Clynter lets out a loud yelp as he swings wildly at the ooze.
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The ooze bubbles and pops from the damage it already took, but Clynter's wild thrasahing and flailing against it causes the ooze to collapse under its own weight, and burst from the back! It deflates and turns into a puddle!
The crowd that watches on is both amazed by your performance against such aversity, and also disturbed by what an ooze was doing in the city to begin with. In thanks for your actions, one of the locals hands you a Traveler's Any-Tool as a reward.
You notice that he just took it from the cart of the merchant that turned into an ooze and brought it over to you.
An affiable middle-aged human woman comes up to thank you, dressed in colorful fabrics. "Ah! Heroes! I would speak with you!” When the woman gets closer, she bows and introduces herself. “I am Abayone Munme, and I have the pleasure of serving on the Representative Council that administers Kibwe. Might I bother you for a moment of your time? That unfortunate transformation you just witnessed was, alas, not an isolated event.” She goes into detail that she has heard of others int he city spontaneously transforming into oozes, and worries that some dangerous plague or curse is at work. "What is most peculiar that I have noticed is that the affliction only appears to affect humans, thus a band such as yourself would be ideal to help solve this problem. I can offer you a stipened of ten gold pieces per day for expenses, but also the Representative Council's gratitude."
Clynter looks around at his allies, doing some basic arithmetic in his head. Ten gold, divided five ways. And it might not necessarily be five ways by the time we're done. At least one of these fools is probably going to get themselves eaten by an ooze. Hmmmm....what if things lined up in just such a way that little old Clynter is the sole survivor? I'll be rich enough to get my femur's plated in gold!
Then suddenly an idea lights up in Clynter's empty head. Perhaps there might be some exciting money making opportunities to be had with being on the right side of the law for once.
"Well...I think we might be willing to accept your offer, but I need to let you know that we may have to resort to some unconventional methods to get to the bottom of your problem. We may have to bend a few minor local laws and ordinances in the process of our investigation. I'd like to get your assurance that we're not going to have your town militia breathing down our neck while we are in the process of following leads and collecting evidence. We'll need you to give us the benefit of the doubt that even if what we are doing seems a little unusual, it is for the purpose of the investigation. If you can't grant us our independence to do the investigation our way, then I would suggest that maybe your town guards would be more suited for the task."
Ashes makes sure to grab a generous sample of the ooze before responding. He really should taste test it later, to see if the blood's essence still remains.
"It's causing mutations in the humans, you say?" The elf strolls over, still firmly grasping his umbrella. "That could be quite the issue! First the people, and then next thing you know it'll spoil the flood supplies. But I'm wish my dashing friend on this one. We'd best work under our own jurisdiction to root out the cause of this."
Certainly! Slime displeases the redeemer queen! May I ask for some payment in advance as I need to reconfigure my equipment to deal with such foes. I need a very big hammer for sure! And my shield needs repairs too, perhaps I shall bring a spare yes!
The big Orcish Thiefling announces.
Also, ouch, that s*@* hurts.
"Ten gold each? Sold!"
That's far more than he makes as a firefighter, even with little trinkets here and there that he salvages from the wreckage.
He is somewhat disappointed to find out, however, that the offer is being made to them as a group. This would mean that they need to ... cooperate??
"I do also want to clarify something. I am and have always been a human. I was born in bred on the mean streets of Absalom. But I do care about what is happening to the good people of your settlement and I am willing to take that risk to help them."
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This is actually a check per your request to her.
She stares at the "Skelle"-man in some confusion, but understands where he is coming from. "How about this; if you try to do so in a way that doesn't draw attention and cause trouble, I can up your pay to 12 gold pieces. You can understand that with these circumstances, we are having trouble enough. I cannot authorize more than that payment though."
She takes out five days of payment, sixty gold pieces, to pay for five days of investigation up front.
"Well, my new-found friends, I have two leads for you to start on. First there is a mystic man named Baats'ulan. He preaches in the Adayenki Pavilion every sundown, and though his acolytes thinks he is some miracle man, he's just a man and he can't walk on water. His cult is numerous in acolytes, and quite secretive, but they have had several members already afflicted by the transformation."
"The second lead is the a Nexian envoy named Mafzat A'Haddin. He maintains an office at the edge of the Iwisa Block, by the northern gate. Nex as a country is known for crafting oozes, but I am uncertain of his cooperation. He really doesn't like his post and detests the Kibwe government as well."
"If you can find some of these transformations and put a stop to it, or if you find yourself at a dead end, come see me in the eastern market. My home is beneath the Pillar-Watcher that resembles a standing rhino." She points at the mentioned pillar.
vs DC 24
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"Well, we've got two leads. One lead is a disaffected envoy from a country known to harbor the very creature that attacked us, and another appears to be some kind of mystic whose connection to everything is entirely clear. It sounds like we could have this mystery wrapped up in a day by going the direct route and heading to see Mafzat A'Haddin. So let's go visit Baats'ulan and stretch this as long as possible. We're getting paid whether we solve this or not."
"I do just happen to be a master of disguise. If I can get a good look at their outfits, I shouldn't have any trouble getting close to our targets."
Ashes glances around the group, assessing each one for any signs of bruised muscles, leaking blood, or any other parting gifts from their foes. "Those wobbling oozes slapped us around harder than a Calistrian on night duties. Does anyone happen to have need of healing? I might be able to lend a hand in that matter."
"This mystic man... Baats'ulan, yes? He sounds interesting. Preaching at sundown to his little coven of acolytes..." The elf pauses to consider. "I'd like to pay this man a visit and see what he knows about the unusual transformations. And see if his underlings' transformations are by his wicked intention or innocent powerlessness to stop it."
Then he looks around, a bit surprised. "Oh! Introductions are in order, I suppose. I'm Ashes, and I'm a bit of a local acolyte myself." He begins to extend a hand in greeting, then thinks better of it. His other hand grips the umbrella just a bit more tightly as he lets out a sigh.
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The group discusses briefly, providing introductions, possibly taking a nap and a coffee break before going to talk to this so called mystic, Baats'ulan. You know, securing their payments.
Whenever everyone felt ready or felt obligated, they strolled on down to the Adayenki Pavilion. The heart of Kibwe is an enormous common area
strewn with flower petals. Hanging hides and tapestries shelter this area from the surrounding market. Although often the site of large festivals and lavish ceremonies, it is primarily a place for public prayer and debate. Preachers and mystics stake out areas in the pavilion around the clock to shout their scriptures and offer mystic truths to passersby.
Baats’ulan is an influential mystic who preaches in the Adayenki Pavilion every night at sundown. Some of his devoted adherents have disappeared, and it’s rumored they came down with a mysterious affliction that compels Baats’ulan to keep them out of sight.
Stokes walks around, chatting with people, and using his influence as a firefighter to get them to open up. He also hands out paper hats to kids, which turn out to be kind of soggy messes as his palms are unbelievably sweaty.
Reconvening with the others, Stokes relays his findings. "Baats’ulan is an influential mystic who preaches in the Adayenki Pavilion every night at sundown. Some of his devoted adherents have disappeared, and it’s rumored they came down with a mysterious affliction that compels Baats’ulan to keep them out of sight."
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With this insight, the group waits until sundown to watch and wait for Baats'ulan. When they finally see the man he is imposing with a long beard and dressed in gold and white. Wherever he goes, he is followed by a large crowd.
As his sermon starts, many people in the pavilion pay heed to his words closely and intently. "By the shackles of governance and political ideology, coins are but sin given physical form. Wealth grants happiness for a brief period but always at the exchange of someone straining through some suffering!" He goes on about the material representation of sin through coins for a short while, before asking the crowd to come forth for any testimonials and prayers.
Around the time of sundown, Ashes extends his hand beyond the protective reach of his umbrella. "Hmm... I suppose it isn't going to rain after all." The elf chuckles as he closes the portable canopy and flips it over, grasping the handle and leaning on the tip like some kind of cane.
The undead listens intently to the man's sermon, considering his words carefully. When the invitation is offered, he accepts in short order.
"Good sir," says Ashes, bowing slightly before him and scattering a bit of the soot that continually falls from his robes. "I have seen with my own eyes the folly of greed. Men turned to monsters in their games of power, so insatiable is their thirst. What is one to do when they feel the walls of the aristocracy rising around them, threatening to suffocate those who cannot rise up on a pile of gold? What balms might soothe the bitter sting of powerlessness?"
He does his best to keep a genuine tone and a humble, pleading expression. Oh, he would have loved to annoy his old sire with a preacher like this. Living or as his undead spawn, either way.
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Ashes goes to speak to the preacher, and the ashes falling off of his outfit are noticed. The preacher Baats'ulan sizes up the newcomer, and frowns. “You would ask about transformations? Look to yourselves! The Mwangi of the past were honorable and wise, and men and women should seek inspiration from them. Those who are not Mwangi lack this wisdom. Do you, who stand as a non-human, and are thus incapable of attaining the true benevolences of the human past, claim to be a seeker of wisdom? I say you cannot be. Be gone.”
[ooc]When he is out of Abayone's sight, Clynter does reveal himself to the party. He sighs and says "I hope you are all capable of being a little open-minded, but if we are working together I can't have one of you turn me into a pile of ashes with a well-meaning, albeit fatal application of healing magic." Then he pulls down the scarf from his mouth and takes off the gloves from his hands, revealing a white skull with a pair of brown eyes inside and a fleshless hands. The middle finger on each hand is plated in gold, as are several of his teeth. "Yep, your eyes are not deceiving you. I am a friggin' skeleton."
Clynter slips through the crowd, inching his way closer and closer to the street preacher while trying to appear anynomus.
When he is out of Abayone's sight, Clynter does reveal himself to the party. He sighs and says "I hope you are all capable of being a little open-minded, but if we are working together I can't have one of you turn me into a pile of ashes with a well-meaning, albeit fatal application of healing magic." Then he pulls down the scarf from his mouth and takes off the gloves from his hands, revealing a white skull with a pair of brown eyes inside and a fleshless hands. The middle finger on each hand is plated in gold, as are several of his teeth. "Yep, your eyes are not deceiving you. I am a friggin' skeleton."
Ashes purses his lips at the skeleton, and then he chuckles. "Then you're in luck, my Calcium Crusader. I happen to have a generous reserve of magic that can heal people with your disposition."
And then he looks Clynter in the eye specifically...
The elf then turns to the group, tapping the side of his head. "I've still got my skin and muscle intact, but I've also got a similar allergy to traditional healing." He reaches down and tugs at his robes, making a show of the seemingly limitless soot that falls from it. "Minor side effect of my whole... thing, really. I have a strange relationship with magic."
Look, wise? Honestly, if half elfs, half fiends, half orcs, half dwarfs and half celestials can agree on one thing?
Well, mankind certainly spread its seed wide! The Redeemer queen approves!
He gives a massive thumbsup to the bigoted priest, having hopefully used enough of his healing to not be close to death!
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The group discusses briefly, providing introductions, possibly taking a nap and a coffee break before going to talk to this so called mystic, Baats'ulan. You know, securing their payments.
Whenever everyone felt ready or felt obligated, they strolled on down to the Adayenki Pavilion.
"Oh, you think so? Let us debate amongst ourselves in front of everyone here!" Baats'ulan has thrown down the gloves, and challenges you all to take him in a battle of wit and tongue.
Light Condition: Evening
Active Buffs: 5 Debate Points
Active Penalties: None
Arkon the Liberator(-0,Fine)
Clynter "Glittergrin"(-0,Fine)
Kazavel "Ashes" Aldaris(-0,Fine)
Rakdon Tripus(-0,Fine)
Baats'ulan(-0,Fine)
Stokes Celerity(-0,Fine)
In the normal context, you are convincing the crowd that non-humans have just as much room for enlightenment as humans, if not more. Use whatever wit and smooth talking you have to win the crowd to your side, and perhaps Baats'ulan will tell you what he knows of the Slithering Plague.
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Purchases:
Buy 2 warhammers
Buy 2 extra shields
Repair equipment
Anticipating, Arkon seeks to inquire about the possible query, but likely comes up with nothing.
Forcing to guess along following his intution!
Arent you a bit hypocritical Mr. Baatsulan? The Redeemer queen knows your sensual secrets, and while she wont tell them to me exactly, they apparently involve females of 6 different species at the same time and only one of them human? Oh my, and here I thought you would be boring! Now, all of them are adult, and its to be consensual, which frankly puts you in the upper quintile in terms of wholesomeness when priests are concerned.
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Clynter drifts discreetly through the crowd, whispering salacious rumors as he moves along. He puts on a variety of accents and even throws his voice using the magic ring of ventriloquism that he is wearing.
"I don't like how badly this guy talks about non-humans. I've known some good non-humans in my time."
"I bet he's just using them as a scape goat to distract from something he doesn't want people to think about."
"Its funny you say that. Haven't you heard that Baats'ulan is actually a tiefling?"
"I heard that its all red scales from the neck down. That's why he's always wearing those baggy robes. To cover up the scales."
"I don't know if that's true, but he's definitely hiding something."
"It's not surprising. I heard that his parents were some kind of liaison for the Cheliax. Those devil worshipers are known for having unholy relations with fiends."
"Can we really trust a tiefling to tell us what to do?"
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Clynter drifts discreetly through the crowd, whispering salacious rumors as he moves along. He puts on a variety of accents and even throws his voice using the magic ring of ventriloquism that he is wearing.
"I don't like how badly this guy talks about non-humans. I've known some good non-humans in my time."
"I bet he's just using them as a scape goat to distract from something he doesn't want people to think about."
"Its funny you say that. Haven't you heard that Baats'ulan is actually a tiefling?"
"I heard that its all red scales from the neck down. That's why he's always wearing those baggy robes. To cover up the scales."
"I don't know if that's true, but he's definitely hiding something."
"It's not surprising. I heard that his parents were some kind of liaison for the Cheliax. Those devil worshipers are known for having unholy relations with fiends."
"Can we really trust a tiefling to tell us what to do?"
The undead's expression begins cordial, even excitable as he initiates conversation with the old man. Such potential in one who shepherds their own flock. Such growth! Such..such...
...disappointment. Each word coming out of the old man's mouth drains the excitement from the elf. In fact, this whole endeavor is beginning to remind Ashes of his home town and his old family. His smile and optimism are completely gone.
Nevertheless, his allies seem to be taking the initiative and tearing the decrepit wretch down. Delightful.
"Clearly, these people are in need of assistance, not silly prejudices. If these vaunted 'old ways' are so much better, then why are innocent people..."
[b]"...including many of your own flock, by the by..." Ashes leans in very close for those words.
...still suffering from this epidemic of explosive ooze transformations? No, I believe it's well past time for someone to do something about it, and I believe myself and my compatriots are far, far better suited to the job than your adherence to borderline superstition."
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Light Condition: Evening
Active Buffs: 5 Debate Points
Active Penalties: Baats'ulan Discredited Heavily
Arkon the Liberator(-0,Fine)
Clynter "Glittergrin"(-0,Fine)
Kazavel "Ashes" Aldaris(-0,Fine)
Rakdon Tripus(-0,Fine)
Baats'ulan(-0,Heavily Discredited)
Stokes Celerity(-0,Fine)
The preacher, having seemingly had the crowd turn on him and scandalous claims of unpriestly affairs accused at him...
... Stammers a response out of desperation, "Well, uh- that is- I, uh- They are but unenlightened! They are, MHRHM, nothing more than those who could never ascend!" The crowd looks unconvinced.
Light Condition: Evening
Active Buffs: 6 Debate Points
Active Penalties: None
Arkon the Liberator(-0,Fine)
Clynter "Glittergrin"(-0,Fine)
Kazavel "Ashes" Aldaris(-0,Fine)
Rakdon Tripus(-0,Fine)
Baats'ulan(-0,Fine)
Stokes Celerity(-0,Fine)
In the normal context, you are convincing the crowd that non-humans have just as much room for enlightenment as humans, if not more. Use whatever wit and smooth talking you have to win the crowd to your side, and perhaps Baats'ulan will tell you what he knows of the Slithering Plague.
"Would a human be able to do this?"
Stokes begins doing pushups. When the crowd agrees that humans can do pushups, Stokes kicks his legs up, doing a handstand, and asks, "Would a human be able to do this?" again before doing handstand pushups.
When people begin agreeing that not all humans might be able to do that, Stokes asks for a barrel of water.
"Would a human be able to do this?" he repeats, diving into the barrel of water, his feet dangling out. He begins doing handstand pushups, but this time, underwater. He does pushups for a few minutes until people are thoroughly convinced that humans can't hold their breath for that long, and then he goes for another minute.
Humans have great potential, that only fools would deny, and the only fool here alas is that fool who doesnt even know his own arguments! Look, if you go on about human supremacy, the best fact in support is that out of all entities that became deities without being born as one, humans are the most numerous! Three chears of Cayden Caylean, who is my second most favorite deity after my own! Arkon leads with a very polity argument, polite to the crowd, not to his opponent
Yet, look at some other metrics! How about killing demon lords! Clearly a most ascendence worthy thing worthy of great admiration! Humanity has... He phantomimes a drum roll
ONE! Which is a lot more then the zero associated with many others! And which means they got the same number as hell! Nice job! But the winner is with a very clever number of 42.... You love her, you know her, you not so secretly dream of her, the redeemer queen He performs a rythmic hip thrust as he shouts the name of his dark lady.
Who absolutely was not banging Aroden after he killed slimey-demonlord-mc-slimeface or whatever his name was and thus heroically unf$!$ed the sewage system of Alyushinyrra! Few people know that this divine coupulatle was the cause as to why the male part in a porno is often a plumber!
Before, maybe, like, you wouldnt really put it past Aroden let alone Nocticula if you think closer, probably making s%~~ up but still increasing everyones knowledge with interesting but likely useless trivia.
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"Mommy, when can I do push ups with 1 hand in fire?" A child asks their mom, inspired by Stokes.
The crowd then is also amazed by Rakdon's sick pull ups that are being done with JUST HIS PINKY FINGER ON HIS TINIEST OF ARMS!
The crowd does not know their lore about demons very well, but some are aghast and wondering out loud "Is that true?" "Forty two demon lords?!" "She was with Aroden?" "Plumbers don't wear ties?"
Glynter and Ashes have another opportunity to either discredit Baats'ulan or sway the crowd. Or set the whole place on fire.
She also had the funniest Demon Lord kill ever. You see, there was this Demon Lord called Migorg, who was well. Arkon gives a notable glance at the priest
Demonlord of defrocked priests, sexual abuse, end of innocence, blegh. He pauses
So, she snatched a halfling Paladin, asked that Paladin if he wanted to kill a demon lord, he did, enchanted his armor with the returning quality, shrunk him a bit more and then... Arkon pauses again for dramatic effect!
Popped up in Migorgs party palace and used the Paladin, she was very polite and enchanted his head with an air bubble before hand, as a thrown weapon. And well, the Lady in Shadows was notorious for always inflicting, quote "cruel and humiliating damage with her ranged attacks". I let you all picture where she hit him a couple of dozen times. But the lesson is, different species can, even if they dont share alignments at all, achieve great and cool things if they work together! Arkon explains with gratitous uses of Phantomime
This time, Ashes decides to press upon the old man. Which shouldn't be a problem, considering that the preacher reminds him of his own sire. In fact, here comes the anger now...
"You are a worthless, tiny mosquito. Your life literally is as valuable as a summer ant. I'm just going to stomp you and you're going to keep coming back, I'm going to seal up all the cracks in my domain, you're going to keep coming back. Why? Because you smell the sweet syrup of undeserved righteousness. You worthless tiny mosquito."
The elf throws his arms up in mock exasperation. "You going to stay on my domain until you die. You serve no purpose in life. Your purpose in life is to be on my streets sucking on my blood daily. Your purpose in life is to be in that temple sucking the blood daily."
Ashes grits his teeth in a display of anger, barely able to keep his fangs from showing. "Your life is nothing, you serve zero purpose."
"You should ooze yourself, NOW." Those final words come down like lightning.
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will have another opportunity to act against Baats'ulan.
Light Condition: Evening
Active Buffs: 8 Debate Points
Active Penalties: None
Arkon the Liberator(-0,Fine)
Clynter "Glittergrin"(-0,Delay)
Kazavel "Ashes" Aldaris(-0,Fine)
Rakdon Tripus(-0,Fine)
Baats'ulan(-0,Discredited)
Stokes Celerity(-0,Fine)
Baats'ulan...
Manages to say some words, but his shock at the last comment leaves his retort feeling hollow. "Those who are unenlightened are not worthy to have.." Ultimately with the hefty blow of criticism and insignificance thrust into his face, the old preacher doesn't recover.
Light Condition: Evening
Active Buffs: 9 Debate Points
Active Penalties: None
Arkon the Liberator(-0,Fine)
Clynter "Glittergrin"(-0,Delay)
Kazavel "Ashes" Aldaris(-0,Fine)
Rakdon Tripus(-0,Fine)
Baats'ulan(-0,Discredited)
Stokes Celerity(-0,Fine)
In the normal context, you are convincing the crowd that non-humans have just as much room for enlightenment as humans, if not more. Use whatever wit and smooth talking you have to win the crowd to your side, and perhaps Baats'ulan will tell you what he knows of the Slithering Plague.
Unenlightened? Oh please, the dividing line between enlightened and dumb oes not go between species, it goes through every single one of our brains! All of us are smart about some things, and really dumb about other things, even Mr. Baatsulan can, as I may or may not have been informed by the redeemer queen, make incredibly realistic looking super exasperated faces when beaten like a wet poodle at a debate! Arkon pauses for effect
See! He now points at Baatsulan who probably makes a stupid face right now.
I also have a secret weakness, my inability to understand either Abadarian or Chelaxian tax law!
"Besides," the elf says, pivoting to face the crowd. "Wisdom and enlightenment are not exclusive to humans, or any other people. Consider that I, an elf, was as as old as you are now when I escaped the clutches of adolescence. Is that old fart saying, to my face, that he knows more of enlightenment than I do?"
He shrugs and closes his eyes, derisive laughter escaping his lips. "I've met many humans in my years, wise and foolish alike, but none are as oblivious to basic reality as that."
Stokes attempts to jump over Rakdon while he jumps the hurdles.
Stokes doesn't even manage to clear the hurdle, landing on his face.
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With the continued verbal barrage at the now confiscated priest, he doesn't have the crowd's attention anymore and they begin to disperse from him.
"Gosh guys, maybe humans actually do suck after all." One voice can be heard from the crowd.
Baats'ulan turns his gaze at you all, and sighs, "Fine, you have my undivided attention. You have dragged me out from under my feet and hung me up to dry, and for what purpose did you want to torment me?"
The elf's demeanor softens when their opponent admits defeat. He regards the defeated humab with a smile.
"Well, we were investigating the strange phenomena that seems to be turning people into mindless oozes. We have it on good authority that many of your flock have suffered that fate, and that you may have some insight as to what's happening."
Ashes brushes a bit of ash off of his shoulders, which does mothing for him. "Which is what we would have opened with, but you had to do that whole..." he makes a vague gesture. "....thing."
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"If that is what it takes to have you cease your interference with my flock, then yes. I can confirm that a few of my acolytes have succumbed to the transformation. It appears to be a disease of some sort, similar to the the affliction in the Bwamandu camp. An elf healer there by the name of Numu appears to know more."
He sneers at Ashes, "As for my infected disciples, it is not safe for my Enlightened flock to go near them so they were quarantined in the mining storehouse of the East Mwangi Mining Company." He smiles then chuckles, "Perhaps you might be able to go there and deal with it, seeing as you are not one of my flock." He says in an attempt to get the last insult across.
The group of misfits now has a few options of what to investigate next. They can go seek out Mafzat, the Nex envoy. They can also visit mining storehouse where the infected acolytes are quarantined. Lastly, there is the elf healer Numu in the Bwamandu camp may have further information.
"We are happy to accomplish the things you cannot," retorts Stokes. He will advocate talking to Numu before they leave the camp.
Clynter still stays back amongst the crowd as his allies corner the priest and outwit him. Clynter is perfectly fine with Baats'ulan not even knowing that he was working with the others. As the people in the crowd disperse, Clynter decides to take the opportunity to quietly cut a few purses.
So many fools in one place. I can't pass up a chance to get pad the old nest egg. Tee hee hee.
Once he makes it back to the group Clynter suggests, "I bet those quarantined people have all turned into slime by now. Maybe they even merged into one big slime monster and are rampaging around. It's probably a good idea for us to get there and stomp it out before it eats more people and gets even bigger. Or..." He pauses dramatically before shrugging, holding both arms palm up and out to the side. "We could do something else. Like I said, they're probably dead already so there's ro us to rush over there."
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The group of misfits makes their way for the Bwamandu camp, where a healer by the name of Numu may have more information for them to go off of. Some in the group may recall that it was a small site of huts and tents occupied by refugees fortunate enough to escape Usaro.
Upon arrival, it is small no longer. The camp has expanded significantly, but it does not look better for it. Asking around lets you all know that fresh upheaval in Usaro made escaping it easier, but supporting the new influx of refugees has made resources here take a heavy blow.
Finding the elf doesn't take too long. She has white hair that is pulled up in a tight in a bun, and is working in the hospital tents. She gives you very little time though, as she is overwhelmed with people who require her care. You may be able to garner more information from her with some skills or contributions.
Ashes lets out a sigh as he looks out over the people in need of care. "What's the problem, hmm? Ooze related illnesses, I presume? I suppose we couldn't just pile them all up and blast the whole lot with a big, glowly positive-energy explosion of magic?"
He smiles and shrugs. "But that would be too easy, wouldn't it? Alright, then, let's get to work."
The elf rolls up his ashy sleeves and pulls out his healer's kit.
Stokes speaks a word of power, and water begins sloshing around in a swirl around him. The water begins splashing the patients as Stokes walks around, healing them.