Back to Parnast! Arriving rather late, Jax, Fenris, Surx, Ivor, Agrate, and myself headed to the Golden Tankard to speak with Raggnar. He was speaking to a very handsome elf, but greeted us with enthusiasm as he invited us over for a drink and a meal. Immediately, he started off telling us of the plights that currently effected the town. Apparently, a Kagrota Threeteeth, Mother of Bones, and her army of orcs and ogres had attempted to slowly starve out the city. Two watchtowers had to be constructed, and that was also why there was the new stranger, the hot elf named Tove, who operated as a scout.
If this wasnt bad enough, apparently there was someone in town attempting to undermine it from the inside. Carts were breaking, and someone tried to burn down the new construction. Raggnar was quick to blame Gundalin for these occurrences, to the eyeroll of his lovely daughter Elsbeth who seemed in good spirits despite the recent parting of her lover. Of course, there was then a knock at the door, and Wallace himself arrived! The town had apparently pitched in to bring him back to life, a beautiful thing, and he, of course, said he has sworn off adventuring.
The lovebirds were dismissed by Raggnar, and they snuck off.
He said he wanted us to investigate these occurrences, and solve any issues. We agreed, and after a lovely meal, headed towards the stables for a good night's rest. Tove was there, complaining about a crying baby inside making it difficult to sleep. He also was worried about Goddard, Tove's equally handsome brother, who went missing a few days ago. We said we would mention something if we heard.
Jax, Fenris, and I got ready for bed, while Ivor and Surx went out looking for trouble. They spotted Goddard, and through the mind link, told us. I woke Tove to inform him, and he went rushing out shouting his name. There was a reunion, and Tove seemed very happy to see his brother, who was incredibly out of it. Surx was suspicious, I told him he was just jealous of attractive people.
The next morning, we heard commotion as horses had been poisoned! We immediately rushed into action, well, Fenris and Jax did, healing the two horses who still lived. Ivor spotted Sylas worried in the crowd, and I went to him and asked what was troubling him. Apparently, tensions were so high that he was concerned that he would be blamed for this poisoning, simply because he was the apothecary. I reassured him that wasnt the case, and we went back to his to ask about what he knew. Fenris cast Zone of Truth, so we knew he was honest. After Jax and Surx determined the type of poison, we also discovered that Sylas grew it in his backyard. And recently, some had been harvested...
We went to Gundalin, who was working on a cart. He didnt enjoy seeing us, but we started questioning him with the Zone of Truth. He obviously had no hand in the goings on, and only wanted what was best for the city. But it was clear someone was sabotaging the carts, and with the horses this morning, it was clear someone was trying to starve out the city. We did some digging into Wallace's room, fearing that he was in this nasty business, and we found some of the poison clippings and a set of shears in the workroom. It was clear something was up, and we went searching for Wallace!
He was easy to find, rushing out of town. Surx tackled him, asking what he was doing, and he revealed a letter reading:
W,
I have a surprise for you, I think you'll really like it. Meet me in the usual place this afternoon.
E
Fenris spotted someone in the treeline, looking at us. He and I followed it, and were able to track Tove. Something foul was afoot, and after a quick hold person, we tied him up. He revealed that he and his brother had tried to frame Wallace for everything going on in town. Suddenly, Screams and smoke rose from Parnast, and Tove started freaking out. We rushed back, and while the others put out the fires, I held onto Tove. He said he had something in his pocket, and I read this..
I will give you a second chance because I am kind. Ogan, however, isn't. He will feast on one prisoner each day until you cripple the village and return home. If we run out of prisoners, your mother's blood will sate his thirst. Work quickly and some of you may survive. Cross me again and Illyna's fate will be far worse.
Kagrota Threeteeth, Mother of Bones
The group decided to nip it in the bud and take care of Kagrota. We had Tove lead us there, and combat broke out! Kagrota was a powerful caster, an orc I could almost respect, but after she insulted my jewelry, well, I was pleased to see her dead. We let some orcs flee, and saved some prisoners, but there was no Illyna. Tove and his brother fled, as well, so something nefarious was going on... Not that we could do anything about it.
Well, with that mystery solved, we returned the captives back to their homes, and informed Raggnar of the plot conducted by Tove. He was thankful, though, I doubt this the last time that the Syndicate will deal with him or the city of Parnast.
