Hearing the concern the Brandt is showing for his companion brings the feeling of guilt. The young lord looks around the area and then to Brandt and Fenrir. Seeing the the current situation was of little to no threat, he move towards the two companions. Extending his hand out slowing for the Wolfdog to smell and then rubbing his snout, Christian keeps his words firm and reassuring.
Fenrir...you stay strong.
Resting his hand on Brandt's should to draw his attention, Christian looks him in the eyes.
We will get him fixed up right quick. On that I give you my word that I will do what I can to make it happen. He will be good as new.
Herrketa stands defiantly, straightening her posture.
"Count Ranalc himself tells me the truth, that I am fey," she states. "When he answers my prayers with his divine power, that is proof enough of what I am. I know that..."
The priestess is cut off by Eranex as the dragon sidles forth and looms above her.
"Leave my father's home!" the silver dragon commands. "If you want to return to the First World, then so be it. Perhaps there, you will learn who has been telling the truth."
Eranex points towards an oddly-shaped passage leading from this cavern to the north. The opening is ringed by crystals of frost that shine with many colors, although they show signs of rapidly melting owing to the death of Orsig.
Christian nods towards Booker as if to give his permission.
What are you waiting for...
He glances back at Herrketa and mouths the word "Magic?"
"Count Ranalc himself tells me the truth, that I am fey," she states. "When he answers my prayers with his divine power, that is proof enough of what I am. I know that..."
Shaking his head slowly.
I suspect that those of divine might do not hold themselves to just one race. They answer the prayers of those that follow the tenets of their divine faith. I would also imagine that some of them just might grant spells in order to further their own personal agenda on some grand cosmic scale that I have not a clue as to what that would be. If he told you that you are a fey...by all account that we can see...that is a lie. You have some thinking to do.
"Leave my father's home!" the silver dragon commands. "If you want to return to the First World, then so be it. Perhaps there, you will learn who has been telling the truth."
You have been granted a second chance at life, do not squander it. Earn it, be better than you are right now. Second chances are not given to make things right. But are given to prove that we could be better...even after we fall. I do hope that we never meet again but if we do I pray that you are wise enough to have learned from your mistakes. That you have found a better path then following the one of Count Ranalc making. Look inside for your answers to your doubts.
Herrketa spares no more words. With an escape offered, she takes it. She turns and runs for the northern passage, ringed with rapidly thawing ice. The fetchling leaves behind, as commanded, a number of magic items - though you realize only after she's out of sight that she kept her armor.
"Once upon a time, the vault down that passage was my father's own den," Eranex rues. "Above all the gold and relics he may have kept, the greatest treasure was a portal to the First World. When I first arrived here, the passage was collapsed and the portal dormant. Orsig and his coterie changed that and cleared both obstacles, taking me by surprise and leading to the months-long stalemate that we have now broken together."
The silver dragon turns her steely eyes upon the magic sword left behind by Orsig, amid a puddle of water that serves as the only remnant of the cold rider's existence.
"It is not possible. Whether fey or fetchling, the followers of Count Ranalc lie. They lie as naturally as they breathe," she sighs in a low voice. "Orsig was merely trying to crush my spirit when he claimed this sword slew my father. He is alive, and he is still out there somewhere."
Bydar moves to Fenrir, "I'll start praying to Shelyn to get a spell to restore his sight. Indeed, we are all much reduced I fear. But don't worry, Brandt. This is within the power the goddess grants me"
Bein' alone in this world would be rough, I hope, fer her sake, that her Old Man is around still too! "So, uh, we gonna call it a day then? Like Bydar said, I'm running on fumes here and could use at least a good meal," he rambles a bit. "I ain't tryin' to impose or nothin', we could always hole up somewhere that ain't here!"
________
"Once upon a time, the vault down that passage was my father's own den," Eranex rues. "Above all the gold and relics he may have kept, the greatest treasure was a portal to the First World. When I first arrived here, the passage was collapsed and the portal dormant. Orsig and his coterie changed that and cleared both obstacles, taking me by surprise and leading to the months-long stalemate that we have now broken together."
It was an honor to help you. My companion Lady Syretia might be able to help with the portal...her knowledge would be a different look at the problem from a different angle...never hurts.
The silver dragon turns her steely eyes upon the magic sword left behind by Orsig, amid a puddle of water that serves as the only remnant of the cold rider's existence."It is not possible. Whether fey or fetchling, the followers of Count Ranalc lie. They lie as naturally as they breathe," she sighs in a low voice. "Orsig was merely trying to crush my spirit when he claimed this sword slew my father. He is alive, and he is still out there somewhere."
Christian walks and stand in front of the silver dragon, so small in comparison that he feels his bladder churning. He steels himself and looks up at her. His voice is soft and steady.
Charis...His voice gets stronger and a bit louder.
...is a powerful force. Keep it within you and hold it tight. Never let it go.
Christian steps away respectfully and walks towards the sword that is a bane of dragons. He kneels done beside it and admires it slightly before picking it up. The young mercenary leader turns with the weapon in one hand held low and nonthreatening.
Is there anything that can be done with this. In my experience, weapons can tell a story all of its own...if one is willing to listen. This blade could tell us if it did in fact battle your sire. Bards have a way of pulling the history out of an item as if you were reading it from a book. It could also lead to clues on his whereabouts?
Bydar moves to Fenrir, [B]"I'll start praying to Shelyn to get a spell to restore his sight. Indeed, we are all much reduced I fear. But don't worry, Brandt. This is within the power the goddess grants me"
Smiling reassuringly at Brandt, christian scratches under Fenrir's chin.
He will be in good hands. Do not worry yourself.Leaning in closer to the Wolfdog, christian keeps his voice soft.
Stay strong Fenrir. We all will take care of you. Bydar is looking into getting you fixed up.
Christian moves and stands next to Bydar.
Tend to Fenrir first thing tomorrow. Please.
"So, uh, we gonna call it a day then? Like Bydar said, I'm running on fumes here and could use at least a good meal," he rambles a bit. "I ain't tryin' to impose or nothin', we could always hole up somewhere that ain't here!"
Two battles in as many hours is pushing all of us to out limits. We have no need to rush off to the third battle at anything less that one hunderd percent. We make sure the area is secured and then collect the fallen. Take a look at what we have found and tend to our wounds.
Brandt looks up from the blinded Fenrir, Thank you Christian, Bydar- you think you can heal him? the ranger is obviously broken from his inability to make everything right for the hound.
Christian moves and stands next to Bydar.
Tend to Fenrir first thing tomorrow. Please.
"My very plan." He assures
Brandt looks up from the blinded Fenrir, Thank you Christian, Bydar- you think you can heal him? the ranger is obviously broken from his inability to make everything right for the hound.
"Yes, my good friend. Your ally who I owe my own life to will have his sight back on the morrow." he pets the canine gently "Good boy. Brave fellow."
"Finally," Syretia says, relieved that the last of their foes has fled. She looks from the tunnel that (she assumes) leads to the portal, and then to Eranex. "I can try to make some sense of it, true. Whether you want me to do that is a different matter, of course."
"OH! OH!" Booker adds, jumping up and down with his hand in the air. "And I can help! I'm good at that! Helping, that is," he clarifies.
Once the discussion about the fate of their last enemy dies down, Orlog moves next to the silver dragon. "So... Is there really a sword made from metal that was grown? I would really like to examine such artifact , if you would allow me of course. Also, I wouldn't take it of your lair."
The vast, vaulting chamber down which Herrketa fled is filled with the heady smell of damp moss. The ice that choked this place during Orsig's reign has melted, nourishing the thick layers of plant life with magically pure water.
Of course, it is hard to tear your attention from the central feature of this broad cavern. There is no mistaking the portal to the First World: Ten oblong stones, etched with strange runes or pictoglyphs - float in the air to hem in the swirling, roiling mist of green and purple that presumably leads into the land of the fey.
"The sword is destined to appear here, in my father's former den," Eranex declares. "It's time has not yet come. I only know it will be within the next year, so I will resume my vigil."
If the silver dragon was cautious about allowing Orsig's dragonslaying sword to fall into your hands, she is downright wary of any interest shown in the legendary sword of Vesper. Perhaps it is her devotion to her cause, or perhaps she fears that Herrketa's parting words may have kindled a greed within you, but she seems very disinclined to allow anyone else near the artifact once it appears.
Brandt looks in awe at the scene before them, registering only part of the conversation of the growing sword, So you will await its appearance here? Is there anything which we, as your neighbors and now allies, can do to aid you beyond ridding your ancestral home of interlopers?
Brandt looks at the Silver Dragon, still somewhat overwhelmed by her.
Bydar , for his part, is preparing a place to pray, rest, and restore his new spells.
"In but a few moments, you both rescued me from Orsig's treachery and fought alongside me to preserve my father's legacy and ensure my mission is a success. I could ask no more of you," the silver dragon states with a bow of her looming head.
In addition to entrusting you with Orsig's sword, a potentially dangerous tool against her kin, Eranex also pledges a vow of friendship and alliance with you. Once her quest is eventually complete, she promises to aid your young land in its time of need, just as you've done for her.
"How absolutely lovely," Apothyl coos, her sardonic tone verging on outright sarcasm. Her mood is affected by the purple worm's poison still taxing her draconic strength. "But I would ask you, my small allies, not to forget our original goal. We need to take Silverstep's old tunnels through the mountains to Mercifax's lair and catch him before he departs again."
Christian returns the etiquette shown by the silver dragon.
If you should need anything at all, let us know and we will do what we can to aid you. I do wish you all the luck with your vigil. If you wish, we can stop in every now and then to check in on you. We can also send a message by magic if you like instead. I am honored by your trust in us and look forward to a long and prosperous friendship. An alliance between us is most welcomed.
Christian smiles slightly as he looks to Apothyl. His voice is one of amusement and not disrespect.
Perish the though my dear Apothyl. I am absolutely looking forward to a long and winded conversation about tannins with Mercifax.
He tries to laugh but instead moans in pain.
I would laugh at my own joke but I am too soar and weak to do so.
His face turns from mirth to pain and then to seriousness.
All of us need to heal and rest before we depart for the old tunnels. We will leave tomorrow when we are prepared.
Christian looks off towards the direction of the items that belong to Merifax.
Of those items that was stolen from your home, which would be of most interest to Mercifax?
Brandt nods Apothyl, Fear not friend, we haven't forgotten our original quest. And in the morning we shall press onward to where Mercifax dwells - and hopefully bring him to peaceable solution. The Ranger sets his camp where directed by Eranex, making extra sure that Fenrir is well-situated for the night.
Bydar, thank you for praying to Shelyn to help Fenrir see again. Brandt turns from the priest, looking around the chamber before settling in for the night.
Orlog notices that Eranex is on guard about the sword of Vesper. "Don't worry, the sword is yours and I wouldn't want to strain this new friendship that is starting here. If need to, I'll wait that you feel confortable before coming over to inspect it." With what he thinks his is best to reassure the dragon, he moves on to the next subject at hand.
He walks over to where the rest of the group is. "Now, while I hate to wait one more day to deal with Mercifax, I do agree that we can't rush in there in the state that we are. Where would be the best place to rest without overstaying our welcome here?"
Booker eyes the pearl. "I could use one ah these things!"
________
Bydar, thank you for praying to Shelyn to help Fenrir see again. Brandt turns from the priest, looking around the chamber before settling in for the night.
"Of course, friend." He smiles kindly.
The smile grows a bit less sad at Booker's excitement over the pearl. he has one of his own, and they are terribly handy.
"These are all quite powerful items," Syretia says, working to identify each of them in turn. Once finished, she sighs. "None of them are of much use to me, but they should serve to protect us. I'll be glad to continue on with our original quest, after an evening's rest." She yawns. "That was a very near thing."
"Mercifax was always fond of his turquoise-bejeweled cheese and wine serving set," Apothyl sneers. "Neither the loose coins nor the magic horn would resonate with him nearly as much."
Christian nods approvingly at the cheese and wine set.
We may be able to use it as a way to break the ice so to speak.
A Dragon who loves a wine and cheese platter - that is something I never would have imagined in the songs of my ancestors... Brandt wonders in astonishment.
Let us get some sleep, and hopefully tend to our wounds and we'll go negotiate with Mercifax. May Erastil grant us a peaceful solution and bring your mate back from his edge.
Eranex guides you back towards the caverns where you fought the cultists. There, she shows you the tunnel that will lead you towards Mercifax's lair on the morrow. Apothyl is quite restless, so she busies herself by collecting together the items stolen from Mercifax that now belong to you by right.
+1 flaming ranseur
+1 armor spikes full plate
MWK scimitar
Horn of Fog - A carved and gold-chased ivory tusk, scrimshawed with motifs of billowing clouds. From his sailing days, Brandt recognizes the craftsmanship being akin to that of Issian sailors around the Lake of Mists and Veils
MWK bastard sword in darkwood scabbard (worth 150gp)
Silver and turquoise cutlery set (200gp)
Silver serving sets (400gp)
Six brass tankards (300gp for the set)
3120 cp
3930 sp
1401 gp
47 pp
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After prayer and rest- Bydar's first act is to stroke Fenrir, and pray quietly, "Let the beauty of the world be visible to these eyes again."
On the morrow, Bydar's spell does more than simply restore Fenrir's sight. It also seems to revert the wolfdog into a pup. At least, that is the impression one might get by watching as Fenrir launches into a joyful frenzy, alternating between Bydar and Brandt with face licks, tail slaps, and full body lunges.
Once your other morning preparations are made, you depart down the indicated tunnel - leaving behind the former lair of Silverstep and setting out for that of Mercifax. The tunnels are thankfully wide enough to allow Apothyl easy passage, although they might have been too cramped for Eranex. However, the silver dragon does not see you off, keeping to herself elsewhere in the wide system of caves.
You spend the entirety of the day cradled within the rock and stone of the Tors. The combined dungeoneering knowledge of Syretia and Brandt prove invaluable as you travel, removed from the usual landmarks of the sun and sky. The meandering tunnels guide you on a northerly course, at an average depth of 100 feet beneath the surface. Thankfully, many minute fissures connect to the outside, providing fresh air along the way.
After approximately 18 miles marching literally through the mountains, you can feel vibrations running through the stone walls around you. This is soon accompanied by a faint, cool breeze passing through the tunnel.
"We are close," Apothyl whispers. "And Mercifax is still here. Do you feel those vibrations? He is unleashing his rage upon the stone around him."
Bydar might need rescue from a wolfdog's affections, "Ack.. Brandt, little help" but he laughs
Seeing some are still injured, he will , now that it is a new day, channel once more to heal those in the party who need it.
"Let me know if any of you need more tending."
*********
After approximately 18 miles marching literally through the mountains, you can feel vibrations running through the stone walls around you. This is soon accompanied by a faint, cool breeze passing through the tunnel.
"We are close," Apothyl whispers. "And Mercifax is still here. Do you feel those vibrations? He is unleashing his rage upon the stone around him."
Bydar nods, but his face is serious with concern, "His fury does not seem to abate."
Brandt laughingly pulls Fenrir off Bydar earlier in the day, speaking softly to the dog in Skald, Easy boy, he knows you appreciate him.
I'll never understand the appeal of folks who dwell underground, I miss the sky... Which element should I be preparing to defend against again? I'm not well-versed on the magical intricacies of dragon breath... He'll ask as they hear Mercifax venting his anger on the stone around him.
"Jeepers, we're gonna fight a mountain shaking Dragon? We better buff up now!" Booker suggests.
________
Well if we can time it right, we could....who the hell am I kidding. We are not going to be sneaking into a dragon's lair. No matter how distracted he is in his anger. I am not against it, I am thinking that is not the best way.
The young lord looks up the tunnel towards their destination with trepidation.
So how do you talk an angry dragon down from his rampage to get him to see the error of his ways...in all the taverns I have frequented, I have never...ever heard a bard tell such a story.
Well We can not try the front door so let us just walk up tunnel and introduce ourselves. The sheer audacity of it may give us the opening we need to end this non violently. That along with a drink and the return of a turquoise-bejeweled cheese and wine serving set just may save our asses.
Christian motions towards the treasure that the fey stole and then to his backpack where two small bottles can be seen just barely sticking out of the center pouch.
Barely catching the dragon's briefest of glances at the disfigured holy symbols, Syretia spends some time in thought over what it might mean. Later, she collects the broken pieces and takes them to Bydar.
"This may be nonsense," she says, unraveling the cloth she had collected them in. "But maybe we can use these to get through to Mercifax. Fixing them isn't something I'm able to do, but maybe Shelyn could, through you? These are pieces of art, certainly, but more than that, they could help redeem Mercifax and remind him of the love he and Apothyl bore for one another." She looks down at a half-melted butterfly amulet and sighs.
Barely catching the dragon's briefest of glances at the disfigured holy symbols, Syretia spends some time in thought over what it might mean. Later, she collects the broken pieces and takes them to Bydar.
"This may be nonsense," she says, unraveling the cloth she had collected them in. "But maybe we can use these to get through to Mercifax. Fixing them isn't something I'm able to do, but maybe Shelyn could, through you? These are pieces of art, certainly, but more than that, they could help redeem Mercifax and remind him of the love he and Apothyl bore for one another." She looks down at a half-melted butterfly amulet and sighs.
Bydar glances over the items, "Beauty made whole to help remind of love, Syretia, you're not just a genius, you have insight into hearts. Of course, thank you." He gathers them.
*****
After healing Fenrir and channeling, he focuses on the items, mending them with soft prayers and enchantments
So how do you talk an angry dragon down from his rampage to get him to see the error of his ways...in all the taverns I have frequented, I have never...ever heard a bard tell such a story.
Well We can not try the front door so let us just walk up tunnel and introduce ourselves. The sheer audacity of it may give us the opening we need to end this non violently. That along with a drink and the return of a turquoise-bejeweled cheese and wine serving set just may save our asses.
Christian motions towards the treasure that the fey stole and then to his backpack where two small bottles can be seen just barely sticking out of the center pouch.
"Syretia suggested a reminder," Bydar shows the results of his work at restoring the holy symbols and items "We should return these to him, and .. hope I think."
Orlog looks at the repaired items. "Well, it can't make things worst either. Shall we go see if it works?"
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Nicely done my lady...and you as well Lord Bydar. I knew we could repair them in due time I just did not think it would be today.
Looking over the icons brings hope to his eyes.
I can use this...I know I can
With your permission and blessing Lady Apothyl, I wish to use these items to help with Mercifax. I do believe that these items will help sway him away from the darkness of taint and look to the light that is Desna.
Christian looks to the others and explains his plan.
This is his home and we will respect that domain. We are guests here and I can only pray that he will afford us the rights of a guest.
I will announce us and present our gifts to him...
He motions to the Desna Icons and the turquoise-bejeweled cheese and wine serving set.
I will adjust the tempo according to the way things play out. Right now be prepared for combat or a courtly joust of words.
Remember to be nice...I want you to be nice until it's time to not be nice. I pray that it does not come to that.
Squaring his shoulder and blowing out a quick breath, Christian walks forward while mumbling to himself.
Iomedae...please guide me. Allow me to fulfill this task with honor. Let me face this lost soul with valor and allow me to bring some form of justice to the fallen of The Crossing. Apsu. I ask for you to reach out to Mercifax. Give him hope again. Bring peace to his tortured soul. Desna please grant us luck as we travel to the domain of Mercifax. Allow us to help him. He is alone in his rage and it has created a darkness that corrupts him. I know that even in darkness he will be able to see the stars again. I just need to remind him of the power of hope.
He glances back at his companions.
Sounded a lot cooler in my head...
Apothyl nods her assent and allows the noble knight to step forward and entreat her tarnished mate.
After his introduction, Christian receives a reply in the form of a stone-rattling roar as the copper dragon races out to meet the intrusion upon his brooding. Like a stampeding oxen, Mercifax emerges around a bend in the cavern. He looms over Christian. Perhaps it is merely his rage adding to his intimidating presence, but he seems even larger than Apothyl.
Lord Christian maintains his composure and stands his ground despite the powerful, angry being glowering down upon him. The dragon's sharp eyes fall upon the Desnan items Christian carries.
"How did you come to possess those?" Mercifax demands in a rumbling growl that grates upon your ears like gravel. His voice carries an edge that makes the question sound like an accusation.
Christian swallows the lump in his throat as the dragon comes barreling at him. His left foot slides out slightly, prepared to push off and allow the young lord a chance to jump out of the way.
This is going to hurt. Keep it together. Do not bend...do not.
I...will...not...bend!
Amazing himself as he bolsters his resolve to remain in place, Christian looks up at the dragon.
These Icons of Desna?
He glances at the holy relics.
That is but a single chapter in a very long tale. I will be happy to give you the short version of that chapter if you will sit with me as I tell you the whole story. A tale filled with sorrow, regret, twists and turns aplenty. Of Valor, determination, alliance made and alliances shattered. The end is not complete but I forsee a reunion in those chapters. I also forsee hope rekindled, wrongs righted and a star shining bright in the darkest of times.
He lifts the Icons up towards the dragon.
These?...my companions... Bydar, Brand, Orlog, Syretia, and Booker retreaved from the cultists that invaded your domain. We were able to destroy them and when we search the cavern where that took up residence, we found these icons...and...this.
He motions towards the cheese and wine set.
perhaps you will let us sit with you and enjoy the full tale over some sweet mead and a bottle of Ísvin.
He looks to brand with a slight smile.
Did I pronounce it correctly?
He looks back to the dragon.
The ulfen language has always been difficult for me to speak. The ice wine is of Ulfen make and very sweet. Ment more for a dessert but I think we can still enjoy it in good company.
Christians face turns concerning and supportive.
Or if you like, we can listen to a tale of your own?
Before they approach the dragon, Bydar casts another spell on Christian, as he will be the one right in front of it.
Sounded a lot cooler in my head...
A supportive smile.
He lifts the Icons up towards the dragon.
These?...my companions... Bydar, Brand, Orlog, Syretia, and Booker retreaved from the cultists that invaded your domain. We were able to destroy them and when we search the cavern where that took up residence, we found these icons...and...this.
Further back, the cleric bows as he might before a grand noble
Seeing Bydar cast his spell, Brandt follows suit - casting on Fenrir.
Brandt follows suit, bowing deeply before the dragon at his introduction from Lord Christian. Nodding at Christian's attempt to pronounce the Skald words brings a slight smile to the Ulfen's bearded face.
***edit***
He lifts the Icons up towards the dragon.
These?...my companions... Bydar, Brand, Fenrir, Orlog, Syretia, and Booker retreaved from the cultists that invaded your domain. We were able to destroy them and when we search the cavern where that took up residence, we found these icons...and...this.
Hesitantly, Syretia raises her hand in a little wave, before seeing Bydar and Brandt bow. She quickly moves to follow their example.
Booker stands in slack-jawed awe at the Dragon. Three Dragons... It's too many I say! Too many for one little Halfling! He has a hand in his pocket, clutching his trusty marmalade spoon. We'll get through this together or... well I guess I'll be Dragon-chow if we don't. Think he'll use my spoon?
A single snort escapes Mercifax's nostrils, carrying the acrid odor of his acidic breath from within his throat.
The dragon's voice begins low, before rising into a booming roar.
"If you're attempting to dull my rage with boredom, then you have failed!" he bellows.
"Your kind have delivered upon me the greatest betrayal, and yet you dare speak of things of which you know nothing. You should know that unless you have come to deliver my child's murderer to face punishment, your own life now runs short."
Despite the fury on display by the male dragon, you suspect that the presentation of the repaired Desnan icons and the mention of sweet mead and Ísvin have thus far staved off the wrath of Mercifax - buying you valuable time to make your case.