Against the Cult: The Next Day (1.2)

At the Farm

Devek's mind is unresponsive to Quest's inquiry. His breathing is incredibly slow and shallow. At first, Aanbo detects no pulse, and the boy's skin is cold like a cadaver. But then, after a minute or so, just when the monk is convinced there is no life there, he feels the slightest vibration in the boy's wrist for twenty seconds, less like a beat and more like a slow trickle, that the monk recognizes as a very slow pulse. Looking with surprise at the body, Aanbo also sees a light bruise on the back of the hand.

Near/On the Road

Jonbon replies to Ogbar: "I'm not sure what I could do to help, as I have nothing to steal. I suppose I could attract them with my fine, fine singing voice! How about it? Are you in the mood for a little song?"

Jonbon seems undaunted by Ogbar's scowl, and encouraged by Xana's comment. He gives a strange little bow on his seat, brushing the heel of his hand on his forehead. "That sounds like someone who appreciates a good song! I can tell you that there aren't any bandits in Orlane, as I've just come from there. But I can sing you the lay of Brigor the Bold, bandit of Blemu!" He half turns in his seat, opens a little door behind him leading into the box, and rummages around for a bit. "Let me just get my lyre..."

At the Farm

It does not appear to be a bite; there is only one point, like the prick of a pin. Aanbo does notice that Abella looks particularly agitated, however.

At the Road

Jonbon pulls out his musical instrument and begins to strum a lively tune.

"Brigor was from Bellport, they say,
Though some claim he hight from Kaport Bay
But wherever it was, he couldn't stand still
Particularly when he tumbled the girl at the mill
And so he fled to the wild of the Blemu Hills
There he stayed until that Fateful Day..."

It's doggerel, but it's musical, and the melody of the rapidly plucked strings gets the feet of anyone inclined to music tapping. He's really enjoying himself, and there are many more verses...

At the Road

Jonbon continues to sing about Brigor the Bandit. Refresh my memory as to what you each are doing while he sings.

At the Farm

Abella, scared for her older brother, is somewhat reassured by the dwarf's calm demeanor. "Devek was out in the woods like we did, sometimes. But Papa found him!" Abel interrupts: "Illustrious Majesties, I was chopping down another tree when Devek came out of the forest from the north, two days ago. He were white as a sheet, and babbling nonsense. I figured he'd seen something as frightened him - there's been signs of an owlbear around, you know, and one of those'd scare the shoes off of anyone. Thank Merikka he's safe, I thinks to myself. But when I gets him into the house, he collapsed. Hasn't woken since, even when I brought him up the stairs to bed."

At the Road

Here's what I have pictured:
Xana and Sara are on the buckboard of the wagon.
Ogbar stands protectively in front of them, closest to Jonbon.
Klak is pacing, trying to keep alert.
Durren is standing next to the wagon, ready to follow Ogbar's lead.
Thacogygax is in the bed of the wagon, somewhat concealed.

Klak, please roll a perception check.
Everyone else except for Thacogygax, roll a perception check with disadvantage.

At the Jarl Farm
Abel hesitates, then nods shakily and departs "At once, Righteous Excellency!" Then he is gone, leaving the three of you (Quest, Aanbo, and Morgran) with Devek and Abella. Abella asks anxiously: "Are you going to be able to help him, Noble Apices?"

Klak wanders around, trying to pay attention. In doing so he manages to catch the blade of his axe on one of the wheels of the wagon. Turning to it he tries to casually dislodge it, you know, like an experienced adventurer. But his suave efforts have the exact opposite effect and he catches his gauntlet clumsily inside the spokes. And then he drops his shield. The wagon rocks back and forth as he grunts with the effort to get himself free.