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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Carlo-One" data-source="post: 8034697" data-attributes="member: 7015827">After the mayor had been introduced to the Baronial soldiers, he departed to round up what townsfolk he could find. Darrow and Dermot meanwhile sorted out things at the soldiers’ camp, advising them that they could now move into the abandoned barracks across from the mayor’s house. Just as the companions were starting to debate their strategy for taking on the Beast, with Guard Captain Calen present, Mayor Amphrael returned with several prominent Tallwell residents.First to be introduced was Larent Geigne, the local blacksmith, whose muscled arm Rahnee gripped like a warrior in welcome, drawing a smile from the man. Next was Kente Bross, the owner of the general store, who managed a decent bow while greeting Rahnee as “milady”. Last was Kablin Menson, who ran the town’s inn along with his wife Yasia. Amphrael explained that Mother Myrna, the village herbalist, was unwell and could not join them. All of the townspeople seemed to welcome the presence of the adventurers, despite some fearful and curious looks at Aerikoth and his glowing staff.When Rahnee began explaining their plans to the villagers, the smith Larent expressed concern about his brother Horvath, who reportedly was among the bandits at the old manor house. The smith explained that his brother had been a good soldier, but perhaps had become embittered after seeing all the blood and death during his service; Horvath was at the battle of Turnton in Baron Pahar’s lands, then volunteered for the forest patrol. Larent had not in fact seen him recently, only hearing mention of Horvath’s name during the last bandit raid into town. The smith begged the adventurers to try and reason with his brother and bring him out, if they encountered him.Mayor Amphrael said that the bandit leader, a man only known as “The Beast”, was clearly not reasonable and was rumored to dress in animal skins and impale his victims for pleasure. Kablin admitted that none of the townsfolk had actually seen the bandit leader; none of them really wanted to, either. In response to a question from Rahnee, Kente Bross said that the bandits had come to town twice and had taken most of what was in the general store. Kablin complained they had also emptied his ale kegs at the inn.Rahnee and Darrow provided encouragement to the townsfolk, talking of defeating the bandits and improving their lives afterwards. Darrow passed around the two ale bottles he had left in his pack for toasts, saying it was the best he could do. This prompted Rahnee to break out two bottles of her own and join the general toasting to a better future for Tallwell. The mayor then escorted the other villagers out and gratefully thanked the adventurers, who were left to discuss possible ways to attack the bandits.By mid-afternoon, Mayor Amphrael and his wife had gone to check on the village herbalist, Mother Myrna, leaving the adventurers in the hospitality of his home. As this did not extend to much food in the pantry, the party prepared a quick meal from their travel rations, with Darrow nearly chipping a tooth on his hardtack. At Rahnee’s suggestion, the dwarf went to the barracks to see Guard Captain Calen and ask him to set up his men around the village for its defense, while the others prepared for a scouting expedition to the manor house. Calen mentioned the foul weather and said that would at least make the job of any attackers more difficult.Shanni expressed her desire to move quickly, so as not to give any spies in town the chance to report their presence. Rahnee counseled a more prudent approach, waiting the time necessary for Aerikoth to regain his spells. She also showed some personal agitation at the prospect of not fully preparing first to attack the manor – similar to how she had come to lose her spouse, Brok-Tul, in their first assault on Hallton’s forces. Shanni said she had been unaware of Rahnee’s personal grief, but that did not stop the young noblewoman from Waterdeep from taking offense at Shanni’s words and storming out of the house, Darrow following behind her to offer comfort as best he could.</blockquote>

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