Part 10: -To Be Titled Later-

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funfungiguy Inactive forever!

Sep 10, 2022 10:57 pm

Sep 10, 2022 10:57 pm

Part 10: -To Be Titled Later-

OOC:

Just a heads up for tonight's post, which I'm not quite done with yet, and probably won't be until later tonight:

There's a small section for the group standing outside the church, and then the camera is going to pan to a scene inside the audience chamber/study with Mal talking to Canon Terjon. Basically I'm just gonna have Maloria give the canon a rundown of everything that happened. If I get any details wrong, or @dominion451 thinks Mal would have done something different, let me know and we'll make adjustments. But basically Mal will tell some of what happened, Canon Terjon will ask some questions, Mal will respond and continue with her story until Canon Terjon has another question, so on and so forth.

In order to avoid this process unnecessarily taking three or four IRL days, I'll put the questions in quote box. We're going to assume that after Mal answers the questions, the canon says nothing and Mal continues on with the story until the canon asks another question inside a quote box. We'll assume Mal answers, the canon gives no response, Mal continues her story, so on and so forth.

And then if @dominion451 can just give me a brief rundown of what Mal's answers are to the canon's questions, we'll go from there. But let's just assume that for the time being, he's receiving Mal's answers in silence and pondering on them while letting Maria continue with her tale.

funfungiguy Inactive forever!

Sep 11, 2022 5:56 pm

Sep 11, 2022 5:56 pm

Part 10: -To Be Titled Later-

Erm... Perhaps, uh... Okay, well perhaps if Miss Gilly is going to buy a chicken from the Trading Post, now might be a good time to drop off this loaned horse and cart? With Gilly... with... me?" Spugnoir looks around as if probing to get a read on the rest of the group regarding their upcoming interaction with the men who own the Trading Post. "Orrr... Maybe Gilly buys the chicken now, and then later this evening I return the cart and the bad news about their hired man... we're thinking? Just trying to get a read here on what page we're on, I suppose."[/b]

As the group discusses their next plan of action outside the audience chamber, inside the party can hear the muffled voice of Maloria conferring with Father Calmert and Canon Terjon, do doubt explaining everything that has occurred so far.

Inside, things are not going well for Maloria Stoneforge... Despite the fact that Maloria had been assigned to serve as an acolyte for the The Church of St. Cuthbert, at least temporarily, she had never actually met the Canon Terjon before. She had barely spoken more than a few words to Father Calmert himself in the first couple of days she'd been in Hommlet when she was asked to investigate rumors of squatters at the moathouse ruins outside of the village. Given her low status in the church's hierarchy, combined with the very short time she'd been in the village before being assigned to join the group of adventurers that were probing the ruins outside of Hommlet in search of a gang of bandits that were getting a bit too close to the village’s outskirts, and the fact that Canon Terjon seemed nearly impossible to pin down or corner, even by his assistant Father Calmert, it wasn't really unusual that they'd never crossed paths as of yet. What little she'd heard of the man hadn't sounded promising, however. Other acolytes made allusions to the fact that the man was distant, cold, had a stern disposition, and wasn't known to be particularly friendly. It’s been explained, as well, that his position as the chief cleric has been a rather recent assignment. His predecessor, the Canoness Y’dey had left recently and unexpectedly and has not returned.

As Father Calmert and Canon Terjon enter the room the elder motions for Maloria to sit on the hard wooden bench along the wall. He grabs a rather large and cumbersome table, as well as a chair, and drags them over noisily before sitting across from Mal. Father Calmert remains standing and Mal can't help noticing the two comfortable-looking chairs sitting unused next to the crackling fireplace.

https://i.imgur.com/fLQGrwM.png

As Mal sits across from the man, he gives nothing by way of greeting, staring cooly at Maloria. An uncomfortable moment passes by until, thinking that she’s expected to just jump into telling her tale, she readies to begin speaking when the man abruptly cuts her off.
"Maloria Stoneforge," he says coldly. "I’m told by Father Calmert that you’re an acolyte assigned to this church. I was certain I knew all of my charges, yet here I stand corrected."

Mal begins by explaining to the elder cleric that she had only arrived and been in service of the church for a few days, mostly doing menial chores around the grounds to familiarize herself with her new place of servitude when she was summoned by Father Calmert to investigate the ruins outside of the village, thus she has been around very little. "Mmm, yes... The moathouse ruins... Rumors of squatters, I recall. This is the one you assigned for the task," the canon says turning to Calmert.
Calmert simply nods affirmatively.
"Not the one who came back killed by the reptile, clearly."
"No, Canon Terjon. That was a different acolyte of St. Cuthbert. Sister Alice was her name. She was unaffiliated with our church."
The canon stares at Maloria and says nothing by way of reply to Calmert.

Maloria continues explaining that she immediately encountered a group of bandits who overpowered her and were attempting to feed her and a barbarian they had captured a giant snake. The party she currently travels back and forth with rescued her, and they discovered a basement descending into a dungeon below the ruins before returning back to the village to rest.
It was back in the village that Maloria learned after inquiring about purchasing some healing potions from the church's stores that said potions were in short supply, due to a recent spat of ill fortune sweeping the village. It was also at this time that the party hired the services of the Man-at-Arms from the Trading Post.

Mal continues with a brief rundown of their second excursion, including a fight with pixies before arriving at the ruins, the encounters with a giant tick and a giant spider, the observation that all the animals of the area seem to be exceedingly large and aggressive, and eventually exploring the basement and finding a horde of undead zombies, and an ogre. She recounts slaying the ogre and rescuing two merchants and a gnome, all three of which were taken by force by gnolls or bandits. She speaks of returning to the village and encountering an malevolent chill that near an outcropping of stone but as she begins to describe the sensation of dread that struck every party member as they passed by, but the evil she is describing seems of little import to Terjon who suddenly interrupts again:

Quote:

"This gnome you rescued... Bramblecatch... You sound as if the man expressed a debt to you and to the church by proxy for both his rescue and for the healing elixir used to mend his broken legs, and no doubt you've represented the values St. Cuthbert teaches us to espouse. Did you by chance secure a means of contacting him should the need arise?"

Quote:

"The gnome, Bramblecatch, was staying at the inn when last I saw him, no other way than this do I know of his whereabouts."

After listening to Maloria's answer, he sits without response, so Mal continues. She mentions the conversation she had with Father Calmert regarding the his concern that the party's probes into the ruins were tapping too deeply into the rapidly depleting stores of healing potions and taxing the church's acolyte tasked with brewing and instilling the divine graces of their deity into Potions of Healing. She explains that Father Calmert would like to hire the services of an alchemist to handle the brewing side of things so the acolyte can focus on the divine side of things, the party's unwillingness to pay the one thousand gold per month to do so, and Mal's suspicion that a cult possibly being behind the unrest in the ruins and around the village. At this part of the conversation, Terjon’s face seems to slide from impassive to grim, and Mal gets the opinion he’s not in approval of something related to this as-yet-unresolved matter.

Maloria continues with the party’s next excursion into the dungeon where for the next few minutes she recounts the party running afoul of a particularly vicious pack of ghouls who eventually killed off both of the party’s two new hirelings. She describes their encounter with the gnolls and being extorted in order to pass unmolested from the ruins, as well as the group’s suspicions that the gnolls they encountered are likely part of the group that has been waylaying travelers, and she finishes by describing how decisions that were made in the name of surviving that foray now threaten to tear the group’s tenuous bonds apart, but the canon seems less interested in the interpersonal dynamics of the group Maloria has been exploring with and interrupts again:

"An interesting proposition Father Calmert presented to you isn’t it? The idea that one would need to hire the services of an alchemist at all, let alone one that costs the church a salary of one-thousand gold coins a month… Not to mention the notion that these financial burdens would be covered by those that had donated so generously to our church in good faith. Wouldn't you say, Father Calmert?"

Seemingly feeling abashed, Father Calmert replies, "Canon Terjon, I had no intention of putting the donations of those who have so little towards this proposition. I merely observed that the party which has been probing the ruins, and who rescued Sister Stoneforge here have been returning with a significant increase in their financial resources, and suggested that maybe some of those resources could be better used to provide for the local community without having to use the donations of our congregation.."

Canon Terjon looks at his assistant a moment before returning his gaze to Maloria. Mal continues with her tale, describing the last delve into the dungeon, beginning with the discovery that someone had moved the entire contents within the makeshift armory, indicating that weapons were being stored in a large scale. The canon seems largely disinterested when Mal speaks of the encounter with the giant crayfish, nor does he seem to care that Mal’s old friend was nearly killed. He brightens up again when Mal discusses the encounters with the gnolls and the armed guards seen wearing the cloaks with the burning eye on them.
But when she gets to the part describing the note that was discovered tying the owners of the trading post to the cache of weapons and armor, and the incident of the Man-at-Arms turning on the party, the man’s demeanor turns grim again.

As Maloria finishes her tale Canon Terjon sits quietly and stares at her. He examines the note a moment, looks back across the table at the dwarf, then returns his gaze disdainfully back to Maloria and speaks:

"Mr. Davl and Gremag have been longstanding members of this small community for years, Acolyte Stoneforge; did you know that? Yes, yes, I understand they tend to develop a reputation for fleecing the townsfolk once in a while, and whether it be true or not is none of my concern as it's not my profession and St. Cuthbert watches all with his zeal and a long memory, but let’s also not forget that the proprietors of the Hommlet Trading Post are some of our most generous benefactors to our church in this village, contributing greatly to the improvement and maintenance of our very church every year, so even if the two men do charge a heavy sum for their goods from time to time, what sin has been committed when no profits are gained by either man, and it is the church, aiming only to aid the community we serve under the righteous shadow of St. Cthbert’s bronzewood cudgel, that benefits in order to benefit others?
"Yet here you are, an Acolyte, having been in this village for barely a tenday, bearing a mysterious slip of paper discovered by an admitted thief you’ve known for but a single day, ‘discovered’ on body of yet another man that left with your new friends and wound up dead while they came back all the wealtier, accusing the dead man’s employers of somehow bearing responsibility for the both the death of their own man and the rest of the ills of this village?"

He flicks the slip of parchment back to Maloria disdainfully and leans forward, then says,"

Quote:

"Acolyte Stoneforge… Do you have any usable evidence to support the accusation you're getting dangerously close to bearing against Mr. Gremag and Mr. Davl?"

Quote:

"As for evidence against Gremag and Davl I have only my word as a devotee of the church which I invite you to test magically if you wish. Someone in the depths of the moathouse catacombs is actively raising the dead, this alone merits further action as I am sure I don't have to tell you what danger a necromancer might pose to the town."

He listens to Maloria's reply passively and considers it, staring coldly at Maloria for nearly a minute. Then replies:

Quote:

"Though his approach towards a solution was completely wrong, Acolyte Stoneforge, Father Calmert was right about one thing: This church is certainly in dire need of more Potions of Healing, and our reserves must be re-stocked if we're going to be able to meet the needs of the community. But I don't think we need to bring in the costly services of a specialist to handle the alchemical end of the process. The Adept tasked with brewing and maintaining the reserves has handled herself just fine until this recent spat of ill fortune, wouldn't you both agree?
"And it seems to me that Acolyte Stoneforge here was merely tasked with investigating rumors of squatters in the ruins. She's fulfilled her duties admirably in that regard, and it appears to me her work is done. We might as well return her to our duties here at the church, and as there seems to be a need for more hands in the apothecary and Acolyte Stoneforge here knows more than any how precious such divine medicines are in these dark days, perhaps Acolyte Stoneforge would be best suited to assist Adept Ringclaw in her divine duties, eh Acolyte?
"No, no; what am I saying. An Acolyte wont do, for this task. One must be an Adept for these duties, for you must be able to ask St. Cuthbert for his blessings and miracles successfully and without fail. Perhaps you should gather your belongings from the inn and return here this evening. You may stay in the vestry and tonight Father Calmert will make sure your faith is of sufficient strength to cast the most basic of miracles needed to imbue our elixirs with the divinity of St. Cuthbert, and in the morning the books will be made to acknowledge your promotion to Adept Stoneforge? Congratulations?"

Quote:

"Although the moathouse has yielded some minor treasures, the resource is far from sustainable and comes at the cost of several lives thus far. I will gladly ask my companions to gather what they have found to pay for the alchemist but I do not know how long the payments can last.

I am honored to serve the church by assisting Adept Ringclaw and I am greatful for the opportunity. I will stay here tonight as requested, though I ask that I be allowed to finish my task at the moathouse in the coming days. Many have risked and lost their lives and the truth of the matter is simple to those of us who have ventured there, seen the cultists, faced the walking dead. There is an evil below that good men must stop."

Maloria "Mal" Stoneforge

Sep 11, 2022 8:22 pm

Sep 11, 2022 8:22 pm

Part 10: -To Be Titled Later-

"The gnome, Bramblecatch, was staying at the inn when last I saw him, no other way than this do I know of his whereabouts.

As for evidence against Gremag and Davl I have only my word as a devotee of the church which I invite you to test magically if you wish. Someone in the depths of the moathouse catacombs is actively raising the dead, this alone merits further action as I am sure I don't have to tell you what danger a necromancer might pose to the town.

Although the moathouse has yielded some minor treasures, the resource is far from sustainable and comes at the cost of several lives thus far. I will gladly ask my companions to gather what they have found to pay for the alchemist but I do not know how long the payments can last.

I am honored to serve the church by assisting Adept Ringclaw and I am greatful for the opportunity. I will stay here tonight as requested, though I ask that I be allowed to finish my task at the moathouse in the coming days. Many have risked and lost their lives and the truth of the matter is simple to those of us who have ventured there, seen the cultists, faced the walking dead. There is an evil below that good men must stop."

Sep 12, 2022 12:28 am

Sep 12, 2022 12:28 am

Part 10: -To Be Titled Later-

"I think what Gilly is suggesting is that we sell an unaffiliated third party, so these thugs can’t frustrate our efforts.

However, if Gilly is correct and the bird swallowed a key, then it may just be in our interest to suck it up, and pay the few extra coins they’re sure to ask for and be done with it ourselves!

And I would definitely wait to deliver the bad news until we have our prize!

Shall we?"

Eltrezar the Medium

Sep 12, 2022 12:53 am

Sep 12, 2022 12:53 am

Part 10: -To Be Titled Later-

Hrmph! "I understand her desire for secrecy, but this is a simple matter of buying a chicken. Her paranoia has truly gotten out of hand these days. I'll do it myself." With a huff, the old wizard begins walking towards the chicken in question (leaving the vast wealth on the cart), and looks at the traders.

Ahem! "Ah, yes! I would require the procurement of several of these chickens, and am more than happy to pay fairly for a selection of my own choosing. What is your asking price, gentlemen?"

OOC:

If the cart is not with this group, he discretely hands the money to Gilly.

Sep 12, 2022 1:09 am

Sep 12, 2022 1:09 am

Part 10: -To Be Titled Later-

Gilly shrugs as the wizard wanders off to the lion’s den.

"Let’s make sure he doesn’t get himself into trouble."

Gilly watches from a distance as the interaction plays out!

Eltrezar the Medium

Sep 12, 2022 1:54 am

Sep 12, 2022 1:54 am

Part 10: -To Be Titled Later-

As the wizard walks, he can't help but roll his eyes as he did in his youth. Hrmph! 'She's probably thinking of this as me walking into a lion's den or something equally dramatic...'

OOC:

Sorry, couldn't resist!

funfungiguy Inactive forever!

Sep 20, 2022 8:07 pm

Sep 20, 2022 8:07 pm

Part 10: -To Be Titled Later-

OOC:

I've edited the conversation to include Mal's responces. The splices aren't smooth by any means, but will be useful for later reference, maybe.

Canon listens to Maloria's responses, and while he maintains an almost confrontational disposition with the younger cleric throughout the conversation, he seems to consider her last responses before responding. "Hmm... No, you're correct. So far I fail to see what you and your companions", (he still sneers with distaste at the word "companions", "should gain by you coming here to seek my audience and mislead me. You no doubt at least believe the veracity of your testimony, though I question some of your assessments.
"In either case, you are correct about some things: If there is a necromancer at work in the ruins, this evil must be destroyed before its malevolent roots creep forth from that wretched soil and corrupt this village. Perhaps further investigation is needed, and as you at least have an idea of the dungeon's layout and the dangers hidden within, it would be unwise to send someone as yet unfamiliar inside merely to assign you to or alchemical needs. Your financial contribution will be sufficient, at least temporarily.
I have none here at the church to accompany you in your investigations, though I will send word to Elmo's father that we should consider increasing our militia's patrols for the time being, and give them instructions to keep an eye out for any further suspicious activities until further investigations are done and the ruins deemed harmless.
"As to the accusations you bring forth against the proprietors of the Trading Post, I personally still have my doubts. Regardless, a single piece of parchment with a cryptic message written in an unverifiable hand is hardly enough evidence to bring forth against two men who have otherwise been pillars of generosity to the local village. Without something more concrete, I'll likely not entertain such notions, nor bring them up with the village elder or the rest of the council. Bring me further evidence or leave it."

Canon Terjon stands alowly from the desk, the conversation seemingly over. "See that you handle any other affairs you need to take care of this afternoon and then return to Father Calmert this evening after dinner. Father Calmert, I expect you to review her lessons and see to it that her faith is sufficient to fullfill the duties of an Adept before Miss Stoneheart returns to her investigation."

With that, he heads towards the door. Father Calmert begins moving the table and chairs to their proper spots within the room, seemingly quiet and content to say nothing to Maloria.

OOC:

I have Eltrezar, Ora, and Gilly now at the Trading Post inquiring about chickens.
1. Is Luban going to the Trading Post, staying at the church, or heading somewhere else.
2. Is Thurig going to the Trading Post, staying at the church, or heading somewhere else.
3. Would the party prefer Spugnoir to accompany those headed to the Trading Post, stay back for now, or leave it to the DM?

Sep 20, 2022 8:10 pm

Sep 20, 2022 8:10 pm

Part 10: -To Be Titled Later-

Luban waits at the temple with Thurig, keeping an eye on the exhausted dwarf. From the walls he can hear a "Wah wah wah" as Maloria communicates with the other religious folk. Nothing to do but wait for her.

Sep 21, 2022 1:16 am

Sep 21, 2022 1:16 am

Part 10: -To Be Titled Later-

OOC:

Given that Spugnoir has news that might making doing business with these fellas difficult/hostile, maybe he delivers that news later?

Maloria "Mal" Stoneforge

Sep 21, 2022 2:19 am

Sep 21, 2022 2:19 am

Part 10: -To Be Titled Later-

Mal bows in respect to Father Calmert and exits the church. Seeing her friends outside, she details her exchange with the Canon.

"So it's not the calvary we hoped for. Seems we are on our own for now but I'll be advanced within the ranks of the church tonight so hopefully that will lead to something. We need to get Elmo on our side in case the trading post seeks revenge publicly. Thurig, you should stay with the others at the inn tonight, just in case."

Thurig nods wordlessly.

funfungiguy Inactive forever!

Sep 21, 2022 5:54 pm

Sep 21, 2022 5:54 pm

Part 10: -To Be Titled Later-

It's about half past three when Eltrezar, Gilly, and Ora walk a hundred yards back down into town and enter the Trading Post The two merchants are in their back office with the curtains drawn, but as the three adventurers enter they emerge. Gremag emerges and seems barely able to contain the hateful disdain kindling inside him as he sees Eltrezar and Gilly enter the room, barely even glancing at Ora, but it's the shorter, heavyset Rannos that steps forth and speaks up.
"Well, if it isn't the brave adventurers returned again from the bowels of that old dust bin out by the edge of the village. Our groom mentioned a bit ago that he noticed you using our cart and horse to bring your fallen friends back to the church. Didn't happen to see our hired man in tow with you, though. I though to myself 'By golly, Rannos, I knew our man was a strong fellow, but he's liable to throw his back out carrying all those weapons and shields we expected you and your friends to return with...'
"Trusting your wounded arrived at the church safely, no doubt you intend to return back with the cart to meet our loaned man halfway, and give the poor fellow's tired back a rest, eh?"

https://i.imgur.com/3y0lfsa.png

Eltrezar the Medium

Sep 21, 2022 6:08 pm

Sep 21, 2022 6:08 pm

Part 10: -To Be Titled Later-

Eltrezar stands up straight, an act that takes longer than one might expect, showing his true height. While he isn't overly tall, it is a significant change from his stooped posture. He looks to Gremag, and clears his throat. Ahem! "It is true that our party has returned, though with fewer weapons and arms than we had anticipated. But the cart is still in use, as you did note our unconscious companion. It will be returned as soon as it is freed of that task. But we three are here to make some small purchases before we rejoin the rest of our party. Some chickens and perhaps a new coil of rope. Oh, and torches. It would seem our expedition has no limit to the number of torches it demands. I would pay you for these, with the chickens being selected by myself, and then be on our way. There is much to do, still, and one of ours is wounded." He peers at the man from under thick eyebrows, and opens a hand to reveal a small number of gold coins.

Sep 21, 2022 11:38 pm

Sep 21, 2022 11:38 pm

Part 10: -To Be Titled Later-

Gilly nods along and holds her stomach at the mention of chickens, only half acting out great hunger; the other half being very real indeed.

Sep 21, 2022 11:39 pm

Sep 21, 2022 11:39 pm

Part 10: -To Be Titled Later-

"Given that it wasn’t ourselves that contracted with this establishment for the horse, or the man, it’s best if you discuss all of that with Spugnoir.

Only he knows the terms, as you agreed upon them. We couldn’t speak on that."

funfungiguy Inactive forever!

Oct 1, 2022 9:48 pm

Oct 1, 2022 9:48 pm

Part 10: -To Be Titled Later-

Rannos looks suspiciously at Ora following her reply, but turns and addresses Eltrezar. "Hmm, with fewer weapons and arms than we had all anticipated, and a man short. My man, to be specific. And while I doubt that you three are completely oblivious regarding the terms of our loan agreement with your new companion, common sense would still dictate that that which is loaned should be returned... That goes for horse, cart, and hired man. And yet, once again you and yours seem to have returned at least one man short…
"So perhaps before we discuss chickens, I might finish the business at hand first. My horse is at the church at the moment. As is my cart. Where is my hired man, Mr. Eltrezar?"

At the church, Maloria emerges into the day, where Luban, Thurig, and Spugnoir have been waiting where she learns that the rest of the group left for the Trading Post, Gilly having mentioned the chicken and the key and her desire to acquire such an artifact.

OOC:

Do these four (aside from Spugnoir and his wagon situation) have any errands to run?

Maloria "Mal" Stoneforge

Oct 2, 2022 4:46 pm

Oct 2, 2022 4:46 pm

Part 10: -To Be Titled Later-

Mal and Thurig do not have any errands but decide to pass by the trading post to support Gilly and Eltrezar in case of the worst.

Eltrezar the Medium

Oct 3, 2022 2:10 pm

Oct 3, 2022 2:10 pm

Part 10: -To Be Titled Later-

Eltrezar hems and haws for several moments, waiting for some sort of plan to emerge. He understands that he looks defensive, and at this point doesn't mind too much. It doesn't take long for the dwarves to reappear, given the distance from the church, and so he decides to be bold. Wizards never gained anything from timid approaches.

The wizard stands tall, strokes his beard, and clears his throat. Ahem! "Well, to be quite frank, your hired man is lying dead in the bottom of the keep. Right where he was killed, in fact, during his betrayal at your orders. You must think us quite foolish, Rannos, to accept help from one such as yourself without a cautious eye on a swivel. And you must have forgotten the dangers we face every day, from which we always return." He takes a few steps back as he speaks, recognizing that inches from an unknown danger was miles too close.

OOC:

As the poet will.i.am once stated, "Bring the action."

Last edited October 3, 2022 2:31 pm

Oct 3, 2022 2:18 pm

Oct 3, 2022 2:18 pm

Part 10: -To Be Titled Later-

Luban follows behind the dwarves, observing their kinship and wishing he had something of the sort. His mind drifts to pretty Ora, and he stumbles over a cobblestone. Right, stay present.

Oct 4, 2022 5:27 am

Oct 4, 2022 5:27 am

Part 10: -To Be Titled Later-

Gilly rolls her eyes as the shopkeeper refuses to keep things simple and listen to Ora. She’d say "I told you so!" but now wasn’t the time.

She pulls her cloak up close around her, and watches intently, ready to pull her sword at a moment’s notice and end this whole ordeal here and now!

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