"She's right," Sandru agrees with some excitement, jogging over to his wagon and returning a minute later with a handful of rolled maps. Opening one, he studies it for a few moments, then nods. "My maps aren't that good, but the path starts there. If we can hire a guide, we can probably make it over the crown in three... maybe four months. A long trek," he finishes tentatively, but when he looks up, Sandru's eyes sparkle.
"Maeve mentioned going by the south, which could be done... across Avistan, over the Obari Crossing, through Vudra and Casmaron - but that route would take nearly a year, and require a ship, guards, and more well than we can afford." Sandru shrugs, but you can see he doesn't think much of that route.
"Kalsgard is close, maybe a couple weeks from here. Same if we tried to go back to Riddleport. I think we can get there - look into this sword, like Maeve said - and see what our options are. At worst, we restock and then lose ourselves in Varisia."
He looks around the group for more inputs.
"That's the path that ends at Minkai, right? So it's definitely the way to go if we want to deal with this." Maeve looks thoughtful. "Either way, guess it's the next stop."
"We have the rations to make it to Kalsgard, I see no reason to turn back. Miss Oxgutter are you a capable hunter? We can equip you in Kalsgard if you want to continue with us."
Harlan has woken with the noise and limped over before anybody noticed he was awake.
"Ameiko I think you'd make a fine princess. Koya is right there's plenty of time. Where's Shalelu, what's she think? We left a harpy behind in the castle, she was really helpful but nobody else trusted her. Maybe Sandru is right and I'm too trusting, but I'll help be your adviser Ameiko."
Maeve jumps at the voice. "Uhm...if you're not just the voice of the goddess and an actual person, I guess you should know we've possibly...maybe...calledanarmyofonibackhere." she finishes the sentence quickly, and has the good grace to look sheepish. "I'm sure you're a very nice voice, and I'd hate for you to get hurt seeing as how you've been tending the church. I'd suggest you get ready to leave."
"Other than the fact is really cold and the elements may kill us, that's probably the best way for us to go." Parity considers for a moment, "Big picture, though, we really need to think about how to approach this. We have the trip to figure out a plan, once Ame decides what end state she wishes. But, does anyone know anyone in Minkai or surrounding areas? We need to gather intel and hopefully find some sympathetic individuals. All we have to go on are a letter, some ghost's words, and a series of bizarre visions."
Parity starts like he just remembered something, "And what was possessing Ame and why?"
What do I know about?
Kalsgrad? Knowledge (History):
The Path of Aganhei? Knowledge (Geography):
Anything else between Kalsgrad and Minkai: (Geography)
Minkai itself? (History or Local?)
"We have the rations to make it to Kalsgard, I see no reason to turn back. Miss Oxgutter are you a capable hunter? We can equip you in Kalsgard if you want to continue with us."
"I have nothing to pay you now, but if you let me come with you to Kalsgard, I can repay you there. I'm a sailor, not much of a hunter. But I can wield a blade, keep alert... maybe care for the horses." She shrugs but looks hopeful; her wounds are still pretty extensive.
"Where's Shalelu, what's she think?"
"I'm here," Shalelu says in a soft voice. "I spoke my thoughts earlier, though you were asleep already." Shalelu keeps her half-smile when she turns to Ameiko.
"You always talk about the 'next big adventure'... going over the world to exotic locales, defeating an evil despot, vindicating your family's mandate, and saving a nation full of people - they rarely get more epic than that!"
To Parity's quesiton, "It was a kami, I think. It spoke to me in my dreams, trying to warn me, but couldn't really communicate. It is a defender of the Seal, and was supposed to be with the Seal, but the warding box kept it out for years. I think it was desperate, and a little mad. It must have recognized me or my heritage or something."
To Shalelu, "I know, I know," Ameiko waves her friend off, but you can see some of the nerves and uncertainty disappear, replaced by a fire within. "Kalsgard, then. Sandru and Harlan can plot the course while the rest of us break camp. We can be back on the road by midday, unless... unless there's something to go back to Brinewall for. You mentioned a harpy?" She looks dubious.
"Leave the harpy to rot, I say ... although there are a few signs of what happened in the castle if you're interested." Parity shrugs, "I think you should make it quick, just in case."
"Another thought, though ... Kelga, did you see the same visions we did? I assumed you had, but perhaps not? Do you know this 'Fynn Snaevald'? He is ... or was ... a merchant in your hometown. He bought the sword."
It seems that we need to first decide if we are going to explore the keep more or continue towards Minkai. I trust Sandru's judgement for our path, and I also agree that we should try to find this sword, Suishen. I beleive that if the details of it being sold were important enough to be passed on to us, then it must be important some how.
Malnival puases for a moment and looks at Kelda. "It seems our fates are entwined, we need to find a merchant, or more than likely a descendant, of Fynn Snaevald in your home of Kalsgard." Malnival turns and points back towards Brinwall. "I think we may need to pull every thing of value from the ruins to fund this expedition. From what Sandru said, this will be a very long journey across the roof of the world. We will need as much gold as we can muster to equip ourselves, so that we do not sucumb to just the elements alone, not to mention being able to fully defend ourselves against the dangers we may encounter."
The elf luaghs and shakes his head.
"It seems I have talked my self into it. I vote we go back to the keep and loot as much as we can tomorrow, then continue our journey to Kalsgard. We can decide more after that.
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Heng leaves the gurney with the dead and leaves through the gate turning to bow once.
Heng listens closely to the debate. "Across the Crown of the World to Minkai? My father made that journey once and it has always been my hope to return to his homeland. It will be difficult, but I feel a unity of purpose with you Ameiko. I believe both of us must make this trip to reclaim our heritage."
"Kelda, you have been a worthy and brave companion. I cannot speak for the caravan, but I would be glad to have you join us and I will vouch for you."
"Another thought, though ... Kelga, did you see the same visions we did? I assumed you had, but perhaps not? Do you know this 'Fynn Snaevald'? He is ... or was ... a merchant in your hometown. He bought the sword."
Kelda nods solemnly, "I did see the visions, though I understood little. I don't know the name Fynn Snaevald, but Kalsgard is a big city. When we get there, I know who to ask - if this Snaevald exists, dead or alive, you will know."
To Heng, she nods her head in thanks.
By comparison to the rest, Maeve seems rather quiet. In fact, she's already started to break camp by the time the decision has been made. "Don't worry, I'm reasonably sure I can track down someone in a city. You just ask around, pay attention to rumors, and never ever mention what it is you're actually looking for."
She thinks for a moment about what she knows. "Kelda, is there a Minkaian population in Kalsgard today? Second or maybe even third generation?"
She thinks for a moment about what she knows. "Kelda, is there a Minkaian population in Kalsgard today? Second or maybe even third generation?"
"There is a lot of Tian immigrants in Kalsgard. The Jade Quarter is like another world. All the Tian look alike to me, but I'm sure there are some there from Minkai."
Maeve jumps at the voice. "Uhm...if you're not just the voice of the goddess and an actual person, I guess you should know we've possibly...maybe...calledanarmyofonibackhere." she finishes the sentence quickly, and has the good grace to look sheepish. "I'm sure you're a very nice voice, and I'd hate for you to get hurt seeing as how you've been tending the church. I'd suggest you get ready to leave."
There is no response for many moments. As you turn to go, the voice whispers once more, "Thank you. Desna's Luck go with you.
"You're welcome!" Maeve bounds off after that, satisfied.
Maeve frowns slightly in concentration. "We're dealing with a group that destroyed a town overnight. I think we have to assume they're thorough, if nothing else. Probably left some kind of presence behind, but all the same that'll be a place to start."
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The elf luaghs and shakes his head.
"It seems I have talked my self into it. I vote we go back to the keep and loot as much as we can tomorrow, then continue our journey to Kalsgard. We can decide more after that.
Heng frowns, "Is there much of great value that we have not already taken. I do not think the enemy will be here soon, but it would be better not to tarry long. Moving quickly may work in our favor if a large force is sent to Brinewall leaving the enemy poorly defended while we take the battle to them."
."That said, I would not mind spending another day here if Ameiko and the others would like to take a look at the castle. Koya, we found a shrine to Desna that appears to have some kind of spirit guardian. I thought that might be of interest to you."
Knowledge (history): [/ooc]
"I'm sorry about your wounds Kelda, I'll heal you as much as I can today and then have you up to full strength tomorrow. Sandru and I will figure out our route, but I'd like to leave as soon as we can."
Putting on his new circlet, Harlan reaches out to cure the wounds of Kelda.
"That said, I would not mind spending another day here if Ameiko and the others would like to take a look at the castle. Koya, we found a shrine to Desna that appears to have some kind of spirit guardian. I thought that might be of interest to you."
Koya's eyes light up, "I should like to see this."
"If time is of the essence, we should go to the village today. It is still mid-morning, and the weather is fair. We can return before evening and start out tomorrow morning. I know you five, er, six are weary and hungry, but it will save a day."
Nothing on the third question.
Parity groans, "Shrine, graveyard, church ... wash, rinse, repeat. All this piety is tiring me". He makes an odd gesture with his head, which anyone watching eventually realizes it's his impersonation of rolling his eyes ...
Maeve shrugs. "If we're going back, I'm going with you. Who'll be there to start trouble otherwise?"
[ooc] did we get the armor and weapons? I think a few of them might have been quality type.[ooc]
After breakfast, you feel refreshed enough that the journey back to the village doesn't seem as tedious as the first time. Additionally, the oppressive pall that hung over the region has disappated, and with cool, clear weather and company of friends, the time passes quickly.
Without the ominous mystery and dangerous inhabitants, Brinewall village and castle just appears a hollow ruin. Knowing the story of its fall makes it somewhat sad. Once the village comes in view, Kelda makes off for longboat, still half-sunken in the bay. Koya takes interest in the ruined church, but even moreso of the strangely-manicured graveyard. Ameiko and Shalelu walk slowly through the village, somberly taking in the sights.
Fascinated, Koya steps through the cemetary gates, looking around. She quickly notices the small shrine at the far end and makes for it. Once there, she settles down on one knee and gives a short prayer to Desna, leaving a gold coin by the bowl.
Harlan moves with Kelda.
"Wait up Kelda. No telling what might still be around there."
*huff huff huff*
Reaching the docks, Kelda starts unashamedly stripping off her armor and clothing.
Shalelu follows Ameiko around the village road, bow in hand and eyes alert, though there doesn't appear to be any threats in the area. Ameiko comes to an abrupt stop once she sees the shell of the old glassworks. Color drains from her face.
"My... my grandfather, and my father, must have built this place and worked here, before I was even born. Before Sandpoint and all that..."
Maeve finds herself sticking close to Ameiko. While she appears a bit more relaxed than her other escort, the girl's eyes occasionally go up to the keep's walls. When Ameiko starts talking about the past, she looks like she wants to say something but can't find words.
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Heng escorts Koya to the cemetary, "Isn't it interesting? Apparently a spirit maintains everything. I only glimpsed something like a large butterfly and then I heard hymns through the night and a word or two when we last departed. I thought maybe you would appreciate this place."
While Koya prays, Heng stands respectfully nearby with his head bowed.
Parity shadows Ameiko but otherwise is silent.
Malnival raises an eyebrow at Kelda as she strips. "Swiming I take it? If you need assistance recovering something I would be glad to help."
"Mal, look away! She's naked!"
Harlan averts his eyes and does his best to notice the fine carving on the boat.
Mal looks at Harlan giving him a wink and smiles. "That she is my friend, that she is. It would not do to try swiming in her armor now would it? Not to mention walking around all day in freezing wet clothes. "
Malnival pulls his shortsword from his belt and cast a spell making the blade glow with light. "Kelda, this may help." He holds the blade out hilt first towards the warrior lady.
Malnival pulls his shortsword from his belt and cast a spell making the blade glow with light. "Kelda, this may help." He holds the blade out hilt first towards the warrior lady.
"Aye, there's something I have to check on," Kelda explains as she gets down to her smallclothes. She takes the lighted blade with a nod of thanks and then jumps into the water. Taking a deep breath, she dives below into the wreckage. She is underwater for a long minute, but then comes up gasping, holding a mastercrafted hand axe and a gilded metal armband. She sets them on the dock and climbs out, shivering and dripping.
Grimly silent, Kelda hands Mal his sword and proceeds to re-dress.
Harlan claps as Kelda comes back up.
"That was amazing! I never could swim. Bad leg you know."
Harlan tugs his chin thoughtfully.
"I wish I had a spell to dry you off, or even summon a towel for you. Where did I put my towel? You should always know where your towel is."
"I wish I had a spell to dry you off, or even summon a towel for you. Where did I put my towel? You should always know where your towel is."
Kelda's gloom breaks before Harlan's comedy, and she cracks a half-smile despite herself. "I vill be fine. The vater here is a varm bath compared to some of the riwers of my homeland. Besides, after spending a veek in that dungeon, it is refreshing to vash avay the stink and grime of this place."
Manival takes the bade and replaces it on his belt. He removes his cloak and holds it out to Kelda. "I do not know where my towel is but you may borrow my cloak, I have another at camp."
Heng escorts Koya to the cemetary, "Isn't it interesting? Apparently a spirit maintains everything. I only glimpsed something like a large butterfly and then I heard hymns through the night and a word or two when we last departed. I thought maybe you would appreciate this place."
"Indeed," Koya agrees. "It seems the people of Brinewall favored Desna, given her aspect on the gates, the temple there, and you mentioned a chapel in the castle too?" She looks around the cemetary, calm but for leaves rustling in the sea breeze. "I sense something... like we're being watched."
Koya closes her eyes, holds up her starknife and intones a prayer to Desna; when her eyes reopen, they are only white glowing orbs. She looks again around the area, stopping to peer at the crypt. Koya's eyes widen and she smiles.
"Come out, little one. We are friends. I am Koya Mvashti, chosen of Desna. These are my friends and family."
Hesitantly, a tiny head peers around the edge of the crypt structure. Then, with a small sigh, a tiny lithe woman with delicate butterfly wings flies out and stops a few paces before Koya. Her body is surrounded by sparkles and glimmers of rainbow arcs. She speaks in the Celestial tongue, but all can clearly understand her.
"Well met, travelers. I am Spivey, errant Herald of the Court of Dreams."
Ameiko looks back at Maeve, Parity and Shalelu, an eyebrow raised. "What's with the bloody funeral procession?" she mocks, then tilts her head towards the building. "I'm going inside," she declares before climbing into an open hole in the outer wall.
Maeve's eyes light up. "That's more like it Ame!" She scrambles to follow the older woman, even though there's nothing inside she hasn't seen already. "Going to want to head up to the castle after this?"
"I wish I had a spell to dry you off, or even summon a towel for you. Where did I put my towel? You should always know where your towel is."
Parity snorts and follows the women into the castle.
Kelda, is there anything else down there you want? I'm certain we could hunt for a few things aided by a bit of divination magic?
Kelda waves off Mal's cloak and Parity's offer. "No, but thanks. I found all that I needed." After getting dressed, she picks up the axe and places the armband on her upper left arm.
She looks across the water to the sea drake's corpse. "Well, one more thing," she says, marching purposefully over to the dead beast, reaching into its half-rotted maw, and pulling out a large incisor. Hefting it, she nods in approval and looks up.
"Now, I am ready to leave."