The Madness of Men in a World of Monsters (D&D 5e IC)

[Spore]

Doctor Ignacius Madaras, Medicus Extravagant! Gnome Alchemist Artificer | Raven Homunculus AC: 14 HP: 27/27 | AC 13 HP: 9/9 PP: 11 PIv: 16 PIs: 11 | PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 10 Conditions: - Concentration: - Madaras scratches his temples. Nono, a barlgura only carries enough essence to summon another. But whoever called this may use it to produce more sacrifices to summon more. After all, what is a summoner of a single demon if not just a target for the village mob? A summoner of a veritable demon army however is a king. Ignaz nods to Selissa. Yes, tracking it in the meantime would be wise. If it was summoned currently, it may not have gotten far yet. "have you fought one before, then? Do you...do your people hunt them?" To Set, he shakes his head. Oh no. To be perfectly clear, the arcane arts eluded me for the longest time. I lack the patience for it, others would say. I say, I lack the time for impractical uses of magic. Still, reading up on rituals and the like is deeply fascinating. His eyes flash Mal shortly, as the gnome pauses. My kin are forest creatures usually. While we do well with nature, we really are a bunch of fey enthusiasts. As thus it is clear to us, the boundaries of our mortal plane are brittle and riddled with holes. Though I appreciate the fun trickster kind more than the dark child snatchers the fey send out too. With a lot more cheer in his voice, he finally claims. We usually try to fight the summoner, not the summoned creature. It is a lot less hassle.

[Riggdgames]

Set Al-Sayyid Changeling Fighter/Hexblade AC: 17 HP: 34/34 PP: 11 PIv: 12 PIs: 9 Conditions: Iumenta Pox (currently no symptoms) Concentration: -- For days Set had been surrounded by those who spoke mostly in short bursts, if at all. Before that, he had spent a considerable amount of time walking the road north alone. In contrast, the gnome's rapidfire responses and verbose, meandering style are a bit dizzying, and Set has to concentrate to keep pace. In response to the back and forth between Madaras and Selissa on tracking the demon while they wait, he simply looks out in the direction it went. "If it hasn't gone far, we may well find it before Vargath finds us." Without turning his eyes to Madaras, he asks, "you said that we could best one or two of these things? Was that jest, or do you mean it?" Set turns his eyes from the trail to Evergreen. "You know these woods. You could stay hidden and return to us after stalking it, but not without risk. Can you tell where this path might lead? Where it's headed?" Without even realizing it, Set turns to Mal to calmly state his case for waiting, subconsciously granting him some of the authority Moira had given him. "If there's no threat to us or others, why not wait? We already know what it is," Set says, gesturing to Ignacius. "We can only learn exactly where it's gone, but after that..." Set trails off, letting the words hang in the air as he looks from Mal back towards the path that leads after their demon. A slight breeze sends the leaves swaying on their branches as their shadows dance and call out from the path, beckoning him forward. Even when Set feels sure He's gone, the world conspires to ensure the Shadowkeeper stays in his thoughts.

[Theophilus]

Mal Levistus Tiefling Bard 4 AC: 14 HP: 34/34 PP: 11 PIv: 13 PIs: 11 Spell Slots: 1st - 4/4 2nd - 3/3 Magic Initiate: 1/1 Fey Touched: 1st - 1/1 2nd - 1/1 Levistus Legacy: 2nd - 1/1 Bardic Inspiration: 4/4 Healer's Kit: 20/20 Conditions: -- Concentrating: -- Mal listened to the exchange among the team Moira assembled. Somehow she has stitched a rather exotic cloak to cover her back..., the tiefling thought. However, his mind preoccupied with the prospect of facing a huge demon without their own hulking bruiser. He let Set's shallow association of his kind with this other abyssal ape drift on the breeze and twist to nothing. The attache answered at length, "Barlgura represent the baser souls who chew their way through the Pit. We could use Vargath's prowess to engage this creature, and the smaller scouting asset flit off to inform him of the situation. Perhaps we should enlist the aid of the villagers to form what the good doctor calls a 'mob' to help corral the fiend." Mal stepped upon the road instead of the trodden trail through the woods, "Unless the homunculus flies especially swift, you two can have your private soiree with Elder Maus before Vargath sets foot back upon dry land at the pier." The scholar produced an ebony viol with gold-leaf accents from its case. He set its sable rest to his cheek, stroked a few notes in the direction of the woods, and let the notes reverberate. He did this a couple more times, repeating the same chords. Satisfied, he secured the viol back into its case and concluded, "Shall we?"

Spoiler: OOC

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Cast message (3x) along the trajectory of the Barlgura and offset a few yards left and right. This may stretch the upper limits of the spell, but worth a shot to pique the creature's attention if it happens to lurk within 120ft. "A feast awaits by the path you began."

Spoiler: Mal's Notes

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Set: outcast of Abydos / Romantic connection for Moira?
Selissa: Blighted or reconstructed wood elf? Purported Scout.
Vargath: Afflicted Lycanthrope seeking to suspend his curse
Mandaras: Rival to Dr. Fixer.
Dr. Fixer: Moira's lieutenant and cultivates relations with the locals of Vale.
Elder Maus: Seeks to kill Moira. Hired mercenaries who betrayed him.

Barlgura: Demon loosed by summoning ritual on the road to Dam'ess.

Report daily updates to Mistress Moira at last light.

[Spore]

Doctor Ignacius Madaras, Medicus Extravagant! Gnome Alchemist Artificer | Raven Homunculus AC: 14 HP: 27/27 | AC 13 HP: 9/9 PP: 11 PIv: 16 PIs: 11 | PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 10 Conditions: - Concentration: - "Unless the homunculus flies especially swift, you two can have your private soiree with Elder Maus before Vargath sets foot back upon dry land at the pier." Ignaz sighs in defeat. You TRY building something that keeps itself aloft for any constant amount of times, lest being capable to fly all night and day. Speed is not the primary concern, but making the damn thing fly. You can hear a pinch of being offended between Ignaz's lines. Yes, yes, go to Maus, I'll try to get medical supplies. Else the monkey is ripping you up, and I have no sovereign glue to stick you back together. With that, the stubby-legged gnome is advancing in front of you; slowly.

[purepolarpanzer]

The Road to Dam'ess

The party continues along the road, heading for the village with a new sense of immediacy and thoughts of monsters in their minds.

Dam'ess

When the four agents of war enter the village proper, they find the whole place on alert. Villagers are out in the dirt street, all looking up and murmuring in fear. The Chief's aides are out amongst the people, baring their silver spears and trying to keep some form of order. The words of the crowd carry the fears of the villagers- "A witch! All in black! Flying over the village!" "The witch of the lake, come to reap us all for her dark purposes!" "Spirits help us!". Then they start to notice all of you coming up the road. At first all of them give Mal looks of horror and panic, but the presence of Set and Selissa seem to assuage their concerns for the moment. Still, like he has dozens of times before, Mal hears the whispers turn to "Demon!" "Devil!" "Monster!". Then a genuine giant stands up from a kneeling position on the ground and turns to face you all.

As a hunchback, Chief Maus Moeller was taller than most at around six feet tall. With straightened back, he stands to his full height of nearly nine feet. His staff, a formidable looking branch bigger than a great club, seems petite sized in his massive grasp. He steps through the crowd on legs the size of tree trunks, and each step can be felt through the ground like a miniature earthquake. He crosses the distance to stand in front of you in just three steps, a look of concern on his face. "Good. You've come. You must be following Moira. It must have been an epic battle, to fell Vargath and send her fleeing from her castle. I'll go with you! Now that the curse is lifted, we can catch her! I can take her out of the air with a spell, and then we can capture her and make her end the curse on the village!" He looks to Mal and Dr. Madaras with some confusion before positing a reason for their presence. "Were the two of you prisoners in her dungeon? Are you here to help us too? Well, Vargath will be mourned, but any help is welcome, masters tiefling and gnome! Come on!" He begins to turn to sprint away after Moira's flight path, intent on taking down a woman he once loved.

[Awful]

Selissa Betula Wood Elf Scout Rogue AC: 16 HP: 31/31 PP: 16 Conditions: None Concentrating: -- Selissa frowned briefly. She looked at the crowd, her green gaze surveying the different faces, before giving the alchemist and the devilblood a brief warning glare. She stepped in closer to the Chief, now unbent and properly upright; she quietly wondered how the earth did not crack under his weight. "Chief," she said slowly, pitching her voice so it would not carry beyond the Chief, "Wait. Need to talk. More privately. Crowd not a good place." She fought back the urge for her mouth to twist in a scowl. This would be an ugly conversation, no doubt. All the same, she had to try. If nothing else, she didn't think she, the chief, and a bunch of peasantry untrained for combat would be enough to defeat Moira and the others. "Also, Vargath's not dead. Coming later. Need to hunt down a-" she paused for a second as she recalled what the artificer had called it. "-Barlgura. Some kind of demon ape. Still loose in the forest."

[Theophilus]

Mal Levistus Tiefling Bard 4 AC: 14 HP: 34/34 PP: 11 PIv: 13 PIs: 11 Spell Slots: 1st - 4/4 2nd - 3/3 Magic Initiate: 1/1 Fey Touched: 1st - 1/1 2nd - 1/1 Levistus Legacy: 2nd - 1/1 Bardic Inspiration: 4/4 Healer's Kit: 20/20 Conditions: -- Concentrating: -- Mal bowed to the giant with a flourish. He feigned to not hear what uneducated mind's drooled from their fretful lips. Instead, he engaged with the enthusiastic elder, "Well met, Elder Maus! I am honored to make your acquaintance on this auspicious hour. You possess a nobler stature than described. I am Mal, a humble servant in service to the Vale's protection. The tale we possess is indeed impressive and, we hope, persuasive that the perceived threat has ended. Yet, a hunt closer to your homes and lives lurks to the north. A wild cultist has conjured a demon of the Abyss, and we would end its rampage of terror before it claims any souls within Dam'ess." The tiefling focused on the Elder, communicating with a bold, resonant tone of one used to public speaking. The scholar moved only enough to emphasize his points. Otherwise, he commanded attention by standing with pristine posture that drew the eyes to him as to a natural leader. Mal looked each villager in the eye as he finished his speech, his golden gaze rich with concern for each individual in the flock.

Spoiler: OOC

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Spoiler: Mal's Notes

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Set: outcast of Abydos / Romantic connection for Moira?
Selissa: Blighted or reconstructed wood elf? Purported Scout.
Vargath: Afflicted Lycanthrope seeking to suspend his curse
Mandaras: Rival to Dr. Fixer.
Dr. Fixer: Moira's lieutenant and cultivates relations with the locals of Vale.
Elder Maus: Seeks to kill Moira. Hired mercenaries who betrayed him.
--Healed to his full 9ft height.

Barlgura: Demon loosed by summoning ritual on the road to Dam'ess.

Report daily updates to Mistress Moira at last light.

[Spore]

Doctor Ignacius Madaras, Medicus Extravagant! Gnome Alchemist Artificer | Raven Homunculus AC: 14 HP: 27/27 | AC 13 HP: 9/9 PP: 11 PIv: 16 PIs: 11 | PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 10 Conditions: Trumpets (Minor Illusion), Rod of Pyrotechnics, Billowing Cape Concentration: - It is I, Doctor Ignacius Madaras, Alchemist Extraordinaire. Various fireworks go up in the air as the gnome introduces himself. Don't worry, the witch is no threat to you and Vargath has not been slain. Instead of fighting her to the death, and dooming the entire landscape to her retribution, my shrewd mind has gotten her to accept a trade deal with the town. You supply her with the amenities of life, such as rural delicacies, your excellent handiwork and extravagant clothing, and in turn she will aid you with her elixirs, and occassionally though very rarely her magic. Ignaz is beaming with joy as he opens his small coffer, that has extendable metal legs. I have already brought to you several minor potions and draughts. Here we have a cure for hair loss. Lack of appetite. A potion to make you more courageous. And a draught of orcish potency, no doubt certified by yours truly Ser Hubrecht. And all of that for nearly free. I would gift it to you as a sign of her good will, but we agreed on a nominal fee to prevent hoarding. Ignaz turns over to the group and shoos them away. Go, now.

[Riggdgames]

Set Al-Sayyid Changeling Fighter/Hexblade AC: 17 HP: 34/34 PP: 11 PIv: 12 PIs: 9 Conditions: Iumenta Pox (currently no symptoms) Concentration: -- Ignorant of the implication he'd made or any offense it might've caused, Set listens intently to Mal's answer, eager for knowledge and happily agreeing with his assessment. Vargath would indeed be needed to engage the creature if the size of its footprints were any indication. A genuine smile even creeps on Set's face as Mal makes it clear that both Set and Selissa would have a chance to confer with the Chief privately before they all proceed after the ape. Set's happiness, however, is short-lived. His heart sinks as the first shrieks and cries greet them, and it sinks still lower when Maus makes it clear that his first priority is hunting Moira. Set listens to Selissa's quiet voice carry over the din, seemingly halting the big man in his tracks despite her hushed tone. Set takes half a step forward, eager to usher Maus somewhere more private, when Mal's velvet-voice resonates between the five of them. Although unwelcome at first, Set's annoyance wanes as Mal starts opening a compelling case for focusing on the demon rather than Moira. It all comes crashing down as Doctor Ignacius Madaras, Alchemist Extraordinaire makes himself known with an ill-timed, ill-conceived lie directed towards a man who saw through all. At first Set is baffled, but as the act continues despite the seriousness of the situation and the Chief's history with Moira, Set's grip on his spear tightens as he tries to contain his anger. He hadn't understood the gnome's introduction earlier that morning, but that had been at breakfast where the most serious consequence was indigestion. A day before they'd sat across from the Chief as friends. They'd uncovered elements of a cult for him, procured silver for his people to defend themselves, and fought the werewolves that threatened to overrun Dam'ess. Finally they'd accepted an invitation to meet with a witch he knew well, one that had cursed him and the town. But this time they were not the conquering heroes returning to a celebration in the streets. They were not the allies come just in time to lift the siege and rout the enemy at the gates. They were rapidly becoming the turncoats and villains in Maus' story, and they might only have one chance to keep things from turning hostile. A thousand thoughts swirl through Set's mind in a moment, culminating in one fact. Evergreen could do it. She knew the Chief, she alone thought to help him as part of their bargain with Moira, and she alone was capable of this. Set takes a step over to Selissa as the gnome shoos them forward and places a hand on her shoulder, facing the opposite direction from her. "Go," he says, his normally tightly controlled voice spilling over with rage as he looks back towards the other two, and the woods beyond, "I'll stay." The hand lifts, and Set collects himself as he silently hopes Evergreen can convince Maus to retreat somewhere more private instead of blowing up here. In the meantime, he stands sentinel, quietly hoping to bar passage further into the town with only a look. "We need to talk," he says without preamble if Selissa is able to progress forward, his voice betraying barely-subdued anger. He trusts Evergreen implicitly, but the opposite could be said of the two Moira had placed her own trust in. "Privately. Will you walk with me?" Set asks, nodding back towards the direction they'd come.

[purepolarpanzer]

Dam'ess

Maus first looks confused at Selissa's words, then calmed by Mal's, then enraged by Dr. Madaras'. When all three have spoken his face is contorted in a multitude of emotions, which finally settles to stoic silence when Set speaks last. "One of you barely speaks, but speaks wisdom. Another speaks at length, with skill, to divert my attention. And the next lies to my face with fanfare and then tries to BARTER with me! Set, Selissa, you two have fought for Dam'ess. Bled for Dam'ess. Put your lives at risk for Dam'ess. You I will trust. Follow me to my home. There we can speak privately. Mal, Dr. Madaras, you may follow but do not speak until Set and Selissa have explained. At the rate you are going you will either sucker me with sweet words or cause me to throw you in a rage, and neither of those things solves the problem of Moira and her curse. Or if Selissa and Set would prefer, you can wait outside. Come."

Maus leads the way across the square, villagers scattering before him like pigeons as he crosses to a large, crooked looking house, one of the few in the village with two stories. With his newly regained height, Maus has to duck to enter the door, though the ceilings seem to have been designed with his unbowed height in mind. Still, he is mere inches away from bumping his head on the beams. He crosses to a small table and takes a seat, pouring himself a glass of water from a pitcher. Sitting down he still looms over some of you. He sighs, rubs at his bald head, and makes a circular motion with his hand, small green sparks spilling from his fingers and dissipating before hitting the floor. The air around you becomes slightly illuminated, brighter than the sunlight through the window can muster. "Now we are protected from lies. Speak. Tell me what has happened. I am glad that Vargath is alive, but something has changed in your eyes and your gait and I must know."

Spoiler: OOC

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Maus seems fine with Mal and Dr. M following along, but you all can decide amongst yourselves whether they should be present. Zone of Truth has been cast. DC 15 Charisma Saving throw from everyone in the hourse. You can choose to fail if you feel like being polite.

[Theophilus]

Mal Levistus Tiefling Bard 4 AC: 14 HP: 34/34 PP: 11 PIv: 13 PIs: 11 Spell Slots: 1st - 4/4 2nd - 3/3 Magic Initiate: 1/1 Fey Touched: 1st - 1/1 2nd - 1/1 Levistus Legacy: 2nd - 1/1 Bardic Inspiration: 4/4 Healer's Kit: 20/20 Conditions: -- Concentrating: -- Mal felt a string of emotions that did not surface. Most of them dwelled in the domain of disappointment and disdain. The hubris of a desert rat, and the subtlety of a carnival. He began to wonder how Madaras survived on the road alone if he approached every mob with a flourish of explosions. He treated Set as he had ever, politely ignoring his outburst. Mal advanced and once more separated from Madaras, passing Set to speak directly toward Maus. "An understandable misgiving for a stranger, Elder. I accept your gracious invitation." When the elder imposed an arcane ward against deceit, the tiefling instinctively inwardly revulsed. The tool of inquisitors did not bode well for a frocked member of a cabal. Yet, even then, the scholars trained their acolytes in the methods to bear under arcanely tortured confessions. He took a position to the side to present Selissa the appropriate room to do as the Elder instructed, but away from Set. He was not the first exiled princeling to cross Mal's path, and he would not be the last to become disappointed that his demands went unmet.

Spoiler: OOC

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Charisma save: (1d20+6)[7]

Spoiler: Mal's Notes

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Set: outcast of Abydos / Romantic connection for Moira?
Selissa: Blighted or reconstructed wood elf? Purported Scout.
Vargath: Afflicted Lycanthrope seeking to suspend his curse
Mandaras: Rival to Dr. Fixer.
Dr. Fixer: Moira's lieutenant and cultivates relations with the locals of Vale.
Elder Maus: Seeks to kill Moira. Hired mercenaries who betrayed him.
--Healed to his full 9ft height.

Barlgura: Demon loosed by summoning ritual on the road to Dam'ess.

Report daily updates to Mistress Moira at last light.

[Spore]

Doctor Ignacius Madaras, Medicus Extravagant! Gnome Alchemist Artificer | Raven Homunculus AC: 14 HP: 27/27 | AC 13 HP: 9/9 PP: 11 PIv: 16 PIs: 11 | PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 10 Conditions: - Concentration: - Seeing as his tactics don't work, most of the villagers are scared or heavily doubting his draughts, Madaras quickly adapts. Madame Moira told me you were fearful of her gifts. You people seem to follow your leader's guidance. I think it is best to face his judgment rather than try to convince you myself. Without further ado, I will take my leave then. Madaras bows, takes his small coffer and leaves. As he enters the elder's hut, the gnome is hit by a wave of magic, all-too familiar one at that. He knows the kind, and even with his genius gnomish mind, he chooses not to rebel against it, rather letting it seep into him. I understand your mistrust, elder, but you do realize a good liar can circumvent this spell by telling technical truths, you know? And to be perfectly truthful, I would like to know this town's history with the witch Moira.

[Riggdgames]

Set Al-Sayyid Changeling Fighter/Hexblade AC: 17 HP: 34/34 PP: 11 PIv: 12 PIs: 9 Conditions: Iumenta Pox (currently no symptoms) Concentration: -- While Set stands sentinel, staring at the two newcomers and seeking to give Selissa a path to meet privately with the Chief without further interruption, Maus’ voice raises behind him, inviting all to join the discussion. As Set is distracted, both Mal and Doctor Madaras step past, ignoring him. Set’s hand clenches around his spear, hot anger turning cold as he nods slowly to himself. They were right to doubt he would escalate things any further. For his part, Set didn't wish to make enemies out of Moira's allies. Still, he struggled to understand. This marked the second time that Mal had summarily dismissed Set. Whether he asked politely for Mal to allow him and Selissa some privacy or aggressively for Mal to step aside and speak with him, Mal pushed foward with the same polite indifference. Was there a way to engage with the other man that did not result in being ignored? Set turns to walk after the others, quietly pondering the question as he watches Doctor Madaras slip into the home ahead of him. The gnome was another puzzle entirely. Set couldn’t understand his intentions either, nor what had driven him to lie so brazenly. Was he trying to calm people? Distract them? As Set stalks after them, he tries in vain to understand both Mal and Ignacius. Surely this endeavor was too important to Moira to entrust to just anyone. Set can feel the self-doubt creep in as he closes the door behind him, struggling to make sense of the past few hours. There was a reason Moira trusted them. There had to be. Set reaches into his belt pouch, grasping his coin and running his thumb over the ankh as he listens to Maus, and then Madaras. If they wouldn't talk to him, perhaps he could learn something from sitting back and listening to them talk to the Chief instead. Set instinctively tries to resist the pull of a spell, but as its nature becomes clear, he relents with a brief rush of anxiety. Maus would have the truth one way or another.

[Awful]

Selissa Betula Wood Elf Scout Rogue AC: 16 HP: 31/31 PP: 16 Conditions: None Concentrating: -- The gnome remained as tasteless as ever - and this time, dishonest, as he promised a bunch of things Selissa wasn't sure was quite true. She gave the peddler a sharp look. Always with the fireworks. Had he expected a sales pitch to work on a lynch mob? "They can come for now, " she said to the Chief, "Will want to talk privately afterwards, though." Selissa didn't fight the magic as she entered, simply letting it seel into her bones. She was silent for a long moment, the stoic elf considering how best to word things. Her intense green eyes watched the Chief's face. "Went to Bo'Tel's castle," she began, "Fought undead on the way. Fungus things. Rotten. Bo'Tel met us, invited us in. Promised Vargath cure, slept with Set. Cunning enough. Talked about Ebon Ziggurat. Vampires. Under the capital. Had a skull of one and paintings. Others believe her. Believe she thinks that, at least. You know about it from before she died. Orc God brought her back. Gruumsh. Something like that." She twitched her head at the other three. Should she have mentioned Set's spear practice to the man who used to be Bo'Tel's lover? Probably not, but urgh - she wasn't ever described as silvertongued, and was being honest why Set so easily turned to the corpse witch's side. "Those two her men," she said in her emotionless tone. "Wants us to help fight the vampires. Wasn't sure if she was still cursing the village. Doesn't make sense to me. Couldn't trust her to answer, but got her to release curse on you. Thought come asking you best. Birel went mad, probably. Went to do something with the Ziggurat. Bo'Tel's chasing her down." She lapsed instantly into silence, as if all the words in her body had just been exhausted by that series of terse sentences, but though she'd never been social in the village the Chief knew enough of her mannerisms.

[purepolarpanzer]

Dam'ess

The Chief nods at Dr. Madaras' words. "Aye, it's easy enough to get around, but it is much easier to tell when someone is skirting the truth than when they are free to outright lie. You'll find I'm not easily fooled, Doctor, especially when I know what to look for." Then he settles in to listen to Selissa's explanation of events.

When the forest elf has finished her carefully chosen and curated selection of words, Chief Maus Moeller sighs, puts a massive hand over his face, and shakes his head. "Set, Set, Set... I'd curse you for your actions if I'd not fallen for Moira's charms myself all those years ago. I only pray that like me you'll realize her madness before it is too late for you. Too late for us." He stands up from his chair and begins to pace. "She had a skull? And paintings? The skull could belong to anything gotten anywhere. It's a wide, weird world we live in. And paintings can be drawn from imagination even more easily than from a model. I don't think any of Moira's evidence is worth a withered fig. She's mad, all of you! Raving! A city of the undead under the capital? Hogwash!" He slams a fist down on the table, administering a crack in it with accidental rage. Realizing he's let his anger get the best of him, Maus sits back down.

"If Moira can cure Vargath I can't blame him for falling in with her plans, and if she has seduced Set then his mind is not his own. But for the rest of you I plead you see reason- the Vale is at peace. The ugliness and evil of the Purge is behind us, and now all can live in prosperity. Is it perfect? No, not by a long shot, but nothing ever is. If you want change and growth, I'll blame you not for fighting for it, but what Moira spoke of before she died was full rebellion. WAR! A war that will sweep this valley with fire and blood and render all involved to ash and corpses! Nay, until I've heard her tell her tale under the burden of the spirit's truth, I'll not believe it! It's more likely that she wishes herself queen of the Vale and will be adding all of you to the corpse churn to get her desire! And if her intentions are noble, why does she curse our soil in an attempt to raise our dead for her nefarious ends? If it were not for the Grandfather Oak in the cemetery, we'd be up to our eyeballs in the zombies of our own kin! So my request to Selissa and Set I'll extend to the rest of you as well- MAKE MOIRA STOP HER CURSE!" Maus turns away and leans against the wall, eyes closed, and hits his head against it three times in rhythm. "If she does not, I will send word to the capital that she lives. If she thinks her rebellion can survive the might of the crown, she didn't learn anything from the first time they killed her. Spirits damn her, I don't want to see her killed again, but I refuse to surrender the bodies and souls of my past citizens for some imaginary war! And even if she does lift the curse, Dam'ess will not survive the wrath of a vengeful King!" He hits the wall again, shaking dust from the rafters as he turns to face all of you. "What say you? Can you stop her, or must I?"

[Spore]

Doctor Ignacius Madaras, Medicus Extravagant! Gnome Alchemist Artificer | Raven Homunculus AC: 14 HP: 27/27 | AC 13 HP: 9/9 PP: 11 PIv: 16 PIs: 11 | PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 10 Conditions: - Concentration: - Madaras sits down. As far as you have seen him today, he never sat down, never quietly contemplated. But here the gnome was, silent and thinking. It was as if he was another person. As if the doctor was just a facade, a loud and colorful one, for people not used to dealing with the fey that are gnomes. After a while, he unpacks a pipe and starts packing it with a bit of tobacco. He dares not smoke in someone else's abode, but it seems to keep his fingers busy. Finally, he responds. Everyone in this room and this town has a gripe with the rulers. Even if you do not want to follow through with it, you would change and improve things. Not necessarily by war, but maybe with reforms. Protest would be inevitable, conflict would brew but at least in your small town you could stifle its flames. I have my own gripes with humans, and their tendency to oppress, to divide and conquer. But this does not excuse bringing unnecessary suffering to those innocent of bigotry. And I too share your doubt with Moira's methods, truth be told. Necromancy is a fickle topic, and the scholars could cover up something major with pretending that Ebonstone only copies the soul but does not actually capture it. I use one shard in my own design, but until today my findings are inconclusive. My creation resembles life, but isn't actually it. Maybe we are playing god by emulating the divine spark of a soul then. But less musing on ethics and morality. As I see it, dear Maus, we are now caught between a rock and a hard place. If we decide either faction, if we divide this already weak town, you are doomed to fall either way. Worse, if we overzealously pick a side, we may ultimatively doom ourselves to know the truth, to reach a better understanding of what would be best. Madaras turns to the others. As thus I propose the following. We find out for ourselves if Moira speaks the truth. I sound like I speak with overconfidence but it would not be difficult to find out if vampires are involved. Not too hard for us at least. If we know more, we can share this knowledge with our dear Elder here. It would be unconscionable to bring war to this vale, and for naught. What doubts you have concerning Vargath's ailment, once I have Fixer's remedy, I am sure I am able to concoct the actual cure. But it would bet my colorful cape on it, that this will neither be easily reached nor be attained without additional pain to him or us. Will you agree with me to aid the knight Hubrecht to see his suffering to an end? Madaras smiles solemnly into your faces, feeling somber and staying silent for the second time this day.

[Theophilus]

Mal Levistus Tiefling Bard 4 AC: 14 HP: 34/34 PP: 11 PIv: 13 PIs: 11 Spell Slots: 1st - 4/4 2nd - 3/3 Magic Initiate: 1/1 Fey Touched: 1st - 1/1 2nd - 1/1 Levistus Legacy: 2nd - 1/1 Bardic Inspiration: 4/4 Healer's Kit: 20/20 Conditions: -- Concentrating: -- Mal listened to the giant's proposal. His speech remained mostly measured, given the outburst of rage. Yet, the words had a sense to them. The tiefling enjoyed hearing a new perspective on the matters in the Vale, even if the ideas caused him to ponder how he might have to silence the Elder to achieve his aims. A pity to waste such a powerful spirit, but hopefully his successor would see the light. The attache replied, "A reason I have come is to inquire. Have you been to the Capital before, during, or after the Purge?" He would exchange questions long before granting promises. The Elder had much he wished to hear, and Mal would keep the focus on the giant while the truth aura remained. Each moment he purchased was one more that his client could trade for greater distance between Dam'ess and her objective. I shall learn the truth of the matters eventually, whether from the locals or sifting through the capital's ashes.

Spoiler: OOC

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Spoiler: Mal's Notes

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Set: outcast of Abydos / Romantic connection for Moira?
Selissa: Blighted or reconstructed wood elf? Purported Scout.
Vargath: Afflicted Lycanthrope seeking to suspend his curse
Mandaras: Rival to Dr. Fixer.
Dr. Fixer: Moira's lieutenant and cultivates relations with the locals of Vale.
Elder Maus: Seeks to kill Moira. Hired mercenaries who betrayed him.
--Healed to his full 9ft height.
--Disbelieves Moira's insights; seeks to end her directly or indirectly.

Barlgura: Demon loosed by summoning ritual on the road to Dam'ess.

Report daily updates to Mistress Moira at last light.

[Riggdgames]

Set Al-Sayyid Changeling Fighter/Hexblade AC: 17 HP: 34/34 PP: 11 PIv: 12 PIs: 9 Conditions: Iumenta Pox (currently no symptoms) Concentration: -- Set stares down at his hands as Selissa briefly details their adventures in her singular style. At her mention of his exploits with Moira, he flinches before his face goes unnaturally still beneath the shemagh, holding the mask frozen in place as he splits his focus. He'd known before he sat down that Maus would learn that bit of truth, it only remained to be seen whether he was prepared to acknowledge an even more painful one. The fact that Evergreen reveals that bit of information isn't as surprising as her skepticism relative to the vampires. Set had hoped she was reasonably convinced earlier, but if the skull and the paintings would not serve, they would need to find more proof. It could only help them raise the Vale against the crown, and it would put Set's own mind at ease to have Evergreen's alliance with Moira be built on firmer foundations. Set is ever-thankful for the layer of masks hiding his feelings as the Chief speaks, dismissing the threat of vampires and the Ebon Ziggurat as easily as one might dismiss a housefly. He didn't want to hear it. He never had, but certainly not now. He was committed. To admit that there might be vampires would be to admit that he'd been wrong 50 years ago. And he couldn't do that. "He doesn't want to know," Set mutters, looking back at Ignacius' solemn smile. Set's head seemed fit to burst, but still there was room for the jarring realization that the gnome had put on his own mask. Or had he taken his off? Which was the real Ignacius? The doctor, brash and boistrous as he was, had drawn into himself, leaving only a quiet, contemplative gnome in his place. Before Set can decide whether he agrees with Ignacius or Doctor Madaras, another voice breaks the silence. Mal speaks a single question that drives like a stake through the heart of the matter from an angle Set hadn't seen previously. Maus had dismissed Moira's claims, but did he ever doubt himself? Had he ever been to Harumburg to see for himself? Is that why he was still so sure of himself?

[purepolarpanzer]

Dam'ess- The Chief's House

The Chief doesn't seem like he quite knows what to make of Dr. Madaras' more subdued demeanor. He in fact seems baffled. "If you all were to go to Harumburg and witness Moira's claims first hand... that would change things. As against her dark magics as I find myself, if there really is a threat of undeath within the Vale I would not be too proud a man to stay defiant to her will. I simply don't believe it." He turns to Mal and narrows his eyes. "I might be old, but I am not three hundred years old. I saw the capital as a young man, and I saw no sign of vampires or corruption beyond that normal for all city folk."

[Riggdgames]

Set Al-Sayyid Changeling Fighter/Hexblade AC: 17 HP: 34/34 PP: 11 PIv: 12 PIs: 9 Conditions: Iumenta Pox (currently no symptoms) Concentration: -- The last shred of doubt disappears as Maus speaks. At least now Set knew the extent of his knowledge. "You don't really want to know," Set blurts out, unable to keep his silence any longer. "Do you? You saw the capital once, and that was enough for you 50 years ago when you dismissed Moira's claim the first time. After all these years, will you really believe us if we return to verify her claim now? Or will you cast us out just as you did her?" Set shakes his head, fists clenched beneath the table as he struggles to keep his voice tightly under control. "She cursed you for it, but a few words from Selissa and your curse was lifted this morning. Moira relented despite everything and you're whole again because of their actions. Or at least you look whole. You'll always be hollow to me, Maus. You'll never be whole until you acknowledge you let someone you cared about be abused and butchered without even trusting her enough to seek the truth for yourself." Set's voice is even, but obviously strained with the effort of keeping his anger under control as the mask starts to crack. He'd just had a reminder outside that losing his temper didn't help, but it was very hard not to give into it. "I agree with Doctor Madaras," he says, trying to keep some momentum. "We'll do it for you. Find the truth about vampires in Hamburg, that is. "Mal?" Set pauses after just the name, forcing himself to stop and take another breath to steady himself. Set needed him. He had Moira's ear, and more than that, her trust. Even if Set had both and the sending stone, he still couldn't negotiate with Maus, not really. Not without antagonizing him further, and that would only hurt Moira. "I don't know you, but Moira does. She trusts you. Do you believe she would lift the curse on this place in exchange for Dam'ess' neutrality? She doesn't need the village's past if its present and future are of no consequence. We don't need him," Set says, gesturing to Maus, "exchanging words with the crown or finally stirring from this place to trail us." Set searches those golden eyes for a clue to see if his words mean a thing to the tiefling, but he can't see anything past their color. The other man had his own mask, and Set could only plead his case blindly. Turning back to Maus, Set asks, "will you bargain with him? Safeguard your village as you've always done and let others do the fighting for you, Maus. In a few months, either the crown will be too busy worrying about Moira to visit their wrath on Dam'ess," or we'll all be dead, Set leaves unsaid, faltering a moment. "Or we'll return with proof she lied and I will help you put a stop to her." Lest she fall prey to the same beasts that carved her to pieces last time. If she'd lied about vampires and the Ebon Ziggurat, she would fall regardless, but at least Set would try to give her a clean death the second time. "<I promise,>" Set says, giving his word to Evergreen rather than Maus, regardless of whether he could understand sylvan. Set couldn't be sure what Selissa was thinking behind those green eyes, but she meant more than Dam'ess ever would. "<If the witch is false, I will follow you as far as it takes to see that she does not spread her lies further. But I need your help to find the truth, Selissa. I do not know who else I can count on with Vargath sick, and his cure in the hands of doctors.>" Set pushes his chair back from the table, preparing to leave. Whatever happened to Dam'ess from now on was in other hands. "<Please show me if she is wrong, and I will stay with you to see her brought low. But I believe her. She didn't have to lift his curse. She didn't have to tell us of Gruumsh,>" Set says, unaware Evergreen had already known. "I believe she's trying to do the right thing, but the only options are bad and worse.>"

[purepolarpanzer]

On the Road to Dam'ess

Vargath's trip across the lake is just as peaceful as the rest of the party's, with the exception of spotting a feeding frenzy of local fish as they jump and leap for mayflies as they begin their annual death cycle, followed by a long necked crane with a red spot of feathers on it's head land amongst the fish and snatch up several before they fled the area. The crane lifts it's head and undualates it's throat to swallow it's prize, then looks at Vargath and his boat in an inquisitive manner before flying away. Before he realizes it Vargath's boat has reached the dock, where it can be easily tied up next to it's mate.

Some time later, Vargath comes across the scene of last night's battle, and like the group before him he can tell that a massive ape-like creature bounded through here, leaving a trail through the trees and undergrowth. He can intuit as much, but not more, than Selissa and Mal. It would be tantamount to suicide to hunt the demon alone, so Vargath moves on to Dam'ess with more respect to the gravity of the situation.

Dam'ess

Coming in to the town center, Vargath can see that most of the crowd has dispersed, but those who remain stand in front of the Chief's house, staring dumbly at the building and trying to see something through the windows. As he approaches, and thin, knobbly kind of human approaches his. "Mr. Vargath Hubrecht? Are you looking for your friends? They are meeting with the Chief right now. Tell me... is that gnomish fellow's potions of orc potency really effective? He said you'd recommend them."

[Spore]

Doctor Ignacius Madaras, Medicus Extravagant! Gnome Alchemist Artificer | Raven Homunculus AC: 14 HP: 27/27 | AC 13 HP: 9/9 PP: 11 PIv: 16 PIs: 11 | PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 10 Conditions: - Concentration: - Madaras listens intently to both sides and watches Set's movements. What game Mal and Set played was not his concern, but the enigmatic spearman had several faces, and the charlatan suddenly found a certain honesty in him only having two identities; granted with varying background details. The anger and emotional dialogue surprised him as the elder was an honest man, who did not want to trick anyone. He was just stubborn. He turns to his new ally. Why do you accuse Maus of cowardice, Set? Who would have been there if he marched into the castle and his expectations were true? What if Moira just killed her old companion, leaving the Vale defenseless? What if he himself succumed to the Ebonstone and not just your friend Birel? It was the most sensible choice to send and aid warriors to her castle. The gnome jumps off the titanic chair and walks towards the warrior, without a care in the world, hands behind his back, invading the haunted man's personal space. Not everything has to be a noble and brave fight, you know? Sometimes choices just need to make sense in the context. You could skewer me easily with your spear. And I have little reason to trust you besides the word of others whom you also are not truly honest towards. But to my best knowledge you won't. Not just because my death does not further your own agenda. But also because all evidence I have points towards you being a reliable ally. The same things I would attribute to Maus. His magic invaded our minds. You know him and his magic, but there are several dozens of spells that feel similar, yet fatally influence your mind. Still you willingly entered this enchanted hut, with the possibility of him technically being able to control your head. Madaras smiles genuinely. Aren't you afraid to hear voices in your head that tell you what to do? Or is this already a given with you? Madaras goes next to Mal and himself, and offers his and his new friend's honesty. Well, as long as we are here, we can technically answer your questions about us, too. Ignacius adds, not trying to rope the horned bard into trouble, but rather to - somewhat inelegantly - make him a part of this too.

[Amnestic]

Vargath Hubrecht Half-Orc Rune Knight Fighter AC: 19 HP: 40/40 PP: 12 PIv: 12 PIs: 10 Conditions: Infected (Lycanthropy), -1 INT Concentrating: -- The half-orc sniffs the prints of the apparent demon ape, though in truth he wasn't quite sure what he expected, just that if it was demonic, it probably had some sort of scent, and perhaps his newly acquired wolf-blood would pick up a trail. While he would be rid of it at his earliest opportunity, he wouldn't shirk any assistance it offered in the meantime. If it could be used, he'd do so. Regardless of his findings (slim that they are), and assurances of his own strength, Vargath continues on to the village to pick up the trail of Set, Selissa, and the two new 'companions', for however much that was worth. He's heard plenty about people trying to bottle the 'essence of orc' for bedroom purposes, and he can't exactly blame them - if there was nothing to that, Vargath probably wouldn't exist in the first place. He has, however, yet to see anyone who'd successfully managed it, the best being a pale imitation that ended up temporarily flooding the university's dorm rooms before swiftly ceasing use. It had worked wonderfully for a day or two, but it subsequently killed the libido for the better part of a month. More than a few burgeoning romances died because of it, and students were a lot more careful next time an alchemist with a flashy smile and boisterous sales pitch came around. This information he relays directly to the villager, offering his honest and forthright experiences. "Perhaps the doctor's tinctures do what he says, perhaps not. Buyer beware. I wouldn't recommend anything without trying it myself, and I've not done so. I've spoken to him for perhaps ten minutes in total." He doesn't comment further on his impressions, leaving it up to his own audience to draw their own conclusions. Instead, he finishes with simply "If you want to sleep with an orc, find yourself an orc who wants to sleep with you." That last part, at least, he could recommend. He sees no need to announce himself or knock before entering the chief's abode, instead merely pushing open the door, just in time to hear the end of Set's impassioned speech dropping into the sylvan tongue, one that he continues to not speak, followed by Madaras' rebuttal. "Madaras' note said you were hunting an ape demon. Unless it's hiding in the honey pot I don't think we'll find it in here." Whatever chinwag they'd had waiting for him, he's sure they can catch him up with anything important on the trail. If there was hunting and killing to be done they shouldn't dither longer than necessary.

[Awful]

Selissa Betula Wood Elf Scout Rogue AC: 16 HP: 31/31 PP: 16 Conditions: None Concentrating: -- Selissa was quiet for a long while, enough for Vargath to enter - she acknowledged the halfblood with a small nod - for Set and the gnome to speak. When it looked like things might descend into arguing, she spoke up once, her tone sharp. "Enough. Argue after monkey." The paleskinned elf glanced sourly between the humans, inhuman and semi humans in the room, her glare showing full well her opinion of anyone attempting to continue the 'debate'. "After this, finding Bo'Tel. Seeing proof for myself. Dwarves can wait, lasted this long. If she's right, one thing. If she's wrong and evil, will shoot her. Done. Happy? " She gave a brief glance towards Set and the chief, mainly, before settling those emerald eyes on the accursed changeling. "<Don't forget this if the time comes,>" she said to the cursed one in sylvan. Oak, his accent was terrible. She sighed again, lightly. "<The right thing... there are too many unknowns. I'll help as best I can.>" She dropped back into the relative crudity of commontongue. "Can talk more after demon's dead. Chief, watch the village. Meet again after. " She rose with that fluid motion and, without further ado, left to hunt down a demonic gorilla.

[Theophilus]

Mal Levistus Tiefling Bard 4 AC: 14 HP: 34/34 PP: 11 PIv: 13 PIs: 11 Spell Slots: 1st - 4/4 2nd - 3/3 Magic Initiate: 1/1 Fey Touched: 1st - 1/1 2nd - 1/1 Levistus Legacy: 2nd - 1/1 Bardic Inspiration: 4/4 Healer's Kit: 20/20 Conditions: -- Concentrating: -- Mal watched as Set and Madaras tangled over the Maus. Many fifers make a raucous chorus., he mused. He prepared to inquire further. Maus' reaction provided the response he desired, revealing the giant to be of comparable age to the others in the room. Yet, as he considered his next question, Vargath appeared suddenly and Selissa sought to leave abruptly. Mal spoke toward Selissa with a calming, courteous tone. "Let us not commence with such haste. The concerned elder may provide assistance in hunting the Barlgura, since the creature is within a walk of his village." He turned toward Elder Maus and included, "If you wish to see our merit, please join us or send your second with those silvered pikemen. The added numbers would expedite this hunt."

Spoiler: OOC

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Spoiler: Mal's Notes

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Set: outcast of Abydos / Romantic connection for Moira?
Selissa: Blighted or reconstructed wood elf? Purported Scout.
Vargath: Afflicted Lycanthrope seeking to suspend his curse
Mandaras: Rival to Dr. Fixer.
Dr. Fixer: Moira's lieutenant and cultivates relations with the locals of Vale.
Elder Maus: Seeks to kill Moira. Hired mercenaries who betrayed him.
--Healed to his full 9ft height.
--Disbelieves Moira's insights; seeks to end her directly or indirectly.
--Seeks us to verify the truths of Moira's claims--or stop her by any means necessary.

Barlgura: Demon loosed by summoning ritual on the road to Dam'ess.

Report daily updates to Mistress Moira at last light.

[Awful]

Selissa Betula Wood Elf Scout Rogue AC: 16 HP: 31/31 PP: 16 Conditions: None Concentrating: -- Selissa paused in her exit at Mal's words. She gave a short, sharp shake of her head. "Villagers should stay back here. Farmers, not fighters. Just get killed." She checked her quiver, seeing it was still full of arrows.

[Amnestic]

Vargath Hubrecht Half-Orc Rune Knight Fighter AC: 19 HP: 40/40 PP: 12 PIv: 12 PIs: 10 Conditions: Infected (Lycanthropy), -1 INT Concentrating: -- "Selissa is right, we're here to save people not send them forward as meat shields," Vargath follows up, "and panicky villagers who're liable to break rank will just get in the way." An empathetic and a practical response should convince, regardless of how much or little they cared for lost lives. "If the people were any use in a hunt, then the Chief wouldn't have had to hire us in the first place, silver weapons or no."

[Spore]

Doctor Ignacius Madaras, Medicus Extravagant! Gnome Alchemist Artificer | Raven Homunculus AC: 14 HP: 27/27 | AC 13 HP: 9/9 PP: 11 PIv: 16 PIs: 11 | PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 10 Conditions: - Concentration: - Madaras smiles. Well, if the big man himself says, he does not need any help, we will aid him. From a few dozen feet back. Ignacius says as he enjoys the companionship of his homunculus again. Selissa, if you are so kind as to let yourself guide by my friend Alvis. If you find the tracks on the ground, he can find the path in the air. The small doctor goes outside and let's the tiny creature fly. After a short while, Ignacius comes back inside and says. Alvis has been primed to hunt our prey now. We can start if you all are ready. He turns to Vargath. Try to stay on the defensive, though I assume your lupine hide resists a few splinters. the doctor reveals a few glass vials, though the tubes are rather thin so in all actuality, being hit with them really would not hurt as much. Of course I'll try to let Alvis inject the vials if possible. Spoiler Show Rolled 23 on Discord, so advantage is granted.

[Riggdgames]

Set Al-Sayyid Changeling Fighter/Hexblade AC: 17 HP: 34/34 PP: 11 PIv: 12 PIs: 9 Conditions: Iumenta Pox (currently no symptoms) Concentration: -- "Aren't you afraid to hear voices in your head that tell you what to do? Or is this already a given with you?" "Enough. Argue after monkey." Set chokes on the words half-formed in his mouth as Evergreen's voice interupts him just in time. The moment's hesitation is enough. Set takes a deep breath before standing, rising above the gnome and reclaiming his personal space. Wordlessly Set nods to Selissa, acknowledging his promise and thanking her for cutting in before he'd lost his temper. He couldn't be sure a nod would communicate everything, but he trusted her to understand more than he trusted himself to speak in that moment. Between the gnome's self-assured invasion of his space and seemingly his thoughts, Set's world feels tilted. Any hope that Set might've held that Mal would respond to his plea was crushed as the tiefling ignored him once more. Perhaps he knew that Moira would never agree to lift the town's curse even after conceding the one that had plagued Maus. Perhaps there was another reason. Set can only look past Mal and Maus to the Mighty and Evergreen, anchored by their presence and thankful they're in this with him. Set nods to Vargath on his way out, managing a half-smile to the big warrior as he pushes past him through the door and out into the sunlight. Set's shadow is there to greet him, though thankfully the Shadowkeeper isn't. A few words from Him back there could've been disastrous. Set takes a short walk through the village nearby, begging off conversation as he follows his feet forward. The road had a familiar feel as the old rhythm of walking alone seems to fall back into place. There's a tug as the road holds only possibilities instead of certainties, but Set is certain he can't abandon Evergreen and the Mighty, nor could he abandon Moira in her second time of need. Even if she proved to be a liar, Set couldn't stray from his course. He wouldn't leave her to the wolves as Maus had. If she proved to be false, Set would follow Selissa as long as it took to give her a clean death. Set returns a short time later and waits outside for the others to finish their deliberations inside Maus' home.

[Theophilus]

Mal Levistus Tiefling Bard 4 AC: 14 HP: 34/34 PP: 11 PIv: 13 PIs: 11 Spell Slots: 1st - 4/4 2nd - 3/3 Magic Initiate: 1/1 Fey Touched: 1st - 1/1 2nd - 1/1 Levistus Legacy: 2nd - 1/1 Bardic Inspiration: 4/4 Healer's Kit: 20/20 Conditions: -- Concentrating: -- Mal answered nonplussed, "And when we leave without rooting out the cult who summoned the Barlgura, who will defend these pikemen? We treat the flesh wound, but leave the black boil unlanced. It would be a boon for the town's militia to observe and aid while they may before they must once more fend for themselves in your absence." He bowed politely toward Elder Maus and concluded, "This is your village, Elder Maus. Defend it how you see fit. If you wish to hold your perimeter, good. If you wish to send men to ripen as warriors, better. That is my recommendation. Otherwise, may your evening become less eventful while ours deepens with excitement." Mal turned with a swirl of his cape, exiting the door. He drew forth his violin once in the open and began to play a stirring song. The structure of the score lent legs to epics. Its notes lifted the mind's aspirations toward heroic deeds yet to be done, stirred the yearning for valor on the day of testing, and left the unasked question, Would you, Sir or Ma'am, prove the hero this day? As he reached the township boundary, the shape of a great, warped gorilla formed midair just beyond. He walked under unscathed and unafraid, heading on the hunt of a mighty foe. Meanwhile, a whisper flitted to Set upon the masked figure's return. The voice he would recognize as Maledictus. "Your antics and outrage do not sway me, exile. If you wish to thrust commands, find a scullery maid to your liking. Let's reach an accord as we attempt to fell this fiend." Like a note sustained on a vibrating string, the eldritch line remained open should the solitary spearman wish to converse.

Spoiler: OOC

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Cast Minor Illusion to form an ape's head midair at the town's exit.
Cast message to Set.

Spoiler: Mal's Notes

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Set: outcast of Abydos / Romantic connection for Moira?
Selissa: Blighted or reconstructed wood elf? Purported Scout.
Vargath: Afflicted Lycanthrope seeking to suspend his curse
Mandaras: Rival to Dr. Fixer.
Dr. Fixer: Moira's lieutenant and cultivates relations with the locals of Vale.
Elder Maus: Seeks to kill Moira. Hired mercenaries who betrayed him.
--Healed to his full 9ft height.
--Disbelieves Moira's insights; seeks to end her directly or indirectly.
--Seeks us to verify the truths of Moira's claims--or stop her by any means necessary.

Barlgura: Demon loosed by summoning ritual on the road to Dam'ess.

Report daily updates to Mistress Moira at last light.