TheHub2MannyRoadToVillageMystery
Well, we did it. The dark elves (or Drow, as they're called in this world) are pissed at us, and the Temple of Nox at Skryfe is restored. Unfortunately the head priestess made a huge sacrifice and will probably have to retire from her position. That does suck, but it was for the greater good, right? I wonder if I'll ever be that brave...
You know what else sucks? Missing Asterix and Bill's big fight against the Drow. Well, less of a "big fight" and more "one-sided curb stomping." Once we open the doors, we see one miniature storm giant paladin, one purple unicorn, and a whole pile of dead Drow. I really wanted to see this duo in action. I heard he knows a thing or two about dueling with drow. Hey, all of the Drow here are dudes. Matriarchy? Power is sexy... Sorry, I'm digressing again...
After a good night's rest, we visit Captain Bo Tir to give a report. He pays us the amount he promised to AND gives a bonus. Then he starts talking about that vacation. We're going to a farming village about a day's journey from Berlin. To be honest, I was hoping for somewhere a bit more exciting. Like Berlin itself. Coastal towns are pretty fun, although you have to look out for undead krakens and angry sea witches. We gear up and head out.
On the way to the village, I hear exciting news! This will be an Adventure Vacation! Before we left Skryfe, Ember overheard Captain Bo Tir talking about the town we're going to, and he thinks we're just the right people to handle the mystery of the missing people. Cool! Also, Maggie sounded suspicious of the whole vacation - must be her gut instinct. At first I was all "oh you guys are reading too much into this." But now I'm all "Cool! Adventure Time! *ching*"
Still on the way, I notice The Frozen Wastes. A super naturally cold tundra in the middle of the continent. Wizardry was involved for sure, since it's snowing there and it's the middle of summer. Asterra says that's where her father got a component for his legendary sword. That is so cool. Oh, that pun was terrible. I can't wait to have crazy adventures there. But not today.
One night, Maggie and I were on watch. She saw something, but I didn't notice. Instead, I decided to leave camp and walk over past the Alarm range Ember set up. Not sure why I did that, all things considered. And it sucks too because I got jumped by two of these... things. They look like quadrupedal badgers, and whine in high-pitched tones. Rumors say they are a cross between a demon and a badger. Why would a demon mess with a badger? Seriously, I'm sure they can do better. Wait, why am I thinking about this? I had lots of ammo for insults and taunts for them but they instead dug their teeth into me and I fell unconscious. By the time I woke I learned Mara had been making lots of insults in my stead. Thanks Mara! Unfortunately, she also fell unconscious from the subsequent biting. I sang a quick hymn of recovery and got Mara back to her feet. She handled the rest of the healing at that point. It's good to be a backup medic.
After several days and many distractions, we finally made it to the village. It's small, about four extended families live here. Which means I cannot flirt around here. Stories spread way too quickly, trust is too highly valued. And you get run out of town so quickly. This town violates rule #128 and so no messing around. I guess I'll work on my music. I tested one out on the first night. Way too fast, but they said it was better than anything they've heard before. Cool.
While performing, one young lady tried walking towards me but was pulled away by her parents. While I am used to this scenario happening after my concerts, this time was a little different. The second time we met she was able to ask me if we "were sent to help" before her parents dragged her off. Yeah, this town has a dark secret it doesn't want to tell us. Small town, big mystery.
During the late evening, the hunting crew returned. It was their biggest catch ever. They've been doing well in the last few months, after switching to an all male party. Hmm. Maggie did note that ever since we got here, we haven't been invited to see the farms or anywhere outside of town. Hmm, think the dark secret has to do with women venturing out of town and dissapearing?
In other news, Mara has been helping the Temple of Nox. Rand used to be here, but with all the hooplah in Skryfe he can't really be here. Mara is training the young acolyte, Nib. He's a bit young and inexperienced, but his first sermon with Mara was pretty good. Hopefully I can give him a few pointers on oration. It will pay off when you need to convince a crowd not to lynch you. Something tells me we're going to need that by the time we solve this mystery!
