Chapter 4 - Hope

[BigRedRod]

Leaving Marcus the farmer to go about his farming free from the worry of goblins or roving bands of child beaters, the gnome and the tribesman walk back to Lucas' fortified house.

...

Dron has had a fairly productive time in the house. His hunch was right, Lucas had not had time to pack. Unfortunately his rogue experiments had. Room after room has been stripped of anything edible, useful or potentially worth something. The laboratory contains mainly useful features for a Wizard such as Lucas, the features however have been thoroughly worked into the design of the building and are likely to quickly turn to useless junk after an attempt to extract them. The library is no doubt filled with expensive books from the far corners of the world, but selling them would require knowledge that Dron lacks and time he may not have.

Upstairs he finds something of actual value which the goblins clearly did not discover. Hidden in a secret panel in the floor of the Wizard's bedroom is a small wooden box. It opens easily and reveals several interesting items: A tiny black leather pouch containing four gleaming white pearls; A wide circular box made from a deep red coloured wood, it contains an ointment of some description, some of which has been used. It smells pleasantly like peaches; and another larger cloth bag which contains fifty gold pieces.

The remainder of the house is as looted as the lower floors, aside from a single treasure trove, the library and the laboratory there is nothing that the man believes to be worth taking or attempting to sell.

Durn makes short work of his study of the logbook. Passing over large sections, the wizard finds very little about motives. Lucas seemed to have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge about life and what it was. He needed to know what made things live (although suprisingly the book doesn't indiciate he paid much attention to necromancy) and why each species was like it was. Toward the more recent entries it seems he also had started to involve some more practical ideas of his work, passages often pondered the viability of creating a race exclusively as slaves. His conclusion seemed to be that if he created a race only to serve and which wished to serve then he was doing nothing unethical.

...

Bearing his findings Dron returns to the library as Algerdar and Roth return from their encounter with the farmer. All four have completed their tasks, Durn could search further on the subject but he believes that he will find little of worth, but now there is food to be eaten and decisions to be made.

[The Alcotroll]

Dumping his slightly meagre findings in the center of the room, Dron seats himself on a pile of old tomes.

"All I could find." he says, indicating the pile with a gesture.

"So. What did the bumpkin make of our brave quest's resolution?" he asks sarcastically of the Gnome and Barbarian.

[SuperJosh]

Placing his bag down with greater care than Dron did, Roth repeats Algerdar's conversation with the farmer.

"Well, I say we have a good meal and a good rest before we dicide what to do in the morning."

[Black Plauge]

Smelling the aromas drifting from the bag Roth brought in, Durn is reminded that he hasn't eaten today.

"I agree. There is no use discussing such important matters on an empty stomach."

[BigRedRod]

The day passes with more focus on the ability of warm savoury pastry articles to make the world seem a less bleak place than the building in which th currently reside and its associated mysteries.

A new day dawns on the house and the party gather themselves around the huge wooden table which dominates the library. The table contains Dron's findings, the logbook from the laboratory downstairs and a good dusting of crumbs.

[ooc: time to decide your next steps]

[elpresidente]

With the new day Algerdar rises, and begins to scoure the property for any remaining articles of interest. Starting with the domes.

[Black Plauge]

Seeing as the horses still need to recover from the long trek through the rain, Durn spends the morning with Lucas' journal again (this time a bit more prepared for its contents) before joining the others in a thurogh search of the property.

[SuperJosh]

Roth spends the day helping Algerdar serch the premis for any clues that might have escaped their notice when they were trying to watch out for goblins.

[BigRedRod]

Once again leaving Durn to study the mysterious logbook, the three head out of the fortifed home and toward the nearby great glass domes to continue their search.

The door of the first dome, the one which contains the broken sections and dying exotic plantlife, has rusted into it's frame. The door is set within one of the great glass hexagons that make up the body of the dome, a shove from the tribesman sends the door swinging inwards with a rather loud noise. Acompanying the sudden crash of the door is the mass exile of dozens of birds through the broken hexagons of the roof, and a sudden wave of humid air.

After a moment there is silence and the trio take the time to appreciate the damp smell of decay from within. Stepping inside the three enter the dying tropical forest, everything has faded into shades of brown. Clearly with the dome ruptured and no one around to mend the glass, the environment changed and Lucas' collection of plants died. A few paces reveal that some animal specimens were also contained here as a pair of brightly coloured birds lie on the ground although they have been reduced to a tanglke of filthly bones and bright feathers. Up ahead a rat darts across the path that leads onward.

Winding between exotic dead and dying trees the path continues to the centre of the dome, a small area which the gravel path meets with a circle of stone tiles. A pair of stone benches stand on the tiles, both are now covered in bird droppings and a few dark feathers. If the goblins ever did enter thi dome they left no trace that any can find and last visisted long enough in the past for the humid air to rust the neglected door firmly closed.

A long search reveals nothing of use. The remaining two domes are fully intact but similar in contents. Leaving the decaying jungle behind the trio arrive at the door of the dome which seems to have a more temperate forest within. This door lacks rust and seems to have been used more often, Roth opens the door with a smooth motion which produces hardly sound. No humid wave of decay strikes the explorers, just the slightly damp smell of plantlife that each has experienced very recently. Tall green trees shade the sunlight, leaving the path obscured by shadows.

The forested dome is hardly teeming with life, but neither is it free from fauna. The party see a few squirrels in the higher branches and one or two smll birds gliding around the top of the dome. The centre is near identical to the jungle dome, just rather more clean. After another thourough search little is found apart from a few crude traps which seem designed to catch the pockets of animal life. Their design is very crude, although some are painted with patches of blood, meaning they were successful in some small way.

Dome number three contains a mixture of grassy patches and rocky areas dotted with pools of water. Something resembling a rabbit or possibly a rat stands on a rock and squeaks in suprise as the party open the dome door and enter, it rushes away and soon disseapers within a hole in the earth. The benches at the centre of the dome can be seen from the doorway, a pair of trees stand just behind on the benches, the fruit of the trees (apples) lie on the tiled ground, most appear to have partially eaten by something with a fairly small mouth and the trees have no fruit left on their branches.

A thorough search turns up a few more of the crude traps.

With the domes searched to the best of everybody's ability, the trio head back inside for yet another search of the villa interior

...

Durn spends time with the logbook while his companions search the domes that ring the villa. Armed with magical aides to provide some insight into the meaning of the more arcane writings. Little useful information is gained unless the dwarf harbours aspirations to continue to the ghastly work of Lucas. The arcane blocks of text and diagram are concerned with the details of various rituals and spells necessary for the complex feats of surgery attempted by Rizeth's good friend.

...

The remainer of the day is spent moving from room to room of the villa reducing the contents of each to it's base elements. Everything that can be moved is moved, everything that can be opened, with or without a good measure of force, is opened and the general philosophy is taken that the goblins must have neglected something other than a hidden stash of trinkets.
After several hours, besides several hundredweights of dust, little has been found. A seemingly ancient note that was behind a book in the library and a small bottle labelled "Oil of Taggit, the liquid within is clear but thick, are all that appear to be of interest.

The note reads,
"My dear friend,
I do not think you un... what is happening. The Empire is not some evil fungus spreading across Dagern as you so delightfully put it. They have given so much to me,I no longer have to worry myself with thoughts of money and other such minor matters. It could be the same for you!
My invitation remains and will ...ys remain while I hold my post and have any in... but I know how stubborn you can be. ... truely is maddening. My friend, I beg you, join me in Vuntar, it is the only way we can continue our joi..."
The remaining section of the page is too faded to be read, the paper seems to have aged very badly held in place in the bookshelf

[Black Plauge]

Although interesting in some abstract sense regarding the varied uses of magic, the arcane writings in the log book prove ultimately useless under the scrutiny of Durn's spell. Frustrated, he joins the party in their search of Lucas's magic, making use of his spells where Roth is incapable of forcing the issue.

The search completed, Durn and the others gather in the library once more to discuss their course of action.

"Normally I'd regard the old note as too old to be of any signifigance to our current situation, but the presense of dragoon tracks outside the mansion makes me want to reconsider that. It may be worth journeying to Vuntar and trying to track down the author of the note if we can figure out a way of identifying him. Until then, however, I think it best that we try to track down this Mr. Longsworth. Lucas wrote that his familiar lost him in the woods. Perhaps we could employ the services of a woodsman in Gran Arco and begin there."

[SuperJosh]

"Perhaps." Roth says. "I certianly would not mind seeing Vuntar, but I think you are right we should probably check the woods first. In either case I we should tell Master Rizeth were we are going before we head to Vuntar. It is quit a journey after all."

[The Alcotroll]

"And there's the matter of our payment to raise..." adds Dron meaningfuly, "and a few more questions to ask the shady old bugger. I'm sure there's something he's not telling us still."

[Black Plauge]

"Hmm... Have any of you seen any signs of animal habitation with in the house? If Sting was Lucas's familiar we should expect to find some sign of his presense here. Knowing the kind of familiar that Lucas has might give a woodsman some insight into why he lost the messanger in the woods."

[SuperJosh]

"I have not seen any sin of animal habitats in here, but to be honest, that is really not what I specialize in." Roth says as he absent-mindedly pets Cy on the head.

[Black Plauge]

"Then I guess we're stuck with just knowing that the messenger when into the woods," Durn sighs.

"Maybe we'll get lucky and find a woodsman whose seen something suspicious in the woods near here. Shall we head for Gran Arco and find out? The longer we wait the colder the trail gets and its alread fairly cold."

[The Alcotroll]

"As much as I hate to admit it, I have no better ideas." admits Dron. "I suppose there's nothing better to do than head back and hope that some local bucolic can help us."

[elpresidente]

"Well. Thats settled then, I really don't want to be here any longer, and the sooner we get back the sooner we can forget this smell. If it's at all possible." With that Algerdar heads outside to ready his pony.

[BigRedRod]

Leaving the villa behind after a hard day of searching, the foursome set off to follow one of the few shreds of clues revealed to them. The ride isn't long and the horses are well rested but still the sky is red with the promise of night when they arrive at the walled wooden town of Gran Arco.

It doesn't take more than a casual glance about to find their next port of call. A large building with an axe hanging as a sign dominates one of the main streets. A sign over the door proclaims it be "Sinst's Royale Guilde of Fine Woodsmen", the excellent quality of the woodcut sign is almost enough to gloss over the fact that Sinst lacks a monarchy. The sound of merryment floods through the door and with a deep breath the party enter.

As per usual the guildhall is little more than a drinking parlor, the lumberjacks and other men in industry directly related the cavernous wood spend their free time drinking and the occasional outsider enters to request a specific service. The common room is large and very full, with the forest so close many adults make their living in some way connected with woodwork and it seems that many of those are guilded. As the party enter the room quickly drops to silence, only broken by a few coughs.

All eyes turn the party, and after a few awkward seconds a single man stands. A man with sideburns and beard so full and lush that the rest of his face sinks in to obscurity, he does however wear an apron. With a bellowing voice that suits his tocky, almost dwarvern body, the man bellows,
"Welcome Travellers! Forgive the reaction of my fellow guildsmen, we don't normally get types such as yourselves seeking aid from the guild. Normally we must deal with merchants and men of business rather than the men of adventure and countless tales that you appear to be. Come, sit with me and let us discuss why you are here and what myself or my brothers and sisters can do to help you in your plight."
He gestures to a number of empty stools surrounding the large table at which he is sat

[The Alcotroll]

Slightly taken aback by such an effusive welcome following such a hostile reception, Dron pauses for a moment before rallying magnificently. He takes a step forward and bows ironically before adressing the impressively bearded apron wearer:

"You are most kind, sir, though I fear you overestimate our prowess. We are indeed men of countless tales, although alas, can claim no part in them ourselves. Nevertheless, we have had a tiring few days, and would be most grateful for your offer of a seat and good conversation, perhaps a flagon of fine ale for my companions and yourself?"

Safely seated, Dron leans forward, waiting untill the drinks are brought and health is politely toasted.

"Now, as to our business. We are indeed seeking to procure the aid of a fine woodsman as you rightly surmised, and not one faint-hearted either!"

"We are agents of a local Wizard named Rizeth; a kindly soul who spends his days in contemplation and quiet research. A friend and trusted colleague of his had recently fallen in with an ill crowd and our employer had become concerned for his spiritual, as well as physical safety. Most recently, it came to our employer's attention that he had not heard from said friend for some time, and, fearing the worst, dispatched us to bring news of him. Alas, we found him gone, and his abode in a state of some chaos. Master Rizeth immediately charged us with finding and returning with the missing man, and so we dutifuly began our investigations."

Dron pauses for a draft of ale, allowing for the drama of his tale to sink in, both to the beard, as well as to the rest of the patrons who are no doubt listening intently.

"Almost immediately, our investigations met with what for us, was an obstacle insurmountable; The Cavernous wood. It seems that our only lead to this man's disappearance was last seen in that wood; a mysterious messenger that wizardly craft could not trace. Having no experience of wood-craft ourselves, it was folly to persue further, so naturally we repaired to this town to consider our options and to search for someone with the necessary skills to do what we could not."

[BigRedRod]

The ale is strong and served quickly, the table listens intently to Dron's words while the rest of the guild members go back to their earlier tasks of shouting and drinking.

Nodding at regular ntervals throughout the story the bearded man, whose name turns out to be Byron, seems confused at the abrupt end of Dron's speech. After a moments thought he speaks in a slightly less bellowing voice,
"And so what exactly is it that you are wanting? I'm sure that anyone taking your job would like to know exactly what is to be chased before commiting time. Tell us what you seek in the wood and we'll tell you whether we can help."

[The Alcotroll]

"Very well." begins Dron, "Our only lead is an entry in the man's diary which records that a Mr Longsworth, currently residing in Gran Arco expressed an interest in meeting him through a messenger. Our employer's friend was suspicious and made his own enquiries into this Mr Longsworth but could find no trace of him. When the messenger returned, he dismissed the man and dispatched his familiar to follow him. The familiar returned having lost the man in the cavernous wood."

"At the moment, this messenger is the only lead we have on the dissapearance of master Rizeth's friend. We were hoping that one of your associates would be able to help us track the man."

[SuperJosh]

Quiet while Dron talks, Roth absent-mindedly pets Cy.

[BigRedRod]

Byron smiles,
"Track? After the storm we just had? Track through the cavernous wood? And with so much information to help!"
The large man laughs and it feels like the very room shakes when he does so. Those at the table around him eventually join in. After a few seconds he stops and smiles,
"I'm sure I can someone who likes a challenge. Won't be cheap though. You leave me with a hundred gold bits and I'll have the finest woodsman and tracker waiting for at the door in the morning. Like I said, not cheap. Some would even call it pricey."

The man waits for a reactiopn still wearing his wide grin. The party can't help but notice that the rest of the table has fallen into silence

[The Alcotroll]

"Many would call it pricey." retorts Dron, "But since you are the only organisation that can offer us the help we need, it seems we have no choice. I can offer you fifty now and fifty more on successful completion of our contract."

Dron pauses for a moment before adding; "I imagine that our master could be persuaded to grant a bonus fee for exceptional service."

[BigRedRod]

The sun dawns early over Dagern the following morning and not long after the four find themselves stood in the golden morning light outside the guildhall. The horses mill about as the party await the arrival of their guide. The rest of Gran Arco's townsfolk commence their mornings work and just as the crowds have started to thin there is a quiet cough from directly behind Roth's right ear.

Spinning around in suprise that anyone could draw so close without being heard, Roth finds his hand heading toward his blade without any concious thoughts. However, the tribesman stops himself long enough to regard the stranger and guesses this would be their guide rather than a hostile encounter in the middle of the town.

The figure is tall and lithe, clad in a grey mantle over dark green trousers and shirt. On his head is a wide black hat which paired with the tall collar of his short grey overcloak hides most of his face. He doesn't appear to be armed, although he doesn't cut the kind of figure that any would consider helpless in countless situations,
"Well then. Let us first make our introductions and plans and then we can set about the harder part"
The voice is light and tinged with laughter,
"My name is Tigris and I'll be guiding you all into the woods today."
A faint chuckle floats out from the stranger,
"I'm told that you are wanting to follow some tracks through the woods of which you know very little. With the recent storm and all I'll need to know everything that you know about what we are trying to follow today."

Tigris steps backwards away from the group, his eyes shine from the hidden face and regard the party as he awaits an answer

[SuperJosh]

"Gods Tigris! You could get hurt sneaking up on a man like that." eyeing the woodsman up and down again he adds, "Of course you probably learned that lesson long ago. Well met, I am Rothylt. Roth to my friends."

[Black Plauge]

"Durn Traderson," Durn says, introducing himself, "I'm afraid, however that we don't know much more than we've already told."

"As we said last night, the only evidence we have of the messengers existance is a few scant entries in Lucas' diary. Not much to go on, to be sure, but its all we've got."

[BigRedRod]

"Ah. I thought that somehow only the bare bones got back to me, but when you put it like that... Well then, no time to waste. Don't worry I'm sure I can find the tracks of a message-boy. If they've made a few trips there should be a reasonable trail despite the storm."
Tigris chuckles in a rather sinister manner,
"I do enjoy a challenge, lucky for you."

Leaving the four to mount their steeds he sets off at a quick walking pace down the street formed from compacted earth. With their guide leading, the party head into the Cavernous Wood to seek Mr Longsworth and any further news of the conscienceless Wizard Lucas.

[BigRedRod]

EXPERIENCE

Roth [SuperJosh] 1612

Aldergar [Elpresidente] 1550

Dron [Alcotroll] 1821

Durn [Black Plague] 1765