Phew this somewhat battle was a closer call then.
Indeed it was a good call on Nathan's part. starting to back back toward the inn. Well to bed i go
Elenzar looks confused a moment, "That's what I said Krell . . .Krelw . . . Krew- Krewlod."
February 2 1165 A.S.
After the nightly watch patrol you performed it is good to have a restful remainder of the night, though some of your dreams remain troubled by goblins.
The next morning you awake half way in the morning at the inn. When you get down, the common room is deserted except for a traveler dressed in brown and weathered leather and the innkeeper himself.
Outside you can hear the bustling noises of people about their daily lives. The sound of voices calling close by might indicate it is a kind of market day, still operating although there is trouble with the goblins.
Taliesin will try to see about some food He will ask all those he see how they are on this fine morning, and then he will head out to his teacher's hose to see is there is any lesson today.
Once there if the old man is about he will ask if he knows any thing about Krewlod.
Nathaniel wakes, does routine and comes down. Looking around at the almost deserted inn, he finds it odd to think it's so restful after the events of the previous night.
He sees Taliesin already arriving just before he did.
"Hey Taliesin, how are you? Rested after the ruckuss of last night?"
Well to some extend. I was rather tired after last night's stress. And you?
Nathaniel nods, "A bit, but not very. The goblins at the west gate were few in numbers. Suffice to say, the townguard is going to be on double alert after last night."
most likely agreed taliesin
As you all awake, you order a meal from the innkeeper. The meal is simple, day-old bread a fried egg and a few slices of cheese or bacon plus a mug of beer, water, or goats milk.
This day seems like the day before, only when you all leave the inn, you see a sort of market taking place at the town's square. After this time you would have thought markets might have died down a bit, but still some merchants have fresh fruit and vegetables, that they got them here is pretty impressive.
Some of your teachers are still here, Arvinth is in his shop, eagerly awaiting to continue his crash course tutelage. Ervirel is also still to be found in the library, enjoying a more relaxing day as the library is pretty quiet.
Though Nathan isn't to be found at the Jousting arena, Travis is tending to the horses there.
When Nathaniel gets back to the church, he notices the 'sickbay' has more people to treat than before. He asks for Charles Garrote, but everyone replies to him: "He's out on a mission, we hope to see him back in a few days."
Though one man asks Nathaniel if he is the new student and protegé of Charles, after Nathaniel's question.
Taliesin will head out to go see Arvinth. He will eagerly await his new lesson.
When Elenzar sees that it is a market day he finds David, "David lets see if we can sell this leather looks like some kind of market day."
He heads out and inquires where he can sell the leather.
Nathaniel looks up as a man asks him the question.
"Well i can't quite say, i'm recently installed as armorsmith to the church. But i have spent some time training for combat with sir Garrote. Is there something i can do untill sir Garrote returns?"
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David will sleep in. His body aches and is exhausted from the previous night and the surprise attack by the goblins. He is awoken by the smell of eggs and bacon. He stumbles downstairs to see the others eating their breakfast. He enjoys the meal set before him, and afterwards he feels a little better and rejuvenated.
After breakfast, when he is approached by Elenzar,
That sounds like a good plan to me, I don't think Arvinth will mind. Let me tell him so he isn't waiting on me. I will be right back.
David takes of towards Arvinth's magic shop to relay the plan,
Arvinth, I am gonna go with Elenzar and sell the few leather goods from the dead goblins on our travel here. I need to take a few moments to clear the cobwebs from last night. I do hope you understand. The townsfolk asked if I was a new clergyman, and I had to lie to them. I remembered what you said about some of the townsfolk not being so open to change and I didn't want to put either of us in that situation, please forgive me. Anyways, the quicker I go, the sooner I can return to keep practicing.
David heads back to where Elenzar was waiting for him and he nods to him to say he is ready.
@Arvinth's Shop
Arvinth welcomes both David and Taliesin as they arrive a little later after breakfast.
"Welcome, welcome back my dear students. Ready to get back to your arcane training?"
Arvinth then listens to David's excuse and explanation.
"My lad, you were not at fault to do so, earn their trust and a reputation of a do-gooder before you reveal yourself as an arcanist. I will await your return."
He then turns to Talisien, his hands clasped together. "So my student, we have some time together, what would you like to learn the most from me? Spellslinging? Using another item to channel a spell? Runic writing?"
@The Jousting Arena
"Nathan said he was going out of Heartham for a while. He didn't specify as to why, but I'd wager he got called out there for a mission."
He pats the neck of the horse he brushes, a beautiful white mare, as he talks to you. A few moments later he packs up the brush and comb and turns to you.
"So you here to practice again? Care for a little friendly competition? I might give you a few pointers if you don't mind."
@The Church
The man walks with you towards the armory and past infirmary.
"Well we have need of a few dents hammered out of the armours, some of us participated in the defence of the east gate last night. Also some armours need repairing beyond that even." He sighs for a moment looking at you with a grimace.
"As iron and armour is scarce, we need you to repair this."
He shows you a half-plate that is almost thrashed to nothing. Dents all over it, pierced through by probably an axe and the chainmail broken and hacked off at both arms.
Whatever happened to the one wearing this armour, it probably wasn't good.
@The Market
Elenzar and David both inquire about a leather merchant, they get the same reply as before look for Sacha. Only now they get a direction to follow, his stall is close to the pub, The Swirving Griffin, at the north-east side of the marketsquare.
The market is pretty busy, Elenzar and David are offered fruits and dried meat to taste from a few vendors in the hope they buy some. Making their way through the crowds at some stalls, they eventually notice a large stall with different sizes of leather armour and fine clothing being sold.
Behind the counter stands an average sized man somewhere in his mid-thirties. Short curly red-brown hair and a small moustache would make for a distinct description of the man.
"Fine leather for sale! Be you a big man or slender woman, we can outfit ye! I make to tailor as well mister." He mentions to a passerby.
Elenzar approaches the leather merchant, "Well met friend, your work is indeed fine. I am Elenzar and this is David. We have 9 sets of sturdy, err rustic and well worn leather armor."
"Welcome to Sacha's, the finest leather available for a reasonable price."
"Rustic and well-worn you say?" he says as you and Daivd let him see the leathers. "That's one way to put it."
He smiles and laughs at you.
"You would make a great merchant if you describe your wares like that."
He looks at each leather armour with interest and scanning eyes.
"Well these leather armours are in rough shape, puncture holes all around that need fixing. Crudely made as well. I can fix this and perhaps tailor the bits that are usable still to smaller armours, but to make a profit on this..."
He thinks about the price for a moment and continues a little bit later.
"36 gold coins. That's my price if I'm ever to make a profit on it."
Well if we are to face more goblins in the next few days, how about spellslinging replied Taliesin with a boyish grin
Elenzar looks at the armor stars, holes and assorted filth, "That sounds fair. Thank you"
As he and Ellenzar step away from the merchant he looks to David, "Did I here talk of Forfax looking to purchase a horse. Should we split this amongst all 11 of the Grenbrook bunch or quietly get him closer to his goal.
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David thinks about how best to divide the gold earned from this sale then looks to Elenzar, Hmmm, we could give the bulk if it to Forfax. There is nothing in the immediate future I would need to purchase, but I cannot speak for everyone. I suggest we talk with the others, no sense causing rifts that don't need to be made. We got 36, what if we give him 30 of it and keep 1 each for ourselves. We still have the 40 gold from selling the weapons to the smith. How does that sound?
I am sorry to keep this short, but I should get back to my training with Arvinth. Keep me informed with what the others views are regarding the splitting of the current income, David smiles at Elenzar then heads back to Arvinth to continue.
Elenzar nods, "Well we can split it 3 gold per person and the 3 left over go to Forfax. Any who wish to part with their share can toss it his way."
@The Jousting Arena.
Travis grins at your comment. "If you do fall, try to avoid your face alight?" he snickers.
"Didn't Nathan say you could use Hassel as your training horse? He's a bit of an old veteran of the horses, strong, knows how to behave, but can be a little hard-headed from time to time. Are you going to ride in full armnour?"
He asks Forfax just as he turns to leave to collect his own stuff to joust.
@Arvinth's Shop
Taliesin is taken to the cellar by arvinth, there he finds a large training room, probably even larger than the shop. It is filled with training dummies, targets and an apparent see-through magical wall.
Arvinth shows Taliesin a few of his old reliable spells out of his magic arsenal. He triest to teach Taliesin the way of spellslinging, mostly damaging spells.
"This is one of my favorite ones, very reliable, you can't miss."
He makes a few magical gestures and suddenly 5 magical bolts appear. striking the center-most dummy.
He then teaches you the movements of the spell as he explains he just casted a Magic Missile spell.
Arvinth shows you some more spells, Missile again, but this time hitting five separate targets, ye old Fireball, Lightning Bolt and some others. At the height of the demonstration Arvinbth, as old as he might be, gets into a sort of swords and magic dance. Spinning around, hacking with his swort sword at the dummies, while at the same time firing off small spells in rapid succesion.
The result is a devastated room, a panting Arvinth and a surprised David in the staircase.
The room looks a mess, but as Arvinth walks towards you, the room is cleaning itself from every blackened area and every dummy and target is restored to its former self.
Simply amazing. With you fighting the goblin warlord doesn't stand a chance. Maybe one day i can do the same, if combat doesn't kill me first putting his hand on his still aching wounds
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David will hurry back to Arvinth to continue his training. He walk in the front door but doesn't see anybody. He is about to head upstairs to the study room when he hear Taliesin and what he assumes is Arvinth in the basement. He heads down to see the charred dummies and room being cleaned up.
Wow...what happened while I was away you two. Those dummies sure took a beating?! So Taliesin, here is your share from the leather sale, as David tosses a small pouch with 3 gold worth of coin, [b] so what did you learn while I was gone. You got to see me practice yesterday so how bout I get to watch you today?[/b David says with a big smile on his face.
Before heading to the library Elenzar brings every body 3 gold. He speaks briefly with Forfax, "Here is your share of the gobber armor. There is a lttle extra in there for your horse fund. He slips Forfax6 gold.
He makes his way to the library in search of the elf. He is momentarily distracted by a parchment on the design and use of exotic crossbows. He splits his tim in the library between talk with his tutor, carving his stone and study. He mentios to the elf, "Your concern is well founded on of the goblins cried out something regarding Krewlod."
Nathaniel listens as the man speaks. He nods at the reparrequests and replies:
"Sure, that won't take more than 2 hours i guess."
As the damaged armor is handed to him, he looks at it with an equally serious look. It's a shame such a piece ended up in such a shape.Being an armorsmith, he can read the details well enough to imagine what must have happened. For some reason, he works with a determination beyond the previous working order from Greenbrook. He thinks about what sir Garrote said earlier. The order of the church's armed forces knew healing magic. Would the life of this piece's previous owner have been saved if it was applied? If this was just the tip of something greater, how were he and his fellow Greenbrook men to hold on? Armor only goes so far.
As he polishes up the repaired piece, he can't help but feel this was meant for a person of some important duty. No mere guard wears such a finely crafted piece.
He comes back at the church and hands the man the repaired armors. After that he unwraps the special piece and gives it back.
"This should be fine again. It wasn't easy, but i managed. Something had been bugging me while working on it. As an armorsmith i make things that help protect people's lives. But armor only protects so much, it's you people who do the fighting. I wish to protect my own people too, and i'd like to learn to do so in the best way possible."
He pauses, as he is about to speak of an important decision.
"Could i join the church's armed force? Not merely as the armorsmith."
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"I need to get used to this armor and my new Bill so I'll practice with those." Forfax hurries off and dons his scale mail and grabs his Bill then tries to scurries back to the jousting arena but before he can make it there he is stopped by Elenzar with his share of the earnings and the bonus for his "horse fund". "But Elenzar, I can't except this. We all took down the goblins we should all get our equal share. How is it far I get more then say you or the rest of the party?" Upon getting back to the stables Forfax mounts Hassel and spurs him onto the practice arena for his first run of the day.
@The Church
The man looks upon the armour as Nathaniel hands it back to him.
"Nice work, Nathaniel. We will be able to use this as a replacement when one of our people's armour needs repairing."
The man falls silent after Nathaniel speaks about joining the church's armed forces.
"Well...You will need a bit more training and we will welcome the help. However do you follow our Father and strongly believe in his teachings? As our armed force has a strict code to adhere. Protect the weak and be righteous in everything you do."
@The Jousting Arena
Forfax stays in the saddle, but using his new bill is somewhat awkward still. Travis however manages to aim his training lance at Forfax, hitting him on his armor, but the blow isn't powerful enough to make Forfax even wobble in his saddle.
As both of you return to your starting positions Travis suggests a different game to test your skills, looking a bit concerned with the bill.
"How about we try the ring game? Do you see the rings hanging at the sides of the arena? You try to go in full gallop towards them, aiming your lance or bill at them to tear them loose. The one to get the most wins, however when there is a tie the one that did the parcours the fastest wins."
@Arvinth's Shop
Arvinth smiles at you as he catches his breath.
"Well I still have some life in me.... but I'm not used to perform such magics anymore... As you can see..." The old wizard looks tired from the exercise, it seems to take a lot out of him.
"Now you try, after the room is done with cleaning it up again. You know the Magic Missile spell now, now put it into practice, perhaps even together with swordplay if you desire.
Then when David walks in, Arvinth looks up.
[b]"Ah my dear student, back again? How did the trading business go? I just demonstrated the techniques I picked up in my long life to Taliesin. You are in time to see him trying the same."
@The Library
Evirel looks up at Elenzar from his work.
"Krewlod is indeed behind this? They said they were working in its name? Then we need to strike out at some point to gather more supplies, because we might be in or a long time. If Duke Boragus thinks our nation is weakened in some way or another he might sent a large raiding party or even an army to our walls. Perhaps to gain an edge over their northern adversaries, the Beastmen of Tatalia." Ervirel looks down at his desk for a few seconds, before opening a drawer and handing you a parchment scroll.
"You should take a look at this, preferably before you'd really need it. Not here, not now, but later when you're with less of a crowd around you. Also you might want to check out the S-typed books at the Nature section." After the quick reactions, Ervirel tends to a few people asking questions so as to not sound all that alarming to bystanders waiing in line.
Having missed with the longsword attack
Hum, well. I think it will take me more practise to get the hang of it.But its a great technique.
Nathaniel is modestly pleased by the approval on his work, showing a small nod and a hint of a smile. A little craftsman's pride.
As the man inquires to his moral values, he flinches not a moment.
"Sir, i am a born and raised Erathian. Our town is a tight knit community, the values you mentioned are important in our community as well. Order is nothing new to me, as a craftsman i've lived by hard work serving a community. We lack no institution of our own. Albeit modest, we do have a chapel to the celestial, his teachings are known to us since our childhood. If by serving the church protects communities such as our own, i would pledge both vigilance alongside my current services."
@The Church
The man nods at your answer.
"I knew there would be a good reason for Charles to train you. He might have seen something in you, you haven't even noticed yourself. Then it is settled, I will see the head priest to talk about your inauguration as a Shield of the Church."
The man leaves you for some time, but comes back after about twenty minutes. "It is approved, however the high priest will want to talk to you in person before we perform the ceremony at 5 o'clock this afternoon."
@The Jousting Arena
Travis misses the first ring and picks up his pace, but stumbles from his horse as easily as Forfax with his second attempt which he aimed true.
The end result is that one ring is on his lance and he has fallen right beside it.
Travis laughs as he sees you on the ground as well. "Haha, it makes us almost look like rookies. You up for a true rematch?"
@Arvinth's Shop
"Your spell concentration is excellent Talisien." Arvinth remarks as he walks up to you.
"However your sword arm and aim need training." He adjusts your sword arm to level it at the height of your shoulder.
"Your concentration on magic is important yes, but even more important is focusing on your target. That's what the sword is for, balance and aim as you focus your energy."
He walks back as he still pants a bit. As he stands next to David he smiles at him approvingly. "Taliesin, whenever you are ready to try again."
Listening to the patient old master. Taliesin tries again
Yes i know i know. I concentrated to much on what i needed to do with my sword arm and then my concentration faltered. Let me try this one more time
Putin the sword to rest for a full minute. Taliesin emptied his mind and let go of his conscious self. Letting his inner focus take the center. He took his weapon and in one fluid motion when with casting the spell at the farthest dummy while swing his sword at the closest.
Nathaniel nods.
"Thank you."
Nathaniel will follow the man towards the high priest.
"Forfax one you killed three of nine gobs. Two when you split 36 gold you get three left over. Id rather you than a money changer get."
@Arvinth's Shop
Arvinth looks on pleased at Taliesin's determination to push himself to perfection. At his third attempt to do it, Arvinth sees the improvement he had hoped to see, sooner than he had anticipated.
"Well done Taliesin, well done. You can practice here all day long if you so please, the room itself can withstand a lot of punishment. Just remember to not lose yourself too much in it, remember that you can fight even without it. So David..."
He says as he turns to his other pupil.
"Now you have seen a different side of magic than I taught you two yesterday. What kind of magic would you like to learn?"
@The Church
Nathaniel is lead into the church by the other paladin. the church inside is full of light and beautiful paintings. The windows inside are made of wonderful stained glass depicting Erathians riding griffins, fighting off orcs and necromancers. In the centre glass-stained dome there is a depiction of a shining light and two arms outstretched from it. The image is only made stronger by the late morning sun shining through.
The paladin guides Nathaniel to a large room at the right-end of the church. After a slight knock on the door, a faint and soft crackling voice calls. Ënter."
In the room, behind a large desk, sits the head priest of this church. "Good day, Nathaniel was it? Please have a seat."
The head priest looks like a typical old man, resembling a bit the elders from your home village. A long white beard, neatly trimmed and ending in a small point. His friendly eyes seem to express concern as he talks to you.
He makes a few gestures before he begins.
"I am glad that you feel the need to help us in our duties to protect this land in the name of our Lord. However this conversation is just to make you understand what might be expected of you so you can postpone your deicsion if you wish." The pries shifts in his chair and leans forward.
"Why do you want to become a Shield of the Church now? Will you still feel the faith when those troubles are over?"
Ellenzar waits for a moment when Evirel is not pressed with readers. "Have you heard also the king is dead. Every time someone speaks of Boragus it is followed by the idea that he would be exploiting our weaknesses. Is not our dead monarch such an opportunity. If we cannot withstand this eventuality we must do something. Whether it is get aid or make for Tidewater."
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David will watch as Taliesin blends his sword with his magic. After he successfully sees him blend the two, he walks up to him and pat him on the back, good job, keep practicing we will grow together David says with a smile. Unbeknownst to him, his words if encouragement provide a bigger benefit. Taliesin feels empowered, if only for a short time and feels he can swing a little bit better. .
David walks back to stand next to Arvinth, and ponders his question for a moment. Hmm, what type of magic. Well, I would like to learn how to protect myself and my allies. Do you have anything you could show me?
thank you to both of you. This is indeed a great technique
taliesin will take a break for a minute or tow in order to analyse with his mind how he did it.
Applying what he learned he will then practice for a few hours the sword and concentration blending technique
As he follows the paladin inside the church, he feels much impressed. The chapel back at his hometown was modest, but this, this was something to behold. Griffins were beasts only heard of through stories of travelers who came by town. They had not been sighted around Greenbrook.
"Greetings sir, thank you for the audience."
"I had not thought of such a decision up until the attack last night. Like this town, ours cares for one another. But they had to evacuate when news arrived about the goblins' raid in surrounding areas. After last night, the feeling of protecting a community similar to my own became stronger. I had heard the church's armed guard was upholding such a way, by vigilance and faith. As i told the man whom requested this audience, our community also has our modest institution of the celesial, which we are raised with from childhood.
Perhaps the following comparison would answer the question if i will still feel this way after the conflict ends.
Like with honing one's skill in crafting, certain things only grow stronger through experience. My sense of responsibility and loyalty towards fellow comrades and community is strong."
He remains firm but humble as he nods as a gesture of thanks for hearing him out.
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To Elenzar
"If you are insisting it is greatly appreciated, but I must get back to my training now. If you see the others please thank them for their kindness for me." Forfax stows the bag of coins in an inner pocket of his mail and continues his run to the arena.
At the arena
"Looks like we may both need a little practice, but at least you ended up with one ring. Lets go again."
"I guess I'm just a quick learner. I got three rings at a sprint, how did you do?"
@The Jousting Arena
Though you have to reign your horse in a bit at the third ring, you manage to stay in the saddle and collect three rings.
When you arrive at the end however, you can see Travis waiting, obivously he was faster than you. Though when you look at his lance, he only has 2 rings on it.
"Nicely done Forfax, perhaps an indication that slow and steady may win the fight next time." He says as he rides out towards you. He grabs your lower arm in a friendly and firm grip.
"Best out of 3?"
@Arvinth's Shop
"Protective Magic eh?" Arvinth nods agreeingly as David mentions his favored study of this day. "An honourable pursuit, follow me back upstairs to the attic."
Arvinth walks up the stairs and as David follows him to the attic where they practiced their first magic he sees Arvinth dusting off an old tome.
"I haven't used this one for a while now, it belonged to a good friend of mine, Arkavus. Whatever happened to him I don't know, but his spellbook remained with me."
He opens up the book and carefully reads it. "You want Abjuration Magic, the side of magic that deals with protection and avoidance of combat."
Arvinth shows you how to cast a few basic spells of the Abjuration school. A few simple ones and a few slightly stronger ones. For instance he shows you a spell and asks you to draw your weapon. He also shows you another spells.
"The following is also bread and butter to many wizards and sorcerers alike. The Shield spell. With this spells you call for a magical force to act as though you had a large shield protecting you. Not only that but it also serves as a protection agains the Magic Missile spell I just demonstrated to Taliesin downstairs."
He looks upon David with a curious twinkling in his eyes.
"Perhaps when you have practised that enough, a little practice duel might be in order."
@The Library
Ervirel looks upon you with interest and shifts in his seat.
"I did not yet know that piece of information. The barbarians of Krewlod are a proud race and fight a lot even amongst themselves. However their latest leaders are far more calculating, than their old ones. If they have heard word of our king's death they might act on it as well."
Ervirel closes the books that lay open upon his table, then stands up.
"Walk with me along these rows Elenzar, we need to talk."
He waits for Elenzar to join him on the walk.
"It is regrettable that the goblins are already assaulting us here. Heartham can stand u against these goblins, but with trouble. We won't have as large a chance against a combined army of Krewlod. We must do everything in our power to turn the tide, at least we that have the ability to do so."
@The Church
The head priest nods at your example.
"It is true that some men's faith and conviction grows over time. Though I hope you know that being a Shield requires not only faith and empathy. You might need to also pass judgment on lawbreakers if the need arises. We serve both law and good-natured people, it will be a fine path you will have to walk to not become too involved with every sad story. You will need to learn insight into others as a main thing. Are you sure you are up to these duties?"
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David never have been the psychical type tries in vain to unsheathed his weapon. After giving up after a few feeble attempts he turns his efforts to the new task at hand, learning how to cast the 'shield' spell.
David clears his mind, and lets the arcane energy come to him. He moves his hands and speaks a few words. The result...not the shield spell but rather nothing, literally nothing. David thinks for a moment, retraces his steps and words. Still nothing. David sits and ponders, and clears his mind repeatedly for about an hour or so to no avail. Then suddenly, while retracing, his hand twitches slightly to the right and he feels an intangible barrier wash over him. He feels protected, but since this all new to him he isn't 100% certain.
I think I got it, but I am not really sure. Trial by fire perhaps or in this case magic missile David says with a slightly worried look on his face.
Your weapon seems to be stuck, hard, like if you are trying to pull it free out of a rock or as if it been nailed to your body.
Nathaniel nods.
"I'd like to believe so.
But the final judgement on that would come from a high priest or paladin captain."
Elenzar listens sternly, "What can be done? From dinner with the local leaders the other night they seem intent on this being local trouble. . . There a strategic interest in Heartham or is this effort on Krewlod's part merely expansion?"
@The Library
"Heartham is not of particular strategic value, we are one of three bigger towns in this part of the Erathian lands, the others being Bretheim and Kildare. We work some gems and gold and lumber yard, however not enough to warrant targeting as a priortiy." Ervirel strokes his chin as he walks with you, obviously contemplating.
"We have been raided before by both Krewlod and Tatalian forces, but not anything like this. I suspect this might be the beginning of an expansion into Erathian territory. No doubt Lord Midway has come to the same conclusion as well. If Erathian reinforcements will come, we will have to do everything to endure. It's a shame the old castle of Cornerstone isn't in use anymore, a lot of people could have sought refuge there."
@The Church
"Good. In many cases an elder priest or paladin would indeed perform this final judgment, though if none is present you'll have to do it yourself."
