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Post by sleepingdragon on Mar 24, 2013 1:11:46 GMT
Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day; Earth's joys grow dim; its glories pass away; Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changest not, abide with me.Reclamation - Table of ContentsThe Lands of PalaniaThe Gazetteer of GastonyMapsDramatis PersonaeTimelineIntroductionAdventure I - ArrivalSaturday, 23 March 2013: Session I - The House on Helven HillAdventure II - The Abduction of SynneSaturday, 30 March 2013: Session II - The Middlemere FestivalSaturday, 13 April 2013: Session III - Don't Lose Your HeadSaturday, 27 April 2013: Session IV - CranleahtSaturday, 4 May 2013: Session V - Horrible PeopleSaturday, 11 May 2013: Session VI - Family ValuesSaturday, 18 May 2013: Session VII - The Broad Side of a BarnSaturday, 25 May 2013: Session VIII - Match MakingAdventure III - The Curse of the Plague FieldsSaturday, 1 June 2013: Session IX - Ancient LessonsSaturday, 15 June 2013: Session X - Into the MistSunday, 23 June 2013: Session XI - Set in StoneSaturday, 29 June 2013: Session XII - Wight KnightSaturday, 6 July 2013: Session XIII - Suffer the Little ChildrenSaturday, 13 July 2013: Session XIV - Changing WaysAdventure IV - Off to See the WizardSaturday, 20 July 2013: Session XV - The North RoadSaturday, 27 July 2013: Session XVI - Eye for an EyeSaturday, 3 August 2013: Session XVII - Godwin's LawSaturday, 10 August 2013: Session XVIII - The Wizard of StencumbEpilogueAdventure V - The Depredations of Eada the RedSaturday, 17 August 2013: Session XIX - The Red ThiefSunday, 25 August 2013: Session XX - NegotiationsSaturday, 31 August 2013: Session XXI - The Sound of His VoiceSaturday, 7 September 2013: Session XXII - The Forgery of FurySaturday, 14 September 2013: Session XXIII - Tongue TwistedAdventure VI - Death Do Us PartSaturday, 21 September 2013: Session XXIV - One SoulSaturday, 28 September 2013: Session XXV - Trails and TrialsSaturday, 5 October 2013: Session XXVI - TracksSaturday, 12 October 2013: Session XXVII - Spawn PointSaturday, 19 October 2013: Session XXVIII - Dark SisterSaturday, 2 November 2013: Session XXIX - Courting DangerSaturday, 9 November 2013: Session XXX - VengeanceEpilogue I - The Road to PhalenEpilogue II - The Manor HouseEpilogue III - PhalenAdventure VII - An Ancient CureSaturday, 23 November 2013: Session XXXI - Bog-Warts School of LizardrySaturday, 7 December 2013: Session XXXII - HospitalitySaturday, 14 December 2013: Session XXXIII - Sick to DeathSaturday, 21 December 2013: Session XXXIV - Hard HeadedSaturday, 28 December 2013: Session XXXV - Tender LoveSaturday, 4 January 2014: Session XXXVI - Bodies of WorkSaturday, 11 January 2014: Session XXXVII - Power of OldEpilogueAdventure VIII - The Heart's FiresSaturday, 18 January 2014: Session XXXVIII - Cast OffSaturday, 25 January 2014: Session XXXIX - Dinner With FamilySaturday, 1 February 2014: Session XL - Talking GibberishSaturday, 8 February 2014: Session XLI - Thorny PathSaturday, 15 February 2014: Session XLII - The Hand of GodSaturday, 22 February 2014: Session XLIII - UnmaskedSunday, 2 March 2014: Session XLIV - LeechcraftSaturday, 8 March 2014: Session XLV - Free SpiritedSaturday, 15 March 2014: Session XLVI - Interview With the VampireSaturday, 22 March 2014: Session XLVII - UnchainedEpilogueAdventure IX - Divine BloodSunday, 30 March 2014: Session XLIX - The Sacred IsleSunday, 6 April 2014: Session L - Good BreedingSaturday, 12 April 2014: Session LI - Blood on the SnowSaturday, 19 April 2014: Session LII - Have an Ice DaySaturday, 26 April 2014: Session LIII - Vira's WaySaturday, 3 May 2014: Session LIV - All UphillSaturday, 10 May 2014: Session LV - Purple HazeSunday, 18 May 2014: Session LVI - All In A CordEpilogueAdventure X - These Hallowed RemainsSaturday, 24 May 2014: Session LVII - WaypostSaturday, 31 May 2014: Session LVIII - FlightSaturday, 7 June 2014: Session LIX - By the BookSaturday, 14 June 2014: Session LX - Under the TreesSunday, 22 June 2014: Session LXI - The Web of HistorySaturday, 28 June 2014: Session LXII - What Prophets SeeEpilogue IEpilogue IIAdventure XI - The Kalmar UnionSunday, 6 July 2014: Session LXIII - Sokholm SyndromeSaturday, 12 July 2014: Session LXIV - WhirlwindSaturday, 19 July 2014: Session LXV - Tunnel VisionSunday, 27 July 2014: Session LXVI - In Your BonesSaturday, 2 August 2014: Session LXVII - Fight to the LastSunday, 10 August 2014: Session LXVIII - Trial and ArrowSunday, 17 August 2014: Session LXIX - Gate and SwitchSaturday, 23 August 2014: Session LXX - A Fleeting VictorySunday, 31 August 2014: Session LXXI - Ramming SpeedSunday, 7 September 2014: Session LXXII - Do a Barrel Roll!EpilogueAdventure XII - A Bloody MessageSunday, 19 October 2014: Session LXXIII - Ashes to AshesSaturday, 25 October 2014: Session LXXIV - Body of EvidenceSunday, 2 November 2014: Session LXXV - Bloodied EyesSaturday, 8 November 2014: Session LXXVI - Street FighterSaturday, 22 November 2014: Session LXXVII - Code BreakersSaturday, 29 November 2014: Session LXXVIII - Plumbing the DepthsSaturday, 6 December 2014: Session LXXIX - Questions and AnswersSaturday, 13 December 2014: Session LXXX - Headed for a ThreesomeSaturday, 20 December 2014: Session LXXXI - A Critical JunctureSaturday, 27 December 2014: Session LXXXII - EnsconcedSaturday, 3 January 2015: Session LXXXIII - And Justice for AllSaturday, 10 January 2015: Session LXXXIV - City of Brotherly LoveSaturday, 17 January 2015: Session LXXXV - Help a Brotherhood OutEpilogueAdventure XIII - The Old FortSaturday, 24 January 2015: Session LXXXVI - Holy SmokeSunday, 01 February 2015: Session LXXXVII - Bolt from the BlueSaturday, 07 February 2015: Session LXXXVIII - Tower of PowerSaturday, 14 February 2015: Session LXXXIX - The Harder They FallEpilogueAdventure XIV - Treason's ReasonsSaturday, 21 February 2015: Session XC - Hit the BooksSaturday, 28 February 2015: Session XCI - Won't You Be My Neighbour?Sunday, 8 March 2015: Session XCII - Weal BarrowSaturday, 14 March 2015: Session XCIII - Statue of LimitationsSaturday, 21 March 2015: Session XCIV - Daily ExorciseSunday, 29 March 2015: Session XCV - Quake in Their BootsSaturday, 4 April 2015: Session XCVI - DanegeldSunday, 12 April 2015: Session XCVII - Spawning GroundsSaturday, 25 April 2015: Session XCVIII - Mant AccordSaturday, 2 May 2015: Session XCIX - Beetles, JuicedEpilogueAdventure XV - Hide and SeekSaturday, 9 May 2015: Session C - Careful What You Wish ForSaturday, 16 May 2015: Session CI - In the CardsSaturday, 30 May 2015: Session CII - ConnectionsSunday, 7 June 2015: Session CIII - Better OddsSunday, 21 June 2015: Session CIV - T'aint the WaySaturday, 27 June 2015: Session CV - Make Out Like a BanditSaturday, 4 July 2015: Session CVI - Creep, CreepSaturday, 11 July 2015: Session CVII - Colman's MusteredSaturday, 18 July 2015: Session CVIII - Regime ChangeSaturday, 25 July 2015: Session CIX - The TowerSunday, 2 August 2015: Session CX - Secret TruthsEpilogue IEpilogue IIEpilogue IIIAdventure XVI - Purity Sunday, 16 August 2015: Session CXI - Plans Take WingSaturday, 22 August 2015: Session CXII - DebatableSaturday, 29 August 2015: Session CXIII - Means and WaysSunday, 6 September 2015: Session CXIV - Not to be MistSaturday, 12 September 2015: Session CXV - To Air As Non-HumansSaturday, 19 September 2015: Session CXVI - Self-ControlSaturday, 26 September 2015: Session CXVII - Bell-RingersSunday, 4 October 2015: Session CXVIII - Making ConnectionsSaturday, 10 October 2015: Session CXIX - Among the DeadSaturday, 17 October 2015: Session CXX - ForeverEpilogueAdventure XVII - Lost and FoundSunday, 25 October 2015: Session CXXI - In the OpenSunday, 1 November 2015: Session CXXII - The High SeasSaturday, 14 November 2015: Session CXXIII - Prisoner's DilemmaSaturday, 28 November 2015: Session CXXIV - The Bleak LandSunday, 6 December 2015: Session CXXV - On the ScentSunday, 13 December 2015: Session CXXVI - Shoot First, Questions LaterSunday, 20 December 2015: Session CXXVII - Ghost TownSunday, 27 December 2015: Session CXXVIII - Blood SuckerSaturday, 2 January 2016: Session CXXIX - Joining ThreadsSaturday, 9 January 2016: Session CXXX - The Village PeopleSaturday, 16 January 2016: Session CXXXI - Fine, Just FineSunday, 07 February 2016: Session CXXXII - Look On My WorksSaturday, 13 February 2016: Session CXXXIII - Stone ColdSaturday, 20 February 2016: Session CXXXIV - Refusing an OrderSaturday, 27 February 2016: Session CXXXV - Crowning AchievementAdventure XVIII - Blood FeudSaturday, 5 March 2016: Session CXXXVI - Shore LeaveSunday, 13 March 2016: Session CXXXVII - Dining with the EnemySaturday, 19 March 2016: Session CXXXVIII - Sneak AttackSaturday, 26 March 2016: Session CXXXIX - Bloody HellSaturday, 2 April 2016: Session CXL - In BondsSunday, 10 April 2016: Session CXLI - Shifting SidesSaturday, 30 April 2016: Session CXLII - Inside the BoxSaturday, 7 May 2016: Session CXLIII - From the Mouths of BabesSunday, 15 May 2016: Session CXLIV - InfiltrationSaturday, 21 May 2016: Session CXLV - Enemy TerritorySaturday, 28 May 2016: Session CXLVI - On the MarchSaturday, 11 June 2016: Session CXLVII - Base TreacherySaturday, 18 June 2016: Session CXLVIII - Settling ScoresSunday, 26 June 2016: Session CXLIX - The Battle of BrindlepoolSaturday, 2 July 2016: Session CL - O CaptainEpilogue IEpilogue IIAdventure XIX - Scroll LockSunday, 24 July 2016: Session CLI - ReunionsSunday, 31 July 2016: Session CLII - All That is Solid Melts into AirSunday, 7 August 2016: Session CLIII - Jumping AroundSunday, 21 August 2016: Session CLIV - The Living LockSunday, 28 August 2016: Session CLV - Deal With the DemonSunday, 04 September 2016: Session CLVI - FetishismEpilogue IEpilogue IIAdventure XX - Adverse CamberSunday, 11 September 2016: Session CLVII - Coming AliveSunday, 18 September 2016: Session CLVIII - Sins of the FathersSunday, 25 September 2016: Session CLVIX - Hostage SituationSaturday, 08 October 2016: Session CLX - Hit and RunSaturday, 15 October 2016: Session CLXI - It's a Trap!Sunday, 23 October 2016: Session CLXII - Family FeudSaturday, 29 October 2016: Session CLXIII - Coming to TermsSunday, 6 November 2016: Session CLXIV - Reasons for TrustSaturday, 12 November 2016: Session CLXV - Head for the HillsSaturday, 19 November 2016: Session CLXVI - Airing GrievancesSaturday, 26 November 2016: Session CLXVII - Wyrd SisterEpilogue IEpilogue IIEpilogue IIIEpilogue IVAdventure XXI - SoteriologySunday, 11 December 2016: Session CLXVIII - HouseguestsSaturday, 17 December 2016: Session CLXIX - Land of HorrorsSunday, 1 January 2017: Session CLXX - SlimeballsSaturday, 7 January 2017: Session CLXXI - Costs of SalvationSaturday, 14 January 2017: Session CLXXII - ToothtownSaturday, 21 January 2017: Session CLXXIII - An UnderstandingSunday, 29 January 2017: Session CLXXIV - Narrow EscapesSaturday, 11 February 2017: Session CLXXV - Breaking NewsSaturday, 18 February 2017: Session CLXXVI - Too Short For a NameSunday, 26 February 2017: Session CLXXVII - Taking a ChancellorSunday, 5 March 2017: Session CLXXVIII - Take or BreakSaturday, 11 March 2017: Session CLXXIX - The Fellowship of the BreakingSaturday, 18 March 2017: Session CLXXX - Cover Your RearEpilogueAdventure XXII - Balancing ActSunday, 02 April 2017: Session CLXXXI - Last Chance to CelebrateSaturday, 08 April 2017: Session CLXXXII - All in Your HeadSaturday, 15 April 2017: Session CLXXXIII - LangfrithSunday, 23 April 2017: Session CLXXXIV - AmazementSunday, 30 April 2017: Session CLXXXV - Not to ScaleSunday, 7 May 2017: Session CLXXXVI - The Blood RoyalSaturday, 13 May 2017: Session CLXXXVII - VisionariesEpilogueAdventure XXIII - Capital PunishmentSaturday, 20 May 2017: Session CLXXXVIII - Fight After FlightSunday, 28 May 2017: Session CLXXXIX - Fire FightingSaturday, 3 June 2017: Session CXC - Say the Right Things When Electioneering
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Post by sleepingdragon on Mar 24, 2013 1:13:12 GMT
Sleeping Dragon: They had never known the sea could be so large. Three weeks had passed since they had set out from the bustling ports at Malagen, and for most of that time no land had been in sight at all. There had scarcely been any sign of any other people either. A few times on clear days they had spotted other ships from afar, Fryderi trade ships heading for the great cities of Malagen, Meringas, and Shara. But for the last week, they had seen no sign.
Today, they had spotted the coast to the north, and a few hours after sunup they thought they could espy the stone walls of Phalen, the capital city of Palania, and sailing ships and fishing vessels along the coast. Then the storm came up. It was completely unforeseen, its onset terrible and sudden, and they were flung far off course, hurled like sinners tossed into Hell.
Long hours had passed and the storm had not abated, if anything becoming worse. The winds and waves battered them like hammers, and more than once everyone onboard had screamed with terror in the sudden certainty that they were going to capsize, but so far God had protected them. Lord Ethelbald had desperately looked for anywhere at all to land, but they had found nowhere and their oars had barely any effect on their direction. They had drifted near to the region the Palanians named the Forlorn Coast.
There was not enough space for everyone to use the oars at the same time. So the four of them were given a brief respite, their place taken by some of the serfs. Lord Ethelbald walked up and down the line, or at least as much as he dared given the ship's heaving, shouting words that fell somewhere between commands and encouragement. Every now and again they noticed he looked off to the west, and they knew the cause of his worry. During the voyage Lord Ethelbald had told them of Kalmar Keep, an ancient ruined fort on the isles of the southwest of Palania, now home to pirates of every race, who preyed on trade ships and colonists alike. No corsair would ever be mad enough to sail in this weather, but if the wind shifted their ship was likely to be blown straight to the Kalmar Isles. Hogar: Hogar, a rough looking man of average height and strong build with a grim face and a nose that looked like it had been broken a few times, cast nervous glances at the stormy ocean. Tole: Tole is a plain looking woman with shortly cut, dusty brown hair and bright blue eyes. She is fairly tall and slim, an athletic figure with very little curves. She is currently wearing more masculine clothing than a woman would normally wear to not draw attention, but whether she has kept up any such ruse on a ship like this for several weeks is another question. Either way, this doesn't seem the highest priority at the moment, given the treacherous sailing conditions. Leofric: Leofric is a tall man with a copper complexion, reaching six and a half feet. In spite of his height, he have weak build. He got brown eyes, a long nose and long wavy black hair that is currently whipping in the winds. He currently giving his arms a shake, unused to heavy pull and push of the oars. He glanced at the terrible rages of the Ocean and looked slightly green at all the rocking of this ship. Leofric: Leofric is wearing typical clothings as someone from monastery, almost unsuitable for the sailing. Edmund: Edmund sits on his heels leaning against the mast. Black hair, normally neatly brushed back, whips around his face as he blinks against the wind. His eyes are the most striking thing about him - an unusual shade of green, with thick black lashes above & below. This is the first time his fellow shipmates have seen Edmund looking less than well turned out. Leofric: Leofric smiled slightly at the storm, "I am confident we will come through this." His tone show no sign of doube whatsoever. Hogar: "This isn't good!"grumbled Hogar, not in the least influenced by Leofric's optimism. Edmund: Edmund glanced at Leofric. "We may come through but to what? I don't fancy becoming slave to some blackhearted pirate." Tole: Tole mutters; "You're welcome to jump off now, swim for more civilized shores." Edmund: "That'll be a long swim then," retorted Edmund. Tole: "My point." replied Tole; "Less doom. Our faithful rowers don't need more motivation to stop rowing." Edmund: "I'd have thought escaping death was good enough motivation. It works for me." Edmund grimaced. Tole: "Slavery is not a preferable alternative," commented Tole with a bitter tone; "Perhaps Leofric should continue with his more optimistic approach." Leofric: Leofric glanced at Tole sharply before glancing at his Erse short sword in his reach. "If we get attacked by pirates, hopefully, we might be able to kill them. Anyone can be killed..." Tole: Tole rolls her eyes, but keeps her comments to herself. Edmund: "As I'm sure we'll find out before too long..." Edmund coughed as water sprayed over the side onto them. Hogar: "Anyone? That'd include us."said Hogar, still not impressed with Leofric's optimism "But I definetely don't want to go down without a fight." Sleeping Dragon: the wind howled like the voices of the damned as they were flung through the waters. At one point a huge wave crashed over the side of the ship, soaking Hogar from head to toe, pushing him perilously close to the side. A serf in front of them groaned and vomited out his afternoon's rations, intermixing with the rain and sweat on the deck.
Lord Ethelbald walked back up the ship and said some words of comfort to the sick serf, allowing another man to take his place on the oars, before turning to Hogar. "Glad to see that wave didn't take you overboard, we'll need you if we encounter any pirates," he shouted over the wind. He shook his head. "One of these fool sailors was trying to convince me that this storm was the price of having a schismatic on board. Damn fool! I am sure God will be good and steer us clear of those damned isles!"
God heard Lord Ethelbald. At that very moment there was a horrific crash and the ship shook in different directions. The vessel juddered forward as reefs tore at its underside. Ahead, they had a chance to see one crewman pitched overboard when the mast snapped and fell towards them.
The mast smashed into the deck only a few feet in front of them. Lord Ethelbald leapt aside in panic, managing to avoid being crushed, and instead hurtling into the water. They grabbed desperately at the railings, clutching to them, and then the section of stern they were seated on tore away from the ship and fell into the water.
Desperately, they clutched at their makeshift raft. Lord Ethelbald's head poked up out of the water a few feet from Leofric's head. "HELP ME! GOD HELP ME!" he cried desperately, clutching at Leofric's leg. He managed to get a grip for a moment, and then a splinter the size of a spear hurtled down and tore through his throat. Lord Ethelbald's face contorted and he sank beneath the red water. The sinking ship receded rapidly into the distance, and they could do nothing but cling to their section of decking and let the waters take them wherever they may. Tole: Tole races to try and get the Lord back to the boat, but in her haste falls forward into the water herself. The splinters that strike Ethelbald's throat also fall into her arms, cutting them, as she tries to drag him back in. Edmund: Edmund felt himself spun around in the water, coughing & choking as he came up under a plank, but was able to grab hold of it. Kicking out with his feet he tried to direct it towards where he thought the land might be. Hogar: Hogar grit his teeth and desperately held to what little was left of their ship. With Ethelbald now gone, he looked to the others to see if they were still there. Tole: After realizing the noble was fatally wounded, Tole closes her eyes and lets the body go, grabbing hold of the ship, shouting for someone to help her back on. Hogar: "Can you hear me?"he shouted trying to be heard over the howling wind Edmund: "Save your breath" Edmund shouted back. "Just hang on!" Leofric: Leofric looked around frustratingly, spitting out salty seawater. He shouted out in the raging storm, "Alive!" and glanced at the others, "Yes!" Leo shouted back to Hogar. He also found Tole and took hold of Tole. Tole: Tole is dragged back on the raft; "Maybe this ... " she pants for breath; "... was a bad idea." Hogar: Hogar looked around, obviously hoping to see land Leofric: Leofric took one look at the wounds that Tole suffered. "Damn... At least we are all still alive!" Leofric also glanced around. "Hopefully, we will get to land!" Edmund: Edmund took a quick glance around. "We were keeping close to the shore," he shouted above the roar of the waves. Sleeping Dragon: they held on for dear life as their 'raft' carried them where it would. Between the difficulty in holding on and the lashing rain they could hardly see, however two signs cheered them - firstly, that they were not dead, and secondly, that the water appeared to be carrying them away from the Kalmar Isles and towards Palania and the Forlorn Coast. Behind them, their stricken ship sank beneath the waves, and then was lost in the mist.
After perhaps a half hour their 'raft' washed up on a rocky beach somewhere on Palania's southwestern coast. The sea had drenched them completely from head to toe, and their bodies quivered with exhaustion after their exertions in clinging to their section of deck. The winds still howled around them, chilling them to the bone. Looking up, they saw they were at the bottom of a sheer cliff rising up perhaps thirty-five feet. Looking round, they could see no easy way up the cliff. The beach extended north-south for a few hundred yards in either direction, but they could not see any other way off the beach, save up the cliff or back into the water. Edmund: Edmund wrapped his arms around his shivering body. "We should check in each direction for a way up." Hogar: Relieved to have reached dry land, Hogar looked up, obviously considering if climbing was doable Leofric: Leofric shivering replied "On the plus side... we reached lands." He checked and asked Tole with tone of concern, "How are you doing?". Tole: "Fine...." she replied; "Any way up, or are we climbing?" Hogar: Hogar reached for his belongings, soaked and battered. He set aside his axes, shield, and armor and when he found some bandages and poultices, he spoke to Tole "Might want to let me check these arms" Edmund: Edmund had been wandering up the beach & now called back. "I've found a way up!" Leofric: Leofric glanced at Hogar with hint of surprise, "Good. It is lucky that you are able to perform these arts." He left Tole to tender care of Hoger and smiled slightly at Edmund, "Excellent!" Tole: Tole allows Hogar to look at her arms, just before Edmund comes back. Tole: "Good... wasn't looking forward to a climb in this cold." Hogar: Though it took some time and effort, Hogar was able to remove the splinters from Tole's arms. Sleeping Dragon: once Hogar had tended to Tole's arms, Edmund led them back to the path he had found, a rocky incline cut into the side of the cliff, barely visible amidst the rocks and the rain. It was a difficult climb, but compared to clinging to their raft through the storm they scarcely felt like they had exerted themselves at all when they reached the top.
The Forlorn Coast was a well named region. All around them was a barren wasteland of rocky cliffs and hills, seeming utterly bare of life. From what Lord Ethelbald had told them on the ship, they knew the coastal region had been utterly depopulated due to the pirates, and what few settlements remained were now well inland. The only sign of civilisation they could see was about three-quarters of a mile to the northeast, where they discerned through the mist the shape of some type of large ruined house or manor. Edmund: Edmund indicated the building. "We should get over there as soon as possible & dry out." Hogar: "Shelter from the rain, perhaps. We might light a fire if we had some wood."suggested Hogar looking at the shape in the distance Tole: Tole starts to remove her sickles from her clothes as she nods; "Best be prepared, though" Edmund: Edmund raised an eyebrow as Tole revealed the weapons. Tole: Tole says quietly; "What? I worked at a farm..." Hogar: Hogar silently put on his throughly soaked and awkard padded armour and readied axe and shield. Edmund: "I can see you're prepared for some kind of harvest," Edmund replied with a grin. Tole: Dryly, Tole replies; "They're for hurting people." Hogar: "And this axe isn't for felling wood"said Hogar grimly "We'd best find shelter before night falls." Hogar: edit:reach, not find Edmund: Edmund snorted. "I'd never have guessed." Edmund: He pulled out a leather sling from his belt & fitted a smooth stone into it. Leofric: Leofric glanced over Hogar's armour which are clearly waterproof and his eyes narrowed as if an idea occurred to him. He looked at the others, "Extremely good idea" as he replied standing in unarmoured wet clothes from his old home. He however unsheathed his Erse short sword, blade glistens in the evening. However, it became clear that he only had little experience with it. Sleeping Dragon: they headed out towards the manor under the light of the moon, shivering in their sodden clothes and continually wiping rain from their eyes. There was little in the way of trees or shrubs in this barren region, but they were able to gather a few relatively dry pieces of wood as they came near to the manor.
As they drew nearer, they saw it had been a large manor of three stories, but the ceiling had long since collapsed and much of it was buried under debris, or else completely open to the rain. However, they thought there might be a section of the bottom floor of the manor that had not been crushed, and might still be sheltered enough to light a fire.
As they headed up the side of the hill they noticed a strange sight. About halfway up the hill, on the overgrown path leading up to the manor, there was a tall standing stone, approximately eight feet high. The stone was elaborately carved with runes in an unknown language, which pulsed with a faint red light. Hogar: Hogar looked at the light worriedly, as if fearing some kind of sorcery Edmund: Edmund frowned & looked around at the others. "Does anyone know what this thing is?" Leofric: Leofric frowned at the glowing runes, shivering in the rain and replied, "I know something about it but cannot put my finger what it is." Leo sighed and stood down and opened his bags and took one look at the inside and swore... "Books are ruined..." Hie eyes flashed with anger with himself. "I might remember once we are dry and rested..." He stood up, glancing at this dangerous object with extreme wariness. Hogar: "Best to keep away from it, for now."said Hogar Edmund: "It could have been put up here by some savage heathen tribe who sacrifice anyone who comes within sight of it, but you're not sure." Edmund said sharply, then sighed. "We don't have a lot of choice - it's the heathens or freezing to death so lets get inside." Tole: Tole starts heading to the manor; "I'm sure the heathens would kill us whichever thing we did." Leofric: Leo nodded at Edmund's words, "Yes, I agreed..." He also continued his walk, ready on guard for any dangers... Sleeping Dragon: they continued up the hill and into the wreckage of the manor. They could see nothing of value at all on this floor - it was obvious this manor had been looted before, many times. There was still debris they could set about gathering, and a small section at the southwestern wall which was still sheltered from the rain, so they began to gather debris to drag there. As they did, they noticed that there was a wooden trap door set into the floor by the east wall. whispering to Hogar, as they moved around in the house, Hogar noticed a small patch of fresh human blood underneath the debris not far from the trap door Hogar: "Blood!"said Hogar pointing at some debris close to the trapdoor Sleeping Dragon: as Hogar said, there was a small patch of fresh human blood underneath the debris only a few feet from the trap door. Tole took a quick look around the door, and thought it had probably been opened at some point within the last hour or two Tole: Putting her finger to her lips, Tole motions for quiet. Hogar: Hogar pointed to the trapdoor, and made a gesture as if to suggest opening it, while his other hand readied his axe Tole: Tole puts her ear to the ground, to hear if anything is making a sound below. whispering to Tole, Tole thought she could hear, very distantly, the sound of whispered conversation, though it was nowhere near close enough for her to hear what words were being said Tole: Tole mouths to the others; "Voices downstairs." Tole: She does hand gestures too Tole: Those hand gestures would be fingers and thumb forming a mouth and opening up and down, followed by pointing towards the trapdoor. Edmund: Edmund nodded & held up his sling. Leofric: Leofric focused on the trapdoor, prepared for anything. Sleeping Dragon: Tole tried to quietly open the trapdoor, without a great deal of success as the wood gave a creaking noise as the door swung upwards. The moonlight shone down into a large cellar. What they could see had obviously long since been ransacked, as broken glass and debris lay everywhere. There was no sign of any people, though it was clear the cellar was quite large and extended in all directions beyond the moonlight. whispering to Leofric, Tole thought she could still hear the whispering, which appeared to be coming from the southeastern section of the cellar whispering to Tole, Tole thought she could still hear the whispering, which appeared to be coming from the southeastern section of the cellar Tole: Tole winces at the sound of trapdoor, but lowers her head down to get a better look Hogar: Hogar stood close to Tole, ready to strike if needed Edmund: Edmund leaned forward & peered over the edge. whispering to Tole, Tole looked around into the darkness, peering into the darkness in the direction where she'd heard the voices. She couldn't see any sign of any people in that direction. She thought the wall was not far beyond the edge of the moonlight, and thought perhaps she could see a small alcove in that area. Leofric: Leofric tries to sense something but failed to do so Tole: Tole decides to go down the trapdoor Tole: She motions closer to where she thinks the noise is coming from, ready to scream for backup if necessary whispering to Tole, Tole crept down the stairs and looked around in the direction she thought she had heard the voices coming from. She peered down into the alcove, and realised that the stone at the end was actually a secret door, which she thought she could slide inwards by touching it. The voices, she thought, were coming from behind the secret door. As she looked more closely, she saw a metallic glint from inside a wall just next to the secret door, and realised a crude dart trap had been set up, ready to fire at anyone who stood too close to the secret door. Tole: Tole returns, and whispers to Edmund; "There's a trap and a secret door." Edmund: (whispering): "Can you deal with the trap?" Edmund whispered back. Edmund: Edmund carefully lowered himself into the dark hole beside Tole. Tole: Shortly after, Tole leads the messenger down the corridor and to the door, pointin out the dart trap. Hogar: Hogar went down the passage, gesturing for Leofric to do the same. Sleeping Dragon: the party crept down into the cellar. Looking around, they saw it had been ransacked many times, and there was little but broken glass and debris. Hogar, glancing around, noticed the ruin of a painting on the floor, which was torn to pieces, and he realised with some shock that the only piece of the painting that remained was the face of a stern-looking patrician of some type, plainly of Gaston race.
In the southeastern section of the cellar there was a short corridor and alcove, which ended abruptly in a stone wall. As Tole pointed it out, they could see that the stone at the end was actually a secret door, and concealed in the wall next to this was a crude trap which would fling a dart at anyone standing too close to the secret door. Hogar: Uneasily moving his gaze away from the painting on the floor, Hogar turned to the end of the corridor Edmund: Edmund moved up to the door & carefully examined the trap. With cautious movements he snapped a small metal arm off the mechanism. With a sigh of relief he beckoned the others on. Tole: Tole attempts to slightly nudge the secret door open to see who is inside. Leofric: Leofric's eyes played over the painting for a moment before looking up to see Edmund disarming the device Sleeping Dragon: beyond, there was a little corridor and a small set of stone steps leading down whispering to Edmund, Tole, Edmund and Tole noticed that there were some small alcoves along the corridor, and there were two men laying in wait there - one large person wielding a club, and behind him, a shorter man carrying a dagger. They appeared alert, though they were not sure whether they had noticed the small crack in the secret door Tole: Tole looks to Edmund, then back to the others, ready to pull open the secret door. She makes her intentions known, waiting for a nod. Edmund: Edmund gestures to the others, making stabbing & clubbing motions then pointing at the door. Tole: Tole places one hand on her sickle, the other ready to swing the door open. Hogar: Hogar got a few steps closer and gripped his axe, expecting to have it use it soon Leofric: He readies his short sword for action. Edmund: Edmund puts up two fingers. Tole: Seeing everyone looks braced for combat, Tole opens the secret door. Tole (enter): 23:20 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (972) Tole... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(964) Tole' from room... Tole (exit): 23:20 Tole: "Don't move! Lower your weapons! Who are you, why are you here?" Sleeping Dragon: the men lowered their weapons, startled that the party had managed to sneak up on them. As Tole advanced, a thin, spry looking man holding his hands above his head came from out of a chamber at the bottom of the stairs. "You...you are Virians, aren't you? Thank God! My name is Coenred, we are being chased by heathens and needed to hide here," he said, speaking Gaston in an unfamiliar accent they presumed was how Palanians normally spoke. Tole: Tole lowers her weapons, and looks to the others, hoping someone more learned could handle the talking. Hogar: Hogar too lowered his axe "It is good to met other Virians in such a place."he stated matter-of-factly Edmund: Edmund came forward. "Well met. We were shipwrecked, & all need to get warm & dry." Sleeping Dragon: "It is wonderful indeed, we feared you were the heathens come to kill us. Hlothere, you can take the cover off the lantern again," he called to someone behind him, and a faint light shone out into the corridor. "Of course, we would be happy to share a fire with you...but if it is not too much to ask brothers, would I be able to beg a favour of you?" Edmund: "What favour would that be?" Edmund asked. Leofric: Leofric nodded at them, watching over these three men, waiting for an answer to Edmund's question. Sleeping Dragon: "Of course, of course," Coenred said genially. "You see, my friends and I have been trying to put a stop to the rantings of a heathen priest, he has been insulting God with his nonsense. Unfortunately, some of this man's toughs are chasing us now, and we fear they will reach us shortly. The House on Helven Hill has many places to hide so we were hoping to dodge them here, but if you would be so kind as to await the coming of the heretics and convince them that we are not here, I would be exceptionally grateful." Coenred paused and added. "But be wary, these men are cunning and will try to trick you." Hogar: "Heretics, not heathens, you say?" Hogar sounded wary of the man's request Sleeping Dragon: Coenred suddenly went pale. "Ah, well, of course I misspoke, I meant to say..." Coenred sighed. "Ah, you fucking Virians, I can never remember what insults you have for each other. Ok, we'll do this the other way. Hlothere has a hostage back there, kindly go away or we'll slit his throat. If it makes you feel any better, he really is a heathen priest we have hostage so you'd probably not want to rescue him, your kinsmen in Godham didn't seem bothered." Edmund: After a moment's stunned silence Edmund spoke. "Why are you holding a heathen priest hostage?" whispering to Tole, Edmund, Tole & Edmund got the impression that Coenred had told the truth, but not the entire truth Sleeping Dragon: "Because we're getting paid to?" Edmund: Edmund looked interested. "There's money to be made out of religious disagreement then?" Leofric: Leofric looked over these men with disapproval.... Sleeping Dragon: "I don't give a shit about religious disagreement, if someone says they'll pay me to take someone I'll do it, this one just happens to be a priest. Don't know the reasons why, don't care to. Look, the guy we're working for has lots of money, I'll convince him to split our pay with you if you can persuade the guards that are coming that we're not here." Edmund: "I'll have to consult my companions." Edmund gestured to the others to confer. Sleeping Dragon: "No sudden moves, if you're looking to make money rescuing this priest you'll get none if Hlothere slits his throat," said Coenred Edmund: Edmund nodded. "We understand" Tole: Tole looks at Edmund, whispers; "We need money and work." Hogar: Hogar whispered to the others "What if guards are truly coming? Would we be better off dealing with them?" Edmund: "He's holding back," Edmund whispered once they were out of earshot. "And these men would gut you as soon as look at you." Tole: "A basement full of dead bodies won't look good for us though... let's go back upstairs, block the trap door, and handle any guards if they come." Edmund: "There may be a back entrance to that cellar," Edmund mused. "I'd like to see these men put out of the way. They are a danger to any civilised society." Edmund: "Maybe whoever wants the priest rescued will pay us to do that?" Tole: "And I suppose you want us to do the killing whilst you prance with that slingshot? I didn't realise we had gone from servants to killers so quickly. So eager for a transformation, are we?" Tole: "Immoral as they might be, I'm not wishing to casually seek out blood." Edmund: "This is a dangerous land, we knew that before we left Gastony. I didn't expect to meet it quite so fast, but we have to think fast over this. Unless you want to walk off into the cold wet night again?" Leofric: "I don't trust them." Leofric whispered simply and quietly, agreeing with Edmund. "Beside, we would be caught between two fires. Better to stamp out one fire then facing another. Otherwise, we will get burnt." Hogar: "I've seen quite a few shady people, and I'm fairly sure Palania would be better off without these men. Just saying..."Hogar traile doff Hogar: edit: trailed off Tole: "Have any of you even killed a person before? Listen to yourselves!" Edmund: "We all came armed, although to be honest we probably all expected monsters not men to be the problem." Edmund whispered. "So we go up above & wait for the guards, or what?" Tole: "We go upstairs, wait for the guards. Rest in watches by the fire... we can make a decision then." Hogar: "They might think we're accomplices on watch, though..." Sleeping Dragon: "Ok, I'll make you a deal, be a bit more open with you," Coenred called out. "This hostage we've got is the Ealdorman of a shitty little village called Stowecott, he'll probably pay you if you help him out. Here's the deal - we'll leave you the Ealdorman, you can take him back to Stowecott or do whatever, but you let us go. No one dies, you'll probably get money. Does that sound good?" Edmund: Edmund looked at the others for their reactions Tole: "Let's see him, and that he is unharmed." Hogar: "Worth considering."grumbled Hogar "The people there could be grateful." Leofric: Leofric looked throughfully at the deal. Edmund: Edmund nodded to Coenred. "We're prepared to consider that. Let's see the hostage first though. He could be dead for all we know." Sleeping Dragon: Coenred looked at Tole for a moment, then nodded, went back into the chamber he had emerged from. "I'll have my dagger to his throat, so don't do anything stupid. We don't give him up until you actually agree and we can get past you. We have a wounded companion who's a friend of ours and will almost certainly die in a fight, so you can trust us to leave you the Ealdorman once we're past you."
Coenred came out holding his dagger to the throat of a man who was bound and gagged, but did not appear to have suffered any injury other than minor scrapes. He was tall and broad, perhaps in his early 40s, with greying hair and a long nose. His clothes were well-made but sodden, and he wore round his neck an amulet set with the symbol of several coins, which were stylized to give the appearance that they were flipping through the air. "This is Ealdorman Balnoth. Do we have a deal?" Tole: Tole looks to the others and nods. Hogar: "Looks like a real noble to me." Edmund: "Take a look at his hands." Edmund said to Hogar. "Real nobles always have soft hands." Leofric: Leofric looked at them suspiciously. Tole: "I don't think there's any further need for a gag, no?" Leofric: "Let us hear him speak..." Leofric asked Coenred. Sleeping Dragon: The Ealdorman's hands certainly didn't appear soft - not accustomed to regular manual labour, perhaps, but certainly ones that had wielded a sword before. Coenred pulled the Ealdorman's gag down. "Look, none of us know anything about your stupid religion, but the Ealdorman will because he's studied it, I think."
the hostage nodded. "They are speaking the truth, I am Balnoth, the Ealdorman of Stowecott, and priest of the god Bealdoric, lord of luck and daring. I don't share your faith, but I would ask you to show the Virtue of Mercy and ensure there is no more bloodshed today, already some of my guards were killed fighting these kidnappers earlier." The hostage grimaced. "If you feel so inclined, I will even permit you to exercise your Certainty of Ministry and try to convert me on the way back to Stowecott, though it will be a waste of your breath I fear." Edmund: Edmund nodded. "Agreed." Leofric: Leofric nodded. "I agreed wholeheartly" Hogar: Hogar silently agreed with the others Tole: "I suggest then, Coenred, you better be glad we are merciful people." Tole comments; "This time." Sleeping Dragon: with the switch agreed, the kidnappers departed. There were two others in the back room, which proved to be some manner of prison cell - one, presumably the one named Hlothere, came out with another man, who had a wound from what seemed to be a sword on his scalp, leaning on his shoulder. The kidnappers pushed past the party and departed without another word.
"They were working for a rival of mine named Cynegels," the Ealdorman explained. "He wanted to become the Ealdorman of another nearby village, Garstoc, however I knew he was a greedy and corrupt man so I intervened and ensured the clan leaders selected someone else in his place. Cynegels has wanted to get back at me ever since. I suspect some of his thugs may be along any time now, so we should head for Stowecott - I think we probably have some time so you can warm yourselves. I am sorry for your losses, you are not the only Virians who have been shipwrecked on your way here." The Ealdorman grimaced and stretched his hands. "I will ensure you're rewarded well when we return to Stowecott, it's only a few hours walk from here though I fear we'll be soaked through again."
By the time the party had time to make a fire and warm themselves, two of the Ealdorman's guards had arrived and were pleased to see he had been rescued. The one who seemed to be their leader wanted to chase the kidnappers, but the Ealdorman forbade this, and once the party were warmed they set out for Stowecott.
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Post by sleepingdragon on Mar 31, 2013 0:51:40 GMT
Sleeping Dragon: The Ealdorman and the party headed back to Stowecott, a farming village of about five hundred people. On the way the Ealdorman recounted how he had been abducted while returning from visiting a friend. His guards had realised something was amiss about an hour after when he did not return, and set out to find him. They had fought during the night leaving two dead on each side, but the kidnappers were able to get away. To the Ealdorman's concern, he had been taken through the Virian settlement, Godham, where the settlers had paid him little mind and had indeed delayed his guards when they came through in pursuit.
The party were exhausted by the time they arrived in Stowecott. The Ealdorman did not have enough space in his own home for the party to stay, so he paid for their room and board in the local inn for the next several days. Once he had recuperated, Balnoth said he would like the party to accompany him to a festival in Middlemere, on 22 March, to celebrate the arrival of spring. With Lord Ethelbald's death the party were free of any obligations for the time being (though, the Ealdorman adds, he is unsure what arrangements Lord Ethelbald might have made in his will and whether his heir might wish to continue his plan to settle in Palania), but they also for the time had no source of income. At the festival, the Ealdorman said, he was sure they would be able to find people who might be able to make use of their talents.
Over the next few days, the Ealdorman had a map of Palania prepared for the party, and spoke to them in brief about the various regions of the land. The Ealdorman hastened to add that these observations were largely his own and might not be wholly accurate. He had travelled widely as a young man, but since he became Ealdorman fifteen years ago had largely settled down, save for the occasional trip to Middlemere, Swithdun, or Tarnemuthe. Tole: Tole spent much of the time feeling frustrated. Despite being adept at spying, she found being taught to track wild things from the local hunter-master more difficult than she expected. Perhaps she was too concerned with keeping up appearances, but she seemed to fail to learn anything of the craft, beyond some trivial knowledge about wildflowers. Leofric: Leofric was bitterly disappointed about losing his small library in the small rainstorm and a dip in the sea. Nevertheless, he made good use of time, painfully aware of neverending dangers. He spent time with Balnoth's personal Thegn to train his sword and pick up a new skill in archery. He spent the rest of his spare time, conversing with Balnoth, a heathen priest on the topic of religion. Afterward, he spent time trying to gather more patchments, quills and inks to replace his terrible losses. Edmund: Despite the experience of the shipwreck, Edmund quickly recovered, & while the others were taking lessons, he wandered about Stowecott, talking to the locals & trying out the local food & beer. Despite the poor quality of the latter, Edmund kept visiting the inn, althought that might have been more to do with the rather pretty barmaid. Hogar: Hogar turned down the offers of teaching and the heathen charm, instead choosing a larger share of silver as his reward. He did not seem too fazed by the events of the last days, and spent his time drinking and trying to awkardly gather some information from the locals. Sleeping Dragon: The party spent four full days in Stowecott. They got to know the Ealdorman reasonably, though he was quite busy with local business, and was able to get straight back into things despite his abduction. Balnoth simply laughed the kidnapping off, saying that as a priest of the god of adventure, it was the best he had done at fulfilling his divine duty in many years. Inwardly, they thought perhaps he was not as unruffled as he appeared. Balnoth spent quite a bit of time at the house of a local farmer's wife, Svari, a matronly woman. They soon learned it was an open secret in Stowecott that the two had been having an affair for years, and indeed the Ealdorman had been abducted while returning from visiting her.
On 19 March, they set out from Stowecott, leaving the Ealdorman's reeve Tohrdun in charge in his absence. As well as the party, Ealdorman Balnoth was accompanied by his sworn thegn, Havarr, four guards, and a pair of serving girls. As they travelled northeast towards the lake called Cuto's Well, the Ealdorman explained that this was perhaps the safest of all the lands in Palania. Though there were dangers to be found in the forest called the Darkholt to the north, and beyond those the Camber Hills, these lands were fertile and secure. They were plainly not the only party travelling to the festival, and much of their journey was spent amiably conversing with passing travellers.
In the evening of 21 March they reached the village of Wolstoc, on the southwestern side of the lake. It was a clear evening, and they could see the Prophet's Star above them, tonight giving off a bluish hue, cast down upon the lake and reminding them that God watched over them even in this distant land. Balnoth regarded the Star pensively and said, "We'll be taking a boat across the lake to Middlemere in the morning. I apologise for making you get on the water again so soon, but the waters of the Well are very calm." Leofric: Leofric stroke his chin, looking slightly worried when Balnoth explained that the waters are very calm but settled down with a confident nod. Tole: Tole kept her opinions about going back on water to herself. Hogar: Perhaps owing to the Prophet's Star or simple optimism, Hogar did not seem to be worried. Edmund: Edmund shrugged. "The odds are against another shipwreck, that's for sure" Tole: Tole felt much more secure around the universally positive attitude of her companions. Sleeping Dragon: they rested for the evening in a crowded inn whose rooms cost double their normal rate - thankfully, the Ealdorman was paying. early in the morning, they went out to the dock, where local fishermen and their families were piling into small boats to row across to Middlemere. The Ealdorman had secured them a place on a larger vessel, and they were rowed across the lake by a half dozen strong oarsmen.
"Well if we went down you'd have a chance to look for the Eye," Balnoth said with a grin. "Early in his wars, Caragaur flew over Middlemere burning small farms and villages, going alone because he was sure he was invulnerable. The Ealdorman hired the hero Cuto the Swift to drive the dragon off. Cuto waited until Caragaur dove low and shot him with his bow, he struck the dragon right in the eye. Unfortunatley it didn't kill him outright, but Caragaur tore out his eye in agony and it fell into the lake. They say dragon eyes turn into gems after they're removed from the body, so someone might find Caragaur's Eye someday and strike it rich." Edmund: Edmund laughed, but he spent time staring over the side as if looking for the glint of gems. Edmund (enter): 19:59 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1026) Edmund... Leofric: Leofric shook his head dismissively. "I don't believe that. I think everyone going into the throne room in Malagen would notice the dragon's eyes turning to gems. Still, it would be nice if that is true." He smiled whimsically. Sleeping Dragon: they continued across to the makeshift docks that had been set up on the green just outside the walls of Middlemere, where the main part of the festival was held. The Ealdorman explained that there were, roughly, four parts of the festival. "The main section is on the Grinfeld there," he said, pointing to the field. "There are sporting events held throughout the day, most famously the Brawl. If you're any good at fighting with your hands try it - I went for the Brawl myself when I was young but just ended up getting a tooth knocked loose." Balnoth gave a crooked smile. "There's also the Harbourside Market within the walls - good place to find a good deal at the moment. Us priests and scholars will gather on the Gods' Hill, if you are looking for books to replace the ones you lost, Leofric, that would be the place to look." Balnoth sighed. "Finally, the Ealdormen and nobles, and our thegns will gather in a separate enclave. If you come with me you'll be allowed in, otherwise you'll have to do some fast talking. Not much happens there apart from bantering and gambling with absurd amounts of money anyway." Tole: "Any other sporting events aside from brawling?" asked Tole. Hogar: "Brawling? Sounds like my kind of sport." Hogar said "Wouldn't mind if there are prizes, either..." Sleeping Dragon: "There are indeed," Balnoth replied. "An archery competition and javelin throwing. Once the Brawl is done there's usually a footrace, a swim across part of the lake, and contests of jumping and climbing. The winner of the Brawl gets quite a substantial prize, a trophy and a wolfskin cloak as well as a large purse of silver. I couldn't tell you how much silver as I never won any." Tole: "Well, " remarked Tole; "I'm not much of a fighter, I can still cheer on Hogar though. I'll see about the other sports." Edmund: Edmund smiled, "I might have a go at the javelin throwing. That's more my kind of sport. And gambling." Leofric: Leofric looked thoughtfully "More books... Excellent..." He looked quite absent minde for a moment Sleeping Dragon: "Bealdoric favours the gambler. I'd give you his blessing but..." Balnoth spread his hands. "Your Virian God would not approve." Their boat pulled into the docks at the Grinfeld, and Balnoth paid the oarsmen and gave their leader a clap on the shoulder as he climbed out onto the dock.
God favoured the festival with excellent weather, and the Grinfeld was packed with thousands of people. Chldren tore around underfoot after balls, in races, or wrestling. Many families had come with baskets filled with food and were sitting on the grass, some already drinking though it was still early in the morning. There were several large spits roasting pork and beef, and the smell of fish was heavy in the air. They could see a large area had been cleared in preparation for the Brawl, and applicants were being scrutinised by Ealdorman Oswy's guards, who were trying to determine whether some of the younger or more enthusiastic entrants were actually capable of fighting without getting seriously injured. Hogar: Hogar looked at some of the punier contestants and suppressed a chuckle. Sleeping Dragon: a guard examined Hogar for the moment and locked arms with him, and was surprised by his strength as the guard was several inches taller than Hogar. "You'll do fine, Gastonlander," he grunted. "Here's how it works. You'll bypass the preliminary round, so you'll be entered into a group with three other brawlers and you'll fight all of them. If you win the group, you fight the other group winners, and you bash away at each other until only one of you is left." Hogar: "Sounds good."said Hogar Sleeping Dragon: Hogar fought his first match against a tall local man. Hogar perhaps took him lightly at first, and was surprised when the man gave him a hard kick to the stomach and spent a few moments driving him relentlessly around the circle that had been set up for the fights. "Come on, Gastonlander, I thought you were supposed to know how to fight!" his opponent mocked. This proved a bad idea, as Hogar came back swinging, bloodying the man's mouth with several hard punches before finally wrestling him down and forcing him into submission. The previous year's winner, a burly golden-haired warrior named Hereward, had been assigned the judge, and declared Hogar the winner of the match.
Meanwhile, Leofric and Tole wandered the crowd, seeking news. Tole ended up in a conversation with a farmer, who warned her away from ever entering the desolate plains to the northeast, which were named the Plague Fields. "Never go there!" he said. "The Ealdorman of Wapanstede put a curse on the place while he died, anyone who goes there never comes back."
Leofric, meanwhile, learned several things. Apparently the Ealdorman of Bluebrycg had sent a hundred men to try to reclaim the castle of Grantun, trying to reopen trade routes to Chepworth, but the dragonspawn had driven them away. An entertainer told him, "The Ealdorman here has put a bounty on that witch Eanfleda's head. 500 gold. 500 gold! Just think of what you could do with all that cash." Server Administrator-> Kicking '(1021) Edmund' from server... Removing dead client Edmund (exit): 20:44 Sleeping Dragon: Edmund, meanwhile, enrolled in the javelin throwing competition, easily managing to pass to the second round of that competition with two impressive throws Edmund: Edmund came back to them with a big grin on his face. Tole: "I didn't know a messenger would be so skilled at throwing sharp sticks." smirked Tole. Leofric: Leofric congratulated Edmund with a quick grin as he eyed Edmund in his brawl. Leofric: EDIT: Eyed Hogar in his brawl Sleeping Dragon: Hogar's second match was against a young local peasant, who seemed to be attempting to make up for his lack of skill with boundless enthusiasm. At first Hogar was taken aback, but he soon overmatched his opponent and defeated him handily Edmund: "It's amazing what you learn when you're carrying messages," Edmund said, his good humour unaffected by Tole's remarks. Sleeping Dragon: Hogar's final match in his group was against his toughest foe yet, a burly man of Fryderi descent. Hogar and his foe both came out swinging, landing strong punches. The crowd went mad as the two continued to hammer away on each other, with Hogar eventually gaining a solid advantage. He floored the Fryderi with a solid kick, then pinned him to the ground for the victory, passing him through the group stage comfortably. Hogar: "A good fight."said Hogar panting and wiping some sweat from his brow Tole: Tole watched their fighter, remarking; "I had no idea Hogar was quite this tough, either." Edmund: "Well done." Edmund said slapping Hogar on the back. Leofric: Leofric had a fly landed on his nose and attempted to swat it away, not paying any attention. whispering to Tole, Tole noticed a tall, burly man with gold hair and wearing a sleeveless leather jerkin watching Hogar with appreciative eyes. The man had a scarred face, and on his right arm there was a large birthmark like a winestain splotched across his skin. Sleeping Dragon: sadly, Edmund's second round in the javelin throw did not go so well. His first javelin missed the target altogether, and there were loud shouts of alarm as people ducked before the spear struck a hedge. This obviously threw Edmund off, and while he hit his target with his remaining throws, they were not impressive and he was eliminated from the tournament. Hogar: Hogar grimaced at Edmund's performance, but tried to console him "Happens to the best." Edmund: Edmund shrugged "Oh well, there goes my career in javelin throwing." he said with a grin. "You can win for us." Tole: Whilst watching Hogar's third round, Tole mentions quietly to the others; "There's a man over here, the one with the scarred face, seeming to take a lot of interest in this." Leofric: "You might try again next year, Edmund!" Leofric, his nose slowly redden due to swatting fly off..." Grinning happily, "You sure will win this, Hogar!" Sleeping Dragon: Tole pointed to a tall, burly man with gold hair, wearing a sleeveless leather jerkin. He was watching Hogar with appreciative eyes. He had a scarred face, and on his right arm there was a large birthmark like a winestain splotched across his skin. Sleeping Dragon: meanwhile, Hogar engaged in his first elimination fight. The battle was cautious, with Hogar landing a few blows and dodging his foe's, slowing him with a grapple. Few true blows were scored, but the judge ultimately declared Hogar the winner, and he went through to the quarterfinal. Edmund: Edmund kept an eye on the man while cheering Hogar on. Sleeping Dragon: Hogar's next foe was a wily man who made his living dealing with runaway animals. This match started slow again, but Hogar's opponent landed a strong punch in the middle part of the bout. From then on he was able to hold Hogar down, and Hogar was eliminated from the Brawl. Nonetheless, he won 100 silvers for his achievements, and the crowd gave him a loud cheer as he was eliminated. Leofric: Leofric looked disappointed but also gave great cheer for Hogar! Hogar: Hogar looked somewhat flustered by his defeat, but was a good sport and congratulated his foe. The cash prize and cheering were appreciated too. Edmund: Edmund applauded as Hogar returned. "That was a great show. " Leofric: "Never thought I would enjoy this but I am glad I came." Leofric grinned gleefully. Tole: "Well done Hogar, you got pretty far;" smiled Tole; "Any bruises?" Hogar: "Been in quite a few brawls before, and I gotta say these were some good ones. "Hogar said massaging his bruises as he tried to get a look at how the other fights were going Sleeping Dragon: as soon as Hogar had left the Brawl grounds, the man who had been watching him sauntered over to the party. "You fight well, Gastonlander!" he roared. "But it's hardly fair for me to have you at an advantage. I am pleased to meet you, Hogar! My name is Osfrid, of the Bloodied Eye Brotherhood." Osfrid held out a huge, callused hand. Hogar: Hogar regarded the man with suspicion for a few moments, but then relaxed and shook his hand in return. "Aye, though some of these Palanians are no slouches, either. Think I heard of your lot. Sounds like a fine brotherhood. " Sleeping Dragon: "I dare say we are!" Osfrid laughed and clapped Hogar on the shoulder. He seemed to be ignoring the rest of the group. "I have a proposition for you, Hogar. You obviously have the skills, I think you'd be a fine addition to the Brotherhood. There is just one test you need to pass, and then we'll accept you as a Brother! Of course, we'll then make sure you know when there is work that persons of our particular skills are required for!" Hogar: "A test, you say?" Hogar looked genuinely interested "Sounds great, though I don't know if I'll stay around here for much." Sleeping Dragon: "Well we have branches all over Palania. Surely you don't want to go home already? Anyhow, it is up to you, I'll tell you what the test is. In the Bloodied Eye we defend caravans and distant villages from bandits and monsters, and if we're not doing that we hunt the bastards! To join the Bloodied Eye you must hunt down one of the biggest, nastiest monsters in Palania...a cyclops! Kill a cyclops and bring me its eye here to our barracks in Middlemere, and we'll accept you as a Brother and lift many an ale to your honour!" Hogar: Hogar grimaced for a moment "A cyclops? That'll be quite a feat! But I definetely wouldn't mind freeing Palania of one of their kind." he smiled "Don't think it would be an issue if some of my friends here - "he glanced at his companions "were to help with the kill, would it?" Sleeping Dragon: "Not at all, you can bring up to five others. Cyclopes are nasty beasts!" Osfrid paused and turned to Edmund. "By the way, you have potential, but you should adopt a wider stance when you throw." Edmund: Edmund blinked in surprise. "Thank you, I'll remember that" Hogar: "Then we got a deal!" Hogar smiled "I'll be sure to bring you the eye, should I find one of these accursed things." Edmund: "Hold on, what about Leo & Tole? They haven't agreed yet." Edmund said quickly. "Nor have I come to that. We need a bit more information about this cyclops. Where might it be found? And, no to put too fine a point on it, what's in it for the rest of us?" Sleeping Dragon: "There are cyclopes in the Camber Hills, about a day and a little more yonder," he pointed to the northwest. "There are dragonspawn there too, but as long as you stay near the edges of the Camber you should only find the occasional cyclops. Just remember, you have to kill the cyclops as well. I am sure you are honourable, but some have tried to join us with tricks, some trying to buy cyclops eyes from unscrupulous types. Be warned that we have the right to take an eye if you try to cheat us." Osfrid turned to Edmund, looking annoyed. "Well I haven't invited any of you to join the Brotherhood, you haven't proven yourselves yet with feats of arms. Still, if your companion is a member, we can offer you training and if we offer any work to Hogar, you will be able to accompany him and earn your share of the loot. As for information about the cyclops well...a Bloodied Eye must be cunning and wise as well as strong and brave. I'll leave it to you to try to find out about cyclopes and how to fight them. There is no time limit on this offer, so you are free to pursue other endeavours and come and see me when you are ready." Hogar: "And we'd be doing good work helping clean this isle of evil monsters, too."Hogar added for his companions, as if that could perhaps sway them "Aye, as I said, doubt I'll have the time soon, but I won't forget about this, I swear." Hogar: edit: isle->land Tole: Tole hands the others her leathers and sickles; "Can one of you hold on to these whilst I take part in the athletics?" Hogar: "Not much good at that stuff but I might as well give it a try myself, Tole."said Hogar looking for someone to keep his padded armour, armour and axes safe Edmund: Edmund took the gear from Tole. "Good luck." Hogar: edit: remove last post Hogar: "Good luck with that. I'd think about joining myself, though I'm not much good at that, but I'd rather try the race. Think you can keep my gear too, Ed?"asked Hogar Edmund: "Leo and I can look after it", Edmund replied, looking at Leo who was gazing abstractedly around. Sleeping Dragon: Hogar went off to participate in the footrace while Tole headed for the space that had been cleared for jumping and climbing. Hogar was obviously still bruised from his fight, and came near the end of the pack in the footrace. Tole participated in a long jump event, running up and leaping into a great sand pit and easily outdistancing most of her competitors. "Excuse me," a stocky man said to Edmund, tapping him on the shoulder. "You are with that man Hogar who fought in the Brawl earlier, aren't you? My name is Bryni, I am a member of the town watch in Bluebrycg." Edmund: Edmund nodded. "We are travelling together." Leofric: Leo blinked his eyes several times as he turned his full attention onto Bryni, glooming Sleeping Dragon: "Excellent. I have a task and it seems like your group might have the skills I need for the job, and be able to blend with the kind of company you'll have to pursue." Edmund: Edmund stared at the man. "Pursue... These are criminals?" Sleeping Dragon: "Well I am a member of the town watch," Bryni smiled. "I have been chasing a particularly skillful thief called Eada the Red. Her fellows have been causing problems in Bluebrycg, I think she has recently gone to lay low in one of the villages nearby but I'm not sure where. If you could find where she is and then come and get me so we can apprehend her, I will ensure you are all paid 400 silvers, and you will also win the trust of the guard in Bluebrycg and of its citizens." Sleeping Dragon: as this conversation went on, Tole proceeded to dominate the remainder of the athletics competition, comfortably winning the high jump and rope climbing contests. These events were less prestigious than the martial ones and there was no reward save bragging rights, nonetheless Tole was given many compliments on her skill as she departed Edmund: Edmund wondered whether the man was telling the whole truth, but his attention was divided, watching Tole's performance. "We can discuss your offer with our companions. " he said to the man. Sleeping Dragon: "Of course. Get back to me when you have made up your minds, I'll be in Middlemere until the day after tomorrow." Bryni told Edmund the name of the inn where he was staying and departed. Hogar: Some time later a tired-looking, red-faced Hogar came back to the group "Turns out, all that getting punched and grappled left me a bit tired." he said between breaths. Hearing of Tole amazing victory, he congratulated her. "Wish I was watching that. Looks like you're quite the nimble one. Looking forward to seeing how you fight." Tole: "Thank you, but keeping fit and exercising regularly doesn't mean I'm good in a fight." smiled Tole. Edmund: "Excellently done both of you." Edmund said with a smile. "Tole, I never realised servants needed to jump like that" Tole: "I just like to keep my body in shape." nodded Tole; "This was a nice workout for everyone involved." Hogar: "Aye."said Hogar as he took back his gear from Edmund "Shall we check the market now?" Edmund: "It seems we're in great demand." Edmund said as they wandered away. "Another job offer, this time from the town watch of Bluebrycg. They have a problem with thieves they want us to solve!" Leofric: "It was fun to watch your race. It was hilarious to watch others trying to catch up." Leo grinned for a moment before looking solemnly, "I can tell you more about Cyclops later on. I am going off to Gods' Hill to find more books. You guys can go ahead, I will meet you at the inn that Ealdorman mentioned or at market depend how long it take." Tole: "They do not want to solve the problem themselves? They are the watch." Edmund: ""According to Balnoth the town is a den of thieves anyway," Edmund said. "Maybe they've fallen out among themselves." whispering to Leofric, Leofric headed for the Gods' Hill, a large mound overlooking the Grinfeld. A number of scholars were stood discussing with each other and haggling over books, scrolls, sextants, and other objects. Meanwhile, a Virian preacher stood haranguing passersby. "...you need only look up at the night sky to see the Prophet has triumped over the heathen gods! Accept the Virian Way, and God will ensure this land is secure for all time, as He has for Gastony!" Sleeping Dragon: Tole, Edmund and Hogar headed to the Harbourside Market, a bustling, temporary market set up just outside Middlemere's stone walls, on the lake. Hawkers of goods and entertainers were everywhere, and people were dicing at the side of the street, shouting curses or cheering loudly. There was an enormous number of items for sale, from weapons and armour, Fryderi furs and even items from distant Latterland. The party had little luck finding any good deals, however. whispering to Leofric, Leofric was able to find a very interesting book by a heathen priest, which was about the exorcism of demonic spirits, and purchased it for 750 silvers. As he did he noticed a man who looked a little out of place was engaged in an argument with a nearby seller. "...you knew him! As well as me and he was my own brother! Don't you want to know what's happened to him, and what would ever possess him to go into the Plague Fields?" Hogar: Hogar wandered off to some stalls selling armour and weapons, but found the prices to be far too high for his meager resources. whispering to Edmund, Edmund noticed that there appeared to be three shady, rough looking men tailing them, though giving them a wide berth. whispering to Tole, Tole noticed there were three shady, rough looking men following the party. They were however keeping them a very wide berth, and were eyeing Hogar nervously. Edmund: Edmund spoke softly to the others. "There's three men following us. They don't look like friends." Tole: Tole nods, having noticed them too. Leofric: (whispering): Leofric was surprised to hear this word, this could be related to the curse. He approached them, trying to be friendly. "Plague Fields?" He asked curiously with hint of concern. "What happened to your brother?" Tole: "Perhaps we should say hello? I'm sure Hogar will intimidate them enough." whispering to Leofric, the man looked at Leofric in surprise. "More interest from a stranger than from one of his supposed friends," the man snapped at the seller, who looked slightly ashamed. "My name is Ceorlben. For reasons I could never tell you, my brother Dunstan, who is a scholar of history, went with a few guards into the Plague Fields to the northeast. The damn fool! I have no idea why he went, but he's been gone for two weeks and hasn't returned." Ceorlben's shoulders slumped. "I imagine he's dead...but I would be very grateful to know for sure." Edmund: "They look the kind who would get close up & personal in a back alley with a knife." Edmund said quietly, watching the men out of the corner of his eye. "I've met a few like that." Hogar: Hogar came back quickly "Don't think I'll be able to afford much anytime soon. Still, was worth a try. What were you talking about?" Tole: Tole subtlely hints with her eyes that there might be a few hoodlums behind them, sizing them up. Sleeping Dragon: there were indeed three burly, vicious looking men watching them from a distance, though keeping people in the crowd between themselves and the party Hogar: Hogar threw a quick glance, hoping to make it look casual enough. "Doesn't look like good news. Think we've already made a few enemies?"he whispered to the otehrs Hogar: typo: otehrs->others Edmund: "Might be as well to keep in public places then" Tole: Appearing from behind the thugs, Tole smirks, and comments; "If you're going to follow us, you'll need to keep your eyes open at all times." Sleeping Dragon: one of the thugs gave a growl of surprise and turned around to face Tole. "Fuck off, it's a free town, we'll go where we like." Edmund: Seeing the men spin round at the sound of Tole's voice, Edmund gestured to Hogar and quickly moved up. "You seem very keen to follow us. Perhaps you could introduce yourselves." he said, quietly removing the sling from his belt. Hogar: Hogar fingered the handle of his axe but said nothing Tole: Toles winces slightly as Edmund removes his sling; "We mean no offence, of course." Leofric: (whispering): "Realistically, he would be dead if he have not returned yet. I heard a rumour that the Ealdorman of Wapanstede cursed the place." Leofric considered it over. "Or not. There is always hope." He gave him a friendly clasp on the shoulder with deep looks in his eye. "Beside, I might visit the Plague Fields one day. What does your brother looked like? I can keep an eye out in case I am in the area." whispering to Leofric, Ceorlben nodded. "We should have helped Wapanstede, but everyone went mad because of that accursed witch. Dunstan was a short man, three or four inches less than me, and thin. We had different mothers, so we were never as close as we might have been, but he is still my brother and I owe it to his daughter to find out what's become of him. He hired some guards in a village called Leoringas, they might know more about what he was doing then, or you might be able to find information in his papers at his house. I've looked through them but I'm no scholar as you seem to be, I can read well enough but old lore and curses...it's beyond me." Sleeping Dragon: "Put away your little strap, you pretty twat, before I wrap it round your neck," the leader of the trio snarled at Edmund. "You think you're going to get that axe out because we looked at you? They'll send you to the block for that. You need to watch your fucking steps and mind whose toes you step on." The trio turned to leave. Edmund: "Tell us whose toes so we can avoid them then," Edmund asked. Sleeping Dragon: The thugs seemed like they would have left, but Tole was in their way so the man turned with a sneer. "Not everyone thinks the sun shines out your arse because you rescued the Ealdorman. Remember that." Though the man did not say another word as he and his friends departed, it seemed clear that they had been sent by Cynegels, the man who was behind Balnoth's abduction. Tole: Tole looks to the others; "Well, that wasn't very pretty." She sighs, before adding; "But they are right, lets not threaten people with weapons at a festival." Edmund: "At least we know why they had it in for us," Edmund said with a shrug. "And if we meet them outside the town, it'll be even less pretty." Tole: "Let's hope they aren't eager for a comfrontation." Leofric: (whispering): Leofric looked interested at the mention of old lore and curses. "I might be able to read them. I am merely a scribe, but I do have some knowledges on old lores. If you permit me." He gave a slight bow, "I will attempt to read them in order to glean any information on your brother's reason." He frowned slightly, "I cannot promise that I will understand them. Old lores can be notoriously difficult to understand." Hogar: "I'm not one to back down if they are. Still...hopefully they won't go bother Leofric now." Tole: "Hmmm. Where is Leofric?" whispering to Leofric, "That would be splendid. I don't have them here of course, but if you come and meet me at my house I can show them to you." Ceorlben told Leofric where he lived. "I'll be busy for the rest of today, but if you come to see me tomorrow, otherwise if that's not convenient send me a message." Hogar: "I think he wanted to buy some books."said Hogar after some thought Edmund: "We'd better find him" Tole: "Indeed." agrees Tole; "We have no further business here." Leofric: (whispering): Leofric nodded his head in respond, "I will. Hope you have a useful day." He gave his acknowledgment of parting. Hogar: "He's a pretty noticeable man. Shouldn't be too hard to spot him. And then we can decide on what to do next..." Sleeping Dragon: as they made their way back, they asked a few people for information. Tole learned that there was a great deal of money to be had in trade routes to the eastern settlements of Chepworth and Huncestre, though these were exceptionally dangerous. Caravans out of Bluebrycg were always looking for guards for these hazardous journeys. whispering to Leofric, Leofric wandered around Gods' Hill for a time, talking to people. "I heard there is a wizard in a village called Stencumb. He made the Ealdorman of Wihthrycg an enchanted sword!" said one man. Sleeping Dragon: Tole, Edmund, and Hogar returned to the Grinfeld, where they stopped to get food before going to seek out Leofric. As they were getting themselves something from a vendor, there was a commotion as two men came rushing towards the party. One was Ealdorman Balnoth, looking rather annoyed, and the other was a pale, tall man with the look of a noble. "You there," he called to them. "The Ealdorman here says you rescued him from kidnap. My daughter has been abducted, you have to help her! I haven't the men to spare, the bandits might attack if they're gone!" Leofric: (whispering): Leofric smiled slightly at the rumour as he made his way back from God's Hill to the market, carrying his new books with pleased look on his face. Edmund (enter): 23:54 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1031) Edmund... Tole: Tole looks at the others. Edmund: "I'm sure we will help you if we can." Edmund said, "but we must first find our companion." Leofric: (whispering): Leofric greeted Virian Peacher. "Greetings, How fares your Certainty of Ministry?" Sleeping Dragon: "Then do it quickly, I'll accompany you," the man said. "The Ealdorman says you let the men who abducted him go, well I will pay you each 2000 silvers if you return my daughter and another 500 for the head of whoever took her. So where might this companion of yours be?" The noble paced impatiently. Tole: "Surely it is preferable to bring him back alive and see him meet justice more properly?" commented Tole with a tone of displeasure. whispering to Leofric, "Well, I have saved three souls today," he replied. "I am Godewine, now of Prestenbroc. I tell you, you should be wary of mingling too much with these heathens. If you wish to stay true to the Way, come to Prestenbroc. We are trying to forge a route to Weltry, the Ealdorman there is the most powerful Palanian lord who has come to the Way, but he is isolated and has little influence. It is God's Will that we unite with him." Sleeping Dragon: "What? Yes, fine, bring him - or them - back alive then and I can behead whoever it is myself if you won't do it. No one touches my family, by the Gods!" Tole: "Of course. I sympathize." agreed Tole. Edmund: "When we have found our companion we'll return & you can tell us more." Edmund said firmly. "We cannot agree anything without him here." He started walking towards the God's Hill. Leofric: (whispering): Leofric looked throughtfully and replied, "I shall keep that in mind." He went on with hint of enthusiasm, "Keep saving souls!" After giving his acknowledgment of parting, he kept on walking, looking pleased at his new books. Tole: Tole follows. Sleeping Dragon: "Why return, I'll go with you! We can talk as we go. I am Renweard, by the way, I have known Ealdorman Balnoth for many years." The noble did not offer his hand. "I can't fucking believe this..." he shook his head. Sleeping Dragon: the party made their way towards Gods' Hill, but by the time they were halfway there they encountered Leofric coming back. His pack was now noticeably heavier with several book shaped bulges sticking out prominently. whispering to Tole, "I hope you will be patient with Renweard, he has a poor temper at the best of times and he has had a terrible shock," Balnoth said quietly to Tole as they walked. Tole: (whispering): "Of course, my lord;" answered Tole; "His situation is understandable, I take no offence. I hope this problem can be resolved with the minimum of bloodshed." Leofric: Leofric looked pleased with his new possessions. But it slowly faded from seeing the expressions on his peers and a stranger. "What is going on?" Edmund: "This is Renweard. He has a proposition for us, to help him recover his daughter." Edmund said. Sleeping Dragon: "My daughter was kidnapped from our manor last night, my guards found prints heading into the Darkholt. Please," Renweard's voice strained slightly at the word, "save Synne, as you saved the Ealdorman. I will reward you richly and you can protect an innocent young woman from...gods, I can't even think of what could be done to her!" Renweard grimaced. Edmund: "How old is Synne?" asked Edmund Sleeping Dragon: "Fourteen...no, fifteen, she turned fifteen a few weeks ago. My mind is somewhat scattered." Edmund: "Do you have any idea of who would have abducted her, & why?" Sleeping Dragon: "I have no idea!" Renweard snapped. "Probably bandits, for ransom most likely, or something worse..." Hogar: "Hopefully we can stop them before the worst happens."said Hogar, glancing at the others as if to push them towards accepting Tole: Tole nods in agreement. Edmund: [1d100] => [93] = (93) Edmund: "Did nobody hear or see anything?" Edmund asked. Sleeping Dragon: "I've not had a chance to speak to my guards in detail, I was here for the night and only heard about this an hour ago. My messenger told me there was a broken window in her room and some blood on the floor, no ransom note was left however. There were only two sets of prints and one seemed to be Synne's, so I would suppose she was only abducted by one person, though he probably has compatriots in the Darkholt, the whole forest is a den of bandits. We ought to just burn the accursed place!" Edmund: Edmund looked at the others. "If we are to track this person or persons we should start at the manor." Sleeping Dragon: "Of course, of course, let's go straight away," said Renweard. "I'll go get my horse." Leofric: Leofric looked concerned at this and yet somehow distracted by other thing on his mind. He took out his patchment, supported by a book and with his quill and inks, wrote a message on it in beautiful hand writing and folded it in half and included an address on it. "I am willing to help." He concluded. Sleeping Dragon: "I can send a message for you if it's needed," said Balnoth. "Renweard, it may be an idea for my companions here to meet you in a short while, if they are going to be heading off I would bid them farewell for now," he said. Leofric: Leofric gracefully gave a message to pass along to whomever he wrote. Sleeping Dragon: Balnoth was able to persuade Renweard that he could, at the least, wait an hour before departing. "I apologise for that, my friends, Renweard is a difficult person to get on with," he said when Renweard had gone out of earshot. Balnoth took Leofric's message and agreed he would pass it on. Tole: "His situation is understandable." Hogar: "Something you might want to know, though it is unrelated to Renweard's...predicament. It looks like your rival Cynegels had hired some thugs to keep an eye on us. We sent them off, for now." Sleeping Dragon: Balnoth looked angry. "Be careful. Cynegels has his fingers in any number of illegal pies. I had hoped to leave this business for a time and return to it when Cynegels was not paying it any mind...but maybe I don't have that luxury. I will be staying in Middlemere tomorrow and returning to Stowecott the next day, if you hear any more information or just wish to speak to me you are always welcome."
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Post by sleepingdragon on Apr 27, 2013 15:48:13 GMT
Sleeping Dragon: the party took the time to quickly discuss what they had learned. When Leofric mentioned that he had been told about the disappearance of a scholar in the Plague Fields, Ealdorman Balnoth spoke up to tell them the history of the Fields. The Plague Fields had come into being thirty years ago, when the Ealdormen of Middlemere and Bluebrycg went to war for the hand of a beautiful woman, Eanfleda, a conflict which Balnoth himself had fought in on Middlemere's side. As this war raged, the dragonspawn from the Camber Hills had invaded and came down to attack the nearby town of Wapanstede. The Ealdorman of Wapanstede had called for aid from Middlemere and Bluebrycg, which had sworn to assist Wapanstede in times of need, however the Ealdormen were obsessed with Eanfleda and broke their oaths. As the dragonspawn looted Wapanstede and killed its people, Ealdorman Horsa called down a curse on his oathbreaking neighbours.
Not long after, a great plague broke out in the borderland where the fighting between Middlemere and Bluebrycg was fiercest, and those who died rose again as the undead. Bluebrycg and Middlemere made peace, both in alarm and because Eanfleda had disappeared, however it was too late and the plague ravaged both lands. Ever since, the Plague Fields had been the haunt of the undead, and those who managed to survive a trip through the Fields tended to fall ill, if the undead did not kill them directly. The lands had never been resettled, and Wapanstede remained a cursed and haunted place. Sleeping Dragon: after about an hour Lord Renweard returned to them. He and a servant were leading a half dozen horses. "We should be able to reach my manor before nightfall," said Renweard, offering a horse to each of the party and then mounting up himself. "Is your Virian God a complete bastard the way ours are? The old gods have already taken two of my children from me and now they're robbing the last one I have left. Maybe I should convert." Renweard laughed bitterly as he pushed his horse into a trot. Edivad: "You said you have no idea at all why they'd have taken her, other than possibly ransom?" Hogar interjected Sleeping Dragon: Renweard shook his head wearily. "That's all I can think of. My servants didn't find a ransom note, but then I doubt these bandits know how to write anyway. I expect I'll receive a demand at some point." Edmund: "There may be some clue at the manor," mused Edmund Hogar: "It could be a slight from some other noble."suggested Hogar after some thinking "It sounds like you don't all get along nicely..." Sleeping Dragon: Renweard looked at Hogar sharply. "That is...an unpleasant thought, but certainly possible. Synne is all the gods have left me and it's no secret I have been seeking a suitable match for her." Edmund: "How did Synne feel about that?" asked Edmund. Sleeping Dragon: "Do you ask your daughters how they feel before you make matches in Gastonland?" Renweard replied. "Synne will marry who I tell her to marry and she knows that." Edmund: Edmund shrugged. "I don't have any daughters." Leofric: Leo nodded with a hint of understanding. Tole: "But you have yet to find a suitable match, I take it?" asked Tole. Sleeping Dragon: "Not particularly. I had a useful discussion with the Ealdorman of Rulburna and had nearly been convinced to marry her to his son. Then the boy tried to kill him so that ended that." Tole: Tole sounded shocked; "His son tried to kill him?" Edmund: Edmund raised his brows. "Tried to kill his own father?" Sleeping Dragon: "Aye." Renweard shook his head. "The youth of today have lost all respect for their elders, I fear." Hogar: "Can't blame you for not wanting him as a son-in-law, then." Leofric: Leofric looked surprised at that, "Shocking..." Edmund: "What reason might he have?" Edmund asked, more interested than shocked. Sleeping Dragon: "I don't know, it's been quite a scandal." Renweard seemed pleased to be able to speak to the problems of another noble family other than his own. "Leof - that's the boy - is supposed to be an excellent warrior, everything I heard about him suggested he was an upstanding young man. Still, people can disappoint you, which is one of the reasons I've been slow to actually wed anyone to Synne. Had I made up my mind a month ago it might have been her Leof tried to kill instead of his father." Edmund: "What happened to the boy?" Edmund asked Sleeping Dragon: "He ran off into exile, I believe the Ealdorman has put a bounty on his head but there's been no success. Not that I would expect any immediately, as I say Leof is a fine warrior." Tole: "Did he know about the potential arrangement?" asked Tole. Sleeping Dragon: "I would assume so. I didn't speak to him myself, that was about a month ago when I was in Rulburna and Leof was away hunting down a group of dragonspawn." Leofric: Leofric looked throughtfully, "I wonder this Leof somehow conviced by dragonspawns..." He shook his head, "Hopefully, we won't have to worry about him." Edmund: "It might just be coincidence..." Edmund said, but he didn't look as though he believed this. Sleeping Dragon: They rode hard from Middlemere and crossed the Wann river, before, after about two hours, arriving at Lord Renweard's manor about a half mile from the eastern edge of the Darkholt. Lord Renweard's estate was not especially impressive, equivalent to that of a very minor lord in Gastony. His manor was a three storey grey stone building, without windows on its lowest floor and those above were shuttered. As they came nearer they noticed arrow slits in a few places in the walls. As well as the manor, there were around a dozen longhouses where Renweard's folk lived. Edmund: Edmund shifted uncomfortably in his saddle. "I hope the beds are soft. Riding is hard work." he said quietly to Leofric. Sleeping Dragon: Renweard spurred his horse towards the stables where a stableboy awaited them. Renweard was looking around, gazing at what they presumed must be Synne's own room on the third floor of the estate, obviously agitated. "I imagine you'll be wanting to examine her room before you head off," he said, dismounting. Edmund: Edmund sighed. Tole: "Of course." said Tole. Leofric: Leofric also discounted, looking grim. Tole: Tole dismounted from her horse, and followed behind Renweard, taking in her surroundings. Sleeping Dragon: they dismounted and headed inside. Lord Renweard's manor was quite austere, lacking in luxury apart from a large harp, warmth, and slightly better fare than a Palanian peasant might get. The servants, of which they thought there were a little more than a dozen, were looking at Renweard with some disquiet, none quite willing to speak to him. "Elswyth, take us up to her room," Renweard snapped at the servant who appeared to be in charge, a woman in her forties with a thin, pinched face.
Elswyth led them upstairs and into Synne's room, which was on the second floor facing north towards the forest. "We've cleaned it as best we can, my lord," Elswyth said quietly. "There was...blood...by the window, I..." Elswyth said nothing more, looking shaken. The room itself was small and relatively unremakable - the bed, pushed against the western wall, had been made, there was a closet to the right next to the door as well as a small desk, and a small privy built into the north wall behind a purple curtain, near the window. Hogar: Hogar glanced around the room for any possible clues Leofric: Leofric frowned at the servants before glancing around carefully, looking at the clues. Edmund: Edmund shook his head. "A pity they cleaned it before we could look it over." Leofric: Leofric went over to the desk, trying to see anything written and so on. Sleeping Dragon: Elswyth looked at Edmund in surprise. "I..." she looked at Renweard, red-faced. "I am sorry m'lord, I didn't consider..." she looked as if she might weep. Edmund: "You weren't to know." Edmund said quickly. whispering to Hogar, Hogar glanced at the desk for a moment. There were a few pieces of parchment there, but he noticed one loose scrap sticking out of the pile whispering to Tole, though the servants had attempted to clean the place, Tole noticed the remnants of the bloodstains they had found, not far from the window Tole: Tole heads to the window, having noticed some faint bloodstains. She examines the window sill more closely. Hogar: Hogar walked towards the desk "Looks like there is something there. I don't think privacy is much of a concern in a case like this..." Hogar: add:he said as he went to check some paper there Edmund: Edmund opened the door of the closet. whispering to Tole, Tole briefly felt around the windowsill, checking for any damage that might indicate that the window had been forced, but could not find any Tole: Tole opens the windows, and looks down the wall of the manor. whispering to Hogar, the loose scrap of paper was written in two columns. In the column on the left there was a single Gaston word, such as 'sword', 'ship', 'bread', and so on, and in the right hand column there were words in a language he did not recognise Sleeping Dragon: Edmund opened the closet, which was full of clothes of good make, though not especially extravagant. Edmund: Edmund began to check through the clothes & shoes in the closet. Hogar: Taking something from the desk, Hogar walked back to Leofric and handed him a small piece of paper."You were a scribe. Any idea what the language on the other side is?"he asked. Hogar: On one side of the paper were single Gaston words, while on the other there were words in another language. whispering to Tole, looking down the wall, Tole could see clearly that someone had climbed up to the window. From the size of the footprints she noticed, the person must have been quite large, at least a few inches over six feet whispering to Edmund, Edmund examined the closet carefully, and decided that the clothes did not appear to have been touched for at least a day. Tole: Tole said, to whomever might have been listening behind her; "Did Synne have her window open often?" whispering to Leofric, although Leofric could not actually read the words, he guessed from other texts that he had seen that the second language was probably a Fryderi dialect. Sleeping Dragon: Elswyth nodded. "Synne...begging your pardons m'lord, but she was...ahh...her moon's blood was upon her, she often left the window open to cool herself." Leofric: Leofric frowned with a hint of irritation. "Not one of the languages I am most familiar with. I would guess that it is a dialect of Fryderi which I cannot read unfortunately." He pointed out with tone of bemusement. Edmund: Edmund reappeared from the closet. "Lord Renweard, would you know what clothes are missing? It would help to know if she was able to dress or take a cloak." Tole: Tole nodded; "Someone climbed up the wall, but I see no sign of a forced open on the window..." Sleeping Dragon: Lord Renweard looked at Edmund in irritation, but Elswyth spoke up. "The only clothes as are missing are the ones she was wearing yesterday." Edmund: "What time would she have been abducted?" Edmund asked. "It seems strange for her to have been dressed in the middle of the night, but perhaps her abductors allowed her to put the clothes on before taking her." Hogar: Hogar shrugged "Then I guess this is just a list of Gaston words and their equivalent in Fryderi. Perhaps she was interested in learning a language, but I'm not sure how that helps us." Tole: Tole walked up to Edmund; "If it is alright with you, I'm going to have a look at the ground just below the window, see if I can find anything further. The three of you seem to have the bedroom covered." Sleeping Dragon: "It was yesterday evening, but I could not tell you when. I last saw her about this hour yesterday, and then Aefre came to wake her shortly after sunrise this morning and she was gone," said Elswyth. Lord Renweard looked to Tole. "I'll have my huntsmaster, Brictmund, go with you, I believe he's already been seeking tracks," he said. Tole: "Thank you, m'lord." responded Tole. Edmund: Edmund nodded. He spoke quietly to Hogar."I think we should talk to the servants but on our own, they may be more forthcoming." Hogar: Hogar nodded silently Edmund: Edmund pulled aside the curtain to examine the privy. whispering to Tole, Lord Renweard led Tole outside and summoned Brictmund, a rangy man in his fifties. Brictmund led them to the ground below the window. "There's two sets of tracks, m'lord," he said. "Synne's, here," he pointed to the smaller of the pair of tracks, "and this other set, which belong to someone as is a great brute of a person, I'd say." The second set of tracks were identically sized to those Tole had noticed on the wall. "I followed them to the edge of the forest and a little ways in, but turned back as I won't help Synne none if the bandits ambush me." Sleeping Dragon: Edmund did not immediately notice anything of interest in the privy, which was simply a small hole cut into the side of the wall which drained down into a ditch below Tole: (whispering): "Do you feel confident you could still follow the tracks into the forest, if you had others with you?" asked Tole. Leofric: Leofric glanced at the paper again, looking at the simple words. whispering to Tole, Brictmund nodded. "It wouldn't be easy, but I think I could." Sleeping Dragon: the words were ones such as 'sword', 'bread', 'chip, 'coin', and so on. Leofric felt fairly confident the word in the right-hand column was simply the Fryderi equivalent Sleeping Dragon: *ship Leofric: Leofric looked throughtfully at this paper before neatly setting it down on the desk. Edmund: Edmund came back & picked up the paper. "What are these other words?" he asked Leofric. Tole: (whispering): 1172 "Most of the servants seem very nervous of your lord." Tole said quietly to the huntsman. whispering to Tole, Brictmund looked at Tole sharply. "Well his daughter's just been kidnapped from under our noses," he said Tole: (whispering): 1172 "I'm sorry, I meant no offense." apologised Tole; "I was just wondering if they were always like that. The lord blames the servants? You don't have guards?" Leofric: "bread, coin, ship, sword, fairly basic words. Useful when travelling I guess" Leofric replied whispering to Tole, "Lord Renweard's not wealthy enough to have a thegn. Aforetime we had the Lord's son but he died in Phalen half a year ago." Edmund: "So she was thinking of going on a journey," Edmund said quietly to Leofric. "And then she disappears." Sleeping Dragon: Elswyth spoke timidly. "Synne was interested in learning the Fryderi language, I think. There are quite a number of Fryderi that have settled here, as have you Gastonlanders." Edmund: "Did she know any in particular?" Edmund asked. Hogar: "That's what I was thinking too."said Hogar to Leo "Perhaps she had a visitor but then he turned violent and abducted her?" Sleeping Dragon: Elswyth looked scandalised, but said nothing Tole: (whispering): 1172 "I'm very sorry to hear that." she sighed, glancing over the grounds once more; "Thank you for your help - I suspect we'll need it more once my colleagues have finished upstairs." Edmund: "How about a young man? Was there anyone Synne was interested in?" Edmund said, his voice low, wary of the Lord overhearing. Leofric: Leo nodded in respond at Hogar's idea, "Maybe, but we must consider all outcome." Sleeping Dragon: "Absolutely not!" Elswyth sounded irritated. "Synne knows our Lord is seeking a match for her." Leofric: Leo nodded after hearing Elswyth, accepting her words Edmund: "How did Synne feel about having a match made for her?" Edmund persisted, ignorning the reaction of Elswyth. Sleeping Dragon: "She was very calm about it, I may say, without a complaint. She and the Lord argued about it only the once, and that was just after her brother died and they was both still in mourning." Edmund: "What was the reason for the argument?" Sleeping Dragon: "Begging your pardon, but m'lord doesn't tell me every thing he and his family say to each other. I believe she wanted to make sure there wasn't any match at least until she had time to grieve her brother properly." Edmund: Edmund nodded. "We are not seeking to find fault with you mistress. Anything you can tell us may help to find her, if she wants to be found." Edmund: *your mistress Sleeping Dragon: Tole returned and the group quickly spoke on their own. the huntsman, Brictmund, had shown Tole the two sets of footprints, of Synne and a much larger person, which led out to the Darkholt and a ways in. Brictmund was confident he could continue to track into the woods, though had been unwilling to do so on his own. Leofric: Leo rose his eyebrows, "Puzzling." He considered this, "But then, we do not know exactly how Synne was forced to come." Hogar: "Well we don't have any choice other than to follow the tracks anyway so..." Edmund: Edmund waited until Elswyth was out of earshot. "She may not have been forced." Leofric: "But then, we don't know what they are capable of..." Leo resplied to Edmund Edmund: "Until we find her we can't tell, that's true. But we need to bear in mind she may be unwilling to return. And she has a large person with her!" Tole: "Regardless of motive, it seems our path is clear." Tole nodded. Leofric: Leo nodded, "I agreed... For once, the path is clear!" He smiled grimly at he gave over the peice of paper another flance Sleeping Dragon: Lord Renweard spoke to the party after they left the room. "You can take Brictmund with you, he is a skilled tracker, I will also lend you horses. If you are not able to find an obvious path I would suggest you travel to Cranleaht and seek the aid of Ealdorman Durwyn. We are not close but he knows me, and I have given Brictmund a signet ring that will prove you have come from me. Cranleaht has been suffering from attacks on caravans by bandits, so he would have reason to help you, presuming these are the same ones who have taken Synne." Lord Renweard paused. "And please, bring me my daughter back. I have already buried two children and that is enough for this life." Edmund: "We will do our best," Edmund said. Leofric: Leo agreed with Edmund confidently, "Indeed..." Sleeping Dragon: the party was joined outside by Brictmund, a rangy man in his fifties who had donned soft leather armour and had a bow slung over his back, and a spear stuck into his saddlebags. "I followed the trail out into Darkholt for a few minutes afore I turned back, shouldn't be a problem to find it again." Tole: Tole nodded; "Lead the way, we'll follow behind." Sleeping Dragon: Brictmund led them out into the Darkholt, an ominous, quiet forest of tall oaks, elms, and birch trees. Brictmund stopped every now and then to quickly dismount his horse, and, with Tole and Hogar helping him, locating the tracks. They followed them northwest for about an hour, during which time the sun went down. Eventually, the tracks came to a well-beaten road, which Brictmund said ran from Wannford through Cranleaht and on to Swithdun on the western shore. Hogar: Hogar kept his axe and shield at hand as they entered the forest Edmund: Edmund loosened his sling & peered into the trees as they rode along. Leofric: Leofric rechecked his weapon, shortsword, making sure it is ready to find blood Tole: Tole had removed her sickles from their concealment. Sleeping Dragon: Brictmund swore. "I can't follow the tracks here along the road..." he said. He glanced at the last part of the trail he had seen. "I think they were headed west, might be we can continue towards Cranleaht and I can pick it up again along the way, will keep looking..." Leofric: "Might as well." Leofric glanced in general direction of west Tole: Tole nodded in agreement. Sleeping Dragon: the party headed west along the road, the crescent moon shining down overhead. The Prophet's Star could be seen very dimly in true north, though its radiance was largely obscured by the trees.
As they went, they were struck by the eerie lack of noise. The rare birdsong or animal noise they heard seemed extremely loud in contrast to the stillness. whispering to Edmund, Leofric, about an hour and a half after they'd joined the road, Leofric and Edmund both suddenly realised there were strange shadowy figures amongst the trees on either side of the road. Something seemed wrong with them, though they could not place what it was. Leofric: Leofric whispered to others, "There seems to be strange shadows on both side of the words. There seems to be something wrong about them..." Sleeping Dragon: Brictmund nodded and dismounted. "Someone take the horses," he whispered, reaching for an arrow while pretending to be looking for tracks Hogar: "What do you mean something wrong..." Edmund: "Weird shadowy figures in the trees." Edmund confirmed. Edmund: "Both sides of the road too." Leofric: Leofric dismounted as well, ready for accepting the horses' leads Edmund: Edmund slid down from his horse & slipped a stone in his sling. Tole: Tole quickly got off her horse and lowered herself, attempting to sneak past the sight of whatever was in the shadows. Sleeping Dragon: the party had time to dismount. Brictmund was attempting to calm the horses before handing them to Leofric when the figures emerged.
From out of the trees there stepped a half dozen creatures that had been people once. They made no sound, nor could they. In place of heads they had nothing, simply stumps, some with strips of flesh still jutting unevenly from their wounds. They wore no clothing at all, and each held a club in one hand and a javelin in the other. Soundlessly, three of the headless creatures rushed towards the party while the others prepared to throw their javelins Leofric: Leofric looked at them curiously, his hands holding the horses' reins. Hogar: Hogar glanced at them horrified, but readied his axe Sleeping Dragon: Leofric recognised these creatures as the headless, the horrible servitor creatures of the elves. Humans unfortunate enough to be captured by elves were usually beheaded before a tree, and through some horrible magic would rise again as the headless, animated by a dark nature spirit to serve their elven slayer. The elves often used these as disposable troops, or to guard them whilst they were in Reverie Edmund: Edmund readied his sling, swearing constantly under his breath. Leofric: Leofric glanced at them and nodded, understanding in his eyes and explained what they are, "They are called the headless, servants of the elves, they are from the humans which are beheaded in front of the tree and dark spirit of nature then animate the headless. They are disposeable troops or guards when in Reverie." Leofric: Leofric gave the wary glances and attempt to calm the horses down with his indept attempts Sleeping Dragon: Tole advanced on the nearest of the headless creatures and hacked out with one of her sickles, cutting into the creature's left left. Her blade cut straight through the flesh and she was immediately struck by the wrongness of it. There was a shearing noise like cutting through foliage, and the leg was completely severed with no blood at all. As the headless fell Tole could see tendrils of plantlife writhing out of the stump, twitching and then going still Hogar: Hogar advanced brandishing his axe, uneasily glancing at the approaching headless abominations, ready to strike at any that got close enough. Sorry I don't know what /go is! Tole: Tole eyed the next Headless, brandishing its javelin, as the first headless fell before her. Edmund: "Fucking die you fucking thing!" Ed shouted as he swung the sling round his head & let loose a stone at one of the creatures, which sheared right through what was left of its arm. The horror sank to the ground twitching. Sleeping Dragon: Brictmund desperately tried to control the horses, but to no avail, and they bolted into the night. Brictmund was pulled to the ground and rose swearing Tole: Tole watched as the javelin flew into the ground beside her. Sleeping Dragon: a javelin sailed past Tole, while another whistled towards Edmund who leapt out of the way. The other two advanced on Hogar, who swung his axe at one as it advanced and missed. The headlesses both slammed at Hogar with their clubs, but once struck his shield and the other landed lightly against Hogar's armour and did him no harm Leofric: Leofric moved quickly to one of the Headless facing Hogar and attampted to atttack it but his inexperience is painfully shown as he missed badly Hogar: Hogar chopped right at the creature chest, the axe hitting hard enough to send the creature tumbling down to the ground, though there were still some remnants of life in it Hogar: edit: creature chest->headless' chest Edmund: Edmund swung the sling again but this time he did it so hard he lost his balance & ended up in a heap on the ground. Sleeping Dragon: Brictmund nocked an arrow and fired, striking one of the headless creatures straight through the chest. The arrow exploded through the chest, sheared into what seemed to be some manner of root, and stuck out the back. The headless fell dead immediately Sleeping Dragon: one of the remaining headlesses advanced and swung its club at Tole, who dodged nimbly, while the one she had knocked to the ground tried unsuccessfully to slam at her legs. Another headless tried to strike Hogar from the ground, but he was able to block the blow on his shield Leofric: Leofric attempted to destory the one prone of the ground but even he managed to miss that. Hogar: With a powerful blow Hogar chopped to shreds the arm of one of the headless, slaying it. Tole: Having rushed out of the way of the Headless's swing, Tole was only just able to get momentum for a desperate swing from her sickle, which met with a stiff parry from the Headless's club. Sleeping Dragon: seeing that all the headless were now engaged in hand to hand combat, Brictmund dropped his bow, moved forward, and scooped up a club from one of the fallen creatures Leofric: Leofric bravely attacked one of the headless still standing and missed once more. His expression was of annoyance. Hogar: Hogar swung his axe again at one of the remaining headless, but missed Tole: The clash between Tole and the unhurt Headless continued, becoming an outright battle of attrition between the nimble human and the sluggish, but persistant monster. Edmund: Edmund fired off a stone at the remainging Headless, but couldn't get a straight shot & it went wide. Sleeping Dragon: Brictmund tried to help Tole, swinging awkwardly with his borrowed club, but missed widely Leofric: Leofric lifted his shortsword and attempt to damage his enemy but alas, he look more comedic than serious fighting. Tole: After watching the creature stumble forward and launch a clumsy attack, Tole found an optimum point to stab the creature in its stomach. The creature finally fell. Hogar: With a powerful swing Hogar's axe went through the chest of the last remaining headless, cutting in half the hapless creature.
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Post by sleepingdragon on May 4, 2013 16:09:57 GMT
Sleeping Dragon: Hogar cut the last of the headless in half, and stillness returned to the forest. Now that they were dead, they could examine the horrible creatures more closely. Five of the six had been male, to judge from the limp and shrivelled penises that hung between their legs. From out of the body parts that had been severed in the fight there grew tough plants of a red-brown colour, twisted round one another like knotted muscles. Edmund: "I wish we could burn them," Edmund said, looking at the plants with distaste, "but smoke would give us away." Tole: "We should perhaps keep going then, I don't wish to stay here much longer;" said Tole; "Where are the horses?" Hogar: Hogar looked at the now harmless abominations with distaste "These were easy enough to fell, but I expect the elves to have worse in store..." Sleeping Dragon: "The horses are run off," said Brictmund, squinting back down the path the way they'd come. "I'd shout for them but might draw more of these things down on us..." Leofric: Leo took a closer look at the plant with a morbid curiosity but shook his head. Hogar: "On the other hand..."Hogar mused "These things usually only show up when there are elves around, so if they haven't attacked us already...perhaps there might no elves around here now. Still, keep your eyes open." Edmund: Edmund looked all around at the dark trees & the even blacker spaces between them. "We wouldn't see them if there were an army of elves out there.."# Leofric: He stood up and faced Hogar with grim look on his face, "Yes, Elves does have worse creatures than the Headless." Leo replied, "Hopefully, we will never meet them." Edmund: "How far are we from ?" Edmund asked Brictmund. "Should we go back for the horses or keep going?" Edmund: *from Cranleaht Sleeping Dragon: "Might be half way or just a bit under," said Brictmund. Tole: "We'd be better off with the horses, surely?" Sleeping Dragon: Brictmund nodded. "Let's stick together then and go to fetch them." He started back up the road Edmund: Edmund sighed & followed him. Leofric: He started fingering his sword's hilt with discomfort and glanced around, following Brictmund Leofric: Looking bit gulity about his restounding failure over his losing the horses, he helped Brictmund looking for the horses Sleeping Dragon: Brictmund eventually was able to come near to the horses and call out to them, and after some time spent cajoling them the party were able to remount and set back out on the road to Cranleaht.
It was now very dark and utterly still, and the horses had to step carefully to avoid roots and stones. The Darkholt was a very lonely place. They saw no sign of other people about, which was not very surprising given the time, and the only signs of habitation they saw for many hours were a small number of long-ruined shacks, overgrown and buried beneath the foliage. As the sun began to rise, they finally began to come near to the outskirts of Cranleaht, as they came near to the first intact shack they had seen. The owner was a squat man who was seated on a carved log sharpening his axe. Seemingly impervious to the cold, he was shirtless, revealing his knotted muscles. "Travelling early," he called to them, "or is it travelling late?" Tole: Tole observed the man quietly, waiting for others to speak. Edmund: "We had a little trouble on the way," Edmund said. Leofric: "Morning." Leofric greeted him, "Just a spot of trouble on the way." Sleeping Dragon: "Bandits?" he asked. "Bastards have been plaguing the roads for months." Edmund: "Worse than bandits," Edmund said with a grimace. "Headless horrors." Hogar: "Luckily this specific band of horrors will not bother anyone else."added Hogar Sleeping Dragon: "Headless?" the woodsman sounded alarmed. "So the rumours about the elves in the forest are true! Bandits and elves, what's bloody next? Like to have to abandon the whole damn forest if this keeps up." Edmund: "Is this something new then?" Edmund asked. "Elves in this forest?" Sleeping Dragon: "The Ealdorman's great uncle rooted them out some...fifty years ago, we'd thought. I suppose some of them have come back, gods only know from where." Edmund: Edmund frowned. "Where is the nearest place the Elves live? Outside of this forest?" Sleeping Dragon: "I hadn't heard any were closer than the Great Forest, but they say elves are stealthy so might have come down from there. Or might be the trees birthed them of their own accord." Leofric: Leo nodded his head, confirming that both events can happen, "Either way, we would not be surprised anymore if we stumble across elves or their hideous creatures. Have you seen anything out of ordinary earlier ?" He asked interestingly Sleeping Dragon: "Well nothing more unusual than you Gastonlanders, no," he replied, standing and stretching his arms. Hogar: "Many other travellers passing by here recently?"asked Hogar Sleeping Dragon: "Not many travellers to Cranleaht lately at all, the bandits have bled the roads dry. Saw no one yesterday, a few the day before heading to Middlemere for the festival." Edmund: "Luckily we met no bandits," Edmund said. "Maybe they were turned into the headless!" Leofric: "Yet in this case, I would prefer facing the bandits rather than the Headless..." Leo quipped. "Nevertheless." Edmund (enter): 21:28 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1315) Edmund... Sleeping Dragon: Seeming not to be sure which of the headless or bandits was worse, the man shrugged and bid them farewell. They continued on ahead towards Cranleaht, passing a large number of such outlying shacks before abruptly coming to the crest of a hill and looking down on Cranleaht proper in the clearing below. It lay somewhere between a village and town, home to perhaps eight or nine hundred people, ringed round with a trench. The houses were small and almost all of wood, save one on the northern edge which was made of weather-beaten stone. The houses were scattered haphazardly round the clearing, with large knots of dwelling interspersed by open areas where people traded or that appeared to be unused. Tole: "You look tired, sir." commented Tole; "Perhaps you should rest whilst we look into clues about Synne." Edmund: "That must be the Ealdorman's house," Edmund indicated the single stone building Sleeping Dragon: Brictmund was nodding in his saddle. "Should...should be fine," he said, rubbing his eyes Edmund: "We all need food & sleep. Is there an inn?" Edmund asked Brictmund, eying him with concern. Sleeping Dragon: "Don't know, I've never been here," Brictmund replied. "I'd suppose so..." Leofric: "I guess we will ask some locals" He started off in the direction of the small town Sleeping Dragon: speaking to a local man, they learned there were four inns in Cranleaht - the Elf's Egg, the Old Oak, the Root and Branch, and Cuto's Shelf. "Root and Branch is expensive, I'll warn you," the man added. Edmund: "Don't want to be reminded of elves, how about Cuto's Shelf?" Hogar: "The Elf's Egg?" Hogar frowned "That's a weird name for an inn. Still, we do need rest. Cuto's Shelf sounds as good as any." Sleeping Dragon: "On the rough side, but shouldn't be bad now, still early," the man said. "Good day to you Gastonlanders." Tole: "Cuto's Shelf it is then. A rough pub is the best place to start." nodded Tole. Leofric: "I agreed. We could find good information at this inn, if we are luckly." Leo replied. Leofric: Leo was looking at Brictmund with concern, "Maybe you should rest as well? You cannot afford to be sleeply" Sleeping Dragon: the party headed to Cuto's Shelf, which was a run down, single storey building on the southern edge of Cranleaht. When they entered there were a pair of patrons asleep with their heads on the tables, but it was empty otherwise apart from a heavyset woman in green behind the bar, who gave them a perfunctory wave as they entered. She gave Leofric an odd look as he finished convincing Brictmund that he needed to rest, then called out to them. "Care for a drink then Gastonlanders?" Tole: "I'd love a drink." replied Tole; "An ale?" Hogar: "I wouldn't mind a pint..."said Hogar Edmund: "I'll have an ale too," Edmund smiled at the woman. Tole: "Has business been well?" enquired Tole, as she tried to drum up some small talk and gossip from the barwoman. Leofric: Leofric nodded as well, "Indeed, ale would be mighty fine." Server Administrator-> Kicking '(1308) Edmund' from server... Removing dead client Edmund (exit): 22:14 Sleeping Dragon: "Business has been poor," the woman grumbled, pouring their drinks. "The bandits have cut off a lot of trade. Ealdorman needs to get off his arse and drive them out." Server Administrator-> Kicking '(1315) Edmund' from server... Removing dead client Edmund (exit): 22:18 Tole: "I'm sorry to hear that," commented Tole; "There is nothing worse than a quiet inn. Inns are for noise and merriment, and excitement." Sleeping Dragon: "We get plenty of those here, just not enough coin." Tole: Tole smiles; "Anything exciting happen recently?" Leofric: Leofric glanced at Tole and the pub woman while dipping his drink... in moderation. Hogar: Hogar quaffed ale while glancing around, but there didn't seem to be much of interest in the inn other than the sleeping patrons Sleeping Dragon: "That fool Thanraed tried to attack Skjor the other night, got a broken nose and a ban for his trouble," the woman replied. "Don't want fools trying to chase off our best customers." Tole: "One should never try and start a fight with a regular." smiles Tole; "What was it over? Or was this Thanraed just drunk and wanting a fight?" Sleeping Dragon: "He said Skjor had been eyeing up his daughter. Skjor told him he'd had her already and wasn't interested anymore, so the fool took a swing." Tole: Tole laughs politely. Tole: "Daughters should be allowed to do what they want. Date who they want, sleep with who they want.... elope with who they want..." Sleeping Dragon: "Is that how you do things in Gastonland?" the woman sounded irritated. "Forgot our customs when you forgot the gods?" She shook her head. "Thanraed's a damn fool, if he kept his girl under any control she'd have never gone near Skjor. Should be her he thrashes, rather than letting Skjor beat him round the ears." Edmund: "You won't convince her you know," Edmund muttered in Tole's ear. Tole: Tole ignores the mutterings in her ear, having no intention of convincing anyone of anything, merely trying to steer a conversation; "I guess you're quite strong on that thing, hmm? No strange girls with strange men?" Sleeping Dragon: "Cranleaht isn't large enough for any strange anyone," she said. "Sometimes the lads will try it on with travellers, but fewer of them are girls anyhow." Tole: "And I guess with these bandits, you see little travellers over than us." Tole: Tole appeared to have almost finished her drink. Sleeping Dragon: "A few, but we've had none stay in a few days." Tole: Tole finished her drink; "Thank you for the ale. Hopefully we'll be back." Sleeping Dragon: Brictmund booked a room and remained behind while the others left the Shelf Sleeping Dragon: they made their way to Ealdorman Durwyn's home, which, as they guessed, was the large stone building they had seen from the hill. When they showed the doorman the signet ring Lord Renweard had given them, he inspected it carefully, then led them inside and sat them in an antechamber while sending a messenger to the Ealdorman.
About a half hour later, the Ealdorman, a stout man with blocky features and jet black hair, entered the room, flanked by two thegns in ring mail and followed by two more. "It's curious that Lord Renweard would send Gastonlanders to me," he said unceremoniously as he entered. "Are you, by any chance, the Gastonlanders who rescued the Ealdorman of Stowecott?" Edmund: "We are indeed," said Edmund with a small bow. Sleeping Dragon: The Ealdorman extended a hand to Edmund as he passed. "Then I'm pleased to meet you. Ealdorman Balnoth is a wise man and usually supports us on the Council, it would be an ill thing if he had been slain or taken. So what are you doing for Renweard that has led you to travel here so quickly? I imagine you must have met Renweard at the Festival and that was only yesterday, my own son won't return for another day or two." Hogar: "Renwear's daughter has been kidnapped, and it looks likely that she was brought to the Darkholt...."explained Hogar matter-of-factly Sleeping Dragon: The Ealdorman seemed unsurprised. "Most likely the bandits then. We have been struggling with them for months, they move around regularly or we'd have wiped them out by now. And Lord Renweard wanted me to help you find her, yes?" Hogar: "Indeed. You can?" Sleeping Dragon: "Well I might try." The Ealdorman scratched the side of his face. "You will do me this favour then if you rescue the girl. Tell Lord Renweard I have a nephew in Phalen who is of an age with her, and we can discuss if they would be a suitable match. Is that agreeable?" Hogar: "Well...."Hogar looked to the others "We can't make any promises for Lord Renweard of course, but I'm sure he'll give your nephew the proper consideration..." Sleeping Dragon: "Well I was hardly expecting to negotiate a marriage contract with foreign mercenaries," he said genially. "It will be something I can discuss with Renweard in person. Now, I suspect Renweard's girl was probably kidnapped by the same bandits that have been making our lives painful for nearly the last year. They seem...well, they seem to have an unerring ability to attack exactly the right caravans going to and from Cranleaht. The ones with too many guards, or guards that are particularly skillful, they avoid, the ones without enough guards or ones that are green get attacked. What do you make of that?" Leofric: Leofric frowned for a moment before responding to the question... "Not entirely sure. However, we did get ambushed by the Headless on the way here. Maybe they are related? Or Not?" Hogar: "It sounds like these bandits have spies or informants to me. Perhaps of the mundane kind, perhaps...not. Elves or sorcery could be involved."Hogar shrugged Sleeping Dragon: The Ealdorman swore. "So there are elves in the forest after all..." he paused. "I will question you about this later. I have been hearing these rumours from the woodsmen for some time but I don't believe there are many, or I'd have known sooner. What you say is true, I think. I believe there must be spies for these bandits here in Cranleaht. I've attempted to ferret out who it might be but my men are mostly of the straightforward sort, and anyhow everyone in Cranleaht knows who they are. You, on the other hand, might be ale to flush them out." Sleeping Dragon: *able Tole: "If everyone already knows everyone else, how would we have an advantage?" pondered Tole. Sleeping Dragon: "Because you are outsiders and people do not know who you are or what you're doing here. If one of my men were to ask about the bandits the spies would know what they were doing and avoid them or deflect them. Your intentions would be less clear, they might think you even want to join the bandits yourself. I guessed you were probably the Gastonlanders who rescued Ealdormen Balnoth, but most people in Cranleaht have no idea who he is and will presume you are just travellers asking questions about bandits because you want to avoid being murdered on the road." Tole: "Hmmmm." paused Tole; "So basically, what you are suggesting is that we ask questions, and whoever leads us into a trap is our likely spy." Sleeping Dragon: The Ealdorman looked amused. "I'm suggesting you ask questions and gather evidence. I would guess any spy is probably based in one of the inns, or several of them, as that is where all the caravans stay. See if you can find out about anyone acting unusually or leaving Cranleaht every now and again, or having more money than they have any right to." Tole: "Hmm, okay." smiles Tole, before turning to the others; "That fancy inn might be our first stop then." Leofric: Leofric nodded, "Might as well." he replied.
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Post by sleepingdragon on May 11, 2013 16:04:29 GMT
Sleeping Dragon: Sleeping Dragon: The Ealdorman looked amused. "I'm suggesting you ask questions and gather evidence. I would guess any spy is probably based in one of the inns, or several of them, as that is where all the caravans stay. See if you can find out about anyone acting unusually or leaving Cranleaht every now and again, or having more money than they have any right to." Sleeping Dragon: Tole: "Hmm, okay." smiles Tole, before turning to the others; "That fancy inn might be our first stop then." Sleeping Dragon: Leofric: Leofric nodded, "Might as well." he replied. Sleeping Dragon: Ealdorman Durwyn arranged for the party to leave one by one over a stretch of twenty minutes, so they drew less attention, and they reconvened in front of a large oak tree a few minutes walk from the Root and Branch inn. "Make sure you have good evidence before you return to me," the Ealdorman said by way of parting. "If we arrest the wrong person the real spy will probably be gone before we can react." Edmund: "You can rely on us my lord," Edmund said confidently. Edmund (enter): 19:40 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1406) Edmund... Sleeping Dragon: the Root and Branch was a moderately sized building in the north of Cranleaht, with a beautiful painted sign and green door. Within was a spacious common room, with comfortable carved chairs and wide tables. The innkeeper, a thin man with a wispy mustache, stood behind the mahogany bar, serving a patron with a glass of wine and a plate of veal. There were about a dozen patrons, and a golden-haired man sat in an alcove strumming a harp and singing softly. Tole: Tole feels a little more awkward in such company, and decides to follow the lead of the others for now. Edmund: Edmund drew himself upright & strode to the bar, politely waiting his turn to be served. Hogar: Hogar looked like he felt a bit out of place in such a setting, however he followed Edmund Sleeping Dragon: some of the patrons, plainly from amongst the nobility in Cranleaht, looked askance at the party, but Leofric had some knowledge of dealing with the nobility and was able to handle the introductions with the innkeeper, and the rest of the patrons seemed to accept this as proof that they belonged here. "How may I serve you then gentlemen?" the innkeeper asked Edmund: "A glass of wine please landlord," Edmund said. "Do you have a local vintage? I'm new to this area." Tole: Tole looked around the inn, listening to Edmund's order, since she had no idea what to drink in a place like this. Sleeping Dragon: "The Darkholt is no place for vineyards, however I do have a fine white wine from Rulburna, from the vineyard owned by one of Ealdorman Durwyn's cousins." Edmund: Edmund nodded. "That will do me very well." Tole: Tole looked to Edmund and nodded, as if to confirm she also wanted white. Hogar: Hogar went along with what the others ordered No Name (enter): 19:58 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1410) No Name... Sleeping Dragon: the innkeeper poured out a glass of white wine for each of the party. "You are settlers from Gastony, yes? How long have you been in Palania?" Edmund: "We have only arrived recently. Still finding our way about." Edmund said. Leofric: "Indeed, and each day in this lands bring different surprise" Leofric nodded in response. Sleeping Dragon: The innkeeper nodded, and the man he had been serving earlier spoke up over a mouthful of veal. "Interested to see how you Gastonlanders fight. Council keep telling us we need the knights of Gastony to push back the monsters," he snorted. "Haven't seen many knights though. We could use some to deal with these bandits, assuming you Gastonlanders are any good at fighting in the forest." Edmund: "We are fair fighters," Edmund said modestly. "We have heard of these bandits on the road. Are there many of them?" Sleeping Dragon: "It's hard to tell. From what I've been hearing from the caravans - though we don't get many staying here, not really in the price range of most peddlers - there's three different groups of them covering the roads to Middlemere, Swithdun, and Rulburna. Hard to say how many there are, with all the attacks maybe seventy-five or a hundred." Edmund: Edmund raised his brows. "That's a fair few bandits! It's a wonder any caravans make it through." Sleeping Dragon: "Not many do anymore, there hasn't been as many attacks over the last few weeks. Some fools are hoping they'll go away but I suspect they might start attacking the outlying hamlets and lone loggers instead. I keep telling Dunstan there," he indicated a broad-shouldered young man dicing in the corner," that he needs to get his uncle to mobilise a war party but so far he's not moved." Sleeping Dragon: edit: playing cards, not dicin Sleeping Dragon: *dicing Edmund: "His uncle? Would he be the Ealdorman of this town?" Hogar: Hogar glanced at the gambling young man for a moment but said nothing Leofric: Leofric glanced at Dunstan and his gambling Sleeping Dragon: "Indeed, Dunstan is the only son of Ealdorman Durwyn's late sister. Was being raised by his father in some manor in Peadaland somewhere but he died a few years ago and Dunstan's been here since." The man finished his last piece of veal and spoke low. "I think the Ealdorman is having problems marrying him off." Edmund: Edmund shook his head. "I am surprised - a well set up young man with an Ealdorman for an uncle would seem a good match." Sleeping Dragon: "Yes well...his father was hardly that high born, and Dunstan is...not exactly very inspiring. You'll find out if you speak to him." Leofric: Leofric nodded carefully, "I see..." Server Administrator-> Kicking '(1405) Edmund' from server... Removing dead client Edmund (exit): 20:25 Edmund: Edmund finished off his glass of wine & ordered another bottle. He looked over at Dunstan & the others at his table. "I rather fancy a game of cards myself." Tole: "Mmmmm." said Tole; "I suppose I should join you then." Edmund: "Are you a good gambler?" Edmund whispered in her ear as they sauntered accross. Tole: Tole shaked her head; "But I can probably catch a cheat." Edmund: Edmund grinned at her. He stood watching the play of the cards for a few moments. Leofric: Leofric shook his head on the topic of gambling and starts having small talks with other patrons, intresting in other countries they been, the roads Sleeping Dragon: there were three men playing cards. Dunstan, the Ealdorman's nephew, was one of them. He was a pale, wan looking boy who keep his cards up near his face like a shield, glancing over them furtively. He was losing. A burly man with a shock of red hair appeared to be cleaning out the other two players, while laughing uproariously. "You two there, want to join the game? I think Ecgwulf here at least will run out of money soon, though I imagine Dunstan will take a while longer." Sleeping Dragon: Leofric spoke to a few other of the patrons, and soon ended up in a conversation with the singer, who was on a short break. "Coelhere," he introduced himself. "You are quite a puzzle. Many of us aren't familiar enough with Gastonlanders to tell the difference, but I have some learning and it seems to me that you are of Erse blood. Am I right?" whispering to Tole, Hogar, the red haired man appeared to be cheating in a minor fashion, though they were not familiar enough with the game to be certain whether or not this was making a difference whispering to Edmund, Edmund was immediately struck with a certain feeling that Dunstan was afraid of the red-haired man Edmund: Edmund smiled pleasantly at the red haired man. "Certainly." he said. Tole: Tole whispered something in Edmund's ear Tole: "The one with the red hair;" she whispered; "Seems to be cheating." Edmund: Edmund leaned close to Tole as she whispered, laughing & putting an arm around her shoulders as if it had been something more intimate. He took a seat at the table. Sleeping Dragon: Ecgwulf indeed folded after his loss, heading away shaking his head Sleeping Dragon: the red-haired man gave Edmund and Tole a strange look. "Wigred," he said, extending a large hand. "My young friend here is Dunstan." Tole: Tole took a seat herself; "Tom." Hogar: Hogar stood by Edmund and Tole though he did not join in playing. Once in a while he glanced at Leofric to check what he was up to Edmund: Edmund introduced himself. "I don't think I should have any more wine! " Sleeping Dragon: "I agree, you should have some mead instead!" Ecgwulf laughed, pouring two glasses and passing them to Edmund and Tole. Dunstan, they noticed, had a full glass in front of him. Leofric: He nodded, "You are right. I am of Erse blood." Leofric however shook his head sadly, "Unfortunately, that is all I am aware of myself." Sleeping Dragon: edit - Wigred laughed Tole: Tole accepted the mead, though gave it a quick sniff before tastin any Sleeping Dragon: Coelhere gave a roguish grin. "So you are an orphan then? How mysterious and romantic? I can feel the song writing itself! They are an interesting people, the Erse - well, the Erse in Maseda anyway, the Ersenlanders are quite grim. Your Erse though, they are full of life and fond of all manner of interesting substances." Edmund: Edmund accepted the mead, but left it untouched in front of him. Tole: 'Tom' took very small sips from 'his' drink. Edmund: Edmund shook his head at his appalling hand as the first game went to Wigred. Sleeping Dragon: "You are Gastonlanders, yes?" said Wigred as he won his first game. "You seem to have some interesting customs." Edmund: "What, losing at cards?" Edmund said with a laugh. Tole: Tom remained quiet and humble, but was courtious; "You played very well." Sleeping Dragon: "Well said! Let's hope they keep up that custom, eh Dunstan?" Wigred gave Dunstan a clap on the shoulder and the young man gave a visible wince. "Yes, we can only hope so," he mumbled. Edmund: "This is certainly a far cry from Gastony," Edmund said as another hand was dealt. "More bandits for a start" Sleeping Dragon: "Ugly business, banditry. There's more reliable ways to make coin," said Wigred, scratching his face. Leofric: Leofric raise an eyebrow with curiosity and smiled slightly, "I am glad that others enjoyed life better. Sound like you got personal experiences with them" whispering to Edmund, Wigred made a barely perceptible gesture which Edmund recognised as being related to one that a Gaston criminal might use to identify himself. Sleeping Dragon: "Well not very much, you occasionally meet an Erseman in Bluebrycg but I've not lived there in some years," said Coelhere, plucking a string of his harp. "They seem to have a different idea of how to follow your God than you do in Gastony, though I've never really been able to work out the difference much." Tole: "It appears I have much to learn about cards;" Tom smiled; "Though I'm certainly learning." Sleeping Dragon: Edmund won the second game fairly handily. "Better luck this time, your last hand was awful," Wigred said to Edmund with a smile "25 silvers this time?" he asked. Dunstan took a sip of mead and said nothing. Edmund: Edmund took the small pile of silver. "My luck is always variable. The game is entertaining though." Sleeping Dragon: "Low stakes though, we play for more money at night when there's more people about," said Wigred. "What are you doing in Cranleaht then, Gastonlanders?" Edmund: "Looking for work," Edmund said as his next hand proved another stinker. Sleeping Dragon: Wigred won the third game and gave the three of them a glance. "One last game? 40 silvers this time," he said. Tole: Tom put his money down, and drew some cards. Leofric: Leofric nodded, "There are a number of difference but alas, they are significant enough to drive a vast chasm between two faiths and bloodshed. So what Bluebrycg like? I heard it got quite a reputation!" Edmund: Edmund shook his head with exasperation at the mixed hands but he put his money in the pot. Leofric: Leofric nodded, "There are a number of difference but alas, they are significant enough to drive a vast chasm between two faiths and bloodshed. So what Bluebrycg like? I heard it got quite a reputation!" Sleeping Dragon: "You've been talking to the wrong people," said Coelhere. "Bluebrycg is an excellent place if you know how to have fun." Sleeping Dragon: Dunstan, surprisingly, won the last game as Wigred had an appalling hand. "To those who have, more will be given," Wigred muttered. "If you're looking for work...why don't you come and meet me in a few hours?" Wigred gave them the location of a particular tree on the northern edge of Cranleaht, away from prying eyes. Hogar: Hogar frowned at his friends' sudden reversal of luck, but he looked quite pleased with Dunstan's offer of 'work' Tole: "What kind of skills are you requiring for this work?" enquired Tom. Hogar: edit: Wigred's, not Dunstan's Sleeping Dragon: "Too many ears here," Wigred replied. Edmund: "As long as it doesn't involve playing cards..." Edmund said with a wry smile. Tole: "Alright, sure." Sleeping Dragon: Wigred laughed and shook his head. "I need to run. Dunstan?" he said to his companion, who stood rapidly. Hogar: "We may not be good at gambling but we have other talents..."said Hogar agreeing with his friends Edmund: "You have a way with the cards," Edmund said to Dunstan, before he could move away. Sleeping Dragon: Wigred laughed, and Dunstan looked uncomfortable. "The gods have always favoured me," he mumbled, moving away at Wigred's heel like a whipped dog Leofric: He shook his head ruefully, "I guess so. That place is on my list of places to visit eventually. This land is much more dangerous than I expected, even with all the knowledges I learnt beforehand back home. " whispering to Tole, Hogar, as he left the inn, Dunstan surreptitiously handed his winnings over to Wigred Tole: Tole muttered to the table; "... and all the winnings go to Mr Leader." Sleeping Dragon: "It is. And on that note, I have a song to play," said Coelhere, launching into a song about the hopeless defence of the fortress Wirtingas, whose defenders ultimately immolated themselves to prevent the dragonspawn from reanimating them. Hogar: Hogar nodded "I saw that. Whatever they're up to, it's no good."he whispered Edmund: "Did you see them cheating?" Edmund asked in a low voice. Hogar: "Saw Wigred cheat before you joined in, but didn't notice much amiss later" Edmund: "I wondered if Wigred arranged for Dunstan to get good hands," Edmund mused. "That boy's a strange one." Leofric: Leofric nodded at Coelhere, enjoying the song. "Inspiring..." he muttered to himself as he strolled away to meet his fellow peers... Edmund: "I wonder what he meant by the gods favouring him..." Leofric: "Whom?" Leofric asked Eddy Edmund: "That boy Dunstan." Edmund said. "Did you see how afraid he was of Wigred too? Hardly surprising seeing as the man is plainly a criminal." Leofric: "Potentially someone we may be looking for?" He whispered, making sure no other people can overhear them Edmund: "Well he's certainly not offering us legal work," Edmund replied. Tole: "Let's see if this is a red herring, or leads us closer to our real quarry." commented Tole. Sleeping Dragon: several hours later, the party went out to where Wigred had told them to meet him. They waited for about fifteen minutes before Wigred, Dunstan, and the singer Coelhere approached. "Good afternoon," the singer greeted them with a florid gesture. "Wigred says you're looking for work." Edmund: "That's right," Edmund replied. Sleeping Dragon: Coelhere examined them critically. "Well you there," he looked at Hogar, "I suspect you know how to use your fists, not sure about the rest of you. I suppose the three of you might be able to hold a man down while he gave some kicks." Tole: "We can do that... " commented Tole; "Hold down -who-?" Hogar: "Sounds like be my kind of job."stated Hogar matter-of-factly "Who's the unlucky one?" Sleeping Dragon: "Are you agreeing then?" Coelhere asked with a raised eyebrow Edmund: "If the price is right," Edmund said with a wink. Tole: "You didn't say who or what the job was." said Tole firmly. Sleeping Dragon: Coelhere laughed. "I wondered if it was some matter of etiquette for you Gastonlanders not to haggle over price." Coelhere spread his hands. "There's a man in Cranleaht called Freomund, he likes to drink at the Elf's Egg and lives not far away. Beat him up on his way home tonight and bring him here, and you'll get 250 silvers each." Edmund: Edmund smiled. "May we know what he's done to offend your good selves?" Sleeping Dragon: Coelhere raised an eyebrow, then shrugged. "Nothing, his brother however has something I want which he won't give me until I can show him that Freomund can't protect him from me." Sleeping Dragon: edit: Coelhere raised an eyebrow, then shrugged. "Nothing. His brother Gudram however...well he is convinced Freomund can protect him from anything. Gudram's wife is very compelling, and a good Gaston wife. As long as Gudram tells her to do something she'll do it, whatever her inclinations otherwise. I just need to persuade Gudram that it's in his interests to tell her to do things he might not tell her to do otherwise." Edmund: "Intriguing..." Edmund said. ** No match found Sleeping Dragon: "So are you in or not?" Coelhere asked. Tole: Tole looked to the others, agreeing to go ahead, but going with their decision. Leofric: Leofric shrugged, "Sure..." he told them. Edmund: "If the rest are in..." Hogar: "Sounds like good pay just for roughing someone and bringing him here to me." Hogar: edit: him here Tole: Tole nodded. Sleeping Dragon: "Well if I could just pay Gudram's wife to suck my cock directly I would but life can be more complicated than that," Coelhere shrugged. "Women. I will meet you here three hours after sundown," he said, departing with Wigred at his side and Dunstan trailing behind. Edmund: Edmund spat as the three moved out of sight. "What a crew of bastards those three are." Tole: "He just wants to sleep with the man's wife?" commented Tole; "This is a waste of time. I thought this was about something more pressing, like money." whispering to Edmund, throughout, Dunstan had said nothing, maintaining a glassy expression on his face. This was something perhaps characteristic of someone who was drugged whispering to Tole, throughout, Dunstan had said nothing, maintaining a glassy expression on his face. This was something perhaps characteristic of someone who was drugged, however Tole thought perhaps the boy was faking this. He was plainly terrified of both Coelhere and Wigred. Edmund: "Of course they could still be connected with the bandits. It would hardly be a surprise." Edmund: "Did you see the look on Dunstan's face?" he added. "That boy is under the influence of something, & it's not mead." Tole: "He's faking it." commented Tole. Edmund: "Who's faking what?" Tole: "Dunstan." said Tole; "He isn't drugged, he is just pretending to be so." Tole: "The other two have some power over him." Hogar: "But what? Blackmail?" Edmund: "How do you know that?" Edmund asked. "He looked drugged to me." Leofric: Leofric frowned, "Didn't even noticed he was drugged..." Tole: "I just know. Call it a ... call it intuition." Tole paused, before saying; "Let's visit his Gudram... let him know what we were asked, and then let's show these two would-be rapist bastards a thing or two about Gastoners. Then we'll talk to Dunstan and find out what this is all about." Hogar: "We might want to have another chat with his uncle too, even if it turns out they have nothing to do with the bandits." Edmund: "Perhaps Dunstan is doing a little investigating on his uncle's account, if he's acting." Edmund suggested. Tole: "I'm tired of talking." said Tole; "We've been up for hours and we're nowhere nearer this lady of ours than we were when we got here. Just more horrible people after more horrible people." Edmund: "They could have something to do with the abduction." Tole: "And so could the innkeeper." Tole said viciously; "Or the other innkeeper, or the noble at the bar, or the man who runs the town... or tens of thousands of other people." Edmund: "Well we have to keep looking then." Edmund answered testily. "This was just the first place. But first to warn Gudram." Sleeping Dragon: the party sought out Freomund, who was an imposing logger they found after a search of about a half hour, chopping a tree on the northern edge of Cranleaht. He lowered his axe as the party approached. Edmund: Edmund nodded to the big man. "Freomund? Can we speak to you?" Sleeping Dragon: Freomund nodded and leaned on his axe. "What?" he said brusquely. Sleeping Dragon: Edmund delicately told Freomund what had happened and about Coelhere's scheme. By the end of this Freomund was deeply angry and more than willing to play along with the party in order to get back at the trio. Sleeping Dragon: making their arrangements with Freomund, the party returned to Cuto's Shelf and rested. They were left with a few hours before they were meant to meet with Coelhere, Wigred, and Dunstan again, so they asked around about the bandits, but learned nothing useful.
They met up with Freomund shortly afterwards. "When it comes to it," he growled, "we should use fists, not weapons, unless they draw first. The Ealdorman's nephew is one of these three after all." Hogar: "And hope the Ealdorman trusts us when word of this gets to him." Edmund: "I'm not much of a scrapper," Edmund said, "but I can be ready with a sling if things get out of hand." Tole: "Right, " Tole said, as she appropached Freomund; "I'm going to give you some bruises. They won't hurt, but sometimes when you work with unusual people you learn how to fake a few bruises." Tole: How Tole went about this, the rest of the group never found out. Sleeping Dragon: tying up Freomund, they dragged him to where they had met the trio earlier. After a few minutes, they heard approaching voices and soon the three were there. Coelhere was speaking intently to a grey-haired man who was presumably Gudram, as he looked rather like a much smaller version of Freomund. "Now, to my proposition," Coelhere said as they came near. Gudram had time to notice his brother before Wigred gave him a push and he went sprawling to the ground at the party's feet. "Freo? What the fuck is going on?" Gudram shouted. Sleeping Dragon: as this was going on, Brictmund, who had remained hidden, circled around behind the trio to at least stall any retreat, remaining in the shadows Edmund: "These people will explain." Edmund said, letting Hogar move in front of him & getting ready to pull out his sling at a moment's notice. Sleeping Dragon: Wigred chuckled and advanced on Gudram, putting a foot on his chest, while Coelhere knelt beside him to speak quietly Tole: Unbeknownst to the gang, Tole had slided next to the young nobleman. Without much sound, she snuck behind him... moments later, a wire was around his neck and mere milimetres from his skin. The woman signalled the others. Edmund: Seeing this, Edmund moved back, pulling out his sling as he did so & fitting a stone to it. Sleeping Dragon: Freomund suddenly leapt up with an explosive yell, lashing out with his foot. A heavy boot hammered straight into Wigred's head and sent him sprawling, nose shattering, blood spraying in all directions as the thug was knocked cold by the unexpected attack Leofric: Leofric gave Freomund an admiring look at his excellent kick Sleeping Dragon: Coelhere was completely thunderstruck, and before he could raise a hand to defend himself Hogar, Edmund, and Leofric managed to pin him down and tie him up with the ropes which had fallen from Freomund's hands Hogar: With the man down, Hogar gave him a light stomp on the left leg to ensure he didn't try struggling
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Post by sleepingdragon on May 18, 2013 11:28:29 GMT
Sleeping Dragon: they quickly overwhelmed Wigred and Coelhere, while Dunstan stood with his eyes bulging in terror as Tole's garrote tightened round his neck. Gudram stood in anger and moved to strike Coelhere, but Freomund restrained his brother. Tole: "Let's separate them." suggested Tole firmly; "Edmund?" Edmund: Edmund nodded. "They have a lot of questions to answer." Tole: Tole kept the garrote around Dunstan's neck, until she was certain the rest of the gang were out of earshot. Edivad: "Aye."said Hogar "I'm sure we can get them to talk..."he said cracking his knuckles Leofric: Leofric only stared at the gang members with contempt in their eyes. Hogar: "I suppose we need this one alive, too."said Hogar kneeling down to the unconscious Wigred to check up on his wounds. "He'll make it."he said after a while Edmund: Edmund beckoned Tole to bring Dunstan over to the side & force him to sit on a log, taking a seat on another opposite him. "Are you going to be co-operative?" Sleeping Dragon: Dunstan nodded as best as he could with a garrotte around his neck Tole: Tole lowered the garrote, though swiftly replaced it with one of her sickles, a little more loose than the wire but still easy to strike the neck should she want to. Edmund: "Perhaps you can start by explaining how you fit into this gang," Edmund said, his tone mild. Sleeping Dragon: Dunstan winced noticeably. "Please, don't hurt me," he whimpered. He looked at Edmund in fright. "I don't...I lost some money to them when I first got here and I can't really avoid them. Coelhere made me take this drug, mummy powder. He wanted to addict me to it I think, he thinks he succeeded but I've been taking an antitoxin and I throw away as much of the powder as I dare." Edmund: Edmund nodded at Tole. "You were lucky they were unobservant. Does you're uncle know anything about what you've got involved in?" Tole: Tole lowered her sickle, though kept it in hand. Sleeping Dragon: "No," he replied. "He wouldn't do anything if he did. He's never cared about what happens to me," he added bitterly Hogar: "He won't be up for a while I think."said Hogar to others as he looked down at Wigred whispering to Edmund, Edmund had the impression that Dunstan was still frightened, but easing up as he realised the party meant him no harm. Edmund was struck with the impression that Dunstan believed the world was out to get him, was accustomed to being hurt, and believed that whatever happened, he would suffer and could do nothing to prevent this. Edmund: "If you proved your worth to him, he would change his mind I'm sure," Edmund said. "For a start, you can help us clear up Coelhere's gang, & make sure they face justice. If you tell us of any crimes or evils they have been involved in, that will help" Sleeping Dragon: "It's nothing to do with worth, my uncle has never cared about me for my whole life," Dunstan replied. "Well this is all that there is of Coelhere's gang, and I think you've already come across everything they do. Blackmail, extortion, selling drugs, and cheating at gambling. I think Coelhere has been involved with other criminals here but not for a while. Not that he tells me anything, he just wanted me around because he thought it was a measure of protection to have the Ealdorman's nephew tagging along." Tole: "Kidnapping?" asked Tole. Edmund: Edmund added. "Have you heard them planning anything specific? Maybe with other criminals? Or anything to do with the bandits?" Sleeping Dragon: "Well Coelhere's plan lately has been the one he tried to drag you into, he wanted Gudram's wife and figured he could probably addict them and humiliate them while he was at it." Dunstan shook his head. "Coelhere didn't want anything to do with the bandits, he said there was too big a chance of getting hanged. From some things he said I think he might have an idea of who could be spying for them, but he hasn't said anything about that to me." Edmund: Edmund looked accross at the group surrounding Coelhere. "I'm sure he'll tell us, eventually. You wouldn't have any idea of which inn the spy frequents?" Leofric: Leofric glanced at Coelhere with increased interests in his eyes and stroke his unshaven chin for a moment Sleeping Dragon: "I don't know, Coelhere has a better idea I think. I think some of the servants in the inns might be bribed to pass on information about caravans, I'm not sure. Not many stay at the Root and Branch, it's too expensive." Tole: "So Edmund... " Tole started; Tole: "What do you think we should do with him now?" Tole: She brought her sickle back up to the noble's neck. Edmund: Edmund looked down at the young man. "Maybe he deserves a chance. But he needs to find a better way to live, so that this kind of thing doesn't happen again." Tole: "What do you think, Dunstan?" Tole asked. Hogar: Hogar kept checking on Wigred before turning to the others, having listened to Dunstan's confessions "I was hoping he'd be able to tell us about he bandits...still, I agree he is not to be harmed. But we'll want to have a talk with his uncle, do we?" Sleeping Dragon: Dunstan's lip twisted. "I already told you, my uncle doesn't give a shit about me, he's only brought me here since I...since my father died. What is your suggestion for a better way to live? Is there where you tell me about your Virian God? He's not real." Edmund: Edmund looked at Dunstan coldly. "Do you think your way of life was good? Spending your time with vicious thugs & your money on gambling?" Tole: "And bringing other people in to your mess." snarled Tole. Sleeping Dragon: "I didn't have a choice! If I'd tried to get away from them or stopped giving them money they'd have hurt me!" Tole: "You always have a choice." growled Tole; "You didn't have to join their game, you could have warned others about their crimes. You didn't. Your ways need to change, whether you believe in a God or not." Sleeping Dragon: "They'd have killed me! I don't know how to defend myself and my uncle would probably be glad to be rid of me!" Dunstan sighed. "Believe whatever you want. We're not all that strong." Tole: "Then maybe you should do something about that." said Tole; "Instead of whining to the woman who only moments ago was inches from taking your life. You have a second chance, make something better of it or I won't hesitate next time." Edmund: "Not all strength is inborn," Edmund said, not unkindly. "We can learn to be strong, in will & mind if not body." Tole: Tole looked up at Edmund; "I think we should take him to his uncle, even if he is telling the truth. Want to interrogate the others before though?" Leofric: Leofric laughed harshly for a moment before talking in stern tone, "Really? I am not strong either. Spent entire childhood stuck in the bed, endlessly sick. Strength come in many forms after all. I cannot lift a sword but I can read and write. Find another form of strength, rather in weaknesses." Hogar (enter): 20:54 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1578) Hogar... Sleeping Dragon: Dunstan laughed. "Good for you. Who looked after you when you were in bed, your father or mother? No one ever looked after me. My mother died giving birth to me and my father..." Dunstan trailed off. Edmund: Edmund looked meaningfully at the others, then asked, "Your father? What did happen with him?" Sleeping Dragon: "He...well," Dunstan cleared his throat and looked at the ground. "I'd cost him his wife, he said, so I'd have to replace her." Edmund: Edmund looked puzzled, & then aghast. "Do you mean what I think you mean?" Sleeping Dragon: Dunstan nodded. "I managed to sneak out a letter about it to my uncle, but he didn't care. He even wrote back to me, my father showed me. I was supposed to do what my father told me to do." Tole: Tole put her sickles away and headed towards the others, leaving Edmund with Dunstan. Hogar: Hogar grimaced at Dunstan's tale Edmund: Edmund looked up to the heavens & made a small gesture. "By the Prophet, this is a terrible tale. But your father died you said?" Leofric: Leofric glanced at the night sky, glancing at the Phropet's Stared and muttered few words to himself,, looking slightly ill, "So wrong..." Sleeping Dragon: "I poisoned him. My father would have said the gods hate a kinslayer, but the gods already hate me." Edmund: Edmund sighed & shook his head. "Your uncle must take the blame for such a terrible deed. Does he know?" Sleeping Dragon: "No! Please, don't tell him." Edmund: Edmund put out a calming hand. "I only meant, did he have some idea of what had happened." Sleeping Dragon: "I told you, I wrote to him about what my father was doing. He didn't care." Edmund: "Maybe he took you in because he felt guilty," Edmund mused. "But guilt sometimes makes men hate those they have wronged." Server Administrator-> Kicking '(1571) Hogar' from server... Removing dead client Hogar (exit): 21:24 Leofric: Leofric sighed for a moment and replying, "You are already possess a strength, a strength to perform it. You are stronger than you realise yourself. What you done is self defence and I find nothing wrong with that personally." Hogar: "Neither do I. But I suspect his uncle might disagree, so perhaps he doesn't need to know..."suggested Hogar Edmund: Edmund nodded. "We must consider the best way to deal with this, but telling the uncle would undoubtedly be the worst possible." Sleeping Dragon: following this, they spoke to Coelhere. "What do you bastards want?" he spat at them by way of greeting. Wigred still lay unconscious. Tole: "Thanks for minding him Freomund," said Tole in a feminine voice; "How's the 'bruises'?" Sleeping Dragon: Freomund looked at Tole in surprise as Coelhere spoke. "I've had worse." Hogar: Hogar kept a close eye on Wigred, just in case the man suddenly woke up and tried to run. He complimented Freomund "That was the nastiest kick I've ever seen. He'll be lucky to wake up." Sleeping Dragon: Freomund grunted. "It's your duty to protect your family." Tole: "That's another reason I'm glad we didn't try and attack you." Tole smiled. Sleeping Dragon: Freomund gave Tole a grin in return, but said nothing. Gudram spoke up. "We need to give these bastards over to the Ealdorman. This...shit," Gudram stepped down on Coelhere's hand, grinding down and drawing a cry of pain from the singer "said some truly vile things about Rimilda, and I mean to see him pay for it." Tole: "No argument from me." said Tole; "Mind we just ask a few questions first?" Edmund (enter): 21:45 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1581) Edmund... Sleeping Dragon: Sleeping Dragon: Freomund gave Tole a grin in return, but said nothing. Gudram spoke up. "We need to give these bastards over to the Ealdorman. This...shit," Gudram stepped down on Coelhere's hand, grinding down and drawing a cry of pain from the singer "said some truly vile things about Rimilda, and I mean to see him pay for it."
Tole: "No argument from me." said Tole; "Mind we just ask a few questions first? Edmund: "We are investigating another crime," Edmund explained. "These criminals may know something of it." Sleeping Dragon: "Of course," said Gudram. Edmund: Edmund drew up a log & sat looking down at Coelhere. "We don't have all night. You're a mucician & you need your hands to make music. If you want to keep them in one piece you will answer our questions quickly & truthfully." Edmund: * musician Tole: Tole casually plays with her sickles whilst Edmud makes the threat. Leofric: Leofric was not paying attention, distracted slightly by whatever played in his mind, his eyes glittered with thoughts. Sleeping Dragon: Coelhere looked up at Freomund, who stood on his chest, and Brictmund, who had an arrow pointed at him. "Ask away." Edmund (enter): 21:55 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1585) Edmund... Edmund: "What do you know of the bandit gangs in the forest?" Edmund asked. "Are you connected with them?" Sleeping Dragon: "No. They probably have a spy in town, but I can think of easier ways to make money." Edmund: "You know who the spy is don't you," Edmund stated. "What is their name & which inn do they use?" Sleeping Dragon: "If I tell you, will you make sure the Ealdorman is lenient?" Edmund: "We can try," Edmund said. Tole: "He might only castrate one ball." smirked Tole. Edmund: Edmund gave Tole a sharp look. Hogar: "Can't promise much. Sounds like you had quite a lot of....things...going. Still, if you have any leads, they would be appreciated." Sleeping Dragon: "I think the spy is called Deor, his brother owns the Old Oak. I know he used to be a thief but he's been out of the game for a while, I think he must be blackmailing his brother as he doesn't do much of anything but dice. I know he's bribing one of the serving girls at the Branch." Edmund: "That's the truth is it?" Edmund asked, staring at the man trying to work out if he was just inventing to save his skin. Hogar: "Sounds to me like it's at least worth checking."said Hogar staring at Coelhere Sleeping Dragon: "I can't say for absolute certain that Deor is the spy, but if it's anyone I know it's him. And it's all but certainly someone I know." Edmund: "Do youi know the names of any of the bandits?" Edmund asked. "Or have any ideas as to their identity?" Sleeping Dragon: "I've stayed away from them. My impression is that they're not from Darkholt, they've come down from Peadaland mostly, or a few from the Gap or the Great Forest." Edmund: "Have you heard anything of kidnapping?" Edmund asked. Sleeping Dragon: "I didn't think they went in for that. Pirates will tend to take people for slaves but if you're a bandit in the forest it's likely to slow you down or risk getting you caught. There've been fewer caravans lately though so maybe they're expanding their activities. Who's been kidnapped?" Tole: "Why do you ask?" Snarled Tole. Sleeping Dragon: Coelhere's face fell. "Easy, easy, I was just curious." Tole: Tole looked up to Freomund; "You should totally press your foot down a little harder." Sleeping Dragon: "Are you sure? I can press it down a lot harder." Tole: Tole flashes a smile, before turning back to the runt; "Who has been kidnapped is none of your concern. Nor would anyone in their right mind tell you." Server Administrator-> Kicking '(1577) Edmund' from server... Removing dead client Edmund (exit): 22:31 Edmund: Edmund shook his head. "No point." He thought for a moment. "No doubt as a performer you get to hear all kinds of interesting gossip & rumours. Have you heard anything about any of the Ealdormen?" Sleeping Dragon: "What about them exactly?" Coelhere sounded surprised by the question Server Administrator-> Kicking '(1581) Edmund' from server... Removing dead client Edmund (exit): 22:40 Edmund: "Anything notable or strange," Edmund replied. Sleeping Dragon: "Well the Ealdorman of Wihthrycg has a magic sword apparently, and the Ealdorman of Swithdun hates the Ealdormen of Middlemere and Tarnemuthe. But I haven't been out of the forest for a few years so my information might be out of date." Edmund: Edmund shrugged & looked at the others. "Do any of you have more questions?" Tole: "None." answered Tole, though snuck in to Coelhere, mockingly; "How's it feel to be under someone so big and strong?" Sleeping Dragon: "Maybe I'll show you some day," Coelhere snapped back, to which Freomund replied by pressing down hard on his chest. Tole: "... there went your leniancy. Shall we take them to the Ealdorman? I'm sure these two..." Tole started, referreing to Freomund and his brother; "... have wives to return to." Sleeping Dragon: "Not me," Freomund grunted. He turned to Hogar. "Could you pass me those ropes you had me tied up in. Might as well put them on this one instead." Hogar: Hogar suppressed a chuckle at Coelhere's situation. "Don't think letting these ruffians walk around is an option."he said. He picked up the ropes which had been previously used to bind Freomud from the ground and handed them to Freomund. "Think I'll have to carry this one."he said looking at Wigred, who showed no signs of waking Edmund: Edmund agreed. He also quietly spoke to Hogar & Leofric. "We could give Dunstan a fresh start. He needs to get away from his uncle. Should we suggest he picks up some belongings & we will see him away from the town?" Hogar: "Sounds like a good idea to me, although it'll ruin the Ealdorman's marriage plans for the girl..."Hogar replied "Not that I think that is a concern for us."he added Leofric: "I think that would be a good idea." Leofric replied back quietly. "However, his uncle would still want to arrange marriage though. Hopefully he got another nephew" Edmund: "The girl is probably better off without marrying into that family," Edmund muttered. Edmund: Edmund went over to Dunstan & explained that they were willing to set him free but he should leave the Ealdorman's household. "Coelhere & Wigred may well implicate you, so it would be safer. You need to find a life of your own, away from the ghosts of your past." Sleeping Dragon: Dunstan looked surprised. "I...I don't really know what I would do. I would like to get away, but it's hardly safe to travel in Darkholt and as long as I'm here I can't easily leave his household." Edmund: "Is there anything you can do? Are you good at figures or writing? Or can you fire a bow?" Edmund asked. "Do you have money of your own? You could travel with a caravan, maybe even find employment." Sleeping Dragon: "I know how to write. I can't use any kind of weapon, my father hardly wanted to teach me..." Dunstan held his head in his hands. "Let me think about this. Coelhere hardly has much he can implicate me with, and if he does then it will be too soon for me to be able to actually get out of Darkholt anyway." Tole: "Then I think we're ready." Tole said; "Really, no wife? You don't like men, do you?" Edmund: "We can speak to your uncle, tell him that the gang forced you to come here but you turned on them & have been very helpful. Then I would suggest you leave, & turn your ability to write to good use. Also learn to use a sling or a bow at least. You are no longer in the shadow of your father, but your own man. You can learn anything you like. No doubt your uncle will approve of you far more if you show an interest in weapons of any kind" Sleeping Dragon: Freomund blinked. "What? No, of course not, what do you take me for? Gudram and I have been on the move is all, and I've not met the right woman." Sleeping Dragon: "I...I'll try. Where are you going? I'm not going to learn to fight in time to ward off the bandits, unless I don't mean to leave for months." Tole: "Surprised, nice guy and protective of his family... steady job... must be lots of girls interested." Tole said as she helped with Coelhere's chains. Sleeping Dragon: "Well one of the wenches at the Egg has tried, but she's all leg and no brain," said Freomund. "Anyhow, our father raised us proper, you don't lie with a woman unless you're ready to marry her." Tole: Tole actually looks shocked, as she finishes the chains; "I see." Edmund: "We're investigating the abduction of a young woman, the daughter of an Ealdorman," Edmund explained. "Also trying to find out how information is being leaked to the bandits. So we will be here for a while. Then who knows..." Leofric: Leofric looked thoughtfully for a moment and nodded, agreeing with Ed. Sleeping Dragon: "Would you be able to escort me out of the forest when you leave? To the east, preferably. I don't want to return to Peadaland. I can pay you." Hogar: "I must admit finding the girl is taking more time than I expected."said Hogar "Hopefully she is still alright' Edmund: "I think my companions would agree to that," Edmund looked around. "But in return would you start work on your life. Make use of the skills you have, & learn to protect yourself at least." Sleeping Dragon: "I will." Dunstan paused. "Thank you." Sleeping Dragon: the party took Coelhere and Wigred to the Ealdorman, explaining their scheme and that Dunstan had been forced to go along with this, but had turned on them and helped. When the party mentioned Deor's name, the Ealdorman looked agitated. "His brother is reasonably influential, it will cause problems if I arrest him," he fretted. When they mentioned what Coelhere had said, that he believed Deor was blackmailing his brother, however, the Ealdorman looked relieved. "In that case he might not be so upset. I will have Deor taken in and you can question him."
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Post by sleepingdragon on May 25, 2013 12:47:01 GMT
Sleeping Dragon: Ealdorman Durwyn sent out several of his Thegns, and after an hour or so they returned, dragging with them a bound and gagged man with what seemed to be a broken nose and two blackened eyes, as well as clothing which had plainly been torn in a struggle. The man appeared to be only slightly conscious. "That's Deor," the Ealdorman said to the party quietly. "I'll allow you to interrogate him about Synne first, as you have more of a time limit than I do." Tole: Tole looked to the more wordly Edmund. Idris (enter): 19:37 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1675) Idris... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(1671) Edmund' from room... Edmund (exit): 19:38 Sleeping Dragon: Sleeping Dragon: Ealdorman Durwyn sent out several of his Thegns, and after an hour or so they returned, dragging with them a bound and gagged man with what seemed to be a broken nose and two blackened eyes, as well as clothing which had plainly been torn in a struggle. The man appeared to be only slightly conscious. "That's Deor," the Ealdorman said to the party quietly. "I'll allow you to interrogate him about Synne first, as you have more of a time limit than I do." Tole: Tole looked to the more wordly Edmund. Edmund: Edmund indicated they should seat the man. He walked around him silently, looking down at him, then spoke. "Well Deor, it seems you've been mixing with the wrong people. Don't try to hide it, we know all about what you've been up to. Talk, & it will be the better for you." Tole: Tole quietly brandished one of her sickles whilst Edmund made the threat. Hogar: Hogar said nothing but stood back, arms crossed, eyeing the man. Sleeping Dragon: Deor coughed, looked up blearily, and gave Edmund a twisted smile. One of the man's teeth had been knocked loose and hung by a thread. "Well I've been mixing with those fine Thegns, who I'd have avoided if I could but, unfortunately, they insisted." Deor spat his tooth out at Edmund's feet. "So...why is the Ealdorman letting some random Gastonlanders do this for him?" Hogar: "Don't think that's any of your concern."said Hogar Tole: "We're asking the quesitons." added Tole, letting the point of her sickle subtly point towards the captive. Edmund: Edmund shook his head slowly. "Not random. We are investigating a crime. The abduction of a young woman, the daughter of an Ealdorman. And the trail has led to a traitor." Edmund pointed at Deor. Edmund: *Lord not Ealdorman Sleeping Dragon: "You might not, but fortunately I'm smarter than you," Deor said to Hogar with a grin. "Hmm. Alright. It seems like I have a better hand than I'd thought. I'll put it plain - Ealdorman Durwyn is likely thinking up the most painful and torturous way he can put me into the dirt. If you want information from me, you convince him that I'll go into exile. No killing, no maiming. Otherwise, well...you can try to torture it out of me, but I might lie if I'm bored, and I suspect your young woman may not be within your reach for very long." Deor smiled at Edmund. "So what do you say, friend?" Tole: "What's stopping you lying anyhow?" asked Tole. Edmund: Edmund smiled back. "I don't think you are in any position to bargain, friend.. You are the one in chains. Unless you have evidence that you really know something of the whereabouts of the young woman, we may as well let Durwyn have you," Sleeping Dragon: "I'm in an excellent position to bargain. I have something you want - information - and you have something I want - the ability to make sure I don't die. But I'll give you a little something to prove I actually do know something - you're looking for a noblewoman, about fourteen or fifteen. I don't know her name but if I'm remembering right it began with an S...bah, I don't recall. Anyway, her father is some minor lordling whose estate is on the very eastern edge of Darkholt. She went missing around the time of the Middlemere Festival while her father was away, and he's in a panic because she's his last blood and he needs to marry her off to renew his family's fortunes. Is that the young lady you're looking for?" Edmund: Edmund nodded. "So, you do know something. But we need more than that - names, places. Who took her? Where is she?" Sleeping Dragon: "See, I can tell you those things, but honestly, why should I? If you're not going to intervene to make sure the Ealdorman doesn't kill me, then I may as well not tell you out of spite. If you're worried about me lying, well I'll make you this deal - I'll tell you what I know, you go off and find her, and the Ealdorman will keep me captive for either two weeks or until you return, whichever comes first. If my information was false then our deal is void, if it was true then the Ealdorman releases me." Tole: Tole whispered quietly in Edmund's ear; "Suggest we take him with us." Edmund: Edmund looked to the others & raised his eyebrows in silent query. "Of course that depends on the Ealdorman." Hogar: "Not much of a choice if we want her to live."whispered Hogar to the others Sleeping Dragon: the party headed out to speak to the Ealdorman, leaving Brictmund behind to make sure Deor didn't try anything while they were out of the room. "I'm guessing he wants to do a deal," the Ealdorman said as they came out. Edmund: Edmund confirmed this. "He seems to know about the abducted girl." Sleeping Dragon: the Ealdorman nodded. "I'll agree to his terms, on the condition that I'm still able to question him about the bandits. If you mean to bring him with you, that means you'll need to go in the morning as I need time to speak to him privately." Edmund: "He suggested you could keep him captive for two weeks - if we don't find the girl you can do as you wish with him. If we do find her, he expects to go free." Sleeping Dragon: the Ealdorman grimaced. "I suppose the beating my men gave him will have to count as his public punishment. Some people won't be happy but once we have information we can always hang some bandits. It's important that people see that justice is done." Edmund: "We should press him for the details of the bandits." Edmund added. Sleeping Dragon: with the Ealdorman's agreement, the party returned to speak to Deor. "So it'll be exile, yes?" Deor asked for confirmation. "What did you want to know about this missing lady then?" Edmund: "Who is responsible for her disappearance? Edmund asked. Sleeping Dragon: "Well, about a month ago I spoke to a gentleman I know called Conhere, who is one of the bandits who works the east road to Middlemere. He mentioned that he and his friend Steapa had gone in disguise to check out this estate just outside the forest, to work out if it was worth raiding you see. While they were there they happened to speak to this young lady, who it turned out was the lord's daughter - the lord was away at the time. From what Conhere told me, he'd got the impression she wanted to escape. He and Steapa wanted out of the banditry while the going was still good and saw this as one last score - they could help her 'escape', then actually make her a captive and ransom her off." Edmund: Edmund nodded & shared a look with the others. "So where have these retiring bandits taken the lady?" Sleeping Dragon: Brictmund broke in. "This doesn't sound right. There was only one set of footprints heading to the estate, and then two heading away - one of which I thought was Synne's," said the hunter. Edmund (enter): 20:50 Edmund: Edmund stopped & looked questioningly at Deor. Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1678) Edmund... Sleeping Dragon: "Hmm. Sounds like our two friends had a falling out. How large were the footprints you found? Conhere's not much bigger than me, but Steapa's a very large man." Sleeping Dragon: "They were a very big man's prints," said Brictmund, and Deor laughed and smiled. "You're in luck then friends. Conhere is tricky and sly, but Steapa...well he's more predictable. I haven't spoken to him for a while, but I know he has a cousin in a village called Cadonstoc, just outside Swithdun, who he spoke of fairly often. My guess would be that he's brought her there." Tole: "I'm sure you can lead us there?" asked Tole. Sleeping Dragon: Deor looked surprised. "Well I've never been there myself but it's just on the coast by Swithdun. I can take you there if you want, of course Steapa might recognise me..." Tole: Tole looked to the others. Edmund: "He might be safer here with the Ealdorman," Edmund said. "And if we don't get the girl he'll be on hand for the execution." Tole: "Mmmmm." agreed Tole, before she turned to the captive; "How many other bandits are likely to be with Steapa?" Sleeping Dragon: "Hold on, that's not our deal," Deor said to Edmund. "If I mislead you then the Ealdorman can kill me if he wants - but if you lot are too incompetent to get her, that's another matter." Deor sighed. "There are bandits who want out so he might have a few, but I'd doubt he'd have many. Steapa is not the world's most inspiring person. If he took on more than two or three they'd probably murder him in their sleep and take the girl themselves." Tole: Tole nodded, and looked to Edmund. Edmund: "If she's really there we'll get her," Edmund said confidently. "If you're telling the truth we will keep our bargain." Sleeping Dragon: "I'm sure you will. Ah, Baegloc, that's Steapa's cousin's name. I couldn't recall it for a moment. I believe he's a farmer, Cadonstoc is a fishing village so I imagine you shouldn't have too much trouble finding him." Sleeping Dragon: "So...did you want anything more?" Edmund: Edmund looked to the others. Tole: Tole shook her head. Server Administrator-> Kicking '(1675) Edmund' from server... Removing dead client Edmund (exit): 21:19 Edmund: "We'll leave you in the Ealdorman's care, & you had better hope we find things as you have said." Edmund said. Sleeping Dragon: "I would never tell a lie," Deor said, grinning crookedly Hogar (enter): 21:28 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1682) Hogar... Sleeping Dragon: the party headed out, and quickly retrieved their horses from Cuto's Shelf before setting off.
It was not an easy journey. It was nearly pitch black as they set out, and at times they had to risk torches, however luck favoured them and they went unmolested. The western road was more occupied than the east, and they came across the occasional small logging hamlet. They pushed hard through the day on 24 March, and rested in one of these hamlets overnight before setting out again the next morning. The loggers said they were a little more than a day's journey to Swithdun, though they might reach there late at night if they pushed their horses. Leofric (enter): 21:57 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1683) Leofric... Server Administrator-> Kicking '(1669) Hogar' from server... Removing dead client Hogar (exit): 22:01 Sleeping Dragon: the party pushed, leaving Darkholt shortly in early evening and heading out onto the plains of Peadaland, the wide region on the western shore of Palania. This had once been the home of the High King Peada, who led the revolt of the Gastons against the Alanian Empire, but after the High King's fall the lands had been ravaged by pirates and the centre of power in Palania had passed to the region around the Saltanow river. The party rode hard throughout the day, but in the end had to rest their tired horses at a small hamlet thirty miles from Swithdun.
On 26 March, they set out. The lands immediately around the Swithen river remained heavily populated, especially the castle town of Swithdun which was home to perhaps twenty-five hundred people, with numerous outlying hamlets. They could see Swithdun's red stone walls up on a high hill overlooking the sea, and the fishing hamlet of Cadonstoc was below this. It was home to perhaps thirty families, the majority of which were fishermen and lived in little huts on the coast, but there were also three small livestock farms. On a small hill overlooking the shore, they could see some men repairing a small ruined tower, supervised and aided by a Thegn in the green-and-blue livery of Ealdorman Theodoric. At the base of the hill they noticed a runestone, like that they had seen on Helven Hill before rescuing Ealdorman Balnoth. That one had pulsed with a red light, however these runes glowed faintly blue. Edmund: Ed looked closely at the stone, then laid his hand on it, but said nothing. Leofric: Leo smiled slightly at the runestone and explained the sapphire glowing rune stone, "At least I know about this one. It improve your senses. You just touch it and it bestow it power onto you for one day... in theory." He took closer look at Ed, "Beside we need every help we get in this ugly lands." He also touched the stone, frowning about it, trying to gain the power. whispering to Edmund, Edmund felt the stone stir under his hands. A strange power came over him and he felt as if he were looking at himself. This unnerved him and the power fled from him, leaving him feeling slightly empty. Hogar: "Heathen sorcery."said Hogar "But the folk here likely touch it all the time and they look fine enough to me..."he added, obviously excusing himself as he touched the runestone Tole: Tole said nothing, inside she questioned her judgment of the others and how she shouldn't do so, even if their actions conflicted with traditional teachings. Edmund: Edmund walked away from the stone & stood silently looking out across the sea. whispering to Leofric, Leofric easily harnessed the power of the stone, feeling a spirit of alertness come over him, as if his eyes and ears had opened wide. The world felt sharper. whispering to Hogar, The stone stirred beneath Hogar's hand. For a moment he felt as if someone stood behind him and the hairs stood on his neck, however he mastered his fear and was able to contain the power of the stone. Suddenly the roar of the sea seemed clearer, the wailing of the gulls more distinct. Sleeping Dragon: "Hail, Gastonlanders," the Thegn called to them, looking surprised. "How do you fare?" Edmund: Edmund shook himself & turned round with a smile. "Hail sir. We do well. May we speak with you?" Leofric (enter): 22:25 Sleeping Dragon: the Thegn spoke to one of the masons quietly, then strolled down to them. He was a short, rounded man, plainly of Fryderi blood, with coal black hair. "I am called Sverri, I am in service to Ealdorman Theodoric. Have you taken the road from Cranleaht? A perilous path these days." Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1687) Leofric... Edmund: "Safer than our route from Middlemere to Cranleaht," Edmund replied. "We had some trouble with headless monsters." Sleeping Dragon: "Headless?" the Thegn looked puzzled. "I've never heard of such a thing." Leofric: Leofric looked grim as he responded, "You do now. Creation of the Elves, by using human bodies and given to the trees... The result is vaguely headless human monsters that kill...." Sleeping Dragon: Sverri grimaced. "Elves...we already have goblins and orcs in Tocburh. These will be hard times. But what brings you to Cadonstoc? Are you meaning to continue on to Swithdun?" Edmund: "We have actually come to find someone in Cadonstoc. Baegloc?" Edmund replied. Sleeping Dragon: "Baegloc? The farmer? I think I saw him going to Swithdun earlier, his farm is over there however, by the stream," he pointed to a small sheep farm on the eastern side of Cadonstoc. Edmund: "Thank you," Edmund said with a smile. "Does Baegloc have family at the farm? We need to deliver a message." Sleeping Dragon: "He went on his own I believe. His wife Oslafa will be there, and their four children. If I see Baegloc when he returns should I send him in your direction?" Edmund: "Are you expecting him back soon?" Edmund asked. "We have other places to visit today, so we can't remain waiting." Tole: Tole attempted to sneak away in the direction of the farm without anyone noticing. whispering to Tole, as Edmund distracted Sverri, Tole was able to slip away and loop round the edge of Cadonstoc towards the farm the Thegn had indicated. It was a small farm, principally raising sheep though Tole noticed some horses and cows as well. There was a small barn, at the door of which stood a large mastiff, several small outbuildings, and what she presumed was the family's home. Two boys, one around ten and one perhaps seven, were feeding some of the animals, while a rotund woman with long braided black hair sat on a chair in front of the main home, watching her children. Sleeping Dragon: Sverri shrugged. "Baegloc doesn't answer to me, I merely saw him go. I imagine he will be back today, I've not heard anything about him going anywhere." Edmund: Edmund nodded. "We will visit the farm & leave the message." Tole: (whispering): Tole snuck around to the barn, making sure to use as much cover as possible to stop her being seen by the children or the woman, or for that matter the mastiff. Server Administrator-> Kicking '(1683) Leofric' from server... Removing dead client Leofric (exit): 22:57 whispering to Tole, Tole crept round the back of the farm, avoiding those she had already seen as well as a third child, a girl of about five who was playing in the mud by the stream. Tole approached the barn from behind, noticing that there was a window high up on the eastern side. Tole waited until the two boys were out of sight before creeping round the corner and positioning herself under the window. She suddenly became aware of a snuffling noise and she pulled back out of sight just in time for the mastiff to come around the corner. Peering out from hiding, she saw the dog sniff and grunt, then pad away. Sleeping Dragon: the party, minus Tole who had already sneaked away, made their way over to the farm. It was a small farm that principally raised sheep, though there were horses and cows about as well. They noticed a plump woman with her hair in a long black braid sitting on a chair in front of the main building, and there was also a barn, guarded by a mastiff, and several small outbuildings. Two young boys of about ten and seven were feeding one of the horses as they approached. whispering to Tole, Tole attempted to climb up to the window. Her hand suddenly slipped, but she maintained the presence of mind to allow herself to drop, rather than scrambling at the wooden slats, and dropped gracefully into the grass, keeping her body low. Hogar: "Any signs of anything suspicious?"whispered Hogar to the others Edmund: Edmund raised a hand in greeting as they walked down towards the farm. "Hail madam. We are looking for Baegloc. We have been told he lives here. Would you be his wife?" whispering to Tole, Tole made a second attempt and this time she was able to pull herself up to the window, placing her feet carefully to avoid making noise Sleeping Dragon: The woman strode out to meet them. "Yes, I am Oslafa. Who are you? I've never met you before." Edmund: "No we have only recently arrived in Cranleaht. As we were travelling this way, we were asked to bring a message to Baegloc." Edmund said. whispering to Tole, Tole put her head up and peered in, seeing a hayloft. It took her only a few moments to notice the people in the loft. Two crouched next to each other - a very large man with red hair, who had an axe and shield propped up against one of the support beams. He was facing a woman who she immediately recognised must be Synne, from the descriptions Lord Renweard had given her, a pretty, dark-haired young woman of fifteen. Opposite the window sat another man, broad-shouldered and bald, and in the southeast corner another man with green eyes and blond hair. None noticed her. Synne and Steapa were speaking quietly to each other, though Steapa seemed to be doing most of the talking. Synne showed no signs of captivity. Sleeping Dragon: "I don't know who in Cranleaht would be sending Baegloc a message, but out with it then." whispering to Edmund, Edmund thought Oslafa sounded quite nervous as she spoke Edmund: Edmund looked at Oslafa in silence for a moment. "The message is for Baegloc, not for anyone else." Sleeping Dragon: "Well he's not here," Oslafa snapped. "And I'm his wife, we don't have secrets. Say what you mean to say, or get off our land." Edmund: Edmund folded his arms. "How will your husband react if he hears you have demanded to hear a message meant for his ears only? What he tells you isn't our concern, we speak to him alone. Or both of you will face the consequences." Sleeping Dragon: "Well I don't know what you want me to do, he's not here. Shall I send him to you when he returns. Who are you anyhow?" Edmund: Edmund ignored her questions. "When is he due back?" Sleeping Dragon: "He wasn't certain, sometime tonight," Oslafa sounded worried, and the two boys had stopped their work to watch. Edmund: "We'll wait for him then." Edmund moved forwards towards the house. Hogar: "Poor woman."said Hogar after they were out of hearing distance "She might not know what her husband is up to." Tole: Tole emerges, as if from nowhere, and walks up to the group. Tole: She whispers something into Edmund's ear. Sleeping Dragon: Oslafa looked alarmed, and even moreso when Tole suddenly appeared on the road. "Listen, I can make sure Baegloc comes to you as soon as he returns, but it will be hard to do any work with strangers lounging around our farm." Edmund: (whispering): "If we frighten her she may raise the alarm - she's very scared." Edmund: Edmund whispered back to Tole. Tole: Tole whispered something back. Tole: She then looked at the woman, knowingly. Edmund: Edmund gave a slight grin at Tole then moved gently towards Oslafa. "Look, we know it's not your fault. I expect Baegloc's cousin has been getting him involved in all kinds of things hasn't he." Tole: (whispering): "They are all in the barn. Synne does not seem to be a captive. Armed. Also a large dog guarding it. This woman is aiding bandits, we can use this against her. " Tole: (whispering): "Use your wonderful charm, Edmund." Leofric: Leo became slightly tense as he heard what Edmund asking Oslafa and attempted to look more friendly.. Sleeping Dragon: Oslafa sighed. "I told him this was a stupid idea. Now listen, whatever Steapa has done, my husband is only helping family and hasn't committed any crime." Hogar: "We'll try not to harm him, but when Steapa and his fellows get here it's likely there might be a fight..."said Hogar speaking to the woman for the first time Tole: Talking quietly, Tole asked; "The girl, did you speak to her?" Edmund: Edmund nodded. "We know you are just helping family, but if you want to see your husband live, help us with this." Sleeping Dragon: "Get here? They're in the barn, and if you have a fight on my land the Ealdorman is likely to have your head," Oslafa said. "Yes, I spoke to Steapa and his girl. They say they're in love and mean to flee to Suthfryd. Whatever Steapa thinks, that girl is a snake and is using him to get away, I don't believe she loves anyone but herself." Edmund: Edmund sighed. "You are sure she isn't being held under duress?" Tole: "She is not." stated Tole, aware the question wasn't for her. Sleeping Dragon: "Well she walked up under her own accord, spoke to me, and had a sword in her belongings, so if she's under duress it's of an awfully strange type. You want to solve this without a fight - and you don't want to fight Steapa - then the way to do this is to convince him that girl doesn't love him." Tole: Tole quietly whispered in Edmund's ear; "... Steapa is still a bandit." Edmund: Edmund nodded to Tole. "We must discuss how to settle this matter." he said to Oslafa, turning towards the others. Edmund: "Steapa was a bandit, but he was supposed to getting out of banditry. Of course we only have Deor's word on that." Edmund said quietly to the others. Tole: "Banditry is banditry." commented Tole; "We can easily outmatch these bandits and Synne should be easy to subdue." Hogar: "How many of them are there?"asked Hogar Tole: "There are three in total." Tole: "Steapa has an axe and shield, I didn't see any weapons on the others." Tole said clearly. Leofric: Leofric sighed for a moment, "Things are never simple are they... but it does explain everything we found at the manor" He whispered to the rest of the group. Tole: "Honestly..." Tole admitted; "I'm more worried about the dog." Edmund: "Hold on, what's this about subduing Synne? We didn't sign up to drag unwilling girls back to their fathers in chains did we?" Edmund said, frowning. Hogar: "I wonder why the girl didn't leave a note or anything like that if she just wanted to run away..."mused Hogar Tole: Tole paused, before relenting; "No, we did not. I was caught up in our task. I should not have suggested such a thing." Tole: "In that case this should just be a polite conversation." said Tole, with some relief in her voice. Edmund: "A note to say she wanted to leave her father's house?" Ed asked. Hogar: "If she was running away from her father, sounds logical to leave a note. Even if just to spite the man." Tole: "What are you suggesting?" asked Tole. Edmund: "She could have left a ransom note, & collected herself a small fortune," Edmund said with a grin. "She seems not to have thought of that." Edmund: "We need to talk to the bandits & the girl, make up our own minds about the situation," Edmund said. Tole: "Okay. Get the woman to bring in the dog... I'm going to sneak around the back." said Tole. Edmund: Edmund turned to Oslafa. "We want to talk with them. No need for a fight, but we would like you to lock the dog up." Sleeping Dragon: Oslafa hesitated, then nodded. "If you start anything, the dog is getting loosed," she warned. Oslafa led the dog into the house. Tole: Almost instantly, Tole vanished once the dog disappeared. whispering to Tole, Tole had significant difficulties trying to climb the barn. At one point she slipped and slammed hard into the ground, but fortunately no one in the hayloft seemed to notice her Edmund: Edmund reached the barn & grabbed hold of one of the large double doors. Leofric: Leofric recongising what Ed is trying to do, grabbed the other end of the large double door and pull it open as well. Edmund: "Steapa! Synne! We know you're in there." Edmund called out. "We need to talk." Tole: Tole, who had snuck around the side of the barn but struggled to get to the high window, listened carefully, and kept an eye on the other escape route. Hogar: Hogar helped open the barn doors in silence whispering to Tole, Tole noticed Steapa briefly go to the window and look out, but he then went away again. Sleeping Dragon: there was no answer from inside Tole: Tole yelled; "They are looking to get out! But there's no escape!" Edmund: "You go in!" Edmund said to Hogar, then ran around to the back of the barn. Hogar: Hogar eagerly leapt into the barn, his shield ready though his axe still resting on his belt Sleeping Dragon: as soon as Hogar entered, two arrows were loosed at him by men up in the hayloft. One whistled wide, and the other struck his raised shield. As well as these two men, there were two others in the loft - a very large man with red hair, who was stooping to pick up a battle axe and shield, and a pretty, dark-haired woman of fifteen, who was retrieving a short sword from out of the hay. Hogar: Hogar cursed and called out for the others Edmund: "We don't want to fight you! Stop firing so we can talk," Edmund shouted. "Maybe we can come to a mutually beneficial solution." Tole: With one final effort, Tole leaped up and climbed back to the window, closing the grip on the bandits. Sleeping Dragon: "Then drop the damn shield," Synne told Hogar. "Or just back away."
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Post by sleepingdragon on Jun 1, 2013 15:20:29 GMT
Sleeping Dragon: "Then drop the damn shield," Synne called to Hogar. "Or else back away." Synne stood in the loft holding a short sword, while the two men who had fired at Hogar had put their fingers to fresh arrows, but not yet drawn them. Steapa, a burly red haired man with axe and shield, stepped up beside Synne. Edmund: "Your name is Synne, daughter of Renweard, from near Middlemere?" Edmund asked of Synne, keeping well back. Hogar: "I'll keep my shield as long as you keep your bows, if you don't mind."said Hogar, eyeing the bowmen warily Sleeping Dragon: "I'm Synne of the Werling clan, yes. You wouldn't ask me that question if you didn't already know. I assume my father has sent you thugs." Edmund: "Your father asked us to find you, but we're not thugs," Edmund said, affronted. "He believed your life was in danger!" Sleeping Dragon: "It is. My life is in danger of being wasted by being forced to marry whoever gives my father the most money. But by the gods, I am no whore! And I have already found someone I love." whispering to Hogar, Synne's anger was certainly real enough, however her confession of love struck Hogar as an afterthought and by no means heartfelt. Edmund: "So it seems," Edmund said calmly. "And someone who loves you?" Sleeping Dragon: "Yes," Steapa rumbled. "It's why I made sure Conhere couldn't take her captive as he wished." Hogar: Hogar looked at Steapa for a few moments before taking a few steps back and whispering something into Edmund's ear Hogar: (whispering): "She's just using him, as we were told. But he won't take kindly to us telling him that..." Hogar: (whispering): "She's just using him, as we were told. But he won't take kindly to us telling him that..." Edmund: (whispering): "Do we want to tell him? He's a bandit, maybe he deserves to be used." Edmund: Edmund spoke back quietly to Hogar, then looked up at Synne. "You plan to go away together?" Hogar: (whispering): "If you can get him to believe that...otherwise you'll just make him angry." Hogar: Hogar whispered something back before turning to face the bandits again, shield still ready Sleeping Dragon: Synne frowned at Hogar, but spoke again. "Yes, we are leaving and going somewhere my father will not be able to reach us." Edmund: (whispering): "You think if we can convince him, he'll give up Synne to us? She still won't come." Edmund: Edmund spoke again to Hogar, while nodding at Synne's words. "Is there anything which would convince you to return to your father?" Sleeping Dragon: Synne laughed. "Don't be a fool. Unless my father is going to give me the right to choose my husband then there is no point." Sleeping Dragon: "Now, will you leave us be, or are you going to try to force the issue?" Leofric: Leofric replied... "Surely you meant that you want to marry Steapa as your husband? Unless you got someone else in mind then?" He smiled slightly. Sleeping Dragon: "Of...of course," Synne said, flustered. Steapa frowned at Leofric as Synne spoke on. "But my father would never accept that so it means nothing. He would sell me like cattle to some brute - or some would be kinslayer. Why should I allow myself to be someone's trophy and slave?" Edmund: "Of course it's understandable that you wouldn't want to be forced into marriage with someone unsuitable, but suppose your father found a good match for you?" Edmund asked. Sleeping Dragon: "Am I supposed to believe my father entrusted some foreigner with deciding who I'd marry?" Synne meant to sound dismissive, but this was clearly for Steapa's benefit, and she clearly wanted to hear what Edmund had to say. Hogar: Hogar said nothing but kept his eyes on Steapa, obviously worried about the man's possible reaction whispering to Hogar, Tole, based on what she had said, it seemed as if Synne objected more to the idea of being married to someone who might control her, rather than being married to someone she didn't love. Tole: Tole thought about the events unfolding, carefully noting the interchange, aware that if violence broke out she'd need to stay where she was. Edmund: "It seems that your father has no intention of marrying you to the Ealdorman of Rulburna's son, at least since the unfortunate episode," Edmund said confidently. "Ealdorman Durwyn of Cranleaht has suggested his nephew. You are understandably afraid that your father will expect you to marry his choice rather than your own, but at the moment he is desperate to see you safe home, & might be more flexible about such things. Although probably not if he believed you had chosen to run off with bandits." Sleeping Dragon: "The Ealdorman of Cranleaht's nephew? I have never met his sister's son, I had heard he and his father lived in isolation near a swamp by Stencumb." Synne looked thoughtful, but Steapa pushed forward angrily, thrusting his axe in Edmund's direction. "Bastard! Who are you to try to steal Synne from me?" he roared. Edmund: "We're not stealing her, but we are trying to save both of you a deal of trouble in the long run," Edmund said, with a long stare at Steapa. "Synne is gently brought up, used to comfortable living. How long do you think she will stand a life on the run, exiled in Frydenland? Your love won't keep you warm or make the hard ground any softer." Sleeping Dragon: Steapa looked shaken. "Synne is no weakling..." Steapa lowered his axe slightly, and looked at Synne, confused. "Synne...you used me, didn't you? You didn't leave a note for your father because you wanted to be able to run back to him if this didn't work out! You could always pretend I'd actually kidnapped you and you knew he'd believe you!" Synne's face had gone white. They could see Steapa's muscles clench, but he turned and stalked away from his erstwhile lover. "You think our lives are nothing just because we're lowborn! Get out of my sight you murdering liar!" Steapa bellowed. Needing no further convincing, Synne scampered down the ladder. Hogar: Hogar grimaced "What do you mean murdering?"he asked Steapa throwing Synne a stern glance Sleeping Dragon: "You'd listen to a bandit speak of murder?" Synne said, moving quickly towards Hogar. Steapa waved his axe in Synne's direction and growled. "While we were on the run, she killed a man four nights ago, near Cranelaht. She doesn't carry that sword for show fool!" Sleeping Dragon: *Cranleaht Leofric: Leofric frowned unnervingly, eyeing Synne carefully. Sleeping Dragon: "Only a logger, but he meant to sell us to Ealdorman Durwyn. You should be glad of it," Synne said to Steapa, "the Ealdorman would have hanged you as a bandit." Synne glanced back at Leofric. "And am I meant to believe your companion there," she gestured at Hogar, "has never killed anyone? I'll compare the notches on my sword to your axe and I'll wager you'd win." Hogar: Hogar looked at the advancing Synne silently Hogar: edit: remove that Hogar: Hogar shrugged and did not bother to reply to the girl's words "What are we doing with them?"he asked his companions looking at Steapa and the bowmen "I wouldn't mind just letting them be, if they took up an honest life" Edmund: Edmund called up to Steapa. "We were told you were leaving banditry & trying to go straight. If that is the case, we will leave you be." Sleeping Dragon: "You're fucking off and leaving us be before I put my axe in your head," Steapa growled. "Take her. I hope she uses and betrays you the way she's used and betrayed me." Edmund: Edmund smiled. "We know what she is. Never fear." Sleeping Dragon: Synne glanced up at Steapa for a moment, then turned and walked out of the barn. Tole: Tole watched the barn until Synne and the others disappeared, gave the bandit leader a look, before jumping down from her spot and heading to the front of the barn. Edmund: Edmund held out his hand. "We'll have the sword, & any other weapons you may have on you. Tole, will you search her please?" Tole: Tole nodded, as she walked up to Synne; "Ma'am?" Sleeping Dragon: Synne glanced at Tole for a moment, said nothing, then turned to Edmund. "This nephew had better understand how he's to treat me, or so help me gods I will slit his throat," she said. "And what am I, exactly, you smug foreigner? I'd have run off on my own but it's not as if my father has taught me how to survive in the wild or how to fight, I had to keep the sword hidden. No one meant to put you out to the highest bidder, so spare me the sanctimony." Edmund: "For my part, I think your father should have let you take your brother's place - you've proved more than capable of surviving," Edmund said with a slight smile. "But one thing, if you marry Dunstan, I would guarantee that he will treat you well. He is nothing like either his father or his uncle from all we know of them." Sleeping Dragon: Synne folded her arms under her chest. "You'll tell my father that you rescued me but the man who kidnapped me escaped. If he then decides that he's going to marry me off to someone other than this Dunstan, then I'll pay you to help me escape again." Synne's tone brooked no argument. Edmund: "Your father will be only too glad to get a good match such as Dunstan, I'm sure." Edmund said. Sleeping Dragon: "Are you sure?" she said acidly. "He may still be eager to marry me off to the one who tried to kill his father." Edmund: "He has been sent into exile, definitely not a good match!" Tole: Tole subtly checked over Synne's self for any concealed weapons, potions or other devices that could be a problem. Leofric: Leofric merely looked amused before saying, "Beside, the other party clearly do not wish to promote his own son... which is why Dunstan is suggested instead." Sleeping Dragon: Synne had no weapons other than her shortsword, or anything Tole could tell would enable her to escape. "Ealdorman Durwyn's son is already married, and too highborn for me besides," said Synne. "You are obviously all lowborn, or else you have very different marriage customs in Gastonland, or wherever the fuck it is you come from," she directed the last at Leofric. "We may wish to leave now. Steapa's cousin was meant to be coming back sometime today with a smuggler to help bring us to Suthfryd, and the Ealdorman of Swithdun there may decide I'd make a good hostage." Tole: "She's clean;" said Tole; "and correct. We should hurry back. Discuss marriage some other time." Edmund: "Synne, you may not be lowborn but you speak like the worst tavern wench," Edmund commented . "We are travelling with Brictmund, a man of your father's. We will tell him the bandits had left you alone." Sleeping Dragon: "I've obviously been influenced by the bandit that's dragged me half way across Palania," Synne said blithely. "Brictmund is not a bad sort, but very dutiful. Not very bright so he'll believe whatever lie I tell him." Synne put her sword away in her pack. Sleeping Dragon: *edit: Synne handed the sword to Edmund. Hogar: "Hopefully. I doubt your father would approve of us just letting them go."Hogar said " Not that you'd care, of course."he added Sleeping Dragon: "My father's approval is distinctly unimportant to me. Are we heading back through Cranleaht then?" Leofric: Leofric yawned for a moment before glancing around carefully before putting his hand on his Erse short sword, keeping a watch for anything daner Sleeping Dragon: the party headed back to Cranleaht, where they met with Ealdorman Durwyn and Dunstan. Dunstan seemed slightly awed and a little afraid of the assertive Synne, however Synne convinced the Ealdorman that her father would be more likely to approve of the match if he came, especially if she came up with a story implying Dunstan had played some role in her rescue.
"He's a coward, but seems smarter than he looks," Synne said to the party the next day while Dunstan was relieving himself against a tree and out of earshot. "He'll be perfect, he's hardly likely to hit me or demand his marriage rights whenever he feels like. What happened to him to make him the way he is? He is hardly a typical nobleman." Edmund: "That is something he should tell you himself," Edmund said. "All we know is that he lost his mother as a child, & his father did not treat him well." Tole: Tole smiled; "But I'm glad you feel your chances of escaping a horrible marriage are good, my lady." Sleeping Dragon: they returned to the Werling estate, where Renweard was overjoyed that Synne had been rescued. He seemed slightly wroth that the kidnapper's head had not been brought to him, but Synne calmed him easily enough. Renweard paid them 2000 silvers each, and seemed quite pleased at the prospect of marrying Synne to Ealdorman Durwyn's nephew, though he said he would need to speak to Durwyn before he committed to this. Sleeping Dragon: Dunstan was quite grateful to the party for helping him leave Cranleaht behind, though he seemed slightly anxious, as was his wont, about the prospect of marriage Edmund: Edmund reassured Dunstan that he would be fine, Synne was a strong-willed girl but she would appreciate a kind & undertanding husband. Tole: "No more dangerous associations," said Tole; "We'll have half an eye on you." Sleeping Dragon: after rescuing Synne, the party spent a week recuperating, travelling back and forth between the Werling estate and Middlemere. They heard a few rumours about trouble in the north - the Ealdorman of Norbrycg had called for the Council to send aid against the elf warbands in the Great Forest, and they had sent some men, however it was generally viewed they had not sent nearly enough. Sleeping Dragon: they spoke amongst themselves about what to do - the guardsman from Bluebrycg, Bryni, had asked them to hunt down the thief Eada the Red, Hogar needed to hunt and kill a cyclops to join the Bloodied Eye Brotherhood, and Leofric had been told of a scholar who had gone missing in the Plague Fields.
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Post by sleepingdragon on Jun 12, 2013 20:14:51 GMT
Sleeping Dragon: the party rested for a week, alternating between Middlemere and the Werling estate. After some discussion, they decided that they would brave the Plague Fields and search for the missing scholar, Dunstan. Leofric explained he had met his brother, a merchant called Ceorlben, on the Gods' Hill at the Middlemere Festival, and the merchant had given him his address in a small hamlet tributary to Middlemere. Ceorlben had told Leofric that Dunstan's belongings and papers were at his home, as was his young daughter. Tole: Expecting her skills at subtlety and stealth were not too important, Tole had equipped herself for a fight, carryingg a rather large silver-edged scythe whilst new sickles - also silver-edged - dangled from her belt. Edivad: Hogar spent some time and money learning about riding and the outdoors, feeling that would be useful in their travels. He also tried to acquaint himself with the local folklore and tales but couldn't seem to get the hang of it. He did however remember hearing rumors of the Plague Fields being infested by undead, and thus spent good money buying himself a new axe with a silvered blade. Leofric: Leofric relaxed for a day, poring over his new book, clearly agog with the informations. On the second day, he trained with the retired swordman, recommanded by the noble girl. On the third day, he went down to the market to buy entire set of very hardier clothings covering his entire body with particularly dashing hood and new sliver short sword to help him with upcoming threats. He also managed to find a teacher but unable to learn more graceful way of bargaining. On the fourth day, he decided to practise his riding, knowing he will ride once more. For the rest of the week, he decided to catch up with rest of his books which he purchased from the market so long ago. Edmund: Edmund enjoyed his week's rest, although the others didn't see much of him. Having re-equpped himself & invested in some silvered sling bullets, he seemed to be spending most of his daylight hours in the company of a very charming & talkative young man, & his evenings moving around the inns & even going to theatre. Sleeping Dragon: the Plague Fields, Leofric explained to them, had come into being because of the curse laid by Ealdorman Horsa of Wapanstede on the warring people of Middlemere and Bluebrycg, who had broken their oaths to come to Wapanstede's aid. At first, nothing much had seemed to happen, however the soldiers of each side who had been engaged in a siege at the castle of Sharnworth soon discovered that their dead comrades were rising from the grave. Those not killed by the undead fell terribly ill, and the green fields around Wapanstede and Lake Spear were abandoned and transformed into a blasted wasteland filled with the restless dead. Over the years, the lords of the great towns of Bluebrycg, Middlemere, and Tarnemuthe had built castles, and there had been many raids into the Plague Fields to cut down on the numbers of the undead, however resettlement was completely impossible as those who stayed behind continued to fall ill. Tole: "This place is diseased?" Tole said, with a heavy tone of concern. Tole: "I mean, if we are going there, shouldn't we take some medicines with us?" Edmund: "You think medicines will stop a curse?" Edmund said with a half-grin. "Maybe it takes time to develop. This scholar expected to be alright, presumably." Tole: "Hmmm." said Tole, clearly a bit hesitant; "Heroism is all well and good; but if we don't have a means to stop ourselves from getting sick, this sounds like a suicidal endeavour." Hogar: "We could just try being quick about it, perhaps."suggested Hogar, though he didn't sound too convinced Tole: "A curse suggests that we might not be able to do that." stated Tole. Leofric: Leofric frowned slightly at Edmund's final sentence and nodded, "Yes. At very least, we can find out why he decide to do there. I did promise scholar's brother that I will examine scholar's papers to figure out what is his intention. Who know, there might even be a protection..." Edmund: "Hopefully the papers will give us that too," said Edmund. Leofric: "The papers is at scholar's brother, Ceorlben." Leo confirmed the location. Sleeping Dragon: the party left the Werling estate on 7 April and headed out to Ceorlben's home, a comfortable two-storey stone building. Ceorlben was a man of above average height, standing just below six feet, given slightly to roundness and fat. When he came to the door he was dressed in dark green and also wore a green cap. He noticed Leofric quickly and welcomed him. "Thank you for offering to help us. I am not the richest of men but I can pay you if you can discover what's happened to my brother. He..." Ceorlben looked around, paused, then spoke again. "After this long I know he is dead, and that is a terrible thing. Those who die in the Plague Fields don't stay dead...I would beg you, if you can, find Dunstan and give his soul peace." Leofric: Leofric nodded with steel confidence on his face, "Indeed, hopefully, the fate of your brother will be known for worse or better." He glanced around at his fellow peers, "I am perfectly willing to enter this blighted lands if we managed to figure out what was his intention is." Edmund: Edmund nodded silently in agreement. Tole: Tole doesn't say a word, nor nods or shows any sign of agreement. Sleeping Dragon: Ceorlben nodded. "I've not been able to make head nor tail of it. My brother studied ancient history and sometimes the occult, but I don't know anything about them. I have his papers in my boys' old room, since they left for Phalen last year." Ceorlben headed inside and indicated for the party to leave their weapons and clothing in the cloakroom. "I have Dunstan's daughter Vilia here, she's only five and would be frightened if you brought axes and scythes in," he explained. "It's been a cruel thing for her, to lose her mother and father within a year." Tole: Tole looked to the others; "Shall Hogar and I wait outside?" Edmund: "May we ask how her mother died?" Edmund enquired respectfully. Sleeping Dragon: "You could be waiting a while," said Ceorlben. "I expect it will take you a few hours to look over the papers, my brother always read voraciously and was not very tidy with how he kept his notes." The merchant paused. "It was childbed, her and their boy both died. Dunstan was absolutely distraught, we had to look after Vilia for months because he was out of it. I wanted him to move in with us. If he had then perhaps he'd still be here but..." Ceorlben shook his head. "When you start thinking what might have been, madness isn't far behind, I find." Hogar: Hogar nodded silently, obviously sympathizing with the man's losses Edmund: "You think his expedition into the Plague Fields was connected with losing his loved ones?" Edmund asked. Sleeping Dragon: "He never would have done it if Matlara was still with us," Ceorlben said. "Dunstan never understood how he had won her to begin with. I think when he lost her some part of him didn't want to live any more, or at least he wasn't very protective of himself. He'd been working hard for months, one of the Ealdorman's advisers had asked him to look into something. I think he was trying to distract himself, I've no idea what it is he'd found that would lead him to go to such a terrible place." Leofric: Leofric looked slightly sad at this, "Yes, reflecting on the past can be too painful. We can only but look at the future and hope for the best outcomes of our fates." His eyes filled with sympathy for the family's losses. "You can be surprised how disorganised other libraries can be. Only fragments or glimmer of knowledges all over the place. I will do my best" He looked determined at the task ahead when a thought occured to him, "For whatever the reason, I truely hope it nothing to do with attempting to raise the dead... Still, I am sure it is for another reason" He looked grim at the end. Sleeping Dragon: Ceorlben looked alarmed. "Please, don't say such things aloud, you'll bring the curse down on us," he hissed. The merchant composed himself. "Actually, as far as I can tell he'd been asked to study...well, this is awkward to say, but you." Ceorlben rubbed his face. "There are a lot of books and scrolls in there about the history of...Virians?" he looked to the party for confirmation. "Of Virians in Palania. I'll show you." Ceorlben made for a wide set of stairs leading to the upper floor of his home. Edmund: Edmund looked surprised at Ceorlben's words. He followed close up the stairs. Leofric: Leofric also looked surprised about this as well, and noodded as he followed Ceorlben up. Leofric: Edit: Edmund up Tole: Tole, who had finished concealing her weapons and placing her scythe somewhere where it wouldn't be found, also followed. Hogar: Hogar stored his axes close to Tole's scythes - though he looked a bit reluctant at doing so - and went with the others Sleeping Dragon: Ceorlben led them up a flight of stairs and onto a narrow landing that opened up and led to several rooms. At the end of the corridor, a young girl with raven hair sat with her back to them, dipping a pen into an inkwell. She appeared to be drawing something, although at the sound of footsteps she turned to look at them wordlessly. She was a very pretty young child, but appeared quite sombre. Ceorlben smiled at her but said nothing as he opened a door into a small room facing east. The sun shone in on a wildly disorganised pile of scrolls, papers, and books scattered across a large table and three small ones. Tole: Tole tried to give the child a shy wave. Sleeping Dragon: the child waved back at Tole, though she seemed to be focussing more on Hogar, a slight frown on her face. She said nothing and went back to her drawing. Tole: Tole looked over at Hogar, to try and tell what was wrong. Hogar: Hogar smiled at the child as if to reassure her, though he didn't look too convinced. Tole: She shrugged, and walked quietly towards the girl; "What you drawing?" Tole: Her tone was slightly softer than normal, trying not to sound as masculine as normal. Leofric: Leofric smiled at the young child with kind eyes as he made his way to the small room and glanced over the papers. He hooked a chair with his right boot and sat down on it. "You are right." He glanced over the main table and three smaller ones, "It will take some time. Ceorlben. I will do my best" He took one book and starts reading it. "Ed, want to help?" Leofric glanced over at Ed before studies the book seriously. Sleeping Dragon: there was only one chair in the room, however Ceorlben brought in others from a room across the corridor while Tole went to speak to the child. The girl seemed a bit wary of Tole. "It's my aunt's dog," she replied. Tole could see the girl had drawn some kind of sleek hunting dog, with surprising skill for one who appeared to be four or five. The girl continued her drawing and tried to avoid Tole's gaze. Tole: Tole smiled at the girl and her drawing; "You're very good. Do you like dogs a lot?" Sleeping Dragon: Ceorlben brought the last chair into the room. "This is the piece I'd start with," he said, picking up a piece of paper and laying it before Leofric. It was a map. "I think Dunstan was intending to go to this village here, Bexcheap, though I've never heard of it," he said. Leofric: Leo looked throughtfully, "I haven't heard of this place either." He glanced around at his fellows Leofric: as if they also heard of it Sleeping Dragon: "They can be scary, but Barbas is nice," she said. whispering to Hogar, Hogar remembered that Ealdorman Balnoth had once mentioned a village called Bexcheap, on the south side of Lake Spear. It had been a farming community and Balnoth had thought there had been a runestone there like the one on Helven Hill. Hogar: "I have, I think Baelnoth told us about it."said Hogar after some thought "South of lake Spear...and there might be a runestone there. " Hogar: edit: Balnoth Tole: Tole smirke to herself - yes, she thought to herself, dogs are indeed scary; "Is there anything else you like to draw?" Sleeping Dragon: "I like to draw everything," she said simply. Tole: "Oooooooh." Tole said with the kind of insincere enthusiasm adults gave to children; "Do you have any more drawings I can see?" Edmund: "Where did Dunstan get the map?" Edmund asked. Sleeping Dragon: "He drew it, from some fragments he found in other scrolls which I think he may have brought with him."
the girl brightened up at that. "Of course I do! What's your name? I'm Vilia." The girl stood up. Tole: Tole smiled, and crouched down so she was at eye level with the child. She spoke quietly, so only the child could here her whilst she spoke in her normal voice; "My name's Tole. Vilia is a pretty name." Leofric: Leo nodded in response, "Excellent, we can certainly keep an eye out for any references to these names as well the runestone." Sleeping Dragon: Vilia quickly ran into her room, and emerged holding a large pile of parchment - disorganised sheafs of which appeared to be endemic in Ceorlben's household. She flung them casually on the ground and began to show Tole a dazzling array of pictures, many of the same dog she was drawing, but also of people, flowers, places, and other things. Sleeping Dragon: Leofric, Hogar, and Edmund examined the notes for some time. As Ceorlben had told them, he had obviously been studying the history of Virians in Palania, though there were also a large number of works about the Plague Fields. Here and there they saw notes in Dunstan's strong, clear hand, written on scraps of parchment, though these were not easy to understand as some had been separated from whatever work it was that had led him to write it down to begin with. It seemed to them that the notes about the Plague Fields were the more recent of the two, though there was some overlap
After checking the notes for a long while, a few interesting passages came out at them. One was a scroll which contained the memoirs of a traveller, who had wandered through the region of Oswingas (which, a note of Dunstan's said, had been the name of the western part of the Plague Fields in previous years), and found runestones in villages called Bexcheap, Accingstead, and one the traveller could no longer recall the name of, on the bank of the Belas river. A note of Dunstan's speculated that this might be Stanburn, as that village's name reference a stone.
A second interesting item was written by a scholar approximately a hundred years ago, shortly after the dragon Caragaur had laid waste to Palania. It told a curious story from a region around Lake Spear near to the Camber Hills, about a warrior from the Great Forest, Elfhelm, who had rescued six children and their mothers from an undead cyclops by killing the creature with a silvered sword. The nearby villages had sought to honour Elfhelm with an amulet of Osoltan, and a feast in the name of the gods, but Elfhelm had politely refused, explaining that there was only one God. Though they had found the man strange, Elfhelm was said to have settled in the area and had children. A note of Dunstan's had fallen out of the scroll when they picked it up, referencing these passages and guessing that Elfhelm may have been the source of the documents Garmund was seeking. Sleeping Dragon: Vilia, meanwhile, continued to show Tole an array of pictures, speaking as she did. She had a number of pictures of her parents. Dunstan seemed to always have a slightly uncertain appearance to him in Vilia's pictures, a thin man who she seemed incapable of portraying without him carrying a quill, book, scroll, or some other such implement. Her mother Matlara was a dark-haired woman with a hooked nose and mischievous smile, and seemed always to be larger or in the foreground. "Oh, I should show you this, your friend reminded me of him," she said. She pulled out a picture of a short, stout, grim looking man with a broken nose and carrying a shield upon which was drawn the emblem of the Prophet's Star. "He came to speak to my father a few months ago, I don't know what they were talking about but he was very interesting. He had a sword made out of silver!" At this, Vilia showed Tole some of the pictures she had drawn of said weapon. Tole: Tole smiled, but also very sad seeing the love, creatively and imaginantion in the girl's drawings. She composed herself, as she asked the child; "Do you think I could show my friend this picture?" Tole: *also felt very Hogar: "That is an interesting tale..."said Hogar referring to Elfhelm and his heroic deed Leofric: "Could be true" Leo glanced over the list, "If only we can find out about this Garmund. Nevertheless, it could be that he decide to go into this land to find more documents?" Sleeping Dragon: Vilia nodded to Tole. Tole: Tole took the picture in her hand, being sure nont to harm the page in any way. She smiled sweetly at the child before she went to the others, saying softly; "I'll be back in a moment, and then we can look at more of your pictures, okay?" Sleeping Dragon: Leofric also made a few attempts to read a book he had found which appeared to be written in Old Gaston. He recognised at least the title, Cantwine's Compendium, however it was extremely slow-going as he was no great scholar of that tongue, and he was unable to learn anything useful. Sleeping Dragon: Vilia smiled at Tole and waited patiently Tole: Tole stood up, and walked towards Dunstan's study. She tried to get the attention of the others with a calm whisper. Edmund: Edmund came over to Tole, looking enquiringly at her. Leofric: Leofric looked angry at the fact he was unable to understand the book. In the end, he pushed the book with with almost sheer fury as he glanced at Tole. "What?" He quitely snapped waspishly Tole: She showed Edmund the picture; "Quite the artist, don't you think?" Hogar: "A holy warrior of sorts..."mused Hogar at the picture of the man Edmund: Edmund looked at the picture. "Who was this?" Tole: "She thought you looked like him, Hogar." Tole said, before she went on to recite the tale the child had told her, about a man with silver weapons who had come to visit Dunstan. Leofric: Curiously as to what Tole's picture is about, he took a glance at this picture and nodded with hint of approval. "This is very good sketch. One of the best I seen... Lot better than my sketch anyway." Hogar: "She did?"said Hogar "I can see that, I guess."he agreed "Still, what of him? Who would he be?" Leofric: "Maybe this is Garmund?" He considred this option Tole: "Garmund?" Tole enquired. Leofric: Leofric quickly explained the tales and replied that "Garmund is some unknown person that is seeking documents in the area apparently." Tole: Tole spoke quietly, but with a spark of venom in her voice; "And he convinced Dunstan to go with him?" Leofric: Leofric considered this for a moment, "Maybe, maybe not. At the moment, it appears so. The fact you mentioned he got silver sword does suggest he also went to Plague FIelds." Tole: Tole took a deep breath, before she calmly said; "I'm going back to talk to the girl. She could do with some attention, since her father never seemed to want to show her such. Let me know if you find anything." Tole: With that, Tole returned downstairs, giving the picture back to the girl. She continued to show interest in the girl's drawings for as long as she was eager to show her work. Edmund: "There are many questions," Edmund said rubbing his foreheard. "Why this interest in Virians?" Sleeping Dragon: "Why are your friends looking through my father's things?" Vilia asked Tole when she came back out Tole: As she sat down, Tole answered; "Well, we're going to see if we can find the man witth the silver sword, Vilia." Sleeping Dragon: "Oh, I hope you find him," she said. She furrowed her brow. "I think his name was Garmund, my father called him a pally dean. I don't know what that means, I think it might say in my father's books but Uncle Ceorlben doesn't want me to read through them." Leofric: "I would love to know that. Maybe this Ealdorman's adviser Ceorlben mentioned could enlighten us as well." Tole: "Pa - la - din" Tole said with a smile, as she told the girl; "It is a very brave knight that fights for God." Hogar: "Pally dean?"Hogar said "Ah...They are, yes."he agreed with Tole Sleeping Dragon: "Father said that Garmund only believed in one god," Vilia wrinkled her nose. "That's a bit strange, but I've never met a god anyway so I don't know what they're like." Hogar: edit: ignore Tole: "I haven't met God either." Tole smiled; "But I have faith that he exists, and I guess so did your father and Garmund." Tole: She paused for a moment; "... you can read books?" Sleeping Dragon: "No, my father believed in our gods. He had a ring my mother gave him which had the symbol of Cenwulf, do you know him? He's the god of skill." Vilia smiled. "My father was always reading, he taught me how to as well. Although I didn't get to as much as I wanted, mother always told me I had to let him concentrate while he was reading. I hope I can read with him more when he comes back." Tole: Tole felt very sad at the thought that he might not return, but said in a reassuring tone; "I hope so too Vilia. We believe in different things, but we can all still be friends, can't we?" Sleeping Dragon: "Of course we can! Here, I'll show you some more pictures..." she said, showing Tole more of her drawings.
The others, meanwhile, continued to pore over Dunstan's books, but with very little success. They kept their eyes out for mentions of Bexcheap, runestones, or the Virian Way, but in such a mountain of information it was difficult to see what was relevant. Leo continued to try to decipher Cantwine's Compendium, but it had been so long since he read Old Gaston that he could barely make out one word in five. It appeared to be a quite diverse collection of tales, probably written about a hundred and fifty years ago though referring to much older events in many places. Sleeping Dragon: Edmund was surprised to find a scroll written by someone who obviously had been a Virian. The exact date was not mentioned, though it appeared to have been written by someone who had fled to Palania during the reign of the Dark Lord. This missionary had spent some time in Wapanstede, and mentioned a curious incident in which he met someone who came from a village on the south shore of Lake Spear. To the writer's surprise, when he explained the Virian Way to this person he already knew, and said he was a Virian himself. The writer had wished to make more contact with the man, but he had seemed nervous and took the first opportunity to flee.
Hogar, meanwhile, read a report written by an adviser to one Ealdorman Herewulf of Middlemere. The report explained that Ealdorman Horsa of Wapanstede had recently brought to his court a number of mages affiliated to a strange Fryderi cult, and that the leader of these mages, Grundni, often travelled to the runestone outside of Wapanstede and spent time meditating there. Hogar: "Mages and cults..."muttered Hogar "Sounds dangerous, but could be worth checking." Sleeping Dragon: Ceorlben came upstairs, smiled at Tole and Vilia, and went into the study. It was now late afternoon. "My wife will return from visiting her friend soon, I'd be happy for you to stay for dinner. Have you learned anything about what happened to Dunstan?" Edmund: Edmund read out what he had found. "There seems to be a Viirian connection with that area near Lake Spear. This would probably be the place to head for." Leofric: Leofric nodded for a moment, "We believe that he went with this Garmund who is seeking documents in the area." Sleeping Dragon: "My brother made a few references to someone called Garmund, Vilia said he was someone who came to speak to Dunstan but I never met him." Ceorlben thought. "Dunstan left on his own, as far as I know, but he hired some guards in a village called Leoringas not far from the Fields. Maybe he met this Garmund there?" Edmund: Edmund nodded. "We could check there on our way." Sleeping Dragon: "Do you mean to go today? It's perilous to stay the night in the Plague Fields although I fear if you're making for Lake Spear you'll probably have to spend a few nights. Our father said it used to take two days to reach Wapanstede, but it's much harder to travel in the Fields now." Edmund: Edmund held up the map. "This dotted line is the road from here?" he asked Ceorlben. "It passes right through the Plague Fields if so." Sleeping Dragon: "I don't think it's a road," Ceorlben replied. "I'm not aware of any road there, I think it was just the path my brother meant to take." Edmund: "Do you think the stars mark the position of runestones," Edmund asked Leofric. "There was one at Stanburn wasn't there? And there's a mark at Stanfax too." Leofric: "Yes, it does sound like that." Leofric nodded, "I was wondering about something. "What about this Ealdorman's adviser you are referring to? Do you know which one?" He asked Ceorlben Hogar: "There was this runestone outside Wapanstede, apparently this 'Grundgni', an advisor to ealdorman Horsa, spent a lot of time there..." Hogar: add:"And he was involved with magic and cults. I wonder what he was up to." Sleeping Dragon: Ceorlben examined the passage. "Well Herewulf was the Ealdorman here during the war, which was right after I was born. I don't know who this mage Grundni would be, I've never heard of him. People here don't talk very much about Wapanstede...the Ealdorman led us to break our oaths to come to their aid." Sleeping Dragon: the party stayed and ate with Ceorlben, his wife, and Vilia, who sat next to Tole and continued to talk to her throughout the meal. Ceorlben laid a good table and they were truly stuffed by the time they had finished. Ceorlben offered to allow Leofric to borrow Cantwine's Compendium, though he expected it back. "I imagine it will fetch a good price, but it could help you find Dunstan," he said quietly. "My brother always wore a ring with the symbol of the god Cenwulf, which is an eye laid into a forge. The eye on Dunstan's ring is a ruby so it should be easy to find. I'll pay you 500 silvers each if you can return it to me and put my brother at ease. I probably needn't tell you Virians this, but use fire on anything you kill in there or they'll come back again." Sleeping Dragon: the party decided they would stay the night in Middlemere before heading out in the morning. Ceorlben did not have the room to put them up, so they returned to Middlemere and found an inn. Leofric continued to pore over Cantwine's Compendium, growing more accustomed to the peculiarities of the writing style and old runes used in the script. He was flipping through the pages when the Old Gaston inscription for 'runestone' leapt out at him on the page. Reading excitedly, he saw it was a descripton of a tale dating back about three hundred years ago, about a village called Stanstede far to the north in the foothills of the Old Mountains. The tale said the locals had been plagued with nightmares and restless spirits because the nearby runestone had somehow been corrupted. The villagers were able to find peace after a sorcerer, Ryrthwold of Redeburna, came and was able to cleanse the stone of its evil. Leofric: Leo looked tired but delighted at his success, he explained the tale to the group. He also suggested his idea that maybe some runestones are corrupted, causing this curse however making clear that this idea is very unlikely. Edmund: "It's one explanation," Edmund mused. "And if it were the case, there would be a chance of the curse being lifted."
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Post by sleepingdragon on Jun 15, 2013 23:36:37 GMT
whispering to Arianhod, Arianhod had followed word of Garmund to the town of Middlemere, where, she learned, he had spoken to a scholar called Dunstan. Dunstan, it appeared, had vanished into the Plague Fields along with Garmund, however Arianhod was able to trace the man's brother, a merchant Ceorlben. Ceorlben was surprised to see her, and mentioned that he had already hired a group to go into the Plague Fields to search for his brother, who had been around only a few hours ago. Apparently they were staying at the small estate of the Werling family, a minor group of nobles near the edge of the forest called the Darkholt Arianhod: (whispering): Arianhod thanked the man and headed for the estate. Traveling in a group was preferable to working alone. Sleeping Dragon: Sleeping Dragon: the party decided they would stay the night in Middlemere before heading out in the morning. Ceorlben did not have the room to put them up, so they returned to Middlemere and found an inn. Leofric continued to pore over Cantwine's Compendium, growing more accustomed to the peculiarities of the writing style and old runes used in the script. He was flipping through the pages when the Old Gaston inscription for 'runestone' leapt out at him on the page. Reading excitedly, he saw it was a descripton of a tale dating back about three hundred years ago, about a village called Stanstede far to the north in the foothills of the Old Mountains. The tale said the locals had been plagued with nightmares and restless spirits because the nearby runestone had somehow been corrupted. The villagers were able to find peace after a sorcerer, Ryrthwold of Redeburna, came and was able to cleanse the stone of its evil. Leofric: Leo looked tired but delighted at his success, he explained the tale to the group. He also suggested his idea that maybe some runestones are corrupted, causing this curse however making clear that this idea is very unlikely. Edmund: "It's one explanation," Edmund mused. "And if it were the case, there would be a chance of the curse being lifted." whispering to Arianhod, Arianhod reached the Werling estate in the middle of the night, and encountered a huntsman called Brictmund. Brictmund told her there was a party that had recently rescued the daughter of Lord Renweard, the lord of the manor, who were staying at the estate and were planning to set out on a venture the next morning. "They're sleeping now, shall I let the Lord know you're here and we can inform them when they've woken?" Arianhod: (whispering): Arianhod nodded to the man. "Yes, that would be fine. Is there somewhere nearby I can rest the night? An inn?" whispering to Arianhod, "We can put you up in the servant's quarters on the estate, if m'lord is agreeable of course. Which he's likely to be, he's been pleased since Synne returned." Arianhod: (whispering): "Mmm. That'd be fine. Thank you. And thank your lord as well, if he agrees." whispering to Arianhod, Brictmund was able to arrange this with Lord Renweard, and Arianhod was able to catch a few hours sleep at the estate Sleeping Dragon: with this clue about the corrupted runestone, the party awoke prepared to head out into the Plague Fields. They were surprised, however, when Elswyth, head of the serving women, told them that a woman had arrived in the night asking after the party. Tole: Tole ensured she was looking as in-character as possible before leaving her chambers. Hogar: "Who could it be?"said a frowning Hogar "Hopefully we didn't make an enemy..." Tole: "We've made many.... " said Tole, slinking into the shadowiest corner, just in case. Leofric: Leofric rubbed his eyes as well, "I suppose we will see soon enough. Let meet her." Sleeping Dragon: "Should I bring her up to you, masters, or do you want to go to her?" Elswyth asked Leofric: Leofric glanced at Elswyth and nodded, "Let meet her here. Bring her in." He glanced at Edmund and shook him for his attention. Edmund: "Sorry, I was thinking." Edmund said, looking about the room. "Perhaps we should see her downstairs." Leofric: Leofric smiled slightly, "That would be a better idea." Leofric readies himself for the task ahead to follow Elswyth downstair Sleeping Dragon: Elswyth led the party down to the serving quarters. "I'll wake her up, one moment," she said, opening the door a crack and heading inside. whispering to Arianhod, Elswyth woke Arianhod with a gentle shake on her shoulder. "They're outside, have a moment to wake and I'll bring them inside." Elswyth turned her back to Arianhod to allow her to clothe herself Edmund: "Don't disturb her Elswyth," Edmund called to her. "We can wait for her to wake." Arianhod: (whispering): "Thank you." Arianhod replied and got herself dressed. She didn't don her armor yet, but kept her hatchet at her belt. "Any time is fine." She said finally, tying her hair back. whispering to Arianhod, Arianhod looked askance at the hatchet, but said nothing, heading out of the room. Sleeping Dragon: Elswyth emerged a short time later. "She's ready now," she said, and opened the door to lead the party in. A woman was waiting for them inside. whispering to Arianhod, *Elswyth! Arianhod: The woman had just finished tying her dark blond hair back in a ponytail. She was tall, and though she wasn't particularly broad, her arms were clearly well muscled, with a few scars standing out against her tanned skin. She was wearing an undyed, sleaveless tunic and trousers. She might be considered pretty, if she didn't have a seemingly perpetual frown on her face. She nodded to the group in greeting. Tole: Tole waited outside, out of view. Edmund: "Good morning," Edmund addressed the woman politely. "We were told you wished to see us?" Hogar: Hogar looked at the woman and nodded in silent greeting as he let Ed handle the talking Arianhod: The woman nodded. "I had spoken to Ceorlben and heard you were headed into the Plague Fields. I'm headed there as well. Traveling in a group would be safer." Edmund: Edmund looked surprised. "Would you tell us the reason why you need to travel to the Plague Fields?" Arianhod: "I'm looking for a man." The woman replied, crossing her arms. "Last information I had, he had gone into the fields with a man named Dunstan, who, I understand, you're looking for." Edmund: "Would his name be Garmund?" Edmund asked. Arianhod: The woman nodded. "Yes, that's him." Hogar: "We do week him out."said Hogar "And one more fighter would help with the undead, if not with the disease..."he added noticing the woman's weapons Leofric: Leofric eyed Arianhod over curiously, "Well, that is a stoke of luck." He looked thoughtfully, "It seems he was responsible for leading Dunstan to Plague Field. But I have to admit that your logic is unassailable concerning travel in group." He glanced at his peers Hogar: edit:seek him out Tole: From the doorway, Tole asked; "Who is this Garmund to you?" Edmund (enter): 21:39 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (2688) Edmund... Edmund: "You do realise both of them have most likely succumbed to the evils of the Plague Fields?" Edmund asked, not unkindly. "Unless they had some method for resisting them." Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(2681) Edmund' from room... Edmund (exit): 21:40 Arianhod: "Hmm?" The woman turned to the questioner. "He's a friend of my father's. Regardless of whether he's dead or alive, I'd like to find him." Edmund: Edmund nodded. "If you are to travel with us, we should at least know each other's names. I am Edmund." Arianhod: "Arianhod." The woman replied, nodding. Hogar: "Hogar."the man said simply Tole: "Tole," added the slender 'man' by the doorway. Leofric: Leofric introduced himself cheerfully, "My name is Leofric, Nice to meet you." Tole: "We should be going, if we are to find thr girl's father in any form at all." Tole scowled, as she walked off. Arianhod: "A pleasure to meet you all." Arianhod replied after the introductions were through. Edmund: "If we are all ready, we can leave now," Edmund said looking over the rest. Tole: Tole, atypically, had already disappeared. Leofric: He removed a lint from his brand new armour and nodded as he hefted his Erse swords back and went out with the group Sleeping Dragon: the party stopped to eat before heading out. As they were finishing, young Dunstan came down to see them, carrying a book and looking as if he'd not slept much. "I can't believe you're going to look for someone in the Plague Fields, and that he has the same name as me as well," he said. "Be careful. Ealdorman Herewulf's son Heregrim went into the Fields with a dozen Thegns and priests to try to atone for his father's sins and lift the curse. Heregrim was the only one who ever came out, and he went back a few days later and was never seen again." Edmund: Edmund clapped the young man on the arm. "We'll be back, never fear." Sleeping Dragon: Dunstan winced at Edmund's blow and inched away. "I...yes, never fear, of course." Arianhod: Arianhod emerged from the room in her armor, with her axe in hand. She had a leather backpack with a long object wrapped in linen strapped to it. Sleeping Dragon: Dunstan, a lanky young man of about sixteen, gaped at Arianhod, looked fearful for a moment, and then swallowed and said nothing. Arianhod: Arianhod raised an eyebrow at the young man's gawking, but said nothing and waited for the others to finish their preparations. Leofric: Leofric nodded seriously at Dunstan, agreeing with Edmund "We will be back. See you later, Dunstan." he replied. He looked thoughtfully at Arianhod, nodding with a hint of approval. Edmund: Edmund also had a long wrapped object which the others had seen him bring back from the town. This he thrust into his pack, before hoisting it on his back. "No horses in the plague fields unfortunately. Not unless we want then to be undead." Sleeping Dragon: "Make sure you can make fire," Dunstan said quietly. "There've been raids into the Plague Fields before to cut down the numbers, you need to burn them or they'll be back again." Hogar: Hogar brought some extra healing supplies with him, obviously expecting that they would have to use them. He looked with some wariness at the objects poking out of Arianhod and Edmud's packs. Edmund: Edmund nodded. "I have flints." Sleeping Dragon: "You might want oil and cloth as well. There aren't many trees in the Plague Fields." Dunstan shivered. Edmund: Edmund asked one of the servants if there was any spare oil, and some old clothes for rags. Sleeping Dragon: Elswyth had these rounded up and brought to Edmund, as well as dried food and filled wineskins and a few bottles of wine. "You'll not want to be drinking the water in that cursed place, masters," she said. "Save the wine for wounds, I'd say. They're not the finest vintages." Edmund: Edmund smiled. "That is very kind of you." Arianhod: Arianhod had some rations and a waterskin of her own, but would take extras if offered. Sleeping Dragon: "It's the least we can do after you returned the young mistress to us," Elswyth replied with a smile. Leofric: Leofric thanked Elswyth and the servants as he accepted almost week worth of rations and water. He told Dunstan, "Thanks for your useful suggestions." He went out with the group. Hogar: Hogar too thanked Elswyth as he added the supplies to his pack before leaving with the others Sleeping Dragon: the party left the Werling estate and made their way towards the Plague Fields. the map Ceorlben had given them indicated that Dunstan and Garmund had intended to make a stop at a village called Leoringas, not far from the edge of the Fields, so they made for there.
An hour or so before mid-day, the party came to Leoringas, a little farming village of about a hundred inhabitants. On the north and east sides which faced the Fields, the villagers had dug a deep ditch and driven wooden spikes into the earth, to deter any creatures that might emerge from the Fields. Some miles away, at the edge of their vision, the party could see the stone fortress of Wannworth that the Ealdorman of Middlemere had raised to protect his people from the undead, and beyond that they dimly saw a strange mist. Edmund: "That looks unpleasant," Edmund said, gazing at the distant mist. Hogar: "Eerily so. Who knows that lurks there?" Leofric: Leofric nodded, "I believe we will soon know enough. Might be worth asking the village if they know abour the men we are looking for?" He glanced around the poor suffering villagers. Leofric: Leofric started asking around about the men they were looking for as well any potential problems or advices on the plagues. Leofric: Fields* Leofric: Edit: Or any recent attacks. Sleeping Dragon: the party asked around in Leoringas. It took a little while, but soon Leofric spoke to a fyrdsman, who carried a silver-tipped spear and wore a silver ring and amulet which bore the tri-coloured Prophet's Star, who proved friendly. "Those ones? Went out...three and a half weeks ago maybe? Scholar came here alone and met up with that paladin, he'd somehow convinced three mercenaries to go with them. I told that scholar not to trust the man, never any good come of listening to schismatics. They're likely dead now, not much use going after them." Arianhod: Arianhod stepped up to the man. "Are there any villages within the fields? Active, ruined, it doesn't matter." She asked. Leofric: Leofric nodded sternly, "Indeed, they should never went in there in the first place." He sighed for a moment before asking, "Were there any attacks recently? Anything out of ordinary? What take for ordinary in this place anyway." Sleeping Dragon: "Not been an attack on Leoringas for two years, the Thegns at Wannworth usually catch any of the abominations trying to slip out." Edmund: "Have the attacks got more frequent or fewer do you know?" Edmund asked. "Or does it remain the same?" Sleeping Dragon: "There's dead villages in the Plague Fields, the curse came all at once and everyone died," the fyrdsman said to Arianhod. "Of course there was a war on when the curse came so many of them were already burned." Sleeping Dragon: "Fewer, the Council have been coordinating so the Thegns in the three fort raid regularly and burn the bastards. Though many of them don't come out anyway, seem happy to stay defending the Fields for God knows what reason." Edmund: Edmund thanked the man, looking thoughtful. Arianhod: "Hmm... Thank you." Arianhod thanked the man as well, crossing her arms. Leofric: Leofric also thanked the fyrdsman and wished him well. Sleeping Dragon: "You've silver weapons and can make fire, yes?" The fyrdsman asked. Edmund: "We have, we've been well advised." Edmund replied. Sleeping Dragon: "Good. God be with you." Hogar: "From what I heard around, some of the undead there keep traces of their intelligence and rule over the others, which don't have much initiative otherwise. That's the ones we should really watch out for..."Hogar explained as they walked Leofric: Leofric nodded silently before continuing. He did however glanced at Hogar as if he was surprised by knowledges and smiled with hint of approval. Arianhod: Arianhod walked in silence, but stopped whenever they passed a tree to gather sticks and branches at least half a meter long. Sleeping Dragon: the party headed out, continuing to follow the route Dunstan's map had indicated. About a half hour after departing from Leoringas, they noticed the ground turned cracked and parched, like the chapped lips of a beggar, and the trees were without leaves despite the spring. As they came nearer the mist the sound of birdsong died. Their breathing seemed alarmingly loud and ragged in their ears, and their footsteps like thundering hooves against the stillness. As it came nearer to noon, the day grew darker as the mist grew greater and the sun and sky vanished above them. Tole: Tole put her sickles to her side, and brought out the scythe from her back, putting herself on alert. Hogar: Hogar held his shield and silver axe tightly, looking at the mist with worry Edmund: Edmund wrapped a scarf around his mouth & nose, & pulled the hood of his cloak up, then readied his sling. Arianhod: Arianhod glanced up at where the sun should be, then noticing Edmund's idea, did the same before starting to plant her gathered sticks in the ground as they walked, making sure that there was always at least one visible before planting another. Leofric: Leofric glanced around and shivered for a moment, his eyes at guards at all time to be prepared for any dangers. "I do not like this mist." He whispered to himself. He fingered his sliver sword hilt. Inspired by Edmund's example, he also wore something on his nose and mouth as if it will protect his living body from the strange airs. Tole: Tole mouthed a prayer as she walked through the mists,still being weary for any of the supposed undead. Hogar: Hogar wrapped his cloak tighly around himself as he muttered a few words of prayer Tole: Tole looked back at Hogar, and put one finger to her lips; shhhhhh, her mind said, there's undead about. Sleeping Dragon: as they prayed, Leofric drew upon the lessons he had received from the Church. The Prophet himself, he reminded them, had been stricken with plague once, but this had not stopped him. When all his other kinsmen had abandoned him, the Prophet's cousin, the blessed Saint Elfhelm, had remained true to him and shielded him, allowing him to make his way to Mount Maragar. On the holy mountain, he had thrown down the false god Osoltan, and the true God had revealed the Virian Way to him and healed his sickness. Indeed, the Festival of Awakening, the sacred time of year which commemorated the Prophet's revelation on Mount Maragar, was but a week away, and during that time Virians were instructed to tend to the sick, knowing God would protect them from illness. This was truly a propitious time to undertake this journey. Edmund: Edmund thanked Leo quietly. "You have reminded us why we should not fear." Hogar: Hogar felt relieved to hear Leofric's recounting of the Prophet's life. "Let us go on then!"he whispered Arianhod: Arianhod didn't reply, choosing instead to rely on her trail markers. Sleeping Dragon: they strode forward, the mist wrapping round them, swallowing them. As they went, they abruptly were buffeted by a terrible wind, shrieking like the agonised wail of a thousand widows, biting through their clothes and freezing them to the bone, to the soul. Ash scattered in their faces, and ahead through the mist they saw the handiwork of Wannworth's Thegns. Blackened bones, mortified flesh, and broken and rusted weapons lay in a great heap. As they continued towards it, the wind did not cease for an instant. Edmund: Edmund could not suppress a shudder, but then he wrapped the scarf tighter and forced his way head down into the vile wind. Leofric: Leofric finding it hard to explain anything over the howling winds decided to keep going. Sleeping Dragon: the party continued on into the Fields. With the terrible wind, shrouding mist, and lack of light, it was difficult to make sure they did not turn about in circles. Arianhod continued to drive her stakes into the ground while Tole and Hogar went to check to make sure they did not stray, and Leofric pointed out to them the occult trickery of the mist and allowed them to pierce its deviltry. Following the map, they made their way towards the ruined village of Stanburn, on the southern fork of the Belas river. Sleeping Dragon: they made their way on. As time went on they believed it was night in the outside world, however time seemed to have lost its meaning in this place. They might otherwise have looked up to the reassuring sight of the Prophet's Star above, but even God's light, it seemed, could not pierce the terrible mist. They made some headway, however despite their efforts they thought they did circle about at times, and did not make as good progress as they had earlier in the day. They had now spent perhaps half a day in the Fields, and they thought there were but a few hours from Stanburn. Sleeping Dragon: the party stopped briefly to eat and take their bearings. The rations Elswyth had given them seemed rotten in their mouths. There could be no joy in this place. A deep malaise seemed to settle over them, their skin prickling as if unseen insects were crawling upon their bodies. whispering to Tole, the wind had settled deep into Tole, screaming in her head, mocking her. It was pointless to hope they could ever survive this place. Leofric: Leofric noticed that Tole looked downcast and was extremely concerned. He immediately talked to Tole about not losing hope and God is everywhere; He recited the incantations and invocations calling upon God to keep this person safe from evil powers. But it seems that it does have some effects. Tole: "This place brings you down... " sighed Tole; "But you're right... God is with us, and we have people to help... let us press on. I have a renewed hope now." Hogar: Hogar looked positively impressed by Leofric's reinvigoration of Tole Sleeping Dragon: they pressed on into the early hours of the night. The bond between Leofric and Tole seemed to have strengthened, and together they easily led the party through the darkness. After about an hour, the wind abruptly changed. For all this time they had been walking into the gale, but now it swung as if it had a will of its own towards the northeast, now whipping at their backs. Leofric explained that the wind blew always towards either Middlemere or Bluebrycg, as if Ealdorman Horsa wielded the wind as his voice to forever cast opprobium upon the cities that had abandoned him in his hour of need.
After another three hours, they saw the banks of the Belas river ahead of them. They crested a low hill and below they saw part of the ruins of the village of Stanburn. On the south bank, there lay the long burned out remnants of farms and peasants shacks. The river was spanned by a broad stone bridge which seemed to be in the ancient Alanian style, and across the span they could see some buildings remained standing. whispering to Edmund, gazing across the water, Edmund noticed two small shacks that remained standing, and what seemed to be a small stable behind them. He blinked, then suddenly realised that two skeletal figures clutching bows were pressed to the walls of the shacks, gazing out at them and fingering arrows. whispering to Edmund, after a moment, he realised the building was indeed a stable, and he thought he could see the form of some kind of rotting horse through a hole in the wall. A rotting horse that moved... Edmund: Edmund gestured to the others to get down. "Undead - two - with bows by that stable. Horse inside it." he whispered urgently.
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Post by sleepingdragon on Jun 25, 2013 17:22:45 GMT
Sleeping Dragon: Edmund gestured to the others to get down. "Undead - two - with bows by that stable. Horse inside it." he whispered urgently.
They looked where Edmund had pointed and saw them as well - two skeletal figures clutching bows, pressed to the walls of the shacks, utterly still, looking out towards them. The creatures sockets were empty, gaping holes with only a faint hint of purplish black light within, so it was hard to tell whether they had actually spotted the party or whether they stood sentry in this manner all the time. Behind the shacks was a ruined stable, and through a hole in one of the slats they could see a rotting wreckage of horseflesh, moving very slightly. Sleeping Dragon: Leofric reminded the group that the undead could generally survive the loss of limbs - only blows to the head or body were certain to destroy them. As well, the skeletons were resistant to cutting or thrusting weapons, though they had no protection against blunt weapons like Edmund's sling bullets Tole: Tole cautiously walked over the bridge, scythe in hands, bracing herself to dodge out of the way of any incoming arrows. Edmund: Edmund quickly moved up behind Tole & let loose a silver bullet in the direction of one the furthermost skeleton. The bullet shot past the undead skull & burst in pieces against the wall of the shack behind. Edmund cursed softly. Sleeping Dragon: the two skeletons fired. One arrow sailed wide of Tole and landed in the river, while the second hit Edmund in the arm, but failed to penetrate his armour Tole: Tole flinced slightly as the arrows fired, feeling the adrenaline rush inside her as she braced herself. Sleeping Dragon: the rotting horseflesh kicked into movement and burst out of the stable. The ancient steed was chewed by maggots, its flesh a blackened ruin. Atop the steed rode a skeletal warrior, waving a longsword and battered shield which bore the emblem of a bloody spear laying on a bridge. The skeletal horseman stood near the bridge, hissing its challenge to Edmund and Tole Sleeping Dragon: Arianhod strode forward to stand by Tole, wielding a silvered axe in one hand and a lantern in the other Leofric: Leofric's eyes looked at the horseman in surprise as the horseman entered the fray. He gripped his slivered shortsword even hard and launched himself forward, following Edmund and others. Sleeping Dragon: two rotting corpses of men, wielding short swords, emerged from behind a shack and the stable, and moved forward towards the bridge Hogar: Hogar strode forth, axe and shield in hand and eyeing the skeletons with violence in his eyes Sleeping Dragon: two skeletal figures, also wielding short swords, emerged and advanced towards the bridge Tole: Seeing the undead assemble at the bridge, Tole rushes towards their apparent leader, and swung her scythe at its carrion stead. Her swing was met with reprisal, and she stammers back as her scythe was deflected away from the horse. Sleeping Dragon: the archers drew arrows and nocked them Sleeping Dragon: the horseman slashed down at Tole, landing a light blow on her arm and drawing some blood Sleeping Dragon: Arianhod charged forward, slashing the horse in the face with her silvered axe. It reared and screamed with pain, but did not fall Leofric: Leofric looked annoyed at the sight of Tole getting hurt and rushed forward with his sword glistening in the darkness across the bridge. Sleeping Dragon: two zombies moved forward, stabbing at Leofric and Arianhod with their shortswords, but both missed their mark Hogar: Axe raised high, Hogar ran forward and buried the weapon deep into the undead's horse head, which was now a gory putrified mess. The creature still stood however. Sleeping Dragon: the two skeletons advanced, striking at Arianhod and Hogar, and managing to lightly wound the latter. Tole: With Arionhod and Hogar flanking the beast, Tole was able to swing her scythe once more and decapitate the horseman's steed. Sleeping Dragon: the two skeletons fired. One shot at Edmund, who hurled himself to the ground, noticing the faded Alanian letters on the bridge as he did, while the second shot was aimed at Hogar, but went past him and struck Tole instead, failing to penetrate her armour Sleeping Dragon: the horseman rose ponderously, sword and shield at the ready Sleeping Dragon: Arianhod flashed out with her silver axe, hammering past the horseman's upraised shield and striking it heavily in the head Leofric: Leofric looked grim as he attempted his practise from the Estate's retired swordman, to his surprise, he managed to hit the head straight on. The blow damaged the head severally, spurtting all over. His enemy fell to the ground, headless. Hogar: Hogar hacked at the horseman's neck but couldn't quite chop all the way and the undead abomination was left standing Sleeping Dragon: the two weaker skeletons attacked, swinging their shortswords at Arianhod and Hogar. The first seemed about to strike the woodswoman, but she twisted, caught the blow on the head of her axe, and twisted. The shortsword skittered away and landed just at the edge of the water Tole: Tole span her scythe up towards the horseman's head. The blow was powerful enough to send the creature's head flying. Sleeping Dragon: the archers drew new arrows Sleeping Dragon: Arianhod struck out with her axe, felling a zombie Leofric: Leofric went toward to a skeleton and waved his sword but went between the bones itself. Leofric: EDIT: not hitting anything. Hogar: Hogar slammed his shield into the sword arm of the closest skeleton, shattering it and knocking the undead abomination into the shack's wall, prone Hogar: add: at the feet of the skeleton archer, who fumbled and lost its arrow Tole: With the momentum gained from decapitating the horseman, Tole swung forward and knocked off a further skeleton head. She grinned; "They should make this a festival event." Sleeping Dragon: the archers continued to reload their bows, one nocking the arrow to the string while the other drew a new arrow Leofric: Leofric once more attempted to hit the enemy but alas, missed once more. There is lot of space in a skeleton he conlcuded. Hogar: Hogar attacked one of the skeleton archers, his chop breaking off a small part of its skull Sleeping Dragon: one of the skeletons stabbed at Leofric, missing widely, while the other, on the ground and lacking an arm, wrapped its remaining arm around Hogar's ankle, dragging the surprised warrior down to the cracked earth Tole: Another head flew off from a skeleton body; "I make that 3 and a horse!" Sleeping Dragon: one of the archers shot at Tole, failing to penetrate her armour, while the other dropped its bow and grimly drew a shortsword, looming over Hogar on the ground Edmund: Having spent time throwing himself out of the way of arrows & reloading his sling, Edmund finally took a shot at the wretched skeleton which had been firing at him. It struck the bony skull of the thing & a chip of bone flew off. Sleeping Dragon: Arianhod advanced on the archer standing over Hogar, slashing with her axe, but the undead caught the blow on its sword. Leofric: Leofric made a run toward Archer and attempted to hit it but overshot his arm Hogar: Muttering something under his breath, Hogar got back on his feet, eyeing the one-armed skeleton at his feet with spite Sleeping Dragon: the one-armed skeleton also rose next to Hogar Tole: Tole walked up to the archer and smashed her scythe into its head, surprised that the skeleton's head didn't simply fly off; "Little more sturdy than the others!" Sleeping Dragon: Arianhod also smashed the other archer in the head with her axe, damaging it severely and pressing it against the shack Leofric: Leofric gave a wan smile at Tole before trying to hit the skeleton but missed Hogar: Hogar smashed the skull of the one-armed skeleton with a savage blow. He looked pretty satisfied after he did so. Sleeping Dragon: the party descended on the damaged archers, smashing them to bits.
Once the undead were destroyed, Arianhod dragged bits of flammable debris out of the buildings and began to make a pyre, taking oil from Edmund. "We need to burn the bodies, best to do that when we're ready to leave though. The light could draw more of the things down on us." Leofric: Leofric nodded at the wise words of Arianhod. He pointed out that the symbol on the horseman is the personal emblem of Orlege who had been Aaldorman of Bluebeycg. "However, I think it is his armsman rather than himself." Leofric: EDIT: He finished Sleeping Dragon: the party now had time, as the battle had finished, to notice the Alanian letters on the bridge, though these were badly worn with time and travel Hogar: While Arianhod gathered fuel for a pyre, Hogar dealt with his and Tole's wounds. Luckily they were both fairly minor. Hogar: "You could keep the shield, you know."Hogar said to Leofric "Hopefully it doesn't carry any of the curse..." whispering to Leofric, Leofric saw that the letters repeated many times across the bridge. They said this bridge had been built to commemorate the victory of General Aramine, who had won a mighty victory over the barbarians, destroying their priestess and many others with flame. They dedicated their victory to the Emperor Gerulf, in whose name they worked to conquer Far Alania. Tole: "Is anything in this place not cursed?" sneered Tole, rubbing her scratched arm slightly. Edmund: Whille the others were working, Edmund went to the end of the bridge, looked down into the dark water & scanned the surrounding area, then walked carefully into the shack & stable to see what remained. Sleeping Dragon: very little remained - there was some piles of long rotted food, tools and weapons that had gone to rust, and ragged clothing. Edmund did find a small number of old silver and copper coins by scrounging through several shacks Leofric: Leofric muttered few words in strange words as he glanced across the worn away letter and told them. "This bridge celebrate the victory of a General called Aramine who won a victory over what they called barbarians. They burnt many barbarians and their priestess. Their victory in the name of Emperor Gerulf." He sighed for a moment, "If only I pay far more attention in my lesson on history...." Leofric shook his head for a moment, "Nothing that helps us with our current difficult circumstance anyway." Edmund: Edmund returned outside & looked at the coins by torchlight. Leofric: EDIT: Barbarians replaced by Forerunners. The people who created the runestones or so I heard. Sleeping Dragon: the coins had been minted long ago, and had on them a symbol of a seven-pointed star in a circle Sleeping Dragon: Edmund recognised the symbol as that of Richead, the pagan Gaston god of trade, commerce, and crossroads. Leofric added that in Gaston lore, Richead was sometimes known as the Double God, and folk said that in his persona as Rictomar he was the god of theft, though others asserted that Rictomar was Richead's jealous and idle brother. Leofric recalled that Ealdorman Balnoth had told them that there was a great temple to Richead in Bluebrycg, and the natives there gladly paid tribute to the god and both his faces. Edmund: Edmund slipped the coins into a pouch & stowed them away. Sleeping Dragon: they piled the bodies on Arianhod's pyre and burned them before moving on, Leofric, Hogar, and Tole guiding them again through the mist. they continued on for another three hours. By this time it was late at night, and their strength was beginning to fade, as they had been in the Plague Fields now for nearly twenty hours and had spent a few hours travelling before that. Sleeping Dragon: they decided to rest, seeking out a sheltered spot so the undead could not find them. Tole found it hard to sleep and ended up taking first watch, but eventually she was able to get there. In the morning, they awoke, their dreams having universally been nightmares, of attacks by the dead and of betrayal by their close loved ones. They could feel the curse weighing down upon them as they prepared to set out again Sleeping Dragon: Leofric noticed that Arianhod appeared to be particularly troubled and downcast, so he performed a short ritual and was able to prevent the demonic spirits from settling in her
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Post by sleepingdragon on Jun 29, 2013 23:37:32 GMT
Sleeping Dragon: Sleeping Dragon: they piled the bodies on Arianhod's pyre and burned them before moving on, Leofric, Hogar, and Tole guiding them again through the mist. they continued on for another three hours. By this time it was late at night, and their strength was beginning to fade, as they had been in the Plague Fields now for nearly twenty hours and had spent a few hours travelling before that. Sleeping Dragon: they piled the bodies on Arianhod's pyre and burned them before moving on, Leofric, Hogar, and Tole guiding them again through the mist. they continued on for another three hours. By this time it was late at night, and their strength was beginning to fade, as they had been in the Plague Fields now for nearly twenty hours and had spent a few hours travelling before that. Sleeping Dragon: the party set out, continuing towards Lake Spear. On their first day in the Fields, they had with some regularity come across evidence of the handiwork of the Thegns in Wannworth, finding the occasional pile of ash where they had destroyed some undead. Now as they pushed further into the Fields they found fewer of these, and eventually they stopped altogether.
they progressed on towards the northern fork of the Belas river, which split further to the northwest. This land had obviously been fertile farmland before the war, and they passed through a number of ruined villages and farmsteads. There were few signs of bodies or graves, which, they knew, was common for villages attacked by the dragonspawn - there was no need to bury or burn what one was going to raise. Leofric: Leofric shivered as he glanced across all these empty villages. His eyes still wary from any potential sudden attacks from terrible walking dead. "The sooner we finish this, the better. Leofric muttered to himself as his hand came up and stroke his hairs down. Hogar: "Monsters."said Hogar surveying the destruction caused by the dragonspawn "I hope to kill a few someday."he added spitefully Leofric: He glanced with hint of agreement at Hogar, "Sound like a fine idea, Hogar!" Edmund: Edmind walked beside the others but his mind seemed to be elsewhere. Occasionally he even hummed a bit of a tune, which they didn't recognise. Sleeping Dragon: they continued on for a few hours and eventually reached the south bank of the Belas' north fork. The murky river was not safe to swim, Leofric told them, and it took them perhaps twenty minutes of hunting through the mist before they came to a relatively narrow spot at which, it seemed, someone had constructed a makeshift plank bridge from wooden slats pulled from a building, and other debris. In the dirt near the riverbank they found discarded chicken bones and several apple cores. Edmund: "Interesting," Edmund said, looking suddenly wide awake. "Something other than undead was here." Leofric: Leofric stroke his unshaven chin as he glanced over the bridge and foods and asked, "I wonder if the bridge and foods are discarded by the very chaps were are following" Sleeping Dragon: the food did indeed appear to have been there for around a month, which would roughly correspond to when Garmund, Dunstan, and their bodyguards had come into the Fields. Looking around, they found a few other signs of human activity in the area - a few old footprints, a broken knife, and a place where, it seemed, one of the party had emptied their bowels. Sleeping Dragon: the party crossed over the river and continued on. About twenty minutes after crossing the river, Edmund looked ahead and noticed a hill up ahead. Atop the hill, he could discern through the mist the form of a runestone. Even from this distance he could faintly see the runes glowing, a purplish-black colour, like the sky behind a lighting strike. Edmund: Edmund pointed ahead. "Look at that!" Tole: Tole tried not to look towards the runestone, instead keeping cautious and looking around for ambushes or other creatures around the unusual phenomena. Hogar: Hogar looked warily "Let's hope it has not been corrupted by the curse..."he said Leofric: Leofric's eyes narrowed at the sight of Runestone and smiled slightly, "It look like Dunstan's map may mark the runestones after all." Leofric glanced at Hogar and nodded, "It may be or not. We would need to examine the runestone closely. "That colour does looked strange after all" A concern crept into his tone. Edmund: "Not surprisingly," Edmund stared at the runestone. Sleeping Dragon: the party headed up towards the runestone, through the mist. As they crested the hill and made their way towards the stone, they noticed a makeshift pyre had been built a few feet away, constructed from debris and a pair of ruined oaken shields, but it did not appear to have ever been lit whispering to Leofric, as they came near, Leofric heard a low noise of something metallic shuffling from behind the runestone Edmund: Edmund went to examine the shields. Leofric: Leofric looked at the runestone with hint of alarm. "There seems something behind the runestone!" He warned them Leofric: EDIT: "There is something or someone behind the runestone! He warned them. Leofric: EDIT: He gestured at the runestone with his slivery sword. Sleeping Dragon: as Leofric shouted a warning, a figure emerged from behind the runestone. They knew him immediately - Vilia's picture had captured his features well...though they had captured them in life, and now they were dead, rotting and grey. The hilts of two longswords poked up from his shoulders, and on his shield was drawn the device of the Prophet's Star.
"Do not meddle with the tainted power of magic," said the creature that had been Garmund. "God commands us to remain Pure and kill those who would steal His power. You should...begone..." as Garmund spoke, three more figures emerged from the mist at bottom of the hill. The three zombies were all damaged, one missing an arm and another with a gaping wound in its chest. Edmund: "We don't want to steal power," Edmund stuttered. "We came to find you Garmund." Hogar: Hogar was silent for a while from shock and horror before being able to speak "What happened You...?"he said Leofric: Leofric glanced over Garmund with steely eyes and then the three zombies. However he remained silent, waiting for replies. Sleeping Dragon: Garmund looked at Edmund in confusion. "You are from Gastony? And one of you is an Erseman, yes," he gestured at Leofric. "Then you should know better than the heathens, God commands us to rebuke all magic. He has commanded me to guard this stone so no others can use it. You should begone, the dead walk here and it is not safe." Garmund's red eyes appeared confused and unfocussed. Tole: Tole was silent, though she gripped her scythe firmer as she scowleed at the wight, weary of the other undead around her. Edmund: Edmund nodded. "We are indeed followers of the Virian Way. But we have been tasked to find Dunstan the scholar, who entered this unholy place with you." Sleeping Dragon: Garmund scowled. "You want nothing to do with that sorcerer, he wanted to wield the power of the stone. I tried to stop him and he ran off, and I..." Garmund shook his head in irritation. "God then commanded me to make sure no others would try to steal His power with this stone. It is a cursed thing!" the three zombies were slowly making their way up the hill. Tole: "You killed Dunstan?" snarled Tole. Hogar: Hogar glanced at the zombies who were slowly lurching up to them Sleeping Dragon: as the zombies came nearer the party saw they were the corpses of large, burly men, with broadswords strapped to their sides. From what they had seen in Vilia's pictures, none of them were Dunstan. "No, he ran before I could land a blow, his men attacked me...he ran yonder," Garmund pointed vaguely towards Lake Spear. "He does not have God's protection as we do so he will surely die here, as is only fitting. It's more important for me to guard the stone." Tole: "Why did you bring him here?" she yelled, more motivated by emotion than logic and reason; "He had a child! You brought him here... to try and kill him?" Edmund: "Hush Tole, reason cannot reach him now," Edmund hissed at her. Hogar: Hogar looked horrified for it was now undeniable the man did not realize his 'condition' and what it implied. "Can you be sure that is truly God's will?" he asked reluctantly, as if not sure of the words himself Sleeping Dragon: "Be quiet, fool!" Garmund pointed a rotting finger at Tole. "Would you have a child raised by a sorcerer, an accursed one? But I did not realise what he was, not until he began to examine the stone..." Leofric: Leofric looked concerned as he agreed with Hogar... "It may not be..." Leofric: Leofric looked concerned as he agreed with Hogar... "It may be no..." Leofric: Leofric looked concerned as he agreed with Hogar... "It may be not..." Edmund: Edmund looked at the rotting knight, "How can you be so sure? Considering the circumstances." Sleeping Dragon: "What do you mean?" Garmund said to Hogar. "You are Virian, you know the Certainity of Purity. We must remain clean of the tainted power of magic, and slay those who would steal God's power. These stones are conduits of unclean power, if I had the art to destroy it I would but as I don't...God will protect me from the curse of this place, but you may not be so lucky. You should begone." Hogar: "Purity may be a Certainity...but Humility is a virtue. "spoke Hogar "Can you be so sure of your faith to think you have not fallen prey to the curse yourself? When did you last eat, drink or rest?" Hogar: As he said so, Hogar lowered his axe and pointed at the pyre, kindly Sleeping Dragon: irritated, Garmund locked his eyes on the pyre for a moment. A moment of clarity seemed to come to him. "Oh God! I...do you have tools for fire? I...take...this..." the wight spoke at a great effort, drew an iron longsword, and flung it to the ground. He tried to draw his other sword, but he seemed unable to master his own body enough. "I don't know how long I..." Edmund: "We have flint." Edmund reassured Garmund. "We will do the right thing." Hogar: Hogar got closer to Garmund, as if to help him with preparing for his cremation. "Be careful of the...others."he said obviously referring to the zombies Tole: Tole turned to the zombies, scythe readied. Sleeping Dragon: "You...you are trying to trick me, bastard!" Garmund flashed out a silver longsword and pointed it at Edmund. "I'll not give you another chance. Begone!" Edmund: "We are just trying to do what is right," Edmund insisted. "Not to trick you." Edmund: He moved back all the same. Leofric: Leofric looked with hint of saddness as he replied, "No, Edmund is not trying to trick you! We want you to rest in peace!" Sleeping Dragon: Garmund looked at Leofric for a moment, then his eyes went clear again. He let his sword drop. "Be quick, please..." said the paladin. "I don't know how long I'll be myself..." the wight slowly laid himself down on the pyre. "Destroy those others, they won't resist. You should leave, the living don't belong here...no Scrolls can be worth this." Tole: Without hesitation, Tole swung her silver-coated scythe at the lesser undead, before beginnnig to drag their inactive bodies to the pyre. Edmund: Edmund moved up, took a bottle of oil from his pack and poured it onto the pyre, then struck flints against a piece of kindling. Hogar: Silver axe in hand, Hogar hacked off the heads off two zombies and dragged them and the rest of the bodies on the pyre. Edmund: As the pyre began to smoulder, Edmund started to sing quietly - the dirge for the dead that all followers of the Virian Way would sing as their dead burned. Hogar: "God's peace be with you, Garmund."said Hogar looking at the pyre as it burned Leofric: Leofric looked sad as he also followed the song sang by Edmund and looked troubled as the song slowly whiserped into deadened mists. Sleeping Dragon: "Please leave, I would not have you join me...you might not be so lucky to have Virians come to save your souls," said the paladin. "Welcome me, Lord...I have had my fill of the grey world..." The fire caught the wight's flesh, and the paladin gave a terrible scream as he took flame. Tole: "I don't want to be here anymore." snapped Tole; "Let's find Dunstan and be rid of this place." Arianhod (enter): 21:22 Hogar: Hogar nodded silently to Tole Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (2866) Arianhod... Edmund: "Are you going to risk examining the stone Leo?" Edmund asked him quietly as the flames took hold and all they could hear was the crackle of the burning wood. Leofric: Leofric closed his eyes for a moment, muttered a prayer for the soul of the Paladin. He then turned away from the burning pyre and looked at the runestone curiously. Leofric: As Leofric strolled over there warily, he was heard to mutter, "We need to understand so no one else can repeat the mistake..." and started examine the runestones Hogar: "I'm not going to stop you but..please be careful!"shouted Hogar Edmund: "Whatever we do, it should be quick. The fire may be spotted soon." Sleeping Dragon: Leofric touched the stone and felt it stir under his hand. Tole: Tole scowled; "Humility is a virtue we all should strive for, Leofric. What makes you think you can resist the temptations others have not? These things are not right." Arianhod: Arianhod glanced over her shoulder at Leofric, but shrugged and went back to watching the pyre, arms crossed. whispering to Leofric, as Leofric touched the stone, he instantly became aware of its power. But it was not like the runestone in Cadonstoc. That one had easiliy bent to his mind, the power coming easily to his will. With this stone, he felt that its power was there, but it was turned inward, magnifying itself. Leofric could no more control it than he could control a raging storm - the power was blackened and wild. He could feel the stone trying to remove the taint, trying to cleanse and purge itself, but like a man scratching a wound succeeded only at deepening the rot. Somehow, Leofric thought, perhaps if the right power were injected from the outside, then perhaps the stone could be cleansed. As he thought this, suddenly the corrupt power slammed into Leofric's mind and he felt his body convluse involuntarily. Sleeping Dragon: as the party watched, nothing seemed to be happening as Leofric touched the stone. Then suddenly the scribe's body convulsed as if wracked by an invisible force. Edmund: Edmund moved up to Leo and watched him concernedly. Tole: Tole readied her scythe, and looked toward Hogar. Hogar: Hogar held his axe, looking as if he hoped not to need it Arianhod: Glancing back at the comotion, Arianhod was a little surprised by the scene but didn't move to help the striken scribe, just watching with a scowl. Noticing Hogar's action, she reached for her silver axe as well, keeping a hand on it. whispering to Leofric, images flashed in Leofric's mind as he kept his hold of the stone. A man he immediately recognised as Dunstan stood in front of the stone, with Garmund and three guards stood behind him. As Dunstan touched the stone and its tainted power washed over him, his body convulsed and Leofric heard in his mind a terrible scream as the stone's power flew out of control. As the images continued, Leofric knew that if he could control control himself, then it would happen again, and his companions' minds would also be struck by the corrupted stone.
Garmund and the bodyguards clapped their hands to their ears and screamed themselves. As Dunstan stumbled away from the runestone, the maddened paladin drew his iron blade and plunged it through the chest of the nearest guard. Dunstan gave a yell, then bolted as Garmund cut out and drew blood on one of the other guards. He had a last fleeting image of Garmund and the two men slashing at each other, then the vision passed.
Leofric still could not truly summon the power of the stone, but he thought he could work it slightly. He knew with sudden, absolute certainty that it was indeed the corruption of the stone that had caused the hellish transformation of the Plague Fields, though from Dunstan's map he knew there were other stones as well. He did not know how he could lift the curse fully and permanently, but he thought perhaps he could at least temporarily push the curse back. He put his mind forth... Sleeping Dragon: Leofric's convlusions continued for a few moments, and then subsided and they could see the scribe was in control of himself. After a few moments, they realised that the mist was clearing, very, very slightly. After a minute, it had cleared enough that they could see the sky. It was early evening, but it was a dark day, dark enough that they could immediately locate true north, and see the Prophet's Star gazing down at them. Then the mist regathered as Leofric staggered away from the stone, and the Star was lost again in the gloom. Tole: "What happened?" barked Tole. Hogar: Though shocked, Hogar approached Leofric to check on his conditions. "For a moment...it looked like the Curse had been broken, Leofric!" Arianhod: Arianhod glanced up at the sky as it cleared with a bit of curiosity, the back to Leofric, scowling slightly less. Edmund: "Can you tell us what you saw?" Edmund asked. Leofric: Leofric looked relieved as he regained his pose. He sat down rubbed his forehead as if he suffering massive headache, collecting his thoughts. "I wishes!" He joked at Hogar's phase before glancing back at the Runestone warily. He then answered Edmund's questions. "I saw Dunstan, Garmund and their bodyguards. Dunstan touched the runestone and found the corrupted power. The power of the runestone is corrupted, its power is tainted. Dunstan touched it and attempt to control it. Unlike me, he lost control." He spits at the ground, "The taint made Garmund and their guards insane and they fought each other. Dunstan on the other hand, ran away." He sighed at the surrounding mists, "This runestone and potentially other runestones marked are tainted and corrupted. I can sense that the runestone is trying to cleanse itself but cannot..." He went silently, looking thoughtfully. Arianhod: "What's stopping it?" Arianhod asked, keeping her arms crossed. "And can you tell where these other stones are?" Tole: "We should not be playing with these runestones any further;" Tole asserted; "Dunstan was a fool who put everyone else at risk and they paid the price." Tole: Tole continued to look towards Leofric, barely blinking. Hogar: "And yet if cleansing the runestone could truly break the curse...would you not say that is worth the risk?"Hogar asked Tole "I can see why Leo would think that..." Edmund: "If there is a method to cleanse the Runestones it would be worth a great deal of risk," Edmund asserted. "We know where they are." Tole: "It is not worth the risk." snapped Tole; "And we should be humble enough to understand we can't control such forces." Edmund: "Perhaps one person would not be able to lift the curse, but a group working together?" Edmund mused. Hogar: "Don't be so harsh."countered Hogar "Perhaps Dunstan may have been foolish but his heart may have been in the right place. And this is not about controlling magic for our own ends, but breaking a fell curse." Hogar: edit:change second 'may' to 'might' Arianhod: "Well, you found out what happened to Dunstan." Arianhod said, looking over to Tole. "Why tarry any longer in a place we're obviously not meant to be?" Because of her tone, it was hard to tell if Arianhod was being sarcastic or not. Her next statement cleared that doubt. "Humility is cowardice in disguise. If we don't even try, then we're already defeated." Tole: "NO!" Tole raised her voice in anger; "We are here for Dunstan. Not to play with magic! Dunstan was a fool and is he!" she pointed towards Leofric; "And if you think you can control these things then you are fools as well." Tole: "We are not here to raise a curse! We are here to find Dunstan. And I will not be called a coward for not meddling with magic, stranger." Edmund: "This is a curse that has destroyed lives and brought horror to a whole area," Edmund said. "If we can learn something, anything, that may help to cure that, we should be doing so." Tole: EDIT: "and so is he" Tole: "And you are a priest, Edmund?" Tole growled; "You would be so presumptious to suggest you can fix what others can not?" Arianhod: "So no point in trying then." Arianhod nodded. "Let God and His infinite apathy take care of it when He's good and ready then." Edmund: Edmund shrugged. "I would not presume that I could fix it, but if we have the ability to learn, we should do so." Tole: "Your learning looks like meddling with dark forces to me;" said Tole; "That you are even considering doing more so, after knowing that it cost Garmund and his men their lives... " Tole: "Put your pride and hubris to one side; so not make the mistakes that Dunstan and Garmund made." she affirmed; "Let's find Dunstan, get him out if we can, and return to outside the Plague Fields." Edmund: "God doesn't expect us to sit on our tails and leave everything to Him," Edmund answered acidly. "We are given wits for a reason." Tole: "You clearly have none." Tole: She pointed to the fire; "Is that what fate you want for yourself?" Arianhod: "I'd rather die trying to do good, than not try at all." Arianhod stated and picked up her gear. "Which way did Dunstan head again?" Edmund: Edmund smiled as he shook his head. "We have survived." Tole: "If that is how you feel, then I feel I have no place here. You have no humility in your actions, and would risk us all for your own pride." Edmund: "Pride is nothing to do with it Tole," Edmund said gently. "We are risking our lives and our sanity just being here. If knowledge is offered we should take the chance to learn more." Leofric: Leofric sighed as he stood up, he looked slightly unsteady as it was clear that he is tired. "We should be focusing on Dunstan for now. I suspect that there is a way to cleanse all the runestones...But I suspect we cannot do two necessary and very difficult tasks..." He shook his head. Edmund: Edmund nodded. "Dunstan first. He may still live." Tole: "Point in the direction;" ordered Tole. Leofric: Leofric gestured meaningfully in general direction. Leofric: of dunstan's direction Tole: Tole started walking, silently and without pause. Leofric: Leofric strolled off, following Tole, looking worried. Edmund: Edmund spent a few moments silently contemplating the pyre, then he hitched up his pack and moved to Leofric's side. "What two necessary and very difficult tasks did you mean Leo?" Hogar: Hogar looked at Leofric curiously "Do tell." Arianhod: Arianhod walked with the rest, occasionally clenching and unclenching her hand around her axe shaft. She listed closely to what Leofric was going to say. Leofric: Leofric replied quietly " I can only conjecture." He considered quietly before continuing, "Firstly, a spell need to be cast on each corrupted runeston one by one in a short period of time. Secondly, the person or the persons which are responsible for this curse. My best guess is the person would be Ealdorman Horsa..." He sighed, "I am not sure which one is the most difficult..." Leofric: EDIT: this curse must be burnt or destoryed Edmund: "You think it might be possible to find Horsa's body and that it would help lift the curse to burn it?" Edmund asked, surprised. Leofric: Leofric nodded, "It may help. It is generally acknowledged that he is the one who cursed this area. But the runestone powers are still corrupted so performing one task would not help. Both tasks need to be done. As I said, it is extremely difficult to perform these tasks but it is my best guess on a way to lift the curse." Leofric: EDIT: I believe that Tthe Ealdorman Horsa may be a wight..." Edmund: "We could try to track him down. Then if we could gather enough people to cast spells.... It would take some organising!" Edmund smiled at Leo. "You never think small do you?" Hogar: "I...think the first task is far more of a problem."said Hogar Edmund: "He would have been a wight for thirty years," Edmund mused. "And unlike Garmund, he was not a godly man, considering he was willing to curse the whole of the Plague Fields. " Hogar: "I dread the thought of what he would have been up to!"said Hogar Arianhod: "Even the dead my die." Arianhod replied. "We've already proven that." She paused. "Not that doing so would be an easy task." Edmund: "None of this will be easy, but at least it may be possible, which we didn't know when we set out," Edmund said, assuredly. Leofric: Leofric nodded, "Yes." He glanced down at his hand and glanced around the mists, "I only hope that we will all survive..." He settled down, not in the mood for the talk. Edmund: Edmund started to hum again as they tramped forward, sounding almost cheerful. Sleeping Dragon: the party continued on from the runestone, with the flame from Garmund's funeral pyre blazing behind them. They could see it through the mist for many hours.
they continued on into the early evening. The wind had turned again to blow towards Middlemere, whipping in their faces. Even their brief glimpse of the Prophet's Star had reinvigorated them slightly. Distantly, through the mist ahead of them, they thought they could faintly discern the shore of Lake Spear. Dunstan's map showed Bexcheap on the south side of the lake, though from this distance they could not make out anything like a settlement. Edmund: "Plenty of places for undead to hide in a ruined village," Edmund commentated, pointing at Bexcheap on the map. Sleeping Dragon: the party pressed on. Though it was difficult to follow any trail in this place, Leofric was able to pierce through the occult trickery of the mist and enable them to forge on northwest towards Bexcheap. They had now been in the Plague Fields for two days, and they could feel fatigue beginning to creep up on them as it was nearly midnight. A few hours more, they thought, should see them through to Lake Spear, but they were not sure if their legs would take them any further. Leofric: Leofric was curious about Arianhod and asked her politely, "Why did you want to track down the paladin?" Arianhod: "Hmm?" Arianhod looked over at him. "He was a friend of my father's." She replied simply. Leofric: Leofric nodded, "I see. I guess your father would be saddened by his death...." Arianhod: She nodded in return, but didn't say anything more. Edivad (enter): 23:12 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (2869) Edivad... Leofric: Leofric understood her point like a fine sharpened dagger and settled back into his quietness, Leofric: Yep! Sleeping Dragon: the party were able to sleep, forcing themselves to ignore the terrible dreams, and were able to make it through to the morning. As they awoke they could feel the curse weighing down on them, seeming stronger as they came nearer to Lake Spear whispering to Edmund, Edmund felt despair and horror creeping into his heart. They had come so far - it would take them days to get out of here! There was no way they could possibly make it out before the curse overtook them and they perished. Tole had been right - they were proud fools to believe they could survive here. Edmund: Edmund suddenly sank down, holding his head in his hands. "We should go back. There's no hope we will survive in this cursed place." Leofric: Leofric looked alarmed as he rushed over and sat down. Taking Edmund's hands into his hands and comforted him with a chant of prayers and rituals and words of inspire with hope, courage and confidence. Edmund: After a while Edmund looked up. His eyes were filled with gratitude but also shame. "This place... I thought I could get through without giving in, but... Thank you for saving me Leo, I was ready to jump in that lake with despair." Sleeping Dragon: the party pushed on, determined to cross the last ground that stood between them and Bexcheap. The Fields seemed to be trying to resist their attempts to find their way, and they got lost many times and had to double back and retrace their steps, however at length they found themselves on a little rise overlooking a ruined village on the south shore of Lake Spear.
The Lake itself was a mire of brackish sludge, the water turned a vile green-brown colour. The village itself had obviously been razed long ago, its buildings lying in ruins. However, there seemed to be one that still stood, at least a little, on the northwestern edge of the village, near to where the Camber Hills began. The mist seemed especially thick there.# whispering to Leofric, Leofric thought he could see small forms moving near the remaining building, and beyond it, he could see a hill on which he thought he could perceive the Bexcheap runestone. Leofric: Leofric pointed out important sights, "I can see small forms moving near that standing building and I can just see the runestone on that hill." Leofric: "Maybe Dustan is in that building..." He looked unconvinced at this idea. Arianhod: "We'll find out when we get there." Arianhod noted, getting her silver axe unwrapped. Edmund: "What kind of small forms?" Edmund asked. "Human or something else? Or maybe they're the children of the village..." Leofric: He shivered at that, "I cannot see that well. But if you think about it. It would make sense that there are undead childern..." Sleeping Dragon: as they examined the building, they thought it must be a farmstead. They could faintly discern some kind of hedge of dead wood encircling the building. Hogar: "That is a horrible thought."said Hogar Server Administrator-> Kicking '(2857) Hogar' from server... Removing dead client Hogar (exit): 23:42 Sleeping Dragon: the party made their way down towards Bexcheap and the farmstead. As they came near to the hedgerow, they took shelter in a ruined building while Tole crept out to have a look whispering to Tole, Tole crept out and made her way towards the hedgerow. It was solid and strong, constructed of various pieces of wood and detritus. Tole thought it might be possible to push her way through, though it would not be easy. After a few moments, she noticed at one point that a small hole had been left in one spot, perhaps four feet high, like a mousehole through the hedge. There were many small footprints and pawprints in the dirt, and they apeared to have been made relatively recently, leading both in and out of the farmstead. Tole thought some could even have been made today. whispering to Tole, Tole poked her head down and peered through the hole. As she did, she heard a low growl, and she spotted a four-legged, rotting form moving towards her whispering to Tole, Tole fled. She could hear the beast rushing after her. Sleeping Dragon: after a few moments, Tole came running back in their direction. Hot on her heels, there followed a rotting four-legged form, an undead dog with slaver dripping from its ruined jaw.
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Post by sleepingdragon on Jul 12, 2013 22:20:13 GMT
Sleeping Dragon: after a few moments away scouting, Tole came running back in their direction. Hot on her heels, there followed a rotting four-legged form, an undead dog with slaver dripping from its ruined jaw. Leofric: Leofric looked alarmed as he saw a dog chasing Tole. He bared his teeth and run toward the dog, determined to attack a mere dog. Leofric: with his silvery sword glinting Sleeping Dragon: as the party prepared themselves, they saw forms emerge out of the mist, from the hedgerows. Sliding out from the small holes in the thicket came four small skeletal figures, all their flesh gone, wielding a club in one hand and a hatchet in the other. The little skeletons rushed towards them. Sleeping Dragon: the dog tore towards Leofric, snarling Edmund: Edmund whirled his sling around his head & let fly a silver bullet which smashed hard into the undead dog's hind leg. Edivad: "Careful, Leo!"shouted Hogar as he ran beside him, axe ready to swing at the undead beast Sleeping Dragon: more child's forms came out from the hedgerows. These had rotting flesh, and clutched spears and round shields in their tiny hands. Arianhod: Arianhod followed Hogar towards the enemies, her own axe at the ready. Tole: Tole backtracked, scythe drawn, and rushed back towards the dog. Leofric: Leofric lifted his sliver short sword and came down like a wrath of God while telling it "Bad Dog!" He managed to hit the undead dog's head. Sleeping Dragon: the skeletons advanced further, while two more emerged from behind the hedgerows Sleeping Dragon: the dog bit at Leofric, but its aim was wild as it was still stunned from the hole the scribe had left in its head Hogar: Bringing down his axe with a powerful and accurate blow, Hogar severed the undead dog's head Sleeping Dragon: the zombies advanced, with more of them also clambering forward. As the two closest came near, they saw they had wounds on their bodies. On the left had been a girl, who was missing an eye, and on the right, a boy, who had obviously taken an arrow in his throat. Arianhod: Arianhod stepped up to the approaching undead and swung at one of the skeletons. Battering aside a feeble attempt to parry her blow, she slashed through it. Tole: Tole walked up alongside Arianhod, slashing her scythe towards one of the small undead creatures; "Death take you!" Leofric: Leofric rushed at a zombie with a short sword. But he stood before it, wary at the shortspear it is holding. Ready to launch an attack when he find an opening. Leofric: "Peace upon you, childern." Leofric told them sadly. Edmund: Edmund watched the undead children warily as he reloaded his sling. Hogar: Hogar advanced, hacking at a skeleton child but barely missing Arianhod: Arianhod stepped forward and dropped another skeleton. Tole: Seeing more coming in from the South, Tole moved to receive them, keeping a watchful eye on Edmund nearby. Sleeping Dragon: two of the skeletons advanced on Tole, but were held at bay by her long sycthe, while another moved for Hogar Edmund: Edmund fired off another silver bullet, this time at a zombie child making his way. The stone clipped its head & the undead thing dropped to the ground. Hogar: As he swung his weapon at these things which once lived and breathed, Hogar looked deeply disturbed, as if something inside him was about to snap. Trying to recover from the shock, he clumsily swung his axe at the zombie fighting Leofric, but missed. Sleeping Dragon: the child engaged with Leofric struck out with its shield, but the scribe dodged while the other children advanced Arianhod: Arianhod moved down to take out another skeleton, this time one threatening Tole. Tole: Watching the Skeleton to her left fall, Tole immediately swept upwards at the other skeleton, and another of the creatures fell. Leofric: Leofric looked determined as he attempted to hit the rotting child but still missed. He snarled in anger. Sleeping Dragon: one of hte skeletons tried to bash Hogar with its club, but failed Hogar: Hogar managed to steel himself and focus on counter-attacking, and smashed the skull of the skeleton Sleeping Dragon: the zombie fighting Leofric tried to bash with its shield again, faliing. One advanced on Hogar, striking out with its spear, but he was able to block it with his shield, while another attacked Arianhod and missed Arianhod: Avoiding the strike from the zombie attacking her, Arianhod quickly lopped its head off. Tole: Another zombie fell. Tole turned to see if there were any left. Leofric: Leofric looked determined as he launched another attack. This time, he drove his sword into the chest of the zombie and the sword can be seen poking outside. The unholy sign of the undead clearly shuddered and died. He withdrew the shortsword with one smooth slide and the rotting child collasped to the ground. Its spear clattering onto sodden earth. He sighed as he glanced around, ready for next fight. Sleeping Dragon: the party soon hacked down the remaining skeletal and zombie child, and were left alone outside the hedgerow Leofric: "Everyone is alright?" He glanced around, his eyes concerned Edmund: Edmund nodded. "That was... unpleasant." Tole: "Damn guard dogs." muttered Tole. Arianhod: Arianhod wiped the remains of the zombies from her axe, but kept it at the ready in case more showed up. "Did you find anything out before it found you?" She asked Tole. Hogar: Hogar, still looking somewhat haggard-looking, glanced at the remains of the undead on the ground and said "There might be the others..." Tole: "There was an hole in the hedgerow, looked recently made, big enough for a person to crawl through" said Tole; "That thing was unfortunately on the other side." Leofric: Leofric looked thoughtfully, "Could be made by Dunstan..." as he glanced around his peers, "At least everyone is fine." He looked seriously relived at that. Edmund: "Two of the undead had been wounded," Edmund said. "Likely it was him, unless some other living person is around here." Sleeping Dragon: as the party recovered, they saw there were at least two holes in the hedgerow, out of which the undead children had crawled. Further along they saw more of them. There were many small footprints and paw prints in the dirt. Tole: Tole put her scythe on her back, and ushered the others towards the hedgerow; "Follow me." Arianhod: Arianhod nodded and followed Tole. Leofric: Leofric glanced around with concerns and muttered "We should burnt them... But I guess that would draw attentions..." He followed Tole and the others. Sleeping Dragon: following Tole and squeezing through the small hole, they found themselves in a large field, subdivided with many hedges. At the centre of the field lay the wreckage of the farmhouse and a few outbuildings, which were surrounded by a square hedge which seemed to have a large gap on the south side, near to where they stood. whispering to Arianhod, through the mist, Arianhod could faintly discern several forms near the main farmhouse, larger than the undead they had just destroyed. She also noticed that there seemed to be more hedges within that central area, forming a diamond-like pattern whispering to Edmund, through the mist, Edmund could faintly discern several forms near the main farmhouse, larger than the undead they had just destroyed. he also noticed that there seemed to be more hedges within that central area, forming a diamond-like pattern Edmund: "Adult undead!" Edmund whispered to the others, indicating the area of the farmhouse. Hogar: "How many?"asked Hogar Tole: Tole brough outs her scythe again. Arianhod: Arianhod nodded. "Several. Beyond that, hard to say. There's more hedges as well." Leofric: Leofric looked tired as he pulled out his shortsword out. He glanced at the surroundings warily. Edmund: "Almost like a maze, but not quite," Edmund looked at the hedges with a puzzled frown. Sleeping Dragon: as Edmund pointed, they saw that within the central area were several further hedges - there was a large diamond-like enclosure around the central building, and several smaller hedges around the outbuildings. Arianhod: "Can we risk a diversion?" Leofric: Leofric looked slightly confused at Arianhod, "What diversion? Heading for the middle or something else?" Arianhod (enter): 22:12 Hogar: Hogar looked around as if not sure what they were looking for "I...think getting split up would be very dangerous." Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (3004) Arianhod... Edmund: Edmund looked over at the buildings. "Those wooden buildings would burn, if it comes to it." Arianhod (enter): 22:13 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (3006) Arianhod... Tole: "Agreed, let's keep together." Leofric: Leofric shivered at the thoughts, "Yes, I would not last for a minute without you lots." Tole: "That being said, let me scout ahead, see if there's an unguarded spot." Arianhod: Disconnecting from server... Arianhod (exit): 22:17 Sleeping Dragon: the party advanced and came near to the central buiding. As they did, Tole sneaked ahead. whispering to Tole, Tole crept near, the wind whipping in her face. She came to a corner and peered round, looking at the main building. There were two adult zombies on the path about ten metres ahead of her, and behind them she thought she saw more forms, but it was hard to tell. To either side of her she could see there were holes in the hedge, though Tole was not sure if she could get nearer without being seen whispering to Tole, Tole risked creeping ahead slightly when one of the zombies looked away briefly. Looking ahead, she could see two more zombies standing near the main farmhouse, flanking a thin, robed figure that was seated on the steps of the ruined farmhouse and carried a longspear. The mist seemed to cling to this figure, as if drawn to them.
"It is a terrible thing to lose a loved one, Dunstan," the wight said to the figure on his right. "None know this better than Halig. Wife and children all were taken from me. Is your new family to your liking?" The wight cocked its head, as if awaiting a response. The zombie that had been Dunstan said nothing, but the wight shook his head as if he had responded. "You will grow fond of them, don't worry. You were so sad when I felt you first, my friend. But there is enough here to make you glad again." Tole became aware, glancing through a small hole in the hedgerow, that there was an undead boy, near the ruin of a long stable, who held a shortspear and a shield. He did not seem to have noticed Tole, however she had to scramble back round the corner and out of sight, and earshot, to keep it this way Tole: Tole returned, pulling her scythe from her back; "Dunstan is dead and has been risen from the dead." said Tole firmly; "Several zombies, including Dunstan, one wight, at least one more zombie child." Leofric: Leofric nodded grimly, "I was afraid of that. There was very slim hope; Either way, he would need to be destroyed and burnt. But I guess that would be taking on all of them..." Hogar: "Did Dunstan look like he had kept his wits? Or was he a mere zombie?"asked Hogar, his voice too grim Tole: "We can use the hedges to bottleneck the beasts, it is the wight that causes me concern. It is clearly controlling the others." said Tole. Hogar: "Could try to pick him off at range, perhaps if it was destroyed the others would stop fighting..."suggested Hogar Server Administrator-> Kicking '(2984) Arianhod' from server... Removing dead client Arianhod (exit): 22:43 Server Administrator-> Kicking '(3004) Arianhod' from server... Removing dead client Arianhod (exit): 22:43 Edmund: "Could you tell anything about the wight?" Edmund asked. "It won't be like Garmund I'm afraid." Tole: "It isn't, it felt extremely nefarious." nodded Tole. Hogar: "You felt that?"asked Hogar "The thing must be truly malevolent then." Leofric: Leo frowned as he told them what he know about wight. "You already know some of this. Most dangerous undead in the area and they can dominate other undead and indeed maintaining their own tainted mind on whatever they doing. However, some but not all may have magical powers. It would be safe to assume that it does have magical power. Which may be what Tole was feeling." Edmund: "So focus all our efforts on killing the wight as quickly as possible, then mop up the mindless undead?" Edmund looked around at the others. Tole: "Arianhod, Hogar or myself can keep the zombies at bay, the rest can focus on the wight." Tole: She paused for a moment; "The mists seemed to be drawn to the wight as well... so you're right, probably magic." Hogar: "How many zombies did you count, exactly?" Tole: "Four, plus a child, but maybe more." said Tole, before leading the group into the killzone. Tole: Tole rushed forward, slashing her scythe upwards at the zombie, then tripping it over with the butt of the stick. Leofric: Leofric rushed forward and attempted to hit a zombie but sadly missed wildly. Edmund: Edmund fired off a silver bullet at the unsuspecting wight. It hit the creature in the chest doing a little damage. Hogar: Hogar rushed forward, his axe digging deep into the head of the zombie tripped by Tole and ensuring it would not get up for a while. Sleeping Dragon: Arianhod rapidly pushed forward, making for the wight Sleeping Dragon: the boy behind one of the hedgerows moved towards the fray Sleeping Dragon: The wight stood, fury in its eyes. "You would attack Halig's family? I will kill you all, just wait..." Halig ran round the farmhouse and disappeared from view. Sleeping Dragon: Dunstan and the other zombies moved to cover the wight's retreat Tole: "Damnit!" Tole yelled, as she slashes at the next zombie; "We need to kill these faster if we're to catch that damn thing." Leofric: Leofric nodded in respond to Tole's shout and made another but unsucessful attack as zombie managed to knock away Leofric's sword with its culb. Leofric looked alarmed at that# Leofric: EDIT: The zombie managed to deflect Leofric's sword Hogar: Darting forward, Hogar slew another zombie with a powerful axe swing. "Be careful! We don't know what he'll do!" he shouted to the others Sleeping Dragon: ARianhod advanced quickly, moving up on the thing that had been Dunstan and taking off the unfortunate scholar's head with a single powerful swipe of her silver axe Sleeping Dragon: the boy they had seen tore through one of the small holes and engaged with Leofric and Tole, and to their surprise another emerged from their right and also moved towards the two. Two emerged from behind the farmhouse as well, one moving to engage Arianhod. As they did, they saw the children, all boys, were covered with scars and wounds, their rotting flesh a latticework of lacerations Sleeping Dragon: from behind the farm, they heard Halig give a piercing cry. The mist swirled down, drawn to the wight like a whirlwind Sleeping Dragon: the last remaining adult zombie moved forward to delay Hogar Tole: Startled, Tole struck at the child-like zombie with a fierce blow from her scythe. She was further shocked that the child didn't simply fall down; "These must be more than just mere zombies!" Leofric: Leofric attempted to close range but alas cannot do so due to surprisingly skillful move. Hogar: Hogar's silver-edged axe bit deep into the zombie's head, but the thing kept on fighting Edmund: With the evil wight still out of sight, Edmund looked round in frustration, spotting one of the wretched children in front of him. With a grimace he sent a bullet spinning toward the boy, targetting the undead's head with precision. Sleeping Dragon: Arianhod slashed her axe down hard on the boy in front of her. The boy was able to raise his shield, blocking the blow, but Arianhod's strength forced him on the defensive Sleeping Dragon: one of the boys moved in to range with Arianhod, encircling her Sleeping Dragon: Halig's scream ended. "In Balgrin, even the little children had need to fight the dragonspawn." The mist was continuing to gather behind the farm. Tole: Tole lunged at the boy, but the boy tripped the girl over with its spear. Leofric: Leofric frowned as he damaged the spear. In doing so, he grinned rather boyishy as he moved closer, towering over the boy. Hogar: Hogar hacked again at the zombie, his blow partially blocked by its club which absorbed some of the damage and left the zombie with only a light wound Hogar: "They're pretty good for zombies!"shouted Hogar noticing the undead's fighting skills Sleeping Dragon: Arianhod slammed her axe down on the boy behind her, but he was able to block with his shield Sleeping Dragon: the boys attacked. One landed a light blow on Arianhod's arm, while the other fighting her raised his shield defensively. The one fighting Leofric and Tole drew away from the scribe, getting back to a more favourable range for his spear, while the last charged at Edmund. However, the boy tripped at the last moment, and Edmund brought his sabre up and whirled its spear away. The boy managed to stab himself in the leg with his weapon, and stumbled past Edmund, off balance Sleeping Dragon: there came murmurs from behind the farm but whatever it was, Halig seemed displeased with it Sleeping Dragon: the zombie struck Hogar on the leg with its club, wounding him lightly Tole: Tole got herself off the ground; "Good work Leofric, now FINISH HIM!" Leofric: Leofric drew nearer and attempted to repeat the same trick but missed a spear. Leofric sighed as he gazed across the boy. Hogar: With a shout, Hogar struck the zombie he was fighting in the head again - this time it was a felling blow and the undead crumpled to the ground Edmund: Edmund turned and slashed at the staggering boy with his sabre, but the wretch managed to bring its shield up just in time. "By the Prophet!" Edmund muttered. Sleeping Dragon: Arianhod struck one of the boys in the body, forcing it back. It raised its shield to defend, while the other fighting the woodsman stabbed his spear past her face. Sleeping Dragon: Halig muttered something again, and the mist continued to gather Tole: Tole swung her scythe in an uppercut into the undead boy's head, pulling its head clean off; "And we killed your damn dog too!" Leofric: Leofric ran toward Edmund and his enemy and attempted to damage the boy's spear. But alas, he managed to deflect it and worse, managed to knock Leofric off his feet. He swore as he collasped to the ground flat. Edmund (enter): 00:55 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (3019) Edmund... Hogar: "We must stop him, whatever it takes!" Hogar shouted as he rushed at one of the zombie boys threatening Arianhod and, with a strong and skillful swing, chopped its spear arm off Edmund (enter): 00:58 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (3021) Edmund... Edmund (enter): 01:04 Sleeping Dragon: Arianhod landed a heavy blow on one of the boys, hammering it in the head Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (3026) Edmund... Sleeping Dragon: Halig's chanting ceased Edmund (enter): 01:07 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (3028) Edmund... Leofric: Leofric looked alarm at hearng the cease of Halg's chanting and leapt up, reading for battle. Tole: Tole charged towardsd the second boy soldier, and swung her scythe at it. It met the child's shield, as she yelled for the others to continue their assault. Edmund: With renewed effort, Edmund drove his sabre at the boy, cutting deep into its head, and watching in satisfaction as the undead body slumped to the ground. Hogar: Hogar kept swinging at the now one-armed zombie, landing a strong blow on its chest Sleeping Dragon: Arianhod slew one of the boys, burying her silver axe in its head Sleeping Dragon: Halig emerged from around the corner and hammered at ARianhod with his longspear. As Halig moved, they could see the mist whirling round his body, encircling him like a shroud, coursing through his dead veins. Arianhod was able to interpose her axe, though she blocked only some of the damage and took a jab in her abdomen Tole: Tole ran back to Hogar and Arianhod with fierce determination Leofric: Leofric narrowed his eyes and warned the others. "The Mist granted him great speed and strength. Be ware!" He ran to be beside Tole and gave her a small smile, "Good Work!" Leofric: He then glared at Halig steely Sleeping Dragon: Arianhod landed a heavy blow on Halig, smashing the wight in its chest Sleeping Dragon: Halig cut back at her, landing a glancing blow on Arianhod's leg Tole: As she charges into the wight, the servant girl screamed; "DIE FOUL CREATURE!". Her scythe swung firmly into the monster's chest. Leofric: Leofric charged at the boy, "Last of the boys!" He whooped as he made his attack on him. With one quick move, the boy suffered enough damages to cause it to fall. Edmund: Disconnecting from server... Edmund (exit): 01:36 Hogar: Hogar closed on the wight together with the others and swung his axe down into its chest. Though the undead sorcerer was fast, he just couldn't block the blow and was struck down.
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Post by sleepingdragon on Jul 14, 2013 21:32:40 GMT
Sleeping Dragon: Hogar swung his axe hard into the wight's chest and it staggered back and fell. The sounds of battle faded, and they were left with the familiar howling of the wind.
Now that they could catch their breath, they could examine the farmstead more closely. The central building before them had obviously been the main farmhouse. Its roof had presumably been of thatch, but was long gone, and the wood of its walls had rotted in the perpetual mist. There was nothing on the upper floor, however they noticed a trap door amongst the debris, along the ruin of the east wall. There were also a number of outbuildings, a stable, storehouses, and a small barn, but these were as decrepit and decayed as the farmhouse. Tole: Tole swiftly dragged bodies into a pile to be burnt. Hogar: Hogar quickly checked his companions and himself for wounds he could treat, but sadly he could do little to improve their condition. Edmund: "We should search for the scrolls first, & burn them when we leave, or we may attract unfortunate attention," Edmund said to Tole, while his eyes scanned the area. Edmund: * burn the bodies when we leave Sleeping Dragon: as Tole pulled Dunstan's body to the pile, she noticed the ring Ceorlben had spoken of, a gold band inlaid with the symbol of the pagan god of skill, Cenwulf, an eye overlaid over a forge. The Virian Way taught that the Prophet himself had once been a priest of Cenwulf, before God revealed the Way to him on Mount Maragar. Hogar: "Sad that it had to come to this."said Hogar glancing at Dunstan's body as it was dragged away Leofric: Leofric looked revealed at the fact they won a great battle. He looked sadly at the Dunstan and shook his head, "Four people died and a child orphaned because of this. At least they are at peace." Tole: "We should burn them and leave now." Tole said sternly, taking the the ring in her hand. She murmured; "These scrolls are likely magic, magic is not for us to wield. Look what it cost already." Edmund: "You know how important the scrolls are, we must find them if they are here, not leave them to be defiled." Hogar: "Then let us search for the scrolls, but we should stick together. There might be other undead lurking in ambush..."Hogar warned Leofric: Leofric nodded at Hogar, "Yes, I agreed. We may even understand what is going on..." Tole: EDIT: Ignore Tole's last line (andI guess Edmund's reply) Leofric: EDIT: Five People died Tole: Tole took the ring in her hand, examining it; "Lets find these scrolls and then be done with this place." Sleeping Dragon: there was nothing of interest on the ruined upper floor of the farmhouse, however there was a trap door leading down into a cellar. Leofric: "Cellar..." Leofric muttered... "Why it is always a cellar!" Tole: "Shall I scout ahead?" Tole asked Edmund: "Watch out for dogs," Edmund said. Hogar: "And other worse things..."muttered Hogar Leofric: Leofric smiled slightly at Ed's joke. Sleeping Dragon: Tole swung open the door to the cellar and Arianhod shone her lantern down. It quickly became apparent it was not necessary for them to do any scouting - it was only a small cellar. Along the north wall there were wrecked barrels and long rotted bags of grain, as well as part of a human skeleton. Scattered throughout the room were broken chests, many of which seemed to contain rotting children's clothing. Not far from the trapdoor was a rickety wooden table. There was a backpack leaning against the wall, and a single piece of parchment on the table. The parchment seemed familiar - after a moment they realised it was obviously of the same batch that many of Dunstan's notes had been written in. After a moment's thought, they also realised that along the west wall, part of what seemed to be the foundation of the farmhouse could probably be swung open. Hogar: Hogar looked at the bones warily, as if he expected them to suddenly move Leofric: Leofric looked at the skeleton puzzled, "That odd... the skeleton must be someone who was killed during the attack, before the curse." He told the others. Leofric: He decided to go over to the table, making sure he is not touching the table or paper, he examined the patchment. Edmund: Edmund wandered over to the secret door and examined the mechanism minutely. After a few minutes the door swung open. Sleeping Dragon: Leofric went over to the parchment. The writing was a scrawl, obviously written in haste, and the lettering was haphazard, however he recognised the writing as Dunstan's. It ran all the way down to the bottom of the page and continued on the back. Leofric: Leofric picked the parchment and turned it over=. He decided to read it out loud to the others. Sleeping Dragon: Dunstan's Last Note: ‘Be brave, Dunstan.’ That’s what you told me, the last thing you told me, and then the scream and that look in your eyes, and the midwives’…
I’ve tried, love. I’ve tried to be brave, though I don’t know if I came here because I’m brave or because I want to die. You were the brave one. Your father had no sons that lived past two so he raised you like one. Mine had no daughters so…
You were the one who chased off the reeve when he came to collect poor Hvarri’s rent. Dozens of times you did it, but I couldn't have done it once. You organised the rough noise that shamed that brute Odoric, when he wouldn’t stop beating his daughters. You defied him to his face, and I stayed behind and read a book.
You even stood up to Father…gods, I knew what it meant for Ceorlben, to have him there when she was interred. Whatever had passed between her and Father she was still Ceorlben’s mother. But Father swore blind he wouldn’t go and I did nothing. I left it to you to make him go, and I still have no idea how you did it. But I never really appreciated you. I was always too busy reading of brave and fascinating people from hundreds of fucking years ago to notice the one who shared my bed.
What kind of cruel and terrible gods would take you and leave me? Our gods I suppose might be forgiven, they don’t control everything. If the Virians are right though, and there really is one all-powerful god, if I ever reach the afterlife I will rip his head off for taking you.
But I need to try to be brave. I am going to die, and worse. It would have been hard enough to make it out of here with Garmund, let alone on my own, let alone on my own and ill. The curse would take me before I could get back anyway. It’s just a matter of whether the curse or the undead on that farm get me. Whoever you are reading this, I hope Ceorlben has sent you…
Gods, it hurts to think of Ceorlben. After the way Father treated his mother, left her for mine, and treated him like shit, no one could have begrudged him if he hated me, but he always went out of his way to help me. He was a brother to me and I did nothing for him. When Matlara died he offered to take me in, and looked after Vilia so I could grieve and I never even thanked him. I even lied to him about this journey – ‘look after Vilia for me for a few days, I need to do some research’, I told him, so I could leave without having to look either of them in the face. I knew he would talk me out of this…
I hope he takes care of her. I needn’t actually hope, truly, I know he will. Gods know he’s a better father than me. The truth is, I couldn’t fucking stand to look at her. She reminded me of her constantly. Had I known childbirth would cost me Matlara, I’d have had myself cut and thought it a bargain. And what kind of thought is that – what is wrong with me that I don’t love my own daughter?
I suppose this is who I am – unappreciative husband, ungrateful brother, neglectful father. Dutiful son, perhaps, but that is no point in my favour. What a miserable waste of human skin and soul.
…It’s part of the curse, despair, and most likely it’s clouding my mind, but that doesn’t make it untrue. Or maybe it does. Am I even sane? Perhaps I am mad and gibbering this aloud. Perhaps. But I need to be brave, Dunstan and do something useful before I die. She would have wanted that. That’s what she told me. Sleeping Dragon: Dunstan's Last Note 2: RHYTHWOLD OF REDEBURNA. Gods, why did you make me this way? I flee from any confrontation and will not even stand up for my family, but I can remember obscure minutiae from centuries ago?
This sorcerer, he cleansed a runestone somewhere in the north. Redeburna is a ruin in the Lost Lands, though I haven’t an idea whether there are any traces of this ancient sorcerer in his old home.
The runestones here, they are corrupted! I felt it near the river, when it overwhelmed me, and I feel it here too. They have been turned in on themselves somehow, they are causing the mist and the undead, they are causing the curse! If they could be cleansed, as this Rhythwold seemed to know how to do, then the Plague Fields could be cleared again!
Please, whoever is reading this, please seek out information about this sorcerer. I knew his name when I saw it – I once read a fragment from Apocrypha of the Ancients at my friend Seward’s house, which mentioned this Rhythwold. It may have had more details about what spell he used, I don’t recall now as it was years ago. I fell out with Seward I fear, and he died a year ago and his family moved to a village called Aldastoc near Bluebrycg. His family may still have the scroll, get it! And tell my brother to give you Cantwine’s Compendium if he hasn’t already.
Gods, Ceorlben…I truly am a wretched idiot. I am the proverbial spoiled prince, who loses his favourite bauble, so he lies back and whines of poverty atop his treasure hoard. There are those who lose everyone they care about and keep going, but I lose Matlara alone and I fall to pieces.
Ceorlben, there is a painter named Eadwyn in Estemere. I was friendly with his brother years ago, but he drowned on the lake and as ever I didn’t keep in touch with those left behind. Please, beg him if you must, but convince him somehow to take Vilia as his apprentice. She will not be far away and Eadwyn can develop her talent.
Why didn’t I write something you could have shown her? Something she could remember me by? You cannot show her this, not unless she wants to be ashamed of her father forever. Though maybe that’s what I deserve. Why do I always think of a dozen things first before my own daughter? And it’s too late now…
There are footsteps on the hill. If only I hadn’t lost my tinder, I might have burned myself but now…I am too weak to run. BE BRAVE, DUNSTAN. Tole: "Well, at least he gave his daughter some thought... hardly the father she deserved, but at least he appreciated her talents." muttered Tole. Hogar: "A sad tale. And yet a hopeful one, if only this Rhythwold could be found..." Edmund: Edmund turned away. "It's plain he lost his mind when he lost his wife. A very sad tale, but he did the best he could at the end." Hogar: edit: "if only we could find out about this sorcerer and his methods..." Leofric: Leofric grimaced as he finished reading it and folded the letter away ever so carefully. "Yes, he did. And now his soul is at peace." He whispered to himself surely. "Yet, he may done more than most in raising a faint hope that this God forsaken lands could be cleansed. Might be worth stopping by Aldastoc if we are in the area of Bluebrycg." He decided to go through his backpack. Leofric: Dunstan's packback Tole: "I'll not deal with sorcerors." said Tole aggressively; "Did we find the scrolls?" Sleeping Dragon: Edmund went back to the door and was able to swing it open. Behind the entrance there was a little chamber. It had a dirt floor, and at the far end the dirt was slightly disturbed and some long rotted flowers lay on the earth. There were several chests against the wall, one of which, they saw after a moment, was carved faintly with the symbol of the Prophet's Star. Edmund: Edmund went over to examine the chests, in case they were locked. Leofric: Leofric raised his eyebrows, "Of all the things you think you would see... something like that have to be quite low on the list." He then mentioned to Tole, "I guess they are the scrolls..." He looked at Tole and nodded respectfully, "I can understand why it is so distasteful but I will deal if it mean it is for a chance to banish the curse." He gestured toward the outside. "But sooner we get this journey done, the better." Sleeping Dragon: The chests were not locked - indeed several had smashed lids, and even those that didn't were open. Edmund pulled out the chest marked with the Star and pulled open the lid. The chest was empty. whispering to Tole, looking into the empty chest, it seemed rather too large. After a moment, Tole realised she was likely looking at a false bottom. whispering to Hogar, /w 3142= looking into the empty chest, it seemed rather too large. After a moment, Hogar realised he was likely looking at a false bottom. Hogar: Hogar furrowed his brow looking at the empty chest "Some kind of trick...there's a false bottom!" Tole: "Indeed" agreed Tole. Edmund: "Be careful!" Edmund warned. "There may be a trap to catch the unwary." Leofric: Leofric took closer look at the chest and shook his head... "I don't think it is trapped..." He confirmed Edmund: "No it isn't," Edmund said, leaning forward and lifting the false base. Sleeping Dragon: Edmund pried up the false bottom to reveal the hidden compartment. Within were two books - they recognised quickly that one was a copy of the Theophany, the account the Prophet had written of the Revelation on Mount Maragar. There was also an unfamiliar black book bound with silver, several ancient scrolls of vellum, and one on lesser parchment, which they thought was of more recent origin, though still plainly many decades old. Leofric: Leofric picked the unfamiliar black book and opened it carefully, his eyes playing over the letters Leofric: he allowed others to see the texts. Sleeping Dragon: the silver bound book contained many illuminations, and finely drawn decorative letters, in the modern Gaston tongue. The words seemed almost to shift on the page as they beheld them. It seemed to have no religious information, however words such as Void, Aethyr and Will leapt off the page at them. Leofric knew at once that he held a grimoire. Edmund: Edmund looked up at Leofric. "This could have belonged to the sorcerer," he said softly. Hogar: "Not the kind of book I'd expect to find together with the Theophany..." Edmund: Edmund agreed. "Who would have put these together I wonder..." Leofric: Leofric carefully closed the books, keepng the words hidden. "No, it is not." He looked troubled about this, "Maybe scrolls will have more informations on this matter." Edmund: Edmund picked up the scrolls with enormous care and respect. He held them out to Leo. "You should be the first to see these." Leofric: Leofric accepted them carefully and nodded, he starts reading them whispering to Leofric, Leofric opened one of the vellum scrolls, which appeared to be written in both Old Gaston, and, surprisingly, Old Swylledd, the tongue of the ancient Swennings.
Leofric looked at the bottom of the Scroll and his mind reeled at the name he saw there. He had seen it written once before, on a single document at his monastery, one kept carefully under lock and key, able to be read only with the permission and supervision of three senior monks. Leofric searched his mind and he knew that the hand on these Scrolls was the same as that he had seen in the monastery.
Wulfric of the Ornolfings, Emperor of the Alanians, High King of the Gastons, Messenger of the One God, it read.
The Scroll Leofric held had been written by the Prophet himself. Leofric: He suddenly looked surprised as he looked at the end and smiled, "This scrolls is written by the Prophet... I am sure of it." Edmund: Edmund looked amazed. "Written by him, himself? Not copies?" Hogar: "Words from the Prophet himself!" Hogar gasped "What do they say, Leofric?" Leofric: He nodded, "I have seen his writing back at my monastery. They do not allow anyone to read them after all.... Let see what the scroll say." whispering to Leofric, there were two sets of Scrolls, it seemed, both of which were in the hand of the Prophet, interspersed with writing from other individuals.
The first, which Leofric had first recognised, was in Old Gaston and Old Swylledd. They appeared to be a treaty between the Prophet and three Swylledd Kings - Rhuddlum, Pwyll, and Eidelleg, following the recent hostilities at Canddwy. They fixed the borders of their realms, and vowed ten years of peace as well as exchange of hostages, and the return of the bones of the Prophet's beloved cousin Elfhelm.
The second Scroll was entirely in Old Gaston. It appeared to be correspondence between the Prophet and an individual named Osfurth of Orsingas, who Leofric surmised had been a king here in Palania. They arranged for Osfurth to foster two children, a boy named Wulfhelm and a girl called Diera, who the Prophet named as the children of his cousin Elfric. They were in want of raising, they said, as their father had died years ago and their uncle had been recently slain. Eventually, Osfurth agreed to foster the pair. The Prophet would provide a sum of gold, and in exchange Osfurth was bound to accept missionaries of the Virian faith into his lands, to find spouses for Wulfhelm and Diera, and to ensure that the children of such unions were raised as Virians. Leofric: Leofric told them what these scrolls contains, "The first one is a treaty between the Prophet and three Swyledd Kings Rhuddlum, Pwyll and Eidelleg, fixing the borders, ten years peace, an exchange of hostages and the return of Elfhelm bones. The second treaty is a discussion between the Prophet and I assumed a king in Palania called Osfurth of Orsinga. Osfurth will foster two children named a boy Wulfhelm and a girl Diera who is childern of his cousin Elfric. Osfurth agreed to this and will allow missionaries of the Virian faith as well finding spouses for the children and ensuring any offsprings will be raised as Virians." Sleeping Dragon: the implications of these documents, they soon realised, were great.
The bones referenced, belonging to Elfhelm, could only be of the Prophet's cousin, the most blessed Saint Elfhelm, who had perished five years before the Prophet, protecting him from an ambush from Swenning rebels. In the teaching of history, agreed by all Virians, the Prophet had successfully conquered all Maseda, subjugating the Swennings and beginning to convert them to the Virian Way - and yet this document clearly acknowledged the three kings as independent, and set ten years of peace between their realms - ten years in which the Prophet himself, they knew, had passed.
The second set of Scrolls were even more intriguing. None had ever heard of the Prophet's cousin Elfric, or the two children. After the Prophet had passed, the descendants of Saint Elfhelm had ruled over the Virians, until that line had been extinguished by the Faithful assassin, Brother Willard. According to the Church, only the Prophet's family could rightly rule over all the Virians, but as his clan, the Ornolfings, had perished, they taught that God would resurrect the Prophet himself to rule over them at the end of days. But these two, Wulfhelm and Diera, bore the Prophet's blood, and had apparently been sent here to Palania. If any of their descendants still lived, then by the teachings of the Church, they could claim the title of Emperor of the Virians, and all in Gastony would be expected to obey them, even King Elfwine and the Regent Hrothgar. Leofric: "This is very fascinating!" His eyes shine with surprise as it dawn on him just how precious these scolls can be... Yet he glanced at more modern scrolls, wondering what else it contains. Edmund: "This is extraordinary!" Edmund sounded stunned. "If we bring these scrolls to light, who knows what it could lead to? Yet the truth should always be allowed to shine out..." Tole: Tole snarled; "We need to get out of this place first before we start celebrating." Edmund: Edmund turned to her. "Celebrating? This changes so much, do you think everyone will accept it just like that?" Leofric: Leofric bought down to the reality, "I quite agreed." He set down the scrolls with extreme care and picked up more modern scrolls and starts reading them." Sleeping Dragon: there was only a single scroll of a more recent origin, written in the modern Gaston tongue. Sleeping Dragon: test Hogar: Hogar was speechless for a while "Being descended from the Prophet himself does not make one virtous and fit to rule." he declared Edmund: Edmund raised his eyebrows. "Only the Prophet's family are the rightful rulers over us." he replied to Hogar, then turned to study the scroll which Leo had unroled. Sleeping Dragon: Praise be to the Lord God, the Boundless Creator, He who is the Beginning and the End, the Maker and Unmaker, the Bringer of Imbalance, the Spirit of Man and the Earth, the All-Encompassing and All-Changing.
Praise be to Wulfric of the Ornolfings, the Messenger of God, the Sacred Prophet, the Kindler of Flame, the Silver Sword, the Unknowing Will, the Renewer of Spirit.
At the Beginning of Beginnings, the Lord God was alone, and all was Ordered, and Void. Yet the Lord God felt keenly the desire for the fellowship of those unlike Himself. So the Lord God bethought to make Imbalance from Order, to make Earth from Void, and to make Man from Spirit.
And the Lord God looked upon His Creation, and He saw the inconstancy and sinfulness of Man. In anger and repentance the Lord God destroyed Man and Earth, and began again. And the Lord God Made and Unmade Man and Earth, twelve by twelve times.
the Lord God saw with each Making and Unmaking some new means of sin and rebellion brought forth from the unfaithful soul of Man. And He saw that Man was unlike Himself, for Man had the capacity to Change. And the Lord God was fascinated, and desirous of this Gift.
So the Lord God then began anew, and restored all His children He had hitherto Unmade. In this final act of Creation, the Creation of the Earth upon which we reside, the Lord God sent down His Spirit to be the heart of the Earth. And the Lord God granted to Man the Flame of Will, that Man could touch the Spirit of God.
Though the secrets of Will are confused and difficult to learn, nonetheless Man never ceases to put forth our Wills, bringing Change to Earth, Man and Creator, directing the tide of History. So it shall be forever, until the Will of Man and God are in perfect alignment, and we may join with the Lord God in eternity and the Creation of new worlds. There is no Finality, for the Lord God loves us and desires that we should Change and Make Him as He has Made and Changed us. Change is the Way and the Way is Change.
Edmund: "This is...revolutionary," Edmund breathed, looking both shocked and excited. "What do you think is meant by Will, Leo?" Hogar: "This was not by the Prophet...or even any of his companions, judging by how recent it looks."Hogar stated the obvious "There is an...odd quality to these words..." Leofric: Leofric also looked shaken by this, "Will... That would explain why this black book is found with it. It can only be magic..." He felt silent... before pointing out, "We just read that the Prophet did not conquer the rest but instead made peace with them. What other history we taught as a children and adults that is also not true..." Tole: "This smacks of temptation, Leofric." said Tole; "I may not be able to read, but even I know not to believe everything you read, just as you are not meant to believe everything everyone tells you." Hogar: "If history was wrong about Masada, then it could be wrong about the sinfulness of magic."suggested Hogar tentatively "Still...these are dangerous forces, Leofric!" Hogar: edit:Masada->Maseda Edmund: "It is right to find out the truth behind what you read or hear," Edmund said. "And we can't just pretend we never saw this." Tole: "But we shouldn't treat it as truth, either." Tole said. Leofric: Leofric nodded his head, "Either way, let check other chests... then we get out of here!" Edmund: "These texts are in the hand of the Prophet, Leo says. "But perhaps these are forgeries. Or maybe those we have been told are truth are forgeries." Sleeping Dragon: foir the most part, the other chests contained only gold and copper coins and old children's clothes. In one chest, however, they found a rotted cloak which would have been fastened with a solid gold clasp engraved with the symbol of a nightingale, as well as a silver goblet set with two green garnets. Hogar: "Think we agree there's no point to leaving these things here, right?"suggested Hogar Leofric: "Beside, I want to know the meaning of the symbol of nightingale..." Leofric nodded Edmund: Edmund nodded. "The owner is hardly likely to want them back now." Leofric: Leofric nodded as he put down his backpack, moving his sword out of the way, he put the book in ever so carefully and the scrolls were carefully put away protectively. "Time to head back I think!" He told them cheerfully. Sleeping Dragon: the party left Bexcheap and began the long road back to Middlemere. At first, they felt slightly lost and bewildered, tired from their battles and wondering about what they had discovered. Eventually they righted themselves and made good progress, however they stopped short some ways from the Belas runestone where they had burned Garmund and felt a need for rest. Sleeping Dragon: the party pushed on the next day. They could feel the curse attempting to assert itself on them, but they knew now they were not far and would soon be able to see the sun again. As they pressed on, their bodies beginning to complain of fatigue, they noticed a fire ahead, and thought they could see the forms of men moving in the mist. Hogar: Hogar looked mildly relieved "Undead wouldn't light a fire, would they? But still....be careful"he said to the others Leofric: Leofric nodded at them and calls out, "Hello!" and calls out, "Are you Thegns out of Wannworth? We are friendly!" Sleeping Dragon: as they continued on, they found that a group of a half dozen Thegns were burning a group of zombies they had destroyed.
One of them strode towards the party. "You are the Virians that were going to Lake Spear," he said, sounding shocked. Edmund: "We are the very same," Edmund called back, relieved to hear a human voice. Hogar: "We are."said Hogar looking pleased to see other living humans Leofric: "Indeed, and we are glad" Leofric replied with hint of gladness. Sleeping Dragon: "And you've all survived. None of you appear to be cursed so far as I can see." The man was thunderstruck. "It has been...years...since anyone went that deep into the Fields and lived, let alone returned without the slightest sign of the curse." He paused. "Will you...tell me about this Virian God of yours? We will escort you back to Wannworth." Edmund: "Thank you, we will be glad to return with you." Edmund said, with a smile. Tole: Tole looked a bit... disarmed by the friendliness. Sleeping Dragon: they made their way towards Wannworth, to exit the Fields at last. Not long before they reached the edge, they could feel the curse making a last attempt to force itself upon them. Edmund could feel despair filling his heat, however Leofric recited his incantations and forced the evil spirits out. As he did so, he noticed that a pair of the Thegns they were with appeared to be affected. Leofric: Leofric smiled with a relief at Edmund. However, he looked at the two Thegns with hint of alarm. He approached them and after confirming the depth of their depression. He chanted the same incantations he just used on Edmund on them as well. Afterward, he asked them how they are feeling with concern in his eyes. Sleeping Dragon: the Thegns were looking at Leofric with awe. One, who had appeared especially stricken, removed his amulet to Osoltan, king of the gods, and flung it away violently, vowing to seek out a priest to perform his conversion the instant they were out of the Fields. Edmund: "God's power still shows itself, whatever the meaning of the things we found," Edmund muttered to Leo. Hogar: "Your devotion is truly inspiring."Hogar said to Leofric after seeing him exorcise again and again Leofric: Leofric agreed with Edmund, "Yes. I am just glad I was able to help" He replied with... moderation. Sleeping Dragon: a few hours later, the mist begin to thin out. A few minutes later, it parted altogether and for the first time in nearly a week, the wind stopped and they could see the sky and the sun above. The solid stone fortress of Wannworth lay perhaps a mile away, to the south, and Middlemere several hours journey beyond that. They could distantly see Cuto's Well sparkling in the light. Edmund: Edmund raised his face to the sun & laughed. He took the long package from his pack and unwrapped the flute, raised it to his lips and played a short tune. Tole: Tole didn't smile as she solemnly walked out of the Plague Fields and into the sun. Hogar: Hogar looked like a man who had a massive burden lifted off him as he walked from the mist into the stun Hogar: edit: into the sun Leofric: Leofric sighed with relief. he clasped his hands together ands muttered a prayer to God, giving thankgiving for himself, these who went with him, Edmund, Hogar, Tole and even Arianhod. He also gave thankgiving for the Thenhs that escorted them out and keep them safe in days, months and years ahead. Sleeping Dragon: three of the Thegns joined Leofric in their prayer, while the other three looked uncomfortable and muttered thanks to their own heathen gods. Edmund (enter): 23:08 Attempting to assign the role of Player to (3154) Edmund... Leofric: Leofric bid them goodbye and wishs the Thegns luck in their grim task and glanced at the others. Sleeping Dragon: the party pushed on towards Middlemere, and arrived in Ceorlben's little village near evenfall. As they approached his home, they found that he was outside, seated at a table with his wife and another woman. Vilia was in the grass nearby, playing with a dog they recognised from her drawings. Ceorlben noticed them and stood, and spoke a word to the other woman, who quickly led Vilia and the dog away. Edmund (enter): 23:16 Attempting to assign the role of Player to (3157) Edmund... Sleeping Dragon: the party pushed on towards Middlemere, and arrived in Ceorlben's little village near evenfall. As they approached his home, they found that he was outside, seated at a table with his wife and another woman. Vilia was in the grass nearby, playing with a dog they recognised from her drawings. Ceorlben noticed them and stood, and spoke a word to the other woman, who quickly led Vilia and the dog away. Edmund (enter): 23:19 Attempting to assign the role of Player to (3159) Edmund... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(3145) Edmund' from room... Edmund (exit): 23:19 Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(3154) Edmund' from room... Edmund (exit): 23:19 Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(3157) Edmund' from room... Edmund (exit): 23:19 Leofric: Leofric approached them and gave his greetings. He gave a grim nod to them. "I am sad to inform you that we managed to track Dunstan all the way to Bexcheap on the very shore of Lake Spear. We found him as a zombie and we gave him peace." Sleeping Dragon: the party pushed on towards Middlemere, and arrived in Ceorlben's little village near evenfall. As they approached his home, they found that he was outside, seated at a table with his wife and another woman. Vilia was in the grass nearby, playing with a dog they recognised from her drawings. Ceorlben noticed them and stood, and spoke a word to the other woman, who quickly led Vilia and the dog away. repost for Pip's benefit Tole: Tole took the ring from her possession, and offered it to Ceorlben. Sleeping Dragon: Ceorlben took the ring and held it for a moment, then sighed. "I knew that would be the case. Thank you for putting his spirit to rest." Edmund (enter): 23:26 Attempting to assign the role of Player to (3161) Edmund... Tole: "Dunstan had a request about his daughter." said Tole assertively. Sleeping Dragon: Ceorlben looked startled. "You...spoke...to him?" Tole: Tole looked to Leofric. Leofric: Leofric shook his head and replied, "No. He wrote a note during his last moments." He took out the note which clearly been folded carefully and handed the note over. Sleeping Dragon: Ceorlben looked at the note and read it. His face clouded over and after a few moments he folded it, sighed heavily, and put it in his pocket. "I...would prefer to read this alone," he said. Leofric: Leofric nodded with a hint of understanding., betrading himself for not suggesting that he should read it alone. Tole: "Please honour his wishes regarding his daughter." Tole practically ordered; "Losing one's parents is a horrible thing, it'd be nice to think there is something for her future." Sleeping Dragon: Ceorlben nodded. He looked at Tole. "My niece spoke of little else but you the day you left. I know you move around and may not be in Middlemere much of the time, but I would be pleased if you would come to visit whenever you are in the area. All of you are welcome, you've done a great service for our family." Tole: Not skipping a beat, Tole asked; "Do you have need for a servant, perhaps?" Edmund: "We would be glad to visit you," Edmund said. "And glad we were able to be of service to you, and to your family." Sleeping Dragon: Ceorlben frowned. "I've never had a need of one before. You have already rendered a great service to me. I will think on this. If you will wait a moment, I'll get your pay." Leofric: Leofric nodded, agreeing with Edmund. Tole: Tole nodded, whilst looking down and away from the others. Sleeping Dragon: Ceorlben returned shortly and paid each of the party 500 silvers, then bid them farewell and went inside to read his brother's last wishes. Edmund: Before he left, Edmund told Ceorlben that they had also met and sent Garmund to a peaceful end. "Is there anyone who should be told?" Edmund asked. Sleeping Dragon: "I never knew this Garmund," Ceorlben said, but Arianhod said he was a friend of her father's and she would send word to him. Sleeping Dragon: the party departed and made their way back to the Werling estate, arriving late at night. Despite the hour, things were quite busy. As they entered the common room, they saw a number of people that it took a few moments to recognise - they had seen them before, in Cranleaht, Thegns and servants of the Ealdorman Durwyn. There was also an unfamiliar man in sky blue and cream livery sitting dicing with one of the servants, though he looked up at the party as they entered, eyeing them warily. Elswyth rushed towards them in amazement. "By Osoltan, you're alive! Mistress Synne will be delighted, I will send for her at once," she said. Tole: Tole looked on wearily. Edmund: "A night's sleep in a real bed with no curses hanging over us is all I'm looking forward to," Edmund said, looking sympathetically at Tole. Hogar: "Not a bad plan."commented Hogar Leofric: Leofric rose his eyebrows with surprise. Synne... delighted... Huh! "Me too, a nice sleep. I think Dunstan will be pleased to see us back at least." Sleeping Dragon: Elswyth fetched them food and drink, however not long after it arrived, so did Synne. 'Delighted' was, perhaps, a mischaracterisation of the lady's mood. "Welcome back. Come with me, now," she said brusquely. Synne was obviously attempting, and failing, to mask her agitation. She directed a venomous look at the liveried man as she impatiently waited for the party to rise. Edmund: Edmund rose and walked over. "Trouble?" he asked quietly. Leofric: Leofric took one more swig and risen from the seat, nodded as he followed Edmund over. Sleeping Dragon: Synne said nothing, marching the party away from the common room. The party passed Dunstan on the way, who appeared amazed to see them and stammered out a greeting, but Synne glided past her betrothed-to-be and continued on to her own chamber. Leofric: Leofric smiled cheerfully at Dunstan and told him "I told you we will return!" Leofric: "Thanks for your advices, they were very useful in our trips into the Plague Fields." Leofric confirmed how useful his advice with burning the dead and so on. Tole: Tole continued to follow Synne. Sleeping Dragon: Synne waited for the party to enter her room, then closed the door quickly. "I've already fled out that window once before, I will do it again if I must," she said wildly. "That fucking smug twat from Wannford is trying to ruin our plans, you have to help me." Edmund: "Calm down and explain, and we will help you if we can." Edmund said, his voice quiet and soothing. Hogar: Hogar seemed slightly annoyed by Synne's request but he listened Leofric: Leofric settled down and waited for her response to Ed's questions. Server Administrator-> Kicking '(3159) Edmund' from server... Removing dead client Edmund (exit): 00:07 Sleeping Dragon: Synne sighed. "Ealdorman Durwyn arrived yesterday and has been negotiating a marriage contract between me and Dunstan. All well and good, and then today a messenger from the Pecthelm, the Ealdorman of Wannford, arrived with a proposal to marry me to one of his cousins, some shiteater called Morcar. I've heard of him vaguely, enjoys fighting and hunting and the like, that sort. Presumably will expect me to spread my legs for him whenever he feels the itch as if I were supposed to love him." Synne spat into her chamberpot. "Basically my father and Ealdorman Durwyn are arguing over brideprice. It would be unseemly for Dunstan and I to live with my father - and I couldn't stand to stay with him a moment longer than I need to anyhow. Ealdorman Durwyn has been negotiating to buy a house in Phalen for some time, he is happy to turn it over to us but my father is balking. Phalen is too dangerous he says, as if I were made of fucking glass, and too far away. He would rather I were in Middlemere or some such where he can keep an eye on me, but houses are more expensive there and Ealdorman Pecthelm has more money than Durwyn." Tole: Tole closed her eyes and sighed. Sleeping Dragon: "We can't all hide and pretend we're men, dear," Synne said sharply. Tole: "What would you have us do, m'Lady?" Tole said, in a somewhat snarky tone. Edmund: "And you can't jump out of the window every time your father wants to marry you off," Edmund said to Synne. "We have to consider how this is best handled. However we have just come from the Plague Lands and you'll forgive us if we sleep on it." Sleeping Dragon: "By the time you sleep my father may have already made a deal with Wannford," Synne replied sharply. "At any rate, I have an idea." Tole: "Do tell, m'Lady." Leofric: Leofric glanced at Synne, curious to what the idea is, would it involves murders.... Edmund: "Really?" Edmund asked drily. "I hope it doesn't involve killing anyone." Sleeping Dragon: "Don't patronise me, you foreign churl," Synne snapped. "My father's inclination, if all else was equal, I suspect, would be to spit in Ealdorman Pecthelm's face. He has never paid me or us the slightest bit of attention, but this affects his pride, our clan has always been part of Wannford Weapontake, but we may well choose to attach ourselves to Cranleaht now if this marriage goes through. As I said, my father's principal objection to my living in Phalen is that it's not safe, orcs and goblins still hold the eastern river. My brother managed to get himself killed there, after all, so what odds would a weakling woman like me and a coward like Dunstan have? We need people who might be around at times, to guard us and protect us from the wicked monsters. If only I knew some brave and heroic people. If perhaps a band that rescued me from kidnapping, and have now returned unscathed from a dangerous hellhole filled with the undead, were to agree to make their home with us in Phalen, perhaps my father would think it was not so dangerous after all." Hogar: "If it was for a limited time, perhaps..."suggested Hogar "But we have plans and goals of our own elsewhere." Edmund: Edmund looked thoughtful. "That is certainly a decision which would need sleeping on. This would be a band who would accompany you to Phalen, but would be able to follow their own plans and goals, as Hogar says?" Sleeping Dragon: Synne looked amused. "Do you think I want you hanging off my skirts all the time? We can hire guards, as long as you are there some of the time it will give my father some peace of mind. If you wish to sweeten the pot, you could even offer to buy part of the house, and have a share of it yourselves. You'd be free to go elsewhere if you wished, but could always return if you learned that Phalen was under threat of some kind." Edmund: Edmund looked at his comrades. "What do you think? A base in monster-haunted Phalen?" Hogar: "That's a plan. But buying a share would be a big expense and we would all have to agree..."Hogar said Sleeping Dragon: "I'll tell my father you are considering it, that will at least stop him from making any immediate decisions. It will be at least a month before any wedding regardless of what he decides, so you have time to come up with the cash and head to Phalen." Edmund: "It's a long way but there's probably plenty of work there, and I'm sure we will be well rewarded for our duties as bodyguards," Edmund said, looking at Synne. Leofric: Leofric nodded, "I rather like that idea and it would give me a chance to set up my own library which will be sufficiently protected." He glanced over at Edmund and nodded Sleeping Dragon: "We'll pay you. Dunstan seems to think he can make medicines and other supplies for the warriors," Synne sounded sceptical. "Or at least he does when he actually is able to say a word to me, I think he's afraid of me." Synne did not seem displeased by this. "We'll have some money, anyhow." Edmund: "You had better treat Dunstan decently, or you will have us to answer to," Edmund said, with sudden fierceness, then was calm again. "I agree to the plan, and Leo seems happy with it." Sleeping Dragon: Synne looked alarmed for a brief instant, then frowned. "As long as Dunstan knows his place and doesn't expect me to <b>obey</b> him or some such we'll get along fine, I would prefer him for a husband to anyone else that's been offered. Certainly more than this cunt Morcar. Anyhow, go and think on my offer. I'm glad you survived, by the way." Synne's tone did not soften in the slightest. Sleeping Dragon: Synne looked alarmed for a brief instant, then frowned. "As long as Dunstan knows his place and doesn't expect me to obey him or some such we'll get along fine, I would prefer him for a husband to anyone else that's been offered. Certainly more than this cunt Morcar. Anyhow, go and think on my offer. I'm glad you survived, by the way." Synne's tone did not soften in the slightest. Edmund: "Thank you, so are we," Edmund said with a smile.
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