It might have been the ale dulling his senses or the speed of Kosz’s blather but Kergrik found himself swept into the ally. Regaining his composure he moved his arm, which was still being held by the paladin, in to a vice like warriors grip. ”Hold yer horses Kosz. Why d’ye seem so keen to move me away from dinner? Did we not agree to eat at this time?” Kergrik stares at the Aasimar with a pained look “Enough falsehoods I count yer as one of my friends, a brother in arms, don’t be fur deceiving me. Quick then speak plain, what you about?” his expression turns serious ”you know I trust ye judgement fully in social affairs so tell me, that we might reach an accord regarding this unpleasantness.” all this time Kergrik never lets go kosz’s arm.
@Saiai: A different teenaged female awaits you and is happy to assist you with your bathing. She is quick with oils (should you wish them) and will tend to your clothes while you bathe. The bath is warm and well-salted with several different soaps available: lavender, rose-honey, thyme-cinnamon. She will offer to help scrub both your back and your hair.****
"Mistress Saiai, you seem to find yourself in unusual company. How did you come by that?"
Saiai was surprised to have a bath attendant and happily excepts the girls aid. The ride to the city was long and she was sore, she apologizes for her cumbersome horns and strange red skin. She was used to unnerving people with her appearance, she didn't like to but it was unavoidable since it was the way she looked.
****
The question catches Saiai completely off guard, she wasn't used to anyone talking to her directly. Making sure not to lock eyes with the women Saiai spoke quietly. "How I met these fine people is not for polite conversation. My life was turned upside down and my comrades liberated me from a deadly situation, I owe them my life and have rode with them ever since."[/smaller} As she looked around the establishment she smiled. [smaller]"Your place of business is quite gorgeous, it is good to see something like this after being on the road so long and to be in such good company."
After Saiai answers the question posed to her, Aurelian interrupts. "I 'ave told you before, ma cher, your presence in our lives is reward enough. You owe us nothing than to be yourself!"
As Kosz tries to divert Kergrik, Aurelian gives the two noble guests a broad smile and tries to distract them. "So, what 'as brought you from Nesroyan to Kenabres, madame, madamoiselle?"
It might have been the ale dulling his senses or the speed of Kosz’s blather but Kergrik found himself swept into the ally. Regaining his composure he moved his arm, which was still being held by the paladin, in to a vice like warriors grip. ”Hold yer horses Kosz. Why d’ye seem so keen to move me away from dinner? Did we not agree to eat at this time?” Kergrik stares at the Aasimar with a pained look “Enough falsehoods I count yer as one of my friends, a brother in arms, don’t be fur deceiving me. Quick then speak plain, what you about?” his expression turns serious ”you know I trust ye judgement fully in social affairs so tell me, that we might reach an accord regarding this unpleasantness.” all this time Kergrik never lets go kosz’s arm.
Kosz stops at his friend's insistence. 'Never a falsehood, Kergrik. Those ladies really are a sour lot and Mistress Pottersmoot is apparently attempting to curry favor with them. Recall, our hostess implied when we first arrived that their typical clientele are women, many of standing, and that they cater to those gentle creatures. Our staying is highly outside the norm; we are expected to act as gentlemen.'
He covers the dwarf's hand with his own. 'No one faulted your decision to leave for a more... interesting locale, but I believe that we all assumed we would not see you again until much later. That you returned when you did, in your current state of disrepair, took us all by surprise is all. I fear that the all too real stink of the tavern upon you would offend the other guests.' With an arch look he continues, 'I was serious that if you get to our shared room like this after complaining about the smells from bunking with Zaharin, I am going to be offended.'
Shrugging his shoulders, a grin spreading across his face, he proffers, 'If you prefer, you and I can go find a suitable middle ground inn for dinner. I honestly do not think I will be missed. Truth be told, I would not miss the company of those two snooty women.'
@Saiai: Marigold smiles as a flower with your comment upon her establishment. "This is usually such a rough world, especially this part of the world. There is little joy or beauty here. I am honored that you have seen what we little we have to share."
* * *
@Aurelian: The elder Koroma speaks carefully, choosing her words without the ease of a practiced diplomat, but trying to be fair. "My daughter and I were ordered here to 'observe'. They wish that I report firsthand on how the City, the Iomedaens, and the Blackfists interact. Were it up to me..." Her daughter cuts in, trying to prevent her mother saying something untoward.
"What my mother means to say is that she is happy to serve Mendev as she is ordered and we are honored to be visiting this city."
Kergrik dour expression turns to one of amusement as Kosz begins to talk. “Ah well if its favour they’re trying to win then I had better make an appearance. After all my line is one of the oldest and most high standing in five kings…” making to move past Kosz then pausing to see the expression on the paladins face. Finally stopping and bellowing with laughter “Oh yes, I think the wayward son of the most notoriously racist noble house in the whole of the Avistan would make a fine dinner guest. Ah yer have saved me an evening of explaining Kosz and for that I thank you. Kergrik then makes to slap the Aasimar on the back but stops upon seeing the state of his hands “hmm It would appear yer correct about the state of my current attire tell the old hag to send me up a bucket of clean water and some soap I can do the rest. Oh and tell her that I have been… taken unwell. But would like a bottle of wine and a bowl of that stew to ease my illness”.
Kosz visibly relaxes at his friend's laughter. 'Good to hear you laugh my friend. I will see if we can find one of her house servants as we pass through the rear of the establishment and have those brought to you. I will convey your sincerest apologies for missing out on the... privilege of meeting her esteemed guests.' The paladin sighes at the thought of returning to the dinner party. 'Next time I get to be the roughhouse drunk, agreed?' He says with a grin and a slap of the back to Kergrik.
@Kergrik: Marigold is happy to (send someone else to) set a bath (or bucket) for your bathing needs. Indeed, while you bath a delicately portioned plates of chicken, vegetables, and soup are also brought to your room.
@Kosz: As you return to the table, you sense a softening in the manner of Marigold. "I trust your friend is okay? You whisked him out of here so quickly, I thought you saw some illness in him." Dropping her napkin, and reaching down to pick it up, Marigold whispers, "I appreciate your quick actions upon by behalf." She then returns her attention to the rest of the dinner party.
@Kosz: As you return to the table, you sense a softening in the manner of Marigold. "I trust your friend is okay? You whisked him out of here so quickly, I thought you saw some illness in him." Dropping her napkin, and reaching down to pick it up, Marigold whispers, "I appreciate your quick actions upon by behalf." She then returns her attention to the rest of the dinner party.
Kosz replies, 'I think Kergrik found something disagreed with his delicate constitution.'
He acknowledges Mistress Pottersmoot's whisper with a slight inclination of his head. Pray, tell. What did I miss?'
"And what 'ave you 'eard of the city? I must confess, I was surprised to 'ear of ze tension when we joined, even despite ze 'Ellknights reputation. We must join forces to destroy ze demons, not each other. United we stand, divided we shall certainly fall."
Aurelian looks sincerely concerned by the prospect fighting might brak out between factions of Crusaders.
Thank you for asking, the bath was exceptionally good. I've thanked your maid profusely for her exceptional care. Zaharin smirks at Marigold as she leads him to the food.
Arriving late to the table, Zaharin nods respectfully to those present and sits down. He wonders a moment on how to observe protocol, but then after taking in the first sips of the stew, attacks the meal with gusto.
Between bites, Zaharin muses the two nobles are not there to be seen, rather to see. Them Hellknights certainly are kicking things about.
@Aurelian: Beryl looks at her mother before speaking tenatively. "I do not think we expect fighting between the two, or the three if you count the Mendev Military, but things are tense. Those Blackfists tend to think that their way is best. It can lead to some 'problems'. But no outright fighting....yet."
When dessert course arrives, it is a warm sweet bread with a caramel drizzle. Marigold continues to make polite and neutral conversation with all the guests.
For the second time during the meal, the door bangs open to allow entry for a familiar face. The door opens and a man enters.
Marigold rises to greet the guest, flustered at yet another interruption. "Usually our dinners are very quiet, most guests are in by nightfall," she exclaims.
Briar the Lesser pokes his head into the room, and without thinking begins to speak: "Pardon me, I'm looking for a mercenary company by name of the Blades..." his voice trails off as he sees the rest of the group.
"There you guys are! I've been looking in every tavern in this entire city! And you guys are here?"
Briar seems oblivious to Marigolds increasing horror and the ladies displeasure.
"Mon ami, zees ees one of ze finest establishments in the city, a place where we can escape from ze coarse manners and loud voice at so many ozer establishments."
" 'Ave you eaten? Ze food 'ere, eet ees fantastique but we should not continue to linger 'ere and disrupt ze lovely ladies' coversation."
Kosz actually forgets himself and snickers at Zaharin's words.
Briar quickly overcomes his shock at seeing his companions here and smiles in an effort to earn the good graces of the ladies.
"Forgive me, ladies, I was overly concerned for the health of my comrades. I thought they lost or kidnapped or stolen. I have had a long hard day. Please forgive my interruption. I shall wait outside until the meal is over."
Briar lets himself out with an obsequious bow.
Dinner ends in a nice dessert which the ladies will barely touch before making excuses to return to their room.
Marigold will linger a few moments longer before also tending to the night's business. She will thank each guest with a forced, but polite, compliment on the niceness of the conversation, but overall, you get the impression that the dinner did not go over to her liking.
The Blades have survived dinner without causing a major incident or crimes against the Mendev royalty and are free for the night.
Hearing the din quiet down, Briar re-enters the room.
"What in Abadar's Scales were you thinking in coming here? This is literally the last place I looked in this dang town. I've been to the Angry Ogre, The Stunted Hag, The Overfat Gnome, you get the picture."
Walking to the table, Briar begins to poke at the remnants of the desserts. Briar snatches a few bits of fruit from the ladies' desserts and pops them into his mouth before continuing.
"You guys should see the outside of town! To one side there is an enormous, and growing, Hellknight army. To the other, is a smaller encampment of Iomedaen forces. I didn't get too close to either, but I get Maverick Means is in that one. I've never seen so many knights in one place."
Briar looks at bit awestuck by the experience.
"So, you guys are staying here, eh? I'm going to crash elsewhere. This place...doesn't quite suit my style. Want to meet at first light in front of the Angry Ogre? We'll pay a visit to SubCommander Means?"
"Ah, my friend, 'ave you not ze soul of an elf? Ze beauty of zis place, it speaks to me. We are about to go into ze scourge of ze world, should we not 'ave something to 'old onto before so zat we may remember why we are fighting?"
"But of course, you may stay elsewhere. We shall meet at first light to see ze Subcommander."
Aurelian leans back in his chair, relaxing after the meal, his eyes half-lidded.
Kosz quirks an eyebrow at Briar. 'Why wouldn't we stay here?'
Shrugging at his companion, he asks, 'So you saw two armies camped outside the city. This must just have happened as we didn't see any sign of it as we approached Kenabres. Did you hear the cause of it?'
"Armies may not have been the right word." Briar scratches his head and counts again. "What do you call 200 men? 100 men? They could be an army? Or a 'force'? A 'contingent'? What I do know was there are are many of them. About a mile away. We didn't see them because they are to the west and north of here, we came from the East."
Briar winkles his nose at the question.
"The cause of it? The CAUSE!?" Briar looks around incredulously at the Blades, as if the answer is obvious. "The cause is the demons and the glory. The GLORY!" Briar has a wild look in his eyes.
"The cause of it? The CAUSE!?" Briar looks around incredulously at the Blades, as if the answer is obvious. "The cause is the demons and the glory. The GLORY!" Briar has a wild look in his eyes.
Kosz raises a placating hand. 'No need to get excited, friend Briar. The way you described their placement sounded like they may be antagonistic towards one another. I only wanted to know that they were not facing off against each other and ruining another chance at driving back the forces of chaos.'
Saiai refrains from arching an eyebrow in a moment of confusion at the wild look in Briar's eyes. Instead she remains calm and her face is a blank mask as she looks over the remaining food. Ever since she had taken the sacred ring from her dead Shifu she had found that her ever present need for food and water had faded to nothing as the weeks passed and she need less sleep to sustain her as well. She sighed as she rose from the table and gently pushed her chair in.
"Only fools ignore this cancer that spreads in Mendev. If they get in our way they shall be left broken in my wake... Thank you all as always for good company and cheer. I shall see you in the morning."
Just before sunrise a loud knock hits each of your doors. A young female's voice says, "Time to rise!" before moving on the next room.
* * *
At sunrise, a sleepy Briar awaits you at the Angry Ogre. He's on his saddle, but it's clear that he has slept little.
Kosz, once more in his plate and astride a horse, nods to his companion as they arrive. 'Well met, Dreamer. I hope your rest was as refreshing as mine!.'
Aurelian puts on his armor and gathers his glaive with a sigh -- he knows the necessity of arms and armor, but can't help longing for the day he can set them aside to work in his garden -- heading downstairs and to the Angry Ogre. Grabbing a piece of bread and hard cheese from the inn, he breaks his fast as he waits for his other companions.
"Good morning, mes amis, I 'ope you slept well."
Briar leads you to the north gate, one that the guards will tell you eventually leads to Valas's Gift and then on to Icerift Castle.
The ride out to the Iomedaen encampment goes without trouble as the sleepy guards clad in red and gray wave you through the just-opened gates. The early morning mist is slowly burning off and reveals a countryside not unlike what you traveled through to get here: rolling grassy hills, fields of grain, silos and windmills in abundance.
To the east, you see what Briar described: a sizable encampment of black tents and pinions, knights and soldiers clad in black rising to make the day. Already, there are squads of Hellknight infantry pacing and marching in formation.
Briar comments as you ride: "Look at them! Marching!!! Before the sun is yet fully risen! Marching. They must love marching to do it day and night." Briar reigns in his horse to watch the squads marching in squares and back and forth.
"It's almost scary, ain't it? So much....military. So much....order. We'll need them and their precision before this is all said and done, eh?"
Briar kicks his horse into motion again.
To the west, you see the gold and red pinions marking the Iomedaen encampment. Briar rides yet faster to the 'gates' (more an opening in the palisade). Two guards with long dully-tipped spears stand guard.
Kosz takes the time to admire the orderly precision of the Hellknights columns as they perform their morning parade. 'Indeed, my friend. Such discipline will come in handy against the chaotic hordes of the abyss.'
Kosz keeps up with his companions as they approach the entrance to the Iomadean camp.
Kergrik wakes at the same time as Kosz and dons his armour. His plate is dwarven crafted and thus is of very fine quality, the plate of appears to have shortened sleeves leaving his elbows free of protection this adjustment has been made to suit Kergrik’s fighting style. Finally to carefully crafted hooks in his vambraces Kergrik attaches fine chain and wraps these around his forearms leaving two small hooks free so that he might attach his axes to them later Kergrik goes with Kosz to the Angry Ogre and eats heartily he makes idle and jovial talk during his walk and meal. This banter will continue as he makes his way with the other blades towards the camp.
Aurelian looks sadly at the marching knihts. "Yes, zey will be needed, but I see no beauty when I look at zem. Such sad lives zey must lead."
Atop Booyah, Zaharin straddles the beast beckoning to a stop as he gazes too at the clockwork marching of the Hellknights. His winter clothing donned, anticipating the start of a cold, long and hard campaign. He gives not a second thought to the mithril shirt underneath as if it were a second skin.
Better them on our side when the spawn comes visiting, friend.
He checks the vials and bottles about his person, giving them a final fastening before chasing after Briar.
Saiai had slept very little, she barely slept over two hours most nights and spent the rest of her 'sleep' time meditating. She was sheathing her freshly sharpened weapons and maintaining Redeemer when the hearty knocking started. With a sigh she shouldered her packed gear and joined the rest of her allies by the angry ogre.
========================================
Saiai watched the ellknights display with a neutral expression, as impressive as it was they only gained that through the brutal training they went through to obtain that level of order. The Iomedian's gained the same neutral respect from, yet another cog in the great wheel. They would do they're part when the time came, all that matter to her was bringing demons low, whether the various factions were helpful didn't concern her...
She kept Redeemer close at hand as they rode, a pair of arrows knocked and ready. She trusted little these days, only her close comrades gave her comfort when she rested at night. "I hope we find deamons this day, its been awhile since we practiced our skills."
Briar both shares in Saiai's desire to see demons and, at the same time, boggles at the level of demonry that would need to exist to give them a chance to face it here, in the center of Hellknight and Iomedae central.
Briar rides up to the Iomedaen guards.
"Brothers! We seek an audience with Sir Maverick Means. He's not expecting us, but he has summoned us." Briar holds up the well-worn recruiting posting.
The guard looks to the announcement and sniffs before smiling.
"Ah, but that announcement is weeks old. It closed a while back. No matter, we'll see if he will see you."
The guard whistles and a young boy runs up.
They whisper briefly before the boy runs off at top speed.
* * *
It is a few minutes before the same young boy comes back with a young man in tow. While the child is no more than 8 or 9, the young man is at best 15. From the way he dresses, you would think he was a squire.
The young man stops before the guards and seems to look intently at the Blades of Golarion, spending at least 18 seconds in silence as he concentrates.
Seemingly satisfied, the young man approaches, nodding to the guards.
"Well met." The young man squeaks in a voice that has yet to break into manhood. He stutters for a moment before offering the customary greeting of the Iomedaen-Mendev military, a kiss to his hand that he places to his chest (touching the insignia of Iomedae) before raising that hand to the sun and making a fist.
"If you will follow me, I shall see you the horse billets and then to Maverick Means."
"Very well, my friend. Lead on, and we shall follow. 'Opefully Means shall find some way we can 'elp fight ze demons."
The young man stops before the guards and seems to look intently at the Blades of Golarion, spending at least 18 seconds in silence as he concentrates.
From the depths of his helm, Kosz chortles at the young man's earnest stare.
'Apparently, you are still not evil, Kergrik. Do not worry overmuch. There is always next time.' The aasimar states deadpan to his dwarven companion.
Ah Damn! but I was tryin' so hard that time. But as yer say always next time. Anyhow You've heard me singin', voice of an angel me! Kergrik says with a grin.
Aurelian shudders theatrically. "I zink you do not know what an angel actually sounds like, my friend ... or we 'ave been giving ze angels far too much credit for far too long."
The squire leads the party through a parade of tents, most showing the red and gold of Iomedae. Knights and soldiers, nobles and knaves, and soldiers and servants, all stir in the morning.
This camp, it seems, rises more slowly than the one across the road.
After several minutes of walking, the Squire stops before a tent decorated no differently than the ones you have passed...this one is just larger.
He bids you to wait outside as he enters.
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The tent flaps fly open and you shield your eyes from the sun reflecting off the plate mail emerging from the tent. "Piddlespot!" An Andoran man in full plate with a holy symbol of Iomedae hanging from his neck rests his right hand on the great sword on his side. Every possible surface shined to a mirror polish, he looks ready for a parade or a museum. He looks around at you and at no one in particular. "Take my advice! Never take a promotion unless the only thing you ever want to wield is a pen."
He lifts up the recruitment notice in his left hand, "You're late! Do you think evil has just been sitting around waiting for you to get here? Took time to take a bath I see. This isn't a ball or a jubilee. People end up dead when you're fashionably late. Why should I send you out now? I should just take care of things myself. Anything to get out from behind that bloody desk."
"Our apologies, Master Means. Eet took us some time to get ze notice of crusade and zen some time for us to travel from Cheliax. But we are 'ere now, with blades and spells, and we wish to fight ze demons. If you 'ave no jobs for us, per'aps we shall just go into ze WorldWound ourselves to find demons we may kill."
'Well, good sir, you seem not to appreciate our offer. If you have no need for us, we can always avail ourselves of yonder larger camp. If nothing else, they seem to be disciplined and well organized.'
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"Our apologies, Master Means. Eet took us some time to get ze notice of crusade and zen some time for us to travel from Cheliax. But we are 'ere now, with blades and spells, and we wish to fight ze demons. If you 'ave no jobs for us, per'aps we shall just go into ze WorldWound ourselves to find demons we may kill."
"Sounds like a wonderful idea. I send a bunch of freshly washed lillies into the world wound and you all die. I'm relieved of command due to my incompetence and sent back to the front lines where I can wield a sword again. Yes, it sounds like a wonderful plan!
'Well, good sir, you seem not to appreciate our offer. If you have no need for us, we can always avail ourselves of yonder larger camp. If nothing else, they seem to be disciplined and well organized.'
"Oh yes. Another great idea! You're going to join a group that calls themselves the HELLknights. I thought I saw the words cannon fodder tattooed on your forehead. It sounds like that will work out just as well as the first plan. Of course, both plans entail me being complicit in the death of multiple innocents."
"Or, I guess there's work for you to do. Nothing special. Just take care of some cultists encamped several miles north of here. Who knows what they're up to? Probably trying to summon some demons, make a pact with a devil, sacraficing babies. In any case, if you didn't come all this way to enjoy the local spa, Kyson Tirc can act as your guide. If those cultists have managed to summon or entice something, be sure to bring us a sample of their remains for our demonologists."
"Sounds like a wonderful idea. I send a bunch of freshly washed lillies into the world wound and you all die. I'm relieved of command due to my incompetence and sent back to the front lines where I can wield a sword again. Yes, it sounds like a wonderful plan!
'You take us for freshly washed lillies? Then the charge of incompetence is not so far fetched.'
"Oh yes. Another great idea! You're going to join a group that calls themselves the HELLknights. I thought I saw the words cannon fodder tattooed on your forehead. It sounds like that will work out just as well as the first plan. Of course, both plans entail me being complicit in the death of multiple innocents."
'Are you certain your superiors were not just being kind promoting you from the field? Perhaps due to your loss of hearing? We did just tell you that we came from Cheliax. You have heard of it? The country that sponsers the Hellknights. Those proud warriors of order who have a great reputation long preceding their home country's recent change in religion or government.'
"Or, I guess there's work for you to do. Nothing special. Just take care of some cultists encamped several miles north of here. Who knows what they're up to? Probably trying to summon some demons, make a pact with a devil, sacraficing babies. In any case, if you didn't come all this way to enjoy the local spa, Kyson Tirc can act as your guide. If those cultists have managed to summon or entice something, be sure to bring us a sample of their remains for our demonologists."
'As for rampaging cultists, if that's the worst you have ascertained, we can easily disperse them. Although if cultists are the extent of your aims, it is no wonder you have spent the last three crusades underwhelming all of Golarion and earning the ire of the gods themselves.'
As Kosz wheels his horse to leave, he turns back. 'Take my advice! Employ that sword twice more. Once, on the backsides of these feckless layabouts you gathered to your banner. They need discipline and training. Who knows? You might just find them a leader while you are at it. When that is finished, fall upon that sword and preserve what little honor to which your family still cleaves. Your whining and denegrating attitude to any others come to destroy the demon hordes only displays your petty thinking and bias against all who are not of your mindset.'
'I will await all of you outside of this camp. I abide by your collective decision.'
Saiai can't help herself as she fixes this 'important' man with a baleful glare, her eyes glowed brightly from behind her veil. She arched her horns and looked down upon the man as a wave of disgust brought a chill to her voice, at that moment she didn't care if her heritage revealed itself. Man like this one angered her over all others. "'Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill. The thought manifests as the word. The word manifests as the deed. The deed develops into habit. And the habit hardens into character. So watch the thought and its ways with care. And let it spring from love, born out of concern for all beings.' This was something my Shifu used to say before demons overran our monastery. Where were you? Perhaps behind your desk no doubt, or crying into your flagon of piss you call ale? While the demons ran amok, the only ones who stood against them were monks and the Blades you see before you."
She barely resists spitting at the mans feet as her rage overwhelms her momentarily. "So damn your joking and jesting, if there are children to be saved from cultists then let us be on our way and for our own reasons. If Iomedae accepts this as suitable 'leadership' then she has chosen poorly and can be twice damned for her failings." She tightens her veil and adjusts her helm as she stands lithely for a moment before turning away and gracefully following after the retreating Kosz.
After a few steps though, bitter tears roll down her cheeks. "I'm sorry Shifu, I do not have your wisdom nor your patience. I have failed you again..."
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She tightens her veil and adjusts her helm as she stands lithely for a moment before turning away and gracefully following after the [bigger]retreating[/biggger] Kosz.
Maverick laughs heartily, "I remember those good days of adventuring and freelancing. The ability to pick and chose assignments. No command structure so no insuboordination. The ability to tell a piddlespot like myself to take a flying leap. Of course, I also remember not retreating from harsh words and having skin thicker than my plate mail."
Maverick stretches his arms and neck and takes in the view before turning back to enter the tent. As he leaves he looks over his shoulder, "Good luck to you all whatever you choose. The world needs you so forgive my harsh tongue. Feel free to wander aimlessly into the Worldwound, but if your looking for action accept my offer and accept Kyson Tirc as as guide."
Ah! Master Means, sometimes soft words and a big stick achieve more than would a stick on his own. Rely on your brutish ways and callous speak to keep yourself alive in this campaign and you'll find yourself biting more than you can chew. Not to mention racking up the body count on the wrong side. Zaharin murmurs in a soft chiding manner, before following Kozs back.
I hope I am wrong and there is more than meets the eye to this fool. Else it's an early grave for all of us.
Aurelian gives the man a chagrined look.
"Ah, as I said, we 'ave traveled a long way to arrive, and I zink my fellow Blades are disappointed zat we 'ave arrived too late. Tell us where I may find zis Kyson Tirc and we shall go save ze babies from zese culteests."