[Respite] - Factions

1. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #321

   Fafnir made no pause and departed immediately for the gates. He was astounded at the enormous number of refugees clamoring for escape and he looked around for some sort of orders to follow.

2. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #322

   Gideon grabbed the shrub-thing climbing him, tossing it down and striking it with his blade. "The way doesn't lead that way, compost! You will be pushing up daisies soon!"
   
   Damned murderous trees. Keeping a man from honest work! Well, he would show them.

3. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #323

   Rajani turned Grey, her heart in her throat. Seeing the green things swarming over her comrade filled her with anger. She hadn't expected this, she had expected to find a rational intelligent human being. Surely, the last few days had been upsetting to her world, with giant lizard men, and sawed off stumpy men, and the others who were close to human but very much not. No, she hadnt found a forest witch as she expected. Instead she had found irrational salad monsters.
   
   "If I could summon a dire rabbit, the lot of these beasts would be put to a run." Rajani scowled. She urged Grey to ride back towards the fray. She flicked her wand, spewing a stream of fiery sparks into one of the plant things close to Gideon. She had been told that the wand would never miss its intended target, but she had no intention of testing that theory.
   

4. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #324

   Balin felt almost helpless in the living wall. His spells were of no use and he was no strong man. Still, he did what he could and when the second group came through then he rushed to help hold them in. He just wished that he knew a spell that would help.

5. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #325

   The Greenlady Gideon threw down sprung up nearly instantly, and his great blade rent earth, not plant-flesh. With a shower of dirt he freed his blade for another swing, just as the nutlike head of one of the creatures exploded from a magic bolt.  The dead creature collapsed.  The remaining pair lunged at Gideon, but yet again their thorny nails failed to find a weakness in his armor.
   
   
   Gideon and Greenladies - a whole lotta nothing.
   Rajani, 5 points with a magic missile.
   Round the next!
   

6. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #326

   Unlike the panicking swarm of civilians that preceded them, there was no disorder with the newest group.  Rank by rank they formed up, no effort made to push out.  They proceeded through the magical scanning in an orderly manner, oddly so in fact.
   
   The ranks that completed their review quickly united with the throngs of women and children that had joined the ranks of the Watchers, apparently waiting for the soldiers arrivals.  There they waited for the rest of their people to complete their review.
   
   A man standing nearby Balin said to him, somewhat worriedly.  "They are the biggest single group to come through. And they have a well disciplined army. Mark my words, things are going to change around here.  Hey, you're a dwarf, right? Haven't seen many of those come through unfortunately.  Wouldn't have any of that famous ale, would you?"
   
   
   
   
   

7. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #327

   "Stand firm friend Gideon!" Rajani shouted to her half-ogre companion. She felt an immense swelling of pride as the nut like head of one of the plant creatures burst like it had been thrust into a fire. Two left to deal with, she fingered the wand for a moment, not sure of if there was anyone skilled enough to recharge it... or if it was even possible to recharge it in this strange new land. I need a better weapon, one I can use without fear of draining.
   
   Her brow furrowed as Gideon tangled with the agile things. Her lips were almost white as she flicked the wand, feeling the magic course through it. Fiery sparks sprayed for what she hoped was the last time in this engagement.
   
   (OOC - wand on acorn head)

8. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #328

   "The firmness of my standing was never in doubt!" Gideon laughed while chopping away at the shrubbery.
   
   "You know, given how stupid they are, they have to have a higher boss, one we could talk to if he gave a damn! You hear that, forest boss?"

9. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #329

   "No I'm afraid that I don't, unfortunately," Balin said to the man. "I wish that I had seen at least someone else from my mountain. If not when I first arrived then sometime since, but no."
   
   Balin gazed at the troops, they were the closest things to his people he had seen yet. They were not necessarily short nor broad, but their rank and file was similar.

10. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #330

    "I had hoped the same!" Rajani shouted. "But it seems that they only understand sorcery and steel, a terrible pity."

11. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #331

    Now free of earth, Gideon's sword arced up and struck one of the Greenladies full in the torso, tearing the upper portion free of the vinelike legs. The scream she gave was gastly as she hurtled back. In one more fluid motion, he brought the blade through the neck of a second, decapitating it.
    
    The third and last turned and lunged for Rajani, and Gideon nearly skewered her as wall, but she barely avoided the blade.  She did not, however, avoid the blast of magic that shattered her and dropped her in front of Rajani.
    
    Rajani looked down at the smoking heap in front of her. For the moment, at least, it was over.
    
    Then that odd voice appeared to sound out from her own head.
    
    Impressive, though She has yet to apply her true strength. She is testing, feeling, probing.  Nothing more. Do not gloat, should She have chose it, She could have buried you under feet of these minions.  As you have learned, so has She.  And She is not yet interested in peace.
    
    
    Gideon dropped 2 - Standard attack, Cleave. Miss on AOO.
    Rajani destroyed the third with another 5-point magic missle.
    
    

12. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #332

    With the careful, disciplined procession of soldiers, the Sentinals and others were able to process more people then had previously been possible, and so the all hands was canceled.
    
    Jhoric was walking back to the Society with others when he overheard behind him.  "Thats it, they'll press for the gate to be closed for sure! No-one here is going to want another player in the game!"
    "Keep your voice down." said another voice.
    
    The man speaking to Balin stepped closer to him. "You know, I heard a rumor just recently that someone found what appeared to be a roadstone with dwarven runes just outside the city, towards the north? There might be Dwarves already here!"
    
    Balin looked at the man. He seemed oddly proportioned for a human - slightly too wide, and a nose too small for his face.  Well, it did seem people came from different worlds, so perhaps he was normal for where he was from, wherever that had been.
    
    
    
    

13. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #333

    Fafnir joined the progression of warriors back to the guild house, though he noticed a distinct grouping by race. The humans, by far the majority, had very few others walking with them - the odd elf and halfling being the only variance.  The humans were diverse to be sure - dark skins, light skins, even odd pale blue and green ones, though only a couple of those.  There was a small knot of reptilian races, mostly massive, almost dragon-like beings a head taller then himself, with a handful of kobolds mixed in. Then there was Thrin himself and his 'men'.  Bugbears, goblins, orcs and some that Fafnir could not identify stood close, almost forming a phalanx about their leader.
    
    Two of Fafnir's people walked up to Fafnir, and walked with him, but said nothing.
    
    

14. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #334

    Fafnir spoke quietly only to his two companions as they marched back to the guild hall. " We must stick together to survive in the warm-bloods land. By what do they call you lizardlings?"

15. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #335

    "Wow. This was pointless..." Gideon started, only to notice the vacant expression of Rajani, as if she was busy with something behind her own eyes. Knowing better than to disturb priests during mystical occurences, he stood on guard, watching out for any other trick that forest might pull.
    
    Well, if it intends on playing rough, it will end up as furniture and firewood anyway.

16. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #336

    "Friend Gideon, are you injured?" Rajani asked, her voice had a core of iron in it.
    
    (CLW or CMW as requires)
    
    "We have been tested, and it seems that for the time we have passed." She said, gathering Grey's reins. "I feel I must speak with Master Taryer on this matter before I can come to any other conclusions."
    
    "I am ready to return, the negotiations have failed."

17. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #337

    "Ah, that was but a scratch..." Gideon blushed. While many a fighter took a priest's healing touch matter-of-factly, Gideon always held it for the miracle that it was. Especially when it was administered by a regal priestess. Feeling his cheeks redden, he quickly nodded. "Yes, let's see Master Trayer."

18. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #338

    "A roadstone, really? In which direction?" Balin asked this strange man.

19. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #339

    Rajani and Gideon made a quick return to Respite. While not running, there was plenty of looking over the shoulder and the pace was in no way a liesurely stroll.
    
    (OOC - I assume no encounters returning the Respite, and thus continue, feel free to edit if otherwise)
    
    They arrived back in the encampment, Rajani dismounted and passed Grey's reins to one of the few youths in the growing community. She offered the boy and nod and went looking for Taryer.

20. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #340

    "Well, Mr. Dwarf, I have not seen it myself, only heard that it existed.  It was found somewhat north of the City, across the Deigif River.  What an awful name that, but no matter.  If you go to seek it out, bring lots of help, for that area is thick with Catchvine and wolves.  Now, my friend, I have other matters to attend to."
    
    With that, the man turned away and departed, leaving a thoughtful looking dwarf behind.
    
    Jhoric stood nearby, wondering what the Dwarf was going to do with that piece of information....
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

21. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #341

    The first of the Lizardmen replied to Fafnir "Eskithar, from the Greytooth Tribe, or was."  The second nodded, "Yarwishh, also of the Greytooth Tribe."
    
    "There are more of us here - we have a small encampment in the south end of the third ring... We have a shaman too!"
    
    
    
    
    

22. Re: [Respite] - Factions - Toboran & Jaegarmond

    #342

    Toboran was still standing, watching the procession of soldiers leave the screening area, and march out the gate of the inner ring.
    
    The soldier that Toboran had spoken to before came up to him.  "Thanks for running those messages - My name is Hethran, and I owe you a favor.  I'd buy you a drink if there was any in this place.  Perhaps our newcomers brought some - I'm sure I saw a wineskin or two.
    
    
    
    Jaegarmond found himself joining the various magi as they walked back to the Society enclave.  He picked out the female human he had spoke with before - the first human he met, in fact. 
    
    "Keldashera!", Jaegarmond called, "May I have a moment?"
    
    The black haired enchantress looked back at who spoke. Her eyes widened when she first saw who called, but then recognition replaced surprise.  "Jaegarmond, was it?"
    
    Jaegarmond nodded, "Yes, indeed. "
    
    "How may I help you?" she said, still walking to the enclave.
    
    
    
    
    

23. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #343

    Jhoric placed his hand upon the Dwarf's shoulder.
    "Balin, I'm sure you want to investigate this rumor of Dwarven runes, but I advise caution. This world is like the ones we come from, but also very different, and with just as many secrets. If you plan on seeking out these runes, I am willing to accompany you, but there are preparations to be made."
    
    Jhoric glanced over his shoulder, then added in a hushed tone,
    "I do think it's best if we get out of here sooner, rather than too late. There are too many people trying to survive, and too many people scheming for power."
    

24. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #344

    "How may I help you?" she said, still walking to the enclave. Jaegarmond fell into step beside her, his mind brimming with questions. "If you've the time, I've got a handful of questions to ask."
    
    "What is that spell I've noticed you using on everyone who passes through the gate? As far as I can tell, it's a soulsign detector, finding those that traffic with the darker powers. I should very much like to learn it, if possible. Such a spell would be of much use, even once the Gate goes down."

25. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #345

    Jaegermond in conversation with Keldashera
    
    "Alas, it is not quite as effective as that my friend.  It looks more for the taint of the demonic, most strongly manifested by those of other realms, though truth be told, I suspect we are the outsiders here.
    
    It functions much like the common spells to detect ethos, enchantments and other auras.  In most cases, a Sentinal carries one of the rods of scanning, which are quite powerful and do not draw upon the user's own energies.  We process too many people for even the most powerful wizard to scan using their own resources.
    
    What areas of enchantment do you follow, friend Jaegermond?"
    
    
    

26. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #346

    Toboran smiled warmly at Hethran.
    "I'll hold you to that, friend. I've a mind that there's someone in this hellhole that doesn't like me very much, and I might need a hand".

27. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #347

    Toboran
    
    Hethran smiled back, though less warmly.  "Things may be difficult here, but beware naysaying the place. Many have given all that here may exist at all.  And though it may not appear so, the rule of Law is being strengthened here, and there is no room for violence."
    
    
    

28. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #348

    Gideon and Rajani
    
    Again the guardsmen looked with wonder at the pair who entered the city.
    
    "Yeah, I guess they could handle themselves. Here's your silver..."
    
    The Mage enclave was a bustle of activity as Gideon and Rajani entered.  Seeing other mages return, Rajani picked out the odd earth being in conversation with the pale sorceress she met in the common.  Seeing one of the pages who served at the Enclave, Rajani bid him to take her horse to the stable.
    
    Nodding, Myric took Grey away, peaking shyly back at the horse's mistress.
    
    It did not take too much to see Master Taryer, both he and his servants were aware of her prior activities.
    
    "So what would you like to tell me? I understand you went seeking to parley with the Forest Witch?"  The last words were oddly spoken, with a mild disdain.  "I'm assuming you were unsuccessful.."
    
    
    
    
    

29. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #349

    Elsewhere
    
    "We must close the gate! What will we do if another nation marches through the gate?", an old man said.
    
    "Rejoice in saving so many?" said the other.
    
    "This place is a tinderbox in wait of a spark! Who will we have saved if it all falls into chaos? What will all of those sacrifices be for if we do not take a stand on this!"

30. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #350

    "My particular training lies in evocation, though I must say, ritual thaumaturgy is certainly not beyond me. As things stand, my skill in combat magic has been forced to prosper rapidly, at the expense of the rest of my magic. Had things continued the way they otherwise would have, I probably would be studying some form of enchanting; such as been my goal ever since the Talent found me. Most of the items I've seen involved new and novel ways to destroy and maim others with combat magic. I would like to change that, and show that magic isn't useful just for warfare.
    
    Speaking of being outsiders, however, what do we know about the world we currently reside in? We all arrived here by Gateway, that much is certain. Every world I've heard spoken of was annihilated by demonic invasion, including my own. Having never before seen some of the species here, I can only assume that they come from entirely different worlds, and not just different parts of the same one. That sort of mixing of customs could result in a powderkeg situation. Is anything being done to prevent such problems here?"
    
    Multiple Gateways then raises interesting questions about parallel timescales and causality. This might be a bad time to bring up such a topic however...

31. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #351

    "I'm assuming you were unsuccessful..." Taryer said with mild disdain.
    
    "Indeed, we were unsuccessful in my endeavor. Also in hindsight I imagine I should have informed you of my intentions. I had taken a notion in my mind that if I could talk to this forest witch woman to woman that we could find some sort of common ground so to speak. I did learn some valuable things though. It is unlikely that the woman seen by the woodcutters is the forest witch. Gideon and I slew a number of strange plant creatures and I was contacted mind to mind by a warlock, he seems to be a very strong arcanist. We were tested, and since the two of us were allowed to leave I assume we have passed his test." Rajani allowed a shadow of anger to touch her face. Her eyes tightened and her hands went to knots.
    
    "I had assumed that this forest witch was a protector of her people, and that the attacks on our men were to prevent them from stumbling across some settlement or outpost of theirs. Instead, the warlock seems to think this some sort of game, and that if he grew bored of it, he would crush us. If he considered us a viable threat, he would also likely crush us." She stood, pacing, her face calm, but she almost shook with anger.
    
    "I apologize for my impertinence, but I feel that we should reinforce our defences and burn the forest where it stands." She said.
    

32. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #352

    "Both of those recommendations are already being addressed, though I am by far not one who can push that agenda.  I'm not sure your contact was a Warlock though, they are generally not that subtle.  But in any case, there seems to be more then one player about even outside of our fair city.
    
    Our most recent arrivals have expressed interest in establishing their own catonment on the outskirts of Respite - understandable since the city has no extra accomodations capable of handling another ten thousand persons.  They are at this moment marching with toarch and axe to carve out their own freehold.  Nothing but efficent these newcomers.  This should be interesting.
    
    Oh, and I have been contacted by an aquaintance of yours - a certain Vletch would like to speak with you.  "
    
    

33. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #353

    Gideon was surprised by the ferocity of Rajani's response at first, but realized: her trust had been abused by that forest. She'd cool down eventually.
    
    "I wonder how the newcomers will fare in the wood - and sure hope they discover a vein of metal or two. What use is a smith without something to work."
    
    (Edit)"After we are finished here, I wish to check upon my siblings, whether they have any need. You are heartily invited to eat with us, milady."

34. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #354

    Fafnir replied quietly “An encampment, how many do we number? I will be by there later when I have settled a few things at the guild hall. Maybe you should join me, as they would certainly hire a couple of strong arms like you.” He began to trudge onward to the guild collecting his thoughts. He would visit the Lizardfolk camp later, now he would have to speak to Thrin for a job or quest of sorts.

35. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #355

    "Well neigh a hundred or so, " said Yarwishh. "Yess, we will join you. Perhapss they can send us of of this sssity."
    
    
    
    Fafnir was not encouraged by Thrin's list of employment.
    
    "Well, I'sch got work for woodcuttersh's eschcorts, Clearcut'n labourers, Fishing boat guardsch and the like. I have openinsch for a longer jog in a weeksch time - Some human priescht wantsch to schetup his own little enclave at a 'Divine Local' he's divined.  Mad asch a Kobold I think, but hesch got some serious gold to schpend, enough even to be worth something."
    
    "I'll lesch ya think isch over."
    
    GM note - will switch to regular english for this fellow, with the occaisonal sch.. Darn those tusks...

36. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #356

    Fafnir thanked Thrin for the info and left the guild.Having nothing else to do he set off in the direction of the Lizardfolk encampment. Having nearly 100 of the lizards living in such a small area, especially so near the humans was a recipe for disaster. Any problems big or small could cause conflict here, civilized life is hanging by a thread.
    
    

37. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #357

    Toboran bid Hethran farewell and started back towards the enclave. On a whim, he turned down an offshoot road and wended his way back towards the tavern he had visited before.

38. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #358

    "I had hoped you would have discouraged him, Master Taryer. I have other things on my mind rather than entertaining the infatuations of a man I have healed." Rajani said. "Unless you have further need of me, I will be joining Gideon and his kin to break bread.

39. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #359

    Master Taryer gave Rajani an amused look.
    
    "Oddly enough, he was not speaking of infatuation. At least not with you. He asked ernest questions of your faith. I suspect you may have gained a convert..."
    
    
    
    
    

40. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #360

    "That would be a first for me, I must confess." Rajani said. "There were others within the fold who looked after bringing in new faces. I should speak with him, and I must also do something about making all of these assumptions." She curtseys and tries to gather what remains of her dignity before leaving Taryer's presence.
    
    "I will join you and yours shortly, Friend Gideon. I will speak with Vletch  for a bit. I will be along, my belly is feelingly sadly empty."

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