Bogtown: The search for the priest of Cromm.

Locked
Message
Author
Spearmint
Rider of Rohan
Rider of Rohan
Posts: 12916
Joined: Sat May 14, 2016 5:42 pm

Re: Bogtown: The search for the priest of Cromm.

#61 Post by Spearmint »

Bogtown

Home of Quirrell, Bogtown school.


"Uniform? Yes, a new addition. Actually the priest you mentioned ordered them. See they contain promises of scripture embroidered in them. Sound wisdom is always a good foundation." she lets you look Golgarth, recognising your interest and you wear an obvious holy symbol too, denoting you as a cleric also.

give me a 3d6 vs wisdom to recall the scriptures embroidered.

As to his current location, she has no knowledge but tells you the location of the newly dedicated wells. She also says that he seemed anxious the last couple of days before he disappeared. She uses the term disappeared over 'left town' indicating she believes more foul play may be at hand.

She also doesn't fail to notice Gunter acting more suspicious, checking the windows. She closes the chest of raiments, walking you to the door. "Let me sign your delivery off." she says rather audibly, but then whispers, "I don't know who you are but Barraclough was concerned, not just for rebuilding the cistern but for the peoples total wellbeing. Strange things are afoot, like a veil clouds many minds. I think he may have come to root such influences out and suffered for what he uncovered."

Looking through the window Gunter you see that Sidkrake signals two guys tagging you from the town. One has gone around the back of the school and the rogue seems to slink after him, the other has carried on, ambling past your cottage.

next actions please
User avatar
Hvalreki
Ranger
Ranger
Posts: 746
Joined: Thu Nov 25, 2021 7:11 pm

Re: Bogtown: The search for the priest of Cromm.

#62 Post by Hvalreki »

Bogtown

Home of Quirrell, Bogtown school.


Gunter Red Shirt

Gunter charges his crossbow smiling apologetically at Ms Quirell. He sets it in the hand cart along with his small shield and wheels it out of the house and onto the street looking towards the man that passed by the house to see if he's still in sight.
I thought Solly was with us too or is it just Sid?
Bluetongue
Ranger Lord
Ranger Lord
Posts: 3023
Joined: Sun Jan 22, 2017 11:30 am

Re: Bogtown: The search for the priest of Cromm.

#63 Post by Bluetongue »

Golgarth: Wisdom check vs 13 [4d6]=12

Golgarth

He seems to read the embroidered scriptures quite well, calling to mind the verses context and related passages. He is glad they are getting some solid foundation, not this new idolatry of Saint worship and priestly intermediaries. Cromm Cruach is a faith with the father leading his family from the home-hearth. He asks about the school and the children. Are they sent from families locally or is this an orphanage run. Both are Vail if course, he just wonders regarding the depth of Cromm faith in Bogtown with its reputation for drawing the more agnostic or sectish from the Citadel.

"It is true I am a priest of Cromm Cruach though just a humble curate and itinerant. I journeyed to Helix in the hope to rebuild faith as I heard the minister was absent then I followed here because Elder Barraclough was last seen ministering in this place.

I wanted to know what became of him as I thought he may have been driven from Helix by the Yggite clerics there, for I understand after he dedicated the well here he never returned back.
Now you inform me there may have been more to his disappearance."


He nods to Solly to leave, Gunter too if he wills, to track those spying on us and give Quirrell more privacy to speak.

If she is in danger or knows of any, he would volunteer help but needs more certainties. Finding Barraclough, dead or alive would be a start.

From the way she speaks, it seems she had the cleric's confidence so Golgarth tries to build upon that.

Golgarth uses his Charisma vs 9 [3d6]=10
Spearmint
Rider of Rohan
Rider of Rohan
Posts: 12916
Joined: Sat May 14, 2016 5:42 pm

Re: Bogtown: The search for the priest of Cromm.

#64 Post by Spearmint »

Bogtown.

Home of Quirrell, Bogtown schoolteacher.


Golgarth, reads the scriptures embroidered in the neck scarves. They are promises to keep the faithful steadfast and secure, verses that repeat statements of creed and belief. You are aware of the effects of a Bless spell, how it focuses the mind and heart to increase morale and you can suspect these garments have been produced to shield the wearer in a similar way. Which would then lead you to suspect someone or something is targeting the children. A new indoctrination or charm to make them think a certain belief or act a certain way.
.
So Barraclough thought the children, among other village factions, were being influenced by some unknown forces. Not the schoolteacher, it appears he had her confidence and secured these magical enhanced silken neckerchiefs to protect them.

Quirrell "I am sorry. I don't know anymore about your colleague. But there is one who might though her ways are contrary to Cromm's fundamentals. Outside of town a crone lives. A herbalist and hermit, keeps to herself and her 'pets'. But she has a gift to augure events and some townsfolk seek out her cures when the Doctor's are not suffice."

She refers to a character known locally as 'the Toadmother'.

Solly joins Gunter in slipping out the house. You walk back to the gate and look down the lane, studying those you can see. A man, leans against a tree, striking a cigar and crushing the match underfoot. He doesn't make eye contact with you and soon walks away. Another man walks around some shanty hovels with a one eyed dog. He has a brace of hares on his belt and a crossbow in hand. In the far shack, a man cobbles old boots, shining the leather and nailing in a new sole. The man he serves sits on a wooden chair, his cloak draped across his knee. Sidkrake is nowhere to be seen. Solly makes to wheel the sack trolley back to the depot with the signed paperwork.

Gunter give me a 4d6 vs intelligence with your next post

Golgarth give me a 4d6 vs wisdom.

next actions please
User avatar
Hvalreki
Ranger
Ranger
Posts: 746
Joined: Thu Nov 25, 2021 7:11 pm

Re: Bogtown: The search for the priest of Cromm.

#65 Post by Hvalreki »

Bogtown.

Home of Quirrell, Bogtown schoolteacher

Gunter Red Shirt


Not seeing any immediate threat Gunter offers to push the cart instead of Solly. "Hold on a minute Solly, let me go fetch Sid and we'll all head back together. Wait here for the Stonefather and we'll join you shortly."

Pushing the cart containing his crossbow, Gunter meanders round back of Quirrell's house to see if he can spot Sidrake and make sure no trouble has found him. He will try and act inconspicuous but is prepared for action
Intelligence Check vs 9
Bluetongue
Ranger Lord
Ranger Lord
Posts: 3023
Joined: Sun Jan 22, 2017 11:30 am

Re: Bogtown: The search for the priest of Cromm.

#66 Post by Bluetongue »

Golgarth

Golgarth: Wisdom check vs 13 [4d6]=19

Feeling that he is missing some obvious clues but needs to get moving.

"Well Miss Quirrell, my comrades and I expect to stay locally a day or so as we try to find the whereabouts or fate of Elder Barraclough. So let me assure you that if you do notice strange happenings or have any concerns with malicious influences trying to pervert the students minds, then let us know straight away. I am sure you can find us at the inn or via the Silver Standard."

With the counsel he will leave.

I think we need to do a couple of things: Finish our commitment to the cargo company, check out the inn and these suspicious guys following us and then follow up on the 'plague doctor' costume/priestly cloak that Verne had. By the description I think it is more than a festival thing. It could make sense a man delving into lotions and potions and snake venom has more of an interest in fringe cults?

Then perhaps we journey to locate the Toadmother old crone.

He shares his thoughts with Gunter.
Spearmint
Rider of Rohan
Rider of Rohan
Posts: 12916
Joined: Sat May 14, 2016 5:42 pm

Re: Bogtown: The search for the priest of Cromm.

#67 Post by Spearmint »

Bogtown

I will fill out the Bogtown settlement thread over the next couple few days.

The delivery of neckerchiefs made, the silk articles embroidered with scripture promises and enhanced with a Cromm blessing to ward the minds of the young wearers from malevolent influences. Quirrell also takes delivery of a cloak; though no formal runes or motifs are present, you can assume it also has been enhanced through superior tailoring and spider silk threads enchanted with some arcane traits. For Golgarth who completed the first character expedition to harvest spider silk from the northern forests, it is a reminder just how precious a commodity the silky threads are.

future entrepreneurs take note.

Gunter looks around the neighbouring cottages and people who go about their business. He knows that they are being tagged but cannot yet identify the suspicious person who may have followed them.

The trio make their way back, past the schoolhouse and over a wooden bridge to the main hub of Bogtown. You pick up Sidkrake on the way. He is wiping blood and dirt from his hands.

"Nailed a goon. His body is drifting in the rushes of the creek, I weighted him down with a rock." The rogue mercenary explains that he hid to creep behind one of the guys who were following you. After the pair split up, he jumped the goon expecting just to cosh him and question him.

"The man spoke of being a hired 'watcher', hired by 'the Gatekeeper'. I think that is the title he used for his gang boss. But as I questioned him why he was following us, he 'turned'.

I mean his eyes rolled back in his head and his skin became mottled and jaundiced. He grabbed at me saying, "the Withering comes". He drew a blade, I drew mine."


He hands to Gunter a round-bellied curved dagger, notched by the hilt. The Kukri styled ceremonial weapon has a sharp inner edge for slashing with.

A death on your hands is not an auspicious start to your welcome to Bogtown and you quickly vacate the scene returning to the depot. You collect your wagon guarding wages and bonus and head for the local tavern, The Toasted Troll.. +8gp

comments and actions here before I update in the forthcoming tavern thread.
A contract can be drawn up. It is for 5gp with a further 3gp per person bonus subject to both wagons making it with cargo to Bogtown on schedule.
User avatar
Hvalreki
Ranger
Ranger
Posts: 746
Joined: Thu Nov 25, 2021 7:11 pm

Re: Bogtown: The search for the priest of Cromm.

#68 Post by Hvalreki »

Bogtown

Gunter Red Shirt


Gunter's brow furrows as Sid tells his story.

"That's an ill tale Sid, but I think you did the right thing and all you could when he bared his blade. Sounds like dark magic afoot. Hopefully no one spotted ya. Something wrong is happening in this town Stonefather, we best be on our toes. Maybe Ms. Quirrell could part with one of those scarves for us. We may need the help!"

"We best be collectin our wages and lunch is still on me boys!"

+8GP added

I'd like to split up the value of whatever spoil we got from the bandits, horses, tack, weapons, etc. If the Standard can help us sell everything that would be ideal.
If the horses are not total nags I'd like to keep one as part of my share. No sense walking back to Helix (eventually) when we can ride :D
Bluetongue
Ranger Lord
Ranger Lord
Posts: 3023
Joined: Sun Jan 22, 2017 11:30 am

Re: Bogtown: The search for the priest of Cromm.

#69 Post by Bluetongue »

Golgarth

Yes it certainly feels that the disappearance of Elder Barraclough might align with some townsfolk's strange behaviour, maybe a new (or resurgent) cult.

I think that might make sense. Unwelcomed in Helix by the St Ygg clerics who rebuild the church and make converts in the town, the Cromm Cruach minister comes here to revive the wells and local faith. He stumbles on a mystery that leads to his disappearance.

We can discuss more over a beer for sure.

To do: find out where Barraclough stayed while in Bogtown.
Go to the well he dug.
Locate Toadmother.
Watch for suspicious activity at the school and with Verne the Apothecary.
Spearmint
Rider of Rohan
Rider of Rohan
Posts: 12916
Joined: Sat May 14, 2016 5:42 pm

Re: Bogtown: The search for the priest of Cromm.

#70 Post by Spearmint »

I will update this thread tonight.
Spearmint
Rider of Rohan
Rider of Rohan
Posts: 12916
Joined: Sat May 14, 2016 5:42 pm

Re: Bogtown: The search for the priest of Cromm.

#71 Post by Spearmint »

sorry my apologies for a two week hiatus.

I have added the Toasted Troll Tavern to the Bogtown settlement thread, so you may post there in character to continue the expedition investigations.
Bluetongue
Ranger Lord
Ranger Lord
Posts: 3023
Joined: Sun Jan 22, 2017 11:30 am

Re: Bogtown: The search for the priest of Cromm.

#72 Post by Bluetongue »

Golgarth

Goes to the tavern. I will post in the settlement thread.
Spearmint
Rider of Rohan
Rider of Rohan
Posts: 12916
Joined: Sat May 14, 2016 5:42 pm

Re: Bogtown: The search for the priest of Cromm.

#73 Post by Spearmint »

This expedition is continuing in the Bogtown settlement thread for those reading as ooc story.
Spearmint
Rider of Rohan
Rider of Rohan
Posts: 12916
Joined: Sat May 14, 2016 5:42 pm

Re: Bogtown: The search for the priest of Cromm.

#74 Post by Spearmint »

Continue in Bogtown settlement thread: Toadmother.
Spearmint
Rider of Rohan
Rider of Rohan
Posts: 12916
Joined: Sat May 14, 2016 5:42 pm

Re: Bogtown: The search for the priest of Cromm.

#75 Post by Spearmint »

After concluding an encounter with Toadmother, Golgarth and Gunter can return to this thread to carry out the rest of the Bogtown investigation.
User avatar
Hvalreki
Ranger
Ranger
Posts: 746
Joined: Thu Nov 25, 2021 7:11 pm

Re: Bogtown: The search for the priest of Cromm.

#76 Post by Hvalreki »

Gunter Red Shirt

After the assault at Toadmother's hovel Gunter takes no chances on the way back.

Organizing the troop into a staggered column with bows loaded and arrows nocked they carefully work their way back to Bogtown wary for ambush.

"Listen Stonefather, I've been thinkin. That hag warned me about needin silver to stop their hearts, maybe some monster that's averse to silver is behind this cult. I'm also vexed about our numbers.

Sid and Solly are stalwart blokes but we're only four against, what, a whole cult? I'm just a simple soldier but seems our foes know who we are and have already sent blades against us twice. First at the school and again at Toadmother's, with five men in broad daylight! That's six dead already and a small town like this folks are going to start looking for answers and we're new in town.

Do you have any companions you can contact to help us or friends in Cromm's service that can add to our cause? I know Bow, axe and shield but how do we protect our minds?"
Bluetongue
Ranger Lord
Ranger Lord
Posts: 3023
Joined: Sun Jan 22, 2017 11:30 am

Re: Bogtown: The search for the priest of Cromm.

#77 Post by Bluetongue »

Golgarth

"I do like the idea of cracking a few heads.

The teacher Quirrell has the neckerchiefs. We could ask to use them rather than break in and steal.

Silver weapons are notable for working with lycanthropes or certain undead. Wights?

Uncovering a cult. That is what Elder Barraclough found, I am sure and he stayed to deal with it. Well, I will end what he began. I journeyed into Aerik to rebuild the ancient shrines. From my experience in Helix, Elder Barraclough was not welcomed and he travelled here, rebuilding the Bogtown Well and hoping to rebuild faith.

If this one worked in the stables or the smithy, that might provide a lead to other associates.

I agree, we are short-handed and in need of associates too. Sidkrake, you gave a breakdown of rogue guilds that operated here. Go with Gunter back to the tavern and see what contacts you can make. Solly come with me to the house of Quirrell and the Farrier's. Then we meet up later at the Well. I will have words with Dellboy and Rodders too.

If that sounds like an acceptable plan, I think it is a good start. Recruit a few more folk however unscrupulous. A needs must. The sun shines on the righteous and the unrighteous, helping get rid of a cult will surely bring a blessing upon all who rally to the cause."
User avatar
Hvalreki
Ranger
Ranger
Posts: 746
Joined: Thu Nov 25, 2021 7:11 pm

Re: Bogtown: The search for the priest of Cromm.

#78 Post by Hvalreki »

Gunter Red Shirt

You're a brave man Stonefather, may Cromm bless and protect ya. I don't like splitting up but it's a good plan. While we're apart try to stay very public and visible so they don't get a chance to jump you quiet like.

Sid if you've any fellows you grewed up with that may be willing to help our cause let's go see em. Even the guilds wouldn't abide a dark cult in their midst. Bad business for them too I would think.

We'll go on our separate errands then meet up at the inn before we decide what to do next. Make sure we're back at the Toasted Troll and together again before dark. I'd feel better if we had those borrowed kerchiefs afore we make our next move.

As for the well, we know there isn't another way into the tunnels from the well itself besides that crevasse. You being a man of Cromm would have found any hidden stoneworks. Maybe our rascally water haulers know something about another way in or other ruins in the area that may be connected. Actually Sid's from Bogtown, any other ruins you know of around here besides the well?
Spearmint
Rider of Rohan
Rider of Rohan
Posts: 12916
Joined: Sat May 14, 2016 5:42 pm

Re: Bogtown: The search for the priest of Cromm.

#79 Post by Spearmint »

Bogtown

May 20th 1066
.

The quartet set about some more direct and heavy handed investigation after their softly, softly approach has revealed few definite clues.

Sidkrake and Gunter split off to recruit some less than scrupulous aides, counting on the mercenaries knowledge regarding local thieves guilds.

The pair enter the town and take a circuitous route around the back alleys. You check but are not followed and enter the Toasted Troll once more. The place is busy, a hustle of patrons and staff. Last time you came in you noticed these guys.
You spy two cloaked men at the bar, shaking hands and fist bumping but in a manner Gunter understands as some 'cantish' greeting.
One is once more present, drinking alone and feeding scraps to a motley dog that gnaws a bone under the table.

Gunter give me a successful intelligence check to remember the cant greeting or just approach him direct.

Solly accompanies Golgarth and they return trek to the home of school teacher Quirrell. You pass over the creek bridge and by the longhouse cabin used as the school room. Approaching the house you note the door is ajar.

actions please.
Bluetongue
Ranger Lord
Ranger Lord
Posts: 3023
Joined: Sun Jan 22, 2017 11:30 am

Re: Bogtown: The search for the priest of Cromm.

#80 Post by Bluetongue »

Golgarth

I am going to take the door being ajar as a cautionary sign. Walking slowly and unslinging his trusty Warhammer, the cleric peers through the front window and listens.

If he hears any distress or sees any sign of struggle he will charge in and defend the woman.

Golgarth initiative: [1d6]=6 Warhammer melee [1d20]=20 damage [1d8]=5 stun chance % dam+1 per level [1d100]=73
Locked

Return to “Completed Expeditions”