Ebba heard Ingolf calling for her; she trotted back to him, relieved that he was OK. She nuzzled the gnome affectionately.
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The druid looks at all the carnage that had been wrought and turns to the others, "Why was this so wasteful? What happened to make them turn from nature and to this elemental lord?" He kneels down to make sure Jonah is fine and continues speaking, "They said that Gozreh was unable to save them from their enemies... Who are these enemies?" He adjusts all of the druidic items on his person and fixes his mask, "They are both fine."
But there is much more to this mystery. Is that why you brought me here? Am I to be a champion and not just a simple weather teller?
Contemplating the scene, the druid turns toward those remaining, "We need to bring them back, I can help but I am of no use carrying them alone."
If I am to be your champion, send me a sign. Send me something to tell me what I am to be.
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Tonny helps Adriana strip the lizardfolk of their gear before helping gather up the fallen sheriff. "That... that was awesome!" he says, eyes wide with excitement even as they try to fall shut from exhaustion. "And you were like, 'Grr!' and he was like, 'You'll never take me alive!' and you were like, 'Agreed,' and then you looked him in the eye and chopped his head off!"
Once everyone is safely back at the inn, the half-elf collapses into a chair and begins snoring almost immediately.
"Indeed. You all fought valiantly. I cannot imagine we would weathered this storm without your aid. I am in your debt."
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Her rage and frustration boiling over as the fight threatens to drag on and leave her fallen allies in mortal peril, Adriana regathers her footing as her first attack is deflected and with a snarl she puts everything into her next swing, collapsing into the mud as she drags the priest down with her scimitar, the brief burst of flames illuminating the deep and fatal wound as both tumble into the mud.
She's dimly aware of Tonny's cheering as she slowly pulls herself up from the mud, her exhaustion returning threefold as the battle is now over, helping gather weapons and supplies in a daze and providing as much assistance as she can to help bring Jonah and Sheriff Adeala back to the town hall and only once again is she sure everyone is inside (Ebba and Rosemary included) does she bar the doors again for safety.
"We've done what we can. Please tend to the wounded. Nobody else can leave until the storm is over. Please - we've given all we can." She slumps against the barred door as she pleads for the storm to pass and no more insanity until they've all rested and recovered.
The group makes the way back to the Stone Hall. You are received with gasps of relieve and worrisome for the state of the Sheriff and Jonah. "What is it? What happened?" Zander Carr ask you.
Martel Wymackie gets specially interested for Jonah's state "Is he going to recover?"
The storm outside still rages on for a bunch more hours but you hear it slowly decrease in intensity. Meanwhile, those hours serve you to treat Jonah's wounds and bring him back to consciousness.
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Jonah slowly comes to, groaning at the pounding in his head. I don't remember drinking that ehavily last night... what the hell happened?. then the fight slowly comes back into his foggy memory, and he sits up too quickly with a yell. he looks aroudn to see that he is back indoors, with hsi companions all accounted for. Rosemary watches him closely from her perch on a chair a few feet away.
We won? what happened?
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Ingolf rested for a minute, before considering the question of how to take Jonah and Sheriff Adaela to shelter. He looked to see if there was a suitable wagon in the barricade.
When they got back to the Stone Hall, he told the people there what had happened, "A group of lizardfolk attacked Sheriff Adaela! Luckily she's just unconscious. Jonah was wounded in the fight, but he should recover as well. We slew the lizardfolk priest and the three warriors.
"I think the priest was somehow connected to the storm. He called his group the 'Storm Kindlers'."
The gnome took off his wet clothing and hung it up to dry, wrapping himself in a blanket. Then he examined the magic items that they had taken from the lizardfolk, and tried to determine their properties.
He told his companions, "I don't know what the broach does, but this is a healing wand!"
He revived both Jonah and Sherif Adaela.
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Adriana knows that her body will never forgive her for blocking the barred door but she cannot convince herself to move away from it, paranoid of the idea that should she move, someone else safely inside will decide to leave and face the storm. Nobody else would leave until after the danger had passed.
Her leg cramping as she awkwardly slides into a slightly more comfortable sitting position, her body now either an additional brace or a doorstop, Adriana nods to help confirm Ingolf's tale of what happened.
"The Lizardfolk...they wanted the storm to...well, to destroy the town. There's not much else to say - they're dealt with. The storm should pass as normal." She hopes she's convincing, having never seen a storm as large as the one lashing the town - Eye of Abendego notwithstanding.
Adriana perks up slightly as Ingolf mentions the wand can heal the wounded. "Is there enough magic to help everyone hurt?"
Ingolf replied to Adriana, "There's still quite a bit left. How badly is everyone hurt?"
Adriana shakes her head, attempts to stand, and immediately gives up as her legs seize up and refuse to move. She grunts and waives a hand in the direction she remembers both Jonah and Adaela being taken.
"The sheriff. Jonah. Yourself. I think the rest of us are okay, just...cold and wet. If you can, please check the townsfolk. I'll be fine once my legs can move again."
The Stone Hall goes silent except for the weather roaring outside when Ingolf explains a group of lizardfolk assaulted the colony and were somehow linked to the Storm.
The smithy, Vethorn Valgardson, who had been in the corner without talking to anyone suddenly speaks up while making the gesture of cleaning the inside of his half-elven ears "Is that correct? The lizardfolk came this far south and sent the Storm to destroy us?"
The room exploits in rumble, everybody talking at the same time very quickly and anxiously. Only the strong voice of Zander Carr booms over the muttering while he places his hand over his stone crafting hammer "If what you say is true, those are probably not going to be the last lizardfolk we see around. Meanwhile, thanks for defending our colony today."
All the villagers around nod energetically and smile at you.
"Seems so you grizzly hunter" Jonah finds Martel Wymackie's jet black hair over him when he recovers consciousness. The woman pads him soothingly with her single fingered hand "You taught a lesson to those green scaled ones. But do not try to stand up, you need to rest now"
Groaning as she struggles to her feet, her legs cramping in agonizing protest, Adriana remains at the door as the anxious possible panic from the reveal of the lizardfolk and their storm summoning powers puts everyone on edge, thankful that the worry seemed quelled enough for the time being and waives off any attempt at thanks or doing what was right, hoping not to seem disrespectful as she did so - praise made her uncomfortable.
"Whether they did or not, the Lizardfolk are dealt with and the storm will pass." She hopes she sounds convincing, but she's too tired to worry about it. The only thing that mattered was that everyone stayed in the shelter. "Once the storm has passed, we...I...can help some more. It's the right thing to do." She wants to think of Pridon's Hearth as her home, but until she's free of her cell, it seemed unlikely - but she could still give of herself to keep it safe and secure.
The druid takes a few hours to treat any of the deadly wounds that they had sustained. It was a busy night but he knew full well that it was necessary, having these folk sick or wounded could spell death as the storm's night had proven.
Praying the druid realizes that he had been given blessing from Gozreh, that there was more magic to funnel. He considered the situation and new that he needed to use such magic more wisely, things were not going to become easier.
At some point the Nameless One sees Jonah wake up and sits beside him. "I want to apologize for being so confrontational. I was wrong. We may have difference in our worldview but you are a good man Jonah."
Converting some of his open weaves of wind and water into positive energy, he touches Jonah and provides some healing; the familiar cool green glow overflowing.
Jonah relaxes as the healing energy from Splits moves through his body.
Thank you, friend. I feel like we've gotten off on the wrong foot. care to start over? Hi, my name is Jonah he holds out a hand to the druid
He nods his head and takes the hand offered to him, "I am called Splits the Leaves. Rest up, I am certain we will need your abilities when this storm settles."
The night flows slowly, with Adriana protecting the door, obstinate to not let anyone else out of the Stone Hall. The wind blows outside some wood banging from time to time against the stone walls. The ground trembles often when the sky booms in rage.
The hours pass and the first rays of dawn penetrate into the hall, people yawning. The storm outside has subsided into a light drizzle.
Finally opening the doors you step outside into a muddy street. Many palm trees lie down in the ground and lose pieces of wood and other elements are all scattered around. Despite that, the shacks and houses are almost full piece, with only small damage. Your alertness and smart work guided the colony to protect their residences and now everyone has a home to come back.
One by one the citizens start to abandon the Stone Hall, all of them thanking you for your great job with a wide smile in their face.
Sheriff Adaela, still battered but conscious approaches you before leaving too "Thank you again. You saved my life, and you saved our homes. We are all indebted to you. And I assure you that you will be compensated. I will arrange a meeting between you and Count Narsus to discuss recent events. Tomorrow I will let you know when. But for now... take some rest, you deserve it"
Muhdzuzi the Song'o halfling also approaches you "Koj pab sub kuv thiab. Yog tias muaj qee yam kuv tuaj yeem pab tau. Kuv yuav. Kuv xav tias koj ntseeg kuv paub txog tus lizardfolk."
"You helped me too friends. If there is something I can do to help. I will. I think you trust me know about the lizardfolk."
Spending the remainder of the night propped against a door did little for the aches and bruises she's suffered in between preparing for the storm and the unpredictable fights not long after, but as the raging storm gave way to calm morning, Adriana found herself in good spirits despite everything.
Once the sun had risen and everyone slowly, tentatively exited the shelter hall to find the Hearth remarkably intact - She wasn't an expert on storms or their severity but she decided that if she, a relative stranger to living in such a place couldn't tell if there was any serious damage, then perhaps it wasn't as bad as it seemed.
Checking on everyone as the townsfolk slowly filter out into their battered but standing home and double checking her companions and Adaela, Adriana waits until the crowd thins to find Amil Rashid and offers her hand once again. "As promised, I am taking you back home, if you are ready."
Ingolf was very tired after the day's exertions. It took some time for him to relax enough to sleep, but when he did, he slept soundly. When he awoke, he healed Ebba, telling her, "You were very brave yesterday! I'm glad you're all right."
After breakfast in the morning, he ventured out into the town and surveyed the damage: not nearly as bad as he expected.
When the halfling talked to the group, he replied,
He spent the rest of the day getting a start on the clean-up efforts.
Ebba pitched in, helping to move fallen branches and gather up loose shingles.
Amil Rashid smiles and takes Adriana's hand. His face is red and he avoids to look at the woman as they walk towards Island's Town, but Amil bears a smile in his face. Although the young man barely talks he manages to ask Adriana "You-you pro-protected us. We--weren't you scared?"
As they cross the bridge into the island, Adriana observes the hurricane to the west is still plainly visible and slowly gathering mass.
Back at the Stone Hall, the halfling nods to Ingolf "Muhdzuzi---helps" while patting his chest. For the rest of the day, the Song'o follows the gnome and the boar removing lose branches, and helping to clean the mud from everywhere. People look at him suspiciously but slowly they grow used to his presence and Heri Lightstep, the halfling famel owner of Heri's Conservatorium even approaches to thank the Song'o for his help.
Very quickly, the colonists, with a high morale of victory, start to recover the normality of their settlement.
Content as she escorts Amil back to his house - as promised - Adriana thinks for a moment before she answers. "I was scared, yes, of many things. But all we have to do is be brave for the moment, don't we?" She answers honestly while reminding Amil that he too had been brave despite being scared.
Once they arrive at Amil's house she carefully disengages from the young man and places two gold pieces into his hand. "You have been through a lot, and faced your fears well. All I ask of you is to put this toward repairs, and should you need help, to come and see me. I'll be expecting you." Adriana hopes that her tone and words are both comforting and hopefully will give Amil a little resolve against his fears as she bids him goodbye and returns to the main section of town, glancing back once just to be sure he's safe.
She's caught off guard by seeing Muhdzuzi but nods in polite respect, thanking the Song'o halfling and feeling a little embarrassed by the language barrier - she would have to ask Tonny if he could teach her some of the language.
Offering assistance all over as she makes herself useful she runs into Ingolf and a little embarrassed, says "I hope next time we fight together things go much better - are the others still in the hall? We stretched ourselves rather thin..."
The druid takes the thanks in silence, it was more duty than anything but he was happy to have part of the debt on his soul paid. Going toward the Conservatorium, he meets the halfling and hands the herbs over. "We didn't have time to properly give these back to you. I hope you can make use of them, the fortress is no longer safe."
Taking his leave, the druid walks to view the devastation. Seeing everything and what they protected he nods and offers praise to Gozreh for being merciful with the weather.
Eventually Splits the Leaves finds his way near the shore and settles down, there was something to be learned with preparedness and he begins scribing a scroll. There was much to be learned from the wildlife and possibly Ebba.
After a few hours in quiet contemplation he heads back toward the hall.
Ingolf greeted Adriana, "Hi there! Well, we all made it through in one piece, so that's good enough for me! And the damage to the town doesn't seem so bad, all things considered.
"I'm not sure where everyone is at right now. I'm on my way back to the hall for a late lunch."
Amil smiles, his face still red, while he accepts Adriana's coin "I... I guess I was brave, yes. Not like you but... I promise I will see this fixed. Thanks... Adriana"
Heri Lightstep is happy to see Splits back "You have been busy, haven't you? We needed some brave men like you around the colony to be fair" The halfling takes the herbs from Fort Breakthrough and goes back to the back of the shop to bring a bag with a few valuable supplies "As promised, an amazing reward for an amazing group" The bag contains 5 potions of lesser restoration.
As you remain contemplative in the shore, you realize the hurricane is building up to the west. Although the storm recessed here, the winds are unnaturally gathering over the sea. The storm is slowly gathering, as if waiting to have the proper size. You have the feeling in a few weeks, or perhaps a month this will have the strength to unleash a hurricane able to sweep any structure or forest in the region.
During the morning some of you spot Gallio Menius with his usually pristine red coat and blue cloaks completely covered in mud with an adrift visage while he orders to push some carts through the road "For all decorum, this was the most terrifying experience ever. How is this people able to live in such a dangerous place"
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Tonny wakes up early, the other saviors of Pridon's Hearth finding him in the inn's kitchen with a cup of steaming brown liquid in one hand and a ink-splattered pen in the other. Several pages of notes are scattered haphazardly around the table, one stained and wrinkled around the edges and smelling slightly of seawater. "There, all done! Now where did I put that envelope..." The half-elf pulls a large oilskin package from the bottom of the pile, knocking over the cup and spilling coffee all over his handwritten notes. "Oh, that's not good..."
Leaving the now aged-looking reports hanging in a window to dry, he helps the inn's staff clean the main room up. Sweeping the floor, mopping, bringing furniture back down from the attic - he does whatever the staff asks while talking their ears off nonstop about studying at the university and the gossip amongst the teachers and how Professor Marbeloff didn't mean to ruin Professor Rebasf's experiment into grafting two different types of fruit trees together to create half-and-half fruit by spraying the orchard with vinegar, but that he wasn't sorry and said they were an abomination that should never have existed on Golarion, and how the entire senior class were up in arms and taking sides with a small splinter faction trying to propose abandoning the original fruit choices of apples and oranges for something more exciting like lemons and grapes - which was just crazy, you know?
Jonah spends the next couple of days wandering the small town, getting to know it a bit better now that he has been here for a while. he examines the damage the storm had done, surprised at how little lasting damage there was after such a brutal storm.
he spends some time working in the lumberyard again, happy to have something to do.
he also puts in an order for a bigger bow, something to punch through the thick hides of dinosaurs and lizards, knowing that he is likely to fight them soon.
A few weeks? A month? How long until this unnatural storm destroys the hearth? The druid wondered these things as he was writing and meditating. The lizardfolk mentioned that there was something else at work here, Gozreh blast me if this storm is natural.
Unsure about what he can do here, the druid considers if anyone needs help with repairing lost crops or wounds. He makes it his duty to see what he can do in the town.
Stopping near the hall he notices Ingolf eating some lunch, "Hello Ingolf. Ebba." He gives the boar a kindly smile and taking a seat he continues, "I noticed you also follow the Wind and Waves. I have to say, I have not met many a gnome who does so."
Ingolf waved to the druid and invited him to take a seat at the table. In response to the question about religious beliefs he replied, "The natural world has always felt special to me. From a very young age I have had a sense that it was communicating with me. So it's not really a conscious choice for me — it just is"
The people in the Stone Hall look reverently at the discipline with which Tonny takes his notes everyday. Most of them look curiously but fear to ask what is he doing.
Of course, Martel Wymackie receives Jonah with a smile at the Lumberyard. They toil hard from dawn to dusk "You could bring the bow to Northwind Simthy. Vethorn is no specialist in bows, but I am pretty sure with some direction he can reinforce yours to improve its pull"
Splits will find that Gallio Menius requires his services. The nobleman shows him his parcel and explains him the plans to plant papaya. The druid thinks it can be done, but the parcel will need some work, it does look though pretty fertile thanks to the occasional floods of the estuary.
During the afternoon, some of you find Annabella Tullia, the follower of Shelyn, at the streets. She requires you "I want you to retell your story of what happened. Also to pose, I am already working at a grand sculpture to remember the Storm Day" while you work with her she retells that "During the storm I saw the ship Cobalt Eye run aground west of town. That woman we met at the Kaava Cutter... Umuzu she wanted to join that ship's expedition. I hope she is ok..."
Later that night, Sheriff Adaela Praet approaches you at the Stone Hall "Ok, sirs and lady, there has been appointed a meeting for the colony's government to discuss about the Storm and the lizardfolk attack. Count Narsus wants you to assist and explain what you have discovered this far. He also wants to honor you for defending the colony, so the meeting will be preceded by a dinner at his manor. Please, report tomorrow evening, just before dusk, at Narsus Estate"
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Both the calm after the storm and the stout weathering of said storm thanks to the hard work of everyone in Pridon's Hearth has lifted Adriana's spirits enough to dull the aches from the previous days as she spends all her available time divided between offering assistance to any who require it and checking on her companions - Jonah especially, as his wounds had been severe the night before. "Don't strain yourself, and thank you. It was a difficult battle."
She finds Tonny still in the hall, both assisting and talking the ears off the staff and approaches him with bemusement. "Don't overwhelm them with your knowledge - save some for another day." she says as an attempted joke, then more seriously asks "When there is time, can you teach me Polyglot? It would be good to speak it."
After Tonny she seeks out Splits the Leaves, some concern still lingering from the lizardfolk fight - something about the thing the priest worshiped, what was it called? Hashasha? Hursharah? Certainly not Gozreh, but it seemed to have given the lizard priest power during the storm, enough to make her worry Splits might have been a little shaken in his beliefs.
Once she finds the druid she carefully but respectfully approaches, says nothing for a few minutes, than asks "Are you alright?"
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The druid nods at Ingolf's answer, "As valid an answer as any. I consciously chose this path so it is always important to recall a force of nature can be just that, thoughtless and capricious."
Seeing Adriana sit down, the druid turns to her, "I am alright, I thank you for the concern." He sips at some warmed water, "Are you alright? You seemed to have fought hard, but still have some weight on you. No doubt I have learned that this calling of mine is more than just planting trees and studying a storm, and I am unwilling to let you, Jonah and Ingolf all bear such a weight of violence on your own." He breaths in, "I thought to escape the violence, but it was foolish of me to think that the earth, waves and wind can't be as beautiful as they are terrifying."
Adriana takes a little while to answer, and speaking as much to herself as to Splits she says with some resignation "I'd be lying if I said I thought it would be a peaceful existence here, but I have accepted that there will always be violence in my life." She stares out to the sea but seems currently unaware of the hurricane, lost to herself.
"Perhaps, at least here, it can be guided towards a better purpose."
Jonah thanks Martel for the information and after the working day is finished he wanders his way over to the Northwind Smithy, and sets his bow on the counter
"I'm thinking I could use a stronger bow. this one here has served me well for years, but I don't think it quite has the draw strength to punch through reptile hide. the creatures down here are quite different from the animals I am used to hunting. I think with some work this bow could perhaps be modified to hit harder. what do you think?
Vethorn Valgardson stares at Jonah, then slowly lowers his look to observe the bow. Picking up the weapon, he turns it horizontally, then vertically and looks at it against the light of the forge "Yeah, I think we could reinforce this one. A good hunter needs a good tool. It will be 225 gold pieces. Give me a day"
Ingolf visited the Smithy as well, and asked the proprietor, "I was wondering if you would be able to make a polearm for me, combining a hammer head and a long spike at the top."
That evening he talked to his friends, "Do you think we should investigate the ship that Annabella Tullia was talking about? She said it ran aground west of town. They might need our help."
The remainder of her day spent between providing assistance and sneaking in a few moments for herself to simply breathe and recollect herself, the fruit of their hard work the previous days ensuring that cleanup and repair was minimal and efficient.
Rejoining her companions in the evening after taking time to clean and launder herself to the best she can, Adriana ponders Ingolf's question and looks toward the storm still out on the horizon. "Hmm. Perhaps? If it's safe - there always seems to be a storm on the horizon."
She turns to Splits. "You know storms well - would it be safe?"
Heading with the others to the armory, the druid feels uncomfortable in such a place, he can almost smell the iron in the air. "Could you ask then if they can harden some leather for me? I don't think such a heavy armor is good for exploration."
Looking at Adriana he ponders a little, "It will never be truly safe but I will look into it. If we are to go we do have this wand as well which should provide you with relative safety while swimming."
I will accompany you when you're ready to investigate this ship, Ingolf. but we should wait until at least tomorrow, or I will be without my bow.
Vethorn Valgardson smiles wide "More clients. This is going to be a fortunate week for my business it seems. Let's see... is a hammer like this what you are looking for?" the half-elf shows a long hammer that could be used as a small lucerne hammer. It has engraved a hammer and anvil symbol with lettering that reads 'Northwind Smithy'.
"You need some silver rings? Well, I have some golden ones, also iron. But I can order one of my apprentices to forge one out of silver for you. Came tomorrow. As for the armor, we do not have anyone at town working the leather, but I have some imported armor that might work. Come and see" Vethorn takes Splits to a section in the smithy were he has a number of leather armors. After a bit of search he finds one composed by plates of dried and reinforced compsognathus skin, akin to a masterwork leather lamellar armor.
Another client in the smithy who is inspecting shovels and other digging tools turns to you when you discuss your plans to explore the Cobalt Eye. You quickly recognize him as the prospector interested in mining that you met in your trip to the colony. He approaches you followed by another two of his men "I do not think we were properly presented. Mr. Blackwell" he offers you a hand "I heard you planned to explore the west coast in search for the ship that departed before the storm... I have heard of some ancient Ghol-Gan ruins at that area. If you happen to find them while you look for the ship, mmm... how to put this... well, I would pay handsomely for any intact archaeological artifacts you might recover from such and ancient culture."
The lost and ancient kingdom of Ghol-Gan was a once magnificent cyclops civilization made great by their gift for prophecy that eventually degenerated into worship of alien deities, bloody rituals, cannibalism, and ultimately collapse.
At its height, the Ghol-Gani civilisations covered a vast area, including what is today known as the Shackles and Mediogalti Island, as well as the southern part of the Sodden Lands and a section of the western Mwangi Expanse. It is believed that Ghol-Gan's first city lies at what is now the centre of the Eye of Abendego.
When Ghol-Gan was founded long before Earthfall, the continent of Garund stretched much further west into the Arcadian Ocean, and the isles of the Shackles were then a mountain chain that connected Mediogalti Island to what is modern-day Rahadoum. The land between these mountains, and what is now the Sodden Lands, were once sprawling hills and jungle quite similar in climate to the Mwangi Expanse. It was across this region that Ghol-Gani civilization once thrived.
Ghol-Gani magic users infused their craft into the buildings and other structures they built, so some have have survived the ravages of time. Ghol-Gani ruins still dot the lands that they once controlled, even millennia later.
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"Oh, my mother used to tell me stories about exploring Ghol-gan ruins!" Tonny blurts. "An entire civilization of giants, led by prophecy from small tribes to a massive empire spanning the entire region only to crumble and descend into disturbing rituals and destruction. Apparently they had such mastery over magic and stonework that they imbued some of their buildings with powerful wards that keep the stone from crumbling even to this day! Imagine what sorts of discoveries could be made in such a place! Of course, they were built for folks twice our size, so even simple things like opening a door could prove difficult..."
Adriana quietly weighs the pros and cons of going to investigate the shipwreck, surprised and a little impressed that they were better prepared through their spoils than she'd thought possible. Perhaps the investigation wouldn't be as difficult as first thought.
It still wouldn't hurt to prepare a little more.
"It seems doable, given all we have. And the Hearth can supply a few extra things I'm sure. I think the real question is would we feel safe doing so? The always seems to be a storm on the horizon, but if it's safe enough..." she trails off, not sure if she's trying to convince herself or her companions.
Ingolf replied to Adriana, "The people on board that ship need our help, I should think. We should be concerned about their safety!"
The druid looks toward the smith with an almost shiver, "This looks like an excellent piece." Picking it up, he balances the weight quickly. "This should make a fine protection even in the densest wilderness."
Hoping to conclude his deal, he speaks up, "I speak untruths, it is platinum I seek. I am not great with metals but if you have some spare, I would like to have some forged. Nothing special, just simple would do."
Walking around he overhears Tonny speaking about the ruins and lets the half-elf enjoy his time. "Opening a door could prove difficult..." He gives a rare smirk, or what seems to be one, "Gives me some measure of how minor we can be in the world sometimes."
Nodding at Ingolf he grips his staff, "I agree. People are at the mercy of the waves, and while Gozreh is fickle, it is our duty to not be. Gozreh sets the stage for us, we must use it to teach."
The group keeps advancing on their preparations through the day, obtaining better equipment and appropriate supplies.
Eventually the evening arrives and you join once more to attend the meeting at Narsus State. The relative grandeur of the location humbles the rest of Pridon's Hearth. Servant quarters, a large barn, and a boathouse sit alongside the large manor.
You find Sheriff Adaela Praet at the entrance to the estate. "Nice you are here. I was about to enter" she nods at you as a greeting "You should know that while the Narsus family rules Pridon's Hearth without official oversight, save what little Sargava imposes, Lethar Narsus leans heavily on a circle of advisors he likes to call his 'Town Council'. The count assembles everyone of relative influence in town, hoping to pool their knowledge and decide how best to defend the settlement and surrounding farms"
An old man receives your group and leads you to a meeting room in a corner of the building, with large windows and blue silk curtains open that let the orange and pink light of today's dusk enter. Two libraries filled with books are set in the north and eastern walls, while a well stocked bar is against the western one. In the center of the room is a large round table made of palm wood with a frieze made of engraved leaves.
On the middle of the table there is a snack consisting on fried dates, grilled corncops, goat cheese, baked pork loin, a water jar, one bottle of milk and a bottle of white wine.
The white wine is an Andoran one 4715 harvest, at least 50 gold pieces the bottle.
Around the table, there are nine chairs, three of them already occupied by Banker Baldra Sifreth, Count Lethar Narsus and a brunette young woman of fine traits and stern gaze "Welcome Pridon's Hearth defenders! Please, take a sit and share our food" the Count points the empty chairs and noticing you do not recognize the younger woman he points towards her "I think you know everyone in the Town Council except for my financial advisor, Hamsa Gadd"
"Sheriff Praet spoke well of your deeds, both in Fort Breakthrough and weathering the colony through the Storm. You even dealt with the troll Graular. Wow! I was holed up several weeks at my mansion scared of that one" the Count is interrupted by Banker Baldra Sifreth "They should be payed for their efforts Count Narsus. That is how civilization fortifies itself"
The Count laughs openly "Sure, sure, we will reach to that point. But before the Town Council wanted to hear from first person about your findings in Fort Breakthrough and your report about the events during the storm. We should first, isn't it?" he looks at Hamsa Gadd that nods reinforcing the count's statement "Yest, that is, I guess your leader should summarize this, isn't it? So... whom of you is your leader? Oh, well, maybe just whomever wants to talk first, please go on and explain what you saw and hear these last few days"
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"That wine's worth more than the rest of the table put together!" Tonny whispers to Adriana, trying to not be too obvious in his amazement and obviously failing. "What's it doing next to a bottle of milk?"
When the count inquires about a leader for the group, the half-elf very quickly points at the woman beside him. "Oh, you mean her! She's much better at talking than I am, and better at making decisions, and getting things done, and... not talking too much." Face flushed to match his auburn hair, he slinks into a chair and tries not to catch anyone's eye.
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Taking a little free time before their meeting to clean up and be as presentable as she can - and perhaps smooth out the roughness she carries on her self from the numerous battering wounds she took previously, Adriana's eyes widen a little at the set table and it's fine food. She knew nothing about wine except that maybe Lethar was showing off his wealth a little, Tonny's whisper only proving her guess correct.
"Maybe they go together?" It's as much a joke as a guess - she's never had anything close to 'good' wine before.
Her eyes go wider again when Tonny rambles on and proclaims her the leader, freezing for a moment and with as much decorum as she can manage clears her quickly drying throat and attempts to clarify.
"Ahm, Hmm, 'leader' is not entirely correct. Sheriff Praet had me act in her stead while at Fort Breakthrough, and for part of the storm preparation, my companions are free individuals - but we do very good work together."
"About for what we learned at Fort Breakthrough, we found no survivors, only the aftermath of an attack - from what we could learn, lizardfolk attacked the fort and attempted to cover their tracks by leaving Song'o weapons and corpses in the fort, possibly to incite an attack on the tribal folk. They might have been the same tribe of Lizardfolk that attacked the Hearth at the height of the storm." She looks to her companions to see if she's forgotten anything, adding "If it is the same tribe, they've lost a priest and some warriors at least."