It takes some doing, but with the help of Lin, Glor, Mina's magic, and a summoned earth elemental from Nurianna, you are able to help the Tuathan princess get her retinue and all three of their horses out from the pit trap. The princess dusts herself off and looks with disgust over at the Wolfguard Bardas is standing over.
"What shall we do with him? None of us can carry a prisoner."
Damian dusts himself off from his fall, getting his feet back on the ground. He signals to Brook to float down using Damian's ring of feather falling, grabbing hold of the squire with a smile when he arrives at the forest ground. "Why did they ambush you? We ran into some of them earlier. They said that they were looking for a kidnapped girl, though that hardly seems to be the truth. As for the prisoner, we need to interrogate him and give him the opportunity to repent."
Turning to the pair of Aellar, he gives them a look. "Any particular reason you disappeared for a matter of days?" He looks very cross with them. Clearly, the breach of protocol in their absence is a grave concern for the soldier.
"You know what they're after. Sure of it, I am. It was the Baron's coin on those flying demons that attacked us on our way out of Izmir. Power corrupts, my friend. And we are talking absolute power here." offers the scholar.
"Kill him in hess sleep an move on....Tis more snares an traps tha one will set if he is alive. Listen to tha lies o his tongue if yah want, seems he might say he's repentant, I care not one way o tha other."
"If tha force was jus meant tah keep us in one spot, tha main force may be upon us an soon!"
"Were I tryin tah capture, I would have several groups spread with nets an such, an a larger force tah swoop in, maybe even tha groups from tha other nets."
"We are not killing an unarmed prisoner. I agree that we want to move, especially since they will be looking for us along our previous route. We will need to move in a different direction, evade the enemy. At least we gave control of the skies."
He nods in Dolo's direction. "At least we are certain of our enemy. Why is he involved with the demons and the Dragonflight? Is he... infected?"
"I can assure you he isn't the only one searching for the items. Why? Quick access to power. The promise of easy power is seductive to many. It makes me want to try harder to keep it from them."
Turning to the pair of Aellar, he gives them a look. "Any particular reason you disappeared for a matter of days?" He looks very cross with them. Clearly, the breach of protocol in their absence is a grave concern for the soldier.
"We had to make ourselves scarce when we saw the wolfguard show up the first time. And then these ones showed up and we have never had a good relationship with Tuathan elves. They aren't fond of our 'tainted' blood so we followed in hiding. Unfortunately before we could warn you of the ambush we got caught in one of their nets." Maiathreen says as he brushes a bit of ashes from his shoulder.
"Indeed Dolo, ken we not also consider tha options of destruction, I have always believed more tha one way tah skin a cat, suren tha is more tha one way tah destroy an abomination."
"Tis a knowledge we might need an beyond my knowledge. I ave racked mah brain an had few ideas, what say ye."
Knowledge checks
arcane
nature
history
planes
DM
Moves away and takes a look at the evil weapons taken before.....
Lin roars in anger at the retreating Wolfguard. Once she knew he was gone she limped back and assisted with helping the Princess out of the pit.
====================================================
Min had helped Brook out of the nets and rejoined his allies once the dust had settled. He immediately move to Lin's side and begin working on her wounds.
She gives a hiss as he carefully digs the arrow out of her, it was buried deep the one who shot this was skilled... And also a dead man when Min found him again.
"I'll gut the bast%$d who shot this."
Lin gives a low grunt. "What good will it do, the fool will die one day. All creatures do. Lets focus on the others hmm~"[smaller]
With the arrow removed he applied pressure with a tattered remnant of his once intact clothing. Fire magic was a real downer when it came to maintaining ones attire, but it helped in making temporary bandages. He nodded to Mai and his wife, [smaller]"Glad to see you both made it out okay, I was about to climb into the canopy to find you. But I see you are a little worse for wear."
"These ones don't care about the Abominations. They want me." It is Nurianna, the acerbic sun druid, who speaks. Her wyverling companion Cas nestles in on her shoulder and wraps his tail loosely, protectively, around her neck. "They think I know something about Cassandra, and they're sort of right. I know where she went, and how long ago, and on what ship, but I do not know where she is now. Nonetheless, I'm the best lead they've had in weeks, probably, and so they're trying to get their hands on me. This is the second time this has happened. We figured out they weren't after the abominations during their first attack when they utterly ignored Bardas' horse, where we were keeping them, but kept trying to drag me off into the woods. Unfortunately for them, I am not easy to poison." She gives a wicked grin.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you this earlier, but I didn't think they would go to...such lengths. I also didn't think they would keep trying, or that you would come with us. But it appears now we have a new group of enemies, and one that is after us for completely different reasons." She makes a face.
Bardas, the monk, has been busy tying up the unconscious wolfguard. Once satisfied the man's bonds will hold, he takes out an aleskin and looks from Mina to Sir Damian. "You guys want me to wake him up? He's sure not going anywhere."
Mina looks dubious, but nods. "Yes. Let's get what info we can from him and be on our way. I fear Belsarious may be correct and there may be a larger force coming, even if only by coincidence. I am not skilled in interrogation, though, I must confess..." she trails off and looks around for suggestions.
Sense motive
"How is it yah are privy tah tha information, seems like tha would be well guarded intelligence tah me?"
Maiathreen stares at the druid for a moment, but the moment passes and he shrugs his shoulders slightly.
Dolo and Glor both look at the haughty, royal princess, then turn to face each other. Dolo frowns as he mulls over what he discovers.
'She's hiding something. Something important, too.' they communicate together telepathically.
"Nurianna. Your Highness. You are among friends now. We fight the same fight. We put ourselves in harm's way to protect you and your friends. Please tell us why the Baron continues to accost you if it is not for the Abominations. It makes to sense to us but we believe there is more to the story. That information will aid us in both protecting you and keeping our mission viable. Please, Your Highness." pleads the gnome in his most diplomatic style.
@Dolo:
Nurianna winces at Dolo's keen observation, then sighs resignedly under significant looks from Mina and Bardas.
"Nurianna." says Mina "We can trust them. Remember, this is Sir Damian Lamorak, he is a friend of Korius Merit. They come from Izmir itself. Professor Luckbender is a well-known scholar. These are not random woodsmen with whom we're speaking."
Nurianna holds up her hands in a placatory gesture. "Okay, okay. Okay. I know all this, because I put Cassandra on the boat that took her north. In Mamban, after the Dragonsingers left us, just after we entered the city gates and Mina, er, well, passed out...after that, Bardas and I were walking around the Goremian refugee camps on the outskirts of the East Delve, where the people of Mamban are building homes and new suburbs. Two children approached -- brother and sister -- and the sister told me of a dream she had, about me. That girl was Cassandra, who these men and others seek."
"In Cassandra's dream, I was on a great Wall somewhere in the far north. I was burning, the little girl said; she said in her vision I was on fire. We were distracted, Bardas and I, and she went on her way. At sunset that night I prayed to Sarenrae for guidance, and guidance I received, for Mamban as you know is beloved of the gods. The Dawnflower told me, in a vision, that I must get Cassandra on a boat called the Everdawn, which was due to sail for Stormfare the next morning. It took some doing, and a fair bit of assistance from House del Solarian, with whom we had become friends for...assisting a young princess of that House, Erudima del Fana del Solarian, but we were able to get the little girl on that boat."
The druid suddenly looks resolute. She stares stonily at the ground a meter or so in front of her. "Since then, I have been having dreams. Dreams where I am in the snow, a massive Wall of metal in front of me, like a wedge of steel driven into a mountain, and as huge as a mountain itself. I see people in furs dying. I see the crimson-haired barbarian queen, Xian Xar, I see a huge red dragon..." she looks up, and her expression is impossible to read. "...and then I burn."
Bardas and Mina look away; clearly this is something they've been told before and have been dealing with for a little while. Nurianna gathers herself, then speaks again. "To be completely honest, I did not know what had happened to Cassandra after she got on the boat, and had never seen a wolfguard until a couple days ago when we ran across a pair in a small town south of here. They were able to determine I knew more than I was telling, though in the end we defeated them, and I told them nothing. One escaped into the woods. These...wolfguards, I've no doubt, were alerted by him. Between my visions, and what I've learned from the men of Baron Ormir, I fear my destiny lies at the Wall, in the barbarian land of Allemagh in the north. It is my understanding Cassandra is a seer, the first to be born in a very, very long time, and many want her for the magical strength she possesses, and for her scrying and prophecying abilities. For my part I just want her safe. I do not know why she and I are connected, only that we are."
"Cassandra is being led to the Wall by brave men from Stormfare, who protect her against I cannot even imagine what forces. Many seek her. I, meanwhile, make my way north as well. Eventually I will meet her there." The stern druid's face is now frozen in a mask of determination.
"...and I will burn."
Belsarious contemplates the image and wonders if an abomination would burn under the breath of an ancient red dragon, surely the bonded person would be freed and the artifact destroyed, or would it only be the death of the one bonded. Having felt the shadow upon himself he might stand midstream a red dragon's breath to be free of it.
He only says....
"There is purpose in all things, and visions lack matters of great import, that give meaning to them beyond our understanding. Within context it may make sense."
Knowledge religion (untrained)
"Tis a place holy to Gorum mah power may wane in such a place. An all within surely ken be counted as against us."
With no one being interested in killing a helpless man, Bardas hefts him to his feet and ties his already-bound hands to the saddle on his horse, and leads him along. This slows you all down, but it is not much further to Manaus anyway. The road to the great trade city, Great City on the River as it is known, is surprisingly safe and well-traveled. Veritable armies of merchants, traders, sellswords, artists and artisans are making their way to and from the city now that it has been liberated from the Black Dragonflight and regular patrols have begun once again along the trade routes. You even recognize the characteristically sloppy and anachronistic mercenary uniforms of Dantoor and Calitox's army, easily remembered from when you spoke with them in Crystal Valley, some days ago, now.
The only troubling sign amongst all this good news is that as you approach Manaus from the south there is an exurb of some sort, a small settlement not far from the road and southeast of the city. From the coloring of the wooden fence, the dress and manner of the people, and the symbols on the flag it is clear this attached village is inhabited entirely by Kuthites. The mountains nearby are the ones you were in not long ago.
Manaus itself is a magnificent structure; a marvel of magic, alchemy and engineering. On the south and north banks of the Mana river are the original parts of the town, which started as two separate villages. These towns had always been on friendly terms, and it was in the spirit of commerce and cooperation that, some 3 centuries ago, they decided to build a bridge between themselves to facilitate business and trade. The initial bridge was very large so it could accomodate many wagons and last through the years, and eventually it began to grow and spread as people added shacks, utility sheds, and small domiciles along its span. Some enterprising tradesmen and merchants set up shops along it to attempt to do business there.
The towns, rather than seeing this as a problem, capitalized upon it and built out the bridge, first reinforcing it, then widening it and adding levels above and below. The Mana river is a full quarter-mile long at this point so there was plenty of room for a decent population. The final marvel came when the Archmage Aban, who lives in the City In The Mountain, helped the people of Manaus build the amazing winching system for which the city is now famous across the land; this magically enhanced miracle of engineering allows the bravos and roustabouts of Manaus to lift boats directly out of the water and up into the heart of the city, suspended some 200 feet above the steadily-flowing Mana, to be quickly unloaded, re-loaded, then set back down with tremendous speed and efficiency. During peak times, docksmen in Manaus can work as many as 50 boats in a 24-hour span with both winches working and a full round-the-clock crew.
The style of the city is spartan and utilitarian; Manaus is not a city of luxuries. The only significant structure is the four-story Council Tower, in which the city council meets to govern, and which lies close to the dock district at the center of the city. While Manaus is always very busy and filled with people when it is in full swing, most of those people are itinerants, travelers, merchants, caravansiers, or others who are simply stopping on their way elsewhere. The permanent population of Manaus is quite small.
There are many inns and taverns and shops, and very little magic aside from a couple small shops that sell basic potions and scrolls. It is an irony not lost on the people of Manaus that while the most exotic, powerful, valuable, and expensive goods stream through their city, very little of that bounty seems to remain.
You are able to pass into the southern section of Manaus unchallenged and unhindered. There are patrols of Dantoor's Freedom Fighters, but they only nod, noticing the rank and insignia on Damian's armor, and the sigils of Mina's high birth. A large quantity of the Freedom Fighters have symbols of Cayden Cailean or Iomedae on their person, but there are also many sporting the familiar giant swords and spiked armor of Gorumites.
It is late in the evening, and you have been riding hard for many days.
Astride Keythan, Damian is quite the interesting figure as they approach the city. More than the occasional glance is cast towards the attractive and strong-physiqued knight. He only responds with polite smiles and nods, as his quest for Iomedae is his primary concern. Leading his Skyknights, he approaches the guard at the bridge. He could simply fly over, but his adherence to protocol is especially evident now that they are back in civilized company. He dismounts and offers a salute. "Guardsmen, I am Sir Damian Lamorak of the Order of the Silver Flame, leader of the Skyknights of Izmir, slayers of the archdevil Villicent. We are accompanied by the esteemed Princess Mina of Tuatha and her retinue. I petition for passage across the bridge, to seek out Dantoor. We have fought together in battle, at the skirmish against the great elementals." He waits for the response, stiff and proud as a soldier is expected to be.
Maiathreen looks around slightly uncomfortable. He had never been around so many people and he could feel the people staring at him and Livain's exotic appearance he pulled his wings in closely.
"Suren we shall pass unnoticed through this dense and desolate place not a soul tah notice us not a soul tah care, indeed likely we shall pass utterly from this plane an naught a one shall be in rememberance o our passing."
"Twould be strong magic tah make tha happen..."
DM
How do the evil weapons look, still wrapped up and waiting?
Maybe I will sell them later ;)
Min had treated their prisoner with the respect that was due to him. He did not kick nor beat the man, he made threats only when the foolish Wolfguard provoked it. But he made sure the man was well fed and treated fairly on their way to Manaus.
Since Lin had been injured badly by the Wolfguard, Min spent a good portion of his time on foot, moving at the same pace as his campanion and saving her the burden of carrying him until she was healed. He was thankful though that Lin's deep wound was healing nicely and it didn't look like it would scar. Although he didn't have much of a shirt left making so many compresses and bandages for her, his wardrobe was in shambles, he hoped to find something suitable to buy in Manaus for apparel.
He gives an appreciative whistle to the architecture and engineering of the city of Manaus as they stand at the gates and Damian announces them to the guard. "With what we have found upon our enemies hopefully we will find some nice clothes we can buy."
There is a solid retinue of guards at the gate leading onto the bridge proper. The doors are open -- indeed they look as if they rarely close -- but everyone seeking to pass is undergoing an inspection. The guard who approached your group blinks a couple times at Sir Damian's litany, and raises an eyebrow at the cavalier's mention of Dantoor by name.
"Dantoor and Calitox and the others are seeing to some business at the docks. If you submit to search, you may enter and find them yourselves, for I know they are within. Or, if you prefer, you may wait by that tavern over there, and I'll see if he can be fetched. It's all one to me."
As you are standing there, a slim, muscular man, attended by two nubile young women in flowing dresses, approaches Livain and Maiathreen. The man is wearing a turban and a delicate silken facemask, after the manner of desert-dwellers. His eyes are a piercingly lovely shade of amber, his fingernails long and fine, and his walk is very graceful. He speaks boldly, directly to the two aellar, not acknowledging any of the rest of you. "Oh my!" he veritably gasps. "So beautiful! So...so delicate and yet so strong. There is such strength in your frames. The markings...are they tattoos? Or Henna? Please I must know, you both are so beautiful, it hurts my heart to look upon you without knowing who or what you are!" His gushing praise seems quite sincere.
Sense Motive:
Maiathreen waits patiently as the guard talks to Damian, and before he can comment on the uselessness of guards the man in the turban releases his rush of words. His first reaction was to draw on his arcane might and blast him away as a threat, but since that would probably get him, Livain, and everyone else arrested he 'attempts' to be civil. "Its none of your concern." He says calmly but his hand never leaves Stryke's hilt.
-Who does he think he is? He is certainly an emotional one.- Stryke quips to Maiathreen.
Damian nods knowingly at the guard's request. Normally, he would accede to the request, but the Abominations were too powerful to reveal openly. "We respectfully decline and simply wait for Dantoor. Also, do you know if the Captain of the Lionhearts is available?"
One of the two women is looking with open admiration at Livain's skin, the other marveling at Maiathreen's wings and muscular shoulders. The attention, all of you notice, is spreading; various other merchants and traders and tradesmen and tradeswomen are angling their heads curiously and looking your way. A little boy standing in the door to an inn asks aloud "Mama are they angels? Are they devas? Has Abadar sent us angels to help fight?" The mother shushes the boy and shoos him inside.
A group of merchants approaches you Skyknights; one is a short, fat man dressed in very fine silk and cloth. Another is a rotund fellow clearly from the western coast, also dressed in silks and satins. A third is a lean, vulpine woman clad entirely in black leather vestments, and possessed of many many many piercings, some in very uncomfortable-looking places. There is a pair of merchants -- a husband and wife, perhaps -- from the east, four dwarves from the southeastern jungles, and lastly a half-orc dressed like a mountaineer. All are beginning to converge.
Your current interlocutor, meanwhile, appears unfazed by Mai's "manners". He, too, notices all the attention you're getting and speaks up. "Ah, but my friend, it is my concern. I am an appraiser of all things, and one who determines value and quality. And you see that my attention leads to more attention for what I notice, others know is worth noticing. They pay attention. I...reward those of certain temperament and quality and build. Like my companions here; Dulcine and Laha. My friends, I can promise you a good life, an easy life, one away from war and strife and pain and..." here he makes a significant look at Mai's hand resting on Stryke's hilt "...away from fighting. Please. Have a drink with me. I will buy you all a drink, gladly. My name is Hassan. Please. Will you come?" he gestures toward a nearby tavern.
The guard nods at Damian. "Very well, sir." He then points at a runner who darts into the city to fetch the Gorumite warrior. At Sir Damian's mention of the Lionhearts, the guard abruptly turns and spits in disgust. "Lionhearts?! No, sir; they're gone. Desserters, cowards, they left us in the middle of door-to-door fighting, trying to take back the southern suburbs from Black Dragonflight stragglers. They took all their men, all their supplies, and fled into the mountains without a word, fled west, and left us all out to dry. Gorum is on our side, though, and the Reaper of Reputation watches over us, and we fought and won and finished setting the city free without them. Our dwarven general, Gotrek, is the Awakener, and beloved of Iomedae. He is set to lead a force of dwarves into those same mountains to rid us of the Metallum Aeternum, that weird metal beast. I wish I could go with. They hope to find the Lionhearts en route and ask what in Our Lord In Iron's name they thought they were doing, leaving us like that. I know what I'd do, and it wouldn't be ask questions, but that's why I'm a soldier, not a captain. Dantoor and Gotrek know what they're doing. If it weren't for them and their friends, this city would still be occupied and I'd still be trapped in some ancient wizard's trinket!"
@Belsarious: A tall woman with an aquiline nose, dressed in leathers similar to the other woman described above, and also sporting a plethora of painful-looking piercings, approaches you. "Hello friend, you here for trade? I couldn't help but notice you've some powerful magic items in your backpack. You looking to sell them? 'Cos this is certainly the place to do it. I'm a weaponsmith, and a dealer, if you 've any interest..." She looks at you hopefully.
"Perhaps an exchange for something more suitable."
"I would prefer an elven curve blade or bow of seeking stead o those I have..."
"Perhaps two elven curve blades. Ken you bring such an let us discuss fairness within the tavern?"
Min and Lin exchanges odd glances as they watch the small gathering grow larger. Min chuckles lightly as Mai and Liv look to be overwhelmed by their small gathering, the talk of them being angels makes him chuckle as well.
{Your right about that Lin...}
Min moves closer to Belsarious, and the hidden abominations, and rests his hand lightly on his swordhilt. His stance was by no-means threatening, only betraying his readiness to defend Belsarious and Lin if need be. He kept a wary eye on their prisoner as well. Lest the wolfguard escape while they were distracted.
A group of merchants approaches you Skyknights; one is a short, fat man dressed in very fine silk and cloth. Another is a rotund fellow clearly from the western coast, also dressed in silks and satins. A third is a lean, vulpine woman clad entirely in black leather vestments, and possessed of many many many piercings, some in very uncomfortable-looking places.
Lin shakes her head and sighs as Min ponders asking what type of clothing the vulpine woman makes as she approaches.
"Lionhearts?! No, sir; they're gone. Desserters, cowards, they left us in the middle of door-to-door fighting, trying to take back the southern suburbs from Black Dragonflight stragglers. They took all their men, all their supplies, and fled into the mountains without a word, fled west, and left us all out to dry. Gorum is on our side, though, and the Reaper of Reputation watches over us, and we fought and won and finished setting the city free without them.
Min spits on the ground at the mention of Desserters, cowards, remaining quiet as the man finishes his angry speech. "Sometimes others reasoning for doing what they must cannot be explained. But I will tell you this much Guardsman..." He pulls the tattered remnants of the lionheart Tabard from his saddlebags. "The Lionhearts had a battle of their own to fight and they lost... Now is their any of their command left in the city?"
"Perhaps an exchange for something more suitable."
"I would prefer an elven curve blade or bow of seeking stead o those I have..."
"Perhaps two elven curve blades. Ken you bring such an let us discuss fairness within the tavern?"
"So you'd keep us as your pets for your amusement! I'd rather die than be you plaything! Are we done here!?" He snaps and then looks to Damian I'm annoyance.
@Belsarious: The leather-clad woman nods eagerly, then gestures towards a nearby tavern called "The Grumpy Bear". "But of course! Meet me in that tavern there, good sir, in ten minutes. I need to fetch some wares that I can show you for possible trade. I do indeed have an Elven blade, though only one. Hopefully it will meet your needs..." She then walks quickly off toward a large caravan collected at the south end of the courtyard. She whistles and shouts something, and a couple younger women, both dressed very much like her, rush forward to get their instructions from her.
@Mai: "Plaything? Pets? What? No, I..." the strange-looking man stammers and sputters, clearly not used to receiving such a harsh rebuke for his smooth overtures. Suddenly he seems to notice something out of the corner of his eye, and his tone changes. He snaps his fingers at the women, and they immediately fall in behind him. "Very well." He says, bowing to you and Livain. "I understand. A pity. Perhaps another time, you may wish an easier life than the rogue's existence you no doubt suffer now." With that he turns and walks off in a huff.
@Min: The guard gazes levelly back at you. "They may well have had their own fights, my lord, and I've no doubt they did what they felt was best at the moment. But the fact remains; they desserted us in the middle of battle, and for that we brand them cowards, or at least turncoats. Whatever business they had could have waited. Our Lord In Iron looks with great disfavor upon those who commit such acts, and they will be punished. Maybe not now, and maybe not by us, but they will get what's coming to them."
@Everyone: As the guard is finishing his diatribe, the runner returns and whispers something to him. The guard grunts. "Very well." He then addresses all of you, but mostly Sir Damian. "Dantoor has commanded us to let you through without being searched. He bids you come directly to the dock district where he, Calitox, Pike, Azu and Gotrek all await you." The man snaps a smart salute and barks at the other guards to get out of your way.
Min smiles grimly as he stares back levelly at the guard before him. As he opened his mouth to fire back angrily at the man, prepared to tear the man down a notch, Lin moved between them and watched the returning runner with intense interest. "Save your breath Min, nothing you say shall sway this one to see any truth but his own. So let it rest, besides we have more important matters to attend to then continuing blind bigotry..."
Min and Lin follow their fellows as they head to the Docks of Manaus. Min flexes his hands angrily while Lin watches him with a sad expression upon her scaled features.
Damian salutes back at the guard, making sure to show him ample respect. The backbone of any army is not in its champions, but rather in the rank and file members. This man likely has a family or someone who cares about him, someone who he fights for. Damian is mindful of this, thinking of the many brave men and women that he has fought with in the past and knowing that all their sacrifices are important. "Thank you, guardsman. I didn't catch your name, but I mean to. Wars are won by strength of character far more than arms, and you have shown that you can win this war." He motions to his companions to continue over the bridge before leading the way to the docks. "Are you ready?"
Lin nods to Sir Damian, as Min remains silent. "Whenever you are ready Sir Damian." She flexes mightily as she purposefully shifts the overburdened saddlebags, along with Belsarious, to make it more comfortable while walking. "Perhaps we can find the time to relieve some of the burden we have as well." She looks Min over with a critical eye before saying "And a good tailor, who specializes in flame resistant wears."
She turns to look over Sir Damian and Brook for a moment before huffing loudly. "Perhaps it's best we split up for now, I can meet up with the rest of you in due time. Unless you think it unwise to do so Sir Damian." She smiles toothily as Min looks at her with a shocked expression momentarily, apparently he hadn't seen this coming.
"It's Terance, Sir Damain, Terance is my name, and I thank you. May Gorum grant you strength, and may all your battles be glorious." The guard salutes again, though this time as a man of the faith of gorum more than as a soldier.
En route to the docks, you pass what is easily the largest structure on the bridge proper; the Council Tower. It is some eighty feet high and made entirely of wood with a stone foundation, and very well-fenestrated. The interior must be glorious, with ample sunlight. As you troop past, you note that most of the people within the walls here are very busy, and focused on fulfilling some task or other. There are very, very few taverns and only a couple inns. It is the commerce district, after all. Nonetheless, your passage does not go unnoticed, and many people salute or cry out as you go by, always with a greeting or salute or some friendly words.
You arrive at the docks in time to see a boat being lowered hastily back down to the water, and Dantoor and his companions walking towards you. The short, muscular gorumite is clad in his usual spiky armor. Calitox, the Enhathladi rogue, spies you first. "Hey, Skyknights! Good to see you all and good to see you all still in one piece. Who are these three? What brings you back our way?"
Dantoor gives a curt nod. "Do we need to speak privately? it can be arranged."
Min exchanges handshakes with the Calitox and nods to Dantoor respectfully. "Good to see you as well, i'm glad to see you survived liberating Manaus and congratulation on your victory. As for these three I'm not at liberty to say who they are, only that they are comrades in arms. So Calitox is the liberation of the city complete?"
Calitox casts a sidelong look at Nurianna, Bardas, and Mina but then shrugs and turns back to Min and Damian. "Thank you. It was quite a task, as you can imagine. We just finished clearing out the suburbs two days ago. There is an..."issue"...southeast of the southern suburbs, you probably saw it on your way in..."
Dantoor then picks up the conversation, his brow furrowed but his stony face otherwise impassive as usual. "Kuthites. Set up a small community. They were set up in the city, but moved out at our behest. Now, though, there is some kind of base or outpost of them in the near foothills that we're going to investigate. Azu here reports seeing slavers from Leng moving about up there, and many many more Kuthites. Something suspicious is going on and if it's slave trade, well, we're gonna put a stop to that right quick. No patience for it."
A dwarf approaches from the stables. He is wearing full plate armor made entirely of dead Metallum, and his powerful axe appears to be made of the same material. On the breastplate is the longsword-and-sun crest of Iomedae. he nods as he reaches you. "There'll be no quarter given to slavers in this town. Maybe the old council put up with it, but we won't." he grumbles fiercely.
Damian shakes Dantoor's hand vigorously, a meeting between leaders. "Good to see you all successfully freed the city. It seems that you've done a good job. Slavers are an abomination upon all that we hold dear, so I'm glad to see that you will give them no place to rest and begin their insidious hold. However, knowing Kuthites, it may be even more insidious. I don't trust them, less so since they tried to convince my squire to join their number. Do you recall Brook? He's growing into quite the warrior on this quest. One day, he'll be stronger than either of us old men." He smiles at his squire affectionately as he gestures towards him to Dantoor. The young boy has grown stronger and more confident from the skinny child that he took under his wing. He is not yet a man, not even close, but Damian can see a glimmer of the boy's potential. "As for our purpose here today, I would appreciate in some semblance of privacy. Is Pike around? This is a conversation that he needs to be part of."
Dolo looks at the approaching dwarf. The armor was an amazing sight to behold. Could this dwarf be the one guarding the army of Iomedae that will stop the Mettallum threat?
Dantoor nods. "Sure. I suspected as much. We can use the roustabouts' tavern over here. I don't trust that gaggle of gossiping fools back at the Council Tower. I bet they'd eavesdrop. Azu!" The gorumite calls up to his companion, the winged tengu. "Get Pike and have him meet us at the Surly Carp over there." Azu squawks assent and flies north.
The group of you cross over the docks and are able to get a close look at the marvel of engineering that is the Manaus Winches as you go by. Those that built them must have been geniuses to assemble such an amazingly complex and yet supremely quick and efficient amalgam of magic and mechanics.
Dantoor clears out the bar with a glower and some sharp words for the barman, who departs out the front door. While you are waiting for pike, the dwarf introduces himself. "I am Gotrek, by the by, warrior of Iomedae; I was under the mountain when these fellas met you. I had a...mission to undertake."
Presently Azu returns with Pike, the bookish Alchemist recognizing you as soon as he enters the dimly lit bar. "Hi guys! Nice to see all of you again. What's going on?"
Damian shakes the hand of Gotrek as they walk, introducing himself without the long list of titles. As they all come together, Damian takes it upon himself to make the long set of introductions. "Both of your groups know myself and the Skyknights." He turns to the saviors of Manaus to introduce them first, as it is only polite that the elven royal is deferred to. "Princess Mina, this is Dantoor, a cleric of Gorum. He and his friends are the ones responsible for freeing this great city. We fought a great battle with them several weeks ago and received one of the Abominations from them, a snowglobe that threatens to envelop the whole of the Lands in ice. His allies are Calitox , Azu, and Pike, along with the dwarf Gotrek, who we have also just met. Pike, much like Bardas, is bound to the Snowglobe." He turns to Dantoor and his troops for the second round. "May I introduce Princess Mina of Tuatha and her retinue, Nurianna and Bardas. Bardas suffers from the same ailment that Pike does, namely a connection to the Abominations that must be severed. We were sent out by Captain Merit of Izmir to find them and receive several more of the Abominations from them. Thanks to our combined efforts, we are halfway to our goal to finding and destroying all of them. However, we will need to return to Izmir with Pike and Bardas to sever their connections to the Abominations so that they too can be destroyed. The Land will not be safe until this is so."
Min grimaced at the word of the Kuthites in hills, and the possible slave trade they were starting. "If you need help dealing with this problem let Lin and I know. The quicker its dealt with, the sooner people can return to their disrupted lives..." He regretted his words as soon as he said them, they were still on a mission and his 'aid' wa hollow at best until the abominations were dealt with. Sighing he followed the others to the roustabouts bar.
Once the bar was cleared out, Min bowed respectfully to Azu. He was glad to see the odd Tengu again but he was also glad Lin wasn't here to stare at the poor fellow, sometimes her curiosity got the best of her. "Good to meet you Gotrek, Warrior of Iomedae. I am Min, last Dragonrider of Heartland, my companion Lindórievórea is not here but i'm sure you will meet her soon enough. Impressive arms and armor you have, it looks fairly durable but how is the weight?"
He gives pike a bemused smile momentarily, as he was caught off guard by the mans change in 'attitude'. Last he remembered the man was howling in rage over the abomination. Funny how things change...
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Lin moved about the city on her own, she tried to stick to the larger roads and by-way because of er considerable bulk. she marveled at the city around her, despite the over abundant use of magic she was always entranced by the means and feats that humanoids came up with to change their every day lives. The great craneworks earned a great deal of her respect.
Today though she sought out blacksmiths, wizards and tailors, she had many requests and hopefully she could get some fulfilled. As she traveled about the city she kept a watchful eye on the saddlebags on her backside, she had had Min secure it in a way where she could better get to what she needed. Sneak thieves were always a possibility though and she didn't want any of the items in the bags to be lost.
It was hard for her to ignore the pointed stares of the people around her, she held her head high and moved about purposefully. Finally she approached a street vendor in her search for directions. "Is there a commons or perhaps a trade district? I'm trying to find a good set of clothes and armor, but I am in need of a wizard to mend some of my wares."
Belsarious waits for the woman who might have some trade with him.....
He nods during the fancy introductions and of course adds his own...
"I am Belsarious of the lost tribe of tha great trackless woods, a witch, a ranger an eldritch knight of no known greatness."
@Belsarious:
Dantoor and the others listen attentively, all experienced enough to know that only by understanding all the forces at play can one hope to gain the best tactical advantage in a given situation. When Sir Damian and Min are done, the gorumite speaks. "Well, if you need Pike, that's certainly fine with us. He's his own man, after all."
The young academic pipes up. "I should definitely go. Things aren't well for me, I feel wan and half here most of the time, and am hardly able to assist as I should. Plus if I were to go with to Izmir, I could aid Professor Luckbender in research. In fact, if you wish, we could go on to Stormfare and I could talk to my father; perhaps he will let us in to the Tower in the Hec so we can view Fen's Omnibus. That would help you all tremendously." Pike seems genuinely excited about the prospect of heading out with you all.
Calitox, the lethal Enhathladi bowyer, is eyeing Min. "We're planning a raid on the Kuthite suburb tomorrow, before dawn. We're going to burn it to the ground. If you and the other Skyknights want to help, we certainly won't say no. We've got a solid corps of men whose morale would skyrocket if a silver dragon and a hippogriff were aiding them."
Gotrek nods. "My armor is made from the dead flesh of the Metallum Aeternum, my friend; the metallum is a hive-mind outsider that devours ores and which makes its home mostly here in the Mana Mountains. It's my job to destroy it, you see, and it can only be killed by weapons made of its own flesh, and only armor made of its own flesh can repel its attacks. It's about as heavy as normal plate, maybe a bit lighter. Here, try my axe if you like. Get a feel for the heft of it, it'll inspire you." The powerful, tall dwarf (he's a smidge over 5' tall) holds out his massive dwarven battleaxe for Min to take. It is indeed a masterful and magicked weapon. The tiny runes all along its handle glow silver in the dank bar.
You all can't help but notice that Dantoor's spiked armor is filthy and blood-stained and tinged with gore, while Gotrek's is as pure and clean as driven snow.
@Lin: The tradesman smiles up at you. "Milady dragon, a pleasure. Are you a friend of our Prefect, Lord Na-Dilion? Dragons used to be a sight more common 'round these parts, but these days mostly stick to Manacapuru and the lands west. Can't say I blame 'em, neither. Now, what brings you here?"
At your queries, he twists his mouth thoughtfully. "Well, mending and armor and weapons're easy enough to come by, especially now. I can point you to a half-dozen places within sight of us that'll scratch that itch for you. But a wizard...that's tougher. We've got some clerics here, but not a lot of wizards come by this way and stay. They're always just passing through. You know, you might check with Dantoor and those fellas, though; I think the council sent for a wizard that could do some work for them. Maybe see what they say?"
[b]"Are the kuthites a danger? Also would you be able to make one of these blades out of that material?"/b] Maiathreen asks the dwarf as he draws Stryje from his sheath.
Lin ponders for a moment but the name wasn't familiar to her, she didn't know many dragons or high ranking people because of how remote Heartland had been. She only knew of the few she had met since they had came to Izmir...
She did however remember the names of many of their enemies and they had far too man of those...
"The name isn't familiar to me and I am sad to hear that not many dragons travel this way much anymore. Maybe the liberation of the city will be cause enough for some of them to return. You have caused me to become curious though and I will have to pay a visit to Prefect Na-Dilion, so that I can introduce myself properly while i'm in the city." She considers what he said for a moment before continuing. "I will also need an Appraiser as well, now that I think of it. So much to do~ But first tell me which shops are the most reputable and I will start there."
Once she gets the information she seeks she fishes out a gold piece from Min's money pouch and pays the man for his aid before bidding him fair well.
Buy Clothing for Min (silly I know, if there is something special out there it would be fun RP if not I can just deduct the amount for a clothing kit from the PF books.
Buy Set of armor for Damian's Squire to further the lads training and to provide him with more protection when they return to Izmir.
Sell Livain's old bow, the +1 (+3 Str) Mighty comp longbow, unless someone wants it. @ 50% cost (I don't know what magic items usual re-sell for~ =/) its worth 1350gp I think...
Buy Get a proper Identify performed on the Power Orb.
Pay for an Appraiser to Appraise the non-magical Blood Pearl's we found.
Locate and get prices on some wands of CMW and CLW or other useful healing items.
Find if there is a market for Enhathladi weapons.
Kind of a tall order but we will see how far I get I just don't want to slow things down. =/
Can't really think of anything else, I will have to consult the others on what Items we need to buy. I remember talk of a Cure wand of some sort but a cure moderate wand is expensive >.>; we can afford a cure light wounds one if its available and we sell the blood pearls.
[/ooc]
He gives the weapon a quick twirl, testing the weight and balance of the magical axe before handing it back to Gotrek. He gives a low whistle of appreciation for the craftsmanship of the fine weapon as he shakes his head. "I'd love to see a lance made out of that metal, it would be a devastating weapon against the dragonflight no doubt. I wish as well that I could convince Lin to wear armor like yours Gotrek, sometimes she is far to vulnerable for my liking. I wish we could aid you in your endeavors my friend, because I will admit I wish I could lay claim to some of that fine metal."
Min grimaces at the thought of convincing Lin to aid in assaulting the Kuthite nest outside the city. "As I said I would stand with you Calitox, those Kuthites make my skin crawl and i've been itching for some payback after they tried to convince Damian's squire to join their bloody cause. But Lin will be more difficult and Sir Damian for that matter, our main goal is the abominations as you know and we have had many detours as of late so he may not go for it." He pauses for a moment looking at the doors of the tavern for a moment as he tried to feel where exactly Lin was before speaking further. "Lin won't agree to it unless we have reason to attack, she's far to noble to strike without provocation. Not after..." He paused again his features darkening as he realized his mistake and then quickly he shook his head to clear his thoughts.
It was then he decided to pull out a set of weapons wrapped in cloth and set them before the deadly Calitox. "If you can find more proof to convince her then she will gladly fly to the aid of slaves but we need more then just rumor alone. A report would do nicely and a detailed one, shes a stickler for facts. But since I last saw you we found some peculiar items. I'm not much of a wizard, nor do I know much about Enhathladi weapons but I thought i'd show you this blade we got from the red dragonflight spec ops we fought." He reveals the black bladed sword and is careful to make sure it is still sheathed.
"We also found a Power Orb up in an old wizard tower that the Red Dragonflight had taken over, it wasn't far from a fallen Lionheart bastion as well. Poor bastards were overrun when the Red Dragonflight attacked them, all we found were bones and death. Trust me when I say we have been having a lot of troubles since we saw you last..."