Doot.
Dot Messire!
Where has gone my first dot?
My first dot has disappeared as well. Oh well. Dot! Cant wait to start :)
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The trip to the fort was rainy. Winter had just passed and the spring rains where kicking in. The caravan to the newly named Fort Dawn expanded more and more the farther is got from Greyvault. Everything from volunteers to criminals who would rather work than die joined the group until over 100 men and women where in their way to protect the kingdom.
The king had always been a paranoid man. He feared nearby city states, barbarian tribes, and wandering monsters would tear his contry apart. The only way to defend his kingdom was to establish an order of defenders.
Since few would willingly fight monsters, he came up with a solution. Criminals who wished not to be executed can serve their time helping the order.
The Caravan finally arives at Fort Dawn, the rain stopping as to Herald it's arival.
You are greeted by men in armor, who ask your name. Once they have it you are led to a stand where an old man in a breastplate waits for you. "Hello, ye skum. I am General Frisk. I am in charge of this here fort, and therefore I am in charge of you. We have some rules here, first and foremost no killing your companions! Second, no stealing from the order. Third, if you are here to serve time, leaving is equivalent to high treason and will resault in death without mercy. Any questions?" a few men raise their hands, but he ignores them and sends you off. The next week consists of training and assessment. Each of you are gauged where you would fit best.
A month at the fort and you are finally assigned. You are assigned to the Wardens, the defenders who go and deal with problems directly. You are out into a group with a senior officer in charge. The man is a half-elf who is good with a blade. "Hey, I'm Fredrick, " he says, I'm in charge. Welcome to the Wardens! I know Frisk is a little harsh sometimes but all is fair at the end of the day. Our first job will be to help a hamlet near the coast with it's witch problem says the whole town is a coven, but I'm sure it's just some superstitions. Go ahead and introduce yourselves if you don't know each other already."
With sudden interest, a young man in peasant's clothes and a blue cloak and a scowl on his face looks up. "I'm from the coast meself, so can you tell us which hamlet you're talking 'bout? May have heard of it before. Oh, and I'm Terwyn, for those of you who didn't have the pleasure yet to beat me up all over the training hall."
A tall man with dark hairs and a shark smile comes forward. He's wearing a shiny mail, a flamboyant hat and a well-done pair of hunting boots."Dariel Fremont, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance all of you!" he said as he salutes his brothers in arms with a firm grip.
"I'm eager to serve under your orders, sir Fredrick. I hope your experience will keep us alive! For my part, I'm a decent Witch Hunter for sure, but not a good swimmer! Let's hope this coven is not made of Werefishes, or Terwyn you will have to teach me how to not drown! Oh, and let me introduce to you my companion..."
It's really hard to know if this story of Werefishes is serious or not...
At the same moment an eagle comes from the sky and lands on his shoulder. "Meet Sharped-Eyes, a pureblooded hunting eagle! He saved my life a few times already."
Nevaal is taken aback by the sudden appearance of Dariel's companion. He quickly rights himself and readjusts his hood. "That's an interesting friend that you have there, Dariel.", he says with a smile as he steps up to introduce himself.
"I am Nevaal Kopile. I am eager to serve with all of you, and even more eager to put some witches into their graves."
"I'm Grognak," the hulking half-orc grunts abruptly upon realizing he was the only one who hadn't yet spoken up. "Nice bird."
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Fredrik chuckles and scoffs when the Bird comes into veiw. Your not the only person here who can train a bird. And definitely not the only one to use it effectively. Anyways, the town's name is Melias. Apparently the whole problem started when a young woman came down with a startling sickness. They live, eyes open, but do not wake. They are silent and motionless. More and more children came down with the sickness. Eventually the parents became distressed and began looking for a scapegoat. This eventually lead to the murder of a maid, which immediately woke the children. Since then there have been tales of whole feilds dieing away, animals disappearing, and even strange runes apearing on walls overnight. It has lead to the whole town pointing fingers. They've already burned 5 people. It's our job to stop the burning and find the real witch. any questions?
"Hm, nah, never heard of this place before. Sounds cozy, though"
Terwyn scratches his skin.
"I get the stop the burning part, but how are we supposed to find this witch? I mean, if they're pointing fingers, they'll probably tell us any crap they can imagine, right?"
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"When we leaving? Maybe if we take long enough, they'll run out of people to burn. Problem solved," Grognak grins at his own joke, then furrows his brow suddenly as another thought comes to him.
"I never seen a witch before," he mutters quietly, to no one in particular.
If at first Dariel seems a little bit disturbed by the look of Grognak and Nevaal, their appreciations of his pet make him smiles. "Glad to have you on the team guys. I have no doubt that your muscles are quite capable of facing the dangers we will fight!"
Turning his attention toward Fredriks, he says "Well, a bloodbath is always the best solution to be sure that a coven is exterminated. But our expertise will probably be a better, safer and cleaner way to hunt down the Witches! I deeply hate their kind, hiding their dark magic behind a maid's face..." he adds, spitting on the floor.
Sharped-Eyes let go a strident noise at the sound of Witches. "Good boy, you'll get your due."
Terwyn, so far eyeing the Half-Orc with more than just a bit of mistrust, can't help but laughing shortly to Grognak's joke. "We could even help with the burning, when there's something left for us when we arrive."
Then he turns to Dariel.
"You seem quite confident, Mr. Fremont, any experience with hunting witches you want to share with us? No offense, but you're talking the big talk about our expertise when at least two of us" he nods shortly to the barbarian, " have already admitted that we have none of it."
Looking deeply in Terwyn's eyes, Dariels says with a low voice "Yes... I already crossed path with Witches. I led a group of my people back in the days, and we burnt two of them, a mother and a daugther. They were murdering babies who had yet to be born with magical potions. Nothing too terrible, but still enough for my father to decide to act. That was an easy job." Dariel finishes his sentence, clearing his throat at the same time. "I fear that this time it'll be much more difficult, otherwise the locals could have handled the situation."
You don't have to be a brillant investigator to be able to see that he's not telling the whole story.
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Fredrick nodds and starts leading the group to the stables. Whatever your experience, Witches are a problem. Hopefully it's just a Witch, and not a Hag. You ever see one of them? Ugliest b*#$@ around, I say. Worse than orcs, worse than ogres. Said they are so ugly they can kill with a look! But this is hopefully just a Witch.. Fredrick seems nervous. It appears this is his first assignment as well. Well, his first Real assignment. In the stables you are each given a riding horse. And you set off on the trail.
"Despicable creatures!", Nevaal spits as Dariel finishes his story. "This may be a difficult task, and rightfully so, but it's good to know we have someone that has dealt with this kind before".
He turns to face Frederick, "A hag? Isn't that just another name for a witch? I thought they were one in the same..."
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Fredrick looks at Nevaal. oh, I guess... well you see, all hags are witches, but not all witches are hags. One tale speaks of a Witch so beautiful that she married Varkis himself... that was until the godling found out. Fredrik lauges. one can be sure that the witch didn't last long after that! You know, no-one can figure out the secret behind a witch's power. Some day its the darkness inside them. Others state that it's like elven magic, through vigorous study. I wouldn't care either way, they use it to terrorize the people, so they are evil.
"Evil indeed. Any who play with the like of elves and their magic only bring disaster to the world."[/b} he nods to Fredrick, "I may not understand the difference between the two creatures, but it is of little importance. Lead the way, and I will follow."[/b]
Grognak finds the largest of the horses provided and cautiously swings himself into the saddle. He lets the others proceed ahead of him behind Fredrick before falling in at the back of the line, humming softly to himself and his horse.
Dariels quickly takes position right behind Nevaal. He seems eager to face these mysterious rumors of Witches. "Let's go! There is glory waiting for us on the road! Go ahead companion, scout the path for us!" he says as Sharped-Eyes flies away.
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The trip goes smoothly the first day. The horses are at ease on the forested trails around the fort. But as the trip progresses, the land becomes more flat and the mountans distance themselves from you. The nights become filled with the howls of wolves. You are lucky enough not to draw their attention as you continue The journey.
When you arrive at Melias you are greeted with the body of some woman hanging from a tree. A sign is nailed to her saying "Witches, Beware" When Fredrick sees this he frowns. What a nice welcome. there is a drop of sarcasm in his voice. Although you aren't sure if he approves of the sign or not.
"Those idiots are really trying to destroy themselves" mutters Terwyn under his breath. "As if there weren't enough other things out there doing a better job of it."
Curiously he steers his horse to the tree to take a better look at the unlucky woman.
"I've never seen a witch before. Does it have a crooked nose and green skin just as the stories say?", Nevaal asks to Terwyn as he moves his horse towards the hanging body.
"My good friend Terwyn, never forget that these poor souls are a little bit rustic... And better be safe than dead."
Turning his attention toward Nevaal, Dariels adds: "Beware the legends. Indeed they sometimes carry some truth, but in the Witches' case, it's false. There lure you with good looks and smiles. Corruption is rarely ugly. Otherwise pious souls and brave men would not fell for it."
"Well, witch or not, she sure looks dead to me." Terwyn turns to the others. "Hate seeing the poor lass hanging from the tree, shouldn't we give her a proper burial? Least we can do, right?"
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The body is hung by a hemp rope. Looks like she died on this rope. The body is not a week old.
Fredrick sighs. Best to ask the township permission. Lest we anger the wrong people. Fredrik moved past the body. The town is empty save for an occasional dog or cat. It seems there is a gathering or some sort of town meeting, because the mayor's mansion looks like it's been altered to fit the whole Hamlet. You are headed that way when you pass by a Farmer. The older man is sorting vegetables. You can see that the ones he discards are black and rotten. The ones he doesn't aren't much better. Fredrick looks down at the man and asks is the Town meeting? the old man looks up from his task. His face is wrinkled and sagging from age and lack of food. Aye, they're in there killing more farmers and tearing appart families. he spits on the ground Why might you be here? Fredrik sighs. Someone had sent for assistance from the king. They sent us. Thanks for your help, have a coin. Fredrik tosses the man a silver and leads you farther in town. He dismounts and ties his horse to stand near the Manor. He bids you do the same. Inside the building you hear the sound of a gavel and shouting.
Dariel throws a sad look at the vegetables and the poor soul who cultivates them. "Ha... Dark Magic is really a plague..."
Hearing the sound coming from the big house, Dariels smiles. "Well, it seems we are right on time guys! This is going to be intesresting."
He whistles and Sharped-Eyes lands on his shoulder.
"I'm right behind you, Master Fremont", Terwyn grins and makes an inviting gesture towards the manor's door
Nevaal dismounts and ties his horse next to the others. "This should be fun to watch." he comments as he walks up beside Dariel and Terwyn. "Are you coming, Grognak?"
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Fredrick walks to the door, but before he could open it, the doors swing inward. If he won't confess, he can rot in his cell! comes the verdict from within. A man is hauled out of the door. A couple of farmers are guideing him. Inside the shouting died down. Fredrick steps in. Inside, the main hall has been set up into a makeshift court. About 50 people sit in stands, and a group of children sit where the jury would normally be. And who are you? asks the Judge. Fredrick holds up the Warden's Mark and says. we are the help sent by the crown. There was a request made to help with a witch problem. Fredrik looks at the Judge, the smile on his face hiding his distaste for the situation. Well, we thank whoever sent that request... who might that have been? The judge looks at the group before glancing back at Fredrick. Fredrick pulls out a notw from his belt. A man named Wells. Linkon Wells. Fredrik looks around. There is a soft clamor in the room. Wells has been found in suspicion of witchcraft. He just was sent to our holdings. If what you say is true, then you were requested by one of the Witches you were sent to take care of. the Judge looks at you all and huffs. No matter, your help is approved, we need all the hands we can get to combat this menace.
"I'm coming," Grognak answers as Nevaal's question snaps him out of his distracted state. He couldn't stop thinking about the woman hung from the tree. She didn't look like a witch, he kept thinking.
"Nevaal," he whispered quietly as they approached the door, "You think she was really a witch? I never seen one before, but I didn't think they'd look like... her. She just looked like a normal woman."
As the group enters the manor, Grognak sticks to the back, trying to stay as inconspicuous as a towering half-orc can in such a situation.
If they're already thirsty for witch blood, it likely won't take much to turn them against a half-blood.
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The judge dismisses the Town. And Fredrick dismisses you. Go, ask around about what's been going on. I'm going to speak with the Judge about burying that body... I'm sure he'll take to my reasoning.
With that he leaves you to your own. It seems Fredrick is sure you won't try to ditch the wardens.
The townsfolk try to go back to their work, but there is an air of bitterness about them. One woman spits at your feet as she passes.
The children go to their families, but the oldest, a woman almost, approaches and bows. Hello, I'm Siri. I was the first girl afflicted with the witchcraft. I will be glad of your help finding the Witches in town. she smiles kindly and awaits your response.
"Well, she didn't have green skin or a crooked nose, but she wasn't extremely beautiful either. She doesn't fit either description of a witch that I am familiar with, but then again, I'm not very familiar with them either." he whispers back to Grognak before walking any further towards the manor.
"They are definitely out for blood alright, and I don't think they care whose blood is spilled as long as there is someone to blame.", he shakes his head as he watches the man being escorted away from the Manor. That one was not very good looking either, Nevaal thought to himself.
After Siri introduces herself, Nevaal gives a shallow bow before addressing. "Well met, Siri. Please, tell us more about your affliction. Any details might help."
"We were requested by one of the witches. Hah!" Terwyn angrily spits back in the direction of the woman who did them the favor first.
"Not even I would be so stupid as to call my enemies for help. But no, can't be that the Judge is wrong. I mean, he's the Judge, after all."
When Siri approaches them and gets asked by Nevaal, he turns to listen what the woman has to say.
Leaving the Hall, Dariel says smiling "That judge is a demagogue, I'll bet my sword on that! Let's hope they recognize our autority. otherwise, well the lady at the front of the village will not be the only one hanged today!"
"Beware Terwyn, because a Witch is clever. What is the best way to innocent yourself that calling the Wardens? Only ground work will provide us the answer to this mess..." he adds as Siri approaches.
He scrutinizes the woman, suspicious.
Come on young lady , try to convince us...
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Siri bows to Nevaal, it was horrible! I was locked inside my own body, only able to watch as the world around me passed. A whole week I was trapped inside. Forced to be helpless. I watched my family cry and slave over me. Only when that wretch of a maid was caught did she release us.
she seems to be hiding something.
The way she speaks... it's as if she's been rehearsing it. She's gotten quite well at hidding it.
Grognak is more than happy to let the others take the lead when it comes to conversation, nodding politely in acknowledgement to Siri but keeping stoically silent unless a response is required of him.
"Trapped in your body for a week and your family was left well enough to attend to you? That does not sound like the motives of a heinous witch." Nevaal challenged the young girl. "I would expect something around the lines of you writhing in pain, vomiting up bugs, or constantly passing gas. A may not know much about witches, but they would do much worse than leave you unharmed and trapped in YOUR own body."
Nevaal stands up straight and crosses his arms across his chest. "Tell me little one, what does a young girl like you do to anger a witch so and how did she cast her magics upon you?"
"Dunno, Nevaal, sounds like being imprisoned in jail, only worse, and that's no fun at all. Sounds easy at day 1, yeah, but that changes really fast."
Terwyn turns to Siri.
"But yeah, Miss Siri, why would said maid have done something bad to you first hand?"
Dariel don't say a word, but instead throws at the young girl an impressive look, full of suspicion and bad attention, while placing himself just behind Nevaal. Sharped-Eyes looks upon the young girl with his yellows eyes of hunter.
Alright, let's Nevaal tries the gentle way for now, I'll play the violent one if needs be.
He then whispers to Grognak "Watch out these villagers if it's okay with you Grognak. Don't take it personally but your apperance should intimidate them just enough for us to get some informations."
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Siri frowns at Nevaal. Her disapproval is obvious. I don't know, she's a witch! Perhaps she was sick of working for my mother, always caring for her children. Siri is clearly upset...
The air seems colder for some reason.
Siri sighs and shakes her head. Look, The maid was always mean to me and my sister. Even is she wasn't a witch she deserved to burn!
Siri stomps away, her distaste for you following.
"Well that was interesting," Grognak mutters under his breath.
"Didn't think I should scare a little girl right away, Dariel," he replies a moment later. "If I'd known she was such a brat before I would've maybe thought different."
Dariel laughs at Grognak's observation. "I think it's going to be part of the job... Anyone else if feeling that cold? Quite strange in my opinion." he says while buttoning his coat.
"Open you eyes and your hears. Maybe this young girl's family could be a start for our investigation?"
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"Huh, that was interesting." Terwyn irritatedly comments. "Kinda like my sis', when she got asked who had broken my toy an' she started to get angry about that it had been a stupid toy anyways. As if we had accused her of anything." Terwyn giggles. "Though in the case of my sis' that came probably because it had actually been her who had broken my toy as we found out later."
Terwyn nods agreeingly to Dariel's words. "Yeah, might be a good idea, young Miss Siri wasn't too helpful after all, but I don't know, maybe we should talk to the judge beforehand. Those high lords always seem insulted if they get ignored by their lessers."
"Spoiled brat indeed.", Nevaal agreed with Grognak. He dropped his arms to his sides and sighed. "The poor maid just pissed off the wrong little girl. I agree with Dariel though, the family may be a good place to start. There was something in the way that she told us the details of her curse. I'm not sure, but I feel as if she's been practicing that story. I've dealt with bratty high-borns before and they always seem to have a way with bending the truth."
Dariels listens quietly to the reaction of his comrades, smiling to himself.
Obviously, it's better that they don't know what a brat I was!
"Well, I believe that the judge can wait. His town, his judgment, his calls. I bet my sold that he dislikes us, we are just a liability to his autority. That girl however, she is not afraid of us, like she already saw something more frigthening than our merry band, and I am pretty sure that wasn't just a temporary paralysis. Let's go speak to her parents."