The morning comes with a cloudy sky. The rain has stopped falling, but has left pools of water everywhere and the ground soft and muddy. The cloudy sky blocks out part of the sun, making it cooler than it has been in the last couple weeks. It is a
nice change to the normally hot days you have been having.
Teldathan takes the liberty of an early morning walk through town, returning as the rest are waking up.
Gwynn attempts to stabilize Jebeddo
The gate guard, Paul, nods to you as you enter the manor grounds. you see your companions streching in the morning sun
Jebeddo stretches in the morning sun
Teldathan (pleasantly): So - what's the plan for today?
Gwynn carefully straps on his banded mail
Jebeddo wriggles into a chain shirt
Barian watches them, while having dressed before leaving his room
Garrack sloshes through the mud and through the gate of the manor grounds. He sees you and makes his way towards the party.
Garrack: Gwynn, Teldathan... Brother Barian.
Garrack nods to the gnome
Gwynn (smiles): Morning, Garrack. This is Jebeddo, by the way.
Teldathan (concerned): Is something wrong?
Jebeddo: nice to meet you Garrack
Barian: nods politely to Garrack
Garrack: nice to meet you, Jebeddo. I am Garrack, the local priest of Chauntea.
Garrack (to Gwynn): No. I thought I would come and let you know that tomorrow we will be holding a service for Stewarts boy, Robert.
Gwynn stretches mouth taught and nods
Garrack: Stewart has asked me to make a request from you, Brother Barian. He asked if you would be willing to hold the service. at least say some comforting words.
Barian (nods): Certainly. It would be an honour.
Garrack: excellent. I will let Stewart know. The service will be held at 11 tomorrow morning. If you wouldn't mind coming a bit earlier, I can help you prepare.
extends hand to Barian.
Garrack extends hand to Barian.
Barian: Of course. I will be there (takes Garracks hand) This is a tough time for all of us
Gwynn: Tell us, Garrack, is Stewart still calm as regards our prisoner?
Garrack shakes Barian's hand with both of his.
Garrack: I believe so. He seems to have put his faith in you, Gwynn.
Garrack smiles
Gwynn: I hope that he will find justice in Tyr's ways. He may be a goblin, but he is a criminal now, and must be treated as such.
Garrack: you are wise beyond your years, Sir Gwynn. I am sure Tyr will bring justice to Cambe.
Gwynn (smiling back): With help from this fine lot, I am sure, too
Garrack: now if you will excuse me, gentelmen. I have much to do in preperation for the service.
Gwynn: Of course. We shall see you then.
Garrack turns and heads back out the manor gate.
Teldathan (quietly): One more day away from the forest then...
Gwynn: I am sorry that our commitments here keep us from the wilds, Tel'Dathan.
Teldathan (smiling): Don't worry Gwynn. I do want to go and help the people, but sometimes things don't work out that way.
Jebeddo: so what do we do while waiting for our enemies to gather their resources?
Gwynn: I am sure the Baron will direct us there as soon as is possible
Gwynn: Gather resources of our our own, perhaps?
Barian: in what way do you mean Gwynn?
Teldathan (interested): What resources can we gather around here?
Gwynn: Information, if we are capable.
Gwynn: Cambe is still seeing a lot of foot and cart traffic, despite the recent ambushes
Teldathan nods slowly.
Gwynn: Jebeddo is proof of this. And another day means another chance for his friend to rise from unconsciousness.
Roth drags his feet through the gate. fresh bandages across his nose and on his forhead.
Barian: I will check on him and assess his condition. What other leads shall we follow up?
Jebeddo: it will be a relief to see Jerro awake
Barian: Good Morning Roth. Do you require assitance?
Teldathan looks sympathetically towards Roth.
Gwynn looks to Roth, hands still on hips
Roth: huh? ...oh, no thank you, Barian.
Roth: What is on your agenda for today, Gwynn?
Gwynn: I have nothing specifically to attend to, other than the general guide the Baron left us with. Do you have a possible assignment?
Roth shakes his head with a slight frown.
Roth: I understand you took a prisoner from the othe day?
Gwynn: Aye, we did. A goblin. One eared.
Roth: What are your intentions with him?
Gwynn: He was not killed on the field of battle and will thus be tried for his actions when the Baron returns.
Roth nods with satisfaction.
Roth: I will be in the Barracks should you need me.
Roth begins to walk towards the barracks.
Gwynn: Please let me know if you require our assistance. In the meantime, perhaps we'll start to work on the stables? With all these horses gone, it will be simple work.
Barian: I'm going to check on Jerro I believe...
Barian: I find it odd that my magic is unable to heal him
Jebeddo: I will come along, Barian. I'd like to see how he's doing
Roth: if that is what you wish to do...
Teldathan waits for Gwynn to move off, ready to follow him.
Barian and Jebeddo head to the infirmary to check on Jerro. You arrive and see the man deep in slumber. Ther ehas been no sign of his waking. His condition has not changed much from yesterday.
you use detect magic upon the man lying in bed. He does not show any signs of being under any spells.
Barian: It appears that your friends life is now in the hands of the Gods. If Kelemvore decides not to judge him, he will awake.
Barian: We can only wait at this point.
Jebeddo: this is frustrating. I just met the man, and now to see him like this...
The sun arcs across the sky. The day is quiet and calm, and passes without problem. Day shifts into evening, and evening into night.
Morning comes. When you wake and do your morning routine, it is 3 hours before the service for Robert.
Gwynn dresses somberly in his more ceremonial uniform
Barian prepares the finest robes he has with him, which unfortunately are just his travelling robes, and heads to Garracks temple to meet with him
Damien: Are we all going to go to the church ahead of time? Perhaps Garrack needs help with other tasks? Or are we going to just wait until the srevice starts...
Teldathan keeps his same garb, but tries to wear as much white as possible.
Gwynn: I will leave that descision to you. Consider yourselves dismissed until the service
Barian heads to the church. The old church of Chauntea lies away from the main section of the town. It's bell tower rises towards the heavens.
Jebeddo follows Barian to the church, dressed as somberly as gnomingly possible
Teldathan heads to the outskirts of town and takes a look around for anything strange. Assuming he finds nothing, he heads to the church.
Damien Damien follows along with Teldathan, hurrying to catch up.
Damien follows along with Teldathan, hurrying to catch up.
Teldathan waits for Damien to catch up before continuing.
Damien: Thanks. I figure going early to lend a hand will be better than hanging around the manor all day.
Gwynn wanders the town and its outskirts, uneasy.
Teldathan (nodding): I suppose I'm just suspicious, but I'd rather that than have something happen in the middle of the ceremony.
Damien nods in agreement
Jebeddo: Find anything, gentlemen?
Damien: do you think that someone would have the nerve to attack the church?
Teldathan (shaking his head): Thankfully no.
Jebeddo: Damien, always assume the enemy are godless heathens
Teldathan: It's not the church that concerns me. If everyone is there, it leaves a skeleton crew guarding the prisoners.
Jebeddo: they'd attack a church and not bat an eye
Teldathan: But yes, Jebeddo is right. I believe they probably would if they were so inclined.
Tel'Dathan, Damien and Jeb arrive at the church door. outside is Barian, pushing on the front door. It doesn't seem to budge.
Teldathan (concerned): What's wrong Barian?
Barian (raised voice): Garrack?... (turning to Tel) Oh, Tel... I can't seem to get in, and Garrack is not answering
Jebeddo: were you expected this early? Maybe they don't want to be disturbed while arranging for the funeral?
Barian: Well Garrack did ask me to come early... to arrange for the funeral
Teldathan: He did say to come early.. although he didn't say how early.
Jebeddo: is there a back way in?
Damien: Does Garrack live on the church grounds?
Jebeddo: and is the door barred or locked?
Barian: There is a back door... It is locked as well
Barian: Damien could you go find Gwynn? He may know more about Garrack and where he could be
Jebeddo: wait
Damien nods as he runs off down the road.
Jebeddo: Can Damien pick open the back door?
Barian: Ah... good thinking Jeb.
Teldathan (raising an eyebrow): Do we want to pick the lock to the church?
Barian: wait, no. I won't break into another churches temple unless it is a LAST resort
Jebeddo: beats smashing it down
Teldathan: I'll run back and grab Gwynn.
Jebeddo: any windows? can we peak inside?
Teldathan: You guys try to think of another solution
Teldathan begins running back to the Barracks.
Barian: Damien has already gone. Perhpas your keen eyes can find something here Tel
the windows are all stained glass. It is hard to see anything through them
Jebeddo: Where does Garrack live?
Barian: I'm not sure. I am not from here
Teldathan hears Barian and stops, running back
Teldathan (shaking his head): Sorry, I didn't realize Damien left.
Barian: Not a problem Tel. Can you see anything around the outside of the church that looks like a struggle took place or anything of that nature?
Gwynn, on patrol of the outskirts of town, sees Damien run to an intersection of a road in the distance. He looks around and spots you. He begins running your way.
Gwynn makes his way quickly towards Damien
Gwynn (shouting): What is it?
Damien (out of breath): Gwynn... The Church... locked... can't get in...
Gwynn: furrows his brow
Gwynn furrows his brow
Damien: does Garrack live... near by... or at the church...
Gwynn: takes a last full scan of the horizon and begins a jog to the church
Teldathan looks around the ground, trying to see if he can figure out a regular set of tracks.
Gwynn takes a last full scan of the horizon and begins a jog to the church
Teldathan: Survival [1d20+7 = 19]
Gwynn: He should be in the church, there is a heritage at the back
Damien follows Gwynn back, huffing to keep up.
Tel'Dathan looks around and sees no sign of a struggle. There are lots of tracks around the church, but it does not seem out of the ordinary.
Gwynn (disgusted): You need more exercise, Damien. The Baron expects more of you.
Teldathan looks up, shaking his head.
Teldathan: I'm not sure that anything is amiss.
Damien: hey, I ran all this way... I couldn't find you right away...
Barian (puzzled): Well perhaps I am overreacting.
Teldathan walks up to the door and knocks as loudly as he can manage.
Barian, Tel, and Jeb sees Gwynn and Damien running towards the church.
Teldathan listens to see if there is any movement inside.
Teldathan: Listen [1d20+9 = 16]
Teldathan (looking to Jebeddo): something is wrong. I think we need to get these doors open.
Garrack (cracking voice): yes, who is there?
Gwynn doesn't look like he is planning on slowing down as he approaches the door
Teldathan moves out of the way of the door, waiting for Barian to reply.
Barian: Garrack are you alright? It's Barian
Jebeddo: Any way to pick the lock? Spare key anywhere?
Barian: What did you hear Tel (quietly to Tel)
Garrack: I am sorry, Barian... everything is fine. Would you please come back latter?
Barian: Sense Motive [1d20+3 = 19]
Teldathan (quietly): Just some rustling before he came to the door. It could be nothing, but I don't think so.
Teldathan (moving up to Jebeddo and whispering): Maybe we should go around and quietly open the back door.
Jebeddo: Wis bonus [1d20+1 = 4]
Teldathan: Sense Motive [1d20+2 = 21]
Jebeddo: Gwynn, can you sense any Evil?
Barian: df [1d12 = 3]
Gwynn: Sense Motive [1d20+5 = 23]
Tel'dathan, Barian, and Gwynn sense that Garrak is nervous, and does not quite seem like himself
Barian: I don't think we have enough time Garrack. I should come in to start preparing now
Gwynn motions for the door to drop. Hard.
Teldathan points to himself and Jebeddo, then points around the back, then looks to Gwynn for confirmation.
Barian points to Damien
Garrack: Actually, the service has been post-poned... we will have time.
Gwynn smiles widly and nods to Tel'Dathan
Barian (quietly): pick it rather than blow it if possible... Leave us Jeb to blow the fornt if necessary
Damien (whispers): it's barred shut. There is no lock on it. I can go to the back as well. I think it may be locked.
Teldathan begins heading around for the back door.
Gwynn attempts to detect E-vil through the door
voice (shouting): HALF-ORC!
Gwynn frowns
Teldathan waits at the back door, wondering where everyone is.
the voice come sfrom on high, presumably from the bell tower.
Barian: Did we check on the prisoner? (To Gwynn)
Gwynn (looking up): Aye. My name is Gwynn
Barian looks up to the tower
voice: Take your men away. even the ones sneaking around back
voice: I do not want to harm the priest here, but I will if you give me no quarter!
Gwynn: I am a poor negotiator. For your own safety, I would advise against hostages.
voice: you give me little choice in the matter, I'm afraid. It wouldn't be the first time you have hindered me.
the voice is raspy with a thick accent. Not goblin but it certainly is something similar
Jebeddo looks up to see if he can spot anyone up in the tower
Teldathan debates entering, but waits at the back door for Gwynn's conversation to end.
Gwynn (still measured): Do not harm the man of Chauntea. I will call my men back.
Gwynn (shouting): Tel"Dathan, please return to us.
Teldathan makes his way back around to the front.
The inside of the bell tower is shoruded in shadows. You do not see anyone.
Jebeddo (whispers to gwynn): I can climb that tower without a problem
the tower is 80 feet tall
Gwynn: Now, when have I hindered you in the past?
Gwynn nods to Jebedoo
voice: [1d20 = 2]
voice: Do not forget to call back the human and the little fellow as well, eh?
Gwynn (whispered to Barian): I do not wish that he escapes, but I believe the goblin is of less concern here.
Barian: I was just wondering if that was him in the tower... I don't believe it is though
Gwynn (shouting): How about we all back up from the church?
voice: I was a simple traveller, looking for information. You seemed to enjoy causing me grief.
Damien backs away and heads to the front of the church.
Teldathan stands beside Gwynn.
Jebeddo stands with the others
Gwynn: I would not have done so, had I not reason.
Barian stays with Gwynn
Gwynn (backing up): Have you found Hinton, then?
Teldathan looks at Gwynn curiously.
voice: I have not, but I have found someone who knows what I need, no thanks to you. I will not harm the priest, but you must let us leave.
Gwynn (whispered to the others): I believe he is a full orc
Damien looks startled towards Gwynn at the mention of Hinton.
Gwynn (whispered): I know little else, save that he is evil
Damien (whispers): Quad'o...
Gwynn looks to Damien, confused
Teldathan looks towards Damien
Gwynn: The one who would assist you, is he accompanying you willingly?
Damien (looks to the others): he is a bounty hunter.
Teldathan frowns.
Garrack (after a brief moment of scilence): Y-yes... He will do me no harm.
Gwynn: And to whom are you taking him? How can we be assured that they will do an inoccent preist no harm?
Quad'o: leave. Once we are gone, and I am satisfied that we are not followed, I will release the priest of Chauntea.
Barian (whispered to Gwynn): Are you sure it's the priest he wants?
Barian (whispered to Gwynn): He seems to be willing to release Garrack when THEY are not followed.
Gwynn (whispered): Aye. I was wondering if the one with information was going willingly
Damien: we should resolve this quickly too... The srvice will start in a few hours. We don't want to cause any more grief on Stewart and his family by having this inturrupt it.
Gwynn: Agreed.
Gwynn: Does Garrack have the information you need?
Gwynn: Or is there another?
Quad'o: Garrack has provided me wit what I need.
Gwynn: Very well, then we have no problem.
Gwynn: You will leave this place unharmed and unrestrained, to whatever destination you wish.
Teldathan (whispering to Gywnn): Is this Bounty Hunter simply going to leave and track down a different innocent man and kill him?
Gwynn (whispered): We cannot know unless we speak to Garrack
Teldathan nods to Gwynn.
Quad'o: You must leave. head back down the road and wait there, in plain sight. Once we have gotten to a safe distance, we will let the priest go.
Teldathan moves back down the road to an area where he can still see the temple.
Gwynn: Even if you were caused grief by me, I did not stike you down where you stood. I, nor none of my companions, will do so today, either.
Gwynn: I only ask that you bring the preist out to us unharmed.
Quad'o: I appreaciate that, Gwynn.
Gwynn: [1d4 = 1]
Barian: Diplomacy [1d20+1 = 14]
Gwynn: [1d20+7 = 11]
Quad'o: Do you not trust me, Gwynn?? I have put good faith in you and your men that we will be let free. I would expect the same from you.
Gwynn: We can agree to back up if you will bring Garrack out with you and leave him in plain sight before you leave. I don't care who else you have in there with you; they are free to leave, as well.
Quad'o: Very well! Back away then and we will leave the priest out front.
Jebeddo (mutters): if they hurt the priest, it will take them a week to die. I'll pay for a resurrection if I have to, just so I can kill them again
Gwynn: Agreed. All we have is our words from this point.
Gwynn begins the walk backwards to the road
Barian follows
Jebeddo backs away, keeping an eye on the church
Gwynn scans the scene, nervously
You all back away to the end of the road leading up to the church. a few, long minutes later, the front doors swing open. From out of the shadows exits two people. The quickly move along the side of the church and out of sight. Another man exits and follows the same path the oher two took. Finally, you see a hooded orc exit, Garrack standing in front of him. You see Garrack go down on his knees and the orc slowly backs away. Before running off, he whispers something in the priests ear.
Teldathan waits for the Orc to run off before running up towards the priest.
Barian (to Gwynn Queitly): Perhaps you should have someone check on Roth. He looked a little worse for wear this morning. Perhaps he had a visitor last night? An Orc?
Gwynn (whispered to Tel'Dathan): Please shield him
Barian runs forward to where Tel and Garrack are
Garrack: I am a bit shaken but I am fine... thankyou.
Teldathan (calmly): What did the orc say to you?
Gwynn watches the three leave, pledging to Tyr to bring each of them to justice after this day
Garrack: He whispered to me that what I told him had better be accurate.
Barian: And what did you tell him?
Gwynn makes his way slowly towards the church
Jebeddo: was it? what did you tell him?
Jebeddo: Teldathan, perhaps you should mark their trail
Garrack: He and the others came into the church asking me about a man named Gilbert Hinton. I honsestly had never heard of him before. The orc told me that he had accurate information that the priest of Chauntea in Cambe knew of this man's whereabouts.
Teldathan (nodding to Jebeddo): I will. I will be able to find it for some time.
Gwynn helps Garrack to his feet if he is not already standing, then crosses his arms as he listens
Garrack: I have only been here in Cambe for a year. I thought maybe they thought I was Artros, the priest of Chauntea who mentored me and was the priest of Cambe for a very long time before me.
Garrack: I told him that I was new to these parts and that the old priest moved to Haverford...
Garrack: Artros didn't move there, I'm afraid. He moved to the village of Selmoth...
Garrack looks sheepishly as he speaks of his lie to the orc.
Jebeddo: Good thinking. You did well to lie
Jebeddo: It is no sin to lie to an orc
Garrack: Yes, but I may have place myself in greater danger as well as Cambe.
Jebeddo: In fact, you probably saved Artros' life
Teldathan listens calmly to the discussion.
Gwynn watches Jebeddo as he speaks
Barian: We will need to dispatch of this orc now, so that he doesn't return to threaten anyone else
Gwynn: Can you think of any reason why this bounty hunter would want Artros?
Jebeddo: Can we beat them to Haverford? Horses? Perhaps a boat?
Garrack: If you do, you must hurry... The service starts in less than 3 hours. Stewart will likely be upset if you are not present.
Barian: I should remain here for the service if we do not think that we will make it back in that time
Jebeddo: Better he be upset than an innocent be dead
Barian: It is my duty
Damien: I must confess, that I too am looking for this Gilbert Hinton. However, Quad'o is a thorn in my side... I am willing to follow them. I can try to stop them myself, or at least keep tabs on their movements.
Teldathan looks to Gwynn.
Jebeddo: Who is this Hinton? Why do you seek him?
Gwynn: Why do you seek Hinton?
Damien looks down to the ground.
Damien: I am a Rookwood. I am the last of my family. They were slain in a noble war back in Hemel many years ago...
Barian: I have heard of this war
Damien: Gilbert Hinton is a man who can help me. I must admit, my motives are not unselfish.
Barian: My parents companions fought for your family Damien
Damien looks to Barian, surprised
Barian: They are the reason I came to Hemel in the first place
Damien: i was but a boy when the war was taking place, but my dreams are haunted by my parents deaths.
Jebeddo: Can we still run the ork down? Get horses maybe? I don't want to let them get away
Jebeddo: We can discuss the connections later
Damien: I cannot rest until I have had my revenge... and Quad'o stands in my way. I hope that you all don't think less of me for what i have said... but I must leave. I promise you that I will make sure that these hunters don't show up again in Cambe...
Gwynn: I would rather hear Damien's story before he sets off. We not get another chance...
Gwynn: I would rather hear Damien's story before he sets off. We may not get another chance...
Damien: If you wish to assist in finding Quad'o then I would accept your help. But you all have your duty here in Cambe and I would think that to be a more noble cause than my own.
Gwynn: Justice is nothing of which to be ashamed. If Hinton can help, and you believe yourself capable of managing this Quado, I am willing to task you to such
Damien: There is no telling whether we will be able to find Quad'o. He is a master bounty hunter and skilled at covering his tracks. It may be days, weeks or even more before we find them.
Jebeddo: Good point Damien. Finish your story then
Damien: I'm afraid that there is not much more to it then that.
Gwynn: Seek this bounty hunter, then. He is now a proven enemy of the barony, if not the dutchy.
Jebeddo: Don't take any chances facing them. Cut their throats in their sleep or poison their drinks
Damien: It has been an honour to work with all of you. Perhaps, our paths will cross again some day.
Gwynn: We will send word to Artros. Do you best to ensure other innocents are not involved, regardless of what your personal goals might be
Damien raises eyebrows to gnome. nods to Gwynn.
Damien: farewell. I hope that this life treats you well.
Gwynn: And the next, Damien. May Tyr keep your path narrow.
Damien turns and heads off after the bounty hunters.
Garrack waits until Damien is out of sight.
Garrack: come, my friends. we must prepare the church for the service. We haven't much time now.
Jebeddo: Gwynn, word should be sent to the Artros immediately. The ork might not be the only one looking for him. He could be in danger
Gwynn (nodding in admiration): You are a brave and dedicated servant, Garrack
Gwynn: A valid point, Garrack. I will see to that presently.
Jebeddo: I can go, if you wish. I would not be missed from the funeral
Gwynn: A valid point, Jebeddo . I will see to that presently.
Barian: Come Garrack, let us prepare. Gwynn and the others will need to discuss things and get messengers sent
Teldathan takes a look at the setup of the church to determine where to position himself during the ceremony.
Garrack: yes. follow me, Brother Barian.
Teldathan (looking to Gwynn): I believe I should stay close to the exit. I'd like to be there just in case something goes wrong.
Gwynn: Aye, a wise decision. Why don't you take up post outside here right now? There may be more than we are aware of...
Gwynn: I would appreciate the help with that messenger, Jebeddo. Please, walk with me
Jebeddo: of course
Barian: I'll be back in like 10 minutes. I just need to get some food while Jeb and Gwynn chat.
Gwynn: We have a senior officer and a prisoner to declare missing, as well
Jebeddo: What officer? And one ear is gone?
Teldathan nods to Gwynn then walks down the trail the Orc took when he left, marking off their path.
Gwynn: Roth. Or perhaps my hunch will again prove wrong.
Gwynn (begins towards barracks ): events might be entirely unrelated, but I fear my mind is a simple one. Yours is not,
Gwynn: though, is it?
Jebeddo: I have my moments
Gwynn: All of those working for the Baron under my command have their moments, as you say. Please do not hesitate to offer advice, options, or criticisms when you can.
Jebeddo: I have not thus far.
Jebeddo: Of course you will have noticed I am not as patient as the rest of your companions. I don't like sitting by idly while evil is afoot
Gwynn: Patience is one of the greatest aspects of great good. Or great evil. I myself, unfortunately, am prone to rash action, taken in anger.
Jebeddo: Patience is just but one aspect. I am a follower of Tymora, and believe in the ideal that bold action for a righteous cause beats over planning 9 times in 10. I am not one for deliberation
Gwynn: can i add a line to the previous conversation?
Gwynn: I... am learning "deliberation."
Jebeddo: Deliberation has its place, of course
Jebeddo: That is why we are not all one person. Some of us can learn patience, and notice those things that the rest of us overlook
Gwynn: Aye, that is teamwork, and that is something great evil will never learn. In any case, I thank you for your inputs thusfar. I would finally note that suggestions of tactics such as poison and slitting of sleeping throats have no place in the Baron's army.
Jebeddo: I will keep that in mind
Jebeddo (to himself): guess I'll have to quit the army when those tactics are called for
Gwynn and Jeb make their way to the Barracks You enter and see Roth sitting at a desk writting on some parchment.
Roth looks up from his work
Gwynn: An orc held Garrack prisoner. We negotiated his release, but it required the orc's freedom
Roth frowns.
Roth: is everyone alright then?
Gwynn: Aye, they prepare for the boy's service
Barian: I'm back... I've been back for a few, but it seemed like things were goin along, and I didn't want to interrupt.
Roth: it should be starting fairly soon. I will see you there, Gwynn. Good job on keeping the peace.
Gwynn: Thank you, sir.
Roth: lets pray that the service goes without a hitch.
Gwynn: The family deserves at least that
Gwynn: Jebeddo, could find Edward and enlist his help?
Jebeddo: Where can we find him?
Gwynn: At this hour? He should be in the armoury. If not, try his quarters; he may be getting dressed for the service.
Roth: yes, I believe Edward is in the armoury...
Jebeddo: Do you want Edward to go alone? He should fetch the priest back here. Can a couple extra men be spared?
Jebeddo: I fear the priest may be in danger, and should have an escort
Gwynn grinds his lower jaw up
Roth listens to the twos conversation.
Gwynn: The way is well travelled. He should be fine on his own.
Edward enters the barracks from the door connecting to the armoury
Edward: oh, hi guys!
Jebeddo: Of course.
Edward: Ready for the service I see.
Jebeddo: Fancy a ride, Edward?
Gwynn (face reddening): Excuse me.
Edward: a ride to where?
Gwynn flings open the door and leaves
Edward (follows Gwynn): whats the matter, big guy?
Jebeddo: Edward, shall we chat as we walk to the stables?
Edward: Uh, sure...
Edward looks back at Gwynn, concerned
Jebeddo catches up to Gwynn outside the door
Jebeddo: you ok?
Edward follows
Jebeddo assumes we're out of Roth's earshot
Jebbeddo assumes correctly
Gwynn (measured, slowly): Edward, you are to ride to Selmoth. Jebeddo can brief you.
Gwynn continues away from stables
Jebeddo: Edward, I think I may have put my foot in my mouth. But there is no time for that now.
Edward listens intently
Jebeddo: An ork and his henchmen are looking for Artus, who used to be a priest here.
Jebeddo: he has since moved to Selmoth
Edward: I know him well. He is in Selmoth now...
Jebeddo: The ork is on a false trail, but it won't last long. You need to warn Artus, and bring him back here safely. There may be other people who are looking for him as well, so be careful
Edward: I will leave at once. Tell Gwynn not to worry. I will handle this.
Jebeddo: Godspeed, Edward
Edward heads into stables
The bell tower in the church of Chauntea rings out, indicating that the service for Robert will be soon. You see many of the villagers heading towards the church.
Jebeddo decides to check on the goblin prisoner instead of heading to the funeral
You look into the prison and see that the goblin is asleep on the bench.
Jebeddo heads to the funeral, staying near the back and trying not to be disruptive, or burst into flames
Teldathan stands at the back near the doors.
The 11th hour comes upon Cambe and the entire town has crammed into the modest church. The people wait patiently for Garrak to begin. The service starts with Garrack speaking a few words of Robert and his family. He mentions the good deeds that they have done and grants them a blessing. He then passes the service to Barian. Barian carries the service, speaking words of kindness to the family and words of wisdom to all. After an hour, the service is wrapped up. Everyone is lead out to the burial grounds adjacent to the church where the young boys body is laid to rest.
the towns folk begin to make their way home, granting blessings to the family, and providing them with their sympathies.
Stewart approaches Barian
Barian puts his hand on Stewarts shoulder
Stewart: Thankyou, Brother Barian. You have eased my family of these trying days.
Barian: You are bearing a terrible weight, but know that the gods are with you. Roberts soul is even now peaceful in the fields of the Earthmother
Barian: It was my honour to play a small part in his peace
Stewart: I cannot put into words the appreciation that we have for you and brother Garrack. Your guidance and wisdom is a blessing to us all.
Stewart: thankyou, again.
Barian: You are welcome
Stewart shakes Barians hand firmly, holds back some tears, and heads back to his wife and daughter.
Barian turns back to his companions as Stewart leaves
Teldathan (waiting until everyone is gone): What now? Things are quickly disintigrating around us with goblin attacks, orc bounty hunters...
Barian: Yes, these do seem to be troubled times for Cambe
Gwynn: Yet, the people were able to come together and send their kin off to the next world. Do no underestimate the help that each of you has brought this town today. Especially Barian; fine and noble words for all of the barony.
Barian: These are strong people in this town.
Jebeddo: You did a fine job Barian. well done
Teldathan (nodding): Indeed. Well spoken.
Jebeddo: But, to the tasks at hand...
Barian: Thank you. (pauses) So what is next?
Barian (nods at Jeb): Yes, we need to look forward
Jebeddo: First, someone should suggest to Garrick that he move into the barracks, rather than the church. The bounty hunters might double back once they learn of his deception, and others may the same mistake as to his identity
Teldathan (looking to Gwynn): It seems that we have a couple of roads to go, but all of them lead us out of town.
Barian: Yes, how long do you estimate until the Baron returns? I fear that things may be progressing too quickly to wait for his orders
Barian: we may need to take the initiative ourselves to uphold his intent
Gwynn: His intent was that we keep Cambe safe, and we have done so.
Gwynn: I fear that he has already made his intentions regarding the hunter's problems known. Unless what we learned from the goblin changed that?
Gwynn: *hunters'
Barian: We do know that the people in charge of our enemy are responsible for both the caravan attacks and the hunters grief
Barian: If this jewel exists and they find it while we wait here, have we handed them victory?
Teldathan (nodding): I can try to track the Orc and see where they went, but with a 3 hour head start, it will be difficult to catch them.
Gwynn: The jewel has been missing centuries. Do we have any clue of how to find it?
Jebeddo: We know where the ork and his men went.
Barian: They went to find Artus following Garrack's instructions
Barian: I imagine we'll see them again
Jebeddo: What do we know of the ork? What is he looking for?
Barian (to Gwynn): We don't konw where the jewel is, but Jerro or his friend do
Jebeddo: Artus might have information about the jewel
Jebeddo: Jerro does not, he was to meet his friend. We never found the friend.
Gwynn (thinking out loud): Edward will return with Artros, and Damien hounds the bounty hunter. What further leads do we have.
Gwynn (thinking out loud): Edward will return with Artros, and Damien hounds the bounty hunter. What further leads do we have?
Barian: The names from the letter, and the one-ear
Barian: The disturbance in the forest.
Gwynn: I have faces to attach to the names, but I have no idea where they might be
Jebeddo: Do you have access to the treasury at all? Perhaps a reward for information regarding the half-ogre or the dwarf.
Gwynn: A reward is a possibility, but that leaves them knowing all we know
Jebeddo: Or perhaps a trap? The enemy has been attacking caravans. We could lead a caravan in disguise, in an attempt to encourage someone to attack us
Gwynn: Roth was their informant before. I think it will be difficult to decieve him.
Gwynn: Rothi is an interesting avenue, however
Teldathan (thinking): I'm still unsure of his current motives, but I suspect they differ from his original ones.
Gwynn: Barian, what do you think of counselling him. He obviously needs to speak to someone, and he may have things to reveal
Barian: I can do that.
Gwynn: It is your careful observations that I am acting on here, Tel'Dathan. It can only help the man to try.
Gwynn: At worst, if he does not talk, he will know that we consider him not above saving. That is not a weakness.
Teldathan: I don't claim to be the best judge of character. I just simply don't see the anger in him that I saw the first little while. He seems like a beaten man.
Teldathan nods to Gwynn.
Barian: I believe that Teldathan may have a point.
Barian: There is something on Roths mind
Gwynn: I did not recognize it before, but I saw it this morning
Barian: I will do what I can to get through to him
Barian heads off to find Roth
Gwynn: Wait.
Gwynn: To be clear, don't admit anything to him that he does not admit to you. He is still considered under investigation, and we can't let him use our pity to his own ends.
Barian (nods to Gwynn before leaving): I will be careful
Gwynn: We are not calling his bluff, merely willing to listen