Vala wakes up after the poison wears off a few minutes later.
The party is able to clear the floor unevetfully before returning to the fort.
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As the party gets to the surface of the corrupt spire, Agriver loosens his platmail straps to prepare for the long trek back to Fort Inevitable.
”We functioned extremely well as a team in there this time all, I couldn’t be happier. Nobody got seriously injured and we sent that snake priest back to Iomadae knows where. Ansel do you mind delivering our report to Abernard? I need to meet with Lady Chanel at the Temple of Silence when we get back.”
With that he hefts his pack and starts plodding along toward the keep – his mind drifting from one righteous thing to another.
Ansel sets the alarm and the party returns to the fort without incident.
After an tasty meal and ale at The Helmed Lady, the party delivers their report of the latest incursion of the Emerald Spire.
Agriver sets off early to find Lady Chanel and finds her doing her usual service to the needy.
Robin sets off for the weapon smith to find an enchanter. He is disappointed in that there appears to be no enchanter high enough level to enchant his bow. He is suggested to travel to Daggermark.
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Vala gets filled in on what all happened during her nap. "Glad you guys took care of it..."
She thinks on Ansel's idea for setting a trap then asks "Do you have a grease spell, Ansel?"
If he answers in the affirmative she indicates where to use it, pulls a bag of fine dirt from her trap making pouch (similar technique she used on the first floor up above), then pours it over the grease. "We might be able to get a clue of what it is if anything travels through here while we're gone."
Once back at town and the debriefings are complete Vala hires the same runner she did before (initiate at the Stalwart Priory training grounds she frequents so often). Vala lets the party know that to get a hold of her send the runner.
Vala buys a horse and heads to an out-skirting settlement just outside of the Hellknight's expanse. She develops a report with the locals through chats at the bar. They begin to show interest in her fighting skills as Vala touts messages to the effect of wanting to make sure people can fend for themselves, and not have to rely solely on expensive Hellknight protection. And the populace agrees.
After enough interest is shown Vala sets up an training grounds in the area.
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Agriver walks into the temple of silence, the echoing of his greaves on the cobblestone sends dull repeating din throughout the sacred halls. As he approaches the alter and greets Father Dimeru Faldindor.
”Well met revered father” he says smiling as he deposits a handful of coins into the poor box. ”What new have you heard from the keep in my absence? Do you require the blessings of Iomadae and my healing skills for the poor and destitude?””
As the paladin smiles during the conversation with the priest, he interjects ”Have you seen Lady Chanel? Is she in the back?” upon hearing the old mans answer he nods quietly and goes to the back of the temple to lend his skills to those in need.
Seeing the holy knight, he bows low and greets her with a smile. ”Many great things have occurred in the depths of the spire. We vanquished a fiend! I felt a surge of holy righteousness unlike anything I have ever felt before. It made it clear to me that the deeper we venture the more my skills and the connection to my goddess will be tested. Did you manage to inquire about those magical bracers Lady Chanel? I would happily donate the lions share of my wealth to your cause if only I could use them in the depths of that pit. We lack a dedicated priest on our journey so I have been finding my healing skills taxed and wanting”
As the conversation goes back and forth – Agriver exchanges stories of the parties conquests as well as listens to the daring adventures of the lady of the dawnflower.
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After letting the team know where he is going, and wishing his lady friend and her kids goodbye, Robin and Ayame head out towards Daggermark. 'Could be time to practice some old-time banditry, if the opportunity presents itself, eh, Ayame?" Robin says to his companion.
They travel light, as the two can easily hunt for anything they need, and make their way, lightheartedly, down the trail towards Daggermark. "Be good to get my bow a little more enchanted. What should we call it, Ayame? Agriver named his weapon, and given how much time we spend with them, it would sort of make sense to name mine, eh?"
He scratches her behind the ear, as she gives his musing her normal diffident look. "Ah, you don't care. You were born with all the weapons you'll ever need. Not so easy with us humans. We need to make our own claws and fangs. Huh, maybe I could call the sword 'Fang', since it is sort of my fang. A bow and arrow isn't really a 'claw', but maybe we can make it work. I dunno... and you don't care!"
A couple of hours later he muses, "Maybe I need to pick up an enchanted trident as well... or maybe just get this one enchanted. Would be good to have a one handed weapon I could use, in an emergency, instead of having to always drop my bow. You don't do a very good job of picking up after me, do you Ayame?"
The she-wolf nips at her man-ling to shut him up, and to let him know what she thinks about being his nurse-maid.
Early in the morning, Robin heads out down the road towards Daggermark, Ayame faithfully at his side.
After breakfast, and Robin and Vala departing.... Agriver is received well by Father Dimeru, who is pleased to see the Paladin. He directs Agriver to the back where Lady Chanel is on her daily routine with the remaining sick.
She does not look up as Agriver enters, channeling her Diety's mercy into a patient. "The holy righteousness is truly an invigorating experience... to dispense divine justice.... " she trails off with a smile...
"I did inquire about a set of gauntlets for you. My high priest communed with Serenrae and his divinations led us to believe you must seek out one of your order. He did direct me to a Sword Knight... Captain Jamison, Favored of Iomedae. He is on an expedition in Daggermark to assist in hunting a Necromancy through the region. Through correspondence, he would be able to assist you with your gauntlets."
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"Indeed I do." Ansel casts Grease as is requested.
"Daggermark? Taking some time is fine by me." the dwarf tersely replies over his ale. He quite distracted by his musings and plans for his work. "I'll be working with stone, stop by when you are ready to depart again?"
The first morning back Ansel wakes early and heads to the shop space he has rented.
Having gathered the shards that the party retrieved from the Spire of the Serpent statue, Ansel rubs his hands over each of them quietly and studies their form. By mid day he has started chiseling the massive marble block purchased a week earlier. Ansel works throughout everyday at a leisurely pace. He stops often and simply stares at the stone form for prolonged bouts of time. In the few moments not in the shop, Ansel finds himself in the Nolm Bindery more and more often to talk with Falandra. First and foremost he searched through all geologic texts, but soon moves on to Arcane scrolls and spellbooks.
"Have ya heard talk round town on the topic of arcane resistance?" Ansel asks the young wizard. "Deeper we go, the more hardy these creatures seem to be. Feel I am needing more and more help to break through whatever magic shells the have around them. It's like the normal auras begin to align in a crystalline structure deeper within the spire. Perhaps I can learn to produce that as well.." The dwarf scratches his beard, leaving bits of stone and dust on the table, as he thumbs a book while pondering aloud.
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Agiver smiles and says ”Many thanks Lady Chanel, I will depart to meet with the sword knight per your guidance. May you find purity and valor by the goddess.”
With that Agriver finishes his rounds in the Temple of Silence before heading to the stable to fetch a pair of horses for the trek toward the corrupt city of Daggermark.
”No doubt Robin didn’t get a horse being a ranger and all that. I’ll bring him one and hopefully catch up. Maybe we can lend a hand to the favored of Iomadae while we are there. I can’t help but think that a city like that would not be very receptive to our order. It is possible Captain Jamison could use a hand.”
Before the paladin departs he meets up with Ansel and Vala.
”We shouldn’t be gone long friends.”
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Later that day...
Robin and Ayame are taking their their time walking down the trail. The two have been relatively quiet for hours, not needing to say anything. They are about to go hunt for something, when Robin notices something on the trail behind them. A cloud of dust, caused by a pair of horses, one of which has a rider that he well knows.
Robin sighs, looking at Ayame. "Well, should we hurry into the Echo Woods before he sees us?"
The she-wolf just gives her man-ling a blank look. 'He is part of our pack, why would we hide' is what she seems to be saying, as she doesn not move off of the path.
Rather, she stops walking, sniffs the ground, turning around a few times, and then lies down, waiting for the metal-cased man to catch up.
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In the distance on the road Agriver can make out the small dark shapes that he believes is the party Ranger. Upon riding closer he sees Ayame laying down panting in the afternoon sun.
”Hail Robin! I am glad I caught up to you. I thought I might bring you a steed to aid in our journey toward Daggermark. I am told there is one of my order there who is having issues with a Necromancer. I wanted to make haste to see if he needs help. Would you care to lend your blade as well if required?”
The paladin raises his visor as per custom when greeting another warrior, and then gives a nod toward the rivermans animal friend.
”Well met Ayame” he says before tossing a leftover haunch of meat from his breakfast to her.
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"Heya, Agriver." grumbles Robin. "Are you wanting to kill this necromancer, or go to Daggermark, or are they one and the same. I mean, sure, I'd be up for it either way, as long as their is proper loot to be had."
He looks to the horse, and then gives it a once over.
"Well, I suppose one of us will have a long trip, if he keeps his heavy armor on. You sure we shouldn't just leave both horses available for when you wear out the first one? I mean, you are wearing 80 pounds of steel, not to mention all of your gear. I can probably keep up with you while you are mounted, if needed."
Robin considers casting longstrider, as he looks over at Ayame.
The she-wolf glares back at Robin, as if to say, 'You are not riding me, man-cub.'
The she-wolf looks back at her companion, not quite believe what she is hearing. She looks intently at the shiny breastplate the ranger is wearing, and gives a wolf-laughing grin to him.
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"Well, at least mine feels like it is light... and it is extremely thin for its strength!" defends Robin. "But, when I had just a regular metal one, you are right, it was nice to take it off for a while."
Robin chooses, for a while, to not take the proffered mount. He does cast his spell, Longstrider, which allows him to easily keep up with the paladin bestride his over-worked horse.
"So, Agriver," Robin finally asks, after a few hours of traveling, "Tell me about this necromancer. Where is he acting, and what sort of threat is he, that we might be prepared. I am guessing we'll need to fight a horde of undead. If it is just to be the two of us, plus Ayame, who can cover your back. Or is that what you meant, that arrows will not be effective?"
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Taking a moment to think about Robins comments. The paladin finally answers.
”Lady Chanel of the Temple of Silence told me he would have an artifact that would aid our quest. They are a pair of gauntlets that cause my healing magic to amplify. As we head deeper into the spire the challenges will become stronger – and we need to compensate with resilience.”
Agriver smiles at Ayame as he sees he stand up to follow ”I must admit the animals are growing on me. They have proven to be quite powerful additions in our righteous crusade.”, in reference to the rangers comments on the necromancer. ”I know very little other than a knight of Iomadae has been tasked to deal with the dark wizard. He may not need our help in the end – but I want to support him if able – In Iomadae’s name.”
Squinting into the sun as they travel toward the corrupt city. ”In terms of my platemail? I am told this city will be less than hospitably to divine knights. It made sense to wear my regalia with the hopes maybe it will deter some of the lesser criminals.”
”I did bring us some rolls, butter and jam should you like some. I know it may be a bit high born and that rangers prefer the hunt.. but the offer is there.”
Taking Robins advice the knight dismounts and changes horses to save his original some agony.
”Our contact in this place will be a man by the name of Captain Jamison. I am unsure what he is a captain of – perhaps the guards? We will know soon enough.”
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Robin nods at the paladin as he switches horses, and quickly takes a moment to check the animal out.
As the animal looks ok, he gives it a quick brush down, and a little more free reign than most would give. "It won't go anywhere. And if it did, Ayame could run it down." he explains.
"From what I understand," Robin continues, "I will be far more welcome than you will be. First, you are not from around here, and hold yourself a little too upright."
Robin indicates that Agriver should get down off the horse. "Your armor won't help you in the proper River Kingdoms slouch. But, here, if you just adjust your stance a little..." Robin adjusts Agriver's stance, trying to get a little more slouch and shoulder roll into it. He shakes his head as the noble-born just can't seem to get it.
"So, here, let me show you," says the ranger. He stands up straight and tall, in his proper archery position. "When you are drawing a war bow, or charging an enemy with a greatsword, you need to stand tall and square, right? Well, do that in Daggermark, and folks will think you are planning to charge them, and will react accordingly." He then sighs, and appears to shrink three inches as he pulls his cowl up over his head, relaxes his back and shoulders, giving a subtle roll to his shoulders.
"I now look less... assuming. Folks will leave you alone if you don't look like you are out on a crusade. That shining armor, though, that'll still be a dead giveaway. Wish there was something we could do about that. Do you need to wear it every waking moment?" Robin suddenly shudders as he realizes something. "I'm going to have to help you in and out of that, aren't I?"
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"My friend, I appreciate you concern and advice. But my armor is the divine shell my goddess has blessed me with. I wear it not only for protection, but as a symbol of my devotion. It is like a second skin to me - and I do not intend to remove it."
Seeing the frustration on the rangers face he continues - "In the event one of these slouching down trodden thieves decides I am a mark, they will be in for a surprise."
Now let us pick up the pace "I would like to get to Daggermark soon incase the sword knight does need help."
Agriver Robin and Ayame spend the first day through an uneventful journey. An hour after dark the party makes camp in a quite glade.
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Robin just shakes his head, and starts trying to figure out how he can protect his upright friend. 'Nope, it wasn't the armor. He'd look like a shining knight in his altogether. Now, how do I get us in and out of that den of thieves and assassins alive.'
Robin sends Ayame off, occasionally, both to scout, and to hunt. He longs to go with her, but knows he needs to protect his less world-wise companion (mostly from himself). When two stop to rest the horses or for meals, Robin takes the time to test his bow. At one of these, he asks his friend to grant him the blessing of strength, to confirm that the bow does indeed accept all of the strength that he can muster. He manages to turn a few target arrows into splinters by the time that he is convinced. "That will be effective, Agriver," he states, very matter-of-factly, even while his heart is racing in excitement.
The two are well fed on the trail, as the rabbit and other small game are no real challenge to a master hunter like Ayame. Robin, stubbornly, doesn't partake in the bread and jam, but does find several root vegetables suitable for pairing with the rabbit under the light covering of snow. 'Hopefully that expedition I sponsored will have paid off by the time I get back to Fort Inevitable'
Vala sets out the the northwest. She enjoys the warm sun and cool breeze as she nears the edge of the hellknights territory. She passes a patrol that ignores her.
Late in the day she passes the ruins of mosswater...
She ends up in a settlement on the border of Numeria and begins her work.
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Agriver slowly works thru the process of removing his armor using the straps he had installed in Fort Inevitable to make the task easier.
"I am told that one day I will be able to grant you the ability to use the same divine retribution that I do against the evil foes Robin, you bow will be very advantageous when we get to that point."
The paladin tries to create a fire but gives up pretty quickly given his background. "Would you mind striking the fire? It is nice to be under the open stars and not underground for once. What are you heading to Daggermark for?"
He then takes a few moments to enjoy the stars overhead while he grabs his bedroll from his tired steed. While over there he ensures they have a fresh bag of oats and water.
Glancing at Robin he comments "I do not fear this place we move toward. The soul always have been plain for me to see. And the goddess has granted me the aegis that has protected us thus far - I have no reason to think she will not shield us on our journey."
After a good rousing discussion, the paladin offers to take first watch.
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After he lights a fire, Robin listens to Agriver. When he is done, Robin says, "My friend, there are many things you need to learn about the River Kingdoms, most important of which are the Six River Freedoms.
"The first 'Say What You Will, I Live Free'. What this means is that you are free to speak as you will. however, this does not protect you from having to deal with the consequences of what you say. So, in that, remember, that while I have the right to go up to the Hellknights of Fort Inevitable and tell them that they aren't wanted here, and that they should go home to their devil-worshiping Empire of Cheliax, nothing prevents them from beating me to within an inch of my life, or more, for saying that.
"Only drunkards and fools invoke this freedom without a thought.
"Still, criticism of the leadership within the River Kingdoms is a common past time, and even the most tyrannical despots have learned not to suppress this freedom, er they be ousted quickly."
With that piece of knowledge secure for the paladin to think upon, Robin turns in for the night. He and his she-wolf cuddle up for warmth.
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The ranger forgets I am a merchants son, and we have done trade in this region for many years. We know their people well and we also know their greed. But at the end of the day, if the evil harm the pure - they will meet justice at the hand of Iomadaes order. My zeal will purify their taint.
Yawning Agriver nods at Robin and continues his watch.
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Vala rides, lost in thought yet oddly attentive to her surroundings - as only an adventurer could be.
Being highly familiar with the region she knows whereabouts she intends to travel, allowing her mind to be free a moment.
She looks to the horizon to the East, towards where she knows the Spire to protrude from the earth, like those fabled icebergs whose roots dig so much deeper than that which can be seen. "Many years had I traveled these borders before that Pathfinder found me. Always moving one step closer to you, it seems." She chuckles briefly.
"In retrospect, at least."
"Spire. Curiosity protruding from the earth. Whenever I'd pass nearby I'd see glimpses and hear stories. Why? How? Every day traveling. Living. Yet wondering. Until one when that stranger provided me an opportunity. A door. A chance to answer some of those questions."
"Never had I thought, in those years, that I'd one day be a part of a team to enter it." She shakes her head and looks off to the left towards the Ruins of Mosswater. Knowing to keep her distance from that sad reminder she regains her focus and continues towards her goal.
"More people need to be trained. To defend themselves. Lest they end up like that." She looks towards the ruins before speeding away.
Some time later Vala turns to the East - Numeria on her left to the North and the Echo Wood on her right to the South. Looking to Numeria Vala recalls the few years she spent there as well. Training. Refining. A different sort of training really, not like what she's on this trip to spread. She chuckles recalling the hard times she gave her master with her never-ending questions about how all those devices worked. About how to connect them to make something better. She winces at the memories of the chastisement at her... how did they put it? "Brutish" ways when she first arrived.
Her masters words float through her mind. "If you're going to put that creativity to use you're going to have to learn to be more refined. You're going to have to learn to read. And hold yourself less..." Oh the look she gave me. Exasperated. "Less like a wild beast." Vala smiles at the memory.
The reading was easy. In those books were the answers to my curiosities. Speaking and thinking with refinement... that took longer. "And I still slip into that drawl and brutish slang every now and then. Especially when I'm fighting. I suppose that might be because fighting is more like how I used to be back in Brevoy, when I was living with my brothers."
Vala approaches her destination, stables her horse, and heads to the inn bar for a drink. And to begin her work.
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Again taking on the self-appointed role of Agriver's teacher and protector, Robin tells the paladin, "The next of the Freedoms you need to know about is Oathbreakers Die."
He pauses a moment, to let this one sink in. "While it is true that lying and cheating may be a norm around this land, once word is given, it is a pact that cannot be broken.
"You are probably thinking that it is something akin to 'honor among thieves, and you'd not be far wrong. There comes a point in time when you need to know you can trust the man on you side. Betraying those you are running with is not something that you do more than once around here.
"But you need to be sure that an oath has been sworn. Common oaths include 'I swear by the Sellen,' 'May Hanspur take my sons,' and 'My freedom is my bond.' Oaths such as these are never taken lightly, and Riverfolk so sworn will give their lives to keep them.
"Of course, as you likely already know, this can make us a little difficult to work with, as it is hard to get us to commit to anything. But, there is no one quite so loyal as a Riverfolk who has given you his oath."
2 days pass with little incident. Hunting has been very good for Ayame and the group nears the river crossing that leads to Daggermark.
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'Not where I would ambush a group like this... I'd wait until they are entering the woods.'
Robin looks to Agriver, and grumbles, "Yeah, sure."
'Like I wouldn't be keeping my eyes out.'
He huffs at Ayame in a wolf-like fashion, and the two of them fan out a little, looking for trouble. Robin has his bow out, at the ready.
Ayame looks at the metal encased man whom Robin has included in their pack, and give him a silent, wolfy laugh, and bounds off. She checks the crossing area for danger.
After 10 minutes, the group find no dangers.
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Now that the paladin's worries are assuaged, Robin takes a little time to gather up some driftwood. He then carefully weaves it into a little raft, and sets it sailing down the river. He mumbles a couple of words of thanks to the Water Rat.
After watching the little raft sail down the river, he turns to Ayame, and with nod of his head, the two cross the West Sellen, and continue on their path.
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Agriver gives the horse a gentle spur and moves onward toward Daggermark.
"Glad to have you two as traveling companions. This would be a dull trip without your... educational talks"
The paladin smiles and enjoys the warm sun on his face as memories of the infernal denizens of the spire drift further away in his mind.
"I needed this.. time above ground feels good."
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"Speaking of education... we aren't done yet, my friend." says Robin. "'Walk any road, float any river.' That is the next of the Freedoms.
"The roads are for walking, but that doesn't mean you are safe. As you are fully aware, we must be on the lookout for bandits. They could be anywhere, and could be any one." The Riverfolk ranger gives the paladin a blank look for a moment, before continuing on.
"Lords may not block entry to the land, nor may the charge tolls.... at least to Riverfolk. Of course, we are free to charge outsiders whatever tolls are needed. Why, I could demand, upon my birthright, that you give up your gold, and perhaps that platinum ring you are wearing, for 'the toll', as you are not Riverfolk. Not that I would, mind you."
'At least not any more.'
"In practice, it means that the lords of the River Kingdoms must be careful as to not cause their subjects to have reason to flee, as they are free to do so. There is always a more kindly lord down the river."
Robin and Agriver cross the river without incident. A couple hours later, the towers of Daggermark come into view. The fortified docks and strong walls are an impressive sight for an anarchy-run town
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Agriver urges his horse into a trot and approaches the gates in as much of a non-threatening posture as possible.
Upon reaching the gatehouse the paladin gives a sideways glance to Robin and raises the visor on his helm to greet the guards.
”Hail and well met gentlemen. I am Sir Agriver Rall of the Blessed Order of Iomadae, I come seeking another of my faith by the name of Captain Jamison. My ally and friend here is named Robin Lil and he would like to partake in the markets of your city. Can you grant us entrance and point us the way toward our destinations?”
The guards eyeball you curiously but let you pass. "i do not know of your friend... assuming he lived more than 5 minutes within Daggermark."
They point Robin in the direction of the forges and markets.
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A bit later, as they are walking through the town. "Hey, Agriver, why don't we check to see if there is a temple district or something. Maybe ask around a little. Find out about Iomedaens. I wouldn't think there were too many here."
Robin thinks a moment, then notices something. "Why don't you wait in that tavern for a bit... maybe ask the barkeep some questions. I am going to go look around, quickly. Be back in, say, two hours?"
With that, Robin will start off, with Ayame, to investigate the town. He'll be looking for places that look like good candidates for Iomedans, as well as a master bowman, or a wizard, to enchant his bow.
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"I will see you in two hours Robin. Iomadae be with you."
With that Agriver takes his friends initial advice and walks into the tavern to see if the barkeep knows where his fellow Iomadaen resides.
As he enters the dark establishment the pristine glow of his brightly shined armor sets him apart as someone who doesn't quite fit in.
Agriver enters the dark tavern, and the crowd gets suddenly silent and glare at the door. After a moment of unease the patrons return to their drinks. Several cast glances at the paladin but none appeoach him.
Robin finds exactly what he is looking for in an enchanter. The cost and time are negotiated to a fair deal.