The Harvest Moon Consortium

[Winterhawk99]

Snout jumps on the boat right after her. The Balan yawns a bit and ties the ropes back to where they belong. T’kharr starts to speak to the others. Mingzhu plays with Snout to calm him down. She makes some Qigong moves. “Shou us your kung-fu, Snout.” He seems too creeped out to feel like playing along. She sighs and holds him.

Balan yanks the rope releasing the sails a bit more gently this time. He makes motions to Snout and gestures for him to point. Mingzhu smiles and calls out, “Snout! Bad Water!’ snout bounds around her a few times and then points. Balan follows Snout’s nose. Silgara just keeps alert. She turns her head at each little island that comes to view and concentrates on it a moment as if pirates are about to come upon them.

Balan begins to speak. Silgara translates for her. “Well, it seems we have time to speak until we reach this place. What do you expect?”

Silgara answers him, “I do not have enough information to offer a hypothesis at this juncture.”

Mingzhu thinks for a moment and speaks. “If the fungus is also on the island, we will know it is transferred from there. But there may also be people doing this on purpose. We may find them too or whatever creature is doing this.”

“It’s a sound hypothesis, at least.” Silgara comments.

Eventually, they reach an island. It seems like a small islet, though there’s a few lime and coconut trees growing by the beach. Om the distance are rocky outcroppings. Balan carefully slows the boat a bit cautiously. “Seems like we are here.”

Mingzhu comments, “If someone is doing this, we may want them alive so that we can undo it."

Snout doesn't seem to want to get on the island, Silgara takes a good look around "This islet isn't large, it shouldn't take long to search. I think there may be some natural cave formations nearby."

Mingzhu goes to her knees. "You can stay on the boat if that is what you want Snout." she motions with her hands. He gets out with her seemingly wanting to stay beside her. He definitely doesn’t want to be alone now.

Silgara says, “Sounds like a likely place for troublemakers to lair, aye.” She unholsters her longbow and gets it ready. "Considering the angles regarding our perpetrators, it would have been more logical to have remained in Port Ginji, however they may not consider their work done. Let’s go."

Mingzhu leaves her spear but keeps her net on her. It may be useful to disrupt someone. Balan pulls his sword and shield. “Let evil die and let the gods sort their fate then.” He says while Silgara translates.

It does seem that the islet is indeed small, it takes a bit of navigating, but it also seems rather bereft of life. However, after some time searching, it does seem like there's a few cave entrances around. Mingzhu looks for any obvious tracks along with T’kharr. Mingzhu finds none. T’kharr does but they are old and faded. She says, “Seems that this has been visited before." Balan tries to detect evil in the area but finds none.

Mingzhu next looks at Snout. “Is there bad here too? Can you point the way?” Snout seems rather reluctant to go in the cave complex. Silgara seems to notice, then looks inside the caves.

At one of them she says, “Fungal growths in here. It is possible that local fungal and potential toxic herbs were combined into something to spread the infection, then. To what purpose of yet, I cannot hypothesize."

“How do we stop it then, and make sure it doesn’t happen again?” Mingzhu asks.

"First logical step would be to remove the source of the infection. That would ensure that it is not continued, if it is somehow artificially maintained. After that it will depend on multiple factors of which are not yet known."

Mingzhu sits down next to Snout. “Do we burn it? And what of the kelp already infected?”

"That I am uncertain of at this juncture." Silgara states.

T’kharr asks, “Would removing and burning the infected kelp be wise as well, or would that risk spreading it further?"

Silgara answers her. “"These current fungal growths don't look exactly like what we saw before. How do you propose burning kelp that is underwater?"

Mingzhu also says, “I meant what’s in the cave. if these fungi are toxic we need to destroy it somehow. I am not sure what to do with the kelp."

“Ah.” Silgara nods.

"It'd have to be removed from the water to be burned. And yes...regarding the cave, I suppose the only other thing we could look into is taking a sample if you wish one?" T'kharr looks to Silgara at the last question.

Silgara looks over, then towards the cave. "Possible for later analysis, but I hypothesize that the greatest sources of information are deeper within."

Mingzhu is wondering if she can trust the pointy eared woman. Still, she looks to T’kharr for what she says and is translated.

"Do you think we can make it further in, safely...?" T’kharr looks between Mingzhu and Silgara mostly

"If there are antagonistic agents there will be danger involved." Silgara surmises.

Mingzhu nods. “I can bless us. but I am unsure how long it will last."

"Might be best to save it for when we know there will be trouble. Unless it's longer lasting. Speaking of which..." Silgara casts mage armor on herself.

"Aye, maybe best to save it for something we know will be trouble. I was thinking more that the fungus itself might pose a hazard to us...but if you folks do not believe so, then we head further in with caution" T’kharr suggests. Silgara nods.

With the three women deciding the group collects what they may and start into the cave entrance.

[Winterhawk99]

As soon as the group goes past the entrance, they hear shrill squeaking then advancing movement. 6 dire rats are charging them. Balan holds his blade a bit behind with shield in front. Moving to the point. The first rat is on him as soon as he goes into stance. It bites down on his armor but there is no chance of him getting through. Snout jumps in front of Mingzhu and attacks another. A second rat goes after Balan and finds a soft spot at the top of his greave. It tears a hole in his pants which turn red around the bite area. The monster slashes down with his sword but he was so surprised his aim is off and he misses the large rodent. Two more rats charge up one going for Balan the other for Snout.

The one on Balan seeing the 2nd bite him bites on his other leg. The same thing happens as the rat crunches down, blood starts to stain Balan’s pants just above the knee. Snout has much more trouble with his. The rat bites him on the top of the neck doing great damage. Snout is still up but a good chunk of his neck is gone.

T’kharr was back aways so uses her sling. She hits one of them in the head. It dies instantly. A third one comes on Balan and sinks its teeth into his flesh. The last latches onto Snout’s tail. The two on top of him start fighting from each end of the poor otter who is getting torn apart slowly. Silgara shoots two quick shots at the ones on Balan. The first misses but the second hits one in the leg.

Mingzhu tries to turn the tables for the group. She knows she can control a dire rat. She casts Call Animal Ally focusing on an unwounded one. The spell works. It ceases its hostility toward the group and stops chewing on Snout’s neck. It gets ready to attack its fellows.

Balan starts to take more damage from the rats on him. Snout limps over behind Mingzhu. Balan grunts a bit and takes a swing at the second rat on him. He slices it across the backbone killing it. T’kharr slings another stone at another one of the rats that are on Balan. Again, the same thing happens as the rock slugs the rat in the head, and it tumbles to the ground dead before it hits.

The charmed rat moves toward Mingzhu. Snout backs up further from it. Silgara skewers the last one on Balan, killing it. She then tries to shoot the last one that’s hostile but misses. Mingzhu meanwhile coverts her Bless spell into a Cure Light Wounds and heals Snout. All of his wound’s mend and close but somehow, he still doesn’t seem right. He still makes a blood curdling scream at the two rats still alive.

The last Rat and Balan are still fencing for an opening. Balan sees one and strikes but the rat dodges out of the way. T’kharr loads another missile and flings it. It again strikes the rat this time in center mass it goes flying and rolls. When it stops it is dead.

Mingzhu hugs Snout to get him to stop and checks him over. All the while there is a charmed rate running around her ankles and squeaking. She knows he doesn’t feel well even though he is healed. She carefully checks him over finding that he has filth fever from his previous bite wounds. She knows she cannot heal him now. She sighs. “Can you go on boy?”

He nuzzles her neck. It doesn’t seem like the disease has done anything more than the initial onset, so he wants to continue. She tells him, “You stay behind me now. Momma will make you feel better when we get back."

Balan starts to talk. Silgara translates. “Is that rat to be dealt with? He looks to T’kharr.

Silgara looks over to Snout, and to the charmed rat, then looks to Balan. "That one's under a charm compulsion currently."

Mingzhu nods, “Yes.”

Silgara then looks at Mingzhu. "Can you get any information out of the rat? Otherwise, it might be best to send them off before the charm runs out."

“I can. It’s my last big spell.”

"Well, up to you if it's worth it, then."

"I think they are working on it" T'kharr answers Balan.

He nods, “Right on.”

Mingzhu casts Speak with Animals. She calls the rat to her. “What is ahead, little one?” She points.

Squeak! "Oh, hello new friend! Um, well there's the nice lady that came by. Though has a mean man with her. And oh, there's the centipedes. They're nasty and not at all friendly. And there's more of us. We have nice gatherings. Nice lady says we don't have to stay in the dark forever though and we can be out in the open which is nice. Squeak!"

She replies, “Tell friends. We are ok. will not hurt if you no hurt us, Ok! Then get friends to hide."

"Get friends to hide? Oooh, like hide and go seek? Hide from what? Well, other nice lady says we should be ready but bite others until she is ready to make things nice for us. But sure. Can tell others to hide. After all you're nice and a friend to rats. Squeak."

"Ok go hide we go to stop mean man. tell them that too."

The dire rat scampers off. "Oh, okay, be well nice friend!" Snout looks like he wants to insult the rat and their mother.

Silgara looks to the rat as it scampers off, then looks over to Mingzhu "Well, what did you find out?"

Mingzhu stands and looks at them, "Ok there are centipedes up ahead and more dire rats. I told that one to gather his friends and hide. we are friends and go to stop the mean man. There is a bad man and a good woman up ahead. That is according to the rat.”

"Understood. Likely assume we have to face centipedes and two potential culprits. Well, let’s keep moving then." Silgara nods.

Mingzhu looks down at Snout. "Are you ok Snout. I turned a rat into a friend now. Did you see?" Snout whines some. He doesn't feel well. She clicks, whistles and barks, I will try to heal you when we get home or if we find something here. Do not worry, best friend in the whole wide world." She then looks up at Silgara. “Snout doesn't feel well from the bite. Let us hurry Silgara." Snout seems reassured, ready to remain by her.

"I figured that was possible. But you're right, let’s move. We do at least have a target now." Silgara replies.

[Winterhawk99]

T’kharr switches from her sling to her staff for now, letting Balan take point. Mingzhu looks down at Snout while her spell is still in effect. She tells him, “Snout you have to stay behind me now."

Balan heads forward, taking point, while saying something. The group moves along the cave for a short travel period, before coming to a sort of crossroad, where there's paths to the left, right, and ahead.
However, before they get there, they see some large centipedes crawling along the walls. They notice the party. Silgara nocks an arrow. T’kharr switches back to a sling. Balan takes a firm stance guarding those behind him.

Balan lunges with his sword into the closest one, cutting it in half and killing it instantly. Silgara puts two arrows into another, wounding it badly. Snout stays behind Mingzhu like he was told. Mingzhu takes on one directly and tries to punch it. A second centipede tries to overwhelm Balan and hits him hard in the neck. Any yet another goes for him but is repelled by his armor.

Balan tries to stab the one that has sunk its pincers into his neck, but it’s too small and his blade goes under it. Silgara relieves him as she shoots it right off his body. The arrow goes through the oversized insect and pins it to the wall of the cave. It thrashes a few times and dies.

T’kharr hurals a stone at another but it flies just past its head. She shouts out to Balan, and he answers her. Snout still hangs back but Mingzhu does not. She again punches out at the one nearest her. Her trained fist goes right through the caprice of its head and into its brain.

Balan strikes out at the last one slashing it but only doing minor damage. As the insect is constantly crawling and shifting around. Silgara finishes it off by putting two arrows into it. Mingzhu surprised and a bit upset says, “My hand is covered in goo now.” She pulls her fist out of the centipede, opens her hand and shakes it. Goo flies everywhere including everyone else.

Balan holds a holy symbol up. His hands glow and he touches himself. His wounds heal up. He talks to T’kharr while doing so. Mingzhu looks around and finds they are at a crossroads. They can go left, forward or right. She used her low light vision to look for which way has the most tracks. T’kharr joins her. Both see that there are humanoid tracts that are not their own going down the path to the right. Mingzhu calls out. “The most foodprints go right.”

T'kharr confirms it once Silgara translates, “Rightward it is, then, since it seems we have to worry little about being flanked."

Balan says, “Right, that is the way then!” He laughs a bit at what he said with a hearty chuckle.

The party starts walking off in that direction. There's some fungal growth here and there along the cave path. Eventually there's a split in the cave between two paths, one right path, one left, both seem to extend into moderate sized cave rooms, however the one on your left draws immediate attention, it looks like there's two humans there, who definitely noticed your arrival.

One is a man; he wears a chain shirt under what looks like traveler's garb. He's also got a short spear and shield strapped on his back, ready but not drawn. The woman has a scimitar and a wooden shield and appears to be wearing an outfit made of animal hides. She's flanked by a particularly nasty, large looking specimen of a dire rat, who stays by her closely. There are what looks like alchemical workstations in the distance. They're both westerner humans. They look over to the group warily for now.

Balan starts to speak. Silgara standing beside Mingzhu whispers the translations to her.

The golden monster looks between the woman and man. “Well what business is going on here?

The woman looks over, annoyed. “We are simply living here and minding our own business. The interruption is not appreciated. Please leave."

T’kharr stands flanking Balan, staff in hand. Balan seems to study the two people very carefully. The man seems to recognize what the monster is doing though and draws his weapon and shield. The woman does the same

"I do not know how you found your way here. But whatever cause you serve, it will not be found here. We have work to do." The woman shoots the man a glare, as if trying to say, 'don't tell them too much' "Respect our privacy." Mingzhu stays silent, studying the two people and the abnormal rat.

Balan starts billowing smoke out of his mouth looking at the drawn weapons. “I do not think that is a good idea.”

Silgara interjects "Most people would not be hiding away in a cave with alchemical equipment."

The woman looks to Balan "We are prepared to defend our homes."

The man looks to Balan. "Just who are you anyways? And your pet mutt?"

Mingzhu asks Silgara, "Are they the ones poisoning the sea and making the Storm King angry?" as she observes the woman fits the description of the woman that came through the village before them. She even has an exquisite looking necklace she is wearing. Both Mingzhu’s and T’kharr’s eyes settle on the woman with a frown.

Silgara looks aside to Mingzhu "Seems likely, unproven at this juncture."

Then the woman looks to T'kharr "What is it? You can dig for bones outside."

Balan looks at the weird dire rat. “Creating things in a cave that aren't meant to be...What else have you done.?”

"Ignorant fool! This here, is my loyal friend and companion. Take your foolishness elsewhere or I'll be inclined to make you suffer for it."

Silgara looks over at the woman, then to Balan. “Cursory observations indicate she is a druid of some kind. Of which circle of faith is unknown. However, I have my suspicions."

“Aye and what might that be because they do not feel savory to my taste.” Balan reports back.

The woman looks over to the elf. "Oh bravo. You get a medal for pointing out the obvious. But I would much rather spend my time not being bothered by the cretins you call company."

Silgara nods to Balan. "Indeed so. Given the alchemical equipment, mushroom cultures observed, and other evidence collected, not to mention she is not from here, I would posit the hypothesis that she is a druid of the plague maiden."

The man looks over, annoyed. "You are overstaying your welcome, visitors."

"Or some other related power" T'kharr mused with a frown.

“They once burned-out plagues with fire.” A bit of flame curls at the side of his maw through the smoke.

The woman seethes. "Are you lot, going to leave or not?"

"I somehow don't think picking a fight with someone clearly of dragon blood over alchemical equipment is wise...." T'kharr indicates to the party's foes. “Better hope for your own hides that you aren't running your alchemy in spirits"

Balan surmises, “I feel they may be the problem affecting the village.”

Mingzhu looks into the ethereal plane to see if there is a spirit near. She can feel that this is one area the spirits seem to be avoiding. She says to the elf. "The spirits I can tell they are actively avoiding this place."

Silgara nods aside to Mingzhu "These two are likely the culprits. The alchemical stations may be being utilized to create the contagion." She then whispers what Mingzhu said to Balan and T’kharr.

Balan replies to her after hissing and grumbling, “Then we burn them they are evil.”

The man seems to snap. "Gahhh! How did you lot, even find us?! We weren't even supposed to... damn you lot!"

The woman snaps as well. "Enough! You have overstayed your welcome. Begone or I shall feed your carcasses to my pets."

Silgara interjects. "Your aggressive demeanor suggests that you have something to hide. In fact, it would have been more sensible to have not greeted wanderers with weapons drawn with the only exception being if you were expecting trouble to come for you, likely for misdeeds."

The man looks aside, seeming to sense they're compromised, a nod to the woman, then looks back to the party. "I think we can dispense of this charade already. Our work will not be interfered with. You will find that nothing here. All that odious light you claim to champion will crumble and fade. There is nothing else."

The woman looks on as well. "Fine. Eight times eight poxes for you and all your ignoramus associates, scum. You will not stop my mistress' work."

Silgara draws her bow and readies a spell. "Conclusion reached."

[Winterhawk99]

The first to move is T’kharr who has a bullet ready in her sling. She throws it at the rat companion but misses the smaller creature. Snout now ignores Mingzhu’s orders and rushes up trying to bite the woman’s companion. Otter and dire rat start to roll around snarling, hissing and biting at one another. The rat connects first lancing a deep bite into Snout’s shoulder.

Balan sucks in his breath and suddenly the monster blows out a spray of fire. Most are able to duck and dodge out of the way Snout included but the man, woman and rat do get singed. Silgara casts grease in the area of the battle. The man loses his footing and falls. The woman is able to stay up. The Rat and Snout used to this battle both seem to ignore the grease pit the floor has become.

The woman moves off the area where the grease appears, and casts Summon nature’s ally 2. A dire bat flies down from the heights of the cavern. Mingzhu rushes in right after Snout and tries to use her new tactic on the woman. She punches the other woman straight in the middle of the solar plexus, but her aim is slightly off still. Woman takes a nasty blow from her and has to step back.

The man tries to get up but slips on the grease again and falls back down. T’kharr charges in next getting her staff out and goes after the dire rat and Snout. She tries to smack the rat off of him but misses as Snout and the oversized rodent wrestles on the ground. Snout encouraged by Mingzhu tries a stunning bite on the dire rat. (He doesn’t have any idea how to do that but still tries.) This time he does lock down on the back of the rat’s neck, but the rat rips his own skin and gets away from the bite before Snout can crush his backbone. The rat is able to make a quick turn and bites Snout on the front foot and then loses its grip as the two companions roll around on the floor.

Balan rushes and attacks the man cutting through the man’s armor and putting a deep gash in his shoulder. Silgara casts something at the woman. A heated ray comes froth from her hands, but the shot goes wide and hits the back wall of the cave.

With Mingzhu in her face the woman is able to unsheathe her simitar. She slashes at Mingzhu but the shamaness ducks the shot. The dire bat comes to the woman’s aid and rakes Mingzhu in the head with its claws. Blood starts to drip down the shamaness’s hair and face. Mingzhu tries to counter with a knee to the groin but misses the woman as she dodges back just in the nick of time.

The man again tries to stand but slips again. Falling down on his side. Balan doesn’t miss the opportunity. Again, he slashes down at the man slicing through his hip and giving him another bad wound.

T’kharr changes tactics and goes for the woman as Mingzhu ties her attention up but again misses with her quarterstaff. The rat and Snout are still rolling around growling and biting at each other but neither have been able to connect. Both animals adapted to quick moves, fence with the other for an opening.

Balan is able to take off the man’s head with his next blow. Silgara casts a spell, and a strange glowing eagle appears out of nowhere. The Druidess steps back from Mingzhu’s onslaught of punches and kicks and casts the same spell. Another dire bat opens its wings and flies down to defend her. Mingzhu takes the advantage and tries to disrupt her spellcasting with another blow aimed at her head but misses. The druidesses concentration is not disrupted, and the spell goes off. Mingzhu throws yet another blow at her in frustration, missing again. The fresh bat goes after Mingzhu. It rakes her along the back of the head. The shamaness suddenly falls on the ground unconscious with a bloody head and face. The world goes black.

[Winterhawk99]

Mingzhu wakes up in bed. Snout is laying his head on her stomach. His eyes open a moment then close again. Her head has been bandaged up. She touches them and pain shoots through her whole body. She looks up. T’kharr and Balan are staring down at her. The monster says something and leaves. T’kharr makes her drink some water then tends to her by changing the dressings. After the Hengeyokai is done she hugs her.

Mingzhu after several hours uses her last two spells, cure minor wounds, on Snout. She tries to get out of bed. She finds she’s woozy but doesn’t pass out. She goes outside and meditates in a half lotus position. When she is touched by the spirits, she finds she has new and more spells. She decides to use one. She goes back into meditation. When she is ready, she casts Commune with lesser spirit.

It’s some form of ancestral spirit. Its vapory spirit looks vaguely like a young boy. She asks her question. “What do I need spirit to heal the infected village?”

It says “Clues and walks back in the bedroom. There it motions around the room then walks to the door of the alchemy lab and motions at it. It quickly vanishes after that, perhaps indicating she should search these places more thoroughly. She looks around the bedroom first shouting out for the others.

The witch comes into the room first with T’kharr right on her footsteps. Silgara greets her with, “You’re looking better. If not optimal. What is it?”

“I have found I can call and speak to spirits now, so I did. The spirit told me that all we need to cure the village is in this room and the lab. So, there is something here and something there. That is all it said though.”

“I have not inspected the bedroom closely. I have been looking at the notes the left for their alchemy worktable and engineering a countermeasure.”

“We have all we need here to make a cure. Spirits do not lie.”

"I've been making headway with the alchemy work, if you wish to search this room."

Balan comes out from behind T’kharr and starts turning the room upside down. Mingzhu searches the room carefully. Silgara goes back to what she was working on. Oddly enough, there’s plenty of things here, a dresser with clothes, hamper, a table, stools, even luxury goods that one wouldn’t normally find here and some crates.

Mingzhu goes for the crates opening them up. She finds food stocks, with hardtack, water, other things. Even a few bottles of rum. There’s also a note with the crate the rum bottles are in. She takes the notes and goes to Silgara.

The witch is working at the table and mixing some things together. She keeps her eyes on her work but recognizes the Shamaness. “Ah, yes?”

“I found these notes in a crate.”

Silgara seems to perk up at that, then looks over. Then she holds a hand out. "May I?" Mingzhu gives them to her.

Silgara reads them over, considering "Ah... I see, these aren't alchemical notes, but they are interesting. It does seem that the Talonite Druidess, she was in contact with one of the corsair captains who has been supplying her. They've been in communication." T’kharr slides into the room. Mingzhu thinks she may have heard them talk. Silgara goes on. “Mentions the rum being a gift for her good work, also... huh, that's interesting. The rum may serve as something of a countermeasure for the disease they were engineering."

Balan comes in with the top of a crate. He says, “Seems this may be of insight.” After Silgara translates for her.

Silgara still has an odd expression on her face. She says, “I had not thought to utilize alcohol in disease counteraction, but alcohol is a poison, it is to toxic invasive substances as well."

Balan holds up the crate lid, “I believe we may have found that which supplied them.”

A bit annoyed Mingzhu asks, “Perhaps the rum has an ingredient that halts the disease?”

The witch studies the crate first, considering. “If I'm not mistaken, that's the symbol of... Diamond Industries? The notes the druidess gave me indicate that they were also in contact with and supplied by one of the pirate captains of the local corsairs." Then she looks to Mingzhu, considering "It's possible. Rum has a strong alcohol content. I suspect that the counteractive medicine may need to contain some degree of alcohol in addition to something that will more specifically target the fungus."

"It'd also be useful for general hygiene -- cleaning hands and tools so they don't spread the fungus after say butchering an infected fish." T’kharr says after some thought.

“The spirit it also said the lab here has another thing. Perhaps it’s saying we should combine the rum and something here.

Balan adds, “It is possible. Though we would need a large quantity to treat the whole village if that is the cure. Even then we would need to treat the kelp with the same method, no?”

"If so, we must find the other ingredient here at this lab." Mingzhu insists.

Balan starts to look around the alchemical area for anything else. While the witch asks, “Can one of you fetch the rum then? I'll see about incorporating it into the alchemical cure I'm synthesizing. Also, yes, there is the issue of the kelp, assuming that it won't fade on its own. Though it's possible infected fish will remain for some time regardless." There's a lot of various herbs, alchemical bits, supplies, well stocked. Though it would take an herbalist to figure it all out.

Mingzhu says, “I have already harvested the kelp and put it on shore.”

"Then I'll focus my efforts on the village." Silgara nods. Mingzhu rubs her neck a bit worried.

Silgara goes back to the alchemical work, though occasionally goes to grab a bottle of rum for her work. She's not ‘drinking on the job’ at least. Balan watches her carefully trying to figure it out. Mingzhu goes back to Snout. She casts Cure Light Wounds on him then on herself.

She goes back into the other room where everyone is staring at Silgara and her work. “Did we search everywhere?” When she doesn’t get an answer, she goes back to tend to Snout. "I will await the results please let me know when we have a cure and have to go back to heal the villagers.”

[Winterhawk99]

As the witch, Silgara, does her research in making potions and as Mingzhu starts to feel better she heads outside. As she does, she sees T’kharr rummaging around the caves looking for things. Perhaps it is to make sure they leave nothing of value behind. Mingzhu thinks. She takes note of it. Once outside she dives and takes a long study of the surrounding kelp making sure she got every last stalk that has the fungus on it. She brings it up out of the water to dry making a big pile. Incidentally she looks for oysters but finds none.

Soon enough Silgara moves out of the cave with the others and meets her. Mingzhu sees them come out and waves, “What do we do with this kelp?”

Silgara looks over to the pile. “I take it that is the infected kelp. I would suggest burning it.”

“Can the Balan do that?” Mingzhu asks?

Silgara looks at Balan "Can you set that kelp on fire?" Then looks over. "Best stand back in case of spore inhalation." Mingzhu steps away from the pile and rubs her neck a bit worried the fungus has gotten into her gills. T'kharr stands back, letting Balan have some space to do just that.

The Balan smiles, “Of course!” He inhales deeply and unleashes a direct cone of fire at the pile of plants.

Silgara watches as it burns, then gives a satisfied nod "Well, I think we got what we needed here. Let’s head back." She goes to get settled on the boat, taking care that the alchemical concoctions she's created are safe. She sighs "I don't know if this will work, or if it will be enough. Just in case, I might see if one of the Trading Companies has an alchemist that can refine or replicate the concoction. I've kept notes." She considers, looking to the others. "Do you have a recommendation for which one?" T'kharr makes sure she has her things as she gets settled in on the boat as well.

Mingzhu answers her while carrying snout into the boat. “The ones with the magic carpet were nice enough even with Snout messing up their ship."

The witch looks at her with a raised eyebrow. “Magic carpet? And... messing up their ship?"

"A long story." The shamaness answers.

"Definitely not the Diamond Industries traders, they show contempt for goodly gods. I think the Azure Winds might be persuadable, although it may be best if you speak with them on your own instead of bringing us along, for reasons that have to do with a certain fluffy chaos otter. The Golden Sails might be worth a shot as a backup, but I don't have enough experience to judge." T’kharr explains.

"Hrm..." The witch considers, then gives a nod "And we did find their goods here as well. While they could have been stolen it could be more."

The party sails back to Rhakku, Snout is still diseased and doesn't move around too much. Mingzhu sits down in the craft. She pets and comforts him. “I still cannot heal you, Snout. Rest and we’ll find a cure once we get back to the main city.”

It takes some time, but eventually they make it back to Rhakku. The village seems about as well off as it did before, not well. Mingzhu disembarks and goes straight to the Elder’s hut. Silgara goes to follow along, looking to Mingzhu "I might need your assistance convincing the locals to accept this concoction I brewed."

Mingzhu bows to him as she comes in the door, "We have a cure and have killed the fungus causing it. Elder."

The elder seems to be trying to rest, but he rises with a weak cough as Mingzhu enters. "Oh... hello Shamaness, did you... find anything?" "A... a cure...?" He tries to straighten up

Silgara interjects "It is not guaranteed to be a cure however it is something that we came up with to counteract the infection." Silgara produces one of her vials

“Yes. Where should we dispense it. The Tavern?” She notes but for the moment ignores what the witch said.

"Let me try it first. I want to be sure it works and if it is dangerous, I'll put my life on the line first for my people." Though he looks warily at Silgara. "Who made it, shamaness? You or her?"

Mingzhu nods and steps to the side. "Silgara the witch made it. She is different but I have found underneath she does have a good heart. You can trust her."

The elder looks very skeptical at that, but he heaves a heavy cough. He's clearly not doing well. Still, he follows her lead, and takes the potion, then drinks it down. He's sitting down, he clutches his stomach, gagging a bit as he forces it down. He wobbles a bit. "Tastes like a really strong, burning alcoholic beverage... augh..." After a short while, he rubs his belly, pained, he lets out some gasps. Mingzhu sits with him and offers her hand. It's clearly not pleasant, he winces visibly "Feels like my guts are... augh... on fire..."

Mingzhu looks up at Silgara, “Give me one of the potions please.”

Silgara looks on, concerned, perhaps worried she miscalculated regarding the mixture.
"Another drink could lead to overdosing." Though Silgara does offer it.

"It’s not for him.”

"I expected the counteraction might not be pleasant. The fungus tries to resist removal. Not to mention... Oh."

Mingzhu takes the potion and downs it herself. "If its poison we die together.” It's a pretty strong alcoholic beverage. It also makes her guts feel like they're on fire as soon as it reaches her stomach.

"Well, if you infected yourself while destroying the infected kelp, that should cure you at least." Silgara sighs, rubbing her face.

It's several unpleasant minutes later, but eventually, the elder stabilizes. After the procedure, he does seem better. He lets out a few sailor-like curses. "Felt like my insides were on fire there.... augh..."
But eventually he does wobble up "Still, I do feel better now... strangely enough..." Both of them look to Mingzhu.

The unpleasant feelings pass at least the most intense of them some semi-agonizing minutes later. Mingzhu lays down trying to subside the pain in her gut. After the burning subsides, she sits back up. “You look better already though I don’t feel all that well now myself."

Silgara interjects. "The countermeasures I came up with in regard to purging the fungus would explain the burning sensation, the rum that's part of the formulae should dilute it but also has the regular assorted side effects of alcoholic beverages." She looks aside at Mingzhu "I take it you're not usually a heavy drinker?"

Mingzhu shakes her head. "No, I am not." She smiles weakly." Let’s gather the villagers and hand out the cure."

The elder nods, it seems he's largely shaken off the effects of the unpleasant remedy, before looking at Silgara. "It... seems I was wrong about you, foreign witch. So... thank you. For your efforts in aiding my people. I shan't forget your kindness." Though he stands, then looks at Mingzhu, turning to her before going to gather the village. "Before we go... was there someone behind this plague on this village?"

She nods, "It was that woman with the expensive neckless along with a foreign man a priest of an unknown god of the west. They have gone for their just punishment with the celestial court"

"The woman was a follower of Talona, the man I am unsure." Silgara adds.

He nods "Well, thank you for letting me know. And for bringing them to justice." The elder heads out. It does take some convincing and rallying, but eventually, the cure is distributed to the whole village. There are some who make a fuss about it but generally things go smoothly once the Elder makes orders. For the most part.

Mingzhu bobs her head to him and follows, helping him both dispense the cure and convincing the other villagers to take it. Once she gets back to the group T’kharr nods to her. “"I reckon our work here is done at least.’ Finally pulling the mask off her muzzle and making sure to dispose of it properly.

“We should stay the night. I will have a service for the villagers to lend the gods thanks.” Mingzhu insists.

Silgara breathes a sigh of relief "That went... better than I had expected. And with a minimum of casualties."

Balan looks to them exiting one of the huts. “Let us hope we have helped cure the town.”

"I'll probably head back to Port Ginji to see if I can have more of this cure synthesized, just in case it crops up again. Still, I expect we have handled the matter." She looks around. Does anyone want to do anything in Rhakku? Or will they head to Port Ginji? Or do something else?”

It's late evening now, though. Odds are it'll be nighttime if they go right to Port Ginji. T’kharr says, “I think we can head back to the Port as well, glean information on what has happened with the other riders now that we have fairly thoroughly thwarted one of them."

"I want to stay long enough to make sure all the villagers are better and do a service of thanks for them. Though Snout is sick can anyone do something for him. I cannot magically cure disease yet and I am not an alchemist." Mingzhu states rather despondent.

"That is fair, and sadly, I do not have access to those prayers yet either..." T’kharr looks at her sadly.

"It would have been a simple solution to this conundrum." Silgara nods.

"I think we were still wise to tackle this now, for it could have gotten out of hand very quickly had it been left to fester" T’kharr states looking at the elf.

“I would agree. Any longer and the whole town could have been dead gods forbid that, if we had waited for our priestess and shamaness to be able to cure disease.” Balan adds.

Silgara nods, then cranes her head "I take it you were expecting trouble in other areas, then?"

“This was the most likely to...spread beyond its area of origin if we had." T’kharr nods.

“For people too sick to come out of their huts I wish to go to them with the potion and have them take it.” Mingzhu adds worried about the villagers.

"I've left some spares of the antidote with the elder. Hopefully that should suffice." There are indeed a few that are difficult but with some effort the whole village gets a sample of it. Mingzhu is up for the challenge though and comes back to the group in short order.

"Well, I'll make my way to Port Ginji, then. I'll see about securing someone else to make more in case it's needed. Will you be coming?" Silgara says when Mingzhu returns.

Mingzhu sighs and looks along the village. "I will come.............the service can wait."

Silgara looks over, raising an eyebrow "Service?"

"For the village. To thank the gods."

“Ah, well if you need to, I can wait.”

"Aye, if you wish to host a brief service, that is fine to finish the day out. It means that we can rest up this night and be ready to go come morning time, too." T’kharr nods and smiles.

“That may be best then, it will give us a decent hour to arrive back at the port.” Balan intones.

"It is late, alright, I'll return to the nearby hut to rest, then." The witch says. Mingzhu nods.

The shamaness holds a service for the path of enlightenment for all who wish to come thanking the gods that the village has gotten through this malai and thanking all her companions, so the village knows all who helped them including Silgara. Afterward she rests the night tending to Snout as best she can. T’kharr comes with her and observes the prayers in reverence herself.

In the morning since they will be traveling back to the large city. Mingzhu changes her 2nd level spell to Know Motivation in case she needs it.

The village seems healthier now. It won’t be long before they are up and about doing their work and tending their families. The group leaves. Mingzhu looks back as they travel along the beach to the village and smiles. They saved them. The gods and spirits will be pleased.

[Winterhawk99]

As they walk to the main city. Silgara seems in high spirits and well rested. The monster Balan is also in good spirits. Halfway back to Port Ginji he boasts, “Right on to the next evil plague!”

"I'd rather not have any more plagues if it's at all possible." Silgara shakes her head

Mingzhu makes sure Snout is as good as he can be as he slowly waddles along sick. She tells him, “Look at this. You’re a hero now too, Snout. You led us to the bad people.”

As mid-morning comes the group gets back to the city. The first thing Mingzhu does is head directly to an apothecary to get Snout healed of his sickness. She finds there is none, so she goes to the shrine the Minh watches over. He seems quite familiar with medicine and doesn’t mind taking care of Snout. He has to stay at the shrine for a few days so the shamaness leaves him there knowing he will be taken good care of. Minh knows Snout is her animal companion. Hopefully he will be bounding about like his usual self in no time. She goes back to the inn.

She walks into the inn and sits down beside T’kharr and the monster who are talking to the bartender. The bartender starts to translate for her. The Balan says, “Well it seems for now we may need to ask some questions to the traders at the dock I believe. looks to T'kharr or is there another task we should contemplate first?”

Mingzhu shrugs, “Snout must stay at the temple a few days.”

"I reckon the dock traders would be good to speak to, given the status of our companion's furry friend" T’kharr intones. The innkeeper looks up, still tending bar and ready to serve drinks as needed. T'kharr sips her tea some.

The bartender looks up. “Well, it's early morning, so the traders should have their stalls open if you need something from them."

"If we are going to do more for the villages we should be well supplied. Healing potions, potions for disease, and protection, camp kits.” Mingzhu suggests.

Balan nods to her, “We should sell whatever is not of use to any to the traders as well for a bit of extra coin to supply ourselves with.”

The bartender then says, “Well, that stuff should be available on the market."

T’kharr agrees, “Aye, we'll need some supplies before we continue."

"Continue where, if you don't mind my asking?" The Innkeeper asks as he rubs a glass.

Mingzhu looks at him strangely. “Are there not other communities that need help?"

"Oh, definitely. Just wondering what your next steps are. I mean, the want to help is one thing. Actually, having a workable plan to do it is another."

She thinks after he speaks. “………….. We should also inform the mayor that the crisis at Rhakku is over."

"Well, his office should be open now, if you want to pay him a visit." The bartender assures. The shamaness looks up at her giant companions to see what they want to do.

“That may be best to do.” The Balan agrees.

T’kharr and Balan head out of the inn. Mingzhu follows along, after them. Instead of going to the merchants or the mayor they head to the Azure Winds ship again. The guards look at them all and one of them stands right in front of Mingzhu trying to intimidate her. “Where is that troublesome animal of yours?”

T’kharr steps up right beside her. “A touch ill, so they’re being tended to.”

Mingzhu quietly says, “He is at temple. He found the sickness in the sea but got sick himself. He's a hero along with my companions."

"Did they steal a lot of fine wine or something? Or rum? Never mind, I don't want to know. You may enter." The guard looks at the group suspiciously.

Balan defuses him by laughing heartily. “What a fine morning to not get into trouble!” The guards decide to lead them down into the ship and back to the Seer.

Perhaps not to the party's surprise, it seems Moalim already has a guest he is tending to, Silgara. They seem to be going over notes of some kind, and a bottle of the plague cure.
Moalim looks over at the group "Ah, Salam Alaikum, to what do I owe the pleasure this time?"

Silgara perks up and looks over "Oh, greetings."

Mingzhu appears rather sedate looking for her big companions to do the talking. Balan nods his big lizard head. “Hello again.”

"I do hope your visit here won't cause more headaches for dear Khalid," He chuckles good-naturedly "Well, what can I help you with?"

T’kharr shows him the necklace they took off the druidess. “Ah. Identifying another trinket found on a different perpetrator."

"Ah, I see. Likely another of the riders? Well, I can conduct the spell once again. Though if it is similar enough, it may not be necessary."

Silgara raises an eyebrow "Riders?"

"Ah..." Moalim looks to Silgara, then to T'kharr.

"Ah. The village that chased you off was later raided by riders seeking to burn their crops. We were able to catch and kill one of them, recovering an amulet which we then had identified"
T'kharr explains to Silgara

Silgara sighs "Oh. I see."

"Not another of the riders, related to them but from a different agent I think, this one was leagued with Pestilence." T’kharr says as she presents the amulet from the brown-haired merchant woman to Moalim. He gives it a look over, considering. She also presents the strange symbol from the man who was with said brown-haired merchant woman to him "Found this on her companion, as well."

"Well, I recognize the first symbol easily enough. Ugly thing. The mistress of plagues or known in the west as Talona."

T’kharr nods, “Ah, yes. I reckon it should be destroyed then, even."

"Hrm, as for the second..." Moalim looks it over "Certainly bears a lot of similarities to the other nasty little trinket you showed me before. I would indeed believe this is indeed a symbol of Rakib Altaaeuna, or the Horseman of Pestilence." He'd also looks over the periapt of wisdom, considering "Ah, this amulet bears no special significance religiously, unlike the other items you have shown me. It's a periapt of insight. I do find that many wise men and clerics like these, helps them focus."

Mingzhu watches everything quietly. Then Moalim says, “Perhaps you or the Shamaness might like it? Or you could sell it, if you like. It would fetch a decent price."

"I will take it if the Shamaness does not wish it.” T’kharr says.

"You are a priestess. I think you should have this." Mingzhu intones.

"Well, it's yours by right. Was there anything else I could help you with?" The seer asks.

T'kharr takes the necklace and slips it over her head with a chuckle "Guess I'll have to be on the lookout for any...attention it might attract, fancy bauble it is. I reckon that is all, thank you kindly for your help and may the Crying God ease your sorrows good ser Moalim."

"Of course. Ah... actually, before you go. I think Khalid would like to speak with you."

“Oh? T’kharr asks.

He looks over, Khalid enters the hold where they are, Silgara looks over, still perhaps perplexed.
Khalid looks over to Silgara, then to Mingzhu "Did the elf join your company since last time?" Mingzhu nods.

"I see." He considers "We did an inventory after your companion had his caper through our hold."

Silgara looks over, rubbing her face. "Your demeanors in prior endeavors did not suggest you were debtors."

Khalid looks at her in turn. "You are with them now. You are not honor bound to answer any debts they have accumulated, but I expect if you stay in their company, you will be involved in such regardless." Then Khalid sighs "It is, however, a sensitive manner. Can I trust all of you that you will keep absolute discretion regarding this?" Everyone nods.

He lets out a breath "Good. I'll hold you to that. Now then..." He looks around "After your companion's caper, we did an inventory. I won't bother you with the damage figures, but there was something else we discovered afterwards. Namely that someone had stolen from our holds."

"What did they steal?" Mingzhu asks.

“Some rather dangerous items. A necklace of fireballs. Two crates of blast-globes, and a flaming shamshir." Silgara's eyebrows shoot up at the mention of blast-globes.

T'kharr frowns softly at the inventory given. "That is very troubling. I could easily see the riders of Famine having a motive to do such, given how their efforts were partially thwarted earlier, although the forces of War could also be motivated to do such."

"We keep track of others who come through here carefully. None of your company had stolen them, of that, we are sure. My only conclusion is that someone took them and possibly sold them behind our backs. And, not only that, but the crates had our symbol on them. The political implications could be utterly disastrous." Khalid looks around.

"Aye, we saw crates with the Diamond Industries logo on them in the lair of the plague bearers." T’kharr informs him.

Khalid raises an eyebrow "Interesting... stolen or given?"

Balan puts in his 2 coppers. “That is the question, is it not.”

Mingzhu says, “We do not know.”

Still T’kharr speaks for the group as a whole. “That we could not tell. But, given what you just mentioned, the weight goes towards stolen, possibly by the plague bearers, to try to impugn Diamond Industries by linking them to the plague, or by another party. I reckon we'll have to question them to be sure."

Khalid nods, considering. "mmmh, it is an open question. It is also one that the Daimyo's Tax Collector constantly raises. My trading company is no stranger to accusations from him and his men for aiding elements causing his Daimyo trouble. The other two have also faced such accusations as well. So I hope you can understand my need for discretion in this affair. Even if the accusations end up baseless, they can use it as an excuse to raise import taxes from our quarters or other such measures."

“I think even if they had given them supplies, they may still attempt to lie and say they were stolen.” Balan aggressively suggests.

Khalid nods, “That is also possible.”

After thinking a moment Mingzhu mentions, “I have a spell that may detect that. It is called know motivation."

"That is a fair point, we can use magic if it comes to that, as well as any other clues we might find." T’kharr nods.

Balan smiles a big pointy toothed smile, “Ahh, yes that should work.”

Moalim looks over, considering, then speaks to Mingzhu "I would take care of over-reliance on such though. I know of several magics that can skew or block readings from such spells."

She shrugs, "I am only an apprentice. my resources are limited."

He nods "Of course, I understand. It may still be of aid on those who do not have magic themselves. But I'd expect more important figures to have defenses against such." She nods.

Khalid resumes. "Anyways, I am afraid I do not know where the stolen goods went after they were taken. Still, if you can find and return the stolen goods without incident, I will consider the debt repaid." Mingzhu nods again. He continues. “Though if they have to be destroyed or kept from being used to cause harm, I can accept that as well. I do not wish them to be utilized to cause more troubles around."

"That is entirely fair" T'kharr nods in agreement.

Khalid dips his head. "My thanks."

Moalim looks over "Well, was there anything else you would like, while you are here?"

Silgara interjects "If they were stolen, do you have any suspects on who took them?"

Khalid replies. "I would have to say it was likely one of my own employees that did it. Unfortunately, I do not know who it could be." Silgara nods in turn. .........Mingzhu thinks a moment then seems to do away with the thought unsure of herself now.

Balan asks, “That complicates things more does it not?”

"It does. But every time we had guests on the ship, they were closely monitored. So, it cannot be them." Khalid replies.

If that were to happen at a temple, we would have a quiet discussion with each member separately with some teeth bared because thievery is not tolerated.

"It is a matter I am currently still looking into; I can assure you of that." Khalid nods

Balan scoffs, “The tail it would take to steal from your own is distasteful.” Mingzhu looks at the monster’s shiny gold tail and shakes her head.

She speaks up. “I could use that spell here and the one guilty would be angry or feel guilt. all we have to do is start questioning guards once it gets around the guilty party would show themselves by their feelings, but the spell last only 3 minutes.”

Moalim considers "That's not a large window of opportunity."

T’kharr considers, “I reckon we start with asking the Diamond Industries people if they have had any incidents, if they can shed some light on this that would be helpful."

Balan lets out a hardy, “Aye.”

Mingzhu nods to Moalim, “As I said, I am only an apprentice.”

"Please do not let them know we have had this internal theft, at the very least." Khalid states. "Samael is the type to turn that kind of information to his advantage."

Balan smirks and lets out a hearty laugh, “You had a theft?”

T’kharr tells him, “Well noted, it seemed that his folk would be the type do that, yes?"

"I mean he's very savvy politically, past his penchant for theatrics." Khalid mentions. Mingzhu nods to that. "Well, did you wish to ask anything else regarding the thefts?" Khalid adds.

“I would think not at this moment.” Balan answers.

He dips his head "Good fortune investigating. Ma'a as-salama." Khalid and Moalim leave to discuss some things, the guard would then go to escort them off the ship. This time less irritated since there's no Otters running amok.

Silgara comments aside. "I didn't know you got so deep into trading company intrigue."

Mingzhu frowns, “Snout had a mishap is all. He found a flying rug and did some damage to the ship."

"Ah..."Silgara manages to suppress a chuckle. Somewhat. "Well, that was... interesting at least. But they should be able to replicate the cure for the plague that was afflicting Rhakku."

[Winterhawk99]

Once they’re off the Azure Winds company ship, T’kharr speaks up. “Let’s head to Diamond Industries" as she slips the ring on her finger "Simply inquire if they've had any incidents of theft at a crate-scale lately and go from there"

Mingzhu watches her slip the ring on and thinks a moment as Balan nods, “Agreed.” They all head to the merchant’s stall the Diamond Industries has set up. Mingzhu again takes a back seat.

When they get there, they see the merchant has a variety of goods for sale. Balan says, “Good-day friend may I have a moment?”

The merchant bows slightly, “Good tidings, see anything you like?”

“Well, it seems I am not here to shop. I do have an inquiry though.” After Silgara translates Mingzhu whips her head around and stares at Balan in disbelief.”

The merchant grunts rather annoyed at the comment, but keeps polite, “Well what is it then?”

“Well, it seems it may be more of a private matter not to be spoken in the general public, maybe even involve a meeting with someone a bit higher on the chain of your business.” His voice goes into a hush. “Unless you want your competition to know things are not where they belong.”

Mingzhu looks at the merchandise in the corner and tilts her head to Silgara upset. She whispers to her, “Are you sure you are translating this right?”

Silgara whispers back, “With definitive certainty.”

“Is he insane?”

Silgara shrugs. “Current behavior suggests idiocy rather than insanity.”

T’kharr also starts to browse the wares. The merchant meanwhile looks over irritated at Balan, “Look I don't know what stunt you're trying to pull here, but I ain't here to listen to drunken stupidity here. You gonna buy, sell, or get lost?"

Mingzhu tries to smooth things out. “I Think you should sell so we can better prepare next time.” The merchant does at least treat Mingzhu with courtesy, though looks over to T'kharr with some wariness

Still hushed Balan says, “Then it seems perhaps I should speak with someone else in your faction to let them know what we had discovered.” Silgara translates. Mingzhu looks at her incredulously.

The shopkeeper glares at the dragonborn. “Look, spare me the threats freak. Buy something or get lost."

“But my friend this is no threat I am being as honest with you as possible without spilling the information into the streets.” After the translation. Mingzhu looks at Silgara her anger growing.

She whispers to the elf, “Is this Balan yakuza? He still hasn’t even told the merchant what the problem is. I think Balan is trying to shake him down."

"Yeah, yeah, you're trying to shake me down for some free stuff. Take a hike."

Balan laughs loudly, “So if we buy something then will you entertain the idea. I ask not for any free items it is not the way of a Paladin.”

Mingzhu turns to Silgara and whispers. “What is a Paladeen?”

Silgara answers her, “A holy warrior.”

“And he speaks to people like that!”

Silgara puts her finger to her lips to shush her down. "Apparently one that failed to learn his diplomacy and tact lessons."

"It's not the way of a paladin to make ominous sounding threats either." The trader makes a derisive snort.

Mingzhu again tries to take matters into her own hands to smooth out what is going on so that all the honor won by saving the villagers is not lost here. She walks up to the counter and bows politely. She takes out a rather large blue pearl from her pouch. Sir, please excuse my friend, he is not used to eastern ways. I would like to sell and buy from you. We also have armor and other things to sell. "

He looks over to Mingzhu "Eh, nothing about not being used to eastern ways. That freak's just a blowhard. Anyways, sure, I can give you a quote for things."

T'kharr shakes her head to Mingzhu, letting Silgara translate a quiet remark "Not sure if we want to trade with folks who are this dismissive and derisive. No sense in rewarding bad behavior, you see." Mingzhu turns her head for a moment then decides to ignore the comment.

"I believe this pearl would fetch a nice price along with the other things we sell. by the way We found some merchandise in a crate with your company’s name on it. But that should take place after business. Are you willing to trade the pearl and what we have for other merchandise, sir?"

"Sure. Most pearls go for about 50 gold but depending on how large and how their texture is, it can fluctuate. Well, show me the goods." He raises an eyebrow at the merchandise in a crate with his company's name on it bit.

She slides the pearl over to him.

He pulls out a looking glass "Well huh, this one looks nice. Real nice." He considers "I think that'd be worth 250 gold." She nods.

Offers her the gold in exchange for the pearl. "Deal, then. Anything else?"

She looks at Balan. "Balan, can you put the other things on the table so we know how much merchandise we may buy from this good merchant?" She keeps the coin on the table showing that she will use the gold to buy supplies with it.

Balan does it, quite irritated in having to do so. The merchant gives quotes for the trade goods. Despite his earlier irritation with Balan, he actually seems to offer reasonable prices.

Mingzhu smiles. “We are looking for draughts of healing, remove disease and potions that would protect from fire. Camp kits for when needed." She looks back "Anything else my companions can think of. You take back the gold and take the items and we will spend it here."

T'kharr just hangs back, looking somewhat grumpy about this all, not liking the idea of even rewarding them with trade given how they seem to have their priorities backwards. That said, when the mention of fire protection potions gets translated, she does give a firm nod to that idea

"Yeah, sure, I got some potions here. Cure wounds for 50 coin, some restoratives, uh, let me check if I have anything that'd confer protection from fire. I should have em... Yup, got resist fire ones. Little on the pricey side, but hey, saves your skin from getting burned off."

She asks for 4 Cure light wounds, 4 cure disease, and 4 of Fire Resistance. If there is anything left it should go into general supplies. or anything her companions would want. She gets all of them but remove disease. The money runs out after one potion.

After business is concluded, he looks over. "Well, anything else I can get you?"

"We still need to speak to your superiors about the matter of that crate." T'kharr finally speaks up as Mingzhu hands out a Cure light wounds and protection from fire potion to each of them and gives Silgara the cure disease because she’s the only non-holy person in the group. She then backs up as T’kharr takes the lead.

“What crate?” The merchant looks over to T’kharr.

"The one we put on the table in front of you. And we need to do it discreetly as well."

He looks the crate over "Where'd you get this?" Rubs his forehead a bit rough.

"We found it in a place it didn't belong, suffice it to say." T’kharr answers him.

"Uh-huh. That tells me all of nothing."

T'kharr sighs to Balan "You may have to take the lead on this again." Lowering her own voice to the merchant. "We are trying not to make this a whole lot worse for you folks on the rumor-mill front, but you're not helping us here."

Mingzhu whispers to Silgara, “She didn’t just do the same thing Balan did……. Did she?”

Silgara looks aside with a nonchalant glance, then a shrug "Apparently initial assumptions regarding the gnoll's tendencies are truer than I had suspected."

He glares at T'kharr "Listen mutt, I figure the only way one of you gets their hands on it is if you mauled someone and stole it. But I ain't making accusations here either. Cuz idunno, maybe you mauled a Corsair for it or something. I really don't know."

“Can I just eat him so we can have a replacement who might be more willing to talk.” Balan quietly intones to T'kharr with a chuckle.

The merchant looks over at Balan. “Am I going to have to call some guards to have you sorted out?"

T'kharr shakes her head to Balan, although she looks pretty grumpy/frustrated herself. Balan comments, “Perhaps I should call them and explain where we found this and what the people there were doing.” Mingzhu just shakes her head after she hears it.

Again, she decides to take matters in her own hands and walks back to the counter. “. Excuse me sir may I have your ear?"

He looks over to Mingzhu "How is that freak your friend...? Yeah, sure, what do you need?"

She whispers in his ear. "That crate was found in the possession of a woman that was trying to kill all the people of Rhakku with a plague. Thats what my friends were trying to say."

Balan puts his palm to his face. “I cannot deal with this person, T'kharr.”

The merchant looks over to Mingzhu "Eh, wait, what the shit? You for real...?"

She nods "That is why we wish to talk to someone about this." He actually does seem surprised, but perhaps more skeptical than anything.

T'kharr speaks quietly herself, "I was about to say.... you do not want to have the obvious implications of who we found these crates with painted on your company."

He huffs "Look, those Corsairs hit our ships too. They get the cargo, plunder it, they wind up places. Not everyone just returns in whatever condition they were found in, when they are found...." A sigh "Okay level with me, what do you lot really want to talk about with that? Because if you want to return it, well, it's right here."

T'kharr still speaks quietly, "We need to talk to your folks about just who we found that crate in possession of and what they were doing, because it's a whole lot more serious than random corsairs."

"Mutt, we're a trading company, we don't deal in..." He huffs. "Fine, you know what, I can pass along a message. Maybe I can get you a meeting with Samael or something. I don't know."

Silgara seems content to watch without interjecting for now. Mingzhu just sighs and shakes her head.

T'kharr is able to find some sand or dirt which she spreads on the table, then sketches a crude temporary representation of Talona's unholy symbol in with her claw, staying very quiet now "You wouldn't happen to have heard of the Plague-Crone now have you?"

He looks over "Okay what in the nine hells are you drawing that symbol for? Course, I heard of them. Why?"

She erases the symbol. "One of the people that we're both hoping your company is not linked to, was a druidess, serving her." Mingzhu walks back by Silgara just listening to the translation.

"Eh, I ain' aware of any druids on our payroll. That lot's usually busy hugging trees, not being active tradesmen."

"Yeah, we're hoping that there aren't more subtle connections, though, but we don't have the evidence to rule any such thing out yet. So, yes, setting up the meeting would be for the best by far."

"What makes you think this druid bitch is even involved with us anyways?"

Balan cuts into the conversation, “If not the druid, then what about their ‘friend?’

"I dunno what you're talking about, there."

Balan gives a description of the man he beheaded while T’kharr continues to speak softly. “We're simply trying to rule out the theory of an inside job at this point, but your dismissiveness and derisiveness is not helping matters. If we can get to the bottom of how the crate ended up where it did, then we have a decent chance of clearing your company's name from the situation."

"Uh..." The guy looks rather confused. "Can't say that's familiar." To Balan, then looks over to T'kharr "I dunno what you expect when you come over frothing out the mouth with your freak buddy making all sorts of vague accusations and threats." He just huffs, looking exasperated. "Look, I already said I'd try to set up the meeting. Of course, given how you lot are behaving yourselves I don't reckon many will want to talk to you. lot."

"Alright, set the meeting up then please." T’kharr agrees. Balan just walks away.

The merchant seems a little relieved as Balan leaves, then looks over to T'kharr "Yeah, yeah. You gonna buy or sell anything else?" Though his demeanor suggests he can't wait for T'kharr to leave.

T’kharr stays there for a moment and looks at the merchant. He finally goes and gets a hired guy, perhaps a guard, and writes a letter for him. He then waves him off. The merchant seemingly rather irritated.

[Winterhawk99]

T'kharr finally departs the stall, motioning for Mingzhu and Silgara to follow "We'll save trying to deal with them further for when the meeting comes."

Silgara moves over. "Assuming it actually comes and that they don't call what you were trying to do."

"To be fair, I wouldn't have been able to make any headway in that discussion myself, even without Balan perhaps making it worse. My only suggestion would have been to set the crate out up front, would have made our actual objective a bit clearer." T’kharr answers.

"It might be some time before they have such a meeting set up, if they bother to." Silgara considers "Well, did you have anything else in mind?"

"We could check with the Durpari or pack it in for now and then head out to deal with one of the other threats."

Silgara starts, "We could, I do believe the Golden Sails have some merchants around, if they don't let us on their ship…"

Mingzhu cuts in. “The four of us need to talk. Now please.” Silgara translates with a nod seeing the look on Mingzhu’s face.

Once they're away from the stalls, T'kharr nods "And yes, we should talk as well. That wasn't the greatest in any respect, what with Balan winding up stepping on some toes and I don't really agree with spending coin with people who think I should be turned into a floor rug, either...no sense rewarding bad behavior."

"I did that to save us some honor. Let’s go to the beach where the spirits may help me with this." Mingzhu says in a low voice. Silgara keeps translating.

"And preferably find some solitude, I take it." T’kharr suggests. She joins in going to the beach. “Might grab a few more crabs.” Silgara rubs her face but would follow Mingzhu's lead for now.

Mingzhu leads them to the beach. She finds a nice spot and sits down in full lotus, "Please make yourselves comfortable while I try to figure out how to say what I need to say." T'kharr decides to spend some time in prayer herself. Balan sits down opposite Mingzhu.

Mingzhu prays for several moments then opens her eyes. "The three of you........ You are all from the west of the dragon wall?"

"I am, yes." Silgara replies, though translates for Balan and T'kharr.

Balan nods, “Aye!”

Mingzhu waits for T’kharr to finish her meditation and answer. "Well, yes, one could say that, definitely not from anywhere like around here at least"

The shamaness nods, “" I am but an apprentice shamaness. I have much to learn, however. One of my domains is the community domain. I am trained to speak for my people and advise my elders when needed. A counselor of my community and adviser for its leaders. You all understand?"

T’kharr nods along. Mingzhu continues, “Balan the first thing you said to that merchant do you remember? ‘Well, it seems I am not here to shop. I do have an inquiry though.’ You said that but what the merchant heard is, ‘I think your goods are shit you are no good and I demand answers to questions.’ If someone came up to your shop, you would think the same thing, yes?”

Balan thinks about it for a moment. “I can see that.” Mingzhu nods. Silgara keeps translating, but doesn’t interject with her own thoughts for now, simply doing the translation.

“In the east especially, you need to learn to treat people with respect as a member of your community. If you do not, they will likely give you nothing or not like you. Learn to be nice when speaking to someone. What happened next? I will tell you. The merchant is already annoyed, and you say next “Well, it seems it may be more of a private matter not to be spoken in the general public, maybe even involve a meeting with someone a bit higher on the chain of your business. Unless you want your competition to know things are not where they belong. This is plainly a threat, and the merchant has no idea what you are talking about.”

Silgara translates but then adds. "That is definitely taking the intimidatory approach. Which I do not find wise unless you have more solid leverage in such negotiations."

"Aye, I agree that he came off rather too threatening, but I don't think that trying to be conciliatory with coin would have but perpetuated their bad behavior towards me..." T’kharr intones.

Mingzhu ignores her for a moment but says, “Leaders do not speak like this. Bandits and Triad members speak like this.”

Balan comments, “Aye I now see how it came off in a manner like that. And there is that.” nods to T'kharr

T’kharr speaks. “I personally believe that leading with the crate would have been our best approach, but that's with the benefit of hindsight."

Meanwhile Mingzhu is continuing on her thought processes. “You continued like this. I tried many times to put the conversation in the right direction so that you could negotiate with him, but you turned it around again. This is why I sold everything to him. It was an apology.”

T’kharr gets a bit upset. "Two wrongs do not make a right in the end. But, what's in the past is in the past, and all we can do is learn from it and do better next time"

“You cannot be aggressive with people you do not know are in the right or wrong. And you get more results with honey that with coal. Be polite, ask kindly, you will get more of what you want.” Mingzhu answers her.

"How do you be polite to someone who assumes veiled threat in every word you speak?" T’kharr takes a stance.

“He would have assumed nothing if you would be nice with him to begin with T'kharr.” Mingzhu answers her.

"That's what people who are predisposed to see me negatively believe -- they start from the assumption on first glance that I am a threat and go from there. This goes back to the first time I tried talking to the Diamond Industries merchants, before this latest encounter with them...they were giving me the runaround like they had something to hide from me, even at that early point."

Silgara, in between translations, interjects. "I do believe that Balan's approach already put that merchant on alert."

Mingzhu nodes. "It may be something you must overcome with many contacts. You need to get them on some level of mutual trust. But being nice, bowing, giving respect and not trying to intimidate people when you first meet them is a good start."

Balan looks a bit dejected but comes to T’kharr’s defense. “It is probable though it did seem a bit harsh towards T'kharr who said little.”

Mingzhu looks at them all. “This was a mistake. I am saying this so that we do better next time. The merchant now looks to this group as assholes. He will tell all his friends, business partners and others about what he went through now. We may lose community honor because of this and that is very bad. Remember we are not officials. Even I am a foreigner here. We do not speak as authorities.”

"When I first approached the Diamond Industries booth with the rider's trinket, I tried the honeyed approach. It got me nowhere. They came off as the type that won't move without big coin, big credentials, something to impress upon them, and they don't have much respect for my faith either. Like, sneering at someone who wishes Ilmater's blessings upon you is not something goodly folk west of the Wall do.” T'kharr's voice is mildly...vexed. She's not angry at Balan or Mingzhu, but she clearly has not had much patience for Diamond Industries ever since she first ran into them.

"If it was not the same merchant though then that may simply be a personal rather than company-wide perspective." Silgara interjects.

“Whether good or bad you must have patience with another. Especially in the public circle and when you speak to them make your intentions plain. How long did you talk to the merchant before I had to come over and explain exactly what the situation was to him. That we found a crate of his companies merchandise in the hands of a woman that wanted to kill all of Rhakku.” Mingzhu patiently states.

T’kharr stops and looks at Mingzhu. “That is a fair point. I reckon we can give them the benefit of the doubt at the scheduled meeting. Part of the problem is that I was rather we not share all the details openly lest it start more rumors than it stops."

Silgara nods, “Assuming they decide to have it. It is possible that even though the merchant requested it, it will be refused given conduct towards them."

"If they wish to refuse it, I suppose we'll all just have to live with the consequences." T’kharr mutters.

Balan sighs, “I would agree, I myself feel though it was some misfortune in choice of words though his general attitude was not pleasant.”

Silgara looks at Balan. “It is expected for one to become unpleasant when faced with intimidation and veiled threats."

"Would you have rather I put their potential involvement in the plot out for all to hear? Write it up in triplicate and hand one note to them, post another on the public square, and keep a third for ourselves?" Balan chides.

Mingzhu shakes her head. “If you want information from a merchant next time buy something, sell something. It can be small. It breaks the ice. Then speak to them plainly and honestly of what you want so they have full understanding to start with. If from another a simple compliment mostly, does it. It lets them know that they are interesting.”

"Or just brought the crate to them and started talking in plain speech, audible to half the merchants in the square?" T’kharr almost sneers.

Silgara looks to T'kharr "We do not have enough evidence to support that supposition at this juncture."

"That is precisely why I wanted to keep most of our knowledge on the matter veiled." T’kharr insists.

“Aye now they know most of what has happened so they may prepare a story for the crate rather than have surprise of it.” Balan comments.

“Why do you assume they are guilty of something? Having doubts is one thing but assuming something and making it very plain to others is another.” Mingzhu chides.

"And if they do prepare a fantastic tale, let us be ready to question it in detail. To be fair, I should have tried taking the lead again, what with the crate and me at least being able to drop Samael's name." T’kharr answers. Mingzhu rubes her head and looks down as the translations get returned to her. T’kharr continues, “It would have shown better faith in them as an organization."

Mingzhu points to T’kharr. “Yes! That would have been better.”

T’kharr grunts, “I can try leading the meeting if we get it, if that'd make you feel better? Or would you rather take that role yourself?” Her question addressed to Mingzhu.

“I am not a leader, T'kharr. I am an advisor. That is why we are here now on this beach I brought us here so that next time You or Balan can think about what happened and do better next time.”

"I'll give it a shot next time, give at least some good faith to Samael even if his subordinates can be...troublesome." T’kharr answers.

Mingzhu nods, “I have said what I must say. Now it is up to the two of you to learn and grow in speaking with people. And If I must, I will speak for the group when the time comes for this. if needed.” Silgara keeps translating. T’kharr nods in agreement.

Balan also nods, “Then that will be what may be best for the time.”

Mingzhu looks at Balan and then T’kharr. “It would also be good to learn the words of the country you are living in also.”

"Anyway, with that behind us. Did we want to stay around here, perhaps follow up on the Azure Winds thefts, or strike out to hunt down trouble? Tackle the undead menace, or see if there's evidence of Famine's riders a hoof in the fields?"

"I would point out that, the merchant we were speaking with were also from the West, however the basics of tact and diplomacy still apply." Silgara interjects but then goes back to translating.

“It will take a few days before Snout is well again. I say we stay in the city until then I could dive for pearls, perhaps, so we have coin.” Mingzhu suggests.

"Aye, that will need to get dealt with before we head afield. I reckon we could speak with the Golden Sails and see if they have heard more about missing goods, being careful not to spill too many beans about what we know about their competition? Or we could try to ask at the inn and see if there's more information. We can glean about what Famine's riders have been up to while we were dealing with Plague." T’kharr says. Mingzhu nods to that.

Silgara looks up, waiting to see where the group goes next while Mingzhu suggests, “It would be good practice for you and Balan to speak to another merchant and show that you can be nice people to the merchants.”

T’kharr stands, “Aye, Let’s try the Golden Sails then.” Balan nods in agreement. The Gnoll heads for the merchants ships again. Everyone follows her.

[Winterhawk99]

T'kharr heads for the Golden Sails stall, introducing herself there with a bow "Ah, hello again, I hope you have had a fair measure of serenity since we last spoke, no?"

She looks up "Hrm, sorry, have we met before? Oh... I..." She looks at Mingzhu "Do you perchance have any more lovely pearls today?"

Mingzhu bows, "Not at the moment, ma'am. I have been helping the community as a shamaness and have not been able to dive. Soon I will have more. " She smiles.

The merchant somehow looks very disappointed. "Oh, that's alright. I'll eagerly await then. Um... can I help you with anything?"

T'kharr looks the merchant over to see if she's a different one from the time she took the rider-trinket to them. She notices the woman is a different woman.

"Ah. I was hoping you could help us by sharing anything you or yours might have overheard about troubles with goods lately?" T’kharr explains.

"Hrm? Troubles with goods? I mean there are those corsairs, but I haven't heard of any others. Unless you mean lovely pearls being in short supply."

"Ah. No recent episodes of corsairs, or anyone else for that matter, stealing goods of particular value or significance?"

"Not that I've heard of. I mean what happens with the Corsairs happens out at sea. We usually don't hear about it until later, if we do at all. They're not in the habit of leaving anyone alive, from what I've heard."

"Aye, fair. I take it, you haven't heard of any other sorts of troubles for that matter. No rumors of raids on villages or such?" T’kharr asks.

"I'm... hrm, I did hear of a village's fields being burned. Troubles here and there around. Sad things really. I try not to pry into people's troubles though when I'm working at the stall here."

"Ah. Was that a while ago, before I came to one of your coworkers seeking aid?"

"Hrm, maybe?" She considers. I mean I hear of attacks all the time, but I can't really tell you specifics."

Mingzhu says, “The Village of Rhakku has been cured of the plague.”

"Oh my, I had not heard. That is good news indeed!" The merchant nods.

"That is a point, yes. Rhakku, indeed is no longer plagued." T’kharr agrees.

Mingzhu smiles, “Yes, Ma’am. It is.”

"I'm most pleased to hear it. How did this come to be, if you don't mind my asking? It's been a long time since I've heard good news." Though she looks like she wants to ask about pearling some more.

"We were able to overcome the forces that were trying to lay the town low. They are currently recovering. Although...perhaps we should stop by the inn, and we can head back to Rhakku in the morning time for the ceremonial work you were planning?" T’kharr says, the question aimed at Mingzhu.

“I did a ceremony for them. The gods and ancestors will be pleased and know that the people are appreciative.” Mingzhu bows slightly to T'kharr. She turns to the merchant. “It was these brave people that saved the village, Ma'am and my otter led them to the place the plague started. We stopped the evil in the area and cured the villagers. It is one of the reasons I have no pearls, but I will dive tonight if you would like more? Would you like that?”

"That would be most lovely, ma'am! I can't wait!" She smiles

My name is Mingzhu ma'am, Yours?"

"Oh um, by the way, if you are going to go looking into those troubles, I might not know much, but... others of my company might. Oh! I am Trader Vrishnu. A pleasure, Mingzhu."

She smiles, "A grand pleasure Vrishnu.”

"Ah, apologies for not introducing myself earlier, I'm T'kharr" bows to Vrishnu "It was a pleasure speaking with you as well, miss Vrishnu, and I'll have to follow up more with some of your coworkers at some point if you don't mind?"

"Oh, well, if you want, you can try visiting the ship. It's by the docks. They uh... well, they'll let you know if you can enter."

"Ah. Thank you indeed, I'll be sure to let them know you sent me then miss Vrishnu. May the Crying God grant you mercy on this day" T'kharr bows her farewell and looks to the rest before starting off dock ward. Mingzhu follows along. smiling as she supported T'kharr at just the right time. Balan listening the whole time thinks about the conversation.

Silgara keeps on but keeps silent for now. "Well, where to then?"

Balan asks “Should we have any other business to attend to?”

T’kharr asks them, “We can stop at the ship first or the inn first?”

"It is up to the three of you. I will follow." Mingzhu says softly.

T’kharr confidently says, “Let’s do the ship then."

"I don't know what business we have at the inn at this juncture, so, yes." Silgara agrees.

They head to the ship. As they walk Mingzhu suggest that perhaps Balan would like to take the lead this time. She says, “See honey works. Getting someone to have empathy with you, share with you, works."

"At least in that case, it seems you already had a rapport with her, though". Silgara speaks. Mingzhu shrugs.