After discussing the situation with Grendira, the kindly old gnomish wizard of Alapon Landing, the Bunch decided the best route would be to try to investigate Paavu’s nighttime disappearances in that short time he is gone. The big question, how to do that? The plan was to have Nuka wild shape into a field mouse, stay in Paavu’s beard all night while he slept. Paavu slept through the night without incident.
The next phase of the plan was to recruit some real field mice and have them sleep in Paavu’s beard and report back to Nuka if he disappears in the night. Nuka cut a deal with 8 mice; Mary, Jerry, Larry, Barry, Gary, Carry, Bob, and Tom. Nuka also cast beast sense on each one when it was their turn so she could observe what the night’s events might unfold. Paavu slept through the night without incident.
On to plan number nine, use beast sense through a horse and have that horse signal if Paavu disappears. The Bunch would wait right outside, and would hear the horse kick the barn wall and they would run in and investigate. Paavu began is usual routine of getting sloshed, laying down in some hay, and falling asleep. About an hour into the night, a kick was heard on the barn door and Shava ran in to see what she could find. She studied the area and found nothing out of place other than Paavu missing. She could tell a spell was cast and was able to determine that it was a summoning spell.
After a couple of minutes, Paavu poofed back onto the hay, caked in dirt and covered in bruises. His injuries weren’t serious, but his hand was pretty mangled. As Nuka healed him back to the model of perfect health again, Paavu went to summon Xantor’s Rage and noticed he had 2 large, uncut emeralds in his hand. They were covered in mud and dirt like he pulled them out of the ground with his bare hands. Another clue!
The Bunch looked around Alapon Landing for a jeweler, and went to the Shiny Pebble to see if they could find out anything. The jeweler, whom no one bothered to ask his name, looked at the gems and saw that they were flawless and deep green, more perfect than he had seen. When asked if he could tell what mine they came from, he didn’t recognize any of the dirt but stated most of the emeralds come from the mines along the Yelling Heights. The group wanted to get more opinions, so they went down to the docks to talk to the port master. SHE said most gems originate from the Yelling Heights, but they come from all over as they are used as currency fairly often. As they were discussing, a raven landed in front of Shava with a leather bound scroll attached to it. The note was calling the Munch Bunch to action in Deepwich. They are to attend a council meeting regarding Tiamat and the Creed of the Dragon, and a teleportation scroll was attached. Poof, off they went to Deepwich and the adventure continues next time.
