Tavern Time

As we gather in the darker corner of the tavern, I cast Comprehend Languages as per usual to communicate with everyone. Nora, the barmaid, takes care of us with our order of stew and ale. Qhreetch is cloaked in the corner as to not draw attention. There is much to discuss. Deep Bank, Pearford, Skrack, & Trandarc. I fill the others in as to what Skrack told me this morning regarding a description of Trandarc. Trandarc is a large, old, tusked, snarly, very pale-skinned creature resembling either that of a large white orc, or possibly even an ogre, who seemingly lives South of Deep Bank as he generally travels from that direction. Ravens flock around him and preempt his arrival as well as take leave shortly after his departure, similarly as to which Carilius witnessed in Pearford. Also, a peculiar and unnatural looking raven travels perched on his shoulder. Described to have hollow eyes, molten feathers, does not eat, and thought to be undead.
 
I asked the group several questions for which we truly did not have answers:
 Who truly is Trandarc?
 What is Trandarc’s goal?
 Why is Trandarc collecting corpses?
 Is Trandarc a leader or a pawn?
 Is Trandarc connected to the enchantment at Deep Bank?
 Was Trandarc recently at Pearford, and if so why?
 
My first suggestion was to grab the cart and dead bodies from the first Skaven cave and bring those to Trandarc as Qhreetch was to do in the first place. Qhreetch and/or Carilius could offer the bodies for payment as normal and gather further intel. Hellah and/or Malor could scout ahead and track Trandarc while Tycone and Sodryn would stand back in case things got messy. Tycone and Sodryn also don’t see as well in the dark as us Half-Elves. Carilius could “Message” us too if things got dicey. Carilius also likes this plan but indicates his "Message" will only work in an arms throw of a rock or two, however believes he can put on the act of selling the bodies to Trandarc.
 
Nora finally brings over our food and I’m starving. Rabbit Stew with some sharp cheese, baked potato, and some bread. Umm, so good. Malor, updates us on information from Stadard and Reece. Due to our recent involvement with the Skaven, the Skaven are now to leave the valley immediately and we are responsible for any future Skaven incursions. Per Reece, the Road Wardens are likely not pleased with our meddling and loss of bounty and advised for us to watch our backs. Also, transportation will be provided by farmer Nartun via wagon to escort us to Trandarc.
 
After Malor’s update, I also told him and Sodryn about the spider ambush and the white wolf encounter with Hellah. Speaking of Hellah, she stepped in and mentioned that Trandarc prefers recently deceased bodies and that the ones in the cave were over a week old if they were still even there. Tycone also waivers over this plan and is not in favor due to being the only one strong enough to pull the cart in the snow and unable to rest on the journey. Much heated debate ensues for minutes on end. Nora, keeping an ever watchful eye over us, comes back to the table to refill our drinks and then quickly retreats back to the bar.
 
At one-point Tycone tries to offer up the Skaven they are hiding in the room as bait. Tycone said “They could act dead and then we sell them off, covering two birds with one stone. I know none of you would go for killing them, thus selling them and acting is our next best solution.” After Tycone's last statement we all sort of look at Qhreetch. Qhreetch returned the glance towards Carilius to translate. This does not go over well with Carilius, whose normal happier demeanor fades from his face to be replaced by a much more solemn look. “I really would prefer we not put the Skaven into any unnecessary danger..." Carilius said as he puts down his spoon. "We killed off a large number of their clan, then a few days later per following our instructions they leave the valley only to be ambushed by those hunters..." as he says this a small shiver runs through him, and his tail twitches. "When I found them there were bodies everywhere. Bodies of women, bodies of children, scattered everywhere, and the blood, so much blood..." Carilius takes a moment, his eyes glazing over, staring off into the distance. A few seconds later he snaps back. "I did all I could for them, saving as many lives as possible, but I couldn't save more than three of them," releasing a heavy sigh. "Had we not made them flee the valley, those 13 women and children would still be alive, I know a few of you have issues with the Skaven’s mere existence, but I really couldn’t care less about those complaints. We owe it to them to help get them to safety, and I will not stand by and let the last of their clan be used as bait. We need to find an alternative. If Qhreetch is willing to help us find Trandarc and the meeting place, then that is on him.” With that Carilius looks over to Qhreetch and translates everything that has been said.
 
Tycone, talks over Carilius as he translates to Qhreetch. “I understand that, but unless we actually have bodies for trade and a better way of getting them there we need a new plan! The plan we have is ‘I assume’ or ‘I hope’ but yet as we sit here and talk there is no solid plan and these Skaven aren't innocent and in no way need our sympathy. After all if they weren't grave robbing and selling to this Trandarc they would not be involved.” Looking directly at Carilius, Tycone continues. “YOU are way too trusting and always willing to put yourself in danger to prove that everything can be saved.”
 
Carilius: "How about this then, what if we loaded some of ourselves onto the cart to act as "dead" bodies, and have Qhreetch lead the cart to Trandarc, while he's doing that we can have some of the others flanking him. Then if/when he comes over to examine us as the bodies, we all pop out to surprise him and or anyone else he may have with him. This will help to ensure that we don't have to put any of the innocent's lives at risk." Qhreetch starts talking to Carilius in the tongue of the Skaven. The words seem forceful and pointed. "Snichzitqholk qhri thron xeen Qhri qhri snichqhri Tinqzitkrua snich thron chotqholk ss qholkthronqzak thronsnich snichqhri snich Tinqqholk thron Tinqqholk." Carilius translates for the skaven. “There is no way I will stand allowing you to use my people more than you have to date. Bait, we will not be, these are unblemished, you ask to hazard their existence!”
 
Shelving this idea, a new plan begins to brew within the group. The new thought is to hide out and observe what transpires with Trandarc, then follow and track him after he is left empty handed. This way nobody is at any initial risk and we're all in this together. Malor, heads off to inform farmer Nartun the time to leave is soon approaching while the rest of us settle the tab and prepare to leave for another midnight adventure.