Celia Away
Subject: Re: The Farm
And celia will be afk until Monday morning.
The First Night
Subject: Exodus; the first night
[I know it's been a while, so a check in from everyone would be swell. Thanks guys. I appreciate your patience.]
Garyth stops his mount on a small hill at the outskirts of the camp. Robert and Vincy wait behind him, quietly. Below, a thousand of his friends and family and neighbors huddle around small fires, cooking their evening meal. Several of the guardsmen had objected to the lighting of campfires, but Garyth had just laughed. If their safety came down to being able to hide in the night, they were already dead. Garyth just hoped the demon's army had better things to do right now then chase them. That was their only hope. Let the people eat a hot meal.
Three men on horseback leave the camp and ride off to the north. The pickets that Garyth and Bragga had arranged. One of the men had a crossbow bolt wrapped with oily rags. A flaming bolt fired into the air in the north would mean the undead army had come. It would give the town a few extra moments to begin running. A hundred miles to the Kalama lands probably meant that the extra few moments wouldn't save any of them, but you do what you are able to do, and trust the rest to the gods.
Rennik and Melani had left camp soon after the column stopped. Garyth knew the two hunters would be ranging the wilds around the camp, looking for sign and a good place to watch from. That gave him more comfort than the pickets, to be honest. The Halflings were canny. If anyone could give them an early warning and a head start, Garyth would put his money on them.
Once the pickets and guards have all moved into position, he rides back down the hill with his men. The sergeant moves through the crowd, followed by the elf, Pensive. Together they are tending the minor wounds picked up in travel, and encouraging the townsfolk.
From: Raja
Subject: Exodus; the first night
*checks in*
:)
From: Mark
Subject: Exodus; the first night
Checking in also. Do you need any comments from Melani?
Mark
From: Mike
Subject: Exodus; the first night
OOC: I'm good.
Good Night Farron, Pensive and Osred Tend to the Camp
Subject: Re: Exodus; the first night
Farron pours the last of the wine into their two glasses. He downs his glass while staring into the fire.
"Only the one bed, I'm afraid," He says to Sa'id. "At least it's big enough. I hope you don't snore."
With that he makes ready for bed. If he were inclined to pray, he'd pray that the Sunmaster decides to help them in the morning.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Exodus; the first night
Pensive hides in Osred's shadow. No, not really-- but that's what it feels like. Like the big man is chaperoning him around the camp. No one will let him near them without the cleric there; no one will let him take a look at their wounds or aches without Osred 'supervising.'
Pensive decides to let the unintentional slight slip by him. Tonight, he will be Osred's apprentice, and that was enough.
And the weariness and frustrations and aches of the day vanish as he tends to the people around him. It is a comfort, to forget Kor Garesh for a moment, and concentrate instead on the small hurts that surround him. These were wounds he could heal. These were small things he could fix. Twisted ankles, blistered feet, sunburn. . . discomforts, really. Pensive forgets to think about tonight, or tomorrow, and the battles and deaths that await there.
The Path was here.
And then the moment has ended, and there are no more people to tend. Pensive stares at the campfires that the townspeople have set, and remembers he has no place around any of them. He squashes the thought, and turns to find Garyth.
OOC: That's all I have; Pensive will volunteer for the last watch of the night.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Exodus; the first night
One more thing: if Osred doesn't heal Pensive, Pensive will use one of his healing kits on himself.
From: Celia
Subject: Re: Exodus; the first night
This irritating little man had worn through much of Osred's patience during the battle, but that seemed years ago. Now here he was, tending to the needs of others without even asking for aid in alleviating his own pains. Would an offer be accepted or scoffed by this follower of the path?
"Elf, if you would like, I can try to mend your wounds."
Osred then sees to any of the others who are still badly wounded before falling asleep.
OOC: I don't know what spells he has left to sacrifice, so can you pick something appropriate, Ty? And I guess I'll make tomorrow's spell list the same as todays. (Which I'd appreciate you sending me, if it's different from what's listed on Osred's character sheet.)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Exodus; the first night
Pensive is startled a bit by the offer. He pauses only a moment, then unwraps the bandage around his palm, and lifts off his shirt to expose the wound on the underside of his arm.
In the darkness, the thistle tatoo on the back of his neck glows softly.
"Thank you, Osred," Pensive says, but is silent otherwise.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Exodus; the first night
Dude, celia got Scott to take his shirt on her first try evar. Hawt.
Darkness Falls, Two Wizards About Town
Subject: Exodus; Darkness Falls
Melani wakes from sleep at Rennik's touch, and sits up. It is too dark to be morning. At first, she thinks Rennik has woken her early, that there must be trouble, and her hand goes automatically to her knife. But Rennik shakes his head. "The clouds that came in last night never burned off." Melani looks around her. Visibility is only a few hundred yards under the thick cloud cover. It isn't fog. It's almost as if the very air is dim. Rennik says, "Garyth will be getting the town ready to move out in less than an hour. We should get back."
From: Mark
Subject: Re: Exodus; Darkness Falls
Melani grumbles a bit to herself but quickly gathers up her belongings.
She dislikes being out on the plains. No place to hide, really. She almost liked the human city better. It stank like a latrine but at least it had places to hide. Out here in this open space she felt naked. What she really wanted was to be back in her forest. There she could be with in yards of her prey and they would not know she was there for days. Well the faster she got the humans to the forest, the faster she would be home.
She nods at Rennik that she is ready to go.
Mark
From: Ty
Subject: Exodus; Darkness Falls
The camp is waking up noisily. Garyth stands talking to Osred about the days travel plans when Melani and Rennik return. Garyth and Rennik exchange a glance that speaks volumes. Of the original group that entered Kor Garesh's lair, they are the only two here. While the townsfolk and the Falcon's probably believe the darkness is some strange affect of the heavy cloud cover, they know differently. It is the demon, exerting his influence over the island. Who knows how many innocent farm families were used as fuel for this latest trick.
Rennik takes Garyth aside and quietly says, "The town is gone. We could see it burning last night."
Garyth nods, "Then the lighthouse is gone. All the approaches to the Bay of Nesalin are extremely treacherous. The lighthouse is what made trade possible. There is a reason the city kept fifty men guarding it."
"Then we are cut off. The demon chases the army back behind its walls, then brings this darkness and burns the lighthouse." The Halfling twists the haft of his halberd in his hands while he speaks.
Garyth looks at the town, finishing its preparations for marching. "They won't be chasing us. Why chase us? The black army will just pick off the people of this island a little at a time. Why risk open war and large battles when the only real army is hiding in Nesalin? Strip the island outside those walls at your leisure, then starve the city out."
From: Ty
Subject: Two Wizards about town; Darkness Falls
Farron looks at himself in his silvered mirror, noting the red eyes faintly greenish complexion. Splashing more water on his face helps cool the pounding headache, but when he looks again, he still looks like a man who spent the night drinking too much wine. "It was the second skin. I knew we should not have opened the second skin."
Behind him, Sa'id sits on the edge of the bed with his head in his hands. "Think of it as penance, for not slogging though the mud with our friends."
Farron towels off his wet face and hair, and moves to the window to draw back the heavy drapes, inwardly flinching at the expectation of sudden blinding pain when the daylight streams in. Except that the daylight does not stream in. In fact, opening the drapes barely changes the level of light in the room. He feels a sudden panic at the thought that he and Sa'id might have slept completely through the day, and missed their meeting with the Sunmaster.
Looking up though, he sees the heavy storm clouds that cover the city. "A storm is coming. It's as dark as dusk out there."
Sa'id shambles over to stand next to him. "It does not smell like rain is coming. The air is very dry."
Something about the look of the clouds, and the dim dry air, is very disconcerting. "Let's get to the Sunmaster quickly." Sa'id just nods, a distant look on his face.
Outside, the atmosphere is very subdued. Even though it is mid morning, most of the shops have not opened. Very few people are in the streets, and the people the wizards do see are all moving in the same direction: toward the city's main gate. Sa'id stops a young man hurrying past and asks, "Where is everyone going?"
"To see the soldiers," is his reply. When pressed for details, the boy says, "The soldiers are coming back a few at a time. My uncle serves with the 2nd Billmen. My mother has asked me to see if he made it back." His voice drops low, "They are saying that less than half of them survived the battle. It is said that a demon was seen striding the fields, and slew many men."
Sa'id lets the boy go, and exchanges a frightened look with Farron. They are both thinking the same thing. Where are their friends?
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; Darkness Falls
"We should go to the gate and see if they have come," Sa'id says quietly. "If they are back, we can bring them with us to see the Sunmaster. If not..." he trails off.
Heavy casualties. Demon on the field. The Devourer's might had clearly grown, even though Promise had been wrested from his grasp. And there were only three people on the entire island who knew what needed to be done. Sa'id closes his eyes for a moment, hoping to dull the throbbing in his head. He does not allow himself to think about what may have happened to Overlook and their friends.
From: Mark
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; Darkness Falls
OOC: oh nothing that a hot meal, a skin of wine and a soft bed would not fix. And the mages wonder why the fighters distrust them. :)
Mark
Nothing Much Here
Subject: Re: Exodus; Darkness Falls
[OOC: Just checking in. Rennik doesn't have anything to really add at the moment.]
Is It the Shoes?
Subject: Re: Exodus; Darkness Falls
Thanks for playing Art and Osred celia--hope it was fun.
If the game hasn't progressed beyond this point (and I don't think it has), I'd like to pick new spells for Osred--ones better suited to keeping 1000 refugees on their feet, if I can come up with anything :).
You know, I don't even know off the top of my head how many spells Osred has at his disposal. I apparently forgot to fill in the "total spells per day" fields on the character sheet, and I'd been deleting spells from the "memorized spells" list as they were cast. Damn. Time to break out my Player's Handbook, it would seem.
From: Jake
Subject: Re: Exodus; Darkness Falls
Man! I've been trying to get Scott's shirt off for ages! How does she *do* it?
Is it the shoes?
The Exodus: Day Two, At the Gates, The Sunmaster's Decision
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; Darkness falls
"You're right. They may have additional information that could be useful to the Sunmaster as well."
Farron doesn't know what sort of information that could possibly be, but at this point he just wants to know that his friends are back safely.
(OOC - don't hold your breath, weasel-boy! /OOC)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Exodus; Darkness falls
Pensive is ready to get the camp moving.
From: Scott
Subject: Bookeeping Details
Ty:
How is everyone doing for HP?
How close are our characters to levelling up?
When are we going to find out what Sunmaster Fellus found out?
We really do need to find a way to get the mages back with us. . . maybe Farron can summon a couple of hippogriffs to carry them over to the exodus. . .
From: Mark
Subject: Re: Bookeeping Details
I think most of us are doing well for hit points. Melani just leveled so I am not expecting anything anytime soon.
Mark
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Bookeeping Details
More or less everyone levelled in the jungle or thereabouts, IIRC, so I dunno that we'd be terribly close. But those fourth-level spells are so very enticing...
We'll see what Farron and I can learn at the city gate.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Bookeeping Details
Point of order: I think you misspelled "bookkeeping."
Also, Karl, are you still having trouble with the list? I'm sorry I haven't been able to look into it thorougly yet. :(
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Exodus; Darkness falls
The darkness is unnatural; Garyth can feel it like an icy touch against his skin. He shudders involuntarily. If the demon can already reach so far... He shakes his head, clearing it of the thought. No room for despair, and no time to waste. He sets about getting the camp on the move again.
From: Ty
Subject: The Exodus; Second day
The second day of travel is far worse than the first. The aches of the forced march, plus a night of sleeping on the cold ground begin to catch up with the less fit townsfolk. More and more, the old, the overweight, and the weak begin to fall behind. Garyth directs the guards that bring up the rear to help as much as they can, but there is only so much they can do. At noon, the exhausted column stops for a short break. Osred begins rounding up mounts and wagons to put the weakest into. Even so, when the carts are filled, there are still many who will not make it two more days who are forced to move on foot.
Melani and Rennik do a fine job of trail finding. Once the column leaves the road and begins moving due east, the two trackers continue finding the easiest ground to cross, and no matter when the town stops to rest, the Halflings always seem to find a stream nearby. Garyth, munching a bit of jerky at one such stop, thinks on the coincidence that they need to move a vast number of people across the island and into the camp of the Kalama. And what do they have? They happen to have two Halfling scouts, knowledgeable on the land they will be passing through. One of them is even a high ranking Kalama hunter. And Garyth and his group have just made that journey in the other direction. He remembers how the insane priest and the monk hunting his son just happened to show up at the town of Overlook at the same time. Just in time to save the boy from Kor Garesh. The priest wearing the ring that let him walk through the temple untouched.
Garyth looks up at the blue sky above. He can't help but say, "Is this what you want? Are we doing the right thing here?" He hates feeling like a marionette, but there is a certain comfort in the idea that Kor Garesh is not the only power at work on the island.
Garyth keeps the column marching until well after nightfall. Though, under the new heavy cloud cover, the transition from day to night is more subtle. The air seems to just grow dimmer and dimmer, and then suddenly it is pitch black. Once the town stops and begins setting up camp, Garyth rides to the rear to check in with the corporal leading the rear guard.
"How many did we lose today?" He asks.
The corporal grins at him. "None sir, though the stragglers found themselves a might uncomfortable." He points at a large wagon drawn by two heavy draft horses. An astonishing number of people have been piled on the wagon. "We had to lose the supplies, but we made enough room. When someone dropped, we just picked 'em up and tossed 'em in."
Once again, Osred and Pensive begin moving through the camp, offering what aid they may. Pensive runs out of supplies, but when he lets Osred know about this, the big sergeant "appropriates" the supplies from one of the wagons. The complaints of the owner are quickly stifled.
Garyth gathers Rennik, Melani, Osred and Pensive together. "We are two days from the Kalama camp at this pace. Though, we will be in their hunting grounds by tomorrow night. What is the plan if we run into Kalama scouts? What is our plan when we reach the camp?"
From: Ty
Subject: Two Wizards about town; At the gate
Sa'id and Farron follow the rush of townsfolk to the main gate of Nesalin. They have difficulty moving forward through the crowd until Adon climbs onto his master's turban and begins hissing at the people in their way. Sa'id is able to quickly clear a path.
At the gate there is chaos. Soldiers continue to straggle in, many of them bloody, all of them vacant eyed and white with fear. Some of them are babbling and insane in their terror. One bedraggled young man in a pikeman's uniform begins screaming when he's touched, and finally has to be clubbed unconscious. "These men have looked on the demon." Sa'id says. Farron remembers the black pillar, and the blood red voice that almost overwhelmed him when standing in its presence. To actually have looked on the thing that is imprisoned there? the idea makes him shudder. To distract himself, he says, "Let's find our friends."
At first, it is impossible to find out anything. The soldiers they see are confused and terrified. They respond to questions with curses or blank expressions of fear. The wizards begin to despair of learning anything, when Farron notices someone coming in the gate. "That officer. He wears the insignia of the Blood Falcons. Garyth was rejoining that unit."
He leads Sa'id to the officer, who is just dismounting when they arrive. Farron says, "Sir, we are looking for our companions. Captain Garyth, and two Halflings. They left with you yesterday. Do you have any news?"
The officer stares at Farron blankly for a second, then seems to compose himself. "No, I'm sorry but I do not. I sent them away before the battle, to attack a small group nearby. They had not returned by the time the main battle began. I have not seen them since."
The soldier stands staring at Farron. He is more composed than many of his men, but still appears dazed.
[Any further questions for him before you go see the Sunmaster?]
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; At the gate
"I sent them away before the battle, to attack a small group nearby. They had not returned by the time the main battle began. I have not seen them since."
Have not seen them since. Not seen them. Since before the battle. Not seen. Seen...
Dead. They're all dead.
...not necessarily. Sa'id's mind latches desperately onto this one pathetically weak ray of hope. Their companions had disappeared but their deaths were not confirmed. No one had seen their bodies. The wizard's mind begins to work.
We can't go looking for them, not alone, and even if we could, assisting the Sunmaster is more important. If the others are not coming back, for whatever reason, then we must find a new guide to take us back to the mountain. Ask at the palace ...but how openly can we speak of this at the palace? There are still traitors. Cadfael was murdered. I would tell this soldier where to find us if I trusted him. In case there's a message. But only Farron and the Sunmaster can be trusted here, only those two. The Sunmaster? Hasn't his god just let our hopes die? No! They aren't dead. We can find another guide. A trustworthy guide? No, just trust those two. Yes, those two. Trust them. Trust...
Sa'id blinks. The soldier is still staring at him. He takes a deep breath, murmurs a prayer. "Pelor guide their steps, then, be they living or dead." He turns to leave.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; At the gate
The soldier's face twists at Sa'id's words. He spits on the ground.
"Pelor turned his face from all of us. Look up." He points at the gray cloud cover. "Pelor is lost to us. The demon is all, now." His face takes on an odd blank expression, and his words an odd cadence. "We are kindling for his fire, and all will burn in the furnace of his rage."
He seems to shake himself awake. He looks at the two wizards with a puzzled expression. "Who are you, again?"
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; At the gate
Can someone forward the turn to which Raja is replying? I did not get it. (Please forward to me directly at [address removed by editor] as I'm not getting everything sent to the group email.)
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; At the gate
Done.
I don't understand why this is happening. As far as I can tell there is nothing wrong with the list.
From: Mark
Subject: Re: The Exodus; Second day
OOC: I am assuming that no one else around speaks halfling
IC: "Rennik, one of us should go ahead to warn my people of the mob that is coming. I think it best if it is me, since I know the people and have the best chance of convincing the Belneth and Nukaru. What are we going to do with these humans? We will not be able to feed them for long. We will not have places for them to live? The forest will get a large portion of them, unless the warriors of my spend all their time guarding them.
Maybe we can use them as bait in a trap for the evil one's army?
Mark
From: Mark
Subject: Re: The Exodus; Second day
All of that was done in halfling.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; At the gate
"We are friends of Garyth and his companions," Farron explains again. "Do not lose hope. If you give up the evil one has already won." He hopes that his expression helps give the words more force than his heart actually feels.
"There is nothing more we can do here now, Sa'id. Let us quickly go to the Sunmaster. He is all the hope we have at this point."
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; At the gate
Yes, let's go see the Sunmaster.
From: Ty
Subject: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
The wizards thread their way back through the crowd around the main gate, Sa'id once again forced to use Adon to make a path. Both are quiet on the walk back to temple row. Is it possible their friends could have survived whatever calamity left the Nesalin army so broken? The eerie voice and vacant stare of the Blood Falcon officer remain with Farron as he walks. It reminds him Cadfael. The way the priest would sometimes speak like something large and frightening was using his voice. If the reports of the returning soldiers are true, then those men look into the demon's eyes on the battlefield. Who knows what was left behind in their minds?
Sa'id is thinking similar thoughts. How to find those that can be trusted here in the city? If the task of returning to the temple and sealing the black pillar is left to just himself and Farron, is there any chance? He does not see how. Without Mission and Garyth and Rennik, the wizards would have died many times. Sa'id rubs his throat. Even Cadfael had pulled him back from the brink once. And now the hornets nest was aroused. The demon sent his soldiers openly into the field. They would not be caught unaware this time. He looks over at Farron, who stares at the road in front of him, and holds Jack on one arm, stroking him with the other hand. "We must know the fate of our friends, agreed?"
Farron nods. "I've been thinking the same thing. We will not make it without them."
The temple of Pelor, so shining and beautiful in the sunlight, now just looms like a gray wall in the dim air. It is easy to believe the Falcon's words. Perhaps Pelor has turned his back on Huss and its people. The guards out front look alert and grim, clearly the priests are as disturbed by the unnatural darkness as the citizens. A word with one of the clerics out front, and a page leads Farron and Sa'id into the temple and up to the Sunmaster's quarters.
The old man waits for them, sitting in his heavy oak chair. Maps and books are strewn across a table at his side. One the other side of the table stand two large and powerful looking men in half armor and armed with heavy warhammers. The Fellus smiles at the two wizards, and points to his companions. "Colin and Dominic, two of my better pupils. They have stayed the night with me, for my protection. You see, I took your warnings seriously my friends. And it seems I was right to do so. Have you heard the news?"
Sa'id replies, "If you speak of the defeat of the army, then yes, we have."
The Sunmaster says, "That is not all. I have been told that the lighthouse at Overlook no longer shines. Smoke was seen on the clifftops, and it is assumed that the city was sacked. The harbormaster called on me early this morning to ask for prayers that the sun might shine again. It seems all traffic into and out of the harbor is halted until either the lighthouse is restored, or this unnatural darkness is lifted. Somehow, I think that is exactly what was intended.
"You were right my friends. Something black wakes on this isle, and moves to cut us of from the world. Our army is routed and in retreat. If I know the Duke, then he will order the city sealed and prepped for siege. His is a cautious man. Usually a good trait in a leader, but possibly the wrong choice now. I think if we wait now, we merely seal the lids on our own coffins, and wait to be buried. Do you agree?"
Farron nods emphatically, "I do, Sunmaster. What then is your decision?"
Fellus leans back in his chair. "I have studied the maps, and ancient texts. There is no simple answer, no cantrip, orison, spell or prayer written to seal this demon's prison. But I think that God may work through us anyway. I have prayed this morning for the mightiest benediction I know. A prayer to gain direct access to Pelor, and make a single request. I think that if I can stand in the presence of the pillar and make supplication, perhaps Pelor will then act in our behalf. And if he does not, then we are all lost anyway, and dying in the temple of the demon will matter very little."
The wizards surprise themselves with a deep sigh. They hadn't known they were holding their breath. The Sunmaster had just given them their next quest, and had perhaps pronounced their doom as well. But at least they know, now.
Fellus struggles to his feet, Dominic moving swiftly to his side to aid him. "Unfortunately, my years of forging through the forests and jungles of the isle are well past. It will be all I can do to get there, I think. I will need the aid of those who have made the journey already. But, you already knew that, didn't you? You came here to take me to the black temple. Dominic and Colin have agreed to come with me, to protect me. I also plan to ask the Duke for aid, and perhaps he will give us men. How many will be needed? After what has happened to the army, it will be difficult to find those willing to go. Perhaps the White Harts would be willing to send men, for those noble Paladins are less affected by fear than normal men.
"What do you think?"
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
Holee crappola, Ty-- You're going to manage what amounts to TWO campaigns?
:hail Ty:
From: Mark
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
Are the new guys PC's or NPC's
Depending on how fast they move the MU and the Sunmaster might be able to make it to Kalama area about the same time we get there, I think. If they are mounted.
Mark
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
Don't be so sure...
:)
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
They are Colin and Dominic, priests of Pelor, and students and friends of the Sunmaster, Fellus.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
I don't think they'd go through Kalama territory. Isn't that to the south of Kessel? If I were to strike out for this expedition, I'd head west to avoid the undead army, and then inland.
In any case, we had a rough time getting to the temple with Rennick, who knew the wilderness. None of the people Fellus suggested are rangers. . .
And here's my turn, in response to Garyth's question:
IC:
OOC: Would Garyth or Rennick remember the vision Promise gave Mission before they returned to Nesalin? About how Mission was unable to get access to Nukaro's longhouse? I think we're heading for disappointment. . .
It is a miracle that no one died this day. Pensive cannot imagine that they will be so fortunate come morning. Everyone was exhausted. And there was no cure for exhaustion but rest, and rest could not be had under this brooding, evil sky.
"If we can count on the halflings to shelter the people of Overlook for even a few days, perhaps we can send riders on to the towns on the eastern coast. If it is safe, we can move on then," he offers to Garyth.
From: Mark
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
Oh I figured out who they were. I was just responding to Scotts thougth that you might be running two campaigns. If they are NPC's then it is not that much of a problem for you to run them.
Mark
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
:)
I know. I was just not answering your question.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
See, I think the first chapter of the Overlook campaign was the bright, sunny, happy portion of the story-- 'cuz it had a kid in it, and Ty had to tone down the atmosphere of gloom and doom, didn't he?
What we're going through now is Ty's REAL campaign-- the meat of the story, as it were.
We're all doomed.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
The first chapter was cheery?
From: Mark
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
Compared to the rest of the story it will be. Days we look back on as our souls burn in hell.
Mark
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
Sa'id broods throughout the walk, but thoughts of how his comrades had saved him from death help to calm his paranoia somewhat. Learning that Farron was thinking along the same lines -- they couldn't make it back to the mountain without Rennik or another halfling warrior as a guide -- makes the necromancer more confident in himself, more secure. The Sunmaster's words, however, do not do much for Sa'id's state of mind. The lighthouse extinguished? Overlook was lost. If Garyth and the others had somehow been unable to reunite with the main force and had made for Overlook instead, they still would have been killed there. Without Nesalin's army, Overlook wouldn't have had a hope. Sa'id doesn't know enough to speculate further, and anyway the Sunmaster's proposal demands his attention...
Sa'id hesitates visibly before replying, trying to phrase what he is about to say as delicately as possible. "Sunmaster, I have some reason to believe that there has been at least one traitor within the White Hart, and that there are possibly more in other positions in or out of the White Hart still within the walls of this city. It is my suspicion that one of these traitors murdered Brother Cadfael. I am not certain how far we should let our knowledge and purpose stray from this room. If we are to present what we know to the Duke it must be to him and him alone. No one else can be trusted. If the Duke can give us men I will not deny that they are needed, but we must be careful not to divulge our precise purpose to them in case one is a traitor." He pauses. "It sounds... paranoid, I know. At the very least overly cautious. I hope my caution is unwarranted but I fear it is not."
Planning for Meeting the Kalama, Proof of Life
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
"Sa'id speaks the truth, Sunmaster. There was at least one traitor who was a member of the White Hart, and at least one other who murdered our friend. Discretion is our only hope of getting out of the city alive, I fear."
And once out. . . then what? Farron thinks to himself. He shudders at the thought of returning to the jungle. How can they possibly get beyond the forest land without Rennik? He was the only tribal halfling Farron actually knew. Well, not quite the *only* one. . .
"Sa'id, in order to get back to the mountain, our biggest obstacles are the undead army and the jungle itself. As for the first of these, it might be to our advantage to keep our numbers low. If we are but a small party perhaps we will not be noticed, or considered a threat. If the army intends to lay siege to this city, they aren't likely to care about three fleeing mages and their friends." He looks apologetically at the Sunmaster. "Forgive me, but I think in leaving the city it might be wise if you disguise yourself. Kor Garesh doesn't seem to think we mages are much of a threat, but he might feel differently about the chief priest of Pelor."
"Which brings us to the next obstacle. How to get into the jungle. I don't think we can do it without Rennik, or at least someone with his knowledge of the jungle. The only place I think we might find someone like that is back with the Kalama tribe. Yes, I know it is a little out of our way to get back to their territory, but unless any of you have contacts with a closer tribe of halflings, the Kalama are the only ones who might have a guide that can get us into the jungle without being . . . well, eaten, among other possibilities."
"What do you think?"
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
OOC:
>>and at least one other who murdered our friend.
How do you know that a member of the White Harts killed Cadfael? I must have missed a bit of information somewhere. . .
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
A traitor in the proverbial camp, not necessarily specifically a member of the White Hart.
Trouble is, we know that at least some of the Devourer's minions have the power of teleportation (Anileth). It makes actually -investigating- the murder pretty much impossible, at least in the conventional sense.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
Also, you know that the witch can fly around-- maybe she flew in and carved up Cadfael.
:musing:
Why was the knife left at the scene? That at least means that it is not holding the souls of the victim within it. But it also may mean that Garesh gets immediate use of the victim's soul.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
What Farron meant, and he will clarify if the Sunmaster indicates he misunderstood, is that there was one known traiter from among the White Hart, and one other *traitor* (or perhaps "infiltrator") who killed Cadfael.
The point is to indicate that the White Hart aren't completely above suspicion, and even if they aren't involved beyond the one traitor in their midst, there is still *someone* else inside the city walls (presumably still inside) who is working for Kor Garesh.
Clear as mud?
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
Actually, Anileth did not teleport. She used one of the other Lich powers, one with a relatively short range. She was a lich, you know.
Elise WAS teleported, but did not do it under her own steam.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
Fellus listens gravely to both Sa'id and Farron. When Farron is finished, he smiles. "I hear two desires in your words, my friend. You are absolutely right, it would be foolhardy to go into the jungle without a guide. The men who've lived on this island have mostly shunned the forest and jungle of the interior. It is the wild Halflings who are at home there.
"But in your words I also see another desire. You wish to get outside these walls and see if your friends survived the battle. I understand completely. I can't imagine you'd want to go back to that temple without the companions that got you there safely the first time."
He leans forward to grip Farron by the hand. "If I could find out if your friends are alive, and send them a message, would that help? What would you want me to tell them?"
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
Um. . . we didn't destroy Anileth's phylactery.
We're doomed.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
Promise was her Phylactery. :)
Don't worry, she's toast.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
Whoa. That's twisted.
I love it!
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
The possibility unleashed by the Sunmaster's words is more than Farron can bear. He tries to respond but the words choke him. He looks toward the Sunmaster, but all is blurred by the tears welling in his eyes. "How . . .c-could they be alive. . ." he stammers. "The demon r-routed the whole army."
Giving voice to his worst fear releases the anguish and worry that is all that has kept him going for the last several hours. He falls to his knees before the Sunmaster, head bowed, ashamed at his lack of self control, afraid to hope for any good news at all.
"If they are alive, " He begins, "I would have them meet us on the way, though I don't know where."
He turns his head toward Sa'id but does not open his eyes, his hand still in the hand of the Sunmaster. "I only know three places I think I could find again. The Inn where we found Anileth, the ruined tower, or the Kalama camp. I'm not sure I could find the Kalama camp, but I think I could find their territory but it's very likely that they would find us if we made it that far. Which would we tell them. . . if . . . if any of them are still alive?"
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
Sa'id remains quiet and standing while Farron is speaking, though he turns to look at his colleague. "I wish not to see that tower again," Sa'id says quietly. "Either the inn or the camp." He pauses, looking back at Fellus. "I... my command of your language is very good," he says, "but I lack the words to describe the depth of my appreciation for your generosity."
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
The Sunmaster pulls Farron back to his feet. "Let us find the answer to that, first. Would you like to remain here while I make inquiry?" Fellus' warm smile lets them know that they are welcome, and both wizards nod. Fellus gestures for them to sit, then says to Colin, "Please, fetch me my bowl and the incense in the red paper."
A few moments later, the two wizards find themselves sitting across the table from Fellus. Dominic and Colin sit at either side. In the center of the table is a golden bowl, shaped to look like a stylized sun. A small pillar of incense sits in the middle.
Fellus begins to pray in a low and heartfelt voice. Sa'id, a recent student of Cadfael's, feels the deep connection of this man to his God. When he prays, you can almost feel the gaze of some vast and powerful being fall on you.
As Fellus continues his prayer, Dominic reaches out with a small burning stick and lights the incense. A pleasant smell fills the air.
The Sunmaster ceases praying, and asks, "Are the companions of Farron and Sa'id still alive?"
There is a shiver in the air, a rumble so deep that it can only be felt and not heard. Farron shivers at the idea that the voice of a god is being heard in this room.
The Sunmaster asks a second time, "If I send a message to the one called Garyth, will it be received?" There is a second shiver in the air.
Fellus stops questioning, and says a prayer of thanksgiving.
Dominic covers the golden bowl with a round lid, and the incense goes out. The Sunmaster sits back in his chair with a smile on his face. "Your friends are alive. All of them. I can send a message to Garyth. It must be brief, but he will receive what we send. It will not be a two way link, unfortunately, but it is a start."
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
[this happens prior to the divination turn]
Fellus seems surprised by Sa'id's words. He places one hand on the wizards head and says, "You are a child of Pelor, shining with the reflection of his grace. You do not yet see it, but I do. Cadfael passed something precious to you, and I would honor his wishes for you now that he is gone. There is nothing I would not do to aid you, within Pelor's will, Sa'id."
From: Ty
Subject: wizards
[in case you are wondering, I need reactions to the sunmaster and what message you want sent.]
From: Mark
Subject: Re: wizards
How about:
Wishing you were here. Having a great time.
Mark
From: Ty
Subject: Re: wizards and the other guys
Oh, and are you guys doing melani's plan and sending her ahead tomorrow to make contact with the Kalama?
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
(OOC - Ty, is the Inn anywhere on the way to Kalama Territory? I'm of course trying to help get the group together, but Farron knows that the inn is on the way they took into the jungle, and he knows that Kalama territory is a little out of the way from the most direct route (right?). So I think he'd be more inclined to have them meet at the Inn. In short, can you tell me what Farron knows (and remembers) about the routes they took in and out and how they relate to one another?)
From: Mike
Subject: Re: wizards and the other guys
"If we can count on the halflings to shelter the people of Overlook for even a few days, perhaps we can send riders on to the towns on the eastern coast. If it is safe, we can move on then."
Garyth listens to Pensive's suggestion, thinking on it a moment. He shakes his head grimly. "The demon has already sacked Overlook and routed the greatest army on the island. Another town would provide scant protection, and it would only be a matter of time--a short time--before the undead army arrived and chased us out again.
"The only way to save these people is to get them off the island, but the only port large enough to have any hope of moving so many is in Nesalin and even if the enemy weren't in the way, with the lighthouse burned traffic into and out of the harbor will be slowed or stopped." He pauses, rubbing his temples. "Unless there is some way of stopping the demon, we can only delay. I think we'd have as good a chance of that in the forest, with guides and hunters who know the land, as anywhere else."
He turns to Melani and Rennik. They had been speaking in the Halfling tongue and though he couldn't understand the words, surely they must have been speaking of the Kalama. "What do you think, Reth'tenn? How will your people greet us?"
OOC: At this point, Garyth is still unaware of Melani's plan to go in ahead of the group. Also, Ty, let me know if that bit about ports was wrong--I thought I remembered you saying Nesalin was the major port on Huss, but if I messed it up then I guess we'll have to leave that part out.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: wizards and the other guys
No, that information is accurate. The coastal villages have a few small fishing boats, but the only deep water port is in Nesalin Bay.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
Farron listens to the Sunmaster's words of comfort to Sa'id, feeling a nagging pang of . . . what? jealousy? Even in the midst of newfound hope for his friends, and indeed even for himself and the whole of the island he manages to feel left out. What a child I am, he thinks. Stupid and selfish to the end. Sure he's never believed, really, that any god had any kind of personal interest in people, normal ones at least. And he'd always suspected that most of the priests and acolytes that claimed allegiance to their particular god would be surprised at how little their patron knew or cared about them if the truth were known. So why did he care if the Sunmaster declared Pelor's love for Sa'id? Why did it matter if he didn't believe it himself? Oh, sure, he believed there was a being that men called Pelor. In fact he was as sure of it as he was of Kor Garesh, and *his* existence was pretty undeniable at this point. He just wasn't sure that god-bothering was all it pretended to be, and that maybe the world would be better off if the gods just left it alone all together. But somewhere deep inside a part of him longed to belong to something Great. Or more precisely, he longed to be recognized by something Greater than himself. He shook off the thoughts, realizing that the Sunmaster was still waiting for an answer. . .
"If our friends are alive, we would have them know we are very glad of that. We would tell them our plans to leave the city and the means by which we will do this, and we would have them meet us at Gully's Outpost as this is the only precise place I know we can all get to. We will wait there for them or search for some further message from them when we arrive, if they have gotten there first and are unable to wait."
He looks in Sa'id's direction, ashamed to meet his eyes. "Does that sound about right?"
From: Matt
Subject: Re: wizards and the other guys
Rennik nods at Melani's suggestion to run ahead and make their intentions known to her people, but frowns at the mention of using them as bait.
He knew they would lose some, and very likely many, in the push through the wilderness, but he hadn't thought about the long-term provisioning of so large a group. There were just so many! Humans have a racial inclination to overpopulate, he decides.
In Halfling:
"I do not know what we must do with these humans, but I know they cannot stay in the forest and jungle forever. This is a temporary place of hope until we can find some way of combating the demon, or at worst fleeing the island. Be sure to mention how our guards, with their armor, could aid in their own fight against the dark god's forces. An alliance would be most adviseable."
Rennik then turns to respond to Garyth.
"the Reth'tenn and I feel it would be best if she ran ahead into the kalama hunting grounds to announce or presence and inttions."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: wizards and the other guys
Garyth nods. "That's a good idea," he says. Turning to Melani, he says, "Reth'tenn, thank you for doing this. Without you and your people, all of these people," he sweeps an arm across the camp, "all of my neighbors, my friends, my family, we would all be food for the demon." He looks away, a gleam of moisture blinked away from his eyes almost before anyone notices. He stares out over the exhausted refugees. They're pushing themselves to the limit, driven by fear of the following horde. Fear, yes, but hope too. The hope of sanctuary. Ironic that they now look for that sanctuary from the halflings that so many of them had ignored or feared as savages such a short time before. But maybe this is an opportunity. Maybe this meeting, born of necessity, will give his people and the halfling tribes the chance to see each other as they truly are, just people, and come together in peace.
Of course, none of that can happen unless the demon is stopped. But while there's life, there's hope. He turns back to Melani. "Your tribe is life to us, now. I don't have the words to express my... our gratitude for their aid." He pauses, trying to think of something to say. "Anything you can say to explain our situation and intentions to your chief will be good," he finishes lamely.
From: Jake
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
> "What do you think?"
Well, *I* think that that's a brilliantly organic way of reuniting the party. Or trying to do so anyway. We'll see what Ty throws at us.
From: Jake
Subject: Re: wizards
:D Now that was funny.
A Good-Luck Kiss, A Bit of Sa'id's Past, Melani Departs
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
Thanks, and I really like your use of the word "organic" in that sentence. It's not often I encounter a word I know and use often being used (correctly) in a sense I don't normally see.
From: Scott
Subject: Pensive: Good-luck kiss
"You're the cleric's boy, right?" says the old woman, holding her wrist gingerly toward Pensive. "His, whatchacallit, his acolyte? Right?"
Pensive gives her a smile and takes her hand. "Yes. That's right."
"Hmmph. Big 'un, he is, for a priest. Lookit him stride 'round. . . don't have none like him 'round Overlook, they's all scrawny. Mealy-like."
"Does it hurt much when I move your wrist like--"
"OW! Dammit, yes, boy!"
"I apologize. You've got a sprain, that's all."
"'That's all?' Hurts like hell, it does."
"Let me see what I can do for you."
"You gonna pray over me?" She closes her eyes and bows her head.
Pensive says, "No, I'm going to wrap your hand and wrist tightly to keep it from moving."
"Your priest over there prayed over Mac Thorenwald's broken hand, and it mended right up."
Pensive laughs, "Well, I am just an acolyte, and this is just a minor sprain. The favor of the gods is given to men wiser than me, and should be used for wounds more greivous than this."
She pouts for a moment, staring longingly at Osred. "He is a big 'un, ain't he?"
Pensive nods, and wraps a length of cloth around the old woman's wrist and arm and hand. "I'm going to make you a sling to wear tomorrow while we march-- you don't have to wear it tonight, but you should keep it on all day tomorrow. Try not to use this arm at all-- moving it will aggravate the--"
"'Aggravate?' Where'd a baby like you learn to speak so high?" She reaches out to poke him in the stomach and winces when her finger meets hard muscle. "Damn, boy, but you ain't soft not a bit! Looking to get big like your Lord, are you?" She laughs and shakes her finger.
Pensive smiles along with her. "Don't move your arm. Keep it still and elevated as much as you can. The sling will help with that."
"You don't talk like no boy I ever heard." The old woman is studying him now-- Pensive bows his head over another strip of cloth and ties it quickly into a sling. When he looks up at her again, her eyes are filled with tears.
"You ain't no boy a'tall, are you," she says, her voice soft. "You are. . . you're one of them elves, right?"
Uncertain, Pensive nods. "I am."
She kisses the first two fingers of her good hand, and then presses them against Pensive's lips. "Oh, Pelor and Hieronius and Silvanus, and the Blessed Pig of Saint Robbie. Oh, I never thought to speak to one of your kind again."
Her fingers are still pressed against his lips. Pensive takes her hand in his and moves them away, patting her hand gently. She says, quickly in a burst, "Will you kiss me, Master Elf?"
"What?" Pensive is hard pressed to keep the shock out of his voice. No one had heard her-- Blood and Stone, please make it so no one heard her.
She looks at him, a little indignantly, "Will you kiss me? A kiss of an elf is good luck, they say, and we need all the luck we can get, don't we."
Alarmed, Pensive feels a wave of heat rush up his face. He bows to her good hand, and places a quick peck on the back there.
"What? That's not a kiss!" The old woman leans into him, her mouth perilously wide open, her eyes closing, her head tilted to the side--
Pensive places his hands on either side of her head and slows her approach. His voice is boyish, but steady, "A lucky kiss must be given, not taken, or forced." He presses his lips to her forehead, and then draws them away slowly.
She is quiet for a moment, as he gathers his things together. "Damn, but you are young, even for an elf," she says. There is a measure of wonder in it. "You ain't never kissed a girl, have you. Don't you deny it, elf-boy; I've been lied to by four generations of Tuckers. That's me, by the way, Elvira Tucker." She pauses. "So I'll know if you lie to me. You ever kiss a girl?"
"No."
"I'm the first."
Pensive nods. "Lucky you."
Elvira Tucker shrieks with laughter, and slaps her good hand against her thigh. "I ain't gonna tell no one 'bout you, little elf-boy! That way, my luck will run straight and pure, without getting so spread around 'mongst all these wrens and hallies."
Pensive didn't know what a wren or a hallie was, but he was hopeful that Elivira wouldn't spread it around that there was an elf in camp. Especially if everyone wanted a kiss.
"What's your name?" she asks.
Something about the way the wind blows. . . right out from the center of the island. Pensive blinks, and swallows. "Thistle," he says, but there is a catch in his throat. He clears his voice, and says more clearly, his heart pounding, "Thistle."
"Well, Thistle, you're a fine boy. Get along now, with you-- there's lots more people to tend to, you don't want to get a smack from your Lord, there, do you? Get on now, let an old woman have a bit of peace."
Pensive moves off. When he has moved away from her a bit, he forces himself to be still. To listen, and to feel his way toward the moutain of sand and shadow.
But all is silence there.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Pensive: Good-luck kiss
Wow.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Pensive: Good-luck kiss
Wow is right.
From: Mark
Subject: Re: Pensive: Good-luck kiss
I agree.
Mark
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Pensive: Good-luck kiss
Thanks! :embarassed:
The problem I've been having with Pensive is that there's no real reason for him to be in the game. It's something Ty pointed out to me when I was lobbying to have the elf replace Mission-- and in retrospect, I should have listened better to his concerns. Pensive has no emotional ties to anyone on the island; no tie beyond the philosophical intention to 'do good.' (Ty wanted me to play a paladin, if I remember correctly)
It's been difficult plugging a motivation to Pensive's actions other than the philosophical. So, I needed to give him an emotional reason to stay. And that's what I'm trying to do while the party is on the road.
I don't know how far I'll get-- it really depends on Ty's marauding hordes of undead-- but I certainly got a kick out of writing the turn below. (I like the image of this old woman opening her mouth to french kiss Pensive. . . I'm perverse like that)
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; The Sunmaster's Decision
Sa'id bows his head at the Sunmaster's references to Pelor and Cadfael. Fellus had not seen the destruction that he and Cadfael had both unleashed at the lodge. Cadfael redeemed himself but paid for it with his life, and -- possibly -- his soul. But -I- have yet to redeem myself, Sa'id thinks. If we can succeed in sealing the Devourer's prison, then maybe... his thoughts trail off. Cadfael's faith was restored, his spirit renewed, by rescuing Promise.
He is crouched by his mother's bed, one of her hands clasped between his own. Candlelight flickers. She is pathetically weak, unable even to squeeze his hand. He begins to pray quietly, begging a god, any god, to spare her life. Pelor -- just, yet merciful -- surely Pelor would intervene where his priests had failed. His priests... who had still taken their fees, their due, despite their failure to save her. Her breathing is merely a faint rattle in her throat, now. There are tears on his cheeks but he stifles his sobs, not wanting to disturb her final moments.
Her hand is cold. So cold. Cold like the dozen embalmed corpses in the basement of father's mortuary. Father, who just now is opening the door, just now seeing his wife, just now asking "why didn't you call me? Why didn't you wake me? Answer me, Sa'id!"
Pelor did not save her. Pelor did not save Cadfael. Will Pelor save -me?-
Pause. Breathe.
"That may be too much for one message," Sa'id says. "Just tell them to meet us at Gully's lodge."
From: Mark
Subject: Re: Pensive: Good-luck kiss
MILF
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Pensive: Good-luck kiss
Huh?
What does that mean?
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Pensive: Good-luck kiss
I think the Mormon version would be something like: Mom I'd Like to be Friends with.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Pensive: Good-luck kiss
OH!
I got it. That actually made me squeak.
;-)
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Pensive: Good-luck kiss
Ewwww!
From: Mark
Subject: Re: Pensive: Good-luck kiss
Sorry I keep forgetting that not every one here is a corrupt Catholic. ;)
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Pensive: Good-luck kiss
Scott must have a really good spam filter to not have known what that meant. ;)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Pensive: Good-luck kiss
Now if only I could get it to weed out all these duplicate emails. . .
:)
From: Mark
Subject: Re: Pensive: Good-luck kiss
How about FILF?
From: Mark
Subject: Off to find the little people
Melani nods at Renniks comment. " I will go by the fastest path I can find, not the easiest. I will find my people and plead our case." With that she heads out at a swift trot.
OOC: I assume that she is on foot.
Mark
From: Jake
Subject: Re: Pensive: Good-luck kiss
I'll second that. Great turn Scott.
From: Jake
Subject: Re: Pensive: Good-luck kiss
:D That's the truth.
A Pair of Messengers, A Message Received, Pensive and the Bullies, Syd's Story
Subject: Two Wizards about town; a pair of messengers
After the prayer of divination, the Sunmaster looks very pale. He begins preparations for the sending, but Dominic stops him. "No, master, you must rest now. You will not exert yourself further this day." Across the table, Colin nods. Fellus gives in with a heavy sigh. "Yes, you're right of course. I will sleep a bit before sending the message." He turns to the two wizards. "I'm sorry, but so much of my strength has left me. I will send your message as soon as I am able. Return to me tomorrow, and we will discuss our preparations for the trip to the demons' temple. I will have Dominic and Colin begin gathering what we will need."
Sa'id and Farron take their leave of the Sunmaster, and begin walking through the city. They are silent, each lost in his own thoughts, and not paying attention to where they are going. Almost without deciding to, Farron begins leading them toward his apartment. There is no where else to go right now, and other than finding lunch somewhere, no other plans for the day. Farron makes the last turn onto his street, and can see the steps to his apartment just a few yards away. A young boy sits on the steps playing with a copper coin and looking bored. Farron realizes sadly that after the events of the last two weeks, even the appearance of this boy makes him nervous. He stops Sa'id when they are ten feet from the boy. "Can I help you?" he asks.
The boy bounces to his feet. "I have a message for the gentleman Farron Underhill and his companion Zed." It takes Farron a moment, but he realizes that the boy is probably trying to say "Sa'id".
"I am Farron Underhill. What is the message?"
The boy strikes an odd pose, and places one finger against his left ear. Farron guesses this is probably a mnemonic device. The boy must be an apprentice to the Criers. "Syd Fallows, guardsman of the town of Overlook, seeks to meet with the gentlemen Farron Underhill and Zed, at their earliest convenience, at the Inn called Seaman's Haven."
The boy then resumes slouching and looking bored. He is clearly waiting for a tip.
From: Mark
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; a pair of messengers
OOC: Tell him to buy low and sell high.
From: Ty
Subject: The Exodus; The Evening of day two, and a message received
Garyth sits eating almost flavorless stewed beans from a cast iron pot. Osred and Pensive have just returned from their evening ministrations, and the Falcon's are sharing the evening meal with their commander as well. Melani is strapping on the last of her gear to scout ahead and find the Kalama before the city shows up on their doorstep. Garyth watches Melani grip hands with Rennik once, then dart off through the underbrush. In the twilight air, made dimmer by the heavy clouds, she seems to vanish from sight after only a few steps. Rennik comes back over to sit by him, and begins dishing beans out of the pot into a hunk of hollowed out bread crust.
Around a mouthful of food, the Halfling says, "Don't worry, Garyth. Even if the woods were filled with ghouls and Murrkat, no one has a better chance of getting through to the Kalama than that scout."
Garyth starts to reply, when a strong voice suddenly begins speaking in his head. "Garyth Tel'Arden. Farron says, demon solution found. Must return to temple with Pelor cleric. Leaving Nesalin soon. Meet at Gully's. Glad you're all well."
As suddenly as it started, the voice stops. But there is a feeling of lingering contact. Garyth feels like if he wished to reply, his words would be heard.
From: Mark
Subject: Re: The Exodus; The Evening of day two, and a message received
OOC: Oh sure, just as I leave. :)
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; a pair of messengers
I thought my name was Farron Uphill. My how my social status has fallen.
From: Mark
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; a pair of messengers
Farron is the one character not on Sakeriver.
From: Mark
Subject: Farron
Karl
Is Farron trying to escape the Shire with his three friends? :)
Mark
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; a pair of messengers
If Ty will send me an up to date copy of Farron's sheet I'll put him on there. :P
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; a pair of messengers
Someone give the kid a penny, and go see the soldier already!
:)
GOSH!
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; a pair of messengers
Hahaha!
Ummmm....
The guardsman got it wrong! Yeah, that's it!
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; a pair of messengers
Farron fishes a coin out of his pocket and flips it toward the boy, saying "Thankyou boy!" Only as the coin is flying toward the boy does he notice it was a silver one. No matter. Perhaps it will buy the lad some joy before the coming storm.
"Well, we need lunch anyway," he says to Sa'id. "To the Seaman's Haven?"
"Maybe this is good news about our friends. I can't guess who else would have sent someone." He pauses at that though. "Perhaps we should be extra-cautious." Images of Cadfael caught unawares in the street flash to mind as he leads Sa'id to the Inn.
(Ty, does Farron know or know of Syd Fallows? I'm assuming he knows where the Seaman's Haven is, being a seaman of sorts himself.)
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; a pair of messengers
Farron does not know Syd himself, though the last name is vaguely familiar. He does know of the Seaman's Haven. It is in a well used area of the docks, and is not the sort of place one would expect for an ambush.
From: Mark
Subject: Melani on her way
Checking her equipment one last time, Melani looks at her companions one last time. She hopes that they will still be alive when she sees them next.
With a short wave, she heads off into the grasslands, taking the fastest route she knows to where her people are. It shouldn't take her too long to get there now that the mob is not slowing her down.
How is she going to convince Nukaru to take in all those humans? The guardsmen might be useful, but the old men and woman? The children? What good would they be in the forest? No good. Probably a liability. It would take warriors to keep an eye out for them. Of course most of the forest animals would give them a wide berth; there was some strength in numbers.
No, this had gone beyond the petty squabbles the two races had had in the past. There was something much darker and deeper involved. She would have to get the Belneth involved. Between him and her, they could make Nukaru see the right thing to do.
So she keeps running, thinking about her brother. Wondering where his spirit is. Did it find its way back to his bow? Was he with her now? She touches her bow and says a quick prayer to her brother's spirit to guide her, just like he guided her in life. She then touches her armband, asking the spirits of her dead ancestors to help her as well.
When she gets to the area that she knows her tribe is patrolling, she slows down and starts looking for signs of other scouts.
OOC: She is keeping her eyes open for anything, but will put more effort as she gets closer to where she knows her tribe is.
Mark
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Two Wizards about town; a pair of messengers
OOC: Karl, how's the list working for you these days? (I'm still copying [address removed by editor] on my messages.)
IC:
"Certainly, a hot lunch would not go amiss." Sa'id will follow Farron's lead to the Haven.
From: Scott
Subject: Pensive and the Bullies
OOC: LOOOONG post below. :)
Pensive finds himself suddenly amidst a rush of young men scrambling for the edge of camp. He allows himself to be caught up among them, swept away from Osred. Despite their rush, they were all speaking in whispers, jabbing each other in the ribs and concealing laughter behind their closed teeth. Pensive drifts to the edge of the group, with the smaller, younger boys.
"Bastorien gonna get it now," wheezes a plump boy running alongside. "Did you hear? He kissed Tella! On the lips, she said! Yancy's gonna pound his fat head into the dirt!"
"Keep your voice down, fatty!" growls one of the older boys. "You want one of the guardsmen come 'round? Spoil our fun, they hear us."
"Won't be no fun for Bastorien," the fat boy giggles when the other boy turns away.
And so Pensive allows himself to be jostled along with them. He is curious about this talk, but there's a hollow in his stomach. The wind blows from the center of the island--
He smells Bastorien before he sees him. A mixed scent of fear and anger and pride-- and pain. There. In the dim light, Pensive sees three boys slapping and tumbling a tall, thinner boy between them. No, not boys, he amends. Young men. There is a girl standing off to the side, tossing her hair, holding her hand up to her mouth and giggling, and every once in a while protesting insincerely against the bullying.
"You wanna kiss a lady, then, Bastorien?" says the short, muscular young man nearest to the one being bullied. "I got two here what wants to meet you-- Martha," he plunges a fist into the tall boy's stomach. "And Marigold!" He hits him in the small of his back with his other fist. Bastorien sinks to the ground, coughing.
"Marfa and Marigold!" cackles another bully. "Didn't know you had a lady's parts, there, Yancy!"
Yancy hauls Bastorien to his feet. "Back off now, you two, back off!" He shoos the other two back. "Now, we're going to have a proper bout of fisticuff, like as gentlemen do. You've offended my lady Tella for the last time, Bastorien, and my honor demands that you make amends in battle."
"Offended your honor did I?" says Bastorien, spitting. "Easily done, as it is small and pathetic, flaccid and easily mocked. Isn't that what you said, Tella?"
The three bullies are quiet for a moment, trying to work out the sense of scorn and double meaning. Pensive cringes a moment before Yancy slaps him. Bastorien gives a sharp little cry, and pitches down again.
"Haul him up," Yancy says. "No more of your words, Bastorien, speak with your fists!"
"But my fingers have already spoken to your lady's lips, and oh how she sang!" Bastorien says. "They are for her lips only, alas, as your tongue is of too middling speech. Small speech as it were, so that it must go 'round the backside of the house-- mayhap Jondie there will entertain your tongue for the night?"
Yancy barrels into him then, bawling and raging. Whatever talk there had been about a gentleman's battle, there is nothing civilized about Yancy's rage. The 'lady' in question-- Tella stands idly by, giving a clap every now and then when Yancy strikes Bastorien particularly hard.
And the wind from the mountain blows all the time. Pensive shakes himself, looks to the center of the island, toward the shadow, and then back at Yancy. His friends have hauled Bastorien to his feet, and Yancy is plunging his fists into his stomach again, and again. . .
"Stop!" Because the circle of onlookers is trying to keep quiet amid their jeers, Pensive's tenor voice echoes in the twilight. "Let him go!"
He puts every ounce command into his voice-- so Yancy stops hitting Bastorien and turns to look at him. And Pensive feels a slick dread in his stomach-- Yancy's eyes are as savage as Rennick's. Insane, almost. Sand and shadow.
"Lookit, Bastard-ien has hisself a little champeen!" mocks one of the boys holding Bastorien.
The crowd mutters, and several of the boys around him tug at Pensive's clothes as he steps beyond their ranks. Pensive guides their hands away from him. He is not facing boys. He is not facing Yancy. This is Kor Garesh, a little piece of him anyway. This is Sand and Shadow, and Blood and Stone must stand and abide. "Leave," he says. He feels a thrill of heat on the back of his neck.
Yancy laughs. The sound grates against Pensive's ears. "Leave? You leave, boy. You. I was here," Yancy pauses, and his face gives a little twitch. "You better run on, boy. Run away, now."
He has turned away from Bastorien. Pensive moves closer, feeling the warmth of the thistle tatoo spread down his arms. Blood be Stone. Flesh be Stone. He takes a breath and tastes the pain and fear and wind from Mount Kessel. "Blood and Stone will abide," he says. He realizes he has spoken in low Elvish.
"Whatsat?" says one of Yancy's bullies.
The other one snorts. "Baby talk."
Yancy turns away from Pensive, and slams a fist into Bastorien's guts.
"Stop it." Pensive says again, drawing nearer.
"Look, boy," says Yancy turning on him, "Get on back now. 'Less you want me to pull your britches off and give your dimpled pink arse such a tanning you won't be able to sit on your mama's lap for a month."
Pensive is so near to him now, he can smell Yancy's breath. "Enough." The tatoo on his neck is aflame.
And then he comes to his senses.
He is about to kill Yancy. The thought trembles throughout his body, like the stonesash shivering. He is about to commit murder. To do the work of sand and shadow. Part of him, a secret hidden, chaotic shard of his soul longs for it-- and Yancy deserves it doesn't he? Yancy deserves to be struck, deserves to be humiliated, deserves every strike that Pensive would lay on him. But Pensive knows that he wouldn't stop there. No, the wind from the mountain is strong. He would keep on striking until nothing filled Yancy's body but broken bones and blood.
There is another way. A better way. A Path of Blood and Stone. "Get out of here," Pensive says again, and lets his voice tremble a little. "Or I'll shout for the guard."
He is ready when Yancy strikes out at him, and whips his head to the side quickly so that the fist only grazes his nose. But Pensive cries out pitifully as he falls, and turns his face to the earth, and tugs his nose hard as he rises. He welcomes the pain, and the blood that follows. He holds his hands out, looking at them in suprise, how covered they are in his own blood, and shrieks like he's been run through.
"Yancy! You lout! You damn coward!" cries someone from the crowd.
Yancy steps back, the satisfied look on his face draining away. More people are crying out now, and even Yancy's mates are backing away from him.
"Maybe it's your dimpled arse what needs tanning, eh!" cries an older boy, and his cry is taken up.
"Tan his arse!"
"Tan his arse!"
But no one is to be tanned this evening-- a thunder of hooves and the guard arrives. The crowd disperses immediately-- leaving Pensive alone and bleeding.
"What the seven hells-- oh, sorry, lad. I didn't realize it was you," says one of the guards. "Uh-- don't tell your lord I cursed, awright? I, uh, didn't mean nothing by it."
"I won't," Pensive agrees. Even Bastorien is gone-- but Pensive thinks he sees him limping off toward a campfire.
"What happened here?"
"Yancy-- I'm sorry, I don't know his surname-- was fighting. . ."
The other guardsman speaks up, "Ah, Yancy Benardi. I'm not suprised. Was he fighting over Tella?"
"Yes, he was."
"It figures. Every once in a while, she goes and finds some poor soul to make him jealous. He's a bad sort, you best stay away from him, lad." The guardsman looks at him a bit more closely. "Looks like you could've used that lesson a bit earlier, eh? Sorry, boy-- you want us to strap him for you?"
Pensive shakes his head. "I'll manage myself."
"Ain't right to let him get away with this, boy."
Pensive considers. "He was shamed tonight. Either he will learn from his shame, and devour it, or it will devour him. That is enough for me."
The guardsman shrugs. "Pity, then. I felt like beating someone tonight, and I can't think of no one better to beat on than Yancy Benardi. Ah, well. Listen, you better get something to plug your nose up with boy, else you're going to bleed to death. You can find your way back to camp all right?"
"I'll manage. Thank you."
"Get on back then, it's getting dark."
Pensive follows the guard back to the center of the camp. And on the way, he feels something soft. He looks up-- a fat boy is staring at him. He looks away from Pensive quickly, and then back. Gives him a little smile and a wave. And Pensive waves back.
And as he walks, he can feel shoots of emotion, binding him to these people. Binding him lightly now-- but there was strength in it. The strength of Blood and Stone.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Pensive and the Bullies
I was going to say, "Stop, you're making us look bad."
But then I don't actually want you to stop. So I am instead giving you a fate point for have worked in a wonderful side story to show the growing threat coming from Kor Garesh's draw on evil minded people, and also finding a way to bind Pensive into the plotline even further. So, here's a fate point that will hopefully help keep Pensive alive to star in future excellent game turns.
Good job man.
From: Mark
Subject: Re: Pensive and the Bullies
He is making me look bad, but I don't mind. I just want to read and learn how to do it myself.
Mark
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Pensive and the Bullies
You're doing fine. I'll be sending a Melani turn fairly soon.
From: Ty
Subject: Two Wizards about town; Syd's story
Farron leads Sa'id to the dock district of town. It is an area both familiar and exciting to the young wizard. Most of his previous adventures began here. There are those who are frightened by the rough men who work and socialize here. But Farron knows these men. Has spent weeks and months with them on the open. He knows they are hard because their work requires it. And the tight confines of the ship call for a strict code of conduct from the men who sail them. Farron notices Sa'id putting one hand over his purse, and laughingly says to him, "Don't worry. Thieves usually stay clear of the docks. One shout of 'Thief' and a dozen longshoremen will beat someone to death."
The Seaman's Haven is one of the nicer taverns on the waterfront. It is not uncommon to find rich merchants and sea captains striking deals over a pitcher of the house ale. To keep this good reputation and frighten away the riff raff, the owner pays goodly sums to hire the largest and most frightening doormen. A scarred giant stands next to the door scowling, but when Farron walks up, he pushes the door open with one hand and says, "Welcome to the Haven, gents." Farron places a copper in the man's hand and replies, "For your trouble, Otto." The giant grins, "Always a pleasure, Master Uphill."
Farron pauses a moment. "Otto, my friend and I are meeting someone here on business. It is barely possible that the business could turn ugly. We would greatly appreciate a watchful eye on our table." He hands another coin to the bouncer.
Otto straightens up to a frightening height, and places one ham sized hand on the cudgel at his belt. "No one will cause problems for you in the Haven, Master Uphill."
Farron smiles, "Not that we expect trouble, but it pays to be careful when meeting new people."
Otto nods, and holds the door open while the two wizards enter. Inside, the room is more brightly lit than is usual in a dockside drinking establishment, but the floor is clean, and the bar well stocked. From the kitchen come the smells of roasting meat. Sa'id says, "I will remember this place."
From one corner table, and young man in a uniform similar to Garyth's waves at them. When they approach, he stands up and says, "Pleased to meet you. My name is Syd. Syd Fallows. I served in the guard with Garyth in Overlook. Captain Bragga sent me to bring word of the attack on Overlook to the city. Garyth wanted me to pass word to you gents as well. Please sit. I've a pitcher to share, if you like ale."
Farron and Sa'id sit, and the guardsman pours them glasses. "I had a bit of trouble sneaking past the undead army to get here, but they are badly organized. Didn't even have pickets or outriders. And honestly, if they had spotted me, I doubt they'd have given chase. They just don't seem to act like a normal army."
He shudders, "Though, from what I've heard since I got here, I guess they don't have to. If they can summon that demon to help out whenever they need to, no reason to enforce discipline in the ranks."
Farron interrupts, "Please, give us word from Garyth. What message does he send?"
"The city of Overlook is being evacuated. When I left, they were moving everyone out of the city, and heading for the forest. They had some Halflings with them, and it seems they expected the forest folk would take the refugees in. Seems sketchy to me. The forest folk have never been over friendly with us in the past."
"Did they tell you anything else?"
"No, just wanted to make sure you knew where they were going, and what happened to the town."
Farron pauses a moment, then says, "What about my aunt and uncle? The Uphills. Do you have word of them?"
Syd shakes his head, "No, didn't see the Uphills. But I would assume they left with the rest of the town."
After a few more moments of talking about the evacuation, Syd excuses himself by saying he has to report back to the barracks for reassignment. The city watch is talking siege, and all able bodied soldiers are being put on the walls.
The two wizards eat lunch at the Haven, and talk a bit about where Rennik and Melani might try to lead the town. The Kalama seem like the only choice. If that is true, then they would only be a few days travel from Gully's trading post. Sa'id says, "It seems possible that we might actually meet up again, gods willing."
After lunch, the wizards decide to return to Farron's apartment and wait for messages from the Sunmaster. It is a short walk from the docks to Farron's neighborhood. He selected the apartment for its proximity to the merchant offices that provided so much of his work. On the way back, Sa'id stops several times to browse the local shops. His clothing had mostly been ruined by the trip to Kessel and back, and even though he had cleaned them, they were still in a sad state of disrepair. He is able to find a few pairs of pants and shirts that are not too uncomfortable. Though, they are not the light fabrics of his homeland.
Sa'id stops at a shoemaker not far from Farron's apartment to look for new boots. Farron looks down the street, and spots a fellow loitering near the stairs to his apartment. Sa'id comes out saying, "I had forgotten the poor quality of leather goods in this city-" Farron stops him. "Look at that man. Does he seem odd to you?"
Sa'id watches for a moment. "Yes. He watches the street as though waiting for someone, but he himself is trying hard not to be noticed. He turns his face away from those that pass closely by. He is very bad at it. Clearly, he is not well practiced in the art of looking inconspicuous. Do you think he is waiting for us?"
Farron shrugs. "It seems like everyone is waiting for me at my front door these days. But that's no messenger's boy. Look at the size of him. He's half again as big as Garyth. He looks like a fighting man to me, but he wears no insignia or badge of station. Why would a big bruiser like that be waiting outside my front door, trying not to be noticed, and dressed like a laborer?"
Sa'id can't help but grin at this riddle, "I do not know. Why?"