"A prayer for drink? Hmm. Not something I had considered before. I am seeing your people in a whole new light, Aquar!"
The cleric's enthusiasm must be contagious this night, for Bregalad sees what liquid words of inspiration might come forth from his lips. "Barman! Another flagon of ale, please!"
The elf allows his thoughts to brew as he refills each person's tankard, "Another toast to friends and fine spirits.....
Glory be to the ales,
and to the wines,
and to the distilled spirits,
as it was with the first brewers,
is now, and shall ever be,
flowing without end!
So, uh, in all the excitement fighting the carrion crawler I forgot to mention that the party was caught in a hailstorm on the way back to Threshold.
Flaurmont 7, AC 1000
The following day is clear, with a hint of summer in the air. The companions arise and after eating a hearty breakfast and performing the necessary ablutions go to see Father Varis. Compared to their last visit, the streets of Threshold are relatively quiet and peaceful. A number of the Baron's own guard can be seen, supplementing the City Watch, and almost every civilian seen on the street carries a dagger at their belt. Many of these daggers, it is noted, are silver.
When the streets pass close enough to the river it is possible to look over at Fogors Isle; all seems calm there, as well. Other than the squad of guards posted at each bridge over the river the town seems as it once was.
Father Varis, on the other hand, seems to have aged a decade in the time since the companions last saw him. He is in his office, behind a desk stacked with three times as much paperwork as is usual, and greets the adventurers with a wan smile. "Ah," he exclaims, "perhaps the days of solving problems instead of new ones arising are here! Welcome back, my friends, welcome back. Are you here to tell me that you desire to slay this Beast that bedevils us so?"
"Pleased to see you again Father. Rest assured that our commitment is the same as it was when we met at the first of the month, we have been preparing to face this nasty beast and I believe time has come for us to march to the logging camps."
"We would appreciate, however, to hear any news you might have. It seems that things have changed a lot since our last stay in Threshold, have the problems in Fogor's Isle been solved? We also have uncovered more hints of Bargle having a hand in the humanoid activities in Mistamere Castle, so it would be good for our respective strategies to exchange any and all new information we have obtained with respect to the schemes of Bargle and Elwyn."
Innana is happy to take off her heavy armor, and wear a silk dress to pay a visit to Father Varis. Innana had all her dresses tailor made so that she could access her hidden daggers easily if it became necessary. Innana sees that Semele was up early, and hAd already finished her morning prayers. They met up with the rest of the group. The mood around the breakfast table was jovial, and Innana could not help notice the way the new member of the group brought merriment. Conversations were full of jokes and jabs,Innana's favorite kind of get together, and was in a great mood by the time they set off to see Father Varis.
On the way over to speak with Father Varis, Innana turns to Thordin, "Do you think the smith will be done with our silver weapons? It seems the whole town has heard of our were-beast, and has a silver blade. We could probably just purchase them off the street if they are not finished."
zebediah wrote:Drudsa the dabbler
"Pleased to see you again Father. Rest assured that our commitment is the same as it was when we met at the first of the month, we have been preparing to face this nasty beast and I believe time has come for us to march to the logging camps."
"We would appreciate, however, to hear any news you might have. It seems that things have changed a lot since our last stay in Threshold, have the problems in Fogor's Isle been solved? We also have uncovered more hints of Bargle having a hand in the humanoid activities in Mistamere Castle, so it would be good for our respective strategies to exchange any and all new information we have obtained with respect to the schemes of Bargle and Elwyn."
Innana awaits a response.
Innana Sureblade - level 3 fighter - In Search of Adventure
Raquinel Raialis - level 3 magic-user - War is Hell - Palace of the Silver Princess
Lanny nods at Innana's comment as the party walks over to see Father Varis.
"Indeed, it looks like there has been a rush on silver weapons... We should check the status of our own order after speaking with Father Varis, I fear it might be delayed..."
Lanny greets Father Varis and introduces Aquar to him if they are not already acquainted. He confirms their commitment to deal with the beast of the logging camps and listens carefully to the priest as the two sides exchange updates of their respective missions. After all discussions are completed, Lanny will quietly inquire to Father Varis:
"No doubt you have been very busy these past few days... but by any chance have you or your subordinates learned anything about the items we left here that were found on the gnoll shaman? Even if these items must ultimately be destroyed, any information about them might be fruitful in helping us find Elwyn..."
See Treasure List for the items that Lanny is referencing.
Tratiln hangs back from the party for a moment, falling further behind. Finally, he catches back up with the group, "Sorry everyone, I hate to say this, but I think I need to take a leave. Ever since my mind was invaded at the elven village, I just haven't felt...myself...completely. I feel I need to go in search of some answers and I believe those answers lie elsewhere. Innana, please take the sword if you wish to help our companions in battle against those forces that would do everyone harm. If I hear anything about the further machinations of Bargle and Elwyn, I will send word to Farther Varis. Best of luck to you all. Lanny, keep an eye on group, Thordin, keep those swords swinging. Drudsa, I want you to have Maeve's spellbook, I feel you might be able to benefit from it. "
With that, Tratiln returns to the inn to gather the rest of his belongs and will depart to parts (currently) unknown in search of answers, having already been in search of adventure!
Aquar awakens the next morning with a bit if a headache. After morning prayers, he eats a hearty breakfast of oatmeal, pig sausage, peasant bread and goat's milk. He breaks a mighty wind. "Excuse me," he shamefully mutters to those about, hoping Innana isn't close by.
"Were-beast?!" exclaims the priest of Procan upon hearing the conversation on the way to the Church. He has heard legends of such creatures and their evil ways, though sometimes they are tortured souls in need of release or redemption.
"Hhmmph, I take it only silver weapons hurt were-beasts," says Aquar. "I'll be at sea without an oar in such a fight." He fingers his belt pouch of herbs including wolvesbane, wondering if he'll soon be testing its effectiveness.
"Were-beast?!" exclaims the priest of Procan upon hearing the conversation on the way to the Church. He has heard legends of such creatures and their evil ways, though sometimes they are tortured souls in need of release or redemption.
"Hhmmph, I take it only silver weapons hurt were-beasts," says Aquar. "I'll be at sea without an oar in such a fight." He fingers his belt pouch of herbs including wolvesbane, wondering if he'll soon be testing its effectiveness.
"Worry not master Aquar, we have ordered some silvered weapons last time we visited the city. These should be sufficient if the beast is indeed a werecreature. And, by the way, we have no clue if it is a werebeast indeed, we just tried to be prepared for the eventuality and it seems everyone in the city got word of it..."
Bouv wrote:Tratiln hangs back from the party for a moment, falling further behind. Finally, he catches back up with the group, "Sorry everyone, I hate to say this, but I think I need to take a leave. Ever since my mind was invaded at the elven village, I just haven't felt...myself...completely. I feel I need to go in search of some answers and I believe those answers lie elsewhere. Innana, please take the sword if you wish to help our companions in battle against those forces that would do everyone harm. If I hear anything about the further machinations of Bargle and Elwyn, I will send word to Farther Varis. Best of luck to you all. Lanny, keep an eye on group, Thordin, keep those swords swinging. Drudsa, I want you to have Maeve's spellbook, I feel you might be able to benefit from it. "
With that, Tratiln returns to the inn to gather the rest of his belongs and will depart to parts (currently) unknown in search of answers, having already been in search of adventure!
"Why, Tratiln, are you sure about that? Well, do what you must but I have to say it is hard to see another companion leaving. Thank you for trusting Maeve's book to me, I will make good use of it. Farewell my friend!"
Upon hearing that Tratiln is departing to find his own path, Lanny pauses to thank the elf for his efforts in their past missions, speaking to him in their native Callarii dialect.
"Your gift of knowledge of the arcane arts, as well as your unique sense of humor, will be greatly missed, brother. We will be in these parts for a while if your path should lead you back to Threshold. And if in later years you are ever in the Callarii lands south of Rifflian, look for me there, so that we can take that journey together back to our ancestral homeland in Alfheim. Farewell!"
thirdkingdom wrote:...A large beast, possessing a foul temper and evil dispostion, has been terrorizing the logging camps north of Threshold. No one can say for certainty what manner of animal it is, but the beast has been responsible for the deaths of at least five loggers. The Baron has offered anyone who slays the beast an enchanted blade of ancient provence.
Aquar ponders the words of his new comrades and Father Varis at the Church. Understanding the beast and its ways may be helpful. Perhaps they could set a trap for it. The cleric draws forth and lights his pipe, which often helps him think. He recalls the techniques of his old friend Brother Holmes.
"Forgive an inquisitive priest if these questions may have been answered before" -- puff inhale puff -- "But is there a pattern to the beast's killings? At night, for example, or in a certain area? Were the victims doing a particular activity at the time? -- inhale, puff, cough -- Were there any survivors, and if so can we interview them? Also, witnesses to the attacks? Do the owners of the logging opration have any enemies?"
Puff puff cough cough -- "Ahem, yes sorry" -- cough cough -- "excuse me, should stop smoking this hobbit weed. In what cycle was the moon in when the murders occurred?"
The priest examines Aquar with a sharp eye. "You have just joined the Fellowship, I assume? And a priest from the south, by the looks of it. Yes, you have good questions, as well. As it stands now, the logging companies whose men have suffered depredations at the paws of this Beast have hired a tracker familiar with the terrain and habits -- as well as any man can be -- of this malignant monster. His name is Jaceo, and he awaits you at an inn by the eastern gate called the," Varis' nose turns up at the idea "Scarlet Pheasant."
"As to the items you mention, I must confess that I have not had the time to examine them. Rest assured, however, that all is well in hand! The Duke himself has taken an interest in the affairs of this Bargle, and has promised such aid as he can give."
"Pleased to see you again Father. Rest assured that our commitment is the same as it was when we met at the first of the month, we have been preparing to face this nasty beast and I believe time has come for us to march to the logging camps."
"We would appreciate, however, to hear any news you might have. It seems that things have changed a lot since our last stay in Threshold, have the problems in Fogor's Isle been solved? We also have uncovered more hints of Bargle having a hand in the humanoid activities in Mistamere Castle, so it would be good for our respective strategies to exchange any and all new information we have obtained with respect to the schemes of Bargle and Elwyn."
Hi TK, does the Father have any response to the above?
"Yes, I must say that this mess on the island has taken up most of my time these days. Things quieted down yesterday morning, I think it was, and the Watch went in several hours later, complemented with several unit of the Baron's Guard. The Guild was largely destroyed, the operatives of the Iron Ring vanished, somehow. Sometimes I think it would be better if we could just raze the Isle to the ground, cleanse it all with fire and start over again."
"As to your news about Bargle allying himself with the evil races, and using the Castle as a base of operations, I fear this bodes ill for our town. The Baron's keep is in that direction; I will propose he begin sending patrols in that directions on a regular basis."
Lanny listens and nods quietly as Father Varis updates the group.
"It would not surprise me at all if the Iron Ring is still on the Isle, blending in with the townspeople... Their kind strike me as cowards who will not fight face to face, but instead will resort to acts of terror and sabotage, as they likely did with the poisoning of the town's water wells. This might not be over yet..."
"As for Castle Mistamere, the sooner the Baron's men can start patrolling the area, the better. It appears that the jailed hobgoblin that was executed yesterday was in direct contact with agents of Bargle, and some clues we discovered indicated that these agents of Bargle could even be headed to the castle as we speak, to deal decisively with the hobgoblin..."
Lanny thanks Father Varis for the information and then looks around at the others to see if they have anything else to add. He addresses the party after all of their questions have been asked and answered.
"I suppose, then, that we should make our way to see Jaceo at the Scarlet Pheasant. We might also check in with the silversmith and the apothecary to see how our orders are coming along. Aquar, do you have a horse to ride? If not, we do have a draft horse stabled here in Threshold that you could use... She is a bit slower than the other horses, but is well suited for hauling...heavier loads..."
Grog: Which languages does Aquar speak? It looks like he would get Common (Thyatian) plus two others, due to his high intelligence. See the "House Rules" thread for the language choices.
All: I suppose we could also revisit the idea (either now or later) of selling the Potion of Longevity to Oleg. He had offered us 1000gp for it, and if we bargain successfully, we might get more. I believe that would give us 1000xp collectively, which should be enough to enable one of us to level up without having to kill any villagers. It would also help to ensure that Oleg doesn't drop dead from old age before completing our potions order! Alternately, we could just hold on to it for another time, or wait until a better offer come along. Any thoughts on this? (See the "Custom Items" thread for a description of this potion.)
"Aye! The game is ahoof! Let us see this Jaceo at the Harlot Pleasant!" exclaims Aquar, giving a final cough before putting away his pipe. "Perhaps he can shed light on the beast and its ways. And I think its getting close to lunch."
"Alas, I do not have a steed at the moment. I lost it in a ...wager of faith I guess you could say. Thank you Lanny for your kind offer! And slow and steady often wins the race."
In languages, I went with common, goblin, lizardman. But more logically he'd know his regional language and merman, with the history I have in my mind, but they're not on the list.
Tha mage nods as Lanny makes his comments "Certainly the Iron Ring had clear goals when its agents came to Threshold. If this was simply a matter of vendetta perhaps they are gone but as Lanny points out there are other frightening possibilities. I think it is wise to consider this matter as potentially ongoing and stay alert. I would also not disregard a potential connection with the actions of Bargle, he seems to be playing lots of cards at the same time."
frobozz wrote:
"I suppose, then, that we should make our way to see Jaceo at the Scarlet Pheasant. We might also check in with the silversmith and the apothecary to see how our orders are coming along."
All: I suppose we could also revisit the idea (either now or later) of selling the Potion of Longevity to Oleg. He had offered us 1000gp for it, and if we bargain successfully, we might get more. I believe that would give us 1000xp collectively, which should be enough to enable one of us to level up without having to kill any villagers. It would also help to ensure that Oleg doesn't drop dead from old age before completing our potions order! Alternately, we could just hold on to it for another time, or wait until a better offer come along. Any thoughts on this? (See the "Custom Items" thread for a description of this potion.)
"I will visit Oleg to check on our potions. Maybe some of you fellas go fetch the weapons and we all meet at the Pheasant?"
I was thinking we could try offering the potion to the Baron, if we have a chance. He would be able to offer much more than Oleg, if he ins interested in the potion of course.
On the other hand, the level gain at this moment could be critical on the hunt for the killing beast. If the majority of the team is in favour of selling the potion to Oleg Drudsa will take the opportunity to check if the offer is still standing when he reaches the Highstreet Apothecary.
It would also help to ensure that Oleg doesn't drop dead from old age before completing our potions order!