Piter approaches with confidence, for he sees no reason he would be attacked from the outpost. He's actually more concerned with creatures that may be outside the outpost, hanging around trying to get food or something else from it.
Spot:
Listen:
Loki turns on his heel and moves to rejoin the ogre at the wagon. His cold eyes linger perhaps too long as he seeks out any sign of possession.
"Trust is a hard thing to extend. It is made all the more difficult by strange actions, and unexplainable events. Can you ease the burden of the mind by shedding light into the dark corners of the unknown Kur'plugh?"
Piter: You manage to catch a glimpse as a patrol of guards step out of the forest around you. While they don't appear to be hostile they are aware of your presence and are moving towards you at a standard movement. There isn't a formation or movement by ranks, and they are on foot there is a total of 6 of them on patrol.
" It depends on what you want to know Loki, what is the unknown to you and I, may in fact be known by many, or even by none at all. As for trust, let us all be honest with each other, none of us has a complete blind trust for each other. That sort of trust will take time as we all work towards the goal of finding the tomes, some of us will have doubts towards the other's even if they don't believe that they do. Now we can go back and forth and enjoy a nice long sparring of words, or you can tell me what is the real question that you are trying to hide behind in words."
The ogre says with a grin, showing the dark elf that there is a mind that is quite devious, but also letting the dark elf know that Kur'Plugh can figure things out.
Loki blocks out every other distracting element and focuses in on the emanations of the closest tome.
The necromancer simply takes his leave of the ogre with a nod of his head. Nothing in the ogre's answer satisfied his feeling that Kur'plugh could be trusted. Loki leaves the ogre alone to guard the wagon, as his pet now joins him, to go observe the outpost from afar.
Loki: It is hard to get a good grasp on where the tome is, the closest one feels like it is to the south east, bit not as distant. After a few minutes a voice whispers mockingly in your mind ' Child, you may find me in Freeport. But this one isn't for you to read. Only the descendant of Me can read this one. The tome after that one.... That will be for you. But that tome, you will have to sacrifice more to me.'
You feel eyes on you, as you open them, you see a spark of intelligence fade from your pet. You could have sworn that something had been watching you though your pet... or you be just imagining things, seeing plots that may not exist.
Then you see Piter being quickly surrounded by a patrol of guards, the guards had been stealth enough to get the drop on the human, although he wasn't taken by complete surprise. It appears that half of the guards will be questioning the human, while the other half will be keeping an eye out for trouble.
"I see wisdom on your words. Piter you had best go now and take advantage of the light. Zaruksis and Cakkarak, if you could observe the outpost from the waters. I will join forces with Kur'plugh, and observe Harvest's Sorrow from the land. Would meeting back here with the midday sun be acceptable to all?"
While the city itself is still two days away from the party, the outpost itself, appears to be pretty well defended. The guards keeping watch have armor that is more functional then just for show, the watchtower appears to have a quad in all four corners. The quad has 2 archers, 1 brute or warrior, and a spell caster of some kind. 12 guards in total make the rounds on the walkways, patrolling the ramparts and the land.
Zaruksis bows, pleased at the recognition of his racial superiority. "Of course. Once we get past the outpost and reach the town, it would be child's play to scout from the water." He pauses. "Assuming we make it that far. They appear better-prepared than I expected."
Anticipation surrounds Loki's frigid heart as he watches Piter throw himself into the middle of a pack of wild dogs, hoping that they're nice puppies.
Southeast. The necromancer turns to get a bearing of where southeast is from his currently location.
The dynamics of races that could not afford the luxury of trust was challenging, to say the least, though the necromancer has none else he can rely on. His own people were some of the most sadistic traitors to ever skulk 'neath the realms. Loki wanted to walk with powerful allies, but knew not how he could allay their fears, and allay his own.
Blades tended to find backs when one's guard was let down.
He was having difficulty following the breadcrumbs to the tomes, for the power they offered appeared to be minor, and the risk was insanity at the least, and selling oneself completely to a lich at the most. The trade was simply not worthwhile. They would be better to burn the tomes instead.
Cakkarak scouts around the outpost and returns to the wagon. The monk takes his time, seeing little need to hurry. It's not like they were getting anywhere.
Piter sees the guards as they reveal their positions. He smiles and hails the guards. "Greetings! My name is Piter. Will your settlement take in a tired traveler?"
" 'Mayaps we will, after we take you to the captain o' the watch. 'E'll want to 'ave a few words with ya." One of the grizzled patrol man say to you Piter. The guards quickly surround you in an economy of motion, and 'escort' you to the outpost at a quick hustle. While the guards are not hostile, towards you, they seem to be ready for violence at a moment's notice.
Loki: You feel a hand grasp your chest, for a moment your heart stops beating, you feel a slight tearing in your soul. The knowledge to heal yourself or other's with necromancy has been stripped, gain a +2 to a stat of your choice
Loki falls to his knees, snow rising up his thighs, clenching his teeth in impossible agony. His awareness of internal and external forces came easier, but so did the follow of many of his seemingly-rational decisions.
The necromancer remains in place for several minutes, seemingly oblivious to all transpiring around him. Loki is plotting the death of all ogre shaman for this indignity, especially Sazs. That one must die a thousand thousand more torturous deaths.
As Piter is taken away the Teir'dal watches after the departing figures for over an hour before returning to the wagon to spell off the ogre, and await the return of the others.
Cakkarak makes his way back to the wagon to met with everyone. The iksar monk had been taking his time for several reasons. He was trying to remain as unseen as possible. And it give him time to think. Kur'Plugh's missing memory of the last 8 days was troubling to say the least. The monk felt like was missing a piece of a puzzle, which was aggravating to say the least.
The monk was glad that Zaruksis had volunteered to scout the water. Although the monk would have done it, he was more then happy to avoid the frigid waters. Normally, he enjoys the embrace of the water. Just not when it is at live stealing temperatures. A shuddered dances up his spine as he think about his clothing being soaked and freezing against his scales. Cakkarak had never thought he would miss the humid heat of his homeland.
Returning to the wagon, Cakkarak notices that the dark elf seems a little off. As though Loki chewing something over in his mind, his eyes looking distant. 'Well, I suppose that the necromancer always has something on his mind,' the monk thinks with a hint of amusement. He nods in greeting to the ogre, dark elf and goblin.
Finding a comfortable enough spot to sit, Cakkarak wait for the others.
Piter resists the urge to put his hand to his sword. Surely these guards would be competent fighters, and would be able to cut him down quickly. Though he would certainly take a few with him.
He looks to see if all six of them are surrounding him, as he lets them escort him to the Captain of the Watch. Indeed, the best strategy is to pretend they are his honor guard, and there to protect him and show him the way. Piter pushes forward, trying to walk abreast of the one in the forwardmost position.
In a very conversational tone, Piter asks the first one, "What is this captain's name, pray tell?"
"Oi, Zach, our new friend here want's to know the captain's name." The guard on your left Piter sniggers. " Shut it Mar." The guard Zach says in a cold voice. " His name, friend, is Jebiddah. Paladin Jebiddah." The guard behind you says.
Zarukis: You spend some time watching Piter being taken in for questioning, the outpost itself seems to be well thought and designed for a human outpost. The guards escorting Piter seem to be well trained, three of the guards are focused on Piter and the other three are focused on their surroundings.
Even as confident as you are of yourself and the other's it would be a hard fight, the outcome wouldn't be certain for sure.
Piter smiles and says thanks, and keeps up with the guards.
The guards smile and start asking you how you managed to make it all by your lonesome, and what ship you were on. They also ask you what you saw in your sprint here.
Cakkarak looks around after he finishes a short round of meditation. The dark green-black scaled iksar's muzzle scrunches slightly as he frowns. The monk cocks his head to the right slightly as he thinks back to the discussion a few hours ago.
"Has anyone seen any sign of Pieter?" Cakkkarak asks. "I know he mentioned staying the night, but I was uncertain if he was joking or not." The iksar turns his cold green gaze towards the town's guard outpost. His eyes narrowly slightly as he goes over a recent memory more closely.
"While I was scouting the outpost and nearby area, I thought I saw some movement at the top of the structure. Did anyone else notice anything?" The monk looks over at other members of the group.
"Piter was surrounded by members of the guard and taken inside the outpost." Loki shakes his head, he had seen nothing in the way of movement.
The guards take you into the outpost, and of course give you a look that informs you, that trying to pull your weapon will result in a very messy and quick death.
Piter is lead to an office, a plain yet durable oak desk, with an expensive chair. The chair's expense is only in the quality that it was made, the room itself is light via magical means, the light is a pale blue that has a calming effect on all that enter into the room.
A middle aged man stands by a window, his black hair has slowly been turning silver due to age and stress. His features have been weathered by sun, wind, and the elements. Two glasses are setting on the desk, one of the glasses is sitting in front of the chair that you are directed to sit in. The chair that you are going to be sitting in is made in the same style and same quality.
Both glasses are full with a wine, and as you take a seat the man turns to face you, his eyes seem to see every corner of your soul. A smile lights up his face, in a rich voice he says "Ah good, it's nice to see someone else making it here alive."
Piter inspects the environs with keen eyes as he is brought to the office of the captain. He tries to guage how large this place is and how many people it may house. What kind of defenses it has, and how it is supplied are also questions he is looking for answers to.
When he meets the captain, he smiles and puts on his friendliest face. "Please excuse my condition, I've been through a lot. Piter de Colmar, of Freeport." He holds out his hand for a solid shake.
Assuming this is Captain Jebiddah, and that he asks the same questions as the other guard. He decides, as usual, that telling true parts of the story is his best bet.
"I am an escaped slave. Yes, I see your surprise. I was not a slave for long, mind you. Drugged, and waking up in the hold of a ship, I discovered I had been taken, along with many others. The ship, however, was doomed. Hit by something, whether beast or rock I am unsure, but the large hole in the ship's side gave several of us slaves the opportunity to escape. We took it, and even better, we managed to grab some weapons and slay those vile slavers who had survived. Thus, a small group of us secured a rowboat and made it to the shore of ... somewhere. Velious? Unfortunately for us, we soon found ourselves facing goblins and a few trolls. Luckily we were armed, from the ship, and we defeated them, killing most of them. A few of their number, goblins, were slaves, like we had been, but without eyes, or voices. There is more to tell but I'm sure you would rather hear it later...
.
In any case, we eventually let the goblin slaves go - those who survived, that is. You see, my companions are a member of an order who eschew conflict and violence wherever possible. So don't be surprised when I tell you that one of them is a dark elf. Indeed, he is a fine man, a magician, I believe, and not at all what I expected from one of his heritage. And two of them are of a race of lizard, the like of which I had never seen. At first I thought they were Iksar, but these creatures, males both, are much more intelligent, refined, and moral, and good-hearted than I understand Iksar to be. They do not speak much, but they are most reliable.
.
Today, as we camped down for a rest, I noticed this outpost here, so I thought I would come and check it out. And here I am. Would you be able to tell me where I am, kind sir?"
Bluff:
Jebiddiah gives you a patient look, waiting for you to finish, not betraying his thoughts with his face in fact the paladin is merely standing there. Once you have finished your tale he moves towards his chair, and sits down, the chair creaks a bit under Jebidiah's weight. His hand reaches for his wine glass and he takes a sip, setting the wine glass back on his desk, his eyes have never left your face.
" Well now son, why did you leave the rest of your friends behind."
Piter: This outpost is will defended, spell casters are in each group, along with a paladin. The total contingent of guards is 48, and they are well trained, although it does look like the outpost is packing things up, almost like they were going to to be breaking down the outpost.
"After all I had been through, I just wanted to see a friendly face, and a friendly place...
Are some of you going somewhere? Maybe to the town we heard about, near here?"
Piter stands up and looks around. "Is there a place to get a hot meal here? It's been way too long..."
The iksar monk looks between those gathered at the wagon. A bit more time had passed while they had waited for Pieter.
"I have a couple of questions that I figured I might as well ask since we are waiting," Cakkarak's clipped common breaks the noise of the blowing wind.
"Loki, how does your skeleton creation "live"?" the monk looks over a the dark elf. "Do you have to feed it magic? Or once you have created it, the skeleton remains until destroyed?" Cakkarak waits patiently for an answer from Loki. The monk will wait a few minutes after (or possible, if) the necromancer answers. Cakkarak then turns to the ogre shaman before he launches his next series of questions.
"Okay, Kur'Plugh, you said you have no memories of the last eight days. Even though you were active, talking and moving about. So, how is that possible, other then being struck repeatedly over the head? Which to my knowledge, hasn't happened, at least since I have known you." The monk's green reptilian eyes are locked onto the ogre. Cakkarak still sits in the place where he had been meditating, and looks calm and relaxed. "And another question for you. Can Sazs take you over?"
" Some times the spirits that I use to help augment my abilities, demand a payment, most of the time it is an offering of some kind. When Piter was injured one of the spirits that I assists the Mana for healing, wanted some of Piter's blood. That is why I removed some of the bandages from his wounds, the spirit consumed the offering and gave me a slight boost to the magics. the Loa she is the main spirit I talk with, as she helps teach me things that Grandpe neglected to teach me. I've spent some time in quiet console with her, she misses being a creature of flesh and blood. That is how I lost the last 8 days, the benefit was protection from the cold for everyone and safe passage for all of us. The Loa also told us what ship will take us away from here, and to where we should go. It she recommends we go to Freeport, however after that I won't know until we find another tome or, when we get there." The ogre rumbles to Cakkarak, hoping to answer one of his questions.
" As for Sazs, no I don't believe that he can 'take over', I have to allow a spirit a vessel. If I do that then, the spirit as part of the bargain will have to give me something equally of value. Sazs might have found some loop holes as a shaman but, some rules cannot be broken, no matter how much power you think you possess."
Jebiddiah chuckles " Yes, a hot meal is about all I can offer you, after tonight this outpost will be no more. I'm pulling my men out, and the town is going to be pulled out as well. I can tell you no more for those are my orders."
Cyan eyes rest upon the skeletal minion, "A piece of the tormented spirit clings to the bones, and this soul fragment is resurrected by ancient arcana. One need only find a receptacle for its energies and the locomotion is an extension of its will. It 'lives' because my magics have linked it to a much larger natural process,. It will continue to walk Norrath forever, or until its life task has been completed. Once done it will find the warmth of an eternal rest."
Bluff:
Loki remains silent as Kur'plugh fields the monk's query. According to the ogre's earlier words this Sazs'al ded used the souls of other shamans and bartered with the spirits for power. While the necromancer had only posited a theory that Sazs was controlling their resident shaman, there was also another possibility that Kur'plugh would accept an ethereal whisper and become an agent of Sazs instead. No doubt that unimaginable power would be offered for his service.
Paladin Jebiddiah has some bring you Piter a hot meal, 'tis a simple course, you are informed that if the other member's of your 'goodly' group want to travel to town under the protection of the guards and hopefully get a ship ride to another port city.
Cakkarak looks between the necromancers undead servant and Loki. That was an impressive bit of magic, something lasting forever. Which didn't seem quiet right to the monk. He would have imagined that his own people would have raised an army of undead. Afterall, the Iksar were pretty much at war with everyone and the monk was certain that if they had such an army, they would have used it.
Of course, what Cakkarak actually knew about magic, could have fit in the tiny cup that trolls left their brains in. Reflecting back on his training, Cakkarak realizes that all he actually knows about magic is how to cripple or kill the caster. And that was certainly not the best way to gain a more functional information about those who wrestle with the arcane, or divine.
"Thank you for answer my questions Loki. That is a powerful ally to have at your control," the iksar nods his head to the dark elf. Turning his gaze to the mighty ogre shaman as he begins to answer the monk.
The iksar had watched Kur'Plugh as the ogre shaman answers his questions. He nods to the ogre, pleased that he had shared with them as to what had happened to him. These were things that were nice to know about ones traveling companions.
"Ah, that explains a good deal. I had thought you had just gone a little crazy. I am pleased that was not the case.
Zaruksis watches as Piter is escorted out of their sight, and waits for something to happen. "So... How will he signal that it's safe to approach?"
Piter thanks Jebiddiah and the others and takes his leave. As he goes he watches them packing up, in case they have anything interesting...
He heads back to the others, slowing down half way to ensure he's not being followed.
When he gets back, he tells them, "Not much to report, since they are packing up and leaving. They offered an escort to town, but I would think twice about that. The leader is a Paladin named Jebiddiah. On the other hand, if we followed behind at a distance, we may be better received in town. What do you guys think?"
" Look, if we go with them, there could be a higher chance of getting onto a ship and getting off this rock. Worse case, they try to kill us.. The key word is try." Ker'Plugh says with a smile
Paladin Jebiddiah says Piter " If you and the others want to come with us, we will be leaving at dawn. In case you didn't know, this outpost will be burnt to the ground behind us. I have orders to return back with the others and make sure that nothing is left behind to be used for evil deeds."
Thus far the group has a damaged rowboat and the potential of an angry goblin "mistress" with a broken teleportation circle as options for departure.
There really was no option.
"Let us pace them after they depart and we get a chance to search Harvest's Sorrow for any items they might not see worth in."
Southeast. The necromancer turns to get a bearing of where southeast is from his currently location.
Loki: The pull of the closest tome is in the direction of Harvest's Sorrow, while the tome in the southeast is in the same direction. Piter also informs you that the Outpost will be burned to the ground, and that every towns person in Harvest Sorrow will be evacuating the town via ship.
Everyone knows that they will have to go with the guards, or at least follow them by half a day apart or be stuck with on this island, and the end result will be learning how to build your own ship.
After spending two days traveling behind the guards you reach Harvest's Sorrow. The town is in a state of disrepair, a total population of maybe 50 people, with another 30 guards are packing their belongings up in crates. This town is going to be wiped clean from the map, you are all informed as you walk in. As luck would have it, you only get a few odd looks, and are able to get into the ship that Kur'Plugh divined to the rest of the group.
The captain "Bones" looks at all of you, a grizzled looking dark elf, spits into the ocean. He informs you that the town is going on one of the other ships, you land lubbers will have passage for the trip. Bones doesn't care about a back story, all he want's is coin from each of you. After two platinum each, is passed over, you get a large 'private' cabin.
A total of 5 ships are in the harbor, ships 1 through 4 have town goods, humans, a smattering of other races, and the guards. Harvest's Sorrow looks like it could be held by a small force of guards, the walls are made from wood, just like the outpost was. A Tavern is in the middle of town, where you imagine that meetings take place. A general store is right next door, three houses next to the general store look like they were made out of better materials.
The rest of the town itself looks like they were built for a utilitarian purpose, a mill can also be seen behind the tavern. Nothing is for sale, as everything is being packed up and you are informed as well that tomorrow the tide will be in and everyone is going too leave this place. You all see kegs of oil as this town looks like it will be burnt to the ground as well.
Piter looks at Loki, while they are still in town. "Do you think one of them is here, or is it across the sea? Or maybe at the bottom of it?"
He watches the people packing up, and notices few women. Looking for someone who is taking a break, he goes up and asks casually, "So the town is being burnt down - why was it here for in the first place?"
Loki focuses his entire being on the emanations he feels from the tomes, and is at first taken unawares by the human shadowknight's question, in slow degrees the necromancer draws his attention back to material concerns.
"The tomes are confusing and at times contradictory."
Loki moves off to get a better understanding of the location of the closest tome.
Waiting for their time to board as Captain Bones, Cakkarak looks around the rapidly emptying village of Harvest's Sorrow, his coin purse lighter. The iksar was trying to figure out why the villagers were leaving. No one seemed in the mood to stop and talk to inform a group of strangers what was going on.
Cakkarak felt amused by the turn of events. They had spent some time getting themselves ready. Coming up with several plans for different problems that might arise. And here, they had hardly been giving a glance. Whatever is happen must be fairly unpleasant in nature.
The monk stands still and listens to the goings on around him. Catching snippets of conversations tossed by the wind and others talking as they scrambled to pack up a town, and tries to piece the puzzle together. Cakkarak did think it a bit odd that they were burning everything down behind them. Until the thought of leaving a ready made village for whomever they might be fleeing from crept into his mind.
Loki: the tome that you sensed was in the same direction that Harvest's Sorrow was in, which also is pulling you towards the direction of where the ship was going... Freeport. The others are able to over hear that the town will be burnt to the ground as part of the orders that were given, too many lives had been lost to the creatures and there was no longer any hope of creating a viable port city. Rumors of a high plane of magic empowering all of the monster on the island. Paladin Jebiddiah has had enough, he is bringing everyone back to a real city and getting more men and adventures to help clear out the island and help build a real port city.
The other reason why the city will be burned, is do to a goblin spell weaver has been bringing other monsters to harass the town and guards.
Loki places himself in such a position that the emanation is right in front of him, as is the doomed outpost of Harvest's Sorrow.
Once he has that firmly locked in his mind he takes steps to place himself out of direct line with his goal, and continues that process until he gets an idea of the distance to the next tome.
A direction was nice, but it told him absolutely nothing of whether his goal was 5' away, or on the surface of Luclin.
Loki: you get the feeling that at this moment the target is over 1000+ miles away from your current heading. As you get closer you will get a sound, that sound is the most seductive music that you can hear..... power
That evening in your cabin, you feel relief that you will be off from the island in the morning. The money that you paid includes meals, water, and the chance to learn how to be a sailor, as captain Bones is willing to let you work as part of the crew if any wished it
Loki felt naked without his skeletal minion, but the word "paladin" had connotations for inflexibility when it came to overt acts of necromancy.
Why a goodly paladin would work alongside of the evil races, including a Teir'dal captain, was beyond his comprehension.
Loki sets about wandering the ship, to glean what he can, and move next to this captain and seek out his insight as to why Bones was working with a "paladin".
While glad to be leaving the island, a small degree of worry gnaws at the back of the Iksar's mind. The mote of concern gnawing at his mind like a vermin, was hard to ignore. Cakkarak feared another visit from the thing that had sunk the last ship he had traveled upon. Admittedly, he had been shackled in chains and was being transported as a slave, which also colors his view of ships in general.
Breathing the frigid salt air, Cakkarak calms the concern scratching at his sense of calm with a mental recitation of several mantra. Standing on the decking, out of the way of the busy sailors, Cakkarak takes stock of the town being rapidly packed up.
Now that they had purchased travel off of the island and were standing on the boat, he feels much more removed from the frenzied energy of the townspeople and guards. They were very much on edge, the few who had taken the time to even notice that he was not even close to human, scurried away, too busy to be worried about an iksar.
"Did you learn anything from the guards or townspeople, Pieter?" Cakkarak asks the human shadowknight quietly when he comes into sight. "I heard a few different things. Ranging from a goblin spell weaver summoning monsters to attack the town, to rumors of some magic strengthening the monster that live on the island."
Lapsing into silence, Cakkarak lets his scaled hands rest upon the railing. Looking over the town, the iksar briefly wonders why someone would try to set up a town on such a island. There must have been some profit, or edge gained over someone. Perhaps they were trying to establish a landing area for further forces, but were pushed back. That makes a degree of sense, given what he had heard on the way to the vessel that they had boarded.
Cakkarak does take the gruff captain's offer of learning the craft of being a sailor. The monk needing a better working knowledge of ships and how to sail them. Given how often he seem s to be finding himself aboard a ship, he finds it a good idea to know how operate the vessel. One never knows when they might need how to operate the ship without the rest of the crew.
Piter responds to Cakkarak, "I didn't learn much. They had problems with monsters, possibly summoned by our goblin witch friend, or another like her. They plan on coming back with more forces to create a better city. As for why the city needs to be here, it wasn't mentioned, but it needs to be a port city so perhaps it's just a place to resupply as part of a longer trade route."
Piter also takes up the Captain's 'offer' to work on the ship. It would be a good skill to have - learning even the basics is vastly superior to knowing nothing...
He is happy to be returning to Freeport, but is a little concerned about the ship. If it is short-staffed, he hopes it will remain seaworthy anyways, and endeavors to do his part so that the ship doesn't sink. But he wonders what he will do after they arrive at their destination. He had no particular plans or goals, and now this draw of the tomes, this is something he feels he doesn't want to just abandon. Perhaps he would stick with Loki, and whoever else, for now and see if those tomes held any real promise. The power they offered seems like it might be worth it.
Zaruksis has little to say throughout the process of traveling to the town and hiring passage. With everything being packed up or burned down, conquest and occupation are not options worth considering; so he focuses on inventorying their supplies and transferring them to the ship.
Loki forgoes any offers of labour, instead using the time to glide about the ship drawing in information on all aboard, the makeup of the crew, their disposition, and the mundane actions required to keep a vessel afloat.