From humble beginnings...

[Narrator]

Eremus

Eremus was just scoffing down a meal of sausages and bread, definitely one of the more expensive items on the menu, when he was introduced and he coughed and choked a little before recovering and replying.

He is a slight man of weathered appearance with a fairly long, fairly scraggly beard with more grey than black hair in it. He is somewhat bald and looks as if he has lived a harsh life. This is almost in contrast to how you saw him but a moment ago.

"Ahem... yes... *cough* yes, I am Eremus, Eremus the Faithless, perhaps you have heard of me?"

After neither you nor Garik seem about to reply he continues.

"Err... nevermind. I would gladly aid you however I have a few things I must tell you before I go ahead. Firstly, I must gather some herbs and prepare them which is a costly endeavour. Not so costly as a regular church, mind, but expensive nevertheless. Obviously, I can't pay for these things myself so I would require some monies upfront. I do this at cost, you understand, as I require no profit... unlike some."

He coughs a bit more and recovers.

"Ahem, pardon me... err... the other thing is that my methods are... umm... how shall I say this..."

He leans forward and beckons you to sit down so that he can whisper to you.

"...well, they don't call me the faithless for nothing, you know. My methods are not approved of by the church... mainly, I think, because they don't want people finding out I can do something for a third of the cost they charge! Hmph! Anyhow, the point is, is that you can't go telling everybody and anybody, else I'll be run out of town, ya hear?"

He awaits your response.

 

[Garik]

Garik pulls Manzanita roughly aside whilst keeping his eyes on Eremus.

"I felt the vile lick of magic upon me when we spoke to that man. Beware his words. I do not trust him..."

 

[Manzanita]

OOC: Did Manzanita get any sense of the veracity of his words from her sense motive skill? Does the Ankh & infinity sign associate him with any group that she's aware of?

Manzanita nods thoughtfully at Garik, then says quietly to him.

Let's investigate this a little more. I am very eager to get out of this hellhole of a town. If our friends don't get assistance we may be here for some time.

Manzanita moves back to Eremus

Excuse us, please. My friend is concerned about the cost. We appreciate your concern for the sick that inspires you to work without reward for yourself, but the cost may still be an issue to us.

How much will these herbs cost? How long before it works its curative power on our companions? Have you seen our companions? Can you tell me what ails them?

We are good at keeping secrets. Have no concern about loose lips from us. I am a scholar of sorts, myself. I would be interested in knowing more about your methods. Which church does not approve of your methods?

 

[Narrator]

Eremus

Eremus shrugged when you were pulled aside and simply continued eating until you came back.

"For you, as a friend of a friend, forty... eh, what do they call 'em here? Sheeves? Whatever they call gold pieces here. Forty of them is how much I need to buy the necessary ingredients for each curative tonic. And it shouldn't take more'n a day to realize the results."

He then looks at Garik in a somewhat intense fashion and speaks directly to him.

"Perhaps it would be best if you were to accompany me whilst I gather the necessary ingredients. That way you can be assured that I mean no harm..."

Relaxing a little, he then turns his attention back to Manzanita.

"I have seen a man with red splotches on his skin. I assume that is your friend? Yes, I can deal with the red death easily enough; Iuz sent the sickness down the river awhile ago and it has plagued these lands for several months now though there have been few fatalities. As for knowing of my methods, I cannot teach them in a day; it took many years of study with a druid of Beory to learn the secrets of herblore. I could show you some basics as I work but the rest you will have to learn yourself. What was your other question?"

Before you can reply he interrupts.

"Oh yes, which churches don't approve... well, every church, really. They think me a charletan! As if by charging less than they and not invoking the name of a god means my methods are less effective! Hmph! I've cured more'n them by a longshot!"

DM: You don't get any sense from sense motive until you tell me you want to sense motive in which case after a minute of talking with a person I give you an indication of whether you think the person is being genuine or not. I'll assume that's what you're trying to do from now on.

The ankh you know about from your knowledge of arcane symbols as it is often used in rituals that promote growth, healing, and the energies of life. The infinity symbol is associated with Celestian sometimes but is not his symbol per se.

 

[Garik]

Garik stares back at the man twice as intently but as he speaks his glare softens and he nods his head.

"I shall do as he says and accompany him. I know something of the healing arts and so can make sure he purchases no poisons and what he does purchase will have some meaningful effect."

 

[Manzanita]

Yes, you have seen our companions then. Give us a moment to discuss this please, while you enjoy your breakfast.

Manzanita steps back w/Garik & speaks with him softly

This sounds very reasonable. A natural illness such as this should be treatable w/o magic. The cost is surely much much less than we'd find in a temple. I'm inclined to give it a try. What do you think? Would you want to accompany him if we take him up on his offer?

after garik answers in the affirmative, Manzanita pulls forth the remaining gold from Bor

OK. Here is 80 sheef. We will be staying here, Garik will take you to our companion's rooms once the potions are complete.

After taking leave of Eremus & Garik, Manzanita will take her seat again & slowly finish her breakfast, pondering her next move.

OOC: whoops, we cross-posted there. I edited to take into account Garik's post.

 

[Narrator]

Eremus

Eremus nodded as he listened and then when you finished and handed him the gold he spoke.

"Welp, I'm finished here so if you're up to it, err... didn't get your name there, big fella..."

Garik tells him.

"Well Garik, if you want to go now, let's go."

And with that, the two leave.

DM: Lol, that's cool. The only problem I have with retroactive posting is when it alters what has gone on in anyway or tells ME what it is that's happening. I can't be jumping back and forth in time but at the same time, a little leeway is given due to the nature of the medium.

You didn't have any misgivings about what he was saying or the way he said it. He seems relaxed and casual and didn't indicate in anyway that he was being decietful. In fact, he seems like a right friendly older man (probably in his late forties, early fifties) who you could learn a lot from.

 

[M'faro]

As Grenier and M'faro go and check on Clete

Grenier, as we wait for our companions let's begin studying those maps and try to find the best route to our destination.

We shall go directly to Critwall from here. Going to Willip doesn't leave us any closer. Unless... we take a boat from there to somewhere near Critwall, but that would be my last option, I guess.

What do you think?

 

[johnsemlak]

edit: sorry, mispost

 

[Clete]

to the old man

"hmmmm
I have to say I've leaving today with several people and I am not sure when I'll be able to return with any news about your niece. In any case, I'd have to consult with my companions. I do not decide our path alone.

by the way, what made you ask me for this favor, may I ask?"

Hmm, how does this man know I'm travelling towards Critwall