Dustpawn was established in 43 2 4 AR as one of several mining towns intended to keep Cheliax supplied with metal ore. Its location near the Drumish border helped protect the town during the Goblinblood Wars, and demand for iron during the wars kept the town's mining industry busy. Today, the maj ority of the mines in the Dustpawn hinterlands are abandoned, and those still in use support only skeleton crews of miners . The bulk of Dustpawn's citizens now rely upon goats for income. Other busine s s e s there-such as inns, grocers, artisans, and the like-exist primarily to help support the town's farming infrastructure. One burgeoning industry about which many of the citizens remain quiet, in some cases shamefully s o, is smuggling-Dustpawn has several individuals who facilitate the movement of goods between Isger and Druma.
Dustpawn is located about 7 miles from the Conerica River, close enough that Dustpawn remains informed about national events and never wants for supplies, but far enough that the bulk of the busy river traffic between Isger and Druma passes Dustpawn by. The city of Dustpawn grew organically over the years. When miners began striking it rich, new arrivals in town built homes wherever there was open ground, and as a result the town sprawls over several ridgelines that border the open fields to the north. South of the town, the landscape rises in ragged hills sporadically topped by copses of trees or thick patches of chaparral. The town has a few open roads, but most of the buildings can be accessed by winding alleys or narrow footpaths .
"Dustpawn, they want me to go to Dustpawn! Dustpawn is a &££* whole!"
Rosa was standing on the roof and a keep, she was in fact standing by the keeps wall. One arm over the wall holding a foot. The foot was attached to one Gibon De-Bleen, Sir Giblon De-Bleen in fact, who was now hanging by that very same foot. She would have used the other leg as well, but she had broken that leg. Point head 1st over his own keeps wall, He dared to made a sound.
"YOU SHUT UP!" Rosa said, she was not in a good mood. This punishment had been going well until her little minder Imp had shown up after three weeks of being drunk was her bet. Her now telling her she had to go off to some tinpot back water town in the middle of nowhere. She has sworn as well, So un-lady like. She took a deep breath and in a much calmer voice said.
"Why?"
The Imp landed on the wall, pulled it pants down and started to pee on poor Sir Gibon De-Bleen.
Looking back at Rosa he smiled.
"No idea Boss, they just said go and see what's there, seems some chap is paying for a group to go there."
He finished, did a shake and pulled up his pants.
"But you know the rules, we have to go"
He gave a big toothy smile.
Rosa looked at the Knight hanging over the wall.
"Your lucky day, new time when you agree to do as hell says, you do. If we say you have to let the Hell Knights throw your lands you agree with out word or complaint or the seeking of payment. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR!"
That last part was in her voice, the voice she used to scare. The old knight wet himself.
Rosa looked away.
"You need a bath" and she let go of his foot. He screamed as he fell the 40' to the mote below landing in it with a splash.
Rosa walked over to where she had place her Hell Blade.
"What do you think?
A dark light played over the blade, it spoke as if a 1000 voices spoke at once.
"They would not send you there unless something need to be sorted. You know them, we get the jobs other fear to do. The Dangerous jobs"
Rosa picked up the long Black Blade,
"Yer... that's what I'm thinking"
With out another word, but a hard look in her eyes, she placed the large sword on her back and grabbed her Imp. Moving a hand she teleported them away.
Travel to Dustpawn wasn't particularly long for Dragash. Thankfully Kyonin isn't all that far from the Conerica River, he usually passes the river on the way to Andoran every so often. Looking at the elven map of the area Dragash thinks to himself.
Dalviss settled really close to our old hangout, he really should've contacted me earlier. It'll be easier to visit now that he's down in one place. Dragash chuckles to himself. Settled down? Well, he got one dream, I wonder if he actually got himself a wife or if he's still ever the bachelor.
Upon reaching the river Dragash puts away the map and continues his journey eastwards. This place had many deep rooted memories that he was starting to banish from his mind. Every so often though he gets an urge to look around for the nearest fight, quickly though he calms himself down knowing that part of him is not needed. Dragash meets a few traders along the way and they exchange a few stories of little consequence, spend a night together at the exchange of a few potions for the safety of a caravan. Tales of the rock that fell from the sky had reached travellers but it seemed all but rumours to them. At least Dragash knew he was on the right track and didn't mistranslate the name. Elven names for places often had completely different pronunciations or cadence.. and in Iadara where everything was in elven except a few trade talks in commmon, mistakes could easily be made.
Climbing up the mountain route Dragash inches on. I really should've accepted that teleport from Yalandara, oh well, a walk always does my legs good! Too much sitting around filling out alchemical inventory does not make an active elf!
Finally, he reaches the town and he can smell the livestock. Huh, the books in Kyonin said the place was a mining town. Dragash listens for a bit then spies a herd of goat. Just goats, they must've changed trade recently.. well.. recently for an elf's standard I should update those books when I get back. Unless they mine goats! That would be a feat of engineering indeed!
Dragash continues into town now looking for his good friend's inn.
A man, really more of a lad, came up to Will as he attached another saddlebag to Arion's flank. "Your're leaving?" he asked a little panicked.
"Yep."
"Because a trader asked for help?"
"I owe him," Will responded, patting the neck of his steed. Arion turned his head to nuzzle against Will's chest, obviously in need of a scratch. Will obliged and scratched at the horse's ear which was flicking more than usual. Roy looked between the two. He wanted to say more, to dissuade his general, but it wasn't his place to question him. The other lords had already bid him farewell.
"I'll be back in a few months. Your in charge until then," he said as he hoped into the saddle. Roy managed a quick salute before his general turned away. Will was out the gate and headed southwest before his second found his voice again.
"Wait. The rivers the other way."
"I know," Will said as he waved farewell. He reached down and patted his companion on the neck again. "Let's have an adventure Arion," he whispered. With light kick, he urged Arion forward and in the blink of an eye they were thundering across the plains, across the River Kingdoms.
The obvious route would have been to take a river boat. With a few transitions, they could get there without ever having to set foot on land until the last 7 mile leg from port. The overland path was much shorter would take longer. Will saw it as a challenge. He and his dessert bred mount crossed the many kingdoms and rivers and forests between them and Dustpawn in record time.
They arrived in Dustpawn the day before a ship would have, dusty, tired, and in need of a good rest. But as covered in road grime as they were, they were still a sight few would ever see in the farming town. An armored knight on an armored horse with a long glaive-like weapon pointed skyward? It was odd to feel the curious eyes of so many on him again. Everyone back him knew him on sight. He was a stranger in a strange city in a strange land.
Will leans down to a passerby before entering the narrow alleys of the town center. It'd be hard to navigate those on a horse without knowing where he was going. "I am looking for a trader, Dalviss Crenn?" he asks. If they didn't know, they'd likely point him in the right direction. So no point in asking more than necessary.
Entering the town, the as yet unassembled party finds its citizens on edge and unfriendly. At Will they eye his armaments distrustfully; a shout of 'an armed man without a banner is a man without friends!' comes from a figure scurrying away. At Dragash, the smell of alchemical reagents that follows him leads to a sudden stiffening in all who come near, hands rising almost unconsciously to lips before moving on. Zerisi gets a few shifty eyes, but otherwise passes without comment; one man even nods approvingly and comments how some music would be worthwhile in these parts. Rosa is challenged most at all; half the citizenry make various holy gestures upon seeing her, and the town watchmen doggedly work through twenty variants of 'do you intend to partake in evil acts' questions in an attempt to discern her intentions.
However, eventually, you're all sent to the Mineshaft, the town's main tavern, a sprawling alehouse in a town of small cabins. You also make your way to Dalviss Crenn.
At the sight of Will, Dalviss grins with the smile of a far younger man and quickly moves to embrace you. "My friend! Happy meetings bring a welcome light in this darkened place. Please, sit, I'll have ale brought."
When all arrive, he turns, and grows solemn and serious.
"Thank you again for agreeing to help me. Fortunately, it seems no one else has located the fallen star yet, but not for lack of trying. The situation has changed somewhat, however. We've had several unfortunate events since the night of the meteor. At first it was just livestock going missing, but since then tempers have been rising and violence escalating among the townsfolk. Some of those who've gone searching for the impact site have disappeared, including one of my own employees, a woman named Leeara. And then there are the four strangers who came to town claiming to be Drumish prospectors, but who I suspect are looking for the fallen star as well. I'm starting to think the thing that crashed that night in the southern hills brought... something... to Dustpawn. Something twisted!"
Rosa had come into being right in the center of town, she had been hoping for the out skirts to give her chance to go in unseen, but there was little chance of that now. In the middle of the market is was. A few of the shoppers and stall holders fell over themselves trying to get away from her. Its not everyday a seven and a half foot hell spawn drops into shop. She looked around. It seemed half the citizenry where making various holy gestures at her. Mothers picked up children and slammed shoot doors and windows. There where cry's for the town watchmen. She kept where she was and waited. Some looked on, when they realized she was not doing much. Soon the towns watchmen came doggedly work through gaggle of on lookers. Then it seemed all at once they where asking twenty variants of 'do you intend to partake in evil acts' questions all in an attempt to discern her intentions. She greeted them and handed over a letter from of refinance. Word had been sent to the Hell knights that there was a problem here about. A request for aid for the towns support in the war. She waited, they handed tit back with some worried. Looks.
"You requested aid owed you by the Hell Knights. I am that aid, I will abide by your laws while I am here and I will offer such aid as I can. Now tell me, who I'm I talk talk to about the problems you have"
They Pointed her to the Mineshaft, the town's main tavern, and said to seek Dalviss Crenn there.
"Thank you most kind"
And with out another word she set off for the Inn. Word of her had all ready gotten there as she bent to get in the door. The bar maid pointed her to where Dalviss Crenn was meeting and talking to others.
She got to him and bowed.
"Rosa Luminass, Hound of Hell, I am the support you asked for from the Hell Knight."
She looked at the others, Standing there 7.4' In Black armor, on he back a large Black sword. There is no mistaking who she is and what she is.
"Ah, well that explains the less-than-enthusiastic reception in town," Zerisi thought to himself as Dalviss explained the situation further.
"and I can't imagine Rosa here did much for spirits. Things must really be in a bad way if Dalviss is asking that far for help."
Having politely stored his Harrow deck at his hip upon entering the room, Zerisi removes it from its clip and absentmindedly springs the cards from one hand to another with a flourish. As he talks, he continues the trick.
"Twisted, you say, Dalviss? Is there a chance the townfolk might be affected by something other than fear then? Perhaps some demon or devil sowing evil thoughts? Strange though, that with all the miners and expeditions lately that these 'Drumish' ones would feel the need to hide their identity. Seems to me like these fellows could use a bit of investigation. And I do so love meeting strangers."
As Zerisi finishes speaking, he flashes a large, handsome smile at everyone in turn as he looks around the room at the others Dalviss has asesembled.
"Yes, Dalviss is taking this seriously. These are no first-timers here, that's for sure."
"Zerisi is my name. Ramanada. Pleased to make your acquaintance -- I hope."
He smiles again.
With her ref letter handed it Crenn, she waited as he talked.
Her eye brow went up as the word twisted.
Then the bar girl came over asking if she wanted to place and order, Rosa shooed her away with a wave of her hand. The human Harrow reader was talking and she wanted to hear what he had to say. At talk of this being Devil work, she felt she had to say something.
"Nice to meet you all I hope who and what I am will not be a problem for you. We all seem to have agreed to help this town, I as payment of a debt. But now after hearing more I am also intrigued by what has been going on here. So please call all of you, just call me Rosa, its saves time trust me, my full title is long and I don't much care for it outside of formal needs. You also seem the types to not care about titles but deeds."
She says this while looking around for a seat that would fit her, she gives up and sits on a table, leaning her large Sword between her legs and resting her head on the Pummel and hands. Her silver orb eyes seeming always be looking ahead. She's an old hand a combat briefings so just go's strait into intel gathering.
"As for what this is, this is no work of the Hell's true I can tell you that. It could be a Devil who's broken ranks I will spot the signs and it it will be stopped its it is."
She gives and evil smile then gos on with a more thoughtful look.
"I don't like much the idea of tramping though the hills Master Crenn so has there been any evidence found at any of the events. Any eye witnesses or servitors at all. Any thing that may point us at or to what or who is behind the events of late, anything that may give us a hint of where to get started looking."
She looks at the others waiting to see what they say.
A raven that had followed her flow down and landed on her Shoulder, did not seem to notice it as she looked at the other.
Getting to the inn Dragash greets his old friend. "Well Dal, a lot bigger place than I expected. Good to see you again, I take it adventuring is not much of a thing anymore with this place keeping you stable?" Dragash chuckles before settling himself in seeing others that have arrived. It was clear that more help than himself was needed to whatever Dalviss had planned, by the looks of things just as experienced help as he. Dalviss got around more than he let on.
Greetings Rosa Dragash nods at her. "And Zerisi" He nods at him after they introduced themselves. "I'm Dragash Arliden, pleasure to meet you."
Hound of Hell? Fancy title, I forget that even out of Kyonin people come up with interesting names for ranks to make it sound more important.
Dragash listens a little to the exchange before joining in. "I'm with Rosa on this one, I doubt it would be demonic or devilish taint. From what Dal says this is a small meteor, there would likely be more subtle ways for a host to take hold. Anyway, that is likely conjecture, let's go with what we have." Dragash turns to Dalviss "You said that your employee Leeara went missing over this as well. Was she intent on finding out what this meteor was or did she just vanish from the inn? I'm guessing she only went to have a look at the thing. Has everyone who has gone looking vanished? Was anyone with Leeara that we could question? If not, considering that you said people have gone looking for the landfall do we have a decent location as to where that might be?"
Will criss-crosses the small town looking for a decent stable to take care of his companion. With a single look he could tell if they were good enough and most failed. One passed by a small margin and he payed extra for improved service. On his steed it is not obvious that Will is shorter than the average man and he usually rides with great posture. He also carries the presence of a man used to commanding others. On the ground, he is the height of most women and walks with the loose grace of a seasoned fighter. His presence is less commanding and more dangerous, especially with his large, exotic weapon that he swings around like it was a walking stick.
Eventually, he makes his way to the Mineshaft to meet Dalviss. Will greets Dalviss with far less enthusiasm than the older man but does give a rare smile as he shakes the man's hand. "Wasn't too busy," he says, shrugging. He was actually very busy most of the time but Dalviss caught him at a good time. They make small talk until the others he apparently hired show up.
When Rosa arrives and makes her presence known Will turns to gauge the new arrival. Because of his height and seated position, his gaze starts around the crouch and goes up and up and up. Boy was she enormous. When he finally locks gazes his expression is one of boredom. Usually someone of her stature and looks would warrant more than that. Without saying a word to her he turns back to Dalviss. "You know her?" he asks, pointing a thumb in her direction.
Beyond the single question, Will doesn't say much about the other two that follow suit or the situation. The others seemed happy to front all the questions he'd like answered. He just sits across from Dalviss, sipping on a glass of milk.
Rosa sat looking at the others, all she had got was the odd look, that was good. Meant these men would had some steel in there backs. The human with the Fauchard, the one who had spent a little to long looking at her crouch, he look combat trained, handsome for a human and by the look of his armor, mercenary by trade. Nothing uncommon about that. The Elf, he was raw look for an elf, none of that effete preening some like, and bandoliers with a bow?, she had to see how he killed. Then the other human now! he dressed like an elf. Fine silken robes, fancy patterns of Desna's cute little butterfly symbol and the decks harrow of cards. Spell slinger? She would have to wait and see how he killed. Thing is she knew killers when she saw them. These men had killed and in battles too. Good to know and good to have with you on something like this. It would be interesting to see how disciplined they where. See if they could work as a team. This may not turn out to be an all mighty and total cluster-**** after all.
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Oh, erm... hello. I confess I sent no message to the Hellknights, but I suppose someone may have passed on my call. I... have heard that those of your ranks are exceptionally... dutiful."
He shrugs. "Tempers have been short of late; I see it mostly due to the disappearances, as well as the missing goats. I do question those Drumish... they say they rushed here, but how could they have heard it so quickly?"
"No. All expeditions who got anywhere near have failed to return. We do have a decent idea where exactly it is, though, from those who came close."
"Leeara... she's a talented cook, and proved a great asset to security. She had a practiced eye for spotting cons and thievery. She was the one who first raised suspicion on the Drumish. I... I ignored her at the start. I think she tried to find out more about them, and ran into trouble. You're free to search her room if you think there'll be clues there."
"You... you may try asking for rumors in this town; people are guarded, but if you can prize some observations and whispers out of them, it.... it may help."
Rosa looks at her bird and says,
"You personally did not ask for help, hummmm interesting. It seems this town has a freind who has contacts in high places, and yes Hell Clerics of my rank are.., affective. "
She leaves it at that and looks back at them, her black raven flys off in to the rafters and then seems to disappear.
"I think it best I not try and get information out of the locals. Not unless you feel I should talk to them. They will talk to me trust me but only after a lot of.,, unpleasantness. This will not indiere us to them much.
She says this in a flat even tone, as if discussing how tto weed a garden.
"Looking over the missing cooks room maybe a better use of my time right now, do you agree"?
Then she waits to see what the others say.
Hector once he left rosa and was out of sight, went invisible and sort the missing cooks room.
Leeara's room appears to have been lived in until recently the sheets on the bed are rumpled and an open book lies face down, draped over the arm of a chair. A cursory search of the chamber reveals that Leeara's personal belongings are still here, suggesting that she didn't simply pack up and leave. The open book on the armrest of the chair is a worn
journal full of recipes, chiefly made of local ingredients. Near
Near the back of the book, she keeps a master list of where in the region various plants, spices, and other ingredients can be harvested, and nearly 75% of these ingredients come from a place called 'Old Frog Swamp'. It's apparent that Leeara spends a lot of time there.
Dragash shrugs "Yes looking for the cook is the closest thing we have right now. I might ask the townsfolk later, perhaps they'll open up a little with a few chats." Dragash gets up and dusts himself off.
This feels oddly, simple for the moment, I have a feeling it won't last long.
Dragash nods to the newcomer Will, "Dragash by the way, good to see one trained in the art of the blade joining us." Then he walks off to Leeara's room at Dalviss's Behest.
Was that... milk? There's got to be some alcohol mixed in with that at least!
Looking around Dragash is suspicious of a few things, "It's clear she didn't just decide to leave. At least she was intent on returning. That, however doesn't help us narrow down anything. Unless the last place she left to was 'Old frog swamp' which could be a starting point if we don't find anything else. At the very least we could look for the materials she was missing. Since she might've left to gather those."
Dragash quickly leafes through the paper trying to see if any concoctions come to mind with the ingredients she possibly could have been preparing. Sometimes the easiest way to hide a good alchemist is in plain sight, he knew that all too well.
Afterwards he takes a quick comb of the room seeing if Leeara had hidden any notes about a meeting with someone, correspondence perhaps with where she was going. Or if they're lucky, something that shows what made her leave so suddenly.
Hearing Dragash coming Hector changed back into a Raven and waited.
As Dragash come into Leeara's room and starts to look around. Hector is there waiting while he looks everything over.
The Ravens little black beedy eyes looking on.
Rosa go up, and nodded to the others, She also went off to join Dragash in looking the cooks room over.
One thing of note, she left her sword where she had put it,
leaning on the Table.
She made her way past a few locals, who stood back gorking.
When she got to the room she could see through the door her Raven and
Dragash going over the space far better then she or he could ever do, so she just put her head in the door asking.
"Find anything interesting"
It was looking over a book.
"It's clear she didn't just decide to leave. At least she was intent on returning. That, however doesn't help us narrow down anything. Unless the last place she left to was 'Old frog swamp' which could be a starting point if we don't find anything else. At the very least we could look for the materials she was missing. Since she might've left to gather those."
Dragash offered.
"Do you know what she was missing?"
Asked Rosa
As she did her raven came over and landed on her arm.
"Nothing yet my dear." As he reads through the notes. "Kind of scratchy handwriting but I'll get there. Though Old frog swamp might still be good starting place. Since she might've gone either in the direction for supplies before heading off or use that way to get to her destination. People like what they are familiar with after all, wouldn't you say?" Dragash smiles at the tall Tiefling.
"Cute Raven by the way, I've not been very good with real animals. I can't blame them. My gaunt and pale face probably scares the creatures." He jokes somewhat self-deprecating.
As he continues to read he does ask curiously. "What is a hell knight anyway? I take it you didn't actually come from one of the nine?" Dragash doesn't really seem phased by the prospect that Rosa might have devilish background, he seems inquisitive if anything.
Will kept his attention on many things during the meeting. He counted every weapon he could see even the cards Zerisi was juggling. He'd seen an entertainer pierce a watermelon with one so he wasn't going to ignore that. He noted the real turmoil in Dalviss' voice at the loss of his employee. And the crow that...disappeared? That was either not a normal crow or not a crow at all.
It was obvious he wasn't the talkative type. He merely shrugs at Rosa's question and nods at Dragash's introduction. "Will," is all they get in return.
It seemed there were three issues to sort out. Suspicious Drummish, missing person, and missing livestock. Two of them were looking into the missing person. That left the other two.
"I'll do what I can," Will says, standing up. He shakes Dalviss hand and moves to leave. He stops though at Rosa's sword. What kind of warrior would leave it behind? Will reaches a hand for the blade to return it to her, when shiver runs up his back. Instinct told him that touching was a bad idea. And indeed, he could feel some kind of heat, and a malicious cruelty emanating from it.
For some reason the this made Will very angry for many reasons he couldn't put together. He pulls up a chair and waits for Rosa to come back down while dissuading anyone else from attempting to pick the blade up. When she does, he stands quickly, sending the chair to clatter loudly on the floor. Using his own weapon, he flicks the evil blade into the air. He then spins and slams the flat of his Fauchard against the pommel of the greatsword and launches it at Rosa like an arrow. It impales the wooden wall next to her head.
"You forgot something," he says implying more than what was said. He stares at her for a long moment before turning and putting on hand on Zerisi's shoulder. "Let's go talk with the Drummish," he suggests, leading them out of the inn.
To Dragash, the entries prove to be simple recipes.
"The Drumish left, a few days ago, just after Leeara disappeared. I don't know where to find them; some said they were heading towards the fallen star."
"The people then," Will says. Zerisi was a people person, that was obvious. And his friends had told him that Will's lazy attitude usually meant people dropped their guard around him. Together, they might be able to get some info from the people. A second perspective on the issues Dalvis was facing.
Rosa look at Dragash squinting for a moment at him, studying him.
"You know I may regret this but I’m actuality finding myself liking you Dragash. I have spent some time with Elves and most of them are ether tree huggers or as close to cross dressers as one can get without being one. You’re not like them at all, direct and to the point, you say what you mean and mean what you say Dragash. I like that, I think I like you."
Then she waits as he carries on in his search, when he asks her about the Hell Knights she thinks a moment.
”I am not a Hell Knight, I just work with them. As I said I am what’s called a Hound of Hell, there are a few of us. Our job is a simple one, where the powers that be in the higher ranks of Hell tell us to go and what to do, we go and we do. Without questioning or comment. I and others where tasked with helping a small group fighting a crazed cult if Demon worshipers establish themselves into a disciplined fighting force. That was some time ago, and we our and others help, the now Hell Knights established themselves. Ever since then they, I and others have been fighting the fight to keep the world safe. I know many think of us as evil and cruel, ruthless killers who will stop at nothing. That is a miss conception, Hell dos not kill without intent and it wants willing Souls for more than dead bodies. You Kill someone and they just of off there the bone yard and some useless after life. Whereas if I can any of us, from the Hells can get to come join our fight, then that is one more to our side.”
She looks at him hard now.
”And ours is a fight we can’t afford to lose. For we fight an enemy far worse than anything the Hells holds. Our Enemy is the mindless destructive forces of Chaos. The forces that endlessly seek the utter destruction of our reality. I don’t know about you, but I really do not like the idea of oblivion. So we do what needs to be done, we stand as the ultimate expression of ruthless discipline in the great beyond. We subjugate the weak to serge the strong. We demand complete obedience and unquestioning faith, All so we can stand where few other dear, stand and face down the Abyss. We craft ourselves razors by which to cut away corruption and taint, all to service a greater purpose of protecting the very order of reality. But I am now sounding Preachy. You get the idea. We are as we are so that all of creation can be kept safe.”
She pops her head back.
”I’m going to tell the others what we have found.”
She walks off lost in her own thoughts, Her Raven stays behind.
As Rosa walked into the meeting room she seems deep in thought.
There is the sound of a chair clattering loudly to the floor.
This brings Rosa back into the hear and now.
Then she looks on as Will, using his own weapon, flicks her blade into the air, spins and slams the flat of his Fauchard against the pommel of the greatsword and launches it at Rosa like an arrow.
There is a moment of puzzlemnt then reliztion on her face working our he was sending it at her, Right at her!, it looked very much like it was going to imbed itself between her eyes.
Then she as not there anymore, she was just off to the left of where she had been and where it was heading. She was still looking at him, but in a whole new place.
That shift had happened so fast it was hard to say it had happened at all, one moment there the next there. She had not moved by much, but there was little risk now the great weapon would hit her.
There was a thudding sound as her great sword impaled itself deep into the wooden wall where she had been. The blade went all the way through, some of it now sticking out the other side of the thick wall.
Will voice came full of anger "You forgot something," his words implied more than what was saying.
He stares at her for a long moment before turning and putting on hand on Zerisi's shoulder. "Let's go talk with the Drummish," he suggests, and the the peaple when Dalviss inforems him they had left. He leading Zerisi away and out of the inn.
Rosa said nothing until they where gone, she just looked on and waited.
Then when they where out the door.
"He thought you needed a shave"
Said the sword, sarcastically, its voice like a 1000 voices all whispering at once.
"Shut up"
Rosa said, and placed a hand on her sword. Giving it a good yank it came free. It left behind a deep cut in the wall, but suffered no resistance at all on its realise. With the other two now gone there was no one to tell of thire findings, so she headed back to Dragash. Taking her sword with her this time.
Zerisi looked on in interest as Rosa and Dalviss talk, and he raises an eyebrow when Dalviss confesses he didn't hire Rosa.
"So that's another thing in the mix then, who cares enough about this to hire Rosa? I can't imagine she came cheap. Dalviss either has some lovely friends, or some very confusing enemies..."
When Rosa and Dragash leave to investigate Leeara's room he follows, sensing that Will isn't much of a talker, and growing bored standing around.
"Old Frog Swamp, eh? Gathering herbs? How...exciting. I almost hope we do get ambushed..." Zerisi trails off as he hears the plan forming. As the conversation shifts to Rosa's background Zerisi's ears pick up, thought he doesn't comment.
"Well, that's a new one. A Hound of Hell! What luck!"
As they return, he dodges to the side as Rosa's sword comes flying by, though it proves unnecessary, as the clearly well-aimed shot lands in the back wall with a resounding thud.
"A ha! So THIS WILL be an exciting excursion after all!" he exclaims. "Oh, the stories we'll tell. Just you watch." He's strangely excited at the prospect of danger and conflict -- even for an accomplished adventurer.
With Will's suggestion, Zerisi agrees wholeheartedly.
"The people, the people yes. Let's see what we can learn, shall we? Someone has got to know something around here. Someone always does!" He follows Will out of the room as Rosa walks over to her sword to retrieve it from the wall.
"We'll be back shortly," he says, flashing a big smile.
Dragash snorts before laughing quite heartily at the comment about elven attire. Forgive my kinsman, they enjoy beautiful things. you would not like my official garb. I don't wear it out of kyonin usually. He then bows trying to be as flouncy as possible, poking a little fun at the situation. Thank you for the compliment my dear.
Dragash listens intently to Rosa's explanation.
Sounds like an interesting group. I wouldn't have thought the hells care so much about protecting people but I do understand the danger of chaos. The idea that the strong should rule so readily must put you at odds with quite a few faiths. Dragash closes the book.
Sadly, poultices, spices, what I hope is just perfume and not a bad attempt at a love potion. So just the marsh we have to go on. Agreeing there isn't much more to find in Leeara's room. Dragash leaves with Rosa back to the others.
Any ideas while Zerisi is gathering some info? Dragash asks to those left.
"Cross checking"
Rosa says.
"That and the fact Master Erland seems to have a temper problem. He may have tried to touch my sword, that is never a good idea, can be a little painful"
She says with a chuckle, thinking back to him throwing the sword at her.
"It looks very much like a trip out to the old Frog swamp, we could go, but I like numbers to be on my side. Will for all of his monosyllabic ways, looks like he can fight when called on. Lets hope his temper dos not get the better of him often."
She waves over a bar girl, placing 5 gold on a table she said.
"The best wine in the place, and three clean glasses, note, clean glasses no mugs or cups please, do that and you will get another gold."
She found a seat with some size pulled it up and sat.
"So while they go and chat with the yocal bumkins, how about a glass of wine and you can tell me all about yourself and the fun things you have done.
Her raven flow in and landed on a beam.
Its only after leaving the inn that Will's temper declines. Mostly because he was surprised it happened. Must have been the general in him. He demanded a lot of discipline from his men and even more from himself. Your weapon should not be a tool but an extension of your own body. For that reason, it should always be with you and you should always be aware of it presence like you would your own hand or foot. He also had a duty to protect the people under his care. He must have unconsciously added the people of Dustpawn to that list. So leaving an obviously dangerous object in the presence of innocent people didn't set right with him.
"Think I should apologize?" he asks Zerisi without any preamble or context.
"That, I think, depends very much on whether or not you were actually trying to hit her. And did you know she could dodge like that?" Zerisi counters.
Zerisi and Will pause their conversation as a group of townspeople walk past. After catching up to them, and weaving a few jokes in-between his questions about the recent goings-on, he and Will continue.
"Either way, I get the feeling that if she was mad, she's the type would let you know. Immediately. Probably good to keep an eye on that sword though. Something about it was different, you're right on that...
As another small group of people pass, they take another interlude. Then...
"T'was a nice trick though, with your fauchard. I don't know that I've seen a man better with a polearm. You've clearly had some practice. Anything interesting stories?"
Good taste, what year would you think is good? Dragash replies as he sits down.
I can't say I'm anything special, I'm a country bumpkin by elf standards. I moved to Greengold when I was young to pursue a career as a port worker. I was an inspector and security guard, I had a good grasp of alchemy instead of magic so I was invaluable to investigations for smuggling. You'd be surprised at the amount of people that want something, even in Kyonin. He chuckles, then takes out a flask from his bandolier. On occasion when taking control of a suspicious ship I'd need to use these, they're bombs. Don't worry, they aren't volatile. I need to add the final reagent for them to be. He leaves it on the table, leaning back on his chair.
Other than that I climbed through the ranks until I got offered a job with the alchemist archers in Kyonin. I arm some of the most elite soldiers we have to offer with the best fire and ice in the land. It's a rather typical climb through our hierarchy really. I just didn't shoot for the stars, I more content in be able to use what I had instead of trying to be someone I'm not. He gives a wry smile to Rosa. Why such an interest though? I'm not usually popular with the ladies. Should I frolic some more?
"That, I think, depends very much on whether or not you were actually trying to hit her. And did you know she could dodge like that?" Zerisi counters.
"Not sure," he admitted.
Zerisi and Will pause their conversation as a group of townspeople walk past. After catching up to them, and weaving a few jokes in-between his questions about the recent goings-on, he and Will continue.
"Either way, I get the feeling that if she was mad, she's the type would let you know. Immediately. Probably good to keep an eye on that sword though. Something about it was different, you're right on that...
Will nods at the bard's first comment. She probably would have attacked if she was mad. But that would also mean she didn't know what she did and he figured a Hellknight was smarter than that.
As another small group of people pass, they take another interlude. Then...
"T'was a nice trick though, with your fauchard. I don't know that I've seen a man better with a polearm. You've clearly had some practice. Anything interesting stories?"
Will smirked a bit. Zerisi was certainly good at talking to people. The blade was so comfortable in his hand it what he did was more akin to picking the blade up and tossing it. Zerisi's question sends him far back in time to many exciting fights. Fights that challenged his strength and will to win. Or to live. There was the bandit lord with the stag helm, the troll king, the giant owl bear, the giant's, the barbarians, and, most recently, the ancient, ogre mage. "Nah," he says with a straight face. Those were his stories. His adventures. His life. It'd take a while. Maybe later. "You?"
"Not a one? Somehow, I doubt that very much, Will," Zerisi replied, smiling. "Though I'll not throw something at you to test your mettle." He smirks.
Good taste, what year would you think is good?
"No idea, but it has a nice after tang, This seems a bit fine for a town like this, left overs from the mining days or someone's smuggling. Someone is bound to be this close to the border and River."
She took another sit, and smiled, He talks some more then when he talks of Bombs and places a flask from his bandolier on the table she picks it up and looks at it.
"So that's what they are, I know them, I was with a force once attacking a keep, the defenders dropped these things on us. Blow our siege engines to bit. Affective and devastating all in one little fask."
She put it back carefully.
Why such an interest though? I'm not usually popular with the ladies. Should I frolic some more?
She smiles at that,
"Direct as ever, Well my dear Dragash I always like to know about anyone who fights by my side. You seem like someone who could be very useful if we need to attack group. I'm not sore who Zerisi fight but I will ask him at some point. As for Will..."
She stops a moment lost in thought then poring a fresh class for them both says.
"Let me give you some advice Dragash, if we get into a fight and Will says do something, you do it. That man knows danger when he sees it. Will may have a temper but that's because he worked out where the danger was just, he worked out what I had done."
She says not more about just what that was but carried on.
"Then he told me in one act, not to do it again. A commander in other words, so when we find ourselves in a combat best do as will says. He will keep you alive longer than me."
She nods once and drinks her wine,
" As for what is harassing this town, I'm thinking right now vampire or undead. You only take the living if your feeding on them or using them as a work force. But with out facts that's just conjecture. So how to get more, the others are pounding the streets asking. Where as we."
She pores the last of the wine in to there glasses.
"We'er in this inn, an Inn full of locals. Who may know of Frog-bog or our missing cook."
She looks at him sideways, a sly look, leaned in and in a low voice said.
"So how about now the bottles Finnish you go get the next one and strike up a conversation with the locals next door. Make jokes about me, tell them your not to happy about working with someone like me but the towns in trouble and needs must, get sympathy you know..."
She looked at him knowing full well he understood, he was no fool. Then leaned back and in a loader voice said, aiming it at the bar area.
It was high and shrill, that annoying noble voice everyone knows.
"Dragash we need a new bottle, go get one, I'm going to the privet outside."
She stands, picks up her sword and walking past to go outside smiles and winks at him.
Curious, using herself as a target of distrust, perhaps Rosa is used to being shunned by townsfolk. She does stand out at the very least. Rosa seems rearing for a fight or perhaps thinks it inevitable, I guess if your life is nothing but war that is a way of things.
Dragash shakes his head remembering his own niggling feeling at the back of his mind for those thoughts.
Ah well, the plan sounds like something worth a try, no harm giving it a go.
Dragash gets up as Rosa leaves returning to the bar. Setting down the bottle and he realises he is probably being looked at due to the smell from his reagents. He does dampen them but people are probably wary of outsiders. Dragash effuses a bit of banter, playing up the little act. "Oh come now, it's only for my own protection. I have to deal with a mistress that lost her horns up her own ass. Cocking his head over to where Rosa just left from. God's know how she managed that, perhaps it has something to do with the souls she's missing from her boots." Not the best pun he would admit but he was hoping for ice breaking conversation as opposed to raucous laughter.
"Though folks, I've heard about your problems. Tough life and all that. Must be bad times, think it's a predator of some kind? If it is I know a way or two that could help out, I can attract whatever it is away from your flocks." He continues trying to seem helpful to the townsfolk. Dragash was subtly prying them about the attacks under the guise of aid, he'd hope that would at least loosen their tongues a little about any sightings of what is attacking the goats.
"What do you guys think of Leeara? I've heard great things about her cooking here." Dragash feigns knowing that she's gone missing, with hopes that the townsfolk would correct him and elaborate as those filled with alcohol tend to do.
"Not a one? Somehow, I doubt that very much, Will," Zerisi replied, smiling. "Though I'll not throw something at you to test your mettle." He smirks.
"Then I would rust." Again he is completely deadpan so you are not sure if it is an intentional joke. They pass another group and Will did as he did the first few times, either reword or simplify Zerisi's questions. And most of the time he leaned on his weapon to make it less threatening. Less of a weapon and more of a crutch. It seemed to work or Zerisi was just that good a distraction. Eventually he does admit, "A man told me a long story once. And because of it I am here, living. So are you. You don't need them. They are for those that need them. Otherwise," he says with a shrug, "I am just being arrogant. More fun to make them anyway."
Rosa go's outside and leans on the Inns wall, close to the WC, no one is there at the moment. She reached into a small pouch on her belt and pulls out a long foot long object. Holding it over her shoulder she licks it into place on on the back of her Devil skin Armor. Then Swinging Dark contract round she offers it up and it clicks into place across her back. With sword some 5' long this was the only way to carry it. It had been quit a feet for Will to send it across the room with out slicing most of the rafters or some of the clients in half. Her Adamantine Hell Blade could do that with ease. As it was there was just a large hole throw a wall to make the event.
"Snug?"
She asked her blade
"As can be expected."
It said back in that other worldly voice.
"So whats your thinking"
The sword flecked with dark unlight.
"Could be as you said, Undead, vampire's seems a reach, they like cites. Demonic is my bet, dumb miners dug something up around here, now its out feeding. But i'm not seeing the signs of cult, one of the locals would have gone for me if there was one."
There had been no one laying in pain when she came back, just an angry Will the only one interested in her Hell blade. Rosa reached into the pouch once more and brought out a small tin of cigars. She opened the tin, took one out and lit end of her finger.
Then looking at the sky she took a long puff on it.
"Hector?"
She asked offering her raven a tout on the cigar.
It hopped over an took a small puff, then in a sparky voice said.
"That star fall thing, group shows up looking for it, sounds like they knew it was coming. Find that star and you will find whats going on here, that's my view."
Rosa took another deep puff on her cigar, thinking to herself as she stood there. A villager came around the corner to use the privet, Looked like a working man, he stopped and looked at her a little in shock. She smiles and nodded at him, nodding at the privet.
"Its free, just having a smoke"
She said, holding up her small cigar.
He thought better of going past her and went back in the Inn.
She looked at the c**p hole of a town. Goats and washed out minors, nothing her smacked of some great hidden cult or temple. But you never knew, always best to be on the safe side. If there was she would call in the troops. No need to worry about that now, she took another long drag on her smoke waiting to give Dragash time.
Zerisi prises some words out of an old man, sitting on a rocking chair at his front door.
"There've been more goblin sightings in the hinterlands recently, particularly to the east in the foothills. Hope they're not gearing up for another war!"
He also chats with a man running a small fruit-stall.
"Most of the mines are closed up these days, but the Nesher brothers seem to have had a bit of success scraping a bit more iron ore out of theirs. The thing crashed near their mine, though, and I suspect they might be stuck in a cave in or some such. No one's seen them for days."
After chatting to people he goes outside to meet Rosa.
"They didn't seem to be parting with any knowledge of Leeara since the folks seem more concerned about the meteor and where it crashed. Not much to go on" Dragash shrugs unsure what to make of the comments.
"More concerning, however, is the fact the looks on their faces was almost that of animals. I've never known humans to act more like dogs unless it's in jest or some sort of play." He muses thinking of some of the travelling troupes he has met before.
She looks at him as she ends another cigar, drops it on the floor and stubs it our with her boot.
She looks down as she dos then then back up at Dragash.
"I have, some Demons can taint those exposed to them, warp them in odd ways. They start reverting to mindless corrupted beats"
She lets out a sigh.
"I was really hoping this was not going to be like Windeyhook. O well let me go see."
She gos to the back door and moves into the inns mine space. She stands there looking around at the locals.
Then she says in business like a voice.
"How are you all today, so it seems your having some problems here, well the good news is I am here, the bad news is I AM HERE. So if you know anything about what the F**K is going on, best tell me now. It will save pain and trouble later. Your pain my trouble"
She then waits to see if any talk.
Dragash leans to look into the bar.
Well, she isn't subtle. Then again how can you be when you stick out like a sore thumb.
Dragash doubts she would mean any of them harm but he gets ready to fake saving the townsfolk to keep the act going.
Dragash similarly tries to weasel details out of the town's populace. A kid crouching in a gap between houses playing with some sticks looks up at him.
"Some folks say they've seen someone dressed an awful lot like Miss Leeara on the Grackle riverbank, near Old Frog Swamp. Only... she was running around on all fours! Hah. Good luck finding anyone in town who'd admit to seeing that, though!" The kid similarly sniffs at the air.
On each of the locals, Rosa spots a magical aura. Consulting her historical knowledge, she recognizes it as a lingering aura of necromancy.
In response to Rosa's speech, the friendliest among them avert their eyes and scurry along. The more combative start cajoling the nearest guard, trying to persuade them that Rosa's 'threats' deserve her being thrown out of town. The white-faced guards try to defuse the dispute.
Zerisi once more tries to cajole more information from the populace.
A guard quietly speaks with Zerisi, asking him to encourage Rosa to stop stirring up the populace. In return, he grudgingly speaks a little.
"I've been sleeping poorly lately. Not sure why... can't remember the dreams, but I wake up with headaches and a powerful thirst. I expect if there's some sort of sickness going around, that'd explain the tempers around town."
A year ago in Restov, several groups of individuals were sent south into the north eastern part of the River Kingdoms. Their mission was to remove or befriend the varying threats in the area to make the border safe. Will's name is mentioned as one of the participants of this venture. He was part of the smallest group that went into the Kamelands. After removing a major bandit organization, all the original members of the charter where granted noble titles and the land they had secured to rule over. They have also taken high positions within the small city that was formed. Will is their general.
Rumor has it that their venture has been the most successful. And they have expanded steadily over the year, drawing more pilgrims to the new city. Beyond the bandit lord, they have also survived an attack by an army of trolls, a supposedly colossal Owlbear, and saved the city of their neighbor, Varnhold, from some kind of ancient sorcerer.
As the duo walks away from the last source of info, Will looks back one more time to see if the man was still sniffing. He then turns to Zerisi and says in a low voice, "The problem here is a lot bigger than a missing person or missing animals."