""Well I hope you are planning on a little more rest Solaric, for the tournament sounds like a rather busy affair."
"I am certain that we will get a little more rest once we get settled back in Karcau. Although, from what I am hearing from these knights, I wonder how long we will even be staying there. I have no doubt that these events are all connected with our old enemy and the search for the shards of the amethyst heptagon!"
"I'd like you to keep Johenric at your side at all times should they move to employ dark magic against you."
"I would hope that these knights would be honorable and not have to resort to such shadowy deception. However, I will certainly heed your advice and keep the wizard near my side. I have full confidence in my ability to try my best in tournament. However, I do wonder how I will fare against opponents of such mighty strength and wicked cunning. I also wonder how the fair Countess Livgrace feels about me. I do hope this tournament turns out for the best! However, there is great potential for things to go very badly. I think I will need to invest some time and effort into my prayers!"
Solaric returns into the Broken Crown, and looks for young Flofer Nighthawk. When he sees him just getting up, the dark elf makes a good effort to be polite and patience with the young musician.
"Good Morning, Flofer. Did I hear you yelping at a pillow, by chance? I realize they must be very startling when one wakes up, especially when you are in an unfamiliar place. Well, I trust you slept well. We will be leaving shortly, so please prepare yourself for the journey back to Karcau. Now, please join us for breakfast and remember your manners at the table. We do not want to impose upon our hosts more than necessary. Let's work on making a good impression on everybody."
Meanwhile Johenric reading a book is sitting at the breakfast table. When the others enter the room he signals "silence" by moving his finger close to his lips. After a minute he closes the book and turns his head to the rest of the group.
As I had a thought needed to be finished, thanks for staying quite. I can recommend the scrambled egg.
"As I had a thought needed to be finished, thanks for staying quiet. I can recommend the scrambled egg."
"I just wish we were able to keep this place quiet last night! So, did your unfinished thoughts have anything to do with scrambled eggs? Anyway, Johenric, I was talking with the Countess Victoria, and she recommends that I keep you near my side as I compete in the tournament at Karcau. We have concerns that some villains may consider using dark and evil magic to gain an unfair advantage. Do you think you would be willing and able to stay near my side during competition to aid me in the task of uncovering any foul play?"
To the observers it looks like Johenric's mind is following multiple thoughts at the same time. After some seconds he nods to Solaric and says.
This is my pleasure.
After you have gathered around a large table and the innkeep has realized that it is now allowed again to make some noise, he joins your table with a steaming hot large pan he holds with two hands.
A good morning to the knightly sirs and the most lovely lady! I have a large serving of scrambled eggs, boar bacon, and our famous Sinarian Sausages for you. Oh yeah, and some bread aswell, heh.
He puts the large pan in the centre of the table and fetches some wooden plates and cutlery for all of you.
Need anything else? Oh, and when do you plan to leave us?
"Good morning, my fine innkeep! This breakfast looks like like a feast set for a king. Please, my friends, help yourselves. We will need a hearty breakfast to give us the strength to make our way to Karcau today."
Solaric waits patiently until all are served before he helps himself. He sits next to Flofer and sets an example of utmost etiquette.
"Need anything else?"
"May I impose on you to bring us some napkins."
"Oh, and when do you plan to leave us?"
"We have had a wonderful meal and a lovely rest last night. I thank you kindly for your gracious hospitality, but alas we must press onward today. After breakfast we will make preparation to depart and hope to leave soon afterwards."
"Yes the care and attention has been most gracious, and certainly of a high standard I have become accustomed to. We shall be leaving soon"
It was an honour to host the well-known Karcau's Chosen. Should you ever meet Countess Livgrace, please tell her that Aren Soviar is her greatest admirer.
The innkeep already turns to leave your table, but then pauses and adds
I know a shortcut to Karcau - I mean, just if you are interested, saves about 6 hours.
"I would be honored to send on your respects to the Countess, Master Soviar. For indeed we will be meeting her upon our return. Now, please tell us more about this shortcut. There must be some other factors to consider. How dangerous is this alternate route?"
Nothing Karcau's Chosen have to worry about I guess. It's an old trade route leading from Karcau to the south, past the old monastery of...mhhm, forgot the name...deserted since centuries. Can show you the way if you like.
"That sounds like a fine plan! We are all very eager to return home. Directions or a map would be most helpful. We also wish you continued success with your business. I will certainly pass on my good word to any travellers I know heading this way."
Do that, it would be a fine thing if more people would use it again!Please, sir Zekkaran, come over to the window, I'll show you the way.
The innkeeper points at a grassy ridge to the west. There is a brown path inmidst the green you can make out
Just follow it northwards.
Flofer rubs his hands together vigorously as he sits at the table. He pulls out a polka-dotted handkerchief and stuffs it into his collar for a bib. Mmmh! Mmmhh!
Meanwhile Johenric watches the instructions from the innkeeper and thinks about the mentioned shortcut, if he has heard or read something about this rat run.
Knowledge Local
Knowledge Geography
@ Jo: No, you haven't heard about it before.
"Well, thank you, my good sir! I appreciate the suggestion. We will plan on taking the route once we depart."
After breakfast, Solaric packs his equipment and saddles up Dart to prepare for the upcoming journey.
Kirk collects his things and waits outside of the inn once they've finished breakfast, apparently anxious get back on the road and back to Karcau.
A heavy wind is blowing and tossles through Kirk's hair as he steps outside.
Whenever you look to the north these days, a shiver runs down your spine and your hackles are raised, you clearly feel something is changing...you notice that several large flocks of geese fly southwards, which is strange for this season of the year since they have only returned to the north about two weeks ago.
Solaric steps outside with his pack slung over his shoulder and walks up to Kirk as he waits. "Well, my friend, we are almost on our way home. You look eager to go. We have certainly come a long way since we first met. It feels strangely quiet without Jendarne with us, don't you think? Are you still feeling the resolve to continue our task knowing that the dangers that lie ahead may still be great? I think we are going to need to find some extra help. Unfortunately, I don't see much of it in the form of our new charge, Flofer. Even his name makes me think that a swift breeze will knock him over. We will need to keep our eyes open and patiently remain receptive to whomever the great Inheritor may bring our way! We must pray on this!"
Victoria clearly awaits the return to Karkau, and the webs of intrigue.
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As they ride, Flofer strums his lute and sings a little song, all while perched precariously on the back of his uncle's horse.
Perform, Song:
Ohhhhhh, a Paladin went a' riding down an old and dusty track
he had a shining necklace and a sword strapped to his back!
He was always looking, over his shoulder, trying to watch out for foes,
But up came branch and with one quick snap it punched him on the nose!
Hidey-hi, hidey-ho,
Off adventuring we shall go!
With a lute in my hand and a grin on my face,
We'll loot and pillage all over the place!
"Flofer Nighthawk, I see that you like music and I appreciate such a passion. I have great respect for musicians, and your song certainly sounds very interesting. However, why did you make the main character, a paladin, one of the great protectors of the land, a person with a fearless heart and boundless courage, a light of justice guided by one of the great faiths of purity? Why do you subject such a hero to a ridiculous swat by a branch?!"
Solaric cannot help himself and continues to ask. "Furthermore, why do you sing about looting and pillaging? Have you any idea what true adventuring is about? We are not pirates driven by our own greed and want of treasure. We are servants, protectors of the meek, and the guardians of hope and peace in the land. We are here to battle the greatest of evil fiends and ensure that a realm of hope and justice prevails!"
Solaric inwardly sighs and outwardly summons a great deal of patience.
"Flofer, my lad, I just think you need to rework your song a little."
Well...I picked a paladin because he's the hero of the song, and he should be a man of fearless light and boundless justice and all...
And then... what was the rest? Flofer asks, nearly falling from his saddle as he reaches to scratch his head.
Oh, the branch! Hahah, well, it's funny, and it makes him more likable to the everyman, doesn't it? Nobody's perfect!
Oh, you said something about looting? Well, technically, we're not looting... we're looting the lairs of dragons and terrible things like that! Haha! It'll be marvelous! he says, drifting off in thought...
Flofer, my lad, you do not seem to understand what I am saying. You don't need to write silly songs that make fun of great heroes. I am simply trying to make it clear to you that you could use your music to inspire hope and bring courage to others when the dark shadows abound! You need to be aware that you can use your gifts to serve a powerful role that will aid in the coming of the Inheritor's realm of glory and light! Now, listen to me, boy. Could you please use your talents to help me and not work against me. I am in need of a herald that could announce me at the upcoming tournament. Perhaps you could write some words on my behalf that would serve the purpose of glorifying the Inheritor. You see, I am going to be facing a number of other knights in competition, and I could use your help in gaining some recognition and honor among the other knights. I am already at a disadvantage because of my ancestry, but with your help, and the almighty Inheritor, we may be able to make a strong impression at the tournament and even impress the Countess Livgrace herself. What do you say to that, my young lad?"
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...oh... Flofer says, suddenly getting quiet. My father never let me compete in the tourneys...Well, at least not after my brother was old enough...
Soooo! Do you want to be the hero of the song to impress this Countess? Eh? Eh? he asks, raising his eyebrows knowingly. Or do you want me to make a character who isn't you, but seems like you so she can draw the conclusions for herself? That's a good trick! Okay, how's this:
he belts. Noo, that won't work... Do you have any titles? Nicknames? Ooh, how about "Solaric the Solar Flare"? Or "Zesty Zekkaran"? he asks, his mind racing.
Before Solaric can reply, he bursts into song again.
What do the knights of Karkau know?
To fight? No! To ride? No!
They dance and prance, it's all for show!
It's all for show! It's all for show!
Hoho-hoho! Hoho-hoho! What do the knights of Karkau know?
And where do the knights of Karkau go?
To war? No! To court? No!
To bed with milk is where they go!
To bed to go! With milk to go!
Hoho-hoho! Hoho-hoho! Where do the knights of Karkau go?
But there is one among them, the one who will bring them tears!
He's the one with the shiny sword on his neck--the one with the pointy ears!
Pointy ears! Pointy ears! He's the source of all their fears!
He's fast and he's mad and he makes some mean speeches,
after he's done with his sword he'll have fun and the others will water their breeches!
Their breeches!
Who has a shiny sword necklace?
Who is so deft and so quick?
Who has those ears all a-pointy?
It must be the the sun-flare Solaric!
Kirk can't help himself, and bursts out laughing at the end of Flofer's song, shaking his head and chuckling to himself. "I don't think that song would win much praise where we're headed, kid, you might want to keep to yourself when in the company of Countess Livgrace."
What? Was it the part about the milk?
Johenric rides in the back thanking all gods that his mind is dealing with serious thoughts; however he stays quite.
"Do you want to be the hero of the song to impress this Countess? Eh? Eh?
"Impress? Flofer, my lad, there is much you do not understand about being a knight. There are oaths of faith, codes of conduct, etiquette, and above all, honor. The knight is an emblem of goodness and purity, and as such, we must devote our lives to perfecting our skills and serving the people while at the same time looking inward to open our hearts to be guided by the Inheritor. Our life is about bringing justice and righteousness to the land and opposing evil at every turn. However, what the dear Countess Victoria has taught me, and you would do well to learn the same, is that there is a much greater level of subtlety involved when it comes to matters of court. Indeed there will be time for jesting and frivolity. However, there is a great deal of seriousness to this task that needs to be exercised. When I present myself at Tournament, it is not the time for jesting and laughing, but for a strong presentation that sets an example to inspire others to greatness! Although your song has a strong rhythm, its contents needs to be beyond questioning in the exemplification of the order of knighthood. It is not to be a sweet little rhyme for children to chant in the nursery, but a ballad of epic proportions to show the world that evil will be put to an end as long as I have breath to take, sword in hand, and the light of the great Iomedae to guide me!"
Victoria watches on at the dynamics playing out...
"As good Solaric correctly points out, there are times for jests and entertainment, and times to keep a cool head. Get the timings wrong and the consequences will be far from amusing"
"The tourney is such a time, I believe it will be a fairly formal affair, however you will have your uses, oh yes you will, before any such tourney begins"
The old trade route is still in a condition that is good enough for riding without difficulties. From time to time you pass an old weathered milestone praising deeds and rule of a now long forgotten king. After about 2 hours you reach the structure the innkeeper spoke about. A large fortress-like cloister lying on the right side of the trade route. High brick walls and two massive towers - you wonder what kind of monks lived here. The building is nestled into a small fir-tree wood and a hill behind it. Ravens sit atop the battlements and eye you suspiciously.
The still heavy wind howls through dozens of openings, narrow corridors, destroyed windows and roof holes. Even though the place is clearly deserted, it still bears an aura of authority and you are pretty sure that it didn't only serve as a cloister, but also as a garrison, place for shelter and fortification to protect the trade route.
"Oh a shortcut past a ruin, I think I read a story like that once... or was it read to me as a child as a cautionary lesson to frigten me into not wandering into strange places and heavily featured large monsters snipping small inquisitive folk into smaller pieces and cooking them for lunch?"
"So tell me, your Grace, how did the story end? Did the Heroine enter the ruins and find some marvelous treasure, or did it end badly for the characters? I ask in the interest of knowing if this old monastery is worth stopping at to give the horses a rest, and perhaps to be able gaze upon some real history."
"Not a once have I heard a story about a ruin that ended well, but perhaps this is Karkau in fair Ustalav after all, and happy stories are not ones we are known for. Nevertheless, we should at least examine the sights and ensure the place is secure as we pass, to spare the less well abled from falling peril to what might only be a minor nuisance to us."
Suddenly Johenric reacts.
Let me tell you my thoughts: as far as I understood it, our priority are the chronicles of the heptagon. I presume everybody agrees to this. Therefore we should direct our deeds towards this main goal.
Then Johenric turns his head towards Solaric.
According to Master Malik, being the chairmen of the Magical Research Council a long time ago, this differentiates an effective researcher....respective a hero from an unproductive one.
The reason to examine such place just for examination purpose is not conducive. In case we perceive Victorias argument to ensure the place is secure as important - in order to continue our journey - I can accept a short observation of this place as long as it is conducive to our main goal.
"Johenric, I am not sure what you exactly said, but the our reason to investigate is to destroy evil in all of its forms wherever we may go. Let's rest the horses here and take a short look around. Follow me, my friends."
Solaric approaches the ruins and dismounts Dart to look around.
"A short look is all I have in mind Johenric, to clear out any unwanted lurkers or bandits; I do not wish to stay here for any length of time, indeed I do not wish to stay a moment longer really, for Karkau calls and the longer we leave the snakes unchecked the more they spread their venom"
Flofer, who has been daydreaming, starts as he sees the old fortress. He barely conceals a gulp as everyone starts dismounting.
Ummm... I'm with Johenric on this one.... Let's ah...Let's not waste our time on this...on this... his words fail him as his gaze tracks up the height of the towers.
"What's the matter, Flofer? Are you nervous that there are fiends hiding in the shadows ready to jump out at you? Well, my boy, stay close to us and we will make sure that nothing happens to you. We have accumulated a great deal of experience fighting everything from Wyverns and Zombies to Cultists and Demons! We certainly will not let them eat you up! Will we, Spearborn?"
Oh, no! Nothing's the matter! Haha, I'm just ah...eager to ah...get to Karkau! he says, laughing nervously. He wriggles out of his saddle and onto the ground, holding his lute close to his chest with both hands.
Well, let's ah...let's go then!
"That's the spirit, boy!" Solaric pats the kid on the back. "Now if you look around carefully, you may be able to pick up clues as to who lived here and maybe what happened to them. You may also be able to find out if they laid any traps for unsuspecting visitors. If you have a weapon, this may be a good time to pull it out."
Solaric draws his own sword and leads Flofer and the others towards the ruins. He looks around for any evidence of evil creatures.
Perception
Solaric, please do not forget: we have to use our Time efficient. our Mission is to protect Kracau from the heptagon.
Victoria waits for Johenric to be in earshot, whilst Flofer and Solaric have their own conversation.
"True, the Heptagon is of importance, but I would see the measure of this young man before we get him to Karkau. If he is put off by a possibly abandoned ruin then he will lack the backbone and the stomach to deal with the real threats we encounter. Better we observe him now than bury him later when we mistakenly put him past his ability"
Flofer slings his lute onto his back and draws his own blade, following behind Solaric. His eyes look as if they are straining open painfully as he tiptoes along.
Perception:
Kirk dismounts and ties his horse up, following the group toward the ruins.
Perception
"Solaric, please do not forget: we have to use our Time efficient. our Mission is to protect Kracau from the heptagon."
"Johenric, I can assure you that the amethyst heptagon and its shards are never far from my thoughts. In fact I am certain that it has much to do with this business at the Kronstein Ridge. However, even with the urgency behind that task, I must also weigh the decision with the needs of the present moment. You see, the Inheritor guides me in the most marvelous ways, and she will bring me to that which I need to complete the task. I simply need to listen to her voice that sings within me and open my heart to her blessings. Who knows, this ancient ruin may posses a clue or an item that we may need to solve the riddle and complete that task."
As Solaric approaches the ruins, he looks back at the nervous Flofer and his blade. "Have you ever used such a weapon before, my young man? Be sure to hold it firmly, but not so tight that you are no longer relaxed. A knight must be at ease and comfortable with his blade, to wield it most effectively. Stop trembling and relax. If you are too tense, that is when mistakes will be made. If you quiet your mind, you may be able to hear the Inheritor guiding you from with. There you go! Easy does it. Nice and calm!"
Solaric stops for a moment, places his hands over Flofer's heart and casts Guidance upon him.
"Now clear your mind and listen."
You see, the Inheritor guides me in the most marvelous ways, and she will bring me to that which I need to complete the task. I simply need to listen to her voice that sings within me and open my heart to her blessings.
Johenric nods and says in a disappointed way.
What do you expect me to say? From your perspective the god argument is absolute and immune to any other argument. I follow you this time.
"True, the Heptagon is of importance, but I would see the measure of this young man before we get him to Karkau. If he is put off by a possibly abandoned ruin then he will lack the backbone and the stomach to deal with the real threats we encounter. Better we observe him now than bury him later when we mistakenly put him past his ability."
This argument I agree to. However, I have to decide how I deal in the future with the god argument in a conversation. I am not saying the god is wrong; this case is a precedence for future discussions and religion will simply end any discussion. Anyhow, I will concentrate on my options.
This argument I agree to. However, I have to decide how I deal in the future with the god argument in a conversation. I am not saying the god is wrong; this case is a precedence for future discussions and religion will simply end any discussion. Anyhow, I will concentrate on my options.
"I too struggle with the notions of the divine, however Solaric seems to find it a good tool for becoming a light in the darkness, and I know that the people need such light. It is not for me though, as I know my heritage is from the Abyss, and all that awaits me in the afterlife is eternity with my mother"
"What do you expect me to say? From your perspective the god argument is absolute and immune to any other argument. I follow you this time."
"Johenric, I feel as if I have taken away your favorite spell book. Please, forgive me for closing your arguments so quickly with my arguments of faith. I do not wish to enter a great debate with you, my friend, but I imagine for someone who thinks logically and analytically, that my profession of faith must seem very unscientific. However, I assure you, your counsel is still highly valued. I have seen your work, and I have a great respect for all that you do. Perhaps there is no logical reason for investigating these ruins, but let's just say it is an instinct, or a gut feeling that I have. Others may call it what they will, but for me, it is the guidance of Iomedae. In this case, like many other similar situations we have been in, I thank you for your continued support."