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[Respite] - Factions
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#361"Of course, Jhoric, I'm fully aware that I shall need some preparation to go look at those runes. And true, trouble is brewing here and i would rather not be here when it happens."
Balin thought for a moment before asking Jhoric a question.
"What if the two of us and perhaps a few others were to go into that land and scout it out? Perhaps scare off any dangerous creatures so that it would be safe for expansion or to travel through?" -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#362"Little has been done, friend Jaegermond. Little time was afforded to provide a plan on how these groups were to be assimilated. No one knew that other cultures would be coming through the same gate. The fact that the people coming through are predominately human has been observed as significant though - other races do not seem to be as common through this gate.
We think that there might be other 'lifeboat' worlds - perhaps as many as there are worlds falling to darkness, though there is no way to tell.
As for the keeping of the peace, we have been blessed that most people coming through have had their fill - for now at least - of violence. This will not last forever, and so the recent outmigrations have been a good thing. Now if the world here was not quite so hostile, we would be able to expand more quickly and avoid the terrible overcrowding currently happening."
At this point, the pair made it to the enclave.
"I shall take my leave now friend Jaegermond. I need to report on the day's activities. See Master Windell - he's the very tall elf in grey robes - he would be pleased to meet you.."
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#363Rajani found Vletch in the common area. His face brightened when he saw here. His eyes betrayed an enthusiasm that Rajani had seen only in her most ardent fellow worshipers.
"Ahh, Lady Rajani - I am delighted you would see me. I would give much to know the teachings of your deity - perhaps if I am worthy - to follow in your footsteps! Would you be able to share your wisdom?"
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#364"Balin, that's a wonderful idea." Jhoric replied as they arrived at the Mage's Society. "I doubt we will be able to do this soon. We need people we can trust, and skilled ones, before we head out. I suggest we finish breakfast- actually, lunch is probably being served by now. So let's grab some grub and try to find some willing hands." -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#365"Of course I would be willing to share with what I know." Rajani said, taking a somewhat casual sitting position, her eyes pulling others to sit on the ground rather than rudely look down. She unrolled her cloak, running her fingers across the rippling fabric. "The first thing that I must inform you is that what I can reveal to you is not going to be easy, one does not walk the path I have walked lightly, or in my case, willingly." She let the words sink in before continuing.
"In my home of Endkelton, it is the men in the cassocks and the silver croziers who select who is to join the walkers of the path. Few join it willingly, as I mentioned, I did not. I had no idea that I would be chosen, I was married, for it is our custom to marry young. I had a husband, a strong and handsome man. From him I had a daughter." The word stuck in her throat... She swallowed, steeling her eyes so that the tears would not fall, there was time for that later. "I had a daughter, and the Crozier-bearer selected me, and took me away from my love, and my child. I was trained in the mystic arts, which were not quite as mystic as I had been brought up to believe. But I felt the power, and yes, it is a mighty power."
She fanned the cloak out on the floor. Two forces, not at war, but balancing one another, night and day, left and right, man and woman, life... and death. To be a walker of the path is to embrace both sides of this power, to heal when it is needed, to kill when it is needed. There is no god over this path, some philosophers tried to understand the nature of the cycle, and generations later have made no progress. Some things defy human comprehension. How is a child grown inside a woman's body, how do the trees know when to bloom, how is it that the sun and the moons and the stars move? These things do not need our attention, nor our comprehending. There is birth, and it is celebrated. There is the good death, the death that comes of age, that doesnt linger but passes on quickly. There are marriages, and more children. Heroes fight, and heroes die. Monsters and tyrants are born, and they to die. The ebb and flow of the ocean. This is the power, this is the path. The path itself is a razor thin line between the two forces. Stray too far onto either path and you will be consumed." She pulled a hem of the cloak, her hand tracing over silver sigils in the fabric.
"To stray into darkness is to become corrupt, chocked by death. To stray into the light is to become helpless, for almost every action causes pain somewhere. Tread upon the grass and doesnt the grass feel pain? This is the danger of the light. The middle path, difficult as it is, is the safest path to tread, as you can remain who and what you are, rather than become a vessel of something else." She gestured for a drink, her throat feeling dry.
"But, you wish to learn, to know. There are men who willingly come to the faith, they willingly lend their swords and their shields to the cause. To protect the weak and the innocent, to slay the beasts and break the villains. They are indeed mighty warriors and they can carry a great flame in their hearts. Those who bear the mark of the white flame are destroyers of men, conquerors of nations, and kings among men. As far as I know, these warriors are to the last, dead. Those who bear the mark of the golden flame are protectors of men, defenders and guardians of peace, lending helping hands as easily as the sword or the spear. My husband took up this path after our parting. Like the white flames, the golden flames of Endkelton have been extinguished." She let her voice waver. The flames were gone out, the temples broken.
"Perhaps when I have the strength, I can give you the test of the flame, and we can see what burns in your heart." She offered. "You and anyone who is interested."
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#366"Thank you for your conversation and companionship. I hope to speak with you again soon. Might you know where I could find Master Windell?"
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#367After an hour so of wandering around, utterly lost, Toboran found himself in front of a large-ish building with the token of a warriors' guild hanging on a chain. Seeing nothing better to do, he walked inside and looked around. -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#368Jhoric and Balin had settled down for a meal in the common room, when they saw a very odd being enter the room. He appeared as an earthen statue wearing robes, though very human eyes looked out from its face. It conversed briefly with another mage Jhoric had seen before, and directions seemed to be provided, for the earthen figure walked down a side hall with apparent determination.
Shrugging, Jhoric went back to his meal of thin gruel - seeming made from dried acorns.
Jaegarmond found Windell with the assistance of a mage named Urden. The portly fellow seemed very amused - or so Jaegarmond thought - he had a hard time reading human body language, but provided concise directions. He found Windells chamber quite quickly.
"Ah, pleased to meet you Jaegarmond! By what title do you normally go by where you came from? My name, as you have gathered is Windell, Obrin Windell, though that title means naught here." The elf, almost ridiculously tall by Jaegarmonds eyes, look far down onto him. It was then he noticed a small - very small - tree sitting square in the center of Windells worktable. It was barely a foot tall, but looked like a great aged oak. Jaegarmond then noticed it move, and brilliant blue eyes looked out from folds in the tree's bark.
"Oh, and that is my friend Greywood. He helps keep me grounded, but he speaks not a word. He taps in code though, but it takes a long time to learn. Anyway, welcome to Respite, if no-one has said so already. I'm sure you have been though.
Anyway, I'm sure you have a thousand questions, so ask away!"
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#369The guildhall was fairly primative, as most things were in Respite, though this place lacked anything beyond utility. The doorway lead immediately into a large common room, with tables in the middle, and various hammocks,cots, bedrolls and the like scattered about the periphery of the room. There were a couple warriors present, sitting by themselves, apparently resting. One, a tall, lanky man with a thin neck and oversized adam's apple watched Toboran with suspicion. The other man, heavyset and wearing a mail shirt, leaned back against the wall, a well-used battleaxe and shield close at hand. He did nothing in response to Toboran's entry.
"Oy! Whatcha want there, Greenie?" the thin man shouted at Toboran.
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#370Fafnir and his companions found the lizardman complex easily enough. It was fairly small, but the walls had been built double thick. The green lumber had its bark left on, and were lashed together with treeroots.
The guards at the gate, fairly big lizardmen, both with slightly reddish scales, waved him in without comment.
He found himself in a rather haphazard place. Many small huts were built up against the outer walls, little more then lean-tos. In one corner, what appeared to be a rat-farm was being tended to by a pair of squabbling kobolds. In the center of the complex was a small, two-story wooded keep that appeared to be fairly well built. Figuring that was the best place to find this Shaman, he walked up to the keep and knocked on its large door.
The door opened fairly quickly, and he was surprised to see a tall female lizardfolk standing there, adorned with a fine ritual suit of carved bone tokens. "Ahh, welcome my friend," the attractive female addressed him in Draconic. "What is your name?"
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#371"Looking around, mainly", Toboran replied to the warrior, "But a little work wouldn't be out of the question. That is if there's anyone willing to ask me". -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#372"You've spoken it already. 'mond' is appended to the given name of a trained magi within my culture. Thank you for your welcome, I hope that the rest of Respite is as nice as what I've already experienced. I must ask though, where might I find lodgings? I can certainly make shelter if nothing is available, but 'why kindle a flame when another already burns?' Some sort of food would be nice, but I can find that myself as well if need be." The Dunshar looked over Greywood, wondering if it was a husk-dweller similar to he, or if it was simply a sentient tree. Given the chance, he would have to try learning the tapping language the tree used to speak. -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#373"You have given me much to think about, Lady Rajani. I would indeed be interested in this test. I do not know of others who would, for few have seen your gift as I have. I must go for now, and I will think upon what you have said. Thank you."
And with that, Vletch stood up, bowed and left.
In a nearby room,
"Why yes, Jaegarmond. As a practicing wizard, we are happy to extend to you our hospitality. We have a room available for you, though it is fairly small and in the top floor of the south-west tower. You are agile enough to climb a ladder, right? I do apologize - we are a bit cramped for space even with our carpenters working full out on expansions.
As for food, we do serve a few meals each day in the common room, though as of late their quality has much to be desired. But, this is a new, rough world, and it is better then nothing."
Greywood peered back at Jaegarmond, also intrigued by what appeared to be a walking pile of soil. After a moment, he extended a woody arm up to Jaegarmond, seeming to offer to shake hands.
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#374Warriors Guildhall, First Ring
The skinny warrior replied, "work, huh? Well, you can gets your fill o' that, no prob greenie. There be a couple of companies looking ta add anyone who can carry a sword - including greenies like you. However, they are all out in the field guarding this or burning down trees. Come back after sundown and they should be here to talk ta. Wouldn' happen to 'ave some ale would ya?"
At that the other warrior perked up, looking at Toboran with hope flickering in his eyes.
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#375Dunshar and tree met hands, Jaegarmond shaking as firmly as he dared without risk of snapping off the offered branch. "What sort of work would I be expected to perform in return for your hospitality? I do not know whether I'll be moving onward soon or not, and it seems a bit rude to drain on hospitality so freely given." -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#376'Nay, I'm afraid not", Toboran told the man, "though I'd share any I get in the future. As hollow a promise as that sounds, it's true and you can hold me to it. In fact, tell me your name and I'll come ask for you if I ever get some of the stuff". -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#377Fafnir replied also in draconic " Fafnir is my name, and who might you be? He took a small bow and waited for a response before asking after the shaman once more. -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#378Her meeting with Vletch done, Rajani left the common room, her cloak swirling around her feet, her head held high as a queen moments after coronation. She felt a rush of elation, sure Taryer thought her a fool for running off like a wool-headed child, but the day was bright, the air was clean, and Vletch was seemingly more interested in becoming a Destroyer rather than a would be paramour. Now, what sort of delicacies would grace her plate at Gideons?
(OOC - no computer access for a few days, doing this from the library) -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#379Jaegarmond found Greywoods handshake quite strong, given the size of the little creature. It smiled showing pale wooden teeth in its mouth.
"We are focused primarily on collecting the various magical resources of Respite into a coherent organization to assist all. We expect that our members will do what they can to help - though we are still forming up. With new people coming in every day, we have not settled in quite yet. Often we will add support to the various missions occuring daily -from escort duties to whatever tasks our individual magical - or mundane - skills suite us for.
As for moving on, Jaegarmond, I am curious as to where you expect to do so? As far as we know, we are the only civilization that exists on this world. There have been a couple of outmigrations since Respite first formed, but their fates are currently unknown. Given the hostility of the land, there is every possibility those two migrations have met with disaster."
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#380Warriors guildhall - First Ring
The thin man stared at Toboran for a moment, then smiled and said "The name is Orwin - an' its been far too long since I had ale worthy 'o the name."
"So yeah, come back at sundown and the bosses should 'bout."
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#381"My name, my dear Fafnir is Shathathia. Welcome to our little encampment here. A bit of a mess, but we are.."
Shathathia's sentence was interrupted by a reptilian scream outside. Sounds of panic reached into the chamber where Fafnir stood. Shathathia reached back and grabbed a large metal-tipped spear and ran outside.
Your move The Spiritborn!
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#382"In the few hours I've been here, I've heard various rumors, but nothing for certain. That certainly doesn't preclude me wandering around elsewhere. Someone always must venture into the unknown before civilization can follow. Beyond that, both of those outmigrations could be better off than we. Not all need be gloom and doom. No news isn't always bad news, Master Windell." -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#383"Come, then! Noon is near, and we do not want to be late, lest we find but crubs on the plate!"
They headed out of Respite, towards a settlement on a near hill, complete with a pallisade and a score houses, some under construction. A busy hustle surrounded the hamlet, with land being tilled, logs and rocks hauled, and a hunting party returning from the woods.
Gideon pointed to a plow leaving deep furrows in the virgin soil, apparently made of salvaged iron. "I made that one!" he added proudly, and greeted a tall, red-headed settler by the gates. "Hey, Isaac, I bring a noble visitor! Tell the others!" -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#384"Fair enough Jaegarmond - I simply wanted to clear up any impressions you had of other settlements. Apart from a few little hamlets, we are not aware of any others outside of Respite proper.
Though I did hear the people from the Helena-Thoth empire have a mind to build their own settlement very soon. Close to the third ring, but in a fresh patch of cleared forest. Or so I hear. I wonder how many they will lose in the effort."
Edit:
Do you require anything further?
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#385" Thank ye, Orwin", Toboran said to the man, "I'll be back at sunset then". After he exited the hall, Toboran walked toward the forest edge of town. -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#386"I think that the best place to search for volunteers would be the Warrior's Guild. After all, we have two mages and warriors. What about you, Jhoric?" -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#387"That could work. Why don't you head on over their and try to find some adventurous souls? I am going to find Taryer like I planned. I want to have a word with him." Jhoric stomached the last of his acorn paste gruel lunch and stood up. "We can meet back here at dinner to discuss this further. Good luck, my friend."
With that said, Jhoric left the Dining Hall and started asking around for Master Taryer. The Common Room seemed like a good place to start. -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#388Fafnir hissed loudly before rushing outside to view the commotion. He shouted over the din " What isss the problem? -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#389"Friend Gideon, I did not know you were versed in the arts of ironwarping. I am quite amazed," Rajani said, smiling. "I think that I find this place more to my liking, everyone seems more like colonists or settlers rather than refugees. And I don't see anyone wasting their efforts or resources building pointless churches or ," she paused to toss her arms up into the air for emphasis, "tall ships because the heavens know we need sailing ships." She laughed.
"A tall ship and a star to sail her by, never you mind we can't hold our own bawn and we fight over scraps of food, we must have a ship so that men can feel important." she gathered herself, feeling a bluch come to her cheeks for her impulsive outburst. "I am made exuberant by the clean air, I feel." -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#390"I cannot think of anything else. I trust you can find me easily enough when I am needed, considering you're providing the lodgings. Speaking of, I believe I shall take my things there and begin to settle down a bit." Jaegarmond turned to leave, then swiveled back towards Windell. "I should very much like to learn the tapping language that Greywood speaks. Perhaps when you have the spare time, you can teach me?"
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#391"I hope more from Respite move out, to build and farm. Tilled fields are good for one's belly, and fresh air for one's sanity. As for the iron, a smith I am, yet one without iron to work. We should assemble Jhoric, Toboran, Dimi, those who fought by our side in the woods, and set out to find a vein of ore. We're no elves to grow all we need, we require tools. The sooner, the better."
Discussing, they arrived at a sturdy house under construction, with a stone ground floor, and the wooden second story still but a skeleton, holdig up rafters for the roof-to-be. Gideon marched in, to hug his sisters, both blonde like the golden wheat they all hoped to see soon. "Watch it, you big oaf!" the younger of them, still in a rider's leathers, chided him while trying to wiggle free from his iron grasp.
"Suzie, Becky, this fine lady is Rajani, I brought her to dine with us as thanks. So, be on your best behavior!" he laughed, quite content with his wit. -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#392Fafnir ran out and was horrified by the sight of an immense scorpion, the size of a warhorse, wreaking havoc in the courtyard. Already one lizard folk lay on the ground, convulsing as poison had its effect. Many lizard folk had scattered, but a group of armed and armored lizardmen were gathering to charge the beast. Shathathia laid her hand on Fafnir's shoulder and said a quick prayer.
You are 20' away from it, and have initiative over it. A knot of warriors is charging the beast with spear and axe. You have a Bless spell upon you. -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#393Jaegarmond found his room easy enough. It only had two beds, but was also fairly small. The other bed looked recently used, and he noticed something odd about the wall nearby. A small hole appeared to have been blasted outwards.
As Jhoric went to the common room, he passed the oddest looking being he had ever seen - it looked like an earthen statue come to life, but wearing wizards robes. Only two humanlike eyes served to break the image of a walking dirtpile. Trying not to stare, he walked on to the common room.
Master Taryer was not in the room, though a quick question or two soon had him in Taryer's office.
"Well, what can I do for you Mr. Jhoric? Though I do have a package for you." He reached into his robes and brought out a bundle of sackcloth with twine holding it together. "No idea whats in it, but it was left for you."
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#394"For... Me?" Jhoric stammered; accepting the package. "I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting anything... But, uh, yes. I was wondering about further employment and possible expantion. A friend of mine, Balin, expressed interest in exploring this land and attempting to make it safe for travel. We seek the, uh, blessings of the Mage's Society in this task. Potentially in the form of resources and man-power."
Jhoric glanced at the odd package in his hands. He wanted to know what it was, but wasn't sure it was suitable for Taryer's eyes. A man has to keep his secrets secret.
"What do you say? Will you assist us, or am I wasting my time?" -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#395"That task is perhaps the most important one can pursue, perhaps only second to keeping order here.
Now, I am not accustomed to someone considering their time wasted when asking me for assistance, but in light of your recent service, I will not hold that against you. We can provide some limited assistance, perhaps in the form of spellcasting of a few durable spells. Food - passable, but by no means exciting, can be had in small quantity as well. Perhaps the best assistance is the freedom to recruit directly from the society itself. You might even want to talk to your new roommate."
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#396"Well, the good thing about that is that you didn't waste my time. You have given me more than I had before; I do not consider that a waste of time."
Jhoric laughed. "You're a good man, Taryer. I would hate to have offended you." He looked at the package again. "I am curious about this new roommate though, could you give me his name?"
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#397As Toboran wandered at the edge of Respite, seemingly aimlessly, he happened upon a wall constructed of green logs bound by tree roots. A loud commotion was coming from the other side of the wall. Concerned, Toboran started quickly around to one side, searching for an entrance. -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#398Grinning Fafnir unsheathed his scimitar, while combat is not his favorite hobby it was high on the list. Letting out a fearsome roar he rushed towards his foe, and struck at the creatures unprotected face.
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#399Balin headed for the warrior's guild and after a little while he found it. Hoping that there were receptive people inside he went in. -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#400"I've never really been on a farm, I spent most of my life living in the city of... well the city. But this is a wonderful place you have here." Rajani said, pausing the feel the rough cut timbers.