Sentinel understood fully why he was chosen for this first task to approach the wary human farmer/townsman. He was plain, common, and short. (weren’t all halflings?) He was certainly one of the most innocuous individuals the group could enlist. He was proud that he often simply went unnoticed. But, he had other assets, he knew the group might need for this challenge. He was amazingly strong for his size, very quick, skilled in lock and pocket picking, and he could read lips. If he had to, he could be pretty darned dangerous with both his sling and shortsword! Of course, he knew he would not be planning to attempt any stealth with the very wary human. The group needed information and could chance no surprises with this local.

Sentinel clearly understood Gunther’s role as the talker in the group. Everyone trusted a holy paladin didn’t they. And this paladin just plain had a good aura about him. Sentinel liked the guy, and maybe some of that holy stuff would rub off on Sentinel The Small providing some good luck! Yes.

The ranger seemed OK, too. A pretty knowledgeable sort, and that would bode well in the discussion. Besides, another human might just ease any unwariness that an untrusting human had. The gnome in skirts (Sentinel just had to laugh at the illusionist’s response to the robe/skirt jab. Fuuuuuunny!) would prove valuable, especially if an illusion was necessary to enhance the wary farmer’s countenance. Plus, this gnome seemed quite experienced at this adventuring stuff. Besides, it looked like the gnome was the closest thing to a friend Fandil had made in this serious group.

Sentinel opened his powers of observing and hearing as they moved forward. He hoped he would get close enough to see someone talking in the windows and read their lips. He stayed slightly behind the others, however, as the humans needed to be presented first. His shortsword was sheathed, and his sling dangled to his rear, but he could have either out and in use in a flash. If someone attacked, he knew he would dive low for protection and go for the legs. If necessary, Sentinel thought he could have his rope and hooks out and he could be on top of that building or the barn in seconds. He could climb!

The rest of the group was resting out of sight, waiting for the information this small team could provide. Sentinel meant to do everything possible to make this a success, even if it meant bribing the farmer with gold coins. (Gunther’s, of course.)

Haiden was curious to why so many of the females had run inside of their housing. *Is there something here for a woman to be afraid of? If so I'm going to do something about it*. But she wouldn'd do anything personally right now since Gunther and others had started their trek to the farmer to inquire of what was going on in Orlane.

So Haiden stayed behind with the remainder of the party with her weapons sheathed and hidden and began to scan the horizon around the party for anything that seemed out of the ordinary.

Haiden listens for uncommon noises while waiting for the return of Group 1, and will go with her group if requested.

Gunther was honored that Valerus had chosen the young Paladin to speak to the worried-looking farmer in an attempt to allay the fears of Orlane’s obviously frightened populace, while quite possibly procuring some insight or information as to what had been transpiring in Orlane these past months.

Thoughtfully pausing a few moments to determine whether or not to leave most of his belongings with the adventurers staying behind with Valerus, the young Paladin recalled the advice of his maternal grandfather and decided to carry all his belongings with him in case all was not as it appeared to be.

If the appearance of a worried-looking farmer was merely an illusion to seduce the party into letting their guard down, then Gunther was best advised to keep his arsenal of weapons at hand in case of a sudden ambush.

There had been plenty of time to pray during the two day journey to Orlane and Gunther realized that he must position himself in front of the farmer in a direct line of sight with the barn so the young Paladin could utilize his gifting to discern evil within a 60' range.

Valerus had become the unofficial leader of the party during the journey as the Druid shared his wealth of wisdom with the adventurers regarding the balance of nature and the goodness inherent in all things. Gunther was content to let Valerus take the lead because it gave the young Paladin precious time to remain aloof from the group when it became necessary to seek guidance or became urgent for Gunther to commune in quiet prayer and meditation with his God. Gunther was well able to lead when necessary and now was such a time to do so.

Gunther shouldered his back pack, carrying his Medium Shield with his left arm/hand, while keeping his right hand free to extend a friendly greeting to the farmer with either a gesture of welcome or a firm handshake. His Broad Sword was near enough to easily pull from its sheathe for offensive protection should a sneak attack from hostiles come sudden and swift if all was not as it seemed with the farmer.

Valerus had chosen the Gnome named Fandil the Wise and the runt Halfling named Sentinel the Small to utilize their talents to help Gunther evaluate the situation along with the Human named Oriel Blackmoon. Perhaps the Gnome and Halfling would prove to be enough of a curiosity to the farmer that he would engage in a lengthy conversation.

Gunther was glad the Ranger was included. He nodded to the members of the party remaining behind, respectfully bowed to Valerus, then as the young Paladin turned to go greet the farmer he whispered to the Ranger, "Follow my lead!"

The young Paladin's athletically quick long strides swiftly closed the distance between himself and the farmer, while his 3 companions followed at a much slower pace to allow Gunther time to break the ice one on one with the farmer.

Gunther purposely positioned himself directly in front of the farmer with the barn directly behind the man, then greeted the farmer with his right arm raised and the palm of his hand facing the farmer in a universal sign of peace.

The young Paladin paused discreetly for the proper effect followed by a sincere bow, all the while looking directly into the farmer’s eyes for any hint of hidden malice.

"Good day my friend!"

Gunther chirped the greeting like a songbird. His bright and cheerful smile openly gleaming from behind the young Paladin's full beard like the morning sun shining through the trees.

"May I purchase some of your finest milk, cheese and fresh vegetables for my companions and myself?"

Gunther withdrew five gold coins from his hidden pouch and offered them to the farmer as his 3 companions drew near.

"Please allow me to introduce Oriel Blackmoon, Sentinel the Small and Fandil the Wise."



As Gunther's 3 companions introduce themselves, Gunther concentrates upon both the farmer and the barn to discern any possible evil with his gifting.

Depending upon the farmer's response to our initial greeting, we have a list of questions we wish to cautiously inquire of the farmer if he is open to freely converse with us.

After the big paladin leaned toward him and quietly stated, "follow my lead," Oriel did just that.

As Gunther moved off towards the farmer Oriel followed after at a more casual pace, which would allow the shorter legged members of the group to keep up. He carried his bow in his left hand, as he almost always did, but did not have an arrow out. They were, of course, close to hand. He wanted to look innocent and harmless, while not being defenseless.

As they approached the farmer Gunther introduced the three remaining members. Oriel nodded politely and allowed Gunther to speak for the group. Oriel stayed a little off to the side. He wanted to be plainly visible (no sneakiness) but he also wanted to have a clear line of site - especially at the barn. He listened to the conversation, but made sure to keep at least one eye on the barn at all times.

(How far out from the barn are we? Oriel basically does as Gunther asked and follows his lead.)

Not being overly comfortable around people Kyuss was more then happy to stay behind as the other went to speak to the villager. More at home in the woods he was kind of put on edge by the response of the villagers he had seen so far. Following his instincts he decided to keep a wary eye on the fields and buildings surrounding the party.

Not one to forget about others Kyuss went to care the one party member who couldnt care for himself, the poor donkey. Fetching the feed bag from the back of the wagon he filled it and strapped it around the donkeys head so he could eat. Speaking calming words and gently stroking the donkeys flank he waits for the others to return.

Kyuss keeps a wary eye on his surroundings while he waits for the return of the other party members

After turning from the group discussion and nodding, Valerus sends the four members of the group towards the farmer and began to scan the area along with the Halfling Haiden. There was really nothing that he hadn't seen in hundreds of similar farming communities. The crops seemed to be healthy and full. The sounds, smells and sights were all there. It looked to be a normal, albeit very rich and abundant, farming town. The curtains at the house to the south of the road keep moving, like people are watching from the inside.

Kyuss moved towards the back of the group after the discussion had ended. He felt more at home with animals than he did with people sometimes. The donkey wasn't actually a "poor" animal. He was an extremely healthy and youthful beast that was actually a credit to his kind! He enjoyed the scratching below his left ear and the feed bag was well received.

The group of four adventurers nodded towards Valerus in agreement and started moving towards the farmer and his barn. Gunther had his shield out and his weapons sheathed as he moved forward. The house and barn themselves were nondescript, whitewashed sturdy buildings. Not too rich and not too poor, just a sturdy good build. As the group neared the farmer moved onto the porch of his house and towards the door where the girls had gone. Finally he stood his ground in front of the door on his porch and as the group got closer he held out his hand in the stop gesture before they reached the porch, "Kinna help ye?"

Gunther and the group spread out a bit to appear less threatening and meandered up in a casual way. The paladins right hand reached up to grip his holy symbol briefly as he attempted to feel any evil or malcontent in the area. Nothing that he could sense in the limited area he was in made him feel any different so he moved on, his boots squishing lightly in the wet soil. The rest of the group were slightly behind the paladin and all stopped right off of the porch when the man spoke. Sentinel the Small was on guard and his eyes darted to the left and the right at the shadows as well as the barn door and the ranger Oriel's eyes moved towards the barn door as well. Neither saw anything out of the ordinary as the paladin began to speak.

The paladin smiled his most winning smile and attempted to sound as cheerful as possible. "Good day my friend! May I purchase some of your finest milk, cheese and fresh vegetables for my companions and myself?" The man blinked a minute with a confused look on his face, "We's a stock farmin community. We store up in bulk and caravans come purchase our wares. Don have no individual portions of foods ta sell ya so keep yer money." He said this in a polite manner, with no sound of scorn to his lips.

Gunther pocketed the gold he had been ready to pull out as he realized his error. "Please allow me to introduce Oriel Blackmoon, Sentinel the Small, and Fandil the Wise." He pointed to each individual as he went down the line, naming each of them.

The man looked the group over and nodded to each. "Pleased nuff ta meet ya. If ya came for puchasin cheese and the like I am sure ya can get it at one of da inns in town, der are two of em." The suspicious glances he threw the part started to fade as the paladin's smile wore on him and he seemed to nod to himself about some inner turmoil.

"Sorry fer my hospitality, we are a little wary of strangers and don't see many out here." Turning his back on the group he swung open the sturdy door, "Sarah! Put some tea on and git da cheese out!" Holding the door open and using an inviting arm he nodded politely, "If ya would like some tea and cheese yer welcome ta come in out of da rain. My name is Norwell Graven."

The man looked at the rest of the group in the distance while he held his door open and and remarked, "Where ya comin from yerselves?"

Ok as of this moment the 4 party members Gunther, Sentinal, Oriel and Fandil are all standing right off of Norwell's porch at #4. The house is on the right and the barn and pen is above and to the left of the house. Each square represents 10' so from the front door of the house to the barn is about 25' or so. The rest of the group and their wagon is on the road at the "t" in the word To Hochoch.

After standing around the wagon and waiting, Doogan becomes a little restless. What could they be talking about? He takes out his wineskin and takes a small drink. I could sure go for a cold ale about now he thinks to himself.
"These human folk are sure strange." he whispers in dwarven tongue to Elkin.
"Valerus, are we still going into groups or are we going to wait some more?"
Doogan pulls out his shield and sets his battle axe on the wagon. The axe is within reach. Doogan begins scanning the area and takes another drink.


Doogan stands by the wagon and is scanning the area. His shield is in his offhand while his battle axe is within his reach on the wagon. If Valerus asks to split up into groups, he will go with his group.

Deathstalker, the rather (but not abnormally) large human leans against a nearby tree next to his backpack, repeatedly sharpening his axe on his whetstone and eyeing the four party members talking to the farmer. He can't for the life of him figure out why everyone was being so patient. Were these truly "adventurers" or a had he partied with a group of old nannies?

Testing the sharpness of his axe with his thumb, he eyes the group of 4 as they prepare to enter the house. At this point, he can bear it no more. He wraps his whetstone in cloth and places it into his pack, fastens his leather armor, fastens his cloak and pulls the hood over his head, pulls his pack onto his back and heads over and says a few words to Doogan. Then, axe in hand, heads East down the main road.

Deathstalker will head East down the road to 9, taking mental note of farmers, traders, adventurers and the like. He will stop and take note of any abandoned looking buildings or land. He will attempt to locate areas of social gathering such as inns, town halls, etc. And generally, he will stop to investigate anything that looks out of place.

Deathstalker told Doogan that he is heading to the Temple at 21 via the south road, and to meet him there with group 2. If he doesn't see them, he will come back via the north road and catch up with them. If for some reason they don't make it out that way, he will return to this spot at noon.

Gunther bowed to Norwell Graven as a sign of respect for his extended hospitality, then turned to his companions and nodded for them to accept the gracious invitation. Gunther and his companions entered the house and politely waited as Norwell introduced his family and ushered the companions to a waiting table.

After Gunther bowed respectfully to each family member and flashed his brilliant smile to each one, he softly declared, "Peace be to your house! It is such an honor to be invited to break bread with your family. My name is Gunther and these are my companions Oriel, Sentinel and Fandil."

The young Paladin paused respectfully to allow each of his companions to respond in their own particular way to their hosts.

As they waited for their food and drink Gunther studied the situation and felt a peace to proceed with his prayerful plan as a representative of the entire group. He even offered to share his honey with the Graven family.

"Friend Norwell, our group has assembled together from a variety of backgrounds and regions. We only recently met while resting in Hochoch and chose to travel together as a matter of safety and companionship in an unknown land."

Gunther paused once again to speak a blessing of thanks for the hospitality and the food and drink being set before the guests, allowing everyone to either agree or invoke their own particular deity for the hospitality bestowed upon them before proceeding.

"Some in our group are searching for suitable land to purchase with the hope of settling down and raising families in a good community."

Gunther paused again to allow his companions to either nod or respond in agreement.

"As for me," Gunther smiled broadly, "I too am looking for suitable land to build a small castle to someday raise a family of my own and to help provide my neighbors with suitable protection from any unforeseen danger that may find its way to our community."

The young Paladin focused on Norwell to discern what effect his words were having, his intent being to send a message to Norwell Graven that Gunther and his companions were ready to assist the farmer, his family and his neighbors if any danger was lurking nearby.

"We chose to come to Orlane because we heard from other travelers that the land here is some of the most beautiful and productive to behold ... and truly what we heard about this fertile land was but a shadow of its true bounty."

Gunther paused for a generous bite to eat and a drink of tea. He praised his hostess for some of the best tea he had ever tasted before calmly stating matter of factly:

"We also heard some wild tales that good farm property has been abandoned for seemingly no reason at all and about people in Orlane disappearing into thin air and mysteriously reappearing later. We also heard that some people just vanish, never to be seen again. My companions and I decided that what we heard was just rumors to scare people away from Orlane who might otherwise be interested in buying good property here. We think someone or a group of people just want to buy all this fertile land for themselves and are trying to scare strangers and investors away from Orlane so they can corner the market for their own greedy purposes."

Gunther took another bite and washed it down with the tea before finally adding:

"From the way your children and your neighbor ran inside your houses when we came peacefully walking along the road ... it would seem that something may not be quite right in this community. Is there anything we can do to help?"


Gunther waits for the response of his host.

Depending upon what Norwell Graven has to say the following questions are also asked by Gunther and his other 3 companions:

Gunther and his companions ask which inn is the best in town and which merchants or farmers can give the best price for their products?

Is there any property available for sale and who do we talk to about a fair price?

Is the town safe for strangers, who actually runs the town [both formally and informally] and who exactly can be trusted?

Is there any truth to the wild rumors of people disappearing?

How is the fishing in the lake and is there property available bordering the lake?

Have there been any cattle or livestock reported mutilated or missing?

Have there been any reports of homes being broken into or property damage?

What are Norwell's thoughts about these wild rumors and if people have indeed been disappearing when did this all begin happening?

Some general questions about any local temples, the "good old days in Orlane" and about the town in general?

Why are the fields and food so prosperous if indeed people are disappearing?

Does Norwell have any family or friends that he would like Gunther to visit to make sure they are safe and where's the best and safest place to get food, drink and rest?

Gunther also offers Norwell 5 gold and a promise of protection for his cooperation in answering the questions before the young Paladin and his companions graciously excuse themselves to reunite with Valerus Cain and the rest of the party to deliver their report.

Sentinel watches and listens carefully before and after he enters the house. He greets the farmer when introduced, and accepts his hositality, but watching and chcking everything closely. He thought he heard other noises, and asked, "Where are the children; I just love playing with kids. They are more my size." Sentinel watches everyone in the room, whenever they enter, and keeps an eye on all doors. He tries to read lips whenever those in the house whisper to each other. Sometime during the conversations, if Gunther does not ask, he quizzes about "the best place to have fun in town after dark". He is very friendly and near child-like, but remains internally very very alert and wary.

Oriel follows Gunther into the house. His role here is pretty simple - he will be friendly, but follow the paladin's lead. Since this was a ranch of sorts, Oriel is willing to interject and ask questions about the stock if appropriate - an area a ranger naturally knows more about than a Paladin. In such a case he will attmept to find out how the animals are doing, if they have reacted to the problems afflicting their owners and when such things began. A rangers eye for animals might also be helpful to the family (and the group) if that issue comes up. But this is only if it naturally comes up, in general he allows Gunther to lead.

Also, he was carrying his bow when they approached the house. Upon entering the house he is likely to lean against a counter (or wall) - he doesn't want to have his back exposed - and would like to be able to see any doors if possible. He will lean his bow against the table/counter next to him - he wants it near by - but wants his hands free to draw blades if need be in these close quarters.

Oriel is watchful as always. Of special note - he does keep an eye out the window/door to note if anything interesting is happening outside.

Having seen to the needs of the donkey kyuss turned his attention to the only other animals around. The farmers cows. They looked like fine beasts but he couldnt really tell much about them from where he was. Giving the donkey one last pat he removed the feed bag and moved to the back of the wagon to fill it again. Knowing that no cow can every be fat enough he figured the farmer wouldnt mind.

With the feed bag filled Kyuss wandered on over to the cows taking in everything. He kept his gaze on the cows but he was aware of everything going on around him. Reaching the cows he gave one a pat and a few kind words before emptying the feed bag in front of them. Examinng the cows gave him a fine opportunity to look at the barn and the area surrounding.

Kyuss goes over to the barn area and feeds the cows. While there he takes the time to give the barn a look and the other surrounding areas.

Deathstalker II

"Why are we waiting?" Deathstalker thought to himself. Pacing a bit, he finally made a decision in his mind. "I am just going to do some scouting, heck with it." Taking up his belongings he cinches everything in place to ensure it fits properly then walks over to the dwarf Doogan. After a few quick words and telling him that he is going to check out some of the town, he heads off with axe in hand.

Not really sure what a farming town was all about Deathstalker would have to wing it. Weren't there supposed to be like farmers all over the place at 4 AM or something ridiculous like that? Shrugging he quickly passed the two buildings at the beginning of town. To the north was the building the group of four had entered and to the south was where the girl churning something had quickly passed inside.

The next building to the south was fairly close to the first. It was a nondescript square wooden building that had heavy shutters closed over the windows. The door looks stout, but stands open. No one was visible from the outside and you hear nothing. Behind the small but sturdy building is another long, low structure.

A fork in the road comes up next and Deathstalker veered slightly to the southeast and took the easterly path. To his left is an obviously large inn. This large wooden inn is decorated with carvings of sheaves of wheat along the eaves of the roof. The inn was whitewashed at one time, but much of the paint has peeled. A sign picturing a cluster of wheat and a pitcher of beer or ale hangs over the door. A corral and stable, apparently empty, are off to the side. Deathstalker makes a mental note of the inn and continues at a steady pace.

To the south of the Inn stands another small sturdy building. A sign with a spinning wheel and a loom hangs outside and several bales of wool are stacked on the wide porch. No people are visible either outside the Inn or outside the southern building. Trudging forward Deathstalker quickly comes to another small building to the south. This one is definitely different than most of the ones he had seen. A gem-encrusted ring is pictured on a sign outside of this establishment. The doors and windows are all open. The building is small, but looks extremely sturdy; the shutters and doors are of heavy wood, reinforced with iron bands.

A small pathway leads off the road to the north to another house with a large barn and stable in the back. This is an exceedingly run-down structure for sure. Probably the worst he had seen yet. Faint traces of a former paint job cling to small parts of the walls, but in some places the bare wood has started to rot. A fenced walkway leads from the road to the back of the house, and horse manure is scattered liberally about. A little boy, his face covered with dirt, is playing on the front porch. As you approach, he toddles out to the road, smiles, and says “hi!” Almost immediately a sun parched, middle-aged woman comes rushing from the front door of the house. "SAMUAL!!" She rushes out and grabs the toddler by the upper arm and drags him backwards towards the house. She sees the warrior and glances nervously at the axe and yells out, "KILLIAN!!" In a shrill voice, likely to be heard for miles and without waiting to see what the warrior would say or do slams the front door of the house and enters. From the back near the barn a burly farmer comes rushing towards the front of the house, pitchfork in hand. He climbs immediately to his porch and watches as you walk eastward, his face shows no fear as two other young men appear from the front of the house, both holding thick loaded crossbows. They move over beside the farmer who calls out, "What are you about?"

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Group 1 (Oriel, Gunther, Sentinal and Fandil)

Taking the queue from Gunther the group enters the farmers home. A feeling of warmth oozes throughout the small building and it is good to get out of the light rain. A look around the room shows that you are in a central room of the house. Two curtained entrances are at the north and east of the room. The only person visible is a rather plain looking woman who is setting out small clay crock ware on the thick table in the center. Holding his arm out he motions for the group to have a seat at the table. Looking at the halfling and gnome he bows nervously. "We dun have many of tha little folk hereabouts. We have made up a few booster chairs fer the youngins if ye are willing." He motions towards the side of the table where two booster seats for young ones are at the side. No children are present.

Sentinal looks about and says, "Where are the children; I just love playing with kids. They are more my size." The man shakes his head and looks suspiciously at the halfling and says, "They are predisposed. They have work ta do."
After everyone is seated (or standing) the tea and cheese is quickly brought out. The cheese is wonderful and the tea is a bit spicy but otherwise of good stock. While the paladin prays to his god the farmers are respectful and bow their heads slightly. They then turn and listen as the paladin begins to talk.

"Friend Norwell, our group has assembled together from a variety of backgrounds and regions. We only recently met while resting in Hochoch and chose to travel together as a matter of safety and companionship in an unknown land." Gunther paused once again to speak a blessing of thanks for the hospitality and the food and drink being set before the guests, allowing everyone to either agree or invoke their own particular deity for the hospitality bestowed upon them before proceeding.

"Some in our group are searching for suitable land to purchase with the hope of settling down and raising families in a good community." At the talk of settling and raising families the farmers nod eagerly. "There be plenty of lands round here. No need to purchase much I am assumin, you kin talk with our mayor and I am sure he would be glad to get you and your friends started. Plenty of prime land hereabouts."
Gunther paused again to allow his companions to either nod or respond in agreement.

"As for me," Gunther smiled broadly, "I too am looking for suitable land to build a small castle to someday raise a family of my own and to help provide my neighbors with suitable protection from any unforeseen danger that may find its way to our community." The farmer nearly choked on the cheese he was eating at the word castle, then smiled broadly. "No castles round here. Grounds too soft fer big stone like that. This is farmin land, nothin else. We don need no lairds round here. We have our own rules."

The young Paladin focused on Norwell to discern what effect his words were having, his intent being to send a message to Norwell Graven that Gunther and his companions were ready to assist the farmer, his family and his neighbors if any danger was lurking nearby.

"We chose to come to Orlane because we heard from other travelers that the land here is some of the most beautiful and productive to behold ... and truly what we heard about this fertile land was but a shadow of its true bounty." At this point an elderly lady comes in from the north curtain and gets a jar from one of the many cabinets. She curtsies to the group and enters back through the curtain where you can hear her say "Shush!" and a few of what sounds like girls giggling.

Gunther paused for a generous bite to eat and a drink of tea. He praised his hostess for some of the best tea he had ever tasted before calmly stating matter of factly:

The woman blushes and thanks the paladin. "We also heard some wild tales that good farm property has been abandoned for seemingly no reason at all and about people in Orlane disappearing into thin air and mysteriously reappearing later. We also heard that some people just vanish, never to be seen again. My companions and I decided that what we heard was just rumors to scare people away from Orlane who might otherwise be interested in buying good property here. We think someone or a group of people just want to buy all this fertile land for themselves and are trying to scare strangers and investors away from Orlane so they can corner the market for their own greedy purposes." At these words the farmer and his wife get a bit uncomfortable and start to sigh. "Yes, it is true there has been trouble lately here. We dun know what is goin on, but some things are awful strange like. Some people just up and left! Right in the middle of supper and never came back. Left their animals and all. Or just left stores closed and never returned.. We never heard of no one coming back though. After the initial problems of people leavin we try to keep to ourselves and our girls.

Gunther took another bite and washed it down with the tea before finally adding:

"From the way your children and your neighbor ran inside your houses when we came peacefully walking along the road ... it would seem that something may not be quite right in this community. Is there anything we can do to help?" The farmer shrugs his shoulders. "I wish I could tell ya! I don't know nothing about whats goin on. I am sure we would be right happy if you could figure it out, but I am afraid we can't be of any help to ye."

Gunther and his companions ask which inn is the best in town and which merchants or farmers can give the best price for their products? The farmer nods and says, "There are two inns in town, The Golden Grain Inn is a bit more expensive and uppity of yan ask me. Then there is the Inn of the Slumbering Serpent. Now thats a fine inn. Very nice folk and reasonable in prices." Taking a sip of tea he says, "There is also a village store east of here at the south corner of the road south of the stables."

Is the town safe for strangers, who actually runs the town [both formally and informally] and who exactly can be trusted? The farmer shrugs again, "Everyone can be trusted I recon. I am not sure whats goin on. No one really runs the town but the elected and right Mayor Ormond lives at the south of the lake in the big house there."

Is there any truth to the wild rumors of people disappearing? "From what we heard they just up and leave ya."

How is the fishing in the lake and is there property available bordering the lake? "There are a few fish I recon. Not sure about any property fer sale."

Have there been any cattle or livestock reported mutilated or missing? "Not that we heard of no."

Have there been any reports of homes being broken into or property damage? "I dunno."

What are Norwell's thoughts about these wild rumors and if people have indeed been disappearing when did this all begin happening? "Not sure really, bout a few months ago I recon."

Some general questions about any local temples, the "good old days in Orlane" and about the town in general? 'Most of us worship the goddess Merikka, goddess of Agriculture. We are good folk that don't go botherin other people."

Why are the fields and food so prosperous if indeed people are disappearing? "Its the soil. It comes from the wetlands to the south and a combination of the dry soil from the Dim to the north I would guess. Nothing special about it except it is great quality for farming. I don't know why anyone would leave."

Does Norwell have any family or friends that he would like Gunther to visit to make sure they are safe and where's the best and safest place to get food, drink and rest? "Naw, all I got are here with me and my daughters. We are fine."

Gunther also offers Norwell 5 gold and a promise of protection for his cooperation in answering the questions before the young Paladin and his companions graciously excuse themselves to reunite with Valerus Cain and the rest of the party to deliver their report. “It was a pleasure ta meet you. No need ta pay me anythin. It is good to hear from the outside world sometimes.” The farmer shakes the hand of the paladin and moves back into his house.

++++++++++++++++++
Kyuss

Kyuss decided to check out the barn if he could. He wandered over to take a look at the cows outside of the house. Everything looked normal. The cows looked fit and the barn door was wide open. Nothing untoward could be seen or heard. Everything looks perfectly normal so he moves back to the group.

OK the group is back together except for Deathstalker who is walking down the eastern road.

Deathstalker stops in his tracks as the farmer calls out to him. He sighs and slowly turns his head towards his new found friends and noting the woman's reaction, slowly lowers his axe.

“I don’t have business with you, or your kin, farmer.” He replies.


Garrus will not yield his will to the farmer, even though he appears to be outnumbered. He will attempt to read the reactions of the three villagers to determine intent, referring to the years of experience he has served in conflict resolution and collecting debts for his warden and master. He will also attempt to size them up and determine whether or not he's dealing with skilled warriors or untrained villagers with weapons.

By default, he will assume that the farmer and two other men are not intent on fighting, so he will attempt to use levity to break the tension, but will offer no information as to his true purpose or identity. “Nice morning for a stroll. Shame wastin' it on my blood.” If pressed further, he will reply: “You really wanna fight me? If not, I'm lookin' for someone in need of a hired sword.”

However, if he determines that the farmer and two other men are intent on fighting, he will appeal to the farmer’s security. Again, he will offer no information regarding his true purpose or identity: “I don't like my odds. But neither am I alone. I'm part of an escort headed to Hookhill, and the rest of my party isn't far behind.” If pressed further, he will reply: “Enough talk then. You're a man; come on and fight me yourself, if you're up to it. Unless you need protection by little boys and their little toys."

In either case he will do his best to remain non-threatening and sympathetic, as he identifies with poor folk (coming from a low social standing himself). He will not press for information, but if the opportunity presents itself, he will stay a while and talk.

Gunther approaches Valerus and bows to the Druid as a token of respect for his apparent leadership while the rest of the company gathers around to learn what their four companions have gleaned from the local farmer. He sets his back pack on the donkey cart and places his Medium Shield on top of his back pack before turning to address the group.

The young Paladin also takes note that DeathStalker is obviously absent from the party.

After a quick description of the courtesy they were shown as they were escorted to the farmer’s table and how the children were hidden from view in another room; Gunther explains how he broke the ice by telling the farmer, Norwell Graven, that some of the members of the party were looking for land to purchase to build homes and raise families. The farmer’s immediate response was that plenty of prime land was available and all we have to do is speak with the mayor who would be glad to get everyone started and possibly without having to purchase any land.

Gunther did not bother to mention about his suggestion of building a castle to help provide protection from any unexpected danger in the community. Some things are best left unsaid and in the confidence of Oriel, Sentinal and Fandil.

Then the young Paladin explains how he and his companions had heard about some wild rumors about people disappearing and land being abandoned and how we thought it may just be greedy investors trying to scare other people away from Orlane so they could take the land for themselves. So we came to Orlane anyway to see for ourselves.

"These people are definitely afraid of something," responds Gunther, "and they freely admitted that there has been trouble lately. They don’t know what is going on, but they do know that some awful strange things have been happening that has them and all their neighbors keeping to themselves and their immediate families."

Gunther instinctively felt his fingers from his left hand tracing the design of his holy symbol that hung around his neck as he furrowed his brow before continuing.

"People have left their homes right in the middle of supper and not returned. They left their animals and some people even left their stores. Norwell and his wife Sarah have not even heard of any of those people ever returning to their homes or stores since these problems began a few months ago."

The young Paladin gripped the handle of his Broad Sword upon relating that, "Norwell said he would be 'right happy' if we could figure out what was going on, but he has no clue that could help us solve this mystery."

Gunther then informs the group that there are two inns in town: The Golden Grain Inn which in the farmer's own words is "a bit more expensive and uppity" and the Inn of the Slumbering Serpent which the farmer described as "a fine inn with very nice folks and reasonable in prices."

"There is also a village store east of here at the south corner of the road south of the stables and Norwell says everyone in Orlane can be trusted," says Gunther adding, "He also says no one really runs the town except for the elected mayor named Ormond who lives at the south of the lake in a big house."

Gunther points to the staff Valerus carries and says, "I also asked him about the fishing in the lake and he said 'there are a few fish I reckon' but he was not sure about any lake property being for sale."

Then the young Paladin mentions that Norwell has not heard about any reports of missing or mutilated cattle and that the farmer does not know about any reports of homes being broken into or property being damaged.

Gunther also informs the group that Norwell said "most of the people here worship the goddess Merikka, the goddess of Agriculture" and that "we are good folk who don't go bothering other people."

Also, according to Norwell the fields are so prosperous and crops continue to grow even where the people have disappeared because of the soil having a combination of the wetlands to the south and the dry soil from the Dim to the north to nurture the crops is the farmer's guess.

"Norwell does not know why anyone would leave this place with all the great quality of farming this land offers," Gunther states with a grim and determined look on his bearded face, "but I for one aim to find out just what is going on here that has the local people terrified of strangers!"

Gunther looks each of the adventurers in the eye and declares, "There is still plenty of daylight left. I aim to pay a call on the good Mayor Ormond at his big house on the south of the lake so that we can become acquainted and he can answer a few more questions. Anyone who wants to come with me is more than welcome."

The young Paladin reaches for his back pack and puts it in place, then grips his Medium Shield in his left arm/hand and starts to withdraw his Broad Sword, but figures it is best to keep his weapons sheathed for the time being in case some of the people in Orlane are scared enough to shoot an arrow at any strangers walking through town with drawn weapons, instead of asking questions first.

"Just let me know right now which one of the inns to meet you at later," says Gunther as he takes a few steps in the direction of the lake, then stops and turns for both an answer to his question and to see who exactly will go with him to pay a call on mayor Ormond, "and it might be a good idea for some of you to go find DeathStalker before he gets himself in trouble!"


Gunther waits long enough for the group to decide which inn for the young Paladin to rendezvous at before nightfall and for which adventurers will accompany him to go pay a courtesy call on Mayor Ormond before Gunther proceeds in the direction of the lake.