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At Alembic's weird statement he puts his hand up and waves at him. Once close enough he nearly shouts, "Oscar is still in his room but I am sure we are the ones you are looking for! Leadership in these Stolenlands, yes?!"
"These newcomers, Sable. What do you think of them? They seemed to ripple with currents that may topple even the Fates set upon us."
"I sure hope they can muster such power, that is what we called them for." He states proudly in response to his old friend.
Hey Koldur ya old devil how's things been? I've been with some of the lads clearing out small pockets of undead while you've been off having all the fun, think you could use some clerical help again? Rognar says
Sable responds to Rognar first with a smile and a nod, loud enough to be heard as the raucous of the room has seemed to elevate as more and more of the prospects arrive. With good cheer in his face and voice he says, "Rognar we would be glad to have your spells at our side again. Johanna has a good grip upon it though I am sure she would welcome the help since our exploring group will likely grow in numbers as well."
Then he made a proclamation himself, "I am Silvillinis Sable Soren, General of Khorvian, and I will be watching each of you for your talent and abilities. As you join our expedition you may just call me Sable. Now let us be off since it seems the racket is all about us! Meet us outside of the outpost as soon as you are able. We plan to explore for the next 22 days." With that said he looks for any questions, once it appears there is no more he stands, nods, and then heads out of the tavern. Waving to Morrel before he leaves the ale house. He gathers his mount and proceeds outside of the outpost.
Just as Sable stands from his table this halfling with holding a greatsword before him stands as well. He is on the other side of the room. He follows Sable out of the ale house.
"No, I was sent to help Oscar. I asume he's assaulting a goblin fortress or something."
Sitting on the other side of the ale house, you see a dark haired beauty. She stands up once Hundor leaves the ale house.
Raven black hair spilling over two massive horns and a massive mane behind. Her dark eyes seem to watch the room closely. Stark white teeth show in comparison to her dark ruby glistening lips. A glittering diamond on her forehead and a necklace of bones and black leather. A red flowing dress that covers all but her arms and feet. Though it sticks to her form showing off her deadly curves. Pert and bountiful breasts are hidden well beneath the dress. Her hands are delicate with clean fingernails. On her head is a strange metallic hat of sorts made of flat strips of metal some six inches long with strange runes upon them, they almost seem to suspend in the air around her face as if ioun stones without the rotation.
With the bewildering array of new arrivals, Ingvarr smiles and nods, but respectfully waits for those in authority to speak to them as a group. Behind those brown eyes, though, his mind works quickly to match names to faces, and after the third introduction in as many breaths, he pulls out a quill and a small book and starts to take notes.
"This General Soren means business," thinks Ingvarr, "Brusque like my father--straight to the point. Well, I can deal with that." The book merchant nods and prepares to follow Sable out to retrieve his horse and prepare for the exploration, then yet another person joins their ranks. Ingvarr pauses, not sure what to do, then just decides to scamper off to his mount and ensure he actually has 22+ days' worth of supplies before joining the group outside the outpost.
Hey Koldur ya old devil how's things been? I've been with some of the lads clearing out small pockets of undead while you've been off having all the fun, think you could use some clerical help again? Rognar says
"Your help was sorely misssed and it'll be welcomed once more as we explore these lands. There are more undead then we assumed and one of our last battles was with skilled undead warriors." Koldur replies to the man.
With his axes sheathed on his back, he joins Sable as well outside the outpost though his bum protests at the thought of more riding.
Riding up to the general, Ingvarr waits to be acknowledged, then volunteers, ”General Soren, if you wish, we can coordinate some troop movements or other orders by signal horn. Also, if you need it, I can set a fast cadence and we can cover long distances quickly without getting over-tired.”
Alembic nods his thanks and makes his way towards the stairs and mounts them, pulling out a large stack of bound paper as he does. "I was informed that you are Holy Knight Cray, but I only see one of you. Where are the other two?"
With no small amount of relief, he sets his gaze upon the crowd again until he spots the familiar face of Seraphina. He makes his way to her quickly in his excitement, apologizing to patrons on the way as he bumps into them.
He attempts to introduce himself to the table, but upon seeing the collective confusion in the group, realizes that he was speaking in Azlanti, not Taldane.(Common) "My deepest apologies, force of habit. Hail, Seraphina! It has been too long since last we met."
Seraphina smiled when she caught sight of the Magus. She chuckled lightly at his linguistic mishap, remembering the elf's tendency to slip into Azlanti speech without thought. She wondered what it must be like to speak so very many languages...
"Indeed, it has been too long, my friend! I should have known you would not have abandoned the Stolen Lands." She said and patted his shoulder warmly as he turned to submit his own bid to join the exploring party and she returned her attention to the parchment she had been handed in answer to her earlier question. She nodded to herself as she finished reading and returned the page back to the hand that offered it."Yes, that is quite sufficient. You have my thanks."
Then he made a proclamation himself, "I am Silvillinis Sable Soren, General of Khorvian, and I will be watching each of you for your talent and abilities. As you join our expedition you may just call me Sable. Now let us be off since it seems the racket is all about us! Meet us outside of the outpost as soon as you are able. We plan to explore for the next 22 days." With that said he looks for any questions, once it appears there is no more he stands, nods, and then heads out of the tavern. Waving to Morrel before he leaves the ale house. He gathers his mount and proceeds outside of the outpost.
"Gracious! No time to waste, then." She exclaimed and then began scanning the room full of patrons and would-be adventurers. Her eyes fell on an exotic raven-haired beauty. She had an impressive set of horns that set Sera's curious mind wondering about her ancestry. But her curiosity would have to be satisfied another time. If the exotic woman had been here long, she did not doubt that a certain pair of male eyes would likely be positioned at a prime viewing angle. He was not known as a ‘ladies man’ for nothing, after all.
And then a whiff of cigar smoke drew eyes upward and there he was. Leaning forward with his elbows on the railing and puffing away on a stub of cigar, he was gazing down at her from a perspective that afforded him a more than generous view of most any woman’s cleavage in the room. She placed her hands on her hips and smiled, shaking her head ruefully. He grinned and winked, ever the flirtatious, roguish mercenary. He professed to have little regard for propriety, especially since his father had disinherited him… and yet he had always been careful to keep the shadow of his disreputable social status from darkening her own. She unconsciously fiddled with the ring on her right hand. The protective ring had been a gift from the Captain before a particularly perilous journey into the forest, one he had refused to take back upon her return.
”It’s good to see that Captain Kesten Garess remains in one piece. So much has changed around here, it is… comforting to see that some things remain the same.” She said warmly, once she was close enough to him that she need not shout.
”Always glad to be a comfort, my Lady.” He replied formally, with mischief dancing in his dark eyes. ”You have been absent so long, I thought you must have returned home to wed my brother, at last.” A tightening around the eyes suggested that other, darker thoughts about her fate had crossed his mind, as well.
She made a sound of displeasure, a sharp intake of breath through her teeth like soft hiss.
”Bite your tongue! I never agreed to wed Kol. And he cannot think us betrothed. After all..” she said while casting her eyes down to check the tips of her jade green nails on her right hand. ”It’s not as if I had received and accepted a ring from him.” Her eyes cut back up to his quickly to gauge his reaction as a sharp inhale of smoke set him to coughing. Now Sera grinned back with equal mischief.
”I wish I could chat longer, but it Seems General Soren wants to be away soon. But I’m sure I will drop in again before long. Till we meet again, Captain.” She turned and strode off to finish her business at the Fort. If they were to be so long on the trail, she would need more supplies.
Alembic nods his thanks and makes his way towards the stairs and mounts them, pulling out a large stack of bound paper as he does. "I was informed that you are Holy Knight Cray, but I only see one of you. Where are the other two?"
[B]"Yes indeed I am Oscar Cray the third
While standing inside the tavern next to Ingvarr, Syl notices him taking out his book and begin writing in it, catching his interest.
hmmm... Oh, this Soren fella is the general here? Your pa's a what? a brisket? Well to each his his own I guess. Heh, nice to.. meat.. you friend!
Syl allows himself a short, barking laugh at his own in-joke before sobering up a bit.
You know, I had a dream last night and in it there was someone who looked remarkably alike that General Sorry fella so you know what? I'm in. Err, for whatever it is we are doing...
Syl will then follow Ingvarr out to the stables and make sure to get his farm's beast-o-burden "Betsy" ready to go and meeting outside the fort, prepared for the long haul.
Once there and waiting, Syl pulls his metallic belt off and wrestles it into the rough shape of a flute and begins experimenting with a few notes.
Well, I did say "roughly"...
"Excellent. I have been sent by Abadar to aid you in your endeavors. I just have a little paperwork for you to handle then we can get started." Alembic then handed the stack of paperwork over to Cray. "I will need to get the signatures as the other two men with the same name before we begin."
Ingvarr nods at Syl kindly, offering to work with him a bit on his performance skills as they journey. "I'm off to buy some more rations and feed, as the journey will take us longer than I prepared for," he continues, "I'll see you at the muster point outside the outpost."
Oscar looks at Alembic with confusion, then a little exasperated he says, "I don't know of anyone else with my name, my father was Oscar Cray the second as my grandfather was Oscar Cray. What is this paperwork for?" He begins to look it over and takes it over to a table, surprised by how organized and well written it is.
The dwarves are well stocked and have over 200 days of trail rations and the same amount of horse feed on hand. After Ingvarr buys his lot there is 180 days of both still in stock. Several dwarves man the stock room where you can buy general items.
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Riding up to the general, Ingvarr waits to be acknowledged, then volunteers, ”General Soren, if you wish, we can coordinate some troop movements or other orders by signal horn. Also, if you need it, I can set a fast cadence and we can cover long distances quickly without getting over-tired.”
He nods to Ingvarr acknowledging him.
"Excellent, it is good to have someone with a bit of knowhow concerning an army and formations. I must have lost mine back months ago. Hundor please go check if there are more in the stock room. What was your name again? Ingvarr that has my crest upon it, do tell me where you acquired it from."
Then once Ingvarr has likely told the nutshell he references the offered spell, "Yes covering long distances quickly would be much welcomed."
Once there and waiting, Syl pulls his metallic belt off and wrestles it into the rough shape of a flute and begins experimenting with a few notes.
(Perform 10)
Well, I did say "roughly"...
While they are waiting for the others to join them outside the outpost, Ingvarr attempts to give Syl a few pointers on the proper playing of a wind instrument using his own expertise in the subject.
@Sable
"Yes, General, I am Ingvarr Battlecaller. I was on patrol with my father, Errol Battlecaller, when we were ambushed by a numerically superior force of goblinoids. The captain of our patrol, my father, gave me the family signal horn and ordered me to ride to the nearest hilltop and signal for help. The House Soren soldiers arrived quickly, but upon our return to the scene of the battle, I could find no trace of my father," explains Ingvarr briefly.
Continuing, he says, "I have spent two summers training with House Soren patrols and am familiar with your battle signals. I would honor the memory of my father Errol by helping make this land safe, driving out any who would harm its peaceful inhabitants."
At the mention of collecting materials from Sable he stands more alert, repeats and then off he goes back into the outpost, "As many signal horns that they have. Does a signal while work the same way?" He quickly asks, gets the answer then off he goes.
He returns with one horn in his off hand as a greatsword meant for his halfling size in the other, the blade covered in a leather half sheath, as the blade rests on his shoulder. "They had six!" He quickly states and also adds, "I also bought a few more lengths of rope for the waterfall, and a bit of acid for any troublesome hinges."
He offers the first signal horn to Sable, then anyone else that wants one. Keeping one for himself.
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"I am sorry to hear of your father's passing." He says with sympathy. With a forced smile he adds, "I welcome you to our expedition force. Ingvarr this here is Hundor, to simplify our relationship he is my most recent student, page, and soldier. Though I and Koldur, my long time friend, met at the beginning of the charter and were set upon by vampires. We now work towards our skills as masters once more. And this lovely lady is Olivira, my pact magic enchantress. There are many other Blades that hold positions in Khorvian, though we left them in charge as we venture to tame the lands. We have been to a good portion of the East and now we cover the Northern part of the West of the Stolenlands. We should easily catch up to the caravan." He relays not just to Ingvarr but introducing the two to the new members of the expedition.
Hundor smiles and bows to Ingvarr first and to the others as they introduce themselves again.
Being introduced she nods her head in recognition and would offer her hand to each of you in turn, then pleasantly adding, "It is good to meet you, . I am sure you will be a great addition to our expedition.
"Apologies, I am confused then. I was told to speak to Oscar Cray three. There must be a mistranslation. At any rate, You don't need to sign all of that now. I have to give you a mandatory 30 days to read and sign. As way of explanation, I was sent here as a representative of the God Abadar, who has heard your prayers and sent me to assist. I am fully prepared to assist with whatever endeavors you might need help with. I also included a copy of my bio in the paperwork...it's right here...that explains a bit about who I am and the organization I work for, which is called the Lancelot Society. I should note up front that I am neither a member of any church nor a lay follower of any god; I am here strictly in a professional capacity. Please take your time and read those documents thoroughly, and in the meantime, perhaps you can explain how I can help?"
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Rognar gets four weeks of horse feed and iron rations for himself and Bill the camel as well as three more water skins which he now has four and adds to his exotic saddle and his saddle bags. Then he settles down and takes out his trusty hip flask knowing he has a barrel of the good stuff in the saddle bag as well and a good sized bag of preserved berries and he sips from the flask and plans his hour of revelry to Halcamora right before bed. In the mean time as this group assembles he says to them:. If you all allow me to pray one minute each morning over all of you each day we travel together I can bestow Halcamora's blessings upon you during times of battle
Koldur's sour face is plain to see as he saddles his horse. The horse is the gentlest of the lot and comfortable to ride but the old dwarf scowls.
As he gathers his own supplies and checks his gear, he walks alongside his mount as he waits for the others to join in. With the scent of adventure once more, even his old bones can't wait to join up despite the ache of riding in a saddle once more.
The others now, he hoped for an interesting time. He squints his eyes in the distance. An unknown road once more beckons them.
Toki looks at the crowd of folks talking and reminiscing, then the idea of several weeks adventure finally takes hold in his goblin brain.
"I will.purchase supplies and await the party by the sally gate."
With that, he heads to the general store and purchases 4 weeks of rations and the same of kibble, storing most of that in his saddlebags.
Seraphina fell in line behind the goblin cavalier as they purchased goods for the expedition. She thought herself fairly open minded when it came to accepting an individual based on their personal character instead of relying on generalizations and prejudice... but even she found the idea of a lone Goblin knight decidedly strange.
"Twenty-two days of trail rations..." she sighed. "I do detest such bland fare day in and day out. I shall simply have to pack some meat and cheese, maybe some wine and honey as well. Perhaps we can hunt and fish as we go? Though, I suppose that might slow our progress exploring. What did you say your name was, again? Toki? I believe I heard you mention that you are conscripted to a Noble House of Brevoy... I must confess my curiosity. How did that come to be?" She asked in what she hoped was a polite tone.
Once her purchases were packed and secure, she strolled out through the gate and past the group gathering until she was well distant from the other mounts. It would not do to spook the lot when Meir arrived.
She reached out with her thoughts, seeking connection with the dragonkin. "Change of plans. We set out soon. Find me where you left me last. Come softly, many horses and other animals near."
When she sensed his approach, she called to those nearest her. "Be aware, my mount will arrive momentarily. He might spook a skittish creature." That was probably an understatement, but there seemed no point in worrying the point too strongly. Once, Meir had arrived, she set about fitting him with his new saddle and preparing for the journey.
"First, I want to thank Abadar for sending aid. Second, I want you to hold onto these papers for now. Third, we should catch up with the group. Come on!" Oscar says to him and leaves the papers to be collected by Alembic and follows the group.
Upon getting outside he asks, "Do you have a mount? You could buy one from the dwarves if not." Pulling on the reigns he takes his horse out to the rest of the group.
Once Alembic catches up his first orders have been prepared, "I want you to listen to Sable, Koldur, and Johanna, in that order for orders. You will likely be acting as my proxy in the land when I am needed for my other duties."
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As the dragon begins to descend, you need a handle animal DC 10 or your mount bolts.
He offers Seraphina a hand seeing her heavy bags and no mount,"Hey there do you need a hand? Where is your mount?"
As Meir begins to descend he drops his jaw, "You have a DRAGON for a mount!!! Jealous!"
Alembic nods and then goes to see about a horse, but leaves the paperwork, saying "I actually can't take that back unless it's been signed. As I said, you have 30 days to read and sign it, then return it to me. I guess I'll go see a Dwarf about a horse now."
Oscar srunches up his nose in annoyance and then twirls around collectimg the papers, , one way or another then out he goes.
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"Hey Rognar what was that spell or blessing you were going to cast upon us? Will it last all day or were you going to cast it at the beginning of battle?" he asks wondering the tactics of the spell.
Giving her a hard time, he shouts, "Seraphina! You should warn us its a DRAGON, I was thinking griffon, Pegasus, or hippogriff."
Warned that the coming creature might cause skittishness in their own mounts, Ingvarr says, ”Thank you for the warning, fair lady,” and pulls the simple ocarina from his pack, playing a soothing tune using his Versatile Performance to help calm the mounts who can hear the gentle music.
Johanna gathers at the front with the others.
"I'm sorry I got lost in thought and had to step away. I'm glad Soren and Koldur have gathered you all here. We will be exploring as we make our way back to the capital. The lands are dangerous and we need to make them safe for people to travel. We don't have much in wealth as it is all tied up in the settlement. Those that come along will get equal shares of what is found and have the chance to join the ruling council. One of the last to adventure with us found it too dangerous and returned to his library. If you have doubts now is the time to go home. For those ready, we thank you and look forward to sharing with you and getting to know you all better. Now if we are all ready..."
After acquiring some more rations and a waterskin, though, in truth it was full of dwarven ale, Rai removes the blanket from his chestnut-splotched gypsy horse and sets about gearing her up for the journey ahead. "Okay, Cinniúint, we have a long journey ahead of us, so I need you to be ready for just about anything," he says to the horse. Cinniúint responds with a sequence of hoof beats and rakes across the ground that translate to "Ok, ready." Rai nods to her before mounting up and riding to meet the rest of the group... just as Meir touches down. "NOT READY! NOT READY!!", the horse frantically thumps.
"On the good side, the music will hopefully keep the other animals calm as the dragon approaches," thinks Ingvarr. "On the bad, side, though, the dragon may grow to expect a musical introduction each time it approaches," he considers, wrinkling his nose at the prospect.
Alembic walks outside and joins the other, then with some gestures and incantation a pure white horse pops into existance, along with silver bit, bridle, and saddle.
Alembic mounts and turns to follow the others. Unlike many of the other animals (and some of the people!), his horse seemed unaffected by the Dragon's presence.
He offers Seraphina a hand seeing her heavy bags and no mount,"Hey there do you need a hand? Where is your mount?"
As Meir begins to descend he drops his jaw, "You have a DRAGON for a mount!!! Jealous!"
Seraphina fumbles with her over-sized saddle and stuffed saddlebags and smiles gratefully at the brawny halfling. "Indeed, your help is much appreciated. It's not so very heavy, really. Just a bit awkward."
Ever gregarious and talkative, Sera chatted while they made their way afield. "Oh, he'll be along shortly. Do you think we'll go west when we make way? Meir had some trouble in that direction. I daresay we'll need to be quite thorough in our sweep. Maybe west first, then double-back east. Working our way south like that." She said while imitating the motion of a side winding serpent with her hand.
Raising her voice to be heard over the gusts of Meir’s landing. ”I’m actually not completely sure if I have him, or if he has me.” She said with a shrug. ”It amounts to the same, in the end. We have each other.” She beamed up at the dragonkin, at least until she was called down and caught sight of Rai’s mount bolting away.
”I did try to take precautions, General.” She called, ”Sorry, Rai! Bit of a learning curve, I’m afraid. Thank you for the aid of your music, Master Ingvarr.” She shrugged apologetically and then turned to Meir, speaking Draconic, as she moved about him, securing the new saddle.
Rai stays in his saddle as his horse bolts,
In Draconic he responds a few times,
He seems very excited to talk to both of them.
The mount must have being assured by the dwarf's strong hold on the reins as both remain mostly immobile as the dragon descends.
"The Pegasi are herd of their own and would lend aid if they wish too and only if they wish too. They will not be forced into service. I could send word and ask for aid but they would require pasture and territory to roam." Koldur replies to Sable's question.
"I'm far too old to be able to stay in the saddle like these younglings and thus would prefer the ground work. I am glad for this horse here. Gentle and Resolute. A good match for me despite my grumblings." as he strokes the horse's mane.
"That dragon though will be a problem. Attracts trouble. Could be more trouble then we are prepared for." he remarks as he watches the reactions of the others.
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"We could easily set aside some territory and pasture. Once we get to the caravan you are welcome to sit in a wagon or walk along all you wish. As others might join you, then to be called to deal with problems we find. She is a good beast. I could never complain about Cencistrai. Though an elven bred horse is wonderful. We will deal with trouble as we always have and if it gets too worse, then we have a talk. We should get to know them before jumping to conclusions, but I see your point." with that said to Koldur he moves towards the dragon and says to Seraphina, "Yes formations for the expedition will be something like that."
Then turning to face them all he announces, "First we need to catch up to the caravan, get through explored land and then begin exploring. Come, let us be off! North West first, staying to the path. By then we should find the caravan."
True to his word you catch up to the caravan by mid day. Much faster than he expected but with Ingvarr's and Rognar's magic much progress is made. Four hours of travel,
The caravan, now 16 wagons long, expels its folks. Mostly common folk that are living on the road for now to meet the needs of the expedition and resource collection. Some are even surveyors. They collect towards the center wagon and Sable gives them a quick run down.
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During the four hour march he does his best to talk with each of you and learn about your background, your strengths, talents, and how you think you can best help the expedition or exploring.
Before leaving the group he states, "I will go ahead and warn them of what riders and mounts we have. Then as you come up ride by the whole caravan once, I will introduce you." He would also wave down Seraphina and relay the message to her separately.
He spurs his horse forward with a whisper and Cencistrai bolts forward to get a lead and beat anyone easily there.
He greets the caravan by doing a once ride by. Giving Ernost the signal and they come to a stop.
He tells them a dragon rider is with them now, make sure to steady your mounts. Johanna has her tiger. Toki has a wolf. Then the rest use horses.
One by one, you rideby and he yells your name and class. Which gets passed up from one driver to the next.
Alembic does his best to answer your questions, the bullet points of which are below:
*I am a wizard with practical experience dealing with both elementals and extraplanar creatures.
*I do not cast elementally focused magic; instead, I rely on both disabling and light and force based magic to dispatch my targets.
*I am knowledgeable in the sorts of creatures you might fight throughout the multitude of planes.
*I am in the employ of Abadar, currently on loan to Oscar Cray.
*While I am indeed a wizard, I have some abilities that are not known to those outside my specific path of training.
*I am highly trained in protecting myself from those who would chose to target a wizard first. I am well armored, and can make myself even more protected if need be.
*Tactically I prefer to sit in the middle of the formation, where I can bring my magic to bear as quickly as possible in any direction our enemies might strike from.