Cult of Lamashtu...
Christian nods as the words come out. He appears to be deep in thought.
Perhaps we can deal them a final blow and rid the lands of them for good.
He looks to the others with a twinkle in his eye.
Word will spread when we tell our story of Mercifax. I do not think it wise to hold back details but the true villain in our story is the Cult itself. While Mercifax is guilty and has come to accept his part...I think it only fair to make sure the Cult of Lamashtu gets their fair share of the story.
They will be too busy looking over their shoulders as long as the hide within our boarders to do any harm.
"I do not mind parting with the chalice," Apothyl states. "After all, I have gained something greater. You have rescued my child and Mercifax. Parting with the chalice is a small price for such a reprieve from sorrow."
When Bydar speaks up about a shrine.
This is chalice is more important than what I had envisioned. I agree that it should be place in the shrine that we build. If such an items is to be given to us.
A nod, and Bydar's hope rise that at least a universal shine can be formed sooner rather than later. But.. for now, patience.
I would also like to stop by the sycamore tree and the Kobolds. I am wondering if the tree has gotten any better since last we saw it and the Kobolds are along the way as well. We should inform them of the outcome with egg they rescued.
"Definitely, we don't want our allies to feel neglected and they maybe pleased to learn they were heroes in this tale." A smile as he ponders how it might cheer the tribe
Brandt nods at Christian's plan, Sounds like a good idea, we should make all haste for home and not dawdle overly long however. I do wish to head for the Temple of the Elk at some point and see what is there. Now that we know the cultists of Lamashtu are dealt with, I feel more comfortable with whatever's happening at the temple not being of ill intent. Hopefully.
"I had the same fears," Bydar admits, "And I imagine they'd be happy to know of our own settlement's potential. Maybe we'll have yet another alliance."
"I do not mind parting with the chalice," Apothyl states. "After all, I have gained something greater. You have rescued my child and Mercifax. Parting with the chalice is a small price for such a reprieve from sorrow."
"Well, we thank you for it's donation. We'll treat it with honor, Apothyl. While I know you are not of my faith, if it not offend you, I shall pray to Shelyn to grace you and those dear to you many centuries of love. Of course, prayer is no substitute for effort and understanding, but... it helps."
You gather up the valuables gifted by Apothyl, surrendered by Mercifax, or recovered from the cultists, then begin backtracking through the tunnels and return to the old halls of Silverstep. You stop to rest along the way, as it has been many hours since you began crossing the mountains from within.
You return to find the half-fey silver dragon hard at work cleaning the taint of the dark fey from her father's former lair.
"I never doubted you would return victorious," Eranex states after welcoming you back, "so the question, then, is whether Mercifax yet lives."
Mercifax is alive and unharmed...physically at least. He has a long road ahead in order to heal. Realizing his mistakes has taken a heavy toll on his soul and mind. He will heal in time but completely...that may never happen.
Christian looks to the great big silver dragon.
Deep down inside him, there was a spark of light just begging for help. Our words alone were not enough to bring him back out of that dark place. It was the strength of his soul that brought him back to us.
He pauses for a breath or two and then turns to his companions.
We are blessed with having been able to help our friends and allies.
The young lord again walks towards the silver dragon
We are going to head back home with a few stops along the way. A few task to handle but most importantly we need to inform our friends of the outcome to this story. The deserve to know what they started has been finished.
Christian looks to everyone in the cavern.
This whole situation that we have been involved in. Helping the kobolds and three dragons. Instill hoping in the Restoring hope to the lost.
I have an idea in my mind...a symbol for Charis. A symbol to bring hope to the hopeless. I wish to ask a favor of you. A scale freely given by you. I wish to make a symbol of our friendship. Would this be something you would be willing to help with?
After some time discussing things, Christian brings up the topic of the dragon bane weapon.
We did not wand to use this weapon on Mercifax and we did not have a need to. The weapon will be returned to you as we talked about.
Eranex remains impassive when asked for a scale; however, she registers visible surprise when the magic sword's return is offered.
"This is a potent weapon, whose value among mortals is beyond the reckoning of most. You would freely surrender such power?" she muses quietly - or at least as quietly as such a large dragon can be. "How unexpected. I will not forget this demonstration of character."
After a moment of mute contemplation, the silver dragon peels a loose scale from her flank. Pinched between two talons, she offers it in exchange for the dragon-bane sword's return.
"Hopefully there will be no future need for this weapon."
Brandt, at Christian's urging, although with a pang of regret, unhooks the mighty blade from his back and offers it, hilt first, to the dragon. As oaths are sworn Eranex, we do honor them. he offers solemnly as he accepts the dragon's scale in exchange for the blade.
Do keep it handy in case its duty is needed again in our lands, but that will be a separate agreement between men and dragons. the ranger then offers the scale to Christian and looks satisfied with a job well-done.
If only we could pay tha bills with all this good will we're building! I dunno what I'd do with three Dragons woyth ah the stuff, but golly it'd be something swell! "Lord Christian, I bet this is tha sorta thing that'll set our great nation apart from tha failed upstarts prior. Ain't nuthin' like some diplomacy an' friendship ta keep people united!" Booker comments.
"Well said," He agrees with Brandt and Booker "Better a nation born in honor and friendship than in mere war and ambition. I think the goodly gods will bless our people for this, or at least I hope."
Brandt, at Christian's urging, although with a pang of regret, unhooks the mighty blade from his back and offers it, hilt first, to the dragon. As oaths are sworn Eranex, we do honor them. he offers solemnly as he accepts the dragon's scale in exchange for the blade.
Christian nods approvingly at Brand.
Words to live by.
Do keep it handy in case its duty is needed again in our lands, but that will be a separate agreement between men and dragons. the ranger then offers the scale to Christian and looks satisfied with a job well-done.
I truly hope that such a time never comes to our lands.
If only we could pay tha bills with all this good will we're building! I dunno what I'd do with three Dragons woyth ah the stuff, but golly it'd be something swell! "Lord Christian, I bet this is tha sorta thing that'll set our great nation apart from tha failed upstarts prior. Ain't nuthin' like some diplomacy an' friendship ta keep people united!" Booker comments.
Very true my friend, very true...but...there will come a time when our words will be tested. Our people are safe, happy and I aim to keep it that way.
"Well said," He agrees with Brandt and Booker "Better a nation born in honor and friendship than in mere war and ambition. I think the goodly gods will bless our people for this, or at least I hope."
Speaking of the Gods...perhaps it is time to give the people a place to venerate them.
Christian turns to the group as a whole.
What do you think. Would it be proper to build a place of worship for multiple gods?
"We, ourselves, follow multiple gods. I don't see why we should built something dedicated to only one deity. Once our lands are big enough for multiple settlements with a decent size capital, then we can have some temple focus on single god, but for now, we should thrive to accept all people of decent faith."
"I quite agree," Bydar is quite happy. The lack of any shrine had been worrying him, "Perhaps a circular shape, the shrine equivalent to a round table, where folks can pray in the directions preferred by their faith and so on naturally."
Sounds good and just work on the idea as we travel. When we get home, we can finalize the details. That is if there is no objects.
He looks to the others.
Eranex does not expect you to incorporate her patron deity, Shyka, in such a multi-faith temple or shrine - in fact, she recommends against it, reasoning that your citizens might misunderstand. On the other hand, during the descent from the Duskdraw Falls, Apothyl drops playful hints that it would please her to see Desna represented in such a place.
"The Stolen Lands are dangerous to travel even for us; we could certainly do worse than honoring the Queen of the North Star and asking her to protect its travelers."
On the other hand, during the descent from the Duskdraw Falls, Apothyl drops playful hints that it would please her to see Desna represented in such a place.
Surprisingly, Bydar plays along "A goddess of luck, travel, AND dreams? I may have heard of such a being....the name's on the of my tongue." While he would not blasemphe another goodly goddess, even one not his own, he does have fun teasing Apothyl "Starts with T? no.. P?"
Until...
"The Stolen Lands are dangerous to travel even for us; we could certainly do worse than honoring the Queen of the North Star and asking her to protect its travelers."
"Excellent suggestion, Sryretia, Then a look at Apothyl "Why didn't you suggest her, Apothyl. Tisk tisk."
Annd a quick grin."Desna, Torag, Erastil, Sarenrae, Shelyn, none above the others.. oh, and Nanya would honor Arundhat there.. you know, I think we can make it look quite lovely" He says as they walk
The folks from the crossing may wish to see something for Pharasma.
I personally would not mind seeing something to pay homage to Iomedae and maybe even Apsu. I do not venerate either but I do find common ground with their teachings
From the edge of Lake Silverstep, you travel for a little more than two days across the eastern reaches of the Greenbelt. You retrace your route and revisit familiar landmarks on your journey home. No beasts, monsters, or bandits emerge from the wilds to accost you - having a draconic escort will have that effect.
During the march, Apothyl plies Lord Christian with questions regarding his plans for the land.
Once you finally reach Charis, you are greeted with much excitement and many cheers as the settlers rejoice for your return.
"I think I have just the thing..." He considers, "Multiple alcoves and altars in every direction, and smooth tiles or tablets of stone that can be slid into place for which ever god or goddess one prefers at each altar. Oh forgive me, I'm going to be caught up in thinking about the possibilities for a while"
He does give a wistful look at lake silverstep, the beauty of it truly a gift, and they depart.
Once you finally reach Charis, you are greeted with much excitement and many cheers as the settlers rejoice for your return.
"Good to be home" The cleric scans to see the friends he's made among the crowd.
"I think I have just the thing..." He considers, "Multiple alcoves and altars in every direction, and smooth tiles or tablets of stone that can be slid into place for which ever god or goddess one prefers at each altar. Oh forgive me, I'm going to be caught up in thinking about the possibilities for a while"
"Yep, I can see it too. Each alcoves finely decorated with the colours of ones faith, maybe even stained windows. A nice dome ceiling made of polished marble. And in the center, a great big iron hammer with dwarvish runes carved in it." Orlog stares at Bydar, waiting for the human to react to what he just said before slapping the man on the shoulder. "I kidding about that last part!"
Later on, once in Charis. "Ah! Time for a nice fire and a full buck of ale!"
Riding along and talking with Apothyl brings some joy to Christian's face.
I have no direct plan set in stone for the city. Right now we are reacting to the needs of the people. Which is fine at the moment but I think we need to start being a bit more proactive. One thing is for sure and that is when my people come to the city we will have a form of military presence that will help protect the region. They are scattered all over the area but should be arriving soon.
Christian looks over at Bydar.
That sounds like a great concept. Put something together and we can all go over it. May be prudent to invite Cavan in on this one as well.
Christian looks off towards the great Cyprus tree.
Maybe we can plant a seed from the Cyprus tree in the center to grant shade and atmosphere? When we stop by and inspect the tree , we could pick up several seeds to plant around the region.
When entering the city, Christian mingles with the citizens. Asking how things are going for them and listening to their words. The young lord also asks many question about what needs they have and their desires to see within the city.
Booker barely manages to make it through the city gates before being accosted by the overwhelming love of the Marmilade horde. The Halfling manages to bob and weave through the blows of worry from his mother while answering his siblings questions. Mostly, anyways.
Returning to Charis, Brandt will happily dismount and seek Sapphira for any updates at the tavern, deferring all questions to Lord Christian about their success beyond the fact that they succeeded. Then he'll seek out Lira, asking much the same questions with similar responses about their missions.
His standard response, Aye, we're clear of draconic rampages for the moment, and the cult of Lamashtu has been dealt a serious blow to their schemes in our lands. he'll say, thumbing his axe at the last. I'll let Lord Christian answer any specific queries, and we'll save it for the council chambers.
Brandt will be particularly interested in any information about the Temple of the Elk, or any news of Erastil in the lands.
"I think I have just the thing..." He considers, "Multiple alcoves and altars in every direction, and smooth tiles or tablets of stone that can be slid into place for which ever god or goddess one prefers at each altar. Oh forgive me, I'm going to be caught up in thinking about the possibilities for a while"
"Yep, I can see it too. Each alcoves finely decorated with the colours of ones faith, maybe even stained windows. A nice dome ceiling made of polished marble. And in the center, a great big iron hammer with dwarvish runes carved in it." Orlog stares at Bydar, waiting for the human to react to what he just said before slapping the man on the shoulder. "I kidding about that last part!"
Bydar's brows shoot up, then he seems to consider it.
Then Orlog slaps him on the shoulder, and Bydar blushes "Okay, yes I did wonder... still, dwarven runes and other languages might be a good idea..."Christian looks off towards the great Cyprus tree.
Maybe we can plant a seed from the Cyprus tree in the center to grant shade and atmosphere? When we stop by and inspect the tree , we could pick up several seeds to plant around the region.
"A bit of nature to balance the growth of the town, yes."
After so many dangers, the chance to dream and plan what might be is quite welcome.
I think we should spend some time being seen in the city and then get settled in. We can meet up later for official business. We should try and get all the council members together along with Cavan, Nanya, and . Is there anyone else we should include?
"I think I caught one of those Taldan rivals of yours - what was their name, again? Oh, yes. Whitehollow - trying to blend in and gather information," Sapphira tells Brandt, pouring him a drink at her bar. "I could've put a crossbow bolt in his back, but I figured you'd want him alive. Unfortunately, when I approached him, he ran like a frightened rabbit. Again, I could've stopped him like, ahem, a stone, but I did not want to cause a...commotion in the middle of the village.
"I'd suggest staying alert. I imagine the Taldan party will be trying subtle methods to undermine your authority."
.....
Lord Christian is soon approached by Abbot Kara Ilarenika. The Pharasmin priestess is accompanied by a small crowd of her fellow survivors of Nivakta's Crossing. They eagerly await the announcement that the dragon whose rampage decimated their lives has been slain. This encounter leaves you relieved that Apothyl opted to part ways with you, at least for now, several miles before reaching Charis.
Christian Smiles warmly at the crossing survivors and the priestess.
Abbot Ilarenika, please gather those that represent the surviving families of the Crossing and meet with us at the tavern. There is much to tell and discuss. I would very much like to have as many of the Crossing as we can. This story is best told in person to all to limit the amount of confusion or misunderstanding.
Christian turns to gather the others.
It would appear that official business has found us sooner than I had hoped. Please gather what council members you can and meet me at the tavern. This would include you Master Booker.
When the survivors come to the meeting.
Please come in and make room so that all can be seen and heard. I am going to tell you everything we know about the attack on the Crossing. I am going to divulge in the order that it happened so as to limit the confusion. Please allow me to finish before asking questions.
Christian moves around the table and sits on the edge of it and looks out at the gathered families.
As some point in the past the Cult of Lamashtu enter this region and stole an egg from a mated pair of Copper dragons. Their goal...as far as we can tell was to use this egg in some ritual for that foul goddess. The exact nature of this ritual is still beyond our knowledge. The were traveling across the land for a unknown location when the egg was then stolen from them by our Kobold neighbors. The Kobold tribe had hopes of hatching the egg and raising it as a god or a protector of their tribe. The tribe had almost been decimated by the Whitehollows and their party of adventures. They are the group that was in the region before us.
Christian pauses for a few seconds to look around the room and then continues.
The dragon parents searched for their egg to no avail. Distraught and anger took root in the Mercifax the father. Buried itself deep inside his soul and festered. The actions of the Lamashtu Cult created much bitterness and the loss of hope was too much for the father. In his dark angry mood, he decided that the human village of Nivakta's Crossing was to blame for the loss of his child. Apothyl...his mate and the mother of his child tried to stop him. In the ensuing battle between dragons, Apothyl was gravelly injured and fled. Mercifax as you now know attacked the crossing and Fort Serenko soon afterwards.
Christian again pauses to let the knowledge sink in. The fact that a good dragon had attacked their village would not be easy to accept.
Just after these event occurred we had set out to investigate the Kobold's home to see what had remained after the Whitehollow's attack. The few Kobold survivors did what they could to protect themselves. We were able to talk to them and came to an arrangement. It was during these talks that the kobolds informed us that they had a dragon egg that the Whitehollows did not take. It was then that they told us about their intentions with the egg. We were able to negotiate a deal and took possession of the egg with the intent to find its parents and return it.
We returned to Charis but not before hiding the egg to keep it safe. We had reports that told us of some Fey north of here. It was our intent to meet these Fey in hopes of finding the dragon parents. That was our plan and we set out to find the Fey. Word reached us of the Crossing attack and the survivors heading to Oleg's Outpost. We changed our plans and rode for the outpost to lend help as best we could. This is when we encountered Apothyl. Her wounds were serious and after some talking we were able to tend to her healing needs. She told us about the attack, the who and the why. We returned the egg to it's mother and rode hard for the outpost.
Most of you know the details of what happened after we arrived at Oleg's and the escort to Charis.
We made arrangements and gathered supplies for the long travel that would lead us to Mercifax. We did not have a set plan as to how best to deal with a rampaging dragon. It is not something many can attest to surviving.
Apothyl was none to please with the actions of Mercifax and vowed to aid us however she could in stopping him. She told us about a way to get to his lair faster but that would take us through yet another dragon's lair. It was determined that they best course of action was to simply ask permission from this other dragon.
Christian reached for a drink as the long story was drying his throat.
This silver dragon was also touched by the actions of the Lamashtu cult. The cult had join forces with some evil creature in taking control of the dragons lair. We agreed to remove this threat and she would help us get to Mercifax quicker. The battle was over soon enough and we were able to defeat the Lamashtu Cult and it's allies. True to her word, the Silver Dragon allowed us to travel to the Lair of Mercifax unharmed.
Christian lets out a breath of air the he was holding.
Well here is where they get angry.
It was decided that we would try and talk the dragon down and bring him back to his senses instead of attacking outright. Killing a dragon is not an easy task even for seasoned adventures. If we had failed in killing the dragon, it could have spelled disaster for Charis, The outpost or even Restov. It was a risk we could not take unless absolutely necessary. Fortunately being told that his child yet lived and the realization of his action being completely wrong was enough to get him to listen to our words. We were successful in bringing him back and out of that dark place and back into the light.
The young lord lets his gaze roam the room trying to keep his voice calm and reassuring.
The dragon Mercifax is responsible for the attack on the Crossing and his anger did lead to the deaths of many in that village. If not for the direct actions of the Cult of Lamashtu, things would be much different right now. Mercifax has taken responsibility for his actions and has willingly forfeited his personal hoard. It is to be given equally to each surviving member from the crossing. All of us involved here realize and understand that this treasure will never bring back those that were lost nor do we expect you to forgive such actions. I hope that this will give you the strength needed to take the first steps necessary in order to heal. I understand that for most of you this was not the outcome you wanted. It was not an easy decision to make and I am sorry if this bring any of you further pain.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Christian waits for the survivors to have their say.
So there it is, we or I let a mad rampaging dragon live. The same dragon that destroyed their homes and lives. I had the power to put an end to the madness right then and there. Yet I choose not to. It would be justified and it would have made sense. It would have solved so many problems. These people would have been avenged and would have justice. The bounty in Restov would have been fulfilled and no more innocent lives would be lost to Mercifax. The blood of those innocent lives...is on my hands now.
Bydar inclines his head, and observes the crowd, to see their reactions to this news. Lord Christian has grown more eloquent than ever it seems, and yet eloquent truth may still stir ire. It is still better than a lie I think.
Once again, Orlog feels out of his element. If he could just disappear directly in a forge and just let the gentle sound of metal being shape into useful items take all of his worries away. Sadly, such luxury wasn't possible right now. He had responsibilities, and he wasn't one to shy away from that. So, standing tall as he could, he put on a brave face and silently supported the Lord of the place.
Christian steps away from the table and looks to the gathered group. Seeing the emotions on their faces brings sorrow to the young lords heart.
Taking a few steps forward brings him to the closest person.
No matter what happens here, when you walk out that door and back to your lives...It is OK.
He looks around the room.
When you are having one of those dark days...it's...it's OK. It is OK to feel that darkness. It is OK to remember it and miss it and hate and love it. It's OK to wish it never happened and to wish it never stopped. It is OK to want to take it all back and at the same time to want do it all again.
Christian's eyes swell with wetness and his eyes fill with tears. The fluid stubbornly holding to his eyelashes. He walks among the people letting his face see theirs, to see the loss etched on their faces.
If you got it in your mind that that that you think people do not understand...that is OK...they do not but you do. You know darkness, you know evil but more important than that you...know...good...you know light, you know laughter and love better...than...anyone.
A tear rolls down his cheek from one eye as he lays a hand on the shoulder of one man.
Sso...embrace...embrace that darkness own it, do not look away from it, do not bury it in alcohol or drugs or silence. Live your life...embrace your life with physical activity, with song, with training, with instruments, with nature, with laughter, with love, with good memories and...discipline.
A second tear rolls down his face from the other eye.
Discipline yourself so you can free yourself, to move forward into your future where there is no more darkness, no more pain but peace.
The mercenary leader looks at each and every person in the room one after another. His emotions their for all to see.
it
is
OK
Abbot Ilarenika remains stone-faced in response to the announcement. The remainder of the survivors from Nivakta's Crossing, however, show much more vivid reactions. Whilst a few of them show surprise and disbelief at the news of receiving a share of the dragon's hoard as recompense, the majority of the survivors are incensed that the dragon was spared.
Bydar can plainly read that, thankfully, the survivors of the dragon's rampage are not beyond reason. Everything that the party has done for them ensures that they heed Lord Christian's words, as well as the party's deeds.
Shortly after their return to Charis, and when the medusa is not otherwise occupied, Syretia approaches Sapphira with a sheaf of papers covered in all manner of arcane scribblings, full of nervous energy.
"I've been researching something for you!" she blurts out in lieu of any actual greeting. "Here, look!"
Syretia flattens the plans out on a nearby table, and excitedly points out the various ways the device channels magical energy to protect its wearer. "I don't have all the materials I need for it right now, but it won't be long!" She pauses for a moment then, considering. "Is this...something you would want? I just assumed you might but I forgot to ask you. I'm sorry."
Syretia looks from the survivors to Christian and back again. I hope this was the right thing to do, she thinks, fingers crossed behind her back.
"Sooo... I got one ah these fer thah place here," Booker says, tugging open the mouth of a bag that contains the silver Desnan icons. "Think that'll do fer gettin' tha Marmilade's Marmalade in here?" He isn't quite successful in concealing his nervousness, but boy is he trying! This would be hust the break through we need! Come on, I did good by you, come ooooooon!
"Ye can't spend death tah rebuild yer homes, but ye can spend ah Dragon's Horde!" he chimes in as the people wrestle with the bomb that was just dropped on them.
________
Bydar pats his liege's shoulder supporting.
Bydar steps forward, "I see in some of you rage, that the dragon Mercifax , driven mad by the actions of the Cult of Lamashtu's attempt on his child, still lives. I myself felt this rage. It would be unnatural not to feel it. Mercifax felt it, when he thought his offspring lost. It drove him to monstrous acts. If we act on our rage, as he acted on his, we risk becoming as monstrous as him. We risk becoming him at his worst."
"We could die killing a repentant dragon, denying him redemption so WE could feel better... and your loved ones would still be dead. We might triumph and slay him, and your loved ones would still be dead. Revenge is not what your loved ones wanted for you. They do not howl from beyond the grave wanting you to become hateful and pursue a bloody justice against a beast that was born of madness, and with that madness gone no longer in truly in reach anyway. No, I say with certainty that Lord Christian is right. They would want you to carry on, to grieve them, and then seek out light, and even laughter, and love new, along with love remembered. They go to their rewards, and the only thing that could dim that would be to learn that you've chosen to suffer in rage and chained to a cycle of vengeance. I pray you, I BEG you, choose love over madness and a lust for blood. We are each of us more than the pains we bear. It is the one duty the fallen would ask of us, to go on living, and seek love and beauty still."
Sapphira looks over the notes proffered by Syretia. She scans over them for only a few moments before, with a groan, she asks, "What in the Pit am I looking at?"
She listens to the sorceress' explication, her exasperation slowly metamorphosing into curiosity tempered by confusion.
"Why would I want to strip myself of my greatest defense?" she muses with a wave of her hand. "Even if this is only made available to my closest allies - which, I suppose, would be you and the rest of the dragon lord's coterie - where is the benefit? I get to show off my comely eyes?"
...
Sapphira throws up her hands and quickly dons her hood with a groan when Booker next enters.
"What's the point in having the birdman as a face if everyone's just going to barge into my room anyhow?"
The medusa's sarcasm melts away when Booker presents the silvery prize. Even though her eyes are hidden by her hood, Booker can plainly tell how intently she is assessing the Desnan icon.
"Yes, this will do nicely. When can your proliferate kin make their first delivery?"
...
Lord Christian's rhetoric is staunchly backed by the party's deeds, and a touch of divine blessing. The grumbling quiets, the bitter fires of vengeance are squelched, and the survivors of Nivakta's Crossing are entirely mollified. They accept the wisdom of sparing the dragon, the beneficence of guiding him to the path of redemption, and the sheer practicality of having an indebted dragon as an ally.
In fact, in the coming days, Sapphira makes you aware of a new thread of gossip weaving its way through Charis.
"You should know," she says, struggling to suppress her laughter as she explains the situation to the party, "people have begun to say that if Lord Christian is not Choral the Conqueror reborn, he's at least outdone him by keeping three dragons on leashes rather than simply two."
"You should know," she says, struggling to suppress her laughter as she explains the situation to the party, "people have begun to say that if Lord Christian is not Choral the Conqueror reborn, he's at least outdone him by keeping three dragons on leashes rather than simply two."
Christian's mouth opens slightly and his eyes bulge wide at the mention of Choral the Conqueror. His voice uncharacteristically responds with a nervous twitch. He audible swallows and opens his mouth to speak.
Th this...this is just tavern talk. I am no Choral.He tries to laugh reassuringly but fails.
I guess our accomplishments are spreading. I only hope the dragon throne does not take offense...
When it is just the companions in the room, he looks to Booker.
I was wondering if you would be willing to take a walk around town for me. I want you to sit down with Sapphira and whoever else you deem necessary. Get an idea of what this Whitehollow looks like and what he is doing around town. I want any and all information you can gather. I will back whatever resource you need to accomplish this task. To risk themselves like this could make them desperate, so be careful. I would rather end this Whitehollow business sooner rather than later.
The young lord approaches Bydar
I would like you to take lead on the shrine. Talk with Cavan about what you need to make it a reality. We should get this started soon enough and later we will sit down to hammer out the details.
Placing a hand on his shoulder...
Brand, put together what you think we will need for a visit to the temple. It is high time we stop in to see what is going on there.
Christian turns to Syretia.
I would like for you to help Bydar. You have a different way of seeing things and that will be beneficial to this project. Unless you have something else you would like to look into?
His face turns to all the others.
If any of you wish to have input on this structure...please talk to Bydar about it.
He finally looks to Orlog.
Master Brightshield, what are your thoughts on the under city? What can we do with it?
Adressing the group as a whole.
I would like your input on a personal project. There are several places around the area that I wish to use for a future project. My people will be here soon and I wish to start claiming an area for them. A nice defensible location that will house the military. A barracks or maybe even a garrison and a Military Academy. I also want to utilize the under city in some way with this project. Not sure how but I thought it might be handy. Thoughts?
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Sapphira looks over the notes proffered by Syretia. She scans over them for only a few moments before, with a groan, she asks, "What in the Pit am I looking at?"
She listens to the sorceress' explication, her exasperation slowly metamorphosing into curiosity tempered by confusion.
"Why would I want to strip myself of my greatest defense?" she muses with a wave of her hand. "Even if this is only made available to my closest allies - which, I suppose, would be you and the rest of the dragon lord's coterie - where is the benefit? I get to show off my comely eyes?"
"Well, I mean, if you wanted to," Syretia says, visibly deflating. "It would only work on one person a day, so you'd still be protected from everyone else."
The sorceress sighs and leans back into her chair. "You've done so much for us and Charis, and you've been here even longer than I have. You always have to be on guard, to protect everyone from our enemies and from, well, yourself. You can't ever relax that guard, around anyone. It can't be good to be so isolated from everyone." Syretia gestures at the diagrams again before she continues.
"This wouldn't fix that, but if there was a person you wanted to lower your guard around, you could. Even if there never is such a person, you deserve to have the choice."
"I can't know what it's like for you," Syretia says, standing up and beginning to gather up the schematics. "But I grew up with people afraid to look me in the eyes, too."
Bydar feels rather proud of the people for finding their better angels, so to speak. It cannot be easy to put aside a longing for vengeance, but they are trying.
The young lord approaches Bydar
I would like you to take lead on the shrine. Talk with Cavan about what you need to make it a reality. We should get this started soon enough and later we will sit down to hammer out the details.
"Delighted, as a priest, I'm very glad folks will a sanctum to worship their gods and feel closer to them for their spiritual health. Holy ground has it's power and place. As one interested in sculpture and design, I'm doubly delighted," Bydar beams, "I'll talk to the other priests of the settlement, I think their insights will be invaluable."
Christian turns to Syretia.
I would like for you to help Bydar. You have a different way of seeing things and that will be beneficial to this project. Unless you have something else you would like to look into?
"You'd be most welcome, if you wish" Bydar nods.
I would like your input on a personal project. There are several places around the area that I wish to use for a future project. My people will be here soon and I wish to start claiming an area for them. A nice defensible location that will house the military. A barracks or maybe even a garrison and a Military Academy. I also want to utilize the under city in some way with this project. Not sure how but I thought it might be handy. Thoughts?
Bydar ponders "Given what we found below, an academy of some sort there would be a natural extension.. but as for housing for the new comers, perhaps we should encourage integration of housing between the various peoples that are gathering under our metaphorical banner? It might help different people of different backgrounds get along if they got to know each other as neighbors?"
"Once I give 'em tha news they'll jus' need ah day tah sort things!" Booker promises the Medusa. By all that's Holy, we'll finally have a real venue tah work with!
"Sure thing, m'Lord! I'll have this Whitehollow fella figured out in no time!" he says, wringing his hands a little. "Lord Christian, ya see, the Marmilades have been doing well enough without me, but I think it is time I started helping out with tha family business again. We're hooked up with Sapphira now, and between the uptick in business an' this enticing little task ye've given me, I think I'll be staying in tha city fer a while, if ye know what I mean, eh?"
________
Bydar works on some plans for a universal shrine, then scraps them, then goes over again and... then, as sometimes happens, a new idea strikes him, and he begins to visualize some alternate plans...
and not for a universal shrine, nor for Shelyn, and THAT Surprises him, but he follows the creative urge and keeps going.
Ideas coming to mind. A watch tower restored with a smithy in it, the smoke chimneyed out. Then the idea for a ground level one, circular, like the universal shrine was meant to be, but then with a forge in the center, and spaces for satellite anvils about it of various sorts.
Underground work? Well, the shrine to gorum could one day be converted, but the that area is not quite set. Still, he scratches what it might look like and then walks to find ORLOG and says
"Master Brightshield? Have you a moment? I.. think my mind has drifted to a new notion. And I don't want to offend you but how feasible would this idea be? I'm no engineer... And.. do you like it?"
Orlog looks up from the ledger he had in front of him. Closing it, he move to see what Bydar is talking about. "I'm not an engineer either. I just have some basic knowledge." Taking a long look at the plan, he starts stroking his beard. "Humm... Yes... Yes, this could work. Just need a small correction here and move this here and this would work perfectly. Have you shown this to anyone else?"
[dice=Knowledge Engineering]1d20+6
Orlog looks up from the ledger he had in front of him. Closing it, he move to see what Bydar is talking about. "I'm not an engineer either. I just have some basic knowledge." Taking a long look at the plan, he starts stroking his beard. "Humm... Yes... Yes, this could work. Just need a small correction here and move this here and this would work perfectly. Have you shown this to anyone else?"
"No" the human priest admits sheepishly, "It was working on the universal shrine, but then instead, these ideas came to mind which clearly were more suited to your god. I was worried you'd think it arrogant presumption if I went to anyone else first." He notes the changes, "Brilliant. I never would have thought of that addition."
"Regardless, if you agree, and aren't insulted by a little help, I think you could soon have a shrine and smithy dedicated to Torag"
Bydar and Orlog spend a day and night drafting up their ideas, and they soon produce a brilliant marriage of form and function. Their design seamlessly blends the elements of a shrine with the tools and components of an operative smithy by incorporating features and iconography inspired by the tenets of the Father of Dwarvenkind.
Brandt will seek out Orlogg and Bydar in the newly dedicated space for the Shrine and Smithy, Greetings lads, I have heard tell that there are magics which can begin the process to enchant a weapon. he says, holding his father's greataxe, haft inscribed with Skald runes for protection, [b]and I'm wondering if either of you can help me with that? I find I'm needing to close more often than I'd thought I would in the past, and I want to continue to bear my father's axe in battle. Is this something which we can accomplish?[/ooc]