While the others were getting excited about the designs of the place, the scrolls and the books he was looking at the architecture... or more specifically how to maybe use it to murder a blue dragon if they had too. After all it was probably a really really dangerous idea to fight a dragon in the open space where it could fly and breath on them all the while...besides he wasnt much for schooling.
The scroll Mia withdraws is one of the newer items among the niches. Its vellum is still supple, rather than crisp with age. It is written in flowing Kelish script, though it does not appear to be an enchanted scroll.
Dargys hazards a guess that the clay tablets are Kaskkari in origin, though the wedge-like script of this dead language is beyond his ability to read. The broad, metal tablets are etched in what he recognizes to be some archaic version of the Giant language, though it is distinct enough to vex his attempts to translate.
As for Francoix's thoughts, he can plan out the sort of leverage needed to topple one of the sandstone columns upon a dragon.
"Barthazar told me that he first took over this site as a repository for the Kaskkari and Kolorani relics he found in the area," Sargon explains, hopping upon one of the tablet-laden tables. "Over time, he added items from Ninshabur, Kelesh, and Iobaria. Most of the especially valuable or powerful items he takes with him to...wherever his true home lies. Fortunately, that still leaves me with plenty to educate myself."
He uses one of his small claws to pick a bit of dirt and dust from the etchings on one of the clay tablets.
"As I said, Barthazar likes to believe he's always in charge. This could be turned to your advantage. With enough flattery, you could probably persuade him to invest in your settlement rather than destroy it."
Dot.
Mia sets the scroll back on the shelf, she might could read some of it, though that would be difficult. At Sargons suggestion Mia shows uncertainty.
I... I mean even if we managed to do so, what things would he expect in return? And how often would he expect them? If I am to be honest... I'm quite fine with my...our quaint home.
"Is tricky balancing act, if Barthazar 'invests' how much power will he think he has over making choices for us? No offense, Sargon, but I am not looking forward to idea he might get to shape OUR culture"
"Fair concerns," the young dragon admits, though somewhat frustrated. "Beyond fawning and obsequiousness, he might ask for 'tithes.' Not on a yearly basis, but likely whenever he visits the area. Knowledge and texts are his favorites.
"Nevertheless, even if you don't want to strike some sort of bargain with him, he will return eventually. Your home will not escape his notice, and something will need to be done."
Sargon is quiet for a moment before speaking again, bluntly.
"I have often wished he would meet his death whilst away. He would fail to return at his decreed time, signalling that he was dead and gone, and I would be free. I know it's a futile and wicked wish, but it's true. If you were to slay him, I would shed not a tear, but I fear such a feat would be beyond your ability."
Kalig peers at the tomes. Her life hasn't allowed her much time or opportunity to read, though she knows how and she's intrigued by the possibility of what knowledge may be helpful to the community. She scans the area for books on agriculture, especially in this region, and on battle tactics.
"Well, let's look at the bright side. We have at least one other major threat that may destroy us all first, so we won't ever have to worry about being eaten by a dragon." She picks up a book and thumbs through it before addressing the party again. "This is all easy to be distracted by, but let's remember our people are relying upon us to bring back food or trade goods or both. We may perish if we do not. We did find an ample supply of food and some other goods already... perhaps not all that we hoped for, but perhaps enough to help our situation a good deal--but we need to get that back sooner rather than later. I worry if we take anything more of the dragon's it will be noticed. Nonetheless, if Sargon does not expect him back soon, perhaps we can over time consider a strategy for dealing with Barthazar on the long term. If Sargon, you wish to help us, we would be grateful and could probably repay you in livestock --within reason--and a talented historian bard's scholarship, if she's willing. I would expect Lena would be excited to share her knowledge with an eager draconic scholar. In the meanwhile, is there anything else we can do here and now that would be of aid to either Sargon, our people, or both?"
You discover, tucked away in forgotten corners of the library, small clay tablets that predate the wedge-shaped cuneiform of the Kaskkari with a more pictograph-based language. Some of the symbols resemble strains of grains or vegetables, so you make note of these. If deciphered, they may suggest crops that can thrive especially well in the local biomes.
"Well..." Sargon begins but soon falls into contemplative silence. Despite being a dragon, his uncertainty betrays his yet young age. The mention of a scholarly bard certainly kindles his interest, further motivating him to plumb his brain for suggestions.
Finally, a thought occurs to him.
"Did you slay the ogres, or did you slip by them somehow? If they are dead, any items missing from Barthazar's collection here could be blamed upon them. They betrayed his trust, took what they wanted, and escaped into the swamps."
"The Merrow? They are allergic to fireballs" The wizard's eyes dance merrily in memory "We left the goblins alone but they were mostly at a distance? Does he talk to the goblins? Because if he doesn't... this plan could work."
"He...tolerates the goblins, and he certainly doesn't trust them," Sargon concedes. "Frankly, I think the merrow's greater responsibility was keeping them from raiding his collection. They present another potential scapegoat should any items go missing."
It occurs to you that while bronze dragons are known for being right and just, often serving as guardians due to their reputation for trustworthiness, Sargon has picked up some of the deviousness of his blue dragon "father." Of course, it also occurs to you that pointing out such an observation would be very unwise, lest you jeopardize your nascent partnership with the very young dragon.
mia raises an eyebrow at the dragonlings suggestion.
Well.. That would certainly be a way to defer blame... until he sees his treasures in our town.... Though we can merely say we took it form the merrow who had taken it from him. And be in a better position to at least bargain with him. Though as long as he doesn't meddle overly much, or ask terrible tasks of us, I suppose we could convince the town to offer something, when we are able, to him. Do you think he would enjoy having a statue built in his image?
Mia seems to think outloud until she directs the final question to Sargon. Mia was never a devious sort, but she had to admit to herself this was sort of fun. She goes back to something she believes she knows well. That all narcissistic people human or otherwise often love seeing themselves. Especially in sculpted form.
This may be the first time that you have heard a dragon laugh. It is not as booming or intimidating as you might have imagined, but then again, Sargon is not the size you would have imagined for a dragon either.
"He would love a statue of himself," he states bluntly when he calms himself. "Undoubtedly. As for his treasures...well, it would be a foolish thing to keep them around as evidence. In the past, when I snuck out to explore, I've seen the sails of Keleshite ships out on the sea. Trade his treasures to them for things you need. Things he won't recognize."
"Kelishites... mm a proud people." Sargon growing devious doesn't trouble the wizard, the lad .. annd one supposes by dragon standards Sargon IS a lad, must survive. But this imprisonment doesn't set well with him, and the little dragon is a prisoner, of sorts even if he is bound by chains of noble concern others might share his fate, "Perhaps in time I can devise a spell that would work against..." He almost says dragons , but then realize ANY dragon might be alarmed, "Some sort of bane against blue dragons. But I might have to progress years in expertise." A snort "Here and now we are living in. What treasures would you advise, Sargon? I long to take any spell books but i suspect that's not possible, for ogres or goblins would not take such."
Mia thinks. Would Ogres and goblins not just ransack everything? Even if they were just to use the books for fire. They didn't seem particularly... bright.
With a slight sigh he shrugged.
"I may know a thing or two about moving stolen goods, though that was a lifetime ago. There are those two centaur tribes that still may cause us problems as well assuming we survive Borjan. The only problem i see with removing these things and having blame fall on the ogres is well...the ogres. I will uh... deal with that mess right now i suppose. just pack up what you want me to carry back. Look forward to having you at the inn Sargon."
He offered the young dragon.
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"I've long wished Barthazar would leave spellbooks behind," Sargon sneers, suddenly sounding very much like a human adolescent. "Whether he wanted to hoard them in his primary lair or he didn't yet trust me with such power, there are none to be found.
"However," he adds, as though suddenly remembering something. "There are a few ancient scrolls here that I believe contain spells. Because they were written in languages Barthazar couldn't read, I think he didn't realize what they were. With nothing but time on my hands, I've managed to decipher the majority of them."
= 2nd Level (CL 3)
= 1st Level (CL 1)
= 1st Level (CL 1)
= 2nd Level (CL 3)
= 4th Level (CL 7)
= 3rd Level (CL 5)
= 1st Level (CL 1)
= 2nd Level (CL 3)
Whilst he locates and withdraws the spell scrolls, Sargon eagerly listens to Francoix describe the inn. Having spent his entire life essentially imprisoned in these ruins, even a frontier inn holds as much wonder as Tian Xia for this young dragon.
He lays out six scrolls that he explains are arcane in nature. Written in either Kaskkari cuneiform or Cyclopean runes, he offers to help translate them. The prospect of more social interaction seems to be payment enough for him.
"These two, though..." he indicates a pair of scrolls written on some manner of bark or plant fiber, "have defied my attempts to decipher."
[ooc]One is a scroll of Expeditious Construction and the other is a scroll of Floatsam Vessel
Now that you have seen the library, Sargon also asks if you would like to see Barthazar's other collection in his "treasure room."
As the scrolls are presented, the wizard grins "Sargon, you have a keen mind good eye, and generous heart. I thank you."
"Druidic writing. Most helpful, thank you. Mia, unless you have objections, I will take the wall building one, I plan to use it to help protect the town."
She replies to Francoix, "We found a box that will contain anything, like a bag of holding so the actual moving of things will not be too difficult. But making it look right... do you need help?"
"The goblins are usually too busy trying to steal from the ogres to even begin looking beneath the surface where Barthazar stores his collection," Sargon explains as he leads you back the way you came, towards said collection. "I think that may have been part of his strategy. The goblins are pretty easy to manipulate. I've managed to convince them that Barthazar is the physical avatar of Tubenburbble, the god of flatulence."
The small bronze dragon giggles at his own crass, immature prank.
Double backing past the intersection, Sargon leads you to a new chamber. Whilst the library had an archaic vaulted ceiling, this one has a taller, domed ceiling. Indeed, the architectural styles are a sharp contrast, as any remnants of Kaskkari design have been effaced by one who has redesigned this broad, museum-like room in a classical Keleshite style with slenderer columns, geometric mosaics, and arched alcoves along the walls.
Architecture aside, what most grabs your attention are the treasures and relics on display. Glass-fronted cases line the walls, pedestals line the floor, and all manner of other fixtures display the old blue dragon's collection.
Some of the more notable items that immediately draw the eye include a platinum statue of a dragon in flight, a collection of large copper jars sealed with wax and etched with strange runes, a giant quill made from the feather of an immense bird, a disc of hammered gold the size of a wagon wheel inscribed with cyclopean script, a large desk heaped with genealogical charts, and some manner of sea chart written on hide and mounted on a wooden frame.
I've managed to convince them that Barthazar is the physical avatar of Tubenburbble, the god of flatulence."
Well, the dragon's humor maybe a bit crass, but the wizard apparently finds it hilarious "Oh that's hilarious.. I can just imagine some idol built over a natural geyser"
When they get to the new room, he gapes, and quickly casts Detect magic
Mia gives a painful smile at the dragon's flatulent frivolity. Once in the treasure room. Mia's eyes are drawn to the miniature statue of a dragon and the quill.
Well.. I have to say, that dragon statue commands quite a presence.
She will, likewise, cast detect magic.
Dargys and Mia both recognize three items among the collection that radiate magical auras. They each adorn a statue carved in the ancient Kaskkari style, clashing with the otherwise Keleshite decor of the chamber. They include a roundly curved shortbow, a set of bronze-scale gauntlets, and a golden crown with four empty divots where precious stones may have once sat.
"Barthazar typically doesn't keep any enchanted items here, except for those three," Sargon explains, noticing how they catch your attention. "Despite their magic auras, they possess no discernible properties. That led Barthazar to conclude that they're but replicas. However...I don't think that's all there is to them."
With the enthusiasm of a child describing his favorite toy or game, Sargon launches into his explication. He believes these are genuine relics left over from Kaskkari, once carried by fabled heroes of old, rather than being mere replicas with false dweomers. After spending countless nights examining them, cross referencing texts in the library, the young dragon speculates that the passage of ages has diminished their power, and that there may be some way to restore them to their former glory.
As he was leaving the party to deal with the ogres he smiled at Kalig's question.
"I was going to see about cutting them up into smaller portions and dumping them in the swamp so the carrion feeders can eat them and get rid of the bodies. Not the sort of thing the others needed to hear I think. Good folk they are."
He said simply.
Kalig simply nods at Francoix and answers quietly, "I figured it was something like that. It will go faster with more hands." She has seen orc raids up close. Such carnage she does not enjoy but she has the stomach for it.
Kalig excuses herself to help Francoix while the others deal with the treasure room.
Mia does her best to try and guess at the vague value of most of the items. Though she really doesn't know, and puts a heavy emphasis of how much she as a shop owner would be willing to spend on the items. She starts with the dragon statue. Figuring something made of platinum would at least be easier to gauge than a large quill.
Eventually she moves to the magical items. She casts her eyes around one more time for any potential magical alarms or traps before reaching out and taking the golden crown from its resting spot.
"Interesting conjecture... slumbering magics are mentioned in more than one tale."
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While she cannot pin down an exact price, Mia estimates that the platinum dragon statue would probably be worth eight to ten thousand gold.
The copper jars might be each worth a couple hundred gold as curios or collector's items, although Dargys points out that they seem similar to canopic jars of Osiron, used to contain preserved human organs.
The large golden disc - owing to a combination of its size, gold content, and historical curiosity - is probably worth two thousand.
The giant quill, which Mia recognizes as being the feather of a roc, is also accompanied by a collection of rare inks kept in an ebony and silver case. The entire kit is likely worth one thousand.
Other items she finds in her survey include a large piece of amber with 13 strange insects trapped within (worth about 600gp), a delicate ceramic Keleshite tea set (worth 200gp), a golden statue of a bizarre slug-like creature (worth 3000gp, if a buyer with sufficiently curious tastes could be found), and a red lacquered box that contains three identical diamonds of outstanding quality (worth 5000gp each).
"That is the Crown of Shamesh the Great," Sargon explains as Mia examines the magical relic. "He was the first of a dynasty of kings that ruled Kaskkari during its classical period, after conquering all the neighboring settlements and bringing them under the control of the city-state."
The dragon also identifies the other two relics as the Moon Bow of Nanna-Sin and the Gauntlets of Sargon, supposedly worn by the hero-king from whom this young dragon drew his self-given name.
Between Dargys' knowledge of magical intricacies and Mia's knowledge of ley lines, they formulate a hypothesis that the enchantments within these items could be rekindled, even if only in their simplest forms, by consecrating them upon the great ziggurat beside Haven.
The wizard seems to have gone from paranoid to giddy at the finds, their historical and academic value as well as the mystical.
"Amazing collection. A scholar could wander here for years, maybe a life time. We cannnot linger too much however long I want to."
Mia stands more or less slack jawed. She had expected the dragon statute to be hollow. It wasn't.
I... I mean, this alone would pay for... months of supplies easily. Possibly more. I.. she looks around the room, and slowly starts pointing at the various items of value. Before moving and pulling out the diamonds.
Mia had never been one for jewelry or gemstones, but even she had to marvel at the diamonds. Well... I.. I mean these are, well, useful in more ways than one... Here, if we are going to take them, we might as well do it quickly. The longer we tarry, the higher the chance our dragon makes an unplanned return and, well. She doesn't finish the thought and for expidiency sake, absentmindedly places the crown on Sargon's head to save space. She then places whatever can safely fit in it into her backpack before gathering up whatever else she could. She motions for Dargys to come.
will you carry some? I would prefer not to make too many trips.... where are the others? Mia asks, just now noticing that the others were no longer with them.
The platinum statue, depicting a blue dragon in flight, is about three feet tall. Whilst one could carry it, its weight and the awkward dimensions of the subject's wingspan make it difficult to manage.
The thrill of this momentous find is dampened when you remember the long, difficult trek back through the flooded and winding passages that brought you here. Fortunately, Sargon offers to show you the illusion-guarded "main entrance" that Barthazar uses when he visits.
Mia stands more or less slack jawed. She had expected the dragon statute to be hollow. It wasn't.
I... I mean, this alone would pay for... months of supplies easily. Possibly more. I.. she looks around the room, and slowly starts pointing at the various items of value. Before moving and pulling out the diamonds.
Mia had never been one for jewelry or gemstones, but even she had to marvel at the diamonds. Well... I.. I mean these are, well, useful in more ways than one... Here, if we are going to take them, we might as well do it quickly. The longer we tarry, the higher the chance our dragon makes an unplanned return and, well. She doesn't finish the thought and for expidiency sake, absentmindedly places the crown on Sargon's head to save space. She then places whatever can safely fit in it into her backpack before gathering up whatever else she could. She motions for Dargys to come.
will you carry some? I would prefer not to make too many trips.... where are the others? Mia asks, just now noticing that the others were no longer with them.
"I will carry what I can, but you are the understanding that just because I have orcish blood I am not warrior strong huh? Oh, but i do have magic haversack may help." he shows his handy haversack and yes, loads it up
"I thought occurs to me," Sargon pipes up whilst helping the party collect and stow the valuables within the collection. "If we wanted to establish further 'evidence' that the goblins and ogres were the culprits, we could smash some of the containers outside," he says, offering the red lacquered box that once held the diamonds as an example, "and strategically leave out some coins and gems for the goblins to claim. When Barthazar returns, he will find them in possession of the evidence."
Speaking of Barthazar, Sargon also asks whether you would like to wait for his eventual return, which could be a matter of years, or if you wanted to summon him straight away.
Sir Dorick, do you think you would be able to carry the statue? As long as we use the hidden entrance... exit?
Mia looks a little sheepish at Dargys's remarks.
Ah.. no, neither am I really... but I just meant.. nevermind.
At Sargon's questions, Mia thinks for a bit.
Well... that decision should be made with everyone around... though the part involving the goblins could be good. Even if we only throw some of the coins out, as they would likely only get the stuff the.. merrow? left behind.
You pause your..."liberation" of Barthazar's treasures so Sargon can show you the dragon's main entrance. You are lead to a wide cavern that opens upon a panoramic view of the Castrovin Sea.
Mia's magically attuned eyes reveal a shimmering, ethereal curtain over the opening. She recognizes this as a sign that a potent illusion has been cast to obscure the cavern from the outside, likely making it look like just another part of the cliff face.
"There's a cove down below, fringed with mangrove trees," Sargon explains. "It's not just a sheer drop down into the sea. Of course, there isn't exactly a trail leading down. You can climb down, but it could be...kind of tricky. Um, did you maybe bring any rope?"
I have some... how much would be needed? I have some spells left.. and I can also take the form of animals. Though.. only once.
Mia will move to peer out the entrance, to get a better idea of what they are dealing with.
Kalig is outside helping Francoix butcher ogre bodies but will be happy to engage in some strategic box and wealth spreading once she is aware of tha tplan.
Mia finds that, in her giant raven form, she can help her lighter comrades essentially glide down the cliff face, albeit with some struggle. A sand dune awaits below, nestled between branches of the mangrove trees lining the cove.
After a very hard day's work, you cross the river and return to Haven with both a new draconic friend and a genuine fortune in rare treasures. However, you discover that, in your absence, a new face has arrived in your settlement.
Dargys is in good spirits by the time they arrive, and very likely talks arcane theorums and lore with Sargon as much as the dragon will tolerate.
That's when the rat on the wizard's shoulder squeaks as he notices someone new.
"mmm? What is it, Plague?" A look "Ah, not a what. A who."
Kalig is moving away from the party, eager to get home to a bath and see to Matilda, who like the petulant kit-in-a-donkey's-body she seems to be, will likely be angry at her extended absence.
But she halts as she notices the stranger. She stiffens, fearing a Galtan has arrived sooner than expected.
The armored warrior sits in his chair at the common house in an awkward and somewhat defeated fashion. His right hand grips his right knee with his elbow angled outward. His armored trunk leans against the table letting it support his weight while he pinches the bridge of his nose with the fingers of his left hand. His eyes are stewed closed.
One young man reaches out to touch the warriors ornate sword scabbard while a young girl is asking about any towers or princesses he may have seen along his journeys. All the while three younger children fight over who was going to try on the man’s helm first!
Sighing the man pushes the finely crafted helmet to the center of the table well out of their reach.
Sighing again he leans forward and opens his tired eyes.
”No. For the last time, no. I didn’t stumble upon, see, seek out or even hear a rumor about any princesses, fair or otherwise, on my journey here.”
”Now tell me again. You were sent here by a Count with no legs, by a hidden underground dwarf lair by way of a secret dwarf road. Your city wall was built by a family of hobgoblins while orcs run a the pig farm, your nearest neighbors are animated fruit and veggie people in a temple and nice fish people in the water who protect you from other evil fish people and centaurs are fighting over a castle of cyclops skeletons in the woods? Wow. Please tell me there isn’t a pair of would be dragon overlords living under your town.”
One young man affirms this and goes on to tell the seated warrior that the towns champions are a witch with a cat, an orc with a rat, a half orc with a garden and the cook who runs this common room kitchen.
”Looks like the only thing this place is missing is a lion and a wardrobe.”
The man mutters into his earthen mug as he takes a sip.
"Only princess in the land lives right here.... and is taken."
He said with a grin pulling his wife Noemie in for a kiss. He had noticed the warrior in his common room almost instantly and the way the young ones hovered about him made his curious.
"Name's Francoix Delacouis, Welcome to Haven friend. Hope you find what you need here."
He began offering his hand to the warrior.
Kalig steps back into the common house, moving toward the gaggle of children and the man entertaining them. She leans against a post holding up the common room ceiling. She speaks up in a neutral tone while looking him up and down. "We have a lion. His name is Sir Dorick and he trains the town guard. You are very observant. What brings you here?"
Upon returning, there is a large commotion as Eep makes his way into the town. With a few of the bravest kids walking up and petting Eep at Mia's suggestion. For her part, Eep merely smells the hair of the kids before lazily looking away. Eventually, they walk by the common house and notice the new face.
Mia watches curiously, the man seemed decent enough. She doubted he would put up with the children's antics otherwise. At his final comment, Mia gets an uncharacteristic smirk as she follows Kalig.
I can be a lion, if that would make things better...Though I don't really have a wardrobe..
She says, trying to not sound sheepish, after following the others in.
Eep sticks his head through one of the windows in the back and steals borrows one of the cooling dishes nearby. Then looks lazily to Ivan. Her eyes having a gleam that would indicate more intelligence than one would expect.
"Only princess in the land lives right here.... and is taken."
He said with a grin pulling his wife Noemie in for a kiss. He had noticed the warrior in his common room almost instantly and the way the young ones hovered about him made his curious.
"Name's Francoix Delacouis, Welcome to Haven friend. Hope you find what you need here."
He began offering his hand to the warrior.
The man’s eyes snap down to Francoix‘s outstretched hand quickly assessing if there was a weapon or threat there. Seeing none he stood up and took the offered hand in a firm respectful grip.
”Ivan, known as the Black Shield, I came looking for a city, but Haven is not what I expected to find. None the less, your hall and the food served were quite an unexpected boon.”
Kalig steps back into the common house, moving toward the gaggle of children and the man entertaining them. She leans against a post holding up the common room ceiling. She speaks up in a neutral tone while looking him up and down. "We have a lion. His name is Sir Dorick and he trains the town guard. You are very observant. What brings you here?"
”Wellllll, your lion needs to get some watchdogs then.”
”You see, funny thing now really, I find what looks like a newly built fortified lair here in this ruin, looks like hobgoblins built it. Hobgoblin guards patrolling the top. So I figure, hobgoblins have taken over this frontier town I was told about, especially since I found a recently burned out town just to the north.”
He thumbs towards the fishing village where the party had built the pyre to completely burn the bodies.
”So I hood up, climb the wall, get between a couple of the shacks for cover to get a better look of what’s going on.”
”It goes way to easy, like the guards have never actually seen a threat so they are super lax. Anyways.”
He chuckles and takes a sip from his mug.
”So what do I see going on? Heh, heh, a game of kickball. Heh, these little kids kicking around an inflated and stitched shut stomach of some animal. But, it’s orcs, hobgoblins, humans and this little plant guy with what looks like an apple for a head, banana peels for arms and like celery sticks for legs. And I was like, what in the actual 9 Hells, you know?”
”I figured since the walls weren’t blackened the Hobs had been able to take the town without burning it. Obviously something else was going on here.”
”So I look around a little more and I can see you have a pretty cool, albeit very unusual citizenry. Orcs farming pigs, hobgoblin ranchers and stonemasons, humans, little vegetable people mimicking it all and I thought I saw a dwarf?”
”Anyway. I asked one of the kids if there was an Inn in town and they told me I should go to the kitchen.”
”I should have taken off my helmet, because the kids now think I am a knight.”
The little girl looks up at him and says defensively.
”Well, you do have shinny plate armor! And there are dragons on it!”
The man sighs good naturedly.
”Well, you do have a sharp eye little one. These are Ulfen knot work dragons. The armor is quite old and enchanted so it always looks untarnished. I found it in the lair of Trolls, guarded by a giant spider who had taken to a liking to its former owner, but that is a story for another time.”
He winks at the cook as the kids begin begging for more of the story.
The north man laughs.
”Run along now kids, I think the adult part of the conversation is about to start if I read the gardeners face right.”
"is Fixer Upper"Dargys declares as introductions are made "Dargys Hungerflame, local wizard. Focused destruction a specialty. Before you came, I was 'new guy' so is nice to be the meeting of you"
Upon returning, there is a large commotion as Eep makes his way into the town. With a few of the bravest kids walking up and petting Eep at Mia's suggestion. For her part, Eep merely smells the hair of the kids before lazily looking away. Eventually, they walk by the common house and notice the new face.
Mia watches curiously, the man seemed decent enough. She doubted he would put up with the children's antics otherwise. At his final comment, Mia gets an uncharacteristic smirk as she follows Kalig.
I can be a lion, if that would make things better...Though I don't really have a wardrobe..
She says, trying to not sound sheepish, after following the others in.
Eep sticks his head through one of the windows in the back and
stealsborrows one of the cooling dishes nearby. Then looks lazily to Ivan. Her eyes having a gleam that would indicate more intelligence than one would expect.
Ivan looks at the red headed woman. She wears a verdant skirt, with a earthy green cloak overtop wonderfully made leaf armor with intricate designs woven into it.
His face looks a little confused as he replays what she just said in his head.
I can be a lion, if that would make things better...Though I don't really have a wardrobe..
”Uh, I am not exactly sure how to take that, but it’s nice to meet you?”
This feels kind of awkward, was that a warning or was she hitting on me or? . . .
His internal thoughts are derailed when a dragon like head pokes through a window and begins gobbling up some of the food left out to cool.
”Oh heh! You must be the healer that can foretell storms and heal the sick. The one who talks to stones and can see lines no one else can see. Mia, right? I’m Ivan.”
”And what is that a primitive wingless drake animal companion or something? Never seen anything like that up north, but I heard they had giant lizards that regrettably don’t gather treasure hoards in the swamps of the delta. Is this one of those things?”
”I kind of thought they would be bigger based on the stories.”
"is Fixer Upper"Dargys declares as introductions are made "Dargys Hungerflame, local wizard. Focused destruction a specialty. Before you came, I was 'new guy' so is nice to be the meeting of you"
”What’s in a name? I am guessing you are partial to fire?”
Ivan jokes in a friendly manner.
”Work in progress is one way to look at it. We’re there no inhabitable buildings left? Looking at the great gatehouses I would have thought those would be defensible, but I haven’t had a look at them up close yet. Just got here really.”
"And what is it you do, Ivan, besides wander into people's homesteads, manipulate their children, and offer unwarranted criticism? From which direction did you come? Why are you here? There are many cities to hear about and visit. It is odd you chose this place. And more importantly, where do you intend to go and to whom do you intend to report once you leave?" Expression fading from neutral to obviously leery, Kalig is sizing him up. At this point she suspects he is a Galtan spy, trying to demoralize them before Borjan attacks by talking aboitbhow poorly defended they are. After all, the army is supposed to be on its way and he cannot have come from the north and not seen troop movements--or so she assumes.
She pauses, her tone increasingly hostile. I am Kalig the Tireless of the Circle of Four Winds, and I am prepared to protect this place from all intruders even if you gather, mistakenly, others are not." Her hand falls to her shield strap, looking ready to release it.
"And what is it you do, Ivan, besides wander into people's homesteads, manipulate their children, and offer unwarranted criticism? From which direction did you come? Why are you here? There are many cities to hear about and visit. It is odd you chose this place. And more importantly, where do you intend to go and to whom do you intend to report once you leave?" Expression fading from neutral to obviously leery, Kalig is sizing him up. At this point she suspects he is a Galtan spy, trying to demoralize them before Borjan attacks by talking aboitbhow poorly defended they are. After all, the army is supposed to be on its way and he cannot have come from the north and not seen troop movements--or so she assumes.
She pauses, her tone increasingly hostile. I am Kalig the Tireless of the Circle of Four Winds, and I am prepared to protect this place from all intruders even if you gather, mistakenly, others are not." Her hand falls to her shield strap, looking ready to release it.
The man remains seated, but sits forward in interest. A flash glints across his eyes briefly before a broad and wolffish grin spreads across his face.
”I guess I was right. Time for the adult discussion. And I see the kids were right too, you are the real power here. Good to know.”
”Admittedly, I did climb in over the wall, quite stealthily I might add. I didn’t have to manipulate any of the kids. I just asked them as many questions as they asked me, and if you want to know the truth of something, just ask a child.”
”As far as criticism goes. I didn’t realize I had given any to warrant such a stinging tongue, but if you want some suggestions. I would start by taking control of the giant gatehouse and get a watch on top, maybe install a few siege engines, set up a system of signal fires, maybe keep a man with a horn up there, since your bell foundry isn’t up yet. You know, those kind of things.”
With a lightning quick motion (QuickDraw feat) Ivan plucks a fawnskin map from his belt next to his hunting knife snaps it open and spreads it flat on the table top for the assembled to see.
”If you are saying there are a lot of cities you are sorely wrong if you mean anywhere between here and hell and gone. I wandered around in the grass sea for a week before I hit the coast and came south.”