Act 2, Scene 1: "A Flicker of Hope" (Main Game Thread)

[Nocturno]

"Unless there are some less dangerous items we could collect from a more local source? Our party seems to be shrinking as we get deeper into the trouble, and facing off with a Basilisk. I wish to be prepared."

[Squirrellord]

Jordek hefts his coin pouch and sighs "I'd love to help you be my new pin cushion however that much coin I do not have." Eyeballing the shop keep he asks "There might be a basilisk in our immediate future... you mentioned scales?"

[TristenC]

Nearby... yes there are a few.. There is a known Gargoyle to the West that has taken to making an old graveyard one of its haunts... unfortunately unless you have some magical weapons or a strong supply of offensive spells that will avail you little but to add a few more plots to the area. He passes his gaze over them to assess their reactions. Hmm... what else... ah yes! Though there is not much call for it, there is some value in these wooded lands for potions of Plant Control. One main ingredient is the spore of a shrieker mushroom. They are quite harmless and unable to defend themselves, and there is a small cavern complex just outside the cleared area surrounding the city to the southwest.... I should warn you, however, that some larger breeds of beetles tend to find them quite the staple food source, so you may run into opposition. If you are still interested, I can provide you with directions.

Smiling at Jordek, he nods regarding the Basilisk scales. Yes, they are quite useful in Petrification magics, which would naturally only be used at Lord Ulfbert's command, likely in defense of the city. But be advised, when petrified they're of no use. When powdered and dissolved in the belly-acid of an Ankheg they can make an ink for scribing a flesh-to-stone scroll... though troll hide is typically used for the parchment... messy business, at best. he adds, conversationally.

[Nocturno]

Nocturno shudders at the mention of Trolls.

"These mushrooms. How far out? I am interested if we can earn some credit to the potion(s)."

[TristenC]

Oh, less than a half hour to get there, it is only a few hundred yards beyond the trees to the southwest. The entrance is a small natural l cave that goes mostly straight down just beside a hollow birch roughly 2 or 3 feet in diameter. From what I recall there is only one way in or out, so it should be a simple matter. I simply haven't had time to tear myself away from work here to harvest them. he remarks.

[Nocturno]

"Care for a journey new friend? Maybe we can bring some bark back for birch bark tea too."

[Squirrellord]

Jordek perks up at the mention of tea and agrees to accompany the elf.

"Sounds like a fine idea my pin cushion to be!" His brow furrowing in thought for a moment he then asks "Weren't we going someplace already though?"

[Nocturno]

"We are to meet the others, to combat the basilisk. I have a feeling the others will wait or will find their own way to getting prepared."

Nocturno looks to the Keep dwellars.

"Is there a rental or a rent to own service for a magical weapon? That would be very useful against a basilisk, or even that gargoyle."

[TristenC]

Tag and Calan exchange a curious glance, Rent... a magic weapon? No, i can't imagine anyone with one trusting someone, much less a stranger, enough to let it out of their sight.

[Nocturno]

"Of course. I was wondering if there was a way to requisition one for a specific mission. I do understand. I do not have the standing here that I have in Misan. To gather some mushrooms, good friend. Then we can return to our group prepared for this battle."

[Squirrellord]

Jordek appears confused for a couple more seconds and then shrugs. Lead on mighty one." Tickling Chitt he whispers audibly to his furry friend Let us see if this elf can tread stealthily. with a grin on his face.

[Nocturno]

Nocturno double checks the directions, and sets out.

[TristenC]

The pair make their way out of the Keep and through the well-maintained streets. The southern gate remains open this time of day, and those tending livestock can be seen about. It doesn't take long for the pair to cross the open area and locate the entrance to their destination. A large fallen tree, heavily rotten and covered in all manner of fungi, lies beside a large hole in the ground that appears to be some sort of earthen tunnel...

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How would they like to proceed?

[Nocturno]

"Age before beauty?" Nocturno almost smiles with his joke.

[Squirrellord]

I believe you mean finesse before brute. Jordek quips with a wink as he turns to study the tunnel. My vision is not the best in the dark, actually it's not good at all to be honest. We can light a torch I suppose... I'll be right behind you.