The ramshackle town of Falcons Hollow rests Perilously close to the infamous Darkmoon Vale. The jagged shadow of the nearby mountains cast a shroud of gloom; as thick as the storm clouds hovering over the land, on the desperate souls who call this place home. Many are drawn here to make their fortune cutting a swath of dark-wood lumber through the lush Darkmoon Wood of the vale. Others journey to these remote fringes looking for a fresh start. Persecuted zealots and outcasts flock to Falcons Hollow . Here, these fanatics practice their strange and often deviant rites unfettered by the mores of civilization. Their only opposition the small congregation of the church of Iomedae. Still others are lured to Falcons Hollow by the promise of great adventure. Peril and splendor await within the accursed halls of long dead dwarven kings, and ruins of time past. The small town of Falcons Hallow has always had to rely on itself to solve its problems. Meanwhile, the uncaring lumber barons squeeze the common folk for every last copper, deaf to their pleas. Now the hacking coughs of the sick are heard throughout the town. The plague has fallen on the town like the incessant rain of the last week, and the powers that be cant be bothered to stop it.
Rain falls from the gray sky. The roads little more then streams of mud oozing toward the swollen banks of the River Foam. A dreary blanket of disease has covered the town, and those who aren't sick seem to be reluctant to brave the wet muck. There is one place that is busy "Roots and Remedies" the herbalist shop where the sick are huddled underneath the porch waiting for a poultice or salve to sooth their pain.
Across the banks of the river a caravan master hurries to hitch his teams to the wagons of dark-wood awaiting him; leaving his wagons of goods bound for town with with mister Snorgen an adjunct of the Lumber Consortium.
Hobart looks to the men who are headed for Falcons Hollow and smiles.
Well lads, I enjoyed your company along the way, and hope ya enjoyed mine. Perhaps next time we can make a jaunt together when the weather is a bit more agreeable. Eh! He looks at his own mud caked lower body then at those before him. Poor Rufus with mud nearly up to his chest. His rather vocal raven once again cursing the clouds for their perpetual expulsion of rain. Heh! Da bird says true. Now you lads take this, and finish it off in a nice warm tavern for me. I have a few days yet before I will be good an dry. He hands Lueck a bottle of the brandy he has been sharing in the evenings when camp gets set up.
Lueck takes the bottle, and tells Hobart he'll catch up. Lueck will go over to where the huddled mass is waiting. He'll offer to share the brandy with them there to help warm them a bit. He pulls an extra tankard from his pack, and a clean cloth to whip the rim between each person that takes up his offer of a swig. He will try not to reveal that he is a cleric, since he doesn't have the power to ease their suffering yet. He will try to subtly do a detect magic to see if those ill have any taint of a mystical reason behind the illness.
No one here seems to be suffering from any sickness. Other then those of you who traveled with the caravan, there are a handful of thugs who are to serve as the return guard, mister Snorgen, and a stout fellow down by the river helping pull the ferry across. whom do you approach to share your brandy with?
Sure! I don't get that offer very often friend. Happy ta have the help.The big fella nods to the rope he is pulling on. The set up being a simple pulley system. you can see across on the other side another man pulling on that bank as well. Theres a bit of a rhythm to it as you can see. Boy, I ain't seen rain like this in a month of Oathdays have you?He says in a friendly manner obviously in a better mode since Nikolae offered to pitch in.
He knew Luarel meant well but sometimes he thought she took on too much, but then he suppposed they had no where else to go, after all running to the church often meant throwing in your lot with that rowdy rebellion. Oh not that he didn't appreciate the Priestesses cuase it was simply inconvienent for any that would follow her faith innocently he supposed, but reguardless he had a gaggle of sick people infront of his shop and on his porch to wait out the rain and the comforts of his neighbor's kindness. It was well enough he supposed do long as his great grand nephew stayed healthy.
[i]where was the boy? he would have to remind him to keep his mouth covered. if it worked against the fumes from mixxing alchemists fire, surely it would work on what ever namby pamby sickness that was going around.[i]
He wouldn't get those off of his porch in fact he would encourage them, but he would have to ask one thing of them.
Ladies, gentlemen. You are all welcome to my porch, while you wait all I ask is that you stay clear of the door. AAremeth nodded kindly to the few that met his Maroon eyes, appreciate your compliance.
[i]Perhaps today he would offer Luarel some help, it seemed that the sick were growing, it wouldn't do at all to have the locals up and dying on him, now would it?[i]
Trevor has been staying at the temple for the last few months, doing his best to learn the mysteries of the Lady and serve the temple, while struggling with his grief, his need for revenge and his fear of retaliation. He recently felt a little safer and offered to run some errands.
Mostly, he's been delivering soup to the homes of those who are too sick to make it to the temple.
Priestess Shana, Mam' Refenketh is not getting any better... I fear it was my last visit. She insisted we played some cards for an hour or so.
I saw some of Payday's thug down the street, don't know what they're up to, but didn't stick around to ask. You see, I'm listening to you! Sometimes.
I wish Sheriff Balesome would just put Denko in jail
Oh yeah! A caravan is arriving. I hear they'll be strangers in town tonight. I might go and have a look later on, if it's ok with you.
Change can only be good for this town, as it is for me. I might even find an occasion to buy my freedom... Hey! Maybe Harn will be there too.
Anyways, as I'm already wet and muddy, would you like me to run some other errands in town?
No one here seems to be suffering from any sickness. Other then those of you who traveled with the caravan, there are a handful of thugs who are to serve as the return guard, mister Snorgen, and a stout fellow down by the river helping pull the ferry across. whom do you approach to share your brandy with?
Sorry, I was getting ahead of myself. That was what he intended to do when he was across the river, approach those huddled outside the apothocary.
Harn trudged through the rain, his large boots leaving a deep imprint in the mud which quickly is filled with the falling water. Around his shoulders rested a cloak which protected his frame from the rain. With the rain, it was almost impossible to do his job, though the Consortium still wanted progress to be made in the norther section of the forest. As such, he was dead tired and was glad to have the rest of the day off.
Heading through the town square, he give a polite nod to Sheriff Balesome as he rushed from the herbalist's shop to the garrison. Eying the crowd of people in front of the herbalist's shop, Harn simply thinks, What, by Cayden's half-filled mug is going on in this town? The Lumber Consortium had lost about half of its workers due to this mystery plague and the remaining healthy ones had to take up the slack. Trying to forget about the Consortium's problems, Harn heads for the church of Iomedae. The large man was no fan of the church, but he always though the priestess was quite the looker. Anyway, ever since his good friend Trevor "found the light" he had been spending a lot of time there. As a friend, Harn was gonna support Trevor, even if Harn thought he had made an idiotic decision.
Ladies, gentlemen. You are all welcome to my porch, while you wait all I ask is that you stay clear of the door. AAremeth nodded kindly to the few that met his Maroon eyes, appreciate your compliance.
A haggard looking woman looks to AAremeth, Thank you Mister Alduya, tis a bit wet out here and some of the little ones have come down with whatever is going around. three of the seven Popiyun children look like they are feeling very sorely, while the other four bounce around like muddy monkeys on leashes. Children calm DOWN!! now stay out front of Mister Alduya's door, or i'll be getting an alchemical solution for the lot of ya. she scolds.
The children all stop as if threatened with the loss of sweets for a year. and in chorus replyThey all bow or curtsy to AAremeth and begin to play a more subdued game.
Trevor has been staying at the temple for the last few months, doing his best to learn the mysteries of the Lady and serve the temple, while struggling with his grief, his need for revenge and his fear of retaliation. He recently felt a little safer and offered to run some errands.
Anyways, as I'm already wet and muddy, would you like me to run some other errands in town?
Shana listens to Trevor's report as she doles out soup to the dozen or so souls who have wandered in from the rain.
I would like for you to go see if Laural has discovered anything that might do more then relieve the pain of the sick. The salve relieves the symptoms, but just doesn't seem to be helping beyond that. Come back and let me know, then if you want the evening to go relax with your friends that is fine. Iomedae knows you have earned it. Shana smiles at Trevor. that boy has grown up a lot in the last few months. Goddess knows he has a long road ahead of him.And keep an eye out for Denko's thugs. I don't think he will act where there are witnesses, but between the rain and the sickness there arn't many folks lingering about.
Lueck, Mister Snorgen approaches you. Eying your bottle the man is as completely drenched as you are.
I happened to over hear you talking with ol' Hobart. You and your friends aren't going back with the caravan? Might I ask what your plans are in the Hollow? I work for some men that are always looking for a good sword. Snorgen looks you over adding You look like a capable lad.
Harn as you make your way through the muck you see young Owen Alduya dash his way to the back of AAremeth's shop. He waves heartily to you as the Alduya and the Jenkins families have been friends and neighbors for generations. Most of them being lumberjacks like your own family. the two families even share a few fields just outside of the palisade they work together for a bit of added variety to their tables. You have heard the stories of how the Alduya's found AAremeth wandering the wood like some wild fey child all dirty and confused. Now young Owen was his apprentice. The boy was smart that was true enough, but you had to wonder after all AAremeth's own master had blown um self up so you've heard.
Waving to the boy, Harn ponders the past for a second, then simply shrugs to himself. Returning to wondering about the plague as he walked, he occasionally caught the glimpse of families who were too afraid to leave their house, either because of fear of spreading the disease or fear of catching it, Harn didn't know. Harn wasn't concerned though, He had grown up with much worse, and was made of tough stuff because of it.
Re-covering the haft of the large axe that was strapped to the lumberjack's back, he continues toward the church to see about meeting up with Trevor.
Lueck, Mister Snorgen approaches you. Eying your bottle the man is as completely drenched as you are.
I happened to over hear you talking with ol' Hobart. You and your friends aren't going back with the caravan? Might I ask what your plans are in the Hollow? I work for some men that are always looking for a good sword. Snorgen looks you over adding You look like a capable lad.
Mr. Snorgen, was it? Right now I mean to get out of the rain and warm myself. I was thinking about picking up a little work here, perhaps until the rains make travel a bit more pleasant. Is there someplace I can contact you if I decide to take you up on your offer?
DorganTo Nikolae:
It looks like you've decided to stay a bit here too. Care to find someplace to lodge, warm and feast? I don't know anyone in this town yet, and I'd feel more comfortable with someone who I have found to be friendly and reliable.
Rufus steps out of the wagon and into the rain with a bounce in his step and a whistle on his lips, oblivious to the coughing of the sick, to the rain on his own face, or the mud he slops through as he walks around thrilled.
After a few moments of excited indecision, he seems to notice the rain, the mud, and the herbalist shop with its crowd for the first time and walks briskly to the door, exclaiming loudly as he walks inside:
It's raining out there!
Trevor takes a long look at the Lady's portrait, feeling the warm embrace of Rafan somewhere in her eyes. I will honor your memory, true love, so that I'll be worthy of you in the afterlife.
All right Priestess. By the Acts, I sure hope the Lady hears you and smiles upon us all. What's with this strange curse? At least, if it shines a better light on Priestess Shana's hard work for the community, some good will have come out of it. Meanwhile, Rovagug is calling the names of the chosen.
Moving to the door, getting his combat gear fixed underneath his raincoat, Trevor catches a glimpse of Harn's fierce stride, through the heavy rains. HARN! Up to no good I suppose? How are the guys at the Lumber yard? How I miss their simple ways dearly... I wonder if they still call me Yellow? I'm going to Laural's. Wanna join?
Harn:
Owen gives you a quick wave; he appears to be in a bit of a hurry, with a worried look on his face he runs inside. You make your way down Long road to the small temple, Stepping inside you see Shana speaking with Trevor as she scoops soup out to weary, dripping, citizens.
AAremeth:
You hear the back door thud loudly. It is followed by the sound of stomping and clomping in the small cloak room at the back of your place.
Mr. Snorgen, was it? Right now I mean to get out of the rain and warm myself. I was thinking about picking up a little work here, perhaps until the rains make travel a bit more pleasant. Is there someplace I can contact you if I decide to take you up on your offer?
Snorgen points across to the palisaded hill. Over on the hill in High Town is the Hall of the Lumber Consortium. I am the head clerk. The last with a sigh of pride. Gavel Kreed needed me to see the caravan switch out went smoothly of course. Get the official count, ensure the incoming goods were properly accounted for. He follows you as you walk over to where Nikolae is tugging on the rope pulling along side a large fellow. Steadily the ferry makes progress across the large river. Snorgen eyes the bottle again. Quite the chill in the air with all this rain eh?
AAremeth:
You hear Owen bellowing, Hey Unc! Mom is sick, so is aunt Gertie, Uncle Elric, and a half dozen of the little ones! Do ya think Miss Laurel has found a cure yet? Or if she knows what it is yet I took that salve out to the folks, and its turning into a regular sick house out there. Owen strips off his muddy boots and pants, and dashes to his room for a fresh pair of leggings. A moment later the lanky sixteen year old ambles into the shop proper. Boy it's really coming down out there it looks worse then yesterday. Gramps said if it don't let up those on the riverfront might be in trouble. Grammy Rita said that we didn't have to worry bout that yet though. She Said she seen much worse back when she was a youngen.
Hearing a familiar voice piercing through the heavy hum of the rain, Harn squints and makes out Trevor's figure in the open doorway to the church. Though not quite as strong as the young paladin, Harn's still impressive strength is supplemented by an incredible constitution, resulting in a frame larger than Trevor's.
Stepping out of the rain, Harn says in his deep, gruff voice "Ah, ya know, the occasional bloke who don't know how ta behave after a few drinks. Other than that, I'm fine, if a little wet. As fer the boys, half of them are down with whatever's been affecting the town. Means more work fer those still standing." Offering his hand to the younger man, he holds it there until his handshake is returned, then continues, "Which o' course means that we could use a few extra axes if you're still up to it." That said with a grin and a hint of a challenge. Harn, already knowing the answer, and seeing the Iomedean priestess, shifts topics and says with a bit of playfulness, "How ya doing Shana? I know I said I'd go ta the last Mass, but ya know how busy those Lumber blokes keep us. The next one fer sure!"
Then shifting back to Trevor, "Ya said that yer heading ta Laural's? I hope ya ain't looking to get some o' her miracle salve. When I passed on the way here, there were so many people waiting that they were even taking up the porch o' that wacky alchemist."
You have been feeding me that same line for going on six months Harn Jenkins! I know you have no love for the "Lords of Lumber". We are never going to make Falcons Hollow a truly free place till good folk stand up for their rights, and the rights of those that can't stand on their own. She takes a deep breath. now look you got me sermonizing over supper. ha ha ha! You two stay out of trouble. She smiles waving you both on your wave.
"Mr. Snorgen, why don't you take a quick nip here to take the edge off the chill."Lueck offers him some brandy in a tankard.Just not too much. You've got to keep your head for the business ahead, and you never know when some unsavory soul might take advantage.Lueck holds up the bottle and says You seem to be the kind to enjoy a fine spirit, not unlike my friend Nikolae here. Maybe later we can come up to your office, after the business is done for the day, and we can make sure this brandy doesn't go to waste! What do you say?
Sense Motive roll on Snorgen. I know he's after the brandy. I'm trying to discern why he's looking to hire swords. Is he scared and wanting protection? Is he looking for muscle for enforcers? Do I get an overall sense that he's a scumbag?
Snorgen takes the offered tankard. Oh thank you sir. You are to kind. After a healthy drink. He says Oh I do like to taste a bit of the good stuff now and again. Mind I'm no drunkard! On days like this though it is nice to have a bit of something to warm the spirit. he smiles after another sip then continues oh I don't drink at the office, and once business is done for the day it is locked up tighter then a nunnery under siege by adherents to Calistra. I would be happy to join you for a drink though. Where are you staying? Jak'a' Napes I suppose eh? You bring the brandy I'll buy supper eh? Snorgen nods.
Lueck's sense motive results:
Snorgen seems genuine enough. You can tell he defiantly appreciated the brandy. You get the feeling he does't get to drink something this good often. You also get the impression that Mr. Snorgen is a man who is doing his best to get along. You feel it was an offer to work as an enforcer for the consortium. He does not seem overly impressed with the thugs leaning against the wagon eyeballing Rufus and his raven.
Trevor is genuinely happy to see his old friend. Let's take the long way through the Low Market. Maybe we'll see the newcomers. I always wonder why people go to such length to end up in a place like this. I mean look at us! I'm basically a serf. In Andoran, the land of freedom! I wouldn't be surprised if Kreed has some remedy but waits for the prices to rise.
As we pass by the Low Market, I look for unusual activity:
Perception: .
Sense Motive (if it applies to that kind of situation): .
Trevor is more tense. Looking for Kreed's crew, he puts a hand on his axe.
As we get to Laural's Roots and Remedies: Rovagug's sore thumb! How many now?!? You say half the loggers! Soon this town we'll be a ghost town if we don't find something.
A haggard looking woman looks to AAremeth, Thank you Mister Alduya, tis a bit wet out here and some of the little ones have come down with whatever is going around. three of the seven Popiyun children look like they are feeling very sorely, while the other four bounce around like muddy monkeys on leashes. Children calm DOWN!! now stay out front of Mister Alduya's door, or i'll be getting an alchemical solution for the lot of ya. she scolds.
The children all stop as if threatened with the loss of sweets for a year. and in chorus reply Yess Mama We Will be Good.
They all bow or curtsy to AAremeth and begin to play a more subdued game.
Thank you Miss Popiyun, thank you children. AAremeth nodded to the small crowd on his porch and returned inside as he pursed his lips and furrowed his brow.well that was the last straw wasn't it, if it was really taking hold in children and if close to half of the population had contracted it, well then he would have to step in and lend a hand now wouldn't he?
You hear Owen bellowing, Hey Unc! Mom is sick, so is aunt Gertie, Uncle Elric, and a half dozen of the little ones! Do ya think Miss Laurel has found a cure yet? Or if she knows what it is yet I took that salve out to the folks, and its turning into a regular sick house out there. Owen strips off his muddy boots and pants, and dashes to his room for a fresh pair of leggings. A moment later the lanky sixteen year old ambles into the shop proper. Boy it's really coming down out there it looks worse then yesterday. Gramps said if it don't let up those on the riverfront might be in trouble. Grammy Rita said that we didn't have to worry bout that yet though. She Said she seen much worse back when she was a youngen.
AAremeth walked calmly to the back of the house and waited for Owen to start blaring his thoughts out to the world without caution and was indeed inevitably rewarded with His grand Nephew's words. The boy needed to learn a lesson in looking before he leapt. He really could take a glance before he yelled out the families business not that it would really surprise anyone in town to hear such news.
Owen, I am sure Laurel is trying her best but with the sheer demand, I am sure she is having trouble finding time to even properly study the issue, I am leaving the store in your hands today, I doubt that you will have much business with the current state of things and our porch being occupied by those waiting on laurel as well. Study your formulae if you have too much time on your hand and feel free to work a tindertwig if you are up for it. the last said with a grin Owen had been learning and progressing steadily but the last few tinder twigs had seen Owen needing new clothes as he lit himself a flame several times. I may not be back today as I intend on helping Laurel in whatever capacity she requires. If I don't return by night fall, shut up shop and I will see you in the morning.
AAremeth walked to his back door prepared a days pack and set it in the cloak room where Owen hadn't managed to dirty. He put on his coat and pulled up his hood for the quick jaunt over to Laurel’s.
He called one last remark to his Grand Nephew before leaving. Don't bother cleaning up the mud until it stops raining, no use in doing the work over and over. He checked to see the inside of his coat had plenty of his solutions as you never could be too prepared for the lumber lord backed thugs in town. After the quick dash to Laurel’s, he stepped into the cloak room and called softly.
Laurel? I came to check on ya and see if you need anything or perhaps a hand? Nope, you'd never guess where Owen picked up such silly habits of calling out before you observed your surroundings.
Trevor is genuinely happy to see his old friend. Let's take the long way through the Low Market. Maybe we'll see the newcomers. I always wonder why people go to such length to end up in a place like this. I mean look at us! I'm basically a serf. In Andoran, the land of freedom! I wouldn't be surprised if Kreed has some remedy but waits for the prices to rise.
"Well, all an honest man can do is his best" says Harn in a rather ironic fashion, seeing as how he has visited the sheriff more times than anyone else in Falcon's Hollow. Trevor, being one of the few individuals who knows all of Harn's history, isn't surprised how the man has turned out. Though the large lumberjack often got into drunken fights, it was always in places where few innocent people got hurt and the most damage could be done to property owned by the Consortium.
Trevor is more tense. Looking for Kreed's crew, he puts a hand on his axe.
Noticing his friends uneasiness, he acts completely the opposite, walking with a stride that overflowed with confidence, giving off the signal that he might not be paying attention to his surroundings, but Cayden help those who decide to mess with the duo.
As we get to Laural's Roots and Remedies: Rovagug's sore thumb! How many now?!? You say half the loggers! Soon this town we'll be a ghost town if we don't find something.
"Yeah, though it'd be nice to see Kreed catching whatever is going around and see how he changes his mind about this whole thing blowing over." says Harn as he approaches Laural's shop, viewing the crowd of people that hasn't seemed to dwindle since he passed not long ago. "Well, no more wasting time, lets get in line and see what Laural has found that might help the town." With that, Harn moves to the end of the line. Trevor, knowing that Harn was suppose to be on his way to the Lumberyards 5 minutes ago, couldn't help but stifle a laugh at the stubborn lumberjack's resistance to authority.
Dinner then, Mr. Snorgen. I make a little bit of a show of corking the brandy and tucking it away, patting the satchel where it rests. We'll get this back out then. Pardon me while I lend a hand. Lueck tries to find a place on the rope near Nikolae to help with the chore. If he can get close enough that Nikolae can hear him but others likely couldn't, he'll say
Nikolae:
With a broad smile on his face, Trevor says loudly: It sure is a long line, good thing Kreed is an honest and understanding man, who will surely understand that you are, in fact, working for the good of the community, THEREFORE, the good of the Consortium!, but can't help bursting in laughter.
The pale and sad looks of the people waiting in line brings him back to reality, and he assumes a more modest posture. This is just so sad.
Trevor takes a look at the people in line to see who's there and how they feel. Although it's nice to wait in the rain for a good reason, Priestess Shana is counting on him. So if someone is not supposed to be there, he'll have to impress the urgency of his endeavour...
Sense Motive:
Trevor:
While walking through the market you see that even here there are few people compared to a normal day. You see a few farmers hawking their produce, and Yuri the fishmonger is under his stall, but where as normally many of the good-wives of Falcons Hollow would be haggling over items for the dinner pot few are here and those that are don't seem to be bargaining to hard. You see Kabren Bloodeye and a few of his cronies shearing a jug under a vacant stall. He watches as you and Harn make your way up the street.
AAremeth:
Laurel's cloakroom is so much less cluttered than your own. You can hear coughing coming from her shop front. She either didn't hear you or is to busy to answer as you get no reply from her. you make your way to the earthy smelling herb shop, and see Laurel busily wrapping poultices for her present customer in burlap.
Across the river:
After much pulling the ferry finally arrives on the bank Kendell pats Nikolae on the shoulder for a job well done. The boatman looks on awaiting
those who wish to board.
Trevor & Harn:
Those waiting in line seem to have genuine need. Nora and the kids make room for you on the porch. Owen sees you through the window waves and heads for the door.
All right then all aboard dats coming aboard. The soggy boatman looks wore out and ready to be somewhere dry. Mister Snorgen hops on to the barge, his cheeks a bit flushed from the brandy.
Owen opens the door. Hey Harn, Trevor. How are you both today? Are yall feeling ill, you both look ok. Owen is a about a year younger then you Trevor he has often tagged along with you guys when he has had the opportunity. My uncle just went over to Laurels he is going to see if there is anything to be done about the sickness.
"Nah, we ain't sick. Just doing the same as your uncle, hoping ta see about a cure and what we can be doing ta hand it out ta those who need it", Harn responds in his deep voice as he slightly hunches under the overhang of the porch, having had to lean his still sheathed axe against a beam in order to be able to fit on the patio.
Well I'm sure if you are looking to help find out if there is anything you can do. These folks would be happy to let you pass. It's not quite the same as cutting in line is it? Owen says brightly, using all his boyish charm on Mrs. Popiyun. She looks at her sick children, and quietly nods. fearing her voice may give way to sobs if she speaks.
The smell of burnt earth and spicy incense chokes the air of the cramped, mud-tracked shop. Bunches of dried herbs hang from the cealing, along with dangling pots, presses, assorted aperatuses, and glassware of more arcane purposes. Pouches of plants, jars of colored glass, and all manner of dried, preserved, and jellied animal parts fill high shelves and tables doing double duty as displays and workspaces. In the rear of the shop, a rail thin woman with savere looking specktacles, and braided hair pulled backtightly. She busies herself between an overpacked rack of herbs, a table covered in stray powders and measuring equipment, and a pot loudly bubbling over with thick gray froth.
Lady Laurel, Priestess Shana sends her blessing. Can we talk in private?
As they move closer to her, silently acknowledging Aaremeth's presence. He continues: No need to scare the good people any more than they already are. The Priestess would like to know if you have any knowledge of what's going on and how to banish it. She offers her complete help and support. Me and Harn are concerned too and are at your service.
Trevor wonders just how bad the situation is and carefully study Laurel's features:
Sense Motive: .
It is not hard to tell that Laurel is tired, worried, and a little upset with what she has discovered. She points at an old tome on the table. Looking around and seeing no children inside, she lowers her voice, but doesn't make any inside the shop leave Its Blackscour Taint. Blackscour is a fungus, and if you drink it. It can make you real sick, can even kill ya. I never heard of it growing around here, but somehow it has gotten in the water supply. You get the taint mold starts growing in your belly and chest.Can cut up your guts real good trying to hack the stuff out. All I can do is try and keep the symptoms from getting to severe. Grandma's book Has a cure, but I don't have three of the key ingredients. rare hoodoo type ingredients.Elderwood moss, never even heard of it, but granny's book says it grows only on the oldest tree in the forest. A pickled root called Rats Tail, and I need seven Ironbloom mushrooms, stunty little things that are fond of ore deposits, I hear they are a favorite among the dwarven folk.
Lueck, Nikolae, and Rufus:
You make your way across the swift flowing river in the ferry. It goes quicker with Nikolae and Lueck pitching in. As you approach the Falcons hollow bank the rain begins to let up going from the steady downpour it has been to a lighter yet constant shower. when you arrive at the pier Mister Snorgen bids you good day, and points you in the direction of the local inn Jak'a' Napes. You have arrived soaked to the bone and muddy at last. Johan says Welcome to the Holla boys. Thanks fer tha hand cross tha river.
Yes, a little luxury sounds good about now. We'll head over to the inn. Is anyone else from the caravan heading that way?
Harn simply listened to the wise herbalist as she listed what she needed. He had never heard of any of the things she mentioned, but if they had to visit the oldest tree in the forest, and the stories of what lived there were true, then they might possibly need a bit of help. Speaking up when Laural was finished, the large lumberjack says, "I'm sure Trevor, in his new-fangled way would be glad ta help. And if valor is gonna be helping out, then so is bravery!" Thumbing his chest with his fist he then says, "Though before we go, Bravery could use a drink. What do ya say Trevor, how about taking a visit ta the inn so we can get a drink, and meet those visitors ya was so interested ta meet."
OK, so that's it: Elderwood moss, Rat's Tail and Ironbloom mushrooms. Sounds simple, though we have no way to recognize them. Do you have drawings?
To Harn: If we are to go deep in the Vale, I need to get a few items from Brickasnurd's before we leave.
Looking at Aaremeth: What do you say? We can use all the help we can. It could only be a few free or discounted items. But numbers is safety in the Vale.
Diplomacy:
Thinking of Harn's last comment regarding the visitors, he adds: New's new I guess. But we'll hear from the rest of the world. Maybe this plague is not just hitting us, maybe they found a simpler cure somewhere. Or maybe we'll just meet some nice people who are looking for adventure and could be convinced to accompany us on ours. At the very least, we'll enjoy a nice evening, swapping stories, drinking good ale, before we set out for the dark, cold, wet, dangerous Vale... So, I'll meet you at the Jak'a' Napes after I finish packing my bag. I too can use a drink!
I could use a know local, geography, and nature rolls from those in the shop if they have those skills.
I'll join you, Lueck. I need a good fire to dry my socks!
Rufus starts sludging his way through the mud and the muck towards the inn.