Chapter 7: The Lurking Terror

[Grognardsw]

Mouser puts his knife away.

"Do you trust the mayor?" he asks Baltus. "He would seem the first man the evil influence would take. Do you not fear you are walking into a trap there?"

"What do you know of the church?"

[Inferno]

Day Six.
Village of Briarsgate, The Inn of the Slumbering Serpent (25).
Between 1am and 2am, Friday, October 21st, 576 CY.
Full moon, partly cloudy, damp, cold, misty.





In the dimly lit room, in the dark hours of the night, Mouser puts his knife away as Hoom unties the gentleman farmer. Baltus' uncontrollable trembling subsides as he is overcome with relief. It is short lived. "The Church of blessed Merikka?" he repeats in disbelief. "No! It, it cannot be."

When Hoom mentions "arcane ways," Baltus eyes widen.
The elf says, "Tomorrow, Grey and I will escort you to see the Mayor."

Baltus nods, looking at the floor. He compliantly answers their questions, struggling to give voice to the dread topics that have long infested his mind. "I've known the Mayor all his life, but... how does one trust any soul in Briarsgate any more?" He pauses, reflecting on his own dark words. "I can no longer say which is worse: this hellish, all-pervading doubt... or a terrible actuality.

"I have seen a dark, eyepatched man in town before, infrequently. I know him not, but he has an ill look about him. An unpleasant sort, if you take my meaning.

"I, I know all about the Church. My family attends worship there, as do most good folk in these parts. The flock is led by Father Abramo and the priestess Misha Devi." The names are clearly Baklunish, a race of humans descended from the peoples of ancient Khemet. It's not surprising. Merikka is an agriculture goddess with roots in ancient Khemet. Her worship survived the fall of that once great civilization, and spread across the present-day Flanaess.

"If they have a role in this dreadful conspiracy then truly we are without hope," Baltus says in rueful astonishment. "...It is a horror unimagined... and unimaginable."

Actions?





Status:

• Grey Mouser, Half-Elf Magic-User/Thief 1/2: AC 5, HP 10/10, Spells: 0/1 1st lvl
  Hoom Feethos, Elven Magic-User/Thief 1/2: AC 3, HP 7/8, Spells: 0/1 1st lvl

Resources:

• Map of Briarsgate
  NPC List for Briarsgate
  The Story So Far (in words)
  The Story So Far (in pictures)

[Grognardsw]

"Does the mayor reside by himself, or will he be visited at a town hall?" asks Mouser. "Is he expecting you?"

[DadsAngry]

Hoom Feethos:

Hoom back off the questioning of Mr. Baltus. He has gotten the answer he was looking for. Mr. Baltus is not threat to them. Now the thoughts of a rest full night in a soft bed fill the elves head. He hopes Mouser's question will end soon and he will be comfortable with Hoom is of their sanctuary.

[Inferno]

Day Six.
Village of Briarsgate, The Inn of the Slumbering Serpent (25).
Between 1am and 2am, Friday, October 21st, 576 CY.
Full moon, partly cloudy, damp, cold, misty.





In a low voice, Baltus continues answering questions as he gently rubs the welt on the back of his head. "The Mayor expects me. He's summoned me. We are to meet at his home."

Hoom and Mouser have seen the Mayor’s residence (10):

• 

"His family will be there, I should expect. And Bromm, a guard he's recently hired on because of the troubles. Bromm is a brave warrior from the Goblin years. A war hero."

"The Church of Merikka is our town hall. Which is why, you see, it simply seems impossible that the clergy is involved in this foul business.
"Whence did you learn this information, if I may ask?" Baltus summons the courage to say.


Actions?





Status:

• Grey Mouser, Half-Elf Magic-User/Thief 1/2: AC 5, HP 10/10, Spells: 0/1 1st lvl
  Hoom Feethos, Elven Magic-User/Thief 1/2: AC 3, HP 7/8, Spells: 0/1 1st lvl

Resources:

• Map of Briarsgate
  NPC List for Briarsgate
  The Story So Far (in words)
  The Story So Far (in pictures)

[Grognardsw]

Mouser looks at Hoom. The little thief doesn't actually remember who said not to trust the church, probably because the bump on his head from the beating. Mouser never really trusted churches to begin with anyway.

"Describe Bromm," says Mouser, wondering if he may remember the man from the Golden Grain Inn or barn encounters.

"I can't help think the mayor has fallen under evil influence and is inviting you into a trap."

[DadsAngry]

Hoom Feethos:

"The Church of Merikka is our town hall. Which is why, you see, it simply seems impossible that the clergy is involved in this foul business.
"Whence did you learn this information, if I may ask?" Baltus summons the courage to say.

"The information came from the old hermit that lives outside of town. You know the one, with the big dog. Grumpy fellow, not very friendly. He is the one who supplied us with the information. So far his information has been good. He was correct about the Golden Grain Inn. Whether the other two places are just as tainted, that remains to be seen. Until then I would heed great caution and suspicion on those places, especially the clergy. What better cover than the one group of people who hold the most trust in the village. We definitely should be cautious of the Mayor and constable. They also hold great trust. But Mr. Baltus let me say this. If The Church of Merikka is your town hall, and it is tainted, it could mean that the Mayor knows of it as well. That could be the reason why he has granting you an audience at his home and not in his stately office. Does he usually conduct business of the village from his home?"

[Inferno]

Day Six.
Village of Briarsgate, The Inn of the Slumbering Serpent (25).
Between 1am and 2am, Friday, October 21st, 576 CY.
Full moon, partly cloudy, damp, cold, misty.





At Mouser's request, Baltus describes Bromm. The little thief doesn't recognize him.

Then Baltus says to Hoom, "The Mayor's offices are in his home. We are a small village, sir. This isn't Hookhill, you know."

And, "That crazy old hermit? I beg your pardon but you two are strangers here. Please take my word for it when I say, he's mad. You've been ruefully misled. That explains it. In fact, if any of his demented ravings have proven true, it's likely because he's responsible for the troubles of Briarsgate!"

Actions?





Status:

• Grey Mouser, Half-Elf Magic-User/Thief 1/2: AC 5, HP 10/10, Spells: 0/1 1st lvl
  Hoom Feethos, Elven Magic-User/Thief 1/2: AC 3, HP 7/8, Spells: 0/1 1st lvl

Resources:

• Map of Briarsgate
  NPC List for Briarsgate
  The Story So Far (in words)
  The Story So Far (in pictures)

[DadsAngry]

Hoom Feethos:

"It wouldn't be the first time we've been lied to since coming to this village. Never the less we must keep vigilant and scrutinize each piece of information that is presented to use for the truth. Does the hermit have a reason to want to hurt the village? What can you tell us about the Foaming Mug Inn? The hermit claims that was the first appearance of the evil a year ago. Was the hermit at odds with the establishment or it's patrons?"

[Grognardsw]

While Hoom talks, Mouser peaks out the curtains to outside, seeing if there are any lurkers and if the fire-bright sky is darker.

He listens at the door for eavesdroppers.

[Inferno]

Day Six.
Village of Briarsgate, The Inn of the Slumbering Serpent (25).
Between 1am and 2am, Friday, October 21st, 576 CY.
Full moon, partly cloudy, damp, cold, misty.





From Baltus' room at the Inn of the Slumbering Serpent, Mouser peers outside into the dark night.



He finds no lurkers on roofs adjacent to their second story window. His vantage is of the northern sky, where no orange glow pulses. This helps explain why Baltus was unaware of the fire to the south.

The little thief then listens at the door for eavesdroppers. He thinks he hears nothing but the conversation in the room makes it hard to be sure.

"The hermit is clearly deranged, to judge from how he lives," Baltus says. "He's dangerous... unnatural. Trapped by poverty and madness, of his own making I can assure you, one can easily imagine the bitter grudges he harbors against his betters in the village.

"His account of the Foaming Mug Inn is true enough, but often have evildoers woven truth with lies in order to deceive and ensnare their gullible victims."

Actions?





Status:

• Grey Mouser, Half-Elf Magic-User/Thief 1/2: AC 5, HP 10/10, Spells: 0/1 1st lvl
  Hoom Feethos, Elven Magic-User/Thief 1/2: AC 3, HP 7/8, Spells: 0/1 1st lvl

Resources:

• Map of Briarsgate
  NPC List for Briarsgate
  The Story So Far (in words)
  The Story So Far (in pictures)

[Grognardsw]

"I have seen a dark, eyepatched man in town before, infrequently. I know him not, but he has an ill look about him. An unpleasant sort, if you take my meaning.

Does Mouser remember seeing an eye-patched man In the tavern or around the barn when they attacked us?

[DadsAngry]

Hoom Feethos:

Softly and quietly Hoom speaks to Batlus "There is much deception transpiring in this village. It is hard to tell who is telling the truth and who is lying. But to get to the bottom of what is going on in this village I need the trust of its occupants. That is why I am putting my trust into you Mr. Baltus. As I mention before I think Grey and I should accompany you to the mayor's house tomorrow as your personal body guards. If the mayor is untainted by this evil we might be able to get some answers. For all this to work we need for you, Mr. Baltus, to trust us. You need not pledge your allegiance or speak any word to the matter. Your actions alone will be enough. For I am tired and I will take my leave of you now. I leave myself to your mercy while I close my eyes and lay helplessly asleep in my room. When I wake from my bed to the warm glow of the morning sun shining through the windows, I will know that you wish to help restore this village." Hoom turns to Mouser who is looking out the window. His tone changes to that of a more serious inflection with a bit of crankiness. "Grey, are we finished?"

[Grognardsw]

"Aye," says Mouser, turning away from the window.

He returns with Hoom to their room. They discuss plans (PM.)

"I am not as trusting as you my elf friend," Mouser says in hushed tones as he stuffs his bed pillow under the sheet to make it look like someone is in the bed. "Let's move and sleep in another room, perhaps one next to Baltus. There we may not be ambushed in our sleep, and may hear if Baltus leaves."

Mouser intends on quietly listening at the room next door to Baltus, peeking in the keyhole to see if anyone is in there, and trying the knob. If there is someone there, he'll try the next room. If not, he'll try to pick the lock (if indeed an empty room is locked). Inside the doorway of the new room he places caltrops and covers the keyhole. If Hoom joins him, Mouser will leave marbles at the inside of the door of their original room to hopefully cause night intruders to fall and make noise.

[Inferno]

Day Six.
Village of Briarsgate, The Inn of the Slumbering Serpent (25).
Between 1am and 2am, Friday, October 21st, 576 CY.
Full moon, partly cloudy, damp, cold, misty.





Baltus is clearly relieved that the interrogation is ended and he is being released alive. "Yes... yes... good night," he murmurs distractedly and gratefully as he shuts and locks the door behind the two thieves as fast as he can without seeming rude. Then follows the sound of moving furniture.

Hoom and Mouser confer briefly in their room and then they leave it, laying marbles inside.
In the hall, at the door adjacent to Baltus', Mouser peeks in the keyhole and listens at the door. Sensing nothing, he gently, breathlessly turns the door knob. Its click seems deafening in the dark, quiet inn. The unlocked door opens and the rogues enter. Mouser locks the door, covers the keyhole, and places caltrops.

Preparations complete, the two exhausted thieves finally collapse into their beds. Sleep takes them quickly.

Unbidden, the disturbing memories of the last few days haunt their nightmares.



Whether by malevolent supernatural visitation, divine omens of doom, or simply the subconscious mind's desperate need to comprehend the inexplicable; horrific images plague their restless sleep.

a 6' tall tunnel excavated into the dark earth.jpg (243.46 KiB) Viewed 5345 times

"You've opened the barred door, haven't you? Ha ha ha hah. They'll kill you, they will.
"And so might I.
"For your sake, my sweet little dear, you'd better be back in your cage by the time we get in there!"

dead hands.jpg (112.14 KiB) Viewed 5345 times

THUNK! "I'm coming in, my sweet little darling." the voice calls through the door with gleeful malice.

THUNK! "Shan't be but a moment!"

THUNK! "I see you've prepared something for me. How thoughtful! Ha ha hah ha ha!"

I'm coming in.jpg (91.96 KiB) Viewed 5345 times

BAM!



BAM! BAM!

Hoom and Mouser suddenly jolt out of a deep sleep. The room is dark. It's dark outside. They don't know how long they've been out.

BAM! BAM! BAM!

Someone's knocking on the door! Not theirs, thank the gods.

BAM! BAM! BAM!

Someone's knocking on the front door of the Inn of the Slumbering Serpent. (at X)

The sound of movement, through the wall, from Baltus' room. And from under the floor.


Actions?!

Inn of the Slumbering Serpent 9.jpg (266.92 KiB) Viewed 5345 times

Status:

• Grey Mouser, Half-Elf Magic-User/Thief 1/2: AC 5, HP 10/10, Spells: 0/1 1st lvl
  Hoom Feethos, Elven Magic-User/Thief 1/2: AC 3, HP 7/8, Spells: 0/1 1st lvl

Resources:

• Map of Briarsgate
  NPC List for Briarsgate
  The Story So Far (in words)
  The Story So Far (in pictures)

[DadsAngry]

Hoom Feethos:

The loud banging noise from outisde of Hoom and Mouser's room jolts him awake. The sky is still dark, not yet morning. Hoom softly curses the gods from preventing him his much needed nights rest. He unsheathes his short sword which he hung on the bedpost and sits on the side of the bed. Then hearing the noise coming through the floor boards, he lays himself flat upon it. Pressing his ear to it, listen for voices and movement.

Listen for noise. I can't remember if I roll or you do.

[Grognardsw]

Grey peaks through the window to see if he can spot anyone. He unlocks the window should they need quick exit. Then he listens against Baltus' wall.

[Inferno]

Day Six.
Village of Briarsgate, The Inn of the Slumbering Serpent (25).
Sometime between 2am and dawn, Friday, October 21st, 576 CY.
Full moon, partly cloudy, damp, cold, misty.





BAM! BAM! BAM!

Someone's knocking on the front door of the Inn of the Slumbering Serpent. (at X)

Mouser peeks out the window and doesn't see anyone. This window doesn't afford a view of the inn's front door.
He unlocks the window and then he listens against Baltus' wall. He hears footsteps, something like a chair scraping and then utter silence.

Hoom silently gets on the floor, presses his ear to it and listens. He hears two voices murmuring, Ollwin and Belba Cralloon. He can't make out what they're saying. Ollwin is grousing. Belba's voice is an urgent whisper.

Hoom hears the front door of the inn unlock and open.

Then he hears Belba's loud voice through the floorboards. "Magistrate! Chief Constable! Why, whatever brings you from your warm beds at this hour! Come in, come in, won't you my dears?!"

Hoom and Mouser knew of these men.

• Magistrate Grover Ruskadel: A tall man in banded mail with sharply intelligent eyes that seemed always to be watching, encountered at the Constables' Quarters.
  

  • 

  
  Chief Constable Donavan Allard: A sullen warrior in plate mail, encountered at the Constables' Quarters and the hovel of the Old Hermit.
  

  • 
    

    • "While heavy handed, they've kept the Goblin Men at bay for many years now." -Bertram Beswill
      
      “All stern men and resolute. We know not their involvement in the troubles of Briarsgate.
      "Magistrate Grover Ruskadel has been with us for several years. It's rumoured he was an Inquisitor and a Witchhunter in Hookhill, for the Church of Heironeus, and was forced to leave there due to some sort of politics.
      "Chief Constable Donavan Allard is a hero from the Goblin years, a dangerous, fell-handed warrior. Briarsgate owes him much." -Felicity and Killian Gade

Actions?

Inn of the Slumbering Serpent 9.jpg (266.92 KiB) Viewed 5335 times

Status:

• Grey Mouser, Half-Elf Magic-User/Thief 1/2: AC 5, HP 10/10, Spells: 0/1 1st lvl
  Hoom Feethos, Elven Magic-User/Thief 1/2: AC 3, HP 7/8, Spells: 0/1 1st lvl

Resources:

• Map of Briarsgate
  NPC List for Briarsgate
  The Story So Far (in words)
  The Story So Far (in pictures)

[DadsAngry]

Hoom Feethos:

Hoom whispers to Mouser who is at Baltus's wall. "It's the law." Then holds his hand up in stopping motion and focuses on the conversation below.

[Grognardsw]

Mouser isn't surprised.

He continues to listen at the Baltus wall.