Kagyu lands a blow with his spiritual glaive killing one of the attackers. As the raider falls the others seem to see that thigns are not going as planned and begin to make their way back towards the river.
On the other side of the camp the sounds you hear tell you that something similar is going on. The sounds of battle turn to sounds of surprise as the enemy retreats from the field.
Several dead ulfen warriors lay around the battlefield. You could give chase if you like but the ulfen will reach their boats next turn.
Durian continues to hold his spear ready, making sure the attackers are actually going to leave. He then examines the bodies near him, looking for any sort of indication of where they are from. His first assumption is that they are a large group of bandits trying to rob the caravan, but he wants to make sure.
Tahata is breathing hard from the fight and he calls Maitoh back to his side as the raiders flee back to their boats. "Is this a normal occurrence in the north?" he asks.
As the raiders run off the party begins a search which reveals that each of the 10 dead raiders wears an identical gold arm-ring. Durian knows that a copper arm ring is common in Ulfen society but gold is not. Each of these rings has a very stylized depiction of a lion embossed into the gold.
As the members of the caravan return you can see that, like you, there are not major injuries among their number.
As you take a moment look around you hear one of the raiders, assumed dead, groan where he lays.
Tahata moves over to the wounded man and thrusts his spear down, hovering the tip over his face. "Who are you? Who ordered you to attack us?" he growls.
Durian stands behind Tahata, arms crossed over his chest, trying to look intimidating but letting Tahata do the talking for now.
The ulfen looks at Tahata eyes wide with fear.
"Kill me... kill me... I can tall you nothing."
He is clearly scared of you and in great pain but remains quiet.
"We can help you, we can heal you and protect you. Just tell us who you are," Tahata says, his voice kinder than before.
Kagyu steps forward holding his shield with the sigil of Shelyn clearly in view of the raider, waiting to hear his reply.
"Please," Kagyu implores him. "Let me help you. We are traveling far from here. I can heal you, and we can protect you until the danger towards you is past.
Kagyu looms over the injured man. "Part of my training as a field medic was in surgery, and anatomy. I learned about blood flow, and nerve clusters--how to use these to prolong a patients life, and ease their suffering...." Kagyu lets his shield fall leaden, thudding into the ground, "but the opposite effect can be just as easily obtained."
The ulfen looks up at his interrogators and is momentarily un-phased by Kagyu. When the others jump in his look of arrogance and pain changes to fear and pain. He opens his mouth to speak.
"I was.... I was sent by....... I may die but I was sent by....... ahhhhhrrrgghhh."
His body convulses as blood flows freely from his mouth, eyes and nose.
A spell, probably a gease of some sort, has compelled him to die rather then talk.
As this happens a sound is heard from behind as figures emerge from the dark. A man leading a wagon flanked by three figures speaks.
"What in the name of Abadar went on here? We killed two ulfen... well they did, running off the way we came. Who are you people."
Three people step out of the dark with the man that spoke. Ulfen lie dead all around and one just bled out trying to answer a question.
What do you do?
The man's death is bloody and unpleasant. Tahata's frustration at their inability to get any information from him is visible.
Maitoh lets out a low growl of warning before a voice comes out of the darkness. Tahata looks up, raising his spear, to see three humanoids step out of the gloom. "Who are you people?" he asks gruffly in return. "What do you know about these Ulfen?"
"well that was less than helpful... see if we can salvage anything from them and look for any symbols that could give us clues as to their goals here.
He is interrupted from checking bodies by the arrival of the new group
Who are you lot? you been following us?
A young Minikian woman steps foreword, a small smile upon her face. "Less following and more, trying to catch up." She explained with a small shrug. Even with the fact a spear is pointed her direction she doesn't seem to be too worried and is scanning the area for someone.
"Where is Ameiko?" She asked the group. "I'd very much like to have a few words with my sister."
"Seems like you're following everyone in front of you on the trail, and you're being chased by everyone behind you." A silver haired half-elf offers by way of greeting.
"How long have you been following us?" Tahata asks, his spear held level and Maitoh poised at his side. "And how do we know you're truly Ameiko's sister? Forgive me, but kind strangers seem to be a rarity in these lands."
I am sorry if we are not entirely trusting of strangers who approach immediately after a large and unexpected battle, but we have sworn to protect and aid Ameiko and take that duty very seriously.
Durian relaxes his stance a bit, but maintains his grip on his spear, watching for any aggression by the newcomers
"Well for one, my name is Ayame Kaijitsu." She began with a small shrug "Secondly, the best way would be, well to just ask Ameiko herself." Ayame said.
"Ameiko, koko ni kite, anata no nakama ni tsutaete kudasai. Watashi wa anata no imōtodesu... Anata ga hontōni watashi ni tsuite darenimo iwanainode, soreha..." Ayame then called out in Minikan. Though she did seem to say the last part a bit more bitterly.
"Either way, we'll find out soon enough. If what you say is true, then welcome."
While cordial, it is clear Kagyu's focus is the the recently dead raider, and more specifically, his gold arm band.
"Would one of you be able to detect magic? I suspect each of these raiders is magically bound to secrecy."
Ayame raised her hand a bit. "I can." She said as she stepped foreword as far as she was allowed. "Give it here and I can see." Ayame offered.
The silver-haired half elf speaks up.
"and greetings, my name is Loren. While I wasn't following anyone, it does seem fortunate that you came before us. It seems this road is more dangerous than I was led to believe."
Tahata remains less than completely convinced, but the newcomers seem harmless for now. He lowers his spear, causing Maitoh to sit down beside him. "Where have you travelled from?" he asks Loren.
"Sandpoint." Ayame answered simply. She figured that would have been a given seeing as she was Ameiko's sister but, maybe he still didn't believe her. "and let me tell you, trying to play catch up with you guys has been an event all on its own." She went on to say.
After a moment Ameiko arrives with several of the other caravan members. She was clearly lightly wounded in the battle which delayed her coming back and had not heard her sister was present. Seeing Ayame her jar practically drops off.
"How are you... Are you...." she pauses not finishing either questions "Your here? Are you ok.. did these... where you with the Ulfen?" she is clearly very confused having been woken in the might to find the caravan under attack and now her sister standing here. He mind is spinning to fill in the gaps in what she knows.
While this is happening Sandru approaches carrying a few of the gold armbands with the stylized lion head. He looks to Durian, KAgyu and Tahata saying "This is not the sort of thing that happens? What was that about, anyone know?"
What are you doing now.
[u] Stat Tracker [/u]
Global Condition: None |Ayame HP: 31/31 - AC: 20/14/17 Status:
Kagyu HP: 28/33 - AC: 21/10/21 Status:
Durian HP: 43/43 - AC: 18 (+4 vs Giants)/13/16 Status:
Tahata HP: 35/35 - AC: 20/11/18 Status:
Loren HP: 28/28 - AC: 16/11/16 Status:
Onas HP: 30/30 - AC: 16/12/14Maitoh HP: 2/26 - AC: 16/12/14 Status:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
NPC's:
Ameiko: Bardic Performance | Charm Person (DC15) Feather Step | +1 Rapier +4 (1d4+1)Kpya: HP: 25/25 AC: 14/11/14 | 7/7 Channel 7/7 Bit of Luck | Bless, Longstride, Aid
Sandru: HP: 29/29 AC: 19/12/17 | +1 Scimitar +8 (1d6+4) | Shortbow +6 (1d6)
Shalelu: HP: 53/53 AC: 19/14/15 | Shortsword +8/+3 (1d8+1) | Lonbgbow +11/+6 (1d8+1)
"Ah Onee-chan!" Ayame said with a smile seeing her dear sister's face. "Your expression looks the same as mine did... when I found out that you left me in Sandpoint... again! She snapped at bit at the end. "I came with these fine people here." Ayame aaid as she motioned to the other new comers. "To track you down... that wasn't easy by the way."
Though her face actually lit up when she saw Sandru. "Sandru-senpai! It's so nice to see you! Ameiko nevers tella me when you come to Sandpoint anymore." She said however her attention swiftly turned to the bracelets. She took one and began to look it over.
Durian steps back to let the reunion happen. He is relieved to see the newcomer was telling the truth. He eyes the others carefully but lowers his spear, choosing to trust them for now.
do you have any wagons with you? If you're coming with us better get them all lined up and check for damage from that fight
"Just the one wagon. Truth be told I tend to travel light. I was fortunate enough to join us with these folks back down the road in Sandpoint. I've been headed north to find someplace cool and comfortable for a while now."
|
The dark haired Varisian sees everyone finally relaxing and sighs.
"Seems you guys had a rough start to the night. Sorry we couldn't have been here to help out. When we heard the noise we came running but too late it seems."
He offers his hand to the dwarf. "Name's Onas, Onas Feher from Magnimar. Met this lot in Sandpoint as well, figured a trip to the north was just what I needed.
"Well the final say will be up to Amieko of course, but I believe we can work together. Just be prepared to be put to work! lots of jobs to be done on a caravan this size!
There is nothing magical about the bracelets most like more of a uniform showing affiliation with an organization of clan. You also look at the body of the ulfen that they attempted to question and can find out nothing more. You can at least tell magic was involved in his death but that is about all.
Ameiko smiles at her sister. "This journey has been rough but we have found more about our family sister. It is probably good you are here though... well I hope it does not effect you as it did me. The magics of brinewall castle forced me unconscious. My friends here, they solved that for me. I worry if you are too visible." she pauses and smiles "Somehow I dount you would listen to the direction of staying quiet."
Sandu and the others take some time to meet the others before finally saying that they will have a full days travel before getting to Kalsgar.
In the morning you organize the caravan bring the new wagon into the mix and spend a quiet day talking and traveling. Day nine passes like any other so far but you are noticing an increase in traffic in both directions. Farmers with simple carts and traders, some with guards, travel as well. Many nod to Sandru if they see him or call out a greeting, asking about how he fairs. He answers and askes of them as well but all groups keep moving, friendly but with a reason to be traveling.
The day grows long and you can just see the outline of a city wall when the group is called to a halt for the evening.
“Well there it is. Tomorrow we will arrive and find space in the Bone Quarter. It’s the newest section of town and will have room for us to set up our wagons.”
He looks at the party and smiles.
“It might be good of you find folks got your own quarters, there are plenty of places, as it would be best we do not look over suspicious. Also you may have more luck finding what you seek if you are not thought of as simple merchants or guards. Oh, we will also need a guide if we are to make it over the corwn of the world. ”
As always the food is prepared but tonight the mode of all the travelers is light. The idea of civilization seems to sit well with everyone.
I've never made it quite this far north, my contacts will not be of much help out here. Let's try not to split up too many ways, but I agree we should not all be together. I can probably handle finding a guide, who wants to join me?
"I'm your sister." Ayame reminded Ameiko with a smirk. "Of course I'm visible. But hold on, this trip was for... finding more out about our family?" She asked as she blinked a few times then ask "Then why by the grace of Shelyn did you leave me in Sandpoint?! I didn't even get a 'Hey Ayame I'm off with a group of friends, take care of the glassworks and Rusty Dragon for me will you?' Nothing... Don't act all nice and like nothing happened. I'm still upset you you." Ayame stated as she crossed her arms giving her sister a disappointed look. Though she does seem annoyed at her older sister, it is obvious that she is happy to see her sister safe, especially after heading she was unconscious for a time.
As the left for Kelsgar, Ayame made a point to sit next to Sandru. "Do you mind if I sit here? I want to see how this all works so I want to shadow you." She explained with a smile.
"I can act like a merchant or guard." Ayame offered as Sandru told them to find a different place to stay. "Wait we're going over the crown of the world?!" Ayame asked shocked. "Um, why?" She added. "Onee-chan, what have you not told me?"
Though when Durian stated he would go look to a guide Ayame nodded "I'll help, I've never really been very far from Sandpoint." She gave a small glace to Ameiko as she said "Father kept a close eye on me."
"Durien, I'll come along as you look for a guide." Loren says.
"Probably a good opportunity to see the city."
"In that case, I'll find us a place to stay. Local temples usually have good recommendations, and I'm hoping they'll also know where I can get some new strings for my mandolin. While I'm at it, I'll see if I can convert some of our unwanted items into coin. "
"I'll come with you," Tahata says to Durian and Loren. "We're less likely to be taken advantage of if we show up together."
"Not at all, Onas. If you're from Magnimar, are you Varisian? I admittedly know little of of Varisian culture other than that they worship Desna, lover of Shelyn."
|
|
Onas smiles at Kagyu, "Guilty my friend! The people of the road are my ancestors, and I seek to follow in their footsteps somewhat."
"And yes, many of the people pay tribute to Desna, though they also honor Shelyn and Erastil almost as equally. My faith though is inspired by the Dawnflower for she has shown me that redemption is possible."
Ameiko smiles at her sisters scolding for acting as if nothing happened.
"I should have told you. Protecting you be leaving you back... well just a bad idea I guess. I fear what we find will be dangerous. Remember the half-orc, Gortrek? He and the others brought back a sword from the swamp. It contained that note. I felt you were safer at home." she pasues and looks at her sister for sometime. "I cannot say I am glad you are in danger but your hear now and this has been hard on me." she nods hoping her meaning, that she is glad to see her sister, is conveyed.
Sandru listens to Amaye's questions and realizes that everyone has left out an import part of what is going on. The vision. Those that have been on this journey from the start gather the newcombers and explain what is bringing them to go over the crown of the world.
The Vision:
As the seal was touched a terrible vision overtakes all of the paryt members.
An army of terrible fiends—with burning skin, glaring eyes, and sharp tusks, wearing strange armor and wielding exotic weapons—emerge in a storm from a vast forest, then descend upon a nation populated by Tian people.
This vision is swiftly followed by another: a young man dressed in royal robes stands over a simple well, a friend at his side. Suddenly, the friend grows nearly three times in size and is sheathed in a frightening suit of jade armor. The jade warrior draws a sword and strikes down his royal friend, then holds the bloody sword aloft in triumph.
A third vision follows, this time of a young Tian man handing a beautiful sword to a richly dressed Ulfen man in exchange for a bag of gold.
Finally, this vision fades, and the group see their friend Ameiko waking from her deep sleep, but she is dressed in the finery of an empress. She rises from sleep not in a humble Varisian caravan, but from a resting spot within the arms of a jade throne.
These visions pass in the span of a few heartbeats, and after they do, they impart knowledge your minds.
You somehow know that the land they saw invaded by fiends was Minkai, that the man they saw murdered by the jade warrior was Emperor Shigure of Minkai. They know that Ameiko Kaijitsu’s true family name is Amatatsu, one of the five royal families of Minkai—indeed, the last surviving royal family.
Also, you just know, that you recognize the young Tian man with the sword as Ameiko’s grandfather, Rokuro Kaijitsu, formerly Amatatsu Tsutoku, selling the family’s legendary sword Suishen to the Ulfen merchant Fynn Snaevald in the city of Kalsgard to finance his family’s flight and exile.
You also know that Suishen is intelligent, and can impart much more knowledge of the Amatatsu family’s legacy if recovered. Further, they know that Ameiko herself is the heir of her line.
Finally, you know all of the powers and abilities of both the Amatatsu Seal and its warding box— including the danger of leaving the warding box open, which would allow the oni of the Five Storms to once more track the Amatatsu Seal.
"Onee-chan... Watashi wa anata mo daijōbudato ureshīdesu. Jikai wa, kono yōna koto kara watashi o saranaide kudasai. Sore wa watashitachi no kazoku no subete to kankei s#&#e imasu... Anatatowatashi wa watashitachi ga nokoshita subetedesu." Ayame said as she gave her sister a loving hug. Then stepped back and gave her a solid but not damaging punch to the shoulder. "Sore wa watashi o ie ni nokoshi, kodomo no yō ni atsukaimasu. Watashi wa ima, sodattashi, anata wa watashi ga jibun no sentaku o suru koto o kyoka shinakereba naranai." She gave her sister a smile and said "Though I think you understand that now... I am glad you are safe Onee-chan."
"Wait! We're royalty?!" Ayame asked with large eyes. Huh... well that does explain father's air of entitlement." She said as she joke smirking to her older sister. "But... what happened? Where we betrayed? Did we just fail?" She wondered. "I think while we're out we should find this Fynn Snaevald, I wish to speak with him... and get our family blade back into family hands."
"We are all here to help Ameiko recover what is hers. I apologize for my rudeness earlier, miss Ayame. You are welcome with us and I will do my best to protect you as well as your sister.
"Has anyone been here in Kalsgard before?"
"Any ideas on where we would look to find a guide?
"I suppose we can just start asking questions."
"This is much further north than I've ever been," Tahata replies, "and I know little of these people or their ways. The only Ulfen we have met so far seemed less than friendly. Maybe an inn or tavern would be the best place to start looking."
"Um, thank you." Ayame said as she looked to Durian. "I am thankful to you all for keeping my sister safe. She is all the family I have left and no matter our problems I do love her." She went on to say. "And you can just call me Ayame."
"Maybe there are guilds we can talk to?" Ayame suggested. "Being this far north, wouldn't guiding people over the crown be a buisness?" She wondered aloud. "We'll just have to step lightly till I can remember enough of Ulfen culture. Father had me read books about the cultures of all of our trading partners. He even schooled me on them from time to time... when he wasn't upset with me..."
"Well I'm all for the tried and true method. buy some beers and see what leads we can shake loose. a local inn or tavern would be a good starting point. if nothing else at least we get some Ulfen ale!
Durian will lead the way to the first tavern he can find that isn't completely run down. once inside he orders some drinks and asks the barkeep for guiding recommendations