The Dark Ages - Southern Seas - Act 7 - Skalfier - Fall 8, 56AD

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18 Sep
The Dark Ages - Southern Seas - Act 7 - Skalfier - Fall 8, 56AD
It is a clear day in Skalfier, and a bit warmer than usual for Fall, but a light breeze helps. The skies don't show any sign of coming storms, just a few clouds on the horizon. You are at the Northern gates, your horses have been brought to you by the stablehands. The traffic is light for this day, only a few farmers coming into town. No caravans coming or going. The track takes you north, back towards the Keep, the ruined Inn, the abandoned wreck of the caravan and its dead.
The morning and early afternoon are uneventful but as evening draws near along the track you're keeping to, the sharper eyed among you see a strange sight to the northwest. You seem to see what looks like a cloud of something low to the ground that keeps changing and moving... and several large black dots in the sky that are diving down into the cloud. It and they seem to be moving at you rather rapidly.
18 Sep
ATACIUS: "Fellows, I'd say that's the bandits coming, if it wasn't for those black things in the air..." the littleling says in a worried tone.
18 Sep
TAKASHI: "Damn! It seems that we are cursed to live interesting lives as of late, my friends. Shall we investigate and get a bit closer? It looks like we might not have much choice in the matter, and I'd rather we be at a full gallop if my axe needs to swing freely."
ATACIUS: "Should we get cover at those trees over there and wait how things go?" he points to the SW.
18 Sep
CALLIN "I Agree a closer look is needed. And having the cover of the trees would be wise as we get that closer look!"
18 Sep
GRAIAN: "Indeed, I would like to understand what we are getting ourselves into first, not mention charging into things is not really my forte....." He heads towards the trees.
18 Sep
TAKASHI: "Hiding in trees is not my way, however perhaps I can approach and you all can see what becomes of it. I think that someone is being harried by somethings, and I don't like the look of it."
With that, TAKASHI will spur his horse forward, grasp his axe and lightly swing it in one hand, and charge towards the coming maelstrom."
19 Sep
ATACIUS follows GRAIAN to the trees.
21 Sep
As you scramble (and/or helped up the tree, considering TAKASHI's scale armor, he gets to the lower branch and that's about it) up the trees, a bizarre sight comes into view.
A huge flock of strange birds, of a gray/brown color, with heads ending in a club-like beak, are leaping and flying a little bit into the air, then coming back down. Their short wings don't appear to help sustain flight all that long. They make a strange flat croaking sound.
Pursuing them, diving down into the stampeding flock are several human sized blackbirds, and one bird twice their size. Two of the birds have one of the strange club-headed birds in their talons, but staying with the others as they pursue.
You have but minutes before they are near/around you.
21 Sep
TAKASHI was not going to try and climb up in the trees - he was going to charge ahead and see what the commotion is all about.
21 Sep
OK! Your common sense would kick in, telling you that getting run over by a stampeding flock of roughly small dog sized birds is not a fun prospect.
21 Sep
Got it! I will then head back to the trees and hope for the best.
21 Sep
You'd be able to clamber up the tree to the lowest branch, or if you want to hide behind the tree or ...
21 Sep
Ack! But what about our horses... Frak.
23 Sep
ATAIUS: "Let's secure them to the trees and blindfold them so they don't get scared." ATACIUS will do that with his pony.
21 Sep
"You have but minutes before they are near/around you."
23 Sep
ATACIUS: "Wait, we don't have to stay here. Let´s keep moving out of the way then.
If we ride fast enough maybe we ca avoid them."
21 Sep
TAKASHI: "I agree, let's travel opposite their line of direction, and try and get out of their way!"
21 Sep
Is this Stamped heading for the city? Do we need to warn the gatehouse? What about surounding farmers? If there is something I can do to warn innocent people....I would want to do that.
21 Sep
You're nearly 2/3'ds of a day's ride from Skalfier. You haven't seen any farms/farmers along the track you're on.
21 Sep
Ok then I'll ride out of the direction of the stamped like the rest of the group.
21 Sep
GRAIAN: After tying his horse in the trees he readies his sleep spell looking at the approaching horde assessing the threat
22 Sep
Hearing the discussion, Graian breaks his concentration, unties his horse and follows them.
22 Sep
In the two minutes that it takes for the party to decide on their action, the horses become extremely nervous, whinnying and snorting their distress, prancing from foot to foot. The strange croaks of the beach clubbers gets louder and more frantic. It's hard to guess how many there are, maybe dozens or even hundreds. There are less than ten of the large blackbirds and only one monstrous sized bird.
The horses give an extra kick of speed to get away from the oncoming stampede in their haste to get away. You do get out of the way of the stampede as it reaches and wraps around the small group of trees that you had considered taking shelter in. The leaves and limbs are battered as the beach clubbers jump and hop around the copse.
For those of you with sharp hearing, it almost sounded like the monstrous sized blackbird spoke... in human tongue. Saying "Hurry, men are here!"
22 Sep
TAKASHI: "Do my ears deceive me, or do those flying creatures speak in our common tongue?!"
22 Sep
ATACIUS: "We're living strange times friend, so I wouldn't be surprised!"
22 Sep
CALLIN: "I heard nothing except the beating of my heart and the stomping of hooves." Callin says almost breathless. "As much as I'd like to find out what those creatures are, there are dead we must lie to rest."
22 Sep
TAKASHI: "Agreed. Let's be on our way, then."
22 Sep
Um. It's not over yet. I read the situation is that the stampede is just at the trees and you are a little away to the west of it, maybe 20 to 30 yards. Anything you want to do at this point, or see how the stampede plays out?
22 Sep
ATACIUS will look over his shoulder as he rides, to see what the black birds do. If they keep around the copse harrasing the beah clubbers, or leave, or pursue us.
23 Sep
TAKASHI: "Let's continue to put some distance between us and the stampede. Hopefully they will ignore us and keep moving on."
23 Sep
CALLIN: "I'm with TAKASHI, unless they show interest in us, I'd rather finish our assignment"
23 Sep
GRAIAN: Wishing he was on a stable, secure boat rather than this wild creature, brings things back under control and turns to face the woods trying to hear if there are any more recognizeable words being spoken. "Do any of you recognize these creatures?" he shouts to the others
23 Sep
ATACIUS: "No idea what they are. Too bad Oliphas is not with us!" the littleling shouts back.
23 Sep
The copse seems to disrupt the stampede and the blackbirds are quick to snatch up several more of the large beach clubbers. The stampede continues on to the southwest and the blackbirds descend to the other side of the copse away from you. They begin the grisly task of eating their prey.
The monstrous-sized bird though, it leaves its kill on the ground, taking to the air and circling above you for a brief moment then descending to the ground, maybe 10 yards away. The horses shuffle and whinney nervously, shying away. The bird doesn't seem to be threatning though, it cocks its head to one side, then the other at you. You get the definite feeling of its awareness as it looks at each of you. It's feathers are a deep black, with silver/grey flecked through its feathers. Most of its face is lined in the silver/grey and you get the feeling of age in it.
23 Sep
TAKASHI settles his horse, then addresses the GINORMOUS bird.
TAKASHI: "Do you understand our language? We thought that we heard some your flock speaking in our tongue, but this is not something common to us. We mean you no harm, and would speak with you if you are able and willing."
24 Sep
"A human, a little one, a cross of human and elf and an elf. A strange gathering of man-folks." it croaks. "One not seen in a long time. And yet you do not attack us or seem afraid. Another strange thing. You do not interrupt our dinner, and that shows courtesy. Thrice strange. Yes, I speak your tongue, just as my father and mother did, and their sires and maters. We know and have seen the rise and fall of men-folk. That you would speak to me as they did of old is a story I shall pass on to my young. So, four men-folk, what would you speak of?"
24 Sep
ATACIUS reins his pony to a halt and watches dumbfounded at the giant crow as it speak to te group.
24 Sep
TAKASHI: "I am not from these parts - I come from farther east. Many of us there still speak of the spirits that reside in all living beings, though it has been a very long time since anyone has recorded any of these spirits talking to one of us. I always figured it was because they just didn't have much to say at the time."
24 Sep
The giant blackbird turns its head to look with one eye at ATACIUS for a moment and its beak drops open, almost as if in a laugh. It then turns its head to look at TAKASHI again.
"I have flown many times around these lands to the mountains and to the seas. I have seen many things and beheld wonders of the air and sea. The lands and the air and the seas hold many surprises and if you live long, man of metal, you will perhaps see them too." it croaks.
"I have always been the curious one of my nest and egg mates, but few times have my meetings with men been peaceful. My nest was invaded not too many suns ago by elves and humans, and many of my children were lost. I did not want to see the remainder lost, so yes, we will speak and if you keep your swords sheathed, then all will be well."
24 Sep
CALLIN: "As my friend says we mean you no harm... I am CALLIN, it is a pleasure to make your aquantance. And for your children that were lost, I offer an appology. If you would like, I could offer a prayer for them. We too are on our way to mourn the Fallin at the hands of men."
24 Sep
TAKASHI: "And I am TAKASHI. The little one who is usually most talkative is ATACIUS, and GRAIAN is final member of our party. May we know your name, or what you are called?"
25 Sep
GRAIAN: Nods acknowledgement to the creature, listens with interest to the conversation but keeps an eye on the ones that are feeding.
25 Sep
"The sun moves in the sky and the season wing from the one to the next. You, too, will die and the next will take its place, so it is with my young and my kind and with all things."
"You cannot speak my name as the wind and the sky and the others of my kind speak it, but I will accept Apsuna as a name for you who speak with tongues and words. Thank you for your courtesy. What would you speak of, man of metal and man of spirit?"
The other birds are delicately cleaning the bones of the clubber birds, but do not seem interested in you aside from looking at your conversation every so often.
25 Sep
TAKASHI: "A couple days ago, we traveled from the Keep to the North towards Skalfier with a caravan. We were set upon by bandits in the night, and almost all were killed. We head there now to bury our dead. However, those that attacked us in the night escaped without justice. Have you seen any bandit camps in your flights over the area recently?"
25 Sep
"Bandits... a strange word that men call their kin who act even more strangely, for no bird of my nest would steal from the eggs in my nest. Another kind, perhaps, but not of same. You men-folk and like do this to each other, when so much stands against you." Apsuna croaks. "If you mean do I see men in metal or men bearing their weapons, yes. These caravans... I see them in fights with the men who arm for war. I see the orcs who arm for war. I see the nest by the sea of many of your men-folk who gather in their ships to float on the seas. It does not prepare for war."
25 Sep
TAKASHI: "I know our ways probably make little sense to you. In truth, sometimes they make little sense to me as well. The best way I can try and explain it is that not all of us that are close together are from the same nest, as you would say. And while these companions are not related to me by blood, I do consider them as part of my nest."
TAKASHI shakes his head in bemusement and chuckles. "How frantic and scattered we must seem to you and yours, looking upon us from above as we are trapped on the surface below. I am sorry to hear that you have not been treated well by others of our kind in the past, but know that if you ever require our assitance, all you need to do is let us know. Perhaps our actions can not make up for the past treatment you have received, but at least we can act as an example of the good that men, littlelings, and elves can do."
26 Sep
ATACIUS coming out of his astonishment says: "You speak the human tongue as your father and mother and their sires and masters you said. Who were their masters? Do you have a master? Where is your nest? Does you feathers have magical powers? Why aren't you answering?"
28 Sep
Apsuna ruffles it's feathers at Takashi's words. "Men folk are always strange, but then we do not wear your feathers and you do not wear our feathers, so how can we know what winds you fly in? We each follow our paths as is laid before us. And your courtesy in speaking to me in peace is of an egg with a good smell, full of potential. I will keep your words as mine, should that ever come."
Apsuna's beak drops again as if in laughter at Atacius's outburst. "Yes, little one, my sires and maters... they who made the eggs to birth my mother and father and then they made the eggs to birth me. Life is our master, the sun and the sky and the winds and the lands all tell us what we can and cannot do. Sometimes master, sometimes enemy, always our giver and friend. As far as my nest, it is not far, in a place of men long abandoned, although lately it has drawn interest, especially from the elvish folk who are lost. As far as my feathers, little one, they are my feathers. It is the sky and winds that give me flight. Are your legs magical that they propel you across the ground?" Apsuna drops its beak again.
28 Sep
GRAIAN looks back at Apsuna, "You say my kin have been showing an interest in you nesting ground, do you know why? We are seeking our homeland, but we are seafarers, is your nest across the waters?"
28 Sep
"It is an area well suited for nesting and protection" Apsuna replies to Graian. "The walls keep us warm. However, it would have something to do with the leaves that you men-folk and elves like to collect in places and carry around. The elves and a few men-folk in their metal skins came and killed many of my children, an invasion! But they left with a few leaves. Others have come and left after we've flown them off, but these were dour and determined to find the leaves they were looking for. Since then, I've looked for another nest, and I've seen elves lurking about, but they do not come in the numbers they did that one time."
29 Sep
CALLIN looks to GRAIAN for some kind of explination. "What significance do Leaves have with the Elven people? So much so that they would attack and kill for them?" There is no anger in Callin's voice just ignorance.
30 Sep
ATACIUS: "Maybe it's not the leaves of a tree or plant the bird is talking about..." he says more like thinking to himself than speaking to his friends. "Apsuna, are those leaves you say bound together? What shape are they?"
30 Sep
GRAIAN: Catching on to what Atacius murmured "Of course, how foolish of me and these walls, Apsuna, can you tell us more about them and what the rest of the place looks like?"
30 Sep
Apsuna opens its beak again. "The leaves I speak of are not from trees, they are the leaves that you men and elves love to carry. Small things, the size of your heads, squarish or rolled up. My nest is in a place that contains many of these, on the walls and ground, although they fall apart from the wind and rain. "
Apsuna ruffles its feathers. "Even so, your kind seems to be obsessed with them. Others killed my children for them." it croaks.
30 Sep
ATACIUS: "I'm sorry to hear you lost some of your kind. Sometimes people's obsession for knowledge make them blind to other's suffering. If you grant us permission, I think we would like to take a look at the place you've made your nest, after we're done with our errands."
30 Sep
Apsuna cocks its head and looks at each of you carefully.
"You have been far more courteous and interesting than any other men or elves I've known and you are the first little one I've made words with. If you are as courteous at my nest, you would be welcome in peace. Bringing men of metal or war will mean a broken trust."
Apsuna moves so that it is facing a NW direction. "It's is but a short flight for us, although you might take a bit longer on foot or your horse. It is not hard to find, as the things that your kind build to house your leaves is visible from far off. At least for me." Apsuna drops its beak open in silent laughter.
The other blackbirds have finished their meals and a couple have taken flight to rest in the tree, squawking to each other.
"My children grow restless and I am hungry!" Apsuna croaks. "Should you find our nest in your travels, you would be welcome. And a bit of food, like one of your younger feed animals, is always welcome!"
30 Sep
TAKASHI: "Many thanks for your word, trust, and time Apsuna. We look forward to seeing you again in the future!"
TAKASHI smiles, then bows to Apsuna.
1 Oct
"Wind and Sky be your friend." Apsuna croaks and then flaps its wings to take off. The brief gust of wind ruffles your hair. Apsuna flies over to the clubber bird corpse still waiting, grabs the body with its talons and with loud croaking, flies off towards the northwest. The other blackbirds croak and take off as well, circling higher and flying to the northwest. In only a few moments, their black bodies disappear in the sky.
2 Oct
ATACIUS: "Ha! A giant talking bird! Can you believe that? I don't know you fellows, but since I left the Direlands, this is the most incredible thing that's happened to me! And we've been through a lot lately.", the littleling exclaims excitedly. "From what Apsuna said, my guess is the nest is some kind of ruin. A castle that used to hold a library? Maybe a wizard tower!", he rubs his hands in anticipation.
"I'm sure master Notebana would be interested in this place. Maybe I can get him something from there. He'll appreciate that, yes. Oh, and there's this thing between Thom and Tarn. Well, first things first.", he distractedly mumbles aloud as he watches the birds fly away.
1 Oct
GRAIAN: Watching the birds fly away is also wondering about what might be there, hopefully the place has not been plundered to such an extent there is nothing useful left. Turning to the others, "Interesting indeed, maybe after we have finished this unsavory, but neccessary, task we could carry on to the ruins, after all we will be somewhat near there. Atacius, Thom and Tarn?"
1 Oct
ATACIUS: "Huh? How do you...? " He was so rapt in thought he did not realize he was speaking aloud. "They're just aquaintances from Skalfier. Let's say I'm acting as a broker between them.", he adds with a wry smile.
1 Oct
TAKASHI: "Perhaps we could travel in that direction, but it would be courteous if we could provide Apsuna with an animal to their liking, though. What a day. Shall we resume our travels and get the unpleasant part over with?"
1 Oct
CALLIN: "That was an interesting encounter indeed. And yes I agree we should bring an aminal to them as a gift of peace." CALLIN then looks in the direction they must go to bring peace to those who have already fallen. "Yes, let us finish that which we have started"
2 Oct
GRAIAN: Moving his horse forward to resume the journey turns to Atacius "Broker, that is an interesting term, so much leeway..." he says with a slight smile
6 Oct
South of Skalfier Wayfarer's Inn ruins - Fall 8/9, 56AD
The sun quickly sets after your conversation with Apsuna, leaving you still south of the caravan attack site. The evening proves to be quiet and cool, with the slight chill of the midnight air reminding you that winter is on the way. The night itself is uneventful, with clouds scudding across the skies to block the stars from time to time. As the sky begins to brighten, clouds roll in from the southwest, and a soaking rain starts, with gusts of wind. The skies turn into a sullen grey.
The remainder of your ride to the attack site is quick, only a couple of hours. You come upon a gruesome scene, as the attack is almost a fortnight in the past and nature has not been kind to the dead. Crows still are present, as some blackbirds, and it looks like perhaps wild animals have had their time here. The rain is making the torn up ground muddy and the smell is extremely unpleasant.
7 Oct
CALLIN: "The Darkness has spread to this place. Let us do our part to shine the light upon these souls." Callin says sullenly. "I will prepare last rights for the fallin. Can the rest of you build 2 pires? 1 small for Gillian and a large one for the rest of the fallin?" And with that he ties down his horse and begins gathering the dead to prepare for last rites. Callin will attend to each of the Fallin giving them a prayer, and closing there eyes, preparing them to see the Light that is inside them. Allowing them to instead focus inward on the LIght that shines inside them. He will end on Gillian...
"Gillian, it is tragic and a shame that you were betrayed by the Darkness. Your light will be forever missed, but know that your Light will shine on in the others that you have touched in your life. Those that respected you, those that loved you, those that called you friend. You were a good man, may you pass on to the Light and shine there brightly for all to see." And with that Callin closes the mans eyes.
7 Oct
GRAIAN: "Indeed, there is much Darkness here". Securing his horse, he works with the others to pile the remains together ready for the final fire.
7 Oct
The wood of the carts and wagons left is wet on the outside of it, from the rain. There are trees within a 30 min ride radius to collect wood from, but the rain is making the wood wet.
7 Oct
TAKASHI: "The wood is damp from rain. We will need to try and find some tinder that might be able to burn, and in so doing, dry out the wood and then burn it. If we use a torch as the starter, the pitch should burn long enough to dry out the thinner tinder and ignite it. At least I hope so."
TAKASHI will search the local area for tinder, and if needed, will chop up some of the wood left from the carts to get to the (hopefully) dry center. He'll also look for any papers, fabric, or anything else that the victims might have had that will burn.
8 Oct
ATACIUS: "Maybe we can split the wood from the carts exposing the dry center? Got spikes and hammer the stronger ones could use." suggests the littleling while rummaging in his backpack. "Dry dung could be used as starter too."
8 Oct
GRAIN: "Oh for a fireball spell", he moans, "I have some oil that should help things a little. Takashi, Callin if you could chop up some of the wood, Atacius and I can collect other items to help get the fire started."
9 Oct
The wood that you find has some dry parts, and there are trees and tinder within 30 minutes ride to get wood. Any dung is soaked from the rain unless you are going to break it apart. The ground is soaked. Building a fire for rain requires an approach and an art.
9 Oct
ATACIUS: "The ground under any of the carts remains would be dryer. We'll have better chances there to build a fire. Let's split some of wood from the carts and use the oil to soak some fabric from our clothes."
9 Oct
TAKASHI: "I will ride out to get some better wood from under the protection of those trees, yonder. CALLIN, would you like to accompany me while ATACIUS and GRAIAN make things ready here?"
9 Oct
GRAIAN: Working with Atacius finds some less wet ground and begins to prepare the basic structure for the fire, creating the bed to put the kindling on and searching the camp for any rags that are not soaking wet that could be used with his oil to create firestarters. He will also be looking for a dagger or sharp knife to help with creating some dry kindling.
12 Oct
The daggers and axes you all have can serve as tools for creating kindling.
12 Oct
CALLIN: "Of course TAKASHI." With that Callin will head out with TAKASHI to gather some less soaked wood.
12 Oct
The soaking rain doesn't let up as you make preparations to create a bonfire. Areas under the remaining carts can serve as more-dry areas to create your fires. Dry wood isn't easy to find, but there is some. The oil serves as a decent accelerant and some of barrels contain fabrics that can be burnt. The problem is the number of bodies. There are 23 bodies, including Gillian. You can create 3 fires, and burn maybe a couple at a time, due to the small area and difficulty of keeping the fire going.
The work is hideous and disgusting, and the smell is overpowering. The thick black smoke produced by relying on oil and the wet smoke doesn't help either, as it sends three columns into the sky. It takes almost the entire day to finish the work.
(Remove all oil from your inventories, please.)
Finally, though, the last of bodies have been cremated and Gillian's ashes are cooling for you to collect. The evening draws near and there is an area of trees where Takashi found dry wood that is far enough from the attack site to allow for rest.
It is during ATACIUS's watch that he first hears the flapping of wings, high above, and then all of you are awakened by a thunderous screech and a responding croak equally as loud. The creature(s) must be out of ATACIUS's night/heat vision as he can't make anything out but either they are close or they are immense in their size, from the sounds of their wings and calls.
Fortunately, they do not seem interested in you, as they continue in the northeast direction, calling out once or twice more before you can't hear them again.
The rest of the night passes uneventfully. The next day dawns with a surprise... a sudden drop in temperature and snow falling.
12 Oct
ATACIUS: "As much as I'd like to find Apsuna's nest, I think we're not prepared to face this sudden change in the weather. I think we should go back to Skalfier, deliver the ashes and then plan our next move." he says rubbing his hands and blowing warm breath into them.
12 Oct
TAKASHI: "That sounds like a fine idea to me as well, ATACIUS. That, and I am sure that the bereaved would appreciate Gillian's remains as soon as possible as well."
12 Oct
GRAIAN: "Indeed, given the circumstances it would be better to head back to town."
13 Oct
CALLIN: "I agree. Let us finish our current mission before moving on to the next. Gillian needs to be returned to the Guild and then his family as quickly as possible."
14 Oct
Traveling to Skalfier - Fall 10, 56AD
The falling snow, this early in the Season of Harvest, is not unheard of, but it is unusual. Fortunately, it's also light, giving the ground a dusting that would be lovely, if not for the mud from the rain the day before. It is rather the cold that makes the journey back unpleasant. The wind doesn't help either.
Whether it was the cold, the snow or just the early morning that distracted you, but just as you are leaving the vicinity of the attack site, suddenly the horses rear back as you are surprised to see three figures in front of you. Two are clearly orcs, the third looks man-like, but more primitive, or bestial. You've never seen any human like this before, if it is human. One orc has fur robes, has obvious charms and necklaces of teeth, small skulls and beads and is bearing a staff with a skull head at the top. The other orc is dressed in chainmail armor, has a huge axe and a shield with what appears to be a red fist painted on it. The man-like being also is in fur robes and has a disturbing necklace of what appears to be shrunken heads and he is carrying an evil looking dagger.
"STOP!" the armored orc commands.
14 Oct
TAKASHI reins his horse and loosens his axe, getting ready for action if need be.
TAKASHI: "If you harbor ill intent towards us, I am warning you now that it will not end pleasantly for you. Speak if you will, or let us go on our way."
14 Oct
CALLIN will side up next to TAKASHI his had resting back on his Hammer.
15 Oct
ATACIUS will look aroud to see if there are more of this orcs trying to surround us. He's fascinated and terrified at the same time, heard of, but never seen one before.
15 Oct
GRAIAN: Looking at the group clearly he has to think carefully. The inhuman is an unknown but brute force may not be the best option, the real question for is whether Takashi or Callin can take down the magic user quickly.
15 Oct
GRAIAN: working on the principle that attack is the form of defence he casts Sleep on the group
15 Oct
As GRAIAN begins to weave and cast his Sleep spell, the man-being barks a warning and summons his own magicks - to counterspell! (See OOC for how we'll adjudicate this.)
16 Oct
The man-being barks and waves his dagger as Graian chants and weaves his hands to cast the spell. The air between the two shimmers with raw arcane power...
each.
heart.
beat.
seems.
to.
slow.
down.
and.
echo.
in.
your.
ears...
and then Graian slumps over and tumbles off his horse to the ground. The man-being yelps triumphantly and the armored orc and robed orc laugh. The armored orc raises his axe and shield and the other two raise their staves/weapons.
"SO!" the armored orc barks at you. "Anyone else wish to try? God will feast on your blood and entrails tonight if you dare oppose us!"
(OOC: The three are not attacking, which is why we're not in combat rounds yet. If you want to drop into rounds, let me know.)
16 Oct
CALLIN: "I am Adept CALLIN of the Light. Why do you order us to stop? We have no quarel with you unless you wish to make one. We only wish to pass on our way."
16 Oct
The armored orc points the tip of its axe at CALLIN. (He's within melee range but > 5 yards away, so the axe doesn't actually touch you.)
"I tell you to stop because I can." he intones. "I tell you to stop because God gives me the strength to do so. I tell you to stop because we seek the army who caused the great burning, but instead find you... and it." He points the axe tip at the unconcious GRAIAN and chuckles.
"So, are you the reason for the burning?"
16 Oct
TAKASHI: "We had to burn the dead from a caravan ambush that occurred a couple days ago. We performed their last rites (nods towards CALLIN), and then cremated their remains. There are no spoils here, as the bandits who did this foul work are long gone."
16 Oct
CALLIN: "Yes and as for the Elf or "IT" as you have refered to him. He is a bit young and foolish. He was obviously impressed and afraid of you, and he acted out of fear. Perhaps you could see this as a sign of respect? As I said before, we have no quarel with you, and only wish to pass in peace. We have honored our fallin, we have no need of this place anymore."
16 Oct
The robed/necklaced orc, upon hearing those words, begins to speak rapidly to the armored orc. The armored orc nods and then does something surprising, he swings his axe behind him and sheathes it. He barks out and much to your surprise, two hidden figures BEHIND you in the snow and conveniently used brush rise up, bows with arrows nocked. One is orc, one is another man-being. They both lower their arrows and release the taut bowstrings.
"Very well." the armored orc says in a gruff (and possibly disappointed?) voice. "You may leave. Know this. That I, Rocan-i-atin-Alik-catan, have spared you because God wishes for you to be spared. That someday my blade will drink of your life's blood and slay you for the glory of God, but not today." He stands there, arms now crossed, looking proud and defiant. The robed man-being hoots and grins, gibbering something that can't be understood.
16 Oct
CALLIN: "Thank you Rocan-i-atin-Alik-catan. You are a noble and Honorable." WIth that Callin will attempt to wake GRAIAN up and get him back on his mount. Or if he continues to sleep, simply throw him over his mount and lead him off. If he does wake up, I will tell him to relax and that all is peaceful, and to be quiet. (Don't need to start a fight here now)
16 Oct
It would take you about a minute to shake/smack/prod GRAIAN awake. If you don't want to spend that time, then yes, he can be the proverbial sack of potatos thrown over his mount and led away.
16 Oct
I'm going to go with sack of potatoes.....I don't want him to instigate something we can't deal with right now :D
16 Oct
TAKASHI nods as CALLIN slings GRAIAN over his shoulder, and then tosses him over his horse's posterior. TAKASHI will guide GRAIAN's mount until such time as he is capable of doing it himself, chuckling all the while. ;>
16 Oct
TAKASHI, as he leads GRAIAN's horse down the path, asks one last thing of the odd party.
TAKASHI: "Would you know the location of the bandits who did this? They attack in the night like slithering snakes and worms, and have no honor. We would like to avenge our fallen."
19 Oct
It is the robed orc who speaks in a whispering, sibilant voice, not the growl that the armored orc spoke in...
"To God, you all are bandits, lesser to be swept away. You are weak, all of you, those of you who gather in the walls of your wretched city, those of you who gather in your little castle, those of you who gather in mobs. God will see you dead or under the lash of the true rulers of these lands."
19 Oct
ATACIUS: "Yeah, yeah, that's all right I guess. Everyone goes sooner or later. I'd rater go later, ha!" (pause) "So, you don't happen to know anyone by the name Delmonte in the area? No? No problem, we'll find him somehow, thanks." (pause) "Then, you can be on your way now. Don't wait for us please. We'll be on ours soon. Gotta take care of... that.", his thumb pointing at Graian. "It's been a pleasure to meet you all and stay out of trouble fellows. We'll try to do the same." (grin)
19 Oct
The orcs and man-beings merely look at you, the ones behind you keep their arrows and bow together, but not nocked.
19 Oct
CALLIN will finish putting GRAIAN on his horse, then hand the reins to TAKASHI with a slight smile, then get on his horse and start making his way back to Skalfier
20 Oct
And with that, TAKASHI will begin heading back to Skalfier.
20 Oct
Traveling to Skalfier - Fall 10/11, 56AD
The figures of the orcs and man-beings can be seen on the horizon, watching you, until eventually you are too far away to see them. GRAIAN wakes up shortly after leaving the immediate vicinity of the orcs/man-beings.
The falling snow ends about mid-afternoon, having left a light dusting on the grass and scrub. The wind shifts direction and the temperature slightly warms, bringing fits of rain and frozen rain, alternating between the two. A campfire for the evening is a difficult task, but aside from the unpleasant weather, the night passes uneventfully.
Midday on the 11th day of Fall sees you reach the outskirts of Skalfier, just as the rain/snow ends. Many farmers are bringing in early harvests into Skalfier and two caravans are setting up for the travel north.
20 Oct
CALLIN: "Add Good morning GRAIAN! Nice of you to join us! Did you enjoy your nap?" Callin says trying hard not to chuckle.
20 Oct
"Oh, I can't believe you missed it all GRAIAN!" ATACIUS exclaims. "As soon as you fell asleep, CALLIN called in a pillar of light (casting motions) that, BAM!, burned the orc shaman to ashes! TAKASHI jumped from his saddle and smashed his axe (axe swinging motion), through shield, armor and bone, cutting the orcish warrior in half! I just let a couple of my daggers fly (throwing dagger motion) into the sockets of the archers, who were dead before hitting the ground. The remaining brute fled through the fields like possesed by a devil!" :D
20 Oct
TAKASHI laughs at CALLIN's and ATACIUS's good natured teasing of the now fully awake elf.
TAKASHI: "We were lucky your actions amused them, GRAIAN, and that the orcs took your slumber to be a sign from their profane gods. We may have been able to take them on our horses had you remained conscious, but the odds certainly didn't look very good after you dozed off. Very lucky indeed..."
20 Oct
GRAIAN: "Orcs, despise them" he spits "very strange that they did not attack though. Times are getting stranger, nothing can be counted on". Looking at Atacius with a slight smile "I can see I should take all your tales with a helthy dose of scepticism in future". Nodding to Takashi in acknowledgment of his wisdom he rides on in silence, lost in his thoughts.
21 Oct
ATACIUS: "Why? Too exaggerated? I think it'll get us some free drinks at the tavern!"
21 Oct
TAKASHI: "Well, let's be on our way, then. We should return the remains to the merchant's guild after stabling our horses."
21 Oct
Two of the boys from Tallow's stables who are at the town gate offer to take your horses to the stable. It is 1 gold crown per ten-day to stable the horses. He offers each of you a round disk with a number to identify yourselves and the horse. Assuming you release the horses to their care, you are allowed into the city. (Only official business or those with particular papers are allowed by the gate guards to enter the city mounted.)
Once at the Merchant's Guild hall, it is a busy midday with clerks bustling about and several working on books at the main desk in the Hall.
21 Oct
ATACIUS: "Excuse me, good sir." he addresses the first clerk he finds. "We're here to see Master Marceu. Please tell him the clean-up crew is back."
22 Oct
The first clerk you run into, apparently literally run into as he wasn't expecting someone shorter than him to be in his way, almost drops his papers and gives a yelp. He points brusquely at the clerks sitting at the biggest table, but continues on without a word.
22 Oct
ATACIUS approaches the biggest table and repeats what he just said.
22 Oct
The clerk looks up at you, nods, reaches to another smaller ledger and flips it open... then reflips through it, with a confused look on his face.
"Master... Marceau?" He flips through the book again.
"We don't seem to have a Guild Master or member by that name. Are you possibly looking for someone based out of another city?"
22 Oct
ATACIUS: "No, no, no, not Guild Master. Just, just call Marceau will you?"
"Wait, what do you mean no member by the name Marceau? We were here with him a couple of days ago. Then call Wesley, Leland or Urich. You got members by those names right?"
22 Oct
CALLIN: leans down and whispers into ATACIUS' ear "Little one, Remember Marceau is a Troubleshooter like ourselves, doing things the Guild proper doesn't recognize officially. In that regard, he is not a member. We should probably keep his name to ourselves when dealing with the Guild proper."
22 Oct
ATACIUS: "Oh..., sorry my mistake. Wesley, Leland or Urich please."
22 Oct
The clerk purses his lips, nods... "I'll send for Journeyman Wesley, then. Master Leland and Urich are available by appointment only." He motions and a clerk moves up, having been quietly standing behind the group of busy clerks. A whispered directive and the messenger moves quickly off and up the nearby stairs.
A few minutes pass and the messenger returns. "Follow me" he instructs.
You are taken up the stairs, around the corner, through hallways and doorways. It's very much a maze. Finally, you reach a door and the clerk knocks and opens it. Wesley is in a cramped office, with papers, scrolls, various jars and small chests, stacked precariously around him. A small crystal in the cieling reflects light into the room. Wesley nods to the clerk who closes the door behind you.
"Apologies for not having a place for you to rest." Wesley says. "I am assuming you are here with news of your task?"
22 Oct
TAKASHI: "Yes, it has been completed successfully, with a few interesting encounters as well. First of all, here are Gillian's remains, as promised."
22 Oct
Wesley takes the ashes and closes his eyes briefly for a moment, with a look of pain flickering across his face. He takes a deep breath and places the ashes carefully on his desk.
"Thank you. I am sure his family will be very grateful that his rites can be performed."
He sits forward, grabs a sheet of paper and a quill. "You said "interesting encounters"... nothing that you couldn't handle apparently, given that you all are still here."
22 Oct
TAKASHI: "On the way to the site, we encountered a stampeding flock of ground based birds being harried and fed upon by larger, flying birds. And by large, I mean very large. And one of them, we assume it was their elder and leader, actually spoke with us. A very illuminating discussion ensued, and we parted as familiar acquaintances, if not friends.
After our grisly task was completed and we began our trip back, we were surprised by a party of orcs and wildmen of significant power. We were able to avoid a confrontation and ensure that we made it back with the remains. However, orcs so close to Skalfier are not a good sign."
22 Oct
ATACIUS: "Bandits AND now orcs. Those two caravans preparing to go North are going to have a rough time..."
23 Oct
GRAIAN: "The Orcs and man-beast seem like an usual team, this does not bode well for the future, but they did let us go. I would not be sure that future encounters will be so. What are the plans for these two caravans?"
26 Oct
Wesley raises an eyebrow but only listens and writes down what you share with him. Once you're done, he speaks.
"Orcs have been seen around the area for awhile now. So far, they've not provided the city or caravans any problems, but as always, with orcs, one never knows. You say they were powerful? What gave you that impression? How did you avoid a confrontation? What did they want?"
27 Oct
CALLIN: "We only expect them to be powerful. Two seemed to posess some form of mystic talent, while the leader showed no fear dispite being on foot while we were mounted. In addition they had others with bows that hid so well that they could not be seen until they chose to reveal themselves. As for avoiding the confrontation, I simply stroked their Ego, letting them know we respected them as powerful beings. One of the mystics whispered to the leader and he let us go. Perhaps it is part of their Gods will. As for what they wanted, it seems they wanted to establish that they control the land we were passing. Almost like a bully. Perhaps they simply wish to spread the word of their existance."
27 Oct
TAKASHI: "They also mentioned seeing the smoke from our funeral pyres, and had come to investigate. They understood the need for us to take care of our dead, and I think that they feared the wrath of their god if they interefered with our duty."
27 Oct
Wesley writes down your answers and ponders for a moment. "You've mentioned Gods and their God a couple of times. I wasn't aware that orcs were religious. What did they say about their God or Gods? And what did they say about controlling the land? Were they expecting a toll or telling us we could not travel?"
27 Oct
GRAIAN: Quite happy nobody has mentioned his failed attempt to take control, keeps quiet and listens.
27 Oct
ATACIUS: Since nobody mentioned the details about the encounter with the talking bird, he keeps to himself.
27 Oct
CALLIN: "THey seem to worship some form of War God. They claimed that their God sees us cower in our cities and towers. That their God sees us all as bandits to be swept away. They requested no Toll. I think perhaps TAKASHI is correct in assuming that their God must honor those who perform last rites for the dead. I do fear that had we been on any other assignment, they would most certainly have attacked"
28 Oct
TAKASHI: "This is the first time I have ever encountered one of their kind, and though their appearance is feral and wild, I think it would be very unwise to underestimate their capability for planning and cunning.
On a seperate subject, are you aware of any ruins roughly NW of where the caravan was ambushed? We heard talk from a travelers on our way about such a place, but are not familiar with the area."
28 Oct
"Hm." Wesley frowns. "Unknown motives are hard to gauge and guard against. To answer your previous question, during Harvest, we often have a great many caravans going out to the Western Lands. Fish and collected farm goods. Two caravans would have many more guards and provide perhaps a bit more safety."
"Did you see any evidence that there were larger groups of Orcs or just these few?"
"I may have a sage look into the matter of an orc religion. It might help to foreshadow their next move. And I will ask about your question, I don't know the answer. There are a great number of ruins around the lands of Skalfier, it is an older area and what time hasn't taken away, the Doom probably did."
"You have done well, and I'm glad you have returned with yet more information on the goings-on outside the city walls. The mark of a good troubleshooter. Did you find any further evidence or clues to the bandits and their methods at the attack site?"
28 Oct
ATACIUS: "We didn't see any other Orcs besides the ones we told about. I don't think they were on foot and must have left their mounts nearby, out of sight. Smoke can be seen from miles away, so it's difficult to tell where they came from.
About the attack site, I don't recall any significant clue that can throw light on the bandit's tactics or numbers. "
29 Oct
Wesley nods. "I see. I was hoping you would find more clues, such as perhaps if there were other men who came to join the guards who betrayed the caravan. If so, where did they come from and where did they go after. This will help us to better prepare and perhaps flush them out where they live."
"Still, you have done us a great service. The sum of fifty gold will be awarded to each of you. You should take a few days to get yourselves settled and perhaps arrange for living accommodations if you choose to live in the city. When you wish to have more work, ask for me and we'll see what we have." Wesley writes out writs of payment for each of you and puts a wax seal on each.
29 Oct
GRAIAN: Thanking Wesley he takes the writ. Turning to the group "I will be heading to the Golden Coach for a while, I would like to see what is happening there. I can inquire if they have any rooms for you while I am there, I can at least get in and speak to the keeper."
29 Oct
ATACIUS also thanks Wesley and pouches the writ. "Where do we cash it?"
29 Oct
(OOC: The Guild is a "bank" as well, so you can see the bankers, which is where you would have been paid the last time you were rewarded by the Guild.)
29 Oct
TAKASHI: "Perhaps we should look for longer term accomodations than one of the local inns. Perhaps a local property might be for sale or offered on more generous terms for a longer period stay?
29 Oct
ATACIUS: "I like the way you think TAKASHI! Perhaps I can make some inquiries around town."
Turning to GRAIAN: "If you don't mind think I'm going with you. We have to keep the façade, right Lord Graian?"
31 Oct
GRAIAN: Smiling "Of course, naturally this has nothing at all to do with your business there. I like the idea of having our own place, but I do have to at least keep a room at the inn for a while".