A lanky young man in too-tight pants springs into the hall with his hand waving in front of him as if he is fighting some invisible demon.
Ha! Take that! Haha!
Not looking where he is going, he trips over a dog and falls flat to the ground.
Damage:
OUCH! Come on! he says, regaining his feet. Noticing the party breakfasting he grins an embarrassed grin. ...Oh, good day, Nuncle, I didn't know we were having company...
Taking a seat next to the Mayor, he pulls up a plate and fills it with pancakes. Hello, I am Flofer Nighthawk, but people call me Flofer. You can call me Flofer if you like! With that he digs into his pancakes.
mmso mnuncle, mhow did myou mmeet these peoplemmf? he asks through a mouthful of pancake. He swallows. They sure have a lot of weapons! Are they adventurers! he asks excitedly. Turning to the party Are you? Are you? You know, I'm a bit of an adventurer myself! Haha!
"Well met, young man! I am Solaric Zekkaran, and we are Karcau's Chosen. This here is the beautiful Countess Victoria, Master Pitr Jendarne, swashbuckler extraordinaire, Shadowmaster Kirk Spearborn, man of subtlety, and last, but not least, the brilliant Johenric. We were just talking to your uncle and he told me that you have a great interest in going to Karcau. He says you also have a great passion for music. Well Karcau is famous for its opera house. How would you like to go to the city and see an opera, my boy?"
To Flofer he says.
Nethys and Desna be with you.
Johenric watches the conversation going on.
"Well met, young man! I am Solaric Zekkaran, and we are Karcau's Chosen. This here is the beautiful Countess Victoria, Master Pitr Jendarne, swashbuckler extraordinaire, Shadowmaster Kirk Spearborn, man of subtlety, and last, but not least, the brilliant Johenric. We were just talking to your uncle and he told me that you have a great interest in going to Karcau. He says you have a great passion for music. Well Karcau is famous for its opera house. How would you like to go to the city and see an opera, my boy?"
mmMMMooh I looove music! It's the greatest thing in the world! well, I've never seen an opera, they don't have them where I come from but it sounds fun! How far is Karcau? Is it a long walk? Will it be an adventure! I love adventures! He rattles on...
"If you have not seen the opera, then you are in for the treat of a lifetime. You cannot experience anything greater than to sit in that theatre and hear, feel, and experience the sounds of ethereal tones and awe inspiring voices singing to you. You will be lifted to realms beyond your imagination!"
"Well, Karcau is a fairly long walk, but we will be riding horseback and hope to make good time. For the journey, I do not anticipate nearly as much adventuring as we have encountered here in Carrion Hill. But then again, neither did I expect to have to slay an evil deity from the outer planes that was about to destroy this town and possibly the entire realm. The blessed Inheritor willing, we will not meet that fiend again!"
"Well, young Flofer Nighthawk, if you are interested in joining us, we are planning to leave Carrion Hill shortly after breakfast. We are already late starting, but we did not destroy the beast until the late hours early this morning. Consequently, we all agreed to sleep in a while. I hope this is not your usual awakening time. Never mind. We shall soon find out."
"Well, if you would be so kind, please pack up your belongings and saddle up your horse. We will be leaving very shortly."
"He seems keen enough, lets see how keen he is when it comes to killing though"
Solaric, just that you know. Once we are back in Karcau I want to do studies for a couple of days.
The mayor rolls his eyes as Flofer fences into the room...
Well boy, behave yourself! I've promised your mother to take good care of you and turn you into a real...uh, man, no, even hero. Now, these people here are real heroes - like the ones from the books you enjoy reading so much - okay? So don't embarass me - or yourself - or our family...oh dear. Whatever, these fine people will soon ride back to Karcau and I wish that you accompany them. They will introduce you to Countess Sasandra Livgrace, the most beautiful and talented singer the world of music has ever seen - am I not right, Sir Zekkaran?
Using the distraction, he uses a large fork to take his pile of pancakes back.
"Indeed you are correct! The Countess Livgrace is a bright shining light in the lives of all of her subjects. However, for me, her grace, beauty, and musicianship deliver me to another realm that is beyond words."
Johenric has finished his breakfast and turns to Solaric and the major.
I propose we continue the conversation during the journey. Major, it was my pleasure. I am somehow disappointed that we do not have the time to discuss the profession and success factors of a town's major. However, if you discover further clues about the monster or magic in this town, I appreciate when you send message to me.
Johenric stands up and moves to his horse. During his walk he says:
Riding...although traveling let you gives you insight into new areas - in a metaphorical sense - the time to get from A to B is wasted. Desna, please let us have a journey without complication.
Following breakfast, Solaric will pack up his gear and prepare his great steed Dart, for the journey ahead.
"Riding...although traveling let you gives you insight into new areas - in a metaphorical sense - the time to get from A to B is wasted. Desna, please let us have a journey without complication."
"Johenric, if we do encounter a complication, it is because the great Iomedae has drawn me to that situation and she is in need of my help. You see, I actually pray that I can be a channel of blessing for her. Being sent to Carrion Hill was no accident. It was my destiny! She actually guides me to serve her people. So if something does happen along the way, I simply open myself up to the possibilities that it brings."
Flofer sits with his hand propping up his chin as he stares off blankly, probably imagining the Countess...
"Stop sitting there daydreaming, boy, we are on a busy schedule! Chop chop! Go get yourself packed. We are leaving for Karcau very soon!"
"Blessed Inheritor, heal and restore this young warrior's strength and wisdom that he is typically known for. May it be so!"
Feeling back to snuff, Pitr nods his thanks to Solaric. " I appreciate it, Solaric. I guess the gods are good for something, but I'll go ahead and put my faith in somethign even the gods answer to." He pulls out his Harrow deck and draws a card- the bear. "Fate and all the strength I can bring to bear against adversity..." Pitr smiles.
"Blessed Inheritor, heal and restore this young warrior's strength and wisdom that he is typically known for. May it be so!"
Feeling back to snuff, Pitr nods his thanks to Solaric. " I appreciate it, Solaric. I guess the gods are good for something, but I'll go ahead and put my faith in something even the gods answer to." He pulls out his Harrow deck and draws a card- the bear. "Fate. and all the strength I can bring to bear against adversity..." Pitr smiles.
Victoria watches Flofer like a hawk, continually appraising and assessing his worth.
"Well we will be back in fair Karkau soon enough, and I dare say a black hearted rattlesnake once again finds its way to cause threat to one of my good fellows and possibly his lady love. What is it with you men having cutthroat rivals around the time you develop a love interest for them to threaten eh?"
"I am sure this new fellow so full of his own wind will show his true nature well ahead of time, but I suppose I shall have to kick a few rocks to see under which he hides"
It is now Kirk that is the recipient of a knowing look.
The mayor rises and pulls Flofer to his feet
Sir Zekkaran is right - get up Flofer, stand like a man and stop your idle daydreaming - the call for adventure - can't you hear it...oh boy, if I were just your age, I was already on the back of my horse, wind in my hair, sword drawn and...
You don't believe anything the mayor says...
At that moment Joskul enters, handing the mayor two letters
Ah, the letter for the countess, very good...and what is that? Oh...a letter FROM the countess, heh, what a strange coincidence. Oh and did I tell you that loyal Joskul has become captain and instructor of the guard, such a fine soldier, now let's see what we have here...
He opens the second letter and begins to read it
Oh...mhm...aha...ah well...ok. Strange news my friends, the countess orders half of the Crows to Karcau for border duty at the Kronstein Ridge - do you know anything about that?
"I hear its pleasant this time of year, perhaps she believes they could use a respite"
"Strange news my friends, the countess orders half of the Crows to Karcau for border duty at the Kronstein Ridge - do you know anything about that?"
"Hmm? Very interesting. I wonder if this has anything to do with our unsolved riddle. I would not be surprised if we end up on the Kronstein Ridge ourselves very soon. I am glad to hear it is so pleasant this time of year."
Knowledge Geography
Johenric thinks about the Way to the kronstein Ridge and how karcau is located.
it might Name sense to go Directly to kronstein Ridge ?
The Kronstein Ridge lies north of Karcau - it's a distance of several days on horseback.
The mayor makes a dismissive gesture
Umm, no, I don't think so - she only speaks of the Crows, not of you.
Yes, yes uncle! I'm going already! Flofer says as if he might have liked to spend a lot more time with that daydream. He gallops off to his quarters and packs his things, nearly tripping again as he goes. I'll be right back, Mister Solaric--Whoah! Whoops!
" I'll be right back, Mister Solaric--Whoah! Whoops!"
"I said we are leaving soon, but I didn't mean to kill yourself running out the door. Watch your step young man. We will wait, but just be sure not to dawdle."
Turning to the Mayor, Solaric adds. "I promise to take good care of him. But I wonder, is he always that clumsy?"
The mayor just shrugs
I might be able to answer that if I knew him better, heh. Sorry, as far as I can tell, yes he IS that clumsy...
The mayor exchanges handshakes with all of you as you leave Crown Manor and hands Solaric the letter to the Countess
Please tell her that I'm one of her greatest admirers in all of Ustalav, yes?
A strong wind blows over the steppes around Carrion Hill, and only the gloomy moor to the west does not fit into the picture of a wild yet inviting land. Small clouds race over the firmament and in the distance there is a grey silhouette - the Kronstein Ridge...
"Please tell her that I'm one of her greatest admirers in all of Ustalav, yes?"
"I most certainly will. I will also be sure to deliver your letter directly into her hands myself."
"I wish you well, good sir. If you find yourself ever against such evil again, be sure to send word to the Countess Livgrace and the Inheritor willing, we will be able to serve you once again. Perhaps we may see each other once again if you ever decide to visit Karcau. Fare well, until we meet again!"
Solaric shakes hands with the mayor before mounting his horse.
"Hello Dart, my dear. I hope they have been taking good care of you." Solaric pats her on on the side. "We are embarking on a long journey today. I hope you are up to it."
"Fare well, good people of Carrion Hill. May the Inheritor bless you always!"
Once everybody is mounted up and ready, Solaric takes the front and begins leading his friends back to Karcau. He keeps a close eye on Flofer to make sure he is not falling behind. He will stop and wait if necessary.
While Johenric is starting to mount his horse, he stops and focuses the small clouds moving in the sky. When he recognizes a bird, he says:
A reminder to myself: flying is by far the more efficient mode of transport...
And Johernic mounts his horse.
Flofer returns dressed in armor. With a sword on his hip, he almost looks competent, but the lute over his shoulder leaves doubts. He mounts his horse after a little wriggling and waves his uncle goodbye from the saddle. Farewell uncle! Thank you for everything!
Kirk retrieves Tucker from the stables and leads him out to meet the rest of the group. He mounts up into the saddle and waits expectantly for the return trip to Karcau, watching their new companion with obvious but non-hostile scrutiny.
"Enjoy the quiet reprieve and gentle ride Kirk, for I believe we have some investigating and problem solving once we are returned to Karkau..."
Pitr snickers, "There's only one thing I'm interested in investigating when we get back home." The young sword seems reinvigorated as you start back to Karcau.
"That's what I like, a sense of romance"
"Forgive me if you think this question is too personal, Jendarne, but I'm curious. Do you think that Swan is the one and only lady for you? I just wonder if you pursue them all with such passion, or if this one has simply stolen your heart?"
Du kannst alles kaufen, was dir finanziell möglich ist, du erhälst di Hälfte des WBL Satzes: Wealth by Level (scroll up a bit)
Now that the horrors of Carrion Hill lie behind you, the ride to Karcau is a quite pleasant activity. The spring sun is already a bit warming and the green grasslands around you lift your mood. You are a bit bothered by the fact that you meet and spot several groups of militias, mercenaries and town watches riding or marching to the north. It's already late afternoon as you reach a small inn at the roadside - The Broken Crown - here you also notice a large amount of horses - more than the stable can provide - and armed men standing in front of it.
The hardy soldiers wear the coats of arms of several Sinarian villages and towns and seem to stem form all parts of the county.
"Good day, Gentlemen. This place appears rather popular. Do you think the Inn has room to spare for a few travelers? So, what is the occasion that gathers so many soldiers at one time? Are you all being deployed somewhere?"
Diplomacy
While Solaric is talking to the guard, Johenric moves his horse at the back of the group and looks around spoting for eye-catching aspects and men at arms.
Perception
A straw-blonde man with a nasty scar running all around his neck - most probably he once hung on the gallows for a short time... - turns to Solaric. He wears a white tabbard with the red bear of Baringrad, a village at the very east of Sinaria, on it. He is tall, muscled and you guess he knows how to use the large mace which is strapped to his back.
Good day sir. I fear the inn is already bursting. We're heading north, past Karcau to the Ridge. I don't know why, but half of all militias and town watches of Sinaria have been ordered to march northwards. Maybe the captain knows more, he's inside.
With his thumb he points to the inn.
Victoria leavs the menfolk to talk warfare business, instead taking the time to get a good idea of who is present, in case the information becomes usefull later.
Kirk takes the time as Solaric talks to the soldiers to approach Victoria.
”You and I are both creatures of that void; cold and practical”
”For the fair citizens of Karkau to prosper they need a Countess who remains untroubled and carefree, if that oaf back in Karkau manages to position himself in such a way as to ‘demand her attentions’ he will soon usurp power and then the idiot will look to his own personal glory and cheap satisfactions – a price that shall be borne off the backs of innocent people and the ones who suffer most will be the poor and the lower classes who will be bled dry to feed his voracious appetites. Solaric must triumph.”
”If Solaric wins then we will have done the populace a great service, though it will never be recognised, Solaric will no doubt gain the title he needs which will aid him on setting great personal wrongs to right, will be an inspiration to all of the downtrodden and half-breeds who can take great hope from his noble deeds, will have a Countess filled with delight, and generally it’s all sunbeams and warm feelings for everyone.”
”Including us.”
”Now we need to get to the bottom of what this poseur is about, and ensure that the rodent is at least forced to fight fair. My definition of fair is ‘any fight in which we win’... and Solaric will win”
”Ours is thankless and bloody work, and the ones that would thank us the least are oddly the ones that benefit the greatest, but there it is”
”He doesn’t have to die, he just has to lose. And we will see that he does.”
”Good day sir. I fear the inn is already bursting. We're heading north, past Karcau to the Ridge. I don't know why, but half of all militias and town watches of Sinaria have been ordered to march northwards. Maybe the captain knows more, he's inside.”
”Thank you very much, Sir. I will go and have a word with him. I bid you a good day.”
Solaric leaves his horse, Dart, tied up to hitching post and proceeds inside to find the captain.
Perception
Looking around the common room, Solaric looks for the captain.
”Well met, Sir. I am Solaric Zekkaran, one of the Karcau’s Chosen. Can you tell me what’s happening? You appear to have a great number of soldiers here. Is it true that you are on your way past Karcau and onward to the Kronstein Ridge?”
It's a helluva noise inside the common room. At least 100 soldiers crowd the room and it smells of sweat, beer and some kind of stew. Four bar wenches try to squeeze through the rows of the groping men...Like you have already assumed, the soldiers stem from all parts of Sinaria and more than one looks at you with quite a bit of hostility, outside a metropole like Karcau, drow are still a fairytale sight.
A burly man with strong arms and the gaze of a falcon rises from a table next to the entrance, he also wears the white tabbard with the red bear on it.
I'm Captain Korana Darjic, who are you sir, I mean I heard your name, but WHO are you, and how come you're so interested in our orders?
Victoria is enjoying her bit of chatter with Kirk, and remains watching the comings and goings outside.
"I'm Captain Korana Darjic, who are you sir, I mean I heard your name, but WHO are you, and how come you're so interested in our orders?"
"Who, you ask? Well, I am Solaric Zekkaran, the dark priest of the almighty Inheritor. I come from Karcau, the shining light of civilization in Sinaria. I am the slayer of the Ragman of Karcau. My companions and I were recently sent to this area by the Countess Livgrace herself. We have just slain the legendary Yog Sothoth of Carrion Hill. If I appear too forward speaking, forgive me, for my companions and I are in haste to return to Karcau. I am interested in your orders, simply because I am here to smite evil in whatever form it may take. I take a great interest in the news about the land, because inevitably, Karcau's Chosen may be dealing with it. I only ask out of the need to bring justice and the light of Iomedae to the wilderness!"
Diplomacy
Awe flashes over the captain's expression and the talking around the table stops abruptly
Then the stories are true, a dark fey is the new protector of our countess?
The man and his soldiers bow their heads before he speaks on
My lord, as far as I know, there is a great danger, an ancient evil, threatening our homeland from the north. More I do not know, I'm just a mere soldier.
He speaks like a subordinate now and his men do not dare to look directly at Solaric.
"My lord, as far as I know, there is a great danger, an ancient evil, threatening our homeland from the north. More I do not know, I'm just a mere soldier."
"Thank you, Master Darjic. This news is most helpful for me. I can sense that you will be a great leader. Let me kindly address your men."
Solaric pulls out his great horn and lets the sweetest note sing from it. As the sound fades, he turns to the rest of the men, and addresses them. "Lift your heads and hear my words! I am honored to among such great and noble warriors as yourselves. Knowing that you are with me in protecting our land from evil, brings a gladness to my heart! We shall overcome this evil and together we will bring peace and justice to our land. Stand strong, my good men, and know that the Inheritor watches over each and every one of you. She is the light behind my sword, and I will pray to her and ask that she guide us all to victory. When you push on to the Kronsteins and face the evil in the darkest night of shadows, think back upon this night, and remember the words of Solaric Zekkaran. The searing light of Iomedae will prevail! You will serve with honor and distinction and you will be remembered for your valiant deeds! At this moment, you may lighten your hearts and know that all will be well!" Solaric claps his fist to his chest and calls out, "For Victory!" He then awaits the expectant response from the men. He repeats the chant twice more to conclude his address.
Diplomacy
As Johenric recognizes a horn blowing, he asks a little bit confused:
Did we define a signal in case of emergency?
Flofer leans against the outside of the tavern and strums a jolly tune on his lute.
Perform:
Hidey-hi, hidey-ho,
off adventuring we shall go!
With a sword in my hand and a song on my lips
I'll search for foes and fine birthing hips!
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"