@The Magicke Shop
"Oh, that's an interesting point you bring up." He seems to think as he scratches his head.
"Well I don't know how sorcerers know they are sorcerers, usually it manifests as they practice magic I suppose. Wizards and others require training in the magical arts before they can reliably cast spells however. And they require a spellbook or other focus item of course."
Elenzar looks at the stone for a long moment. "Thank you. I did not get your name. I will definitely will work with this." He holds up and indicates the stone. "Is there anything about this struggle with the goblins that you think needs attention. I am sure a fellow scribe sees things differently than the soldiers. Perhaps also and elf sees things different than men."
"Anyway I need to attend a few things before dinner. I will see you soon I hope." With that Elenzar makes his way to the Rose Petal (unless he sees someplace where he can sell the leather). With the remaining time before dinner he pulls out the gold and gems from the goblins and attempts to get a ball park idea of what it worth.
@The Library.
"My name is Ervirel, I've lived in Heartham and Erathia for a very long time, at least in human years."
Ervirel listens to yoor questions about goblins and strategy.
"I am no tactician or general, though what I know of these goblins and barbarians is that they live to fight. Their current ruler Boragus, or Duke Boragus as he is called, seems more opportunistic and warlike than his predecessors. If he's behind these goblins moving in, we could expect orcs and ogres soon too."
Ervirel shakes his head and stands, saying goodbye to you he retursn to the library.
When you look at the gems and gold you think they might be worth 100-110 gp total.
@The Rose Petal Inn, around dinner time
When you all enter the Rose Petal Inn one by one, you see a large table set out with fine plates and silver cups, several whole loaves of bread, different fruitsand a few pitchers of wine. The smell of roast pork and a hearty stew fill your nostrils as you enter, this must be a true feast like you haven't had in a while.
John Faraks receives you as you come in, welcoming you to Heartham yet again. In the background you can see the four Garrocks and Jonah and Garm Oakhall talking to a few other people you are not yet familiar with.
"Come, let me introduce you to the rest of our dining party." John says as he guides you to the group.
"This is mayor Crest, he's been leading Heartham for the last 21 years." The mayor is an elder looking and a bit chubby man with a finely trimmed beard and a jolly look about him, though you think he hasn't stayed mayor just because of that.
"Welcome to Heartham my friends from Greenbrook, we appreciate your concern and aid you are lending us, we have much to discuss during dinner."
John then introduces you to two more grim and serious looking figures, regarding their clothes, they must be military men. "These two men are the captain of the eastern watch and his lieutenant, Odric Thursten and Cain Morster. The two simply nod as John introduces you.
John walks to the last man, a regal looking man in fine clothing, a sliver of metal shines from underneath it. There a few symbols on his clothing, on his chest is the insignia of Erathia and the Gryphonheart line, a griffin on its hind legs, ready to strike. On his wrists however are the symbols of his house: A castle with a road leading to it, a sword and shiled beside the road.
[b]"This my friends, is Lord Midway, the lord of Heartham and our general here. His family has some influence in Steadwick, but they prefer to stay at the outskirts of Erathia."
"Well John, you've quite said all there is to me. Hail and well met people from Greenbrook, we will have a lot to talk about during dinner."
Shortly after you have had the time to talk and chat with the others from the party, the innkeeper announces that dinner is ready to be served.
I am Taliesin Flamel
Elenzar pounds the table in approval for Forfax' and his pitchfork. "Our master forkman is right it is an honor thank you for your hospitality I know that I have enjoyed meeting several of your citizens today. Sadly these circumstances cast a dark cloud over such moments."
@The Stable
"At the moment the rate is 1 sp per two days lad. In the situation we are in, I don't want to overcharge the ones helping us you see."
Elenzar waits patiently for those arriving from Greenbrook for dinner. He makes his way over and gives each of his fellow townsfolk 2gp and 6gp worth of gems and bits of gold (including the NPCs). When asked "This is from the gobber gear that we gathered after the fight on the road. There will be more if I can find a place to sell the leather armor. Gerome Hammerblow a local smith has been both kind and fair if you have need I suggest you give him your business."
Elenzar does his best to show proper manners and keep small talk going knowing that at some point their host will get down to business.
"Greetings. I am Nathaniel Thames. Blacksmith from Greenbrook. Thank you for inviting us to this occasion. Sir Garrote was kind enough to let me offer my services to the church."
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The Stable
"And how much would it be to buy one of these beautiful horses off of you?"
At the Rose Petal Inn before dinner
To Elenzar:
"You are a greater man then most to share this wealth with all of us, many would have taken the lot for themselves and the fact you are not among them makes me proud to call you friend."
indeed, thank you for taking the time to sell all the stuff
@The Stable
"Hmm I can't let one go for under 75 gold pieces lad, so if you have that, you can pick any you want."
@The Rose Petal Dinner
After a lot of small talk among the guests and some fine dining, Lord Midway ticks on his glass and stands.
"Though I am glad to see people from our neigbouring town in our midst, we all know what the reason for this 'visit' is. I am very pleased to have your help in fighting goblins or supplying our soldiers. This is most definitely the time for all of us to band together."
He waits for a few moments before continuing.
"My new friends and allies, I have heard and listened to your strengths and how you wish to help, but I'm afraid enthusiasm alone might not help you or us. I will open up the armory and barracks, let them know we have a few extra recruits that need a quick training. As for the ones that wish a different training or helping with supplies arrangements can be made. John, Odric, I will let you oversee their well-being during that time."
Both captains report with a quick "Yes Sir!" after that Odric stands up as well.
"Sir if I may." A simple nod from the lord allows him to speak.
"I've had word arrive this late afternoon from Steadwick, via a carrier pigeon, it seems a great tragedy has befallen us and it would explain a slow response from Erathia's military. King Nicolas Gryphonheart has died a few days ago, as of now General Morgan Kendall protects our capitol in the absence of our new Queen, Catherine. General Kendall has ensured me that once things are back in order in Steadwick we will receive reinforcements to protect the surrounding lands."
The Oakhalls and Garrocks seem disturbed by the news, even John Faraks seems like he didn't know this news yet.
As Odric sits down, lord Midway speaks again. "It was grim news we were brought today, though we should hearten in the fact that we stand strong while united. In any event we will have to plan accordingly, reinforcements will arrive, but we need to secure more supplies for the time being. In two days from now, we will do just that as we can't give these goblins the time set up camps all around us."
With that being said he stands again, holding his glass of wine high.
"In the name of King Nicolas, we will do him proud in these times."
"Well we are all here away from home and may well need more than we brought."
"That is troubling news. We can only hope our new queen can get things straightened out soon and aid follow soon enough. Do you think these goblins are tied to the so called 'duke' Boragas?"
Taliesin quietly and discretely asks lord Midway about the new Queen. He laughs a bit at your carefulness.
"Catherine, Queen Catherine, is a righteous woman, always had the best of the nation at heart. Quite a looker if I might say so. She has been away for a long time now, living in Enroth together with her husband Roland Ironfist. She was due a visit, alas now she has to come back for a different reason."
"Duke Boragus?" the mayor pipes up, "He is a brute, but he won't go so far as to attack Erathia, we are too strong for Krewlod. He usually goes after smaller and weakened enemies. This must be a goblin leader working on his own."
"Quite probable I must say mayor Crest, though if we had ever heard of them mentioning a leader we would have heard of him by now. They do seem to scream or shout some sort of battle cry as they attack." John remarks from his seat.
The Garrocks nod amongst each other, "Well they don't shout much anymore when you twist their neck or impale them on a pitchfork now do they?" Three of them burst out into laughter, only their father doesn't laugh as hard with them.
Elenzar keeps to himself that a nation reeling from the death of a monarch whose lose prevents it from protecting outer territories might be viewed as a smaller weaker target.
Well good for us at least he replied
Nathaniel follows the conversation with some interest. Though when looking at his left, he saw some very serious faces.
"Something wrong Elenzar? I'm seeing some straight faces here, but you seemed a little "distant" for a moment there."
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David will eat and drink with his fellow Greenbrook folk and the generous Hearthem villagers. At the mention of King Gryphonheart passing causes a moment of concern to him.
The others...the others seem to know what their calling us. One wants to jump into battle and slice the enemy to bits. Another wants to help to heal others, heal this broken country of ours. What am I do do? I not the physical strength to help on the front lines, not the book smarts to follow in Arvinth's sandals and be a wizard. Perhaps, if I keep training with him, some of his teaching will click in my brain, maybe I could learn to be a wizard with enough dedication. I just hope I can prove useful in the struggle for our land David thought to himself while mulling over everything said during dinner.
What you taught me today was intriguing. I would love the opportunity to come by tomorrow and learn more. I have no idea if your teachings will sink deep in my brain, but alchemy seems the only thing I am good at, so your potion making techniques may prove very useful in the future. So be it your willing to teach a wet-behind-the-ears kid like me David says with a slight chuckle.
Will I see you back at Arvinth's? You seem to have a knack for his teachings. How does it make sense to you, any helpful hints you could give me?
Elenzar responds to Nathaniel, "Huh oh just getting tired I guess long day." He looks down toward those from Heartham, "I was unable to find a tanner or merchant interested in some used leather armor, it cant be used for the coming unpleasntness."
At the dinner party, Taliesin seems very interested in Erathia's current situation, both political and military. Lord Midway smiles and is very willing to indulge in politics, something he has not done for some time.
"Well Erathia as it stands has a long history, we date back far, to Rion Gryphonheart the founder of Erathia. Our nation shares its border with many other countries for we are a central nation of the continent."
"We border Tatalia to the North-west, Krewlod to the South-west, the Kingdom of Bracada to the south, the kingdom of Deyja; the necromancers to the north."
"Then we have our old-time adversary, the elven kingdom of AvLee to the east. There are some pieces of wasteland close to Bracada and us, called the Barrow Downs, that is where a large population of dwarves live, in Stone City in the mountains."
"Meanwhile in the east we still have contested land for which we quarrel with AvLee, the Timber Wars being one of the most memorable periods of conflict between our nations. A fair town called Welnin, grown around a small castle, Harmondale, and its surrounding lands, sits at the centre of those Contested Lands."
"In ages past we have battled many a foe, noteworthy are the elves of AvLee of course, on multiple occasions, we still have a bit of enmity between our two nations. The presence of the necromancers at our northern border makes us uneasy, but they haven't made any large war on us, though there was one necromancer that took castle Harmondale for several years but that was nearly 200 years ago.
Bracada has been our silent ally for many generations, King Magnus stands firm on good relations between the nations and has backed us up on several occasions when a particular threat poses to engulf us."
"The other surrounding nations have been quite content to stay at their own lands, except for the occasional goblin raid at our borders here, things seem fine. Though we still keep a close eye on the movements of Eofol and Nighon, two nations that lie beyond the mountains and the sea, warlocks and devils make their home there."
Listens to what Lord Midway is saying. Though not having traveled much, he did look interested in Harmondale.
"Pardon me Lord Midway. How is Harmondale and it's town these days? A cousin of mine had worked as a craftsman in that town, partially in service of its occupants for a time. He'd write in his letters it was quite neat for a castle of such modest size. Yet i don't remember him telling of a necromancer occupying it."
Elenzar sinks back in his seat and becomes very mindful of his ears.
Well i thank you Lord midway replied a shy Taliesin
@Nathaniel
"The necromancer was a long time ago, I can't quite remember his name now, though historians have written his name down for the record books. As to what I heard, Harmondale has few problems besides getting fought over by us and the elves."
The evening ends pretty amically with the Garrocks arm wrestling John and Odric. Odric wins two matches , but the Garrock patriarch remained undefeated.
Later that night, the innkeeper guides you to your rooms upstairs, the long hallway is mostly in use by your group, and the rooms have two separate beds each.
The following day many of you resume or begin your training.
Nathaniel gets shield and sword lessons from Charles Garrote, it is clear that Charles is the better soldier, but his training seems to pay off as Nathaniel feels he could anticipate more the movements of his opponents. Though what is new for him is seeing Charles performing healing magics, just asking for a blessing of his patron deity and healing flowed out of his hands. Clearly this was unexpected from such a warrior.
David and Talisien get back the following day to Arvinth's. Arvinth is still as giddy as a young kid as he teaches his 'students'. He demonstrates an unusual gift of elegant swordplay as well as casting spells with his free hand while darting across the floor.
He instructs David mostly on potions as Arvinth notices he has done that before, Taliesin however was more interested in swordfighting and magic at the same time, Arvinth was old, but could still teach Taliesin a trick or two about handling a sword. As they practised magic, the basic spells to cast, something weird happened as Taliesin and David cast tried their hand at a simple Light spell.
Elenzar trains with the soldiers during the morning, but spends the afternoon in the company of Ervirel who shows him the first teachings of the Gold Dragon Queen on an ancient scroll.
It says She favours rightenousness, goodness of heart and clarity of thought the most in her children and followers. She advocates the purge of evil-doers and enemies of the community, something Ervirel is not actively following himself.
Forfax is training with soldiers during the morning and beginning of the afternoon, later during the day he is invited by the few knights and scouts in a sportive jousting game. Though this is one of the few times Forfax has ridden a horse, he is remarkably adept in it; the rides on Dolly must have paid off in the end.
Something weird just happened Arvinth as i tried to cast that light spell?
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But, wha..who..how...what just happened? I did as you had instructed Arvinth. I moved my hands and gestured just how you did, I think?! As David questions himself and what had happened.
He takes a moment to sit down and go over what had happened. After a few brief moments, he stand up and attempts to do the basic cantrip again. He gestures and recites the words as Arvith had, but instead of a light spell coming out in the end, instead he make three small globes hover around his head.
David looks around the room, stares at Taliesin and Arvinth respectively, with both wonder and fear floating in his blue eyes. He immediately sits down after this turn of events, what is going on with me? What is happening? I was never anything special, just a simple potion maker with my father. What is happening to me? David thinks to himself, seemingly ignoring anyone else in the room, trying to process with is happening.
@The Magicke Shop
"Well done Taliesin, well done, that worked spledidly", but then David seems stressed out as globes appear around his head.
Arvinth looks surprised at this turn of events. Intrigued he walks up besides David.
"Hmm.. Well... Can you try a Light spell again David? I want to see what went wrong here."
He seems particularly interested now as you can see him rubbing his chin a little lost in thought.
@The Joust
Forfax is sparring in his joust, but isn't quite able to keep in the saddle after he evades his opponent's hit with the training lance. Sadly his own aim was still off a bit, and he didn't manage to hit his opponent as well.
"No worries mate, most of us fall the first time, it takes some time getting used to the saddle!" Shout a few knights looking on.
Your opponent in this testing joust, a young man called Travis, helps you up. "You want to try again Forfax?"
@The library
Ervirel shows Elenzar by means of some strange herbs how to come into contact with the Dragon Queen when he finishes his idol. Though his idol isn't quite done yet, he is feeling the first contact with Her already. Images are shown in his mind of loyal followers of the Dragon Queen, seeking out demon cultists and necromancers wherever they go, cleansing the taint in her name. It feels remarkably familiar in some way.
Nathaniel follows the instruction of sir Garrote's training. He'd only wielded swords fixing them prior to this.
"Whoa, i do have to worry about my own footing and balance. But it'll be good lateron. I wouldn't want some goblin tackling me."
A brief moment after he'd seen sir Garrote perform the healing;
"Sir Garrote, did you just..... i had only seen the clergy in our town perform healing magic. Is this common for all guardinas of the church?"
@Nathaniel
Charles smiles at Nathaniel.
"Most of the guards and protectors know or can perform a little magic, mostly healing magic, granted to my paladin order by our Lord. Though our monks are rather versed in in evading combat and study than magics. And just Charles will do fine Nathaniel, I'm no knight."
@The Joust
Having seen and felt how a joust is supposed to happen, Forfax keeps his saddle this time and manages to hit Travis at the same time as Travis hits him. Both wobble as the impact of the training lance hits home, however both remain in their seat. There is a small applause from the sidelines as Travis rides back and salutes you.
"That was some good practice Forfax. We should do this more often."
"Very good for your second time Forfax." A familiar voice calls out.
Nathan stands there at the sidelines as well, you have seen him riding his horse, he must be a good horseman around here.
"You got aspirations to be a knight or something?" He calls again.
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Forfax salutes Travis in return and then extends to hand to shake Travis's. "It really was and it was fun too. Anytime you'd like to go again I would love to join you."
Upon hearing Nathan's voice Forfax spins around towards the direction of the voice.
"That is very high praise coming from someone as great on a horse as you."
In response to Nathan's question Forfax replies, "I am not sure what I would like to do with my talents. I just know that being in a saddle has always just felt natural and I know that's where I want to be."
Elenzar elated at this familar but new found connection, notes to the elf, "Even now the Queen shows me things, the faithful hunting demons, and the necromanciers. I wonder is that the same necromanciers of the north that live there still?" Elenzar changes the subject. "Some of the men in the village speak of the timber wars. Is there emnity between the Menof Earathnia and the elves?"
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After a few moments, David will snap out of his trance. He takes a couple deeps breathes, stand up and starts the cantrip again. He moves his hands and fingers in the direction told to him by Arvinth. He also pronounces the words, almost in slow motion, to make sure no mistakes are made. Once he completes the incantation, the same thing happens, globes pop up around his head. He gives Arvinth the most puzzled look.
I don't get it Arvinth. I had done as you've instructed, even slowed down to make sure I was right. I am a son of a rudimentary alchemist. I was born 11/4 in the year 1140. I don't get it Arvinth, I just... his voice trails off wonder how he will prove helpful if he can't even get a basic cantrip correct, without there being any distraction around like combat or anything else.
@The Joust
"Well then stay and train with us as much as you can, we have a few good and fast riders as well as combat trained cavaliers here. Not enough for a complete squad of them, but still." Nathan says as he walks to the stables next to the jousting arena.
He goes over to the stable and picks out the same horse as when he was in Greenbrook. "Let me and Jarv over there demonstrate to you how our training usually goes." Jarv, a strong looking but short man takes his seat as well, fully armoured. The two exchange blows in the joust and the resulting clash looks far harder than what you and Travis just did.
After the joust both riders demonstrate their skill as a rider by riding past targets and hitting them with either sword or morningstar. They make it look easy as they first lean over to the left and then to the right to hit their targets.
After that event Forfax is inducted into the group of riders within Heartham, many hailing from jobs as scouts, couriers, but also a few knights and cavaliers.
@The Library
"Aye, they are the same necromancers. The nceromancers and devils have cults spread across the land, its cultists are a source of trouble wherever they are. It is also something that bonds our two races; the hunt for the cultists and real dangers. The enmity between Erathia and AvLee still exists however, The Timber Wars and other wars between our countries is just a dispute about the bordering lands between them. Both lay claim to the lands surrounding castle Harmondale and its outlying villages and cities."
Edit:
@The Magicke Shop
Arvinth looks puzzled as well for a moment before he adjust your positiong and looks at you again.
"Tell me what are you envisioning when you are casting spells? Do your thoughts travel to other things? Do you force yourself to cast a spell?" He contemplates for a bit, then turns and directly turns back as if suddenly pulled back.
"Wh-What did you say? Which date were you born?" He goes immediately off to find a record book of sorts and a few ancient scrolls.
"It has to be here, I know I've kept at least one or two pages of that book."
He sees you and Taliesin both look on dumbstruck. "If I'm correct then it might be more than just dumb luck on casting."
I have no idea what it does all mean David
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Well, he thinks for a moment, when casting the light spell I think of a candle. I think of a flicker of flame as it lights up a room, ever so slowly. I try not to think of other things, if anything I am thinking too much about moving my hands and reciting the vocabulary just right. Am I over thinking it?
After a few moments, David realizes that he is talking to the air, or possibly Taliesin as Arvinth is engrossed in whatever the hell he is doing. He hears Arvinth grumble something about a book and some other stuff.
David looks towards and shrugs, he than says, So how are you coming on the light spell. You seem to grasp it easier than I. For that I am happy, keep up the good work friend and you will prove pivotal in the upcoming battles. he says with a smile.
"Yes, yes, overthinking it. That might be true. Or... perhaps.. more gifted than I initially thought." Arvinth murmurs as he tears his bookcases apart looking for a scroll or a book.
After a few minutes Arvinth seems to have found what he was looking for.
"Eureka! Found it!"
He holds up an old scroll as he begins to read.
"This recounts the prophecy as interpreted by Mismer of Bracada, Third generation seer, 822 A.S."
"Behold, the sun drifting in the sky, a fiery rise and set. I foresee the day that darkness shines upon our world during midday, merely a moment.
This event heralds in a moment of darkness, but also greatness has come to our world, for the ones born on this day shall be gifted by fate itself. The day and the gifted ones shall be marked in this world, their signature a trio of numbers. 1... 1... 4..." He speaks as he reads the numbers.
could that be you David ? Also i just noticed something when you casted your spells. What was the formula for detecting magic again ?
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I..I..I don't know Taliesin. I was born under a harvest moon now that I think of it. My mother said I was a stubborn birth if she ever knew of one. I am an only child, but I don't feel any special. Detect magic...um I think it went like.. his voice ends as he moves his hands up and down while drawing a few symbols in the air. David recites a few words but like what had happened before the intended spell didn't go off. This time it was Light, the spell he originally wished to cast.
Well that seals it, I am not suited to cast spells he says with a slight chuckle. Arvinth, from what I gather I am not a wizard since I haven't learned a thing currently. But I still am hard pressed to believe I am a sorc..sorc..sorcerer. I mean this with all due respect for the craft, but if the spells I should cast cone out wrong with your teachings, is this something I will have to figure out on my own? he says while attempting to come to grips with the legend told to him.