Alfadas

Hard to say. But it did say "thanks, mortal". So I think something turned that hound into a lapdog. Not a clue what though... I'd say follow these vines, they seem to be of more importance than the dog/hound/thing. But I agree, we have to move. We can't afford to stay in one place too long.

I didn't turn anyone into a big Ice Hound. I just removed the collar. My best guess is that something, in this city, has cast an evil spell on this collar. That something is what we are trying to find and dispose off. I'd recommend staying with us, since those puny guards can't do much against it. Look, I'm sorry about what happened to your doggie. Something just looked odd about it. Now, we want to make sure you are save. Stick with us, we can and will protect you. The Watch, not so much. But if you insist on going through the city, potentially running into whomever did this to your dog, be my guest. The Watch won't help you. Torald says, turning his back on the woman and focusing on the white roots. He takes out his shovel and digs a whole bunch of holes, mostly where Germ didn't dig already.

I don't know, we don't know what happened to her. Maybe she was kidnapped, maybe she is under some weird spell.

Well, it might have gotten here, planted by the same people who opened the portal in the Oracle's place. But we are still none the wiser where the Oracle might be. And then this demon dog? That doesn't belong here either...

Whoops. Let's hope it doesn't eat citizens, maybe just a couple of guards. Yikes. Torald stands there, a bit awkward. Uhm, miss, did you know your cutsie little doggie was an Ice Hound? If so, where did you get it and why did you keep it?

I don't think it's ill. I'm going to do something bold, and perhaps stupid but maybe that will explain stuff. Torald casually walks back to the Dalmatian, and with one swift motion removes the collar from the dog. I wasn't home yesterday so couldn't really do much here. sorry.

Torald signals Ezeran. He walks away from the group. Something is not right with that dog. He whispers.

Not at all. I was just curious, is all.

Torald decides he wants to know more about that collar. Who would put such an expensive collar on a dog? He walks to the owner of the dog and introduces himself, not giving his real name just in case the person knows about the current state of the Heroes and Heroica. Hello, my name is Alfadas. You might not know me, but I am quite interested in why you would put such an expensive collar on that dog? He asks in the most innocent, friendly manner possible for an over two meter tall, burly dude.

Torald takes a look, sneakily, at the dogs. Are they in any way, shape or form familiar?

Okay, let's go to the Hanging Gardens. Torald says as he follows the others.

OoC: Northwest, the direction of the Oracle.

Aye. Lets go.

He probably meant another part of that wood, less dark, maybe the outskirts or something. But, what are we doing studying flowers, if we roughly know where the Oracle is? She is the reason we came here. I'd say, let's go and find her, and maybe afterwards look at those flowers?

I'd say, lets go after the lead on the Oracle. That's why we are here after all.

Sure lets go to Crescent Hill.

Torald shakes his head. Nothing but a black abyss. Torald takes off his chest armor. Should have no negative stealth stuff anymore then.

Uhm, I'd like to take care of the book for a bit longer, if you don't mind. Don't know why but it seems important to me. I'll gladly hand it over to you after a while but for now please let me study it a bit more.

Yeah man, everything is a-okay. Honestly, I don't know what happened but I feel a lot better.

Now now, no need to get so emotional over me, Torald says awkwardly, answering the hug. I just passed out for a bit.

Torald gasps and sits up. He sees the others trying to lift him up. What are you doing? I can walk perfectly fine myself. Torald stands up fully, gains his balance and is good to go. What happened? How long was I out for? It felt like a second or an eternity to me.

Ooooh what's that? A book? In the roots of an egg thingy? Interesting. Torald carefully picks up the book and examines it for any sort of clue what it might be about.

Torald rumbles in his pockets, pulling out a Garnet. This should do the trick. He focuses on the gem in his hand, letting it's energy flow through him. He then mumbles some words, given to him by the gem. He looks at the earth, envisioning the earth moving out of the way.

Hmm, yes. This looks more like bear sized or even bigger. And I too am trained in arcane stuffs, though not nearly at the level as Ezeran.

The one we fought, was roughly man-sized. But I assume they can get much bigger.