Part 3: The Spider's Web

Stormsong returns with his information.
"If we want to know more, we have to deal with the zombies. If none of you have been given power over the undead by a holy order, then I'd suggest picking off as many as we can from a distance, then have some fun! Bows first, javelins second, magic whenever?"

"Sounds good," says Kama, rising to his feet and drawing Talon. "I'll keep an eye on that tent and make ready for any charge. Sorry, but I didn't think to get a bow back in Phandalin."

Stormsong prepares his javelins and replies, ""Never did get the hang of a bow."

He moves up to get within his 30' range, if possible without moving past the cover of the ruined wall, and waits for Xora's first arrow. He throws her a wink as a signal and in an effort to inspire her aim (bardic inspiration 1d6). He'll throw and retreat to keep range attacking, assuming the zombies give chase, until it's time to engage.

"Those bows back in town are as good as these old walls. I'll show you a bow, the one I'm making will be quite special."

The forest gnome keeps his distance from the zombies. He agreed with the half-orc that the tent was oddly placed. Thinking to stir the pot of undead, Gimblyn spoke a few words and aimed a fire bolt for the brightly colored tent.

"This should distract them, I swear."

Kama narrows his eyes, stepping forward to present the first line of defense against the oncoming zombies and the robed man. His longsword is ready to be put to use should the zombies continue their approach, and he spends some time studying this individual that apparently does not fear the undead.

"I look forward to seeing this bow you're crafting." I respectfully nod my head towards Gimblyn before wordlessly handing my two javelins over to Kama. I notch an arrow and aim it at the robed figure. I wait to see whether he will make a move against us before I release the arrow.

I call out to him. "Who are you and why have you camped here with these undead creatures?"

"I think he's a wizard," says Kama in a low voice. "Mind his hands, especially since it's looking like he's to blame for all this." The half-orc steps forward, javelins in one hand. He calls out to the man, "You run with strange creatures, Kost. You the one bothering all the folk from these parts?"

Gimblyn keeps quiet after hurling his fire bolt. His bubbly eyes wander as his mind figures out what this wizard is capable of.

Stormsong will hold his javelins during parlay, unless the zombies begin moving our way.

"Your foul minions have no place in this peaceful region, nor I might add, anywhere on this plane. It is our business to ensure that you 'be on your way' sooner than later"

"Quick question," says Kama, counting up the number of zombies in the area. "These helpers of yours wouldn't happen to be some prospectors that have passed through the area, would they?"

To his group, "What an odd turn of a phrase, 'if you don't want to help'. I wonder..."

To the grumpy gentleman in red, "What sort of assistance would you need to get you on your way more quickly?"

"And what is your payment for the answer to this question?" asks Kama. "You look smart enough to know that such arcane answers aren't free."

"All right, well, bring 'em out!" Kama says. "We'll need 'em up front before we ask, 'cause she ain't gonna answer first."