Here our story begins.
The Legend begins in the city of Stag Reach. A local can instantly tell who is a foreigner when they pronounce both words. Locals would say Stagreach in one breath.
Stag Reach is a city with a long history. It was once the capital of Olyrinth, a mighty nation dedicated to Erastil. Bards of the area tell the tale of how Erastil himself gifted onto mortals the first bow in the center of Stag Reach. An ancient but perfectly preserved arrow stands in the center point of the city and is the location of the largest temple of Erastil on the continent.
Though the people believed that Erastil protected them, they still built sturdy walls around the site. A city naturally grew out of the holy site. It grew organically and never became a bustling metropolis so as to keep to Erastil's will. The larger buildings are therefore of a martial nature: barracks, storehouses, a keep, etc.
The military of Olyrinth was not enough to stop the inexorable march of Navan. Navan conquered the area four centuries ago. As is typical of Erastil worshippers, the local communities kept their local traditions even to the present day. Navan keeps a minor military presence in the city to coordinate the anti-bandit efforts in the area but the Olyrinth can't say they've been oppressed or disrespected.
The city is fortresslike in its outer design but its buildings are small, rarely rising above one story. The people are hard-working but a little dull by nature. They crave stability and do not care for frivolity except on approved holidays. The Mage Academies, noble manors, and factories usually present in a Navan city are absent in Stag Reach. Still there is a tavern for travelers and several inns for pilgrims. This makes it a nexus for travelers looking to explore the nearby Elven Forests or onto Skyreach and the heartlands of Navan.
Anya nodded at the stranger, stepping forward with a list in her hand. ”Everything on this list, please,” she said, passing it to the shopkeeper. The man stood there dumbly, his eyes lingering on her silver hair, pulled back in a braid that went down to her waist. The man was practically ogling her, and it took all of Anya’s self control to not snap at him.
“It’s dyed,” she lied, too tired to deal with this today. It seemed the right thing to say, for he suddenly relaxed. ”Now for my goods?” she prompted.
He flushed, hurrying to gather the rations she requested as she leaned against the counter. “Where are you looking to travel, my lady?” he asked. “For the map, you see.”
“I need the quickest route to Skyreach, so whatever you’ve got for that.”
”Ah, you’re headed to the capital,” he said, as if that explained it all. ”If I might be bold enough to suggest it there are caravans that leave for the every week.” He cast a suspicious glance over at previous customer. ”Might be safer.”
Anya laughed. ”I can take care of myself just fine,” she assured him, handing him the coins for her purchase. ”The Everbloom’s favor upon you, sir.” Shoveling the rations into her satchel, Anya quickly departed, burying her face in the map as she headed towards the exit.
Anya stopped short, hastily hiding the map away in her satchel. It was the man from the shop, hurrying after her. “I’m fine,” she said quickly. ”Not lost at all. Why do you ask?” She jutted her chin out, staring him down with a hard glance as she carefully hugged her satchel close to her body.
Had he recognized her? Her hand went to her damned hair, tugging at it nervously. She should have dyed it! Too recognizable. It was impossible. No one knew she was alive, and even if they did no one should even be able to find her. The amulet would protect her. The only way they would have known was if someone broke, if they had gotten to...no. She shut down that train of thought. It couldn’t be.
Instinct took over as panic set in. A quick glance proved they were alone in the street, and that was all she needed. Drawing on the power of the blood inside her, she spat a ray of cold directly at him.
”Stay away from me,” she hissed. ”I will not be a slave again. If you try to take me back I promise I’ll kill you." Reaching into her sash, Anya slipped out her wand and cast. The magic overtook as she vanished, appearing in an alley several blocks over. After taking a moment to steady herself, she turned and ran.
Val hummed to herself as she walked along towards the Bull’s Eye, trying not to be late for work. Once she realized she was making good time, she stopped and adjusted her tavern girl dress and apron. It was more revealing than most dresses she wore, but that didn’t shock her given how she’d grown up. She’d had it cleaned by prestidigitation; not something she liked doing, since it involved magic, but doing it by hand was so time consuming and dull. The stop gave her a chance to think things over.
It was strange to actually have a job. She’d worked plenty back in Caenar, but her jobs had always been a disguise for a thief before. She still heard the rumors and talk this job had always let her hear, but now she couldn’t act on it. Sometimes when people were very rude to her she, well, made sure they gave her a good tip. But otherwise… this was the first time since she was a little girl she’d actually been something other than a thief. She still wasn’t used to it.
Wham. A silver-haired blur slammed into the stunned Val. Normally Val was alert and evasive, but getting contemplative and adjusting her dress had kept her from paying attention. She let out a yelp as she tumbled to the ground and squeaked loudly as she landed on her bottom.
Val glared up at Anya indignantly. “Hey! Look where you’re going!” she said. Silver hair… how strange. “What’s your hurry, silver?” she added curiously, some of the anger fading from her voice.
Talking a deep, steadying breath, Anya forced herself to be calm. She had used Dimension Door, she had run in the opposite direction from that man. There was no use in panicking, she should be beyond mistakes like that by now. Running through the streets like a madwoman wasn’t the best way to remain unnoticed.
”Sorry,” she said, leaning down to help the girl to her feet. ”I was just, ah, startled, that’s all. Are you okay?”
In keeping with the tenets of Erastil, the center of the shrine was basic. An arrow stood in the center of a stone circle, surrounded by benches. Several trees provided shade and shelter to the worshippers, while priests and clerics walked around the complex providing guidance and aid to those who needed it. Nik took a seat upon the bench, as he had every day for the past week, and began to meditate.
Vague thoughts and unease flitted through his mind before an effort of will brought them to stillness. The passage of time stretched out, an infinite line that suddenly snapped back to reality as the sun set. The priests were kindling the torches and lanterns, and Nik was still left without an answer.
Puffing out a breath and drawing air back in, he stood and worked his muscles back into order before departing into the city proper. If Erastil provided no guidance today, perhaps he could find a shadow version of it in the city. There were certainly taverns aplenty, and the streets were beginning to fill with people.
"I'm all right. I’m a tough girl, I've taken harder knocks than that." Val said as Anya helped her to her feet. "I’m a bit sore, but nothing’s broken."
Val dusted herself off. She looked dismayed to see her dress had gotten dirty in the fall. These days, even with what money she had left she could easily afford to replace it. But her attitude was still that of the underclass girl who couldn't afford to have things cleaned, let alone replaced.
She curtsied slightly to Anya. That was a good sign; when Val shook hands, it was usually to get close enough to someone to go through their pockets. "All is forgiven, silvery girl. I’m Val, I’m one of the serving girls at the Bull’s Eye. Nice to meet you, although in the future let’s run in to each other in a less literal way."
The man, Dorevir, is difficult to forget. He stands at 6'4" with broad, well-muscled shoulders. His face is scarred; he claimed it was from a bear that attacked him as a youth but, to you, it seemed more like claws. It took several men including yourself to restrain him. He detected as evil though you didn't need your magic to suss that out.
He was brought into the holding cells just last week in suspicion of homicide. As far as you know, he's still supposed to be in there. Upon closer inspection, you notice he's wearing a symbol around his neck that he wasn't wearing before...
The bartender chuckled at your order of a drink that's "hard enough to make an ogre forget his mama" as says that he has just the thing and walked off into the back area.
BAM!
Suddenly the door burst open drawing all eyes towards it. A large group of four humans with the meanest looking Half-Orc you've ever seen at the front charged into the central room. They filed out and moved to cover every escape route.
A average sized human man, a few inches shorter than you, with shaggy brown hair swaggered into the center of the room.
"Ladies and Gentleman! Have a beer and give a cheer 'cause I'm throwing a party!" he said, his voice triumphant. "Yes, it is my retirement party. Some of you may know me as the Black Wolf but those days are behind me. Today, I stand before as the new lord of this city! My men will have taken the Church and the Keep by now but I'm here for you: my friends."
"What!?" cried an older woman sitting in a chair by the fireplace. She was weathered from age and stress. Though clearly surprised, you can tell from her posture that she is ready to strike.
"As yes, if it isn't Zelia, our illustrious reeve," the Black wolf said moving towards the man. "Surprised you aren't with your demon-whore. How you managed to snag one out here is beyond me but kudos to you on that."
"You leave my husband out of this, brigand," she shouted as she stood up. Her chair was thrown back as she did so. Her fist sailed through the air where the Black Wolf's head had been a second before. Unfortunately, he was too fast and he backhanded her hard enough that she fell over. A scarred woman towered behind where Zelia laid and put a sword on her neck pointed straight at her heart.
"I told you, Zelia," Black Wolf said with a hint of anger creeping into his previously calm tone. "That life is over. The Black Wolf is gone; here stands a new man. Lord Cerrick Trikandros is now your absolute ruler."
Cerrick looked around and seemed saddened. "Ah but I've gone and ruined the mood. Crellik! Go behind the bar and get everyone a drink." As soon as his drink arrived, he downed it in one gulp and requested another.
"Ah Val! There you are girl! Come inside and get me that Laganite Whiskey I keep in the cellar," he started to walk away and then suddenly started. "May Deadeye judge me a fool, I just noticed your friend here. Who are you, my lady?"
Not having a chance to respond before Willam interrupted, Anya took the chance to start backing away slowly. No need to interrupt them. Clearly he was her employer. Just when she thought that she would escape without any further notice, the man turned to address her.
”Oh," she said in surprise, her face flushing. ”My name is not important, and I was just about to depart but...ah, here.” Gesturing at Val, she quickly cast presdigitation to clean off the girl’s dress. ”There, all better now.” She glanced up at the darkening sky, a frown on her face. She had tarried too long as it was, night was already upon her and she still had a ways to travel. ”I am sorry for the accident.”
"Come, come," said Willem with a hearty laugh. "It's nothing. Come on inside and have a drink, on the house. You don't want to be traveling after dark."
DC 15: He's known as a brutal and pragmatic fighter, unwilling to fight a fair fight. He's never lost a duel though.
DC 20: He's always strutted about like a king, proclaiming himself to be a "Lord of Bandits." No one ever thought he'd take it this far.
DC 25: It's rumored he's been able to avoid capture by Navani and Elven forces through a special connection with animals and/or a pact with a Dark God.
Eyebrows raised, Nik approached Dorevir. Laying a semi-friendly hand on his shoulder, he asked "Shouldn't you still be sitting in a nice metal box? I didn't think they were going to let you out before the investigation was complete"
DC: 15 This is not a symbol of any of the major gods nor of the popular minor gods.
Dorevir growls at you, a sound more befitting a snarling rottweiler than a man.
"I remember you," He said as he spat at Nikandros' feet. "You that damn paladin what locked me up. Didn't you'd be stupid to just come out here where me and me boys could get though. What's the matter, pally? Your brain as dead as your god's eye?"
He motioned to the rest of the people lurking about in the shadows. Three men, one of them Half-Elven, and a woman jump out the shadows and attempt to encircle you.
Crellik looked like he'd been caught off-guard and took his hand off the hilt of his hammer. It appeared as those he expected to bash Tarik's face in. He shrugs and said "What is it then, stranger?"
Crellick shivers at the mention of the Prince of Darkness but soon regains his composure and pours you a stout. He gives you an icy glare while doing so.
Val sighed. She found Willem pleasant enough but was annoyed by his interruption. “Yes, sir, I’ll take care of it right away” she said dutifully.
“I can judge you a fool if you need someone to, sir.” Val teased her boss, all mock-sweetness. “I was about to find out her name, but somebody interrupted us.”
Val’s eyes went wide with surprise as Anya cast on her. She’s a wizard… but she can’t be. A wizard wouldn’t have done me a kindness. “Th-thank you” she stammered, her surprise obvious, but she recovered quickly. She smiled at Anya. “That was kind of you, silvery girl. Since I already forgave you, I guess I owe you now. So take the boss up on his hospitality, or I’ll never get the chance to repay you.”
“I can even make sure you’ll get served first. I know one of the serving girls here” she whispered as though telling a secret.
She couldn’t help but smile. In truth the offer wasn’t so bad. It was nearly dark as it was. Perhaps some wine, some food, and then finding lodging for the night. Her mission was important, but she could not run herself ragged. A good night’s rest then on to Skyreach and the Grand Imperial Academy at first light.
”Well, since you offered so kindly,” she said with an incline of her head, ”it would be terribly rude of me to turn you down. Alas, I must suffer your free drink with a smile and a light heart.” Gesturing towards the door, she shot Val a cheeky grin. ”My name is Anya. Lead the way, and do have one of your serving girls bring me your finest wine.”
"The-the-the B-b-b-b," he sputtered as he looked into the main seating area. His finger pointed at something and was shaking as though he was being electrocuted. He voice dropped to a whisper as he finished "The Black Wolf"
Anya stared down the room, taking in the tenseness that seemed to seep from the very walls. One man - perhaps this Black Wolf that Willem mentioned - seemed unreasonably jolly, his men sharing in whatever victory he had just accomplished. The rest though were on edge, from wary adventures tensing for a fight to unskilled laborers with fear in their eyes.
It stirred a memory, the flush of anger sweeping through her with sudden fervor. When all others cowed around a man that happy, Anya knew in her bones that he was up to no good.
Shuffling closer to Val, she dropped her voice to a low whisper. ”Who is this man, and what is he doing here?”
Nik's hand jumped back from Dorevir's shoulder and settled on the hilt of his sword.
"You want to try this? Now? In the middle of Ol' Deadeye's city, a stone's throw from his shrine?"
A bright glow surrounded Nik [Power of Faith activated] as he stared steadily at the thug.
Val curtsied deeply to Anya as a servant would to a noble “We shall supply only the finest for you, Lady Anya. We-” She whirled to her boss as she heard the crash, her hand going to the knife hidden up her sleeve and her humorous attitude vanishing immediately. “What’s wrong, sir? Who is the black wolf?” she Willem asked softly, her voice quavering with apparent fear. It was fake; it would be a bit odd for a serving girl to be at home in these sorts of dangerous situations. She whispered back to Anya “I’m not sure. But it doesn’t mean anything good.”
Cerrick laughed and said "Now, now. This is a party. You can't leave so soon; we've only just begun! But thank you for reminding me. I have a few ground rules for this party. No leaving too soon, no attacking your hosts, no disobeying your new lord, and finally we're always recruiting. You look like you can handle a sword there, man," he said gesturing toward Tarik. "Unlike the stuffy nobles or the uptight army officers, I pay my men well. I even have a 500 gold signing bonus."
"We're not afraid of Ol' Deadeye no more. We here to get rid of him 'n' his church from Stagreach forever. And no stupid Orc gonna stop me," he says as he and his men draw their swords.
Both bullets strike true and send the hostage-taker reeling. She flails wildly and cuts Zelia's cheek with her sword. The Wound is luckily shallow and Zelia drops to the floor very much alive.
At first, Cerrick's face mirrored those of everyone else in the room until he body began to tense up. He didn't breathe and his face became flush. Finally, it all came out as a deafening roar.
"Bloody ingrate! What did I say about breaking my rules!" screamed Cerrick, his composure well and truly lost now. "Don't just stand there you idiots! Kill him!"
Anya’s jaw dropped. The man from before - the one who had known her - he just shot one of the thugs! With a gun! Where had he even gotten one of those things? What in the name of the Everbloom had she wandered into?
Casting a quick glance at Val, she considered grabbing the girl and dragging her out of there before either of them could be hurt. Her mission was the priority. She had to reach Skyreach, she had to help Caenar, she had to get back to him. Above all, she had to be smart.
But the people here not all of them were fighters and by the gods they were scared. Fury flushed in her chest as she studied the room. This was not her fight, but she would be damned if she didn’t see them protected. ”Hey kid,” she said to Val, ”what do you say to helping me get these people out of here?”
Fighting when the enemy prepared the ground was not smart. Neither was sticking around long enough to see if they knew how to use those swords. 4 to 1 was not the best odds...at least the shrine was still nearby. Nik let out a shout, "By the Stag!", and spun to return back to the shrine. Dashing between two of the men he made for the shrine.
One of the goons behind Nikandros stumbled as he ran past. The other was able to get a decent swipe at Nikandros but was unable to slow him down.
The blow glanced off his armor and does Nikandros no lasting harm. The others chased after Nikandros, faces contorted with rage. One, a lithe woman, seemed about to catch up to Nikandros when an arrow whistled past her ear.
She skidded to a halt, as did all the men, when more began to fly. Nikandros then saw the source of the arrows. Three priests of Erastil levied longbows against Dorevir and his goons. Two were perched in the trees of the shrine while one stood firm on the ground.
"Hurry Brother!" shouted the eldest, the man on the ground. "We'll cover you."
Panting from exertion, Nik continued his sprint toward the shrine. Skidding to a halt just inside it, he turned to see whether Dorevir and his thugs were pursuing him into the holy area.
While his eyes scanned over the area, he spoke to the elder on the ground "Open warfare in the streets. What is happening to this community?"
The older priest, Adras, sighed and shook his head. "I really don't know, son. I did recognize a damn criminal among the ruffians. Some little punk named Stefan. No way he coulda busted out on his own."
A female priest, one Nikanadros has never met, chimed in from her perch in the tree. "I saw another bandit we busted yesterday in the mix. Somebody's gotta see what's going on with the City Guard."
"Agreed," said Adras. "But we must defend the shrine first. Those criminals cannot get their hands on it. What say you, Nikandros?"
The criminals in the shadows still surrounded the area but they ducked behind cover rather than face the Erastilan's arrows. Dorevir screamed at him men, calling them cowards and fools. He seems to be trying to rally them into charging the shrine and overwhelm the forces within.
Val flinched and let out a squeak at the gunshots. Damn wizards and their toys. She’d never heard anything that loud, except for thunder and a few spells. Predictably, pandemonium erupted.
"Of course I'll help! I'll be the one Willem has scrub the blood off the floor if we can't, and I hate scrubbing floors" Val replied. “Got a plan, or just rush in and stab the bad guys until they stop moving?
Val dropped back and crouched down so she could draw the dagger strapped to her thigh without pulling one side of her skirts up too visibly. Hopefully, people were distracted by the fight.
Val: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Anya: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Burly Half-Orc: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Crellick: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Cerrick: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
Hostage Taker: 1d20 ⇒ 11
Tarik: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
The Human Woman by the door pulled out her sword and screamed "I'll end you, you f@*%in' c%*+!"
"Let them come. We shall break them like a forest breaks the wind. They can not stand against us on holy ground, not with souls blackened and tarred as they."
Nik watched Dorevir exhort his group, wondering if they would muster the courage to continue. Attacking anyone, even a paladin, on neutral ground was one thing. But in the full glory of his God? That would mean that they had courage beyond what would be expected...or that they were desperate.
His voice rising in anger, Nikandros continued
"We must handle them before investigating the guard. They will do great harm if left alone. I will cover the archers if they charge into melee. We should rally what worshipers and dedicated we have here to hold."
The priests were heartened by Nikandros' words and gave a rallying cry. Adras's reaction was subdued but he seemed pleased by your speech. "I'm too old for all this, son. I couldn't fight against these damn whippersnappers. That's why I'm glad Deadeye sent one of his Paladins to help us," he said putting his hand on Nikandros' shoulder.
"I'm sending one of our rangers to investigate the city watch. Not doing anything now but scoutin' now. Should help us know what's going on after we beat down these damn thugs. Ophelia!" He shouted to one of the women in the trees.
"Yes sir?" she replied as she jumped back down.
"You're our best hunter. Use the old siege tunnels and find out what's goin' on with the guard and why they're not helping us." Ophelia gave a quick nod in acknowledgement and silently dropped down into the tunnels.
Meanwhile Dorevir finally got his men under control. Though disheartened by Nikandros' speech and dismayed that their "surprise attack" had failed, they still seemed more afraid of Dorevir than of assaulted the Shrine.
Dorevir narrowed his eyes at Nikandros, a glare that could pierce stone. "It doesn't matter how many bows you have, how many arrows you fire, 'cause We're gonna tear down this shrine no matter what you do. I will burn in it down in testament to your powerless god and his impotent priests! And I will personally rip your heart out, Paladin!"
Val was at a pretty bad disadvantage, unarmored and armed only with a dagger. Still, if the noisemaker wizard was left to fight five enemies alone, he was as good as dead. Val dashed forward, shouting a battle cry and with her dagger drawn. Gosh, that must sound stupid. I'm no soldier. Once she'd drawn their attention, she scrambled backwards before they could catch up to her.
Anya gaped as Val charged forward, screaming incoherently. What in the hell was that? Was she actually trying to get their attention? ”Foolish girl!” she muttered under her breath. The poor thing wasn’t even wearing armor. Drawing on the power in her blood, she cast quickly in Crellick’s direction.
The ray passed by Crellick's head harmlessly. But Crellick was not a smart man. He began to shake and whimper. "A...a...a witch!" Crellick said over the sound of his knees knocking together. "She'll turn me into a newt, she will. I didn't sign on for this, boss."
The Half-Orc began to froth at the mouth as he entered his rage. Civilization and reason fled before the might of his anger. He let out a blood-curdling scream and thundered his way towards Tarik.He flanked him along the Woman.
Cerrick drew his blade and moved to meet Tarik head-on. He pushed Zelia out of the way and on to the ground.
Crellick meanwhile backed away from Anya into the corner of the bar. Once he reached the corner, he sit down and hugged his legs. He audibly whimpered as he carefully watch Anya for signs of newt-related shenanigans.
The Woman who took her Zelia hostage clutched her gaping wounds and winced. "I'm sorry, M'Lord," she said with real sadness in her voice. "The bastard got me with something. I don't know what but I can't stay here." She cast a spell on herself and ran towards the door.
The shots rang loud all throughout the tavern and all three pierced the Half-Orc in both eyes and between them. All three shots were perfectly spaced in a line across his face. Were it whole, the Half-Orc's face would register surprised. As it stands, he merely dropped his weapon and fell backwards.
"What is that thing?!" shouted Cerrick. "Dephelia! Destroy it!"
"Do you think I'm scared? Besides, I'm not carrying a bow. If you'd like to come a little closer I can show you...but if you're the coward at heart that I think you are you can run.
Take your friends and leave this city. It is not yours and it will never be yours."
Nikandros readies his sword, shifting to protect the elder and waiting to see if Dorevir will charge.
"You can not take this shrine while I still live"