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[Quaksna]

Spoiler: Chapter 4 recap - Actual spoilers  :P (click to show/hide)

The next mark on your path, the city of Todoti, was about a week away, fortunately, serving a different crown than the one you've just upset. Until reaching said kingdom, you have decided to lay under and stay off roads. Not helping the matters was Flax's right arm, shown to have broken during your previous getaway, and what more, Nami has left you abruptly, offering a few last words of guidance and an urge to salvage Crackantler's soul. You've begun to see Melabil in your dreams every night since the initial vision, the nature of whose remained unclear.

While meandering through the wild, you happened upon a couple skirmishers of the Joñu people, a fierce breed of man recently moving to settle southern parts of Niwirthola. These held a scavenger captive, a stoat woman of presumed troubled past, which you've got to join your party, after a peaceful resolution with the platoon's leader, an operation in which Flax seemed to take great interest in.

Her presence has proven useful outright, a day before your return to civilization you have been ambushed by a group of deerman fanatics, coming for your head. You have successfully slayed the lot, and reached the city shortly.

Thanks to harvesting some of the titan's fur you were able to cash in, along with some leftover equipment. You've made a fortune in gold, sure to help during your travels, but also bringing unwarranted attention - the city's underground took notice. More transactions have been made, as you were busy assembling material for a proper staff, and even gave a visit to a powerful sorcerer, in efforts of deciphering the stoat vagrant's heirloom talisman.

Once leaving the walls of Todoti, more hardships came your way - to avoid attention using magic, you went camping off the road again for purposes of crafting the staff - more of your kin has shown up to wage war, and despite emerging victorious again, your wounds have begun to stack.

Spoiler: The episode (click to show/hide)

A couple would-be solitudes you pass, and another settlements greets you, as it does travellers from all around. Truly, these seem designed to draw from the traffic, arranged adjacent to the road, and its inhabitants more than eager serving your needs. You have hastened enough by now, that the whole party is assembled, and ready to take the next step.



"You've carried yourself fine." the leader teases, removing his helmet, as to hint. "There's still a share of daylight left, but nothing stops us from negotiating our stay in advance. Come, it is only to get better from now on."



"Some bloody hope..." you hear from the stoat, but one annoyed glance she gets in return.



Flax wastes no time, in a blink, you all are driven to an inn.



Even more vim awaits behind the doorway than the streets hold, much like the big cities and their roadhouses. Though no savage sort, nor any non-human breeds are to be seen, still, 'tis nothing to serve unease - it is always a relief to witness man enjoy the simple life, away from all strife.



You do not get the time to scout just yet, for like a broodmother, Flax looks to pluck the lot of you, lest you'll litter - and a counter is now the target. It is not hard to reach once you've headed, it seems the other guests rest long since seated, and soon, so shall you too.



Quite busy it is on the maintenance's end as well, there's a good handful of journeymen to accommodate you, all young in swift motion. One fleets with naught but his eye, and he is to be adressed.

"A splendid day to you, and the whole fellowship!" your leader greets, and presents the company of his own. "We seek two beds, whether together or  apart matters not. For this one night."



"You're out of luck, then." the swain imparts, weary so that not much else sounds in his voice. "We have but one, in a frugal cell fit for a hermit, whereas you I see harbor a troop. You'd be better off by the temple - provided there is still place left, and I know not what they take for offerings these days..."

Flax's smile drops somewhat, and eyes diminish. More words he sends forth.



"Surely the commutation is not to blame alone, then? It strikes one as odd."

"And ever so sure, you must have come from afar. There's a disease in the hold."



Glances fly back and forth within the group, when the notion is raised. It halts the warrior longer, though the eagerness overall remains.



"And here I thought, the days of spring are yet to come!" he utters, hurling a look of his own to you and the staff. "I suppose you wouldn't tell me if everyone merely caught a cold, still, everyone seems to enjoy themselves rather well."

"Perhaps here in the open, aye..." the host continues. "We were told to lock the sick away, and keep them in place. A great plague to all who have housed them..."



"How are they sick exactly?" the stoat asks, but you notice, she makes sure not to face anyone, unlike your mediator.



"Feebled by fever, so they wouldn't move without refuge anyway, now you mention it... And their lungs are as if full of rocks and their breath of botflies, but cough they do not. It is all very strange, a sense all the psysicians struggle to suppress. They did contain it, thank the Fair, so fear not to indulge, if the room is unsuitable, you can try our prized herb liquor, or anything from today's bountiful offer..."

"Back with you on that, in a beat." your leader declares, and twists you around to moot.



"Gentlemen, and peck, you have heard the master! Could we do with a single bed?"

[Strif3]

Let's ask the stoat girl what she'd do in this situation.  She looks like she has something to say in that last panel. Then we can make an informed decision.

[King Zultan]

Let's ask the stoat girl what she'd do in this situation.  She looks like she has something to say in that last panel. Then we can make an informed decision.

+1

Also if he's asking about renting a room with just one bead for all of us I don't see anything wrong with some of us sleeping on the floor.

[Quaksna]

. . .

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

"Let us hear from the maiden." you suggest. "She took a great stake in this, and seems to maintain it."

Flax says naught, nor does his humor shift, he but turns to the girl in question.



"Take your bed, for all I care..." she mumbles. "I'll be glad for the roof for once, if the sick truly are contained. If not..."

"I agree." assesses Sas, and all your eyes now rest upon the superior. "It appears they battle the disease for some time, they must have accounted for it."



"I fear they may only so much as scuffle..." the leader comments in response. "But you are right. I shall rent the room, then."

"It might not be ill-advised to check the premises ourselves and either prove or lay those fears to rest." the stoat continues. "There is still time to travel the streets..."

"Which you won't... Alone, that is, and you're in luck, I'd like to get to bottom of all this as well, thus I shall accompany you. The rest of you is dissmissed, expected but to move on the morrow!"



Hence the meeting is concluded. The head rises and turns to the counter, then confirms your intents.

"Excellent, feel free to join us down here sometime!" the innkeep beams slightly, but his eyes fail him, he must've had a long day. "One piece silver is all, I'll have you be shown the way."



Upon a flourish, one of the associates leaves a mug half-wiped, and scurries to serve. All of you follow his steps, upstairs to a corridor.



Before you see your cell, you can tell it is to be small - you walk for a bit and there does not seem to be much of the house left. You pass many a door, some marked with a dark smear.



"Make yourself at home, but avoid any racket on this floor!" the menial reminds you, before leaving. "The inmates are not to be disturbed. Have a nice stay!"



Swiftly you slip into your closet, and truly, you'll barely fit in such a space. Flax retains a hopeful outlook, however.



"You or Sas have the bed, figure that yourselves." you're addressed by the warrior, who merely puts away his helmet and is quick to tour out. "I'll take the chair, should no one desire it. Come on peck, free self of burden, and let us scout."

[Strif3]

I don't really like the idea of leaving Flax alone with the stoat girl but, screw it, If no objections are voiced, we can't stop somebody from spending time with anyone they wish.

Though, we will threaten Flax; if he does anything to the girl, it'll be Blackhoof vs. Flax, Round Two, No Quarter. I just don't trust Flax, that's all.

And we'll know. Sas can have the bed. We'll sit down on the floor and slip into a meditative trance to try doing the Farsight thing again, in order to keep an eye on Flax and the Vagrant. Maybe being tired and closer to sleep will help us pull it off successfully.

[King Zultan]

+1 to all those things and when it comes to sleeping I say we sleep under the bed.

[Quaksna]

. . .

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

The stoat goes, but you speed to reach Flax first. He stops his advance, and twists the neck to listen. In the haste, you send a starker gesture, grabbing his shoulder.



"You won't do anything to her." you growl, as his brows surge.

"I won't?" sounds the response, and the man looks none the wiser from this exchange. Confounded rather, by the sudden sullenness, but he says no more. A finger of his summons the lass, and they depart.



"Good, lest you'll have a score with me to settle!" you snarl after him, before they disappear around the corner. Then you retract, and the hunter watches silent. He appears similarly bemused, you don't give him the time to talk. "Take the bed, Sas, I'll do with the floor."



"Borrow my cloak at least." he bids quick, seeming to switch the issue to mind, to your liking. So you accept.



"Thank you. I am sitting down for now, I need to temper my mind before sleep... I shall see if I fit down under you later. Mind the door, I will to focus..."

"Sure..."



The fellow won't leave, but that matters not. You don't expect him to become a hitch, unlike the other human you reckon, with his words sweet and sake sketchy. Therefore there's no telling what is he up to when gone from your sight, especially with the stoat sole. You intend to follow his path from this room, by means of farsight, which should count as a fit exercise for the while. And hopefully one more fruitful, than the attempt former.



You ready you flesh and breath, your staff you clasp and settle the self. Like a window your inner eye opens, and you peer beyond, searching for aid.







For the while you see only spirits, but those you have sought, and these the city lacked, though, this breed shows little sympathy. A pitiful few permeate the place, and even less care shown for your summons. It is an unfamiliar sensation, however, not quite a folly in your view. What distracts you more is the one being with which you are acquainted, unfortunately, creeping forth.



"Divine, do we? I can be of use. My gaze falls farther than that of a mortal, enigmas long gone I am to gather. Give me the rein."



The wraith you cannot argue with this instance, yet neither you need to listen. There is a procedure at hand - you issue a command and snatch one of the rogue spirits.



And its handling proves difficult, but your mind is made, and ordered, a strong intent supports the spell.You force it out onto the street, and seize its seeing.





Now you'll have to find the two... By some means.

[Strif3]

Normally, when we are transported to other places via our dreams, they always take us to specific places or specific people, even if we don't know where they are. Maybe we can replicate that, somehow. If that's not enough, then i'm thinking that Flax, or the stoat girl's talisman, must have a very distinct aura, and since we are transposing our sight through the spirit world, we might be able to detect that. If we really have to look for the two visually, then taking a look from above is our best bet. Two figures skulking about together in the night shouldn't be too hard to spot. The Stoat's hood being a magnificent shade of green will probably help out in spotting them, too.

[King Zultan]

Normally, when we are transported to other places via our dreams, they always take us to specific places or specific people, even if we don't know where they are. Maybe we can replicate that, somehow. If that's not enough, then i'm thinking that Flax, or the stoat girl's talisman, must have a very distinct aura, and since we are transposing our sight through the spirit world, we might be able to detect that. If we really have to look for the two visually, then taking a look from above is our best bet. Two figures skulking about together in the night shouldn't be too hard to spot. The Stoat's hood being a magnificent shade of green will probably help out in spotting them, too.

+1 Stalker mode engage, they won't be able to hide what they're doing from us for long!

[Quaksna]

even if we don't know where they are. Maybe we can replicate that

A quick note to clarify - I figured that'd be the plan, I just didn't get around to it in the update. Now that Black has a spirit on him, you can go nuts either way

[Quaksna]

Sorry for the fancy paper, thought I'd test the stuff and came to regret.

. . .

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Doubt besets you on how to browse, hence you weigh the various ways all the more diligent. To aid you there is one circumstance, surely Flax shan't blend with common mortals, although you have got used to the scent since, you know what to look for. It seems then that the groundwork is good, and you are free to practice - should you fail, your goals are not lost yet. Your mind labors like a draft horse, and a spell is slowly coming together.



"There in the near is a... Man..." you instruct the spirit, and before your eyes form spectres. "That which burns unlike the rest. His eyes are red. And a maiden walks besides him, protected by three... Show them to me."

First, unfamiliar faces are presented, but once you declare the full rule, you recognize the shapes.













"It is them. Where are they?"



Now you find the ones spought after, up the street they go. Triumphant, you cast the familiar in their tracks, and promptly retire the glee, to pay good attention, to whatever is to unfold.



"...all well, I cannot have that." you hear Flax speak, as the spirit starts to listen. The sun is not quite set yet, but the commotion outside settles slowly, much to your favor.

"Of course you can't." the girl mutters, then points over. "Say, that looks the part."

"Indeed so. Come on, then!"



A spacious residence spreads in sight, of wood and stone, it is a temple for sure that they head towards, somewhat different in design than what have you have been seeing. The two reach the stairs and a watcher descends to meet them.



"Hail, attendant!" Flax greets the man, and promptly hands a gesture to the stoat, who gives a modest bow herself.



"The word is, this settlement has a sickness to deal with." she says. "We would like to know more, and it is also said you handle the ordeal to a substantial extent, hence we are here. Is there anything we need to fear?"



"Well, I certainly hope not." the tender replies, scratching his own temple. "We did our best to contain the blow, and you carry no symptoms, I observe."

"And what symptoms these may be?"



"Why, fever at first, and loss of firmness thereafter. It would be thus rather difficult to hide, so, you can safely carry on, it is taken care of."

"It is also said the origin of all this is rather peculiar... How did it come to be, exactly?"



The lookout takes a pause, and scouts around, albeit somewhat tepidly. His tone however remains helpful.

"We cannot tell really, but it is no secret everyone suspects some foul sorcery at the root. It came silent as the nightfall, only some seem to be affected, and none have succeeded so far in breaking it down, or so they say."



"I suppose it helps naught no one gets to see the sick." Flax steps in, which startles the stoat, a fervid frown flies his way, but the habitant answers the words solely.

"Rather." he remarks. "I say, such a serene place we had here, and now this tumult tramps in, everyone turns restless."



"How long it's been here?" the lass resumes her inquiry, while the warrior weighs the last input.

"Why, just a couple days I recall. The moon is the same at least, as when it sprung... And we have been drudging ever since, I mean, the temple is closed to anyone but the afflicted at the moment."



"Understandably so, and I am pleased that we were spared the stay, from what you say..." the stoat begins to turn slowly, and takes out two alloy coins to toss. "For your trouble, and that of the temple. Thank you for the tidings, we will be going."





"Why, you be welcome." he takes the gift, and gestures to them a blessing. "The Fair watch over you, good fortune!"



Then they backtrack from the shrine, but do not decide a direction just yet.

"May I have a request?" the girl speaks to her fellow, in a muffled manner, but the unseen delivers their words. "Could you stay silent when I talk? I am trying to accomplish something here."



"I could." the man grins. "And I might as well, you do your thing. I'm just to watch, anyway... Carry on."

"Good. Now the story's the same, but I'd like to hear from more commoners."

"The tavern would do the trick there, I reckon."



"Quite. But there's some people still on the street, let's ask them, too."

"Alright, prance on we will."

[Strif3]

A tender heart—i did not expect 'neath such an exterior. I'm glad we decided to watch them, at least for a few moments, just to catch that. I think we can let slip the vision and contently descend into dreams—and rest.

(Hope you're not too disappointed at the forum being back, Quaksna )

[Quaksna]

(Hope you're not too disappointed at the forum being back, Quaksna )

Why I'm elated



Ngl came in handy today, been just devising some new updates in the office. I just hope I get it moving in some reasonable manner.

[King Zultan]

Forum came back today and this got an update, this is the best return to the forum I could have hoped for.

A tender heart—i did not expect 'neath such an exterior. I'm glad we decided to watch them, at least for a few moments, just to catch that. I think we can let slip the vision and contently descend into dreams—and rest.

+1 Time for some sleep.

[Quaksna]

More botched experiment coming the way, on a happier note, I've found out today an "international frog day" is coming up, pretty epic stuff. I guess imagine Blackhoof being dizzy

. . .

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

"Thank you, that is all." you disperse the spirit. "You may leave."

It concerns you how quickly the unseen vanishes, but it did the job well. And you are content so, you do not wish to prolong the trial.



As you exit the other world, your eyes remain shut, not to watch mortals just yet. Void engulfs you at first, and thereafter come revelations.



There is a door in the distance, and a gap between. You do not move, but the pit grows wider and the passage slides farther, streaks appear and stand to obscure your vision.



You glance at your limbs, and they are free, hence you use them to feel - black coils rough to touch circle round your head, and a breath of another looms over you.



Then the view is obscured completely and the image takes a new shape.



The moon clears up your surroundings, a field of many paths, a wood broods nearby the shine cannot reach.



The lantern then dissapears, devoured by the night, and you are left stranded in darkness once again.



But a new light arises to aid, a moth flies over from behind you and towards the forest. You watch.



"...such a thought cross you?" a voice breaks you from slumber, a harsh one you got to hear quite a few times now. "We have just arrived! Explain yourselves."



You hurl your head up, and look. The whole fellowship is present, and you are still in the tavern, albeit covered by a cloak and lying in the corner. Some other have come, though, and just as in the dream, it is rather dim around, you cannot tell who are the new figures, but the cause of the dark you determine - it is still night.



"An informant recognized your associate here as a wiseman." another man speaks, the while you attempt to read his face, and general appearance. His garb is colorful, and he carries some gear with him, you recall such people on the street. It is a guard, and more can be heard in the corridor.



"Ah, and you seek his assistance?" Flax inquires, stationed closest to the door.

You glance at the others, now that your eyes focus - Sas seems alarmed but rather tired, the stoat is on top of her toes, close to the entrance, no one clasps their weapons for now.



"Not quite, I am afraid." the soldier responds. "We are to deliver him regardless."

"Where to and why?"



"To the barracks for now, and a higher official has to impart the rest. Measures are being taken."



What do you want to do?