Gameplay 2 - Deranged Poisoner

Owen allows the paladins to deal with the interrogation, opting to instead search the cart. He hopes to learn anything new about its make, its target, and perhaps anything new on the mastermind of this plot.

The jackalwere is none too brave, and confronted with angry warriors and greatly outnumbered, it isn't long before he goes to the bargaining phase of the encounter.

"Let me goes, and I'll tell you all of the secrets!" A few more cuffs and arm wrenchings and he spills.

The Jackalweres are from (wait for it...) the Untamed Hills. There, they were hired by a heavily armed orc with the unlikely name of Ubar-Sin. This Ubar-Sin is a very dangerous fellow, and an alchemist to boot. He concocts these noxious poisons and has his jackalwere hirelings deliver them to the area. They have been using the old forest fort as a base of operations, but they're not quite ready for the main invasion. Apparently, the JWs have been told, when the goody-goodies have been softened up by poison, plague, and other demonic surprises, then the warriors of the Untamed Hills will swoop down and use the fort as a base from which to loot and plunder the Duchy of Harcourt.

The small band you encountered were to return to Ubar-Sin and obtain more barrels of poison, which they would take as far as the river upstream of Marian Town.

Lastly, he is able to tell you that Ubar-Sin has his laboratory in a cave at the far end of this valley, and it is guarded by less than a dozen jackalweres, several of whom are likely to be running supply-getting errands for him.

"Well, that confirms it," says Jhishma, "we saw the trail leading up out of the far end of this valley before we descended for our attack. We know the way, so let's get to it!"

"That's a lot of people we might end up having to face. Perhaps it would be more prudent if we discussed strategies... away from prying ears, of course."

Cyrind'ae says this last part looking at the werejackals.

Owen finishes searching the cart, hears what the Jackal has to say, and approach his allies. "Surely it would do us better to see our target before we strategize?" Owen asks somewhat nervous, "I would rather us move on quickly in any case. If we tarry to long then who knows what other horrors they may release on the region." He admits in fear.

"Grok stay guard." He takes a hold of the rope, straps it around one of his hands, then leans on his axe menacingly. "You stay, pup. Or Grok make doggiefood. Grok no like it when you hurts horsie."

"We know where to go, what to do, and how many to expect," surmises Jhishma, "We're ready to move, I'd say. The only outstanding item is the summary execution of these jackal-devils. Unless I hear any objections, let me take care of it so we can move on." The paladin looks around to his companions grimly.

Owen nods to Jhishma, no problems on his end.

Nar watches the Jackalwere intently as he sings. He tries to gauge the truth of his words.

"I offer a quick death for truth."

"I am not overjoyed, but I assume that we were granted discretionary powers by the Duke in order to complete our mission..."

Owen grumbles about being more comfortable in the forests, but even still does his duty and follows the trail.

Jhishma scans the skies, uncomfortable at being exposed above the treeline.

Grok keeps an eye out for danger, while bringing up the rear.

Nar rides behind Jhishma, head on a swivel.

"Looks like we have a winner." Owen says pointing to the mark. "We seemed to have followed the right path."

"Grok," Jhishma calls, as he dismounts and tether's his mount to a nearby bush, "lead us in, down the dark passage to the left. You have the best nose for danger and good eyes for the dark," and the knight of the Winter Court hefts his greataxe in readiness, "We're right behind you."

Nar falls into step beside Jhishma, maul in hand.