I answer with grim omens.
"Because if you don't, hundreds more could catch the Awakened Death. Including everyone here," you reply.
Alviva frowns and looks at the other guild members. Duncan and Malle maintain expressions of fear. To the side, Tace taps his leg anxiously.
"If allowing you to enter this building could actually stop the Awakened Death march, then I must allow it," says Alviva. "But you will investigate under my supervision."
Hold your nose and enter the tannery
The acrid smell of urine and lime starts a new attack on your senses as you look around the interior of the tannery. As your eyes adjust to the darkness, you see the tools and half-stripped animal skins of an abandoned production chain. A cesspool of water, diverted from the Thornback River, is stagnant. The low ceiling feels heavy and oppressive.
Alice pokes her boot into a discarded pile of furs, her hooves still attached. "This," she says, swallowing some bile, "wasn't a healthy place to work."
"Just as the mayor would like," says Alviva. "Do you know why that mansion of hers is at the top of the hill? Besides the view. And the feelings of superior superiority. It's one of the few places in Thornback Hollow where the stench of suntan doesn't spread." She scoffs and leans against the building's wall.
Under the eyes of the guild leader, you search the tannery with Alice. You peer into limestone pits, peer under half-stripped animal hides, and even check rafters for signs of infection. The investigation seems fruitless.
Alice, in what you consider an act of desperation, begins fishing in a dark trench.
She suggest calling him one day
Just as you're about to tactfully hint that it might be time to end the quest, Alice exclaims in triumph.
"Aha! Wait... what is this?" She holds a curious object, dredged from the stagnant waters. You find yourself looking at an intricate hoop of spikes.
"If you're the god-fearing type," says Alviva, reaching behind her shoulder, "you should put that back in the water. It's a Dweller fetish."
"Household fetish?" you ask.
"A totem, made by worshipers of the Dweller in Thorns. You are certainly familiar with the Oak Sage of Thornback, right?" In response to her nod, she continues. "There are those in this city who believe in an older power. One that stalks our streets in terrible times, shrouded in a cloak of thorns." Alviva places both hands on top of the cane. "So, like I said, maybe it's best to leave it alone."
"I think we should destroy it. It's a heretical symbol."
"I didn't think you were the devout type," says Alviva.
You locate a heavy stone, place the ring on the edge of one of the tannery pits, and crush the object to pieces.
As you head towards the tannery door, the guild leader touches your arm. "I'm sorry you didn't find what you expected here." She holds his gaze, her eyes fierce. "But if you really want to cure the disease that afflicts this city, know that it runs deeper than the Awakening Death. As long as Mayor Blake remains in power, Thornback Hollow will rot with the pestilence of inequality." You see her cane pierce the earth as she sticks the tip into the mud. "Let the turbulent turmoil be the hammer that strikes the foundations of our masters."
You part ways outside the tannery, turning her words over in your mind as you walk back across the wooden yard.
Return to the Sanctuary