Dolga frowns at Morin's slip, but makes nothing of it while Bazlundi nods approvingly.

Joram looks over Synn's body and begins to ask, "Should I make arrangements--" but is quickly cut off by a grunt and shake of the head from Cael, "I'll take her to her tribe; the witches have their own ways." Joram nods in understand and assures the party, "I will keep an eye on her here until you are ready."

Serantha smiles sadly as she turns away from Synn's body and addresses Khonnir and the group, "Are you headed to the Foundry Tavern now? I can gather the rest of your reward and bring it to you there."

Khonnir nods and answers groggily, "Yes, the tavern! Reward? I don't ... oh," he trails off, realizing he doesn't quite understand, but stands and follows along as the party departs for the tavern.

---

After crossing half the town once again, the party arrives at the Foundry Tavern--Cael for the first time. The smell of cooking food fills the tavern which is well-lit by the high sun through the open windows and soon Val pokes her head out from the kitchen to see who's coming in. Recognizing most of the group she begins to call out, "You're back! I have a pot of stew on--" but soon pauses as she realizes two faces have changed, and after a moment registers Khonnir. "Daddy!" she cries out and rushes across the floor to wrap the weakened man in her arms, nearly knocking him over, "You're ok! I was worried! ...are you ok?"

Khonnir smiles weakly and pulls the young girl back into a hug and assures her, "I am now, honey. Cain and his friends rescued me."

Val nods and pulls away from her father, her eyes a bit wet, and then proceeds to hug each of the party in turn with a long string of, "Thank you, thank you!"

"Tell me, Valerie," Khonnir begins to make sure the young girl listens, "Did Sanvil ever come around here? Mister Trett?"

"He ... came this morning and asked about them," she gestures to the group, "but they already left. There wasn't much I could tell him."

"But he didn't ask about you or me?"

"No, why?"

"It's no matter, nothing to worry about," Khonnir concludes, visibly relaxing a bit as he moves to find a chair to take a seat and rest his wounded limbs.

Val turns towards the group, looking at first a little confused by Khonnir's questions but then by Cael's presence. She smiles, having already hugged and thanked the man, and introduces herself, "Hi, I'm Val!" She looks the group over a moment and asks concernedly, "Where's Miss Kalasha?"

"Told you we will find him. He's a bit out of it, but should recover soon." Cain smiles as Val hugs him.

Her asking about Kalasha however got him worried again. "Oh, shiii... with all the problems we had in those caves, I completely forgot about Kalasha. She and Vin left the party because Sanvil asked to see her. I swear, if that bastard..."

OOC: So, yeah, I completely forgot that our paladin Kalasha left us because Sanvil sent an urgent letter for her. And Vin the duergar went with her. We should definitely ask Sanvil about that.

"Kalasha had to go away on paladin business."  Morin cut Cain off with a cheerful lie. "We hope she'll be able to make it back, but we don't know for sure." 

Taking the party aside a bit, he continued more seriously.  "He might have just sent them off on some kind of wild goose chase.  I mean, goofy religious beliefs aside, those two are a couple of absolute weapons.  Even if Sanny and his boys could take them down, they would have been beat to shit and low on spells by the end of it, and they seemed pretty fresh when they came after us."  He thought for a moment, and his face fell slightly.  "Unless he poisoned them, that is.  Or somehow talked them into handing over their weapons.  I mean, neither of them seemed particularly clever."  As he spoke, the gnome's expression grew more and more horrified.  "Gods...without a trained bard around, they would have been absolutely helpless!"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:14, Sat 22 July 2023.

"Right, paladin business."  Zorden echoed, offering the girl a reassuring friendly smile, which was neither reassuring nor friendly on account of too many sharp teeth being much too visible.

He then remarked to the others, "That being said, we should probably come up with a plan for what to get done tomorrow."

"Right now I just want some peace and quiet to examine Sanvil's spellbook. Ionaya, you said you wish to have it afterwards, right?" Cain asks Ionaya.

"As for tomorrow, we should first ask Sanvil some pointed questions about Kalasha. Assuming he does not tragically perish in an escape attempt by then, of course. In fact, perhaps we should do so now, just in case he does come to a tragic end later. Other than that, I am open to suggestions. Try to gather some information on this mysterious warehouse, perhaps? We still have not heard what the Council is offering for going back in to fix the torch. Doing good is all well and fine, but doing good and getting paid for it is much better."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:01, Sat 22 July 2023.

Morin nodded along with Cain's suggestions finding himself in one of the rare moments where he didn't have anything further to add.

At the mention of further payment, Morin pulled a notepad out of his pocket and double-checked the details of the agreement.  "Four grand, same as our pay for saving Khonnir."  Morin didn't care about the money, of course.  A few thousand gold was a pittance compared to the opportunities for adventure and discovery lying under Black Hill Cave.  But...well, getting paid was nice.

"Speaking of pay, we'll need to find time to sell everything we pulled out from underground that we aren't going to keep."  Zorden figured.

"With one less merchant in town, might take some extra time."

Ionaya nods to Cain, confirming her desire to look at the spellbook later.

She waves happily to Val Baine, "I'm so glad we brought your father back."

"I feel we should take care of ourselves, including selling the items, and then examining the warehouse once we have finished preparations.", she asserted with a decisive tone.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:30, Fri 28 July 2023.

"Paladin business...?" the young girl considers the non-answer a moment, but then turns her attention to Ionaya, "You were together when you went in, weren't you? I'm glad you're safe, too! What of the others?"

"Did you say you had stew on?" Khonnir interjects, turning the conversation and the inquisitive girl's attention away from the fates of the others who ventured into the caves.

Soon the young Val serves a modest meal of stew and bread which hits the spot after a long morning of dungeon-delving, robot-smashing, betrayer-busting, and general hero-ing. Through the afternoon and early evening Morin, Ionaya, Zorden, and Cael visit a number of Torch's many shops to sell off their trophies and track down useful gear to trade for while Cain remains behind to copy Sanvil's spells into his own spellbook. Finally, as the sun begins to set on the town and the last of its shops are closing up, Morin insists on spending a few silver at the Copper Coin--the cheaper of the taverns in town where most of the laborers can be found unwinding after a long day's work, or just filling their days now that most of Torch's industry has ground to a halt.

After a few songs to liven the dreary mood in the tavern and a few lies to gain the trust of some random drunks, Morin gleans a bit more about the happenings around town;
"My cousin says his friend saw a monster snake in Crowfeather Lake, a beast big enough to swallow a wagon!"
"Someone died a few weeks ago at the Marrymaid, cut open from throat to gut. Wrennie’s hushed up the killing because it’s bad for business, but I think she’s covering something up!"
and finally "Yeah, I've seen some of those ropefists hanging around the abandoned warehouse on Ember Street. The place is boarded up, though."

Come morning, Val prepares a breakfast of eggs, mushrooms, and sausage to get the party's day started right but takes a plate to her father who is still recovering in his home rather than the tavern. With his share of the loot and the reward settled, Cael wishes the group luck in their coming battles and departs to the Temple of Brigh to return Synn's body to her people.

Zorden had spent the evening yesterday, after working with the others to cart around the goods they'd found under the hill to Torch's various merchants to sell, making more ammunition and powder.  He'd borrowed a work bench in Khonnir's workshop for the purpose as it wasn't the cleanest activity.

In the morning he enjoyed the breakfast Val prepared and wished Cael good travels before he departed.

To the others he asked, "Is the plan to head back down today and look for the source of the torch?  Or are there other things that might need doing first?  I was able to acquire the materials I needed to refurbish some of my equipment, bit I figure it'll take most of the day to do.  It's not absolutely necessary to do today, but if the plan is to take care of other less... intensive business or other activities, it might be worth me spending the time doing that before we know we're going to be going looking for more trouble."

Having finished copying the spells he was interested in, Cain hands over Sanvil's spellbook to Ionaya.

Likewise, he says his farewells to Cael, sorry to see the man go. They really could have used his help when they return to those tunnels. Right now though, he is sick of that place and would prefer to spend some time in the town.

"Ugh, I had enough of that foul water to last me a lifetime. Let's wrap up whatever we have to do here before we head under the hill again. There's no telling how much further we would have to search to explore it all... or if we will even be able to find and fix whatever has gone wrong with the torch."

OOC: Cain would like to ask Sanvil about our missing paladin first and then maybe check out that warehouse? We don't really know if the warehouse is connected to the main plot at all (it could be an unrelated smuggling operation or something), but maybe we could at least case the place, see if there's anything suspicious going on. Might be some cash in it, if nothing else.

Btw, why does Morrin suffer from a headache? An aftereffect from something down in the dungeon, or just a hangover from last night?

Like the others, Morin sadly waved goodbye to the big man.  Cael hadn't been much of a conversationalist, but he had been pretty good at smashing robots apart.  As the barbarian wandered off to bury Synn, Morin set about scouring the Foundry tavern for coffee beans, or any other stimulant to banish his crushing hangover.

Having located something he was fairly sure counted as coffee, the gnome joined the others at the breakfast table.  Rubbing his aching head, he shrugged in response the others' discussion.  "With Baine out, we could probably spare a day if you really need it.  Depending on how everything else goes, maybe we'll have time to hit the caves after you're done fixing up the old musket."  He perked up a bit at the thought.  "Hey, maybe I could help you get it done.  I'm no gunsmith, but I know a thing or two about a thing or two and I've always wanted to see how one of those things fits together inside!"


OOC: Morin just barely avoids taking the penalty.  Anyways, I agree about sweating Sanvil a bit, then heading over to the warehouse.

07:52, Today: Morin Matzylford rolled 12 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 8.  headache?
This message was last edited by the player at 14:23, Thu 27 July 2023.

"Oh no, you've got one of those headaches?" Val asks as she sees Morin fumbling about for coffee and moves to help him steep a large, strong cup of the stuff. "They've been going around ever since the torch went out. Some say it's bad water--Crowfeather not doing it's job--but even without dad Father Kyte's been looking after it." The young girl looks Morin over, concerned, and assures him, "No one'll blame you if you need take some time to rest."

"You're welcome to watch and lend a hand if you'd like."  Zorden replied to Morin's offer.

"Though if the plan is to talk to Sanvil again, you might be better off helping with that."

Ionaya started to address Val's question, but after a timely interruption, decided that it was better to answer later.
However, the sylph is sure to give Val a hug and a smile while they eat the meal Val prepared.

Before Cael left, Ionaya told him, "I am in your debt mighty Cael, please call upon me whenever you have great need. You're a special person and I hope to see you again."

"Huh. Well, maybe we could also stop by Crowfeather's and check if the purifier is still running." Cain proposes on hearing of a new problem from Val.

OOC: Alright, so we first check in on Sanvil, then the warehouse? Or maybe we check out the purifier then, in case someone was messing with it?

Morin shook his head at Val's suggestion.  "Oh don't worry, I'm fine!  And if everyone's getting these headaches, well that's just one more reason to fix whatever's going wrong!"  The gnome's hand unconsciously moved to rest on his scrollcase, which had recently taken on a curious addition from Khonnir's collection: a scroll labelled "detect radiation".

"I say we check the purifier last.  If Khonnir and Kyte can't find anything wrong with it, us taking a look feels like a real shot in the dark.  Don't get me wrong: I'm always down to poke around some magitek, but I'd wager the headaches have something to do with the torch itself going out."

Leaving Zorden behind to tinker with his musker in the Foundry Tavern's foundry, Cain and Morin(and Ionaya?) head up the road to the town garrison. Still early in the morning, the barracks seem to in the midst of a shift change with a number of men and women in semi-standardized sets of leather armor. A familiar face, one of the guards who has been stationed near the Weeping Pond for the last few days and has helped the party in the past, recognizes the diminished Canaries while seemingly on his way to report in and waves as they approach. When near enough to talk he greets them and asks, "Mornin', friends, you're not going back in the pond, just the two(three?) of you?"

"Not right now, but we are making preparations to go back. Right now, we would like ask our friend from yesterday a couple of questions, if you do not mind." Cain answers the guard.

"Yeah, we're taking a prep day." Morin added casually.  "Sharpening the swords, running down errands, you know how it goes.  Is Sanny still in a state to talk?" 

With a tone of disgust she replies in agreement with her allies, "No sooner than we have to, with Ranginori's blessing! As my allies have said, we need to speak to the Trett before justice takes him."

Looking into the face of the guard she smiles and hands him a gold piece, "This is for you and your kindred, I ask that you share a song with a woman or girl you know and offer to dance with a woman you've met for the first time."

"Oh, uh, thank you?" The guard accepts Ionaya's coin, taken off-guard by the unexpected gratuity and the unusual requirements for how he should spend it, but soon turns his attention to the question of Sanvil. He laughs a bit nervously and admits, "I know it's a bit silly, you being the ones who took him in and all, but orders are no one but the captain and council talk to the prisoners. They won't tell us why, but after their murder spree they'll probably be executed soon." He tilts his head slightly as he catches the expressions on the party's faces and soon explains, "They ... found your friend, the orc lady, dead in Trett's room. Poison, it looks like."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:53, Thu 03 Aug 2023.

"Son of a..." Cain exclaims on hearing what happened to Kalasha, momentarily lost for words. Once he calms down he continues. "You'd think a paladin would be a better judge of character. I certainly hope the Council does not let this slide."

OOC: Well, I guess that's done. Where to next? We could check out the purifier, or talk to the Council maybe? Or we just return back to base for when we are all ready to head for the warehouse?

Morin shook his head sadly.  "We were all taken in by his act.  If anything, this is my fault.  A paladin could be expected to be big and dumb and trusting, but a bard?  We're supposed to be the smart ones."

Turning back to the guard, the gnome forced a smile.  "Thanks for telling us.  We just wanted to ask him about Kalasha, anyways.  I'm sure they'll kill him soon: After everything that's happened, the people could probably use a good execution to cheer them up.  I just hope it's not too gruesome.  Back in Taldor, poisoners are considered the worst of the worst.  I saw one get executed back in Oppara: They boiled him alive, and it took forever.  Put everyone off of their supper."

Morin shook his head sadly, picturing the bitter end he imagined waiting for Sanvil.  Then the moment passed, and he was back to his cheerful self.  "Well, nothing much else to do here.  Back to the Foundry?"

OOC: I don't have anything new to talk to the council about.  We can poke around the purifier if you want, but I think we might as well skip ahead to tonight and check out the warehouse.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:45, Thu 03 Aug 2023.

"Executions are pretty clean here in Torch," the guard assures Morin, "At least, if you can get the torch going again. Toss a man in and he's nothing but smoke before he even feels the heat. The smelters are always careful about how close they get--some men claim they only realized they lost their hand when they unexpectedly dropped their tongs."