You wake the next morning with a very fuzzy feeling in your head. It is not the normal hangover migraine, but a sweet haze. The flavor of the alcohol still coats your tongue. You hear horns from the ships in the harbor blare in the distance, melding with a choir of seagulls out the bright window.
Stiff from sleeping on the floor, you blink away the sleep in your eyes and notice Etny has moved to the side of the bed. She is wrapped snugly in the sheets with her arm hanging over the edge. She is cradling your hand in her own small, slender one. Snugly she holds it, sleeping more peacefully than you've ever seen her sleep.
Oredion carefully pulls his hand away. He stands up stretching his arms and back and stifles a big yawn to not wake Etny. He looks down at Etny sleeping peacefully and can't help, but lean down and give her a kiss on her forehead. He gathers his things and quietly leaves the room and heads down to the bar. He takes a seat on one of the stools near the front door and gives a good morning wave to the bar maiden.
"Yawnnnn. I think I'm in dire need of some breakfast mam."
Jannae smiles warmly from the bar, her hair up in a bun today. "Fine idea after a night like you had, huh handsome?" She chuckles and pours you a cup of strong coffee before fetching a plate from the kitchen. "What do you say, eggs and boar bacon? Or does anything else tickle your fancy?"
Jannae Applebrew sets down a plate--more like a platter--of the largest over easy egg you've ever seen. It looks like something Gaare would have laid. The boar bacon layered on top is like a meaty crown, thick and caramelized from some kind of sugar.
"I'll still provide ya this while you think it over! You seem to be a growing young lad." She winks, laugh lines creasing her face. Joey flicks his tongue out of the collar of your coat at the smell, tasting the flavorful air.
Oredion looks up with a smirk.
"Sorry lass, was to caught up in my own thoughts I guess. This will do just fine! It looks absolutely delicious!"
Oredion grabs Joey and sets him on the counter beside his plate. He takes a bit of bacon and places it near his friend. He can feel his stomach growl as he eyes the food. He quickly digs in thankfully as he watches Joey try and get his mouth around the bacon. He thinks on where to go as he eats and decides it best to go and check on his friend the blacksmith.
You finish up the massive breakfast with Joey, who himself manages a half a piece of bacon before rolling over with a little puff of fire. He looks like he's in a food coma. You scoop him up and, draining your coffee, head out into the bright outdoors. It's a nice day and the idea of seeing the blacksmith again feels right. You haven't really seen him since he took his son back. That whole... experience was rather intense.
Turning onto the street where his shop is, you spot a familiar pair of individuals making their way up from the other end--Atriox and Tak. They seem to be headed for the same place you are. Tak hesitates momentarily when he spots you, remembering the last few interactions you've had together. There was a lot of intensity on that battlefield. He gives you a little wave of his claw, cautiously optimistic.
Oredion spots the two lizards and rushes over happily. After last night there's not much that can ruin his attitude.
"Hiya lizard faces. Nice to see you both kicking good as ever."
Oredion gives Atriox a glance and a nod and heads over to Tak patting on the shoulder a little to enthusiasticly.
"So you boys heading to see the blacksmith? I was just on my way their to check on him. I'm a tad worried about what became of his sons mind..."
Tak almost buckles under the over-enthusiastic pat from the dwarf. He smiles, unsure still at their relationship. He makes a note to be careful.
"Yes, we checking too." He says. "Have business but... Fight was hard for everyone."
"Aye that it was Tak. Lost many a good man, but at least we won."
Oredions eyes downcast for a moment as he remembers the battle, but he quickly bounces back with a smile on his face.
"So boys shall we go check on our smithy friend now?"
Atriox grunts and nods to the dwarf
"Let's go see the smithy then. Sounds like were all curious"
****
Etny, having awakened the day following the fun game with Oredion, finds that she is alone at the moment. Having had some time to think on what she must do, she decides it is time to go and take care of her beloved bird, Gaare. She has been neglecting the poor beast for some time, though she has tried to make an effort to keep up the axebeak's grooming and feeding. she has had a hard time of it, trying to juggle her time with Oredion, hunt for Janae, and at the same time, take care of her precious animal. Nevertheless, Etny finds herself at the feed trough, grooming her bird with a light brush, carefully combing the dirt and grit out of the large bird's feathers.
She has made it a point to bring Gaare's eggs to Janae, allowing the bartender to utilize the protein-rich food for breakfasts, and other meals. Etny's mind is constantly on Oredion, as her heart flutters slightly at the memories she's made with the dwarf. He is a good man, and a fantastic friend. She feels honored and blessed by the All-Mother to have met such a great soul as him. Her love for the dwarf has no bounds, and she would do anything to protect and defend him.
Etny, now through with grooming Gaare, lays down some fresh feed for the beast, whispering sweet nothings to her in Andrayan. Now, it is time to attend to other matters. She must find Alrik, the Storm Bringer, and have him imbue more of her arrows with thunder magic. That worked out quite well in the fracas with the undead, and Etny is determined to have all of her arrows done now.
Sitting at the bar in the Dragon's Lair Inn, she speaks up to Janae, "Janae-dera, where can I find the Storm Bringer? Alrik, the Tempest?"
Jannae smiles, wiping a mug clean for another customer. "Morning sweetie! Ya know, I haven't see the fella come in here in some time. I thought I saw him in the market the other day, or passing by outside." She gets a look on her face like she's thinking hard about it.
"I heard a few rumors yesterday about people seeing him at the temple, and also another fella who helped him build some sort of little house on the edge of town. West of here." She fills the mug with drink and passes it to a sleepy looking man at the edge of the bar. "Oh," she winks, "Your dwarven friend came in earlier. He loved the breakfast. Gaare eggs and boar bacon." Jannae chuckles. "You hungry yet or you have some business to attend?"
Etny smiles at Janae, replying in kind, "I think I will need to go looking for our mage... I have some business with him that requjires his particular talents. He has helped me in the past."
Etny pushes herself away from the bar, and standing up, gives a wave to Janae. "I will and bring you more of my axebeak's eggs for your meal-making pleasure. I will see you soon. Oh," she pauses, approaching the bar again, leaning in to Janae, "anything the dwarf orders next is on me! Also," she pauses, "could you point me in the direction of the mage's cabin?"
The woman chuckles. "Sounds good, dear. As for the mage, I believe it's... here, let me find it," she mumbles, pulling out an old, dusty map from below the counter. It's an interesting piece of history of the town and shows the main market square and several of the business districts.
"Here," she points near the far end of town, a little ways out. "At least this is where I was hearing rumors of it. I haven't been there myself of course. I wish you luck finding him!" Jannae beams a bright smile, her eyes crinkling in happiness.
With a final wave to Janae, Etny leaves the inn, and heads to the stables where her beloved axebeak is holed up. she frees the bird from the stable, and mounts her with ease. With a click of her tongue and a whistle, Etny and Gaare are off.
She makes her way to the outskirts of town, keeping an eye out for a small, perfunctory cabin that doesn't stand out too much. She sees said cabin, and racing Gaare forward, comes to a full stop. She observes the cabin for a time, trying to make out if anyone is even there, and finally dismounts from her axebeak, letting the large bird roam freely about the place. Approaching Alrik's door, she gives it a few hard raps, and calls out, saying, "Oros-Udunta! Are you alive? Or better yet, are you awake?"
****
The three of you make your way to the shop. The familiar tang of the furnace does not fill the air today... The smoke stacks look cold and unused.
A few people hover outside, their countenances dark as they lean on the nearby wall. When they see you approach they grumble and whisper to each other and slowly disperse. Furtive glances over their shoulders make your skin crawl.
You notice the door is closed, the small windows boarded. The sign is missing. Graffiti is scratched into the door and drawn on the wall with blood.
"Traitor!"
"Murderer!"
"We will KILL you!"
You try the door and it's locked tight.
Oredions eyes shoot up with a green flare and he turns towards the people dispersing.
"How dare you, you slimy bastards! Like it or not this man helped us win the battle. Who in the hell do you think fixed the bolt shooter Zeed shot? Huh? Exactly. His son was under mind control, how is he to blame for any of this? Now get out of here before I show you who's going to kill who!"
Oredion feels rage building inside him, but he pushes it down. Hole give Atriox and Tak a reassuring wink to show hes keeping his calm. He turns to the door and gives it a rough smack with the palm of his hand to try and force it open.
(Intimidation 18+6, Strength 10+5)
You hear several pieces of metal and wood splinter from the inside as your hand impacts the door. Bolts are knocked loose from the stone around the framing. You see Ferrar there almost immediately, a warhammer in hand. He looks nervous but he definitely recognized your voice. If anything, he was coming to help you fight.
The blacksmith sighs, lowering the weapon and scratching the back of his head. "Hi Oredion." He looks up. "Hiya Atriox. Tak." He nods in your direction.
"I'm sorry for the rude welcome, uh," he sets the hammer down. "I'm not currently makin' anything. I'm sorry if you needed work done, just been kinda preoccupied."
Atriox growls but not at the smithy
"We see that. I am so sorry Axemage. How these people are acting is shameful. May we please come in freind? We bring no I'll wishes with us. I swear it."
(Persuasion 12)
"Yeah... Yeah. I trust you guys." He nods and gives a weak smile. "You've more than earned my respect, and you helped save my son's life besides... Please come in."
He steps aside so you can enter, and, peering outside he glares and closes the door back up. He latches some other locks that weren't broken and bars it with a chair.
Stepping inside you see a dust has settled over some of the work areas. The furnace is cold, and with the stone and brick walls it makes the room quite chilly compared to outside.
"Come, this way." He gestures for you to follow him through a door. You've never been in here before, but it looks like a small kitchen with the basics available. A chopping block, sink and a wood burning stove. A set of stairs lead up above--a living quarters above his shop.
"Leo is restin', was just reading to him. He's... Not allowed out of bed at the moment." He scratches his beard, perturbed. Something haunts his countenance.
"Wha' happened up on that mountain? When you found him?"
Atriox looks at the boy for a few moments before answering
"That's kinda hard to recall my freind. It was so eventful and face paced. When we first got there..........I believe he was under the control of dark magic. But then it was taken out of him and once he was free he was very weak, but himself. Despite his weakness he stilled tried to help us. He's a brave boy you got there Axemage. Though I can't be for certain I don't believe your boy acted out of free will when he did the horrible things that he did do. What do you think Ore ?"
Oredion rests his hand gently on Axemages shoulder.
"I believe your boy was under dark influences yes... I also believe he had no control of his own actions."
Ferrar looks visibly relieved. "Thank you both. I hope the marshal is as understanding as you are." Grabbing a small mug of watered-down ale, he downs a big gulp and signals you to follow him. He snatches up some bread and leads you upstairs.
You enter a rather comfortable room with basic furnishings. There are some paintings hung on the wall that look beautifully detailed; one of the bay of Dragonshore and another of a ship out at sea.
"Da?" You hear a voice from the other room. It's thin and tired. Ferrar looks at you both. "Wish to speak with Leo by chance?"
Atriox looks at from where he heard the voice and then back at Ferrar
Ferrar nods in understanding. "One second son, I'll be right there. Just... talking with some associates."
"Perhaps Ore would like to ? I'm glad to hear him alive but my business is actually with you my freind. I have several things I wish to discuss with you, not that Ore can't hear them. He's welcome to partake in the conversation."
Oredion politely refuses taking a seat with the others.
"I'll go check on your boy smithy."
Ferrar smiles at Atriox. "What can I help you with?" He gestures to a few chairs and a small bench for you to sit with him.
Atriox smiles and goes to one of the chairs. He looks at the smithy with kindness feeling a deep sympathy for the mans situation.
"My business can wait dear freind tell me about what's going on with the marshal, and these people ? I believe I am correct in assuming this is about your boy."
Ferrar nods sullenly. "Yes... Yes I am afraid so. They believe he is guilty of some terrible crimes. He's having trouble remembering most of what happened, or at least so he tells me. I have no idea what sorta black magic he got tangled up in, but," he looks resolved, angry even, "I know my son is a good lad. A right idiot sometimes, but still good at heart."
The blacksmith shakes his head. "I was able to talk them into bringing him here so he could rest proper. Didn't need him dying in some jail on the far end of town, with the damp seawater leakin' in." He grunts in annoyance. "They let me take care of him here, under the stipulation that I not leave him alone, nor unchain him except to relieve himself. They're hoping to hold a trial in a few days to determine what to do with him."
He trails off, quiet as he says the words. You can see the fear in his eyes, heavy with bags of sleeplessness. "What should I do, Atriox?"
Atriox listens closely to what Ferrar is telling him. By the end of it Atriox has a fire in his eyes and let's out a small growl
"This is ridiculous my freind! I can't believe the town is treating you and your son in such a shameful manner. What can be done you ask ? I'm not for sure exactly but I will do everything I can to help I promise you that. Part of what I can do to help is offer you and your son what i think, is a much needed fresh start. Ferrar I once asked you if you'd come to my homeland and help me rebuild Skyhold. Your a master smithy and with you and your sons help I could really get a head start on the process. I know this is asking much of you. It's not easy just to pick up everything and leave but at this point what more is there for you in Dragonshore ? At Skyhold you begin anew with your son. Build an amazin life where nobody hates you for something you couldn't control. Help restore one of the jewels of the world. I think your up to the task Axemage and your a fine and honorable man."
Atriox leans back and looks at him
"I'm willing to compensate you as well. I will fund you, you can build a home and a shop in a location of your choosing as long as I find it agreeable, once the castle and city are back up and running, you and your son could have a very fine life Indeed and still pursue your talent as a Smith. Your family would be set for generations my freind. Of course you wouldn't be doing this alone. You'll have plenty of help. I'm more proposing you lead the project. What do you think ?"
(Persuasion 21)
His eyes grow wide. Ferrar doesn't say anything for a few moments as he takes all of that information in. Glancing out the window at Dragonshore, he slowly nods. "Yes... Yes, that does sound like a fine idea. I've been here ever since--well," he trails off, "I suppose it doesn't matter anymore now. With how things turned out, a fresh start may be our best hope. I would do anything to help my Leo."
He sits up straighter, a new life in his eyes. "When are you leaving? And what can I help with to prepare? Also," the blacksmith pauses, "Would you.... could you..." he meets your gaze, a pleading look on his face, "Could you please speak with the mayor about a pardon for my boy?"
Atriox grins leaning forward he excitedly begins to fill the Smith in on there plans
"Roughly two weeks from now. I'll be looking around for some ships to hire or buy completely. I'll keep you updated on what you can do.........ah but there is one thing my freind. I know your in a stressful time right now but I need you to make two necklaces to hold ash. I have sweet willos remains and wish to give them to two people she was close to.........."
Atriox stops and looks down at the floor. The death of the sweet kind old woman he met still raw in his memory. He forces himself to look back up and at Axemage
"As for your boys issue. What did you think I meant by I'd try to help my freind ?"
Atriox chuckles
"Now that Cere is Lord under my protection so to speak I will not be asking for a pardon. I will be telling. Your boy is not the only one to fall prey to the Darkness in this town and he shouldn't be punished for something he couldn't control. It's preposterous."
Ferrar looks nervously excited about the prospects you've discussed. A new life, far away, a fresh start... it's all looking better and better. At your reassurance about his son he looks like he wants to cry from relief.
"Necklaces huh?" He says as he tries to clear the heavy emotions, "Anything for you my friend. I knew poor Willow as well... what a dear sweetheart she was." You see him thinking as he strokes his chin. It's like he's getting a spark back of his old self. "I think I can make something perfect for you. I'll get started on it right away, it shouldn't take too long with what I have in mind. May I...?" He very respectfully asks for her ashes.
Atriox gulps in nervousness. He hasn't removed the sweet old lady's ashes nay not even looked at them since he bottled them up. He nods and reaches into his bag for the ashes and is surprised when the bottle is warm. He says half to himself
"What the......what's going on ?"
When he pulls the clear bottle full of ashes out he is surprised. The ashes have a gentle white blue glow to them just like the spectral flame that made her ash in the first place
"As I said willow......you will be a light in the darkness for those left behind......"
He hands the ashes to the smithy
Ferrar looks as surprised as you are at the sight of the bottle. He takes it with sincere reverence, marveling at the warmth therein. "What pure magic... I will be back in just a little bit. I have some gear out still from when I made the jewelry for you and for Oredion. It shouldn't take too long." Standing up he carefully walks down the stairs with the blessed remains.
****
Oredion walks into Leo's room and takes a seat by his bed. He looks the boy head to foot trying to see if hes actually alright.
"So kiddo how ya feelin?"
A look of concern passes the dwarfs rugged features.
(Investigation 19+6)
You look down at the young man, who is slightly less peaked than when you found him. He looks a bit out of it... a little distant. In terms of injuries he's fairly unharmed. Most of what he suffered seems to be internal trauma, and no small amount of emotional and mental trauma to boot.
Also... You can see he's actually cuffed to the bed with restraints, as if making sure he can't run away. He looks up at you with a blank look. "I'm alive, I guess. For what it's worth. I can hear people outside that wish I wasn't. Was... that your voice though? Defending Da?"
"I, it twas boy. Your father's a good man, to good for the people here."
Oredions eyes flash a light green with annoyance as he looks around the room and back at Leo.
"Why are you strapped down kid? Dont tell me you wish to run away...
He looks relieved that you're such a good friend of his father and that you helped defend their honor. You can tell he relaxes.
"No, not at all..." He looks sullen. "But they wish to have me interrogated regarding what happened. And... they said they don't want me trying to escape. My Da talked them into letting me stay here at home with him instead of in a jail cell, but this was the compromise." He tugs at the chains a bit and they jangle.
Leo drops his head back to his pillow and stares at the ceiling. Despite the care from Ferrar he looks a wreck. "I was so stupid. I should have never did what I did."
"Was it your choice to help them or was it them that controlled you, used you? I know not all the people who live in these lands are fair and just, but I feel they will give you a fair trial... You are not the first to be mind controlled by these damned necromancers..."
Oredions eyes fill with a sorrow for the boy. He can't help, but feel angry with the towns people for how Leo is being treated. He understands why, but he does not accept it. Oredion Pat's the boy on the shoulder gently.
"I will see if there's anything that can be done about these damned chains, even if I have to break them myself."
Oredion gives Leo a reassuring wink.
He shakes his head a bit. "That's the thing, I... I don't know. I don't know." He repeats it and narrows his eyes, trying to remember. He looks sickened at the thought.
"I went out looking for metal veins along the hillside a few months ago. I came across a necklace there. It was magical..." He pauses, embarrassed. "There was... a girl... Who I wanted to impress." Leo sighs and lets out a raspy cough. He talks quieter so Ferrar doesn't hear him.
"Da didn't like me going to see her. But she is so funny, and sweet... And she likes magic. I don't have gifts for it like my Da. I thought if the necklace could help me, I could win her heart. But..." His eyes grow dark. "It started talking to me. I became less like myself. I was doing things I would never do before... It controlled me. It was like sitting at the bottom of a lake, watching things happen on the surface."
He turns his face away and tears slide down his cheeks. "A lot of things happened. Bad things. Then those other guys came... I-I remember seeing her. I thought... I thought things would get better. They said if I helped, things would go back to normal. I just wanted to be normal again."
He pulls at his restraints again. "But I know I was there. I was responsible, wasn't I?" Leo glares in anger. "I hurt a lot of people because I was foolish. I deserve to be tied up here. Probably deserve what those men outside shout at me, too."
Oredion talks in a stern, rough tone.
"No boy! Do not think that way. Would you truly have done any of the bad if that cursed necklace hadn't changed you?"
Oredion lowers his eyes a little embarrassed he got worked up. He starts to speak again, but in a gentle, sincere voice.
"None of that was your fault Leo. Your a good lad if your anything like your father. Crying over the thoughts of what you did... No one evil would do that kid... Trust me, the demons that we face now are the stepping stones we build are future upon. It may be rough now, but I've never met a soul who became weaker from hardship... It only makes them stronger for the days ahead."
Oredion sets back in the chair taking a deep breath and looking at Leo with reassurance in his eyes.
(Persuasion 16+3)
Leo squeezes his eyes shut and he sobs quietly. After a few moments he's able to still his emotions. He looks over at Oredion with a very grateful look... one that finally has a tinge of hope to it. The impact your words had was monumental.
"T-thanks. You really are a good person. I... remember seeing you. Up on the mountain. You were there, weren't you?" He blinks. "I remember your green flames. They were comforting, and chased away the shadows."
Oredion Pat's the Leo's arm with a smile on his face as he stands.
"Aye, I stick out like a sour thumb in the dark. My eyes are something of a nuisance to me in that aspect. I will be taking my leave Leo, but with my friend the dragonborn I doubt you'll be chained up for more then a day or two."
Oredion starts to walk out of the room, but stops and turns to Leo, his eyes are ablaze with a warming glow. The flames are a mix of a dark green with traces of a light blue around the edges. He speaks in a soft low tone.
"If those people come near you or your father again... find me. I will not hesitate to slay the vermin.."
Oredion gives Leo a serious half smile and leaves the room to go join the others.
You enter the room again just as Axemage's head disappears down the stairs. You see Atriox sitting, watching the blacksmith go.
"That boys a strong one lads, with a heart of gold to boot. Hows it going in here lads?"
Oredion walks over to Atriox and takes a seat.
Atriox looks at the dwarf and nods
"Very good I'd say. I'm going to get this nonsense with his son taken care of and then these two are coming with me to Skyhold to help rebuild it and start a new better life"
Oredion face relaxes and a smile hovers onto his face.
"I think thatd be best. These two have been threw alot and this town honestly does not deserve. I'm glad to hear they get another chance at life away from all their troubles. Leo will be excited to hear this, but I'll leave that honor to his father"
Oredion leans back relaxed and content with the good news.
Atriox watches the dwarf for a bit leaning back in his chair as well. He thinks back on everything they've been through. The good and the bad. He thinks about how the dwarf can be annoying and stubborn at times to the point of getting in his way.......but despite all that.......he feels that Ore is at heart a good being. He helps whomever he can whenever he can......plus he himself is a Smith. Atriox makes his mind up with a grunt
"So ore what are your plans coming up in the next few weeks ?"
"Honestly... I dont know. I was planning on returning to the hunt to find the goblin horde. Then the battle happened and well... a few other things. So I now have a reason to stick around for the time being or at the very least go wherever she leads."
Oredion smiles to himself a bit and then quickly snaps out of it. He turns his attention back to Atrioxs question.
"Why do you wish to know friend? Have something in mind that you need my help with?"
Atriox chuckles at Ore and his obvious affection for Etny
"You care about her that much do you ? I've seen how you are around her and how protective you got at the challenge of course but you really are quite fond of Etny. Well life's full of surprises ehh ? "
Atriox chuckles some more as he taps he feet on the floor. After a moment he gets a little more serious
"Yes the Goblin hoard. Just the name sounds dark and nasty. As for help I propose we help each other freind. I know we've had our moments where you'd rather cleave me in two as I've thought about impaling you on my glaive. But we've gotten past that. Your a very skilled and handy person to have around. So I propose you come to Skyhold with me. Help me restore it. Then once my kingdoms strength is at a good level it and I myself can help you with this hoard. You cant fight the numbers of the hoard alone but more importantly you dont have to Oredion. Let's us be allies in this. If you're worried about Etny I wouldn't think anything of it. Shes an explorer and my hunter........technically. A bit odd to say admittedly but facts are facts. I'm sure she'd be fine with coming. Besides she owes me a treasure trove that's hidden.........what do you say dwarf do we have a deal ? You help me get revenge I help you do the same ?"
Oredion locks eyes with Atriox. A tiny green flame forms around his pupils.
"Yes... I am quite fond of Etny. We are what you say... a pair now. With that said she is not yours Atriox. Yes as far as she is concerned she will do your bidding as... your huntress, but you will not control her nor will I. As for the matter of joining you. As long as you leave Etny be I accept, but as a friend Atriox not as a tool. Atriox... I do not dislike you or necessarily like you, but I consider you a friend none the less. It's weird to think that only months ago I was trapped in that wretched goblin camp. I've kept my promise and repayed my debt seven fold. I've stuck around more then I needed and stayed threw all of this fighting I had no stake in. Whether you see it or not, I am your friend lizard face."
Oredion stands to his feet and extends his hand out. He still has a small glow in his eyes, but it has settled after relieving all he had on his mind.
"Now shake my hand if you accept my terms... friend."
Atriox looks at the dwarf. Hes certainly sure of himself and very opinionated. But he's good at heart so Atriox decides he will try to bury his annoyance at the dwarf telling what to do, and put his best foot forward
He stand up and and shakes the dwarfs hand. Grunting and blowing steam out his nostrils
"You have a deal dwarf."
****
Alrik, as you walk back home you spot a familiar huntress looking around your campsite for you. She seems to be checking the fire for the last time you were there... Tracking where you might have gone.
Etny, your keen ears pick up the movement along the road. Looking up you spot the storm mage headed back home.
Etny, having spotted Alrik returning home from his errands, obviously tired and carrying a load of groceries. Etny jogs up to him, and asks, "care for a hand, Storm Mage? You...you look tired, as if you've gone from one battle to yet another. Is everything alright, Alrik?"
Etny reaches out a helping hand to aid Alrik in carrying his items.
Seeing the huntress approach, he glances around to see who else may be nearby, but seeing no one he settles down a bit. He nods, extending a hand holding a sack of groceries. "Thank you, Etny. It's been a long day already, I'm afraid..."
He smiles faintly from underneath his hood, making his way over to the table near the firepit and sitting down with a sigh of content and attempted relaxation.
"What can I help you with, Huntress? While I appreciate the visit, I doubt you came all the way out here for no reason..." the corner of his mouth lifts into a smirk, his eyes flickering a bit from the storm within.
"Wellllll....," she mutters, taking a sack of groceries, relieving him of his burden, "I was...I was hoping that maybe I might be able to help you, if you help me--come to an agreement, as it were. If I craft more of my arrows, would it be too much to ask if you could imbue them again with your powerful magics?"
She looks up at him, her violet eyes alight. "I saw how you handled that abomination in the necromancer's keep, Alrik. You were...very impressive, and I could not help but notice you attacked with a ferocity I've not yet seen in you against that creature. I was," she hesitates, a little reticent to share her feelings, but continues nonetheless, "I was a little taken aback by your power, Storm Mage--frightened even! If there is anyone who can truly bring power to this place--to this world--it is you, my friend."
"Anyway, I've come to see if we could work together, hopefully I can help you with something, here in town or otherwise, and you can help me by making not just thunder arrows...but lightning and thunder arrows: Arrows that can blast an enemy with lightning, and stun them with thunder."
She nods, and finds a place to set the sack of groceries near his cabin. "I wish to also apologize, Oros-Udunta..." She looks down, unsure of how to continue. "When we went forward to have those...peace talks...with Atriox, I wish I would have said more, but..." she looks up at him again, "I feel I forced you to speak out of turn. In my...in my pride, I kept silent, and did not speak my mind. Instead, you stepped in and did most of the talking to try and make peace. It should have been I that should have spoken of peace, not you. I am sorry."
He rolls his head from side to side, stretching his neck. "No apologies necessary, but thank you." He pushes his hood back, scratching his beard in thought.
"As for making more arrows, I'm sure we can work something out. The thunder arrows you've been using certainly have been useful... I... was reckless against the necromancer and his abhorrent... attacked with total disregard for my safety or others..." Alrik scowls at the dirt, thinking back to his actions. "I have a deep seated hate for necromancy and undying creatures..."
He pulls a waterskin from his satchel and takes a small drink, enjoying the flavorful wine within as a bit of the pale green liquid escapes from the corner of his mouth and runs down into his beard, which he promptly wipes away with his sleeve. "As for you helping me, I've decided I have unfinished business in The Komodori... I have to go put down The Dread Clan..."
"The...the Dread Clan?" Etny asks with intrigued curiosity. "What is this Dread Clan, and what have they to do with you?"
She comes near, planting herself on the ground, her legs folded, and pulls some jerky from Oredion's stash that he gave her from her satchel. She reaches over and hands several pieces of the savory meats to Alrik. "Tell me more. Also," she notes, chewing now on a piece of jerky, "I too have business in this Komodori...the desert place, right?"
He smiles and takes the jerky, nodding his thanks. Gnawing on a piece, he begins tapping his fingers on his leg. "The Dread Clan is a group of bandits... murderers, marauders, criminals, and such. It started as a small number of orcs who split from the Desert Lords' army and began profiteering from raiding both sides, but now..." he shakes his head. "Now, they've been recruiting. Taking more and more. Getting closer and closer to towns and the great city. They're getting bold..."
"Do you have a history with this group? I wonder because in my travels, I think I came across a large group of organized bandits, particularly in this Komodori place. I had to use all of my skills just to keep out of sight and avoid being captured. If this is the same thing that we are talking about, I would like to help you, Alrik, if you'll let me."
Etny gnaws on some more jerky, thinking on what she must say next. "Many years ago, my entire tribe was wiped out and captured by einhycacht...throat cutters in my tongue, but you know them as kobolds," she says this last word with some difficulty, her exotic accent making it slightly awkward to say. "I have been hunting einhycacht for all of my life since I was a girl, and have traveled across many lands and great distances to try and find out where they are. So far, the only einhycacht I have found are those who are..." she pauses, her brows knitting, pensive, "who are helping and aiding others instead of pillaging, killing, and destroying. This...this baffles me to no end, but I do see the wisdom of it all in Atriox's choices."
She stops again, thinking on her next words carefully while still chewing on some jerky. "I think, Alrik Oros-Udunta, that it would be wisdom for all of us--Oredion-elenn, Atriox-Dugairon, you, and myself--to stick together as one group. That way, we can work off of each other, and strive to achieve our goals together. The more hands makes lighter work, as is said in my tribe. We can all work together to find this Dread Clan, hunt my einhycacht, find Oredion-elenn's horrid goblin horde, and possibly help Atriox rebuild his kingdom, altogether. What do you think, Alrik? What are your thoughts?"
Alrik nods. "I do have history with them... one of my friends was killed by them simply because he was the driver of a supply train..."
His eyes grow dark and he scowls, clenching his fists. "And someone I trusted... someone I looked up to... betrayed us and joined them. It's time Krathag pay for what he did..."
He suddenly blinks and shakes his head slightly. "Sorry, I got lost in thought. While we've all had our differences, I think it best if we can somehow work together... at least for the time being."
Etny looks up at him, her violet eyes intense and serious. "Alrik, you have my promise, that I will help you in whatever way I can. I want to help. You have my word that I will do what I can to help you find this Krathag, and put him to justice, arras oro mingrahti osul amaht, that is to say, 'may my arrows fly true!'"
She takes the last bite of her jerky, and gnawing on it, begins producing arrows with stone arrowheads. "These are the arrows I wish for you to imbue with your power, both lightning and thunder. Can you do this? I believe in you, but you look...drained, as if you've been through another battle. I don't want to push you more than you ought to be, Oros-Udunta. But, if you are willing, here are my arrows, and," she says, pulling a bowl out of her satchel, "this."
Etny looks at the tired Storm Mage. He is absolutely drained, and she cannot see any way to have him perform an imbuement without being further drained by the effort. She stands up, reaches out, and rests a hand on his shoulder. Her fingertips light up, and she utters a silent prayer to the All-Mother, giving vigor and vitality to the mage.
Alrik jokes upright, not sure if from Etny's touch or the magic imbued into him. His eyes flash and his skin tingles as electricity dances across it.
Nodding, he takes the bowl and begins the somewhat familiar process of pouring magic into it. Taking care not to activate the pooled energy, he cuts his finger with a small knife from his belt and allows a few drops of blood to fall into the bluish purple liquid, sizzling and sparking as it makes contact.
The Storm Caller raises his hand and the sky begins to darken, a storm rolling in from nowhere as thunder echoes in the distance. A bolt of lightning flashes across the dark sky above, illuminating the glowing purple scar across his face, the scar somehow capturing the energy from it as it sparks and flickers in sync with the continual flashes of lightning in the sky. Bringing his hand back down his hand ablaze with electricity arcing every which way, he forces the small arcs of lightning into a single, concentrated bolt and directs it into the surface of the liquid inside the bowl, but instead of exploding or igniting, the liquid turns dark and swirling, appearing to be take on the aspect of a storm cloud. It begins to pulse and flash as if it contains a massive lightning strike, just waiting to escape...
(Hell yes... I rolled a nat20 for arcana!!)
Etny watches with enraptured awe as the Storm Bringer mage utilizes his immense power to imbue what seems like a trifle thing with such great energy. She jumps slightly as thunder and lightning arc and rumble overhead, the dark storm clouds roiling and frothing in the sky.
She witnesses the liquid in the bowl change color and shape like a spectral storm cloud itself. She gingerly takes the bowl, and gently swirls the liquid around.
"Alrik, I can't thank you enough. You have my word and promise that I will help you in whatever way is necessary. Now," she says with purpose sharpening her voice, "to make arrows that sing with the storm!"
(OOOOOOOH YEAAAAAAAH! 23 on a nat 20 Wisdom Survival check to craft and imbue these arrows!)
(Old stone arrows did 1d6 dmg and knockback on 18-20......... Two nat 20s to craft??......... Lol dang. New arrows do:
1d8 magical piercing/lightning damage
15-20 knockback 5 ft, save dc 15 or knock prone and deafened)
The new arrows soak up the magic like the stone itself is dying of thirst. It flows through them with ease and makes your hands vibrate with the intensity. This energy is by far more concentrated than it ever was before.
They sing indeed.
The last drops of the magic used, your 30 arrows are all imbued with the storm of the Tempest.
Alrik leans back, resting his head on the table and takes a deep breath. "I'm glad the magic worked. I've got business in town, but for now I think I'll rest and have something to eat. I'll make enough for both of us, if you wish."
He stands and walks to his small larder, sack of groceries in hand and gathers supplies for a hearty sandwich of smoked salmon, a creamy brie cheese, capers, all piled on a beautifully crusty, fragrant bread that has caraway seeds.
Etny smiles at Alrik. "That would be amazing, Alrik!" She adjusts her position on the ground, and arranges a bundle of jerky to add to the meal.
She looks inquisitively up at him again. "Is it alright if I joined you in your town business?"
His mouth full of sandwich, he just nods. After swallowing, he pours each of them some pale green juice wooden cup and takes a sip. "I don't see why not. I've got to make arrangements for someone to tend my cabin while I'm gone, as well and begin preparing for the journey... gotta see about booking passage to The Komodori."
"I have a feeling," she responds in kind, her mouth full of food, gratefully taking the green juice, "the Prince is already working on something like that. I don't know for sure though, but it's just a hunch I have."
She continues eating in silence, mulling over her thoughts carefully. She smiles to herself, glad to be relaxing with a friend, and not having to worry about fighting, necromancers, or anything else untoward for that matter.
****
Oredion notes Atrioxs annoyance, but smiles as they shake hands and pulls Atriox in for a forced hug. He thumps Atrioxs back heartily and chuckles. He steps back and reseats himself in the chair.
"So where are you lads going after this?"
Tak looks up at Atriox, fidgeting with his claws. Despite the nostalgic time being with the others, he knows he is responsible for the troops and should return to them soon. He wants to be a good leader like the dragonborn hopes for him to be.
Atriox looks over at Tak
"You know I dont really know for sure. I'm waiting for Ferrar to finish a small project. After that I suppose I should start looking for some promising boats to buy for our journey. Your welcome to come I suppose Ore. Do you wish to come brother? I'm sure Vele has the men handled and besides the army is on downtime."
Tak looks relieved and his tail flicks with contained excitement.
Oredion thinks back to leaving Etny, but feels a bit of time apart to process their drunk antics would be relieving to them both. He thinks about Atrioxs suggestion to join him. He looks up at Atriox.
"You know what... I think I will accompany you. Itd be good to get away for a bit."
Atriox nods at him
"Then we are just waiting on our freind Ferarr to finish those necklaces I asked him to make."
As if on que, Axemage appears up the stairs clutching something reverently in one of his hands. His eyes are a bit red as if he was crying, but he sniffs and clears his throat.
"Ah, thanks for waiting boys. All done." Once he's near Atriox, he holds his work out for you to inspect.
There are two beautifully intricate crystalline necklaces. Each is on a silver chain, the shimmering gems magically sealed with the glowing ashy aether of Willow inside. Wrapped around the crystals are willow trees, shaped from thin wire coiled over itself in a delicate pattern.
Atriox holds the necklaces very delicately. He is awww struck by how beautiful they are and how he made them in such a short time
"Thank you freind. These will be perfect for those she was close to. They will always have something to remember her by because of you. That's no small feet. I must leave you now my freind but I will see you and your son soon. Keep in good spirits and watch over him. As for what to bring on our journey? Any equipment you need or want bring. If it's to heavy I'll get you help to stow it on our ships."
"My pleasure." He adds with a little emotion, "I had some materials available... The trees were from my special supply." Ferrar looks at them fondly, then at the paintings on the wall.
"My late wife was an artist with delicate things. It takes me much more time to accomplish just a fraction of what she could." He swipes at his eyes and smiles.
"I'll take inventory of my supplies and start packing. I'll donate most of my general supplies and arms to the mayor and the soldiers here. Hopefully that will help soften the heart of the courts. I'll always love this city, no matter where I go."
Atriox smiles at the aging man. He's suddenly filled with a gladness that he asked the smithy to come with him
"That's very honorable of you Ferrar, and it's a kind gesture. No matter what the people here think. Sometime we will talk more and get to know one another. About Skyhold once you have seen what's left of it with your own eyes. Until it comes closer to our departure I must leave you my freind.
Atriox shakes the mans hand and brings him in for a hug. Afterwards he heads for the door and stops
"I will put some men I trust on guard duty around your house. I do not necessarily believe any harm will come to you and your boy but I also know how cruel chance and fate can be. I do not wish to risk anything."
His face brims with gratitude. "Thank you dear Atriox. Your kindness will never be forgotten. I will be honored to serve your kingdom."
Ferrar turns to the others. He shakes Ore's hand mightily. "Thank you Oreidion. I look forward to working with you in the coming future! You're the finest dwarf I've ever met."
"And you," he glances at Tak. The Kobold backs away a little with a polite smile, not wanting to be crushed in a hand or hug. Ferrar laughs. "You helped save our city. My home. The rumors about you must be true."
Tak looks embarrassed and unsure how to respond. "T-thanks. Yeah. No problem." He mutters. "I'll be outside." He awkwardly hops down the stairs, his cheeks burning. These humans made him feel a churning of strange emotions thst he didn't know what to do with. Fresh air seemed a good idea.
As the two of you make to leave Ferrar to tending his son, there's a loud crash downstairs. A strangled cry and a furious bark echoes up the stairs, followed by another bang and a gurgling yell. A rather vulgar string of undercommon and draconic curses carry through the house, followed by another bang.
Axemage looks horrified, reaching for the nearest weapon he can find. He guards the room to his son. "Pa?! What's going on!?" You hear Leo call out.
Atriox growls and with his glaive rushes downstairs to see what is going on
You bust through the door at the bottom of the stairs and back into the main workshop. You see a chaotic scene: Tak is breathing hard, holding his sword in front of him. His eyes glowing and his basalisk jawbone is bright red with blood. He looks both furious and stunned at the same time.
In front of him a man lays dead, his limp arm clutching his stomach. A jagged wound bleeds out on the dusty stone floor. Behind him another man is sprawled out against a wall, his breath raspy. He clutches his neck where a wound dribbles blood down his shirt.
Feet hit the cobblestones outside the broken door, the light from outside shining over the daggers and clubs left on the floor.
Tak blinks out of the shock, turning to look at Atriox. He looks back at his sword and yelps, dropping it. "T-T-Tak didn't mean kill him!"
Atriox curses under his breath. He turns around and yells up the steps for Ore. After that he quickly gives Taks shoulder a squeeze and runs out the door after whoever's running away
Oredion, you hear the ruckus down below. Tak looks shell shocked and at the blood on his hands. He'd killed before but never in the middle of a town. The idea terrifies him and he looks like he wants to find a place to hide.
Atriox, you shove past the broken, splintered door and give chase down the street. There's a bit of screaming coming from the marketplace around the block and your instincts tell you to head there. The smell of blood fills the air and despite the mild irritation you have from the sunlight, you can track your prey by the sweet metallic scent.
(Make a perception roll for me)
(13)
You spot three men ahead of you, the ones you remember seeing near the building before you entered. They're scrambling through the back of the stalls, forced in one direction by the narrow alleys and thoroughfare.
(Athletics or Acrobatics check to close some distance, please :) )
Oredion runs down the stairs to Tak. He sees the men on the floor and quickly shouts.
"Which way Tak?"
He stares at you with wide eyes, trying to wipe the blood off of himself. "Tak--uh--Tak see them run outside? Heard Atriox head to market."
(15)
Ferrar stomps down the stairs after you, putting a hand on your shoulder as he stops short at the sight of the bodies. "Celestia bless us! Those blasted thugs!" He growls, dropping his hammer on the floor and checking on the first fellow. Seeing he's long gone, he rushes to the other--prying the man's hand from his throat he makes a makeshift bandage from his apron. "Ore, were there more?!"
Oredion shakes his head and turns to the blacksmith.
"I dont know friend. I should try to follow Atriox in case their are more!"
Oredion turns and takes pursuit trying his best to follow the trail.
(Investigation 6+6, Athletics 5+8... puwy)
(Ore make a Wisdom check for me)
(Nat 20 +7)
Atriox, you jump over an approaching wheelbarrow, your tail flicking like a whip as you land with a burst of speed. Your eyes turn red and shadow-like, and your field of vision seems to narrow as you watch your prey.
The taste of their blood tempts you, though you are in control. Dodging another wagon and horse, you hear angry shouts behind you. The horse flares its nostrils, terrified at your presence. You close in closer on the three men. The end of the street begins to open up, and they look like they're making to scatter.
You spot a small crowd off to one side where one man turns. He's scrawny and weasel-like, shoving a woman out of the way as he books it down an alley.
Another of the fellows, a brawnier man without a shirt, makes for the end of the main road out toward the dockyard. A group of mariners and pirates, including a woman with a tricorner hat, looks surprised at the ruckus coming her direction.
The third turns to the right, hoping to duck between a line of carts coming in. The bearded fellow is the farthest ahead, disappearing in the shadows of a building leading to another street.
Ore, you suddenly sense that if they fled to the marketplace (you can hear the shouts down the way as well), they would have looped around from the left of the street. It's the closest entrance to it. Atriox would have likely pursued them. You think your best bet would be to head them off at the other end.
Rushing down the side street your booted feet smack hard against the road. You breathe heavy, but the downhill charge makes it far easier. The frustrated sounds from the market make you think you're getting close.
BOOM!
A bearded fellow slams right into you from a side alley, his hands covered in blood. Knocked to the ground he reels, head spinning.
Atriox chases after the burly man heading torwards the dockyard. Atriox roars and yells
"Stop now and I'll show mercy ! Keep running and you've sealed your fate ! No matter how long it takes me to hunt you down !"
(Intimidation 16+2)
The man shoves past the group near him to get away from you and the woman you saw sticks out a leg, tripping the fellow. He yells and stumbles before crashing against the ground, skidding some feet away. Bloody and scraped he tries to stand and another larger man walks over and sits on top of him. "Oh would ya lookit that! We got a bilge rat, lads!" She laughs, her voice fair and clear. You stop near the scene and she winks. "I'm guessin' he took somethin' of yours?"
Oredion grabs the man by the collar holding him to the ground. His eyes burst into flames. His voice fills with rage.
"Why did you break in? Was it to kill Leo? Tell me now or die!"
(Strength 12+5 Intimidation Nat 20+6)
The man cries out in terror, shrinking away as best he can from your fierce green flames. You can see the sweat bead on his face at the intensity of the fire, the heat practically boiling his skin. "Y-YES!" He screams, trying to get away with no pretense of hiding his intentions. "He's a monster! So many people died because of him! H-He deserves worse than death! My brother DIED fighting his undead horrors and my other brother has his guts spilled all over the f**king blacksmith shop!! That disgusting kobold should be strung up with the Axemage boy!"
Oredion picks the bearded man up by the throat and lifts him above his head. His green eyes start to show wisps of red around the green flame and he let's out a snarl from deep down.
"First off, you filthy bastard, THE KID was under an evil spell. Second off, how does killing an innocent teenager make you any damn better."
Oredion slams the man down to the ground, enough to knock him out, but not kill him.
(Strength 12+5)
His head cracks against the ground and he goes completely limp. People peer out of businesses and from up the street watching in surprise at the interaction. A few soldiers start making their way toward you, a few you've seen on the battlefield days prior.
****
Alrik, Etny, you both hear a noise from the market in town. It sounds like quite a little ruckus. Before you know it, a hooded figure comes skittering across the grass heading toward the forest beyond. They are small, and with your perceptive huntress eyes, you spot the mottled, camouflaged outfit. It moves awkwardly along the path, avoiding the main road and skirting around town.
Etny looks to Alrik, nodding, and says just three words quietly, "Let's get him!"
With that, she notches an arrow to her bowstring, her poleaxe slung to her back, and she throws several jerky pieces to the ground near her axebeak. "Gaare! Sara atha na unlar oritt!" With that, she signals Alrik to come with her so they can pursue the camouflaged, robed figure and catch it. "Oga, Alrik, come!"
Gaare dives on the meat and horks it down her throat, letting out a happy squawk. You see the figure is passing through the treeline perhaps 15 feet away, pattering along at a steady clip.
Alrik, your skin tingles with electricity. You feel something--a presence--close to your home.
Etny reaches into her satchel, and casting a pinch of ashes from a burnt leaf of mistletoe and a dried sprig of spruce, she casts both at herself and Alrik. A veil of invisibility and grey misty shadows engulfs both Etny and Alrik, and Etny smiles mischieviously. "Now," she whispers, "we follow. We cannot be traced, noticed, heard or tracked, my friend. You are essentially invisible. I know you aren't into stealth, but we are on a track and hunt, not a dishonorable ambush. We stalk our prey, and find out their secrets without detection."
(I cast Pass Without a Trace, and Chantry, you get +10 to stealth checks.)
Alrik's eyes narrow, sparking dangerously as he rushes to follow Etny and Gaare. The air begins to faintly smell of fresh rain as his magic seeps through his skin and dances around his fingertips.
(16 Perception)
You both begin to follow, noiselessly--silently--it's almost as if there's a faint breeze in the grass as you pass across the ground. You become aware of another set of footfalls in the distance, perhaps 50 feet behind the first. They sound heavier.
You're within 5 feet of the first figure, who looks around skittishly under their hood, tucking it tighter around them. There's a tingling in the air from your magicks, making the unknown individual uneasy.
Etny signals to Alrik, a questioning look in her eye. She has not yet drawn her bowstring, but the thunder/lightning arrow is notched tightly, ready at a moment's notice. "What would you like to do, Storm Mage?"
She looks over again at the figure they're approaching, and back to Alrik again.
Alrik makes a series of strange hand gestures, as if mimicking knocking him unconscious and tying him up.
Alrik hefts his staff, the bluish purple liquid flowing down it's gnarled shaft to the head of it as he creeps toward the crouched figure. (Is the creature wearing metal armor?)
Etny nods and gesturing for Alrik to follow her, she quietly approaches the hooded and robed figure, and when she is mere inches from the creature, quietly unnotches her bowstring, slowly and carefully returning the arrow to her quiver, and raises her bow to swing down on the unsuspecting figure's head, where the base of the skull meets the top of the neck. Releasing one hand, she gestures, and suddenly, a fog cloud surrounds the immediate area, growing from Etny's free hand. When the fog cloud gets big enough, she grips her bow again, and swings it, striking the figure before the fog cloud fully engulfs him...
(27 attack with the bow to use it as a bludgeoning weapon...)
Alrik nods to Etny, grasping firmly at the haft of his staff, wringing it between his hands as he prepares to swing at the creature's head. (Total 20 to hit, 10 damage, and it is incapacitated)
The figure crumples to the ground almost immediately, the two hefty wacks on its head completely knocking it senseless. The electricity from the staff maintains a connection between it and the individual--its body shuddering with the power--before it lays unconscious in the dirt. The thick fog hovers around you like a cool blanket, masking you from outside eyes.
With a grace to her deftness, Etny makes quick work of hog-tying the figure up with a few feet of strong hempen rope from her satchel. She ties several tight, unbreakable knots around the figures wrists, ankles, and tying the two together behind its back. She shoulders her bow, and hefts the figure over her shoulder with both arms as best she can. (18 Athletics check to lift the dude.)
She smiles again at Alrik, and, with one hand gesturing, the fog dissipates. "Nice work, Alrik!"
As you work to tie up the figure, the hood slides back. You see a scaly face with a large scar across it. The figure looks covered in blood, mostly on his hands. A large basalisk sword peeks out from his cloak.
"You as well... but they weren't alone. There were heavy footfalls off in that direction." He points further past where they ambushed their prey
You notice the footfalls have stopped. The area is eerily quiet.
You peer through the disbursing fog. Your skin tingles as if you're being watched. A slight rustling in the bushes perhaps 30 feet away catches your attention. It is too low to the ground to be a bird, too large to be a rabbit.
(9 Perception to check the immediate area for threats...also, my Pass Without a Trace Spell works for a whole hour.)
You also sense something nearby but can't tell from exactly where. You're a little frazzled by the turn of events, and the amount of blood on the kobold and his weapon. It makes you uneasy.
"Alrik....is this....Tak?" Etny's voice quavers slightly, her nerves on edge.
Angrily, he nods. "What was he doing?"
Looking about, he sees the movement and catches Etny's gaze. Alrik gestures to the bushes with his eyes, not used to being invisible and able to blatantly point out threats or targets. "Count to three, then rush it..."
Alrik's eyes roll into the back of his head as he lifts his hand, a massive storm rolling in... as a large thunderclap echoes from above, he disappears from Etny's sight...
(Misty step behind the bushes...)
Etny counts silently to herself, and setting the kobold down, rushes to the position that Alrik pointed out. She pulls her poleaxe from the strap on her back, and has it ready, and charges with full force toward the bushes, a gust of wind on the grasses.
At the sound of the thunder a human trips nervously from the bushes. He's of a medium build, a bit scrawny looking with a mean looking countenance. There is a cutlass in his hand, shaking with his nervousness. It looks as if he was hunting Tak.
He sees a gust of movement in front of him, his eyes wide in confusion. He does not see Etny, nor does he see the Tempest standing right behind him.
Another enormous thunderclap rips the sky apart as a lightning bolt crashes into Alrik, standing behind the man.
The Tempest stomps on his hand holding the cutlass, his voice somehow cutting through the rolling, thunderous echoes above... "move... and you die. Fight me... and you die. Not answer my questions... and. You. Die." (Rolled a 19 on the dice for intimidation, total score of 25... :) )
The man screams in pain and terror, wildly looking around for the source of what just happened. "Y-YES! YES! DON'T KILL ME! PLEASE! WHAT DO YOU WANT, STORM!?"
"What are you doing out here? What is your purpose?"
"Tracking a stinking kobold murderer!! That's what!" He winces as the bones in his hand crack and pop,
With a gesture, Etny disengages her spell (Pass Without a Trace), and stands before the man, her poleaxe at his throat. "'Murderer?!' What do you mean, 'murderer?!' Speak now, or you are cut down where you stand!"
She holds the axe head of her poleaxe to the man's throat, its blade dangerously close to his juggular.
(12 Intimidation...)
He lets out a gurgled cry, staring at the deadly eyes of the huntress in front of him. He leans back, trying to avoid the sharp blade at his neck. "J-Just what I said lady!! He killed a half a dozen people in the last few months! A-and just an hour ago sliced my cousin Jack's stomach wide open! His guts are all over the blacksmith's floor right now, you can go see for yourself! I fled, a-and tracked him here! Running like a coward!"
Etny is deeply disturbed and confused by this news. Still holding her poleaxe near the man's throat, she is both baffled by the news that Tak, who has, in her eyes, been up to this point honorable and well-to-do, is slaying people; and, if it is true that the einhycacht has murdered, she is not very surprised. Not by their kind. *Should I have shot the little bastard back when we first met? Was I wrong to stay my hand? Has Tak really committed these murders?* Her thoughts race as she tries to mull over everything that has happened up to this point.
She looks to Alrik, and tries to gauge how he is reacting, her eyes inquisitive and blazing, as if to silently ask him if any of this is true.
(16 Insight to see if the man is telling the truth...)
You can sense that the man is in fact, telling the truth insomuch as that Tak has murdered more than once before.
"And who," she asks, more for Alrik's sake than her own, looking down now at the young man, "has he murdered? Speak quickly! I want names," she demands, her eyes returning to look at Alrik, gauging his reaction.
"M-My cousin Mark! Mark Ganes! And Barnaby Wilson, a merchant he used to come here for years! His son's a damn orphan, a bilge rat because of that damn mongrel! I also helped recover half a dozen other dead bodies on the road in the last six months!" He stammers, his eyes wide.
"Gregory from the temple, he was an old school mate of mine! A-and Nickerbarrel, a halfling trapper who used to frequent the market! Got my best gear from the little bastard, he was one of the first they killed. Found him hanging up in a tree like a freshly killed deer." He hisses, his voice high and thin with nervousness.
Alrik grinds the man's hand under his boot. "He helped save your town... if he killed your cousin, he did something to deserve it. Etny, tie this scum up... we're taking him to Atriox and the mayor."
Whipping her poleaxe away from the man's throat, Etny resets it on the strap on her back, and deftly maneuvering her remaining rope, ties the man up tight. She makes sure his line cannot be broken, and kicks him firmly to stand up. With that, and leaving the tied up gentleman in Alrik's care, Etny then heads over to the unconscious Tak, and hefting him over her shoulder, approaches Alrik again. "Let's go, Storm Bringer. Let's get this over with."
Alrik nods, looking over his shoulder at the tied up and hobbled man. "Can you have your Axebeak walk behind him and if he tries anything, have it beat him to hell?"
Etny, placing two fingers into her mouth lets out a long, piercing whistle that echoes through the area. Not long after, a loud answering call can be heard, and Gaare comes jogging into the clearing. Etny sets and secures the unconscious Tak to the back of the axebeak, and ties the end of the other man's rope to the axebeak's neck. Etny looks the axebeak in the eye, and speaks firmly in her native tongue, issuing a string of commands to the bird. The beast presses her bill into the back of the tied up man, and urges him forward. Approaching him, and whispering so only he can hear, Etny says, "One move. That's all it will take for you. One move, and this beast of mine will have your entrails for reins."
The man nods in terror, the feeling of the axebeak behind him making him tremble. He walks forward trying to keep as much distance as he can between himself and the bird.
Alrik walks behind the axebeak, angrily fuming at himself for not recognizing Tak's cloak.
Tak stirs slightly, a groan of pain escaping the bundle of cloth. He seems dazed, confused by the feathery warmth of Gaare's back.
****
Oredion looks up at the soldiers approaching him. He speaks to the soldiers with authority and a hint of rage still feeling his voice and demeanor.
"Ahh, lads tie this thug up for me. He tried to kill Tak and the blacksmith. Watch over him uh until I get back to speak with him. There are more around, so be on your guard lads."
Oredion quickly starts to walk off in the direction he spotted Atriox.
The soldiers nod in surprise, quickly tying up the thug so that he can't escape once he wakes up. They heft him up and make to drag him to the jailhouse. You rush down the rest of the way to the market district, spotting Atriox standing beside a familiar pirate--the one who helped you and Etny to your room during your drunken revelry--along with a man on the ground being sat on by one of her men.
Atriox is thrown off by the woman and her easy handling of the situation. He trys to real in all his anger and the..........darker influences in his mind. Still with a little bit of a growl in his voice he speaks up
"He didn't steal anything. He did however break into someone's house with harmful and illegal intent ! I.....I thank you for your assistance madam in stoping the bastard"
"Ah I see you lads caught the other scum!
Oredion jogs over a little short on breath. He looks at the pirate and smiles.
"Ah if it isn't the bar savior. Thank you and your lads for helping me and my friend to my room last night! We had one to many."
Oredion turns his attention to Atriox and back to the thug on the ground. His eyes peak in confusion.
"Atriox I got one of them, but wasn't their two more. I see you have one so we need to find the other quickly. Do you know witch way he ran?"
The pirate tips her hat, flashing a cheeky grin at Oredion. "No worries mates. My pleasure helping you out! Scum like this gives us heathens a bad name." She laughs good natured. "I'll leave him to you boys, don't wanna stir up no trouble with the authorities." With a wave she makes to leave. The fellow sitting on the thug hits him once in the head with his brass knuckles and knocks him out instantly. He gives a friendly salute and follows after his captain with the others.
Atriox looks as the captain leaves
"Wait ! I didn't get your name? How can I repay you for your help ?"
The tan, athletic looking half-elf flashes another mischievous glint of a smile. "The name's Captain Sheila Coppertree! And no payment needed. Unless you'd like to stop by my ship for a game of dice. I always love a fresh face at the table."
Atriox thinks it over for a minute. Though sailors aren't always the most trustworthy of people Atriox thinks she's being truthful
"Very well I will come by your ship this evening. How will I recognize it ?"
"Look for the Annabel Lee! It's the finest ship in the harbor! You'll know her by her glamorwoven sails. They move in the light of the sun."
Atriox nods and looks back to Ore. He grabs the unconscious man and flings him over his shoulder while pointing to Ore where the other man went
Oredions eyes burst with flames as he looks in the direction Atriox points to. He sets off in a quick run surprising for his short height.
"Athletics 18+8)
You head down to the docks where Atriox pointed to, but it's been several minutes since the men fled. You don't see anyone in particular that stands out. (Perception check for me, or Investigation)
Guards approach you warily, looking at the man on your shoulder. "We just took one fellow in. Is this another? We have men at the crime scene now." They look at one another, uncertainty on their faces. "We'll take this guy in. See if they'll talk much. Are you doing alright?" One reaches out to shake your hand as another takes the unconscious thug.
You skim the crowd carefully, your eyes glowing brightly. You remember the men who were around the blacksmith shop that morning. A lanky sort of fellow was there, wasn't he? You search about, walking down the bay and out toward the wilds nearby. In the distance you spot Etny and Alrik walking your way, a strange man with them. It looks rather like the person you were looking for.
Atriox hands the man over and then shakes the guards outstretched hand
"Whatever they do say wont be of much help. I can guess what they'll say not that they are right at all. Misguided fools. I will be talking to the mayor and holding another public town announcement. Get this whole bloody mess over with in one go. These gentlemen will help me with my announcement but until then take them to the jail and gag them."
"Sounds good sir, thank you for apprehending him. We'll keep in touch." With a nod and a wave the guards drag the man away.
Turning to look where the pirate went to, you spot the others down a ways near the coastline. It's hard not to notice the large, ostrich-sized axebeak and the other guards carting away another criminal.
Oredion walks towards Alrik and Etny, his eyes still ablaze. When he reaches them he looks the man over feeling convinced it's the man he was searching for. He averts his eyes from Etnys, not wanting to show the rage in his eyes, and asks.
"Ahh I see you caught the runaway. Where did you find hi..."
Oredion stops short seeing Tak unconscious upon Gaares back. His eyes burst with another explosion of flame and he looks at the captive.
"What have you done to our friend you weasel!"
Oredion grabs the man by the caller and starts to drag him into town. He looks over his shoulder at the others and quickly shouts.
"Follow me quickly. These scum where just caught trying to kill Tak and the blacksmith's son Leo in his own home. We must bring this one to Atriox quickly before the situation gets out of hand. Et would it be possible for you to bring Tak to the temple for healing?"
Tak looks a bit dazed, trying to sit upright. As his eyes focus on where he's at--and that he's back in town--he yelps a little and struggles to get off Gaare. It's a monumental task for him to not fall flat on his face.
"Tak fine, c-can walk!" He says, "Tak just need nap, going home now! Thank you for ride on feather pet a-and for saving Tak!"
Atriox grunts and heads torwards his comrades. He wonders how they got into this mess and where Tak went. As he walks he struggles to let go of his anger and annoyance. He had not planned on these complications but perhaps he should have.........but no matter. Now he must step in to finish it before it escalates any further. As he finishes the approach to the others he stops once he's within talking range
"How did you all get dragged into this mess ? And where is Tak ? Things went so quickly I didn't have time to keep track of him."
Etny points in the direction the kobold went, and begins explaining. "Alrik and myself noticed Tak making his way out of town. I'll just say this much: we didn't quite recognize him at first, Dugairon. Needless to say, this man was tracking Tak, claiming...," she stops, unable to finish.
Atriox growls, his inner flame which he was trying to quench just bursts back into life
"What did that peice of trash say about my brother ? What could this criminal possibly say that would hold any sway after what they've done."
Etny, wincing at the prince's anger, reluctantly continues. "He said Tak has murdered half a dozen people, his brother included. He said that Tak spilled his brother's guts with a knife in the blacksmith's shop."
Atriox rolls his eyes while letting out a sigh
"Tak has killed scores of Goblins but he's not a murderer. The only reason that man in the blacksmiths is dead is because he forcibly broke in and attacked Tak. Tak of course acted in self defense and even then felt horrible. Tak is one of the best beings on this planet.......he just needed a chance for everybody to see it. Including himself. He's already to hard on himself he doesn't need you helping! "
Atriox let's a growl in some random direction as he vents his frustration. Then he looks back at the others
"The only reason the rest are alive is because I need them to make a point to the rest of the town. Had it been convenient Ore and I would of gladly sent them to they're doom."
Alrik scowls, processing the information. "Why'd they break into the blacksmith's shop? Were they looking to steal weapons or something?"
Atriox looks at the Alrik sharply for a second before shaking his head
"It appears that the town is under the misguided assumption that Leo the blacksmiths son was one of the Necromancers who killed and raised they're loved ones from the dead. They have no idea about the actual truth. They vandalized Axemages place then broke in with the intent of killing Leo I believe."
Alrik's expression drops, leaving his face completely blank. "Really...? They're so desperate for a person to blame... a body to hang... that they're targeting one of the victims?"
He glares at the captive man, his eyes narrowing and filling with flashing lights. "Your town was about to be destroyed. We saved you. All of you that we could... and yet you still go against us, behind our backs, to try and serve up some misconstrued version of justice?! You have no right... you acted out of pure hatred without even understanding what the circumstances were... you're lucky he..." The Storm Mage points at Atriox. "Needs you to be made an example of, otherwise I'd march your ungrateful ass clear up to the necromancer's keep and leave you chained inside..."
Atrioxs expression goes from annoyance and anger to an evil toothy smile. Though Alrik and Atriox have not seen eye to eye on many things this is not one of those moments. He approaches the man slowly and gets real close so he menacingly whisper in his ear
"Perhaps..........perhaps after I'm done with you I'll let Alrik do just that. It's no more than you deserve! All of you ! I don't care who you lost or how angry you are ! Nothing puts you above the law. To be more specific.....My law !"
(Intimidation 14)
After he's done scaring the man he turns back to Alrik
"Now you see why I must address the issue......if they found out that Leo wasn't the only one before we explain.......your freinds from the fang could be in grave danger."
Oredion faces the others pointing at the prisoner.
"What do we do with this one? Do we put him in the jailhouse too or do we bring him with us?"
Oredion let's go of the mans shirt and loos towards the docks. He feels annoyed that no matter how good a mood hes in, it can turn to anger quickly. He tries to calm himself and puts a forced smile on his face. He turns back to the others with a plan in mind.
"I have a suggestion lads! What if half of us go find and comfort Tak and half of us quickly talk to the mayor to get this nonsense taken care of quickly."
Oredions face beams with a smile, yet his eyes stay bright with an unwavering flame.
Etny considers her options. It's not like anything has really been up against her in the last little while, but since everything's been against her her whole life up to this point, she needs to make sure she treads carefully, yet boldly.
"Dugairon, why not speak to Tak? You might be able to glean more information from him, and we can send Alrik and Oredion with," she points at the tied up man, "him. I can go see Axemage, if you'd like. Or if you have something different on your mind, Atriox, just point me in the right direction." Etny shuffles nervously from one foot to the other, but when she looks upon Oredion, she smiles, her nerves easing somewhat.
The man looks nervously at everyone, but most of all Oredion and Alrik. The thought of being left alone with them seems to terrify him into a stupor.
Atriox thinks it over and then shakes his head
"No. Tak is strong I'm sure he will be fine till I or someone else can find a better time to go talk to him. I am taking the prisoner and heading straight for town hall to talk with Cere. Some things need addressed. You may go talk to Axemage if you wish I just thought somebody should."
Etny nods, and giving a slight bow to the Prince, gestures for her beloved dwarven friend to accompany her to this Axemage.
"Come, elenn, I feel like I haven't seen you in forever! Let us find this Axemage, and investigate his dwelling."
Oredion avoids eye contact and looks up. He does wish to go with Etny, but he feels obligated to help Leo. With his eyes glowing a dark green he looks down at Etny and speaks.
"I would love to Et... but I need to go with Atriox and help settle the blacksmith's affair. I feel his son Leo is a bright soul that should not be forced off this earth just yet for something he had no control of."
Oredion walks up to Etny and leans in to whisper something in her ear.
"Let us chat later. I feel we have much to talk about."
Oredion chuckles as he gives her a light kiss on the cheek and backs away to stand by Atriox.
Etny blushes a deep red, and chuckles. "Well, Oredion-elenn, if you insist, let us meet up and talk later then."
She turns now back to Alrik, shrugging. "Shall we then, Alrik? Let's find this Axemage."
Oredion looks to Atriox. His demeanor calms and he puts on a cheeky smile.
"Shall we be on our way dragon face? I would like to speak with this mayor of yours. I hear hes a dwarf to boot."
Oredion signals to the captive with his head. His eyes pulsing furiously as he eyes the tide up man.
"Shall we bring this one along as well or drop him off at the jailhouse?"
Atriox looks at Ore and ponders it. Theres potential positives and negatives to both
"Let's drop him off at the jail. The only thing Cere really needs is our statement. Anything he says is false and misconstrued at this point anyway. Sad really. Let's go. We'll see you all later"
Atriox motions for the prisoner to get walking
The man hastily stands realizing that the better he cooperates the less likely harm will come to him. He walks dutifully with you both, resigning himself to his fate of the law.
People watches you walk past, intrigued by what happened as well as mesmerized by your group's command over the situation. Word travels quickly in both small and large cities.
Alrik gestures in a different direction, looking uncertain about something. "You go on ahead, Etny... I'm... going to go see about... something..."
The guards greet you as you approach. Tying the man's hands they lead him in. He looks like he wants to protest but at glance at Atriox and Ore he withers and goes quietly once more.
"Thanks for your help today fellas," one of the guards says. "You got keen eyes and noses for trouble. Don't know what we'd do without you."
Atriox slight bows in respect to the guards in hopes the significance of the act isn't lost on them
"Nonsense. We just happened to be in the right place at the right time. It is us and everybody in Dragonshore who don't know what we'd do without you. You are the silent guardians, the soldiers at home who have the hardest job. The often times thankless job. Just remember when times are hard guardsmen you are NOT forgotten about I promise you amd thank you for everything you do."
(Charm 17)
Atriox shakes each of there hands with gratitude
They beam with gratitude, completely at ease in your presence. You can almost sense their relief at your understanding. They probably don't hear things like this often, and it is entirely refreshing.
After another round of hearty thanks and some requests for a drink with you boys later, you're on your way to the town hall.
Arriving you find it in a bustle, excitement from those working at festivities happening in a few days. Something to lighten the dour mood of the town.
You make your way to Cere's office. You see his bruises are healing well and he's in a rather elated mood despite what he's been dealing with. He glances up from some documents and beams when he sees you both.
"Heroes! Welcome. How are you doing? Not leaving soon I hope? We're planning a bit of a holiday in a day or two. We would love for you to be present."
Atriox walk torwards Cere and stops just a little ways from the Mayor. Hes motions to his companion
"Cere may I introduce a....freind of mine.Oredion, he showed interest in meeting you."
Cere smiles, standing and approaching you both. He holds his hand out to Oredion.
"Hello! Pleasure to meet you. How are you fairing after the battle? Doing alright my friend?"
Oredion shakes his hand firmly with a chuckle.
"I'm doing just fine mayor. I'm a little to stubborn to die. Thank you for asking."
Oredion stops shaking the dwarfs hand and looks to Atriox with a serious face.
"I feel me and Atriox here have something dire to speak with you about before the pleasantries mayor. I will let Atriox explain, since hes better at wording things then me."
Oredion chuckles, but keeps a serious face.
Atriox nods at the dwarf in gratitude. Perhaps he's more aware of his surroundings than Atriox originally thought. He look at Cere with a dire face
"Indeed my freind. We need to talk. I've been seeing a disturbing trend in Dragonshore. I understand that it's a small town and things are probably a little more relaxed and so are the laws. But things are changing. Dragonshore is changing! So now the laws must to."
Atriox steps a little closer to Cere and looks him in the eyes
"You let the mage guard just role in here and gave them absolute power. What did they do with it ? Torture and nearly kill a citizen of your town before he had even been proven guilty of anything despite evidence of his sincerity. Now here we are after the great battle and I find out that Axemages son is being accused and restrained for something he didnt do. This will not stand Cere. People are innocent until proven guilty not the other way around. On top of that the citizens of this town have decided the fate of the smithy and his son apparently. They're home is vandalized, broken into, and the intruders came with the intent to kill I believe. I have a mind of what to do but before I act I would like know your thoughts."
Cere's countenance droops a little and you see his mustache bristle. He looks both frustrated and remorseful. Gesturing to some chairs opposite of his desk, he closes the door and seats himself near you both.
"I thought I heard rumors in the office about something happening at Ferrar's shop..." He shakes his head. "I was hoping they weren't true. People taking the law into their own hands has its ups and downs." He gives you each a look, knowing you've helped out quite a lot on your own without the guards being involved.
Cere lets out an exhausted sigh. He rubs his temple. "We don't currently serve under a kingdom or lord. Once many years ago we did--well, White Birch did--but after the dragon's attack we gained independent sovereignty." He gestures a little with his free hand as he talks. "We have our own laws as a local government. I uphold statues made by the original founders of Dragonshore. To discuss your concerns..."
He sits up and leans his elbows on his knees. "We do believe in people being proven innocent until guilty. However with the circumstances regarding Leonar Axemage, where he was actively aiding the enemy for an extended period of time... he was going to be tried by a court of his peers later this week." Cere shifts uncomfortably. "I believe he is innocent myself, he's a good lad... but, as a precaution we were having him wait in the jailhouse until the hearing. Hearing his father's pleading to take care of him at home, I granted an exception under the pretense that he be unable to leave his home by any physical or magical means. I assume that's what you're referring to." He raises an eyebrow, knowing you probably met with the young man.
"The Mage Guard though..." His gaze darkens and he leans back again. There's a long silence as he processes how to say what he needs to, trusting you both with this information. "I unfortunately had no power over them. They are currently considered a global power, and subject to their own internal laws and rulings. Those rules supersede any local rule."
Cere chews on his cheek deep in thought. "They brought with them an asinine amount of paperwork and kept me busy most of the time they were here. I had to make sure everything was in order for them to both perform an interrogation as well as take command over the criminal--the mad wizard--and relocate him to their facility in Komodori. When I heard what happened to Oxious..." He shakes his head in anger and sadness.
"Though, in the end it did help explain some of the other issues we've had in town... supplies going missing...." He chuckles a little, ironically. "Petvin was in here every week filing complaints about something or another. I had no idea Oxious had a finger in that pie."
Atriox listens to all this, contemplating his next move. He decides being blunt but polite is the best move. He stands and paces around the room
"Cere.....I thought we were on the same page after our last talk. I understand how Dragonshore has long stood politically speaking but that is different now. Me and my freinds saved and sacrificed for this town. Over 500 hundred of my warriors gave up there lives for this town, and now I'm giving Dragonshore a great sum of gold to rebuild and grow ........but under my rule. No questions. Dragonshore is officially the first outer territory of the New Empire of Arkhosia and you Cere......are it's first Lord. "
Atriox walks up beside Cere and puts a taloned hand gently on his shoulder. He gives the dwarf a sincere look
"I could also mention the strength of my forces and positions but I dont want to. I don't think that is needed. We may have started as political enemies but then I found that I deeply respected you Cere. I'd like to say were freinds even. So for the sake of peace and prosperity it's time for change my freind."
Atriox let's go of Ceres shoulder and goes back to his chair and sits down. He looks at Cere very seriously
"Now that all of that is out of the way. You all have no idea what happened with Leo. You have no idea about how he was mind controlled the whole time and how he's not even the only one in this town who was manipulated. Several times the necromancers used members of this town. In fact Leo is in his own personal hell right now. He remembers doing all that. He remembers his body carrying out those dark deeds and hurting people he loves........but he had no control over his own body. It's like waking up from the worst nightmare ever.........so you see he's already being punished......by himself. And the poor boy didn't do anything......."
Atriox spaces off for a minute. His sadness for the boys problem weighs on him but he eventually remembers where he is and looks back at Cere sharply
"There will be no trial ! There will be no more talk of Axemage and his boy being traitors! This town will leave them alone for the next two weeks. Ahhh that reminds me. Do to hostile and unfair circumstances Axemage is closing shop and him and his boy will be leaving with me to make a new life in Skyhold."
(Persuasion 18 and Intimidation 13)
Cere is thoroughly taken aback by everything you've said. He blinks a bit to regain his focus and furrows his brow. "I see. Of course... I think that would be wise for the Axemages. I honestly wish to relieve them of the stress placed on them." He looks quite surprised that there were more affected by the necromancer, but leaves the topic alone. If no more people will be hurt or mind-controlled, that's all he cares about.
He gives a small smile. "And please, don't think I've forgotten our prior discussions. I am still and will always be loyal to the house of Arkhosia, and hope to support you on your rise to it. It will be mutually beneficial to both of our cities." He falters only slightly. "Again, I had no part of that Mage Guard tribunal, I pray that it doesn't seem that I did."
Atriox nods feeling relieved at what he's hearing.
"Good, good. I'm glad you feel the same about Leo's situation. Now we will have to do something about the men who broke in and attempted to harm him. One of them is already dead as he died in the break in. My brother Tak defended himself. I think we should hold a town meeting as well to address some of this. What I heard from these men deeply disturbs me my freind."
"I understand," he says. "I was hoping to make some announcements before the Harvest Festival... Let's do that. When would you like to address everyone?"
Atriox thinks about it
"I dont want to ruin the celebrations of course but this is a serious matter. I wont soften my words to spare anyone. Perhaps this evening?"
Cere nods somberly. "Yes... Yes. I would prefer that too I think. That way we can hopefully have peace at the festival. No retaliatory reactions or any sourness to spoil the fun."
He manages a small smirk and scratches his beard. "I have a place of honor for you two as well as your companions. Also..."
He stares hard at Atriox. "I need some advice. From one leader to another. I've been struggling with something for the last few days... Perhaps an outside perspective would help."
Atriox looks curious at this. He leans forward in his chair
"Yes ? What is it my freind? I will help if I can."
Cere seems to relax a little in his chair. "I see how eagerly you are to make friends with your opponents. It's strange to me. Not at all what I'm used to."
He strokes his beard, wanting to be honest and careful in his words. "It took me by surprise to see you free Dorokor--who mere hours earlier had been apprehended after killing so many of our own men--and her willingly assist you in slaying the monsters in White Birch. Not to mention..."
He glances out the window. Down below in the bay, you can see the flashes of many creatures swimming... blue scales glimmer in the sun. "You befriended the kobolds, who have also caused us undue problems. Not only did you work with them but we have had no further incidents... and they guarded our city with their lives."
Cere looks back at you, bemused. "I've fought and fought and our foes just dig their heels in deeper. You come in and within weeks..." he lets out a guffaw. "I want to try to do what you've done. Try to be better about uniting, rather than dividing. So my question is... would it be wise to have the orcs and kobolds join in the celebrations in two days time?"
He gives you a steady look. You can tell he's been weighing the options thoroughly. "On one hand... it would show them we support them just as much. Hopefully build new comrodery. But I have to be honest it makes me nervous. I don't want anyone to get hurt. Nor do I want to displease our new... allies." He chews on the word a little, as if it's new for him. "Likewise, I don't want to cause the citizens to have an uproar. There are still some mixed feelings about certain events... as we witnessed today."
"What would you do?"
Atriox smiles in a knowing way. He to has been pondering this very same question.
"I think that should be something mentioned later today. I understand that the town may have some hard feelings but we must all move forward. The kobolds especially deserve to be there. They've bled for this town, guarded it, and died for it as you know. They've made up for it doubly I'd say. The orcs on the other hand........that might be harder to manage. I spared them because i need soliders and truthfully the orcs are just Mercs. Who were fulfilling they're contract. I can't begrudge them to much for that. But the town's people would prefer to see actually deeds from them that show they're intent and not just my words......hmmm. perhaps......I could throw a separate party or something to entertain the orcs. I don't think they will mind to much. Except for Dorokor. She is my hired bodyguard so the town will just have to get over that bit. Say that reminds me Cere. Theres something you need to know."
Atriox sighs and leans back in his chair
"As I've said before the kobolds have earned they're place twice over at least. As such I have told the ones that remain once I'm gone that as Dragonshore grows they may begin to build homes here and be a real part of the town. I expect you'll welcome them and help them build a life here."
Cere looks relieved. "Thank you for your input, Atriox." He smiles at both the dwarf and the dragonborn, glad for your company. "I will make a point to include the kobolds in the celebration, as well as... mentioning the orcs. And welcoming Dorokor. But perhaps another party for the mercenaries would be safer for both groups involved."
He taps his fingers on his knee, thinking about your comments. "Kobolds... here? In the city?" He considers the idea looking interested but wary. "It's not that I want to say no, but... they seem... like they have such a different life style. How shall they integrate comfortably with the other citizens?"
Oredion sits back amused and slightly impressed by the conversation before him. He sees now that Atriox is keen with his words as well as his actions. He decides it best not to speak until all of Ceres questions are answered by Atriox.
Atriox shrugs at Cere nonchalantly with a smile
"With your help and hopefully some understanding souls, anyway they can. In truth I will be bringing a good amount with me, but the ones that stay behind will breed and by the time I come back there number should be significantly bigger. Hopefully. And the rest of them that stay will have many places to live. In town, outside of town, the temple,the camp, through the portal in they're village, which might I add is a good escape plan should Dragonshore ever need evacuated."
Atriox pauses and let's out a snort of contemplation before continuing
"In truth Cere only one or two may want to live here. Maybe they'll want to open a shop, or join the guard, work at the inn. They are talented little individuals my freind. When I was a kid in Skyhold the Kobolds technically lived outside the city walls but in these massive colorful tents. It looked like a bright city around the city itself. They could be awnrey, but they have good hearts, sharp minds, and can adapt. I'm sure the kobolds here can do the same. We just need to give them the chance Cere."
Cere seems very surprised at the information you shared. "A portal in the old temple? That's quite interesting... Very interesting indeed." He strokes his beard again, deep in contemplation.
"They have been helpful, and what you say about your city of Skyhold... The kobolds are quite the hard workers. I suppose if a few want to come to Dragonshore they may... as long as the rules are followed there should be no problems. I'll give them a chance."
Atriox stands up and extends his hand to Cere
"Yes you will. You'll give them a big chance. This won't be easy, but they've earned it Cere. I suggest you put together a committee of good people willing to help any kobolds willing to live here. Help then adjust to city life, help them figure out what they want to do, that sort of thing.Dragonshore will be a expanding over time and that will draw many different types of people to its shore. You need to be ready for that. I need you to do something else Cere. You are the Lord now and Dragonshore your capital but over time your area of control will need to expand. You will lord over Baralona itself if you prove yourself. With that though I think I should be on my way freind. I'll see you this evening. Ore do you need to talk to Cere more ?"
Cere's eyes widen. "Yes, of course my friend! I'm more than happy to instigate the start of that process." He tries to hide his surprise and the somewhat fluttery giddiness that's tugging at the corners of his mouth. The idea of being a lord of Baralona is obviously elating to him.
The mayor turns his attention towards Oredion. He smiles, waiting for any questions from the dwarf.
Oredion stirs a bit, not expecting their conversation to be so short. He was quite smitten with the conversation. He turns his attention to Cere and speaks politely.
"I am glad to have the chance to talk with you mayor. I have just a quick question. I know there are few dwarfs in this city, and have met many with my travels. I ask them all the same question if I remember to!"
Oredion chuckles and stands at the last part. A look of seriousness distorts his features.
"I will say this once and once only sir. Have you heard of mount Yagdrad?"
He looks misty eyed at the mention of it. "Yagdrad...? The Mountain of Moradin's Mantle?" Cere seems to recognize the name and his eyes narrow at you with a great deal of reverence. "Yes, lad. I've heard of it."
"I assume you know of its destruction? How the goblin horde massacred all of people..."
Oredion looks off out the window. He sees two birds gently gliding in the distance on the air currents. He turns back to Cere, his scared eye a dark green and his other a light blue hue.
"I plan to avenge them one day... I have spoken with all most every dwarf I have ever came across a simple question. If the day comes to fight the horde will you put up arms to revenge my... no, our people?"
Oredion looks to Atriox with a smile and back to Cere.
"This big lug over here has already offered to help. In return I will help him rebuild his kingdom. A simple task, yet a long one that will take many a year to fulfill. I know you are but a simple mayor, but I would be honored to have such a well known dwarf assist me in such a feat."
(Persuasion 15+3)
Cere steps forward and holds his hand out to shake Ores. "Beyond any doubt." His own eyes blaze. "I started as a young adventuring lad out of Brewick in Eredhune. I journeyed those seas often before--and sometimes after--I came to Dragonshore... We all heard of a disaster across the sea in Radhal... but when we got there..."
He shakes his head slightly, not daring to take his eyes from you. "You are really one of the fallen? You escaped? How?"
Oredion shakes Ceres hand firmly and speaks with a level voice to disguise his sadness.
"To be honest... I do not know exactly. I think it has to do with this power and the god Grummsh. I awoke to find my scared eye sealed shut and the mountain destroyed. My people... they were... they were speared threw and hoisted into the air as a victory for the damned goblins."
Oredion clenches his fists and his eyes start to burst with flames. He tries to calm himself, but to no avail. He signals to Atriox that he his ready to leave and turns back to Cere.
"I am glad to have your support mayor. Not to talk and dash, but I have to check up on the axemages."
Oredion walks out of the room, not wanting to show his anger more then he has already.
Cere is taken aback by the response, his face pained by the same memories. He saw his kin hanging there. He saw the women and children skewered. "Grummsh?" He tilts his head in confusion, looking at Atriox. There's a moment of awkward silence.
Atriox sees Cere look at him and shrugs in just as much confusion
"I don't know anything about that mans beliefs or who this Grumush is........but he's a decent enough guy so it doesn't really bug me. Now I will see you later Cere at the gathering. I need to go run over what I'm going to say. I'm sure you know what that's like."
Atriox gives him a smile shakes his hand one last time and leaves
****
Etny shrugs again, letting the Storm Mage do what he needs to do. She decides now is as good a time to find this Axemage. She makes her way to the Dragon's Lair Inn to find Janae. Gaare follows Etny obediently, and the two of them make their way to the inner part of town where the inn is. Etny stables up Gaare, and sets down some grain berries for the axebeak. After that, she gently grooms the bird's feathers with a soft brush. Etny utters sweet nothings to the bird in her native Andrayan tongue, running her hands over the axebeak's soft feathers.
With that, Etny enters the inn, and approaches the bar, seeing Janae cleaning some glass mugs.
"Janae-dera," Etny calls out, "I have more eggs on the way from my axebeak. Should have them to you by tomorrow morning. Also," she remarks, approaching the bar, and seating herself, "I have some questions for you."
Jannae smiles broadly. "Wonderful! Many happy customers with those eggs..." she chuckles.
Sliding a cup of water your way she says, "What can of questions can I answer for you?"
"Yes, well, the war has taken its toll on everyone, especially here in this land. I had almost no stake in it...almost..." she trails off, smiling a little before continuing, "but I felt obligated to help out anyway. You and so many others here in this town have been so kind to me and my friends. At the same time, however, despite the war being over, there is still strife in Dragonshore, or so I've heard."
She pauses and let's her words hang heavy on the air. "What can you tell me about this...Axemage? I was asked by Atriox-Dugairon to check on him."
Jannae smiles and nods. "Aaah, yes! Mr. Axemage, he owns the blacksmith shop down the way." She points at the road, and you remember now meeting him at his shop. The weapon at your back is proof of your visit.
"He's a very interesting fellow. Gruff exterior... More so since his wife passed." Her countenance droops a little. "Sad business. But he's still as talented as ever, and such a hard worker. He helps fix some of the things here once in a while. Both him and his son." Jannae beams warmly. "We have a lot of travelers come through bartering wares in the marketplace, but he's our only longstanding blacksmith since... goodness, I'm not sure I've ever seen another in the town."
Etny sighs, visibly relaxing from the day. She remembers Axemage from when Ore-elenn bought her the poleaxe she now wields. she smiles at the memory, but the smile quickly fades as she remembers what happened to Axemage, and what he has been through. She will do her best to give the man what thanks and comfort she can.
"Thank you, Janae-dera. I will be going to check on the blacksmith now. I hope everything continues to go well for you, and I'll have another egg or two to you by tomorrow afternoon."
With that, Etny rises from her seat, and makes her way to the door.
Etny, you make your way through town with this new information, mulling over everything in your mind. Heading to the blacksmithy you find a bit of a scene outside. Guards are hauling away a wrapped... something in a cart. Spotting you they wave, aware of who you are and the assistance you've provided the town. You have no difficulty getting in.
Once inside you see the mess of the fight being cleaned and straightened up. Ferrar sighs, his shoulders drooping. He turns at your footsteps and his countenance brightens slightly. "Huntress! Hello. How are you? Sorry for the mess..." He gestures gruffly at the items scattered and broken.
"Oleah, it is of little concern, good blacksmith. I just wanted to come and see how you are fairing, and if there is anything I can do for you."
Etny let's out a sigh again, feeling a little out of place here. Someone like Alrik, Atriox, or even Oredion was better suited to speak with this gruff, yet kind, man. She shifts from foot to foot, trying to think of something to say. "Well, I will admit: this poleaxe sure saved my life many times in the battle. I thank you, Axemage-dero. You have done such a great, act on my behalf, that I feel--no, I KNOW I must return the favor for you." She approaches him then, bowing slightly out of respect. "What can a lowly huntress do to assist or aide you?"
Ferrar looks surprised for a moment, his face softening into a more kindly smile. Some of his gruffness thaws. "You're quite kind, miss. I'm glad to know my poleaxe kept you safe out there. I would be devastated if otherwise."
He strokes his scruffy beard, considering. "It sounds as if I'm taking a trip with the dragonborn. You're friends with him too, yes?" He raises an eyebrow. "I suppose some extra hands when it comes time to move--or at least an extra pair of eyes--would be greatly appreciated." He smirks. "Don't want no more attempts against my family is all."
Oredion, you head down the street from the town hall and find yourself at the blacksmith shop. Stepping inside the propped open door (still hanging somewhat damaged from the break in) you see Etny and Ferrar talking. He seems much better now, or at least more at ease. The guards outside are definitely helping with keeping the peace.
"Yes, Axemage-dero, I am certainly friends with Atriox-Dugairon, and I would be honored to guard your establishment, and the moving of your goods and product to the docks. I will guard with my life."
She absently runs her fingers along one of her arrow fletches. "When shall I start? I did promise Janae-dera that I would bring her food, so if I could see to that, I will be more than willing to guard your things."
Axemage looks thoughtful. "I think in a week or so. I'll reach out to you then, if you're still available."
Oredion sees Axemage and Etny and decides it best to not run away from her again. He walks over and stops a few feet short making his presence known with a chuckle.
"Haha. If it isn't my compadres. I an back to see if you need any assistance smithy."
Oredion glances at Etny and cracks a smile, but straightens up quickly.
Ferrar chuckles. "None more than you've already given, Ore. You're one helpful fellow." He walks forward and pats you on the shoulder. "I really appreciated everything earlier. Really."
"I should be, Axemage-dero," she rests a finger on her chin, thinking, "though, I do not no whe--"
She hears Oredion nearby her, and smiles brightly at her beloved dwarf. "Why hello there, Ore-elenn! It's real good to see you!" After Ferrar comes up and pats Oredion on the shoulder, expressing his thanks, Etny leans down to the dwarf and plants a light kiss on the side of his head. She quickly straightens up, blushing a little bit, and chuckling.
"I was..I was just talking to Axemage-dero here, and he and I have agreed that I guard his wears when he transports them to the docks...when we're ready to leave, that is."
Oredion cheeks turn a crimson red and he looks away flustered for a second recovering his composure. He looks back to them and speaks quietly his mind somewhere else.
"Ah. I see. If it would be of help I would gladly assist Et in protecting your wares."
Oredion looks around the shop. He notices most of the damage has been fixed and cleaned. Well except for the door he broke. He mentally laughs to himself, but quickly dismisses the thought. He looks to Axemage and voices his thoughts.
"Is everything almost repaired. I see it's looking better in here. How is Leo? Atriox and myself have talked to the mayor Cere. He seems to be leaning our way on seeing Leo as innocent. Your son should be free of all claims of crime by this evening!"
Ferrar beams with gratitude. You can tell he's struggling not to be emotional about it, putting on a gruffer face. "Yes? That is quite happy news indeed! 'Bout damn time Cere did something more." He falters a little. "Thank ya... all of ya. Don't know what I would've done if you all hadn't landed in our little town, heh."
"You have our thanks as well, Axemage-dero. We will do all we can to continue to help you."
Etny looks over again at Oredion, and smiles once more at him, grateful to have him around again. "Ore-elenn, I suppose we should get going. Where would you like to go from here?"
Oredion smiles at Etny and looks to Axemage.
"I will be seeing you later on smithy. Once your boy is free I would like to talk to you about his future."
Oredion walks to the front door and turns back to Etny and offers his hand out.
"Would you like to go on a hunt Et?"
****
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