The Lamentation of Lolth - Chapter I

[hippocrachus]

Taking account of his funds and doing the math real quick: "I need nine doses of the mosquito balm and two doses of the...other stuff," not knowing what to call it. He lays the coins out on the table, waits to collect his new things, and changes the subject; striking up a new conversation. "Is that your raven out there?"

 

[Majin]

"I call it "Poison Poison" dear," she laughs as she collects everything for Calenthang. "Yes indeed it is, that is Quoth my familiar. He watches the road and warns me if any "trouble" might be coming."

 

[hippocrachus]

"May I ask, what Art do you study?" he says, remembering Trond's fear of witches, very intrigued as to the point, as well.

 

[Majin]

"Art, boy? I never studied, I've had a touch of it since I was born, but I haven't messed with it much in years. No I'm comfortable just tending my brews. Quoth is the only remnant of that part of my life."

 

[Verbatim]

Sitting across from Ernest, Ayden feels no reason not to get right to the point with his fellow priest.

"You said in the council hall that Yondalla has been very quiet about these recent events. If something was going to hurt both her children and the others in this town, would she not wish to help you as much as she could? Especially since it seems you are the only voice of spiritual guidance in town."

Hating not being able to make more idle chat, Ayden hopes Ernest will forgive him for being so blunt with his words.

 

[Majin]

"Well Yondalla hasn't been entirely quiet about the subject Brother Wvyernspur. I merely did not speak up in the council hall for a reason. Now it's not much to go on, but Gods do not do all the work of their faithful. I did not want to bring it up with others around. You see, the water level in the surrounding area has been dropping dramatically the past few months. This may be whats causing the lizardfolk to act out in this way. The mayor has been quite frustrated about this lately, which is why there was such urgency in his voice at the mention of any industrial activities going on around the place. His words are that he wants this situation resolved and whoever responsible get what they deserve."

Ernest's face tightens up and his fists ball up at his sides. "I suspect that witch Grundy has something to do with this. No one in town trusts her! If I didn't know better I'd say she's cursed this village for not wanting her here."

Edit: Who's Bernard indeed. Sorry about that.

 

[hippocrachus]

Not wanting to press the matter (finding her demeanor to be much like that of a witch's all of a sudden), a subconscious fight-or-flight fear from childhood, when monsters and old ladies with broomsticks were scary, having taken effect. Not to mention her open confidence when using the word boy to describe him. He wishes to leave on a good note. Calenthang thanks her for her time and sets out for the Apple Cart Inn. When there he looks around for any of his companions, especially the halfling druid, as he has something that might interest him; not to mention them all. He sits down at an empty table and asks only for water. Tomorrow might need his good senses.

 

[Verbatim]

Surprised that the Mayor had left out such an important detail as the dropping of the water level in the swamp, Ayden makes a mental note to mention that fact to the others tonight at the inn.

~Perhaps we will be looking for more than the lizardmen when we venture into the swamp...~

However, Ayden was not prepared for the venom in Ernest's words as he mentioned a witch Grundy.

"Ernest, what has this witch done to earn your bitterness so?"

Hoping to find out the root of one problem at a time, Ayden hopes the others do not mind him switching topics for the moment.

 

[Majin]

"I simply preach against the evils of witchcraft Brother Wyvernspur. I could very well do without her enticing people away from the church for guidance."

 

[Verbatim]

"I take it some people in this town seek her council instead of coming to you? I can see where that could trouble a lesser man of the faith, but surely, you know that none of Yondalla's children would seek true guidance elsewhere."

Ayden hopes that his words will sooth Ernest's ire somewhat, and resumes the original topic.

"Ernest, you mentioned the water level has been dropping, but did not mention the source of your information. Have you personally ventured into the swamp looking around, or did you hire someone in town to examine it for you?"