[Respite] - Factions

1. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #41

   
   
   Morning came early to the residents of the Hostel - a frenzy of activity spurred by accounts of the flare of energy that had came through the gate.  None seemed to know what to make of the event, and there was some mourning over the fate of poor Hagzeria. She had apparently survived the blast, but was blinded and currently comatose.
   
   Breakfast was served - a thin gruel improved upon by forest-gathered snake-berries, along with fresh fish, poached.  The common room - of which there were several in the hostel - was full of people all taking their breakfast.  The people were a wide range of description. Most were some flavor of humanity with clothing of many forms, but there were a few others - elves, dwarves and a few who appeared to be something else entirely.
   
   Jhoric took this all in as he stood at one of the room's entrances.  His night had disappeared - he barely remembered coming to this building and probably would have difficulty finding his room later.  The days leading up to his escape here had been too frantic to get proper sleep.  Probably time to find a seat for breakfast.
   
   Rajani had followed the others to the common room, and her night too, had been blissfully uneventful.  No images followed her into her sleep.  Perhaps this truely was a new start.  Could all of  those nightmare memories have been real?
   
   One of the dwarves was sitting down, looking at the fish staring back at him from the wooden shingle that passed for a plate.  Its flesh was disturbingly colorful - so different from the pale-white fish that populated the underground lakes of his homeland, or did. Doubtless the demons would consume all them as well.
   
   His last memory of his world was that frenzied battle at his clan's Citadel. Their line finally failed and his good friend Thenadral rammed into him and drove him into the gate.  Balin had survived, but his friend did not appear to make it through.  His last vision was a fiend - seemingly all mouth - moving up to engulf Thenadral before the lights of the gate obscured the event.
   
   Now he was here. Wherever here was. 
   
   

2. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #42

   "Thank ye, good innkeeper", Toboran said as he took the proffered dagger. "Now, how about an ale?" He took a seat at the nearest upright table expectantly.

3. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #43

   After eating a bit of the colorful fish and the gruel, Rajani was feeling much better, despite being somewhat bland it was magnitudes better than hard rations. She sighed contentedly for a moment after eating the fish. After the evening beforfe she felt like she shed something more substancial than just a layer of road grime. After returning her shingle, she looked for someone who worked at the hostel.
   
   (OOC - Rajani would like to find out about the Hostel, and what she can do to assist, so Gather Information check, PM me the results my good sir)

4. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #44

   Terrisch moved behind the bar once more and took one more battered mug down.  Going over to the keg he filled the mug, taking a little longer then usual.  He cursed out load.
   
   "Well, that settles it. This is the last one!"
   
   He brought the mug over to Toboran.  "Might be gritty. I'm all out. Unless ya want some of this crap someone calls wine."
   
   This brought gasps from the bar patrons.
   
   
   
   
   

5. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #45

   The party of woodsmen, along with their well-armed escorts, had traveled three hours through the heavy forest to get here.  The copse of trees that was their target was further away then they had thought, and so much taller.
   
   No matter, the woodsmen went to work felling the massive trees, and Hargue the mage shrunk them to managable size.  "One more! - That one!" he said, pointing to a massive pine that the very clouds seemed to catch upon as they passed.  The woodsmen made ready to take down the tree - a full pace in width.

6. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #46

   "I'm sorry about the trouble I caused you, friend" Dimi said as he made his way from by the door and back to the bar, "and now, finding out about your lack of ale, I do believe the gods are punishing me for my earlier outburst.
   
   Sitting down next to Torroban, "And thank you, I would've been inconvinenced by a dagger in my back.  I'm Dimi, son of Yousif."

7. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #47

   After meandering around the hostel and meeting some of the various folk who worked there, Rajani found out what she wanted to know. A good person knows where to talk and where to listen, and she was delighted to find out that Taryer was an important man among the locals, and she sought him out. The lithe woman, no free of grime, and her face much less creased by fatigue and hunger, offered him a quick smile when she found him.
   
   "Master Taryer, I have considered you offer from the other night, and I hope it is still available. I may not be of much use to swing an axe or carry a shield, but I can heal the injured, and tend the sick. I don't know that I need give you details of my deeds, as survival seems to be as good as any, but I have seen combat and treated the dead and the wounded."

8. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #48

   Jhoric felt content to stand in the doorway forever, just observing everyone as they went about their business. He knew, however, that this new life would not be so simple. So, he forced himself to go eat and socialize.
   
   This was going to be awkward, Jhoric thought as he sat down next to a dwarf. He was very anxious, but managed to nod and slip out a "Hi," as he was sitting down. Now, to listen, reply, and try to eat this fish.

9. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #49

   "And I'm Toboran Redhand. I thought it best to leave the squabble 'twixt the squabblers, and not sneak up from behind a man, even a drunk one." Toboran said to Dimi, smiling slightly. "I am pleased by my new, shiny toy, though".

10. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #50

    "Greetings. And how would you be faring today." he stiffly replied in his horse, grinding voice.
    
    Balin really didn't want to know, but it was the polite thing to do, and he would need some friends in this new world. He continued to eat his fish which could do well with some good, dwarven mead, but he thought it unlikely that they had any.

11. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #51

    The party of woodcutters was overdue.  Methandra the shipwright was impatient, and starting to get worried.  The ship had been commissioned for an expedition that needed to start as soon as the ship could draw water.  The woods were rough going, so perhaps she would give them another day before she really started to panic.  Hargue and the others were quite capable - they would be back soon enough.
    
    She hoped..
    

12. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #52

    Toboran turned the dagger over in his hand.  It was a fine piece of worksmanship, with the insignia of a rampant .. eagle?  It was some type of bird of prey - hooked beak and sharp talons, but the feathers details were indistinct and there was something odd about the placement of the eyes.
    
    It reminded him somewhat of the man-of-arms own coat of arms - theirs had been a red eagle, with its wings spread over a plain gold field.  Who exactly had he got himself involved with?

13. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #53

    "Why young lady,  Rajani,  correct? The offer is most certainly open.  And will remain open for quite some time I expect.  It will be years before anyone competent will have nothing to do here.
    
    Healers will have a lot of call I'm afraid, so I can easily find work for you.  It just so happens that I have an immediate need for some skilled people.
    
    A group of woodcutters accompanied by one of our mid-ranked mages went missing today.  You would be an excellent addition to the team - the missing party could have injuries that need tending to - if - they are found.
    
    I have a couple of candidates who have already applied.  I would be greatly pleased if you were able  to find some additional hands - perhaps sell-swords or the like - to beef up the team.  You will have mine and the council's gratitude for undertaking this, and even more should you be successful.  Gold is of little value - now - but we will aid you as much as circumstances allow."
    
    "What say you young lady? I would like to get the team going in at most four hours."
    
    
    

14. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #54

    Jhoric glanced at the dwarf and responded rather reluctantly, it would be impolite to ignore him.
    "I'm fine," He replied, wishing he had something more to say. Then, he got bold...
    "What do you think of this fish? Could use some lemon, am I right?" he said, looking around the table.

15. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #55

    Balin felt better with the conversation, perhaps he was more weary than he thought.
    "No, rather than lemon I think that if it were marinated in a strong, dwarven ale and then cooked properly, then it would taste good."
    "So, what do you do?"

16. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #56

    "That does sound quite good, as for what I do," He pondered a moment, choosing his words. "Well," He laughed, "I do magic, of course, and I hope to do some good around here with it."
    
    He relaxed a little.
    "You seem sociable enough, I'm Jhoric. Who might you be? And, what do you do?"
    Got to make friends eventually, he though.

17. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #57

    "And I'm Balin. I am also a practitioner of the magic arts. So, will you be looking for work?"

18. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #58

    "I suppose I am, do you know of anything that needs doing?"

19. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #59

    Before Balin can answer, a young man wearing a nearly iridescent blue robe steps up to the two magi.  "Master Taryer has an assignment that might interest you two.  Could you follow me to his office?"
    
    Without waiting to see if they would answer, the messenger turned on his heel and left the room.

20. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #60

    Balin rose and followed the messenger, wondering what it could be.

21. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #61

    Jhoric also got up and followed. This could be just what he was looking for.

22. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #62

    The two magi followed the blue-robed man into an room that was apparently combination study, library, office and laboratory.  Sitting at a large desk seemingly carved from one giant piece of wood was a somewhat portly man in merchant's garb. 
    
    "Ah, so Urdun found you - excellent.  I need to send out a search party for a missing mage, some woodcutters and their escorts.  I've been told good things about you two."
    
    Balin was startled - he had spoken to precious few since he came to this hovel of a city
    
    "Oh, where are my manners - my name is Weth Taryer. I am a senior mage-councilor.  Now, I have a few other people already signed on and I'm in the process of finding some sell-swords to bulk out the party.  If you agree to this, you will have mine and the council's gratitude.  You will be able to make use of the Hostel without charge for at least two more weeks, and have access to what facilities we have that are not overbooked already.  The expedition is to set out within four hours. You will have a guide to help as well.
    
    Any questions? What say you?"
    
    
    

23. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #63

    Having quit the site of the days festivities - the 'wine' was worse then the ale, Toboran and Dimi found themselves walking the simple dirt trails that passed for streets here.  One good rain and this place would be nearly impassable. 
    
    As they walked on, they heard one of the ubiquitous town criers - there was no paper available for posters and the like - rattling off a contract for mercenaries.
    
    
    
    

24. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #64

    "Lemala?" Dimi muttered; "What's being offered, sadeqey?  What brave monsters will need be killed to help a terrified noble sleep well at night?"

25. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #65

    Not fazed by the odd words, the crier stopped his next proclamation and turned to Dimi.
    
    "Tis a rescue mission I'm told.  Go see Master Taryer at the Mage Council, center ring. As for what's on offer, they say its up for negotiation - everythings barter these days. It'll also getcha out of this stinkin' city. I'd go, if it weren't for my bum leg."
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

26. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #66

    "Sounds like an interesting proposition." Toboran said, stroking his chin, " But where, my good man, may we find this Mage Council?"

27. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #67

    Looking at Toboran, the crier scowled.  "Guess I'll say it louder - Center ring. Can't miss it. Biggest building there."
    
    
    

28. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #68

    "Yes, I shall assist."
    
    Balin thought that this would be an excellent opportunity to begin making his mark on this new world.

29. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #69

    Dimi and Toboran found the Mage council easily enough - the building was perhaps as good as they came in the oversize refugee camp. 
    
    A few inquiries led them to small room where a number of people were quietly discussing matters.
    
    Master Taryer appeared soon after.
    
    "Greetings gentlemen, " he said. "You are here about the rescue mission? Yes?"
    
    "Your team will leave in the hour should you accept. A guide is being provided along with the team leader.  Do you have any questions?"
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

30. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #70

    Rajani had no questions, bowing her head in acknowledgement of Master Taryer. She held the reins of Grey, the rather unimaginative name she had given to the grey gelding she liberated from EndKelton, slack in one hand. She would ride some, walk some. She didnt like the notion of leaving the horse behind, he had been her companion for some time and she had taken a liking to him.
    
    She prepared herself as best as possible, she had her wand tucked into the belt of her riding skirts, along with a long handled dagger. She closed her eyes and let her spirit settle low, and she felt it. This world was in many ways not so different from her home, she could feel the rise and eddy of mystical force emanting from the very earth. In a moment she could draw that force up into armor, perhaps the strongest trick she could muster.
    
    

31. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #71

    The hastily assembled party found themselves in a open area just near a gate in the outermost ring of Respite.  This wooden wall was the least well-built, looking to be little more then days old. In places, branches still bearing slightly wilted leaves gave cover to the wall.
    
    All told, the party numbered about twenty, with only a few horses.  In addition to Rajani,  Dimi ,Toboran, Johric and Balin, there was Yerwick - another mid-level Magecouncil member and apparent team leader, Turith - a odd light-blue skinned elf and 'guide', as well as a troop of about a dozen or so other warriors.
    
    The group gathered and began to move after a short confused discussion as to who would go where, but ended up with about half of the warriors in front, along with Yerwick ,Toboran and Dimi, the mages in the middle,and the balance of the warriors in the rear.
    
    The first few hours were fairly easy going - the forests had been stripped bare of most things up to that point - anything portable, edible or usable already having been snatched to feed the hunger of Respite and its refugee citizenry.
    
    The next few hours became more difficult as the forest began to thicken.  The underbrush was heavy on either side of the trail, and the huge oak and maple trees that formed the canopy overhead seemed rather tight for trees of their size.  The group found itself moving at nearly single file before too long.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

32. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #72

    "I should have spent more time in the woods, when they were still there," Rajani said, looking to the man walking dutifully next to her. "I suppose it is too late to remedy that now." She looked ahead, the column of soldiers, volunteers and a few magi stalking through the forest, looking for missing woodcutters.
    
    "it does seem odd to me that they did not cut these trees, I mean they are not so far away, and seem good enough, but I do not know about such things."

33. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #73

    "Wait, I heard something in those bushes." Balin indicated to some shrubs.

34. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #74

    Tenrir listened patiently and stone-faced as Kou'rha breathlessly explained the vision he had seen.  The old shaman paused a few moments after Kou'rha had finished, plucking at one of the coarse strands of hair in his beard.  "I wished to keep the truth from you, Kou'rha," he said finally with a murmur.  "But now, I think, there are things that you must know."
    
    Kou'rha frowned.  "What does the vision mean?" he demanded.
    
    "I do not know," he admitted.  "I feared that you would see nothing this night.  It is good that you saw something, but I wish that you had seen something else."
    
    Kou'rha gave a low rumble of despair.  "And I also, Uncle.  It caused me great fear.  But... If you did not think that I would see anything, why did you send me?"
    
    Tenrir poked at the small fire in his hut with a stick, staring into the flames as though they would give answer.  "This is a thing you must keep secret, Kou'rha," he said grimly, embers lighting his wrinkled visage.  "No one must know but we two, or the village would be destroyed."  Kou'rha nodded in agreement.  Tenrir gave a low, long sigh.  "It has been at least five moons since I have heard the great spirits."
    
    "Five moons?!" Kou'rha gasped.  "But- Why?  Are you ill, Uncle?  Have you offended them that they will not give you words?"
    
    Tenrir shook his head.  "You do not understand.  It is not I that cannot hear.  The spirits are just... gone."
    
    Kou'rha blinked, trying to grasp the gravity of it.  "Gone?  To where?  Why have they left?"
    
    "A great darkness is coming over the land, nephew," Tenrir said.  "The spirits wanted to stop it, but it was too strong for them."  His voice softened, almost fearful.  "I heard their cries, for a moment.  Terrible cries..."  He shook his head.  "Where they have gone, I do not know.  But they are gone.  Only their blessing magic is left."
    
    Kou'rha sat stunned, distraught.  "What could be so terrible that even the great spirits flee?" he wondered aloud.  "Is it the Others?  Have they brought a curse with them?"
    
    "No, they suffer with us, and worse.  They have fled their lands, and their great spirits are gone."  He sighed.  "For once, Kou'rha, I truly do not know what to do."
    
    There was a long silence before something struck Kou'rha.  "We must find the great spirits, Uncle," he said decisively.
    
    Tenrir made a curious grunt.  "Find the great spirits?  I do not know where you would begin."
    
    "If the Others cannot find their spirits, perhaps we can search for them together," Kou'rha offered.  An edge of excitement crept into his voice.  "They are destructive, and they look weak, but they may be friends in our need."
    
    Tenrir tugged at his beard again.  "Yes... I think you may be right, Kou'rha."  A proud smile briefly lit his face.  "But I cannot go with you.  I am too old, and the village still needs me."
    
    His nephew nodded.  "I understand, Uncle.  I shall go myself, and return with the great spirits."  He stood as though to leave, eager if ignorant.
    
    "Wait," the shaman ordered, rising to his feet.  "There is something you must first do."
    
    (OOC: Back in action if you'll still have me, Mr. GM :D)

35. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #75

    As soon as his warning faded into silence, Balin began the chant of magic.  In front of him a large blazing sphere flashed into being, already singing and wilting the nearby vegetation.
    
    Elsewhere along the line, chaos erupted.
    
    Up front, where Dimi walked his horse along side Toboran, two hellish swine burst through the underbrush.  The beasts were nearly the size of Dimi's horse and their foul maws were armed with sword-like tusks.
    
    The mages heard the shouts of the reargaurd and it was immediately clear that this was an ambush, but for some reason, none had burst into the middle.
    
    Init: Toboran
    Front NPCs
    Dimi , Johri
    Yerwick
    Hellish Swine
    Rajani,Rear Group NPCs
    Turith - Guide (apparently asleep on his feet...)
    
    Automove on Wednesday if no post.
    
    
    
    

36. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #76

    These beasts were larger than the wild boar he had hunted back home, but the same trick should still work. Grimly, Toboran set his spear against the earth and leveled the point at the one of the creatures' chests. He tensed ready to jump aside at any moment.
    
    

37. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #77

    Rajani shouted with surprise as the boars burst through the foliage, always having been a creature of the city and the temples, the monsters gave her a fright. Her gelding was a bit more tolerant of the creatures, most likely either the animal knew it could outrun them, or was simply daft in the head. Gripping the reins in her right hand, she made a gesture of blessing across the scattered warriors around her. She called out in the stilting syllabyls of Old Keltish "생활의 축복은 당신에 있고, 태양 빛 당신의 얼굴 일지모른고 그림자에 있는 당신의 적을 배역한다." the words of the blessing floated across her lips, the words, gibberish to all but the initiated wise men and oracles of Endkelton, "사는 그들을 위한 명예와 넘어지는 사람들을 위한 존경!" The prayer completed, she felt the cascade of divine power fulminate through her. For a moment, she could feel the life pounding through the veins of the warriors, of her horse, the breath of the plants, and then it was gone.
    
    Rajani drew the wand from her hip, prepared to make use of it. She held it in a cold grip, her heart high in her throat.
    
    (OOC - Cast Bless on allies (+1 to attack, +1 to resist fear) and prepare Wand of Magic Missle to defend herself if singled out for attack, otherwise will hold spells to heal the wounded)

38. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #78

    Jhoric held the words of darkness on his tongue as he looked frantically around for a target. He slowly took a step back, searching the burning vegetation for any sign of hostility.
    
    (OOC - Attacking first target in range, +4 Ranged Touch for 2d6 damage)

39. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #79

    A piercing squeal of fright erupted near Balin's magical conflagration, along with the sound of  large beasts retreating.  Jhoric unleashed a bolt of energy in the direction of the squeal and was rewarded by an even louder squeal of pain.
    
    At the front, the two lead swine charged in, with more following.  Dimi fired his crossbow, which he had ready, and the bolt leaped out. It nearly missed, but its sharp head still cut a furrow into the swine's head, sending a small shower of blood shooting up.
    
    The soldiery at front let loose their missile weapons as well, and of the lot, a pair of arrows slammed into the same swine that Dimi had injured.
    
    Neither swine faltered and they charged still closer, their tusks ready to shred manflesh.
    
    Toboron held his spear steady, butt planted solidly.  His tactic worked - the swine in its fury slammed into the spear, driving it hard into its shoulder. The power of the creature caused the spear to creak in protest, but the wood held and the beast began to twist and turn to free itself.
    It was successful, but its exertions shredded its shoulder...
    
    The other wounded boar launched itself at Turith, its wounds spurring it to still greater rage. Only a last moment dodge evaded the beasts tusks from rending his flesh.
    
    Dimi dropped the crossbow - loading it would take an eternity in this fight.  Several other of the warriors dropped their bows and ran up to assist. 
    
    Screams echoed from the rear of the group...
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

40. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #80

    "باركيني يا اختان" Dimi screamed as he dropped his bow and drew his scimitar and the kurki, charging headfirst at the boar that Torobon had speared.  "We fight brother!"

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