The Toasted Troll Tavern

[GreyWolfVT]

Dalin "I'll give you the same warning I gave my new friend here. Bjornark good at helping but he typically asks for you to do something for him. So he is very favor for a favor type of fellow."

[Joey2k]

"A battle I've been fighting all my life," Johka mutters solemnly. "Not terribly informative I'm afraid." Realizing his last comment may had inadvertently offended her, he flashes Ebony a half-hearted smile.

"A masquerade ball?" he asks his companion. "I would think invitations to such would be hard to come by for folk of our standing.

"Might it be possible to hire on as guards for the event?" he wonders. "Extra security is usually sought for such things."

[GreyWolfVT]

Dalin shrugs "Dunno all the details I just know I was informed the friend I'm seeking is going to be at that ball."

[Bluetongue]

Golgarth

sorry busy at work hence slow posts.

"I just get the feeling that leaving Bogtown, even to a close nearby location will maybe loosen things here. Not sure. But my gut feeling would be if the druid Bjornark was aware of stuff here and wanted to help solve any flea ridden, tick leeching, drow elf cult leading, withering everything into decay plight; well he would have done so. He had by all accounts a gang of werewolves staying with him. Though this Silvanus Inquisition is very much against lycanthrope types. Not that I can blame them for that. I wonder if the two are linked?"

He cannot think of any reason a werewolf and an Impurax cult might be antagonistic towards each other.

I don't think asking this druid to help will get us far and I am not keen on asking old Toadmother to advise us.

"I have made my decision. By hook or by crook, and I assume we have plenty of those here, I, we, shall go to the root we know of.

Let's get in to that Silvanus Embassy."

[GreyWolfVT]

Dalin clears his throat a bit and looks a bit uncomfortable after the mention of the werewolves "I ah, umm have worked with some of the werewolves before. I had to do a favor for a favor for the druid and it involved working with one of them. They were rather decent to be honest about it."

[Joey2k]

"Decent? Werewolves?" Johka muses, and shrugs. "I've seen stranger. If Dalin thinks it wise, I say it can't hurt to at least broach the matter with Bjornark. We'd be no worse off for it."

[GreyWolfVT]

Dalin "I've had worse people to deal with. But yes I actually helped one of the werewolves out. I was surprised at the outcome. But that favor for Bjornark actually worked out. The druid my be a little odd and keep unusual company. But I suppose judging a book by its cover as the saying goes is unwise. If it doesn't pan out I'll take the blame and fall for it."

[Hvalreki]

Bogtown

Toasted Troll Tavern

Gunter Red Shirt

“You know, when we first came to Bogtown I seems to recall hearing that the Silvanus Embassy was also home to the Inquisition wot hunts werebeasts. If this Druid fellah keeps company with such we may have common cause already.”

A shrine to Silvanus is maintained by elves. The place also doubles as home to some bounty hunters known as the Inquisition, a fundamentalist sect that deals with lycanthropy afflicted renegades and bandits.

[Bluetongue]

Golgarth

"So if we are to eliminate this cult, it starts with investigating the Embassy a bit more. Do it covertly as I am sure some of the town elders are also under the cult bewitchment.

I understand Dalin has told tales of the man turning into a tree after some hag activity in 'the fey wild' wherever that may be. My thoughts are this cult, the feywild Blight and the Pestilence affecting the bees and treants which started in a sacred grove are all connected

I am not sure I trust a druid, this Bjornark, known as 'the Mad Druid', who reputedly is going madder because he shape-shifts into animal form and is taking on animal mentality in order to be in touch with 'mother nature', I don't know. They are guesses from gossip and rumour. But any man who acquaints himself with werewolves is of rather dubious reputation."

He says while associating himself in the tavern with cutthroat rogues and all kinds of murder hobo's.

I am thinking too whether this Renata knows more of this cult. Certainly if she is planning a raid of any kind upon the Silvanus Embassy in Ironguard on the basis she suspects this cult to be using the Masquerade Ball as an event to attack Duke Kell Aerik.

So many loose ends and uncertainties but sure that some thread of plot links it all together.

I am going to propose this:
Stakeout and infiltrate Bogtown Embassy. Then with newly found information go to the Masquerade Ball via another visit to the Druid's Moathouse.

All with me, say "Aye!"

[GreyWolfVT]

Dalin sighs "I honestly think that is more of a rumor than truth about the druid. He's been pretty on the level with me. If Renata trust him so do I. He hasn't given me any reason to not trust him. That's all I have left to say about that. I think it is just a rumor that has turned to reputation. But I think he prefers it that way fewer people bug him that way. It's actually kind of cunning in a way."

[Joey2k]

"I had the same impression, from the brief time I met him," Johka agrees. "Can we not do both? Keep discreet watch on the embassy and seek Bjornark's counsel? And meet again at some specified time before this ball?"

[GreyWolfVT]

Dalin nodding his head "Yes, all I know is my first and foremost priority is getting in contact with Renata. Though I know the other issues are high priority as well, thus my seeking council as these perversions of nature are most concerning. If we were closer to Brother Clive's place in Crooked Yew I'd be seeking his council instead, but that is a long way from here. So Bjornark being the local most expert in these things is my go to."

[Spearmint]

it is late now. I will address issues and update here later today with some outcomes to your discussions.

[Hvalreki]

Bogtown
The Toasted Troll Tavern
Gunter Red Shirt

“I think all are good points for stayin and going. Syd here and his mates has been keeping an eye on the embassy and their comings and goings for nearly a fortnight now. Maybe he has some ideas based on what they’ve observed.

For me, and no offense Stonefather, a frontal assault on a fortified compound, without a lot more men than we have at present is not likely to end well for us. We don’t have our back door anymore so the only way in is through the gates or over the walls.

I’m thinking this Druid fellah may be willing to help as the inquisition is bent on hunting were-kin which he likely does not approve of. He’s not far so a quick trip wouldn’t cost much time.”

[Bluetongue]

Golgarth

Okay. I will take a trip from Bogtown to the Druid's place to try and get more information on this cult here. Hear what he has to say and seek his advice.

If we can take any evidence we have stored, bodies of the dead ticks, ceremonial cloaks and daggers, any religious paraphernalia taken from the drow priest, then we should do that. We have horses so can go quickly, the three of us.

That leaves Dalin, Johka and co to check out the thieves guild here (which has been hit by the guild) and maybe they have some skill to stakeout the Embassy and anyone coming and going?

Then we come back, report any findings, decide how to go forward whether that is a raid on the Silvanus place here or in Ironguard.

[GreyWolfVT]

Dalin agrees to that plan but offers that they could all go check out the thieves guild then all travel to see the druid if everyone is ok with it.

[Joey2k]

Johka suggests that splitting up might be more efficient and allow them to cover accomplish their goals more quickly, since neither strikes him as particularly dangerous.

[Spearmint]

drafting update now.

Thank you for your patience.

[Spearmint]

The Toasted Troll Tavern

The quartet of character adventurers and assistant hirelings drink the night away and swap strategies that might gain them more information over the veiled threats overhanging Bogtown and possibly the Duchy itself.

Ebony, has given cryptic readings from an orb if glass. Some say it is nothing more than a fancy snow globe floating crystal flakes others swear her readings are prophetic utterances of clarity and insight. You can retire to the hired rooms or dormitories to ponder whatever was specifically spoken to you. Cautious in every respect, the group bond over some tenuous links and agree to work together to solve each other's issues. Possibly some trove reward likely garnered from sharing the risks accordingly. Plans are made to depart after breakfast and return to once more entreat the strange druid so advice and aid.

June 7th 1066.

After breakfasting in the common quarters, the group head out towards the ruined Moathouse. Golgarth, Gunter & Sidkrake ride their horses, Johka, Dalin, Cloverfield & Knatchbull take to the draft horse pulled wagon. The route is not arduous but long, initially following the northeastern trail from the settlement over the Old Dwarf Bridge and then past the crossroads junction south of the citadel towards Helix in the west. The Druid's stronghold off the beaten track on the banks of the Moorwash River.

A market day and traders pass you on the road, a caravan of wagons filled with local fayre, fur pelts, and specialised hardwoods. Militia patrols vanguard the route thus limiting bandit raids and froglings. The group make it to the stone bridge by early afternoon.

On the near side of the bridge is a small militia group. They have a road block erected and hold up your wagon and those of a few other traders from crossing. You can see that in the middle of the bridge another militia group is erecting a scaffold that appears to be very much like a gallows platform. Cuffed and restrained among them are a couple of dwarven prisoners, though you cannot identify them as they are hooded with sacks over their heads.

One thing you do recognise though, at least for Gunter and Golgarth, is a mangy mongrel dog that barks profusely at some mistreatment of his master. The hound is subsequently kicked and two crossbow men take potshots at it, causing it to run at full pelt, away from the scene but towards your end of the bridge.

The militia near you see the dog and bored of their duty, load up crossbows and wager who might "finish the flea ridden critter off."

The dog is Kolt, animal.companion to Froed who assisted the search for elder Barraclough and is a rogue intermediary between Bogtown & Ironguard Motte.

actions please.

apologies for taking so long to update the thread. In thanks for your patience, each take +50xp.

[Hvalreki]

Trouble at the Old Dwarf Bridge

Gunter Red Shirt

Gunter swears quietly under his breath recognizing Kolt immedtely, “Ah fookin’ hells…”

All business, the former mercenary scans the bridge and militiamen milling about and tries to quickly assess the situation militarily.

As he approaches, Gunter notes how many men, their arms and equipment and general state of readiness.

Are there leaders present, officers, Sergeants Corporals or is this an armed gaggle of part time soldiers, most importantly how many of them are there ?[/