Rau takes the egg with another nod. "Since birth. Father was a scout, Mother was in the church. I took after both and started hunting for Pharasma. Was a Royal Accuser before Ustalav fell. Working with the Prince gave me a distaste for politics, but didn't weaken my beliefs. Spent the "crusade" mostly hunting alone but jumping in on fights as I found them." He looks up at Volkar "Some of these men we're with I've fought next to. You I have not. What's your story?"
Volkar considers how much of his history he should share, then decides that, if he's going to be journeying with Rau, he needed to trust him. "Well, you can tell who my father was from my last name. However, I am not a legitimate offspring, and spent very little time with him. Much of what I know of him is through reputation, hearsay, and observing the effects of his policies.
"I grew up in Sturnidae, near the Furrows, after he exiled my mother and I from his presence. It was then that strange things began happening. When the gray ash would blow in, I saw the shapes of the soldiers, and heard the sounds of battle. Objects would move around me, and the townsfolk thought I might be haunted by some ghost. Once the undead swept into Barstoi, however, they had something else to worry about. My father's armies were defeated, and he himself rumored dead. My mother and I fled - first across the Furrows to Varno, where voices guided us to safety after we became lost. As the horde came to Ilmarsh, we fled by boat across Avalon Bay to Vauntil. It was there the undead caught up to us and my mother died. It was also where my abilities fully manifested."
Looking at his hands, Volkar says, "Some of the magic users in the Crusade called it innate magic. They said it was in my blood, waiting to be released, and would have come forth regardless of situation. Regardless, it gave me the ability to destroy the zombies that had cornered us, and to cremate my mother's remains so that she wouldn't join them. I fled to Caliphas, then Lastwall, where I finally learned to control my abilities in the refugee camps. Then I joined the Crusade. The magic users who taught me something of my abilities said that through some unique quirk, my powers were heavily tied to the Ethereal Plane, and I can manifest aspects of it in the form of a raw substance called ectoplasm."
Looking back at the Pharasmin inquisitor, he said, "Now I am here, charged to act as an ambassador and guardian to hopefully bring some form of relief and protection to the people of Ustalav. It has been an interesting path I've walked."
Keryn sees the other two men sitting and chatting, and approaches. "Good morning." He takes the proffered bread with a nod and a smile. "Thank you." He does not take a seat, instead standing near the two men, listening as they talk.
Azorius listens as he approaches, merely nodding in greeting so as not to interfere in Volkar's tale. "Your abilities can be put to good use in the days ahead of us. It will no doubt take all of our cunning and resources to prevail."
"Though the religious inclinations of Rau and I are obvious I would know who else amongsts you favours Pharasma among the gods as their patron?"
Thorek, who had listened to the tale, said ”Magrim. Overseer and judge of the Dwarven dead. I respect yer human god, but he’s nay mine.”
Volkar nods. "I favor Pharasma, as well, although I have respect for most other deities. For instance, without the Iomedaens of Lastwall, who knows how far the undead scourge could have gone?"
Rau nods at Thorek appreciatively. "Pharasma and Magrim hold some of the same ideals as guardians of the gates between this world and the next. The respect they hold for each other I hold for you as well."
Keryn smiles at the question. "As mentioned, I follow the Inheritor. Despite any animosity that may or may not have existed between our faiths following Aroden's demise, I respect the Lady of Graves. Seeing enough death will do that."
"I have specially created chalices anointed to hold a fraction of Pharasma's blessings that she grants to be for a day. To most it is merely water, but to those who strive to serve her the echo of her grace will grant them healing. Due to the practical restrains these have lids to prevent easy spillage. For those who they will benefit I would distribute them at dusk each day." Azorius takes out a lidded goblet embellished with various Pharasma's Spiral on the lid. The general form seems reminiscent of an hour glass. The base is more heavily weighted to reduce the chances of accidental toppling.
"I may not be able to be present at all times, this will offer a measure of aid at such moments. Those who fail to plan ahead when facing the undead join their ranks far quicker than those who hone their foresight."
Rau looks up at Keryn "Your Mistress may have been upset that the Lady did not reveal Aroden's pending death, but that is just Pharasma's way. My Lady herself holds no dislike for any god but Urgathoa, and I strive to follow her example of neutrality. Churches as institutions sometimes hold grudges with each other that the Gods themselves do not feel, but we as individuals should follow the Gods, not the institutions. I personally hold no animosity for you due to your beliefs, monk."
General Gallispar nods as the group indicates the questions have ended. "Very good. I'll have Dalliv see you off tomorrow. May your Patrons watch over you."
He stands up and leaves, followed by the rest of his soldiers. A moment later, a young soldier appears and leads you out of the tent and to the perimeter of the camp.
-----
As you chat and break your fast, Captain Dalliv rides up on a white warhorse. Stopping, he dismounts, and bows low in greeting. "Good morning, Sirs. I have satchels for each of you containing your papers and official documents. Please keep them on you, as they may be required to prove your identities after you leave Grayce."
"Fort Justice is a bit over 20 miles from here, so you could reach it in a day if mounted. By foot, you will likely need to camp overnight."
"I also have one last gift."
He pulls out a small scroll case and hands it to Azorius.
"This is a magic scroll of messaging. Our troops use them to communicate messages that are not urgent or critical. Providing updates, requisitioning supplies, things like that. "
"The General would like you to keep him aware of any significant accomplishments or successes you have during the mission. Simply remove the scroll, write your message, then put the scroll back in the case. The message is transferred to a book in the General's possession. After an hour or so, the message disappears and the scroll can be used again."
"Is there anything else I can do for you before you depart"
At just before the agreed hour, christian rides up in a wagon. A tarp cover the wagon which has lots of supplies in it. Seeing most everyone is there, he hails the group.
Good morning to everyone. Sorry for not being here earlier but I had some home improvements that needed attending to before I could depart.
He turns to greet Captain Dalliv.
Good morning Captain.
Tomas joins the group, taking a chunk of bread with a grateful nod to Rau and offering the others some pasties he got from an early rising vendor. Hot and filled with ham & cheese.
He leans against the walls and listens to the talk easily. "I was too young to remember my folks, or where they lived. Got overrun by the undead and I was starving on the streets until the Nuns picked me up. The Church was good to me, even if the nuns didn't take any backtalk." He grins a little ruefully at the remark.
"I was always too restless and curious to make good Priest so they found me work hunting out those who need dealing with. Came in handy for the crusade."
When the soldier turns up Tomas listens carefully, nods at the scroll tube appreciatively and turns to the others. "No horse for me I'm afraid. What's the plan get horses and ride? Or stay a little more discrete and walk it?"
"Same. I can ride but horses are difficult to maneuver in the trees, and make too much noise in the brush, so I normally don't use them. Don't spend much time on roads."
Rau tucks the satchel with his paperwork away.
"I prefer walking but if we're in a hurry I can find a mount for the longer legs of the trip, as long as someone can watch it when I scout."
"Can't afford a horse anyway." Tomas remembers gloomily.
He brightens up though. "We could get a mule and cart. With cushions to sit on as we wave graciously to the poor folk we pass." He waves as he imagines a noble would.
Volkar salutes Captain Dalliv, and says, "I also do not have a horse, nor the coin to buy one. I am not particularly comfortable riding, either, seeing as I don't particularly know much about it. Getting a donkey and mule and a cart might not be bad, but I don't know how good our time would be with that."
”Aye, a cart and donkey. Good an’ reliable that. Don’t think I’d be much good on a horse.”
Christian looks on at the others as they ask about horses and other transportation.
Should I say something...no it is enough that they are figuring it out now.
Sitting back in his wagon while they talk to the Captain, Christian wonders if he forgot something himself.
Captain Dalliv, would Lastwall be able to provide five combat trained light horses, a war pony and a wagon with a few days of feed. If you can provide any current intelligence on the area, it would be helpful to have an idea of what we are getting into.
Christian looks at the others...his tone is neutral and calm.
Is there anything else anyone will need? Rations, equipment...weapons?
He looks out the gate towards the road.
If we get moving soon we can take a break in the early afternoon and if all goes well we should be at Fort Justice by early evening. That is if we get on the road soon.
It is like working with the Free Companies of Iron Lance again. Ill prepared...and late to everything!
"I have a large warhorse, it's barding wont take too long to secure. I have enough rations to get to Fort Justice in either event. I can pick up more there though if others have much to gather here I might as well stock up before we set out."
"D'Elegante Rau does have a point about horses, past a certain point that goes doubly so for those attached to wagons. Useful as it may be we'll have to either store it at a safe spot or abandon it at some point sooner or later."
It is like working with the Free Companies of Iron Lance again. Ill prepared...and late to everything!
"I have all the supplies I need, and rations to spare if someone is lacking. Whether we ride or walk we need to get moving. If we keep jawing here or go shopping we'll need to camp no matter how we travel. If the good captain here can loan us mounts, let's ride. If not, let's at least get on the road."
Tomas eyes his prospective ride warily. "Alright Horse, we're going for a little ride. You be good for me and I'll buy you oats tonight!"
Tomas is mounted and riding his horse around to get it used to him, waiting for the others to be ready.
Rau mounts one of the loaner horses and heads out the gate, pausing about 100 yards up the road to turn and wait for the others.
Keryn sets his mount to an easy canter and follows along with the bulk of the group. He pulls up alongside Rau and says, "I am also trained to scout, and spent time doing so while we dealt with the orcs in Belkzen. Happy to help out, if you want or need it."
"Could be useful. Tomas and I know this area but if you want to join us we could introduce you to Ustalav." It's hard to tell if Rau's grin is friendly or a grim warning about the surrounding lands.
D'Elegante Rau does have a point about horses, past a certain point that goes doubly so for those attached to wagons. Useful as it may be we'll have to either store it at a safe spot or abandon it at some point sooner or later.
I do not remember meeting him before yesterday but he seems to know me.
It is better to have them then to not have them when they are needed. We can always dismount to scout when the time presents itself.Christian looks on as the group takes off.
He nudges his horse into action and follows along at a normal pace.
Azorius horse is a large grey destrier with studded leather barding which has been dyed a light blue. "Scouting is not an area I've had much training or experience in. It's one of the things I've had to grow reliant on allies when the need arises for it."
Rau grunts. "Everyone has their place in the wild. I'll scout, you can patch me up."
Volkar eyes his borrowed horse somewhat distrustfully, but mounts and rides with the others. ”I agree with scouting the way. Should we work out trail signs for you to leave for us?”
As the others talked about scouting, Thorek grimaced from atop his mount. It felt unnatural. He leaned in and whispered in it’s ear ”Alright ye mangy Beast. Ye don’t like me, and I don’t like ye. But we’re in this together. Don’t throw me and ye don’t go into me stew, got it? Aye. Good talk.”
Tomas makes sure he has gone through the commands the horse is trained to recognize with the person who gives them the horses.
He rides ahead of the group, keeping an eye out for trouble, and looking for areas that would be good ambush sites. These can be cut back to make the road clearer.
Making sure that anyone traveling the road can see trouble coming.
Rau rides ahead with Tomas, taking the extra time to go down any side paths a little ways to check them out, looking for signs of any unusual activity, then doubling back and catching up with the group to continue.
"The land and it's people have been ravaged. I'm not a scout but... I am a passable cartographer. Together we can chart a new more accurate map of the area. Foresight now will aid us later."
"Rau take two of the Chalices I have prepared in case you become injured and find it difficult to return. As a scout you might come across someone in urgent need of heal, worship of Pharasma is strong in these lands so they may be useful then too. Tomas take the last one."
As Brother Keryn and Rau talk about scouting, Christian pulls forth a horn and tossing it to Rau.
Here...you may need this. Out-riders are meant to be quiet I know but if things turn sour it may be helpful for us to know something is wrong. I trust that you two know what you are doing or you would not be here. If you blow that horn twice, all is lost and we are to turn around for safer lands. If just one blow is heard, I will assume you are in need of assistance and we will move quickly towards your position to lend aid. I do not expect you to need it but it is nice to have something that you do not think you will need when you actually need it. This is an item for dire situations. I pray you never need to use it...ever.
Christian's last word was said with a bit of remorse to it with his eye looking off to the horizon.
His attention comes back quickly as Azorius talks of maps. He reaches back into the wagon and pulls forth a satchel with several items in it. He pulls forth a scroll tube with no cap but several rolled pieces of paper. Christian tosses it to the cleric.
That may help if you wish to map the lands. It is the most current maps of the area which is not saying much as this land has been ravaged so much that there accuracy is questionable but it still may help.
Christian smiles and shakes his head slightly. Reaching into a small basket that sits beside him and pulls forth an apple, this was part of his breakfast that he never got to finish eating.
Thorek, you will catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. Take good care of those around you and they will do the same for you. Try this...it will help create a good understanding between you and your mount.
Tossing the apple to the dwarf, christian smiles again.
Thorek took a bite of the apple.
"Thanks f're the apple. No worry, I'll watch ye back."
Rau passes the horn back to Christian "I already have a horn of my own. I am familiar with scouting" He then passes something to Azorius. "I keep an updated map of my Lady's lands as I travel. This might be more updated than the other, or at least worth comparing the two. We can compare notes later and update it more."
Trying to teach a scout how to scout...does this man think we're all imbeciles? He's going to be the headache of this group
Christian looks on as Thorek missed his suggestion but takes it in stride.
Thorek, you will make this trip enjoyable...in one way or another.
Hearing the condescending attitude directed his way...Christian responds in a pleasant tone.
Sorry, I did not see your horn. My apologies, I did not mean to step on your toes. You know what you are doing and I just thought I would offer some help. Sorry for offering assistance, again my apologies.
oookay...that went well. Try to help and get your hand bit off. I have forgotten how much the high and mighty loners suck at accepting help. Too long working with people that work together as a unit.
Rau softens a bit with Christian's apology
Well, maybe he'll be okay. If we're stuck working together I should at least try to keep it civil.
Rau turns to Christian before he rides ahead and speaks uncomfortably. "No problem. I ... um ... have been working alone for a long time. I need to adjust a bit. Not used to working with a group outside of battle. I ... ah ... appreciate that you wish to help. No offense taken ... or intended."
Even a low sense motive could tell that Rau actually was a little offended from Christian seemingly trying to tell him his job, but was making an attempt (as pitiful as it might be) to at least keep it friendly.
”Aye!” Thorek said, happily. He began twirling an axe that glowed green. He dropped it, causing it to fall to the ground. With a look of annoyance it vanished and reappeared in his hand. ”Will eventually get this ‘juggling’ thing down...”
Rau softens a bit with Christian's apology
Well, maybe he'll be okay. If we're stuck working together I should at least try to keep it civil.Rau turns to Christian before he rides ahead and speaks uncomfortably. "No problem. I ... um ... have been working alone for a long time. I need to adjust a bit. Not used to working with a group outside of battle. I ... ah ... appreciate that you wish to help. No offense taken ... or intended."
Even a low sense motive could tell that Rau actually was a little offended from Christian seemingly trying to tell him his job, but was making an attempt (as pitiful as it might be) to at least keep it friendly.
Think nothing of it.
Everyone had better things to do last night then get together to figure out what each of us could do for the group as a whole.We are all trying to get a hold of what each of us can do. We are bound to ruffle a few feather hear and there.
”Aye!” Thorek said, happily. He began twirling an axe that glowed green. He dropped it, causing it to fall to the ground. With a look of annoyance it vanished and reappeared in his hand. ”Will eventually get this ‘juggling’ thing down...”
As long as you remember which way the sharp end goes...you will be fine.
He says with a smile.
Several hours of searching the area to the south of the road have finally revealed the first interesting sight since leaving Grayce. A small village with approximately 50 buildings lies around the base a lone hill that rises 30 feet over the surrounding area. On the top of the hill is a square stone building with arrow slits and a narrow tower.
The buildings in the main village are almost entirely wattle and daub with thatch roofs. One or two wooden buildings can be identified, but their purpose is impossible to determine at this distance. Strangely, it seems like the windows and doors of the nearest buildings have been boarded up. There is no wall or palisade.
The fields around the village have obviously been left to the wild for several years, and the trail leading into the main square is rough and full of weeds. These are sure signs that nobody has traveled this route in some time.
”Fortune favors us lads. Let’s pick a building, put down any restless dead, and bunker down for the night.”
"Hold for a minute. There's something not right about this place. There should be signs of some kind, whether it be squatters, undead, or even just signs of the pre-war inhabitants. Let Tomas and I check it out closer before we go straight in."
"More than wrong. Someone's here." Tomas states, his hands make sure his weapons are ready, but he doesn't draw anything. Nor does he point to give away he's seen something. " Don't make it obvious you're looking but there's smoke coming from the stronghold on the hill."
He keeps looking around as if examining the village while dismounting and securing the horse by some good grass.
Rau joins Tomas, tying up his horse as well, and scans the area while glancing down at a map that he pulled out of one of his pouches. He seems to be trying to get his bearings as if lost.
Azorius waits letting Rau and Thomas scout ahead. He says a prayer to Pharasma on their behalf but other than that continues waiting.
With Rau's help, you also note that it would be tough to get to the village without being seen from the tower if somebody is watching (lack of cover), but once you're in the village, hiding from the tower would be simple given the number of buildings.
Tomas tells the others what he has seen so far. "I can't see if anyone's watching us. They can see us entering the village, once we're in we can hide easily though. Should we move in and see what the response is?"
Volkar thinks for a moment. "There's no reason for anyone to suspect we are hostile or even aware they are here. If we approach at ease, we could easily appear to be travelers seeking shelter for the night. We could hide from their sight once in the village, then Rau and Tomas could scout the area around the tower and determine if anyone is there."
Frowning, he says, "My main concern is not the residents of the tower, though - it is the possibility of an effect similar to the Furrows in this village, or the dead rising during the night."
”Let’s get on with it then. We’re supposed to take these ‘ere lands and we’re afraid of a wee bit of smoke. If anyone is hostile we’ll deal with it. And besides, come dark I’d rather be inside than outside.”
Rau grunts "All right. Come on then." and begins to walk his horse towards the village, alternating between looking at his map and the sun so as to appear like a simple traveler trying to find shelter before dark.