02: The Hunt Is On

  

The adventurers' return to Red Larch is anything but dry. A light drizzle turns into a torrential downpour by the time they reach the village. Thankfully, Gark, having discovered a new ability, transforms into a horse, pulling the group along with a salvaged wagon, granting them some measure of speed despite the deluge.

Constable Harburk

Soaked to the bone, they make for the familiar comfort of the Swinging Sword Inn. Their path is momentarily blocked by Constable Harburk, who asks after Gark, stating his presence is required. Naturally, they don't reveal the horse standing right before him is Gark himself, and the constable continues on his way none the wiser.

Intrigued by the unsettling occurrences in town, the group heads to the tavern to question the quarry workers. They confirm what Bessok had already heard: strange, robed figures and their refusal to work at night. It's here that Constable Harburk finally catches up to Gark. But instead of a harsh arrest, Gark's status as a local fixture, often jailed for minor offenses like stealing food or drunken antics, earns him an odd invitation: a night in the cells with the promise of ale, good food, and a dry place to rest. Gark, ever opportunistic, accepts.

Once the constable is asleep, however, Gark transforms into a small creature and sneaks out of his cell to rejoin his friends. Their late-night investigation takes them back to the quarry. They hope to spot the robed figures or uncover the reason for their eerie presence. They even brave the downpour to speak with Albaeri Mellikho, the cheerful, corpulent quarry owner, who briefly offers them shelter.

Albaeri Mellikho

With little success at the quarry, the group decides to split up. Joe sets up a discreet camp nearby to keep watch, while the others return to the inn. Gark, aiming to slip back into his cell undetected, approaches to find the door already ajar. He shifts into a small, ugly cat and cautiously sneaks forward.

As he nears, four male figures emerge from the cell, their voices hushed. Gark overhears them discussing how "Rotharr isn't going to be pleased" and how "he was supposed to be here." All four wear the familiar robes and masks made of stone – the very cultists they've been searching for!

Gark silently follows them out of town to a secluded spot where they store their ominous attire. He waits for them to leave, then quickly checks the site for clues. He finds nothing immediately useful, save for the chilling realization that there are six robes and masks, indicating more cultists than he initially thought. At least now, he knows their faces.

Black Earth Cultist

Morning arrives, and the torrential rain has ceased, replaced by a sweltering heat. The wet puddles quickly evaporate into a low-lying ground fog as the small group steps out of the inn. Gark, released after breakfast, meets up with the others to recount his extraordinary findings from the night.

Through further questioning of the locals, they uncover a crucial piece of information: Rotharr, the man Gark had assaulted for striking a child, is actually a village elder, and the child is his son, Braelen. This revelation links Rotharr directly to the mysterious robed figures. It appears this elder is deeply involved with the strange cultists.

Other rumors also circulate: a peculiar black arrow piercing a skull outside of town, a reported ghost sighting that terrified a child, and whispers of a plague near an area called Lance Rock. But for now, the cultists and Rotharr are their primary focus.

Map of Red Larch Surroundings

Gark leads them back to the wilderness spot where the cultists shed their robes. As they ponder their next move, a plume of smoke rises less than a mile away. Trekking closer, they discover a large half-ogre and a small goblin enjoying a meal near the mouth of a cave. The group attempts to sneak closer but is soon spotted. The monstrous duo attempts to extort their "worldly goods," but the encounter doesn't go well for them. The nimble goblin, however, manages to escape to fight another day.

Investigating the nearby cave, they discover it's actually a tomb. Inside, a ghost implores them to venture no further, explaining he's protecting his masters' burial ground. Respecting the ghost's honorable intentions, Bessok convinces the others to leave the tomb undisturbed, and they move on.

The Last Laugh

With a hint of adventure still in their veins, they decide to investigate the "dark arrow" rumor, only an hour's travel away. They find a skull impaled on a tree by a black arrow, the area radiating a disturbing sensation. Despite the eerie aura, Bessok bravely retrieves the arrow and reads a parchment attached to it. A chill runs down his spine, confirming his instinct that something is terribly wrong.

As the sun begins to set, it's time to head back to Red Larch, the ominous weight of their discoveries pressing upon them.