Pitr snorts at Solaric's boosts, "Like a devil elf is going to know horses. Don't you normally ride giant bats or something. Don't scare the horses. Here let an actual horseman give them a try.
Hopping up on each horse, Pitr gets a feel for each to better judge them.
ride
"Bah. Bears are far better mounts than any glassy eyed horse could ever be. I say you make a trip with me to Skyspire one day,countess. I will introduce you to the bear tenders of my clan and we will find you a far more useful animal." he says with the typical aire of dwarven superiority. Turning to Pitr, he says"And Pitr, it is not bats,boy, but stinking, spindling spiders. Disgusting things."
"Vic, might I 'ave a word with to side for a moment?"
Once Victoria and Harl step to the side the old dwarf says,"Lass, might the armorer ya secured ma fine plate from also be in possession of an equally impressive shield? I am lookin' to secure one them that is as tall as I. Ever since I had ma vision of Torag and he touched my armor I have felt an increasing need in my shield arm for somethin' more powerful than the one I now carry. I over heard Solaric discussing the need for a shield such as the one I carry and I plan to give it to 'em once I have a suitable replacement. It bears my family crest an' ta be honest I've become quite fond of the skinny windbag. I think that ee'd give it a fine home."
"Well yes the nice Academy meisters and merchants I shake down have alwaysgot just what I need in stock, but sounds like we need to go shake down some loose coin for purchasing a few things. I will make a note of it, and the first opportunity I get once we have a handfull of golden sails I reckon we look once again at houw our fellows are equipped"
Johenric observes the scene for quite a while, and says.
Interesting, I did not expect the behaviour of the group...
The dapple gray horse seems much more calm than the black one. It is also well muscled and seems to have enough courage not to panic at the sight of danger.
The black one is a bit nervous, but also seems to be eager to get into action. It's very fast and agile and you guess it would make a perfect race horse or messenger horse.
The dapple gray horse seems much more calm than the black one, maybe even a bit lethargic. It is also well muscled and seems to have enough courage not to panic at the sight of danger. However, you wouldn't want to enter a battle on it.
The black one is a bit nervous or rather fiery, but also seems to be eager to get into action. It's very fast and agile and you guess it would make a perfect race horse or messenger horse. With enough training it could turn in a nightmarish battle steed.
While the two inspect the horses the countess replies to Harl
Oh really? You dwarves have found out how to train bears as battle mounts? I would love to see that once! Do you also breed them or do you steal them from the wilds?
Pitr offers his opinion, "The black is definitely more spirited. It will take a strong and confident rider to keep it in control, but it has the makings of a good horse. How experienced a rider are you, Countess Livgrace?"
The countess replies thoughtfully
I had my fair share of riding lessons, however I'm far from being a cavalier. I think I could handle also rather fiery horses if someone would help me.
"Your Highness, you have always been the appearance of grace under pressure and this dapple gray horse certainly seems to match that demeanor. It is well muscled and I believe would have enough courage not to panic at the sight of danger. The black one appears nervous and slightly panicked. Unless you plan on racing or running errands across the countryside as a messenger, I would probably refrain from selecting the black steed."
"Meh, the gray is courageous enough, but sluggish and dull. The black would make an epic horse with the proper training."
The countess' gaze shifts from Pitr to Solaric and back, she seems to be a bit overextended with the decision.
So, you mean the black...uh...the gray...or...ummm. I mean I like dark horses, but the dapple-gray is so cute, ummm....
"Obviously, the decision is up to you, your Highness, but the two beasts have such different personalities and can be used for such different purposes. The black one would be fine for racing, but my personal opinion is to lean toward the Dapple- Gray simply because of its calm cool demeanor. You could use it for all sorts of purposes and it would be strong and most dependable. I simply would not want a horse that spooks at every little surprise. Besides, it does look rather cute!"
The countess pats Pitr's shoulder and says
Sorry my dear Pitr, but I guess Solaric is right. I should stick to the calmer horse. But Pitr, if you're such a good rider, I should take some lessons with you.
The horse breeder nods politely and leads the horses away while you follow the countess into the gardens of Swansong House. Here between some small marble fountains and and large rose bushes, her countenance becomes rather worried.
I have to ask a favour from you. While my Raven Knights inspect the Kronstein Ridge and the strange reports that hail from there, a distant relative of min has contacted me. Lord Garus, ruler of a demesne to the south of Sinaria has told me about strange occurences in a town named Carrion Hill. His mayor there is totally overextended and since the academy of Karcau is so famed for its graduates he sought my help...and momentarily I thought about you.
"His mayor there is totally overextended and since the academy of Karcau is so famed for its graduates he sought my help...and momentarily I thought about you."
"Naturally, your Highness, we are accustomed to restoring justice and order throughout the land. We are here to serve and bring the light of goodness to this land. Whatever the task, it would be our great honor and pleasure. So, please tell us what sort of occurrences are being reported."
The countess absently caresses one of the rose branches and replies
Strange, but alway when I look out over the lake it gives me a feeling of harmony and secure shelter...even if we speak about places that have names like Carrion Hill and we know that something evil must be lurking there...
You notice how the countess presses her index finger right onto one of the thorns of the rose branch.
Like awakening from a dream, she blinks several times and explains
Umm, sorry, have been carried away by the view...I'm sorry but he didn't say more than that there were probelems his mayor was unable to solve...I know that's like nothing...
Perception
Johenric turns his gaze from the ground to the countess Livgrace and makes one step forward. During his speech he also focus the each member of the Karcaus Chosen, but his gaze mainly is turned towards the countess.
Mylady, thank you very much for explaining us your position and what your intentions are. As Solaric has stated, the trust you have in our capabilities pays tribute to us - I wanna say thank you for this as well, also on behalf of the complete group. However - this is not meant to be impolite -, we have to deal with other tasks and according to what I understood those are quite important. By comparing this with an unclear situation, logic demands...therefore I ask you, why we - as a group as well as being an individual - should take over the task you have mentioned and let the other tasks remain untouched for an uncertain time....again Mylady, this is not meant as an offense; my intention is just to clarify the overall situation.
After he finished his speech, he bows and takes one step backwards.
Diplomacy
Prescience
"Strange, but alway when I look out over the lake it gives me a feeling of harmony and secure shelter..."
Perception
"I too am comforted to look out upon the lake where the open sky meets the land. This is absolutely beautiful. I am so delighted to be able to share this moment with you!"
"my intention is just to clarify the overall situation."
"Johenric, I always appreciate your attention to detail. We certainly need to find the missing shards of the amethyst heptagon. However, until we have a stronger lead to go on, I think performing this service for her Highness would be a good use of our time. You do have the shards safely with you, don't you?"
Perception
"Oh dear your Highness, you appear to have done yourself a small mischief. Allow me to remedy that; we'd hate for you to gain an unsightly scar on such immaculate and artisticly beautiful hands..."
Victoria takes a small handkerchief as though beginning to clean the wound...
Although she does use her magical healing, it is as a cover to cast detect magic on the Countess.
Bluff
"Why of course I will lend my aid in assisting you in this matter, and Solaric no doubt is keen to personally show you he is a knight of quality just as all the stories and rumours claim. We would do this for you as loyal subjects, and show our deeds match our words."
"The bears come of their own free will, countess. The riders and shamans call to them, but it is their decision to stay. Most form amazingly strong bonds with their mounts. Beccoming like family."
Oh thank you Victoria, I absently hurt myself...but no worries, it's just a tiny cut.
Besides the auras of two powerful rings and one amulet, there is no magic surrounding the countess.
Johenric, I know that you are on an urgent mission, but my impression was you found yourself in a dead end for now?
Turning to Harl she concludes
I think that is one of the stories which makes us humans marvel at the mysteries of other races. I guess humans never had the ability to just wait for the bears to come. They had the urge to subdue the beasts and make them their mounts.
You do have the shards safely with you, don't you?
Yes I do....
Johenric, I know that you are on an urgent mission, but my impression was you found yourself in a dead end for now?
Because of a slide change on Johenric face, you see that Johenric is shocked when he has heard those word. However his voice remains sounding solid.
Mylady, with respect to you, but there are two folds: first we have to identify the riddles. I have made significant progress in this respect. Second, those riddles needs to be solved. According to my understanding I am the only one who has the capability to identify the riddles. I agree. However, I perceive everybody as responsible to find a solution to the already identified riddles. Progress is made always over time...therefore it is just a matter of spending time and we will make progress.
He tooks a small break.
Mylady, it would be a great help if I get free access to the library of the academy and a living room of the academy. This would help me to identify the riddles and to work on a solution to an riddle. Thanks.
He tooks a second break.
Mylady, an agreement on a decision is always an agreement on the criterias and the sequence being put into the logic. In fact the dead end argument emphazises the importantance of this.
He tooks a third small break.
Regarding the bears....I do not the relevance in this context.
The countess is a bit surprised by the sheer flow of words that come out of the rather reserved wizard
Oh, I didn't want to force you to do something, I just thought, you needed some stroke of genius to go on. Surely will I grant you access to the academy library.
She looks at Victoria
Will you be so kind and arrange that for Johenric, I think no one will object if you ask your former professors for this tiny sign of goodwill.
Back to Johenric
The bears? No, but I was speaking to Harl...nevermind.
"Johenrics entry shall be arranged, he shall thuis be able to loyally work and toil to decipher the riddles and uncover the details we seek, in your name and honour of course."
"Your Highness, how urgent is this matter in Carrion Hill? Can you give us any details? I am just wondering what supplies we will need to pick up to before we depart."
The countess nods thankfully as Victoria explains that she will cater for Johenric's library entrance. Then she turns to Solaric, shrugs and explains
Carrion Hill is a medium-sized town, I guess you will be able to buy all necessary supplies there. I'm so sorry Solaric, but I guess the information I have is absolutely sparse.
"That is not a problem, your Highness. We will seek out Carrion Hill and speak with the Mayor. In the meanwhile, I do hope you take some time out of your busy schedule to create some wonderful music and gaze out upon the lake. For my absence, I would like to give you my stole as a small token of my affection. Please take care of it and while I am away, you may think of the wonderful times we have shared together. I will return to you when we have finished our task." Solaric bends down on one knee and graciously kisses the Countess Livgrace upon her hand. "Fare well, your Highness. May the light always shine upon you!"
The countess softly caresses your cheek and weren't there be so many people around you, maybe more had happened, but so the countess just says
You're a real champion of the light Solaric, I have no doubt that Karcau's Chosen will return victoriously under your lead.
Pitr raises an eyebrow at Livgrace's request for riding lessons, but holds his tongue. Honestly, she's not as good looking as Swan and I've never had much patience for dim headed nobility. Especially if they take the advice of stole-wearing, spider-saddling demon-elves.
Pitr volunteers, "I'm up for a little trip. I mean I'll miss Karcau and the folks here, but despite one-eyed assassins and night terrors, I've been getting a bit restless lately."
Johenric clears his throat; he tries to figure out how long the journey will take from Karcau to Carrion Hill.
Knowledge Geography
If the weather stays that good and you ride fast, about three days.
I apologize for what I am going to say, Mylady. I do not see the benefit when I take the required time into consideration....
...please feel free to convince me in regards to the topic of the importance of Carrion Hill, when I ask "So what?"
The countess is a bit confused and blinks several times as if she was staring into the bright sun
So what? What do you mean by "so what"?
There is a potential problem in Carrion Hill. So what? Please be ensured that my only concern is to ensure that we make best usage of our potentials by comparing them with the options.
Johenric makes a small break.
"There is a potential problem in Carrion Hill" equals a conclusion. The question "So What?" means, why is this important?
Johenric bows again.
I apologize for not being precise enough.
It's not about your lack of precision, I was a bit surprised by your decision to question the importance of helping the people in Carrion Hill. Even though I don't know much about the exact nature of the problem, Lord Dargus sounded very concernd and emphasized that the people in Carrion Hill would suffer.
"To Hell with importance, Johenric," Kirk growls, "The Countess is asking a favor of us. We have no leads on the heptagon at the moment, so why not be of use somewhere else?" He calms down after a short pause, then continues, with a glance at Countess Livgrace "I mean, why else are we here?"
That being the first thing he's said even remotely directed at the Countess, he turns away abruptly and walks away to inspect the city once more.
Everybody can see that Johenric is astonished, although the exact reason is not revealed.
Well, as I am new, I might have missed some rules which do apply. However, being a man who aims to see an issue from multiple angles, my intention is always to ensure that all thoughts have been considered. If you feel Mylady that it is advantageous to go to Carrion Hill by seeking the best for our nation, then this shall be done. I do hope you pardon me.
Under the surface of Johenric's robe an experienced eye witness some small movements.
Under the surface of Johenric's robe an experienced eye witness some small movements.
Solaric takes Johenric aside and speaks to him kindly and with patience. "Johenric, my friend. I admit on the surface this seems illogical, but sometimes doing favors such as this will reap great rewards later on that will only help our cause in the long run. Master Spearborn is right, we do not have a strong lead on the riddle yet, and in the meantime I think this will be an acceptable diversion. Once we return, we will be able to pursue the riddle of the Amethyst Heptagon with renewed vigor. In the meantime, keep pondering its mysteries and join us for our next adventure. Personally, I am delighted to have you join Karcau's Chosen. If I can help you in any way, please don't hesitate to ask me."
Victoria simply remains silent but appearing friendly. It is fairly obvious she is trying to remain in the good graces of the Countess.
Being devoted to the protection of the weak since his first days of training, Harl raises an eyebrow at the wizard's lack of concern for the suffering of others. "Perhaps when ya see the sufferin' ye'll have different outlook on why it is important to care about why we should go."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Solaric, ever the diplomat trying to smooth out tensions before they begin, talks to Harl to help him see Johenric's point of view.
"Harl, my friend. Master Johenric is certainly of a different background than you or me. He sees things as a puzzle or a problem to be solved. I don't think he is being unkind, but simply unaware of the hardship and sufferings of others. I think our little Heptagon puzzle has lured him in and he has let that be his entire focus for the moment. Even though he is not quick to change plans, I am certain he will be a great ally to our cause before long."
"In fact I think it is his great intellect that actually makes him so strange. He is probably thinking about the universe in an entirely different way than you and I see things. He reminds me of one of those eccentric professors I had at the academy. Come closer and let me tell you a story."
"I had a mathematics instructor at Karcau Academy who went by the name of Professor Lynch. He was an eccentric balding man with a great big beard. One day, he rode his horse to the academy and when he arrived, he stabled it just off of Academy square. He then spent the rest of his day teaching his classes, where he promptly forgot about his horse. That night, he went home in one of the city coaches and walked the rest of the way to his house. The following morning when he got up to ride his horse, he discovered that it was missing."
"You would not believe it, but the professor actually called Gregori Dumitru to report that his horse was stolen! He gave the entire guard a huge runaround as all the detectives in Karcau searched high and low to find the steed! Hehe. I don't want to say this too loudly, but I think Johenric is just like my old Professor Lynch. He has a brain that works just like that. They are wrestling with the greatest intricacies of the world and they forget the most simple of matters. It is as if they are too smart for their own good. We just have to be kind and patient with him. However, be sure to let me know if he claims he is missing his horse!"
The countess looks at Johenric and sweeps some strands off her forehead, she seems relieved that the party persuaded the wizard
There is no reason to parden, I guess you had the best reasons to be reluctant regarding leaving Karcau. But now, after everyone has agreedto help the people of Carrion Hill, we have to prepare your journey. Does everyone of you possess a horse and the needed supplies for three days of overland traver?
Johenric nods and says towards Solaric.
Thanks.
Somehow unconfident he responses to the question mentioned by Countess Livgrace.
No.
The countess smiles friendly again and pats you on the shoulder
Well Johenric, then I will order my stable master to give you a very fine mount...one that is known for its courage and bravery, what do you think?
Solaric smiles warmly as he watches the Countess generously give away a mount to Johenric. While he waits for the others to say the farewells and depart, the half drow gazes over at Sassandra Livgrace and allows pure joy to wash over him.
Does everyone of you possess a horse and the needed supplies for three days of overland traver?
Pitr grins mischeiviously, "Yep, Zahur's Daughter awaits me in the stables."
The countess says farewell to you all...a bit longer in the case of Solaric and returns into her residence. The sun sparkles on the crowns of the small waves that roll over the lake...but at the horizon to the south there is a front of dark clouds brewing up.
"I suppose we're leaving in the morning. I hope Swan takes it well." Pitr says ruefully.
"Hey Countess, do we have any loot left. I'm thinking maybe I'll get some magic fire arrows or something."
Solaric will ready himself for the journey through prayer and meditation back at the temple. He will also take time to clean and polish his equipment. He will be ready to depart in the morning.
Johenric will use the remaining time in the academy and copy certain spells of his spell book.
Later that day he speaks to Victoria.
Countess Victoria, according to the talk we had with Countess Livgrace I assume you have somehow authority over the academy. Further I perceive you as a loyal person, do you know any secure place where I can store my biggest treasure?
Further he does some purchasing of required materials.
[ooc]Question to the group: how does the group deals with required adventuring material? Do we have somehow a purse dedicated to the Karcaus Chosen? If you want to do this in game, just let me know...[/b]