"Soren is the caravan heading to our settlement? If so should we not make haste in getting it there safely. Exploring with the caravan in tow endangers the people. Do you not agree?"
Johanna waves and greets the people with vigor as she rides by at her introduction.
Ingvarr announces their arrival with a powerful blast from his signal horn, then provides a flourish after each introduction. He also rides by as he is announced, smiling and waving.
After his introduction, Ingvarr speaks to the general, saying, ”We have made good time, General. I can extend the cadence to include the caravan as well, but I will need to use the signal horn to keep us coordinated. I stand ready for your order.”
Toki does as requested, both he and Wartooth proceeding along as if in a parade st the reviewing stand.
"If the dragon rider and I are needed to scout, we can gain info along the ground and sky at the same time. And Wartooth is much faster than a full caravan of humans and slow horses anyways."
In her panic, Cinniúint had rushed all the way back to the stables and was about to try and hide herself in the nearby haystack before Rai managed to calm them down. "Cinniúint, it's okay! Whoa! What happened to being ready for anything?" She stamped out,"You said nothing of dragons," rather indignantly. "Dragons are an anything!" says Rai, which earns a derisive snort in reply. He breathes a deep sigh in contemplation before coming upon a solution. "Well, as they are Seraphina's mount, I doubt their intentions are sinister, but would it ease your mind if I were to talk to them? After all, I speak Draconic, and I think they'd be receptive to conversation." Cinniúint ponders this for a minute, then responds,"Please ask them to fly a little higher; I hate drafts." "Okay, then, let's ride back up to meet them." Cautiously, the pair cantered back to the group, the gypsy horse shivering a little once they reached the dragon's back-draft.
Of course, he took careful stock of the caravan as he passed the various carriages, noting which ones carried passengers so as to be better equipped to protect them. After all, this is the Stolen Lands. Following the ride by, Rai returns his mask to his face, as is his habit when traveling. Better that they can't see where your eyes are looking, so they don't know what you're aiming for, he thought to himself.
Seraphina finished cinching and adjusting the new saddle while Hundor helped her load the saddle bags with all her foodstuffs and supplies.
”Perhaps General Soren will be able to define for us how far away to land, to resolve that issue. I really had thought to give enough breathing room, as it were. I suppose we’ll try twice that distance next.” She looked to Meir first at Hundor’s request, but seeing no indication of offense or hearing any objecting thoughts, she shrugged again as she took her seat in the saddle.
”It’s not a saddle built for two, and I can’t promise you that I won’t fall off, let alone you. I can only imagine how put out the General would be if I drop his page out of the sky. But if none of that worries you, then I won’t let it worry me.” She scooted back on the saddle to make room in front of her as she still wore her fully loaded backpack on her back. Seated there, he would also be able to reach the hand-grip and be encircled by her arms while she held the reins. She held out her hand to help him climb up.
She listened patiently while Rai entreated on behalf of his sensitive mount. ”Yes, fine. We’ll land further out and give your fair steed some extra distance.” She said aloud but Meir easily caught her thoughts as well. ’Should we conjure up a fainting couch for the poor dear as well?’
After they had returned to the marching column she remarked to Hundor. ”Sure, another 40 feet higher will keep from startling the horses, might also ensure that if we do fall off, we won’t feel it when we land. ‘My kingdom for a ring of feather fall’, eh? Well, shall we fly?” She said with a wink.
***
Once they caught sight of the caravan from the air, she marveled at how many people were gathered.
”Who are they? Where have they traveled from?” She asked Hundor.
Giving in to the parade-like atmosphere, she cast a few prestidigitation behind them in the air, sending out a shower of glimmering sparks in their wake as they were announced.
”My family is back in Brevoy. My surviving family, that is. My mother and three brothers live with my great-uncle Gurev Medvyed in Stoneclimb. I carry some small arms but they are just for show, or a last line of defense. My true weapons come to me naturally, my magic and these.” She flourished her hand and it became a talon, with long cruel-looking jade colored claws at the tips and shining, copper colored scales up to her elbow, nearly. ”I can channel magic into them, making them magical weapons, essentially. My harmful spells are acid based, messy… but effective. I also know a good deal of beneficial magic, increasing strength, protections and resistances, vanishing. I like to take up a position on the second line of engagement so that I can reach those who fight on the front line. I can support them with spells and healing when needed. And if anyone closes on me, I can hold my own, for a time.”
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"Soren is the caravan heading to our settlement? If so should we not make haste in getting it there safely. Exploring with the caravan in tow endangers the people. Do you not agree?"
"The simple answer is yes they are in danger. Even if we get them to the capital they still would be in danger. We dont have the forces to protect everyone yet. Our castle and the city around it are still being constructed. These folks want to be out here. They show how they want to support us. Some prefer the protection of those most powerful. AS others are here to find precious materials. This was part of the caravan you were leading before."
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After his introduction, Ingvarr speaks to the general, saying, ”We have made good time, General. I can extend the cadence to include the caravan as well, but I will need to use the signal horn to keep us coordinated. I stand ready for your order.”
"What knowledge do they need before we begin? I have not trained them to know the signals of the horn" He asks,
He nods happily at the thought of the dragon ride then asks Seraphina,"Can I tie one end to the saddle and the other to me, we could even tie it to you if you want!" Then he pulls out some silk rope, tying one end to his waist twice, then securing the other end to several rings of the saddle so they won't chaff the dragon or looping it and tieing the other end around her waist. Once done he states, "It is better to be safe and prepared, than needing lots of healing!"
"Two rings and a saddle that fits two!!!"
"A lot of the folk are from Brevoy, some from the River Kingdoms, most have skills and not just common folk. This our expedition caravan that supports us and slowly follow those in front. I pity the fool that attacks them." He relays to her enjoying the warmth of her body and her arms around him.
To Soren:
"I understand that, but the only way to grow the capital is time and investment. These people will help it to grow. Much has changed in the short time since we gathered and assigned leadership roles. You are General, Koldur is Warden. The two of you are to safeguard the people form threat. You have to understand exploring is a greater threat than being stationed at the capital. We could come upon another undead camp or worse. It would be impossible to protect the caravan while exploring the land. I believe it is best now to lead them home. Focus on growth for a few months and integrate our new friends into leadership roles. This will give you time to start recruiting and securing the capital from threat. I believe a mandatory two years of service for those from age 16-18 would provide discipline and training. They are welcome to stay enlisted or return to farming or whatever professing they have chosen after. This will give us a start to our military. Come let us return to the capital and better discuss this and other things over the next few months."
"Bandits? Are there bandits nearby to slay? We could use some coin and fresh meat, and a bandit camp would give both!"
Toki pipes up as his ears pick up on key words of interest.
"No bandits known of Toki. The lands are overrun with undead. If there were bandits, it likely safe to say they would be part of the undead horde by now."
"Very well. It is decided then. To the capital. We have much to do. I will explain what I know along the way." She leans over and scratch Sabre.
"Come let's make our way home."
On the road she will explain what she knows.
"As you have gathered I am Dutches Johanna Sinclair sometimes called the Cat. I was a student and trained under Master Koldur. From there I became personal guard and champion to Princess Moonshine. We are here to establish a kingdom to support Princess Moonshine in claiming her throne. She was forced out due to some silly omens. She is a member of our court a close friend and advisor. These lands seem teeming with undead. We suspect a necromance or cabal of necromancers to be at the source of this. The Princess has no path to her throne but through force. When the time comes we hope to be strong enough that a diplomatic solution can be made, but if not we will back her with all we have. She is good and just. It is wrong what happened to her and I suspect there is evil within her father and her former kingdom. Now if any of you wish to go about adventuring and not join the cause do so now. For those that stay you have mine and the princess's thanks. Any questions?"
"Are there any living foes around? Men or elves or gnomes? Or are all the baddies here boney and rotten? If so, Wartooth and I are going to need to find some livestock or something, and a large barrel of vinegar. I know I cant eat undead meat. And I doubt he will like it any better."
”What would you have us do, Duchess, once we escort the caravan to its destination? Would we turn around and head out to the wilds to explore and destroy the threat of the undead plaguing these lands, or would we stay at the capital and aid in your nation building?” asks Ingvarr, wanting to know if the nature of the task presented is as he thought.
"Are there any living foes around? Men or elves or gnomes? Or are all the baddies here boney and rotten? If so, Wartooth and I are going to need to find some livestock or something, and a large barrel of vinegar. I know I cant eat undead meat. And I doubt he will like it any better."
Seraphina shook her head at the thought, but ultimately, it was something she also wanted to ask so she chimed in with the goblin, "He's not wrong to be concerned about food. We may need to hunt along the way, if we must go along at the caravan's pace. How long will it take us to reach the capital from here?"
"There are animals. I can't say there are not men wondering out there or other humanoids. There are undead though. Hunting has not been an issue. We also raise pigs at the capital or will once they start breeding. You must understand I have been here less than a month. We ordered some improvements while we ventured out. Now it is time to return and oversee what was done. I think we will spend a few months to build and make everyone safe. We will also find roles for each of you in the council. Is there anything else?
After his introduction, Ingvarr speaks to the general, saying, ”We have made good time, General. I can extend the cadence to include the caravan as well, but I will need to use the signal horn to keep us coordinated. I stand ready for your order.”"What knowledge do they need before we begin? I have not trained them to know the signals of the horn" He asks,
"I will confer with the drover of the lead wagon and ensure we are using the same signaling system," replies Ingvarr, "Then you may give the order as you will, General."
Alembic seems fascinated by pretty much everything as they travel towards their destination. He spends time asking excited questions about mundane things, then nods his head and makes notes.
He does his duty as needed, but while not working he studies much of the new environment around him.
As Huntsman and lead driver of the caravan, he confers with Ingvarr and learns the signals, even taking one of the signal horns from Hundor when possible, to learn how to use it himself. With the hours of travel ahead of them he invites Ingvarr to teach! Ernost, Hundor, and at least a few other drivers will learn from you!
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At her misunderstanding of what he meant he waits until she is done. At that point he pulls Johanna to the side explaining,
"I am not the most diplomatic person and was wondering if we wanted Ingvarr or others to speak to our caravan people on our behalf. See we just drove them up here four days for nothing really as you want us to go back now. These folks want to be out here. They show how they want to support us. Some prefer the protection of those most powerful. As others are here to find precious materials. Some are even surveyors. I could see losing a third of the caravan due to this faux pau. You said you wanted people right?"
If she agrees he approaches the expedition force, "Would you be so kind to smooth things over so that we have minimal grumbling and somehow save face for wasting most of their time. Thank you so much!" He would stand with you, go over speaking points if you want and be there the whole time.
Oscar is looking over the documents now that he is in a wagon...
Koldur lets the others handle the task of reallocating the caravan and their route in favor of studying their new allies.
He was indeed feeling his age as he watches each and everyone of them.
The sSerious Alembic, Eagar Ingavarr, Youthful Seraphina, Enigmatic Rai and strangely enough the Chivalrous Toki. Each with their own brand and individualism. the times where he had had fought for past rulers, the time where he spent guarding and playing with sons and finally a granddaughter of the old Rulers. he had spent more time fighting wars and training warriors then he could remember.
Now here he was with the new blooded fated ones, he felt. A former student was leading and ruling and he was but one of the followers to see to their dream of putting little Moonshine on the throne. Their foe was the implacable undead and this land was infested. Far too infested for his liking even as he watched the brave settlers follow them. He would have loved watch towers or small towns in between roads to facilitate travel, trade and perhaps the ability to live off the land.
What the old dwarf would really like now was to have a mug of cold frothing mead and a place to cushion his sore behind.
Or a fight. A fight to get the cricks out of his old bones.....
"All these humans and dwarves, dont they need big buildings and walls and sewers to breed and grow families? If they want to keep making more of them, they should stay in the fortress place and build more houses and chimneys and stuff. Or is there another city place we have to make in the woods? Wood is okay to build with but its gonna burn down sooner or later."
"I will talk with them Sable. Gather them around."
Once the Caravan is gathered around
"People of Khorvian, I am so happy to see how eager and willing each of you are to venture out. These lands are rich with resources and possibilities for us all. They are still quite dangerous. Khorvian is barely a month old. We have much to do there. As we build and grow more and more people will come. You have the best opportunity to be there and grow with us. You will be the founders of businesses, the owners of farms. It will not be long before we make the lands safe. In only seven months' time, we will grow to this dwarven outpost. Soon after that, we will be looking to start a new settlement. Stay with us, help us grow and in time those that wish to go explore and settle with have ample opportunity. Now is not the time. Return to Khorvian with us now."
Somewhat overwhelmed by all the conversations and different perspectives being presented, Ingvarr focuses his attention on the job at hand. Working with Ernost and the other drivers on the signals, Ingvarr tries to get to know them...Where are they from, why did they join the caravan, where is it going, what are the goals of the various people involved—surveying, mining, protecting the others? In this way, he hopes to be more useful to the leaders if they come to him for discussion on next steps for the group. Using his skill with bookmaking and calligraphy, he also pulls together some pamphlets summarizing the signals for the driver’s use in case they need a reference when they have to give or receive a signal.
Seraphina joins Ingvarr in making the rounds, speaking with the people of the caravan.
”Yes, it all makes sense. Recruiting more hands for the scouting and exploring parties. Making sure that as many people are as protected as possible. She has seen that we are long from done with taming these Stolen Lands, and perhaps the land is not yet done with us. There is much to build yet. Tell me, what is your vision for Khorvian?”
She also eagerly listened to any news from Brevoy and happily greeted any among them who were vassals to her father, back when he still lived and cared for their ancestral lands near the eastern edge of the Gronzi forest.
Once everyone had settled in to camp that evening, Sera spent a little time setting up her camp and work area alongside Meir. With everything set up that she needed, she set to work with her materials. After a while it became clear that she was fashioning a cloak of some kind.
The following day, Sera and Meir will travel along the ground to facilitate talking with people unless asked to fly and scout ahead.
Well it looks like the caravan gets turned around and heads back to the capital. Only one person continues on the path the caravan had originally been set upon, Olivira.
It takes 7 days to get back to the capital with the aid of Ingvarr's inspired movement. Previously it had taken at least 10 if not 15 days. No problems arrived on the trip or when you got back to town.
Six months pass, you can see how the city has grown in leaps and bounds in that time but time just flies by.
****Sable works tirelessly with any able body that wants to learn how to fight.
Nothing comes to threaten your capital or the lands you claim. Each time you move towards claiming a new territory you must clean out the random zombie or skeleton mob but it is nothing to the powerhouse known as the Expedition Force.
You likely come to know each other much better and those who were running the kingdom. Roles change and those who have the skills take over from others with typically little trouble or quarrel.
Then the day comes and the Expedition Force is set to move out and clear out those monsters once again... There is only two wagons prepared to set out with you. Ernost of course is in the front ready to relay signals from Ingvarr. Only surveyors and a few stable hands fill the wagons. Though there is plenty of supplies in the front wagon to make each camp stay enjoyable, you don't need to bring many rations and hunting will be minimal at most. In those months the mines and other favorable resources had been found in the North, these surveyors are hoping to find new resources and set a claim to them. Of course 75% of the profits would go to the kingdom for the first year of any mine with support as needed from the kingdom.
The Expedition Force sets out to the East!
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He throws his weight into training the newest recruits. With Koldur when possible and Hundor at his side it is easier but as the months pass on there are more and more.
He begins his day early as the sun comes up. Waking up recruits and preparing them for a surprise from a foe. Calisthenics, weapon training, and then tactics of combat are his main routines and training. Each takes an hour a day with the tactics class they eat lunch. If he is running a Basic Training he does two more sets of this before letting the recruits fall into their bedrolls. He sets up chaperones who he picks out to make sure the fraternizing is left to a minimal at camp. As he turns in for the night, goes to the castle for other duties, or goes to the town with other leadership. Most nights he turns in early not to be disturbed. Hundor is always by his side.
You have to be trained as a soldier before you may be a guard. To be a trained soldier you must go through at least three basic trainings that are each three weeks long, and pass the final exams. The exams include sound tactics with a section on undead, a physical run through an obstacle course after a 5 mile run, and defeating one of your peers in non lethal combat.
After the third month he sees those who are shining and rising to the top of the barrel and promotions are in order. He makes a big thing out of promotions as it keeps morale up and develops relationships between the soldiers.
After another month being at the capital family arrives. His youngest son with his sons and daughters, and their families. They bring along with them a herd of Elven horses and Elven Hounds. He helps them using recruits to develop a ranch a swift ride to the West of the capital.
Once the documents were signed and returned to the halls of Abadar, Alembic easily fell into a daily routine: In the morning, he would meet with Oscar and get his tasks for the day, then would set about completing them.
Generally he just helped out wherever he could.
Toki takes to the generally nocturnal habits of his ancestry quite readily, sleeping in the hay above the stables while Wartooth rests comfortably in a stall below during the heat of the day. Once the afternoon crests and the sun begins to dip, he armors up himself and his wolf mount and begins to patrol the area.
He begins in the streets, conspicuously displaying his now-amended banner to show allegiance to Khorvian, checking for signs of violence and criminals to run down and bring to justice. When he finds no such miscreants (which is most days), he takes to hunting down rats and other vermin, happily lancing them on the gallop and storing them in his bags for snacks later on.
He also has a large (55 gallon) barrel made and well-sealed, intent on filling it with high potency vinegar and pickling spices, where he stores all his obtained foods in order to make them more palatable to goblin desires.
Once the order to make ready comes down, he and Wartooth show even greater enthusiasm for their new role, practically strutting around and dancing while awaiting further chance to get out and slay baddies.
Early mornings find Ingvarr sitting out on the balcony of the castle, soaking in the beauty of the sunrise and singing softly as he writes--composing a song, poem or some other artistic work as an act of worship to Shelyn, which he then passes on to someone during the day as the mood strikes him.
Next, he eats a hearty breakfast and moves to the stables, taking it upon himself to ensure all the mounts--mundane and exotic--are well taken care of and trained to act seamlessly with riders, able to respond to the call of the horn almost by instinct (Take 10 for Handle Animal gives a 38).
Next come the drills with the soldiers. Supporting Soren's work, Ingvarr watches carefully the drills and practice combats, taking notes on each soldier's performances, giving encouragement where needed, and healing any minor wounds that may occur. It is during this time that Ingvarr compiles military techniques from his extensive studies to condense into easily-understood booklets he gives to each soldier, enhancing their ability to fight with their minds as well as their bodies--except when the formal drilling is done, when he blows the signal horn exactly as ordered by General Soren to guide the precise military maneuvers.
After a quick cleansing bath and lunch, Ingvarr spends the heat of the day either at the library working the stacks and reading to the children or on court days assisting with heralding and any other courtly duties required (Diplomacy take 10 for a 38). Joining his friends for dinner, Ingvarr discusses what he has learned for the day and entertains the group with stories, from graphically describing an epic battle of old to demonstrating the improved combat prowess of the newest recruit to show him honor.
Most evenings, Ingvarr attempts to get away for a few moments near sunset to quietly contemplate the beauty of creation, whether it be before or after dinner. He welcomes quiet company at this time, and if he develops a relationship with any female companions, it is during this time they reconnect for the day. He tends to go to bed relatively early, as he has set a demanding schedule for himself, but Ingvarr feels he is contributing to the military, educational, and emotional well-being of this fledgling nation well. Still, some evenings can find him looking up at the stars before bedtime, wondering if his father is still alive and vowing to rescue or avenge him as soon as the opportunity presents itself to do so.
On the journey to the capitol, Seraphina pointed out useful information she had gained through her own journeys through the Stolen Lands to General Soren and the Baroness Johanna. ”You know, of course, about the Sootscales. I have a good rapport with the tribe. I can see that the Mites are no more, good choice there, I would say. And, of course Tyg and Perlivash can give excellent intelligence on much of these lands here once you provide a proper tribute.” She said with a fond smile, indicating the northern stretch of the Greenbelt forest.
”What? No, I didn’t say pig… Tyg! Tyg-Tutter-Tut? She’s a grig. No, I say she’s not a pig! Oh dear, you haven’t come across the fey yet. I see…” She seemed to waffle for a moment as if she were torn about the right thing to do. Finally she nods to herself and continues, ”There are some friendly fey folk in the forest. They’re harmless enough… well, for the most part. They can be a bit mischievous and they like to play a joke every now and again. You should have seen what they did with the rogue’s knickers… *snicker* Never mind that now, though. When we get near their nest, they’re quite likely to make themselves known. Fey can be territorial, you know, doubly so for dragons, and a good tribute can go a long way toward establishing a mutually beneficial relationship.” She said decisively and then looked among them for any questions.
***
As they crested the last rise on their way to the capitol, Seraphina and Meir surveyed their new home, wondering how they would fit in with the budding civilization. ”I suppose our first task is finding a suitable place to sleep.” They needed more open space for their dwelling since a dragonkin was not a beast to be stabled... he would need easy access as well as egress, and Sera often practiced with enlarging magics. She also needed adequate work space for crafting and research.
Seraphina was a creature with a mercurial nature, so she did not settle into a predictable routine so much as flow where the moment and need took her. Some days she spent crafting wondrous items, but while the hobby could be quite profitable, it did rely on resources that were rather finite.
She made sure to let her new friends know that she would be happy to craft wondrous items for them as well. But their funds were likely as limited as her own. Never time enough when there was money and never money enough when there was time.
She often spent an afternoon with Ingvarr at the library, reading anything she could find about dragons and entertaining the children with tales of fierce beasts and hidden treasure hoards. Sometimes she went with Toki on patrol, or she and Meir went along with Hundor, both eager for the possibility of a hunt. Sometimes she debated magical theory with Rai or Alembic or studied what Olivira could teach her of Spellcraft. Or she might track down Koldur and try and entice him to tell battle stories from his past over dinner. Sometimes she schemed up ways to pull Johanna away from work and into something fun and frivolous, quite possibly to Rognar’s holy tavern. Afterward, she was often inspired to do something exceedingly responsible like going around to check on the farmers and ranchers in the barony. The Medvyeds were earthy folk who kept to the old ways, and her own immediate family had raised sheep and goats. She offered what help and guidance she could. And if she could not help herself, she listened and sought the help that was needed on their behalf.
She thought of her family often. Her mother, Viera and her brothers, Kristof, Markus, and Josef. She wrote to them once a month and was always excited to make the trip north to the Fort and get the post. Both to see her friend, Captain Garess and to hopefully receive a letter.
The one thing she did consistently and daily was attend to Meir’s needs. Keeping a dragonkin in the rising city was already pressing things rather fine. He needed the wilds at times, so occasional hunts and flying excursions were a must. So she was very pleased to learn that the Expedition Force would set off once more.
"The fey are dangerous and by their very nature untrustworthy. They may not intend to be, but like most beings not from the prime material planes, they, we really, are more beholden to our nature than mortals are, as mortals do not have a inherrent moral compass that guides their actions. It's what truly makes you fascinating."
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The aged former arms master gazes over the expedition force. He had being busy over the past few months. It wasn't all for naught as he absentmindedly fed his companion a carrot.
He had kept to an almost strict routine with training. Both himself and helping Sable train the warriors that had gathered to their Bastion. To that end in order to help facilitate their training, he had grouped them and organised them into groups to better aid them in understanding their weapons just like he had done so in Iron Peaks.
He had then appointed commanders and sub commanders, having them all report to Sable and then organised watch duties for them to both keep the peace and help them in gaining some combat experience. He did leave most of the harsher regime to Sable though. He might not have told most but he felt that his old friend most of all might have sense that something was troubling the old dwarf.
He knew of Toki and his erstwhile companions escapades as they hunted lawbreakers and the stray unfortunate bounty targets that wandered into their city and while he enjoyed Ingvarr's performances at the times he joins the rest for their meals he still spends time going through the simple motion of his axes. Those times are when the irascible Seraphina finds him for old tales he tries to humor her with.
Oft times, he drops by to have a drinking session with Rognar and perhaps one of those sessions blew into an outright binge drinking sessions that involved gold and several passed out companions. He chuckles to himself. He couldn't remember clearly what happened either.
What was surprising was Olivara being found outside his quarters with an offer. Strangely enough it was a blessing she was offering and having seen her actions long enough, the old dwarf saw fit not to question too much on motives and accepted it since the woman was far too perceptive and might have known about his failing eyesight. She even hinted about it!
"I can see things that most might have missed." were her words and if that doesn't show that she knew then it was surely a vary good guess.
It was true. Koldur found his sight was blurring and at times it failed him though it hasn't happened at a crucial time as of yet. With newly engraved runes on his ankles, he did enjoy the feeling of moving faster then the average dwarf but his blurring sight concerned the old dwarf and thus he sought to increase his training to compensate for it.
A fine morning found that Gratus whom he had sent back to the Iron peaks with an invitation to some old friends, had returned and with him were a trio of Pegasi. Their white wings conspicuous and tucked in with the head held proudly. What did concern him was that they proudly wrote themselves to be part of the herd of Iron Peaks, called 'Saddle-sore'. He knew their heard leader was a prankster given equine form but this....this....was really low. Nevertheless the herd communicated that since their pastures were running out of space back in the Iron Peaks, they were willing to send a few of their members to assist and see if suitable pastures to accommodate a second herd of the more rambunctious foals could be found.
At least he had some friends close from home though whether or not they would be willing to work with anyone else might need to be seen. They were still a magnificent sight when they do their daily flights around the city.
Ingvarr watched the magnificent creatures flying around the city and his heart lifted. Speaking to Koldur, he found they were mounted cavalry called "Saddle-Sore". Chuckling to himself, he playfully suggested to the old dwarf that they should be called "Saddle-Soar" as they were airborne cavalry.
Ingvarr offered to work with and care for the Pegasi as he did all the mounts of the Kingdom, seeing they were properly fed, sheltered, and trained to flawlessly follow General Sable's commands issued via the signal horn. It was obvious, though, by the way the young Skald looked at the creatures cavorting in the sky that he wished he, too, could ride one of the magnificent creatures.
Having gotten tired of answering Oscar's daily requests for work, Oscar had Alembic assigned to be the Treasurer for the kingdom, a task he had a good amount of talent with, as he was born and raised in a city of absolute laws. He simply applied his accoounting system for his personal finances to the finances of the nascient kingdom.
Generally speaking, in the early mornings, one would find Rai either seeking out a sparring partner or going over his forms at the training grounds with the lesser of his swords. He tended to do this before he ate breakfast, as he believed that if he could reliably execute his attacks, both magical and non, while he was still groggy from having just awoken, he could be ready at a moments notice on the road. Failing that, he would likely still be in his bedchambers, but not exactly asleep; whenever he sleeps in a proper bed, especially if he has no obligations for the day, he'll often awake physically, but be mentally stuck in a sort of trance, where he can see and hear the things around him, but won't mentally process any of it.
Once he's either broken this trance or shaken the lead out on the training grounds, you can find him at the local tavern for a late breakfast and an ale before turning back to his research. Despite the fact that the collection at the settlement's library is still very limited, Rai continues to check it every day as it grows slowly, looking for anything and everything to do with the Stolen Lands and magic; adventurers' biographies, maps, even poems and folk songs are all potential targets for a reference to the Lost Spire, or perhaps the people who once inhabited it. Whenever he finds something that might be a lead, or perhaps could shed some more light on how various forms of magic work, he jots it down into his spellbook in the same strange script that fills the other pages.
On the rare occasion that Rai finds himself with little to do, he'll tend to join Toki on his escapades throughout the town, eager to practice the knowledge he gained at the Academy. He had taken a bit of a liking to the goblin, often chatting with him in his native tongue when they had a slow day. When not with him, Rai would be pestering Allembic about the budget for the library on behalf of Ingvarr, or badger Oscar about a position, until he finally instated Rai as Magister. Following this, Rai would often coordinate with Ingvarr, asking him to tell him of new arrivals when Rai was there, and sending his assistant to read them and report back to him when he hadn't the time to himself.
Also tell me more about this spire and what should be within it so I can either make it an existing spire or add it.
Venturing out you see a strange flying creature of some sort. It has the body of a human female but also many features of a hawk. She holds her bow above her head as she flaps midair. Getting closer you see she is wearing leather armor too.
She keeps her altitude and welcomes you with a smile. "My name is Amerilari, I come from the harpy tribe of Voth. We call upon aid, the Blood of Vol attacks and once they are done with us, they will turn to you."
Being as ancient as it is, with Azlanti being the progenitor of all human races, it could be buried, decrepit from years without a caretaker, or, perhaps worst of all, someone could find it before us and be using the ancient scripts against us. At any rate, this would likely be filled to the brim with deceptions and dangers, the make and purpose of which would be your design. This would also be a reason to bring the Veiled Lanterns to our aid, and there would probably be a fairly considerable amount of magical goods.
At any rate, I'm not sure if that percentile is good enough, but I'm glad it looks like we're getting an encounter!
Seraphina was guarded as the strange winged woman approached. There were stories of such creatures deep within the wilds, but she had no experience with the beings and so she looked to Baroness Johanna and General Soren to decide how to best proceed. She stood ready to cast her mage armor if it looked as though there would be a fight.
Sera was unsure how to judge the Harpy's motives, but it seemed odd she would approach a heavily armed exploring party unless she truly had need. Something tickled the edge of her memory regarding those words 'the Blood of Vol', and as she struggled to remember she impulsively blurted to the open air.
"Who is the Blood of Vol? And why does it sound so familiar?"
Alembic waits for the leaders to make a decision and prepares to blow knock it out wit his magic should combat commence.
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As he rides with the Expedition Force, he thinks to himself, 'we really need to come up with a better name for our little group. Wrong time to be thinking as something approaches, looking at those around he he notices they are looking to him, Koldur, and Johanna. He moves forward and says, "Be wary but let's hear her out."
Advancing slowly and in the lead he draws his bow. Before he can say anything Seraphina blurts out and he states, "She has a good question there."
The harpy descends slowly and lands on the ground, her bow now at her side. She tells you what she knows, "The Blood of Vol is a cult of vampires. We haven't seen any true vampires yet just spawn. We have been fighting them off from a distance but some of our own fell to their numbers. I flew through the night to get to you. Please, I know harpies are foul evil creatures but we can bargain with you but the undead... I don't speak for my clutch as I am an outcast, but please save them."
For being a harpy she does not look like it, her feathers are well groomed, she smells of jasmine, and even a light trace of makeup is on her face. Besides the wings and talons she is a beautiful woman.
"Have they turned any of your number into Vampire spawn?" Alembic asks, suddenly very curious.