The battle was long and hard-fought, but you defeated the ghouls. In the aftermath, you recovered a Tol Nedran arrow, fired at the village. It's early morning now, you've gotten a few hours sleep, but the smell of smoke still lingers, and you are eating some apples and bread on the steps out in front of the tavern, when a rider comes cantering down the street out of the mist. He's a local village boy, you recognize him as Gath, who was sent out two nights ago to get help from the local baron. He glances over at the burned down stable and back at you, brows raised in a question.
Rooker says, "Whatta you looking at, boy?"
Sharif says, "Well this has been an interesting evening"
The boy looks back at Rooker. "I...bring news from the Baron." he stammers.
Rooker says, "Spit it out, boy, we've had a hard night."
Thorn says, "Don't mind him, what is the news?"
"He says he cannot spare the troops to guard the village, as he is at war with one of his brother barons," the boy says, formally. Ah, spring in Anghara and the ritual of civil war has commenced again.
Thorn looks the boy's way, "You're Gath right?"
Thorn says, "You had better get some food and rest. You look like you've ridden long and hard."
Rooker stands and stretches; "Well, gents, let's get to it. We've got more than the undead to clean up now."
Sharif says, "You know this boy?"
Gath nods. "Aye, sir, I have," he says, shoulders drooping. "I thank ye." He makes his way past you up the steps and into the tavern to deliver his news to the village elders who have assembled inside. A messenger comes to deliver a message from the village elders, asking you to step inside.
Raising his eyebrows and smirking, Rooker mutters; "Here it comes, lads."
Thorn says, "I think they are going to ask us to leave town."
Rooker bows slightly to Thorn and Sharif; "After you..."
Thorn turns to enter the tavern.
Sharif shakes his head in disbelief
Sharif says, "Would they ask us to leave..after all we have done?"
Once inside the village chief elder, Zolas, tells you, "Thorn, Sharif, Rooker, we have been talking, and we are prepared to pay any price to be rid of this menace. This Tol Nedran arrow--" which sits on the table before you--"points to some deeper menace than we can comprehend."
Rooker follows the others into the tavern; "Government's the same wherever you go."
Molly and Kallea, who have both witnessed your bravery, sit nearby, nodding.
Rooker looks from Thorn to Sharif and back again in silence.
Sharif says, "There are dark forces at work"
At Zolas' gesture, Gath brings up some objects in bags and sets them before you on the table. "These are village heirlooms, but if we do not help you, there may be no village for us." First is a pair of finely made studded gauntlets.
"These Gauntlets give a Reith the strength of an ogre," he explains.
Second is a small stone carved with runes and a design of earth elementals. "This will summon an elemental, it is said, and you may command him as you wish."
Though his posture doesn't change an inch, Rooker's eyes light up as he studies the treasures in the boys hands.
Third is a silver ring with a tiny sparkling gem. "This ring will make a man quick as lightning."
Fourth, four jars of a healing salve.
Fifth is a potion alleged to turn a man into a form like a vapor.
Sharif says, "These are amazing items indeed!"
Zolas says, "It's not much, I admit, but they are yours to keep. And Kallea has pledged gold as well."
Looking at Thorn, Rooker mutters; "And just what price do we pay for all of these lovely baubles?"
"Rid us of this threat. Make our village safe for our children." Zolas says, sincerely.
Thorn whispers back to Rooker, "We must face this threat now or it will only spread."
Rooker says, "Which threat, Zolas? Do you expect three to stand against a Tol Nedran army?"
Thorn says, "This is no proof of an army."
Sharif says, "Seems a little unfair for the Tol Nedri."
Rooker snaps at Thorn; "No proof of an army perhaps, but certain indication of a conspiracy between two very deadly opponents."
Thorn says, "We must attack the roots of this diseased tree and all the branches will fall."
Zolas says sadly, "Then perhaps we have wasted our time..."
Thorn says, "I will give what help I can even if my companions decide to move on."
Rooker steps back slightly and smiles at Thorn; "I'm not running out on you, lad, I'm just urging some caution and asking that we set a reasonable goal."
Sharif says, "I agree...we are in this together!"
Zolas says, "Excellent!" He rises. "There are three fresh Ressi ponies outside for you, of course. If you require anything else, you have but to ask."
Kallea smiles happily at you. "And of course, the same goes for me.
Sharif smiles at Kallea "We should leave at firstlight...or second"
Chuckling quietly, Rooker shakes his head at Kallea; "I'm afraid I'm a bit shagged out at the moment. We should get started as soon as we can."
Picking up the towns magic ring, Rooker slips it over the index finger of his left hand; "Felt naked without a bit of flash on my hand."
Sharif says, "I shall carry the stone and the potion."
Rooker looks closely into Zolas' eyes; "I won't abondon your town, but I won't face an army for it either. If I leave without finishing, I'll return your treasure to you."
Thorn takes the gauntlets and stows them in his pack.
You step outside where the ponies await.
Thorn says, "My friends I believe we should plan our next assault."
Thorn says, "Any ideas?"
Sharif says, "We have no idea what we're up against do we?"
Rooker says, "You're the expert, Thorn, and you've gotten me out of everything up to this point. You lead and I'll follow."
You canter slowly down the street and into the forests as you bicker back and forth.
Thorn says, "Our main goal needs to be to find Xoth. Sharif any ideas on how we can do this?"
Sharif says, "We have already attempted to attack his tower...do we go back and check upstairs?"
Rooker says, "That sounds like a good idea, Sharif."
Rooker says, "The tower can only go so far up, but it can go down indefinitely."
Thorn says, "One would have thought that when the towers still stood, Xoth's main chambers would have been at the top of the tower."
Rooker says, "True."
Thorn says, "Sharif, what knowledge if any do you have of necromancy?"
Sharif says, "It is a very bad thing."
Sharif says, "and out of my realm of expertise I'm afraid"
Rooker says, "What about the Tol Nedrans? What do you think they are doing here?"
Thorn says, "My guess is the necromancer hired them to aid in tasks hids dead servants were unable too.""
Sharif says, "Perhaps they are here to uncover the secrets of the necromancer"
Thorn says, "Living men do not fear the light of day."
Rooker says, "But they were working in concert with the undead."
Thorn says, "Another thought comes to me as well. Perhaps they were responsible for waking the long silent Xoth."
Sharif says, "I think we still need to check out the upper levels of that tower"
As you ride, Rooker's keeping an eye on the surrounding terrain. Wouldn't want to ride into an ambush.
Rooker says, "I agree, Sharif."
Thorn says, "At this point that is as good an idea as any."
A two hour ride and the massive spike of rock hoves into view across the valley. Even by day, it's somewhat imposing.
Rooker dismounts and hobbles his horse near some stubby grass before shouldering his pack; "Let's get to it, lads."
Thorn whispers to Rooker, "I think we should do as you suggested. Look for a Tol Nedran and question him."
Rooker says, "Right, then we should climb up to the top of this point and look around for them."
The spike climbs up and up, perhaps a hundred yards. The top would give a commanding view for miles. You stand in the graveyard contemplating the climb. The sides are steep, but should be easily climbable.