Niusha - Many of the patrons try their best to sing along, while they hold their mugs of mead high. The minstrel plays along on his lute. When the song is finished you get a big round of applause.
After that, the minstrel comes over to you. He takes off his hat and bows to you.
"Name's Bravel. Bravel Adolis. Pleased to meet you, Lady?..."
Drozak will fill everyone in on the side job Kajala has for them, and also reminds people that they should visit the bandit camp, there could be good of worth there.
Rhanviel turns to Drozak at news of more money.
"What sort of coin does the Bhakiri promise? I'm willing to go, but what are we looking at here?"
The sum of payment was a great blessing, but Rhanviel was still nowhere near his goal. He felt like a puddle who needed to become a sea.
Rhanviel turns to Drozak at news of more money.
"What sort of coin does the Bhakiri promise? I'm willing to go, but what are we looking at here?"
The sum of payment was a great blessing, but Rhanviel was still nowhere near his goal. He felt like a puddle who needed to become a sea.
"I know not the exact sum, but the Bhakiri has agreed that it will be split evenly between all who participate."
"Hrusk not mind guarding caravans. Work is peaceful, with just the right amount of excitement. Hrusk not mind dispatching skeletons, smashing statues. Hrusk not like hurting fellow warriors, fighting for the friends, their families."
Hrusk draws a long sip from his mug - a warm, smooth tankard of goat's milk.
"Bhakiri could be a lure to trap us." Aralu says as her wicked grin appearing on her expression. "This doesn't change my curiosity, as I think we shall be here for the week. Guaranteed work is hard to come by, let alone free meals and room away from the commons. Tomorrow we'll drag addled Bhakiri to his revenge and our supposed reward, and the next day we'll arrange a tracker to find the camp we bypassed on the way here." The smile fades from her mouth. "Sound good?" She asks, her tone barely making it a question.
Aralu looks to Hrusk, "Those warriors were fighting only for themselves. Their friendships built on a foundation of mistrust and fear. Their families likely nonexistent, as no real family would allow their sons to become marauders that murder others for goods, and take everything by force."
"Bhakiri could be a lure to trap us." Aralu says as her wicked grin appearing on her expression. "This doesn't change my curiosity, as I think we shall be here for the week. Guaranteed work is hard to come by, let alone free meals and room away from the commons. Tomorrow we'll drag addled Bhakiri to his revenge and our supposed reward, and the next day we'll arrange a tracker to find the camp we bypassed on the way here." The smile fades from her mouth. "Sound good?" She asks, her tone barely making it a question.
"it is true that Kajala may be trying to trick us, but he will regret such an action quite rapidly. If he is genuine he may prove to be a useful friend and what better cause to make money than helping one avenge their fallen friend. I approve of your plan for the next few days, who knows they may lead to other work as well."
Aralu gives a moment's pause, "I suppose we are only splitting the value of the ruby then? What of anything else we find? Maybe he would be just as satisfied giving us the location of the gem and us retrieving it without him." Aralu looks over her shoulder a moment before turning back to the discussion. [B]"He is heavy in drink and weak with regret, it would be careless of us to bring him along in his current condition. A liability I care not for, and he likely will worsen by totomorrow./b]
Aralu gives a moment's pause, "I suppose we are only splitting the value of the ruby then? What of anything else we find? Maybe he would be just as satisfied giving us the location of the gem and us retrieving it without him." Aralu looks over her shoulder a moment before turning back to the discussion. "He is heavy in drink and weak with regret, it would be careless of us to bring him along in his current condition. A liability I care not for, and he likely will worsen by totomorrow./b]
[B]"I will speak with him and let him know that my friends will be happy to help, splitting everything we find equally between all of us, but he must be sober if he wants our aid."
Drozak will then go over to Kajala and give him the news.
"Kajala, my friend, my associates will agree to aid you under the following conditions, everyone who participates gains an equal share of the value of everything we recover and all participants must be sober. If these conditions are acceptable to you we shall leave at daybreak tomorrow."
Kajala nods. "Kajala agree. Kajala go to sleep now. Kajala fresh tomorrow. Kajala and Drozaak and friends go to ruins. Thank you Drozaak." Kajala then retires for the night.
"Hrusk agrees," Hrusk says, draining his flask. "Hrusk will please take the room with the longest bed," he continues, addressing the innkeep.
Niusha curtsies back.
It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, I am Niusha Muir.
"Bhakiri could be a lure to trap us." Aralu says as her wicked grin appearing on her expression. "This doesn't change my curiosity, as I think we shall be here for the week. Guaranteed work is hard to come by, let alone free meals and room away from the commons. Tomorrow we'll drag addled Bhakiri to his revenge and our supposed reward, and the next day we'll arrange a tracker to find the camp we bypassed on the way here." The smile fades from her mouth. "Sound good?" She asks, her tone barely making it a question.
"That sounds wondrous, my dear."
We'll be leaving town owning half of it by week's end at this rate... Best keep this woman around. She has a lucrative mind.
Rhanviel leans back in his booth seat in the inn, petting Willowburn in his pocket, feeling at ease. He lets out a sigh of gratitude towards Sibilune, and decides to have a swig of wine for once.
"Niusha Muir. A beautiful name for a beautiful lady. Let me order you a mead."
The minstrel goes to the bar and returns soon after with two mugs of mead, and hands you one.
"Here you go. A toast to song and life!" He lifts his mug. "Salvathë!" He proceeds to drink deep from his mug.
"Are you taught at the House of the Lute in Ambaraun? I am. Then I spent two years traveling. First I went to Gelben and Damaskar. Then I went as far as Issillia, the Emerald Kingdom. Saw the great Tangalorn tree in the Talashar forest and Issil, the Pearl of Sibilune's Sea. And Elantir, of course - The City of Song. But however wondrous the warm evenings and tasteful the orchard covian brandy, I longed for my homeland, and had to return to Andara. Where are you from, Lady Muir, and what brings you to Palanost?"
Hrusk - The innkeeper scratches his moustache as he silently evaluates your size. "Hrmm. Master Adler is paying for common rooms. I'm pretty sure you won't fit in a regular bed, but I could put two mattresses on the floor for you."
"Hrusk thanks you from the bottom of Hrusk's bottom," the Ogren tilts his head in a half-bow. "Hrusk will reward you for your kindness," the Ogren continues, pressing a shiny silver into the innkeep's hand.
Yanis closes his hand around the thalen and puts it in his pocket. "How generous of you, Mr. Hrusk, but I can't accept charity, so here you go." He hands you another tankard of warm goat's milk and a bowl of stew. "Have another goatmilk and some stew." Yanis then turns to one of his barmaids. "Ylsa, my dear. Look after the bar for a few minutes, while I prepare this..." He pauses and looks at the towering ogren. "..gentleman's room."
"Last round!" Yanis calls out while ringing a bell. You have all been drinking and talking, and the hours have rolled by without you noticing it. Many of the patrons leave. A few order last rounds. Lambrecht rises from his seat. "I'll retire for the night. Good night everyone, and good luck on your adventure tomorrow. I am looking forward to hear about it."
Arday, Ambran 6th, 1247 DE
Early the next day you awakened by the loud chirping of Dawnheralds in the trees outside the inn and bright light peeking through the curtains.
When you walk down the stairs to the large hall, you are greeted by the smell of fresh-baked bread, and the heat of the large fireplace in the middle of the hall.
Kajala sits by a table for himself, dining on smoked trout, cheese and bread.
Yanis, the Innkeeper, walks past you with two breakfast platters. "Good morning. I trust you've slept well. Choose a place to sit, and I'll bring you something to eat."
"Kajala, my friend, are you feeling better this morning? We will depart after we have breakfast."
"Kajala much better." He says in between munching. He holds up a piece of the smoked trout. "Kajala ready like a bear for fish! Thank you Drozaak for going to ruins with Kajala."
Aralu descends down the stairs into the large hall of The Yawning Wyrm, binding her hair back into her convenient ponytail. She sits by the fireplace and begins wiping the dark red stains from her weapons until her breakfast is brought out. She eats in silence and waits for the rest of her associates to wake and to finish eating.
When everyone is done eating, she stands to address them. "I counted the spoils from yesterday excluding the money paid out to each of you in Lambrecht's contract. There is a sum of coin that we should decide what to do with. Our options as I see them, are to divide it out according to terms, or establish ourselves as a mercenary group and pool the money as a group."
Aralu continues on as she stares off at nothing in particular, her voice calm and emotionless, "As I see it, dividing the money grants each one of us the flexibility to leave at a moments notice; minimum responsibility. As long as we operate this way, the individual is responsible for themselves and relies on the generosity and circumstances of others in emergencies. Personally I'm not a fan of this idea, as I've lived this way for several years."
"Establishing a mercenary company carries with it responsibilities but carries the benefits of operating within a company; emergencies are easier to handle when everyone is functioning as a collective whole. It can be a bit more work, but successful companies are often recognized and are rewarded better in the long run. And if yesterday serves as an example, I'm positive we can make this work."
"Excluding Kajala for the moment, no offense, what say you all?"
Niusha ha accepts the drink
I received my training from Ulmia Lewenhart while I was raised in the village of Valkyrm. I have grown restless and am escorting caravans to various places so I can travel and see the world.
"I'll lend my strength, of arm and axe and character." Hrusk agrees. "Also, my share of our earnings."
After eating breakfast, you leave the Yawning Wyrm, and follow Kajala down the street to the south gate, which you entered the night before. Kajala seems to be in a real good spirit, striding along with long steps and a bounce to his gait while whistling.
It's a beautiful spring day. The sky is clear and the sun is shining, albeit the cold of winter still lingers.
Half an hour after leaving Palanost's south gate, Kajala leads you down an old trail westward away from the main road. After having traveled for half an hour, the trail enters a forest.
"The Palewood," Kajala announces. "Many wolves. Keep eyes out!"
After another half an hour, as the trail passes a small creek, Kajala says "Ruins not far now." Just as he's said that you hear the howling of wolves nearby, and five wolves appear on the trail just 30 feet in front of you. They make loud growling noises and brandish long yellow fangs.
Drozak will charge one of wolves, preferably one away from some of the others.
confirm pretty sure that won't confirm, but the wolf is probably hurting.
Aralu will mirror Drozak, her blades singing from their sheathes, attacking the wolf Drozak is attacking if it is still alive, otherwise she attacks another wolf, trying to position herself close to Drozak as possible and prevent being easily flanked.
Niusha will try to stay between 25-30 ft of the wolves and mov to her left a little to gt a clearer shot
Niusha prioritis any injured wolf that she can get a clear shot at.
"Rahhh" Hrusk roars, flashing his weapon in an impressive display, hoping to scare away the poor little puppies before they get hurt...
Intimidate...
Order:
Rhanviel, Niusha, Aralu, Drozak, Iruaka, Kajala, Hrusk the Heft
Two wolves remaining.
Everyone may act.
Drozak will press his attack on the shaken wolf
Aralu's hair sweeps in a circle as she spins; deadly blades glinting with terrifying speed as she attack the nearest wolf.
"I'll lend my strength, of arm and axe and character." Hrusk agrees. "Also, my share of our earnings."
Aralu nods to Hrusk, "I knew I could count on you Hrusk."
Rhanviel eats his fill of eggs and meat, and listens to Aralu's proposal to form a company with eyes of pure delight and ambition.
"Let this mercenary band grow strong and rich! For meat and wine!"
Rhanviel considers a thought of cunning which not often crosses his mind. He was never a con man, but the sheer need contained in his breast made him ponder the possibilities of theft.
...and I'll pay the mystic for his secrets, however I need to.
...........................................................
Rhanviel finishes his prayer to Sibilune, staying back farther from the wolves. He feels as if he is blaspheming his goddess as he asks her for aid against those so close to his kind, but his compassion is cut short by the thought of Rhevagaath's demise. He needed to find the way to destroy him, and had not the time for pitying the wolves.
As the myst twirls around his fingers, the lhurienathi mystic begins to weave again, a word of darkness on the wolf unharmed.
"Poor puppies," Hrusk sighs, a little sadly, and lunges forward at the clearly rabid creature best put out of its misery...
Attack ,
Rhanviel finishes casting bless and you all feel a warm and assuring sensation.
Niusha quickly nocks another arrow, concentrates on imbuing the arrow with power and shoots the wolf that leapt at Aralu, which she now has a clear shot at.
With another swing of his curved blade, Drozak finishes the badly injured and shaken wolf in front of him.
Aralu's blade cuts deep into the wolf that tried to leap at her. It yelps and falls dead.
The wolves are vanquished.
Loot:
5 x Wolf Pelt.
The trail winds through the woods for another fifteen minutes, before it finally reaches the old ruins of what must have been some sort of fort, or maybe a temple. The walls of the ruins are overgrown and crumbled, and two eerie statues loom over the staircase which leads down into the dark dungeons below.
"We here." Kajala says. "Kajala see in the dark. You may want to light torch. Follow Kajala."
The red-furred bhakiri leads you down the stairs and through numerous rooms and corridors, before you reach a large rectangular chamber, dimly lit by the sunlight which seeps in through holes in the roof. In the middle of the room there is a pedestal, and on that pedestal there is a ruby as large as a fist, reflecting the ray of sunlight that falls upon it. An 8-feet tall statue of a malaborian warrior holding a massive bloody stone terbutje stands next to it, and a dead body in green robes lies in a pool of blood on the floor.
Remembering what Kajala said about the animated statue, Drozak is ready for combat.
"Kajala, Hrusk form a line with me, we will engage the statue directly. Rhanviel back us up with magic, Aralu, Iruaka circle around and take the statue from the flanks. Niusha get the gem. Our goal here is the get the gem not kill the statue, no point risking our necks once we recover the gem."
Aralu shakes her head, staring straight on, "Kajala's companion must be avenged."
Aralu only pulls her scimitar out, this time grasping it in two hands. "Be careful when approaching it. It's size gives it an advantage." She arcs to the side keeping in mind the statues size and reach as she gets behind it.
At the first sign of trouble she will tumble behind it.
As soon as you move towards it, the statue begins to move, turning to follow your position. It lifts its terbutje in a position to swing it.
"For Talaath!" Kajala yells and runs toward the statue, greatsword drawn.
Initiative
Drozak will charge a step behind Kajala aiming to strike the creature with a savage slicing blow after it has already had to deal with the vengeful Kajala's savage strike.
Power attack on the charge
Init
With a great roar, Hrusk charges it to attack the statue...
Attack, , Damage
...and falls flat on his great big ass. Owie...
Aralu. You successfully tumble behind the statue.
( )
Initiative Order: Niusha, Kajala, Iruaka, Drozak, Aralu, Rhanviel, Hrusk the Heft.
Niusha sings "Caedwald drew his sword and drove it through the bherug's hide/ his aim was true, its heart was pierced, in pain the bherug cried/the bherug slain, Caedwald gained, both wealth and fame and land/and all the bherugs still around they came to fear his hand" which inspires you all with courage.
Kajala is the first to strike at the statue. He gets into flanking position with Aralu.
Iruaka moves around the statue, next to Aralu and attacks the statue.
Drozak attacks the statue and gains a flanking bonus for flanking with Iruaka.
The statue attacks Aralu and deals 3 damage to her.
Aralu attempts to retaliate, but her scimitar glances off the statue.
Rhanviel begins to cast cure light wounds on Aralu.
Hrusk the Heft miss the statue with his attack.
Everyone may act.
Drozak will slash the statue again
Aralu deflects the statues attack with her scimitar and with two hands brings her blade to bear down on the statue hoping that she can force more damage to the statue than to her sword.
Niusha draws her longsword and attacks the statue with her comrades, while she keeps on singing. She positions herself, so she is in a flanking position with Hrusk.
While still singing, Niusha leaps at the statue and lands a strike that topples it. The sound echoes as the tall statue crashes to the ground and a cloud of dust rises from where it fell.
The statue is defeated.
"Talaath is avenged. Thank you all for helping Kajala. Now we can take ruby and sell in Palanost."
Kajala tries to take the big deep red translucent stone from the pedestal but he can't make it budge.
Aralu nods at Niusha approvingly, "Well done Niusha."
In the aftermath, Aralu goes to the fallen humanoid Talaath standing over him in her normal strange silence, as she does. When Kajala struggles to remove the gem, she casts her eyes in his direction without moving her head. "Problem?" she asks knowingly.
Rhanviel looks over the fallen statue and the ruby, to see if there are any small creases where a lever may be implemented. He also checks it over to see if there are any supernal etchings which may be binding the stone.
"Was this gem placed here by a Mystbinder perchance, my friend?"
He asks to the Bhakiri.
Rhanviel also checks up on his comrades.
"Is everyone alright? Nobody hewn in half? I've some small cures if need be. Nasty brawl that one seemed."
Rhanviel didn't let his guard down just yet though. 'Foreign places, foreign risks, familiar deaths' was the saying he had heard repeated time and time again in the forest, and while he scoffed with all his youth's vigor at his elders, once he left the forest he kept that proverb close to his heart.
Hrusk erupts from the ground, swinging his greataxe...
attack , damage