A Message for all Jastreyan Citizens

Submitted by Elaine O. on Sat, 5/7/2016 at 11:44pm

Off in the distance, somewhere in the woods lining Jastrey, single columns of smoke have been popping up, one adding to the cluster as each day passes. Eventually, two figures, in gold and red attire adorned with well polished steel travel down Jastrey's beaten path to post a single piece of parchment to the public notices board.
 
~
 

To the Citizen's of Jastrey

We, a special force of Crystal Fists, sent directly from the Gallant Palace by order of the King of Huel Vor, have been tasked to watch over your town due to the large amount of Dhuroscht related activity including but not limited to;

  • Citizen's having first hand involvement in sacrificing the new born prince of Huel Vor
  • Rumored recruitment's done by Dhuroscht follower's within town limits
  • A Spire of Dhuroscht follower's run by a High Priest erecting within town limits

We will remain within town limits but out of immediate view. We are here to eradicate the menace and nothing more. Guards will be sent on rounds daily to report any suspicious activity pertaining to Dhuroscht or his followers. We appreciate your cooperation and will remove our forces when given direct orders to do so. Any complaints should be sent directly to Gallant Palace and will be addressed within a timely manner.
 
~
 
The two guards remain for sometime near the board before departing back to their camp.

Poppy notices a new piece of parchment attached to the board after glancing over the note her face twist into a snarl. "Well Fuck isn't this wonderful timing." She spat out. She took quick notes in a book she kept in her hip pouch. There were some friends she need to let know of this as soon as she could to prevent harm.  As the Fae quickly headed back from the path from which she came.

Althena watched as the agitated fae stalked away from the notice board.  Concerned, she stepped closer, and quickly scanned over the various notices tacked upon the board, eyes finally fixing upon the notice from the Crystal Fist.  She tilted her head slightly, concern for her vampiric friend filling her heart.  "Seems as though some form of law may indeed be entering Jastrey, whether the denizens wish it or no."  Eyes fixed upon the name of the vile fiend, she frowns.  "But then, maybe this isn't such a bad thing," she murmurs before turning to leave, taking the path that led back to Avaren's church, a thoughtful expression upon her face.

Ling had been watching. Signs of trouble had been brewing. Never a good thing those, and then two armed soldiers marched into town and stuck up their announcement directly onto the public notice board. As much, he had armored up. His armor new and undented - he didnt like that too much - and his blade sheathed. Shield slung over his shoulder. He stared at the board and thought. For what must have been hours for when he realized the soldiers were gone and others had come to gawk at the notice. He went forward and read it. He clenched his fist.

"Thats an armed occupation." He growled and grinned. He stalked away to where he had watched the soldiers, for that is what they were and any outsiders were to be watched diligently these days,g gathered up his tankard, and went to the main gate... upon his arrival, he turned to one of the towns folk and made sure that the other gates were closed and barred shut. Trouble was brewing, and he didnt like its flavor. He stood in the middle of the gate, his shield under his hands and he slightly leaned on it...

"Come and take 'm ya right bastards." He said softly and began his wait.

Rune walks with the Empyrean Marloff  up to the town post, with an advertisement for the Understanding in hand. Upon arriving, Rune notices the Crystal Fist's post. After reading it, "Docent Marloff, what do you make of this?" emits from the construct.

'First thought is of the townsfolk. Not sure they will welcome this.'
Marloff grabs the bottom edge of the post to get a better read.

"No, no they will not." The construct's lights pulse in patter akin to a sigh. Rune's faceplate lights up brightly for a moment as it gets a better understanding of the area outside of town (explore). A low bass tone emits from the construct. "The leader of the Wolves is pacing near one of the gates. We should speak to him before he does anything rash." Rune starts off towards the gate.

'Too much force used often loosens your grip. I am afraid what control the Fists have could be lost.'
Marloff lets loose the parchment and strides along side the construct.
'Ling, you say, he should have a few words about this as well.' After clearing his throat, Marloff continues. 'I have to admit the erection of that new spire does trouble me. Something should be done.'

Ling turned his head as he heard footfalls behind him, peering from the corner of his eye. Rune and marloff. The Docents. He had restrained himself, but he knew it might not last. He turned to face his allies. "Rune, Marloff, good..." he began, "I had the gates closed leaving this one open. The Wolves are watching them. No one leaves, no one comes. Not for now at least... Dont need anyone doing something rash." He began, turning to look back out at where the smoke pillars were coming from. "But, an armed occupation... from paladins... this is extreme."

Rune stops when it finds the irritated elf, and raises it's stone hands in a calming gesture, "This one believes you are over-reacting. They have a valid, if not un-welcome, reason for being here. Certain members of town did slay the prince-child. And we did have a tower of Duroscht spawn here." the golem pauses, and lowers its hands, "And some of us did succumb to what the demon prince offered."

' I think you have said it well , right there, Rune.'    A deep sigh leaves Marloff's body.    'We do need to be accepting of others and their beliefs, but if that tolerance leads to needless death and destruction.... Well, this is not a thing to tolerate.'
Marloff lays one hand on the shoulder of Ling. 'As leaders we need to remain calm and not act too hastily, but I do understand your frustrations.'

The elf warrior nodded, and sighed. "I have seen so much war, that I see a threat and I react. There is no thought to it... I exercised restraint for this." He pulled out a water skin and took a drink, pulled off his bandana and scratched his hair. "I may condem those who would bring on darkness, but just as soon defend them." He closed his fists. "Go and speak with them. I'm not good at diplomacy. Im a warrior... We'll stand vigil."

"A fair assement. If they had not been Crystal Fists, this one would have assumed the worse. This one will wait here for a moment, and see if any other wish to go with us to the camp." Rune hands his guildmate a small stone seal, with a ribbon of frayed fabric with markings on it. (grant teleport) "Join this on on the top of the wall." emits from the space that the golem had been occupying before it teleported to the top of the wall. 
 
(Rune uses Explore from the top of the wall, to see if he can get an idea of where the camp is)

'You would make an old man climb, wouldn't you.?!'
Marloff paws through his a bag for a moment and pull out his wand. Waving it slightly towards the wall... {conjure ladder}
Upon reaching the top to join Rune, Marloff peers into the distance looking for others who might happen this way. 'Ling, you have done well to secure this spot, I thank you for all of Jastrey.' Turning to Rune, he continues. 'Rune, perhaps we should have a talk with the Fists and then with some of the town. A one on one explaination of the need for the Fist could go a long way to quell fears and anger.'

Ling grabbed up his stuff and walked up the stairs to the top of the wall, joining the golem. The smoke rising in the distance, four or five smoke pillars at this point it seemed, a large camp. He pointed at the smoke pillars in the distance. "There, how far off is the question." He said, leaning his shield aganst the crenelations. "If they are simply here to search the town, they shouldnt have such a large force."

Rune nods, but emits "It took the better part of town just to take on their scouting and summoning team. A small contingent would not go amiss when dealing the forces of the demon prince. An invading force from the Fists would be unheard of. This one would know, as it once served under that Mantel"

Returning from his late night meeting, Esgir was surprised to find the gates of town largely closed. Fearingthat jastrey had come under siege by some outside force the runesmith hastened his pace, finally managing to find the one gate that was open; spying Ling, Marloff, and Rune speaking in the archway. Panting lightly as he approached them.

"What- What's th' meanin' o' this? Are we under attack?"

The encampment is closer than it appeared to be at a distance. Roughly 12 or more tents can be seen nestled into the tree line just after the wall. A few paladins spot the trio and momentarily stop to observe the Jastreyans. No action is taken from any of the paladins, they simply continue what they doing; chatting, cooking, dueling, basic paladin encampment found in the woods stuff.

Kaelan comes out of the Tower and notices a few commoners around the public notice board. Walking swiftly to the board the commoners part the way for him. Kaelan takes a moment to read then begins to reread the posting much more deliberately.
He spots Rune, Marloff, and Ling on top of the wall. Walking up to the wall he sees a ladder obviously a magical creation. Kaelan climbs to join his fellow Docents.
"So what brings you to this perch?" Grinning slyly. "In all seriousness, if we want the three of us could go to the Paladins to see if there is anything further we should be aware."

Weylyn made his way out of one of the local stores, a load of supplies in his satchel. He spotted the noticed board being surrounded by the locals and made his way over. It didn't take long to read the notice. "Of all the rotten timing." he mumbled before he turned to walk off.
 
Though as he neared the gate he spotted Ling and several other Docents on the wall staring at something, it didn't take much to guess what they were looking at. He made his way to one of the stairways and climbed up to join them.  "So what are we looking at?" he asks before seeing the encampment himself "Not that many of them. At least this will be less likely to cause a fight." he said under his breath

Swift returns on an early morning trek from the forest  carrying a small sack of early mayapples.  His eyebrows raise at the sight of some Jastreyians upon the open gate of the ruined wall around town.  Curious as always the ixifar calls out as he approaches.  "Good morning Rune, Ling, and Marloff!  What has your attention atop such an over-ambitious construction?"

Esgir perks a bit at Weylyn, having overhaerd his hushed comment.

"Some people seem t' look f'r a fight in annae circumstance."

Deep in the woods surrounding Jastery, Goose was just settling down from a busy night when he sensed an uneasiness in the air around him. He walked a distance from his camp and coaxed a bird to him. [ Commune Nature]. Learning of some strange arrivals outside the town he quickly made his way to town.

Some time later he arrived at the outskirts of town and, finding the gates closed, he circled the town in his panther form until he arrived at the front gate. He shifted into his natural form and looked up at the crowd atop the gate.

"What is all the commotion about?"

Weylyn turned to Esgir "I've noticed" he said dryly "Which is why, I'm hoping they'll stay outside, and be as undisruptive as possible."

Ling turned to those that were arriving and waved his hand down at the woodline and the camp that was there. "Crystal Fists, here about that spire and stuff. They set up camp in the woods there," he stated leaning on the crenelations to study their encampment better. "A small force, but still, far too close to the wall. This could be seen an act of agression. They must move their camp further out at least."

Swift appears to digest this information for a moment.  "Oh."
 
"As long as there are no interrogations I see no problem here.  Did they say what they wanted?"  Swift entered the gates leaving his bag of forest fruits at the base of the ladder he began to climb.  "I'm surprised they reacted so quickly to the recent plight of Dhuroscht.  They must have informants in town."
 
Upon reaching the top of the ladder the ixifar stands with his friends in observation.  "What are your intentions Master Rune?  We should at least send an emissary.  There is no reason why they could not engage in the commerce of town."

"This one intends to talk to them. This one is sure they had been meaning to come to this town after Mischief slew the prince child, but the tower was most likely enough to demand a response. The winters of their homeland also impeded their advance." the construct's faceplate ceases its light show, seemingly satisfied with what it found. "There are 12 tents, and armored men. The extra tents could be housing for squires and other support staff. In any case, We should not send more than three down there, and we should not be visibly armed."

'I will accompany you Rune, if you think it wise to have me go.' Marloff looks himself over and gives a chuckle 'I never appear heavily armed. I am but a simple, well meaning old soul.'  
After a brief moment he adds... 'I do not mean to make light of this, I understand fully the implications if we were to fail in our endeavor.'

Weylyn nodded "I'll volunteer to go as well, if you want me. But i will understand if you would rather send another." He offered. He was currently unarmored and carrying only a quarterstaf, a weapon yes. But generally not much of a threat to men in armor.

'Agreed Yeou, self promoting aside, I think we would make a good team to speak with them. Neither of us are intimidating, a thing that can turn talks ugly in hurry.'

"I'd go. But Im not dropping my armor. I can stand at the gate if you need me." Ling grumbled as he leaned against the wall. He saw the reason in peace, but still didnt like the Order being so close to the walls.

'I admire your strength and willingness to fight, Ling, your prowess with the sword might become necessary soon.' Marloff turns to make eye contact with Ling. 'Against whom, I can not tell just yet, but, I do feel a strong uneasiness in the air in and around Jastrey.'

Nodding solemnly.

"Aye c'n certainly agree with tha' Marloff."

Swift rustles his feathers.  "At your discretion then Master Rune.  Contact me if you need me.  There are capable hands here."  
 
Nodding to the others, the ixifar descends the ladder, swings the bag of mayapples over his shoulder and strides into downtown.  He pauses briefly to read the post left by the Crystal Fist, then makes his way toward the Tower.

As more Jastreyan's climb and look over their town wall, more Crystal Fists stop whatever duties they were performing to stand and watch, murmuring amongst each other, a few chuckle, others grow bored and go back to whatever task they were doing before. Eventually, a lone paladin heads over to the growing cluster of distracted paladins and seperates them, a stern look across his brow. The crowd dispurses and the lone paladin turns to the fascinated townsfolk, his face softening as he does. He steps a bit closer to the wall and cups his hands around the corners of his mouth before speaking.
 
"I don't suppose your towns folk want to discuss some things! Or would you rather stare at our camp all day?" The single paladin appears human and exudes a knightly personality.

'Well met , good Sir. I, Marloff and Yeou will speak on behalf of the town.' After climbing down off of the tower Marloff walks up to greet the Knight. 'There is no question as to why you have come. Even without your post on our board, we recognize the issues. However that is not understood by all of Jastrey, some already fear the worst, of you and the new cultists.' ...pauses...' What say you?'

"I say that we chat and clear the air on some of this; a blind person could see the tension between our forces and your town. I'll meet the two of you, and whomever else, at the gate. It'll only be myself and I'll be sure to unarm so there's less of a chance for any hostility." 

'A sensible proposition, to be sure. We shall meet you there and also remained unarmed.' Marloff starts to walk back toward the gates, then stops and turns back to the Knight. 'I will ask the gathered town folk to disperse a bit before you arrive. At what hour do you suggest we meet?

Noticing the commotion around the notice board on his way back to town, Ayrin hurried over to confirm what he had been told. He scanned the board for the note addressing Jastrey, narrowing his eyes and scrunching his nose as he read it. The duskling backed away and huffed before disappearing in an instant [teleport] and returning to the cover of the shadows. He meandered his way over to the gate, in the direction of the billowing smoke and where a small group of townsfolk had gathered. He watched them interact with what he could only assume was a paladin from a distance.

Rune's head snaps to look at where the urodeq teleported. -seek-. With a a mumbled incantation a small portal opens near Ayrin. "This one would suggest you make yourself seen. We do not want to appear deceptive." emits from the portal

The duskling jumped back, startled by the sudden appearance of the portal. "Aye, I mean no harm, just curious is all," he replied, not knowing whether or not his reply would be received by the miniature portal. He stepped forward from the shadow he lurked in and sat himself on the ground to continue watching.

Weylyn nodded at Marloff's words, after a moment he leaned over to Marloff and spoke softly so that only the others in the immediate vacenity could hear. "If we're doing this peacefully. There's no real reason not to meet them outside their camp as a sign of good faith. Get him to swear to our safety and we'd at least be allowed to return to town. And it would show that we harbor no ill intent towards them." He suggested. "Besides there is enough parties around that wouldn't want to talk to the paladins at all, that I'd be more worried that someone would want to start something while their emessary was out of their sight." 

After a moment he shrugged "And in the unlikely event that we are attacked I have a gate crystal we can use for a hasty retreat if need be." he offered but his tone was clear that he was just offering an alternative.

Marloff leans in to Weylyn 'I hear what you are saying and it sounds good, but, I don't think approaching their camp is the best idea. We were told we would be met by the gate at the suggestion of the Fist member whom I spoke with. Better to let them feel they have things under control and not seem as though we are disregarding their words.'

Rune pulls out a small stone seal similar to the one it gave Marloff. The construct says a word over it, and tosses it to the fox. -grant teleport-. " For peace of mind"

"As soon as you'd like." The Paladin responded. "The name's Kristoff. I'll be by the gate when you're ready to chat." He said in a finale tone before heading back into the camp, likely to drop off his sword.

Weylyn nodded. "Understandable. I suppose we can always offer to pay for the first round at the tavern. That might get a few to head off." He suggested, glancing around at the crowd. "I don't know of much else that will shift this lot if they're interested in something." he added.
 

Marloff climbs the ladder back to the top of the wall. Once there he straightens his robe and hat. 
He projects his next words out in a loud voice. 'To the good souls gathered here today. I ask that we have this area cleared for our meeting with the Paladin. He comes to discuss their intentions and give us a chance to voice our concerns.' ... Marloff pauses to judge the reception of his words... 'Go to the tavern and have a few drinks on me. We will come to the Shady Corner and brief you on what we discover.'

Weylyn follows the older docent back down the ladder. "Well then I guess we just wait for him to get back." He said simply while watching to see if anyone took Marloff up on his offer for free alcohol.

Marloff walks out to greet the Paladin as he approaches the gate. 'I appreciate your swift return, good Sir. I have asked the crowd to move themselves to the tavern. Less of a chance someone acts up and cause mischief.'

Weylyn followed his fellow docent, pausing to set aside his staff before continuing though the door. "Indeed Kristoff-san. Thank you for agreeing to meet with us." He said politely, bowing slightly at the waist in greeting. "My name is Yeou Weylyn, and my associate here is Marloff Thistru." He said offering introductions.

Also, after climbing down off the wall, Kaelan joins his brother Docents, Yeou and Marloff, at the Gate. Kaelan plans to join them meeting with the paladin.
"Greetings Kristoff. I am Kaelan. Yeou and Marloff are associates of mine as well. Would you mind my company as well?
Kaelan looks to Kristoff, Yeou, and Marloff in turn.

'Kaelan, my friend, what we need is someone for crowd control. We can not have the town folk interrupting the talks.' 
Marloff nods knowingly to Kaelan.
'You need to be as gentle as possible with them. They are already pretty worked up. Please, Kaelan, no knocking heads if you can help it.'

"Much obliged, Marloff?" He made a slight bow to the two. "And a pleasure, Yeou. I want to apologize on behalf of my forces for not making our arrival more well known to your town sooner. We had encountered some not so nice beasts on the way and needed to take the time to scavenge and rest. Our reports stated that Jastrey may not be the friendliest of places so we kept to ourselves until most recently, as you well know."
 

'You are correct in the sense that Jastrey has need to distrust new comers. To be honest they see paladins and see only laws and governing. Things the eclectic group here have trouble swallowing.' Marloff stands a bit taller. 'I however do not let such things bother me too much.'
'Feel free to forage for what you need from the forest. There are a few in Jastrey with wares to sell and food stuffs can be found at the Tavern along with good ale.' 
'But, what is your plan concerning the new cultist and their converts in town?'

"Weylyn is is my given name actually, Kristoff-san. My culture gives our family name first, but you are welcome to use either." He said remaining polite before he continued "And yes we can understand your caution  the various monsters crossing the spans to Jastrey can be quite dangerous." he agreed
 
He waited for Marloff to finish before expanding on it a bit. "Jastrey itself is..." he tried to think up a word that wouldn't be a complete lie and failed  So he went with the best he could think of with a slight wince "Frankly... lawless. And most of the locals tend to like it that way. That's why most aren't exactly pleased to see you here. However with a few exceptions, most won't threaten you with violence, especially if you look like you can take care of yourself, but you should be aware that you will face a good amount of hosility." He cautioned before falling silent again as Marloff asked what their plans were for the cultists.

Kaelan nods at Marloff. "If what you need my friend is crowd control, then I can do that. Strange enough I get asked for that periodcially just normally on the battlefield."
Kaelan ignites the stone in his staff. "People of Jastrey. Please return to your work and homes.  Please allow them to parlay with the paladins in peace. Go to Shady Corners if you are lack for something to do and leave the meeting in peace. "
Kaelan walks towards the tavern, "Come with me and I shall buy the round." The stone is his staff goes out as he walks to the tavern.
 

Kristoff listened intently to what Marloff and Weylyn had to say, adjusting his stance and taking a long look at the two before speaking again. "We've heard from plenty of other sources of your town's... Grey morality and we want to make it clear that we are not hear to cause war between yours and ours. We are here on direct orders to apprehend certain members that live within Jastrey that have committed crimes against our King and by our laws must stand trial. We have the names and basic descriptions of those who we are looking for; they know who they are and are aware of why we're here and we know that they're going to be hiding from us."
 
He cleared his throat and again repositioned himself. "On the topic of Dhuroscht, while we're stationed here, if you want to give us the names of those who you suspect to follow him, we can handle them similarly to those that have wronged our King, by trial, but also cleansed of any Dhuroscht's influence. We saw the spire rise and fall as we made our way to town. Impressive, I must say."

Marloff lets out a low soft sigh. 'This is difficult, indeed. I do not wish to anger any of Jastrey. Yet at the same time you do have a job to do.' Casting his gaze to to heavens, Marloff ponders a moment. 
'For now, all I can ask is that the innocent be protected. I hope I can have your assurance on that point...?'
'As for names, I can not give names that I am unsure of. I will , however, start an investigation and discover what I can about them.'
Marloff extends his arms and shows his empty hands in a gesture meant to convey trust, peace, acceptance and understanding.
'You must act with caution while inside the walls of Jastrey. I have no doubt there will be some trouble, rest assured there are also those who will do all we can to help.'

Weylyn nodded "I will assist as I can. I've already had a bit to do with the situation already. I'll continue to help out as best I can. Do you mind if I ask to whom you're looking exactly, if it's the list I remember then I can assure you that you won't find all of them." He told the man plainly. "Despite being lawless, a good few people didn't like it when they found out that someone had sacrificed a child." 

Kristoff nods grimly. "Thank you for understanding, we are most appreciative of it. It is indeed a difficult task, to surrender those you'd consider friends to a fate you would rather they not face. I cannot guarantee what the King will rule in their trials, but if they come willingly, in their own time, perhaps with the good word of some of your more... Trust worthy citizens, things should go without any problems."
 
He takes a moment to breath and then continues. "We will, however, continue to carry out our orders in making rounds of Jastrey to let anyone come forward with information if they so please. We will only send in two men at a time, daily, and armed for their own protection. If, for whatever reason, any brethren are to go missing, we will return with more force and questioning."
 
He pauses, again, this time removing a parchment from his belt. "Here, this is the list and descriptions of all who we know to be involved that night. We expect it will take heavy negotiations before bringing anyone forward, so please, do not rush. As for any suspected Followers in your town, a list of their names and description would be most valuable and will be handled similarly, by trial, in addition to being purified of any Dhuroscht's influence." Kristoff looks around the woods for a moment before his focus returns to Marloff and Weylyn. "It's grown dark, I hope these discussions will be of some help in easing any tension with your fellow Jastreyans that we may have caused." Kristoff crosses and arm over his chest and bows to the two. "I've no doubt that we will be speaking again soon. Good night." With that, he turns and walks back to his camp.
 
 
Suspects to be Found and Tried

  • Poppy - Unseelie Fae
  • Treyguard - Warlock Gnome
  • Pelle - Riven

​These suspects are confirmed by a protected witness who resides within Jastrey.
When found, bring them immediately to Huel Vor to be tried by the King. Any and all testimonials are welcome to the trial.

'Well, Weylyn, I think we have a better understanding of things. But still going to be a difficult task easing the tension in town. These three named here, I have known to be mischievous and perhaps misguided, but to send them to face trial.... most unwelcome. Perhaps we should set to finding the truth behind what happened the night that child was killed. Only then can I feel right in sending them to trial or accompanying them in defense.'
'I would like to hear your thoughts before we head to the tavern.'

Weylyn waited for the paladin to walk out of earshot before he sighed, ears and tail drooping. "We should talk to them about it of course, Poppy especially." He shook his head  "The problem is I'm not entirely sure what to think of the matter. I believe they did have something to do with that the sacrifice of the child... I was there when we helped Rex-san return the child to life and I saw the body before he was revived. The king had descriptions and names... and I doubt they would have been able to pull that out of a hat, to use that expression... So they must have been there at least the night it happened." 
 
He motioned towards the town indicating they should return "I'm not sure at all how to tell them about Treyga-skip. Pelle's disappeared and I can't help but wonder if he knew something was coming. So the only one who even CAN stand trial is Poppy-san... The others I'd be less inclined to assist but Poppy-san is one of us and deserves our support... besides even as malicious as she can be sometimes I don't really picture her as a cultist... But I do know who we can ask about this besides Rex. In any case we should find Rune." he said, rambling as his thoughts just spilt out as they tended to do when he's agitated.

Rune teleports off the wall and down to the two Docents. "This one heard what was said. Poppy made an agreement with this one upon joining the Docents that should would be first held responsible for any issues Mischief caused. Pelle has left town, on a journey of some sort. This one will seek him out when it finds a lead." The golem pauses, "Also, a meeting will be scedualed pertaining to how we interact with town."
 
Rather abruptly, Rune stops moving, and it's faceplate lights up. The rest of the golem folows suit and it draws it's greatsword from it's back with a crackle of electricity. Rune drops into a -portal- with a murmer and dissapears from sight

Rune and the portal pop up a good bit away from the rest of the group but still within ear shot; if Rune wasn't glowing, no one would probably see where he went. A shadowy figure leaning against a tree speaks. "Well, I was found much sooner than anticipated." The figure moves its head towards Rune and continues to answer unasked questions. "I'm here on official business and I am to report back to-well I'm sure you know-once I've gathered sufficient information. I'm not here to collect anyone."

Rune comes out of the portal in a high guard, but relaxes and hefts its great weapon onto it's shoulder. "But you intend to. You seek to use this as an opportunity to collect Poppy." emits from the construct in a deep rumble of bass

Weylyn opened his mouth to speak with the Golem right before the glowing docent teleported. Blue-white fire flickered into being around his right hand as he was suddenly on guard. Which he lowered when he saw Rune again some distance away, the golem relaxing his own. After a moment's hesitation he glanced over at Marloff "Should we go help?" he asked uncertainly, rune could take care of himself but at this distance he could hear most of what was said but not all of it.

Kaelan comes out of the tavern and walks toward Weylyn and Marloff.
"I believe the crowd will be focusing more on their tankards than anyone outside of town for some time. So what have you found out and what is our course of action?"

"No, construct, I am not here for the vampire. If I were, I would not be here, watching, I would be collecting." The shadow figured retorted, pausing for a moment before continuing. "As I said, I am here to acquire information on matters considerably larger than any of my normal duties. Rest assured, my time here will not be spent on intervening with those who shouldn't be on this plane," the figure concluded.

Marloff starts off in the direction of the tavern, leaving Rune to whatever he was doing.
'Rune will let us know what he is doing now, when he has finished Weylyn. Let us make our way to the tavern. We need more information on what happened to that child before it was resurrected. I will start by asking Athena what she may have heard about it around town.  Perhaps there is someone you could look to and learn more too.'
'Oh Kaelan, yes, we have learned some, but what we learned only begs more answers.'

"What is your business here then?" emits from the construct. 

Ling; maybe in his hubris or his annoyance of having a camp posted right outside his walls decends from the wall after the chat, before Kristoff can get too far, and calls out, "Oi then, Captian Kristoff." He sighs and pulls out his flask and takes a swig. "A quick moment lad." Holding out his flask as an offer.

The shadow sighs before responding to Rune. "I was sent by my immortal to determine if a certain soul needs to be taken to the Deep Nether or return to their body. In order to make that decision I need time to figure out what is the most just action, which is why I am here, to observe and not intervene." The shadow pauses before finishing. "We are likely to speak later." With that their form disappears and Rune is left standing by a tree.

------------

As Kristoff was nearing his encampment, he heard one of the wall watchers call out his name. He turned on his feet to be met by a battle ready elf with an outstretched flask. "I appreciate the offer however I'm to decline." He pasued a moment to let the elf do what he willed with the flask. "You wish to speak?"

Ling smiled and shrugged, sipping his flask before stowing it away and looking at the man. "Friend, I don't like your camp being so close to the wall, and I've been called one of the more reasonable people in town, and if I don't like it then others might not like it either. So, how about this," he paused pulling out a sheet of paper a charcoal stick, scribbling down some stuff, "I own a farm a few kilometers out of town. Hard to miss. Its got a chest high stone wall. One of my fields is open for crop rotations, so why don't you and yer men camp there, instead of here in the woods and risk the wild things." He held out a drawing of the town and the road that lead down to his farm. Lan Lan Farm.

Kristoff took the scribbled parchment and looked it over after acknowledging what Ling had said. "Hmm. Your offer is generous and you make a good point however, I'm confident Jastrey would prefer any paladin forces be a good many leagues away." He paused to hand the crude map back. "Our position is meant to bring attention and push a few buttons if we have to. It isn't the best tactic but our sources suggested this would be the best way to get results and it appears they were right." Kristoff paused once more before continuing. "I should be heading back unless there's anything else you wish to discuss."

Poppy stood at the edge of the gates taking one deep breath collecting herself to seem fairly well put together. She could see the tents and fire in the distance. Glancing behind her to see both friends a few strides behind her. "What did you say the guys name was again?" She inquired of the two. 

"Aye did'nae meet them yet, marloff and Weylyn went t' meet them first."

Looking to Marloff.

'Captian Kristoff, is what he called himself.'

'He seemed to be a reasonable man.'

Ling nodded, and held out his hand in a way to decline taking back his note. "Nah Lad, you go on and keep it. Never know when you might need to ask me questions..." he turned and started walking back into town. "Go back to yer camp Capt'n, have a good day while yer at it."