Oh the Hollow isn't quite like the rest of Andoran, you see here the consortium is all powerful. They rule as if they were nobles and the people there serfs. It has been this way for along time, and will probably stay this way for even longer. Snorgen sighs Trevor over there was sold to Master Denko when he was just a wee lad. He was meant to be an indentured servant in name mind you, but folks know how Denko treats his servants, and slave would be the more appropriate term. Well Trevor and Denko's youngest daughter had always been friends she tried to protect him from her father. This blossomed into young love. When Denko discovered them he was outraged. She told Trevor to run as she had many times saving him from beatings. This time Denko struck out at his daughter. He killed her! Of course it was an accident so everyone says. I know he did it on purpose though. Trevor was taken in by the temple, and Denko's hate has reached an all new high ole "Thin Ben" has even got Kreed thinking of doing something more drastic then he has tried. Snorgen tips back his cup draining the contents[/b] Kreed is the Gavel of the consortium; that makes him lord of the land round here, Denko is his second basically. They don't let anything take hold that may be a challenge to their power. Look at the poor magistrate he does his best, but he knows what would happen if he started going against the consortium. Shana was behind the election of the sheriff. They see her as the source of their troubles.[/b] Snorgen quickly stops talking as Wilina comes with your tray of food. The stew was excellent, but the roast mutton before you looks exquisite. You have a feeling that if Jak'a'Napes wasn't at the edge of the realm it may be much more well known.
Oh the Hollow isn't quite like the rest of Andoran, you see here the consortium is all powerful. They rule as if they were nobles and the people there serfs. It has been this way for along time, and will probably stay this way for even longer. Snorgen sighs Trevor over there was sold to Master Denko when he was just a wee lad. He was meant to be an indentured servant in name mind you, but folks know how Denko treats his servants, and slave would be the more appropriate term. Well Trevor and Denko's youngest daughter had always been friends she tried to protect him from her father. This blossomed into young love. When Denko discovered them he was outraged. She told Trevor to run as she had many times saving him from beatings. This time Denko struck out at his daughter. He killed her! Of course it was an accident so everyone says. I know he did it on purpose though. Trevor was taken in by the temple, and Denko's hate has reached an all new high ole "Thin Ben" has even got Kreed thinking of doing something more drastic then he has tried. Snorgen tips back his cup draining the contents Kreed is the Gavel of the consortium; that makes him lord of the land round here, Denko is his second basically. They don't let anything take hold that may be a challenge to their power. Look at the poor magistrate he does his best, but he knows what would happen if he started going against the consortium. Shana was behind the election of the sheriff. They see her as the source of their troubles. Snorgen quickly stops talking as Wilina comes with your tray of food. The stew was excellent, but the roast mutton before you looks exquisite. You have a feeling that if Jak'a'Napes wasn't at the edge of the realm it may be much more well known.
AAremeth smiles as the boys start to get some fire in them, perhaps they just needed a sip of something stout to put them in motion.If no one else wants to do the splunking I don't mind in the least, I would be little good at pulling someone back out of the hole once they are down there. We may also be able to pull the censor out of the water as well, I managed to get it in the bucket fairly easily, that said It was still inserted in the wall rather securely I have an Idea about that though. Aaremeth left enough silver on the table to cover the meal, the wine and another moderate tip. He might seem tight pouched to some but he came often enough that he could have paid Jak and Wilina's rent on his own.
Aaremeth reached into his coat and felt for the vials that he needed yes those would do nicely indeed.
Though not looking forward to go outside, Harn had always been a man of action, so was eager to get the job done. Going with the others, he followed Aaremeth to the well where he had found the censure. Noting the nightfall, he thinks a bit before he says, "We should try ta make this quick. If we are gonna meet up with the man at the lumberyards, then we'll have to leave a little early. Like I said before, it's about a days travel from here to there, so it might be good if we can get there as the sun goes down."
As Trevor meets with the others at the well, he says quietly: I have my rope and a hook, if we need it. Me and Harn could easily lower someone down the well, but we need a lookout. AAremeth, you DID say that the sheriff knew about our endeavor, right?
Perception to see what's about around the well:
The sherrif Knows that the three of us will be going to look for the ingridents for the cure and that I intended on seeing if I couldn't find a sample of what was wrong with the water in the first place, I also told him that we would likely look for others at Jak's. So I think we will be fine as far as being undersuspicion, at least as far as the sherriff is concerned. Rope should be all that we require for now and the rope from the bucket should suffice for now, I'd think.I am sure that the fellas are good for watching our backs at the very least long enough to see me pulled out of the well. If we can make short work of the wells I am more than ready to leave. Just have to pick up quicksilver from the stable and grab my back pack.
When you get to the well; I am assuming you guys are starting with the one by the market, you see the area practically deserted. You can hear raucous sounds coming from the Rouge Lady. You see a sign in simple script it says boil water before drinking.
"Ok AAremeth, I'll lower you down using the rope and bucket from the well. Did you plan on removing the censor or simply neutralizing it or its content? Can someone be ready with some weapon in case something springs from the water... Oh don't look at me like that! Who knows what we're up against."
Trevor is using the winch from the well, if there's one of course. He place his rope and hook by his side in case he needs them fast.
"How will you see down there?"
Strength check:
That thing is slippery!
Some... one... give... me... a... hand!
Aaremeth double checked the rope and the bucket, He with drew the sunrod from earlier and it still had quite a while on it to go, He set the light in the bucket and got ready to be lowered, He trusted them and if all else failed there was a chain to hang on to while they lowered another rope down.
"I intend on removing the censor and most of the chain. I am going to check the symbol above the chain before I mess with anything down there, can't be to careful after all. as for something springing from the water, I suppose I will try to choke it on the way down its gullet.
Moving over to help out with the rope, Harn gets a good solid grip as he says "What we need magic for? All we hafta do is haul up a censure and we got plenty o' strength here fer that. Not sure how you all do it in the big city, but here we do things tha old fashioned way. Wit' sweat and blood."
Str Check to aid another in order to keep the descent steady for Aaremath:
Nikolae and Harn quickly move to help Trevor lower AAremeth down the well. Lueck keeps an eye out for anyone approaching. Everything goes fine as AAremeth slides down the well. When you get down to where the chain is secured to the wall, you see the same symbol carved into the rock as appears on the censor. You can tell that with a little work you can pull the eyelet from the wall. it seems to be where two rocks meet.
AAremeth reached over in a fool hardy fashion grabbed the chain and realized it would pose little opposition, He held the chain and pulled wanting to keep some distance between him and the censor he let it dangle as they pulled him back up.
Alright boys all clear down here. He said with chain in hand.
After he made it clear of the well he would pull the censor out as well.
you may want to back away gentlemen we can't be certain of what direct exsposure will do. He said pulling up the mouth cover of leather dangling about his face. ok, now what? He then places the censor in the bucket after a bit of shrewd and somehow creepy advice, he might have to keep an eye on that Nikolae after all.
He peers at the device trying to make out the intricies of such an ominus item.
ok you make it back up the well without incident. When you look at the censor you can see it has a latch near the top of it. A strange script is engraved on it, you also see the fly with the skull in its back. When you open the sensor you find a bundle with the same fly and skull pattern stitched along the border, you unfold it to find a clump of black mold with white flakes in it, you assume it to be Blackscour fungus.
"Sorry about that AAremeth! I'll get a better footing next time. Let's get to the next well. I suggest we finish with those nearest the Consortium buildings."
Trevor starts walking towards the closest well.
Knowledge (geography):
no harm no foul, the important part is that I made it out of the well, the symbol over the chain was the same as that on the censor. He said pointing to fly and skull . He deftly dumps the blackscour fungus into an empty pouch and then carries ther chain along. no point in taking it out of the well if we don't get rid of it propperly.
the elf furrowed his brow as dark thoughts of serving justice came to mind, how many had died do to the careless evil that had done this? He wouldn't tell the others but he knew the proper placr to dispose of this fungi, and it was in the mouths of those that had put the censors in the well. He couldn't help but imagine that the consortium hafd a hand in this, was this the extreme measures that snorgen had mentioned that kreed had been talked into, or was it that child murdering bastards doing? All said and done perhaps they needed the taint whether they were guilty or not. The time for a koo was certainly neigh.
Aaremeth followed along even as the wicked thoughts rolled through his mind.
"Yeah, don't ya worry too much about how this might look. We got the right type o' law on our side so even if the Consortium tries to blame this whole fiasco on us, we got our own support. Besides, three of us here are know as decent folk and though we ain't known each other long, ya'all seem like good folks so I'll vouch fer ya." Harn adds to Aaremeth's statement as the group makes their way to the next well.
Lueck keeps Snorgen's glass filled. "So, the Consortium thinks it is all powerful, eh? I suppose the distant nobles are satisfied as long as they get their darkwood for their furniture and such. But that is still a dangerous attitude to have. I would think if they are trafficking in slaves, or near slaves, they might need to be less worried about Shana and more concerned with an agent of Desna or Cayden coming along." After a bit of the mutton, he adds "By the gods' bounty! This is amazing! Whatever they seasoned this with, I want the same thing sprinkled on my grave when the time comes!" He raises a glass to Snorgen. "May that still be quite some time for both of us. Quietly again, Lueck goes on. "You seem quite a decent fellow, if I may say so. How is it you come to work for such men? Does the magistrate and sheriff need to fear the Kreed and his men so much? Do they hold that much power and numbers?"
As the group approaches the next well, Trevor stops to get a feel for the area.
Perception:
You have a bit of a foreign look to you Lueck, so you may not know, But Andoran doesn't have nobles. They don't tolerate slaves either, but here in this backwater things are not so cut and dry I'm afraid, actually nothing is dry right now. Snorgen laughs heartily at his own bad joke. Whipping away a tear from his eye when he catches his breath he says, Oh, I think I have had enough of this! He smiles as he moves the cup toward the center of the table. Yes, yes the food here at Jak's is very good his wife is a wonderful cook.He nods in agreement with your wish for long life. Well thank you Lueck. You are a good sort yourself. Well I had grander dreams as a young man, I always had plans of opening a library. I wanted to have a small academy of learning.I took a job with the consortium. I have always been good with numbers and scribe work. I thought A few years, and I would start on my Library, but it never seemed to happen. I don't much care for Kreed, but to be honest I'm afraid to just quit. he sighs mournfully Oh, I don't think the sheriff fears Kreed at all. He does the best he can. He hasn't been at it terribly long. I fear he is going to stand up to Kreed, and end up dead though. He does have the power and numbers to fear. The magistrate could be a good fellow I am sure of it, but he is more afraid of Kreed than I am.Snorgen sits back a little askew You know Lueck I think that brandy has gone to my head. I warned you I don't drink often, and I think instead of heading back up the hill in this muck I am going to take a room here for the night. Yes, I think that is a sound idea. He nods.
As you all walk down the riverfront road toward the warehouse well the fog tendrils up from the bank, and across the road. You leave behind the sounds of The Rouge Lady, the only sound now the rushing current and the squish, splook, squish, splook of your boots in the muddy rut of a road. By the time you near the well AAremeth's sunrod's light is diffusing in the fog an odd orangish tinge as it envelops all that surrounds you.
Trevor you notice a few of the huts curtains move as you approach weather it is curious folks peeking out, or fearful ones pulling shut their blinds you are uncertain.
May this well be free of tampering. 'Cause what would it mean if it were corrupted? How bad is it for the Hollow, if someone, or some group, has taken the care to go to that extent? Furthermore, if this well is corrupted, then we'll need to take a look at the Consortium's. We'll surely need the Sheriff on our side. I need to tell Priestess Shana about all this! The Gavel is mad, Denko is the whisperer and she will be the innocent victim, like Rafan was. Iomedae! Please still my soul, that I see the righteous path ahead!
Trevor shudders in the rain. He whispers: "AAremeth, let me know if you need a hand. Do you see something?"
Mr. Snorgen, you have been a delight to sup with. I appreciate your kindness and humor; it does make a fellow welcome when the weather certainly doesn't! There is nothing wrong with a dream, and you never know what is or is not too late to follow it through. Perhaps I am just being young and idealistic, but I hope you do find that library that would bring you such satisfaction.
Lueck will help see Snorgen to his room. Once he is sure Snorgen will be okay for the evening, he'll leave the remainder of the bottle where Snorgen is sure to find it in the morning. Lueck will rejoin the rest of the group with their well diving.
AAremeth carries along forward to the well even in the odd orange glow, once they arive at the well he will atempt to. Peer down the well. Nikolae you seemed to think our well splunking a bit of a rushed idea, did you have a different way to procede? Aaremeth will grab the rope for lowering buckets and tie off a loop for his foot.
Harn keeps an eye open for any other people on the muddy streets as the group arrives at the next well. Letting Aaremeth handle the logistics of how to extract the censure, if there is one, Harn simply keeps watch unless asked to do something else.
Lueck will help keep a watch while the well spelunking goes on. He's certainly not the strongest of the group, nor the most agile.
Something about that symbol strikes a cord with me. I know it has to do with some religion, but I simply can't recall it. Do any of you locals know anyone who might be versed in such things?
"I'll ask priestess Shana when we pass by the temple. She's Iomedae's servant and has been sheltering and training me. Still, Nikolae's words should caution us. What if it's a lure to get us going after the wrong guys?"
Asking Shana sounds like a good idea. It can't hurt us to learn about it. We will just take care as you say not to be trapped by assumptions.
The second trip down the well goes even smoother than the first one down. Once again AAremeth finds a censor in the wall, and a carving in the wall above it. He takes a moment working around the eyelet getting it loose, but has it in the bucket in no time. The fog now thickens and makes your field of vision only about ten to fifteen feet. You all notice the rain had stopped. AAremeth finds the censor to be the same as the first adding the fungus inside to his pouch.
The next well on our list is near the temple. I'll ask priestess Shana about the skullfly when we get there. Aaremeth, do you think it would be the right time to inform Sheriff Baleson of your discovery?
Trevor takes a quiet survey of their surroundings as the group moves on.
Trevor you sense you are being watched. the hair in the back of your neck stands on end. While you don't see, or hear anything at the moment you can't help but feel the presence of eyes upon you.
Trevor makes sure his axe and javelin are easily accessible. Something's wrong. He whispers softly to Harn: "I feel we're being watched. Stay alert."
To the group, as well as onlookers who might be wondering, he adds, trying to give some legality to their endeavor: We'll pass by the Sheriff's on the way to the high market. We'll then be able to inform him of AAremeth's discovery.
Diplomacy:
Lueck will take a javelin off of his pack after switching his club to his offhand. The change in climate did seem odd, even for this remote place.
|
Nikolae moves along with the others, having no familiarity with this town. The notion that they are being observed, perhaps by those who have worked to poison this community, sends a shiver down his spine, which only serves to remind him how cold, wet and miserable it is out here.
He peers around for a sign of any lurking onlookers, particularly those of a more exotic nature, such as a wizard's familiar, but between the darkness and the drizzle, can barely see past his own nose.
Perception
Listening to the words that Trevor whispers to him, Harn scans the area around the well more intently, putting his eyes and ears to use, though it is difficult in the rainy conditions.
Perception:
Ignoring any spooks from the foggy night AAremeth continues on with his poking around with the well. He peers down the well to take a good look.
perception
Since the rest of the gentleman seem to be occupied AAremeth lowers the bucket into the water attempting to repeat his trick of getting the censor in the bucket if there is one.
- Trevor
- AAremeth
- Harn
- Nikolae
- Lueck
Round 1 map
As you all look out into the fog taking heed of Trevor's feeling you notice three robed figure's in the fog Each holds a sickle in hand. In a rasping voice the center figure says You mettle in the affairs of the Princess. You shall be punished! they move to engage you all.
The robed figure who hollers rushes at Trevor with his sickle in hand. Viciously he swipes at Trevor. In his zeal he misses whiffing the jagged blade near inches from Trevor's face.
Lueck runs around to AY -285 as a move action, going around Nikolae and Aaremeth. Standard action, throw javelin at cultist 11. Am I correct in thinking that it was cultist 2 that attacked Trevor?
Damage
Lueck rushes past AAremeth and Nikolae javelin in hand. He hurls his javelin at the robed figure closest to the river. his adrenalin gets the best of him as his javelin soars over his targets shoulder into the fog.
Trevor hisses through his teeth as the scythe misses him: It's nice to finally meet those responsible for the somber fate of so many of our kinsmen. Taste the blades of Hollow's defenders!
Swift: Smite Evil +2 H +1 D (+2 if undead)
SA: Axe on cultist 2
Greataxe: to hit
Damage
MA: 5 foot-step to AY-284
Looking at the cultist in the back, Trevor hopes that his movement will draw his attacks and keep AAremeth from direct confrontation.
Spotting the sickles that each robed figure wields, Harn grins as he says, "Thank's to ya! Not often that I get a chance ta be using my axe!" Rushing the northernmost cultist, Harn draws his axe as he does, and brings it slicing down on the cultist.
After Lueck: