Briar stands stunned by the words from Kosz and then from Zaharin.
What are they saying? Have they proven themselves here?
Briar sighs and looks at Kergrik, wondering what the dwarf is going to do.
I'll go in the tent in a moment, I would speak with Sir Means further about this.
Kergrik stares hard at the man across the desk after a time he snorts ”come come Kosz, Zaharin lemme share with yeh a wise sayin’. “Never eadbutt yer paymaster, even if hes as dense as onix, with the sense of humour to match, at least till after yer debts are settled…also never edbutt an ettin coz they won’t feel it through their think skull and they always have a backup who will be jealous.” now turning to sir means so cultists tis then what but prey tell what work do yeh ‘ave for the rest of me companions?... Ha I jest, but whilst we have scattered the vermin I hope you can find us a suitably daring and heroic posting”
That is another way of looking at it, Kergik. I just hope this assignment is just an assessment of our capabilities and demeanor. And all that coarseness was just for show. It would be a sad day when a fool commander sends us to our death because of his ineptitude. Pity.
Zaharin says this out in a even toned voice before continuing on more animatedly.
If he wants us to deal with cultists then cultists it is. Maybe afterwards we could look up into that spa he mentioned. Yeah.
Briar heads in to the tent.
He is heard introducing himself to Sir Means.
Saiai quickly catches up to Kosz after several long strides and comes to stand beside him in the Iomedean encampment. She stands quietly allowing her fellow to recover himself and for her own moment of weakness to pass. When she finally speaks its with her usual tone, purposeful and determined. "As much as I want to teach that man the way of the Fist. I rather find those cultists he spoke of, with or without 'his' help. Perhaps someone else around her has an idea as to where we need to go..."
Kosz looks kindly upon his proven friend. 'I will gladly go after cultists that are plaguing the land and people. Everything that works towards Her goal is worthwhile. I suggest we await our friends to ascertain their thoughts in this matter.'
Saiai nodded to Kosz words, even though she felt like rushing off and doing something more useful then standing around. She pulled out redeemer and absently strummed the bowstring, it helped keep her calm and reminded her of playing the shamisen in the monastery garden. Maybe she had time to return to the city and find one... "Of course Kosz, hopefully they are quick about it or else I'm returning to town to buy an instrument. I'd rather pass the time with practice and peace, then boredom and idleness."
The dull grey helm swivels towards Saiai. From it's depths the muffled tinny voice says, 'It is good that you can still hear the music of the world around us. There is much that is beautiful which we must work to preserve or else the struggle here is pointless.'
Briar waits inside with Sir Means, wondering if his companions will join him.
"Sir Means, even if my companions will not help, I shall. What can I do to help? This is bigger than pride or my arrogance. What would I do?"
Aurelian looks frustrated as he enters the tent. "Well? I 'ave asked you where zis Kyson Tirc may be found, zat my companions and I can stop zese cultists. 'E did not magically appear outside your tent, so I wonder 'ow may we find him to guide us as you 'ave suggested."
"We 'ave clearly began in poor fashion, wiz ze 'orse stepping on our feet instead of us riding on ze 'orse, but let ze Blades prove to you what we are capable of."
Zaharin heads back into the tent, thinking that once stuck in, better go the whole way through. He presents himself to Sir Means, ready.
I prefer to see some action rather than sit fiddling my thumbs. Where is this Kyson Tirc you spoke of? Tell him to hurry as evil has not been sitting around whilst we took time getting here, bathing.
The dull grey helm swivels towards Saiai. From it's depths the muffled tinny voice says, 'It is good that you can still hear the music of the world around us. There is much that is beautiful which we must work to preserve or else the struggle here is pointless.'
Saiai tilted her head as she looked around at the land around her, at first her impression of the Iomedean camp was disorganize and messy. But now she was seeing an order to their tents, there was a system they were holding too which she hadn't seen before now it was very puzzling to figure out. Kosz comment brought her out of her musing as it caught her unawares for a moment and she was too shocked to think about what to say back. "There are many things that maintain harmony and balance, music is one of the things I truly enjoy most of all. It lightens the world with its passing and it can uplift the spirit or bring mourning with the pulling of only a few cords. I only truly care because of what a monk's saw in a babe with red skin and horns, they saw something that I still cannot comprehend. Perhaps I never will... But you are right my friend, there is far too much beauty and innocence in this world to allow it to be despoiled."
She sighs for a moment as she re-slings Redeemer across her back and looks back towards the command tent. "As much as Sir Means needs to find peace and enlightment, perhaps its best we head back... Especially because I don't want to listen to Briar berate us for the next decade, its hard to meditate when he's angry." She says the last bit jokingly as she smiles behind her veil before making her way back to the command tent. She would have to remember to buy a shamisen sometime...
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Maverick Means leans against his desk as he speaks with Briar. "You are a bright eyed one aren't you? I have something especially suited to you I believe."
Turning to Aurelian and Zaharin, "As I said, forgive my harsh words, you are obviously not the typical sheepherders, fishermen, and bird lovers sent to me to obstensibly help. You also do not appear to be farmerhands tired of the fields and looking to make a quick fortune."
He turns to a boy quietly sitting in the corner, "Fetch me Kyson Tirc at once."
Turning back to the party, "If you merely seek adventure, then please wander on. If you would serve a higher calling though. If you would protect Mendev and respect Iomedae's honor and justice, then your assistance in dealing with the cultists is welcome. Again, I do not know what they are up to. They are enemies of the state at least, but I suspect they are enemies of all that is good. The only justice for them is death. If you have not the stomach for this war, again feel free to wander into the Worldwound where you may kill things that won't pain your conscience. Mendev needs 'good' allies, not just powerful ones like the hellknights."
The squire runs from the tent, first appearing to go left, but then is seen running to the right almost as if he forgot where we was going.
"But Sir Means, I would fight with my colleges." Briar seems conflicted, but also honored that a special task would be assigned to him.
"But Sir Means, I would fight with my colleges." Briar seems conflicted, but also honored that a special task would be assigned to him.
"Perhaps I was wrong about you. They are your colleagues son. College is obviously something you never attended despite the wishes of your parents I bet. I do tire of hearing myself saying the same things over and over. If you want to help, if you want to be of assistance, if you want to work with Iomedean colleagues, if you want to be one of the many rather than the individual bug that gets squashed, then you will follow orders and trust in your superiors to best utilize your skills. Otherwise, the tent flap is not locked."
"We are more zan willing to be advised about 'ow we can most 'elp ze effort 'ere in Mendev. My first allegiance shall always be to my goddess, Ze Eternal Rose, but she would 'ave me do what I can to make zis land a safer place. If zat means discovering what zese cultists are up to or putting zem to ze guillotine, zen zat ees what we shall do. You 'ave ze word of Aurelian Fache on zat!"
A few minutes after Aurelian last spoke, Saiai enters the command tent with a casual stride. She holds up a hand to their 'soon to be' commander hushing him before she regretted coming back to face him. "I won't apologize for what I've said and I don't expect you too either. So let us start again. I am Saiai No Kodomo, Last disciple of the Temple of Four Winds. I was taken in and trained by the monks of the temple, but they are gone now and I have worked to protect the land with bow and fist alongside the Blades." As she speaks she opens her veil and slowly unwinds her tail from beneath her heavy clothing as she slowly began revealing her demonic features. "If I am going to work with you, then I'm not about to lie or hide what I am. Because of my heritage it makes it easier for me to fight deamons, predict what they will do next and... Resist their influence.".
She stood casually with a hand on her hip and her tail flicking back and forth, happy to be unbound, as if it had a mind of its own.
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"Well met, Saiai and you too Aurelian," Maverick reponds, looking at Aurelian as pledges fealty to Iomedae.
"You, Aurelian, I want to believe your sincerity. In fact, if you would work with us, I would ask the same of you. When you work for us, you represent us, the Iomedaens of Mendev, and I need a promise from each of you to both uphold the laws of Mendev and Iomedae. We are here to protect the citizens of Mendev against the demons and agree to work with our allies in the best interest of our cause."
Maverick walks directly in front of Kosz and addresses him, "I would have your word on this, friend. I know we started off badly, but I need to know you'll work for the best interest of Mendev."
* * *
(Maverick will repeat with all the Blades, getting their word before Kyson arrives.)
"Aye ye ave my word, now friends lets be riddin ourselves of these ere cultists sharp like so we can drown these 'arsh words with our new commander, in ale and stories of great deeds... who be with me!?!"
"You 'ave my word as well. My goddess counts Iomedae as 'er ally, so I could do no less wiz' 'er followers."
'Iomedae implicitly trusts Alseta, to the point of ceding custody of her own portfolio and followers to the Grey Lady when necessary. Where do you place your faith, Iomedite; in your goddess or my word?'
Surely you have my word. I will uphold your laws and serve your cause as long as I am bound to you in service. This I would do as duty permits.
Saiai grimaced at the idea of being 'Bound by the laws' of Mendev and Iomedae. She sighed loudly at the thought that the enemy they fought wasn't bound by laws or other forms of foolhardy red tape that mortals enjoyed. They were out to win and so was she...
"As much as I hate to be bound by any law that may restrict me in my ability to fight our enemies. I will pledge that while I fight for you and within Mendev's borders that I will follow the law as best I can. I will always choose a innocents life above my own, laws be damned if that choice must be made." She bows her head for a moment as she speaks in a solemn tone. "By the light and love of the creator, I swear to uphold Iomedae and Mendev Law while fighting for them within their borders, whilst defending the innocent and the weak until my last breath. For what it is worth, the last disciple of The temple of the Four Winds stands with you Maverick Means."
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"Good enough. Thank you for your pledges, I will take you at your words." Maverick Means points his finger at map of Mendev that highlights the terrain around Kenabres.
"Let me explain exactly what I need while we wait for Kyson," Maverick motions you closer to the map, his stubby finger pointing to a particular vale.
"As I mentioned, we know cultist have camped here, near the border to the Worldwould, trying to entire demons between the barriers of the wardstones. Kyson who will show you to their camp. Administer Iomedean Justice to the lot of them! Bring back the heads of whatever demon spawn they may have conjured or made deals with. Our demonologist wishes to know what kind of demons might be escaping. Do you understand?”
Maverick looks from face to face, seeking assent.
"I'd ask the Hellknights or local Mendev guard for aid in this, but they are just not good allies. I'd give my arm for some decent allies. The Hellknights are more than likely annex the entire region and push the local villagers out of the area, and the Mendev regulars are too busy with other incursions," Maverick says between clenched teeth.
As he finishes speaking the entry to the tent opens and an older man, with black hair and brown eyes and steaks of grey both in his whiskers and hair, enters.
"Any questions before I introduce you to your guide, Kyson?"
"Forgive me my friend, but I do not wish to get off on ze wrong foot again. Do you wish us to bring zese cultists back alive or merely wish zem dead if zey are een fact consorting with ze demons? I zink we should be clear so zat zere are no ozer confusions between us."
Your orders are understood. Investigate the cultist threat alongside their demonic allies, correct? And put an end to it should they are what they are. Just how many cultists are we dealing with here?
Kyson clears his throat.
"If I may answer these questions, Sir Means?" When Maverick nods, Kyson continues.
"Here, in Mendev, my order of the Queen, we have zero tolerance for those who would traffic with demons. It is considered the highest treason, one both against Iomedae and Mendev. We have but one punishment for them: death." Kyson adjusts a holy symbol (Iomedae) on his shoulder, clasped against a red and gold cloak.
"As for your question, friend, this is a small party of cultists. A scout observed them a few days ago and we must make haste to eliminate them. He recorded 5 among their numbers."
Kyson is clad in a light chain shirt, a red and gold tabard with the insignia of Iomedae, and with a small buckler on his left arm. A red and gold colored cloak lays about his shoulders, matching the coloring of his holy symbol. A holy symbol of Iomedae graces his armor over his heart.
Kyson carries longspear. A darkwood longbow is draped over his shoulders. Kyson also has a silver morningstar and a quiver on his belt.
"Any more questions?"
Saiai's tail whips in irritation as she listens thoughtfully to Maverick as he explains the situation. With a serious tone she responds to what he had said to them. "Good to meet you Mr. Tirc. As for any more questions, I have none, I only hope we can put them down quickly, trafficking with demons... The cultists will deserve what they get and should be glad it is we who end them instead of the foul creatures that would have betrayed them anyways." She wraps her tail back up around her waist and pulls up her veil once more. "I am ready whenever you are."
Kyson looks over Saiai, even walking around her, before facing her again.
"See this spear here? Notice the tip? It is cold iron. Cold iron, and Iomedae's wrath, are the only things these demons fear. Do you have any, Miss...??" Kyson leaves the question hanging, before turning to the rest of the group.
"All of you listen clear because I'll not want your deaths on my hands. Each of you should have cold iron upon your person...the demons fall quickly them, and seem to shrug off other weapons."
Kyson looks at Maverick and sighs.
It is as if Kyson is wondering if he will be able to keep you guys alive as he feels that you are unprepared for this.
Kyson looks at Aurelian and Kergrik to see if they understand.
"We go against demons and I want you all to live."
sense motive:
"Oh aye I get yer, but if yer hit em hard enough they still go down. With any luck we can nip this thing in the bud before any such daemons present themselves. That bein said if you ave a spare Waraxe in cold iron I’d happily accept a loan.”
Kergrik postures a bit and fixes a stare at the old man a wry smile on his lips.
"I also could use a cold iron weapon if one ees available. While my blade, eet ees enchanted, and I 'ave experience fighting demons, I 'ave not encountered zem in ze numbers we are likely to find 'ere."
Saiai nods to Kyson words and is comopletely unaware of the exchange between Kyson and Maverick. "If you have some arrows tipped with cold iron for me to buy from your troops then I will be set. If not I will return to town post haste and come back adequately prepared."
"Sadly, there is a shortage of cold iron here in camp. We buy what we can afford, but we always need more. There are merchants in town who can sell you what you need."
Kyson looks at everyone again as if to weigh and judge them again.
"I need to prepare some things for our trip. I expect we will be going out two days, possibly 3, then back again in 2 or so. Why don't we meet outside of camp at a the high sun?"
"If you have no further questions, I'll leave you to prepare."
(If no further questions) Kyson nods to Maverick and backs out of the tent.
Saiai nods and begins to leave, pausing at the tent flap in the entry of the command tent to look back at Commander Means. "If there isn't anything else, then I will leave to prepare. I will see you all shortly."
Zaharin looks at his equipment and sadly notes his lack of cold iron equipment. Wait up Saiai, I'm coming too.
Seeing his friends and adventuring companions exiting the Iomedite camp, Kosz raises a gauntleted hand in greeting. 'What ho, friends! How are the Blades decided? Will we hunt down cultist's or are we off to meet with another camp?'
Ah! Kosz! Good to see you still around. A different game this time, cultist hunting's the name. Not much different from the bandit hunting you and me both know well. Take no prisoners if that's what they're up to and the law provides.
Zaharin, in a good mood raises his hand back.
Saiai and me, both off back to town. We're looking for cold iron weapons and I am lacking. Our soon to be guide thinks we'd be eggs if we don't pack any, but I think we both know better eh? Joining?
Aurelian leaves the tent with his companions, also heading for town.
"I zink we should also get some rations for our trip. Eet 'as been some time since I 'ave been in Mendev, and with ze demons and armies nearby, ze hunting may not be too good."
You can find the cold iron weapons you want and need in town at only a 10% mark up in price.
Indeed, Kenabres is a decent sized town (5,000+) and you can find most basic (and cold iron) equipment with little hassle.
The grey knight sits still and silent for several seconds before responding, 'Perhaps some bolts tipped in cold iron would be a worthy addition to my trusty morningstar. I will join you!
The grey knight sits still and silent for several seconds before responding, 'Perhaps some bolts tipped in cold iron would be a worthy addition to my trusty morningstar. I will join you!
Before the others leave Kergrik shouts “Would any of ye like me t’put an edge back on your blades?” he says gleefully waving a well worn whetstone in the air “An I’d be much obliged if ye would gather for me the items on this list from the market. As yer may well remember merchants and me don’t mix well”
At a bit past midday, Kyson Tirc reigns his horse just outside the Iomedaen compound. His horse, a grey mare named Cliron, paws at the ground, anxious for the grass just out of reach.
Kyson looks to the city waiting the Blades.
Come now, we have cultists to vanquish.
Saiai returns from the city looking a little worse for wear, she had picked up Kergrik's and Kosz order along with her own. It had been a hell of time wrangling over prices with the merchants though and she was frustrated over how much money mattered over success. As she exited the city she hefty the load of arrows bolts and axes easily enough.
It didn't take her long to return to where Kyson Tirc was waiting and she politely declined Kergrik's offer to sharpen her weapons. Last time she accepted she poked holes in her clothing because he had gotten a hold of one her Sai's. She smiled remembering his complaints of how odd her Sai's were, 'Just not a proper weapon... Now a axe, especially Dwarven. Now thats a weapon!'
She quickly handed back the weapons everyone had asked for and watched Tirc sit impatiently on his steed. "Bolts for Kosz. Heres your pile Kergrik and i'm all set with thee cold iron tipped arrows."