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This? Oh, it's been since well before my time. Original floor of the church, I suppose. Mayhap even older. Jossan! Uliana! Time for you kids to get to bed. I let you stay up late to visit with these travlers, but it's well past your bedtimes. Well, my friends, perhaps we can look into this mystery more tomorrow. My old bones need a rest. Stop by tomorrow before you go off a huntin' the fox.
The letters are packed with dirt, but between Valen and Valgar working to clean it out, you soon have it cleaned out enough to be legible. It is written in an archaic but understandable form of Common:
Oh, yes, that writting. I discovered that a while back. I think it is probably a message from Freya. If only my old eyes weren't so dim these days. Maybe you can make it out? We can move some of this furniture and rugs out of the way if you'd like. I would like to know what it says.
Atticus's dreams begin to intensify: Spoiler:
Once again you see the battlefield. At the head of a dark army rides the death-priest, heralded by the banner of a skull mounted atop a femur. Behind him, the hordes chant: "...Aurikus...Aurikus...Aurikus..." A man comes to the death priest to deliver a message: Lord Akruel...the battle turns against us. The enemy marches upon Al-Sifon. ... a jumble of images ... Then the confusion of battle, first with the light driving back the darkness, then the darkness cutting a path through the light. ... a jumble of images ... Once again you see the priest of the sun bearing the Scepter. You see he and the death-priest striding towards each other. And you know the battleground..save for the hill, it is Lessef! ... a jumble of images ... A tall, gorgeous woman appears before you. She has long golden hair, and wears robes and a cloak of winter wolf fur. At her right side is a giant wolf, at her left side a graceful stag, and on her shoulder a fierce falcon. In her presence you feel more at peace than you ever have in your life. She speaks: Reforge the splinters.
Atticus awakens, certain that it must be morning, but it seems that only an hour or so has passed.
Almery shows you the way downstairs. He has a rather sizeable collection of ancient bits of armor, and bits of weaponry, most in very poor condition. The majority is average human craftsmanship, although you can tell that a few pieces here and there were made by truly great craftsmen. Only one or two pieces are of dwarven make, and unfortunately nothing is in usable condition. As he is returning some of the pieces, you notice a bit of writing on one of the stone plates in the floor, although it's a bit covered in dust.
Uliana replies that she doesn't really remember her father, nor does Jossan. Almery explains that he left them with a relative when Uliana was but a newborn and Jossan was barely 2. Almery took them in when that relative died soon thereafter. Their "uncle" Almery is the only family they remember, although they do still have the sketch of their father, Ras Wald. Almery thanks the group for their promise to track the fox. He asks Valgar if he would come down to the cellar to take a look at the various weapons and bits of armor that farmers have found buried in Lessef.
Jossan listens to Valgar's tale, enraptured. Uliana gets up, goes over to Tally, and pulls a scrap of paper from her pocket. She gives it to Tally, it is a sketch of a man. Mister Tally? Have you ever met my father? This is what he looks like.
Almery explains that they don't always eat this well, but that he is thankful for the company, and that he asked Freya for the blessing of a meal, and the feast before you appeared through his faith. Unfortunately, it's not something he can regularly do...he senses that Freya has brought the your group here for some reason. Jossan ask Valgar: If you live underground, can hear the voices of the dead too? We live up here above the cemetery, and sometimes I hear them. Almery tells Jossan that he's just imagining things, although Jossan actually looks slightly excited instead of scared. As conversation turns to the village's troubles, Almery asks if you have heard about the fox. He seems a bit dubious....it seems to him that too many chickens have gone missing...more than a fox could reasonably take. He also tells you that there's been no finding of any blood or feathers...just the fact that the chickens are missing. Still, he ask if you will try to catch it. He even offers to give you a gift for the promise of trying to catch the fox, a vial that will restore your vigor.
Almery just asks that you try to capture the animal and remove it peacefully. He understands that this may not be possible, but he's got a soft spot for foxes. Master Dwarf, that is a fine axe you have. I've always admired dwarven craftsmanship. Might I ask if you would look over some of the weapons I've been given by the farmers here? My eyes have begun to go a bit dim, and I'd love to hear what a true master like yourself could be able to tell me about them.
Atticus finds that the rooms are actually fairly decent, if obviously long-abandoned and a bit dusty.
Almery sees the group climbing up the hill, and shouts down to you: Ah, you're back, and with your friends! Welcome to you all! C'mon in, dinner's a-waitin'! Hope you won't mind eating in the chapel, we don't really have a table big enough for all of us. Almery takes you into the chapel, and then the two kids that Narcisse and Tally had seen earlier come in carrying plates of food. The children set the plates down on one of the pews. Included is bread, pheasant, various vegetables, breaded stuffing, gravy, and a large turkey. Jossan, will you offer up thanks to Freya for all she has provided us? The young boy stands up and seems a little nervous speaking in front of the people he doesn't know: Great Freya, we thank you for all that you have given us. Thank you for all the food, and for Uncle Amery and for my sister. And please maybe they can tell me exciting stories of places they've been other than Lessef. Almery tells you all to serve yourself, and ask what brings you to Lessef.
Scaby comes up to Atticus... Well, that fox steals at least one chicken every night. A few people have seen fox tracks on the outskirts of town here and there. I know that Jeb has seen a few tracks. Might want to ask him. Jeb offers to take the group to where he has seen some tracks in the morning. Narcisse and Tally enter the tavern...
Oh, no offense taken. I've known an elf or two in my time as well. Your friends down at the tavern, you say? Well, they might run into old Luka despite your best efforts. He usually spends practically every evening there...and most of the day as well. But yes, please get your friends. It's been a while since I've had that much company. Oh, and don't worry too much about Lessef. We've had harder times than this come on occasion. Some of the young folk will come back once they've got their fill of adventuring, I'm sure. Freya will provide for us.
Oh, thank ye, mister elf sir. We'd much appreciate it if you would hunt down that fox for us. Without the chickens, we'll have to be dipping more and more into the grain and other good that we can usually manage to sell. And can't many of us afford for it to go on for too much longer. Only person around here with more than two silver to rub together anymore is Scaby. Hell, even he's offering a reward for it...can't sell no drinks to people ain't got money.
Well, most of the young folk for the past few years have struck out into the world, seeking after adventure or wealth. Not much of either here in Lessef. I reckon the only ones under 20 years these days is Jossan and Uliana Wald...you saw them earlier. Their father left them with their aunt many years ago, but she came down sick soon after and there was nothing I could do for her. So I took them in. Speaking of the kids, I'm sure they've just about got dinner ready...will you and your young lady friend join us?
In the tavern, a familiar face suddenly shows up. You see Jeb...and he notices your group. He comes over: I see you found your way here to the Pebble... Jeb notices your glass... [i]Ah...I see Scaby found some of the good stuff for ye. He's a greedy little bastard, but he's not totally without a heart...well, as long as there's some profit in it for him, that is. I can rarely manage the silver for dwarven spirits. Still, I try to have some when I can. I'm the only reason Scaby keeps it around, I wager. Anyhow, I wanted to ask ye something. Are any of ye good at trackin' and huntin'? That chicken-thieving fox is making things pretty hard on some of us. You look like the kind of group where at least one of ye should be able to track it down for us. Ye may not believe it, but I was quite an adventurer back in me youth as well. Anyhow, back to followin' tracks...none of us have much talent for it, save for Zebadiah...but he's seen far too many winters to be tracking things through the woods. So, I guess I'm asking if you lot would be willing to try and catch that varmint for us?[i]
Almery thinks for a moment before responding... Well, it wasn't the plague, but I do recall that there was a bout of pneumonia going around right about the time that you disappeared. Might have looked to be the plague to outsiders just passing through. But by Freya's grace, we managed to get through that spot of bad luck.
Most of the tavern's patrons either thank you for the free round of drinks, or are still complaining of the wiley chicken-stealing fox. The glum man turns away from Valgar, ignoring him. He mumbles, just loud enough for you to catch the gist of what he's sayinig: ...wanted to talk to someone, I'd find a man what wasn't sawed-off at the knees...
Atticus begins to have a dream, as he slowly slips into an alcohol-induced slumber... Spoiler: You see a sprawling city, surrounded by a dark aura of evil. This aura begins to grow, a widening circle of destruction racing across the land. Above the city a black symbol begins to appear...that of a skull balanced atop a femur. Flashes of human sacrifices, done to appease a god of death and dark rebirth of the soul. Chanting of "...Aurikus...Aurikus...Aurikus..." A glimpse of a dark king-priest, and then of great battle. The dark aura of evil retracts back to the city. Then you see the same dark priest, involved in a blasphemous ritual...dying, but returning to unlife. The priest wades into the forces of good, and they fall like wheat before the scythe. From the towers of the city, dark clouds again pour out, covering the land and blotting out the sun. However, one last champion of good stood against the tide of the darkness. On a strangely familiar battlefield, bearing the light of the rising sun and the ankh, this man strode forth to meet the death-priest. A titanic clash, and a hard-fought battle...and finally the priest of the sun manages to plunge a large scepter through the death-priest's chest. Then, a tomb build around the fallen body of the evil priest. You sense that this great battle took place long, long ago in a forgotten history.
How came ye' to be here again, then, Miss Narcisse ?
Jeb, eh? Well, I guess since you know Jeb...Call me Scaby, and don't be lettin' the rabble out there know that I have any of this... Scaby pulls out a flask...you see a dwarven rune etched on the metal. Scaby pours a shot of dwarven spirits for you. Still, this be more expensive than the ale. One silver per shot. First one is on the house, as ye mentioned Jeb.
The man is wearing patchwork robes, heavily worn from age and use. The two children are also wearing simple robes, obviously a bit newer and in somewhat better condition. You go inside and get dinner started, Jossan. And you help him, Uliana. Put on some extra, looks like me may have a bit o' company. I'm going to talk to this young couple for a bit. Well, hello ma'am. I'm Almery, the priest to Freya in these parts. The Porters? Not really a family anymore, there's just Luka these days. Why do you ask?
The barkeep sees the glint of gold... Everybody! Next round's on the elf! Quietly, just to Valen and the group: Best be givin' me that, then. Wouldn't want the whole town to know you reneged on your "promise" would ye? His smirk, which has never left his face, widens.
The Pebble is the only business surviving in the dwindling town. A portly little man with a smirk across his weathered face, the bartender says: I'll be seeing the colour of yer coppers, first. One copper per mug. Paid up front, so ye's understand. You overhear snatches of conversation from the dozen or so people in the tavern. Almost all the conversation is about how cunning and vicious the fox is. It seems nobody has seen the varmint, despite many traps laid out for it. There's even a poster on the wall offering a reward of a bushel of potatoes and a jar of vinegar eggs is posted for trapping or killing the animal.
You hear the voices of two children behind the house, one boy and one girl... I got you! I lopped your ugly head off with my sword! Nuh-uh! You fell in my pit trap back there! No way! I saw it and jumped over it! And then I killed you, you stinky kobold! You as you round the corner, you see two human children, the boy looks approximately eleven years old, the girl about nine. Sitting in the shade watching them is a wiry gentleman of indeterminate age. He keeps what little hair he has tucked behind his oversized ears. The two children see you, and stop their game of "Kobolds & Heroes". The man turns around, spends a moment taking in your group, then speaks in a booming voice: Welcome friends, to the Brethel of Freya! Is there anything I can do for you?
Map: Poverty's Bethel Behind the church stands a separate parsonage: the largest house in Lessef. Inside the church, rows of pews facing a round altar of stone fill the airy worship chamber. A depression in the top of the narrow altar holds holy water. Large shuttered windows remain open at all times except during bad weather. A brick fireplace stands against one wall. No one appears to be in the church. However, from the small house, you can hear the voices of children playing...the first such sounds you've heard since entering the town.
A worn dirt path leads up the rise to the small church [Building E] perched atop the knoll. Earthen steps carved into the mound have been ravaged by the elements, but are still useable. A well-kept cemetery surrounds the white chapel, and a low wooden fence keeps out the village’s goats. A small bell tower sits on the left side of the wooden church.
A light drizzle begins to fall from the sky. When Atticus, Valen, and Valgar arrive at Imelda's Palace [Building B on the Lessef map], they find the inn’s windows are boarded up. The run-down building looks as if it has been vacant for at least a year, and a crude sign nailed to the door states that travelers are welcome to stay for a contribution to the temple.
Jeb notices one of his chickens beginning to stray from the rest, and hurriedly ushers his remaining chickens into a small coop. As he's working, he says... Poor Janice's grave is up there with all the rest, on Poverty Hill. I recall it's fair close to the path going up to the church. Look around, ye'll find it.
Reckon I don't. Wasn't a very nice band, anyhow. It's said they took poor Janice Porter's little baby girl with 'em when they left. Can't prove it, but she did go missing right as they left town. Poor girl, broke her heart. Still, ol' Almery tells us that just like there's good and bad men, there's good and bad elves, dwarves, and the like. So I won't judge ye based on that...but not all might be so enlightened. I'd steer clear of Old Man Porter if I was you. First he lost his granddaughter, then his daughter died of a broken heart. He's got no love for you elves in him.
Pointing at the small church at the top of the hill, the old man tells you: Yeh'll be wanting to head up the hill to the Bethel of Freya and be askin' ol' Almery if he'll open up the inn for yeh. You can get food and ale at the Pebble. Scaby waters the ale, but for an extra copper or three he might give you the good stuff. Just tell him Jeb sent ya. Jeb takes a closer look at Valen... By Freya's golden hair! An elf! We haven't seen an elf in these parts in almost twenty years!
The old man looks at the group of newcomers for a moment, obviously trying to gauge whether or not they might be helpful... Well, young missy, it's true that we ain't seen the fox, but we have seed tracks here and there on the outskirts o' town. And ol' Zebadiah, what used to be Lessef's greatest hunter back in the day, he sez that all the tracks we seen so far are the same fox. Ya'll be headed towards Anvil Plunge, I take it? Still a ways ta go, round 'bout 100 miles. Gettin' a bit late, you'll probably be wantin' to spend the night here in town?
Chapter One: It Started With a Chicken...
Maps: Area Overview, Lessef After a long and remarkably uneventful journey from Bargarsport, the group finds itself on the outskirts of Lessef... The narrow dirt path broadens into an expanse of well-trod ground and dry saw grass. A collection of ramshackle buildings sits amid the cut stumps of the cleared forest. An inn – boards covering its windows and an iron chain dangling from its front door – is the largest structure. Houses built around the inn are barely more than one-room shacks, most falling down or ripped apart for their timber. Rising above it all on a gentle hillock, a small whitewashed church marks the scattered buildings as a town. The hill is strangely unnatural, the only such rise for miles around. A few people shamble between the buildings, eyeing new arrivals as they go about their daily routines. All of the townsfolk are old, stooped by the weight of years of hard work and harder conditions. Their wrinkled faces are mixed with sweat, dust and tears; the visible marks of their long lives of toil. Suddenly, an old man’s voice rings out, shattering the silence: “That damned fox! It took another of mah chickens!” |
