"Hello there. My name is Perrin, and this is my associate, Tai Chi. We were wondering if someone here could provide some insights about any evils that may be lurking in the caverns below. We plan to venture down there tomorrow, so any information could prove useful," stated the halfling as he approached the pair at the altar.

The Inn:
Nothing happens in the inn. They talk amongst themselves. One of them, a farmer by his clothing slams his hand against the table. He stares at the fireplace, eyes narrowed. One of the other villagers kneels next to him, and seems to try to comfort him.

The Temple:
The woman keeps praying for a moment before speaking."I have not heard of the caverns being evil. But I have tended to several farmers who were attacked by orcs. Brother Landor assisted me. Some lived, some perished." She stands up and turns towards them.

Thorin decided to take interest in the angry man calling to him with kindness in his voice for a dwarf "Why does the fire bother you so, have you lost something recently? Is there something we could do to help you?"

In reply to Perrin Stryfelaughter (msg # 32):

Landor bowed to the two of them. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Sister here does give an accurate account of some of the dangers you will face. Knowing this, you still wish to go into the caverns?”

He steps forward. “If so, please allow me to accompany you. I do not wish there to be anymore bodies to bury. We have lost many as it is to those creatures. From what I know, they seem to be coming from a place called Stone Tooth.”
This message was last edited by the player at 22:12, Fri 23 Nov 2018.

"It will have to be discussed with our third associate, but I don't see it as too much of a problem to have you tag along. We have traveled quite a ways, so orcs aren't going to be enough to make us turn away." Perrin extended out a hand for the man to shake while glancing over to Tai Chi for any reservations he might have.

The cleric shakes his hand. “I understand if you three wish to not bring someone you don’t know along. In either case, my prayers to the great sun god Pelor will be available to you should you be in need of them. May I ask when you plan to head out to your destination?”

The strange samurai looks over at the halfling, shrugs and sits down crosslegged with his sword. He whistles a few times and nods his head towards the cleric. Odd man indeed.

The Tavern:
The man turns towards the dwarf, watching him with tears in his eyes. He turns back to the flames, warming his hands. Two of his friends-both human and by their clothing farmers, try to console him. They watch the dwarf at times and he is silent. One of them speaks."He was out in the fields and when he returned home, it was in shambles. His wife and son were both gone and there was blood..." The man looks at his friend and then the fire, sobbing.

The Temple:
Sister nods her head."You can go if they will allow it. And what is this creature? Not to be rude or whatnot. Just seems odd." She motions towards the kenku.

Thorin wanted to know more he spoke to the mourning man "Ah loss of kinfolk can trouble a soul. Where did this happen? How long ago? Perhaps we can help you. If there were no bodies it is possible they yet live, if much time has not yet passed."

"We plan on leaving tomorrow with the one who hired us to retrieve some things that are down there, so you may have to convince him to allow you to come along as well. Don't know him well enough to know if he is a fan of surprises," responded Perrin to the cleric.

Turning to the Sister, a curious expression appeared on his face. "Tai Chi is a Kenku. One of few words, but trustworthy nonetheless."

“Who is this man I must speak to?” the cleric asked.

The Tavern:
The man nods, patting his friends back as he cries."Been bout two days. We searched but they seemed to be gone. We dare not go into the forest to the north."

The Temple:
The woman kneels down to the Kenku who grips his sheathed blades. She tilts her head and smiles."Tai Chi? Interesting name." She goes to touch his head but he moves away and watches her. The woman stands up."Pelor will show you the way. Do you need anything? I do have some things that may aid you."

He nods to the priestess. “Any assistance you can provide us would be more than welcome Sister.”

"You know what? I don't recall his name. He may have said it before I got to the table, but he is supposed to meet us before we leave. We can suggest that having a man such as yourself would aid in achieving the goal that he wants," responded Perrin as watched the exchange between the Sister and Tai Chi.

"I second the notion of any aid is wanted."

Landor lit some candles in preparation for the darkness of night that would be coming soon.“Where and when should I meet you tomorrow then?” He thought about something. “Are there any others in town that you have spoken with about what awaits you at your destination? Perhaps some have already attempted something similar to what you are going to do.”
This message was last edited by the player at 18:27, Fri 30 Nov 2018.

A whistling sound comes from Tai Chi as he slowly stands up, putting his blades upon his sides. He bows his head towards the cleric and Sister and turns towards the halfling. He looks around and points at the ground, tilting his head.

"Well, you could meet us at the tavern in the morning before we go to collect what gear will be provided," stated Perrin as he looked over at the Kenku. Cocking an eyebrow, he gave a nod before returning his focus to Landor.

"The one who hired us suggested that we may want to talk to the sergent or the mayor for more information, but I don't know if either of them has ever been where we are going before."

He scratches his chin in thought then shrugs. “Perhaps not, but I’m guessing the sergeant may know the immediate dangers and obstacles between here and Stone Tooth. He may also offer an escort to get us there if we ask nicely. As far as the mayor goes, it is probably best that we make him aware of what we are doing in and near his jurisdiction as a courtesy.”

"So you believe they went into the forest?" Thorin says. "I'll see what we can do on our travels to find out what may have befell them. Did you gind any other information while looking for them that might be useful in tracking down the culprits?"

"Have you met them before? It may be wise to have a familiar face there to explain the situation to the two of them just in case their is any resistance to the idea," responded Perrin at the mention of jurisdiction. He hadn't even thought to let someone know that they were going somewhere or to inquire about a potential escort for part of the journey.

He shakes his head. “Unfortunately, I don’t. I just got into town a couple of days ago to check on the Sister and the temple. Most people do find me pleasant to talk to if you need me to speak on your behalf.”

The Tavern:
Shaking his head he then responds."Nothing. Just a blood trail but it ended quickly."

The Temple:
Sister speaks"Here." She pulls out four potions."There are two that will heal you and two that will protect you from the elements for a short time." The woman turns her head."I never met the seargent. I know the mayor but in brief but I can tell you where they are." She pulls out a map of the town and points out where they should be.

"Well when my fellows return I'll tell them of your need, and perhaps I can convince them to take the time to venture into the forest and find your family. I might can pick up the trail." Thorin continues to console and question the man.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:07, Mon 03 Dec 2018.

"Thank you for your kindness, Sister. We'll make sure to put these to good use," responded Perrin as he took possession of the potions. It seemed that good fortune was on his side on this day, and he hoped that it would extend to the morrow. "So where would the two of them be at this hour? It is probably best to inform them as soon as possible."