Sean Shamsara's account of Ungada's Malady
Score: 337 | 4/15/19 |
Sean Shamshara's Journal. (3-16-2018)
13th Strassa, 1517
I knew the day of our ascension into the ranks of the Adepts was soon at hand, and today was to be that day. It started as usual, in the Adepts' Hall, but today myself, Viktor Wyvernjack, and Boris Hillmens were summoned to the yard by Sheyloon. While we all knew of the sickness spreading within the Kaer [Kaer Ungada], we were not aware of a more acute and dangerous illness that had appeared among the Atani family. We were sent to investigate and do what we could to stop it's spread.
Arriving at the Atani house, we were greeted by Ss'kala, a worshiper of Garlen, who was tending the family. Wearing magical cloths to ward off infection, we learned that Salien, the youngest Boy of the family, seemed to be the first stricken with the weakness and boils. His story was not easy to unravel, but eventually he opened up to me as a fellow elf and member of the Stalwart Stones. While playing with a friend Bren, he had snuck into one of the warehouses in the Kaer and been bitten by some animal. He could not remember where exactly, only remembering the symbol of the sun on the door. Speaking with his friend Bren, we were directed to the 6th warehouse in the row right next to the craftsmen district. This was where the animal bit Salien, we were also told of an unwholesome smell in that place. As a show of gratitude, we were showered with an abundance of excellent dwarven cookies by his mother.
While none of us knew the person or group who might own the sunburst warehouse, we knew our best chance was the hall of records or the merchant district. Given my sometimes fractious relationship with Elder Meshra, we chose to ask if any of the merchants knew who owned that warehouse. We were quickly directed to a dwarf Omaron, who owned a pet lizard Lizzy. He was initially put out by our request to investigate his storage place, with many assurances that it was spotlessly clean, and protected by the best magical wards. We pressed forward, accompanied by this strange owner.
Upon arriving at the warehouse, it quickly became clear not all was well. A rancid stench emanated from the opened door, with disordered mess everywhere. Omaron seemed surprised, but came with us into the dark space. Drawing our weapons, and keeping an eye on the owner of this place, we entered in to investigate. The overpowering atmosphere apparently offended my delicate Elven sensibilities, thankfully the others did not succumb to it. Near the center, between rows of crates, was a pile of refuse, thankfully with enough light from two small sun crystals for everybody to see.
It was well, as from this pile we were suddenly beset by three puss and boil covered lizards. The onslaught was fierce, with Boris in front absorbing vicious bites and gouges from the animals. Omaron fled, but in the confusion we had not time to understand if his motivation was fear of the lizards, or fear of us finding this to be some devilry of his. It was well that Viktor was able to bring magical armor to bear, as well as blazing magic. The first lizard to die was chopped in half by the troll's axe, with half of it spattering on me. I can think of no other reason that arrow after arrow missed it's mark, while my brothers in arms were in pitched battle. The only one that found an enemy was quickly burned by Viktor's overwhelming fire.
Seven pointlessly spent arrows and one broken bow string later, the animals lay hacked and burned. Our wounds were not critical, and no other threat came forth. Using my tracking skills, I quickly performed the rituals needed to find Omaron, as Boris found a sack to hold the remains of the dangerous and possibly infected animals. While it seemed likely he was an innocent bystandard, it was a bit too coincidental that this lizard loving dwarf had no idea dangerous lizards lived in his warehouse. Finding him outside, we asked him further about the sorry state of his property. His assurances (and gratuitous vomiting) seemed genuine, so we left he and Lizzie in peace. Arriving at the Atani household, we were overjoyed to hear from Ss'kala that not more then 30 minutes before, the boils and weakness in this family started to show marked improvement. We could see the improvement, but more-so we could see this was no normal illness, passing from person to person and rising and falling in it's time. There was a magical connection between the source and afflicted that was destroyed when it's source was gone.
We reported back to Sheyloon, Boris bringing the bag of burnt lizard bits for further inspection and diagnosis. Our ascension to the ranks of Adept was complete with our characteristic rituals that night. The three of us were ready to take our place among the ranks of the defenders of Kaer Ungada. Well, Boris and Viktor were. I required repairs to my bow and my pride. My hope was that Kergnon Hurlgak would be up to the task of fixing my bow at least before we were again called to serve.
Written this 13th day of Strassa, in the year 1517 by Sean Shamshara, Elven Scout.
Legend Points awarded:
- for author (Sean): 50
- for participants mentioned (Viktor, Boris): 25