Arrian thinks back and tells the others, "Remember when the orange pool dimmed its shining light when Erylium dropped her blood into it? Although this produced a couple of Sinspawn, she was visibly worried by the apparent diminishing of its power. I really hope there's a better way to deactivate the runewell then producing even more sinspawn; those things are nasty."
At Father Zantus's praise Arrian mumbles "Thanks Father Zantus that means a lot to me." and shuffles his feet and goes to find Father Zantus's tea.
Ethan visibly relaxes once it becomes clear that he wasn’t complicit in the execution of a pregnant woman.
”It is clear that I was meant to meet them,” Ethan replies to Father Zantus. ”I thought I would be assisting with deliveries and treating illnesses, and instead Erastil has charged me with this task. I will do my best to help these heroes.”
"Thank you, Father Zantus. I know my path lies near my parents but not exactly but... I never knew what that meant until recently. If there's ever something you need investigated around Sandpoint, I'll be glad to help. With intellect not instinct, for the record. You can... probably guess what trusting my gut would do," Juriya says with a laugh. It's probably common knowledge that Juriya is lacking in the common sense department.
She looks around to see if she can find the tea for Father Zantus, then continues. "Or it could mean it's already out of energy, the best case. The statue there was one of the Runelord of Wrath, right? Could that be... exacerbating wrath around Sandpioint?"
[dice=INT check] d20 + 4
"Thank you, Father Zantus. I know my path lies near my parents but not exactly but... I never knew what that meant until recently."
She looks around to see if she can find the tea for Father Zantus, then continues. "Or it could mean it's already out of energy, the best case. The statue there was one of the Runelord of Wrath, right? Could that be... exacerbating wrath around Sandpioint?"
"Something down there was; Ano could feel it. Whether it's the statue, the runewell, or something else it's all bad news. But who could we ask about how to cleanse the catacombs?"
"I... have no clue who to ask. Hopefully this is the only one of those runewells."
Father Zantus’s words hit Ano like a ton of stones. She held in her emotions-she wasn’t willing to cry again.
“Thank you, Father Zantus,” she said with a choked tone, “I…I would like that very much. Still…if only I knew what Nualia was suffering through…I would’ve snuck in the cathedral to comfort her. I wouldn’t care what Tobyn would do to me-he made Nualia a prisoner. I doubt Desna would have approved…”
She ponders a bit about the runewell. She looks at Donimah, “You read a lot of books on Thassilon. Do you think you’d like to study that? I’m more than willing to come along.”
Zeldrith scowls at Father Zantus's words. "I'll talk with Banny Harker - I'd think that saving the town is worth a day of missed work, but it seems Lord Scarnetti has different thoughts on the matter."
As the conversation turns to how to neutralize the runewell beneath Sandpoint, he furrows his brow. "Well, I know I'm not the most knowledgeable on magical matters, but sometimes the simplest solution is the best. An old pal of mine from my mercenary company was a sapper - you know, tunnels, trenches, that sort of thing. If my reckoning isn't off, the better part of that complex was a little to the north of the old lighthouse - away from where people live, right? I could ask around, see if I can get back in contact with my sapper friend - if you're willing to pay for quality, I expect he could drop a few tons of rock on that runewell thing with a good pick and a couple of hours." Raising his eyebrows, the tiefling shrugs. "The way they built that place, it might not destroy it, but anyone else who wants to use it would have a lot of digging on their hands, at the very least."
Arrian and Juriya see a tray with a teapot and cups by the cathedral entrance.
Father Zantus answers Juriya "That is not my area of expertise, but I do wonder if that had any influence on Nualia..." Addressing Arrian, he says "Well, to be honest I would ask you first. Thassilonian business has much to do with magic, not that much about Desna, or the gods for that matter."
The last runelord of wrath encouraged the worship of gods and demons associated with wrath. Lamashtu is one such gods.
Father Zantus doesn't react to Zeldrith's outburst about Scarnetti. He won't meddle in his business, unless he brings it up himself. However, he does mention "Talking to mayor Kendra before collapsing catacombs below town would also be a good idea."
Arrian and Juriya see a tray with a teapot and cups by the cathedral entrance.
Father Zantus answers Juriya "That is not my area of expertise, but I do wonder if that had any influence on Nualia..." Addressing Arrian, he says "Well, to be honest I would ask you first. Thassilonian business has much to do with magic, not that much about Desna, or the gods for that matter."
** spoiler omitted **
Father Zantus doesn't react to Zeldrith's outburst about Scarnetti. He won't meddle in his business, unless he brings it up himself. However, he does mention "Talking to mayor Kendra before collapsing catacombs below town would also be a good idea."
"I have studied certain arcane matters but more to identify creatures and their weaknesses than such ancient matters."
"I've studied quite a lot, but Thassilonian history is not my area either, if anyone in Sandpoint knows, it's Donimah," Juriya says.
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"Donimah, you should really discuss your thoughts with Brodert, he has been asking about you. I think you will find a home here."
Donimah nods.
"That was my plan after this business with Nualia was concluded. I wanted to show Brodert the catacombs. It seems that this was a place of significance to the Azghat Alaznist, so there may actually be some truth to his hypothesis about the Old Light."
Arrian thinks back and tells the others, "Remember when the orange pool dimmed its shining light when Erylium dropped her blood into it? Although this produced a couple of Sinspawn, she was visibly worried by the apparent diminishing of its power. I really hope there's a better way to deactivate the runewell then producing even more sinspawn; those things are nasty."
She sighs a bit at Arrian's musings.
"Arrian has the right of it, it seems the Well's power is limited and hypothetically could be exhausted."
"I... have no clue who to ask. Hopefully this is the only one of those runewells."
"Not likely," Donimah replies with a shake of her head. "As powerful as that thing was, such magic would have been trivial for many Thassilonian wizards, let alone the Runelords themselves. I've read of similar wells in places scattered across Varisia. Different powers depending on which Runelord ruled where they'd been built."
She ponders a bit about the runewell. She looks at Donimah, “You read a lot of books on Thassilon. Do you think you’d like to study that? I’m more than willing to come along.”
"Absolutely, and I'd welcome your company, Ano," Donimah replies. "Though obviously let me know if that psychic resonance starts up again. I'd assume it's subsided with Nualia's death, but you never know. The vagaries of the occult are hard to interpret, even for arcanists like myself."
As the conversation turns to how to neutralize the runewell beneath Sandpoint, he furrows his brow. "Well, I know I'm not the most knowledgeable on magical matters, but sometimes the simplest solution is the best. An old pal of mine from my mercenary company was a sapper - you know, tunnels, trenches, that sort of thing. If my reckoning isn't off, the better part of that complex was a little to the north of the old lighthouse - away from where people live, right? I could ask around, see if I can get back in contact with my sapper friend - if you're willing to pay for quality, I expect he could drop a few tons of rock on that runewell thing with a good pick and a couple of hours." Raising his eyebrows, the tiefling shrugs. "The way they built that place, it might not destroy it, but anyone else who wants to use it would have a lot of digging on their hands, at the very least."
Donimah's jaw drops at Zeldrith's proposal but she doesn't say anything as she tries to regain her composure.
"I...I understand your concern, Zeldrith, but I think your proposal's a bit dangerous for Sandpoint above. Besides, I think Brodert would want to take a closer look before you start laying saltpetre, charcoal and sulfur down there. Besides, having an opportunity to study the location will give us means to figure out how best to drain the runewell's power. That would remove the reasons for most people of Nualia's ilk to seek it out, and there's a lot less chance of opening up a sinkhole somewhere in town..."
As loath as she was to end the well's power, effectively destroying a piece of Thassilonian history that had survived the fall of its empire, it would be a fair enough compromise to keep the entire complex from being destroyed.
Arrian and Juriya see a tray with a teapot and cups by the cathedral entrance.
Father Zantus answers Juriya "That is not my area of expertise, but I do wonder if that had any influence on Nualia..." Addressing Arrian, he says "Well, to be honest I would ask you first. Thassilonian business has much to do with magic, not that much about Desna, or the gods for that matter."
"Aye, Desna didn't really seem to start favoring Varisia until after her people became wanderers."
"I've studied quite a lot, but Thassilonian history is not my area either, if anyone in Sandpoint knows, it's Donimah," Juriya says.
"Thank you, Juriya," Donimah replies, smiling a bit at the flattery. "And yes, I figure if Brodert and me take some time to look down there, we can cleanse it of whatever 'evil' may be lingering down there. Or more accurately, I and the rest of you can. Brodert is a scholar, but not a wizard himself."
"I'll definitely go with Donimah and Ano back into the catacombs. In case draining the runewell does summon more sinspawn we should be prepared for them. And anything else that might've shown up down there."
"And there's still the matter of Gogmurt and Thistletop."
"And there's still the matter of Gogmurt and Thistletop."
"Since we've given our words it would seem our hands are bound on that issue. If someone not bound by it wants to take action we're in no position to stop them. Thistletop has lost the 'glue' holding the goblin tribes together. While they'll re-organize at some point they might also gather there, and with no leader to take charge, start fighting amongst themselves."
Juriya chuckles. "No problem. My bed of knowledge is wide... but it's not too deep except in certain places, so deferring to experts like yourself is warranted. A polymath is no substitute for someone who's spent their entire life on something."
Juriya chuckles. "No problem. My bed of knowledge is wide... but it's not too deep except in certain places, so deferring to experts like yourself is warranted. A polymath is no substitute for someone who's spent their entire life on something."
"Math? I didn't think I'd need that after we were finished with school."
"A polymath is someone who has a lot of knowledge spread out over multiple different areas," Juriya adds.
"So what is the plan from here?" Ethan asks. "If you all need time to recover before heading out again, I would like to check-in on the Charlestons and see if they need assistance with the impending birth of their newest child. However, if the need to press on is urgent, I will come with you from here on as the Stagfather has ordained."
"I think we can take a day or two to recover. After that, I think we check back with Gogmurt and try to hammer out a more cohesive deal than just 'we leave you alone, you leave us alone.' I think Zeldrith's right. Something is down there, something Nualia wanted besides using the place as a gathering point for an army of goblins. And we ought to make sure it can't hurt Sandpoint. Or Gogmurt for that matter. He may be getting in over his head..."
"I think we can take a day or two to recover. After that, I think we check back with Gogmurt and try to hammer out a more cohesive deal than just 'we leave you alone, you leave us alone.' I think Zeldrith's right. Something is down there, something Nualia wanted besides using the place as a gathering point for an army of goblins. And we ought to make sure it can't hurt Sandpoint. Or Gogmurt for that matter. He may be getting in over his head..."
"What a turn of events if that's the case - us helping 'save' goblins. Strange times indeed."
"A polymath is someone who has a lot of knowledge spread out over multiple different areas," Juriya adds.
"Smarty pants."
Arrian sticks his tongue out at Juriya.
"You and Ethan are definitely far more wise than me though. Takes wisdom, dedication, and intent to use faith in a god as a source for magic from what I read." Juriya laughs self-deprecatingly, "Things I infamously lack!"
"You and Ethan are definitely far more wise than me though. Takes wisdom, dedication, and intent to use faith in a god as a source for magic from what I read." Juriya laughs self-deprecatingly, "Things I infamously lack!"
"But you make things go 'Boom!' - I can't do that."
"Heh, I can do that" she says as she looks at her remaining three bombs. "Not as streamlined of a production as dad though, so I can't do it too often."
"Heh, I can do that" she says as she looks at her remaining three bombs. "Not as streamlined of a production as dad though, so I can't do it too often."
"You were really good at making those firecrackers and smoke bombs you used in school."
Arrian snickers at the memories.
Donimah sighs a bit as Juriya and Arrian talk. She'd never had many friends growing up. The few kids her age down by the docks generally were rivals for salvage spots, and many of them had picked on her for being Shoanti. She'd mostly avoided them by swimming out to places in the Harbor they were too scared to follow. The Cypher Lodge hadn't been better: more rivals, more bullies. It was nice to have friends like Arrian, Juriya, Zeldrith and Ano, and now this Ethan fellow and possibly Orik too. But she couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy as she realized for perhaps the first time just how lonely her childhood had been...
”I am going to go ahead and pay a visit to the Charleston home. If any of you wish to come along, I’d welcome your company. If not, I will meet up with you here in a day or two, or somewhere else in town, if you prefer.”
Juriya agrees with Donimah, being totally oblivious to Donimah's emotions at the moment... but she feels like she's missing something, nonetheless. "In a day or two? Alright."
Juriya agrees with Donimah, being totally oblivious to Donimah's emotions at the moment... but she feels like she's missing something, nonetheless. "In a day or two? Alright."
"Should we go with Ethan and see if the Charlestons need our help? Although we do need to update the Mayor and the Sheriff."
"The family will probably need help with food and chores. Marina Griggs was gathering berries and fruit for them when she was cursed, and never had a chance to bring them," Ethan replies.
"The family will probably need help with food and chores. Marina Griggs was gathering berries and fruit for them when she was cursed, and never had a chance to bring them," Ethan replies.
"I can carry stuff for them. Cursed? Is it the kind of curse Father Zantus can help remove?"
Ano nodded, “I really need the rest…after everything that happened…”
She noticed Donimah’s slight twinge of emotion, and the catfolk put a hand on the mage’s. Despite her eyes showing exhaustion on all fronts, they still convey the message that Ano is glad to have Donimah for a friend.
"I'll come along as well," Juriya adds.
Father Zantus bids goodbye to the group and goes tend to a boy that enters the cathedral looking maybe sad or scared. He brings the boy to the teapot and gives him a cup without asking whether he wanted one or not.
The way to the Charlestons is not far, considering how much they had to walk to reach Nettlewood. On the way, they didn't meet many travelers, as the sun was starting to reach its setting place, and many farmers are starting their night rituals.
The group enter the Charleston lands and from the trees, they quickly realize they are a big supplier of apples and pears. Arrian does remember that Jargie buys pears from him to make a maybe-too-sweet pear pie. The house is fairly large, but there seems to be some renovation going on the southern end. After knocking on the door, it takes some time for someone to come. Finally farmer Charleston opens the door to reveal a tired yet muscly man. His face brightens up and he quickly invites the group to enter.
Inside, the family's children slowly march in. First a young girl who can't be older than 6 years old run in. She screams "Mommy, mommy! The Sandpoint heroes are here! They've come to bless our baby!" Then, walks in a young man in his early teens. He also smiles, but doesn't say anything. Another young man identical to the first one appears, but he doesn't smile. He looks very worried. He asks "Why have you come? Do you bring bad tidings? What..."
The farmer cuts him off and says "Quiet Carl, where are your manners? Please, sit. Can I offer you some tea?" He is a bit awkward, and doesn't know whether he should go to the kitchen or stay and talk.
The hulking half orc squeezes through the doorway into the house.
"Hello everyone we're here to help out however we can. Ethan here said he was stopping by and Juriya and I thought we'd accompany him. I'm Arrian. I live at The Hagfish and Jargie buys pears from the farm to use in his pear pies. They're always a good seller. I would love some tea thank you."
"Well met Mister Charleston, I am Ethan Sower of Erastil," Ethan says, offering his hand to the man. "Father Zantus indicated that your family was expecting a child, and might need assistance with the delivery. I have come to offer my healing skills for the mother and child. My friends have come along to assist with any other chores you and your family requires."
Ano nodded, “I really need the rest…after everything that happened…”
She noticed Donimah’s slight twinge of emotion, and the catfolk put a hand on the mage’s. Despite her eyes showing exhaustion on all fronts, they still convey the message that Ano is glad to have Donimah for a friend.
Donimah blinks at this gesture of friendship from Ano, somewhat surprised. But she smiles, because it's not unwelcome.
"I'm Juriya Arima, daughter to the merchant-alchemist family that lives around Sandpoint, though they sometimes take trips elsewhere. I believe we've bought food from your farm as well," Juriya says with a smile. "And it was amazing, so thank you for all your hard work here at your farm."
"I may admit I'm... not exactly the strongest, but I'd be glad to help out with any task that doesn't require raw strength."
"Yes I can lift stuff, clean, I do that at The Hagfish all the time."
He smiles at the family.
Farmer Charleston is astonished by the group's offering. He takes a while to answer and says "Well, thank you." He stays silent for an uncomfortable while, then finally says "Well Carl and Jerry are behind with the harvest..."
Farmer Charleston is astonished by the group's offering. He takes a while to answer and says "Well, thank you." He stays silent for an uncomfortable while, then finally says "Well Carl and Jerry are behind with the harvest..."
"If someone can show me what to do I think Ethan might be the best choice for helping with the baby."
Arrian appears to be sweating a bit and anxious whenever the topic of the pregnancy or baby is mentioned...
"If someone can show me what to do I think Ethan might be the best choice for helping with the baby."
Zeldrith nods. "I'm afraid I'm not much good with kids, but I'm more than happy to help out around the farm." He raises his eyebrows, glancing down at the southern end of the house and the work being done there. "I'm pretty handy with a hammer and nails, when it comes to it - used to do most of the repair work around my parents' shop. Broken shelves, squeaky doors, that sort of thing - anyway, I'd be happy to help out in any way I can."
"Where is Mrs. Charleston? How far along is she in her pregnancy?" Ethan asks politely.
"Where is Mrs. Charleston? How far along is she in her pregnancy?" Ethan asks politely.
Ethan is sure Arrian is sweating even more now...and it's not hot enough to explain why...
Oblivious to Arrian's discomfort, Zeldrith glances around idly while he waits for the others to finish - it's not that he doesn't care about the Charlestons, but being a man of limited intelligence and even more limited imagination, now that Ethan has made it clear he is qualified to tend to Mrs. Charleston, he considers the matter more or less resolved.
As the Charlestons' youngest daughter rushes in, Zeldrith gives a friendly grin, tipping his hat in greeting. "Hey there, kiddo! You know, my nephew Revek is around your age - wants to be an explorer when he grows up. I've been collecting all sorts of tales for him in my travels - stories of wanderers and heroes, tales from far distant lands. You wouldn't happen to be interested in anything like that, would you?"
His red-and-black gaze flicks up to Farmer Charleston, and he furrows his brow. "Say, if you'd like the kids out of the house for this, I could take them out to the field, bale some hay and tell stories while you and Brother Sower here take care of things. 'Whistle while you work,' my old man always said, 'and work while you whistle.' Words to live by, I've always thought."
"My parents said something similar, but it was mostly about religions. I could help out with the harvest, if you'd like! And I have heard some of Zel's stories as well. They're quite good," Juriya says to back Zeldrith up.
The man takes Ethan and Arrian to another room. In it, a clearly pregnant woman lies on the bed. Ethan estimates from her size that she must be 7 to 8 months pregnant. She is relaxed, although looking a bit anxious. She says "Who are you? It doesn't matter, do you have sweets?" She clearly has some cravings.
Meanwhile, the little girl recoils from Zeldrith behind Carl. She never expected to be addressed directly. Carl doesn't say anything, but puts his arm on her shoulder. Jerry, however, says "She is crazy about Shalelu, that is, if she ever gets to meet her. Whenever we're in Sandpoint for any reason, the woman is somewhere else." He motions for the girl to come out, but Carl doesn't let her and says "She can hear your stories from here." The girl seems interested.
The man takes Ethan and Arrian to another room. In it, a clearly pregnant woman lies on the bed. Ethan estimates from her size that she must be 7 to 8 months pregnant. She is relaxed, although looking a bit anxious. She says "Who are you? It doesn't matter, do you have sweets?" She clearly has some cravings.
Arrian stutters, "Uh hello there m-m-my name is Arrian. I don't think I have any s-s-sweets...maybe some t-t-trail rations?"
"Hello Mrs. Charleston, my name is Ethan Sower. I am a priest of Erastil. I am a trained healer and midwife. I have come at the behest of Father Zantus to check on you and the progress of your pregnancy. Are you having any issues or complaints? Unusual pain, swelling, or digestive issues?"
The woman says "Well, I'd kill for some sweets. Even that pear pie that has too much sugar in it. In fact, keep the pear pie and just bring me the sugar."