In-Character 2 Oh, what a tangled web we weave...

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1

Masov turns to leave the Temple of Solis, motioning for the others to follow, Kerrick breaking his vigil to do so. You find yourselves back in the outdoor courtyard, the day having warmed noticeably from the early morning. A lone gardener still works the ground, having made some small progress since you entered. The party crosses the barren courtyard, exiting through the gate, heading back along the path towards Orlean.

At the Silver Scale Inn, Miska, Gwydion, and Kaul take their leave of the publican and head back out onto the street, followed closely by the Baron's son, ever eager. They find themselves blinking back tears as they step outside, the late morning sunlight dazzling after the Inn's gloomy, unlit interior. As their vision clears, they can see the rest of the party moving up the street towards them.

Where you stand now might reasonably be called the centre of Orlean, with the Silver Scale behind you, the run down remains of another building across the street, and what appears to be a livery or stable catacorner to the Inn.

As Kerrick, Masov, Hengist, Andrew and Aria approach, they can hear the Baron's son addressing those who visited the Inn, "Does that mean we will be visiting the Constable? I wouldn't want him to tell my father that I have accompanied you...or are you going to arrest the Curate of Solis?" he finishes, seemingly excited by the prospect. It occurs to you that you haven't even asked the young Baronet's name...

2

Gwydion

Gwydion regards the baronet with mild annoyance before addressing his companions. “I fear that I remain quite hungry. What say you to trying the fare at the other eatery?”

He then notices the return of the others. “Care to join us? Perhaps we can discuss our next moves there… over some mulled wine.”

3

Kaul

“ok”

4

Hengist the Fair

(When I believe we’re alone:)

"Well, if they’re not an evil cult I’d feel bad about pillaging the temple. I’m curious about what got dragged through there though.

Elves come out at night, right? I mean, I’ve never seen one in daylight." He says without regard to Gwydion, or any apparent irony. “So… rooftop stake out overnight?”

In the unlikely circumstance the group doesn’t go for the above cunning plan:

“Well then, take rooms at that first place and keep a watch?”

5

Kerrick Helmsworth

“I would rather not stir things up here, then leave them to deal with it. Although my plan did work, all it told us was that it’s not the temple.”

“We do seem to have one decent lead. Kaul, the man you followed; did the voice he spoke to sound elven? Whether it did or not, his behavior was somewhat suspicious. If we could find him again, perhaps he knows something.”

6

"Well...there is another inn. It's much smaller," the Baronet's lip curls slightly, "And I don't think as many travellers, such as yourselves, go there. This way..." he finishes, turning south again, past the large abandoned building. As the road meets a cross-street, he points at a large, homely buiding directly across from you. Walking around to the western side of the building, you see a small cobble path leading up to a stout door. Above the entrance hangs a sign depicting a small flock of sheep.

While the building itself appears older and smaller than the Silver Scale Inn, it is brightened by flower beds in front, filled with crocuses. A middle-aged woman, her brown hair touched with gray, sweeps the front porch. She looks up as the group pauses at the path, and her face is immediately lit with a smile upon seeing you. She stops her work to come down the path towards the group.

"Hello, and good morrow to you! Come in, come in, and I'll get breakfast ready!"

The woman gently grabs Kerrick and Hengist by the elbow, and shuffles them up the path and into the inn. Upon entering the building, your senses are immediately assaulted by the mouthwatering smell of baking bread. The room is well lit from the windows, and a cozy fire burns in a large stone hearth in the centre of the space. The woman leads you over to a large wooden table surrounded by several wooden benches and bids you sit.

As you collect yourselves, she hustles about the room, gathering the makings of a meal: pickled eggs, fresh-baked bread, a round of salty cheese, and some slightly wrinkled apples from last year's harvest. As you begin to eat, she places a pan over the fire, and lays in slices of smoked pork, which soon sizzle and pop as they cook. The woman looks back over her shoulder at you as she works, "We don't see as many travellers at this time of year, particularly these days...oh, and my name's Illyana Vess. This is my house of rest: the Twelve Sheep. Will you be spending the night, or do you sail with the tide tonight?"

7

Gwydion

Gwydion smiles at the prospect of more appetizing fare.

“Breakfast for now. Have you room enough for all of us?”

Gwydion looks about, considering the inn’s cleanliness and other signs of the proprietors’ discipline and success.

8

Kaul

“The voice didnt sound like Gwideons, but it was foreing for certain, maybe if we could get close to the man our fair paladin could use his insight”

9

[quote="Gwydion"]

Gwydion smiles at the prospect of more appetizing fare.

"Breakfast for now. Have you room enough for all of us?" [/quote]

"Yes, of course!" she says with a smile, "I'll prepare some rooms while you're eating."

The woman brings the crackling contents of the pan over to the table, dropping portions of fried pork on to each of your plates, "And what brings you to our humble village?"

10

Gwydion

Gwydion smiles back, keen to seem friendly. Then, looking more thoughtful, he says, “We heard that things are amiss here in Orleans. There is news that strange things are afoot.” He pauses before continuing.

“Certainly, many here seem uncomfortable with our questions. We simply wish to help.” Gwydion resumes smiling, hopeful that his remarks provoke conversation from the woman.

11

[quote="Gwydion"] Gwydion smiles back, keen to seem friendly. Then, looking more thoughtful, he says, "We heard that things are amiss here in Orleans. There is news that strange things are afoot." He pauses before continuing. [/quote]

"There does seem to be an ill wind blowing..." your host says, then hesitates, the smile fading from her face, "...folk going missing, others attacked...some simply changed."

[quote="Gwydion"] "Certainly, many here seem uncomfortable with our questions. We simply wish to help." Gwydion resumes smiling, hopeful that his remarks provoke conversation from the woman. [/quote]

"People here are frightened. Worried about who is next, and who will disappear in the night. With all that's happened, and Aramis seemingly unable to make things right, people start to point fingers..." the look on her face is hard, and she stares at the Baronet, "Some worry about elves; Aramis accuses the old hermit, Hulburd; others blame the temple and Solis for not protecting us; and all begin to watch their neighbour out of the corner of their eye. If things were left to run their course, the whole village might end up on a stake above a pyre."

The woman glances across your group, her expression softening again, "Though, if you really are here to help...perhaps things may yet work out. What will you do?"

12

Hengist the Fair

“While we’re speaking of it, who has changed? You’re not the first to say it, but I haven’t heard any names put to it. I suppose it’s to the good no-one’s quick to accuse their neighbors, but we knew no-one here before, so might never know the difference.”

13

Masov

And, for that matter, what is the ‘change’? Are they still themselves, with the habits, ticks, and related behaviors? Or are they acting like…well, actors, pantomiming someone else’s life?

14

Andrew

Andrew takes notice at the mention of the temple. He investigated that! “I think the temple is in the clear. The wounds don’t match Vasan raiders. Small, precise, lethal. Difficult to heal. Worrisome obviously, but at least the temple’s healers aren’t the source of the problem. Well, at least it explains their trouble healing people. And that apparent failure was the reason for suspicion.”

15

Miska the Misanthropic

Miska eats nothing but his own food, glaring about suspiciously. “It’s the elves, I tell you,” is all he says when asked about his intentions.

16

[quote="Hengist the Fair"]

"While we're speaking of it, who has changed?  You're not the first to say it, but I haven't heard any names put to it.  I suppose it's to the good no-one's quick to accuse their neighbors, but we knew no-one here before, so might never know the difference." [/quote]

[quote="Masov"] And, for that matter, what is the 'change'? Are they still themselves, with the habits, ticks, and related behaviors? Or are they acting like..well, actors, pantomiming someone else's life? [/quote]

Illyana lets out a long sigh, "Who hasn't changed, really? Distrust runs deep now. Still...Leland, our smith, has seemed most affected. He always had a quick temper, but woe to any who cross him now. The work of Neddy, our carpenter, has become...strange...one has to see it to understand. Worse, none have seen his children in nearly a fortnight, yet he seems untroubled. Stephon, the local provisioner, although he was always a touch...odd. Lord Mallory..." she begins, then stops herself, looking at the Baronet. For the young man's part, he merely regards the food set before him, pushing it around his plate without eating, "...seems to be in council with elves: rumoured to be friends of his, they showed up around the time things became difficult, but we rarely see them..." her gaze passes from the Baronet back to the party, "The new militiamen, friends of Aramis, also don't seem keen on mixing with anyone here in town, and Aramis himself is jumping at shadows, though perhaps with good reason. He has spoken of arresting Hulburd, the hermit, fearing his involvement. And, worst of all, the clergy of the Temple seem withdrawn, leaving us without the Light of Solis to protect us from the dark; added to this, Lady Rana seems to have developed an intense dislike for Lord Mallory for no earthly reason..." she looks at the Baronet, almost apologetically, and shrugs.

[quote="Andrew"] Andrew takes notice at the mention of the temple. He investigated that! "I think the temple is in the clear. The wounds don't match Vasan raiders. Small, precise, lethal. Difficult to heal. Worrisome obviously, but at least the temple's healers aren't the source of the problem. Well, at least it explains their trouble healing people. And that apparent failure was the reason for suspicion." [/quote]

The Baronet looks up sharply at this, staring at Andrew, his expression unreadable, but says nothing.

The woman pauses, blushing slightly, "Ah, well...listen to me prattle on, like an old gossip! Please don't think ill of me. Were it not for dark days here in Orlean, I wouldn't think to discuss my neighbours behind their backs..."

[quote="Miska the Misanthropic"] Miska eats nothing but his own food, glaring about suspiciously.  "It's the elves, I tell you," is all he says when asked about his intentions. [/quote]

Illyana nods at the Cleric, "Some are saying this, claiming the elves have ensorceled the Baron..."

"That's a lie!" the Baronet shouts, standing abruptly, his motion rattling the table. He stands, clenched fists resting on the table before him, his anger clearly directed at your host. 

Illyana's eyes widen in shock, and she curtsies, adopting a concilliatory tone as she casts her eyes downwards, "Your pardon, my Lord! I did not mean to claim any truth. I merely thought they should know what rumours swirl in idle conversaton. Your Father has long been a fair and just ruler here, and we trust in him to protect us."

The boy raises his chin imperiously, "Then you had best watch your tongue, woman!" he then sits, seemingly mollified by her reply, though his expression remains unhappy as he props his chin on his upturned palm.

Illyana looks at the group, distinctly avoiding the Baronet's gaze, "I'll prepare your rooms, and you may settle in as you wish. Please let me know if you need anything else..." her smile seems genuine, if a bit strained. She then turns and moves up a creaking staircase at the back of the room to the the second floor.

 

17

Miska the Misanthropic

Miska turns to regard the young man and waits until the hostess has left. “Alright, kid, it’s time you leveled with us. What do you think is going on here, and what do you think your father has to do with it? You can trust us; we’re strangers, with no dog in this fight, only a desire to set things right once again.”

18

[quote="Miska the Misanthropic"]

Miska turns to regard the young man and waits untial the hostess has left.  "Alright, kid, it's time you leveled with us.  What do you think is going on here, and what do you think your father has to do with it?  You can trust us; we're strangers, with no dog in this fight, only a desire to set things right once again." [/quote]

The boy colours at the question, but holds Miska's gaze, speaking quietly, "My father has nothing to do with these disappearances. He believes the old man, Hulburd, may have enchanted some of those who seem changed, and that he is in league with some kind of cult, centered on the Temple. Without a proper militia, he cannot confront the Temple. So he waits, and watches for proof. He tells me..." he raises his chin, giving that imperious look again, "...that I can trust no one, not even you."

19

Kerrick Helmsworth

“Your father is wise to hold his trust in reserve. But he does not have the advantage that you have, of having spent time with us and watching us act.”

“That said, has your father always been slow to trust? If his attitudes have changed recently, in any way, it may be a sign. No one here believes that he is willingly a part of any of this, but he may be being enchanted or blackmailed in some way.”

“I can personally guarantee you that if there is any sort of cult or other shady activity at the temple, it is well-hidden, and the cleric we spoke to knows nothing of it, nor would she ever be party to such a thing if she did know.”

“And one final question for you; who is Hulbard?”

20

Gwydion

“I would suggest you control your temper, young lordling. You will learn more if you listen instead of speak. We have had little of candor since we came to Orleans.” Gwydion frowns. “It is refreshing to have someone speak her mind… regardless of whether the sentiments she shares are in accord with your view of the world.”

Gwydion turns to his companions. “Shall we have her prepare a few rooms for us? Then, I think, we have a few more leads to pursue.”