Episode L033: Prophetic Whispers and Miscelaneous Activities

General Summary

Gimblestone

Littleday, the 16th day of Frost

Hasdraek spends several days getting the lay of the land.
It seems the during his absence, the Duke of Ellenval, M'kinster Corval died - most likely assassinated.
The town is abuzz with talk of the Grand Syzygy., mostly due to the chatter coming from Marigold’s mad maid, Courtney Mugwort. She has been talking about the Dog Lord and the Grand Syzygy, incessantly over the past several weeks.
Theodard Cotton is dying. He is in the care of Father Torien LeFour. Hasdraek goes to speak to him, and he appears mad as well

Oh it’s you! I’m so glad I got to see you before I left. I have something very important to tell you. Now, let’s see. What it is again? Hmm, dogs, foxes, seals,sea lions, wolves, of course, coyotes, foxes, … did I already say foxes? Weasels, raccoons, giant eagles - uh, no, no that one’s not right - badgers, and even skunks. Now, I’m missing one … asses? No. Well, that’s just it isn’t it? That’s just the point, you see? They all share the same ancestry, don’t they? Who told me this? …. no, never mind … oh yes, it was Sir David Attenbristles. They’re all dogs, don’t you see? Well, goodbye. …

Aofred LeMee informs Hasdraek that Famath BenGuiliam visited the town, not long before, with a young boy in tow.

I’m no spell monger, but the boy seemed ... i don’t know ... under the influence of something, some strange glamour that made him soft as pumice stone, though it didn’t seem in his nature to be so - judging from the torn fingernails and many bruises upon his skin

The boy may well be Ridger Haverstraw.
Marigold has heard of the Dog Lord, but only as a nursery rhyme:

As the wind ere in the sky So the dog lord with grim smile Gathers close, unruly child Sends him to the by and by

The two mine operators, Conog Hellias and Barnard Fitzherbert present Hasdraek with a payment of 500gp on mining titles held in his name. They have resumed mining.
Rumour has it that bands of Goblins are operating in the mountains nearby.

---

Hasdraek studies the sheaf of parchement on which the Phrophesy of the Dog Lord is written. He has an argument with father Torien who attempts to dissuade him from pursuing the meaning of the prophecy. Marigold intervenes saying Le Four may be traumatized by the events of the past, and may simply wish to return to normal.
Marigold agrees to accompany Hasdraek to Kipit Monastery to continue researching the Prophesy, taking Courtney with them so that the monks there may assess her current disorder. But she wants to wait until after her uncle dies.

---

Meanwhile, Hasdraek inquires into the possibility of acquiring Idyllhall Manor, which lies at the confluence of the Gimblestone River and Restless Creek. He desires to establish a permanent residence in Gimblestone.

---

In the evening, at the The Whetstone Inn and Tavern, the Bard Bozel announces that Prince Jarrest Veldarion has been named Duke of Ellenval. Another power play in the capital of Varia has lead to the removal of the third in line to the throne - and the most popular of the three princes - to a location where he will not be able to cause trouble.

Report Date

13 Feb 2020