*While walking thru the camping grounds on his usual oversees of the drills , Lance looks towards the man who he listeded saying about that, he stops a moment and finish to hear the whole story, then calling upon the man,* - Greetings, I may indulge to hear what or where did you hear this?. * As he got the reply with the general information he nods and thanks the man, he resumes his march thru the fields *
*Once he reached to his office, he calls one of his company of the Star aides*
-Martin, there is this situation on this village near Briardusk, I would like to be revised, Please head over there , get a low profile and see what happened, Briardusk has seen too much and make sure this is not something more than what the eye mets, ... And investigate who the family was and what was with the kid, while you are there. Don't engage, just look and report back please. -
Martin tightens the saddle strap of his horse in preparation for leaving the small village of the little girl who was recently burned at the stake for witchcraft and frowns, totally perplexed. He has never encountered or heard of such a thing before. He overheard several neighbors and the village Alderman speaking… evidently a little girl named Sally Mae was found by her aunt raving like a lunatic. Both of her parents were shriveled husks, lying in their beds like desert mummies. Salley Mae was laughing madly and rambling about “how delicious her parents were.” After a short trial she was sentenced to death for murder and witchcraft. Others were overheard how strange it was that she was so unrepentant in her crimes throughout the whole ordeal, at least until she was bound to the stake… then she simply looked confused about what was going on and began crying for mercy, begging for her dead parents to save her. Without engaging in an active investigation, this is the extent of what he can uncover, and he heads out to make his report.
The village people are scared, suspicious, and there is a strong feeling of tension in the air.
Life went on as usual, and nobody ever seemed to care that he was listening to the gossip going on. While gossip was necessarily inaccurate and full of lies, half-truths and other things that did not make it a sufficiently factual foundation for decisions, it was interesting to listen to and carefully deduce information from it. And what had happened in his mind with more trivial talk happened again when he overheard two caravaneers talking.
So nobody ever seems to care about educating them about all the magical things and horrors that exists. Who values their sleep so much, honestly. Then again, if they knew ... no, let's not go there. They were afraid and wanted revenge. That's bad. Also, what makes a child do just that?
The executed girl's Aunt packs up her sister's personal property and moves it to her own home in the same village. Most of the residents and neighbors surrounding the now abandoned cottage begin whispering among themselves that the home is cursed. The building mysteriously goes up in flames in the middle of the night two days later. There is no local investigation into the crime.
How incredibly convenient. And quick.
A young man on the road, a shield on his back, leading a horse by the reigns. Dust on his sun-bleached surcoat and leather boots. Soon, he would be there, and see for himself.
Borris hears about the plight of the young girl while playing, of all games, hopscotch with the local children in Fort Vehl. Somehow he has developed a fondness for the children in Fort Vehl. It started with his silly game of pirates with a kid who refers to himself asThe Dread Pirate Breaksalot. Unexpectedly the poor kid found himself being involved with a real pirate circle and clumsily Borris managed to save him. No feat of great renown but in children circles it certainly scored a few points. Plus it certainly doesn't hurt that Borris 's mentality is hardly more advanced than a child's. For that reason he would find himself playing hopscotch on that given day. Any passerby seeing a big fat Half Orc like Borris hopping about and giggling with the children might be a bit alarmed by his behavior, but, should they happen to know Borris personally, they would likely think nothing of it.
*Upon hearing Martin's report several days later, Lance thanks his loyal Aide and send him on his way to Horn kingdom to do another diplomatic errand after a couple days, he gives instructions to him to pass before leaving towards Horn*
- Seek a wizard and a priest of the Hand of virtue, that are not otherwise engaged, deploy them to Briardusk, their official mission will be to deliver a message and do an oversee of the town and bring back the report of this month, but the events you descrive are far from natural and hence they may be needed on that small village, I've sent people to see the situation closer, and I want people versed in strange things as you mentioned near the villange in case they are needed. -
William has spent several hours in the village square, looking, listening, wondering what brought about this horrible event. He pauses for several moments near a mound of ash… it brings back terrible memories of the war. The acrid smell of charred bone and burnt wood still lingers. He can sense fear in those he meets around the village.
Martin nods, dependable as always. He smiles, “Aye, I’ll send word when I have allocated and dispatched the assets.”
After a long journey, and bouts of sea sickness that made his big belly rumble more than usual, Borris makes landfall in Nith in the Nesar Kingdom and progresses overland without incident to the Hilm Protectorate through Fort Miritix, Sundance, and then Briardusk. The people are not overly friendly to him and it is becoming very evident, even to Borris, that his kind are not regular inhabitants in the Hilm Protectorate. After a long exhausting conversation with a merchant in Briardusk he finally comprehends directions to the small village in question.
After looking for lodging, William looks around for what there is to do, living among the people and silently studying them, providing what skills he has to help their community, always on the lookout for the subtle feelings of evil. He roams the surroundings of the village and tries to learn what he can about the village's history as well as the history of the families and people that live within. What little spare time he can find is devoted to maintaining -if already existing - or building a small shrine for the Great Leader and improving the villages mental and physical defenses.
Arfur Dumas no stranger to adventure and poetry excursions in the Hilm area hears the rumours about a village near Briardusk. He wastes no time and delays his departure only to gather some important writing materials and two new tunics. He explains his position to his tailor "Look you should pack up and move there too, why you will be rich within the year. By all accounts and I know a good thing when I see it you know, this village stands like a beacon. the new Hlint, or Center. Why I have heard all manner of good to be seen near heroes are heading out there." The tailor hurries on keen to finish the work. "Of course I have no idea the trouble but I'll know what to do when I see it."He looks down at the finished tunics. "and with these garments I shall look a proper adventurer doing it too!" He sets off, returns for directions and is once again on the road, distractedly wondering how much land he could tastefully buy in the village before prices soar.
*For unknown reasons , and even more mysteriours ways, the town peace seems disrupted by the presence of a strange fellow, as if the people was not scared enough, a red haired man of meek constitution an ankward look, is around the town, the shiny metalic parts that covers his arm, ocasional smoke pouring out of the "mechanical" device. *
*He seems to be asking around for something called SSGEMP, or SGEMPE or something along the lines, causing maybe a bit more mayhem than what he intended, always with an odd smile on his face*
*Orn Stargazer staying with her grandparents in Hilm, over heard her Grandfather Lance Stargazer talking to Martin about the situation in Briardusk. It only took Orn a minute to decide that she was going to follow Martin and do some investigating of her own. Her thoughts troubled she prays for guidance to the Great Leader, she prepares herself to go.*
William’s attempts at imbedding himself into the community have had some moderate successes. Most of the villagers would rather be left in peace, but on the other hand they are scared… and the assistance of outsiders is predominantly recognized and accepted for what it is… a helping hand. He has made a few friends, particularly with the blacksmith’s family. Risteotis Ironarms is a third generation villager and owns the “Three Shoes and Nails.” He is also a devout Toranite. William and Risteotis have had some very deep and interesting philosophical and religious discussions. William was also very pleased to find a simple but well used shrine to Toran already present near the village square.
The village is called Eaornath D’lisk, which translates in the older “folk tongue” loosely as “Briardusk’s little sister.” There are about 50 families of varying races and age populating the general area. The poor farmland lends itself to meager subsistence farming, nothing on a commercial scale. Most families are homesteaders and live from the land hunting and mining. The village has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. Prior to 1415 it was ravaged by Xandrial and Bloodstone… and in more recent time’s incursions from Kuhl. They are a hardy people though… and they persevere.
In spending time and walking around the village William can sense something out of place… kind of like that itch you can’t adequately reach to scratch. He can’t quite put a finger on what is bothering him though.
The tailor slaps his sweaty forehead as Arfur leaves for the second time and quickly turns the “closed” sign over in the doorway. He was lucky that fellow didn’t talk him out of his life savings trying to sell him poems, paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and who knew what else.
“Sheesh…”
After a long journey Arfur Dumas makes his way to the small village in the Hilm Protectorate. He immediately sees that there are all sorts of other investigators poking about. He starts to ask a few questions of his own… but then he sees it. Nestled next to the small wooden Alderman’s Office is a shack with a small crudely painted sign on it that reads “Realty Office.” He cannot help himself and wanders in that direction.
The man with the “smoking arm” as he is now being called receives strange looks from passersby, and most people simply turn around and leave quickly when he approaches them. Nobody has been able to comprehend what a SSGEMP, or SGEMPE is yet, which does not seem to faze him very much as he carries on with his line of questioning.
The red haired man notices a stern looking Toranite watching him from the front of the nearby Blacksmith’s shop. (William)
Martin introduces Orn to Vesichi, a wizard of moderate skill serving Toran and to Brother Naoniasa, a Toranite priest. Both are stationed in Briardusk and have been requested for temporary reassignment by Martin.
After pleasantries are exchanged, Martin explains to Orn that William should already be in the small village where the concerns have arisen, and he asks her to deliver a message to him from Lance explaining that Vesichi and Brother Naoniasa are being made available to assist them in their investigation.
*During the small talk, Orn tells Brother Naoniasa that she to is a Priestess of Toran and it was a pleasure to her to meet brothers of the Faith. She reassures Martin that she will deliver the message to William telling him of Vesichi and Brother Naoniasa are there to assist him if needed. She asks Martin before departing if there is anything else she should know about the situation in the village, as well as well about the people who make the place home.*
*Upon noticing William Armand face brightens* Now for Goran's oiled wheels, if its not other than William , the non-bully, if I don't know you better i could swear that its fate that we end traveling thru the very same lands that often huh? ..,*Armand stops for a moement and narrows his gase at him as if studying him* You aren't following me aren't you? *The moment pass fast * Well.. anyway .. if you do it won't matter much... Have you seen something related about the SSGEMP?
This people seems strange, they avoid most of my conversations about, they don't even want to listen to the good things that a mechanical well would do to their town and the lies that the SSGEMP must be telling them .. . again.. you haven't seen anyone of that nefarious organization around here right? Well .. at least there are no elves with their ill disease ... .
But i am speaking too much ... what are you doing here?
*The man haven't stopped talking in like 2 minuts, speaking fast as a gnome and noding thrice at the end as if any words of his mouth would make any sense *
Oh and hello to you too * he waves with the metallic arm to the blacksmith as he spots him in the house*
Arfur finds himself in what passes for the Realty office. Not really an inspiring office he can almost feel the lack of love within. Undaunted and realising at once what is really needed here, he articulates for the staff. "Hello yes ..colour! diversity and luxury foods, thats what you need here. Now we need to see who can get the goods moving and where to serve and store it....oh and after those adventurers have finished pointing their swords and maces into every nook and cranny they are going to remember they like a nice Inn to stay in....sooo...we have some work to do...am I right! am I ever...say whats the trouble anyway everyone seems a little...down ?"
Borris's forehead becomes dotted with beads of sweat.
William begins to meticulously noting down everything he finds, keeping it to a collection of facts, a sort of investigation or field report. He keeps a copy with himself and hides another copy just in case. Moreover, he continues his duties as a paladin of The Hand of Virtue, as a craftsman and as a investigator. He tries to find out if somebody traveled through the village before the incident, or any strange happenings took place long before the tragic event: where and ruins unearthed or discovered, or are they known to the people here? What is the history of the family, are there any troubles, problems etc known? In regards to the latter question, he tries to identifiy key persons to the villages social and spiritual life.
Upon meeting Armand, he greets him with a polite nod and a small smile.
"Greetings to you as well, Armand. A surprise to see you here." He grins at the man's remarks on following him. "Hardly so, but it's sure a nice thing to see a familiar face.
No, I have not heard anything about them. ...Hm. It's actually the first time you mention them to me, I think. Would you enlighten me towards who or what they are? Some sort of nefarious group of corrupted wizards, warlocks and engineers?"
He pauses for a moment.
"I am here patrolling the lands, trying to keep the people save from the evil that always lurks and lingers, and to help them where and how I can. Something bad happened here, and I'm trying to find out the what, the why and the how. Tis place sure has seen enough war, hardship and madness."
When Armand addresses the smith, William turns around and greets the man with a nod.
The blacksmith smiles at Armand and comes to the door… he seems very interested in the metal arm, and when William finishes speaking with Armand he begins asking all kinds of questions related to the design, function, schematics, etc.
The staff of the realty office seems a little put off by Arfur at first, but warm up to him rather quickly… they can tell an enterprising and cash-flush individual from “a mile away.” The owner, Basil Cheshmore is a well-educated Halfling, and definitely keen when it comes to business transactions. He tells Arfur of the pure potential waiting to be “plucked like ripe fruit” in the realty market. He has several plots of land for sale in the area, without structures, but “prime” for vineyard planting. The rocky soil cannot be tilled effectively for traditional farming, but vines would do rather nicely.
In regards to the troubles… Basil conveys to Arfur everything he knows of the events. Everything seems to coincide with what he has heard previously, except for one little tidbit of information. Evidently, there is an old legend of something like this happening previously… several generations ago. He does not know any details though… his knowledge of the event seems general at best.
//If interested in land purchase, we can discuss that. There will be restrictions and other considerations to go over though.
Borris heads out for the village where the burning event occurred after consuming his beans… and they soon do the trick. In a short period of time he finds himself having to locate a secluded bush to empty his bowls… and it is a “healthy one.” Soon large black flies are attracted to the aroma. He fumbles through his supplies and after a frantic search realizes he does not have any more of the convenient tissue he likes to use to clean his “tukkus.” He grabs a few leaves from an unfamiliar piece of vegetation, finishes business, and hits the road again. After a mile or two he develops a serious itching rash in his nether regions. After another mile or two he begins to understand what happened. (A plant very similar to poison ivy.)
//Please RP this in the forum and in-game after the quest date has been set. ;-)
William’s thorough investigation begins to pay off, and the pages of his field journal begin to fill-in.
Sally Mae was the only daughter of Justin and Matilda Mae. They were 7th generation residents of the area. The family trade was glassblowing and related glass works, and Justin worked out of a small shop attached to the now burned down dwelling. Most households in the village still contain some of his family products.
Although it is entirely possible that strangers passed through the town prior to the incident, nobody William has spoken to remembers anyone worthy of suspicion.
There are no ruins in the area. Over time destroyed buildings in the village were demolished and replaced versus being built on top of.
The history of the family is where you hit some “pay dirt.” This particular family experienced a similar event 5 generations ago. On the nights of two separate and consecutive full moons, family members were discovered as dried out and mummified corpses in the morning. No cause was ever found.
Key persons in the village’s spiritual life are Cinestral, a low ranking priest of Toran and Balustrus Hobkines, the tavern owner in the village’s only tavern named “Gravel.”
Orn spends some time with Naoniasa and Vesichi and finds they are pleasant to be around. You quickly determine that you like them both.
Martin gives that old comforting smile you are so used to. When you ask if there is anything further you should know, he says, “These are trying times for the people of this land; sometimes the rebuilding can be as difficult and daunting as the fighting that makes it necessary. Unfortunately I do not know a whole lot about the people of this particular village. I’m hoping William will already be there and gleans some information he can share with you. When I was there I felt danger though Orn… please be careful. Also, please ensure a formal and detailed report is prepared for Lance with the outcome of this investigation. I am sure he will eagerly await word from you.”
William studies and talk with Cinestral, to see whether the man has sufficient mental strength and integrity to resist attempts of deceit and such. He also tries to find out what he knows of that hunch that there's some evil near the village and what he knows of the Mae family, where they get their resources from and whether there are places they were going regularly.
He then takes an evening off and makes copie of his notes, including his recent findings, and hands one copy to the priest and the other to the smith, telling them both that there might be some reinforcements coming from Hilm or elsewhere, and that he would be going on a patrol. He also gives them both a small amount of coin, enough to pay for food and room for up to two people.
He then goes looking for Armand and asks him wether he wants to join him on his search for what he describes as "a vague lead on some evil lurking nearby". He gives Orn and other people that might be coming from Hilm another day to arrive, then he sets out with whoever is coming along.
If I know William Sir, he will have some information already that we can work with. He is a tenacious one. *Her smile grows a bit one moment then a look of determination replaces it.* I.. we .. will becareful Sir, whatever danger or.. evil lurks in that village we will find it and do what must be done. I will make haste and go, but before I do, could we say a prayer together Sir? *Once the prayer is done, Orn is true to her word and prepares herself to leave as soon as possible to find William.*
*To the mention of the remark of the first time saying about the SSGEMP, Armand looks genuinelly surprised* Really? I can't believe this, its maybe that it was lost among many things i say, because its something that i refer often , some strange people the ones that call me strange may even say that i may be obssessed with them but that is just because they don't know how dangerous that organization is, One day they made a huge bomb that caused that all the corporal fat of one town changed beetwen bodies, that was a very chaotic situation that took a long to fix. They are crazy... not like the inocent Catapultable **nods sagely*
And yes the Secret Society of Gnomes for Evil and Maniatical Purposes or SSGEMP, they are deviants who turn science into.. well. . bad science , they are experts in golemology and other turn outs into evil mean things.
*As he explains about finding people and figting evil * Oh good on you, its good to always do that. Leaving us engineers time to well.. do engineering. I guess.
*As the smith asks him about the arm and the machinations he explains that he did not forged the metallic arm per se, just design it for it to fit his arm and had it done by a gnomish smith at the Clockwork academy, this last model at least, he informs proudly to the smith that his "Arm-and-me Mark VI" its the lastest model of his elemental enhacer, it serves to several functions and is able to change raw power into elemental forms and viceversa, making more potent or reducing the capabilities inserted in the core batteries, he goes rambling in gnomish pseudoscience that actually probably would make sense to gnomes and seems to wild to actually have any sense of logic, but well. .. for some unknown and ilogical reasons work*
*After the first day, the man seems to be working on the areas around the town, offering to "fix and improve" things around the town, he probably won't get much success due the ankwardness of his methods and after the first explotion of one of his attempts, the town may see him with even more suspision as all out of the blue he announces in loud voice*
- Get off the way !!!
*Once said that he runs over to a nearby body of water and submerges himself into it as his arm start to show and unhealthy hot red color, as he goes out of the water and after a lot of steam before he returns to the town as if nothing had happened, this is where William may find him de second time as he activates a Dryier on him (gust of wind )*
But of course William, non bully, I will lend my aid to the task, its not like this people its letting me help too much anyway ... Where we going again ?
Arfur steps outside a moment with Basil Cheshmore taking a break in pondering the market situation when they hear some serious noise. They arrive on the exciting main street in time to see Armand throwing his arm into water and a rush of steam. "Aha you see the kind of anxious moments adventurers bring to a village Bas." He explains leading the halfling out. "He spreads his arms wide in a an expansiver manner "I have big plans, and things as you can see are gathering pace. Too much pace for wine growing my over eager money making friend. No if we want to make some honest true we need a better Inn, something resolute enough to withstand the odd hot arm incident, misfiring spells, and drunken sabre rattling...if you get my drift. Now as I see it some residents may be on the move for the right, and I trust, lower price....however when the adventurers get going doing their stuff, prices might rise. Aha we can have some delightful colours and artwork some fine fabrics, hmm well robust and fine fabrics and we will bring them in...Hurrah, I give you the new Center!" He looks at the true counting realter only shaken slightly from his dreamy path."Well thats the plan anyway, I might even help these arm burning loafers get things moving." With a little more authority than he seemed to command in the business world he suddenly draws forth a rather fine rapier which oozes al'noth and goes through a brief but deadly routine before returning the rapier seamlessly to his side.
It was a beautiful day. It started out like a beautiful day. The birds were chirping. The weather was light. The sky was clear and a sense of spring was in the air. Borris was in a good mood. He started out in a good mood. The cranky, frightened, townsfolk, who had left their mark on his digestive system, where well behind him. He slept in the woods, hunted in the woods, and was quite relieved that his beans had done their job properly. Yes Borris was quite relieved in deed! The only slight aggravation was when he realized he had failed to pack the special kind of tissue paper the humans taught him to use in the cities, but even in that, a return to using nature's specialty paper, random leaves, while far less efficient, somehow appealed to his Orc side and made him feel more at one with nature.
Yes. Borris was beginning to have a beautiful day. Having deposited the byproduct of his inner workings into the soil, he set off further down the path on route for the small village.
His spirit was light, and there was a song in his heart.
"Beans, beans, the musical fruit. The more you eat the more you...."
But then, a certain light, vaguely noticeable sensation, distracted his singing. A preliminary indicator, of some greater issue, began to tickle at him, from a nether region in the back of his mind. It began to tickle him in the back of his body as well. Tickling playfully in the back. Tickling, tickling, tickling... Itching… In the "back" In his rear. In the part of his rear where itching can be most unpleasant.
Itching there!
In THAT place.
Easy enough. A simple scratch will do. He scratched himself.
"...The more you eat the more you..."
Almost as if in answer to his scratch, the itching seemed to get progressively worse.
He scratched more...
"...The more you..."
Itching, scratching! Itching, scratching!!
Itching itching!!! Scratching scratching!!!
He stopped walking altogether.
Manic with this new condition he started to wonder.
"Duh hell kinda leaves did Ah use?!"
//Responses will be forthcoming in the next couple of days, as well as a significant event. ;-) The other plot-line took center stage for a few days... Apologies. The in-game date for this quest will also be posted soon.
William finds Cinestral a knowledgeable and dependable individual, but his life experience is lacking. He is a young man and has not had much exposure to evil creatures or entities. To his credit though, the previous summer he was responsible for assisting the locals with the destruction of a zombie that rose from the local cemetery.
Justin and Matilda Mae collected most of their resources locally. The quartz sand used for their glass was dug from a pit about an hour’s ride from the town proper. The coal for his furnace was obtained from a seam running through some rocky ground a little closer to town. Most residents use the coal seam and are protective of this valuable resource. The coloring agents for his business were purchased from passing merchants. There was no specific source. He obtained what he could, when he could.
Residents seem to be comforted somewhat with word of more help. Some seemed a little concerned at the quality and type though. There have been some rumbling whispers concerning the strange man with the smoking arm and the recently arrived “Tusker” who has been scratching his rear-end so profusely. One merchant complained that he picked up some dried meat with his “Scratching hand” and then put it back on the rack.
The priest and smith are grateful for the coin and assure William that they will put up his assisting investigators in housing to the best of their abilities.
Orn and her companions Naoniasa and Vesichi make it to the village “Eaornath D’lisk” without incident. She is greeted by the town’s smith Risteotis Ironarms. He leads you to his humble shop the “Three Shoes and Nails” and sets you up in his stable. He is a little embarrassed at the accommodations and apologizes over and over, but the stall he gives you is clean and lined with fresh hay. Risteotis sends one of his apprentices off to find William to inform him of your arrival.
Armand receives deadpan looks when he begins explaining about the SSGEMP, likely because his explanations leave many more questions than he answers. Rumors begin to circulate in the tavern over evening drinks that there might be some type of evil gnome plot afoot, but no evidence can be presented except for the mad ramblings of Armand.
The Smith is very intrigued with the "Arm-and-me Mark VI" and asks more questions, even going as far as to offer a couple of suggestions on possible improvements. Armand has found a kindred soul in Risteotis Ironarms.
One of the residents is left scratching his head as Armand leaves him standing next to the well with a whole bunch of schematics scribbled over half a dozen parchments. After looking at them closer though he says to himself “You know, that crazy bugger might have something here.” He grabs a few of his fellows and after half a day they have constructed a screw like mechanism with a handle capable of allowing a child to recover huge amounts of water from the well with very little effort.
Some of the caution returns to the town’s residents though, after Armand emerges from the duck pond, steaming, and with an angry goose chasing him. The receptiveness to his help pretty much evaporates at that point.
Borris arrives in the village “Eaornath D’lisk” and immediately knows this will be an unpleasant experience. The itching is still present, but has subsided quite a bit. He occasionally hears whispered insults such as “tusker” and “giant goblin” but seems to successfully ignore most of these jibes. The general population seems to be avoiding him, and children are not allowed to be unattended in his immediate vicinity. There is little patience for his questions and he does not obtain any useful information, regardless of his good intentions.
While resting under a nearby tree one of the villagers approaches Borris. His straw hat is pulled low and his clothing covers all of his body parts. When he gets close he says “Theeze peoples ares stupidz sometimezze.” When Borris looks up at the villager he is amazed to see that the man has some half orc features. “My name Thrunt. I labor for hire to villagers. Take long time to get trust.” He smiles showing a large cracked canine tooth.
Basil Cheshmore rubs his hands together in a rather greedy fashion. “Yes, yes... I do see you’re grand plan. This has huge profit making potential! We will need to put together some capital very quickly though.” He raises a bushy eyebrow. “How much do you think you can front for this partnership my friend?”
He ducks and moves away quickly when the “Al’Noth oozing rapier” begins swinging in well controlled and deadly arcs.
The bell at the local Toranite shrine begins ringing franticly early in the morning, just as the sun is beginning to creep above the horizon. It is an alarm calling the people of the town together.
As adventurers arrive they find most of the villagers present. They have a snarling and biting human girl tied up in course ropes. Her eyes are bulging and spittle flies as she curses and tries to break free. You recognize the girl as a relative of the Mae family. Her mother was Sally Mae’s aunt, and the one who had removed all of the personal property from their home prior to the fire that burned down the dwelling. A sense of foreboding creeps over you as you realize the girl’s parents are not in the crowd, and that last night was the second consecutive full moon following the previous incident.
A few questions reveal that a neighbor found the girl’s parents lying in bed as dried up mummified husks. The villagers are again calling for a trial and accusations of “witch” are being shouted. You hear some yelling “burn her!”
*Armand doesn't lose his time, he knows that a bully can be dangerous a mob full of bullies can be way more dangerous , upon closing his eyes he focuses on the little girl to see if there is any changes on her particular Aura's, his senses goes thru all the formulaes that he had studied to mimic the human mind with the hopes to one day create a sentient construct, he focuses on the aura and the mind of the girl, to see if it has been affected unnaturally by magical efforts, his usual aloof nature dissapears if any for the time he is concentrated *
Arfur arrives at the scene of the disturbance at a brisk walk, Bas trailing along behind arms out for a pouch of gold Arfur was in the process of offerring. However the pouch is whisked back into a bag as Arfur pushes his way to the front of the crowdwhere everyone can see his striking pose hands resting on a pair of rapiers and hat at a suitably jaunty angle he addresses the crowd with an intimidating gaze remaining just out of spitting range from the poor bound and snarling girl. "steady friends, BAS!...refreshments please for our clients. Now once is bad luck, but twice is getting a bit careless. " He looks around and settles an intimidating stare or Armand as if he expected him to explain everything.
It turned out to be a very bad day for Borris. It had started out nice, but it went bad. On his way to the village he had picked up an unwanted companion. An unwanted addition to his existence. Unwanted, yet very demanding. The itchiness in his backside, in "that" place, had raised his constipation to elite levels of blockage and sheer irritation. Walking was unpleasant. Thinking, while normally unpleasant in the first place, was made even more unpleasant. Trying to ease villagers mistrust and disdain for him and his disposition, always a nice source of unpleasantness was made yet still even more unpleasant. All added to his constipation and worsened further by the itchiness. It got to the point where he didn't even want to eat beans, his favorite food.
"'Scuse me, Sir?"
William turned and acknowledged the apprentice's presence with a nod. "What is it?", he asked calmly. He didn't note any fear or sense of urgency in the young man's demeanor, so he felt at ease - at least for now.
"Some folks of the Ankh came into the village justa few minutes ago. Ironarm said I should go tell you."
William nodded with a smile. "Thank you and your master. I'll go to them immediately." Maybe Orn was among them. He certainly hoped so.
And indeed she was, and his heart jumped for a brief moment. He greeted them respectfully, helped them to settle in and shared with them what he had found so far.
By the time the answered the call of bell, a huge crowd has already gathered. William spotted Armand and Arfur, the latter already busy in taming the mob. The palm of his hand resting on the pommel of the long sword on his side, he made his way through the crow annd looked around for Orn, Naoniasa and Vesichi.
His attention came to rest at the girl, and he asked the Hand of Virtue for guidance and judgement on her mental state and soul.
Armand receives some initial “push-back” from the crowd and hears some grumbling dissent, but their quick glances at his strange mechanical arm tells him their fear of him will keep them at bay for the moment. He senses a state of panic from the people around him. His initial observations of the little girl are made a little difficult because he does not have the data to establish the “norm” for his quick statistical sampling and analysis. He simply does not know enough about these people. He can see that some of them seem more intent on violence and a quick resolution then others though… and some of the more docile members of the crowd are feeding off of this and becoming more agitated.
When focusing on the little girl he can sense slight fluctuations in her magical aura. Something is not right… but he does not have the skill to discern exactly what.
---------
Basil Cheshmore stumbles as his hands narrowly miss the sack of gold coins that was being offered to him just seconds before by Arfur's outstrecthed hands. Irritation flits across his features as he realizes the current situation is going to interrupt what was going to prove to be a lucrative business transaction.
As the rapier carrying gentleman, dressed in obviously expensive clothing, pushes his way to the front of the crowd and begins calling for refreshments, several men begin “cat calling” with phrases such as “Yes! Refreshments for the burning!” and “Burning is thirsty work!” Balustrus Hobkines smiled and hurriedly departs for his tavern. Basil notices this and also leaves quickly to secure supplies for sale… he had no intent on losing out on his share of profits… if any were to be had.
---------
The crowd cleared around William as he waded into their midst and he spotted Armand and Arfur trying to keep the mob from becoming violent. Most of the crowd was responding well to them, but he immediately spotted several instigators, some of which were already procuring wood and other fuel items. Orn, Naoniasa, and Vesichi were not far behind him when he glanced in their direction. His military eye did not discern any immediate martial threats though. No weapons had been drawn yet, and armed individuals carried only light weaponry.
In the midst of uttering his prayers William felt a sense of “danger” or “wrongness.” The little girl emanated a sense of strong “evil” and he felt compelled to do something, although he knew not what. For a second he thought he sensed the presence of another “thing” when he briefly locked eyes with the restrained girl.
And then it happened… a large “cracking” sound from within the mob.
---------
Thrunt took the blunt and drew a deep drag of the calming smoke before he answered. “Err yeah. Little girl wuz burned like sheez wuz wood. Itz wuz wrong dohh. She wuz not same girl az wuz tied up before. Look same... but not same.” At that moment the bell began tolling in alarm. Borris and Thrunt rushed towards the shrine to see what all of the commotion was about.
Borris’s itchy posterior regions were beginning to lessen in intensity. The constipation though had reached a breaking point… literally. As he made his way into the crowd to see what was transpiring, a huge reservoir of gas breached his blocked bowls and flowed into the crowd around him with a loud cracking sound… a noise similar to a large rock breaking in half. The angry townsfolk immediately became silent around him and as the smell enveloped them many gagged, some actually vomited, and a large space cleared out around him. The focus shifted from the still spitting and snarling girl to him. An old woman squinted at him angrily and simply mumbled “Really???”
Thrunt roared with laughter from the side of the Toranite shrine.
Event Scheduled...
http://layonara.com/calendar/event/trouble-in-the-hilm-protectorate
*Armand opens his eyes frustrated, as he finishes some quick notes on his always reliable flashcards, he then looks upon the crowd and is obvious that he is not confortable with being in the middle of a would be furious mob. .... again. *
**He projects a small trick upon his arm, making it crackle with illusionary electricity in a way that has done before, this time the arcs shwo to be shoot to small distance from him, he looks oblivious at the situation and start to advance forward to come closer to where the girl is, if he manages to pass the crowd to be on the front line of it, he focuses again on the girl, taking time to try to go thru the basics of the so called magic, not taking references this time, but studying the raw energies around it, he leaves the illusionary electric arcs thru the arm as an instict, not minding that well... they are still there *
Due to some final details still needing to be arranged on the GM end of this, the event is being rescheduled. Thank you for your patience. Please stay tuned!
There was a collective gasp from the crowd as Armand’s illusionary electrical arcs snapped and popped in the air and the whoosh of stink from Boris’s posterior washed over everyone. The mob mentality seemed to calm down somewhat and the danger of an immediate "burning" seemed to diminish.
There was no change in the snapping and thrashing girl bound tightly in rope.
The shocked crowd who had been enveloped by Borris’s cloud of intestinal gas and then exposed to a fireworks display from the strange metal armed man fell silent. Even the instigators took pause in their activities. The large and angry half-orc, who obviously seemed very pleased with his gas making abilities made a formidable sight for the villagers, particularly with his armor and weaponry. Having seen the volatility of Armand’s arm over the last couple of days, and the other armed and armored adventurers closing in on them was additional incentive to bring their tone down a notch.
The village Alderman clears his throat and says loud enough for everyone to hear him, “We are going to let calmer heads prevail here. We will meet in the town square in three turns of the hourglass to commence legal proceedings against the “witch.” He then looks to the adventurers. “If she is found guilty we fully expect cooperation in carrying out our judgment. As we have no Rofireinite Guardian of Justice to oversee this trial, I will act in the capacity of judge and will determine guilt and sentence. If you wish to investigate further or act as her defense, please feel free.” He then turns around and heads towards the small village office. Several lightly armed townsmen drag the girl in the same direction. “She is laughing manically and shouting terrible things about “how delicious her parent’s souls tasted.”
//Quest time will be Saturday the 28th at 12:00PM PDT. Seattle WA time zone. There are three objectives for this quest, and if met will result in additional reward. It will be mostly RP… maybe. ;-) If there is no participation due to RL constraints for everyone, the story will go on and will conclude in this thread. It may not be pleasant though. There should be no additional chapters in this story regardless of how things turn out. There are some valuable clues in the previous posts, so I would advise briefly perusing them again.
William stays a few more days, writing a detailed report about the incident and their findings, interviewing all those involved with a great attention to detail about not only what they found, but also why and their interpretation of it, he himself taking a neutral stance, orienting himself on facts while trying to assess the overall tragedy that had transpired.
Additionally, he writes down a description of Riley Walters at the time of the incident and a detailed description of his actions, suggesting an investigation in the grounds of "inciting violence and rebellion against the laws of the land, wrongful claims of serving Rofirein and conspiring with dark forces to cause terror, death and chaos in the Protectorate".
He makes copies of both writings and sends one copy of them to the hands of Commander Lance Stargazer, and, as no more immediate trouble arises, leaves the town and heads back to Hilm Castle.
Arfur surfaces in time to see William's preperation to leave. His absence best explained by a need to drink the profits of his new found business plan. His carousing has reached legendary proportions and he appears to have missed events in there entirity more concerned about what breakfast offers. "William Sir ! perhaps you can offer a quick report before you head off for the city, and I for a rewarding breakfast?"
// Thanks to everyone for attending. There was an awesome turnout! I'm in the process of putting together a post-quest write-up and will notify players of any longer term consequences/perks... and be aware, there will be some. ;-)
// Waiting for that to do my counter post Rave ;)
The crowd continued to be in an agitated state of mind… the tension was palpable and for many the burning of the small girl was inevitable. The impressive fireworks display from Armand’s mechanical appendage and the smell emanating from Borris’s vicinity had temporarily diverted their focus though… which changed the dynamics of this event in a significant way. A hooded stranger moving through the crown egging them on and calling for “justice” in an “eye for eye” type of mentality did complicate things.
Orn and the other adventurers pressed their case that there was “something” inside the girl and that she was not responsible for her actions. Although not in agreement, the Alderman of Eaornath D’lisk finally compromised and gave the adventurers three turns of the hourglass to prove her innocence. The bristling weapons and armor of William and Borris most likely contributed to this sudden flexibility. He did warn them though that if they failed, the village would carry out its own trial and sentence. The meaning behind his words was sufficiently implied.
The adventurers promptly took the little girl to her home to investigate further. She kicked, screamed, and spit the entire time, saying all types of monstrous and evil things… something they knew the little girl incapable of. Upon arriving Borris peeked out the front door and again saw the stranger inciting a group of villagers to violence as they began lighting up torches in preparation to burn the home down with everyone inside. William and Borris, with weapons drawn, exited and held the vigilantes at bay while the others worked feverishly inside to discover a way to save the little girl.
One turn of the hour glass passed… and then two.
Armand’s investigation in a corner of the room by the entry picked up an anomaly in the Al’Noth. There were some slight ripples of energy emanating from a beautiful plate glass mirror. With the assistance of the Toranite mage Vesichi they uncovered some faint sigils worked into the glass on the back side. Although, not well versed in this type of magic, Vesichi thought it was similar to a type of magic used to create magic bags containing extra-dimensional space.
The decision to proceed with an exorcism near the mirror was then made. Orn, Brother Naoniasa, and the village Toranite priest Cinestral knelt in a circle around the bound girl and began the ceremony. Prayers to the Great Leader were chanted, the three voices intertwining and melding into a beautiful mantra. The girl screamed, her body arched, and her muscles tightened. She spat curses, promising to never leave the shell of the little girl until she was burned… and they continued, the third turning of the hour glass approaching. It then happened; the misty shape of a spirit was ripped from the girls thrashing form. It rose several feet above her, vapors and tendrils of its ethereal body being sucked towards the mirror. It screeched as it franticly tried to escape, but it could not. It’s keening was cut short as it was reclaimed by the mirror. Armand then smashed the glass. Luckily that which was contained inside remained there… hopefully trapped forever.
Vesichi collected the shards stating they should be taken into custody for study. The little girl was confused and oblivious to everything that had transpired while she was possessed. Orn comforted her, informing the child that her parents were gone… and that the villagers would say terrible things about her. She was distraught and inconsolable. After a day of thought on the matter, Orn saw that the girl would not be able to function in Eaornath D’lisk and would live a life of pain and prejudice. She had no family, and it was unlikely any would take her in. After discussing it with Brother Naoniasa and William, she decided to take the girl to a small Toranite orphanage in Sundance. They departed the next day.
//I’ll be sending some individual PM’s out to the players that took part in this. Everyone will receive one. Also, this post is of course just a very basic overview of what transpired.
Feel free to add any additional posts to this thread as far as post-quest interactions. You might want to wait for my PM, as it could give you a little more to use. I’m hoping to have all of them out today. If you have anything OOC to say, please send via PM. I had a great time with this one, and thank you for the good quest turn-out and forum involvement. You all shaped how this turned out… and believe me, the ending was nothing like what was penciled out during quest development. As players, you really do have the power to shape the world.
From a GM standpoint, this quest is finished. If individual players would like to pursue aspects of this quest in character development though, by all means post for a CDQ with myself or any other GM.
Thank you again. You guys and gal’s rock!
Arfur leaves William to his journey and returns for a hearty breakfast with the irrepressible halfling Basil Cheshmore. They both seem to be revelling in life and specifically their latest entrepreneurial enterprise. Both are observed supervising the loading of stone poles onto two large wagons with teams of big heavy draft horses. "Well Basil my old friend, our first load finally dancing it's way down the road to Katherian." Arfur suggests before demonstrating some kind of military dance for Basil's benefit. "Basil I'm going to escort this first load. Make sure we carve the right P in pole, pleasure not pain - we need to make sure we mean the Xeenites lean on our stone and stay splinter free from inferior products! We will leave no stone unturned.....too much ?.....I'd better go."
"Please!" Basil suggests. "Before anyone else beats us to the dance."he dismisses Arfur with a secret smile that oozes secret deals and trues.
*Armand had walked away thru the way to Briardusk, somehow excited adn torn about the new additament placed on his arm, it was somehow faulted alas the human smith managed to work in perfect harmony with his previous work, he was a bit torn to accept that maybe.. . just maybe had corrected a small issue on the feeding of the emergency cooler he had on his arm, even if he had to recognize the talent for the metal working and the practical applications of this knowledge of this smith, he had been torn on the fact that someone else had touched his work, alas its for the best, he had done some improvements though, the gnuman had to relocate the "Anti-bear" container away from the oil used for the new firepower additive on the arm, this to prevent any (or even more ) non-controlled explosions .
*He had been trying to lay low since the last events, even if he felt good for the girl being saved, he didn't felt that good with the atention he recieved on the town, or maybe he was happy about it not having being ended with people throwing things at him ... again. It was a small world and this humans indeed are a strange colection of beheaviors*
*Other things ocupied his mind, he had seen this pocket plane thing on the mirror for second time maybe. he remembered the orbs trapping the souls of the Luminants, and it appeared to be a similar device this mirror, but the purpose completly diferent, he started to wonder who was able to put this like that, he frowned remembering those Corathites trapping souls to power golems back in the day, all that looked like a miracle of golemcraft it was nothing but the perversive acts of souls of outsiders trapped in the mechanical bodies for service.*
*Again the guilt hit him as he remembered those words *
- You are the most kind of souls Armand Dawson, you that never had used anyone against their will -
*He felt miserable again, a feeling that came often as he thought of Lacee, he forced the thoughts off his mind, he looked down as he kept walking , to his bag where the enchanted handkerchief was holding what would be his next object of study, ... Who would miss one or two pieces of that mirror anyway ? ... *
*Upon reading the report sent by William, Lance shakes his head and speak to Martin* Its terrible isn't it? The horrors that those people had to seen, Let Naoniasa and Vesichi know that they are invited to a dinner tonight, if their obligations doesn't keep them busy of course.
*he smiles a bit, and can't help to look a bit proud, he tried to hide it of course, but how can a grandfather hide such feelings * She is becoming quite a woman isn't it, Martin? My little Orn did a wonderful work, as i read on this report. The Owl for her and William seems as a good award. its funny no? Back in the day I offered William to share my name *he can't help but to remember this as if centuries had happened since then* Those were other times, and they seem so away from now.
**He looked upon Martin* Don't mind me, good friend, I never thought to have heard of the exploits of my grandaughter, can't help to make one feel a bit old. *he laughs heartly*
Arrange please that some help is sent to the town as well, food, water, building materials, what they need, offer them a supply of 5000 gold pieces in this, take this money from my own goods, but send them as an anonimous please, Or in the "Good faith of Hilm people".
It would be all, I have go and speak with my dear Ell, to get ready for the said dinner. So if someone needs me I'll be at the clinic by the grounds.
**he folds the report and put it on one pile of papers that had to be archived yet, as he dismisses Martin and moves towards the Clinic, ... Ell surely would be surprised by his arrival this early, but well.. that would be just an extra boon*
Borris simply has two things on his mind as he makes his way back to Fort Vehl.
1)He is proud that he saved the girl. He intends to deliver a full report to Dread Pirate Breaksalot should he see him when he returns to Vehl.
2)Aside from the magic beans, he was all out of regular old ordinary beans. This was a grave concern for him. He'll not want too much time to pass before he gets some more...
Arfur steps back from his latest artistic creation - a painting. Scantily dressed Xeenites dancing around a stone pole each pulling along a different coloured dancing string. The Katherian docks lies in the background, both of his picture and in the real world behind the Quality Inn balcony Arfur paints on.
"By the bend in the Muse I think I've cracked it this time!" A waiter nods sagely and stands waiting with a selection of Katherian wines. "It is a wonderful painting. "He suggests. "Oh this thing. "Arfur shrugs but his artistic temperament wins through. "Oh you think so, yes you are right of course but I was referring to the real thing, my new business venture! Why before you can say double your money in a year - my business partner Basil Cheshmore....oh he's from out of town, will walk in that door and tell me we have secured even more sales of these stone dancing poles. Hand crafted I'll have you know by survivors of the terrible times I'm calling...Trouble in the Hilm Protectorate. It was a little haunting thing I solved back in the day. But we have achieved a fine arch in the market, and if I say so myself I have made a few good contacts and Basil wanted to come and see for himself...probably just cannot believe we have done so well. Anyway he has gone to see the business I have created here in the city."
The waiter departs having left all the wines, the tip of a winner in his hand. Arfur waits on his partner. The paint dries.
Arfur steps back from his latest artistic creation - a charcoal sketch of an Ilsarian soldier knocking lumps out a carved stone pole. The Katherian docks lies in the background, both of his picture and in the real world behind the Bargain Inn communal garden Arfur draws beside.
Arfur shares the space with a begger who holds out a mug of last night's ale for sharing. "My dear fellow I am the victim here I assure you. Whilst not ruined I am undoubtedly robbed. A charlatan I say, a charlatan, Basil the Cheshire cat- has run off with the cream. Or in this case he has stolen the stone pole business from right under my very feet! Signed his name and not mine to all the business deals here in the city. I am undone.
Feeling his pain the beggar offers him a drink from his mug of last night's slops. However Arfur is not quite so done. "No Sir I have still a few trues left, no I shall follow the stars and seek my fortune elsewhere, Or i would if they would stay in the same part of the sky for long enough!"