Southern Comfort OOC

[mattie_p]

I am honestly fascinated. It is a little reminiscent of FR, but nothing as over the top as that. I'm into it, just glad that Grath hasn't been possessed yet by a voice of a god.

...

Please do not take this as permission to possess Grath with a god, unless you really feel the need. Also, Grath might not share his thoughts (their thoughts?) as freely as everyone else has.

[AshesOfOld]

Wow. Just wow. From someone who can't remember from his nose to his feet, I am very impressed. And slightly frightened.

And aww, I liked having my own What-would-Loki-do?tm, although it wasn't exactly reliable.

[Marlowe]

He was becoming too convenient a plot device, and his presence was raising awkward questions for me. Besides, I never found a consistant voice for him that I was happy with. Should be using Dardiana's fey more, though she'd know a lot less.

I don't think I'm going to have Kord possess Grath （I think he's armwrestling Heimdall on Bifrost currently. He seems like the sort to get on with the Asgardians). I had (have) some thoughts about that axe, but they'll only become important if something really bad happens.

I was terrified Grath would knock over that altar he found in the dark corridor. That would have been Bad. Ghostbusters Bad.

[mattie_p]

Grath is kinda scared of stuff he doesn't understand. He ran to the nearest source of information available. Once he gets a concept he is all over it. Like jumping on the purple tiles.

He's an everyday average ordinary guy.

Although I was tempted to pick it up and carry it along and show it off... Somehow Grath restrained himself.

[mattie_p]

"My lieutenant--my senior Cleric-- is the one who shut this place down and installed the interloper, who appears to be rapidly acquiring more names than the average minor diety.

I love it! People or gods who react to what people do and say? Better and better. Never quit, Marlowe, never quit!

[Marlowe]

Aw shucks.

Now, not to rush anyone, but we need a "yes" vote from either Gregor, Delphi, or Horbin.

[u-b]

Gregor's vote: "abstain". He's fine either way, and considers considers choosing which one not a part of his business.

[Linguz]

Oh you. Choosing to use latin for the god's magic words.

[Marlowe]

It was going to be German, but "Dunkelkeit" is a lot less cool than "Tenebrarum", and I've already got "Dunkelrot" being a horrible pun on "Maroon".

Oh, and Grath is reliably hilarious.

[Linguz]

Agreed. He brings a smile to my face.

[mattie_p]

I do try. My wife actually suggested Azkaban as our foe's new name. Simple matter work in the word prisoner.

[Marlowe]

"Sir Midnight Captain Lady" was thinking of revealing his real name, but it's funnier this way. For all concerned.

[mattie_p]

Yeah, don't do that. I need more time to screw up the name we do have.

[u-b]

"Gregor, we've been moving since the predawn encounter with the skeletons. We only got to this place at dusk. Everyone here's been moving or fighting for the last eighteen hours."
Well, must have lost the track of time... how much have we spent inside so far?

[Marlowe]

Bethlen may be exaggerating, but you were going for 12 hours before you got in here, you as a group are well past time for a rest.

Also, damn me for using spoiler tags. We're going to waste 2 pages sorting this mess out, right?

Who says we should just read everyone's spoiler and rely on you guys keeping OOC and IC separate?

[Linguz]

Dardiana doesn't speak to it for long, so it shouldn't take too long. I prefer things that are for a single character spoilered, though.

[stanleyindraven]

when it is spoilered and not for me i just pass it by making it quicker for me to respond to what entails my character, but when i am reformatting it to a story they slow me down, but not by much.

[Linguz]

Do we choose our own food?

[AshesOfOld]

I like the way things are. I skim through other peoples' spoilers and try my best not to play on them.

[AshesOfOld]

Hmm, I think I may have gone a bit too far with Thorwald's last post.
Here's to not getting murdered :smallsmile:.

[Marlowe]

Personally, I'm finding Thorwald's utter obtuseness quite funny. Especially compared with the perceptive shown by some other characters who would normally not be expected to show such awareness.

However; and not spoiling anything, a fight between Thorwald and Bethlen ends two ways:

1, Bethlen wins. Great, we're out our Cleric.

2, Thorwald wins. This means Gretchen's dead as well. Great. Now Trammelburgh hates you, Ashdown hates you, Bethlen's party hates you, The Administrate hates you. And some other things happen. Basically, with this scenario, expect superpowered death squads on your tail very soon.

Or...we can just treat this as a spat between two people with very different ways of getting along.

[mattie_p]

Or...we can just treat this as a spat between two people with very different ways of getting along.

I vote for this. And that they kiss and make up afterwards.

[Marlowe]

I vote for this. And that they kiss and make up afterwards.

I think she'd much rather have Grath spank her.:smalleek:

[AshesOfOld]

I'm glad you do! So do I. I'm amazed that he hasn't been killed so far - I chalk it down to his fantastic charisma :smallbiggrin:.
You know studies have shown that it's a lot harder to kill good-looking people? Guess it goes for imaginary ones too.

[stanleyindraven]

lol, well that and he adds a little spark to the party. I do think it funny that we have gotten this far along with only minor tiffs. My RL group usually has one guy that starts conflict in every game with the other PCs, glad it isnt that way here.

[Marlowe]

I wonder how Korgoth is getting on.

Actually, no I don't. I know exactly where he is.:smallwink:

I haven't seen much from Ragged in a while. I won't say I wrote this sequence to please her, because most of it was always going to happen saving some really unexpected PC behaviour (This particular room I dreamt up about 5 minutes after the recruiting thread got posted. The Diety actually turning up was one thing I hadn't counted on. But the business of dropping dark hints to various PCs simple wasn't working), but I was looking forward to seeing how Delphi reacts to all this.

[RaggedAngel]

I wonder how Korgoth is getting on.

Actually, no I don't. I know exactly where he is.:smallwink:

I haven't seen much from Ragged in a while. I won't say I wrote this sequence to please her, because most of it was always going to happen saving some really unexpected PC behaviour (This particular room I dreamt up about 5 minutes after the recruiting thread got posted. The Diety actually turning up was one thing I hadn't counted on. But the business of dropping dark hints to various PCs simple wasn't working), but I was looking forward to seeing how Delphi reacts to all this.

Crap, I was scanning and saw my name. That means I have to come clean.

I am bleeding from my eyes with work right now, and in a few days it may not be metaphorical anymore. This is by and far my fastest-moving game; most of my other ones see one or two posts a day, which is totally manageable. This game, however, is fantastically fast-paced; and believe me, I would have killed for a game like this over the summer. Dozens of characters, NPC and PC alike, complex plots, active gods, lots of combat; this game is awesome.

It's also just not something I can handle right now. I haven't been able to handle it for a while, really; look at the quality and frequency of my posts here compared to the quality and frequency of my posts in my other games. I'm ashamed, really, and it sucks most of all because I love Delphi, and I love this game. I hate my inability to contribute more than I love playing her, though. I constantly feel bad about it, and with all the things I have to do on a daily basis it's just another rock in my guilt-backpack.

I want to keep playing, but I just can't. At this point, I'd need to reread the entire thread to actually get what's going on right now; skimming this thread once a day means that I have no idea what's happening. And if I caught back up, I'd fall behind again.

...can you forgive me?

[Marlowe]

We could just take a break for a bit until you can catch up. I don't want you gone.

I realise you have a demanding job, so I don't want this to become a chore for you, but I want you part of this as well.

[Linguz]

There's no crying icon...

http://s12.postimage.org/u9kd2oahl/Crying.png

That's what would happen if you left the game. I'm all for pausing the game until you are able to catch up and slowing down if we need to.

[Marlowe]

We're at a stage where everyone's just sitting around and getting down to getting drunk. Except for Horbin, who's already asleep. It's the perfect time for a breather episode where nothing happens except some plot-unessential roleplay.

I'm working under the basis that Delphi's hit a Heroic BSOD, and that nobody's noticed yet because of all...the other stuff.

Although, just a warning. The sluttier the PCs act, the sluttier the NPCs are going to act, until the final BBEG probably winds up as this guy (http://akio.ohtori.nu/)

[Marlowe]

Well, today I almost got mobbed to death and chased by Chinese 4th-graders. I'm good.

I don't have the hardest job in the world, but I might have one of the most surreal.

Is worrying about RaggedAngel, and trying to figure out how Bethlen's armour actually works. Or at least, where her underwear goes. Well, trying not to think about that really.

[Marlowe]

Sorry for not checking character sheets (or indeed, the swim skill).

Anyway. Orc and Elf in the pool. Bethlen's by the sides dangling her legs in. Taking bets on which one's about to pull her in by her ankle.

[Linguz]

Dardiana's a bit indisposed at the moment. She's floating.

[RaggedAngel]

Dardiana's a bit indisposed at the moment. She's floating.


Sorry for not checking character sheets (or indeed, the swim skill).

Anyway. Orc and Elf in the pool. Bethlen's by the sides dangling her legs in. Taking bets on which one's about to pull her in by her ankle.

I really actually have no idea what's happening, so that was funny to see.


If someone can compile the long-format story posts, I can do my very best to read those this weekend.

[Marlowe]

Uh...excuse me for being stupid. Which are the "long-format story posts", mine?

Strikingly little has happened really, considering the fuss. "Lady Captain Darkness Citykiller" or whatever (this business of them giving up their Human names when they stopped being Human probably made sense at the time, but they've probably regretted it a lot since) banished Loki from the place and then moved everyone to someplace safe and comfortable, then disappeared.

thorwald and Bethlen had a spat, broken up by Grath. Currently, Horbin's asleep, Gretchen is looking at Half-Orc porn, Bethlen, Grath, and Dardiana have stripped off and are in or around the pool, and everyone's relaxing.

[mattie_p]

I think she means stanlyindraven's summary posts.

[stanleyindraven]

to date the story post only leads up to tramelburg, i am in the middle of editing the trammelburg ordeal now, so it is quite a ways off from where we are.

[mattie_p]

I'm staying out of your thread, Marlowe, but I can't deny I'm curious.

[Marlowe]

Let's hope Ragged gets back up on her feet soon. That's all I can say.

[mattie_p]

True, I'd miss her presence. Ragged, what do you do, by the way? Marlowe seems to know, but if you mentioned it here I seem to have missed it.

[Marlowe]

One thing posting that done is brought home to me how dated my allowed sources are. Well, they're what I have, and up until two weeks ago I didn't have access even to them.

Another thing is how stunningly blase people are about assuming that PCs can just wander round attacking and killing anyone that seems suspicious and not get into horrible trouble.:smalleek:

[mattie_p]

When the city guard walks up to arrest/kill them, the PCs just kill the city guard? I don't see the problem :smallbiggrin:

[Marlowe]

Yeaaahh...there's parts of this world you could get away that. Assuming you ran like hell afterwards. Ashdown's not one of them.

[mattie_p]

That just means we're not high enough level to get away with it.

[Marlowe]

Although, I'm making everyone fairly pleasant to you currently (Bethlen just has a temper and a not-very-diplomatic personality, and you first encountered her while she was under a lot of stress) and you haven't done anything wrong, so not an issue as now.

I missed it before but I love it when Stanley describes Trammelburgh as "an ordeal". Yes, Horbin suffered so much at Trammelburgh.:smallbiggrin:

Love to hear what your proofreader has to say about that entire sequence.

[stanleyindraven]

it will be a trip, luckily we are not writing erotic stories, i gave that up ages ago.


Oh, and just for an fyi: will we get roleplay xp before leaving in the "morning"?

[Marlowe]

Oh, and just for an fyi: will we get roleplay xp before leaving in the "morning"?

For GOING TO SLEEP?:smalleek:

[mattie_p]

If you don't mind, we'll fade to black again. Grath spanks Bethlen, they have some fun, they catch some z's. I'm not going to write a scene like Ragged Angel did, my talents don't particularly lie in that way.

[RaggedAngel]

If you don't mind, we'll fade to black again. Grath spanks Bethlen, they have some fun, they catch some z's. I'm not going to write a scene like Ragged Angel did, my talents don't particularly lie in that way.

C'mon, you know you want to.

[stanleyindraven]

You know I am not the only one there. And there was the confrontation with a god, lol.

[Linguz]

If you don't mind, we'll fade to black again. Grath spanks Bethlen, they have some fun, they catch some z's. I'm not going to write a scene like Ragged Angel did, my talents don't particularly lie in that way.

But I do mind. Ragged, get up to date so we can go have our own corner T-T pwease?

[RaggedAngel]

But I do mind. Ragged, get up to date so we can go have our own corner T-T pwease?

Trying! I'm getting yelled at by various bosses for missing three days last week, and it's made me avoid the internet a bit more than normal. Just a lot of angst being thrown my way. :smallfrown:

[Linguz]

As Mattie asked a few days ago, what is it that you do?

[mattie_p]

C'mon, you know you want to.

Besides, Marlowe already identified Bethlen as the one to write erotic fiction.

[Marlowe]

About Gods. I could be fairly accused of overdoing the general weirdness of anything to do with the Administrate.

Oh, Grathlen fades to black.

Sorry you're having a bad time Ragged. We hope to have you back soon so I don't have to have Gretchen cause some sort of scene.

I really, really want to be able to have a shower.

As I already Pmed Ragged, first they cut off my electricity without warning (this is normal in China) then they performed some unnecessary maintainance on the building plumbing that leaves me and everyone else in the apartment building unable to use the shower for two days. I'm washing myself out of a basin.

[mattie_p]

Also, I can't believe Bethlen is still calling him Kutcher. We're on like the second name beyond that now, and another one to be introduced shortly.

Also, you skipped over part of the dungeon because you didn't map that part, right? :smallamused:

[stanleyindraven]

i mean we also asked for it. i thought it would be a little easier to jump past at least a few rooms that might end up taking a while like the reversing gravity with spikes one.

[Marlowe]

And because the team's plainly had enough with the changing-gravity/constant illusion games. Enough is enough. I had some plans for what's been skipped over that I now will not be using.

They'll be saved up for something else.:smallamused:

You all deserve something more visceral at this point, the plot needed to move on, and I had to get rid of that idiot Loki and let the Administrate pantheon show a part of its hand.

Also, Bethlen is favouring "Kutcher" because it's a dirty joke to her. One I won't be explaining because I don't want to get banned.

[mattie_p]

Fair enough. On a completely unrelated note, I'm using the alt.giantitp site now, I can't reach the www. site. Hurricane related nonsense?

[Marlowe]

Internet here as going about as well as could be expected.

Incidentally, does Grath have any questions for Bethlen while they're...occupied? Really don't want to disturb the sanctity of the black curtains, but I can give the answers OOC.

[stanleyindraven]

No one has questions for anyone! lol. well Ragged, let us know what is up, I am ready to get to some serious RP/Butt kicking.

[mattie_p]

Yeah, I spent the last day thinking of something to ask in character, I got nothing. Unless I want to re-read 38 pages, which, like Ragged, I don't have time to do.

[RaggedAngel]

Yeah, I spent the last day thinking of something to ask in character, I got nothing. Unless I want to re-read 38 pages, which, like Ragged, I don't have time to do.

Bluh. I tried and failed last weekend, and during the workweek it's next to impossible justifying it to myself while I have so much to do. If I was just caught up with things I have enough time to post (sorta), but I'm not. It's very frustrating.

[Marlowe]

As you wish. Bethlen is assuming that Grath knows some things that he doesn't, because it hasn't been passed on by other party members.

But she's been talking a blue streak lately, far more than any NPC should, so fair enough.

And Thorwald's a prude? Hilarious.:smallbiggrin:

[AshesOfOld]

Right? :smallsmile: Though, probably not really. He just really doesn't like her. And is maybe a little lonely.

[Marlowe]

A situation that isn't going to change anytime soon, I suspect.

Though I'll try to make other arrangements that I suspect he'll mess up.:smallsmile:

[mattie_p]

I dunno, Gretchen looks kinda lonely....

Then again, as loose as the NPCs seem on this campaign, you might want to hold out for better.

[Marlowe]

I was going to have Larissa Lasalle (the high-horned, black-skinned, yellow-eyed Tiefling Lieutenant of Trammelburgh, for those who've forgotten) make a comment on Gretchen's introduction that "She has a long and fascinating backstory that I've no doubt you'll all ignore completely". But I refrained.

Then again, she's only here because Gregor asked for a guide and because she was too proud to not go in with you. She's disobeying orders to be here.

[mattie_p]

It is always good to disobey orders to do something. Like, for example, disobey orders to evacuate in order to watch your house get flooded.

In other news, my parents have electricity back, after 4 days outage due to Sandy. How is everyone else doing?

[AshesOfOld]

That is both exciting and scary. In Denmark nature is pretty timid, so we rarely experience anything remotely stressful.

I've had a decent weekend, thank you. My girlfriend's been out of town, so I've degenerated into something resembling mold, on my bed, playing Diablo 3 for about six hours a day. It's good to be the king :smallsmile:.

[Marlowe]

Getting very tempted to bump the IC thread just so it doesn't get lost, but I don't want to move into action until Ragged's back online. And Mattie has his utilities back.

Is it bad of me to want to see what happens when Dardiana gets sloshed?

[Linguz]

Yes, because I've never gotten drunk and have no idea how to have her act. But if it does happen, she's likely to just sleep everywhere. Or want to have sex everywhere. One of the two. She has a high tolerance, though.

[Marlowe]

A Fey-blooded Elf would be. Remember, I wanted to have your Fey give Dardiana appalling poor advice in these situations.

Then I completely forget by the time things got started.:smallmad:

My characters, when drunk, start to give slurred incoherant plot synopsis of various, already extremely complicated 90s anime (if male) or just plain hit on the barmaid using military terminology repurposed as pick-up lines (if female).

I broke a DM that way once.:smalleek:

[Linguz]

Never too late to start. But Dardiana is likely to get drunk here, seeing as she has infinite wine.

[mattie_p]

My apologies for being unclear, if I was.

I didn't lose power, trees, furniture, or anything due to Hurricane Sandy. I live (with my wife and kids) outside of the affected area. My parents and brother lost power for 4 days, and lost a tree (which did no property damage), but are otherwise fine.

I do have an uncle and some cousins who live almost on the coast of NY, and were significantly impacted. Two lost their finished basements, one of which is going to lose their carpet on the first floor. Another lost their entire first floor, and may have their house totalled. But for my family the only impact is property damage.

Others were not so lucky, and did not evacuate when they could, which is tragic.

[Marlowe]

Oof. There was one occasion, 5 min before starting class for the day in Boryeong, Korea, when I suddenly got a text message from my mother saying that the city where most of my extended family live was being struck by a massive earthquake.

My teaching for the rest of the working day was a little more tense than usual, since I had no time between classes to check for more details.

It was only when walking home that I got the message that my 90-year old grandmother, elder sister, uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews and nieces had got through uninjured. Although one cousin had decided to run off to Dunedin (the next city south, maybe 3hrs away) with her family, because having her children walk past dead bodies in the streets wasn't something she wanted.

[AshesOfOld]

I can't imagine how awful that must have been.
I've never experienced anything remotely similar. I did bicycle home drunk through a snowstorm once, though :smallsmile:. Pretty stupid in retrospect, when you actually can't see the road in front of you. Or tell what's road and what's sidewalk.

[mattie_p]

Actually, Ashes, the problem isn't that you as the bike rider couldn't tell the difference, the problem was that the car drivers couldn't tell the difference. :smallwink:

[Marlowe]

Just to avoid killing the buzz, the link (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=247185&page=8) to why I shouldn't play a female Bard.

I wasn't doing it to troll, I swear.

[AshesOfOld]

@mattie: That is an excellent point. I still wonder how the hell I made it home alive that night. Didn't fall, though, which was pretty amazing in itself.

@Inex: Hopefully I'm not offending anyone you guys know personally, but after reading that thread, the DM sounds like a scrunged up thirteen-year-old girl, whose parents are both nursery nurses and/or economists. Jeez.

[stanleyindraven]

well, i have done many a stupid things to risk my life, most of which involve alcohol, poisoning, or picking fights with groups of people that are bigger than me. so yeah, outside of that getting hit by a car while on a bike, dragged under a truck, car surfing and everclear are my worst moments, and personal tragedy in the family has essentially stopped since i was 7 so no biggies there.

[Marlowe]

@Inex: Hopefully I'm not offending anyone you guys know personally, but after reading that thread, the DM sounds like a scrunged up thirteen-year-old girl, whose parents are both nursery nurses and/or economists. Jeez.

Oddly enough, my mother is a nurse (elderly caregiver rather than nursery) at 74. She also chops her own firewood.

Inex?

The only adventure we got through involved us facing down a mad sorceror. For some reason all the melee fighters lost the plot and wandered off looking for loot before we met him, so it was my crossbow-wielding bard and the hand crossbow wielding rogue that actually cornered him.

Of course he turned out to have Protection from Arrows on (on a low-level sorceror who might have had 1 level 2 spell. :smallconfused:) The Orc Barbarian turned up in time to punch him out.:smallannoyed: (he can cast level 2s...chooses Protection From Arrows as his only level 2 spell...and he goes down to a 7hp punch. Right ).

The person who got the most experience from this was the Fighter who wandered off, set off a trap, and turned up too late to participate in any of the combats.

[AshesOfOld]

@Marlowe: Forgive me, I'm juggling DM's at the moment and last night I was really tired.

Sounds like a glorious adventure. Truly the stuff that legend is made of.
And your mom sounds awesome :smallamused:.

[mattie_p]

Marlowe, I know that in real life you teach English to Chinese students, so I figured you can RP Bethlen teaching Common to Grath. If it is too much like your real-life work we can skip it. But since I'm planning to have Grath pick up a level of fighter for the bonus feat next level, I need a legit reason to get literate, rather than A Wizard Did It.

[stanleyindraven]

well, literacy doesnt come with the class after first. you have to pick up a rank or two in the language department to gain literacy. that is how ive always played it anyhow

[Linguz]

According to RAW, you can spontaneously take levels in bard and put all your ranks in History and suddenly know a ton of history. And also according to RAW, you don't need to take ranks in it if you take any class that has literacy.

[Marlowe]

I've been mulling over what sort of alphabet Common actually has. English suffers, of course, by being stuck with the Latin Alphabet, which evolved to suit a language with fewer phonemes. Thus we're stuck with nonsense like using a 2-letter combo for both the Voiced and Unvoiced dental fricative ("TH") instead of having 2 separate symbols for both.

Now I'm wondering if "Grath" is 4 symbols or 5. And how Thorwald says his name. For some reason they don't tend to let the Foreign Teacher teach phonics and spelling much in Asia. Not that I can't.

EDIT: And that's true. Literacy comes automatically with a class level that isn't illiterate. You could take a Wizard level next and there'd be no game problems.

Bethlen would be quite prepared to help you. She's subdued right now, and she's not a natural teacher, but she'd certainly help. But notice that her Administrate letters tend to have a certain spiky and minimalist look compared with how people on the continent write. I mentioned Augsburger Initial before. Check up that font, imagine it includes lower-case (does Common even have lower-case), that's sort of how Administrate people write.

[Linguz]

I always use the language that the game is being played in, since everyone knows it.

Also, I always pronounced the 'th' in Bethlen and Grath.

[Marlowe]

But do you say it voiced; "THere", or unvoiced; "THank"?

[mattie_p]

well, literacy doesnt come with the class after first. you have to pick up a rank or two in the language department to gain literacy. that is how ive always played it anyhow

Characters who pick up a level in barbarian don't become illiterate, but there are very few restrictions on what is picked up when a character multiclasses. PHB p60 lists only 4 things which are not gained. Those are:

* Maximum hit points from the first Hit Die.
* Quadruple the per-level skill points.
* Starting equipment.
* Starting gold.

EDIT: Grath is unvoiced. Ashes will have to speak for Thorwald. (I always imagined his as unvoiced as well, but that's up to him).

[Marlowe]

I'm always confused by what's supposed to happen with Saves, frankly. Does a Fighter who takes a Barbarian level get to instantly add +2 to his Fort? In my local group back home we say no, but nobody's pointed out why.

EDIT: BeTHlen is unvoiced as well, which is why she's using that as a reference point. I always think of THorwald as being a hard "T" sound, but that's just the way English names work. Except for "Theodore".

Discussing Bethlen's name opens a whole new can of worms because her name is historical; I just switched the order. Gabriel Bethlen aka Bethlen Gabor was a 17th century Transylvanian ruler. And I have no idea how her name would be said in that person's native Hungarian. The only thing I can say in Hungarian is "My God, you're an idiot".

And I was scared for a while that someone would google her name, see "Transylvania", assume she was a vampire.:smallsmile:

[mattie_p]

According to RAW, yes. However, there are optional rules in Unearthed Arcana for fractional save bonuses and fractional BAB, which I use when I DM.

EDIT: Hadn't thought about that (Torwald), I just saw "THOR" and added "Wald". Also, Wald or Walt? Pronunciation of written names is HARD.

DOUBLE EDIT: Augsburger Initials: Fancy! What font does everyone else use? Times new roman? I think it will be hilarious if Grath becomes literate, but thinks everyone else is illiterate and writes wrong because of the font was taught to write in. That is so happening.

[Marlowe]

I always hear his name in my head as "Torvalt", which is why I get the spelling wrong sometimes.

Unrelated issue, why does Grath want a Fighter level?:smallconfused:

[mattie_p]

Grath would pick up a level of fighter to pick up an extra feat sooner than he would as a straight barbarian.

I want to pick up Extra Rage, so I can do more than 1 fight a day enraged (normally barbarians pick up one more rage per day at level 4), as well as Improved Bull Rush, so he can tackle the living daylights out of something without provoking an Attack of Opportunity.

Incidentally, do you consider classes to be like guilds, or meta-game constructs?

[Marlowe]

The latter, definately. Taking a Fighter level just means Grath is trying to become more "disciplined" in his fighting style.

IF Delphi had decided to become a Cleric of The Empress of Midnight though, THAT would have caused some political issues (mostly because that would technically make Bethlen's party her senior officers, although I suspect they'd be too busy laughing to enforce it).

And out of interest, what was in the book, dedicated to Bethlen by Lotus Cadenza, that Marn Ortul pulled out of her mule's saddlebag way back then?

Well, basically this:
"The first page reads:
Maeve put her back to the wall, her bodice heaving in a moonlit majesty of silk, leather, studs and perfumed, lubricative, oils. He could not find her here. He could not! Or else-

The window to her left shattered in a convenient fashion, and through he stepped. His marble features glimmering in the torch light, the sparkles on his skin twinkling like stars.

"No!", she screamed. While her heaving costumage whispered oh hell yes. "No, you can't! Just because we're not blood-siblings-"

He tore the mask off with a jerk. "Beryl", he said. "This is just stupid! It's not working for me at all.""

It continues in this way for the entire book. One fantasy involves the couple killing themselves in a pistol duel on a blasted heath over a disagreement about coffee. Another involves then poisoning each other over a hiccup in the mail system. Yet another ends with the phrase "here's your hankerchief, Othello!".

Lotus's dedication read essentially "So you don't get bored and do something lacking charisma. xxxoooxxooxxxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox".

What? It's an old plot point that died with Marn Ortul's PC status.

[mattie_p]

The latter, definately. Taking a Fighter level just means Grath is trying to become more "disciplined" in his fighting style.

Disciplined in that he gets extra rage and improved bull rush. Got it. :smallwink:

Is that a sample of the slash-fiction the empress of midnight was going on about?

[Marlowe]

Why sir, I am shocked, shocked I tell you, that you imply that playing the game by the rules makes no logical sense at all.

Extra Rage and Improved Bullrush could be interpreted as having more control of your own inner turmoil, and thus translate to self-discipline. That's a bit of a Shonen Anime idea, but I'm sweet.

EDIT: No, that's not Bethlen's work. Her subjects are all female. This was Lotus's idea of light reading.

Annoyingly enough, introduced long before we met Lotus. And then the only player that knew anything about it quit as soon as he did.

[Linguz]

But do you say it voiced; "THere", or unvoiced; "THank"?

Apparently, unvoiced. Alright, so that's the difference.

[AshesOfOld]

*snip*
Now I'm wondering if "Grath" is 4 symbols or 5. And how Thorwald says his name. For some reason they don't tend to let the Foreign Teacher teach phonics and spelling much in Asia. Not that I can't.

*snip*

Yay, the DM spelled my name right (spelt?) for the first time! (Okay, maybe not the first.)

I started pronouncing it as you would in old danish (viking) Which would be something like 'Torwald' ('o' like 'oa' in 'oar', and wald with a soft, almost muted 'd'). Danish is hard to learn, I've heard...
But I've progressed to just saying it like an american would say it. Thorwald (unvoiced 'th') but still with the soft d.

[Linguz]

I always have said Thor-wald, pronouncing the first part as the god, Thor. And I have said wald like in Waldo.

[AshesOfOld]

Then you're saying it like I'm saying it.

[stanleyindraven]

thats how I read it, it seems right that way, sounds more aggressive

[Marlowe]

Gentlemen, I have bad news.

We have officially lost RaggedAngel. The basic problems seem to be twofold. She's not used to the style and pace of the game, and that while she likes Delphi as a character, she's finding the Scout class mechanically dull based on what she's used to.

I've been half-expecting this for a while, and have some ideas to get Delphi on a bus without killing her. Ragged is quite positive that she doesn't want Delphi killed off.

So, I'll be running Delphi as an NPC for a while until I find the right moment to get her out. I already know how. It's just a matter of timing.

I am very sorry everyone.:smallfrown:

[RaggedAngel]

I'm going to apologize 'in person' before I head off. I really enjoyed this game early on, and I love playing with all of you. You're great players and Marlowe is an absolutely fantastic DM; but I just can't find the motivation to keep up with this game, and the guilt I feel about the fact that I'm constantly trying to catch up just makes everything worse. I will honestly miss this game, and I look forward to seeing all of you around GitP sooner or later.

Best of wishes to all of you.

[Linguz]

Good bye, Ragged. This game won't have the same feel without you. :smallfrown:

I'll be missing you, and good luck in future games.

[AshesOfOld]

+1 to Linguz.
See you around on the forum.

[mattie_p]

Ragged_Angel, it was nice to have you in the game. I wish you well in all your future endeavors, in work and play, in love and life.

[stanleyindraven]

sorry to see you go, i will miss Delphi and your comments.

[Linguz]

This might seem rude, but...

I'm hoping Delphi hands over that pair of gloves 2 to someone, particularly Dardiana.

[Marlowe]

Let's not even mention the ring.

[mattie_p]

If we're not mentioning it, why was it just mentioned? :smalltongue:

[Linguz]

The ring is kinda a gift from a god. She can keep it as a reminder of us. :smalltongue:

[u-b]

The ring is a personal gift, so no problem with that. The gloves are a part of the loot, distributed according to a mutual agreement. Well, I doubt Gregor will like to be told that she will pay her debt... eventually... if they ever meet. On the other hand, if Delphi returns the gloves, she turns from debtor into creditor, and her share of the loot is potentially payable with group's funds and/or items.

[mattie_p]

Yeah, we haven't had to update that spreadsheet in a while. I think Grath still owes like 50 gold or something.

EDIT: per the spreadsheet (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ArecYaJ8hhFRdHBDV0pQMXNQS2MxejcwZ2V3RWFRQ 2c#gid=0), 61.04 gold

[Marlowe]

Hmmm, anyone got anything else they want to do tonight? Think Dardiana's the only one with any sort of hook to work with.

If there's no more action anyone wants tonight I'll play the NEXT MORNING card.

Insofar as you can tell when it's morning in this place.

As for the gloves...it would be very unnatural for her to just randomly hand them over to somebody else, but I promise that have a bit of patience and they'll wind up back in group inventory.

[mattie_p]

I'm ready for next morning if you are. And while I'm not worried, per se, about the gloves, Delphi would be massively in debt if she left the party in some way with the gloves.

[u-b]

Gregor has no plans for anything until the "morning".

[stanleyindraven]

ready to wake whenever

[AshesOfOld]

Ready am I also.

[stanleyindraven]

did i just assume something happened that didnt, i know grath and horbin were holding them but didnt think to look back at whether or not we actually brought them.

[mattie_p]

We have them. Check page 35 of the IC thread.


A couple of gentle thumps indicate that Gretchen and Nuisance have managed the same, Gretchen is carrying three of the metallic 10-foot poles.


Horbin will grab any remaining poles and then launch himself to the central sphere.


((Yay! Home internet at last!))

There are too many of the poles for Horbin to carry with any degree of grace, but he manages to get across with eight.[/COLOR]


Before moving forward into the hall, Grath will bounce back and forth to retrieve the rest of the poles as necessary and move them on, staying out of the discussion for the time being.

EDIT: and now that Grath just tripped over them, it is confirmed. :smallbiggrin:

[Linguz]

I'm gonna need someone to carry her studded leather... she's gonna go into medium load at this rate.

[Marlowe]

Grath looks around and says "What, no crazy walking on walls other than Dardiana? No bouncing tiles? What the *$%#@#$*?!@#$ is this?

I know. It hardly seems fair.

[mattie_p]

Grath is swearing in orcish, by the way. Such a language for swears. Doesn't translate well, though.

[Linguz]

Don't make Dardiana start whispering to her fey in sylvan. She'll do it too.

[Marlowe]

I have a running gag: Elvish is French, Undercommon is therefore Spanish, and Sylvan is Italian. Celestial is Latin.

Draconic is Arabic. Seems to suit it's usual context. Infernal is bad Japanese.

Problem is I don't speak any of these languages. This is because some variation of "I'm sorry, I'm an idiot" coupled with the right demeanor and body language will get you what you need surprisingly often. At least if you're tall and scary-looking.

So please don't start talking to your Fey in Italian, unless you want this to turn into a succession of google-translation jokes.:smalleek:

[Linguz]

I might just have to start to talk to it and mumble random nonsense in Italian, then. Don't even know the language either.

[mattie_p]

Does chinese have an analogue? You should be, at a minimum, familiar with it by now. Also, orcish? Maybe russian?

[Marlowe]

Please don't talk about Chinese.

I didn't notice it so much in Jiangsu, but in Shantung they have the habit of repeating "that...that...that...that..." when they're thinking of something. The Shantung Chinese word for "that" happens to resemble a certain offensive word that starts with an "N", has a short "i" after that, and then a couple of "g"s. With an "a" on the end.

The Teacher in my post before me was from Ghana. He was apparently angry the entire time he was here.

I can not imagine why.

[mattie_p]

I'm ... not surprised there are words like that out there. It is interesting you should run into one so common where you are, like a stutter.

[Marlowe]

I've noticed that my Jiangsu pronounciation of "chicken"; "zhearo", is apparently totally incomprehensible to the locals, who say "jeero" instead. It's usually about this point that I give up and start doing guerrilla mischief like teaching the receptionist, who speaks no English, to shout "Blood for the Blood God!", or "All Hail Britannia!" at random intervals.

And I don't even like warhammer, nor did I finish watching Code Geass.

I'm such a poseur.:smallfrown:

[Linguz]

Should finish watching Code Geass.

[Marlowe]

Right. Well I'll just see which officially-sanctioned video site site supports a melodramatic anime about antiheroic, aristocratic Japanese fighting foreign imperialism shall I? Remember where I am. And remember what people here think of things Japanese.

A couple of months ago was the aniversary of one of the Japanese invasions (the 1931 one). A lot of cars of japanese make could be seen with their insignia covered with a local flag. I was also warned not to got out at night because of course, being 191cm with wavy brown hair and blue eyes I look so totally japanese.

On the lighter side, they are rather into Transformers car accessories. There's at least one guy driving around with a Decepticon logo and the words "To Punish And Enslave" on his doors.

[Linguz]

I'd think they like an anime where the Japanese no longer have their heritage or country, then. *shrug* but I can see why it might be hard to watch it, then.

[Marlowe]

I'd think they like an anime where the Japanese no longer have their heritage or country, then. *shrug* but I can see why it might be hard to watch it, then.

Macross? :smallbiggrin:Seriously, the only people with an ethnic identity in that one are the Chinese.

I should note that they DO watch anime...as an educational tool for children. Because of the Kanji in the subtitles. However, they never seem to rise above Naruto.

EDIT: And in answer to the original question...I've thought it would be logical to make Orcish Russian, other goblinoid languages the other slavic tongues, and Dwarven German...but that gets heading toward unfortunate implications.

I don't have a problem with sticking Japanese as the language of Devils because Devils are pretty badass. But Orcs etc are such common sword-fodder mooks it doesn't seem right to pin a real language on them.

Anyway, the whole point of the joke is to have Drow speaking Spanish.:smallsmile:

[AshesOfOld]

There's another problem. Everyone knows dwarves always speak with a Scottish or Irish accent. Making them German just wouldn't sound right. Maybe giants instead should speak German? Or Austrian? Would be pretty funny if they sounded like Arnold.
You could make dwarves speak celtic. Then the accent would make sense.

[Marlowe]

Celtic isn't a language.

Erse, Gaelic (I can't be bothered with what it's called at this precise moment. When I got my education Irish was called "Erse" and Scottish was called "Gaelic". But now they've changed their minds again and now it's "Scots Gaelic" and "Irish Gaelic". Either way, speaking as one whose decendants lie in County Clare, Connacht, I just wish they'd shut up and speak English like the rest of the planet) Welsh and Breton are Celtic languages. I will not mention Cornish as that's apparently only spoken by three people who only use it to hit on German tourists.

Also, they've apparently now decided County Clare is in Munster, rather than Connacht. :smallfrown: I hate it when my backstory is subject to revisionism. Not that it changes a single thing.

Oh, and obscure trivia time! According to an ancient (1850s) geography textbook my mother found at a garage sale (the map of Germany has to be seen to be disbelieved) the islands of New Zealand were supposed to be named after Irish provinces. The North Island is New Ulster, the South Island is New Munster, and Stewart is New Leinster. Evidently, there's no place bad enough to wish "New Connacht" on. Although since NZ owns a slab of Antarctica we have a clear candidate.

It would have been nice if somebody had told the actual colonists this, of course. It's a little embarrassing when the economic and political dynamic of you country is between two places called "The North Island" and "The South Island".

[mattie_p]

It would have been nice if somebody had told the actual colonists this, of course. It's a little embarrassing when the economic and political dynamic of you country is between two places called "The North Island" and "The South Island".

It sounds like the world map in this game. :smallwink:

* the land we come from is called "your people"
* the next land is called "the empire"
* the administrate
* the republic
* the union

[mattie_p]

So, are we waiting for anything particular?

[Marlowe]

Nothing, I thought a few more people would like to post.:smallsmile:

The civs are named like this as a joke on the tendency of a lot of settings to have a place called The Empire. Not the Something Empire or the Empire of Something. Just The Empire. Not my best joke ever, but I'll run with it. Also reflects my snobbishness about meaningless fantasy names that everybody has to remember. That's why most of the NPCs have names that are semi-plausible. I think. "Quattro Vierzehn", the exception, is a silly joke.

[Marlowe]

I'm sorry if this section seems a bit railroady. It is railroady, but it's not something I originally planned, it's just the best way to solve a certain issue not of my doing I can think of.

[Marlowe]

That's an interesting reaction u-b. I hadn't thought of that.

[roll0]

Sorry dude, sometimes a vandalised flower garden is just a vandalised flower garden.:smallfrown:

[mattie_p]

I'm guessing railroady because you have to get rid of Delphi :smallfrown:

[Marlowe]

Yup. Sorry if this seems staged.

And no, Bethlen can't deal with this on her own.

[mattie_p]

"Their usual mode of operation isn't physical combat. They aren't even properly part of this plane. They usually just teleport their victims into isolation, mindrape them into giving up their worst fears and secrets, and then torture them with illusions. Until they've had their fun and just drain them dry."

Sounds like a dementor from Harry Potter land.

[Marlowe]

Sounds like a dementor from Harry Potter land.

I can honestly say I have never read it. :smallsmile:

[mattie_p]

I did, mostly because my son was reading them and I wanted to see what the hoopla was. I can honestly say I never purchased a word of it

[Marlowe]

They're more like a vengeful, reality-warping ghost from a Japanese horror movie crossed with some stuff out of 1940s cosmic horror stories. Having one actually feature was not in the plan.

But I didn't want us to lose Delphi to something boring.

[Linguz]

Mar, isn't it like 3 am on your side?

[Marlowe]

I have strange working hours.

[mattie_p]

Too bad, I rather like the idea of Grath carrying around an altar, brandishing it at ADAs like an oversized holy symbol.

[Marlowe]

Hopefully, we shouldn't have to worry about them any more. Unless somebody does something cataclysmically stupid.

Cue!

[Linguz]

Am I wrong in thinking that this happened:

Grath went past the library to a new hallway
Marlowe thought he went through the other passage instead of towards the library

Or am I wrong?

[Marlowe]

Since there is no passage leading from the library (2 doors, both unopened as yet) I took it as meaning he took a look down the left-hand branch to the games room.

Which still has an advancing ADA, but as long as everyone can get into the library without messing with the remaining altar...should be fine.

Bethlen, obviously, can't pull that stunt again.

[Linguz]

Alright. So we're being warned that we're safe. :smalleek: Evacuate ship! We're all safe!

:smalltongue:

[Marlowe]

Hey, you lost a girlfriend, but you have wine and now you have Audrey Beardsley-style ancient fey porn.

...and I cannot believe I've created a campaign that led to this situation occurring.

[mattie_p]

Hey, if a DM can't handle a campaign with boozing, wenching, and implied pornography, it's his own fault, really.

[Marlowe]

Although it seems to be the wenches who are doing most of the wenching.

[Linguz]

Hey, you lost a girlfriend, but you have wine and now you have Audrey Beardsley-style ancient fey porn.

...and I cannot believe I've created a campaign that led to this situation occurring.

Her coping mechanism: Get drunk (if possible) and read dirty dirty porn. She'll need to borrow Grath's magazine sometime in the future.

[mattie_p]

Grath can only carry about 5 more pounds before he has to dump both the remaining poles and his pack before battle. Don't abuse him too much.

[Marlowe]

It's the self-abuse we should be worried about.

[Linguz]

What?! Who's self abusing themselves?!

[mattie_p]

Grath, at the moment, does not need to engage in self-flagellation. :smallbiggrin:

[mattie_p]

Whether you live in the US or not, I hope you had a wonderful weekend, and I hope that you have a lot to be thankful for.

[stanleyindraven]

glad to see im not the only one incapacitated this weekend.

[mattie_p]

So have the crickets taken over? I'm guessing Marlowe is somehow disconnected from the internet for some reason.

[u-b]

Hmm... or waiting for something?

Last Activity: Today 01:49 PM
I hope it's not me - Gregor tells what he finds (as usual) and does not does not attempt to lead the way underground (also, as usual).

[Linguz]

Me and Dardiana's posting will be slowed primarily due to a busted computer. It freezes every time I log in or when I try opening chrome in safe mode.

[mattie_p]

Hrm, didn't see that on his profile. Interesting and interestinger.

The underground isn't so conducive for your ranger skills, hopefully we'll finish this up quickly and get back above ground where gregor and grath are more comfortable.

[Linguz]

I like the underground. It's where Dardiana's spiderclimb ability really comes into play.

[stanleyindraven]

i like that horbin is versatile, no real skills, just ingenuity and a big sword, lol

[Marlowe]

Spiderclimb+Detect Magic at will is a definite problem for me as a DM. I dealt with the second in this place only through sheer force, which made a bit of sense at least.

Am sorry I have not been in the Playground for a few days. Am moving to Urumqi in Xinjiang province. Things are complicated right now.:smalleek:

[Linguz]

Spider Climb + Detect Magic at will is awesome. So much information that she can gather. Just wait until she can fly around at all moments of time.

And moving again? Sucks.

[Marlowe]

Sorry for the silence. Things to think about. And avoid thinking about. HAve you looked up Urumqi on Wikipedia? It's kind of scary and exciting and tedious all at the same time.

Need to get on with packing. Thank you again with all your patience, especially this coming right after Delphi's removal.:smallfrown:

I'll get in touch again as soon as I can, and get back up to date.

Hey, I might be the very first D&D player in that part of the world. I've always wanted to feel like I'm pioneering...something.

[mattie_p]

What is your defined radius for "that part of the world?" Because thousands of US military have flown through Kyrgystan, just a few hundred miles away, and have certainly gamed there. If you remain within China, it is just possible. You should start a local gaming group there, unless it would somehow be deemed subversive.

[Marlowe]

Suffice to say that Xinjiang is big enough to qualify as "a part of the world" in it's own right. I'm not going to say more except that the borders really, really matter.

[mattie_p]

So, this is your third job in China?

[Marlowe]

Yeah. Doesn't make me feel good that I'm not even getting close to completing my contracts.

Still, that first one barely qualifed as a "job". More "involved scam to get a foreigner to write teaching materials for us without bothering to pay him".

This one...started OK. Well, it had the promise of being OK eventually.

But I'm tired of buying the kids crayons out of my own money. Having the Teaching manager casually rip pages out of my own notebooks when she wants something to scribble on, having garbage dumped in my classroom, having the schedule rearranged at five minutes notice, having said teaching manager keep making inappropriate and impertinent suggestions as to my private life. Including advising me to try romancing my adult students to find a wife. I'm tired of the principal touching me all the time. And I'm tired of the way the bathroom stinks out the entire building.

So I'm not too sorry to be leaving. Lets hope it's third time lucky.

[AshesOfOld]

Hey everyone.
I'm sorry I fell out of the forum for a while. It's not gonna be the only bad news from me, so beware.

A close friend of mine was in a traffic accident two weeks ago. We sat in the hospital for a few days, while he was in a coma. Then he died.
The wake and the funeral went ok, but these have been the worst days of my life without question. I'm sorry I haven't posted before, but I've been out of my head. This has also affected my studies, and I have to struggle now, if I want to pass the upcoming exams.

So I'm sorry, but I have to stop pbp'ing for a while. Probably a few months. It takes too much of my time, and it takes too much out of me right now.

I just want to add that I've really enjoyed playing and writing with you guys over the last few months. And if you'll let me, I'd like to join with you again some time in the new year.
But for now, just have a good time, and take care of yourselves.

[mattie_p]

Sorry to see you go, Ashes, but I can sympathize with the situation you are in. I hope all goes well with you. Keep your priorities straight, and you'll get through this.

[stanleyindraven]

sorry to see you go, i will look for your return.

[Marlowe]

Well, that tops my word that Urumqi's actually pretty cool (literally) but that it's going to take a while to get an interent connection up and running. I'm sorry to see Ashes go.:smallfrown:

And now we are four.:smalleek:

On the amusing side of things, my old work at Penglai now want me back. My agent and my own wishes are another thing.

[mattie_p]

A teacher's life is misery, it seems.

[stanleyindraven]

especially in china it seems.

[stanleyindraven]

ok, back from holiday and court, lets get this rolling again!

[mattie_p]

I've been here, just don't know if Marlowe has settled in yet.

[stanleyindraven]

now that i am done with court i can get back to making the posts a story again.

[mattie_p]

Yeah, so, court. Are there any stories of that you want to share, or would you prefer that it remain private? It seems like everything worked out, at least.

[stanleyindraven]

well, like many Americans who get divorced, it is a custody case. i won custody of my son over a year ago. his mom hasn't made any real attempt to pay child support and has violated almost everything in the custody papers, so I had to take her back for contempt. Though I couldn't reduce her time with him this time to limit the damage she is doing to him they did order her in contempt and set a massive amount of arrears toward her. If she doesn't pay even one more time she goes straight to jail, so in 20 days we'll see what happens. To make the situation worse, she married my gay-pedophile brother in September and she is pregnant.

sorry, if that is too much or if you don't agree with my decisions, but at least you know a little more about the people you play with and what drives them.

Btw, i was never married to my ex.

[mattie_p]

Oh, wow. Mine is not to agree or disagree with your decisions, I'm not there, just hope for the best in this. Hopefully she starts paying and won't have to go to jail, somehow I suspect that will be the best outcome. Your summary does spark other questions but I suspect the best thing is to let you share what you are willing to share in your own time.

[stanleyindraven]

feel free to ask if you want, im pretty chill with my personal problems and try to not let them get the best of me. plus it isnt like there is a whole lot of stuff going on here until marlowe checks back in.

[mattie_p]

Well, for one thing...
gay-pedophile brother

[stanleyindraven]

yeah, molested me as a kid and has tried sleeping with several of my gay friends, but first asked them if they slept with me, which they hadn't. has also dated my other ex's in the past.

[mattie_p]

Well this is just fun and sharing all around, isn't it? I'm sorry about that as well. I was molested once by a neighbor kid, I have no idea what your situation was but I hope that you are to terms with it, whatever that means for you.

[stanleyindraven]

yeah, admitted what happened, sought council and confronted it.

[stanleyindraven]

everyone still about? i guess marlowe is having china connection problems

[Linguz]

I'm here. And methinks that's the case.

[stanleyindraven]

hope not for much longer. i am up to page 150 in the story though. it has now introduced everyone of bethlens accomplices except astra

[mattie_p]

Still around. Marlowe has been good enough that I'll wait a whole lot longer for him.

[mattie_p]

So how is everyone today? Going out for dinner in a few with the family. It's my son's 11th birthday.

[stanleyindraven]

Well a happy birthday to him. I am just sitting on my hands it seems. sent marlowe an email earlier, hoping he can get it.

[Linguz]

I'm good. Got back into an MMO, World of Warcraft. It's fun. :smallbiggrin:

[mattie_p]

Never played WoW, but I hear it is a lot of fun. Too late for me to start now, though, everyone is a level 100 something or other by now.

[Malak'ai]

Hey Comforters,
I haven't had any news on how Marlowe is going but if he doesn't post in here, or in my game by the end of the week, I'll give his mother a call just to make sure everythings okay.
I'll let you know whats happening.

[stanleyindraven]

Thanks Malak'ai, I have been concerned with his complete absence.

[Marlowe]

I don't have my own apartment yet, let alone home internet. I'm very sorry, but I can assure you I haven't forgotten you. My flatmate, a very nice chap from Blackpool, has the habit of bogarting the internet most of the time to check for news from his own home and the work internet sees a lot of heavy traffic, alone with periods of cutting out at random intervals.

Also, I've had to get used to a lot these last couple of weeks. I've Mced 3 christmas parties in the last four days, and am trying hard to bring my wardrobe up to scratch with walking around in -20 degree temperatures. This is more complicated than it sounds, since I haven't been here long and I need help from the locals to find places where I won't get ripped off shamefully.

Weekends are my busy time, but I'll see what I can do about getting something moving on Monday or tuesday.

For the umpteenth time since this campaign began, thank you for your patience. I hope I can get some stability in my life soon enough. This location and job is a lot better than the last two, but also requires more attention on my part. This is a dangerous, tense, surreal sort of city. The sort of thing you'd write adventure modules about.

[mattie_p]

Yay! Marlowe is alive!

Dude, your priorities are straight, keep doing what you are doing, and we'll try to be waiting for you. Also, can't wait to read that module.

[stanleyindraven]

So glad to know you're safe and those of us that can still play are still here and patiently waiting. Btw, I will post chapter 7 in a day or so.

[mattie_p]

Good, after this long break I think I could use a recap

[stanleyindraven]

Sad part is that only takes us up to the night in trammel burg. Of course when I am done with chapter 8 which I hope will be next week I can post that too.

[Marlowe]

While I have the time to post, I must say again I would love to hear what yr proofreader says about the Trammelburgh ordeal.

We've been warned that temperatures, currently at a balmy -18C, are going to plummet in Feb owing to the Winds From The North (ominously capitalised) and that we should stock up on water for when the cold starts knocking out the infrastructure. But that it's all much better than it used to be, although it's a bit of a shame that the [insert name of native Turkic people that I'm not sure if it's safe to mention] women don't wear their rather fetching national costumes anymore and now just wear birkas. If we survive 'till summer we can expect scorching heat and sandstorms from off the Gobi. This place has everything. :smallsmile:

[Linguz]

Well, I just drank 6 shots of vodka at my cousin's birthday party. I gotta say, that this is enjoyable. At least, right now. First time I've drank that much and actually been effected enough by drinking.

[mattie_p]

And the DM is back on the IC thread. Hopefully we'll see some progress soon, in accordance with Marlowe's personal situation!

[mattie_p]

I wish all the southern comforters a healthy and happy New Year!

[stanleyindraven]

Chapter 7
Trammelburgh

They pressed on, east along the bank of the Stahlmund, the strong dark water flowing to their left. The trees were tall and silent, save only for the twitter of birds. After about an hour, the river turned into an abrupt loop, and Trammelburgh was upon them, or they were upon Trammelburgh.
The castle is the single largest building any of them had ever seen. Built on a rocky island, and built of it. Its lower levels were made of the same white rock that lined the bank, and its walls seemed to rise straight out of the water. A slowly swaying bridge of iron chains connected it to a small village on the imperial bank by means of two intermediate towers on smaller eyots.
On their side of the river, the gatehouse was near enough to the bank that a, unusually long, drawbridge could, and in fact, frequently did, reach Redside territory. The trees were clear-felled for a heavy crossbow shot around, the stumps left in place.
On the ramparts of the gatehouse, something that looked like a rather repulsive gargoyle suddenly moved and resolved into an obvious half-ogre wearing a dark-grey cloak with a red trim over a breastplate. He aimed a complicated looking weapon at them. "You People! Stay right there! CAPTAIN!"
"Yes, yes," a rather hawkish man wearing grey cloak, mail shirt, and a certain look of I-didn't-dump-charisma appears on the rampart. "A terrifying host indeed. I shall quite need to fetch my best clothes. Hoy! Fellows! Fellettes! Heh...What news? What business?"
Gregor stood "right there", letting Beth and Kresta do the talking. "Well, aren't they the pair," Horbin scoffed.
Kresta seemed to choke back a laugh at Horbin's remark, but stepped forward. "Quattro! You know me!"
"Often and thoroughly," Bethlen muttered discretely.
"Not now, spook,” Kresta flashed a look at Bethlen. “My father is dead, Captain Vierzehn! Bandits on the Fall! These People avenged him, and guarded us here. We need a resupply, for the good my father has done Ashdown. You know my purse is good!"
Bethlen dissolved into giggles. The hawkish chap--Captain Quattro Vierzehn, stepped to the edge of the battlements. "Well. They hardly seem like a bunch of murderous sex-fiends. Except maybe the Halflings. Trent, the bridge"
"I don't like it Captain. That Orc has the look of diabolic intelligence and cold, calculated cunning in his eyes."
"You say that about anything that can stand without slouching. Bridge!" Business ensued, and the bridge descended.
Horbin laughed at Bethlen's comment. Thorwald smirked at the first remark, and laughed out loud at the second. Then Horbin and Gregor noticed, there were two figures walking the more distant battlements. One in black, the shorter with a white top. They appaeared to be watching the group, then dropped out of sight as though descending into the courtyard.
The flag onto the highest tower was, surprisingly enough, blood red, with a small device in a dark color in the top left corner. "No, no sexfiends here," Thorwald looked around at the present company. "At least less than half the party" he mused.
Delphi heard a voice from the treeline behind them. "Damn, all this hurry and stealthiness and we don't get to kill them. Can I fart now?”
A female voice, from a different part of the trees, "Just not in my general direction."
The drawbridge hit thier side of the bank with a thud. A spiky apparatus of of iron rattled up, exposing the gate. Kresta and Bethlen got the mules moving into the castle. Bethlen threw a sultry look over her shoulder, "Coming, then, You People?"
"Grath guesses so," he said, seeing and hearing nothing not obvious to an observer on the moon. He started walking across the drawbridge. Gregor called his dogs from wherever they were, presumably not in the trees, and followed Grath. Since this whole castle-on-a-river thing was new to him, Gregor looked at whatever he was passing by, over, under, etc...
The river current was being channeled by the castle and the bank into a fairly narrow channel, which made the current there very strong, and not too far below the level of the bridge at all. Above, Vierzehn and Trent disappeared from the rampart as they moved down into the courtyard. Behind the group, there was the faintest rustle of leaves as seven creatures moved out of the cover of the trees, grey cloaked and armed, moving forward with their eyes fixed on the group, but weapons lowered. An obvious Tiefling, black-skinned, red-eyed, and horns like a maleficent cosplayer, astride a horse, two humans and and a halfling and two wolves shadowing their master's steps.
They passed under the massive gate tunnel, passed a reassuring number of murder holes, and entered a large open courtyard within which a number of grey-cloaked figures, who were co-incidentally, standing around doing nothing in particular. Dardiana followed just behind the party's frontline people.
Vierzehn appeared from a flight of steps. "Splendid timing you fellows have," he said brightly. "We're completely overstocked right now, since so many of the regular garrison have been...redeployed on an....exercise"
"Reinforcing the border with Caroline. Put a stop to that trouble,” Trent added.
"Yes, thank you Trent, why don't you go help in the kitchen? Six dozen eggs don't just break themselves. As for you, friends and honoured guests, might I offer-"
"Bethlen sweetie," shouted a voice. A couple of people approached the group. A young woman in leather trousers and a white blouse worn in just the right way to fail to look demure, and a tall man in leather armor of a vaguely similar, over-engineered style to Bethlen’s, though thankfully a little less snug. Also, he had a scythe on his back.
Bethlen started like she'd been scolded. "What are you still doing here, Lotus?"
"Is that a way to greet me? Come here," the young woman glomped Bethlen. It looked like a butterfly sexually assaulting a spider. "Are these your new friends? They're adorable. What a cute Orc!" She skipped up to Grath and stood on her toes to try to look him in the eye. She had eyes like a kitten’s. That wasn't reassuring to the orc. Abruptly, she broke off the stare and glanced at Bethlen, who glared back, then looked back at Grath with a changed expression.
The man in leather came forward, moving more quickly than he should have been able to, and pulled her back by the back of her collar. "Charming to meet you all. Utterly charmed," he bowed elegantly, which was hard to pull off when carrying a scythe. "Brunswick Aleksandr, and this is Lotus Cadenza. I'd love to stay and chat to you all but it's so hard to think when there's so much charm around. If you'll excuse us, we have to take this young lady," as he noded at Bethlen. "Whom we have never met before and have an extremely private talk with her about matters that are of no interest to absolutely anyone." He turned away, not quite keeping a straight face, and hustled Bethlen and Lotus in the direction of the keep.
Vierzehn looked appalled. "Sweet bloody murder, now there's four of them! What's yours like?"
A small voice in Dardiana’s head spoke to her, the fey which commanded her ability to use the powers she possessed, informing her of what she could do that was new. She nodded as the fey spoke, which seemed weird to everyone looking, and tried out one of the two things, activating detect magic. She looked around, seeing if anything was magical. She saw that both Delphi's and Vierzehn's gloves showed weak transmutation, and Vierzehn's cloak showed abjuration as well.
Lotus, Brunswick and Bethlen had strange, off-center auras so bright it was almost dazzling. Lotus and Brunswick showed strong conjuration with divination, transmutation and necromancy present in smaller doses. Bethlen's was the most complex and showed evocation as well. As she watched, the auras roiled strangely as though disturbed. Then all three turned their heads and looked straight at her. Brunswick narrowed his eyes and Lotus showed some pretty, little teeth, then Bethlen shook her head and they moved on.
Thorwald followed the others inside, not really sure what to do with all the new faces. "Challenging," he replied to Vierzehn's question. "Putting it nicely. Do you have experience with this group?"
Vierzehn looked confused for moment. "Group? Them? About a week. They turned up with a wagonload of quality liquor they claimed they had absolutely no idea what to do with, which was a lie, a commission from the Margrave's secretary to go through our records, which seems to be legitimate, and a cover story about being wandering scholars from the Free States, which is obviously a total lie. They're too tall for a start, the accent's wrong, and none of them have offered to sleep with anyone in exchange for money. Fact is, I suspect the little one would be willing to pay.
Next thing I know, the guy's drinking my Rangers under the table, the little one's seducing my male troops in alphabetical order, and the scary one’s challenging Trent to arm-wrestling. I'd ask them what they really are, but I'm afraid they'd tell me."
"Well, since no one else wants a true introduction. I am Horbin, a true warrior of the blade, Glenda," he said as he brought the blade to a rest on his left shoulder and reached his right hand to Vierzehn.
Delphi had kept a sharp eye on the people that came out of the bushes behind them, and she made no effort to conceal the loaded sling in her right hand, nor the throwing axe in her left. She slid up to Dardiana, and muttered out of the corner of her mouth. "I think these people were talking about attacking us before they emerged from the undergrowth."
"Of course we were planning to attack you", said the Tiefling woman, as a random gust of wind revealed no possible gender interpretation. She rode past Delphi, her eyes fixed and her horse looking rather alert. "What else would you expect us to do, armed strangers and proven killers in our preserve? But Captain's given the order, so you get in. Halfling."
Her smile, nothing but fangs, and her horse’s hooves clank on the wood of the drawbridge.
Vierzehn looked annoyed. "My apologies, my new and unintroduced friends, I have no skill in forest work, so that's why I leave it to people like Larissa here." He, then, took Horbin's hand in his right and shook it like somebody who has nothing to he needs to prove.
Larissa, then in the courtyard, dismounted like a snake. "Funny, Captain, I thought you kept me around for my taut, well-shaped fundament."
"And that. Anything, Lieutenant?"
“A half-orc Dunkelrot. Other than that, just these people. The forest is silent. Maybe one of them could contribute something,” she replied. And then she seemed to register. "Good to meet you, Horbin. Nice to meet a man with manners. Ah, Glenda? Is this a story I should hear?"
"Gregor McAlister, son of Neil McAlister, son of Roderick McAlister son of Conall "Alister" Moore. And since you have a lot of proven killers walking aroud, I suppose having some more is not a big deal." Gregor winked at that tiefling then turned back to Vierzehn "Speaking of which... are we allowed to kill anyone around this place? Like... what is that "Dunkelrot"? If not, I'm afraid you won't see much of killing by us, at least in this jurisdiction, and we will have to resort to more peaceful transactions... fine with me, I suppose..."
"Bandits on the Fall. She says. Her father dead, she says. I liked him. Maybe you could tell me what happened, over drinks, come, guests, we have a mess hall and I'm not afraid to use it.
Dunkelrot? An extended family of in-bred clannish killers from the Caroline hills. We kill them on sight. Saves paperwork. Convenient they wear that colour. Kresta--I'm sorry for your loss, I am, he was a valued man in these parts, but I'm not sorry that you experience such a promotion in your fortunes, and I know you have what it takes to take his place, and more besides, but where did you find the Spook? Larissa? Pick out some diplomatic troopers for the morrow, looks like you'll be leading some people to Whitewater Rush tomorrow, and an argument with the Soulflayer is not on my list of fun things to do with Saturday. Do you ladies and gentlemen prefer brown spirits or white?”
"We dispatched the other Dunkelrots back at the place where the pixies live. They were there with some elves and fighting when we found them and their illgained loot," Horbin said to Vierzehn. "I do enjoy some ale."
"Seems they were very much planning to attack us, but that's not as interesting as everything they've got going around them. Lotus, Bruns, and Beth all have... auras emanating from them. And they all turned to look at me when I saw them." Dardiana glanced up at the two who they hadn't been around and then looked at Bethlen. "Anyway..." She spoke up, "I am Dardiana Darksbane, and I'll be having my own wine." She was ready to move forward.
Gregor followed to the mess hall, but on the way asked where the party could dump their ‘loot’ and fresh meat and if the dogs were allowed in or should also be left somewhere. Thorwald took in the scenery with practiced disdain, following the others, it seemed, for no other reason than that the mead was nearby.
"Bring your own, share ours. It's all one. You people don't seem the sort to cause problems," the Captain says as he airly guestured at the Orc, the Warlock, and the Halflings. "And if I'm wrong about that, why, I'm a problem-solver," his smile looked a little bloodthirsty at that point. "Pray, come near." He turned and lead them off, his cape rising with the wind. Larissa gave them all a long look and then fell in step with him.
The messhall of Trammelburgh was large, and mainly empty. Plainly the castle was designed for a much larger garrison. Blood-Red banners, a black raven's head and claw in the top-left corner, were drapped from the walls. Paintings of various serious-looking people were placed between them. One of them bared a distinct resemblence to a younger Ingva Soulflayer.
Vierzehn called for meat and mead, the drama queen, and guestured for them to sit. "Now why don't you tell me everything that's happened so far."
Gregor did not show much interest in meat, as he was nowhere near hungry, but did drink a moderate amount of mead. He then described what happened roughly as, "Traveled north. Seen corpses. Chased east. Caused corpses. Some dumb red cloaks, so not a big deal." He was willing to go into details if asked, but took no initiative to mention the nixie, the snaky amulet, or corresponding activities.
Kresta piped up at this point. "They grabbed me, the bandits, knocked me cold and threw me on the back of a mule. These people caught up with them near the broken stone. You know the one".
Vierzehn looked thoughtful, but his eyes flashed. "Now I really am quite upset, and may have to vent my feelings in violence at some point. But first....red cloaks. Implies organisation, and little common sense. Ashdown used to use red and black, long time past, got sick of being targets, and people shining "Detect Evil" in our faces, stopped.
That stream, or rather its mountain valley, has an odd reputation. There's a gigantic cannibal fish-woman in it for a start, but she's easy enough to deal with if you throw her enough meat. Most women are. However, theres a location couple of days up the valley that people have long since learned to avoid. People go in, nothing comes out. We'd stopped worrying about it since before the Soulflayer’s time here."
"I would like to hear more about that valley, if there is more to know. Also we may be looking for work, either with the military or some other honest means. Do you happen to know where we may inquire about such things," Horbin responded to Vierzehn.
Vierzehn smiled, and Larissa actually laughed. "Is this not Ashdown? And am I not Captain? And do you think there is anyone else with the authority to grant, or not, employment? As for the valley, it's a long narrow pretty road lined with fabulous scenery with death at the end, according to most reports. Do you have any clues as to where these...inept idiots sprang from?"
"Pardon my ignorance of your customs and titles, it is my first time here," Horbin said with a slight look of embarassment. He then cast a look at Gregor, Dardiana, Delphi, Grath, Marn and then Thorwald.
Grath asked, "Is there a place to sell the items acquired on our journey? Lots of weapons, armor just, umm, sitting around. So to say."
Delphi noded at Grath's words. "He's got a good point; I'm not even carrying all this stuff and I find it cumbersome. It's in good repair, though, and if you don't have need of it we can keep it until we reach the next town or city along the way." She made her point cleanly, without actually saying it; we aren't desperate, don't try to fleece us.
Vierzehn waved a hand. "We keep cash here for operating expenses, employing irregulars, that kind of thing. Present a list of your surplus to Trent. He's not hard to find. It's why we don't take him into the woods."
"He walks into trees, and steps in things. And steps on things." said Larissa dryly, leaning on the back of Vierzehn's chair in a rather asubordinate manner.
"Quite. He can be a strain on a woodsman's patience. Even to I. And I'm all at sea in the woods. And all lost in the woods at sea. But he's good with merchandis--" Vierzehn started.
"Quattro! Honey!" The doorway was suddenly filled with Bethlen looking sullen, Brunswick looking resigned, and Lotus looking chipper. And the single tallest human woman they've ever seen in their lives, a Falchion worn at her hip like a scimitar, all coming their way. "Bethlen was just telling us about the delighful excursion she has planned with These People tomorrow! A journal to deal with a handsome blonde imbecile in an unknown location filled with unknown dangers! How thoroughly romantic!"
The tall one moved right up to the table with the inexorability of a battleship. Her right hip jolted Dardiana's chair and jarred it, and Dardiana, an inch to the side. If she noticed, it didn't show. "Astra Vaultspear. Please excuse my incivility. Show me the bandit's map." she said to the group in general.
"Sprang? They were sent to scout the area by some Ajneguhs, who is himself described as an idiot; with mail shirt, red robe, fire magic and all not helping the diagnosis, residing in some sort of VALLEY. He's building an "army", whatever that means, to use against YOU, so you should very well know him. Works for some more serious guy." Gregor tried his best to determine if that's the same valley Vierzehn was talking about or some other valley, pointing to the maps when necessary.
Astra bent at the waist and snapped out a hand to intercept the map, revealing a cluster of triangular amulets at her neck, and a ring on her finger showing eight snakes radiating from a central hub. Vierzehn stood up to check the map as well.
The arrival of Bethlen and her gang almost made Thorwald sneer, though he looked at the large woman with mild interest and a small smile, before going back to studying the tapestry.
Now that Marn was not distracted by everything else, he noticed that Brunswick had a medalion, amulet, or holy symbol showing a scythe and lightning bolt at his neck. "That," said Vierzehn, his finger snaking out precisely. "Is the place from which no-one returns, and yet it seems as though they came from there. Curious."
"This is highly improbable," stated Astra. "That location is known. It should be Kept and Guarded. For thousands of years it has been Kept and Guarded. Something has changed. Bethlen, you are heading there tomorrow. Alone if you must. With us if we must, with your friends here if possible. This bears investigation."
Delphi folded her arms, and she narrowed her eyes just a tad. "I don't think that we would be disinclined to go into a horrible, screaming deathtrap with Beth here; that actually sounds like a lot of fun. But you know what would be nice?" She paused for a moment, letting the sarcasm sink in. "Some slight incentive. Do you get what I'm aiming at here?"
After Dardiana was moved, she noted that Astra is a bit rude, maybe more so. She kept her mouth shut, though, since she was unsure what the rest of her companions wanted to do. She, though, was fine with helping out.
"Yes, Delphi is right. Ingva told us that in her time here Ashdown woud pay some, support some, and take half the loot. Has anything changed? I wonder if we should make this an Ashdown operation, with proper payment, support, ranks, orders and such or just just venture there on our own. In any case we will need a license to kill some opposition, I guess, but in second case we'll be keeping all the loot and will have no obligation to proceed if we will find the task too dangerous. So, what are the pay and the support we will be losing?" Gregor’s voice was solid and determined.
"Let's make it clear. Redside is your territory, not mine. It's just that it’s inaccessible to you for much of the year. This means this--fellow with his--army should be dealt with by you. Or if not you, somebodies of your kind. Sending a decent Ashdown force this time of year would cause some offense to Ingva, something I'd like to avoid." He looked from Gregor to Delphi, and steepled his fingers. “I'll give you two hundred each, now, to go there and deal with the whatever. Full rights to anything you find. And an extra hundred to whoever returns alive with a good story for me.
I should say I'm less than inclined, as well, to send my rangers to somewhere from which no one has returned in living memory, but maybe something has changed. Cleric Vaultspear, I suppose it should not surprise me that you surprise me again. How is it you know these things, and is there perhaps more that you're not saying?”
"I know very little. I know the location exists, that it was abandoned long ago, before there was an Empire, along with many other such places. I know that for love and pride, certain arrangements would have been made to guard and preserve it. I know that there exist certain people around today with the authority and power to circumvent those arrangements. I know that for this...fellow as you call him to dwell there, this must have been done. And I know that he cannot have done it himself, or he'd be sending Elemental Monoliths, not hireling thugs.” Vierzehn seemed to change disposition as he spoke to Gregor. Gregor lost most of his interest in cooperation with Vierzehn, but he continued to sit and wait for the meeting to end.
"Pay not withstanding I am inclined to help as I would prefer to not have my homeland invaded by someone trying to raise an army. I would ask that we have an escort to the valley itself if possible, if not then I guess it wouldn't have made a difference. I am willing to help in any way I can," Horbin responded, looking at Beth. "I cannot let such a lovely woman go to such a dangerous place alone in good conscious," he continued as he shifted his look to Astra with a smile.
At the repeated mention of murder, death and destruction, however, Thorwald finally capitulated,
"Mayhem and death what way? I'll go to any bloody valley you'd like," he said, his smile getting broader and broader. "Payment presupposed, naturally," he ended with a glint in his eyes, and emptied his mead.
"Well, I'm glad some seem keen. Some we get from your lands, would you believe, seem to think they have a right to anything that isn't nailed down, and the right to everyone's respect and adulation just for, you know, being them. But from me, you get this job, and my favour in future ventures. The room and board, of course, goes without saying." Vierzehn looked almost glad as he made the statement.
Bethlen stepped forward. "Captain, does this offer extend to me? Since I am now a merchant without liquid capital, and I will seek this man, alone or not. You three had best remain since you're not done here yet, if no-one returns you'll know what must be done."
Brunswick looked at her oddly. "And if the Recaller doesn't work in there, you'll have died for us. Will not be forgotten."
Lotus had been trying to contain herself, but then ruined the mood completely by bursting out laughing. "Mail shirt, probably quite expensive mail shirt. Elemental magic. Calls himself "Ajneguhs". He really is an idiot! To think that spelling something backwards fools anyone."
"But not today, Grath just got here, and is not eager to leave so soon. Stuff to sell, stuff to buy. More to drink, too. Leave tomorrow, early, if all are ready, and not hung over."
Since it seemed nobody was drinking, Dardiana had refrained from opening her bottles. More for the road, or some other time. "Grath makes his point clear, poorly articulated, but clear. If there's anything else anyone wants to say, say it now or forever hold your peace. Grath, do you have a count of the loot? And if not, does anyone?"
"I am willing to count, sell and/or split the loot, extensively consulting with everyone involved. I take it Grath will take care of transportation and if anyone will help us with evaluation, it would be just as good as it gets. You will see a detailed report of all calculations and operations performed, so consider this topic taken care of." Gregor was quick to answer Dardiana. "Kresta, will you please help us with selling the stuff we have found?"
"So it is agreed, Gregor will take count to get the gold for our spoils and we will leave in the morning for the valley," Horbin added. Gregor nodded, though he was not overly enthusiastic.
"Can we negotiate the mission not to be "deal with the whatever", but to have a more limited scope? Like "deal with the so-called 'Ajneguhs' and, if it would be prudent, the whatever"? Otherwise I am afraid I will have to refuse taking the money up front for a task that might be well beyond our ability to accomplish."
Vierzehn gave Gregor a surprised look. Looked at Larissa, then looked at Gregor again. "What did I do, that you treat me with such disrespect? I told you: In my knowledge and experience, none return from that place. I'm not asking anyone to go there without renumeration. You should be asking for more, not none. As for "deal with the whatever", finding out what we are dealing with qualifies. I have a power here, Ingva has more, and behind me there is more still. But we all need to know more. The Scary One here obviously knows more than I. Somehow." His eyes narrowed at Astra. Astra's eyes were already pretty narrow, but they narrow back.
He turned to the Tiefling woman leaning on the arm of his chair. "Lieutenant Lasalle, shift that fundament of yours and chase up a guide. And some diplomatic riders to get Kresta to Whitewater Rip. As for the merchant, yes of course that offer includes you."
Larissa doffed her cloak, and remarked languidly. "I already know who we're sending, Captain Vierzehn, but Gretchen's in the village just now. I'll get on to that, by your will, and chase up a spare mule for Kresta as well." She walked off, swaying her hips a little more than was strictly necessary.
If anyone was watching this, it was interrupted by Lotus abruptly landing in Thorwald's lap. "HI! bethlen says you like to play with fire. Like to play with me? You're so sneering and contemptuous. I like that. You follow the sky-walker? Can I see your dagger?"
Thorwald took in Lotus' affections with little interest and tried gently to push her off his lap.
"Yes, I do follow the Lord of Fire. This particular fire does not hold much interest. I am interested in a horse, though." At that Thorwald quickly pointed with his finger at the surrounding people. "Don't even start! Not what I meant!"
Bethlen, Astra, and Brunswick had the look of people making will saves to avoid facepalming. Bethlen actually failed. "Lotus, it's only seven o'clock, isn't this a bit early?" Brunswick let out.
"Hey, there's five to work through and they're leaving in the morning," Lotus replied.
"Please excuse us, Lotus is the Delphi of the group." Bethlen said with a smirk.
"Are you saying I'm short, Bethlen?" Lotus shot a dirty look at Bethlen.
"You are short." Astra chimed in.
"Couldn't you give them time to pretty up a little? By all accounts, they've had a hard couple of days,” Brunswick gestured his arms over the group.
"Then they deserve a hard--nevermind. If you're jealous, just get your own handsome man." Lotus turned back to Thorwald.
"Done. And done. Frequently." said Brunswick, looking mildly annoyed.
"She can't be the Delphi of the group. For simple reason: She said there's 5 to work through. There are 5 men and 2 women. If she was Delphi, she'd have said 7 to work through." Dardiana joined the conversation.
"That's why we have Bethlen," said Lotus. Brunswick facepalmed.
"Or, she meant only those full size," Gregor added as he took a look at Lotus and hoped she meant those full size.
Astra looked straight at Gregor. "You are not going to have much fun. At this rate." Which suited Gregor just fine, so he nodded in satisfaction.
"Also, can we have a cart?" Dardiana asked the Captain.
"Of course. I'm surprised you haven't ask for horses,” he replied.
Grath thumped his chest at this. "Grath needs no horse. Ride if must, but probably walk alongside."
"I'll be riding in the cart. Anyone care to join me or will I be alone in there?" Dardiana said with a bit of a sigh.
Delphi had been extremely distracted by the, assets of the locals, but as the conversation went on she started suppressing a grin; finally she spoke up, giggling as she did. "Really now, guys. You're asking for the cart before the horse? Children's stories would be ashamed of you."
"I would think horses are implied when we ask for a cart," Dardiana barked back.
Delphi rolled her eyes, winking to Dardiana. "I'm just picking on you, don't worry. It's important to know how to take a little ribbing." She made sure to not let her eyes wander to some of the other folk in the area as she spoke to Dardiana, as fascinating as they may have been.
Dardiana thought for a moment about what a 'proper' response would be to Delphi's comment. Then said screw it, deciding to change the subject instead. "Will you be riding with me in the cart?"
Delphi smiled more gently, and she nodded. "If that's alright with you, it really would be for the best; I'm a bit slower than you tallfolk over longer distances, and it can really add up if we have to go any real distance. Gregor has his animals, but I just have to trek; and I don't want to hold us back." She then sidled up to Dardiana, smoothly giving her a hug. "Is that alright with you?"
Lotus bounced on the, catatonic with shock, Thorwald's knee. "You two are cute! Which of you wears the equipment, or do you take it in turns?"
Brunswick crossed his arms in a gesture that precisely mirrored Bethlen. It's like they learned it on a parade ground, or something. "Just once, I'd like to make it an entire day without you being inappropriate. Or Astra treating the surrounding terrain as a suggestion to be ignored."
"Lotus is not being inappropriate," Astra spoke up.
Bethlen's eyes actually opened full. Brunswick looked at Astra oddly. "I understood all the words there, but somehow the sentence, especially coming from you, makes no sense in this world or the next one."
"She is attempting to enliven a somewhat stilted discourse. In the way she knows. Which is not going to change. Captain, Vierzehn, if I were to ask why your Lieutenant has left her cloak draped over the back of your chair before wandering outside; would I regret hearing the answer,” Astra continued.
"Probably" said Vierzehn amiably. "Anyway, the Soulflayer, she's not thinking of coming here is she? That would be awkward. I'm not fifteen any more, and she says quite frightening things in her sleep."
Dardiana returned the hug, while she replied to Delphi first and then Lotus, "I was the one who asked you if you wanted to come, so why wouldn't I be okay with it? And we don't have anything of the sort, unfortunately. That is, as of yet. If you have one that you wouldn't mind parting with, though, I'm sure we'd gladly take it off your hands."
"Look, Grath is a simple orc. Who is coming to investigate Ashnejugashugawuga and who stays back? Will drink with those who come." Grath was clearly bewildered by the conversation going on around him.
Dardiana turned to Grath after. "I believe it's safe to assume we're all coming, at least the group that we left in."
"No, Grath means out of the Empire-folk who live here. Not really clear who wants to kill, err, investigate Ajeshunegagagash and who is wimping out."
Marn Ortul stood up. "I will remain here" he said quietly. "It seems that Bethlen is coming, while her friends have agreed not. I should stay to keep an eye on...things. Captain Vierzehn, if there's employment here for a scholar and user of magic, I would be grateful for your consideration"
"I would be grateful for your continued presence, good sir." Vierzehn clicked his fingers. "Libations for our guests, our allies, our brave vangard!"
Marn reached into his pack and took out a black leatherbound book, a clasp in the shape of a lightning bolt crossed with a scythe, matching the pendant around Brunswick's neck, holding it shut. He slid it down the table towards the group in the over-designed leather. "Miss Gabriel, I believe this to be yours. I found the content...confusing."
"Ooooooo!" said Lotus. "You've been lending it out? I knew you'd like it!"
Bethlen stepped forward and put her hand down on the book. "So that's where that got to." Her eyes flickered upwards. "Hope you shared out the cash evenly, or did this count against your share?"
"Say, Astra. If I can get this vixen off my lap, how about we share some mugs? Or maybe even a little contest?" Thorwald spoke again, the first time since his nearly embarrassing horse comment.
Astra looked at Thorwald as though seeing him for the first time. She was definitely sculpted, possibly out of cold iron. "I don't drink sir, and if I choose to consider anyone competition, it won't be you. Lotus, since the gentleman does not wish to share your brand of professional courtesies, see if you can enflame somebody else."
"A pity," Lotus bounded up. "Maybe I should go with Bethlen and them to meet this man who spells things backwards. It would be fun to face a fellow follower of my calling, to test my best against his, and then roast him into pork crackling. How deliciously ironic! And I could play with all the cute boys on the way."
"No," shouted Bethlen, Brunswick, and Astra, all at once. "Please don't make any more threats against sanity and the poor Orc's comprehension," said Brunswick. "Bethlen is going, as well the Elf/Halfling double act, the Fire-Worshipper, the Orc, the Swordsman, and the Packmaster."
"And Gretchin", said Larissa, her tail flicking as she entered the room thanks to the wonder of dramatic time-compression. A small black-skinned young human woman in a grey cloak followed her, and behind that, a boar. "She will guide you to the location. I have trained her well, and she should be capable in the forest also. Get her killed and I'll haunt you all," she paused. "Wait, that doesn't make any sense. Well, I'll do it anyway."
The young woman stepped forward, she carried a club, a sickle, and a number of shortspears. The boar stayed at her side. "Gretchin Hakkonna, Nuisance." Pause. "I mean, I'm Gretchin. And this is my compan--my pet, Nuisance. I'll be quiet now."
Lotus licked her lips. "She looks scrummy. Looks like you're all in good hands. Wish I was." And then she bounded right into Horbin's lap. "What about you? You look like you don't get enough attention."
"Glad to meet you, Gretchin; and you, Nuisance; my name is Gregor, and these are Abyss, Barry and Cherry; pack, greet our new friends, BOTH of them; I am sure we will have great time working together." Gregor strictly watched the dogs as they went to the boar and his mistress, performed any appropriate rituals of their chosing, then came back. He wanted to make it perfectly clear to them, that THIS boar is not for EAT.
Delphi smiled at Dardiana, and then she idly rubbed one of Gregor's hounds behind the ears, smiling at it. "I never did get a chance to ask you, Gregor; how on earth did you train these guys so well? Most dogs just want to chase me up a tree." She then glanced at Lotus, grinning. "And that one seems intent on driving our men up a tree. Come now, darling, it isn't attractive to be too pushy. You can come flirt with us for a while; it'll make them jealous, and give you a way in."
"Thank you, but no. I'm just not that sort of girl" laughed Lotus, trying to wedge herself into Horbin as far as she could. "I'll watch from over here. Ask Brunswick if you like. Or Bethlen. Astra thinks intimacy means striking for non-lethal damage, so don't bother there." She turned to Horbin. "You have a big sword. Are you compensating? Fine if you are. We just have to try harder. They've given me a nice room with a view of the river, would you like to come there?"
Vierzehn leaned back and stroked his beard. "I'm not sure I like to see this happening in my messhall..."
"I could stand to see a little more", said a grey cloaked trooper. "Enough from you, Mr. Anonymous Trooper Number Seventeen--and what was your mother thinking when she named you? Far too long. In any event, let's avert our eyes from these horrors and drink to those who go boldly to the Ominous Pause Gazebo."
"Captain," said Larissa. "I'm fairly sure you're not actually supposed to say, "Ominous Pause."
"Maybe not, but I like it my way." Larissa and Bruswick both covered their mouths, and Lotus laughed loudly.
"Whatever. Brunswick and I should be getting back to our studies. We leave Bethlen to look after Lotus, and Bethlen to look after Bethlen. Before I go, Orc, might I see your axe?" Astra asked with authority.
Dardiana whispered to Delphi, "Maybe she likes a challenge? Not the sort of girl to be with others without charming them." Then she spoke louder, to Vierzehn. "Speaking about rooms, do we get some?"
Delphi nodded at that line of inquiry. "As fun as this is, I think we could all use a chance to rest before marching to our potential deaths. Rooms would be nice. Or just a room; these boys are all very polite and respectful. Or big enough that they get some leeway." She gave the resident orc a very pointed look.
"Like I said earlier, the room and board goes without saying, I'm afraid we're a bit short on actual domestic staff, so if you want room service I'm afraid you'll have to, ah, service each other. The kitchen is that way. I'll put you all on the third floor of the keep,” Vierzehn responded.
Astra, lacking an answer from Grath, had moved around and placed a hand on the axe, staring at it intensely. "Someone was here," she finally said. "A Shaman could tell you more, but someone was in this thing for a while, and left something behind. It wouldn't have shown as magic...but I think it may be lucky for you. And probably just you."
In the meantime, Gretchin and Nuisance seemed to be responding well to the dogs. Well, actually Gretchin had got Abyss rolling on the floor while Nuisance grunted amiably to the others. Larissa, standing at ease, was looking down on all this from the top of a very straight backbone.
"Well, that training is nothing extraordinary, although it is, indeed, quite extensive. Many trained dogs get only some of that, and most street or wild dogs get none. For example, laikas, like my Barry and Cherry, are bred for exactly that - barking at anything thay meet and chasing it onto a tree or towards the hunter. No surprise they do that untrained, it's in their blood. They were not necessarily hunting you, but you get the idea. Are reasonably smart, though, and guickly learn to differentiate between what is and what is not allowed to do. And who is what." Gregor pointed at the party around Gretchin and her boar. "You see, not a sign of hunting behavoir. No surprise though, the girl seems to know the drill."
Gregor sipped some mead, pausing for a moment. "So, I just know their language... sort of. Some spiritual thing, I was explained. Not all that hard to train when you can actually tell what is the thing that needs doing."
Thorwald flashed a big smile at Astra's rejection.
"Playing hard to get, hmm? I like that in a woman. And quite the woman you are. A real iron lady." Thorwald's hands moved with powerful gestures as he spoke. "You must feel a hard woman, Astra. But you know, when iron gets heated, it gets soft. And the hues of colour it creates."
Thorwald moved in a little closer. "Reconsider, please, having your armor heated by the flame of Loki! We could create wonderful colour together, you and I."
Astra didn't even turn as she exited the messhall. She did, however, burst out in an aura of red and yellow flames that seethed and raged behind her as she moved, disappeared through the portal and down a flight of steps.
Brunswick, having fallen in step with her, stepped back nimbly and turned that into a quick about turn, facing the table, and nodded to Thorwald. "Also, she can punch through a wall and I've seen her juggle Dire Flails. And she doesn't like it when people speak slightingly of her friends. Mind how you go," and then he followed her down the now distinctly red-limed stairs.
"I think I'm in love," Thorwald muttered.
Bethlen, still turning over the pages in the black leather book as if to make sure that they're all still there, hadn't raised her head at all. "I told You People. Not Yours," she growled.
"But I'm a short-term lease with no hidden fine print. Can I see your back-up weapon?" Lotus squirmed in Horbin's lap.
"Well, that's an interesting woman. Anyone want to place bets on what happens, or shall we just leave them alone? Vierzehn could you lead us to our rooms, and perhaps where we can sell the loot as well?" Dardiana spoke with a quickness.
"The sword is just to deal with those I would not seek to slay with my, 'close range', weapon. Don't let it mislead you," Horbin responded to Lotus. Though a little uncomfortable with her advances at first, he seemed to settle into comfort with her presence after a short while. "I would certainly like to see the view you have of the river. It will be nice not looking at the landscape through mud for a while."
"Is that a "Yes"? I am born of steel and fire. And love and pride, as Astra said. I'll never force nor trick nor surrender. And I will be worth the whistle. Come!" She jumped from Horbin's lap, and presented her hand to him. "I invite you, worthy gentleman, to see me to my room, and as much else as you wish. Come along, I sense this is something beyond us, but then again, it always is.”
Horbin accepted her proferred hand, "Yes," and allowed her to lead the way.

[mattie_p]

stanley, thanks for the post, I need to re-read the archives, and this is a good reminder. Thanks for providing the campaign log for us!

[stanleyindraven]

no problem, should have chapter 8 up this weekend, it is pretty short by comparison

[stanleyindraven]

is it just me or did i not post chapters 4 or 5?

[mattie_p]

I dunno, I need to doublecheck the thread, haven't had a chance in a while to re-read.

[stanleyindraven]

Prologue
Prologue



The morning is as clear as could be wished for. The sun is shining, the birds are singing like the silly young fools they are, the dew has not yet faded from the leaves. The mountains to the north shine like ivory. It is the last week of spring.
Standing in the sacred grove of Whitewater Rip, which, against the urges of barbarian cliché, is actually a quite well-built, if largely wooden, and permanent town which would not disgrace a small trading town anywhere. Amongst the oaks and ashes are the carven images of the gods of the tribes people. Thor has a comradely arm on Loki's shoulder. Loki looks embarrassed. Sif is staring at the pair of them with the expression of one who's not going to say what she's thinking. In a well-meaning and totally misguided attempt at religious open-mindedness, images of the Imperial gods have been added to the grove. Odin and Fharlanghen appear to be glaring at each other suspiciously, Wee Jas looks bored, and someone appears to have recently used the image of Hextor as a urinal.
Freya and Hel are absent from the grove. Their images guard the north gate of the town with their signature longswords. Freya looks as though she hasn't had time to find a decent robe. Hel is presenting, as people who think they're funny say, her Good Side.
The town is prosperous from trading with the Imperials to the north, and is an easy day’s travel to the mountainous, fjord-cut coast to the west. This is as close to civilization as the party has ever been. Their heads still a little fuzzy from the previous night's feasting, they await the arrival of the town's shaman to present the traditional farewell. Which usually takes the form of "Are you STILL here?"
***
Grath mostly stayed out of the way during the festivities of the night. Knowing his temper, he kept himself to only a gallon of freely flowing ale during the feasting. He awoke at dawn in his tent just outside of town and donned his clothing and armor. In a practiced manner he dropped his tent, folded and packed his gear, and prepared for the day. He wandered into the sacred grove, knelt at the feet of Kord, and waited for inspiration to see what the day would bring. Grath felt warm and got the feeling that Kord really likes it here. Then he heard a voice ring out behind him. It formed words.
Grath, an orc with blued skin, stood nearly seven foot tall and weighed nearly three-hundred pounds, mostly muscle. He carried a great sword, axe, daggers and a shortbow and managed to carry his belongings in a bag on his back as well. His chain shirt hung over his body as the only protection he had in a fight.
***
Marn Ortul stayed out of most of the festivities, sticking to water to drink and eating his fill but avoiding social situations as best he could. He takes a walk around town to see what’s going on in the aftermath and see who or what he encounters. The town is collectively still nursing its hangover for the most part, but some citizens are up early and preparing for the day’s more family-friendly celebrations. Today is officially the day the Whitewater stops becoming a roaring torrent of meltwater and becomes a broad highway to and from the north, and citizens are looking forward to traders so they can get rid of all this useless gold dust and amber and gems and valuable hides and junk and buy something useful.
Some maidens, young women, girls and adolescent females of various races are chattering together in the town square. Occasionally they practice dance steps, wearing neck to knee-length dresses somewhat rudely dyed with wode and plant juices. Next to them, some men are assembling a wooden platform while trying to make as little noise as possible. Marn was six foot tall and slender, his hair red and eyes green. He carried a light crossbow, a backpack and no armor, which was strange for the lands he came from.
***
Horbin, had partaken in the drinks and food as well as any others. He can hold his own but does get rather sloppy in the late hours. His hangover pushing him to hate the morning he would look around at the others with a blurry haze. A six-foot tall, black-skinned, white haired woman wearing clothing apparently looted from every battlefield in the last forty years steps by and shouts something at the halfling lying on the ground. He doesn’t really register what she says, he just knows it hurts.
***
Lying down in the grove and looking up at the sky Gregor was contemplating about past and future activities in addition to his main current activity of lying down enjoying the place, the weather and all that, with his dogs doing mainly the same. Most of yesterday's party time Gregor considers well-spent, especially the time spent ogling, winking and otherwise making passes at Delphi, but pissing on that Hextor... with all of the dogs following the lead... well, he would agree that was a bit too much and hoped no one will fix onto the issue.
Gregor was a Halfling at just above four foot tall with brown hair and eyes. He wore studded leather armor and carried a multitude of weapons. He also frequently smelled of dog, as one would when they travel in that company.
"Well, I'm glad one of you has some sense to get some proper rest before the big adventure," says a voice like a scourge hitting chain mail, "some of you have already wandered off. Well, we'll start the moot without them." The voice apparently belongs to a tall, dark-skinned woman, elderly but still quite spry, dressed like a vengeful ghost and casually bearing a shortbow.
He is not so full of admiration with the setting that he doesn’t recognize the town's head shaman, of the spirit variety. Her name is Olga or Ilga or something like that.
***
The sun shined upon the sleeping brow of mighty Korgoth causing him to stir from his dreams. Opening his eyes he soon realized that he could not move either of his arms, and as he looked to both sides, discovered that two women lay atop of his arms. He smiled to himself thinking, ‘Ah, last night was a feast to remember, praise Thor in all of his splendor and glory! Hey one of them even has all of her teeth, truly an auspicious and kingly gift granted by Thor!’
Still groggy from the massive intake of mead, Korgoth tried to ponder a solution to release him from his situation. Amidst his thinking he remembers that he hasn't seen Skuz yet and so using his limited vision his searched for his companion. Luckily the party animal was passed out just slightly over to the side. Korgoth recollected his friend also getting drunk and also him giving a piggy back ride to Skuz... wow what a party. Not wanting to disturb the lovely sleeping damsels, Korgoth spat out a mighty loogy that raced out and struck its target. Skuz stired and looked up irritably to find Korgoth motioning him over with that thick skull of his.
Skuz slowly got up and walked over to his friend to better evaluate the conundrum Korgoth had gotten himself into. The mule then proceeds to move to the lady on the left and gently nuzzle her arm which successfully caused her to roll over and away from Korgoth. With one of his massive arms free, Korgoth himself rolled the other one over carefully and soon freed his other arm. Standing up he felt a cool breeze on his body, thinking it odd he looked down and discovered he had no pants. Frowning, he tried to remember where they were but it was a futile attempt. As if reading his mind, Skuz walked away and came back, bearing the man's pants in his mouth as well as his tunic. Offering thanks to his most loyal companion, Korgoth dressed and exited the barn he was sleeping in.
As he departed, one of the maidens sat up and yawned hugely, letting the blankets fall to her waist. In the light of the morning she's definitely a little orcish around the eyes and jaw, and chest, not that there is anything to complain about. She looks at him a little blearily.
"Hey, you know to get to the sacred grove? Ingva Soulflayer wants to have a little chat with you and your party before you leave," she says to him.
***
Grath, startled by the unexpected noise, quickly looked around without saying anything or moving. He was still trying to maintain a calm, cool demeanor in this town. He is used to prejudice based on his race. ‘I didn't hear anything approaching,’ he thought to himself. ‘I still need to maintain a low profile, people might be grumpy with their hangovers, last thing I want right now is an incident to occur.’
Grath pushed aside the moist leaves and saw a tall, dark, white-haired woman dressed in shreds of armor and cloaks addressing, in a voice like mangled iron, the party gathered in the grove, which consisted of Gregor, Horbin, and himself, as far as he could see. He had the feeling that the others couldn’t be far.
"Listen well, all of you. That includes the orc in the bushes, thank you. I am Ingva Soulflayer, the Ghost-hound of Whitewater, and I come to give you counsel and advice before your speedy departure. Here we stand in the north-west corner of the People's domain. To the north is the Empire, to the west the sea. Some of you have already travelled long from the south and the east, so I'm going to assume you're not heading in either of those directions." She spread her arms hieratically. "Any questions so far?"
***
Korgoth winced as the maiden spoke after he tried to not so stealthly sneak away. Scratching his head he replied hurriedly, "Ugh... sure, I will get on that... definitely could have done better last night. Oh well, right Skuz?” Moving quickly he found his belongings and made his way to the grove, as he approached he heard "Do you have any questions so far?" and without giving much thought, he swaggered out into the open and proclaimed, "Yes I have a question, do you have breakfast ready because I am famished. I could also use a breakfast brewskie if you have one love." He gave a winning smile and hoped that the ghost hound found his antics charming or at the very least mildly amusing. As he waited for a reply he began to put on his armor.
While Gregor did have a question of why the woman is telling the "news", he decided it would be for the better not to ask it instead he just lay where he was, expressing undeniable interest all over his face. The dogs seemed to listen too. "Thats a big woman," Horbin let out, "perhaps she could shut her trap!"
The self-declared Soulflayer dipped into her haversack with a flick of her wrist and a slight rattle of bone on metal. She then threw Korgoth a travel ration and a wineskin, probably not containing wine. "For future reference, you should arm yourself more quickly on these mornings. Your longspear is suffering weapon shrinkage. Now," she sat cross legged between Baldur and Heironymous, who appear to be ignoring each other.
"As you might know, I got around a bit when I was younger. Also I travelled. To the south you might seek adventure, if you feel like fighting Orca to become kings and queens of the Penguin people. To the east there’s a thousand leagues of back-the-way-you-came to enter the steppes of the Dog People. No. They aren't called that because they ride dogs, are half-dog, or keep dogs. They're called that because they won't shut up, they smell, and they suffer from fleas. To the north of the steppes there's the Plateau of Yamigul, said to be Demon-Haunted. I have it on good authority the Demons resent this insinuation bitterly and avoid going near the place.
If you head west, you come to the sea, before nightfall if you move quickly, and should be able to take passage on a trading dragonship. Maybe even charter one yourselves. If you do this, be wary not to stray too far into the western ocean. The Nicely-Painted Fleet of the Administrate patrols the outer ocean as far south as the polar ice, and is very particular about protecting their territory. Which they appear to define as anything they're looking at at the time. Do not under any circumstances stray within site of their towers. Landing on their soil would be...ill-advised."
Korgoth smiled broadly at the mention of his 'longspear' and gingerly caught the trail ration and wine skin. He listened to the droning of the woman and he indulged himself in his morning meal. After finishing he looked up with a raised eyebrow, "Excuse me, do you have a point to this story or did you just bring us here to spin a yarn about your travelling days? As for getting around... that's a matter best kept to yourself milady. If you want us to randomly select where we go, then my vote is north or south. The dog people are rather mangy for my liking and there isn't a lot of women and mead at sea..."
"Yammering on, Yamigul sounds like a good a place as any," Horbin says holding his head with one hand.
Ingva pulls out a pipe while Korgoth spoke, stuffed it with something you hope is tobacco, and lit it with a sudden flash of flame. She held it in her left hand, keeping the flame burning in her right. "Ah, the young Korgoth. Not Odin's Favored Soul, I see", she breathed through blue smoke. Her eyes narrow as she leaned forward. "This is the bit where you get to ask questions."
Grath stepped out of the bushes slowly and approached those gathered. "What can you tell us about the Empire? Grath's village did not speak of them. Grath only hear rumors and murmurs."
Ingva nods politely to Grath. "The Empire is a glorious tangled mess. There has not actually been an Emperor for two hundred seasons, and those for a thousand before that were wandering pretenders, adventurers and warlords who used a faintly justified title to put a bit of legitimacy to their reaving. Still, the states that make it up can stick together against the outside. The Republic threatens, and The Adminstrate...abides. We profit by providing convenient heroes. And not attracting attention. I sometimes wonder how long this can last. I've seen things, read things, talked to things-" she broke off smoking.
"If you're after local specifics, the Imperial State directly to the north of us is the Margravate of Ashdown. We have good relations. We give them gold and things they think precious, they give us strong steel and workmanship. They are also often at war with their other neighbors, so they have a constant demand for people who are good at bashing skulls. I was a cornet-captain in their military, at one point. If you go along the border to the east, things between The People and the Empire are not so...convivial." As she finished her speech, the flame in her right hand died.
"So, no robbing of Ashdowners. Got that. How much do they pay to their mercs? Is not it better to work for their private employers,” Gregor questioned.
Marn stepped out from the behind the bushes where he had been listening to the conversation. "I'm not picky as to where we go, I'm just exploring the world that is open to me, I'm here for the journey not the destination."
Korgoth shook his head, "Either you're hard of hearing or just dense. I did ask a question to which you didn't respond. You are right, I do not serve the one eyed god but my god is just as wise and noble as any other. If you insult him again you will be treading on dangerous ground. My question was a simple one, you called us here, what was your purpose other than wasting our time?"
"Hey, you! More respect to Shaman! I mean it," Gregor shouted in response to Korgoth. Gregor stood up and his dogs followed suit.
"Ashdown's standard rates, in my time, weren't anything to write home about. Although they gave you fifty percent on looted items which was where all the money is. And proper military support as long as you swallowed their line of duty-and-honor-and-tactical-co-ordination-and never give the enemy a sporting-chance aesthetic. They were reliable. Almost tediously so. They still send me fifty-one gold pieces and a masterwork dagger every third summer.
Private employers, well, up to your own judgment there. You can catch a windfall job, or you can get suckered into a death-trap for a fee they won't even honor. Or, you can find yourself tools of some plot. I do fear sometimes that there are certain people out there that find us somewhat predictable.” Ingva stood up and put out a still flaming hand while breathing on her pipe, mismatched bits of torn martial array jingling. "Sacred Grove, fellows. I don't work through the gods, but I won't dishonor the house of my hosts. If Korgoth sees no value in my presence or words, that is his choice."
Dardiana sat down on the grass, her head still a bit fuzzy from the drinking that she had done. It hadn't been much, as she always watched how much she drank, but it had been a decent amount. She spoke up, "I really don't care where we go. I'm fine with anywhere, as long as it's not back home." Dardiana was a elven woman with purple eyes and black grey hair. She wore studded leather armor and carried a dagger and back pack.
Ingva took the pipe out of her mouth and gave Dardiana a look at the last words out of her mouth, but seemed to decide to say nothing. "Well, then, my people," she turned to the north and held her pipe out to that direction. "The Imperial way, if you want, goes through the valley of the Whitewater. At this time of year it is as good as a highway, at others, it's a roaring death trap or frozen, treacherous ice. The river cuts right through the mountains. The mountains themselves are dangerous even in the height of summer. Once through the gorges, it remains Our People's territory until it reaches the conflux with the Stahlmund, which marks Imperial territory. Or, maybe I should say, Ashdown.
The land south of the mountains and north of the Stahlmund is technically ours, although it is damned difficult for us to get to for much of the year. Ashdown does not persistently intrude upon it. It is called Redside and is a no-mans land. The nearest Imperial town is two days from here. It is called Ethandun and can be reached easily by following the Whitewater, then the Stahlmund. Further questions that deserve an answer?"
"A cure for the hangover," Horbin chimed in before hefting his oversized blade onto his shoulder.
"Ice water" says Soulflayer. "If that doesn't work, then a steam-bath, then a flogging with birch-twigs, then then ice-water."
Grath hesitated, then blurted out, "Will Grath be ... welcome at Ashdown? Grath is not often welcomed."
Ingva Soulflayer turned around breathing out smoke, and answered. "I fail to see why. I have known monsters, young Orc, and I don't think you are one. Maintain this level of behavior and I don't think Ashdown will care.”
“And if they do, just give them a, 'I will eat you' look and they should leave you alone," Horbin added.
Korgoth looked to the massive orc with an appraising eye, he was big and would more than likely be useful down the road. He offered a grin, "No worries Grath, your in company with one of the finest smooth talkers in the land, stick with me and your bed will never be cold again!" Ingva Soulflayer took the pipe out of her mouth. She looked at Korgoth, looked at Grath, the looked at Korgoth again. Then she apparently decided whatever she was going to say would be much too easy and chomped down on scrimshaw.
Gregor sat back on the grass, not unlike as if struck, and tried his best to keep a poker face as Ingva collected her fallen down jaw. "I guess I'll start with Ashdown military. It should be good to know their ways and get their training, at the very least. While I am not a big fan of duty and discipline, having proper support and reliable guys around is a great deal. Boys, girls... who's going north with me?"
"Seems like a good start to me," Horbin replied. “Name's Horbin, this is Glenda," he continued as he readjusted the sword on his shoulder.
Korgoth shrugged "I'm fine with it, it's better than east or west but careful those imperials have stiff necks I hear." He lifted his hammer and rested it on his shoulder then proceeded to walk back to collect the remainder of his property.
"Well, young people, it's good to see you are thinking about this,” Ingva exhaled blue smoke. "Unless there's any further questions, from the young ladies perhaps? If not, I had best be on my way. Town to run, patrols to arrange, people to shout at. We are expecting traders soon."
"Gregor McAlister," pointing at the dogs, starting with big one, which is fully equipped with a halfling-sized saddle, bags and leather barding, "Abyss, Barry and Cherry." The dogs lazily wagged their tails. "Hey, Horbin, they seem to like you!"
Marn walked up and gave the dogs a pat on the head. "I've always loved animals... I think this will be a fun adventure. By the way, it's a pleasure to meet you all."
There is a rustling of bushes, and a slight halfling in hunting leathers burst out of one side of the clearing, with leaves in her hair and bloodshot eyes. She seemed to have dressed herself rather haphazardly, and a variety of weapons were precariously attached to her hips, back, and bandolier. "Wait wait wait! Can anyone tell me what's going on? I woke up in a barn, sore absolutely everywhere, smelling of animals, and you're all gone. I managed to follow the bellowing noises here, and now here I am." She spoke quickly and it seemed that she may still be a bit tipsy; not unusual, of course, considering both her size and the extremely late hour at which she stopped drinking.
The halfling took a moment to gather her thoughts, during which she noticed the shaman. "Oh, right. Hi there. My name's Delphi, Delphi Fallios, master tracker and ranger, and mercenary." She grinned broadly, and it looked good on her. "Well, I'm still working on the "master" part of it. So, where are you all going? I came late to the party, so you can fill me in on the details later."
Delphi is a young, agile halfling. She wears well-worn, comfortable woodsman's gear, her brown hair tied back in a simple tail and her gear mottled and camouflaged to suit the forest. She bears a number of weapons. Delphi has dark hair and leaf-green eyes, and when she smiles it lights up the room.
"Somewhere north. I'll explain later. I'm Dardiana, by the way." The elf shook her head at Ingva's question. "I have no questions. Thank you and good luck with everything." She turned back towards Delphi and let out a sigh. "I'm glad you're coming. There were too many men, not enough females before."
"Well, then," Ingva stepped forward with a jingle of mismatched mithral mail against bronze dastana, notched spaulders, and black iron gorget. She shifted the scrimshaw pipe to her flaming hand and passed a scroll to, after a moment of looking around the party, Gregor. "Here is a blank piece of parchment. Which is astrally linked to a scroll in my quarters," she said. "It shall at some point become a world map, when I've had time to scribe one. I was never quick or clever at that sort of thing. But I've been around. I shall be able to alter it as things go on and if I should need to send you a message, it shall serve as that as well.
Go with bravery and wisdom. Remember you carry our name wherever you go. Even if it is unimaginative. And try not to get into a fight with any teenage Administrate Tourist in a dark basement. The gods speed you well, and all that." She turns, and walks off torwards the town square, giving Nerull an old-fashioned look as she goes.


"Girls, boys, Grath welcomes. Grath is not sure what happened, but all go north soon? North sounds nice, no prejudice there. Is danger north? Grath takes care of danger." Grath doesn't look in Korgoth's direction.

Chapter 1
Chapter 1: Trail of Blood


The party departed the town by the north gate, Freya on their left hand, Hel upon their right. To the north the mountains known as the Godspine rise in an almost sheer wall of granite, cut with a vicious cleft through which flows the Whitewater. It is called Starlight's Razor, for some reason.
The river was almost at a trickle, broad and swift, but very shallow with the snowmelt of spring having subsided. Much of the water had receded from the bed, leaving the river flowing in winding, cross-connecting braids. The bed and banks were made of white, metamorphic stone worn smooth by the floods of autumn and spring. Their feet made loud crunching sounds as they proceed.
As they entered the Razor, the walls towered up to a frightening height, blocking out the morning sun. The sound of boots on stone echoed before and behind them. In the blue strip of sky above them between the granite cliffs, hawks were circling.
Korgoth took the lead bellowing out a loud drinking song and his donkey even accompanied him at times during the chorus. He preferred walking it basically forced him to stay sober or sobered him up if he decided to dip into the mead early. The others seemed shaky or sullen, so Korgoth thought he would cheer up the group with a song it, was unfortunate that no one else sang along, though they were from different tribes. He stared at the scenery dully, not overly caring about his surroundings. People interested him because inanimate objects didn't do much of interest. As Korgoth looked around at the walls of the canyon he noticed that the cliffs had a smooth, half-melted look.
Horbin will moved to take up next to Korgoth in the lead. Grath adjusted the heavy pack on his back and walked near the end of the party. He had his sword sheathed, but his bow was in hand, arrow notched but not drawn back. He looked a little nervous, his eyes and head darted too and fro as he tried to watch everywhere and everyone at once, it seemed.
Gregor was riding on Abyss, carrying his lance, rested on a stirrup and wishing there would be better ways of carrying a lance. Delphi was invited to ride with him, allegedly to speed up party movement. With a generally relaxed attitude, Gregor enjoys the ride, the company, and the nature, doing his job of moving up into the front ranks and being aware of surroundings in some consistent manner.
Delphi gladly accepted the offer to ride atop the bulky riding dog, and she seemed excited to have the chance, scratching the powerful animal's ears with great enthusiasm. The big dog initially attempted to play the same, ‘I am demonstratively ignoring such a familiarity,’ attitude as it did with Marn Ortul before, but soon gives up and is visibly enjoying the scratching.
Delphi kept her scout's eyes and ears perked up and attentive, but otherwise she enjoyed the chance to get off of her feet. She occasionally muttered off-color jokes to Gregor in Halfling, occasionally poking lighthearted fun at the ranger and his beasts.
The smaller dogs generally moved ahead, to the sides or wherever they decided was more interesting. Since the dogs considered the canyon itself rather uninteresting and seldom delayed to investigate the things they liked to do in forests. Most of the time they are thirty to a hundred feet ahead of the group.
"Anyone know any songs that can be sung quietly, in case someone comes along to take our heads," Horbin asked with a smile.
Grath shook his head and simply said, "No."
Dardiana walked near the back, not at the back in case of an assault from behind. Marn stuck near the back of the group, he didn’t trust humanoids very much after the way he was treated growing up. He basically fell into the same condition as the others, admiring the scenery. Marn noted to himself that the canyon seemed to have had a very powerful evocation spell pushed through it with little regards to the lasting effects. Fortunately, it looked like it happened a long time ago. As he thought about it, the land around Whitewater Rip did have a reclaimed lakebed feel to it.
Shortly after noon, Gregor's dogs started barking up ahead, and a flight of ravens, and hawks took off into the sky in a flutter of unnecessary gothic imagery. There was a brown hump on the riverbed, like a large, possibly dead, animal, from which the kites flew. Gregor let Delphi walk for a while and rode forward, ready to charge any sort of large predator or whatever might pose a danger to his dogs with the intent to eventually examine whatever is there and ride a bit past it.
"Dead stuff up ahead," Horbin called to the others.
Korgoth lowered his voice to a gentle hum as he drew his warhammer, his spirits were high and he was hoping for some type of scrap. He was a reasonable man that usually used more diplomatic means to solve problems, but he always felt true joy at more 'aggressive diplomatic solutions' where his hammer did the talking. He generally ignored any negative comments directed toward him, but he stored away the odd image of the hills for later discussion. The brown hump on the bank separated from the surrounding of rock and resolved into a mule, lying on its side. Its mouth was flecked with red foam. There was a packsaddle on its back and two red-feathered arrows in its side.
Grath allowed others to investigate the animal, maintaining his position. He lifted and drew the bow, looking around him intently for any danger. As Grath looked around it seemed like the cliffs were beginning to lower where they were. He thought they were reaching the end of the Razor. Korgoth examined the mule to determine how long it had been dead, to determine whether or not the party was still in danger and whether or not the meat was still fresh for eating. The blood trail on the white quartzite riverbed lead north from where the mule laid. Ravens were screaming overhead.
The mule, notwithstanding the efforts of the carrion-fowl, was not, in fact, dead. It was still breathing shallowly. As Korgoth watched, fresh tinctures of red bleed into the foam around its mouth and nostrils. Gregor rode up two-hundred feet past the corpse, checking for any dangers anywhere and taking note at what the dogs were barking at. Then Gregor could determine that the mule's blood trail extended quite a bit to the north, beyond his present sight, and also that the cliffs were starting to give way to lower, more accessible slopes. Horbin looked in the direction the arrows appeared to have come from and then scanned around. He could see a massive, towering, but not immediately, threatening cliff of rock. Aside from the birds overhead, it was pretty quiet.
Marn started to examine the pack and its wares for clues. The packsaddle contained a large quantity of dyed fabrics, silks, cotton, and linen. There were about twenty-four gold worth of coins with an eagle on one side and a head on the other stamped "Ashdown Markgrafen", a smattering of smaller copper pieces, and a black, leather-bound book bound with a red ribbon and a simple clasp in a copper alloy showing a scythe crossed with a lightning bolt. The mule wheezed through punctured lungs.
Delphi rushed to the mule's side as soon as she spotted it, and she knelt down, and brushed its ears gently. "There now, hard worker. There now," her voice was soft and sad, a stark reversal from her previous demeanor. "Can anyone heal," she looked to the others, worried and afraid for the poor animal. She took out a small vial, filled with a gleaming pinkish-white liquid. "This stuff is expensive, but a life is worth more."
Korgoth waved at Delphi, “I can help him without using that.” Korgoth did his best to patch the wound of the mule and take out the arrows.
After a short time Gregor rode back. "Whoever shot this animal did it quite a way north of here. I guess we should try to keep it alive if able, then check what has happened. Robbing robbers might be a good business, right?"
Dardiana had stayed quiet when they found the mule and, seeing her group handle things there, eventually said, "I'm going to go up the walls and see if I can see anything better from above." With that, she began to climb the walls like a spider, going up them quite easily unless.
"Whoa! You see that," Gregor said surprised at how Dardiana climbed the cliff.
"Looks like it was a merchants mule, the pack is filled with dyed fabrics mostly...some coins..." Marn spoke. He then pulled the leather bound book out of the pack and stepped away from the mule into an open space, set it down and began casting a spell.
"Ingva said a merchant was coming in. Mule belonged that merchant, bet," Grath said as he still scanned for any danger in all directions, including behind.
Delphi and Gregor were intently watching the mule until it coughed up blood, then staggered to its feet. To restore the indignity the crows had done to its eyes required magic. The mule licked Delphi across the face in gratitude.
Marn detected a roil of differing varieties of magic about the book, but nothing strongly focused from it. Though he didn’t let on to its suspicious nature.
Dardiana, from her perch in the cliffs, looked out recalling that this is the Starlight's Razor and it ends in a large, circular depression called the Fall of the Fourth Daughter, though no one explained why for some reason. As she looked around from the cliff top, to the north side of the Godspine, which was a lot gentler than the south. Only sharp ridges of rock descending to the north between dark vales of coniferous forest, instead of a blank wall of rock.
She then turned north, to the Fall of the Fourth Daughter, it was a teardrop-shaped depression, oddly regular, at least a mile across. Its broad end faced north, suspiciously deeper than its southern end. The Whitewater, took advantage of a chance gap in the terrain and forced its way through the north side, before disappearing beyond. The depression was oddly lacking in trees and there was not enough soil. It appeared that something drove a fist through the mountains and impacted with something about eight-hundred meters from where she was standing.
Marn finished his divinations on the book then attempted to open it. Once open he began to read some of its contents;
[Maeve put her back to the wall, her bodice heaving in a moonlit majesty of silk, leather, studs and perfumed, lubricative, oils. He could not find her here. He could not! Or else-
The window to her left shattered in a convenient fashion, and through he stepped. His marble features glimmering in the torch light, the sparkles on his skin twinkling like stars.
"No!", she screamed. While her heaving costumage whispered oh hell yes. "No, you can't! Just because we're not blood-siblings-"
He tore the mask off with a jerk. "Beryl", he said. "This is just stupid! It's not working for me at all."]
It continued in this way for the entire book. One fantasy involved the couple killing themselves in a pistol duel on a blasted heath over a disagreement about coffee. Another involved them poisoning each other over a hiccup in the mail system. Yet another ended with the phrase "here's your handkerchief, Othello!"
Marn looked up obviously confused about the book but decided to hold onto it for awhile, and study it later, for there are more important things to do at that moment. He put the book in his bag and went back to the rest of the group.
Korgoth frowned at the poor creature. “Such a noble beast should not be left here to die, you shall make a fine companion for Skuz... Now are you female,” he said to the mule. As he worked his fingers he said sacred words of power and a pattern formed in his mind that his fingers unconsciously began tracing. Warmth flooded through Korgoth and light flared from his body. The light and warmth moved from his core and flowed out from his hands, into the hurt mule. The mule’s eyes were restored and Korgoth was relieved.
"So, what should we do? Try to find the merchant? or continue on our way,” Marn asked the others as he walked up.
Delphi gave the mule a hug, which looked a bit ridiculous due to their difference in size. She then turned to the others, drawing out her sling and a smooth stone. "I have an archer to kill. You can go on if you want to, but I may be a while." Her mouth was set in an angry line and her eyes were filled with a fire they hadn't seen in her before. "I intend to leave him just alive enough to feel the crows, if I can manage it, which may take a while. I would appreciate any help I can get, though." Her voice was filled with a cold anger and they got the strong feeling that the little woman could and would do exactly as she said, despite her usually jovial nature.
"I'll go with you, leaving an animal to die a slow agonizing death like that is just cruel, and someone needs to pay,” Marn replied.
Dardiana climbed back down the wall and told the group what she saw and knew about the area.
"Enemies cannot be behind us. Merchant cannot be behind us. Only one way to go, unless rather go back to Ingva," said Grath.
Before them lay a blood trail over the white rock. Horbin followed the obvious trail to it's end. Korgoth, pleased with his work, announced, "Skuz come here and greet your new friend! Now don't be shy, now you can have someone to lay with at night. I suppose we have an animal shooter to hunt." They followed the blood trail down the Razor. The mule was obviously a tough beast, even bleeding a good rate and with a perforated lung it managed a decent distance.
After an hour, the walls of the Razor finally gave way and they emerged into sunlight, at the southern end of the Fall of the Fourth Daughter. The Whitewater pooled into a small lake at the deeper northern end, then broke through a flaw in the rim of the Fall to flow on to meet the Stahlmund to the north. The blood trail continued to follow the Whitewater, leading towards the lake about half a mile away. There seemed to be a lot of birds wheeling over the lake today, for some reason.
Grath peered down at the lake from his position near the tail of the party. Keeping his bow ready, he said, "Shall all go down? More bird mean more bodies, yes?" Nodding at Korgoth he asks, "Can bring back from dead others?" Grath saw that there were seven black, unmoving shapes by the shores of the lake, birds clustering around them. They stood out really well against the quartzite and gabbros. "Grath sees seven still shapes lying on the white rocks, with birds all around. Danger is very close now."
Korgoth heard the words of the orc and sadly shook his head, "Nay, I have yet to be granted that kind of power by Thor, it requires a heavy price to bring back someone from the dead. Aye we should use caution I don't like the smell of this place, perhaps we should take a look around in the surrounding area before approaching the lake?"
"Something tells me there is more death to come," Horbin said as he looked at the birds overhead. "Let us advance as a group but everyone keep your eyes peeled."
Gregor stopped and took his time looking at the lake, the area around the lake, the area around the area around the lake. He generally tried to guess what could have happened and how to most safely approach whoever made it happen. Gregor could tell the area was a teardrop shaped crater about a mile across. The floor was largely devoid of topsoil and supported only some scrubby plants. The rim of the crater, on all sides bar the northern breach through which flows the Whitewater and, to the south, the Razor from which you've come, was fused stone slightly elevated above the dark, surrounding forest. The Lake of the Whitewater would provide a convenient water source but it also cut down movement options.
He feels he wouldn't camp there, it's a perfect place for an ambush. The rim of the crater made a perfect hiding spot for any ambush and it's a little large. They'd have some time of warning, but what would they do with it? He also noticed that the blood trail is more spread out here. The mule still had the strength or the terror to run.
Marn began looking around see what he could, and also thought hard to try remembering anything he may have heard about the lake. Not a place to linger in was everyone's judgment. Of course, Whitewater Rip and Ashdown were at peace, so maybe people were a little more careless than might be considered normal. Also, bypassing the area would have, by the look of things, lead to wasting several hours moving through the surrounding forest.
Gregor decided on what he thought was the best way to approach a place where he would camp if he were to set an ambush and proposed to go that way. He'd liked to either ambush the ambushers or see them from afar. Delphi moved about ten yards away from the main group, her sling out and her movements soft and quiet. She tried to think like an ambusher, imagining how she would slip through the low-lying cover and attack unsuspecting prey. She looked around the rim of the crater, attempting to spot anything moving.
While the troupe crept along trying to stay hidden, nothing moved by the lake, except the wings of ravens. The only sound was the rustle of leaves in the wind and cries of the ravens which were barely audible from where they were. The lake abutted the crater rim very close on the west side, so the way around was to the east of the lake. Unsurprisingly, that's where the shapes were still and the birds were circling.
"I doubt it now, but they may still be alive," Horbin said as he started toward the figures.
"Wait, Horbin. Whoever is there, they'll wait a bit more. I guess we take a bit east, moving on the outer side of the rim with Dardiana and Delphi leading the way. I do not want to get to the position of ambushee before I visit the position of ambusher. Let's play it safe," Gregor said to the fighter.
Grath pointed toward the forest and whispered quietly, "Grath can't help hurt creatures like Korgoth can anyway, but can fight ambushers who want to kill."
The worked their way around the rim taking a while, but it all seemed quiet and it’s good to be cautious. The trees there were the same as south of the mountains, tall, brown, and spiky.
They worked their way around the rim of the fall until they approached the north-eastern "corner". Then, they saw bloodstains and drag marks across their path. The tracks of men and mules. They also found a copy of "Half-Orcettes Half-Dressed" monthly. Which somebody appeared to have left there. Grath couldn’t read, but noticed there was a picture on the cover and he picked it up without thinking through the situation. Upon opening it, it was rather graphic. The "Half-dressed" part of the title was technically accurate.
Grath was very embarrassed at seeing the graphic imagery, snapped it closed, and put it away in his pack for later review. He muttered, "I always wondered what the fuss was about. I'm starting to get an idea."
Gregor wanted first to check possible observation points that ambushers might leave on the ridge, then he followed the trail. Delphi did mostly of stealth mode while Gregor rode at a recommended distance behind and to the side. He did not ride directly on the trail as long as the trail was obvious to the others.
"Mind if I see what’s there," Horbin questioned Gregor as he gestured to the 'site'.
Dardiana sighs and says, "I'm going to check what's down there." She then proceeds to do exactly as she said with Horbin in tow.

[stanleyindraven]

Chapter 2
Chapter 2: An Ambush



At the "site" on the shore of the lake they found a dead mule with no packsaddle and a dead human female, with arrow and slashing wounds. Her had dark skin and looked a little like Ingva's by-blow daughter. She also had tattoos up both arms and no weapons, even in the shortspear quiver on her back. A half-orc man with blonde hair lay murdered on the stone nearby. He had an old scar over his left eye and was still gripping his great axe. Both wore mail shirts and a bronze gorget bearing the words "REICH CAVARANIENSTAFFL.” An older human with a full beard and expensive clothing laid out on the hot stone. His fingers showed signs of having his rings pulled free and a dagger was still clutched in his other hand.
Two more humans in leather armor and red cloaks were littered about, both holding short swords with discarded shields nearby. One had a cut splitting his head apart, plus multiple bite marks as if from small animals. The other looked like he got a critical eldritch blast to the face, after getting chewed on by small animals.
The last body they found belonged to a half-elven female in leather armor and red cloak. She was lying a bit apart from the others, like she was sniping from the rim. She had a shortbow, but he quiver was empty. She obviously suffered a short spear to the gut. Ravens still picked at the carrion and continued to squawk.
Marn approached cautiously, keeping an eye on his surroundings and began searching the area for any missed loot or clues. Dardiana went to each corpse in turn and looked them over. When she was done with that, she spoke up, "There was a battle here. Redcloaks versus the merchant and his guards, most likely. The older male would most likely be the trader." She looked around, trying to find the tracks of more men having moved around this place. On a closer inspection, she noticed an odd pattern to things. Some things of value had been looted and others, like the mail shirts of the guards, not.
She did find an amulet behind a rock. It took the form of twelve snakes curving counter-clockwise outward from a central hub, which itself took the form of a vertical-pupil eye. The whole amulet had the look of copper, but the iris of the eye was set with some kind of greenish stone. It was bound by a fine chain of steel links.
Dardiana went back to the corpses and checked the valuable items that were left behind, particularly, what the general weight of the valuable items left behind was. The merchant's clothes might have been worth a bit and his dagger was masterwork. As was the half-orc guard’s battleaxe. Then there were the mail shirts of average quality and some short spears lying around. The heavy stuff was left while the lighter stuff was taken. The Ambushers didn't collect the weapons of their own fallen.
Everyone, even in the thin soil of the Fall, could spot the bloodstains, drag-marks, hoof-prints, and footprints leading to the north-east, past Gregor's position. Grath, who stayed above the "crater," followed the blood stains, toward the woods, or away from the crater, at least. He didn’t go too far, maybe fifty feet or so to the edge of the woods. He was trying to move slowly and silently, but was ready to shout for help if he was attacked and still had his bow ready and knocked. The trail leaving the ambush was fairly obvious, and included drag marks, but Grath didn't have the knowledge to put it all together.
Korgoth kept a weary eye with a weapon drawn. His instincts were screaming at him to leave that place but he was torn because he believed the dead deserved a proper send off. With stern resolution he spoke to the crowd, "We should not leave these bodies to the ravens, we should build a pyre so they may go to Valhalla with all of their possessions!"
Grath returned from his short expedition. "Let the dead bury the dead. Dead need nothing, possessions are for the living. Grath see nothing near, but let all follow trail and kill enemies."
Dardiana took the merchant's dagger. "Exactly as you said,” she addressed Grath. “He won't need this. And we'll bury or burn them after the guilty have fallen. That is, unless, we want to announce our presence."
“Animals need to eat too, we have no right to deny them their feast, leave them,” Marn added in.
Keeping his watch on the rim and watching both directions, Gregor noticed there were quite an amount of heavy trophies left and that generally these redcloaks screwed up heavily, losing three of their own. ‘Good for us,’ he thought. "Grath is right, I guess we better pack the stuff on our mules before it gets taken by some other band of passers-by. The chase could take some time, but we better not waste our time dealing with the bodies. Maybe on our way back. Check the lake, just in case, search the bodies real good, pack, and let's go," Gregor chimed in with definitive resolve.
Gregor and Delphi could see that there were some patches of sand next to the lake where they found the trail left by the caravan as it entered the Fall from the north. At that point it consisted of four mules and five humanoids. The much messier trail leaving the scene to the north east had the markings of two mules much more heavily loaded, two dragged bodies or objects, and six humanoids. It appeared to be aiming for the end of the first mountain spur to the east.
Korgoth fowns and is saddened by the lack of respect for the dead, "I told you to LEAVE their possessions, if any of you steal there weapons or armor you will deal with ME. Take the perishables and money but leave their equipment." Narrowing his eyes, Korgoth looked angrily at the halfling.
Dardiana glared at Korgoth as she took the sheath from the merchant and put it at her own waist. "Feel free to follow your own ideals, but the ideals of others should be up to them. Just like I won't push you until you take something, you shouldn't push us until we don't."
The male halfling looked at Korgoth from the ridge. “I suggest you openly state you are not joining Ashdown or any other of this world's military. Also, I suggest you not attempt to hurt anyone, or we, indeed, might deal with you. In that case, I'll try to make sure you'll live," Gregor responds to the man’s threat.
Korgoth glared around, looking for a moment like he was tensed to attack. Then turned, shouldered his hammer, and walked off without a word. Heading for the north, and Ethandun. As the party watched him disappear through the breach in the Fall rim, some of them thought they could hear the sound of hurried horse's hooves echoing down from Starlight's Razor.
"So what’s the next move? If there was to be an ambush I'm sure we'd have heard something by now," Marn questioned.
Delphi came back to the group, having lost patience with her shadowy stalking. She watched as Korgoth left, and she snorted quietly, "One down, before the raiders even show up? Well, maybe they'll see that as a sign of weakness and finally pounce." She shrugged then requested the saddle pack they had found with the mule, intent on searching it more carefully. She then spent a minute looking it over, careful to not miss a thing. The search confirmed Mart Ortul's story about bolts of dyed cloth.
Delphi also made a search of the site to ensure they wouldn’t miss anything before moving on. Looking around, she did find the amulet behind the rock as well. She moved over to the rock, and she very carefully picked up a strange amulet. She lifted it, careful not to touch the actual face of the amulet. "This looks really expensive, or important. Or, you know, cursed. What do you all make of it? I don't, uh, have much education to speak of." She blushed a bit at her last statement, clearly embarrassed.
"Grath did not see ambush either. Perhaps no ambush? Perhaps ambush ambushers? Ambushers not expect ambush! Also, write on paper and tell Ingva trader not coming and why!" Grath spoke enthusiastically, though they did not know if it was because he wasn’t getting ambushed or because he may be the one ambushing soon.
"I'm afraid the paper Ingva gave me is one-way only, we cannot write on it for her to know. In case I get it wrong though..." Gregor took a small splinter, tipped it in one of redcloaks' blood and put a small mark on the map. "I am done checking the rim and it all seems to be deserted. Whoever did it, did not leave here any rearguard so they are probably marching to some distant site.” Based on general spore, discarded trail ration wrappers, and the remains of a campfire a little further into the forest to the north-east, Gregor surmised that the ambushes were at least ten in number, and were in position at least from the previous night.
Gregor started searching all of the bodies for hidden pockets and such, evaluating everything that might be valuable. He then rinsed and packed the mail shirts, great axe, short spears and other valuables, not including the merchant’s pants and shirt, but possibly boots, belt etc. if of sufficient value. Gregor will end up packing six short spears, two short swords, a short bow, two mail shirts, three sets of leather armor, two heavy wooden shields and a buckler. He was also able to find seventeen gold, three silver and 6 copper pieces between them, and a length of string.
He then dragged all the bodies next to each other and away from the road, covered them with red cloaks then suddenly stopped, looking at the large spot of red on white he had just assembled. "I wonder if these red cloaks should mean something. They are extremely non-practical for any sort of forest warfare."
Upon seeing the amulet as Delphi held it aloft, Gregor responded. “Snakey, hmm...either it's magical or it's a symbol...or both. No idea what it could mean."
"I already used my detect magic spell for the day but I'll see what I can tell from it, if you don't mind.” Marn then held out his hand for the amulet.
Delphi offered it gladly, clearly not trusting the amulet. "It's odd, and it seems strange that the bandits or raiders or what have you would just leave it. I suppose they may not have noticed it, but it seemed to leap out at my eyes." She looked at the taller folk around her, and she smiled. "Then again, perspective accounts for a lot."
Marn started to examine the amulet trying to determine if any of his lessons would help in identifying its nature. The amulet was definitely magical in nature. It was not made of any natural element he had seen before. It had the weight and color of copper, but none of the softness, as a sharp rap with a rock attested. The greenish, iridescent iris appeared to have been achieved using polished mollusk shell, cut to precision. The chain was finely-tooled steel of masterwork quality.
As Gregor looked around at the ambush site he found a faint set of humanoid footprints that came around from the north side of the Fall and followed the departing trail. It looked like somebody with good dexterity trying to be cautious but with no woodscraft whatsoever. The tracks were light and quick, but whoever it is kept stepping in all the wrong places. It appeared to be somebody shadowing the departing ambush party rather than joining them.
"Have got what is needed from here? Grath will carry whatever the mule cannot. Follow trail, or not? More stuff if find end of trail," Grath said as he looked almost bored.
"Do you mind if I hold on to this for awhile? I'd like to run some more tests later,” Marn asked Delphi. And thinking about it, he pulled out the leather book and opened it again and cast Read Magic to see if anything became clear since he had detected magic before. The spell did not reveal any hidden information. However, the scythe and lightning-bolt clasp appeared to be the same alloy as the amulet.
Grath took the masterwork great axe and helped to load the mule with the rest of the salvaged equipment. He also took a long look at the half-orc.
Horbin silently took the length of string. "Well, looks like we best not be standing here when someone arrives, especially if they are lawmen," Horbin said plainly as he made a path to the wooded area.
"I am not afraid of any lawmen, so far. But indeed, nothing to do here unless we want to waste some time. Speaking of which, I propose we hustle for an hour to catch up with cloaks' lead. This could be dangerous, but I guess they are farther away," Gregor addressed the group.
With Gregor and Delphi leading the way, they moved at double speed through the forest along the trail of the ambushers. The lighter members of the party hitched rides at times on the back of the mules. Delphi's pet, though not in the best of health still, seemed quite keen to follow. In spite of its really bad day, it was still a strong animal, obviously well kept.
It was obvious the two mules the raiders were driving were overloaded, and not helping their pace. After a short distance the two sets of drag marks vanished, but the mule prints became deeper and more labored. The lighter trail of the shadower winded along, almost invisible at times, but remained around the raiders’ main trail. The trail appeared to be heading for the end of the nearest of the jagged spurs reaching north from the Godspine. Near the end of their hustle they stepped around some rock and found themselves between the towering knife-edge of the spurs end and a deep, broad, swift river running from east to west. The redcloak's trail, having moved around the end of the spur, now turned south-east.
They noticed at that point a body lying against a tree. He wore a red cloak and held no weapons, his body covered in small animal bites. Clutching at a bloody wound to its stomach seemed futile due to the somewhat more fatal, missing half of his head.
"Looks like someone got angry," Horbin said as he looked at the man. At that point, from some bushes to their right, in the shadow of the rocky spur, they all heard the sound of somebody not moving silently.
[SNAP] "frell..." in a woman’s voice rang out as the twig broke under foot.
Delphi was moving before she consciously thought to do so, darting around the sound at a full sprint to get into a flanking position. She also wanted to see if she could spot the clumsy bigfolk before they had a chance to hide again. She saw the female human rising, with a disgusted expression, from the pitfall that a poorly chosen foothold had dumped her in. Her black-leather-with-brazen-studs armor, while it might be quite the thing for a very exclusive sort of party, was not well chosen for concealment around a lot of green and brown. Although at least she had found a green cloak from somewhere. Her skin tone reminded Delphi a little of Dardiana.
Gregor guided his big dog forward and right, attempting to cut off the "silent"-mover from a route to escape. He dropped his lance and drew a javelin. The smaller dogs moved straight right, loosely following Delphi and barked, at first loud and active, then, just to make sure everyone was aware that they had barked. Gregor saw her about the same time as Delphi, she wasn't far off at all. She was rising stiffly and slowly to her feet, facing Delphi. Her eyes were downcast and she had a notable jaw, that was set very firmly.
Grath drew and knocked an arrow, getting ready to loose it at a sign of danger. He growled, "Shut up, dogs! Too loud!" He peered around intently elsewhere looking for a threat, confident the group could handle one woman for the time being.
The woman rose to full height, still moving slowly, and raised her head to Delphi. She had large, heavily-lidded, very cold eyes and her hands slowly moved to hang by either side. "You throw anything at me, pretty little she-hobbit, and I will do things to you that you may not be old enough to have heard done." She took a step back and to the side, giving Gregor a sidelong look, and crossed her arms over her chest gunbuster-style. "Well then, ladies and gentlemen,” her voice low and deep. "What happens next?"
Delphi frowned at the vague insult, but she held her tongue and her sling until after the woman stopped speaking. The little scout moved a bit more, to put herself in a good position to give chase should the woman take off, before replying. "You could tell us who you are and what you're doing. We've just come across several bodies, and we're awfully interested in finding the people responsible."
The woman closed her eyes to slits, her head back. "Bethlen Gabriel, textiles merchant, journeyman." She shifted her position, as if to keep both Gregor and Delphi in her field of vision. "I was heading up to Whitewater Rip to sell some silk and linen, and study Your People's dressmaking styles. Then circumstances altered. Now," her eyes opened a little, "I am looking at making more bodies. And rescuing Tharholt's thieving little whore of a daughter."
"So what, you want to kill us? You think you, alone, a trader, can take out a group," Dardiana took a look around where the girl was, to see just how surrounded she was. "I think you might want to think again. You're surrounded and don't know what each of us is capable of." She walked back a bit, to a tree, and began to climb it while keeping her eyes on the girl. She leaned back and practically sat down on the tree's side. "So, who's this... Tharholt, hmm? And what was that about rescuing his daughter?"
"Ladies, is this really necessary? I think we have similar interests, though she seems more skillful than her profession would give. Besides, this must be yours," Horbin tried to resolve the scuffle diplomatically as he gestured to the new beast of burden.
"I said nothing of fighting you" she said, giving the word peculiar emphasis. “Although I suppose if you give me no option you could enforce my consent.” Her arms uncrossed, and returned to her sides. "Tharholt was a merchant, nice man, fought well. Should have worn armor. Currently feeding ravens on the fall. His daughter was accompanying him to learn his trade, although I fear she has acquired some rather different professional skills-" she broke off when she saw the animal. "Spike!" she said, much breathier than her tone up until that point. The mule wandered up and licked her across the face.
"So, how far behind them are we now," Horbin asked Bethlen.
She gave the mule a rub on the head. "Not long. I only waited until they were just out of earshot before finishing their friend, whom they had decided was slowing them down. Then I heard you coming, and waited to see what you were."
Grath asked, "How far out of earshot, will hear thrice damned barking? Find secure spot to talk."
"I doubt they are looking for another fight.", said Bethlen. "But I did hear them talking about ‘meeting up with the Trammelburgh look-out party’, if you find that cause to feel any urgency."
Something with hooves neared behind them. They all heard the sound of hooves before they saw, atop a light horse, a heavily armored man riding. His face is rugged, and aside from the armor, he wore a large shield on his back and a heavy morningstar by his belt. After quickly taking in the scene, he slid off the horse inelegantly and sent it on its way with a hard slap over its back.
"You must be Ingva's adventurers," he said matter-of-factly, with unexpected warmth in his voice that contrasted his hard appearance. "This is good. I'm here to join you. And I'm sorry if I'm late to the party, but I had business to take care of first." He looks around with a big smile on his face. "And what a party you've had. Hahah! So... who are we hunting?"
"Six bandits or some such. Follow me...cancel, follow HER." Gregor pointed his javelin at Delphi. He then turned away from the insolent woman, took the javelin away, rode back to his lance to pick it up. Then he called the dogs, who immediately ceased barking and followed him along the trails. He then barked, in dogs' tongue, "Silent. Sniff. Stalk. Do as I do," to his furry companions.
Grath looked at the approaching stranger. "Who this guy? How know Ingva? Grath not remember stranger. First Korgoth resurrect mule, then mule follow to dead guys, then Korgoth leave because could not raise dead any more, and mad no funeral pyre started. Hunting bandits. Maybe stranger bandit?"
"I never saw a bandit who was so quick to give up a good horse," said the merchant, studying the newcomer without emotion. "Still, they are getting further away. And so is your impetuous friend and his My-Little-Wolfpack starter set. Shall we go? If you are not going to detain me, I am going anyway." She moved off, down the trail.
Dardiana slid off the trunk of the tree and followed after the similarly-colored girl. It was the bandit's freedom to kill, but it was anyone else's freedom to hunt them down for the deed. Delphi continued scouting just ahead of the group, taking her direction from the others but relying on her own stealth and skill to remain unharmed. She took careful watch of the new woman; though she seemed innocent enough, looks could be extremely deceiving. And if the woman tried anything, she would find out exactly how deceiving Delphi's appearance truly was.
Gregor followed the trail as it dropped downhill through forest and bush. Relieved of the need to let the others keep up, he made swift and silent movement. The redcloak's trail was a little less labored now, but they were still plainly stumbling about in the forest.

Chapter 3
Chapter 3
Surprise!

"Bandit, you say," Thorwald said with a curious look, then looked around him as if searching for someone. "No bandit here, alive anyway." He stroked his beard quizzically then pointed into the forest. "Perhaps if we follow them, we can find the bandits and ask if they know any of us, hmm?” With that, Thorwald followed the others after the bandits' trail.
Grath searched the body to see if Bethlen left anything of value on the corpse of the redcloak before following the group. As he moved along the trail, he put his bow away and pulled out his new axe. As he walked, he quietly played with the holy symbol hanging from his neck while scanning the area for any threats.
Delphi took the lead of everyone behind Gregor, advancing quickly but cautiously. Somewhat to Delphi's annoyance Bethlen kept pace with her, plainly determined on annoying her. She was nimble for a bigfolk and had some stealth skills, but no actual forestry. Dardiana as well, was close behind the Delphi. The others, burdened by armor or being more cautious, followed behind amongst the mules.
After less than half an hour, Gregor heard, a couple of hundred yards ahead, the sound of voices being raised in greetings, and then just raised. Gregor cursed silently, placed one javelin on the ground pointing in the direction of the sound, then took to the left to get around the bandits while they were still hollering and assumed a stationary position hidden, laying down in visual distance from their projected path.
Gregor’s inching to the left around the voices brought him to the edge of the bush, and the rocky bed of a not inconsiderable stream. Looking to the right he could see a scattering of ten red-cloaked figures, four of them slightly darker-cloaked than the others, variously standing, sitting, and gesticulating on a rocky spit of land formed by a bend in the stream. The clearing was dominated by a large standing stone. He could also spot two mules and some kind of bundle on the ground in their midst.
Voices were being raised in anger, but Gregor couldn’t make out the words. The main dispute, going by body language, seemed to be between a large human in a redcloak and an elf-sized person in maroon. The three other maroons were standing with their backs to him, backing up their fellow fashion victim. The other five redcloaks were just sitting around goofing off. He estimated the others were about five minutes behind him.
***
Grath found that there was nothing of value, but he did recognize the ‘animal bites’ on the corpse as coming from the claws and beaks of birds, some of which would have been extremely painful if they'd hit soft bits.
***
Gregor thought it looked as though the rest of the party would run straight into the redcloaks soon enough. The open stream-bed area where they were standing was no more than fifty feet across between stream and trees. Gregor tried to sneak a bit closer along the edge of the forest until he was within a hundred or so feet from nearest bandit. Then, after he was sure no one was looking his direction he moved roughly forty feet closer. After taking position Gregor waved his dogs to also sneak closer with Abyss stopping right next to him.
***
The party was still descending downhill and became conscious of the stream below and to either side of them. They could hear the raised voices not too far ahead. Bethlen Gabriel, who had moved a little ahead thanks to her long human legs, stopped, lifted her head, and started to curl her lips back from her teeth, which were perfectly normal, by the way.
"Grath wonder if other survivors than Bethlen and merchant daughter. On bright side, all foes dressed alike." Grath got his arms limbered up as he moved toward the voices, still trying to move quietly and remain unseen in the trees until he could see the enemy. Grath then pulled his bow back out before he moved near the front of the group, attempting to see the enemy so he could gauge the tactics he needed to use.
Marn moved forward quietly, sticking to the back of the group as normal to try and get a look. He then tripped and fell on his face, but was still to far enough away that the enemy group didn’t pay any attention. The boss redcloak and one of the maroons, each armed with shortbows and shortspears, were arguing furiously. Horbin, Grath and Dardiana moved forward carefully. When Gregor saw his teammates approaching stepped back, leading the big dog to mount and moved forward.
At this time Gregor was better able to listen to the argument between the maroon-cloaked person and the redcloak leader. The maroon appeared to have launched into a tirade.

"...he told you do what? Ajneguhs told you to do WHAT? "Scout around and get to know the neighbors", not "knock over a caravan on the Fall". These people are not SHEEP. That flippitijibbit Vierzehn's got a company at Trammelburgh, and even if he is a fop I wouldn't want to face him on the flat or in the rough. Then there's that nightmare whore at Whitewater Rip. She could get a hundred striders down here tomorrow and YOU'D never see her coming. She's got enough witchery to get past Ajneguhs' little games as well, assuming they're actually his.
And to top it off, you went and grabbed a girl. Very smart. How long do you think she's going to last? If we'd come along a half-hour later you scum would have had her bleeding out already. People remember, in these parts, when girls go missing. And who took them. And what to do with the latter. At least tell me you didn't leave any other survivors!"
There was a bit of a mumble.
"Oh, all Gods facepalm in our general direction...."
Thorwald moved forward, a little behind Grath and to the side, morningstar and shield in hand. He listened intently for signs of the argument escalating. No reason for risking death, if they were about to do themselves in.
Bethen slipped past Delphi with a fell look. She made an odd gesture with her hand, and said, as loudly as she had ever spoken yet, something that sounded like "Frenzied Murder". A sudden squall of black feathered wings, stabbing beaks, and hooked claws assailed the redcloaks around the boss. The boss started to bleed profusely and looked ill as he rushed to hid behind the large standing stone. The archer and swordsman that were standing next to him also scattered to flee the birds while dripping blood.
"There's a time to reap and there's a time to sow," Thorwald whispered under his breath, a big vicious smile on his handsome face. He ran forward, clearing the trees, ready to blast the maroons as soon as he was within range. Delphi moved her sling to her offhand, taking out one of her javelins with a fluid motion as she darted through the trees, quietly and quickly, staying low and unassuming. She hurled the javelin at the nearest redcloak to her, hoping to strike swift and true and to remove some of the weaker threats from the fight swiftly. The Redcloak struck by Delphi's javelin staggered under the shrieking roil of raven's wings, but he hadn’t gone down, yet.
Grath moved to the edge of the tree line. He shot his bow at the closest maroon-cloak, but the arrow flew wide. The maroon-cloaks looked around with mild interest. Dardiana followed Delphi through the trees and went in the other direction as her when they reached the edge. She took a moment to understand what was going on before lobbing an eldritch blast at the same target as Delphi. The redcloak swordsman fell, blasted to the ground by Dardiana's hit, and laid still. The Ravens were still shrieking. Just after the swordsman fell a javelin from Gregor thudded into the half-orc maroon-cloak that provoked a grunting curse.
Marn began casting from his hiding spot in the woods. At the end of his spell a celestial badger appeared directly in front of an archer and it began attacking the redcloak. He then moved through the trees to Dardiana’s position. The badger’s attack caused the human woman in front of him to cringe in pain as its teeth buried in her thigh. Before any of numerous opponents could meaningfully react to his first javelin, Gregor threw another one at the same gal, staying behind the tree, just in case. Gregor's second javelin thudded into the maroon-cloak, she went down.
After the surprise had eneded, Thorwald uttered an incantation and fired searing flames from his hands, trying to catch as many of the maroons as possible. He caught the group off guard as he rushed out of the trees with fire springing forth. Horbin gripped his blade and rushed through the trees, zigzagging his way toward the opening. With the growing number of combatants, the ‘boss’ rushed to hide behind the large standing stone and drew two short swords.
One of the bleeding archers rushed to the stream’s edge trying to stem the blood, unsuccessfully. Another archer ran away from the melee and fired at Bethlen, his shot went wide. The archer close to the maroons moved closer to the stream and fired at Bethlen as well, who seemed to be a very hard target. At the passing arrows Bethlen flashed a dark smile. Dardiana climbed a bit higher in the tree, to make sure she was out of melee range. She then partially turned around and fired a blast at the closest archer. Her hit lightly singed the archer, distracting him from passing on some possible useful information to the maroons. The swordswomen took a swing at the badger, missing horribly.
The maroons found themselves at a slight disadvantage because they didn’t know what Bethlen could do. The redcloaks knew, having met her on the Fall earlier that day, but they hadn't been eager to report that she chased them off in some confusion. So the Maroons focused their attention upon the large flaming man running at them. One of the maroons called out, “All right men, chap on fire. Fire rounds rapid.” As they all fired at Thorwald only one struck true as the others flew wide. He took the arrow with little notice and pushed through burning all before him.
Bethlen moved up to the bundle on the ground which all who paid attention could tell was a human being. She made a familiar motion with her hand as she knelt beside the person struggling in the saddlebag. The swarm of squawking birds continued to attack the maroons and the archer that had gotten close to them. Delphi darted around the edge of the battle, attempting to keep up a barrage of unpleasantly spiky ordinance without putting herself into the line of fire. She weaved through the trees with practiced ease, and she just poked out of the tree line to make a rapid attack against one of the outlying bandits. The javelin whipped out, her aim true and clean, and struck the man firmly, dropping him to the ground bleeding uncontrollably.
Grath entered into a whirling frenzy while screaming, “KORRRRRD!” as he charged up to the maroons. He cleaved two of them nearly in half with one swing of his greataxe. The rocks beneath them bathed in a river of red. He roars again with bloodlust, “KOOORRRRRD!!! I Have sent two gifts to your halls!!! Now, who is next?”
The badger continued its onslaught causing the swordswoman to succumb to the damage. Horbin charged and missed the elven archer as he swung wide. The redcloak boss tried to stop his bleeding, futilely. Gregor charged on his dog toward the maroon-cloaks and launched another javelin into the fray.
The ‘leader’ of the maroons looked at Grath and the bloody mess around him. “Percy,” he shouted in a cracked voice. “You killed my sone you blue bas-“ then Gregor’s javelin hit him in the side, silencing him. The man staggered but pulled his bow up for an attack. “-tard! Die,” the maroon finished as he let off a wide shot just past Grath.
The archer that Horbin had missed side stepped and then fired at Bethlen, hit he in the arm and visibly barely damaged her. The badger magically disappears just as it had appeared. Horbin bolted past one of the mules to the standing stone and swung his blade into the redcloak boss. Though he was still frantically trying to staunch his wounds, he looked up at Horbin and remarked, "I surrendaaaaaarrgh." He didn't elaborate for some reason.
Dardiana jumped down from the tree, letting go of it at last, and made her way to the rocky flats, where she charged up an eldritch blast and threw it at the archer that fired at Bethlen. The elven archer, hit by the blast said something that sounded rude, if she could have made it out. Bethlen produced a sickle from somewhere and slashed open the bundle, then pulled a ginger-haired Human girl out of it. Marn ran out onto the rocky shore near Horbin before hearing Grath shout.
“Another offering for Kord,” Grath let out as he turned to the last maroon-cloaked man. His greataxe buried into the man’s chest, dropping him. At this moment Grath realized that the odd pressure on the haft he mistook for a design flaw was actually something more. It lifted as the man slid off the blade and into a pile on the rocks.
The cleric of Loki charged the elven redcloak and smashed them to the ground with a well placed attack. Delphi advanced toward the last archer, standing on the bank near the stream and whipped her final javelin through the air. It found its mark with alarming speed and a barely audible whistle through the air. It pierced the archer’s throat and dropped him to the ground, bleeding profusely.
The sun began descending to the west, filling the sky with redness that should have, but in defiance of poetry didn't quite, match the blood splattered on the white rocks. Bethlen's black-winged summonings, invocations, sendings, conjurings or whatever they were fluttered past her in a shrieking squall, ascending into the sky and scattering. She roughly heaved the ginger-haired girl upright, embraced her, and, with a certain mercurial flash, slapped her across the face. "Where is it," she growled.
Grath, for a moment, heard a voice speaking Orcish in his head, "Thank you, friend. You have avenged me with my own steel."
Spike the mule wandered out of the trees, looking like he regretted being left behind. Not sure if the team was in the mood to take prisoners, Gregor immediately began applying his mediocre medical skills to the fallen opponents. He attempted a time-critical task of keeping some alive, starting with whoever looked more promising in that regard. ‘After all, it's easier to kill a guy after you decide he is of no use than do it other way around,’ he thought to himself. Dardiana attempted to assist Gregor in keeping someone alive. The Elf redcloak archer and the Half-Orc maroon were the only ones they were able to keep alive. The Elf had a smashed jaw and wouldn't be talking much.
Delphi glided forward to the bodies, her mouth set in a thin line and her hands moving swiftly, going over and through the belongings of each man on the ground. She was respectful but thorough, and she took special care to recollect her javelins, cleaning the blood and other fluids off of them by wiping them on the cloak of the man they struck. She tucked them away on her belt, as she returned to her slow and steady search of each man. "I'm going to take my time with this, guys," she muttered as she inspected for hidden pockets on a redcloak, "because it would be foolish to rush searching them only to miss something important. Feel free to help if you wish; I can still make mistakes."
"Oh, all right. Then I'll scout around. By the way, did you pick up my javelin,” Gregor said after trying to keep would-be prisoners alive long enough to not rush a final decision about their fate. Gregor rode around and checked if the site was frequented and by whom.
Delphi nodded and took a mismatched javelin from her belt, about to toss it to Gregor underhanded. She paused for a moment and with a raised eyebrow she took out one of her own throwing darts, holding the two next to each other, comparing their lengths. She looked at Gregor, grinning, and then tossed his weapon to him lightly before deliberately winking. She then returned to her work, as if nothing had happened.
Horbin looked around. "Feel free to search," he said as he looked around. After each body was searched he moved the dead men into a pile.
Marn also began to search the bodies from his end of the battlefield, taking his time. "We will need to make our camp soon, my spell reserve is almost exhausted for the day," he said as he systematically searched their belongings.
Grath knelt, clasped his holy symbol with both hands, and muttered in orcish, "Thank you, Kord, for a battle safe from harm for me and mine. Escort my brother, who fell earlier, into the halls of glory, wherever they lie for him." He then cleaned his new axe, showing it the most respect possible for its assistance in the victory. He then assisted Horbin with the manual labor of dragging the dead into a pile, and then gathered wood for a campfire or pyre. Grath let the others search the dead, heal the wounded, or anything where he felt he would be a hindrance. After all the labors of the day were done, he pulled out his panpipes and played the Dirge of the Unmourned on his pipes.
After listening to the haunting hymn, Delphi applauded very quietly and politely, the sound almost lost amidst the crickets and cicadas. She smiled at the large man, her eyes distant and wistful. "That was really beautiful, Grath. I had no idea you could play so well." She paused for a moment, working up her nerve, before continuing. "Do you think you could tell me about your god? I've never found one that truly suited me, but I want to know why you follow yours. I suspect knowing that will help me know you." During the performance Dardiana, watched Grath play and silently congratulated him, mentally.
After having searched the downed foes some leather armor, short swords of varying quality and short bows were the most prolific items found. The redcloak leader had a note with a crudely sketched map attached. As Delphi lifted the pouch from the leader’s belt it provoked a reaction from Bethlen.
Her conversation with the girl had been, "Where in the name of Blessed Silence is it you brainless, cotton-fingered little trull?
"I-I dropped it on the Fall. When they attacked, and Hagen was hit. I-" the ginger-haired girl responded.
"I bloody well know you dropped it. If these idiots," she gestures around at the fallen redcloaks, “had had it, and tried it on something very interesting would have happened. Why did you have to bloody well get captured? You've made me waste half the day getting you back instead of looking for the thing. What part of ‘don't you dare touch this’ was hard for you to under-". It was at this time she noticed Delphi lifting the purse. "Kresta, that looks like your fathers. Yours now, I suppose, unless these fine ladies and gentlemen have other opinions."
The area was devoid of the traces of regular camping. The large standing stone was flat on one side, and the words "LINGER HERE" were inscribed near the broken top. The missing piece appeared to be lying next to the stone on its front.
Delphi opened the note which read:
"Grumio, I'm sick and tired of you and that pack of idiots you call a band skulking around the place messing everything up. I'm told you a dozen times now, those little tarts and cakes are spell components, not for midnight snacks.
Get out and scout around. Get to know Redside. Don't take on anything you can't handle. Around here, that's pretty much everything. Don't attract attention. Avoid the Fall and Trammelburgh. Vesplin's little brood will keep an eye on the Ashdowners at that place for you. Don't worry about my defence. I have my two champions, and our mutual friend has lent me some help to make some other arrangements.
Don't, for the love of not suffering an eternity of torment, let this fall into the wrong hands.”
The letter was signed Ajneguhs. The map showed a location about two days travel from there, at the headwaters of the stream they stood beside. It lay a little to the south and a longer distance east at the head of a narrow mountain valley. The Fall and Trammelburgh, which appeared to be in the middle of the Stahlmund, were marked in red letters. Trammelburgh looked only a few hours to the north-east of where they were.

[stanleyindraven]

Chapter 4
Chapter 4
Cat Fight

After scouting around Gregor returned to the site. "Nobody around, and it's not like they meet here often, which means this funny stone might be relatively fresh." Gregor examined the stone, trying to guess what natural, unnatural, physical or magical cause might have made it into its present state. He then knelt down and picked up a short bow from the spoils and a quiver of arrows. Gregor eventually sat down and examined the map and letter from the boss more closely, reading them at least thrice.
"So, some hapless guys thinking too much of themselves? I'd say we would be happy to have their whole organization consisting of those, not a chance. Have to report to Ingva. Maybe it's worth checking Trammelburgh, but I would not like to repeat these guys' fate of grabbing too large a bear... Oh, and did you search the mules,” Gregor continued.
Marn collected a thin paper book, from the assortment of gear, that had the title Half-Elves Half-Dressed and placed it quickly in his pack. He then went over and lifted up the stone on its face to see what the rest of the message might be.
Dardiana looked over the gear and saw only one thing of interest, which would probably have been better given to someone else. "Does anyone want these gloves, or can I have them?"
Delphi rubbed the back of her head, not wanting to cause conflict, but she held up a hand to Dardiana. "I'm little. That's normally a pretty good thing, but when it comes to using things it generally sucks. Everything here was made for you bigfolk, and I can't use a single piece of it. I also don't particularly care for their money; money is heavy when you're my size, and I don't have a lot of needs.
Those gloves, however, reshaped to my size the minute I picked them off the big guy there. That's something special, and they're more or less the only thing there that really helps me out. Now, I don't want to cause an argument, but getting to use these gloves will help me put myself in harm's way for the rest of you guys; picking locks, finding traps, scouting, and having long-ranged arguments via thrown objects." Delphi raises her brow, questioning. "And if I bite it, which little scouts that mess with traps tend to do, you get the gloves. Is that reasonable?"
Grath finally seemed to snap out of the trance his music had put him in and looked down at Delphi, the little woman half his size, then looked away, embarrassed. "Thanks, Grath seldom plays so well. Only time was after a battle like this one." He paused.
"Lots of battles where Grath comes from. Strength is the only thing important. Strength of warriors to kill foes. Strength of hunters to kill prey and get meat. But also strength of fathers to beat their children. All fathers beat children in Grath's village. Stopped when big enough to stop it.
Kord is strong, but not beating children strong. Beating children is wrong. Killing merchants is wrong. Grath does not always know or do right, but doesn't do wrong. And if Grath has anything to do with it, Grath will not let little Delphi die in trap."
Dardiana looked to the gloves before handing them over to Delphi, a bit reluctantly. "Here, if they change size and shape, then until we find out what they are, you can have them. But when we do find out what they are, then we'll see. And I pretty much have the same situation as you, as a spellcaster, I don't need weapons and anything restricting enough can screw up my spells, so I don't need to buy weapons or armor, or even carry them around at all. And the priest of Kord is right, we won't let you bite the dust that easily.”
Bethlen was apparently refocused on checking the two mules. "Overloaded and exhausted. Three loads crammed onto two animals. Plus Kresta. And their limp, languid friend back along the trail. They're not moving again today. Could cram some of their load onto Spike, but it's a matter of bulk there, rather than weight. Search the mules," she registered Gregor's comment with a pique in her voice. "Have you forgotten this property has an owner? And that she's sitting just over there shivering? A reward for you ladies and gentlemen is not out of the question, but-" she slapped Spike's packsaddle, "-somebody appears to have helped himself to my remaining liquid assets. Here's what I think we should do." She sats down, legs crossed and back to the stone.
"Unless you fine ladies and gentlemen feel like turning bandit yourselves" she shoved the arrow in her arm through the wound and out with a faint gritting of teeth. There was not nearly as much blood as there should have been. "Kresta and myself need to get to Trammelburgh. It's not a large settlement, I know, but we can pick up a fresh mule, arrange some more guards, and give Kresta time to buck up her spirits. If you fine Ladies and Gentlemen would accompany us, I'm sure the Ashdown military would be pleased to make your acquaintances in such a fashion, rather than by hunting you down like dogs. They might even pay you for investigating this location indicated on the map. A bandit lair in Redside is a thorn in the side of the Empire and of Ashdown, not to Your People. I generally make it a policy to never do for free what I can get paid for. With certain exceptions," she gives Kresta a look.
"For my part, I would quite like to meet this ‘Ajneguhs’, and exchange pleasantries. Kresta knows well enough how to do my business in Whitewater Rip. And I think she knows now not to cheat me." Her eyes fix on the ginger-haired girl again. "Correct?"
Marn finally flipped the stone, which appeared to have been broken owing to simple ice expansion in a hairline crack. On the underside of the stone read; “NIXIES! DO NOT” in large letters, however, somebody, in between the first line and the second, had more hastily inscribed: "No. Not the little fairy book things. 8-foot tall carnivorous snaggletooth water monsters. If you must camp here, bring meat!" Dardiana looked over, interested in Marn’s activity and read the inscription. She then wondered what Nixies happened to be.
"So, you say whatever these guys have loaded onto your mules is yours now? I don't think so. Whatever YOU have loaded onto your mules is yours and of that you are welcome to allocate a reward, of course; not necessary if you give up your share of the loot. If there is anything else on your mules, I'd like to see it before deciding its fate. No objections to the plan,” Gregor replied to Bethlen. “Marn, can you make a copy of papers we found and describe what we've done and what we're going to do. I'd like to send a note to Ingva."
Gregor then searched the bodies for a good leather belt and sat near the stone crafting two dog-collars suited for message-passing.
Bethlen looked at Gregor as though he was the silliest person she had ever met. "I didn't say it was mine. I said it was KRESTA's. Her father died over it. It's hers now. And if you plan on ‘disposing’ of it yourself, I hope Ashdown, or that person in Whitewhite Rip, gives you a clean cell and a quaint, well-built gibbet."
"Err... I mean, both of you, all of you, your fathers, mothers, servants... whatever. If the bandits added there something of their own, like their food supplies, tents, things from their fallen colleagues and such - it was not yours to begin with. So I'm searching the mules...” Gregor replied.
Dardiana recalled that she had heard of eight foot tall carnivorous snaggletooth water monsters, and that ‘Nixie’ is one word for them. They are sometimes placated by humanoid sacrifice or simply by red meat in general. She went over and stood near Bethlen, making a sort of arc between them in front of the stone, as one would do when there is a campfire, except she was standing. "Gregor has a point, being that anything that was previously yours stays yours, but anything that wasn't doesn't turn yours. They could have been using the mules to carry more things than they first had when they captured them. But you, Bethlen, did help us out, yet don't want any type of loot, I assume. Instead, anything that the bandits put into those saddles can be yours or Kresta's, to sell or do as you wish with it. But figuring this out can wait until later, particularly when we get to town. Now, on to more pressing matters; should we camp here or not? The sign says that Nixies appear around here, which could cause problems for us during the night."
"Are you people DEAF," shouted Bethlen, her eyes opening full for the first time since they had met her. "I said nothing about any of it being mine. As to your second point; do you seriously believe these people were wandering around the forest with a load of iron kitchenware, armor components, dissembled light crossbows, steel tools and clothing dyes in search of some mules to hijack?"
Dardiana stayed calm and crossed her arms as she looked down at the sitting figure. "So, you're telling me that it is impossible for the bandits to have grabbed one of their items, let's say a hammer, opened one of the saddlebags, and put the hammer in the bag?"
"It is not impossible for a random magical accident on the other side of the world to suddenly turn you into an Alsatian with the mange. It would be very foolish of them, considering they were dealing with three mule-loads, a captive, and a wounded spread across two functional mules,” Bethlen responded.
"Then what I said is perfectly fine. So anything that they put in there, that wasn't there when they got the mules, can be yours or Kresta's." Dardiana lowered her arms and walked over to the water, looking into it. "Now, about what I said before; what do you think? Risk it here with the nixies or move a bit more? If the mules are overloaded and can't move anymore right now, some of us could take some of the items off them for the trip further down."
"That doesn't make any sense at all. And it's making my head hurt. You're saying that anything that wasn't there before they hit us, anything that isn't Kresta's property, is now hers? And you get to keep all the things that are?" Bethlen seemed to be visibly agitated by the argument. Her eyes then closed to slits. "And shouldn't you be discussing this with the owner?"
"Nearly the opposite. Anything in those saddlebags are now hers, period. We get the loot we got off the bandits themselves. I'm just clearing it up that, in my opinion, anything that isn't hers in those saddlebags should now become hers. And if she wanted to talk, she could have said something all this time, couldn't she?"
"She's had a full day," said Bethlen dryly. "And up until a few minutes ago, was facing the prospect of a short, agonizing, rest-of-her life. I would give her a while before expecting her to jump into an altercation." She stood up. "Whether it's safe to camp here or not. We should certainly take some of the weight off the mules so they can rest. The ironmongery won't be any worse off for a night under the stars."
Dardiana turned to Bethlen and nodded. "And that's why I'm discussing this with you and not her. And of course, sleep light. That's something that any living being should do. If you need any help, tell me and I'll give it. Since you know more about her than I do, and more about the bag's contents most likely, I won't move to remove any of them without you giving me the word."
Stopping in his stride, “oh... our Dardiana is such a generous girl. Fine. What's on the mules is yours... I mean both of you, divide as you wish. And anything off the corpses is not. Fine that way," Gregor replied.
"I'll work on copying what we need copied once we make camp for the night, as for the loot, we should keep what we took off the bandits, if it is as she said then anything on the mules is indeed the girls’, and by the way it seems, they were to busy arguing and probably hadn't even searched the mules properly yet let alone decided to use them for storage of their own. As for the Nixies... you don't make signs for things that aren't something to worry about, we should move away as quickly as we can,” Marn chimed in.
Marn’s thoughts turned to the image he had in his head of the Nixies. He did recall that they could be placated with fresh, preferably living, meat. The more humanoid the meat the better, after which they are dormant for months at a time. They vaguely resemble Dryads, only stronger, clawed, more malevolent and more savage and lived in the water. In spite of the plural denotation on the stone, they are solitary creatures. They are almost impossible to remove from a body of water completely as when "killed" they revert to water, a state from which they eventually reform.
Kresta piped up nervously. "Please take father's purse. I can probably arrange more at Trammelburgh. My family’s credit is good with Ashdown."
Bethlen gave her a concerned look. "We may need more than credit to arrange more mules and guards after this Kresta, but it's your money." She looked like she had a thought. "None of you Ladies and Gentlemen picked up an Infinite Serpent amulet at the Fall did you? I'd give it back to me if you did. The thing's old and twitchy. At the very least, avoid saying "Khraznyjelenobogatyr"
Dardiana rose an eyebrow at the mention of the amulet. "So... she's rewarding us with her pop's gold? And what's special about that amulet? I saw it when we were there, but I never picked it up."
Marn suddenly became conscious of a heat building in his bag where he was carrying the amulet. It was suddenly getting very hot very fast. His thoughts turned the leather book and his spell book. He opened his bag and pulled out his spell book to study but it was a flimsy pretext to check on things. As he opened his pack he was rewarded with a blast of flames. The amulet was red-hot and continuing to burn still brighter. The leather-bound book was on the verge of lighting up as well.
The rest of the party became conscious that Marn Ortul appeared to be in some flame-related difficulty. Bethlen watched him with her arms crossed and her heavy-lidded eyes expressionless.
Marn, with a yelp, pulled out the amulet and tossed it towards the water. The flaming amulet veered toward Bethlen, who caught it with one hand. The flames died as soon as she touched it. There was an audible pinking sound as the metal cooled and shrunk.
She held it up, and placed it around her neck, tucking it down under her leathers. "You People, if you're not going to get yourselves killed at your first real encounter with civilization, need to grasp the concept of ‘Not Yours’. This is a showy, over engineered, impractical old thing. But it's an heirloom and I'm attached to it. And it to me. Count yourself lucky you didn't try it on, or try to mess with it, or have it in your possession for any great length of time."
Grath remained silent during the conversation between the others, Bethlen, and Kresta. He believed in finders keepers, meaning Kresta and Bethlen get nothing but their skins and some supplies, and an escort to safety, but could live with the consensus. He started rigging up some kind of sled or skid to pile all the found items onto, with either a mule or himself to drag it to the nearest town.
Marn looked back into his pack, the leather-bound book was mostly saved by its cover, though there was some charring on the pages. The spell book was a little singled around the edges, but still sound.
Dardiana glares at Bethlen. "So you're just grouping us all up after this? I grasp the concept between mine, loot, and an ally's just fine, thank you very much. If you're just going to generalize about us like that, then by all means show us how savage you are by doing so." She looked around, to see what else was going on, and saw Grath building some sort of vehicle. "Now, are we going to sit here and attract the nixies... or can we get moving?"
Bethlen gave Dardiana an odd look and then, as she tended to do, refocused on something else. She turned to face the stream. "Nixies. How quaint." She looked thoughtful. "Since you're not going to bother interrogating your captives, how about throwing them in? The Elf's dead at any rate. Even if he is presently still breathing."
"Hey you asked if I picked it up, I didn't pick it up I was merely in possession of it, you never asked if I had it, it was returned... no lasting harm done... and yes, we should leave,” Marn replied simply. He then gathered his things and started heading away from the stream in whichever direction looked like it held the best place for a camp for the night.
"I think you mean your captives. Or at least the ginger's. They didn't steal from us nor did they capture any of us. They did capture her, though, so I assume she, or maybe you if it concerns you, would be the ones with questions for them. If you want to throw them in the water, go ahead." Dardiana replied.
Bethlen laughed. It was quite possibly the creepiest sound they had ever heard. "Kresta, feel like helping me throw a helpless, wounded, unsuccessful rapist to a monster?" Kresta stood up, displaying that Bethlen's Black Lagoon smile was possibly contagious.
Dardiana watched them throw the body into the water and then spoke. "So, Beth, will that stop it from coming at us? Or will the elf just be an appetizer for it? More specifically, does that render this place safe or should we still move?"

[stanleyindraven]

Chapter 5
Chapter 5
An interesting Meeting

Suddenly, something broke the surface of the water and rose up. It looked like a naked female elf. Only it was nine feet tall and covered in muscle where elves only have skin. Its eyes were black. Its hands were webbed and terminated in massive claws. Its skin was the lusterless pallor of fish belly, and when it opened its mouth to speak, its teeth were rows of razor-like triangles.
"Quail, brief mortals." It began pretentiously. "Your sacrifice has appeased me. You may remain here a while free from predation."
Horbin was looking at the surrounding trees when the nixie cleared the surface. "Whoa, big lady," he exclaimed at the appearance of the nixie.
It then disappeared back into the water, for about two seconds. Then its head poked back up. "Um. Actually. This is awkward. You wouldn't have a knife or something I could have? People used to throw things to me all the time, but the steel doesn't last and now I'm down to the ancient copper, which is worn down to nothing. If you could be so kind? I hate to eat with my hands."
Gregor sat, back to the stone, doing his leatherworking and observing the whole situation with the amulet with an expression of some mixed feelings. So, the girls know how to get things underwater, starting with witness. He started to wonder what sort of business they were REALLY in, but did not have much time to think about it as the gigantic naked female elf popped out of the water. It caused a considerable amount of awe as Gregor was trying to clear some distance from the water, with ANOTHER mix of expressions on his face. He then quickly recovered, took a dagger from the loot, and handed it to the nixie, pommel first. "Of course, mistress. Bon appetite!"
Dardiana did not flinch, the fey inside her refusing to show fear in the face of another. She made a small bow, showing her respect for the nixie, before speaking, "Thank you, madam, for allowing us to stay here. As such, if there is anything that you would ask of us, past the dagger and elf, please do not be reluctant to ask."
The Nixie manages to look embarrassed. "I don't suppose you've got a pretty dress." This was followed by an awkward pause as everyone just kind of looked around. "People used to throw other people to me all the time dressed in the nicest costumes but that ended after the big bang, when the mountains split. And they've all rotted now, and just look at me."
Dardiana's laugh came soon after, this really was great. Here was a nine foot tall monster and it was very similar to a normal female elf. "My apologies, but I don't have clothing for someone twice my size. But, I might be able to get you one at a nearby town. Maybe even a dagger that won't rust, if there is one and I can pay for it. You'd be able to follow us on the stream, right? So that I don't have to go all the way back here, since I most likely won't have the time."
Delphi was conspicuously missing. She had darted into the nearest bushes she could find the moment there was mention of what the nixies really were. She remained that way for a long span of minutes, watching the water and listening to the conversation rather fearfully. After a long while, once nothing huge and monstrous had appeared, she started to make her way back out of her cover.
It was then, of course, that something huge and monstrous did appear, and she froze in place, horrified at the sheer size of the creature. Delphi was many things, but brazenly brave in the face of something huge and flesh-eating was not one of them. She did not move a hair until the creature slipped back under the surface, and then she darted to the group, remaining quiet and putting the entirety of the others between herself and the water.
Bethlen crossed her arms. "I could make you a pretty dress, given a bit of time. What say I agree to deliver one to you, in exchange for immunity to you and related predators for myself and a certain number of companions, for say, life?" She smiled.
The nixie jerked her head back toward Bethlen. "Swear by your gods!"
Bethlen stopped smiling.
Dardiana looked between one and the other nervously. She raised one hand to her mouth and coughed, to try to disturb the silence. She directed her speech to Bethlen, "Well, I think it's obvious something bothers you about gods." She turned to the nixie and continued, "And why do you need her to swear by her gods? If she breaks her side of the deal, which would happen if too much time passes, there is no need to keep holding onto your end."
Bethlen stepped forward. She briefly searched behind her back for an edged weapon, then seemed to remember she had given her sickle to Kresta. So she held out her right hand and powered up a black nimbus of energy instead. "I swear, by my patron The Bringer of Silence. By the Starlight Destroyer. By the Empress of Midnight. By the Admiral that patrols the Seas of Chaos. By the Librarian that Guards against the Night. By the Blazing General of Sudden Flame. By the Crimson Iron Rider. By the Knight of the Healing Wind. By the Dread Guardian Beast. By the Silver. By the Cross. By the Twelve." There was apparently supposed to be a bloodletting at this point, but she had no blade. So she fired a blast into her own left arm instead.
"I am, Bethlen Gabriel, of Joisy. In this land's defense as my ancient duty allows. I hereby agree to deliver a ‘pretty dress’, of appropriate proportions and style-you would suit a high neckline, but you'd do well to show off those arms--to-" she looks around, as if for a sign. "-The Nixie of the Place of the Broken Stone. In not less than four months, and not more than twelve. In exchange, I will take immunity from your and other’s such predation. For myself and my companions. To a number not greater than ten."
The Nixie gave her a long stare. "Those people are Gods these days? I suppose it's safer than having them still walking around down here. We'd be looking for a new planet else."
"Is that a yes,” Bethlen questioned.
"Of course! I'm grateful. I remember your lot though. You can be very scary when you've got nothing to kill," the nixie replied.
Grath piped up, "Naked water lady very impressive with nothing to eat. Naked lady has a name?"
"Great, that seems to be settled. Shall we push on to the city then," Horbin asked in a cheery voice.
Grath dragged the rest of the stripped redcloaks and maroons to the edge of the water and offered them to the naked water lady and her kinfolk. He also offered one of his daggers to Bethlen in case she needed to do any more bloodletting, or stabbing, or eating, or whatever.
"When someone gets a chance, someone check out my new axe. Axe talked to Grath and thanked him for vengeance. Axe is magic?"
Dardiana nodded. "I'm ready to go. Nix, if I ever get the chance to come back around here, I'll be bringing you a type of dagger that doesn't rust. Or Beth can, when she delivers the dress, if I buy the dagger before we leave the other's vicinity."
From the edge of the forest Marn’s voice rang out, "If you all would ever get MOVING, we could make camp and I could do all this damn magicking you all want done."
"No need to move. Safe here, now. Right, naked water lady?" Grath started setting up his tent.
The Nixie looked at Grath, "Name? I don't suppose I do. I didn't know they were compulsory. And yes, I'd appreciate such a dagger, little pointy person. I would appreciate it too if you'd camp in the trees. I get nervous around people who worship people who wear black, carry scythes, and don't have to raise their voice much." She gave Bethlen a long stare, which the latter returned.
Gregor dragged all the stuff worth dragging to the trees and started to organize sleeping places for everyone, using various soft dry vegetable materials. "I'll stay the last shift."
"No name?" Dardiana moved towards the nixie's stone. "That's no fun. You should come up with one. Give people a name to fear." She helped Gregor take the items to the trees. "Any spell caster want to take the first one or shall I?"
"I will take second shift if we are bent on staying here," Horbin called to the others.
Grath continued setting up his tent, although he dragged it a little bit away from the water first. "Goodbye, naked nameless water woman. That is too long. Grath calls you Vaelva. Goodbye, Vaelva."
"Vaelva?" the Nixie giggled, which looked odd on such a creature. "Sounds rude. I think it will do. Well, cheerio.” She disappeared beneath the water, again.
"The Fey," said Bethlen tonelessly, "talk way too much. Thank you for the blade, Orc." Then she experimentally stabbed herself in the arm with it, causing no blood at all. "Ludicrous. Kresta, do you want to take this and I'll have my sickle back? It's a right sort of metal."
The half-orc prisoner, still too weak to move, glared at all with sullen fury. Delphi finished helping Gregor move things, though she mostly helped him carry numerous small objects, leaving the heavy lifting for the much-stronger man. She also worked to gather food which clearly wasn't her strong suit, and she only managed to find enough nuts and berries to feed herself. She seemed a bit embarrassed about that, muttering something about how a woodland scout should be able to live off of the woodlands a bit better.
After getting the camp set up, she listened to the talk of shifts with some interest. "I can take whatever shift you want me to; I don't need all that much sleep. And if anyone wants to share their shift with me, I won't mind that either." She winked, and laughed a little, finally seeming to relax from the encounter with the enormous monster.
Gregor smiled, a little at first, then wider. "We should make hunting trips together. To do, you know, some... hunting." His smile then faded away. "Just not today. Today we have this half-orc who definitely regrets being drawn into this whole robbery business against her free will and is going to renounce such an association and shop us the ringleaders. Correct?" He finished as he looked at the prisoner.
The half-orc girl gave Gregor and Bethlen a sullen stare. "Don't know if I've got a thing to say to you. Killed Pappy. Killed Percy. Killed cousin Vladimir. Even took my bow. Kill me, you got the guts. Or feed me to the beast like the spooky bitch did that elf. Else I'm going home to mum and keep her safe, 'till friends arrive".
"Family business... that complicates, I guess..." Gregor looked nowhere near happy. "Those red-cloaked friends of yours killed some men today too. And you all were too numerous to start a debate. Risky business, that is... why are you doing it?"
"If killing needs to be done, Grath will do it or call Vaelva back. Vaelva and her family need food too. Who are friends who are coming, and when?" Grath casually ate some jerky from his trail rations while asking his question, chewing slowly, and in front of the prisoners face. He let some bits fall on the ground, then picked them up and put them back in his mouth while doing so.
The half-orc spat blood at Grath's feet. "You're ready to kill. Not so ready to figure out why. These red-cloaks? Friends? No friends of mine. Call 'em workmates. I hear there's some fancy word, Confederates, think that fits the bill. Bad ones. Only one o' them I liked a little was the Half-Elf bint. An' I hear she bought it on the Fall. Well, I think me an' mine have done with Ajneguhs. He doesn't know good people. Knocking over caravans. And doing it badly. Pappy should have shot that Grumio on the spot and fed the ginger bitch to the water monster. But he wasted time talking."
"Well, if say you're done with this business AND you care to make a substantial commitment about the size of your right thumb, I guess we can let you go. Not today, but most likely next morning. Which way is yours? I might be interested in meeting that Ajneguhs... hm, not to work for him actually... who is he? And why are these confederates doing it here,” Gregor further questioned.
Bethlen gave Gregor a look. She almost looked impressed. "You'd cripple her and let her go? Cruel. Better to kill or forgive."
The Half-Orc growls. "Don't need your help, Carrion-Kite Caller. Kissed by midnight you were. You, Halfing. Ajneguhs is a damned idiot in a pretty mail shirt and red robe. And Dastana, the cheating bitch. Uses fire magic a lot. Has a dungeon about two days up the valley, supposed to have some tricky magic stuff as you go in. Never been in. Nor Pappy or the others. Ajneguhs seems to be afraid we'll steal the damned cutlery or somethin'. Got two champions. Black skin. Funny ears. Hair as white as Spooky Bitches' isn't.
He's got some beef with Ashdown. Thinks he's puttin' together an army. You seen how well that's goin'. Got some secret backer who talks with him magically and sends him shinies. That’s how that Grumio got those gloves he never stopped yappin' about.
As for us, we're from east. March of the Caroline. Only Pappy got into some trouble and we signed up with Ashdown, then we got into trouble with them when we lifted some things. Ajneguhs seemed like a good deal at the time, but when he recruited these idiots we started hittin’ problems. Or, problems started hittin' us."
"I say we 'forgive', if she will lead us to the place. Let us deal with the head or at least neck of the beast that is causing the problems now that we have severed an arm," Horbin chimed in.
"Orc has done nothing to Grath to forgive. Forgiveness up to Bethlen and Kresta. But orc must be no threat to me. Orc will point on Ingva's paper to all areas, yes?
Not go up valley yet. Get supplies at town first, then valley,” Grath replied.
Dardiana went over near the half-orc and sat down. "So we killed your family, save for your mom. In my mind, I want to let you go, let you return to her. But the chances of you not coming back for us is... not very high. I'm fairly confident that you will get friends and try to get revenge for your pop and the rest of your familiars. And we can't have antagonists in this story of ours. So, can you give us any reason to trust you and let you go?"
Marn spoke up, "she was looking at the woman, when she said her family was killed, not us, I don't think we have anything to worry about, unless she wants revenge on her, and we try to interfere. I think we can trust her to keep her word and head home and stay there.” He then looked down at the captive orc. "Isn't that right? You won't pursue us? You'll go home and stay out of our way, AFTER sharing with us all you know?
Gregor listened to half-orc girl carefully, then noded. "THAT is enough of commitment. I am not in command of this band, but to me, you are free late morning tomorrow." Gregor gave her one trail ration and some water do drink. "You see, people try to push the limits and some are even afraid... at least, I can promise you will not be tortured." Gregor sat on the ground and tried to think about what the girl told him. "Can you tell more? Like if this Ajneguhs himself is spell caster and what that Dastana looks like? Or maybe what those champions are known for, other than appearance; I mean, fighting style and such."
Delphi appeared at Gregor's side, silent as could be, listening and watching politely and with interest. After he finished, she spoke up, her voice thoughtful and light. "I have no problem with letting you go. I'm not a murderer, and no one here should be; there's really not much else to do with you." She looked at Gregor, and she smiled a bit. "I'm going to trust your judgement on this one, big fella."
Gregor did not pay the comment from Delphi much mind at first as he was lost in remembering what he knew of the "March of the Caroline" it was to the east, and is the Imperial territory opposite the part of his people's lands. The mountains were much less of a barrier there, and relations between his people and the Caroline Marches were quite antagonistic, with constant skirmishing and stealing of each others' laundry. He had spoken to somebody with black skin and white hair that morning. Somehow he didn’t think she was talking about Ingva or any other elder member of one of The Peoples' dark skinned tribes. But he did know that Sending is fairly powerful magic, though it was hardly unknown.
The Half-Orc regarded the ‘Champions’ in being complete fruitcakes, but also dangerous. Pointed to Ingva's map, her vague gesturing matched up with the crude sketch they found on the Redcloak leader, the much-lamented and well-loved tactical genius Grumio. She laughed in Gregor’s face at the thought of promising to NOT take revenge, though she was equally adamant that given the choice she would be putting a lot of distance between herself and them very quickly. She was also quite keen not to meet, ‘that mincer Vierzehn at Trammelburgh’.
She confirmed that as far as she was aware, yes Ajneguhs was a spell caster. His dastana were a copper-bronze-looking alloy and were marked with an image of six angular black wings, she thought they are jet inlays, sprouting symmetrically from a small ovoid central hub. She had always wondered if he worshiped a crippled spider or something. “Ajneguhs is a tall, blond-haired, well-spoken man. He can handle himself in a fight. He was very attractive. But his judgment sucks, you know, attempting to build a army of forest bandits by recruiting urban street toughs,” she finished.
Bethlen, who remained mostly silent for a time spoke up, "Kissed by Midnight?" Kissed by Silence, in fact. But how did you come to know that expression?" She was obviously surprised.
"What expression? I just meant that you're a dark little piece of work," the half-orc replied.
"Oh? No harm done then,” Bethlen returned. The half-orc’s comment seemed funny as Bethlen was taller, though considerably leaner.
After that, Bethlen seemed to lose interest and helped Kresta get the overburdened mules unloaded. Their conversation was mostly revealing that Bethlen wasn't present when the mules were loaded, and that Kresta knew more about the cargo than she did. Bethlen's description of the cargo from before was still broadly accurate, although a lot of it seemed to be contained in three bags, which contained much more than they should have. Both of them kept insisting that the other relax. Bethlen thought Kresta should take it easy because she had a much worse day. Kresta thought Bethlen should relax because she was wounded and physically weaker than her, Kresta had a stockier build, while Bethlen's was very slender. They continued bickering as such throughout the job.
As the stars started to come out, Thorwald got a fire going and said his prayers to his master. Dardiana took a shift of watching. Delphi didn’t rest much, though when she did she found a larger person to cuddle up to, not putting much worry into who they were or what their gender; she just checked that they were one of the people she started out with before collapsing into sleep, having stayed up for the two earlier watches. In the end, she ended up with Dardiana, but if that bothered either of them they didn't show it.
"Knock knock,” Grath heard outside his tent-flap, sometime in the deep night. Bethlen then entered without his answer. "It's half an hour 'til your watch. Which should be enough time. If you'll have me.” She hooked a thumb into a fold in her leathers, and jerked it down. The armor disengaged from itself in a quick series of brazen snaps. The serpent amulet was briefly exposed; she then flicked it over her shoulder so it hung down her back.
"As for me, it's been weeks, Kresta won't be in the mood for a while. I'm tired of watching that little she-hobbit make moon-eyes at everyone, and you were quite impressive today. So, going to grasp your weapon to yourself all night?"
Grath shrugged but said nothing, unsure of how to respond. Still saying nothing he removed his remaining clothing and tossed open the blankets. She then pounced. Grath could tell she was much tougher than she looked. She hummed a tune while he got dressed and was not present when he returned from his watch, though he didn’t remember seeing her leave is tent.
The night passed uneventfully for everyone else. The morning dawned overcast and grey, though not in the least uncomfortably cold. Dardiana and Delphi were cuddled up together in a not uncompromising heap of sleeping furs. Thorwald had nodded off next to the ashes of the fire. Bethlen and Kresta were huddled next to the mules, Kresta's head in Bethlen's lap. Bethlen's hair was wet. The trickle of water from the not un-distant stream was the only sound the world made as the dawn's light slowly climbed behind the clouds, except for birds of course.
Dardiana woke up slowly, stretching her arms a bit before noticing a weight on her left side. She focused on it to see a brown haired girl. She moved a hand over to the hair and began to stroke it before singing a soft sylvan song.

[stanleyindraven]

Chapter 6
Chapter 6
A quest to be had


Early in the morning Gregor fed the dogs, took a short refreshing bath in the stream, refreshed his water supply, and then went back to the camp to wake up anybody who was still sleeping. "Marn do you have a sheet of paper and some ink? I'd like to write a letter to Ingva.”
Grath stripped down to a loincloth and took a swim, not only to cleanse himself but to refresh himself as well. He made sure not to disturb Vaelva. He packed up his tent with a strange smile on his face, which he tried to hide. He was careful to try to treat everyone with indifference, but cannot take his eyes off of Bethlen, which he also tried to hide. He did not do a good job of hiding either the smile nor his watching of Bethlen.
Dardiana plainly saw what happened the previous night between Grath and Bethlen. When Gregor attempted to wake the sleeping Delphi, she made him go away and did it herself, trying to wake her up calmly instead of abruptly.
Marn had woken up, early in the morning, usually shortly after the birds and other animals wake up, he had been keeping an eye on things while studying his spell book and preparing his spells for the day. "No, I don't have any paper or ink, I didn't think I'd need it, but once we get to the next town I'll be sure to pick some up"
Thorwald jumped out of sleep with a loud snort, his jaw completely asleep and drooling slightly from hanging down against his chest all night. He wiped the spit from his chin, and moved raggedly to the bushes to do his business. A minute later he came back with a big grin on his face. "Ah, a good piss after a long day of slaughter. What else does a man need?" He looks around, and noticed both Grath's obvious staring and the girls laying close to each other. “Ah, well. There is that."
Thorwald prepared his spells, and subsequently healed the lone wound he got the day before. "Good as new. So, are we following the weird chicks with the necklace and the bird fetish? They look like trouble, and boy, do I like trouble." He flashed a flashing smile while opening his pack to get a ration.
Delphi woke up like a cat, stretching with remarkable flexibility given how early it was. Her hair was only a bit rumpled, though she had a pink tint to her cheeks when she noticed who she was curled up beside. If she was bothered, however, she said nothing, and indeed she seemed to be in quite a good mood. She mentioned something about looking for food before trundling off into the woods, a slight bounce in her step. Delphi tripped in the woods onto an oddly diurnal rabbit, accidentally but cleanly breaking its neck shortly after entering the woods.
Bethlen stirred, absently tweaked Kresta's nose to wake her, and pulled herself to her feet. She ran a hand through her black, damp hair to straighten some knots. "You're drooling, Tiger," she remarked to Grath, then looked at the sky, the clouds, and the veiled sun. "Give us an hour to repack the cargo, and we will be bound for Trammelburgh, which we could make a little after noon. I'm not taking the Razor, overloaded as we are, and Ethandun's further still.
If you ladies and gentlemen would be kind enough to accompany us, it may be to your benefit as regards supplies, disposal of recently acquired goods, and making yourselves known to those that might otherwise find you suspicious. And if you should decide to go and meet this blonde gentleman in red after, I'll be coming with you."
"Well, I would rather take right for the menace, but I guess town is a good stop on the way," Horbin said as he stretched in the morning sun. Thorwald packed his things in silence, letting the others make a decision. While he went about his way he hummed a happy tune and smiled his nice smile.
To Gregor, going Ajneguhs via Trammelburgh was the preferred plan since yesterday. As long as the consensus was that way, he was not going to discuss the matter. He prepared the dogs and weapons, then, having some more time before departure, ate some dried partridge and practiced tricks with the dogs.
Dardiana watched Delphi go off on her own, searching for food, and waved a goodbye. Once she was out of sight, she pulled herself up and stretched. She took the time while everyone else was getting ready to put on her studded leather armor but she did not eat a trail ration as Delphi may be bringing all the food they would need. She replenished her hand's invisible, intangible webbing and packed up the rest of her items. "Beth, I can help repack the mules if you'd like it."
After Grath packed up his belongings, he ate a trail ration, then attempted to help whoever seemed to need help. All of the extra belongings from the deceased he packed up on his rigged sled, ready to be dragged into the town. Delphi trundled back into camp with a rabbit, which she quickly and cleaned, skinned and began to roast over the hot coals of the previous night's fire. The rabbit wasn't enough to feed everyone, of course, but she offered it to supplement everyone's less-than-appetizing trail rations. She gave Dardiana a few oddly bashful looks, but she otherwise acted quite normal. "So," she questioned after a few bites of rabbit, "What exactly are we setting out to do? I was a bit distracted by the large and oddly articulate monster, even after the enormous batch of killing we all did." Dardiana took the piece of rabbit, thanking her, and pulled out one of her own trail rations to begin eating.
Bethlen was cramming a set of breastplates into an oddly spacious bag. She answered Dardania. "It would be appreciated. I don't enjoy heavy work. Most of the time," and actually darted a glance at Grath, the little witch. "Anyone looking after the Half-Orc girl? We going to let her go, feed her, kill her, paint her pink and call her Molly? Any decisions? I would not have bothered to save her. Although it may come in useful that you did." For her part, Kresta was snapping together a light crossbow with an oddly determined expression.
Gregor looked to the half-orc. "Hey, you, big lucky girl! You are well advised to keep a low profile for some time before spreading your impressions about how clement or sadistic we are. Now get lost!"
Kresta dodged past Gregor, and threw a light crossbow and a stack of bolts at the half-orc’s feet. "That might get you home. If you're careful. If you're not, I won't cry. Consider it a gift from the ginger bitch you should have fed to the watermonster." She raised her voice, "Bethlen! We're packed! Let's get moving! North-east, and hew close to the Stahlmund! Coming then, new friends?" She seemed to be recovering from the previous day’s ordeal rather quickly.
When Kresta spoke, Dardiana commented to whoever was nearest, "She recovers pretty quickly, huh?"
"Indeed it appears that we are," Horbin replied as he hefted his blade onto his shoulder again.
"If I ever see you again-" the Half-Orc began. Then seemed to notice how everyone was studiously pretending not to pay her any attention, while holding weapons, and turned toward the stream without finishing. She then jumped into the water and swam to the opposing shore.
Dardiana stopped the half-orc girl in her tracks, since she had been paying attention, she was not holding any weapon, they were all sheathed. "If you ever see her again, I hope for your sake you don't do anything rash or the rest of your family might not be around for you to take care of." She stepped to the side, allowing her to continue on her way.
There was a jingle of harness and creaking of leather as Bethlen and Kresta got the mules moving, heading north and slightly east, parallel to Vaelva's stream. Kresta was in the lead with a mule and Bethlen shortly behind leading Spike. Dardiana followed after the other two, taking a spot beside Delphi, in the middle of the pack.
Horbin fell in just behind the mules. Grath moved towards the front of the group. As usual, he had his bow out, arrow knocked but not drawn. But he was ready to drop it in favor of his axe should he feel the need. Gregor rode in front, just as usual, a little ways before Bethlen and Kresta. Being in the forest the smaller dogs saw, heard and smelled lots of interesting things around, so were usually somewhere in the woods, to the side or catching up from behind. They barked at any small game they encountered. Thorwald walked near the back, but in front of Marn, whistling a jaunty yet slightly disturbing tune, while picking imaginary pieces of matter off his morning star.
Marn was at the back as usual so he could keep a wary eye on everyone, still not fully trusting of the people he had only met the day before. He took out the leather bound book again and studied it some more, trying to determine anything more about it. As Marn read the book he thought to himself, ‘If this book is any kind of magic tome, I’d hate to imagine what it does’. It seemed to consist entirely of vignettes of a psychotic couple named "Beryl" and "Darien" engaging in clichéd vaguely erotic role-playing, quite often breaking character out of the absurdity of the premise, and occasionally resorting to violence.
There was a handwritten dedication on the inside of the front cover, written in oddly spiky common. It read "So you won't get bored and do something lacking Charisma: Love, Lotus", followed by a slightly insane number of little crosses and circles.
About a mile to the north, Vaelva's stream broadened and swallowed into a wide area of sparkling, clear water not more than a foot deep. The current was spread out and mild, the rocky bottom was clearly seen through the water, and large boulders broke the surface everywhere they looked. Kresta lead them straight in. The water was chill and tugged at thier feet, but there was nothing to stop thier progress. Bethlen muttered something about quaint, unspoiled scenery.
Kresta started speaking abruptly. "This is a safe crossing. Above here, the stream and its valley have a spooky reputation. At least, father told me never to go higher. I've been this way a couple of times before, from the other direction. Father sometimes found it convenient to kick a caravan off from Trammelburgh. It is no city like Ethandun, but it is a cheap and easy place to muster goods from Jelenarch and the central provinces."
As they approached the eastern bank, they were conscious of a distant howling and baying from deep in the trees. Gregor raised a hand, the left one, with the shield, as the other was occupied by a lance which was resting upon a stirrup and pointing up in the sky. He listened to the sounds for about half a minute and then rode forward to investigate.
Dardiana called out to Gregor, "Those your dogs or something we might need to worry about?"
"Wolves. That's kind of unusual, so you better get ready. This side, I guess," he responded.
"Pride, come here, hush up! Follow me!"
Gregor tried to position himself downwind of the incoming wolf howls. Luckily the mountain spurs to the west blocked the wind coming off the sea. The dogs looked around like dumb animals, then perked up as he used an ability. With an ‘Oh, you meant NOW’ set of expressions, and they then accompanied him. He didn’t get far out of the stream before he realized, from the approaching howling, that the pack was coming at them fast. There was another sound as well, a deeper-pitched growling.
"Well, unless they are lead by magic or men they shouldn't bother us at this time. Unless they are more than wolves," Horbin said as he tromped through the water.
"Unless they're starved or these wolves hunt with daylight." Dardiana said as she watched Gregor go off on his own and she kept on going through the water.
Grath crossed the stream and took up a position on the other side, looking for the approaching wolves. The rest of the party reached the bank. There was a long section of rocky flat there before the trees started. Roughly seventy feet open between the water and forest. Gregor disappeared into the tree line to the east. Kresta produced a clutch of shortspears and balanced one in her left hand. Bethlen took three long steps forward and placed herself in front of her and the little clutch of mules, her hands held out from her sides.
Gregor made sure he was positioned away from the direct path the wolves were headed. He rested his lance against a tree and drew a javelin, waiting for whatever came. Grath gripped his bow hard, ready to loose an arrow at the first wolf he saw. Dardiana waited next to the mules, expecting the beasts at any moment. Horbin moved to assume the front of the assault line.
Delphi took out her sling and she loaded it with a single smooth bullet. She bounced the leather strip a bit to relax her hand and become accustomed to its weight. She took a throwing axe into her other hand, and then she moved into the woods, cautiously, remaining near Gregor for better protection. "If these are just animals, a little pain should be enough to scare them off. If we drop one of them, or hurt them quickly, they'll probably scatter. Wolves are intelligent, not suicidal."
Marn and Thorwald stood close to the mules and Dardiana at the edge of the stream. Thorwald looked around with a slight frown. "I don't mind killing animals, but this is really strange. I've never heard of wolves attacking large groups of people before. And especially in a place where you can trip over your food," he said to the others. Still, Thorwald took his shield down from his back and strapped it to his arm, ready for combat if need be. Gregor, could hear something else coming from behind the wolves, growling and smashing through the underbrush.
Delphi looked at the open ground between her and the forest, then to the others. She thought for a moment, and then she moved forward, growing closer to the edge of the forest by about twenty feet. She began to whirl her sling overhead, prepared to loose it at the first wolf to appear from the trees. Gregor rode a bit forward and to the right, positioning himself behind a tree, ready to strike at whatever wolf would be heading at him, but he was not very interested in dealing with wolves passing by, he was interested in what was behind them.
Gregor tried to use his ‘Speak with Animals’ ability while it was still active, listening to anything comprehensible, including birds, the wolves themselves and whatever was behind them. The wolves baying translated into, "It's coming, it's coming, it's coming, run run runrun run run run--AAAAK! Not these stupid two legged things."
The thing behind them was saying,"Now dogs! Time to scream, LIKE PIGS! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!"
The birds nearby were saying, "I'm a bird I'm a bird I'm a bird Aren't I pretty? I'm a bird. Have I mentioned I'm a bird?"
Thorwald centered himself, spread his feet and blessed his allies in the name of Loki! After the short prayer a silvery shimmer sparked from his hands and exploded nearby in a gigantic, almost invisible, silvery shimmering sphere that was gone as soon as it happened. In it's place, a feeling was left inside of everyone, a cool steely hardness and resolve.
"Rabies, they look rabid," Horbin shouted as he hefted his blade into striking position. He will then advanced toward the trees.
The wolves came weaving through the trees. One ran smack into Gregor's and Cherry's attacks and failed to survive them. The wolves appeared to be exhausted. None cleared the tree line, but Delphi saw a flash of movement and sent a stone spinning to the closest one, wounding it. Then Gregor was able to see a gigantic boar crashing after the wolves, apparently chasing them.
"Three wolves, running from a VERY LARGE piggy. Horbin, it's moving at you!" Too late to intercept the boar moving toward the group, Gregor decided to cut off its retreat. Moving from behind a tree, he threw a javelin and gave some commands in doggish. All of the dogs, including Abyss, readied action to move away from the boar if it turned on them.
Dardiana ran forward and to her right, she stopped after going about thirty feet and chucked a magical blast at the nearest wolf. Bethlen moved past her and threw a shadowy blast at the same target, missing by far, incinerating a sleeping stoat. Horbin moved forward again, to the tree line. Grath shot an arrow at the same wolf targeted by Delphi. He then dropped his bow to the ground and moves to toward the woods, drawing his battle axe as he advanced, and entered into a rage.
Marn readied to cast magic missile at the first enemy to clear the tree line heading toward them. Thorwald moved forward a step and ignited in holy flame. He readied his morning star, if the boar came trampling his way. The large swine barreled through the underbrush and made its way nearly straight at Horbin.
Delphi darted forward as quickly as she could, headed toward the boar, ignoring the wolves. Indeed, she was sorry that she had hurt them at all, though her stone had not been very accurate or powerful; the wolves were clearly not the problem here. "Focus on the boar," she shouted as she ran; "leave the wolves alone!" The boar howled in fury, and its blazing red eyes turned toward the she-hobbit, then, Gregor's Javelin lodged in its side.
Bethlen moved closer to the squealing hog, muttered "Fleur de mal", and suddenly a mass of black-and-purple blossoms were swirling around the boar and the two closest wolves, raking them with barbed thorns. The wolves ran away, retreating to the north or south and away from the group. The boar looked quite annoyed by the party’s interference. Bethlen remarked, to the world in general, "That frelling poison never works on what you want it too."
Grath roared in frustration that the boar was still in the woods. He made himself more and more angry while waiting for it to leave the woods and get within his range. Marn kept his spell ready to use on whichever enemy left the woods first.
Thorwald moved forward, standing shoulder to shoulder with Grath, ready to charge the boar once it cleared the woods. "That's it, lad! Show it your teeth. We're gonna hold a nice barbeque tonight, hahah!"
Attempting to force the boar in the direction of his companions, Horbin launched forward around the trees and swung at the wild beast with his mighty blade. The boar's eyes lit with fury as the blade sunk in, but Horbin had cut too deep. Its entrails, a gory mass, splattered against the rough bark of the wildwood, it sprawled in death. "Well," said Bethlen as she sashayed over to cut its throat with her sickle. "That's lunch sorted. If we want."
"Cook the liver, it's totally fresh and would be delicious! Also very quick to cook!" Wasting no time after the boar is killed, Gregor turned to chase the wolves.
"That went down easily enough," Horbin said as he dislodged his blade.
After some time spent chasing the last wolf, Gregor returned from the north, accompanied by Abyss, loaded with a dead wolf, and his two other. No one seemed hurt. Gregor unloaded the wolf and then brought three others in a similar manner, them being nearer, took much less time. Going to gut the trophy, Gregor reached into his boot only to discover that his knife was nowhere to be found. He then vaguely remembered some activities back in town, like betting, throwing, winning, drinking and, well, apparently leaving the knife where it hit. So, Gregor started to gut the wolves using one of the redcloaks' shortswords.
Delphi frowned at Gregor, but she didn't voice any real objection to the hunting. Instead she looked the boar over, curious. "I wonder why it was so enraged. I mean, are they usually like that? I wouldn't know, I suppose. It just sucks for the wolves that they were driven to such a bad place at a bad time; they never really stood a chance against a boar that size or our group."
"They might have attempted to prey on his piglings, maybe even eating some... that would be no wonder." Gregor shrugged. As reasonable as the hypothesis might have been, it had no solid base whatsoever.
"I'm fine with eating boar...or wolf." Dardiana walked over to Gregor, who she saw cutting them up with shortswords, and pulled out her dagger, holding it out to him. "Here, use this."
Delphi pulled out a dagger, casually lobbing it through the air to stick in the carcass next to Gregor. She only glanced over her shoulder for a second to throw, and she looked back to the forest before it hit its mark. "Use mine; it'll fit your hand better, since it was actually made for a person of proper size instead of a clumsy, lumbering," she paused, and looked to Dardiana, blushing a bit and obviously abashed. "Er, that is to say, a tallfolk."
Thorwald, still ablaze and looking thoroughly disappointed, sheathed his morningstar and found a huge piece of wood to lean on. "Clumsy and lumbering, hmm? You know, you may be right, Delphi. If we ever go dancing, I could perhaps prove you wrong. But then, you might have to stand on my feet!" Thorwald chuckled heartily at his own joke and smiled his big smile. In the meantime the log was very much in flames and Thorwald jumped up, surprised. "Well, it seems I made a fire... I could go for some early dinner."
Kresta looked at the group a little uncertainly. "Trammelburgh is only a few hours away-" She looked to Bethlen for guidance.
Bethlen was slicing into the boar's flesh with her sickle, preparing to flay, but looked up at Kresta with an inscrutable expression. "Early afternoon, early evening" she said gnomically. "The boys and girls deserve some flesh. Trammelburgh will abide, and Quattro Vierzehn too." That thought seemed to trigger something, and she abruptly stood up and scanned the tree line. "They'll see our smoke from Trammelburgh from here."
That does click something in Kresta. "This is Redside. Not Ashdown territory. Vierzehn would think twice."
"He would. And then he'd do it anyway. Especially if he's got wind of redcloaked thugs skulking around." She addressed the group. "Let's be a bit cautious about shooting at people we don't know from now on. Agreed? Kresta, could you help me with this slab of fat--"
As Kresta moved over, there's a quiet interchange. "When have you ever been to Trammelburgh? Or met Vierzehn?"
"I haven't done either. I have sources."
Dardiana looked at the tree and the flames that were on it. After a few seconds of watching them, she turned to Delphi. "I don't mind being called clumsy, as some of us are, just like some of your race. But please don't say that I'm not a 'proper person'." When Kresta and Bethlen began to talk, she shut up and listened. "Got it, diplomacy first, shooting second. Let's hope they do the same if they come to us."
Gregor thanked Dardiana and Delphi for the knives, he used Delphi's to gut the wolves, then cut some sticks and helped with cooking choice-parts-of-trophy-on-a-stick for everyone. It soon emerged that neither Bethlen nor Kresta had any real skill at butchering, but it was a big animal, and they managed to hack off some decent bits regardless. The mules seemed to welcome the chance for a rest.
Grath shrugged, his eyes focused, and he seemed to shrink within himself, shoulders sagging as if exhausted. He knelt and took a moment to recover. Rising, he removed his pack and ruffled through the contents, removing an item, adjusting, and repacking. He filled a small iron pot with water from the creek and set it to boil over the fire, adding some black powder to the water. He patrolled around for a few minutes, standing guard over the group while waiting for his coffee to be ready.
Horbin looked up and was able to tell is was around midday. "We should eat lunch then move on. Would we arrive before dark," Horbin asked the two women.
Bethlen and Kresta looked at each other and then laughed in a rather annoying way. "Oh, big man does talk!" Kresta said.
"Shut up. We're only a few hours from Trammelburgh. Like I have said. It is not a major town. As I have implied. However, it is closest, has the requirements to dispose of your loot, and the contacts to allow us to get our requirements fulfilled."
"Speak when I feel I need to, and this is that time," Horbin retorted. "Trammelburg seems like a good place to try bedding for the night, much better than this spot."
Grath returned from his patrol, apparently seeing or hearing nothing. He grabbed his mug from his pack and grabbed a cup of coffee, asking around, "Coffee?" Seeing the attempts at butchering the boar, he decided to offer his assistance, not shying away from the blood. Apparently Grath would just have get in the way, so he offered coffee to the butchers instead.
Delphi perked up, excited. "Coffee? Really? 'S been years since anyone's let me get within ten feet of the stuff; something about over-excitability or some silly gibberish like that. If only we had chocolate to go with it; that really puts me in a mood." She grinned and looked first to Dardiana, then Gregor while speaking, before glancing back up to Grath. She was rocking up onto the balls of her feet, holding her arms together in a gesture of supplication. "So, ah, right. I'm little, so I won't ask for much. Please?"
Grath willingly offered some coffee to Delphi. "No chocolate, do not know what that is. But coffee Grath has for little Delphi." She proffered a small cup and he poured some coffee into it, and handed back it to her. He seemed bemused by the stimulated halfling, and unconcerned that she might get over-active. "Grath got a taste of coffee through Empire traders coming through town. Grath really likes coffee."
Delphi held the little cup, and she sipped the coffee happily, skipping around a bit as she did so, still a bit wired up from the fight. She looked over all the wolves' carcasses, as well as the progress on the boar. She then began picking up small, loose stones, whipping them into trees with her sling, uncannily accurate, and the sound of stone meeting tree came with steady regularity. "This is nice, you guys. Our People may not be very creative namers, but we sure do make for good company. So, tell me," she paused to sling another stone, "what do you all want out of life? What are you hoping to get out of our journey?"
Dardiana approached Grath and asked, "You mind if I have some to? I've only got wine with me and that makes for a poor drink sometimes." After she got her coffee she began to make a game out of Delphi's stones being thrown, trying to knock them out of the sky with her blasts before they hit the tree. "Well, I'm hoping to become stronger by the end of this journey, so that I can live on my own and travel the world. But, what about you?"
"Grath is looking for strength. Strength to do what want without interference. Too many bothersome orcs in home village try to interfere with Grath. Grath wants to...to learn. To be free. Not sure what free is, but trying to learn."
Delphi laughed as Dardiana joined her, though she watched the warlock's hands with great interest as she fired her bolts of power. Delphi, not one to be shown up, began to move as she slung her bolts, and the movement resulted in a dramatic increase in the speed and power of her shots. She raised her own voice after a moment, slightly wistful. "I want to learn the name of the wind, see the face of the sky, and speak with the forest like a friend. I want to fell a giant with a sling, ride a dragon, and make a wish upon a star. I want to be a legend and a myth and a hero. I want to live until the day I die."
Bethlen looked up briefly from her inexpert butchering. "Then it's a pity you weren't born somewhere else." Then immediately looked like she regreted the statement. "...nothing."
Delphi slipped over to Bethlen, a curious look on her face. She laid a hand on her shoulder, and when Bethlen looked up she found Delphi's eyes to be large, green, and kind. "You've spoken so little about yourself. Please, go on. It wasn't nothing."
"Sounds like she feels either you could never be greater than you are, or that this world does not allow for you to reach such lofty goals," Horbin chimed in.
Bethlen's eyes didn't change at all. Still as cold and dark as ravens sipping coffee from a black-iron pot at the bottom of a coal mine at midnight in winter, but she looked away and focused on butchering the act of butchering. "You could have been something else," she said, quietly. "Just something else. That might have made your dreams easier for you. But everything costs. And you may not have enjoyed it as much," and then she made eye contact again. "You'll do fine. You'll have your own power and dignity. One you make for yourself. Mine is written for me. In shadow and lightning flash. And letters in iron. And early mornings. I'm not a morning person."
She stood up; a random piece of pig fell off her sickle. "Everybody full and fed? If Ashdown comes upon us, I'd rather they found us on the path, alert and ready, rather than feeding our faces. They're not foes, neither are they yet your friends. You only get one chance to make a first impression. You know."
Thorwald listened in on the conversations with a bemused look on his face, but decided to keep his dreams to himself for now. After Bethlen's speech, however, he couldn't help but chime in. "Must everything be so dark and grim always, Bethlen? There is great beauty in the lightning storms and even in the shadows of the night. None can say what truly lies over the horizon, indeed I'd call any famous diviner either a great liar or a very lucky fellow." He picked up one of the raw pieces of meat and chewed it, still talking.
"Its in our nature to be violent. Not just humans, but all beings. So I dare say we haven't chosen a bad path at all. Oh, and if I do get ambushed and murdered, I'd rather do it on a full stomach, thank you very much." At no point having stopped either smiling or chewing, Thorwald took another piece of meat and leaned on a rock next to the fire.
"Beauty? Yes. There is that. Where I spring from we respect power, for we'd be dead without it, and beauty, for without it we'd have nothing to live. You can call me grim, but I know what I know. And I know you're going to get Trichinosis if you keep eating that raw. Good thing you're a Cleric."
Thorwald started laughing, so hard, in fact, that he choked on his meat, and with tears rolling down his cheek he slapped Bethlen hard on the back with his armored mitt,
"Oho.. ha... Yes, good thing indeed! *cough* I'm getting more and more thrilled that I met the lot of you free-spirited fellows. These are glorious days, my newfound friends. We are jolly green giants walking the earth, with swords. Good thing, indeed."
"Glory is good," said Grath. "Sounds good, anyway. Glory of dying young? Not so much. Grath wants to live a long life, with lots of children and grandchildren on his knees. Before that, though, there is much to see and experience. Most orcs just live day to day, but not Grath."
Gregor did not participate in the talks. He eventually finished cooking, then finished eating, then put down the fire. "Hey, Grath, will you transport the trophies?" - scratches his head - "If not, I'll have to organize something."
Kresta, once they all wipe the grease off their faces and got moving, lead them into the trees and then north, parallel to the stream on their left. Beneath the trees it's cool and dim, but there was only limited underbrush. The mules, carrying more than their intended weight, were making slow going but were plainly much the better for the rest. It was less than an hour before they came again to the banks of the wide, dark river flowing strongly from east to west. Its opposite bank, nearly a thousand yards off, was lined with dark forest, with distant hills showing blued out in the background. The opposite bank was the Empire. So far, it looked much like anywhere else.
Bethlen moved up next to Kresta, leading Spike. Kresta spoke to her expositionally. "East of here. Along the Stahlmund as I said," and more loudly to all, “and everybody keep eyes and ears open."
Marn kept his eyes and ears peeled for anything. ‘I may be quiet but sometimes you have to be quiet to know something is there,’ he thought to himself.
"Wherever, whenever...just consider it done." Gregor was looking around as usual. "So, east now, not going to that side?"
"I didn't bring a boat big enough to take three mules, some shaggy beasts, and your dogs. You could trying swimming it, if you like, but the current would put you several miles downstream by the time you reached the bank." Kresta seemed to enjoy her jovial jab at the barbarians.
Dardiana kept an eye on the trees and the rest of the places. "Anyone want to make a raft?" asked Grath. He took a look around for wood and other materials to make a raft. "Grath can swim across with no problem, but all the extra stuff will weigh down the group."
"A raft?" Thorwald looked at Grath quizzically. "We don't actually need to cross the river, my friend, just go alongside it. But be my guest. Just notice that the river flows in the wrong direction, so unless you've had a really healthy breakfast, I doubt you'll catch up to us by water."
"We can cross at Trammelburgh, if you so desire. It's what the place is for," said Kresta with a hint of irritation.
Bethlen gave her a long steady look, then turned to the party and added, "Do what you will, do what you want, but I remind you that this...Ajneguhs is based on this side of the river."
Cherry abruptly bounded out of the undergrowth, a strip of maroon cloth clutched in her teeth. "So, we are not only ones who prefers riverside to going through the forest..." When Cherry came closer, Gregor pet her and took the piece of maroon cloth. "Good girl, good girl. Now show where you found it. Where you found it? Let's go."
It doesn't take long, only a few yards into the surrounding trees, to hear the croaking of the ravens. And only a few dozen yards beyond that to find the body of the Half-Orc they let go that morning. Her maroon cloak, for some reason, had been shredded, and its shreds littered the forest floor and wave forlornly in the underbrush. She had two arrow wounds, but the arrows that made them had been neatly pulled.
"So, that was a waste of a crossbow." Gregor checked the body in case he was wrong, then looked around and tried to determine exactly what happened.
The Half-Orc's tracks came from the direct south. Looking around revealed the tracks of four humanoids, an iron-shod horse and a couple of large dogs, who appeared to have come from the east and moved off south, apparently following the Half-Orc’s trail back from where she came. He also found a light crossbow and a set of ten bolts in the hollow of a tree. Neatly wrapped in a dark grey cloak with red trim.
Gregor unwraped the package found in the hollow of the tree and scratched his head. "Four guys, a horse and a bunch of large dogs. No idea why they left it here, but I, for one, do not want to mess with them. This might be..." he took another look at half-orc “...counterproductive." With those words he repacked the package, in some clearly different fashion, and put it back. "Let's go?"
"I would have to agree with you," Thorwald said, scratching himself on the head a bit. "I like my ambushes one-sided."

[stanleyindraven]

Chapter 7
Chapter 7
Trammelburgh

They pressed on, east along the bank of the Stahlmund, the strong dark water flowing to their left. The trees were tall and silent, save only for the twitter of birds. After about an hour, the river turned into an abrupt loop, and Trammelburgh was upon them, or they were upon Trammelburgh.
The castle is the single largest building any of them had ever seen. Built on a rocky island, and built of it. Its lower levels were made of the same white rock that lined the bank, and its walls seemed to rise straight out of the water. A slowly swaying bridge of iron chains connected it to a small village on the imperial bank by means of two intermediate towers on smaller eyots.
On their side of the river, the gatehouse was near enough to the bank that a, unusually long, drawbridge could, and in fact, frequently did, reach Redside territory. The trees were clear-felled for a heavy crossbow shot around, the stumps left in place.
On the ramparts of the gatehouse, something that looked like a rather repulsive gargoyle suddenly moved and resolved into an obvious half-ogre wearing a dark-grey cloak with a red trim over a breastplate. He aimed a complicated looking weapon at them. "You People! Stay right there! CAPTAIN!"
"Yes, yes," a rather hawkish man wearing grey cloak, mail shirt, and a certain look of I-didn't-dump-charisma appears on the rampart. "A terrifying host indeed. I shall quite need to fetch my best clothes. Hoy! Fellows! Fellettes! Heh...What news? What business?"
Gregor stood "right there", letting Beth and Kresta do the talking. "Well, aren't they the pair," Horbin scoffed.
Kresta seemed to choke back a laugh at Horbin's remark, but stepped forward. "Quattro! You know me!"
"Often and thoroughly," Bethlen muttered discretely.
"Not now, spook,” Kresta flashed a look at Bethlen. “My father is dead, Captain Vierzehn! Bandits on the Fall! These People avenged him, and guarded us here. We need a resupply, for the good my father has done Ashdown. You know my purse is good!"
Bethlen dissolved into giggles. The hawkish chap--Captain Quattro Vierzehn, stepped to the edge of the battlements. "Well. They hardly seem like a bunch of murderous sex-fiends. Except maybe the Halflings. Trent, the bridge"
"I don't like it Captain. That Orc has the look of diabolic intelligence and cold, calculated cunning in his eyes."
"You say that about anything that can stand without slouching. Bridge!" Business ensued, and the bridge descended.
Horbin laughed at Bethlen's comment. Thorwald smirked at the first remark, and laughed out loud at the second. Then Horbin and Gregor noticed, there were two figures walking the more distant battlements. One in black, the shorter with a white top. They appaeared to be watching the group, then dropped out of sight as though descending into the courtyard.
The flag onto the highest tower was, surprisingly enough, blood red, with a small device in a dark color in the top left corner. "No, no sexfiends here," Thorwald looked around at the present company. "At least less than half the party" he mused.
Delphi heard a voice from the treeline behind them. "Damn, all this hurry and stealthiness and we don't get to kill them. Can I fart now?”
A female voice, from a different part of the trees, "Just not in my general direction."
The drawbridge hit thier side of the bank with a thud. A spiky apparatus of of iron rattled up, exposing the gate. Kresta and Bethlen got the mules moving into the castle. Bethlen threw a sultry look over her shoulder, "Coming, then, You People?"
"Grath guesses so," he said, seeing and hearing nothing not obvious to an observer on the moon. He started walking across the drawbridge. Gregor called his dogs from wherever they were, presumably not in the trees, and followed Grath. Since this whole castle-on-a-river thing was new to him, Gregor looked at whatever he was passing by, over, under, etc...
The river current was being channeled by the castle and the bank into a fairly narrow channel, which made the current there very strong, and not too far below the level of the bridge at all. Above, Vierzehn and Trent disappeared from the rampart as they moved down into the courtyard. Behind the group, there was the faintest rustle of leaves as seven creatures moved out of the cover of the trees, grey cloaked and armed, moving forward with their eyes fixed on the group, but weapons lowered. An obvious Tiefling, black-skinned, red-eyed, and horns like a maleficent cosplayer, astride a horse, two humans and and a halfling and two wolves shadowing their master's steps.
They passed under the massive gate tunnel, passed a reassuring number of murder holes, and entered a large open courtyard within which a number of grey-cloaked figures, who were co-incidentally, standing around doing nothing in particular. Dardiana followed just behind the party's frontline people.
Vierzehn appeared from a flight of steps. "Splendid timing you fellows have," he said brightly. "We're completely overstocked right now, since so many of the regular garrison have been...redeployed on an....exercise"
"Reinforcing the border with Caroline. Put a stop to that trouble,” Trent added.
"Yes, thank you Trent, why don't you go help in the kitchen? Six dozen eggs don't just break themselves. As for you, friends and honoured guests, might I offer-"
"Bethlen sweetie," shouted a voice. A couple of people approached the group. A young woman in leather trousers and a white blouse worn in just the right way to fail to look demure, and a tall man in leather armor of a vaguely similar, over-engineered style to Bethlen’s, though thankfully a little less snug. Also, he had a scythe on his back.
Bethlen started like she'd been scolded. "What are you still doing here, Lotus?"
"Is that a way to greet me? Come here," the young woman glomped Bethlen. It looked like a butterfly sexually assaulting a spider. "Are these your new friends? They're adorable. What a cute Orc!" She skipped up to Grath and stood on her toes to try to look him in the eye. She had eyes like a kitten’s. That wasn't reassuring to the orc. Abruptly, she broke off the stare and glanced at Bethlen, who glared back, then looked back at Grath with a changed expression.
The man in leather came forward, moving more quickly than he should have been able to, and pulled her back by the back of her collar. "Charming to meet you all. Utterly charmed," he bowed elegantly, which was hard to pull off when carrying a scythe. "Brunswick Aleksandr, and this is Lotus Cadenza. I'd love to stay and chat to you all but it's so hard to think when there's so much charm around. If you'll excuse us, we have to take this young lady," as he noded at Bethlen. "Whom we have never met before and have an extremely private talk with her about matters that are of no interest to absolutely anyone." He turned away, not quite keeping a straight face, and hustled Bethlen and Lotus in the direction of the keep.
Vierzehn looked appalled. "Sweet bloody murder, now there's four of them! What's yours like?"
A small voice in Dardiana’s head spoke to her, the fey which commanded her ability to use the powers she possessed, informing her of what she could do that was new. She nodded as the fey spoke, which seemed weird to everyone looking, and tried out one of the two things, activating detect magic. She looked around, seeing if anything was magical. She saw that both Delphi's and Vierzehn's gloves showed weak transmutation, and Vierzehn's cloak showed abjuration as well.
Lotus, Brunswick and Bethlen had strange, off-center auras so bright it was almost dazzling. Lotus and Brunswick showed strong conjuration with divination, transmutation and necromancy present in smaller doses. Bethlen's was the most complex and showed evocation as well. As she watched, the auras roiled strangely as though disturbed. Then all three turned their heads and looked straight at her. Brunswick narrowed his eyes and Lotus showed some pretty, little teeth, then Bethlen shook her head and they moved on.
Thorwald followed the others inside, not really sure what to do with all the new faces. "Challenging," he replied to Vierzehn's question. "Putting it nicely. Do you have experience with this group?"
Vierzehn looked confused for moment. "Group? Them? About a week. They turned up with a wagonload of quality liquor they claimed they had absolutely no idea what to do with, which was a lie, a commission from the Margrave's secretary to go through our records, which seems to be legitimate, and a cover story about being wandering scholars from the Free States, which is obviously a total lie. They're too tall for a start, the accent's wrong, and none of them have offered to sleep with anyone in exchange for money. Fact is, I suspect the little one would be willing to pay.
Next thing I know, the guy's drinking my Rangers under the table, the little one's seducing my male troops in alphabetical order, and the scary one’s challenging Trent to arm-wrestling. I'd ask them what they really are, but I'm afraid they'd tell me."
"Well, since no one else wants a true introduction. I am Horbin, a true warrior of the blade, Glenda," he said as he brought the blade to a rest on his left shoulder and reached his right hand to Vierzehn.
Delphi had kept a sharp eye on the people that came out of the bushes behind them, and she made no effort to conceal the loaded sling in her right hand, nor the throwing axe in her left. She slid up to Dardiana, and muttered out of the corner of her mouth. "I think these people were talking about attacking us before they emerged from the undergrowth."
"Of course we were planning to attack you", said the Tiefling woman, as a random gust of wind revealed no possible gender interpretation. She rode past Delphi, her eyes fixed and her horse looking rather alert. "What else would you expect us to do, armed strangers and proven killers in our preserve? But Captain's given the order, so you get in. Halfling."
Her smile, nothing but fangs, and her horse’s hooves clank on the wood of the drawbridge.
Vierzehn looked annoyed. "My apologies, my new and unintroduced friends, I have no skill in forest work, so that's why I leave it to people like Larissa here." He, then, took Horbin's hand in his right and shook it like somebody who has nothing to he needs to prove.
Larissa, then in the courtyard, dismounted like a snake. "Funny, Captain, I thought you kept me around for my taut, well-shaped fundament."
"And that. Anything, Lieutenant?"
“A half-orc Dunkelrot. Other than that, just these people. The forest is silent. Maybe one of them could contribute something,” she replied. And then she seemed to register. "Good to meet you, Horbin. Nice to meet a man with manners. Ah, Glenda? Is this a story I should hear?"
"Gregor McAlister, son of Neil McAlister, son of Roderick McAlister son of Conall "Alister" Moore. And since you have a lot of proven killers walking aroud, I suppose having some more is not a big deal." Gregor winked at that tiefling then turned back to Vierzehn "Speaking of which... are we allowed to kill anyone around this place? Like... what is that "Dunkelrot"? If not, I'm afraid you won't see much of killing by us, at least in this jurisdiction, and we will have to resort to more peaceful transactions... fine with me, I suppose..."
"Bandits on the Fall. She says. Her father dead, she says. I liked him. Maybe you could tell me what happened, over drinks, come, guests, we have a mess hall and I'm not afraid to use it.
Dunkelrot? An extended family of in-bred clannish killers from the Caroline hills. We kill them on sight. Saves paperwork. Convenient they wear that colour. Kresta--I'm sorry for your loss, I am, he was a valued man in these parts, but I'm not sorry that you experience such a promotion in your fortunes, and I know you have what it takes to take his place, and more besides, but where did you find the Spook? Larissa? Pick out some diplomatic troopers for the morrow, looks like you'll be leading some people to Whitewater Rush tomorrow, and an argument with the Soulflayer is not on my list of fun things to do with Saturday. Do you ladies and gentlemen prefer brown spirits or white?”
"We dispatched the other Dunkelrots back at the place where the pixies live. They were there with some elves and fighting when we found them and their illgained loot," Horbin said to Vierzehn. "I do enjoy some ale."
"Seems they were very much planning to attack us, but that's not as interesting as everything they've got going around them. Lotus, Bruns, and Beth all have... auras emanating from them. And they all turned to look at me when I saw them." Dardiana glanced up at the two who they hadn't been around and then looked at Bethlen. "Anyway..." She spoke up, "I am Dardiana Darksbane, and I'll be having my own wine." She was ready to move forward.
Gregor followed to the mess hall, but on the way asked where the party could dump their ‘loot’ and fresh meat and if the dogs were allowed in or should also be left somewhere. Thorwald took in the scenery with practiced disdain, following the others, it seemed, for no other reason than that the mead was nearby.
"Bring your own, share ours. It's all one. You people don't seem the sort to cause problems," the Captain says as he airly guestured at the Orc, the Warlock, and the Halflings. "And if I'm wrong about that, why, I'm a problem-solver," his smile looked a little bloodthirsty at that point. "Pray, come near." He turned and lead them off, his cape rising with the wind. Larissa gave them all a long look and then fell in step with him.
The messhall of Trammelburgh was large, and mainly empty. Plainly the castle was designed for a much larger garrison. Blood-Red banners, a black raven's head and claw in the top-left corner, were drapped from the walls. Paintings of various serious-looking people were placed between them. One of them bared a distinct resemblence to a younger Ingva Soulflayer.
Vierzehn called for meat and mead, the drama queen, and guestured for them to sit. "Now why don't you tell me everything that's happened so far."
Gregor did not show much interest in meat, as he was nowhere near hungry, but did drink a moderate amount of mead. He then described what happened roughly as, "Traveled north. Seen corpses. Chased east. Caused corpses. Some dumb red cloaks, so not a big deal." He was willing to go into details if asked, but took no initiative to mention the nixie, the snaky amulet, or corresponding activities.
Kresta piped up at this point. "They grabbed me, the bandits, knocked me cold and threw me on the back of a mule. These people caught up with them near the broken stone. You know the one".
Vierzehn looked thoughtful, but his eyes flashed. "Now I really am quite upset, and may have to vent my feelings in violence at some point. But first....red cloaks. Implies organisation, and little common sense. Ashdown used to use red and black, long time past, got sick of being targets, and people shining "Detect Evil" in our faces, stopped.
That stream, or rather its mountain valley, has an odd reputation. There's a gigantic cannibal fish-woman in it for a start, but she's easy enough to deal with if you throw her enough meat. Most women are. However, theres a location couple of days up the valley that people have long since learned to avoid. People go in, nothing comes out. We'd stopped worrying about it since before the Soulflayer’s time here."
"I would like to hear more about that valley, if there is more to know. Also we may be looking for work, either with the military or some other honest means. Do you happen to know where we may inquire about such things," Horbin responded to Vierzehn.
Vierzehn smiled, and Larissa actually laughed. "Is this not Ashdown? And am I not Captain? And do you think there is anyone else with the authority to grant, or not, employment? As for the valley, it's a long narrow pretty road lined with fabulous scenery with death at the end, according to most reports. Do you have any clues as to where these...inept idiots sprang from?"
"Pardon my ignorance of your customs and titles, it is my first time here," Horbin said with a slight look of embarassment. He then cast a look at Gregor, Dardiana, Delphi, Grath, Marn and then Thorwald.
Grath asked, "Is there a place to sell the items acquired on our journey? Lots of weapons, armor just, umm, sitting around. So to say."
Delphi noded at Grath's words. "He's got a good point; I'm not even carrying all this stuff and I find it cumbersome. It's in good repair, though, and if you don't have need of it we can keep it until we reach the next town or city along the way." She made her point cleanly, without actually saying it; we aren't desperate, don't try to fleece us.
Vierzehn waved a hand. "We keep cash here for operating expenses, employing irregulars, that kind of thing. Present a list of your surplus to Trent. He's not hard to find. It's why we don't take him into the woods."
"He walks into trees, and steps in things. And steps on things." said Larissa dryly, leaning on the back of Vierzehn's chair in a rather asubordinate manner.
"Quite. He can be a strain on a woodsman's patience. Even to I. And I'm all at sea in the woods. And all lost in the woods at sea. But he's good with merchandis--" Vierzehn started.
"Quattro! Honey!" The doorway was suddenly filled with Bethlen looking sullen, Brunswick looking resigned, and Lotus looking chipper. And the single tallest human woman they've ever seen in their lives, a Falchion worn at her hip like a scimitar, all coming their way. "Bethlen was just telling us about the delighful excursion she has planned with These People tomorrow! A journal to deal with a handsome blonde imbecile in an unknown location filled with unknown dangers! How thoroughly romantic!"
The tall one moved right up to the table with the inexorability of a battleship. Her right hip jolted Dardiana's chair and jarred it, and Dardiana, an inch to the side. If she noticed, it didn't show. "Astra Vaultspear. Please excuse my incivility. Show me the bandit's map." she said to the group in general.
"Sprang? They were sent to scout the area by some Ajneguhs, who is himself described as an idiot; with mail shirt, red robe, fire magic and all not helping the diagnosis, residing in some sort of VALLEY. He's building an "army", whatever that means, to use against YOU, so you should very well know him. Works for some more serious guy." Gregor tried his best to determine if that's the same valley Vierzehn was talking about or some other valley, pointing to the maps when necessary.
Astra bent at the waist and snapped out a hand to intercept the map, revealing a cluster of triangular amulets at her neck, and a ring on her finger showing eight snakes radiating from a central hub. Vierzehn stood up to check the map as well.
The arrival of Bethlen and her gang almost made Thorwald sneer, though he looked at the large woman with mild interest and a small smile, before going back to studying the tapestry.
Now that Marn was not distracted by everything else, he noticed that Brunswick had a medalion, amulet, or holy symbol showing a scythe and lightning bolt at his neck. "That," said Vierzehn, his finger snaking out precisely. "Is the place from which no-one returns, and yet it seems as though they came from there. Curious."
"This is highly improbable," stated Astra. "That location is known. It should be Kept and Guarded. For thousands of years it has been Kept and Guarded. Something has changed. Bethlen, you are heading there tomorrow. Alone if you must. With us if we must, with your friends here if possible. This bears investigation."
Delphi folded her arms, and she narrowed her eyes just a tad. "I don't think that we would be disinclined to go into a horrible, screaming deathtrap with Beth here; that actually sounds like a lot of fun. But you know what would be nice?" She paused for a moment, letting the sarcasm sink in. "Some slight incentive. Do you get what I'm aiming at here?"
After Dardiana was moved, she noted that Astra is a bit rude, maybe more so. She kept her mouth shut, though, since she was unsure what the rest of her companions wanted to do. She, though, was fine with helping out.
"Yes, Delphi is right. Ingva told us that in her time here Ashdown woud pay some, support some, and take half the loot. Has anything changed? I wonder if we should make this an Ashdown operation, with proper payment, support, ranks, orders and such or just just venture there on our own. In any case we will need a license to kill some opposition, I guess, but in second case we'll be keeping all the loot and will have no obligation to proceed if we will find the task too dangerous. So, what are the pay and the support we will be losing?" Gregor’s voice was solid and determined.
"Let's make it clear. Redside is your territory, not mine. It's just that it’s inaccessible to you for much of the year. This means this--fellow with his--army should be dealt with by you. Or if not you, somebodies of your kind. Sending a decent Ashdown force this time of year would cause some offense to Ingva, something I'd like to avoid." He looked from Gregor to Delphi, and steepled his fingers. “I'll give you two hundred each, now, to go there and deal with the whatever. Full rights to anything you find. And an extra hundred to whoever returns alive with a good story for me.
I should say I'm less than inclined, as well, to send my rangers to somewhere from which no one has returned in living memory, but maybe something has changed. Cleric Vaultspear, I suppose it should not surprise me that you surprise me again. How is it you know these things, and is there perhaps more that you're not saying?”
"I know very little. I know the location exists, that it was abandoned long ago, before there was an Empire, along with many other such places. I know that for love and pride, certain arrangements would have been made to guard and preserve it. I know that there exist certain people around today with the authority and power to circumvent those arrangements. I know that for this...fellow as you call him to dwell there, this must have been done. And I know that he cannot have done it himself, or he'd be sending Elemental Monoliths, not hireling thugs.” Vierzehn seemed to change disposition as he spoke to Gregor. Gregor lost most of his interest in cooperation with Vierzehn, but he continued to sit and wait for the meeting to end.
"Pay not withstanding I am inclined to help as I would prefer to not have my homeland invaded by someone trying to raise an army. I would ask that we have an escort to the valley itself if possible, if not then I guess it wouldn't have made a difference. I am willing to help in any way I can," Horbin responded, looking at Beth. "I cannot let such a lovely woman go to such a dangerous place alone in good conscious," he continued as he shifted his look to Astra with a smile.
At the repeated mention of murder, death and destruction, however, Thorwald finally capitulated,
"Mayhem and death what way? I'll go to any bloody valley you'd like," he said, his smile getting broader and broader. "Payment presupposed, naturally," he ended with a glint in his eyes, and emptied his mead.
"Well, I'm glad some seem keen. Some we get from your lands, would you believe, seem to think they have a right to anything that isn't nailed down, and the right to everyone's respect and adulation just for, you know, being them. But from me, you get this job, and my favour in future ventures. The room and board, of course, goes without saying." Vierzehn looked almost glad as he made the statement.
Bethlen stepped forward. "Captain, does this offer extend to me? Since I am now a merchant without liquid capital, and I will seek this man, alone or not. You three had best remain since you're not done here yet, if no-one returns you'll know what must be done."
Brunswick looked at her oddly. "And if the Recaller doesn't work in there, you'll have died for us. Will not be forgotten."
Lotus had been trying to contain herself, but then ruined the mood completely by bursting out laughing. "Mail shirt, probably quite expensive mail shirt. Elemental magic. Calls himself "Ajneguhs". He really is an idiot! To think that spelling something backwards fools anyone."
"But not today, Grath just got here, and is not eager to leave so soon. Stuff to sell, stuff to buy. More to drink, too. Leave tomorrow, early, if all are ready, and not hung over."
Since it seemed nobody was drinking, Dardiana had refrained from opening her bottles. More for the road, or some other time. "Grath makes his point clear, poorly articulated, but clear. If there's anything else anyone wants to say, say it now or forever hold your peace. Grath, do you have a count of the loot? And if not, does anyone?"
"I am willing to count, sell and/or split the loot, extensively consulting with everyone involved. I take it Grath will take care of transportation and if anyone will help us with evaluation, it would be just as good as it gets. You will see a detailed report of all calculations and operations performed, so consider this topic taken care of." Gregor was quick to answer Dardiana. "Kresta, will you please help us with selling the stuff we have found?"
"So it is agreed, Gregor will take count to get the gold for our spoils and we will leave in the morning for the valley," Horbin added. Gregor nodded, though he was not overly enthusiastic.
"Can we negotiate the mission not to be "deal with the whatever", but to have a more limited scope? Like "deal with the so-called 'Ajneguhs' and, if it would be prudent, the whatever"? Otherwise I am afraid I will have to refuse taking the money up front for a task that might be well beyond our ability to accomplish."
Vierzehn gave Gregor a surprised look. Looked at Larissa, then looked at Gregor again. "What did I do, that you treat me with such disrespect? I told you: In my knowledge and experience, none return from that place. I'm not asking anyone to go there without renumeration. You should be asking for more, not none. As for "deal with the whatever", finding out what we are dealing with qualifies. I have a power here, Ingva has more, and behind me there is more still. But we all need to know more. The Scary One here obviously knows more than I. Somehow." His eyes narrowed at Astra. Astra's eyes were already pretty narrow, but they narrow back.
He turned to the Tiefling woman leaning on the arm of his chair. "Lieutenant Lasalle, shift that fundament of yours and chase up a guide. And some diplomatic riders to get Kresta to Whitewater Rip. As for the merchant, yes of course that offer includes you."
Larissa doffed her cloak, and remarked languidly. "I already know who we're sending, Captain Vierzehn, but Gretchen's in the village just now. I'll get on to that, by your will, and chase up a spare mule for Kresta as well." She walked off, swaying her hips a little more than was strictly necessary.
If anyone was watching this, it was interrupted by Lotus abruptly landing in Thorwald's lap. "HI! bethlen says you like to play with fire. Like to play with me? You're so sneering and contemptuous. I like that. You follow the sky-walker? Can I see your dagger?"
Thorwald took in Lotus' affections with little interest and tried gently to push her off his lap.
"Yes, I do follow the Lord of Fire. This particular fire does not hold much interest. I am interested in a horse, though." At that Thorwald quickly pointed with his finger at the surrounding people. "Don't even start! Not what I meant!"
Bethlen, Astra, and Brunswick had the look of people making will saves to avoid facepalming. Bethlen actually failed. "Lotus, it's only seven o'clock, isn't this a bit early?" Brunswick let out.
"Hey, there's five to work through and they're leaving in the morning," Lotus replied.
"Please excuse us, Lotus is the Delphi of the group." Bethlen said with a smirk.
"Are you saying I'm short, Bethlen?" Lotus shot a dirty look at Bethlen.
"You are short." Astra chimed in.
"Couldn't you give them time to pretty up a little? By all accounts, they've had a hard couple of days,” Brunswick gestured his arms over the group.
"Then they deserve a hard--nevermind. If you're jealous, just get your own handsome man." Lotus turned back to Thorwald.
"Done. And done. Frequently." said Brunswick, looking mildly annoyed.
"She can't be the Delphi of the group. For simple reason: She said there's 5 to work through. There are 5 men and 2 women. If she was Delphi, she'd have said 7 to work through." Dardiana joined the conversation.
"That's why we have Bethlen," said Lotus. Brunswick facepalmed.
"Or, she meant only those full size," Gregor added as he took a look at Lotus and hoped she meant those full size.
Astra looked straight at Gregor. "You are not going to have much fun. At this rate." Which suited Gregor just fine, so he nodded in satisfaction.
"Also, can we have a cart?" Dardiana asked the Captain.
"Of course. I'm surprised you haven't ask for horses,” he replied.
Grath thumped his chest at this. "Grath needs no horse. Ride if must, but probably walk alongside."
"I'll be riding in the cart. Anyone care to join me or will I be alone in there?" Dardiana said with a bit of a sigh.
Delphi had been extremely distracted by the, assets of the locals, but as the conversation went on she started suppressing a grin; finally she spoke up, giggling as she did. "Really now, guys. You're asking for the cart before the horse? Children's stories would be ashamed of you."
"I would think horses are implied when we ask for a cart," Dardiana barked back.
Delphi rolled her eyes, winking to Dardiana. "I'm just picking on you, don't worry. It's important to know how to take a little ribbing." She made sure to not let her eyes wander to some of the other folk in the area as she spoke to Dardiana, as fascinating as they may have been.
Dardiana thought for a moment about what a 'proper' response would be to Delphi's comment. Then said screw it, deciding to change the subject instead. "Will you be riding with me in the cart?"
Delphi smiled more gently, and she nodded. "If that's alright with you, it really would be for the best; I'm a bit slower than you tallfolk over longer distances, and it can really add up if we have to go any real distance. Gregor has his animals, but I just have to trek; and I don't want to hold us back." She then sidled up to Dardiana, smoothly giving her a hug. "Is that alright with you?"
Lotus bounced on the, catatonic with shock, Thorwald's knee. "You two are cute! Which of you wears the equipment, or do you take it in turns?"
Brunswick crossed his arms in a gesture that precisely mirrored Bethlen. It's like they learned it on a parade ground, or something. "Just once, I'd like to make it an entire day without you being inappropriate. Or Astra treating the surrounding terrain as a suggestion to be ignored."
"Lotus is not being inappropriate," Astra spoke up.
Bethlen's eyes actually opened full. Brunswick looked at Astra oddly. "I understood all the words there, but somehow the sentence, especially coming from you, makes no sense in this world or the next one."
"She is attempting to enliven a somewhat stilted discourse. In the way she knows. Which is not going to change. Captain, Vierzehn, if I were to ask why your Lieutenant has left her cloak draped over the back of your chair before wandering outside; would I regret hearing the answer,” Astra continued.
"Probably" said Vierzehn amiably. "Anyway, the Soulflayer, she's not thinking of coming here is she? That would be awkward. I'm not fifteen any more, and she says quite frightening things in her sleep."
Dardiana returned the hug, while she replied to Delphi first and then Lotus, "I was the one who asked you if you wanted to come, so why wouldn't I be okay with it? And we don't have anything of the sort, unfortunately. That is, as of yet. If you have one that you wouldn't mind parting with, though, I'm sure we'd gladly take it off your hands."
"Look, Grath is a simple orc. Who is coming to investigate Ashnejugashugawuga and who stays back? Will drink with those who come." Grath was clearly bewildered by the conversation going on around him.
Dardiana turned to Grath after. "I believe it's safe to assume we're all coming, at least the group that we left in."
"No, Grath means out of the Empire-folk who live here. Not really clear who wants to kill, err, investigate Ajeshunegagagash and who is wimping out."
Marn Ortul stood up. "I will remain here" he said quietly. "It seems that Bethlen is coming, while her friends have agreed not. I should stay to keep an eye on...things. Captain Vierzehn, if there's employment here for a scholar and user of magic, I would be grateful for your consideration"
"I would be grateful for your continued presence, good sir." Vierzehn clicked his fingers. "Libations for our guests, our allies, our brave vangard!"
Marn reached into his pack and took out a black leatherbound book, a clasp in the shape of a lightning bolt crossed with a scythe, matching the pendant around Brunswick's neck, holding it shut. He slid it down the table towards the group in the over-designed leather. "Miss Gabriel, I believe this to be yours. I found the content...confusing."
"Ooooooo!" said Lotus. "You've been lending it out? I knew you'd like it!"
Bethlen stepped forward and put her hand down on the book. "So that's where that got to." Her eyes flickered upwards. "Hope you shared out the cash evenly, or did this count against your share?"
"Say, Astra. If I can get this vixen off my lap, how about we share some mugs? Or maybe even a little contest?" Thorwald spoke again, the first time since his nearly embarrassing horse comment.
Astra looked at Thorwald as though seeing him for the first time. She was definitely sculpted, possibly out of cold iron. "I don't drink sir, and if I choose to consider anyone competition, it won't be you. Lotus, since the gentleman does not wish to share your brand of professional courtesies, see if you can enflame somebody else."
"A pity," Lotus bounded up. "Maybe I should go with Bethlen and them to meet this man who spells things backwards. It would be fun to face a fellow follower of my calling, to test my best against his, and then roast him into pork crackling. How deliciously ironic! And I could play with all the cute boys on the way."
"No," shouted Bethlen, Brunswick, and Astra, all at once. "Please don't make any more threats against sanity and the poor Orc's comprehension," said Brunswick. "Bethlen is going, as well the Elf/Halfling double act, the Fire-Worshipper, the Orc, the Swordsman, and the Packmaster."
"And Gretchin", said Larissa, her tail flicking as she entered the room thanks to the wonder of dramatic time-compression. A small black-skinned young human woman in a grey cloak followed her, and behind that, a boar. "She will guide you to the location. I have trained her well, and she should be capable in the forest also. Get her killed and I'll haunt you all," she paused. "Wait, that doesn't make any sense. Well, I'll do it anyway."
The young woman stepped forward, she carried a club, a sickle, and a number of shortspears. The boar stayed at her side. "Gretchin Hakkonna, Nuisance." Pause. "I mean, I'm Gretchin. And this is my compan--my pet, Nuisance. I'll be quiet now."
Lotus licked her lips. "She looks scrummy. Looks like you're all in good hands. Wish I was." And then she bounded right into Horbin's lap. "What about you? You look like you don't get enough attention."
"Glad to meet you, Gretchin; and you, Nuisance; my name is Gregor, and these are Abyss, Barry and Cherry; pack, greet our new friends, BOTH of them; I am sure we will have great time working together." Gregor strictly watched the dogs as they went to the boar and his mistress, performed any appropriate rituals of their chosing, then came back. He wanted to make it perfectly clear to them, that THIS boar is not for EAT.
Delphi smiled at Dardiana, and then she idly rubbed one of Gregor's hounds behind the ears, smiling at it. "I never did get a chance to ask you, Gregor; how on earth did you train these guys so well? Most dogs just want to chase me up a tree." She then glanced at Lotus, grinning. "And that one seems intent on driving our men up a tree. Come now, darling, it isn't attractive to be too pushy. You can come flirt with us for a while; it'll make them jealous, and give you a way in."
"Thank you, but no. I'm just not that sort of girl" laughed Lotus, trying to wedge herself into Horbin as far as she could. "I'll watch from over here. Ask Brunswick if you like. Or Bethlen. Astra thinks intimacy means striking for non-lethal damage, so don't bother there." She turned to Horbin. "You have a big sword. Are you compensating? Fine if you are. We just have to try harder. They've given me a nice room with a view of the river, would you like to come there?"
Vierzehn leaned back and stroked his beard. "I'm not sure I like to see this happening in my messhall..."
"I could stand to see a little more", said a grey cloaked trooper. "Enough from you, Mr. Anonymous Trooper Number Seventeen--and what was your mother thinking when she named you? Far too long. In any event, let's avert our eyes from these horrors and drink to those who go boldly to the Ominous Pause Gazebo."
"Captain," said Larissa. "I'm fairly sure you're not actually supposed to say, "Ominous Pause."
"Maybe not, but I like it my way." Larissa and Bruswick both covered their mouths, and Lotus laughed loudly.
"Whatever. Brunswick and I should be getting back to our studies. We leave Bethlen to look after Lotus, and Bethlen to look after Bethlen. Before I go, Orc, might I see your axe?" Astra asked with authority.
Dardiana whispered to Delphi, "Maybe she likes a challenge? Not the sort of girl to be with others without charming them." Then she spoke louder, to Vierzehn. "Speaking about rooms, do we get some?"
Delphi nodded at that line of inquiry. "As fun as this is, I think we could all use a chance to rest before marching to our potential deaths. Rooms would be nice. Or just a room; these boys are all very polite and respectful. Or big enough that they get some leeway." She gave the resident orc a very pointed look.
"Like I said earlier, the room and board goes without saying, I'm afraid we're a bit short on actual domestic staff, so if you want room service I'm afraid you'll have to, ah, service each other. The kitchen is that way. I'll put you all on the third floor of the keep,” Vierzehn responded.
Astra, lacking an answer from Grath, had moved around and placed a hand on the axe, staring at it intensely. "Someone was here," she finally said. "A Shaman could tell you more, but someone was in this thing for a while, and left something behind. It wouldn't have shown as magic...but I think it may be lucky for you. And probably just you."
In the meantime, Gretchin and Nuisance seemed to be responding well to the dogs. Well, actually Gretchin had got Abyss rolling on the floor while Nuisance grunted amiably to the others. Larissa, standing at ease, was looking down on all this from the top of a very straight backbone.
"Well, that training is nothing extraordinary, although it is, indeed, quite extensive. Many trained dogs get only some of that, and most street or wild dogs get none. For example, laikas, like my Barry and Cherry, are bred for exactly that - barking at anything thay meet and chasing it onto a tree or towards the hunter. No surprise they do that untrained, it's in their blood. They were not necessarily hunting you, but you get the idea. Are reasonably smart, though, and guickly learn to differentiate between what is and what is not allowed to do. And who is what." Gregor pointed at the party around Gretchin and her boar. "You see, not a sign of hunting behavoir. No surprise though, the girl seems to know the drill."
Gregor sipped some mead, pausing for a moment. "So, I just know their language... sort of. Some spiritual thing, I was explained. Not all that hard to train when you can actually tell what is the thing that needs doing."
Thorwald flashed a big smile at Astra's rejection.
"Playing hard to get, hmm? I like that in a woman. And quite the woman you are. A real iron lady." Thorwald's hands moved with powerful gestures as he spoke. "You must feel a hard woman, Astra. But you know, when iron gets heated, it gets soft. And the hues of colour it creates."
Thorwald moved in a little closer. "Reconsider, please, having your armor heated by the flame of Loki! We could create wonderful colour together, you and I."
Astra didn't even turn as she exited the messhall. She did, however, burst out in an aura of red and yellow flames that seethed and raged behind her as she moved, disappeared through the portal and down a flight of steps.
Brunswick, having fallen in step with her, stepped back nimbly and turned that into a quick about turn, facing the table, and nodded to Thorwald. "Also, she can punch through a wall and I've seen her juggle Dire Flails. And she doesn't like it when people speak slightingly of her friends. Mind how you go," and then he followed her down the now distinctly red-limed stairs.
"I think I'm in love," Thorwald muttered.
Bethlen, still turning over the pages in the black leather book as if to make sure that they're all still there, hadn't raised her head at all. "I told You People. Not Yours," she growled.
"But I'm a short-term lease with no hidden fine print. Can I see your back-up weapon?" Lotus squirmed in Horbin's lap.
"Well, that's an interesting woman. Anyone want to place bets on what happens, or shall we just leave them alone? Vierzehn could you lead us to our rooms, and perhaps where we can sell the loot as well?" Dardiana spoke with a quickness.
"The sword is just to deal with those I would not seek to slay with my, 'close range', weapon. Don't let it mislead you," Horbin responded to Lotus. Though a little uncomfortable with her advances at first, he seemed to settle into comfort with her presence after a short while. "I would certainly like to see the view you have of the river. It will be nice not looking at the landscape through mud for a while."
"Is that a "Yes"? I am born of steel and fire. And love and pride, as Astra said. I'll never force nor trick nor surrender. And I will be worth the whistle. Come!" She jumped from Horbin's lap, and presented her hand to him. "I invite you, worthy gentleman, to see me to my room, and as much else as you wish. Come along, I sense this is something beyond us, but then again, it always is.”
Horbin accepted her proferred hand, "Yes," and allowed her to lead the way.

[stanleyindraven]

Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Midnight Rendezvous

The night broke up. The Half-Ogre that really wished it had just been a Bugbear, handed out the cash from sales, and then, in an awkwardly military fashion, lead them all to some rather nice sleeping arrangements.
In the deep of the night Horbin woke to a voice. "Dude, wake up" said a voice in his ear. It crackled and flamed. "It took a lot of effort to pull the little wench in our direction, and my Cleric choked, so I guess it's up to you." The voice fumed for a few minutes. "Don't try to move. This is sleep paralysis, or so Frigga calls it. Thank some other power you sleep with your eyes open. I could make arrangements the other way, but I'm scared they'll notice. Not them. Who they serve. They can get in here. I'm Loki, by the way.
They can get in here, and the Destroyer, old One-Eye, he doesn't do anything. He kids me that it's all a game, and that they're friendly, which they are, but deep down, I can tell, he's frightened of them as well. It has something to do with the deal that they're all exalted mortals rather than actual gods, and so count as some sort of Uber-Einhenjar. And as such, get sort of a back door into Valhalla. Whatever. I'm an Exemplar of Chaos, not a lawyer, but I can tell when a bunch of people turn up that scare the crap out of me that things are not right."
“Anyway, Loki-Skywalker, the bringer of flame is talking. And talking too much. You need to watch. And listen."
The night was dark, Lotus was dressing. Her trousers were already on. She rejected the white blouse and pulled on a short leather jacket. That left her, with her reddish hair disheveled by her previous activities, looking rather eighties, if Horbin had the frame of reference to appreciate the comparison.
And then she suddenly stopped. "How long have you been there?"
A set of shadows and angles in the corner moved and shifted, treaded forward silently, and resolved into the shape of Astra Vaultspear. “A couple of hours. You are most dexterous.”
"I know, it never seems to make any difference. So, it's settled then? We have to go?"
"Three of us was a gamble. Four of us are lost. Bethlen was gambling on us already being gone when she led those people here. We have let her down. Quattro Vierzehn is already hitting the books to find out what we are. He's not stupid. It will not take him long,” Astra answered.
There was a noise at the door at that point. Astra drew her Falchion and Lotus pulled a nimbus of crackling sparks around her fist, and then the door opened to reveal Brunswick Aleksandr, looking a little unsteady on his feet. Both people relaxed.
"Weren't you supposed to be keeping Vierzehn occupied? And wasn't that supposed to be done by now?" Astra’s voice was stern.
"Did my best, but he invited the Tiefling woman as well. And she really, really wanted to be the meat in a sandwich. Well, she got what she wanted. In the end." Brunswick seemed annoyed and jovial at the same time.
Lotus and Astra both looked carefully blank. "OK, So, does anyone else care to ruin the privacy of my bedroom?"
Enter Bethlen, at the open door. "The Issue we spoke of previously? Confirmed."
"Which one?" Lotus questioned.
"The Orc," Bethlen answered.
"Pay up, guys" Astra and Brunswick both handed over some silvers. Then Lotus went nuts. "You bitch! You mother! This will be what, your second? And you mainly go with girls. Me, I've been getting banged against walls since I was old enough to bleed and not a twitch! It's not fair! But I'm happy for you all the same," She gave Bethlen a hug. "Name it for me, will you?"
"What if it's a boy?" Bethlen questioned.
Astra moved forward. "This will mess up your tour, Bethlen, it will put you behind. You might as well have level adjustment."
"Let it. I have three months at least. I'll show what I can do in that time. And afterwards."
"Well then, I can't fault your choice," and then Astra grabbed Bethlen by the ponytail and kissed her hard on the mouth. Bethlen's eyes opened full and Lotus and Brunswick looked stunned. "Hmmm. Salty. Not unpleasant. Come, you we must move."
The four of them moved out through the torchlit doorway. Loki's voice crackled in Horbin’s ear: "Oh, dude, I'm really sorry. They didn't say anything interesting at all!"
"What, what do you mean nothing interesting?! You truly are mad. This is a level of sinister that I couldn't see. I must tell the others. Wait, why did you care to show me this?" Horbin lets out in a mental scream.
"What? I'm frightened, dude. Have you met the Starlight Destroyer? Well, no, obviously, since you're still clinging to your component molecules. Well, I have to put up with her turning up unexpectedly and smiling at me and being pleasant. And she's the Thor of the bunch. The rest are more dangerous because I have no idea what they'll do,” Loki’s voice rang out.
"So what you are saying is these people are the lackies of the Starlight Destroyer? Isn't that something. Well how are we supposed to stop anything, we are rookies at best and mere mortals, as far as I know. Though Grath may be surprised to find himself a father, course that is if he is the orc she spoke of," Horbin replied.
***
Gregor sold spoils, bought supplies; buckler, knife, some food, ink, pen and some parchament, spent time calculating each one's share of the loot, marked his calculations on a sheet of parchament, and divided the money according to his calculations. Then he spent most of the rest of his share to buy a wand to heal wounds, checked the dogs and went to sleep.
Grath followed Gregor to sell some of his own items and replenish some supplies and miscellaneous goods. He verified his accounts and settled up with the others.
After a short stint in the mess hall for some ale that all growing orcs need, he then returned to his room and tried to get some sleep, with a strange forboding that others were having an interesting evening.
After Dardiana had made sure that the items were sold, she headed off, to see if there was a library in the castle. There was a library, quite a large one. It was in the basement and contained a certain Astra Vaultspear and Brunswick Aleksandr. Brunswick appeared to be doing gofer duties for Astra.
They nodded at her entrance, but said nothing. Astra seemed mostly lost in the books, and other items, before her. Now and then she put out a finger to draw Bruswick’s attention to a passage and he scribbled in a small red book. After a couple of hours, they replaced the books they were using, and headed back upstairs.
Dardiana discovered some details about the local geography. The capital of Ashdown, Alnwick, was two days to the north of there. Upriver, the border with the Caroline was three days away to the south of the river, and a no-man's land to the north. Ethandun was a cityport a day's travel downriver. Ashdown's major civilised neighbors appeared to be The March of the Caroline to the east, regarded as backward and savage, though still "civilised", The Duchy of Kaulune to the north-west; coastal, wealthy, sophisticated and dangerous, and the Republic of Queichau to the north; regarded as pleasant, parochial, and a little inclined to vampirism.
After Astra and Brunswick had left, Dardiana discovered a piece of paper close-written in dense, precise handwriting. Apparently, it was blown off the table while Astra was packing up her books.
It read;
" Bethlen;

"The location on the map is listed in our directories as Reserve Installation 1197X. It was built as a military facility during the War against the Abberancy, I think, by agents of the Crimson Iron Rider. After the Abberancy was sealed beneath Yamighul, it became a private residence, but was rendered structural unsafe by The Destroyers geography-altering moment of rage during the War of the Sage's Treason. It was abandoned, and defended and preserved according to the traditions of the time.

"I hardly need to say that if the active and passive defenses appropriate to a location of this vintage remain in force and operational, it is very likely you will not return. I will not do you the disrespect that you would not do me and attempt to dissuade you. Please know, as you must know already, that should the worst happen we will see to the welfare of your son, and see that he grows up lacking for nothing, and knowing who you were.

"There are many that could have shut down the defenses from afar and allowed this "Ajneguhs" to occupy it, but who would do so and for what reason is a mystery to me. This man is very foolish, to dwell in such a place. His very life is hostage to the whim of his backer.

"Please return safely, you will know where to find us, and then we will know what must be done.

[signed]

Astra Vaultspear, of Sickelein. Kissed by War."
After she picked it up and skimmed it, getting the gist that Bethlen and Astra, and possibly Brunswick, had been hiding something, she sought if she could get paper and ink somewhere in the library and copied the note down and threw it back on the ground, in a condition similar to what she found it in.
She tried to remember the look of the books that they were using and looked around where she saw them replace the books. Based on where they replaced their books, they appeared to have been studying locations in the general area; Ashdown, Redside, and surrounding policities, that have a mysterious or haunted reputation, and cookery. Dardiana left the library after jotting down the locations or trying to memorize them, heading to sleep. She'd tell the others on the morrow.
***
“Oh Me, you don't get it, dude. None of them are the lackeys of anyone. And the Destroyer has no Lackeys. Only friends and people she hasn't met yet. Do you understand why she scares me?
Technically, Two of them serve the Bringer of Silence, and one, who is strongest in her faith, the Burning General. And IF I can be relied on to tell you what these people are like, they're people who like the Destroyer, who would follow her into oblivion, Fight alongside her against anything in Hell, and slap her in the face if she acted stupid. And cheerfully incinerate anything that stood between them. The little one, Lotus, is something of an Atheist by their standards." Loki’s voice was slightly louder than before.
"Interesting. Looks like they may need to be dealt with, maybe we can use this trip as a way to thin their ranks. I personally do not want to see oblivion if I can help it. Aside from listening, is there anything you 'need' from me?" Horbin questioned, as he was becoming accustomed to.
"Knowing what you know, you're going to eliminate Bethlen Gabriel? That IS cold. Are you sure it will work? And not say, turn these people into determined personal enemies? Not to mention, you've never asked what her amulet does," Loki replied.
"Bethlen I may keep around if the rest of my companions agree, but an honest answer to her intent is going to be needed. As to the others, if they seek the end then I will seek theirs."
"What precisely is it that you think they seek? Because I can tell you right now that all but Bethlen have passed out of your reach, trusting on your faith and honor, as they do.
I am Loki, and yet I wish you to tell me what it is you think. For, truthfully, I am confused. And I don't like to be confused when the potential cost includes getting a +50 Vorpal Scythe of Deicide waved in my face by somebody who knows how to use it."
"A god with fear, a good thing I guess. The others can be found. My reach is not the only thing that can be used as I can just tell Captain Vierzehn that they are planning some plot against his kingdom and see if they can be stopped. Looks like trusting has gone out the window as of now.
I will have to talk with the group and let them know everything. Of course there is only one who may really believe this. I have never tried but if I were, would a prayer befall deaf ears in your direction? I may seek wisdom or guidance in the future and you seem to have looked in my direction." Horbin’s inner voice was steady and even a bit modest at the end.
"I don't know what they're planning, or against who. I'm a diety of fire, cunning, and trickery, and those that are their masters simply confuse me. Do as you will; you heard what they said. And what they didn't say. I'd be wary though, of claiming to know what you don't know for sure." And then, suddenly, his presence was gone.
***
“Sho---So why are you called ‘Anonymoush Trooper Number Sheventeen’ anyway?” Thorwald slurred drunkenly.
“My mother named me after my father,” the man replied with a straight face.
“....what?” Thorwald was obviously confused.
“She never wash any good at remembering namesh,” the man continued.
"Thatsh... Thatsh. That'th. That'S! the most beautifullll thing I've ever heard, Anonymoush Trooper Number Sheventeen. Sho many *hic* people, go thwough life without seein' *burp* th' beauty of chaosh. Ya kno' how much pwoba- probi- beeli... CHANCE! it takesh to create such an unlikely pai*hic*ring? I'll, I'll tell you. A lot!
Anonymoush Trooper Number Sheventeen?! You're my best friend *burp*. In the wole. white. Worl.” Thorwald was clearly beyond drunk.
“Thanksh. Shank you. Jussht keep your handsh where I can see them,” the guard responed.
"Haha, you're a fun-funny guy, Mr. shevensix. Sheven. I might not have to burn your faesh off at shome point after all. Heh *snicker*.” Thorwald said a silent, ridiculously loud, prayer to Loki before hopping/dragging himself to bed.

[stanleyindraven]

Thats the gist so far, 38k+ words.

[mattie_p]

Hey, thanks for reposting. Once Marlowe gets back we can place an index in the first OOC post.

[Marlowe]

Thanks very much for Stanley reposting the logs, and thanks very much for Mattie to post here at almost the same moment as my internet fires up. Saves me scrolling through page on page to find the thread again.

Urumqi disappointingly warm at a balmy -11. I have a new silly hat. Snow last night and snow tonight, but I overdid the warm weather purchases and tend to now feel overdressed. I'm wearing a leather coat (not locally bought), Russki style fur-lined aforementioned silly hat, new boots, gloves, scarf, and now resemble a 40K Valhallan Commissar when I venture outside.

Inside, it's like 28 degrees C and I'm sitting around in the shorts and light polo I wore to Vietnam.

Will get things moving again tomorrow or the next day. Sundays are busy for me and tired now. And after over a month of being absent from the internet I have a lot of things to catch up on.

[stanleyindraven]

Great to hear, we have missed you so.

[Marlowe]

Already behind schedule! :smallfrown: Well, cleared some backlog at work, so there's that. Note to self: Don't go visit tvtropes,org right after a month's internet drought. You won't surface for days.

Well, time to get something moving.

[stanleyindraven]

Hooray! Welcome back to the internet.

[Linguz]

Would Dardiana's eldritch blast produce a decent amount of light?

[Marlowe]

Your EB can look like whatever you want it to. As long as you're consistent from now on without Essences. It can look like sunshine and rainbows with the Halleujah Chorus in the background if you like.

Bethlen's blast looks like smoke and sparks because why not.

Seriously, I doubt an EB lasts for very long. A bright one would improve spot checks but not give sustained illumination. Think trying to see by a flashing torch that only blinks every 6 seconds.

Also, I really should let you guys work this stuff out for yourselves instead of having Bethlen tell you everything. But it's been a while.

[stanleyindraven]

yeah, but could give us an idea of how deep or long the hall/room is. and a rainbow and hallelujah EB would be hilarious, seeings how warlocks gather power form supposedly evil place.

[Marlowe]

...well I'm not going to say it won't work.

[Linguz]

Your EB can look like whatever you want it to. As long as you're consistent from now on without Essences. It can look like sunshine and rainbows with the Halleujah Chorus in the background if you like.

Bethlen's blast looks like smoke and sparks because why not.

Seriously, I doubt an EB lasts for very long. A bright one would improve spot checks but not give sustained illumination. Think trying to see by a flashing torch that only blinks every 6 seconds.

Also, I really should let you guys work this stuff out for yourselves instead of having Bethlen tell you everything. But it's been a while.

I believe I have said that the EB is a ball of green fire. Fire produces light. So thank you. And likewise, my spear is a long ball of green fire.

[stanleyindraven]

wait, long ball of green fire?

[Linguz]

Instead of a ball, because it's simulating a spear. Like, a foot, maybe just half a foot, long.

[Marlowe]

Bethlen sez "Damn. You are so Ray Harryhausen"

[Linguz]

HELP!
I don't know who that is.
*Searches*
*Can't figure it out*
HELP!

[stanleyindraven]

http://www.rayharryhausen.com/
Visual Effects guy.

[mattie_p]

u-b, by fish for gravity I meant gregor would use an arrow or stone or something tied to the end of a pole. Weren't you finding gravity that way before?

Let Grath's darkvision look first, please, then you can sacrifice your body for science.

[u-b]

Oh... anyway, Bethlen already probed it with the pole, so she might have a good idea about which way is up (Gregor just wants to make sure). Also, we're carrying sources of light (upd: or not? if not, Gregor is to start doing it) and I am assuming if it's dark, it's staying that way. If Grath can see in there, but nothing dangerous, taking less intermediate steps.

[stanleyindraven]

Chapter 9
Chapter 9
The Journey

Grath woke early in the morning, before the sun rose into the sky, even before the morning twilight. Weeks of solo travel instilled a strange discipline into the chaotic orc. He walked the walls, looking out over the river. Then, he walked down to a dock, stripped down to his loincloth, and took a refreshing swim until just before the sun rose. Swimming against the current to regain the dock is a bit of a struggle even for Grath, but he managed it.
In the dim morning light he was able to clearly see the dock. Evidently the bridge of chains wasn't the only way to get to the opposite bank. A peculiar sort of raft was laying at it, a strange apparatus of a cogwheel, a giantitic crank, and a cable that lead down into the water dominating its deck. Said cable ran throught the apparatus and was connected to a much more study-looking similar apparatus on the dock itself.
The dawn brought a bit of a stir to the courtyard. The Tiefling officer was getting two humans and a half-elf in order for a ride, and Kresta was standing by with her mules. Bethlen leaned against a post of the stable, watching with hooded eyes.
Delphi spent some time outside, looking for smooth, round stones that would be appropriate for crafting into sling bullets. She enjoyed the quiet after the long day and the combat, the conversation and flirting. It was peaceful outside, on the edge of both civilization and nature. It was a place that she belonged, there on the edge of things; a place not quite wild, and not quite tame, like her, in a way.
***
Evidently, Ashdown was a believer in early morning trumpet fanfares; Thorwald in particular had reason to regret that.
Breakfast was bread, beer, and cold ham. The group was ushered to the commander's table, as befitted guests, while at least thirty grey-cloaked soldiers with a high porportion of composite longbows crowded the adjoining tables and irrespective of gender, talked about girls. Vierzehn appearred, nodded to them politely, but seemed distracted for some reason. He headed out to the courtyard with a thoughful look.
Dardiana had enjoyed the day's earliest start, but not so much the rude awakening via horns. She went to eat and tried to heat up the ham via a blast. Either way, she ate it, with light conversation with any who spoke.
According to what she overheard at the next table, Vierzehn was posted there after a minor scandal in which a senior Ashdown commander caught him in bed with her maid. And her cousin. And her toyboy. She was very offended she hadn't been invited.
After eating hastily and quietly Horbin followed shortly behind Vierzehn.
Vierzehn headed straight toward Bethlen, who looked at him somewhat insolently from under her brows. "Good morrow, good...merchant. It seems I am in something of a quandry. Your friends left during the night. How, nobody seems to know," the captain said with a puzzled look of expectation.
"I know, Captain. They asked me to apologize for their regrettable lack of manners," Bethlen answered cooly.
"Yessss....they left a very nice letter doing more or less the same. And some gold, although Trent assures me that their...account was in credit. Also, they claim to be heading for Alnwick." He paused. "Actually, the letter claims that they are already there. Creating something of a temporal conundrum for me."
"By the time you would have received the message, they would have been in Alnwick. Astra can be a very literal in correspondent," Bethlen replied.
"Aha," Vierzehn looked at Bethlen sidelong. Bethlen returned his look without a blink.
As Horbin reached the outside he caught the tail end of what seemed to be a puzzling conversation between Bethlen and the captain. He looked distrustfully at her and kept a little distance.
***
Delphi hopped up onto a chair, and standing on it placed her head only a few inches higher than the tallfolk that were already sitting down. Gregor gave the dogs some bread and ham, but not beer. He sat, ate, drank and looked around, not worrying about anything that was not his business, just passing the time, waiting for the others to get ready. Grath, refreshed from his swim, heard the horns. He dressed and joined the group at breakfast, sitting with Gregor, and ate a hearty meal, including beer. Between bites, Grath attempted to tell Gregor about the strange boat he saw, but had trouble describing it.
Having nothing else to do after breakfast, Gregor got the dogs ready and then went to personally see that strange boat Grath mentioned. He also took a look around to see any other peculiar and/or mechanical things that were around. He planned to continue walking around and looking around, while waiting for either a breefing or a command to march out.
There were a couple of military types on guard. They were a little wary of Gregor sniffing around the apparatus, but explained that it used a cable on the riverbed to allow the raft to be cranked back and forth across the river without getting washed downstream two miles by the current. The chain-bridge was more simple, but the raft was more efficient for bulk moves.
Gregor thanked the guards and told them that it was a remarkable device and that his people had nothing like this in their village.
***
Vierzehn, who seemed to have gotten used to that sort of literally correct and yet totally ambiguous information, moved back into the messhall and leaned down to Delphi in passing. "Astra Vaultspear, Brunswick Aleksandr, Lotus Cadenza. Gone during the night. And I'm told in Alnwick now, though that's two day's ride away and they've been gone for...maybe seven hours. And nobody saw them leave. A pity. They were rather good for morale."
***
After Vierzehn walked back inside Horbin looked at Bethlen. "Ever think of settling down and having children? Or is it still too early for you to be thinking that way," he said with a straight face, before turning it to a jovial smile.
Bethlen gave Horbin a long, cold look. "Children? I've one. Hopefully someday I'll get back to him, and sort out whatever mess my uncle has made. Settling down? That's an honor earned, not taken."
Kresta called out at that point. Larissa was looking impatient. "Beth! We're heading off!"
"Good will and good speed, lover. Whitewater Rip. A week, maybe two. If it takes me any longer than that, I'm dead. Take care of Spike and keep the frelling sales records!" Bethlen didn’t even take her eyes away from Horbin.
Kresta was apparently expecting both more and less than that. "Oh..." Then Larissa forked her horse with a bound and called out, "We're done here! Let's move!” The drawbridge slammed down, and Kresta, Larissa, and the caravan moved out.
"Well then, whenever the others are ready perhaps we can get moving," Horbin said, seemingly unphased by Bethlen's response. He started to show impatience at the situation, hoping Thorwald would appear sometime soon.
***
Thorwald awoke with a grunt and shuffled painfully out of bed, into clothes and down to the messhall. His body was mercifully quite used to the abuse it took from the last night, but his head still felt like an odd raft on a cable and cogwheel had been travelling through it all night. After breakfast he went to enquire about his promised horse, which, hopefully, somebody took care of arranging.
Thorwald was led to a horse by a female dwarven trooper with a beard like a declaration of war. "Now this one's for riding. No funny business. I've heard about you already".
Thorwald thanked her with a smile, then stopped short.
"Now, that's uncalled for. I ride horses, I don't ride them. Ah, whatever."
"Aye, sorry about the delay. T'was a rough night and I'm not sure the beautiful friendship me and Anonymous Trooper Number Seventeen had will ever be the same.
We going?" Thowald addressed Horbin.
"You are a follower of Loki is that right Thorwald," Horbin asked when he saw his hung over companion. "I would like to have a private word with you if we could."
***
Delphi shrugged at the news of the residents of the encampment leaving, and she set out to find meat, eggs, cheese, and other hearty foods that are hard to come by on the trail. She also looked for some food for Dardiana, guessing as to what the woman may like to eat. Delphi found some fresh food that had already been brought across from the village. They were currently agents, so they were not being charged for consumables.
She got involved in a number of short, boring conservations she recognised immediately as being completely irrelevant to the plot, although one of the soldiers-pressed-as-kitchen-staff made a comment on how the Dunkelrots "will be worse now Vesplin is dead. He was the only half-sane Elder they had."
***
Thorwald raised his eyebrows at Horbin’s request. "I do follow the father of the wolf, the snake and the undying woman. What can I do for you, friend?"
Horbin whispered quietly to Thorwald. "In the night i was visited by Loki. He spoke to me about the perils of Bethlen and her companions. They worship those who would support The Destroyer and Loki seems to be shaken by this thought. I do not know how much we can trust Bethlen, but for now she seems willing to help. Though the others are definately up to something all together unwholesome. I believe also that Bethlen is pregnant, on purpose, from Grath.
I just wish to let the others know but needed to know your feedback first as you do praise and therefor understand Loki better than I."
Thorwald looked around to make sure no-one was listening, before whispering back to Horbin. "Wait, which Destroyer are we talking about here? There are a lot of Gods and Demigods out there who are calling themselves the destroyer. Or is it... Odin? The Destroyer? His avatar? Were they talking about bringing him down to earth again? I can tell you know, though he pretends to hang with the good guys, he's called the Lord of the Gallow for a reason; the One-eyed doesn't mess around, man!
And why didn't he come to me first? Aren't I his bleedin' disciple?" Thorwald was getting a little excited and was maybe whispering a little less than before.
"I think that he came to me because he wanted me to witness the others leave. He never did say a name though he felt it was dire and that even gods should be afraid. That said, do we tell the others or let this play out a little. Bethlen we may be able to trust but as for her companions, I will not shut an eye with them near. I believe they may be working for the one we are seeking, or know who it is we are seeking at least." Horbin adjusted, trying to keep their conversation private.
"Wait, you saw them disappear? Why did they go, did you hear? And trust Bethlen? Hah! I trust her about as much as I trust a snake in my boot not to bite me. And this Ajneguhs. If they do work with him, then we are likely as good as dead if we follow her into that valley. We have to play this very carefully," Thorwald’s voice lowered to a whisper again.
"I think we are facing a shugenja, whatever that is. At least I assume that by the name Ajneguhs and Astra's comment about spelling backwards that that would be his vocation," Horbin whispered. He then looked around for the location of people. "Trusting Bethlen is for whoever wants, but thus far she has done nothing but benefit us."
Thorwald stayed silent at Horbin's last remark, but wrinkled his nose. He tried to dig something out of his brain about the Shugenja and the Destroyer. The Destroyer was a title of Odin’s. However, he also had the odd feeling, like a voice in his head too faint to hear, that Horbin was muddling something.
He was aware of a Shugenja as a somewhat eldritch alternative form of "Elementalist". Also, he could remember enough of the night to remember it was Lotus who made the spelling-backwards remarks, rather than Astra.
***
As Gregor waited for everyone else to decide what they were doing, he noticed that though the Ashdowners talked loudly in his presence about how boring it was there and how nothing ever happened, there seemed to be a lot of checking of equipment, packing of supplies, and inspecting of mounts and animal companions going on.
As breakfast wound up, Gretchen appeared, with Nuisance shuffling at her heels. "If you're all ready, time to be off. Nuisance wants to stretch his legs. The cart you asked for is ready. And a mule."
She lead them out into the courtyard, Thorwald and Horbin were already present, whispering amongst themselves. Bethlen stood with her arms folded. "All present?" asked Gretchen, taking out a piece of paper from inside her tunic, she wore no armor, neither did Larissa. “’A big blue Orc, a Big sword with a Fighter to carry it, some dogs and their pet Halfling, an Elven witch, a she-hobbit naughty schoolgirl, and a Lokian horse botherer. And a definitely and comprehensibly ambiguous merchant,’ I'm sorry, it's what Captain wrote. We off?" She led the party over the drawbridge, and into the forest. Gregor presumably backed her up with his dogs.

[mattie_p]

Yeah, Grath can see (unless it is magical darkness). Darkvision for the win. I think he is the only one with it.

[Marlowe]

Hey guys; I'm sorry things are getting so sporadic--we're hitting Winter Intensive hours at work in the lead-up to spring holidays, so I'm not getting a lot of time for anything else.:smallfrown:

And I'll try to stop Bethlen doing things.

[mattie_p]

Yeah, so, how does Grath know what that says? He only learned to read, like, last night.

[Linguz]

Maybe it magically imparts knowledge into the reader?

Also, wouldn't anyone be able to read it, since Dardiana struck a sunrod and gave it to someone to hold into the shaft.

[mattie_p]

Well, Grath is telling everyone what it says anyway. Ask your fey friend if it makes sense to them.