After Marcus spoke to him, Bolen looked around the room, then to Eryn, and finally back to Marcus.  "Alright. I'll wait outside. But don't you go getting yourself hurt either.  I need you to show me how you did that."  He pointed at Marcus's healed fingers with curious intensity.  "I ain't never seen that Blacksand Beach curse get better before..."  The old fisherman shook his head in disbelief as he wandered back outside to wait.

As Dr. Krauss began his ritual, there was not much to see at first.  But as Hiran chipped at the Pit of Shadow with his dagger, the magic of the ritual began to become noticeable.  It was subtle at first, but every time Hiran poked at the pit, a vibration could be felt at the back of everyone's molars.  The further Hiran got through the enchantments, the more it felt like the party's teeth were rattling.  Just when it was crossing into the threshold of pain, the pit cracked and the dull thud of a small shockwave rushed through the room and kicked up a few small motes of dust.  A liquid not unlike the vorlag's corrosive saliva began oozing from the pit.

Thankfully though, the magic of Hiran's ritual kept it in check and drew out the magical properties of whatever it was.  The magic spiraled around the wizard's wrists in the form of glowing silvery strands before disappearing into Hiran's exposed veins.  The strands increased in number as Hiran drew out more and more power from the pit and the magical energies in the air began to produce an audible pulsing hum.  As the hum increased in intensity, the magical items everyone possessed began to vibrate in synchronization.  With each pulse, Eryn could feel her glowing blue blade vibrating.  Marcus's potions rattled together as they shook.  And Hiran's magical jewelry and crystals all tinkled as they resonated in the pouch where they were stored.

Eventually, the hum even resonated with the magical spirits that constantly plagued Hiran.  They wailed in Hiran's ears and begged for him to make the rattling stop.  They reached for the strands of magic being threaded into Hiran's veins and tried to rip them away.  But instead, many of the spirits had parts of themselves entangled in the threads and got stitched to Hiran's essence.  In unison, they screamed in displeasure at this increased connection to the man they despised.

And oh what a scream.

The spirits roared to the heavens with such gusto that the rafters of the inn shook.  Parts of the thatching on the roof fell down into the ritual chamber, billowing up a cloud of mold spores and dust.

But then the inn was silent and the ritual was over.  The dust began to settle and the pit of shadow crumbled into a pile of fine ash.

What do you do?

---

Everybody
The ritual was a success, but extremely noisy.  Anyone within three blocks is sure to have noticed.  Sorry Eryn.

quote:

She silently decided that the events taking place this night were best kept secret.

Hiran
The ritual bound power to you and caused you to become mildly more intertwined you with your spirits.  You can feel through this connection that you can invoke a "wail of the spirits," if you feel the need.  You gain the Metal Hurlant move from the Bard advanced moves list.

quote:

Metal Hurlant
When you shout with great force or play a shattering note choose a target and roll+Con.

- On a 10+ the target takes 1d10 damage and is deafened for a few minutes.

- On a 7–9 you still damage your target, but it’s out of control: the GM will choose an additional target nearby.

Ilura struggled to watch as she saw the screaming souls manifest and somehow become entwined in the wizards form.  At one point she glanced to the side where Eryn appeared mesmerized by the actions of the tainted mage.  She put her hand on the fighter's shoulder and spoke quietly, her voice nearly obliterated by the screams emitting from the center of the ritual.

"Are you SURE this is a path you want to follow?  There other ways.  Ways that don't pose so much risk to your soul..."

Marcus nodded in assurance to Bolen, wondering how would the man react when he repeated the things that were said when they met. Standing at the ready near Hiran, but not too close to interfere with the arcane works, Marcus observed the differences between the two rituals. The way the power displayed itself. The feelings they invoked. The symbolism of the light.

The paladin closed his eyes and mouth for a second when the scream emitted, as if it would help him, but the rumble of the shaking roof forced him to look again. Holding his shield over his head he moved towards the wizard to protect him.

"Are you well?" Marcus asked Hiran while Ilura echoed his observations to Eryn. He looked around and thanked the goddess that none of the debris injured anyone. "If we are done, I need to lead Bolen."

"I... am staying away from the rituals," Eryn replied, hesitantly. The uncertainty in her voice was thankfully drowned out having to shout over the noise. The rush of power coming from Hiran in this moment was very different from the previous ritual. It was chaotic. Dangerous. Frightening. The scream caught them all by surprise.

When the intense display from the ritual finally faded, Eryn suddenly became aware that her left hand was clutching tightly to the pommel of the blue sword she was carrying. She quietly let go of the magic weapon and let her arm hang down, relaxed. She could feel her fingers cramping. The warrior tried her best to remain stoic.

It was necessary. Ignore it. Carry on, she thought to herself.

"Say what you like about his methods..." Eryn spoke to Ilura once she had collected herself, simultaneously averting her gaze from the blood around Hiran's wrists. Ilura's cat eyes suddenly served as an unpleasant reminder that nothing in the room could be considered natural any longer, and she hesitated for just a moment before continuing. "...But this man possesses true skill in the art. I simply cannot let the opportunity to learn from the best pass me by."

Deciding to avoid the subject before having to answer any more uncomfortable questions, the mage's apprentice grasped the opportunity when Marcus spoke.

"Hold on. Bolen, I have the funds you need right here," she said, meting out a handful of 40 coins from her bag and handing them over to the fisherman. "I offered our new ally a supply of fish for his tribe in order to calm him and show that we are on his side in this. He's in a bit of a hurry it seems, so if you could please make haste with your catch of the day I would be very grateful. Keep the boat and the tools afterwards, we shall need no further compensation."

Next, the warrior took a sweeping glance around herself at the dust-filled inn. "I agree with Marcus, though, we should get out of here," she said. "Rumors will be spreading among the townsfolk already. We should insist that this was all the work of another of the overlord's followers, and that we stopped them. I don't think they would enjoy hearing that the would-be saviors of the city also went and drew gods and demons forth into the city - by accident or otherwise."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:29, Sun 17 June 2018.

Ilura nodded grimly at Eryn's determination to continue studying with the mage.
 "Learning is valuable.  Just be certain to not lose yourself in the process..."

She felt reluctant to leave the inn.  She had hoped to rest there and to further bask in the recent presence of the Goddess, though that felt somehow diminished by Hiran's ritual.  However, she recognized that, given the attention that ritual had likely drawn, staying where they were seemed unwise.

"We should make it clear that Snarl Maw's people aided us in defeating the evil.  We don't want to draw further scorn on them.  If we can build up their reputation, so much the better.  We can merely speak the truth.  These people sought our help.  We encountered dark shadows and a demon.  However, together we were able to defeat them and the risk to those nearby has now past..."

"Marcus, I understand you wish to help the fisherman, and I would help you.  But I think all of us could use some rest after what has been a rather eventful day.  Might I suggest that we find a place to rest for the remainder of this night?  Tomorrow, upon Bolen's return with the fish, we can feed Snarl-Maw's family and some of us can aid you in your quest while others perhaps figure out what it is that we should do next, given the information learned tonight."

Hiran's body felt weak but he could feel the power coursing through him.  There were less voices he could hear but the ones that still haunted him were screaming obscenities and curses in his direction.  He could feel the emotions of the now trapped souls in his body. Pain, sadness, and anger filled his mind until he willed them down forcing the power that brought them forth to recess so he could have control again.

Tears streaked down Hiran's face though they were not his own they were still very real and apparent to any who saw his face.

"I am fine" He said very matter of factly to Marcus. "We should get out of this town before people come looking for us."

In response to Ilura's words Hiran looked up at her. "They were already outcasts, half beasts trying to survive in a shack.  I doubt the commoners care what anyone says for them and they will likely need to find a new home.  Perhaps they could come with us, fight a good cause."

He then grabbed some salve leftover from one of the ritual bowls and began applying it to the slices in his wrists then gathering his things he prepared to leave in haste.

"Thank you for the concern, but I need to finish this now, then I can rest." he looked Bolen as he stashed the coins Eryn supplied "Whatever we're looking for is near the sea, so we can take care of it along with getting the boat." he turned squarely towards the fisherman "If you are up for finding your redemption? It might not be easy."

Bolen cocked his head to the side and gave Marcus a doubtful look.  "I'm not as young as I used to be, and certainly not in as good of shape."  He raised his withered arm to emphasize.  "I guess what I am trying to say is that I'm no adventurer, so I'm not sure I am up for any adventures.  I'll go with you if you really think there is a chance to fix me, but don't expect me to go fighting no dragons!  I'ld rather just keep my bum arm and my new fishing boat than get eaten."

By now the party can hear the murmurs of crowds outside, drawn by the noise.  Anyone peeking outside the inn will see small groups of neighbors in their nightgowns and inebriated individuals all gossiping about what has been going on in the "Wolf Den Inn."  The most popular rumor so far seems to deal with Granny-greybeard casting dark witchcraft over the neighborhood.

What do you do?

Hiran gathers his belongings and tries to quietly sneak his way out of the inn without being seen.


OOC: 15:38, Today: Dr Hiran Krauss rolled 5 using 2d6.  Sneaking out of the inn.

Ilura sighed and nodded, gathering up the remainder of her things and a crust of bread, then followed Marcus.

"I'll go with you.  But perhaps you should talk to the people outside before we leave."

The thought of interacting with that many people made her spine chill almost worse than the demon had, but she didn't want a mob turning on the Wolf Den folks either...

"Coming to terms with what lies inside you can be harder than fighting a dragon." Marcus said to Bolen, and added with an encouraging smile "But I would not ask you to do anything I didn't believe you were capable of."

"Thank you." Marcus bowed his head to Ilura "I will do so now." he opened the door of the inn, standing at the edge of the line Ilura and him had drawn around the building. He met the gaze of all the onlookers and waited for them to quite down. "The silver has prevailed." he proclaimed, his voice carrying a divine note "With the aid of the wolf clan we defeated the darkness that has gathered to strike. But it was not without cost." his voice dropped as he gave off sad news "Brave Granny Greybeard had given her life so the demons would not walk the earth." he gestured around, encompassing both the gathered townsfolk and the members of the clan "Her people have gone through much but will recover. I ask you only to remember that you remember their sacrifice."

22:30, Today: Marcus rolled 8 using 2d6+2.  I am the law - the wolves are good.

Eryn hastily followed Marcus out to greet the townsfolk. She knew Hiran would not be able to get away undetected, and it was best to have another warrior standing there looking strong and confident. With any luck, she would be well known enough around town to be considered trustworthy.

"Indeed," she called out, "evil forces crept up on us in a desperate attempt to prevent their own destruction, but they could not stand against us! My good people! Whatever might come I promise you: We shall not falter. We will seek out the root of this evil, and eliminate it."


09:27, Today: Eryn rolled 8 using 2d6+1.  Aid Marcus: Corroborate his story. +1 from Bond.
He gets +1 but I expose myself to danger, retribution or cost.

At first the crowd seemed unsure about Marcus's words, but the authority in his voice seemed to sooth their concerns.  People began nodding along and saying things like how they "always knew those wolf-people were good where it counted."  Eryn's addition only seemed to reinforce their newfound respect for the wolf clan.

As Eryn and Marcus addressed the crowd, Hiran was able to slip into the shadows and stay out of sight.  He got away from the inn easily enough without being spotted and only had to slip behind some scantily clad "women of the evening" before he would be completely beyond the crowd.  As the old man slipped between the women and the saloon they were outside of, one of them shifted unexpectedly and pointed accusingly at Eryn.  "Hey!  Aren't you that girl that caused the ruckus in the town square earlier today?  You attacked the entertainers with an ox, right?"

Another of the women inhaled sharply.  "I think you're right Crystal!"  A wave of murmers spread throughout the crowd and Eryn received some suspicious looks.

Unfortunately, the sudden shift of the talking woman caused her belt adorned with cheap jewelry to snag on one of Hiran's pouches.  The pouch containing all his crystals for locating places of power was thoroughly entangled on her posterior.  Hiran knew that if he wished to get it free from the snag, the lady would surely feel it and assume he was being a scandalous old man.  Or he could untie the pouch and safely retreat into the shadows without it.

What do you do?

---

Marcus
The crowd seems to generally be going along with what you want them to believe.  They don't seem to be blaming the wolf clan any more.

Eryn
A woman recognized you from the town square and is accusing you of causing trouble there.  Other townsfolk are now eyeing you with concern and suspicion.

Hiran
You can escape unnoticed, but you will need to leave your crystals behind.  Or you can keep them, but the group of girls will think you are grabbing Crystal's behind.

"Attacked them?" Eryn huffed, and felt deeply offended. "I saved that man from an unfortunate demise! Where would I even have gotten an ox from? Why would I set it on fire like these lunatics did!? For goodness sake, I have proper weapons that would have worked perfectly well if I wanted to jump into the fray like that, and if I in earnest meant to harm someone I assure you none of those entertainers would still be standing!"

She slammed her spear into the ground so it made a indignant 'clack'. If it wasn't sinister enough in shape to be intimidating, Eryn's expression behind it made it look even worse.

"For goodness sake, this is not the first time I'm in town. I protect people for a living. I earn nothing from attacking them and destroying my reputation."

Eryn scowled like she had at so many enemies in the past, finding herself unable to contain her fury about earlier events - and now this second baseless accusation from a clueless person was rubbing her entirely the wrong way.

"For days we have been busy seeking out death and darkness,", she continued, "Rescuing orphans - forlorn children! - from the grasp of horrible monsters. We waded through cursed caves and nearly died so you people could sleep easy tonight! So far I haven't had a chance to rest in a proper bed either, for I suddenly had to go cut down some bloody ghosts just so you--" - she pointed her finger accusingly right back at the harlots - "--you floozies wouldn't have to drag your pretty bottoms out of bed and run to the damn hills! Beds, I'm sure, that you've been laying on your backs in for the better part of the last week anyways!"

It came out a bit harsher than she meant it to, but she drew her breath only to continue ripping into the quite ungrateful, rumor-spreading girls.

"For heaven's sake, this poor woman's blood isn't even dry on the floor and you want to point fingers. Two attacks in one day. I don't have time for this tripe. If you think there's a villain hiding among us you can help me drag them out in the light, or you can go back to sleep and get out of my way!"

Ilura pulled up her hood and stood behind the two fighters.  Her bow was held casually but clearly ready.  These folks had been rousted out of their beds by the noise.  Most of them probably wanted to be back in their bed.  And none of them were geared up to be in much of a fight.  A quiet show of force and they'd likely all return to wherever they came from.  They might not change their opinion of the wolf people for the better, but hopefully they wouldn't change it for the worse either.

Hiran grumbled obscenities under his breath and despite the trouble it might cause he wasn't leaving with out his crystals.

He went to unhinge his bag and instead of being discreet he made sure to get a big handful of the lady of the night.  Might as well enjoy myself before I catch her wrath. Hiran thought to himself with a perverted smirk and shake of his head.

As soon as he engaged he tried reaching for some coins from his coin purse with his off hand, perhaps she wouldnt take it so harshly if he looked to be buying.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:57, Thu 21 June 2018.

As Eryn ranted at the lady named Crystal who had accused her, the "businesswoman" put a hand to her chest and had a shocked expression on her face.  However, it seemed she was more taken aback that someone was yelling at her rather than being angry about any specific words that were being said.  Many of the onlookers decided they no longer wanted any part of the drama and began filing back into their homes or back into the bar.

When Eryn finished, Crystal inhaled deeply and raised a pointed finger as if she were about to give Eryn a piece of her mind in reply.  But just as she was about to speak, she screeched and turned around, ready to slap whoever it was that had gust grabbed her bum.  She paused her slap mid-swing, however, when she caught the glint of coins in the moonlight.  With a smug expression, Crystal looked back toward Eryn.  "Some people are just jealous that they can't make a fortune laying down.  They have to run across the filthy countryside, covering themselves in sweat, grime, and monster blood."  She tuned back to Hiran. "Come stay with me tonight, old man, and let's "go back to sleep and get out of her way."  Normally I charge 20 coins, but you're adorable for an older guy, so I'll only charge you 19."  She shot Eryn another smug look, implying that her "business skills" proved that she had won the conflict.

What do you do?

---

Eryn
Nobody but Crystal seems to have any qualms with you, whether they think you caused problems in the square or not.  Most just don't seem to care.  Crystal appears to think she has bested you in your argument by proving she has the more desirable job of the two of you.

Hiran
Crystal is ready to give you a night's "companionship" for the low low price of 19 coins.

Everyone
What is everyone's plans for the evening?  What are you doing next?

Ilura looked at Hiran frowning, then shrugged her shoulders.  She supposed in his profession - and with his general personality, that sort of companionship might be hard to come by any other way.  To be honest, she was somewhat envious at the prospect of a bed.  However she squared her shoulders and waited for Marcus to lead the way.

Hiran smiled greedily as the young lass.  "How about 15 gold and ill show you my magic fingers" he says this with a few raises of his brows and an even larger smile on his face. He then follows that up with a small display of pretty sparkling spouts of scintilating colors from his fingertips, a minor cantrip primarily used to entertain crowds and possibly give him a cheaper bed for the evening.

"Whatever you say, city girl," laughed Eryn, "I'll remember to call you in next time we need the streets secured and we'll see if you handle a bedful of monsters. You probably couldn't lift your own weight out of the sheets, much less a warrior's weapon."

She eyed Hiran for a moment but decided not to intervene. There really was nothing to be gained from arguing with this woman, nor from calling out the fact that she and the wizard knew each other. Yet annoyance ate at her pride and she couldn't help but respond.

On a whim, Eryn stroked the shaft of her weapon with a sensual finger and said mockingly: "You know, if you wish to know how to handle a proper polearm, nothing compares to a well-trained traveling swordsman - the type who doesn't have to come crawling to you with money to get some. Call me up some day, and I'll give you a training session, absolutely free."

Despite the provocation, Eryn could tell the pair were already losing interest in her thanks to Hiran's magic and Crystal's... assets stealing all their attention from each other. Whatever. If the money was all she cared about, so be it. That smug face was like a grindstone to Eryn's mental blade. The warrior had plenty of crass words to say, but found it high time to walk away before she found herself blowing up a second time.

"Enjoy your night, sir, madam."

She gave an insincere salute and backed out of the conversation to rejoin her companions.

"Ilura, Marcus... let's go find a proper inn. I'm tired."

---

Eryn is prodding Crystal some more just to get a reaction. If there's none, the only plans she has for the evening is to get some rest (and take advantage of the downtime to level up). In the morning she will go pick up her items from the blacksmith.

As a group I imagine we'll be discussing the night's events before going to bed, and reconvene with Hiran in the morning to plan our next course of action.

Hiran, please roll your cast a spell mpve.  On a 10+ she is thoruoghly pleased enough to ignore Eryn and give you your discount.  On a lower roll something else might happen depending on what option you choose for a 7-9, or if a 6- occurs.

09:25, Today: Dr Hiran Krauss rolled 5 using 2d6+2.  Impress the ladies.

Hiran called on his magic but something was wrong he felt his usual control starting to slip.  A wide eyed look of concern flashes across his face.

OOC: Do your worst GM sir :-)

The harlot looked about ready to ignore Hiran's line that she had heard a million times before and seemed to be about ready to go scold Eryn some more, but then the flash of actual magical sparks caught her attention and a giddy smile crossed her face.  She really seemed to like the magical trick.

But perhaps it was because his mind was exhausted, or perhaps it was simple primal lust that was distracting him, but Hiran could feel his simple spell starting to slip away from him.  Crystal's look of pleasure quickly turned to one of disgust as the sparks sprouting from Hiran's fingers became oozing fountains of thick puss.  It dripped sloppily from his fingertips in several different shades.  None of them pretty.

"Ahh!" Crystal and her friends all backed away in disgust.  Crystal herself was close enough to catch a whiff of the pungent odor being produced and rushed over to a nearby bush where she vomited loudly, and in great volume.

By now the bouncer of the saloon was approaching.  He didn't say a word, but the large man's intimidating presence loomed ominously over Hiran and exuded a clear message. Leave now or suffer the consequences of messing with the ladies of his establishment.

What do you do?

---

Hiran
Your fingers are oozing a gross looking and smelly liquid.  At least for the moment.  You ruined any chance you had with Crystal or any of her friends.  Probably for life...

Don't forget to add XP!

Eryn
Crystal is to busy puking in the bushes to come up with any good comebacks.

Marcus was ready to answer any lingering doubts, but then the verbal attack on Eryn started. While more than willing to defend his friend, the paladin truly had no idea of what occurred, and it took him a while to piece together information from Eryn's words. He would have vouched for her integrity, but the warrior had it well under control.

"The day was indeed long, but my work is not yet done." Marcus replied to Eryn, flexing his right arm as he sought to reconnect to the direction Lusiny gave hi, "I'll join you as soon as Bolen is redeemed and Wolves fed." With that, he looked around for the fisherman, ready to be off.

Ilura did her best to suppress a snort at Hiran's spectacle, though Eryn and Marcus could see her smirk in the light of the twin moons.

She followed after the holy warrior, leaving it to Hiran to decide whether to tag along and Eryn to decide whether to keep an eye on the mage or accompany herself and Marcus.