Zassil listened to the good Professor speak at length. He was not bored. He found the topic at least lightly interesting. And, as Bunny soon brought up, they did have a bit of experience with necromancers. Well, one necromancer. He barely had to fight down the urge to blush or growl or sigh at the embarrassing memory of his failure in the cave. Magic had sapped his strength. He would just have to do better next time.

He glanced at Lissa and said, "As Lissa said, I have one and she has the other actually. She was more interested in the tome the seemed more...esoteric, whereas I wanted to...safeguard the magical knowledge." He didn't make any move to retrieve the spellbook as the conversation continued.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:06, Wed 07 June 2023.

The thoughtful look on Bunny's face hardened into one of concern, as might be expected when discussing necromancers intent on raising armies of the undead.  Even the philosophical antics of the indomitable Mister Tane were insufficient to brighten such dark topics.

There were questions, of course.  From the mundane to the esoteric.  But none were so immediate that they could not wait for answers to the questions already asked.

"Oh?"  Professor Clarke's interest perked up when Lissa revealed the tome she had been keeping.  "Ah, The Art of Necromancy; Volume II," he looked at the tome with Lissabytta, "It discusses commanding and controlling the undead.  A valuable tool for any necromancer...especially one intent on making an army of their own; as this one you encountered seemed intent upon.  A spectacular find," the professor examined the tome with care, "The Academy itself does not have a copy, and I have only ever held one other."

"But back to the necromancer who you recovered this tome from.  Working with ogres to cover plans for creating undead minions denotes a great deal of planning.  It gives a great deal to think about, I will have to hear the entire story.  If there is any chance that this is somehow connected to the army from decades ago..."  Clarke trailed off in thought.

"Magical knowledge?"  He asked almost absently when Zassil mentioned the book in his care.  "Ah, the necromancer's spellbook no doubt.  Well, if that is the case I doubt it will be of interest to my research; I have seen many.  I am perfectly happy with such a spellbook remaining in your care, Master Zassil."

He turned to Claissa in response to her question.  "The forest of southwest Arnia is an ancient one.  An old beech-maple forest; the canopy completely shades the floor from the sun.  Since very little light reaches the forest floor there is not much undergrowth; mostly shade-resistant viburnums.  As for the fauna, there are deer and elk that live throughout the forest.  Also native wolves and mountain lions and bears.  As for more monstrous creatures, it is difficult to really know exactly what creatures may make their home in a deep dark forest.  Drakes, spiders?  Other creatures may have wandered north from Kataar."  The professor shrugged, "It's best to be well-prepared, to be sure."

"There is one settlement in the forest.  A logging community known as Timberfall.  It will serve as the base camp for the expedition once we reach it; the barrow I am seeking should be less than a day from the village.  And with luck the locals will know its exact location; if not we will have to search it out ourselves."

"Ah am curious, Professah Clarke," Bunny began, strolling into one of the more esoteric of her questions.  "You mentioned that your research has lead you to doubt the previously accepted theories that the undead ah-mies retreated east with the orcs and othah monstahs.  That they came west instead."

"Can you tell us about this research?  What did you fahnd," she asked, "that lead you to this conclusion?"

"Oh yes, I could tell you about my research."  The professor chuckled as he answered Bunny, "I could talk for days, weeks even.  Luckily," Clarke retrieved one of the books from the table, "I have consolidated much of my research here."  The book was titled Records of the Necromancers, by C.B. Clarke.  He offered it to Bunny, "If you are interested, I invite you to read at your leisure; though my book is not yet complete."

"As for a more immediate answer, there was no single find that led me to this conclusion.  Rather a great many small finds that have been knit together; my life's work.  I can say in all honesty that there is no other who has researched the necromancers and their army in as great of detail as I have."  He puttered around the room as he spoke about his expertise on the subject.

"To make a long story short, I still do not have all of the evidence that I need to prove my hypothesis conclusively."  He stopped at the table and again looked down at his map and notes, "And that is why this expedition is so important."  Clarke looked up again, "I believe that what waits to be found in this barrow will provide such evidence.  If not, then at least clues to guide my research further."

"Bah your leave then."  Bunny extended a hand to accept the book, resting the manuscript across the fabric of her skirt upon her lap.

"And Ah have one moah thing to say," she began.  "To unburden mah conscience, you understand."  With hands folded over the book she steeled her eyes, and took a breath.  "Mah name is not Annie Lostchild.  Ah wrote that name in the registry because Ah would rathah not leave trace of mah passin' in case ...  In case mah fathah should send his agents this fah lookin' for me."

"Bless your heart, Lissa, and thank you for noticin' that and coverin' for me.  Ah do not know what Ah have done to deserve such friendship.  And it is at least in part for that reason that Ah am loathed to begin a relationship with you, Professah Clarke, who Lissa admires and respects, under false pretenses."

"I see, thank you," Claissa said with a nod to the professor's explanation. That sounded like it could be fun. Beyond that, she thought it best to let the others sort out their own questions. She watched as Bunny and the professor conversed, then her expression showed her surprise when Bunny confessed to her deception. She hadn't been aware of the extent of it before. It made sense, though, and she was fessing up now, so it seemed like no harm done all the way around.

Merrick remained quiet after his earlier question.  A glint in his eyes betrayed the fact that he likely had more innocent questions to ask of the good Professor, but he managed to keep them to himself.  As Bunny came clean about her deceptions the young Kataaran simply started at his companion.  He blinked a few times before his face found his palms.  "Oooooh my gods," the young man groaned into his hands before he lifted his head and looked to Bunny. "You and I need to have a talk.  Not now, but sometime.  Sometime soon."

Lissabytta listened to the exchange between Bunny and the Professor.  Part of her was glad that the young debutante had come clean, and part of her was worried about how such a confession might be taken by her old mentor.  Though honestly, she wasn't that worried, Professor Clarke was use to psuedonyms in academia and that would not be an issue.  Her personality and genuine enthusiasm would win through.

But Lissa sympathized with the young woman; she certainly would not have been able to maintain such a ruse long-term.  And overall, it was likely better this way - no matter what Merrick's take on the situation might be.  She almost, almost, regretted her 'champion of the people' remark; though she'd stuck to the truth about his ability to think like a commoner.

She'd heard all about Clarke's theories.  And Bytta believed in them to a certain extent.  There was plenty of evidence that didn't make sense with the current accepted views and the Professor's work was key to understanding that alternatives could be just as viable.  That was the way of science.  Lissabytta like to solve problems and this was one of the more knotty that she'd encountered; and she had no desire to see any of armies of the dead raised... in her lifetime or beyond.  So, there was that.

With maps in hand, Lissa made sure that she jotted down the particulars of the required expedition and numbers for all of the logistics - distances, terrain, for estimating the required supplies.  She also checked with Clarke about available funds; pack animals and mounts, excavation equipment and other sundry items for travel.  The small village meant accommodations for that time, but she didn't expect supplies to be all that plentiful there... so, that mean most specialist equipment, surveying and otherwise would need to be carried in.  The blonde scholar made sure that she had all of the required numbers before the group retired, promising her old mentor, "I'll start making all of the arrangements for travel animals and supplies in the morning.  When should I target having everything ready to set out?"

Zassil listened as Bunny spoke and then looked down, shaking his head. She put a fake name in the ledger but then revealed herself not long after. He understood the reasoning behind both, it just seemed...strange to him. If people were after her, they should be faced and driven off or killed or talked out of it. At least, that's how he would handle it, if it were him. But it was not his business, and it was Bunny's to handle as she chose.

"And what, praytell, will be the arrangements? When will we be leaving? Some of my companions will wonder about compensation as well I think. How much should we gather of food and water and the like? Or is that being provided for us?" He asked these all mildly.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:22, Sun 26 Sept 2021.

"Vera well then, Mistah Tane.  Ah shall await you-ah instruction."  The words came accompanied by a half smile tinged with relief.  If this were to be the only reaction from her admission, then she considered herself to have gotten off lightly.

"So," Bunny began, turning the topic to other things, "we ah leavin' tomorrah?"  With hands still folded atop Records of the Necromancers as though the book still occupied some portion of her thought, she addressed more mundane details more in line with the questions of the others.  "Maht Ah ask whether there maht be somewhere within Endor where we maht find out moah about Timber Fall?  If we ah to base ourselves in that place it may be prudent to learn something about it befoah hand."

"Oh?"  Clarke looked puzzled when Bunny mentioned needing to unburden her conscience.  "You certainly don't appear to be so young as to be a runaway.  Well, thank you for your honesty Miss.  Though I must admit to being famously terrible with names.  Evading agents of your father, you say?"  The professor suddenly chuckled, and glanced at Lissabytta, "I suppose this isn't the first time I have met a young woman who has difficulties with her parents"

Soon after, the discussion turns to questions more directly related to the expedition.  Clarke answers everything as best he can, though it becomes clear he is not as well suited to details of logistics and day-to-day operations as he is to the research itself.

"The Academy in Barrun has granted a stipend of one thousand gold for the expedition.  It is to cover travel, lodgings, supplies, and hired assistants."  Answering the question about the stipend, Clarke moved on to the schedule.  "Now that Lissabytta has arrived, and she had the foresight to bring companions, there is no need to delay over long here in Endor.  We will leave on the twenty-sixth, the day after tomorrow.  This should allow for any last minute purchases for supplies that need to be made."

He then moved on to the gear he has already acquired, "Water and dried food sufficient to sustain eight people for three weeks.  Excavation materials, writing and mapping supplies, reference books..." Professor Clarke ticked off his fingers as he listed supplies, it seemed as though much of the basic needs of the expedition were already taken care of.  "And I have two donkeys; one is my mount and the other for baggage.  Ah, and I acquired a vial of holy water.  I thought it might be prudent considering the nature of the location we are heading."

Which moved the questions on to talk of potential necromancer descendants.  "That is a question I have often pondered myself; though I cannot say for certain they would have descendants.  I have considered the possibility that many of the necromancers integrated themselves into communities after the war, but if they have they have been very secret about it.  I certainly have not come upon any evidence to support the hypothesis.  That said, we are speaking of necromancers.  So it may not be descendants at all, but men who have extended their own lives.  Or unlives, as it were."

Finally, the conversation turned to Timberfall.  "It is not a village I have visited myself, but I have been reading what I could find and asking about it since I have been staying in Endor.  It seems that Timberfall is a village founded by dwarves, here in the woods of Arnia.  I thought that strange, but dwarves use wood in their constructions almost as much as stone.  The population is mostly human now, Arnian workers who built up the community after the dwarf clan started hiring.  The Barksplitter clan to be exact; they run the mill and consequently are the most important family in residence."

Merrick cleared his throat from the back.  "You forgot gifts," he quipped.  He paused a moment as he glanced to the others.  "I mean, because you're going to be strangers in town with the express intent on disturbing a nearby barrow looking for traces of necromancy...  People get all kind of anxious about the possibility of strangers unleashing an undead horde so near their homes.  You probably want a gift for the mayor or the dwarves to greas- *ahem* demonstrate your goodwill."

"Also wine.  Definitely wine," he nodded as he continues.  "You need something to toast with if your expedition is successful- right," he asked in a tone that didn't expect anyone to disagree.  "You've factored those costs into your stipend, right?"

"Bahksplittah," Bunny rolled the name around in her mouth as though elongating the vowels might reveal a hidden cipher within.  Perhaps it did, for her eyes widened, shining the light of a triumphant realization.

"Ah knew that I had heard a Timberfall somewherah.  Brego?" she turned to the others who had made the trip from Roc's Roost to Endor.  "Brego Bahksplittah?  He said that Timberfall was his ultimate destination as well.  If we can fahnd him Ah would wager that he would be amenable to accompanying us all the way there."  Immediately after which it came to Bunny that her turn of phrase was, perhaps, ill-chosen, and she shot a look that was part warning, part concern in the direction of Merrick Tane.

"Wine?"  Professor Clarke asked thoughtfully as he looked between Merrick and the others, "There is a certain amount of wisdom there; I have found gifts to make people much more amenable when I come asking for information.  And we certainly don't mean any ill to the people of Timberfall."  He nodded, "Yes, a bottle of fine wine for the mayor; perhaps some dwarven whiskey for the patriarch of the dwarf family there.  That should lie within the expedition's budget."

"Oh you met with the Barksplitters already?"  The old professor was surprised, "That is rather fortuitous; dwarves are famously stubborn.  The best way I have found to secure their help is to already have a prior relationship with them."

"Well, I think we have covered all of the most important aspects of the expedition.  And I'm sure that many of you have much to think about.  Unless there is anything else that needs to be covered now?"  Professor Clarke asked, ready to dismiss the meeting, "I will be available if there is anything else before we leave, of course.  Remember, we are leaving on the twenty-sixth; that's two days."

Merrick smiled innocently at Bunny with a glint in his eyes that was anything but.  He wiggled his fingers in a wave before turning his attention back to the Professor, puffing out his chest a bit as the man took his advice.

"Oh good.  The Dwarves," he quipped moments later through closed teeth and a pleasant grin.  "Such an upstanding and utilitarian bunch," he added carefully.  "Well two days is plenty of time to do what I need to do, have those conversations I need to have," he added obliquely.

Well, Ah reckon we could enquire as t' where the dwarves mahght have stayed.  Can't be too many places," Bunny speculated.  "Once we fahnd them, we can ask whethah they mahght like to travel with us t' Timberfall."

"Ah will make enquiries at the front desk," she said, standing as she made her announcement.  "Lissa, ah you goin' t' be goin' out and arrangin' for provisions today?" she asked, turning briefly for the question as she made her way briskly in the direction of the door.

Zassil did not snicker or make a snide comment when Merrick brought up the topic of purchasing wine and bringing it along. After the encounter and deal with the wyvern, he would not speak against it. So long as Merrick didn't dip in to the 'wine offering' too much.

To Bunny he said, "Let me know if you need assistance."

He stepped close to Merrick and leaned down to whisper very quietly, "just be sure to purchase your OWN wine to drink yourself, hmm?" He let out a small chuckle before giving the Professor a nod of respect and leaving the room himself.

Lissa nodded curtly, affirming, "Yes, I will make sure that the items we have discussed here are ready before we leave."  She made a mental note to ensure that there was ample wine - both of higher and ... less high quality.  That would ensure both gifts (the former) and enough for the travel (the latter) would be available.  Though the adage of 'In Wine, Wisdom' came to mind, the blonde scholar was pretty sure that whoever coined that phrase was not really targeting bribes as the denoted wisdom.  Still, it didn't mean that Merrick's assertion about the effect of wine as a gift wasn't true.

"And I am pretty sure that Brego had said they were staying in Merchant's Quarter." she mused, but gave a noncommittal shrug to show that she might well be wrong.  It made sense that the traders would want to be close to the business end of things.  But, there may well have been a section of town more amenable to foreigners or dwarves, as well.

She thanked the Professor, promising to speak with him further at length.  Lissabytta had plenty more academic questions, primarily about recent finding and refinements to his theories, as well as some catching up to do with her old mentor.  But, she'd not subject her friends to that more eclectic and personal discussion.

Lissa's pace as she left the room was much more leisurely.  She'd inquire with the concierge about some of the mundane supplies - mounts and such potentially, though they already had a cart.  But, additional horses as well more consumables were likely in order.  The stipend wasn't large, but they weren't an army either.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 23:19, Mon 11 Oct 2021.

A few days in Endor felt almost like a vacation; even with the small amount of supplies you helped get together for the expedition with Professor Clarke.  He had already done most of the work before you arrived anyway.  The addition of a few gifts and a cask of cheaper wine were simple to acquire.  It took a little time but a good riding horse to make the trip easier was also found; and all of it was paid for out of the expedition's own budget.

On the morning of the 26th, all preparations were complete and the expedition was ready to set out from Endor.  Clarke met you all for an early breakfast and explained that you should expect two days on the road to Timberfall; the town was inside the forest, nestled in a large clear cut.  He did not believe you should have any trouble on the road, and it was expected to be pleasant and sunny.

By breakfast's end the expedition was officially ready to leave.

Thursday, Twenty sixth of Silver Fox

Bunny Cotillion seemed always ready to leave her current camp or lodgings at a moments notice.  This habit of hers required little in the way of explanation once considering what had come to light about her life previous to Roc's Roost.  (The facts of which might have even followed her into Endor and Arnia in general if her precautions at the front desk were any indication.)

Needless to say, she came equally ready to leave the morning of the twenty sixth, having reverted to the more practical choice of trousers for the long trek to Timberfall.

Thursday, Twenty-sixth of Silver Fox

Lissabytta knew a little bit about organizing and logistics of an academic expedition - especially a Professor Clarke's expedition; having been on a fair few of them before.  The Professor had seen to most of supplies and equipment, but Lissa went over the lists twice before the 26th.  The blonde archaeologist hadn't gotten over the time that they'd packed forty pickaxes for a party of four and gotten only four days worth of food for that same company when they were supposed to be out and about for over four weeks.  Lissa had spent a lot of time with another student scrounging for herbs and game that trip.  More a camping adventure than a dig exploration.  Still, her proficiency with her whip came in handy on that particular expedition more than once; so, it hadn't been a complete loss.

And Lissa had some experience riding, as any proper member of the gentry might - even if she was far from an expert.  And one might actually say that the Rembaran scholar had plenty of varied experience with lots of different topics.  So, perhaps it wasn't all that surprising that she knew a little something about horses, their diets, their lineages, their handling, and even had some experience with horse trading.  She'd chosen a dappled grey pony to ride and carry her personal effects - opting for a sturdy mountain mount over any taller, potentially faster and fiery, equine.  She figured that they were going back to the mountains and speed wasn't of the essence on this trip.

Everything was as prepared as she could make it by the 26th.  So, Lissa enjoyed her breakfast with the others - though keeping her fare light as she took in only a little bread and cheese and concentrated on fruit.  A little mulled wine and some coffee rounded out breakfast for her.  She'd brought down all of her belongings with her to table and was ready to go whenever the others decided it was time.  "Everyone get a good night's sleep?" the blonde scholar and musketeer prompted her companions, "At least two days on the road..."  Lissa probably could have used a touch more sleep, but she had a tendency to chat with whomever she roomed with (Bunny in this case), as much as the other person allowed.

Zassil was happy to have visited the city. It boasted enough things to keep him interested, entertained or both during his stay. He looked into body paints for himself. He idly browsed some book stores, as he loved to read. He visited some weapon shops, mostly looking at bows.

He also took in some of the sights since he was in fact a tourist, and it was relaxing, as well as giving him more fuel for his art.

But eventually the time to head came around, and he was ready to go. Eager, almost. He atea hearty breakfast with the others, and then gathered up his things to go.

While Claissa hadn't grown up riding many horses, she did have experience with it here and there. She also knew animals in general, as well as the wilderness and expeditions therein, and she was happy to lend her expertise to the preparations for the trip. She was used to wetter, warmer lands than the one they were going to, but she figured most of the same principles still applied.

She and Niri both ate heartily at breakfast, on the assumption that mealtime schedule didn't always go as planned on a trek. "Yep, all set here," she answered Lissa brightly over their shared meal.

Merrick ate breakfast slowly, with a lethargy that belied whatever he had gotten up to the night before had probably involved some manner of drink.  When the topic of travel came up he glanced up with reddened eyes.  "Oh good.  Horses.  I Love horses.  I don't suppose we are taking a cart as well?  Need someone to sit inside and make sure nothing falls off?  You'd be surprised how many things you find that fell off a cart somewhere..."