Chapter 1: Harvest Moon

It is evening in Algeras, a town built up around it's many farms.
An orange moon is just starting to rise over the horizon. As is tradition in the town, decorations, tables, and portable cookery are arranged in the town square, which itself is lit by many hanging lanterns. A sizeable wooden stage is set in front of a large hall. The shop windows are dark and reflect the light of the lanterns. A few of the wood-built houses through the town are still lit, but most remain apparently vacant.

Many people in town have gathered to the square, a few still carry tools and decorations in hand. Their voices are heard in idle conversation; youths excitedly talking about the dances they have reserved with crushes, elders sharing stories of past festivals, and middle aged people talking about final preparation plans.

The voices quickly die down to a murmur, then become silent as a group of nine men, all elders, come from the large hall and ascend to the stage. The last one is helped up the stairs by two middle-aged men, who stand to the side after the elders take their seats. All of the elders look to each other for a second before the one in the third chair steps up to a lectern in the center of the stage. He speaks in a deep voice, with just the hint of a rasp to tell his age. Thank you, everyone, for coming to yet another harvest festival. As has long been tradition in our town, tomorrow we will be getting up early in the morning to help our farmers pull in this season's crops. As the lifeblood of our town, our farms provide food to many of the cities around us, and even make it to the capitol. It is not exaggeration to say that these crops are counted on by peoples all over our world. A ripple goes through the crowd, and the elder gives a moment before putting up his hand to silence them. Yes, we are counted on by everyone. We all know that last festival, our town fell short of our planned harvest. I am sure you have seen a newcomer in our midst these past few months. Arius, could you step forward, please? At this, a tall, masculine figure in a robe nervously steps out of the crowd and faces everyone. A thin face with golden eyes, burnt by the sun meets everyone's gaze. Arius here was brought in to remedy our problem. He's a researcher from Torrana, specializing in fertilizers, fairly well known for his work. With his research, he has assured us that our fields will produce like they did before. We have nothing to worry about anymore. So, everyone should rest up for tomorrow! Please see the agendas before you go home on each of the streetcorners here in the square for performance times and other information. If there are and outsiders today, you are invited to stay in the square for a moment; our elected festival innkeepers will give you more information on our festival as well as free lodging for the night. Event planners should join us elders in the hall to discuss final preparations. Thank you all again for coming, and we'll see you again at dinner!

With this, the voices of the crowd come back, and everyone begins to disperse, though an air of uncertainty hangs over them now. The elders make their way back to the hall behind them, followed by a handful of people, as a middle-aged couple take the stage and wait for the crowd to die down. They wave to everyone still left in the square to come over to them. Besides the party, there are two others, dressed in travel robes with pale faces, dark long hair, and a blue emblem on the right breast of their robes. They look like they could be brothers. One speaks to the other Well, Jo, let's go see about some free food while we're here. Might as well take advantage. They start walking to the stage.

The couple, middle-aged halflings, look down at the assembled outsiders. By the light of the lanterns, their dark hair and ever-so-slightly overweight figure can be seen, as well as their overly smiling faces.
The husband puts his finger up as he counts the group Seven! Oh wonderful, after last yea- he gets a quick elbow from his wife.

Oh, don't mind him. I'm Mellia, and he's Segno. Together, we run the Great Oak Inn. Now, as is tradition here, the best inn in town is going to give you free meals and rooms for the night, so that tomorrow, all of you can join in our festival! I'm so excited!
Segno speaks up again Yes, yes, it's very fun. But we should get home, like she said, we all have to get up pretty early. We can talk more there anyway. It's this way.

Segno leads the group down one of the larger streets, passing by shops and a few of the higher-end houses on the way before stopping at a large building. The inn is well-kept and shows little signs of age. A sign hangs above the door and reads "Great Oak Inn", with accompanying picture. In a small courtyard in front of the inn, there are a few benches surrounding a withered tree. Once inside, the man takes orders, as his wife calls a young girl down to help her cook. Once everyone has their food, Segno sits down at a table nearby Well eat up! Your lucky my daughter helped he looks over his shoulder everything tastes better when she does. But does anyone have questions about the festival?

Segno's face starts to turn pink as he looks at Isuna with anger in his eyes. He raises a finger as if to lecture her, but then puts it down as his expression turns to a mix of sadness and defeat. I... I guess I can see how that makes sense. Truth be told, we don't know what's happening. Last time harvest came around, the farmers had to admit that the crops just... didn't grow. It was a huge blow to our town, in every way. Well, that's why the elders hired that man from Torrana. The fields do look well at least...

I wouldn't know much about that... Although a few years ago, Prea over at the clothes shop did get a weird machine that helps her make things. I think it's something like that. Anyway, the elders said that Arius did a ton of work with potions. He's done a great thing for all of us, I just hope he'll teach us before he leaves.
The two other people from out of town in the robes shift slightly at Chuton's question, but don't say anything.

I'd be very happy for that. Are you an acolyte? Mellia and Prea were going to the temple after everyone went to bed...Oh! I'd better be seeing how Mellia is getting along. Don't want to leave her to do everything now. Segno gets up, gathers empty dishes, and returns them to the kitchen.
Shortly after, Mellia comes out with their daughter in tow. Come now, it's getting late. I'll show you to your rooms, just let us know if you need anything. She leads everyone upstairs, showing everyone to rooms with two beds apiece. The pair places hot glasses of water in the rooms, with small teabags, before saying goodnight.
The two men in robes room together. Everyone else can room as they want, if they have a preference.

@ Everyone: Mellia nods in appreciation to Deturai Well, thank you sir! I've been doing my best to teach Prea here. The girl blushes, and takes a step behind her mother. Mellia speaks to everyone. I do hope the rooms are to your liking. If you need anything, Segno will be downstairs, probably in our room. Just knock for him. She smiles and turns to gather a few things for going to temple.

The two men in cloaks bow to her slightly, and retreat into their own room together, pushing the door almost closed. Small scratching sounds shortly come from inside the room, with murmured conversation.

@ Isuna: Mellia and Prea lead you to a large temple in the square. The largest shrine inside is devoted to Saturn, with a smaller one dedicated to Ceres located nearby. Ceres' shrine has twelve small candles underneath it. Both have a marble statue of the deity, between to columns that support a roof over the subject. Many people are coming and going, leaving small offerings of coin, flowers, and food. They recite prayers before departing, and each you pass smiles warmly at you. Make a religion check please.

@ Isuna: As you approach the shrine to Ceres, the second and twelfth candles flicker and almost go out. You know they probably signify helper deities. Mellia and Prea don't seem to notice, and go about praying, leaving a few coins before continuing to Saturn's shrine, where they do the same. Prea finishes her prayers well before her mother both times, and casts an interested eye at you to see what you do, before being chastised by her mother for staring.
They patiently wait for you to finish any prayers you might want to say. After this, they will lead you back to the inn. On the way, Mellia says I really had hoped to introduce you to the priest, but I suppose he already started his divinations... well, there's always tomorrow!

@ Everyone: The night passes uneventfully, and everyone gets a good night's sleep. In the morning, the smell of cooking meat wakes you. Downstairs, the couple is busy preparing breakfast for everyone, while Prea rubs the sleep out of her eyes at one of the tables. A basket full of gardening gloves, and another full of small shears rests by the door. The two men in robes are already seated at the table, one is reading from some scrolls, he nods and hands them over to the other one. Segno and Mellia soon walk out, and seeing people awake, take orders for breakfast.

Mellia happily walks back to retrieve breakfast, stopping to take Prea with her, who grumbles a bit before heading to the kitchen. When Mellia brings the food, Prea doesn't follow her. She smiles, delivering her guests' food first. Just let us know if you need anything else! It's going to be a big morning! She sits down with her husband to eat her own food.
After finishing, Segno stands up to speak, as Mellia gathers plates I hope everyone slept well. Everyone should take a pair of shears, and some gloves... He glances over at the scaled Chuton if you feel they wont get in the way that is. The organizers will most likely have us harvesting the crops. We should go to the field, Prea and Mellia will catch up later.

When you get to the fields, you see a large expanse of greens, browns, and a few yellows. Some people are already at work with small baskets, pulling crops, and putting full baskets on the tables to be sorted by a handful of people. Segno leads you to a short man, a gnome with brown hair and a large sunhat on that apparently didn't stop him from getting a dark tan. Heeeeyy! The visitors! I'm Gino, and some of these out here are my fields. It's great to have you, I'd be sad if the tradition of welcoming and including visitors were to end after a bad harvest or two. Anyway, we spend the morning with everyone harvesting, before the afternoon festival. I'm... sure you know. Well, I figure I'll set you all to the yellow squash over there, it's pretty hardy, and easy to tell what to take and what not to. If you need water, we've got runners filling skins from the wells. They should be bringing it to the sorting tables soon... Alright well, just let us know if you need anything! We're really happy to have you!

@ Deturai the inn is near the center of town, and we are at the outskirts, so fairly far. If you'd rather take the cart with you, that's fine.

A few people are singing songs while they work, mostly short humerous lyrics, but there are a few praying in song. The two robed figures have produced a caliper and notebook, and are taking notes on the sizes of squash, occasionally coming over to look at one of yours when they see a particularly large one.
Before long you find that there are so many hands working the fields that all the squash has been brought in, and you are asked to harvest tomatoes in the far fields next, to which the two men happily agree and start about the same business as before. Their faces seem to have brightened from their usual stale expression.
Everyone make perception and nature checks please.

The sun is high in the sky, and it looks like most of the crops have been harvested. The small army of people has made wonderful time across the fields. In fact, you can see the sorted crops being brought into the town, no doubt to be packaged or cooked for the festival. It won't be long now until you're actually done. Several of the townspeople are walking towards you with waterskins and empty baskets.

The townspeople walking towards you offer the waterskins, and suggest that you go back into the town to rest up for the evening. They explain that they will be glad to finish up this area. With the same cheerfulness as everyone else, they begin harvesting the last of the tomatoes. It's now that you notice that a few crates of what can be presumed crops have been left near each field. A new team of very tan people are moving to the farmhouse. If you had to guess the time, it would most likely be right around one pm.

Oh well... we're almost done so... We wouldn't mind you staying of course! We just thought you'd might like to rest up is all, since you've done so much already... One of the women explains. She sets about harvesting herself, as one of the men speaks next. They'll be setting up the stewpot right now, I'd wager. Soon at least. Gotta get started on cooking something that big sooner rather than later. The others nod in agreement.

You imagine it would take another hour to finish if all of you worked together. Most of the other fields look clear of people now.

@ Deturai: As you enter the town square, you notice that more decorations than before are placed. In particular are many tables and chairs are arranged near the edges of the square in groups, marking a clearing in front of the stage from last night. You notice a healthy flow of people coming in and out of the town hall, carrying what looks to be props and costumes. Off to one side of the stage is the enormous copper pot over a similarly-sized fire. A staircase of crates leads up to the top. Quite a few people are also manning this, including the family from the inn. In fact, Mellia seems to be giving Prea a scolding right this minute...

@ Everyone else: Oh... those are loaded crates, I'd think, at least if they're closed up. They'd need to go to storage. But... those are heavy, surely you'd just rather rest? We have plenty moving those... The man from before says as he continues to harvest. A slight wind rustles the stalks in the fields, and birds start calling for a minute, before falling silent.

The man looks back to his friends, then you, a bit uneasily. It would... be hard to explain. I'll walk with you so you don't get turned around. But I doubt you'd get in the way! The squash tends to be packed into smaller bits. Not as much demand for those so... He walks with you to the crates, some of which, such as "potatoes" come close to his navel, while the mentioned "squash" comes closer to his knees. He gets close to one of the larger ones. Right, well, I'll lift one end if you want to get the other. It'll probably be easier on our backs that way. By the way, what were your names? I'm Raef. He bends down and finds a hold underneath the crate, and braces for Chuton's help.

@ Deturai: Both of them turn to look at you before falling suddenly silent. Mellia speaks first Well hi there! I guess your being here means the harvest is brought in! We noticed your food cart before, did you come to help with the stew? Maybe you have a secret or two to teach us! The others look up at you, some surprised slightly, but most look inquisitive. Prea decides to storm off.

Well met Chuton. We generally don't need to guard the produce. After all, we do keep all of the people from outside our town together! We've done things this way for as long as the town's been around. Something about the ground here giving us too much to harvest without help, I think. I stopped paying attention to the stories once I found out beer existed.
As you move through the town, you encounter very little traffic. Most people you do pass are either headed to their houses with dirty clothes, or forming groups to go to the town center. Before long, you come to an open warehouse, which apparently is the one you're looking for. There are crates stacked and organized along the walls, with unorganized ones in the center. There is also an empty wagon with a horse attached. No one else is around.

@ CaveJohnson: Mellia sighs Oh, I'm sure you have something to contribute! We'd certainly not turn down the help of an experienced chef. Especially when I doubt Prea will be bringing back those spices I asked for. So... I hate to dump this on you, but could you handle stirring? Just make sure you scrape the sides, we wouldn't want any to stick and burn. You should say hi to the others though! She runs off after her daughter. Two others introduce themselves as Lietha and Creel. Leitha is in charge of running ingredients up the steps, while Creel works to keep the cooking fire hot. Two other people are bringing and unloading firewood, but don't take the time to introduce themselves. The stirring stick is large and looks somewhat like a ship's oar.

@ Everyone else: Raef starts laughing. Well that explains why there were so many crates! Whoever was in charge must have decided to nap instead! He examines the reins, horse, and cart. Eh, it all seems in order at least. What say we take this cart to get the rest? Someone needs to...

@ Deturai You can tell the people are paying attention to your stories. It seems many of them have traveled little, if at all. You continue stirring the stew, while your audience adds food and ingredients as they become available. A few stumble a bit, probably paying too much attention to what you're saying. More people are quickly gathering in the square, and quite a few who have come to smell the food have stopped to listen as well. Make a check using your utensils, please.

@ Everyone else The horse makes good time back to the edge of town, to where the rest of the crates wait. The cart will hold the rest of them in one trip. There's no one else here, and the fields are empty. Raef scratches his head and looks puzzled, but climbs down to load the crates. At least there's not much left to do! We should hurry, I'm sure it's not long now till they start in the square. Thank you for all this help by the way, no one asked you to work with the crates, it means a lot. The rest of the load is heavy, but not unworkable.

@ Chuton, Isuna, Carlin Er, well. I didn't think they'd finish this quickly is all... oh well, more reason to finish this quickly! Turning to Isuna next Compared to last harvest especially! Im almost shocked at how well the fields turned around. Wonder if we can convince that stranger to stick around after this... As he loads the last of the crates, he looks up at the sky, wiping his head. Yup, they'd be starting soon, we best hurry back. Why don't the ladies ride? I think I'll walk beside, don't want to burden to poor horse too much now.

Raef responds somewhat tentatively I don't mind... but uhhh... why? I'm sure the farmers already made rounds around the fields... Is something wrong?

@ Deturai You look, but realize the Mellia actually hasn't come back yet. Past the bowls is a large table with side dishes being brought out, buffet style. @ Chuton, Isuna, Carlin: Raef gives you an uneasy look before he shrugs, and goes to get the horse and cart moving, saying to Carlin and Isuna If you'd like to stick with your friend, I don't blame you. Course, I wouldn't mind the help with the crates either...

Chuton, (and ladies, if you are joining) please give a perception check, as well as any specific area you'd like to check.

@ Isuna: Raef chuckles a bit Compared to him, you're one of us! That Arius, some kind of researcher. He's been here since shortly after the last harvest, so a few months. Came with barrels of something for the fields, and a few days later, had all the farmers spreading it around while he watched. Always with a book, making scribbles, and hiding it from anyone who looked. He wears his hood up too, looks like a ghost under that thing. If you ask me, he's just plain creepy, but he's done good for us, I suppose... I wouldn't mind him staying, but he could work on the people skills. The cart reaches the warehouse, and he looks up at the sky again. Hey, you should get to the town square! I'll finish up here, but they might have even already started! Don't want to be late now.

@ Carlin, Chuton: You make your way back to the area you were harvesting tomatoes in earlier, and find the area spattered with blood, fairly fresh. Some baskets with spilled and trampled tomatoes lie scattered around as well, obvious signs of a struggle. @ Deturai: Leitha explains Oh, they were arguing about spices earlier! Those two never fight like that! ...I hope they didn't get into it again... She turns and runs off after her friend. When you ask the children for help, most of them eagerly jump to, the rest being nudged by siblings and friends. A few, born leaders, organize the children further into groups to help with cutlery as well. People with their dishes take this as a sign, and begin lining up to be served. You can hear conversation, musings about the cooking skills of a stranger, with affirmations from people who saw your cart yesterday. One calls out So? How'd it turn out? and the conversation becomes more heated with questions, and statements of hunger.

@ Chuton, Carlin: As you walk a short way into the woods, you hear the sounds of a stream, and then see the bloody, bitten bodies of two townspeople. You recognize them as some of the ones who came with Raef. The bodies have been left halfway in the stream, which colors tendrils of water going downstream with the blood. A chattering sound above your heads distract you from the grisly scene, and you see the eyes of many raccoons staring at you, an albino one front and center.

@ Deturai: We were waiting for Mellia to get back with some of her special spices... but if we're not getting them, we'll just improvise. One of them hands you a bowl with mixed seasonings to judge for yourself before adding. You recognize salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. It would be passable. As you look around, you can see that none of the three have come back, when the inn was no more than a few minutes away. The women step aside for the children, who seem especially eager. They waste no time in also loading their plates with sides, before forming into groups at the tables.

@ Carlin, Chuton: Run or Roll initiative as the albino raccoon screams in an unnatural voice, pointing at you. The other raccoons follow suit, and jump down to form three groups, each made of several adolescents headed by a much larger adult, including the albino.

@ Isuna: Raef struggles to speak much as he works with the heavy crates I'd ask the elders... but it seems. good to me. It would make sense for those elders to know where Arius is, if he isn't with them already. The town hall seems like a likely location.

@ Deturai: It's a kind of vegetable stew. From experience, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, basil and thyme would all be welcome additions. But it's hard to know what is already in the stew by looking.

@ Deturai: You disregard the seasonings given to you, and explain to the helpers that you've got your own special mix waiting for you back at your cart. As one of them takes over stirring for you they call out Just a little while longer! It's almost done! The children especially seem anxious, but everyone sits back down. You make your way through a quiet street back to the inn and your cart. On retrieving your spices, you realize the inn's door is swinging and open, and can hear faint sounds inside, too faint to actually make out what they are though.

I'll holler in there Hey are you guys ok in there?. He'll grab his spices and take a peek inside on his way back to the soup bowl.

@ Deturai, Isuna: Both of you can easily see the upended furniture, a smashed pot, and a small trail of blood leading into the kitchen. As Deturai's words carry over the silence, some shifting movement can be heard coming from that direction, before the metallic sound of a pot hitting the floor rings out. No one stops the pot from spinning on the floor either.

@ Deturai: The blood leading to the kitchen glistens in the light, apparently fresh. The furniture in the main room in large part has been strewn about, and one or two pieces show actual damage. The silence is palpable, nothing moves or makes a sound since the pot. Keeping your own footsteps nearly silent makes silence ring in your ears until you make out a whisper of a murmur, also coming from the kitchen, which is interrupted by a loud splashing sound.
@ Isuna: If you follow Deturai, I would like a stealth check as well.
@ Chuton, Carlin: Please join in the "Raccoon Fight" thread. I believe it is now Carlin's turn.

@ Isuna: Fair enough, haha.

@ Deturai: As you crack open the kitchen door to pper inside, you see pots, pans, dishes and cutlery laying scattered all over the counters and floor. The fresh blood is also scattered in like fashion. Prea stands with her back to you at a large sink. Her arms move up and down as she plunges her mother's head into the dirty dishwater. Mellia's arms are not fighting back. Blood... you hear her say, with another dunk. She apparently hasn't noticed you.

Deturai and Isuna exit the inn, Prea over Deturai's shoulder and Lietha in tow. Prea is unconscious and bound. Isuna has a bag of spices. Carlin, riding her broom, with just a bit of black tar, and Chuton, walking with a spattering of blood on his boots, approach from the outside of town. All of you are outside the inn now.

@ Deturai: The remaining cooks assisstant's look at you with some confusion, apparently expecting you to come back with someone, or to stay and add the spices yourself, but accept your instructions.

@ Everyone else: Lietha speaks up in a shaky voice. I think they should be waking up in the elder's hall now... But, but what's going to happen?

Lietha walks with you Are you saying she's sick? Why her? She's always been such a good girl...

As you near the elder's hall, making your way through the square, you can see that a good handful of the townspeople have been served. In addition, some actors are getting props ready to take to the stage. The elder's hall lies beyond, and is not guarded or locked, so you may enter easily if you wish.

Lietha backs away when Chuton attempts to hand Prea to him, a scared look on her face. She puts her hands up as she does. But what should I tell them? What if there are... more people like Prea?

As everyone enters the building's front room, a conversation can be heard between the elders and a younger man. The elders are insisting that he stay, but he keeps making excuses about deadlines and research. He doesn't seem like a strong personality. The voices come through large double doors in front of you. To the right and left there are doors. At least one of them would probably lead to an upper story, if the outside of the building is anything to judge by.

Chuton should make a check, intimidation, persuasion, or perhaps deception, if he wants Lietha to take Prea and/or leave.

Lietha is calmed by both Isuna and Deturai, and manages a smile back I'm sure you're right... we should tell the elders what happened first.
As you all open and cross the doors, the conversations stop. Arius and the elders all turn to look at you, with curious, if slightly annoyed, faces. The furniture inside looks much like a courtroom. The elders are arranged in chairs in a box at the far end of the room, a small empty area is in front of that, followed by many rows of benches.

One of the elders, with an arched back and a long nose speaks in a gravelly voice Can we help you? His tone doesn't sound entirely helpful.

Another one, taller, perhaps a half-elf, points at Chuton Look, they've got a hostage!.

The one sitting next to him, a thin halfling, gently reaches up and lowers the other's hand Relax, I'm sure there's an explanation... and shakes his head slightly.

Arius says nothing, but looks interested as well.

Your news starts a noisy discussion among all of the elders. You can hear voices of doubt and cynicism, but a few seem to legitimately be concerned. After a few minutes of deliberation, the elder in the center raises his voice Calm yourselves! and the conversation grows much quieter We do not have the whole story. Why have you tied this girl up, and brought her to us?

She tied up because she tried to attack us. I gesture towards Lietha and myself. I asked Lietha to check on Prea after her mom and her got into an argument, they stormed off in a huff, something about spices i believe. So I took their place on the cooking line. After a while when neither of the ladies came back so i went to my cart to grab some spices and heard some noise in the tavern. It was in shambles when I entered and thats where i seent a blood trail into the kitchen where I saw Prea dunking Mellia's head into the sink. It was after i put Prea to sleep was we able to tie her up and noticed Lietha. Before we left Prea did vomit some black gunk. As hes telling the story he kind of reenacts some of it.

And where is Mellia now? Are you saying that the girl is sick, and hurt her mother? The other elders start talking loudly once again, wondering if the illness is contagious, how a little girl would do something terrible. The voices of distrust seem quieter now, at least. Listening in, the elder who spoke earlier doesn't interfere. At some point, one of them speaks louder than the rest What does Arius say? He's the one from that magical city. If anyone could figure out a new illness, it's him! The others nod, seemingly in agreement.
Arius looks back and forth to them, expressionless My field is alchemy. Potions and poisons. It's unlikely I can help much unless it's the latter, but since I'm available, I'll do what I can. His voice is distant, and somewhat cold. Turning to the party Could you please show me to where you said she vomited? That will be the most likely spot to find traces, outside of her.

Of course, we'll see to that. Return quickly. The elder pulls a small cord behind him twice. He nods as a signal to leave, and the murmurs start again among all of them.
Arius grabs a satchel, shaped similar to a postman's bag but larger, with a few vials in cloth loops on the outside. If you're ready, please show me to the place. I'll need some time when we get there, as you'll understand.
As you exit the hall, you find that everyone in the square has been served, and they are happily eating and watching some kind of choreographed dance on the stage.

Humor apparently ignored, Arius puts his bag down nearby and pulls out supplies. I wouldn't know. This has been a short project for me. The first this he does is collect several vials of it, and puts two away in his bag. He then mixes tinctures from other vials in, heating some over a small fire. A few of them turn different colors, and he turns to all of you. Do any of you know what she had to eat? Although... he holds a long vial on its side at eye level, sloshing his mixture around. It turns from a blue color to gold.

Arius looks up from his reagents and tubes a moment after considering your words. It seems likely that at least some of the food is tainted. The residuum traces left behind indicate my fertilizer and something else I can't isolate without a better lab and some time. If it's a poison, it's likely smaller raccoons would need a smaller dose. Arius packs his things, stands up, and looks to each of you. Given the urgency of this explanation, I am satisfied for now. What should be done about it?

Arius holds up a finger Ah, thank you. If I'm to work on a solution... It would be best to have fresh, undigested samples. And possibly a test subject, if you are too late. He sets his things back out, and starts pulling out drawers in the kitchen, looking for implements. He finds some tongs and some oven mitts, and sets a fire on the stove top. Well, since I apparently have more time he says to the ones staying behind I'll see what else I can find out. I don't mean to be rude, but I work better alone. Perhaps you could find something to do? He busies himself with his various implements, setting aside some clean vials, probably for the samples he hopes to receive soon.

@ Isuna, Chuton, Deturai: You make your way to the town square, and already see that there is a problem brewing. Most people are shouting at each other about various things the other has or hasn't done. If not for the quantity of arguments, one might think that each one was having a lover's quarrel or similar. Several bowls lay on the fringes of the group, probably thrown in some of the more heated exchanges. A few guards start making their way out of the hall, but they aren't doing much, they seem to be confused. Things are already getting out of hand... but no one seems to notice you yet.

@ Carlin: True to his attitude, Arius continues preparing materials without paying you much attention. At a glance, your work with herbs and magical reagents tells you that he's now looking to identify a school of magic. Perhaps knowing would help establish a source? You have the inn mostly to yourself now though, so you're free to do anything here you might think would be a good idea...

One guard looks at you with eyes widening. The elders told us there was a problem, but this? He looks out over the crowd, and another comments How do we even quarantine that many people? That's practically the entire town! The third, who has slightly decorated armor says definitively Then we quarantine the town. Close the gates, and hold them closed. No one in or out. A growing group of guards exclaim their disapproval of the plan. It's clearly not popular, and a lot of them are worried about how long this plan will have to be in effect.

@ Isuna: You see no black goo congealed in the remaining stew, despite a good stirring. From just looking, the food is fairly normal. A rather large lady yells back at you And who are you to tell us what to eat? The anger in her tone is... disproportionate, to say the least. She pulls a bowl into her hand and starts walking towards you.

@ Isuna, Deturai, Chuton: The woman continues Filthy traitors! How dare you! She throws the bowl at you wildly, and misses wide. The bowl hits the side of the stew-pot with a loud clang. This turns heads, all glaring, as Deturai begins to play. This only serves to draw them in. As they walk, their footsteps start to shift from a loud roll to a steady beat.
The guardsmen speaking to Chuton say I think we've run short on time! The one in charge sends a pair of men each to secure the gates, one each South, West, and East. They'll close them, but they're meant to keep beasts out, not people in... what's our plan here? @ Carlin: You find preserved meats and vegetables, as well as some slightly older produce. It's still edible, but definitely not from this morning. You also happen on Mellia's body... it's possible she took in the same poison, but there's only a few ways to find that out... grisly thoughts bother you for a moment. They're taking too long. We need to have samples now. What about the warehouse... Arius mutters quietly.

The lead guard nods Good thinking. We might be able to handle restraining smaller groups. He orders his men to split into four groups and arrange themselves around the crowd, trying to draw it into quarters, and the men run off to obey orders.

@ Carlin: You can feel a slight nagging in your head that tells you that you're overlooking something when looking through cupboards causes your sleeves to pull at your skin unexpectedly. On inspection, you realize that you've still got a few dried bit of black goop underneath various folds of your outfit, left over from the attack you took near the river. It's not much, even if you scrape it all together... but maybe it's enough for something.

@Chuton: True. But all this serves to do right now is lead the separate groups away from each other and the center of town. At least the elders will be safer.@ Carlin: I- where did? Well, it doesn't matter. If that's what I think it is, then we can get started. There's not enough here for the full panel of tests though... Since you've seen the stuff in action, tell me what kind of magic you would group this as. On pouring your vial into the first, you find there is enough of the goop for a second test. Reagents are set up to identify the source of magic as Natural, Divine, Demonic, or Arcane.

@ Chuton, Deturai, Isuna: The guards bang loudly on their shields while shouting to try to distract the crowds into following them away from the square. After a few minutes this seems to be working, and a smaller group is left behind still paying attention to Deturai's performance. In all, the group left over numbers 9, if you include the large woman who is still yelling at the unfortunate cleric: Pay... with... blood! She shrieks, and the other 8 seem to agree, rushing you.

@ Carlin: You drop a portion of the black goop into each vial, mix, and wait a moment. After a minute, Arius pulls the demonic vial up to his face to look closely, then shakes his head Ah, this was my first guess as well... but it looks like neither of these is correct. We'll need new samples now...
You hear shouting outside. There's two guards running away from a mob. The mob is running with unnatural, jerky movements. They still look like they're catching up, because the guards seem winded, due in large part to their armor. The shouts sound... less than human, more like unearthly screaming.
Perhaps those people are what we need?

@ Carlin: Do you want to come out in front of or behind the mob? You have enough time for either.

Carlin dashes out of the inn. The guards turn around, and shocked, stand in front of you and the mob. Run girl! Why are you even here? Behind her, Arius is in the doorway, with a messenger bag on his hip. He says nothing as he pulls a large flask out, and holds it up, looking at the contents.