While he can't recall anything about Lord Ragnulf, Zarzuket recalls Gorumites despise mistreating or killing prisoners.
Elder Ordwi agrees with your assessments. "I agree completely. Something’s going on here. Did you notice how she seemed surprised to find out about our visitor? And look, there's a large ship in the harbor—" She does her best to put her back towards Sister Vanda and subtly motion towards a large trireme painted in green and yellow and flying the flag of Xin-Eurythnia, Runelord Belimarius’s capital city.
"No. Don't look at it right now. Wait until she's not watching. Anyway. That has to mean something. Parting ways here for the evening gives you a golden opportunity to learn more. I’ll accompany this Sister Vanda up to meet with Lord Ragnulf and keep an eye on our prisoner, but you all should look around the village a bit. Keep an eye out. Ask questions. Find somewhere to stay the night. Figure out what that ship is here for. But above all, be discreet! Let's regroup tomorrow and share some information. Maybe then we can get to the bottom of what's really going on here."
Once she’s had her say, Ordwi smiles and calls Sister Vanda over again, and with a final nod to the party, the pair head off toward Stonehome with dero, leaving the party to themselves.
”So, how should we split up the investigation? As I see it, there are three obvious places to look. There’s the harbor, of course, which I think would be Krachton’s area of expertise. There’s the temple of Gorum, though I’m not sure it would be open to casual visitors at this hour. Kragga, you’re a follower of Gorum, right? And there’s anywhere that people are still around to talk to, probably a tavern of some sort. Actually, Quatar, your mother lives here, I believe? So make that four places. Maybe Krachton visits the harbor, Kragga visits the temple, Quatar visits his mother, and Pickle Tooth and I visit the tavern (or a separate tavern each, if there’s more than one). Does that make sense?”
"Sounds like a good plan to me." If nobody has any better ideas, he'll head to the Harbor to talk to the people there. Of course he doesn't talk much, more nudging the conversation and listening.
Nods to Zarzuket "I will see what I can find out" Quatar goes and visits his mother!
As the other split up, Kragga tries to find out about the Gorumites in town.
Zarzuzket knows that while Gorumites are fierce warriors, they detest killing prisoners.
Kragga finds some information that they already partially knew, but the person goes on spill a little bit more about Thassilonian visitors. She is told Stonehome is the temple of Gorum here, just down the road to the east. The priests there govern the village. They’ve shut the place up there since they’ve taken in the Thassilonian visitors and haven’t let anyone in for worship since then.
Krachxton finds out that the Thassilonian trireme is a merchant’s personal craft; some important-looking man followed by an entire entourage got off when it landed a week ago. Word is he’s a merchant from the east and is working out some complicated trade agreement with Lord Ragnulf. They've seen a few crew on board. They don’t leave much, but sometimes they fish off the deck. Seems like they’re waiting for something.
Quatar reunites with his mother who is overjoyed to see him. After shoving some food into the oh-so-too-skinny body and chiding him about not caring for himself, she listens to what he has to say. She tells him whatever he does, that he should steer clear of Thunderhead Isle. Does she point to the south of it where jagged spires are sticking up. She tells him that is Rusthenge, but locals don’t go there. Some folks say that they’ve seen some weird lights flashing up there over the past few nights—she hasn't seen them herself, though, so she can’t confirm. She gives him another biscuit and tells him that Elsie’s, the building over on the west side with the red roof, is the closest thing they have in town to an inn. Although it’s not the most comfortable place to sleep, it’ll at least keep his friends dry if it rains. Another biscuit incoming.
Since the others seem to agree with his plan, Zarzuket heads to the tavern.
Quatar hates biscuits. Eats them in any case.
"Mother, I have joined the Osprey Cove Rescue Party - mmffph" dealing with another shoved pastry "and Mother: We are going to Thunderhead Isle. I must go with them. I have been entrusted to by Elder Ordwi. I am sorry, there is no other way: I am going to "
Of course she cries. Tries talking him out of it. Threatens him if he doesn't listen. But after a full go around in what our youthful hero now understands as a pattern, she comes to a reluctant form of acceptance. He hugs her. "My lucky ruby will protect me!" Finding out that that was the wrong thing to say (she doesn't believe in lucky rubies...), mother and son process his decision with another full round as described, but eventually, even lovingly, part ways.
"I will say hello to father for you" even though there is no response, he knows she is grateful.
The whole ordeal causes him to be late to the meetup at Elsie Tavern...
Tagging along with Zarzuket, Pickle absentmindedly strummed on his lute as he spoke to tavern patrons for any information of Brother Blanton.
Zarzuket gets some obscure response on the three abandoned manor houses to the west when he tries to pick up the local gossip. "We call ’em “Gold’s Ruin,” on account that ten years ago, a bunch of southern nobles decided to build mansions there, then I guess they left because they weren’t strong enough to endure life here. Some say they’re haunted."
Pickle Tooth gets acknowledgment on the name but not much else. "Heard of 'em. One of them Gorumites. I’ve seen him about town, but less so since them, Thessalonians showed up."
With that, you make your way over to Elsie's. When folks in town need anything from a healing salve to baked goods to sturdy glue, they go to Elsie’s. She’s open during daylight hours, usually while she’s working on one project or another, and closes shortly past sundown in the evenings.
The main room of this building smells of baked goods and strange, bitter odors one might expect in an apothecary’s shop. The room’s decor seems undecided about whether it wants to be a tavern, a curio shop, or an alchemist’s laboratory. The low shelves that line the walls display a staggering mix of elixirs, unguents, jars of glue, fresh-baked goods, cutlery, mugs, and the occasional smokestick or bundle of tinder twigs.
Moments later, a skinny halfling emerges from the back room to greet you "Oh, well, hello there. You almost missed me; I'm just about to close up. I-" she studies your group for a moment before coming to a realization. "Oh! You’re new, ain’tcha? Where you come from them? You here from that fancy ship, or did another weird ship come floatin’ in when I wasn’t lookin’?"
"Though I am a child of two towns" Quatar begins "I am from Osprey Cove on my father's side" and "May we come in?"
He looks around. Passes by the pastries (no more please) "You have so many sticky things. Tell me, if you were going to head to Thunderhead Isle, what would you bring?" he picks up a jar of glue and examines it.
Zarzuket was planning on dodging the question and just saying that the party came by land, given the difficult relationship between Osprey Cove and Iron Harbor. He can’t be too annoyed at Quatar, though; the halfling woman seems like a friendly person and not a fanatical Gorumite.
”Elsie, I presume? I’m Zarzuket, and this is Quatar.”
Zarzuket admires the objects on display. ”Are you an alchemist? You certainly seem to have a very varied supply of elixirs and other alchemical items. It must be hard work making these while also running an inn.” (Zarzuket is genuinely interested in alchemy, but has deliberately avoided learning enough about it to even dabble in it himself; inasmuch as alchemy is a non-magical substitute for magic, he worries that it would be inappropriate for a cleric of Nethys.)
While he’s surprised by the mention of Thunderhead Isle (as the group hasn’t yet had the chance to tell each other what they’ve learned), he assumes that Quatar had some reason for asking about it. ”In addition to standard adventuring supplies, we’re interested in things that would help with what I guess would be called ‘solving mysteries.’”
"Ah hello, yes. I'm Elsie. Well don't just stand there now that we're acquainted, come in, come in." she says, motioning you all inside.
When Quatar mentions being from Osprey Cove, she waves him off as if he is joking. "Nah, can’t be. They haven’t talked to us in ages. Too busy being stuck up and being part of a cooperative commune and talking to birds or whatever." When she sees you are serious, she shrugs her shoulders "“Well, nobody’s perfect. Did you get yourself run out of town for being bad bird farmers or somethin’? We sure are getting lots of new visitors lately."
Asking about what she sells and being an alchemist, she responds "Indeed! I make what needs makin'. Lots of things are alchemical but mostly glues for ship-making and dyes for just about anything. I have a healthy stock of medicine, too. And baked goods too, of course, although those are best in the morning when fresh out of the oven."
Quatar's question about Thunderhead Isle strikes her as strange, and coupled with Zarzuket's questions about mysteries, she tilts her head and asks "Thunderhead Isle? Mystery Solvin'? Then you are really asking about visitin' those infamous ruins of Rusthenge then, ain't ya? Mmmm?"
Zarzuket considers what he knows about Rusthenge.
"That is correct, ma'am" Quatar nods, reiterates "We really are asking about Rusthenge. I suspect it might be haunted. But. That is usually what I expect whenever I have not been to a place!" displaying his naivete "Do you have any advice we could use before going? I see you are closing up, and we'd also like to stay the night. I can earn my keep by helping to clean, if you are open to barter"
“This one was hoping that you might know something about Sister Vanda and the rest of her priesthood, the Gorumites. Something named ‘Rusthenge’ might seem important to the Lord in Iron, no? ”
Zarzuket hasn't heard of Rusthenge before.
"Vanda? Name doesn’t ring a bell." When you reveal she’s the guard you met at the edge of town, Elsie shrugs, noting, “It’s hard to get to know—much less learn the names of—most of the Gorumites. They do love their armor, after all!”
She further elaborates onf Rusthenge for Pickle Tooth “Bunch of twisted, rusty metal spires left here a millennia or four ago. basically useless, although works well I hear as a landmark when you’re headin’ home from a day at sea. If you’re thinking of heading up there, fair warning—place kinda makes some folks sick. I’ve got a few doses of my special brew on hand for you if you’re thinking of going up there, provided you’ll pay for it, of course!”
Something about Quatar's tone strikes Elsie the wrong way. Her brows squinch together and she ignores his request for advice, turning to the request to stay the night. "Figured we’d get here sooner or later. One of these days, someone has to build a proper inn here in town, but in the meantime... In the meantime... get it? Ummm... Yeah. I can help you out.”
Elsie ushers the group to the largest table, telling them she’ll bring out dinner momentarily before bustling into the back room. She returns a few moments later with a tray of individual and delicious (but cold) grouse pies. She doesn’t charge for the meal but asks for a payment of 5 sp per night if the group wishes to sleep on her floor.
Knowing that when he starts to grate on someone's nerves it is time to quit, our plucky hero shrugs, eats his portion of cold grouse pie, and lays upon the floor.
"Mmm. This pie is delicious! Thank you. What exactly does your special brew do, and what's the price?"
Zarzuket's heart leaps at the discussion of an ancient ruin, but he tries not to get his hopes up too much. If Rusthenge really is only "a millenium or four" years old, it probably wouldn't have much to do with Thassilonian magic.
"It's three gold pieces per vial. A dose of my fizzy will revitalize the body and bolster the spirit, bringing those suffering from aches and pains brought on by illness some temporary respite! After a dose of it, you'll feel right as rain for several hours."
”Sounds useful!” Zarzuket turns to the others. ”We found exactly 3 gold pieces’ worth of money earlier. Does anyone object to buying a vial with that? I can pay the five silver pieces for the room myself.”
"Sounds like a good hangover cure!" adds the Dwarf.
"Yes, yes. We could use all the help we can get, this one thinks."
You pick up a vial of her revitalizing concoction and prepare to settle in for the night. Before she blows out the candles, she says, "Oh. One more thing. If you're thinking of headin' over to Rusthenge, I recommend you pay a visit to Derrol. He's squattin' in those unfinished manors. He's got a better view of Thunderhead Isle up on that cliff.
With that, she bids you good night and closes things down.
The remainder of the night is uneventful, and you're tired from your long day of travel. You awaken the next day when you start smelling breakfast being prepared for you by Elsie. "Rise and shine, folks. I need to get ready to open for business for the day. Food will be ready shortly and then off you go!" she says cheerily.
Zarzuket has vivid dreams about Thassilonian ruins, although he can't remember the details when he awakens. Suddenly, he recalls that the group will have to meet with Elder Ordwi before doing any archeology. "I hope Elder Ordwi is alright. Where and when did we agree to meet with her again?"
He then prepares his spells for the day.
1st (divine font): Heal x3
Cantrips: Needle Darts, Light, Guidance, Stabilize, Message
”Elder Ordwi is resigned to her fate” not liking the situation, Quatar finds rest on the floor fitful at best...
Having prepared his spells and washed up, Zarzuket begins pacing nervously, worried about Elder Ordwi.
As Elsie brings the hot breakfast to the table, her demeanor is cheerful, making the meal feel even more welcoming. As you begin to eat, she engages in light conversation, her hands busy tidying up after her cooking.
"So, what big mystery-solvin' plans do you have for today?" she inquires, her curiosity apparent in her tone. She continues with her chores, but her interest in the day's activities is evident.
Elsie then brings up another topic, her tone shifting slightly. "Any plans to look into that ship that's overstaying its welcome? I'd love to know what's going on with them." Her casual mention of the ship suggests it's a matter of some local interest or concern.
Noticing perhaps a lack of immediate reaction, Elsie frowns and adds a bit of context to her query, "They are so rude."
"We heard that they're a merchant from the east and his entourage, and came to meet with Lord Ragnulf. But maybe there's more to it than that. What do you mean about them being rude?"
“This one would be interested in knowing what sort of things are stored aboard a Runelord’s ship,” Pickle said. “Ordwi did ask us to investigate it. And,” he tuned his lute while he spoke, “This one can’t be the only one to see the oddity in a ship arriving in harbor and just a few days later a ‘mad’ member of the prominent clergy flees seeking aid?”
"We are meant to meet up with Elder Ordwi soon enough" Quatar explains "We''ll see how 'rude' she will have been treated" he keeps it short, aware that Elsie is somewhat unliking of him...
Elsie, still tidying up, pauses to address Zarzuket's question. "Oh, it's just their attitude. They act like they own the place, barely acknowledgin' anyone who isn't part of their crew. It's not just me; many folks around here have noticed it. They're just not friendly at all. One of them called me a rube in rather derogatory tone. Set me off, I suppose."
When Pickle expresses interest in the contents of the ship and mentions the odd timing of its arrival with the clergyman's flight, Elsie nods thoughtfully. "It's all very curious, isn't it?" she muses. "A ship full of mysterious goods and a fleeing clergyman. Sounds like the makings of a proper mystery if you ask me."
As Quatar mentions meeting up with Elder Ordwi, Elsie gives him a brief, somewhat cautious look. "Well, Elder Ordwi will surely have their hands full with those folks." she says.
Zarzuket thanks Elsie for the delicious breakfast. Realizing that Elder Ordwi was somewhat vague about where and when the group should meet up with her again, he also describes Ordwi to Elsie in case Ordwi comes looking for the group at the inn. "That reminds me: What does Derrol look like?"
Zarzuket turns to the others. "What now? I guess it depends on how long we think the meeting at Stonehome will take and how likely it is that something will go wrong. Do we go to the harbor next and see if we can figure something out about the ship for a few hours, then try to meet up with Elder Ordwi? Or do we just go straight to Stonehome? Meeting with Derrol at Gold's Ruin should wait for later, I think."
"That much is clear to me" he agrees worrifully with Elsie "These two towns already have enough bad blood - it would be a pity for those tensions to escalate..." knowing himself to be somewhat of a 'rube' himself, he empathizes with the alchemist "...perhaps the name-caller was jealous of what you have made of your life with your establishment?"
He looks around, then bends his elbow to touch his back at an angle, discomfort crossing his face at having had been let to sleep on the floor.
"Do you know what they carry as cargo on their ship?"
Elsie describes Derrol as an older bearded man with bronzed skin and long, dark hair.
Elsie smiles at Quatar's comment about jealousy of her establishment. She does not respond verbally, but Quatar can tell he made up a little ground with her with the sentiment.
She scoffs at the cargo ship "No ideas. Belongs to a merchant, I hear. He and his entourage have been spending the last week in talks up at Stonehome. Who knows what they’re up to, but I’ve seen that there’s still some crew on the ship itself. None of ’em have come in to buy anything yet, which is also just rude!”
”Hmm. Maybe we should take a look at their ship now, but try to keep it quick before going to Stonehome. I thought of a couple ideas for angles to take in the investigation.”
"So, we are in the agreement, yes? To the Runelord's ship? The ship that arrived days before a man came down with a strange illness and eventually fled looking for aid? That ship?" Pickle scooped up his belongings. "This one loves that idea!"
After finishing your breakfast and collecting your belongings, you thank Elsie for her hospitality and make your way out. The journey to the docks is relatively short, and soon the sight of the harbor unfolds before you, a bustling area filled with the sounds and smells of the sea.
Your objective, the Swordfish, isn't hard to locate. It's a 75-foot-long ship, its structure robust and imposing, standing out among the other vessels. As you draw closer, you can see scattered crew members busily engaged in various tasks on and around the ship. They seem focused on their work, paying little attention to outsiders, including your party, as you approach.
”I have a couple ideas. One is for someone (probably Pickle Tooth) to sneak aboard and take a look at the cargo. Alternatively, I could just talk to them in Thassilonian; maybe that will yield better results than talking to them in Common. Or maybe not; they seem pretty busy at the moment. What do all of you think?”
”I can be silent as a cat - curiosity, too, pulls me to observe the cargo aboard”
"Sure, that makes sense. Wait, what if we combine both of my ideas? I talk to them in Thassilonian to distract them, and Quatar sneaks aboard."
As somebody who is neither stealthy nor diplomatic, Krachton nods. "I'll be standing by."
[ooc]Is there someplace I can be where I can see the ship deck? Like a rooftop??{/ooc}
“This one thinks that we should both sneak onto the ship. Double our chances of survival if we get caught…also could double our chances of getting caught,” Pickle said. Then after a moment of mulling over teh options, “This one agrees with whichever one said both! The more the merrier!”
The plan set, the group splits up and moves into position. Once everyone is ready, Zarzuket steps forward confidently, calling out to the crew of the Swordfish. His voice carries across the docks, clear and assertive, as he requests a parley. The crew, initially indifferent, now shift their attention towards the source of the call. Within a few minutes, a response comes in the form of First Mate Janis emerging onto the deck. She surveys the scene with a discerning eye, her stance indicating both authority and caution.
"I'm First Mate Janis. What do you want?" she asks in the common tongue, her tone laced with a hint of suspicion. She assesses Zarzuket, her expression suggesting she believes him to be merely a curious local, perhaps drawn by the rumors surrounding her ship and its crew.
Meanwhile, Krachxton, subtly positioned near the ship, watches the interaction closely. As Janis engages with Zarzuket, he discreetly gives a signal to Pickle Tooth and Quatar, who are strategically hidden nearby. His gesture is clear – it's safe to proceed with their plan to sneak aboard the Swordfish.
With the signal given, Pickle Tooth and Quatar stealthily make their move, aiming to board the ship unnoticed and perhaps uncover some useful information.
Γειά σου! Πάει καιρός από τότε που γνώρισα κάποιον που μιλούσε αυτή τη γλώσσα. Τι νέα από την πρωτεύουσα?
Zarzuket has a strange feeling that he somehow said the wrong thing.
Nimble like a cat, Quatar easily moves about unseen and unheard, inspecting the cargo of the ship...