Having just woke up, Kardin was not ready to be assaulted by the supernatural. Still believing that flesh and blood men were before him, the wave of energy blindsided him. Rather than grabbing his axe, the dwarf doubled over and failed to keep the contents of his stomach within.
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Herala seems to not be bothered by any of the wounds the man showed off, and compared to the rest of everyone, her lack of reaction may be more telling of the healing she has had to deal with than any actual strong stomach. She knew some of the man before her, surprised to see him, but more surprised that he even could speak to her. She was briefly aware of most of the party awakening, but she would finish her task of heating the food before addressing the man, or rather, one of the Mordant line.
"You are of an ancient and noble line, but the fact you seem to notice me and can respond... you also know your fate and what happened. It is no small trouble to prove rest and well meaning to even those who have passed. Even in death must kindness be shown, especially for those who seem to be troubled dead. The Goddess teaches many things, but you who died in the pursuit of justice deserve respect and rest. Tell me, what happened to them, and share some of your story as well. Perhaps a final rest can be given? Or is your task keeping you here?"
Her tone was gentle and understanding, because the idea of these younger ghost, who never saw the next sunrise gave her pause. She may not know their exact history, but based on the dead one's words, they never did make it to battle, and never awoke after some nights sleep. Something stole them away in the night, and putting them to rest would be a good deed, even if no one but those gathered knew about it.
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"I am that, a once great man of a great house. Naive to think I could slay these foes and return like I had before." He turns back around but gestures with an sword to the other undead.
" I remain because I vowed to not pass unless all my men passed. Most have thankfully died be it in battle or old age. A few still live. Sadly these men remain trapped and confused." his sword gleams stramgely in the light before he places it back before him.
" These men were our sentries. They fell prey to sleep magic and unceremoniously slain via a slit throat. Half of my troop fell to the cult before we rallied. Though it was hard pressed and my men...I rallied rhem and a handful stayed with me to let about twenty to rerurn home or go to other troops. I died pianfully and in agony,but by the goddess I swore Id not rest til all my men found peace. So until then I remain" he says having turned away.
With a cough, the dwarf wiped his mouth and stood up. "Fook. Just...fook. Well, I think I see where this is going. Ye want us to go unalive the men who be, what, trapped and confused?" He said with his usual tact. Part of him wanted to just say no out of hand. He was here for gold, so that he could further his craft, not to run errands for the dead. But at the same time, to anger the spirits might mean joining them, and that by itself was a very persuasive bargaining tool.
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"No! Please dont" He says as he seems almosr horrorified at the idea.
" I am fine, I watch and gaurd rhem from more corrupting forces. Its why we wonder this far from rhe battle feild. Though I fear malicious forces are closer rhen I had hoped." he sighed ans then seemed to laugh.
" Just, let them sit and enjoy the fire. I shall keep watch. If you do this I can grant you only knowledge of what I have seen. One which leads to treasure and rhe other to horrors" He says as he continues ro look off in rhe distance.
Afraid and awake, Jairdan tried to be helpful by clearing the messes that were made, trying not to look at the ghost lest their stomach vent its displeasure despite being nearly empty. Once that was done, they tried to copy the coat of arms and the semblance of the ghost who remained, using words as part of a prayer to the Goddess to help create the image. After erasing the former ruined sketch with a wave and a word.
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" I think the both shall be needed to be seen about. Treasure would be nice, but horrors... horrors we can not.. I can not allow to live. We must protect the innocent, and put these souls to rest. May I inquire if there is anything else you need from us? Surely just a simple task of this is not all you need? Can we help with anything else?" Herala focus on the information the man gives, adjusting her glasses and tries to find a notebook, hoping to take some notes to ensure that nothing is missed.
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" Horrors first eh? Guess you do have the Goddesses Spirit! Okay Horrors first. The Cult has made moves. The Dragon has upset the balance and the seek to seize the opportunity" he days as he still faces away.
" I dont have specifics. But the dead stir more often and worse nefarious creatures and organizations stir" He says as he then laughs.
" Ah to be alive again"
"treasure is simple. The Hill Giant and his Bear keep a cache of scavenged items and gold in the center of Emiry Meadow. My sword is there as are others."
”Right.” The dwarf said. ”Where be these meadows?” Cults and dragons and the walking dead? That sounded like a job for a hero. A Paladin or the like, empowered by the divine to smite evil. Not a group of rag tag commoners hired to hunt bandits. But the ghost didn’t need to hear that. The spirit seemed like an alright sort, and it had been kind enough to tell them where they could go to get paid. While he didn’t like the idea of tangling with a giant, or even a bear for that matter, it wouldn’t hurt to at least check it out.
Herala would keep everything seperate afterwards, and would tell the ones eating she shall care after their trash, not realizing anything was special about it. She was just trying to help the unrested rest, as they have clearly needed it. Putting spirits to ease was part of her duties, but she does wonder about these new words spoken. She rubs at her eyes, a bit tired but also excited to get out on the pathway again. She was however aware she was not alone anymore, but she had feelings on the issue.
" We shall have no issue regaining your sword and honor, and ensuring these evils are being put out. We are... well, I at least will. The Goddess blessed me with the ability to help others, and while I was unable to help you in life, I shall help you to pass and rest easy, along with your men here. No one should have to suffer from evil cults." There was a bit of a tremble in her voice, as the idea of cults growing strong was a bit terrifying to her. The rumors of her birth came from the cult in the first place, and so the idea of those horrible people coming back, subjecting more kids to the horrors and whispers and teasing she had endured, and continued to, made her a bit angry. Angry and stubborn.
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" Good to hear. I appreciate it. Though I will not hold you to any oath. To do so will probably end up like me wandering awaiting closure" He says as he then laughs. The laughter turns into sobs, and before long a wail of relief.
After a few minutes he then speaks again." Sleep now, I shall keep.watch until the morning. And as for the curious the meadows are on the highroad right before you pass theough the Gnarley Woods. You will pass apart of it shoild your travels take you to The sunken castle or the temple proper. Though few use the High road"
Terion listened intently as the conversation unfolded around the wounded spirit. The revelations about the cult's activities and the unrest among the dead were troubling, to say the least. He glanced around at his companions, each reacting in their own way to the ghost's story and the tasks ahead.
Seeing Boram whittling a stick by the fire, Terion understood the halfling's restlessness. He nodded in agreement with Boram's decision to keep watch alongside the ghost. It was a wise move, ensuring that the spirit felt acknowledged and easing any lingering tension in the air.
"I'll take the next watch with you, Boram," Terion offered quietly, giving his friend a reassuring smile. "We'll keep each other company and make sure nothing disturbs the night. It seems we have much to ponder and prepare for when morning comes."
Terion turned back to the ghost, still pondering the implications of the cult's actions and the potential dangers ahead. His mind raced with thoughts of strategy and caution, knowing that their next steps could lead them into treacherous territories. But for now, the night was theirs to navigate, and the fire provided a comforting warmth against the darkness that surrounded them.
With a grunt of acknowledgement, Kardin moved further away from the ghost, and the mess he had made. After taking some water to wash his mouth and face, he went back to bed. "Wake me when it's time for watch." He said as he went back to sleep.
A bit cautious of the ghosts, at least, Jairdan takes a little longer to flesh out what could be managed with ink and parchment. Despite the excitement, sleep cannot be denied— they are asleep, entirely ensconced in the bedroll, as if being unseen would prevent any mishaps. It is not the most restful sleep, but it is enough to be able to manage their first watch as the last one of their very eventful first day out.
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The night goes quite peacably. No real incidents. As dawn comes up the ghosts fade. The three ration tins remain.
The fire is still burning, but is a low flame. Its strange but your camp.is damp free as if the Ghosts prevented rhe new day dew to form.
Elmo is up stieing the fire. As he does Freya comes back into the camp with 4 rabbits. Once in the camp she begins to quickly skin them. Once skinned she pulls out some jars and runs it along the freshly removed skin. Adter tbat she begins to butcher the rabbits.
Elmo, pulls out a flask and a sack. In the sack he pulls out some picked berries and root vegatables as well as herbs. He too begins to cut. Eventually a stew pot and coffee pot are procured.
As dawn broke, Terion, already awake from his watch, noted the unusual dryness of the camp. Elmo stoked the fire while Freya skinned rabbits. The three empty ration tins, remnants of their spectral visitors, were left behind.
"Morning, Boram," Terion said, squeezing his friend's shoulder. "We made it through the night. Let's see what the day brings."
He joined Elmo and Freya at the fire. "Morning. I'll fetch some water for the coffee." After setting the pot over the fire, he gathered the group.
"We should talk," Terion began, recounting the ghost's warnings about the cult and stirring dead. "We have a choice: pursue the treasure in Emiry Meadow or investigate the cult's activities. Both are risky. Let's decide together."
Herala was not a morning person, because despite her generally sunny and cheery nature, she was for sure not put together enough for the day. She rolled from her bedroll, her curled hair clearly matted and needing to be combed, along with her headband being tangled in it. She fumbles around for her glasses, and blinks a few times after placing them on. Everything seemed different in the daylight, and she was not sure exactly if what happened last night was a dream or reality. This mystery was solved after she had taken care of her morning routine, at least most of it as she comes back from the nearby stream trying to comb out her curls and miss her horns when Boram asked about the cans.
" I... I do not know. I think we should take them with us, and perhaps bury them in a place of honor, to remember those who died and give them something. I was thinking that was all a dream, but it seems we have many problems to address. Bandits, Giants, Cults, and other various evils... This is something that I am called to care for and remove, but I would not fault any of you for leaving me to it." She seemed to get lost in thought for a few moments, her mind clearly focusing on something long ago, or at least not on her current task because she stops brushing at her curls.
After a few moments she blinks and pushes her glasses up, hair and horns still askew, before saying " I think perhaps if the giant is on the way to the mill, taking out both will benefit trade to the area. The cult.. the cult I think we will need either me stronger, or another spellcaster. We get that if we return Auntie Agnes. We could, could, if we could figure out how, lure the bandits and giant together, let them fight it out, and then take out the remaining one?" Herala puts that idea forward, knowing they may not be able to take on a giant themselves, but the allure of gold and treasure may drive the bandits out, or the giant could get greedy and go after the bandits.
Terion nodded at the ration tins. "The spirits must've left these behind. Maybe a parting gift?"
As Boram voiced his thoughts on their next steps, he listened intently. "You're right, Boram. Keeping our word to Rufus is crucial."
He glanced at Freya, considering the possibilities. "Let's hope the cult or the meadow lies along our path. We can tackle more than one problem if we're smart about it."
He turned to Herala, appreciating her input. "I agree. If we can handle the giant and bandits on the way to the mill, we strengthen our position. As for the cult, we'll need more strength, and fetching Auntie Agnes could provide that."
Terion addressed the group, "Let's prioritize the mill and see if we can deal with the giant 'en route'. Once the mill is secure, we can plan our next move. What say you?"
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Elmo cocks a brow and then poi ts to the wall of trees." Temple is across from the mwadows in the Gnarley Woods. The fwilds though is basically any distance between the moat house and Nulb"
" Also" Freya chimes in," Thoer are alot of ruins and lodges between here and thier. Including supposedly a Gnome Enclave and old dwarven tombs.
" As foe Bork and his bear Snuffles are well known. He hunts and so does Snuffles. Only preys on rhe fools who are seeking trwasures in the battle field. Not for any altruristic reason mind you. But because they often have good stuff" Freya elaborates as she rhen looks at Elmo.
" Surprised El didnr tell you, he is an accomplished Ranger. Im just a former mercenary. He fought as an adventurer"the blonde woman informed with a bit of bite in her voice.
" An adventurer? Why have you never shared that Elmo? You must have a great wealth of knowledge to share with us. And the stories you could tell! I understand not all are glamorous, but surely some of the stories you have may be well to speak to other people, it can not all be bad."
Herala seems to get a bit interested in the stories Elmo may have, but she also looks over to Freya for her to share as well. The idea of old tombs however would give her an idea that perhaps some of those unrested spirits would be found there, and hidden gnomes may be a source of either knowledge or help, if nothing else something to help their question ot remove the giant.
" We could even ask the gnomes for any assistance in removing... Bork? He doesn't seem like that much of an issue, but they may know a weakness, or at least something to help. They may even need us to remove him so they can trade more. WE could help out other people, not just line our pockets!" Herala looks excited about the idea of helping the community, even if she had a bad experience with some of the other members. Freya was not the only one who had been awful to her, but was one of the few who had apologized, and yet she was still trying to help them.
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Elmo sighed." I did some adventuring. With my brothers group. They took me ro fight some goblins and then some spriggans. Finally it was the Ogres and thier Hill giant master who wrecked the party I nearly died, was a tough time coming back. Undead, orcs and others kept interrupting us. I am the only one who made it back home" he says grimly. He though stirs the stew and seems more focused on that then the tale.
Freya stands up having added two of rhe rabbits to the stew pot and rhe others salted ans skewered over the smoke. She kisses Herala on the cheek and giggles.
" As you can see he doesnt like to talk about his past much. But as for the other places I have no problem doing that. Seems exciting!"
Jairdan was repacking slowly to the trained eye. Whether it was folding the bedroll incorrectly, to replacing things in their pack, things were not quite right. Visibly frustrated, they stopped and got food, glaring at their possessions with determination (and a nod to Elmo with a smile for the food). You could almost see them berating themselves for failing to wake up and pack up properly. As they finished eating, a touch of minor magic cleaned their utensils, then themselves, setting to repacking properly this time. While the conversations were heard, they were very focused on correctly starting their morning, looking to the packs that Freya, Elmo, and Herala had, taking notes and trying to emulate them.
Giving Elmo a look filled with newfound respect, the dwarf busied himself in breaking camp. He didn’t share much in the way of excitement for helping people without pay, especially in light of Elmo’s tale of losing his companions. But he had nothing against it per se. It just wasn’t his highest priority.
”Boram and Terion be right.” He said, glancing at Jairdan and noticing the use of magic in ensuring that all items were put away correctly and cleanly. He appreciated that. It was a sign of a steady and reliable mind.
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" Once I get these rabbits smoked a bit more Well have meat for the next stew." Freya says with a smile as she fans the embers to release more smoke. She looks to Elmo and the man nods.
Elmo fills up any more dishes, then places the lid on top. He dumps the liquid on the embers releasinf more smoke and steam.
The chunks remain and the man straps the pot lid closed with leather straps. The other dishes are placed together and all are placed in Elmos sack.
(B]"Should be about Dusk when we reach the mirey copse where the Moat house lie"[/b] Elmo says as he retreats his shield and battle axe.
" If you like I can lead the way" he says a bit gruff.
As he does Freya pulls out the two rabbits and slips rhem into another pouch after adding a bit more salt.
Herala smiles and softly squeezes Freya's hand, glad for the support, but also for not being overly serious. However, her eyes did cloud a bit as she says " So Elmo is not only an experienced adventurer, but a wise one. I think we perhaps should have him look over the plans we have, and tell us which will work, or will not work. If he can survive the undead and orcs, he is smart enough to fool a village into thinking him drunk and lazy. Let us endeavor to all return, and use the experts we have. Agreed?" She spoke steady, but Terion and Jairdan knew she was afraid, because if they lost someone it would be mostly due to her not healing them quick enough.
She finished brushing out her hair, and switched a few earrings, going for a few muted grey pieces to ensure nothing reflected, and got her pack ready. Afterwards she would get some of the breakfast, and enjoy the coffee and rabbits with a sigh. She had a preference for the bean juice over tea, and says " This is the part they always talk on, but never the worst parts. I imagine soon we will not have many chances to enjoy morning coffee." As she does so, she will look over the tins, puzzling out what she can about them. She doesn't learn anything new, but as she gets ready she will turn them over to Jairdan, in case Jair knew anything more about them than she did. She clearly trusted their opinion when it came to magical items.
In the intervening time, Jairdan seems to have made some progress on repacking their items into the pack in a manner that was barely satisfactory, though the determination on their face said that would change in the future. Herala bringing the tins over provided a good excuse to turn their attention away from their items and towards these lingering ration tins. A glance up at her and then back at the tins was enough to provoke an intrigued frown, wondering how something like this would be retained by ghosts. Was it the repetition? The focus? Or was it something else entirely? The tins got an exclusive focus after that, the examination part intellect and part intuition, puzzling out why they remained, and what they did.
Until everyone moving broke their focus, Jairdan would spend the remainder of the time in camp working on understanding the tins.
An afterthought of attention utilized the same minor cleaning cantrip that they had used on themselves on Herala and Terion, much like when they were younger. An example had to be made to convince Jairdan that there was merit in doing things the nonmagical way, as it got used in every way possible once it got mastered.
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Terion smiled as he saw the group coming together, each member contributing in their own way. Boram’s practical approach, Herala’s hopeful ideas, and Elmo’s quiet strength filled him with a sense of purpose.
"Thank you, Elmo," Terion said, appreciating the man's experience and willingness to guide them. "Your knowledge will be invaluable as we navigate the region."
He turned to Herala, giving her a reassuring smile. "We’ll take advantage of every resource we have. With Elmo leading and all of us working together, we can handle whatever comes our way."
Watching Jairdan examine the tins, Terion was curious about their significance. He gave a nod of thanks when the warlock used their magic to clean him. "Good thinking, Jairdan. Any insight you can offer on these tins will be helpful."
Terion then addressed the group, "Let's finish our preparations and follow Elmo's lead. We'll head to the old mill first, dealing with any threats along the way. Stick together, stay alert, and we'll make it through."
With a final look around, Terion shouldered his pack and stood ready to move, feeling a surge of determination as they set out for their next challenge.
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Okay as you move through out mid morning. You begin to see an old guard tower that has been capped with a a woven thatch roof and a Chimney coming out the second story window. It was a strange mix of home and fortifacation. especially with what seemed manicured shcurbs and bushes as well as a several raised gardens full of herbs and weeds.
Elmo stops and gestures with his hand. Freya stops and shifts bringing her shield up and over her head. Still she scours the skyline as Elmo gestures more.
Herala follows the group, somewhat near Freya, but also in the back as she was able to at least defend herself with her mace. She tries to keep an eye out, but when they get closer to the tower, she is a bit confused. Something seemed out of place if the tower seemed more home than it did for bandits. She would venture a question " Are we sure the bandits are really here? This seems much nicer than simple bandits. Maybe the giant would have been nicer."
"What is going on Elmo?" - Terion asked, drawing weapon and shield and finding some cover.
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" Aunt Agnes" Elmo and Freya say in unison while trying to stay quiet. The pair exchange looks and Freya shifts to pull a Shortbow and an Arrow.
" Somethinf is off. Her...Garden and hedges are unkempt. She is to fastidious for them to be otherwise..." He says even toned as he points to the door.
" Seems something was trying to get in not only thier but" Trails his weapon up to the roof that seems to show signs now of distrubance.", Roof as well. We should check in"
Suggests Elmo as he awaits the parties answer.
”Probably dead.” Kardin muttered, rationalizing that it was the most likely reality. He didn’t say it, but he was already looking at what supplies they could take before moving on.
As the group makes to check the house, Herala will check the surrounding area, as it seems something was trying to get in, and that meant whatever it was either got in, or was still out here with them trying to get in. Either way, they needed to guard against it, because Aunt Agnes was supposed to be a pretty resilient older woman, so for her to not be ready seemed strange.
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Freya follows Boram with her Bow ready. She looks down and says.'You should draw a weapon just incase"
As you get to the door you note two bolt doors. One about regular face height the other was about crossbow height. Seeing this freya looks at you and then smiles.
"Maybe knock, because if she fires it will go over your head" She says as she relaxes a bit, but then readies the shortbow once more.
Terion followed after the others in silence.
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The boly door opens first followed by the face. An old crone face that seemes to have all the markers of having lived a long happy life amongst the sun.
" Freya? Who spoke girl" came a yourhful sweet voice and the Blomde pointed down.
A crossbow pulled back, as she then stretches to get one cataract eye down to look at Boram." Oh, a halfling. Hello. As it seems you arent Bandit or beast would you like some tea? Or did you come to deal with rbe Manticore?"
Terion keeps his eyes open for any shenanigan.