Standing up from his chair, Helgash stares intently at the man in front of him and at the ones behind him.
Noticing the hands of the soldiers near to their weapons as they are, Helgash comments calmly, the slightest tint of orange sparkling in his eyes - "I am Helgash, and unlike Baelin here with his good looks and pleasant smell, I am definitely a bastard as you can see" - he spreads his arms wide - "of something..."
"I have met these here my friends on a common road. Myself, I have come here simply because I was told this is a place a man, or even an extra spare can be given a chance if he proves to be worth of it, and would be very much interested in understanding how exactly one comes to own an army" - Taking another purposeful look at the men behind Maegar he continues - "mainly one clearly as hardy and as well equipped as the ones I am looking at."
"May I convince you to join us? We were about to inquire about the best wine in the house..."
Perception 20 + 6 = 26
Sense Motive
Hyglak smiles slightly, "Not everyone can have the hard jobs, and I am more than happy to quietly gain strength while others exhaust themselves in more difficult climates. Leave the Slough and the Uplands for those who wish to take chances with their lives. I am come down, bid by my brother and our lord holy Abadar, to bring civilization to the land, I do not have the luxury of taking extraordinary risk."
Not taking a step back from Helgash, Varn responds, "Damn, you're ugly. I'd love to keep talking to you all, but I have important things to deal with. Good luck greenies." He turns and walks away, laughing all the while. His soldiers sitting a moment after he passes them, making sure nobody tries anything.
"As I said, nothing sadder than someone who hates himself. That man hails from my homeland of Mivon and hates that fact," Theodronis would say as the man walked away. "What's even sadder is that it almost seems like he has to attempt to wipe out an entire race to make himself feel worth something."
"That man is going to be a problem, any other information Sir Theodronis?" Hyglak inclines his head toward his comrade.
"The only other thing I recall about him off the top of my head is that he, like myself, hopes to one day be a great swordlord. However, I fear what type of hatred he would spread with an attitude like his," Theodronis would say with a sigh.
Annik keeps quiet, as she has done before. Her father taught her not to react to upstart nobles, especially those who introduced themselves as such. The news of him trying to commit genocide was something else though, "You say he tried to wipe out a someone. Who? We might just have found ourselves an ally if we ever need to face off against this man."
Baelin puts a hand on the mans shoulder as he turns.
My apologies Lord Varn, I am happy to make your acquaintance. I can see you and your men are in good spirits, but we are not here to fight. It would be my honor if I could buy a pint for you and your men. How about it? We are heading into the Greenbelt as my comrade said. I would have a horrible feeling if I thought we angered or turned away the lord of the new Varnhold settlement. Please accept my hospitality and allow me the additional honor of entertaining your men.
Baelin pulls out his flute, he motions to the barkeep for a round for all and begins to play.
"He seems to have some type of vendetta against the centaurs of Nomen Heights."
Korren simply sits at the table, enjoying a pint and the beginnings of the evening meal. He shifts a bit in his seat as though uncomfortable, but with the real purpose of putting his musket in easy reach.
Genocide you say? That is something not to be taken lightly. He does seem xenophobic enough. But in spite of his arrogant and poor minded attitude he is not our enemy. We will deal with him if he proves to be so. I am curious to know how brave he would be without 20 men to back him up.
Helgash returns to his seat around the table, quietly listening to Baelin's performance, the red flare not leaving his eyes.
Varn dodges Baelin's hand and continues walking away. Baelin's motion to the barkeep is countermanded by Varn, with the barkeep looking between each group and deciding it's healthier for himself and his business to do as Lord Maegar Varn wishes.
As Baelin plays, several of Varn's men visibly admire his skill, going so far as to double check that their Lord is gone before coming over to toss a few coins on the table in front of him.
Theodronis would spit on the floor in disgust. "A poor excuse of a man. The world will have come to an end when a man like that bears the name Aldori."
Baelin nods to the gentlemen that put the coin on the table and raises a glass to them.
He asks his comrads to come in close and lowers his voice.
That man is an arse and not to be trusted. He came looking to us for a scuffle and to prove some sort of point. I have not encountered such rude behavion in many years. Annik has a good point. We many need to dig up some more info about the group he crusaded against. He dishonors himself with these actions. I trust if we meet again he may need to be taught some respect, but until then enjoy his mens money.
Baelin will will buy another round for our group, and tip the barkeep giving him 3 gold. I assume thats enough.
"I think it may be best to avoid further confrontation until we are in a position of strength. I think it best we leave before them, if needed before dawn. If we have to leave in the dark I can guide us without issue, I inherited my mother's eyes." Hyglak gives a half smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes.
I do not actively look for confrontation, as much as any of us I guess, though we ARE going into uncharted wildlands to met out justice and pacify the lands... And surely we know that this cannot be done with parlay alone - I agree with you all that we have no need to raise a ruckus on such small account, for now...
But I also agree with Connel - Helgash adds, taking a sip from the fresh round of drinks brought on Baelin request - I will most definitely not skulk around, or deviate from our path because of a ridiculous runt that thinks himself much because he commands a few others, that most likely simply fear his aggressiveness, or share his weak willed posture. I say we stick to the plan, and to our route - if they cross, well then... they CROSS!
"If he tries something again, I can not say that I will just stand by. That man not only harms my eyes as I look upon him, but dishonors my homeland. I will challenge him to a duel if things arise again. I merely thought I should make my intentions clear to the rest of you as we are to travel together," Theodronis would say in a matter of fact tone.
"Yes, leave the scumbag for now. We'll leave in the morrow, I don't want that idiot to make off with our horses and supplies." Annik didn't seem to care if the soldiers heard her, though she didn't try to be heard either. Even if the man had no decency some of his men probably did. They paid for music after all.
"Varn's a stuffed shirt blowhard, but his soldiers are nothing to laugh at. I think it'd be best if y'all just leave things be, including not messing with this town. She may be small, but there's plenty of folk who travel through here. The size of this tavern should tell you that much." He casually waves an arm, and you all realize just how large the common room is compared to the relative size of this village.
He takes another swig of mead, then continues, "I suggest y'all get some sleep, as the next bed we'll be sleeping in will hopefully be at Oleg's. Oh, and check under your pillows." He says the last bit as he is getting up from the table, with a wink.
That night, as you make ready for bed, you each check under your pillows.
Korren examines the items for a moment, then tucks the strange ring into his belt pouch, and the ammo into his ammo pouch.
He wedges a chair under the door, and props his morning star up so that anyone opening the window will dislodge it, and tucks into bed for the evening.
Annik tucks the items she finds into her belt pouch, not intending to do anything with either of them until she knows what they do. Giving the scroll a cursory glance she decides to fret over them in the morning.
As she sleeps she forsakes blankets and instead wraps herself in her own extended hair.
Baelin looks over the items waving his hand detecting if there is any presense of magic. He will then tuck the items away in his pack. Wonderring what they may be or what they can do. Hopefully a companion is schooled in identifiying such things.
It seems our presence here is not going as unnoticed as we may have expected...
Helgash carefully observes the silvery ring for an indication of its meaning.
After considering the items left for him, the tiefling carefully packages both into one of his belt pouches - Lets see if I can get any further insight on these from one of my companions in the morning - after a simple prayer to Iomedae for the path ahead, he settles down to sleep.
Hyglak waves his hand over the ring and vial, his eyes taking on a deeper red for a moment.
After checking over the items Hyglak goes through his nightly routine and ensures his gear is ready to leave at a moments notice. In the morning he shaves for what may be the last time for a great while and goes through a basic routine of prayer and exercise. He then goes down to await his cousin and other companions outside, readying his horse as he does so.
Baelin Orlovsky Perception for potion:
Connel Lebeda Perception for potion:
Helgash Perception for potion:
Hyglak Lebeda Spellcraft for ring:
Hyglak Lebeda Spellcraft for potion:
Theodronis Perception for potion:
not sure what he has Baelin decides it best to stow the items away and get some rest. He will talk to his allies tomorrow to see what they may have had under their pillow and see if they can offer any aid to what the items are.
Satisfied with what she learned Annik shoves the ring around one of her fingers and puts the scroll away. Later she'd copy it to her spellbook.
She gets ready to leave, packing all her belongings, and gets down to where the horses are stabled. Hopefully they were there before any would be thieves.
Not seeing any further sign of insult coming from Lord Maegar Varn or his men, Theodronis would calm his nerves and take his companions' advice.
"Surely some rest will do me well. Might you all rest well for surely we will be facing greater threats than a man's inability to cope with he is soon enough."
Once in his room, Theodronis would take Xenos' advice and lift the pillow to find the odd ring and vial. Doubting Xenos' meant any harm, Theodronis would take a moment to inspect the trinkets before slipping the ring onto his hand, assuming it might be a symbol Xenos' used in his business, and the vial away for safe keeping in one of the many pockets of his explorer's outfit.
Finally, before settling down to get some rest, Theodronis would take a bit of time to run through some exercises and meditation his master had taught him.
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Upon awakening in the morning, Theodronis would yet again take some time to exercise and meditate before heading down to meet with the others and see how he might be of assistance.
In the morning, Korren rises and cleans Matilda, making sure she is in perfect working order for the day.
Once finished he comes down the stairs and sits at a table waiting for others to rise.
If the night runs uneventful, Helgash rises early as the Sun, taking some time to fit his gear for travel.
His morning prayers are done while he gazes at the rising Sun through his bedroom window.
He then descends from his room into the common room for a simple meal, getting ready for travel.
Good morning all, today seems like a fine day for travel - I welcome the feeling of the open road ahead - he comments as he meets the others downstairs - Are we all ready to depart?
Just as Helgash finishes asking his question, Xenos walks in. He takes a moment to check each of you over, looking particularly at your hands. "Well, I see Anni and Theo are wearing the rings I left for y'all, where's the rest of 'em?"
Helgash takes the ring and the vial from his pouch - Here. Why the gift Xenos? I am assuming some magical properties maybe to the vial? - he adds with an inquisitive smile - At least it doesn't smell like perfume or wine. But alas my arcane dabbling powers are not enought for me to discern their purpose...
He laughs a little. "No worries lad, they're all harmless. If you wear the rings for a week, you'll not need to eat or drink, though you can. You'll also need only 2 hours of rest a night to be ready to go the next day, that includes you spellcasters. If you ever remove it, you'll need to eat and rest as normal, and it'll take another week for the ring to work for you if you put it back on. As for the potions, they're all cure light wounds, not much, but a little extra something to help y'all get along out there."
"As to why I gave these to y'all, I know what you're gonna be up against, and this little trinkets can be worth far more than you think when it comes down to it. I have plenty of extra cash, as I charge what I charge, and turn myself around if those I'm trying to sell to don't want to buy. They usually change their mind before I get half turned." He winks.
"Now, are we ready to go, or y'all have more questions?" He stands there with his hands on his hips. Any who look and see he is wearing a platinum ring on one finger that has the exact same design as those he gave y'all.
Very well then, thank you for your kindness Xenos. I will repay it when it is in my reach to do so - the huge tiefling thanks the merchant as he puts the ring on his finger, and the potion back on his belt pouch.
From my part yes, I am redy and eager to get going - lets move out while the day is still young! He pats Xenos on his back as he moves outside to gather his horse.
Theodronis would look over the gift, not having realized its usefulness before.
"A grand gift this is and one I'm sure will be useful in what is to come. Thank you Sir Xenos," he would say with a bow to the generous Xenos.
After straightening, he would continue, "I think any pressing questions I might have had are answered and I yearn to be on the road putting as much distance as possible between us and our acquaintances from last night."
"I had figured as much. Thanks Xenos." Annik came walking towards the group while leading her horse. "I'll get to work with that scroll next time we make camp."
She climbed on her horse while awaiting the others.
A great gift you have give us Xenos. Your quality will be known. We thank you for the gifts. Now let us get on the road.
Baelin climbs up on the wagon ready to depart after putting on the ring.
Korren looks up from his meal, paying attention to the conversation, but not having anything to contribute. When Xenos explains the function of the rings, he smiles broadly and fishes his ring out of his belt pouch, slipping it onto his finger.
Thank you Xenos. This is a very valuable gift. If you need something I can provide you have but to ask.
He finishes up the last of his breakfast and stands, collecting Matilda as he does. Well, my friends, shall we get this show on the road?
Hyglak nods approval upon learning the nature of the ring, he slides it onto his right ring finger. "Appreciated."
He mounts onto cover, gently using his claws to give the horse a pleasant massage on its neck and shoulders while he awaits the signal to ride.
Seeing everyone ready to go, Xenos climbs aboard the wagon next to someone different. A beautiful, and powerfully muscled half-elven woman in a crimson battle robe over adamantine full plate sits where the old man used to sit. She has the face guard of her helm open, showing an impressive scar, and wisps of midnight black hair. Her eyes are a mix of emerald and blue. A wicked looking greatsword is propped across her lap, point facing away from Xenos.
Xenos slaps the reins, and you're off. The next few days pass with little of note. Aside from the road, the only signs of civilization is the small border keep named Fort Serenko, which looked undermanned, and the occasional line of smoke from various homesteads just out of sight from the road. The vast majority of the homesteads are to the north of the road, but there are a few to the south.
After nearly four full, cold and rain soaked days, you crest a hill and see an old border fort. There's a white flag raised with some sort of yellow symbol on it.
Baelin Perception:
Connel Perception:
Helgash Perception:
Hyglak Perception:
Korren Perception:
Theodronis Perception:
Baelin untrained Knowledge:
Hyglak Knowledge (religion):
Theodronis would take note of their new riding companion as he pulled himself up onto the wagon.
"Good morning to you. I don't think we've had the chance to be introduced yet. I am Theodronis and, if I might be so bold, who are you?"
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Depending on how the initial introduction was received, Theodronis would spend his time communicating with his companions and the newcomer trying to learn what he could of them and taking special note of their capabilities, all the while keeping an eye out for any signs of trouble.
In the evenings, he would see if any of his companions would care to spar so that he might contnue to hone his abilities and see what he might learn from his companions and their own battle prowess.
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Upon sight of the old fort, Theodronis' lips would break into a smile.
"Surely it is good to lay eyes upon our destination. Ready I am to stretch these legs of mine for more than just a moment or two."
The woman ignores any and all attempts at conversation, but happily spars with any and all comers. It is obvious she holds back, not wanting to kill any of you, but besting those of you she spars with.