"Aye, the griffon is his own and I did not mean to suggest otherwise. He travels with me as my protector and has been in my care since he was a hatchling." How easy misunderstandings happen when meanings are so varied.
"I must ask, Mistress Corlia, what is it that burns in the fire? The reason I ask is that this portion of land is home to the dire wolves and various enemy alike and I would rather not draw either to this spot. I have a treaty in place with the wolves that no harm shall come to any of their pack by one of my own. So you see, I must respectfully insist on an answer before we continue."
After Corlia has answered,
"Presently we have none in the position of Priest to Erastil. It is a matter I shall attend to once I have returned to the capital. There is a trusted priestess travelling with my caravan alas she is aligned to Sarenrae. It is a week's ride to the capital of Praxis; the city of Saravale. Once within the walls, there is a shrine dedicated to Erastil which you may visit at your leisure. To the north east of the capital is the Temple of the Elk, dedicated to Old Deadeye. Mayhap you will journey there with me one day." The female newcomer had many questions and was not afraid to ask them. Her path seemed very transparent and nothing would deter her.
"How will your wolf companion fare travelling with a caravan filled with varied races and species? We have recently rescued around 100 prisoners from an insidious enemy. And although we have defeated this lot, I believe there are many more waiting to avenge their deaths. I see you have a bow and a scimitar. Are you any good in using them? We may yet see action on these plains before we arrive home."
"Aye, the griffon is his own and I did not mean to suggest otherwise. He travels with me as my protector and has been in my care since he was a hatchling." How easy misunderstandings happen when meanings are so varied.
"I must ask, Mistress Corlia, what is it that burns in the fire? The reason I ask is that this portion of land is home to the dire wolves and various enemy alike and I would rather not draw either to this spot. I have a treaty in place with the wolves that no harm shall come to any of their pack by one of my own. So you see, I must respectfully insist on an answer before we continue."
After Corlia has answered,
"Presently we have none in the position of Priest to Erastil. It is a matter I shall attend to once I have returned to the capital. There is a trusted priestess travelling with my caravan alas she is aligned to Sarenrae. It is a week's ride to the capital of Praxis; the city of Saravale. Once within the walls, there is a shrine dedicated to Erastil which you may visit at your leisure. To the north east of the capital is the Temple of the Elk, dedicated to Old Deadeye. Mayhap you will journey there with me one day." The female newcomer had many questions and was not afraid to ask them. Her path seemed very transparent and nothing would deter her.
"How will your wolf companion fare travelling with a caravan filled with varied races and species? We have recently rescued around 100 prisoners from an insidious enemy. And although we have defeated this lot, I believe there are many more waiting to avenge their deaths. I see you have a bow and a scimitar. Are you any good in using them? We may yet see action on these plains before we arrive home."
”It is a good thing – I did not think you were the type to treat beasts as if they were slaves to the lash or cage as some men do,” she says, a distinct distaste for such “men” coloring her tone ”Even so – I am not entirely sure of anything in these lands – there are many foul things about. Yet I would guess you have a good heart, and are not the type to treat beasts foully – something about you seems honest and pure, at least, so my heart tells me. And when a person must trust first their own instincts – I have learned to trust mine with much faith,” she adds.
”Ah – you need not call me “Mistress” – I am no lord of power – but if you like, you may call me “Lia” – for that is the name I trust my friends with, and if my trust is not misplaced – I feel that I may share that name with you without regret.”
”And, with all respect – treaty or no – I would not harm any wolfkin – even though that which burned was not true wolf – but a beast called by some “dire wolf”. Now, I know that they were not well received by most – hated and hunted by men and elf, for they are deadly and cunning besides. Yet even so – I see them as cousins to my own kin – and as such, when I see their bodies on the field, I do what I can to see that their flesh is taken care of.”
”Now do not say it is our duty to let the bodies rot and other animals feast on the dead – for I know it well; even so, to these beasts I feel a bond – and I would not have them in the belly of carrion fowl – no raven nor crow shall feast on their flesh, simply because it is their right to eat the dead – in this I must honor my kindred – even if the wolves that burned were not true wolves, but “dire” – also – I do not like carrion fowl overmuch. I have no particular quarrel with ravens, I suppose – but I do not care for crows…” she adds.
”A shrine is enough – a place is holy that is set aside – if I can find such a place – a holy site to worship – that shall be enough for me. Yet you speak of a temple – this is good – I would see this temple, and it seems that – if you have such a temple – that meeting you is indeed good. Yet – as a I said – Fate had a hand in this meeting,” she adds.
”And,” she adds, taking a stern look at the horizon ”I should ask – what will they say to him? I do not worry on my companion – for he is wiser then a wolf is wont to be, and I trust him better then strangers – he will not do anything rash,” she adds, glancing westward.
Hearing your last question, she gives you a wry grin.
”Ah – I am very good at these weapons – observe, if you will…” she plucks from her pouch an apple – and tosses it high into the air, before it can land she tears out an arrow – knocks it – and fires it directly into the center of the tiny falling apple. Now - you are no expert, but you believe that hitting such a small moving target – why; the odds of success are perhaps 1 in 20! Yet it seems that she, by good virtue, scored that 20 with no chance of failure!
”I have a gift with my weapons – but for my blade? You should see it sing through the air – I can kill very easily with it, if need be – this weapon requires both grace, and finesses – and I have a good deal of both, if I may say,” she adds, as she turns to watch your face neutrally.
”Well, then – I have answered many of your questions –yet as the leader of this place – I sense that perhaps my answers may lead you to more questions – speak then, share with me your thoughts – the more I know of what you wish – the more easily I can share of you my knowledge, such as it is.”
No worries - waiting on the response...
It's okay - just waiting around... :)
"It is good you do not leave the dire wolves bodies to be devoured by carrion. I would know how they were killed, especially if it were done by one of my own folk for then I would go and stand before the dire wolves and make amends." I hope one of my people did not do this, especially during the hunt.
"The dappled grey mare tethered yonder, I suppose she is yours. Well then, Lia, let us be away before trouble comes to find us. I will advise my companions that your wolf will not harm them and they will not harm him. Does he have a name? My griffon is called Dior."
And having seen Lia's fair shot through the apple's centre, Ariarh is impressed and nods approvingly, "Aye, you have a true aim and it shall benefit us. There will be ample time for questions, mine and yours, on the ride to Saravale." And once the half elf is on her horse, the grey wolf imposingly waiting beside horse and mistress, she gestures and they begin to ride fast toward the caravan.
Looking up at the sky, Ariarh gives a shrill whistle and her griffon turns and flies fast back toward the caravan.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Lia nods – and you see that as she moves to her horse she bends down to the earth and mud, and makes a quick paste with her hands; then paints a symbol on her horses flank with the mixture – it looks like a sort of elven rune – yet somehow – not the same – you do not recognize it.
She quickly informs you that whatever did this was very strange – for she saw the evidence of men nearby – and though their tracks came from the south-east (your people are straight south) – and the Dire wolves came from the slightly north-east (again – no where near where you folk came from) – they seemed to have fought on the plains in some battle or combat.
She informs you that both men and wolves were dead – and she burned both bodies – for she felt it would be unseemly to leave the corpses so slaughtered – for it appeared in the mixture of bodies – by her tracking abilities – that some men fought against the wolves, and some men fought with the wolves – as if allied to them. The signs were confused – and not knowing what to make of it – she bequeathed all bodies to the gods with fire.
She asks if you know any that would work with Dire Wolves willingly – or they with men? She is confused at either possibility – and shall offer more suggestions on the matter when she knows more from you.
Ariarh pondered the information Lia had given her regarding the dire wolves and the men during their silent but fast ride back to the others.
Upon motioning her horse beside Brett's and gesturing for Lia to ride by her side, she makes the proper introductions to the group with the little information she has been given.
"Councilmen and friends, we have another who joins our caravan to Saravale. Her name is Lia and the grey wolf running beside her is her companion, Revion. No one is to harm him for he and Lia are under council protection. I am sure in time we shall all get to know each other better. For now, we must return to the capital with as much speed as we can muster. Lia discovered some dead dire wolves and men on the plains roughly 10 to 15 miles from here. I am unsure what has happened and it seemed, according to Lia, that some of the men were aligned with the wolves. Something to think upon."
Turning to look at Lia, she enquires, "Were the men you discovered human or other? I am unaware of any allegiance between the dire wolves and other parties. I am only privy to the knowledge that they aligned with my small group a fortnight ago. The She-Wolf and the younger members were tracking their males. I am concerned with these deaths and the meaning of them."
"They were human - of a certainty - that was clear to me... I do not know much - other then that. They did not carry steel - but weapons of iron - and their gear was stiff hides and iron... Some of them wore gold on necklaces and rings - but I cared little for that, and did not despoil their corpses..."
"I would think there was a battle - and to the east there are men who fight with wolves - and others against them - but I am not certain. He bodies had some rot - and it was not clear - but I should think there are some who allied themselves with Dire Wolves... Further - the men had no packs or gear other then their arms and armor - if they came from the east - their camps were near; or they had mounts that had disappeared and did not perish by claw, tooth or blade...
No worries - just a little flavor for your beasty friends :)
Arasmes approaches Ariarh and Isani, I wanted to know if I can be of any assistance with your various tasks. I want to make sure I am useful to you both and to Praxis.
Arasmes approaches Ariarh and Isani, I wanted to know if I can be of any assistance with your various tasks. I want to make sure I am useful to you both and to Praxis.
"Thank you for the offer of assistance, Arasmes. We need to determine how many of al-Kazeem's cultists are still residing in Saravale and whether any of them are under the influence of illicit drugs. We also need to investigate the property they are guarding for him down in the village. Mayhap you and Isani can undertake this task together? I think we may discover other information or possibly a clue in the building owned by the cultist leader. The more information we have, the better prepared we can be. Oh and take Ryul and possibly one other with you when you go down there. There is no need to place yourself in harm's way. We have no idea what they will attempt to do in order to safeguard their leader's house."
It would be my pleasure. As for what they will do to safeguard, they reside in our city and as such we have rights to search since we have evidence of the sale and use of banned substances within the city. Thus going against the laws as written. Should they wish to resist, then that will be another issue we will deal with but I will take necessary precautions with Ryul. Isani it will, as always, be a pleasure working with you.
Yillim rises early the next morning, woken with a hard nudge of snout and fur. He did in fact dream, but not of the possible pleasures to come and freedoms to be had, but of past horrors.
Echos of the world, this, and perhaps others swirled around him like whisps of smoke that sting the eyes. He wandered, fitful, in a maze of sheer black stone walls, pocked with eyes. Eyes that would follow him, In his panic, as he beat his fists bloody against those walls. Bloody, and then beyond, so that when his knuckles were smashed, smeared and useless in bits against the void-black that surrounded him, he would continue, and grind his hands further until the force of it took them completely off. He would crawl, then, around sharp corners, always being watched, and as he moved, the heights above him closed in. And then he was a non thinking thing. Crawling through a dark black maze, full of the sharp pain of useless limbs and forever bleeding, and never dying. He would see the eyes, and within that black, even blacker than the cold night the was his maze he would see a fire. A red fire, a serpent, with wings that had angles sharper than the mortal realms would allow. And redder than the most vivid blood, and when he saw that great beast and knew it was the heart of his torment, the box would close in on him, and he was a puzzle of pain only. Not even a beast, only movement and blood and pain.
Gear packed away and ready to move, he approached the half elf in the morning,. The sun barely peaking over the horizon, he stood with intensity, the great wolf, Blackfang, standing at his side like a great mountainous shadow.
In only his wrappings, like some leaper, or a man recently laid to rest he stood, shaking with both anger and fear. The handiwork of the foul Lutharo in all it's glory evident. A pale man, with unnatural blood, and too many limbs, and all about him, random fingerlike bits of flesh grasping out at the world mocking all those of natural form.
He spoke in a gravelly voice
It is time to hunt, Lia, friend of wolves.
And with no weapon, head down, and body low, he would run. And with no bow, he would hunt like his new brother. With only tooth and claw. The hunt pulsing in him like a great fire, perhaps like the bonfires that burned the bodies of the fallen dead in the recently left camp, with with a light that was near white, but cast red through the stained rubies that were his eyes.
And it would got that way, Yillim turning to the others, Lia and Revion and Blackfang all, but not speaking, only nodding and casting his gaze as prey was found, and they would circle as a pack, and bring down the prey, and in turn, they would each take their kill, and feed.
It was only later, hours perhaps, when they came to a river, to clean themselves and drink, that the humanity returned to Him, and again he adorned himself as a "civilized" man, that he would speak.
We will be in the midst of this Saravale, soon I think, will we not? looking to the distance, imagining the sights and sound that lay beyond.
It would be my pleasure. As for what they will do to safeguard, they reside in our city and as such we have rights to search since we have evidence of the sale and use of banned substances within the city. Thus going against the laws as written. Should they wish to resist, then that will be another issue we will deal with but I will take necessary precautions with Ryul. Isani it will, as always, be a pleasure working with you.
Ras - somewhere you vaguely here the sounds of Sylvath cheering that response!
If you utter it on or around Brett - he will add...
"Well - watch yer step, lad - they may got more up their sleeve then just a few thugs. If ye need any lads to go with ye - rustle 'em up. We've got a decent company - it don't just have to be ye two - ye can take back-up; just pass it on."
If you DON'T say it near Brett - well... he'll still add it anyway.
Yillim rises early the next morning, woken with a hard nudge of snout and fur. He did in fact dream, but not of the possible pleasures to come and freedoms to be had, but of past horrors.
Echos of the world, this, and perhaps others swirled around him like whisps of smoke that sting the eyes. He wandered, fitful, in a maze of sheer black stone walls, pocked with eyes. Eyes that would follow him, In his panic, as he beat his fists bloody against those walls. Bloody, and then beyond, so that when his knuckles were smashed, smeared and useless in bits against the void-black that surrounded him, he would continue, and grind his hands further until the force of it took them completely off. He would crawl, then, around sharp corners, always being watched, and as he moved, the heights above him closed in. And then he was a non thinking thing. Crawling through a dark black maze, full of the sharp pain of useless limbs and forever bleeding, and never dying. He would see the eyes, and within that black, even blacker than the cold night the was his maze he would see a fire. A red fire, a serpent, with wings that had angles sharper than the mortal realms would allow. And redder than the most vivid blood, and when he saw that great beast and knew it was the heart of his torment, the box would close in on him, and he was a puzzle of pain only. Not even a beast, only movement and blood and pain.
Gear packed away and ready to move, he approached the half elf in the morning,. The sun barely peaking over the horizon, he stood with intensity, the great wolf, Blackfang, standing at his side like a great mountainous shadow.
In only his wrappings, like some leaper, or a man recently laid to rest he stood, shaking with both anger and fear. The handiwork of the foul Lutharo in all it's glory evident. A pale man, with unnatural blood, and too many limbs, and all about him, random fingerlike bits of flesh grasping out at the world mocking all those of natural form.
He...
Perhaps the most startling thing for you here is the northland's greenery. Not the rugged lands of Katapesh - or even the alabaster temples of Orsinion - it is a place of lush grass, damp and dewy - and the sounds of rivers rushing to stir your heart.
Even so - there is little evidence of beasts to hunt here. The majority of the land - as you draw closer to the city - is trodden with tracks of wagons, ponies and other travelers. Further - as you draw near the city - or at least - a massive cliff wall from which you see a break down the center and a river meandering through - there is more people - and less game to hunt.
You are free to try - but the farther you move from the main group - the more likely it is someone will spot you. Do you wish to proceed without another except yourself and the horse-sized wolf?
associated hunt:
Knowledge Nature
Survival
I believe Yillim and Lia would have hunted in the morning after discovering the deceased bodies of al-kazeem et al. She would have completed her dawn prayers and then gone hunting. So it would have been open plains I suppose; we may have encountered a creek or river somewhere along the way I presume. The hunt would not have happened near or on the borders of Saravale. Even if it was not bigger game we found but smaller: rabbit and other burrow creatures ... Perhaps a game bird or two if Lia could shoot it down with her long bow.
It would be my pleasure. As for what they will do to safeguard, they reside in our city and as such we have rights to search since we have evidence of the sale and use of banned substances within the city. Thus going against the laws as written. Should they wish to resist, then that will be another issue we will deal with but I will take necessary precautions with Ryul. Isani it will, as always, be a pleasure working with you.Ras - somewhere you vaguely here the sounds of Sylvath cheering that response!
If you utter it on or around Brett - he will add...
"Well - watch yer step, lad - they may got more up their sleeve then just a few thugs. If ye need any lads to go with ye - rustle 'em up. We've got a decent company - it don't just have to be ye two - ye can take back-up; just pass it on."
If you DON'T say it near Brett - well... he'll still add it anyway.
Dawn was slow to come and the sun crept up into the sky, throwing some light upon the shadowed, low hanging clouds.
Lia and Revion were sitting still, the female's eyes closed and in prayer with Old Dead Eye. Her limited magic required renewal and recent events gave her pause to speak to the god and ask for guidance on this new path laid before her. An hour passed in stillness and meditation, the wolf never leaving his sister's side, a stalwart guardian. When her prayers were completed, Lia rose and stretched her long and lithe frame. Revion stood and shook himself. She noticed a few people up and preparing food or packing for the ride to the capital. Yillim and Blackfang were not hard to miss as they moved purposefully toward her.
There was something in the man's voice and the veins in his face were more prominent than yesterday. Dark smudges had appeared under his red eyes.
"Sleep did not agree with you, more than man Yillim." Just a pure and simple statement, not a question to gauge his actual rest. "I must speak with Ariarh, err, the Lady leader, and inform her of our plans to hunt. Afterward you will speak of what ails your heart and mind. I will listen. And we will run. The wind will push the darkness away."
Theoretically the rolls are necessary - but only if they cause you to waste valuable natural 20's on chatting on the road ;)
I didn't notice any mention of Ryul in your post - though I may have missed it.
But, to simplify - I guess I will need to find out who is actually going on this shindig, specifically.
If it is to be Arasmes, Isani, Ryul and one other guard - that's fine.
Brett will keep his opinions to himself - but I do need specifics at this time, as depending on how you proceed will directly effect what happens next.
So - please toss up the specifics at this time.
Thank you!
Arasmes, Isani, Ryul, Naga, Sogoth (since she has had dealings with them), and Sylvath (if he would like to come)
Arasmes, Isani, Ryul, Naga, Sogoth (since she has had dealings with them), and Sylvath (if he would like to come)
Should be noted - Naga and Sogoth have no gear; no weapons or armor.
Also - if your plan is to do that - will you be informing Sylvath directly? That is to say - will you/Isani be making your plans clear to either Ryul, Sylvath, Sogoth, or Naga?
If any of them are told your plans - please let me know. It will likely effect their response.
Please note, Ryul has had prior dealing with the cultists for he came with Ry when she visited al-Kazeem in his tent.
Forgot Naga and Sogoth have no gear. I'm not as concerned about Soggoth as I am about Naga having no gear. Can we borrow one of the +2 scimitars for Naga (it will be given back) and a couple of the +1 daggers for Soggoth? I also think we have a small stockpile of armor I can put Naga in for the time being until I can buy gear for them.
Ariarh has no problem with either of the two borrowing weapons since they have none. They can use them - we have a month to sell the weapons we just found, so they can be put to good use for the time being.
Right - so - in that case - they are outfitted with the gear your requested. That said - with that in mind - you two are free to lead the way. They will follow your lead.
Dawn was slow to come and the sun crept up into the sky, throwing some light upon the shadowed, low hanging clouds.
Lia and Revion were sitting still, the female's eyes closed and in prayer with Old Dead Eye. Her limited magic required renewal and recent events gave her pause to speak to the god and ask for guidance on this new path laid before her. An hour passed in stillness and meditation, the wolf never leaving his sister's side, a stalwart guardian. When her prayers were completed, Lia rose and stretched her long and lithe frame. Revion stood and shook himself. She noticed a few people up and preparing food or packing for the ride to the capital. Yillim and Blackfang were not hard to miss as they moved purposefully toward her.
There was something in the man's voice and the veins in his face were more prominent than yesterday. Dark smudges had appeared under his red eyes.
"Sleep did not agree with you, more than man Yillim." Just a pure and simple statement, not a question to gauge his actual rest. "I must speak with Ariarh, err, the Lady leader, and inform her of our plans to hunt. Afterward you will speak of what ails your heart and mind. I will listen. And we will run. The wind will push the darkness away."
Yillim stands still in the brisk morning, Blackfang by his side. Glancing at the rising sun in the distance, he seems lost in thought. Time passes, is it minutes, or seconds, he does not know, but soon enough, the half-elf Lia returns from her meeting with her baroness.
Nodding to the woman, Yillim points to the the plains beyond."Shall we hunt now, friend of wolves?"
Lia nods once in the affirmative. "We cannot wander too far from the caravan. There are only open plains between here and the capital. Not many places for game to hide. Still, we can run and hunt and Old Dead Eye will grant us success."
Well and good, Lia.
and with a smirk
I do not know this Old Dead-Eye, but if he is a hunter, I welcome his spirit with us.
Yillim's survival (via tracking)
Blackfangs survival (via scent tracking)
Your work on the plains does not go well.
Any game that you would hunt is miles east of the great river that your journey takes you near. Also - you discovered each other roughly 18 miles south of the capital.
When you traveled north - even after an hour - you would have covered roughly 6 miles - and leave you roughly 12 miles from the capital when you begin the hunt.
The herds are miles away to the east and you can reach them - provided you are willing to travel - roughly - 20 miles east.
There is small game to the west near the river; but it is not more then jack rabbits, for the most part. You may be lucky to find a deer - but, sadly - they are equally able to scent your presence. And as neither of you are moving with stealth - they will easily be able to sense your presence and rush off.
Of course - neither Lia or Yillim would know that the bounty hunter guild would have naturally hunted out the area around the town for several miles - especially along the length of the river; further making your job more difficult.
"Old Dead Eye is the title of a god. His name is Erastil and is the god of the hunt and farming."
Arasmes, Isani, Ryul, Naga, Sogoth (since she has had dealings with them), and Sylvath (if he would like to come)Should be noted - Naga and Sogoth have no gear; no weapons or armor.
Also - if your plan is to do that - will you be informing Sylvath directly? That is to say - will you/Isani be making your plans clear to either Ryul, Sylvath, Sogoth, or Naga?
If any of them are told your plans - please let me know. It will likely effect their response.
Isani will relay the Council's concerns to Sylvath, Ryul, Sogoth and Naga regarding the remaining cultists in town. She will explain that there is a building owned by al-Kazeem in town and that it is being protected/guarded by his followers. The Council need to know how many cultists remain in town and if necessary enter the building and see what clues/information it holds within. If illicit drugs are involved, i.e. pesh dealing, then the Council has the right to enter the premises to investigate. She is transparent in terms of the danger that may be involved in the investigation of the property. She asks if Sylvath, Ryul, Sogoth and Naga still want to continue on this "mission" and if they have any questions.
At some point, she will pull Sylvath and Ryul to the side and speak to them privately, relaying to them that al-Kazeem and all have been killed out on the open plains, a few hours from the capital (if they do not know this information already). She does not know Naga and Sogoth and cannot trust them so readily with this extra information.
As the cliffs of Saravale come closer, the wonders of the relatively new city alight upon Yillim's mind.
Turning to Lia, he speaks
You have been to this place before? I wonder if we should go directly to the palace of the baroness, and If there are formalities to take care of, get them out of the way.
He scratches his head, looking to his left at Blackfang.
I have heard that this Saravale welcomes all types... will they also welcome "wild" beasts?
Taking the borrowed blanket, he wraps himself carefully, in anticipation of gawkers and civilians not used to his appearance.
Perhaps I should seek shelter within? I have a bit of goods to trade, but It has been so long. I confess I am not sure where to begin, I have been so far removed from normal society. There are so many things to consider.
"I have been here once before we found you. There is a Keep where the Lady resides, upon the cliffs high in the clouds, and it is best to ride there and formally introduce yourself to the Council. They may allow you to reside in the sleeping quarters within the Keep. I can show you the way."
"I brought Revion inside and there was little fuss apart from stares and whispers. As long as the town dwellers believe the wild beast is tame enough, the goodly folk will leave you be."
It was strange riding back into the very populated capital. The sounds and smells were hard on her ears and nose which were more accustomed to the natural sound and scents of the forest and open plains. How anyone would live in such close proximity, atop one another she could not understand. She clicks her tongue and nudges Isil forward and then proceeds to give her free rein and ride hard up toward the towering Keep. She turns to see Revion following, keeping pace with her mount, enjoying the wind hitting his face.
Arasmes, Isani, Ryul, Naga, Sogoth (since she has had dealings with them), and Sylvath (if he would like to come)Should be noted - Naga and Sogoth have no gear; no weapons or armor.
Also - if your plan is to do that - will you be informing Sylvath directly? That is to say - will you/Isani be making your plans clear to either Ryul, Sylvath, Sogoth, or Naga?
If any of them are told your plans - please let me know. It will likely effect their response.
Isani will relay the Council's concerns to Sylvath, Ryul, Sogoth and Naga regarding the remaining cultists in town. She will explain that there is a building owned by al-Kazeem in town and that it is being protected/guarded by his followers. The Council need to know how many cultists remain in town and if necessary enter the building and see what clues/information it holds within. If illicit drugs are involved, i.e. pesh dealing, then the Council has the right to enter the premises to investigate. She is transparent in terms of the danger that may be involved in the investigation of the property. She asks if Sylvath, Ryul, Sogoth and Naga still want to continue on this "mission" and if they have any questions.
At some point, she will pull Sylvath and Ryul to the side and speak to them privately, relaying to them that al-Kazeem and all have been killed out on the open plains, a few hours from the capital (if they do not know this information already). She does not know Naga and Sogoth and cannot trust them so readily with this extra information.
Sylvath looks excruciatingly relieved to no end on the fact that you had actually decided to tell your plans.
He informs you of some basic information.
1. The house is a collection of houses – they are under guards. Even if you were able to have the physical or magical power to overwhelm the guards that reside there – unless you are planning on killing them – you would not be able to take them away. You don’t have enough men – you don’t have the gear to take prisoners – and you have no where to put them in the meanwhile.
2. Al-Kazeem has a fairly large network – there may be more involved then simply narcotics – but nothing has been proven. Naturally entering another person’s private property on suspicion of mischief goes against all the natural tendencies of a Republic. The property of a person is their property – and having a big government agent coming in to tell them what’s what – when they aren’t doing anything that has been proven… When the citizens see that the leaders of the town are deciding to explore the house – they applaud the effort – but it will take some explaining to the townsfolk in general why the officials have decided to enter the house. You suspect this also has to do with the fact that the citizens in the town who would voice protest on the matter are likely peppered through your folk as residual spies.
3. Sylvath will inform you that the collection of tents and houses is currently guarded by roughly 8 – 12 men walking around the outskirts of the tents and a few of the buildings. If push comes to shove – you may have to fight them – and you will likely have to kill them.
Still – if you think your crew is capable of dealing with such a group – you are naturally free to advance; though you feel that Sylvath thinks the idea to be completely foolish. After all – unless you butcher the folk outright – how do you plan on getting them to a prison? Which is – currently – back at Cloudwatch keep – except for a few cells at your barracks.
That said – what are your plans? Please be precise – as I need to know if this goes on this thread – or the Combat Thread. Thank you!
"I have been here once before we found you. There is a Keep where the Lady resides, upon the cliffs high in the clouds, and it is best to ride there and formally introduce yourself to the Council. They may allow you to reside in the sleeping quarters within the Keep. I can show you the way."
"I brought Revion inside and there was little fuss apart from stares. As long as the town dwellers believe the wild beast is tame enough, the goodly folk will leave you be."
It was strange riding back into the very populated capital. The sounds and smells were hard on her ears and nose which were more accustomed to the natural sound and scents of the forest and open plains. How anyone would live in such close proximity, atop one another she could not understand. She clicks her tongue and nudges Isil forward and then proceeds to give her free rein and ride hard up toward the towering Keep. She turns to see Revion following, keeping pace with her mount, enjoying the wind hitting his face.
Taking cue from the half-elf, Yillim gives a knowing look to Blackfang and hops onto his back. He follows Lia in silence up to the capital building, watching as he gets random odd looks from the populous.
Speaking to the guards at the ruined gate, he nods and looks at one of the men blankly.We are here to speak to the Baroness Ariarh, and introduce ourselves formally to the council of Saravale and the land of Praxis. May we pass in peace and be seen?
Upon hearing Sylvath's information and assessment of the matter, it did not seem wise to approach 8 to 12 men with only a handful of council representatives. This is somewhat frustrating to the Priestess as another obstacle was blocking their path to resolving the issue of the cultists.
"Foreign Ambassador, perhaps we need to relay this information to the Lady Ariarh and General Ka'etil and determine if must go into this with a greater show of force. We know there could be spellcasters in their cult and who knows what manner of wards or commands he has left with his guards. What do you think, Arasmes? I will heed your counsel."
"Lady, if I may be permitted?" Sylvath interjects.
"I can have 20 men here in less then five minutes - and plenty of men ready to receive any prisoners at the barracks - or wherever you'd like to store them."
"While I am quite honored that thy would elect only a few our kind to stand as guardian to thee - I should think it would better to have more men. Say the word, lady, and I shall call forth the men that thou would have at a moments notice," he adds.