IC - Against the Cult of the Reptile God - Chapter 1: The Darkness in Orlane

[Tattooedman]

Zasio Blackthorn:
Objects of Interest: Goodberries (2 - each heals 4 hp)

"Who amongst those in the Temple should be the most warry of?" Zasio adds.

[Arkrite]

"Honestly? I have no idea," Ramne says, "The last time I was by they weren't maintaining the grounds, and they were fanatical about that kind of thing. They also had dogs, not exactly a good thing to have Whiskers around. I got out as fast as I could."

He rubs his beard, "But it seems like the logical place, doesn't it? It's got walls, it's private, it's away from the rest of the houses, and it's the only source of divine magic. If they got to all of the priests? Well, doesn't bode well for us."

He nods to Zasio, "Well, there's a number of acolytes and servants, but the two with any real magic were the priests Devi and Abramo, least according to gossip."

[Shock]

Tyragorn
HP: 21 AC:18

Tyragorn glanced at his boot to look for damage then wagged his finger at the weasel. "Any idea if there's anyone there we can trust?"

[Arkrite]

Whiskers' attention is immediately drawn to the wagging finger.

"I'm not even sure I trust you," Ramne says mildly, "Though, at this point I suppose it's a moot point, isn't it?"

[Flynnarrel]

Aldan

"You still think we could be either doppelgangers or servants enthralled to the serpent god? I must admit we aren't even entirely sure what it IS yet that we are seeing the dark coils of in this small town. Any light you can shed on that?" Aldan asks. "Was this town built on a tribal snake-people burial site... or a Yuan-Ti lich's soul gem is in a nearby well... or have I been watching too many fantastical bard's plays?"

[Arkrite]

"Serpent god? Is that what this is all about?" Ramne asks.

"I don't know of any serpent gods, and around here the only abandoned magical site is, well, here," He waves to the trees, "At least I think this was a druid's grove at some point. Can't imagine those lot would have anything to do with this"

"Honestly all I know is that people seem to be disappearing. I go for walks, I watch the town," he says, "Not much else for me to do. And I notice people go missing for a couple of days. And then they come back. Or they don't. And when they come back most don't seem right anymore. Sleepy, befuddled."

"Like the carpenter. Off he went for a couple days, when he gets back suddenly he's walking around in a daze, and his new furniture is just terrible."

He grumbles for a moment then adds, "Well, sometimes they just come back meaner than ever. That house on the east side, by the road to the temple? Nasty lot, those ones. When they came back they went from rude to something worse."

"Makes me glad I can't really go that way anymore."

[Flynnarrel]

Aldan

The elf nods. "The blacksmith is Tyragorn's Brother-in-law. We had a nasty run in with him. Tyragorn's sister is still missing.
Is there anything that makes the divine casters leave the temple? Presumably, even if turned, they must retain the appearance of the Harvest Goddess's service. If a townsmember came to the temple reporting a sick person that needs divine healing in a field somewhere, or if you reported that your grove of trees was afflicted by Blight, would that be a way to get at least some of them out of the Temple so we could search it with less chance of discovery? Not that I'm suggesting you put yourself in harm's way, Elder." he clarifies.

[Arkrite]

"Well, if they are still devout followers of Merikka they'd be down in a flash after hearing about some kind of blight or malady to the plants. These days? I'm fairly certain if I went in by I'd just never come back out again," He said.

"As for healing people in the field, well, my experience with priests has never been too good. All the ones I knew would have demanded that the wounded be brought to them," Ramne gives you a look, "I can't even imagine anybody important enough to make them come running."

"I'm sorry, I'm afraid I'm not much help in those regards. I suppose you could light the place on fire, that would get the lot of them out. But if anybody you know is locked inside," he trails off, "Well, then you have worries about the fields catching fire."

He shakes his head, "As I said, not much help in those regards."

[Shock]

Tyragorn
HP: 21 AC:18

"The priests may be as much victims as the rest of the town. We found a pair of them dead. If there are more trapped inside, we shouldn't wait to try to help."

[Flynnarrel]

Aldan.

Aldan nods. "We will, Tyragorn - subdue not kill. Harder, but we'll try." Aldan reassures.

"Okay, we have a couple reasons to go in the front door - my interview for establishing a new trade route and the return of the robes we found. We can get in, but I'm not sure what the best course of action after that. We can try to ditch whatever escorts we have, explore the place on our own, rescue who we can; or we can try to get one of the divine casters alone, or with minimal back up at least, look for opportunities with that. Is there another route I'm not seeing? And does anyone have input on those options?" Aldan asks.

[Tattooedman]

Zasio Blackthorn:
Objects of Interest: Goodberries (2 - each heals 4 hp)

"Aside from trying to locate some a possible hidden way into the temple?" The ranger asked. "No, and there is no guarantee such a passage exists so it could be a waste of time and effort on our part."

[Shock]

Tyragorn
HP: 21 AC:18

"We could ask them if they know anything about the missing villagers. As followers of Merikka, they are bound by duty. If they refuse to help, we'll have our answer."

[Flynnarrel]

Aldan

"Well, interview it is. I'd like to avoid splitting up if possible but we'll play it by ear." Aldan says touching one of his pointed ears. "We'll try to get one of these Devi or Abramo alone. Is there one that is senior to the other, I'm assuming both human, are they both male?" he directs those last to Ramne.

[Arkrite]

"Oh ho, no sir," Ramne chuckles at that one, "Priestess Devi is quite young and quite pretty. I've often wondered what she did wrong to wind up out here instead of some church in a larger town. Priest Abramo is the head of the church. Middle aged, balding, fat. Apparently the priesthood eats well."

[Flynnarrel]

Aldan

"Then our best hope is to get Devi alone, if possible. Well, we should get there and see what the situation is like." Aldan says. "It's midmorning, there isn't a religious service now or soon, is there?"