Shards of the Titanswar

Game Master EldonG

...and Manton makes his appearance, carrying two platters and two pitchers of ale, to boot. The man definitely has skills. One platter is piled with meats and cheese, the other, fruits and vegetables.

I hope you folks are hungry enough without your two...little giants...Then again, don't sell Tania short. She can tuck it away...somewhere.

Tania sighs and starts eating.

Tania, As I ask, would you allow the group who brought the old woman into town have a short meeting here in this room? I would like to meet with all of you after that meeting. Please.

I would very much like to talk with you all. Then he goes into the bar.

Just grabbing some food. Come on, Manton...we got stuff to catch up on...and sheriff...you oughta tell folks to stay out of the way.

After putting together more than you could imagine she could possibly eat...and the sheriff getting some, too...they head to the front.

Varuk looks to Aya after everyone else has gone.

"What is on your mind, Wizard?"

I'll have a nice juicy post up in an hour or two. :)

Aya fixes a plate of food and sits down. We have the cart, horses, axe, breastplate, and Formulary Book that we can sell. We need to buy healing potions and maybe other gear, Then we should either go investigate the monastery or the ogres. I think the ogres have priority. If we go after the ogres, we probably could use more help. There appears to be 2 or 3 folks that could help us waiting in the bar. What do you folks think?

Antonio nods.
"Aye Aya, you have the nub of it. Let's invite 'em all into our posse."

Once everyone leaves, Reiko seems to relax a little, taking his katana from his back, gently leaning it against the table, and beginning to eat. After a few mouthfuls, he speaks for the first time returning to town.
First, whatever we just uncovered, and now an ogre attack? I can't think these are coincidences. The magic the crone and her twisted family were using, something about it reminds me of home... Of what I once was.

The thing is... I was untruthful when I said I was a wandering swordsman when I first arrived here. I was banished from the isles, my memory wiped completely from my mind. I know not who I once was, who my family was, how old I am, nothing. I awoke in a ship bound for this land, and told only that I was a student in the arcane college, my family wa rich, and I had been caught studying a forbidden form of magic, something the elves call blood magic. Apparently, I could have been out to death, except that my family paid for this punishment instead. I remember... A few pieces every now then. I think I had a sister, and I remember flashes of the school. I remember almost all of my training. I do not believe I was studying blood magic. At first, I thought maybe I had been framed, until I encountered the runes, the sacrifices, and the old woman's spells. They triggered more memories than anything I've encountered here, and that is definitely something strange. I believe whatever we are facing could be linked to my past. And it's evil. This magic we've uncovered, is terribly, terribly evil. A spell I used to know, a healing spell, came to me after we faced that woman. It involves the blood of an evil being, and the casting and using of the spell itself is a profane act. I don't know how I'm connected to this magic, but it just be stopped. It has to be, or more innocent people will die. I cannot have that. If I am tied to this magic, if I can somehow stop it, I must. If I truly studied something like this in my past, I must atone. If I can stop this madness taking over this village, I must. My blade has been pledged to defending these people who have shown me kindness. I will stop this, or die trying.

With that, he leans back, exhaling slowly, like this information has been weighing him down, and he is finally free.

"I agree with Antonio, the more help the better against these ogres. Once we rest and get fully equipped, we can see what we can do against those monsters."

After Reiko tells his story, Jun responds, "Maybe as time goes on and the more good you do, you will regain more of your memories. Just make sure you don't lose yourself in the process."

Jun lets out a big breath takes of his gloves and continues, "My past I do remember. See how damaged my hands are, and I'm sure you have seen how messed up my knee is. I used to be a city guardsmen before my wife disappeared. I'm not sure what happened, she may have just left me, I am not sure. However, I bottomed out and became a drunk until I lost my job. And eventually an accident did this to me, but it also gave me unusual abilities, including changing the fate to some small degree and my healing abilities. I'm trying to become the man that I never was when my wife was with me, so if I do find her I can be worthy enough for her once again. With these abilities a greater power somewhere may have other ideas doe me as well. For now I am content to see where it leads me."

After a few moments, when no one responds to him, Reiko's shoulders slump slightly.
I understand if that makes you a bit wary, but my words are true. I will do what I can to end this madness here. As far as asking people to join us, I feel that we can't have too many people along with us, if they are trained properly and can survive. So far, we have fought battles of great difficulty. I would hope anyone we bring along can fend against these beasts.

He begins eating, his table manners as polite as always.

Sakuro looked over at her cousin. "I think that was a 'yes'." she said... though she wasn't entirely certain about the issue. Well, everybody had their own problems, right? What really mattered was how you'd be dealing with things in the future - every day was a chance to start over, find new magics, and generally make your life better. If you accepted that things were just the way they were, you'd never get anywhere. Magic might see people's choices, but it was people who made them. Just ask any church that had had a religious schism where people disagreed - that kind of thing wouldn't happen if the gods controlled people like puppets.

Besides, she liked being optimistic. It was much better than allowing the world to get you down, and there was so much fun in magic!

Aya continues speaking after eating. So I think we have a consensus that we should help with the Ogre problem and we should invite some additional adventures into the party. Do I also have agreement on selling the extra stuff and buying healing potions if we can find them?
Aya turns to Reiko, takes a deep breath, and says, Reiko, I am overwhelmed with your admission. I hardly know what to say. I have been recently trained in the arcane arts and my master lives in Wild Rock Roost where I was trained. I do not know if I can help you remember your past, or if even, you want to. But if I can do anything to help, please let me know.
Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

We have witnessed the use of blood magics I am sure .. the way blood has been soaked up by things...that should never be able to, and then seemed to be empowered. Reiko, Perhaps if you can remember more, we will better understand our enemy.

Varuk watches these others and notices their bond. They seem to be close already. They had accepted his help, and even helped him when the old crone had poisoned him, but he was on the outside of their circle. Not that he minded that. He was from a completely different culture and had only known them for less than a day. Still, it was something to note and keep in mind.

"Well, since we're telling of ourselves, I left my homeland in pursuit of a faith traitor. He was responsible for the eradication of one village of our tribe. His trail led me past this village, and so I followed this way from our lands. I will help you as you clearly can use all the strength you can get. Ogres are mighty and worthy foes, and my people value our triumphs above nearly all else. But sometime soon, I must continue my search for the heretic."

Blood magic sounds like something that might not necessarily be taboo among the Rauka'ateepa. Though Arcane knowledge isn't all that prevalent there either. However, Inquisitors would probably train with the very few Arcane casters there to better understand possible dangers and enemies of the faith. I'd like to roll an Arcane Knowledge to see what he knows about Blood Magic.

Arcane Knowledge: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

We need a plan. Who knows everyone's strengths? Weaknesses?

Antonio arches an eyebrow at Tania while pressing a damp towel to his forehead.

There appears to be 2 or 3 folks that could help us waiting in the bar. What do you folks think?

He nods.

…I believe whatever we are facing could be linked to my past…

Antonio pauses, considering Reikos explosive words. He too wonders at the coincidence.

I understand if that makes you a bit wary, but my words are true.

”No, no. I’m just amazed and relieved that we have anyone who even comes close to understanding this… vile magic. It’s the one thing that had me most worried.

Do I also have agreement on selling the extra stuff and buying healing potions if we can find them?

Antonio nods.

But sometime soon, I must continue my search for the heretic.

Antonio nods.

Aya goes to the door and invites the others; Manton, Perton, Tania, and the adventures that expressed an interest in helping with the ogres; back into the back room. We all have our stories. Mine is more mundane than some of yours. I was born and raised here in Lakeroot 134 years ago. As I grew my parents noticed that I had an interest in magic and maybe some potential. Six years ago my parents arranged an apprenticeship for me with Pallando Everard, a major wizard in Wild Roc Roost. I recently completed that apprenticeship. We have decided we will help Tania with the ogre problem. Aya then looks at Falcon, Sakuro, and his cousin. We would like to invite you to join us and deal with this threat. We have some items we want to sell early tomorrow as well as some purchases to make then we will gather with Tania and start dealing with the ogres. Tania, do you have any plan in mind?

Falcon goes into the back room when he is invited. Well met fellow adventures. I go by the name is Falcon Soul. I was born in a Dwarven community at the foot of some mountains. My mother & father, both warriors as am I, were in the local militia. They were killed on duty five years ago. The entire village was wiped out by goblins & orcs except Falcon. I was able to run, hide, and live. No one else escaped. I am now on a general quest to get revenge. I came to Lakeroot for the festival and stayed when I heard about the troubles thinking I might be able to help and would be honored to join with you in this task.

Manton comes back in, and goes to the shelves...There's a map of the immediate area...but it doesn't give much detail, I'm afraid...

He pulls out a book with a map that's the rough equivalent of the Big Map.

Tania, having followed Manton, points to the side of the mountain south of the split, along the road.

Hearing Falcon's story, Jun puts his hand on his shoulder, "As a former guardsman, I feel your loss. For what it is worth, I am honored to have you join us."

"We rest then. And be ready to go at dawn?" Varuk asks the gathering in the room.

"Works for me, though I'd probably want to hit them right at dawn, before they've woken up enough..." Sakuro mused, addressing the people who still seemed like they hadn't particularly noticed her. With that, though, she took Cousin Fred and went to go look for a place they could sleep for the night. Rest was very important if you were going to try and take down monstrous creatures, especially when it helped to recharge your magical energies...

You know you're crazy, right? I mean...ogres, really? You're like my favorite cousin...you'd make terrible ogre grease...you tell me I take risks...I mean...

Cousin Fred suddenly wants to talk, and the words erupt out of him like a volcano...

...but then, they usually do.

Sakuro shrugged. "We need help, and they can give it. Besides, it's not like I'm planning to get close to them or anything." she snapped her fingers, letting a small spark of energy flow between them. "Besides, what's more risky... helping take on a bunch of ogres from behind a group of well armed, highly-trained warriors, or doing what you are?" Frankly, Sakuro was taking a calculated risk, and betting in the ability of the human-like races to thoroughly disrupt their foes. "And hey..." she said, expression softening slightly. "You're my favorite cousin, too, but you have to take at least a few risks if you want to get anywhere."

Reiko sighs after he assesses the new "recruits".
This didn't exactly what I had in mind when I said as long as they could take care of themselves..... None of them look like they have ever even been in a fight, much less had any kind of training....

He cuts his eyes to Manton and arches his eyebrow quizzically, wondering if the man truly understands the threat that Reiko and his new friends are facing.

Manton looks over at Reiko...Another ale?

Reiko nods, and when Manton comes over, he speaks quietly so only Manton can hear.
These people aren't warriors. The dwarf maybe, but he seems green. The other two... They are just kids. I don't think they be going on this dangerous of a mission, and even more so if the ogres are connected to.... Whatever else is going on. I don't want to see more innocent blood spilled here, Manton.

Manton's shoulders sag.

It's been a very bad harvest festival. You...have to figure this out among yourselves...I...I have no idea what they might be capable of. Most of you...are so young...

He stops for a moment...and looks up...

...yeah...I know. Elves. Damn...you're what...twice my age? Three times? And the dwarf. I give up. Yeah...those two...I don't know.

Reiko sighs and pulls on his ale.
It's thier decision to make. I'll do what I can to keep them safe though. You have my word.

With that, he downs his ale and slides the mug to Manton.
Another, if you don't mind. You have the best ale I've tasted since I arrived on this continent.

Aya frowns at the group. I understand your desire to get an early start; however, we need time to sell and buy at the festival. Antonio, could you take charge of selling the cart and team of horses? Reiko, Perhaps you could sell the breastplate and axe. I will try to sell the book and locate a source of potions. Then we could meet back here at the Mug, pool our money, and buy the potions. Then we would be ready to leave. OK?

Falcon pulls his sword, turns to Reiko, and strikes a defensive pose. Kids, huh. to dangerous of a mission, against ogres, huh. I am 50 years old. How old are you, Reiko? How many goblins, orcs, and ogres have you killed? I was young when my village was attacked, but I am young no more. This adventure is what I have been training and searching for.
Falcon then puts his sword away, relaxes his stance, and smiles .. extending his hand to Reiko..

Reiko sighs at the dwarf.
This is exactly what I meant...

Wearily, he answers.
I am 140 years old, and trained in both the martial and arcane arts of combat. And the first thing any warrior knows is that you don't draw a weapon unless you intend to use it, and never in a tavern, for the love of the gods. Put your blade away.

It is apparent that the last couple of days, and the recent realizations have worn the elf down, as his words are flat and his eyes weary.

Just a basic point...as of this moment, you don't have the axe...Doran did, and nobody has seen him, of late. Don't worry, things...should clear up...though I am sad to say, I think we've lost our half-orc...

Reiko, do you intentionally provoke me?

Jun sighs which then turns into a yawn. Exhausted he excuses himself to go to sleep.

Their conversation rolls around in his head as he lays in bed and has made Jun uncomfortable. He wasn't the soldier he once was due to his accident, and he kept the peace in town rather than against monsters. Face to face with an Ogre he couldn't do much, but Jun trusts the plan of whatever greater power that give him his new abilities and took the old away. Despite his faith in things to come, Jun takes a long time before that uneasiness passes and he slips into sleep.

"Thank 'e kindly Sheriff."
Antonio unrolls the map on a table and studies it as best he can for tactical advantage.
Intelligence: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Knowledge:Local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Antonio, could you take charge of selling the cart and team of horses?

Antonio nods.

Spotting the dwarf's irritation, Antonio leaps on to the table and raps sharply on it with his scabbard to get everyone's attention. He gives a stern look.
"Allright; listen up you new guys. You know as deputies our next mission is to run off some ogres. It's a gonna be a tough one; they got a lot of muscle and their leader is said to be smart. If you're STILL up to bein' deputies...",
Diplomatically working on their machismo: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
"...step up and raise your right hand."
He waits till they do.
"I forget the words, so I better get the Sheriff to administer the oath. But you better say 'I do.' just in case."
He waives at the Sheriff to come up as he hops down.

Falcon turns to Antonio, smiles, and walks toward him while raising his right hand.

Sheriff Perton raises an eyebrow...Antonio...yer a good kid. This is a lot to ask, but it looks like you done took it on yer own shoulders. I want ya all to come back...whole. Now...I ain't got a whole lot to offer ya, but if ya could wait...fer a bit...in the mornin', I think there might be some merchants that'll pony up a reward fer yer bravery...an' I ain't just talkin' gold. My swords were made by that dwarf merchant's daddy...an' the day I die, it ain't gonna be 'cause they failed me. Now...Hortense can be a miser an' a half, but he wants the road clear...maybe more than the others...an' he carries healin' potions. I dunno how many...

The sheriff shrugs...hands still on the pommels of the twin shortswords he carries, and turns to Falcon.

It's like this. Swear you'll protect the village...not with yer life, or nothin'...don't need no more deaths on my hands...an' help ta keep the peace...deputies ain't never had ta deal with no ogres before...just sayin'.

{b] I so swear. [/b] then lowers his hand. See you folks in the morning.
He turns to the door and goes outside, to the back of the Mug. Lays out his blanket. Lies down and tries to sleep.

Aya goes out to the cart and horses, takes them to the stable, and tries to find the stable hand.

Reiko replies to the dwarf in the same tired voice.
Provoke? No. Worry? Yes. Assofar, we have fought a most that cut men to pieces, creatures stitched together and mutated into hardly more than hungry mouths wih razor sharp teeth, and a man who took enough wounds to kill a small army before we were finally able to tie him up and execute him. I worry that these ogres are connected, and that what we are going to face will be more than even we can handle. I worry that I don't know you, that you may not be strong enough. I pray that I won't be dragging yet another dead body back to this town in a vain effort to save it. I hope you prove me wrong.

He takes the dwarf's hand, and shakes it firmly.
Welcome to our little group of heroes.

Falcon shakes Reiko's hand. I understand. I appreciate your concern. I believe that I am ready for this task, but we never know until it is upon us.
this takes place before falcon leaves the mug

Well...we should all get some rest...and I have work to do.

Tania finishes off her ale, then heads out the door. Manton and the sheriff lock eyes for a moment, then the sheriff shakes his head, and leaves.

Now...I ain't got a whole lot to offer ya, but if ya could wait...fer a bit...in the mornin', I think there might be some merchants that'll pony up a reward.

Antonio nods and grins.

In the morning Aya asks the stable hand, Do you know anyone wanting to buy a team of horses and cart?