[IC] Nature will gradually erase...

[rs2excelsior]

Darach studies the hand for a moment. It appears that the person it belonged to was relatively lucky. Or, maybe, he'd find the rest of them in the other howler. Regardless, the hand wasn't enough to bury, and the two items seemed rather valuable. He stands up and cleans the blood from his arms as best he can as Daedalus introduces himself. "I am Darach Starwalker, adherent of the Church of the Stars Ascendant. I was not headed to Vark, in particular. I was..." he hesitates for a moment. "I was a part of an expedition with several other brothers and sisters from my church, tasked to hunt down beasts such as these." He gestures toward what's left of the howler. Darach is many things, but a surgeon is not one of them. His attempt to search for a body had been effective, but not particularly clean. "However, we became... separated. Perhaps some of them made their way to town. In any case, it would probably be good for me to leave word there, should they come looking for me. I will accompany you, if you will have me." He glances at the ring and the bracelet. "I am... not aware of the custom regarding such items, but I found these in the body of the beast. Likely belonged to some other poor soul it attacked. If we cannot find an owner, I am not sure what should be done with them." Almost as an afterthought, he looks down and mumbles a few words over the items.

Spoiler: OOC

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Casting Detect Magic on the bracelet and ring.

[hannahbbug3]

Spoiler: Results of the Detect Magic

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The Charm Bracelet reads of two distinctly different magical auras, both illusion and enchantment. The ring gives off a faint aura of illusion magic.

"Well, regardless of where the rest of y'all are goin', I reckon on getting to Vark before the sun sets, and more of 'em creatures come out of the woods!" pipes up one of the caravan hands, a half-elf who has his hands full - literally - with a shivering Moa. The bird seems to be trying to climb up him, not that he's much of a perch, the bird is already eight feet tall. The other caravanners murmur in agreement, starting to get their wagons in order. But after that, they're not about to leave without guards.
"I reckon we could give each of ya a share of the profits we make once we get there, like we already promised the folks escorting us, if you were to walk with the horses an' keep a keen eye on 'em woods," another man, this one, a human, says. It will take quite a bit of hustling to get to Vark before nightfall with this load, it's already past noon and there are miles to go, but it can be done. And it seems like the caravan is more than willing to pick up the pace after this encounter.

[rs2excelsior]

Darach frowns at the items in his hand. Daedalus, these items are enchanted. Illusion and Enchantment. I can't really tell anything more specific. Perhaps you could take a look?
Or if any of the rest of you have experience with these things?"

Spoiler: OOC

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My spellcraft is crap, but I can try and Aid whoever makes the roll.
Spellcraft: (1d20)[15]
Good enough to give someone a +2 to their roll, it seems.

[purepolarpanzer]

Daedalus immediately steps forward to appraise the jewelry carefully. Whispering Tercep pawnah the rune on this forehead turns a lime green, followed by his eyes becoming luminescent for a moment. Running his fingers over them, he tries to divine the nature of the enchantments residing within the charms and ring. The rune on Hastur's head glows the same color, signaling him to approach and add his eyes to his summoner's for a different angle.

Spoiler: OOC

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Casting detect magic, then attempting to identify the items. Takes 3 rounds per identify, so give Daedalus a moment. For the charm bracelet- (1d20+8)[20] and for the ring- (1d20+8)[14]. Let's see what Darach butchered a howler for.

[Gyrfalcon]

Jarome returns from scouting the trail ahead, bow once more carried loosely and much of the tension gone from his shoulders. He catches the end of the conversation and nods at the caravan master's offer. "It looks like these two were the only ones working together, I see no signs of a larger pack. It also sounds like the local wildlife is back as well, so we're safe to move."

He studies the jewelry curiously as Daedalus pours over it with his magical senses. "I doubt you'll find a legitimate next of kin for those, unless they happen to have an inscription to them. I think it's a case of 'you keep what you kill'. If you have no use for it, perhaps one of us will be willing to barter for it, and otherwise there's always a market for enchanted items."

[JNAProductions]

Sure, I'll hang around, Kayugi says in response to being offered a position as guard.

And lemme take a gander at them too, she adds, nabbing the jewelry when she gets the chance.

Spoiler: Spellcraft

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(1d20+11)[29]

(1d20+11)[13]

In their respective order.

[hannahbbug3]

Spoiler: Spellcraft Checks

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Between Daedalus and Kayugi's inspections, they are able to agree on a couple things. First, that Darach's assessment of the items being enchanted was correct. Second, that the ring seems to be very valuable, when it comes to concealing the position of whoever's wearing it. The spell attached to the ring is Invisibility, though if someone puts it on, they don't immediately become invisible. Instead there is a command word to activate the effect, which, after a couple minutes of looking it over, is found as an inscription on the inside of the ring - "Cloak." The bracelet proves a bit harder to identify until, with Darach's help, Kayugi is able to distinguish that the spells in effect are on individual charms, not the bracelet itself. Most of the charms are simply glass-blown beads, but there are two silver charms - one a sword and the other a heart. The sword charm has "Shadow Weapon" attached, and the Heart, "Charm Person." There isn't a command word anywhere to be found, and it isn't immediately obvious to either of the two casters how to activate the effects of the charms. Unlike the glass beads, however, the silver ones seem easily detachable.

The caravan master nods to Jarome, and motions for the others to fall in line. They don't want to spend any more time than necessary here, especially not after the attack. They climb back onto their wagons, mostly - the half-elf stays with the Moa, petting them occasionally and trying to keep them calm - but they start moving down the road again as soon as Jarome is back in the lead. The rest of you fall into line with the caravan at its increased pace, making headway towards Vark.

Spoiler: OOC

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If you all want to carry on some conversation as you go down the road, feel free! In order to get things rolling, however, I'm going to go ahead and set up Vark, where you arrive.

Vark, Population 743 Survivors:

The small hamlet of Vark stands on a stone plateau overlooking the forest. A solitary, narrow switchback path is carved up the face of the rock, a mile high. As is the case everywhere, vines climb up the sides of the cliff, but the people of the settlement set fire to them every evening, to burn back the encroaching forest. The first indication that you have arrived at the city, just before sundown, is the smell of smoke. It takes some careful coaxing and even more careful footing to get the carts, animals, and people up to the settlement despite the fires licking around the sides of the cliff, but eventually, you reach the summit.

As fellow Survivors, you are quickly welcomed in past the clay walls of the town. Stone is their commodity here, and there are tunnels beneath the city, carved down into the plateau and even extending out into the forest for miles. Other than the quarries for clay and sandstone, there is also a vein of legendary mithril running below the city, which makes it such an attractive location for caravans - despite its small size, the place is flush with wealth, due to the beautiful and durable metal it exports. Most of the population is dwarven, drawn here by the need for miners, but a few humans and halflings have set up here, as well, mostly running businesses such as inns, smithys, and jewelers which appeal to travelers and caravans alike. There is no shortage of places to stay the night here - though the entire town is no more than two miles square, there are no less than five inns. And with the trading season at its peak, all are open.

The caravan master thanks you all for delivering them there safely, and promises to find you once they have unloaded their wares and give you the cut they promised. As a show of good faith, he has one of his caravan hands bring forward one of the fittest looking horses from the group, as well as enough money to pay for its stabling tonight, and says that if he doesn't make good on his promise, the horse is yours. "I reckon we can meet y'all back here at the gate in the mornin'. You bring my horse back to me, and I'll make sure that we get all settled up." The reins and small amount of coin is handed over to Jarome by a human caravan hand, who also recommends the tavern for a group like yours.

"I reckon we'll be bunking down at the Winking Star, it's got the largest stable complex and is mighty well designed for caravans like ours - by which I mean, it's all one communal room, cheap hay mattresses, and filling, if bland, meals, but, well. It's cheap and that's where we usually run into all our contacts. But folks like you, adventuring sorts, usually head to the Mithril Vein Inn. Attractive name like that, and it lives up to expectations, nicest place in town, run by this Halfling, Grim, who acts nothin' like her name might lead you to believe..." he's rambling at this point, but carries on for those who care to listen. "Of course, if you're interested in mingling with the locals, there's always the Iron Mug. Best ale in town, it's more of a tavern than an inn, I don't reckon anyone sleeps there unless everywhere else is filled. But if yer looking for dwarves, good mead, or any interesting local news, that's the best bet." He looks like he could carry on for quite some time - clearly, this isn't his first trip to Vark, but the caravan master calls him back, telling him to get the horses over to the Star and settled in for the night. The caravan hand tips his hat to you and hurries off to do as he's told, leaving the fine black steed in your care until the caravan master comes for him in the morning, hopefully with your pay in tow.

[rs2excelsior]

Darach takes in the little town as you enter. These folks must be rather determined to live within the Wilds themselves--he is impressed by their ability to keep the encroaching forest back. "I believe I am going to the inn," he tells the others. "If anyone has seen sign of my expedition, I believe that will be the best place to begin.
As for the items we found, I will leave them with you. If none of you feel you can use them, I'm not sure I know enough to sell them for a fair price. I will trust your judgement in that manner," he says, nodding toward the more magically knowledgeable members of the party. With that, he makes his way toward the Mithril Vein, and makes himself comfortable. "I would like a mug of whatever ale you have, and something hot from the kitchen, please," he requests of the halfling. "And if you don't mind, I'd like to ask if you've seen some people I am looking for. Members of my church travelling through the wilds. They would be dressed similarly to myself."

[purepolarpanzer]

Invisibility is a particularly strong spell, but not necessarily suited for one such as myself. If it is more fitting to someone else's style, I'd suggest they take it and make good use of it. Perhaps one of you who wield a bow could use it as a way to gain ground on enemies and attack from stealth? As for the charms, I wouldn't mind keeping them simply in order to work out how they are utilized. Your skill with diving magical properties seems quite strong, Miss, so I would certainly appreciate the help. Unless YOU would prefer to hang onto them. My claim is certainly no better than your own. He flashes the female hobgoblin a winning smile, extending the charms between his fingers to offer them to her.

Closer to town

Daedalus. We are close to your place of rest, but as you know, I have none. Please heal my wounds, minor as they are,
or I fear I'll have this pincushion hole in me from now until when the stars wink out.

Absolutely, my friend. Hold still a moment... tankum tellard The summoner pricks the tip of his finger with a small blade, dripping two drops of his own blood onto the wound, which seals up immediately, stopping the flow of magical energy that passed for blood in his eidolon's veins.

A simple evening sounds lovely. Which way is it to this Winking Star...

WE will be going to the Mithral Vein Inn as well. Come now, Daedalus. You have just survived a brush with mortality itself! What better time to celebrate with some luscious luxury! Besides, it sounds as if this place will be the home of beautiful women who could tantalize our fantasies, if nothing else. Hastur wraps an arm around Daedalus in a motion that almost knocks him over, causing the mage to give a barking sigh with the impact.

Let us move quickly then. If we hurry we can accompany our new acquaintance Darach to the bar. If anyone else is interested, please, follow us.

I, Hastur, will buy the first round for all who would see fit to indulge in my generosity. Daedalus will purchase the second! The genie strides in the same direction as Darach, while Daedalus follows him muttering some weak-willed protests.

At the Mithral Vein

Do you mind if we join you, Mr. Starwalker? Daedalus gives a small bow, while Hastur simply slides to a seat that gives a small creak under his massive weight. If you wish, we can also ask around about your missing companions.

[JNAProductions]

Kayugi goes with the group to the Vein. Along the way, she keeps up a steady stream of largely unimportant chatter.

Once at the inn, she gets herself something strong, and swigs it down.

[theasl]

Mercuira's eyes light up when it's mentioned that the ring is magical - and grants invisibility. Vanishing into thin air was one of her brother's most used...and most annoying...powers, and one she hopes to one day figure out herself. When, or if, she does manifest magic, that is. And it seems like nobody else wants it! Well, she'll gladly take it off their hands then, with a word or two of thanks.

After they've reached town, Mercuira follows the group going to the Mithral Vein. Not the town I was looking for, unless those idiots truly are idiots and can't even get the description right. I guess it'll have to wait till another day. Once inside, she proceeds to get herself a stiff drink as well, making a silent toast to Kuthba for her safe travels.

[Gyrfalcon]

Jarome nods to the caravan master as he takes the reins, this sort of exchange being common along the routes. As the others gather around, he nods towards the Mithril Vein Inn. ”I’ll stable the horse there, and I’ll be playing there tonight. I’ve been there before, and it’s a decent place to drink and sleep.

Putting deeds to words, Jarome leads the way there, and after a short discussion with the owner, makes his way onto a small stage. He snaps his fingers and suddenly holds a beautifully crafted guitar. With an easy smile, he begins playing a ballad, accompanying the music with his voice.

(Performance - Guitar (1d20+12)[32]
Performance - Singing (1d20+10)[21])

[hannahbbug3]

You all make your way down a column-lined street known to locals as The March - apparently this is considered one of the safest parts of town. Not that any part of the town is particularly unsafe, but this is the street where, every evening, the Dwarves that set fire to forest line up, say a prayer to Anbay that their attempts to protect the town will be successful that night, before they march out to set the fires. The inn is a two-story stone-walled building, with vaulted ceilings. Accommodations consist of several large rooms with beds and feather mattresses. An attached three-story tower suite is reserved for more wealthy patrons. As the group files in, you are greeted by a halfling woman - if your information is correct, this is Grim, who meets you with a warm smile as she beckons you in and gets you comfortable at a table. "Come in, come in!" she calls. "Just got the venison coming off the spit, you all are just in time to get it fresh and hot- Jarome, lovely to see you, will you be playing for us tonight? Yes, we've mead, it's specially spiced, nothing like it anywhere else-" she carries on, easily entertaining all the questions as she motions for one of her workers, a stocky male dwarf wearing a chef's hat, to serve everyone a sizable helping of deer. "Haven't seen any Ascendant Stars, I'm afraid. You may inquire at the local temple, though, group like that might have gone there..."

[rs2excelsior]

Darach tears into the venison heartily. He has a great appreciation for a good, hot meal at the end of a long journey. "Quite delicious," he says around a mouthful of venison. "My compliments to the chef." He washes down the meat with a long pull from the tankard of mead. "I will stop by the temple and see if anyone has been there, thank you. If any of them come here looking for me, could you let them know I was here?"

[purepolarpanzer]

Darach... Daedalus had slipped into a seat near him, gingerly taking a knife and fork to the venison, but enjoying it greatly. I may have a way to help you search for your people. I can't make any promises, but my... abilities... lend a certain versatility to things such as "scouting". I would have to dismiss...
I hate that word. You mean REPLACE. Grumbles Hastur, taking a massive chunk of deer on his fork and barely managing to get it in his prodigious mouth.
Dismiss Hastur, but I could summon creatures to aid you in your quest. They wouldn't last long- just four minutes, but I could send them out on the wing to search the forest. As I said, I can make no promises- twilight is actually their WORST time for senses, but they could travel out for four minutes, search for anyone in the wood baring your livery and symbol, and return to me if they do. Their range would be... approximately... He takes a moment to calculate. between a fifth of a mile to a half, depending on the focus of their search. I know it isn't much, but I suppose that before we get settled down I could try... if you'd like. Would you like me to try, Mr. Starwalker?
I would be willing... grumbles Hastur, chewing his meat slowly.

[rs2excelsior]

"I would appreciate that, if you do not mind, he replies with a nod to Hastur. "I doubt they will be that close, honestly, but it wouldn't hurt to look. We were ranging in the wilds to clear out some creatures that had been causing a nusciance and split up to cover more ground. Of course the forest is treacherous and we became separated. Still, I feel that they will have where they are needed. As I did, apparently.

[purepolarpanzer]

Daedalus waits for Hastur to finish his bite of meat, reaching out to open a window when he does so. With a few muttered words, Hastur, arms crossed and face unimpressed, vanishes in a gust of warm air, leaving a small dust devil of loose sand when he does. Daedalus continues murmuring Tavus avius somen, a sharp eagle's cry cutting into the sound of Jarome's song as a small flock of five eagles appears at the table. Daedalus gives them mental commands to fly out, search for anyone wearing clothing like Darach, and return immediately. He sends each out in a different direction, hoping to cover the most ground and make it obvious which direction they are returning from. He sends them out the window one at a time, watching the celestial animals take flight into the darkness.
Hilal, please help this work. May these men and women not pass into winter without us finding them.

Spoiler: OOC

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So the eagles can move 80 ft a round while taking a move action to search, and last for 40 rounds. They can move much faster (400 ft) if they find something and return. Not a big chance of finding any sign, but Daedalus is going to do what he can to help.

[hannahbbug3]

Grim seems rather unfazed by the appearance of five eagles in her inn. It seems she's used to adventuring sorts, and she just sort of glances over with an expression that reads 'huh, would you look at that?' before returning to greeting the next round of patrons who come into the pub. Jarome's singing and playing actually attracts more attention than the eagles do, and seems to be pulling in people off the street - probably why Grim greeted him so happily before. Good music meant good business. Jarome is tipped a healthy amount in copper and silver for his performance that evening, and is even given a sum of gold when he performs a request for a rather bashful young lady who seems quite taken with him.

Chatter rings throughout the tavern despite the music, though there is a smattering of applause when Jarome finishes a song. It seems many travelers are in the town that evening, and with travel being so rare between settlements anytime except winter, various rumors are flying around the room.

"Yeah, so I heard Faraiz boasting that he slayed a dryad yesterday - with nothing but a lantern! In completely unrelated news, also heard he bought Iron Mug out of Firewhiskey and his brother's face looks like a horse's arse this morning, all bruised up-"

"Mm. Well, you know, I heard they mined out a new vein of mithril down in the mines, but ain't nobody supposed to go down there, they're saying it's got a fungus infestation nastier than anyone's ever seen, apparently killed one of the workers-"

"Saw a falling star on the way into town. Bound to be good fortune over the next couple weeks."

"Heard a rumor that a group of sidhe are holding court just outside of town. Bit worrying, them being so close and all..."

The conversation is only mildly interrupted when Daedalus' eagles return. Four of the five don't seem to have found anything interesting - though one does bring back a mouse and shows it to Daedalus as if they're expecting him to be proud. The fifth, however, simply doesn't return, and after four minutes have passed, there wasn't really a point in waiting for it, regardless.

Spoiler: Jarome's Earnings

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Jarome makes about 70 cp mixed between copper and silver pieces, as well as 4 gold on top of that.

[purepolarpanzer]

Daedalus sighs, nods appreciatively to the eagle who brought a mouse, and throws said mouse in the ear for the eagles to fight over before dismissing them. Sorry, Darach. Luck is not on our side this time. Oh well. I couldn't rest till it was tried, I must admit. He takes a large drink of ale, finishing off the last of Hastur's dinner while he is away and can't protest. I'll resummon Hastur in the morning. He doesn't like to be away, but the ceremony to do so is... strenuous, and he wouldn't be able to stay when I fell asleep anyway. I wish I could have done more, Mr. Starwalker. Maybe tomorrow you'll find them.

At this point Daedalus, not used to pacing himself without the assistance of his genie, grows a bit drunk. Nothing terribly unreasonable, but he becomes very talkative, flirtatious, and animated, ironically becoming like the eidolon he dismissed earlier. He makes sure to stop in with anyone from the caravan and give an enthusiastic hello, at points taking out a sheet of parchment and writing down some of the rumors he hears to make sure he'll remember them tomorrow when this alcohol catches up with him.

[rs2excelsior]

Darach frowns a bit when he hears mention of the Sidhe court outside town. Could just be the idle chatter of villagers... but out here he is less inclined to think so. He goes over to where they are speaking. "Excuse me," he asks, waiting for a break in their conversation. "You mentioned something about a Sidhe court. Do you know where, by chance? I would be greatly interested in finding it."

When the eagles return, Darach returns Daedalus' apology with a shrug. "What will come, will come. I do hope that they are simply lost, or that they have found their way back safely, but if they fell in battle with the creatures of the forest... well, I can think of few better ways to die than with my axe in my hand, surrounded by the bodies of my foe." Darach seems largely unconcerned, but he does mutter a quiet prayer for their safe return. He does take note of the direction of the fifth eagle, the one that did not return, just in case.

At the end of the night Darach has a fairly respectable array of empty mugs before him, but doesn't seem particularly drunk aside from a very slight unsteadiness in his gait and his speech. He pays Grim for a room and turns in for the night, planning to rise early and visit the temple in the morning.

[Gyrfalcon]

Jarome makes sure to buy a round for his companions between songs and mingles with the others. He laughs at the rumor about someone managing to slay a dryad with a lantern alone, and takes note of the rumors of a richer vein of mithril, and the troubles along with it.

For all that his time singing or playing his guitar, the long night does little to slow Jarome down, and he is still up, playing softly for the few patrons remaining awake at that time when the last of them turns in for the night.

[hannahbbug3]

Spoiler: Daedalus

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Please roll a fortitude save to see how hungover you are. Result won't have any affect on combat or anything, just interested to see from a roleplay standpoint.

You are all able to bed down for the night safely and pass it in relative comfort in your rooms. Morning comes and breakfast is another cut of venison, leftovers from the night before, as well as some stewed oats which will stick well to your ribs and stomach through the day. You make your way towards the front gates to meet the caravan master - most of you, anyway, Darach heads off towards the temple instead. But after finding that no one there has reported seeing anyone from his group, he isn't too far behind you in meeting the caravan. The man gladly takes back his horse and hands over a pouch of coin to each of you - 100 gold each, quite a healthy sum. Whatever they had been transporting must have been lucrative. They mention that they're headed back and would love for you all to supply an escort once again, though the return trip wouldn't pay as well. But there are also the rumors you heard last night, some of which still pique your interest. The decision on how to move forward is up to you.

Spoiler: OOC

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Literally, up to your guys! I've tried to hand you a few leads which you can chase down, but you all can come up with something, as well! Whatever sounds like it would be fun to the party. The most immediate options for me seem like following rumors, escorting another caravan, or perhaps trying to find what happened to Darach's companions. Just let me know your preference!

[rs2excelsior]

Darach returns from the temple, having left word there as well in case any of his companions also come looking for him, in time to get his share of the pay for the trip. He thanks the caravan master for his generosity, then turns to the others. "I came here to hunt the creatures of the wilds; I see no reason I cannot continue to do so. Some of the townsfolk here spoke of alarming things. I, for one, would be in favor of investigating the truth of those rumors. Should they be true, this town might be in significant danger."

Spoiler: OOC

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I'm game for most anything--escorting the caravan back or pushing on further. If the party decides to go back, that works for me as well.

[purepolarpanzer]

The next morning...
YE GODS MY HEAD! Daedalus rolled over in bed, going face down, holding his head to keep the thudding drum beat from leaking out his ears. It took him several painful minutes to realize he was hearing his heartbeat in his pain drenched head. Extended his tongue, he coughed and gagged, trying to get the flavor of long drunk ale and wine from his palate. The coughing and gagging didn't want to stop, however, and he promptly found himself hanging his head out the window into the morning air, loosing what remained of his venison dinner out to splash on the ground. I'm dying. I must be dying. Hilal, if I am, please, let it be brief and to the point... He could almost hear Hastur's booming laugh, and he cursed the eidolon by proxy. Still, he erected his ritual summoning circle, gingerly and gently moving so as to not set off a new cavalcade of thumping pain.
At the front gate
Daedalus, green in the face and walking slightly off kilter, stumbled to the front gate, leaning on a wide-smiling Hastur. Poor thing. Without my wisdom and guidance, you've drunk yourself sick. This should serve as a warning to you- summon me as soon as you were done with the birds, and your face would not be the color of your eyes! Hastur palmed the coin purse, bounced it a few times, then pocketed it. Shut. Up. Hastur.
Hearing Dachar speak of the next steps, he managed to stand a bit straighter. I'm sure... that the miners... would be quite appreciative if we were to delve into their tunnels and clear up their latest mithral vein. He consults his notes from the night before, struggling slightly to interpret them. Some sort of fungal infestation. If we had everyone who protected the caravan yesterday, we should be able to handle anything fungi can throw at us.

[theasl]

Unlike Daedalus, Mercuira emerges from the inn well-rested and prepared for the next day. She has nothing to do here, but now that she's away from home, she doesn't particularly want to go back...not that going with the caravan would necessarily force her to go all the way back, but it's nice to have a change of scenery every once in a while. "A fungal infestation in the mines? That sounds different from all the monster-killing we've been doing recently...unless the fungi grow in the form of monsters..." She shakes her head, smiling. "Well, I don't particularly care what we do, though I'd prefer not to head back immediately."

[Gyrfalcon]

Jarome gives the others an easy grin as they gather around, discreetly using prestidigitation to freshen up Daedalus's clothing, which looked as if he had slept in it. "That was actually something I wanted to discuss with you all. You were all very impressive yesterday with those Howlers, and there's a number of opportunities - whether for profit or to aid fellow survivors, whatever your motivation - that are far safer to tackle as a group than attempting to go it alone. As our master summoner there said, the dwarves here are worried about a fungal infestation in the mines. If not handled, there's the potential it spreads upwards and cuts off all mithril mining. Losing those veins would kill this town. While I couldn't show off my skills yesterday, I'm a fair shot with a bow, I know how to swing a sword and I dabble in magic. How do you all feel about working together to handle this job?"

[rs2excelsior]

"An excellent idea," Darach agrees. "I am more than willing to help this village out. This is a bastion of civilization in the midst of the wilds; I would rather not see it fall." He turns to Mercuria. "You'd be surprised at the horrors this place can conjure up. Creatures which appear to be harmless plants... until it's too late. Stay alert when we go, and don't trust the plants."

[theasl]

Mercuira nods in acknowledgement, and says, "sounds good".

[hannahbbug3]

Spoiler: Leaving the Party

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Since this is a good breaking off point for our leaving and MIA party members, I'm going to go ahead and have Sisqui and Kayugi split from the party here.
If it turns out that either of them wants to join back in, we'll retcon this!

"More's the pity," the caravan master says with a shake of his head. "We would have loved to have you all accompany us back out into the wilds, but I suppose we will make do..." he's cut off, suddenly, as two members of the group speak up, volunteering to accompany the caravan.

"It is less for the pay, and more to aid my own journey, you see," Sisqui pipes up, looking to the others. "But I am on a search for my tribe. I don't think what I need will be found in the mines, though I wish you the best of luck," she says in her accented Common, giving the group a small nod.

"I'll be going with the caravan, as well, I think," Kayugi puts in, looking to the group. "I don't think it would be right to leave them undefended, and Sisqui could use the help, I bet. I think you lot will be capable without me... as interesting as the mines do sound," she says, and seems a bit regretful, but she's made up her mind. The caravan master seems all too glad to have the two guards joining him, and he bids you all a farewell, but not without one last piece of advice:

"If you're looking to get access to the mines, you'll want to talk to a miner. Iron Mug is your best bet, especially if they've closed down a couple of the veins. It's where they all go to drink when they're not on the job," he advises, before moving off, reassembling the caravan to get them moving en route to home.

You all are able to find the Iron Mug quite easily, in the residential district, southwest of a major crossroads. The street outside is lined with a low stone wall. You hear the place before you see it - the inn is unusually noisy, with a group of carousers singing drinking songs despite the early hour. Maybe the drinkers from last night haven't yet realized it's morning. The patrons are largely townfolk, but a couple of outsiders do catch your eye - literal outsiders, there's a tiefling plunking at a harpsichord in the corner and singing along with the dwarves, as well as a ginger-haired young man wiping down tables who doesn't seem quite human, but you can't place your finger on what it is about him giving you that feeling. The rune of a summoner stands out on the boy's forehead, which at least Daedalus will immediately notice. It's mostly dwarves in here, but there is a bird-folk as well, sitting at the bar, quiet in comparison to the other patrons. There's no one manning the bar officially, but that doesn't seem to matter - it looks like the patrons are free to pour their own drinks and just leave gold on the counter - it's probably totaled up when the inn goes quiet, but considering how busy it is even this early, who knows when that will be?

[thelastorphan]

Taicho had not been here long. A day or two. There were many rumors of danger in the area. Most recently there had been talk of some fungus in the nearby mines. It had made it difficult to access the latest find.

Dropping a few coins on the bar he found himself a clear spirit, the darker and drier kind always went to his head.

He had been wondering if anyone else here would be willing to go into the mines and investigate. Flexing his scarred left hand he sipped some of the fine liquor he had managed to discover. It was smooth and sweet.

A group of capable looking outsiders came through the door and Taicho gave them an appraising look from the bar. Thinking perhaps they would be fine help. He would stay at the bar and listen. If they were aware of the infestation he would approach them. Any help beating back the encroachment into civilized lands would be welcome.

He took another slow sip, pondering his next move.