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When Tyrion sees Mandoo consider taking a healing potion, the halfling raises his hand in a halt motion....
Mandoo pauses with healing potion in hand and nods. He then puts it back on his bandolier for later use.
Tyrion looks confused and replies, "Cave/Pond is on one side, then V-shaped chamber, then tree stump. If you think the cave is V-shaped chamber, wouldn't the Drop Point be back the way we came? For instance, the old tree outside of Hallod's shack?"
It is now Mandoo's turn to look confused. Mandoo looks at the map again and sees it as Tyrion is suggesting. His shoulders slump a little, "Tyrion smart. Tyrion correct." He then looks back at the pathway they entered through, then at the open air beyond the tree roots, and adds, "Need fresh air. Mandoo say we go to stump that way," indicating the cave opening again.
On the back of the transaction list is a crude map. It depicts a cave helpfully labled "HIDEOUT,", next to a shape that might be a pond; from there, a winding path passes through a strange V-shaped chamber before ending at what appears to be a clearing with a tree stump labled "DROP POINT."
The tunnel beyond the snake's lair twists and turns for a great distance; it takes you 10 minutes to traverse it before you can detect a faint natural light up ahead, and the air becomes notably cleaner.
"Problems, Master Tyrion and Master Mandoo?" he asks with a smile on his face. "Has the location of the Drop Point got you both... stumped ?"
Mandoo looks blankly at Quecksworth and frowns. You can almost see the gears grinding in his head as he re-parses the gnome's comment a few times. Then after a long pause, Mandoo cracks a smile and says, "Quecksworth funny."
Lizzo is astonished at Mandoo's suggestion to destroy the ingredients. These are worth valuable money, and he didn't become a pathfinder for the good of the realm. He suggests hauling the cache of goods back to the Inn, where we can keep an eye on them until they can be sold. They could potentially be used as bait to setup a trap for 'V', and then sold for gold.
Mandoo shrugs in response.
He looks at all the boxes and barrels in the cave and has trouble picturing the logistics of the group trying to get them all back to the Feedmill, and then later, transporting them all the way to a market where they could sell them. They would need Bort's wagons for sure, since that is almost certainly what brought the goods here in the first place. Assuming Tamli was willing to cooperate in the endeavor, they would probably have to give her part of the proceeds. This all seemed like a lot of work to Mandoo for a lousy 30-40 odd GP split five ways. The everburning torches they'd found here were worth that much alone, and were a lot easier to carry.
Mandoo shrugs again, "Will be difficult. Will need Bort wagons. Will need much time. Will need much effort. Mandoo say not worth it. Lizzo maybe talk to Tamli later. See if possible. Maybe sell to Tamli."
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He looks to the half-orc. "Darr may well be able to heal all of us the rest of the way. And if not, within the hour I can rewrap your wounds to provide more aid."
Darr frowns, "Unfortunately Master Tyrion, I am out of healing until I rest."
"Problems, Master Tyrion and Master Mandoo?" he asks with a smile on his face. "Has the location of the Drop Point got you both... stumped ?"
Darr snorts and bellows a laugh.
After hearing what Hallod's letter states, Darr becomes a little distressed but then remembers now that Phinick has good chanced to be pardoned. "We should head back and tell Phinick that we have proof that Hallod used him as a tool."
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With Darr out of healing, Tyrion rewraps his wounds, and then calls Mandoo over to check on him. He does this while people are still looking around the cave and planning our next move.
First himself ...
Then Mandoo ...
Satisfied with his work, he packs up his tools and stows them away. He offers up another round to Lizzo, and finishes up his mug of blackberry wine. "Starting to run low ... hopefully we'll be back at the Feedmill soon." Turning to Mandoo, "I'm sure Delma will be happy to see you've returned safely."
After collecting as much as is reasonable, sounds like the group has decided to head outside and follow the map's path (possibly back to the old tree at Hallod's shack ... or not) to find the DROP POINT/STUMP.
It takes a good hour to hike the three or so miles to the drop point. It is little more than a large hollow tree stump in a small clearing. Inside are a few empty crates, but nothing of value.
You take quite a bit of time looking for clues or tracks or anything that you can use to identify this "V", but you come up with nothing.
You have made significant progress in determining who caused the untimely demise of Bort. Unfortunately the villain who ordered the murder is still at large. However, since there seem to be no clues here to point to you where or even who this mysterious "V" is, there doesn't seem to be much else to do now except head back to town and start the search for this "V" anew.
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When Quecksworth announces that the handwraps are in fact magical, Mandoo gets a little excited. He takes them back from the gnome, and daring anyone to argue, carefully packs them away in his backpack without further discussion. When he has some time, he will put them on and see what they can do.
It takes a good hour to hike the three or so miles to the drop point. It is little more than a large hollow tree stump in a small clearing. Inside are a few empty crates, but nothing of value.
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Seeing Mandoo grabbing for the handwraps, Tyrion feigns interest. "I've gone through quite a few bandages in my healer's kit, so those wraps could help replenish my stock." He smiles, "But your needs arguably exceed my own."
Tyrion suggests possible options for our next steps:
He looks around to the group. "What do we think? Probably head back to Feedmill? Only real question is whether we track down Phinnick before we do."
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Tyrion suggests possible options for our next steps:
- Return to Feedmill to have food (and drink) and report to Sheriff Garley.
- Locate Phinnick and bring him back with us.
- Get info/rumors on Corpse Blood and ask about 'V'.
- Find out where we can buy/sell loot.
- Talk to caravan members and see what they know of Bort's side-business.
- Ask about magical crafting for transfer of runes.
He looks around to the group. "What do we think? Probably head back to Feedmill? Only real question is whether we track down Phinnick before we do."
Mandoo shrugs at Tyrion's last question, "Not really need Phinick. Show sheriff note. Sheriff decide what to do.", then continuing, "Everything else Tyrion say, we do. Mandoo agree we go to Feedmill first. For food, drink, talk to sheriff..." His voice fades away as the lovely Delma appears in his mind's eye. She would be a sight for sore eyes after this long day.
It is late afternoon when the party gets back to the Freedmill. Delma initially freeks out when Mandoo shows up, ("Why do you have so much blood? Are you hurt?"), relieved when Mandoo stresses he is ok, ("Wait outside so I can get a shower ready for you, don't worry me like that,") and saddened by the loss of Kaneda, ("I'm sorry about your loss. He seemed like a good man.)
She asks Edra to go fetch Sheriff Garley while she feeds you a hearty boar stew dinner.
Sheriff Garley eventually shows up to the tavern, and receives your verbal report on what happened, and you show him your ominous note.
"No idea who this "V" character is, but seems she has some sort of vendetta. Definitely up to no good. Hmmm..." he says, half to himself. "Maybe this "V" character has something to do with all the weird animals that Noala has mentioned lately?
"So? Where is Phinick?" he asks. "Can't have him running off before he sees the magistrate.
You fought Hallod off the map westward. The tree stump might become important later on, but it isn't super important to know exactly where it is other than it is about 3 miles outside of the town.
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Upon returning to the Feedmill, Tyrion immediately plops himself down at the bar. He orders some wine, quaffs it down, and refills his flask.
Before the group disperses, and after checking to make sure he's not being overheard by any caravan members, he asks the group in a low voice, "Do we want to ask the caravan team if any of them had any knowledge of Bort's dealings with Hallod?"
Later when the Sheriff arrives and mentions Noala and weird animals, Tyrion cocks his head to one side, "Sorry, but who's Noala? And what's wrong with the animals?"
As to the whereabouts of Phinick, Tyrion thinks it's best if Darr explains and will leave that to him.
Before it gets dark, Tyrion intends to locate the blacksmith and discuss purchasing (or trading) to get the rune transferred. He doesn't ask Mandoo for any of the group's money since he won't make any deal without group consent. "Mandoo, may I borrow the small rune slab for this errand?" If anyone wishes to join him, he's happy for the company. Otherwise, he'll get information and report back.
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Delma initially freeks out when Mandoo shows up, ("Why do you have so much blood? Are you hurt?"), relieved when Mandoo stresses he is ok, ("Wait outside so I can get a shower ready for you, don't worry me like that,")...[/b])
Mandoo is most gratified by Delma's reaction. He smiles broadly at her reception, and replies, "Mandoo say he come back soon. Mandoo very reliable." He's equally happy to see her and doesn't care if anyone knows it.
Mandoo takes his shower, puts on his best shirt, and rejoins the group for some of the hearty boar stew. After asking for a second helping and quickly finishing it off, he sits back satisfied. Smiling, he says, "Mmmm. Good when food killed fresh. Better when you kill food. Best when food almost kill you first."
Before the group disperses, and after checking to make sure he's not being overheard by any caravan members, he asks the group in a low voice, "Do we want to ask the caravan team if any of them had any knowledge of Bort's dealings with Hallod?"
Mandoo nods once in Lizzo's direction, suggesting, "Lizzo talk to Tamli. Get wagons for boxes. Maybe same time ask Tamli about Bort; about Hallod; about boxes."
Later when the Sheriff arrives and mentions Noala and weird animals, Tyrion cocks his head to one side, "Sorry, but who's Noala? And what's wrong with the animals?"
Mandoo shrugs, "Like green acid wolf we kill? Maybe more funny color animals around. Maybe they eat sick plants. Maybe they drink sick water. Maybe we find where sick comes from. Maybe sick comes from V person."
"Mandoo, may I borrow the small rune slab for this errand?" If anyone wishes to join him, he's happy for the company. Otherwise, he'll get information and report back.
Mandoo reaches into his backpack and hands the runestone to Tyrion. "Mandoo come too. Mandoo see blacksmith. Need more shuriken. Shuriken useful. Maybe later see Delma in store. Buy what we need." He pauses and thinks for a second before asking, "What we need? Maybe more healing drinks?"
"What you propose sounds quite reasonable." agrees Quecksworth as a plan is discussed. "Though I have concerns whether we can trust our fellow Pathfinders."
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Assuming Lizzo (and Darr?) agree to stay here to talk to Tamli and the caravan team, Tyrion offers, "Lizzo, I'll ask the blacksmith about getting a +1 rune for your bow. It might be something for which we can barter." In a lower voice, he adds to Lizzo, "And if Tamli balks at letting us borrow one of the wagons, we might be able to arrange for the caravan team to get a small cut of those profits in exchange."
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The stew was very satisfying, and his glass of blackberry wine paired well with the boar and rosemary.
Lizzo says to Tyrion, "thanksss for the offer, but I only require a few quivers of arrowsss from the sssmith."
He agrees to talkwith Tamli, and fill her in on what we've discovered.
Lizzo would also like to speak with this Nola person to learn more about the animals.
Segment 1 - Time: Early afternoon. Participants: Entire party.
Later when the Sheriff arrives and mentions Noala and weird animals, Tyrion cocks his head to one side, "Sorry, but who's Noala? And what's wrong with the animals?"
"Well darling, I suppose I can't get a better introduction than that, someone says behind you with a thick elven accent.
You turn around to see who spoke. A woman shrouded in a heavy brown cloak trimmed with leaves marches up to you, pulling a simple wooden sledge behind her. As she approaches, she brings the sledge to one side and uncovers her cargo, a pile of wolf carcases. She turns to you, and despite having her cloak's hood pulled low, you can make out weathered lips and a slender chin. In a pointed tone, she asks, "The kind Sheriff here says this is your work. If that is true, I think we'll get along smashingly. I am Noala Kesrir. I don't suppose you are willing to hear my story?"
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Segment 2 - Time: Late afternoon. Participants: Lizzo, Tyrion, & Mandoo.
After getting directions from Delma, you arrive at the town's blacksmith and politely knock on the door.
"Yes, yes, I'm coming." The door opens, revealing a middle age gnome, wearing dark clothes. Or is that soot? "Who intrudes upon Keffle Bopwhistle, gnome blacksmith extrordinaire?"
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Segment 1
Tyrion orders up another mug of blackberry wine, and listens to Noala's story.
Segment 2
If Quecksworth is here, Tyrion will allow the gnome to introduce us. If not, Tyrion does his best. "A pleasant afternoon to you, good Keffle. I'm Tyrion and pleased to meet you." Indicating Manddoo and Lizzo, "And this is Mandoo to my left and Lizzo to my right. We're a group of Pathfinders helping Sheriff Garley with an investigation. Everyone says you're the expert when it comes to armor and weaponry. Did we come to the right place?"
After a pause to let everyone get a word in, Tyrion continues, "We are interested in restocking some supplies, such as shurikens and arrows, so we would very much like to look around your workshop." Tyrion then pulls out the rune stone and hands it to Keffle. "In addition, we were also hoping you could help us transfer this rune onto some armor." Tyrion awaits his response.
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Segment 1 - Time: Early afternoon. Participants: Entire party.
...As she approaches, she brings the sledge to one side and uncovers her cargo, a pile of wolf carcases... In a pointed tone, she asks, "The kind Sheriff here says this is your work. If that is true, I think we'll get along smashingly. I am Noala Kesrir. I don't suppose you are willing to hear my story?"
Mandoo looks up at the cloaked woman as she approaches, and then leans over and does a cursory check of the carcases on the sledge. He notices half a shuriken sticking out of one of the wolves, and the large wolf with the unnaturally green tinted fur. "Yes. Wolves attack us. We kill wolves. Green wolf strange. Please tell story."
Segment 2 - Time: Late afternoon. Participants: Lizzo, Tyrion, & Mandoo....
If Quecksworth is here, Tyrion will allow the gnome to introduce us. If not, Tyrion does his best... "Did we come to the right place?"
Mandoo is not sure if the blacksmith knows what a shuriken is; they're not a weapon that is commonly seen outside of a monastery. Just in case, he pops one off his bandolier and holds it up for the blacksmith to see, handing it to him if he wants a closer look, "Mandoo need ten like this. Can you make? How much?"
"Why, yes!" chimes Quecksworth. "I am always in the mood for a tail, though I fear yours does not necessarily have a happy ending."
The short-legged gnome, having been distracted by some of the wares offered in the nearby shops, waits until Tyrion has made, what Quecksworth believes, is a suitable introduction. The gnome then adds, "We understand that your town has much to offer and that your skill is unrivaled for miles around."
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Lizzo pulls up a seat and sits down with pint of liquid ghost, eager to hear the Nola's tale.
"Pleassse tell.... sssomething ssseemsss off around here."
Lizzo browses through the smith's wares, and carefully selects his best 50 arrows. He asks the smith:
"Can you tell me what the fletching is on this batch here?"
Segment 1
"Very well then. If you would be so kind as to follow me. I much prefer to talk in private." Noala leads you to a clearing in the woods, not far from the town itself where a small fire is already burning in a carefully kept fire pit. She tosses back her hood to reveal long, elven ears and deep emerald eyes. With one hand, she begins to drag the wolf corpses to the flame. She avoids the use of her right hand, which is entirely covered in an oddly shaped leather gauntlet.
"These wolves aren't the first, and I am afraid they won't be the last. Worse still," she grunts, as she begins to drag the body of the caustic wolf to the fire, "the forest itself is turning sour. Plants and trees are withering, bearing bitter fruit that sickens and kills those who eat it. If you've been out to the old orchard, you've seen it. The blight is growing, and much as I would like to end this blight by myself, I must admit to myself that I need help to stop it."
She tosses the wolf into the fire. It's flesh bubbles and pops as the fire turns a greenish hue, releasing foul and toxic fumes as the elf backs away from the fire and turns towards you. "My proposition to you is simple. I'll tell you all I know about the blight and accompany me to these dying parts of the woods and help me get to the bottom of it. In exchange, I'll help train you in wilderness survival skills and ranged combat techniques."
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Segment 2
"A pleasant afternoon to you, good Keffle. I'm Tyrion and pleased to meet you." Indicating Manddoo and Lizzo, "And this is Mandoo to my left and Lizzo to my right. We're a group of Pathfinders helping Sheriff Garley with an investigation. Everyone says you're the expert when it comes to armor and weaponry. Did we come to the right place?"
The short-legged gnome, having been distracted by some of the wares offered in the nearby shops, waits until Tyrion has made, what Quecksworth believes, is a suitable introduction. The gnome then adds, "We understand that your town has much to offer and that your skill is unrivaled for miles around."
"Well, of course my skill is unrivaled! That is who I am! I am the best blacksmith. No one can compete with me! Ahahahahaha!"
After a pause to let everyone get a word in, Tyrion continues, "We are interested in restocking some supplies, such as shurikens and arrows, so we would very much like to look around your workshop." Tyrion then pulls out the rune stone and hands it to Keffle. "In addition, we were also hoping you could help us transfer this rune onto some armor." Tyrion awaits his response.
"Well, since you asked so politely. May as well let you in to the greatest blacksmith's shop. Just make sure you don't touch anything! I have a certain system of doing things. I don't need people who don't know the art of metalworking to mess up my groove.
He shows you inside, which is surprisingly modern. It is sooty, and dirty, but very organized. There are the traditional forge, anvil, various hammers, vices, and tongs. However, there seem to be various gnomish inventions around the place. Various large machines are scattered about the workshop, from power hammers to machines that move sandpaper around seemingly without power.
Mandoo is not sure if the blacksmith knows what a shuriken is; they're not a weapon that is commonly seen outside of a monastery. Just in case, he pops one off his bandolier and holds it up for the blacksmith to see, handing it to him if he wants a closer look, "Mandoo need ten like this. Can you make? How much?"
"Now, I've got plenty of arrows. They are over there in that barrel. Eight arrows for a silver. Keffle says pointing out to a barrel off to the side, holding roughly 40 arrows. He takes one of the shuriken that Mandoo offers. "Hmmm... Never seen something like this before, but they seem pretty simple to make. I suppose I can give a similar price. 8 of these for a silver. I can have them ready for you in about three days."
Lizzo browses through the smith's wares, and carefully selects his best 50 arrows. He asks the smith:
"Can you tell me what the fletching is on this batch here?"
"The fletching? Turkey feathers."
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Tyrion then pulls out the rune stone and hands it to Keffle. "In addition, we were also hoping you could help us transfer this rune onto some armor." Tyrion awaits his response.
Tyrion handed the rune tablet to Keffle. Did he have anything to say about that?
Lizzo browses through the smith's wares, and carefully selects his best 50 arrows.
Keffle says pointing out to a barrel off to the side, holding roughly 40 arrows.
Tyrion turns to Lizzo. "I was planning to pick up a few arrows too. I was hoping for a dozen, but could you spare a half-dozen?"
Segment 2
Tyrion then pulls out the rune stone and hands it to Keffle. "In addition, we were also hoping you could help us transfer this rune onto some armor." Tyrion awaits his response.Tyrion handed the rune tablet to Keffle. Did he have anything to say about that?
I'm a genius at working with metal!. Wait. You want me to put it on your armor? Its made of leather! I don't work with leather! I'm a famous and mighty gnome blacksmith! The best anywhere around here! Do I look like some pansy halfling pup who salts cow skin? Huh?"
He turns around and paces for a moment mumbling to himself.
*sigh* "I do need the money though. Maintaining my inventions isn't cheap."
He spins to face you again. Two gold to move that rune to your armor."
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Segment 1
"My proposition to you is simple. I'll tell you all I know about the blight and accompany me to these dying parts of the woods and help me get to the bottom of it. In exchange, I'll help train you in wilderness survival skills and ranged combat techniques."
Sitting a good distance from the toxic green fire, Tyrion perks up as Noala tells her story. He nods to Lizzo and turns to the elf, "You had me at ranged combat techniques. I'm in."
Segment 2
"You want me to put it on your armor? Its made of leather! I don't work with leather! I'm a famous and mighty gnome blacksmith! The best anywhere around here! Do I look like some pansy halfling pup who salts cow skin? Huh?" He spins to face you again. "Two gold to move that rune to your armor."
perception DC 14
At the slight to his proud heritage, Tyrion winces but maintains composure. Then, after over-hearing the smithy muttering about needing money, he feigns a pained look, "Two gold? You injure me, Sir. However, if my colleagues approve, you have a deal." After a short pause, he adds, "What kind of bargain could you give us on a +1 potency rune, say, for my Iruxi friend's composite shortbow?"
After looking around a little more, he turns back to Keffle and asks, "Actually considering your high quality expensive innovations, perhaps we could work out a beneficial arrangement? You provide us with a nominal discount on all our purchases, and we Pathfinders proudly use your fine merchandise in glorious battle and sing your praises in our travels around town and on the road." Indicating Quecksworth, he adds, "Our bard, a fine gnome like yourself, will quite literally sing your praises."
While he waits for a response from Keffle, he confers with Mandoo and the others in a low voice, "Does anyone have a problem if I use a small share of our loot to cover the 2 gold cost of that rune?" If there are no objections, Tyrion removes his armor and places it along with the Shadow runestone on a nearby workbench. He shakes hands with Keffle, deftly slipping him 2 gp. "I trust this can be done while we continue shopping?"
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Segment 1
"My proposition to you is simple. I'll tell you all I know about the blight and accompany me to these dying parts of the woods and help me get to the bottom of it. In exchange, I'll help train you in wilderness survival skills and ranged combat techniques."
Mandoo has the feeling that he'll be spending a fair bit of time in Plaguestone in the future if his relationship with Delma continues to improve. Delma is clearly not leaving Plaguestone anytime soon, and Mandoo can't help thinking that unless something is done, the sickness will continue spreading until it eventually destroys her beloved town. If there is anything he can do to spare Delma this coming hurt, then he's willing to help. That, and it'll probably mean that he'll get the chance to kick some butt with his new handwraps.
"Mandoo agree. Stop sick. Save town. Make Delma happy.
Segment 2
He takes one of the shuriken that Mandoo offers. "Hmmm... Never seen something like this before, but they seem pretty simple to make. I suppose I can give a similar price. 8 of these for a silver. I can have them ready for you in about three days."
Mandoo considers the blacksmith's offer. The price seems high; he could get 10 excellently crafted shuriken made by an experienced monk weaponsmith in Absalom for that same silver piece. The real deal-breaker though, was the three days it would take the blacksmith to make them. Mandoo had the feeling that he would be needing the shuriken sooner than that.
He does a quick count of how many shuriken he has left, and though he would prefer to be at full capacity, he reckons that he currently has enough to finish the job. He retrieves the shuriken from the blacksmith, saying, "Mandoo ok for now. When really need, Mandoo return."
While he waits for a response from Keffle, he confers with Mandoo and the others in a low voice, "Does anyone have a problem if I use a small share of our loot to cover the 2 gold cost...
Given how the blacksmith overpriced the shuriken, he suspects that the gnome is gouging them on the rune transfer as well. Still, there probably weren't many others in town that were up to the job, so beggars couldn't be too choosy. Mandoo shrugs in response, "Seem expensive, but Mandoo not mind."
"When did this 'blight' first appear? Have you any ideas as to its cause?" asks Quecksworth.
"When did this 'blight' first appear? Have you any ideas as to its cause?" asks Quecksworth.
"The blight began roughly 18 years ago, perhaps a year or two after the plague ended." She says, dragging another wolf carcas to the fire. "It started small, so I ignored it in the begining, choosing to hunt in another area of the forest while nature should have cured itself. That was a mistake.
"The blight has grown massively after the first month or so; animals have become mutated and insane, and the plants there thirst for blood. It has grown too large for me to safely investigate on my own. If you are willing darling, I will take you to a nearby blight in the morning, perhaps moving on to a larger one deeper in the forest if necessary. There, perhaps you can penitrate the patch of blight and succeed in discovering some clues on the source of the blight where I have not."
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"What kind of bargain could you give us on a +1 potency rune, say, for my Iruxi friend's composite shortbow?"
The gome grumbles to himself. "35 gold for the rune. It will take me three days to make the entire order."
After looking around a little more, he turns back to Keffle and asks, "Actually considering your high quality expensive innovations, perhaps we could work out a beneficial arrangement? You provide us with a nominal discount on all our purchases, and we Pathfinders proudly use your fine merchandise in glorious battle and sing your praises in our travels around town and on the road." Indicating Quecksworth, he adds, "Our bard, a fine gnome like yourself, will quite literally sing your praises."
"Bah. I do not care for fame! My passion is for METALURGY SCIENCE! That is the reason I am the greatest blacksmith! Ahahahahaha *cough* *cough*
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Segment 2
"Bah. I do not care for fame! My passion is for METALURGY SCIENCE! That is the reason I am the greatest blacksmith!"
Tyrion smiles, "Ahhh, I understand of course. But I meant that we'd sing your praises to bring you business, not necessarily fame. More customers means more gold for your projects."
The gnome grumbles to himself. "35 gold for the rune. It will take me three days to make the entire order."
"We may be interested, but 3 days is simply too long. If we're to assist the Sheriff and the druid Noala, we have urgent need of this equipment. If you can have it ready 2 days from today, we most likely have a deal. Having said that, transferring a magical rune doesn't take THAT long. Could I come back tomorrow morning for that armor? I could part with an additional 1sp for the quick turnaround."
After being nudged by Mandoo, Tyrion adds, "We have some equipment that we'd be willing to sell if the price is right. Mandoo can show you what we have."
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Segment 2
After being nudged by Mandoo, Tyrion adds, "We have some equipment that we'd be willing to sell if the price is right. Mandoo can show you what we have."
Mandoo pops out of his reverie, pulls the following items out of his backpack, and places them on the table: 2 Everburning Torches and a Kukri in its sheath.
Mandoo notices that a bit of Hallod's intestine is still stuck to the Kukri's sheath, and quickly flicks it off. He hopes Keffle didn't notice.
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"Let'ss sseee.... follow a sstrange elf deep into the haunted forest to face an unknown force making weird mutant thingss. That'ss why I became a pathfinder!"
You notice that Lizzo's accent seems to be getting a little better. All this time speaking common is starting to pay off.
"Can we put in an order for more arrowss? I don't expect 40 will get us through the rest of our adventuring around this town, but it will do for the next day or two."
"A threat and a mystery?" replies Quecksworth. "I do believe my fellow Pathfinders are sufficient to the task, if you would have their aid?"
"Oh, my. Your cough sounds dreadful." gnotes the gnome. "Are you sure it is no more than smoke? I am somewhat skilled in medicinal arts and could take a look, if you'd allow."
The gnome looks at Quecksworth a bit embarrassed after his cough subsides. "No, no, never mind that. That is just soot." He looks at Quecksworth with an unreadable face for a moment, then sighs. "Fine. I'll get your stuff ready in two days. Thats the best I can do and while getting a decent profit. I'll even start making more arrows while I'm at it."
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The elf looks at your group with appreciation. She nods her head. "Delma and Rolth were right about all of you. You are courageous souls. Yes. I would dearly appreciate the help, my darlings.
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When the group returns to the Feedmill for the evening, we'll offer to sell our extra loot to Delma. Since Mandoo has a) the loot, and b) a relationship with Delma, I'm sure he'd be the one making the sale.
3sp -- Kukri
1sp -- Dagger
1gp -- Katana
2gp -- Scalemail
1.5gp -- Shortbow
1.5gp -- Crossbow
15gp -- 2 Everburning Torches
3gp -- 2 Alchemist Fires
Total from Delma: 24gp, 4sp
Total from Kaneda: 1gp, 8sp
Total from Strongbox: 21gp, 37sp
35gp -- +1 Potency rune for Lizzo bow
2gp -- Transfer Shadow rune
3sp -- 24 shurikens
5sp -- 40 arrows
Remaining Balance: 13gp, 1sp
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When the group returns to the Feedmill for the evening, we'll offer to sell our extra loot to Delma. Since Mandoo has a) the loot, and b) a relationship with Delma, I'm sure he'd be the one making the sale.
His arms loaded with loot, Mandoo follows Delma to the general store where he accepts whatever Delma offers him for it, without question.
Remaining Balance: 13gp, 1sp
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When we meet Noala the next morning, Tyrion asks (with the group's permission of course), "It appears some of our equipment will take another day for the blacksmith to prepare. We'll be much more prepared and better-suited for this assignment if we have 1 extra day to rest up and equip ourselves as best we can. If this is possible, can we meet you tomorrow morning instead. He bows respectfully and hopes for the best."
Noala is somewhat disapointed at having to wait another day, but is understanding. "All right darling. I suppose it does us all no good if you are under-equipped for the challenges ahead. I suppose the blight can wait a day if need be."
The following day, she meets you just outside of the town, and begins leading you towards the site of the wolf ambush, until you hit a somewhat hidden game trail, after which she leads you into a heavily forested area. Eventually, you notice trees that are clearly diseased, and there is a slight smell of rot hanging in the air. The presence of rot increases with every step you take; the ground noticeably softening and squelching from all of the sticky runoff from the dying plants. . Eventually, Noala slows to a stop and turns to look at you. "Now darlings, this is where those wolves came from, I am sure of it. Somewhere ahead is their den, but I will leave that for you to explore. If you need my help, you will find me out here. I am going to set up snares and make sure nothing gets out of this rotten copse."
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The path ahead continues to an open area with tall trees but little underbrush, save for a few moderately sized red leaved bush plants. The clearing ahead lies in the shadow of a truly titanic tree and, under its roots, there appears to be a small cave.
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As Noala sends us on our way, Tyrion takes a quick swig of blackberry wine, raises his flask to the elf and nods respectfully. He then turns to lead the way ahead. Wearing his Shadow armor, and with Whistler drawn, he advances slowly towards the clearing. He keeps to the side of the path under the trees, advancing as stealthily as possible.
When he reaches the edge of the clearing, he scans and studies the area before continuing.
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The forest's plight was palpable and menacing. As Mandoo and the group enter deeper and deeper into the sickening forest, his apprehension increases in step. He's expecting trouble and is on full alert.
Once they can see the clearing ahead, Mandoo follows Tyrion's lead and slows his advance. He uses all his stealth skills to avoid detection and approaches the clearing as quietly as possible.
Once they reach the clearing's edge, he notices the three red-leaved bush plants in the middle. They look oddly out of place to Mandoo, and he is immediately suspicious of them. Looking at them more closely, he tries to identify them.
Mandoo has no more luck identifying the bushes than he did the lavender of a couple of days ago... or was it rosemary? He couldn't remember anymore. Regardless, he resolves not to approach the bushes until he determines if he can do so safely.
He looks around the rest of the clearing, particularly the trees on the edge of the forest to the south, which he has decided is the best approach to the cave opening at the base of the gigantic tree.
Mandoo catches Tyrion's eye; staying quiet, he indicates with his hands that he intends to approach the cave entrance along the southern edge of the clearing. He then sneaks quietly and stealthily from tree to tree, attempting to stay undetected by anyone or anything that may be watching the clearing. He remains on constant alert for anything that may come out of the forest, or down from the trees he's using for cover.
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After going just a few steps, something suddenly strikes Tyrion as very curious. When they're just out of Noala's view and earshot, he quietly pulls out Hallod's note. He gathers everyone around and points to the line: "Be sure that he gets it, my darling.". He whispers, barely audible, "Hasn't Noala called us her darlings several times since we met her? Or maybe it's just an elven thing because there's no V in the name Noala Kesrir. In any case, without mentioning the note, we should ask her about the Corpse Blood." He puts the note away after everyone has looked at it and turns around.
After heading the few steps back to Noala, he calls out to her, "Sorry Noala, we almost forgot to show you what we found in Hallod's cave. Could be important." He pulls out the single vial of Corpse Blood and holds it up to her, "We found this vial in Hallod's cave. Appears to be some kind of poison. Maybe related to what's going on here. Do you recognize it?" He studies her reaction carefully.
After the discussion, Tyrion thanks her, bows, and continues as he was before.
"We found this vial in Hallod's cave. Appears to be some kind of poison. Maybe related to what's going on here. Do you recognize it?" He studies her reaction carefully.
After the discussion, Tyrion thanks her, bows, and continues as he was before.
She takes the vial and shakes it around a bit, then hands it back to you, looking you in the eye. "I'm no alchemist like some one I once knew, but I've heard that it is an ingredient used in producing medicines as well as toxins. Sorry, I wish I could tell you more."
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As Noala sends us on our way, Tyrion takes a quick swig of blackberry wine, raises his flask to the elf and nods respectfully. He then turns to lead the way ahead. Wearing his Shadow armor, and with Whistler drawn, he advances slowly towards the clearing. He keeps to the side of the path under the trees, advancing as stealthily as possible.
When he reaches the edge of the clearing, he scans and studies the area before continuing.
Mandoo has no more luck identifying the bushes than he did the lavender of a couple of days ago... or was it rosemary? He couldn't remember anymore. Regardless, he resolves not to approach the bushes until he determines if he can do so safely.
He looks around the rest of the clearing, particularly the trees on the edge of the forest to the south, which he has decided is the best approach to the cave opening at the base of the gigantic tree.
You don't recognize the plants, but you do notice that there appears to be a wolf carcass on the ground in between the bushes, and the plants have wrapped their tendrils around the corpse, their red leaves camouflaging the blood staining the forest floor.
Quecksworth casts detect magic and slowly walks through the clearing. "Oh, do be careful, Masters." he quietly warns.
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She takes the vial and shakes it around a bit, then hands it back to you, looking you in the eye. "I'm no alchemist like some one I once knew, but I've heard that it is an ingredient used in producing medicines as well as toxins. Sorry, I wish I could tell you more."
You don't recognize the plants, but you do notice that there appears to be a wolf carcass on the ground in between the bushes, and the plants have wrapped their tendrils around the corpse, their red leaves camouflaging the blood staining the forest floor.
Mandoo is both slightly repulsed at the sight of the mutated killer plants and happy to know that his instincts may have saved him from joining the wolf. He signals back to the rest of the group that the plants are dangerous and that they should avoid getting too close.
Mandoo leads the party carefully around the clearing, trying to give the blood red plants a wide berth. However, as he approaches within 20 feet of them, the weird plants begin to stir; their vines seemingly begin coiling, and even their stems start moving.
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"That's a new one," Mandoo thinks to himself. He'll be the first to admit to a lack of knowledge about plants, but one thing he thought he knew was that they didn't tend to move around much; the idea of them actually chasing people down was just ridiculous.
Mandoo wasn't expecting to be putting his new shuriken to the test so soon, but was a little interested to see how they would fare against the killer plants. As soon as he hears Quecksworth lilting lullaby, he sends a flight of three shuriken at the nearest plant.