As we travel and I bundle up. It takes me a while to get used to my new beast. "My goodness what a new feeling. A horse! This is so exciting! I cannot wait to begin. I only wish our good friend Nubs was with us. We have a job to do. Now, time to start this epic tale." As we ride out I attempt to write on my map making kit.
However, the ride proves to be difficult. I put away my kit and simply sing a song as I ride along.
"As I travel far from kinships.
As I wander far from home.
The Gentle beam of light will guide me
As it wakes me with it's glow.
May it bring me hope
Hope I have never never known
may the light of hope
enter the place I've ever known"
After I finish my song I hum occasionally admiring the scenery. I seem more cheerful now that I am not walking so much.
For the early hours of the day Ulryk said nothing. A black mood seemed to have come over the young man and the message of Ol'nub's unexpected departure did nothing to lift the doldrums which settled over him, obscuring his warmth and smile as if in parallel to the way the dark clouds hid and crowded out the day's sun. Without Ol'nubs he only had his knowledge of the map and his compass to guide him. Without words he took point, guiding the expedition without a word. He got the feeling that Kent would not wish such a position and he wasn't about to put any of his three female companions at the front. It was not that he did not think they could protect themselves, but it had not escaped his notice that none of them were as well armored as he. He used a rope to tie the reins of his Mule Ragnaris, and guided the mule and cart behind his as of yet unnamed sorrel.
It was not until the road all but disappeared and they began to ride over grassy hills that he spoke to his companions again. Areanna's song had helped wash away a little of the gloominess that gripped his spirit, but not so much as to usher forth a smile.
"My mother always warned me of the fickle and capricious nature of the Fae. We are better off without Ol'nubs. His departure now is regretable, but better back there then out in the wilds." He almost muttered the words, though he did look back at the rest of the party when he spoke.
"We should be on the lookout. The reports of bandit activity in these wild areas is likely not just rumor. We've been charged with not only exploring these lands, but maintaining law and order." This he said with more strength in his voice, letting his words carry back to them.
Realizing that he was not doing much to lighten the pall that may have fallen over them as well, he called back to Areanna. "Areanna, I have been meaning to ask you whether you play any other instruments beyond the lute? I have also been wondering whether you know how to sing in the style of the Brevoyik (brevik?) Operas?"
"I personally find Nub's sudden departure suspicious."
"I can think of a few reasons for and the one he gave seems most unlikely."
"Maybe he was a spy for the bandits?"
"Maybe he just found out that the bandits are family or friends and was not willing to fight them?"
"It would have to be something he was embarrassed about telling us."
"That charter from the Restov Swordlords was not easy to obtain. Do you think that they could have been deceived by an agent of the bandits? It is possible I suppose, but as I said, the Fae are a fickle lot and gnomes are creatures of the Fae. Perhaps he grew scared of the nature of civilization and fled back to his burrow so we could not convince him to stay? Mayhaps he was afraid of the dangers and was ashamed to say it to our face? Or it could be as you say." Ulryk's voice took on a iron quality as he spoke and his chesnut brown eyes looked like two spheres of impassive sandstone.
"He is behind us now. If he returns or we encounter he amongst the bandits we will deal with it then. May lucky Desna keep his path from ours. That would be best I think." The gloom returned and he once more focused his gaze forward, deciding it best to look forward toward the horizon and not back from whence they came.
Brigid rides in silence, deciding not to join in idle speculation over Nubs' decision to leave. Instead, she keeps close watch on the road and trails ahead, occassionally leaving the trail to ride up a nearby ridges for a better vantage if she spots hidden turns which would be ripe for ambush.
The horse Brigid selected, a spirited yearling with a bright chestnut coat, she names Zelter. During breaks, she watches Ulryk's handling of his mount with wide-eyed interest, as he seems to know the ways of training animals.
Svetlana bounced along in the saddle with the group as they rode. Though clearly not a seasoned rider she seemed unperturbed by the experience. Rather, the priestess took in her surrounds and her companions' discussion with amused interest. With a friendly laugh at Ulryk and Kent's darker comments she said, I think perhaps you are all over-thinking little Nubs departure from our merry band. The poor gnome was clearly overwhelmed in our "longshanks", as he liked to call us, world. He couldn't even determine how to order a meal at an inn on his own! Nay, he's no spy, or he's the best spy that has ever been. Rather, the strangeness of this life simply wasn't for him. I wish him well; we'll go off and see what there is to find without him.
"Or maybe he was called back for some kind of Fae business"
It's fun to speculate.
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As the dim glow of what you assume is the sun, descends behind the hills to the west, the wind begins to pickup and the temperature drops to freezing. The cloud cover hides any stars, and the moon, like the sun, is an indistinct blur in the sky.
You are very lucky to have happened upon a roadside waystation this evening. The 3 wooden lean-to's need only minimal repair, and the stockpile of dry wood allows you to quickly get a fire started. Water is of no problem as you can hear the rush of the swollen Shrike River just a short way from the campsite.
The temperature continues to drop, and you all huddle around the fire for warmth. It is a very quiet night, with only the sound of the wind and river to keep you company.
Used to the bitterly cold nights of her homeland of Issia, Brigid makes several preparations, including digging a small earthen pit, casting some of the glowing embers of the night's bonfire within, and covering them up with a small layer of dirt. Laying her bedroll upon the warmed soil, she sleeps without complaint.
"It seems like it will be a very cold night anyone up for snuggling up?" Kent says in very level voice.
I am bundled fiercly in my noble robes huddled dangerously close to the fire. My teeth chattering can be heard all over camp as can my complaining. "Oh why in the name of the gods is it so cold out here! Why have I not thought to pack even a single lousy blanket! I was not properly prepared for this journey at all! At all! I forget the one detail in tales that gets so little attention! The travelers sometimes sleep out in the elements! Good graces! Note to self, When writing the epic tale, be sure and include many elaborate verses on how despairingly miserable it is for the heroes to have to sleep outside! Great heroes should be recognized for EVERY act of bravery and strength! Even against minor evils such as weather!" I continue to ramble and complain and freeze.
Fort save for grins and giggles:
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While you may be cold, you are able to stave off frostbite and hypothermia and get a decent nights sleep. You awake to a fresh layer of frost on the ground, and stiff, cold muscles.
The night is a cold, miserable torture that does not seem to end. No matter how close you get to the fire, you cannot stop yourself from shaking. The cold seems to sink into your bones, and though you try to sleep, you wake in fits and starts, shivering and wishing the night to end. Finally, as the darkness gives way to light in the east, you try to get up, but cramped muscles and fatigue hamper you from doing even the simplest tasks
You take fatigue damage. This will 'heal' at 1 point per hour.
As the group prepared to camp for the night, the stark realization of sleeping out in the cold set in for Svetlana. Still a new experience, a little extra part of life, she told herself but in truth the evening appeared daunting. The priestess' spirits and smile returned at the wizard's offer. That's a delightful idea Kent! Rolling out her bedroll near his she added with a giggle, Ulyrk, would you join us? You can be on one side of me while Kent is on the other. It would be very comfortable, I promise!
Fortitude Save
The next morning Svetlana quickly packed her things and began to pray. Great Calistria, aid your servant in her travels she intones over time as the rest of the group breaks camp. As soon as she is finished she begins to cast a spell, which was quickly followed by radiant hues of blue and red in alternating waves appearing over the priestess. In moments the spell was done and Svetlana breathed a deep, almost orgasmic groan. That is SO much better! By Calistria herself I wish I could give this to all of you. With that, she began to remove all the additional clothing she had put on and ended up with little other than her armor and boots as clothing. That WONDERFUL spell takes the chill out of the air for the full day. Praise to Calistria, what a delight!
Brigid's green eyes widen at Svetlana's spell, and her subsequent actions. She tilts her head to the side once, furrows her brow a bit, then shakes her head and resumes packing her roll. She resaddles Zelter and pats him on his muzzle and scratches behind his ears.
Ulryk halted the sorrel stallion he had selected from the group of horses near the lean-to's of the waystation. Dismounting, he ran his gauntleted hand over the stallions nose. "I think I shall call you Rynel. I am sorry I do not have a blanket for you. I will rectify this when we reach Oleg's tradepost."
He then walked over to Ragnaris and scratching his mule behind the ears tied both animals to one of the posts. Realizing that it would be difficult for both animals to graze this evening, he got some of the animal feed from his cart and set it out for them.
With shaking fingers due to the cold, he undid his armor and layed it down beside the fire that Brigid got going. After warming himself for a bit, he got up again and went back to the cart. When he returned he had with his a large two person tent with his crest sown on one side, a bedroll and his rabbit fur cloak.
It took him only a few moments to get the tent set up, using the cover of the lean-to's to keep it out of the worst of the wind. Pulling open the flap he gestured inside. His gaze went to Areanna, who seemed to be the most miserable of them all "Areanna, Kent, Brigid or Svetlana... please make use of the tent if you need. I will take the ground by the fire."
He then unrolled his bedroll on the ground beside the others and pulled his rabbit fur cloak over him as well, huddling close as was suggested for warmth to anyone who did not accept the offer of his tent.
He was not sure how much better the interior of the tent would be for those who went inside, but it had to at least shield them from the wind and bugs. Ulryk himself had slept beneath the stars several times, though it had never been this cold. Fortunately he knew enough to keep warm, and while he did not have the divine magic Svetlana did, his muscles weren't too sore and he managed to retain most of his heat by huddling close to his companions during the night.
When morning came he made a quick expedition to the water source and filled up his kettle and canteen, then using the fire he made everyone a rudimentary oatmeal with the boiling water and his pound of oat. He filled his wooden bowl and offered his spare to anyone who was without. As he spooned the meal into his mouth, between swallows he asked a question of Svetlana.
"That is a mighty blessing your Goddess has provided you. Goddess is correct, isn't it? I don't know much about your faith, Lady Orlovsky... I mean Svetlana. Could you educate me of your most basic tenents?"
Svetlana beamed a smile at Ulryk's question. Why of course! Calistria provides us our passions, our emotions; and really aren't those what makes life worth living? Many elves are devoted to the Goddess, I suppose their long years help them see what in the long run truly matters in life. Our passions are what drives us, what we remember most at the end of our days. That lustful instinct you had when you first, um, *knew* a woman certainly qualifies, but so does that vengeful rage that erupted when you later saw her kissing your best friend. All of these are Calistria's domain. I pray to her daily, and I suppose it does provide me a kind of magic. But what it truly contains is the energy of those passions. By channeling those most basic of instincts, I can bend the laws of the world much the way Kent can with his spells. After all, it's just as cold outside, but I could be not wearing a stitch right now and be quite comfortable. The last was said with a suggestive wink at the warrior. Later you may feel the effects of my healing touch. It may bring out some...emotions in you, while it does its work. You'll see. With another wink and finger stroked across Ulryk's breastplate, the priestess returned to saddling her horse and preparing for the onward journey.
As Svetlana described her goddess, Brigid's attention becomes rapt at her words. An emerald fire dances in her eyes, and the cleric feels her stare. Just as Svetlana is about to turn to face her, the red-headed woman slams shut her emotions and swings herself up on her horse. Brigid avoids looking in her direction, and rides stiff-backed away from camp. Her face is a rigid mask of control.
Svetlana beamed a smile at Ulryk's question. Why of course! Calistria provides us our passions, our emotions; and really aren't those what makes life worth living? Many elves are devoted to the Goddess, I suppose their long years help them see what in the long run truly matters in life. Our passions are what drives us, what we remember most at the end of our days. That lustful instinct you had when you first, um, *knew* a woman certainly qualifies, but so does that vengeful rage that erupted when you later saw her kissing your best friend. All of these are Calistria's domain. I pray to her daily, and I suppose it does provide me a kind of magic. But what it truly contains is the energy of those passions. By channeling those most basic of instincts, I can bend the laws of the world much the way Kent can with his spells. After all, it's just as cold outside, but I could be not wearing a stitch right now and be quite comfortable. The last was said with a suggestive wink at the warrior. Later you may feel the effects of my healing touch. It may bring out some...emotions in you, while it does its work. You'll see. With another wink and finger stroked across Ulryk's breastplate, the priestess returned to saddling her horse and preparing for the onward journey.
"I need to learn that spell never traveled up north before"
Saddling her horse next to where a generally miserable looking Areanna was preparing to travel, Svetlana noticed Brigid's interest in her conversation with Ulryk and subsequent reaction. Tilting her head towards the bard she said in a low tone I do believe our stoic Brigid hides a few things inside, yes. A sly grin appeared as she added, perhaps in time we can coax that out. With a more serious expression she says, Areanna, you seem quite ruffled after last night! You poor thing, would you like this cloak and leggings? I won't be needing them now, perhaps they will help you stay warm.
Ulryk listened attentively to the Lady Orlovsky about the nature of Calistria and her faith. Passion was certainly an appealing aspect and emotion ran rampant in most of the finer things of life, that he could not deny, yet something about her words teased at his subconscious with a hint of both danger and longing. Though perhaps the latter was more due to the suggestive movements of Svetlana's form and the pattern her finger wove across his breastplate.
"I have only ever known the faith of the Three as my parents called them. Abadar, Torag, and Pharasma... though I gleaned a little knowledge of Desna and Old Deadeye from friends and the sons and daughters of our household staff. Calistria seems a formidable Goddess and your faith continues to intrigue me, but..." Ulryk hesitated just a moment, creating a pause under the excuse of afixing his helmet. "... feeding off instinct and emotion, especially things as potent as anger, lust and a hunger for revenge do seem dangerous. I was taught that a little anger can be good in combat, but too much can make a man reckless and foolhardy."
He gave a brief chuckle at the Priestess suggestive wink, his dark mood from the previous day having vanished along with the weather's warmth. "I see you still clothe yourself in modesty, nonetheless. Probably for the best, from a safety point of view."
"I too am intrigued by your faith. What is it you pray for each day or is a specific prayer? Do you always pray at the same time or can it vary..." He held up a hand and went to his animals. "I know, I ask much, and more and we have many days for your lessons."
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13 Pharast, 4707 A.R.
The morning gets started slow, as you all work the kinks out of your muscles and warm up. By the time you get moving, the sun is up and peeking through the ragged clouds that drift overhead.
The weather warms nicely, and soon even the coldest of you begin to feel the suns warmth sinking in. A pleasant breeze from the south west rolls up and brings the smell of new growing things. The many bare trees and bushes are now sporting a hazy green coloration, as new buds slowly unfurl and the new leaves reach for the sun. All in all, it is a comfortable ride. You are even able to catch a brace of rabbits as you travel, and roast them during your mid-day meal.
As the day wears on, the southern wind begins to pick up speed. By late afternoon it is a strong gale, and you are forced to ensure all your belongings are ties securely down. As you begin to think you might need to spend another night in the wilds, you crest a hill and below see a wooden fort. The central building is made of stone, but the surrounding walls are stout wooden logs. The path you follow leads right to the closed gates. The temperature again begins to fall, as the warm sunlight dwindles into a cool twilight.
As the grouped continued down the road and the weather brightened, Svetlana periodically engaged Ulryk in conversation regarding the tenants of her faith. Emotions such as anger, lust and revenge are strong, but passionately following one's emotions is not the same as BLINDLY following them. With a thoughtful look in her eye she adds, We had a few Numerians come through the temple of Calistria while I was serving there. One was a barbarian, and he was accosted on the streets outside the temple by local rakes. The rage he summoned to fight them off was truly inspiring, and....tantilizing. A mischevious giggle accompanied the priestess' last words.
As the wind picked up and the group approached the fort, Svetlana drew rein as best she could, her horse awkwardly stopping. Perhaps we should plan to stay here for the night. A lot of the soldiers left, yes, but maybe some remain. Regardless, a secure shelter would be welcome. Any reason we should not?
Any sign of cookfires? That would be the surest sign of habitation.
"we could ask them"
Damen watched the figures down below. They didn't have the look of bandits, but you couldn't be too careful. He knew what he wanted this to be, and was dedicated to be all the more cautious because of it. The figures spoke amongst themselves.
Odimar's warning had given him time to grab his bow and a quiver of arrows, and he nocked one now despite his tired arms and cold hands. The proper presentation, the proper tone of voice, was an advantage in fighting bandits... act like you have an army at your back and half the time you might as well have.
"In the name of the Swordlords, identify yourselves!" he called out.
The there is great sound as of 10 strong men farting
"You arn't being cautious. You are being rude if we were hostile we out number you 5 to 1 so this is stupid and I don't think you are stupid. If we are friendly this is rude.
So are you friendly and just a bit rude?"
Damen smirks despite himself. The first person he'd talked to in months who wasn't Odimar or Hesgith and the conversation opens with remarkable flatulence. "You can tell I'm friendly because nobody has an arrow sticking out of him yet. You're the travelers, and the ones outside of the gate, so unless you wish to spend your evening outside I'd encourage you to introduce yourselves."
He eases the arrow from the bow, but keeps it in his hand. He toys with it idly as his smirk grows into a broad, genuine smile.
"But you have a point! I have no wish to be rude, so in the interests of... ah... diplomacy, I will go first. My name is Damen, and this is Fort Serenko. Now it's your turn."
"I am Kent Unsaid how do you do?"
In the morning I groan and pull out my journal. "The nights are miserable for the unprepared adventurer, It is always best to over prepare." I pause and look at my jewelry. I sigh. I scribble some more. "Important to note. Jewelry and fine clothes are of little value in the harshness of the wilds." I log a few more complaints and some advice before closing the book and getting breakfast.
After breakfast and I freshen with prestidigitation and a cure light wounds spell to remove the damage the cold left. "Phew that is better."
----On the road----
When we come up to the fort I do my best to make myself presentable. I step forward. In a musical tone I call out to the man. "Oh sorry to interuh-hupt, but we are humble travelers chartered to scout the Stolen Lands my good sir. Allow me to introduce myself. I am the Beautiful, Dignified, and Arrogant, archer, and singer, and now brave and weathered Areanna Tresbellen Delante. A pleasure to meet you."
Svetlana shook her head and suppressed a small laugh as Kent made the party's "introduction", followed by Areanna's more diplomatic but ever-theatrical one. The priestess shot a bemused glance at Ulryk and Brigid, the advanced her horse a bit. I suppose I strike no less an odd influence, wearing rather little out in the cold. No matter. Hail guardsman! As my fine elven friend here as noted, we are weary travels headed towards the Stolen Lands on writ from the Swordlords of Restov. A night's respite inside your sturdy keep would be a delightful respite from our travels. Could you indulge us such? Areanna is quite a proficient performer, I'm sure she would be willing to barter a night of entertainment in exchange for such hospitality. What say you?
Diplomacy Check:
Ulryk's eyes widened a bit at Kent's rather crude introduction and he lifted his buckler just in case the remaining soldiers garrisoning the fort did not have a sense of humor. When no arrows came he lowered his defenses, but shot a glare at his wizardly companion's back. That was hardly getting off on the right foot.
Before Svetlana rode up to make her introduction, he reached out to slow her horse and speak a few quick words.
"I do not think that in the future Kent said be our diplomatic envoy for first contact. You have a rather better way with words." Ulryk was putting it rather gently. Kent clearly did not have the proper breeding or training in the art of diplomacy.
After Svetlana had spoken and hopefully smoothed away the tension with her silken voice, Ulryk nodded to brigid and rode forward to where the rest of the group was assembled. The strong southern wind caused his rabbit fur cloak to whip wildly about him as his sorrel stallion pawed at the ground.
"Hail Damen of Fort Serenko!"He called out in a strong voice, to be heard over the wind. "I am Ulryk Lebeda. As my companion has said we have a signed charter from the very Swordlords you serve to explore and pacify the greenbelt. We would be thankful for entrance to your fort this night. Rumor from the crossing was that Fort Serenko was abandoned by the soldiers, I see this was not wholly true."
Ulryk did not think them bandits in disguise, as if it were so they probably would have fired first and then looted their bodies. Still he was wary and sought to divine the truth from the words of the men on the walls.
Brigid's eyes flick attentively between the speakers. She eases her horse back a few steps as the others advance. She takes a quick moment to scan the area around the fort, and make sure no one is taking up position behind them.
Unless addressed directly, she stays silent. No arrow is in hand, but her bow remains in her left, strung and taut. Nothing would indicate she plans to start hostilities, but is prepared to respond if necessary.
"I take it that you are inviting us to stay the night"
Damen laughed, returning the arrow to its quiver. "Beguile us with beauty and dulcet words and steel, then, if noxious odors don't first win the day! I've been waiting for you! A moment, please, and the gate will be opened."
He set to the task, ignoring whatever gaze Odimar sent his way. The charter! He'd grabbed that too before mounting the wall. A final night here and he'd be free and away. The gate opened and he stepped forward, holding out his own copy of the document in his calloused hand.
"I think we will soon be friends," he adds.
"How many of you are left?" Ulryk asked as he rode inside, leading his mule and wagon behind him by the rope he'd afixed to Ragnaris's reigns. For now the even-tempered mule seemed to comply.
"We had heard that most of the soldiers of this fort had abandoned it for the Northern borders and that banditry in the lands beyond was on the rise. It seems not all are gone however." Spoken as his own eyes sought out the answers he asked for, after they had searched over the chater Damen held up. To his untrained eyes, it looked authentic, though he suspected he'd not be able to tell the difference between real and a good forgery.
"Who commands here and is the fort provisioned? If you have blankets to spare, I would part with some food or coin for them."
As I enter I look over at the watchmen. "Thank you my good lord Damen. We are grateful for your hospitality. I look forward to performing for you and yours in your local gathering place."
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The inside of the fort is well maintained and orderly. Along the inside of the walls you find a stable and blacksmith workshop, as well as several storage buildings. The stone tower is accessed by wooden stairs that rise to the door located on the second floor. The stairs are narrow, allowing only one person at a time to climb. The portcullis closes as you cross and two soldiers arrive to help you with your mounts.
Svetlana smiles at the soldiers as they lead away her mount, and the priestess then took stock of the keep itself. It seemed a sturdy place, though she acknowledged to herself that she had no eye for such things. People on the other hand, she knew the measure of. Ignoring the physical characteristics of the place, Svetlana took a moment to apprise herself of the number and nature of the men here. Attractive, hearty specimens always caught her eye, but she was also interested in their fighting ability, numbers and morale.
Sense Motive for above info, if desired
As Damen and Ulryk talked, Svetlana joined them. Damen, is it? It is delightful to meet you! I couldn't help but overhear your discussion, am I to understand you'll be joining us? I certainly hope so, a girl cannot have too many brave warriors on her side. Have you been a guard here long, or did come by your charter via other means?
As the evening sets in, Svetlana busys herself talking with any and all of the keep inhabitants. In addition to a healthy dose of flirtation, she is interested in any rumors, whispers or other nuggets of information that may be of use.
Diplomacy/Gather Info Check
EDIT: So...yeah, may have been a tad bit more flirtation than serious info gathering going on. Oh well.
At Areanna's words he laughed again. "Areanna Tresbellen Delante. If your performances can quiet the bickering of my fellow guards then I look forward to it as well - and may just elevate you to a pantheon for your miraculous powers. Please make yourself at home."
Turning to Ulryk, Damen nodded. "Not all, no. But it is just the three of us: myself, Odimar, and Hesgith. Not enough to do anything but tend to the fort. With so few, a commander is hardly necessary."
He looked around, face creasing into a frown of thought. "Most of the gear is gone with the garrison, but we may be able to scavenge a few things. We'll have to see. For now, settle in."
At last he addressed Svetlana, his eyebrows rising as he got a closer look. "I fear I didn't catch your name, Lady, but the delight is mutual. I've been retained as a scout and guide for your... our... rather motley crew, the same role I served here since this past spring. The charter came in place of pay, and despite my current poverty I won't be sad to show my back to this place!"