Volcano's Land - A New Beginning

Game Master Miner Cotren

Kallik gives a bitter laugh. "The worst part was the High Inquisitors going crazy, trying to sacrifice innocent elens and tear the city apart with a civil war on top of it. They were working for some mad god, the Smiler. Ibinu knows more about that than me." Shaking her head, "Inam took care of all that though. She's amazing when she stops apologizing for herself. And that dumb bird can be handy too." Another laugh, more genuine. You realize she is talking about the phoenix you have seen atop the paladin's shoulder.

Waiting for Sequoya and Mishipeshu to be done on the ladder. Walking easily on the doublewide branches, "As if that wasn't enough, this Elder pops out of nowhere, drawing oreads in and making ifrits mad. There's one Watch, like a group of guards from a different part of town, who have a real dislike for us."

Ibinu, despite your warming enchantments, you can tell it is surprisingly cold in the Temple library as you enter. All of the fireplaces are dark, unlit. On the bench where you left Karoff, you see three open books - the beginner's debate book you gave it ; an atlas ; and a manual of swordmaking techniques.

You hear a crunching sound, and you see the reason for the depleted hearths - Karoff is eating the last of the burning logs and branches, which you are learning is a common element of a growing drake's diet.

"Uncle! Do you know where we might procure more wood for these burning boxes? I taste the flavors of a thousand nights of tinder and flame in each bite!"

Ibinu smiles as his nephew at least appears to know how to read.

"Well no, but why don't we go find out. It would be wise if you could learn how to create your own food. Another important lesson in learning how this world works is figuring out how to ask others for help. We elen are a communal species, there is a good deal of cooperation to survive."

A saurian bellow, "MORE WOOD IS NEEDED! MORE FIRE IS NEEDED! OBEY YOUR COUNCIL!"

As the echoes from its shout fade, Karoff asks you in a normal voice, "Uncle, a drake trains for war with sparring - practice by doing. So what is this book for? I will not be reading at council meetings, so why am I practicing reading instead of better yelling?"

Kallik stops before reaching the interior stairs. She looks up, toward soaring branches, whole neighborhoods of mothers and children. Then looks down, towards the roots. Staring at the ground, seemingly past it. She tilts her head toward her axe, listening to a silent voice.

"Ah. It must have come from the roots. That's where this new presence came from. That's where he'll really be. Come on."

Ibinu cringes as the dragon yells. He thinks for a second then it clicks.

Slamming his now clawed hands onto the table he matches the tenor of the drakes yell, "YOU INSOLENT WHELP! THIS IS NOT YOUR WORLD, DO NOT COMMAND IT LIKE IT IS."

Taking a deeeeeeep breath, with a little smoke slipping out as he exhales he swaps over to draconic, "Karoff, you have been to PART of ONE meeting where very little happened. You will FAIL your duty to your mother by simply showing up and yelling. It worked once because I manipulated the situation with subtle words. You won't need to learn that kind of manipulation, but you will need to learn more about this town and this world and use that information to guide your arguments. Simply yelling louder than someone else does not mean you win a debate."

He holds up a single finger as the claws retract, "Now then. I respect your wish to learn by doing. So follow me and let us practice!

Lead the drake to the (hopefully empty) council room. Teach the drake the way council meetings are run using his own guards as stand-ins for the other council members. Start teaching him about how rhetoric works (emotional and rational arguments, etc...). Once that is done and they have practiced a bit, shift to something more fun. Maybe a tour of the city or something ending in tracking down everyone in their group for a meal out?

Karoff instantly responds to your tone, flinching dark yellow smoke for a moment, then paying complete attention to your words. You can tell that it does not understand everything you say, but asks no questions for now. The faux council works much better - you can tell the abstract concepts and rules make an impression as the drake goes through the motions.

At the end of the lesson, Karoff asks, earnestly, "When next I go to council, would it be better to say nothing at all and just watch? Like when first learning how to claw and how to flame?"

the site is wonky, won't let me put an image for this alias for now

Sequoya, a quick trip, almost a slide, down the round ramps of the interior staircases of the Young Elder. Down the trunk. Down to the huge taproot, a hollow tunnel spiraling down. The taproot tunnel drips with moisture taken from the surrounding soil. Round and round, echoing drips in the gloom...

And as you finish the last long turn, the tunnel widens and opens into a tangled rootball conjunction. Lazily, easily leaning back on this nest of roots, tendrils and soil, a muscular oread el sits like a king upon his throne. He smiles at you, an emerald slash of straight teeth in a red pine-needle beard. His voice has the rasp of a tired dockworker, but he speaks in a glib, lilting tone.

"Two axes, two warriors? Or enchantresses? Speak, you eles that would stink of magic in my realm." The walls of the root chamber writhe with those same vague faces as he gazes upon the two of you with amused eyes the color of hallucinogenic frogskin.

Kallik responds, flatly, "I'm Kallik. You know that. We met when you were an el of the Watch. This is Sequoya, and this is Mishipeshu. They're with me. What do you want."

Ibinu nods, "That is a very wise thought. As expected, you are a quick learner." He points to the door, "Let's get outta this temple, feels stuffy all of a sudden. I need to see the sky again."

Tour of city, attempt to track down other blessed to catch up with them over dinner (looking for an Ifrit place specializing in brick oven cooked stuff so Karoff can eat the embers that likely are infused with delicious drippings or crusties). Definitely good OOC with waiting till the Oreads are done with their deal before anything else with Ibinu.

Sequoya, Odebie flicks his mad eyes over to you. "I would hear her name from her own lips. Then you may go, as I have no use for witches and sorceresses that are not under my control."

Sequoya's face doesn't betray her thoughts the her body language is wary. Studying the obviously powerful oread, she wordlessly signals to Mishipeshu not to attack, but the powerful tiger remains coiled, ready to pounce at a moment's notice.

"Definitely not enchantresses." she says, glancing sidelong at Kallik. "And yes, I am Sequoya."

Leaning forward, breath slightly rancid like compost and wet laundry, he grins, "No magic at all to you?"

Kallik gives something like a growl. "'And then you may go', right? Isn't that what you said?" Tense, wanting to leave before things get worse. "Let's go."

And with that, she turns around and starts walking out of the root chamber. "I'll be back when I'm ready. And with the rest of my friends."

Ibinu, out in the open winter air, Karoff runs ahead to a corner of the temple courtyards and jumps bare-clawed into a snow drift. "Haha! With the protective magic upon me, it only feels tingly and sandy. Like a fine minty dessert for my claws!"

It goes quiet for a moment, staring past your shoulder, back at the Temple. You see the black obsidian colossus reflected in its lava-bright eyes. "Uncle, this may be a wrymling's question, but what is the purpose of accumulating more power? What if you had all the power you could possibly get...what would you do?"

Ibinu is a bit surprised by the question, "I uh... let me think a bit as we walk. That is an interesting question."

He muses for a while, "Well, some want power for different reasons. They may be afraid of death they want power to live forever. Or they may just want enough power to be in control of things in their lives. The really dangerous ones enjoy controlling other's lives though and get joy twisting and screwing with others."

"But that wasn't really your question. I think... if I had all the power I would just want to improve things. Make lives better. And it doesn't even require all the power to do that. One elen can make just one other elen's life better." He glances over at Sophia as he says that, then back to Karoff. "But... just like one can make things better, one can also make things worse. That's where wisdom comes in. The ability to make the best guess as to the outcome of our actions. One who seeks wisdom first will be much better able to handle power than one who seeks power first."

Karoff is uncharacteristically silent as it contemplates your words.

Kallik stomps back up the winding wet taproot, her anger echoed in little concentric rings in the puddles of water. One step at a time. Using peripheral vision, looking for those awful faces n the wood. Nothing. Walking out one of the cracks in the trunk. Outside, still under the watchful branches. Keep walking.

Now out from the branches, but still in his territory. Walk until we're at the Temple. Damn the place but it's home. Good to have more of her guards around. Tight grip on her axe, she keeps saying "It's ok." to herself.

Ibinu, you see Kallik, Sequoya, and Mishipeshu all coming into the courtyards as you finish your last few thoughts.

Taking a moment to glare silently at the menacing elen, Sequoya and Mishipeshu silently take their leave, following Kallik's path, practically smelling her anger, a scent that reminded the huntress of nettles.

Once they were somewhat clear of his obvious domain she speaks quietly, "I get the feeling that our next encounter with that one will end in blood."

Ibinu waves over at the Oreads, "Hail friends! We were looking for you all. Interested in finding a place to eat dinner? I was going to show Karoff around and get him some Ifrit cuisine. Do you have an idea where Inam might be located as well?"

Etrah swoops down from the sky, phoenix plumage blazing in the winter air. "Good timing is all part of being a Chosen One. We are here."

Inam, following behind Etrah, waves to all of you, her face distracted and tired. It has clearly been a long day of healing.

Kallik nods. "Something to eat would be good. Long day."

Ibinu consults with Sophia, asking her about a couple places that he recalls seeing signs for and hearing chatter about.

Knowledge: Local for a Place to Eat: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

since this was like 4 years ago I'm going to unabashedly copy and paste

You go to Alfredo's, a local ifrit restaurant that Kallik, Inam, and Ibinu have frequented a handful of times in the last weeks. There is an odd implement--what appears to be a pitchfork--hanging above the entrance to the small restaurant. The building, crammed between a moneylender's and a tailor's, has somewhat worn daisy-yellow paint. Two round windows flank the rough wooden door. Lui and Antonio wait outside as Edoardo and Sophia accompany the rest of you, but remain standing.

The low-ceilinged restaurant contains far too many tables and chairs for its size, and navigating through them is a tricky proposition. You take your time. Near the back, you find a table with four chairs. Karoff borrows a fifth chair from an adjacent table without asking, then sits down with a satisfied grunt. A dozen low conversations swim around you, and the artificial smells of perfume and incense from the nearby market are replaced with the more natural scents of cooking meat and vegetables.

Kallik says, as soon as everyone is seated, "So there is some strange Fey spirit who is living as a king inside the Elder. It was unfriendly. Hostile."

Ibinu thinks for a bit as he glances over the menu, gonna need the dryest wine they have to wash out that sugar wine taste still lingering from lunch.

"Well that is quite interesting. Is it a concern we need to deal with? I'll trust your expertise but the last thing I want to do is lead an attack on the tree, I'm afraid that might split the Oreads into a full out revolt."

Kallik orders whatever house rocks they have, not caring. "Damn. You're right. We can't move until he does something worse."

Karoff listens with keen interest. "Why not poison? Or use temple magic to curse this tree-person? No one gets mad from big attack, but problem is gone!"

Inam clears her throat politely. "Typically in, ah, elen socities, we agree not to poison one another. We find ways of talking it out." She shrugs. "Or sometimes by slaying monsters. But not poison." She takes her first bite of a simple spaghetti dish. "No wanton destruction allowed, okay? The Warrior will not approve."

Etrah gives a single sharp bird-nod, agreeing with his ward's words.

Ibinu adds, not quite supporting Inam's viewpoint but at least supporting the idea behind it, "It's a decent thought, but poison is also very indiscriminate. It may hurt the elder."

He adds, "Are we even sure that this oread is a bad thing? Unfriendly and Hostile is pretty much par for the course of the beings we encounter and I don't think we've specifically targeted any of them until they showed an obvious intent to harm us or others. Could you collect some more information and try to figure out their plans?"

Once that topic is resolved he brings up another.

"So I have discovered that there are other..." he puts his fingers in the corners of his mouth and stretches it into a smile, "...followers, but the theory runs that they have fled Hearth and are heading towards Forge. I can't leave town right now with the festival about to culminate, but after that we might consider a trip that way to see if we can uncover something or at least warn them."

Kallik shrugs. "Just a bad feeling. I'll keep an eye on him. Odebie of the North Tribe." She shakes her head, trying to rid herself of the memory.

She nods to Sequoya. "When I do patrol out there, I'd feel better if you and Mishipeshu came along."

Inam looks over at Etrah, paladin and phoenix together contemplating the future.

"There is definitely something malicious about him." Sequoya confirms.

"Absolutely. We'd be happy to patrol with you Kallik" The other oread replies with a smile.

Ibinu, after lunch is done and the four of you go your separate ways, promising to meet again later that evening, you feel a familiar ache in your horns. The message from the Cauldron Lady is blessedly brief:

The Ardere Watch will be a powerful ally within Hearth, if properly cultivated. There will be a threat on Captain Tareasca's life soon. You must protect her life, or the consequences will be dire.

Inam, the messages from your god as neither as direct nor as painful as those from the Lady. But you receive a strong feeling of foreboding, tingling in your toes and settling in the pit of your stomach. Etrah intones, cryptically, "Our part may simply be to watch, Champion. I pray it will not end in blood."

Sequoya, you receive a sharp red warning from your amulet. The old witch-haired witch sounds alarmed, which concerns you. What is going on there, child? I feel a burning anger. Is it you? What is wrong?

Kallik, you are tired. There was food, but you hardly remember it. Empty room, Lui waiting outside. You perk up a bit - you see a letter with Egret's loopy, beautiful handwriting on the outside envelope.

But the letter inside is not in her handwriting.

Your hands start to shake, and there is a lump in your throat. Your body is reacting to something that your mind has not processed yet. Not allowed to process it.

And then, unnoticed until now, just as your numb thoughts begin to soak in what is happening, what these words mean,

floating to the floor like a silent raven wing, a lock of her hair. A piece of her, frozen in time. It hits the floor now. It is slightly curled, just as you remember. It is impossible that it is hers. It curls the same way. It is hers.

A lock of Egret's hair.
Inside a ransom note.

BOOK 3. MERCURY MORN

We will return when the Plagues of Man no longer ravage the earth.

Check the last few posts for the most recent transpirings. For context, it is evening, and you have all retired to your individual quarters in the Temple for the night. Sequoya, your quarters are right down the hall from Kallik's.

Ibinu, after lunch is done and the four of you go your separate ways, promising to meet again later that evening, you feel a familiar ache in your horns. The message from the Cauldron Lady is blessedly brief:

The Ardere Watch will be a powerful ally within Hearth, if properly cultivated. There will be a threat on Captain Tareasca's life soon. You must protect her life, or the consequences will be dire.

Ibinu pauses in the street and moves over to a wall to brace himself as his horns ache. He waves off assistance and once the message is received he thinks for a bit as they resume walking, "Hmmm... how to do this. Friends, what do you know about the Ardere Watch, Captain Tareasca and what they have been up to while we were gone? Or just any general information about the watches?"

I do have K: Local if you want this to be a roll. It can even be RP'd as the info he knows being what is shared with him. Let me know!

Sophia watches your pain with sympathy, but she knows all too well it is simply the price of being in service to the Cauldron Lady. When she hears your question, she shrugs, thinking. "Nothing special. They've been quiet. I hear they've been really trying to make things better with the oreads in the Stem Slums, trying to bring a few of them onto the force and learning a few phrases in Oread, that kind of thing. Do you want me to have someone look into them?"

summary of the watches coming in a bit

edit to above post - I forgot, Edoardo stepped down/refused Captain of the Temple Guard to be closer to Inam. Dove is in that role

Nodding to Lui but any energy for conversation has long since been stripped from her. He should not be surprised she wants to read in solitude after all.

Dropping the letter while lunging for the lock of hair that should never be on the ground like that. A growl rips its way out of her throat. Tucking on hand against her chest, the closest she can get Egret to her. Trying to push herself up but nothing is working. Everything is shaking.

Blinking rapidly and sucking in a breath, realizing she had forgotten to breath. The numb feeling hits again and lifting her head is like trying to push against a strong wind. "Lu.. Lu.."

Shaking her head. She is not some weak fool, stripped of her voice. Never-mind that she cannot seem to stand. Her head is to heavy so she lets her cheek collide on the hard stone. "Lu..Lui..."

Growling across the ground and glaring at the closed door. Breathing in deeply but her first attempt gets caught in her throat. Trying a second time, "Lui!"

Kallik, the door bangs open, Lui nearly tripping on his wooden foot as he comes barreling in. He looks around, wild eyed, "Kallik? Mio Vulco, what is it?"

Flailing her arm out towards the letter to try to hand it to Lui, if he does not take it himself. Blinking away tears, "I told her she would be safe."

Lui's face does not change. His left hand hardens into a fist, while the hand holding the letter remains steady. He takes a deep breath, and lets it go.

In a flat voice, he says, "I'll go grab my troops. You get yourself ready, and maybe ask Sequoya to come along too. Seems like a good tracker. And Kallik?"

He waits until you look up at him. "You have to decide whether you're telling Inam about this, or if we're going on our own."

He goes to the door, grabs the handle. His eyes hot now, angry, but still in control. "We will get her back, Kallik. It's your call how we play it. Me and my guys? We. Will. Follow."

You hear the click, click of his wooden foot, then the door closes again. You are alone. Alone...

Ibinu soaks in the info and thinks while walking towards the shops district. "Well, let's see what we can see. I've got a friendly ear I wouldn't mind seeing again and it's on the right side of town. To the rich district."

Headed to see Fiordelise (sp?)

Ibinu, you know the way, and the walk is not long. You find the Locatelli residence in the Mansions after a short walk through snow-covered opulence. The same strong, tall stone walls remind you more of a fortress than a home. The mansion within the walls is all dark timbers and accents of marble and ivory.

A sylphan servant bows deeply to you, and invites you to a comfortable waiting room. Less than five minutes later, Fi enters, wearing riding leathers with hair done up in a complex braid of red and orange.

"Strambo! How is that dragon friend of yours these days?" She pulls a small bottle of wine from a dark wood cabinet. "I'm in the mood to celebrate. The reports came in, and the mines to the north are booming. It's a good time to be in weapons."

Sitting down and looking more closely, "Is something wrong, Ibinu?"

Quietly nodding and feeling more steady with Lui's confidence. looking at her hand and briefly seeing bloody claws. Part pf her wants to give into that rage that is so hard to keep locked in the back of her mind. Growling at herself and shaking her head.

Sitting up on her knees and taking a few steadying breaths. One hand clinched around the strands of hair and the other drifts to the axe at her side.I just wanted to rest... The blade is cool against her palm.

Tucking the lock of hair into a pocket before standing up. Spine ramrod again. Every muscle is locked tight as she moves towards the door. Leaning her head against the wood and gripping the door handle. A few more steadying breaths. Opening the door and closing it silently behind her.

Looking around Ibinu's door and a growl crawls out of her throat. I can't know if she would have been safer with me... Looking helplessly between Inam's door and down to Sequoya's. Moving to the huntress's door and knocking three times. Leaning close to the door, "Sequoya I need your help."