He looks up at the dark haired woman addressing the table "Good Evening, Lady Riverrun we are looking for an additional warrior for our Group." He looks her up and down "You look like you are formitable in combat, why don't you join us for a drink."
"Thank you, and please, just Terri. I'm not Chelian, despite my looks."
The woman walks over to the table, and sets her pack beside an empty chair before sitting in it.
"So how was your last trip out into the blasted lands around the Worldwound?"
Jin looks over at the bar at the new arrival, the Gorumite seemingly commanding all his allies attention for the moment so he takes it upon himself to engage the new warrior.
Pardon my friends, I am afraid once clerics and paladins get together it all becomes about theology.That is a fine weapon you carry. Does it have a name?
Drezen waves his tail lazily at the newcomer, "Pleasure I'm sure Terri, Drezen Silver, call me Drez. I'm applyin' to - can't say the big pile of platinum is hurtin' my interest any - Iomedae, huh?" he nods to her pendant, "Me dear old mum was a paladin of Iomedae, adopted, but I get a bit too caught up on the battlefield to suit the tenants, and if I'm fightin' demons I'm afraid I don't give a Babau's balls for honor. No me and Gorum are a much better fit, but I've a deal of respect for the swordmistress."
"No need to apologize or ask pardon. I've been around a temple for almost a decade now, so I'm well acquainted with what happens when those of a theological bent start talking. I guess it's not much different than a few fighters and soldiers discussing tactics and weapons."
She finishes with an amused smirk and begins to unstrap the sword, sheathe and all, from her belt.
"This blade was a gift, and it's named Coldhart." She holds up the weapon, inviting Jin to inspect it more closely if he wishes. "Allow me to return the compliment, the blade you carry is one of the best made I've seen. Would it have a name as well?" She lets her smile turn into an impish grin before saying, "While we're exchanging the names of our weapons, what would yours be?"
Terri looks at Drezen, appraising him and his equipment.
"And I haven't had the pleasure of meeting many of Gorum's faith. Many of those I have met are from the Lands of the Linnorm Kings. If I'm not mistaken, I believe many of them would be envious of your armor and blade. As for honor, Demons deserve none, so none they shall get from me."
She looks over at pile of coin and chuckles a bit.
"There's only so much shiny coins can get you, the rest you have to earn or find yourself, my friend."
"But there is so much shiny coins can get you, so you might as well pick them up to right?" Drezen replies grinning and raising his glass to Terri in a jaunty salute,
"So Coldhart hey? I'll wager there's a story behind that blade? Me own's Drezen's Ire, referring to the city not me own self, demon bane of course. Me mum told me she had it from some hound headed celestail after killin' a Vrock in the retreat at Urium," he continues, patting the hilt of his greatsword fondly.
Jin smiles at the two.
Coins? Oh, yes. It seems the church strongly favors what kills we can make in this war. Not that I cannot blame them. What we have seen out there in only a day is well beyond the reach of the common foot soldier or temple acolyte. I hope I don't sound vain when I say that but judging from both your own weapons and armor, you two seem more experienced than most also.
He pauses as though remembering something forgotten.
Oh excuse my manners, my blades name is Dur Dagnir, a fine Scimitar yes. I often find it amusing the habit of adventures like us to name our weapons, as though they had a personality.Though I have met the odd warrior who would swear they do.
"Aye, but don't forget those same foot soldiers think most of the missions we embark on are suicidal. Many of them are convinced you need t' be cracked to walk the Blasted Lands, and I'm not entirely convinced they are wrong. You can't spend it when you're dead they say, and they're not wrong - for the most part. Plus I'm willing to bet the Church know most of us fools plough our money straight back into the fight and end up dying in a blaze of glory - I'm guessing neither of you's just bought a summer house right? Not that I'm complainin'."
There's a thought. How much valuable gear lay out in the wastes or adorns the bodies of the foes we'll encounter? Surely, whatever we recover remains in the keep. How many times might a magic sword be passed on here?
Sigmund gingerly opens the door to the Watchful Blade and steps inside. He casts a reproachful look at the door handle and withdraws a grey rag from his belt pouch. Taking care not to drip more, he wipes the blood from the handle and his hand, and shuts the door with his elbow.
Looking around the common room, he muses to himself, It's quite crowded in here. I hope they still have some rooms. I'd hate to spend another night out in the cold.
He reaches for the serving girl's elbow as she passes, checks himself, and clears his throat instead. "Girl, a moment, please. I've just arrived to join the Crusade, and I need a warm bath and a hot meal. Also, my horse died, so I'll be needing another. Send word round to the hostler and send the bath up to my room quickly, and there'll be an extra falcon for you." Sigmund hands her a small pouch. "Bring my change with the bath."
An hour or so later, he returns to the commons renewed and refreshed. He spots several crusaders in animated conversation and decides to join them. Motioning to have his dinner brought over, he seats himself at the table nearby.
"Good evening, lords and lady. Pardon my intrusion, but I couldn't help overhearing your conversation just now. I am only just arrived, and as you seem to have had a successful venture, I was hoping you might be able to point me to the killing fields. I intend to set out as soon as I've sorted out some transportation."
Noticing Terri's symbol, he rises and gives her a small bow. "Blessings of the Inheritor upon you, my lady. What name do you grace, and from where do you hail?"
Before Terri can begin her tale of how she was gifted Coldhart, she finds herself introducing herself once again.
"Terri Riverrun from Andoran, and please, no 'm'lady's'. I'm not from Cheliax or Taldor. I'm just a simple warrior in the service of Iomedae, may she bless you as well."
Her eyes widen as she spies his bloody hands, and notices the blood is fresh.
"Sir? Has anyone seen to your wounds?"
"Well met, Lady Riverrun. Sigmund Voight, formerly of Lastwall."
He looks down at his hands self-consciously, wiping them on the rag and whispering a spell. The Stabilize stems the flow momentarily, and you glimpse a pair of intricate tattoos on his palms that are fractured by the star burst of scars.
"Ah yes, my wounds have been seen to. They have been seen to quite thoroughly, I assure you. I'm afraid they are wounds that no mortal magic can close, for they are the manifestation of punctures in my very soul. But thank you for your concern, my lady."
Having lost his appetite, he pushes the plate away and leans forward. Perhaps we might chat about other things. Tell me, what foes fell slaughtered at your feet on this outing?"
Drezen waves sleepily at the newcomer,
"Welcome, Drezen Silver, please don't smite me, it won't work, I'm a demon slayer, and cleric, in the service of Gorum, feel free to test me - I'm more than used to it. I'm afraid Terri and meself weren't part of this last outing, we are newcomers seeking to join up, since these good folks are hirin'. Seems they have their pick of the litter."
The tieflings glances at Sigmund's wounds out of the corner of his eye, but refrains from mentioning them again, obviously a touchy subject. Bet that's a tale and a half.
Sigmund eyes Drezen appraisingly, and nods in greeting. "Well met, Master Silver. I knew many a Battlemaster in my youth. 'Strong as Iron' and deadly as a drawn blade. Here to test your mettle and make a name for yourself?"
"Here to kill demons, I'm a simple fella. Don't really care about fame, but I've got powerful creatures I need to slay so I need to hone myself. I'll be here until they close the Wound, or until I die," Drezen says his grip tightening around his glass as he stares down at the table, possessed of a sudden fierce intensity.
After a second he chuckles, though its obviously a little forced, and looks up, [b]"What of yourself? Call me Drez by the way, can't never think of myself as a Master anything."
"I am here because I am broken. Here, at the Wound, I will find that which can heal me, or kill me. Before, I fought against the Horde and against the minions of the Whispering Tyrant. Those foes are worthy, but the do not burn hot enough to forge by. I am here for the spawn of Abandon and Rovagug. Demons will learn to fear me as I break them and send them howling back into the void. In this, we are of one mind."
"And what is your quest here, Lady Riverrun?"
Drezen grins, ironically looking more demonic than ever,
"Oh yes, I like you Sigmund, man after my own heart. Hope you get your fix one of these days. I almost wish I didn't enjoy killin' the verminous things so much, cheapens it somehow - but burn me I cannot help myself."
Jin listens intently to the back and forth between the 3.
They all seem to have to the heart for it my shadow. They would all make fine companions.
I know my shadow. I just hate to turn away a willing ally
Do sit and join us friend. Truly the gods of light seem to smile on our group this day. A fine pay and our search for a replacement is spoiled for choice. Though I see by the fine weapons and armor you three posses we have found our new member. The question is which one?
Jin pauses a moment, thinking.
Speaking to the clerics, he asks. Which tier of Magic have the two of you reached? Do your deities grant you any boons that would be particularly useful? Peitry, Sirhan are better casters than I. Can you match them?
To Terri he speaks, Forgiveness Terri, but the measure of a cleric is not the means to measure a warrior. Would you perhaps agree to a friendly duel in the practice yard to tomorrow? I am no fighter but it would serve for Sirhan and Crissor to watch you fight. Non-leathal, of course.
Terri looks a little ashamed at her self as she stares into her mug of ale and answers.
"I'm... I'm here to prove myself. I'm trying to show some in the church that, though I am now paladin, or priestess, I am just as much a follower of Iomedae as they, that the Inheritor's gifts are not always so obvious as divine power and magic. Slaying demons is just a way to do that."
With that, she takes a long pull of her drink, thinking of all of the small, and not so small slights she had received over the years.
Before leaving the War College, I had mastered spells of the third sphere. Iomedae's boons are manifold; I can invoke her blessing in many ways. Upon a group of the righteous, she will heal wounds and bolster courage. Stout hearts will turn aside blows and charge true. Should she focus her favor on one, they will find themselves sharper, quicker, and luckier."
"And I can do none of that. All I have is my sword and my wits."
To Terri he speaks, Forgiveness Terri, but the measure of a cleric is not the means to measure a warrior. Would you perhaps agree to a friendly duel in the practice yard to tomorrow? I am no fighter but it would serve for Sirhan and Crissor to watch you fight. Non-leathal, of course.
I assure you Terri, all I mean to test is your mettle. I know a fighters role. I consider spellcasters to be enablers. I can fly and heal and will things to sleep. While I am good with a blade a fighter is better at killing. What I propose is not a spell duel. Nor would I measure a cleric by his ability to produce magical flame. Simply one on one. Blades wrapped. I want to see how you move that is all. Perhaps you would feel more comfortable dueling our paladin?
Jin looks to see if Crissor is willing?
"Forgive me, I was a little wrapped up in my own thoughts. If it's a sparring match you wish, that I can give you. I'll warn you though, that I may still cause you harm, even with wrapped blades. I'll try my best to keep it to minor bruises though."
The thought of a simple sparring match seems to cheer her up immensely.
Very well. The practice yard at noon then.
He looks at the clerics.
I hope you two will come as well. As clerics of War gods I am sure you will have an interest, and if Terri forgets herself one of you may need to replace ME as well.
He smiles at his own joke. And looks at the group as a whole. Now if you will excuse me I would go to the barracks. Peitry, if you are amenable later I would love to borrow some notes.
"At noon then. Sleep well."
Not long after, Terri excuses herself as well and heads to the barracks as well to get some sleep.
Early the next mourning Jin awakened feeling refreshed and excited about the coming day.
He glanced over at Peitry who had gone to sleep on the other cot some time ago.
The wizard was not as powerful as his master had been, but possessed a raw talent he had not seen. So young for a wizard who had reached the 3rd sphere.
Awaken friend, you have shopping to do, don't you? My thanks for the study. Did you find anything of use in my book? I can contribute up to 500gold to the fund wand/pearl fund, if you need. Other than preparing my spells for the day my morning is free.
That morning Jin enjoys the company of his companions as they go about their tasks.
He does buy another Light Horse and Saddle and the scroll of Blindness, which he promptly adds to his spell book that morning. Allowing 500for whatever the party needs he is left with a mere 15gp.
He then prepares it in his spellbook, with his usual allotment.
Ha! I am a former slave my shadow. Being penniless is what I am used to. In any case I have more now than I ever have
When noon is upon him he is warming up when the 3 applicants arrive. He had to confess his excitement, training with a Dedicated fighter was a rarity for him.
Terri arrives a few minutes early and finds Jin already warming up. After a few stretches and simple routines to get used to the weight of the padding, she walks up to Jin and greets him.
"Well met, I'm afraid I don't know your name good sir. Anyway, what are the rules we'll be using?"
She gives him an excited smile as well.
Had I not mentioned my name? Apologies. Jin Takashi. As for rules? Well simple combat really. You and I in the practise ring. Now I did not mention I am a Magus, a student in the eleven tradition of Spell combat. I am something of a Dual Wielder though my Sword is in one hand, my spells in the other. It is a very versatile yet spell intensive way of fighting. I tend to burn through spells even faster than a regular wizard. But it gives me many options. However this test is not about me.
He continues to make strikes at the practise dummy, using spell combat and Casting BRAND as he delivers his hits to demonstrate.
I feel that a fighter's role is to kill things. Their dedication to martial mastery makes them ideal for the task. So if we choose you, I would expect you to get in the face of our enemies, whilstI provide a flank or go after foes you cannot reach.....Incidently, go you have a ranged.weapon? We have already encountered fliers and many demons can. You would need a bow or something before we go out. In any case the test is simple. Hit me enough to make me surrender, I may cast, but, I promise no offensive spells or flight. I wish to prove a difficult target, not an impossible one. Fair enough?
Terri goes first.
Drezen nods,
"Well Gorum grants me spells of the third tier, though for the most part I prefer to use 'em out of battle and stay in the thick of things. I'm trained in the manner of a Mendevian Priest, which means I'm able to wear heavier armor than your average cleric seems to prefer, and know a few more tricks that hurt demons, and help out my allies. I hit hard, and I can take a hit in my turn. I'll be happy t' reconvene at the practice yard."
As everyone finishes up Drez stands, says his goodnights, throws back the rest of his whiskey, and clanks his way unsteadily over to the bar where he secures lodging, before heading up to bed humming merrily.
Terri nods.
"Fair enough. I'm afraid I couldn't afford a bow, but that can wait."
Terri takes her place in the ring, her sword and shield at the ready. As soon as the fight started, Terri proves her mettle by closing the gap as quickly as possible. She uses her shield to hide the direction of her swing until the last moment and scores a solid hit on Jin.
Drezen arrives a few minutes before noon, eating an entire two foot long salami held in his tail, with great gusto. He carries shield, embalzened with a battered emblem of Gorum, in one hand and his greatsword in the other resting between the bristling cold iron spikes on his shoulder.
"Alright Jin, Terri? Anyone up for a bout with me? Come on, ye know you want to!" He bellows cheerfully, clanking over to watch Terri and Jin squaring off and taking another bite of salami.
Polishing off his lunch, he sheathes his sword and casts about, for a place to sit, settling upon a nearby barrel. Then, until someone willing to give him a bout shows up he takes in the show.
The charge and attack was brutal though not unexpected. Jin knew he could not present a challenge fighting on her terms. Still the strike was VERY good.
Jin attempts a counter. He uses his ARCANE ACCURACY to aid his attack.
Jin dodges a swing and scores a Critical strike under her arm hitting the soft spot of the armpit. Then he vanishes.
Crissor smiles. "I think I just take my cut of the funds, and referee you two. Besides I can heal the nicks and scrapes just fine."
Peitry just follows along quietly to watch the fight, having no intention of joining but watching with interest how a potential party member handles himself in combat.
[ooc]Did we all agree to pitch in for the wand of e.e.? If so Peitry will go buy it.
Sirhan looks at Drez, "After they are done, I might want to take you up on that offer of sparring."
Terri is surprised at how easily Jin gets through to deliver a devastation strike. She grunts from the pain, but manages to keep her head enough not to lose track of her opponent, until he turned invisible.
She know she can't see him, but maybe she can hear him.
Drezen nods, standing with a clank and and stretching his back,
"You're a caster to right? Want to want to have a chance to cast spells first or just wade straight in? I'll just channel these folks back to health, one they're done, and then we can have at it."