"I see your point, Lady Rhialla. We will release Greven and the girl. But... We can't have a dhampir ruling over us! Surely, as a paladin you can understand that. He is half undead! It is only a matter of time before he succumbs to his heinous urges."
Magnes give the man a cold expression. "I'd say that with yer' villages track record in leaders it wouldn't make a mite of difference. I mean what with how this'll be the second time you're major leader turned out to be a monster. They say the third times a charm and providence came to save your people today. Why not give the man a chance to prove himself rather than worrying over his lineage?" Magnes suggests as he looks to the town outside
"I mean far as I'v heard you;ve yet to pull a solid vein out of that mountain in quite some time, the next closest village is a ghost town and no one remembers the times when coin was plentiful. The worst that happens is he fails to rule, and then you are in the same spot you are now when your town burns out."
"Hmmm. Perhaps Greven should be given a chance. You, our saviors, vouch for him, and I can't neglect that. And he is the rightful heir to the Castle. But I must think on it, and discuss it with the other members of the council. Could you go to the jailhouse. Tell Constable Lennon I sent you and that Greven and the girl are to be released."
Kevroth stands solidly and firmly behind Rhialla and Magnes, lending his agreement to their arguments by his presence, The gods know I am no good at talking to people and convincing them to do a damn thing.
Kevroth's face falls and he shakes his head slightly, "I cannot accept any of your reward, though I do greatly appreciate the offer. Family is critical, and the families here have suffered enough. Use the money to help them rebuild and to help those who have lost their family members to heal as best they may."
Rhialla fell silent after the elder voiced his concern, she did not know this Greven and could not defend his character or see into the future.
Magnes's 'have faith' counter argument saved her from herself. "Before we go, if there is ever life and death problems here again, send word to my gallery matron Sereniti of Lady Larafae. I will implore her to send aid if she is able."
"Thank you for having faith, and for freeing the two. It takes a great man to set aside the past and take the first step toward forgiveness. We will see to Greven and his love as you requested."
Rhialla will head over to the local sheriff's jail once everyone is finished with the elder.
Bhalur waking up late and stepping out to the sun, he relaxes and enjoys the moment. Learning soon that the others are with the Elder Grelam and discussing about the ordeal of things going on Bhalur heads in that direction.
As Bhalur arrives the meeting is already concluded and he watches as others are going their way. Looking around and deciding that it is better not to disturb he soon heads out toward village temple/church to see in which condition it is.
Shaer waking up and rarely for her, taking flight up to the sky and gliding around as she watches the ongoings in the village and surroundings as she follows after Bhalur.
Having something to do after a while instead of just fighting and worrying about the time Bhalur is having after a long time a serene feeling Might as well clean up the temple and try to see if I can decorate it a bit. Maybe a small shrine somewhere aside for Matalar and see if there is something else to add
[ooc]well, there goes "my" OOC plan to conquer one village for Bhalur :)
Magnes walks with the paladin until the elder is out of earshot. "I dunno if you noticed it but that old codger has no interest in forgiveness or mercy. He's just out to cover his own behind, seems to agree with my assessment that this town is about to fail."
The Dwarf gives a chuckle of amusement as he looks to the jailhouse
"I'll be interested to see if young Blackrose has any plans to deal with that."
Rhialla gives a gentle smile to Magnes "Perhaps, but deep down the Elder wants a better tomorrow for his people. It is hardly his fault that we are all prisoners to our own experiences. Greven has a great deal of many things to contend with in the coming days. The fear of his blood, and the memories of his father aside, lordship has to be earned and just as much as Dalkalar will be his people, Greven will be Dalkalar's lord; they must serve each other to see their dreams come true. Anything else will leave a legacy easily forgotten.
"Which reminds me, what do you plan to do in regards to your contact?"
Magnes snorts and looks up the the sky "Look if you want to believe that go right ahead, but I know for a fact prejudices run deep. Never mind the enemy he's made of a Merchant house of Bhelskar. Was hoping I could discuss that when they weren't upset by something else but I guess being released will at least let the idea work. I know for a fact that simply declaring himself here isn't going to get that kind of pressure off his back."
"If it isn't obvious by now I have no intention of actually killing Greven but the fact remains that if they choose to elope they either need to deal with the problem in Bhelskar or they need to find a life elsewhere. the Lady's father already knows where they are, if we don't solve the problem he employs crueler men with less problematic morels then I."
"Once Greven is recognized by the courts, this Bhelskar would be a fool to be so brazen. But your point is not lost on me, the rules may change but your Bhelskar might not be one to give up so easily. There are worse things than death when it comes to the cloak and dagger politics of the court. Let alone he may direct some anger in your direction for not only failing to kill Greven, but for going out of your way to even save him from his dire circumstances."
"Bhelskar being the capital of this land Greven's going to be to go there to be truely recognised. S' where the king resides. But that is assuming his isn't already recognised. Then the game changes, so speakin' to him is the next step to see where this road would take me were I to walk it. Plus whatever Lady Calisia Galtroban of House Galtroban of Bhelskar happenw the have to say on this, the elopeing lady in question.
Kevroth slips away from the rest while they discuss the finer points of politics. Stopping the general store, provided that he can find one, he begins looking about for the materials he will need to finally fully restore his musket.
-Posted with Wayfinder
You reach the jail and tell Constable Lennon that Elder Grelam has sent you and that Greven and Calisia are to be released.
"So, you come to our rescue again," Greven says, as he and Calisia are unlocked from their cells. "I appreciate your help, but I wonder what your motivation is."
"Is it true what Greven says, that you have been sent by my father?" Calisia asks, worriedly.
When Elder Grelam offers the 1000 derims to the group.
"I too refuse my share. I think your people have more need of it then I."
Koija stayed silent during the heated debate about Greven's heritage.
When they left Koija bowed. "May the Myst watch over you."
As Magnes and Rhialla are discussing Greven, Calisia and the deal with the merchant, Koija interjected.
"The only thing the merchant could account us for is the money used for travel expenses, which I believe we should be able to repay. Any so-called retribution he would send after us for not upholding our part of the agreement would be of the cloak and dagger kind. If it would ever come to that, we will deal with it there and then. For now let us see what the couple has to say for themselves."
Koija stepped forward. "That is correct, but we are currently more interested in your side of the story. As from what we have gathered along the way, it seems we were not told the full truth."
"I came here only to see you released, so I will be over here if you need me." Rhialla said stepping away to oversee the conversation as opposed to being mistaken for being involved in something she really knew so little about.
"My father was a vampire but he wasn't evil. He only drank swine blood. When I was little, they came and took him. People had gone missing, and someone had seen him drinking the blood of a pig. They held a trial. They burned him at the stake and kicked me out of the town. I was taken in by a traveling monk of the Brotherhood of the Sun, called Kalik, who took me all the way to Khalzantar, where I grew up. When I became old enough I left the monastery in the City of the Sun, and traveled back to Arglondar. I still had the deed to the castle, which my father had given me, just before they had come for him, and my plan was to return to Dalkalar and claim what was rightfully mine. I didn't want revenge. My time with the Brotherhood of the Sun had taught me to let go of my anger. I came to Bhelskar and began preparations for my return to Dalkalar, and that is when I met Calisia. I fell in love the second I saw her. But her father hired a detective who found out who I was, and soon after a group of goons hired by Calisia's father attacked me and beat me half to death and told me to stay away from Calisia. That was when we decided to go to Dalkalar together. The rest of the story you already know."
"And your side of the story is a most interesting tale indeed." Koija replied in his monotonous way, no hint of judgement in his voice, and then turned to the young lady. "and what of you Calisia, what is your story? I can not speak for your father's motivations, but Alagaer Finch seemed honestly concerned with your well being."
"Both Alagaer and my father wants to kill by beloved, and they sent mercenaries all the way to Dalkalar after us! That's my story!" Calisia begins to cry. "Don't cry my love. I'm sure they won't kill me. They've saved our lives, remember." Greven comforts her.
Meanwhile Bhalur is taking care of the temple and throwing away all the old items and stuff from Alagaer. Cleaning and setting up a small shrine for Dragon Matron as he goes through his own ritual to show is respect: sitting crosslegged in front of the altar while burning a small incense of green shrubbery. As he goes through some woods Bhalur carves a small icon of different shapes resembling multiple dragon heads interweaving together
Relaxed and just enjoying his own small little world Bhalur is in his own deep thoughs and reflecting last days. He still had a lot to learn and to do. Sometimes these human relationships and business were something he could not understand but he was supposed to do good to people and ensure peaceful people, especially between bhakiris, humans and dragons. Shaer having disappeared somewhere along the way as he was cleaning didnt worry him much. He was happy that she had found something else to do than just lay around his neck and unable to do anything else.
This temple for sure could use some more dedication. Someone like Larafae for the people here would do good instead of Matalar. Hope and love is what they need but somehow people tend to forget the small and important things. as he gazes through the smoke.
And there is still dangers under Blackrock Castle and who knows how deep those tunnels still go. They can still be opened even if they close them. Also that abandoned fort nearby have to be also swiped
Dragon Matron, I am your humble servant but sometimes... I do not know what I am supposed to do. Humans have their own way of dealing with things and I can not say that I am always able to understand what is meant to be and done. I would just ask for your guidance during these times or give me strenght to endure what is to come... Your loyal servant, Blackthorn.
Correct. I want to use the gunslinger's special rule to make it a masterwork musket. It does not say what I need, just that it costs 300gp.
It just seemed more interesting to go find the materials I need than to sit down and, figuratively, hammer 300 gold coins to the outside of the musket.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Along the road to Dalkalar
"What a terrible burden that must be, a sole survivor?! I am so sorry." Rhialla says sympathetically.
"I do not mean to pry, but are you in pursuit of answers as to what happened? Is that the reason you travel?"
The return to Dalkalar
"I am so tired, do you mind if we talk a moment to keep my mind engaged and alert Bhalur? I am curious about you."
In your mind's eye you see Matalar, a long and slender red dragon with a long and narrow snout and golden eyes. Her scales are scarlet and her wings are a brighter red than the scarlet of her body. Her eyes shine with wisdom and nobility, and even though she isn't speaking, you feel like words are transferred to your mind:
"Patience Bhalur. You must have faith. You will face numerous trials and challenges on your path. You will have to make many choices. You must show persistence and be willing to act. Act according to your wisdom. Act with careful consideration. You are doing right, Bhalur. Learn the tongue of our kin from Koija. Learn to speak with Shaer. Learn from your new companions. Learn about the world. Knowledge will protect and guide you."
With that, the vision of Matalar fades from your mind, and you feel a warm and assuring sensation.
Koija did not expect Calisia's response.
"I can assure you. Due to what I have learned I have no intend to kill Greven. I am uncertain though what will happen after we leave here and your father sends out a new group of people. Not everyone is willing to speak as we did."
"Tell them I'm dead." Calistria takes off her gold necklace and hands it to you. "Tell them we were both killed by Ykthra. Bring them this necklace as proof."
"No." Greven exclaims. "Sooner or later words will reach your father that we are still alive. Perhaps it is better if went back to Bhelskar and faced him together."
"But.. He'll kill you!"
"Perhaps he won't. Either way, we can't hide from your father forever." Greven turns to Koija. "Now that you've heard our side of the story, perhaps you'd be willing to help us convince Lord Galtroban and Alagaer to let us be."
Nodding at Rhialla and walking alongside her as they keep moving Curious about me? There is not much about me, I am afraid as Bhalur waves his massive hand a bit in a denial I am only Bhakiri. We do find humans or even you, elves, more curious than you think. As I recall earlier along our trip Magnes mentioned something about Princess and you were flustered about it. That would be interesting but we can of course leave that aside, if you so wish. and as if already apologizing in queue Bhalur bow his head down a little as his antlers aches over Rhialla
Me... I grew up alone. I was here and there in the southern part of continent. Grew practically in the forest and wanted to see more. We, bhakiris, have this calling that we can not resist. Mine is quite rare one as in not so many Bhakiris tend to leave our homes. Even then it is even more unique opportunity, as I have understood from others, that you are talking even now with Bhakiri who happens to be a servant of Dragon Matron Bhalur gaze forward but it is apparent he is not in the present
My curiosity or desire to know more about this religion was something I never had before. The things as you call relationships between humans and dwarves, elves and dragons, bhakiris and animals and the multiple other possible things as Bhalur slowly opens his hands and spreads them out as if to cover everything There is still much things I do not understand but still pushing forward to see and hear, to know and to mentor those who cannot do it themself.
Even now I am trying to learn the language of Dragons, as it helps me not just talk with Shaer a short snort from Shaer but as well to get behind the true meaning of words. I heard that Dragons language is the true one, they can not lie or it is a part of old magic... not that I know but would need to aks Koiji as he teaches me about it
Pausing for a moment before continueing I do admire your conviction and dedication to your Goddess Lafarae since she is not far away from the ideals of Matalar although we do not excatly adhere to the same principles. That should not however mean anything since in the end we are individuals. Idealogy, Convictions, Job are not defining us but rather giving us the frames. What we are is defined by what we do and expressing ourself to others. In that account I do apologize for the behaviour of Sabrik. He is good Bhakiri, loyal and fierce although he is still young and believe that sometimes force and strenght equals wisdom and patience. Only time will temper even strongest steel and grant the finer detail to all of us. and reveals a rare smile of pure white teeth as his light blue eyes shines in the night
Gratitude filling Bhalurs heart and the warm feeling spreading around his body fills him with new vigor and determination. New day means new possiblities. No matter what I do, as long as I believe in myself I will preserve. Slowly getting back up and offering his thanks to Dragon Matron Bhalur exists the Temple and heads toward Green Dragon Tavern
"A wise conclusion. I am willing to help where I can, but I think some of my companions are more capable for this as they have a way with words as people call it. Of course this decision is not mine alone to make."
Magnes sighs as he looks at the noble woman. Lady Gatroban, calm yourself.
"I will say that regardless of my intentions that you folk lucked out with Rhialla's presence. A warrior of the goddess of love. Now if I have it right what you are saying is that you have the deed to your family throne and that you hope to take it over." The Dhouvarr says in a slow voice as he looks at the two.
"You have no defenses, no men at arms, the town hates you due to being half vampire, your castle has holes in it and a path to the drakkendark underneath. Oh an' far as I can tell the mine tha' was the major income of your town no longer produces ore."
The brewmaster says numbering his points on his hands.
"Beyond hopin' ta change the minds of a bunch of judgmental townsfolk. I'd say your best bet at this point is to abandon the trappings of nobility and travel somewhere far distant. You'd need to convince your Lady Galtroban's father that you are in fact dead and that the lady is useless to his ambitions, so likely dead as well. I mean unless you fancy being hunted across the globe by a laundry list of mercenaries with much less quibbles about separating you. Fighting him as a noble is going to require money you do not have."
The Dhouvarr explains and looks to the pair.
"Fighting your father for the right to stay here will be a long road, an I've no doubt that it will be dangerous. Getting the kings attention and recognition or the patronship of a major lord will be the first step in such a plan."
Both Greven and Calisia listens carefully to the dhouvarr's words."Will you help us?" Greven asks pleadingly, obviously opting for the last option. "You could be my men-at-arms and agents. Together we could make Dalkalar thrive again."
Magnes looks to the half-vampire with a frown.
"Are you seriously saying that you came back to the town that threw you out after they killed your father and expected them to do anything but treat you like crap? How on earth will you make this place better again? What's your plan Lord Blackrose, what do you know of this place that will generate enough coin fer that king of the land that he wants to keep you around over satisfying an angry merchant lord?" The Dhouvarr asks with lttle humor in his voice.
Did he serious come here expecting it to be this easy?
"You're right. Perhaps keeping this deed and going through all that I have has all been for nought. I've just always had a dream of returning to Dalkalar and reclaiming Castle Blackrose, and being lord, as I rightfully am heir to both title and land. Perhaps there is gold in the tunnels below the castle. Of course, the caverns and tunnels beneath the Castle would have to be secured first. If we were to find gold or just anything there, and me having the deed, perhaps King Gothrund would recognize me as the rightful heir and instate me as Lord of Dalkalar."
Magnes give the mans words a moment of thought. "So you are saying you want to try and mine the Drakkendeep? Well never let it be said that you lack fer'ambition. Though you have a dire lack of common sense." The dhouvarr says as he looks to the pale skinned man.
"If you prove you've gold enough to help the town then the townspeople will deal with you. If you've gold fer them then you've gold for the kings coffers in tax. You are already noble blood and have the deed to the land. Problem is a Pauper prince is someone not even a merchant will want his daughter to marry. But unless I'm mistaken an human merchants are unlike those of my kind they are always looking fer a way up the ladder. Marrying kin into nobility? tha's a step."
Noticing Kevroth nearby General Store Bhalur stops and greets him What are you up to Kevroth? Something good happened to you since you are definetely in good mood as far as I can tell. You happen to know also where others might be?
"Aerdwin Galtroban knows of my heritage. It is the thought of his daughter marrying a dhampir he's not crazy about, I'm afraid. And I can't change that. But since there's been gold in the mountains before, the chances are pretty big that the Castle could be literally sitting on a goldmine. If I was to become a rich dhampir officially recognized as lord by the King, then perhaps he'd change his mind."
Kevroth shrugs, "It is a beautiful day and I am still alive. What more reason need one have for smiling? Rhialla, Magnes, and Koija were on their way to the jail to get Greven and Calisia released last I saw, and I am looking to see if this tiny town has what I need to do some work on my musket."
Magnes shrugs "Aye, gold'll change a merchants mind in most cases. Jus' depends on how much. Now that you've a direction I'll assume yer going to hire some guard, a prospector and head down there soon? There is to be a feast fer in celebration ah' all this soon, could be a chance fer' you to change some of the townsfolk's opinions on how you are. Perhaps show off some of yer learnin' or tell some jokes or whatnot."
"Perhaps if I was to give you a share of any potential profit would you be willing to secure the area beneath the castle?"
" dependin' on the amount of profit I'd be willin'. Would need to bring the topic up with meh merry crew an see if they've an interest. Any objections? Magnes' asks as he looks to Rhialla and Koija.
"I would not mind exploring the area further. I search lost lore. There might be some to be found down there, but I remember Sabrik not wanting to go back anytime soon."
"I have written my Matron at the Great Gallery informing her of our success in finding the missing people and so I am awaiting word on my next move. That being said," Rhialla steps forward, "I would be happy to assist you in securing your birthright Lord Greven, so that you may enjoy your lasting love in peace, without fear of those that would try to snuff out your joy, passion and love. Nothing can stop true love from being together." She say's with a definitive nod.
That evening, after a day of relative leisure, a big feast is held at the town square outside the Green Drake Inn, in celebration of the returned townsfolk and in honor of the heroes who saved them. There are several tables and benches, five fires were pigs are roasted and several kegs of Magnes' brew. Hundreds of townsfolk eat and drink, talk and laugh, and the darkness that has plagued the town already seems very distant. At a long table in the middle of the square, our six heroes are seated, together with the most promiment townspeople.
A horn is blown and everybody falls silent. Elder Grelam rises from his seat.
"Listen everyone! We are gathered here tonight to celebrate that Vanis, Gerom, Ilias, Ferin, Lydia, Vynia, Derek, Dawn, Arno, Ib, Greven and Calisia have been saved from the claws of a great evil. We are gathered here to honor the people who saved them: Koija Hirano, Magnes Coalbrow, Rhialla Arken, Bhalur Blackthorn, Kevroth and Sabrik. From here on they will be remembered and honored as Heroes of Dalkalar!"
Everybody cheers.
"Listen! There's more! Twenty years ago this community discovered a vampire in our midst. In the very top of our community. The very Ban of Dalkalar. We burned him at the stake and drove out his son. His son has returned!"
Elder Grelam points to Greven, who is seated at the same table as the heroes, together with Calisia.
"Some of you might not remember him. His name is Greven Blackrose and he is the rightful heir to Castle Blackrose and the title of Ban. Yes! He is the child of vampire, but he is innocent of his father's crimes."
Greven rises and interrupts the Elder.
"In fact my father was innocent as well. All the blood he ever drank was blood from the pigs at the castle's pigsty. He never hurt a single soul in this town!"
The townfolk gasp in shock and start talking loudly.
"Listen!" Greven yells, silencing the townsfolk. "But nevertheless, I bear no vengeful feelings toward you. I understand that you did what you did out of fear. I have not come to avenge my father. I have come with my beloved, Calisia, to reclaim the castle and help return Dalkalar to its former glory!"
"He's a dhampir!" someone yells.
"Outrageous!" yells another.
"He's the rightful heir!" yells a third.
Rhialla shrugs light heartedly, "It is true, I was once a princess, but not anymore, the blood in my veins saw to that. I was exhiled for the tainting of what Arken's, and a great deal of the royal court, consider true Aratheel blood. Discussing that time in my life darkens my mood assuredly, but I am at ends with myself over the fact that it eventually led me to Larafae."
Rhialla nods to Bhalur, "It is strange how we find our purpose in life is it not. You are quite brave for recognizing your calling, following it where ever it beckons. It takes more courage to leave home for the unknown than it takes to fight a great many things."
"There is no need to apologize for Sabrik, but I will not lie, his enthusiasm makes me uneasy,which is probably easy to tell with the way I wear my heart on my sleeve.
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Rhialla stands quickly to address everyone, "Stop! What is it we value from the blood that pumps within our veins that drives us apart? Dhampirs are not evil because they are born, but perhaps many are driven wrong by fear, but not fear of their own. Fear like Dalkalar's! Greven loves Calisia truly, and his love has elevated him above the evils of revenge all the way to forgive Dalkalar." Rhialla spoke with a power that whelmed from inside her.
"Dalkalar killed Greven's father and Greven now stands before you offering forgiveness and extends his hands offering the hopes of a better tomorrow! Dalkalar, forget blood; blood begets only more blood, more pain and suffering. Greven has forgiven you, now it is time to forgive yourselves for the past, recongize that Greven is your first real chance to live a better tomorrow, free from disparity, sorrow, and pity."
"We celebrate today to honor those that gave their lives so that we all may be here now. We celebrate the return of a long overdue lord and his hopes and dreams through forgiveness and love. We celebrate as we wash fear from the streets with our tears, our hearts, and our sweat!"
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As Bhalur watches the ongoing event of Feast and hearing Rhialla speaking Bhalur decides to aid her and give his own word.
Standing up and looking around him as he bellows from deep within I dont know about you people what you value or what is important. I dont pretent to understand you or to know what this place helds, have hold and what is to come. Further I am outside and even further from that, a Bhakiri.
Pausing and continueing after a moment However, I am in service of Dragon Matron, an acolyte and we are tasked to protect and assure the people of good things to occur and to do them. So far I have not asked anything for myself or my group. and spreads his arms towards the people but I ask you now for one thing: You all dream of better place and future. Now you have a chance.
Looking at the people and now distain appearing in his voice but you clearly JUDGE people what they WERE, or where they COME from. IN a same way, I COULD JUDGE all you for what you and thinking. I could not have cared less about you or have helped. However I did it... not because I HAVE TO, not because it is a rule. Understand this, that I did it because i wanted to. As my friend and companion spoke, do not let old blood and race of others define what we are. Let the actions speak for themself.
[dice]1d20+11[/dice
