Bears and Blood

Our evening at Golnbrook Coaching Inn was much needed after our rough trip along the roads. We spend some time chatting with the locals and discover that the the ferries across Lake Elimer have been cancelled due to some strange occurrences on the lake (perhaps this is something we can look into if we find someone willing to pay us to do so), we also are told of a another crucifixion on a trail near Nuecroft, the barkeep suggests that we inform the Marshal of Nuecroft of what we have seen.
 
Milo once again begins eyeing up the patrons of the tavern for a 'free evenings rest' despite us having much to discuss as a group. I offer Seraph a gold if he can shut down Mister Lux's flirtation, but he refuses...Mr Hopfoot however jumps at the chance to earn a little coin, he jumps down off his chain walks up to the three women who have taken a shine to Milo, has a quick conversation and somehow that little glint in their eyes they had when looking at Mister Lux vanishes, I was very impressed so I paid up, the look on Mister Lux's face when he returned to the table was worth the 3 gold. Apparently he told them Mister Lux is a carrier the Slow Clap a little harsh perhaps, but funny nonetheless.
 
We discuss how we will approach the situation with the Priest. The Vagrant seems to want blood, which I can understand, however he doesn't seem to grasp the ramifications that will befall us if we kill a member of the Church of the Wheel. Seraph and Mister Hoofoot seem to agree with the idea that we need to tred lightly and between us I think we managed to persuade The Vagrant to stay his hand, at least while we investigate.
 
4th Sunwane
We wake and for the first time in a while everyone seems to have had a good nighst sleep. We have a short walk to Nuecroft ahead of us so after breakfast we leave. Much like returning to Myreport, Nuecroft is both similar and different. Someone in the group warns us of their mistrust of magic here and to be careful not to use it if we can.
 
Upon arriving we separate, a few of the group head to the market, while I find us accomodation for a few nights. I head to the Bear and Swan, where I meet the lovely Olivier Swan, and her pet bear Griffniller. I pay for three twin rooms until the 6th, I then head out to meet the others and speak with Marshal Terranacious Vlaust about the crucifixions and he inform us of another who has gone missing. He suspects the culprits are hiding out in the Ironoak Woods. I offer our services, I notice Seraph doens't seem too happy about it, Marshal Vlaust says he will pay us 5 gold per bandit we kill, 100 gold for vital information and 250 gold if we locate and destroy their camp. We accept and go on our way.
 
A lot of browsing and some spending later we find ourselves in the Bear and Swan drinking, as we watch Griffniller push Mister Lux off the stage, we were warned about her distinct taste in music, apparently what was on offer wasn't up to her standard. I find myself sitting with Seraph and a sleeping Mister Hopfoot. Seraph pulls out an ornate leather scabbard and tells me it's a gift and a small peace offering. He tells me of his recent troubles on his ship 'The Serpent’s Scorn' and how it was set upon by three vessels, each without markings and the crews all wearing a black uniform with face covering. He told me he hoped trusting me wasn't going to be a mistake, I assured him I had nothing to do with what happened to his ship or captain, thankfully he didn't ask me anything about my past, I am not sure how it will appear, or if they'll even believe it, I would sooner not have them believe I am a crazy old sailor. Seraph also explains his hesitancy to accept the offer to hunt down these worshippers of Sirax, something to do with patrons and deals and said patrons god. It feels far too high on the scale of the cosmos for us to really worry about, but I have taken his words on board. We may need to defend Searph and ourselves from something rather powerful.
 
After our talk I spot The Vagrant having some heated words with another patron, I leave well alone until this stranger draws a blade. I decide to intervene, not to help this stranger, but to stop The Vagrant from killing him. Heated words are exchanged and a challenge is thrown down, ‘take it outside’ calls Miss Swan. To say the fight was a push over would be unfair to push overs, I don't think I have seen a man beaten so swiftly. We return to our drinks and enjoy the rest of our night, I head to my room to hopefully get a good night's sleep as we have important work to do tomorrow.
 
Epilogue
A shadow stalked through the town of Nuecroft, moving from roof to roof quietly, stalking its unsuspecting prey as it stumbled home, he turned down a side road, a terrible mistake but he wouldn’t live again to make another. The pale stalker landed in front of the man, but before he could let out a sound, fangs found his throat. As the creature drank his fill the man was consumed by eternal darkness…