Vilma's Whispers from the Foaming Mug: Day 10's Dawning Deeds
Ah, dear readers, gather 'round! Old Vilma has stirred from her slumber, and oh, what a day it has been in our beloved Orlane! The sun, though veiled by a gray, biting chill, did rise upon the tenth day of Ready, and with it, the Saviors of Orlane began to stir at the Foaming Mug Inn. A delightful rest they had, much needed after their arduous encounters of late, particularly that dire tangle with the gargoyles. They sent those stony fiends back to whatever dark corner they clawed out of, arriving back safe, though certainly not sound, for a good dinner and a well-earned sleep.
This morning, the air still hums with the memory of battle, even as the aroma of fried oat cakes and spiced apples fills the inn. Our heroes, the brave souls who champion Orlane, found themselves quite worn and battered, their very spirits tested. Poor Armatzi, in a sight that nearly caused Vilma to drop her morning tea, simply appeared on the common room floor, bleeding and unconscious! A shocking start to the day, indeed! But fear not, for the compassionate Nikki was swift to bandage him and, with the aid of the new wisdom that allows for full healing in safe havens, helped him back to his feet, a true testament to their devotion. It seems Feno, ever the dramatic one, even managed to frighten a local gossip into a fit of retching with a gargoyle head! Ah, the tales these walls could tell.
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A Merchant's Wares and a Shrewd Bargain
Word had spread, carried on excited whispers through the morning air, that a traveling merchant, Jalus the 10-Ringed, was in town. He specializes in jewelry and gems, they say, but also carries common necessities and, most importantly, healing items. Our heroes, being low on such vital aid, decided to brave the cold and seek him out, setting their sights on the canopy pitched between the Slumbering Serpent and the Golden Grain.
Jalus, a tall man in velvet robes, reeked faintly of cardamom and pipe tobacco – a curious blend! He displayed his wares: a beautiful amethyst brooch, a jewel dagger more for show than fight, vials of oil, rations, torches, and yes, healing potions and cheaper healing pulyses. And our Norsha, bless her diligent heart, even acquired a set of finely made gnomish lockpicks for a hefty price.
But the true spectacle came with Feno's cunning negotiation! He offered a signet ring, a valuable piece indeed, for sale. Jalus, the wily merchant, tried to drive a hard bargain, but Feno, with his unique persuasion (or perhaps just sheer audacity!), managed to secure all three of Jalus's healing potions and 40 gold pieces in exchange for the ring. A deal well struck for the party's desperate need!
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Strange Symbols and Grateful Hearts
As some of the party conducted their business, a curious sight unfolded near the Slumbering Serpent Inn. Some common villagers were seen drawing a strange shield emblem with the words "Saviors of Orlane" on the door, then kneeling in prayer. This peculiar ritual drew the attention of Nora, Feno, and Nikki, who went to investigate.
Lo and behold, these were the Low family – Billy, Tiona, and young Ewan – followers of Ma, expressing their profound gratitude for our heroes' valiant work against the Naga and the undead horde. They see the Saviors of Orlane as instruments of Ma's grace, celebrating their aid with these heartfelt symbols and prayers. A touching display of the community's nascent faith and appreciation!
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Temple Tidings and Unnatural Ferns
With Norsha still afflicted by magical darkness from the gargoyle that had rendered her blind, the group made their way to the Temple of Ma. There, they met the priestess, Misha Devi, who, despite the usual tensions between her followers and those of St. Cuthbert, graciously offered her aid for a donation.
Indeed, the noble Armatzi (a follower of St. Cuthbert himself!) was willing to cast a dispel magic spell, and with a good roll (and perhaps Ma's quiet blessing in her own temple!), Norsha's sight was restored! It seems Ma does not disdain all outside her flock, at least not entirely. Though, Misha Devi did not shy from lecturing Armatzi on the rigid ways of St. Cuthbert, preferring the wild, natural growth of grain over ordered rows. She also suggested seeking a sage in Hokk, Dana or Diana, who might be interested in gargoyle parts – a most intriguing rumor, wouldn't you say?
And speaking of nature, it seems Nikki's curious fern, Bernardet, briefly thrived in the temple's holy atmosphere, even managing to "steal" a silver piece! However, Misha Devi, ever discerning, deemed Bernardet an "unnatural corruption" and cautioned Nikki against dealing with such things. A plant with a will of its own, indeed!
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Whispers of Rangers and a Summons
Later in the day, as our heroes began to tend to their wounds back at the inn, a new intrigue unfolded. Los and Dwarum noticed two cloaked figures hurrying from the inn and, ever vigilant, decided to follow. They discovered a small gathering of Rangers of the Thorn, patrolling the Dim Forest on behalf of Iron Guard Mott. It seems these rangers, led by a fellow named Todd, were looking for signs of trouble, including a mute companion named Marcus, whose spear was broken under mysterious circumstances.
Most importantly, the Rangers delivered a message: the Saviors of Orlane are requested at Iron Guard Mott, the county seat, for a commendation and further direction. It appears our heroes' reputation precedes them, and grander duties await beyond Orlane's borders!
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A Day of Decisions and Preparations
With spirits and health restored (thanks to the new wisdom of full healing in safe places, what a blessing that is!), the group convened to plan the morrow. Despite the allure of distant Hokk for leveling up and securing funds, the immediate concern of stolen treasure in the Barrow Maze swayed their decision. Tomorrow, they will return to the labyrinthine swamp, ready to reclaim what is theirs!
And what of other preparations? Our resourceful Feno has commissioned a medium-sized, metal lock box from the local blacksmith, a sturdy safe capable of holding many valuables (and perhaps even more tarps!). It seems the lessons of lost copper and vanished tarps are well-learned.
The day drew to a close with plans for the future and the clinking of copper pieces for supper and breakfast. And a new question hangs in the air: will a new hero rise among them, perhaps a cleric, a druid, or even a curious blend of both? Only time, and the strange whims of fate, will tell.
So, my dear friends, Orlane sleeps tonight under a watchful, if slightly mad, eye. The Saviors are strong, their purpose clear, and the Barrow Maze awaits. What new tales will dawn with the morning light? Vilma will be watching, and you, my dears, will be the first to know! Stay warm, and keep your wits about you!
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