| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Its a typical warm day at the end of summer in The Hollow. Business has been good for the Consortium. Has been. Today however is the first day in quite some time that something was amiss. Each week on Toilday the Lumber Camps were supposed to bring in their logs by the stout lumber wagons they had at each camp. Of the three camps, two had sent their wagons in...the third instead had sent a rider.
A rider with a message....most the camp was sick. Some sort of coughing illness. They couldnt complete the order. They sent one of the few who wasnt sick, a young lad named Thomas, to tell Pay Day who told Kreed.
It was highly unusual for the majority of a camp to get sick. One or two here or there, but not 10-15 people; at once. It was time to investigate.
Kreed and Payday walked into the Sitting Duck...and with a ham sized fist, Payday pounded a notice into the board where they posted notices for the Consortium
It Read- Attention Townsfolk and Members of the Consortium. Thuldrin Kreed is looking for 6 diligent individuals to investigate something occurring at Lumber Camp Number 3. The Pay is 50 Gold per person. See Boss Paydan at The Consortium Building today for specifics.
They looked around the room at those nearby. Pay Day cleared his throat Put out the word. We need some able bodies for something that could be dangerous. Pays good and you get the good will of Boss Kreed. and the two of them turned and left going back up to The Perch, what the walled high point in town was called.
In the room were besides Ergin Tock who stood behind the bar, and Jarlene Artem who moved around the floor taking orders back to Ergim, three members of Lumber Camp 2, and 3 members of lumber camp 1 who had brought in their shipments sitting at 2 different tables..
The three from camp 2 could be heard saying No way Im volunteering. I dont want the attention.
You got that right. Nothin Good can come of that then the lumberjack looked around and shut up.
At the other table sat Falkwyn Hawksblood, Cathoris Hill, and an older lumberjack Samuel and the dwarf who did odd jobs in town and had helped unload the logs at the cutyard Straug Fireborn.
At the bar sat Thallin Braspur and Alexander Valindir both come to get some of the tasty lunch faire whipped up by Kronk Plimps.
Hmm.. a good way to endear myself better to more locals, and a way to keep Kreed off my back? Sounds great. The fact he is paying for it makes it all the better...
He lifts his head up from the meal. Well, I certainly hate to hear that the good folk may be sick. I would help without the pay, though it is nice to do some good and still be able to pay for the delicious meals here. He gives a small smile. He finishes up his meal before standing and brushing any crumbs or wrinkles out of his purple dyed overcoat and vest. He brushes his long hair to the side with his hands before offering.
Would anyone else here like to come along with me? Be it for good or compensation, I'm not one to judge. And Able as I am, Kreed is looking for... He quickly glances over to read the notice.
six! six fellows for the task. Anyone at all?
Hearing the call for volunteers and the mention of good pay, Thal considers the paltry amount of copper that he's been making from playing at the Sitting Duck.
The lumberhead's not wrong, though, he thinks. Drawing extra attention my way could be a bad thing. Still, we're probably far enough away from anyone hunting me that just going on a little investigation won't hurt anything.
As these thoughts are crossing his mind, he notices the fellow who'd also been eating at the bar get up and announce intentions of volunteering. Ah great, Thal thought, someone who sees himself as a champion of righteousness and nobility. Doing what's right because it's the right thing to do. That's exactly the sort of schmuck who might be willing to give his life to keep me safe.
Turning, Thal catches a glimpse of Jarlene, the barmaid, walking past. He throws her a wink and says, "What'ya think, Jarlene? If I go off and heroically save that lot out there would ya welcome me back with...open arms?" and he wiggles his eyebrows at her.
After pestering the poor barmaid, Thal nudges Alex and says, "Totally in it for the gold. Promised you wouldn't judge, remember?" and he throws the other man a crooked smile. Then, a thought occurs to him, and he says, "Hold on a sec."
Thal heads towards the kitchen while thinking back to conversations he'd had with Kronk. The big man had commented about wishing he'd been able to go off on adventures and such, but had just never had the opportunity. Seems like a safe enough opportunity, probably, Thal muses, and it'll be nice for my big friend to have a story of his own to share.
"Hey, Kronk!" Thal said, smiling at the friendly cook. "Remember how you were saying you've never had an adventure of your own? Well, have I got an offer for you..."
"Hmph. The Good Will of Boss Kreed. Kinda like the kindness of angry bears." Falkwyn Hawksblood said quietly, then sipped his ale. "Neither is all that common, and you'd best be wise to keep a safe distance if you can."
The half-elf glanced around the room and then back at the people at his table. Samuel and Straug, and then at Cathoris before sighing.
"Though, 50 gold coins IS nothing to sneeze at..." Truth to tell, Falkwyn was thinking about the reasonably new longbow he was so proud of... It was leaned up against the wall behind him and in fact that it had cost him a nice bit of coin to barter away from one of the gnome peddlers who sold various goods to the camps. Far too much to simply discard the offer of pay without a second thought.
He's just about to ask the other three their opinions when he hears the fellow in the longcoat calling out for people to join him in answering the posted notice. Not knowing him, Falkwyn arches an eyebrow and glances over at the others with a questioning look. "Who's that?"
Lumber Camp 3? I was on the verge of some good finds out that way when they fired me for wandering about instead of chopping.
Straug smirks thinking of the foreman bursting through the brush covered in nettles to find him in the dirt scraping at rocks instead of with the crew felling trees.
I thought I was on lunch hour turns out it was lunch 3 hours. Straug half smiles to himself with the memory.
"That was embarrassing." He says to nobody in particular though if the others at the table heard him he doesnt take notice. Straug is staring down at the handles of the throwing axes sticking out of his pack and chewing his bottom lip. Could be a chance to help out and redeem myself a bit. I know nobody had any hard feelings but I could use some goodwill from Boss Kreed. Making myself passably useful is the only thing thats stopped him from throwing me out of this town
Straug turns his attention back to the rock he had been turning over in his hand, found during his latest 'long walk'. He had brought it home, brushed and cleaned it, and was studying the marking on it intently for what he thought were remnants of dwarven runic workmanship. After a final turn he realizes that this, like so many other pieces he has found, is bunk. Its a moment of clarity that goes deeper than the piece, and with a snicker he lightly tosses it out a nearby open window.
Its time I did something more meaningful in this place. All this time I've got my head buried in the past when there are people who I could help in the here and now. Plus 50 gold would keep Kreed from claiming I'm a vagrant for quite a while. He gives Falkwyn a knowing nod after his Wyvern comment, and shrugs at his question about the other trying to rally a response. He sees Falkwyn following a different path of thought but arriving at the same destination. After an audible deep breath and a big exhale Straug downs his ale, hoists his pack, fits his Greataxe into its clasp at his back, looks at the other three at the table, and responds to the forming group.
"To the Consortium Building then, eh lads?"
Alexander smiles as the people join in.
Excellent, I might just form up a decent group here. Will look good when I lead them in to accept the offer. Hmmm... Dwarf looks sturdy, good physical strength likely. The other man joins for the money. Good, I like a practical guy. Easy to encourage, and you usually can determine where they stand. That being whoever has the money. Potentially a problem later on, but... I think something that can be worked around.
He gives both the others a nod and a friendly smile. When the first called for the cook, his smile grew wider. He takes the time to readjust the crossbow and blade strapped on his back, and takes a moment to glance towards the concealed daggers in his clothes. Making sure they are still hidden from view. He also takes care to keep his long black hair covering his ears.
If this takes a few days, at least we wouldn't want for a good meal. Smart.
He looks at Straug Excellent my good fellow, He offers a hand as the dwarf stands. The name is Alexander, and if this Kronk joins us, thats four of the six. He turns towards Falkwyn.
Perhaps that is true, however, the good will of those you would be checking on surely counts for something no?
Falkwyn chuckles and says, "Sometimes, all you have is good will, I suppose, from wherever it might come."
The half-elf gives an exaggerated sigh and then stands, shaking his head good-naturedly, "Aye, I'll join your expedition, at least so far as to find out what's so dangerous the Consortium is willing to hand out so much coin."
He collects his things and steps over to Alexander and adds, "Well met. I'm Falkwyn."
Upon hearing Pay Day’s call for volunteers, Cathoris’ first instinct is to shrink away. Like the lumberjacks at the other table, he didn’t want the extra attention. As the others speak up, he listens to their words, and the details peak his interest.
Illness? Wouldn’t be surprised if someone was poisoning workers to get back at Boss Kreed. Though, if it is an illness, my family could be in trouble. 50 gold could go a long way in helping the family, too. His thoughts continue as he catches Falkwyn’s eye. It was as if he was asking, “Are you coming?”
His indecision continues as the others gather. One, two, three, four, five... Time to decide.
Cathoris stands quickly, his leg bumping the table and knocking a glass clanking into a plate. He grabs at the glass and plates making more clattering and eventually stills them. By this time, everyone in the tavern is looking at the awkward display. Nervously, Cathoris raises his hand and speaks. ”Uhm... I’ll go.”. As he joins the others, he introduces himself. ”I’m Cathoris. I know a couple of things about illnesses. Though, more with sheep.” He gives a half chuckle at the attempt at a self-deprecating joke. He felt so out of place. What was he getting himself into?
Hah! Hah! Hah! - Kronk finally burst laughing at Thal - No, no, wait... You're serious, mate?
The cook was still smelling from spilled oil. He wasn't tall, but definitely bulky and clearly overweight. He couldn't look more mundane, almost middle aged, dressed as what you'd expect from a cook of a small tavern.
You see, you don't kid with an old heart. Of course I'd love the coins, but who would want someone like me around? What would I do, bake an enemy to death? Hah!
He scratched his head for a moment. This was the kind of opportunity he'd jump into, two decades ago; but every time he did, fate had other plans. Hirers had other preferences. Maybe, however, this time around... Destiny could smile to him? It would certainly be hilarious. Maximum that could happen is... He dies.
Ah, what the hell! Let me try! Let me go, too. I'll pack my tools. Maybe I can cook us a rabbit on the way, huh.
"That's the spirit!" Thal says, giving the friendly cook a large smile.
As he was recruiting the cook, he heard others discussing joining the group behind him. Excellent! More patsies to hide behind. This should be fairly simple, though he'd noticed another weird voice in that crowd. When he entered the room, the voice didn't seem to be coming from any of the gathered group. Bah, hearing things, he thought, dismissing it.
The cook? Why is he talking the cook into this?
Standing by the door, Straug watches the interaction a little bewildered. Something has seen a little off about that Thallin fellow. Nothing serious or nefarious necessarily just always seemed like...
"Ulterior motives."He mumbles to himself. He worries about Jarlene for half a second before remembering she's fended off advances probably a thousand times or more.
Oh well with six of us what could really go wrong, at least we'll be well fed and he's always been good company.
"Lets get going lads, looks like we're six here and they only need the six so if there are others interested we'll be leaving someone behind." He says loudly to the slowly gathering group.
When Cathoris stands to join them, Alexander gives him a warm smile that almost reaches his eyes.
Glad to have you, It is good to have one knowledgeable on disease and sickness when investigating it no? I know a bit of general information. But, that would hardly even cover the basics. He gives a small chuckle.
Nervous, anxious perhaps? Malleable? Likely. Seems a good sort, trusting. Can likely be manipulated if need be. Hopefully won't come to that, rather not harm good folk if possible.
He glances to Kronk, the cook convinced to join them.
Hm. If we do encounter trouble, at least he will take attention away for a time. Hopefully won't come to that though. Likely the largest risk on this investigation would be getting sick ourselves.
Glad to have you Kronk, we won't want for a good meal while working together at least. That alone is reason enough to have you. He gives a smile before offering his hand.
Alexander, pleasure to formally meet you.
He glances Straugh over again as he speaks. To the point. More observant than he lets on... Hm. Best plan to not try and give him the run around if he starts asking questions. Needs firm, solid answers...
As Straug speaks of leaving, Alexander concurs.
Indeed, wouldn't want to get there too late. Let us be off! He ends with a smile before taking the lead.
Gotta show I took the initiative to round up a team. Hopefully I'll wind up being the psuedo-leader without a confrontation.
Jarlene smiled at Thallins words and tossed her hair with a smile. Why of course Hon. Ill be right here...waiting...for my knight in shining armor he said with a wink and a giggle.
The 6 would be adventurers made their way from The Sitting Duck up the hill to the gates that stood open to the wealthy section of town. Not many buildings stood here. Kreeds home of course. The Consortium Headquarters. That hermit Vade who was reputed to be some sort of wizard. The owner of the caravanserai had a house here. a few others...but not many. The High Market was here...where only those who had favor with Kreed could shop. Low market was for everyone else...the difference was the quality and importance of the item.
Low Market only had items under 100 gold...anything else was in high market.
The Guards at the gate nodded at Straug, and the two Lumberjacks Cathoris and Falkwyn who all worked for the Consortium. They saw the crumpled piece of paper Pay Day had tacked to the post in Alexanders hand and one of them said quite obviously Taken Kreed up on the money to investigate the camp ehh? See Payday at Darkmoon Lumber HQ he will set ya up
They moved through the Perch quickly. Saw Kreeds kid, Juldrin and Vades kid, Savram, and The Butchers kid who wasnt that bright, Mikros; having a mock sword fight with sticks.
The HQ of Darkmoon Lumber wa in disrepair. It needed painting, the door wasnt hung right and idnt shut fully. Somme shutters were broken. The Consortium didnt want to pay for repairs....
A guard standing outside the Consortium waved them in to where Kreed and Payday were standing in the main room of the HQ a long table with chairs, some quite rickety, dominated the room. A map of the Vale on one wall with pins in it where the three lUmber Camps were...a 4rth pin was further to the north and inside the woods where there as no camp. It was known that there was talk of opening a 4th camp...but this proposed camp was deep in fey territory. Not on the fringes.
Pay Day turned to the group and chickled. Well Thudrin, didnt take long for a group to take us up on the money.
Thuldrin smirked and said You were right Payden. Handle it. Im going to go draft my letter to the board of directors on why this shipment is light. and he left to go to his office in the back of HQ.
Bos Teedum turned to look at group and said Ok So'swho do we have here....a Shepherd's son who heals the sick sheep, a Cook who fancies himself an adventurer, A vagrant who likes to hang out in the sitting duck, a bastard rich kid looking for his pa, a dwarf hunting for old rocks, and a wanna be woodsman. Ya think yur up to the task of getting to the bottom of this illness? he said looking across the table at the 6 of you.
Alexander just gives a small grin at the attempted insults.
Well, I'm just a common guy looking to do some good. And yes, I believe we are. I've managed to gather together a decent team I believe. We also, as you mentioned, have someone at least used to dealing with diseases and sickness, I'm sure it translates fairly well, after all sick is sick. He motions to Cathoris.
Time to make em sound good. Lets use some of the things he said and turn em around.
Some strong muscle if it is needed, someone who knows his way around the camp and likely its outskirts, someone to keep us from getting lost in the woods if ever we need to foray into them. Someone to both keep us fed, and ease the suffering of anyone sick at the camp with a hearty meal and a good joke. With myself, as you mentioned, having been taught and tutored in a wide array of various things, to fill in the spots as needed. He gives a sly grin as he finished and looks around.
I didn't miss anything, did I?
So, why wouldn't we be?
Hmmm, rich kid knows how to assert himself intellectually, not just with whatever status his money buys. Not a bad one to have around, Thal thought to himself. Made the group sound rather solid and far more intentional than it was. Thinks on his feet, this one.
"Well said, Lord Alex," Thal said with a nod and without the slightest hint of sarcasm in the title. He then turned his attention to Bos Teedum and said, "So, now that you know that we're likely the most skilled and capable party you could possibly send out to solve this little problem for you, maybe you'd like to give us any and all details you know of what's going on so we can go in as prepared as possible and just maybe get your little lumber camp back in action? I mean, unless that's not important to you," and he gives him a smile indicating that he is fully aware of just how much of a smart alek he is being and that he is also aware of just how much they need the group to do the job.
And the sooner we get there and back, Thal thinks, the sooner Jarlene can welcome me with open arms.
Cathoris shrinks back at the boss’s reference to him. What was I thinking coming here! Now their eyes will be on me all the more. His anxiety, which creeped along with him on the road up, began to intensify. His thoughts, however, were cut short as Alex mentions him, almost complimenting him. Struck with unconscious pride, he straightens up, chin out.
His eyes widen as Alex continues and as Thal adds in. He’d never heard anyone talk to Boss Teedum that way. Who were these outsiders? No one was that brave or dumb, not even in Falcon’s Hollow where there was plenty of it. Dumb, that is. Not so much the brave. Perhaps that’s why he was here. A decision for me to be brave? That’s something to consider.
Not wanting to interrupt their flow, Cathoris stays quiet at least until he hears the details of the situation.
Falkwyn arches an eyebrow as Alexander chatters away, inserting himself into the leader role for the group of laborers. Listen to him go. You'd think he'd summoned us all up from the far corners of the realm, just to charge in to save the day like classic heroes of myth. Still, better to let him wag his tongue at Teedum than me. Who wants that sort of attention?
Listening intently to the conversation, the bowman folds his arms across his lean chest and takes in the room and his new companions. Not quite mythical heroes, but perhaps that was for the best. Commoners, in Falkwyn's experience, were much more reliable than anyone claiming to be heroic.
"What exactly ARE we investigating, then?" The half-elf says simply and straightforward.
Kronk doesn't say anything. He doesn't exactly shy in his corner - he limits himself to scratch the badly shaven face when Teedum tries to diminish him. Yet, he waits for the others to do their interjections, and patiently puts his attention towards the answer.
You don't say... - he rhetorically mutters, no target in particular.
Pay Day chuckles at the various answers like he is dismissive and totally in control. He says...Well Falkwyn. As you know, Every Toilday the shipments come in from the logging camp. You work at camp 2. so it takes 1 day for you to bring the logs cut during the week to the cut yard by wagon. Camp 1 and Camp 3 it takes 2 days. So 2 days yesterday morning the wagon should have left...it didnt. Instead today a single rider came by horseback to tell us that of the 15 lumberjacks working there 12 have fallen ill. Coughing blood up. Sick. Shakes. feverish. for 12 to fall sick like that...it means someone is targeting the camp. Who? What? Why? I dont care. Your mission...
he picks up a chest and opens it as he sets it on the table. Within are 6 bags of gold. ...he continued...should you want this coin. is to go there. Investigate. and rectify the situation using any means needed. Hows that? he stops and raises his hands from the chest where they had rested and looks at the 6 of them...
Straug has stood listlessly in the background during all of the interactions. The disparagement, the brave retort from Alexander (Seems a good sort, that one), and the others all posturing for position in the newly formed group and figuring each other out. Pay Day's response is more to his liking, down to business and to the point even if he is obnoxious and uppity.
We know where the camp is, we know what the problem is, I dont know why we are still standing about. Blast it we knew almost this much when we came over here!
"I could practically walk there with my eyes closed lads and I'm fairly sure one or two of you could as well. Should we get on with it then?" He starts heading off but slowly as to attempt to get the group moving together, definitely not interested in leaving them behind.
Straug checks the clasps and straps on his pack and weapons, and double checks his rations and bedroll for the nights camp. Something about this outing has him feeling edgy. He is pretty sure this wont end in cooking a huge pot of chicken soup for everyone. He is pretty sure its going to end in blood.
"Couldn't agree with ya more, chap," Thal replies to Straug. "We'll be back for pay day, Pay Day," Thal says, turning on his heel and starting to follow the Dwarf before calling over his shoulder, "Keep that gold locked up nice and tight for us, eh, boyo?"
And while Thal felt good about mouthing off to a bully of an authority figure, there was another part of him that felt something else. Pleased? Something about heading off on this mission felt weirdly right in ways that pulling jobs back in Absalom hadn't. Must just be excited to get out and do something more than music, he thought, and maybe it's just the reward from that chest of gold and the reward awaiting me back at the tavern that have this feeling so pleasing. Yeah. That's probably it, he thought, not entirely convinced that there wasn't something else tugging at him.
Well... None of us is a doctor. It sounds like they must be plagued! While we can investigate if someone is toying with their water or something of the sorts, it still doesn't fix the fact the people there are diseased, we have no way of curing it and nothing prevent us from contracting it as well. - says the cook. There were only few things he'd fear, and one of such was a truly invisible enemy like a disease - Maybe we should take antitoxins or drugs to prevent or deal with diseases?
Falkwyn glances down at the chest and then locks his eyes on Pay Day for just a moment too long in possible defiance, and then smirks and nods. "Aye, we'll do what needs doing."
The half-elf says to Kronk, "You make a good point. I know I don't have any protection against something like this beyond my scarf to cover my mouth and nose. I know a bit about herbs and whatnot. Might help us figure out what's happening."
While the rest continue speaking, the woodsman hoists his pack onto his back and takes up his bow, then pause, cocks his head slightly and addresses Pay Day again, "Might you know where that lone rider is? I'd like to talk to him before we go...'might know something that could help."
Once they're out of Pay Day's earshot, Thal says quietly to the group, "Fourth camps goin' up in fey territ'ry. Anyone else think the fey might be a tad suspect in this? Per'aps it's not sickness so much as," and he waves his fingers about in mimicry of spellcasting, "some fey magic?"
Pay Day says as he cracks his knuckles looking at Falkwyn. Boys name is Thomas. Ill have him meet you outside.
The group gradually heads back outside and they can see that the three kids have been joined by two others. Kimi Eaveswalker, Alexanders relative...and Holly a kid who hangs out at the Cutyard, carving wood animals out of left over lumber. Hes a brother of one of the Working Women at the Rouge Lady and well known by Straug. The 5 kids are pretending to be adventurers fighting monsters.
Kimi waves at Alexander.
within a few seconds The rider comes out looking sheepish.
Hullo. Im Thomas.
Thal, amused by the children, moves forward in "big, scary monster" pose saying, "And suddenly, a troll came out to attack our heroes!" and joins in their play for a short bit including performing a death scene when they "slay" him.
It's a cheesy and poorly acted death, which probably makes it more enjoyable than a well-acted one would have been.
A great bureaucrat, "not my job description" at its finest. Shouldn't be a problem.
Well, thank you for that information. We will do what it takes.
After leaving.
You say we have no way of dealing with disease Kronk, I'm sure.. ah, Cathoris? Here has knowledge on the subject. And don't sell yourself short, a good meal goes a long way to helping someone overcome sickness.
Alexander gives a smile and a wave to Kimi, and gives a heartfelt grin at the children.
Ah, to be young again. It was a different world. I'm glad they can at least have some fun.
When the rider introduces himself, Alexander greets him in return.
Greetings my fellow, I heard you rode night and day to deliver the message that a sickness was spreading in your camp? Noble actions indeed, what can you tell us of this... sickness that runs rampant? Did it happen to everyone at the same time? Or was there one or two that perhaps were sick first?
Thomas nods at Alexanders question. The whole camp, almost, at once. Except me, The Foreman Zender and Donar one of the stronger Lumberjacks.
The kids have a great time fighting the mock troll that is Thall. Until he 'dies' a most ignoble death. The guards at the gate watch and laugh as do the the few merchants at High Markets stalls.
Coughing blood up, shakes, fever. That describes a whole mess of things. Cathoris mind fills with possible diseases, poisons, parasites. He racks his brain for any recent illnesses he’s heard of in town. At the mention of the rider, he nods in agreement. Talking with him would be a good thing.
Outside, Cathoris grips his quarterstaff tightly as he thinks and listens to the conversation. ”I do my best,” he says in response to Alex. ”Seeing it close up will be the best way to determine what it is. Before we head to the camp, we should check in with Laurel at R & R. There may be others sick that’ve come to her. Might be larger than the camp.” His eyes are a bit glazed and he speaks in a matter of fact voice. It’s as if he’s just thinking out loud and talking to himself. If anyone asks what R & R is, he shakes his head as if coming out of trance. His returns to his less confident tone. ”Oh umm... Root and Remedies, the herb shop. Laurel’s an herbalist.” He looks to Kronk. She might be able to mix you up something protective, too.” He wasn’t sure if he was trying to jest with the man or be sincere. Talking to people is weird.
Thomas’s arrival draw’s Cathoris’ attention. More information!
”Is there anything you three didn’t eat, drink, or do that the other did? Did you get any new food or different water? Did you cut down any new wood? And by new, I mean different type, different area, or way older or larger than what we’re used to.” Cathoris thought about Thal’s fey theory. Fey love their trees!
Thomas listened to Cathoris ask his questions and slowly answered. no....wait...come to think bout it, We had fetched a new water barrel from the well we dug nearby. I havent had any water from it. No new food though. And no we hadnt cut any new kinds of trees just the same Darkwood trees we always cut. Foreman Zender had sent 6 of the crew north to the new proposed site though a a weeks ago. That was different. He had compiled a report for Kreed that I brought with me and handed over this morning.
Falkwyn nods at Cathoris, agreeing. "Maybe we could get Laurel to come along. Or at the very least, she might give us some thoughts on things to look for, whether it turns out to be natural or sabotage."
"Speaking of which, how new is this well?" Falkwyn asks, frowning. "And how close to the fey woods? Thallin's thoughts on possible use of fey magic had not been lost on the half-elven woodsman.
From his position as a dead troll, Thal overheard the account from Thomas and said, "Hold a minute, friend," and then to the children who instantly started stabbing him again, he laughed and said, "OK, I surrender! You win!"
He then stood and approached Thomas saying, "Six o' the crew were sent north? Were they the first ones ta get sick? Could possibly be it takes a while ta set in, hence ya can spread it 'round more afore anyone knows ya 'ave it?"
Thomas gave some thought to it....then said our lumbercamp is fairly close to the Fey. We have run ins with them all the time. New well is within walking distance of the cam by a hundred feet. Not far. ....come to think of it yes they were the first to fall Ill
Well, it seems we have our first potential source. We should make haste and make sure they do not continue to drink from the new well. Does anyone have a cart we could use? We can discuss ways to potentially deal with this on the way. The important thing is to keep them from getting worse by continuing to drink from it. If it is indeed the source of the sickness.
A cart would be nice... rather not dish out all the money for it though.. was hoping to find a good horse.
"Well, seems we have two immediate needs both requiring haste: getting to camp to stop them from using the well and reaching out to the lovely Laurel for her healing insights."
He then turns to the young man who'd been sent out to them and said, "You're a rider, yes? Therefore have a horse? What say ya take Cathoris here over to the R&R to touch base with Laurel while the rest o' us rush to the camp to make that well off limits? Bein' on a horse an' all I'd imagine ya won't fall massively far behind us. Maybe give us a chance to 'ave a looksee at camp afore ya get there to see if we can gather some insights?"
”Honestly, I wouldn’t mind having a look at that report, they were the first to fall ill but not necessarily the first to use the well. Something must have happened during their outing to the new camp. Thomas not using the well and staying healthy points to it as a possible or likely source but the same six that went north being the first six to fall ill? Sounds like a connection to me. Not sure about asking Kreed for it though he’s as likely to beat us as talk to us. I’ve not got the gift of gab exactly, Alexander maybe you’d join me and do the talking?”
Straug looks askance at Thal hoping he can keep his ‘ulterior motives’ in check long enough to get a job done. Anyone that overly friendly to just about everyone has things to hide. Not sure how trustworthy he will be when blades are drawn.
Waiting for a response he begins practicing throwing his axes into a nearby stack of wood refuse.
Yes, we should probably head to that camp as soon as possible... We don't know if it's the well, but it'd be advisable to at least consider it possible. - says the cook, before completing - However, we shouldn't split. Let's all stick together!
Thomas says The horse is Consortium property. I cannot loan it out without Pay days permission. he kicks the dirt beneath his feet much as Id like to
’Normally I’d agree with ya, Kronk,’ Straug says, pulling his axes from the wood. ’Especially out on the road. But maybe Alexander and I can head back to The Consortium Building and see if we can’t lay eyes on that report while the rest of the crew hits Roots and Remedies? We meet back here in and hour and head out catching each other up on the way?’ He thunks another axe into the wood. ’If the group doesn’t like that idea, and has other ones I’m all ears and willing to do what needs doing. My preference is to leave in an hour and sleep on the road I’ve been in town for too long I’m due for a long walk.’
"That's not a bad idea, Straug. I like it." Falkwyn nods, then to Kronk he says, "And it's ok to split up IN town...just not in the wilds...usually."
Then, as if the matter was settled, the half-elf starts moving off in the general direction of Roots & Remedies, calling over to Alexander and Thallin, "So long as it's ok with the rest of you, of course?"
Alexander walks up beside Straug, watches his throws, and nods.
Good form, and a good thought. He says as he draws a dagger from a hidden spot in his clothes. He throws it with precision at the same wood.
When we aren't pressed for time, we'll have to have a friendly competition. As for plans, I say whatever gets us to that camp quicker.
He walks over to the wood, grabs his dagger then keeps walking, back from where they just came.
Hopefully this won't prove fruitless.
All sounds good to me, Cathoris says eager to leave the high market. He felt uncomfortable there. Granted, he felt uncomfortable most places, but being near the Lumber Consortium’s leaders made it moreso. It’s been a while since I’ve seen Laurel. It will be good to see her. He walks to match pace with Falkwyn.
Striding back into the Consortium building, Straug tracks down PayDay and asks as diplomatically as possible, ’Before we head out PayDay any chance we can get a look at the report from the 6 that went scouting for the new camp? Thomas told us they were the first to fall ill and that seems like a striking coincidence doesn’t it? Anything in there that will help us get to the bottom of this mess?’
Thal decides it is smarter to "stand watch" outside PayDay's office since he did just smart mouth him mere moments ago and a bit more diplomacy is needed at this moment. Therefore, he goes back to playing with the children, though keeps an attentive ear out in case any of the workers, laborers, or inhabitants walking last may be talking about anything helpful.
However, the boisterous noise of play time makes eavesdropping hard. Still, he and the children are having a splendid time.
As you may.... - Kronk limits himself to say, popping his shoulders. He was concerned, but if people wanted to try to be fast and risk their necks by splitting, he wouldn't be insisting. I guess that's how most groups of adventurer wanna-bes act like in the beginning..., he thought, then chuckled. At the end of the day he was just a cook trying to grow beyond his ugly kitchen.
Falkwyn and Cathoris make their way out of The Perch and down to Root and Remedies. Theres noone inside except Laurel and she is grinding some herb up with a pestle she looks up peering over her spectales and says Hi Cathoris, Your friend and you are always welcome in my shop. How Can I help you? she said straightening up and putting what she was doing to the side..
------------------------------------------------------------------
Straug and Alexander go back inside and ask Payday about the information the scouting part received. Nuthin in that information that will help you. Its all official Consortium business. So no. Ya cant see it. I will tell ya though that they did have a run in with some fey up there. Some Goat-Men said they were encroaching on Sacred ground or sumethin like that. Like any trees are sacred. Ha!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Thal and Kronk stood outside with Thomas and the sole Guard waiting. watching the 5 kids play.
Goat men?... hm... and you are absolutely sure nothing in that report could be even mildly linked to the situation? I will take your word for it if you believe so. As for sacred trees, many people find many things sacred. Whether or not the object in question truly is sacred is oft a mute point. If these goat men believed it was sacred, they may have sought retribution for the perceived encroachment. Another thing to look into to.. goat men... he breaks off the conversation as he starts trying to think back to the stories he heard from his father.
Alexander recalls tales of Satyrs but little else that could be construed as a Goat Man
Kronk chuckles towards Thal.
I feel so important right now! - he says, laughing as he looks at the kids - Somehow this sounds exactly how I thought the life of an adventurer would be.
In the midst of playing with the kids, Thal smiles back at Kronk and says, "One could almost say that adventuring is mere child's play," and throws his friend a wink.