Session 230: The temple of Heironeous and the strange and mysterious Fire Maple Druids of Hookhill

It is day 20 of Sunsebb and Tatania has rejoined the group. When told of the identify spell scroll, she happily claims one. She is eager to acquire more skill and knowledge and, in fact, already has the requisite magic ink to scribe the spell into her spell book. 

The group had planned to visit the temple of St. Cuthbert, but as their cleric Armatzi is nowhere to be found, they instead venture to the temple of Heironeous. Feno is particularly interested in this deity which may more closely align to his ideals. As they approach the impressive structure, they are greeted by an acolyte. He needs to be persuaded, but eventually fetches a cleric. A harried cleric is brought out but she seems put out to have to deal with this intrusion on her time. In a disinterested tone, she asks what the party has for her to look at. The party sets out the several books and scrolls they had acquired in the barrowmaze. At first, the cleric is unimpressed. But upon closer inspection, her eyes widen and she emits a small choking sound. She scurries off and another higher-ranking official emerges to evaluate the writings. She too is astounded by the books and asks where the party had come across what she dubbed the "unholy relics of Incabulos". Tatania and Veyda explain the provenance of the items. The cleric wishes to study and then destroy the items and offers in exchange either gold or scrolls. The party chooses scrolls. She offers any four of the following: cure serious wounds, cure blindness, neutralize poison, or cure disease. The group decide on two cure serious wounds, neutralize poison, and cure disease. The group also offers the recovered lizardman scales and doppelganger books. The cleric notes that these two are cursed and will not study them before the curse is lifted. She will charge 2,500 GP to remove the curses, but the party demurs. 

Feno asks about the ideals and mission of Heironeous. He states that he wants to kill undead and is curious how the cleric might respond to such a brash statement. The cleric responds that Heironeous considers undead to be a scourge to be destroyed and any follower would be rewarded for services in this pursuit. In addition certain benefits and responsibilities could be expected. All good worshipers of Heironeous are expected to act in defense of the weak. Feno is intrigued and says that he will think on it.

Meanwhile, it seems that Niki has somewhat forgotten about the plight of her poor cat Jack, but fortunately, Veyda has not. She brings the cat to a druid grove. A priest identifies himself as a representative of the Fire Maple Druids of Hookhill. The priest is deeply concerned for the cat and promises to heal him to the best of their abilities, but it will take two weeks, not including the upcoming festival. He should be healed by day 5 of Fireseek, but no one needs to hurry to pick him up as Jack is welcome to stay with the druids. Veyda is interested in learning from the druids and asks if she can stay with Jack until he is healed. The druid agrees. Tatania then steps forward and offers diseased samples from the Dim Forest for examination. The priest is dismayed. The Fire Maple Druids were unaware of this evil corruption and promise to send emissaries. For sharing this knowledge, Tatania is rewarded with a prized pinecone. Then the priest grows somewhat grim and proclaims that Orlane should be purged of its humanity so that it may return to nature. This shocking statement catches many in the party off guard and they quietly dismiss themselves, leaving Veyda with this questionable group.

The return trip to Orlane is relatively uneventful aside from running into a patrol group. They stop the party to inspect their newly-updated adventuring charter and inform them of a strange sickness to the east. The group remembers overhearing some other travelers talking about this, but don't have any additional information. The patrol group asks the adventurers to warn any travelers they see away from eastward visitations. The party also notes additional rot and mushrooms in the Dim Forest.

Back in Orlane on Day 25 of Sunsebb, the party gives Myr his foodstuffs and checks in on their advertisements. They decide to hire a cart driver and laborer to fetch regular food shipments. In addition, Gnorcia decides to enlist Pella Reid (an orphan from the battle of Orlane) as a hireling. Let's hope she can be kept safe during the many adventures of the Saviors of Orlane. Otherwise you will have to hear about it from me, your faithful storyteller,

Vilma