Alrik pulls his hood up, settling his head deep within as he sets off out of town and past his little cabin, stopping briefly to grab his pack of supplies. He makes his way into the woods, snaking his way back and forth, doubling back and retracing his steps to throw off anyone who may be attempting to follow him.
After many hours of traveling, the world around him takes on a reddish hue... the air feels warmer, and the blood within his veins seems to pulse with an excitement as the grove of Pyrlanth's remaining essence...
The Storm Mage lowers his hood and sighs, looking at his bandaged hand, the bronze scales catching the dim red light and shimmering. "Ancient one... what's happening to me?"
You feel a humming as if from the earth itself... soaked with the ancient blood of the red dragon. The feeling wraps around you like a warm blanket in the windless grove. Bones tower up around you again, but the setting feels... peaceful. There is no malice or danger left in this forest, thanks to the efforts of you and your friends.
Something urges you onward toward the massive monument. You stand in the middle, completely enveloped--absorbed--by the powerful magic. The weave threads around you in caressing tendrils. You can't help but sit on the soft grass, your mind drifting peacefully.
You fall asleep.
You're surrounded by white and a perpetual red glow. It's hard to see your hands in front of you, as if you're lost in a thick, unyielding fog. Slowly a shape forms in your vision and you see before you a dragon--truly ancient and titanic in size. Its red frills are full and shimmering, encircling the massive pearl-colored horns on its head. His amber eyes study you standing before him. Almost impossible to break your gaze from his, you blink and notice he's not alone.
A royal elven maid sits nestled against his forearm, stroking the polished scales with love and reference. Her hair cascades like molten silver down her back, an ethereal glow giving her the look of an angelic being. She turns from Pyrlanth and tilts her head at the storm mage. An elated smile spreads across her features. Her voice is like a clear bell. It sounds so familiar.
"Alrik!"
"Krysvyre? Is that you?" He rubs his eyes, not sure if he's dreaming or hallucinating, but pretty sure he's seeing something out of the ordinary
Her expression warms you further as if a ray of sunshine. It feels like a strange dream.
"Yes. I am finally at rest," she says. Pyrlanth nuzzles her gently with his great head. His voice rumbles up from a deep place, mirroring your question.
"What is happening to you?"
He again looks at his left hand, and carefully removes the bandages, the scales glinting in the red glow. His eyes strain and flicker, but not with the storm trapped inside them... instead, they flash to mirror the large dragon's, slitted and glowing. As fast as they changed, they return to normal.
"I'm not sure, to be honest. Krysvyre said something about a draconic ancestor, perhaps on my mother's line..."
"Nymmurh."
You feel your blood stir with the word. Pyrlanth gently blows steam from his nose, the fog around you dissipating slightly.
"'The Wyrm Who Watches'... Yes. You have a drop of his blood in you." His head turns and he regards you with a curious look.
"Dragon's blood radiates strongly with magic... And reacts just as strongly to it. As you know from my grave..." He pauses, pondering. Waiting.
Alrik nods, trying hard to understand. "Yes... I... fire was extremely volatile while near your grave... and when I touched the bones..." he trails off, again glancing at his arm.
He looks at the dragon, a look of near childish innocence and desire for understanding coming over his face. "Why me, though? Why was I chosen...? Why not Tyrius? The magic was awoken when..." his hand drifts to the back of his neck.
Pyrlanth's eye closes, contemplating. When it opens again it is alight with volcanic energy.
"What happened to Tyrius' body? Do you know?"
Alrik nods sadly. "He was put to rest with the customs of Winterhold... a pyre was lit at sunset, his body upon it..."
The great dragon emits a husky growl, likely a sigh. Krysvyre's expression turns somber.
"The will of the blood of dragons is its own... I have no answer for why it chose to react for you over your dear brother. Perhaps the injustice you witnessed... Seeing him fall."
Pyrlanth shifts slightly, his wings swirling the fog. He looks thoughtful as he gazes out into the unknown. "Nymmurh... Always the champion for righteousness... justice... A sparing claw."
"This... Nymmurh... he is the dragon? His blood runs in my veins?" He shakes his head slightly, as if trying to shake memories from his vision.
"I... I'm glad he helped me, but saddened, and perhaps a little angry, that he didn't help my brother as well... the bond we shared... it was like none other..."
Alrik blinks away a tear and pushes the memories further away for the time being. "You say he's a champion of righteousness and justice... could... is it possible that his blood is what fuels my hatred toward necromancers and their undying filth?"
"Undoubtedly." Pyrlanth snorts, looking down his snout at you. "He hates evil. Always." His tail flicks absently, studying you. "He always says humanity is better than the metallic dragons...the good-hearted honorable drakes."
He lingers on the phrase, drawing out the words. "Metallic dragons were created by Bahamut to do good and they must not turn away from that... but lesser species could freely choose to be good. Your choices are your own. Despite that blood."
Alrik meets the Dragon's gaze, absentmindedly clenching his fist. "My choices have sometimes done more harm than good, but I try my hardest to be a force of good..."
He switches his eyes to Krysvyre, a look of question coming across his face. "So... I know Pyrlanth is no longer on the earth, as least not the way we see it before us... so I can only assume that you've joined him in passing on... but my question remains, how am I here?"
The fog drifts away and you are momentarily blinded. You see a grand landscape around you, and witness a colossal mountain rising from an infinite sea of holy water. You are atop the walls of a massive castle, walls made of mithril reflecting the eternal light of Celestia, a beacon on the horizon of the world. The wings of great golden wyrms glisten, reflecting the fiery light.
"You asked for answers at my grave. Bahamut granted me leave to dream speak." He tilts his head. "I made enough of an impression on him to be granted leave to grace his halls in my passing. You helped me with this."
"Are there any other questions you have? You may ask three more before you shall wake." Krysvyre smiles warmly, hugging her friend and radiating compassion. It's hard to believe this was the same ghostly being who was in the forests of Tanglewood.
Alrik looks between the elven maiden and the dragon, carefully weighing each possible question, finally figuring out one he feels the need to ask.
"I was warned by The Enigma, Breehani Giantsbane, that this transformation... this Nymmurh's blood within me... can be dangerous. That if I don't pace myself, protect myself from it, that it could destroy me. What should I do to keep it from doing that?"
Pyrlanth holds a steady gaze with you, unblinking. "The bodies of all creatures--good and evil, righteous and unrighteous, even Gods--act in tangent with the Weave. The Weave itself is a never-ending eternity of energy, woven like a great tapestry. You know this."
The great red dragon's head tilts ever so slightly. "Individuals have two halves that can interact with the Weave. Their blood, and their talent." He pauses. "You are graced with an extraordinary amount of both."
"The fact that your blood magic is so potent is because of your talent, and the drive behind it. Your drive..." Pyrlanth's eyes glow slightly in a swirl of molten energy. "Forgive me for answering your question with a question. What drives you...
Aldrin Voltaire?"
The Storm Mage flinches at being called that. "I... haven't been called that name in nearly two decades. I took up the name Alrik when..." his hand once again moves to the back of his neck. "When my family was sacrificed..."
He again looks the dragon in the eyes, a quivering breath escaping him. "I originally was driven by my hate for necromancy... my hate of him... but after being found by Magus Jaundree, my drive shifted... it became more about helping those that couldn't help themselves. Protecting those who are victims..."
A voice resonates in his mind, his own words coming back to him once again... "To be the storm that stands between evil and good."
Pyrlanth closes his eyes for a moment. "A very strong response, Aldrin. I expected nothing less." Opening them again, he continues. "Your growing sense of righteousness and protecting the weak... it stirs the blood in you."
"The stronger your drive, the stronger that blood becomes. The more concentrated." His tail twitches absentmindedly, the fog of a cloud beginning to roll back in. "If you stir the blood too much, it begins to boil... and the greater you allow your talents to channel the magic..." He pauses his tongue flicking. "Your body is not yet strong enough to handle such potent energy."
"Young Aldrin..." He looks at you, the kindest, most sincere look you've ever had leveled against you. Krysvyre sheds silent tears as she scries your history and your physical makeup, caught up in and empathizing painfully with your loss.
"Know that as you channel the Weave, your body will accommodate the energy within you. It will stretch and strengthen. Like a muscle. But if you force it... If you turn the faucet on all the way, beyond your limits... or break it off, and keep the gates of power open... Your life is in the hands of wild, uncontrolled magic. It could break you... it could change you..."
"...It will kill you."
His voice is sincere yet firm. "Never let that temptation overpower you. Have patience. Have pity. Have control. That should keep you safe from harm, little magi."
He nods, vowing to keep control as best he can from that point forward. "Thank you, Ancient One. That is all the questions I have for myself... however..."
He glances up, a look of worry on his face that hasn't been seen on his face by many people, if any. "What of my apprentice, the orphan known as Tucker? What should I do to help him? He's so strong already, but in many ways, weak and broken... just like myself. How do I save him from becoming me?"
The fog thickens further. It presses in around you, shielding the three of you in a damp cocoon. "The boy... yes... very much like you." His voice is growing softer. "I remember the pattering of many feet through my forest. Those young ones. "
"You have already changed your own fate many times. You re a good person to become, should someone wish to try."
A spout of steam issues from Pyrlanth's nostrils, scattering a bit of the fog. "Believe it or not, you have already been instrumental in changing this young boy's fate... pushing the needle of his course to a new direction. You have already saved him thrice."
Krysvyre looks up, her eyes shining guileless at Alrik. "I hope more people do become like you."
Alrik pauses as he takes in the information that was provided to him, taken aback by this knowledge.
After what feels like an eternity to him, he looks up once more, somewhat afraid of his last question...
"And what of my companions? I fear that something will befall them... something I can't stop or fix. I am afraid that I will get them killed, or they'll let their ambitions blind them into a fate of pain..."
It's becoming difficult to see now, and the form of Pyrlanth and Krysvyre begins to fade. You see his mouth moving, but you strain to hear the words. You are lost in a bank of white. The wet cloud makes your clothes stick to your skin.
"Life is full of pain, but it undoubtedly lets us appreciate the balm of healing... Be their storm against the evil, young magi.
Trust......"
His last phrase cuts off as you sink into the fog, lost, falling....
...
You wake, drenched in sweat. Your clothes stick to you all the same. Panting you sit up. You're in the middle of Pyrlanth's Grove, his bones towering above you.
All around you is a circle of firebloom blossoms.
Closing his eyes, he begins taking deep breaths as best as he can, trying to calm his heartbeat that he can hear in his ears.
Grasping the grass and hearty beneath his hands, he slowly begins to find his center... to ground himself... to bring himself back to the present.
After a minute of breathing and contemplation you feel your heartbeat is finally starting to slow. The soft glow of the forest around you hums with birdsong, the adrenaline draining away and leaving only exhaustion.
Finally opening his eyes, he takes a final deep breath before standing up. Alrik walks over, pressing his forehead against one of the large rib bones. "Thank you, Ancient One. I will heed your words."
After a few moments of waiting, he heads back to town...
As you make your way back you hear the pattering of feet along the paths nearby. Peering around the trees you see half a dozen kobolds at a time, their blue scales glinting in the smattering of sunlight coming through the canopy. They look happy and elated... still rather wild.
It's hard to tell them apart sometimes but based on their gait and sizes there are females among them now. A few spot you and yip playfully, before running on all fours through the trees. It looks like a whole troop of them had gone to the sea side and are just now returning to the temple a few miles further past the forest.
"Storm face?" A voice surprises you and you turn to see Tak coming up at the rear of the troop. He looks somewhat shyly up at you. "W-where you coming to visit? Everything okay?"
"Hello, Flame-Scar. I am okay. Don't let my drenched appearance fool you." He chuckles. "I was visiting Pyrlanth and the grove. Seeking advice on a few things. How... how are you?"
Tak tilts his head in curiosity. He looks back toward where the Grove is and you can see the confusing mix of emotions cross his face.
"Tak is... okay. Doing good." He shifts from foot to foot. "Just helping the others with some down time. They doing good."
Watching several other kobolds skitter through the trees, he fiddles with his claws. It looks like there's something he wants to say, but he's having a hard time trying to voice it.
Alrik leans down against a log, still feeling exhausted from what happened in the grove. "You can talk to me, Tak... I won't hide anything from you, nor will I be upset with anything you tell me."
Tak watches you sit, and a look of sincere compassion comes into his eyes. It reminds you vividly of Pyrlanth somehow.
The little scarred kobold walks forward with apprehension. "Tak not been sure how to feel sometimes. With all of this. The fighting. The other kobolds. The town." He wrings his claws again, one hand brushing the melted scales of his right arm. "Tak still don't know sometimes."
He takes his sword from his back and kneels near you, holding it with reverence. "When Tak first met you and Atriox, Tak meant to kill you. Not trying to hold back. But you both very strong. So strong." His brow furrows. "Thought I would die. But... you healed Tak. I remember."
He looks uncomfortable. "Tak thought maybe you kill me later. Few times, honestly. Several times." His brow furrows further, his eyes glistening. "But you never did. Though sometimes Tak think he deserved it. You always show pity to me. Kindness. Gifts. It's hard to process. I..." He struggles with his common. "I thank you. Truly."
He looks down at his sword. "...Alrik? You mad at Tak? You disappear. Seem... upset. More upset lately."
Alrik rests his hand on Tak's shoulder, smiling at him. "I am upset... but not at you, little dragon. I'm upset with myself. I couldn't save everyone. Some people who were very close to me died in the battle. Zinnia was taken, and I had to do something very painful in order to help her... all those kobolds who died..." he grits his teeth, a tear escaping his eye and sparking as it runs down into his scar.
"Everyone nearly died in the necromancer's keep... I... if Tucker hadn't shown up... I don't know what would have happened. He forced me to fight harder..." he shakes his head, trying to clear the emotions within
Tak looks distraught. The thought of any of you dying seems to pain him. "Tak should have been there. Glad no one was hurt..." He looks taken aback by his own feelings.
"Tak fight harder then too. You protect this town. This forest. Me." He gestures with a claw, struggling to sound strong. "Tak protect what you care about. What you all care about. "
"Just don't forget... don't overdo it. That's what I'm struggling to remember..." he smirks
Tak snorts as if you made a joke. His face cracks into a small smile. "You? Overdo things? Naaah..." He exhales, seeming instantly more relaxed now. It's nice just catching up. Sitting. Talking.
"Were you headed back to town tonight?" He tilts his head again, intrigued.
Alrik nods. "I think so... time for the grumpy old hermit to leave his cabin..." he can't help but crack a large smile, chuckling slightly
"Grumpy soft skin." He laughs. Tak suddenly looks sheepish. "Want any company?"
The Storm Mage pushes himself up with his staff, smiling down at the kobold. "Sure. You can introduce me to everyone. They may not recognize me, since I haven't been into town for quite some time..." he jokes
Tak snorts. "Oh yes.. no one will know you, Tak sure of it," he jokes back. Slinging his sword across his shoulder again he walks by your side, down the path he just came from. "Where Alrik want to go first?"
"Let's just see where the wind blows us, shall we? I don't have anywhere specific I need to go."
Tak grins wider. "Sounds fun!"
As you start making your way into Dragonshore, the kobold looks distracted and tired. But... happy. "Want to get a drink?" He pipes.
"The wind telling you that you're thirsty, huh? May as well, then!" He gestures for Tak to lead the way, not sure where he's wanting to go drink
The kobold looks surprised, not used to leading. He shifts back and forth on his feet for a minute weighing their options. "Don't know where anyone else is. And Tak notice you not like crowds. Why not get something from market? We can go walking."
Alrik nods, smiling slightly. "That's a good idea, Tak. Less people and more choices. Let's go."
You walk through the evening stalls of the market. Most are food; fast, oily and hardy. You spot several sorts of strange skewers, a roasting spit glowing with red hot coals underneath, and a stall near the end with twinkling fairy lights around it. You aren't entirely sure but they seem like minuscule mage lights... or enchanted firebugs. They make the sign glow: "Marvelous Meads, Awesome Ales, and Special Spirits."
You see a tabaxi lounging in a funny folding chair, arms folded behind his head and a poofy hat over his eyes. He seems to be in a light doze, his orange tail twitching. Bottles of all kinds are lined up on the counter in various sizes, colors and shapes.
Alrik shrugs at Tak and walks up to the stall. "Slow day today?"
The tabaxi peeks from under his hat, a wry smile on his lips. "Not at all! Busy as a beaver, and exhausting to boot." He looks so wakeful it's hard to tell if he was just faking sleeping. "Lots of activity going on with a party soon..." the corners of his mouth twitch in eagerness. His orange, white tipped tail flicks back and forth.
"The name's Chance! Cheeky Chance! You boys looking for some ballsy booze? Some damn good drought? A winning wine? Or just anything to wet your whistle?" His bright eyes gleam in the moonlight, oozing pure salesman charisma. He gestures to the many magical drafts on his table, each with a different label.
Alrik smirks and looks down at Tak, rolling his eyes slightly before straightening his hood. "Chatty Chance, more like it..." he thinks to himself.
"I believe we may be in the market for a drink or two... got anything you'd recommend for a tough and scrawny kobold and a grumpy old storm mage?" His eyes flicker underneath his hood as the purple scar glows faintly.
The cheeky tabaxi grins, his feline teeth glinting in the moonlight. He looks pleased you're interested.
"For the tough and scrawny kobold, I might recommend our rare and illustrious Wine of Wonder!" He leans forward over the booth, getting eye to eye with Tak. A bottle has magically appeared in his hand, startling Tak. It's a standard shape but glitters in the lights of the stall.
"Blackberry wine made with magical berries and purified water. So tasty you'll think you died and went to Celestia." His tail flicks, letting the kobold hold the booze.
"And for the grumpy old storm mage..." He tilts his head as if thinking hard about it, but you can tell by the look in his eyes he already knows his choice. "Siren's Feather!" From behind his back, he withdraws a flask of an ornate design. It glitters amber.
"Siren Pale Ale, famous throughout the Maelstrom Sea, mixed with honey rum and mint. Light and tasty with a pleasing edge at the end of each sip. You won't be able to help but smile." He grins, elbows on the wood counter careful of his other stock.
"Either of these tickle your fancy? Or you feeling like seeing more?"
"And how much would each of these rare, illustrious, and famous drinks cost us?" He smirks, pushing his hood back and letting his hair flow in the evening breeze.
Cheeky Chance cocks his head to the side. "Only 5 gold a piece! Harvest Festival Special, but I'll be happy to give this discount to you early..." he whispers loudly, his hand to the side of his mouth as if he's attempting (and failing) to be discreet.
Alrik cocks his own head, matching that of the Tabaxi. "I wonder if you've had the opportunity to sample the finest and most exotic brandy to ever come out of The Komodori..."
He reaches into his satchel and pulls out a small crystal bottle, the same one he shared a drink with Oxious from, the deep gold liquid swirling inside giving off a faint red tint, as if it is emitting a fiery glow...
"This... is known as Komodori Amber. Made in a monastery." He uncorks it and smells it, the scent of nuts and cedarwood wafting through the air, along with a very strange, exotic fruit smell. "I've never had it outside Komodori Stronghold, as they have the only trade license to sell it..."
Alrik sets down 10 gold on the counter, but still holds the bottle. "We'll take your offered spirits, but I would like to share this with one such as yourself, one connoisseur of fine spirits to another..."
(Building up some camaraderie before broaching the proposal... )
His ears twitch on the sides of his hat, immensely interested. He's obviously never heard of this spirit and his nose catches the symphony of aroma, distracted more by it than by the money. "I would be more than honored to try a sip, sir! No trade outside Komodori Stronghold, huh...?" Cheeky's tail swishes back and forth as he thinks, and he withdraws a set of shot glasses.
Alrik pours an even amount into the two glasses, handing one to Tak and the other to the Tabaxi, holding up the remainder in the bottle for himself. "Now that we're out of immediate danger and can relax a bit... here's to friends. Both old and new, those who've left this earth and those that remain. Those who we've known our whole lives, those who we've just met, and those who we are yet to meet..."
He raises the crystal bottle slightly, still low enough Tak can reach if he chooses.
The tabaxi smiles warmly, raising his glass. Tak looks between you both, unfamiliar with the gesture. He raises his as well, watching closely what he should do next.
The Storm Mage nods slightly and tips the bottle back, the golden liquid rolling into his mouth. Enjoying the wonderful flavors, he holds it in his mouth a brief moment before swallowing, letting out a contented sigh as he does.
The tabaxi takes his shot with fervor, practically melting at the taste. You hear a satisfied purr from his throat, his eyes alight with joy. "What a mighty fine gift, thank you! I've never had the pleasure of a drink from a customer, nor could I imagine one so flavorful!"
Tak drinks a small sip, relishing the strange mix of fruits. It looks like he's unsure about it, but sits and continues to slowly sip, letting the feeling run across his teeth and down his throat. When he's done you see him snort out his nose, a strange expression on his face.
Alrik smiles at Cheeky Chance, the corner of his mouth lifted upward. "The monks at the monastery know what they're doing. They take a fruit that only grows there, ferment it and then distill it. What's strange, is during the fermentation process it changes from a pale green to a deep red."
He pulls a waterskin from his bag and pours some of the pale green juice into the glass the Tabaxi is holding. "That's the raw juice of the Vojilla fruit. It grows on a cactus..."
He chuckles at Tak. "Feeling okay there, Flame-Scar?"
Tak looks up quickly, giving a curt nod. "This very tasty. Thanks for sharing." He tilts his head, realizing this is something else new that he's learned about your past. He seems contemplative.
Alrik hands Tak the waterskin with the juice. "This is the same basic flavor, just no alcohol. You can have it. I can get more soon." He smiles and gives a curt nod, almost as if to say "I'm sure, take it."
If kobolds could blush, he does. Taken aback by the kindness he grumbles a little thanks and shyly holds it, storing it carefully in his belongings.
Alrik gestures to the two bottles on the counter. "So, what can Tak and myself expect out of these spirits you have for us?"
The tabaxi licks his lips, sipping the sweet nectar. "Not many ask for the effects. But yours, my dear mage, will make you giddy like a child. Less grumpy." He winks. "At least what I've experienced from it." (Your CHA will increase by +2 for the next 24 hours)
"His," he gestures to Tak, leaning on the counter again, "fills you with a bubbly sort of feeling. The effect it has on your blood and nerves helps speed healing and recovery." Cheeky's lips twitch, noticing Tak's injuries. It's likely he's empathetic of the little kobold. (grants double healing the next time the drinker gives/receives healing)
(Each bottle has enough for three full uses each)
Alrik gestures to the small stack of gold coins on the counter and takes the two drinks in his hand, holding the glittering liquid down to Tak. "Seems like they've got some special properties... may want to hold off on just slugging them back."
Tak snickers. "Ok soft skin."He replaces the shot glass on the counter. He looks at the bottle expectantly and somewhat hungrily. Glancing down toward the docks and the coastline, the kobold looks up at Alrik. "Tak picked drink. You pick where we go."
Alrik nods to Tak. "Indeed, I also am hungry..." his stomach grumbles as if on queue.
Turning back to the Tabaxi, he gestures down the pier a ways. "Perhaps you'd care to join us for a kebab of some sort? I may have a proposition for you..."
The merchant tilts his head in interest. "Oh? Sure," he purrs, "let's discuss." He raps his knuckles on the counter and follows.
Alrik jerks his head down the docks, signaling for Tak and the Tabaxi to follow him. Without really looking to see if they're coming, he begins walking, once again pulling his hood up and shoving his hands into the pockets of his coat. "I've got a budding business that you may be interested in... no doubt you know of Wilster, the local potions and oddities dealer... I'm sure you also know, at least by name, Nathbryn T'sossz, The Scourge? Well, they're both filtering and feeding me rare and exotic potions and items as they come across them. I'm planning on opening a... trade market... of sorts. Powerful potions, elixirs of wonder, and perhaps with your help, brews and liquors of exotic nature..."
He approaches a nearby cart and tosses a few coins onto the counter and grabs a few kebabs of strange but delicious smelling meat and hands one to Tak, then gestures for the Tabaxi to make his selection.
The Tabaxi's eyes widen as he grabs a skewer of chicken. Popping a bite into his mouth and blowing quickly to cool it around his tongue, he mumbles through the food, "I see! Lucrative indeed."
Cheeky looks very contemplative. "Where do you plan to peddle your wares? Do you need stores? Fronts? Any specific cities in mind?" He tilts his head, whiskers twitching.
Alrik drops a few more coins on the counter and nods in thanks. "Well, Dragonshore of course. Wilster most likely will take care of the potions side of it, while Oxious will handle the items. I'd like to see a storefront in The Komodori, specifically in the City of The Mage Guard... help out on the warfront... perhaps donate a few potions and such to the war efforts from time to time..." he takes a bite of his kebab, thinking as he chews.
"And of course, in trade for your efforts in supplying your specialties of brews and liquors, we would supply your with potions and items you could sell...
He strokes his chin, ruffling the short fuzz there. "Interesting... Interesting indeed." He takes another bite of chicken, his white-tipped tail flicking. "Haven't been there in a long time! Kind of dangerous nowadays. But City of The Mage Guard? Should be safer there, I suppose. Easy to be in contact with Miss Nathbryn."
He doesn't seem to hesitate too much, knowing a good deal when he sees it. It feels like he'll make out with quite a good sum and have even better items. "When would you wish to start? I'll have to still discuss with my... uh..." He hesitates for a second, blinking. "My clients."
Alrik reaches into his satchel and produces the teal jelly-like potion and hefts it in his hands. "I've already started... as for your clients, you can keep them. I don't expect you to pin yourself to one location, as your beverages come from the furthest reaches of the lands... you could travel as you've done before, I would simply ask you procure things for me as well." He smiles, slipping the potion back into his bag. "Sound like a good deal to you?" He extends his hand to seal the deal
He eagerly reaches out, a short moment of hesitation crossing his face. Then he grabs your hand and shakes it thoroughly, a toothy grin splitting from cheek to cheek. "You've got yourself a deal!"
Alrik nods with a grin before biting off another piece of his kebab. "I'll be heading to The Komodori soon. I'm not sure when exactly, but it will be before too long."
Cheeky nods, a little lost in thought. He grabs the rest of the meat in his teeth from the side of the kebab, strips it off the stick, then eats it all in one go.
"You wish for Cheeky Chance to go with you when you leave?" He says it almost to himself. His tail flicks in curiosity, like a cat watching a bird from a window.
"I will see about doing this! I am excited. Ah, although we have already shaken, I may have questions for you later. Yes? Is that alright? Could you come by my stall near the end of the festival tomorrow perhaps? Let us see how good business is." He flashes a rather cheeky grin, probably why he earned his namesake.
Alrik nods with a grin before biting off another piece of his kebab. "I'll be heading to The Komodori soon. I'm not sure when exactly, but it will be before too long."
Cheeky nods, a little lost in thought. He grabs the rest of the meat in his teeth from the side of the kebab, strips it off the stick, then eats it all in one go.
"You wish for Cheeky Chance to go with you when you leave?" He says it almost to himself. His tail flicks in curiosity, like a cat watching a bird from a window.
"I will see about doing this! I am excited. Ah, although we have already shaken, I may have questions for you later. Yes? Is that alright? Could you come by my stall near the end of the festival tomorrow perhaps? Let us see how good business is." He flashes a rather cheeky grin, probably why he earned his namesake.
Alrik nods. "Sounds fair to me, Chance. If you need me between now and then, I'll most likely be at my cabin on the outskirts of town..." he furrows his brow, half scowling, half smirking. "That is, unless some rambunctious dwarf and his joyous huntress companion don't come and drag me into town for this festival..."
He chuckles thinking about the situation
"Sounds good buddy! I will keep an eye out for you there if I need you." He tilts his head and with a smirk and a wave, you see him disappear through the stalls.
Tak watches him go and then looks up at Alrik. "Strange cat. You think he trustable?"
Alrik shrugs. "Trustable enough... although..." he looks down and smirks at Tak from under his hood. "You know me. I barely trust my own shadow..."
He looks up at you and smirks a little himself, his yellow eyes softening. "Yeah, you are a pretty paranoid softskin. You be okay. People watching your back. Even got an eye on your shadow for you."
Alrik cracks a broad grin and can't help but let out a genuine laugh. Looking about and seeing they are near the harbor, he decides to go see about securing passage to The Komodori.
"Well Flame-Scar... I think I'm going to go see a man about a ship. You can tag along if you'd like... otherwise, I may have a job for you."
He looks down the dock, a rather boisterous party of pirates gallivanting at the far end. Ships swell in the bay, all visiting for the festival.
"Seems good time to find a ship. You think you see the desert kobolds when you go?" He looks curious and interested, and perhaps a little longing to meet them someday. "And Tak no want to get in your way, but it is nice spending time together." He swings his bottle lazily at his side, debating. "What is the job?"
"Yeah, I'm sure we'll see the desert kobolds. If their chieftain, Brud Long-Scar found out I was in the area and didn't stop in to say hi, he'd hunt me down and skin me alive..." he smirks.
"You know my apprentice, Tucker? The gangly orphan who's been shadowing me for a little while? I want him to meet me at my cabin tomorrow morning for some more studies. If you're interested, I'll have you deliver the message. If not, I'll deliver it and maybe scare the daylights out of him with a magic message..." he smiles, his eyes flashing mischievously
Tak grins rougishly, his eyes glinting. "That does sound fun." He tilts his head. "But whatever you like. Tak want to help."
He uncorks the bottle and takes a small drink as you walk together. His exhale afterward is one of overwhelmed relief. "Tak feel like he owe you all a favor that Tak can't ever repay."
Alrik looks at Tak, nodding absentmindedly. "I'll just send him a message... you can do whatever you'd like, my friend. I've enjoyed spending this time with you."
He quickly scrawls the message to his apprentice, rolling it up and sealing it with the signature gray and blue wax emblazoned with the lightning bolt, it disappearing in a flash of electricity and a small clap of thunder.
"I'm going to go find a ship..." he turns on his heels and strides toward the docks. "You don't owe anyone anything, Tak. You've proven yourself a valuable friend and ally. I'm glad go have been able to know you. I'm sure whatever you do in the future will be fruitful and help you further Kobold-kind..." he smirks as he looks over his shoulder, still walking toward the docks. "You are, after all... the Kobold of legend, the one the stars talk about..."
He pulls his hood up tighter around his head and continues walking
Tak looks a bit uncertain, always feeling a little out of place when the talk of the legendary kobold comes about. How could that be him? He'll do the best he can do, at least. At least for the sake of his friends. His family.
He gulps, shuffling after Alrik under the moonlight. A few paces behind the storm mage he watches the sea churn around the dock and the harbor, smashing against the rocks along the sandbar further out from shore.
"Alrik?" He mumbles, his round eyes glowing slightly. "What things live in the sea? Out away from the land?" Are there fish like in lakes? Rivers?"
Alrik nods. "There are fish, both small like in lakes and rivers as well as larger ones. Whales, dolphins, and others. Whales are bigger than a horse, usually..."
He continues walking down the docks, eyeing the ships as he passes. "If you believe the tales that sailors tell, there's large, mythical beasts in the oceans as well... krakens, giant squids, and creatures that sing men to their doom... I'm not so sure about those sorts of beings, though." He scratches his beard, looking back behind him at Tak. "Why do you ask, Flame-Scar?"
"Well, Tak never--" you see him stop short, a little uneasy. His mouth is still open but no words come out of it.
(Make a dexterity save xD good morning!)
(Shit... lol. That'll be a 4. Haha)
Tak's expression is confusing, and you're not used to him being speechless. As you turn back around--
BAM!
It feels like you walked right into a brick wall. Or... that a brick wall walked right into you. You're practically knocked to your feet, barely keeping your balance as you stumble backwards.
A figure in front of you stumbles back as well, much more steady on its feet. It is a hulking seven foot creature. You have seen sharks before, but never one walking on land... this one definitely is.
With somewhat beady dark eyes and rough gray skin, he peeks out from around a gigantic crate of crabs and lobsters in his tattooed arms. Their legs are clawing and poking out from a net lashed on top, easily a few hundred pounds.
"Apologies, I wasn't watching where I was going..." Alrik adjusts his hood, it having nearly fallen off when he stumbled backwards.
He turns his massive, muscular body so he can see you from the side. "'Ello lit' Pakeh!" His accent is incredibly thick, and several dozen teeth glint in the moonlight. "Pard' th' bump."
The black eye shines as it turns its attention toward Tak. The kobold shivers involuntarily. "'Ello Tuatar!" the shark says, the corner of his mouth twitching into a smirk. Tak just nods a little in greeting, unsure of how to respond.
"Wa' har' ta see ya behin' the crate o' nehur! Ou' fo' a stro'? Hope ya sta' fo' ta festives, frien'."
"Not to worry, we are okay. I'm actually searching for a ship I can secure passage on. I need to get to The Komodori... specifically the City of The Magi..."
As sea breeze catches his hood and throws it off his head, Alrik curses and glances out toward the ocean, his eyes flickering.
He sniffs loudly, shifting the crate in his arms to get a better grip on it. He doesn't seem to mind the crab legs poking at him through the net. The look on his face is a cross between distaste and frustration.
"Bloody mess near Komo righ' now. Kor karhuns dealin' wit' ta war an' all. Bu' on ta way here?" He grunts. "Los' my swee' Anaher. Bes' ship I eve' hada. Beat ta deat' off ta coas' of Aelwold, a lil' islan' dere. Malstrom. Biggin'. When I has a bigga' ship an' crew, I'll brave da waitap seas again!" He looks resolved. "So'day..."
He watches your face, a glimmer of energy running down your scar and through your eyes. "Aaaaaaaah," he exclaims, his smile widening. "You be one o' de' kor karhuns, ain' ye? Hopin' ye be safe returnin' dere yerself."
Alrik cocks his head to the side slightly. "Kor karhuns? I'm afraid I'm not familiar with that term, sadly..."
He looks the shark man over, noticing the intricate tattoos and thick scars all over him. "I'm Alrik, by the way."
(Blah... insight of 7. Haha)
"Aaaah, pard' frien' Alri'. Didn' mean confusin' ya. Kor karhuns--" He guffaws, loudly but kindly, "--ol' respectful wizars. Ta Magi."
The scars look layered, but several over the top are definitely newer. Their healing skin glistens a bit. The tattoos look unfamiliar. "Ma name's Kai Aata."
"Good to meet you, Kai. This is Tak Flame-Scar. One of the heroes of Dragonshore." He gestures to the kobold slightly behind him.
"I appreciate your concern for my travels. Not too often do strangers have such feelings toward others, particularly when it comes to members of The Mage Guard..."
"Pah!" he snarls, dropping the crate on the ground. It is indeed a heavy load, and were it not for the reinforced iron banding around the sides, it would have likely broken into pieces.
"Ta 'ell wit' 'em tha' bein' any less than greatful fo' ye!!"
Tak jumps back a bit at the exclamation, his eyes flitting between Kai and Alrik. The strange suhagan shark grumbles, wiping dirt from his brow with the back of his arm. "Them kor Magi wizars help keep peace'n 'appiness all along ta waitap! Them sacred water fit fer ev'one, and finally free'o wild magics. Mos' places, an'way."
He grunts, letting out a heavy sigh. He hefts the crate up again. "Pard', I gettin' feisty. They been goo' ta mah home. An' I still thankin' ma lucky starses fo' the recen' help. Foun' me 'fore I died ou' on de water. They was comin' 'ere. Now I get ta work'n save up fer a new ship."
He cocks his head. "You... were found by Magus Jaundree and The Scourge? I'm sure Breehani wouldn't have seen you... she's so old she can't see a hand in front of her face." He smirks.
"The Juniper is quite a ship, isn't it?"
"Haaaaaa, a beaut' if I ever see one!" He grins, showing his too-many-toothed smile. "An' actually, was that tuatar-kahun, ta one all ta color of white-caps an' foam. Felt 'er 'fore I saws 'er. Like a col' fron' outa da north she is! But I'm better col' than dead, any day."
He laughs a very raw, husky, wet laugh. "Yer all ta lil' kor--ta lil' old lady--was talkin' 'bout. Chattered ta whol' way 'ere, as much as ma teeth chattered! Figure it was ya by ta scar."
The Storm Caller sighs, rolling his eyes. "Yeah, that fits... Breehani loves rambling on about me for some reason. She's always worried that this is going to be the death of me, somehow..." he points to his scar.
He nods, focusing on the jagged and crystallized part of your cheek. "Scars make'n us tough'n able ta do more. Aft' losin' ma ship--" he gestures with his chin to his shoulders and arms where the fresh scars are, "--had ta fight. Nowwem tough fo' next fight. Tol' 'er ya be al'ight."
Kai tilts his head. "S'pose I be seein' ya at ta party then, eh Alri'? Bes' be gettin' these nehur ta th' pots. Should get'a fair coin fro' 'em this year!"
With a twitch of a smile, he adds in a more quiet, embarrassed voice, "Iffen ya see any good sails fo' a capt' to cap, hopin' ya can sen' word ta me. Iffen ya cou' be so kin'."
"I may be at the festival... depends on if my companions drag me out of my cabin or not..." he smirks.
Pulling his hood back up, he looks the large shark. "I'll do that. You seem quite genuine, Kai... like there's no underlying ploy or agenda. What you see is what you get... I like that." He smiles, touching his forehead with two fingers and his thumb. A gesture he was taught by sailors when he first traveled to the far off sands... "Fair winds be yours, Kai Aata. Until the next time we meet."
He happily tromps off, leaving you and Tak standing on the docks. You feel Tak tug at your sleeve. In the distance you can make out a party of pirates gallivanting on the docks, their music and light illuminating a good portion of the port.
You can see Atriox exiting a fine ship, followed by a woman dressed as a privateer. She seems peppy, fingers on her chin in thought. As the dragonborn disappears down in the commons, the sailor starts heading to the far end of the docks past you to where the ship yard is. As she passes near you can hear her humming a jaunty little tune.
Alrik watches Atriox leave, shrugging. "No clue what he's up to these days... seems too busy to me. Maybe he's too busy....." he trails off, letting the sentence go unfinished.
He straightens his jacket, setting off down the docks further into the ships, hoping to find a capable captain willing to carry him to The Komodori
You make your way further along the dock in the moonlight. There are hundreds of ships moored, bobbing in the water. Several have parties going on above and below deck, sea shanties being sung and cheers to be heard.
You end up having to pass by the peppy pirate captain, who's eyes widen when she sees who's approaching. A big smile grows on her face and she approaches in a friendly manner as if she already knows you.
"Master of the Squalls, Storms and Gales alike! If it ain't the infamous Tempest in the flesh and bone! How ye be this fine eve of the festival?"
Alrik huffs, rolling his eyes slightly. "I suppose I'm alright... would be better if there weren't so many people."
He looks around cautiously, as if expecting to be attacked at any point. He grips his staff a little tighter and adjusts his jacket a bit before finally looking at the captain. "And how are you?"
"Mighty fine! The name is Capt' Sheila, by the way." She laughs, tipping her tricorn hat and bowing oh so fancily.
"I hear you be accompanyin' me and my crew aboard me Annabel Lee?" She smiles wide, Ye and the other Heroes of Dragonshore?"
Alrik furrows his brow, looking at her with a confused expression. "I'm not exactly sure what you mean... I'm searching for a ship I can secure passage on to The Komodori. I have business there."
He again looks around, clearly uncomfortable with the amount of people around. His left hand drifts down to his side and sparks slightly as he prepares himself for an ambushing attack.
"Who approached you about providing passage for all of us, if you don't mind me asking..."
"Well you came to the right place! We be going to Komodori in a week or so. Your friend Atriox spoke with me not ten minutes a'fore ya showed yer face."
She beams. "Payment promised and two other ships pending for transport. Just need ta find some competent captains to help run 'em... But I'm sure I can find a couple in the next port down."
Alrik nods slightly. "Find Kai Aata. He's a large shark. Last I saw him, he's lugging around a huge crate of crabs. I think he'd be a decent captain for a vessel..."
Her eyes light up. "Yeah? Alrighty! That's much appreciated. Will do, sir!"
Sheila glances around, looking for the man. "Would walk the plank meself if I didn't take the advice of the mighty storm magi! I'll have me crew find him and extend the offer."
"Sounds fine. I'm going to head back to my cabin for the evening. I've had my fill of crowded areas and people for the night. I guess I'll be seeing you soon, captain."
He turns and begins walking back up the docks, but instead of heading back through town to his cabin, he veers off and makes his way around the outskirts of town and to the old cabin that burnt down.
Sitting down on a stump nearby, he sighs and looks at Tak. "You have any godly idea why Atriox is going to The Komodori? I was under the impression that he would be going back to his homeland to try and resurrect his Skyhold."
Tak looks up at Alrik with his big yellow eyes. "Uh... Tak sure he has good reasons to." He turns his head and kicks at the dirt.
"Tak think he has a deal with the huntress lady. It also on the way, right? Good place to stop... Get supplying... Probably also for you. You friends, right?" He chances a glance at the storm mage again, nervous at the answer.
Realizing that was an awkward thing to ask, he quickly clears his throat. "Um. A-and Tak... Tak want to..." he fiddles with his claws, quickly spilling what's on his mind the most, "...wants to meet your desert kobold friends..."
Alrik nods, letting out a heavy sigh. "I'm sure he has good reasons as well, although I've got no idea what those are." He chuckles. "Atriox always has reason for his actions, even if I don't see it right off."
He pushes his hood back and takes a deep breath, still catching the faint smell of ash and char in the air. "It is on the way, I just wasn't sure how long he was planning on staying. I have unfinished work there, and I won't be leaving until it's done..." he scratches his beard in thought. "I suppose I could track them all down later, if they decide to leave early."
After a long pause, Alrik looks at Tak and smiles. "I'm quite sure the desert kobolds would love to meet you..." He lifts his hand and a small storm cloud forms in it, swirling and darkening until it is almost black before small dots of electricity start forming, creating a makeshift constellation. Lightning arcs between the dots, showing the outline of the pictograph. The last few dots that appear make a torch on the arm of the constellation. "This is the star image they tell stories about. This is the Kobold of Legend. This... is why I gave you the name Flame-Scar. I truly believe this constellation is about you, Tak... and so will they."
Tak blinks, dazzled by the bright light. It reflects off his face, his scar... and he studies it intently.
He is quiet for a long moment. When he speaks it is respectful and reverent. "What do they believe about this kobold? What stories are there?"
"They say this kobold will come from a far off land and unite the tribes. They say he's vicious and cunning, and that not even a dragon can kill him. They say he's kind, and mean when he has to be. They say one day, he will ride a great dragon across the sky and proclaim a world where all kobolds are safe from racial harm." Alrik stares at the image in his hand, caught up in his own words and memories of listening to the desert kobolds.
His brow knits, thinking back on everything that's happened. Looking over and seeing the expression on Alrik's face, he relaxes a bit and stares at the constellation again.
"Tak think those are fine stories..." he snickers. "Tak sure they have stories about you now too, soft skin."
Alrik throws his head back laughing. "Oh, don't worry... they do. I'm sure they'll delight in telling you about the first time I met Whyrvoar... my rhino. I ran and screamed like a child when he turned and snorted at me. I thought he was going to charge me... I later found out he just sneezed..."
Tak snorts, "Really? Those sound like large creatures." He tilts his head. "What is a rhino?"
He sits down on the weedy grass near the stump, listening like a hatchling to the stories Alrik tells. He feels comfortable and safe here in the moment. It's even nostalgic in a way, although the little kobold is not sure why.
"A rhino is... picture a huge horse with shorter, massive legs and an upturned horn on the end of their nose... but they've got a thick hide, almost like armor... actually..."
He turns his hand over, the palm facing upward as a small storm erupts from it, swirling and forming into a shape of a familiar rhino... the black patching on his legs unforgettable. "This is Whyrvoar... well, what he looks like."
Tak turns his head sideways, studying the shape. "It looks... interesting. Tak sure you miss him." He doesn't want to say anything offensive, but isn't quite sure what he's looking at. It's always been hard for him to picture things he can't directly see, although it does look like a misshapen, horned horse.
He clicks his tongue. "It was interesting for Tak to ride on the felldrake in battle. Felt faster. But hard to focus and control. The others found it and brought it back to the temple, it was not the happiest."
He picks up a stone, running it over his claws and sharpening them. He looks like he's contemplating something. "Alrik?" He finally chances to say, although hesitantly. "You said the kobold of legends would ride a dragon? Do you know how strange that sounds? Tak not sure what desert kobold relationships with dragons are, but... all I've been raised to know, is..." He seems to find it hard to explain, wondering how to put what's on his mind.
"Dragons revered. Worshipped. You saw blue kobolds, you saw how they treated Tyranus. It represents what most kobold kind aspires to be. We share their blood, as far distant as it might be. "
He stops sharpening and polishing, looking downtrodden. "To picture a kobold riding a dragon seems so..." He looks up and stares at his friend, the words lost on him.
Alrik simply shrugs. "That's what they say... that's all I know. And yes, I do miss Whyrvoar. He's a loyal mount..."
He nods absentmindedly, chewing on his feelings in silence. "What are you going to do when you get there, Alrik? To Komodori?"
Alrik pulls out a piece of dried meat from his satchel and rips it in half, holding some out for Tak. "First thing will be addressing the Court of the Magi. Let them know I'm back in the area... and hopefully get a change or two started." He gnaws on the jerky, staring off into the distance while thinking.
"I'll also want to see if I can find Makani... just to set things straight... And then I've got to deal with The Dread Clan..."
Tak takes the meat gratefully, gnawing at it and savoring the flavorful juice that runs out.
"The Dread Clan? Who are they?"
"Murderers... thieves... started as a group of orcs who left the Desert Lord's army and started doing whatever they wanted to make a profit. They'll kill women, children, and anyone who tries to stop them. They don't care about anyone but themselves."
"Krathag Thulstar... someone I thought I could trust... joined them."
"Oh..." Despite how warm it is Tak shivers at the name, uncomfortable memories bubbling up in his mind.
"T-the Desert Lord? Is that who the war is with? It sounds so much bigger than what we just had here... you're so strong though, you and the other soft skins. Can't you just fry the armies?"
"The Desert Lords is what the Orc tribes who've banded together call themselves. They want anyone who doesn't bow down to them, dead..." Alrik kicks the dirt.
"There's a lot more of them than there is us... and they're really tough to kill... plus they have those bastards..." he taps the Basalisk Fang sword
He looks at his sword, unsure what you mean. "They have a lot of these kind of weapons?"
"No, they have basalisks... the creatures who use those to eat."
His eyes widen like saucers. "T-the actual monsters? Like, tamed?" Tak gulps, thinking about their upcoming journey. He definitely doesn't feel confident enough to face something his sword came out of, given the size of the tiny piece he can barely carry as it is.
"T-Tak suppose if we land in a port controlled by the magi people like you, we should be okay?" He gives a hopeful, toothy grin.
"Oh yes. I wouldn't dream of making port anywhere but with the Magi. It's a gamble if anywhere else will let you in... and if they do, they'll rob you blind." He grins back
The little kobold sighs with relief, leaning back in the grass. He flinches and scratches his back, wriggling back and forth on the pebbles and weeds. "Tak done with robbing and being robbed."
He clears his throat, knowing he recently acquisitioned a great many things from the other patrons in the Fang, along with their lost and found box. "Excited to see your home. And maybe find your Makani. ....Alrik sure Tak cannot kill the soft skin she forced to marry?" He almost sounds eager; hopeful.
Alrik simply grins. "I'd be fine with it... however, she'd never forgive us..."
Tak grumbles. "Suppose that wouldn't be good..."
With a sigh he leans back again. "We'll find her. Then things move forward... yeah?" He tilts his head back, looking up at you. "You tell Tak what you need, Tak try his best to help."
"You got yourself a deal, Flame-Scar..." Alrik rubs his hands together before grabbing his staff and standing up. "Well, I suppose we should head back toward town... maybe stop by the orphanage on our way."
He nods, standing up and brushing himself off. He looks uneasy, pulling his own cloak up tight around him. As you set the pace, it is not long before you make it to the orphanage past the lake. The sagging roof is still thick with moss and the windows, bright and cheery despite the many fingerprints and smudges from the occupants.
Despite how late it is, there's quite the little party going on outside. All of the children rush around a tiny bonfire in masks, chasing one another and tumbling through the grass. Trundleberry sags like a droopy feather duster in a rocking chair nearby, peacefully snoring.
Two run up to you with silvery wolfish masks, howling like little blink dogs. From their size and similarity you can tell it's the twins Kenris and Fenris. Tak freezes, the kids spotting him and thinking he's one of them. They begin to chase him with their sticky hands and he yips, running from them as if they're playing a very noisy game of tag.
Sarah sits with a girl who has wriggly eyeballs attached to a hat. She makes a rather cute little beholder as the older girl braids her hair. She seems peaceful, although her smile is rather somber. You haven't seen her here before, or the other three children hanging back roasting sweets over the flames. Tucker's freckled face peers out from beneath a hat with funny tentacles hanging on it, likely a mindflayer. He cracks jokes with Twitch and Beaver, a shambling mound and an owlbear respectively.
Tucker sees you, waves, and excuses himself from the others. He seems much kinder now. The angry, cocky teenager who you first met here has started to grow up a little.
As he approaches he grins, quickly drops his mask, and leaps at you with a surprising burst of speed. (Dex save for me, Chantry!)
Tucker literally tackles you, expecting you to try to block him but surprised (and somewhat happy) seeing he actually pins you down. The funny mask tickles your face and he climbs off of you, laughing.
"I had to get you back for that stunt you pulled...." He pulls out a slightly singed letter, the one that you sent to him earlier that evening. "Scared the crap out of me, I about fell into the fire." He shakes his head. "But yeah, I'll come train tomorrow morning. Sounds good."
Alrik smiles and begins to stand up, dusting himself off. "We'll train for a few hours, and then you can have the rest of the day to enjoy the festival."
He tosses a hand out in front of him, a small boom of thunder echoing off his palm as colorful sparks shoot off in all directions. He smirks at the children's reaction, putting something in Tucker's hand. "Arrived this morning in a letter from Magus Jaundree."
Alrik removes his hand from Tucker's, and resting in his hand is a small silver chain with an embossed silver coin, detailing Tucker's name and information, as well as who he is apprenticed under.
"All Magi wear these. Silver signifies you're an apprentice." He reaches into his own shirt collar and pulls out his own chain, a somewhat tarnished gold in color. "Gold means you've passed your apprenticeship, and Magus Jaundree has a platinum and electrum version, signifying he's the Magus, or head of the order."
Tucker's eyes light up and he takes the chain in his hand, running his thin fingers over the silver coin. He recognizes his name and traces over where Alrik's information is.
His awe turns to embarrassment as the other children approach with eagerness, gawking and squealing over his new trinket. He turns bright red and gets rather gruff with them, trying to shove it into his pocket. They whine and complain, jumping around with their masks and their treats in hand.
The twins trip Tak over and he tumbles, faceplanting near the others. His hood thrown back and his eyes adjusting to the light of the fire, he looks up at the stunned face of Beaver. The kobold almost turns white with horror, and he struggles to scramble to his feet. Tucker makes the connection quickly and grabs Beaver's arm before the boy's eyes turn cold and fierce. He makes to lunge at Tak, trying to kick and scratch at him, but Tucker is far stronger and bigger than the younger boy.
Tak looks guilty as sin and pulls his hood back up, scrambling on all fours into the brush nearby. You've never seen him run so fast in all your time together. There is a lot of noise, confusion and movement. When Tak is out of sight, Beaver screams out and turns to punch Tucker square in the jaw. Both boys look at each other, breathing heavily without saying a word. With angry tears the younger child rushes back into the house.
Tucker looks apologetically at Alrik, then at his feet. Wiping the blood from his lip, he grunts to the other children, "Yeah yeah, you've seen us scrap before. Go back to eating!" They all snicker and chatter loudly, rushing to see who can get to the sugary treats first.
"What was that all about?" Alrik mutters, watching the children run back and looking to the bushes where Tak took off to, walking that direction and waving for Tucker to follow
Tucker grumbles and follows after. "Sorry about that, sir. He was just fine earlier, I..." He trails off, thinking about difficult things. You can see the light footprints of a kobold in the damp grass leading away into the distance.
"We'll deal with it later. Let's go find Tak..." Alrik throws out a glowing orb of electricity, using it to illuminate the pathway and look for tracks. (14 investigation)
You spot the tracks easily, following them down to the lake. Tucker is quiet the whole way, watching you carefully as you use your skills to find your friend. Although he doesn't say it, he's rather impressed.
It takes about a half an hour of careful movement but you eventually see a shadow near the edge of the lake, pacing back and forth under the moonlight.
Alrik slowly approaches Tak, calling out to him. "You okay, Flame-Scar?"
He jumps, wringing his hands and staring at you, then Tucker who is hanging back a ways. Glancing around, Tak grumbles and kicks a rock out at the water. "Tak fine... don't like kids. Make me grumpy."
(You can make an insight check if you'd like; 7 bluff)
Something's definitely wrong and it has to do with the kid who tired to attack him--you can tell he recognized the kid
"Tak... it's okay. It's me. Tucker is safe. You can trust him... you know me, I will do everything I can to not let anything hurt you..." Alrik walks over, sitting down next to him.
You see one of his baleful eyes on you again. "Shrak.. That young soft skin deserved to beat snot out of Tak. If anything he deserve Tak's head on his wall."
He turns away, ashamed and angry. His voice simmers with a growl. "Tak was in raiding party with blues few months ago... Tak saw him then."
You remember a story Tucker told you on your hunt for Rufus; how Beaver showed up a few months before after kobolds killed his dad and several other merchants on the road into Dragonshore. Tak begins to pace again over and over, wearing a wet, muddy spot in on the bank.
"Yeah, well that was Tak... not Tak Flame-Scar. The old you died when Atriox burnt you..."
He holds his hand out, a small amount of magic pooling in his hand before he ignites it with a spark, shaping the fire into an image of a phoenix. "Do you know what a phoenix is? It's a bird... that when it dies, it is reborn through fire, from it's ashes... you were reborn through fire, Tak... the bandit kobold died, and the Kobold of Legend rose..."
He stares at your hand, breathing heavily. He glances up at your eyes, them back to your hand. You can tell he's struggling to feel that way about himself. Gripping his claws into fists, he walks away from you and toward Tucker.
The teenager is a bit taken aback, taking a step away but holding his ground as best he can. "W-what you want?"
Tak can hardly meet his gaze. He struggles out his common, making it as clear as possible. "Tak sorry. For making trouble. For killing. Sorry for friend. Know Tak can't take that back. Can't fix it. But Tak try make things better. So it not happen anymore."
Tucker looks uncomfortable and confused. He glances up at Alrik for help.
As you study him, Tak looks equally uncomfortable and confused. It seems to be taking all he has to force himself to do this. To go against most of his old self, his old character. To confront. He looks lost, wondering perhaps if this is the right thing to do.
Alrik claps both Tak and Tucker on the shoulders. "You two are bumming me out. Let's do something fun. Let's... uhh... camp here by the lake for the night, then... head to... the... festival..." he says, almost spitting the word out. "At first light."
Walking over to his small pack, he can't help but curse under his breath.
"I had it all planned... leave my cabin at first light, go up to the keep, and spend the day with Donovan... but nooooo! Gotta keep peace between the kobold and the kid..." Alrik thinks to himself
Tak and Tucker glance again at each other and quickly follow after Alrik. The kobold is more than eager to rush off into the night and not look back. Maybe he could hide out in the woods for a few days... he's free for a while. He could wander the old paths again. The itch to do so calls at him terribly, an overwhelming eagerness to escape the awkward, uncomfortable situation he's found himself in.
Tucker isn't minding either way, knowing he would have had to find Alrik regardless. He pulls his mask back down over his face and stuffs his hands deep in his pockets as he follows. Any time Tak looks back at him he jumps a little at the ilithid-like form following him. It makes Tucker smile.
You arrive at the edge of the lake, thick with the sound of crickets and frogs. The air is filled with their music and Tak sinks down on a rock as if melting. "Storm faceeeee... whyyyyy??" he whines. You can tell he really doesn't want to be here, and with a look you can tell he knows you feel the same.
Alrik just shrugs. "Sometimes we do things for people we care about... You and Tucker could do with spending some time together... and since I'm the common denominator for you two, I'm here as well..."
Tak falls back against the rock with a groan and resigning himself to this fate. Tucker just rolls his eyes. "I'll go collect firewood..."
As he wanders off, the kobold fidgets for several minutes. He glares upside down. It's a moment before he's scrambling to his feet. "I'll get food."
Alrik just sighs and unfolds the tent from his bag, setting it up on the treeline of the lake. "Kids... here's to hoping they learn to get along faster than Donno and I did..."
After about fifteen minutes Tucker returns with an armful of wood. He seems to have gotten a good assortment of dry sticks and kindling--definitely not his first time starting a fire. Tak comes back about ten minutes after that with a sharpened stick skewered through with a dozen frogs. Some are still twitching as he walks up, watching Tucker build a fire.
"Alrik not picky about what Tak catch yes? Not good at fish without net." He sniffs loudly, still proud of what he was able to catch with his hands. He's half soaked with caked on mud.
Alrik smiles and chuckles. "Frog's good eating. Many a times I've eaten them. Little bit of pepper and they're perfect."
He turns to Tucker and nods. "Looks like you've camped a time or two!" He gestures to the side of the tent where he's arranged a few logs to sit on. "You'll find making a fire is a whole helluva lot easier now that you've trained your magic a bit more..."
Tucker grins a little bittersweetly. "I know. It'll be nice. But I'd like to still practice this way too, so I can show others." He sniffs a bit, trying not to seem tough about it. He's been putting on a tiny bit more weight and muscle since you first met him and it shows.
Tak guts several of the frogs while he watches the two of you work. Slurping back the innards he wipes his face. "Tak find it funny you go out and take such practical stuff, storm face... like you never know what you get into. Not surprised really. Just funny."
"I always take my gear with me. Habit from my time in the military." He points to the satchel and duffel bag he always seems to be toting around with him
Tak tilts his head. "Yes, Tak suppose never see you without it. Good habit. You softskins get sick easily in the damp don't you?"
Tucker shakes his head in exasperation, a little grossed out at the gutted frogs and the way Tak is disposing of the insides. The only consoling feeling is the words that Alrik shared about the flavor, so he swallows his nervousness and takes one to roast.
(7, 12 for the others) The sound of the water lapping on the edge of the lake slowly ceases. It's a strange sensation, the absence of a sound that you've grown used to. It's like the wind has calmed and is no longer rippling the lake. Was there that much wind?
The fire roars up as Tak dips a stick full of frogs right into the coals. Tucker yells and jumps back from the sparks, chuckling. They're relaxing a lot more finally. It's pleasant.
Alrik chuckles and leans back, flicking his wrist and using a spectral hand of lightning to hold a frog near the fire to cook it. "I guess I'm trapped going to the festival, aren't I?"
Tak looks up at Alrik and shrugs. "You can do what you want. Is not bad if you comfortable, is it? But..." He lets out a kind of irritated sigh. "Tak promised help with some party thingy..."
He pulls his frog out of the fire, the skin charred and blistering. He picks at it and licks his claws. "So Tak be there. Helping kobolds get used to humans and same other way. Perhaps Tak see you, perhaps not."
"I'll be there... I promised Tucker. I remember being his age... being in a similar situation. Tge smallest distraction was an immense help." He whispers to the Kobold.
"How's that frog taste, lad?" Alrik calls across the fire to his apprentice.
Tucker jumps a little in surprise, jostled from his thoughts. Half his frog is gone, slowly being picked apart by careful fingers. "You were right, Alrik. It's not that bad..." the boy purses his lips a bit. "T-thanks, uh... Tak. Glad I tried it."
Tak just grunts in acknowledgement. He glances at Alrik, knowing what you meant. He suddenly tilts his head, listening, confused. It's like he catches the sound of something nearby but it's gone in a second. He seems to shrug it off.
Alrik rolls his head around his shoulders, cracking his neck as he does. "They're pretty tasty. Kind of a staple in the swamps. I was stationed at one for all of two weeks before getting transferred to The Komodori..."
His mage hand drifts toward him and drops the cooked frog into a cloth on his outstretched hand. He sprinkles some smashed peppercorns onto it from a small herb pouch in his satchel and takes a bite. "And even if you didn't like it, Tucker... you could always change the flavor." He grins at the boy
Tucker shakes his head. "That's true... But I wanted to know what it tasted like first." He flashes half a grin. "And I know I can't change the flavor as well as you. Might end up worse."
A rush of wind sends a chill through the air, causing the fire to flare up and flicker. "W-what the..." Tucker seems alarmed, blocking his face with his hand.
A loud BOOM shakes the ground behind you Alrik, showering you with chilly water.
(20 to hit, 7 thunder damage... Mwahaha)
(Hits.)
Alrik throws himself upward, the frog being tossed aside. "SHOW YOURSELF, COWARD!" His eyes slit into those reminiscent of reptilian eyes, storming and flashing with a storm. The lightning arcs down his arms, crackling and pulsing with a bluish-purple light. (Intimidation 26. Rolled a 19. Muhahaha)
(Sorry back inside, I was picking beans with Hunter in our yard xD)
The sloshing of water slurps across the mud of the bank nearby, coalescing. Morphing. Up above you towers a rather spindly water elemental, its form speckled by green fish foam and bits of lakeweed, lit by the bluish-purple energy. A maw opens in what you would take to be some sort of face and it swirls with energy before diving right for Tak and Tucker.
The monster slams into them, the fire sizzling out in a gout of steam and heat. Tak and Tucker are sent rushing away from the lake. It tries to suck them back in but they each grab on to branches and rocks along the bank, preventing the drowning suction from engulfing them. (they each rolled amazing on their saves.. rofl 17 and 19 str save)
Tucker turns and his fingertips bubble, building a yellowish energy that bursts in a gout of acid. It lands in the water with a hiss, burning and sizzling as it touches the frothy algae.
Tak scrambles out of the way so it doesn't touch him, yanking his sword free from the camping gear nearby and slashing it against the creature nearest him. The water hisses and tries to reform around the cut, surging and swelling.
(18 to hit, 9 damage from tak)
(failed dex save, takes 1 acid damage from tucker)
(Your turn Tempest XD)
Alrik takes a step backward, bracing himself at the vigorous flow of energy pouring from himself, the blue liquid-like energy covering his arms in waves as it comes crashing down into his palms, swirling into spheres the size of dinner plates.
"TAK! TUCKER! GET BACK!" He roars as he hurls the globes of raw magic at the elemental. As the last traces of magic leave his fingers, a spark from the tips ignite the trailing energy, causing the twin fireballs to spring to life...
(Mechanics for that attack. Burned both 3rd level spell slots and 4 sorcery points to both quicken and twin a fireball spell... hence, damage roll of 16d6, for a total of..... 57.)
The fire roils over the elemental, boiling and evaporating the water away like a blast furnace. Tak and Tucker make it out of the way just in time, jumping behind some nearby rocks to avoid the intense heat.
The elemental roars in aquan, a gurgling, burbling noise that sounds like water being sucked down a drain. Decimated and attempting to reconstitute, it slips across the ground and tries to escape back to the lake shore some 20 feet from you. You can see the path it's taking by the bubbling hot mud it leaves behind.
(Feel free to provide orders/instructions to Tak or Tucker as well, if you wish to hunt it down before it escapes!)
"Tak! Cut it off on the bank! Tucker, hit it from the side! Flank it!"
Alrik sprints forward, grabbing his staff as he rushes past their drenched camp...
The two look at one another and scramble. Tak rushes around, slipping in the mud as he cuts the beast off. He plants his claws in the muck, bringing his sword around in a defensive position. The monster halts with a hiss.
Tucker comes in right behind Tak and lunges at the creature's side. He tries to copy what Alrik did, tries to remember the last time he conjured a flame. It was a somber experience, but one he'll never forget. The fire, with a smell like a burning barn or altar, flickers down his arms and ripples through the reeds and moss inside the elemental.
The monster cries out in surprise from the flanking fire and tries to slam down atop Tak to get by. (multiattack, 8 and 18, one hits for 7 damage)
Tak blocks the first with his sword but is swept off his feet with a yip as the second hits. He tries to bring his sword around but (8) it misses the creature by a few inches.
Alrik advances on the water elemental, his hand spinning with small motes of electricity, spinning faster and faster until they culminate into a single larger sphere which he hurls at the creature. (Magic missile cast at 2nd level, 5d4 damage, 13 total.)
The missile of light and energy slams into the beast. Sinking right into the pit of its stomach it expands, bulging the creature unnaturally as it ruptures out with an explosion of power.
Water sizzles and explodes from its figure, each mote bursting like a firework. Tak and Tucker scramble through the mud, slashing and pummeling against it. It retreats further into lake, broken and battered, trying to reconstitute and heal.
"Tucker! Bring it down!" Alrik yells, pointing at the retreating watery figure
Tucker panics, but the direct order helps him focus. He lands in the water with a splash as he struggles to catch his footing.
Eyes wide in anger he stands, watching Alrik's motes swirl and burst. Too far to use his acid splash, he doesn't think and just acts... The acid bursts and melts from his fingertips, glowing hot and churning together before.... Like a magic missile, they are launched into the back of the monster's head.
It quakes and melts in a sludgy mess. Tak watches in surprise, yipping slightly as some of the acid pools around his tail and feet. He quickly hops from the water, eyeing the foamy mess with disgust.
Tucker just stares, breathing heavy with sweat pooling on his brow. Confusion and curiosity fill him as he glanced at Alrik. All he can really manage is a cocky smirk.
Alrik lets out a heavy sigh, then chuckles to himself. "Flame-Scar, you sure know how to deal some pain with that sword..." he then looks to his apprentice, a stern look on his face. "Tucker, you did good. I hope that last spell didn't take too much out of you." The Storm Mage cracks a small grin and walks back to their now thoroughly soaked camp. "Well shit... I don't feel like sleeping on wet bedding, so I guess let's head back to town..."
Tucker seems to snap out of his daze, shaking a little bit. "I'm fine," he manages to murmur, but you can tell that town is probably the best idea. Warm beds after such a cold encounter is bound to stave off any sickness.
Tak just shrugs and shoulders his weapon. He wipes his nose on his arm, grabbing up anything he can from the camp that's still useful.
Tucker helps carry some of the weight, eyeing Alrik as they make their way back. He tries not to shiver or show his exhaustion, opting for a little small talk. "That surprised me... I'm not sure what I did to it. It looked like yours, but not... really?"
Alrik nods. "In the Mage Schools, they give that spell the blanket name magic missile. Usually it looks different depending on the person who cast it. Mine is spheres of lightning. Jaundree's looks like glowing coals in a blacksmith's forge. Thayassa's look like icicles..."
He nods, looking at his hands. There's an air of frustration about him. "You make it look so... effortless."
With a sniff, Tucker stuffs his hands in his pockets and is back to his old grumpy sort of self. He seems contemplative though. Determined. You can tell immediately that he's going to practice every second he can during his spare time.
You find yourself back on the outskirts of town near your small shack home. Despite the lack of a fire, the warmth from the day has heated the building nicely, making the inside feel like a pleasant refuge from the night. Tak looks around curiously at the small room, and Tucker immediately sinks down in his normal spot.
"I've also been practicing a lot longer than you have... it comes with time."
Alrik builds a small fire in the fireplace and steps into his room, taking his soaked clothes and hanging them to dry. "You got dry clothes?" He calls to the other two as he pulls on a spare set of pants and walking out with a bottle of brandy and a glass.
Tucker lazily rifles through his bag, pulling out a change of clothes and hanging his wet ones by the fire. He doesn't seem shy at all, used to being around a dozen other kids in the orphanage. Tak just curls up on a mat by the flames, content to dry himself. "Tak don't have change. Tak fine, warm."
The kid watches the kobold with mild curiosity. Now in a fresh tunic and trousers, he seems to be fighting with sleep. "That sucked... But it was still fun. Kinda. Never knew something like that lived there."
Tak mumbles through a yawn, "Always new things. Things from the rivers in the woods. Things from the mountains. Tak seen small ones before, never big."
Alrik nods, taking a drink from his glass and sitting down in his rocking chair. "Elementals... not really sure how they come into being, but they're definitely pains in the ass to deal with. We got lucky..."
Tucker looks at the fire. "That's the second one I've seen around here. What do you know about elementals, Alrik? Do people use them for things? Or are they just... wild?"
"Elementals are odd creatures. I mean, sometimes they can be controlled or coerced into helping someone." Alrik scowls at his soaked bag before picking it up and trying to shake the excess water out.
"The ones I've ran into were either wild, for the post part, or bound to a Mage..."
Tak snores softly by the fire. Tucker just nods, yawning and half asleep. "I wonder where they're made...I'd love to see someday. Thanks for your help, da--er.." he stammers, ears red, "d-defeating it, I mean. You're a good teacher, Alrik."
With an embarrassed, thin smile he turns over on his mat and covers himself with a dry blanket.
Alrik simply nods and walks to his bed. "I do what I can."
****
You are woken in the morning to the boom of fireworks. Tucker jolts awake. Tak scrambles upright, his claws scratching against the dusty wood floor.
"Crap crap crap..." The kobold hurriedly grabs at his belongings, trying to shrug on a haphazardly sewn vest that was tucked in the bottom of his bag.
Alrik noticeably relaxes, the magic receding from his arms as he makes the connection to what is happening. "Fireworks. The festival's commencement."
"Yes but Tak promised--" He swings open the door and yelps in surprise, a scaly blue face staring him down. Their arm is raised as if to knock, but upon seeing him she just knocks on the top of his head.
"Before dawn means before the sun rises," Vele rolls her head back in exasperation.
"Tak know that!" He flushes, his aura prickly.
"Ah, so just lazy then?"
"N-no! Just a long night..."
Vele looks like she wants to say something, but seeing Alrik she blanches a little and bites her tongue. She knows better than to harass him. Tak senses the unease and waves to the humans.
"Need help Vele with project at festival. Promised. See you there, maybe!" He leaves his gear and rushes out, grabbing her by the hand.
Tucker just stares. He glanced at Alrik.
"So... Good morning." He scratches his messy hair, his face looking especially freckly. There's an eager look in his eyes.
"I see." The Storm Mage says to no one in particular, as the kobold had already departed.
Alrik cracks his neck and fingers, then steps up from his bed. "Good morning, Apprentice. Shall we eat a quick breakfast or see what we can find at the festival?"
Tucker smiles. He pats his pocket where he still has a little of his money. "Festival! They have a lot of fun things and a huge feast later."
He dresses quickly, triple checking his apprentice emblem in his bag, and tries to fix his unruly hair.
"You gonna be ok with all the crowds? I could just fetch us something..."
Alrik pulls his cloak on, setting his head deep within the hood. "I'll be okay. If all else fails, I can always leave early."
He grabs his gnarled staff and walks do the door, taking his satchel down from a peg nearby. "Let's be off."
As you both make your way toward the streets of town, you can see Tak helping Vele and several other kobolds move a large, wooden contraption in the distance. There's a big tarp over it, but as it billows in the wind you can see the gears and levers underneath.
The smell of food wafts across the plaza and Tucker starts drooling. You pass carts serving kumquat curd pancakes, racks of owlbear ribs with blackberry sauce, and vanilla drizzled caramel fritters, just to name a few. Tucker rushes at the last one, a picture of pure, sticky happiness.
Nostalgia fills his face as he stuffs a second one in his mouth, barely able to contain himself. You've dusted quite a few chips off this kid's shoulder, and he smirks at you. Swallowing, he says in an undertone, "I've noticed they taste better when I pay for 'em." Handing one to you, he points at the other stalls. "Lots of weird stuff too, anything you want?"
Up ahead there are countless other dishes and wares from all across Alverathion. (Feel free to let me know if anything interests you or you want to seek stuff out, or listen to rumors as you walk through the crowd--you can just make a roll for me for seeking out what you find)
Alrik looks quizzically at the fritter, taking a small bite. "I'm not one for something this sweet for breakfast, but I suppose once in a while won't hurt." He smirks and takes another bite. "Thanks, Tucker... and yeah, things taste better when they're honest."
Keeping his head somewhat down, Alrik attempts to listen in to the conversations around him, keeping his eyes and ears alert for any sign of danger.
As you pass by a pair of sailors, you note one is dressed in a style similar to Alamast--south of Komodori, which you were a little familiar with during your time in the war. A lot of greens and browns, the broad hat on his head makes him stand out a bit from his compatriot, obviously more of a local. You catch a snippet of conversation between them, just the line: "I'll never leave dry land again!" (You can roll a perception check to hear more!)
"I dunno what it was but it had mouths. Plural! What kinda thing needs more than one mouth? I'm staying on land where it can't get... Oh gods, I hope it can't get on land!"
The conversation fades as they pass by, but you definitely caught the meaty bits of it before they left.
Alrik shakes his head with a small chuckle. "Seafolk and their tall tales..." he mutters to himself
You continue past the stalls and out into the wider courtyard. You see a huge table being set up for a feast later, a great load of meat and vegetables being roasted on a massive pit of coals beside it. You spot Jannae Applebrew, owner of the Dragon's Lair Inn, busy at one end with a rack of beautiful red and white streaked meat. The reptilian skin chars beautifully as she bastes it, Oredion and Etny's catch from the previous day's hunt.
"Alrik!" You hear a familiar voice and turning, you see Petvin waving at you from a platform.
Alrik looks at him, pushing his hood back slightly and putting his finger to his lips as he walks over within earshot. "Damnit man, just scream it to the whole town that I'm here... what if someone heard you?"
He smirks slightly, but still keeping a small level of seriousness on his face. "How are you, Petvin?"
The dwarf chuckles, a smile on his face. "I'm doing well! Many bright faces here to celebrate, and many souls I can share the light of Pelor with. Oh!" He sees Tucker and waves, the boy looking a bit grubby with his face all smudged with sugar. He wipes it all on his sleeve, awkwardly acknowledging the priest.
"Look here," Petvin whispers a little more quietly to Alrik. Being on a platform helps him reach his ear much better. "You feel like taking the boy on a little adventure?" He holds up a card between his fingers. "We're hosting a scavenger hunt. Winners get a surprise, if they can figure out all of the clues. It spans the whole city, so it's good to start now. What do you say?"
"Sure, why not? Gives me an excuse if someone traps me in a conversation..." he chuckles and smiles
Handing you the card, you turn it over to read the first clue. Tucker, feigning disinterest, glances at it out of the corner of his eye.
"It wears a leather coat to keep its skins in working order. Escorts you to other realms, without a magic portal."
Petvin chuckles. "You mages are always clever. Enjoy the game, and let me know if you have any questions. May Pelor guide you." He bows his head, his beard brushing against his robes.
Alrik hands the card to Tucker so that he can see it. "Not all are leather..." he smirks, pulling a small book that has a treated canvas cover from his satchel. "To the library, I suppose?"
Tucker looks at the card, considering your answer. "Yeah that makes sense. Alright, let's head off that way."
You both make your way toward the library. It's closed currently as the owner is out assisting with the festival, but you search around the door. Tucker flips the "closed" sign over and sees a card on the back.
"Clever, heh." He points at it for Alrik to read it, still a little rusty with reading himself.
"I cover cities and destroy mountains, I make men blind, yet help them see."
"Hmmm.... that one is a bit tougher. My first thought is snow, but that's probably not right." Alrik leans on his staff, thinking out loud more than making conversation.
Tucker shrugs, putting the sign back. "Yeah, no snow around here. The Crags catch most of the snow from up north."
"Cover cities... that could be anything carried by the wind..." he looks around absentmindedly as he thinks. "Blinds them, yet helps them see...... glasses help people see, and glass shards can blind people, but glass doesn't cover cities, nor destroy mountains."
"Wind destroys mountains by erosion... blowing small particles from the surface... dirt and such... that can cover cities, but not help people see."
He looks at Tucker, a smile growing on his face. "I guess we're going to the place where water meets earth... the answer... is sand."
The half elf grins. "Wait, what? Sand makes glass? I had no idea it did... that's so weird. I guess we can go down by the beach, there's a lot of sand here."
Leading the way, you follow the main road and avoid the bigger crowds as you do. It's starting to warm up despite the cool salty breeze from the sea.
Down a set of stairs near the beach you walk beside the dock, keeping your eyes peeled for anything strange. (Make a perception check for me)
You quickly spot something out of place, a large sand castle with a symbol of Pelor on it. It looks enchanted and holds its form, despite the wind and the hands of children. Around the front, you reach in the large drawgate and pull out a card.
"You eat something you neither plant nor plow.
It is the son of water, but if water touches it, it dies."
Alrik looks out to the ocean, stroking his beard. "You eat it... you don't plant it or grow it, so that means it's natural... born of water, but dies if touched by it. Hmm."
He reaches into his bag and pulls out a piece of jerky and rips it in half, handing one piece to Tucker. "What if dies is a figure of speech? What if it just disappears? You know... dissolves."
Tucker takes one of the pieces of jerky, chewing on it thoughtfully. His eyes widen at the taste. "Like... salt...?" He raises an eyebrow, worried he's misunderstanding his teacher.
"I was thinking the same thing, but I've got no idea where in this town I'd find that, besides one of the places to eat in town..."
The boy shrugs, thinking. "There are a lot of merchants. Perhaps one that specializes in salt? A lot of people here need it for jerky and preserving and stuff." He suddenly looks sheepish. "Awwww, damn. Nah this is stupid, we can go do some other stuff."
Alrik shrugs. "Worth a shot... you could be on to something. This is Petvin we're talking about... he's probably got the whole town in on it." He chuckles
Tucker grumbles. "Yeahhhh, yeah." He looks up at the town again. "I'll let you grab the next clue. I know where it is."
He leads the way for some distance, heading back down another street where several dozen stalls are. Pointing to one in particular, he says "Go to that one."
You see it's a fancier stall, full of fine salts from across the sea. They sit in large barrels and glisten with different sizes and colors--pink, black, yellow, green. The man watching over them sits back in his finer clothes, a massive fellow probably half dwarf and a good seven and a half feet tall. He has a gigantic mustache, meticulously combed and smoothed, bright yellow matching his golden tunic.
Tucker hangs back, shuffling his feet and trying to stay hidden among those in the crowd. He flattens his hair over his forehead, trying to be inconspicuous.
Alrik walks up to the large figure, moving his hood slightly back to expose his face a bit. "Hello, good sir."
The large man turns, a broad smile on his face beneath his whiskers. "Why hello young man!" His voice booms deep, one of the deepest you've heard from a human. "Are you in need of any supplies?"
On the top of his counter you spot a small statuette of Pelor, cast in bronze. It looks nice, but a little out of place with all the spices.
Alrik gestures to it with his staff. "Not exactly at the moment... my apprentice and I are on the scavenger hunt."
"I see, yes, well..." his mustache twitches with good humor and he turns to reach into his back pocket. "A fellow did give me a few of these to hand out, should anyone actually come this far. Here you are."
He passes a card to you with a wink. Tucker has disappeared a little further up the promenade, dutifully avoiding the large man.
"It is a 5 letter word. Yet if you take away first letter it is something you get from sun, if you remove second letter you will get something to eat, if you remove third letter you get a word you use in pointing at it and if you remove the fourth letter you get something to drink. What is it?"
You notice the card has a back to it as well. It has a single sentence: "Where is the best place to enjoy it?"
***
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