The Lamentation of Lolth - Chapter III

[Verbatim]

Feeling the familiar peace of entering a house of worship, Ayden smiled wearily as he sat down.

"To be honest Father, it has been a day of mixed blessings..."

Ayden began with the attack of the halfling wight, their battle with the guardian croc, the meeting with Naamani in all of its facets, and ending with the battle with the wraith.

"My companions will be leaving for Dagger Falls in the morrow to buy supplies and other items they feel we will need for our journey into Tyrinth's lair. Also they will be seeking out a scroll or potion that will restore Sielwoodan's stolen essence. I had promised them that I would ask if you had the ability to cast such a spell, and we have agreed that we will make an offering to the church and town to cover any cost you may have with the casting."

Pausing for a moment, Ayden stood up and looked around the simple church and felt bad about asking so much of the priest.

"Please forgive the bluntness of my request, but I feel that the wounds he received were my fault. I was trying so hard to appear strong in Naamani's eyes that I volunteered us for something that could have been fatal for one of my companions, or myself. I wanted her to see that Orchard Meadows was a place she could trust, but I wonder if my actions were not partially guided by my own vanity. I am a Wyvernspur afterall, and can the apple truly fall far from the tree?"

 

[Dhes]

As Dunstand sees three party members leave, he feels a bit more in his element now that the paladin is gone.

“Do you mind if I join you?

Not waiting on an answer, he takes one of the now vacant chairs and sits down.

“So it seams that your group had some really big adventures in this small town, please hummer me. Tell me of your noble deeds, and I insure you that they will travel the world with me. You want another drink? Sure you do, another beer for every one on me!”

Dunstand signals the maid for a round of beers.

“So tell me of your noble deeds, I can see from the looks the other patrons give you, that you are known to every one in this village.”

 

[Majin]

Ernest gives Ayden a sympathetic smile and nods. "You cannot always blame yourself Brother Ayden. You may have a lot to live up to for being related to a god, but that does not mean you must take the burden of all those around you upon your own shoulders. Hunting undead is very dangerous business. My own lifeforce was drained by that very wraith not long before you and your party ventured into town. I was hunting it myself, but it was too much for me. I was fortunate to escape with my life. The alternative I do not even wish to imagine."

"I'm sorry for your friend but I am not strong enough in my own faith yet to rid anyone of this condition. Not even myself..." Ernest pauses at this, the corners of his mouth tugging downwards before continuing, "The witch can help you... She has a scroll of restoration she may part with if you dare accept it. She offered it to me once when she heard of my encounter with the wraith, but I have my pride Brother Ayden. I would not accept such a gift from someone so untrustworthy. It is up to your ranger friend, whether he would. I'm sorry I can't do more."

 

[Velmont]

"Tell me, do you know every interesting spot in every city on that continent? If not, I can find my way just as fine as you in a city. Well, we need to learn something on the underworld of a city, in that case, it is a cat burglar we need, not a touristic guide. A cat burglar have surely the connection needed, after all, he must know a fence to sell his things. And at least, with a cat burglar, you don't have to watch your throat, compare to little thieves or thugs.

But for now, I doubt that naga lives in a city, but having one more man may not be a bad thing. Do you are of the sneaky type. I generally do teh scouting of the group, and I hadn't get any problem yet, but it is always good to have someone watch my back, just in case... thinking twice, do I want you to watch my back?"

Sielwoodan have a little sarcastic smile.

 

[Velmont]

--Double post--

 

[Verbatim]

Ayden was surprised to hear that the halfling had ventured into the swamp by himself looking for the wraith, and felt his respect for the priest increase as well.

"Father, I know you do not hold Mother Grundy in high regards, but if she means the town no ill will, perhaps it is time to bury the hatchet with her. She has been very helpful to us with her poultices, as well in the identification of some of the magical items we have discovered. Surely Yondalla would not think less of you, if you sought to be a true ambassador of goodwill among your people."

Pausing, Ayden hoped he was not overstepping himself in speaking to the senior priest.

"I do not mean to rub salt in an old wound, I merely hate to see two people who could accomplish much if they worked together always be at opposite sides. However, as you know, I am a mere novice priest and speak far too freely at times."

Standing up, Ayden prepared to venture to Mother Grundy's, hoping the older woman did not take offense to his visit. Almost reaching the door, Ayden turned back and faced the halfling priest once more.

"Father, there is a chance that when we go after the naga, we may fail. Should we fall and Tyrnith try to strike at the town, please do not let your pride come before the safety of the town. As Finder himself had to learn the hard way, pride cometh before the fall..."

Opening the door to the church, Ayden nodded his head in respect before entering the night once more.

 

[Dhes]

"Tell me, do you know every interesting spot in every city on that continent? If not, I can find my way just as fine as you in a city. Well, we need to learn something on the underworld of a city, in that case, it is a cat burglar we need, not a touristic guide. A cat burglar have surely the connection needed, after all, he must know a fence to sell his things. And at least, with a cat burglar, you don't have to watch your throat, compare to little thieves or thugs.

“No my young elf friend, I surly do not know every city, the Realms hold a fast number of cities and an even greater number of interesting spots. But the art of my trade is not knowing where the spots are, but how to find them. For instants if you found your self in my native Westgate, you could go to one of the ruling noble houses and they will tell you who is who and what is what in Westgate, but if you really want to know what the city hold you would be wiser man to ask a lowly bagger. Never underestimate a rogue, what ever his apparent standing is.”

“And there is not need to worry about getting your throat cut, there is no price on your head as far as I know. To you we live outside the law, but we do have our honor.” He ads smiling lightly at Sielwoodan.

Do you are of the sneaky type. I generally do the scouting of the group, and I hadn't get any problem yet, but it is always good to have someone watch my back, just in case... thinking twice, do I want you to watch my back?

“O I really don’t want to take your position as scout, I fear I love life to much for sneaking around dark and dangerous places” he says smiling

 

[Manzanita]

Drogo

Drogo shakes hands with Dunstand. "Greetings. I am Drogo Hornblower. I am a druid. We were hired by Sherif Trond, and now are working not for money, but for the safety of this town, which has been so sorely used by the one it trusted as its leader. If you wish to join us, sharing risk and reward equally, that would probably be OK. You must understand, though, that we have been betrayed once already, by the mayor of this town. And we know that there may be others who were similarly corrupted."

Drogo then uses his telepathy to Chasity, "Can you tell if this fellow is evil? I think that would have helped us with Applebottom."

 

[Dhes]

Ahh well met young and wise druid, the mayor you say, I’m thinking you mean mayor applebottom. Yes I to had dealings with him, but lets just say that there where some complications with the interpretation of our contract. I havened seen him around for some time, not sins my uuhh dealings with the good Sherif.

 

[Velmont]

“And there is not need to worry about getting your throat cut, there is no price on your head as far as I know. To you we live outside the law, but we do have our honor.” He ads smiling lightly at Sielwoodan.

“O I really don’t want to take your position as scout, I fear I love life to much for sneaking around dark and dangerous places” he says smiling

Turning to look at the others "Are you sure you want that guy in? He just explicitly said he is an outlaw and implicitly said he would be ready to kill me if there was a contract on my head."