was now replaced with a familiar resolve that the group has seen before. For a long time, Dramm merely sits at his pack and stares, lost in thought. When he begins to talk, he does not look up. Joy merely assumes he's speaking to her because she is the closest.
"Anophth can't come back. No matter how powerful I become, I cannot defeat nothingness. I will never hear him again. I wasn't even there for him. He died alone. He didn't deserve that. Anophth was the best of us." Dramm finally looks up at Joy. "I'm sorry, Joy. You lost your friend too. I know Anophth was fond of you. We... we won't let him down."
He reaches out awkwardly to pat the girl on the back, trying to comfort Joy in his mechanical way.
*******************
Dramm checks his gear with the rest of the group while Imedren double checks his translation of the incantation before casting. He carves armor and a forcefield into the air.
"Four arms. Physically imposing. Try to be careful Uruuna, that thing looks fast." The portal opens, and everyone rushes through.
"Silence, meat." Dramm's eyes burn with malice. He carves a rending sigil in the air and tears it, tattoos and amber flaring with power.
Dramm manages to keep the magic under control, feeling it writhe under his skin seeking escape.
Joy scorches the demon, and Dramm rends her flesh, but neither spell seems as effective against the demon as it should be. The demon casts a spell of her own, pronouncing foul syllables in the Dark Speech. Selgaer's bones shudder beneath his skin, nearly ripping their way out o his body!
"Sel!" Uruuna cries in anguish as the spell almost kills the faun. "Stay away from him, you b!#&&!" The halfling carves a bloody line across the demon's belly.
Dramm moves quickly to bolster the tormented faun. Shimmering tendrils weave into his muscles, easing the pain and providing temporary relief.
Joy barely hears Dramm's words and barely notices his pats.
Anophth is...gone. No, *dead*. DEAD.
Joy says little in her sorrow.
**********
With renewed determination, Joy focuses, and the witch fire hurtles back towards the demon.
[ooc]Guidance on Sel for any roll he needs to make
Sel screamed. A full uncontrollable primal scream that climbed up from his soul, clawing and tearing its way out. His bones tore from his muscles, his joints creaked and strained as they tried to break apart.
His world was pain. He didn't even hear Uruuna call for him; the sound of blood rushing past his ears drowned out the noise of the world.
And then it was over. The wounds started to close. Soothing vitalization washed over him, dulling the pain.
Sel laughed. It wasn't a joyous laugh, but one of "I survived."
Is that all you got? he said to the demon.
HUH? IS THAT ALL YOU GOT?!
Sel rushed forward, his legs pushing him faster than any human could go. A burst of speed propelled him forward and he grabbed his spear, still petruding from the demon's chest. Hoping the momentum of his sprint drives the spear in further, he slams into the demon, and then rips the spear out as he bounces off her.
"Uruuna, now!"
Too slow for good effect.
Imedren hung back in the group, his eyes colored with foresight, widened as Sel was nearly ripped apart but he maintained his concentration as he continued to try and give Uruuna advice. But she wasn't doing well.
What is going on? Uruuna's clearly distracted. Her movements are uncoordinated and she's barely responding to my advice.
Uruuna scores a light wound, and Joy's witch fire singes the fiend. Selgaer rushes in to grab his spear and stab it again, hopping back a few paces.
The demon snarls and teleports a yard closer to Selgaer to pursue him. Its claws rip into the faun, sending him sprawling to the floor!
Tabog skitters towards a nearby table and tries to hide under it, but fails to do so. He fires off a shot that narrowly misses the demon.
Uruuna charges the demon again, her rage and anguish causing her to miss!
"Sel, don't die!"
Joy stamps down on her feeling of foolishness and continues burning the demon!
"Up, goat man. Up! Move!" Dramm rushes to Selgaer and carves out a small sign of healing energy. It isn't much, but it pulls the faun from death's door and into consciousness.
Tabog once again shrinks behind the group but never loses sight of the demon. She keeps an eye trained on him, no doubt she knows he's the boy's father.
It didn't matter to Bog, this b&+~* needed to die one way or another so he notched his arrow and fired!
Selgaer was surprised that she didn't move towards him, but rather dissipated into thin air and reappeared in front of him. He wasn't able to deflect the claws.
For a half second, the room sounds before the floor moved upwards to meet him. But then a kind stranger was there, calling to him and setting his mind to right.
Sel looked up; there was the demon above him. Sel planted a hoof into a crack in the ground and shoved backwards, propelling himself away from the demon. When he hit the ground, he back-rolled up to his feet.
At first, it seems as if Tabog's arrow will go wide of his foe. But at the last moment, the demon dodges away from Uruuna's sweeping strikes and right into the arrow's path! It drives into her skull, and the demon gurgles before falling to the floor, twitching and writhing. Blood pours from her numerous wounds as the demon expires, her body melting away into a puddle of noxious ooze.
"Dad!" Nutmeg sobs again.
Sel will rush forward to look for the keys. If no open blasts the door open by the time he gets there, he'll unlock the door and swing it outwards, moving aside to let TaBog get to his son.
Letting go of his foresight, Imedren decides to ask Uruuna why she seemed so unfocused later. Turning his attention to the cell's lock and blasts it open with satisfaction as his friend runs to the bar.
"Break!" a small piece of the mechanism flew out cutting into his hand.
Tabog rushes to his son, steps turn to leaps, turn to bounds as his body smoothly forms into a large lynx and finally collides with the boy. Nutmeg, never seeing his father take this shape before, was once again filled with fear until he quickly realized that he was seeing his dad's Epitozoia, his true form. Nutmeg looks amazed, then he hugs the big lynx, his cries turning to high-pitched mews as the boy transforms into a small kitten. He purrs as he rubs agaisnt his father's legs.
Nutmeg turns back into his human form and just holds Tabog for a while, sobbing. "C-can we go home now, Dad?"
"I'm afraid we can't quite do that son, we need to end whatever plans Katandramus has and put down this cult for good. Did you hear anything about anything while you were stuck here?"
Nutmeg shakes his head. "Sorry, Dad... The only other thing I've seen in here was that horrible demon lady. Nobody else has come here in all this time. I don't even know where we are. Katandramus just shoved me in this cell and left."
"Did she hurt you, son? Did she even touch you at all? We need to know!"
Nutmeg shudders. "N-no! She didn't hurt me. She kept acting like she was my mother..."
Might as well have been, just the same with a couple less arms; crazy.... woman... Tabog thinks.
"I'm sorry I got caught, Dad. I was just trying to help."
Tabog puts his paws on Nutmegs shoulders and nuzzles him. He sheds a tear at the distress in the boy's voice. "It's not your fault! Don't- Never apologize for this. You are not to blame for bad people doing bad things. All that matters right now is that you're safe with me and we're going to get out of the forsaken place... Do you know where this is?"
"I don't know. I haven't seen anything else except this room."
"I love you son, but you're the worst spy ever." Tabog says this as he shapes back into a man and gives Nutmeg a sly smile that quickly turns into a grin and another hug. He looks to the group, slightly puzzled. "It's like you guys forgot who this charming little sneak is!...... and his son too!"
Nutmeg chuckles and wipes at his eyes. He moves quickly to hug Joy, then Uruuna. He looks around, frowning at Selgaer.
"Dad... Where's Anophth?"
There was a long silence. Tabog knew this was coming. He had prepared an entire speech, perfectly designed to build his golbin friend into the hero he should've been and lightly let let Nutmeg know that he was gone. Dust to dust. That was all but lost. He face and ears began to burn, he could feel the pressure in his throat building as his eyes glazed over and tears streamed down his cheeks. There was so much to say yet no words would make the next phrase any easier.
"He's gone, Nutmeg. He gave his life so we could save you and the rest of Crossings from these wretched people."
"Gone? No... He can't be..."
Nutmeg and Tabog simply hold each other and cry...
***
Selgaer doesn't find anything of value among the demon's remains. Uruuna approaches him, concern etched on his features.
"Are you okay? That spell almost took you out!"
To Uruuna, Sel says, I'll be ok. Your stoic friend over there helped me. I'll.. thanks, Uruuna. Sel rubs his elbow, trying to massage the pain away. Look. I'm sorry about earlier. I didn't mean to make a fuss; I just kind of pushed out of my mind that you had - have - another life. Go, see to your husband. See to your friends. They need you.
Uruuna looks at Imedren and sighs. "Okay. Look... We'll sort all of this all out later, I promise."
The prison turns out to be part of an abandoned temple to the Demon Lord. It's clear by the state of decay that nobody has used this place in a long time. Selgaer makes sure that you completely demolish it, leaving it burning behind you as you make your way down from the mountains in which it is located. A few days' journey brings you back to Crossings.
You've rescued Nutmeg, but not without paying a heavy price. Anophth is dead. Hobb's fate remains unknown, but it's likely the ram did not survive his brush with the shadows. You do your best to move on as you mourn their loss, but it's clear the dynamics of your group have shifted dynamically, especially with the mysterious arrival of Selgaer. Only time will tell how drastically things will change for you...
Joy hugs Nutmeg fiercely.
"We'll be out of this horrible place soon, Nutmeg, don't worry!", she says, trying to give comfort she barely feels herself.
Downtime:
After they set the fire ablaze, Sel decided not to travel back with the group. Instead, he took off into the wilderness, scouting the local area to ensure there were no other dangers.
As the rest returned to Crossings, Sel returned to Carbuncle to find Thomas and Stuart.
Welcome back, sir, Thomas said. If I may be so bold, sir, what happened to your clothing?
Sel looked down. His clothes were still soaked in blood from when the demon tried to rip him apart from the inside out.
Umm.. Yeah. That- Sel started, but Thomas cut him off.
Sir. You can't go in public like that. People will talk, sir. Come, inside. You need a bath, as well.
Sel groaned in complaint, Hey, just who is the servant and who is the master, here?
Sir, I am employed by your brother to ensure you do not ruin the reputation of the House, as far as I am able in the capacity of a Butler. Now, let me undress you so you may bathe. The water is warm.
Sel sighed.
The next morning, Sel was at the coffee table. Stuart, the jackrabbit, was talking.
Well, what are you going to do next, Faun?
I don't know, Stuart. I came out here for Uruuna. I was foolish to do so. I knew she was married. What did I think was going to happen? That she'd leave him? I think.. I think I should go home.
Yeah, Stuart said, Ain't a bad idea. It's only a few days out to that fey door.
Sel agreed. Come. No point in staying here anymore, is there? Thomas? Can you see the horses ready?
I shall call the stable boy, sir. In the meantime, your clothing had been laundered and is ready. Unfortunately, I could not get out all the blood stains, so I applied a light dye to blend them with the fabric.
Sel looked to what Thomas had prepared. Thomas! he called out, exacerbated, I can't wear that! I'll look like a fool!
Sir. It will be ok. This blends local style with the current fashion in Azúl. Anyone whose opinion matters will recognize it and commend you for excellent taste. Now, if you please, sir, stand up so I may dress you.
Within the hour, the three of them were off, headed past Crossings towards the fey portal.
----------------------
Two days later, the group came upon a sight. Crusaders. Riders on horseback headed away from the city.
What do you suppose they're up to? Stuart asked.
Who could say. Probably hunting some declared heretic. Those new god people can be weird. Oh, shit!
Out from the cover of the dense forest came a monstrosity - a horror that rivaled what Sel had fought but a few days ago.
The knights laid down their lances and charged. Tentacles whipped out of the bulbous thing, deflecting blows and toppling knights off their mounts.
Come on! We have to help! Thomas, see if you can pull any injured away. Stuart, stay alive, Sel commanded. Armed with his bow, he kicked his horse into a gallop towards the battle.
Despite his best efforts, the monstrosity got away. Over half the knights were dead or dying.
Thank you for your help, citizen, a woman called out. Sel appraised her; she was young and fit, with short cropped black hair and a half circle tattoo on her forehead and over her eyes. She had good bone structure and was well muscled. Can I ask your name?
Sel, he replied, dismounting from his horse. And the one there treating your men is my servant, Thomas.
The woman smiled. Commendable. Not many servants would risk themselves like that. Especially not this far south. I am Rena, Commander of the Crossings Militia. I take it you're from Azúl? What are you doing this far north? And with so little protection accompanying you.
Sel looked down at his clothing. No; from South of Caercras, actually. This was just something Thomas made for me. He thought it would make me look more.. chic was the word he used, I think. As for protection, he tapped his bow, I am their protection.
Rena barked a short laugh. That's a servant you need to keep, she said. My own are always droning on about ensuring I am properly dressed when dealing with the city council. As if I wasn't just coming back from keeping their hides safe.
Sel smiled. So what's the plan with that monster? Just going to let it run and hide?
Hell no. We're going to hunt it down. she responded, tersely.
Good. Then let's go. It's getting away. Thomas! To the horses!
------
Within a few hours, they had it. It was close. Commander Rena led the charge with her militia, while Sel circled around to cut off the backside.
The monster had Rena by a tentacle, squeezing the life out of her when Sel charged in with his spear, separating the appendage from the creature.
In the end, they won.
Rena offered Sel a position on her staff. He accepted the position and over the next few months went on several missions for her.
The two got along quite well; both being of similar disposition towards warfare and societal obligations. They were held in high regard and often had lectures on the nature of being proper and proprietary. Neither of them liked it. As a result, they became fast friends.
It was the day after they had succeeded in rescuing Nutmeg and returning to town after their trip to Oracular. Imedren had been happy for his friend they'd succeeded in returning with Nutmeg. He was sad of the loss of Anophth and he supposed of Dramm's goat Hobb. He still didn't quite know what to make of the surprise newcomer Sel. All he knew was that something didn't add up. Once they had all gone their separate ways for the moment to recuperate and return home he'd waited a day, agitation starting to set in. But then he finally had to know.
"Uruuna, I know the last few weeks were difficult and dangerous, but now that we've rescued Nutmeg, will you tell me what's been going on with you lately? You've been acting strange ever since the night Nutmeg had been kidnapped."
Uruuna shifts uncomfortably. "It's a long and strange story. I want to tell you. I need to, but... I don't want it to change things between us."
Imedren let out a small sigh in relief. "Uruuna, you are the love of my life and you saved me from a path that wasn't my own. You don't have to be afraid of telling me anything."
Uruuna takes a deep breath and then places as familiar set of pan pipes on the table. "It all started with these damn things," she begins.
And she tells her husband the whole story. Chasing the satyr into the realm of Faerie and being trapped on the other side. Meeting Selgaer and pledging to help rescue the captured children. Learning that time flowed differently, that years or even decades likely had already passed. The anguish thinking that Imedren was already long gone. The sorrow of losing him without ever being able to say goodbye. The guilt and isolation.
"I didn't mean for it to happen. I was at the lowest point in my life, and Sel... He was there for me, Im. He was my only source of comfort in a twisted and unforgiving world. We were together for almost a year, but when we found our way back... Only a few hours had passed in the real world. You were still here. As soon as I realized, I went to you and never looked back. That was the day that Nutmeg was taken from us."
The halfling lowers her eyes. "I told myself it all must have been a dream. I tried to leave it in the past. But then Sel found me. I knew it had actually happened, and the feelings... They didn't go away. We spent so much time together, Im. How could they? Now... I don't know how I feel now. That's the truth."
Imedren's expression had turned unreadable part way through the story. "So you decided to hide the truth from me because you weren't sure how I would react. It wasn't necessarily that Sel lied to you... but he might be an idiot for not experimenting or doing any sort of research regarding the fey realm... and now he came to take you back." Imedren's breathing was getting notably faster the more he spoke.
"No, it's not like that, Im! He is a good man. I told him I had pledged myself to you, and he backed off."
Imedren seemed somewhat cooled by her words but he was still shaking his head. "You say that Uruuna, but how can I know that? You just said you're unsure about his still being here. What if he hasn't really given up?"
Uruuna takes Imedren's hand. "Whatever his intentions, they don't matter. You are my husband, the man that I love. I choose you. I'll always choose you."
"I..." Imedren bit his tongue and took a deep breath, looking with some anger at the pan pipes before continuing. "You are my wife, the one who I chose... the greatest choice of my life. Do you know if Sel is leaving? I know it might not be fair but don't want him around now."
"I don't know, but... I think it would be best if he left. I'll talk to him." Uruuna nods. She hesitates before looking up at her husband again. "Im... Are you okay? You've been acting strange lately. There's an edge about you that wasn't there before."
Imedren was silent for a long time. "Sometimes learning certain knowledge can come with a cost, Uruuna. Many magics have a fundamental way of changing who we are. I haven't always made the most careful of choices when it came to learning magic. I was too eager to learn at first. There are dark magic traditions which pull you downward and taint one's soul. But sometimes this knowledge has other benefits too. It let's me see beneath the surface of what is normally acceptable in our world and I can come back. But there are less beneficial knowledges. Interacting with certain beings can drag you down down further as they want you to feel as they do, and using artifacts like the Oracular which rumors suggested was tainted came with it's own price for the knowledge it granted.
"The more tainted I've become the more jaded I've felt and all the negative aspects of life seem more pronounced. You are the brightest light in my life and I don't know what I'd do if I lost you. So I'm going to be more selective now regarding what knowledge I gain. Working with Dramm and Ezekia as well as studying in the Wizard's tower should help with that."
Uruuna frowns. It looks like she wants to scold Imedren, but her recent actions with Selgaer give her no room to take the moral high ground here. Instead, she simply nods. "I want you to promise to be careful from now on. You can't risk exposing yourself to further taint."
Imedren looked somewhat relieved. "I promise you Uruuna, I'll be careful from now on ."
Time would tell whether Imedren could keep his promise...
To the east of Grievings rises the dirtiest and most polluted district in the city. Originally the site of the Academy of Engineers, the Smokestacks district has evolved whole industries devoted to supporting the academy, from wire-spinners to foundries. Smokestacks is also home to Crossings’ undesirable trades, including dyers, tanners, and slaughterhouses. The place is unsettling to newcomers, for its atmosphere is thick with chemical odors mingled with smoke and rot. The streets are befouled with blood, chemicals, and filth, while forge fires paint everything in a garish light.
The Stone Hearth is a rowdy tavern in Smokestacks that caters almost exclusively to Crossings' dwarven population. Gundren the Ironmonger has asked you to meet him there to discuss an important task he has for you. Despite the raucous atmosphere, the dwarf is serious and gruff as he outlines his offer.
"When ore shipments from me North Mine stopped coming to Crossings, I began to worry," Gundren says. "When the agents I dispatched to discover what was amiss never returned, me worry turned to fear. Something ain't right. Our city's economy is taking a hit each day the mine's not up and running. I need experienced and capable agents to uncover what happened up there and fix it, if possible. I'm offering a princely sum of 50 gold crowns for yer service."
At this point, the other council member in attendance clears her throat. Commander Rena gestures to her drinking buddy, the faun Selgaer, who parted ways with you after the incident with the Moon Spire. "Selgaer here will accompany you to represent the interests of the militia. I trust this won't be an issue?" The commander looks at Imedren at first, but it isn't long before her icy glare settles on Dramm.
Dramm remembers the stacks. He had searched for Gears here once, and found the place distasteful. The rotting meat and blood meant little to a farm boy, but the harsh chemicals fouled his nose and stung his eyes. He wrapped a cloth over his nose and mouth until the party made it indoors.
Sitting with his drink, Dramm had been eyeing Selgaer with distant annoyance. He still knew something was amiss but had never put his finger on the matter. Faces kept changing when the faun entered the room, and not just in surprise. Rena's icy stare brings him back.
"We've seen him before. Fast on his feet. Er... hoofs. Good with a spear and bow." His own eyes lock with Rena. A glint of protective malice flashes just behind his normally stoic eyes. It hadn't been there in their encounter on the streets months ago.
"We'll do you the favor of accepting his aid." The sorcerer drinks pointedly, eyes not breaking the stare down until he finishes pulling at his ale and the mug thunks onto the wooden table.
"I appreciate that," Rena says flatly. Her grip tightens ever so slightly on her own mug.
Tabog's entire presence has changed since the accident. Instead being at least alongside those at the front and cutting the conversations his way at every chance, he stood just behind Dramm with his arms folded. As much as he'd like to just be done with this place and move on, his natural tendencies still kicked in.
Tabog growled at the mention of Selgaer's accompaniment, not very impactful for a man, but his was that of a large cat's.
Dramm was startled momentarily but produced ink and parchment to Tabog who started at him before snatching it away and quickly scribbling out his thoughts in short hand.
He shoved the paper toward Dramm and settled on continuing to pout, arms folded with a beer in one hand.
Dramm studies the paper, shrugs at Tabog, and reads off to the Commander.
"How long have you known Selgaer, Rena?" He then adds to Selgaer, "Uruuna vouched for you, and you didn't run at the tower. Have you and the Cloaks worked together before?"
"I've gotten to know him very well these past few months. He saved my life during a monster attack, and we have worked closely together to keep the city safe since then. I trust him," Rena says, clipping off the end of the last sentence. More than I trust you, seems to be the unspoken sentiment.
Walking into the district, Selgaer can't help but cough. The pollution really gets to him. How can you people live like this, Rena? he asks.
Once at the bar, he tries to order hard cider. Saelgar is not really a fan of beer or ale, and the dwarves give him a wary eye over that. No hard cider. Mead? Nope. Wine? We've got some fermented plum juice, one dwarf says. It's used to clean the pipes. Selgaer isn't sure if the dwarf meant literal pipes or if it was an euphamism for intestines. Either way, he wasn't sure he wanted to try it. He ended up settling in a very light beer that had a hint of orange peel to it.
He sat next to Rena at the table; it was obvious to tell he was uncomfortable being within the tavern. It's too close. Too tight. Not enough freedom. Not enough room to move. Not enough trees or grass or sky. How do people live like this?! he keeps thinking, with every new experience into the dwarven lifestyle.
Once the conversation of the Mines start, Selgaer perks up. He no longer looks uncomfortable, as his focus is on helping others and he's always been keen to ignore his own discomforts in such situations.
Upon the questions, Selgaer says, Thank you for your interest in my relation with Commander Rena, but that is not important right now. We can discuss at a later time if you wish.
What is important is the mines. Councilman Gundren, are there any reports? Missing people? Who's in charge of the operation that we can interview. Anyone of any greater knowledge that we can speak with?
For now, Sel intentionally does not make eye contact with Imedren. But he does smile at Uruuna, in a friendly, "It's good to see you again" type of smile.
Rena wrinkles her nose at the district's stench. "Not all of us do. Only the desperate or the mad would willingly choose to live in these conditions. It's not pretty, but it's a living for some folks."
***
"As I said, the people I sent to gather a report never came back," Gundren grumbles. "I have no idea what's happening there. If ye can find the manager, Sven, at the camp outside the mine, he might be able to tell you more about the goings-on. That's assuming he's alive at this point."
Uruuna's eyes quickly dart away from Selgaer's, but a blush spreads on her cheeks.
Imedren had kept a level neutral expression about the meeting. He found the entirety of the environment where they met moderately unpleasant but not unexpected when he'd learned where they were going.
When they'd arrived at the Stone Hearth, he expected Gundren the Ironmonger but he was a little surprised at Commander Rena being there as well. Though he supposed in retrospect she would have an interest in the infrastructure to keep her soldiers well armed and armored.
But his gaze fell on Selgaer. An unpleasant surprise.
As Commander Rena spoke, he met her gaze for a long moment. But Dramm was the one who spoke first. Imedren studied the Commander for a time longer. He didn't have any real disliking for the woman, not like Dramm must have, though he did find her a bit stingy with regards to resources and her soldiers.
"We're on it, councilman. We'll figure out what's going on at the mines and get them going again."
He glanced back at Selgaer. Though I do wonder, if you weren't here right now would she be sending anyone at all. he caught the smile he had for Uruuna.
"Selgaer," Imedren said pointedly. "we barely got a chance to speak before. You disappeared so fast last time."
With the hint of a question, Selgaer finally looked at Imedren. He gave the human a flat smile. You had a child to return home. I would not dare keep the boy from getting back as quickly as possible. But in the meantime, we had to make sure the surrounding area was free of dangers. It's a task I am comfortable with. It was best for everyone.
Selgaer paused to sip his lightened beer. I do find it interesting that you are all more keen to learn about my whereabouts than you are of the mines. Perhaps you should set aside whatever fantasies you have about me, and instead put your collective intellect towards solving the task at hand.
Turning back to Councilman Gundren, Sel said, Sven. That's a start, at least. Thank you. What are the names of your missing agents. If I can find them, I'll bring them home. How long a ride is it to the encampment? How many worked at the mines? And if you can, send someone around to any local families of the miners - I'd like to know if anyone escaped and if they have news. If you hear of anything, send a runner to the camp to inform us. Normally, I'd do it myself, but I fear time is of the essence and we must depart quickly.
Gundren provides the names of his four agents. He tells you it's a three-day ride to North Mine in the Black Hills west of Crossings. About one hundred miners work there. The dwarf promises to send a messenger if he learns anything new while you're away.
***
Before you depart, Uruuna approaches Selgaer. "Sel... I'm glad you found a place here in town. But I think it goes without saying... Our relationship going forward has to be strictly professional." The halfling's mouth is a firm line, but her eyes betray depths of emotion.
***
After making preparations for the journey, you ride west from the city and out towards the Black Hills. The trip is uneventful, and as dusk approaches on the third day, you reach your destination.
The camp that supports the mine stands at the base of a high hill. It consists of a dozen tents, each large enough to comfortably sleep eight miners; a wooden mess hall with outdoor kitchen; and the mine manager’s office and one-room quarters. The camp is deserted, its cook fires cold and everything left in place as if the people here simply vanished.
Two small groves of trees stand close by the camp. Just south of the camp, a small lake has been befouled by the mine's activities, its depths murky and red.
Tabog pointed at his paper in Dramm's hand for the remaining question but Selgaer began talking. As listened to the faun a look of indignation crossed his face and he began writing frantically. Before he could finish the group had adjourned and began walking away, Tabog was surprised and frustrated, he crumpled his page and following behind Imedren
Imedren found some time to try and ride next to Selgaer. "Selgaer, forgive my earlier focus on you during the meeting. You were right to focus more on information gathering at that point.
Now that we have some time before we arrive at our destination, I'd like to ask you some things directly. First, why did you come to the lunar tower?"
As they approach, Imedren frowns at the abandoned site. He reaches into his bag and pulls out a lantern, lighting it against the setting sun.
"Well this doesn't look good. Let's see if we can find any clues as to why they all left by checking the tents first. Selgaer, see if you can't find any signs of how many people left here in a hurry. Then maybe try to find signs of those agents Gundren sent in as well."
Dramm shrugs to Tabog as the group quickly breaks apart. He had meant to ask more, but things were already moving.
______
Dramm prepares his equipment and says goodbye to Ezekia.
"I suspect someone on the council may be working against us. No proof yet, just a hunch. Katandramus has managed to hide a good deal from prying eyes. He might have help. Be safe while we're gone. Please."
When Imedren speaks up during the ride, Dramm grunts in response.
"Seemed important questions to me. Seems odd he'd show up twice in a row for us at such a convenient time with Rena's backing. She's not fond of us. Good to know she's not hired you to rid the city of our presence."
________
The dark, murky of the polluted lake stirs a chilling atmosphere in the deserted camp. Dramm moves about the empty buildings, but his eyes watch the lake.
"Poisonous maybe?" he says to no one in particular. [b]"Don't think it took them. Plagues create graves, only the last few unburied. We'd find them here. I can check for animal tracks. Might be signs of an attack or creatures passing through. Might just give us an idea if where everyone headed to."
Dramm paces about the mining camp inspecting tracks.
Ezekia gently kisses Dramm. "I'll be okay. It's you I'm worried about. Be careful, and let your friends help you if you need it."
***
Scouring the camp turns up personal effects, coins, and other bits and pieces worth a total of 5 gold crowns. The mine manager’s cot is covered in blood. Looking under the cot reveals a severed hand wearing a silver ring worth 5 silver shillings. The hand looks as if it was torn from the wrist.
Unusual tracks spread throughout the camp, but they don’t look like footprints. Dramm deduces that the tracks resemble the spiked foot of some insect of considerable size.
The ring is curious, and Dramm inspects the band for any distinguishing marks. On a hunch he even gives it a quick once over with magical sight.
Then he drops the discovered coins into the party coin pouch and cinches it shut. Back outside he conveys the grim findings.
"Eerie. Strange tracks. Not animal or human. Spindly, spiked. Enourmous insect maybe? Hate to think there's a hive of something around here. Manager is dead, found his ring. I think so anyway. Any other news yet?"
Selgaer smiles and then winks at Uruuna when she tries to make him promise to keep it professional. He doesn't agree, but nor does he disagree.
Thomas, I'm riding for the North Mines. Please have my equipment ready and horse prepared. It'll he dangerous, so I'd like you to stay here.
Of course, Sir. Please remember to keep proper decorum. You not only represent the family name, but more importantly you represent a city councilmember. Your actions reflect that of the Council.
Yes yes. I know I know. Stuart! Are you ready for an adventure?
You sure seem awfully obsessed with me. If my presence distracts you from accomplishing our task, perhaps you should recuse yourself. I am certain Uruuna and I can solve discover the true cause of the missing miners.
Sel turns his nose at the sight of the lake. It's disgusting what people do to their water sources. How many things lived in that lake?
Upon Dramm's report, he says, Good find. This means it wasn't a raid - at least not by people. Monster of some sort. Giant insects, demons perhaps?
I'll look for signs of the original investigation. With that, Sel takes off searching for tracks and signs of the first group that came here.
Selgaer's search leads him to a nearby copse of trees, which conceals the four corpses of Gundren's initial team of investigators. The mangled corpses show signs that some creature has been eating them. One of the corpses carries a spear with an obsidian tip.
Selgaer grabs the spear.
What do you think, Stuart?
The jackrabbit replies, I don't know. Maybe a giant ant? Or a cockroach?
Yeah, I was thinking that, too. Keep an eye out for anything large and dangerous. We've gotta be on our toes here.
You do realize that practically everything is large and dangerous compared to me, right? Stuart responded, sardonically.
Yeah yeah. Just keep an eye out, will you? We've got to get these bodies out of here and to a secure location. Sel says.
What about the tents? Cover them up with some blankets? The jackrabbit said.
Not a bad idea, that.
Selgaer returned to the group.
I've found the investigation team. Seems like they fell to whatever beasts caused this whole dilemma. Let's grab the bodies and put them in one of the tents and cover them, so we can return them to be properly buried.
"Your evasiveness about answering questions directed at you is interesting but at this point not entirely unexpected. But overconfidence? That isn't something I expected. I have little doubt you'd find the cause to what halted the progress of the mining complex... but resolving the issue with fewer people? No, that just seems like foolish thinking."
"That's unfortunate and it confirms that this area is still dangerous. Alright, let's get them situated. We shouldn't delay too long on going inside the mines though."
Dramm bristles at the faun's calm retorts, but slowly loosens up as time passes and he grows more accustom to new addition. Selgaer catches Dramm watching his goat-like legs curiously while he rides the horse.
"Lotta people trying to kill us. Paranoia helps keep us alive. I figure if you worked against us, you'd have done it in the tower. Not a definitive conclusion. Don't think you and Uruuna alone would survive."
_______
"Never seen anything like that. The four bodies are separated and gnawed on? That's different. Everyone else vanished. Scavengers, Selgaer? Came in after the camp disappeared, found an easy meal? Probably still around. We should stick together, small groups if possible." Dramm carves out some arcane armor around himself. "I'm going to search for logs in the office. They could shed some light on what happened here. Should leave the bodies alone. The creatures might still be around. Better to let them eat the dead than us."
Dramm gives one final nod to the group before continuing his search. He welcomes anyone who wants to come along.
You bring the bodies to the tents without incident. The mine manager's logs end just over a week ago, with no indication of anything out of the ordinary. Dramm discovers several reference books about different types of ore and gems.
You've been in the camp for just about an hour now. The sun has set completely, and while it wasn't noticeable at first, you now can hear a faint buzzing whine that fills the air.
Dramm's mousy face is pursed in annoyance when he returns with the logs.
"Nothing. Just day to day. Apparently some bad meat a few weeks back, but nothing out of the ordinary. Entries just stop."
He flips through the reference book as well, looking for any marked or leafed pages.
"I'll take this with us. Might be useful when we go into the mines themselves. I can carry a torch for us. Only need one hand to create spells." He stuffs the reference book in his pack.
Imedren frowned as he started to pick up on the incessant buzzing noise. He carved several tunes in the air to make an extra barrier of armor around him. "What is that?" he said, as he started to glance around the area.
"I'm not sure we want to be caught in the open with whatever that is."