After his morning meditation, Lothar reached into his components pouch and produced a clear prismatic mineral. He touched the prism to a spot between his eyebrows and began a quiet chant. As the magician began intoning a mantra, the place where he had touched the crystal began to glow with an indigo light, revealing his ajna chakra or "third eye". The sacred texts of the Vudrani referred to this as the tenth gate, The Eye of Wisdom which led to inner realms housing a myriad of spaces of consciousness. Lothar's spell would harness this ability to enable him to decrypt the book's ciphertext of the writer by determining the cryptovariable, or key, used to encrypt it. Once this was done, he would be able to read the contents at his leisure. But he was not very practiced with this use of magic, which meant that the magician would be using more energy to accomplish this than he liked. At best, Lothar had about twenty minutes worth of energy at his disposal.
And so as the the others followed Rhasadilara, The Vudrani divided his attention between guiding his mule to keep up and going over the first two pages of the book while his spell was still active.
At Lothar's prompting, Calinder cast the mending spell he and Barnabus had discussed the night before, in the hopes that it would stabilize and repair the book somewhat.
"I'm sorry Lothar, that didn't seem to help as much as I thought it would. Perhaps I can try again later."
That evening after camp is set and things have settled down, Calinder will attempt to repair the spell book some more and perhaps Lothar can gleen more information from it.
"Lothar, may I see that spell book again? I would like to try and repair it further"
Barnabus also tries to help retore the book
AFter watching the cadre of spellcasters study and discuss magical theorems and manipulating matter to repair and restore physical objects, If you are so willing and capable, could I ask that you do the same to my weapons and armor to clean and maintain those as well? If not I understand and don;t want to seem like I am trying to get out of work, but I am just impressed with your abilities to maintain objects like that book. Either way, Gorguk will train with Rhasa on his archery skills trying to improve with the techniques she shows him.
Rhasa likewise watches the magic-workers until Gorguk inquires about practicing his archery. She's obviously very willing to discuss her art and quickly sets up an impromptu target range, sharing pointers with the holy warrior.
"Gorguk I will do whatever I can to help you maintain your equipment. Just let me know what needs to be repaired, and I will make sure that I ask Erastil for that ability at the next opportunity. Once Erastil has granted me that spell for the day, because of it's basic nature I can make use of it many times."
"So, while I have use of this mending magic, do you have anything that needs to be repaired?"
"Gorguk I will do whatever I can to help you maintain your equipment. Just let me know what needs to be repaired, and I will make sure that I ask Erastil for that ability at the next opportunity. Once Erastil has granted me that spell for the day, because of it's basic nature I can make use of it many times."
"So, while I have use of this mending magic, do you have anything that needs to be repaired?"
As of right now, I don't have anything that needs fixing, just was wondering if you have something that can clean and maintain my weapons and armor. It is dang near impossible to get all of the spider's blood off of them. If you had something that could help that is what I am looking for.
I agree with you Rhasa that normal watches are in order again for the night. There is something nice about the monotony of normal watches. It is when that monotony stops that we have problems.
"I use tha spell to fix arrows and bowstrings an minor things, like mah pants and cloak."
Lothar looked up from where he'd been sitting, engaged in the study of the book that had been found. Grateful for the help given by the cleric and the witch, the magician wasted no time and began to glean all that he could from the book. His first attempts at decryption revealed that the tome they had discovered was in fact an arcane grimoire. Over the past few days, Lothar had spent a considerable bit of time decrypting the previous owner's cypher and felt that he could use a break. If this humble one may, I believe that I can be of some assistance here.
And with that said, the Vudrani magician closed the book, stood up and made his way over to where Gorguk sat. Lay out all that you wish cleaned, but make sure that it all can fit in an area no bigger than this. With his finger, he then drew out an area on the ground 12 inches wide by 12 inches deep. Once they are placed in the confines of this area, the items can not be stacked higher than 12 inches.
prestidigitation
"I believe multiple castins may get everything clean an Gorguk will not have tah stand naked afore us!"
Barnabus covers his eyes and averts his gaze
"I believe multiple castins may get everything clean an Gorguk will not have tah stand naked afore us!"
Barnabus covers his eyes and averts his gaze
Well Lothar I do not think that any of my gear that I wished cleaned will fit into that area. Hopefully it is as Barnabus indicates that it will work over the entire area.
Rhasa raises her eyebrows. If Gorguk starts disrobing, she will excuse herself and go find something to do while the casters make the paladin sparkly clean and fresh.
Calinder smiles and laughs a bit at the turn of the conversation, then says, "Gorguk, alas I don't have the ability to clean things per say, but more to repair slight damage as Barnabus has stated, but let Lothar work his magic, it looks as if he can do that for you."
"Reflecting back on the conversation that we had the night we were back at the tree, about knowing each others talents, this is another example where our abilities complement on another. Lothar can clean things, Barnabus and I can mend things. Let's hope we continue to build upon our shared talents."
It does seem like the perfect arrangement of the 3 of your abilities. I hope as well that the future works out as nicely as the present has.
I do wish to express my thanks upon all of you for your generosity in your abilities. I will take you up on your offer Cal and Barnabus if I ever have anything damaged. Lothar, I would much appreciate it any time you wish to do any cleaning of my items. I do not mind getting dirty and working, but it is nice to feel clean and refreshed afterwards. Thank you.
Here is a question for you then that we touched on earlier. I have asked you all what you hope to get out of being here in the Greenlands. Now, I ask of you, what abilities do you wish to further out here? The reason I ask is for this very reason that we have discovered. By complementing each other and not invading on another's abilities we are stronger than by ourselves. I do not think that I will intrude on any of your specialities, for my path is one of the sword and lance and not by the arcane or divine magics.
Here is a question for you then that we touched on earlier. I have asked you all what you hope to get out of being here in the Greenlands. Now, I ask of you, what abilities do you wish to further out here? The reason I ask is for this very reason that we have discovered. By complementing each other and not invading on another's abilities we are stronger than by ourselves. I do not think that I will intrude on any of your specialities, for my path is one of the sword and lance and not by the arcane or divine magics.
"I hunt and explore. I am in the Stolen Lands to learn more about them and, if they must be made available to those that would 'civilize' them, I wish to make sure that some portion of them remains in the form Erastil has made them. As for my 'specialty'," she reaches down and pats her bow.
"At tha time my course seems set."
"Gorguk, to answer your question, I seek to increase my faith in Erastil, thus hoping for an increase in the power that is granted to me. I hope to do this through gaining further knowledge in the history and religions of this area. In particular I seek to find information on those who used to follow Erastil in this area that we seek to tame."
"And while knowing each others talents is important, not only so we can help each other and work together, a little overlap doesn't hurt. For example, I don't ever expect to be as great a swordsman as yourself Gorguk, or as good with my crossbow as Rhasadilara is with her archery skill, but it wouldn't hurt me to join in your sparing sessions on occasion so that I might be able to better use the weapons that I carry."
"Just something that came to mind. I hope that helps you understand my reasoning for being here."
"I call myself a traveler as I have had homes but never felt at home, an a tinkerer repairing small things as I can, an a sage for tha knowledge of strange things within tha world, an a healer as I have tha hex not as potent as a cleric like friend Calinder."
"tha main thing is mah hex can be used on even hunnereds o people in a day, but fer whatever reason can not help them again till a full sun and moon passes"
Thank you for sharing with me more about yourself. If you ever have any questions about me that you would like to ask please feel free. I may not respond right away but I will answer in time. Now please if I may, I will withdraw and focus on Erastil for awhile. After meditating, Gorguk will head to bed and be ready to take his shift during the night.
Lothar looked to Gorguk, then to Rhasadilara and the others, uncertain how to proceed. After a long tense moment, he finally relaxed and began to speak, his eyes never leaving the elven ranger's gaze. If we are to be truly trusting of one another, then know that I am a special agent of Brevoy's diplomatic security service, aligned to the Dragonscale Throne. My time spent in Jalmeray was meant to teach me the proper tradecraft necessary to accomplish this role. The circumstances of my birth made this possible, you see. My father was a scion of House Orlovsky, my mother was... not noble. When their dalliance produced an offspring, the high-minded Orlovsky did not want some foreign-blooded bastard to have claim to the prestige and wealth of their House. My father, to his credit, did not wish to abandon us entirely, and so, using the influence of his house, saw to it that she made it safely back to Jalmeray, taking me away with her in the process. Once there, with our situation explained, the nation's ruler, Thakur Kharswan and his advisors, the Maurya-Rahm, sought to use my bloodline to Jalmeray's advantage and so commissioned me to undergo some intense and rather specialized training. When it was done, and they felt the time was right, I was presented diplomatically to Brevoy's Regent. The details I cannot discuss with you, but the pursuit of the charter is the first test of my capabilities in the role given me.
He paused, then sat down near the fire. I've tried to not rely overly much on my tradecraft, but the time shall come when I have to. As I've stated before, I'm one that prefers options. I would have you know this now so that when the time inevitably comes, we can openly make better use of all the skills in my repertoire.
He sat quietly, waiting for the outcome of his revelation.
"Different skills, different interests, different backgrounds. This variety will make us stronger if we are to truly be a team." She looks from face to face around the campfire, including Dyfrig. "I believe we are a team and will become stronger."
When she is finished, she looks at Lothar for a moment, something left unsaid. Rather than speaking further, she favors him with a small seated bow and moves away from the campfire to prepare for the night's rest.
She continues, "I have few secrets - what you see when you look at Rhasadilara Goldenbough is what there is. You, it would seem, have many. We are a team and I think might become friends. I will keep your secrets."
"I have nothing so much as tha I come from tha slough raised by a coven o witches an hags, had I been female they would have kept me, but bein male I left, was not my home. Here i hope tah forge a home..."
"Well Lothar, that is quite a story. I thought that I had it difficult growing up as an orphan, but the circumstances of your life now somehow make mine seem easy to bear."
"I never knew my father, I was told that he died shortly after my birth. I lived with my mother until, due to her failing health, we went to live with the priests of Erastil that raised me after she died. I have very little memory of my mother and my childhood with her now. Most of what I remember is being raised by the priests at the temple, and trained to the order of Erastil when I eventually showed an interest in it."
"My training in the religious history of this area and in particular, the history of the worship of Erastil grew out of the training that I received in my youth."
"Having lived all my life in southern Brevoy, I identify myself as a Rostlander. My hope is that somehow this impending civil war can be averted and peace returned to our country, but if not, then my hope would be to make Rostland stronger."
"Lothar, you have my sympathy and concern, for I fear that your loyalties will one day soon be pulled in many directions, and you will have a hard choice ahead of you in the days to come. But, then again, my guess is that we have not heard all your story as of yet, and so that choice may not be as great as it seems to me at this time. I don't know for sure."
"We all may have surprises for each other as we travel this path together. Lothar, I would be glad to hear more of your history, your story, one day, as I would gladly share more of mine."
Lothar nodded appreciatively as his companions spoke to him. He had not been sure that revealing his situation to the others was a wise thing to do. Surprisingly, the others, though somewhat shocked, seemed to accept the matter. The only person that had not said anything was Gorguk, the one whose opinion mattered most in the Vudrani's mind. If the paladin could not find it within himself to accept his word, then Lothar would have no place here.
The magician looked thoughtful, as though he were considering the next words he spoke. My blood may be mixed, but my loyalties are not. My presence here, given the role of spy that I am supposed to play, is an empty gesture. If the role itself truly had value, then I would still be in Restov directly serving the Swordlords at worst, or in New Stetven serving the throne. Instead, I was sent out with you. Clearly my existence is still something of an political embarrasment to the House of Orlovsky, as my position precludes me from making any claim to my noble heritage, something that not even my partial Vudrani blood could do. It is as the Thakur and his advisers said it would be, and as such, I have no regrets. So, my loyalty to Brevoy is no greater than the rest of you. And by handing me over to the Regent, my ties to Jalmeray were effectively cut, though there are no doubt those that would say otherwise. In other words, I am no better off than the rest of you. If anything, having me with you could cause more problems than it would solve. Mine is a name that is not well-liked by any of the nobles of Brevoy. Therefore, you are all most deserving of my loyalty. He looked over at Barnabus and smirked. Even you.
Lothar nodded appreciatively as his companions spoke to him. He had not been sure that revealing his situation to the others was a wise thing to do. Surprisingly, the others, though somewhat shocked, seemed to accept the matter. The only person that had not said anything was Gorguk, the one whose opinion mattered most in the Vudrani's mind. If the paladin could not find it within himself to accept his word, then Lothar would have no place here.
The magician looked thoughtful, as though he were considering the next words he spoke. My blood may be mixed, but my loyalties are not. My presence here, given the role of spy that I am supposed to play, is an empty gesture. If the role itself truly had value, then I would still be in Restov directly serving the Swordlords at worst, or in New Stetven serving the throne. Instead, I was sent out with you. Clearly my existence is still something of an political embarrasment to the House of Orlovsky, as my position precludes me from making any claim to my noble heritage, something that not even my partial Vudrani blood could do. It is as the Thakur and his advisers said it would be, and as such, I have no regrets. So, my loyalty to Brevoy is no greater than the rest of you. And by handing me over to the Regent, my ties to Jalmeray were effectively cut, though there are no doubt those that would say otherwise. In other words, I am no better off than the rest of you. If anything, having me with you could cause more problems than it would solve. Mine is a name that is not well-liked by any of the nobles of Brevoy. Therefore, you are all most deserving of my loyalty. He looked over at Barnabus and smirked. Even you.
Gorguk listens to Lothar's tale with the beginnings of trepidation. Not being one for political intrigue, Gorguk views most of these matters as disruptive at best and kingdom splitting at worst. How are we to provide a stable area in the Greenlands for others to prosper if we might have external political turmoil before we have even dealt with the Staglord. What happens if we are successful here and we are the authority in this region? HOw are we going to handle issues if Jalmeray and Brevoy both approach us with diplomatic treaties asking for different agendas? It is these thoughts that oocupy Gorguk and it takes him a while before he responds to Lothar and the others.
Lothar, I am an man of action, and not one of great words or thoughts. Those ideas that I present have been presented to me in my training over and over again. Thus when presented with the information that you have provided about yourself and your position, it takes me a great deal of time sometimes to dwell and sort it all in my head. I do not doubt that you are loyal to us since you have proven it time and again in the short while that we have been companions. Yet my heart worries over that which you do not know in your position. What are Jalmeray's and Brevoy's intentions for you in this endeavor? Would they, after we have cleared this area, try to claim you as one of their own in a political ploy to gain power here? If this were a problem that by sword or lance I could fix than it would not weigh so heavy on my heart. As such, this is a matter that I am not well equipped to handle. Therefore, it is not you who must prove yourself to me, but how we must prove ourselves to the nations beyond. Then, when either nation attempts to lay a claim to you, you can stand firm with the notion that we support you and declare that while your past involved them, your future is with us .
Gorguk turns to the rest of the companions, What say you to this, that from here on out, we create a reputation that lands from far away will have heard of our deeds and acknowledge what we have done here? After a few more seconds thought, yet still just as boisterous If this is to be who we are and what we are to become, what then shall we call ourselves to strike fear in our enemies and hope to our allies?
Rhasa shakes her head slightly as she listens. "Raise your banner. Sound your trumpets. When I go into a fight, I don't want them to know who I am. The less they know, the better my chances."
After pausing a moment, "Or perhaps, the less they know about me, the better all of our chances. We need to know each other to coordinate and complement - we need not... we'd best not share too much with those that would see us as enemies."
"Perhaps a name reflecting our surroundings or Erastil's influence without saying much about the five of us. The Hawks of the Stolen Lands or of the Greenbelt, for example."
Obviously uncomfortable after saying so much, Rhasa settles back into the shadows caused by the flickering fire, watching the others and waiting for the dissent she was sure would follow.
"While I do not doubt that with what we strive to accomplish, our names will spread far and wide throughout the lands 'if' we succeed. But as Rhasadilara has said we may not want to make ourselves a target too soon."
"We are yet inexperienced and have yet many things to learn and do. Already we have the Staglord and the Mites to deal with, and this land to explore and tame. I am fairly certain if we rid the land of the Staglord our fame will spread."
"I also see Gorguk's point of view as well. Do we want to be known just by our given names, or those that we go by now, or do we want to create a persona for our group as a whole to be know by? It might not hurt to start building that persona now."
"Those are my thoughts on the subject at this time. Although I have no idea's for what to call ourselves, something may come to mind later. And as Rhasadilara has suggested, I wouldn't mind something centered around Erastil, although I recognize that we are all not followers of Erastil, and Lothar and Barnabus may have other ideas that would serve our needs."
" Erastil is a friend Gozreh mostly remains neutral towards the other gods, unless they bring threats to his dominion.Despite this, he often comes into conflict with Rovagug, Nethys and Urgathoa, for their destructive or corrupting influences on the world. He is often at odds with Abadar over the encroachments of civilization on nature, yet cordial with Erastil and Desna. Erastil, in particular, is considered somewhat of a friend, due to their shared respect for nature."
"I sensed friend Calindar perhaps had missed tha teaching on Gozreh in his training, tis easy tah miss if not tha others should know we can ceter upon Erastil if desired by all."
Another thoughtful expression crossed Lothar's face, which was soon replaced by a gentle smile. We are custodians of the Greenbelt, its guardians if you will. Another word for 'guardian' is 'warden.' Therefore, this most humble one thinks that we should call ourselves The Wardens of the Green. There seems to be something of a lyrical quality to the name that rings true. What say you, fellow Wardens?
"Makes us sound like jailers, what of guardians, or knights, someone must know....Justicars perhaps, Marshalls"
Another thoughtful expression crossed Lothar's face, which was soon replaced by a gentle smile. We are custodians of the Greenbelt, its guardians if you will. Another word for 'guardian' is 'warden.' Therefore, this most humble one thinks that we should call ourselves The Wardens of the Green. There seems to be something of a lyrical quality to the name that rings true. What say you, fellow Wardens?
I like that name Lothar, , and to those that know us more familiarly to just The Wardens. That name I think has everything that we need in it. It stands for who we are and why we are here. We are not here to conquer and vanquish, but to protect and care for those that don't have the means themselves. It ties us to Erastil and Gozreh by nature and refers to where we started, The Greenlands. Very Nice.
Barnabus, I understand your position and some may even think in that same vein, but to me it stands more for keeper and protector than jailor.
By no means Rhasa that I wish that our every move, tactic, or even us as individuals be known. Just that as a group, who and what we stand for be known among the nations. I agree that if too much was known about us as individuals and our abilities, then it would be easier for opponents to get an advantage against us.
"Green Wardens, a little moreso than the other, making each of us a green warden......"
The elf just nods at Lothar's suggestion, "Wardens of the Green. I can accept that."
"Barnabus, thank you for the reminder and lesson on Gozreh. Sometimes one get so tied up so much in his own faith, that knowledge of the other deities is forgotten or pushed aside. Yes, indeed there is some common ground between Gozreh and Erastil, and so I feel that we can work together without difficulty, as you have said."
After Lothar suggests the name of "Wardens of the Green", Calinder nods and says, "An excellent suggestion Lothar, I like it very much."
"Aye an you ken increase mah knowledge o Erastil since your knowledge surpasses mine own, As tha dark naga would say I am only an egg..."
I am glad that the name resonates with you all as it does. Is there any particular icon or symbol that we should use to identify our motley crew? Or is the name alone enough?
Right now Lothar nothing comes to mind as far as a symbol. Maybe in the morning something will have come to me while I sleep.
The night passes without incident.
The morning is bright, with sunlight sparkling off a heavy dew. Dyfrig has gathered some mushrooms and fried them off with some of his wild garlic, but apologises that the last of the bread has gone so hard it is inedible.
Alright, I know Dyfrig you are doing your best and the food has been good up to this point, but no bread. Definitely time to go back to Oleg's and resupply. I can handle viscious spiders and roaming bandits attacking, even eating tube rats and mushrooms, but no bread...I need to go meditate.
Rhasa, how long do you think it would take us to get back to Oleg's if we make a direct path for it and ride hard?
After spending time meditating in the morning, Calinder accepts the meager breakfast from Dyfrig with a "Thank you, Dyfrig." and eats quietly.
He then helps pack up the camp and his own belongings and gets ready to leave. It looks like they may have some hard riding ahead of them if they are going to make their way back to Oleg's as fast as possible.
While understanding the need to restock supplies, Calinder wishes that they could continue exploring.
Rhasa, how long do you think it would take us to get back to Oleg's if we make a direct path for it and ride hard?
Rhasa looks at the paladin with a bemused look in her eye. "You jest. We will be at Oleg's soon - after we explore this area." She gestures with her hand at the next area to be traveled.