---

---

Location: Crossed Swords Inn & Tavern

Interacting With: The Group

---

---

It was simple and wholesome food, the kind common among the lower classes who were lucky enough to have access to fresh eggs. For a time in his youth, eggs were something of a commodity; not rare, but not something that they could afford everyday. When he was old enough to work outside of the home (which was comparatively very young), it seemed that all of his earnings went to feeding his family. Of course, by that time "family" meant himself and his mother. But it did drastically improve the quality of their diet, even if he was more or less a child laborer.

The extra munchies they were able to purchase turned into a kind of a game for the Keystone household. At any time that he wasn't engaged in negligently dangerous labor or dead asleep for his efforts, his mother made good use of their time, teaching him a broad array of culinary techniques. Her skill with a knife and spatula was such that it suggested training far surpassing the limits of their modest, declining neighborhood. Keystone was given a trade via informal apprenticeship from a master of the craft, all before he was of marriageable age. Of course, that was before he found his calling clubbing people into broken unconsciousness with his bare fists.

Keystone regarded Thomas's comment about the Eggy Bowls with a mote more quiet than he ordinarily addressed comments about his epicure. His style of cuisine would always have a base formed all those years ago, in a simple kitchen not unlike the one in the Crossed Swords. Regardless of the additional techniques he had added to his repertoire, the influence would remain. It was a solemn little thought, the fact that the tiny spark of origin that set his cooking apart from the artists under which he learned later could not be effectively passed on, not in the same manner. "Funny thing, learnin' foodcraft like I did. Learned to use a knife, same source." The reference was obviously indicating Thomas's earlier inquiry to Nor (and Keystone's interjection). Nontheless, the thoughts it brought to the surface did make him a little sad.

He buried his fleeting grief in the plate of breakfasty comfort food, consuming it quickly and in silence. As soon as he was done scarfing it back in a manner befitting a starving dog, Keystone made liberal use of a linen and rose from the table. Less than a minute later, he found himself back upstairs and in the presence of the greater part of the group. "Right then... where're we at?"

Cyne & Nor

Location: Crossed Swords Tavern
Interacting with:The party that collectively needed a new name. Bone Busters?

Eggs were something not customarily consumed by Dwarves. Their ancestral home was underground, in the mountains. Few things worth eating laid eggs underground, and those that did used things like soil, not hardened stone. Eggs in a Dwarven settlement (assuming it wasn't out in the hills. That would broach into an entirely different subject) were a rarity for the elites and a curiosity imported from other peoples, generally human merchants. Since leaving the nest, Nor's found food previously thought of as a delicacy as commonplace and vice versa. Funny how things work.

Wordlessly, Nor finished up his breakfast that he didn't really want and headed up to the room and rapped his fist against the door thrice before stepping into the room.

"Hope ye don't mind setting aside a wee bit o' time filling me in on the current state of things. Pretty sure I've a general understanding of the situation, but better safe than sorry, aye?"

---

"I'm sure you didn't embarrass yourself as badly as you think you did," Cyne consoled Thomas, offering a wide smile, bits of eggs visible on and in between her teeth. It probably would only make Thomas feel worse than he had already been, but she didn't seem to notice, given the enthusiasm that radiated from her. Maybe the food was just putting her in a good mood.

"Yeah, I followed Ntaj because he seemed troubled. We went to the graveyard and looked around for a bit. I saw how he was acting while alone, and honestly, I'm worried that he might be undergoing a breakdown. Haven't seen him since then." Her expression turned a lot more serious and thoughtful when Thomas brought up Ntaj. She just hoped he had been oversleeping instead of wandering off and getting into trouble. No use going off to search for him at the moment, there was that meeting to get to. Cyneburg wiped her mouth clean of egg and bread bits before casually strolling into Kyra's room with nary a knock or greeting.

Evidently it was common source around here to learn how to stab people in the face and also do artisan work. Supposing then, Thomas would fight like a farmer. Which would necessitate his enemies to fight like cows. Keystone's comment take with a nod. He really ought to learn some basic techniques, just in case he found himself caught mispositioned. Or is it malpositioned? Dispositioned? One of those three ought to be the right word, though now was not the time to think about one's lexicon given the slightly concerning news Cyneburg gave regarding his friend. Ntaj it seems never returned from the graveyard of all places. A rather grim twist to think about, but hopefully Ntaj did fine and made his way out safely. Somehow. Don't dwell on these thoughts.

---

"Oh, uh I can uh, well assuming the ingredients are around, I can help with making potions. I've got an alchemist's kit and know a few simple recipes to brew up something that might help. There's a rather nasty way you can distil some tar into some alchemist's fire. That's sticky and the flame should produce light right?" Thomas piped up catching Sana's corundum regarding a potion to make light or at least the tailend of the conversation as he reported in. "Or if I can remember the recipe I think there's a way you can make Sunshine-in-a-Bottle. I might have written it down somewhere in my spellbook, I think. Might have glossed over it since it wasn't very useful at the time." Admittedly Thomas' alchemic knowledge was basic, but more than enough to prepare a few rudimentary alchemical spells using the techniques he learned to refine the compounds not just physically, but magically. There's a dash of the arcane arts involved, a hint of the mysticism that separated the pure herbalists and apothecaries from the alchemists.

Plus now Satilla was to be his eyes during his spellcasting. Although given they needed light, maybe he prepared the wrong spells again? But then again, maybe it was more useful to brew that Sunshine-in-a-Bottle and use that for light rather than spend the rest of the morning in meditation to prepare more spells for a fight that may or may not happen. Maybe two casts? To tally up to all his spells with a buffer. How many enemies would there be this time? "Thanks Satilla, I'll be sure to stick with you."

And the rest came up for the debrief. Hopefully everyone's pants stays on though.

---

---

"Sounds good, let's hope it works," Sana said as she got settled back down in her seat fully and adjusted her quivers. Kyra nodded in agreement. At least that part of this was taken care of. Satilla was proving to be far more valuable and insightful than Kyra had first thought. The girl was coming into her own it seemed. This was good, she would need everyone on their toes.

Once everyone was inside Kyra cleared her throat a bit and stood up. Resting her hands on the edge of the table. "Alright, time to get down to business. To give those that weren't with us in the beginning of this little venture let me give you a quick run down. Keystone and I started this thing out with a man named Cremwise, hired to help move supplies north of town and beyond the orc settlement. It was a ruse. Seems Cremwise was making a hefty profit between this town and the settlement. We had some runs in with Orcs and undead. Most of you were there for the last fight."

Righting herself she went through the fight for Nor's sake and the trip back to town, including what they had found out together. Sana sat there and rubbed her throat a bit. She still needed to fill in them on what she had seen but she was waiting until Kyra got done.

"Last night I spoke with the towns Constable and he showed me a map of the town and where the attacks were happening," Kyra said as she unfolded a piece of worn paper and smoothed it out on the table. It was of the town and a few miles out surrounding it. "If you will notice, outside of the town it is pretty random where they hit but inside the town it has been rather systematic." Pointing to the map, each attack was dated. It seemed to form a spiral pattern from the center of town and outwards. There was something odd though, two areas of the town had remained untouched. The graveyard, which was marked yes but not for attacks, just for graves turning up empty. The other was the Deymins Tower, it was broken down and looked to be in ruins.

"Now, besides these two locations, we have these," she said pointing to various locations outside of the village - all to the south of town. "There are two caves that have yet to be touched and one farm. Maybe whoever is doing this just got lazy and doesn't want to venture out further south and through the town to get to these, I don't know," she said as she sat back down.

Sana didn't like the idea of caves but other ones had been hit, including the one where the orc camp was at. Why were those left out. "Well..." she started, her hand running along the edge of the map.

"Okay, right. I saw something. When I was in and out of it on the way back and when I was out cold during the end of the battle," she said slightly shivering as she rubbed her arms remembering the cold that had set in. "It was a amulet of sorts. I don't know what it does and I wish I could describe it or draw it out but every time I try to focus on it it blurs. What isn't blurring though is rocks, lots of rocks. Carved or natural cave, I couldn't tell you but from the feeling I get I rule out the farm as a place of interest..." Sana said as she sat there.

"Yeah, well a farm doesn't seem to be anything to me either. One person tending to it, only a few animals, mostly crops. Undead attacks wouldn't get much accomplished hitting there. Ash and I went there last night, the place seemed rather run down but the old man there liked to talk. I would have been back sooner but he just wouldn't shut up."

Satilla Valen

“Nnn...” Satilla made a confirmation sound of some kind as she pulled the oil she had from her bag, it was a healing potion sized flask filled with slightly yellow oil, it was actually extracted from plants so that was the reason. It could serve multiple functions as plant oil, such as for cooking, for potions, for wounds and so on. Now they were going to make an improvised anti undead weapon coating of sorts.” I really hope this work too.” She mumbled, putting it aside, for now as she finished dividing the herbs and preparing them ready for distribution later. She also lined a number of potions to hand one to each of the other party members as they were arriving.” Here...” She said as they had gathered and pointed at the lined potions.” One for each.” She explained and turned back to the oil, as she pulled at first one of her own healing potions to mix some drops in it, but stopped herself. Potions were water based so potion and the oil WEREN'T going to mix well. Thus she switched to just putting some ground healing herbs mixture into the oil, before pulling a silver coin.

“No problem, Thomas, here, help me with this.” She handed him another silver coin and made a gesture for him to aid in the silver 'dust' creation while the ranger was doing her thing.

As Kyra was giving the quick catch up explanation, the witch with her knife was gently grinding at the corner of the coin, making small amount of silver dust to fall into a prepared cloth where she was gathering it, all the while listening to Kyra's explanation.

“Well... it's clear what the graveyard's purpose. Graveyards are a easy collection grounds for the remains of the dead. Thus provide pretty huge supply for any necromancer.” Satilla threw in, still grinding at the coin, the potions were distributed, herbs arranged and ready for use so this was all she had to do at this point.” The ruins and caves... I don't know which sounds better. Caves do provide good location to hide big number of undead and are easily to defend so it makes for a good necromancer lair, but...” The witch started to say and tilted her head in thought.” ...caves can be a easy trap if we enter and the entrance is brought down. Most caves don't really have multiple exits.” The witch eventually said a possibility.

---

---

Location: Crossed Swords Inn & Tavern

Interacting With: The Group

---

---

Keystone took in what was being said with keen interest. A different facet of him had been brought out, one where his obvious lack of charm and formal education was somehow obscured as his eyes and manner became sharper, more inquisitive, dare it be mentioned: Wise? Yes, a look of familiar wisdom crept onto the blunt, scarred features of the hulking man, giving him a sort of ruthless clarity in posture and speech. He assumed a straight stance with his feet shoulder-width apart and his head bowed slightly. Eyes darted around the room to gather any facial expressions from their group, hopefully to ascertain whether there were any additions or feedback forthcoming. His hands hung in front of him, one clasped in the other.

When there was a break in the discussion to speak, he did, keeping his accent a slight as he could. "Right. Only reason for a series of patterned attack is 'cause whoever's in charge is lookin' for something still. Now, what's this place 'ere, Deymin's Tower? It ain't been hit, and unless I'm daft it's in the pattern like it ought to have. I'm wantin' to put eyes on that while it's still light out, get me? Seems a spot like that, we'd want to go in expectin' to be loud and angry."

Of course, then there was the information about the amulet. It would ordinarily seem silly to put time and resources into a piece of jewelry hinted at in a dream, but Sana had certain mystical abilities that Keystone didn't understand in the least, even among other magic users. It didn't make much sense to him, but if new information could be gleaned from it, then he was all for it. "I ain't the type what goes for shiny bits 'round the neck, but if this means somethin', mayhap we should look about for it, too. Rocks, carved or natural, can mean a heap of things. That ruined tower, the caves, or even the bloody root cellar o' your friend that farmer's."

He thought for a second, "Now, if the pattern has stuff bein' hit at night, I says we look into where's next in the pattern, advance of them."

Cyne & Nor

Location: Crossed Swords Tavern
Interacting with:The party that collectively needed a new name. Kyra's Angels?

Cyne looked over the map. Was the group having a vote on what to do right now? It sure felt like it. Currently the two plans put forth was investigate the caves and investigate the tower. The tower ruins were far more likely to be something of note given that it was named and all. Furthermore, caves were a commonality to the area, so the fact that a couple of them were untouched didn't really come as much of a surprise. Even as the druid considered all of these facts, her eyes kept following the swirl that lay over the map. It was sort of mesmerizing.

"Yesterday Ntaj and I scouted out the graveyard. Calling it untouched is something of a misnomer. Like half of the graves had been dug up, but I don't think anything's been done there recently. Neither of us found anything worth noting and any old footsteps would have been washed away from the rain."

"And as far as stones seen in a dream go goes, I'd rather take a chance on the tower first. There are two natural caves and one tower. If the place we need tae go is a cave, that's a one in two chance we go tae the wrong place and end up wasting a day," Nor interjected, his arms crossed over his burly chest.

"But if we do need to go to one of the caves, we wasted a day anyways and are in the same situation of needing to pick the right choice." Cyne tapped her chin thrice before speaking up again. "We could split up. It's kind of risky, but we do have the numbers for two or three people to investigate each place of interest separately and then rendezvous at the next spot on the spiral before nightfall. At the very least we'd be able to suss out if any of these places are actually worth harsher investigation."

A silver coin? Satilla was manually filing down a silver coin with a knife. A process that was rather labor intensive given the nature of the tool used, the shavings would have to done carefully into the soft metal. What percentage of the silver currency was pure silver was also to be questioned. Yet Thomas had his training in the alchemical arts, and knew a few tricks to extract elemental compounds from raw materials. Traditionally it was easier for an alchemist to introduce a sample of metal to aqua fortis. Impure aurum, argent, or cupric in particular would be dissolved in the corrosive liquid, although pure gold usually required aqua regia. And then the extract taken to a flame to be boiled down until the water is driven out and what remains is a fine purified silver powder. Unfortunately aqua fortis is difficult to safely store for transport and relatively easier to make on the spot by mixing oil of vitriol with saltpeter, then continually distilling the reactive solution to obtain a concentrated amount of aqua fortis. However Thomas had no oil of vitriol, nor readily available saltpeter. As such reaching into his satchel, the sorcerer produced his spellbook, pestle and mortar, and the small alchemy knife he had.

Grinding away every few moments automatically and absently at the coin, scoring and scratching the surface with ridges to get the slivers of silver shavings unto the mortar while Kyra spilled the beans. Graves and Caves, Towers and Farms, the four or five places to be left to explore. Of course their orcs had mentioned exploring the graveyard the other day, and Cyneburg had mentioned finding nothing earlier, so that could be ruled out. And the other bit of information was hazy at best, something about an amulet that was probably enchanted or something by the sounds of it, something associating itself with stone and rocks and as Keystone suggested, not offering too much insight. Although visions were often important, maybe Thomas could sit in with Sana on some meditation to get a clearer view of the object, connecting to the greater universe was not an easy task. But the young boy was pretty much used to doing it everyday...


"I don't think we should split up. Even with daylight hours, its not like necromancers are exclusively active at night. The attacks are, but if we stumble into a lair... Plus the locations aren't all that close to each other, and we don't have a way to contact each other quickly do we in case of anything happening at one site? So there's always that danger that one group doesn't make it, and by the time we realize it..." Thomas mused on considering the opinions of everyone. "I'm siding with Keystone on this one, we should try the tower first, who knows what old secrets are lying around there. And magey types have a thing for towers. Thomas remarked at the strange associations spellcasters had with phallic buildings. Probably had something to do with reaching a height of greater learning, able to lord over the rest of the common grounded folk from a place on high, or the staff or wand was merely the beginning of their overcompensation and the tower was the pinnacle of being the most glorious spellslinger. Either way having said his piece, his fingers running through the pages as Thomas scanned his book for that recipe. Notes on spellcrafting, various doodles of fantastic beasts and where they are located, descriptions of common alchemical plants and animal parts... And finally potion recipes:


Sunshine-in-a-bottle:
1 x prepared crystal (see notes below ), finely ground.
1 x fire scarab carapace, powdered.
100g of purified white phosphorous (or 1kg of unrefined phosphorous)
50g of purified yellow sulfur (or 500g of unrefined sulfur)
50g of purified saltpeter (or 500g of unrefined saltpeter)

Crystal should be of decent quality, color of crystal determines color of light.
Attune crystal to source of non-magical light for 10 minutes before grinding.
Mix ground crystal, powdered beetle and phosphorus in thick glass bottle.
Add mixture of sulfur and saltpeter prepared in a separate bowl.
Keep ingredients dry. Keep away from open flame.
Shake and expose to gentle heating to activate.

Unfortunately Thomas had none of the items, on hand. Sulfur, phosphorus and saltpeter should be readily available at any alchemy story worth their... Salts... But a crystal would be more difficult, probably a quartz shard, and grinding it down was another issue. Then there was the fire scarab that was needed. Not a living one, although those usually roamed the desert sands, not temperate villages. Unless there was a collector of sorts, they'd be hard pressed to find such an ingredient. But making a potion from scratch was usually more cost-effective than buying one from some alchemist who would charge them an arm and a leg for something even Thomas could make with his basic kit, although his glassware may be too thin for the purposes the potion and may need to purchase something more sturdy. After all, saltpeter, sulfur, and a source of carbon like the powdered fire scarab was pretty much a recipe for... Black powder.

"Uh, Anyone know if there's an alchemy shop around, I've found the Recipe for sunshine-in-a-bottle, but I'm afraid I don't have all the ingredients. Plus I'd need a bit of powdered fire scarab... Somewhat defeated in his efforts, Thomas took to the pestle to crush up the silver to a finer grit, rotating and pressing along for Satilla's experimental potion. Hopefully he was being helpful enough. Although he'd really like to do that complex process of purifying silver powder, assuming there was an alchemist's shop, or even a place that sold rocks and minerals.

---

---

Sana sat back and just listened right then. Seemed everyone had an opinion on the matter but that was what this little meeting was for, so see if anyone could figure anything out. Kyra cocked a brow slightly, she run down of the graveyard seemed off. All the graves had been dug up, they weren't burying anyone else there, they were burning the bodies away from the graveyard now. She seriously doubted that anyone could have dug up the other half of the graveyard between the time Cyneburg and Njat had visited and when she had made her rounds around the village last night. She wasn't a trusting person, so her first thought was Cyneburg was hiding something but she tried to push passed that. Maybe they just hadn't seen they were all empty or taken some refilled graves as ones with bodies still in them. Either way, she filed it away in the back of her mind and didn't say anything.

Now, on them splitting up, her head was shaking no before the sentence was even complete. "Absolutely not. Not after the problem we had with the last attack on the Orc Settlement and the numbers we had there. If there were only two of us, or even three of us at a location it could mean certain death for at least one. Satilla is a healer, Thomas can go blind after casting a spell for a bit, and Sana just recovered. That's three right there that we can't count on as full out without needing a second. If Thomas casts a spell and goes blind, Satilla needs to help him. She wouldn't be able to fight as well, no offense," she said before looking over to the three she had singled out. It wasn't she didn't think any of them couldn't hold their own if it was a one on one thing but from what they had seen and heard, these things never attacked one on one.

"The Tower is closest. It is within the wall. We stand the best chance there getting in and out before night fall. The caves are a little walk, even if nothing came of them, we would most likely still be walking back in the dark and open to attack," she added before rubbing her face slightly. "I wish we could predict where they should hit next but ever since the attacks moved to either the wall of the town or outside the town all patterns seem to have stopped. It's random now. Other than working further out, it seems there is nothing."

Sana sighed a bit. "Well I am for the tower, screw another cave," she finally said. Sana hated caves, it was why she didn't want to go into the last one and if they could check something else out before having to go underground she was more than happy to go, didn't matter where it was. She'd go alone if everyone else wanted to go the caves. Better alone above ground than with a group underground as far as she was concerned.

Satilla Valen

“Thank you, Thomas.” She smiled as he was grinding the silver pieces to dust with his mortal and pestle. That was good, she was very carefully making the grinding on the coins itself so the silver pieces were rather similar in size, making the grinding of the sorcerer a lot easier probably... She smiled, pulling the oil, and putting the healing mixture of ground herbs into it, before starting to add the silver they just made.

“Well... this should do, though as a coating it's a joke.” She said with a frown, placing the flask on the table.” A coating of this should hold for maybe 2-3 strikes before the oil is thrown off the blade along with it's mixture of herbs and silver. If I had proper greaselike substance to mix it, it should hold better, but that's all I have.” Satilla said in defeat at the sort of maybe working mixture she just did." I swear if we survive this, I will study more herbalism and alchemy..."

“I too am for the tower... It just looks suspicious no matter how I look at it.” She added her vote to the rest, making it pretty sure they'd be going to the tower first.” Also against splitting. If we split, we can be killed off a way easier.” She disliked that idea a lot. Suddenly she blinked, her face making an expression of realization.

“Saltpeter...” She mumbled, before turning to Thomas.” I saw back at the alchemical ingredients store where we stocked up for healing ingredients and the like!” The witch said.” It was pretty pricey and frankly I have no use of it in my potions so I didn't pick it up, but it should still be there!”

---

---

Location: Crossed Swords Inn & Tavern

Interacting With: The Group

---

---

Still somehow maintaining the very image of direct professionalism, Keystone listened to what the group had to say on the matter. This was obviously the work of a Necromancer, possibly a very powerful one. He had experience with spellcasters like this, at least enough to nail down some general facts to work with. "Right. Looks as the better number of us're votin' Tower. It's still early yet, so if we're doin' this, lets start making prep'rations, yeah?"

Keystone raised a fist to his mouth and cleared his throat, then clasped his hands in front of him. His posture, his mannerisms; they could easily attest to his prior occupations of Tavern Bouncer and Bodyguard. His no-nonsense appearance was reflected in his speech, which like him was blunt and to the point. "Them Necromancers're scary types, no doubt, but if'n they're still alive an' not some Magic Walkin' Corpse, then they'll be needin' some of the basics of civilization. That is to say, access to food, water, shelter. Blighters ain't known for being very tough or outdoorsy, on average. That tower's as likely a place as any to find the wankstain what's responsible." An odd thought crossed his mind; it was just as likely as any other outcome that the tower and the caves were linked underground. It might account for some things, but really only served as a distraction from what they knew for certain at the moment. A good maybe to have tucked away in case they saw further evidence for it. Right now, concentrate on preparing for a tower run. They could come back ready for an underground jaunt later if his suspicions were correct.

"If you lot'll excuse me, I'm goin' to get my belongings square and prep for a fight. You ladies what ain't et breakfast yet - got some eggy bowls downstairs what might still be nice n' warm. Today's gonna sod it, may as well start out with a full belly. If we're scoutin' that Tower, we need handle it bloody soon and as strong as we're able." Keystone started for the door, but paused about halfway. "Yeah, and make it back here, soon as possible. Together."

An alchemical silvering potion then was it? There was such a potion to produce the transmutative effects Satilla was going for, although this may be an inferior substitution. Ideally they'd be armed to the teeth with anti-undead weaponry. Silver, holy water, and the like. But time was short, and the dead were restless. They were off to see the wizard, or rather necromancer, some dark lord of the undead? An ancient power that has risen once more? One who was building an army to invade the realm of the living? From what Thomas had seen of the exploding undead, it was quite an interesting thought. To set minions with denotative charges, suicide shamblers, what magical art was this? Raising the dead was one thing, but the ability to detonate them may have been a secondary spell, or even some alchemical trick. There was a potion for pretty much anything after all these days. For in a realm of magic, it was not how is it possible, but rather how it was done.

"Oh, I could teach you some basic alchemy Satilla," Thomas mentioned still grinding away at the silver bits while listening to the rest of the team mull about the tower. As long as they stuck together like sovereign glue they should make it out alive. Teamwork was crucial to these things, and hopefully the seven of them would be enough, even with one just recently recovered, and two not very useful folks to be standing on the sidelines with each other. Supports, as they'd be called. Hopefully they would catch the Necromancer off guard, but it was unlikely, the tower might be warded and watched over by magics unknown. Yet what a grand adventure it would be, sure beats going around taking care of small monster problems like kobold infestations and goblin raids. To have an actual target and mystery would surely be a great experience for the boy. And if they found any of the necromancer's books, Thomas would jump on the study of the dark arts, for educational purposes of course. Although it was theoretically possible to channel the powers of the moonlight to summon hordes of the undead... "Hrm, I'll go and have a look then, the main issue is the gem and the fire scarab. Probably going to be pricy."

Keystone was taking the lead here, although Thomas was always confused as to who was technically in charge, between the trio of Keystone, Sana, and Kyra. Didn't Kyra call for this assembly? And yet it looked like Keystone called the shots into order. Either way it seemed like they had some time to gather themselves and their things together, Thomas pretty much already done so with his daily preparations. Spells at the ready, although if they needed light maybe it would be wise to take a few minutes in the sunlight to get a cast. Either way, it was time to... Be Prepared!

"Anyone think it'd be worth it to get some sorts of bright light? 200 grams of purified alchemical reagents won't be cheap I reckon. Else I'll try and see if we can work something out with the shop owner, bring back something rare or somewhat from the tower for em." Asked to the general group as to whoever wanted to chime up and make the executive decision that Thomas was going to ask Kyra.

Cyne & Nor

Location: Crossed Swords Tavern
Interacting with:The party that collectively needed a new name.

Cyne huffed as her idea was immediately shot down by multiple people. Yeah, now that she thought of it again they were right, but at least don't interrupt mid sentence. Still, even though it was a good idea to not split up, there was one more reason that came to mind to not travel together in a big group for this particular excursion: if they happen to fall into an inescapable trap, as one group they would be wiped out completely. But that was an unlikely scenario (hopefully).

"Do you want some help with herbalism?" Cyne asked as she inserted herself unbidden into the conversation between the other spellcasters of the party. Herbalism was a skill that was reluctantly picked up during childhood. For her it was sort of like the musical scales of druidism. She didn't mind so much now that she was older and the skill had become second nature. Had it not been for the fact that Satilla was a dedicated healer, Cyne would have probably spent much of her free time the past week or so creating herbal potions of her own.

---

Well the big group discussion seemed more or less finished at this point. No use bumbling around when there was business to take care of. With a stretch and an inopportune belch, Nor left the room. First thing's first, look after Dorka. She'd been out in the cold all night, but a tough bird that mule was. An affectionate pat and bag of feed later and his beast of burden was satisfied with the current state of affairs.

Next Nor went to his cart and opened up the hidden side compartment where he kept the tools for his side business. Proudly presented and immaculately maintained were a full set of dwarven plate mail, a rectangular shield as tall as he was and a wicked looking knife that would most certainly be overkill for even the thickest of Goliath beards. The most annoying part about full-plate however was how long it took to put on, especially without help. He would be awhile changing into his 'battle outfit.'

---

---

Kyra rolled up her papers and shoved them into her pack. Seemed things were moving along now. Keystone was taking a partial lead with things but that didn't bother her. Over the course of their traveling time together she and he had mostly switched off leadership roles with the group. Glancing over at Sana, she noted that her old friend seemed to have no objections either. The two exchanged a bit of a nod to each other before Kyra began to speak. "Get what you need, let us all meet back here within the hour to finish preparations and leave for the tower."

Sana stood up, she had grabbed her things but a run to a local merchant was in order anyways. "Right, I will go to the local merchant and get some basic torches just in case," she said as she reached into her coin pouch and pulled out a few gold coins and handed them over to Thomas. "This should help buy what you need for the concoction that you and Satilla are working on," she said before heading to the door. "I need to check on Epona anyways and set up keep for her while we are at the tower," she added as she stepped to the door and glanced up at Keystone.

"Sounds good, here," Kyra said, pulling out a few more coins from her pouch and handing them over to Satilla. "I am going to stop by the smith and see if I can at least get some of these arrow heads tipped with silver. Any little bit might help," she said. The thought caused Sana to turn around and pull the silver from her pouch.

"If he can, add these to the mix," she said to her friend as she handed over the silver coins she had and a quiver of her own personal arrows. "Might as well while you are there. Will keep two of us from having to make the trip."

"Good idea, anyone else want to throw in a weapon and a few pieces of silver?" Kyra asked as Sana gave Keystone's arm a squeeze before she stepped out of the door with her things and headed out of the room. Walking down the stairs the made her way out of the tavern and around to the stables where Epona had stayed the night before.

Satilla Valen

“Thank you, Thomas, but first thing's first... we need to deal with the pressing issue.” The witch replied to the sorcerer with a smile as he was dealing with the last pieces of silver. Frankly she wasn't sure on the best ratio for the silver dust, oil and healing herbs, but they didn't really have the time to experiment and this coating was something she thought up on the moment. Hopefully it would provide effect on undead, a thing it should. The healing herbs alone should be disruptive to them and the silver dust should allow the coated weapon to at least strike true a few times...

“Well the store owner probably won't be really happy with uncertain profit, but it doesn't hurt to ask, right?” She said to Thomas, putting the last doze of silver dust into the oil. As it was expected the solid ingredients like the silver was going to the bottom while most of the herbs were staying on top.” Might need to shake good before use it seems.” She said throwing a look at Cyneburg.” Not really right now. I prepared the herbal mixtures for potions already. That said if you know a good mixture that will be effective against undead or that provides light, we might as well check if have ingredients for it.” Was the witch's reply to the druid.

“Kyra, here.” The witch said and quickly took the remaining silver coins that were left from her improvised anti undead blade coating.” Since we grind it fine enough we have spare silver left form that project.” She explained, handing them over and pulled the dagger she received from her earlier.” I have to ask if you could get this at least somewhat coated even if it's just the tip.” She too needed some weapon with silver part to damage just in case. Against skeletons there was good chance her wooden staff was better due the fact blunt damage would be better, but against anything else...

“Well with these done, Thomas, I will come with you to the apothecary.” The witch added with a smile.

---

---

Location: Crossed Swords Inn & Tavern

Interacting With: The Group

---

---

Keystone laid a massive, scarred paw over Sana's hand as she squeezed his arm, his eyes following her briefly as she walked out of the room. Suddenly remembering himself, the broad man snapped his head back around, participating in the last bit of the conversation in his own, monosyllabic way. He grunted slightly as Kyra asked the group whether anyone else had a weapon to be silvered and the raw materials/payment to make it happen, intending to get in on this little upgrade.

Granted, Keystone had spent a more than fair amount of time honing his unarmed combat abilities, even to the point of somehow suppressing his less rational tendencies just enough to receive Monk training that allowed him to strike entities and forces generally untouched by anything but magic and/or restricted to specific materials. Allowing himself to be opened to his own circulating life energies burst open a door in Keystone's training, giving him access to a world of pugilistic abilities previously beyond his imagination. With that in mind though, turning down a good, solid, mundane means of beating his enemies into a broken, pulpy mass of meat and bone would be silly. "Yeah... Yeah! Gimmie a sec on that. Gots me just the thing."

He jogged out of the room, angling for his own quarters just down the hall. He slipped inside and scooped up his hardened, segmented leather long coat. He quickly returned to Kyra and the group and plunked down a small stack of silver. "Right then. I've 'ad these since as long as I can remember." Keystone reached into pockets on his coat, built to be concealed by the reinforced segmentation. He pulled out a pair of brass knuckles, somewhat crude in construction but with a look of dead serious functionality, sized for a man with fists the size of hams. Someone like Keystone, point of fact. He set them down on the table next to his silver coins (that looked oddly like the same coins he got from Cremwise a week ago), and backed up a pace. Be they bereft of specific style, they were well formed, mottled, and downright intimidating in their simplicity. Moreover, the set of knuckle dusters had a series of runes gouged deeply and repeatedly into them, as if someone had furrowed them in with a nail while the metal was still soft and squared up the edges after.

"Nobody but me's had them in their possession since I got 'em, and I got 'em a long while back, y'understand? Nothin' particular about 'em, near as I can tell; they just go back to my days as a common brawler. If'n you can get silver inlayed an' them back to me safe, I'd be grateful." Looking down at his coat, he noted one or two areas that could benefit from the quick attention of one versed in leathercraft. "Y'know, I'd also be grateful if one o' you could put me in the direction of a decent armorer or leather worker, if one's still in town."

Cyneburg

Location: Crossed Swords Tavern
Interacting with:The party that collectively needed a new name.

"Assuming you can even find such things here," Cyne replied to Thomas about the expense of the alchemical supplies necessary for his potions. Scarabs of any variety were anything but local, and from what she'd seen the town was not a major hub of trade. It wouldn't be surprising in the slightest. "As far as bringing a light, I can see in the darkness, and I believe Keystone has techniques to be minimally encumbered by blindness, but a powerful light source would be a wise investment."

When Kyra brought up having weapons silvered, Cyne furrowed her brow. Not offering anything to the pile felt like she was missing out, but she didn't have any weapons. Yeah her walking stick had an axe head for a handle, but it wasn't meant for hurting people. Same went for the knife she carried with her. They were tools for wildlife survival, not self-defense. She did most of her fighting in inhuman forms anyways, so even if she picked something to be silvered, it probably wouldn't be of much use. Oh well. When Keystone brought up finding a leather worker, Cyne's ears pricked up.

"You don't need to go find one in-town Keystone. I'd be happy to help you with what you need. All I'd require are some raw materials to work with." What he actually needed, she didn't know, but it probably wouldn't be a challenge for her.

"I make my own clothes if you want proof of my craft." Cyne twirled in place, giving a quick 360 view of her worn and somewhat charred apparel. "...They're not in the best state to be showing them off." The clothes had been getting worn down for awhile, but she'd been spending so much time in bear form that it was easy to put off making new clothes. And after joining the group she hadn't really had much time at all to patch up some of the more egregious fireball-induced damages.

Well, Only one directly answer the question. Sure it was a longshot, but Sana was generous enough to entrust Thomas with some funds towards ingredients and reagents. "Oh thanks Sana, I'll try and see if they have anything. If not torches should work too if we place them tactically and all." Grinding the last of the powdered silver for Satilla who mused over the amounts of silver unbeknownst to Thomas. They did end up with a bit of extra, probably enough to plate a weapon with silver. A smart idea as Sana and Kyra pointed out, even Satilla threw in a weapon and Keystone threw in a pair of mean looking gloves. Practically everyone was silvering, to which Thomas briefly considered the benefits of silvering his knife, but given his lack of combat efficacy with a blade, he might just end up stabbing himself with a silvered tip in combat. As such pulling out a few Silver coins of his own, the sorcerer added to the pile of silver to be melted down, plus a probably scrap silver fee for the smith's work. Artisans did after all deserve fair pay, assuming they were still around in an undead mobbed hamlet. It was nice that Satilla offered to join, she could learn a few things about the unnatural elements used in alchemy, well unnatural in the sense they didn't grow in a forest. "I'd be more than happy to have you join me Satilla." Wait, was that too strong? Maybe he should invite Cyne too? Although the druid just offered to help Keystone with practical fashion. And it seemed Satilla didn't seem like she approved anyways, alchemy over herbalism it seemed, Thomas over... Uh wait... A slight pause before Thomas awkwardly blinked his eyes trying to reset and recover "Okay then, we'll be back in bit!"

---

The bell above the door rang, a jingle, a little song played for the proprietor to gleefully rub his or her hands with glee. Profits to be made today, or perhaps if they had felt short-changed by Satilla and Kyra earlier, now would be a time to gouge a young wizard. Or at least that was what Thomas looked like, a wizard, with his satchel slung over a shoulder his robes, that boyish look in his eye like a kid in a candy store as he entered to examine the stock. Remember children, alchemical unguents, though some are pleasant smelling, are more often than not rather toxic to health. Yet there was a bit of disappointment to find the shelves more empty than full, as reasonable as it was to find an attacked town depleted of supplies.

"Hello? I'm looking for a few things. Namely 100 grams of purified white phosphorous, a grindable crystal, 50 grams of yellow sulfur, and the same amount of saltpeter. Oh and a fire scarab carapace. Or if you have something that might work similarly to the last thing on my shopping list. Maybe a fire beetle? Not sure on how a substitution will work."

---

---

Kyra cocked a brow towards Satilla as she took the knife before spinning it over in her fingers and handing it back to her. "No need, it is tarnished but that blade is pure silver. One of a set," she said, giving Satilla bit of a wink before turning her attention to the others. Keystone seemed to be the other that wanted something worked on, gathering her things while she waited before taking the brass knuckles from him and the silver. "Right, I'll take care of these. Want to see if they can work on my sword a bit as well. See you all shortly," she said before heading out and making her way quickly through the town with Ash at her heels.

The shops were open now and people were mulling about. Day time put them more at ease. It took a few questions to various people she passed but she eventually found the location of a smith. The smithy was a little more helpful than she had expected. Though he did not work with silvers and gold he did know the jeweler and began a consult with him to see what they could do to complete the task Kyra was putting in front of them. Both seemed happy to help. Maybe they were tired of waiting on the local constable to do something proactive about the situation.

Sana climbed up on Epona after making some arrangements with the stable boy before heading out to find the local merchant. Normally she would have walked but she figured it was a good idea to let her mare stretch her legs for a time since she did not know how long it would be until she returned and she knew Epona hated being couped up but it was not like she could take the horse into the tower. The merchant was near the south gate of the town, a decent spot. Tying off her horse she wandered inside to see if she could gather a few items for the group before they headed out.

In the Apothecary the old man from the night before was there, his shelves a bit more bare than the night before. "Well welcome to you," he said as Thomas entered. Listening to the young man he rubbed his chin a bit. "I do have the basics, minus the salt peter. Unfortunately that is something i do not carry. Too many women trying to keep their men folk faithful by using it," he said with a half hearted chuckle. Sighing his fingers drummed along the counter. "Mrs. Fritzgivens bought the last of it from a traveling band about a week ago, perhaps she has some she would be willing to part with? She lives two streets over and runs wax shop," he suggested. "No scarabs either I am afraid but fire beetles I do have!" he exclaimed before holding a finger up and excusing himself. "Just a moment, in the basement, I will be back post haste."

Satilla Valen

Satilla blinked at Kyra's statement to the dagger as she quickly brought it back to her face and touched the blade of it. She had used her own to grind on the coins so she didn't notice it, but this was indeed silver dagger! She felt like an idiot for not realizing it sooner and that she had a pretty valuable item in her possession right now given the situation. When this was over with, she really had to properly thank Kyra and the rest for more or less saving her from the wilderness though she too did provide them with her skills.” Thank you, Kyra.” She finally had said, but felt it wasn't really enough.

~~~

They had arrived at the Apothecary and it hadn't change much. Well it was a lot less supplied than yesterday since with Kyra, Satilla pretty much bought a lot of all the supplies that could be used for healing potions she recognized. She only hoped things will go about as easy as yesterday. She had also entered after Thomas, only to hear the man's explanation.

“Hmmm...?” She made questioning sound as the man moved away. Her eyes were in a almost expressionless state as she observed him. She quickly moved to Thomas.” That was a lie...” She said quietly, looking at the sorcerer.” I saw it yesterday. Will try to get him to show it.” She added.

She then moved in a nice position to wait for him to appear.” Are you sure there's no saltpeter!?” She called quite loudly.” I'm pretty sure I saw some yesterday!”