Frozen Whispers (adventure)

[Galieo]

Nodding pensively, the red-haired knight says, "Certainly, I am happy to go. Perhaps we should approach the church; often a priest or monk officiates over such proceedings--funerals and such." Looking at Slyfen, he asks, "Should we also find out about his family and such?"

OOC

The knight will dismount and enter town, walking towards the church. If anyone approaches him, he will ask about Tanner, his wife "L" and whom ever is the leader in town.

 

[Krug]

Belisha is glad. Her feet are sore. She removes her boots and starts massaging her feet. "Perhaps I should invest in a pony next," she says.

 

[Brain]

Slyfen goes with Eolan into town and lets him do the talking, at least for now.

 

[Vigwyn the Unruly]

Hardin and Belisha take the body and the animals a little ways off the road. From behind the cover of a large rock protruding out of the ground, they observe the progress of Slyfen and Eolan as they amble down the dirt road to the village.

As the two get closer to the village, a pair of men ride out on chestnut quarter horses to meet them. One is a young man, barely 17, and looking somewhat green and uncomfortable on the horse. His leather armor seems a bit large for him, and his free hand barely leaves the hilt of his sword in its scabbard. On his head rests a burnished metal helmet with a nose guard. His tunic almost conceals the garlic he wears about his neck.

The other man wears the green and brown garb of the order of Obad-Hai, and a wooden holy symbol dangles from a simple leather band around his neck. He is middle aged, but rides to the left and behind the younger man in deliberate deference. However, something about his air tells you that he is capable of quickly taking control of the situation if things get out of hand.

Once you explain your purpose to the men, their initial shock at news of Kyle Tanner’s death is replaced by dignified sadness and a respectful appreciation for your efforts, and the two men open up to you somewhat. They explain that several men have not returned from their hunting over the past couple of years, and those that have returned bring tales of evil fey and undead. Young Joshua has taken the role of the town guard, as the regular guard has had to help with the hunt since so many have not returned. Brother William rode out with him in case his wisdom (or ability to turn the undead, you guess) were needed.

They have no knowledge of Keller, but they say that the hunters have had to run off bandits from the lodge in the past. There is no leader, per se, in the village. Disputes are typically resolved in consultation with the brothers of the monastery.

The two men offer to ride back to where Belisha and Hardin wait, and retrieve the body.

 

[Krug]

Belisha sends Narkus up to look out for her companions, and asks the owl to alert her when they return. Otherwise, she converses with Hardin and Rufus.

 

[Galieo]

Raising his hand in signal to Hardin and Belisha that they may approach, Eolan nods to Joshua first, then to Brother William agreeing that they may reclaim their fallen hunter's body. "Perhaps there are others who know of these undead and fell fey? We must journey in the forest and it be best to know more of the dangers." Pausing a moment, the red-haired warrior looks to the sky and sighs, "If we may impose upon your hospitality, Brother William, would there be lodging this night in your abbey?"

As they approach the body, another thought occurs to Eolan. "We would bear this ill news to Tanner's spouse, would you be so kind as to direct us to her home?" asks the knight.

OOC: Eolan will study the responses of both men for anything unusual.

 

[Brain]

Slyfen listens carefully and watches the men as well, staying quiet.

 

[Nac Mac Feegle]

Hardin remains quiet for the time.

 

[Vigwyn the Unruly]

Narkus flies high over the heads of the foursome as they talk on the road. Nothing out of the ordinary happens, and Belisha feels no strong emotions from Narkus. The owl returns to Belisha after Eolan signals them.

The six meet on the road, and Brother William takes possession of the body. They introduce themselves to Belisha and Hardin. Brother William greets Hardin especially warmly as a fellow cleric.

Brother William extends the welcome of the abbey, explaining that Father Colin, the head of the order, is always happy to offer shelter to weary travelers. He says it would be the least they could do to try and repay Hardin's kindness in preserving the body.

As you begin to walk toward the village together, Brother William tells you that the abbey is the center of knowledge in the village, anything known about the unusual events in the Timberway Forest would be known by the clerics there. However, he has already told you everything he can think to tell you. It is a mystery. On the other hand, he and the others would be happy to answer any specific questions you may have.

Brother William says that he would be happy to introduce you to Le-Aanna, Kyle Tanner's new widow. However, he wants you to wait until tomorrow out of respect for her grief, which will no doubt overwhelm her today. He tells you that one of the Brothers of the order will need to go see her to break the terrible news.

As you walk, you closely watch the two village men. You get no particular feeling either way as to their trustworthiness. However, nothing in their outward behavior would make you suspicious.

As you approach the abbey, you see that the statue you noticed before is a large grey stone figure depicting a cleric of Obad-Hai. In one hand, he carries a basket of healing herbs, and in the other is a quarterstaff.

At the entrance to the abbey, Joshua prepares to take his leave of the party, leaving you in the capable hands of the order.



OOC Notes:

Would you like to do anything else before entering the monastery?

Sense Motive checks:
DC to get a Hunch 20
Slyfen 6 + 0 = 6
Hardin 5 + 2 + 2 = 9 (circ. bonus)
Eolan 12 + 0 = 12
Belisha 8 + 0 = 8

 

[Brain]

Slyfen continues into the monastery, curious as to what such a building will look like and what strange religious vows the people there have taken. He holds his tongue, not wanting to make an awkward comment.