Jackals were the elite soldiers of Lord Malifaeyr, living to serve only him. At one time, they were required to take a vow of chastity and forswear all other associations, as it was felt that such bonds compromised the membership.
With the decimation of the order, however, these requirements have been waived. Lord Malifaeyr's efforts to maintain a force has required him to employ mercenaries, who rarely appreciate such demands from their employer regardless of the pay scale. He has also approached the Silver Sword Adventurer's Guild to assist in the effort to rebuild the Jackals to their former glory.
Jackal Colors: dark green and brown; dark green shield with a stylized jackal head on the front.
Hierarchy
- Grand Master: Commander of the Jackals, answerable only to Lord Malifaeyr. At present, this position stands vacant, with Lord Malifaeyr taking a more direct command of the order.
- Seneschal: Deputy and advisor to the Grand Master. This position is also vacant for the moment.
- Commander of Knights: Lieutenants to higher authorities within the order. Their garb consists of a dark green tunic with jackal emblem on chest, and a green leather helm with brown horse hair on the top. Darkar Shadowwood and Azad Kemeri are two of the three commanders; the third is Gamis Phaebinn, though this is considered an acting rank.
- Knight: The warriors who wear the full colors of the order. Each is equipped with two horses and perhaps a squire. Knights act on their own most of the time, occasionally aided by knight brothers, unless called to battle or special assignment. The Knights are identified by their dark green tunics with a stylized jackal emblem on chest. A cape is optional.
- Knight Brother/Sister: The purpose of the Knight Brother is to command the brothers in battle, leading the march. Each is equipped with one horse and perhaps a squire. The Knight Brothers wear a dark green tunic with dark brown slash across the front, with the Jackal medallion prominently shown. A cape is optional.
- Brother/Sister: These warriors are support troops; noble birth is not required of those of this rank. Although similarly equipped to a full knight, the Brother has one horse and no squires serving under them. Dark green colours, a musketeer style hat (with brown ostrich plume), and dark green cape with dark brown trim distinguish their station in the order. They are required to wear the Jackal medallion prominently while on duty, except in situations where it would jeopardize their assignment.
- Squire: The local troops who fight alongside the Brothers. Dress is the same as that for a Brother, save that they do not wear a cape.
Jackals Membership
Joining the Jackals is not an easy task. One who has committed murder cannot be a member. Servants of Kakodemmion or persons of bad character will not be considered either. Members have generally been required to disassociate themselves from other affiliations, such as with the city guard, but members of the Silver Sword Adventurer's Guild are considered honorary members at this time.
One cannot be "born" into the Jackals and being of noble birth does not increase the chance of being considered. If you wished to be considered for the Jackals, leave a note at the palace and someone will be in contact with you.
[OOC Note: At this time, there are no current benefits to joining, however, that may change as things progress.]
Jackal Discipline and Punishment
Expulsion From The Order: This is the highest punishment a Jackal can face. Below are the infractions to cause such expulsion.
- Murder.
- Divulging details of the Chapter's meetings.
- Conspiring or making false charges against a brother.
- Leaving the Order's headquarters for more than two days without permission.
- Fleeing the enemy during battle without permission of the Marshall.
Losing Your Coat (Rank): Losing the coat of the order was a penance of shame. Taken from guilty brother are his coat, weapons and horse. This penance befell any that committed these infractions:
- Attacking another Jackal.
- Killing a pack animal or losing a horse through negligence.
- Utter falsehoods about oneself.
- Injuring any person out of anger.
- Throwing the Jackal coat to the ground in anger.
- Loaning out any Jackal assets without permission of the order.
It is important to note that all the above crimes can be forgiven. If a Jackal sincerely repents bad actions, he or she may be restored with coat and weapons, subject to the agreement of the Jackal brethren.
[Note: Only members of the Jackals, or those granted leave to visit them, may post to this thread. Any other post will be deleted. Any questions, comments, or concerns you may have are to be submitted by e-mail or within the DM Paging System thread. Those wishing to know more about the Jackals IC are asked to please post to the Palace thread.]
[The (1) in the title above indicates that it is the first Jackals' thread since the new boards were opened. To review the previous thread, click here.]
Dresses in silence and makes his way to breakfast. It is a silent affair since there are very few that are not still recovering in some way or another.
He walks around the compound checking on those still recovering and asking if there is anything he can get them to make them more comfortable. Darkar spends the morning running errands fetching a variety of things: a favorite book, a religous medallion, letters from family, extra blankets and pillows.
Lord Malifaeyr "Almost all of my forces, including the commanders, are missing or dead. I need people with experience to rebuild the unit, and you are among the most capable still in my ranks. You shall also be provided with a small staff, whom you shall be expected to maintain in good order."
I will be allowed to interview and hand pick my staff of course?
Malifaeyr nods before bringing up another matter
Lord Malifaeyr "I'm have also requested that the Silver Sword lease its services to me, at least during this time of crisis. Payment for this service shall be 25 gold pieces per week, in addition to room, board, and stabling fees. "
Yes this is a good idea, they have proved themselves quite capable in the past. Perhaps some of them could be convinced to join if they are offered positions with the organization.
The next couple of hours Lord Malifaeyr asks questions of Darkar about the members strengths and weaknesses so that they might properly assign them better when they are here assisting the Jackals. When the meeting is over Darkar makes his way to the private cermony to honor their fallen breathren
After the cermony Darkar retires to his quarters and rests his heart heavy and mind uneasy
Scritch, Scratch, Scritch are the sounds that the quill makes across the parchement. So intense is the work of the clerk that he does not notice Silmarwen until she is standing before him at his desk.
Startled by her sudden apperance the quill snaps in his hand as he jumps slightly in his seat.
Clerk: Ah, you startled me where did you come from?
Franticly he searches for another quill, still trying to work while talking with the elf.
Silmarwen: I am here seeking Sir Darkar Shadowood. I have a message that I must personally give him.
Finding another quill the clerk call for a runner and he resumes his scratching with the quill muttering to himself. "All my help has been reassigned and they still expect me to do the same job. Too many interuptions, too many interuptions."
The runner arrives and with a wave of the clerks hand he goes to Silmarwen.
Runner: How can I assist you?
Silmarwen: I have a message to give to Sir Darkar Shadowood personally. I would prefer if possible to be brought to him, since this is a private message intended for him.
She shoots the clerk a sideways glance
Runner: If you will follow me then Ms?
Silmarwen: Silmarwen.
Runner: Right this way then Silmarwen.
The runner leads Silmarwen to Darkar's quarters and then he knocks on the door annoucing her before departing
Runner: Sir Shadowood, a courier to see you Sir.
Silmarwen waits for the door to open not sure what to expect having not seen Lord Daeel's son before
.oO(I wonder if he is as much of a trouble maker as he has been described by his cousin)
.oO(A courier? Who would be sending me a message?)
Just a moment Darkar calls towards the door. He pulls on a tunic and pulls his hair back behind his shoulders.
.oO(I do not look my best, but this will have to do.)
Pulling open his door he is surprised to see the female elf dressed in a grey cloak with breastplate armor visible underneath, and the sword strapped at her side.
Darkar: That is a strange outfit for a courier.
Silmarwen: A courier is not my normal job. I am a teacher, an advisor, and a servant of Thalos.
She reaches into her pack and pulls out the scroll case and hands it to him
Silmarwen: This letter is from your father Lord Daeel, Sir Shadowood, it will explain all.
Darkar gives her a curious glance, but knowing his father and his flare for the dramatic, or flamboyant as his mother would say. He opens the scroll case and as the rolled scroll falls into his hand he can plainly see the seal of his father.
Carefully he breaks the seal, and unrolls the parchment and the strong smell of rosemary escapes filling Darkar's senses and triggers found memories of time with his father. Taking a refreshing breath Darkar looks down and begins to read.
Ian
My son, I keep hearing good reports of your exploits with the Jackals, and the little that your mother will actually say about you.
I keep telling her that you have changed and in the future we should welcome you back. She scoffs and rolls her eyes at me unimpressed with your progress, but I know her better than that.
Deep inside she wishes for you to return, but due to her position as leader of the council she feel that it is her duty to make absolutely certain that your reform is indeed complete. For that reason she tends to judge you harsher than others would.
As much as I would like you to return right now, I believe that your experiences within the city can only strengthen you for when you do return. I still believe that it will be about twenty years until you will be allowed to return.
Talking with your mother's brother Father Mara, we believe that many difficulties are ahead for the city. Also we see that you have role to play in dealing with these difficulties. I feel that in order for you to properly do your part an advisor is warranted.
That is where Silmarwen Ancalímon, the priest of Thalos comes into the matter. Silmarwen has had extensive training with many well-known teachers and advisors within our community and other elven communities. Silmarwen has proven herself extensively through her actions. Thus she will be a sufficient advisor to you.
Listen well and play the role given to you.
Lord Daeel
Putting the letter down Darkar turns back to Silmarwen.
Darkar: So Silmarwen, you are to be my advisor, because my father deemed it necessary?
Silmarwen: It is as you say Sir Shadowood.
Darkar: Please call me Darkar, it sounds strange that someone from my home would call me Sir, even if that is my title with the Jackals.
Silmarwen: As you wish Darkar.
Darkar: Will you be joining the Jackals or were you planning something else?
Silmarwen: Unless it is absoulely required I do not.
Darkar: I see, I will have to inform Lord Malifaeyr about my new advisor, and see about obtaining you quarters near mine.
Silmarwen: Perhaps it would be best that I came along as well. However I suggest that you change into something better suited for visiting him than what you are wearing now. I will wait outside while you change.
Silmarwen exits the room while Darkar changes, and the two head off to seek an audience with Lord Malifaeyr
Now the shadow from the building obscures most of the area only a small patch light illuminates a small corner. Hearing Darkar enter Lord Malifaeyr turns and greets him and Silmarwen with a half-hearted smile.
Lord Malifaeyr: Sir Darkar, a new recruit already?
His mood lightened at the possibility
Darkar: No, not a new recruit, but an advisor sent to me by my father. Milord may I present Silmarwen Ancalímon servant of Thalos.
Silmarwen inclines her head as she is introduced
Lord Malifaeyr: Greetings Silmarwen, servant of the light. I am Lord Malifaeyr leader of the Jackals. I take it you are hear to swear an oath of silence to what transpires hear?
Silmarwen: Yes that was my intent.
Darkar .oO(I should have remembered that.)
Silmarwen takes the gold ring from the necklace in her hand and taps it so emits a melodous ring and holds it aloft as she speaks
Silmarwen: Lord Thalos, father of all that is just and wise, I your servant solemly promise that all knowledge revealed to my by the order of the Jackals will remain a secret.
Lord Malifaeyr nods at the decree and dismisses them saying that is sufficent. He returns to his melancholy at the window
Darkar is greeted by a runner from Lord Malifaeyr to come met with him as soon as possible.
Darkar: Silmarwen I will be back after the meeting if you have anything to discuss.
Silmarwen: You can come find me in the library, I will be doing research on the term Dread Heart and finding any and all on that castle with the undead you told me about.
Darkar follows the runner to Lord Malifaeyr's chambers and waits until he is announced. Lord Malifaeyr is standing by an empty fireplace waiting for the elf.
Lord Malifaeyr: Sir Darkar, I have an assignment for you.
Darkar nods and the Lord continues
Priests of Ordemetrex as serving as intermediaries between us and the enemy for the ransom and release of Jackal prisoners.
Lord Malifaeyr places both hands on the mantle of the fireplace and stares into it looking upon the ash within
The servants of the dark one are asking a heavy price for the return of the prisoners, and would only meet with the priests of the mother. Cowering beasts hide behind her skirts to stay out of harm's reach. They are not trustworthy, and I would like you to spy on them if possible.
Darkar: I see my lord, will this be a lengthy mission back to the fort?
Lord Malifaeyr: No, that would be too dangerous for you that far from the city without any support. This is not meant to be any longer than a single night. I want you to follow the priests to see that they are not harrassed. Also if you can find any evidence of enemy troops advancing closer to the city would be worth finding out as well since our network of gathering information has been seriously crippled.
Darkar: That does not sound too difficult. How many will ther be and when will they be leaving?
Lord Malifaeyr: Six priest will be leaving with a wagon from the city gates at dusk.
Darkar: I will be prepared then. By your leave milord.
Darkar bows and goes to prepare for departure
Upon entering the library he sees that she has wasted little time as she is scanning several books and has another pile ready to go when she is done with these. Looking up she see Darkar dressed for stealth.
Silmarwen: Secret mission?
Darkar: Something like that.
He tells her of his mission that he has been assigned
Silmarwen: I see well hopefully I will have found some useful information by the time that you have returned.
She returns to her research while Darkar fetches Lakilea and heads to the gate. Along the way his appearance changes to a non-descript human male dressed as a traveller.
.oO(Dread Heart, who or what that is.... I will remember or find out soon. Also I hope if I find this castle I might find a map or someone who knows where one is. Then the undead must be elminated from there, it is just so unatural.......)
Spells Prepared
0- Resistance x2, Detect Poison x2, Detect Magic
1- [D]Entropic Shield, Bless, Comprehend Languages, Detect Undead,Inflict Light Wounds
2- [D]Aid, Bull's Strength, Consecrate, Cure Moderate Wounds, Summon Monster II
3- [D]Searing Light, Cure Serious Wounds, Inflict Serious Wounds, Remove Disease
.oO(It seems that I skipped breakfast in my earnst research. I will not miss another meal however, my strength must be maintained.)
Kelston Marquett reports what little is known about the area.
'This is a wilderness area were few people transvere since it is far from the main roads and any nearby cities. The value of the area is limited and what little can gathered in not worth the risk. We have encountered the undead on several occasions, and have fled more than once. Our group passed by a fortress that once might have been a stronghold of someone, but it is in the process of becoming ruins.
I recommend that this place be place on the "extremely dangerous" area on the maps of the surrounding area. Only those well equipped with priests should even try to enter this place.'
There is some smudged print that Silmarwen can barely make out that references more information in another volume elsewhere in the library.
.oO(Looks like this book was filed and forgotten)
Opening the book she blows the dust from the pages and begins to read turning away from the dust cloud.
Several factions who worship Demmion have been operating in the wilderness in the area for hundreds of years. Whether this area has some special meaning to their god or the seclussion allows them free reign to do their deeds remains to be seen.
A fortress in these wilds was a stronghold for Quiscoth Path zealots who were at odds with the orthodox faith. At the peek of their power the place was dark and forboding. Secret meetings of the sect were often held and plots devised here. More rumors indicate that this was a testing ground for dark spells and rituals for Demmion. The Quiscoths sought unsual paths to transcend death and undeath.
On more than one occasion the city and the church discussed tearing down this stronghold, but it has not proven feasible, when factoring in the distance and some of the risks, notably the undead cursed to wander these site. Thus the structure still stands a testament to evil.
However the rivalry between the Quiscoth Path and the more traditional Demmionites broke out into fighting and bloodshed. Most of their ranks purged or imprisioned the group was either forgotten ignored. No record of the group has been reported in the last few decades which has lead us to the conclusion that the group is extinct.
At this time we are content to let the undead have this place until a viable solution to root them out becomes available.
.oO(Amazing that such a thing could happen. I wonder if there is some dark attraction to that place. It would explain the hordes of undead, and to think that Darkar stumbled onto this place.)
Wait he said that their were priests preforming some ritual that he did not understand when they burst in and defeated them. It seems that the Quiscoth Path is not as extinct as these records indicate.
Reshelving the book she heads to her room to meditate on the information she has found.
.oO(Still nothing on 'Dread Heart' though)
Silmarwen: It seems that the fortress you were at was a secret meeting place for the Quiscoth Path, a fanticial sect of the dark one.
Darkar: Well that would explain all of those priests and the strange ritual we interrupted.
Silmarwen sighs and shakes her head
Silmarwen: You are missing the point, they ranks were purged by the more othordox followers of the dark one. The were thought to be extinct, but from what you describe it seems they were not as extinct as the records indicate.
Darkar: Should we be worried that their demise was over exaggerated?
Silmarwen: With the followers of the dark one you should always be wary. Though more often than not the truly heinous acts that we see commited they do not have any direction affiliation with the followers of the dark one.
Most of the time they are content to move behind the scenes and manipulate things. That is where they are the most dangerous because it is difficult to see what it is that they are doing. Only the observant, dilligent, and inquisitive have what it takes to find and foil there plans.
Nodding along Darkar speaks again
Darkar: We might need another more aid if there are undead and followers of the dark one.
Silmarwen: Perhaps Natala?
Darkar: Hermy seems to think that Natala attracts trouble with the undead. It was how she died. He also said another encounter with the undead nearly got her fatally stabbed.
Silmarwen: Hmmm... Perhaps we can hire a cleric from Thalos' temple.
They continue talking and prepare a short speech that Darlar will give outlining the important points. Then the pair make their way to the Silver Sword for the meeting
Silmarwen, with Thosar and myself we can each see better in the dark than the others. Durning night watches we will each take a shift agreed?
Nodding they head out to meet the others.
"And good evening to you. Has Sir Darkar returned from the field?"
"No, milord!"
"Very well. Have him report his findings to me when he does, will you?"
"At once, milord!"
"... If it's all the same to you, I would prefer that he's had time to bathe and change first."
"... Yes, milord; it shall be as you request."
"Good man. Carry on."
.oO(Hmm... mmm-hmm... yes, mostly self-contained quarters, it would seem, just the one entrance to the main palace, unless I've missed something. Very good...)
He continues his review of the grounds, then makes his way to the Hightower.
.oO(At least those recruits have a modicum of experience, and they're showing more and more loyalty. Here's hoping it'll hold up when they're put to the fire, though... All of them need time and even more effort to shape up, especially the totally green volunteers. If we can get them skilled enough, the fervor will serve them well.)
(We still need more soldiers,)Oo. he thinks on. .oO(Meanwhile, the Flame is up to who-knows-what out there... We need good reconaissance. And for that we need good scouts. Hermy's the best bet there, and I know he'll be on it just as soon as Alissa's back. Malifaeyr needs his own scouting corp for that purpose, though; Hermy can't cover everything. And scouts are at tremendous risk out there, with the support we can give. Light knows I'm little use in that respect, except to whisk someone out of harm's way, which I probably won't be anywhere near for risk of giving them away in the first place.)
(How would Allegion handle this...?)Oo. he wonders, casting his eyes down slightly. .oO(They have him, and he seems to be alive, but they haven't sent a ransom demand for him like some of the others... Maybe the scouting can lead to a rescue.)
He sighs, and with his head still filled with thoughts of orcs and Demmionites and demon-spawned creatures, the paladin clanks on home.
"Good morning," Gamis says to the recruits. "This is my squire Da'Vane, from the Southlands. He'll be helping me teach and learning along with the rest of you. Everyone stretch out and warm up; I need to get armored. Da'Vane, would you give me a hand?"
"Sure, Master Gamis."
Gamis armors with his squire's help, watching the recruits warm up while he layers on the plates. "See the fellow in the back there? The one with the tattoo on his neck?" he asks the Southlander.
Da' Vane looks over, and nods. "Yes."
"He's doing well. One of the more mercenary recruits Malifaeyr was able to collect, but quite capable. Favors the flail. He's likely to earn himself a good rank.
"I may have the two of you spar."
"I knew there was a reason you pointed him out."
"He's still pretty green, so don't expect great trouble. And any sparring will be saved for later. We're working with polearms this morning."
"I haven't had much experience with polearms beyond basic training - the Church Milita back home uses Pikes for defence, mostly."
"You're a step ahead of most of them in that, though. And the technique's hard to forget." Gamis rolls his shoulders, shifting mail into place, then addresses the class. "Alright, recruits... Pick up your spears; it's time to get to work."
Some of these advanced techniques, such as the angling and bracing of the longspears against the point of impact from a Mounted Wedge Formation takes a great degree of disipline, and aren't mastered by the Church Militia of the Southlands until a few years of training, but Da' Vane feels that the new Jackal recruits are beginning to get the ideas, and with a bit of work may be able to master the more basic applications of these tactics.
While not describing some of the Church Militia pike manouvres, he practices in the use of the Longspear along with the recruits, following Sir Gamis' instructions along with the rest of the class.
He carefully monitors the tattooed man, trying to gain a feel for his general strengths and weaknesses, while both teaching and training. Even though the man specialises in the flail, his skill and ability to grasp new concepts shines through, and clearly he will go far. A hint of jealously creeps into Da' Vane's mind, as he thinks that Gamis might have given him personal training during the time Sir Da' Vane was in the Church of Agathalos. Still, beating him in a sparring match will show Gamis who's the better squire.
With a satisfying day at its end, the senior paladin dismisses the class for the day, gives Da'Vane a more detailed tour of the area of the Jackals HQ he's allowed around, then he dismisses his squire for the day, planning to meet him again the next morning in the marketsquare.
Sir Darkar...
First let me express my satisfaction in being led by so noble an elf. With tactics, swordmanship, and intuition you led this expedition to a most honorable end...for nothing holds more honor than seeing to the well-being of those you lead. Thank-you.
That out of the way, I am prepared immediately to identify those items with mystic natures. As I said, the pearls found should prove a more than sufficient quantity as material for the identification.
The items are safer at the Jackal's compound, so we may rotate them from there. Say, have eight of them each day brought to my room at the hightower, and eight brought back each day after the first? It should take three or four days like this to complete the process, and please do not offer me compensation for this time for I have recieved compensation enough.
In the meantime, it is good to be back. I hope everything finds you well on your return. If you need my assistance please do not hesitate to ask, and on the same note from this day forward I hope you count me among your friends. That would be an honor I would die happy with.
~Tynk Waverstone
Report for Lord Malifayer concerning what transpired at the castle once belonging to the Quisicoth Path.
Here Darkar references the materials that Silmarwen researched about the area where Darkar had been when he was with the Silver Sword.
Kelston Marquett reports what little is known about the area.
'This is a wilderness area were few people transverse since it is far from the main roads and any nearby cities. The value of the area is limited and what little can gathered in not worth the risk. We have encountered the undead on several occasions, and have fled more than once. Our group passed by a fortress that once might have been a stronghold of someone, but it is in the process of becoming ruins.
I recommend that this place be place on the "extremely dangerous" area on the maps of the surrounding area. Only those well equipped with priests should even try to enter this place.'
Several factions who worship Demmion have been operating in the wilderness in the area for hundreds of years. Whether this area has some special meaning to their god or the seclusion allows them free reign to do their deeds remains to be seen.
A fortress in these wilds was a stronghold for Quiscoth Path zealots who were at odds with the orthodox faith. At the peek of their power the place was dark and foreboding. Secret meetings of the sect were often held and plots devised here. More rumors indicate that this was a testing ground for dark spells and rituals for Demmion. The Quiscoths sought unusual paths to transcend death and undeath.
On more than one occasion the city and the church discussed tearing down this stronghold, but it has not proven feasible, when factoring in the distance and some of the risks, notably the undead cursed to wander these site. Thus the structure still stands a testament to evil.
However the rivalry between the Quiscoth Path and the more traditional Demmionites broke out into fighting and bloodshed. Most of their ranks purged or imprisoned the group was either forgotten ignored. No record of the group has been reported in the last few decades, which have, lead us to the conclusion that the group is extinct.
At this time we are content to let the undead have this place until a viable solution to root them out becomes available.
Upon learning that my friends Sir Hermy and Aria had lost (wife/sister) I volunteered my services to the guild to help raise money to raise her since it seemed apparent that the mother had given consent to have her raised from what I was told. Also the guild was assisting NaShae (elven woman) and Kywyn (human male) with a problem that NaShae’s had developed researching healing spells for a wizard to use. Her aliment was turning her into one of the undead slowly. (Kywyn and NaShae can be recalled from the group that assisted ending the threat of the creatures that kept appearing randomly in the city)
One of the components for a cure was part of a mummy. They had researched and found a suitable location somewhere in the desert where mummification was a practice of an ancient culture that had once resided there. They were also going to try and obtain funds for Alissa (wife of Sir Hermy, sister to Aria).
However, it was also suggested by Sir Hermy that a group also return to the castle that the Silver Sword had learned of a potential threat of the return of the night of the shadows that had plagued the city over a year ago. The castle had not been completely explored and there were once living people who controlled the undead. (See Quiscoth Path above).
After a discussion it was decided that I would lead a group upon the return to the castle. Those who came along with me to the castle are as follows:
Aria Amberhawk (SSAG)
Aric (Last name not known by me)(SSAG)
Aramil Dunskar (SSAG)
Amarandios (Servant of Thalos)
Silmarwen
Thosar Lueque (SSAG)
Brief summary of my first venture to the castle:
Cassius Gaia (location unknown), at the time, second in command of the Silver Sword burst into the guild ranting about the return of the shadows. After being calmed down it seems that Cassius had learned of a castle that held a horde of undead creatures. Though learning this had cost him lots of his memory. A group of the Silver Sword members went to aid Cassius at the castle. They included Sir Hermy, Arnor (deceased), Ivan Granitehammer (deceased), Threfdil Proudfoot (Paladin of Thalos) (location unknown), Trebellar a druid (location unknown), and myself.
We fought to the guard tower and learned that using the entrance there would be our doom from a laughing guard. Then we climbed to the roof and descended from there. We fought our way to the bottom, and nearly perished twice. However we were successful in our mission. Stumbling in on what appeared to be a way to raise the master dead we slew all of the priests in the room. However after that happened the undead free of their masters’ chains went berserk and started killing those directing them to find us. We barricaded ourselves in the temple since the undead were at the doors. Also the body of the Halfling on the alter began moaning a terrible wail, and only by removing the amulet from around its neck did it stop.
We thought ourselves trapped, but during the night while we were resting Sir Hermy had a conversation with a spirit or voice I am not sure. It promised us a place to hide and recover and a way out if Sir Hermy gave him the amulet. Apparently Sir Hermy also bargained for food, and that was agreed upon. Sir Hermy claimed later that it was the best pie he never ate. I am still puzzled by that statement, but the promises were true. A place to rest was found, and we were safe. However we did have to fight some creatures I had never previously seen to escape the castle. It nearly proved fatal for the group. Even though we lived several of the members whom the creatures had touched suffered some strange aliment that required the care of the priests of the mother.
Summary of the second venture to the castle:
We returned and camped outside the first night and then the next morning after preparation we went inside the same place I had exited previously. However the door had been locked and it was necessary to break the door down to get inside. We had to fight a group of skeletons that were in that room.
After defeating them and moving inside I thought I heard movement and was able to avoid an ambush that was still waiting for us inside. From the other side of the wall through arrow slits we were being fired upon. Forming a defensive position we forced our way down the corridor and into the room were the group was. This is were we captured our three prisoners.
Then we went through a door in this room. Exploring the corridor we went through a door where we encountered more skeletons. During the fight I heard someone moving away quickly. Following the sounds I heard voices speaking a language I did not know, as I looked around the corner I was nearly hit with javelins. The others finishing the fight had started to follow me. I dodged back as Aria and Aric went around the corner and a wall of fire appeared trapping them on the other side.
Before I could call the others back Aramil charged through and the sounds of battle could be heard. The rest of the us charged through to support the others that were now involved fighting for their lives. On the other side were two ogres, lots of orcs and humans, a half-orc, and some dark robbed men. The fight was furious and Aric dropped many of their numbers with his axe. Silmarwen and Amarandios tried to keep us from dropping with their healing energies but the blue skinned boy soon fell when one of the robbed men hit us with a burst of fire.
One of the orcs with a huge axe roared and nearly took out Aric with one swing. The fight turned to their advantage at that moment. Silmarwen moved to keep Aric from falling. Most of the group concentrated on taking out that orc. I was busy dealing with fighters on my side and could not see everything that was happening. From what Silmarwen tells me Thosar fell. The orc was taken out and I begin fighting with the half-orc however I had be hurt to much and soon fell as well as Aric, and Tynk. Aria and Aramil seemed to have the fight in hand but then she fell as well. Quick thinking by Silmarwen got Thosar standing. Then the half-orc who had been apparently severely wounded stopped pretending how hurt he was and dropped Aramil and Thosar.
Silmarwen and the half-orc squared off and she killed him with the aid of Thalos. By the grace of Thalos she was able to revive all of the group before death took them. Slowly we recovered enough to move about safely. Taking the best weapons and armor, we left to recover. It was two days later before we venture inside again.
However we had found a letter from Gaya Hoon, someone who had sent them to recover the treasury from the castle.
Details of the letter:
Modred,
Your news is of great concern to us all. It was disturbing enough to realize that the Quiscoth Path had been to Shadowfall so recently, but we need to know who put the ones you found to the sword. I am unable to confirm that the one you retrieved was the "Master of the Path" -- halfling or no, we would need the amulet to confirm his identity. No doubt those responsible claimed it for their own purposes, but Charfather will say nothing on the subject.
However, He has assured us that the treasury remains untouched. Perhaps the invaders did not know of it, or perhaps they did not survive to claim it. Be cautious in any event. While the "Shadowmaster's" assault on Garic's City did draw most of the guardians from this keep, not all answered his call, and doubtless at least a fraction of the others have returned by now.
(The Shadowmaster -- the audacity of the man! The Nychtheron is a coward, but a useful one, and not such a fool as his predecessor. Mome appreciates his sense of humour, or so he told me the last time I was tested by the Maw. But then, Mome says a lot of things.)
Be more careful with this detachment than the last one. The fate of the moonchildren is my concern at the moment, and most of our forces have been summoned to hold the pass. Kemper won't say why it is so important, but the Lady seems to know.
(If it wasn't for how well she has broken the orcs to our purpose, I would gladly feed her to [draconic]Cinders-of-Dawn[/draconic], just to remind her of her place! It's all a game to that troll -- even dragonfire doesn't seem to bother her.)
Durgak has been ordered to provide you with whatever assistance you require, but remember that the orcs respect him, while they don't know you, nor do they speak the Common tongue.
I apologize for the lack of a map -- you were not yet born when I last visited this place, and we did not dare tarry long nor to visit the lower passages, especially not at night. The Prophet's displeasure has never been discriminating, and I still wonder how the Shadowmaster managed to turn it to his favour, even if ever so briefly. (I've no doubt that old shade had a hand in how it turned out, though.) The "Master of the Path" had quarters across from the gatehouse, and it may be worth checking those thoroughly. I suspect that he would have had a way to reach their resources quickly.
The guardians you observed in the courtyard and upper levels sound like a Quiscoth creation. As they don't sound too bright from what you have described, try to fight them where you can bring greater numbers to bear on them, rather than leaving them the advantage of numbers. Make sure you only try this during the daylight hours! I am glad that you were able to secure a series of rooms on the lower level (though I agree that you should stay clear of the prison -- I doubt that the treasury will be found through there), but your resources are too limited to try tactics like those again. I'm not condemning your actions -- we are all pleased that you were not forced to turn back -- but "The dawn is only for the successful."
May you live to see His Light,
Gaya Hoon
Knowing now that there was certainly a reward worth finding, and that it must not fall into their hands we kept searching in earnest. I had seen a hidden door in the room that we had fought for our very lives. That is were we began searching first. We discovered an armory, but the weapons were long lost to rust and a well. However spirits came through the wall and began to attack us. We defended ourselves and Amarandios drove them off. After finding a corridor that was blocked when the floor above collapsed who know how long ago.
Though I think it was my imagination I could swear I could the collapsing rock before opening the door and screams of people inside. As we went back to the corridor we opened an old oak door that had not been used in awhile. Inside we started to search when I saw figures running away. As a light was shown to reveal them Silmarwen told us that they were wights and how dangerous they were. They wights were defeated, but Aric and Aramil had succumbed to their touch. It became apparent after the fight that this place was indeed the prison and we decided to leave.
We spent time recovering and Aramil seemed fine but Aric appeared to lost some of his strength from the fight. We continued to explore the castle finding the courtyard next, but several undead were in the courtyard and it took some time before we cleared the courtyard for us to move safely. Searching around we found a room that appeared to be a place for welcoming visitors. A tapestry hung showing the master of the keep triumphant after a battle. It was quiet disturbing to look at with the details including in the picture.
I spent time exploring around the courtyard, and I found another room that was burned out. Then I had another strange sensation I could hear the roar of the flames and woman screaming in agony. I found charred remains on the floor in the room.
We then went down a set of stairs and found a huge underground room. Exploring where we saw light we saw a huge wall of fire. Becoming suspicious that there was no smoke or anything fueling the fire I passed my blade through the flames and found my blade still cool to the touch.
Plunging my arm into revealed to me that if was just an illusion. Passing through we found a storage room for wine. Exploring the room further lead to no more finds and then we went upstairs searching for the master’s quarters.
We entered many rooms and did not find the master’s quarters. The only thing of interest was a library full of books. We then went into a corridor that I had been in on the previous venture, but I had not explored because we were busy running and fighting at the time. The first door revealed a man and woman playing chess, but they were not among the living. The man charged me and started a fight, with the groups help he was defeated. However the woman paid us no mind intently studying the chessboard.
Thosar and Tynk stayed in the room while the rest of the group explored the next room. It seems the woman was trying to win her first game against the man, but was in a difficult spot and thought she would never win now. Thosar was trying his best to help and had found the correct move, but was not explaining very well to her. We returned since the sun was near setting. Seeing the board I explained the potential of the move to her and seeing that she had finally won she disappeared. Thosar believe that we should not leave her remains here took her from the castle.
The next day we explored the rest of the rest of the floor. In the last room before an exit from the corridor I triggered a trap that caused fire to explode from the room. Only by my heightened senses was I able to avoid the fire. Exploring the room I found a hidden alcove holding a book. Reaching for it lighting cascaded all over my body. A malignant spirit of the dead woman in the room was in the room and she had just attacked me. Backing slowly away I waited for the others to help.
As soon as she was attacked she disappeared. After that we tried to find a way to get the book and proceed. When she did not reappear we thought her gone. Opening the next door we found her with a vicious glare on her face in a stairwell landing. A battle then started when she was grievously wounded she cast a spell that caused most of the group including myself fleeing from her in fear. Thosar and Tynk stood there ground and destroyed her. Apparently she was a guardian until the master returned and was trying to prevent people from entering the master’s quarters.
There was a door in the stairwell that I could not find any reason for it to be locked. Trying to force it open did not work and we had to chop the door to pieces. Inside was a prison cell from what we could determine, however I found evidence of a door in the stonewall. This door also would not open and we had to resort to crumbling that door.
There was a passage way in both directions one lead to a hidden door and the other a circular room. Upon entering the circular room I was teleported back to corridor in the basement where we had fought the enemy also trying to recover the treasure of the keep. Most of the others followed in an attempt to find me leaving Aria to wait for our return.
After we found each other again we finally found the master’s quarters behind the hidden door. but still not the treasury. Although we found hints of were it could be we could not find it. We searched the area where we found the wine again entirely and still nothing. Desperate we searched the prison entirely.
In one well-furnished prison we found the body of a man with several items. When I went to take his stuff his spirit appeared moaning and again the group fled in fear except Tynk and Thosar. A short fight happened which quickly turned into a discussion when the ghost started an angry rant about expected a rescue and not thieves.
They found out that the man was a prisoner a long time ago and was left to starve when his family did not pay a ransom or attempt a rescue. He had hoped that we would inform his family of his fate in the community Mesne of the house of Nabil. Tynk sadly informed the man the community of Mesne no longer existed. It was then agreed that they would take and bury his body in fresh clothes in consecrated ground at the church of Thalos. I will be attending with Thosar and perhaps a few others to tend to Farid of the house of Nabil properly.
The group reformed and decided to rest and recover for another night. As we rested Silmarwen told us of a plan to help find the treasury. She would attempt to locate a merchants scale with divine guidance. A counting room would surely have such an item and the counting room was near the treasury.
It took awhile but we ended up back in the wine room determining that this was the closest place to the scales. Still we could not find a door leading into another room. We began to look for a section of newer wall that might be blocking a passage. While doing so Thosar’s hand passed through a wall. We discovered that an illusion was hiding what we were seeking all along. The corridor ahead of us contained doors opposite of each other and the scales were in the room on the right.
Inside the room with the scales were books, ledgers, a small chest, and what appeared to be a stuffed girallon to us. However when I touched the chest it swung attacking us. We quickly dispatched the beast. Inside the chest we found it full of silver. Before heading to the next room Silmarwen cast a spell to hide us from the undead because earlier she had sense strong magic aura in the room on the left. We had encounter undead already with strong magic and were attempting to prepare for a fight. Tynk also made Silmarwen invisible from sight as well.
When we entered the door we found a massive bulldog in armor and an enormous tongue. A warning entered our mind forbidding us to enter. Believing that the dog could not see us I signaled of us to surround it and attack. As I tried to move past it attacked. The battle ensued for a short while, but the dog attacked Aria with its tongue throwing her across the room where she ceased to move. Infuriated we held nothing back casing massive damage and Aramil finally final killed the dog burying his axe into its spine.
Silmarwen checked on Aria and found that she was only paralyzed and would recover. This room did indeed contain the treasury like we had hoped. Taking everything of value we left the castle were we met up with you Lord Malifayer later in that evening.
(OOC: message is about 21000 characters not even half of the 50000 allowed.
)When the items are all identified Darkar suggests that they all meet in one place to discuss what to do with the items. Silmarwen goes with Amarandios in the city selling gems and together they find a money changer to change most of the silver and copper into gold.
Silmarwen: Primarly you will need a support staff first and warriors secondary. Your job now includes more paperwork, dealing with people, and other problems. People who can help you with that would free up your time for matters that require your personal attention instead of overwhelming you with mundane tasks that could be instead handed over to someone else to handle.
Darkar: Like Volos over at the Silver Sword he handles a great many things over there and supervises their staff.
Silmarwen:Yes, for example Volos like you said, but also think do you need people to preform specific jobs like handling funds, legal issues, making meals, cleaning, care for animals, and writing speechs.
Darkar: There are many difficult choices to make ahead.
They converse for awhile before they have a list of jobs they need to help free up Darkar.
Silmarwen: Of course that sounds reasonable.
Darkar takes his leave of Silmarwen headed for the Silver Sword. Silmarwen heads to the Jackal library to do research into the other names mentioned in the letter they found at Quisicoth castle, as well as "The Maw".
Arcane Scroll of Protection from energy
Arcane Scroll Ray of Exhaustion
and 145gp
Also he includes a recommendation for Aric to join the Jackal order. He states that the large young man was resposible for a great deal of damage that they caused to the Demmonites and the undead within the courtyard. Aric has also expressed an interest in our order.
Then he sends for a runner to take these items to Lord Malifayer.
*they walk into the building and to the clerk*
Excuse me. Is Darkar Shadowood here?
Sir Darkar?
The clerk calls for a page.
Clerk: Will you see if Sir Darkar is in his quarters he has some guests to see him.
The page heads off down the corridor.
Darkar sitting in his room reading the reports and recomendations that has piled up hears a knock on his door. Putting a rather lengthy and long winded report about the advantages of chain armor over plate armor and making it standard issue for the Jackal.
Relieved for an interuption Darkar walks over to the door and opens it.
Darkar: Yes?
Page: Sir Darkar you have some visitors out in the lobby.
Darkar: Let them know I will be there shortly.
The page hurries off to let them know Darkar is on the way. Darkar in the meantime takes a moment to wash his face in the basin in his room so the strain of reading is not readily visible on his face. Drying his face with a towel Darkar pauses wondering why in the world he bothered to read that much of the report in the first place. Then he takes and puts on his cloak and heads to the lobby.
He talks quietly to NaShae, "While we have Darkar, do you think he would be interested in visitng your homeland?"
We could always ask. And we did travel with him to his homeland. It may be possible, though with the Jackals in the state they are in, I don't know if he'll be willing to leave again so soon.
Kywyn, NaShae how suprising to see you again so soon. How can I help you?
He is seeing through his eyes, but everything seems much larger.
"Ma, you're going to die someday, right? And grandma and everyone else... I don't want that," Kywyn hears a high voice he barely recognizes as his own say, "Why does it have to happen?"
"You think to much," is the only answer that comes.
The scene in Kywyn's mind changes and wanders to some other scenario, he is talking to one of his cousins.
"Why do I have to be different?"
The voice is slightly deeper, but still young.
"You think too much" is the reply again.
Kywyn looks up to see an emerald robed figure turning away.
He hears a child's voice again, realizing how much it sounds like his familiar Hex's mind voice.
"You always want to see the "why," the unifiying thread, the connecting line... What if there isn't one?"
The scene in Kywyn's wandering thoughts buzzes through images he must have repressed from the Avowed crucible of mystic evolution. They trickle into his consciousness slowly, as if not wanting to overwhelm him again.
Kywyn blinks back to see his own face, reflected in the surface of a wall mounted shield in the Jackal compound which tripped the phantasmagoria in the first place.
Not knowing how long he has been staring into the ornamental shield, Kywyn teeters a moment before walking back to NaShae and Darkar silently.
It is good news.
*tilts her head*
We realize that with the state of the Jackals, they need you here. But Kywyn and I have to travel to my homeland to bring the potion to save my mother. We had wondered if you wanted to travel with us.
*smiles slightly*
If you do not, we understand.
That direction. A town called Ennorath.
Mulls over it for a moment
Offically I really do not have the time, but perhaps there are those in Ennorath who might know who "Gaya Hoon" is or of the elven prophecy we heard when obtained the gem for Natala. If there was the potential for information it would justify the trip.
Though if things become overwhelming here, I am sure Silmarwen would love the chance to go see Ennorath. I do not think she has been there yet.
I'm not sure if they would. If anyone does, the druid advisors would know.
I believe they would. They are the advisors for the royal family. But I think they would speak to another elf about a prophecy.
Thank you, Darkar. We appreciate your help with this.
Darkar informs her of the converstation that he just had with NaShae and the invitation to accompany them to Ennorath. Silmarwen is excited since she has never been there, a new place to learn new things.
Darkar says he will be attending the ceremony to attempt to raise Alissa tonight at midnight. Silmarwen declines to go since she has been researching all day and needs to rest.
Slim to none, Kywyn assures himself... less than a percent... less than half a percent...
But he realizes that is little consolation. That less than half a percent was the scariest thing in the world. He grasps that monsters and dragons and wars do little to shake him compared to the simple things, the real things that could break his world down. It isn't any of those lumbering behemoth threats that scare him, it's life.
He could have wandered in his dream, a reluctant darkness searching for meaning, and romanticize his melancholy. But inside Kywyn knows he should hold more than hiding from life behind his complex.
Kywyn darts out his hand, catching NaShae's.
"Where to now?"
*smiles softly at him*
[i]We can go home or straight to the Temple. Whichever you prefer.[/i]
*walks with him out into the streets, then waits for his decision*[/FONT]
That sounds like a perfect idea.
*raises his hand, moving her's slightly to lay a kiss on his gloved palm*
*leans in close to him and walks toward the Temple*
Everything from riding, archer, melee, troop formations, and marches is covered - with an eye towards both how to best use the tactics, and counter similar tactics of their opponents. They are trained to work together as a unit, and to assess and act alone should they be separated in battle.
Sir Da' Vane routinely swaps between learning new tricks taoguht by his master, and to teaching a few lessons of his own, under Sir Gamis' lead - the tactics of the Church Milita being his most common lesson.
However, the week isn't quite so mundane as all that - there are snippets of frivolity and friendly rivalry, as many of the sparring partners improve to the point where their outcomes are always exciting - and it is a relatively safe enviroment to try out new tactics and strategies in combat.
Archery is always a fun lesson - and while the longbow is most common, sometimes the crossbow or throwing knife is substitued instead, just to keep the recruits on their toes. Sir Da' Vane's rival, Jaegar, turns out to be quite adept with the throwing knife - and contantly shows the young squire up, before grinning at him wolfishly. Perhaps a talent gained from the thug's previous life on the street, no doubt. It is a shame that his expertise doesn't extend to the longbow as well.
Still, it's enough to rifle Sir Da' Vane's feathers - Jaegar is going to get his comeuppance soon enough. Sir Gamis has scheduled some bouts of sparring later on, with free choice of weapons as well. The young squire has become quite adept with the longsword and shield, as well as his greatsword. Let jaegar have his flail and throwing knives. Soon Sir Da' Vane will prove who is the better squire...
Reports have been read and reponses that are needed have been sent. Once his room has been cleared of the scrolls and filed away for future reference. Darkar heads out of the market in search of fresh baked pies.
Gamis nods to his squire in acknowledgement, raising a finger to indicate 'one moment.'
"Less conservative with the swings, Numar; he'll wallop you if you're not a little more--yeah, just like that..." He watches as the recruit is tripped by his opponent and lies there spread-eagled and panting for a beat. "Alright, you two get a drink; take a break for a few."
He turns to Da' Vane and beckons him away from the pairs of sparring recruits. "What's on your mind, Da’ Vane?"
"I've been meaning to speak to you about the Eternal Flame, Master."
Gamis regards his squire for a second, then nods. "What do you want to know?" He backs up a few steps and sits down on a bench, indicating for his squire to sit as well.
Da' Vane follows his master's lead, sitting down before continuing. "I don't mean to speak out of turn, Master, but I don't think we should just be sitting here training recruits while the Eternal Flame are getting ready for some plan or another."
"Yes... But there are an awful lot of them, and the city is unprotected. You're right, though; it doesn't do a whole lot towards foiling them."
"I've been thinking about this a lot, Master, and we don't really have a lot of information about them. They could be amassing for an attack, and we wouldn't even know it. Worse, they could be here for a darker reason - a reason we may very well already be too late to prevent. While I don't mind training with the Jackals..." Da' Vane looks towards Jaegar, before continuing. "Well, some of the Jackals, at least. Anyway, we need to get some more information, but I don't really know where to begin. I wasn't there for the attack, but something tells me that there may just be a lead out there that will provide us with more insight to the Flame's goals in this region."
"The thought's crossed my mind, too," Gamis says, noting the glance at Jaegar. "But Lord Malifaeyr doesn't have much for scouts at the moment, and Hermy is still recovering, I imagine."
"I understand that, Master. But you were there for the attack, and there were others as well. Perhaps seeking out any survivors might bring some leads?"
"Well, there was the presence of the blood troll..." Gamis muses thoughtfully. "We had orcs prisoner for a short while but had to leave them when we withdrew, so there was a limit to what they could tell us. Cousin Natala and Minto were the ones who spoke with them."
"Perhaps the Orcs might have some clues, should we be able to locate them again."
Gamis chuckles mirthlessly. "It wouldn't be that easy, of course."
"But it is something. Perhaps talking to Natala and Minto might provide more information. What about the attack itself? I don't really understand what happened there, did the Flame just appear on your flanks?"
"No... Malifaeyr knew that the orcs were there in a fortress up in the mountains. He'd sent a party to scout it out earlier, and decided that they needed to be wiped out." Gamis settles his mail around himself slightly."Our task was to hold the pass so the orcs couldn't flank the Jackals. But we got more than we bargained for, as the Flame had apparently moved in since the scouts returned.
"Our first indication that anything was particularly wrong should've been the blood troll... They hadn't seen it when they scouted initially. She's terribly strong, demon-blooded, flighted, and wields the spells of a Darkfriend, besides her wounds healing themselves almost as soon as they're inflicted. But we didn't know just how wrong things were until Darkar and Kywyn showed up in our camp...
"So the troll was the only part of the Flame that I saw there. Darkar saw the dragons, some of their creatures, and their troops, I believe."
"Were you with the Jackals or with the SSAG when the Bloodtroll arrived, Master Gamis?"
"The Guild... We were all in the pass. The Jackals were marching towards the fort."
"And Darkar and Kywyn were leading the Jackals before they turned up in your camp?"
"Not leading... I'm not sure what Kywyn's role was with them. Darkar had been scouting for the main group, I believe."
"If some of the Jackals managed to survive, perhaps they might have some important information about the Flame."
"Malifaeyr had a lengthy debriefing for all of us who came back... I wasn't privy to his conclusions, though."
"Would it be possible to get an audience with Lord Malifaeyr at some point to ask about this, Sir Gamis?"
"I can certainly ask him," Gamis replies. "He'd likely grant it, too... Why the interest, Da’ Vane? Feeling restless with all this training?"
"Partly. Mainly it's because there seems to be something important here I can't place my finger on. The information about the Flame in the Southlands suggested that the group was dead - decimated even. Now either this is a new group with the same name, or possibly survivors who regrouped here in the north. Even worse, the Flame might be a worldwide organization that has been around for centuries. With their demonic allies, they may pose a threat far beyond what anybody could imagine. Evil is evil, Master Gamis, but I'd sleep easier if I knew more about the Flame."
Gamis nods evenly, silent for a moment. "I can ask Malifaeyr to speak with us, and I can talk to Hermy and see if he's up for it. He's by far the best person I know for being unnoticed."
"Aye and I'll try and follow up on these leads." Da' Vane thinks for a moment, before continuing. "Er, Master Gamis, can you tell me more about Kywyn? I only met him once - in the Last Lich Inn, and I don't want to jump to any conclusions, but his roll in this affair seems very suspicious."
"As far as I know him, he hasn't had interest in anything insidious. I think... He was there to help draw maps or something like that."
"Thank you for your time, Master Gamis. I appreciate your wisdom in this matter. I'd like to spend some time following up these leads if I may. Are NaShae and Kwywn still together, at the Last Lich Inn?"
"They're still together, but they don't live at the Last Lich anymore. They have an apartment in the halfling district. NaShae and I had a disagreement in the desert, though..."
"Oh, sorry to hear that. Perhaps it might be time to try and mend that relationship, for the good of the city?"
Gamis sniffs and shakes his head. "In her words, 'it doesn't matter.' If she doesn't care, then there's nothing to salvage. It's a deep break, along moral lines, Da’ Vane. But maybe I can get Kywyn to speak with you."
"How can I find Natala and Minto? While Darker and Kwywn seem like the more obvious leads, it would be folly to discount the Orcs, especially if the Jackal's failed to eradicate them. The Fort might be some sort of Stronghold for the Flame that the Orcs were guarding."
"Natala's at her store, most likely. Minto could be at the Silver Sword, watching out for Hermy."
"I assume Darker is around here at the Jackals most of the time, so I'll probably leave him a note, asking for a time to talk to him. I don't suppose there's anything else you might know that could aid us in uncovering the Flame's agenda?"
Gamis thinks for a long moment. "Further research into their attack on the Southlands might lead to something, but I think it would be a long shot. Most of our interest should probably be here and now, for the moment."
"I doubt that there would be much in some book that can be found in Garic's City, otherwise the Flame wouldn't have been such a surprise. Still, it's something to consider."
The senior paladin nods, looking over the class. "Looks like it's time to get back to work again. I'll try to see Malifaeyr or schedule a meeting with him after we're done; leave a note for Kywyn, then drop in on Hermy."
"Thanks, Master Gamis. I'll leave a note for Darkar, and try to find Natala and Minto." Da' Vane eyes the recruits around him, the seemed to have slackened during the long conversation. He smiles at Sir Gamis, and gestures towards the assembled trainees. "May I?"
Gamis' eyebrow perks slightly, but he nods. "If you wish."
Da' vane stands, tidies his armour, and then goes over and reaches for a pike. "Right, troops! Pike Practice! Get in formation!" Da' Vane then proceeds to lead the class, to the audible groaning of the class...
Inquiring after Lord Malifaeyr, the paladin finds him to be busy and unavailable, so he writes a note.
Lord Malifaeyr,
I'd like to request a few minutes of your time for myself and my squire to speak with you, pertaining to certain unwelcome guests in the wilds and getting acquainted with them. We wait on your convenience, and will be here at the palace tomorrow to continue training. Many thanks, milord.
--Sir Gamis Pfaebinn
Leaving it, Gamis then clanks out of the Jackals' complex for the day.
Sir Darkar,
Would it be possible for me to interview you regarding your involvement in the incident with the Eternal Flame, some time in the forseeable future?
I am trying to piece together what happened, and whether any leads can be found which refer to the current whereabouts and activitied of the Eternal Flame, since I feel they may pose a threat far beyond what we have seen.
Humbly yours,
Sir Da' Vane,
Squire of Sir Gamis Pfaebinn
"Good morning, recruits. I have something to take care of this morning, so I want you all to dress down from your mail and jog a circuit around the city walls; I'll be back soon." He fixes any recruit that groans with a look, then waves his gauntletted hand with an order to get moving, and seeks out his squire.
"Master Gamis?"
Da' Vane sheathes his greatsword, and follows Gamis to the Market Square.
Silmarwen comes to see him early the next morning telling Darkar that she is not find much useful information and is considering other locations to check.
Darkar reads reports and reviews the new maps that their new cartographer has made of the areas around the fort since the previous ones were lost when Mardnab perished on the march.
He makes corrections that he has seen from memory noting where they attempted to cross the swollen river. Also noting that is near where the enemy ambushed them as well. After sending the maps back with the corrections, Darkar takes the rest of the day off to train before retiring once again for rest.
The third day he makes a suprise inspection in the armory inspecting the repair and upkeep of the limited amount of weapons and armory still in the armory. Darkar is silently impressed with the master-at-arms dedication to his work in the armory and lets the man know that his marks are good for the report.
Later that day a page drops off the new uniform that has been completed according to Darkar's new rank and takes the old ones only after Darkar has changed into the new one. Darkar stares at the helm with the horsehair out of the top.
.oO(What a strange part of the uniform, I wonder why we have it?)
Putting the helm on a chair in the corner Darkar continues with his paperwork. A knock on the door interupts him breifly, and when he answers a page indicates that twin boys dropped off a note for him. Nodding at the page he closes the door.
.oO(I forgot to go see Volos and I guess he sent the information to me.)
Opening the note he finds that Volos' nephew recently became of age to take on a job and has been studying to become a personal assistant. Jalen studied elven culture hoping to work with the elven ambassadors to the city and be there guides when here. However when Volos mentioned that Darkar was looking for a personal assistant he asked Volos to put in a good word for him.
.oO(I need to set up an appointment to interview Jalen tomorrow.)
Writing a note to Volos thanking him for his time and asks for Jalen to stop by the Jackals tomorrow for an interview. Calling for the page he sends the young lad with the note to the Silver Sword.
Not really accomplishing much work after that Darkar retires to the meditative tranch again for the evening.(3 days down 3 to go.)
Then, squire in tow, he walks through the compound halls and knocks on Lord M's door. "Sir Pfaebinn and Sir Da'Vane to see you, milord Malifaeyr."
There is a quiet knock at the door.
Darkar: "Enter..."
Page: "Jalen is here for the scheduled interview."
Darkar: "Show him in."
A tall young man enters the room, not quiet as tall as Aric, Darkar notes but tall none the less. He moves slightly slower than one would expect from someone of his size, but his movements are sure and solid. His light brown hair is neatly cut and his brown eyes are bright and alert.
Jalen: Sir Shadowood, I presume?
Darkar: You are correct, Jalen is it?
Jalen: Yes sir.
Darkar: Please be seated.
Jalen has a seat directly in front of Darkar and though he sits taller than the elf he looks him in the eyes and awaits the interview to begin.
Darkar: Tell me Jalen what do you believe to be your greatest assests?
Jalen: I have a sharp mind that is always focused. My uncle Volos taught me that being attentive and alert leads to success. Also my attitude and nature allow me to get along well with other people rather well.
Darkar mulls over this answer a moment and then comes up with an interesting question.
Darkar: Describe the path that you took to get to my office in as much detail as possible.
There is a small silence as Jalen works to recall what just happened only moments before.
Jalen: The page took me left past the clerks desk down a corridor about twenty feet long. At the end of the corridor was a portrait of Lord Malifayer and a horse which was a chestnut mare. We then turned right down a short corridor that had four doors on the left. Two had visible locks and the others only had the door handles. Taking the third door with no lock we went down another corridor that ended in a round room with pillars supporting the archway as you entered the room. In the round room there were three doors. Your office is the door directly across from the archway.
Darkar nods at the correct information that is given. Then he continues with the next question.
Darkar: What have you studied and tell me what you excelled in?
Jalen: Do you want to know what I studied when training to become an assitant or all that I have studied?
Darkar: What you studied when you were training will suffice.
Jalen: I focused my studies in etiquette, linguistics, history, and nobility. I received marks of excellence with each due to my dedication and study.
Darkar concentrates on the information that is given him and continues asking questions learning detail. Finally after about an hour his questions are finished and he rises offering Jalen the job of his personal assistant. After accepting the pair begin discussing pay and duties of the job.
Jalen works with the reports that Darkar assigned him to read and draft responses for and then leave for his approval.
Darkar returns to his quarters to finds a note that Silmarwen has left to visit the church of Thalos to attempt find if they know anything about the Maw or any of the name within the letter.
He has dinner at the mess hall and retires early for the evening. Darkar spends time writing about hiring Jalen in his journal and how the young man will help assist in freeing up his time by helping plan and manage his duties better and take care of tasks that can be delegated.(Fourth day completed)
Darkar and Jalen work on reports and paperwork. Around lunch Darkar takes a break and Jalen sends off the completed work. Darkar decides that the work load is under control for now and lets Jalen have the rest of the afternoon off.
He spends the evening quietly reading a book about past exploits of the Jackals learning more about the history and traditions.
After the surprising meeting at Grathin's Wares, makes his way to the Jackal compound. There finds clerk's desk.
Excuse me, could you find out if Sir Kemeri was available for a meeting. Tell him that Mr Enelevin has returned.
Clerk: Sir Kemeri. And Enelevin? I will see to it. If you'd wait here for a moment.
Of course.
The clerk summons an errand boy and sends him to find out if Sir Kemeri is present. Few minutes passes and then Codrian is guided to a empty meeting room. There he waits for another couple of minutes and then Sir Kemeri walks in.
Kemeri: Good afternoon, master Enelevin. Quite quick mission, I see. It was only few days ago when I requested your help.
Yes, I'm back... but not everything I have to tell is good news.
Tells Sir Kemeri an edited version of the adventure, carefully leaving out pieces about Avowed's involvement. Explain's retrieval of papers by telling that found them from a pile of discarded equipment outside Benelvir's compound. Kemeri is obviously pleased when hears that the necromancer, Patkifen, is now dead. Soon after Codrian has told his tale, the meeting is adjourned and Sir Kemeri leaves to return the papers to where they were stolen from.
Leaves the Jackal headquarters and heads back to the boardinghouse.
Malifaeyr declares with a smile, before turning to
acknowledge his squire as well.
"And... Da'Ve... no, Da'Vane. That's
it. Welcome to you both. Please take a seat, but feel
free to help yourself to the refreshments."
The lord directs them both to uphostered chairs,
and indicates a small table upon which is a tray of
smoked meat and bread, a bowful of dates, and a
pitcher with goblets.
"What was it you wished to see me
about?" he asks.
"What can you tell me about the battle
in the pass, milord?" Da'Vane answers
immediately.
Malifaeyr looks between the two, first to the squire,
then to the knight, raising one eyebrow.
"I would have thought Sir Gamis would
have told you," he says.
Nevertheless, he gives an account of that day as he
recalls it, including the attack that cancelled a
number of his defensive wards and the last painful
encounter with the dragon before he was forced back to
the city, where he spent too long recovering from his
injuries to return. He also relays what Darkar
reported of Allegion's fate, noting in passing the
loss of the Jackal colors.
When he appears to have finished, Da'Vane asks,
"Did the ambush come from where you were
expecting it?"
Malifaeyr's jaw drops for an instant, before he
replies.
"Is the concept of an ambush unclear
to you?"
"An ambush is an ambush whether
successful or not. It's the tactics of the ambusher
that makes it an ambush, not the reaction or
anticipation of the victim. Being aware of a trap
doesn't make a trap any less lethal - it just means
you have the option of avoiding or triggering it at a
time more beneficial to yourself."
"You speak as though your only goal
was to hear your own voice, and shame yourself
thereby."
"I spoke to sound my logic and my
thoughts on the situation, and the relevance of the
question I asked. But then, you are the politician
amongst us, m'lord, so naturally you would be better
with words than I. How else would you have reached
your role within the city, m'lord?"
"By learning when to keep my thoughts
to myself, young man. Consider that carefully.
"The Eternal Flame sent word when we ransomed their
prisoners, declaring the pass their personal
territory," Malifaeyr says with
distaste, "and that they would
deal with all intrusion in the harshest of manners.
"Word of the situation has been sent to Reise, but
with the mines and pass out of use and so far from the
capitol, the response was disinterested, to put it
mildly. Father Thessle has informed me that the orcs
have been erecting a wall across the pass on this side
of the mountains. I have confirmed this fact, though I
do not know if there exists a similar barricade
blocking access from the other direction as
well."
"Perhaps it is possible to deal with the
Orcs," Da'Vane suggests,
"and try to gain their aid against the
Eternal Flame? By all accounts, the Bloodtroll seems
to have slain most of their leadership, and they may
resent being used as guards and lackeys. We might be
able to offer them some sort of deal - such as safe
passage to an area where the clan can stay in peace,
or even allow them to remain at the keep as long as
they remain non-aggressive against Garic's City and
the communities under it's control."
"That is an interesting
idea," says Malifaeyr,
"but it puts us in an awkward
position, since our original goal was to displace the
orcs from this pass. My duty to the fallen dictates
that I carry out that objective, and that leaves me
little room to bargain with orcs that could not be
honored. If such a compromise is necessary... then it
must be made, but it must be a last resort. It would
be better that I make no promises that lead to the
breaking of others, if such a fate can be
avoided."
"I understand m'Lord. Promises and vows
are very important and should not be broken if it can
be helped. Dealing with the orcs is merely an option
if all else fails."
Malifaeyr simply nods.
"I am afraid that my divinations have
revealed little," the lord admits.
"Had I more freedom to act, perhaps I
could learn more, but I am constrained by my position.
His Majesty had much to say about that in his letters
to me, chastising me for neglecting my primary duty.
He binds me to this seat of power, so I must find
other means, or provide such means to others not so
constrained.
"I do not know the Eternal Flame's purposes at this
time. They have been using the orcs as a workforce to
build the wall, though what use they have for them
beyond this I do not know. They have gone to too much
trouble just to acquire an army, and the region was
mined out years ago. The fort contains no secrets,
save those they have brought with them.
"Perhaps it is as simple as creating a base closer to
the city, but..."
He is silent for a time, then shakes his head.
"No, I don't know. It just seems
wrong. It is out of the way nowadays, and still within
three days of the city, but I get the feeling that
there is more to it than that. I have received reports
from the towns of armed groups passing through now and
then, but there have been no attacks since the battle.
In some ways, things are actually more peaceful since
they've taken the pass; the orcs are no longer raiding
the surrounding region, thankfully. There has been
some goblin activity, and kobolds are still a minor
nuisance in some spots, but neither of these seems to
be connected to the Eternal Flame's efforts.
"Sir Darkar was kind enough to capture a few soldiers
of the Flame for me, and while they aren't the most
cooperative of prisoners, I have still persuaded them
to tell me a few things. They'd been assigned to
escort one of their priests into the den of a renegade
Demmionite cult, seeking its treasures. Fortunately
for us, Sir Darkar found the prize instead.
"That matters less than the other detail they have
shared. It seems that before they came to the keep,
they had travelled from the pass into a desolate
wasteland, setting up camp for three nights before
they changed course toward the keep. Their commanders
informed them that this spot, which they named
Hardaja, was both holy and cursed, but they refused to
say much of it otherwise."
Gamis stiffens slightly at the mention of the word
Hardaja, but he allows Malifaeyr to continue.
"All that mattered to them is that
they were assured that there time there served the
Eternal Flame, and that it was not a comfortable place
to spend three days. Judging from what I have learned,
all of them had more than their share of nightmares
during their stay. Yes, Sir Gamis, you look like as
though you wish to offer a comment?"
The senior paladin accepts the invitation to
speak.
"Wasteland... Nightmares... Milord,
where is this 'Hardaja?' West of the city, near... A
large, round boulder growing out of the ground? I
think I may have been there on one occasion."
"That does not sound familiar, Sir
Gamis. I am told that it is more of a mound where the
earth swallowed an entire town. The place I am
thinking of is further to the south."
Gamis considers and nods as he recalls the details of his arrival there more carefully.
"Other than that, I have learned that the Flame has come from the west, somewhere beyond our borders. I've
conferred with the elves and sent word to the nomads
on our frontiers, looking for more information, but I
have learned nothing more from those sources that
would pinpoint their homelands."
"The question to be asked is 'Why does
the Eternal Flame need a base closer to the city?' At
this point we do not even know if the base is designed
to be close to us, but rather some other objective in
the region. Perhaps the passage of the armed bands
might tell us more?"
"If we could determine where they
were going, certainly, but with most of the activity
near the exit to the pass, we can't count on that.
Further away, the incidents have been less common and
don't seem to suggest any regular routes."
"On the subject of Hardaja,
milord..." Da'Vane interjects,
"maybe we could find some insight there
as to what the Flame's agenda is. Perhaps they brought
something from that cursed place to the keep? It seems
strange for a group to simply stay in the wilderness
and then turn towards the keep, unless it serves as
some sort of initiation ceremony or rite of passage.
While the keep seems the logical place to get the
answers - it will also be the most heavily guarded.
Hardaja might be a softer target, and provide us more
insight into the Flame's plans for the region, without
requiring us to infiltrate the keep directly at this
time."
"Perhaps. I know that Sir Darkar's
aide, Silmarwen, has been looking for information
about that place. I'm sure she might appreciate some
assistance."
"The Flame seems to be quite imbedded
in the pass and the fort," says Gamis,
"and while I want to know what
they're up to as much as anyone, getting in there has
its own obvious problems.
"Maybe it would be worthwhile to go there again, and
try to see what those soldiers were doing there. If
others are needed to look into the Flame, I can also
try to talk to Hermy Woodhome and a new applicant to
the Guild and see how open they are to scouting the
area of the fort. I've no talent for stealth, so I'm
limited in what I can do for that mission. I can
climb, at least, if we end up going directly over the
mountains."
"A scouting mission could be
productive," concedes Malifaeyr,
"but Sir Woodhome's last mission into
the region did not turn out as well as I would have
hoped. That was likely my own fault for so badly
underestimating his brother's contrary nature. It
would perhaps be better that he pick his own
companions this time out, and a second group, led by
Sir Darkar, may be possible as well.
"As for the matter of investigating Hardaja, tread
carefully. The dead do not always give up their
secrets readily to the living, especially to perceived
enemies. How many were you looking to bring with you
to that place?"
"Four, possibly five. Silmarwen, if she returns soon enough. Otherwise, myself, Da'Vane, Dame Dyer, and Aric, the big fellow
Malifaeyr appears to review Gamis' selection and
reasoning carefully, then broaches the subject of
supplies for such a dangerous journey. Funding is
discussed, as are plans for getting scouts into the
pass to Hents Manavelins.
Before matters run too long, however, Lord Malifaeyr
looks up to see a page at his door.
"Sir Gamis, he says,
"Da'Vane, you shall have to excuse
me. I have an appointment to meet with several dwarven
elders, and they tend to be quite particular about
meeting exactly at the appointed hour. Thank you both
for coming."
He stands and comes around his desk to shake both
of their hands, before the page escorts both of them
out. Dwarves stand aside as they exit, and they can't
help feeling that they are being sized up as they
pass, before the group enter Malifaeyr's chambers,
where rumbling words are exchanged in a tongue known
to neither Gamis nor his squire.
The brief appointment with Malifaeyr adjourned, Gamis and Da'Vane leave the office, digesting its results. The senior paladin dismisses his squire for the day, and makes his way home.
.oO(Ah Da'Vane, I have not seen him since he helped us take down Hermy's witch, that albino elf.)
He reads the note and then heads to where Gamis has been training the new recruits.
Sir Da' Vane pays little heed to the low morale, telling himself the recruits will thank him for it when they finally get back out on the field of combat. However, he does manage to capture the eye of Jaegar who seems to be displaying his displeasure at the new regime rather more physically - resulting in more students leaving sparing practice with cuts and bruises when pitted against the competent fighter.
"We're going outside the city again today to work with lances, so requisition some rations for lunch and prepare your tack. Inspect it carefully this time," he advises, not looking at the squire who got dragged, but seeing him go red to the roots out of his periphreal.
Luckily for the mount, Sir Da' Vane has had a little experience with horse during his life, and has learned to treat them with care and respect. He looks the horse over, caressing it's muzzle gently and briefly showing unusual tenderness from the usually gruff paladin.
Da' Vane goes over to Gamis and speaks quitely. "Master, is it all right if I spend a little time to break my steed in before we start with the heavy drilling? I don't think it quite up to full combat jousting just yet."
"I should think not; he's still a baby. He's barely old enough to be saddled. What's he doing out here already?
"Did the Jackals lose so many horses that foals are being pressed into service?" he mutters softly.
Da' Vane looks over at the young mount, who appears to be nervous, but not quite skittish.
"Look at him, Master. If that mount was a person, you'd almost think he was excited."
"He's a strong one, even at this age... But he's still a colt, and not nearly ready for jousting, or any form of combat. He'll tire out faster than the older ones, even with just riding. Looks like he's dealing well enough with the early start, but you still need to take it easy with him. Valor'll take you when you do some lancing yourself, and this fellow can take a breather in the meantime."
At this, the young animal snorts and stamps it front hooves a little, before imitating Valor. Some of the other recruits watching the scene step back, shaken out of their smirking at the exchange.
Da' Vane breaks out in a rare smile. "Aye, that's the spirit. I know, I'll call you Courage. What do you think, Master?"
He double-checks the saddling work of the other recruits, then steps up into Valor's saddle.
"Alright, recruits, mount up and let's go."
Gamis leading the way to the north gate, the class carrying blunted lances left over from the tournament, heading out into the countryside.
"Did you enjoy that, big fella? Did ya?"
Da' Vane rubs the back of Courage's neck, and Courage gives a pleasurable whinney.
"Heh, I knew you were special, Courage. Tomorrow, I'll see about taking some time out to ride you some more outside the city. And let you have a run around the training paddock. I think the class are using bows here, so we'll be alone."
Da' Vane reaches to pick out the stallion's hooves, and Courage seems to respond naturally by picking them up for him.
"If I didn't know better, I'd almost say you've already been trained."
After picking out the first hoove, Courage stamps it a bit and raises the second, without prompting.
"In a few years, you'll be a proper Paladin's mount. How'd ya like that then? You'll be just like Valor - big and strong, jousting, and all that. You'll be the best horse in all the land!"
Da' Vane slips the horse a carrot as a treat, tying back the stallion's black mane, before stabling the young steed.
"Good night, Courage. I'll see you in the morning!"
Da' Vane leaves the compound and heads home to the Church of Agathalos...
He clanks towards his horse and swings up into Valor's saddle, leaning forward and scratching his shoulder as the destrier clops out through the doorway between the training grounds and the stables, ambling through towards the city streets. Valor nickers, then walks on, his partner twisting at his gauntlet as he sits astride him on their way back in the direction of the Guild.
"Heyas, boy! How you feeling today? You up for a ride in the countryside. Well I call it countryside - that training field has been getting pretty churned up lately."
Courage nuzzles Da' Vane, in what can only be classed as friendly recognition because the steed hasn't eaten his nose yet.
"Whoa, fella. Not so fast - I got to sort out some things first before we can make a break for it."
Da' Vane fills up Courage's feed bag with some oats before slipping on the placid horse.
"Tuck in, and I'll be right back to take you for a ride."
Da' Vane slips off, to fins something to leave a note behind for Gamis.
Dear Master,
I have taken Courage to the training paddock outside the city, to give him some more riding training.
He is coming on very well - I've only had him a few days, and he can almost read my mind. I would swear that he's already been trained. Still, a bit more exercise will help build him up.
Anyway, I simply left this note so that you can find me if you wanted me.
Your humble servant,
Sir Da' Vane
Da' Vane tacks the note up onto the noticeboard, where it will attract Gamis' attention, and picks up some riding gear before returning to Courage.
"Come on then, you big softy! Let's get you out onto that field where you can put all that energy to good use."
Da' Vane slips the harness onto Courage, and leads the magnificent stallion out into the streets of Garic's City...
"Stays here's. I needs ta go finds out who I needs ta talks to about who Ise suppose ta start training."
*Major nods at Hermy and moves to a spot against a wall and lies down.*
*Hermy sets off down a hallway and stops the first person in a silly hat he sees.*
"Hey. Hi. Is Darkar or Gamis here? Ise lookin fer who evers in charge."
*The man looks at Hermy and then points further down the hall.*
"Sir Shadowood is currently on a leave of abscense."
"And Sir Phaebinn has left for the day. I think you'll want to speak to Sir Kemeri ."
"Down this hall, to the left, and then the fourth door down on the left."
"Thanks."
*Hermy starts heading away and then stops to watch the Jackal walking away.*
*Hermy shakes his head, before continueing on.*
.o0(He's to loud. I don'ts thinks I'll be training that guy.)
*Hermy reaches the door he was directed too, and knocks.*
*Hermy opens the door and waves at the man sitting at the desk behind a stack of paperwork.*
"Hey, hi. Are you the guy in charge?"
*The man looks up.*
"Lord Maelifaeyr is in charge. I just help run keep things organized."
"I'm Sir Azad Kemeri."
"You must be Sir Woodhome. I've been informed you might be coming."
"I'm very sorry to hear about your wife. As a general rule Jackals are encouraged to avoid attachments like that to avoid such situations.
"It must be very hard on you."
"It is. But Ise ready ta start getting overs it now."
"That is good to hear. We could use your help. Dame Shala has been missing for sometime. And we are very short on skilled scouts."
"That's why Ise here. Ta train ya some new ones."
"Yes. I have a few prospective men for you to look over." Sir Kemeri hands a thin stack of papers to Hermy. "I believe these men might be useful for the task out hand."
*Hermy looks at the papers and shrugs.* "It's kinda hard ta tell. Anyone cin be quiet when you reads about them."
"Ise gots this book of my dads that tells a story about a knight that snuck into a castle..."
"Yes, yes..."
.o0(I believe I was warned about his tendancy to ramble.)
"Those are their resumes. You will still want to check them out in person of course. You are the expert after all."
"Yup. I is."
"I thinks I'll read these afters I sees the peoples. It'll saves some time."
"That is your perogative of course."
"You will of course want to at least read their names so you will know which men to look for."
"Well I suppose I coulds, though I'd think if I could finds them just by reading a peice of paper that they aren't really scouting material ta start with."
"Again, it is your perogative."
"Is there anything else you will need?"
"Well I'll needs yer permission ta let the mens not wear their uniforms."
"It's hard ta be sneaky when yer clothes make you stands out likes a sore thumb."
*The knight fights off the urge to roll his eyes.* "Of course. While they are traing they will not be expected to wear the colors of the Jackals."
"Oh, then cin wear the colors, just not the hats."
"Yes, or the hats."
"Is there anything else?"
"Well, I'lls be able ta take them out of the palace area won't I. They'll needs ta learn ta hide in more hidable places."
"Of course.... Anything else?"
"Well, would it be allright ifen I tooks them to a bar or something likes that? Ya cin learn a lot of stuff there ifen ya listens. Minto finds all kinds of interesting gossip when he goes a drinking."
"If you think it proper."
"Well I'll has ta wait until I see ifen theys good enough ta learn something like that."
"Wise choice..."
"... yup."
*Hermy waits for the Jackall to ask if there is anything else, and the Jackal waits until Hermy is done asking for things.*
*It isn't a long wait until Hermy speaks.*
"Well I'll get right on it."
"Thank you."
*Hermy turns and exits the office, and starts down the hall.*
.o0(Well I'ds better start looking for these guys Ise suppose ta train.)
.o0(Nope, too clanky.)
*He looks at another knight and shakes his head.*
.o0(Too shiney.)
*He focus on another and rolls his eyes.*
.o0(Why is they all wearing theirs heavy armor? Even Gamis takes his off sometimes. An he's a paldim.)
*He turns away and starts walking away.*
.o0(Hows I suppose ta finds out which guys is quiet ifen they won't stop clanking.)
*Hermy glances down at the paper in his hands.*
.o0(Hmmm, maybe theys already goods enough that I needs the paperwork ta finds them.)
*Hermy reads the name off the first sheet.*
.o0(Hmmm. this guy don't sound to bad. He's spent a lot a time out in the wilderness. I'll finds this Zenobia first.)
*Hermy reads as he heads towards the stables.*
.o0(It says here that he likes ta spends time with the horses in th... wait, he's a she. I'd better pass on this one.)
*Hermy starts to scoot the paper to the back of the stack and then stops.*
.o0(Alissa was a girl too. An ya can't finds any one as brave or as good as her.)
*He places the paper back on top and continues towards the stables.*
*He closes his eyes and tries to figure out where she is moving to next.*
*He hears her approaching him, and opens his eyes.*
"Hey, hi. Not too bad. I coulds hear you coming but that was only cause all the hay on the floor is kinda dry."
"Ifen this stable was a street I might not a heard ya coming."
*The woman looks the halfling up and down.*
"You must be that halfling whose going to be training the scouts. Sir Hermy?"
"Yup. An you must be Zenobia."
*She nods.*
"Are you the same Hermy in all those songs?"
"Most likely. Theres only two of us."
"Are you as good as the songs say?"
"It depends on which song. But pretty much."
*Hermy blushes slightly.*
"Ise tolds youse kinda sneaky. At least this paper says so."
"Are you intrested in scouting fer the Jackalls?"
"It's why I joined."
"Good. I'll be starting some training tomorrow afternoons."
* Zenobia nods.*
"I'll be there."
"Good. I hopes I don't see you."
*Hermy turns around and waves before exiting, leaving the young Jackall scratching her head.*
.o0(Well that's one. Ise only got six more papers.... That aint a lot of scouts.)
.o0(Seems like a silly place ta finds a sneaky type, but I guess ifen a girl cin be sneaky so cin a cook.)
*Hermy enters the kitchen and looks around.*
"Is there a Tybalt Tellet here?"
*One of the cookies points to a small man busy peeling potatoes.*
*Hermy thanks him and approaches the man.*
"Is you Tybalt?"
*The man nods but doesn't look away from his task.*
"That's me. You're the new stealth trainer?"
"Yup. How did ya know?"
"You made it this close to me before I noticed."
"Not many people around here can do that."
"Well cooks aint known fer being quiet."
"Nor are knights. You aren't a Jackall are you?"
"Nope. I'm a Silver Sworder."
"Strange to find you in the Jackall compound then."
"Not really. Wese been asked ta help train all you knew recruits."
"An it aint no stranger then finding a knight peeling taters."
"It's what happens when they find you trying to sneak out of the compound without permission."
.o0(He can't be that sneaky if he got caught. I guess I'll have to pass on him. No need ta be rude about it though.)
"So they caughts ya tryin ta sneak out then? Why? To go drinking or something?"
"Coming back from drinking actually."
"I thoughts peeling taters was the penalty fer sneaking out?"
"Well the penalty for sneaking in is a lot worse. I'm not about to correct them."
*Hermy smiles.*
"Be in the courtyard tomorrow about noon. I think I mights be able ta use you."
*The man nods and continues working. Hermy walks away and out of the corner of his eye catches a sly grin growing across the man's face.*
*He starts to apologize.*
"Sorrys about that. Ise wasn't paying attention. I must not a heard ya comin or somethin like that."
*The man nods.*
"No harm done."
"Thanks... You wouldn't happen to know where I coulds find Enialis Meliamme would you?"
*Hermy glances down at the paper quickily.*
"He's an elf."
*The man points in the direction he came from.*
"I just saw him in the mess hall, not five minutes ago."
"Ok, thanks."
*Hermy starts to head down the hallway and then stops.*
.o0(I didn't hear him coming.)
*Hermy turns around.*
"Hey! Wait! What's yer name?"
*The man stops and faces Hermy.*
"Harvan... Harvan Arrill."
*Hermy shuffles through his papers and pulls one to the top.*
*He smiles.*
"Be ats the traing place tomorrow abouts noon. I'm gunna train ya ta be a scout."
*Harvan nods and salutes bedore turning back and continuing down the hallway.*
*Hermy goes the oppisite way, sniffing the air to find the smell of the mess hall.*
.o0(Might as well eat while I is here.)
.o0(This definetly don't look as good as Volos cooking. I mights have ta suggest them getting a new cook... It's easier ta sneak when yer tummy aint rumbling.)
*Hermy takes his tray and looks for a seat. He spots an elf eating and heads towards him.*
"Is this seat taken?"
*The elf looks up and smiles.*
"It will be once you sit down."
"Thanks."
*Hermy takes a bite of his carrots and smiles back at the elf.*
"You wouldn't happens to be Enialis Meliamme would you?"
*The elf shakes his head, and points to the back of the messhall at a very angry looking elf.*
"That's him over there? Why do you ask?"
"I needs to talks to him."
"Good luck."
"Thanks. Sorry about not staying, but Ise gots official buisness an stuffs likes that."
"I understand."
*Hermy gets up and approaches the other elf.*
"Is this seat taken?"
*The elf shrugs.*
"Ok, thanks."
*Hermy sits down.*
"Yer Enialis Meliamme aint ya?"
*The elf shrugs again and shovels a spoonful of stew into his mouth.*
"Ise Hermy Woodhome."
*The elf takes another bite of stew, but otherwise doesn't respond.*
"I'm gunna be training the new scouts."
*Hermy is met by silence again.*
"I gots a paper here that says youse pretty quiet."
*The elf looks up briefly and takes another bite.*
"Ise you?"
*The elf shrugs.*
"Well shows up at the traing place tamorrow around noon. I'll be doing a few tests ta see if yer..."
*The elf nods and gets up and hastily makes a retreat from the room.*
.o0(Ok, Well he certainly quiet as far as talking goes.)
*Hermy finishes his food and then shuffles through his papers again.*
.o0(Only three morews guys on the list.)
He heads for the table with the talkative elf.
“Sorrys ta bug you again, but I’m suppose ta finds a few more peoples.”
“Ya wouldn’ts happen ta know where I cin finds, um,” Hermy looks over the names on the papers he has in his hands, “Berril Farrgut, Tovias Handle or… Hanse .. Hey! I knows him! He was my first student at being steathy at the Silver Sword!”
The elf smiles. “It’s not a bother. I suspect you can find Sir Farrgut in the smithy. He fancies himself to be a bit of weaponsmith.”
“Sir Handle… most likely in the library.”
“As for your former student, Hanse… I don’t think I’ve seen him around.”
“You must have trained him well.”
The elf chuckles, Hermy smiles back.
“Yeah, I musta. I aint seen him in months.”
Hermy nods at the elf.
“Thanks fer yer help. It’ll be a lot quicker ta finds these guys now that I knows where ta look.”
”Always a pleasure to help out such a respected man such as yourself Sir Woodhome.”
“An it’s a pleasure ta be helped.”
“Well I better finds these other guys first. Hanse might takes me awhile.”
Hermy waves and makes for the smithy.
*He stands at the doorway, and yells in.*
"Hey! Hi! Is there a Berril Farrgut in here?"
*The three men working the forge look up. A broad shouldered and heavily bearded man steps forward.*
"Aye! That's me. Whose asking?"
"Sir Hermy Woodhome. I hears yer interested in being a scout fer the Jackalls."
"Ya heard wrong."
"I did?"
*Hermy looks over his papers again.*
"It says here that you was a scout until right before the ... until the last battle."
*Berril takes another step forward.*
"I was. That's why I'm not interested."
"Oh.... Are you sureabout that?"
*The man takes off his apron and steps outside the smithy.*
"Listen... Sir Woodhome ain't it?"
"I was there at Hent Manavelins. I was scouting one of the flanks, looking for an orc ambush when the dragons swooped in."
"Oh, well, I guess that was pretty lucky for ya, I slew a dragon once..."
*The man interupts him.* "Nothing lucky about it at all. If I was lucky I would have been there. I might have made a differance. I lost a lot of close friends there. Men I might have been able to save."
"Or at least die at their side like a man."
"Dieing aint lucky. I knows a lot of people who has died. It's nothing to look forward too."
*The man shakes his head.*
"Neither is looking forward to a life of knowing you hid when your friends were being slaughtered."
*Hermy nods.*
"Well here's your chance ta makes up fer that. I'm gunna be training the new scouts ta takes back up there..."
"Oh, I'll be going back up there. But with the soilders. With my friends."
"I'm sure they'll be time..."
"Don't bother. I won't hide from anything again."
"Can't very well scout withput hiding, now then can I?"
"Well, no, but.."
"I wish you and who ever you take with you the best of luck. But I won't be going."
"I'm having a new suit of plate made up. With the names of my fallen comrades etched on it."
"I'll be wearing that the next time I go up there."
"And I'm sure you know how loud plate can be."
"Yeah," *Hermy frowns.* "Well if you change your mind, I'm sure there will be room for you."
"I won't be changing my mind."
*Berril nods and the returns to the forge.*
*Hermy shakes his head before heading away.*
.o0(Well I cin still get six scouts trained. With them an the sneaky Silver Sword guys there might be enough of us.)
.o0(I wonders ifen my dad wrote any of these?)
*Hermy's eyes fail to find anyone in the library, but his ears are more fortunate.*
*The sounds of snoring cut through the library.*
*Hermy follows the sounds to a table at the back of the room where a Jackall night in full uniform ihas his head buried in a book.*
*He appears to be drooling in it.*
*Hermy taps the man on the shoulder. The man groans and swats at Hermy's hand put does not open his eyes or lift his head.*
*Hermy taps a little harder.*
"Hello. Hey. Hi."
*The man still does not stir.*
*Hermy sighs and leans in close to the man.*
"HEY! WAKE UP!"
*He starts falling towards the ground..*
.o0(Not very alert, or um well balanced.)
*But before the man hits the ground, his dagger is out, and he rolls away from the table, his eyes focused on Hermy..*
.o0(Well once he's awake his reflexes aint to bad.)
*Hermy waves at him.*
"Hey. Hi. Are you Tovias Handle?"
*The man puts his dagger away but doesn't take his eyes off the halfling.*
"That I am, sir."
"And whom would I be speaking too?"
"Hermy Woodhome. I'm the Stealth Instructer."
"I don'ts know. Ise the Silver swords steath guy."
"Ah, I believe I've heard Sir Phaebinn speak of a one of his men coming to help with the scouts."
"A fine knight, Sir Phaebin. It's a shame he hasn't joined the Order."
"Yeah, he is a good knight. He looks good in the armor. Not very sneaky though. But he's a paladim. Ya gots ta expect that."
"A knight does not need to be sneaky."
"Well Ise a knight, an Ise sneaky."
*The man looks shocked.*
"You? A knight?"
"Yup, I got knighted the same time Gamis did. An Darkar. An Durin. An Mary Ale got dameded."
"Ise not sure why Minto didn't get knighted, but..."
"Fascinating. You must be the Sir Hermy the Red. I've heard of you."
"I was expecting someone a bit taller."
*Hermy shrugs.*
"I was hoping to be a bit taller."
*Hermy catches a quick glimpse of the title. "Tactics and Strategy."*
"Is that an interesting book yer reading?"
*The man hands it to Hermy.*
"Very much so. All knights should be versed in it."
"I could barely put it down."
"I noticed."
*Tovias reddens slightly.*
"Ah, well..."
*Hermy smiles and hands the book back.*
"It's probably more focused on the loud clanky type knights."
"Not the ones who knows how ta scout an stuff likes that."
"Ya really can't learns sneakiness from books."
*Hermy looks down at his papers.*
"Though ya cin sometimes reads about people whose sneaky."
*Tovias raises his eyebrows.*
"I take it, that my name is on that paper."
"Yup."
*Hermy holds the paper out for Tovias . The man takes it and begins reading.*
"It says that while you mights makes a decent infantry guy, yer also very lights on yer feet. And observant."
"I aint so sure about that part. Ya won't last long ifen it's that hard ta wakes you up."
*The Jackall reddens again.*
"Ya don't sleeps so soundily while on duty do you?"
"Most assuridily I don't."
"I had guard duty last night, and I was trying to brush up on my tactics to impress Sir Phaebin."
"You'd impress him more by getting some sleep."
"An it aint him you need to impress. It's me."
"Youse been recommended fer the scouts."
*All hint of blushing leaves Tovias's face.*
"The scouts? I'd rather not. I'm a calavaryman, as was my father, and his father before him."
"Um, it says in the report that your dad was a woodcutter."
*The redness returns.*
"Well yes. To make ends meet between wars."
"An that yer allergic to horses."
"A true mark of a knoght is to overcome all obsticles before them."
"Well then you'll makes a great one sometime."
"Cause I really don't thinks Gamis will let you rides into battle with him ifen you keep sneezing so hard you fall of yer horse every time ya try ta charge."
"That's a big obsticle."
*Hermy smiles.* "Why does you want to be a knight anyhows?"
"To do my duty to lord and land."
"Ya don'ts has ta be in the calvary to do that."
"At least I don't. Ifen you heards of me, then ya musta heard hows I saved the city a few times."
"I've heard a few rumors."
"An Ise lived a few rumors."
"I cin rides when I needs to. But mostly I does my city savings on foot."
"You don't scouts from horses very often. An ya get ta be the first to encounter the enemy."
"Scouts is the first line of defense against the bad guys."
"They does their duty to lord an land just as much as calvary guys do."
"Maybe even more so."
"Sneaking around, sniping and backstabbing is not honorable."
"Dieing cause you fall of yer horse aint honorable either."
"I suppose you coulds be a infantry type guy if ya really want too."
"They's pretty honorable. Drilling, an marching in groups an taking orders an stuffs likes that."
"It's honorable."
"Not as exciting as going out an surviving on yer own skills though."
*Tovias sighs.*
"You make an interesting case."
"Ise an interesting guy."
*Hermy smiles.*
"Ise not promising you you'll makes it as a scout. So far you aint been the most impressive guys Ise seen."
"But ifen ya shows up tomorrows at the trainin yard around noon, we'll sees ifen you cin make a better one."
*The jackall nods, Hermy nods back.*
"Makes sure ta get some sleep first. I don'ts want you falling asleep while youse hiding somewhere. As hard as it is to wakes you up, we mights not evers finds you."
*Tovias reddens yet again as Hermy turns around to go find his last prospective student.*
.o0(Hanse is gunna be hard ta finds. I'd better go try the obvious places first, cause he knows that's where I'd be least likely ta look.... Unless he forgots everything I taughts him.)
"No, sir," Roy responds, not leaving his ready stance and refusing to let the hit affect him. Instead he comes forward again, seeking a bind between the two swords and attempting to spin Gamis's out of his gauntlet. He earns a hilt strike to the inside of his upper sword arm, then the momentum of his attempted disarm is turned against him. The recruit's sword bounces once and lays still on the ground. Gamis sighs.
"Too much flair; way too much flair, Roy. Save it for later, when you've earned your coat. Now pick it up, and focus on parrying for now."
The paladin's swings at the recruit are almost indolent, which turns out to be his aim. Roy regains a little respect as his shield moves quickly enough to recover after a feint and stops Gamis's sword on its way to cracking him across the thigh. He's quick enough to turn and follow when the paladin sidesteps, though he catches the sword wrong on his shield this time and is staggered for just a moment, rocking back to his heels before one foot shoots backwards to steady him. But it makes his shield dip just enough for a thrust to slide inside his guard, his recovery deflecting it away from the center of his chest and Gamis's control stopping it in time to give Roy quite a firm poke under his collarbone that might have pierced him completely at full speed.
"Better, Roy," Gamis says as he reels back again. "Defense is your strength right now; I can feel it. Focus on that, then you can learn some flair. If it's brute force you want, too, see me later for that, but take a breather for now." The recruit salutes and steps away, finally starting to favor the leg that was struck during his bull rush. Gamis moves to the next student, this one a bear of a man, gripping a greatsword two-handed only because there were no padded greataxes.
"I could've pulled that disarm off on him, you know," Jaeger, sitting on a bench and oiling the chain of his flail, says to Roy as he sits at the other end and massages where Gamis's guard dug into his tricep. Roy turns his face to look at the other Jackal, eyes down, tattoo curling up to his ear and jaw and stretching out of sight into his collar, the faintest smirk on his countenance and the winter sun gleaming on his shaved head. Roy is immediately caught between his admiration of the more expert warrior, disdain at his attitude, and caution of his potentially viscious wrath.
"You've got that," Roy offers neutraly, indicating the flail. Jaeger smiles and twists it, moves it overhand in a lieusurely arc downward, the chain slowly wrapping around his own left wrist and the ball tapping against his skin. He pulls it back, unreeling the chain from his arm and rubs the oil left behind into his skin.
"I guess I do."
Feeling justified enough to try to take a chip off Jaeger's arrogance, "And I wouldn't necessarily count on it; he ripped that sword out of my hand like it was nothing," says Roy.
"Well..." the tattooed man says in a voice somewhere between easy silk and frozen honey, "Maybe it is nothing." He stands and walks away from the bench to a corner of the yard, twirling his flail liesurely as he goes, to practice with it more when he reaches his chosen spot. Roy does not look at him, and instead rolls the shoulder of his shield arm.
Prepares for the lesson in fighting skills by applying heavy layers of padding to halberd's sharp parts. Then spends few moments in half-meditation while waits for his instructor and opponent to arrive.
Ten minutes passes and no one enters one of smaller training rooms. His thoughts start to wander while waiting patiently for Eln Daswen to appear.
.oO(I've stayed too long put... drifted into tedium of settled life, like all the people I've seen on journeys. They are happy, but unhappy at the same time. They have accepted the false fact of impossibility for change.
They trust to preordained fate.
They trust that change will not happen.
They trust that with that they will live a better life.
I shall not become one of them.)
Jumps to his feet while spinning around with halberd's padded blade whistling through air. The blade stops with cloud clack and Codrian backpedals away from the man who blocked the strike with his padded sword.
Both men bow and then regard each other.
Eln: "Well met, Mr Enelevin. I assume you are ready for today's lesson."
Well met, master Daswen. Yes, I am ready.
Eln: "Do you know that or do you think so?"
I'd like to know, but alas I can't say that.
Eln: "Very good. You will know when you know. You need to concentrate more. Like you were casting one of your spells in the heat of the combat."
Yes.
Eln: "What did you eat for lunch?"
Wha...
*thud* [OOC: 4 points of subdual damage.]
Ooow...
Eln: "Never let your attention to stray when you have an armed opponent nearby. Now, shall we see what have you learned?"
Nods and empties his mind of stray thoughts.
Eln and Codrian start to circle each other slowly. Suddenly Eln launches his attack, slashing and jabbing with the padded sword furiously. Codrian whips his halberd from one position to another to parry them all save but one which he avoids by tumbling to side.
While he uses a fraction of a second to get his bearings, Eln is already beside him and Codrian avoids getting hit only by diving past Eln's off hand side. But then his luck ends and he feels the heavy swat of the padded sword striking his back. [OOC: 5 points of subdual damage.] Rolls to his feet and spins around to face Eln, who whirls his weapon back to his main hand.
Eln: "Never assume anything in the battle. You would be alive but bleeding steadily to death."
Eln speaks this while he radiply closes the distance once again. Codrian faces the attack with calmness that just seems to flow to himself from somewhere. Two or three of Eln's strikes come within inches of hitting but even these the half-elf avoids with surprising ease.
As the mock fight wounds on, Codrian starts to get tired and his breathing gets more like gasping. Feeling his strength and speed slowly ebbing, he is eventually unable to dodge Eln's backhand slash. The padded sword thuds to Codrian's temple and his staggers and drops down to knees. [OOC: 10 points of subdual damage.]
Holding the halberd at mid-shaft, shakes his head to clear away spinning lights from his eyes. Blinks and sees Eln rushing towards him like an opponent who is coming to finish his enemy. Whips the halberd around on a wide swing at Eln's kneecap level, while with left hand works through motions for a simple spell.
Binds together strands of magic and directs the spell with his mind. Shouting an arcane word of power, a sudden confusion appears on Eln's face before the fighter blunts the magical attack without breaking a stride.
But the spell serves its purpose and distracts Eln for a miniscule amount of time. The fighter starts to jump over the halberd blade but is too late and the blade strikes his ankle, disrupting the jump and he lands with grunt of pain.
They stop the fight to that and then Eln proceeds to guide Codrian through moves with the halberd. And teaches rudimentary sword-fighting skills to the half-elf as well. Leaves the Jackal barracks feeling battered and barely able to stand. Wobbles off towards the boardinghouse.
.o0(Ifen I was hiding here in the Jackal compound, an I didn't want me to find me, where woulds I be? hm.....)
*A smile crosses Hermy's face.*
.o0(I'd never even think of looking there!)
*Hermy breaks into a fast jog as he heads for one of the bunkrooms.*
*He enters the room without knocking. Several of the men give him a disaproving glare but Hermy shrugs it off and starts inspecting the bunks.*
*He finds who he is looking for in the seventh bunk down.*
*Hermy taps the sleeping man on the shoulder.*
"Heya Hanse.You didn't think that I'd think that you'd think I wouldn't think of looking here did you?"
*The young man in the bed opens his eyes and blinks a few times.*
"Hermy?"
"I was right, You didn't think that I'd..."
"What are you talking about?"
"About how good yer getting at this hiding thing. Not good enough ta out wits me though."
"Hiding thing?.. I'm just trying to get some sleep. I pulled a double guard duty last night."
"If I was hiding I wouldn't do it in my bed would I?"
"You woulds ifen ya was trying ta hides from someone less skilled then me."
*Hanse shakes his head.*"Are you always this confussing, or just when I need sleep?"
"Ise a master of being sneaky. Ise always confusing."
"I don't doubt it.... ummm, just what are you doing here anyhow? I know the Silver Sword is helping train the newer recruits like me, but if I recall you aren't much of... You're traing the new scouts aren't you?"
*Hanse sits up in bed. Hermy nods.*
"Yup. Ise training the new scouts. So I guess you'll finally get ta finish yer lessons with me."
"Say, whatever dids hapen with that girls dad? He didn't kill you I' guessing."
*Hanse shakes his head.* "Ah, what?"
"Last times I saws you you was trying to avoid that girls dad. You remember. The one you was spying on?"
*Hanse blushes.*
"Oh, that... I joined the army that went to fight Kahn's forces. He wasn't going to go after me with a couple hundred armed me guarding my back if you know what I mean."
"After that, I worked a bit for various people, and then when I heard the Jackal's were recruiting I signed up."
"I used you as a referance. I hope you don't mind?"
"Of course not. Compareded ta the students I gots now... Well there aint no comparision. I aint never had to worry about you burning down the guild."
*Hermy looks around the room and finally notices that he is keeping several of the men awake blushes.*
"Ummm, I'd better let you guys get some sleeps."
"Hanse, I wants you ta join the scouts. Yer a natural fer it."
"If yer interested. be at the training grounds tomorrows at noon."
*Hanse smiles back.*"I'll be there."
*Hermy nods and then waves as he leaves the bunkroom.*
*He yawns as he leaves the compound, and heads home towards the Silver Sword Guild.*
.o0(I'd better get some sleeps too. I don'ts wants ta falls asleep while Ise training thems guys. Especially not on the first day.)
*Brief introductions are made, and a game of hide and seek begins.*
*It doesn't take long for Hermy to find them all, but against each other they all do fairly well. After everyone has had a turn at being "it", teams are choosen for a game of flag capture.*
*Hermy's team, consisting of Tovias, Harvan, and Zenobia wins three out of five times,. Minto's squad, Enialis, Tybalt, Hanse, and of course Minto win the other two. But only due to Enialis.*
*After the fifth match, Hermy dismisses the scouts and he and Minto prepare to leave.*
"So whats did you thinks of them?"
"I think you put me with the unsociable guys on purpose."
"Well of course. Ifen I had put you an Tovias tagether we could have heard you too talking about hats from ten miles away."
"Putting him with you didn't seem to stop that. You might want to tell him not to hide in the stables. Enilias found him everytime do to the sneezing."
"I'll tell him."
"I'll also tells Hanse an Tybalt ta stop trying ta show off fer Zenobia. They made it to easy fer her ta find them."
"Ya didn't tell them about the other way of training did you?"
"I might have mentioned it. But only to tell them that wasn't how you were going to be training."
"Did Enialis ever say anything?"
"No, I was very tempted to open his mouth to see if he even has a tongue."
"He didn't even comment on my joke about the elf and the gnome at the brewery."
*Hermy chuckles.*"That's a good one."
"How did your guys do?"
"Not as good as I had hoped. Harvan moves quietly but he isn't very patient. And Zenobia aint got the sharpest eyes ever."
"And Tovias?"
"I don't think he really wants to be a scout. We mights have to cut him."
"An thats too bad. Hes got great reflexes. Just no discipline."
"I got that impression as well."
*The two halflings leave the compound. Talking as they go.*
"So the next practise is going to be tomorrow night? What are we going to do tomorrow?"
"Sleep. Cause tonight, I think I coulds really use a drink or two."
"Teaching is harder work then I thoughts."
"Ok, today, er tonight wese gunna try something new."
*Hermy holds out a sheet of paper.*
"Ise gunna show you all this map I mades. An you needs ta try ta memoryizes it."
"And then meets up at the place where the big "X" is in the morning."
"But not befores then. Ises hads a few members of the Silver Sword out an abouts hunting fer ya. An ifen they catches you, then ya has ta come back here. An ya won'ts be allowed ta join the rest of us fer breakfast."
"An believes me, the breakfast I has planned is a lot betters then what you'll gets here."
*Minto gives Hermy a quick look before nodding in agreement.*
"Ise also gots a few things hidden around town fer ya ta find. An fer each one of these..." *Hermy holds out a discarded roof shingle with a red "H" painted on it.* "... ya finds, I'll sees ifen I cin get yer commanders ta gives ya extra days off from yer regular duties."
*A few f the scouts crack smiles at the idea.*
"Ok, I hopes ta sees ya in a few hours."
*Hermy grins.*
"An I hopes ya don'ts sess me before that."
"Allright, gets out there."
*[i]The six scouts exit the compound and dissapear into the shadows.*
*Minto looks at Hermy.*
"A few members of the Silver Sword?..."
"Yup, me an you."
"Thats a few aint it?"
*Minto shrugs, and then the two wait for a few minutes before heading out to find their students.*
"Hi...do you know where I can Sir Gamis Pfaebinn?"
*Aric nods, and turns to leave, but turns back to the clerk*
"I really need to see him, it's very urgent. Please."
*Aric sets his jaw firm, and will not move until he sees Gamis*
*Hermy catches the attention of a Jackal squire walking by and calls him over.*
"Coulds you finds someone ta tell the scouts wese leaving now?"
"Ummm, that would be Zenobia, Tybalt, Tovias, Harvan, Enialis, and Hanse."
"I needs them ta assemble here for a briefer."
*The squire nods, and runs off to find messangers.*
*Hermy turs to Tiv.*
"Thanks Tiv. You shoulds get back ta the guild now. You know how dangerous them chickens cin be without proper supervision."
*Tiv laughs, salutes and then laughs even harder.*
"See you soon Hermy. I'll keeop Majors food dish full."
"Thanks."
*Tiv exits the Jackal compound and Hermy waits for his troops to arrive.*
After quickly adjusting the contents, the young man headed out to the courtyard.
Hanse yawned broudly as he decended the steps.
"Good afternoon Hermy," the trainee called.
Originally posted by Aric
"Yeah...at the Silver Sword Adventurers Guild."
*Aric nods, and turns to leave, but turns back to the clerk*
"I really need to see him, it's very urgent. Please."
*Aric sets his jaw firm, and will not move until he sees Gamis*
The clerk's eyebrows climb a little, and he catches sight of the note still in Aric's hand. "May I...? Ah, I see. Alright, no problem; wait one moment." He calls a name up the hall, and a squire comes trotting up. "Please inform Sir Pfaebinn that there's someone to see him." The squire nods and heads off down the halls, returning a few scant moments later.
"Right this way," the squire says to Aric, and leads him through the compound, out into the training yards where Gamis stands at the head of his class, the trainees in ranks before him. The paladin smiles and waves to the giant, clanking over to shake his hand.
"Aric! Glad to see you got my note." He looks his friend over once. "New armor?"
"Hey! Hi Hanse. Hope yer ready fer an adventure."
"The rest of rhe scouts aint here yet. But they should be soon."
"I hope they don't take too long. The sammiches are getting stale."
"Yes sir, it was one of the treasures taken from the undead fortress, along with this new axe."
*Aric holds up his new axe for Gamis to see*
He makes a gesture that takes in the arrayed Jackal recruits. "This is my class Lord Malifaeyr has me training. Recruits, this is Aric, friend of mine from the Silver Sword. If you ever want to learn how to handle an axe right, he's your man.
"Da'Vane's working with that horse today, or else I'd introduce you to him..."
Gamis instructs the class to open with some sparring while he clanks over to one of the benches, beckoning Aric to follow. "You remember that pit we pulled Redrik out of, of course..."
"How could I forget..."
*Aric remembers the many near-death experiencing that he, and his comrades incountered*
"Why?"
"So I need to go back. Miri will be coming, and probably Da'Vane. I'd like to have Darkar's friend Silmarwen along, too, since I hear she's a pretty strong priest. And I'd like to have you along, as well. You've been there, too."
*Aric remembers Silmarwen's healing abilities*
"Yes...Silmarwen is quite a powerful healer, we were saved by her powers many times at the undead fortress."
"We can count on you going with, then?"
*Aric clasps his hand, and then looks over at the new recruits*
"Any of them look promising?"
"There's Roy..." He indicates the wiry young man with unruly, straight red hair, putting up a terrific defense against his partner. "Definitely improving. Looking like he'll be styled like Darkar and Aria, except for using two weapons.
"Gustaf there reminds me of you in a lot of ways." He lifts his chin at the burly recruit wielding a greatsword against his own shadow, training himself for speed.
*Aric makes a mental note to speak to Gustaf sometime, and compare styles and techniques*
"So when will we head off?"
"Until then, I think the class wouldn't be adverse to some pointers from you on two-handed weapons."
.oO(mmm... too much damned hay.....but not worse than pine needles)
*Slowly goes around corner and slinks into shadows and goes forward with his attempt*
.oO (mmm
)*watches the diffrent beasts of burden shifting weight between their feet. Continues on syncronizing his steps with the animals.*
.oO (
lets let him hear this[*He turns to the recruits, and looks at them all over*
"My name is Aric, and I've been asked by Sir Pfaebinn to instruct you on weilding two-handed weapons, or your weapon two-handedly."
*He looks at Gustaf, and Gustaf gives back a look of respect, knowing that he can already weild his sword fine, but well still participate in the lesson*
"Step number one, hold your weapon with both hands."
Quietly: "That's why it's called using it two-handedly..."
*He watches them all grab their different weapons with their hands, some more awkward then others, but doesn't seem too difficult for the most part*
"Once you've got a firm grip on the handle, take your weapon and hold it behind you, and swing forward..."
*Aric shows a few strokes with his axe, and it seems very basic, and the recruits dont seem very impressed*
*He then proceeds to show all sorts of flowing techniques that don't seem possible with the heavy axe, going from low to high, side to side, and in diagonal arcs*
*This definitly impresses the recruits, especially Gustaf, and he watches with an intent willingness to learn*
"Now go to the practice dummies and start with some basic swings."
*He watches them for a few minutes, going to each of them individually, making sure they are getting the basics, and he chooses to go with Gustaf last*
*Aric shows him more advanced techniques, such as an upper-cut strike, followed by a downwards strike to the head*
"The first one is to slice the body, or cleave your entire way through...the second strike is to crush their skull. This can be used in reverse, either way is fine."
*Aric sees Gustaf's look of bewilderment, and smiles*
"Sorry...too much at once. Just work on the first strike for now, and take your time."
*Aric watches Gustaf for a few more minutes, helping him work on his technique, and then tells him to continue on*
*Aric goes back to where Gamis is standing, and puts his hand on his shoulder*
"I don't know if I was cut out for teaching Gamis..."
*Hanse has no clue why he is winking, he can't hear the footsteps.*
*He waits until he hears the footsteps getting closer, and then turns around, quickily identifying the sneak as Harvan, and flings the clod at his chest.*
"Heh! Yer lucky I aint an orc. ^Ya made enough noise ta wake the dead. "
"Not that thats very hard. I gots a lot of expeirance with dead people. And they don't sleep as soundly as you'd think."
"That's a good lesson, though." Gamis smiles.
*Aric looks back at the group, then to Gamis*
"I think I'd better get back to the guild...I'll wait for further notice from you there."
*He smiles to his old comrade, and shakes his hand*
"Bye Gamis."
Of all the snapping in all of this stable....you pick out my snapping? An what was the clod for?
.oO (oh bugger.... he doesn't hear me in the hall when I'm walking along like any normal person. But he hears me when I'm trying not to be heard
...lucky he's on our side.*Flicks off the rest of the dirt scornfully and steps forward and snaps into a salute*
Harvan reporting Sir Hermy.....what did I do wrong sir?
"I caughts ya cause I did somethin' right."
"No matter how perfects you is, sometimes someone else is more perfect."
"Lucks a big factor in things."
"Thats why wese gots to do our best ta get the luck on our side."
*Fights a sneez again, sneezes, gets a hold of himself, and finally speaking up...looking down at the much smaller, much shorter halfling.*
"Tovias Handle reporting for duty Sir, fully rested and ready to sneak like a true knight!"
*Sneezes again.*
"Goods to hear yer well rested."
"Yer gunna needs it."
"This aint gunna be an easy mission, an I aint gunna take it easier on none of you."
"The bad guys won't so I don't want you guys getting use to it."
*Hermy takes the reins of the horse and leads it twenty feet further away from Tovias.*
"You'll get no special treatments from me."
"I am fine...*sneezes*... around the hourse, sir. I can handle it, just need to get... *sneezes*... used to being around her."
"You are absolutely right, a knight needs no s-s-s-*sneezes*-special treatment, and that includes me."
*Hermy pulls a handkerchief out of his pocket and hands it to Tovias.*
"Youse got a boogy."
"I'm ok."
*Wipes his nose.*
"So long as when we're sneakin' around we don't have to be around any horses we're ok."
*Goes to sneez again, this time fighting it with a tremendous effort. This causes a very bizzar twist of looks in his face before he breaks the sneez and realizes he is being watched.*
*Comes to attention once more.*
"We'll take turns leading it."
"Well except fer you Tovias. I didn't bring enough handkerchiefs fer that."
*Hermy picks something out of his hair and flicks it to the ground.*
"As soon as Zenobia, Enialis, and Tybalt get here we'll head out."
"We'll try to get there pretty fast, but Ise gunna wants ta test youse guys a bit on the way."
"Maybe has you do a little hunting while wese moving. Hunting an scouting is kinda similar."
"Ise got sammiches ta eat as we walks today, an some beans we cin cook up tonight when we stops to camp. But we mights want somethin ta go with the beans."
"Not too much of one though."
"Just a few free drinks, an food."
"But thats more then you usually get for heroicx deeds."
"Mostly the reward fer them is the feeling you done the right thing."
"An likes I tolds you before back at the Guild, helping a family get back together is the right thing."
"I feel very important to take on such a deed. Family is a value worth protecting, indeed."
*He says with an air of nobility, then almost sneezes but catches himself with a grimmace.*
He emerges from the standing meditative state and flexes and stretches each of his hands once, then curls them into fists and flexes his arms at the armored elbow, then at the shoulder, each successive stretch raising more noise from his mail. He rolls his neck in a circle to the left, then to the right, then lets it drop forward so his smooth-shaved chin rests against the upper edge of his breastplate, then back so the short-cropped back of his skull rests against the neck guard. Then his head comes back to center upright and his eyes close, like he's dropping back into the meditation again, except he can feel his energy awakened and ready.
His eyes open as his legs shift, lowering him into his combat stance, and his right gauntlet goes for his sword at his hip. The blade sings its metallic rasp as it slides from the scabbard, then is silent, the rigid construction of guard and grip making no sound, any that would be there overshadowed by the shifting clanks of his mail as his arms, shoulders, and hips move.
The sword, gleaming with magic and patterned like a woman's straight, flowing hair, cuts the chill air with a heavy swoop. Gamis's left shoulder dips and his shield swings into place while he follows the slash with another against the air in front of him, then a thrust followed by a pommel strike as he steps in and around. Keep the blade moving, don't stop the weave, let the blue steel move in a sure, strong, fast pattern and spill a sudden, ragged, red patch of blood... The words play through his mind as he obeys them, mixing that pattern and preventing predictability, putting his full intent to strike, end the fight quickly, batter at the defenses until they succumb, into each choice of where the sword is going to go.
When he ends, his skin feels cold and slightly itchy from the exertion and his chest and abdomen fill and empty steadily. Grass is trampled by his boots and steam flows from his nostrils in regular intervals. The sword rasps again as it slides back into its place at his waist and his shield clunks as it settles to its own spot over his shoulder. The paladin closes his eyes for a moment again, repeats the flexion he performed at the opening of his exercise, then sighs and turns to go.
The class's hulk, Gustaf, has gained the nickname "Urs" with a few recruits and it's starting to stick with the rest of them, too. He's taking up his share of the yard quite well with his partner, who is stubbornly deflecting attacks with his shield despite the wear that's starting to show on him from the exercise. Gustaf's axehaft proves not to be as effective at stopping hits, but you could hardly tell from the way he accepts each strike that slides inside his guard. "Just remember that the real thing makes you bleed, Urs," Gamis advises him. "It wears you down faster. Very good shield-handling, Collin. Carry on."
Roy is enjoying himself, and his partner Gere is getting frustrated. The latter's sword can't seem to hit the former. His aim is good, but the redhead is proving to be just too nimble. Much to his credit, Gere purges the anger and smiles fiercely instead as he continues to poke at the bobbing, weaving, and psycheing Roy. "Hold still, you damn wriggly brat!" he demands. Roy merely grins and tries to riposte.
Jaeger is muttering goadingly while Gamis is out of earshot to his partner. Their shields are proving adequate to stop most attacks, but Jaeger's advantage and the insults are starting to wear on the other man, Sturl. His face is reddening around an impressive moustache for such a young man, but thus far he hasn't gotten sloppy.
"C'mon, Sturl, aren't getting tired, are you? Oughtta spend more time with your girl and get that spring in your step, if you know what I mean. Oh, wait, you wouldn't, would you... Ask your mum sometime. She'll tell you everything she learned from me."
"Go to hell, Jaeger," Sturl snarls, making his first reply since the nagging started.
Jaeger's reply is swift, and it would be apparent that he's been waiting all along for this moment. His practice flail wraps around Sturl's ankle, and he yanks. The moustached recruit goes onto his back, hard, with a whoof. The tattooed one leans in closer slightly as he unreels the chain from his partner's foot.
"You got something to say to me, worm?" he asks nastily. His eyes flick up and he leans away again when he hears Gamis turn towards him and affects a look of innocence.
"That will do, Jaeger," his teacher says flintily. "I'll only have truly accidental injuries in my class."
"I don't know what you're talking about, sir." Jaeger replies.
"... Forgetting what happens to liars in this order, Lengris?" Gamis asks dangerously, using his last name. "I'd advise you not to try it again. You're already to report to the quartermaster directly for whatever services he feels you'd be useful for, for two hours."
"Wha--"
"Of course, if you prefer, I could send you to him tomorrow, instead. I hear there's quite a fidgety business of patching Jackal tents, backpacks, tarpaulins, uniforms... He's been meaning to get that done for a while; could take one two days to finish it all. And there's always KP, if you know what I mean."
"... Yes, sir."
"Dismissed."
Jaeger leaves the training yard, a conniption steaming just under a surface stretched taut as a drum.
The remainder of the class resumes their practice, silent for several beats, holding off on any muttering. When the sparring is over Gamis moves them to archery for the remainder of the day, and then dismisses them.
He stands in the empty yard for a minute as he sighs and looks around, letting the class get a head start on dispersing. Then he enters the compound, and instead of heading directly through, he makes a stop at the Jackal crypt and enters soberly. So much occupied space... How many more are unburied? The dead wrap him in their silence, seeming not to mind his breathing stirring the air among them.
"You're dead and buried here, and all that pernicious bastard is worried about is thumping his chest," he tells them softly and regretfully. "I'm sorry."
He looks down at the coffins of Jager and Treble, the two Jackals he knew best at any point. His eyes move over the scant measures of unoccupied space in the vault. The paladin bows his head and murmurs several lines in Celestial, then makes his exit somberly.
Take sometime to rest and then see if you can find someone at the hightower to identify the magical items for us please, Silmarwen.
I have to submit what we found to Lord Malifaeyer.
"It will be difficult to gain access to the royal family and the drudic advisors to learn insight about the prophecy and any information about the pass. The elves there tend shun non elves in general even those related to someone living there.
Upon returning from a tour of the city, the day after we arrived, we encountered a strange fog around the Ch'radryn home. Our guide seemed to think nothing of it. There was a strange popping sound and then screams of people in pain and terror.
Two strange creatures were carving a path of carnage to the Ch'radryn household. Silmarwen, Silis Liew, and myself set out to stop the creatures. They were tall reptilian creatures with a strange looking snakebeard.
It was a hard pressed battle that looked to go against us until Silmarwen summoned bronze bison to aid us, and Lord Ch'radryn himself came to our aid.
Upon tending to a wounded guard we found a note demanding that we deliver Dakarai, NaShae and Kywyn's son to the Abreyaken Ruins by the order of Evuzhin.
None of us had heard the name before, and with careful planning we thought of a way to fool them. Using my hat that can alter appearances, good coaching and other magic. I was able to pretend to be their son when we got to the ruins.
We were greeted by a guard that told us Praen was waiting for the child below. Apparently Praen is a mage that was in league with a man named Gatchni who were successful in trying to speed NaShae's pregnancy and age her son prematurely.
Gatchni is the man that NaShae and Ashina encountered in the graveyard near the mother's temple. It was the cause of the incident that got her in trouble for trying to hide the truth.
Believing that I was Dakarai they took me to Praen. The others hastened after me as soon they could make the way safe for themselves. When I was delivered to Praen I attacked him. Startled that a child could injure him so he vanished. Searching his room I heard him behind a door.
By the time I had gotten the door open the others had caught up with me. We went down a very narrow corridor to another locked door. Inside was a 30 ft x 30 ft domed room with a circle imprinted on the floor. Facing us at the front edgo of the circle was a pair of bronze door. At the peak of the dome was a large crystal that was the source of light in the room.
At the center of the circle was a young woman claiming to be a prisoner of Praen. We were reluctant to react since we could not see Praen. She told us that Praen was invisible and hiding. Silmarwen dispelled the magic that hid Praen from us and the battle began.
Durning the battle the girl, worked some form of charm on me and convinced me to help her. I learned that she was trapped in the circle and needed a half-elf or half-orc child to magically open locks and then open the bronze doors unaided before the next three days passed. Apparently she had a small window of opprotunity to escape.
After the battle and burning Praen's body as they wished. More of the reptile creatures appeared. Upon a brief stop back to the city we had learned that they were devils and silver could harm them. Demanding the child be brought to Evuzhin now, the creature disappeared.
Shortly after I realized what Evalie had done to me and came to the conclusion that she was Evuzhin. We returned to try and finish off the threat to Dakarai. Negotiations broke down when more devils appeared and tried to kill Silmarwen and Silis guarding our escape.
We went to rush to our comrades aid when Evuzhin grabbed NaShae without our knowing about it. One devil was killed and so was Silis, while Kywyn returned to check on NaShae. Silmarwen and I returned to the room to see a huge woman with feathery wings in the circle with NaShae underfoot and the girl gone.
This was apparently Evuzhin's true form. We learned that a wizard from a long time ago had imprisoned her there. We were at a serious disadvantage. She agreed to leave us be if we freed her. However we were too far from Ennorath in order to bring the boy to her in time.
She said get a mage to help us. I could only think of you milord of being able to accomplish this task, but apparently Kywyn knew of someone else who could. While we were waiting for hostage to be chosen, an unknown voice spoke silently to all us of offering aid. Soon a bright blinding light stunned Evuzhin and killed the other devil protecting her giving us time to attack.
Evuzhin released a dark cloud that sickened and weakened us, but the mysterious voice who helped us appeared floating in the room and drove away the cloud. Kywyn kept touching Evuzhin, and she seemed to loose vitality when he did. The battle was quick as she succumbed to Kywyn's touches.
Silmarwen and I discussed that this was disturbing considering that Evuzhin was a creature from Demmion's realm and the devils that were at her beck and call. Silmarwen thought it odd that none of them dissappeared after their deaths.
I do not know enough about the arcane to know if this was good or bad, but Silmarwen assured me that this news was disturbing. It seemed in the cities best interest to inform you Lord Malifaeyer of this turn of events.
Finishing the report Darkar personally delivers it to Lord Malifaeyer for a change of pace.
.oO(I have gotten out of practice of daily meditation, perhaps that is why Evuzhin was able to influence my mind.)
In his mind's eye he is alone floating unencumbered. Relaxing he exhales focusing on his breathing.
.oO(Calm is created from the first breath in, without controled respiration a warrior becomes winded. That leads to muscle fatigue and loss of focus. Without focus the warrior loses his edge in the battle. If you are not in control of yourself then you are open to outside influences.)
Darkar continues his meditative excercises for about a half of an hour before he moves from his spot on the floor.
.oO(Focus your mind and shut out the cold.)
Darkar's breath escapes into the air like steam. The wind picks up and it is like pinpricks across his skin. Still he takes his sword and shadow fights an imaginary opponent.
To Silmarwen, Advisor to Darkar Shadowood, Greetings.
The items you left for identification have been classified as follows:
Bracers providing protection of a magical nature, to be worn in lieu of Armor.
A Potion of transmutation, allowing the imbiber to walk in all conditions while leaving no tracks or scent, for a time of three hours. A vial of acid, a vial of anti-toxin.
A Glove, to be worn on the right hand, which can store one object. Said object must be not more than twenty pounds and of a shape to be held in one hand. The command word is 'blueberry.'
A Rapier of moderate power.
Blueberry? she says aloud while eating.
Actually, that is blackberry jam with the bread. chimes a helpful recruit passing by.
Quickly finishing eating she heads back to the Hightower to pick up the items.
.oO(Hopefully they will be at home.)
He is colder now that he has stopped sweating and exerting himself and can not control the involuntary shiver from the cold. Putting his shirt back on he heads back to his room to clean up.
Who is it?
He recognizes Silmarwen's voice.
Alright give me a few minutes more and I will meet you in the lobby.
When Darkar arrives they leave the compound.
Report of scouting training activities outside Garic's City under command of Sir Hermy Woodhome, addressed to Commander Azad, made by Sq. Enialis Oakenheel
Departed Garic's. Outside the city, began training exercises on the road to our destination. Sir Woodhome showed most impressive expertise in this forte. No difficulties encountered thus far during journey of several days.
Arrived at destination, village intended family to escort resided at. First noticed damage to farm fields and buildings--holes knocked in the latter, turf torn up in the former. Also oversized humanoid footprints. Inspected these fields while Sir Woodhome proceeded ahead to town center, where noise of laughing came from. Scouts followed and came upon group of three juvenile giants (stated to be frost giants by villagers) making selves comfortable in central square. Group attacked giants on Sir Woodhome's order. Giants promptly defeated scouting group. Sq. Tybalt slain instantly. Self cut down, but survived. Awoke several hours later in village inn, with other surviving scouts. Sir Woodhome explained intentions to lead giants, which he had apparently tricked verbally,
Enialis lifts his quill with a frown here as he recalls Hermy never saying where he was leading the giants. He sits back and thinks for a minute. Then he gets up and walks through the compound again, seeking the records of the compound. "Maps," he asks of the clerk he finds.
Clerk:
(pushing back his spectacles) "Excuse me?"
"Maps," he repeats stonily.
Clerk:
.oO(Okay, I can do monosyllabic, too.) "Why?"
"To find something," the scout replies.
Clerk:
"Well, you're out of luck, I'm afraid, because we're fresh out of treasure maps with a big black X marking the spot where you dig."
Enialis simply glares. Silence hangs in the air for many seconds. The clerk's indignation fades and he clears his throat.
Clerk:
"At any rate, we don't have much here in the way of maps. You'd want the palace, probably. Don't you know this?"
"I'm new."
Clerk:
"Ah... Well, maybe you should talk to your superior officer about this."
"I want the map to make my report to him."
Clerk:
"I see... Well, my recommendation is still that you try the palace's archives."
"Alright." The elf turns and leaves the office, proceeding to the main palace. He cites 'Jackal business' to the guards, then finds his next clerk. "Maps," he says again.
Clerk 2:
"Ah... Where?"
For a brief moment Enialis looks as though he wants to break something stout and oaken over someone's round and squishy head before elven stoicism closes over his countenance like interweaving larch boughs. "Are there or are there not maps here?" he asks through gritted teeth, releasing each syllable like a miser dropping coins one at a time from a white-knuckled fist into the infuriatingly necessary, open palm of a borrower.
Clerk 2:
"Y-y-yes, there are, I simply wanted to ask maps of where? The city? W-we don't have maps of everywhere, after all."
"... North of the city. Two days' walk."
Clerk 2:
"Al-lright. I'll see what there is. Just wait right here, and I'll take you to a table you can use..."
The scout stares straight ahead for several minutes, then the clerk returns.
Clerk 2:
"Follow me, please."
He leads Enialis to a table, where a few rolled maps are sitting atop a low table.
Clerk 2:
"Here you are. Let me know when you're done, and it's time to put them back."
The elf does not reply, and merely unrolls the first map, pins its corners down with paperweights, and looks it over. Several minutes of frowning later, he goes back to the clerk.
"Closer to the city."
With a slightly exasperated sigh, he brings out another map. Enialis spreads it out and spends some time comparing and looking between the two. He turns and exits the room, giving a nod to the clerk, then exiting the palace and returning to his in-progress report.
apparently tricked verbally into following him off into the wilderness. He did not state where to us, but was confident of coming back to the city. He headed in a southeasterly direction from our location, and consulting maps leads this scout to think he might be heading towards Hents Manavelins.
Scouting group departed the village, heading back to Garic's. This scout went ahead, procuring a horse, to bring the news early.
He reads it over once, then picks the report up and puts it into the paper train leading up to Azad. Then he goes about cleaning himself up and eating after the journey.
He makes several laps around the compound before the sun peeks over the walls. As the sun creeps over the wall, Darkar rounds the corner near an icy patch. The glare of the sun off the ice momentarily blinds the elf and he can not see where he is jogging.
Darkar can feel himself slipping on the ice and instinctively he tucks and starts to roll with the fall to minimize the imminent impact with the ground. There is a twinge of pain in his knee and ankle on his right leg as they hit the ground first.
His roll lands him against the wall of the compound. As he unfolds his limbs there is a dull throb of pain in his right leg. Standing he finds that he is unable to put his full weight on his injured leg. Darkar limps gingerly back inside to his room.
.oO(How very astute of him. What is the halfling intending?)
After a few inquiries Azad sits for a time to review a few documents from the last year.
.oO(A very reasonable assumption. Time to talk with Sir Darkar.)
After tending to a few other matters, he seeks out the elf.
.oO(I hope that she is up already.)
Silmarwen's morning prayers are interrupted by the knocking at her door. Getting up she walks to the door and opens it finding Darkar leaning on the door frame. She is mildly annoyed, "I know he has seen me take the time for prayer each morning shortly after sun up. What could be so important to disturb me so early?"
Can I help you Darkar?
I seemed to have fallen and strained my knee and ankle this morning when I fell on the ice. I was wondering if you could take a look at it. He grimaces in pain as he puts to much weight on his leg yet again.
Silmarwen stands there stunned for a moment, before she manages a slight laugh.
Advisor, friend, healer.... I should ask your father for a raise. Wait in your room for about an hour until I finish my morning prayers and then I will take a look at your leg.
.oO(I wonder if he will ever grow up?)
About an hour later Silmarwen comes to see Darkar, she looks over his injuries. Carefully she wraps his knee and ankle.
I would tell you Darkar to take it easy and rest to let your leg heal, but I seriously doubt that you will do that.
Placeing her hands on his knee she invokes healing energies and let them flow into his leg.
That should take care of the pain, but take it easy for awhile or you will risk reinjury or worse.
I am going to Ordemet's temple to research the maw now. Hopefully the lead that I found will pan out.
.oO(I wonder if "again" belongs there?)
"--and been kidnapped by giants. Fortunately, it seems likely that he is heading in a direction familiar to you."
I see.... Where is it that he is headed?
He coughs nervously.
"With several giants in toe, I must note. I don't know what he has planned, however. I'd bring this to Lord Malifaeyr's attention, but he is still out investigating ruins you mentioned to him. It will be difficult to get ahead of the giants, considering their lead time, not without endangering horses or magical assistance."
Sighs
He is leading them to Hents Manevelins..... Do you have the report that I can read?
.oO(Perhaps there is a clue in there....)
Azad hands Darkar Enialis' report.
"Training in stealth..... impressed with Hermy's skills"
continues reading on
"Damage to fields and buildings with oversized humanoid footprints."
.oO(He must have believed that the town was in need of rescuing. I can see no other reason he would have done this.)
"Attacked giants but were out matched easily, and lost Squire Tybalt....."
.oO(Hermy as emotional as he is would have hated to lose someone that was under his wing.)
"Hermy apparently tricked the giants to follow him somewhere, and Squire Enialis believes that it is Hents Manelevins."
Carefully considers the information that is in the report before he expresses his ideas.
From what I know about Hermy, I would guess that he is extremely upset about not being able to help the village which he probably was thought was in danger based on the descriptons I have read.
Next with Squire Tybalt being slain would only make things worse. I can only formulate ideas from here on out. It seems that somehow he has either tricked them or convinced them to head to Hent Manelevins. He knows that there are dragons and the blood troll there plus who knows what else.
Three giants could cause quiet a bit of hassle there. Either the giants die and Hermy is free of them or they could rid us of some of the stronger adversaries and whittle away the forces that they have. However this is just speculation, I have no idea how tough a giant is since I have never encountered one.
"However, I'm inclined to believe that this offers us an opportunity. If Sir Woodhome can be liberated, we may be able to sneak a small team into the pass. I believe you travelled that way once with Sir Woodhome, his reviled brother, and... there was a barbarian, a... started with a D...
"Anyway, rescuing Sir Woodhome is the main objective, and to do that, we need to get someone to the pass before he arrives. Lord Malifaeyr could do it, and if we still had Dame Shalla's helm, we could at least get one person there. Would anyone in the Silver Sword be capable of shifting from one place to another quickly? I know that Dame Mirielle has been progressing swiftly in her studies, and the ... the shopkeeper -- excuse me, Nadania or something, I believe? -- also knows a few arcane mysteries. Do you think either of them would be willing or able to get a small group to the pass by tomorrow? The barbarian, I'm told, could be useful, as he is a decent tracker, or we could inform Enialis that the training is over and send him on his first assignment."
That would be Donnavin, and yes he is a good tracker. You mean Natala I think. If she has the ability to do that I would not know, but I can ask her or Mirielle.
He continues back to his room and grabs his cloak and exits the compound heading for Natala's store.
Gamis seeks out Azad in his office and shares his plans to go to Hardaja once an item is finished, and Natala's assertion that she will help with training any Jackals in the ways of healing, if the order is interested. After the brief talk, he proceeds back to his class.
[current time]
Gamis and Da'Vane emerge from Sir Azad's office in the afternoon, having made arrangements to pronounce his class ready for duty. He stopped by to draw his pay finally after giving Azad notice of his plans to be out of town for several days for a venture. The Jackal tells him as he leaves that there will be a batch of new recruits ready to begin the first days of their training when he gets back.
The paladins leave the Jackal compound with wishes for good luck from Azad. Gamis tells his squire to spend tomorrow however he would like, and to meet him at the Silver Sword on the following morning, from whence they'll head for Hardaja.
.oO(I probably should travel light.)
He works on putting his armor and slings on his cloak over his shoulder. Next Darkar takes both short swords and the rapier. He takes only his longbow and a single quiver of arrows. One rope and his lockpicks.
Hopefully this will be enough......
Darkar now hurries back to Natala's shop.
"We've just returned from a mission. Can Lord Malifaeyr see us? There's information to be shared."
An hour later, the paladin receives word that his lordship will see him.
"Lord Malifaeyr, thank you for seeing us. We were successful in gathering some information--not as specific as I'd hoped for, but definitely useful."
"Then I look forward to hearing this fpr myself as well," says the lord. "Please go on."
"We reached Hardaja within a day and entered it to see if we could at least find Mome--the caretaker of the place; he's mentioned in Gaya Hoon's letter, I believe--and talk to him. He wanted something in exchange for giving us information on the Eternal Flame, which was to be expected, and named a magical helmet we'd find somewhere below the temple deeper in Hardaja. We had a brief look around the start of our path and went as far as a cliff we'd have to climb down to reach the temple. Some undead were lurking down there at the foot of it, and Miri attended to routing them before we turned back and made camp for the night to get an early start.
"Next day we got down the cliff, into the temple's foyer... attended to some incorporeal undead and swarms of centipedes... There was one room off the anteroom there that had some sort of patchwork... zombie, or something. That's actually what it reminded me of, a bunch of corpse pieces stitched and nailed together. Anyway, the only avenue we could take was a stairway leading down into mist. Everything else was collapsed. The mist was something strange; it blocked Mirielle's link with her familiar while Ixchal was in the mist and Miri wasn't. With all of us in it, though, it seemed to be fine. We followed the stairwell down and passed through a freestanding archway of some sort into... Well, it's a bit difficult to explain. On the other side of that arch, it didn't feel like the Maw of Hardaja--there wasn't that brooding, looming sense of darkness all around you. The entire place, wherever we were, was filled with mist; we could only see so far ahead of ourselves. Though, there were breaks to the sky that showed the moon--yes, though the temple and the whole Maw is underground. The ground was this smoothish black stone, mostly level, it seemed. That arch reminded me of the doorway Sir Shadowood mentioned in his report on the undead keep, the one that teleported him to the basement or another distant room; I can't recall which it was at the moment.
"Now... We picked a direction to head in and just struck out, marking the way back by notching the ground. We didn't get far when we were attacked by two scorpions the size of horses. They were all covered in spines, red and black patches, and lumps in their armor; they distinctly reminded me of the centipedes we were dealing with here in the city last year, so I think they were fiendish in origin. Killed them, then had to handle a gigantic one that had that same demonic cast as her brood we'd just killed. Besides the spines, she was littered with... With charnel. Decapitated heads and dismembered bodies, pieces of broken armor and other garbage... Took care of her, then kept on going in the direction we'd chosen. Aric stumbled right over the helmet we were looking for. Sir, it's... It was Dame Shalla's helmet. We recognized it."
He clears his throat and pauses for a moment, taking the chance to wet his mouth with another drink. "But, it was the price Mome named, and we'd found it, so we returned to his home to make the bargain." Now, getting to the real meat of the report, he takes another drink before perusing his memory of the conversation and continuing.
"We asked Mome to tell us about Gaya Hoon. Apparently, he is a she. She is... how did Mome put it, 'looking for proof that what the elves know about themselves is untrue?'" says Gamis, glancing at Miri to check the quote. "He said at first he believed that her reasons for being in this area are more personal, but wasn't privy to them.
"He didn't know a great deal about the rest of the Flame occupying the pass. Didn't know who Hoon's lieutenants are, or how many of them there are. He didn't know about Her Ladyship the bloodtroll. He did say that the center of their power used to be in a city called Sacheverall, and provided us with some insight into their dogma... He actually seemed to indicate that they're a somewhat moderate version of the Initiates of the Dark--instead of destroying the world, they seek to transform it for Demmion's purposes, and convince the Mother that He is in a worthy position to control it--they seek Her favor." His expression goes a little flat as he shares this. "Made me wonder on some things about what happened in the Southlands... Irrelevant right now, though."
The paladin shakes his head and takes another brief sip before imparting what he believes to be the gravest piece of information.
"Mome then told us why those Flames Darkar captured went to Hardaja before running into the group there. The Maw, he said, contained not only a temple to Demmion but a doorway to his realm. It seems the Pale Prophet ruined the place feeling they didn't utilize it like as well as they should have. Maybe you've gotten this out of them by now, but that old doorway is the reason they went there. And according to Mome, they succeeded--I wonder if we passed through it ourselves when we ran into those scorpions. He thought it possible that they're seeking another such entrance in the mountains. That could be why we found Dame Shalla's helmet where we did.
"We have discussed going back there again to look for and possibly try to close this door they found." The paladin falls silent finally, bringing his goblet to his lips again and watching how Malifaeyr receives the information they've gathered.
"But can you close all of the others, Sir Pfaebinn?" he asks. "That may be the real concern. The Hightower wasn't built here just for the privacy, you know. If it had been, they'd have relocated when the city built up around it."
"If you aren't careful, closing the door in Hardaja might just rip asunder the one that the wizards are guarding here -- or somewhere we aren't watching. They believe that's what happened the first time, before there was either a city or a tower here."
"I suppose simply blocking it is out of the question; spells and even just large piles of rubble can be removed." The paladin sighs, rubbing his jaw. "Just asking, could you say what's involved in closing it properly, milord?"
"We know Hardaja intrudes on sleepers in its vicinity, and though I'm not sure if it's to be trusted... Night-before-last, while we were en route back to the city, I had a warning in my dreams. The wraith we destroyed spoke with me and used the word altashheth, specifically. Mirielle tells us that it's Old Common for 'do not destroy.' That makes several warnings received, then. I wasn't sure at the time what it could've been referring to, but learning the possible dangers of that door..."
He trails off for a second again and changes the subject. "Milord, where do we stand with the Flame up in the mountains now?"
"You seem skeptical about leaving the portal to lie as it is. I appreciate the concern. It's just that this region has more than a few weak points between Demmion's realms and Mother's first creation, and Hightower believes that the weaknesses stem from an incident in this region long ago. That incident might have been the destruction of Hardaja.
"I know you closed one such entrance before, but this one could very well be prepared -- or trapped. One thing I don't understand -- if this was what the Eternal Flame wanted, why didn't they stick around to make more use of it?"
"He also theorized they're looking for another such door up in the mountains. If that's their focus, holding onto one in a dangerous place like Hardaja might not have been worthwhile..."
He sits a little straighter in his chair as he looks at Malifaeyr. "Do we move against them soon? Or will we continue to bide our time and try to learn more about their doings?"
"What you found sounds like it could have been Demmion's prison, but it sounds very different than that place you sealed before. I have never tread in such a dangerous place myself, but what I've read suggests that Demmion, at least, may dwell within more than one reality -- and not just in a metaphysical sense."
He pauses.
"As for striking against them once more... no, I do not feel it is advisable at this time. Perhaps when Sir Darkar returns -- hopefully with Sir Woodhome in tow -- we shall know more."
Gamis blinks at the last statement. "They've gone scouting up there in the meantime?" he asks.
"Is there anything else we should discuss, milord?" the paladin asks, sensing that the close of the interview is probably drawing near.
Oh, well, we were planning to get away, but nothing has been set as far as dates...
Her blush deepens, and she tries to change the subject, adding, I'm needing to spend a bit of time researching a spell...
Well, Ixchal, she gestures to the weasel on her shoulder, gets very frustrated when she can't do anything to help in a combat setting, so I'm wanting to work out a spell that will at least temporarily make her bigger and tougher.
"If you were to make her as large as yourself... it would be enough to give a gnome a nightmare, I'm sure.
"Or anyone else, for that matter. Still, I recommend that you focus some of your efforts on keeping her safe from harm, especially if she's going to join the combat next to Sir Gamis here."
She glances at the paladin, who grins at her, and seeing he has nothing further to discuss she looks at Lord Malifaeyr.
Thank you, m'lord, for granting us this interview. We're very much at your service...
to Elsewhere
"It seemed that on Shestla in that week of nonexistant reverie a seat was saved for my personage, but since elves rest in another fashion I was not there. However I could still see the seat, instead I recalled the misty place that was beyond the arch.
The healing energies that I used in the fog seemed burdenedm and it seemed that I had to work harder to make them happen. The place also had a lingering odor that we missed while we were down there, it reeked of ash."
She lets her words sink in as she once again falls into silence waiting to comment.
("I know you closed one such entrance before, but this one could very well be prepared -- or trapped. One thing I don't understand -- if this was what the Eternal Flame wanted, why didn't they stick around to make more use of it?")
"Perhaps using the door in Hardaja does not lead to what they are seeking. Mome suggested that the destination can vary from the point of origin.
Also they seek to garner favor from Ordemet. Perhaps they seek further ways to prove themselves with a door to the realms of Demmion in an area where we failed to wrestle control of it from them.
They seek dominance over Thalos' servants, and Hents Manevelins is a good place to twist a knife in a wound where the Jackals suffered defeat. It could be a building point for their rise to power.
Mome himself said that this was about power, Lord Malifaeyr has already mentioned the purpose of the Hightower. He also mentioned to find out why Reise sent Lord Malifaeyr to the frontier. With those answers we would be on the right train of thought."
We parted ways while we visting Moncha a priestess of the Mother near the pass. She seemed irritated that we keep dropping in on her and I recomend that we do not distrub the woman unless in dire straights. Moncha values her neutrality so near to the pass.
However we did learn something new, she apparently met some new people who now reside at the pass. Perhaps the leaders in charge, a man and an elven woman.
The woman Moncha said was very cold, about Natala's height with strawberry blonde hair. Unusual coloring for an elf from what I have seen. The man was about Donnavin's height with dark hair.
Personally I think this might have been the man who was in the red armor that commanded the dragons at the pass, he was about that height, but I can not be sure since I did not see his face.
Tahlin a scout for the Silver Sword has been at Hents Manelevins for quiet awhile observing what has been going on behind the walls. He took us to his campsite and we spent a few days observing what is goin on.
From what I can tell they are preparing for the long haul, most of the tents that were being used in the courtyards are being replaced with more permanent structures.
On the fourth day observing something different occured in the regular routine of their labors. A wagon loaded with stone and pulled by four ogres arrived at the gates.
The stone was distributed to various workplaces, and we did not think much about the delivery until a wall appeared rising suddenly behind the first one. Personally I have never seen anything like it, but it looked to me that Hermy and Talhin might have seen something like it before.
This new wall does not cover the pass, but it seems to be a single solid struture, unlike the piles of stone in front of it. Afterwards another wall appeared next to the new one. Perhaps it covers one eighth of the length of the old wall. Tahlin remained behind to continue observing for us.
My only thought is if they can produce walls this quickly, then perhaps we should make it harder for them to find stone to build with.
Malifaeyr appears skeptical about Silmarwen's reasoning for the Eternal Flame's departure, but let's it pass without comment. When she brings up his reasons for being sent to this city, however, he has this to say:
"I was selected for this duty because of the Hightower's presence, sending a wizard to deal with wizards, in other words. They have their own reasons for keeping watch over this place as well, and it may all tie to what happened at Hardaja, as I explained."
====
Later, to Darkar...
"Would that it was as easy as that. It takes a little bit of skill to create stone walls through magic, but once you can master it, it's quite easy. I'd say the task is done by now. I'm rather surprised they didn't do it before.
"Very surprised. What were they thinking?" he asks quietly, as though talking only to himself.
"This just feels wrong somehow, Sir Darkar. Earlier, I told Sir Gamis that it was too soon to move against them, but now I'm no longer so sure. And yet... yet I can't help but feel that they're aiming to provoke us. I just don't understand why they'd choose to do it this way. I'm relieved, obviously -- it's preferable to them shedding blood throughout the territory -- but, it's just... wrong."
Malifaeyr stands, pacing back and forth.
"We need more information. We still need to find out what happened to Allegion and to..."
A light seems to dawn in his face.
"...Shala. Of course. I'm not sure what this is going to cost, but it looks like I'm going to have to pay a visit to Hardaja after all."
"I'll need some time to ponder this, Sir Darkar."
So a new wall just sprung from the ground? That sounds like creation magic to me. It seems that they have several adept spellcasters aiding them.
Yes, Lord Malifaeyr thought as much too. Unfortunately our vantage point spying in on the ruins did not allow us to identify anyone creating the walls. So what is it that you have been doing, it seems that you, Gamis, Mirielle, Da'Vane, and Aric obtained useful information from what I have heard
We ventured to the Maw of Hardaja to try and purchase information from the caretaker Mome about the Eternal Flame. Apparently in Hardaja exists an open door to the realms of Demmion. However for some reason the door is not being put to use. The caretaker hinted that they are seeking other doors as well.
I wonder if that is why Lord Malifaeyr mentioned a visit, and wondering about payment. Right now our information is rather sketchy and we need more. Apparently they have not be able to confirm if my predecessor has perished or is a prisoner not released. It seems that this might be a calm before another storm, and we should make the most of the situation.
Silmarwen nods and then changes the subject so that those now entering the mess hall, need not overhear anymore of the conversation.
[color=Blue]Not sure how sensitive the information is.
Now, I figure to have some free time and I could enchant one of those short swords now if you wanted. It would only take a couple thousand gold to do so, and I could have it ready in a few days after I obtained all the materials.[/color]
That should not be too expensive, I think I will take you up on the offer. Are there many materials to gather? I think Jalen has wanted something different to do. The paperwork and bookkeeping has been rather tedious of late and he could use a break. Perhaps he can assist you in getting them?
Silmarwen considers this suggestion a moment before shaking her head in affirmation of the idea.
Have Jalen meet me with one thousand gold within an hour, and I will have the list of materials he needs to purchase for the ceremony.
Finishing the meal Darkar stands and heads back to his office. Opening the door to his office, Darkar greets the tall youth busily going over paperwork.
Jalen, take a break for a moment. I have a new task for you, and it involves very little filing.
This work is not a bother, it is just very repetitive. I review similar requests every week, and it is rather dull writing the same thing for reports over and over again. It makes me wonder how you managed without my help, with all that you do.
Actually, I was not managing, I was several months behind. Instead of waiting for me to reply, I was getting the same requests over and over as a constant reminder that I was behind on the paperwork. It should start to be less tedious now that you have the paperwork current. However, now that Silmarwen has some time she is going to enchant one of my swords. I thought for a change of pace you could gather the materials for her. Go to my quarters and etrieve one thousand gold from the chest, and then meet Silmarwen in the main hall.
Taking a key from his pocket and hands it to Jalen. The young man bows awkwardly and then with purposeful strides moves out of the office and down the hallway.
Ah a change of pace, what a nice way to spend the day!
With a leisurely stride, Jalen makes his way to Sir Darkar's quarters. Once inside he carefully opens the chest and spends some time counting out the one thousand gold pieces before distributing them between a couple of money pouches.
Never put all of the money in one pouch to be lost or stolen.
Closing and relocking the chest, Jalen returns the key to Darkar in his office. Then he heads to the main hall to wait for Silmarwen. He need only wait about five minutes before he sees the cleric walking down the hallway. She hands him a list of items to acquire.
Thank you for helping out with this task Jalen, it will reduce the time I spend procuring these items. I do need some of the money to obtain the jewels that are needed. I know which ones to specifically to look for. However the rest of the items should be quiet easy for you to obtain. I need these items in order to preform a ceremony to enchant a weapon.
It might take longer than you think. With these items, I will be heading to all ends of the market to obtain them. Without my help it might take you two days to get everything on this list.
Let's get started then.
The cleric and assistant head out of the compound headed for the market.
"It has been more than ten days by now."
Hurrying to his quarters he grabs a bit of coin for the gloves and leaves the compound to seek Corrin and Moria's place.
"I'd like to leave a message for Lord Malifaeyr," he says to the clerk, accepting pen and parchment and writing.
Lord Malifaeyr,
Dame Dyer and I will be leaving the city in the next couple days to take our sabbatical. If you have need of us before we return, a man on a good horse should be able to find us in not more than three days without pushing his mount hard. We'll be heading to the village of Lilac Ford, northeast of the city. A courier, if needed, should ask around for the Pfaebinn family's smithy.
Sincerely at your service,
--Sir Gamis Pfaebinn
He folds the missive and hands it to the clerk, then turns and makes his way from the compound.
.oO(Wasted trip, then. What now, to return to the shop or not.)
Snaps his fingers.
.oO(But, hey... while I am here, I could say hello to that elf I met during the war... Dark-something Shadowtree, I think it was.)
Stops another squire going by.
Afternoon, is Darka Shadowtree present today?
"Who? Oh... Sir Shadowood?"
Yes, Sir Shadowood. Didn't quite recall his name, having met him once in the past.
"I think he is in his office right now. Down that corridor."
My thanks.
Walks to pointed direction and soon raps on Darkar's door.
"Come in...."
Sir Shadowood. Afternoon.
I'm Codrian Enelevin, we met last time during the war.
Clears some a pile of scrolls from a chair and sits down.
I was supposed to have a lesson in handling halberd with of Jackals, but my instructor had broken his ankle day or two ago. So, I thought to poke in while I was here.
Darkar hands Codrian the drawing.
And, yes just dropping by. It's not like I'm in any hurry, to run off to kill dragons or anything.
Takes the drawing and looks at it.
Beesting... beesting... few months ago? Young girl, younger than Renna?
. o O (Last time I was here was after our bout with Hermy's brother...long time ago. Ah, here it is.)
Once he finds one labeled Sir Shadowood, he knocks on it.
"Ah, well that is good at least she is not living alone on the street somewhere. How long does it take to become a priest?"
Tynk's time
Come in....
Looks throughful for a moment.
But enough of that, how are you doing?
I try to fit in other things, though. Like I would've had the lesson here if Daswen hadn't been off.
A pause.
I think there was a Jackal or a young palace scribe looking items necessary for enchanting a weapon recently. You have a priest of Thalos' as your advisor, correct? And this person mentioned an elven cleric, if I recall correctly.
Originally posted by Darkar Shadowood
Tynk's time
Come in.... [/b]
Enters and greets the elf with a smile. After a handshake and a hello he tosses the familiar pair of gloves on the table.
"They are finished and tested, may they serve you well. I must say it is an honor to craft a peice of equipment used by an upstanding Jackal such as yourself."
"You did say these were for your own personal use?"
Bit too much work for one person otherwise, I see. No wonder, I can't even guess what all comes with leading, even partially, a military unit like this. I'm much more home with what I do now, helping sick people.
Helping the sick, is that something you enjoy doing or is it more of an appointed task? It would seem that you might get sick as well being around those who are already ill.
Actually, church could ask me to do such work, but they could never order me to do it. But neither could they order me to cease doing something. They are not my superiors in that.
There are occasions when church and I are acting on same way, and that is help to me. But there are also occasions when more stricter priests at the church won't approve my actions fully."
"So it seems that the differences of opinions can be the cause of tensions. How do you resolve the conflicts like that?
It isn't unheard for church to arrest people that are same faith but who show different approach to matters. My father was once detained three months in one town because he used help of a group of community's outcasts to a person burning crops.
He died over ten years ago. A group of bandits stopped us and one of them cracked his skull. I couldn't save him.
Rubs his eyes for a moment.
Gives Codrian a moment
"So why Garic's City? It is not like the capitol, more like a growing edge of the territory."
Lowers his head and says very quietly.
Rest in peace, Teil.
Looks at Darkar then again.
The road led here. And before coming here, I was very lost for two years or so. I didn't stop help people but sought solace in forests and plains... far away form the civilization. In the end, I found a large oak tree on a clearing and this...
Lifts his holy symbol from under his coat where it usually resides to Darkar to see.
...was laying under it. I then stood up and walked to the nearest city I could find. This was that place.
He seems confused by the thought of it.
Even here, in Garic, I occasionally have to get out of the city. My soul can't stay put.
Thinks for a moment.
No, it is not exactly that finding the symbol stopped my travels.
A pause during which smoothes his sleeves.
As I said I was lost during that time. I was wandering around, withdrawing from contact with people. Where I had earlier stopped to help someone, I moved on. When someone would have needed my help, I stayed out of sight.
I was a shadow. Wandering around with no aim, oblivious to everything. Both of myself and the world.
In the end, it was Thalos that showed me the way. In giving this symbol to me, he put me back into my mind. I could see once again. I decided to travel to nearest bigger town to see what good I could do. Still troubled by issues in my mind, I had found a purpose. It took me a year to get here, from that realisation to stepping past gates of this city. On the journey, I did what I knew to do, helped people.
Is silent for a moment.
You say you are different than most of your breathren. How have you ended up where you sit now?
"That depends on how much time you have, it is quiet a long story.
Yes, I would imagine so, if you tell it in detail. When a person lives centuries, it is somewhat unavoidable for memories to pile up. Especially if your life is eventful.
But, maybe you could tell how you ended up to Garic? I don't think that many elves have lived their whole lives in here.
The first place that I stopped was at Last Lich Inn, the first person who greeted me was Cas. Asking about work I was told to find Cog the owner at the time.
With Cog's help I was able to find employment at Nobody's Inn. While moving about the city and learning I found others who influenced me. Daron, Gamis, Aria, and Hermy to name a few of those who were the major influences.
Something always seems to be happening either in the city or in the area, and with the Silver Sword many of us began to develop a reputation of dependable defenders of the city.
It was Lord Malifaeyr who asked the Silver Sword guild to be an assualt force against the goblin warlord Kahn. After we defeated him we were knighted as protectors of the city. I took the opprotunity to join with the Jackals because it was a respected order, and the Silver Sword was having some turmoil.
I did not abbandon them, but the problems were not ones I felt comfortable in dealing with. I felt that it would be better left to those who could handle it better than I. My promotion to this position only happened after the disaster at the pass. I think that is about as short as I can make the turn of events that lead me to behind this desk."
Quite concise, yes. Interesting how many people just seem to wind up to this city.
Yes, we could do that.
Good thinking. I need to be able to get to work tomorrow, not spend the day in bed being so bruised.
.oO(They must be out on an excercise or something.)
"This inner square here is where we practice our foot work should be sufficent for us. It is about twenty by twenty feet and the lines on the ground are considered out. How about one minute at first to see how we are doing?"
Follows Darkar to the square.
Both are ready. Shall the match commence then.
.oO(Let's see if he can determine that I am holding back for larger openings in his defenses.)
Codrian advances with a swing that misses wide to the elf's left, and Darkar taps him solidly back through the now exposed right side. Deftly Codrian spins the quarterstaff and manages to catch Darkar in the shoulder, but the elf dances back just out of reach. Backing away again Darkar shuffles his feet, and leaves Codrian thinking that he is prepared to lunge again to the right.
Trying to overcompensate from his lack of defense last time spoils the aim of Codrian's attack and Darkar rolls to the left dropping his tapping motion against Codrian's opponents thigh.
Spining around Codrian lands a blow across the arm where Darkar holds the dagger. The elf fumbles with his blade and the moment to strike seems to have escaped him. However Codrian can not take advantage of his fortune as the swing misses, but just barely he notes. Darkar takes advantage of Codrian's overextended posture and taps him with the dagger in his side.
Codrian strikes Darkar again, but this time as the elf limps away Codrian gets the impression hat Darkar is fine. Rushing to attack Darkar, Codrian mistimes the blow. As Darkar goes to strike Codrian senses the gap in his defenses and moves to protect himself better. While he does not stop Darkar from tapping him with the dagger, Codrian senses that the blow would not have been as deadly as the others could have been. Swiftly Codrian spins the quaterstaff, but too quickly as Darkar is not where the half-elf thought he should be.
Darkar feigns with the blade trying to confuse Codrian, but now the half-elf has become wise to the tactic that Darkar has been employing. Codrian lunges and catches Darkar in the stomach, but Darkar strikes back twice to secure victory in this little bout as the one minute time limit expires.
He pants with his hands on his knees.
Thanks. There's still much to learn though.
Touches his side and back.
With that tricking, you could have scored a many quite nasty hits in real situation.
Remembers his first "tap" on the elf.
Sorry for that first hit, I put bit too much power behind it.
Thinks for a moment.
And yes, that is very true regarding what has happened in real situations. I've been more than once only a thread away from falling due to enemies scoring hits on me.
Re-ties his hair to a pony tail.
Partly a reason why I'm taking lessons, to avoid getting killed in such situations.
Other than that, I don't do much. That's pretty much what I've done past two and half months.
Looks bit troubled.
Thinks for a moment.
Maybe we could dine together sometimes, I stop occasionally at LLI as well.
Speaking of food... I think I should be going to make it to the marketplace before everyone packs up and goes home. Mrs Weatherby asked me to bring some things for the dinner.
Makes a small bow to Darkar.
So, on that thread, I will be leaving. It was nice talking to you, Darkar.
[color=blue].oO(I never had trouble obtaining bodark wood before. It was in abundance in Fis-Rua-tae......)
Silmarwen specifies what she wants in the censure, and sends Jalen back out to fetch that. Silmarwen then moves out of the compound thinking of a way to obtain the wood that she needs.[/color]
.oO(Somewhere in the past... someone I cared for was lost here. It took them from me...)
*The elf pauses for a moment before climbing the stairs and coming before a desk. A few Jackals mill about, going this way and that. A pair of young recruits talk to one side of the desk. They appear to be discussing an instructor and Thosar hears Gamis' name. He turns their direction for a moment before looking at the clerk behind the desk.*
"I'm looking for Darkar Shadowood."
*The clerk focuses on the elf for a moment.*
"Sir Darkar Shadowood is in the training hall. Follow the corridor to your right and take the second left."
*The elf nods and follows the directions.*
.oO(I'll have to keep that in mind. He has certainly earned it.)
*Making his way to the training hall, Thosar scans for his elf friend.*
"Hail Sir Darkar. Long time no see my friend. How are you?"
*Thosar grasps his friend's hand and shoulder.*
"I am good, and you? Oh and you need not call me sir. It is for the other here to use, or for a formal setting. I do not require my friends to use it."
"I am good."
*Leaning back the elf looks about the training hall, then back at his friend.*
"Keeping you busy are they?"
*With a wink, Thosar continues.*
"We have much to catch up on but there is something I'd like to ask of you first..."
*Breaking into the conversation, a yawn escapes Thosar's mouth. After a pause, he continues*
"Excuse me. I am mighty tired as of late. It seems to be a mound that has been building on me as time goes in."
"I don't think I have learned all of the technique that I need in order to trance as I should. I have come to ask your help in perfecting the art."
*With a pause the elf looks somewhat shameful.*
*Thosar glances around and notices that the training hall is virtually empty. With a nod he takes a seat on the floor and motions for Darkar to do so.*
"Just bear in mind that I am a novice."
*With that Thosar folds his legs and cradles his arms in his lap. His eyes close and his breathing begins to roll; steady in and out. His hands in fists, the elf seems to be comfortable for a few moments, then his breathing becomes more shallow and his hands open, as if to grip unseen items, though his arms do not move. After a few moments, he opens his eyes and looks at Darkar.*
"I can't seem to find an area of comfort, as you described it to me before. What am I doing wrong?"
"At first, I try not to think of anything. That works for a short while, then I try to think of something calming to get into a deeper trance."
*Looking back at Darkar.*
"Is it more a matter not thinking and maintaining the breathing and posture, or should I think of something calming?"
A conundrum should cause your mind to have a singular focus, and thus make it eaiser for you to maintain your trance. Now what is a good question for you think upon.
Thinks for a moment before smiling and speaks
"If a tree falls in the woods, and no one is around to hear does it make a sound?"
"If a tree falls in the woods, and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?"
*Assuming his posture again, Thosar closes his eyes and begins his rhythmic breathing. A few moments pass calmly, then, just for a moment, his hands clench tightly and open. After a few seconds of clenching, his fingers become loose again and his breathing resumes its pattern. A few minutes later it is doubtful he will come out of the trance without prodding.*
It had taken a few questions, but Thref had eventually found his way to Sir Darkar Shadowood's room. Funny that Codrian had never mentioned the honorific.
He had been told another was with him, so he might have to wait. If that was the case, at least the elf would know he was here. He knocked softly on the door so as not to interrupt anything, but to still allow Darkar to hear the call.
"Ah, Threfdil I have not seen you in ages. Please come in."
He shows Threfdil to a seat inside the office.
"So what brings you here today?"
Oi've come ta see if'n ye could answer some questions.
About...about the 'Unt Manelevins. Oi've bin told ye were the person ta ask.
Cin ye 'elp me?
Ye 'ave me oath."
Before Agathalos, I swear to speak none of what I hear about the Hunt Manelevins from sources within the Jackals without their leave.
Thref raises his eyebrows briefly.
Oi ferget if'n ye cin understand Celestial 'r not, me boyo. But if'n ye can't, Oi will say nothing without yer leave. Will that be enough?
Oi'm gonna go 'n get 'im."
Also Lord Malifaeyr was not certain why Sir Allegion was not ransomed with the others. He is trying to learn something about that matter, but I have not heard anything about that.
It is obvious that Thref is disappointed to hear this.
The other's were ransomed? Oi don' think Oi'd heard that yet. But is no matter; just means Oi only 'ave one person ta think about whoile Oi'm there.
'N whatever ye cin tell me about the area, as well, if'n ye don' moind.
There is a back way to the fort, but it is a very narrow way, and a ravine with a steep drop seperates the last bit of the way to pass. Also there is a difficult climb right before the fort, and it is guarded. It is very difficult for someone to reach the fort alone now, and smaller groups might be spotted. It is not advisible to go there at this time.
'n when would it be advisable, Oi wonder?
Thref realizes he's snapped, and calms himself.
Oi'm sorry, Darkar. Oi'm still dealin' with a loss, and Oi'd 'oped Sir Allegion could 'elp me with it. 'E needs ta be returned. Oi don't think Oi cin wait for the city lords ta decide ta do something about it.
I am not saying I am against rescuing him, but what is the point when it is more likely that you will caught or killed than successful.
Lord Malifaeyr does not want him left there either, but if he can get Sir Allegion safely returned without loss of more life it would be better for everyone.
Also we have another member of the Silver Sword scouting the pass for us. He is careful to stay hidden and away from danger. Then there is the matter of the pass itself. Servants of Demmion have come in and dominated the orcs that we were going to drive out.
Their numbers and strength suggest that they intend to hold the pass as long as possible, but we are not entirely sure as to why. Ideas have been presented, but Lord Malifaeyr thinks that we are missing an important piece of information that will explain much.
But Oi'd certainly be willin' ta do whatever it takes. If'n ye and the Lord would be willin' ta let me.
Thank you for your help, Sir Darkar. Oi will await yer word.
Thref nods his head slightly as he stands and readies to leave.
"I think you got it that time Thosar."
"I guess I did."
"Thanks for the help Darkar. I'm not sure I'm out of the woods yet but at least I'm making progress."
*Standing, the elf nods to his friend, then his face goes grim.*
"Any new information from the pass?"
.oO(mmm they have suffered)
*Upon spotting a few young men, speaking to one another, Jace turns his direction towards them. They turn towards Jace when they here his foot steps.*
"I am looking for Sir Darkar Shadowood, where might I find him."
"He is threw that door down the corridor and first door on the right. Be respectful."
Jaces lips form the words .oO(be respectful?)
"Have I shown my self to be disrespectful?"
"No, you have shown respect but keep that respect."
*Jace, as normal when in such a situation Jaces eyebrow knitt together. He then inclins his head and heads for Darkar. Jace finds the door easily enough, and knocks.*
Originally posted by Thosar Lueque
"Any new information from the pass?"
Nothing new has come to me about the pass, however Hermy and myself went to view the fort and saw that they were magically building new walls for defense.
"Enter."
As the door opens Darkar is greeted by the sight of a short thick man with skin even darker than his own. Noting to himself that this is someone not wearing the colors of someone in training or wearing a pin from the Silver Sword leads him to wonder why the man is here.
"Can I help you with something?"
"Sir Darkar Shadowood?"
*The Elf inclines his head to accent*
"I am new to this city and looking for employ. I spoke with a man at the desk and he said it would be fine if I came back, to seek you out. I have been considering joining the Jackels, the SSAG, or possible the Thalos church. I have just came from the guild to learn more of what would be axpected of me, what I would get in return, and what sort of things would i be doing....I was hoping you may help me with such things.3
*Jace waites standing still about 4 feet away from the front of the desk.*
This appears to be a sincere question instead of a rude retort.
"excuse my rudeness.....my name is Jace Cornwall. I was at a time a city guard, in a very far away city."
*shuts his mouth and waits the answer*
"As I am sure that they told you at the Silver Sword, they now require some form of notable service to the city before allowing you to join.
They have a growing reputation as a reliable force that will come to the aid of the city. I myself was once a member before I joined the Jackals.
The Jackals are the elite force of Lord Malifaeyr, serving only him. In the past it was required to take a vow of chastity, and foreswear all other associations, but quiet recently that requirement has been lifted. The vow of chastity that is.
Still the Jackals are required to swear oaths to Thalos swearing only to serve Lord Malifaeyr and his will. At the moment several members of the Silver Sword are assisting with the training of the new recruits who are all squires.
There is a barracks that most of the soldiers share, excellent training facillaties, mess hall, and there is a doctor around here somewhere as well. I have only visited the man once.
So what interests you in considering joining the Jackals, Jace?"
"I belive that working for the churches pernamently is not something I wish to do....I am not as you would say a church going man. I honor both the mother and thalos....but I belive that going to the church and serving its needs are not what they definitly want, so I doubt that the churches will hold my intrest. I am intrested in going out and adventuring. Doing the general good but I am no paladin, holding onto the skirt tails of the church is not for me. I was wondering what sort of actions I would be doing if i was to join the jackels....whats expected of me, what will be given back to me, what I will have accese to. I will not lie to you I am seriously considering joining the Silver sword....with everything i have access to. The only dark part in my eyes is the price to join. So what can you tell me? I am all ears."
after the conversation with Darkar, Jace bows his self from the room
I would still like to finish the conversation in character so continue as if this post had not happened. I do not wish to fall to far behind within the rest of the city. Our time zone diffrences make it difficult.
exits to church of thalos
Originally posted by Jace Cornwall
"I belive that working for the churches pernamently is not something I wish to do....I am not as you would say a church going man. I honor both the mother and thalos....but I belive that going to the church and serving its needs are not what they definitly want, so I doubt that the churches will hold my intrest.
Darkar takes some paper and makes notes to himself. "Not a highly religous person, perhaps only paying lip service or enough to hope that he will gain help if he asks from the church."
Originally posted by Jace Cornwall
I am intrested in going out and adventuring. Doing the general good but I am no paladin, holding onto the skirt tails of the church is not for me. I was wondering what sort of actions I would be doing if i was to join the jackels....whats expected of me, what will be given back to me, what I will have accese to. I will not lie to you I am seriously considering joining the Silver sword....with everything i have access to. The only dark part in my eyes is the price to join. So what can you tell me? I am all ears."
"Seems to have an intense dislike of paladins, and would probably difficult for Gamis and Da'Vane to teach. Listening and comprehending do not seem to be his strong points, so he would have difficultly working with Hermy teaching scouts." Pausing here he stops to speak again to Jace.
"Perhaps I was not entirely clear, the Jackals are the elite force of Lord Malifaeyr serving him and carrying out his orders. Right now were are training new recruits to fill in the void that was left after our last defeat. The recruits all share rooms in the barracks, have access to the training facilities, mess hall, and the doctor. We are placing people according to talents, and abilities. Knowing what you are good at and have skill in would help determine what you would do."
Watching the young man closely Darkar tries to gage his response and is prepared to take more notes.
.oO(man that always gets me nervous)
Perhaps I was not entirely clear, the Jackals are the elite force of Lord Malifaeyr serving him and carrying out his orders.
*sholders droop slightly, but sits patienly until Darkar pauses. from here Jace's eyes lock with Darkar's. not leaving them once dring his speach and not once blinking*
"I think I may have put my question the wrong way....I have never heard of Lord Malifaeyr.... so I do not know his deads...I was wondering the sort of orders he gives...do the Jackels act as a sort of police force, similar to the city guard. Or do they protect the area form attackers. I can also speak Drarven, and Orc. I am rather good at moving about unseen, seeing what is hidden, listening to what doesn't whant to be heard. I can also hold my own in a battle, *pats his sword hilt*. I am not to accomplished treking in the wilderness. twas hell getting here on foot. I lost a more then a bit of weight on the way, but I kind of like not having to carry around an extra 15 pounds. I do not have much in craft skills, but I wish to some day learn blacksmithing. but for now I am content"
*blink*
"I think I may have put my question the wrong way....I have never heard of Lord Malifaeyr.... so I do not know his deads...I was wondering the sort of orders he gives...do the Jackels act as a sort of police force, similar to the city guard. Or do they protect the area form attackers. I can also speak Drarven, and Orc. I am rather good at moving about unseen, seeing what is hidden, listening to what doesn't whant to be heard. I can also hold my own in a battle, *pats his sword hilt*. I am not to accomplished treking in the wilderness. twas hell getting here on foot. I lost a more then a bit of weight on the way, but I kind of like not having to carry around an extra 15 pounds. I do not have much in craft skills, but I wish to some day learn blacksmithing. but for now I am content"
*blink*
----------------------
Pausing in his writing Darkar considers his next words carefully trying to size up Jace for what his potential might be despite negative first impressions.
"Lord Malifaeyr is one of the three Lords of Garic's city. They have been charged with overseeing the city and help provide protection from threatening forces. The Jackal Order is the one of the many tools that Lord Malifaeyr employs to that effect.
Understanding orc can be a good thing right now. Currently we are trying to find out what a group of orcs and Demmonites are up to near the city. Those who can understand orc might have a better chance of infiltrating with a disguise and might learn more. However that will be extremely dangerous work, because if they are caught torture and death seems likely.
Sir Hermy Woodholme of the Silver Sword is training scouts for Lord Malifaeyr because of his considerable skills and reputation of getting the job done. Perhaps if you are further interested in joining you will work closely with him.
Does that answer your question better?"
Darkar stares intently at Jace trying to gauge his reactions.
--------------------------
*Once again Jace makes the odd eye contact with Darkar.*
"Well Sir Darkar, I belive that it does answer my question very well, and I appologise that my earlier questions were not quite accurate to my goals but I think that has been fixed. As for the orc problem, i would be willing to assist in infiltration but i will need to have much more practice, and experince before i ever considered entering a orc compound solo. But in the future when my skills have improved, I belive that I would be willing to do such a thing. I belive that I have discovered what I wished to. Is there anything else that you wish to know about me, or anything that i should know before I leave?"
*Jaces eyebrows scale his forhead a little way, followed by a blink*
"No nothing that I can recall, if you decide to join up there will some paperwork to file so that we can contact family incase of tradgey. Formal things like that."
Stands up and offers his hand to Jace
"It was interesting to meet you Jace, and I hope to hear from you again soon."
-------
*Shakes Darkars hand in return*
Thank you for your time, and I will be getting back to you, whenever I have made my decision one way or the other. And if I can ever be of use to you weather I am a Jackel or not, I would be of service. If I gain information about the orcs, I shall let you know. I hope you have a good day.
*Jace gives his slight bow and leaves the room closing the door behind him.*
I have just returned from a adventure where me and three other men killed a band of orcs. There was also a she Gnoll. I attempted to capture one so you may speak with it but I was nearly killed during the combat and my companions did not save one for me. They were easily within a four hour march from the gates. They were not powerful and did not seem to be of any cult, but I am ignorant to the group you mentioned in our meeting. If you have any questions send a letter to me at Weathrerbys boaring house. Thank you.
Jace Cornwall
Hearing the expostulations of the supply sergeant, the junior clerks nearby become deeply engrossed in their work.
The sergeant storms out of the storeroom, collars a slow-reacting clerk, and demands the equipment tally sheets.
On the double, mister! And whatever you were doing before, forget it! We're taking inventory. And you, you, and you! You're in this, too!
.oO(An inspection by Lord Malifaeyr perhaps?)
The clerk waits anxiously, wringing his hands, for the elf's reply.
"The only equipment that I have used is a lance for the Joust last spring, and the chainmail barding for Lakilea. The lance I returned after the tournament. Why the sudden inventory check? I thought that was supposed to happen at the start of winter?
"Y-you'd best ask the s-supply sergeant yourself, s-sir. I wouldn't want to say anything... inappropriate."
Quickly he heads off to the armoury in search of the sergeant. Spotting him barking orders and looking rather uptight, Darkar approachs quietly.
"Sergeant."
Darkar waits for the man to respond, properly.
G'd'afternoon, Sir Shadowood. Sorry for the confusion here. Bit of a problem, I'm afraid.
He looks at Darkar, then back at the gaggle of clerks counting and recounting the spears.
I've found we haven't got all the equipment the tally sheets say we do.
The sergeant leads Darkar to the glorified closet he calls his office. There is room for the desk and two chairs, but no doubt a guest of greater than elven stature would fear for the safety of his knees.
Sir, it's true we're not missing cartloads of swords, but we seem to be missing some of just about everything. It's, well, it's suspicious.
You wouldn't think someone could walk off with half a dozen spears, much less do it more than once, but... Sir... I think there's a thief.
He muses silently.
"Alright this is a serious charge. Do you have any ideas on who or did you need my help trying to track down this thief or thieves?"
Shaking his head miserably, the sergeant replies, I thought all my clerks were trustworthy. I haven't a clue as to who the thief is.
Maybe it isn't even someone from my department, I don't know.
Do you think you might be able to figure out who's doing this? Whoever it is, he's a traitor, to the Jackals and to the City!
They report the area immediately around Garics is remarkably quiet.
If... if you don't catch whoever it is, I'll be accused of skimming.
"Let's look over everything together perhaps you missed something. You have been working at it for a long time, and perhaps some fresh perspective will help."
The other possibility is that the weapons never make it into the compound when delivered. We should check what was ordered against what was received. If we are not counting the weapons as they come in we could be having an outside problem."
But what's in the stores now is less than what I ordered and paid for, but I only have my own records to prove I ordered as much as I say I ordered...
He shakes his head in confusion.
None of the weapons are being checked out by anyone who'd have any reason to have access to the files. Only the clerks handle the files.
Who would know where stolen weapons are being sold?
The sergeant gets to his feet, salutes Darkar, and thanks him for his help.
If I see anything, I'll let you know immediately.
Dravenous walks around asking Jackal members trying to find out where the sargeant in charge of the armory is.
"I can help you find the sergeant. May I ask what this is regarding?"
"In the conversation the man said that he was having trouble getting something out without a sergeant finding out. Afterwards I followed the man through the streets and to one of the side doors into the palace."
"I have already informed a palace guardsman of this so I also wanted to inform the Jackals of it."
"I see, if you come with me please, I will see if we can work out your grievance without further incident."
Darkar motions Dravenous to follow quickly as he leads the guardsman to his office.
I am Sir Darkar Shadowood, Knight Commander, in charge of this investigation. It seems that you, Dravenous have vital information that could help wrap this case up quickly. If you would could repeat what you were telling me in the hallway."
Dravenous nods and retells his story, "Of course, Sir. Well as I said I followed a man draggin a bag into warehouse where he met with a person that was guarding the door."
"The man with the bag sounded as if he were scared of being caught taking things by a sergeant, but the guard insisted that he must continue to steal items."
"I was not able to see inside, but I think I heard more than just those two inside the building. I am not sure though."
"Afterwards I followed the first man, who no longer had the bag, to the palace. Where he entered through I side door." The guardsman then adds with some urgency, "Also I'm sorry about this, but there might be a problem with trying to keep it a secret since after the man had entered the palace, I told a palace guard named Randal the same story I told you."
When Dravenous is ready, Darkar follows him to the warehouse.
"Well, Sir Shadowood, the thing is I already filed a report on that Dravenous guy."
Randal looks uncomfortable, "I was just doing my job, Sir..."
Sorry, Sir."
Darkar starts first by tracking down the night box, and then starts asking around who picked up the reports the night in question..
And besides, the log book is kept under lock and key."
The clerk makes a note for himself, tucking it in his pocket.
"Good luck with your investigation, Sir."
Randal a watchman also encountered Dravenous. He saw Dravenous, perhaps he saw who the guard was following. Silently he berates himself for forgetting to ask that. Also Darkar thinks he should check with the sergeant on who was working that night in question. Perhaps it could narrow the suspects down.
He sent Jalen to request from the tax offices who owns the warehouse in question. The information should arrive to Volos at the Silver Sword. With Dravenous, Tensek, and Boirin there should be enough of them to watch the warehouse at all hours of the day. Perhaps they can determine how many are working at the warehouse, and try to determine who is involved in the theft from the Jackals.
Also if they can determine a pattern of the drops, and plan a trap that catches all involved. Hopefully Darkar muses they can recover the weapons, and wrap this up neatly. He does not want to cause a mess that can be potentially embarssing for Lord Malifaeyr, and the Jackals.
But what do they do if the thief decides to lay low due to the increased suspision of the sergeant? I could relieve the sergeant of duty and taken to the guards for questioning, Dravenous might be a help in that. The problem though, the sergeant seems rather stiff and unimaginative. Darkar doubts he could pull off the necessary emotion off over removal from duty to lay a trap. Perhaps if he did not tell the man until arrival at the guardhouse? A potential maybe.
Getting up Darkar has a runner go and fetch the armoury sergeant to visit him in his office.
He motions for the man to have a seat.
"However, I am currently investigating some new leads, and I have a request. I need the duty rosters from today, to a week ago, and then anything that has been posted for the upcoming weeks. I am aware that sometimes the men switch shifts in order to have an extra day off now and again. If you know of anyone switching in the past or in the upcoming future I would like that information as well."
He stands, salutes, and heads off.
Within an hour, a clerk returns with the rosters. Paging through them, Darkar notices a clerk by the name of Nestor has frequently traded for evening duty.
Darkar looks to see what Nestor worked the next night.
Checking to see if there is a similar pattern coming up in the near future so he can plan to confirm suspicions about Nestor.
Darkar leaves his office after neatly stacking the information from the sergeant in seperate pile on his desk. He changes and then heads out jogging along the walls of the compound looking for places to hide things. He plans several laps in order to get the best look possible, and will slow down and rest against a wall if he spots anything.
Should he hear anyone coming he is prepared to use the shed to quickly as a spot for leg stretches before continuing his jogging.
Looking closer, he realizes it is the butt end of a spear.
Further search reveals many other weapons, all brand-new, hidden among the boxes and crates. Darkar also finds a pile of sturdy sacks that could easily be used for wrapping the items.
Quickly he works to put everything back so nothing seems amiss. He listens at the door carefully before exiting and relocking the door. Then he continues jogging for his usual amount of time, looking evertime he passes the shed for decent some decent hiding spots.
Now comes the hard part lying in wait.
Rolling carefully ontp his side he strains for a better view to see inside of the shed if possible.
The shed door swings open -- the lantern having been extinguished -- and a figure emerges. He looks around cautiously before stepping out, burdened by a sack. Closing and locking the shed door, he moves to a nearby door in the wall and unlocks it.
He wants to get a good look at both the person receiving the merchandise and dropping of if possible. When arriving he seeks a decent spot to hide and spy the path coming from the compound.
"I have found our thief and need your help in catching him, so that I can try and also catch those he is giving the weapons to. It is Nestor, but we can not let him know that we are on to him. He hides the weapons in the shack behind the compound right next to where we receive the weapons into the armoury.
What I need is for you sergeant to lock me in the shack so that we can wait for Nestor tonight. The guards will be around both corners of the compound so he can not escape that way and sergeant you will wait in the room across from the armoury. When Nestor goes out back you lock the door behind him so he can not get back inside the compound to try and get away."
With the plan in place the sergeant helps lock Darkar inside the shack, and the guards wait around each corner of the back of the build, while the sergeant waits in the room across the hallway. Hours roll by until night falls, Nestor works in the armoury unaware of what awaits him.
Meditating in the shack waiting helps Darkar pass the time slowly, but quietly. He hears the sound of a key being put into a lock. Rising slowly he awaits the door opening, suddenly he is blinded by a lantern light. Cursing to himself for forgeting the lantern from the other night he is greeted by Nestor's befuddled stutterings.
Quickly he turns to run back into the armoury to escape, but the sergeant was quiet effective on locking the door behind him. The other guards come running from the corners, and Darkar finally recovering moves out of the shed and they have Nestor trapped by the door.
"Nestor, by the authority given to me I am placing you under arrest for theft against the Jackals, and Lord Malifaeyr. Now if you will come quietly with us there will not be a cause for a struggle."
Nestor's shoulders slump in defeat, and the guards each take an arm as they escort him to the holding cells beneath the compound. Darkar walks back to the shed taking one of the sacks and fills it with spears then he takes a moment and ties the sack tightly shut. Then he heads back to his room retriving his amror, weapons, and hat. Shifting his appearance to match Nestor's and hiding his weapons, he prepares to take the bag of weapons to the warehouse.
Pausing only to mark her place, Silmarwen stands and causually walks the halls to Darkar's office. She has spent the past few weeks checking facts on the preperations need to enchant Darkar's short sword. Most things have been prepared for the censure and the symbol of durability are all that remain before she can start the ceremony.
Arriving in the circular room where Darkar's office is Silmarwen pauses. The church is willing to send an expidition to retrieve the wood, and it seems like a good idea while she picks censure. A time saver for sure it seems like a good idea since she would be able to retrieve the wood within a couple of days from the church.
Opening the door Silmarwen only recognizes Tensek the young man that she met a few weeks ago. However it does not appear that he is injured, the other man next to him has seen better days. The gnome female and the bearded man seated in the chairs appear fine as well from her initial glance.
"Hello Tensek," as she moves to check on Dravenous' injuries.
Before he can say otherwise Silmarwen intones a prayer of healing and closes some of his wounds to lessen his injuries.OOC: Cure light wounds 1d8+5
Looking down at the taters that remain of his pants he is not looking forward to seeing that damage to his leg. Gingerly using the tub to steady himself he removes his belt and drops the ruined pants. He gasps in shock at what he beholds. The left leg is swollen badly at the knee and upper leg, also it seem that it is one giant bruise from the knee all the way up to his hip. Almost black in nature.
.oO(I definetly need Silmarwen to look at this....) he thinks to himself.
Using he arms mostly he eases himself into the hot water. He almost screams in agony as the pain from his leg radiates through out his body, but instead he bites his lower lip so hard that blood drips into the water. His eyes are full of tears making it difficult to see. This mission although a success was a painful one.
"So where is Darkar, and what have you all been doing this late at night?" there is a slight tone of concern in her voice.
Fortunately for him most of the staff that is awake and on shift is either busy with the recovered weapons, or guarding the prisoners. The long walk to his office is seen by no one.
Swinging the door inward he limps to the nearest chair and eases gently into the seat with a steeled look of pain on his face. It takes him a moment to realize that most of the room is looking at him.
"Er, hello. Job well done everybody, there should not be much more from the rest of you besides giving formal statements for the record. Then we should be able to divide up what was found for reward. I think there might be something else I can do, but I need to check it out first."
"You actually have been walking on that leg for how long??? No do not tell me, it will only frustrate me further.
Praying she invokes a bright glow to try and clear up the damage caused to the leg. Cure Serious Wounds 3d8+8
"Darkar you really need to be more careful. This leg could only have been more damaged if it had been broken or severed. Considering you have walked too far on it, I am suprised you did not collapse somewhere in a heap."
He tries to compare to Natala's magic earlier when she healed the well dressed prisoner. That reminds him of the equipment he removed from him afterwards. Dravenous hopes that the Jackals that he gave the equipment to would tell him afterwards what they all did. He is curious to know what else the man would have been able to do if given the chance.
Then he asks, "What is going to be done with the prisoners now?"
Does it really matter?
Silmarwen, I was wondering if you would be able to assist as well? I have at least one man who is insisting he is innocent already, and it is difficult for me to discern subtle lies from truth.
After that Dravenous, what happens to them depends on Lord Malifaeyr's mood and how the criminal's react."
Looks around at the others
"So anyone care to explain what happened?"
*Tensek starts as he begins to inform Silmarwen of the details he knows of teh battle and what happened at eth warehouse.*
After all are completed, Silmarwen suggest that she could try and see if any of the items contain magical properties so that the group could go get those items properly identified.
There is a knock at the door, a page has arrived. They brought the armour that the well dressed man was wearing. The guard in charge did not think it appropriate that he should have that while in the holding cell.
With all of the items lined out Silmarwen concentrates and intones a prayer of revelation so that she can see any auras that exist among the items found.
OOC: Detect Magic and waits until she has learned all that she can.
.oO(Because selling people there drinks is alot more boring than killing monsters, picking locks, and sneaking around on someone elses property, not that I've done much of that last one...)
.oO(... Its also alot less alcoholic... well maybe when there aren't dwarfs around... and halflings... okay some humans need to be away as well. It most definately less smokey than most bars... well at least when spellslingers aren't around...)
.oO(Okay so alot of basic atmospheric elements of bartending can be found in adventuring but there is certainly less excitement and drunkeness in bartending...)
And on that rather rambling mental note Boirin heads back towards Nobody's.
[to Nobody's]
His name is Frank Dobbs, and he was renting the warehouse. However beyond that and stating that he wants his lawyer, Darkar and Silmarwen's questions go unanswered. (Discern Lies 1st casting)
Next they go to question Nestor, the man who was shipping the weapons out of the compound.(Discern Lies 2nd casting)
"Alright, Nestor in your own words, I want to know when and how the stealing of weapons from the armoury started. I need not remind you that Silmarwen will be able to tell when you are lying."
After the story is told Darkar insists that Nestor write the exact same story down, and sign his name to it. If he refuses, Darkar attempts to scare him into doing so by saying he does not have to turn Nestor over to the guard since he is an employee of the Jackals, and they have there own disciplinary measures. (Bluff +9)
After that they go to the foreman that is protesting his innocence, Silmarwen repeats her spell for the third time. Darkar asks him to tell his story while he searchs through the books that he was caring carefully.
Not finding anything out of the ordinary with the books, Darkar asks how many times that Nestor has come and gone from the warehouse and how much was brought each time. Then he asks the foreman to write down his statement and sign his name to it.
Finally the guard that was caputred is less than helpful the only thing they can get out of him is that his name is Dom Sarasso. Moving back to Darkar's office they wait for the others to return to help escort the prisoners the City Guardhouse.
"I met this woman who knew this guy who knew another guy who knew a way to make a few extra coin. Dobbs. Frank Dobbs was the last guy. He said that a few weapons here and there would never be noticed, what with the diminished ranks here and all that. No sense in them just sitting around gathering dust right?"
"It was just a few to start with but I guess what ever buyer he found wanted more and more when the noticed the quality of the items. Don't know who the buyer was. Saw him a few times at the warehouse. Wore plate, frowned a lot. Never heard him talk though. Or heard a name."
He has no problem signing his confession. "I'd rather take my chances here anyhow. Lord Malfaeyr is a just man, can't say as much for the guards."
The foreman, between his wimperings, reveals what he knows as well. "Some guy came in every couple of days. I don't know what he brought, It was none of my buisness, and sticking your nose where it doesn't belong tends to get a man in... well situations like this."
"Mister Dobbs rented out the warehouse, but only used that corner and the office. The rest of it was business like it's been for the past few years. Seemed like a good deal for the owners to me. Paid to rent out a corner for the last three monthsalmost as much as they made with the rest of the biuilding over the whole year."
He signs his confession as well. The books Darkar looks through seem to confirm the mans words. There is only a mention of Dobbs paying rent, nothiing about what for.
The confinscated equipment is catalogued. One potion each of darkvision, and neutralize poison, two elixirs of hiding, two vials of large scorpion venom, an invisability potion, two thunderstones, one tanglefoot bag, masterwork thieves' tools, silk rope, everburning torch,, masterwork studded leather armour taken off Dobbs.
From the corpses of the thugs are found: two potions of hide from animals, one of protection from arrows 10/magic, and one of darkvision, one vial of antitoxin, one thunderstone, one tanglefoot bag, two sets of masterwork thieves' tools, backpack, two sunrods, and four tindertwigs.
The items taken off the armored man include his Half Plate, a heavy steel shield, a masterworkHeavy Mace, a heavy crossbow with 14 mkasterwork bolts, three alchemist fires, a scrolls that once divined seem to contain a bane spell and a magic weapon spell, and a wand of cure light wounds with roughly 33 charges left.
"No, that is not right..." he thinks to himself "base on what he had on his personage he does seem to be of the means to be the buyer of the weapons. Perhaps a representative of the buyer, collecting the weapons and then taking them back to the buyer."
Out loud again "He showed up basically twice a week? Did he bring anyone to take help with his business?"
The report states that while the majority of the key players have been rounded up. Darkar suspects that the one with the money and influence to make this happen is still out there identity unknown. He includes a small sketch of the armor with the scratches suggesting that perhaps these might be a sign of rank or perhaps signifies level of skill with Demmion. However he needs further investigation to rule this out.
With the prisoners ready for transfer, Darkar meets with the others, and they discuss how to divide up the recovered items. Darkar reassures Dravenous that it is ok for the guard to take items. There is a slightly tense moment when Dravenous and Boirin both want the armour worn by Frank Dobbs, however Boirin relents taking the potion of invisibility, and scorpion venom.
The rest has to be sold or traded in for credit at the Iron Wolf. Darkar has some pages do that task while they escort the prisoners to the city guardhouse.
Tensek
- 2 potions of Darkvision
- 2 potions of Hide from Animals
- 2 Elixers of Hiding
Boirin
- Potion of Invisibility
- 2 Vials of Scorpion Venom
- 1 set of Masterwork Thieves' Tools
- 50 ft silk rope
Dravenous
- Thunderstone
- Masterwork studded leather
- Sunrod
- Scroll with Bane & Magic Weapon
Phil and Will each get a short sword
Darkar
- Potion of Neutralize poison
- Potion of Protection from Arrows 10/+1 Magic
After everything else gets sold the following also goes to the players
Tensek
50 gp
Boirin
240 gp & Iron Wolf Credit and 200 gp
Dravenous
457 gp & Iron Wolf Credit and 536 gp
Phil
90 gp & 212 gp 5 sp Iron Wolf Credit
Will
90 gp & 212 gp 5 sp Iron Wolf Credit
Rilla
100 gp & 212 gp 5 sp Iron Wolf Credit
Silver Sword Guild
312 gp 5 sp
Darkar
298 gp & 22 sp 5 cp Iron Wolf Credit
(Thanks go to all the DMs that helped me figure out everything and divide it up properly. For those interested there were 5 shares of 1250 gp to all involved. There was some extra that was DM approved to go to Darkar.)
"I'm going to get some armor like Hermy's."
"I'm going to get some like Gamis."
"Maybe we should pool all our credit together and get something for all of the students. Matching armor."
"Hey, that sounds even better. We can look like an elite force or something like that."
"Yeah, let's get the rest of the guys and go shopping!"
Once they prisioners are properly taken care of, the three would be heroes head for home.
Then symbols of Thalos will need to be made around the censer, a single circle exactly five feet across. At the top of the circle water in a cup, to the left of the cup; parchment containing the teachings of Thalos. To the right of the cup white tail feathers of a hawk, representing Darkar's family name.
Beyond the parchment a quarter of the way from the water a candle burning bright representing virtue. Directly across from the candle the dice spread about as fourtune dictates. At the bottom of the circle the opals known as the tears of birth will be placed and Silmarwen must cast a spell on the gems to shine as bright as the day.
To the right of the gems, the Bodark wood, a symbol of durablity which is a basis for protection. On the left of the gems seeds, from which all plant life springs. These eight symbols are the base of the cermony to enchant Darkar's sword.
Taking the sword in her hands she lifts it to the sky above her head, holding just a moment, before setting it in the center of the circle. Then she exits the circle, and goes to the censer, which Silmarwen fills with a mixture of incense and oil. There she sets the sword on top of the censer, and lights the oil. The flames lick around the blade and the aroma of the incense starts to fill the room.
Moving around the circle, Silmarwen chants the name of the pillars that make up her beliefs and the purpose of each.
“Life the first pillar, which is broken down into the basics for survival. Food and water are the first elements for survival. Without water, nothing can survive be it plant, animal, or creature. However water is not enough, sustenance is needed to maintain health and energy.
Plants provide fruits and vegetables, while animals provide meat, eggs, cheese, milk, and other uses. The gifts that are given must be respected and properly cherished. Sunlight is another essential building block, without it most plants could not grow or survive. It also provides warmth and illumination for all.
The second pillar is the principal of good and evil. Knowledge to know what is good taught by Lord Thalos, and the wisdom to recognize it in everyday life is essential. Another part of this is how to protect what is good. As a teacher, I teach future generations. They become defenders, teachers, leaders, and followers that form a cohesive force that paves the way for the future.
Finally fortune plays sometimes a pivotal role in events. How often has history recorded the unexpected? The bumbling old man who hears a key bit of information because he lost his keys to prevent an assassination. The superior force of orcs defeated by starving and desperate villagers. Perhaps the fortunate ones that nothing seems to go wrong for or the tortured souls where tragedy is chained at their heels. No matter the skill or preparations things can change with fortune, and being able to deal with that can make or break a person ultimately.”
Silmarwen has traversed the outside of the circle seven times while speaking her credo. Next Silmarwen takes a goblet of water placing it at the top of the circle, and at the bottom she places the gems know as the tears of birth. With an old incantation the gems glow as bright as the sun in the sky.
“He was borne of tears of sorrow, and that water that was shed was start of life anew in our world. Now he is sun that hangs in the sky Lord Thalos. He represents the two most important pillars of life.”
The circle drawn on the floor starts to glow a dark blue, and inside of the circle a pale golden light glows on the floor. Waiting a couple hours for the process cement. The foundation has been built, but now depending how she proceeds will influence how the finished product looks. She must renew the spell of that makes the gems glow like the sun.
Studying her notes Silmarwen notes that the potential of the weapon will still have many avenues for future enchantments, but some will work better than others depending how she handles the ceremony. However what she has observed of Darkar in how he handles himself decides the course that she will take.
Taking seeds of a flower called Dragon’s head, Silmarwen places them in the circle to the left of the gems. Then to the left of the goblet of water Silmarwen places the tail feathers of a hawk, which is a representation of Darkar’s family name.
“Plants can not exist without light and water. Without plants animals would have nothing to eat, be they herbivore or carnivore.”
The golden light mixes with the blue and forms a healthy green where the seeds lie. Around the tail feathers the light turns a reddish brown. Next Silmarwen meditates at the top of the circle while waiting several hours before proceeding with the next step. During that time Silmarwen recasts the spell that makes the gems glow more than once.
Next to the right of the goblet Silmarwen places a copy of the text from the teachings of Thalos. Around the parchment the floor glows white as Silmarwen speaks.
“Without knowledge, a person lacks a path to travel, and from knowledge grows wisdom which helps the person which way to head along the path.”
To the right of the gems Silmarwen places the bodark wood and the floor begins to glow a dark grey.
“Strength, durability, and persistence are qualities that make an excellent protector of those that need it. These qualities exist in the wood and in the one that the sword is meant for.”
Above the seeds a candle is place on the floor and lighted. The orange light seems to fill that section of the circle.
“Light in the darkness, no matter how small is defiance against evil. Good will always find a way to be a light in the world.”
Between wood and the feathers, Silmarwen rolls seven of the dice that Jalen obtained. The first two are the special dice that Wealdy sold to him. She rolls 3, 4, 6, 2, 5, 2, and 6.
“Fortune favors all one way or another, but those who can act regardless of circumstance can forge their own brand of luck.”
The colors start to swirl and mix within the circle. Several more hours pass and it is getting late into the night. The sword glows white and then blue from the edges of the circle spirals in turning the blade a milky blue. One by one the items placed in the circle begin to vanish.
The colors fade, but the glow on the sword remains. Tired Silmarwen sees that the work is complete. Standing she takes the sword and places it on chair and then she retires for several hours.
"Darkar a blade such as that should have a proper name."
Darkar nods.
"Well I hope that the blade will serve you well."
Silmarwen goes off to rest more still feeling slightly draining from her work.
The sight is a pleasant one, to the elf. Some of the men are highly motivated or know that ample excercise is good for them. He heads over a familar face that he has worked with in the past. One of the survivors from the pass that he rounded up after the painsharing beasts were defeated, with a nod the pair work out together.
Stretching, and warming up they begin laps around the courtyard. It gets the blood flowing and hearts pumping. After a few minutes they slow to a walk. Then they move to a clear area working situps, pushups, and pullups. Finally they feel ready and practice sword techniques.
Darkar is particularly interested in working with disarming his partner. Several times the man smacks Darkar's hands with the flat of his blade indicating that the elf is moving to slow. However the blade clatters to the ground just as much it seems.
After a couple of hours Darkar and the man agree that it is time for a rest. Collecting his sword and toweling of the sweat, Darkar heads off to clean up.
"Perhaps I should delegate more of the work around to Jalen and the group he found to assist him. I could actually train more, and do other things. Then if anything needs my personal attention it would get it."
"Maybe you better wait out side. Don't think he would like to have a elf wearing a skull walk in on him. I will let you know what it is about when I come out. Just wait here for now."
*Jace knocks on the door.*
Seeing Jace enter, Darkar asks him to have a seat.
"Jace a pleasure, what brings you here today?"
*Jace makes his short bow and shakes his hand. After this Jace sits down and begins.*
"I have just gotten back from a little hunting trip which turned out to be a rescue trip. I reported it to the gaurd house thinking you might get wind of it, but they wanted me to tell you about it personaly."
He takes a moment to think
"I know of a tracker with a dog, name of Tensek. He might help if we can locate him. Undead.... would be good to bring Silmarwen along as well. Kywyn would be good or perhaps Cassius, although I have not seen the later in awhile. Aramil would be good to, and Boirin. Your partner would he be interested in going back as well?"
*Jaecs hair goes a little on end.*
.oO(Mmm. I guess Kai was not always dark and evilish. He may not like getting questioned. But then again Darkar doesn't seem to mean ill. He is a honorable man.)
"Yes he is. He is out side of the door and down the hall last time I saw. I did not know you knew him. And from what you say he was not always showded in darkness and wearing a steel skull as a mask. This is intresting. I am not sure that he would appricieate me telling you that he is here though.....May I ask what is his story and what was he like before....he turned into whatever he is now?"
"Don't feel singled out. He is cold with pretty much everybody as far as I can tell."
.oO(Mmm Gamis. I would like to learn more about Kai and this seems a good reason to speak with him.)
"I would like to learn more about Kai. Where could I find Gamis."
*Jace stands*
"Would you like to speak with him. I can fetch him if you want."
*Once the question is answered Jace bows to Darkar and walks out of the door shutting it behind him. He then moves over to where Kai is waiting.*
"I have told him of what happened and also that I want to catch the gnome that got away. You are welcome to come if you want. It will be me Sir Darkar and quite a few others. He would like to speak with you. If you do not wish to could you tell me weather you will want to finish this or not so he will know either way. I will also need to know where to meet you to let you know what they are."
*Jace lets Darkar know, if Kai will not speak with him, weather he will go or stay in the city. He also collects the money if Kai wants to pitch in. He then leaves the compound and heads for Ms. Weatherby's*
I have nothing else better to do...
He slowly walks down the street before looking back at Jace.
You can find me at the Fox.
[Fox Boarding House]
Jalen smiles and nods, "I'm sorry, Sir Shadowood is out right now, in the city."
"Oh, dear. Well, Lord Malifaeyr is asking for him, so please do tell him to come right away."
They exchange farewells and the page leaves.
"May I help you?"
"Yes I am here for Darkar."
"He isn't in. He went out somehting about tracking people down."
"Oh well I hope he has more luck then me. My name is Jace Cornwall, and I was looking for two people. Boirin and Aramil. However both are aparantly out on a little expedision. So they will not be able ot accompany us. Will you give him that message, and that I may be reached at either the SSAG or at Ms Weatherby's boarding house."
"I will let him know when he gets back."
"Thank you."
"You are welcome."
Seeing that Lord Malifaeyr is looking for him, Darkar checks his appearance to make sure that is proper. Spending a moment or two straightening this and that Darkar heads off to the palace to speak with Lord Malifaeyr.
"Cassius, it is good to see you again. So it seems that you did get my message."
Also he informs the magister of a side trip after the mission to investigate a place for advanced fortifications against orc forces. He is welcome to come along on that trip as well.
Cassius listens intently as Darkar describes the details of the mission at the mention of the second mission he smiles
"When will the jackals not try to kill two birds with one stone :D. There is no doubt that I will come with you. "
.oO(Last I was here was when Ashina signed up...she was destined to do something about the horrible Halfing...what was his name? Ah yes..Kirby.)
As she thinks of Kirby, her jaw tenses and her fistclenches, but she soon regains her composure and she realizes it is all in the past..
.oO(I'm sure Gamis took good care of the situation and Kirby is no longer running free...Now where was Darkar's office again?)
She looks around feeling quite lost and then sees a desk clerk
Excuse me? Would you kindly point me in the direction of Sir Shadowoods office?
The girl dressed in jackal colors doesn't look up, she just keeps writing as she points down the hall
Thankyou.
As she walks pas the desk clerk she looks back for a second and shakes her head, continuing down the hall
.oO(Ok now where?)
She looks at the many doors and finally sees the one with Darkar's name and knocks lightly on the door
When Anaya opens the door, she sees that Darkar has his back to her. There is a pile of scrolls, and map unrolled around the room. Several of them are areas with a building on them. Another young man is there as well, he is tall and lanky. They seem to be discussing several people and keep mentioning the design of the walls and rooms.
"Probably should be big enough for thirty people perhaps more. Baracks along the side walls here and here with ladders to easily access the walls."
"Yes, I can run your preliminary ideas by some other tacticans and Sir Gamis. They might have some useful ideas and suggestions."
"Just leave the other maps by the door thanks." Darkar says without turning around.
I hope I am not interrupting anything.
She looks at all the maps and drawings strewn about
.oO(What building is that?)
Turning to the door, Darkar sees Anaya standing there.
"Oh you are not the page. Is there something you needed, Anaya? I am working on a new project, and preparing to leave the city soon to aid some villagers that are being terroized by undead and thieves."
She holds up the bag with the lunches and the bottle of wine.
Undead and thieves huh? You need some help? I can offer my services as a healer and as a friend.
.oO(Undead?...nasty little creatures.)
The only thing that we are really lacking is someone to help track the thieves. All the trackers that I know of are unavailable or I am not sure where to find them.
Jalen?
She looks at the lanky man and then back at Darkar, puling out a glass and pouring him som eof the wine
Tracker you say? Well I think I can help with that ;)
"Yes, ma'am I am Jalen."
Just as long as it doesn't go to waste. ;)
She looks at Darkar
Being outside the city is what I'm best at, plus I am always up for a challenge and I don't mind taking orders.
Jalen thanks Anaya for the food and begins eating quietly.
.oO(So he is back....)
Kai... so you've seen him? I mean in the city...
Yes, in the city just the other day at the halfling party in the archery contest. He was wearing a mask, and I was not sure it was him. Until I got up close enough to study him. The eyes gave him away, the stare that he gave me the last time was familar. Also when they called his name for the archery contest it was a dead give away.
She nods...and speaks softly to herself
Strange that he would hide himself behind a mask...I thought he would've gotten rid of all the hiding...
She looks back up at Darkar
Did he say anything to you? I mean the last time you two saw eachother you weren't exactly friendly.
So how did he get involved in all this then?
I see. So what do we know about these attacks? Other than that they involve undead.
They must have a druid among them..I don't know of any wizard or sorcerer being able to cast such a spell.
They must have a druid among them..I don't know of any wizard or sorcerer being able to cast such a spell.
A familiar voice cuts in from the shadow of the door
"You might be right Anaya but based on Darkar's desciption i'd say we are facing some kind of Kobold shaman. And a pretty powerfull one at that as he appears to have the power to raise the dead. "
Cassius enters the room his custmary hood thrown back, showing his ashen white hair
"I'd thought I'd better stick around a while Darkar, that way I might learn when you plan to leave since you've neglected to tell me"
[i] a warm smiles crosses his face"
I for one was going to purchase a mace or two to be able to deal with undead better. Short swords have not been very effective in the past, and I think I have to take the lead in any fights so I probably need to work quickly.
Also if we had left already we might have not had Anaya able to come along to help. However I have invited at least ten people, if that many show we will have to break into two groups so it will be harder to detect us. One group on point and the other group to watch our backs. What do you think?
.oO(I have probebly been here more then some Jackals.)
*With that thought he moves into the building that contains Darkars office. He then moves to the door and knocks. When he is called in he opens the door and walks in. He turns around from closing the door and notices the amount of people present.*
"Good day to all of you. I hope I am not interupting anything."
*Jace turns to Darkar.*
"Sir Darkar. I have some news, and a question."
.oO(How do I know him?)
She tries to think for a moment, but is still unable to place him.
She nods to his point about it possibly being a shaman and agrees that he would be most powerful to be able to create such creatures.
As the door knocks she turns to see as Jace enters the room. An eyebrow raises as he mentions the half elf
I've met Lucian..a while ago I must say, but from what I know about him, he seems to be a good enough guy, but I don't understand where you are going at when you say you are wary of Kai.
He give you any reason to be wary of him?
"No, Kai asn't give me a ard reason, but yea ave'n been round im much of late ave yea. Eh makes ice look warm. He weres a skull on 'is face."
*Jace puts his hand over where Kai's mask is.*
"Eh will not talk to yea."
*Jace lowers his hand.*
"I din't sleep well when we were out there. Thats why I am slow to trust Kai. But I'm not sayin that Lucian is a bad fello. I am just voicin my opinion bout Kai. This visit is just somtin Kai Said bout Lucian. That Kai would vouch for Lucian. That he was a sturdy guy. Just made ma eyebrow raise a tad. Again this all may be wrong. I may be paranoid. Just gettin my thoughts out for all ta see."
.oO(So he has goen back to hiding..but not with just a scarf...why the mask? Why a skull?)
She contiplates for a moment and nods
That I have.. last time I had seen him or even talked to him was a long time ago and then he just dissappeared...didn't give any reason as to why.
Well as for Lucian, I know the half elf and as far as I know he is ok...you can have my word on him. I don't know what is up with Kai though, but I am destined to find out, how you describe him.. just isn't the Kai I know and it worries me.
"Das why I was wary Ma'm. I also have learned that Kai has not always been so. Sir Darkar told me a little.....Excuse me fer not introducing meself."
*Jace gives a short bow to Anaya and to Cassius.*
"Ma name is Jace Cornwall, of tha Silver Swords.....Sir Darkar, I have one more Question fer ye. Ya said that we air waitin fer a magic wand ter be finished afor we go. Do yea know how much longer. I am sapposed to get da date ter Kai an Lucian. Oh an one more thin. Horses. Should we bring horses. The raiders ave ad a few days ter run. We will need some extra speed to catch dem in any reasonable time."
Nice to meet you Jace..I am Anaya, Anaya Starnodel.
She looks at Darkar as Jace speaks
I have Maya. She's not a full breed, but she's sturdy..we can bring her, even as just a pack horse. I will have to go to the Silver Sword and let Volos know that I will be taking her with us.
"I will be off then. Until next time."
*With that Jace turns and leaves the room his cloak wiping the air behind him.*
I should go as well so I can gather what I need for the trip and get Maya ready as well.
She leaves the other lunch on Darkar's desk and heads towards the door
Stops and turns towards the elf
Where are we to meet up at?
Is Hermy still running the show over there? Perhaps I should drop in and give him a visit. Tell him I'll take the best possible care of his silver ones. :D "
Cassius bows to Darkar
"You could've mentioned it's Sir Darkar now a'days my friend. I'll meet youhere in three days. I'll need some time to prepare for the trip myself"
He nods to each person as they leave the office.
As she gets half way down the hall she hurries back to his office.
Darkar? If you could, after your done with the cups could you take them back to the Last Lich? Just let Kannan know that they are the ones I borrowed.
Thanx
She smiles and hurries back up the hall
To Elsewhere
Cassius nods to both of them, then walks after Anaya to the exit of the compound
oO( I better inform the tower's upper echelon that I'm off on an adventure. Then take stock of my spell components. To bad it's just three days, now I'll have to putt off the enchanting my daggers even longer. )
(to elsewhere)
"Master Shadowood? I received your missive and I will gladly be a part in any expedition that sets out to rid us from the abominations of undeath.
What contribution would be expected of me? How can I be of most service? More importantly, what should I be taking along and what should I prepare for, how does it look this mission will enfold?"
The monk prepares to store away what information Darkar has to offer, scribe training having prepared him to do so in an efficient way.
Some of the others that I know for certain that will be coming along are Anaya, Kai, Jace, Lucian, Cassius, Silmarwen, you, and myself. Anaya, and Silmarwen have abilities to heal. Anaya says that she can help us track down the bandits, and Silmarwen can destroy and drive away the undead.
Kai, and Jace are experienced fighters, while Cassius is a powerful magister. I have only met Lucian at the halfling party, but I have had several people vouch that he can handle himself so he will be joining us.
At the archery contest, I was throughly impressed with your archery skills, that is one of the reasons I wanted you to come along Ran. With the size of our group we will need to break into two smaller groups to try and avoid notice. I was thinking that you and Silmarwen could lead the other group.
"Very well, I'll be sure to bring lots of arrows. Since we'll be proceeding on horseback, shall I make arrangements for a mount? I'll pack at least a week's worth of food and ample water."
The elf goes over the list of confirmed names in his head, recognizing several.
"I know most of the others. Those that I do all have good reputations when it comes to taking care of themselves. I have no doubts about the strength of our band, we'll be able to strike forcefully and decisively. You're in charge, I defer to your superior knowledge of tactics to make the call on how we'll deploy in the field."
Silmarwen explains that she suggested the idea to Minto as well. Also she tells Darkar the concerns that Minto had of having the senior officer of the Jackals isolated from the city, and the idea of people moving into a potential war zone.
"If you desire to have a mount go right ahead. Although I think there might be enough mounts for everyone to double up. However I am not quiet sure of that fact."
"I'd as soon proceed on foot myself, but a dependable mount is always an asset. I'll see to it.
Very well, Ser Shadowood. Have you set the time of our departure yet, or are there still matters to attend to before that? If you leave a message at the Silver Sword or at Mrs Weatherby's boarding house, I'll be sure to receive it that same day. I'll be ready when you need me."
Ran bows respectfully before taking his leave, already going over the things he has to do in his head.
.oO(Notify Kannan, confer with Volos about a mount and supplies, a quick visit to the market for anything I can't get at the Silver Sword, the Iron Wolf for arrows... I'd best hurry if I want to finish that list today.)
"I think that will be all for today." the young man tells no one in particular
Turning towards the door, Jalen picks up his vest putting it back on. Exiting Darkar's office, Jalen heads down the hall to the exit and out into the city.
Gamis turns his head at the summons, then turns back and nominates one of his trainees to continue the current drill's commands. He clanks over to the page standing at the edge of the training yard. "How can I help you?" he asks, adjusting a gauntlet slightly.
"There's a boy named Perry here to see you, sir. He says it's urgent."
The paladin purses his lips slightly, then nods. "Alright. Lead on."
At the front desk, he finds his fiancé's apprentice waiting, looking uneasy. "Hi, Perry, what is it?"
"Mistress Miri's going onto a rescue mission into the sewers. This elf lady with silver hair was over. She said they'll be at the Silver Sword."
Gamis's brow furrows. "NaShae?" .oO(What's going on...?) "Okay, Perry. Hold on just a minute, and we'll go." He excuses himself with his class and leaves a brief note for Lord Malifaeyr explaining his absence, then leaves the compound, clanking at a trot towards his home with Perry alongside.
"Two things Darkar, first when you move out again come and find me at the high tower. We're not done out there, not by a long haul, second I need to be compensated for the materials I used to cast my spells and the stuff we found needs to be fenced and the proceeds divided amongst the survivors and the family of the fallen.
I am going to lock myself in the tower to study on new spells that may benefit us when we return to the marches. I was hoping you would be willing to take care of the division of the funds. Here are the potions and flasks I have in custody. If you hang on to the money or send someone to bring me my share I'd be very much abliged"
Cassius hands Darkar the potions he took from the gnomes
He gives the gate guard a nod, and slows down long enough for the man to recognize him. He gets waved through.
Minto speeds back up and heads for Darkars offices. He knocks on the doorand waits for an answer. The door is opened by a man who is not the elf Minto seeks. Minto recognizes him as Volos nephew. "Jaleen, I'm looking for Darkar. Your uncle would like to be informed of what is going on with Jace Cornwall. He was a member of the Silver Sword, and we understand he was killed while on a mission for Lord Malifaeyr."
"Volos would like to know what to to tell his family concerning his remains."
The bard shrugs. "Providing we find his family of course."
"Let me think for a moment, Jace was the dark skinned man correct?"
"Yes. That's the one."
"I understand there were two killed in that expedition."
"But only Jace was a Silver Sword."
He takes off his hat and runs a hand thru his hair.
"Anything Sir Darkar can tell us about the situation would be appreciated."
"You know your uncle, he'll make sure to phrase it in the best light for Jaces family."
Jalen pours Minto a cup of tea and offers it to him
"However at this moment Darkar, and Silmarwen are both with Lord Malifaeyr to attempt to question Jace. I think they mentioned it could be a short while. If you would like to wait for them here, I will let them know that you need to speak to them as soon as they are available."
He takes a few more sips of the tea.
"A short while eh?"
He finishes off the cup.
"Important Jackal buisness I'm sure. I wouldn't want them to rush on my part."
He turns the cup over to make sure its all gone.
"They probably will need some time to recoup afterwards too. I know that a bit of relaxing can help clear the mind for proper thinking."
He hands the cup back.
"Of course a good steady drink can often accomplish the same."
"Will you let them know that I'll be at the Last Lich with an ale waiting for both of them as soon as they are able?"
Minto gives Jalen a bow and then moves towards the door.
"I will let them both now as soon as I see them Minto. Good day to you then." he nods as the halfling is at the door.