Crossed Paths - Part I

"I agree. If the gods wish us to aid these people, then who are we to deny their will?" Brioc replies to Khen. He takes a bite from the loaf of bread that is serving as his breakfast, washing it down with a swig of ale.

"And besides, it would trouble my conscience if we just leave this town to be raided. I have no wish to feel responsible for the death of innocents."
 

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September 26 8 am

Angrinion waits in the dining area, relaxed. He smokes his odd-smelling tobacco in his clay pipe, and drinks his wine. He chats with the waitresses and other customers as though he hasn't a care in the world. Once the group has assembled, he says. "Well, we musen't keep the counsel waiting. Not for too long anyway." he winks.

Angrinion leads you through the dusty streets of the small town. It seems to be a prosperous. It has a Mediterranean climate & is settled largely by Greeks. Greek is the only language spoken by most of the inhabitants. It has plantations of Olive trees, grape arbors, cherry & date orchards, wheat fields, fishing boats, goats, chickens & pigs. Angrinion points out a the smithy, and a traders shop, where you could purchase weapons and provisions. On the Eastern edge of town is an imposing stone tower. ‘Here lives Rufus and Burne, our mayor and his advisor. Rufus is a doughty warrior, and Burne a wizard of the Many-Starred Cloak. Just between you and me, they’re getting a little up in years, and no one thinks they’re up to combating this new menace. They may be helpful to you, though, particularly Burne, if you have needs of any magics. Not that Master Ehldannis needs any help, I’m sure.”

You are led up some stairs, and through a sturdy oak door. Two grim-faced guards glower at you as you pass. Past the door, a short hallway leads directly to a circular room with a round table in the middle. Here sits the leaders of Sevastopol, breakfasting on grapes, cherries, tea, bread and honey.

With a short bow, Angrinion handles the introductions. “My lords and ladies, here are the saviors of Sevastopol.” He introduces each of you by name. “And may I introduce you to the leaders of our industrious settlement. This is Rufus, “ he says, indicating a middle-aged man, who’s chainmail doesn’t quite conceal his paunch.

Burne is tall and thin, wearing a dark cloak sprinkled with tiny bright stars. The cloak is so black, the wrinkles and folds are invisible. He seems old, with watery eyes and white hair.

Tula Papandreou, a merchant and captain of the militia, is tall and dark, wearing a weatherstained cloak over her mail. She is attractive, in a savage sort of way, and appears to be in her mid-30s.

Y’dress is also there, wearing the green robes of a priest of Diana. She seems well-rested and content. Captain Tolstoy rounds out the group. They seem tense, and uncomfortable, as though they haven't been sleeping well. They all manage a smile at the introduction. “Please sit, says Rufus. There is a chair for each of you." Angrinion bows and exits as he came.

“I believe Vladimir and Y’dress have described the situation” says Rufus politely. “We are very grateful for your presence. Is it true that you are the ones summoned by Diana to save our town?”
 

"I do not know if the gods guided us here, but we may aid you in your troubles." Brioc says, taking a seat. "What do you know of the Wendel and the Fog of Death? Are the two one and the same? Does the Wendel fear anything? The more you can tell us of the danger to your town, the better we may fight the beast."
 

Khen takes a seat and says, "Unless Diana takes orders from my Lord Sobek she has nothing to do with me being here. In addition to what Brioc asked I think it would be prudent if we could get a list of the victims already taken and if records still exist from its previous commings as well." Khen rubs his forehead and with a sigh, "Anything you think might help."
 

Ehldannis gently clears his throat and begins speaking, at first quietly and then warming to the task, "Neither luck nor fate had any part in our arrival on these shores. The intervention of the Gods is possible, but as you see we are a mixed group with a variety of faiths, or lack thereof. We also have other tasks which urgently require our attention.

All that said, we have discussed the plight of your town and there is willingness amongst us to offer our aid if we are able to. However, please do not look to us as saviours or let any penchant for prophecy cloud your reasoning. We are simply travellers passing through who may be able to assist you. All I have heard so far of this 'Wendel' has been clouded with superstition, perhaps you can tell us more so that reason can triumph over adversity."
 

The council

Eyebrows raise, and mouths scowl as the party speaks.

“Perhaps they are not the ones,” says Tula in Greek, gazing at the party with narrowed sharp eyes.

“They are the ones, I tell you,” insists Captain Tolstoy. “I saw them fight. And they themselves said they were coming here to help us.”

“The gods work in mysterious ways,” says Y’dress. “Let us assume they are the ones.”

Rufus shifts the conversation back into Latin and addresses the party. “Ah, yes. We don’t actually know very much about this Wendel. Burne has perused the town records, which record two previous attacks that seem to be of a similar nature. They also seem to be exactly 200 years apart, and 200 years ago, so it would seem that the Wendel may coincide with some cyclical occurance. Since this Wendel destroyed the town 400 years ago, we have no records from before that, although the town certainly existed long before that. The records do not go into great detail. Fog comes. People die horribly, partially eaten. No observance of how or what would be responsible. Nor is it known what made it stop. Evidently it just stopped after awhile 200 years ago.

“As to who has died so far, there’s Jan Timberlake, the Shepard…”

“JAKOB Timberlake.” Interrupts Tula, and rolls her eyes.

“Oh, OK, yes. “ Rufus seems embarrassed. “He was a shepard, and the first to dissapear. His body has not been found. The next day, Perchcline and his family were massacred in their farmhouse, North of town. Also a hunter, Wilfred, is missing, and presumed dead. This has only happened over the last couple days.”

Captain Tolstoy takes over. “We need your assistance. I have complete confidence in you. This town will be behind you 100%. Anything you need, just ask. We’ll provide equipment and whatever else we can. How do you propose to begin?”
 

"It matters not to me which path we choose. I leave it up to you Brioc. The All Father has decided my fate long in the past. All that matters is how I meet that destiny."

Ecgthow will lounge back in his chair and wait for a decision to be made.
 

"To scout and find out a little more of the nature of this danger." Brioc replies to Captain Tolstoy. "Does the creature only prey on humanoids, or has it attacked livestock? Could you suggest someone to act as a guide for us, someone familiar with the lands around the town?"
 

The council

"Ah, yes. Scouting about. Sounds very wise." He nods his head thoughtfully. "Can you help them, Tula?"

Tula sighs and raises her eyes to the ceiling. "My business will suffer from my absense, but of course, this current crisis merits my utmost attention. Of course I am at your disposal. No one knows the lands around Sevastopol better than I. Perhaps we could visit the sight of their previous visit."

"Are you fully equiped? Do you want some specialty bows or weapons or equipment? Or magical help? Let's get to it."
 

"I am well equiped already. If we are to scout let us do so. We do have things to attend to after we find this fog beast. Where to first then?. Khen stands from his chair and looks to his party.
 

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