It appears the others over yonder are coming to join us; lest they distrub more tracks you may wish to stop them or not as you think wise; is strange one of our group is not to the fore but some boy we have not met...
<gm, what time of day is it in game please?>
It appears the others over yonder are coming to join us; lest they distrub more tracks you may wish to stop them or not as you think wise; is strange one of our group is not to the fore but some boy we have not met...
<gm, what time of day is it in game please?>
Erian doesn't react to the gnome's advice, seemingly lost in his contemplation of the tracks and what might have occured here. After a few moments, he looks up, "I'm sorry, what? Were you talking to me? I get lost in my work sometimes...If we're to do this properly, perhaps the lot of you can talk while Aradove and I continue inspecting the area."
The ranger then turns back to the task at hand.
Ava looks at the elf and Pleol, and says "I don't mean to be a bother. When I was invited to sit, I thought this was a friendly conversation. After I listened to you talk, I realize something serious is going on. I aslo realize that you need help and I'm in the process of looking for work. I would be glad to help in any way I can. That is, if you will let me help."
Ava sits back after she respondes to the elf waiting to see how she will reply. She hopes that they will accept her help.
"Well me's darlin Ava, methinks it unseemly to promise you money when money hasn't been promised at all, at all. I do promise you the chance to defend the town's folk, and the possibility of ridding the Night of a few Horros, and should they have any riches, well you'll get a fair share no doubts at all.
"Well thank you. I'll gladly take you up on that offer."
Erian doesn't react to the gnome's advice, seemingly lost in his contemplation of the tracks and what might have occured here. After a few moments, he looks up, "I'm sorry, what? Were you talking to me? I get lost in my work sometimes...If we're to do this properly, perhaps the lot of you can talk while Aradove and I continue inspecting the area."
The ranger then turns back to the task at hand.
An hour passes as Erian searches the ground again. This time from a different starting point to get a new perspective. This time he picks up on a wide flat clawed footprint that he missed earlier, then a few more drops of blood, some hair, and some yellow bloodied skin that seems torn away. There could be no doubt in the rangers mind. The tracks lead back to the river channel, and they were undeniably made by the ranger's most hated enemy. Goblins.
Finally rising from his work, Erian's face looks grim. Loosening the strap across the pommel of his sword, the almost boyish humor that had hung about the man during his past conversations is now gone, replaced by the demeanor of a trained professional. "Well Dinpel, it looks like you were right, at least partially. There have indeed been goblins here." Pointing out the footprint and holding up the scrap of flesh, the young ranger continues, "Definitely the flat-footed claws of a goblin, and this flesh--along with the blood and hair--indicates they must have had a scuffle. Ormod, I'm afraid if your daughter was indeed waiting here at night to meet with Earm, all signs point to her having struggled against goblin kidnappers. They headed toward the river channel. It'll be harder to track if they took to the water, but they'd eventually have to come back on land. Given enough time, I know I can find them." As Erian finishes, he subconsciously rubs the scar across his nose and looks to the missing girl's father, eyes burning with determination. "We'd better move quickly--if they took her in the night there's already nearly 24 hours between us and them. Aradove, if you could have Ethelwulf begin searching for the goblins' scent along the river channel from here southward, I can ride back to the tavern quickly to see if there are any that might help us and meet you all back here. If any of you left gear you'd need in your rooms, I can retrieve it for you as well."
Watching Erian, Aradove and Ethelwulf at work, and learning from Dinpel of the blood stains and hair strands they have found, Veirax's bronze-hued, scar-crossed forehead becomes knotted in concern. As he turns toward Ormod and Earm, his lone, thick honeyed braid dangling freely down the back of his brown cloak, the young cleric attempts to regain a lighter-hearted expression. Veirax gently steers the baker and the labourer away from the investigation scene. "We must remain strong and refrain from assuming the worst at this time, my friends," he says with optimism.
Still leaning on his staff, he places one arm around Ormod's shoulders as they walk, and quietly speaks with the baker. "Ormod, please describe Estra to me. What does she look like? Is there anything in particular that would help us recognize her, whether in terms of her physical appearance, or likes, dislikes and habits? Has she spoken of anything other than Earm in recent days that might seem out of the ordinairy, in retrospect?"
Then, to Earm: "Lad, worry not too much. Have you or your fellow workers noticed any unusual activity around the mill of late? Any strange sounds, sightings or smells, bizarre tracks, or even odd behaviour or whispers by some of the other labourers? Did Estra herself share any concerns with you lately? Has she been behaving differently prior to last night, or has she made any remarks that you might now think noteworthy? Please, do your best to remember, no matter how unlikely or irrelevant you think the information might be...
"Gentlemen," Veirax iterates assertively, "the Far Walker frequently places clues around mortals that help them find the correct path to that which they seek... we must identify those clues, both mundane and unusual, if we are to locate Estra... I beg you to think deeply, and to stay strong in your faith... for the gods reward those who not only demonstrate that faith, but act upon it..."
Erian regards the area for a moment, then says over his shoulder (in a voice that bespeaks someone still lost in thought), "Whoever was here worked to cover their tracks. No easy task, so probably familiar with woodslore. I need to check around the entire perimeter--could take an hour or so...maybe faster, or at least more thorough, with Aradove and Ethelwulf helping."
Aradove, if you could have Ethelwulf begin searching for the goblins' scent along the river channel from here southward, I can ride back to the tavern quickly to see if there are any that might help us and meet you all back here. If any of you left gear you'd need in your rooms, I can retrieve it for you as well."[/b]
Aradove and Ethelwulf head towards the river. Upon getting closer to the river Ethelwulf picks up a goblin trail. He lets out a crisp loud growl and takes off along the river heading south. Aradove quickly turns to those who remain close by. "Ethelwulf has picked up a scent! I must follow him as he tends to wander with the scent and it is a bugger to get him to come back. Erian went back to the tavern, Dinpel do you want to join me?" Without waiting for his answer Aradove takes off after Ethelwulf. She follows him down to the edge of the river where Ethelwulf is at attention growling and looking towards the river.
"We'd better move quickly--if they took her in the night there's already nearly 24 hours between us and them. Aradove, if you could have Ethelwulf begin searching for the goblins' scent along the river channel from here southward, I can ride back to the tavern quickly to see if there are any that might help us and meet you all back here. If any of you left gear you'd need in your rooms, I can retrieve it for you as well."
"Erian, here is the key to my room. I left my chain shirt and backpack there, and would be grateful if you could bring it back for me. It might be wise to be discrete about this -- there's no point in creating a panic among the general populace. That having been said, it would be advisable to inform the town guard of our findings, so that they can keep a closer watch on the area.
"Someone should also escort Ormod home... I would be happy to do this... As well, I should like to share a few more words with Abeodan, and to bless the mill and its labourers, should he wish it. Under the circumstances, I think they will need all the protection they can get."
Erian takes the offered key (and any other comments that come his way) before setting off back up the north-bound road at a hard gallop.
Memnon stays by the young man and baker while Erian and Aradove search the surrounding area to see if they can pick up the trail again. "Don't worry gentlemen we will find the girl as soon as possible."
After about an hour of searching Erian finally finds the trail again and prepares to ride back the tavern to get help and get their stuff.
"If any of you left gear you'd need in your rooms, I can retrieve it for you as well."
Memnon hands him his key "If you could get my pack and javelins I would be grateful, I think we might be spending the night outside of the city."
As Aradove and Ethelwulf start jogging down the river bank Memnon looks back to Shephard "I will go with them in case a sword is needed may the the Far Walker watch over you". He quickly turns and gives chase 'If they do find something I might be needed, besides this is what I am good at not this searching for tracks and sign. All I see is grass and dirt, thats about it.'
|
For Utak
I suggest the easiest wat to clean up is to have the "go to the tavern and get help" group arrive in the next few minutes, which should collect me, Ava, and Janas. It will be a slight time bend, but between the talk at the temple, the walk to the mill and the searching, they are probably getting close to our timeline anyway.
Of course I am presuming you don't have your own plan, which is rude, but if this were my first PBP I would be yanking out my hair...
Beyond that there are other mercenaries and magicians to be called on. The last caravan blessed Erian's Glen and possibly you - Pleoh?"
Pleoh looks around the table at the exchange. Confusion sets in when the elegant elven language is spoken, especially by the Halfling. Then the calming voice of Lady Janas comforts him though..
....now that I think about it, and this caravan brought a lot of good folk. Like you three I guess.”
Lady Janas listens to Ava and Pleoh with great interest.
"Pleoh, I guess you are right about how well defended Erian's Glen is. After all Puttnam Rand must have invested a good deal of time and energy into the Glen and its industries. Like Dardin mentioned, I do wonder why the guard is treating your mill and its workers with what may be termed as arrogance. They must feel that the mill is under no threat and NO harm will come to your responsibilities.."
Letting that sink in, Lady janas slides her chair round beside Pleoh and begins to talk more quietly to her. As she speaks, the comfort goes out of her voice for a moment.
"One possibility is that while the guard have no proof of the "little horrors" targetting you, they are more interested in the mines. After all that is where Putnam Rand concentrates his interest and that MUST filter down to his troops."
Then the Lady lets her voice brighten and she starts to smile gently again, "Perhaps we could perform a reconnaisance of the goblins and get you sufficient proof to warrant the guards taking you more seriously?"
"We wouldn't be stepping on the toes of Elne and his men if we did that would we? Just "an exploration" as happens from here often. If this meets with your approval then let me know. Of course the likes of Ava and myself may need help funding the expedition but I am sure you would want us best prepared to meet any dangers."
Still leaning on his staff, he places one arm around Ormod's shoulders as they walk, and quietly speaks with the baker. "Ormod, please describe Estra to me. What does she look like? Is there anything in particular that would help us recognize her, whether in terms of her physical appearance, or likes, dislikes and habits? Has she spoken of anything other than Earm in recent days that might seem out of the ordinairy, in retrospect?"
Ormod sends a brief glance over his shoulder at the field to the south of the mill as he walks with Shepherd. He wonders how praying to Pelor at Worship Hall came to a several person search party. He then looks at Shepherd, worry clear on his face. Sweat drips from his fatty brow and his breathing his heavy. His mouth opens slightly as if to say something. He struggles with words, mouth slowly opening and closing. Finally, the slightest whisper escapes its prison, “My Estra. My dear, sweet Estra. Why, she is a beautiful angel. That golden hair, soft white skin, a sprinkle of freckle on the nose. And her smile. A joy to see. Just like every sunny day.” He stops walking and his speech pauses for a moment. He takes a deep breath and turns around to view the field where the search is happening. Distantly he says, “I wished we talked more. She hasn’t told me anything for a while. I guess not that I was listening. To hear her voice one more time. Please find her.” He starts blubbering uncontrollably, his words becoming incoherent.
Then, to Earm: "Lad, worry not too much. Have you or your fellow workers noticed any unusual activity around the mill of late? Any strange sounds, sightings or smells, bizarre tracks, or even odd behaviour or whispers by some of the other labourers? Did Estra herself share any concerns with you lately? Has she been behaving differently prior to last night, or has she made any remarks that you might now think noteworthy? Please, do your best to remember, no matter how unlikely or irrelevant you think the information might be..."Gentlemen," Veirax iterates assertively, "the Far Walker frequently places clues around mortals that help them find the correct path to that which they seek... we must identify those clues, both mundane and unusual, if we are to locate Estra... I beg you to think deeply, and to stay strong in your faith... for the gods reward those who not only demonstrate that faith, but act upon it..."
[ooc]EDIT: the above would have taken place prior to Erian's most recent post, during the hour...
Earm not wanting to interrupt but also wanting to help interjects. “I want to help,” Shepherd hears the fear in his voice about losing Estra. “The only thing I can think of is a few nights ago, I was leaving work. There was Estra, like always, waiting for me. She seemed startled, mentioned she heard a noise behind one of the carts. I looked, but didn’t see anything. I thought it was her imagining. To think, maybe I could have saved her then.” You see a tear well up in his eye, but he is holding up much better than Ormod.
Aradove and Ethelwulf head towards the river. Upon getting closer to the river Ethelwulf picks up a goblin trail. He lets out a crisp loud growl and takes off along the river heading south. Aradove quickly turns to those who remain close by. "Ethelwulf has picked up a scent! I must follow him as he tends to wander with the scent and it is a bugger to get him to come back. Erian went back to the tavern, Dinpel do you want to join me?" Without waiting for his answer Aradove takes off after Ethelwulf. She follows him down to the edge of the river where Ethelwulf is at attention growling and looking towards the river.
Ethelwulf leads Aradove down to the river and south all the way to where the river channel flows through a gate in the wall of Erian’s Glen. What Aradove finds surprises her. It is well hidden and rigged to look normal, but she is able to tell that the gate is no longer attached to the wall. It is only snuggly fit in place, but could be removed rather easily for entrance or exit to or from Erian’s Glen. Ethelwulf runs to the wall and sniffs around the gate. He comes back to Aradove carrying a torn piece or cloth in his mouth. The cloth is of a striped pattern probably from a woman’s dress.
It is approximately 6 pm. The sun is setting. There is probably no more that 30-45 min. of daylight.
Moments after Ethelwulf shows Aradove the cloth, Memnon approaches from the north.
Memnon slows as he finally catches up to Aradove and her wolf, 'for such a small thing that elf can really move' he thinks. Ethelwulf drops a bit of cloth in Aradoves hand and Memnon steps next to the elf to get a look. "What did you find?"
Erian takes the offered key (and any other comments that come his way) before setting off back up the north-bound road at a hard gallop.
Erian sets Sherwyn off at a hard pace, racing toward Erian’s Rest. He stops the fine steed at the steps to the front porch and bolts inside. In the foyer, the young hostess stops him and asks if she could help him and have his name. After he gives her his name, she says, “I have been expecting you. Someone gave this to me several hours ago and asked me to give it to you.” She hands over a rolled-up and sealed piece of parchment.
Erian, Oakleaf Inn, six explorers heading to vines on Church business, just thought you would want to know.
Put your mind at ease Earm and revered Baker; she is not dead yet; it is not thier way if it was indeed the foul goblin; we know not yet if they were acting on behalf of another or for their own foul purpose, but certainly as we are not grieving over her fallen, uhm, like she isnt here uhm; passed on as it were; they have some purpose for her; perhaps meanial labor; or selling her or some such or they were hired to do this thing as her being here is a known fact; still things will come to light, they always do; as long as we act directly we can hope for the best.
to all; hmm if we had time we could find out if any others are missing; I dont usually get on well with guardian types as to their minds I am to small to be taken seriously; but, you sir knight; perhaps they will talk to you, but then, my da always said there are always those who want to ignore facts and even plain evidence if it is not how they want things to be; dangerous people those; I hope the guards are not such as they, but status quo is their way.
Either chase after her now; they have nearly half a day on us; or find more information from others in town would seem to be our choice unless yea can think of another course of action. I would like to know how many and how often and seek other signs, but suggest we go on this trail; also, goblins fight in packs; they are very ambush minded with all sorts of traps and deadfalls as typical; might help to have a few more eyes with us.
Mayhap those of you with that leadership and commanding tone should go back to town with others while the druid, ranger and I pursue this trail a bit so we know where it is that we are going; it may take us a bit to find the real trail in case their are false ones and while we do so you would only be standing around; that is the best council I can give; how shall we decide?
<for any sense motives>
Dinpel considers this a logical puzzle and more mathmatics or something and is not either aware of concerned about personal relationships of how this might affect Earam or the Baker ie he is smart but not wise
…"Pleoh, …. Perhaps we could perform a reconnaisance of the goblins and get you sufficient proof to warrant the guards taking you more seriously?"
"We wouldn't be stepping on the toes of Elne and his men if we did that would we? Just "an exploration" as happens from here often. If this meets with your approval then let me know. Of course the likes of Ava and myself may need help funding the expedition but I am sure you would want us best prepared to meet any...
Pleoh listens intently to Lady Janas. He is almost mesmerized by her every word. “Well the mill is very important to me. If you could provide proof and get the guard interested in protecting the mill, I would be in your dept. I guess I could pay you …..”
As Pleoh starts discussing finances, Lady Janas’s attention is torn to the tavern entrance as a disconcerted Erian enters …
Memnon slows as he finally catches up to Aradove and her wolf, 'for such a small thing that elf can really move' he thinks. Ethelwulf drops a bit of cloth in Aradoves hand and Memnon steps next to the elf to get a look. "What did you find?"
"It seems that Ethelwulf came across this piece of cloth. IT looks like it could have come from a womans dress perhaps. Did you notice the gate over there? It is not attached with hinges but rather just propped up where it is suppose to be. Aradove looks at Memnon noticing for the first time that for a human he is quite becoming. "This could be used as a entrance into Erian's Glen. You could come through here virtually unnoticed. I am interested in what you think, Memnon?" Aradove flashes a little smile as she speaks to the knight.
Earm then stands up strong and looks at Shepherd. "I will take Ormod home. I believe that your presence here is more important. This is the least I can do. Please find her." With this Earm starts to lead Ormod west over Lumberjack Way.
I am interested in what you think, Memnon?" Aradove flashes a little smile as she speaks to the knight.
Memnon looks at the gate "This is most likely the way they have been coming into the city but lets wait here and see who shows up to help out."
Memnon walks toward the gate and stop about five feet from it "I think we should wait for someone skilled at finding traps to look at the gate it might be trapped to discourage pursuit."
Pleoh listens intently to Lady Janas. He is almost mesmerized by her every word. “Well the mill is very important to me. If you could provide proof and get the guard interested in protecting the mill, I would be in your dept. I guess I could pay you …..”
As Pleoh starts discussing finances, Lady Janas’s attention is torn to the tavern entrance as a disconcerted Erian enters …
Erian begins to call out to Lady Janas, recalling his conversations with her during the trip south. However, he remembers the knights words to act with caution so as not to incite panic, and so rapidly approaches her table instead. "Lady Janas, it is good you are here. Some of the others that traveled south on the caravan encountered a distraught man who told tales of a missig daughter. I helped them investigate the area and have found signs..." he lowers his voice, looking around at the others at the table, then comes closer to her ear before continuing, "...signs of goblins inside the city. It has been near 24 hours since she disappeared, so I am advising we act swiftly. I would appreciate your help if avaiable, and any you have met that might seem capable. We will inform the guard before we leave. I have my horse ready, and have already gathered some gear the others had left here.
"Erian, this is Ava and Dardin, and they fit your bill," answers the decisive elf woman. "Each has professed an interest in this matter."
"I shall gather my equipment from upstairs, perhaps we can help each other and meet outside?"
As she prepares to leave, Lady Janas remembers Pleoh. "Sir, as you can see the goblins are becoming braver and preparations have quickly become action. Think on my words and this missing girl and decide in your own time how you would like to help us."
"One thing, Pleoh, I wouldn't mention our conversation and the missing girl since there is still no real proof of wrongdoing," finishes the elven mage quietly.
Lady Janas gets up to leave.
Erian looks to the pair indicated by Janas, "So, you two up for a goblin-hunt? If so, I'll be outside gettin my horse's bags packed with my other companions' gear..." The ranger rise from the table to head outside, then turns to Pleoh as well, "Sir, seek out the baker Ormod. If we've not returned within the next day or so, the two of you can discuss this goblin situation with the town leaders. Oh, and if you've got anyone you can trust to it, put some eyes watching the walls near the mill."
Quietly, as though praying:
<in halfling>
The horrors come by day
the Horrors come by night
I face them without fear
they shall loose the fight
victory shall free us
set our souls alight
the horrors die by day
the Horrors die tonight
<halfling>
"I had no idea they were your women!"
Then I whisper, "I'll wait for you outside."
I slink away outside as though I had just been faced with the angry lover of the women I had been hitting on, and discovered he had eight times my body mass.
Earm then stands up strong and looks at Shepherd. "I will take Ormod home. I believe that your presence here is more important. This is the least I can do. Please find her." With this Earm starts to lead Ormod west over Lumberjack Way.
"Thank you, Earm... Stay strong, Ormod... I promise that we shall leave no stone unturned in our search, and shall not give up until we have definitive answers... The Dweller on the Horizon keep you both safe..."
Veirax watches the two men go with a heavy heart, but also with renewed resolve to find and bring back Estra alive. After a few moments lost in silent thought, he returns to the mill to speak with Abeodan. "Good Abeodan, have you or your men witnessed anything unusual in these parts of late?"
"Thank you for your assistance. If the time is convenient for you and your workers, I can spare a moment now to bestow the blessings of the Far Walker upon ye, as promised earlier..."
Ava looks at Dardin shruggs her shoulders then gets up out of the chair and heads outside. She looks around for Erian then walks over to him. "I'm ready to as soon as the other one gets out here."
She turns around and watches the door waiting for the other person to come outside.
Lady Janas collects her gear and heads outside.
Erian looks to the pair indicated by Janas, "So, you two up for a goblin-hunt? If so, I'll be outside gettin my horse's bags packed with my other companions' gear..." The ranger rise from the table to head outside, then turns to Pleoh as well, "Sir, seek out the baker Ormod. If we've not returned within the next day or so, the two of you can discuss this goblin situation with the town leaders. Oh, and if you've got anyone you can trust to it, put some eyes watching the walls near the mill."
Pleoh looks at Erian, quite confused by what just happened within the last few minutes. As if the gods were listening, there seems to be an armed force going to defend the mill. Then he nods his head at the ranger in agreement of his suggestion, "Finally, someone is listening to me." He looks to the ceiling thinking of divine intervention.
Veirax watches the two men go with a heavy heart, but also with renewed resolve to find and bring back Estra alive. After a few moments lost in silent thought, he returns to the mill to speak with Abeodan. "Good Abeodan, have you or your men witnessed anything unusual in these parts of late?"
Abeodan ponders for a moment, "Hmmm, let me think. Well, the only thing that comes to mind is about a week or so ago I found some lumber that seemed to be eatin' away. I thought maybe some of my men were just drinking on the job with some really potent whisky and got a little sloppy. I can show ya the lumber if ya want to see it. I saved it incase I have to fire somebody."
"Thank you for your assistance. If the time is convenient for you and your workers, I can spare a moment now to bestow the blessings of the Far Walker upon ye, as promised earlier..."
"Helping a devotee of the Far Walker is a priviledge and an honor. A blessing of the 'Dweller on the Horizon' is always welcome," he bows his head respecfully. He then starts calling his men together.
As the group steps outside they find Dardin pacing back and forth. He is spasmadically checking the fit of his fingerless gloves, or the draw of his miniscule dagger. He also seems deflated, as though the lack of an audience has put him into a different emotional position all together.
Upon meeting the rest of the group, "Hail tall ones, I am Grun-Vendo Dardin Undarfoot, and I am here to lend the eldritch fire and arcane force to the destruction of the Night Horrors. Lets bring home the manling girl and a few dozen goblin heads to build our Sufidis (halfling term - heap of trophy bits)."
Lady Janas moves over to the visibly shrunken halfling and puts an arm around his shoulder responding, "Dardin let us hope we all have the might and wit to fetch this girl from the goblins. Have you fought them many times before as a Gund-Vendro? What night horror tricks should we beware of?"
Still dressed in her evening wear, the elf woman carries a tight pack with a bedroll containing swords and an unstrung shortbow with a quiver. The only change a rapier wrapped to her waist.
"Once we get out of town, I need time to dress more appropriately. No one in the town need know I am not just a simple mage."
"Erian - tell Ava, Dardin and me all you know. Leave out no details. As we travel."
"Well to that, um, no. I haven't actually fought them in the field as of yet, only in training."
"If it is goblins they are sneaky, cunning, evil, and malicious, sooner rip out your eyes and eat them than look at you. All in all, they are Horrors."
Erian guides the group along the route back toward the mill, and beyond it to the river channel leading south. Along the way he recounts his first encounter with the group on the road, the situation with Ormod's daughter and the young man named Earm, Dinpel's prophetic paranoia at goblins being about, and their final discover of definite goblin tracks.
"Well to that, um, no. I haven't actually fought them in the field as of yet, only in training."
"If it is goblins they are sneaky, cunning, evil, and malicious, sooner rip out your eyes and eat them than look at you. All in all, they are Horrors."
It is a fine piece of cut lumber except the one end looks like something was spilled on it. The spilled substance ate through the wood. That end is now jagged and blackened.
Abeodan ponders for a moment, "Hmmm, let me think. Well, the only thing that comes to mind is about a week or so ago I found some lumber that seemed to be eatin' away. I thought maybe some of my men were just drinking on the job with some really potent whisky and got a little sloppy. I can show ya the lumber if ya want to see it. I saved it incase I have to fire somebody."
Veirax takes a look at the damaged lumber, but can make nothing of it "Odd indeed," he says while scratching the stubble on his chin. "I'll show my companions, some of them may have a better idea what caused that than I do."
"Helping a devotee of the Far Walker is a priviledge and an honor. A blessing of the 'Dweller on the Horizon' is always welcome," he bows his head respecfully. He then starts calling his men together.
Veirax addresses the gathered mill workers: "Good labourers, pillars of Erian's Rest. My name is Veirax Kelten, Errant Shepherd of the Far Walker. I have walked many weeks from northern Rutania to set eyes upon your fair city, and am glad to have an opportunity to witness the fine work that some of its residents do. Good Abeodan has requested that I bless the ground you work on, for it is well known that labourers encounter hazards every day. I ask that you join me in a quick prayer, that the Dweller on the Horizon may guide you safely every day."
Veirax closes his eyes and raises a wooden holy symbol of Fharlanghn in his right hand while clutching his staff with the left, allowing a veil of silence to drape the noisy mill. Then, inhaling deeply, he begins to recite one of the Far Walker's prayers:
"O glorious Fharlanghn! Who concealed your incomparable and regal dignity as custodian of Kagan Ru under the humble appearance of a worker who, having walked the lengths of the earth in pursuit of prophetic visions, erected the Holy City of Cein and provided the people of Rutania with the work that granteth them their pride -- protect with loving power your sons and daughters, especially entrusted to you.
"You know their anxieties and sufferings, because you yourself experienced them at the side of Kagen Ru. Do not allow them, oppressed by so many worries, to forget the purpose for which they were created by the divine. Do not allow the seeds of distrust to take hold of their immortal souls. Remind all the workers that in the fields, in mines, and in mills, they are not working, rejoicing, or suffering alone, but at their side is Kagen Ru, with you great Fharlanghn, his shepherd and ours, to sustain them, to dry the sweat from their brow, giving value to their toil. Teach them to turn work into a very high instrument of sanctification as you did. Let them tread safely beyond harm's way, and allow them to return safe and sound to their loved ones every evening. Blessed be..."
Veirax exhales profoundly and opens his eyes once more, letting his hand fall while appraising his flock...
As the workers disperse, Veirax draws Abeodan aside. "I would not be doing my duty as a shepherd if I did not inform you that something unwholesome stalks the lands about the mill. Yet I do not think it wise to throw your workers into a panic, either. Thus, I shall merely inform you, good Abeodan, that my companions have identified signs of hostile non-human activity in the fields beyond the mill. The creatures they presently are tracking probably were responsible for pouring that foul liquid that ate away at some of your lumber. I pray that you keep an eye on the surrounding lands at all times, that you instruct your labourers to always work or travel in groups of three or more, and that they leave the mill well before nightfall. Make sure you keep some weapons handy, too. Do you think this will be possible? Again, caution and discretion are both of the essence, though they may be at odds with one another... The Far Walker can only do so much to protect us if we do not take steps to protect ourselves..."
When my turn comes to see the board,
Craft alchemy 7+7=14
"Acid, foul stuff to to eat the wood like this... could use it to weaken buildings, spoil crops, poison wells, maybe even breach a lock. Foul."
Well, I will check out the gate if you like; am not that skilled at traps so to speak; but, me dad did show me a thing or two that is used by gobs and a funny thing to do for a chuckle, am really a trained locksmith, but I'll have a go; be my first time at it so am glad a couple holy men are around. Dinpel steps toward the gate and starts searching 10ft around it and the gate; also spends a bit of time looking around in each direction; he moves quitely and carefully.
<gm, am going to take extra time and care as my skill isnt that great and we dont look like we are in a hurry; add whatever bonus that might be worth hehe as my search skill is not that good :) >
trapfinding roll 15 woot :) +3 search skill = 18
spot to see if anyone is covertly watching or any other groups around
19+2 hehe using up all my high rolls.
"Wait a minute,"
I run towards the mill, with the piece of wood in my hand, rather frantic.
"Hail millmaster of eriansglen, where did you be findin' this hell eaten wood? They ne'er would be slopping this stuff about just to be doing so, and I fear they may have been weakening more wood than just the raw stock."
"At the best this would being after being a test, to see if it would work, and that would mean the Horrors be saving it for a main gate, but if they want to be damaging a standing building."
"'mares of Night Horrors they could level any wooden building in all the town with enough of this stuff, the mill, the granaries, the god hall!"
Dardin is franticly working his way through the possibilites, while (presumably) the mill master is trying to get a word in edgewise.