A week has passed since the events at the Keep of Dunmorrow. The parties actions must have shook the grip the cult had over Tono. After the first night of the heroes return, a dozen towns folk (some of them elders) disappeared without a trace. It is assumed they were involved with the cult of Nergal.

The heroes were also welcomed back as just that. Heroes. Many of the saved prisoners were missing villagers from Tono and their family's were over joyed to see them return.

The Heroes have been using this time to heal and prepare for the challenges ahead.

[You are all at full health and all debilities are gone]

Tell me,
What did the village of Tono do in gratitude to you for your deeds?
What have you been doing this last week?

To answer Goran's Questions

What is Tono's Population?
Tono is a small fishing village of a few hundred resistance in the village proper and surrounding area.

What is the racial breakdown?
Tono is a human community. A small number of demihumans live in the surrounding outskirts but do not consider themselves residence of the village.

Who is in charge?
Tono is 'governed' by a council of elders. The lead elder is Rowin Vern.

Prominent business?
You tell me

Church?
Tono is not an overly religious community. They do have a shrine to Ea, god of the sea. Mostly they seek his protection when they go out fishing and what not.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:48, Tue 23 Aug 2016.

Keenan spent 4-5 days resting at the local herbalist's house. Forick the herbalist has been treating Keenan's wounds free of charge, and his daughter has been keeping his spirits up. He was also given a bundle of arrows and a pack of adventuring gear by a grateful shop owner.

The influence of Nergal had the village elders shut down the old library, perhaps to keep anyone from researching and discovering information on the demon. Caswell convinces the elders to reopen the library (located under town hall) and allow him access at his leisure. (Caswell would like to gain some uses in bag of books)

He spends most of his time reading books and studying the runes on the capsules and the capsules themselves. He also researches anything he can find on Nergal, other demons, spells and local lore.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:09, Tue 23 Aug 2016.

After returning from Dunmorrow, Goran takes up residence at the The Grinning Gobi. He takes a long, hot bath and puts on some pajamas, which he does not change out of for several days. During that time, he doesn't wear his armor or carry his shield, but he consistently keeps his prized sword on his belt. Since this is a period of relaxation, he doesn't bother to prop up his long mohawk, and, instead, lets his hair flop lazily to one side or the other.

As he recovers from his concussion, Goran helps himself to more than a fair amount of ale, wine, and spirits. He also keeps himself full with smoked fish (for which he's developed quite the appetite), hearty root vegetables, and plenty of pipeweed. He isn't greedy, and he doesn't demand anything luxurious, but he definitely uses the advantages of his situation to live comfortably.

The only thing missing from Goran's "vacation" is the company of some female dwarves, but, hey, nothing's perfect, especially in Anova. He amuses himself as well as he can in his free time, much of which he spends telling bawdy jokes and gambling on dice games with various fishermen and other patrons of the Gobi. He suggests that the owner hire a bard to liven the place up; "Make sure you get a halfling," he says. "Their tiny fingers make them excellent lute players."

However, in spite of his casual demeanor, Goran remains vigilant. If any survivors should come from Dunmorrow, he'll be ready, and if any of those who worship Nergal remain hiding in Tono, he'll make them wish that they had left with their fellows when they had the chance.

Keenan, what is one thing of interest or bit of lore you have learned about the wilderness in this area from the herbalist?

Caswell, what is one bit of arcane, ancient, or demonic knowledge you have learned form your studies in the Tono library?

Goran, what is one rumor or piece of gossip you have heard during your time spent at the Grinning Gobi?

Goran hears plenty of rumors during his time at the Gobi. Most of them are amusing, but relatively pointless, revolving around (mostly fictional) tales of marital infidelity, and who makes the biggest jackass of himself when he's had too much to drink. But there's one bit of information that he's heard more than once, one which he finds most interesting: the reason the acolytes of Nergal returned to Dunmorrow Keep, instead of setting up shop elsewhere, is because Dunmorrow is built on top of an ancient delve, one in which the previous cult of Nergal buried some of their most valuable treasures and artifacts before being wiped out nearly a century ago. No one ever found the delve, because it was obscured by dark magic, but now that the acolytes have returned, maybe it is open once again...

Keenan learns of an ancient burial ground about half a days travel from Tono. A special kind of tree, the bark of which can be used to make a powerful herbal poultice, grows there. The villagers are fearful of this place, because it is said that evil spirits and angry undead haunt the area.

Keenan also learned that he enjoys the company of young human women.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:54, Tue 23 Aug 2016.

Caswell discovers through his long nights of studies that Nergal is actually a lesser demon. He is also refereed to as the 'Servant of Vexnor' who is a high demon and part of the Infernal Royal Court. He is some kind of duke or count or something, Caswell can't quite find the right translation for the rune.

Oh and because of the structure (or lack of) in demon culture 'servant' is an unwilling partnership.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:08, Tue 23 Aug 2016.

The party has regrouped (after several days apart) at the Grinning Gobi. They are all treated as celebrities, hardly able to eat their meals and drink their tankards of mead between shaking hands and accepting gratitude.

As they are being regaled by an elderly man and his own tales of adventures from his youth, the doors burst open. Two villagers hurriedly carry in a youth and place him on an empty table. He looks no older then 16 and his clothes are covered in blood.

Forick the herbalist hurries over and begins to remove tattered clothing to gauge his wounds. He stops in his tracks and steps back "Ea keeps up safe." he says to no one.

The youth's skin has been flayed off to form demonic runs across his body.

What do you do?
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 00:31, Wed 24 Aug 2016.

Keenan approaches the youth and examines his wounds. "What is this boy's name?" He asks aloud to whom ever may be listening.
"Klude," a short, fat, balding man answers. "His father and I work the same boat."

Keenan leans down and puts a hand on the boys shoulder. "Klude? Can you hear me? How did you obtain these wounds?"