Chapter 1, Day 1 Morning: The Witchwood

Zaris walks quickly to Rurik and hands him his water. "Here, you need a drink."

"What an absolutely stunning artifact!" Zaris exclaims, practically dropping his bag. "Do you mind if I get a look at it?"

At Zaris' excited expression, I instinctively clutch the fancy pendant closer to my chest before begrudgingly holding it out for him to take a look. "How much you think this dragon thing is worth?"

I take the water gratefully, drinking from it gratefully. Seeing the group gather around the clerics body examing something, I step closer. "Hmmm, I think I read something about this in some half forgotten time in the Dalelands" I start muttering to myself as I look at the symbol, searching my memory for any pertinent information.
OOC: don't know if the researcher feature of my sage background would trigger, trying to find information about the symbol

"What is it Rurik? Are you about to impress us with your vast book learnings or what?" I pick up the rapier that I chucked blindly into the woods and lean against a tree for a moment to catch my breath. I hope I don't look half as terrible as I feel. I feel like death.

"Yes, Rurik! What is it? Should we be worried?" Zaris sits down against a tree and retrieves a book from his pack and begins reading a short passage about Tiamat. "Horrific...." he mutters under his breath. "I wonder if each of the heads can speak under its own accord?" He lays the book on his lap, leans back against the tree, and closes his eyes to get a short rest.

I fix Xara with a flat stare, "Ye've been spending too much time with Corban, Xara." Reaching down, I snap the symbol from the thong around the cleric's throat and toss it to Zaris "I wouldn't be too worried, Tiamat didn't do too much to protect this one." I give the corpse at our feet a kick for emphasis. "Though, y'can never be disappointed bein' on guard." I sit against a nearby tree going through the books I have looking for a way to use Tiamat to escape my demonic deal, but it would likely be trading one master for another.
OOC: is there anything else I'd know about Tiamat in the area, like if a band of hobgoblins worshipping Tiamat is unusual, etc.

Better him than you. You're no fun at all. I keep my thoughts to myself and shrug. "At least they had the decency to carry a bit of coin on them. It wasn't a complete waste of time." I sit down in the grass next to the tree and split the gold evenly, handing each party member their share.

Zaris rises from the ground and looks around at his companions. "I would suggest that we continue on to civilization and rest for the night. I for one am in need of a night's rest.

"aye and it'll be nice to get away from the forests for once." I heave myself to my feet, joints popping and creaking audibly

"That is a great idea, Zaris! We could all use a drink and some rest after such an eventful day. Lead the way!" I hum a jaunty tune as we continue on our journey.

I let the others go about their business as I carefully clean my blade. Slowly, ritualistic, I sheath my sword and loosen my shield as I close my eyes in silent contemplation and prayer, thanking Tyr for the opportunity to rid this realm of evil. To the untrained eye, it would seem my demeanor hadn't changed, but those who were more familiar with me would see a small smile creep across my face. Afterward, I compose myself, stoic as usual, and join my companions. "What do we have here?"