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The Honored Lady Tyari Varvatos is still at the Festivities. Would you like me to send someone to get her?
”Silvermane, Tyari, and the chief defender?” Shel suggests. Halgra would likely want to know that one of her flock had an extremely rare, incurable disease.
The Acolyte says Very well. Let me go send a runner. and he leaves you in the hall as he heads back to the foyer.
Imara leans back against the wall with her arms folded across her chest and one ankle crossed over the other. She listens carefully as the others talk, then looks at Rydell. "Perhaps we are of better use elsewhere? We could go talk to the guards working on the barricades. And perhaps see if there are other painted swords around? Maybe talk to some folks. There are too many things that are just a bit off for my liking.
I'd rather be here to try and better understand her vision. And whether or not it was something to keep in mind or a sickness induced fantasy. He pauses for a few moments. Anger still visible in his expression.
After that, I may look around more.
I'm keeping a time tracker in the campaign information. You can see it at any page...
It was 1pm when the commencement ceremony kicked off. I'm only putting in highlights not all the mundane stuff. It was 2 when food was served. Festival began at 3 with tug of war. You guys began to leave at 4 5 by the time you got access to the temple taking into account normal small talk with folks along the way and rory's antics with thistle and phoenix which I figure took about 20 minutes total. . Say 30 minutes to clean Katreza and diagnose her.
Anyway it's around 6pm now. It'll take about 30-45 minutes to round up the folks you're asking for and time for them to excuse themselves and make their way there.itll easily be 7-730 by the time they get there.
Ovril gives Rory an understanding nod. "I hear you. There are altogether too many questions coursing through my head to make sense of it all, but if any of you got a clear-cut question, you ought to tell me and perhaps the Harrow will respond. Whatever is going on here is bigger than any of us can understand right now, of this I am certain."
I’ll get Silvermane! Phoenix squawks, leaping off the bed and out the door, the loud flapping of his wings audible until he leaves the building.
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Rory takes Thistle outside and watches and waits...then after a very short while a different Acolyte leaves the Temple heading to fetch the Halgra, Tyari, and Silvermane.
within the next few minutes the temple door seemingly cracks of its on volition and out comes Phoenix who looks around looks at the door and it shuts again... Thistle is cocking his head looking at like 'hiow strange' Then the chicken runs off down the hill.
The others inside continue to help the aging sickened seer be comfortable and chat, when the Acolyte returns. and says I sent someone
Long minutes go by.
and the first to return is Silvermane, who was close, at the Hopespring, lead by the chicken.
Silvermane walks up to where Rory and Thistle are, lead by the Chicken Phoenix, and he nods at Rory, who knows the suspected Druid, cannot speak.
Imara nods in agreement with Ovril, perhaps misunderstanding him. "True! But that doesn't mean we can't find out! You all can stay - or join me - as you like, but I'm going to get more information. We don't all need to be here. I trust you all to get any important information from Katreza and I don't want to intrude on her remaining time with her friends." She murmers a quick, quiet prayer to Pharasma, then pushes herself off the wall and heads toward the men building the barricades.
Imara had left about the same time as Rory had taken Thistleoutside and so had missed the chicken opening and closing the door. She made her way to the lower quarter Gate withits two iron portcullis' and moved inside and saw Sasha, a female militia member she knew, and Lorin a rather burly militia member working on building a barricade to the side of the gate. A pile of lumber, nails saws, axes etc lay there as they worked under lantern light to wrap up a portion of the barricade they had been working on for a few hours.
Sasha looked up when Imara talked to her and said Dont know. Jargrin pulled a few of us to the side and said to start on this right after he came out of the council meeting this morning before the festival. Said it was important.
Lorin looked up and wiped some sweat from his eyes before saying I heard Omast had talked to that Orc who runs the keelboat between here and Freedom Town moving supplies and people. ...I forget his name right now...but the boat Captain told him Something big is going on and for us to be ready.
"'Something big'? That doesn't sound good. Bigger than usual, you mean? They didn't tell you what? Or when? Does this have anything to do with the sword images showing up around town? Or the shovels?" I wonder why they haven't notified the militia to be on alert? Rory didn't know anything, or Rydell. I don't see how Katreza's illness would relate to a raid...
Lorin shrugs Maybe Jagrin didnt want to ruin the festivities on a rumor.
Sasha looks at Imara and and added Whatever it is, ou know we've never made barricades like this...never.
Lorin said Shovels? what about shovels?
Sasha said Yeah those sword paintings are strange.They glow in the dark but most of us are chalking that up to something to do withthe swordmaiden. But who knows.
Just then Imara sees Halgra, Tyari, and Brantos Calderon, Tyari's betrothed and Paladin of Iomedae coming through the Inner Quarter lead by The Acolyte
Rydell waits to let those more knowledgeable in medicine and terms used therein to describe the condition to Silvermane. Whenever they finish, he adds.
And we were wondering if you had ever heard of any medicine, herbs or magic to remedy it.
Imara notices the acolyte come by leading the delegation for Katreza. She watches Halgra intently, wondering what intelligence she has. Vaguely, Imara registers Lorin asking something about shovels. "Hm? Oh. I heard someone saying something about all of the shovels in town being bought up. I thought perhaps it was for your little project here. Gotta run, thanks for the info!"
Imara slips in behind the group, staying far enough away that she hopes they don't notice her, but close enough to hear their conversation. If any of them seem to notice her, she waves and smiles and says, "You must all be heading to the Sanctuary. About Katreza."If I want more information, these three are probably my best bet!
Halgra strode past the guards and she nodded at what they had accomplished so far she paused there for a second Good Job here Sasha. Lorin. Make these barricades so they can form a rectangle protecting from all sides. Make them so they can be slid from beside the wall to out here in front of the portcullis quickly. Good Job so far. Im sure Patrol leader Omast will be by tomorrow to check on them.
the two Militia guards nodded and said yes Ma'am.
Then the entourage continued, Imara fell in behind them.
Calderon looked strangely at The Chief Defender and said Chief Defender, May I ask what is behind constructing the barricades? We've only done that once before and that was right before the last Horde pushed back the lines of Lastwall beyond the Hordeline. Do you think another horde is gathering? should I send word to Lastwall?
She stopped dead in her tracks and stared at the Paladin with eyes like flint. Do what you will Sir Calderon. I am protecting my town. We know based on what happned last time, we cannot expect Lastwall to aid us. There are far too many odd coincidences that are occurring for my liking. She looked at a hand and ticked off on her fingers. 1. Katreza's dream of a Giants Hammer crushing Trunau. 2. Katreza's falling ill. 3. These painted Swords that shine like a beacon in the night and can be seen from a mile away of the town. Ive given Omast orders to try and remove them tomorrow. 3. Omasts meeting with Raag Bloodtusk and his message to watch out, something big is coming. 4. The Goblinoids leaving The Barterstones. 5. Merchant Caravans saying a lot of local half orcs are buying weaponry and fortifying their dwellings. Make no doubt. something is coming and Trunau will be ready. I suggest you start stocking up on bandages. Assign Teams of healers and posts within the town. and You Sir Calderone should be ready to defend the temple. The Last time a horde came, The Lower Quarter fell. We held them at the Inner Quarter. Anyway. Lets go see what Rydell, Rory and their friends have to tell us. Halgra acknowledged Imara standing behind the group with a flicker of her eyes and a softening briefly and a slight nod of her head.
The entourage turned and headed for the temple
At the Temple- The Mute Druid looked at Rory and Rydell standing in the hall with an Acolyte and further down the hall saw Ovril standing looking at a harrow deck. Inside the room Shell was wiping the aged half orcs brow with a damp cloth and talking in soothing tones.
Rydell told Silverman of what Shel had said about the symptoms and the Druid frowned. He understood right enough, but making his thoughts known was more difficult. He pulled out a pen and paper and wrote on it
And you say magic makes it worse? Tyari and I dont see Eye to Eye, so its no wonder I wasnt brought in sooner. I may be able to soothe her pain and buy her some time, but herbs wont heal something like this. I have not yet gained enough connection with the Earthmother to be able to reincarnate her if she passes yet. We will have to look for something more powerful perhaps Agrit will have information of an item we can find that may help her if we can buy her enough time.
Imara nods once at Halgra in return, giving her a look of respect. So, it's not just us, then. I knew something was up. Is there something about the five of us together, then? It must have to do with this Big Trouble. She briefly considers breaking off from the group to warn her other friends, but decides instead to follow the others back to the Sanctuary. There is clearly not (yet) an army at their doorstep and she can better inform them if she takes the time to get more information.
Imara walks upright with her hand on the pommel of her short sword. She isn't really expecting trouble at this moment, but it feels good to play the part of guard and feel like she is somehow part of something important and bigger than herself.
The group appeared walking through the hall behind Silvermane. Tyari leading, then Halgra, then Brantos, then Imara then The Acolyte.
Tyari looked at Silvermane and her eyes had a look of challenge in them
What is the meaning of this? Why is a Pagan in my sacred Sanctuary?
She turned to Silvermane I know you can understand me. I know you may want to help, but I didnt invite you here....
She was interrupted by Halgra who said Thats enough Tyari. Silvermane is a friend of mine. Ill brook no insolence from the church towards him. Then her voice softened and she said What do you think my friend?
The Druid smiled when he saw Halgra and nodded at her question. His hands began to weave through the air in the hand sign language of the mute and deaf.
Halgra nodded and sighed with resignation, sadness coming through her countenance then she looked at the group. What of you 5? Why were we brought here at your request?
Rydell's simmering anger breaches his good sense. He points to Tyari and interrupts the conversation.
Once again your pride has caused the suffering of another. The thought of asking someone else to help you with a sickness you cannot deal with never crossed your mind did it? Instead, you let them sit here in suffering. If you cannot deal with it, why would anyone else be able to right? We invited him here for you, to possibly help where you could once again not. We.. Rydell finally manages to close his mouth. His eyes still show anger, but there is a hint of sorrow on his face as well.
He tears his vision away and leans against a wall, staring at the opposite wall.
He finally glances back towards Halgra. He answers her last question, trying to keep emotion from his voice.
I didn't realize you were, I had heard that Katreza had a dream of a hammer crushing the town, and that she had told Ruby to select us as her champions. I originally wanted to know if both or either of those dreams were caused by her current sickness. However, after finding out how bad it is, and how it was being handled my anger and... past, sparked. He glances with daggers towards Tyari for a long moment. It looks as if he wanted to say something, a quick expression of remorse as his eyes soften, but looks away instead.
"We believe she has a functionally incurable form of Blister Phage." Shel says once the others have ceased their bickering, her tone implying lack of patience. Her gaze falls as Silvermane reveals his ability to help. She had been hoping his powerful natural magics would hold an answer. "Phoenix might be able to suppress the effects of the disease for a few minutes. We thought you might wish to speak with her in what will probably be her last moments of consciousness, if it works at all. Or ideas about curing her." Shel was surprised the town officials did not seem that worried about the imminent loss of the towns seer. So many did not believe in the powers of magics granted by the spirits of the world.
Halgra listens to Rydell, Rory and then Shel and glances at Silvermane who nods and then Tyari who shrugs.
I do not know what would be to gain by this, but yes. please do
Resuming her previous position of leaning against the wall, Imara closes her eyes and rests her head against the wall. She remains alert to the conversation around her, but has nothing to add. Sometimes the most can be gained by simply staying silent and observing those around you.
Shel lifts Phoenix to the bedside. Shel begins chanting and Phoenix's feathers glow with a clean, white light. The spirit animal bows his head, cooing softly and touches his beak to the seer's brow, delivering the healing magic to the sick woman.
The aging Seer coughed a couple times then opened her eyes slowly blinking and looking around the room. Oh My. she said softly seeing Shel and Phoenix right near her. Beyond in the doorway Halgra and Tyari...and the others peeking in and around beyond. To what do I owe this honor?
After the initial pleasantries are finished. Tyari moves next to the bed and pours a glass of water for her. In case you need it she sets it down near Katreza. Katreza. You know some of these folk. Rydell, Rory, Shel, Ovril and Imara. They thought you might have some information for us? Can you answer a few questions? Do you feel strong enough? The Magic we used to suppress your illness will not last long.
Katreza thanked Tyari and took a drink, then looked at the others, sadness in her eyes. Yes of course. Please. Go ahead.
Hullo Rory. Hi Thistle. Hows a good pup? said Katreza in a weak voice. I wish I could give you a lot of insight. Some times in dreams when Im lucid I remember more. In this case I saw vividly a giant hand that was holding a hammer that swung down hitting Trunau right on top, saw towers fly apart, the Commons smashed. Walls tossed aside like birds flying from a bush. so much death, blood. People running screaming. . I told this to Roderick a few days ago. when I awoke briefly. It was terrifying. You know Roderick comes to see me every day? *Chuckle* He is sweet on Brinya and asks my advice with her since Im her friend.*chuckle* I see her everyday too.
Imara's eye flicker to Rydell's and she murmurs, "Well, that's a lot worse than I was expecting. "Big Trouble" indeed." She tries to assess how he's feeling and whether he seems any calmer than he was a few minutes ago.
She then steps away from the wall and looks inside Katreza's room. Since Rory seems to be the one asking the questions, she says, "You should ask her if she has any messages she wants to pass along...or wants to say goodbye to anyone."
Rydell walks up behind Rory.
I heard you told Ruby to pick us. He points to those around the room that had been picked by Ruby.
I was only wondering if these... visions of yours had any connections, or if they were, or may have been, induced because of the disease you currently suffer from. As well as any other insight you might could give on the visions. Do you know anything of the white swords painted around the town?
The Varisian quietly paces up and down the hall in an attempt to quell the feelings of unease plaguing him. A deft pair of hands dart in and out of the many pockets of his colorful jacket, and if he doesn't stop soon, he might just disappear inside his own pocket altogether.
Every detail of the ongoing conversation, Ovril tries to carve into his mind. A gigantic hammer falling on Trunau. Death and destruction. What question should I ask the deck? How, by Rovagug's hairy butt, do I figure out what spread to use? Perhaps it is as his aunt used to say: sometimes, fate gives you an early warning, but more often than not, you cannot outrun fate itself.
Hearing Katreza struggling to talk, and knowing she isn't long for this world, lend those words an extra layer of poignancy.
"Do you know where you picked up this disease?" Shel asks, taking one of the seer's hands in both of hers. "It could help us treat you."
Katreza smiles at Imara as she sticks her head in to ask if there was anyone she wanted to give a message to...She nodded.
Brinya has always been a good friend. As has Sara Morninghawk....and of course Roderick, bless his soul.. Tell them I love them and wish I could be here to help. That I always was thankful for their friendship. ...Ive always had visions, and always had a bit of an illness. It just became very bad this last week. I see so many people. The only folks I came in contact with besides those at the church here were Brinya, Sara, and Roderick. Sometimes they brought friends. Like Agrit, Urnsul or Kurst.. The White Swords I havent seen in any visions. Ive had one other vision of a creeping danger coming from a tomb...a burial place.
Seeing Rydell looking at her expectantly she pauses and then says Oh yes. why Did I tell Ruby to choose you. ....Thats complicated. My ...gift...isnt always ...precise. She breathes heavily. I 'feel' the 5 of you together could be ....important....I dont know why. Just that you are? will be?