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Post by sleepingdragon on Feb 8, 2014 15:42:02 GMT
Leofric: Leofric risen his crossbow and fired his bolt at a gibberling. Unfortunately , while it flown true to its target. The target is not there for the bolt to hit. Thus, the bolt clattered against the damp dark cavewall. On the other hand, the gibberling ducked to the wet ground. sd: Arianhod readied her hatchet and moved towards one of the creatures sd: as the creature that had dodged Leofric's bolt rose to its feet, the other fired its sling at Arianhod, striking her but failing to do any damage. Two further bullets flew out of the darkness ahead, at her and at Hogar, but another bounced off Arianhod's armour and the second flew over Hogar's head Edmund: Edmund drew back his bow and fired off a fiery arrow at one of the small creatures, wounding it in the head. It dropped screaming and then was silent. "Why are they fighting? They will all be slaughtered." Edmund said to Leofric. Hogar: Hogar threw his hatchet at the other gibberling they could see - it flew true through the darkness and struck the thing in its arm. A gout of blood came out and it fell - dead. Leofric: Leofric muttered back to Edmund, "Well, they might be forced by its leader." as he dropped the crossbow and draws his straight longsword. He told Maccus to give him the torch so he can acutally use the bow instead. Edmund: "They may be trying to lure us in, sending their weakest," Edmund murmured, looking at the small paths. Hogar: "Don't advance too much!"said Hogar to the others "We might be surrounded and swarmed." sd: Maccus, following behind Leofric, handed him the torch and dropped his trident sd: ahead of them, and from the darkness below, they heard the creatures screeching in unison Leofric: Leofric shook his head at the sound and told the others, "I am sure it is nothing magical about these noises" He said with some confidence. sd: there were scuffling noises and suddenly many more of the creatures began to pour out of some of the passages, on every side Leofric: Leofric glanced around at the monsters but can;t see anything useful against them. sd: Arianhod, turning, flung her hatchet at one particularly large gibberling that wielded a crude battle axe. It pierced the thing's leg and it let out a howl of pain sd: Maccus drew his bow Hogar: Hogar had readied his axe and eyed the Gibberlings worriedly Edmund: Edmund also fired at the wounded creature and again it gave a cry of pain. Hogar: "The bigger ones seem to be leading the others into some sort of song."shouted Hogar as a warning for the others Leofric: Leofric watched the enemies carefully. sd: suddenly, two of the larger creatures put their heads back and gave tremendous, horrific howls. The sudden piercing yell wrapped round and intertwined with the low incessant gibbering, and the hairs on their necks stood as the terrible noise pierced their souls. sd: as Maccus began to string a bow, there was a barrage of sling stones, but only Arianhod was struck and took only a light wound Edmund: Edmund took another arrow, and stared around at the others. Then he started to sing, an old air from Gastony which was familiar as their home earth, his voice swelling as he did so. Leofric: Leofric joined up with Edmund, also singing in slightly not so good tune. Leofric: Leofric frowned for a moment and dropped his sword onto the ground and muttered few words. A moment later, one of the painted Glibbering's crude axe was lit by strange magical light sd: the gibberlings around the light gave a sudden cry as it pierced their eyes. At this, Arianhod brought her axe around in a thunderous arc, slaying the largest of the creatures sd: two of the other large gibberlings threw javelins towards the party. One, blinded by Leofric's spell, had its projectile fly past Maccus, while the second managed to strike Edmund but did not penetrate his armour sd: Maccus finished loading his bow as the javelin flew overhead sd: another hail of sling stones barraged the party, however Leofric absorbed one blow and Maccus nimbly rolled beneath one as he brought his arrow up Edmund: Aiming at another of apparent leaders of the gibberlings, Edmund fired a flaming arrow which wounded it. sd: Arianhod struck one of the gibberlings on the head, and it fell spurting blood from its wounds Leofric: Leofric knelt down and picked the sword up by its hilt. The magical light on the fallen enemy suddenly faded away. He sighed at the dirty mud covering the sword and eyed the entire rank of gibberling with morseless look/ Leofric: EDIT: remorseless look Hogar: Hogar quickly surved the situation and then with a scream raised his axe and lashed out brutally at the gibberlings threatening him and Leofric. Two of the little monstruosities fell beneath his savage blows as blood poured on the cave floor. Leofric: Leofric remused his songs as he slashed out and its flimsy defence is unable to block such skillful blow. Leofric's blow gutted it sd: Arianhod attacked one of the gibberlings with her huge axe. It severed its arm with such force that it flew through the air to strike one of the nearby gibberlings in the chest, while the spear skittered off past Hogar. The dead creature fell with a torrent of blood gouting from the ruin of its arm sd: the large creatures gave another yell, but Edmund's song focussed their minds and they easily ignored the frightening noise, despite the huge number of creatures that were advancing on them sd: Maccus fired at one of the onrushing creatures, and his arrow sliced lightly across the thing's face. sd: another barrage of sling stones flew forward, but most bounced harmlessly off their armour. Edmund took one that would have dealt him a wound, but Leofric's spell prevented it from harming him Edmund: Edmund again fired at one of the larger creatures, the arrow burning as it struck. Hogar: Hogar sliced an arm off another gibberling, his axe moving with both power and speed Hogar: add: .as the thing fell down, dead, in a pool of lbood Leofric: Leofric slashed out once more but missed the blow. sd: one of the larger gibberlings came into reach of Arianhod's axe, but she promptly beheaded the creature for its troubles sd: Maccus reloaded his bow as a javelin sailed past him sd: Arianhod took a light blow from a spear, while Leofric deflected one and absorbed another. The creatures were pressing hard, seeming to find strength in their huge numbers Hogar: With a quick chop Hogar split in two the chest of one of the gibberlings facing him. He eyed grimly the many other reaching for them... sd: the creatures continued to pour forward. From out of the darkness there came one very large, fat gibberling, with a blocky face and maw that dripped vile slobber. Hogar: Another gibberling fell to Hogar's battleaxe, but the creatures just kept coming. Edmund: Edmund swung round and let loose an arrow at this new horror. Flames trailed from it as it flew through the air to strike her in the chest. Leofric: Leofric reached out to his left as if the gibberling flanking the line to go to Ed and Maccus and killed it sd: Arianhod continued to slay. By now she was absolutely soaked in gibberling blood, but the things continued on, heedless of death sd: the large gibberlings continued to scream, but their voices were becoming hoarser and less certain now sd: Arianhod and Leofric continued to be the target of the gibberlings ire, but escaped unharmed from a number of spear thrusts Hogar: Hogar kept fighting and killed another gibberlings. He watched the ones in front of him and Leofric confidently as he waited for more to come and die. sd: the brood mother opened her mouth and spat a glob of caustic acid at Edmund. At the last moment, he managed to throw himself to the floor and dodge Edmund: "Watch out! It spits acid!" Edmund cried in warning to the others. Leofric: Leofric kept on singing as he advanced forward with Hogar and smiled at larger Gibberling as he knocked him out with his sword sd: Arianhod cut the legs out from under another gibberling sd: the creatures continued to stab endlessly at the party. Leofric took a heavy wound to his chest, though he kept fighting Hogar: Seeming to grow furious over Leofric being wounded, Hogar swung his savagely, beheading one of the larger gibberlings in a shower of blood sd: the brood mother worked its mouth, building up spittle Hogar: edit: Seeming to grow furious over Leofric being wounded, Hogar swung his axe at the head of the largest gibberling nearby, which collapsed to the ground barely alive in a sprout of blood Leofric: Leofric coughed up some blood before he stuck back with his sword quietly but missed on his left. Hogar: Another large gibberling - this one likely the last of his kind - stepped over the remains of his unconscious comrade to face Hogar, but the warrior quickly cut him down with a powerful axe swing and then spun around to also finish off a smaller one threatening Leofric sd: Arianhod beheaded another gibberling sd: Maccus fired an arrow at the brood mother, wounding her arm sd: Arianhod and Hogar took light wounds while Leofric deflected a blow Edmund: Still singing strongly, Edmund stood and fired at the Brood Mother. The arrow flew straight and true, hitting the creature in the abdomen and striking deep. She toppled over, blood seeping out from the wound. Edmund sighed in relief. sd: the brood mother collapsed forward, and the weight of her carcasse abruptly set off one of the pit traps the party had found earlier. The floor collapsed and her body, along with those of some of her brood slain earlier, tumbled and there was a loud splash as they vanished below Hogar: Hogar struck down a gibbeling too close to him to flee Hogar: edit: gibberling Leofric: Leofric causally slashed out, his heart no longer in the blow at the enemy but to his stunned surprise, it managed to block it with some glimmer of skill sd: Arianhod tried to kick the legs out from under another gibberling, but it managed to keep its feet. From here, the few creatures that remained scampered away, escaping into the tunnels, into which the party could not easily chase them. sd: the party now had a chance to explore the cave more thoroughly. Towards the rear of the cavern, they saw there were two wider passages down, which they could more easily manage to actually fit into Edmund: "Which do you think?" asked Edmund of the others, looking around for any signs that the creatures or humans prisoners had come either way. Edmund: "Maybe we should resuscitate one of the gibberlings and see if it can answer," he added, returning to the bodies of the creatures. sd: "They are lowmind, you are not likely to learn anything from them," said Maccus, retrieving his trident Leofric: Leofric took a coin out and flipped it. After examining the coin and replied, "Right passage..." After glancing at the passages. He looked back at Edmund. He agreed with Maccus. "I agreed. They are seems uncapable of speaking after all. Still..." Hogar: "I doubt they're more than pests."said Hogar agreeing with Maccus "Best to check on our wounds and then finish the others left and then look for any humans." Edmund: "How do we know they are incapable of our language if we don't at least test it out," Edmund insisted. "It costs us nothing and then we can be sure." Leofric: Leofric sighed for a moment, "Always worth a try I guess..." Hogar: "Bah! If you insist, though..."Hogar grumbled "But take any nearby weapons away from it." sd: as Hogar resucitated the gibberling, Arianhod stood over it with her axe hovering near its throat sd: after some time screeching and yelling, the wounded gibberling came to consciousness and looked around at the party. It gave a pathetic whine, but said nothing. Edmund: Edmund crouched down beside it. "Can you understand me?" he asked. sd: the gibberling attempted to back away from Edmund, though it did not get very far with Arianhod standing over it. Edmund: Edmund showed both hands empty, and did not move forward. "Can you speak?" Hogar: "See? He was right." Hogar said referring to Maccus and his words as he kept a close eye on the gibberling sd: the gibberling let out its high pitched yell, though with none of its fellows to answer it, the sound was only irritating and slightly painful to the ear Edmund: Edmund sighed. He tried once more to communicate with the creature, only this time he sang a few notes. sd: the creature looked very puzzled for some time, then tried to answer, though its own voice was distinctly not in harmony with Edmund's Edmund: "I'm sorry," Edmund said, looking up at Arianhod, although it was hard to tell if he was speaking to her or to the gibberling. "I don't think this will work. Can you make it quick and clean." Then he started singing gently to the gibberling. sd: Arianhod brought her axe down. The creature gave a screech as it suddenly saw the blow coming, then lay still Hogar: Hogar nodded silently, though it seemed Edmund's attempt to comunicate may have affected him however slightly Edmund: "Maybe if we communicated we could avoid slaughtering each other," Edmund muttered, then he rose and walked to the back of the cavern. sd: "If enough time were spent perhaps they might grow more strongmind, but who would have the time or soulwish for such a thing?" Maccus shook his head Leofric: "You be surprised...." Leofric muttered at that point. He followed Edmund, still holding the torch. sd: the party headed down to the lower caverns. They found themselves in an uneven chamber scattered with debris and hunks of fur. To the right of them, there was a deep pit filled with bones of a number of animals - there were cows and horses there, and deer, but they also thought a few human bones. To their left, there was a deep poll. From the looks of the blood around this and also in the water, they thought the gibberlings had fled this way. As well as the blood in the water, there was a strange purplish tinge as well, discoloured currents swirling in the murk. Hogar: "The dragonspawn and elves are quite cunning - strongmind as you'd say - and I definetely don't call that a blessing!"said Hogar agreeing with Maccus' words sd: "Aye, goblins are much the same, and far more dangerous than these creatures." Hogar: Hogar frowned as he saw bones he obviously thought human in the pit, and then he looked at the water sd: Maccus gave a frown, then climbed down into the bone pit. Leofric: Leofric made some mutters and gestures. He did it four times as he focused on ir. Hogar: "Think there might be magic there?"Hogar asked Leofric as he saw him gesture towards the water You whisper to Leofric: at first, Leofric thought the taste was like cinnamon or some other warming, pleasant spice. However, it soon turned in his mouth, and it filled with a strange flavour, as if biting into fruit and suddenly hitting a rotten patch. Leofric felt a stronger source elsewhere in the caverns, off ahead of them, but clearly some magic had been used in this pool. sd: reaching out from under the pile, Maccus picked up a broken sword hilt which was graven with the seahawk symbol they had seen in Fossenden. "I fear our lordling is here somewhere, though he will not be returning, and his bloodpower shall not enter into the evercycle." Leofric: Leofric nodded as he replied, "Some magic had been used in this pool. Although..." He made a vague gesture, "I sensed a stronger source of the magic which been used on the pool ahead." Leofric: EDIT Hogar: "Sad news."Hogar said hearing from Maccus "We might at least be able to avenge him by finishing off the remaining creatures though..."he suggested sd: "Now that the brood mother is dead I suspect Lord Wardlaw will find it easy enough to take his own vengeance." Hogar: "That might indeed be more to his liking."commented Hogar dryly sd: there was little in most of the caverns, save a few trinkets, unidentifiable types of meat, rough animal furs, and some spare spear shafts and heads. They did find one room, however, which was clearly the brood mother's abode. There was a high bone chair there, beside a pool which was almost entirely purple, not entirely dissimilar to the colour of a Heartfire. Leofric knew this was the more powerful source of magic he had felt earlier. sd: Maccus looked down into the water. "There could be something below perhaps, I cannot see through this...but I would be heartwarned against going into that water." Hogar: "It might be a very bad idea."said Hogar sd: "I will go if you wish me, I am a strong swimmer and I owe you lifedebt." Leofric: Leofric shook his head and replied "No. I try again and touch the water to gain an understanding of what it is. Hopefully, I am strong enough." He made a gesture and touched the pool with his fingers. You whisper to Leofric: recasting his spell, Leofric concentrated. He did not think the water would be immediately harmful - beyond perhaps making someone slightly sick. Over the long term, however, and especially if affecting a young creature or one in development, it seemed an enchantment had been laid on it that would subtly alter its nature - making it more aggressive and strong, and requiring less sustenance. It was a very complex magic, and Leofric had no idea how it might ever have been woven. Leofric: Leofric risen his eyebrows and replied, "It is not entirely harmful but if used on growing creature, the pool alter its nature, making it stronger, agressive and needing less nourishment. It is exceedingly complex enchantment...." Leofric: EDIT: If used over long term. Edmund: "No wonder the gibberlings changed nature and caused such trouble," Edmund said. "How can we get rid of this to prevent it happening again?" Hogar: "A growing creature?" Hogar's brow furrowed "Perhaps the bigger gibberlings we fought had been altered by this. I wonder what would happen if a human were to be put in it..."he added sounding worried sd: "If it is not immediately harmful, then I will explore," said Maccus, stepping to the edge of the pool. He stripped off his tunic, revealing his still scarred and emaciated chest, and turned to hand it to Leofric. "Hold on to this for me," he said, then stepped into the pool and took a breath. Edmund: Edmund shook his head. "This seems a bad idea." Hogar: Hogar seemed to think this was not really a good idea on Maccus' part, but did not try to stop him Leofric: Leofric held the tunic as he waited. "I agreed..." He frowned with concern. sd: Maccus was underwater for about forty-five seconds before he returned, wiping purple liquid from his eyes. In his hands he clutched a small, sodden leather bundle, which proved to be some manner of journal. "I don't know if any of this is legible," he said. He also threw down a few shards of glass. "There are broken vials at the bottom of the pool." Hogar: "That was incredibly brave of you" Hogar congratulated Maccus "That journal might perhaps hold some sort of secret related to these creatures....or someone captured by them". Leofric: Leofric smiled with relief, "Well done!" He returned the tunic to its owner and knelt down, picking the sodden journal. "I see if I can read it..." sd: Maccus sat on one of the animal skins, waiting to dry as he took his tunic back from Leofric Hogar: "Did you see anything else at the bottom of the pool? Bones?"asked Hogar sd: Maccus shook his head. sd: the majority of the journal was completely ruined by the wet, but here and there were snippets which they could make out. It was written in a firm, blocky hand, and it detailed the unnamed writer's observations. They referred to the 'solution', which they felt had clearly not yet perfected. The master would still need to spend some time with this - perhaps it would be more potent if was boiled for more days upon the Great Heartfire before it was used. The writer noted that the gibberlings still required food, though less than before the spring when the solution had been added. The final legible section mentioned that they would now need to head to Cloppney and seek out Merefin to see if he would aid the master, which the writer was confident he would be able to persuade him to do before he sailed away again. sd: "Does that say Merefin?" Maccus asked. "He was one of King Torphin's counselgivers, a senior Masked One. He aligned himself with the Crowns I believe, a rarity here. I believe I heard someone in Cloppney mention that he went missing some weeks ago." Hogar: "This is surprising."said Hogar as the writings were explained to me "It sounds to me asi f someone was trying to alter the gibberlings..." Leofric: Leofric frowned with anger, "Some sick experiment! It seems maybe it is one way to help the Crowns to regain Great Estreness?" sd: "That is their aim. It is the aim of most of the Divine Blood to seek to recover the sacred isle, but they pursue it with particular soulwish." Edmund: "A dangerous experiment, and proved fatal for the gibberlings, but this seems that it proved so for Merefin too," Edmund mused. "It is sick." Hogar: "Perhaps you could bring some of this water with you to analyze more...througly?"suggested Hogar "Or not. r Could be risky." sd: "I cannot determine why any would seek to alter gibberlings in such a way," Maccus shrugged. "They are quite aggressive enough." Edmund: "Maybe someone sought to turn them into a weapon," considered Edmund. Hogar: "Making them require less food could be a way to make them less aggressive, perhaps."suggested Hogar "Or perhaps raise an army of them..." Leofric: "What if you use it on children even?" Leofric considered this with anger sd: "Whoever wrote the journal seemed to think this 'solution' should mean they would require no food at all, were it perfected." Maccus mused. Edmund: "That mght be the eventual plan," Edmund said. "To turn human children into perfect warriors. Warrior slaves no doubt." Leofric: Leofric nodded and replied thoughtfully, "Well, Goblins are the ones who does not requires food as they survive entirely on liquids." sd: "This is deeply soulwearing. This 'solution' was added in the spring, did you say? This has been plotted for some time then." Edmund: "I wonder if the writer died here or ever met with Merefin. We should finish our search for human remains or any possible survivors." sd: "There is a tunnel beneath that pool, were I a Masked One I might swim the whole way but I am not and I will drown if I swim too far," said Maccus. "If there are any remains there, they will be beyond our reach." Leofric: Leofric sighed with concern, "I really do not like this idea of such solutions or such magic users capable of such acts. Something to look into at a later date... " He told the others. He thanked Maccus for his great help. Leofric glanced at Edmund, "Or a way to get rid of the evidence or the writer might die. The master could be the one that cast very complex magic. So many questions, so little answers..." He looked enervated as well as it is one more concern on his mind. "Still, time to finish our search." sd: the party searched, but there was little else to find in the gibberling caverns. By the time they finished, it was grown very dark outside.
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Post by sleepingdragon on Feb 15, 2014 17:27:32 GMT
sd: by the time the party finished searching the caves, it was grown very dark outside. "I would rather not sleep here, those creatures might return," said Maccus. Leofric: Leofric nodded with an agreement Edmund: "How about the place we watched the cave from?" Edmund suggested. "That was sheltered." Hogar: Hogar stood in thought for a while "It occurs to me we might want to bring some of that purple...water with us. You never know, you might be able to find more about it."he said, the last part obviously meant for Leofric "Just don't mistake it for wine!" Edmund: "This is very unsafe," Edmund warned. Hogar: "I know."Hogar nodded gravely "But if we were to find - as odd as it sounds - a Masked One we could trust with this information, they might be able to tell us something more about this substance." Edmund: Edmund shook his head at the idea of a Masked One who could be trusted. Leofric: Leofric laughed weakly at the Hogar's point at the end. "I got a feeling that it would not last long. You see the status of other pool. Beside, what is the chance of finding a trustworthy Masked One hmm?" sd: "Very little, but there are those like my master that know the lore of the Divine Blood who may be equally knowledgeable," said Maccus. "But I would be wary." Edmund: "I believe it would be better that the power of this water fades away and the knowledge is lost, than that it is found and misused," Edmund said. Hogar: "Perhaps it is as you say. And the liquid might lose potency anyway. Still, I'd really like to know what's up with this plot. And we're definetely not finding this out from the Gibberlings themselves!" Leofric: Leofric nodded slowly, "It would be better. At least we know there is such substance and be on guard about that plot!" Edmund: "Do you think we should take some of this water Leo? Can we guarantee to keep it safe and secret?" Edmund asked his companion. Leofric: Leofric frowned, pausing for a thought and shook his head, "It is much more complex enchantment and anyone who can sense magic can sense that. I am not sure we can guarantee to keep it safe and secret." Leofric: "So no, we shouldn't take the water in my opinon." Hogar: Hogar shrugged "As you say. You might be right." sd: the party left the cave and rested for the night before returning to Fossenden the next day. Maccus was able to arrange for them to meet with Lord Wardlaw again, who thanked them for dealing with the brood mother. He was saddened but not especially surprised to have confirmation of his son's death, as he had not thought it likely he had survived. He gave them all 1000 silvers for their services, and said he would arrange for their passage to Sharney, though that would have to wait until the morning as it was late in the day by the time they had arrived back in Fossenden. sd: Maccus elected to split his share amongst the party, as he already owed them money for his weapons. Edmund: Edmund thanked him and stowed his money away safely. "Food and drink, and somewhere to talk would be good. Maybe a bit of music too," he grinned. sd: "Aye, some relaxation would not go amiss," said Maccus. Leofric: Leofric thanked Maccus as well and agreed with Edmund and Maccus. Hogar: "Sorry for your loss."said Hogar to Wardlaw as they received their rewards "Though I assure you, plenty of gibberlings paid with their blood for that. Hopefully they will threaten your lands no more" sd: "We will destroy any other of the vermin that remain," said Wardlaw. "But I have no other son as capable as Waldere, and now he will not even enter into the evercycle. This is a soulwearing world." Leofric: Leofric nodded, "My condolence. I will hope for your success against these vermins." he told Wardlaw. sd: the party headed to what was one of only two taverns in Fossenden, a windswept building with only one storey, though there were rooms below. The food was utterly dominated by types of fish, while the drinks were beer and whiskey. Wine was extremely rare in Coelney and restricted to the wealthiest - indeed 'winehold' was a term some Coelneymen used for the homes of those of Divine Blood. Maccus downed his first drink, then begged that the party excuse him for a time while he took care of a matter. Edmund: Edmund decided to ask for a whiskey, having never heard of it before. He took a mouthful from the small glass and choked on it. "By the Prophet, they drink liquid fire here!" Leofric: Leofric smiled slightly as he play safe and asked for beer instead. Hogar: Hogar ate silently, his mind obviously busy on something. Edmund: Edmund tried another sip and smiled. "The fire runs through you though." sd: Maccus wandered over to another table and seated himself next to a slightly plump woman in perhaps her early thirties, who was drinking with another woman and a man. Maccus diced with them for a time while focussing his principal attention on the woman. Leofric: Leofric took a drink from his mug and glanced around the bar. Edmund: Edmund looked to see if there was a quite place they could talk privately. Hogar: Hogar nodded silently at Edmund, obviously realizing his intentions "Bit too many people here, I think."he said in a hushed tone Edmund: "We need somewhere to stay tonight and this is as good as any," Edmund said. He made his way to ask the innkeeper if there was a room for the night. sd: the party had no problem finding a room - visitors were not enormously common in Fossenden. It had obviously become common knowledge that the party had aided Lord Wardlaw, as the innkeeper agreed to let them have the room free of charge. Edmund: "That's very kind of you," Edmund said. Edmund: "We have things to talk over later," he said to the others when he returned to their table. "But for now let's enjoy a few hours." Edmund: Edmund asked the innkeeper if it would be alright to play a few tunes. sd: the innkeeper was more than happy for Edmund to play, as they had not had a proper musician in Fossenden for some time Edmund: Edmund played for a bit, but wasn't on his best form. Edmund: Feeling that he was failing to please his audience, he put away his flute and launched into an exciting account of the companions' hunt for the cyclops. Hogar: Hogar smiled as Edmund began the tale, obviously fondly recalling the battle and joining the Brotherhood. sd: this received a better reaction from the audience, who sat and listened to Edmund's story intently - there were no cyclopes on Cumbraley, although they knew vaguely of them from tales from the mainland. While the story was ongoing, Maccus and the woman he had been speaking to took the opportunity to slip away, after short words with the innkeeper who handed Maccus a set of keys to the room where the party would be staying. Edmund: Finally Edmund began to sing. He started quietly, the old familiar air from their childhood that he hoped his companions would join in with. Leofric: Leofric starts singing as well, following Edmund's tune. Hogar: Hogar too tried to follow Edmund's lead, though he was obviously wasn't much of a singer himself Edmund: The song ended with their voices swelling, filling the room. Edmund bowed to the crowd and went to return to the table. Leofric: Leofric saluted at Edmund at excellent evening so far, smiling at the success. Edmund: Edmund grinned back, drinking another whiskey. Hogar: Hogar drank from his glass, now looking more relaxed "We'll want to talk a bit about...you know what, eventually. Though I fear our room is currently..."he paused for a few moments "Taken" Edmund: Edmund shrugged. "Maccus seems to have a way with women....." sd: about a half hour later, Maccus and the woman reemerged. She left shortly afterwards, and Maccus rejoined the group. Edmund: "We need to talk," Edmund said quietly as Maccus returned. sd: "Aye," said Maccus, ordering a whiskey. Edmund: "What do they make this stuff out of?" Edmund asked. sd: "Grain. Will we be speaking here or shall we retire to our rooms?" Edmund: "Privacy would be good," Edmund replied. Hogar: "Yes. If you are thinking what I'm thinking, this is quite the matter to decide about."Hogar whispered Leofric: Leofric finally finished his drink and stood up, ready to go to their rooms. sd: Maccus led the party down to the rooms, and sat down on a rumpled bed. Leofric: Leofric leaned against the wall, raising the point, "I am assuming we want to talk about if we should tell Lord Wardlaw or not about the plot?" He glanced at Edmund. Leofric: Edit: he said quietly. Hogar: "Yes, that was what I was thinking. It's a...delicate matter."Hogar paused for a few second "However, I feel his personal loss might make him more trustworthy than other lords on this matter." Hogar: edit: for a few seconds Leofric: Leofric considered this before replying, "But it does concern me that if he know about this substance, he may decide to find out more about this substance. If we decided to tell him about what happened in the pool which may indirectly lead to his son's death. How would he react then?" sd: "Lord Wardlaw is no great friend to the Masked Ones or to Cloppney, but he is ultimately out for himself. He would look at this substance and seek a way to gain from it, to get some measure of weregeld from his son's death," said Maccus. "I would be wary of trusting him with this. I have contacts in Sharney who I feel more heartsure in talking to." Edmund: Edmund nodded. "It sounded this way when he spoke to you earlier. We will go by your advice." Hogar: "I remember his words to you, yes. Perhaps you are right - it is too risky." Edmund: "What kind of contacts in Sharney? As you know we have business there ourselves." sd: "Members of King Vifil's court. He was our ally against the Masked Ones and sent some help in the rebelstrife, though it was not sufficient or fast enough for my liking." Edmund: "Might they also be able to assist us in finding out what happened to the party we are searching for?" Edmund asked. sd: "I would expect so, though I suspect they will want something in return. What that would be, I don't know yet." Hogar: "Likely. Still...So we will not mention this to Wardlaw." Leofric: Leofric nodded, "Aye..." Edmund: "The birds have flown from the look of it, so it's also unlikely it he would be able to do much about it," Edmund added. sd: before they slept, the party returned to the common room to seek out more information. They had little luck, unfortunately, though Maccus, in between whiskeys, heard that King Vifil had faced threats to his position not long after the fall of his ally in Tarmer, and he would likely have fallen if not for the assistance of an adventurer who had recently arrived on Sharney and taken up residence in an abandoned mine outside the main town, Cyningas. Edmund: "This could be one of the explorers," Edmund suggested. "It's not likely to be a supporter of the Crowns is it?" sd: "I doubt it, your expedition seems more likely. The Masked Ones are not noted for going adventuring, and the Crowns least of all." Edmund: "It will give us a point to start looking at least," Edmund said. "And even if they are not one of those we seek, they sound an interesting person to meet." Hogar: "Then it's worth investigating."Hogar agreed sd: in the morning, the party headed to the docks, where they boarded a small sailing ship crewed by several local fishermen Lord Wardlaw had drafted in to take the party to Sharney. The seas were calm, and the wind was presently in their favour, though they could not be sure those would remain the case for the whole voyage. The fishermen guessed it would take three days to reach Cyningas, or four if the elements turned against them. sd: this proved not to be the case, as the winds remained in their favour throughout and Maccus and the fishermen crewed the ship well. Throughout the voyage, Maccus continued to improve and get back his strength, with assistance from Hogar. He still looked battered from his months as a castaway, but he was starting to fill out again and his grip was noticeably stronger than before.
After rounding a long peninsula, on 23 November the party drew near to Cyningas and saw the large Heartfire ahead, mounted atop a great stone pillar graven with runes and banded in copper and silver. Cyningas was significantly larger than Fossenden, though it was still not, by the standards of Gastony or even the mainland, a particularly large settlement. King Vifil dwelt in a strong stone tower atop a hill overlooking the river, and another, smaller Heartfire graced the top of this structure. The buildings of Cyningas were of fine red stone, and the people wore more jewellery here than those on Cumbraley - the hills of Sharney were, at least by the standards of Coelney, rich in silver and gold as well as copper and tin. Unlike in Cloppney, they were not subjected to any search by the Masked Ones - instead a few guardsmen cursorily checked the boat, and then were happy to let the party disembark. The fishermen came as well, determined to have a day of enjoyment (at their lord's expense) before they headed back home. Hogar: Hogar looked very pleased by Maccus' improvements under his care. sd: "I am going to go and make whispertalk with some of my contacts," said Maccus, once the party worked out where they would be staying. "I will see you again in a few hours. Incidentally, now that I am recovering slightly it may be an idea to armour myself, but I fear I am still hearthless and coinless." Edmund: "We can help you with that," Edmund said, drawing out his pouch. Leofric: Leofric nodded slightly as he reached for his pouch as well. Hogar: Hogar did likewise "You should be back to full health pretty soon. We'll be glad to help you with getting something." sd: while Maccus was away, the party sought out information amongst the locals, though they had little luck. Edmund did overhear one rumour - an exiled prince from the nearby isle of Bartholme, Guthafyr the Heartless, was said to have returned from his exile on the mainland and was in hiding on Coelney somewhere, looking to retake the island's crown following the recent death of the last King.
In the early evening, Maccus returned, with a slightly troubled look on his face. He came over and sat with the party, who were just taking their evening meal. "Well, I've arranged a meeting with one of the King's counselgivers in the morning," he said. Edmund: "You look as though this is not good news," Edmund said, with a frown. Leofric: "Indeed, you looked concerned." Leofric confirmed Edmund's point Hogar: "Guthafyr the Heartless...Doesn't sound good to me. What happened, Maccus?"he said obviously sharing the same concern as the others sd: "Aye, I am. It is not that this isn't good news, it's simply..." Maccus scratched his chin. "Something odd appears to be afoot at court. I was in disguise so any potential enemies would not recognise me, and was able to observe. Some of those I knew before who were most unhelpful and heartfalse to the King now seem to be supporting him quite loyally, though he does not appear to have been foolish enough to take them into his confidence. I overheard Masked Ones I would have expected to be seeking to depose Vifil now that my master is dead, and instead they are full of kindtalk for this person Lucan. He is the adventurer we learned of in Fossenden, the one in the mine, he cleared out a nest of goblins with his men. I have never heard of this man before, he has only come to Coelney in recent months from the mainland, though he is a Coelneyman from what I hear." sd: "It is still the best idea to meet with Felgild in the morning, but I would keep our eyes open. Masked Ones are typically quite obstinate and to see some change so thoroughly is soulwearing." Edmund: "You think it is part of some plot maybe? To pretend to support and gain trust, or possibly they hope to use some influence on the King. Or perhaps they will use this person Lucan in some way." Edmund shook his head as if to clear it. "Too many possibilities but not one clear meaning..." sd: "Vifil is no fool to be easily tricked. As we will not be meeting Felgild until the morning, we should search for more information." Hogar: "That is very interesting news. Best to be careful. Though at least we now know something though" Edmund: "We need to meet with this man Lucan," Edmund said. "To find out who, or what, he is." sd: the party sought out more information while awaiting their meeting in the morning. Maccus asked quiet questions about this person Lucan - he learned that he was rarely out of his mine, but that he clearly disliked the Masked Ones and in fact did not even pay lip service to the cult. One particularly obstructive Masked One, Eorcenbeald, had sought to persuade the King to expel Lucan from the island, and shortly afterwards the man had disappeared.
Meanwhile, Arianhod and Hogar sought information about their quarry. Arianhod heard a rumour that their bodyguard, Byrtwald, had been accused of cheating at dice more than once, ending in a knife fight with one accuser. Meanwhile Hogar learned that, prior to the group abruptly left Cyningas in January, Odelyn had been seeking to make contacts in the underworld, negotiating with groups of smugglers and thieves. One man had heard a rumour that she had been back in Cyningas in August, but on her own and seemingly trying not to be recognised. Hogar: "If Lucan's still around, sounds like he went into hiding."Hogar said when Maccus shared what he had found with them "As for what I found it, sounds like Odelyn was planning something..." Edmund: "It seems Odelyn may have decided to build her enterprise without her companions," Edmund said. "We did suspect there might be trouble with her and, what was his name, Freod?" Hogar: "Freod, yes. Think she wanted to get into the business of smuggling godsroot and pearls." Edmund: "It could be. She might have organised the removal of her companions, or just left them somewhere. Of course we could be suspecting wrong-doing where there is none, and she might be blameless," Edmund said with half-smile. "We won't know until we find her." sd: in the morning, Maccus received a message from Felgild asking the party to meet him at an abandoned farmstead on the western edge of Cyningas - to ensure they did not draw suspicion, he asked them to come one at a time, separated by a few minutes. Felgild would come to meet with them once they were all present. Hogar: "I hope this Felgild is trustworthy - bit worried there."Hogar said Edmund: "What time are we meeting?" asked Edmund. sd: "He is not the closest of my contacts, but he is very loyal to Vifil," said Maccus. "If you are concerned, I will go first, and then I can return to you. If I do not return within a half hour, you will know that we are betrayed." The meeting was arranged for a few hours before mid-day. Edmund: Edmund looked to his companions before agreeing to this. Hogar: "It's a chance. Even if a very risky one. But beware."Hogar said "And there might be magic involved, too...So definetely keep our eyes open." Edmund: Edmund agreed. Leofric: Leofric nodded at the idea and agreed to this as well sd: Maccus went ahead of the group, and returned shortly afterwards. "If they are planning an ambush, they show no signs of it. I will return and wait for you." Edmund: "How many of them are there?" Edmund asked before Maccus left. sd: "There is one watching the house, he is not immediately visible but he did not actually attempt to conceal himself too much and I suspect he knew that I saw him. There was no one inside, but then the note did say that Felgild would come to us once we were all there." Edmund: "Right then, we will go in," Edmund said, though he was clearly tense. Leofric: Leofric nodded, looking wary as well. Hogar: "Not turning back now."said Hogar Edmund: As soon as Maccus had left again, Edmund spoke quietly to his companions. "What order should we go in? I don't trust this set-up, but we have little choice. " Leofric: Leofric suggested, "I should go last..." Hogar: "That is a good question. Perhaps it should be me or Arianhod. We could put up quite a fight even if ambushed, I think..." Edmund: "Arianhod is quiet, and also most likely to be able to hold off attackers until we get there." Edmund: "Leo, you and I must be ready to use our special skills. In fact we should use some in advance of our companions leaving." Leofric: Leofric frowned for a moment, "And what if it is not even a fight. I am ready if there is immediate need. I will spell Arian for protection..." He touched Arian and made some gestures and words. Edmund: Edmund nodded. "Better safe than sorry." He touched Arian's axe. sd: despite the party's concerns, they were all able to reach the farmhouse, a ramshackle ruin of overgrowth and tall trees, about half a mile west of the town. A chilling wind was blowing in from the sea, and the cold was as great as any the party had known - Gastony, far to the south, had a much milder climate.
Once the party were all assembled, the man who Maccus mentioned had been watching them came out of the tree where he had been waiting and came quickly into the farmhouse. "I do apologise for the twistmoves we have asked of you, but the King does not want it generally known that my master spoke with you today. My son will arrive soon and once he does I will go to get my master. You can keep my son as a hostage until Master Felgild arrives, to ensure our good faith." Edmund: Edmund nodded. "It is understood." sd: shortly afterwards a young boy of seven arrived, and the man spoke to him for a time before sending him over to sit with the party. The boy looked at Arianhod's axe and his eyes widened, but he said nothing. The watcher bowed to the party, then set off.
perhaps a half hour later, three people entered the farmhouse in short order. The first was a sharp-eyed man wielding a trident, and after him came a Masked One in a copper mask painted with red lines and wearing long leather gloves. Finally there came Felgild himself, a tall, broken-nosed man with a broadsword at his waist and whose telltale blackened fingertips marked him as one of Divine Blood. "Good to meet with you again Maccus, and your companions. I am sorry for the precautions. Are you happy to proceed and return my slave to me?" He indicated the boy Edmund: Edmund assented on behalf of the party, although he had to keep the disgust from his face at the word 'slave'. Hogar: Hogar nodded, sounding slightly relieved that it did not seem to be an ambush, though he likely shared Edmun's displeasure at child's treatment sd: Felgild ruffled the slave boy's hair as he left. "I believe you are seeking some information about the merchants of the Burning Brand who were in Cyningas last winter, correct?" Edmund: "We are. You know of them?" Edmund asked. sd: "I met with them a few times while they were here. I had hoped we might do beneficial work for each other, but their leader, the man Esmon, he seemed heartwary and only said he would consider the option. I met a few times more with another one of the merchants, Freod, who seemed more interested in the offer but he grew rather angry at our last meeting. Things would have gone better for your master, Maccus, had they been willing to work with us," Felgild sighed. Edmund: "We gathered there had been disagreements within the group. What was it in particular, do you know, that Esmon was not willing to consider?" Edmund asked. sd: "Maccus will already have told you that my master has certain enemies amongst some of the Masked Ones. Some do not understand their proper relationship to we of Divine Blood, though that is only some of the breed." Felgild glanced over at the Masked One in his entourage. "King Cuthwine had the same, we had already heard rumours that they would seek to overthrow him, and were making alliances with various mercenaries and pirates. I had hoped that Esmon and his men would be willing to infiltrate these groups, and in exchange we would agree to make trades for certain resources they were interested in. I think Esmon did not trust us and feared to make an enemy of these troublesome Masked Ones." Edmund: "Treading a path through thorns without becoming entangled is a difficult process," Edmund said smoothly, looking from Felgild to the Masked One. "It is harder if you are an outsider, as I'm sure you can imagine. But of course there are times when you have to take the risk." sd: "It is no simpler if you are a Coelneyman. You mainlanders and foreigners, well, you may come and go if you wish. My master and I have enemies that would see us slain and take our bloodpower for themselves, and we may not simply turn our backs on them and depart." sd: "At any rate...I know little more of what happened to these merchants, they left, very abruptly, towards the end of January and I know nothing more of what happened to them. If you wish my blunt guess, I suspect that there were tensions between Esmon and Freod and the latter may have decided to betray the man he clearly disliked. I know no specifics, but my master and I will put our resources into finding out...but only if you are willing to step into some thorns yourselves. Are you?" Hogar: Hogar looked at the others impassively Hogar: "We might just be. Depending on which...thorns you refer to. "said Hogar "I assume helping against some of your opponents." sd: "Of course. You will, of course, understand that this whole meeting is entirely secret. You do not need to accept our offer, but my master and I will pursue you if you speak of this to anyone else," said Felgild. Without waiting for the party to give their agreement, he continued, "Several months ago the King of Bartholme, Ingwald, passed away. The new King Cynric is weak and largely dances as he is directed by a few priests. We have been in contact with a certain person who has a stronger claim to Bartholme and whom our enemies will have a much harder time controlling." Edmund: "Might this person be a Prince?" Edmund asked, thinking of the rumours he had heard that morning. sd: "He is, his father was the King of Bartholme prior to Ingwald. I do not know if you met Prince Guthafyr prior to his exile, Maccus, but I imagine you will at least know the name." Edmund: "We also have heard his name, and the name by which men know him - Heartless. Would you tell us why he was exiled, and how he came by that name?" sd: Felgild laughed. "I see that insult has done its work on you. It does not mean what you think it does. When a young man of Divine Blood is reaching the age of manhood, he traditionally assists the King in relighting the Great Heartfire. When Guthafyr was thirteen he did this, however it soon became apparent that he was accomplishing nothing and that, indeed, he did not seem to possess any bloodpower at all. Thus they named him Heartless. Up to this point he had been his father's favoured heir, but once this became clear there were claims he was a bastard and some of the court wished him slain. His mother and uncle managed to take him to the mainland and he has been there for fifteen years. He has some strange ideas, but despite his lack of bloodpower he is a clever and determined young man. Our enemies will loathe him, but you may warm to him, and for the same reason, unless my ears mistake me. While Guthafyr was in the Long Shore he seems to have begun following some religion that has been brought over by foreigners - the Way, or some such." Edmund: Edmund could not disguise his look of surprise. "Your ears tell you we are from Gastony, I imagine. I can't pretend it is not a relief to know the reason the Prince is so named. It would be hard to be expected to lend our aid to a person of evil intent. I think all of us would be interested in knowing more of this young man, or meeting him." Hogar: Hogar sounded slightly taken aback by the tale "That is definetely not the kind of story I expected. We might be interested in helping him gain the throne, then..." Leofric: Leofric looked interested but wary at this tale and paused his lips, "Interesting...." sd: "If you will assist us, you will have a chance to meet him tomorrow, and accompany him to Bartholme," said Felgild. "Do we have a deal?" Edmund: "If all is as you say, then yes," Edmund said, making sure to qualify his assent. Leofric: Leofric thought it over carefully, wary of getting entangled into it. Eventually, he came to a decision, "Yes, I will go along with it." Leofric nodded. Hogar: Hogar nodded along with Edmund and the others
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Post by sleepingdragon on Feb 19, 2014 23:25:49 GMT
sd: "We're not expecting you to stay with Guthafyr until he gains his throne - that may take many months," said Felgild, once the party had agreeed to his scheme. "At the moment he hasn't raised his banner and those who might support him have only heard rumours of his arrival. Guthafyr has a plan for where and how he should reveal himself, and what we need you to do is get him there in one piece. I suspect some disloyal Masked Ones are already hunting for him. I will go and make arrangements, I will send a man to meet you this evening and he will lead you to a boat. The Prince is not on Sharney so you will need to travel for a time before you reach him." Edmund: "Is this destination being kept secret?" Edmund asked, glancing at Felgild's companions. sd: "Yes, you'll learn more later." Leofric: Leofric nodded with a hint of understanding Hogar: "Understood."said Hogar "Could you at least tell how how far it is, however? It might be good for us to know how much time will be needed..." sd: "You should meet Guthafyr tomorrow morning, it will take another day and a half perhaps to reach Bartholme, depending on the winds." Edmund: "Does the prince have many with him?" asked Edmund. sd: "Not at the moment, he felt it would be easier for a small group to hide. He has sent some of his companions to Bartholme to covertly contact supporters and then he moved on, his people could not betray his location even if they were captured." Edmund: Edmund nodded in agreement. Leofric: Leofric nodded, "Makes sense." he replied. sd: while the party waited for Felgild's messenger, they purchased some extra supplies and sought out more rumours. Maccus continued to investigate the mysterious adventurer, Lucan - it was quite clear, though they did not admit to it, that Lucan and King Vifil worked closely together, and many did not think the King would even still be on the throne without Lucan's help. Lucan often hosted the King and members of his court in evening parties, rarely leaving his mine. His chief servant was a man called Ranulf, who often went in his master's stead to attend court.
Leofric, meanwhile, heard different rumours - the pirates on the isle of Tisseney, to the south of Sharney, had been growing bolder over recent months, raiding in every direction and taking many slaves. The most common explanation was that they had gained a new leader, though none could agree on exactly who this person might be. Edmund: "I wonder if Odelyn is related to the rise in piracy?" Edmund mused, when they were alone. Hogar: "Not good news."said Hogar "We'll likely run into them with our luck..." Leofric: Leofric looked throughtfully and shook his head at that mention, "Do not tempt fate, Hogar." Edmund: Edmund looked surprised. "We have survived in deadly situations, facing and defeating the agents of evil. Do you not feel the hand of God in this?" Hogar: "Perhaps. We've faced far worse than pirates in the past and came out alive, as you say. So..." Leofric: Leofric smiled at that point, "I do feel like that sometime. We manage to survive every dangerous situations so far and have no doubt that we will survive more." Edmund: "I am concerned how Guthafyr may view our... adaptation to the use of magic," Edmund said, his face serious. Leofric: Leofric looked gloomy at that point, "I shared the same concern. It is highly likely that he will dislike magic or as they call it, bloodpower... I did find the whole take on this magic in Coelney to be rather interesting...." Leofric: "Still, maybe we should attempt to hide them as much as possible?" Leofric pointed out Edmund: Edmund nodded. "If we had time it would be good to study bloodpower further." Edmund: "Although not to practise it," he added. Hogar: "It is obviously a dangerous power."said Hogar "But it is power."he added "We have not seen much of what the Masked Ones can do yet, and I'm quite worried about that..." Leofric: Leofric looked seriously at that point and nodded, agreeing with Edmund's suggestion on not to practising bloodpower, "Absolutely. I respect the sanctity of life after all unlike the Masked Ones and/or Divine Blood. We will see in the future on what they can do." sd: as the sun began its descent that evening, the man whose son they had kept as a 'hostage' came to lead the party to their boat that would take them to Guthafyr. He led the party on a winding path to the northeast, out of the village. There was a bitter cold wind coming in from the sea, and a light dusting of snow had fallen while the party had been taking their meal. As they continued, they noticed lights from up in the hills to the west - the man explained this was Lucan's mine, which came alive at night with many visitors and guests. He had not been there himself, as master Felgild preferred to keep him in reserve for more secretive work, but he had heard Lucan kept a fine table and was an engaging host.
About a half hour later, they passed through a small cave and exited to find themselves in a well hidden cove. Two weather-beaten men with powerful arms waited for them in a sturdy rowing boat. There was an exchange of coins and their guide left them with final words. "My master will contact you by thoughtspeech in a few hours with further instructions. May your soulwise lead you to victory." He nodded and departed. Leofric: Leofric watched the departing man and shivered at the thought and muttered to himself quietly, "Never like mindspeech..." and glanced at the others. Hogar: "Thoughtspeech...."Hogar mused "I assume he means by magic?" Edmund: Edmund looked to see the rowers were not listening to them. "Mind what you say..." sd: "My master was capable of thoughtspeech, it is common among those of Divine Blood," said Maccus. Hogar: Hogar nodded "Yes, I have heard...instances of it elsewhere too." he said looking at Leofric "As long as everything goes well, I'm not worried about that." Edmund: Edmund looked back at the lights of the mine. "I would very much like to see inside there, and meet this Lucan." Leofric: Leofric mused over the idea, "Yes, me too. Something to visit in the future?" Hogar: "He sounds like a popular fellow..." sd: the boat set out. There were two men rowing them - they guessed from their resemblence that they were related, though the men explained that they preferred not to exchange names on a job like this one. They worked with great efficiency, making decent progress even as they rowed, for the first few hours, directly into the wind. There was another light snowfall as they travelled, but it lasted only a half hour before dissipating.
About three hours after setting out, Felgild suddenly spoke into Leofric's mind, explaining that he had contacted Guthafyr and arranged a meeting point. They were to meet on a little uninhabited island about six leagues west of the isle of Hadrey, which was a common stopping point between Sharney and Bartholme (though one, he added, that they should avoid). The isle where Guthafyr awaited them was recognisable for a huge boulder on its beach, next to which stood the isle's only tree, a large oak with a long branch that jutted out over the sea. Guthafyr and his companions were awaiting them in a little earthen niche below the boulder, well hidden from any prying eyes. Leofric: Leofric frowned for a moment as caught out by surprise, "Well, there is a little uinhabited island about six leagues west of the isle of Hadrey. Recognise that isle? Please take us there." He told the men. Leofric: Leofric explained more about the isle to the others sd: the rowers listened to Leofric for a time and continued on. Only the light of the moon and the Prophet's Star remained to guide them, but they knew this area well and avoided any hazards.
A few hours before what they guessed was midnight, they spotted a little isle that matched Felgild's description and rowed towards it. As they pulled up onto the sandy beach they saw the faintest remnant of a recent footprint near the base of the tree, the only proof of any recent passage here. Absolute silence hung in the air. From the front, the huge boulder, nearly twenty feet high, was solid and firm, save for a few small holes from which sprouted little twigs, branches, and bits of moss, however Felgild had mentioned that Guthafyr and his men were hidden around the back of the stone. Leofric: Leofric smiled at the others, "Ready?" He immediately looked wary and took closer look at his surroundings. Edmund: Edmund did the same. "They likely know we are here." Leofric: "Indeed..." Leofric made way toward the huge boulder with care. Hogar: Hogar looked at the beach carefully before stepping off the boat and following the others sd: The group passed around to the back of the boulder. As they did, they saw the little crack, near a dead tree root, which led to a leafy alcove near the base of the boulder, several feet below the level of the sea. As the party came round, they saw there were three men there, gathered round a rowboat which they had managed to lower down, seemingly by means of a steep slope on the northern edge of the alcove. One of the three, a young man with dirty blond hair and a sword belted at his waist, waved to the group, though he kept a hand at the hilt of his blade. There were two other men with him - one a burly warrior in boiled leather who carried a trident, the other a brawny man with stained clothing and hair streaked with grey. Edmund: Edmund raised his hand in greeting. Hogar: Hogar quickly sized up the trio, focusing on the young man who he obviously believed to be Guthafyr Leofric: Leofric also raised his shield arm in greeting sd: the young man came to the edge of the slope. "You'll want to bring your boat down here, we'll leave in the morning," he said. "Even under the Star, I wouldn't want to travel far in this darkness." Edmund: Edmund moved forward. "We are glad to meet with one who follows the Way, Prince Guthafyr." sd: "It was not what I was expecting when I returned to Coelney, I may be the only Virian Coelneyman. But it will not remain that way, God willing. Come down, we have matters to discuss." Edmund: Edmund moved cautiously down the slope in the darkness. Hogar: Hogar moved with the others, paying attention in case the footing was treacherous Leofric: Leofric smiled at that point as he followed Edmund and Hogar, "Indeed!" sd: Guthafyr and his men lent aid while the two boatmen brought their boat around and lowered it down carefully. The Prince seated himself on a cloth they had laid out on the ground to protect them from the wet and snow. Guthafyr picked up a stick and traced a shape in the dirt, which roughly matched what they knew of the isle of Bartholme. "Our goal is a fortress, Tarithdun," he explained, marking an X in the western corner of the isle. "Allow me to explain. After the Never-Child died, some of our noble clans on Bartholme, with support from the common folk, revolted against the cult and made a stand against the new High King in Tarithdun. Though they were ultimately defeated after a long siege, they won a number of concessions - heathenism actually persisted on Bartholme for another generation until the cult finally stamped it out. To my countrymen, it is something of a symbol of resistance against the cult. Of course it is said to be cursed and no one has occupied the fort in thirty years, but those others who have tried to reoccupy the fort did not have God on their side." Hogar: Hogar looked at the shapes Guthafyr drew in the sand "With God on one's side, everything is possible, yes. But it doesn't hurt to have a careful plan..." sd: "It is hard to plan too much. As I said, Tarithdun is abandoned. One hears rumours of creatures within, but they are not consistent. I don't know what will be there, but our task will be to clear it out so I can raise my banner there. I have agents on the isle who are making contact with sympathisers and they will know to rise when they hear the stories that Tarithdun is occupied again. It is far from Stowenhithe, by the time the enemy learns what has happened I'll have an army with me." Edmund: "Is there any word on what kind of creatures?" Edmund asked. Hogar: "Not consistent?"Hogar frowned "I like to know what I'm up against. " Leofric: Leofric looked pensive and replied, "If you could elaborate more on the creatures, that would be good idea. They may not be consistent but we can be more prepared." sd: "I've been away from Coelney for fifteen years, I simply don't know. We may learn more when we make landfall. I've heard a number of tales - the restless dead, goblins, huge spiders, others. My understanding is that they are not great in number, so a small party should be able to drive them out. My father planned a time or two to reoccupy it but was always dissuaded by stories of curses - the cult has faced constant shockperils when they've tried. The defenders in the rebellion of old hated the cult and wanted to remain loyal to the old gods, perhaps that is why." Hogar: "We have faced the restless dead before. And put them to rest."said Hogar "So we might just be able to face what lies there. Of course, it's possible there is truly a Curse there..." sd: "I have faced my own curse," Guthafyr removed a glove and held up the burned fingertips that marked him as one of Divine Blood. "I won't fear another." Edmund: "I have heard that tales of curses may be used to keep people away," Edmund said. "Could that be a possibility in this case? sd: "Yes, though it is simply true that the garrisons that have tried to hold Tarithdun since the rebellion have inevitably faced disaster - sudden attacks, plague, mutiny. Perhaps it is a coincidence." Guthafyr slipped his glove back on. Leofric: "Yes, it might be a coincidence. I came across similar stories of other forts with same unluckly situation in my reading." Leofric replied. Hogar: "We shall see."said Hogar sd: Guthafyr turned his head to look at the Prophet's Star for a moment. "As you are also Virians I would be interested in your opinion...do you think it is possible for a person who holds desires that might be regarded as abominable and that sometimes does things that are regarded as hateful to God, to still ultimately do God's work? Are there some crimes God cannot forgive?" Edmund: Edmund frowned and remained silent for some minutes. "That would surely depend on why the person committed that crime, and what they do to atone for it." Hogar: "And whetever the crime would be. It might even be something not so abominable, all things considered. The ways of God are...sometimes mysterious and not clear, from what we have found in our travels..." Leofric: Leofric remained silent, wondering where this is heading to... sd: "Perhaps I will speak of it to you some other time, I think we should sleep now. For my part, I believe that so long as you serve Him, God can forgive any sin. I suppose that I must." Edmund: "I must say, I have met with many strange new things since coming to Palania," said Edmund. "But rather than making me doubt, my experiences have deepened my faith and trust in God. I am sure he can forgive those who serve him. " sd: they rose early in the morning and prepared to set out for Bartholme. There were ten there, and they could not all fit into a single boat, so Guthafyr suggested that they put five into each boat. His bodyguard insisted on travelling with him, and each boat needed at least two people to row. sd: Maccus and Hogar went with Guthafyr and his entourage, while the remainder of the party stayed in the boat they had taken here. The wind remained bitter and cold, but it was at least clear and even the wind began to die down a little as the day went on. It was still very cold, and their breaths frosted in the air as they made their way towards Bartholme.
Here and there they passed other travellers going to other isles, and they would typically stop to speak to them quickly and exchange directions and news. None of the people they came across had any useful information about Bartholme, though they were given some useful tips on which small isles should be avoided due to rocks or hostile creatures. At Felgild's suggestion, they gave the large isle of Hadrey a wide berth, as it was, by the standards of Coelney, reasonably populated and some of its people paid fealty to the King of Bartholme. Ultimately, Guthafyr did not need to make any attempts to keep his identity hidden save to hide his burnt fingertips - indeed the party themselves, particularly Leofric, drew more glances.
As dusk came near they began to look out for a suitable isle to stop for the night and rest. There were some very small islets in this area, but none large enough to provide a decent rest for ten people and certainly not to provide cover for such a party. They were examining a medium-sized island about a mile ahead of them when they saw another boat coming towards them. A man aboard the boat hailed them by waving an oar in the air and they began to make their way towards the party. Edmund: Edmund watched the boat warily. Leofric: Leofric glanced at the boat hearing their way and look wary, attempting to see if there is anything wrong. sd: as the boat came into earshot, the man pointed his oar towards the isle that the party had been considering making for. "You'll want to avoid that isle there, there's rocks hidden in the water there that will take the bottom out of your boat," he called. "Especially along that southern shore, if you're strongeyed and know what you're looking for you'll be able to avoid them." He indicated with his oar. You whisper to Edmund: Edmund heard a noise behind him, and glanced around and saw, in shock, a human shape in the water, swimming towards the boat. Looking in, he saw that it was a stocky man, who wielded trident and club - and whose face was concealed behind a dark mask. sd: "What, from this distance? What are you playing at?" Maccus called back. As he did, they suddenly became aware of shapes moving in the water, attempting to swim underneath the boats. One, rather clumsily, struck the underside of Guthafyr's boat, and his bodyguard gave a cry of alarm. Edmund: "There behind us in the water!" Edmund cried. Hogar: Hogar quickly reached for his weapon "Treachery!" sd: the man who had been trying to distract them cursed and picked up a bow. Arianhod and Maccus were ahead of him, having already retrieved their bows at Edmund's shout. They quickly fired at the figures in the water, who as they came nearer, they saw with a chill wore the full copper masks of the Masked Ones. sd: the oarsmen, surprised and dismayed by the sudden attack, put oars to water, but with little success in their panic Leofric: Leofric tries to hide his movement as he made some gesture at one of the Masked Ones. sd: the men on the boat opposite all picked up bows, preparing to shoot Hogar: Hogar eyed the approaching Masked Ones in the water as he readied his shield sd: one of the Masked Ones attempted to cast a spell at Guthafyr, failing, while the one whose spell Leofric had dispelled cast it again. sd: Guthafyr readied his shield as he awaited the Masked Ones Edmund: Edmund fired an arrow at the injured masked swimmer, striking him in the arm, but not enough to incapacitate him. sd: Guthafyr's bodyguard also readied his shield sd: Arianhod took an arrow from one of the sailors, but it was only a light graze and she completed reloading her bow Leofric: Leofric smiled faintly at the Masked One in front of him, he bought his shield up, with his longsword at ready. "Begone, Adulterated Ones!" He told him. sd: one of the boatmen on the party's boat took an arrow in the leg, and cursed with pain Hogar: Hogar swung his axe at the Masked One facing Guthafyr's bodyguard, but the man caught the blow with his tridnt sd: the Masked Ones attacked, aiming tridents at Hogar and Leofric and a spell at Guthafyr, but the failure of their ambush had obviously rattled them and they had no success sd: Guthafyr hacked out at the Masked One that Hogar had also attacked. The man was unable to block the Prince's blow, and his sword drove deeply into the man's body. He fell with blood gushing out through the mouth of his mask. sd: Arianhod fired at the sailor who had struck her previously, driving a broadhead straight through his chest sd: Maccus also fired at one of the men on the opposite boat, but only lightly wounded him Leofric: Leofric smiled even wider, "Unable to speak? Not so surprising... considering your nature..." He made another blow but it is insufficent to get through the armour. Hogar: Hogar struck the Masked One facing him right in his mask with a powerful blow. The priest collapsed in the water, unconscious sd: one of the priests again attempted to cast a spell on Guthafyr, but failed. The Prince replied with a powerful blow, deeply damaging the man's arm. Edmund: Seeing one of the men in the opposing boat still had one of Arian's arrows sticking in him, Edmund fired and hit him again. sd: Guthafyr's bodyguard also attacked, driving his trident deep into the Masked One and leaving it stuck in his midsection Leofric: Leofric sighed for a moment before launching into another attack but this time, got parried. sd: the warriors on the opposite bow threw down their bows. "Don't shoot!" Hogar: Hogar eyed the remaining Masked Ones fighting Leofric, Edmund and Arian with disdain sd: one of the Masked Ones began to cast a spell, but Guthafyr landed another heavy blow on his arm, and then his bodyguard followed up with a blow from his shield to the man's injured leg. The priest fell in agony Hogar: Seeing that Guthafyr and his bodyguard were easily defeating the Masked One, Hogar eyed the other boat, as if he considered leaping over there sd: Arianhod moved up on the Masked One fighting Leofric, landing two kicks to his midsection and trying, but failing, to knock the man down Leofric: Leofric smiled softly at Arianhod and this time, for serious, landed a serious strike into the tender area where Arianhod's boots been. The Masked One fell finally. Edmund: Seeing the last masked one swimming away, Edmund fired at him, hitting him hard in the already wounded leg. The man disappeared under the water. Edmund: Edmund lowered his bow, a grim expression on his face. Leofric: Leofric looked at the dead Masked One and then Edmund and others, "That was unexpected!" He looked around with wariness. Hogar: Hogar nodded "Good thing we dealt with them quickly. They could have done something terrible with their bloodmagic..." Edmund: Edmund looked up and a smile crossed his face at last. "Didn't I tell you? God is with us."
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Post by sleepingdragon on Mar 1, 2014 17:14:43 GMT
sd: with the last of the Masked Ones defeated, and their other foes having surrendered, Guthafyr indicated that the party should moor themselves on a small islet nearby. Maccus and the boatman rowed the Prince's boat over to that of their enemies, and they were stripped of their weapons and also forced to land, once they had prevented their companion from bleeding out. Edmund: "Do you think these were sent by your enemies specifically to stop you?" Edmund asked Guthafyr. Leofric: Leofric muttered to himself, "It seems they knew we are coming." Hogar: "Good thing we noticed them before they capsized our boats, or this fight might have ended differently..."said Hogar "Still..." sd: "Perhaps." Guthafyr pointed his sword at one of the conscious men. "Who are you, and why did you attack us?"
"They made us, master! I don't know why, but if a Masked One gives orders it's not for us to ask!" cried the captive. Edmund: "Where do you come from?" Edmund asked. sd: "From Hadrey. We trade with Bartholme from time to time, these men came this morning and told us we were to do something for them. I don't know how they knew you were coming, one of them thoughtspoke to my cousin here," he indicated the man who had tried to distract them at the beginning of the encounter, "and that was when they ordered us to try to trick you." Leofric: "Alas, the Masked Ones clearly failed in their attempts to stop us..." Leofric frowned for a moment, "Are these Masked Ones known to you as local?" Leofric: EDIT: "The Masked One Hogar: Hogar eyed the captured Masked Ones, bound and gagged to prevent any attempt at escaping or spellcasting. "It would help if we knew where from they came, yes..."he muttered to Leofric sd: "I don't know them, but then it's hard to tell them apart really. They don't sound local but I've known Masked Ones to soundchange so they might be from Hadrey. They knew us." Edmund: "Perhaps we should unmask them," Edmund suggested softly to Guthafyr. sd: Guthafyr nodded. Leofric: Leofric reached out to one of the Masked One, ensuring that Masked One's mouth is packed with dirty salty rag, he unmasked first one. Leofric: EDIT: Leofric said as he did so, "I do wonder why they have to wear a mask, a status symbol perhaps...." sd: "It was meant to be a mark of their servitude and lower status compared to those of Divine Blood - they are there to serve, and not permitted to have a face," said Guthafyr. "In most places that relationship has flipsided, but the masks remain." Edmund: "The masks make them look less human," Edmund mused. "No wonder people are afraid of them." sd: beneath the masks, the men were clearly human. The man's skin was very pale from lack of exposure to the sun, but he was clean shaven so he clearly took off the mask at least some of the time. As Leofric removed the mask and stuffed the gag in his mouth, the man stirred and his hazel eyes flickered open briefly, shut, then opened again, though they were bleary and unfocussed. Leofric: Leofric nodded at the Guthafyr mentioned the status, "That make sense then. " He peered at the mask one more time and told him, "Wake up!" He told the unmasked man. sd: the Masked One fixed his gaze on Leofric, a look of loathing in his eyes Hogar: "I suspect he won't be too helpful."stated Hogar matter-of-factly "And best keep our eyes open for any attempt at bloodpower..."he muttered Leofric: Leofric glanced back with solid confidence as if the Masked One is almost a step above a bug. Edmund: Edmund gazed down at the unmasked man. "He might have trouble answering questions with that rag in this mouth. Can we take it out? As long as the masked ones don't have some ability to cast magic without moving their hands of course," he said, looking to Guthafyr. sd: "It is possible, but harder, I am told." Leofric: Leofric frowned for a moment, "Well, we just have to be careful then." He silently watched the unmasked man. Hogar: "We could risk it. We were able to handle them before on the boats so...." Edmund: Edmund quietly took up position, his eyes fixed on the unmasked one, ready to stop any attempt at magic. sd: the priest glared back at the party, unspeaking. Hogar: "He might need some sort of...incentive."suggested Hogar Leofric: "What is your name?" Leofric asked politely sd: "Halfdan." Leofric: "Halfdan, did you all come of your own accord or did someone send you all? It is cold, windy and nightime!" Leofric asked him with hint of annoyance. sd: "Yes." Hogar: Hogar sighed "I doubt we will get much out of him." sd: "No." Edmund: "Did you know the identity of the person you were sent to attack?" Edmund asked. sd: "Yes." Edmund: "Why did you attack us?" sd: "Orders." Edmund: "Whose orders?" sd: "Hunlaf's." The man's eyes strayed briefly towards one of the other fallen Masked Ones, the one who had unsuccessfully attempted to cast spells on Guthafyr during the battle. Edmund: "Do you know who told him to order you to attack us?" sd: "No." Edmund: "Where you to kill or capture us?" Edmund asked, after a pause. sd: "Kill." Leofric: "Who?" Leofric asked, wondering. Leofric: EDIT: "Who is the person you want to kill?" Leofric asked wondering sd: "All of you." Edmund: "So you..." Edmund said slowly pointing at the man, "were ordered by that one over there, to come here and attack a group of people, with the intention of killing all of them. But one man was your main target, wasn't he?" Hogar: Hogar frowned "Perhaps we should rouse up this Hunlaf..." sd: "The Heartless." Edmund: Edmund looked satisfied at that. "But you don't know why you were expected to kill him?" sd: "He is an impostor and heathen." Edmund: Edmund smiled as he leaned a little forward, "He is a servant of the One God, and under his protection. That is why you failed tonight, and will fail again." Hogar: Hearing no objection to this plan, Hogar went and tried to awaken the Masked One who had been named as Hunlaf and whose leg was grievously wounded sd: Hunlaf's leg had been badly mangled in the fight, however Hogar was able to bind his wounds enough that the man was able to come to, with Guthafyr silently holding his sword to his throat. Edmund: Meanwhile Edmund stuffed the rag back into the mouth of Halfdan. sd: "Kill me, you worthless bilesuckers," Hunlaf said by way of greeting. Edmund: Edmund shook his head at this, but said nothing though he watched Hunlaf closely. Hogar: "He's even less friendly than the other." Hogar said, hardly surprised "I'm tempted to take him up on his offer." sd: Hunlaf strained his muscles against his bonds Hogar: "That's not going to be of much use."said Hogar noticing the Masked One's attempts to break free Edmund: "Calling us names when you eat your own dead?" Edmund said looking down at the man coldly. "Why did you come to kill us? Your own idea or were you just following orders as well?" sd: "Die, bastard." Edmund: "We all die in the end, just for some of us it comes much sooner, as it will no doubt for you," Edmund replied. Edmund: He turned to Leofric and Hogar. "Do you know I think I had more success communicating with that unfortunate Gibberling than with this savage?" sd: Hunlaf moved nearer to Edmund, allowing Guthafyr's sword to nick his throat. "Your death will no doubt take...longer." Hogar: "I'll believe you on that."Hogar nodded "Fanatics..."he muttered Leofric: Leofruc laughed softly, "I agreed with Edmund's assessment. At least Gibberling have more sense and logic than you" sd: "Shall I?" Guthafyr gripped his sword hilt with both hands. Edmund: Edmund nodded and turned away. Hogar: Hogar did not turn away, but watched sd: Guthafyr reached down to pull Hunlaf's mask off, flinging it into the water. Seemingly unaffected, the priest put his head down. "God have mercy on you," Guthafyr intoned, and brought his blade crashing down on Hunlaf's neck. Guthafyr's sword cut deep into the bone, and Hunlaf's head flopped down, hanging by a ragged thread of flesh. Guthafyr's bodyguard made to boot it into the sea, but the Prince stopped him with a warning look. He wiped his blade on the grass, looking down at Hunlaf's body for a moment. Edmund: Edmund turned and stood silently, waiting for Guthafyr to speak or act. sd: "We should kill the Masked Ones, these three can go free. They are likely to come after us again if we let them go," said Guthafyr. Hogar: "Can't disagree there. And even if they didn't go after us specifically, well, it's another two Masked Ones less." Leofric: Leofric nodded with agreement, "Me neither." Edmund: "The other men were ordered to attack us, they weren't in a position to refuse, and should be set free," Edmund said. "I feel uncomfortable about executing fallen enemies, but the Masked Ones...," he sighed. "They are beyond reason, like mad dogs they have to be put down." sd: Guthafyr turned to look at the Star for a moment. "I'll do it," he said. After a brief prayer, the Prince swiftly executed Halfdan and the other Masked One, then turned away from the bodies. "We should find somewhere to sleep," he said, wiping his blade. His hand shook slightly, but he mastered it after only a few moments. Edmund: Edmund looked at the bodies. "We should deal with the dead." sd: "Leave them, we'll find another isle to sleep on. I would rather not stay here." Edmund: "Pardon me Prince," Edmund said. "but we have had experience with the dead being brought back to a pretence of life. Maybe it's different here but I don't feel comfortable about leaving bodies lying in the open." sd: "We can throw them into the sea." Edmund: Edmund nodded in agreement at that. sd: they disposed ot the Masked Ones bodies, and soon set out again. They sailed for only a short while before finding a suitable isle to stop and camp. "God's command is to burn our dead, I know...but I am uncomfortable with the smell of burning bodies," said the Prince. Edmund: "It must have been hard for you," Edmund said. sd: "It still is. The Heartfire does something to you, and the desire...does not go away." Hogar: "You're doing well enough from what we can see."Hogar said trying to sound encouraging Leofric: Leofric looked thoughtful at the mention of the Heartfire doing something to people, "Interesting..." He shook his head, dismissing the thought. "Indeed! As long you fight against the desire, then you will be fine" He agreed with Hogar's encouragement, Leofric: EDIT: "Leofric took out few fish bones as he finished off a fish Edmund: As they sat round the fire, Edmund pulled out his flute and began to play a simple melody. sd: "You didn't tell me you were a Virian, goldenone," Maccus said to Leofric, sounding amused. Edmund: Edmund smiled at the name. "We are all Virians," he said to Maccus. Leofric: Leofric smiled at the point and replied "Life is full of surprise, Maccus." sd: Arianhod rolled her eyes while Maccus replied. "I had gathered. You will have to explain your religion to me at another time, I have not met any Virians before though I have heard of you. My master said your people had a great deal of influence over the Council." Hogar: "Indeed, we are Virians, though I suspect we have seen more of other faiths than most."said Hogar sd: "I have smallthought for such matters. The gods seem disinterested in us. My master said that the dragonstrife had shown that the gods did not care about men, so men should not care about gods. That is why the Never-Child came, to find a way that men could make themselves gods." Edmund: "The Prophet tells us there is only one true God," Edmund said. "And you have seen how he protects his followers." sd: "I have seen you protect yourselves, at least," Maccus smiled. Hogar: Hogar chuckled at Maccus' words "God helps those who helps themselves, I guess" Hogar: edit: 'who help themselves' Leofric: Leofric nodded, "God granted us the right to choose and we will prosper or suffer as the results from our own choice." Edmund: "Indeed, God expects us to use our wits and other gifts, and to judge our own actions," Edmund agreed. sd: "Some day, you will need to explain the difference between a god who lets you choose and does not interfere, and a god that doesn't care. But not now." Maccus took a mouthful of wine from his skin. Leofric: Leofric narrowed his eyes on that point. Edmund: Edmund picked up his flute again with a smile and began to play. Hogar: "It is...not always apparent. "Hogar had to agree "But not something to discuss now, as you say" sd: the next morning, they continued on towards Bartholme. Travellers sometimes passed this way to Hadrey and Sharney, but it was late in the year so they passed only two other boats in the day, and they saw no sign of any larger vessels.
Towards the evening, they drew up to the shore. Guthafyr explained that the western shore of Bartholme was far more sparsely populated than the east, so there were only a few fishing villages and no boats out at this time. As the sun set, they were able to land at a place about two hours from their destination, the fortress of Tarithdun, which Guthafyr indicated as a tall hill further inland, which they could see even from here. "We will go in the morning, I would rather face the place with the sun up," he said. "My great-uncle tore down most of the fortress and sealed up the entrances to the catacombs, but I imagine there will be more. Our aim will be to reach the Stone of Lanfranc - that is the King who built the fortress, long before the Never-Child. The rebels against the cult swore an oath on that tomb to defend their old traditions, and I mean for my men to swear to me on the same Stone. It will strengthen their feeling of blooddebt and it will honour them." Hogar: "A fitting goal."Hogar approved "And I agree going in the morning would be far safer" Edmund: Edmund agreed Leofric: Leofric nodded at the point, "I am in full agreement. It would be fascinating to explore the fort..." Edmund: "But not perhaps by night," Edmund added. Leofric: Leofric smiled at Edmund's ending. sd: in the morning, they prepared to set off. The boats would need to remain behind, so the boatmen stayed to guard it - after an argument, Guthafyr told his bodyguard to remain as well, as the boatmen were not trained fighters and they would need someone to defend them if it came to that.
In the light of day, they could see that the fortress itself was all but obliterated, save for a half-broken tower and a few jutting remnants of wall. As the party came within a mile of the ruin, Guthafyr suddenly stopped as if deep in thought. Leofric: Leofric paused for a moment and inquired and asked Guthafyr, "A copper for your thoughts..." sd: Guthafyr did not respond for about half a minute. "Felgild just thoughtspoke to me, he says that Hunlaf was a functionary in King Vifil's court. One he had thought loyal, but taciturn and silent. He thinks someone must have given him information and he is going to hunt down whoever it was. He mentioned that Lucan and his men are now looking for information about the people you are searching for." Leofric: Leofric frowned, "I surely hope they track down whom ever got the information. Hopefully they have not prepared anything for us at the fort." sd: clearly nothing had been prepared at the ruins of the fort, as they were able to ascend the hill without incident, passing through the ruined arches and heading into what had once been a courtyard. There was no one there save for a few crows nesting in the wreckage of the tower. "My great-uncle sealed up as many entrances as he could manage, but this is an old fortress and he feared the curse so there will be some. We need to find one and make our way down into the catacombs," said Guthafyr. Edmund: Edmund drew Leofric aside. "Should we be preparing ourselves to meet the worst? I feel the power draining away each time, and I'm sure you feel the same." Hogar: Hogar glanced at Edmund and Leofric as they talked privately, but said nothing Leofric: Leofric nodded, "I am closed to running empty as we have been using the power since we left the mainland. I have been meaning to drink the potion today. You could drink it as well? So yes, I think we should prepare oursleves." Edmund: "Do we have enough?" Edmund asked, concerned. Leofric: Leofric replied "I got two madde by Dunstan recently and you still got orginal one. Remember the one that Deogol gave you?" Edmund: Edmund nodded and rummaged in his pack for the potion. Leofric: Leofric reached for the potion also in the backpack and drank it, looking disguisted with the taste. Edmund: Edmund held the vial for a moment, staring at it, then tossed it down in one go. He shivered and then smiled at Leofric. "No blue snakes." sd: Guthafyr glanced over at the party, but said nothing, beginning his search for an entrance. Hogar: Hogar looked slightly worried when he saw his companions drink the exotic fluid, but he shrugged and decided to help Guthafyr look for an entrance instead Leofric: Leofric grinned for a moment, relieved about the fact Edmund is fine. He went on to help Guthafyr to look for enterance sd: it took very little time to find an entrance - the Prince located a half-collapsed shaft in the side of the hill - however it was clearly flooded below and the sides were sheer. A few moments later Maccus found another such entrance, but this one had shards of broken masonry near the bottom. It was clear that they would not only need to find a way in, but to clear a path for themselves amidst the darkness and rubble. sd: Edmund rigged up a crude pulley and this allowed Arianhod, Hogar, and Guthafyr to begin the arduous task of hauling up rubble from a collapsed tunnel. Arianhod carried up huge stones as if they were pillows of soft down, clearing space with enormous speed. Once this was done, Arianhod climbed down the shaft, with aid from a spell of light from Leofric, and dropped a rope. They found themselves in a series of flooded chambers, but Maccus and Guthafyr went ahead with the grace of the Coelneymen, cutting effortlessly through the water, finding paths for the others. After three hours of slow clearance and clambering through the rubble, Hogar found a smooth hole in the floor, which led down into another corridor below. There was collapsed rubble at the south end of the passage, however he thought the remainder of the way was relatively clear. The stones below were covered with moss and lichen. sd: "It is extremely dangerous to steal God's power," Guthafyr said to Leofric while they were stopped. "I am not one to speak - the cannibal can hardly accuse the sorcerer, and my own mother's bloodpower was strong. But I would say the same to you as you said to me - control your desire as best as you can, or you may lose your soul."
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Post by sleepingdragon on Mar 8, 2014 16:04:52 GMT
sd: they clambered down through the hole Hogar had discovered and found themselves in an uneven passage with a stony floor covered in moss and lichen. Behind them, a huge pile of fallen stones blocked the way, and there was rubble strewn here and there on the path ahead of them. Hogar: "Careful there."whispered Hogar "We don't know what's lurking in the darkness..." Leofric: Leofric made a grimace at Guthafyr as he glanced around their surroundings, its walls shimmered by the flickering torch light held by him and made a reply to Guthafyr's point, “Your point is well taken. Nevertheless, it is still a functional mean that assist us in the lands sullied by magic. It have been proven useful in the past and shall be in the future. I knew the price but it is my choice and like you, it is matter of control.” He smiled slightly at that point, however his eyes remained a bedrock of sheer will. sd: "As you will. My mother and uncle controlled themselves well enough, though I don't know if the bloodpower is different from those who would...choose...that force. Whatever it has cost me, I'm grateful God spared me that burden." Edmund: Edmund indicated to Leofric that he wanted a quiet word. "We need to be sure that when we meet something evil we have a moment to aid ourselves and others." Leofric: Leofric nodded, agreeing with Edmind with hint of humour. "I agreed. The chance of meeting... evil seems to be high in this forsaken castle." Edmund: Edmund nodded. "It is hard to balance the need to take precautions with the risk of losing the power to do so." Leofric: Leofric looked thoughtful, "It is hard but we may be able to apply such precaution by careful selection. For example, in my case, it would be only to protect ourselves, excluding our armoured friends, Hogar and Arian..." Edmund: Edmund agreed. "In my case though I can aid all of us, myself included." He glanced at the quiver of arrows over his shoulder. Leofric: Leofric nodded, "It is something to reflect on at more relaxing days, at least." He glanced onward into endless gloom, ready to move one. Edmund: "As long as we do not walk into an ambush!" Edmund muttered as he moved forward again. Hogar: Hogar glanced warily at the darkness in front of the party sd: they continued on up the passage and found that it soon widened out into a large chamber which was mostly flooded. There was a narrow strip of stone around the water, but this was covered with debris and in places there were piles of stones blocking passage. As they moved into the room, and towards the water, discarded snail shells crunched underfoot. Edmund: "Do you think whatever is waiting for us up ahead can sense if we use magic?" Edmund asked Leofric. Hogar: Hogar grimaced as they stepped on the shells "Whathever is in there, I doubt we will surprise it."he said obviously referring to the noise Edmund: "Perhaps this is a form of alarm," Edmund mused. "Though whoever it is must like eating snails too. Any idea what it might be?" Hogar: "Not goblins of course." Hogar: edit: "At least we know it won't be goblins." Leofric: Leofric frowned as he considered Edmund's question, "I do not know. That should not stop us anyway." He looked at Hogar and nodded at that point, "Perhaps...." Leofric: "Let me see." Leofric made a gesture and muttered some words as he draws on the powers to sense anything. Edmund: As they had stopped, Edmund reached for the quiver. He gestured as if stroking the arrows and muttered quietly, a rapt look on his face as if he were praying. You whisper to Leofric: Leofric concentrated, but he could sense no magic at all save for the smoky flavour that tingled on his tongue when he looked at Edmund. Hogar: Hogar glanced for a moment at Edmund and gave him a knowning look, then started to slowly advance towards the darkness with the others Leofric: Leofric shook his head as he relaxed ever so slightly, "I do not sense any magic for now." He continued onward, following the others. Edmund: "If we stop again I will assist the others," Edmund said as they walked forward into the dark. sd: they made their way up the right hand path. In the torchlight ahead of them, they saw that a tall pile of rubble blocked the path, though they could, potentially, scramble up it with some difficulty Hogar: "Doesn't look like someone piled this up intentionally."said Hogar "Shall we climb or check the other path?" Edmund: "Maybe one person can take a look over the top of this?" Edmund suggested. Leofric: Leofric glanced around at the others, "Good idea, who is the best at climbing I wonder? It is certainly not me" He glanced down at his thin frame, "Maybe Arian?" He glanced upward at Arian. sd: Arianhod moved ahead towards the rubble. As she did, she suddenly stopped and glanced into the water off to her left. Her gaze nearly swept over it, but suddenly she stopped and frowned and looked closer. "Get back! Leeches!" she shouted, as suddenly a large mass of leeches emerged from the water, moving towards the narrow pathway. Edmund: Edmund turned and moved back to the junction with the other path, turning to wait for the others. Hogar: Hogar moved away from the leeches, heeding Arian's warning Leofric: Leofric was alarmed by the leeches and made a tactical retreat. sd: Arianhod moved away, and the swarm of leeches retreated back into the water sd: the party moved towards the other path, but it, too, was blocked off by fallen debris, this pile appearing slightly more orderly than the last, though perhaps that was only a trick of the light sd: "More of them," Arian pointed out another leech swarm, near this pile of debris Edmund: "Strange. Could they be put here as a form of defence?" Edmund considered. Hogar: "Seems likely to me."said Hogar "And magic might perhaps be involved too. Still, whetever mundane or controlled through magic, we have to get through them." Edmund: "Fire?" suggested Edmund, looking around at the dead leaves. Leofric: Leofric smiled faintly at that, "Good idea!" Hogar: "I'd be willing to just try and rush through them, hoping I can get them off myself once I'm past in the rubble. But that wouldn't help you, though..." Edmund: Edmund was looking at the pile of rubble. "This looks the most likely way to go. We should either burn or distract the leeches." sd: "I could swim in and distract them," said Maccus. "But I'd likely have to run the other way and back up to the surface." Edmund: "Can you swim fast enough to keep them off you?" Edmund asked. sd: "Probably," Maccus shrugged. sd: Maccus took a few moments to remove his armour, which he handed to Arianhod, then stripped off his shirt and handed it to Leofric. "I hope there's nothing else down there." Edmund: "We must be ready to get over quickly," Edmund said to the others. sd: Maccus waded out into the water, eyes wary for any more leeches. Once he got more than a few feet into the water, the things began to move towards him from both sides sd: as Maccus moved out, Leofric concentrated, creating a spot of light at the edge of vision near the middle of the water sd: "More ahead!" Maccus warned. "And more rubble!" Leofric: Leofric moved forward, holding concentration, ready to be hauled up sd: the party rushed ahead, with Arianhod, Guthafyr, and Hogar clambering up onto the precarious rubble. Arianhod let a rope trail behind her which Edmund climbed up, while Hogar lent Leofric a hand. Maccus, for his part, swam out into the middle of the water, with swarms of leeches on three sides, baiting the creatures closer sd: as the leeches neared him, Maccus suddenly dove into the deep water, with the creatures slithering after him. Arianhod led the party over the rubble and onto the very narrow pathway, with another pile of rubble ahead of them. Edmund: Edmund looked out over the water, his face grim with concern. sd: the party clambered over another pile while Maccus continued his evasive moves under the water. He nearly dove straight down into another swarm, but corrected his movement at the last moment, drawing the things further away from the group. Leofric: Leofric glanced around over the war, also eyeing the nasty brunches of Leeches chasing Maccus. Hogar: Hogar helped Leofric up the rubble, occasionally casting worried glances at the swimming Maccus sd: Arianhod led the group ahead, near to a ledge which led down into a small alcove. Ahead of them, they thought they saw a passageway leading up. sd: meanwhile, Maccus dove beneath the water, drawing the leeches with him, and then in a sudden movement he snapped in the opposite direction, arrowing towards land and leaving the creatures in his wake. Edmund: Edmund clapped Maccus on the shoulder. "That was amazing, and very brave of you." Edmund: *edit* Once Maccus had come to land, Leofric: Leofric also congrats Maccus once he arrived, impressed with his swimming skills. Hogar: Hogar too congratulated Maccus "Not a drop of blood lost. Quite a feat!" sd: the party and Maccus ran up about fifteen feet up the passageway into an irregular rocky room. Above them, along the north wall, they saw there was a hole in the ceiling, just about large enough for a human to squeeze through Edmund: "I don't like the look of that - one at a time again, and with who knows what up there," Edmund said staring up at the dark hole. "This might be a good time to sharpen weapons." he added, looking meaningfully at Hogar and Arianhod. sd: Arianhod glanced up into the hole. "I see rubble there, we'll need to spend some time moving it," she replied. Leofric: Leofric nodded at Arianhod's point, "Might be worth doing it after getting the rubbles out of the way first." Hogar: "Let's clear the rubble out then."said Hogar setting out to do so with Arian and Guthafyr sd: Arianhod, Hogar, and Guthafyr climbed up into the hole and began to clear the rubble away. It took some time, but they eventually clambered through and into a winding passageway. Several more times they needed to stop to clear a path, but after about two more hours they came to the complete ruins of a staircase which was marked with the symbols of the lightning bolt, representing Osoltan the king of the Gaston gods, and the sun of Thanmund, keeper of the honourable dead. They descended to find themselves in a room with a cracked stone floor, scattered with dust and deeply gouged. "The Stone is probably close," said Guthafyr. He frowned at a long, broken piece of stone, which might once have formed part of a sacrophagus. "It isn't right, to keep the dead in long stoneslumber..." he muttered. Edmund: "They may be slumbering no longer...," Edmund said quietly. Hogar: Hogar obviously understood what Ed suggested, as he checked for his silvered axe Edmund: Edmund touch the arrows and cast the spell upon them once again. "Would you like your axe sharpened?" he asked Hogar. Leofric: Leofric sighed for a moment before touching Edmund and Maccus, making some gestures and words, bestowing some form of protections on them, Edmund: Edmund touched the blade of Hogar's axe, and it glinted as the magic suffused it. Hogar: Hogar checked his weapons for a while before settling on his regular axe with a blade of mundane - though high quality steel. "Might be good, for whatever is waiting for us" he replied to Edmund, obviously understanding Edmund: Edmund also cast a spell on Arian's weapon. sd: Guthafyr readied his own sword and shield and moved cautiously to the narrow passageway that led further into the area Edmund: Edmund tried to cast the spell on Leofric's sword, but he found it hard to concentrate on the magic. Edmund: With a prayer, Edmund tried once more and this time he felt the magic flow through him strongly. He smiled at Leofric as the blade shone in the torchlight. Leofric: Leofric smiled back at Edmund, ready to wreck something's day. sd: the party moved on ahead into the next chamber. Along the walls were a number of tombs etched with letters, while the floor was embossed with the symbol of a spiral, an old representation of infinity. Two of the tombs, which appeared to be the oldest of them, had copper funeral masks resting on their lids, which were not entirely dissimilar to those of the Masked Ones though they thought they would conceal less of the face. Edmund: "How old are these tombs?" Edmund asked Guthafyr quietly as they crept forward. sd: "I'm not sure," he said, moving to the nearest tomb. "It looks like this person was one of the soldiers killed in the siege against the Masked Ones. That would make it less than a hundred years, but some are older." Leofric: Leofric took a look at various writings, wondering what they point out. sd: the tombs containing the masks proved to be the oldest - the writings there were in the old form of Gaston runes, which Leofric was able to read, identifying them as King Lanmar and his brother Prince Cuthfryn, who had lived about twenty years after the death of the Prophet. The three newer tombs were all of men who had perished doing something significant during the siege - one was slain in a sortie, another had sneaked past enemy lines to deliver an important message to their allies, and a last one had died after killing the commander of the opposing forces in single combat. Hogar: Hogar glanced around randomly, thoug he listened intently to Leofric's explanations on the nature of the people inside the tombs Hogar: "Best not to disturb them, methinks" Leofric: Leofric nodded with hint of agreement, "Indeed. Time to move on I reckon." He glanced around at area. Edmund: Edmund walked over to look at the spiral. "Just a symbol do you think?" Hogar: "There might be more to it, perhaps."suggested Hogar Edmund: Edmund left the carving and moved to the door, examining it carefully. "There don't appear to be any traps but we should be careful from hereonin." Leofric: Leofric glanced at the heavy stone door, "Could we open it though?" sd: Arianhod and Hogar tried to move the door, which budged a little, but not much. Arianhod put her shoulder to it again, then paused. "There's something moving behind the door, sounds like claws on stone," she warned. Edmund: Edmund moved into position and nocked an arrow to his bow, ready to fire at anything which came through the door. Edmund: "We did see claw marks on the floor in the first room..." Hogar: Hogar grunted and strained, and his eyes widened when Arian warned him and the others, but he said nothing Leofric: Leofric readies his sword, ready to strike a blow. sd: Hogar and Arianhod shoved and strained and managed to shove the door open. As they did, it opened into a large, uneven chamber, with more tombs in the niches along the walls. At the far end of the room was a golden sarcophagus atop a stone dais engraved with runes - and between the party and the dais was a huge brown bear and a half dozen wolves, which were moving towards the door in unnerving silence.
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Post by sleepingdragon on Mar 15, 2014 10:54:13 GMT
sd: Maccus reacted first, snapping off a shot at one of the wolves near the door, his arrow piercing the possessed animal in its hindquarters sd: the bear let out a terrible roar, strange lights seeming to dance in its eyes as it moved towards the group You whisper to Edmund: as the sound washed over him, Edmund felt a sudden rage build up in his heart, and his soul pulsed with the desire for blood. sd: the wolves began to move towards the group, and with a loud cry Arianhod advanced to meet them Edmund: With a snarl, Edmund fired a burning arrow at the injured wolf. The animal sagged as the arrow paralysed its hindquarters, and Edmund let out a savage laugh. Hogar: Looking somewhat worried by Edmund's laugh, Hogar quickly readied his axe and eyed the approaching animals - especially the bear Hogar: Hogar moved beside Arianhod, his axe ready to swing at the advancing wolves Leofric: Leofric's face also looked concerned about Edmund's laugh, lit by the sputtering torchlight. However, there is more immediate concern and so with his fine Virian longsword out, he made his way into the chamber.... sd: the first wolf engaged with Arianhod, and, held at bay by the length of her axe, tried a bite at the axe-haft. Arianhod jerked it away and brought the butt end of the axe right down into one of the wolf's eyes, and it let out a howl of pain sd: Arianhod then brought her axe back down, slamming it hard into the wolf's head, hacking a chunk from its face. Edmund: Edmund was fitting another arrow to his bow, suddenly bursting into wild singing. Hogar: Suddenly Hogar seemed to have a change of plans - quickly his gaze went from the wolves to the bear and he hurled his hatchet at it. The weapon hit the beast in one of its hind legs, and its fur was now matted with blood from the open wound. Leofric: Leofric glanced around the room, eyeing the enemies and Edmund carefully. You whisper to Leofric: both Edmund and Arianhod were clearly not behaving normally, rage evident in their typically clear eyes, and there was uncharacteristic glee on their faces as they fought Leofric: As Leofric moved toward wolves rushing toward them, he yelled at Edmund and Arianhod, "Calm down, get hold of yourself. God's Will!" He yelled with sheer confidence and with belief! Hogar: Obviously realizing that in his eagerness to strike at the bear he had forgotten to ready his shield, Hogar did so. "What happened to them, Leo? Sorcery?"he said understanding the intent behind Leofric's words Edmund: Edmund raised his bow and fired at the bear, hitting it in its already wounded leg. "Die, you fucker, die!" he roared. Leofric: Leofric frowned as his attention seems to divided between Edmund and the Wolves. "Yes... It must be or something else..." Leofric made especially skilful move and stuck a nasty blow at the wolf, putting it out of its misery, "The sooner we finish this fight, the better..." sd: Guthafyr moved towards a wounded wolf and finished it off with a powerful blow that split its head cleanly in half Hogar: Hogar readied his heavier axe and nodded silently to Lefric's words Leofric: Leofric moved forward to the wolf just behind the one he put down. Leofric: Leofric can be heard to mutter some regilious chants safeguarding the souls/. sd: the bear moved up, roaring and swinging a heavy paw past ARianhod's face sd: the wolves bit and nipped at the party's heels, with some of the wolves slipping past Arian and Guthafyr's defences and moving too close for them to use their weapons effectively sd: with a cry of rage, Arianhod swung her axe heavily at the bear, seriously damaging its leg, already wounded by Hogar and Edmund. The creature fell awkwardly, but it remained conscious Edmund: Edmund''s voice rang out harshly - some song about blood and death - as he fired again at the bear. The wretched creature refused to die. Hogar: Hogar lashed out at the bear's grievously wounded and bleeding leg, severing a major artery and instantly killing in the beast, whose now lifeless corpse dropped to the ground spraying blood. sd: as the bear collapsed to the ground, its eyes shone with eerie light and something wispy and ephemeral drifted from its body, retreating towards the STone of Lanfranc near the rear of the chamber Hogar: Hogar gasped as they witnessed what was obviously some sort of spirit Edmund: Edmund staggered, shaking his head. Leofric: Leofric eyed the strange whisper of light drifting back to the Stone... "So that's what's happen if you swore an oath on the stone..." He was heard muttering to himself. Leofric: Leofric slashed out at a wolf on his right, hitting it on its dead, "Be gone. You need to rest in peace." Leofric: edit: "Hitting it on its head" sd: Guthafyr slashed at one of the wolves, landing a hard blow on its head that dropped the creature Leofric: Leofric noticed that Edmund was shaking his head and yelled, "Edmund, you are alright now?" His tone full of worry. Edmund: Edmund fitted another arrow, but the others could see his hand shake, and his face was grim. Hogar: Hogar struck a vicious blow into the head of one the wolves facing him, leaving the creature dazed and barely conscious sd: Arianhod and a wolf exchanged blows. Having already slipped past her guard, it bit at her, missing barely, and she responded by slamming the thing with the butt of her axe, forcing it to back away and allowing her to bring her weapon fully to bear again Edmund: Edmund fired at the wolf attacking Leofric, but his hands were still unsteady and the arrow went flying over them, narrowly missing Leo's head. Hogar: Hogar hit the wolf in the head again, his axe carving through the animal's head and skull and drawing thick blood. The creature collapsed, barely alive sd: Guthafyr landed a heavy blow on one of the wolves, slashing deep into its skull and dropping it bleeding to the ground Leofric: Leofric can sense the strange mixture of heat and wind from the arrow. It knew that it is from Ed as it is flaming. He then attacked the same wolf, again, hitting it on the head, killing it sd: Arianhod, back at a more favourable reach, brought her axe around, cleaving through her foe's neck and leaving its head hanging by a grisly grey thread sd: Hogar was able to finish off the last badly wounded wolf. Guthafyr bent and cleaned his sword. "That spirit escaped into the Stone," he said. Edmund: Edmund slumped onto the floor with his head in his hands. Leofric: Leofric nodded at Guthafyr, "Indeed." He rushed over to Edmund, "Ed, How are you feeling?" He knelt by Edmund. Hogar: "Is anyone hurt?"Hogar asked the others "Physically..."he added noticing Edmund's state, which he let for Leofric to handle Edmund: Edmund shook his head, "I...I'll live. But what happened..." he shuddered. "All I could think of was killing, to see the hot blood flow. It was horrible." Hogar: "Hopefully it's all over now."said Hogar "And good thing the bear at least didn't manage to hit any of us..."he added looking at the huge body of the creature Leofric: Leofric nodded, understanding. "But it is over. We dealt with the bear and countless enemies. We always came out of our fights fine." Leofric paused for a moment before continuing, "I will try teach you how improve your strength of will so you can better safeguard yourself from this. You will be fine and you will always have your friends as well." Edmund: Edmund nodded, his face solemn. "God kept us safe, but this is a message - we must not be proud and overconfident." Edmund: *edit* I must not be proud and overconfident, Hogar: "I think we will want to check everything is in order there - I suspect it is not..." Leofric: Leofric looked at Edmund and nodded, "Indeed, we must remain calm and cautious at all time. We will heed that message." He stood up, giving his hand out for Edmund to take, "I will tell you if I believe if you are getting to that point. Do me a favour, Ed. Tell me that as well if I too, overstepped that.... Come, let deal with the Stone." Edmund: Edmund took Leo's hand and got up. "We will look out for each other Leo." Hogar: "We shall." swore Hogar Edmund: Edmund nodded to Hogar. Leofric: Leofric nodded at Hogar and Arian and smiled slightly, "We shall." sd: "We cannot risk occupying the fortress while the spirit is in the Stone," said Guthafyr. "If we perhaps engage in soulspeech with this spirit we might drive it away." Edmund: "Where has the spirit come from?" Edmund asked. Leofric: Leofric strolled over to the Stone, examining it critically, frowning thoughtfully. Leofric: "We must drive it away. But how to conduct soulspeech?" He muttered to the others. Leofric considered it sd: Guthafyr approached the stone. "The defenders of Tarithdun swore an oath on the Stone of Lanfranc to defend their ancient customs and their gods. The siege ended because the Masked Ones swore to permit heathenism to continue on Bartholme, but a generation later they stamped it out. My mother told me that the old spirits of the rebels had risen in rage when the oath was broken." Leofric: Leofric nodded in agreement with Guthayr, "Yes... that is likely what happened here." sd: the Prince looked at Leofric. "She had an idea, but she would not have carried it out herself. She still believed in the power of Divine Blood, and would not listen when I told her of the true God..." he sighed. "I hope He will have mercy on her. She said that if someone of royal blood came and swore to uphold the old vow and permit the old gods to be worshipped again, that it might be possible to appease the spirits. Do you think I should do this? The Prophet had no love for heathens..." Edmund: Edmund frowned. "At first sight this seems a hard choice, but this does not mean you have to embrace heathenism. Some believe that they must force everyone in the world to follow their faith, but I don't believe that and I don't think you do either. People can be allowed to follow what they believe, and we can keep showing them the truth." Hogar: "Truth to be told, I have met quite a few Palanians who openly worship the Old Gods and they don't seem much worse than most Virians..." Edmund: Edmund gave Hogar a sharp look. sd: "That is my experience as well. And as dire as the cult and the Masked Ones are, my mother and my uncle still held their faith and they were soulwise and heartstrong." Guthafyr sighed. "When they died, we...well, we had no Heartfire, but nonetheless they wished their end to be in line with what they believed, and they wanted me to take part..." Guthafyr paused. "Should I have refused them?" Edmund: "We should honour our parents, and your mother was plainly a goodly person who tried to do what was right in all things. You are the example of how successful she was," Edmund said gently. Leofric: Leofric nodded with Edmund, "Yes, the Prophet himself was the heathen priest before he was enlightened by the Revelation. As for my own view on the heathens. I believe in convincing the converts by reasons, never by force. The heathens that worshipped the Old Gods are much better compared to the Divine Ones. Permitting the Old Gods to be worshipped is fine as Gaston ancestors of Virians used to worship them and in time, maybe they will see the truth." Leofric: of the Way" Hogar: "It might not have been...virtous, though it might have made your mother and uncle passing easier to know you held their wishes so dear. Still, I find there isn't much use thinking about the past, though - what's done is done. " said Hogar, likely not fully understanding the implication of Guthafyr's words, at least for the moment Leofric: EDIT: Cult of Divine Blood sd: Guthafyr nodded. "Then I will. Are you ready?" Edmund: "How can we aid you in this?" Edmund asked. sd: "I am going to try to begin soulspeech with the spirit. Then...well honestly I don't know what will happen so I don't know how you will be able to aid me. Pray for me, at least." Edmund: Edmund nodded and stood ready, with a glance around at his companions. Leofric: Leofric nodded solmenly, "We will pray for you." sd: Guthafyr advanced to the Stone and removed his gloves, revealing his burned fingers. He drew his dagger across his palm. "I am Guthafyr of Stowenhithe, rightful King of Bartholme," he said. "I have come to renew the old oath. I will wreak vengeance on the oathbreakers, the Masked Ones, and I will extinguish their Heartfires. In the name of the true God, I will be soulbound to restore the ancient freedoms forever. Old Lanfranc, your blood is mine. Will you have me for your heir?" Guthafyr wrung out a drop of blood on the Stone. It landed with a sizzling hiss, and the spirit that had been in the bear began to slide out from the Stone. Strange lights danced from the nearby pool and odd sounds like half-caught snippets of speech reverberated through the chamber. sd: for what could have been hours or days, the spirits of the Stone bombarded Guthafyr and the party with images and whispered insinuations. They girded their wills and resisted, relying on their faith that God would protect them. Leofric and Edmund both channelled magical energy through the Stone, while Guthafyr stood in steadfast resolution, repeating his promise to once again permit the worship of the old gods on Bartholme. As time wore on, the spirits coalesced, forming an ever more visible and recognisable form of a man, though it was not distinct enough to distinguish any features. With a benediction, Leofric gently pushed it from the Stone, and it dissipated and vanished into nothingness. Leofric: Leofric bowed his head and whispered, "Rest in peace." before looking at Guthafyr and others, "The spirits are appeased at last." Edmund: Edmund sighed in relief. "It was the right thing to do." Hogar: Hogar looked very taken aback by the whole ordeal. "Hopefully they are at peace now" sd: Guthafyr nodded. "Now it is a matter of waiting. Felgild will contact me in the morning, and then once he knows we have succeeded, he will thoughtspeak to some of my confederates who are waiting for the signal to come here. I know you have other tasks to attend to, and won't ask you to stay with me here on Bartholme, but will you remain a few days until they arrive? It isn't safe yet." Edmund: "Of course, we would be honoured to remain." Edmund looked at his companions for confirmation. Leofric: Leofric nodded, agreeing with Edmund, "I agreed. A few days would be fine." Hogar: "I don't see why not." sd: in the morning, as Guthafyr said, Felgild contacted him to learn of their success, and promised to speak to Guthafyr's fellow conspirators.
Over the next five days, they began to come in, as Guthafyr raised his standard, the Prophet's Star contained within an orange flame on a white banner, above the ruins of Tarithdun. They came, at first, in groups of five or ten, but more began to arrive in later days. On 30 November 227, in the midst of snow, there arrived the ally Guthafyr had been waiting for - Ealdhelm, the lord of the isle of Storenholme, with nearly a hundred men, who had been persuaded by one of Guthafyr's confidantes to support his claim. His numbers had now swelled to several hundred, and as each group came in he brought them to the Stone of Lanfranc and they swore to fight for him in his quest to reclaim Bartholme.
After Lord Ealdhelm arrived, Guthafyr took the party aside. "Felgild has contacted me again. He says that they believe they may have located one of the people you are searching for, a woman called Odelyn, so you should return to Sharney immediately." Guthafyr paused. "I know you have further tasks in Coelney before you go, but when you return to the mainland, will you be going to Phalen?" Edmund: "We will," Edmund replied. "We share a manor there." Hogar: "Most likely" Leofric: "It is our current home for now." Leofric confirmed. sd: "Will you deliver a message for me? King Vifil has helped so far, but I need more trustworthy allies. I have been in contact with the Great Chapel before, if you would deliver this for me," Guthafyr passed them a sealed message, "I would be eternally grateful." Leofric: Leofric nodded as he accepted the message, "We will deliver your massage to the Great Chapel. It is the least we can do." sd: "Thank you. I hope I live to meet you again, but if not, God be with you." Guthafyr reached out and embraced Leofric. Leofric: "The feeling is mutual. May God be with you." Leofric replied softly. Edmund: "If you need our aid in the future please call on us," Edmund said as he was embraced in turn. "We will be praying for your success." Hogar: "We will be glad to help with anything."said Hogar after Guthafyr had thanked him too sd: "And I will pray for yours. Farewell." Guthafyr turned and departed to speak to Lord Ealdhelm, while the party returned to their boats to begin the trip back to Sharney. It was bitterly cold, but the snow had slowed in the last few hours and they thought they should be able to make a start on the return voyage. Leofric: Leofric glanced up at the dark cold sky and muttered, counting the days. "The Winter is certainly here and colder."
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Post by sleepingdragon on Mar 16, 2014 13:44:01 GMT
sd: their return voyage was cold and hard. Though it never came down heavily, it snowed lightly a number of times. Every little isle they passed had a blanketing of the stuff that had lain, and, Maccus said, was not likely to melt until spring. The wind was as bitter as any they had ever known in their more southerly homeland, and the falling snow and water that splashed from the oars seeped into their clothing and seemed to freeze into their skin. They had to camp twice on the way, going more slowly due to the inclement weather, and it took the greatest of Arianhod's woodcraft to find comfortable spots from them to sleep.
On 2 December 227, they arrived back on Sharney at mid-day. Their boatmen had some contact with Felgild (amongst other things, needing him to pay them for their efforts), and so they headed off to find him, saying they would get him to send one of his men to the inn where the party had stayed in their previous stay in Cyningas. Leofric: Leofric shivered slightly in the cold air, telling others, "I am glad to be back on land." He glanced around at the buildings of Cyningas. "Time to find a warm hearth and drinks!" Leofric softly said with amusement, clearly looking forward to it. Edmund: Edmund agreed. "Life in these islands is notably damp and cold." Hogar: Hogar nodded at Leofric's words "Can't disagree, but the sooner we find this Felgild, the sooner we might back to the mainland, so don't forget about that." Hogar: edit: "the sooner we find who we're looking for" sd: "It took me several winters before I became used to it," said Maccus. "My master said that the strongwind bred strongfolk, and we had enough soulfire to burn through the cold. Though I always found the Heartfire more useful for that." sd: the party were able to warm themselves round a more mundane fire in their inn, and were just about finished their meal when a heavy-set man with red hair entered, glanced around, and, noticing Leofric and Arianhod amongst the crowd, came over and sat down. "I am Brungaer, I serve Master Lucan," he said. "My master wants to meet with you tonight to discuss what he's learned about the woman Odelyn and the other people you are looking for." Edmund: "Very well," answered Edmund. Leofric: "Excellent." Leofric replied as he quickly finished his fine mead and fish meal. Hogar: Hogar finished emptying a mug of ale as the man spoke, and when he had left said to the others "Best be careful, we don't know what might happen there." sd: Maccus nodded. "This Lucan has too much influence for someone who seems to have appeared from the air." Edmund: "Indeed. Lucan may not be the friend he makes out," Edmund agreed. Leofric: Leofric nodded with a hint of concern at Maccus, "I agreed, we ought to be on guard," sd: Maccus went out to seek information on their host to be, with Edmund and Hogar accompanying him. Over the course of the afternoon they learned a bit more about Lucan. He had been known to host the King and many other people of his court in his mine, and sometimes would spend an evening in Vifil's manor, but only very rarely. He instead relied on a man called Ranulf, his closest confidante, who went to court on his behalf and appeared to manage many of his affairs. Like the majority of those who had come with Lucan (originally around a dozen, though he had now hired a number of guards and miners to work for him), Ranulf was no Coelneyman. Lucan himself spoke like one, but no one knew where he originally had come from and he had been on the mainland for many years. Edmund: "So it's unlikely Lucan is one of the expedition, although of course Ranulf could be," Edmund said, once they had shared the information with Leofric. "It seems most strange that Lucan has these mainlanders with him." Leofric: Leofric agreed with Edmund, "Strange. Or it is possible that Ranulf was working with Lucan on the mainland perhaps. I guess we will see later in the evening." Hogar: "Mysterious man, Lucan. Who knows that he's really up to."said Hogar Edmund: "Hopefully we will find out," Edmund replied. sd: shortly after sun-down, Brungaer returned to lead the party out to his master's mine. He was not unpleasant company, but he kept his conversation about trival matters and guarded information about Lucan as if it were precious treasure. There had been another dusting of snow, and the ground crunched beneath their feet as they went.
Lucan's mine was not far from the path they had travelled to reach their boat on the way to meet with Guthafyr. Brungaer led them up into the hills, along a steep, winding path. At various intervals they passed a few guards armed with tridents, bows, and torches, before finally entering.
There was no one working in the mine at the moment, so there were only two guards about as Brungaer led the party along a passage off to the right, lit with lanterns hung at intervals along the walls. The passageway ended in a long shaft upwards. At the bottom of the shaft was a wooden platform attached to several heavy iron chains. To either side of the shaft were three braziers which were carefully located beneath alcoves cut into the walls. As Brungaer lit the three braziers on the right of the shaft, he explained there were niches cut into the wall, and the smoke from the braziers ascended up the shaft and signalled to the men above to raise or lower the platform, and by how many floors. Hogar: Hogar eyes glanced warily around, as if he suspected an ambush or some sort of trap Hogar: edit: Hogar's eyes glanced around warily Leofric: Leofric glanced around with cautions about possible dangers. Edmund: Edmund peered up the shaft, keeping well back. "That's a neat idea." Hogar: "Clever."said Hogar in response to Edmund sd: after a few minutes, the platform was hauled upwards, rather ponderously. They ascended three floors before coming to rest on the highest floor, where Master Lucan kept his personal quarters. The floor was tiled stone, and ahead of them there was a wooden doorway at which there stood two guards. "Your weapons, please," one asked as they approached, while his companion blocked the door. Edmund: Edmund handed over his bow, quiver and sword. "Take care of the bow." he said with a smile. Hogar: Hogar handed over his axes and shield in silence Leofric: Leofric frowned for a moment before handing over his straight longsword, his Erse silversword, typical crossbow and finally wicked sharp dagger. sd: the guards led them through the door into an antechamber, where their weapons were stashed in a large wooden trunk before they were allowed to enter into the dining chamber. This had once been the office of the mine's overseer, and was a large, cavernous chamber laid with golden tiles and a number of large carpets, though these were suffering slightly from damp. Dominating the room was a very large wooden table, laid with a long red table cloth and set with many fine plates, bowls, chalices, and goblets of gold, pewter, copper, or finely carved wood.
Seated at the head of the table, directly opposite where they came in, was a lanky, pallid man with long black hair and pale eyes. He raised a golden goblet studded with a large ruby in the party's direction. "Greetings to you. I am Lucan. Seat yourselves and be welcome, food will be served shortly and then we can discuss business. Allow me to introduce my friends and counselgivers..." he indicated around the table to the four others there, while Brungaer took a seat near the end of the table. "These are Ranulf and Wilfrith," he indicated two men to his left, the former being a slight man with reddish hair and the latter a dark man with a somber aspect and black hair, "and these are Erdi and Derehild." These were two women to Lucan's right, the first a very large, muscular Fryderi woman with a squashed in nose, and the second a small, pretty Palanian. Lucan's advisers raised their goblets in salute to the party as they entered. Edmund: Edmund bowed. "We are honoured to be here, and thank you for offering to help us in our quest." sd: "I prefer to think that we are helping one another," Lucan replied, indicating for the party to sit and help themselves to drinks. There was an abdundance of red and white wines, both rarities in Coelney, as well as sweet mead and strong brandy. Edmund: Edmund sat himself between the two women, with a nod at both of them. Leofric: Leofric bowed as well and muttered some small pleasantries as he made his way to a seat on the other side from Edmund, sitting beside Wilfrith. Hogar: Hogar sat between Ranulf and Leofric, in front of Edmund sd: "What do you make of Coelney? The land seems strange to me after years away, it must seem stranger still to you Virians," Lucan asked. Edmund: Edmund nodded. "We are not used to a place which is more sea than land. And the culture is very different from our own of course." sd: "Indeed, I suppose a land ruled by sorcerers is not a comfortable place for those of your...convictions." Edmund: "We have seen many strange things since being in Palania," Edmund answered smoothly. "It is a land of variety." Hogar: Hogar nodded along with Edmund's words, but then added "Of course, a man's convictions may change as he travels and experiences things far away from home. I can say I had been getting used to mainland Palania. This place though is far different.,,," sd: "As I had, but suddenly I felt a stirring to return home. It has its charms, however dimished they sometimes are by the Masked Ones." At this several servants entered through a door along the northern wall, and brought out trenchers of bread filled with fish in a creamy sauce. These were laid before all present, save for Lucan himself, who instead was served with a steak of vension. "I find fish no longer agrees with my constitution," he explained. This did not hold for the remainder of the guests - as they ate, more dishes were brought out. There were smoked eels, fingerfish in breadcrumbs, and boiled crabs, as well as bacon, venison, creamed leeks, and mushrooms. Edmund: Edmund looked about the room. "This is very comfortable, but it puzzles me that you live in a mine. How did you come to settle here?" Hogar: Hogar looked at the food with mild curiosity, perhaps tempered by a certain worry it might be poisoned or drugged in some way, and eventually he started eating, in small portions at first but later more generously, as he listened to the conversation between Lucan and the others sd: "It had been held by goblins for a number of years, so we killed them. I thought it more economical to take over the mine than to hand it over and build a manor, and it helps to build a reputation. If you wish to have some power here in Coelney without kow-towing to the priests, it helps to be thought of as mad and somewhat dangerous." Lucan took a bite of his steak, licking blood from his pale lips. "I have taken a liking to the place, it has a certain heartfeel to it." Edmund: Edmund looked at the blood for a second only. He was eating only small amounts of each dish. "May I ask how long you have been away on the mainland?" Leofric: Leofric made a start on the food carefully, paying close attention to the conversations and the people. sd: "Nine years. I was...on a ship, and I did not care for it, so I escaped and became an adventurer along the Lost Shore and in the Lostlands." sd: *Long Shore Hogar: "You must have seen some interesting things in your time there."said Hogar taking a pause from savoring the food Edmund: Edmund looked as though he had heard more in Lucan's words than was said, but he merely nodded. sd: "A great number. The dragonspawn hold the whip hand in the Lostlands. The people there like to pretend they are not slaves but they still give up their sick and young for reanimation. I don't know if you chanced to encounter dragonspawn, at home or here." Hogar: "We fought a few in Palania...not many, luckily. Cunning things, I'm far more worried about them than orcs or other monstruosities."said Hogar Edmund: "We have met other monstrous creatures, " Edmund said. "And some bad places too." Leofric: Leofric added in with a nod, "And no doubt we will meet many more in the future as well." He sighed. sd: "You will," Lucan took another bite. "You killed a Masked One named Hunlaf, Felgild has told me, and that was very useful. We were able to locate some of his confederates and wring some quite useful information from them, in time. It was somewhat difficult but..." Lucan mimed crushing an insect beneath his thumb. Hogar: "Yes, we have met some monstrous people too."said Hogar "And will likely continue to do so, I fear." sd: "Wilfrith, make some music for us," Lucan commanded, and the man stood, went away, and returned about a minute later with a lute which he began to strum gently. "One of these Masked Ones that had worked with Hunlaf said he knew something of your traders. They had been here last year, and had a potential to cause trouble, so some of the priests thought to remove them though I don't know exactly who. Our captive seemed to believe they were not native to Sharney. At any rate, one of the traders was found to have a goldthirst so our captive said he was persuaded to betray his companions." Edmund: Edmund sighed. "From our limited knowledge of the members of the expedition it did seem possible that such a thing might have occured. Do you know if any survived apart from the traitor?" sd: "Well, our source believed this traitor - Freod, he said his name was, some manner of nobleman - had taken up with the pirates on Tisseney, and the remainder of his companions were sold. The pirates are apparently involved in some manner of plot with a group of Masked Ones, which I am rather displeased about. At any rate, I am sure some of your people have survived at the least." Edmund: "You seem to have a particular opposition to the Masked Ones," Edmund said carefully. "Have you especial reason to hate them?" sd: "Yes. At any rate, the Tisseney pirates are no easy meat. They have many ships, and they count both men and goblins amongst their ranks." Hogar: Hogar frowned at the mention of men and goblins working together sd: After a pause, Lucan said, "I've spoken of this to King Vifil while you were away, whatever the nature of this plot we want to find out more about it and stop it, so we are prepared to work with you to defeat the Tisseney pirates. My servants have reported that a number of ships are away from Tisseney at the moment on a final raid before winter sets in, though there are still a number of the pirates on the isle." Edmund: "We would need to take action to even the odds against us - firing ships perhaps. Unless there is a possible ally among the pirates?" Edmund asked without much hope. sd: "I doubt it, but you might be able to infiltrate them somehow, and we will certainly lend you soldiers for an attack. It will be difficult, but certainly not impossible." Hogar: "We have fought against terrible odds, I think we might just make it."said Hogar Edmund: "We will need information about the Isle and those on it," Edmund said. Hogar: "And...anything else we should know?"after looking for a moment at Edmund and Leofric Edmund: Edmund raised his brows at Hogar, then looked sharply at Lucan. sd: "Well I know many things and I've certainly not told you everything yet. What did you want to know?" Leofric: Leofric raised a question, "The fate of Odelyn for an example, who was supposed to have been found" sd: Lucan fixed Leofric with an unfriendly gaze. "You are looking to rescue her as well, yes?" Hogar: "She is among the people we came here to look for."said Hogar as neutrally as he could manage "Would that be...against your interests?" sd: Lucan laughed and pointed Ranulf in the direction of the large door behind him. Ranulf headed through into a bedchamber and Lucan continued. "Well, that depends. Of course it may be against her interests." Lucan paused. "You can ask her," he added, and Ranulf emerged back through the door with a whip-thin woman with a hawkish nose. Hogar: Hogar tried to get a look at the woman which Lucan implied was Odelyn Hogar: edit: a good look sd: Odelyn slowly moved the length of the room and sat at the last empty chair, directly opposite Lucan. "Yes, I'm Odelyn," she said. "Lucan's already rescued me, but we'll need your help to get the others." Her words seemed somehow...hollow, and there was something odd behind her eyes, however, as she spoke. Hogar: Hogar seemed displeased with the woman's condition, but said nothing. He cast a knowing glance at both Edmund and Leofric Edmund: Edmund raised his brows at Hogar questioningly. Leofric: Leofric frowned with serious concern Hogar: "Must have been quite a tale..."said Hogar obviously referring to the Lucan's 'rescue' "You look quite affected." he added, as if he was implying something Hogar: "So you'd prefer to stay here, Odelyn?" Hogar asked the woman, still turned towards her "It is quite luxurious for a mine. Not much light but, though..." obviously trying to imply something Leofric: "Indeed, you should go and enjoy the fresh air and sunlight." Leofric ended. sd: Odelyn laughed. "Enough dancing," she said. She locked eyes with Lucan for a moment, then slumped forward, panting, onto the table. "I think we understand each other," Lucan said. "Whatever your Church has told you I mean you no ill, I am simply in an...awkward...position." Odelyn looked up to speak, but Lucan silenced her with a glare. "She has been a useful servant, but I've never lacked for cattle, and we would make good allies with a common enemy. However I make my alliances conditional on a certain discretion about my condition." Edmund: "You want us to make alliance with you? To what end?" Edmund asked. "The people we were sent to find do need to be rescued, and we are quite prepared to do that, but what is the greater picture?" Hogar: Hogar seemed almost relieved for a moment and then very worried by Lucan's words "You do understand this is quite...more awkard for us. We came for dinner, not to risk ending up as..."Hogar sighed and looked at Edmund and Leofric, as if trying to gauge their reaction Edmund: Edmund shook his head. "I think you need our help, and you are perhaps more civilised than we would have expected one of your kind to be," he said to Lucan. sd: "I've no intention that you should end up as anything. The problem I faced is that you were looking to rescue a woman that I already had under my control. I'm happy to release her to you, but then I could hardly do that without you asking some questions as to who or what I am and I mislike it when people ask such questions, especially when they learn the answers. You might go and reveal this knowledge to inconvenient people who will cause me trouble. So the greater picture is that you will pretend you didn't learn anything about me, will never speak of it to anyone who was not here, and then we can otherwise go on as normal and deal with our enemies in Tisseney and perhaps elsewhere as well. I want to tear down whatever Masked Ones are behind this plot of theirs, but I don't know who they are or what the plot is and I have some difficulties travelling. We can assist each other, and then you can leave Coelney to me." Edmund: Edmund looked to the others. Hogar: "Of course, I suspect even if we were to speak of your...condition...we would not be believed."Hogar said gritting his teeth, obviously not pleased"Considering how well-liked you are around these parts. So it would seem we have little around these parts. It seems we have little choice..." Hogar: edition: "So it would seem we have little choice in this matter..." Leofric: Leofric nodded at Edmund, "It is not an issue." Leofric: EDIT: "It is not an issue in the context of grander issues." Edmund: "Arian?" Edmund asked. Edmund: "And you Maccus?" sd: "I am not particularly concerned by what you do in these parts, I am concerned by what you might do in other parts where I have no power and your countrymen do. I have heard of the Silver Blade Demon Hunters and I will hold you responsible if some such start coming after me. I want your word, by your God or whatever you hold dear, that you will take my secret to your graves and tell NO ONE. At any time in your lives." Lucan gritted his teeth. "And if you lie to me I will know. Think on it a few minutes. Remember, I've done you no harm - I've delivered one of those you were seeking, and have given you the information you need to get the others, and have won you soldiers as well. I am a vampire, not a monster." Lucan smiled, which was probably meant to look reassuring. sd: Maccus nodded, clearly frightened, but Arianhod said nothing. Edmund: "There are plenty of monsters who are human," Edmund said. "For now our interests run together, but if a time comes when they do not, not even the most solemn promise can stop us being on opposite sides, you do understand." Hogar: "But..."said Hogar hesitating " what will you do with Coelney once the Masked Ones are left? We could indeed make a deal with you and leave with our lives and have you as a powerful ally against the Masked Ones which we have no love for but if someday you rule over these islands you might start looking to the mainland and then..." Hogar: edit: once the Masked ones are dealt with sd: "I'm not accountable to you and don't need to explain my intentions to you. If it is of any consolation to you, if I were to ever 'look to the mainland' there are others who might look back at me and oppose me, with or without your help. It is only an issue if you think you have the judgement and power to right all the world's wrongs...if I am a wrong. At any rate, those who have sought to swallow all things - your 'Dark Lord' for one, Caragaur for another - have found that 'everything' is too large for their gullet and have ended up swallowed themselves." Edmund: "You want us to promise not to tell anyone of your condition? Very well, I cannot swear by God or his Prophet, but I promise on my life to keep that knowledge to myself to the grave. " Edmund said, his voice low but steady. Hogar: Hogar sighed and swore with Edmund "I too swear not to reveal your secret to anyone as long as I live. ". He looked to Leofric, uneasily Leofric: Leofric gave everyone a percipient glance and made an oath honestly, "I pledge that I will not inform anyone of your unusual condition as long as I am alive." sd: Maccus and Arianhod agreed. "And you as well," Lucan looked at Odelyn again, and she tore her eyes away from him. "Oh stop, I've released you now." Odelyn stammered out her own pledge. "Excellent. Now we can return to business. If you depart for Tisseney in the morning, you may be able to reach there within a few days, and you will then have an option to either sneak up on the fortress or infilitrate it. They have some manner of slave labour camp I believe, and if you turn up in the guise of purchasers of their merchandise you may be able to talk your way to somewhere useful, perhaps even into a meeting with their leader. Felgild will be travelling with you, so he will be able to coordinate with you by thoughtspeech." Edmund: "Can you tell us any details of the pirates?" Edmund asked. sd: "One of Hunlaf's associates said that a travelling Masked One named Osyth had visited the isle a number of times, most recently a few months ago, before heading west. This is probably whoever is behind...well whatever it is they are behind. As for the pirates themselves, I have heard estimates of their numbers from anywhere from twenty to two hundred, I think the number is probably about eighty or ninety but at least half of that isn't there at the moment and they will be divided between their fortress and their camp." Edmund: Edmund frowned. "That's still a lot of fighting men. How many soldiers will we be able to take with us?" Hogar: "That is both men and goblins, you said?" sd: "I am haggling with King Vifil about that. He is attempting to persuade me you are superhuman warriors who can handle at least five pirates each yourselves. Are you?" Edmund: Edmund shrugged with a half grin. "Possibly." Hogar: "That might be the case." sd: "Somewhere between twenty and thirty is your answer, but you will be attacking with the advantage of surprise. And yes, that does include humans and goblins, my understand is that about a quarter of the creatures are goblins but I don't know if more or less are away at the moment." Leofric: Leofric nodded at this information, clearly thinking about this difficult position
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Post by sleepingdragon on Mar 23, 2014 12:54:38 GMT
You whisper to Beomund: It seemed as if the light had gone out of the world.
In the months since his capture and Aisha’s death, Beomund had shuffled through a somnambular twilight, his soul seeking to detach itself from his eyes. He had passed over water and air and from hand to hand, and he could not tell exactly which parts of him had passed elsewhere with his wife.
The slavers who had captured their ship had sailed north and east, landing in some hidden cove somewhere on Palania’s south coast. Beomund and the other slaves had been kept belowdecks for days and had been taken out with hoods over their heads, so he had no notion of where this place had been. He was sold there, and taken onto another ship with four others from the crew, while the remainder were kept behind to be sold to other buyers.
Then he had been taken onto another ship, whose course turned southeast to what he later learned were the isles of Coelney. There were other slaves aboard the ship as well – many captured along the Long Shore of eastern Palania, others from the south or further abroad. There were two Fryderi, moon-faced people from the northwest beyond Palania, one of whom had not a word of Gaston.
The voyage had been the worst time Beomund had known since the war. They were forced to work the oars relentlessly, and as the largest of the slaves Beomund was pushed particularly hard. The women slaves were passed around and used whenever a pirate felt the urge. At first they screamed and cried and the sound ripped like talons into Beomund’s soul. In time however they ceased struggling and suffered in silence, and that was even worse. Many a braggart swore blind that they would die before being a slave, but vanity was easy under the effects of ale and safety. Deeds were hard as stone, however, and people were not.
After several weeks, they came to a little island, somewhere in the midst of the Coelney archipelago. The isle, he learned, was called Tisseney, and save for a few tiny islets nearby it seemed alone in the sea. On the few clear days, he could distantly discern another island, which was apparently named Sharney, to the northeast, but he was about as likely to set foot on the Prophet’s Star as there.
Many of the slaves on Tisseney had served numerous masters over the years, and at least a few had been slaves since they were children. Some were children. They could be very easily identified because the pirates had pierced their ears and left them with 'earrings' which were little more than iron bolts - even if you could take one out, the large octagonal hole in the ear would give them away.
There was little point in seeking escape, for the pirates controlled the whole island and there was nowhere to run to. One foolish young man did manage to slip his bonds and escape in the night, but after two days of hiding in the hills they had caught him again. The overseer had the man’s leg stretched out on an anvil and smashed his knee with a hammer, striking with such force that the poor fool died of the shock.
The slaves were divided up – some worked in the fields or fished, while Beomund and others were sent to the mine. Beomund was too large to actually go down the mine himself, but he could haul stone, smelt ores, and repair tools, and this he did relentlessly.
He had originally had no idea how long it had taken to reach Coelney, but from the chill in the air he assumed it must be winter. He was startled to learn later that he had arrived on the island just before it reached September, and as the months wore on the chill and constant wind began to set into his bones. Days melted into each other like slag.
In the singers' tales, pirates and outlaws were either free-spirited men seeking their fortune, or else vile and irredeemable sinners bent on mayhem, depending on the singer. Both plainly missed the mark. The pirates of Tisseney, he learned, were simply the people of the island - there were villages on the isle, consisting of the pirates' wives and families, and he could hardly hope to escape there for they were wholly supportive of the piracy.
The lord of the isle, who he eventually learned was named Wusfrea, had taken up the pirate trade fifteen years ago, not long after he was able to reclaim the isle, but the lord himself had sailed away six months ago and the new leader of the pirates was some manner of outlander who the locals did not like. The other slaves said he was more brutal than their old master and worked them harder.
The months wore on. Though he had hoped to conceal it, it eventually became clear to the pirates that Beomund was an excellent smith, and so, as one of the first snows began to fall towards the end of November, he was sent to serve the pirates in their main fortress, on a narrow headland on the northern tip of the isle.
The fortress itself had been built without, as far as he could judge, great thought for its defensiveness - there was a palisade, with five watchtowers around the perimeter, and in the centre of the compound a stone tower surrounded by a high, gated wall. It was by no means weak, but a significant force could take it without great difficulty - he suspected it was built as much to deter attack as to actually stop it.
The pirates in the fortress were by far more brutal than those elsewhere on Tisseney - on the first day he was there, one of the slaves passed out from overwork and never awoke. The worst were the goblins, who were terrifying. Elsewhere on the island he had heard the locals express occasional disapproval of the alliance they had made with the creatures, but they had been kept out of sight there. Here, they were able to walk about unmolested. They were bony, whip-thin figures who carried curved swords and moved with frightening speed and grace. The goblins required no food, but they drank constantly - when a slave died, their allies had them drained, and the goblins drank their blood eagerly. They drank the water from the sea without any ill effects Beomund could see, though he wondered if that might be why the creatures were singularly bad-tempered and seemingly insane. Only a handful could even speak Gaston, though they did so with such a strange, sibilant accent that Beomund could barely make out a word they said.
It became apparent to Beomund that something had happened among the pirates lately that had left them in a foul mood. He soon learned that a Masked One had arrived three weeks ago, and he had taken over control of the fortress, shoving aside the former commander. The old commander, whose name Beomund did not know but was a burly, black-haired man with a weather-beaten face, remained in the fortress, but he and his supporters left the tower and forced the slaves to construct them a crude hut where they would stay whilst they decided what to do.
Many of the pirates had sailed off for a final raid before the winter, with those that remained behind in a foul mood for missing their chance at booty. Soon, they would return, and Beomund had no idea if he could survive a whole winter in their hands... sd: with Odelyn in tow, the party left Lucan's mine, escorted by one of the vampire's guards, who returned their gear. Odelyn remained completely silent as they went, exiting the mine and descending down the hill in the darkness. Once they were well away from the mine, Odelyn sank to the ground, holding her head in her hands and shaking. Edmund: Edmund crouched down beside her, holding out a small flask from his sack. "How did you end up in that... person's hands?" sd: Odelyn snatched the flask away and drank it in one go. "I came back here in...August, or thereabouts, after I escaped. I wanted to track the others down and find out what had happened, so I arranged a meeting through a contact. Not with Lucan himself, his man Wilfrith. Lucan invited himself along and he just gave me a look and..." Odelyn shook her head. Leofric: Leofric frowned at that point, considering how powerful the bloodly campire must be Edmund: "It could have happened to anyone," Edmund said gently. "I doubt if we would have been any better at resisting him, if he had cared to turn his power on us. Leo might... You're free now, and we will do all we can to rescue your companions." Edivad: "Hopefully someday he will met his match."said Hogar sadly referring to Lucan "But for now, at least you're free and we will try to find the others" Hogar has connected. Leofric: Leofric agreed with Edmund and Hogar, "Indeed. This is our aims in this lands." He replied seriously sd: "Freod is on Tisseney, that fucking rat," Odelyn said. "I never thought he'd actually turn on us, gods know how he reconciles his enormous pride with being a pirate." Edivad is disconnected. Edmund: "From what we heard before we came here, it did seem Freod was the most likely to prove traitor," Edmund said. sd: as they went into Cyningas, Odelyn explained what had happened. Esmon, the leader of the expedition, had been in contact with King Vifil and Felgild, who wanted him to assist in certain schemes, however Esmon did not trust them and refused. Freod thought this foolish and this had resulted in a rift in the expedition - with Freod and the bodyguard, Byrtwald, on one side and the others siding with Esmon.
In late January, Freod had said he had met a useful contact in the King's service, who was prepared to help them without requiring them to go so far as the King had insisted on previously. Esmon had been skeptical, but had decided to go in order to placate Freod. Given the poor relations between the groups, Byrtwald and Freod had gone ahead of the others, taking a boat out to a small isle south of Sharney, while the others followed behind. When they arrived however, there was no sign of their companions - instead, they were ambushed by a group of Masked Ones, who overpowered them.
Herself, Esmon, Scrella and Randwulf had been enslaved and put on a ship, however Odelyn managed to slip her bonds and escape overboard, leaving the others behind. Unfortunately, she ended up stranded, and was soon taken prisoner by another group off the coast of Bartholme. After six months of slavery Odelyn was able to get away from them and returned to Sharney, but then she had fallen under Lucan's spell.
"I don't know where they took the others, I think they were going to the southeast," she finished. "They may still be alive - I don't think they intended to kill us, though I don't know exactly what they did intend to do." Hogar: "We might be able to rescue them."said Hogar "Or at least avenge..."he added Leofric: Leofric then said, "Well, at least we may be able to find Freod and make him regret his decision most deeply. He might know about others' location." He reflected on that point. Hogar: "Yes, he might. And we could make him talk...This sounds to me like it's part of a much larger plot, but I can't make it out."Hogar said shrugging his shoulders as he said the last part Edmund: "Sleep on it and we'll try to work it out in the morning," Edmund suggested. sd: they returned to the inn and slept. Odelyn had a difficult time of it, but eventually managed to sleep, though she turned restlessly through the night.
In the morning, one of Felgild's men contacted them, and they began to make the arrangements to set out for Tisseney at once. It had snowed again in the night, and the snow and wind would make for hard sailing, but if they were to strike before the majority of the pirates returned from their raids they would need to go at once. Hogar: Before they set sail, Hogar quickly bought some healing supplies, obviously expecting to need them sd: altogether, there were two ships that went out - Felgild commanded one, and another of the King's cousins commanded the ship that the party were on. Altogether they had about thirty soldiers, which was fewer than the pirates they were expecting but with the advantage of speed and surprise Felgild was confident they would win the day.
the two ships sped on, fighting through heavy snow and wind. Arianhod and Hogar worked tirelessly, manning the oars, hauling ropes, and repairing damage as and when it was needed, while Edmund sang sea shanties to inspire the men. At one point they were blown off course and near to two small islands on which they nearly ran aground, however Maccus and Odelyn leapt out into the water and swam under to find the reefs and rocks, pointing them out to the captains so they were able to get past them.
On 5 December 227, they came near to Tisseney, a medium sized island in the middle of the archipelago, and they hid their ships behind several small isles dominated by tall trees. Felgild came aboard to speak to them. "You'll need to go now by a boat so we're not seen. How do you want to do this? You can land and sneak up on the fortress - it's on the northern tip of the island, I believe - or you might disguise yourselves and try to make your way in. Either way, I'll contact you by thoughtspeech tomorrow morning to coordinate the attack." Edmund: "Do you think we can get away with disguising ourselves?" Edmund asked his companions. Leofric: Leofric shivered with coldness as his eyes blinked as he felt his power returning to him and glanced around himself, "Might be difficult to explain why we came to the island?" sd: "They're slavers," said Odelyn. "Perhaps we are buyers." Hogar: "Distasteful."said Hogar "But it might just work." Edmund: "Hmm, we would have to be believable. How good are you at lying?" he asked the others. sd: "Terrible," Maccus sniffed. Hogar: "Not very. Perhaps I'd do better if we took the covert approach." Leofric: Leofric grinned for a moment at Hogar, "You can act like a bodyguard?" Edmund: "Or we could divide up - some sneak and some bluff their way in...," Edmund suggested, though he didn't look as if he really liked the idea. You whisper to Beomund: for the moment, his work on the fortifications was done, so Beomund was set to work on the forge, sharpening the swords of the goblins and the pirates' tridents, spears, and axes, crafting arrowheads, and forging new weapons. At about mid-day, another slave that he recognised approached the forge. The slave was a pitiable creature. He was filthy and dirty, and his right eye was gone, as well as most of his right foot and several fingers from his right hand. Beomund knew he was the commander's personal slave, who the other pirates named 'milord' for reasons they had not seen fit to explain to Beomund. Under the watchful eye of a nearby Masked One, the commander's creature brought a helm over to Beomund. "This...this is the master's helm," he said. "He wants it repaired immediately." Leofric: Leofric shook his head, "I don't like that idea most of all. If something fucked up, we will be in trouble if we are divided..." Leofric: more* Edmund: Edmund nodded. Beomund whispers: Beomund silently took the helm and turned it around in his hands for a few moments, feeling out the damage. "It should not take too long," he said, before setting to work. Beomund whispers: He worked the metal deftly, appearing to hammer out dents and make it strong again, but merely weakening the metal while providing the appearance of a shiny new piece of armor to the untrained eye. Leofric: "Nevertheless, it seems to me that we might be able to get away, walking into the fortress." Leofric commented on it Hogar: Hogar nodded silently, intent on going along with the 'infiltration' plan Beomund whispers: He handed the helm back to the slave. "The master will be pleased, I am sure," he said emotionlessly. You whisper to Beomund: the slave took the helm wordlessly and limped off toward's the commander's tent. sd: the party set out on a jetty and sailed towards the isle, with Maccus at the prow while Odelyn quickly disguised herself. "I don't want Freod to recognise me until it's too late," she said.
In stories, pirates and other outlaws were wandering men, outcasts from a hundred lands, but the pirates of Tisseney were, in fact, the inhabitants of Tisseney, and they quickly realised that the island's entire population was made up either of the pirates themselves, their supporters, or their families. Tisseney had been depopulated twenty years before in a war between Sharney and the isles of Lowley to the southwest, however it was resettled by Wusfrea, son of the previous Lord. Nominally subject to King Vifil, Wusfrea did whatever he liked and his people followed him eagerly.
They made their way into one of the isle's villages and Edmund, Odelyn, and Maccus smoothly explained that they were seeking slaves for reasonable prices. One of the village's leaders seemed doubtful at first, however Odelyn began to negotiate with him, showing an excellent mind for trade that soon had the man convinced they truly were slavers. The man explained that now that since Lord Wusfrea had sailed away, their new master had taken up residence at the very northern tip of the isle. Their new lord was not of Divine Blood - he was not even native to Coelney, as far as they knew - and he worked them hard, but as Lord Wusfrea had put him in charge they did not object, at least not too strenuously.
They set out north. That evening, they rested in another village, which was near to the isle's slave labour camp. The slaves were very easy to identify - the pirates had pierced their ears with 'earrings' that were in fact little more than crude bolts. They winced with pain as they saw one slave being punished for disobedience, with one of his mistresses' men leading him along behind by means of an iron leash they had attached to the bolt in his ear. Arianhod looked like she wanted to intervene, but Leofric and Hogar spoke to her and convinced her to keep her calm - the chance to strike back would have to wait until tomorrow.
That night, they went out to seek more information. Hearing a helpful rumour, Maccus went over to speak to one of the locals, a small, strong man with a streak of grey through his dark hair. Maccus whispered a few words in his ear and the man seemed, at first, affronted, but Maccus soothed him over and soon they vanished together. Meanwhile, while Odelyn distracted the innkeeper, who had some knowledge of the pirates, Edmund picked the lock to his room and was able to find some useful information in the man's diary. He learned that Lord Wusfrea had had some difficulty at first accepting the man who would be replacing him on the isle, as he was an uncouth foreigner and seemed to dislike Wusfrea for his high birth, but nonetheless he had accepted it with advice from a Masked One who often travelled through, called Osyth, and together Wusfrea and Osyth had sailed off towards Great Esterness.
In the morning, Maccus returned to them with information he had gleaned from his bedmate - apparently there was something of a power struggle going on in the pirate fortress, because a group of Masked Ones had arrived several weeks before and put themselves in charge, with some support from amongst the locals who were tired of following a foreigner. Edmund: "Maybe we can make use of this division among the pirates," Edmund suggested. Edmund: "The foreigner could be Freod." he added. sd: Odelyn frowned. "That diary you read said he'd been insulting, whatever else his faults were Freod was like most aristocrats and knew how to behave himself. More likely to snipe at you from behind than spit in your face. I don't like this." Leofric: Leofric nodded agreeing with Edmund, "It does sound like it. But it does sound a bit difficult to exploit such division as they are both equally our enemies..." Leofric: EDIT: Removed sd: the party set out towards the fortress, which was located on a narrow strip of headland on the northern section of the island. From a distance, they saw it consisted of a large palisade which blocked the headland entirely, and was protected by a number of watchtowers at various points. Near the centre of the compound was a stone tower encircled by a strong stone wall. Behind the fortress, blocked off entirely by it and accessible only by a gate within the fortress, was a set of docks, with three sailing ships at bay. You whisper to Hogar: suddenly Felgild spoke into Hogar's mind. "What's happening? We're moving into position, we should be able to attack within a half hour." Hogar: Hogar signaled to the others and said in a hushed tone to the others "Felgild" while touching his head with a hand Hogar bisbiglia: "We've managed to pass as slavers and are being lead to the fortress."thought Hogar in reply Hogar: "Think the situation will be.."Hogar stopped for a moment to glance around to ensure there weren't strangers who might overhear "..ready in half a hour?" he asked the others Edmund: Edmund indicated he understood and concurred. Hogar: Hogar sized up the fortress as they approached towards it, trying to get a feel for its defenses Leofric: Leofric eyed over the paradise and stroke his stubbles on his chin, considering it carefully and glanced over at Hogar, wondering what he make of it. Hogar bisbiglia: "Getting a good look at the fortress...We can't take the central tower itself until you're there, but if we take the rest of the inside we'll trap the pirates on the docks outside, so they'll have nowhere to retreat when you attack. Give them a chance to surrender or they might as well fight to the death" thought Hogar for Felgild Hogar: Hogar touched his head again, to signal to the others he was still comunicating with Felgild mentally You whisper to Hogar: "A fair plan. We will kill any goblins who surrender, although we may as well let them throw down their weapons first." Hogar bisbiglia: "Might as well, the little monsters." agreed Hogar sd: their guide led them towards the fortress. They glanced up at two watchtowers, and for the first time they saw one of the goblins - a skeletally thin, sharp-featured creature, with a long, curved sword. It leered at them and took a drink of what appeared to be blood from a hide skin as one of the human pirates spoke to them. Once persuaded that the party were there to buy, they sent men round in a boat - there was no landward gate into the fort - and they rowed over and entered the compound.
They thought there were perhaps twenty pirates round and about, though there were doubtlessly still more in the tower and they knew there were others out on the docks. Directly ahead of the gates, they could see the slave cages, round wooden cages filled with straw pallets, with manacles attached to the outside. As they entered, a bored looking woman had been put in the manacles and one of the pirates was busily pumping into her thighs.
They moved ahead a ways, towards the central tower, although at this point one of the pirates descended from the nearby watchtower to speak to them, and a Masked One stepped up to glare at them through his copper mask. To either side of the fortress were small Heartfires in copper braziers, burning without fuel. Ahead of them a slave was feeding two pirates, who were playing at cards, by a fireplace, while another slave, one of the largest men they had ever seen, was working the forge.
"So you are here to buy," the Masked One's voice reverberated out. "Which of you speaks for you...merchants?" You whisper to Beomund: Beomund heard some people approaching and turned to look at them, half-interested...and then his heart nearly stopped. They were a party of seven, and one of them was one of the few men Beomund had ever met as tall as he was - and he was an Erseman. The sight of the golden skin, which he had never thought to see again, brought memories of Aisha flooding back into his mind. Edmund: Edmund stepped forward. "I will speak for our group." Edmund: edit. Master." Beomund whispers: Beomund's mind raced. Suddenly there was hope he might escape this godforsaken isle... but any outsider, even an Erseman, who came to this fortress was unlikely to be much better than the pirates. For now all he could do was watch out of the corner of his eye as he worked on repairing a manacle. Edmund: "Wini said that you might have slaves available. We would be interested." Beomund whispers: It was confirmed then. More slavers. He began to mentally recite an Erse chant of prayer that Aisha had taught him, one of the few things that his captors had been unable to take from him. In his mind it seemed her voice joined with his, and his knees nearly buckled, but he continued on. sd: "We have many. We have pleasure slaves, winesweet and skilled," he indicated the woman being raped by the slave cage, "skilled domestics able to read and write, and others. This one here," he indicated the large man by the forge, "is foolish as a child, but docile and strong as an ox." Edmund: Edmund walked over to the forge and looked into the large slave's eyes, "This one could be useful. What do you think?" he asked Hogar. Leofric: Leofric raised his eyebrows with a hint of surprise as it is not every day he see a person who is taller than him and Arian. He looked around the fortress, paying close attention to the surroundings. Beomund: The man was even taller up close, as they could see he was hunched and haggard. He was muscular, though a bit lean, dressed in faded and worn rags that looked like they might once have been red and green and brown. He looked back at Edmund expressionlessly. A scruffy red-brown beard and bushy eyebrows framed a square-jawed, serious face, and his matted hair went past his shoulders. Beomund: He still held a hammer and one end of a manacle which he had been working on, but hesitated as the newcomers drew near. Hogar: Hogar sized up - literally, as he was quite taller than himself - this man. "He looks strong enough, though we'd want to get some more meat on him."he said approvingly Edmund: Edmund leaned forward as if examining the man's muscular arm. "We're here to free slaves. When we go over to the cages it will kick off," he muttered. sd: another slave, a young boy of about nine, was passing by, but the Masked One directed him towards Edmund. "This one is still young, he can be moulded as you want him. Some of these, they were free before so they will think they should be again and may prove stubborn. Easier to use a yearling." Another slave, a shambling creature whose right eye was gone, shambled past. A pirate aimed a kick at him and knocked him sprawling into the dirt. "Sorry milord," he said with a laugh, as the man picked himself up. Two of his fingers on his right hand were gone, his face was deeply scarred, and from how slowly he walked it seemed that he had lost some of his toes or perhaps a foot as well. sd: Odelyn gave a start as she saw the man's face, but said nothing. Edmund: Edmund looked accross at the man and then quickly glanced at Odelyn, but he just said. "Let's have a look at these pleasure slaves." He let a lascivious smle cross his face. Beomund: The large slave's eyes narrowed slightly at Edmund's words, but he nodded ever so slightly. You whisper to Hogar: "That's Freod! What the fuck have they done to him?" Odelyn hissed into Hogar's ear. sd: "Go and get your master," the Masked One instructed the crippled man, who shambled off past the tower. "That one isn't for sale, his master finds him amusing." Edmund: "I doubt anyone would want to buy him in that condition," Edmund said with a look of distaste. Hogar: Hogar winced for a moment as Odelyn whispered something to his ear, but he said nothing for the moment sd: "No, perhaps not. Did you want to sample a pleasure slave? That one will be free soon," he indicated the woman in manacles, whose partner was growingly increasingly excited. Beomund whispers: Beomund glanced over at the weapon rack nearby, eyeing a battleaxe, and glanced up at the pirate on the watchtower, wondering if he might be caught unawares. His heart began to race, and his body to feel more alive than it had since his first days of captivity. Were these newcomers really here to help free them? He didn't want to hope to strongly. But if a battle were to come, he would be ready. Edmund: "Perhaps, but I must have a word with my partners," Edmund said, indicating that they wished to speak for a moment among themselves. Hogar: Hogar nodded as they went some distance away from the Masked One to discuss sd: "I'm glad my master wasn't like these people," Maccus said, while Odelyn broke in. "That cripple that went past us is Freod." Hogar: "Wish we'd found him in a more...wholesome state."said Hogar gravely Edmund: "Watch your reactions Odelyn," Edmund warned. "We need to attack this master when he comes out into the open." Leofric: Leofric nodded with a hint of confirming. sd: Soon Freod came limping back, with his master trailing along after him. The man was a big, broad-shouldered man, with a puffy face and a shock of dark hair. He wore a two-handed sword over his back, and was armoured in boiled leather and an open faced helm with nasal bar. "Byrtwald, you bastard," Odelyn said under her breath. "Make sure he doesn't see me," she said, moving towards the back of the party Edmund: "Into position everyone," Edmund breathed, then he smiled at the man, with a small bow. "You are the master here. We are hoping to negotiate for some of your slaves." Hogar: Hogar nodded and tensed for a moment, and glanced silently as Byrtwald himself sd: "He was the master here," the Masked One corrected, but Byrtwald broke in. "I don't serve anyone, while Merefin and the rest of you masked fuckers are all slaves yourselves. Don't forget it." He turned back to Edmund. "Well we've all sorts of slaves here, some don't even have masks." Leofric: Leofric smiled softly. Edmund: "We were interested in your pleasure slaves, " Edmund said, indicating the cages and moving in that direction. sd: "That one's not much cop, I've had her a few times but she can't do much. Hothere just likes them when they're chained up." Indeed, as they went past, Hothere gave a cry and spent himself into the slave. "If you can pry Saeburg away from that masked bastard she's the best of them, but he's been keeping her to himself. Gods only know if they leave their masks on for that even." Edmund: Edmund looked at Hogar and the others, and nodded at the large slave at the forge. Hogar: Hogar stood beside Edmund and Arian as they walked, occasionally eyeing the cages or Byrtwald himself Leofric: Leofric glanced over Hothere and critically examined the slaves. Edmund: "I think it's time," Edmund said, not loudly, but hoping the others would understand. sd: Byrtwald's eyes narrowed and he seemed suddenly to realise, at the same moment as the others. "To arms!" he roared as he reached for his blade Hogar: Hogar cursed as he went for his axe and shield Hogar bisbiglia: "We're attacking!" Hogar said mentally for Felgild, hoping he could still hear his thougts Leofric: Leofric sighed as he reached for his fine longsword. Leofric: EDIT: Leofric sighed nonchalantly as he reached for his fine longsword. sd: the goblin on the nearby watchtower reacted first, firing down at Hogar and hitting him in the arm. Beomund: Beomund tossed aside his hammer and rushed to the nearby weapon rack. Leofric: Leofric of his team reacted first, pulling out his fine longsword out, its blade twinkled in the glimmering sunlight. "We are the Requiters..." He merely told the enemies. sd: Odelyn drew a dagger and readied it to throw. "Byrtwald, I'm going to rip your cock off and fuck you up the arse with it!" she shouted. sd: Maccus readied his bow, turning towards the Masked One in order to draw attention away from Beomund. Leofric: EDIT: Leofric of his team reacted first, pulling out his fine longsword out, its blade twinkled in the glimmering sunlight. Edmund: Edmund swung his bow from his shoulder and fitted an arrow to it. sd: Arianhod attempted to kick Byrtwald's feet out from under him, but he deflected her leg away Hogar: Hogar strapped his shield to his other, unwounded arm, as he spat a curse at the goblin who had struck him sd: the nearby pirates readied tridents, while Hothere stumbled away from Leofric, suddenly aware of his peril sd: Byrtwald reached over his shoulder and drew out his two-handed sword. He ignored Odelyn and instead focused on Arianhod and Hogar sd: seeing Maccus' attention, the Masked One drew a round shield and held it up Edmund: Edmund stepped back from the impending melee. Seeing Freod moving towards the shelter of a watchtower, he said to him, "Get the other slaves in there if you can!" sd: the slave woman who was still manacled to the cage, Hothere's seed trickling out of her, gave a cry of fear, however some others moved towards Freod as he motioned for them to join him under the watchtower. sd: the goblin in the watchtower reloaded, while another fired down at Edmund, an arrow slicing across his face and drawing a bright bead of blood despite his efforts to dive away Leofric: Leofric gave a intimidating cry as he moved to engage the pirate coming toward him, as if he was about to attack him. Instead, he pulled up before him, he readies his shield, eyeing the pirate and others before him. sd: Odelyn hurled a dagger at Hothere, but it flew just wide and struck off the stone wall behind him. sd: Maccus shot at the Masked One, but the priest interposed his shield Hogar: Hogar swiftly took his axe from his belt as he prepared to clash with Byrtwald Edmund: Edmund drew back the bowstring, breathing a prayer, and fired at a masked one who had just appeared behind the parapet. The arrow flew true striking the man in the chest. sd: Hogar took a blow to his leg, while Leofric deflected another thrust of a trident. One pirate fired at Maccus, but so ineptly that his bowstring snapped sd: the Masked One that Edmund had shot dropped down behind the battlements sd: one of the goblins fired at Hogar, but in the wild melee it instead struck Byrtwald in the arm sd: Odelyn drew her rapier and prepared to make her way up into the watchtower sd: Maccus reloaded his bow Edmund: Edmund moved back under the shelter of the watchtower and reloaded his bow. Leofric: Leofric frowned as he muttered some words, calling upon his power and time to defend himself. sd: Arianhod struck at Byrtwald's wounded arm, but it was only a glancing blow Hogar: Shouting in anger, Hogar quickly chopped at Byrtwald's wounded arm twice with great strength. The man winced in pain at the first blow but stood, but the second one proved too much and he collapsed to the ground, his arm useless. sd: from out to sea, they heard a horn blow, and more were blowing down on the docks as well. Beomund: Beomund pulled a battleaxe from the rack. sd: Odelyn drew a main gauche while Maccus fitted another arrow to his string Edmund: Edmund fired at the wretched rapist, and hit him in the arm. sd: Arianhod took a swing at the pirate before her. The blow did not seem particularly heavy, but she struck just the right part near the man's ear, and he fell with blood and brains pouring copiously from the wound, spilling onto the feet of the poor woman manacled to the cage sd: the pirate fighting Leofric drove his trident into the Erseman, impaling it into his leg sd: there was the sound of rushing feet as many pirates and goblins ran towards the battle. Near the slave cages, they looked up to see a big goblin, whose skin had a bluish tinge, tearing towards them, with another goblin behind him Beomund: Beomund found a shield to his liking and finally turned, ready to enter the fray. sd: Maccus fired at one of the oncoming pirates, striking him deep in the leg. Leofric: Leofric gave a snarl and attacked the pirate which impaled him and left the fine longsword in the left leg of the pirate. Leofric: causing some nasty blow. sd: the Masked One in the courtyard attempted to enchant his trident, but to no use Hogar: With a deft blow, Hogar hit Hothere in the left arm previously wounded by Edmund. The pirate howled in pain as the axe bit deeply in his flesh and then collapsed. sd: Odelyn and a goblin drew close. The creature slashed at her with its curved sword, but she caught the blow and turned it on her main gauche sd: Odelyn stabbed back, but her stroke went wide sd: Arianhod swung at the big goblin, but it rolled nimbly under her stroke Hogar: Hogar brought down the pirate who had impaled Leofric with a quick axe blow to the knee. sd: the goblin slashed at Odelyn again. Cat quick, she blocked the blow, and quickly raked her hand across the thing's face, temporarily blinding it Leofric: Leofric muttered thanks to Hogar, gritted with pain. Hogar: "Stay safe, I'll handle them!"said Hogar to Leofric eyeing the nearby Masked One and the pirates behind him. Leofric: Leofric nodded as he attempted to remove the Trident. But he failed to do so. sd: Odelyn drove her rapier deep into her blinded foe Edmund: Edmund pulled another arrow from his quiver. "Get over here if you can Leo!" he called to his wounded comrade. Leofric: Leofric nodded as he laid a firm grip onto the Trident impaled in one of his legs. He attempted to pull it out, but gave a painful sight as the pain lanced outward into him. He sighed painfully again as he removed his hands from the impaled trident. He gave a nod at Edmund, agreeing that his sittuation is... dire. sd: Arianhod struck at the goblin commander. Though it parried, its shield was too small to fully check the blow, and he took a wound to the leg. Leofric: Leofric made a retreat toward Edmund. Leofric: Hobbing quickly as he made his way back to Edmund Hogar: Hogar nodded at now armed-and-shielded slave smith moving closer to him, obviously intent on fighting the pirates sd: Odelyn stabbed at her foe again, wounding its leg sd: Maccus fired his bow at the Masked One, flashing past his shield and into his abdomen. Seeing that Beomund and Hogar would soon be swarmed, he threw his bow away and began to grab for his trident Leofric: Leofric finally reached Edmund among the watchtowers supports. Beomund: Beomund advanced on the crowd of enemies alongside Hogar, and struck the Masked One a heavy blow next to the arrow in his abdomen, staggering him. sd: seeing that Leofric was in trouble, Freod reached his maimed hand out and managed to yank the trident out of his leg in a spray of blood Leofric: Leofric coughed for a moment and nodded at Freod, thanking him for the effort. sd: Arianhod let out a cry and brought her axe thundering down on the goblin commander's head. Though badly wounded, it remained on its feet, barely Hogar: Hogar cursed as his blow missed the Masked One by a mere hair's breadth sd: out by the docks, they could hear the first arrows being fired as Felgild's ships came tearing in Leofric: Leofric dropped his shield as it is not longer needed and readies his Crossbow. sd: Odelyn stabbed just wide of her foe, which was beginning to regain its senses at last Beomund: Beomund struck the Masked One again, but the man still barely kept his feet. sd: Arianhod struck at one of her foes, who ineptly attempted to block the blow. Arianhod instead hooked her axe-head round his leg and hauled him down into the dirt Hogar: Hogar kept focusing on the wounded Masked One, lashing out with a rapid attack - however the priest parried with his trident sd: one of the pirates on the stone walls fired at Arianhod, managing to pierce her leg with an arrow Beomund: Beomund parried a goblin blow and tried to swing again at the Masked One, but missed. sd: Odelyn slashed at her enemy, but it managed to check the swing Leofric: Leofric raised his crossbow at one of the pirate up on the top and managed to score a hit on the chest, the bolt rammed through it, impairing his actions for now. He gave a yelp of joy as it is his first hit with the crossbow sd: Maccus stabbed at the Masked One, but his blow fell wide sd: Arianhod struck a goblin heavily on the head, but it remained on its feet Hogar: Hogar finally landed a telling blow on the Masked One, his weapon chopping through his belly and throwing him down to the ground in a pool of his own blood. Leofric: Leofric was flidding with his crossbow, trying to reload the bolt sd: Maccus landed a blow on his enemy's head Beomund: Beomund laughed hoarsely as the Masked One fell. "God is with you brother!" He swung his axe at a goblin, who deflected the blow. Beomund: HIs accent was unmistakably of Gaston. sd: Arianhod struck at the goblin commander, but with lightning speed it blocked the blow and sent up a spray of its own blood into Arianhod's eyes, temporariliy blinding her Hogar: Hogar swiftly spun his axe in his hand and went for the head of the pirate, but the latter somehow managed a skillful parry with his shortspear and averted the blow sd: the goblin commander triumphantly slashed at Arianhod, striking her in the head as she couldn't see to check his blow sd: seeing Arianhod's terrible position, Freod took Leofric's silver longsword in his off-hand and readied to go into the fray Leofric: Leofric also saw the terrible state Arian is in, dropped his crossbow and made for his dagger and made ready for the fight sd: Arianhod swung desperately at the goblin commander, but her blow fell wide Hogar: Hogar killed a pirate, cracking his head open with his axe. He eyed the remaining ones menacingly sd: the pirates on that side began to move towards the gates of the tower, hearing the sounds of fighting out by the docks Edmund: Edmund threw down his bow and drew his sabre. Leofric: Leofric moved toward the Goblin holding the shield, he attempt to flatten the goblin's head with it Leofric: It merely draw something out of their skin but every little help Hogar: Hogar tried to finish off the goblin fighting Beomund, but his blow was as unbalanced as it was powerful and it missed sd: the goblins slashed at Arianhod, but she just barely held them at bay Leofric: Leofric hit again with his shield, this time, drawing larger amount of force onto it Hogar: Hogar attacked the goblin again, but the creature parried with it falchion, though it recoiled from the strength of the blow Beomund: Beomund swung at the goblin, but the creature parried and spat a disgusting mixture of blood and spittle into his eyes, blinding him. sd: Arianhod was finally overwhelmed, taking another blow to the leg and then a heavy strike to the head that knocked her senseless to the ground Leofric: Leofric's eyes widened with shock as Arianhod finally fell to the ground. He looked even more determined to kill them. Beomund: Beomund blindly lashed out at the goblin. Leofric: Leofric attempted to hit the goblin again but almost hit someone else. sd: Freod landed a feeble blow with the silver sword sd: at long last, Odelyn landed a strike with her dagger, and the goblin she had been fighting fell sd: Maccus stabbed one of the goblins in the head, wounding it Edmund: Moving up, Edmund struck out with his sabre at the pirate lying on the floor, wounding its already damaged leg. "Take that scum!" he muttered. Hogar: Hogar split open the head of the goblin previously wounded by Maccus. sd: the gobin commander struck out at Freod, contemptuous, but the maimed warrior managed to raise the silver sword and block the blow Leofric: Leofric once again attempt to kill the Goblin but missed. Edmund: Edmund succeeded with a slicing blow which cut the Goblin's arm to the bone. It fell on the ground bleeding heavily. sd: the goblin commander struck at Freod again, laying open his leg and sending the crippled warrior to the ground Leofric: Leofric narrowed his eyes as he moved closely toward leader of the Goblins Edmund: Edmund fixed the Goblin commander with a cold stare as he also prepared to attack it. sd: the commander struck at Edmund first, but he managed to check the blow with his sabre Leofric: Leofric attempted to bash the commander but the wounds is slowly weakenhing him. sd: Odelyn vaulted down from the tower gracefully, rushed towards the goblin, and stabbed at it, but he blocked the blow and flicked blood into her eyes Edmund: Edmund struck out at the goblin, but his blow didn't have the strength to get through its armour. Leofric: Leofric snarled as he noticed his latest bash with his shield on the golbin's head didn't really finish it. "Just die!" sd: though blinded, Odelyn somehow struck out with her dagger and drove it into the goblin's arm sd: "You first!" the goblin replied in hideously accented, sibilant Gaston sd: the creature struck out at Leofric, but the Erseman counterposed his shield expertly and slammed the rim up into the creature's face Leofric: Leofric replied "No, you first!" as his shield experly turned Goblin's face into a pulp.
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Post by sleepingdragon on Mar 23, 2014 13:42:01 GMT
Dragging the wounded Arianhod and Freod with them, the party were able barricade themselves in one of the watchtowers, unshackling the poor woman in manacles and rounding up the other slaves, and they were able to watch the battle on the docks unfold.
It was a fierce fight, as Felgild's ships rushed in and swarmed over the pirates there. Sword and spear clashed frantically, with many wounded or dead men being hurled to drown in the water. Some of the pirates sought to retreat towards the tower, but Edmund, Maccus and Leofric feathered them as they approached, and seeing they had nowhere to run they surrendered to Felgild's men.
They had won the battle, but at some cost - Felgild had taken an arrow in the throat and he had bled out before they were able to fish his body from the sea. His lieutenant took command of the brief siege of the central tower, which lasted only one night. Thinking their cause lost, a group of the pirates set on the Masked One Merefin at night, trussing him up and delivering him to them in exchange for clemency.
Now that they had time to recover their wits, they realised they had heard that name before - Merefin was the Masked One they had heard of in Cloppney, a leader of the Crowns, who had recently vanished. He refused to provide them with any useful information, so it was determined that he would be taken back to Sharney and handed over to Lucan's care, as he was well practised at wringing information from stubborn Masked Ones.
Edmund persuaded the new lieutenant that the slaves rescued on Tisseney would form part of their reward, as they had been the ones to lead the assault. The man frowned at this, but in the captured pirates they would have their own fill of slaves so they accepted this. The party were able to free Beomund and the other rescued slaves, the natives of many distant lands, even a Fryderi who had not a word of Gaston.
The traitor Byrtwald had died of his wounds in the aftermath of the battle, but Freod and Odelyn, though battered and traumatised, had survived. However angry he had been with Esmon, who he had thought an overcautious fool, Freod swore that he had never betrayed the expedition, and it had been Brytwald, who had proved far more cunning than they had expected, who had framed him, thinking no one would question this given the rift between Freod and Esmon.
It took several days to reach Sharney, in which time the winter storms had grown worse. Merefin and the other captured Masked Ones were handed over to Lucan, who managed, within a day or two, to force them to reveal information about their plot.
They met with Lucan and King Vifil on the night of 10 December 227, and Lucan revealed the information he had found. Merefin had been in Cloppney, but he had been approached by a Masked One calling himself Osyth - though in truth this was an assumed name, and the man's true name was Hadring, once the highest ranked Masked One on the island of Langholme, the most powerful of the kingdoms of Coelney. Like many Crowns, Hadring and Merefin had once been partisans of Prince Aescwine, who they had considered the most brilliant mind and powerful warrior in Coelney.
Aescwine had been the heir apparent to Langholme, and the Crowns had thought him a prime candidate to be crowned as High King of Coelney, and entrusted with the task of reclaiming the sacred isle of Great Esterness. However, years ago Aescwine had suddenly renounced his position and sailed away, saying that there would be no High King on Coelney until someone had managed to surpass the achievements of the Never-Child.
And this he was now seeking to do. Merefin did not know the full details of the plot, however Hadring had told him that Aescwine was alive and somewhere on Great Esterness, and he was seeking a means by which to perfect humanity, and to make them like living gods, a race wise and powerful enough to survive this harsh and terrible world. The party quickly realised that this had been the cause of the strange solution they had found in the lair of the gibberlings, on Cumbraley.
Vifil took this news grimly - Aescwine was an extremely dangerous man, and he still had many adherents scattered throughout Coelney, who would have seen him as their High King. Should he succeed in his scheme and emerge from hiding, the isles would be drenched in blood. Odelyn, further, made a grim connection - the ship that had taken her comrades to the southeast had been sailing towards Great Esterness, and it seemed likely that the remaining trio of the expedition were in Aescwine's hands.
Neither Merefin nor any of the Masked Ones knew exactly where Aescwine was, however they knew that Hadring and Lord Wusfrea of Tisseney had recently gone on business to Ashingdon, the northernmost of the remaining human settlements on Great Esterness. Vifil asked the party if they would travel there to seek to flush Aescwine out. The King himself had heard rumours of piracy along the isle's northeastern coast, so his own men would sail there and see if they could capture anyone who had useful information, and to serve to draw Aescwine's attention away from the party.
The current storms were now too fierce to allow travel, so the party had to remain on Sharney until they finally began to subside on 16 December 227. For their part, Odelyn and Freod, as well as the other rescued slaves, wanted to be gone from Coelney as soon as possible, and Odelyn felt it best that someone return to the mainland and let the Burning Brand know that their comrades might still alive, lest the party fail in their rescue attempt. Arianhod, who now sported a nasty scar and complained of headaches after the blows she had taken from the commander of the goblins, decided she would accompany them as a bodyguard and return to Phalen.
Finally, Vifil was able to arrange passage for them, and on 17 December 227 they prepared to board a ship towards the holy island. The end of their quest was now within reach...
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Post by sleepingdragon on Apr 5, 2014 15:12:16 GMT
sd: for a week, the party were snowbound on Sharney. The snow was heavier and fiercer than any they had known in Gastony, and the wind off the sea absolutely froze their bones.
There was little to do that week but wait, read, drink, and talk. The only work being done in Cyningas was to clear the snow - all other activities were largely impossible. As the week drew to a close, the snow began to lessen, enough to allow King Vifil to hold a public funeral for his slain cousin Felgild. As per custom, the King devoured the dead man's heart while his sons and surviving concubines of Divine Blood had most of his flesh.
Once the storms had relented, Arianhod went with Odelyn, Freod, and some of the returned slaves to secure passage back to the mainland, while the party prepared to head to Great Esterness in search of the long-missing Prince Aescwine and the remaining members of the Burning Brand's ill-fated expedition. Leofric: Leofric made some preparation toward the expedition to the largest isle in the bloodsakened isles. He spent most of his time recovering from nasty wound caused by a pirate's trident during the fight for Tarithdun. Still, he managed to find some time to follow up on his promise to Edmund to teach him on how to improve his Will and somehow he teaching Beomund as well during the snowbound week. Leofric: EDIT: fight for Tisseney Beomund: Beomund spent much of the week in a sort of haze, speaking little to the party though expressing his deep gratitude. He would spend hours during the day examining his newfound weaponry and armor even when it appeared pristine, and hours in the evening looking out at the sea or staring at the fire in contemplation. He was finally willing to speak with Leofric about his ordeal in an attempt to strengthen his resolve, but he said little of his past to anyone else, except that he had once fought for the Duke of Haragmyne and worked as an engineer under his siegemaster. He did listen with interest to any tales of the party's exploits they would tell. Edmund: Edmund sighed in frustration once or twice but gradually made progress in the exercises Leofric had set them. "I never thought of myself as weak of will but this has shown me something new. Thank you Leo." Beomund whispers: Beomund revealed to Leofric that he had set sail from Shara with his Ersen wife before they had been captured. He did not say what had happened to her, but he was clearly still possessed by grief. Hogar: Hogar helped the others recover from his wounds. Although he obviously would have liked to join Edmund and the newly-freed Beomund in their will-strengthening lessons, he instead started to read the the book of strategy and tactics Leofric had gifted him for his birthday . Beomund: As he heard tell of the party's quest to find Prince Aescwine and the Burning Brand expedition, and with the talks and excercises shared by Leofric, Beomund appeared to grow in self-assurance and become more talkative. Finally, and rather suddenly at dinner one evening, he kneeled before the others. "I would follow you, if you'll have me. I owe you my life, and regardless I can think of no better chance to have purpose here than to aid good men like you." Leofric: Leofric glanced at Beomund and nodded with a caution, "You shown your strength and abilities at Tisseney and I personally will welcome your assistance in this arduous journey." His eyes looked slomen as he made his reply. "What do you think?" Leofric asked the others. Edmund: "I think he will be a great asset to our mission," Edmund said, with a broad smile. Hogar: "I agree."said Hogar pleased "I'm sure you will do well with us."he added talking to Beomund himself Beomund: Beomund slowly revealed the first true smile they had seen from him. "Good, then let us seal this most solemn pact!" He laughed and clanked his mug of ale against the others drinks before taking a long swig, leaving foam on his red-brown beard. sd: on 17 December 227, they boarded a ship and prepared to sail to Great Esterness. Vifil sent a servant, who explained that the King would have someone thoughtspeak to them whilst they were on Great Esterness, so they could coordinate activities as needed.
They sailed south, past a number of small isles, then out into the open sea. On the third day they began to glimpse the holy island in the distance, though the captain said it would still be many more days before they reached a safe port at Lyngmouth. Great Esterness was the largest of the isles of Coelney, and the most sacred to the Cult of Divine Blood. There Nechten the Never-Child had been born - though no one was sure precisely where - and with his powerful sorcery he had established his kingdom and religion first of all on the isle. Throughout the years of the Never-Child and his descendants, the High Kings of Coelney had set their seat at Estencestre, on the southeastern coast of Great Esterness, and wielded the magic blade Teorhelm's Wing, one of the Swords of the great Valing clan. However thirty years before, shortly after a great famine, an enormous wave of goblins had hit Great Esterness, sacking Estencestre and slaying the High King. In the years that had followed most of the holy isle had been lost, with the Coelneymen reduced to a rump on the west of the island, around the settlements of Lyngmouth and Ashingdon. Edmund: "What else will we face other than a mass of goblins?" Edmund wondered. Leofric: "Something wholly unanticipated I reckon..." Leofric replied with a smile. "These travels is always full of surprise after all." Beomund: "Judging by my experience on these isles, the men will be as bad as the goblins," muttered Beomund. Hogar: Hogar looked at Great Easterness off in the distance. "Wouldn't surprise me"said Hogar replying to Beomund Edmund: Edmund nodded. "We have met some strange and vicious creatures, but it is in their nature to attack. Men have the power to control the evil side of their natures, yet too many do not, like those pirate who positively revelled in doing wrong." Beomund: "Well said," replied Beomund. "Thankfully, the bad ones die just the same." He leaned against the handle of his greathammer. sd: a little before mid-day on 24 December 227, the party finally arrived at Lyngmouth, the largest town on Great Esterness, with a population of perhaps two thousand with many tributary villages. Vifil and Lucan had warned the party they would need to be wary here - the settlements of Great Esterness were dominated by Masked Ones of the Crowns faction, many of whom had once been Aescwine's partisans, fighting for him to be crowned as High King. If they realised the party's intentions, they would be in significant peril.
Lyngmouth was, by the standards of Coelney, a pretty town, with many trees and fields of heather. The purple flower was considered somewhat vulgar and uninteresting in Gastony, but in Coelney its colour was associated with the purple flames of the Heartfires, and considered sacred. The trees were bare, deeply laden with snow, and long icicles hung from the painted wooden homes and barns of Lyngmouth.
Following the beacon of the Heartfire, the ship docked and, after an inspection by a Masked One and his attendants, the party left the ship and prepared to continue on. From the information Lucan had gleaned from Merefin, Lord Wusfrea of Tisseney and the priest Hadring had recently been in Ashingdon, doing something on Aescwine's behalf, and therefore it seemed as good a place as any to begin their search. Leofric: Leofric mulled over the sight of Lyngmouth, "Almost charming town from the sight." He muttered to himself. Edmund: "Surprising isn't it?" Edmund said as he too stared at the town. "I suppose a fair face may hide a foul heart." Hogar: "Not bad."said Hogar looking around "Not bad indeed. But as you say - best to be on guard." sd: they set out along the coast road towards Ashingdon. Goblins were known to raid across the gulf, so the coast was peppered with small watchtowers and little forts, and many ships guarded the coastline. Nevertheless, they sometimes slipped through the net. That night, a sudden snowstorm forced them to call a halt to their day's march, and they took their shelter in the ruins of a burned out barn and rested for the evening. You whisper to Hogar: in the morning, shortly after he awoke, the voice of one of Vifil's noblemen, Germund, spoke into Hogar's mind. "There is a priest called Byrnstan in Ashingdon, he is in on this plot. The priest Hadring tried to thoughtspeak to Merefin last night but Lucan was able to deceive him into thinking that Merefin has hired you as mercenaries to assist their plot. Byrnstan may meet with you in Ashingdon, but be clevertongued or he could discover the deception." Hogar: As the party awoke, Hogar seemed quite concentrated on something. He spoke after a while " One of Vifil's men thought-spoke. There's a priest in Ashingdon who might be of use to us. Apparently Hadring tried to contact Merefin but Lucan managed to convince him he had hired us to help with their plots. Byrnstan's on their side and thinks we are too, we can met him but we'd want to be careful." Beomund: Beomund spent the evening taking practice swings with his new greathammer, getting back the feel for the weapon which he hadn't used in years. Hogar: edit: "thought-spoke to me" and at the end "This Byrnstan in Ashingdon is on their side and thinks.." Edmund: "Do we need to meet Byrnstan?" Edmund asked. Leofric: "Should be interesting." Leofric commented on Hogar's words. Hogar: "I'd assume so. But as I said, we don't want him to realize what's up" Edmund: Edmund nodded slowly. "Alright." sd: the party continued on, heading up into the rolling hills. That evening, they took shelter with a farmer's widow and her family, who explained they would be heading into Ashingdon themselves the next day - King Arlyss would be relighting the great Heartfire of Ashingdon, as he always did in the middle of winter, and people from all over his realm would be heading into the town to witness it. For her part, the widow was happy for the party to stay for free, asking only for a few minor chores and a song from Edmund as her price.
In the morning, they headed into town. Ashingdon was a town of stone, and one of the few they had seen in Esterness that was walled - beyond Ashingdon, Great Esterness was dominated by the goblins, and though they favoured the sea they had been known to raid by land as well, and had even briefly laid siege to Ashingdon twenty-five years before. The gates were open today, however, as people streamed in to witness the rekindling. "My master always rekindled during the winter as well, it gave a fine excuse for a feast and a celebration afterwards," said Maccus. "But a few weeks earlier, usually, when it was not so longdark as in these late days of the year." Edmund: "Fire and feasting are cheering in the darkest times, no doubt," Edmund said. "It is so cold and nights are so long up here." Beomund: Beomund eyed the people of the town warily, still getting used to thinking of the islanders as anything but pirates. Leofric: "Indeed and with the coming year, the nights will be shorter and the weather will be warm once more and leaves will return." Leofric smiled Edmund: "I don't believe it will ever be very warm in these islands," Edmund said with a shiver. "Do you sometimes dream of home, and the sun and the light?" he asked Leo. Leofric: Leofric smiled sadly for a moment before reply, "I do but not the monastery I bought up in but the endless time I spent trapped in a room, ailing. Still, during the summer when I get better, I enjoyed the soft ray from the Sun and light. It remind me of hope and freedom." Beomund: Beomund looked away, then down at his feet as they continued to walk. Hogar: "Perhaps we might ask about this Byrnstan once we get there. Remember, he has to believe we're mercenaries hired by Merefin." Edmund: "We are all free now," Edmund said to Leo. "I miss the sun and warmth but I have nothing to draw me back." Edmund: Edmund shook himself as if to cast off memories. "So we had better get ready to play our parts," he said to Hogar. Hogar: "I can deal with the cold, but there are other...unpleasant things here I'm more worried about." sd: the group followed the stream of people towards Ashingdon's small dock, located in a rocky natural harbour. A great number of guardsmen and Masked Ones stood around a large, carved stone column, atop of which sat a huge copper brazier which was currently unlit. The column was hung with goblin bones, and there were two sets of steps leading up to the brazier. Those near to the brazier were the leaders of the community. King Arlyss himself was a somewhat short, but still stout and strong man in his early thirties, with a cropped black beard and long hair beneath a crown of copper and gold. This drew their eye - though the oldest of tales spoke of gold crowns, it nonetheless looked strange, for all Virian rulers wore silver crowns, in honour of the Prophet. Around Arlyss were his wives and concubines, of whom there were six, as well as over a dozen children ranging from infants to grown men. He was attended by a number of his kinsmen and their retinues, as well as perhaps thirty Masked Ones. The common folk of Ashingdon were further out, and at the very rear of the crowd were the slaves, identifiable from tight bracelets round their arms, marked with the badge of their owners and unable to be removed. Leofric: Leofric watched with interest, wondering if it involves more lives. Hogar: Hogar nodded silently to Leo before setting his gaze again on the scene Edmund: Edmund forced himself not to look at the slaves, not wanting to show the anger he felt. Beomund: Beomund noted the relatively good condition of the slaves here, but it did little to lighten his mood. sd: once the crowd was full to bursting, King Arlyss ascended to the top of the column and spoke of the events of the preceding halfcycle, when the flame was last kindled in the summer. Before the crowd named himself and his ancestors - he was Arlyss of Ashingdon, the great-grandchild of Nechten the Never-Child by his sixth wife, Princess Wynelis of Ashingdon. On each side, his ancestors were directly discended from the Never-Child and his wives, and the Divine Blood that coursed through his veins was amongst the purest and most unsullied in all of Coelney.
The King spoke of the evercycle, that the Never-Child had preached of, saying that his heirs could grow ever stronger and absorb one another's power through intermarriage and, upon their deaths, the consumption of their bodies. The bloodpower of countless kinsmen of Divine Blood had gone into Arlyss, and their soulwise and heartfires lived on in him. Since the last rekindling, he had taken seven more hearts, and devoured them as the Never-Child had commanded. He spoke of the dead; his infant son, Elstan, who had lived only a month; his concubine Hrothinga, who had died birthing Elstan; his mother's sister Arild, who had perished of a fall; his cousin Cynethrith, a girl of twelve slain in a goblin raid; and two Masked Ones, Oeric and Harduph, who had perished of age and sickness, respectively. He called upon their spirits, and their bloodpower that lived on in him. The seventh name he spoke of more heatedly and with greater boasts - the bastard Forthred, whose blood had been thin and weak and had thought to make himself a lord through raising a force of brigands. But they had taken him, and rent his meagre bloodpower from him, and the King had eaten of his heart whilst the blood was still warm, and his spirit would be bound to serve Arlyss and his heirs for all time.
The King called on the names of his ancestors and these noble dead, summoning their bloodpower that had gone into him. As he did, two Masked Ones ascended and sprinkled a dark powder onto the brazier, while Arlyss unsheathed his dagger. Drawing the blade across his palm, he wrung a drop of blood onto the brazier, and at once a tiny purple flame sprang up. The King put his hand to the flame, and to their eyes the nascent Heartfire seemed to dance around the King's blackened fingers, leaving them totally unharmed. The Heartfire writhed up to the open wound, drinking of Arlyss' blood, and as it did it grew, radiating intense light like a sky lit up by lightning. When the flame had risen to the height of a man, Arlyss finally withdrew his hand, and to the adulation of the crowd he drew his sword and raised it before him.
"Kneel," Maccus muttered. The people of Ashingdon did not hear his words, but they did so nonetheless, calling out praise of their King for driving away the darkness and cold of winter with his great Heartfire. Edmund: Edmund knelt, staring up at the scene and wondering silently about the magical power needed to perform such theatrical scenes. Beomund: It took Beomund a moment to register Maccus's instructions as he watched wide-eyed at the strange ritual. Finally he knelt. Hogar: Staring at the heart-rites with a mix of fascination and worry, Hogar knelt with the others. Leofric: Leofric narrowed his eyes at the sight of magical fire sputtering on the top of column and knelt. His eyes still remained narrow, wondering about the nature of bloodpower. sd: with the ritual complete, the King and his court retreated to his manor, flanked by many guards, while the common folk began their revels. Within the hour ale and mead were flowing freely, and pigs, cattle, and sheep were roasting on spits. Unlike almost every other meal they had eaten on Coelney, fish was rare today. The people of Ashingdon celebrated with gambling, dancing, singing, and games, and even the sombre presence of the Masked Ones, watching the festivities silently, could not dim their enthusiasm. sd: the party took the time to seek out information, at least from those who were sensible enough to give anything useful. They learned that Wusfrea and Hadring, in his guise as 'Osyth', had last been in Ashingdon perhaps three weeks before, and had stayed for a few days with a senior Masked One called Byrnstan. Byrnstan was King Arlyss' cousin and close friend, however in his youth he had been made to join the Masked Ones as he was born of a lowly concubine without Divine Blood. Osyth had departed after only a few days, but Wusfrea had stayed with Byrnstan a while longer, and they had appeared to grow close in that time, though the Lord of Tisseney had since also left Ashingdon. Hogar: "We'll want to approach Byrnstan in some way. Could this be the right moment?"Hogar asked the others Edmund: "Not before tomorrow," Edmund replied. "We have to act our part here though, in case there are those watching." Hogar: "Yes, that is the most important thing."said Hogar "This will be risky" Edmund: "We can join in the festivities, within reason I think," Edmund said. sd: "If we go early in the morning, he'll hopefully still be hungover," said Maccus. "You'll have to excuse me for a while," Maccus said, and headed off in the direction of a group of drunken card players. Beomund: Beomund got a drink, but paid more attention to the stone column holding the brazier than to the festivities. Hogar: Hogar drank, but not enough to impair his wits, and tried to find some more information Leofric: Leofric joined the gambling table and played several games. He did however came out with a modest loss of silver. sd: Maccus came back a short time later with a short, dark-haired farmer's daughter, who was quite drunk, and he arranged for the party to meet at one of the local inns before heading off. They were able to learn a bit more - Hogar heard a rumour that the King's niece, Vira, who was supposedly the daughter of the King's brother Nerian via a concubine, was truly Byrnstan's own daughter. Edmund, in between songs and dancing with the locals, heard a tale that he had recently shown an especial interest in the legends around the Never-Child and had been trying to track down information that dated to his age. Later, as they retired to their inn and met with Maccus, he said that his bed-mate had heard a curious tale. While they were last in town, Wusfrea had seemed unhappy with 'Osyth', and they had had a heated argument in a public square the day before Osyth had departed, though it was unclear what exactly they had been arguing about. Edmund: Edmund joined in the dancing in the square with enthusiasm and some flair, and performed some songs and played the flute to an appreciative audience. He returned rather flushed, not only from the dancing. "You found out a lot more than I did," he said to the others. "The local girls seemed more interested in kissing than talking!" Hogar: "I'm not sure this piece of gossip I found out would help approaching Byrnstan."Hogar shrugged "What Maccus says is pretty interesting however..." Beomund: Beomund listened to everyone's information quietly, and went to bed early. Edmund: "This interest in the legends must be significant," Edmund mused when they were in the privacy of their room. "Maybe they are looking for something - ancient lore, the sword perhaps?" Hogar: "Likely related to his part in the plot."suggested Hogar Leofric: Leofric frowned for a moment and nodded, "Would be difficult as legends tend to be vague and with each passing decades, it get twisted somewhat. Still, he likely to have a reason to look into it..."
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Post by sleepingdragon on Apr 12, 2014 11:09:08 GMT
sd: with the sounds of revelry around them, sleep did not come easily to the party that night. When they awoke, however, they found they had the inn largely to themselves, as most of the other patrons were still sleeping off their exertions. As the innkeeper served them their breakfast, he also handed Leofric a note, explaining a man had left it for their party during the night. Edmund: Edmund looked at Leo expectantly, wondering what it was. Leofric: Leofric read the note, sharing it around afterward. Hogar: Hogar's brow furrowed as he saw Leofric receive the note "What is it?" sd: it was a simple message from the Masked One, Byrnstan, saying he would meet with them privately at the inn around two hours after sunrise. Beomund: Beomund nodded grimly. "As we hoped," he said quietly. "But we should be prepared in case of ambush." Hogar: "And remember we have to play our part too."added Hogar Leofric: Leofric made a start on his fishy meal and starts eating it quickly with a jug of meads. "Naturally, we are mercenaries, motivated entirely by desire for silvers..." He gave a small smile at that. Edmund: Edmund looked at the mead but requested ale, and ate his smoked fish with black bread. Hogar: Hogar ate with the others, not seemingly concerned with the fare and drink but obviously more worried about meeting Byrnstan sd: the party relaxed for a time after their meal.
About a half hour later than the arranged time, a Masked One entered the inn. His mask was etched with faint markings in the form of a kraken, and was set with several lapis stones. He was not a tall man, but he was broad-shouldered and stout. He was flanked by guards on either side. As he walked towards them, the party realised they had seen him the day before - he had been one of the Masked Ones who had assisted King Arlyss in the rekindling of the Heartfire.
"We should talk privately," said Byrnstan, his voice hoarse and raw. It was hard to see through the mask, but it seemed to them that there were dark circles under his sea blue eyes. Byrnstan rubbed at his temples - while most of the Masked Ones they had met were assiduous in keeping their hands gloved, Byrnstan flouted this and his fingers were bare despite the cold, revealing his blackened fingertips. Hogar: Hogar sized up the man who was obviously Byrnstan and nodded at his request he and the party talk privately Leofric: Leofric eyed the mask unemotionally and nodded at Byrnstan, glancing at Edmund, He told Burnstan in a respectful manner "Good idea. We can use our room upstair to confer in private" He stood up. Beomund: Beomund signalled for the men to follow them upstairs. sd: Maccus led the group upstairs to their room, where Byrnstan sat down at the small table they had been provided. One of the guards stood outside the door while the other stayed with the Masked One. "By the Never-Child, are you actually sober? Most mercenaries take every chance they get to be winemerry," Byrnstan said, clearly showing signs of having taken such a chance himself. Beomund: "As you might guess, it takes a lot to make me feel any after-effects," said the massive Beomund. Edmund: Edmund smiled. "It's good to keep a clear head for business." sd: "Osyth would say the same thing, no doubt. Have you met him when he was with Merefin?" Edmund: "No we never had the pleasure," Edmund answered. sd: Byrnstan nodded. "Where are you from then? You're no Coelneymen, certainly." Edmund: "True, we're all from the mainland," Edmund replied. sd: "What do you make of our isles then? Had an easy time finding work?" Edmund: Edmund smiled again, broadly. "There is plenty of that for men who can handle themselves." sd: "You've come a bit out of your way then, all the way to Esterness. Why did you decide to work with us?" Edmund: "It's an opportunity, and a challenge," Edmund said. "Tough work, and that pays best." sd: Byrnstan rubbed his temples again. "Well you'll have no lack of coin. Is that the extent of what Merefin told you then?" Edmund: Edmund nodded. "We guessed it was something he didn't want to go into details about." sd: "Hmm. Probably learned it from Osyth. Well, I have some work requiring troubleuseful people that you can help with. My friend Wusfrea has been having some difficulty with some troublesome goblin tribes and is out attempting to teach them some lessons. One tribe has proven rather unresponsive to persuasion so we wish to try a different tack. I'll pay you each 500 silvers each if you'll help Wusfrea to eliminate them, and then there might be more things you can help with as well." You whisper to Edmund: it was there in the Masked One's voice only for a moment, but it sounded as if there was a slight hint of resentment in his voice when Byrnstan spoke of Osyth. You whisper to Hogar: it was there in the Masked One's voice only for a moment, but it sounded as if there was a slight hint of resentment in his voice when Byrnstan spoke of Osyth. Beomund: "I'd enjoy crushing a few goblin skulls," said Beomund. Hogar: "We kill a some of the little monsters and get paid well for it? Sounds like my kind of job."said Hogar pleased by the Masked One's proposal Edmund: Edmund nodded in agreement. "What other things?" Leofric: Leofric remained sliently, studying the Masked Ones. sd: "Delving into ruins, finding a few old scrolls, helping my niece - and other things I might not have thought of yet. At any rate, Wusfrea is camped to the northwest, about four or five days hence," Byrnstan drew out a map and indicated the hills to the northwest of Ashingdon. "I couldn't tell you exactly where, but when I spoke to him last it was by a frozen lake, about two miles north of an old burned out farmhouse. I'll speak to him again, if you find the farmhouse I'll make sure he finds you. He has some men with him, but not enough to deal with this tribe and achieve his other objectives." Edmund: Edmund looked over the map. "We do like ruins and there seem to be a lot about," he said jokingly. "Your neice?" sd: "I have a rather large family, but Vira is my favourite. But enough of that. It's still early in the day, you should be able to make good progress and if you head out now most people will still be too drunk to realise we've spoken." Edmund: Edmund looked up at the mask. "This is all hush hush yes?" sd: "Yes. Not that you'll have anyone to speak to in the hills, but I prefer people not to interfere in my business." Edmund: "Understood." sd: the party gathered their gear and were out into the hills shortly afterwards. Ashingdon largely marked the northern frontier of human civilisation on Great Esterness - beyond was a desolate land home to only a small handful of shepherds, goblin tribes, and wild animals. Though it had not snowed in the night, there were still deep drifts from previous storms, and Maccus doubted they would melt until the spring. The wind, as ever, was bone-chilling.
"How are we intending to do this?" Maccus asked when they were about a mile out of Ashingdon. "Are we going to play along with this? Once we're in the same place as Wusfrea we might well just take him captive, attack him in his sleep. It's finding Aescwine that matters." Edmund: "And the captives from the expedition," Edmund added. "This is our best chance of getting close to Aescwine though." Hogar: "Looks like the rumour on that woman being his niece was true in the end. ."said Hogar somewhat off-handedly when they were away from the man's presenc "As for our current situation...Killing a goblin tribe would be a good thing to do anyway, wouldn't it? And we could always use more silver. However time is indeed of the essence so..." Beomund: "We may wish to try getting information out of Wusfrea by subtler means first," said Beomund, "before we strike." Hogar: edit: Looks like the rumour on that woman being his daughter is likely true in the end. Leofric: Leofric looked thoughtfully at Maccus' suggestion, "It is a good idea but it may be worth waiting for more information as Beomund pointed out." sd: Maccus nodded. "I can try. If he's been in the wilds for some time he might have a soulwish for companionship. Perhaps." Edmund: Edmund gave a half smile at this. "What we do about the goblins we'll have to decide at the time." sd: the party made their way through the hills. As Byrnstan had suggested, it was a lonely trip - on the first day, they passed a few outlying farms, and on the second, two or three lonely logger's cabins, but after this they did not see a soul. It snowed on and off throughout - they spent a significant amount of time backtracking and avoiding paths that had been blocked the snow, and fighting off the bitter cold. By the third day Beomund had developed a nasty cold, eyes and nose streaming in the cold, but they avoided anything worse. At one point they nearly wandered into a patch of snow that concealed a frozen lake, but fortunately Leofric spotted the danger and led them round it.
On the second day of their journey, Garmund thought-spoke to Hogar again to ask for an update. He had little to report - ships had been sent to try to draw away the pirates they suspected were in league with Aescwine, however they had found fewer of them than they'd expected. He told Hogar he would contact the party once every two days, and if they discovered Aescwine's location or needed to escape, they could coordinate for a ship to pick them up along the coast.
On the first day of the 228th year since the Revelation at Mount Maragar, near to sundown, the party found the burned out farmhouse which Byrnstan had referred to. By the looks of it, it had been destroyed many decades before, and the wood had rotted over the long years. You whisper to Beomund: in the ruins of the farmhouse, squatting in the snow behind a wreckage of wall, there appeared to be a man dressed in thick furs. There was a trident at his feet, but he had not readied it and was instead blowing into his gloved hands to ward off the chill. You whisper to Hogar: in the ruins of the farmhouse, squatting in the snow behind a wreckage of wall, there appeared to be a man dressed in thick furs. There was a trident at his feet, but he had not readied it and was instead blowing into his gloved hands to ward off the chill. Beomund: Beomund signalled to the others. "There's a man behind that ruined wall," he said quietly. "He's armed but does not look prepared to attack." Hogar: Hogar nodded "Looks like we spotted him but he hasn't spotted us yet." said Hogar in a hushed tone "How to deal with him?" Edmund: "We're supposed to be here. Might be as well to make our presence known, rather than start a fight." Edmund reminded them. Beomund: Beomund nodded. "Let's call out, but be ready in case it's a trick." Leofric: Leofric smiled at Edmund and Beomund, "Greetings!" He called out in friendly voice. sd: it took a moment for the man to recognise the sound over the wind, but when he did he stood from where he was hidden behind the wall. He was dressed in heavy furs, and he picked the trident at his feet up in gloved hands as he stood. "Are you the mercenaries Byrnstan sent?" he asked as he came near. Edmund: "That's us," Edmund replied. Leofric: Leofric eyed over the man, wistfully envying the heavy warm furs, "Assuredly, why else we would be out here in this winter?" He replied with a hint of humor. sd: the man nodded, and his breath misted in the air as he spoke. "Good, I'll lead you to him. It's long past time we finished this business and got somewhere warm." Hogar: Hogar eyed the scorched farmhouse as they walked following the man Beomund: Beomund kept a hand on his hammer as they walked. Edmund: "How long have you been out here?" Edmund asked. Leofric: Leofric glanced around the stark lanscape sd: "Not quite a month I think. Accompanying the captain while he treats with these bilgereeking goblins," the man spat. Edmund: "Why would anyone want to treat with them?" Edmund asked. "Why not just kill them?" Leofric: Leofruc was heard to mutter, "It is only a fitting end for them all." sd: the man shrugged. "They're useful for something or other. Think the captain has been haggling over price for slaves, but not sure where they're being taken to. Not given to us, surely. I could use me a slave or three." Beomund: Thankfully Beomund was walking behind the man, because any others who looked could see his eyes narrow in anger and his muscles tense, wanting to strike out and smash the man's head in. sd: the man led the party up into the snowy hills. After a few miles, they came to a sheltered valley. Atop a steep hill there, by a frozen lake, they saw a sheltered campfire, around which were three tents. There were about a half dozen people around the campfire, as well as another standing by the lake and one who was keeping watch in a tree, a bow in his hands. "There they are," the man said, pointing to the tents. sd: they headed up towards the fire. Wusfrea was a surprisingly youthful looking man - from what they had heard he could be no younger than thirty-five, but appeared at least ten years younger than that. He was heavily muscled and had a long scar that ran across the bridge of his nose. He had a sturdy steel helm beneath his furs, and he wore a plain sword and shield. "So you're our outland help then," he said, directing the party to seat themselves by the fire. Wusfrea was flanked by a Masked One on one side and a burly guard on the other, though from the looks of him the Lord of Tisseney had seen plenty of battles and needed no particular protection. Hogar: Hogar sized up the camp and the men as they approached Leofric: Leofric glanced around the camp with curiosity, eyeing each one of them, marking their positions. Edmund: "We heard you had a problem with goblins, and some other things we can help with," Edmund replied. Edmund: He stretched out his hands to the fire gratefully. sd: "We do, these creatures have been dealbreaking. Some we have talked around, but the Sthatheros are proving particularly stubborn. Some others as well, but they'll fold once we've dealt with the most troublesome tribe. We have a little under twenty men - I've scattered the camps to reduce the risk of being found - but five more sword arms should be enough to tip the engagement our way." Hogar: "How many of them?"said Hogar obviously referring to the goblins "Any shaman or anything like that?" sd: "Twenty-five, perhaps, and a shaman. I can handle him easily enough." Edmund: "You said you have talked them round? Why choose to talk to goblins?" Edmund asked. sd: "They have their uses and it's easier than killing the lot of them. For now." Beomund: "Do you have a plan to strike?" asked Beomund. sd: "The Sthateros have occupied an old manor house about five miles east of here. I'd burn them out but that won't be possible for months. The wall around the manor house has fallen in large places. If a small group can creep in under cover of the snow and take the bits of wall that remain, we'll have the upper-hand." Beomund: "I know a little something about that sort of work," replied Beomund. Hogar: "Sounds like a fine plan."said Hogar Leofric: Leofric nodded in agreement with Hogar, "I see. We should have the element of surprise on our side as well. Sound simple enough to me" sd: "If the weather agrees, we'll go in the morning. We'll keep watch tonight, you probably want to rest up." Edmund: "It's been a long cold trek," Edmund said. "Is there anything else you can tell us about the tribe?" sd: "They don't like us and in the main, are likely to fight to the death. Some trifle involving their womenfolk." Edmund: Edmund gave a knowing smile, although he felt nothing but disgust. Leofric: Leofric smiled with a hint of appreciation at the offer of rest. You whisper to Leofric: glancing at the tent behind Wusfrea, which appeared to be his own tent, Leofric noticed that there were some scrolls and bits of parchment there in a little sack. You whisper to Hogar: glancing at the tent behind Wusfrea, which appeared to be his own tent, Hogar noticed that there were some scrolls and bits of parchment there in a little sack. Hogar: Hogar stifled his distaste at the comment on the goblin women and spoke "I think being well-rested for the coming battle might be a good idea, yes" Hogar: When he had a few moments alone with the others, Hogar spoke quietly to them, mainly to Leofric: "I saw some scrolls inside Wusfrea's tent. I wonder what's written there..." Leofric: Leofric nodded, "Hopefully we get our hands on them, I like scrolls..." Edmund: "I'd dearly like to know what they are using goblins for. Could it be related to what we found in the gibberlings cave?" Edmund said. "Maybe instead of slaughtering the goblins tomorrow, we can find out from them." Beomund: "It might be he has the information we need written down, but I can't see how we would get access now." sd: Maccus glanced out at Wusfrea. "I might try, if that Masked One ever leaves his side." Edmund: "If only we could make a diversion..." Leofric: Leofric smiled for a moment, "It is my birthday today... Maybe it calls for a celebration?" Edmund: Edmund looked surprised. "Why didn't you say before? This is not the ideal place..." he looked round at the walls of the tent. Beomund: Beomund clapped Leofric on the back. "Happy birthday lad. May your heart be warmer than the damned night here." Edmund: Edmund pulled out the flask from his jacket and held it out. "Have a drink Leo. It'll warm you alright." Hogar: "Amazing to think more than a year has passed since we came to Palania..."said Hogar "Still, sadly, Edmund is right". he added sighing "When we have left this accursed place I promise I will find you a worthy gift though!" sd: "Edmund, try a song, it might draw Wusfrea away from his pet priest, and you've an excuse with this. Though I imagine we should keep it low," said Maccus. Leofric: Leofric looked dark for a moment before his natural cheerness is restored replying "Thank you, all. I could not ask for better people to celebrate with." He accepted the drink and took a short swig of it, offering it to other to partake of it as well." Beomund: "To friends, new and old," said Beomund, raising the flask, before taking a swig. Edmund: Edmund drew out his flute and began a low haunting tune, before picking up the melody with his voice. The song was about a man who had lost his lover, who then returned to him as a spirit. Beomund: Beo listened to the song with a wan smile. As the song drew to its poignant latter verses, anyone who looked closely in the faint light could see a couple of silent tears on his face. sd: while Edmund drew the attention of the others in the camp, Maccus made his way over to Wusfrea and spoke to him quietly. Once or twice he lightly brushed the Lord of Tisseney's thigh, spoke to him quietly again, then circled back to the group with a faint smile playing over his face. Hogar: Hogar noticed what Maccus was up to and seemed slightly worried, but he said nothing, trying to focus on appreciating Edmund's haunting song Leofric: Leofric glanced down at the fire, clearly thinking of something of his past before glancing at Edmund, smiling with enjoyment as he listened to song and lyric. Edmund: Edmund finished and launched into a more cheerful song, with a grin at Maccus. Beomund: Beomund wiped the tears away and smiled more happily. "A clear voice is a gift from God," he said quietly so only his companions beside him could hear. Leofric: Leofric only nodded with agreement. sd: the party went to sleep, with Maccus taking a few deep drinks before he dozed off. Much later, when it was very dark, he crept out of the tent and was gone for about a half hour, then he returned and woke the party quietly. Once he had closed their tent flap, he retrieved a few scrolls from under his cloak. "I only took a few so he wouldn't notice," he explained. "We should read these now and then destroy them." Edmund: "Well done," Edmund said quietly. He brought over the lamp to view the scrolls. Leofric: Leofric looked pleased for a moment "Wonderful... Let see if it reveal anything." He took a close look at the scrolls. Hogar: "That was incredibly dangerous."Hogar said to Maccus with a mix of disapprovation and eagerness to know what was inside the scrolls sd: the scrolls were largely written in what they guessed was Wusfrea's own hand, although a few were older. Some clearly recorded Wusfrea's own thoughts. Though he did not know the full details of Aescwine's scheme, there were some hints. One ominous line spoke of breeding. Orcs were known to breed with captive human women, but also captive goblin women - if orcs could breed with either, could they not also breed with one another?
However, it was also apparent that Wusfrea was frustrated with his own role - a bit part, not worthy of someone as dedicated as himself. He had given up his own lordship on Tisseney to follow Prince Aescwine, but he had not been allowed to see him or know where he was, beyond Hadring's statement that he was where the Never-Chlid was born. This, Maccus explained, was a great mystery in the Cult - though he had been born, a fully grown man, somewhere on Great Esterness, by the shores of the sea, to a spirit of the water, no one knew the exact location. For their part, it was clear that Byrnstan and Wusfrea did not know either, but they meant to find out, and for that reason they had sent the Masked One's daughter Vira to a ruined temple, Hylltoft, to seek clues. Wusfrea felt sure the Prince would be pleased if they showed enough initiative to seek him out themselves, without waiting for Hadring's approval, and then they could assist his grand plan more fully. Hogar: "Breeding men with goblins!" Hogar spat on the ground disgusted Edmund: "So it's something along the lines we expected," Edmund said. "At least we don't have to ask the goblins now." Leofric: Leofric shook his head with a sense of unease, "This is disgusting..." He sighed for a moment, "At least it also confirmed that they do not know the location of the Prince and this Vira, might be worth finding her and/or Hylltoft?" Beomund: "Yes, I think Vira must be our goal," said Beomund. "We have what knowledge Wusfrea is likely to have - perhaps it is time to leave. Or make sure Wusfrea won't be a future threat." sd: "There are only two men on watch, the rest are asleep except for Wusfrea - and I made sure he'll be slow to rise. The Masked One is asleep as well. We should attack now." Edmund: "If we are going to leave we should neutralise Wusfrea and the Masked One, " Edmund agreed. "So attack now?" Edmund: edit * attack now." Leofric: Leofric nodded with full agreement, "Seems to be the best time! Would be more difficult tomorrow. They do not deserve any mercy for these foul aims. " Beomund: Beomund nodded. "We can try to take out the guards quietly first, or sneak into the other tents and kill as many quickly as possible." Hogar: "Wusfrea and the Masked One are the most dangerous likely. I'd take them out first. The others might lose fighting spirit then..." Edmund: Edmund nodded. Leofric: "And to reduce the risk of warning. We do not want them sending a thought to their allies about us after all." Leofric confirmed his thought. Edmund: "If we are heard by the guards, they will raise the alarm and the element of surprise is lost." sd: Maccus began to pull his armour on. Edmund: "How do you feel about magic?" Edmund asked Beomund. Beomund: As Beomund was donning his own armor, Edmund spoke to him. He looked up puzzled. "Magic? I know little of it, beyond the faith's teachings and what I have seen here. Do you expect Wusfrea to have dangerous magics?" Edmund: "Yes," Edmund replied bluntly. "But how do you feel about magic which would help us fight him? Good magic, if you will." Leofric: Leofric eyed Beomund and then Edmund critically, watching Beomund's reaction. Hogar: "You could think of them as prayers of sorts."suggested Hogar tentatively Beomund: "Good magic? I thought there was no such thing." He looked back and forth at the companions, silent for a while. "But I know that you men are good. And I learned from Aisha that not all I'd been taught of God's word was the truth. Know just that I will wield my hammer in your service tonight. We can discuss theology when there is no more blood to be spilt." Edmund: "Very well," Edmund said solemnly. He took up his quiver of arrows and passed his hands over them, muttering low words. Edmund: He then moved to Hogar and did the same with his axe. sd: Maccus picked up his bow and readied an arrow. Edmund: Edmund stood quietly with his eyes down for a moment, then he did the same. Hogar: Hogar ran his finger along the edge of his razor-sharp axe, being careful not to cut himself and obviously appreciating the enchantment Beomund: Beomund watched wide-eyed as Edmund cast his spells, but said nothing. Leofric: Leofric glanced at Beo mentioning Aisha and he looked saddened for a moment before glancing at Edmund.
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Post by sleepingdragon on Apr 19, 2014 13:31:49 GMT
Leofric: Leofric perpared himself for the fight to come. Fortunately, he had no need to put on armour of kind as he is already in sense, wearing one, his heavy scholarly looking black heavy clothing. Hogar: Hogar checked on his weapons and armor one last time, nodding silently to the others when he was done sd: Edmund and Beomund crept out of the tent, preparing to take down the two guards that were still alive as silently as possible. One was keeping lookout in a tree, while one of Wusfrea's bodyguards was by the frozen lake, just behind his master's tent. This latter turned, and out of the corner of his eye perhaps saw the glint of flame on Edmund's arrow, or heard the crunch of their feet in the snow. "What are you doing?" he shouted. sd: edit due to luck points - Edmund and Beomund crept out of the tent, preparing to take down the two guards that were still alive as silently as possible. One was keeping lookout in a tree, while one of Wusfrea's bodyguards was by the frozen lake, just behind his master's tent Beomund has connected. Leofric: Leofric watched the sneakers leaving their tent, his ears straining for any slight whisper of danger, he looked as he was praying for successful surprise, so unlike the one earlier at the pirate fortress. Edmund: Edmund stood frozen, slowly bringing his bow up to aim at the man in the tree, while watching for Beomund to reach his mark. Beomund: Beomund moved swiftly and silently up to the guard by the lake. Hogar: Hogar stood close to the tent's entrance together with Leo, looking eager to see how things unfolded Leofric: Leofric smiled slightly, whispered to Hogar ever so quietly, "Good luck! May God favour this with surprise this time" sd: when Beomund was in position, Maccus drew back his bow and fired at the guard in the tree. His arrow drove into the side of the man's face, burying itself in his ear as he let out a cry of pain and surprise. Edmund: Edmund instantly followed Maccus arrow with one of his own, the flame flaring as it flew through the night air to bury itself in the guard's head. He fell from the tree, senseless. Beomund: Hearing the loosing of arrows, Beomund raised his giant hammer and swung horizontally, slamming into his foe's head. There was a wet crunch like boots on leaves after a rain, and the man fell with a thud. Hogar: Hogar rushed to Wusfrea's tent, obviously intent on slaying the man as quickly as possible Leofric: Leofric suddenly became alert as he heard the noise of dark fight. "Here we go..." He muttered to himself as he rushed out, following Hogar into cold thin bitter. He was hit by the sensation of cold, stripping away all the human warmth shared within their tent. Quickly eyeing Wusfrea's tent, he immedately made way for the tent, following Hogar sd: Maccus pulled out another arrow as, from some of the tents, there came signs that their foes were awakening Edmund: Edmund also grabbed for another arrow. Hogar: Hogar viciously tore through the fabric of the tent with his axe as he charged Leofric: Leofric smiled as he watched Hogar, as if everything is going well. Beomund: Beomund ripped his way into the tent soon after Hogar, moving up beside the groggily awakening Wusfrea. sd: Wusfrea, with a dazed look on his face, reached for his sword, but his head was still heavy with sleep and his fingers brushed blindly past the hilt Leofric: Leofric rushed in, nipping through a tear in the tent's covering, and looking around. Hogar: Crashing through the hole he had ripped in the tent, Hogar chopped viciously at Wusfrea's head, the axe slashing through the defenseless man's skull but leaving him conscious though in grievous pain Leofric: Leofric decided to impale his longsword into head itself but surprisingly, did not cause much damage as he expected. Leofric: EDIT: Leofric decided to impale his longsword into Wurfrea's head itself but surprisingly, did not caused that much damage. He nodded at glooming Beo, knowing he can damage this vile chap off Beomund: Beo nodded back, and unhurriedly raised his hammer directly above his head. He brought it down like one would at a circus game testing strength. Wusfrea's head exploded, splattering them all with blood and brain. sd: one of the tents opened, revealing three warriors with tridents at the ready Leofric: Leofric immediately attempted to remove his blade but finding it stuck on some shard of skull. Still, he looked around, noticing blood and grime all over the tent. sd: the second tent also opened - another of Wusfrea's bodyguards was there, along with the Masked One, each with weapons at the ready sd: Maccus fired at the bodyguard, embedding an arrow in the man's arm as he stepped away Leofric: Painfully aware that he does not possess a great ability to shake loose his fine longsword. He knelt to pick up the boardsword, which only very recently sought by Wusfrea but in vain. Hogar: Hogar seemed slightly uneasy looking at the treacherously killed Wurfrea's remains, but he shrugged and quickly turned around to notice some of the warriors preparing to run, though he did not seem sure if they wanted to charge into battle or flee Edmund: Edmund looked to the Masked One but his bodyguard was up and running towards them. He fired, hitting the man squarely in the chest and stopping him, at least for the time being. sd: the bodyguard, though slowed by the arrows from Edmund and Maccus, began to run towards them, as did one of the warriors, whose fellows followed along more slowly. The Masked One - who they noticed had obviously even been sleeping with his mask on - cast a spell towards Edmund, dispelling his flaming arrows Edmund: "Get that masked swine!" Edmund called to the others. sd: Maccus, who had one of the warriors run straight towards him, hastily dropped his bow and drew his trident Leofric: Leofric with his new boardsword made his way out of the tent, admiring his new sword and took a glance around nonchalantly, eyeing the Masked One, "Ah there you are." Beomund: Beomund stepped back out of the tent and ran toward the approaching enemies. Hogar: Hogar moved to intercept the warriors advancing on Maccus and Edmund. He slashed at the legs of one of them, crippling him momentarily Leofric: Leofric frowned for a moment, muttering as he pointed at the Masked One with his new blade. Something seems to shimmer on the Masked One. The Masked One shuddered for a moment but doesn't seems to make that much difference. Edmund: Edmund continued fitting another arrow to his bow. Leofric: Leofric quickly told the others that he caused small measure of wound to the Masked One on his abdomen, keeping them aware on the status of the Masked One. sd: the Masked One, realising that Beomund was going to try to leap the campfire and come towards him, attempted to cast a spell on his trident, but obviously unnerved by the sight of the huge man launching himself into the air, his spell failed Beomund: Beomund cleared the campfire easily and bowled into his foe, but the Masked One managed to remain standing. sd: Maccus lightly jabbed the bodyguard in the chest with his trident, drawing blood Hogar: Hogar hacked savagely into the wounded leg of the man facing him, cutting off a major artery. The slew man crumpled to the ground, his leg nearly cut, spraying blood into the nearby fire. Hogar: edit: his nearly cut off leg spraying blood... Leofric: Leofric grinned as he watched Hogar removing the leg of the warrior. He glanced at the other one, solmenly eyeing before lashing out. It seems he was about to miss but then suddenly he hit the warrior in his left arm, drawing little blood. Edmund: Unable to fire at the Masked One for fear of hitting Beomund, Edmund shot at one of the warriors, wounding him badly in the chest. sd: Maccus stabbed at the wounded guard again, but the man deflected the blow Leofric: Leofric attempted to launch another blow but sadly his enemy managed to caught it on the trident. Beomund: Beomund stepped back and raised his hammer. The Masked One raised his weapon to attempt to defend himself, but flinched as the hammer swung like a pendulum toward him. It shattered his arm and ribs, sending him crumpling to the ground. sd: Leofric's foe stabbed out with tremendous force. At the last moment, Leofric managed to interpose his shield, deflecting the blow enough that it failed to penetrate his thick cloth armour sd: Maccus directed another blow at his enemy, but it was deflected again Beomund: Beomund turned from the dead Masked One and moved back into the larger fray. Hogar: Hogar hit one of the warriors facing him in the chest. Already wounded by one of Edmund's arrow, the man collapsed in a bloody heap Leofric: Leofric reached out and launched another blow and this time, he managed to hit his enemy's left arm. It seems that the pain was too much for the enemy as he collasped Beomund: Beomund struck the final bodyguard a heavy blow when his back was turned to face Maccus and Hogar, felling him. Beomund: Beomund leaned against his hammer and surveyed the carnage. "Until you freed me I hadn't killed men since the war... but it was satisfying to do it to these slaving bastards. Well fought, my friends." Hogar: "I wouldn't call this a proper fight. "said Hogar obviously not fully satisfied "But Wusfrea and the Masked One would likely have given us trouble otherwise." Beomund: "A proper fight is one you win," replied Beomund. "Honor is all well and good, but having your friends uninjured and your foes defeated is better." Hogar: "Won't disagree."said Hogar "And considering what they were up to with the goblins..." sd: Maccus wiped the blood from his trident and retrieved his bow. "Wusfrea said there were two other camps, we should take the documents and anything else that's useful and begone at once." Leofric: Leofric sighed as he dropped the boardsword as he glanced around at the wreckage of the battle in the glittering light of the camp fire. "I agreed. We went through this fight practically unharmed. We don't want a fair fight after all if you think about it. Beside, these people doesn't deserve to live." He agreed with Beomund and Hogar. "Will get the sword back and look for any more documents." He went back to blood spattered tent to root through it. A grunt of effort can be heard as he attempted to retreive his longsword and a whoop as he finally got it out after nine tries. Beomund: "Let's dispatch the ones who still live," said Beomund, retrieving his axe. "We can't have them tell of us." sd: Maccus went into the tent, winced at the ruin of Wusfrea's head, then retrieved the man's pack, which contained a bundle of further scrolls and letters, as well as a carefully wrapped vial containing brackish green liquid. "My master used to use these, they strengthen one's bloodpower when it has weakened. I don't know what it would do to someone that is not of Divine Blood, though." Edmund: Edmund joined Leofric in rescuing the documents from the ravaged tent. "If we can, we should make it appear that goblins were responsible. Unless the other camps know of our existence." Hogar: "Something unhealthy, possibly."said Hogar "Though perhaps a mage might be willing to take the risk..." Beomund: Beomund shook his head. "Suddenly it seems magic is around every corner in this land. My mother would faint at the thought." Edmund: Edmund gave the vial a cautious look. "What do you reckon Leo? Is it worth the chance?" Leofric: Leofric looked thoughtful, "That is true. There are potions out there that can do the similar effects. However, as you pointed out, Maccus, it may be only suitable for Divine Blood. No, I don't think it is worth a risk." He shook his head. at Edmund. Leofric: EDIT: "However, if the need calls, then it might be worth a risk..." LEofric ended Edmund: "We will take it with us anyway," Edmund said. sd: Maccus glanced down at the scrolls. "These will need longhours to read through, I'd suggest we should move somewhere safer, make camp, and then read them. We've had little sleep anyhow." Leofric: Leofric grinned at Edmund, "Of course!" before glancing at Beomund, "I have to agree with you on that. Magic is everywhere!" Hogar: Hogar nodded "Yes, some rest might be in order." Beomund: "You will have to tell me more of it. I cannot believe a man like you would partake of it if it were truly sinful, Leo," he replied as they finished their work at the camp and prepared to move out. Beomund: "Nor good Edmund," he added. Edmund: "It's an honour to be held in such esteem, though not deserved," Edmund said with a smile. Hogar: "Let's just say we have found things that suggest magic is perhaps not as sinful as most would say..."suggested Hogar, though he quickly cut himself off "So, what are we going to do? Make it look like it was goblins? Or just find a place to rest now?" Edmund: "It might be too difficult to manage," Edmund answered. "Let's just leave and find somewhere." Leofric: Leofric nodded with agreement, "And may take a while. Time to find a safe place!" sd: the party set out. In the cold and darkness, they took many false paths and it wasn't until they were thoroughly exhausted and the sun had begun to rise before they found an adequate spot. By this time, Leofric had been chilled to the bone, his skin rank with cold sweat and his limbs icy and stiff. Towards the end, Beomund and Hogar were forced to carry the weakened and tired scholar, but at last they found a sheltered spot and hastily made a fire. Hogar: "Don't worry."said Hogar trying to comfort Leofric "You'll get better. You've gone through far worse!" Edmund: Edmund put a blanket around Leofric's thin shoulders, and handed him the flask. "There's a mouthful left Leo. And it's your birthday." Leofric: Leofric laughed weakly at Hogar as he coughed for a moment, his eyes slightly gazed as he was remembering old memories, "Aye, I went through worse back when I was small... Shivering when I am a babe, abandoned on the doorstep of a church." He weakly grabbed Edmund's bottle and swallowed the rest, as it settle him a little. He muttered somewhat in few different languages as he spent rest of the day,m recovering from the chill. Edmund: Edmund sighed. "Hunger is what I recall most from childhood. Sleep Leo, and we'll keep watch." sd: the party rested for a day, giving Leofric time to recover with assistance from Hogar. Meanwhile, they checked Wusfrea's remaining documents.
There was little clear information about Aescwine. It seemed that Wusfrea had been involved with the plot for eighteen months, since Hadring approached him to say that Aescwine was alive and on Great Esterness. There were a few oblique references to 'complications' in their scheme, with a number of slaves dying or falling badly ill as they attempted to determine how they could successfully breed human and goblin together. Wusfrea and his pirates had sent many more to replace those that were no longer fit for use, and one letter mentioned a trio of outlanders that the party felt sure must refer to the remaining members of the Burning Brand expedition, Esmon, Scrella, and Randwulf, as they mentioned two men and a woman of whom the latter was a sorceress and had been extremely difficult to subdue.
As in the other letters they had read, it was clear Wusfrea was frustrated by the lack of trust the Prince was showing in him. He had not seen the man, who he clearly regarded with an awe that bordered on veneration, for three years. With his unparalelled grasp of magic, and his skill as a warrior he had shown on countless raids and skirmishes, those Masked Ones who had aligned with the Crowns had thought to make Aescwine the High King of Coelney, and his father, the King of Langholme, had declared that he was his favourite and choice for his successor. The Prince had chosen to discard this, considering Langholme and even Coelney too small for him, and deciding he would earn his place by surpassing the great Never-Child.
Hadring had, at great length, told Wusfrea that Aescwine was in the place where the Never-Child had been born, but no one knew where that was. Wusfrea and Byrnstan had looked for many legends, which contained many frustratingly incomplete details - that the Never-Child's land was the place where water ran uphill, where the spirits of the water could be found, where the Ancients had gone to die. They had ultimately decided to send Vira to Hylltoft, which had long ago been one of the chief temples of the Cult, as it had been abandoned with haste amidst the goblin invasion and there were thought to still be many secret documents there. sd: on 3 January 228, the party set out towards Hylltoft, which was far to the northeast of Ashingdon, in lands that humans no longer occupied. The party set out across the barren, snowy hillside, avoiding signs of goblin activity. The next day, they entered lands that seemed entirely empty, save for the occasional sign of animals, although even these were rare as many creatures were in hibernation. You whisper to Edmund: part way through the day, Byrnstan's voice suddenly spoke into Edmund's mind. "Did you meet with Wusfrea?" he demanded, sounding angry and even somewhat frightened. Edmund: Edmund suddenly stopped and his eyes looked inward for a moment. Edmund whispers: "Yes, we are on our way to deal with the goblins now," Edmund answered carefully. You whisper to Edmund: "Is he with you?" Edmund whispers: "No, he sent us off seperately to reconnoiter," Edward replied You whisper to Edmund: "I think something's happened to him! Get back to him immediately!" Edmund: The others could see that Edmund was concentrating fiercely. Hogar: Hogar looked somewhat worried by whatever it was Edmund was doing, but decided not to interrupt him Leofric: Leofric looked at Edmund with interest, clearly guessing the reason. Edmund: Edmund suddenly relaxed and looked about at the others. "Brystan knows something has happened to Wusfrea, but I think he believed me when I said we'd been sent on to reconnoiter. He ordered us to go back, but I think we're clear for a while at least," Leofric: Leofric smiled with a hint of relief. Hogar: Hogar nodded "That is good. " sd: "He's likely to thoughtspeak to you again soon. How can we trick him?" Beomund: "There are many dangers here. We could say we've been pursued by goblins and unable to get back," said Beomund. Edmund: Edmund frowned. "Unless we can somehow block the thought speach..." sd: "My master said it's possible to prevent people from thoughtspeaking to you with an act of will," said Maccus. "But Byrnstan will know you've done this. Sooner or later, he will realise something is wrong - there were the other two camps, those men will probably retreat to Ashingdon. They are probably on their way there already, but it will be many days before they arrive." Beomund: "Then there is nothing for it but to do our best to keep him from discovering the truth, and continue on our way," said Beomund. sd: that night, Byrnstan thoughtspoke to Edmund again, but he tricked the Masked One into thinking that Wusfrea had been betrayed and slain by some of the other men. In some agitation, Byrnstan ordered the party to return to Ashingdon at once to plan their next move. Knowing that they now had a few days, they pressed on towards Hylltoft.
The journey through the hinterlands of Great Esterness was cold and hard. It snowed regularly, covering the scant landmarks and covering up paths that they might have used otherwise. They were inland, as far from the coast as they had ever been since arriving in Coelney, and the goblins shunned this area. Many birds had flown south, but occasionally they would hear one that had elected to remain behind for the winter.
After many days of sleeping in ruined farmhouses or sheltered valleys, on 9 January 228 they came near to the ruin of Hylltoft. They ascended up to a hill overlooking the ruined temple. The entire aboveground section had been destroyed, leaving only a few broken sections of stone wall. Amongst the ruins they thought they could see large shapes moving, though it was difficult to make them out from this distance in the snow. sd: the party rested atop the hill for a brief time while looking down at the ruins. It eventually became clear what the shapes were. They were large white snow cats, and on their backs were skeletal shapes. Wusfrea's notes on Hylltoft had mentioned that sometimes, undead creatures whose masters had been slain had been known to take up residence in the ruins, and to their eyes it seemed clear that this was the case. As well as those creatures that were mounted on the snow cats, there were other skeletons that were near what they guessed must have been the main temple in the past, standing under a large statue of the Never-Child or near dead braziers that had once housed Heartfires.
As they examined their hill and thought of what to do, they eventually realised that there were signs of recent human habitation here - discarded bones, a few scraps of leather and cloth, as well as human stools. It seemed likely that Vira and her group had camped here, though they had plainly been gone for several days and it was not obvious where they had gone.
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Post by sleepingdragon on Apr 20, 2014 11:57:14 GMT
sd: the party rested atop the hill for a brief time while looking down at the ruins. It eventually became clear what the shapes were. They were large white snow cats, and on their backs were skeletal shapes. Wusfrea's notes on Hylltoft had mentioned that sometimes, undead creatures whose masters had been slain had been known to take up residence in the ruins, and to their eyes it seemed clear that this was the case. As well as those creatures that were mounted on the snow cats, there were other skeletons that were near what they guessed must have been the main temple in the past, standing under a large statue of the Never-Child or near dead braziers that had once housed Heartfires.
As they examined their hill and thought of what to do, they eventually realised that there were signs of recent human habitation here - discarded bones, a few scraps of leather and cloth, as well as human stools. It seemed likely that Vira and her group had camped here, though they had plainly been gone for several days and it was not obvious where they had gone. Beomund: "The dead arisen... this place seems darker and stranger every day," said Beomund. "I don't relish going down there, but if we can't find the tracks of Vira and her companions, we may have to to find where they are going next." Edmund: Edmund gazed at the scene below for a time. "This isn't going to be easy, but there may be other interesting things in those ruins. If we can destroy those undead." Hogar: "We've faced similar foes in the Plague Fields, remember?" Hogar said to Edmund "I think we can handle them." Edmund: Edmund nodded. "I hope that our quarry has left some kind of clues. This is not ideal for tracking," he said, looking up at the snow with a grimace. "Or for anything else." sd: "Wusfrea's notes said that they were seeking information in Hylltoft. Whether Vira is there or not, it will be a heartworthy endeavour to go down there," said Maccus. Beomund: Beomund nodded. "Heartworthy indeed. So you have fought the dead before, Hogar? Anything I should know about them, or is it the usual 'hit them hard enough and they go down'?" Hogar: "Well, you should do well enough with your hammer, as long as you go for their ribs or head - smash these and they'll just turn into a heap of bones. "said Hogar "Would help if it was silver, of course." Edmund: "A hammer is the perfect weapon for skeletons," Edmund said with a wry smile. "Unlike arrows, but they will do well enough against the cats I imagine." Leofric: Leofric looked grim as he unsealed his Erse style silver longsword out from his back, it has seen much less use compared to his other weapons of war. "Beside, with your strength, Beomund, the bones will shatter by sheer force of your blows." He smiled with hint of encouragement. Edmund: Edmund unwound the sling from his waist. "Silver bullets will work best!" Hogar: "Hopefully there isn't some kind of undead leader or intelligence like a wight directing them there."said Hogar "If there isn't I think we will do fine." Edmund: "Our previous experience with a wight was... unusual," Edmund said. sd: Maccus eyed his arrows for a moment, then drew his trident. "I fear my arrows won't be of much use here." Hogar: Hogar nodded "Eerily so, even if it ended for the best. If only we could be so fortunate again..." Edmund: Edmund looked down at the skeletons. "Very unlikely but don't despair. God is with us." Beomund: Hefting his hammer, Beomund looked down at the tactical situation. "So how shall we do this? The cats seem the biggest danger. If we can take one or more out quickly that would be best, I think." Hogar: Hogar stood in thought for a while watching their surroundings, obviously intent on coming up with a strategy for the coming fight "True enough, Beomund. Perhaps me and Leofric can focus on the cats with our sword and axe while you attack the skeletons directly, together with Edmund and his sling. Also, there's something I noticed..." Edmund: Edmund laid his hand on Leo's sword, and the blade shone. Then he held his hand out over the sling stones, which glowed red for a second. Hogar: "Over there." he pointed to a stream close to a pond "Putting some water between us - or at least Edmund - and the creatures could help with attacking at range." Edmund: Edmund eyed the stream, calculating the range. "That will do fine." Leofric: Leofric prepared himself for the fight yet to come with putting on the shield, he nodded, ready for a fight. sd: Maccus led the party carefully through the snow, and they were able to creep up to the lake unnoticed sd: pool, not lake You whisper to Edmund: Ed noticed that there was a thin patch of ice near the centre of the pool. As he examined it, he guessed that it had been broken recently. There were several unusual clumps of ice on the top of the frozen pool, as if large amounts of water had suddenly fallen and frozen in a short time. As he examined the thin ice closely, he guessed, to his surprise, that the ice appeared to have been broken from below, rather than from above, as if something or someone had burst up from under the ice. Edmund: "Something has come out of that pond," Edmund whispered to the others. "Burst up through the ice..." Hogar: Hogar's eyes widened as he heard Edmund's words and his grip on his weapon tightened Beomund: "Well, let's hope it's a monster that eats large dead cats," muttered Beomund, shaking his head. Edmund: "It was big, that's for sure.." Hogar: "Do you sense any sorcery?" Hogar asked Leofric Leofric: Leofric shook his head at that question, "Would be unwise to do it now when undead are close by and we want to surprise them" He whispered back at Leofric. Leofric: EDIT Hogar sd: Maccus took a moment calculating the distance between the party and the undead, and then he decided to draw his bow, thinking he could get a shot or two off before the cats reached them Hogar: "I' m not too comfortable with that pond at our backs."said Hogar to the others "Let's be careful" Leofric: Leofric nodded as he switched from his longsword to crossbow instead and loaded it with a bolt. sd: when the party were ready, Maccus took aim at the nearest saber cat and fired, but his arrow caught a gust of wind and fell just wide. As Maccus swore, the creatures turned towards the source of the shot Edmund: Edmund swung his sling and a shot flew out, but fell short. He muttered a prayer, looking worried/ Leofric: Leofric frowned for a moment, carefully taking into account of the wind and the enemy itself. He pulled the trigger, as the bolt flew through the chilly air, it managed to hit the cat that Edmund and Maccus sadly missed. Leofric: cat in its forequarters. sd: the skeletons on foot moved to take cover, while the saber cats tore towards the party with obscene speed sd: Maccus dropped his bow and drew his trident Leofric: Leofric quickly dropped his crossbow to the ground, unwilling to waste time to draw another bolt. He took out his Erse curved sword out which glitter in the sun, simmering with Ed's potent spell and its inner metal. Hogar: Hogar waited patiently beside Beomund for the undead cats and their riders to come close enough for them to attack sd: as the cats rushed near, Maccus stabbed out at one of them, wounding it in the head, and using the opportunity to back away from the creature as it reeled away Beomund: As he heard the cats reach the wall, Beomund sprung up and swung his hammer, knocking one skeleton off its feline mount. Leofric: Leofric stared at these two cats opposing him and Maccus carefully. As he did so, he held on the shield protecting his upper parts. sd: the skeleton Beomund had knocked from its mount stood up in the snow, while those amongst the ruins readied their bows Hogar: Hogar leapt up and chopped at the undead cat's head with his axe, tearing off a small chunk of flesh and throwing it off balance for the moment sd: Maccus stabbed out at the saber cat again, but missed, as he was seeking to back away to stop himself from being surrounded sd: "Goldenone, move back and form a line," Maccus said, gesturing to near where Beomund stood Beomund: Beomund followed up Hogar's strike with another blow to the cat's head. Leofric: Leofric looked closely at the white cats, paying attentions but failing to do so. He moved closer to attempt to engage them in a playfight. Hopefully, he can get Maccus out of the harm's way or supporting him at least. Hogar: Hogar attacked again, hacking off another piece of the undead beast's head and keeping it to too staggered to attack sd: several of the skeletons fired at the party, managing to lightly wound Edmund, while another moved forward on his saber cat mount and slashed down at Maccus, missing widely sd: the cat fighting Beomund and Hogar suddenly darted away from them, seeking to move around the wall, while another clawed at Maccus, scraping his arm Hogar: "Let's form a line like Maccus said! Don't let them get to Ed!" said Hogar for the others as he rushed beside Beomund and Leofric sd: Maccus formed up with the others and stabbed at one of the cats, but missed widely Leofric: Leofric nodded as he followed the plan Beomund: Beomund moved into the line and swung at a cat, but its skeletal rider managed to deflect most of the force of the blow. Edmund: Edmund reloaded his sling and fired at one of the skeleton riders. It tried to deflect the stone with its shield but received a bash on the arm. Leofric: Leofric launched a blow toward the large white undead cat. Luckly its undead rider failed utterly to sit aside Leofric's attack and managed to cause its mount's head some wounds. sd: a skeleton slashed down at Hogar from atop its mount, but it whistled wide Hogar: With two beasts facing him, Hogar swung his axe, cutting through the dead flesh of one of them sd: one of the cats attacked Hogar, but the swipe was clumsy and Hogar smashed the paw aside with his shield. The creature raked the other saber cat across its front, digging through its flesh, and as it withdrew its claw it injured itself as well, roaring with anger. sd: the second cat also struck at Hogar, but struck his shield sd: Maccus stabbed one of the cats lightly, drawing its attention Beomund: Beomund landed another blow on the nearest cat's head. "Die already!" he exclaimed before adding "I mean, again!" Leofric: Leofric launched forward again with following up blow and managed to strike lucky with a blow to the cat's head. It caused enough damages that it collapsed, as if it is dead. Its boney riders was flung from its mount forward and landed in front of its now dead mount. Leofric grinned wickedly as it is clear what he will do next. sd: one of the skeletons slashed down at Hogar, trying and failing to knock his shield from his hands, while another fired at Edmund and struck him in the leg. The skeleton that Beomund had dismounted earlier in the fight leapt back onto its undead mount sd: one of the cats also tried to tear the shield from Hogar's arm, but also with no success sd: Maccus stabbed the skeleton that had fallen from the cat Leofric had slain, lightly wounding it Beomund: Beomund swung his hammer and caused a major fracture in the prone skeleton's skull. Leofric: Leofric managed to execute a strong blow that when it hits the skull, it shattered into bone shards. Clearly, this skeleton isn't going anywhere. Hogar: Meanwhile Hogar kept fighting the undead cat behind the wall, landing another blow on its rotted head sd: two of the skeletons fired, one striking Beomund, but failing to penetrate his armour, while the other hit Leofric's shield. The skeleton that Edmund had been shooting at, which had just remounted onto the back of its saber cat, suddenly whirled the creature around to face Edmund, pointing his sword at the singer. sd: the creature tore towards Edmund, seeking to leap the frozen stream, but its paw caught a patch of ice beneath the snow and skidded to a halt, flinging its rider to the ground Leofric: Leofric glanced at Hogar, wondering if he need a help. He noticed however that the cat is approaching Edmund. Hogar: "I can handle this, go with the others!" Hogar said to Leofric Edmund: Edmund whirled another bullet at the savage cat now glaring at him from the far side of the stream, but the stone flew right over its head. He swore bitterly to himself. Hogar: Facing the undead saber-toothed cat alone, Hogar dealt a mighty blow to its head, nearly splitting it in two. But the thing kept moving, even though it seemed hindered by such a powerful attack. sd: the wounded cat tried to get away from Hogar, but it was disorientated from the blow and failed. Its rider, seeing the creature was nearly destroyed, dismounted, covering itself with its shield, while another fired wide of Edmund Leofric: Leofric rushed toward along with Maccus and Beomound to deal with Edmund's attempted attacker. sd: Maccus moved forward and struck the cat in the head, tearing a chunk from its brow Beomund: Beomund followed up Maccus's blow with a powerful vertical swing, crushing the cat's skull and driving it down into the snow. Leofric: Leofric made an attempt to hit Skeleton but was unable to get through its excellent defence. Hogar: Hogar took advantage of the cat's dazed state and with a quick, skillful blow chopped off its hideously damaged head, sending it rolling down as the creature's body collapsed in the snow. sd: Ed took another shot from the archers, but it only grazed him Leofric: Leofric made another sudden move and managed to hit the skull again and this time, Leofric ended its pitful existance sd: the remaining skeletons turned to flee, and being unarmoured and having been goblins in life, they easily outpaced the party. Edmund managed one last shot with his sling, which with amazing force took the nearest skeleton straight through the back of the head, destroying it instantly, as its compatriots slinked away into the snowy hills. Hogar: "Well done!" Hogar congratulated Edmund on his marksmanship skills as he joined the others close to the pond Edmund: Edmund broke into a smile, relieved at finding his mark at last. Leofric: Leofric looked impressed at Edmund's aim with his sling, "Your aim really have improved since last time you used it" He grinned at that point Beomund: Beomund nodded in satisfaction. "Not even these unnatural things can stand against us," he said. "But let us leave quickly - that hole in the ice makes me uneasy, and we should find what we came for." Hogar: "Yes. Whatever Edmund saw is still there." Edmund: "Well it came out of the ice, so it could be anywhere..." Edmund said, looking round. Leofric: Leofric nodded at that point, "Yes it could be anywhere." He glanced around, pursing his lips as he considered it sd: the party hunted through the ruins that were aboveground. There was little of use to be found, save for a trap door in what had obviously been the main building, though it was now crumbled and destroyed. the trap door was partially covered by snow, but as they looked at it they noticed that the lock had obviously been recently picked, and there were gouges where the intruder's pick had marked the wood. Edmund: "This looks interesting," Edmund said, examining the trap door. Beomund: "Vira and her party must have found something down there," added Beomund. Leofric: Leofric agreed with Edmund and Beomund assessments. "Hope we can find something of use in this ruins" sd: after getting confirmation from the others, Maccus opened the trap door, revealing a dark spiral staircase leading down. Edmund: Edmund lit a lamp and held it out to take a look. Beomund: "Hogar and I should take the front and rear," said Beomund. "There might still be dangers lurking." Hogar: Hogar nodded "The skeletons that got away might return, and there might be worse below" Leofric: Leofric smiled sadly faintly, "There is always dangers lurking in this..." sd: the party made their way down and found themselves in a tiled corridor, opposite which were a number of wooden doors in a row. You whisper to Edmund: Ed guessed that the doors opposite had all been opened - indeed, the one at the end of the row, nearest to them, was very partially ajar Edmund: "Looks like all the doors have been opened," Edmund told the others. "Look, that one is ajar." sd: moving up, they saw there were four doors altogether on that row. Opposite it was another door, and at the end of the corridor a metal door next to a brazier which was etched with symbols of the cult of Divine Blood. Edmund: "Shall we start with the open door?" Hogar: "Careful there. It might be trapped."Hogar advised prudence Beomund: Beomund nodded in agreement and moved up to the door with Ed. Leofric: Leofric is tense as he nodded, "Yes, that might be good idea." as he moved closer with Ed, Beo, Hog and Mac . Edmund: "Trapped and left open to trick us?" Edmund asked. "That would be cunning." sd: as Ed peered into the door, he saw that the room had once been trapped - indeed, he could see the trigger in the door which was set to fire an arrow at anyone opening the door, however someone had managed to jam the mechanism and it was of no danger to them Beomund: Beomund peered through the gap, ready to open the door fully if he saw no immediate danger. Edmund: "It's safe. At least from traps." sd: within was what appeared to have once been a barrack-like room, containing three beds. There were a few wet foot prints in the room, but nothing else of interest Edmund: Edmund crouched down to examine the footprints. Hogar: Hogar stood some distance from the others and occasionaly looked behind his back to ensure they weren't ambushed sd: it wasn't clear exactly how many sets of footprints there were - here, and elsewhere in the entrance chamber, there were signs of where several people had kicked snow from their boots, but although it had obviously been very recent they were no longer fresh Edmund: Straightening up, Edmund looked relieved. "Just boots. Not something monstrous from the lake, at least it appears not." Beomund: Beomund moved on to examine the next door. sd: each room in the row of doors was the same, having obviously once been a row of rooms - Maccus guessed that this may have been where the novice Masked Ones of Hylltoft resided. Beomund: Finding nothing of interest in the rooms in that row, Beomund moved to the one across from them. Beomund: He leaned forward to listen at the door, but stumbled and banged his chin against the wood. He muttered a few choice swear words. sd: Maccus gave a friendly laugh and clapped Beomund on the shoulder as they opened the door. Beyond there was first what appeared to be some kind of storage room, with barrels and baskets that had been recently turned over. Beyond that was a second room, at which there was an empty bookcase, a desk, a chair...and a blade emerging from the wall. Whoever had been here had obviously noticed the trap however and had disabled it, leaving the blade out as a reminder. Beomund: Beomund moved to check the desk. sd: there were a small handful of coins of little value that the intruders had not bothered to take, as well as wells of dried ink and a few unused bits of parchment and stubs of candle, but nothing of real interest. Leofric: Leofric followed Beomund to the desk as well, wondering if there is any documents. Leofric: He looked faintly disappointed but unsurprised by sich finds. Hogar: "Whoever was here must have been fairly skilled to find all these traps." commented Hogar "And not greedy enough to take everything." Beomund: Before leaving the rooms, Beomund checked around the bookcase and under a few of the barrels and baskets, just in case there was another trap door. Edmund: "They've stripped the place," Edmund said, frustrated. "If there's anything still to find, it will be a chance overlooking." sd: Beomund examined the room thoroughly. There was nothing of use there, but examining the faint footprints he guessed there must have been about five or six people in the intruding party, altogether. He guessed they were all of above average size, mostly heavy set men though there was at least one smaller set of prints he thought might have belonged to a woman. Beomund: Beomund explained what he'd detected. "We'll have to be careful when we find them. I doubt Vira brought along poor warriors." Hogar: "We're no rookies ourselves." Hogar reminded him "Though they might also have a Masked One or some other sort of sorcerer with them..." Leofric: Leofric nodded with wariness, "We are always careful... most of the time anyway." As he considered some problems that they stumbled across in the past Edmund: Edmund shrugged. "We deal with what we find, and so far it's paid off. God is with us." Beomund: Beomund nodded his agreement as they moved on to open the final door. sd: beyond was another long, slightly curved corridor. Halfway along the corridor, to their right, there was a large wooden door which stood open. Around the door there were many scorch marks, as well as dried blood caking the floor. The blood continued along the corridor until trailing off near another door at the far end opposite them. Edmund: Edmund looked closely at the marks. "Some kind of fire magic or maybe a weapon of some kind?" he suggested to Leofric. Hogar: "Could have been a trap that they couldn't disarm, or a fight."suggested Hogar Beomund: "Be cautious. Have your weapons ready," said Beomund, as he moved up to look in the door. Leofric: Leofric nodded at Hogar's point, "Look like a trap but it can be anything." He carried his longsword even more closer. You whisper to Leofric: as the party approached, Leofric noticed a barely perceptible rune inscribed on the back of the door, near the jamb. sd: the party moved up. The entirety of the floor within was covered with scorch marks and blood. A strand of human intestine lay against the metal door opposite, which was marked with the symbol of a Heartfire. Edmund: "Lucky they found this first," Edmund said grimly. Beomund: "I know little of magic, but I can't imagine this was natural. And whatever it was might still be dangerous," said Beomund. Leofric: He told the others. "There was a rune at the back of the door." Hogar: "Perhaps you could use your own magic to try and sense if there are any traps or wards they didn't trigger?"Hogar called out to Leofric Leofric: Leofric gestured at the location of the rune and smiled slightly at Hogar's suggestion. "I think your suggestion is an excellent one." sd: clearly the rune had been some kind of trap - they guessed it had summoned some kind of fire elementals, to judge from the nature of the runes as well as the scorch marks and blood around them. There was no sign of the elementals now - they guessed they had been slain or banished, and they were at least confident that the rune was no longer active and would not summon the creatures again. Hogar: "I don't think this rune will be any threat to us."said Hogar after giving it a look Beomund: Knowing the danger was no longer present, Beomund moved to open the runed door. Leofric: Leofric whistled at that, "I am glad we didn't meet the fire element." sd: there was a small door within which led to what had been some kind of small storage cupboard, but there was nothing useful through there. The metal door with the symbol of the Masked Ones was not open, and, indeed, appeared to still be locked. Leofric: Leofric eyes became unfocused as he paid attention to his otherwordly sense. Leofric: He muttered some words and gestured. Edmund: Edmund examined the door carefully before bringing out his lockpicks. He looked to Leofric, waiting for him to sense anything magical in the area. You whisper to Leofric: Leofric thought he could sense a number of sources of magic within the ruin, though they were not particularly strong. The rune on the door was like the aftertaste of a burned meal, a sooty flavour that soured his stomach. Behind the metal door, he sensed something that was like a pie filled with rotted meat -a pleasant taste that soon turned to worms and decay. Further still behind that was a scent like burning. Elsewhere in the complex, off further down the corridor though he could not tell the exact location, there appeared to be a number of minor magics, though they were too far away to have any distinct taste yet. Leofric: Leofric frowned for a moment and said "As far as I can sense it, there are two magics in that room. One is behind the door and another further afield which is burning. It may be another fire elemental or something else, an illusion even. I don't like the feel of it" Hogar: Hogar frowned "No chance you could dispel it?" Edmund: "You think we shouldn't go in there?" Edmund asked. Leofric: Leofric shook his head with a hint of determination, "These spells cannot be dispelled just like that. In the future, I might be able to do such acts... one day." He glanced at Edmund, "For what it is worth, I still reckon we need to go into it. It could give us a clue as to where they headed next. Hopefully." Edmund: Edmund took a deep breath and carefully inserted a lockpick into the lock, then another, moving them gently until there was an audible click. Leofric: Leofric took a firm grip on his shield, his eyes concentring on maintaining his spell. sd: the door opened into a very large library. There were three rows of bookshelves, but these were almost entirely empty. Many burned scrolls and books were scattered around the room, though there was a large pile of relatively intact books in one part of the room, and an elaborately bound blue and white scroll directly ahead of them. On the wall to their right was another row of doors, and throughout the room there were three round tables, on which were inkpots, quills, and other writing tools. You whisper to Leofric: now that he saw it, Leo guessed that the first magical effect he had discerned came from the scroll - it was clearly of the cult of Divine Blood's magic, and he guessed it bore some kind of curse, though he was not sure of exactly what sort. Edmund: Edmund frowned. "Who burned the books? Surely Vira and her gang didn't lock up after themselves if it was them?" sd: "The Masked Ones left Hylltoft in a hurry," said Maccus. "Perhaps they burned the books themselves, if they thought the goblins would get them." Edmund: "It seems they never finished the job." Leofric: Leofric pointed out at the scroll warning the others, "Do not touch that scroll. It is cursed!" Beomund: Beomund went over to look at the intact books for anything interesting. Hogar: "Cursed?" said Hogar sounding somewhat curious "Really?" sd: as Beomund moved towards the pile of books, he suddenly had to pull himself back, as when he put his foot down on one tile he felt the floor shift beneath him. He realised the books had been piled up to entice intruders forward, so they would fall into a pit trap. Beomund: "There's a trap here," he warned the others. "Let's see if I can get around or disable it." Beomund: He managed to find the mechanism and quickly disable it, clearing the way to the books. Leofric: Leofric confirmed Hogar's question, "Yes. Although I am not entirely sure what it is. Still, as Beomund pointed out, it is seems to be a bait or a trap." sd: the books were largely cult books, referring to its history and practises. Although some might be valuable and of interest to collectors, they doubted that the Masked Ones would have left out information on the hidden birthplace of the Never-Child in the open when they had clearly burned other documents. sd: *practices Beomund: Beomund collected any books that looked valuable and moved back to stand with the others. "Well if we're staying away from the scroll, shall we head back to the other door?" Edmund: Edmund took a last look around, in case there were any secret places. sd: having been warned by Beomund's experience, the party realised there was another bit trap, directly in front of the elaborate scroll Leofric believed was cursed sd: *pit trap Leofric: Leofric glared at the door on the other side of the library, "I can sense a taste of burning behind that door." Hogar: "This is a dangerous room."noted Hogar dryly "Likely to protect something precious..." Leofric: "Yes." Leofric considered the possbility, "There is also a possibility that the group may never acutally found out the information they was looking for. It is possible that dealing with that fire elemental may be too much. I just hope it is not another fire trap or worse, a fire elemental." sd: the party opened the door through which Leofric had sensed the strange taste. Within there was only a book case, which contained a small number of scrolls You whisper to Leofric: there was also a rune etched onto the book case, designed, Leofric guessed, to explode as soon as someone touched the case. You whisper to Hogar: Hogar noticed there was also a rune etched onto the book case, on the back panel Leofric: Leofric warned the others, "Don't touch the book case! It is rigged to explode" sd: as Leofric pointed, they saw there was a faint rune etched onto the back panel of the book case. Hogar: "Another trap." said Hogar "They really made a powerful effort to defend this place." Beomund: Beomund fiddled about with some mechanics near the rune. He swore and flinched at one point, thinking he had set off the trap, but it did not explode. He went back to it and managed to get a panel to swing down and cover the rune. Beomund: edit: With Edmund's help, Beomund fiddled about... Leofric: Leofric gave a sigh of relief at the rune is covered. "It is still active but it is safe for now. I hope there is something worth reading in these scrolls." He looked interested at the scrolls sd: once the trap had been neutralised, they were able to grab the scrolls. One was a long and quite detailed treatise about the labrythine pollitics of Coelney, but they did not think that the information they were after was there. sd: *politics Beomund: "Perhaps good information to look at later. For now let's check the other doors." Leofric: Leofric nodded, "Agreed." He glanced over at the other doors, eyeing over the doors." sd: the party crossed to the row of doors. Beomund, looking carefully, thought the door was trapped, rigged up to fire an arrow at the person who opened it. Beomund: He managed to quickly disable the trap. Hogar: Hogar suddenly turned around as if he had seen something appear suddenly out of the corner of his eye, but he couldn't quite understand what sd: once the arrow trap was disabled, they found an apothecary's chest, which contained a few bandages, salves, and ointments Beomund: After they looted the chest, Beomund moved on to the next door. Hogar: "I'll take this"said Hogar when he noticed the healer's supplies sd: the party contined down the row of doors. Each contained a few minor trinkets, but nothing of great interest. The fourth door, when opened, was revealed to have a particularly well hidden trap which Beomund had failed to notice - once the door opened an arrow flew out towards the smith Beomund: Beomund staggered back with a pained grunt as the arrow pierced through the armor on his chest. Hogar: "I should have been the one in front with my shield."said Hogar wincing, though obviously relieved to see Beomund was still alive "Stay still."he said as he skillfully pulled the arrow out without further damaging he man's flesh Leofric: Leofric looked alarmed at the damage that the trap wrought on Beomund. He managed to took hold of Beomund and glanced at Hogar, "See what you can do. You are good at this.2 Hogar: "I've had a lot of practice."said Hogar nodding along to Leofric as he further tried to set Beomund wound, which was now far less severe sd: the party searched the rooms thoroughly, which had obviously been used for storage. They found a scroll or two there, but nothing of great value. Beomund: "Thank you Hogar," said Beomund. "Few men are as skilled at both inflicting wounds and healing them as you seem to be." He winced slightly as he stood, but seemed alright. "Now let's head back out to the other door." Leofric: "Oh well. It was worth a try." Leofric looked faintingly disappointed. Leofric: EDIT: To search this library. Hogar: "Do be more careful next time. " Hogar said to Beomund "I'd rather not need to practice this talent of mine."he smiled Beomund: "I suppose I'm still learning the basics of exploring forsaken ruins," said Beomund, returning the smile. Leofric: "It is a basics which is surprisingly quick to learn." Leofric added in with a hint of humour. sd: Hogar took the door handle and turned it, but he had barely pushed the door an inch open before it struck something heavy behind it. There was a sound of people rising behind the door. "Who goes there?" a woman's voice called out.
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Post by sleepingdragon on Apr 27, 2014 20:38:34 GMT
sd: Hogar took the door handle and turned it, but he had barely pushed the door an inch open before it struck something heavy behind it. There was a sound of people rising behind the door. "Who goes there?" a woman's voice called out. Edmund: "We are friends not foes, nor undead monsters," Edmund replied. sd: the woman laughed. "Well I can at least hear that you're breathing. Did you kill the things up above?" Edmund: "If you can call it killing, destroying what should have remained dead and buried. Some of the skeletons ran for it. Even dead goblins are fast on their feet.," Edmund replied with humour in his voice. sd: "You got the cats? We were soulwary to face them, so we sneaked past them instead. Who are you?" Edmund: "We are adventurers lady, and had been given the job of clearing out goblins in the area," Edmund replied. "We ended up out of our way in the snow and decided to investigate this place. It was clear someone had been ahead of us but we had no idea there were still people here." Hogar: "We made it here in one piece, but we saw signs that others were not so lucky. Are you alright? "said Hogar obviously referring to the humans remains they met along the way sd: "I imagine you mean at the library. The fire elementals killed my cousin and two others. Give us a moment, you may as well come in." For about a minute there was the sound of heavy objects shifting behind the door. sd: the door opened. The group had piled barrels behind the door to prevent entry, which had been what they had been moving. There were three of them in total - two burly warriors who were obviously bodyguards, and a woman, who was lying down on a bedroll. Her right leg had obviously been injured - her clothing was badly burned and showed through to blackened flesh. Her fingertips, too, were blackened, showing that she was of Divine Blood. Opposite the door were the three dead people they had mentioned, all showing clear signs of being slain by fire. Edmund: Edmund bowed to the woman, his face concerned. "You have suffered badly in getting here. We may be able to help." Beomund: Beomund nodded solemnly. "I'm glad three of you made it, at least. This place has awful dangers. You must have had good reason to come." Hogar: "You look quite burned."said Hogar to the woman "And you all seem pretty lucky to be stil lalive, considering how many traps this place seems to have..." sd: "Yes, my father is searching for information here," the woman glanced at the party for a moment. "My cousin Burwenna was dealing with the traps, but she missed the rune..." she said, indicating the dead woman, who also had the burned fingertips. Beomund: "I'm sorry," said Beomund, just stopping himself from saying a prayer for the dead. Edmund: "This place is so deadly, we guessed there must be something pretty important here," Edmund said. Hogar: "I happen to know a bit about healing."offered Hogar "Perhaps I can help with that." he added, and then turned towards Edmund "Aye, whatever's in there must be very precious. " sd: "Knowledge. Have you been in the library? We retreated here to recover after the elementals attacked us." Beomund: "Yes, we found some interesting books, though none that seemed of high importance. Did you find what you came for?" asked Beomund. Edmund: "We nearly fell into the trap in there," Edmund answered. "A very dangerous place." sd: "Not yet." The woman rose, gingerly trying to avoid putting weight on her burned leg. Hogar: "Let me check that."said Hogar noticing the woman's pain. He set down his backpack to take his medical supplies and herbs and applied some to the woman's scorched leg, significantly improving its conditions Beomund: As Hogar helped soothe the burns, Beomund said: "Perhaps we can help you find it then, and you'll be able to get back on your way home. No one wants to stay in this grim place for too long." sd: "Certainly. I want to check the library then, I suspect that what I'm looking for is hidden somewhere but we should at least check." The woman walked out into the corridor, flanked by her guards. She turned to the group and smiled. "My father did order you to return to Ashingdon, but then he told me to do the same so I can hardly chide you." Edmund: Edmund looked surprised for a second, then laughed. "So you are Vira." sd: "I am. My father told me to return home after Wusfrea died, but he's always been far too cautious. You'll earn more coin if you disobey his orders but end up doing what he wants, anyhow." She laughed. You whisper to Edmund: Ed thought he detected a vague edge of suspicion in Vira - in the way she stood, in the looks she gave them - but she hid it well Edmund: "That is good to know," Edmund said. "Can you tell us what you search for, or at least an idea of it?" sd: "We are looking for information on where the Never-Child was born. It's information which has eluded us for a century, but my father thought there might be enough information here to piece it together, book by book." Beomund: Beomund nodded. "A valuable find indeed. Although the only text we saw that we haven't searched was the scroll, which looked... dangerous." Hogar: "Yes, it seemed to be trapped unfortunately" Beomund: As they entered the library, Beomund pointed to a spot on the floor. "Watch out. I disabled another pit trap, but there's one there that is still active." sd: Vira glanced at the scroll for a moment, then concentrated and muttered a few words sd: after a moment, Vira looked at Leofric and frowned, realising that he had a spell that was active. "You might have told me you could do that," she said irritably. She concentrated on the cursed scroll for a moment, and nodded. "We'll avoid that. Let's get looking through these books." Beomund: Beomund took out some of the books he had already retrieved, and made a show of looking for information on the Never-Child. Edmund: "Of course it might be that this is the very thing you are looking for, and that is why it has been made so dangerous to handle," Edmund suggested, staring at the scroll, but he also went over to the books. sd: "It's possible, we'll check that last if we don't find it elsewhere." Hogar: Hogar went with the others to check the books "So, something you might have noticed too coming in here...did you see anything odd in the pond? There seemed to be some sort of creature there. We'd want to be careful about that..." Beomund: "Probably worth checking for secret doors before dealing with the scroll," added Beomund. sd: Vira glanced at Hogar and laughed uproariously. "Oh, that, don't worry about it. I animated the water to distract the undead while we crept in." Edmund: Edmund laughed too. Hogar: "That's a relief. I had been worried that thing would come out and strike us while we fought the undead, or when we left." Beomund: Beomund grinned. "You had us ready to strike at shadows." sd: "Well, if you make me angry..." Vira grinned and returned to her reading. sd: after about a half hour Vira gave up. "It's obviously not here, I didn't think it would be. My guess is that there's some kind of hidden passage somewhere, we should probably start checking walls. I'd suggest splitting up but with the number of traps around here..." Beomund: Beomund nodded his agreement and began checking the structural integrity of the walls. Hogar: Hogar too tried to look for anything out of place, but he seemed to be distracted by what turned out to be false leads Edmund: Edmund also checked the walls but without success. sd: eventually, Beomund was able to find a section of wall at the end of the long corridor which he was able to swing open, revealing a short passageway ending in a stout wooden door. Beomund: He clapped his hands in satisfaction as the door swung open, and called the others over. "Now let's be on the lookout for more traps." Edmund: As they moved into the tunnel, Edmund gestured to Hogar who was walking last and whispered something in his ear. Edmund: w/ Hogar "Careful, she is suspicious." sd: as Edmund spoke to Hogar, the party entered the small passageway and began to make for the door, with Beomund, Leofric, and Maccus at the front. They had managed to get only a few feet in, however, when suddenly there was a noise and a series of blades attached to mechanical arms slid out from tiny holes in the walls. "Get back!" Vira shouted as the blades began to slash at them. Beomund: Beomund grabbed the nearby Maccus and pulled him back quickly as a blade jabbed past them. Hogar: From the back, Hogar looked nervously at the trap springing, and breathed a sigh of relief when he saw his friends were safe sd: Leofric also dodged aside, and the group were able to escape unharmed. Now activated, however, the blades continued to slice out in a continuing pattern. Beomund: Beomund glanced across the corridor, beyond the jabbing blades. "I'll need to get across to disable it." Beomund: He retrieved his shield and held it so as to protect one side. "Hogar, may I borrow your shield as well, my friend?" Hogar: "Sure. Be careful though."said Hogar as unstrapped the heavy kite shield of oak and steel and handed it to Beomund Beomund: Beomund held the other shield to his side, and ran across the room, avoiding and blocking the blades until he reached the end of the corridor. sd: Beomund managed to avoid the blades with the shields and some careful footwork, then disabled them by destroying the mechanism concealed at the far wall, beyond the door. Hogar: "Good work."commented Hogar sd: Leofric entered the room and approached the door. He spoke to the others and said that he sensed quite a significant amount of magic in this area - there were a number of minor effects behind the wall, near where Beomund stood, and behind the door and to the left was one that felt like the remnants of the rune that had summoned the fire elementals, but this one, he guessed, was still active. sd: Leofric said that he had sensed this as they entered the passage, but he had been forced to drop the spell in his haste to avoid the trap. Edmund: "Is there no way to set off the trap from a distance, while taking cover? With an arrow for instance?" Edmund suggested. sd: "If it summons elementals like the last trap then there's hardly a point, they can move after all," said Vira. "But as we know it's there we might be able to prevent it from going off." Beomund: "You could all stand back and prepare to fight, just in case, while I try to disable it," said Beomund. Beomund: He handed back Hogar's shield and had the others help him glance at the door for mechanical traps before carefully opening it to get at the rune. sd: the party examined the door, and soon confirmed their suspicion that it, too, was trapped, with a trigger they guessed would fire an arrow at the person who opened it sd: eventually, Edmund and Beomund were able to destroy the trigger, and they carefully swung the door open. Directly opposite was a statue of a snow cat, not unlike the creatures they had fought above, with its mouth open in a roar - Beomund noticed the small hole that the arrow would shoot through deep in the creature's throat.
To their right were two other statues - one of the Never-Child himself, and opposite that, of a mermaid. To their left they saw a large cauldron with a face carved on to it, by the door - Leofric and Vira both thought that the rune that would summon the fire elementals was near the cauldron. Beomund: Beomund clapped Edmund on the shoulder. "Let's try to stay light on our feet as we get over there, and watch for more traps." Hogar: Hogar eyes went back and forth between the two statues, but he said nothing "Do be careful. I have a bad feeling..." sd: Vira drew her sword and muttered a few words as Beomund and Edmund entered the room Edmund: Edmund looked over at Vira, recognising that she was using magic to sharpen her blade. sd: Beomund and Edmund crossed the room and moved over towards the cauldron. They could see the rune concealed on the wall behind it, but they could not see any easy way they might disable it. They examined the cauldron as they approached. On the front was etched the face of the Never-Child, open mouthed. From behind his mouth four runnels were carved into the cauldron, spiralling down. Above the Never-Child's face were these words: "Give of my pure blood, and thus continue the evercycle." Beomund: Beomund called out what they saw to the others. sd: "I..." Vira looked at the cauldron and frowned. "I don't know whether or not my blood is pure..." Beomund: "I doubt we have much of an alternative, except for leaving," said Beomund. Edmund: Edmund looked back at her. "You are the only one who could do this." Hogar: "I doubt we could ask your father at this point."said Hogar "If you feel it's worth the risk..." sd: "Alright. But this may not work...my father Byrnstan, if he is my father...well he is a bastard, that's why they made him put on the mask. If my father really is Nerian as we pretend then I'm pure." Edmund: Edmund frowned. "That is a tough decision. Is there doubt as to whether Brystan is really your father?" sd: "My mother certainly bedded him, but then Nerian is her husband so she's lain with him as well. Privately she's always told me Byrnstan is my real father, and Nerian has always treated me that way. He probably would have killed me if the King would have let him get away with it." sd: Vira repeated the spell she had cast earlier, enchanting the weapons of her bodyguards Beomund: "I wouldn't think a parent's marriage vows should have anything to do with purity of blood," said Beomund. "Unless by that you mean his blood is mingled with more common stock than usual. In any case, your blood is pure enough to give you the associated... powers." sd: "It is, and it is. Byrnstan's mother was an outland slave, a concubine." Vira frowned. "But this whole matter has really been a proving. I'll do it. Are you ready?" Edmund: "In case it fails, would you be prepared to cast that magic on the blades of my companions?" Edmund asked. "Their ability to fight an elemental might save your life." sd: "Can he do it?" she gestured at Leofric, but he shook his head. She frowned at Edmund for a moment, then nodded. Beomund: When their weapons were ready, Beomund stood behind Vira. "Ready." Hogar: His blade magically sharpened, Hogar prepared for the possibility of battle Hogar: edit: prepared for possibly facing battle Edmund: Edmund moved back, readying his bow for possible action. sd: Vira enchanted the blades, then she took a deep breath and brought her blade up to her hand. She made a clean cut across her palm, and wrung the blood into the Never-Child's mouth. As the blood began to flow into the cauldron, it began to turn. Vira watched as her blood flowed through, into one runnel, then another, and then a third, the cauldron spinning all the time. There were small holes near the bottom of the cauldron, and the blood ran out from these and onto the summoning rune. But the fourth runnel did not fill. "It's not working!" Vira hissed. "We might be able to spin it around. Quickly!" sd: Beomund and Edmund rushed forward, working to spin the cauldron on the small, barely perceptible runners built into the floor, while Leofric and Vira worked to ensure they lined it up correctly so the blood would spill out onto the mystic rune. After many nervous moments, Vira gave a sigh of relief as she felt the magic of the rune dampen. "Well, now I can be certain," she said. Hogar: "What a way to be!"said Hogar with a faint smile Edmund: Edmund sighed too, then looked curiously at Vira. "Does it matter to you? Apart from at a time like this, of course." sd: "It does. I'd rather my impure father than the pure arsehole that my mother had to marry." Beomund: As they talked, Beomund began searching the room for anything concealed. Beomund: Finding nothing, Beomund moved beside the next door, waiting for the others to be ready before moving in. Edmund: Edmund nodded. "You are lucky to have your real father." Beomund: "And I'm sure he'll be grateful we helped his real daughter in his mission, despite our little disobedience," added Beomund wryly. Beomund: *edit: in her mission sd: now that the rune was disarmed, they checked the door for more mundane traps, but finding none, they swung the door open.
Inside, they found a great repository of lore. There were many tomes etched with the occult symbols of the Cult, many-coloured scrolls, and three strong bound chests. On the walls or rolled up by the walls were a number of paintings and works of art, that had been hidden away for as long as any of them had been alive. Hogar: "Impressive."said Hogar, his eyes slowly scanning across the room Edmund: Edmund whistled. "There are years of work for scholars here i should think." sd: Leofric's jaw was working as Vira stepped into the room. "We don't have years, we'll need to start looking. If the information is anywhere, it'll be here." Beomund: Beomund smiled as he saw Leofric's reaction. He patted the scholar on the shoulder before moving in to start looking for the information they needed. Edmund: Edmund looked carefully about the room in case they were faced with more traps. sd: they sat down amongst the scrolls and made their attempt to decipher them. Amongst the hoard of knowledge, there were many references to the Never-Child and his life, with rampant speculation about his hidden birthplace, but the many confusing theories served to obfuscate the issue rather than clarify it. After many frustrating hours, Vira tossed down the scroll she had been poring over in disgust. "I need to sleep, we can resume this in the morning," she said. Beomund: Beomund, who had been watching uselessly during the investigation, began pulling together the necessities to make camp, occasionally discussing quietly with his companions what to tell Vira about why they were there. Hogar: "It's a setback..."muttered Hogar "On the plus side, at least she expended some magical energies. I'd still rather not fight her, though" Edmund: Before they slept, Edmund spoke to Vira. He told her that when Wusfrea had been killed, they had been afraid that one of the other groups would try to blame them, and Brynstan might well believe this story, as they were foreigners in Coelney. So they had decided to strike out for the fort, to find and assist Vira, proving their usefullness and loyalty, rather than facing Brystan. sd: Edmund could not tell whether Vira believed him, but she said she would keep this in mind.
The next morning, they returned to the room and began to once again search through the piles of information sd: Maccus spoke to the others as they entered. "She seems distracted. I suspect her father is thoughtspeaking to her now..." Edmund: Edmund nodded, having noticed her faraway look. "Do you think we're in trouble?" he whispered. sd: if they were, Vira showed no further signs of it, and began to read through the scrolls. sd: today, the party's minds were much sharper, despite the tension. Leofric drank one of the potions they had discovered in the Forerunner ruins in Mollenmere, sharpening his concentration as he pored over the scrolls. Leofric pulled out some pieces of parchment and had the bodyguards nail them to the door, so they could write down information as they learned it.
Eventually, a pattern became clear, and they began to work out, through the layers of religious and occult code and the conflicting theories, a pattern of information. The Never-Child's father, Geremar, had claimed illegitimate descent from the Valing clan, who had been High Kings of old Palania, and he had set out to the remote regions of Great Esterness, bearing the magical Sword Teorhelm's Wing, in search of arcane lore. He had never been seen again, but years later the Never-Child emerged, saying he had been born, fully grown, of Geremar and a spirit of the water, uniting the royal blood of the Valings with the supernatural blood of his mother. The Never-Child was said to have concealed his birthplace, that his father and mother could live out their days in peace, but from the bits of information it eventually became clear that it must have been somewhere in the northeastern section of the isle, where there were said to be many Forerunner ruins. Finally, Leofric noticed an account from a woman called Mildona, who had been one of the Never-Child's brides, his hundredth wife, and the one who had survived the longest time, having wed him when she was only fourteen, and two years from his death. She recalled that he had once visited that region, and when he returned he mentioned having visited the northerly village of Lowham, which was built near one of the few runestones of Coelney. A common tale of the Never-Child's birthplace was that it was a place where water ran uphill, and when Vira and Maccus each found separate accounts of rumours of such a stream near Lowham, they felt sure that they had narrowed it down to a quite small area of land, with no more than a few miles to search. sd: Vira was relieved to finally discover the information she sought. After gathering up her belongings, she spoke to the group. "We should head back to Ashingdon with this information, my father will want to look at the scrolls himself," she said. Edmund: "Do you think that's a good idea? Wouldn't it be better to get to this Lowham straight away, to acheive what your father wants?" Edmund said. sd: "I don't intend to go myself, it's my father who means to go there." You whisper to Edmund: it seemed to him that Vira guessed what they were playing at, and wile he doubted she would attempt to stop them from heading to Lowham, she would certainly let her father know they were headed there You whisper to Hogar: it seemed to him that Vira guessed what they were playing at, and wile he doubted she would attempt to stop them from heading to Lowham, she would certainly let her father know they were headed there Edmund: "Do you know why he wanted you to find the place? And what his intention was once you did so?" Edmund asked. sd: "He means to meet with someone quite important. But if my father didn't tell you more I'm not about to reveal his intentions." Edmund: "Someone VERY important," Edmund said meaningfully. "As important as you can get, at least hereabouts. I'm surprised your father never told you." sd: Vira looked amused. "He did. Did he tell you?" Edmund: Edmund smiled. "How do you think we know about it? But the question you should be asking is what else is going to be expected of you. You have already lost family getting the information, and your own blood to bypass the rune. How much more do you think will be asked to give Aescwine the power he is seeking? Are you prepared to be sacrificed to help him acheive his dream?" sd: "No. I don't care about the man myself, but if he'll let my father remove his mask as he said, then I'll help him." Vira's hand went for her sword. "I don't want to fight you. You don't seem like terrible people and you'll likely kill me, but I can bring down at least one of you before the end. My father already knows you've double-crossed him, though I wasn't sure myself until now. If you mean to waste your lives trying to stop Aescwine, then I won't stop you, but sense should. He will kill you all, or make you wish he had." She paused. "I mean to return to Ashingdon. My father has been speaking to me this whole time and already knows about Lowham. We have nothing to gain from a fight." She had not, however, removed her hand from the hilt of her blade Beomund: Beomund looked at the others. "I have no wish to see you dead," he said to Vira. "If you care for yourself and your father, you should urge him not to aid such a man. Either he'll face us eventually, which will most likely not end well, or Aescwine himself will dispose of him when he's no longer useful. But I won't stop you from leaving unless my companions will it, and I hope you survive these troubling times." Hogar: "You can sheathe your sword, Vira. You seem a reasonable woman and I don't think we'd want to fight you." Hogar said "Still, we are not likely to follow your suggestion to leave Aescwine alone." sd: Vira shrugged. "It's your life, you can throw it away as you wish. I'm sorry we couldn't part in a more pleasant manner." Vira took her hand away from her sword hilt. Hogar: edit: "You can keep your sword sheated, Vira." Beomund: Beomund smiled. "I look forward to meeting you again, after we have failed to throw away our lives." He began packing up his equipment and loot.
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Post by sleepingdragon on May 10, 2014 15:29:56 GMT
sd: Vira and her guards departed, leaving the party alone in Hylltoft. Germund had been contacting Hogar by thoughtspeech every two days, and when he had last spoken to them had said his ship had already turned towards Hylltoft and would arrange for a point to pick them up as soon as they had discovered Aescwine's location. The party had little to do but wait in the ruins until Germund contacted them in the morning. Beomund: "Let's hope we can outpace Byrnstan. This job is becoming... complicated," said Beomund as they settled down for the night. sd: "I would hope we can outpace him, but we can't outpace his thoughtspeech," said Maccus. Hogar: "I hope Vira doesn't tell him everything she found out about us, at least. Though, she is his daughter..."he shrugged "Still, at least we know where we're going now." Edmund: "I am sorry that Vira is on her father's side," Edmund said. "She is not an evil person." Hogar: "Yes, she seemed decent enough to us, at least." Leofric: Leofric frowned for a moment and nodded, "Indeed not. Sometime it is never that clear." He sighed for a moment, "This thoughtspeech is clearly useful. Will have to learn it at the later date." He paused his lips and decided to tell his mates that he decided to risk drinking that potion as he is getting short of the power. "Better to do it now rather than in the heat of combat." He took out the green brackish vial and drunk it. Although he looked slightly disguisted with the taste, it has became increasingly clear that he suffered no side effects. He smiled with a hint of relief. Leofric: EDIT: "Indeed. Sometime it is never that clear on whose side. Only that our side is right." Edmund: "At least one of us has power to spare," Edmund said smiling to Leofric. "I need to find something myself." Leofric: Leofric smiled slightly in respond, "Well, it was cunning of you to ensure that Vira expanded her power to cast bladesharp on our swords. Still, she does have a point and really, it is something I should learn at a later date. Nevertheless, this meant that our enemies are not aware that you are capable of such spells while they are of me. I suppose you can recall Mother Tender?" He grinned for a moment. Edmund: Edmund rolled his eyes. "I'm never going to forget." Beomund: "Mother Tender?" asked Beomund. Hogar: "A hideous monster who led a band of..."Hogar paused in distaste "Vile Children. Misshapen creatures. Sadly we couldn't kill her and she managed to get away." Beomund: Beomund shook his head. "And I thought I had seen some of the stranger things this land would offer." Edmund: "A hideous monster who could throw a bolt of power," Edmund said with a rueful smile. "It hurt!" Hogar: "And these things were terrifyingly hard to kill." sd: the next morning, Germund thoughtspoke to Hogar and arranged for a point to meet up, in a sheltered cove along the northern coast, two days hence. The party gathered their belongings and prepared themselves for a trek through the snowy highlands. sd: the party headed through the hills, with Maccus leading the way using his knowledge of the isles. The route was arduous and difficult - there had been no human civilisation in these lands for thirty years, and many of the natural routes through were blocked off by snow. More than once they had to double back and find another way through, or rely on Hogar and Beomund to clear a path.
On 13 January 228, they arrived in the appointed place, and found Germund awaiting them with a ship. "We've fought a few skirmishes, but not enough to give our identity away," he said. "There are pirate ships all along the northeastern coast, they must be screening their base." Beomund: Beomund introduced himself humbly, explaining that he owed the party a debt and would do all he could to help them succeed in their mission. Beomund: edit: ignore sd: they set out towards the northeast. As they went, Germund spoke to the group and they began to plan. From what looks the Sharney sailors had been able to get, they guessed Aescwine must have a significant force with him, a mixture of men and goblins. Germund believed that their best bet was that the party would slip onto land and make for the base, and once they had located it, they would coordinate by thoughtspeech. The sailors could launch an attack, and the party could use the distraction to slip in. "He will doubtlessly have many slaves, if you can reach them you might be able to lead an uprising," he added. Hogar: "We can handle this."said Hogar matter-of-factly "Men and goblins, you say. Many Masked Ones and such, too?" Leofric: Leofric nodded as he replied, "I think we have to consider that there would be many Masked Ones supporters. He is a powerful magic user as well." sd: "The Crowns were heartbound to him, he'll have Hadring and others who are his old partisans," said Maccus. "My master said that Aescwine is one of the most formidable people he had known. He will not be easily dealt with and he will not give up." Edmund: Edmund frowned. "We need a clever plan to beat someone like that." Beomund: "If the sailors and possibly slaves can keep his men and goblins distracted, perhaps we'll be able to isolate him," added Beomund. "But it is hard to say until we see the situation inside." sd: in the early morning of 16 January 228, their ship pulled into land. "We're about five miles east of the ruins of Lowham," he said. "We need to know exactly where the enemy is before we can make our move. If you head up by land, I'll thoughtspeak to you an hour before sundown and we'll arrange our attack, assuming you've found the place." sd: edit: Germund said Leofric: Leofric nodded at Germund and replied with a pale smile, "Best of luck." Hogar: Hogar nodded "We should be able to find the spot by then." sd: the group set out. The snow had let up slightly in the last few days, but unlike Hylltoft, this region was directly by the coast, and the wind blowing in from the sea sliced them to the bone like a scalpel.
Finding Lowham itself proved a trivially easy task. The village had long lain in ruins, long burnt out farms and huts buried beneath the snow, but the runestone by the village's small, frozen over pool immediately identified the place. The lettering on the runestone had a deep blue, icy glint. Leofric: Leofric smiled at the faint glow of the runestone and touched it without any notion of warness. He noted the power and explained to the others that it make swimming easier for a short while. sd: around the runestone, there were clear signs that people had been here relatively recently, with a few faded bootprints in places shielded from the snow, and a trampled path which headed to the northwest. It was difficult to tell exactly how many had been here, though it was certainly more than one. Hogar: Hogar tried to touch the runestone and channel its power, but it did not seem to react. He shrugged. sd: the party followed the footprints and wound their way to the northwest. as they went, the land became hilly and rugged, but, as Maccus pointed out, the hills were very wrong. They rose in unnatural places and were wildly inconsistent in their slope and height.
As they continued, they came to a 'shoreline', but this, too, was most unnatural. It was a very narrow shore, short enough to throw a stone across, and leading to a hilly island that jutted out of the water like a fist. The tracks continued up to the shoreline, and then stopped. Edmund: "It seems they took to the water," Edmund said, checking up and down the shore. "Did they just walk into the waves?" Beomund: "Curious," muttered Beomund. "God protect us in this place..." He moved up to the edge of the water, gazing down into it in case some danger lurked there. Hogar: "Remember, we're looking for where water flows uphill..seems like we're getting close."said Hogar said glancing at the many oddities of the land Hogar: edit: remove second 'said' Edmund: Edmund looked back at the hills. "This landscape is all wrong, so it's very likely" sd: Maccus began to gather fallen wood so they could lash together a raft. sd: they eventually managed to gather up enough wood, though with something of a delay, and they were able to get their makeshift raft ready. Maccus rowed them across with an improvised oar he had whittled from a long branch, and once they were across he hid the raft in a copse of trees. It was now nearing mid-day. Beomund: "Let's be cautious as we search here," said Beomund quietly. "I think we're getting close." sd: this soon proved correct. With Maccus and Edmund leading the way, they carefully crept up the hills and deeper onto the island, making for the western shore. Here and there, they passed broken juts of ancient stone work, which bore a style totally unlike that of Coelney, and they guessed must be that of the ancient Forerunners of the isles, though its style was certainly distinct from that they had seen in Mollenmere
After about twenty minutes, they found themselves overlooking a remarkable site. Ahead of them, there lay a steep hill, rising steeply and with many levels. From near the centre of the hill, out of a hole near the base of a wooden tower, there rose an impossible stream. It flowed backwards, winding up the hill in defiance of natural law, utterly blocking what would, they judged, otherwise be the most comfortable and natural way to ascend to the top of the hill. The geography of the hill was flagrantly unnatural, with a deep, uneven ravine blocking either side of the stream.
There were, altogether, three wooden towers on the hill, and as they watched, they saw that both men and goblins stood in wait atop the towers, bows at the ready. Further, to the northwest, they could faintly discern a small wharf on the coastline, where three ships were docked, in a small natural harbour that was blocked from view by a jutting, rocky island about three miles out to sea.
As it would be some hours before Germund would contact them, Maccus concealed the group in a sparse copse of trees and they looked down at the towers. Every now and again, perhaps once an hour, the towers would change their guard, rotating constantly between them. Clearly there was some manner of complex beneath the hill, which they could reach from within the towers, though an assault on them was a daunting task. The only easy way up the hill was from the west, but that would leave them completely exposed. Stealth would not be easy either, due to the hill's steep incline and the constant guard. The tower at the top of the hill rotated guards least and appeared to have the fewest men, but it was also by far the hardest to reach. If they were able to sneak up on a tower, it might be possible for them to conceal themselves at the tower's base and search for a means of entry, though this was an uncertain task without knowing exactly what they would face below. Hogar: Hogar surveyed the towers from their hiding place, obviously trying to think of a plan Beomund: Beomund eyed the strangely rising water nervously for a while. "Unless we're going to attempt a suicidal assault, I see no alternative to sneaking up to the towers," he said. "Perhaps there will be a secondary entrance, or a way to divert the water's flow to distract them." Player "while" is not connected. You whisper to Hogar: while it was very impressive, Hogar realised that, as the stream was flowing uphill, it actually presented an opportunity. a daring person could actually use the 'current' to wash them upstream, directly underneath the northmost tower which appeared to be the most lightly defended. of course this was no easy task, as they would need to reach the stream without being noticed, as well as diving beneath the doubtlessly freezing waters, but it was at least no more dangerous than trying to fight their way up the hill. Beomund: After watching the water for a while, Beomund added hoarsely "I had thought there might be some strange engineering lifting that water... but no, it must be some fell magic." Hogar: "We could try and have the water carry us upstream towards the north tower which has the light defenses."suggested Hogar "We'd need not to get discovered as we dive into the water, so it would be risky, but it's worth considering." Beomund: Beomund nodded. "If we get close and see no better way, that is likely our best option. We can't avoid risk in such a venture." Leofric: Leofric frowned at the water and nodded. "I will try sense any magic in the area." he made some gestures and voiced some ancient spell words to cast You whisper to Leofric: Leofric cast his spell and immediately his senses were almost overwhelmed. The flavour of a sumptuous banquet, continuing infinitely, filled his mouth and rolled down into his stomach, setting it grumbling and growling with hunger pangs. It was almost impossible to concentrate through that mystic feast. The water, clearly, was enchanted, but that was not what he had sensed - rather, it was something far below, and it was, by far, the most powerful source of magic Leofric had ever sensed. Indeed, he suspected, it was more powerful than all previous ones combined. The circle of runestones he had sensed in Mollenmere was utterly dwarfed and reduced to insignificance by this tremendous confluence of occult power, and his head swam with a dizzying sense of possibility. sd: Leofric cast his spell and concentrated for a moment. As he did, the party saw a streak of drool slide involuntarily from the Erseman's mouth as he focussed on his magic. Edmund: Edmund watched Leofric, a concerned look on his face as he wondered what toll magic would have upon those who used it. Leofric: "There is immense fountain of power far below us..." Leofric sighed as he cleaned the drool with his right gloved hand, "Far greater than I ever sensed before. That Circle of Runestone we came across in the past is a candle compared to the sun that is below us." Hogar: "Could that be a danger to us? Or..you could try to draw power from it?"Hogar suggested Edmund: "Runestones or something else do you think?" Edmund asked. Leofric: Leofric frowned for a moment, "I am not sure on what it is to be honest. As for the upward water is enhanced by magic as you probably are all aware of anyway." Edmund: "Well, it will be interesting in there at least..." sd: they waited for several hours, watching the towers carefully, but they clearly had no idea the party were there. The guards continued to rotate, and their previous thought that the northmost tower had the fewest guards was clearly validated - from a distance, they noticed a guard they had seen earlier, who had some manner of boil on his face, reemerge from below for a second shift just before Germund contacted them.
Germund had rendezvoused with the other ships from Sharney and they were now preparing to attack. With the party's directions, they decided they would assault the wharf in two hours hence, hoping to draw the enemy out by burning the ships. Germund emphasised the importance of the party infiltrating and seeking out the slaves - having little idea how much opposition they would face, Germund said bluntly that if they were too outnumbered, he and his men would rather withdraw and fight another day. For the critical task of actually infiltrating Aescwine's base, they would be entirely on their own. sd: a few hours passed as the party made their preparations. In his earlier observation, Beomund had noticed that there was what appeared to be some manner of primitive sluice gate in the impossible stream - clearly Aescwine and his men had considered that an attacker might use the water as the party now intended, and had therefore blocked it off, save around the ravine, which was far from easy to navigate stealthily. To aid them, they gathered twigs, fallen leaves, and chunks of snow which Beomund wove together, to serve to cover them while appearing to be nothing more than a rough patch of ground.
After a few hours, there came a hornblast from towards the docks, and a minute or two later they saw firearrows lighting up the night sky, towards the wharf. As their allies from Sharney began their attack, they saw men and goblins rush out from the towers, making for the wharf to aid in the defence, though some of their fellows remained behind. It was hard to tell in the darkness, but they guessed at least fifty went by - and along with the men and goblins, there were a small number of other creatures they could not easily identify. Though their features could not be fully discerned, they had the spindly shape of goblin-kind, but their colouration was lighter, nearer to that of the Coelneymen. One of the strange things happened to glance in their direction, unknowing, and for a moment they glimpsed deep violet eyes before the thing continued on towards the wharf.
They had no time to ponder what these things were. Edmund and Maccus led them as they crept forward, and when they reached the edge of the ravine Hogar and Beomund clambered upwards, relying on speed to conceal them and hope that the guardsmen's attention was diverted. Hogar hauled Leofric and Edmund up into the ravine bodily and they quickly concealed themselves under their patchwork blanket. They crept forwards slowly, and when the guards were looking away, Maccus sprang forward and threw himself into the water, with the others following close behind him. The water of the impossible stream was utterly frigid, but it had not frozen and they were able to put their heads below water for a moment as the stream carried them on.
Maccus was the first to emerge from the water, near the base of the wooden tower, to which he quickly and silently darted, positioning himself in the guards' blind spot directly beneath them. As the group came near, they saw that there was a door on the tower, however it was on the south side and would not be easy to reach undetected - however there was another means of entry that they had not been able to see from their earlier vantage point. At the rear of the tower, directly facing the impossible stream, there was a lower entrance, below the base of the tower. The stout door was sealed with an imposing padlock, and from the snow that had gathered at its base it seemed it had not been opened in some time, however it might be possible for them to silently jimmy it open. Beomund: "Think you can get it open, Ed?" asked Beomund. "If not, perhaps we can wait for some noise to break it open." Hogar: "I wonder what these...things...were"said Hogar obviously referring to the lighter-skinned goblin-like beings they had spotted before You whisper to Hogar: as Hogar glanced at the door, he noticed, cunningly hidden by the padlock, what appeared to be the trigger for some sort of trap - a bolt or dart he thought, firing out of a panel in the wall. With the guards literally on top of them, they would surely hear if it was sprung Hogar: Hogar pointed at the padlock and made a gesture that implied there was some sort of projectile trap there Leofric: Leofric nodded at the others, ready to evade any traps. Beomund: Beomund disabled the trap with little trouble. sd: Maccus kept a close eye out above, indicating for the party when to duck down, as they tensely waited for the trap to be disarmed. Edmund: Edmund crept up to the door and got out his lockpicks, while Maccus and Beomund screened him as much as possible. After a brief struggle, the lock opened and Edmund removed the padlock and opened the hasp. sd: they entered and found themselves in a long, wide, downwards sloping tunnel. From the dust and cobwebs they suspected this place had not been used in some months, but here and there they saw bits of dirt or broken tools. Maccus guessed it may have been used by the slaves who had raised the towers, allowing them to enter and exit in numbers as well as taking equipment with them. They carefully shut the door and found themselves in deep darkness. Edmund: Edmund got out the lantern and carefully lit it, shielding the light as he moved it slowly to reveal their surroundings. Leofric: Leofric prepared himself, his eyes looking tense in the glittering light of the lantern sd: as the party moved forward, they noticed a rather poorly concealed pit trap on the southern side of the passage way. sd: the party avoided it and continued on down the other side of the passage, and very nearly ran into a second trap, before Hogar noticed it at the last moment and kept them from stumbling in Hogar: "Good thing I noticed that."muttered Hogar sd: around the corner, just past the trap, they saw an imposing set of iron double doors, stoutly barred and locked. Beomund: "We'd best be ready for a fight when we go through here. It could be slaves or it could be guards," whispered Beomund. Leofric: Leofric smiled as he is already ready for the fight. Hogar: Hogar nodded, his axe already ready You whisper to Edmund: Ed listened carefully at the door as he prepared to pick the lock. He heard the unmistakeable sound of dice rolling on a table, and several mugs being put down. Just behind the door, there was what seemed to be a man pacing up and down - from the clinking Edmund guessed his boots must be metal shod, and that he had some kind of weapon to hand. He thought there were not a great number of people however, perhaps the same number as themselves or very slightly more. As he continued to listen, he heard a voice muttering in broken Gaston, plainly not that of a native speaker, or, he thought, even a human being. Edmund: Edmund gestured to the others to move a little away from the door. "A few there, dicing and drinking.I heard boots. And something not human speaking Gaston," he whispered. Hogar: Hogar frowned, but then whispered back "Well, seems like we could catch them by surprise as they're busy gambling and drinking..." Leofric: Leofric nodded, "Sound like Goblins potentially or worse..." Edmund: Edmund nodded and returned to the door. He raised his lockpicks enquiringly to the others. Beomund: Beomund nodded silently. Edmund: Edmund returned to the door, taking a deep breath before starting work on the lock. sd: Maccus prepared to push the doors open, looking at the others and making sure they were ready. Maccus had his bow and an arrow in hand. Edmund: Edmund slipped his lockpicks into his pocket and nocked an arrow to his bow. Beomund: Beomund stood next to Maccus, ready to rush in with his hammer. sd: when the party indicated that they were ready, Maccus turned and shoved the doors open.
They were looking in on a barracks, the far wall, as well as that to their right, lined with empty cots. A man with an axe on his belt was pacing directly ahead of them, turning to gape as the party came in with weapons ready. To the right they saw a goblin there, and two men and two goblins were to their right, engaged in dicing, though everyone was armoured and had their weapons close to hand. With the attack on the wharf they had obviously been woken and told to prepare for action, but they were not expecting an attack from this direction and they scrambled to prepare themselves for the party's onslaught. Edmund: Edmund instantly fired at the first armed man he could see as the door opened, wounding him lightly in the leg. Leofric: Leofric fired his crossbow which he pulled out a moment before and the Ed's targeted enemy was hit as well, painfully in the same leg as well. The man clearly felt some pain from it. Leofric then dropped his crossbow, clearly made ready for his main weapons. Hogar: Hogar hurled his hatchet at a goblin who had been standing by himself close to the cots on the right side. The weapon tore through its splindly arm, not quite severing it but leaving it hanging useless at the creature's side sd: the goblin Hogar had attacked drew its curved sword, while those at the table quickly rose, casting about for their weapons. The man directly ahead of them, staggering on his wounded leg, raised a shield while those that had been gambling hastily stood. sd: Maccus moved into the room and fired at one of the goblins that had risen from its seat, but the arrow sliced over the creature's head and shattered on the stone wall Leofric: Leofric drew his fine longsword and prepared to fight one of the armoured men as he moved closer Hogar: Hogar readied his heavier axe for melee, eyeing the warriors as he approache them Edmund: Edmund also moved forward and fired at the goblin already hit by Hogar. The arrow flew straight and although it didn't do much damage, the arrow remained sticking out of the creature's leg. sd: their foes continued to ready their weapons - one of the goblins grabbed a bow, while the other took out a shield. The man that Beomund was bearing down on drew a round shield while his compatriots readied trident and battleaxe. Leofric: Leo also moved forward toward a man targeted by Beo and took out his shield, he is ready for a fight Beomund: Beomund reached his foe and swung with momentum behind him. The great hammer reached around the shield the man tried to raise, and struck him heavily on his right shoulder. You whisper to Hogar: - as Beomund struck his foe, he stumbled back against the table, causing a huge noise. In the aftermath, beyond the door, Hogar thought he heard a voice suddenly raised in song, though he could not hear it clearly sd: the goblin near to Beomund readied its shield while the other nocked an arrow to its bow Hogar: "Singing behind the door!"said Hogar for the others You whisper to Leofric: Leo heard the voice as well, above the din of combat - he could not make out the words, but it was a man's voice, carrying well, and clearly that of someone well trained in that craft Beomund: Beomund struck once again at the warrior next to him, causing him to stagger back against the table, his arm hanging limply. You whisper to Hogar: he continued to hear the singing, which he realised was coming from some distance off, but from the throat of one who was obviously a trained singer who knew how to make their voice carry Hogar: Hogar seemed intent on trying to understand where the singing came from sd: one of the goblins fired at Maccus, wounding him in the arm, while another prepared to charge towards Leofric and Edmund, and the third drew its shield as it moved for Beomund. The two warriors also began to converge on the big man, hoping to surround him and overwhelm him through numbers Beomund: Beomund backed up slowly, allowing his foes to approach but getting closer to the nearby Hogar. sd: Maccus fired, but again missed his foe Leofric: As goblin charges Edmund, Leofric strolled over and manage to block its path to Edmund and with one blow, manage to severs its left arm, knocking the monster down, green blood spurting all over the floor. Beomund: Beomund swung skillfully around the defenses of an advancing goblin, striking it on the elbow and nearly causing it to drop its weapon. You whisper to Hogar: over the singing, Hogar thought he heard the sound of a fist striking flesh Hogar: "There's something behind that door."shouted Hogar for the others "Let's dispatch them quickly!" Edmund: Edmund muttered the words of a spell, casting his hands over the arrows. Beomund: Beomund struck again at his goblin foe, but this time the creature managed to deflect his strike. Hogar: Hogar chopped at the wounded leg of one of the warriors, the axe blade tearing through a major artery and sending him crashing to the ground - dead. Leofric: Leofric starts to run to the other side of the room Leofric: Leofric start to run, attempting to charge at the goblin nearest to the dootr Beomund: Beomund, getting angry at the puny goblin's attempts to ward off his blows, pulled his hammer behind him for a massive pendulum swing. It landed on the goblin's right upper arm, shattering the bones and plowing past into its ribcage. The creature fell dead with a half-managed scream still reflected on its face. You whisper to Hogar: some of the foe had obviously heard the same noises he had, and they appeared to be quite unnerved by it, as if it were something unexpected and unwelcome Hogar: "I don't think they know what's happening there, either!"said Hogar as he advanced towards the warriors fighting Beomund sd: Maccus fired a superb shot into his enemy, rapidly fitting another arrow to the string Leofric: Leofric rushed toward to the enemy, aiming to get around the table. Beomund: Beomund turned to the advancing human warriors, and once again struck at the sword arm of one, grievously injuring him. Hogar: Hogar struck one of the warriors who had been fighting Beomund in the arm, his powerful blow dealing a grievous wound and leaving the man's arm disabled sd: with their foes wounded, it took little time for Hogar and Beomund to finish the remaining men. As the goblin tried to flee, Edmund put a flaming arrow in its back, and Leofric thrust his sword through its chest to finish it off. sd: now that the battle was finished, they could hear the sound Hogar had described - there was singing, but this was now overwhelmed by the sounds of fists, boots, rattling chains, and shouting. Hogar: "Whatever is behind there is not good." Hogar said facing the dood, obviously expecting they would have to fight again Hogar: edit: the door Beomund: "They should think the same about those on this side of the door," replied Beomund. "No time to waste! We need to get those slaves free!" He moved toward the door. Hogar: Hogar quickly ran to get his hatcet before joining Beomund in advancing towards the door Hogar: edit: hatchet Leofric: Leofric managed to recover his crossbow before heading back to the door. sd: the party quickly recovered their gear, then rushed through the door and out into a carpeted hallway. The sound came still further away, beyond another door which proved to be a storeroom. There was an open hatch in the floor there, and they could tell the singing and shouting was coming from down there.
As they descended, they found themselves in a short corridor which led to a large room. The door there had been opened, and inside they could see a scene of some chaos. Many people were shackled there, but they were not chained to the wall, and a few had obviously heard the sounds of fighting above and decided to take the opportunity to free themselves. Just as they entered, a goblin was breathing its last, as one of the slaves wrapped his own chains around its throat and choked the life from it.
There were perhaps thirty or forty slaves in the room, and though the three guards were dead they guessed only a few of the slaves had joined the fight, as some were crying and screaming that they would now surely be killed. The man who had hitherto been singing let loose with a roar of "SILENCE!", and, with that, he turned to the party. He was a wiry man, with eyes that were red and bloodshot. The little finger of his left hand had been cut off - a wound which, they realised, the majority of those in the room also had. The stump throbbed an angry purple colour. "You're with the ships, right?" the man asked. "This is our only chance to get away, but...I imagine if you're here you must know something of what's going on. We need you to kill Aescwine or we'll never get away with these," the man indicated his severed finger. "But this is rude of me. My name is Randwulf, of the Bard's College." Leofric: Leofric nodded with hint of delight at hearing his name, "Greetings, Randwulf!" Hogar: Hogar seemed slightly relieved by the sight "Randwulf..."Hogar said repeating the man's name "We were sent here to rescue you." Hogar: edit: he said repeating the man's name Beomund: Taking off his helm, Beomund showed the hole in his ear from which he'd been chained. "My name is Beomund. I once was in your position, and these good folk rescued me and slayed my captors." He looked to the those of the slaves who were able-bodied and yet had been shying away from the fight. "If you're willing to take up arms, we will make it out of this place." sd: "The Order sent you?" asked another man, whose right hand was severed at the wrist, and was cradling the purple stump with some agony. "It took you long enough! I'm Esmon, captain of the expedition to this vile cesspit."
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