Danbal and the other family patriarchs listen to Oligur's speech. The Lunar solider shows confidence without being overbearing, and the Elders acknowledge what he has said.
[
Private to Oligur Jaffez: 17:25, Today: Narrator, on behalf of Oligur Jaffez, rolled 4 using 1d100. Orate. You'll get an experience roll for this one.]
A few others speak of their encounters, and Inkarne speaks about the poison or acid that the creatures possessed. She also reminds people how to clean the mess caused by Harpies.
"While there was a great attack on the temple," begins Desola, "it now seems clear that the Sandein's house was the target of the attack. After speaking with Sandein, I believe that the attack was focused on her mother." This causes a stir among the people, and soon there are a cacophony of conversations.
[
Private to Oligur Jaffez: You hear someone ask "why didn't she give herself during the Great Winter?"]
[
Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: You hear someone ask, "what does that mean? Is she a threat?"]
Desola raises her hands, "yes, there is much to consider regarding this revelation, and I have asked Sandein to speak to the Elders about this." She motions for Sandein to speak.
Sandein, who had been quiet and unobtrusive before, steps forward. As she steps forward, her demeanor changes and she quickly transforms into a strong and forceful presence. She looks over the room, and as she does, you notice that most of the people avert their gaze.
[
Private to Oligur Jaffez; Sanuzi Asar-Girru: Sandein was very unobtrusive. You don't think many people even notice her until she stepped forward. You're not sure exactly how she did it, but you don't think it was magic. Now that she stands there in her "power", her presence is very detectable. You can tell that many in the crowd have a true fear of her.]
OOC: Sandein relates what has been revealed before regarding her mother.
The crowd is at times sad, sympathetic, and even angry. People start asking questions, while some cast accusations that Sandein knew that she had brought a curse to the town.
Desola raises her hands again, then a voice speaks up.
Garik Johnton:
Garik rises finally recovered. "We need to find the source and eliminate the cause."
[
Private to Garik Johnton: 18:02, Today: Narrator, on behalf of Garik Johnton, rolled 6 using 1d100. This was for your Orate. You will get an experience roll on this skill.]
Danbal addresses the crowd, "that is a good call to action Garik Johnton. We can argue until we are all dead, or we can do something. This demon will attack again unless we can find a way to protect ourselves from it or destroy it."
"Does this mean we postpone the elevation of my wife as a Priestess of Erlanda?" asks Anrin.
Danbal is about to answer when Desola gives him a withering gaze. "Your wife's ordination will proceed as planned, but we must ensure that we are protected and that the people are cleansed."
Commander Jalmon speaks up at this point, "as your people will be busy preparing for your festival and shoring up the defenses, we will increase our patrols in the area. Perhaps we will find clues as to this creature. I will also send scouts out to follow all of the trails that the creatures used to attack your town."
Farin, the leader of the weapon Thanes, looks livid at this suggestion, but he is quieted by his brother Anrin. "I am sure that your offer is of the best intentions, but you need not go to such burdensome measures. Our Thanes can ensure the defense of the town and hunt for this creature."
Danbal looks at Anrin, "now you decide who has the biggest spear?"
"Have you not heard it said that the Lunars do not offer help for free?"
Jalmon says, "though the fort was not attacked, we are...." His last words, 'at risk', were drowned out by Farin yelling, "AND WHY WERE YOU NOT ATTACKED?"
Danbal, who can shout with the best of them growls, "because they were not the target!"
Danbal and Farin stare at each other. The tension mounts until the matronly voice of Desola says in a firm, calm, and very patronizing tone, "are you done
boys?"
Farin looks angry and downcast but stops staring at Danbal.
"Danbal," Desola begins, "please make sure that the defenses are repaired and strengthened."
"Jalmon," she continues, "we thank you for your offer."
"Farin," she says in a calm, but commanding tone, "you will work with Commander Jalmon to make
sure we have enough patrols and scouts. This festival could well attract unwanted attention."
With a sigh, she adds "I feel we need to have the community participate in the ceremony of the scapegoat." Looking around the room, "Varinton, send word to Jarulf to prepare."