"I don't know where the father himself is, but his emissary awaits me at Bokken's Trading Post. I could see about having his tribesmen keep him sequestered away, he might be the chiefs son but even he didn't speak to highly of him. Once he learns of his son's murders I'm sure that some punishment will be meated out." Raff finishes tying the man up best he can and adds. "Though... I doubt they would question it if the lords of this land wanted to punish him before he's returned."
Veronica nods as Ezekial speaks. "I agree. And it sets a bad precedent for us. What if someone else contracts lycanthropy through no fault of their own in the future? If they think we'll just execute them, it will push them to remain hidden and avoid asking for help. Instead of coming forward looking for a cure, they'll try to hide and continue to kill people. How we deal with this, now, will affect how we deal with problems like this in the future."
"Mandatory inspections then?" Raff hefts the tied up unconscious man over his shoulder. "The full brunt of lycanthropy might not have set in yet. Maybe no one got bit, better safe than sorry though."
"Interrogate him first, see if anyone got away that he recalls. I'd rather not bring out the Chelish Inquisition on an unhappy community."
-Posted with Wayfinder
"If we keep him a day, I can prepare a spell that will compel the truth from him, though he might simply not remember," says Veronica.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
"No one expects the Chelish Inquisition."
Jax helps Raff bind the man. "No one has reported any attacks. I'll send men to canvas the town and confirm, but I don't think there's much risk that he's spread his affliction. I'll keep him secure until morning or whenever you're ready for him."
Jax and the guards then prepare to transport the man to the jail. "Get some sleep - where ever you can. Speaking of which, we really do need to build an inn. And a tavern for that matter. There's no where for a man to sleep or drink ... ain't right."
Corax shrugs, "I don't disagree with anything you say. But, I plan on getting out of here. And I plan on doing so with my pockets full of gold if I can. You see, it may be tranquil here, but back home, we got nothing but cold, hunger and oppression. On the frontier, it's kill or be killed. If you get an opportunity like this - you take it. You'd best learn that if you and your colony are to survive."
He then sighs stares at the cross roads, "Let's get on with it then. Which way?"
"Let's escort Raff back to Bokken's. We will take Aldarion to the stream and collect Larisa on the way and hit up the kobolds on the way back. Erastil take that faerie if she has harmed one hair on her head."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Larisa nods in agreement, retrieving her clothing with muted disappointment. Accepting they were as dry as they were going to get she slings her cloak around her shoulders and picks up her weapon.
"I hope you understand, Corax that while I will do everything in my power to ensure that you are returned to your family, if the Green Man seeks retribution for whatever you do here I will not interven." She says before examining the paths around her, choosing the northern path, heading for the Thorn hedges. "If you want to be an adventurer so bad though, how about we see what's hiding behind that thorn bush.
Seres spends the down time in research, expanding his knowledge of the First World and its denizens. He speaks with settlers and those more familiar with the Stolen Lands, gathering stories of their encounters with fey and other creatures. If time allows, he visits his aunt to learn from her as well. Through this, Seres learns more of the Eldest, particularly Ng, the Hooded. He discovers a close synergy with Ng's portfolio, and starts giving ritualistic obedience to the Eldest, including wearing a hooded cloak and wearing a single, silvered gauntlet.
Raff spends his down time researching a more effective cure for lycanthropy than pure wolvesbane, perhaps a wolvesbane based tonic. Should he fail to find anything by the next full moon, he will give the wolf-man a small dose of wolvesbane and hope for the best.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Raff, assume that you've fully researched lycanthropy cures prior to beginning the hunt. You know that wolf's bane is your best option.
You enter an area surrounded by a thick thorn hedge that is 12' high and 3' thick. Inside is a rose arbor with 8' high bushes of red roses around which smooth grass walkways wind. The air is heavy and sweet with the perfume of the blooms, while bees and butterflies abound and many exotically colored birds can be seen and heard among the shrubs.
You find the perfume strangely intoxicating. Greaves and Aeron both collapse to their knees.
The path continues north of the shrubbery.
"Ey, Conner was it? Can't really head to Bokken's without this guy cured. That's what his dad wanted anyway. If you'd like, I could stay for a while while I work on curing him. Maybe offer some of my expertise to you and your community in exchange?"
Larisa breaths in the perfume, admiring the flowers before she recoils for a moment as the intoxicating aroma fills her lungs. With a cough she forces herself to shake off the effects as two of the men collapse. "Come on, let's keep moving." She says, pushing through the haze with a determined expression on her face as she forges a path north, hoisting one of the men over her shoulder in a fireman carry. "Grab the other one." She says to the other man still standing as she hurries to exit the sweet smelling area.
"If we hang on to him for a few days while we try to cure him, that will give more opportunities to use my truthtelling spell to make sure of whether he relished this change or unwittingly found himself turned into a savage killer," says Veronica. "And it may generate goodwill if people know that we want to cure them of problems like this, rather than just executing them. Then we can figure out how he can undergo repentance and what he can do for the trouble he's caused - whether inadvertently or willingly."
"You can cure him on the way, Raff. He is not staying in the city. You are welcome to travel with us. We leave in the morning to find our friend."
Connor sweeps up his mount and his gear. He grabs the beast's axe and gives it to Seres wrapped in a blanket after Zeke's warning, "See if you or Veronica can figure out what this is. The rest of you, get some rest, and let's pray we are not to late for Larisa,"
Fatigue and stress evident in his shoulders, the cavalier heads to his quarters.
Raff watches as Conner heads off, looking over at Veronica he shrugs and smiles. "Guess I'm with you lot for a bit. So, where should I hole up?"
Veronica nods and says, "I hope you sleep well, Connor." She scrutinizes the axe dubiously and one hand goes unconsciously to her shoulder where it gashed her earlier.
You each retire to your tents for what's left of the night.
The next morning, the first light of dawn reveals a cold and foggy spring morning. The indefatigable Jax is already up and is assisting the first shift guards with strapping Kundal to Raff's horse. You note that the kellid man is deathly pale and struggles with labored breath.
After a short breakfast, you mount up and head north. On the edge of New Hope you spot the wagon of Jubilost Narthropple in the distance. The gnome comes out of the wagon and salutes you with his heavy pick as you ride by.
After a half day of travel across the Kamelands, you arrive at Bokken's trading post. You are surprised to find that the palisades have been completely rebuilt and mercenaries with crossbows patrol the grounds. The guards watch you wearily as you enter the open gates but make no attempt to stop you. Within the walls, you find that Oleg's home has been replaced by a large stone work shop with a wooden inn and tavern built next to it. On the first floor of the inn, you find Bokken deep in conversation with a half dozen patrons. He looks up at you with surprise. "Our lords from New Hope! We are graced by royalty my friends!"
He performs a mock bow as the patrons laugh.
With effort, you and Corax drag the weakened loggers from the arbor. The men stare forlornly at the gardens around them.
You see that the path continues north to what appears to be a large hedge maze. A grass path leads into the shadows of the maze.
Corax looks at you wearily. "This is a fey trap."
"No doubt," Larisa says, gently lowering her passanger to the ground. "But I fear we have no other option but to go forward, I wager the rules of this place don't allow for backtracking." Taking a few minutes to let everyone catch their breath and rest, Larisa examines the maze with a suspicious eye. "You wanted to explore and find riches Corax, let's see how this path of yours fairs." She says once Corax and the others have recovered, leading them into the shadows of the maze, wary of danger.
Seres joins the others as they leave in the morning, seeming more distracted than usual.
"You mock your benefactors, Bokken? Not the smartest decision. Of course, you aren't really known for your keen wit..."
Bokken's smile turns to a look of annoyance at Seres's quip. "Did you come here to buy something or just to insult me? You will find I have greatly expanded my stock of potions and magical items. Or would our new lords like some more herbal liquor so that they may continue the Stag Lord's tradition of rule through inebriation?"
As you enter the maze you find time and distance begin to distort around you. The thorn hedges seem to shift of their own accord and adjust the maze around you. After what seems like an entire day of traversing the hedges, you finally come upon a central clearing.
Within the clearing is a sun dial held up by a clawed hand carved from stone. The dial seems to indicate that it is high noon, though looking up, you see no burning orb above you. On the flat part of the dial are four impressions in the stone in the shape of garden plants. Corax studies the impressions for a second and then identifies each one. "Oak leaf, dog-rose flower, mistletoe and a shamrock. What does it mean?"
Raff raises an eyebrow at Bokkens last sentence "Herbal liquor?" Raff's voice quivers a bit as he speaks the words, clearly wanting for a stiff drink.
Veronica folds her arms, raises an eyebrow, and says, "Do you happen to have a concoction that will cure lycanthropy?"
"I'm not sure," Larisa says as she examins the dias, trying to think of any symbolic meaning the plants might have.
"The nature of this places is, odd. Is it just me or are you having some trouble keeping track of time?"
Raff straighten's up after he realizes that veronica just asked the question he should have been asking. "Y-yeah! That too." shuffling his feet a bit in embarrassment, he feels his coin pouch. Finding that its probably a bit light for such a cure.
Bokken nods and smiles at Raff, "Aye, I have the best herbal liquor this side of Daggermark."
He walks over to the bar and retrieves a bottle of green liquid and hands it to Raff. "The first bottle is on the house."
Bokken shrugs and smiles at Veronica. "Wolvesbane is the only cure to lycanthropy that I know of. I have some for sale if you're interested."
He then frowns. "I heard rumors of werewolves in the area a while back. You haven't seen any around here, have you?"
Corax nods at Larisa, "Aye, fey magic is at work here. I feel like these damn hedges are closing in on us."
Your recollection of forest plants confirms Corax's assessment of the plant type. You believe that you have seen at least one of the plant types in the garden, but you don't recall where.
Corax than turns to you in desperation. "Please, can we leave?"
You note that he is beginning to sweat nervously.
Raff takes the bottle from Bokken, Eyeing it for moment he shakes the urge to guzzle it for just long enough to say. "Thanks, but I already got wolvesbane, prefer not to risk it. Know anybody that might know anything?" Raff then uncorks the bottle and drains it faster than one would think physically possible. "*Burb* Ah..."
"Bokken, your very presence grates on me. Although at least you arent as crazy as Dokken." Connor pauses to gauge his reaction.
"Anyhow, let's avoid pleasantries and stick to business. Anything new of value worth perusing?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
Bokken and the patrons all gape in awe as Raff tips and then proceeds to drain the bottle. The room then erupts into claps and cheers. Bokken only shakes his head. "Son, you're more fool than that drunken Stag Lord. I pray you also have his constitution. Shall we establish an arrangement to provide you a regular supply of liquor?"
Raff has tasted better liquour but he is quite impressed by the potency.
Bokken fumes at the mention of his brother. "Fools, I asked you to find my brother Davik, not Dokken." He then pauses to hold up his right hand to display his missing pinky finger. "That bastard cut that off me the last time he hit my mother, Desna rest her soul. But he took off right after to live in a hollow tree down south rather than face the guards, so I guess it all worked out well enough. I would stay away from my murderous twin if I were you."
He then regains his composure as he addresses Ezekial. "Sir, you will find magical wares of all types for sale in my shop. Anything I don't have I can order from Rostland."
Larisa runs a hand through her hair, thinking about the plants as she struggles to recall where she'd seen them. "Of course this wasn't going to be easy." She says to herself, noting Corax's distress. "What's wrong?" Larisa says, looking at the hedge walls. "It's a bit creepy but it's fine," She begins to say before his desperation begins to become apparent. "Though, perhaps some fresh air would do you good, let's go. We can always return later."
Maybe once we've tracked down the plants we need.
Veronica nods in acknowledgement of Raff's comment and says, "We're stocked up for wolfsbane, thanks. As for rumors about werewolves, you can tell the rumor-monger so that the only werewolf we know about has been captured and this... hearty bounty hunter will be removing him from these parts."
She watches Raff down the entire hug incredulously, then adds, "That... can't be healthy. Bokken, do you happen to have any alchemist's kindness in stock? He's going to need it."
So Raff has a -2 on all mental stats takes 3d8 non-lethal damage and will black out in hours, best I can tell.
Raff stumbles a little as he feels some of the booze hit him earlier than expected. "That's some strong stuff... Not the best tastin, but not bad, maybe we can work somethin out." Looking around him at the amazed onlookers Just shrugs. "Don't usually drink that much, so no doubt I'ma black out in a bit. Already feel the shtuff creepin up on me, was probably'a bad idea." Leaning over to the nearest member of the group Raff whispers into their ear. "Careful, I've been told I'm an angry drunk."
Veronica claps Raff on the shoulder and says, "We'll keep that anger for our next bad guy, eh?"
Connor glances at Raff disapprovingly, "Aren't we here to see off your ward? Go sleep off your idiocy, we will feed the beast man his cure and turn him over for you."
Turning to the others, "Let's conclude our business and meet back up in an hour, say?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
Raff brushes Conner's comment off with little concern. "Eck, He ain't my ward, he's here to collect my mark, I still got a while till the booze has it's claws all the way into me anyways. Seems that wolvesbane'll be the only way to cure 'em though... See you'all in while, gonna get my work done 'for the liquor takes me out." With that Raff turns and lightly stumbles towards the horses, pulling his alongside him towards the nearest place of rest.
Bokken shakes his head at Ezekial. "I'll give you half what it's worth and you can use that to help pay for the kukri you want. I'm a business man my friend - I need to make a profit."
After several more hours you are able to find your way out of the hedge maze. You see that the path continues north, or you may backtrack south to the crossroads.
Veronica notes to Raff before he can go, "If you're going to give him the wolfsbane now, let me come along and make sure it doesn't kill him. He's already badly wounded, the shock to his system might put him over the edge."
Raff motions for Veronica too follow him after she finishes. "Thanks for the catch." He adds after they get out of earshot. "Swear I'm not usually like that, just been a while since I had a drink."
After being healed up to consciousness by Veronica and then beaten up by Raff, Kundal snarls as he is forced to ingest the wolvesbane brew. "Where are you? How did I get here? What is this foul poison?"
The muscled Kellid man then begins to thrash and convulse as his eyes roll back into his head and white foam appears at his mouth. After several moments the seizure ends and he becomes still - but yet you see that he still breathes. You know that he has survived the wolvesbane and has been freed of the lycanthropy.
Veronica lets out a breath that she didn't know that she was holding. "I think it worked," she exclaims. "The curse is broken. Now he needs rest... and to know what has happened." She straightens up and says, "Thank you for your help, er, Raff."