"Pick it and run? They are there to guard the tower after all, they probably won't follow us long into the city" suggests Samuel.
Callix chuckles, "As long as we've more than one hand to wield it, I'd say that it's useful... The better question is whether we think it's a fight we can win -- quickly."
Letitia considers the two statues. "Maybe. Just focus on the one with the sword and attack it until it's rubble. Then not bother with the second statue? The hammer would be very effective against constructs and animated objects, so be sure to use it, if we are to do this."
She frowns. "Though I find my taste for more combat to be rather low."
"I just say we pick it and run. No need for more fights. No need to leave powerful materials to the witches" Samuel comments "Everyone get away, an ahead start. Ashling, you are the fastest one. Take the warhammer just in case. I will cover you from afar with the musket while the others are already away into the alleys"
Done, just be ready Ashling snatches the sword and retreats
the group comes down the stairs and finds Bella with the children. In just the short time you were fighting and recovering from the dragon fight she managed to find some food and brought it to the kids. they are all eating happily when you come back down. Bella looks at you expectantly.
You did it? you actually managed to kill the dragon?!
she runs over and hugs Callix
Thank you so much. you have saved us all she smiles at you and can't help but laugh
Though for valiant dragon-slayers you all are not the most observant are you?
she pulls one of the children from the group and shows him to you. apparently one of the "children" wasn't a child at all. Bella chuckles into her hand as you take in the short person in front of you. on closer inspection it is clear that though small, he is a full-grown gnome. he had shaved his face to look more child-like, but stubble is starting to spread on his cheeks.
Letitia shudders when she sees the children eating. I hope they're not eating any of Nan's 'special' cooking.
When Bella laughs, Letitia's pride rankles. She folds her arms and keeps her back straight and stiff, seeing no mirth in the woman's jest. "We won, but at great cost. One of our number fell along with the dragon. Now if you'll excuse us, we need to get you all to safety."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Oh, hi! Hey there!
The voice sounds joyful - but definitely not childlike. This gnome is short even for a gnome and red haired, with amber eyes that look almost red as well. He's shaved, but his beard is starting to appear on the tanned skin. He is now dressed with armor and a small buckler he likely hid in a backpack during his ruse.
Sorry for that, mates. - he says, complementing as fast as he started speaking - Name's Timm. I had to make sure of your intentions... You understand, right? I came here for the kidnapped children, and was able to mingle with them with our enemies noticing... During which while I had been trying to keep them safe, despite our situation, and find a way out.
Callix stiffens at the hug, but before she can speak, Letitia gives voice to her own thoughts and emotions. She shrugs at the gnome, "Well, we've made you your exit, so let's go use it."
Samuel breaths relived as he sees Bella and the children are all ok, then startles when one of the children states to be a gnome "Hmmm... nice Timm. I am Samuel. I do not know what the witches have to do with you, but seeing you have managed to scavenge some of their equipment I beg you help us bring these children to safety"
"Do not hope for much, because we are still in danger and we just..." the man's voice trembles at this point "...lost a good friend... a hero... so do not assume we will survive this one"
Collecting the children and Bella, Samuel tries to guide them out of the tower "Do you know how to manage a crossbow?" Samuel picks the smallest one he can find at the arsenal of the trolls and throws it over the gnome "You might have to manage a shot or two before we reach safety Timm"
Then he rushes outside with the rest of the party.
The group moves away from the clocktower, avoiding the crowd forming to stare at the dead dragon (now on fire). as they leave, Ashling grabs the longdword from the statue.
the statues animate, but the group has moved away quickly, leaving Ashling last, and by the time the slow statues could catch up the group has vanished into the streets.
.
Bella looks to you to guide the group to safety. she was in the city but not for long before being scooped up by the dragon.
where do you lead your group? back to the Shrine of the Everbloom? towards the market square? towards a city gate? somewhere else?
Samuel retreats as fast as he can, aiming back from time to time to support Ashling, until the group manages to enter the city alleys "Good run girl. You could do for a champion athlete back at Taldor" the man smiles proud at the warrior.
"Well, let's see, we need to put all these children to safety, and we do not want to face the mirror men until we have had the opportunity to rest a bit at the least" Samuel breaths deeply and checks the bullet loaded at his musket cannon "Why don't we bring them to the Shrine of the Everbloom? Solveig wanted us to rescue Bella. I guess he will be happy to give her room, and maybe protect the other children, or help them out of the city"
"Thank you Aunt Betyrina!" Letitia shouts when Ashling snatches the sword from her statue and runs. Then she turns and runs away along with everyone else.
When they slow up and start walking through the streets, she can't help but feel uncomfortable shepherding the children that they rescued. She looks around for anyplace they could drop them off, since their papers probably wouldn't withstand scrutiny that they would bring. "Timm, is it? Since you've appointed yourself these children's guardian, would you mind taking them to safety somewhere? We've a very important task ahead of us, and they could cause serious delays."
She turns to Samuel. "Yes, the Shrine first. Lazlo still has work to do, and some rest would be helpful before making our next move."
Oh, thank you! - says Timm towards Samuel, refusing the crossbow - It's a nice offer, but I feel I have some toys of my own that can be more useful!
With that said, he lit a small fire horse over his hand - and immediately let it dissipate.
The children definitely love it, but it can be quite, quite dangerous. - and then, turning to Letitia - ... Which is why I hope you let me accompany you. I'm sure they can wait us by the Shrine once we leave them there.
Samuel nods to Leitia, fully in agreement. Then he turns to the gnome "Are you fighting Elvanna, Timm?"
"I did not know there were gnomes in Irrisen" the man checks nervously to the alley sides while the group advances towards the shrine "She always spoke of witches, monsters and giants, but never told me about northern gnomes. Are you from these lands?" the man arches an eyebrow when the gnome performs a fire trick on his hand.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Letitia stops abruptly in the street and turns to the gnome, shocked by his mad request. Her emotions were raw though she tried to remain cold and in control.
She steps into a side alley so they were not in the full view of the public when she glares imperiously at Timm. "Accompany us? Why would you ask such a thing? Have you any idea what we are doing? What we've been through up to now? What lays ahead of us?
"Queen Elvanna seeks to spread Winter across the world. Our only hope is to elicit the help of the Mother of All Witches -- the very one who placed Elvanna on the throne! And in order for us to find her, we must wrest control of Baba Yaga's Dancing Hut from Queen Elvanna's clutches."
Letitia's eyes flash coldly. "You will need more than simple tricks that delight children. We are in a deadly contest against all the forces of Irrisen -- trolls, fey, winter wolves, and the White Witches themselves. So think very carefully before asking to 'accompany us.'"
Callix says, "I think we'll need to think on this, Timm. Given where we are and the situation... someone leaping up to offer to 'accompany us' is a little... worrisome."
"Tsk" Samuel looks down to the gnome "You are disclosing just too much now, Letitia... for all we know this could be just another little witch spy"
"The word about accompanying us made me thought of it, but I wanted to know a bit more about him before making a statement" kneeling in front and placing his hand over the gnome's shoulders he follows up "I know you are just being bold and chatty my little friend, but tell us Timm... tell us more about you and why you want to come with us... how do you know what we are doing..."
I have no idea who this Elvanna is. As for Baba Yaga, the name... Maybe rings a bell. I just offered to accompany you because you showed good intention towards these children... And I wanted to help. They have been arguing in favor of you, and who wouldn't trust the younglings?
He scratches his chin, where the beard is already growing back, red and bright.
I am not here to replace your fallen comrade. If such business of yours is that of saving the world from eternal winter, then... As much as I feel I could be biting more than I can chew... Maybe it should be my duty to do so. - he speaks frankly towards the Humans - I had been walking these lands probably a lot, a lot longer than you. Maybe even as many years as you have together, as much as I'd hate to admit. I truly lack the heroics your lot seems to have, though... But Valani knows I do have the burning will to do so!
Letitia scoffs at Samuel's admonishment about speaking too freely. She knew Irrisen, and this gnome did not feel like a spy the witches would employ. Further, they had just slain a dragon and sparked a revolution. They were already well into their plan at this point.
Letitia looks astonished at Timm's admission that he didn't know Elvanna and had only heard of Baba Yaga. "You claim to walk these lands longer than our years combined, yet you do not know Queen Elvanna, who has ruled Irrisen for the last one hundred years?"
She shakes her head. "If you want to help, ally yourself with the Heralds of Summer Return. I'm not one to take counsel from children."
Having learnt enough about Letitia in the meantime, Samuel just ignores her scoffing "Do not be so fast to dismiss him. We can make use of some bravery here, Letitia. Coming it from determination or just plain ignorant craziness" the Taldan holds his position knelt in front of the gnome "Ok Timm, I se now. Who is this Valani you talk about? And that thing with the fire you made before... can you repeat it? Can you melt the ice of the witches with it?"
Ashling Snatches the sword and gets out of there quick as she can, rejoining the group, still in Black rider mode, If he can fight he can join, he was in the cage with the children so i have doubt he's a spy. Ash gives a yawn, I agree with sleep, making a dragon stop flying took it out me. She sheathes her blade and looks over the new adamantine longsword,
Callix says, "Someone who can hurl fire and claims to want to help would be a welcome addition.". She steps toward Letitia and adds, in Skald, "Better to have him with us than risk him on our backtrail. His abilities are likely to be useful, and either he proves himself to be what he claims, or dies trying."
Letitia finds herself nodding along with Callix, something of a devious smile growing on her face.
"Quite so. Very pragmatic," she replies in Skald.
"Sure Ashling, take the sword. You made all the work after all" Samuel smiles at the blue warrior.
Samuel nods to Callix and smiles, grateful to see both women agreeing on something for a change "Well then, I guess you are part of the team now Timm"
"Let's hurry to the Shrine of the Everbloom to talk with our allies and have a full rest" with that, Samuel resumes the group's walk, directing them towards their allies.
Callix nods, "While I can use a sword, I much prefer my axes.... and, agreed, Samuel, I think we should get ourselves somewhere... well, as close to safe as we can manage."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Hah! Great! - said the gnome, in a weird upbeat tone. For instants, it was like his cheeks and hair got their colors brighter than before, and the air around him became warmer - And boy, I can definitely do the fire thing again.
He stopped by Samuel's side, with an excited smile in his face.
To the shrine! - he echoed the gunslinger, pointing on the wrong direction with a hand, with the other resting by his own hip.
Letitia clears her throat loudly to get the gnome's attention. She jerks her head in the proper direction, then immediately sets off toward the shrine without watching to see if he's following.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
the group makes it back to the Shrine. on the way there is chaos on the streets, and no one is interested enough in your ragtag group and a trail of dirty children to stop you or even spare you a glance. you can tell news of the dragon's death spread fast, and skirmishes between the iron guard and winter guard can be seen in several pockets on your path to the shrine.
at the entrance to the bathhouse, the guard recognizes you, but leaves to verify that the others are ok before he lets you in. once inside, Solveig is waiting for you.
Or rather, she is waiting for Bella. she barely acknowledges your group before embracing the singer. the two of them speak to the side for a few minutes before Solveig returns to the party.
"I heard the news. Logorovich has fallen. I honestly can't believe you actually pulled it off. I thought your confidence was perhaps a bit over the top, but i see now that you are truly a powerful team. Though I notice you are missing someone? what happened to the young man?"
while speaking, Solvieg waves forward a few Heralds who help usher children into several of the guest rooms around the shrine, and one of them brings some food from a store room.
Letitia decides to remain quiet and let the others answer Solveig's question about their lost companion. His loss would be acutely felt for a long time, but she didn't want to think about it right now.
She finds a secluded spot in the shrine (which was likely emptied out due to the ongoing revolution they'd sparked) and sits. She pulls out Old Nan's rat and from where she'd stowed it, and instructs Lazlo to resume learning the spells it knows.
Once that process had begun, she takes the cauldron of brewing and gives it a thorough scrubbing. With that task complete, she casts read magic and studies the scrolls that were in the dragon's hoard. Then she follows that up with detect magic to unveil the magic within the two wands.
After taking care of that matter, she allows herself to rest, though periodically Lazlo hoots about another spell he'd learned from the rat, necessitating some communion between the witch and her familiar.
As the inevitable question comes, Samuel eyes Letitia departing to a calm corner of the shrine, then to the ground before raising his eyes again to stare at Solveig "Alec died like a hero. He sacrificed himself to impede the dragon escape. Our visit to the tower has been hard to us and has left scars that will never properly heal" Samuel stare hardens and he spits to the side "We must make his sacrifice count"
"Tomorrow we will attempt to get the Dancing Hut. But now... we need to rest. Recover, heal, prepare magic and ask for the gods blessings to help us on this new enterprise" the Taldan softens his look "Do you think the revolt will hold through the night? Give us enough time to recover and strike tomorrow?"
"What is the plan? We go into the market and unshackle the hut? What defenses are left after the Iron Guard has been forced to mobilize?"
Hey there! Nice to meet you! - says Timm, getting by Samuel's side and extending his head towards Solveig - Name's Timm... Timm Tones. Glad to make your acquaintance!
The gnome puts the best of his smile, but doesn't insist much in conversation - instead, he waits for answers to the gunslinger questions.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Callix simply nods at Samuel's comment, then adds, Rest, recover, heal... and drink."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Solvieg is surprised by Timm's cheery disposition, especially when the others are downcast. she shakes his hand and offers introduction, but then turns back to the conversation with Samuel.
"Yes, I do believe you will have time to recover, as long as you don't tarry over-long. this riot will be intense. there is a lot of pent-up anger at Elvhanna that is coming out now that the first blow has been struck.
As encouraging as that is, this will not last. many lives will be lost, but I do not expect this one riot to change much in the long run. Elvhanna's retaliation will be swift and powerful. she will be calling for allies from outside the city as we speak. once those arrive, the Iron Guard and others who are joining the fight will have no choice but to retreat, hide and fight again another day.
I do not say this to sound like I have no hope, but I am a realist. I know the war cannot be won simply. I believe that if you are able to secure the hut, all of this will be worth it. we will have shown that Elvhanna does not have as tight a hold on this city as she wants us to believe.
Unfortunately, I do not know what you will find in that magical wood. likely there will still be some Winter Guard there. I have not been there myself but I have heard reports of other strange creatures in the forest, unlike anything in the city. the forest seems to have made a connection to the First World, and there is some kind of fey magic at work.
while the conversation is happening, Letitia works on her spells and the items recovered from the clocktower. she finds
scroll of blink
scroll of scorching ray
scroll of see invisibility
a wand of silent image (12 charges)
a wand of true strike (15 charges)
Samuel breaks into laugh thanks to Callix comment "Yes, let's celebrate a bit. Tomorrow will be a long day"
"Elvhanna is going to be quite surprised if we manage to secure the hut" the Taldan places his musket over the shoulder in a relaxed stance "Magic fey... hummm.... we are not alien to them. We fought them back at the Border Wood. I can guess this effect in the Market is following the same pattern as in Taldor"
"If so, then, there is probably some kind of map like the one back in the Pale Tower. If we can find it and disable it, our work might become easier, and the demonstration of power stronger" musses Samuel.
For the rest of the night, Samuel will work on his musket, clearing it of the previous days missfires. He shows the trigger to Timm with a smile and a wink of the eye "6 inches of pure lead. By when you start to summon any of your fire spells my bullet will be already at the evil fey's head, gnome
Later he looks for some salt, and using a chemical process with heat, he transforms it into more powder for his horns, readying new bullets to replace the used ones the day before, as well as three new alchemical cartridges.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Callix smiles at Samuel and allows herself a laugh in response to his, then shrugs, "What? It's literally part of my religion."
She shakes herself and then nods at Samuel's comments, "That's interesting... I wouldn't think the witches would need a construct like that within their own lands.... but then, Irrisen's borders have been expanding outwards for so long, who knows?" She takes a pull of her aleskin, then says, "I won't disagree with an approach that makes our lives easier, or theirs harder... and one that lets the people see that they can be beaten seems even better."
She nods, drinks again, then says, "I think we really need to start looking into ways to protect ourselves from being magically tracked... and soon. Especially if they connect this success with our last one." She snorts, "They sent scores of those doll-things after my mother for pinking one of their Chosen -- until she fled all the way to Taldor to get away. We may not have drawn Elvhanna's blood, but we've almost done worse -- striking at her reputation and power."
She stops for a moment, then mutters, "I'm entirely too sober for this train of thought...", but then laughs as she catches a sight of Timm's red hair, "Still want to join with us, Master Gnome? As you've said, you've probably lived as many years as the rest of us combined - hanging about with us probably isn't the way to continue your streak."
Letitia had been silently listening to the conversation, trying to quell her own swirling doubts and motives. They were about to make the final push. They were going to find the Dancing Hut, enter it, claim it, and find Grandmother.
She would set things right.
But these rebels, they don't want things 'set right.' And Letitia could agree that some things needed to change. Nan and her cooking, for example. But the rebels weren't going to settle for a few reforms.
One step at a time.
She moves closer when the topic turned to what sort of forces might be left to guard the Hut. "Didn't you hear? A forest sprang up overnight around the Dancing Hut. It is Baba Yaga's artifact, and it likely was protecting itself. I hope that the tokens we carry would make us immune to whatever lurks within the woods, but I doubt it. And then there's the forces within the forest placed there by Queen Elvanna to guard it. They may still survive."
"At your health!" Samuel is happy to accept one of Callix beverages and listen to the story of her mother "Those nasty dolls... I hate them. We certainly need a way to block those witch things"
"I hope you are right Letitia" Samuel looks at Ashling "We are the Black Rider. The hut must recognize that"
"Once we reach the market tomorrow, we must look for the Water Palace. The hut is chained in the stairs there." Samuel mumbles remembering the few facts they have attached together for the others to refresh although this was uncovered only a couple of days ago "Yes. The Winter Guard. Nazheena Vasilliovna commands the guard there. If we can find her and strike hard at her, the moral and organization of the guard will be severely affected. Perhaps giving us time enough to unshackle the hut"
A smile draws in the Taldan's face "And I cannot wait to see her face when she discovers we are the ones that made her beloved Pale Tower go belly-up"
Hah! I guess I lived enough. You know, thrill is what keep us alive. - says the gnome, drinking and thinking about the mission at hand.
i suppose if dancing can be part of a religion so can drinking... Her thoughts seem elsewhere as the group chats, distracted looking at her things oddly, This... is not possible. I can see better... how... why. Sounding... actually irritated.
She drinks a bit listening to the group tell stories, i recall several people saying it was just a cloak and title. That black rider was irrelevant. If it turns out to be necessary, someone not naming names. Will be receiving an i told you so
Letitia arches an eyebrow at Ashling. "Are your ears clouded as your eyes improve? I have oft suggested the use of the mantle of the Black Rider. I know its symbolic power, even if it's currently a shadow of its true might when it has the full backing of Baba Yaga. In any event, it erases any doubts about whether Queen Elvanna has the blessings of Grandmother."
She watches the others drink and an idea strikes her. "Are there any potions you would like me to craft this evening before we set out? By the way, I've identified the wands that were in the dragon's hoard. A wand of true strike and a wand of silent image. Illusion spells can come in handy if one is clever enough."
Ashling looks a tad somber , No, the pain clarified my thought, I simply forgot who said it was irrelevant making my own comment irrelevant. She takes a moment to drink and think, Something to destroy chains would be nice...
"Good, as I do understand that wand serves us to create good distractions as we move deeper into the market" Samuel judges Letitia's offer "Aside from healing, some potions to remove sickness if they arise might be a good idea , and maybe someone should take a fly potion in case we find more flying enemies. The resistance to the dragon breath was very useful too. Probably saved my life"
Was the dragon breathing... Cold? - Timm asked with curiosity. He was used to defend himself in combat, but usually attacking from a good distance. Once heard, the gnome turned to Letitia.
... And... What do you mean protection tokens? What are these dolls?
He was a little lost, and while he was honestly trying to better prepare himself - there was a good amount of sheer curiosity and excitement through such adventures that these group of heroes had experienced.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Listening to the various needs and wants of the group, Letitia considers what they already possess. As Samuel speaks about her cold resistance potion possibly saving his life, the corner of her mouth twitches ever so slightly upward.
"Let's see... something to break chains." She gestures to the adamantine long sword and war hammer. "My Great-aunt Queen Betyrina and the dragon Logorovich has provided us with the best means to do that."
She turns to look at Timm. "Yes, it was a dragon of the north. White scales, and a breath like the gales of the deepest winter.
[b]"As for healing, we have wands and spells. For diseases, I know the spell to fight them off, though a disease generally takes hours or days to incubate. It would be better to make something with more immediate value. Fly, as you say, can be helpful, but we've already one potion with that magic already. Plus..." she says with a triumphant smile, and then she begins to float into the air, rising all the way to the ceiling.
"I've already mastered that trick."
"Those dolls can see into your soul and send all that to the witches. If they do not simply come and stab you. As they are alive. Take care, do not touch any witch doll, gnome" Samuel offers while cleaning his musket.
Then raisin his face, he observes marveled how Letitia takes flight and chuckles with a smile in his face "Great, now you can flap your wings away with Lazlo if things get wrong"
-----
The next day, Samuel will wake up early and stock the power horns with the power he has prepared the day before. After a short breakfast he hangs the horns over his shoulders, prepares the backpack and sets his musket into his back as well "Well, Solveig. I guess it is time to say goodbye. I have no idea what we will do if we manage to take the hut away, but I hope there is chances we can see each other again when all this ends"
Saying goodbye also to Bella, inviting her to visit Taldor and Heldren for that matter, and to the children, Samuel sets himself in the way to the market.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Letitia snaps her fingers as she floats back down to the floor. "I've got it. I won't have time to make everyone a potion to resist cold, but we are hopefully not fighting a dragon again. I can, however, make some more cold iron weapon blanch for Samuel's musket. We're going into an enchanted forest, and Grandmother is known for bargaining with fey."
Each dose of blanching can coat one weapon or up to 10 pieces of ammunition.
Callix smiles at Letitia's newfound ability, "Impressive.. Though maybe not quite ideal if we have to fight another flying creature, as your magic was already able to reach." She nods at Samuel's comment, "But very valuable as a means of escape."
She nods, "I think preparing to face more fae is certainly wise."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
No touching dolls - check. I'll limit myself to burning dolls. - says Timm, scratching his chin. He looked at Letitia with interest, but didn't say much. He could somewhat fly as well, but likely not as gracefully, and certainly not in a way he could demonstrate here without burning the place down. Yet, being able to shoot his fire blasts at foes at 120 feet, he rarely had to be concerned with flying.
From what you folks are saying, we definitely should seek protective gear against witches. And their curses! You know, my cousin Babburcio Beggins couldn't speak for hours after he met one witch. She did something with his tongue, and not in a pleasant way! I guess she was annoyed he would speak too much. I mean, witches can be pleasant! My third aunt Faffelia Farofa, daughter of my uncle, the great hero Felistono Farofa, was a witch. She even had a cauldron, but painted pink with beautiful white dove-looking runes! She was able to heal wounds with that cauldron. That's how she healed my could Jokasta Jajabuda, which had been peglegging since she stepped in a twig by her neighbor's Tytarato Tetolongo. Oh, the Tetolongos had such a beautiful farm! They used to raise ostriches... - and he keeps speaking for quite a while, making people understand why the witch cursed his cousin to stop speaking. Or was it his uncle?
The group takes some time at the shrine to eat, drink, and prepare for the following day. Letitia and Samuel work on creating some additional supplies for whatever might be faced in the forest while the group discusses what kind of countermeasures might be needed.
After a night of good rest in the safety fo the hidden rebel base, the group feels refreshed and stronger than ever.
They pack up and leave the Shrine with their goodbyes, and travel a relatively short distance to the market square.
The shops and homes of the Merchants’ Quarter stop abruptly at a towering wall of evergreens that has burst through the snow-covered cobblestones of the city’s streets. Ahead, the trees part to form a path winding into the dark forest that has replaced all sights and senses of the city around it.
standing in the middle of the path at the very entrance to the woods are three trolls in Winter Guard uniform.