Lupre

[Darithe]

Mave

Mave does her best to suppress a giggle as Thena implies that Mr. Tallow is responsible for the attack on the town. She liked the cut to the quick of things nature of Thena and knew they would continue to get along quite well. "What can we do for you?" she repeats the man's words back to him, "Indeed, what can we do for you? And are you going to be totally open with us when you answer Thena's question? Oh and charmed to meet you Mr. Tallow. I am Mave Gallowhawk of House Gallowhawk," and she points to Bryne, "And that is Lady Bryne Valshire of House Valshire," and then pointing to Torvik, "And that is Commander Torvik Shadowhood, representing the rangers of the Horn. And now that we are all good friends, I'll wait for you to answer Thena's question."

[Revenant]

Tallow holds Mave's gaze for a few moments, a small smile playing across his lips, before he starts to speak, "It is an honor to meet with such a reputable group of people. I know your father, Lady Gallowhawk and I knew Lady Valshire's father as well. But before I speak of my and the town's troubles I think it wise that only those who need to know, hear what I have to say." He looks about the table, "Perhaps it best I only speak with the representatives of the two houses and the commander, and perhaps Thena as I know she represents the Church of Tempus, as what I am about to say is rather sensitive in nature and the fewer who know its particulars...the better. And perhaps Thena, your father could show us to a private room?" He then glances about the table his eyes falling upon Wilwarin, "And whom do you represent milady?"

[GreyWolfVT]

Torvik raises an eyebrow "Eh? An what 'bout tha lady knight Morwen? She represents tha paladins of Kelemvor. She also be a daughter of tha vale. Might she be allowed to come with us ta this private room Mr. Tallow?" the dwarf asks.

[Revenant]

Morwen looks surprised as Torvik requests her presence. Liviel interjects, "My father died for whatever was in the guildhouse, and I intend to be a part of this regardless of what you think."

Tallow mulls the request and Liviel's statement for a few moments before adding, "Liviel your father was a member of the merchant guild same as I. And as his heir, I have no objection to you joining us." Then looking to Morwen, "Yes I agree, the knights of eternal order should be involved in this...considering what my men found. So yes the lady is welcome."

[spanningtree]

Thena

Very well...

Gets up, strides to the bar and asks her fathers permission to use the "business" meeting room in the back. Assuming confirmation, she will show everyone to the back room and ask those that remain to stay and enjoy their meals: This won't take long...

[The Bindoner]

Wilwayaisawén

Tallow holds Mave's gaze for a few moments, a small smile playing across his lips, before he starts to speak, "It is an honor to meet with such a reputable group of people. I know your father, Lady Gallowhawk and I knew Lady Valshire's father as well. But before I speak of my and the town's troubles I think it wise that only those who need to know, hear what I have to say." He looks about the table, "Perhaps it best I only speak with the representatives of the two houses and the commander, and perhaps Thena as I know she represents the Church of Tempus, as what I am about to say is rather sensitive in nature and the fewer who know its particulars...the better. And perhaps Thena, your father could show us to a private room?" He then glances about the table his eyes falling upon Wilwarin, "And whom do you represent milady?"

Wilwarin returns a steady gaze:

I am acting on behalf of Magh Meall, on a confidential matter. That the trail led me here suggests your troubles and my problem are linked. I am forming the opinion that there is one conspiracy manifesting in apparently separate crimes.

[Rex]

Bryne

"A private room is an excellent idea, but I think we will all be going. Everyone here is here for a reason. Master Torvik represents the Rangers for example."

[GreyWolfVT]

Torvik tells Morwen in a lower tone "I trust ya, and would like yer input. I know ya belong in this meetin' dun question yerself, you've more stake in this than ya know." then to Mr. Tallow the dwarf merely nods "Good."

[Revenant]

Morwen smiles and places her hand over Torvik's, "Thank you for your confidence sir."

Edmur returns the table and escorts those who are coming to the meeting to a private room (on the Rover map it is in the upper left corner) away from the crowds. Tallow motions to his guards and instructs them to watch the entrance and make sure no one gets close enough to listen.

Torvik, Morwen, Liviel, Mave, Bryne, Wilwarin and Thena all follow Tallow into the private room and you each take seats at the long table, which Thena recalls her father having commissioned from the woodsmen of the Horn. Tallow remains standing at the head of the table as he begins to speak in a slow and steady manner, pausing occasionally for any questions you might have.

"What I am about to say must not leave this room under any circumstances." He pauses until each of you agree to that statement. "Two months past, the men working in my silver mines in Brindleseep were following a vein line when they dug into an opening that led to an previously unknown series of tunnels. Several of my men investigated and one found the item that was brought to my guildhouse within those tunnels. However, as they were leaving they were set upon by a large group of undead. Only a couple made it out alive with the item they found. They resealed the tunnel and stopped mining in that area. The item they found was brought to me and through my research I determined it was an artifact known as the Mourningstar." He pauses and looks to each of you to see if you recognize the name before continuing.

"I don't know how familiar you are with the legends of the Winter of Tears, but one of the Pale One's followers was a priest of the god Myrkul called the Father of Worms," Tallow says and at the mention of Myrkul, Morwen says, "The Reaper." Tallow nods his head in agreement with Morwen, "Aye the Reaper. The Lord of Bones, the Deathless Lord...he has many names. Well according to legend, when the Pale One was chained to the Mount of Tears, the Father of Worms gathered his followers and escaped to a hidden tomb in the Azads. It is there they sealed the tomb behind them and it is thought found the death they worshipped. Their location was not known until my men found it."

His throat dry he sips from the glass before him before he continues, "They had no idea what they had found. When I realized, I told them to keep watch on the tunnel and cease mining that area. When I realized we found the Mourningstar, I hired adventurers to go back into the tomb and search for other artifacts, that are rumored to lie within."
He pauses and swallows hard, "They went in, but did not return. This was three weeks ago."

He looks to each of you, "And now I have two problems. The Mourningstar has been stolen and I think it only a matter of time before they find out where it came from and seek further...spoils." He stops and looks to each of you.

[Rex]

Bryne

"Do we know what the mourningstar is capable of doing?"

[GreyWolfVT]

Torvik nods his head agreeing with Bryne's question "Aye, what does legend say this mournin'star can do, eh?" the dwarf then surmises "Well if them adventurers ne'er returned then those that be lookin' fer more spoils that stole the mournin'star likely will find tha same fate, right? So, speakin' plainly. What exactly do we fear these folk'll do if they're likely gonna end up dead anyway?"

[spanningtree]

Thena

Nods as Mr. Tallow recounts the tale.... During the barrage of questions that follow she throws in her own: What other artifacts were thought to be buried or lost in the vicinity of Mourningstar? With a brief pause.... It sounds like you were the only one that realized what had been found, if the attack on Lupre was predicated upon this finding who did you tell about it?

[Revenant]

Tallow responds to Bryne, "What I've been able to determine is it enhances the abilities of its wielder and if that wielder is a priest it magnifies their prayers. It also allows whomever holds it, to increased abilities to control or destroy undead. I was able to identify one of those who attacked our city. He was a priest of Myrkul called Tarlech the Corpse Dancer. I believe he now has the Mourningstar."

Tallow's one good eye looks intensely at Torvik, "Because if the ones that go looking for the spoils will now likely include the one who has Mourningstar, they will likely have command of any of the undead within the death chambers...no doubt including what is left of the Father of Worms. Brindleseep is a much smaller town than Lupre. If it is attacked by a large group of undead it will fall and all within it will die, feeding the one wielding Mourningstar with even greater power. This cannot happen."

Morwen bows her head deep in prayer. Liviel exclaims, "How can a small group of little experience like us hope to face these odds?"

Tallow looks to Liviel, "I do not know, but you are our only hope in doing this in a timely manner. I have sent word to the king, but there is scant little time to await a reply. If you take this task upon yourselves you must leave in the morning. For those of you without mounts, I've arranged with the remaining stablemaster to provide you with their best riding horses. Also take any you think might aide in your task, though I would keep the particulars private."

He then turns to Thena, "Aye private as I was unable to do myself. I suspect one or more of the town guards. Though I've been unable to determine who. Thus my reluctance to have many know of this. As to the other artifacts, I only know the names of two others. One is a magical short bow called the Oathbow and the other a shield called Winter's Kiss, though I do not know their abilities they are said to have been wielded by the Father of Worms' lieutenants. Now have you any other questions?"

Morwen looks up from her prayers and states, "This is an abomination to my father. I am bound by my oath to my father to put an end to this."

[Darithe]

Mave

Mave didn't like the sound of this at all. But she was at a loss. At last she remarks, "Perhaps we should try to convince Athan to stave off his visit to Belay until we deal with this matter. It would not put him too far out of the direction he was riding and I think we could use his sword."

[spanningtree]

Thena

Of course, the residents of Brindleseep need help, they don't even know what could potentially be coming. If I recall correctly, Hammerfall is also near there... Taking a sip of ale: I'll secure a mount this eve.


Responding to Mave: Agree'd, trouble heads our way.


OCC: does Thena recall the history of Hammerfall?

[GreyWolfVT]

Torvik look gets very stern and serious "Mr. Tallow I dun doubt tha seriousness now knowin what that mornin'star can do in tha wrong hands. I see tha urgency ere. Thank yah fer providin information an steeds. One last question if we do succeed in this what do ya want us ta do with that mornin'star? Bring it back ta you? What do you wish ta do with it, if ya dun mind my askin sir."

[spanningtree]

Thena

With her gaze sweeping from Torvik to Tallow: Destroy the arm of evil, correct Mr. Tallow?

[Rex]

Bryne

"Something must be done and it seems the fates have placed us in the position of having to try. I will be ready come morning."

[GreyWolfVT]

Torvik "Sorry if I'm bein' too blunt er bein' out of line. I am all fer stoppin' evil and stompin' it inta tha ground. I'm just wonderin' what er we s'posed ta do if we succeed."

[Revenant]

Tallow looks to Thena and nods, "Yes destroy the arm of evil. And bring back the Mourningstar. As to what I mean to do with it should you return it to me...well...it belongs with the king and in the royal armory. It's clear it cannot remain here."

Tallow thinks for several moments before looking at Torvik, "If you succeed, you need to make sure the Mourningstar doesn't fall into enemy hands. Hammerfall it is true, is not far from Brindleseep but the journey is through treacherous mountains and there is no direct path that I am aware of. Unless Commander Torvik knows the way. Perhaps it might be best to take it to Hammerfall and entrust it to dwarven protection until the king's men can take possession of it. I leave that decision up to all of you."

Hammerfall is well known as the only bastion of dwarves still active. Torvik in fact was born there and served in the city watch. They are longtime allies of Aisland.