His small grin growing slightly larger, Zero nods in affirmation. Perfect. I can aid him, and in return be allowed a glimpse at his knowledge. Thank the gods for people willing to ignore my oddities! Holstering his blade, the half elf gestures in the direction of the The Helmed Lady, the only inn he set foot in after the disaster of an arrival some time ago. "The Helmed Lady." Zephyrus wrinkles his nose is distaste for a moment before adding, "Less knights."
Boudacia has the Goldenfire Initiate campaign trait, which means she is a member of a local guild. I would think this would mean she would know if there were any reason somebody like her could not post a message on the board, and also this would mean some basic knowledge of the local town.
"Thank you for your sentiments kind sir! Now let me take a look at what you seem to have found here ..." Falandra takes the sheets in hand carefully and starts reading them. The more she reads, the bigger her eyes seem to get! "My, oh My! This is quite a find! Of course I'm going to have to check it over in more detail to try to authenticate and so forth. After all I wouldn't dream of trying to sell forgeries! My father must have misplaced this at some time. He was kind of absent-minded at times, bless his soul! Well, if this proves to be real - and my instinct and training inclines me to believe that it is - then this is going to be quite the find! This will have to be valued at at least 100 gold pieces and quite possibly more! Of course, since you were honest enough to show it me, after I have checked it out & better determined its value I would give you a discount if you wanted to purchase it, and if you should choose not to buy it I may be able to give you some sort of discount on future purchases perhaps? I'll have to see. Of course it all depends on its validity & then there's the matter of finding a buyer willing to pay the right price if you don't want it. This is all going to take me a bit of time! Again, THANK-YOU so very much! I am most appreciative of you bringing this to my attention! You are of course most welcome to come back at anytime and if you decide you don't want to purchase this then maybe I can give you a discount if you should find something of interest in the future. Even if it proves to be a fraud, I could possibly sell it as a curio kind of thing? I would of course make it clear that it is a fraud if that were the case. I could never dream of trying to sell some text as if it were real when I knew it was fraudulent! Well, if neither of you gentlemen need anything else at the moment? I absolutely get to work on these sheets!" She is so excited that she seems to ramble on to some extent, even repeating things she already said a couple of times. This obviously has her very excited.
Hearing the 'apparent' child that looks quite unusual, and the woman talking and mentioning the Emerald Spire, Alex comes over to them. You both see what at first glance appears to be a balding elderly man, but upon closer look you can clearly see he still has the energy of youth and no wrinkles, or other signs of old age other than the balding with a crown of VERY bright gold colored hair on the sides and a neatly trimmed beard that also has the very bright gold color. He has unusual, VERY bright gold colored eyes as well. Other than that he appears quite the normal human. He is wearing studded leather, has a morningstar hanging from his belt, a large wooden shield strapped on his back and a light crossbow strapped over one shoulder, with a scroll case strapped over his other shoulder. They are carefully in place so as to be able to take off the crossbow quickly. "Excuse me? I don't mean to be impolite or intrude m'Lady and you young one, My name is Alex. Well met! I believe I heard you mentioning the Emerald Spire? If you are planning to explore that ruinous structure, I would certainly like to accompany you if I may? I'm not much of a fighter, but I have a fair amount of knowledge in the art of healing and could thus help keep you alive if necessary! But from what I have heard of the place it is extremely dangerous! Perhaps we should try to find some other talented folks that could help? Maybe a fighter or two? Maybe some magic spell casters? And if I may ask, what kind of talents do you two have that make you feel you could enter the Spire? - And by the way, is this your cute ... creature? - your pet? AndI mean no offense young one, but you look a bit young to be thinking about going to such places. Oh and I believe I also heard this lady say her name is Boudacia? And what is your name ... little one?" All this he says in a kind voice, allowing smiles whenever he can. As he slowly reaches out to scratch the eidolon behind its ear if it will allow it. As he also looks over at Boudacia, A 'modest' rank in the Goldenfire's Order? Such a young thing? HA! She may think so, but she's an initiate at the MOST!, if that!
Aldhranhald does his best to process Falandra's ramblings, and when she finally finishes her long speech he says, Many thanks m'lady. I'm afraid, at the moment, my funds wouldn't allow me to purchase the papers in question. Perhaps after you've authenticated them, I'll return, and we can agree on different price, or mayhaps, at that point, my funds will allow me to pay the requisite price. Thank Irori I made the copy before I brought the papers to her attention. The tall, dark-haired (all except for that shock of white-grey hair right on the crown of his forehead) elf with the light grey eyes thinks to himself. Thank you for your help. I'm certain we'll be seeing lots of each other, I just can't keep myself from book stores. For now I think I'm going to go with Zero Zephyrus here to The Helmed Lady, have a drink or two, and have a nice conversation. He looks at the half-elf, and says lead the way sir.
Aldhranhald is just over six feet tall, lanky, but with a sinewy muscular build. His scarred face and weathered skin show his age, 170 years, young for an elf, of course, but advanced for any humanoid. He carries a heavy pack, usually laden with books, but also with adventuring gear. At his side he has a pouch with various picks, small mirrors, powder, and other tools necessary for opening locks that don't want to be opened, and disabling traps that don't want to be disabled. As well as a good flint and steel rod for starting fires. His garb is that of an explorer, his armor is boiled, dyed-green leather, made of overlapping "scales." Attached to his pack, within quick reach, are a shortbow and a quiver of arrows. As Aldhranhald walks, he always uses a tall, aged-oak staff as a walking stick.
You are correct young lady, and the Emerald Spire is reputably dangerous. I am Boudacia, perhaps I can help a little as you seem to be a recent arrival. That is interesting, the Goldenfire Order, an association to which I belong, though I hold a rank which is modest at best, wants expend... adventurers to go into the Emerald spire in search of missing wizards. Could be interesting, perhaps rewarding, definitely hazardous.
Ozzy swivels her head and looks up at the woman . Ozzy. Ozzy says, and this is Mr. Blinky. The girl wipes her hand on her breeches, before holding it out in greeting.
Hullo, the beast says, then it licks its eye and looks at the woman expectantly.
We know how to handle ourselves. The girl grips her longspear, but does not draw it. As she does this, Mr. Blinky lets out a yawn, for the first time, letting his impossibly pointy teeth show show through a mouth opening that become equally impossibly wide, before absentmindedly licking his lips. The teeth actually seem to be articulated, wiggling in and out slightly. But, ah, what kind of reward are they offering? We're a bit low on funds at the moment. The girl lowers her voice as she says this last, some embarrassment evident in it.
As the girl named Ozzy turns around, it is apparent how patchwork her armor is. There are signs of hastily repaired damage everywhere, and mismatched pieces of leather with bits of metal. A studded vest looks like it was made for a halfling, and barely fits her skinny, 4'11" frame. It has been cut in half down the back and laced back together, like a shoe. It is patched in places and is near needing patches in others, and is augmented with numerous leather straps and bands. On her left shoulder, a single leather pauldron is reinforced with a once ornate metal dome that appears to have been salvaged from a much more expensive set of armor, but it has seen better days, and looks like it may very well have been the only salvageable piece.
The girl's skin is devoid of color, and her completely-white eyes seem to glow slightly in the shade of the message board. Her black hair is roughly cut to a medium length on the right, but the last few inches on the left side are shaved clean, and dark goggles wrapped around her forehead hold the somewhat wild hair back from her face. Her boots are sturdy, but well-worn, and are folded ofer at the knee. She wears long, mismatched gloves with the fingers removed (though on the right, this can barely be seen under the straps of leather and metal spikes worn over it). Her backpack, unlike the rest of her gear, looks new and well-made. It has slots from which 5 spears hang. One long, standing almost twice her height that sways a bit as she moves, another of similar construction but shorter, while the remaining three are slender and look like they would only be effective if thrown. A cloak is folded and rolled where a blanket or bedroll would normally strapped to the backpack.
There is something else that seems off about the girl's appearance, but it's difficult to place one's finger on. What anyone spending enough time studying her appearance will realize is that neither her nor the beast by her side casts a shadow.
While the girl's hand is still outstretched, a balding man interrupts. Mr. Blinky fixes him with a hard stare.
Boudacia's appearance is, in marked contrast to Ozzy's, calculated to avoid notice. She appears to be a human woman of around seventeen in nondescript, practical clothing. Boudacia wears a backpack with a light crossbow attached, a dagger at her belt.
She appears very poised or perhaps distracted, reacting little if at all to Ozzy and Mr Blinky's odd appearance until Mr Blinky displays his teeth, which causes her to step back and a hand goes to her dagger reflexively, quickly removed when Mr Blinky does nothing hostile.
Boudacia takes Ozzy's hand and bows slightly to Mr Blinky:-
A pleasure to make your acquaintance. As to rewards, we would have to ask, though I know the way. Care to find out? I would go into the spire if the money is right and with a properly equipped group, it is intriguing.
You are not a local are you? I would have noticed you and certainly Mr Blinky. I can show you to an Inn if needed.
Let's go, the girl says with a smile. Come on Mr. Blinky, let's find out how much this job pays.
Then looking over her shoulder to the man, You can come too, if you want. She says this politely, but doesn't sound particularly excited about the idea of the strange, interrupting, long-winded man tagging along.
A few inches shorter than Aldhranhald, Zero lacks the bulk to fill out his lean frame. His loose, comfortable clothes reveal oddly pale skin that seems out of place for someone who spends quite a good deal of time outside. The young elf's face is rather blank, and when combined with his glowing yellow eyes and long silver hair, make him seem almost unnatural. The only other thing of note on the young swordsman is his blade.
A massive weapon nearly as wide as man's chest, and nearly five feet in length, this weapon is obviously a one of kind. Seemingly made of gray stone and some green metal, its edges are lined in razor sharp spines that extended and receded into the weapon, while two larger protrusions extended to form the guard. The handle, a rope like extension ending in a dull spine that curved upwards, seems almost elfish in design, perhaps an ancient relic. It was the strange center that confirmed that theory. A split circle of stone engraved with elven runes and two emeralds surrounded what appeared to be a closed eye engraved in the center.
Nodding his head in affirmation, the vagabond walked calmly through the streets, eyes focused on the ground ahead of him.
"Thank you young lady. I'm sorry if I disturbed you. Didn't mean too! And WOW! those are some teeth aren't they? And hello to you too Mr. Blinky! Well met."
Perhaps to the Goldenfire Order first. And you have already found a spellcaster Alex. I am a Witch. But somebody capable of fighting in the front line would be needed as you say. Can you fill that role Mr Blinky? Your teeth look formidable.
With that Boudacia leads the way towards the Goldenfire Order.
Ozzy and Mr. Blinky follow Boudacia, Mr. Blinky taking long, slow strides while Ozzy's short legs swing wildly as she steps almost twice as frequently in order to keep pace.
And Mr. Blinky and I are pretty good fighters, so I guess we could make a good team.
As they walk, the young girl is full of questions for Boudacia. What's the deal with this "Emerald Spire" thing, anyway? Why is it so dangerous? Are you really a witch? How did you learn that? What kind of magic do you know? Do you have a familiar?
Boudacia is about to answer the first question when the second is asked, then raises her eyebrows as the process is repeated. She pauses a little, smiling slightly, when Ozzy asks her last question then replies:-
The Emerald Spire is incredibly ancient. I don't know who built it or when, but it was a very, very long time ago. Various creatures have moved in over the centuries, and don't like intruders. That is some of it, I am not sure anyone knows all the mysteries of the Spire, I certainly do not. A witch is is what people call someone with magic like mine, so I guess that makes me a witch. Witch magic and abilities arise from a more ... intuitive comprehension of the worlds and the forces that govern them than the arcane skills of wizards, so it is a bit of a misnomer to say I learned it as such. As to a familiar...
Boudacia reaches into her backpack and brings out a smallish bat, which appears to have just woken up.
may I introduce Wayne. I have quite a connection to bats, even being known by the surname Chieroptrix. I know an enquiring mind is a good thing in the young, but I fear you are in danger of carrying it to excess Ozzy.
Oh! He's so cute! Then, addressing Wayne directly, Hello, Wayne. I'm Ozzy, and this is Mr. Blinky.
Mr Blinky looks at the bat and licks his eye.
Wayne makes a high pitched noise that could be a greeting or a rude dismissal. But he does not bite. Boudacia seems pleased, saying:-
I am glad you like bats. Well, I have answered a lot of questions about me. You say you and Mr Blinky can fight. Can you elaborate, what sort of creature are you Mr Blinky? Can you cast spells?
Well, it's kinda hard to explain. When you were little, did you ever have a special friend that nobody could see but you?
Following Zero to The Helmed Lady, Aldhranhald does his best to examine and study Zero's sword, the one he is interested in learning about. He casts Detect Magic and focuses on the sword as they are walking.
Boudacia looks a little uneasy as she replies:-
No, can't say that I did Ozzy, but go on.
Boudacia looks a little uneasy as she replies:-
No, can't say that I did Ozzy, but go on.
Well, there there weren't really any other kids around when I was little, so I had to make up my own friends to play with. Mr. Blinky was one of 'em. Back then, he was only in my mind, but when I got stuck on the shadow plane, he turned real and protected me.
Focused entirely on making sure his journey didn't end with him spawled on the ground, Zero remained unaware of Aldhranhald's inspection. Approaching the door in his usually unnoticable manner, Zero suddenly glanced back at the elderly elf. Thank the gods! I didn't even think about making sure he could follow. At least he was spry enough to keep speed.
Outside of the Helmed Lady, an argument is underway. There are three humans, standing on the side with a look of irritation upon their faces and across from them is what appears to be a dwarf. Short in stature, even by Dwarven standards, the man barely peaks over four feet in height with perhaps an inch and a half for change. What he likes in height, he compensates in athletic girth, as even underneath the meticulously maintained chainmail is a solid, strong, and muscular figure. His beard is clean, trimmed, and long black and his eyebrows are long and thick. Eyes as dark as coal stare down the three men before he shakes his head again, his voice low and rumbling.
"I will not work with such rude ruffians. That bar wench did not ask for your advances and you were out of line with your interactions." He says in an almost scolding tone, lifting his chin up in a dismissive manner. "I will not apologize for what I did, you refused to apologize to her!" The man being scolded, sporting a broken nose and a black eye, shakes his head before he points at the dwarf accusingly.
"She's just some damn tavern wench! It happens all the damn time!" Growling, he mumbles afterwards. "This is why I said we shouldn't work with the short folk. Can't get their heads out of their ar-"
A small hand would reach out and grab him by the tunic and, with surprising strength, pull him down to the Dwarf's face before he growls threateningly at the man.
"You watch your tongue boy or by Torag, I'll give you the beating your Papa wrongfully spared you." The human, maybe in his early twenties, would swallow hard before looking at the others.
"Forget this and to the Nine Hells with you Tygryk! You're off the team, we'll find someone else!" Turning from him, the others make their way away from the dwarf who shouts after them.
"Better the devils than the company of spoiled children!" They wave dismissively, leaving the dwarf standing there for a moment before he lets out a soft sigh.
"What am I going to do now..." Tygryk asked to no one in particular.
Well, there there weren't really any other kids around when I was little, so I had to make up my own friends to play with. Mr. Blinky was one of 'em. Back then, he was only in my mind, but when I got stuck on the shadow plane, he turned real and protected me.
It is probably some kind of intuitive magic, like a witch's or sorcerer's. I mean Mr Blinky is here all right. Can you call anything else?
The north-man kept his pace steady and focused as he walked the last miles to the city he had been directed to, as he neared, it looked more like a fortified city and fortress. His father had warned him about cities, and was wary of them always. The town near his fathers keep was always welcoming and relatively quiet.
He had been traveling for weeks before he heard rumors of something called ... Emerald Spire. He thought he might see what it was about.
As he approached the gate he thought about how thirsty he was, and how much a nice beer would go down right about now, wash the dust of the road away, he was used to colder climes and thought seriously about removing his winter furs.
Once within range to see that there were guards he slowed his pace and loosened his axe on his belt, it was a fine masterfully crafted piece his father had made for him when he was a few years younger. It's weight was familiar and comforting at his hip, now with his hand upon its broad head. His shield was slung casually across his shoulder half covering his pack with all his worldly goods.
He would be friendly as long as they treated him in kind..
Well, lets see how this goes, today is a new day and opportunity knocks.
"What am I going to do now..." Tygryk asked to no one in particular.
Aldhranhald addresses the surly dwarf as if the two of them were actually engaged in a conversation. Well... Tygyrk is it? You might join myself and Zero here. He points to his golden-eyed half-elf companion. We're about to step into The Helmed Lady for drinks and conversation. I'm considering making a journey to the Emereld Spire, and could certainly use as many capable companions as are willing. Would you care to join us inside for some spirits and discourse? As Aldhranhald says this he leans his oak staff into the crook of his left arm and extends his right hand. The name's Aldhranhald. Elf, ex-slave, amateur investigator, caster of divine magics, and spelunker extraordinaire, at your service.
As Tangar approaches the gates, he sees five guards, in full plate armor, standing there. They are stopping each person going in or coming out. As he gets closer he can hear they basically ask each person the same kind of things, "What is your purpose for coming into town today sir?" or "Do you have a license to sell your grain at the market?" and such. Once you get there a guard turns to look at you and realizes he needs to tilt his head upward a little to look you in the face, "Well, aren't you a tall, strapping fellow! G'day to you sir! And what is your purpose in coming to Fort Inevitable today please?"
It is probably some kind of intuitive magic, like a witch's or sorcerer's. I mean Mr Blinky is here all right. Can you call anything else?Sort of. Mostly dogs and rats, stuff like that. I made a skeleton once. It was all bloody and fought with a sword. It was pretty scary. None of 'em can stick around as long as Mr. Blinky though, and it takes a minute to get him back after.
Those sound like useful abilities. Just be careful if we do go someplace dangerous like the Spire. Especially the Spire. Youthful impetuousness could get you killed. And does your family know you intend doing this? I expect they would be worried.
I've been on my own most of my life, except for Mr. Blinky and my other friends. I lost my parents when i got stuck on the shadow plane. I'm tring to find my way back, but I was so young when it happened that I do t even know where to begin looking.
As Tangar approaches the gates, he sees five guards, in full plate armor, standing there. They are stopping each person going in or coming out. As he gets closer he can hear they basically ask each person the same kind of things, "What is your purpose for coming into town today sir?" or "Do you have a license to sell your grain at the market?" and such. Once you get there a guard turns to look at you and realizes he needs to tilt his head upward a little to look you in the face, "Well, aren't you a tall, strapping fellow! G'day to you sir! And what is your purpose in coming to Fort Inevitable today please?"
Watching the guards interact with the people the north-man notes the guards ask simple questions, but he's sure they wont bother him, afterall he's just a traveler, not like these locals..
Tangar looks down at the man, and exhales softly. He wasn't expecting to have to give reasons for entering a place like this... Cities... he thought.
Góðan dag... Vell, if you mus know, I come here after hearing about dis Spire near hear Emerald Spire, I tink dey call it. I vant to see it fer myself, I hear many tings bout it.. I am... vas da vord.. he pauses for a moment thinking, his head turns slightly to the side at an angle as his mind searches for the word he wants.. Ah.. já það er það.. Intrigued, I am, about it. Is this permited?
he looks back at the guard then at his fellow guardsmen before locking eyes again with the man in front of him.
The Dwarf's attention turns towards the two elves that are there, his eyes narrowing for just a moment as he ponders his situation for a moment. Two elves, two godforsaken elves. Yet what was he to do, his situation was demanding that he find others if he wished to test his faith and skill against the power of the Spire.
"Hmmm...I suppose so. Let us drink whatever sorry excuse they have here that passes as brew and talk a bit more, Aldhranhald." He looks over at Zero for a moment with a calculating look, as if judging the man and his capability for a fight.
"My name's Tygryk of the Clan Steelheart, divine warrior of the Father of Creation." He says with a mark of pride in his voice, stoutly moving to the door and opening it for the others. "Come, let us drink and be merry."
The half elf tilts his head as the dwarf's eyes narrow. I don't think I've done anything offensive. Dipping his head slightly in a nod, Zero guides the two to a table situated in the corner of the alehouse. Zero takes his seat last, taking great care to keep his blade from catching on the chair. I hope these two converse with each other. This is nearly the most I've spoke in weeks.
Settling into the tavern, he waves to the bartender for a round of drinks at the table. Settling in, he still appears to be terribly short compared to the elves next to him. He looks them over for a moment before grinning, leaning in on the table.
"So...you're looking to take to the Spire, are you? What contracts are you looking at, what specialty do you both bring to the table?" He looks over each of them again, appraising what each of them brings to the table.
Aldhranhald leans his staff against the back of his chair, and sets his backpack on the floor, then, after the barmaid brings their version of Dwarven Stout, he takes a good long sip.
Well, it's not the worst Stout I've ever sipped. Still, needs a fuller body, probably should have used more barley and less hops, but, that's just my opinion. After his assessment of the spirits is finished he addresses Tygyrk's questions. Probably the greatest asset I bring, wherever I go, is my mind. I've been filling this watermelon he points to his temple, just in front of one pointy ear, with everything I could find since I was but a teenager. Of course I can also cast some divine magic, thanks to Irori's blessing. Then he leans in close and gestures for both Zero and Tygyrk to lean in. Just so happens I can also unlock doors that don't want to be unlocked, and I'm pretty good at disabling traps before they disable you. That said he leans back, and takes another long draught of the Dwarven Stout from his tankard. Not bad... Not great of course, but I've never had Stout that could rival what the Dwarves made at the monastery anyway. After taking another sip he says, as to contracts, I'm thinking I'll offer my services to Lord Royst. I can sketch a decently usable map, and if not, my written summary of what I encounter is as good as, or better, than the maps I've seen made by trained cartographers. How 'bout yourself? What is it you hope to get from the Spire, and what, besides your steely heart do you bring as assets?
