Krazok, I shall recruit more to the cause and then return again to meet you. Where shall we meet? Also what supplies would you have me get us while there?
"There should be a couple folks waiting there. Tell them Inari sent you. I sent the word out weeks ago." the alchemist said with a helpful grin.
He had felt protective of the couple ever since they took him in a few weeks ago, and for now felt pleased just pulling his weight, watching the travellers come and go.
Shaking his head, he got back to it without a word, carrying two hay stacks, one over each shoulder apparently without much effort, offering Lady Ionnia Orlovsky a nod as he passed her by - "Milady" - he greeted in a well mannered way, his speech guttural but not denoting any of the brutish orcish accent many of his kin possessed, and continued on his way right after offering a greeting and a nod to Alexand also - "Alex"
"Inari? Is that another name for you Albinius? I suggest you go with him and the others, my kin aren't the most welcoming. Fey they know and deal with, humans and other common folk will need to earn trust. It will be a quick visit rather than a time to test my new companions to join the tribe." He says pointing out the flaw of any common humanoid to join him in the South. Then he replies to Krafnik, "If you can secure a few extra mounts, pick up my order with any others from Lady Alexandra or Torq, finally any scrolls of healing and such would be wise. Selena will get each of you a line of creidt to have Lady Alexandra shop for you in Restov. So you might want to think about what you might want as well. Once I am heading North, I will send you a message one way or another. Take this map, if you don't hear from me go and investigate the area and see if you can find the magical weapon. Once done there if you don't hear from me we will meet at the Stag Fort, also feel free to talk amongst yourselves another name for that place. I will gladly hear suggestions when we meet again."
Once it is decided Krazok and Aurora likely both jump into the water and swim South. Krazok will take all of the mounts with him unless the others came to get theirs as well.
On the third night he begins letting you practice forms with the sword. How to strike with the massive blade and how to defend with it. How to set your feet in a stance to better keep your footing and to see when someone is coming in for a combat maneuver. Also if possible when fighting to take any advantage as possible, height, flanking, and how to aid if you are not able to strike a target.
Each night he instructs you in new material and tests you on the previous nights lessons. You likely are on the ground much once he begins to have you prove what you learn but he says that is the best way to learn. It will also give you muscle memory for when it happens your body already knows what to do rather than you having to think through the steps.
The fifth day traveling South from Candlemere Lake Krazok quiets from his talks and tells you to do the same. He stops every now and then to check the tracks and signs of animals. He tells you that something is wrong and that creatures have come through here. Dire animals most likely but not just one kind which is even more strange.
Before noon the two of you reach two massive rocks that seem to have been wedged together. You can see where they have worn down to each other hundreds of feet up into the air. Below you can see the archway they make that is about 70 feet high and 40 feet wide. The archway also seems to go down into the ground. Stone steps have been cut and descend into a valley. Several hundred feet pass and you are through the tunnel created by the massive rocks. The valley seems verdant and a village upon a small mesa in the distance stands alone. Krazok tells you that the village was there before even his folk moved into the location.
Getting closer both of you could see the signs of battle. Slain dire beasts lay carved open along the road. Smoke rises from the village and large parts of the wooden walls burn. Near the entrance to the village a half dozen dragonkin lay on the ground dead with nearly a score of humans and a dozen dire boars.
Krazok rushes to his kin's side and checks for life, quickly from one to the next. He shakes his head in defeat and quickly heads into the village. Axe drawn and ready for the worse he sighs with releif once the guard appear coming to the front gate. They aim their spears at the ground or up to the sky before relaying what has happened. A dark fey of strong powers has seiged the village for several days now. The dragonkin were able to set them running but at the cost of their brothers still out in the field. They had just finished off the few enchanted animals that got into the village.
Krazok and you were quickly escorted to the main hall. Within the elders were trying to figure out what to do. Krazok waited until the discussion died down and was introduced by the guard. Many of them cheered at his return. Krazok gave them a very brief explanation of what he had been doing and knew of a stronghold his entire tribe could move to in the North, in the Stolenlands. He has a stronghold made of the same magics that their village was built upon, but the magic was still alive. The magic of his scepter. At this point much talking would need be done and they would appreciate if his companion(s) would wait outside.
Within a day the village was packed and the Dragonkin village was moving North. Krazok had plenty of time to train you that day and get you a proper greatsword for your size and even a scabbard that would allow you to practice with it nonlethally. Out of the valley and into the Stolenlands. There were many signs that they were being watched but no threats came after the dragonkin.
During that day of training something special happened. Krazok's scepter flared up and he inspected the ground and walls where you were just practicing. He found a magical seal that with the presence of the scepter would move. Once moved it opened a secret staircase down. Down into the center of the mesa. Crystal formations were everywhere, along the hanging passage and off in the distance. The crystals were different colors but the green ones would flare up with their own light once the scepter got close enough. At the end of the passage it opened to a hanging circle about 60 feet in diameter. There were other hanging passages that lead into different directions but you could see that this was the center of the underground cavern. A massive crystal was hanging from the ceiling and these crystals were closest from the ceiling. Krazok went around and found another hidden seal. With its activation a chest with glowing green flames emerged from the floor.
Krazok then looked at Aurora and asked, ”Will you pledge your loyalty and your blade to me, to become my first disciple? If so I may bestow upon you my knowledge using the magics here.”
Aurora replies
"Loyalty among and with fey can fickle, but they are faithful to their friends.
So pledge my friendship and blade, And in being your first disciple."
" Alex is it. Good to put a name with a face" She said with a giggle before she went back to a more comfortable postion.
"Inari? Is that another name for you Albinius?
"Yes." the Alchemist said. "It will make sense soon, I promise."
Krafnik will ride his trusty steed Rebel across the hills and plains, over the river, and through the woods back to Oleg's.
Gaelden happily runs alongside the group. His clothes mended and cleaned and his wounds healed through divine means, he is just happy to be part of a group of companions. If Krafnik will bear his company, he will try to talk with his fellow paladin paladin, asking questions about Kalinahat and what it means to be a champion of such a deity.
Kelinahat is an archon empyreal lord of spies, stealth, and the gathering of intelligence who is also known as She of Ebon Wings. Her followers use guile, subterfuge, and shadow magic to break into evil bastions and return with valuable information and then destroy that evil. Her sacred animal is the bat and her sacred colors are black and light blue
"Well I was hoping with all the new growth that I might build a small shrine and hopefully expand it. Turn it into a true temple to Shelyn! Train some priests and priestesses to spread love and the arts to all in this burgeoning land!So maybe a nice spot to pitch a tent and get to work later as I set up my altar and tent! Serum will be tomorrow!" Ionnia said with a beautiful cadence. Her love of her goddess and her mission ever apparent as she smiled and looked about. She would secure her mission and make this land one that truly supported the arts and strove to seek love in al things.
Gaelden listens politely throughout, happily asking questions and trying to learn as much as he can about his companion's faith.
"You have a purpose" - Grond nodded at the inspired woman - "That is a good thing - it keeps one from getting lost among the vastness of options in such a large expanse of land" - then paused before leaving - "Do let me know if you need assistance with pitching the tent or building the shrine. I will be around" - and continued on his way.
"I appreciate that Grond. I will definitely have to take you up on that as I believe that to build a kingdom, we must start first with the village. from tribe to nation. That is how it goes. What we must not forget is those who poured thier blood sweat and tears into the nation. We must never forget them... As for the assistance I would love that. One that I hope goes from a mere shrine to something more of a church or temple! If you would love to help me out. I am sure I can see that you get a full belly for the least of your troubles" Ionnia spoke a bit too preachy but something she was used too. She snapped out of it in the end so she could address the orc blooded mans request to aid her. Maybe over time she would get a place set up and a small but devout congregation.
"If you are willing to help I will try and learn a thing or two about building? If you are sure you are willing to help?" She said before she wished him a fond farewell.
Grond stops short as the woman kisses him,and stares at her for a few split seconds, putting down the haystacks and smiling - "Building a Kingdom?" - he questions - "That is definitely an endeavor, and some would say those words mean our encounter was not chance" - the half orc seems to ponder, still looking a the woman's eyes - "But those are just old shaman tales" - he chuckled it away.
"Like I said, I am willing to assist you" - the massive warrior continues - "There is no need for concern regarding my belly though, I can take care of that myself" - he nods, his demeanor a tad colder as he picks up the haystacks again.
"We wil probably meet again over dinner" - he finishes, now finally moving away to deliver the hay.
Zilybar gets the survivors some food and allows them to calm down for a day or two before escorting all of them to Restov. The city of Restov was nice but Oleg's Outpost promises new adventures. Something new and different and after all that he went through to get the survivors to safety, it was hard to say goodbye but he did and moved along. He returns to Oleg's Outpost to see what it is he can do around there. When nothing really interesting pops up, he takes to scribing his new spells into his spell book. He sits down and retrieves a small crystal from his pouch and proceeds to roll out the scrolls. Looking through the crystal as he reads the scrolls.
The next day Zilybar sits down at the same spot, at the same table with his scrolls spread out and his spell book opened wide. He sits several different quills and vials of ink on the table as well.
He looks over this scroll several times to make sure he understands it, since it is from a school of magic he does not know much about.
The scribing of his scrolls into his spell book takes him the better part of a day.
He stops by the general store and purchases a few iron nails and a bundle of string. Zilybar takes a stroll around the area looking for unique items that will aid him in his spells. He returns with a stick of wood and proceeds to return to his favorite table. He removes a pack of tools, the wood, nails, string and a handful of paper packets. He starts to file the nails into shavings and places these into paper packets. He then breaks the wood stick into several small pieces which he then wraps the string around. He places the new material components into a belt pouch around his waist.
During his time around the outpost he overhears people talking about building a kingdom.
I think I might just stay and see what his is all about
Walking by as the half orc and human talk about a temple being built.
Touchy about your weight are we?.....
After that she cleans and readies to work on possibly cementing a permanent Church or Altar here.
Krafnik, Gaelden, Inari and Selena reach Oleg's with no troubles at all. It takes four days to ride there. The first day to get off the lake and make it to the Stag Fort. Krafnik catches up with his ally, who could be convinced to come join the group with a diplomacy check. Then the next three days easy ride up North to Olegs mostly over plains.
If you three agree to go to the site now or after finding allies that is up to you.
As the four of them approach Oleg's she asks, "Krafnik, do you want to take the lead on requesting aid? Suggestions?"
Krazok finds something else down in the crystal underground. An archway that seems to lead to nothing. He presses his scepter to the archway and it opens up to his own stronghold. Going through and coming back Krazok grins at Aurora, "This is wonderful, it will make moving my tribe safely and quickly."
True to what he said he is able to transport his entire village through the archway to their new home. About 200 Dragonkin travel with you, most on foot but a quarter are on Axebeaks.
Then with the teleportation you both emerge from the stronghold with Oleg's soon within sight.
Krafnik says we will stop at the magical site once we pick up more recruits at Oleg's
Jorne, come with us and once more take up our noble quest to tame these savage lands. Our companions have shown to be resourceful and stalwart.
Now riding into Oleg's Krafnik will first go and use that line of credit to purchase horse feed, extra horses, extra iron rations, and any scrolls and/or wands to do with healing.
Then Krafnik will go and place himself in the square:
come one, come all brave and good souls, a great task is at hand, the written scroll of settlement is upon us, and we use it to do good deeds and clear a new kingdom of righteousness! Come, who will join us?
after a few moments of thought
"hmm, I should also start looking at a more protective armour since I've had all that training."
Selena stands proudly next to Krafnik quiet and ready.
A slim figure of pure deadly grace, a beauty to most especially with the angles of a well defined elf. The physique of fine delicate flowing steel silk, every pound of her elfen 5’7” frame ready to react. Her porcelain skin does not seem to color, though she has many tattoos of different colors about her body. There are even small gems embedded on her body. Her hair is a white, almost unnaturally white, smooth and delicate. Though her eyes look to be cut from diamonds and being the only hard spot on her body.
She does not appear to wear any weapons and she wears a scantily clad red dress that does not leave much to the imagination. She holds no backpack. A platinum collar resides around her neck with several gems embedded on it that shine.
Another figure steps up beside Krafnik, his red cloak is in contrast with his black studded leather armor. Longsword hanging from his belt on one side and a quiver of arrows on the other. Holding back the red cloak on his right shoulder is a longbow. On the center of his chest is the motif of a red falcon, as does his longsword. The man has dark hair, the starting of a beard, and the bump of a backpack under the cloak.
"Thanks, but I am looking for something more sturdy.
I did take some time to read a few books on different armours while you were training me. I even read about materials used in armours and it had quite a list, and two of those materials would work for the armour I am thinking of; one is Mithral, the other is Blue Ice.
Both materials make the armour lighter and easier to move it, but the difference is in the price and the draw back of Blue Ice for most people.
But Blue Ice should be no problem for me, and if enough Blue Ice is shipped in you could even make an ice box to keep things cool or cold like meat or wines."
she pauses a for moment.
"If you want I could sculpt a figure of the design or draw it on paper."
The monk barely notices Jorne's approach, what with Selena being so close. Slightly flushed he focused his attention on double checking his pack to ensure that everything was placed inside properly. Anything to not look at her dress. As he does so he mumbles prayers to Irori, using the familiar words to focus his mind.
Alexand hears the announcement and steps forward. He stands tall though his clothing is a bit worse for wear. "I am Alexand and I answer your summons. I may be of some use to you."
Ionnia walked out of her Chapel her voice still raised in psalms to Shelyn.
When she hears of the Kingdom building she stopped turned and smiled. She approached and held out her hand.
"Hello I am Lady Ionnia Orlovsky, I am here to spread Shelyns' message to the masses while making this land a better place. If you'll have me" she said as she stood smiling.
Zilbar was in the same room and at the same table that he typically used. His books and scrolls were sprawled out in front of him, when he hears the commotion of people talk rather loudly outside.
What the hell is going on now.
As he approaches the doorway he hears the final words of some human talking about a kingdom of righteousness.
Oh bullocks, great another would be righteous ruler wannabe. Well let us see how this goes.
He watches as a few people answer his call for aid.
Ohhhh a Orlovsky. So they are sending out their own to take the land....the elf is a cool customer...what the hell I have nothing going on now...
Standing in the door way he retrieves a little bit of fleece from a his component pouch and proceeds to recite several arcane words. His hands move slowly, with glittering motes of arcane energy flowing around to form arcane patterns in the air. Then from those motes of energy appears a duplicate of Zilybar. The Image proceeds to walk towards the vocal human, it stops every so often to let the taller folk actual notice him and move out of the way. The image then moves up to the front of the crowd and looks up at the human. Staring at him for a few moments and then bows in greetings.
Zilybar lets his concentration laps knowing that the spell will continue on for a short period of time. He then pulls out from his pouch another spell focus. This time it is a rolled up piece of parchment. He hold the parchment cone up to his lips and starts to speak arcane words. He moves the cone from right to left and up and down.
The image continues to stand in front of the human that is speaking about a kingdom of righteousness. Zilybar's voice speaks out from around the area, at first beside the human on his left, then on his right side, above him and then from below him.
Your words intrigue me. I will aid you and after you have gather those that accept your call, find me and we will talk about the details of your offer.
Still standing in the door way some distance away from the crowd, Zilybar retrieves yet another component for a spell. This time it is a bit of wool. His hands again trace out arcane symbols in the air and his voice rises and lowers in tone as he finishes his spell. The wool disintegrates into a cloud of arcane energies that float up into the air. His spell finished he looks up just as the first spell's duration is ending. The image of Zilybar vanishes into thin air right in front of everyone. Then the sound of a small person walking away can be heard. The volume getting lower and lower as the short moments go by.
Zilybar steps out from the doorway to make sure the human saw him and he simply nods at him and then walks back into the room.
Krafnik will take the hand of each soul approaching and welcome them to the group with a firm shake and a smile. When the little fellow comes he will offer his hand as well and then frown when the fellow turns and vanishes.
we will accept all of you! Please come with me to tavern where we can all speak and soon the leader of our expidition will arrive!
Grond looms closeby, arms crossed over his chest, but does not say anything - he does follow the cloaked human into the tavern.
"The Tavern, sure no problem." She says with a twirl followed by laughter. Ionnia walked in and saw Grond. She smiled and walked over to give the Half-orc a side hug.
"Thank you so much for helping me Grond!" She said to her friend, one she really had made while building her chapel. To her Grond was like a big brother.
She walks beside Krafnik into the tavern. Every male on the way except the few that have interacted with her before stop what they are doing and stare. Some drop to the ground, others begin to drool, some follow into the tavern. The few who have enough gumption to reach for her find their arms limp at their sides after she hits a few pressure points. Once fully into the tavern it seems like a fine layer of blue glitter descends upon all.
Zilybar turns as the crowd comes into the tavern.
Great, it was bad enough with all the tall folk in the open square. Now they are in here....
He sees the human enter along with some other people. Zilybar notices the female elf enter the room along with the others and simply turns back to his books. He proceeds to organize his belongings into neat piles and returns them to his haversack. Once he is finished he turns towards the group and watches them.
He keeps his eyes and ears open for conversations and the actions of the large folk. Zilybar looks around for an exit strategy.
Whos is Krazok? hmmm
Krafnik will take a corner and answer any questions honestly which anyone has smiling and friendly to one and all and also ensure to buy everyone dinner and a drink who signs up to come along.
A noble courier enters the room with the rest of you, he as well as many of the men in the room are mystified and watching Selena. After the inital meeting he comes forward and presents himself, "I am a Courier of the Swordlords of Brevoy, let me through." He looks around looking confused and then asks, "Who is the holder of the charter of the Stolenlands? Where is Krazok Vell Firesource, Torq Sharptooth, Fizzwiddle Glockenfleffor XXII, Aldous Mathis, and Tomas Aldori? I have an important document for them."
You are able to find several sturdy armors that could likely fit you and with your smooth talking able to procure it with a promise of treasure down the road in exchange for it. Your options are as follows:
Breastplate
Full plate
Breastplate +1
Or for twice the value you may take a Mithril Breastplate +1.
Selena does her best to fill in the gaps that Krafnik omits according to her knowledge of how the group works, "Each person gets one share of the loot. There is also a share for expenses, typically selling and buying equipment and a share for health. We may need to add another share to group health with so many more bodies joining up."
Having followed behind, Gaelden merely stands with his arms crossed, watching as his new found comrades went to work recruiting. He, of course, had signed on with them. If for no other reason than the safety in numbers while searching for signs of his missing kinsmen.
This Selena though, he had never seen a woman like her before. She made him uncomfortable with how easily and blatantly she was using her charms. Just one more example of how life outside the monestary was different. Just one more test from Irori.
As Alexand enters the tavern and encounters the blue glitter, he tilts his head slightly, What an interesting way to start. He continues to listen quietly.
"The Tavern, sure no problem." She says with a twirl followed by laughter. Ionnia walked in and saw Grond. She smiled and walked over to give the Half-orc a side hug.
"Thank you so much for helping me Grond!" She said to her friend, one she really had made while building her chapel. To her Grond was like a big brother.
"Thank you for the chance at something meaningful - I feel like I have been adrift for too long" - the half orc felt at ease with Ionnia after the time they spent together at work on the shrine - "you know I am ont 'religious', but I do think you may have something with the strength to grow here" - he returned the hug as they walked side by side.
Selena does her best to fill in the gaps that Krafnik omits according to her knowledge of how the group works, "Each person gets one share of the loot. There is also a share for expenses, typically selling and buying equipment and a share for health. We may need to add another share to group health with so many more bodies joining up."
After the entrance of the courier, and Selena's words the half-orc again turned to Ionnia - "What do you make of all this?" - he inquired, pouring her some wine from a pitcher closeby, and some ale for himself.
Group health???What about retirement plan
Zilybar looks around as the crowd seems to be getting bigger by the minute.
This crowd gets any bigger and I am out of here.
He sees the man enter and saying something about him being from Brevoy and a Charter....
Oh Bullocks...here we go
Zilybar stands up on his chair to make sure everyone can see him and then waits while everyone calms down a bit. He points to the courier and with a loud voice that is enough to get the attention of those around him.
What is this Charter that man speaks of and what exactly are you expecting of us. An equal share of loot is all fine and good but what are we expected to do to earn it?
Ionnia took a deep drink of the wine. She smiled and looked at Gronk. She sighed and shook her head."Well Gronk much as I would have liked to avoid it, It seems Brevoyian Politics have come to the Frontier. However if done right that Charter is either and Iron Clad Death Sentence or a blessed boon in disguise. I pray to the Lady that it is the latter. I have had enough of Brevoyian politics. Hince why I am here."
"As for the rest of it, I would be on board with. This land needs stability and leadership. The people need something more than the unsure mess of banditry and barbarism. It also does not need the same issues that plagues other lands, We could have a group of barbarians who live off the land while cities thrive all sharing a mix of both the wild and the tame." She paused and looked up smiling.
" Still I am a bit interested in the woman with the radiance about her. She is quite stunning, what do you think" Ionnia said giggling as she did not hide her family insignia or ring as she took another drink of wine.
"I'm not one for being heavily into debt of another, so I'll Just be taking either a masterwork Mithral or Blue Ice breastplate."
"I hope the sculpture helped in getting the idea of the design across"
Krafnik stands and says to the envoy I speak at this moment for Krazok Firesource. What is it you want.