[Respite] - Factions — Legacy Forums

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#201

"They might get a chance to rest, or we might just be attacked until the morning, leaving no one with any sleep and a long walk ahead of us. I say we push off now, and walk through the night preferably." Looking around the forest, Dimi spat. "If nothing else we need to retrieve the other members of our band, so that we're all in one place."

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#202

"I can see well enough at night, no problem there" Gideon added to the discussion. "We will not get rest at night, I think, so let's get going now, and deny the forest hussy her rest as well."

"If you want me to carry something, pack it in my bag, and let's be off."

He remembered the time his patrol ran afoul of a mountain witch - her kind were vengeful, and not easily appeased. At last, they had come to a discussion back then, and realized a rowdy song they had sung on their march offended her. If he only knew what this witch wanted!

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#203

"Moving on is probably best. If there are wounded who cannot keep up easily on foot, they can take a spell and ride my horse. So long as they dont get any funny ideas about trying to keep him.' Rajani said. Gray had carried her a long way, across worlds literally. The gelding had saved her life and didnt ask anything in return other than some attention with a brush and a few scoops of grain and good grazing. She patted his neck and scratched his ears while the others prepared to depart.

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#204

Balin thought that having the walls of the fortress around him would be better but if there were this many others who wanted to go on he would not argue. "Very well."

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#205

"Well, I don't doubt that you can see well in the darkness, my friend, but do you have lanterns or torches to light the way for us not so blessed? As much as I want to the see the back of this place, stumbling in the dark holds little appeal to me."

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#206

"I have some in here", Toboran told him, rummaging around in his pack, "Ah, here we go". He held up two torches and a tinderbox. He quickly lit them both and held one out for someone to take.

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#207

Jhoric quickly took the torch from Toboran and looked eager to get moving.
"OK, folks, let's go!" He said, and looked to Gideon as if to say 'Lead the way.'

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#208

He lumbered ahead, breaking branches that suspiciously jutted into their way, and stomping anything suspicious with his iron-shod boots.

The forest was thick, tangled and wild - not the best place to be battling an unknown foe. The faster they were out, the better.

"Now I know why the Hrondin legions fared so badly in the forests of Nashek, you know, back home. One cannot keep a formation in terrain like this. Be watchful, that stalker is most likely out there, unless she got tired from all that evil she did."

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#209

"I should hope that our departure is enough to assuage her wrath" Rajani said. "If we do not return, there is sure to be a much larger group to be sent out to discover what happened to us." Rajani said. If the forest witch was indeed close by, maybe the woman would hear her and take heed. She did feel the urge to speak with this forest witch, but as she had pushed her divine gift as far as she dared, she had no desire to face someone dangerous with only her innate magic to protect her. Perhaps she would return, better prepared to deal with this sort of thing, later.

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#210

With their few torches illuminating the grasping branches of the woods, the party made its way back. Turith, the guide led the way, his keen elf eyes piercing the darkness, along with Gideon nearby, his fell sword at the ready.

Still the grasping branches and dark canopy above gave the party a feeling of claustrophobia. But they made good time. The trail was not too rugged and before long, they came across the scene of their battle with the swine. Not wishing to linger, it was still obvious that the forest creatures had fell upon the remaining corpses - their forms far more mangled now.

More to come, though you can post at this stage...

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#211

"I see that our late friends have been found. Looks like a poor place to sleep and have something burrow into your side."

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#212

"Indeed. Sleeping anywhere in these woods could prove to be a mistake. We should keep moving."

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#213

The party's torches burned out shortly after passing by the corpses. This was not as terrible as it could have been for the path now was well cleared and packed by traffic such that it was not hard to follow. Gideon was making enough noise to guide everyone, even had it been pitch black.

Good time continued to be made, even with exhaustion beginning to bite. As the sky began to lighten, and the morning creatures began to chirp,sing and occasionally bellow, the smell of woodsmoke signaled that their trip was near its end.

She watched them walk out from the forest's edge out to where the trees had been chopped down and the area cleared. Watching until they disappeared from view into a gate in the wooden palisade, she then turned away, back into the forest.

PCs are now nearly at the main gate. Anything planned prior to meeting with the guards?

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#214

"At last, Respite." Rajani said, "Perhaps we can get some rest now." She felt weary in her bones. Not even a mug of Orzio could keep her awake, assuming that it even existed in this place.

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#215

The guards absently waved the party into the city, barely looking at the assorted folk, though their eyes widened a little at the huge half-ogre at the fore. Still, nothing was said and no toll was requested.

If anything, the city was more crowded then when they left. Areas that had been open had sprouted additional ramshackle tents, and there were even people of different types camped out in the open. Anything to stay within the walls.

The PCs wended their way through the chaotic streets of Respite until they made it to the center circle where the Magecouncil was located. It too seemed more crowded, and there seemed to be additional stories added to the wooden structure, giving it a decidedly precarious look.

They were ushered into to the main hall where Master Tarye stood waiting, along with two other people. To his right, an emaciated old man in workclothes stood, nearly bubbling with exitement, and to his left, a gentle-looking man in grey robes.

"Why my friends, you have exceeded my expectations! It seems we - especially Medrarh there, owe you a great deal. Please, tell me what happened!"

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#216

Jhoric coughed from the back of the large group and made his way forward to speak.

"Listen, Tarye, we've been fighting huge animals and some sort of forest witch for the past d**n day and night. I just want to take a d**n nap and eat a nice meal before I'm willing to sit and chat with your well-rested ass." He looked at the group, torn clothes; covered in scrapes and wounds from their travels and fights. They deserved to rest, and shouldn't have to say a d**n word until they are treated like the heroes they were.

"If you don't mind, and even if you do, I'm going to my room to have a nice nap before I wake up and eat something. That is, unless you have given my room to someone else because you didn't expect me back." Jhoric stared intensely at Tarye while stifling a yawn and trying to keep his eyes open. An, overall, not very intimidating gaze.

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#217

"True enough we're tired, Jhoric, but that's no reason to get snappy with, um, Tarye was it?" Toboran told the warlock, "Yes, Tarye. Although, I wouldn't say no to some food and rest myself." He looked hopefully toward their employer.

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#218

"My compatriots forget their manners, and listen more to their aching feet and hungry bellies," Rajani said, offering a curtsey to the Wizard Taryer. "We did encounter a number of animals of unusual size, grotesque swine and dire wolves I believe. We put them to the steel and they are no more."

She cupped her elbows with her hands, "We found the camp of the loggers, there were some dead, and these men frightened and hiding in a make-shift fort. We have rescued them at a cost of some lives and many injuries." She said.

"I would speak my mind, is it not foolish to be seeking great trees to make masts for some sort of sailing ship when Respite looks ready to fall on itself? Ramshackle like this begs for fire's kiss, and fire is as indulgent as a flesh-monger."

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#219

Master Tayer's expression started as a frown, but turned to slight amusement at Jhorics outburst. After Rajani's finish he looked at them again.

"My, where are my manners. Of course this discussion can wait for the morrow. A breakfast will provided post haste my friends - it is the least we can do at that point. I will even contribute a bottle of wine that I have been holding for a special occasion. And your berths are available still - and we will make additional ones available for your warriors.

And my dear Rajani - we will discuss the need for the ship later, but be assured it is a real need. That lives were lost is regrettable in the extreme, but this was not a wasted effort."

"Absolutely not a waste , my children" agreed the man in grey robes. Rajani recognized him as the High Garun.
Jhoric seemed to pale slightly at the voice. It seemed very familiar to him as well.

"Well, I will not hold you any longer - you may find a decent repast in the main hall. Much of the pork still remains, though it is indeed disappearing fast."

With that the three men left the room, and a young man came to lead the party to the main hall.

"Where did they get this stone? It looks like it's already been worked?" said Materi the stonemason.
"No idea, but its fair throughout - not a crack to be seen. Those holes are well carved and won't weaken it much. Funny, these don't seem to be all that old." Jestle probed at the huge column with his trowel. "Well, beggars can't be choosers, and damn if there aren't a lot of beggars here."

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#220

Senpat Sviodo could not help overhearing the snippets of the conversation, starting with the mild outburst. This was an interesting group. They were conversing with three men Senpat had spied earlier. These men seemed to be in charge of things, or at least in the know.

Feigning disinterest, Senpat walked by the parties, and proceeded to the main hall. Pork was on the menu, and from the looks of it, lots of it. What he did not see however were any musicians or entertainers. This is no way for civilized folk to dine, he thought, even if they were all refugees from distant, dead worlds. Like he was.

Perhaps a song. A stranger in a strange place. He could not think of a more appropriate tune.

Standing on a stool, he took out his cumbersome wheel-fiddle, tuned its many knobs and strings, and announced before beginning to play,

“I say hail to all. Senpat Sviodo is my name. My friends, Thymon bless them, called me 'Ringer'. And I mean to sing and play for my supper.”

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#221

"Then play, while we stuff ourselves with well-deserved pork! Truly, the pig is a blessing bestowed upon man" Gideon mused as he chewed on a grease-dripping pork club.

He was exhausted, but sleeping with an empty belly was to be avoided whenever possible. He avoided the discussion with the wizard, and any rudeness, for he was naturally cautious amongst wizardfolk.

Once he felt the meat settle in his belly, a smile spread on his face, and he turned to Rajani. "I am curious, milady. There, in the woods, was a loner woman, or whatever it may be; but where there are loners, there might be also groups. Why haven't we met any of the people of this place yet? And what might they be like? More importantly, what will we do once we meet them?"

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#222

"You are quite observant, Master Gideon." Rajani said, helping herself to severl pieces of pig, though hers were much less significant that his. "I imagine that this forest witch is native to this place. We are outsiders, intruders. Given that I would say that the other natives are either hiding, or are in for a surprise when they find Respite." She carefully chewed a few bites. She had ben giving the matter some thought herself.

"I tihnk it comes to us to extend the Aggria of Peace... or something like that." she said, feeling foolish. There was certainly no way that any of the Aggrias survived Endkelton. The gold chaised chalices of peace were now likely the blood horns of demon princes, thrice curse their names. "I intend to seek this witch out and speak with her. I have a blessing that would allow for my protection, but I do not like relying on magic overmuch. Perhaps I could convince you to accompany me?' she asked.

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#223

The smell of that delicious pig was too enticing. Sleep could wait. Jhoric grabbed a fair share of pork and settled down near Gideon and Rajani. He just sat and listened idly to the music and conversation, too tired to pitch in, while gnawing on a haunch of meat.

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#224

Toboran sought a seat near to the minstrel and helped himself to a portion of the pig.
"Food always tastes better when you kill it yourself", he observed to no one in particular, then to the bard, "Ringer, you know any songs of the forest? I've been homesick for elven music since I got here."

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#225

The smell was enticing, but the taste was better.

"Apparently, larger animals taste better."

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#226

“Aye, I know a few”

The Witch O’ Whispering Pines, perhaps? Autumndale Trees? Saga of the Bearslayer Pince? He knew them all, Ringer thought, as he considered the man's request, but just then, an overwhelming desire for fatty meat overtook him, the aroma plying its charms on the bard. Bowing quickly to his less than interested audience, Ringer approached the man who spoke, and sat at the table beside him.

"Would you mind if I broke bread with you first? I don’t think I’ve eaten, since–-well, since a day or so ago."

“What do you call yourself? And though I won’t ask where from you hail-- I was told that is not a polite question here, considering the situation we all find ourselves in—I will ask you what your plans may be for the future. For I know no one here.”

Ringer smiled and pushed back the desperation in his heart. He was talking too much to keep from brooding. A ‘new beginning’ was an idealic concept a poet or bard could appreciate. But not like this. Not like this, he thought.

“Where did they get all this pork?”

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#227

"of course not, Ringer, have a seat. As for my name, Toboran Redhand is what most call me, although I've been subjected to quite a few worse", Toboran told the bard, "My, ah, acquaintances and I just returned from doing an errand for Master Taryer. During the course of which we came across these lovely pigs. After a short scuffle we sent them back here. I'll probably see if he needs anything else done for 'the good of the people'.
"Now I've told you mine, what are your plans for the near future, Ringer?"

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#228

As the work proceeded on the new fortress, Sir Endred looked upon with contempt. The castle he had left behind had fine stone walls four paces thick, and three times as tall. Now the best he could do was a mere shack, little more then an oversized stockade one would use for cattle. d**n this place. He looked over at Heldrabar, the current warriors guild leader. D**n him as well. Had just a few more of his retinue made it through the gate, he, Sir Endred, would be leader. But no, he had to satisfy himself with being Heldrabar's 'lieutenant'.

He had to find some way to change that.

Tenrir stood at the edge of the clan's lands, and looked at the wreckage of the stoneflute. He remembered raising this stone as a youngling, how the songs of the men rang out as they worked. It had been carried a great distance to get here, and now it had been carried away by the newcomers. His nephew was away, sent on a journey by himself, though Kou'rha did not know why. It was just as well he was not here to see this. His reaction might be .. rash. No, the response would be studied, careful. And not rash.

Tenrir found himself crying, and walked back towards the town. Rash no, but soon regardless.

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#229

"If you think she will listen, milady, then I think so too. While I am a man of the sword, I like it best when it is but a sharp piece of art. Let's try and talk - perhaps we can come to an agreement about all the wood we will surely need, and avoid anyone getting killed in the process."

He smiled, took a long draw from his mug, and added: "I'd be a happy man if for the rest of my life I forged but plowshares, horseshoes and kitchen knives."

A slight shadow passed over his face. Truly, that was his wish. But until then, he'd make and swing as many swords as it took to fell all those who saw no use in plowshares.

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#230

'My plans? I am afraid I have no plans. Perhaps explore this haven-world. Perhaps find clues to--"

"Well, the truth is, I have no plans"

"My plans were to marry the loveliest girl in the world, nary a week ago. Now, that world does not exist" He trailed off in a bare whisper, stabbing at a hamhock with his fork.

"Tell me, these men, Taryer, and the other. They have work for willing souls?"

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#231

Rajani found her room, she felt wrung out like a dirty dishrag and probably lloked it. The room was as she left it. She felt a moment of relief as she unrolled her black cloak that she had feared to wear until earlier that day. These men and women were not the fearful moosh-brains or myopic doom-seekers who plagued the flight from Endkelton to Respite.

On the evening of the morrow she would don the flowing black cloak and sheath her ceremonial dagger in her belt sash and find this forest witch. Sometimes words could fix something better than a crackle of magic or ring of steel. She curled up into her bed and ignored the sounds from the common room below.

Sleep came quickly

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#232

"Truly? I have no idea, but it's not as if I have anything else to do of any importance, so I might as well ask.", Toboran said, "Why, were you thinking of offering your skills?"

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#233

"I was indeed. Idle hands and all, you know what they say."

"Perhaps I can join your next excursion. I have yet to battle giant pigs, but I have faced a few orcs in my time, and lived to speak of it."

Glancing quickly at Toboran, he added,

"Oh, forgive me. This still takes getting used to. I assumed you were familliar with my world. An "Orc" was a vile beast, where I came from, with few redeeming traits. Much like men with pig-heads. Nasty and brutish on their best days. "

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#234

Toboran smiled slightly, "It appears our worlds are not so unlike each others. I too have faced these creatures you speak of, or at least something very similar to them. I believe the elves referred to them as grunts, or some such", Toboran yawned widely, "Well, it has been nice to see a friendly face, but I must needs be getting some rest; the last day has been difficult and tiring. I hope I will see you tomorrow, 'haps we can seek employment together." With that, Toboran got up and, bidding goodnight to his comrades, headed toward the rooms.

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#235

"Sandros, down now!"

The named soldier ducked low, bringing up his shield to protect from any quick counterattack the demonic grunt might have made. No such attack was forthcoming, however. The timings were perfect, and a blast of magical energy threw the demon back, giving the warrior time to recover. He glanced at his benefactor and flashed him a grin. Jaegarmond wished for the thousandth time that he could smile back, then summoned more energy from the wand in his hand, feeling it's stores run dry as he lobbed another bolt of energy at the next demon to come through the door to the Cathedral of Symphonies. He dropped the wand and wondered how long they had left before leaving.

The Council of Mages hadn't bothered to man the communication relays the last few days: nobody was left out there to listen. This was the last of the portals off this ravaged world. Within the past few days, so many had fled through the gate it had seemed like a flood of flesh. Now there was but a trickle; almost everyone that hadn't fled had died earlier today when the walls were finally breached by the infernal horde. Soon enough they would be coming, in numbers and with strength far beyond anything imagined in the most horrifying of tales. The only long-term survivors were here in the room with him, trudging through the portal with their scant belongings; he and his comrades had to hold off the demons for only a bit longer, then they could pass through the portal and detonate the Demolisher sitting next to the gate.

It was coming together perfectly. The main force of demons hadn't made it this far into the city yet. They were too busy hunting any cut-off survivors. Jaegarmond breathed a small prayer for those poor souls, praying that their passage to the Beyond was swift and painless. He knew it was almost certainly futile; the demons were never quick when they killed you, if they even did at all. They just needed another few minutes, and they'd make it out alive and whole.

The call of all-clear came right as another group of demons came through the door, tying up the others in his small band of comrades. Jaegarmond was the only one not armed with a sword of steel - he was the only one who didn't need it. "I've got the Demolisher! Get out! Get out!" he yelled as he ran to the thaumatech contraption. He was passingly familiar with the thaumaturgical principles involved in making it work, but he wouldn't be a skilled enough mage to make one until much, much later, if ever. He did know how to activate it, however, he didn't want to blow it while they were still there. "Finish it up gentlemen!"

The fighting at the door was growing more intense: to a man, they were engaged in brutal combat. The interlocking of shields made them a formidable force, but it was also the downfall of such a formation; if any of them turned to run, they would be quickly cut down to a man. There was no room for spells in the thick melee, either. Another minute passed, then two. The demons just kept coming, but none of the line broke. They had been through too much to leave one another. They knew they were signing away their lives by not doing so, and yet they fought on. Jaegarmond nodded to himself, then fed a small stream of magical energy into the device, arming it and setting the countdown for just under half a minute.

"Thirty seconds!" With one last glance at his comrades, he ran through the portal, words of warning to whomever might be on the other side. He would mourn his lost world and comrades when there was time.

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#236

Jhoric had devoured his fair share of pork and was feeling quite satisfied with himself. He slowly stood up and lumbered to his room, nodding to those who noticed him as he passed. Finally, he thought, peaceful rest.

He found his room with only a little trouble and was quite pleased to see everything as he left it. Without wasting a moment he tossed his gear about the room, leaning his spear near the bed's headboard, and soon was fast asleep under the cozy covers.

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#237

Grabbing some food, Dimi made his way back out the door, off into the refugee camp turned town, and off to the stables, to spend his night sleeping under the roof he was renting for his horse; mulling over the idea of going off into the woods a ways and cutting himself out a small patch of land from that damned forest. The town was already getting on his nerves again, and he'd only been back for an hour now.

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#238

Rajani opened her eyes, she could feel an alien wind blowing her hair back. It whipped around her in a frenzy. She tried to push it into something managable but the winds would not oblige. She took and step and realized with a moment of alarm she was nude. The wind howled, she felt it, but it was neither hot nor cold. The landscape around boiled and seethed, bright light fuming up like gossamer and flame, and collapsing back down in abysmal sink holes of darkness.

It is the eternal cycle, life rise, death falling, the exchange pushing the stars in their orbits, causing the sun to rise and fall, the change of the seasons. She felt a wet tear on her cheek. She remembered the pain that had knifed through her when her daughter had been born, the naked blood covered thing that had screamed. She had wept for joy, her little girl so alive and full of spite and vigor.

She remembered him, the man who would have been her husband if she hadn't been chosen to join the ranks of the priests and priestesses. She remembered kissing him, and their love. She shuddered, a sob wracking through her. His death had been so sudden, the only confort she could glean from it was that he hadn't suffered, and it had been quick.

She felt a sublime sensation, like someone pouring warm ale in a frosted mug. The sensation filled her until it pushed against her skin, her tears flowed and she felt the touch of the divine in her heart. She saw the faces of the men who's lives she had saved, the cold faces of those she had not.

Rajani awoke, her body trembling with the force of the revelations of her dream. She washed her face in a chipped basin. Her face was fresh and pale in the water's reflection. Another woman might have thanked the powers that be for their blessing, but she had long since learned that the powers didnt care if you thanked them or not.

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#239

Jaegarmond found himself standing in a circle of spears and with some furry, slathering beast in front of him.

One of those bearing the spears spoke - "Stand quietly please. No harm will come to those who mean no harm."

Jaegarmond decided that discretion was called for. He was hopelessly outmatched, and none of his people where about. He did not recognize the species that bore the spears, though they were somewhat similar to some of the tree-living creatures in the warmer lands of his once-world.

He felt a beam of magic strike him - not damaging, but insistent. It seemed to have some difficulty penetrating the husk at first, but then it succeeded and much was revealed.

The wall of spears parted, and somewhat smaller being approached him. It bore no husks, not even what seemed to be half-metal husks that the spear-bearers inhabited. It bore soft coverings and had long, fine, black tendrils hanging from it's head. Its sharp blue eyes were sunk well into its pale head.

"Welcome to Respite, earthy-one. My name is Andara - the scan marked you as magi. The Mage council would be happy to provide you with accommodations while you adjust to this new world. My shift here is over and I would be happy to show you the way."

Re: [Respite] - Factions

#240

In another room, the night was not proceeding quietly.

A dreamland - a nightmare land. Another world overtaken by demons, everything eaten. Everything tortured.

Your conscience bothering you, my friend?

Fires, screams. Black smoke engulfing once green forests.

"Who's there?"

A friend. Perhaps your only one, demonfriend.

Blood. So much blood..

"Please, I am no demonfriend! Though I may have been once, I no longer serve the forces of evil! Leave me alone!" - Jhoric reached for his power, but it eluded him in dreamland.

Rage is not far from the surface, is it friend? Take care with that, it could be your undoing...

"What do you want? Who are you??"

That would be telling, though I'm one you thought you left behind, my friend.

The last word was a hateful hiss. Jhoric started at that and awoke.

Cool night air was streaming into the room through a hole blasted through the thin wooden wall. Small wisps of smoke drifted up from his right fist...