October 29th finally arrives. Sharone completed her training to Perfect yesterday, and today Ayazin and Britan completed their training as well.
Today was an overcast and very warm day, but windy.
A year and three weeks ago a group of people were banded together by what they thought were a foursome of concerned merchants to clear a haunted house. That group went through many changes in the ensuing twelve months...but to celebrate the belated anniversary of that meeting, you gather tonight in the Inn of The Drunken Dwarf.
Only Illyana remains of the original party.
As it was that first day when they met here, the common room is busy tonight. Wenches bustle about carrying trays of ale and food to tables of patrons. You see several tables of mercenaries, some local merchants, and some traders as well. A table full of soldiers are eating and drinking boisterously. A solitary half elf leans against the bar. As well, you see Ming - with an atractive lady on each arm - sitting in a booth with a grey elf whom you recognise as none other than Lord Valdar of Dorian. They wave to you.
Suddenly the door leading outside is thrown open, and a man steps into the room. He wears leathers, mud-splattered and trail-worn. He has a banjo slung over his back, and wears a battered green cap. He is also clearly very drunk.
"Bostwick the Bard am I!" he cries, and you all turn to regard him. "I have big news from the South! Buy me lots to drink and I'll tell ye about it!"
"Typical for Ming." mutters the girl as she regards the half-elven mage with the two beautiful women.
A young tanned half-elf with brown hair looks up at the bard's entrance. He listens with a slight smile. He places his mug of Ale on the bar before him and spins the mug absentmindedly in his hands. He wears leather armor and at his side hangs a longsword in a worn leather scabbard. Over the back of his chair is strung a dark black wool cloak.
He speaks up and says, "Speak, Bostwick the Bard, I would hear this rather large news from the South." He smiles and motions to the bartender to serve the bard.
Britan looks at the Bard and says, "Yes Bostwick, let's hear your stories about the south and make it good. It has been a long time since I have heard a good story."
The bard smiles and heads for the bar.
"Yer a man after my own heart!" he says, taking the ale and drinking deeply. After awhile he surfaces and, looking around, says, "It's Mestom! They've invaded!"
The common room grows quiet.
Illyana tries to see if she can remember anything about Mestom. It has been a while since she's been here.
For that matter, she has never been to Mestom. She knows that it is a kingdom to the south of Nlad.
A young human man dressed in the robes of a mage looks up at the bard as if comming out of deep though..."Who's invaded and more importantly why?"
"Mestom! They've broken out of their borders and their armies are movin' east!"
The half-elf standing at the bar nearby says, "And after that, I would be willing to spin a tale or two..." He smiles merrily.
The human in plate armor looks over at the half-elf and says, "Do you dance too?"
The half-elf says, "I do card tricks as well. By the by, I am Tassier Perianth, adventurer extraordinaire." He gets up and bows and adds, "Currently seeking something new to do."
He turns to the bard and says, "Your story?"
"'Tain't no story, laddy!"
The human in plate pail stands and now you see the symbol of a Cavalier of Puke. Then he bows and says, "I am Britan of Puke, Cavalier, Explorer and I don't do card tricks."
With a smile he then sits back down.
Tassier says, "Oh well, I could teach you some."
Tassier says, "Tell us more of Mestom. What has happened from the battles? What cities have fallen? What are the armies composed of?"
"They've invaded the south lands, aiming for the coast," Bostwick replies, reaching for another beer. "Stoink is beseiged! It's probably fallen by now, for the news is at least a month old!"
Britan looks down at the ground and a little saddened and says, " Too bad we have other engagements to attend to, but life is like a bowl of prunes: all you ever get is the pits."
Tassier says, "Oh, what other plans?"
He pulls a deck of cards out of his pocket and says, "Let me show you a nice little card game called upchuck."
The half-elf in leather armor introduces himself. "I am Ayazin, son of Ayazin, druid of the Blackwood. Pleased to meet you both."
"Yes, tell us, good bard, more about this Mestom. I have heard it is an evil land, and this news coincides with troop movements in Nolthen. Two dark countries on the march does not bode well for any land."
"Aye, they're all evil in the south! Nolthen? What place is that?"
Humphrey says, "Mestom's invaded eh. Can't say it is that much of a surprise. Well I would like to go see my father and find out more."
For the first time you see no sign of a smile on Humphrey's face.
"Heh heh!" says Bostwick the bard. "He probably doesn't know himself, yet!"
"Aye," says Luthus the innkeeper. "Well, if Mestom has to go to war with someone then I'm glad it's Stoink an' not us! Stoink is as evil a place as there is, I hear. They can have it. Ruled by demons, it is!"
This causes a murmur to arise from the patrons in the common room.
"It is not ruled by demons," says Ming the magic user. "But it is an evil city, and a haven for the pirates that plague our shipping."
"I been to Stoink," says Bostwick. "I ain't never seen no demons, but that don't mean that they're not runnin' the place! All I know is that it has no real leaders 'cept for something called The High Council of City Interests, which as far as I could tell was nothin' more than a fancy name. The city is run down, its defences wuz fallin' down, and it's army almost nonexistent. They ain't got no allies t'speak of, an' they're isolated. Mestom'll be in control there, now."
"If Stoink is such a run-down hole, then why is anyone bothering to invade them?" asks Luthus.
"It has an excellent harbour," says Ming. "And Mestom does not have a port on the eastern ocean."
At this point you notice that someone else has entered the common room: a somewhat plain-looking woman, conservatively dressed.
The just-arrived woman goes over and touches Raz on the shoulder, then
whispers in his ear.
"Mestom has invaded some place called Stoink," Raz replies to her. "Haven't I seen you around the Guild before?"
Humphrey looks to the rest, "Well, I need to go see my father.
I will return
as quickly as I can."
The man leaves.
"Remember to get back quickly, McTavish is sitting on his behind waiting
for us!" Illyana calls to Humphrey's receding form.
"Yes how true how true, I can imagine they are wondering where we are
and
I am somewhat anxious to get back to the task at hand and complete
the
job." Britan says as he takes a healthy swig of ale.
Tassier says, "A job? Are you all in need of another companion
to help
you? I am currently between jobs and looking for some excitement."
"It is not technically a job. We are escorting a person back to
his
homeland. We can pick things up on the way, but we are not being
paid in
any official matter," replies a woman seated with the group.
"My name is
Illyana, and I am techincally in charge of this mess of people."
She
pauses. "The pay is whatever we stumble across, and the risks
are high
and can only increase. Are you sure you wish to risk it?"
Tassier smiles and says, "That sounds like a perfect situation and I
have little else to do right now. Besides, my last job paid very well,
so
I don't have too worry too much about finances right now."
Britan looks at Illyana and then Tassier and says, "You best not
have anything to do for a long time, because we don't come through
to
offten and that is only when several of the group need training. Plus
as
the lady said the stakes are large and always getting larger."
Tassier seems confused for a moment and then says, "Well, I don't really
care if we come back to Sandas at all. As for the stakes, I appreciate
the warning."
"We are going through a war. What can you do to prevent yourself
from
getting killed?"
Tassier says, "You can call me a Jack of all trades...I have dabbled
in
the mystical arts. In the army I served as a scout and learned the
arts
of stealth as well as swordmanship. And if all else falls, I am a pretty
fast runner."
He chuckles.
"Not what I was looking for. What I want to know is how willing
you are
to listen to orders. If you can't listen, then no matter how
good you are
you'll be killed."
Laughing, Beth says, "Is that a threat or a warning of danger?"
Illyana smiles. "More the latter. There are some thick headed
people
in this group, and they can easily get themselves killed during a war.
We can't go where we want to, so if someone gets cut off.."
Tassier says, "Then you should have asked that very question." He says,
"I had a stint in the army, so I know I can listen to orders. I have
before. However, your last statement doesn't sit well with me. I have
seen brown boot lieutenants lead willing soldiers to their deaths.
They
listened and they died. Of course, a good leader may make mistakes,
but
they will won't do foolish things."
"You misunderstand me. I *am* a soldier, nothing else. Yes,
I am a
woman, but I am also a soldier. I do not want to lead anyone
to their
deaths. I just don't want somene doing something stupid and getting
themselves cut off from us or captured, because there isn't a whole
lot
we can do about it. Neither side is our friend, so both are considered
enemies. We've got to be damned careful here. Our job is
to get
McTavish through alive. That means we have to live as well."
"Sounds sensible to me." He nods.
He sighs and says, "I can say this..I always work for the betterment
of
the group I am in. Teams survive, individuals can, but have a much
lower
chance of surviving. I like to survive, so I have always been a team
player.
I do believe in leadership as well...and will defer to it, but I can't
say I will follow blindly if that is what you are asking for with your
questions. I am not a lackey nor a foot soldier, but I am a team player."
"That is all I ask for."
Tassier seems to like the response and says, "Great, it sounds like
we
think alike on these matters, which should be good for the group."
Britan listens to Tassier but when he metions running he frowns, then leans forward and says, " We blast our foes with magic, we let them taste our steel BUT we never run!!"
"Semper Fi, bro! I won't run unless you do."
Tassier smiles.
Illyana stands a rather average 5'5" with long straight brown hair and
soft brown eyes. She is currently dressed in a stunning silk blue gown,
which is short sleeved and moderately cut along the chest. The
gown
extends down to around her ankles, and she is weaing matching blue
slippers. Her figure is well defined, and she appears to be rather
strong.. which possibly explains the large yet sheathed two handed
sword
sitting by her chair.
"You have, once or twice. Elizabeth Eastlake," the woman replies,
holding
her hand out to Raz. She is a human woman who looks to be in
her early
forties. She is of average height; she is slightly broader at
the shoudlers
and slightly thinner at the chest and hips than average. Her
face is open,
her brown eyes set apart, her nose slight. There are laugh lines
beside her
eyes, accompanied incogruously by a few stress wrinkles in her brow.
Her
black hair is wavy and slightly out of control. It hangs just
past her
shoulders, and is held out of her eyes by a hair clip.. There
are a few
strands of grey mixed in with the black. Her skin is white, but
somewhat
tanned. She's wearing a sleeveless forest green blouse, belted
at the
waist, and a pair of grey knickers. Over that, thrown open is
a maroon
cloak. There is about her the smell of cinnamon and other spices.
"I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage, now" she says to Raz, the
magic
user who answered her.
"I'm Raz," Raz replies.
In response to what Raz said of the discussion, the woman says, "Mestom
-- south of here? But where is Stoink? And what is the
talk of demons?"
"Hello, Beth," says Ming from where he sits with a woman on each arm.
"Still mucking around with Kad's crew in the Borderlands? Yes, Mestom
has
moved at last, if this bard is to be believed - "
"And I am at that!" says Bostwick the Bard, though he looks ready to pass out.
Beth shakes her head. "Kad's crew was falling apart last time
I checked.
A few among the number refused to follow him. Some admitted their
refusal, some denied their refusal, but did not waver in it. I left
in a
snit some three months ago because nobody in the group could get along
with anybody else, and everybody was resisting any effort to put the
group
back together. Myself, I couldn't take the bickering any more.
I fear
Ray Jay may need to either intervene in that group, or get somebody
else
to take out the Black Keep."
"That is very sad to hear," says Illyana as she hears news of the group.
"I had met Kadlian and a few of the others some months back.
They seemed
more together then. At least, far more than we were at the time."
"They were very together when I joined them," Beth says. "But
just before
then, and soon thereafter, they have had a couple of people killed,
and a
couple of others have left the group. The people who have come
in to
replace them -- they do not share the sense of mission that Kadlian
and
the original group had. The result has been a conflict of strong
personalities each of whom refuse to yield."
Sighing, Beth says, "It is very sad, indeed."
She looks back up at Illyana. "Does your group argue much?
Or have you
learned how to work together? I guess it has become a personal
project
of mine to find out if groups such as this can work together effectively."
"I'll be blunt about it. We aren't in a position in which we can
argue
over anything. To be truthful even with a central leader, things
can and
will get out of control. People are just too set in their ways
to
willingly back down on something. We can discuss this while the
others
train, if you like."
"Oh, I agree. I've seen parties argue, and I've seen parties argue.
I
would enjoy discussing this with you while the others train," Beth
says.
"I hear you speaking with Tassier here about a job," Beth says to
Illyana. "Would you be interested in having me travel with you
as well,
at least for a ways? I have been cooped up in Sandas for some
time, and
my parents are starting to drive me up the wall. You think they
could
leave a child of my age alone.... I have never seen the eastern
dwarvish
lands, and would love to. As Raz will tell you, I am a member
of the
mage's guild, a magic user of some small accomplishment."
"It should be possible, depending on how easy it is for us to transport
back. Having another mage would be most helpful."
Beth nods. "Count me in, then, at least for now. As for
transport -- if
worst comes to worst, I can make my own way back. It will be
some time
and experience before I can cast a teleport spell, but I still do know
how to walk -- and fly."
"As for following your orders," Beth continues, "I will agree to do
so.
Should it come to pass that I do not like the orders you give, rather
than
stay and rebel and tear your group apart, I will simply agree to part
company with you. That way, your taking me on should be a minimal
risk."
"I am not that hard headed. I base my decisions on common sense.
You
are free to disagree with me, just back it up with proof and not opinion.
I don't want or need blind lemmings following me. I am in charge
simply
because I can listen to people."
Beth smiles. "Sounds good," she says.
"Before I left, Kal had split with the group as well," Beth tells Ming.
"Of the original number, I think that only Kadlian, Hlarn, Sian, and
Kailar remain. At least, that was how things stood a few months
ago."
Elizabeth's eyes take a wistful, faraway look. "Poor Kadlian.
I hope he
can work things out with that group after all."
"Mestom has been in isolation for almost a year, since its emporer was
deposed by forces unknown," continues Ming. "Now, it sounds like its
armies
have marched on the City State of Stoink. Stoink is located some 400
miles
south of Nlad's southernmost extremity. It is a wild, chaotic place
and the
base of many of the pirates that harass our merchant ships. It is a
good
seaport, though, and Mestom does not have one on the Eastern seas.
Rumours
have it that Stoink is ruled by demons, but they are just stories I
think."
The woman in the maroon cloak moves over closer to the half elf who
had just
spoken. "You aren't with these people? Do you know more
of what the
discussion is about?"
"The discussion is fairly nonexistent, considering as the bard just
arrived and is rather drunk by now. What about this group are
you
asking?"
"Oh," Beth says, "just a friendly curiosity. Whenever a group
such as
yourself comes to the Druken Dwarf, you can be sure they have interesting
tales to tell. Whom are you escorating, and where are you taking
him or
her?"
"We are escorting a dwarf by the name of McTavish back to his homeland.
I forget the exact route we are taking, as McTavish leads the way.
We
returned to Sandas via magic to train." She pauses. "The
others did,
anyway. I returned to visit my friends and family.. but my father
is not
here." She smiles. "A new wardrobe never hurt things either."
The young half-elf is dressed in leather armor and wears a dark cloak.
At
his side is a longsword. His brown hair is cut short. He smiles
and bows
and says, "I am Tassier Perianth." Then he adds, "No, I was here
when
the Bard..." He points to a drunk human at the bar. "Came in telling
of
an invasion to the South."
A half-elf in leather armor greets Elizabeth. "I am Ayazin, son of
Ayazin, druid of the Blackwood. Pleased to meet you."
Sitting at the end of the table is a young, and attractive woman. Her
blonde hair is pulled back in a pony-tail. she is wearing a pale green
robe
and the symbol of Idun is proudly displayed at her breast.
" Greetings, Tassier," she turns her head, "And Elizabeth.
I am
Sharone, Perfect to the Goddess Idun. Sounds as tho' your group
needed the
strength of Idun to help direct their actions. Whilst we are not perfect
we
seem to succeed in working as one. "
She looks to her companions for assent.
" It would seem that the powers of evil are begining to get restless,
but I
need a further 2 weeks to complete my training at the temple. Can I
ask the
groups indulgence ? " Once again she looks around her companions.
"I don't mind," says Ayazin, "and it looks like we will be waiting for
Humphrey to return in any case. At least you, Sharone, had the good
grace to ask first."
Tassier says, "Well, now that the leadership thing has been discussed,
what now? Is there anything I should do to prepare for the journey
ahead?
I assume we are just waiting on several people to train, no? If that
is
the case, maybe I could see to gathering supplies for the group. How
will
we be travelling? By horse? If so, should we get a wagon? OH, you had
mentioned that a mage had brought you here. Hmm, does that mean a mage
will take you back?"
He seems eager to begin doing something.
"Pretty much everyone aside from me needs to train. We arrived
by spell, and we go back that way. We have a wagon. More like
we are using McTavish's wagon. If you want a horse you could
buy it on a town we are
passing through."
Britan looks around and says, "Nay. Pretty much everyone should be
trained. We have been here for over a month now and I know I have spent
four weeks training and we should be getting back to McTavish and Kelar
befor they think we have deserted them."
Tassier frowns and says, "Oh...I have a horse. I wonder if there if
this
mage can transport him as well. I would sorely miss him."
"The mage is Raz. Ask him yourself."
Beth looks over at Raz. "What method of transport do you use?" she asks him.
"We've been buying teleport scrolls off of Ray Jay," Raz replies with
a
glance at Farad.
"Ah," Beth says, knowingly. "Could I take a look at one of them?"
She
looks over at Tassier. "It may mean that it will be rather difficult
for
us to bring our horses. Teleport spells are limited in the amount
of
mass they can transport. Ray Jay is powerful, though -- it is
possible
that her scrolls may be able to transport all of us and a couple of
horses in one go. If not, it probably isn't worth expending extra
scrolls."
Raz hands her the scroll that he has. It is a teleport...cast at 27th
level.
Beth's eyes go wide. "Woah..." she says. She looks back
up at Tassier.
"I'm gonna have to think about this, because this was cast at several
orders of magnitude more experience than I have, but at a guess, we
will
be able to bring a couple of horses with us."
Tassier takes a look and gasps. "And a wagon or two, I imagine!"
"If you like," Beth continues, "I could show you the stables outside
the
place I rent a room in. I keep my own mare, Dope, there.
I am sure that
it wouldn't cost you too much to house your horse there in the mean
time,
if you haven't already arranged lodgings for him in Sandas."
Tassier says, "My horse is outside the city relaxing and running. She
gets bored in the stables. I am suppposed to meet her later today,
but I
do have a stable already researved. Thanks."
"Actually, most of us have already been training for the last month.
I
doubt if anyone beside Sharone needs to train any more. I myself need
to
do some shopping, though I doubt it will take two weeks. As long as
McTavish and Kelar don't mind, I'd like to explore Sandas a bit myself.
I've never ventured far from the Blackwood."
"I wonder what lies here in Sandas to see. Might be worth looking around
if we are going to be waiting 2 weeks."
Aldarin will head towards the Mages Guild and see if he can't pick up
a few spells.
About fifteen minutes after Humphrey leaves you hear horns blowing
outside, church bells ringing, and the sounds of marching feet.
Suddenly a platoon of the Baron's soldiers bursts into the room, led
by
a sergeant.
"Which one of you's the bard?" he asks.
"That one," says Luthus, pointing to Bostwick, who is now dozing by
the
bar. "What's happenin'?"
The soldiers go over to him, pick up Bostiwck, and carry him out the
door.
"The Kingdom's been invaded! Hork has fallen! Mestom has taken Dwardarf
and are swarming towards Sandas! And the Baron wants to interrogate
this
man, for he is a spy!"
They leave with the bard.
The grey elf with Ming cracks up.
"A little gossip goes a long way, it appears," he says.
"Gossip? I did not think the Baron was that suspicious."
Beth looks over at the grey elf. "Have we met?" she asks him.
"I do not think so," replies the grey elf. "I am Valdar. I swing by
this
way occasionally. The beer is very good."
"So I've heard," Beth says. "I am Elizabeth Eastlake, though most
people
tend to call me Beth. I am pleased to make your aquiantance,
Valdar."
"Is this for real? Or is this news... hyperbole?"
"Definitely hyperbole," Valdar says. "To take Hork they would have to
fight their way across half the kingdom. To take the Dwardarf they
would
either have to invade Aldacan or Dorian. We would have known about
it
long ago."
He pauses.
Ayazin scratches his head. "Wait, are you saying that this Mestom did
not invade after all? That it is all gossip and nothing more? I am
even
more confused now. Why would anyone start such a rumor?"
Tassier says, "I am sure they did invade...but it couldn't have gone
as
far as the soldier said."
Valdar shrugs.
"People have pondered that for ages I imagine. Things get blown out
of
proportion. Perhaps someone overheard Humphrey telling his father what
the bard said...or perhaps Humphrey did not understand what the bard
said in the first place," says the elf. "But as for the invasion of
Nlad, I am sure that it has not happened yet."
"You should not believe everything a bard says. There are far
more
reliable sources around, like wizards with scrying abilities.
Bards tell
tales, and it is up to the ister to decide whether or not they are
true."
"I was planning on asking Ray Jay if he knew of anything. I didn't
think an invasion was that easy."
"Isn't Ray Jay a she?" Beth asks.
"I forget."
"In that case, we probably don't need to worry about doing anything
about
it immediately ourselves," Beth says.
"I wonder what Humphrey told his father..?"
"Why did he run off?"
Ayazin grabs his head. "Marching armies, pillaging hordes, burning
fields and rivers running with blood! War is not good for the
environment! My friends, we must act to put a stop to this war at once.
And yet, McTavish and Kelar wait for us in Nolthen, Sharone needs to
train and Humphrey has vanished without a trace. I am overwhelmed,
my
good companions -- what should we do?"
"Calm down, for starters," says Valdar with a chuckle.
"The -- what, eight? of us could hardly stop an army," Beth says,
grimly. "Still, if Sandas is to be attacked, we might assist
in its
defense. We need more information about the situation at hand
before we
can decide a wise course of action."
"Dwardarf wouldn't be McTavish's homeland, would it? If so, I'm
sure he
would want to know what we've heard as soon as possible. If he
doesn't
know already."
"Oh, fine, har-de-har. I suppose if I were landed gentry like yourself
I'd be laughing too, after all, it's someone else's land being stomped
on, right? Well, sorry, it's just that we druids feel like we have
more
responsibilities than most, so pardon me all to Gehenna for causing
a
bit of a scene."
"You misunderstand," says Valdar, turning serious. "To get to Nlad they
would have to trample through some of my lands...namely Dorian. That
has
not happened. And as for all of your responsibilities," he continues,
taking one of his dreaded cream pies out of his knapsack and stuffing
it
in Ayazin's face, "Lighten up!"
"Mmmmphrgl," says Ayazin. Then, tasting the pie, he says, "Mmm, organic
dairy. Delicious!" Never one to waste a good pie, he finds a seat and
chows down, feeling much lighter indeed.