"I've been gifted with a degree of divine power that heals minor wounds, but nothing quite as powerful as Koija had himself, and as a consequence of sorts, I'm rarely given potions or wands with healing properties. Those dedicated to the faith without the ability to directly channel Larafae's divine gifts do receive such things more often than not though." Rhialla pauses a moment and a cleverly sly smile appears, "If you wished it Magnes, I could have one of the clerics induct you as one of the faithful."
"Anyways, I'm sure they would part with an extra wand for a fair price."
Magnes give the female a challenging grin "Lass are you sure you'd want me bestowin' meh liquid artworks on yer fellows? Don' think they'd be movin much were I ta' set down permanently." with that he shrugs looking at the temple "A wand of healin would be useful. Wonder if the rest of our companions might have some coin to pitch in to such a purchase. Unfortunately much of the coin I have earned in our previous venture has been spent on certain entirely necessary things yeh' see.
Yep, that carved melon in tha' shape of my face full of whiskey drop punch was assuredly necessary.
"I'd wager that a few of Larafae's faithful would surprise you. Actually there are a number of brewers within the city that you've probably already met so maybe it wouldn't. Art can be found in more senses than touch and sight, and that goes for love and passion not applying to only people." Rhialla pauses to pet the horse before turning and smiling at a familiar cleric.
Looking back to Magnes she laughs quielty "Sorry, I'll spare the dogma."
Darvinen strolls up to the two, handing a man beside him a silver offhandedly. Spare the dogma? Rialla, how could you? Darvinen feigns extreme surprise, then looks irritated for an extremely brief moment, then says Sorry, I've a terrible headache, please disregard my intrusion into your conversation. I did hear you talking about healing magic though, didn't I? I'm afraid I can't cast such a spell, but I can use a wand that will make wounds close quickly.
Approaching others in front of the Grand Gallery in the morning and waving his hand. This time Bhalur being dressed in more of fitting equipment and a metal glimmering from sunlight, scythe and shield hanging on his back as well longsword on his right hip.
"Morning to all you! I would like to talk with you all. I have some important news regarding the vision of Kevroth and it might change our plans a bit." Bhalur confess as he is standing in front of them
"This vision of yours Kevroth, seems to be serious matter. The woman, blue dragon, is called Meldreth and she is the daughter of Nargroth, the legendary dragon mage whom the Blue Dragon Society is named after." Bhalur describes "Also the town in your dream is either Ylphaun or Mournstone. One is next to Algalar River, near the Spine of Korthas Mountains and another one is on the Merkul River, southwest of Mount Hargnir"
"Even if we wanted to stop them, we do not have anything against a dragon or power to stop her. That would leave me the possibility to stop both men but I do not know how strong they are."
Rhialla glares at Darvinen before answering, "Hard to forgive those that are not truly sorry Darvinen. The alchemists have something to cure hangovers, but it is hard to say where you've actually been."
Looking away Rhialla continues, "We were just discussing purchasing a wand to speed our recovery should we have the need. My church sells divinely powered wands, but I hadn't considered the arcane, a method I'm a little uncomfortable with."
"Hail Bhalur. I'm sorry but this information changes nothing for me, but I understand if it does for one or all of you. My sister is missing and I have been charged with finding her, so my decision has already been made."
"I suggest a message by carrier bird or spell be sent to someone there that may be able to warn the people of an impending attack. Though I am not sure of how to convince anyone that Kevroth's dream may be anything but."
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"Convcing is not a problem. It was Church of Matalur which prevented the influence and war of evil dragons and promote the goodness and happiness between humans and "good-aligned" dragons". Our church have influence to make them worry. I do not really have much desire to start to play with human politics so I would rather force them to do that." Bhalur grimmly states, unusual for him
"We exist, Acolytes of the Dragon Matron, to fight against these kind of threats from dragons and ensure there shall no be another war like there was before. My calling demands me to try my best to ensure that no sacrifise will be met or somehow try to prevent this vision from happening"
Thinking about their position and at least possibility of the two places regarding Rhiallas mission "Actually, Mournstone and Ylphaun are exactly in our way till Wyvernwaeld. We can visit both cities along our way and it wont cost us any time. To Mournstone we can take a barge, and from Mournstone to Ylphaun we can ride with horses. How does that sound?"
Bhalur bringing map with him and showing others the planned route
"Phineas, tha investigator who started us on the path ta'finding Lady, hrmm.. guess lady blackrose now. Well anyway he'd likely be able to help us in discovering which of the two cities might be a target and sending information our way. Bet tha' onea yer churches might even foot the bill fer his expenses what with tha' nature ah all this."
Darvinen ignores Rhialla's remarks and then, when she mentions wands, he speaks. Can you use a divine wand? That would be helpful, for they are known for their healing. And if you are uncomfortable any other way, there are double benefits.
When Bhalur arrives he listens intently, then says Do we even know that it's anything more than a dream? I'm not saying that it wasn't a gift of Siblune, but perhaps it's not really about a dragon. Although if that's the case, how did Bhalur find out those specifics?
Bhalur blinking his eyes as Darvinen questions his information "Isnt it with the help of Goddess? Also the information network of temple of Dragon Matron is not a small one. Even if we were to forget all of that, why should I lie or pretend something else? Sometimes I do not understand you humans with all of these things" sighing once again as he forgets that he isnt really anymore among other bhakiris but that was his old life
"I do not know this Phineas, but it wouldn't hurt to ask him. Although if the King's own spy network hasn't picked up anything worth gaining his concern I am doubtful anyone of Bhelskar would know of such an attack with sufficient warning, but I suppose we can only hope I would be wrong."
"As soon as Kai and Kevroth arrive I can head back in and purchase a wand, unless we want to use the arcane one, and you all can speak with Phineas. We can meet at the river pier once you're done. I don't mean to be presumptuous though. If Phineas has new information or light to shed enough to change your minds about heading to Avalath, please come share it with me before mid day; I wont be able to wait longer before departing."
Kevroths rides up sitting atop a truly magnificent specimen of a horse. Looking to be light and fast, it still has a deep chest and powerful haunches that indicate it will have stamina and strength as well. His musket is sticking up out of a saddle holster and he swings down out of the saddle as he comes to a halt in front of the group, dropping the reins to the ground as he does. The horse stands stock still as if tethered.
"Good morning, friends. What does the day bring?"
"tha's a fine horse Kevroth. We were discussing the plans fer our travels. As far as we can tell the dream you had has yet to occur. I was gonna see if meh ally Phineas the Krimir investigator who found Lord Blackrose's hiding place might be able to help us determine where it might happen.
Bhallur asked his temple and they believe its one of two cities, they are on the way to where we need to be fer dealing with Rhialla's lost sister as well. So we take a look around the towns as we travel there, we don't see anything then we can come back for one more pass on the way back from helping in the Wyvernwaed."
With that Argus glances over to the temple and then in the direction of the nearest mystical looking market stall.
"I get tha' feeling we will have an easier time purchasing somethin' at this early hour from the temple. How much coin would you like me ta' add fer tha wand? Won't have ya shouldering the cost alone on somethin' we are all gonna use."
Kevroth smiles and pats the horse on her neck, "Thanks, her name is Feather, cause that is what it feels like to be riding her. Like riding a feather." He listens to Magnes impassively, "First, Bhalur, can you ask those at the Temple of the Matron to inform the king of this threat and try to put pressure on him to prepare? That would set my mind more at ease about this entire affair. Second, what wand?"
I see, the dragon matron is never unhelpful. And if we can inform the king and he will listen, it seems we may be able to deal with both problems expeditiously.
Darvinen reaches out tentatively to the horse with his left hand, periwinkle metal gleaming, and holds it there for a second. Regarding the wand, we had discussed earlier how wounds will stick if we don't have some way to remove them, and as I cannot cast any healing magic, and Rhialla can only heal so much, we thought a good idea would be to purchase a wand of healing. I'm afraid I have only about twenty golden coins left, for it was a costly journey here. Darvinen touches a large but deflated coin purse. In my experience, a weak wand of healing should cost between seven and eight hundred gold ones, but will be worth it.
"I will retrieve the wand and we'll meet again at the river pier." Rhialla guides the horse back toward the main entrance where a attendant rushes to greet her and take her horse before she disappears from view.
Digging his hand to his pouch hanging on his pelt and withdrawing some derims "Here Rhialla. Take these derims to buy one of those wands. It seems we will be needing them and I have no use for derims anyway" as his hand with derims close around Rhialla's and soon departs, leaving a small pile of derims on her hand
"Hm, I will have to see if I can get some horse or animal to allow me on its back" Bhalur speaks as he thinks about the possibilities
Darvinen looks up at Bhalur. Indeed, perhaps you should ride an ox, they are mighty strong and can walk all day. I must also find some way to get a mount, as I've not enough to purchase one. In the meanwhile, should we go to the barge and be on our way?
Kai rides in on a tall chestnut horse, with a new saddle and saddlebags, just in time to see Bhalur giving money to Rhialla. "I have more than enough money left after purchasing my friend here. I'd be more than happy to part with some of it." He turns to see if Magnes is near. "Also, I took the liberty of purchasing a wicker cage for our feline friend. Of course, I'll remove the door so that he can enter and exit whenever he likes." Kai blushes for an instant. "I thought he would want to come with us, but perhaps I'm mistaken."
"Well, he accompanied us on our last adventure. But one never knows with a cat."
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Darvinen looks at the cage, then says If I know cats, we'll likely end up carrying a sleeping animal wherever we go. Perhaps you don't feed it much it will be a bit more lively.
Magnes scratches his brow before shrugging. Dunno how much coin yeh still need but I've a bit over a hundred an' half Denerim in meh emergency fund." the Dhouvarr still looking over the map Bhalur had provided.
"Somethin' feels weird 'bout this map. someone sell it to ya on tha' cheap?
With that the dwarf gets a contempative lok in his eyes. "Aye, Ox are solid if slow. Yaks are better adapted to tha' mountain climes. Though I've herd tell of somethin' known as a Moose. That right there would be a respectable mount fer an antlered cat-deer like yerself."
"Dunno, buh last time tha fuzz pile managed ta' keep even pace with us. Tried ta' leave 'im in tha dust the first few days after he started followin' meh buh tha' creatures tenacious as cursed boots."
The cat looks to the wicker box, yawns once and gets a glint in its eye.
"Oi, I ain't a post ya mangey ru- woah!" As the cat takes a running leap, hauling itsself up Magnes's torso and rapidly leaping onto the top of the dwarfs pack. Settling itself into a boneless lump ontop.
"Mao" says the cat
"Oi, if ya get in tha' basket you can be taller than this." the Dhouvarr suggests gesturing to the basket on the steed.
"Mao" says the cat, settling deeper and leaning against the dwarfs hat.
"Of course ya want ta do tha' thing tha is least comfortable fer me. Well I've meh own tricks!
With that the Dwarf gestures to the left side of his body
"Kai, theres a bundle of cat grass in meh left pouch. wrapped in butcher paper and sealed. toss somea' that in yer basket and I've no doubt this barnacle will detach."
Kai dismantles the door from the cage and takes the cat grass from Magnes, putting it in the wicker cage. "Here, My Lord Cat, I think you'll find this comfortable."
Smiling a bit about the absurdity of the situation, Bhalur enjoyed this moment before they were once again taking off and on the road toward their next place "I might as well then search for some transport for myself. A Moose sounds like a good option considering how big I am and I think they are a bit faster than an Ox. Anything else to be done before we take off?" Bhalur asks before there would be a need to take off
Lastday, Thaal 9th, 1247 DE
After four sunny days on the glistening water of the great Baravos River, aboard a rather large richly decorated river barge called the Starflower, the group finally sets foot on the river barge pier in the town of Avalath in the Wyvernwaeld. For the last couple of hours the Starflower has sailed through the Wyvernwaeld, a forest with trees so large that at first it seemed you had all been magically shrunk.
Built in between the massive tree trunks of the forest, where the Baravos River converges with the Savathaal, the town of Avalath is a sight to behold. High-rising wooden buildings lean against the great trees, and homes have been built high on the trees on great wooden platforms, held up by mighty boughs, connected by a complex network of ropes and suspension bridges. All over the town there are traces of the ancient elven holy site of Taer Avalath that used to lie here, beautiful stone ruins and statues, the greatest of them a huge statue of Gaundalur the Forest Father, which can be seen from all over the town. A great stone tower can also be seen from all over the town. It seems to be the only intact construction of stone in the whole town.
Most of the people in the town wear light clothes made from animal skins and pelts. Many of them are elves, and most of the humans show signs of elven heritage. They all have black hair. A lot of the women have elaborately braided hair, and both men and women wear tattoos of strange patterns. The same patterns can be found painted in red and white on many of the town's wooden buildings.
There is a large presence of Red Griffon soldiers in the town.
Rhialla bids a fond farewell to the barge driver and guides her horse to shores of Avalath's scenic river shore. As planned, she heads for the Hallow Oak Inn right away to reserve boarding, inquire about her missing sister of the faith, and to learn where the reliable trackers are in town before heading to see the wizard on the north end of town.
Kevroth follows Rhialla's lead in taking a room and arranging stabling for Feather.
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You enter the Hollow Oak Inn, and the name of the inn proves literal as the main room of the tavern is in a cavity of one of the massive trees. The tavern room is as cozy as you'd expect a tavern room within a tree would be. The tavern room is full of Red Griffon soldiers drinking, eating, arm wrestling, and gambling.
An elven waeldfolk man and a human waeldfolk woman stands behind the bar chatting to each other. When you approach them they pause their conversation and direct their attention at you.
"Ah, well, well. More outsiders. Welcome to the Hollow Oak Inn. The finest inn in Avalath." the man says merrily.
"And the only one too," the woman adds.
"*Ahem* I am Anvar Anathmar and this is my beautiful and in every way lovely wife Bweth."
with the added lure, the cat willingly leaps from Magnes into the basket. Unfortunately doing so when Kai is holding the object as a freight train of cat comes to a full stop in the half-elfs arms.
Magnes yawns long enough to audibly pop his jaw which causes him to blink for a moment and rub at his face. "Bah, these trips are always so slow. Where to first Rhialla?"
"Suilannad, linnod." Rhialla greets the couple with a warm smile in her native Aratheel dialect, " I have two orders of business to conduct with you, neither of which will come of much surprise. First, I would like to secure lodging for my companions and I. Preferably private or shared rooms, but the common room is also acceptable. Do you have any rooms available?"
"I think you were right Magnes, you did need more spirits."
"Yes. Many of the soldiers drink and eat here as you can see, but none of them rent rooms. They all stay at the Red Griffon encampment outside of town. So I have plenty of rooms available. What would be the second order of business that you wanted to conduct?"
"Ah, this place looks comfortable. Greetings Anvar Anathmar, Bweth Amnathmar." Bhalur greets politely
Standing nearby the door and trying to not block the way, Bhalur looks curiously around but soon again concentrates his focus on the innkeeper. "Um, I would like to ask if there is some meaning what all those tattoos, which all the people are having. It is fascinating and first time for me to see it. Some kind of tribe-related or personal achievements?" curiously asking them as Bhalur recalls something similar with warrior Bhakiris or in rare occassion druids having them
"The second is, could you help me in any way to find a woman that goes by the name of Illysari? She may have been wearing red and gold colors, carried a harp, or worn a necklace like this one." Rhialla motions to her heart pendant with a golden harp. "She is of Larafae's faithful, and her last known whereabouts were here at your establishment. She was here on a mission of goodwill."
Anvar looks up at the big black bhakiri with a hint of alertness, but his caution disappears as soon as he is met with the bhakiri's politeness.
When asked about the tattoos, Anvar pulls up his sleeves to show arms fully covered in elaborate black patterns. "The tatau is a tribal custom of us Waeldfolk. It has several purposes. For one, it is a symbol of identity, showing which tribe one belongs to, what place one has in the community, and as you guessed, one's personal achievements. Secondly, it expresses which of the spirits a waeldfolk identifies with. Lastly, they are used for self protection to camouflage us in the woods." Anvar smiles and pulls down his sleeves again.
"Oh yes. The priestess of Larafae. She was a most welcome guest in our community. Everyone took a liking to her and the message she brought. Especially the women and children. Such a shame that she had to go wander into Bherug territory. I warned her not to go, but she wouldn't listen."
Rhialla clasps her hands together appearing to almost prey to the innkeepers for answers, "Few parts of the Waeldwood are safe from Bherug's reach I hear. Was anyone with her when she departed? Did she leave anything behind? Do you know any trackers that would brave Bherug territory in search of her?"
The finest inn in all Avalath? I must have a drink. Something mild. A silver pops out of Darvinen's hand, then is caught in his fingers.
Magnes will leave the innkeeper to the attentions of his allies, the Dhouvarr smiling as he meanders over to the collection of Red griffon soldiers drinking a waving hand to his allies. "I'll be back"
The Dhovarr grins at the collection of men and waits for the speech of the men to die down some waiting at the edge of their social bubble. "Oi lads, pleasure ta see a group a warriors who keep tha' land safe enjoyin' themselves. Names Magnes,an' I've a proposition. I've only arrived to this land an' was hopin fer a bit ah fun. I've a cask ah White Boar over from Bhelskar ta' wager against yer coin tha I can drink any of ya' to tha'depths of this here pine bench."
Kai enters the last and his eyes swiftly pass over the entire room, taking in all the possible dangers and risks of entering into an inn full of drunk and armed men. He follows Rhialla, taking his cues from her, but still stands in the background, shyly avoiding contact with unfamiliar people.
"Oi! Hear tha cheeky duff lads, challenging us to a contest of drinking. Bet ya he's never drank against a guy like Smiley before. Guess what, Megnuss! We'll take yer cask a-whatevahyesay, but we'll take ye coin as well! Fifty derims! Watta you say duff?"
Rhialla clasps her hands together appearing to almost prey to the innkeepers for answers, "Few parts of the Waeldwood are safe from Bherug's reach I hear. Was anyone with her when she departed? Did she leave anything behind? Do you know any trackers that would brave Bherug territory in search of her?"
"Aye. You've heard correctly. Ever since Alskar Hearteater became their new leader, the Bherugs have greatly expanded their domain, forcing lesser tribes to join them, and slaughtering those who refuse, and now it seems nowhere in the Waeld is safe from them, except for here in Avalath.
Illysari left Avalath with a tracker named Wimbley, a krimir outsider who had been accepted into the Valastaag. Wimbley was an excellent pathfinder, but I guess he fell victim to the Bherugs as well, since neither him nor Illysari returned...
Now regarding trackers that would brave Bherug territory, I would have to weigh who I'd recommend. Iolrath Aien knows those parts of the Waeld the best. He is half Bherug and it is something to see him cut through the woods. The meanest is Zelphar Taegen. He is a pitiless man, double tough and fear don't enter into his thinking.
He loves to pull a cork. The best though is probably Ornthalas the Ghost. He knows how not to be seen, even by the Bherugs."
Rhialla doesn't hesitate in asking, "Where can we find them?"
"Ah, that is most fascinating" Bhalur agrees and nods his head along
Listening the conversation between Rhialla and Anvar Bhalur was thinking to himself before speaking again "How dangerous it might be to go to their territories at this moment? There is no questioning the skills of the people, you recommended to us but how trustful would they be and what chances would we have? Isnt loyalty to tribe a big thing here, as I would relate it to way bhakiris themself are thinking about it?"
Pausing and thinking for a long time before continueing "I would also ask, if there has been something strange going on lately? Some unknown people moving in and out, or maybe something more shady? There is... dark things, evil brewing not so far west and I would not like to think, that this evil in west would have something to do here in Wyverwaeld, since these strange movements and aggressiveness of Bherug's Clan seem to match each other"
Anvar pours Darvinen a drink.
"They all live here in Avalath. Iolrath lives near Calferan Athaven's tower in the northside of town. Zelphar Taegen lives in one of the houses in the trees where outsiders aren't allowed, but he usually comes down here to the Hollow to drink in the evenings, and Ornthalas stays at the Hunters' Lodge when he is in town."
"I would consider it very dangerous to venture into the depths of the Waeld in times such as these. The trackers that I've recommended are all trusted members of the Valastaag, and with one of them as your guide, you would stand a much better chance of surviving a trip into Bherug territory. Regarding strange or shady events, I don't think we've experienced anything of the sort lately, and I doubt that the Bherug tribe would have anything to do with outsiders."
"Hantalë, thank you, you've been very helpful." Rhialla pays to reserve rooms for her and her companions, and quickly turns to set out to her next destination, Athaven's tower.
Addressing her companions, "I am headed to Athaven's tower and then I will be heading to the Hunters Lodge to try and hire Ornthalas. I figure we will have the rest of what remains the day here, and leave first thing in the morning. Stay out of trouble." Rhialla's eyes naturally fall on Darvinen when she speaks of trouble but it is more of a reflex then out of ill will. "Athaven is an eccentric wizard for anyone coming with me."
Magnes shrugs "Eh. steep but I'll take ye up on tha' challenge. I hope ye have somethin' ta wager against meh brew or I ain't puttin it up fer tha' challenge."
"Mao" says the cat, looking expectantly to the barkeeps wife. rubbing his face with one paw and rumbling with a purr.
Kevroth speaks quietly, "I would accompany you if I may, Rhialla."
Darvinen takes his drink and ambles around for a few moments, sipping it while he eyes the crowd. He eyes Magnes, but figures that he is best left to his own devices for a while. He then hears Rhialla utter the words "eccentric wizard", and becomes interested. Would you mind if I came with you to Athaven's tower? Darvinen hesitates, then says If you're keeping an eye on me, it'll be easy to stay out of...trouble.
Rhialla nods to Kevroth and lends a gentle a smile, "Of course Kevroth. Your company is most welcome."
Turning to Darvinen, "That's just the issue, I don't think I would know 'if' you were getting into trouble, even with me there," Rhialla says with a sigh but still smiles softly, "But of course you are welcome to come. You traveled all this way, who am I to bar you from a visit with another myst weaver. Your myst weaving skills might just be invaluable in case 'eccentric' was a misunderstood tendency for violence."
Darvinen beams at Rhialla, then says Great, will there be anyone else, or just us three? Darvinen moves to stand beside Kevroth and Rhialla.