Kirk calls over to Johenric, "I'd call that more like our signal so that we never accidentally misplace Solaric--that horn works like the punctuation to his glory."
"It's just Solaric blowing his own horn again... I must admit I thought he was under attack the first time, but now I realise it is just his way of being his own personal Bard"
Understood and recorded - for the protocol.
For the heart!
For the Countess!
For the County of Sinaria!
it comes booming out of the tavern.
The soldiers outside also seem surprised by this outbreak of religiousness and patriotism and look at you with wonder in their eyes.
Solaric is pleased with the enthusiastic response. He mingles with the troops and does his best to improve their morale. As he mingles, he looks around for the innkeeper or even a barkeep to talk with. When he does reach someone, he asks the following.
"Well met, my good sir. I am pleased to see that your business is booming this day. I presume that the inn is full with no room to spare. Do you have any recommendations where I can take a party of six travelers and their mounts for an evening of rest? Or do you think I will need to plan on camping outside?"
Diplomacy
You find the innkeeper behind the bar where he tries to fill a dozen tankards at once. Sweat runs over his face, but you can see the happiness twinkle in his eyes...he will earn today what he normally doesn't in a whole month.
He looks up as you approach and says
Well met, Sir Zekkaran - it is a pleasure for me to welcome you to the Broken Crown. I will clear my own room so that you and your friends find a place to stay.
"Well met, Sir Zekkaran - it is a pleasure for me to welcome you to the Broken Crown. I will clear my own room so that you and your friends find a place to stay."
"You are most kind. I do not know what to say! I hate to impose on your generosity, but in our need I will accept. May the Inheritor always bless your home! I will inform my companions and I personally assure you, we will be no bother."
Solaric exits the Broken Crown and informs his companions.
"Well, I have talked to the Innkeeper, and he has agreed to let us sleep in his own room tonight. I know we are in need of rest before we complete our journey, so I accepted on all of your behalf. I hope you do not mind us all sharing the same room. We are very fortunate to have such a kindly innkeeper. However, we must be carefully not to overstay our welcome. I am willing to help you carry in any items you are bringing in. Furthermore, I will gladly sleep on the floor tonight if needed."
"Rest?! I'm not resting until I'm back to Karcau. I've got a date and it ain't with a bunch of stinking soldiers. Good luck guys, I've got miles to go yet." Pitr heads out.
Kirk smiles at Pitr's determination. "Goodluck, then, and take care of yourself on the road."
"Rest?! I'm not resting until I'm back to Karcau. I've got a date and it ain't with a bunch of stinking soldiers. Good luck guys, I've got miles to go yet."
"Pitr Jendarne, you are the stubbornest man I have ever met! Whenever you have your mind set on something, there is no stopping you! I have done my best to lead you, but you are clearly a free spirit who follows his own inner calling. Even now, when I take you to a pub to spend the night, you are listening to that inner voice as it calls you back to your true love's arms. I will certainly not stop you, but strangely enough, Jendarne, I will feel a loss, without you constantly nagging and pushing the limits somehow. Kirk, may I impose on you to take out that bottle you keep hidden away and pour us a drink. I would like to propose a toast to you, Pitr Jendarne, slayer of the Yog Sothoth, and stubbornest warrior I have ever met. May your path always take you safely onward, and may you find that which you are ever seeking. Cheers, my friend. Be well, and may we fight side by side once again as brothers in arms. This one is for you!"
Solaric lifts his cup to the air to toast the young Taldan and then puts it to his lips and drinks from it.
Victoria gives Pitr a hug goodbye, sad to lose such a valuable friend.
"Take good care of Swan, as she will of you. I am happy you foun that glimmer of gold to shine upon you and maybe lighten your heart and give you happiness"
Then she pinches his backside surreptitiously and gives him a sly wink.
"Farewell my ruffian!"
With distance johenric says
it is your decision and i know you have your reasons.may desna shine on you.
As Pitr vanishes in the crimson light of the setting sun, you enter the tavern. There are some catcalls as the soldiers notice Vicky, but they subside soon as the men realize that she is here with Solaric and the grim half-orc
The innkeeper scurries over to you and leads you to the backrooms where his wife is clearing their bedroom to make space for you. It's a large room with a double bed and two smaller hastily prepared makeshift beds.
The innkeeper appears to be quite nervous, unsure if the room fits your standards.
"Thank you again for everything. You are most kind. Please, do not concern yourself, my dear innkeeper! Your home is absolutely lovely! This will be perfect! We just need a place to lay our heads for the night, and we will be moving on in the morning."
"Johenric and Kirk, you two may take the smaller beds, and your Grace, you may take the double bed. Flofer and I will simply make do on the floor."
Flofer stops in his preparation to diving onto the large bed while still wearing his armor and lets out a sigh. Oh well...
"Flofer, my boy. One of the first lessons for your training, is manners. You need to start thinking outside of yourself and consider the needs of others before your own. The cost of sleeping on a hardwood floor is nothing in comparison to the goodwill generated by the kind act. Consider our generous Innkeeper and his family. Although they are inconvenienced at this time, they have gained my gratitude and I will pass along my praises of this inn to others that I meet. In fact the goodness that we send out into the universe will return to us tenfold. However, it will often take a different form and in ways that we do not expect. It is like planting seeds in the earth that will some day reap great rewards. At the moment, we are simply tending to the garden! I want you to watch and learn, my boy!"
"Suit yourself," Kirk says, as he squats down and sits on one of the smaller beds, and then begins methodically peeling off his armor and gear for the evening.
"Ever the gentleman Solaric, a trait that will no doubt hold you always in high regard in the Courts"
Victoria thanks the Innkeeper for his generosity and hospitality, giving her warmest and sincerest regards for their hospitality and thanks them for providing such comfortable quarters in such a short time, providing him reassurance that the arrangements are more than satisfactory.
After you have un-donned your armour and put your packs away, you suddenly feel very tired, all the hardship from your adventure in Carrion Hill is now taking its toll. Only Flofer remains energetic. Sadly, the soldiers are far too loud to let you even think of sleep...shouting, singing, joking until midnight.
Johenric turns towards the wall and tries to sleep, as most likely no intellect conversation is expected to be done by soldiers.
After lying on the floor and being unable to sleep over the noise, Solaric gets up and walks out to mingle with the soldiers. He will do his best to diplomatically get the soldiers to quiet down. However, this is how he does it. At first, he approaches the loudest group and listens in on their conversation. After a moment, he says.
"That was a good one, my friend. Now, I am wondering if you could do a favor for me. Her Grace, the Countess Victoria, has just put her head down to rest, and I promised her a good night sleep. We have been battling zombies and a Yog Sothoth in Carrion Hill and she is in desperate need of sleep. Is it possible that you could sing with a little less gusto in the chorus? Perhaps you may consider thinking about a little extra sleep for yourselves. I understand that the Broken Crown is reputed for their fine hospitality and accommodations. Anything you could do for us would be greatly appreciated."
Diplomacy
@ Solaric: Oh, oops, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude!
Later that night...
Flofer stumbles out into the common room in a loose-hanging onesy, rubbing his eyes with his knuckles. Yyyrrreeeraah! Did someone say singing? hey, what happened to the party?! he says, viewing the situation for the first time as he removes his fists from his eyes.
Ooh, Solaric are you making another speech!? he asks, taking a seat on a bench facing Solaric and grinning in anticipation. Well go on!
The soldiers, who were just about to give into Solaric's plea, now roar with laughter at the sight of Flofer.
Hey, didn't ye mama bring ye te bed?
Why don't your wear your pink onesys again?
Hogar here likes to share his bed with pansies like ye, come over!
Vicky and Johenric surely awaken if they had managed to fall asleep.
Argh...
Hoping that Solarics goal will become reality, he mumbles angrily and tries to continue he sleep.
"Flofer Nighthawk, what in the Inheritor's name are you doing up at this time?!! Get back to the room, this instant! I do not want to hear you up again this evening. This is not the time for a party or a speech! We have a long trip to make in the morning, and you are keeping everybody awake with your antics. In the morning, you will be hearing my speech personally!"
Turning back to the soldiers, Solaric says, "I am glad you have had a laugh at the boy's expense. A little comic relief is always good for the spirit. However, it is now time for us to return to sleep. I do hope you will follow the same course yourself. We all want to be in the best shape for whatever we meet on the morrow. Good night, gentlemen, and may the Inheritor bless you with insight in your dreams tonight!"
Solaric grabs Flofer by the ear and drags him back to the room, letting go when they are finally back in innkeeper's room. In a stern whisper, Solaric admonishes the young kid.
"We will talk about this in the morning. Now, back to sleep!"
Victoria waits for the men to fall silent...
No, your mama put me to bed! Haha! Flofer retorts to the soldier, moving to put Solaric between them and grinning as he puts his hands to his head in an imitation of antlers.
He doesn't have much time celebrating and squawks as he is grabbed by the ear, kicking and protesting as he is dragged back to the room.
Ouch! Hey, leggo! Owa!
He huffs and rolls over a few too many times before settling down and finally falling into a lightly-snoring slumber.
"Ouch! Hey, leggo! Owa!"
"That is quite enough, Master Nighthawk. It is time to put that name to rest and shut your eyes. We are quite finished this evening."
Solaric lets go of the young man, once they are back in the room. At that point, he says very little, but gives Flofer an intense look that says it all!
Kirk, who has laid still and silent on his bed throughout the entire ordeal, cracks one eye when Solaric and Flofer reenter the room. "Do we need to break some skulls, Solaric?" he asks, the joke just barely recognizable over Kirk's usual bluntness.
After the little incident in the common room, the soldiers fall silent quickly and you get the sleep you needed so badly. The next morning you are woken by the whinnying of horses and the shouting of soldiers. Looks like the company and their baggage are getting ready to leave.
• Last night just before going back to sleep•
"Do we need to break some skulls, Solaric?"
Solaric replies with a knowing smile, but keeps the tone very serious for the benefit of the young lad.
"If he makes another sound this evening, you may have at him! Trust me, you will be forgiven!"
• In the morning •
Although he is tired, Solaric wakes up early, and enters his quiet meditation and prayer before the others awake.
"All gracious Inheritor, may your spirit come upon me. Send me this day to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives of evil, to proclaim this day in your favor, and to comfort all who mourn. Hear me, send me, use me! Let me give them garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit."
"Today, this moment, I wait. I wait because to wait is to expect something more. To wait is to expect that your spirit might enter our hearts and our world in new ways, to bring the change for which we long. . . "
"Hey Galrad," he shouts, "Did you remember to tighten your saddle this time? Hehe. We don't want you to see the ground up close this time. Do we?"
"Awe shutup, Denbark! At least I know how to fall off a horse. Last time you came tumbling down, you lost your helmet when you hit your head. I hate to say it, but you haven't made much sense since that time!"
However, when when Solaric realizes that the world is not going to rest for the weary, he finishes his morning prayer and gets up to prepare himself for the day.
"Great Inheritor, guide us this day as we proceed onward, pushing the limits of our own mortal bodies as we fight against our own fatigue. Return us safely to Karcau and give us the patience to teach and work with young Flofer Nighthawk. I ask this in your name. May it be so!"
As the others begin to stir, Solaric greets the first one up with a knowing smile at the irony of the moment. "Good morning! I trust you found some sleep last night!"
Johenric rubs his eyes and really looks tired.
Good Morning Solaric. Some sleep was found but to be honest: it wasn't enough. In order to continue my studies I need for sure a quite place and enough rest.
Suddenly it knocks at your door - Captain Korana Darjic opens it, but bearing in mind that Vicky is also in the room, he does not enter the room, but stays on the corridor
Sir Zekkaran, some knights have arrived, I think you should see that.
With that, the man leaves your door.
"Very well, Captain. Thanks for informing me. We will present ourelves momentarily."
Solaric dons his priestly garb and fastens his sword and scabbard to his belt. He then rushes out to see what awaits him.
"Are we ready to start the day, my friend?"
"We shall be along presently"
Victoria being a usual early riser is already most of the way through her meticulous grooming and presentation routine. With a few more deft strokes of her make up brushes, she appears immaculate and well polished.
"Let us see who these fine men are..."
In front of the inn, the soldiers that have also stayed here only for one night, have mostly packed their things and are already getting in marching order, ready to depart.
Next to them there are several newcomers: Tall broad-shouldered men with hard faces, wearing plate armour and armed with horseman's picks, raven beaks and other weapons typical for heavy cavalry units. Even their massive chargers are clad in platemail and the dents and marks on armours of riders and beasts show that these men have seen more than one battle.
It looks like they are only here for a refreshment, since their horses are sweating and look hard-ridden and none of the knights has dismounted.
The innkepper scurries around between the horses and next to the massive beasts he looks a bit like a gnome.
"Solaric, all yours"
"Solaric, all yours"
Solaric smiles to Victoria and replies, "Well, let us see what this all means."
The dark elf priest approaches the newcomers and speaks with them.
"Well met, Gentlemen. I am Solaric Zekkaran, Servant of the Inheritor and Priest of Karcau's House of the Vigilant Flame. I am here with Karcau's Chosen. You look in need of rest and some refreshment. Please tell me, where do you ride from and what news do you bring?"
Diplomacy
As Johenric whispers to himself, only Victoria and Kirk can listen:
What a great day...even more loud and harsh men-at-arms...
"They have their uses."
A man in his fourties, the only one not wearing a helmet, scratches his red-bearded chin and replies in a full bass voice
I'm Volkmar, sworn knight of Sinaria. These are my sons Aelrec, Thorstan and Hagen and my nephews Magnus, Theodar and Vasili. We're riding north to the aid of our lady. I guess you follow the same call, dark knight?
You sense great determination and a real warrior-soul, this man is a natural leader.
"It is an honor to meet you and your family, Sir Volkmar. I am pleased to also introduce you to my companions. Please, may I introduce you to Her Grace, the Countess Victoria. This here is Johenric, Master Kirk Spearborn, and the esteemed Mayor of Carrion Hill's nephew, Master Flofer Nighthawk. Indeed we serve the same lady. In fact, the lovely Countess Livgrace recently sent us to Carrion Hill where we freed said town from a Yog Sothoth, a foul cretaure from the outer planes. We are now on the return journey to Karcau where we are to meet again with her Highness. I know many soldiers are being summoned to the Kronstein Ridge, but I am yet unaware of our enemy and what is developing. Do you have any information on what is about to transpire?"
Volkmar and his sons and nephews nod to everyone you introduce, though the nod is rather a bow when you say Victoria's name.
As far as I can judge, there must be something dark ahead of us. From all villages through which we came were half of all forces deployed to the northern border, which means that about five thousand sons of Sinaria are marching. There is a tournament to be held in Karcau I heard on the next Starday and I guess that will be the occassion the Countess reveals to us what is threatening our homeland.
Aerec, a blonde giant of a man, but not older than maybe twenty winters, mutters
Must be northland raiders or orcs from the icy steppes, nothing else lives north of the ridge. They are known for their cruelty and most of the time they have their hands full fighting each other...
"There is a tournament to be held in Karcau I heard on the next Starday and I guess that will be the occassion the Countess reveals to us what is threatening our homeland."
"Indeed I hope to put myself to the test. The Inheritor willing, I will be there. I look forward to hearing her fair voice and being able to serve her again!"
"Must be northland raiders or orcs from the icy steppes, nothing else lives north of the ridge. They are known for their cruelty and most of the time they have their hands full fighting each other..."
"I thought of that myself, but I did not think we would need to gather an entire army to deal with such scattered and unorganized tribes. I wonder if something is uniting them."
Aerec's gaze wanders to the north, the man whose chin looks like carved from granite, nods slowly and says
If someone united these hordes, he must be immensely powerful. I doubt one of their clan chiefes could ever becomes so powerful...
Volkmar rides closer to Solaric and says
My daughter, Irene, she dreamt of a winged evil that has risen in the north, tell me priest, could that have been an omen?
"If someone united these hordes, he must be immensely powerful. I doubt one of their clan chiefes could ever becomes so powerful..."
"If someone is uniting the tribes, it is not through their charisma and leadership skills alone. I suspect there is a powerful magic at work behind the scenes."
"My daughter, Irene, she dreamt of a winged evil that has risen in the north, tell me priest, could that have been an omen?"
Solaric looks around closely before replying discretely. "A winged evil you say? Hmm. Indeed it is an omen, and I should say it is not the only one. I, myself, have seen within my dreams evil rising in the Kronstein Ridge. Furthermore, one of the arcane problems that my friend Johenric is working on is already pointing us in that direction. There is a darkness rising there that is without doubt far more evil than simply orcs. I should like to hear of your daughter's dream. It may give me some insight into what we are going to be facing. Did she recount her vision to you in any great detail?"
Victoria watches on, curious to learn more.
Volkmar, now every inch a very proud father, says
You can meet her at the tournament. She will surely tell you everything about her dream, I think she even wrote it down.
Looking at his sons and nephews and then again to the north, he adds
I guess it's about time to leave. Sir Zekkaran, Lady Victoria, I'm looking forward to meeting you in Karcau.
"You can meet her at the tournament. She will surely tell you everything about her dream, I think she even wrote it down. I guess it's about time to leave. Sir Zekkaran, Lady Victoria, I'm looking forward to meeting you in Karcau."
"Well, I look forward to meeting her and seeing you again. Thank you again, my friend. Fare Well, and may the Inheritor be with you in all that you do!"
Solaric gives the knight a hearty handshake and then waves good-bye as they depart.
Once they are down the road a ways, he turns to Victoria and comments, "Now, where is that young Flofer Nighhawk? Is he still sleeping? I have a feeling that teaching that young man is going to be much harder than I initially thought."
Kirk rises slowly and comfortably, happy to let Solaric and Victoria investigate the knights' arrival. "Wake up, kid," he says as he drops a pillow on Flofer, and then will nudge him with his boot if that didn't do the trick.
"Well I hope you are planning on a little more rest Solaric, for the tournament sounds like a rather busy affair. Kirk and I will no doubt need to investigate any nefarious activity, meanwhile I'd like yuo to keep Johenric at your side at all times should they move to employ dark magic against you. Not sure what to do with Floffer yet, he has a certain naive charm, but I've yet to see him display a knack for investigations."
Wha-what! Get it off get it off! Flofer yelps, swatting at the pillow. After the pillow is on the other side of the room, he sits up and realizes what is happening. Haha, oh, umm... I'm up?
He dresses and puts his armor on, packing up his bedroll and lute. Then he makes his way downstairs for breakfast.
Oh hello, inkeep! How are you this morning? Got anything for a growing lad to eat?