Kaia listened to the Oracle give her speech, and Proteus' explanation afterwards. The word "Where" escapes her lips.
Then she breaks.
Her bow falls to the ground, unattended, as she screams at the prone form of the Oracle "WHERE IS KATHANDRAX! WHERE IS THE BASTARD WHO TURNED MY DAUGHTER TO ASH, WHO ATE MY BELOVED IN TWO QUICK BITES? WHERE!" she tries to scream more, but vomits instead.
Truly, Kaia teetered so closely on the edge of insanity, that it's a wonder she hasn't fallen yet.
This goes on for several minutes before, with a last gasp of air escaping, she collapses.
Coronus commits his prophecy to memory. It sounds impossible, even to the priest who hears prophesies regularly. Well, he will do his best for his bloodline and his fellowship. He is the last of his line, and it is up to him to ensure their names enter legend.
The centaur starts to follow Proteus upstairs, but then pauses to watch the human woman break down. He wonders whether someone will help her, because he doesn't want to.
After a few seconds, he changes the subject, "Hey where's that Nowyn woman?"
Mateo listens to the Oracle with focused attention, almost unblinking as she described what he must do to stave off his doom and save all of Thylea. As her prophecies are told to them all one by one, the steamy heat of the room making the sweat drip from his brow, Mateo turns in towards himself. They were given their list, their objectives, and now it was up to them to save the world or doom it by failing.
Mateo notices the slight shift in tone in the priest's voice, the way his eyes can't seem to linger on any of theirs. He connects the dots and realizes he has seen that same look in the eyes of officers from time to time. Hopelessness. It was that void that swallowed confidence whole and chewed hope alive.
"You don't think we have a chance at all, do you Proteus?" Mateo asks bluntly, holding the head priest's gaze for a moment. At least until the woman loses herself again and breaks down entirely, vomiting upon herself before consciousness thankfully takes her. Mateo watches impassively for a moment, he had tried reaching the woman with kindness and she had seemed to spurn all attempts with silence. Instead, his eyes would meet Lysanders and it was a silent communication; they would have to talk with her and see if she had the mental fortitude to even hold herself together to do this quest. Otherwise, she was was a danger to them all if her mind broke when they needed her most.
"It seems like an impossible course to follow; to walk in the footsteps of legends and become legends ourselves. Only by accomplishing the impossible would we be able to save the world and ourselves." Reaching down and hoisting the woman up onto his shoulder with a grunt, Mateo gave as best of a shrug as he could. "I am already doomed so why not fight against it. The world has had this blade hanging over its head the last five hundred years; no reason to just sight and wait for its kiss. Proteus, may we use a free room for her here and for ourselves to rest in? We are going to be very busy if we're going to save Thylea." Coronus's words caught Mateo off-guard and he did look around with a concerned look upon his face.
[b]"I...I did not see her at all in the fight. That worries me. Maybe the hag wasn't the only enemy here."[b]
"Or maybe she had her own reasons to disappear" Aristeides states. "Whatever happened, it seems we can do nothing about it."
Kyrah watches the reactions of the band carefully, writing furiously in her tome trying to record the events. She pauses for a moment when Novyn is brought up. "That one walks a different path of destiny for now. Perhaps your paths shall intersect again... perhaps not, but that does not alter your path". She then takes a look at Kaia's unconscious form. "That however might alter your path if you can't find a way to make her... useful... She then returns to writing furiously in her book.
@Mateo>> Proteus pauses for a brief moment before answering your question, unable to make eye contact. "I personally think the task ahead is near impossible even for the gods... however Kyrah and Versi give you more credit than I'm ready to. Still I wish you luck and will do anything I can to contribute to your success".
"As far as somewhere to rest... there are a couple of empty rooms up in the Acolyte chambers now thanks to Sydon and his cursed minion. Feel free to take an empty one".
"Thank you, Proteus, much appreciated" Aristeides answers when offered a room. "Well see to it that they're quickly available again - for better or for worse, we've got a prophecy to fulfill." When he thinks of a comfortable bed, Aristeides moans of pleasure.
The night passes uneventfully. You can hear the occasional cry of anguish, or the frightened cry of a nightmare from time to time, but Proteus seems always on the scene and quick with a comforting word. The morning comes, and Proteus has a couple of acolytes bring you cold water, bread and fresh fruit for breaking your fast. Kyrah strolls in a few minutes later munching on an apple.
"So Hero's. What is the next chapter I need prepare to write"?
Coronus would hang around Mateo and Lysander. Not like glue or in a weird way, but just sat near them and chit-chatted with them as brothers in arms. He didn't have their history together, but the centaur clearly felt most comfortable in their company.
In the evening, he would offer to Proteus to repack his chest and apologize for confiscating it. But, it was in the heat of the moment, he said aloud. He would also ask Proteus where he is from and how did he recognize his calling to serve the oracle.
=========================================================
"Well, we need to claim the Weapons of the Dragonlords." The centaur replies as a matter of fact while turning burnished dragonlord coin in his hand.
"We need to travel to Telamok, a necropolis in the Mithral Mountains. Has anyone been near there before and know the way? And is the Mossy Temple in the Old Woods along the way?" Coronus asks before he continues to munch his breakfast.
Mateo would happily share the tales of war that he had serving under the flag of Mystros; the ones that brought merriment and joy to him anyway. The news of their tasks was a tall and depressing order, one that he was not wanting to exacerbate with further tales of loss, tragedy, and melancholy. It would distract him from what he needed to do as well later; a serious talk was needed to be had.
When the warrior woman awoke, it would not be in the misty, steamy grotto of the Oracle. It was in one of spare rooms, the personal decorations of the acolyte long since removed to be returned to their next of kin. Beside her was a plate of fruits, cheese, and bread, along with a goblet filled with water. The room was brightly lit, illuminating the figure of the half-elf that was sitting in a chair nearby. He had invited Lysander to join him if the god-blooded wished but his friend had put in a lot of work fighting today. His eyes lifted to watch her for a moment as a smile spread across his face.
"You are safe Kaia, do not worry. Please eat and drink some, you vacated your stomach before you lost consciousness. With the heat here, that could prove terrible to your health." He said with a calm voice, watching her. He would give her a moment to eat or not before he continued on, his tone remaining that gentleness depiste the harshness of his next words.
"I do not mean to be blunt but I have a question for you. Do you want vengeance or are you just looking to die?" It was a pointed question certainly but one that couldn't be ignored any longer. "I don't mean to insult you if you are insulted, I just need to know. See...I've seen people like you before. People who lost it all. Friends, family, everyone...gone. They became a shell of themselves and they wanted one of two things; they wanted vengeance or they wanted to die."
"If you're the former, we can help you with that. We can work together to avenge your family. We will kill your dragon." There was sincerity in Mateo's voice; no lies or manipulation to be found. "If you are just looking to die though...I can't have you with us. This task is monumental, worthy of the Gods, and we will be pushed to our limits. There are people I love here, people I consider family here. I need to trust everyone to hold themselves together, to be able to dedicate themselves to this cause."
"I'll help you get your vengeance Kaia. You will plunge an arrow deep into that dragon's heart and watch the life fade from his eyes. You can't do this alone though and you can't do this without help, without our help. With that, I need you strong." Standing up and walking towards her, he would offer his hand out to her. "Will you be strong with me, Kaia?"
Mateo is dressed and ready for the days ahead; his armor oiled and ready while his weapons were sharpened for war. Stepping closer to the others, he would give him a nod.
"Indeed, we need their weapons. It seems to be the same area that you and I will...change our destinies Coronus."
"However, we are also close to Lysander's father. We could deal with that right now, if we wish."
Lysander sighs in some exasperation. "Theia," he says to Kyrah, "Versi wishes me to speak to my father. You know better than I what to expect from him. Try as I might to have avoided him entirely, the Oracle's vision sends me on his path. How would you approach him, in my place?"
he turns to the others and shrugs as if the weight of destiny were no big matter. " We're not too far from Estoria. If nothing else, we can go there to gather supplies and rumors of the land to prepare for wherever our travels will take us."
"Well, at least we know where Estoria is - it seems wiser to go there first" Aristeides comments. Then he shrugs, saying casually "In other time, I would have gladly invited you to my family's estate. Sadly, it is no more. I still keep some knowledge of the Estorian roads, though." He smiles, knowing there are other Estorians in the group anyways.
Kaia is groggy when she first wakes up, the previous couple of days in a haze. When she sees Mateo sitting in her room, she starts to say something, then remembers.
It takes a moment of breathing to get herself under control, but she does.
She listened to his questions, then looked him in the eyes and said "I will have vengeance. I was promised answers to come here, and so far I have been offered nothing but what these others desired." She finds and then opens her pack and pulls out a scroll, which she hands to Mateo, saying "This arrived hours after the death of my husband and daughter."[b/]
On it was written the following:
To find he who you seek;
Go to the Sour Vintage near Estoria;
Speak with Kyrah.
[b]"So came here and was turned away by a supposed god with no care or kindness. I was told to speak to the Oracle, and the Oracle told me nothing that matters to me, only more selfishness."
"I guess it's true what you Southerners say: The gods care for mortals only when they want something."
"I feel better than I have in days, to be honest. I should not behave as I have before. I just don't care all that much about this world and the 'quest' in front of us, and the words of you gods mean less to me than the turds that a donkey drops on the ground."
"I will do this job, but I expect to be paid; should it not be so, I will gain payment another way."
Mateo can see by the look on her face that she is calm.
"Is there water here so I may take a bath?"
Kyrah is almost jumping up and down in anticipation, waiting with her bags packed at the entrance to the temple. "So where are we going? and when can we leave? If it was me I'd go to Estoria first. The Horn of Balmytria should be there on display at the Dragon Shrine... but you're the adventurers so choose where you'd like".
As the party makes ready to leave Proteus approaches the party and thanks them for rescuing The Oracle from the clutches of the Sea Hag. He also gives each of them a Potion of Healing. "Hopefully this will help in some way".
"The future of Thylea may be bleak, but there is always hope. The people of this land will look to your actions as a sign of things to come. Seek neither fame nor fortune, but show them the true meaning of heroism. Make yourselves a beacon of light as we enter this time of darkness, and go with the blessing of this temple.”
After Proteus departs to tend to his duties, Kyrah addresses the part as well. Listen to me — forget what Proteus said. This is your
chance to win fame beyond your wildest dreams. You want fame, right? Of course you do. All great heroes want fame. Fame is the path to immortality. These 'Great Labors' are only the beginning. The path ahead of you will be filled with opportunities for winning fame. If you truly manage to rise to your fate and confront the Titans, then poets will sing of your deeds for ages to come."
Before leaving she asks for Kaia to speak with her in private for a moment.
Kaia Only
I know you struggle with inner conflict and your own demons, but I will tell you some things against my better judgement. The true name of the dragon who killed your family was Helios, not Kathandrax. I'm not sure where you got that name, but Dragons can be misleading in all they do. I will also tell you that he resides on an Island in the Forgotten Sea. If you try to go there alone he will kill you without a moments thought, and his goal will be accomplished. Prophecy works in strange ways, and the path to fulfilling the prophecy is never clear... but it is a path that if followed is never wrong. Choose your free will but don't think it's you against the world. Look at these tasks as stops along the path. Whether you believe it or not you are one of the destined ones. I will speak no more on this, as I have already revealed more than I probably should".
Mateo listened to the wild woman carefully and earnestly, his head nodding at her words. The trauma was still fresh, still bleeding even, and the mark that Kathandrax had left would only grow that much more as they journeyed together. He took his own hand away when the woman did not seem to wish to shake it but if he was insulted, there was no look upon his face of it.
"Only the bitter and foolish say that; the wise know that they are as fallible as any other man or woman. I would hope that you would care about the destruction of this world, of everyone within it, and at least show a bit of respect at the gods. You may not care for them but they will either be our enemies or our allies and I much prefer them to be the latter." Mateo would make his way to the door, nodding off to the side. "There is water for a bath. Please, make sure to eat." He hesitates for just a moment at the door, considering something before he speaks again.
"You may not think it...but the scroll is not a lie. Kyrah's words and the Oracle's neither selfish nor a lie either. He says what you seek, what you truly seek is this dragon? Maybe what you sought was vengeance himself. If that is the case, then you're on the path." The thought was spoken quietly before he turned the door and began to leave. "I am afraid there is no real guarantee of payment. Favor and service perhaps as well as the chance to gain the tools you need to kill that damn dragon. Rest well, we head off tomorrow."
"I agree with Lysander. We can deal with his father while we are there, restock on supplies, and visit the Dragon Shrine. Many birds, one arrow." Mateo nodded respectfully to the priest's notions; it was easy to let fame and glory get to one's head. Another reason why too many boys were sent home upon their shields before they ever had the chance to become men. "Thank you Proteus. I wish you, yours, and the Oracle well." As the priest walked away, the goddess spoke up beside them excitedly. He scoffed slightly, shaking his head with a grin on his face.
"As scary as it may be to believe Kyrah, I don't think most of us are gloryhounds. If we can save Thylea, that'll be enough on its own." Shifting the backpack on his back, he turned and looked to the others. "To Estoria then?"
"Estoria. Estoria. Estoria. Estoria." The centaur turns the word in his mouth many times. He had never visited an invader city. Never wanted to. Never needed to. He had no desire.
"Well, I will not be leading there. But, I will follow."
"Well, at least we know where Estoria is - it seems wiser to go there first" Aristeides comments. Then he shrugs, saying casually "In other time, I would have gladly invited you to my family's estate. Sadly, it is no more. I still keep some knowledge of the Estorian roads, though." He smiles, knowing there are other Estorians in the group anyways.
There really isn't a particular skill for that. History would be for historic sights, Nature for natural wonders, Religion for sites touched by the divine, and Arcana for places of arcane power... or you could ask Kyrah or Proteus for guidance or a map.
The map in the campaign thread shows where Estoria is, but if you wish to know where the other mentioned sights are then one of the above methods could possibly result in more information.
Aristeides nods to Mateo's words. "That seems the wisest. To Estoria!" Then he turns to Lysander. "I would have never thought I would get to see a being like your father in person." Actually, Aristeides is being involved in a lot of situations he had only dreamt of.
Lysander intones back to the scholar. "Nor I. I've been in the presence of gods and goddesses before, such as my theia," he gestures to Kyrah. "But I've never set foot in my father's court nor been in his presence. Truth be told, I'm apprehensive about the whole matter. Probably why I want to get it over with."
For just a moment, the big man is quiet while he checks his gear. "And Kyrah has been cagey with her information and hasn't given me much of what to expect from him. I've only the words of the Centurions to go by, and they revered him as a personal deity." A shrug.
He watches Coronus, knowing his new centaur friend would likely share Lysander's reservations about their impending destination. "Are we all ready? We'd best get this over with."
Kaia rises and makes her way to the water to bath. Regardless of what the Fey-blooded had said spoken many words, but had not said alot.
Kaia cleaned the sick and dried tears from herself and then slipped into the bath. Climbing out, she used the soap and water to clean her clothing and armor, then redonned it.
Kaia joined the others in the morning, only to be pulled aside a few minutes after by Kyrah. She says nothing, but then rejoins the others.
"So, where to?"
The party is gifted with a travelling lunch by Proteus, and an eager Kyrah makes ready to join the group on their Journeys.
"This is going to be so exciting. I can't wait to record your exploits".
She then begins to sort through all her many scrolls, and parchments, until finally smiling and extending one to your group.
"Here. This is a map of the region. It might help if we get separated". She then proceeds to add some of the landmarks from your prophecies on the map.
Coronus would take the map. He wonders where they are and commits the landmarks to memory. He may not be leading the way to Estoria, he certainly wants to be able to escape the city to the Steppes several different ways.
After he does, he offers the map to anyone else.
The party leaves in the early morning hours after bidding their farewells to Proteus and the remainder of the Acolytes. As the group climbs out of the valley of the Temple of the Oracle, the mid-morning sun burns off most of the fog, and it appears it's going to be a hot day.
The party travels all day with little conversation, and but for a brief stop by a popular grove with a well known spring for lunch, they travel safely. Now and then you pass a farm, and the closer you get to Estoria, you notice that the farms have much less livestock, than you've noticed in past travels. You also notice that the normally lush and green landscape is brown and barren and seems to be in a drought condition... which is in itself strange, but particularly since this is the rainy season.
Estoria appears ahead of your group, about two hours before sunset.
This settlement is nestled between the cliffs of a rocky gorge. The north wall of the town is part of a stone fortress, and protects the town from any dangers that might come from the steppes. Houses, taverns, and shops of all kinds sprawl down from the fortress, filling much of the gorge. The northern wall is defended by a legion of soldiers, while the southern gates admit a steady stream of travelers and merchant caravans. The road that runs south from the gate is lined with tile-roofed inns.
As you get closer a cloud of dust settles around the city, from the dryness of the weather.
Approaching the city from the south, you encounter a caravan of merchants who are also headed towards Estoria. With them are the first domesticated animals you have seen in some time, a herd of bony oxen lumbering along the dusty road. The merchants seem tired, and they greet you warily.
As the party approaches one of the young men breaks off and approaches the party. He explains that "the oxen are to be delivered to the temple, where they will be added to the other daily sacrifices made to Sydon. There are barely any draft animals left in the country-side, and even these sickly animals will fetch a high price due to the kings desperation to appease the Titan".
"If that wasn't enough there are marauding cyclopes and centaurs making the roads dangerous to travel as well". He looks at Coronus a bit warily as he speaks. "No offense intended sir".
Coronus is pensive leaving the Temple of the Oracle. All of the events and potential events swirl around his head. He wonders if his forefathers had similar paths and thoughts.
To distract from these heavy thoughts, he takes comfort in the lines and landmarks of the scenery through which they pass. He's never traveled this close to the cities, so he soaks in the geography. The dehydration of the flora and fauna concerns him. Along the way, he asks the goddess traveling with them, "Lady Kyrah, what can you tell us of the drought conditions. I thought this was the rainy season here. Are there any supernatural forces at work?"
==============================================
The centaur is cautious when approaching the caravan. He wonders how they will treat those of his kind.
In reply to the young man, Coronus says with a nod, "Thank you for the respect. We have marauding cyclops, centaurs, and men on the plains, as well." He remains silent on the topic of Sydon not knowing what to comment.
The walk is quiet, peaceful even. Despite the noose that is tightening around the throat of Thylea, the half-elf finds his moments of enjoyment here and there amidst nature. Yet as they draw closer, the dry and desiccated landscape seems to take a hold of it, throttling the green from the world. This was not the Estoria he was expecting at all.
Coronus begins to speak to the goddess in their company, Mateo stepping a bit closer from his position as the scout along the trail. He was certainly interested to hear what she has to say.
Mateo looks over the pitiful animals within the caravan and frowns to himself. Estoria was famed as a city that could defend against the hordes; centaurs, giants, barbarians, all of them fell underneath her might and broke upon the walls. An effective tactic would be to strange the life out of it; poison the crops, dry the lands, kill the livestock, and push the people to desperation. Cruel, dishonorable, yet effective.
"Young man..." Mateo says, speaking up after surveying the caravan. "You said the king is paying a high price for these poor animals? What has drove him to such desperation?"
Lysander seems affronted at everything he sees around him. He steps closer to Kyrah and leans in to question her with a whisper.
"Theia, I'm confused. Daily sacrifices to Sydon? Estonia is ruled by a god, opposed to Sydon, or so I thought. How could my father be so cowed by the titan yet still revered by the centurions back in Mytros?"
Kaia is rather quiet as she follows along, but she is responsive and attentive to her surroundings. As the group met up with the merchants, she gave them the once over to make sure they were as they appeared to be.
Kaia tunes out the conversation about the gods going on around her and choses to instead focus on the terrain the group was passing through, looking for threats.
The young elf seems shocked by what he hears from the man. He's about to express his stupor, but Lysanders does the same and probably way better. When the centurion finishes speaking, the magician projects his thoughts out loud.
"Lysander, I think it's time to talk to your father and ask what's going on."
@Coronus>> Kyrah turns to address the Centaur's question. "There is no doubt there are supernatural forces at work here. As the time for treatise draws near to a close Sydon grows more bold. I would say it is The Lord of Storms withholding rain from this region... and the people suffer".
@Mateo>> The bold leader of the merchants addresses the question, keeping one eye on the Centaur that travels with the group. "There are rumors that someone important has been marked for sacrifice, and King Prythor is trying so appease Sydon in order to prevent this sacrifice. I don't know the details. What the gods and Titans plot is never revealed to the common man... but usually we pay the price".
@Lysander>> Kyrah moves to the Demi-gods side at his questioning. "When did you last hear from your father, or those close to him? He is still a great warrior, but has little competence as a ruler, remaining drunk and lecherous always... but still the people love and support him. Something else seems to be up however. Perhaps you should endeavor to speak with him".
@Kaia>> The merchants indeed appear to be what they say, though you still have suspicions. They look normal, but you have been absorbed in your own pain for so long, you have difficulty sensing their intentions.
Kaia
@Aristeides>> You continue to listen in to the various conversations attempting to make some sense of what is transpiring.
Your party enters through the southern gates, and are subject to people staring and pointing.
The streets grow more crowded as you enter the city proper. Travelers and citizens mingle, exchanging both goods and gossip. Guards line the streets, though they are most concentrated by the city gates. Despite their attempts to present a stoic facade, you sense that they
are restless about something. A small detachment of hoplites moves towards you from the north. One man bearing an officer’s insignia steps forward from his fellows and respectfully hails your party.
"Please... I don't mean to be a bother, but... orders are orders... I know you are tired from your journey, but please... The King has ordered that I bring you to him immediately upon your arrival... and we'll if it's not too much trouble would you please let us escort you to the King"?
Sense Motive DC-15
You can tell that the soldiers seem a bit embarrassed by this breech of etiquette, and are not fond of the orders.
Lysander groans inwardly at Kyrah's recommendation. Somehow he suspected the goddess' advice would amount to "See for yourself." But as the hoplites approach, he moves towards the head of the column and addresses the officer, noting the officer's rank badge and making sure to wear the countenance of an officer as in his tours with the centurions.
"We welcome a meeting with my father. Lead on, lokhagos"
"Oh, well, we were going to meet the King anyways, so..."
Aristeides observes how the populace behaves in their everyday cores, and what is their mood. Must be hard to witness how your sovereign ends up appealing his all-time enemy - though he surely doesn't mention the idea to Lysander.
"When was the last time you talked to him, Lysander?"
Lysander shrugs and takes a bite of an apple he'd had in his rucksack. "Never. He was gone by the time I was born, and no one really knew why since it was said that he truly loved my mother, Ophea. The Centurions stepped in to help raise me in his place- especially after my mother was taken by a dragon when I was nine or so."
Another bite of the apple.
"To be honest, I've avoided Estoria until this day. Pythor is the god of battle, but he never stayed to teach me to fight or found the dragon that took his supposed beloved and defeated it. The Centurions that revere him did at least the former."
Lysander is quiet for a moment as his thoughts drift towards his old decurion, Vasitios. It was Vasitios that he looked towards as a father, and he'd lost the grizzled old Centurion in a battle with Raving Ones near the Oldwood.
"Such as it is, I suppose."
Continuing his conversation with the goddess, Coronus asks, "If the Lord of Storms is using his power to withhold rain, is there another god or titan who could counter this action?"
=============================================================
The centaur grips his shield tightly and steps carefully through the gates and crowd. While not claustrophobic, the confined area is not comfortable.
Kaia tapped quietly on Mateo's shoulder and whispered in his ear:
"This is a trap. Those merchants had descriptions of us."
Aristeides taps Lysander's back. "Don't worry, my friend - luckily, one carves his own destiny, no matter how his parents managed to mess it all up." He smiles at the big soldier, trying to infuse a bit of courage. Standing in front of one's father is certainly no easy task - specially with such a father.
He follows the soldiers to the palace for another step in their ascension to glory...
Mateo stewed over the implications that the caravan merchant had given him. An important sacrifice marked along with a terrible drought put together an ugly picture in his mind. The truce had not officially ended yet and already, the subtle machinations of war were already in play. He thanked the man for his information, joining the others as they made their way into Estoria properly. People began to point at them, murmurs and rumors already spreading. It brought a scowl to his face.
"Moving incognito is going to be difficult in civilized places, it seems. I'll have to be extra quiet." Mateo murmured to the group but mostly to himself. Already he was missing the company of the thief, she was reliable to travel quietly beside him. Before he could ruminate upon this further, a group of soldiers bearing the city's marks approached them.
"An escort? It seems we've gotten more important than we realize, good friend." Mateo said with a grin, nodding to Lysander. The soldier spoke about his lost mother, the dragon that took her, and the pat he was giving to the man's shoulder would become a reassuring squeeze. "We'll get some answers at the very least, my friend." Kaia tapped him onto the shoulder right then, whispering into his ear. He would look back at her with a surprised look before giving a nod and leaning in to whisper to the rest of the group.
"Keep your eyes peeled. Kaia thinks there is trouble afoot." Mateo places a hand on the hilt of his blade but does not draw it or try to show he is expecting trouble. After the incident at the Oracle, the followers of Sydon could be anywhere.
The soldier gives a nod of thanks at Lysander's greeting, and is obviously relieved that the party is following willfully. As the party passes a young boy pulls his thumb from his mouth, and speaks loudly to his embarrased mother, before she can pull him away. "They don't look like hero's to me! But they have captured one of Sydon's followers at least".
The party overhears the rumors of the heroes of Thylea which seem to have beaten them to the city. As the crowd grows around the city, Coronus seems to draw the most stares, and many of them are fearful. Whether it's his massive appearance and the reputation which follows it, or the somewhat familiar holy symbol on his shield, the crowd parts as he approaches.
Coronus bends over to speak with Kyrah as the crowds swell suddenly an old white bearded Satyr thwacks Coronus with his cane. "Things weren't like this back in the day. There is no respect for the elders anymore". He then ambles on his way.
@Coronus>>"That is a simple question, but the answer is not so simple. Sydon holds tightly to his domain and doesn't take lightly to others interference. I'm sure that if Prythor or any other could do something they would. Perhaps speaking with the King will help us to understand why he allows this suffering to take place".
As the party rounds a bend, the guards suddenly slow down, and a couple turn away in disgust. Seven cultists of Sydon have tied a cow to an
altar in the public square. They prepare to sacrifice the cow by setting it alight with torches. A couple of the soldiers start towards the scene but the captain orders them back with a terse command. "Later. We must perform our duty first". The cow begins to bray in panic, it's eyes rolling and white with panic.
Ahead of you, visible thorough the smoke and dust rises The Kings Palace.
Mateo followed the guards through the city of Estoria, frowning at the sights he was seeing. The people looked worse for wear and there was an irritation at the way that they stared at Coronus. He would move closer towards the centaur, giving him a wry smile before he speaks loudly for those nearby to here.
"Come Coronus, my friend. We must continue our way to meet the King. Your might and skill will be most needed to protect us all." The ploy was simple enough; he refused to have the centaur be looked at like an enemy. He had met strange fellows in his time as an Odyssean and fighting alongside a centaur would not be the strangest twist in the tale of the Doomed. Carrying on, he'd give the cleric of Chiron a wink before resuming his place close to the front where the guards were escorting them all.
They were getting close to the palace when the armored entourage around them would suddenly stop, the looks of revulsion upon their face. Staring at the sight that they turned away from, he recognized the foul followers of Sydon preparing another sacrifice. The cow seemed terrified, trying to get away from the flames that drew ever closer. Mateo went to turn away but then his eyes met Kyrah's. The goddess betrayed nearly nothing but within those dangerously gorgeous eyes, there did seem to be a question there. Would he or would he not be a hero?
From her point of view, there was a look of annoyance that spread across the legionnaire's face before it became a look of resigned acceptance. Showy things like this were not his preferred way of doing things but already, the rumors of who they were and what they were doing were beginning to spread. Every action would be scrutinized by the common people, their potential allies, and their enemies.
"Oh, by the hells..." He murmured as he turned and moved past the guards towards the center of the square where the sacrifice was about to take place. His steps were determined and purposeful as he called out. "Hey! You bootlickers of Sydon!" With their attention drawn, he'd move a bit quicker now to get to where the cow was tied, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. "Let the beast go, your Titan has already shown his disfavor on the city and a burned cow is a wasted cow." For a moment, he'd look over the shoulder of the cultist in front of him towards his group of comrades. Hopefully they would support him in this. "It seems Lysander isn't the only one with stupid ideas. Maybe dying wouldn't be so bad?" He thought to himself, trying not to let the fact that there was a massive crowd around them all.
The crowd had not thrown rocks or vegetables at him, only insults, so the centaur was doing better than he expected. The heathen and ignorant would not know the difference between Chiron and Sydon's symbol, so he could not expect better. Even the goddess did not know Chiron, which was disappointing.
Coronus watched the elder satyr amble away. Respecting one's elders? That's something a titan would say, because down here it's might makes right, such as it is. And if the chief does not provide for the tribe, then you need a new chief. That sounds what needs to be done with Sydon.
Seeing Mateo start the ruckus, there was no going back. The centaur turns to the captain and says, "If your duty is to escort us to the palace, then you will have to wait until we sort this out."
Elevating his voice with Thaumaturgy, Coronus echoes Mateo calling out to the Sydonists, such that everyone can hear him.
Lysander turns to the lokhagos while pulling his spear from his pack and grins. "Well, your orders were to bring us before the king. It seems we've decided to take the scenic route. I'm sure your men won't mind."
The big centurion then adds his voice to those of his teammates with a roar of challenge at the sydonites.
Aristeides rolls his eyes up. "It seems we going to have an argument..." He lets the Paladins of the Cow God manage the situation, but stands ready to intervene.
The biggest meanest looking of the cultists, turns to you and spits at the ground.
"Oh yeah! And who do you think you are to deny Sydon his deserved sacrifice. This beast is marked for tribute to him, and if I were you I'd march away, and not make him your enemy"!
A skinny scrawny girl then turns and joins in the verbal barrage. "At least Sydon is doing something. Prythor just drinks himself into a stupor and wines and cries about his poor daughter. Now leave us be! If we sacrifice enough then he'll lift the drought. Perhaps you should be looking for something to sacrifice yourselves instead of minding our business".
A crowd of onlookers had gathered by this time, and you can hear bets going forth for each side. The Cultist return to trying to set the cow alight.
The captain of the guard urges you to come along. "Come now. We can't keep the King waiting to save a simple cow".
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"Okay, the argument is over. Let's go guys, nothing to see here." Aristeides agrees with the captain, not because of making the King wait, but rather because positioning the Heroes chosen by the Oracle against the people would be the worst move they could do.
Mateo looked the intimidating figure scare in the eye, unflinching even as his fellow goons came back. He didn't look like he was appearing to back down when a scrawny and hungry looking girl came out of the crowd and spoke. Mateo's eyes widened at her words for a moment, processing what she said.
"Oh. Oh, I see." The words weren't condescending or harsh, there was an actual tone of surprise in them. It seemed things here were worse than he imagined it would be. The crowd began to bet and his body language would relax immediately. "If that is what you wish." He said directly to the woman, turning away from the priest. His relaxed demeanor seemed to return as he nodded towards Aristeides. "You are right, let's go." As he passed by Coronus and Lysander, he'd place his hand on them for a moment before whispering softly as to not be heard.
[smaller]"For someone to so blatantly insult a god and not even a soul speak out against them? The trust in Pythor, and the Gods by association, must be awfully poor. Thank you though for coming with me." It was dangerous to fight the Cult of Sydon if they had the support of the populace. They needed to speak to the god of war quickly and see what had brought the mighty god so low.
"The Gods Don't Give A F#$k About You." Kaia shouted. "All You're Doing Is Wasting A Cow In Front Of Starving People Like A Bunch Of A#$holes."
Not bothering to wait for their response, she turns and leaves with the others.
Coronus nods to Mateo acknowledging to let this go and follows the fellowship. Sydon and his followers will get their due
Lysander leans in to Kaia. "I'm only half god, so I only give half a fck about them," he chuckles. "Let's go see if we can make a god other than Kyrah care at all."
Mateo snickers a little at Lysander's comment though the tension of the situation doesn't entirely leave him yet. It seemed that this was going to be more than the simple thing he had hoped it would be.