Ondor's face lightens considerably upon hearing this news, as though some huge burden were lifted off his shoulders.

"These are good tidings you bring. Our village has suffered greatly over the past several weeks. Many raids. Folk attacked while fishing. Our women..." his voice trails off, the man not wishing to repeat the horrible things that befell three of his woman-folk.

Turning now to Inas the Ranger, "When the militia-men returned with Althea, they told me that you had joined labor with a group of adventurers. I see now, these would be them, yes?"

Once this is confirmed, the Cheiftain asks the companions to receive a feast in their honor. "It's the least we can do, in gratitude for what you have done."

Additionally, Chieftain Ondor pledges a substantial quantity of trade goods, mostly pickled fish and prawns, as reward money for their service. The Chieftain will also see to it that porters accompany the companions back to Stormhaven, to ensure the trade goods are transported to wherever the heroes wish: market or otherwise.

Leaning in, Ben has a semi-private word with the chieftain. Those at the table who want to hear should be able to lean in and catch most of it, but none of it will naturally travel as far as the guard.

"We have much to tell you, good sir, of perhaps an even greater threat to you village. I would rather not chat in front of Myron's guard however. While my concerns are not held by all of us here at this table,  I do not much trust his intentions. By the way, what are your peoples hospitably customs like?"

Upon hearing Ben speak, the chieftain's face becomes drawn with worry.

"Very well, if you wish to speak with me in confidence, away from here, we can do so."

With regards to Ben's question, the Chieftain seems puzzled. "Beg your pardon?" he asks.

Hopefully as they are walking away to someplace private, Ben treads cautiously around the question of 'do you people share your wives with visiting heroes'

"I don't know me much about the world, almost no school for my household, but I done heard some stories from traveling folk* that some cultures have like, I don't know, traditions of hospitality? Some places put pretty flowers round yer neck, some places do... other things. Thought I ask. I gotta tell ya, there's no such thing in Storm Haven. Just curious, mind ya!"




*polite talk for 'sailors'

Inas greeted Ondor warmly, though he had hoped the meeting to somewhat more low key before Ben had announced their presence to the world. The young thief clearly had delusions on grandeur and like to be the centre of attention - odd traits for a burglar!

He expanded a little to Ondor, clarifying events. "I travelled through the night with your men, tracking the lizard-folk who had stolen away with Althea. We lost the trail a few times, but your men did well to find the tracks again so we could maintain the pursuit." A little white lie, in truth the men had kept a good pace but were no better than average trackers. When the trail had been lost it was Inas who found it again. But passing on some credit to the militiamen would stand them in good stead with their chief. When we encountered these gentlemen your men were prepared to put up a good fight, but luckily no such battle was needed. Between us the lizardmen were subdued and Althea rescued. With your men escorting her back here I stayed to help these men. We entered the great ziggurat and battled with the lizard-folk's king. Safe to say he will trouble you no more."

He raised the bloodied sack containing the severed head of King Greenscales and placed it on the table for Ondor to inspect. "The trophy is yours to keep and do with as you wish."

He face turned more serious, emphasised by the deep scarring across his cheek. "The lizard-folk will bother you no more. They are simple creatures and will move on to a quieter place. However, at the temple we found evidence of other obscenities. Once rested we intend to return there to conduct a more thorough search, and rid the place of lingering evil. Hopefully then the gods will be appeased and you will be troubled no longer."

Once it becomes clear what Ben has asked him, the Chieftain squints in recognition and nods his head slowly. "Ah! You seek companionship!" Pulling Ben aside, Ondor whispers into the thief's ear and suggests he pay a visit to the bath house, where he is to ask for the services of a lady name Helva. He offers a mischievous wink before returning to attend to, business as it were.

***

Ondor is gladdened to hear his men performed admirably and promises to see to it they are rewarded for their service.

Later, the Chieftain opens the sack to examine its contents for himself. His face becomes serious, but not shaken upon viewing the trophies. "I see that, it, has been done," he says with gravitas.

Closing the sack, he puts it aside and pledges his support for whichever task Inas and company might have next, particularly as its success has some measure of impact upon the village. Both the ziggurat and Sacred Rock are close to the village and should they harbor evil, it directly affects the chieftain's people.

If asked about the purported 'man-eating demons' at Sacred rock, Chieftain Ondor will suggest he has no information on any such creature, nor has he heard any tales of misdeeds associated with that place.

Finally, Ondor will arrange lodging accommodations for the party, "Do not worry about such things," he says in reassurance. "Tonight, we celebrate with drink. Tomorrow we feast. The day after we rest. The day following you are free to leave, as you wish."

The Chieftain says this more as a command than a suggestion, setting the expectation the heroes spend no few than three days in the village before being 'allowed' to leave.

Local custom, it seems.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:29, Wed 28 Aug 2013.

During the conversation Ben gently put forward his distrust of Myron, but was clear to point out that it was not held by all, and in Ben it was only a whisper of fear.

"We plan on trying to get the lizard-people their home back from the demons. They had no history of bothering you from there, or so I was told."

He gives a nod and thumb to the side of nose (wink wink) to the chieftains direction regarding Helva, but when the talk of staying for a three day celebration, his response is perhaps unexpected among those who think Ben is a grand stander, and that his actions were calmly considered and deemed appropriate by the little thief. (nudge nudge Inus!)

"Chief," he says with a slight bow of his head, and a fist-to-chest salute, "We are both men of the world, so I will not dance around the issue.
"I am a man whose skills are best deployed, the less his face in known. Unlike some," he says as bold faced as any three year old with his face covered with crumbs, "I do not use my talents to hinder or hamper the innocent," damn, maybe he even believed it!

"Let the brave and bold of pretty-of-face members of our band stay here for three days. It will boost the morale of all, except perhaps the men of Lord Myron, who, with all their numbers and training failed to accomplish this task," he gestures toward the head-in-a-bag.

"I feel my own part in this is best left... quiet? Yes, quiet. I should like to take the wagons to StormHaven, where I will donate my share of the food to my mother who runs a bakery, and helps feed the poor with the leftovers."
Glancing half at the others, he adds, "Your man can keep the tally, to ensure there is no accidental shifting of these rewards into mine-own sticky hands."

He chuckles, and makes as camaraderie laden gesture as he feels safe with, perhaps a manly shove on the shoulder.

"Fear not that your custom will have shamed, the chance to do this will allow us all to move forward on the next stage of our adventure all the quicker, a benefit to us both, as I hope to beat word of our success to the demons."

He will then ask the chieftain's opinion of Lord Myron and his his men...

Surprised and impressed at how the thief was handling the thief (and still privately chagrined no one had expressed interest in his plan) Saliq concentrated on his food and drink for the moment.

Eagle too was very happy to let his companions do the talking while he stared at the fire, and ate his food.

The chieftain continues his discourse with Ben, whether that might occur in the presence of the others, or separately.

With regards to questions of Lord Myron, Ondor claims to hold a mostly neutral opinion of the Talas lord, but does express some annoyance at increased road taxes that have been levied this year. Lord Myron Talas has land rights claim on the road which leads to Stormhaven's markets; therefore Rush Hollow is beholden to pay whatever tax is asked.

Ondor also comments in confidence, "Not to mention the way he leers at our women anytime he visits our village." Apparently Lord Myron is not a comely man and has some personal attributes which make many of the women here very uncomfortable, most notable is his unrelenting stare with those inky jet orbs. Some claim to have never seen him even blink, to which Ondor claims, "I might have seen him blink once..." almost as a joke.

The Chieftain expresses some reticence when Ben talks of departing for Stormhaven, the man's body language now becoming quite defensive. Clearly, this is seen as an affront to him and a utter rejection of his hospitality, though he does his best to keep his emotions in check.

"You will do what you must," he says icily. "But I wish you would reconsider..."

Inas interrupted the conversation. "Chief Ondor, we would all welcome your hospitality. You are a most gracious host."

He looked over at Ben, his glance indicating that they would do well to keep Ondor as an ally rather than offend him. Out in the swamps you needed friends nearby, not foes at your back.

Ignoring the glare of Inas, Ben continued.

"There are odd things about, you know that Chief. How could this small ragtag band of ra're do wells so easily find and defeat the threat that Lord Myron, who has enough in the way of armed might to allow so many of his men lounge in the middle of your fair tavern."

He lets that sink in for a moment.

"Now given the dangers we have so recently faced, and the good things we have done for you and your village, without trying to raise your taxes or demand anything of you good folks, I was hoping we could be given slack in such matters.
"For I am going to leave at first light."

A quick glance around to be sure of their privacy...

"And this is why...
"Whatever threat drove the lizard-men to your door, and presented them with a false god who demanded your cities blood, it's not content with staying where it is. Is it coming. It is coming, to your door if nothing stops it."

Another pause to let that truth sink well and deep...

"Your safety is too important; What we need to do is important to us, Stormhaven and Rush Hollow! If I vanish, a rumor could easily be spread that I am ill, and am sleeping it off in a private room in you Inn.
"Yes, I would prefer to stay here an party, to partake of your villages hospitality and keep you happy.
"But for your people, village, wives et ketera, I am willing to put off on such personal pleasures. As it is yours who look to suffer by any delay, it seems to me you should be willing to forgive what would indeed be an affront to you honor, in any other circumstance
"I would hope you can understand that.
"So I must ask you one small question, and trust me, honesty, for once, is really the best policy."

With the flair of a dramatic actor, he holds the pause until Chief Ondor almost speaks...


"Is there someone or something threatening you and yours to keep us here? Because I can see no other reason you would hesitate?"

he gazes into the eyes of the chieftain searchingly...

Rath glances at Saliq, wondering if this Ben is one of his illusions.

The chieftain seems puzzled by Ben's line of reasoning, though he earnestly attempts to follow where he may. Perhaps it was the wine. Either his, or Ben's? Maybe he just didn't have a bent for intrigue?

Or maybe, just maybe, he was playing dumb?

Whatever the case, Ondor does understand issues which concern the safety of his village.

Finally, he responds to Ben's unequivocal pronouncement of his impending departure:

"Very well then, Ben of Stormhaven. Do what you must. I can't say it pleases me, but I understand and respect your desires. You will no be held against your wishes." The chieftain makes a show of washing his hands of the matter by gesturing as such with his hands. Case settled.

The chieftain seems equally puzzled by Ben's last question, "Of course not!" Ondor's face now flushes, "obviously, things are just different here, than you are accustomed to in the city."

"City folk rush about from place to place, afraid the rug might be pulled from underneath them," he reasons coolly. "Country folk know how take their time and can appreciate the value of such."

Ben detects no falsehood in the chieftain's words.

Offer his forearm for a manly shake, Ben's face relaxes into a smile revealing a gap between his first molar and lateral incisor.

"Trust me, when your people are safe I will enjoy so much of your hospitality I won't be able to walk out the door," he says, gesturing to the large double doors at the entrance.

"Now, Saliq, if you would please repeat your idea for the chief here, I'm off for some food."

Looking for a serving girl, Ben boisterously orders an assorted plate of meats and fruits, and a large ale, of which he intends to swallow not one sip.

Rule of poisons number 178 - If they are clever enough to poison your food instead of your drink, eat it anyway, they are too damn good.

Norion continues to enjoy both the free food and the free drinks.  He listens but doesn't add to the conversations, he does lean over and whisper to Inas at one point and then chuckles.

[Private to Inas Eoinsson: You don't think our thief feels we've forgotten about those rubies do you?]

In reply to Norion Ironaxe (msg # 47):

Inas glanced back at the dwarf and offered a brief grin. "Don't worry, we'll remind him."

For the remainder of the evening Inas sat quietly and engaged in idle discourse with his new companions. Although not the chattiest of men he tried hard to engage them and build up a bond, especially if he was to fight alongside these men when they returned to the temple.

The evening rages on, there being much cause for celebration in the village of Rush Hollow, and the heroes plied with a seemingly never-ending supply of food and drink.

During this time, the heroes learn that Lord Myron's men have to come to obtain provisions for their garrison. Their master has not been seen in some time and Myron's steward, Jivv, is acting as Seneschal of the Keep. This accounting jives with what the heroes discovered when they first visited Myron's Keep: he was gone then too. There seems to be no mystery or nefariousness associated with their presence at Rush Hollow, perhaps just a strange coincidence, but none can be too certain of that.

At any rate...

After having their fill of copious plates of spiced devil-prawns and pickled largemouth over beds of leafy vegetables, to say nothing of the ale and spirits that flow liberally throughout the evening, the heroes retire to their bedchambers for the evening. Private rooms have been drawn for each of the heroes, at Chieftain Ondor's behest.

The rooms are small, but reasonably furnished with firm straw mattresses and wool bedding, a foot-locker (key is provided for each), and suitable bathing pots to attend to personal matters. Each also has a window fitted with thick parchment shutter to keep insects out.

In the stuffy room, being plied with food and ale, Eagle finds himself fighting off sleep for most of the time, and limits his discourse to nodding along politely to the ebb of the conversation, wishing for a campfire, his guitar and a ceiling of stars above him.

When he can finally reach his rooms he dumps his stuff in one corner, collapses on the bed, and is asleep before his head reaches the pillow.

OOC: Assuming nothing goes bump in the night. . .

In the morning he rises early, and watches the sunrise above the mist of the swamp alone. He then has a bite of breakfast, and visits the temple of Melora they went to yesterday, and spends several hours in meditative communion with his deity, who has blessed him so much power of her spirit in recent days. Though it was only a couple of weeks since he ventured down into the sewers of Stormahaven for the first time, a lot has happened to him in that time, and he needs to take stock.

As the shadows begin to lengthen on the afternoon, Eagle rouses himself from his prayers, and makes conversation with the priests of acolytes of Melora. He asks after information about the Sacred Rock, and any demons in the area, as well as anything the priest knows about Lord Myron and his steward. Finally, he mentions the agate ring he found: 'Melora has told me it is magic, but I have not found out how - do you know of any powers or books that might identify its properties?'

The wagons full of foodstuff will have left at first light, with no sign of the owners in sight. This is because Ben is hidden under one of the wagons until it is well away from the town.

He hoped his comrades would be safe... but not as much as he hoped he would be safe!

The night, aside from being unseasonably warm, passes uneventfully. In the morning, Ben is gone, as was his plan. Along for the ride, six villagers to help bring the trade goods to Stormhaven's market: both their own and those which Chieftain Ondor presented to the companions in exchange for their role in freeing his newest wife.

***

The acolytes of the Temple of Melora are indeed familiar with Sacred Rock, though that is not what they call it. The locals refer to it as Demonstone!

Ever has it been a place shrouded in mystery and purported evil. The dark formation rises up like teeth from the very soil, atop a wide, rocky tor about five leagues northeast of Rush Hollow, toward the Forlorn Hills.

Numerous monstrous creatures have called the place home in recent memory: orcs, gnolls, and ogres to name but a few. One of the older villagers even claims that the stones rising up out of the soil are actually the rib-cage of an ancient dragon that once roamed the land before being slain by a six-armed titan. But everyone claims that guy is a little off his rocker anyway!

Whatever the case, Sacred Rock...Demonstone, is a dangerous place, and the acolytes advise extreme caution in agitating whatever beast has now claimed the accursed place.

Concerning the ring, Eagle is directed a hedge wizard by the name of Magus McGillam, who might be able to help. Magus McGillam greets Eagle and offers to examine and identify the ring, for a price: 150 gold pieces!

"The components are expensive after all," the toothless man states rather matter-of-factly.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:22, Tue 03 Sept 2013.

'I have no worries about paying that sum if you identify the ring,' says Eagle. 'However, as is customary in Stormhaven where I grew up I will only pay such a sum once the identification has taken place – cash on delivery is only fair.'

Magus McGillam studies Eagle through squinted eyes for a few moment, as though trying to look for any signs of falsehood. Finally, the old man's countenance softens and he replies, "Fine..."

The man asks to examine the ring in question and begins to gather the material components needed for the divination. Finally, he retrieves a single pearl, to which he holds up carefully to parade before Eagle, as if proving the expense of such a spell.

After much effort, Magus McGillam combines all the components, says a few mystic words and falls into deep concentration as feathery white tracers dance across the ring.

Upon finishing, he claims that the ring protects the wearer, and his/her allies from stone constructs.

OOC: Ring of Protection from Stone Guardians (10' radius)

Eagle thanks the wizard for his efforts, and pays the gold - slightly thankful to have put it to good use. When he returns to the inn he tells his colleagues of his encounter, remembering that there were some magic stone statues in the upper levels of the ziggurat - the ring may come in handy if these ever animate upon their return.

Unusually, Inas was able to relax in the tavern and enjoyed the hospitality offered to him and his newfound companions. Chief Ondor was a man of honour and could be trusted, and the villagers had always been welcoming. He drunk a fair few mugs of foaming ale, and ate heartily. Initially concerned at the prawn platter, he found them to be delicious, though the ale was needed to quell the effect of the spices. Later he retired to his chamber, somewhat worse for wear. Luckily he had a private chamber, as a roommate would have suffered from the emissions caused by the excess of beer and spicy food!

In the morning he woke late, his head telling him that he had over indulged. He washed himself, then dressed in fresh clothing and went downstairs to meet his companions to break their fast. When the severing wench appeared he quietly requested a simple repast of fresh bread, cheese and fruits, and some fresh water.

Shortly the discussion turned to Sacred Rock, or Demonstone as the locals called it. It sounded like a dangerous place, but one that should be investigated in order to fulfil their promise.

He turned to his breakfast companions. "So, can our rogue be trusted to return, or is he likely to disappear into the shadows with our coin?"

GM - as a woodsman do I know anything more of Demonstone, either fact or legend? What of the region it is in, the Forlorn Hills?