[Respite] - Factions

1. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #441

   "Please do not take my hesitancy as an insult, but I know nought about you save for your name", Toboran replied, "And that is, in itself, not very much. Even so, perhaps if I knew more about this venture and the one proposing it I might not be so hesitant", then, hopefully, "You would not happen to ave any ale in your camp that I might borrow? I have an... aquaintance who I promised to get some for".

2. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #442

   "Balin, welcome back! This," He gestured to his new roommate, "is Jaegarmond. He may be able to help us. Pull up a chair and chat for a few, dinner should be ready soon."

3. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #443

   "Greetings good sir. My roommate tells me you have an interesting business venture that I might wish to take part in. Discussion over dinner seems perfectly appropriate. I haven't had a good meal in...quite a while."

4. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #444

   "This mission is naught but my own, although many around here might sympathize. I merely want a chance to begin a new life in this land full of opportunity. In Respite we have few supplies and even fewer space to work with, perhaps a new city is needed. Such a venture will not be easy but I will lead all who follow me with all of my might. I sense a goodness in you Toboran and an appreciation of nature that is not found around here. I thought maybe such a kindred spirit would aid me, but do not worry many others may find my plight reasonable. As for the ale, the Lizards aren't one for weak drinks but I doubt any of the rum has made it across the portals."

5. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #445

   "You do not need to search for a replacement for myself, Coldblood", Toboran replied, smiling slightly, "I'll take you up on your offer. I've been looking for a reason to get out of this... town", he said the last word as if it were sour, "If you need additional help, I have a few aquaintances that might be willing to assist".

6. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #446

   Fafnir returned the smile with a toothy grin and spoke "Good, many fear the woods so I thought maybe a hand from one as strong as you would would be most helpful. I would be grateful to accept any other aid that you could convince to come along, I sense great danger in the woods. Maybe we ought to discuss more over a meal? I am sure the Fighters Guild would seat one as talented as you. I wish to get this adventure moving along as swiftly as I can, this town will not hold much longer."

7. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #447

   Toboran let out a bark of laughter.
   "Fear the woods? I and my companions returned just yesterday from a fine jaunt through them", he seemed very amused by this, "But I will take you up on that offer fro dinner, I've not eaten since this morn, and I am a little hungry. 'Tis a pity about the ale though, I did promise Orwin that I'd share any I get".

8. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #448

   "And neither have I," Balin said as he sat down. "Though, it is not so much a business venture as to scout out an area to see if it has any natural resources. I have also heard of a road stone that has some dwarven runes on it that I was interested in."

9. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #449

   " Let us be off friend! We will dine on the finest the Warriors Guild has to offer." With that comment Fafnir beckoned to Toboran to follow and started off towards the Warriors Guild.
   

10. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #450

    Toboran started off after the lizard, noting,
    "The Fighters' Guild's best probably isn't something that we need hurry for".

11. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #451

    "Considering the unclaimed nature of the resources we might find, I'd say it qualifies as a business venture. Is this a private venture of your own devising, or is this a hired bounty for new unclaimed resources? Though I haven't been here long, I've noticed that things are quite scarce. I don't know if the various guilds and societies are doing anything about it on their own, or whether this is their plan."

12. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #452

    "It is mostly of my own and Jhoric's devising, but others are encouraged to come. In fact I was just over at the Warriors' Guild trying to recruit some armored help but there wasn't anyone there so I'm going to try again after dinner."

13. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #453

    "So, the intention is to simply scout out nearby areas for usable resources, and possibly bring them back, or knowledge of their location, for sale? How long do you think this venture will take? I don't know how far around Respite has been scouted, so I can't make any guesses."

14. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #454

    "Actually I had the intention that rather than selling the information it would be put to the use of the general community. It would also be to help scare off any dangerous wildlife so that people could settle there."

15. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #455

    "We will be given some assistance and food from the Mage's Society. Master Taryer has assured me of that. I think the most we can hope for in this expedition is to find more humanoid lifeforms, this world could have existed just as long as any of ours and may be just as well functioning. The Dwarven runes are a good sign of this being true. If we fail that, we could at least blaze a trail to a location to build a new town."
    
    Jhoric sighed. "This is a huge task, but, someone has to do it."

16. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #456

    As Gideon and the prospector spoke at length, Rajani noticed that she had attracted the attentions of several of the family and friends's menfolk.  None were overt, but there were messages sent.
    
    The dinner ended, and Mr. Crane insisted that Gideon and Rajani spend the night there.  A room was available for Rajani, though barely complete and with a dirt floor. Nonetheless, Gideons' kin was hospitable and provided suitable bedding, thankfully free of vermin.
    
    
    
    "The Finest The Warrios Guild has to offer"
    
    It was true, though quite charitable a description.  Toboron and Fafnir arrived just before sundown as the many warriors present were eating their meal.  It was not much different then the meal at the Mages enclave, though a few scraps of fish and squirrel added to the acorn mash.  There was much grumbling over this, and even more on the utter lack of anything with spirits.  Some spoke of attempts to ferment the acorns, but little wanted to drink the stuff as well as eat it.
    
    Mages Council
    
    Jaegarmon replied, "Someone must indeed do it, Jhoric, but certainly there is no harm in profitting from such a dangerous venture. Since you've already got some backers to supply us, I'm not opposed to helping you in your task."
    ..
    
    Balin had similar thought to Toboran about food in mind as he approached the now noisy Warriors guild.  Entering the hall he saw many warriors of all descriptions.  He had no idea where to start, for he knew that short of magic, his voice would not carry over the hubbub. However, he saw a familiar face in the crowd. Toboran, and sitting next to him was a large lizardman.  Shrugging, he walked over to talk to them.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

17. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #457

    "Greetings, may I sit with you?" Balin asked the ranger.

18. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #458

    Fafnir glanced down at the short being asking to sit with them and spoke " I would happily oblige a seat small one. I suppose you two know one another" he said gesturing towards Toboran and the newcomer. "

19. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #459

    "Ah, welcome!" Toboran told Balin, and then to Fafnir, "This is Balin, Coldblood. He's a friend of mine, a mage, in fact".

20. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #460

    Fafnir spoke to Balin " Well met Balin, My name is Fafnir or coldblood as this warm-blood would have it. Perhaps a mage such as yourself would be interested in a little exploring.?
    

21. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #461

    The discussion was lengthy, with Gideon mostly listening about the nature of ore, and the locales where it could be found, about signs on the rocks and such - it was intriguing! Finally, he agreed to carry old Estrwick on his back, atop the supplies. He's make a great lookout, too, and with his trusty crossbow might actually "nail a felon or two", as the old man put it.
    
    But then, there was time for sleep, for they'd set out early towards the town, to find their friends and gather aid from the guilds; Gideon kissed Suzie and Becky goodnight; he had to promise the latter that he'd bring her something neat, the former was content with hearing that he'd try to be back in one fairly alive piece.
    
    While he was a wee bit jealous of the many men who gave dame Rajani glances, Gideon was more than content - he'd spend days with her, with none of them around!
    
    There was a lot ahead. Content, he dozed off.

22. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #462

    Balin thought it a quire happenstance that Fafnir asked about the very thing that he had come here for. "Actually, I came here to recruit some muscled assistance on a venture that myself and another mage are planning," he told Fafnir.

23. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #463

    Fafnir grinned saying " What sort of venture might that be short-one? I wish to explore and search for a prime new town location. Perhaps your trip and mine could be joined in one?

24. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #464

    "It seems that it was mutually beneficial that we met, Coldblood", Toboran laughed, "You had help with your little bug problem, and I get to go on not one, but two adventures. Even if they are combined it will be a venture worth joining".

25. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #465

    It was getting late, and lights were being put out, both to let those tired from the days toil get what sleep they could, and to conserve fuel.  Balin headed back to the Mage council after having agreed with Toboran and Fafnir to meet up again in the morning, where they could further discuss their possible joint venture.
    
    Jhoric and Jaegarmond both retired back to their room and settled in for the night...
    
    It did not seem very long to Jhoric before again he found his dreams taking an odd turn.
    
    "Hello" said a voice or what might have been dozens speaking as one.
    
    He saw around him the remains of what appeared to be a city, though the proportions were  wrong, though he could not fathom why.  In the distance he saw a looming mountain, larger then the others nearby by a wide margin - its top was frosted with snow while the others were but bare Grey stone.
    
    Then the scene faded to a forest clearing, where a strange green flower of great size stood, its bloom facing upwards like a cup and a constant stream of fine pollen shooting into the air.  Roots rippled just below the surface, snaking into the forest around.
    
    The voice again spoke, but a single word.
    
    "Yes"
    
    The rest of the night passed uneasily, no more dreams beyond the faded images of the past day.
    
    
    Adjustments can be made on request. It is the next day. Any and all damage should be healed by now.
    
    
    
    

26. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #466

    Gideon rose early, for there was no need to waste daylight. He knocked at Rajani's door to wake her, likewise did he with the old prospector; then, drawn by sounds of activity from downstairs, we went there. Suzie, also already up, helped him don his armor like so many times before. There was something comforting in this familiarity, this semblance of normality. It was almost like in the common room, at home, if one disregarded the lack of a pot of hearty stew, the missing hierlooms on the walls and the mud floor.
    
    So what. All it took would be building a new town, new home, marry... yup, a lot to do.
    
    He sat there, packed, waiting for the rest. They'd have to make hurry to the guild.
    

27. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #467

    Rajani rose from the best night of sleep that she had had in weeks. The bustle of the kitchen was comforting, a far cry from the scurrying in the hostel, the endless vacant noise that came from the common room. No one complained of the choice of food, no one was whinging about what wasnt at this table, or that table. AS she had before, she gave herself to helping with the cooking and food preparing as best she could. Purpose, one of her old tutors had taught her, is a great salve for an injured spirit.

28. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #468

    On the southwest edge of Respite, a massive battle raged at the site of the new Helena-Thoth encampment.  Few walls had been erected when the fury of the woods threw itself against the new interlopers.
    
    Against the bronze-armored soldiery, steady in their tight ranks of shield and sarissa, forest beasts and botanical horrors hurled themselves.  The dicipline of the soldiers held, and although not without loss, held back the horde.
    
    What walls they had erected they used to protect their flanks, and to help guard those not bearing arms.  However, even children were throwing rocks over the heads of the phalanxs into the attacking force.
    
    Then, as quickly as it started, it was over.  The field was littered with the speared remains of scores of creatures, wolves, bears, boars, and even a few huge elk.  The threat apparently past, the people cautiously approached the carcasses to harvest this unexpected windfall. Others bent their backs to completing their walls with renewed haste.
    
    
    
    

29. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #469

    Jaegarmond woke up from a restful sleep, and upon opening his eyes saw the oddest thing.
    
    From his earthy hand had sprung a tiny sapling, bearing a multitude of minuscule leaves, and , after a moments pause, two tiny eyes looking back up at Jaegarmond...
    
    He then felt an odd 'knock knock' pattern on his hand as the little tree-creatures tapped away....
    
    
    

30. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #470

    As far as mornings can go, this one certainly couldn't get much weirder. It wasn't entirely unheard of for particularly unaware Dunshar to let a seed take root in their husk, but like most of the earthen husked, Jaegarmond made sure that he checked himself over after every potential seeding encounter. Looking at the eyes of the sapling, he was struck with the odd thought that they bore remarkable resemblance to the tree he had met the day before. The more he thought about it, the more he figured it was the most source of his new companion. Somehow Master Windell's tree had planted a seedling in his husk, probably when they had shaken hand-and-branch.
    
    He wondered what his roommate would think of their new companion, then the truly amusing thing struck him. Assuming he didn't just remove off that part of his husk and reanimate another limb, he would get a firsthand learning session of the tapping language the little trees used, just like he'd wanted. He laughed a rough laugh and started tapping his wrist, trying to establish a line of communication with his new guest.

31. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #471

    Balin got up and stretched. He had slept in and he had needed it. Balin made sure that he was all in order and then settled down as best he could to study his spell book for awhile before breakfast.

32. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #472

    Jhoric was sitting on his bed thinking about this new dream. It wasn't menacing; it seemed to be calling him somewhere. Did someone need help? Should he help them? The voices had said "Yes," to him, but what was the question?
    
    Eventually Jhoric noticed Jaegarmond was awake and was about to greet him when he noticed something very odd. There seemed to be a plant growing from Jaegarmond's hand, and he looked just as puzzled about it as Jhoric was.
    
    "That's not normal, even for you, is it?" Jhoric asked as many thoughts crossed his mind. Maybe it was normal. He could just be made of some rather fertile soil. This was going to be an interesting day.

33. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #473

    Toboran strode into the dining hall of the warriors' guild where he had gotten a room the night before. He took a seat to wait for some breakfast.

34. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #474

    The mood in the common room at the warriors guild was unsettled.  Rumors of murder were murmuring about the room, though who and where was not agreed to. Some said one of the higher guilds man had been slain, others that Master Thrin, the guildsmaster of the non-humans had been killed.  Details were scant, but that did not stop the wild speculation.
    
    It in that atmosphere that Toboran ate his acorn-gruel.  Fafnir appeared soon after and was the subject of a few looks, but no-one spoke to the lizardman.  He saw Toboran and made his way over.

35. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #475

    "Goodmorning to you, Coldblood", Toboran said to Fafnir as he approached, "I trust you slept well?"

36. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #476

    "Yes warm-blood, any rest is welcome in my experience.There seems to have been some trouble around here, any clues on what is going on?"

37. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #477

    The breakfast was excellent, given what was available to work with.  No grain was served, even though Gideon's family had some - it was far too precious as seedstock then as food.  Instead, the everpresent acorn mash was served here as well, though the addition of some carefully hoarded spices made it more palatable then others had managed thus far.
    
    Over the meal, a heated discussion over what time of year it was was held.  After then end, most agreed that it must be late summer, the plants and trees where close enough to those from home to provide the indicators, though the weather seemed somewhat warmer then normal.  Perhaps winter would be easier here then at home.  At least weather wise.  Without having a full growing season might be disasterous however.
    
    Mealtime over, Gideon said his goodbyes to kin and neighbour, and with Rajani , headed towards the guildhall to find some help.  The prospector would wait for them here once they had assembled their group.  The old man was more chipper then Gideon had ever seen him before. 
    
    
    
    

38. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #478

    "No, this isn't quite normal. I think it happened yesterday when I shook the branch of Master Windell's tree. On the other hand, I did want to learn the knocking language that the tree uses to communicate. I'll need to find some better soil for it, but for now, it looks as if I'll be sharing my body with this little one. Shall we go see what the cooks are trying to pass off as breakfast?"

39. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #479

    "Friends, know that we aaaaall are here for a reason! We have been saved from the inferno, saved! We have been saved from the devouring maws of fiends. Saved from a fate faaaaar worse then death itself!
    
    And who has saved us? Who opened the gates to this new paradise, our new home, our new start? Well friends, this is what we are here for - to help you to find who!
    
    Yes friends! Yes! We will find him, together we shall seek both without, aaand within our very own souls. We shall find this one. Do you hear me?  Yes! Do you hear me!! "
    
    
    
    The warriors guild was looking as spartan as ever, and a small pile of cut stone was stacked near the entry. A single, large, heavily armored guard sat atop the pile, looking quite bored.  His eyes lightened up when he saw Gideon and Rajani approach. 
    
    "Ah, Gideon!" he said, "How fare thee? I owe you and your friends a great deal for that pig-meat that you sent back.  First decent meal I had in two wooden months! Yah hear? One of the Bugbear's minions got cutup behind the brothel! Man, what bad luck - you get away from the d**n demons, and you get yer throat slit for near-worthless gold."
    
    Gideon was surprised, he may have seen this fellow once and had no clue who he was, but he smiled and proceeded on into the guildhall.  The two found the common room awash with rumor and speculation, and they easily found Toboran, as well as a lizardman he was conversing with.
    
    

40. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #480

    "Ah, hail Gideon", Toboran said looking up from his conversation, "and priestess. What brings you here on this day?"

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