Volume I - Fires of Creation
Part 1 - A Dying Torch
Setting: Numeria, the small village of Torch set beside Black Hill among the Numerian Plains.
Date: 19 Lamashan 4714, Oathday, mid-morning
The town of Torch is usually a humble, busy, prosperous place. But today, as the sun lifts above Black Hill, the town has reason to be restless. Events have made the usually industrious folk idle, on top of that, one of the leaders of the town -- in fact one of its most popular citizens, has gone missing. Instead of the clanging of hammers and whoosh of bellows usually found across Torch, there is whispers -- and worry. People worry about their future, businessmen worry about their loans due and lack of income, laborers worry about when their next wages will be paid, and the town leaders worry how long they can continue to pay burdensome tribute to their rather distant overloads in Starfall.
The setting is full of bad tidings, and the outlook is grim. You see, the eponymous torch - a gout of purple flame erupting from the top of Black Hill, has gone out. True it sometimes sputters or flares up into an incandescent storm, but none ever expected the source of the town's meager prosperity to just shut down. And now many worry if it will ever start back up again.
Worse, the one person Torch could rely on to fix this problem has gone missing. Khonnir Bane, owner of the Foundry tavern and forge and member of the town council, went investigating the flame's outage, and has not returned. Exactly what happened to Khonnir remains a mystery so far.
Karina sits as she strums away at her familiar lute, sitting down at the oldest tavern in town. Not even aiming to earn a living at this point, Karina merely plays to drown her own worries and that of her familiar's. Normally, she would try to add vocals to her performances, regardless of how mediocre of a singer she was in reality, but not today.
If anyone were to take a look at the Witch Bard at her table, they'd see a woman, somewhere in her mid-to-early-30's with blond hair and strikingly green eyes, dressed in clothes appropriate for a performer -- albeit with no form of armor whatsoever. On the table in front of her is an ale, and two instruments. One of these is her viol, and the other is a horrid mess of pieces that, when assembled, would resemble an oversized flute with an assortment of gears in various places.
Once she finished her current round of ale, she decides to ask for another, in her usual, practiced sing-song voice. She stops playing for a few seconds, before deciding to finally speak up. "More ale? Furthermore, does anyone have a request for a melody?"
While many people are worried, Zaria is not. She has never seen the sense of worrying about things she can't control. She does not know how the torch of Torch works, and she does not know how to fix it.
What she does know is how to work, and that is what she is doing. As she is most days, she is at the warehouses, dressed in boots, pants, a simple shirt, and gloves. She is helping to load, and unload, wagons of goods.
Things were both ordered and made before the torch went out. Those goods need to be dealt with, like at any other time. If the Town Council needs people for any tasks, they make it known. They have no so far, so she sticks to her normal routine.
She listens to the arguments and concerns being aired by co-workers, and while she does not say anything, she silently agrees with the consensus that Bane should sent others to see what had happened and not gone himself.
The door to the Foundry Tavern creaked as Alpha-47 pushed it open, stepping inside. The air within was warm and smelled of smoke, ale, and the faint metallic scent of the forge in the back. It was quieter than Alpha expected.
They wear simple robes, functional and utilitarian, but the design hints at their craftsmanship—small metallic accents and embroidered cogs nod to their devotion to Brigh. In their belt loops, they carry tools of their trade—whether a hammer, symbolizing their blacksmithing skills, and a holy symbol of Brigh, etched with intricate designs.
The patrons exchanged glances but said nothing. Most seemed too weighed down by the recent troubles to think of music. Alpha-47, however, took a slow step forward, their gaze settling on the bard. Music had always intrigued them. The craftsmanship of sound, the way it resonated with the soul.
“Play something for the flame,” Alpha spoke, their voice calm yet carrying a weight that turned a few heads. The circuits on their skin glowed faintly as they addressed Karina. “For what was lost. And what must be reignited.”
Anxiety surrounding the missing forge flame permeated Torch. In the short time Anri had been in town many spoke openly, yet quietly, about their troubles. The champion of Iomedae ran a hand through his short brown hair as he walked through the market square. Wares made before the torch went out were being sold, but by the sound of it prices were beginning to rise as wares began to dwindle. Taxes and tithes had to be paid. There was no way to know how long the town could go on like this. To top it off, one of the town's most respected citizens had gone missing.
I cannot help but wonder if the Technic League is involved, but even if I'm wrong and they are not it sounds like something needs to be done. The young champion thought to himself as he began to steer toward the Foundry Tavern which was owned by the missing Khonnir. If there were anywhere to find someone looking for an extra blade, that would be the place.
Karina
The Copper Coin may be the older tavern in Torch, and it may be perfectly warm and welcoming run as it is by the sibling Lawton and Katina Rimos, but it wasn't home for Karina. Not the welcoming hand-worked bar of the Foundry with the familiar banter, the boisterous laughter of Khonnir Bane, and the welcome site of Val Baine, Khonnir's foster-daughter dodging grasping hands and serving food and drink around the small tavern.
But since Val closed the Foundry after her father's disappearance, Karina has not been able to make her living in that familiar place. Instead she plies her trade at The Copper Coin. Katina Rimos nods at the songstress' call for more ale and a gruff dwarf a table over returns her call for a song "Yae ken t' 'Quest fer t' Sky' lassie? Play tha' dirge, eh?" he says, slamming a silver sail or two down on the table in her direction. It's maybe the 5th time the same miner has requested that tune since Karina started attending the Coin.
Zaria
Zaria works hard loading wagon's in the warehouse district, but this morning her foreman, Egbert, approaches her with troubled expression.
"Sorry, Zaria. Going to have to let you go. With the Torch out, there need for loaders has dried up, and even if I had work, I got to pay so much to the Council for taxes, I can barely feed my own family. If the flame comes back on, I reckon I'll look you up but for now I have to ask you to step away."
He hands you the rest of this week's wages even though its only Oathday (midweek) and shakes your hand, his eyes failing to meet yours. Then he shrugs his shoulders as if to say 'it is what it is' and turns to walk back to his office, hands in his pockets. Egbert's a good man, and you reckon it pains him to make this decision.
This is the second job you've lost this week due to the fire's outage, and it looks like its going to be rough finding regular work for a while.
Alpha-47
Alpha-47 entered the warm room, which was fairly full even at mid-morning, and saw Karina the singer sitting alone at her table, instruments askew. The proprietress, Katina, was just bringing an ale to the table. She caught Alpha's eye and asked "A drink for you? Or maybe some eggs and such?".
Catching herself, her cute oval face reddening with embarrassment, she stammered, I-I-I mean, you d-do drink right? A-A-And you must eat something...I mean to say, is there anything I can get you?"
She set a flagon in front of Karina, and wiped her hands on her apron nervously fidgeting, awaiting your reply.
Anri
Lost in his thoughts about the town, as he wandered through the usually bustling market, Anri noted the market was only doing half business or less. Many of the usually full stalls were empty as if the sellers didn't bother showing up for Oathday market.
A smelly cart full of refuse passed by the champion, pulled by a mule at slow steady pace. Anri had noticed the smell of Torch had changed since he'd arrived. At first the town was neat and tidy, but now refuse, garbage, excrement, and other foul waste was beginning to pile up. Almost as if the town's self-care was wrapped up in the gout of flame that sprung from the top of Black Hill.
Without realizing it, Anri found himself outside the Foundry staring at a hand-lettered sign in the window stating, "Closed till further notice" Only then did he remember that Khonnir's daughter had shut the place down after his recent disappearance. The only other tavern in town of repute was the Copper Coin. Maybe he'd head there for a late breakfast or early lunch.
Ba'hahk
After a short hike, you finally arrive at the western gate of Torch, a small village nestled along a dark black hunk of rock. You're not sure what drove you here, but the compulsion certainly guided you to this place.
The first thing you notice is a rather malodorous smell rising from the village -- a bit like week old garbage. Sniffing your nose and plugging along, you first come to a livery right inside the gate. A hand-painted sign reads "Iven's Stable and Livery". Quickly enough a man, Iven, you presume, steps out to greet you. "Been on foot, have you? Long way to walk. Let me set you up with a fine mount while here in Torch, or wherever your road leads. Not too many visitors in town since the fire went out, yeah? Make you a good deal."
Iven is a fit half-elf man dressed in work clothes, but you can see by his build and carriage, he was once more than that. A white puckered scar runs down the left side of his face from the corner of his eye to his smiling mouth.
He seems the welcoming sort. Surely he could answer questions about why you drug yourself here, or at least where a soft bed and warm meal could be found.
The Android moved with precise, deliberate steps, Alpha-47 pausing as the proprietress of this establishment, their expression neutral but with a hint of curiosity in their glowing amber eyes.
"Greetings, I am Alpha-47," Alpha-47 began, their voice smooth and measured, though carrying the slightest trace of uncertainty. "I wish to order a drink. I have observed that this is a common social ritual, one that appears to foster camaraderie."
He reaches into a pocket on his belt pouch, pulling out a single gold coin, "Is this an appropriate amount to acquire food and drink?"
Alpha-47 and Karina
Katina, the co-owner of the Copper Coin, relaxes visibly and laughs nervously, swiping the gold coin up with a practiced hand. "Aye, um... Alfalfa-47...this will get you drinks for a week. Enough to practice your social graces, if I may be so bold. What about a bite to eat? Not too late for breakfast, not too early for lunch?"
She disappears behind the bar, pulling another flagon of ale similar to the one that Katrina was just served.
Karina does not speak Dwarvish (merely Taldane, Skald, and Hallit), so it's probably the best to let everyone else join in the festivities. "I'll do it. You're the one who's going to have to sing as usual, can't have me butchering the language, huh?"
She then begins strumming along on the lute, with Luther providing a few plucked strings here and there as accompaniment. Merely any kind of string instrument, not vocals, is her element -- and quite literally is her familiar. The voice of the salty dwarf, and perhaps others, rings through the Copper Coin as she plays.
While playing, she speaks to A-47, offering a hello to the somewhat-familiar Android, judging by the Brighite get-up "I think I have something, my singing voice isn't as nice as my abilities with a Lute or Viol, but... I think I have just the song after the familiar Dwarven tune finishes."
She then turns to Katrina, continuing her vocal inflections as she speaks: "I believe I've already had a breakfast, so lunch is fine. As for what exactly? Surprise me!"
Ba'hahk
After a short hike, you finally arrive at the western gate of Torch, a small village nestled along a dark black hunk of rock. You're not sure what drove you here, but the compulsion certainly guided you to this place.
The first thing you notice is a rather malodorous smell rising from the village -- a bit like week old garbage. Sniffing your nose and plugging along, you first come to a livery right inside the gate. A hand-painted sign reads "Iven's Stable and Livery". Quickly enough a man, Iven, you presume, steps out to greet you. "Been on foot, have you? Long way to walk. Let me set you up with a fine mount while here in Torch, or wherever your road leads. Not too many visitors in town since the fire went out, yeah? Make you a good deal."
Iven is a fit half-elf man dressed in work clothes, but you can see by his build and carriage, he was once more than that. A white puckered scar runs down the left side of his face from the corner of his eye to his smiling mouth.
He seems the welcoming sort. Surely he could answer questions about why you drug yourself here, or at least where a soft bed and warm meal could be found.
The cloaked and covered orc stumbles along till he finally gets to Iven. His clothes and state of it easily would give off the impression of one who has felt a lot of outdoor hardship.
Ba'hahk speaks slowly. Trying to hide some his orcish accent. Hopefully the man doesn't realise he's more orc than what he's letting on to be
"Good morning Ivan. Sadly I think think for now this is where I'll be staying for an undefined amount of time. But perhaps you can point me in a direction where I can find some cheap lodging for the day?"
Torch. Why here? Of all places. What made this place special? The flame died according to this man. And this draw wasn't to a flame. It was something. Something deep below. Maybe now he could find some answers. Or at least a clue
As she took the money from Egbert, Zaria just nodded. "I understand. You're just doing what you have to."
She knew people would need food, or at least food might be used to help out and keep people calm when they were panicking the way they currently were. She went home, got on her armor, and grabbed her club, crossbow, and gear. If she could find and bring in something interesting to eat, that could at least help some people.
She could not feed the whole town, but even just a deer served at the Copper Coin might help. She decided to stop in at the tavern before heading out.
Upon seeing the "Closed till further notice" sign Anri sighs. He had hoped he could catch Khonnir's daughter to ask if she needed assistance with anything during this hard time. Unfortunately, there was nothing to be done about it for now and he could tell he was getting hungry. He enjoyed small, simple meals for breakfast, but that rarely got him through the morning on days spent in a town.
He started on his way to the Copper Coin. As he made his way across town, Anri could not help but wonder how long the town could support itself. If it came to it and things got worse, he'd forgo food to make sure others could eat. He was determined to make sure it did not come to that.
Karina and Alpha-47
The dwarven miner nods his agreement and breaks out into a surprisingly keen tenor voice that fills the Copper Coin for a few minutes. The fact that song is in the rough consonant filled Dwarven tongue does nothing to mar the rather lovely sound. When the dirge ends, the dwarf is red-faced with embarrassment, but tips his iron cap at Karina, and slides a gold crown into her hand. "Mightae fine, lassie! Mightae fine indee'"
The small crowd gathered for mid-morning applauds politely and then the common room fills with the buzz of conversation once again.
The barmaid smiles and nods at her order, waiting for a beat to see if the strange man will order something as well. If so, she bounces off to the kitchen, and if not, she eventually nods, turns on her heel, and goes to fetch Karina's lunch.
Anri
It's only a few blocks to the Copper Coin from Khonnir Bane's closed establishment The Foundry, and as the champion moves that direction, he spies a half orc woman speaking to an older gentleman who is decked out in a long leather apron full of smithing tools.The man holds a long metal walking stick in one hand, and an iron mask in the other.
You can't tell what they are speaking about, but the man seems friendly, even if the half-orc woman seems a bit hard to approach. She seems solidly built however, and is armed with bow and a cudgel.
Zaria
Shrugging off the dismissal for now, Zaria thinks of the town first as per usual, and readies herself for a hunt -- maybe a bite to eat first.
Not far from the Copper Coin (or Khonnir Bane's Foundry) the half-orc is stopped by someone crying out her name. "Zaria, hold up a moment. Hold up for an old man!" As you turn, you see the elder priest of Brigh, Joram Kyte trying to catch you from behind. The old priest is dressed, as usual, in a long leather apron full of smithing tools. He smiles broadly as he catches up to you.
"Headed for a hunt are you? The Bronze Lady looks with favor on your deeds in support of Torch, Zaria. But before you go, I wanted to tell you something. The Council is organizing a rescue mission to go after Khonnir. I think you'd be ideal to be part of it. See if you can gather some others, and go see old Dolga Freddert in the Town Hall. She can tell you what we know about our friend's disappearance, and about the reward for bringing him back." He grimaces, rubbing his temples and squinting against the mid-morning sun. "Damn this headache. Haven't been able to shake it for a few days now. Anyway, Dolga will tell you want you need to know. I know I can count on you, just not sure how many others in Torch I can say the same about."
He takes an iron mask you often see him carrying and holds it in front of his face for a moment. "Take her blessing in your hunt, Zaria, and don't let us down."
Ba'hahk
Iven raises an eyebrow when the newly arrived orc mentions staying in Torch a while, but he recovers his good manners quickly enough to say, "The Copper Coin has the finest fare in town, stranger. There's a gambling hall or a house of lady favors, if that's your thing, but the Coin will get you fed at least, and I expect there's rooms available as the trade has dried up a bit with the flame out and all. Either way, if you need a mount or any leather work, just let me know, will you?"
He points in the direction of the tavern, and waves in a friendly way as he says the last. A handsome woman with long dark hair and a series of facial tattoos steps out of the barn behind him and they link arms as they watch you enter the town proper.
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A man in an apron with smiting tools is not so strange a sight, but Anri cannot help but notice the mask. As a native of Numeria he recognizes a servant of Brigh. Wondering what insights the priest may have, Anri approaches him and the half-orc. He hadn't planned on imposing himself upon the conversation, but as the elder priest finishes explaining the situation Anri cannot stop himself.
"I apologize for intruding, but I couldn't help but overhear about the rescue mission. I've come to this town for the explicit purpose of helping to uncover what has happened with the torch. I'd like to offer my blade to the cause."
Ba'hahk
Iven raises an eyebrow when the newly arrived orc mentions staying in Torch a while, but he recovers his good manners quickly enough to say, "The Copper Coin has the finest fare in town, stranger. There's a gambling hall or a house of lady favors, if that's your thing, but the Coin will get you fed at least, and I expect there's rooms available as the trade has dried up a bit with the flame out and all. Either way, if you need a mount or any leather work, just let me know, will you?"
He points in the direction of the tavern, and waves in a friendly way as he says the last. A handsome woman with long dark hair and a series of facial tattoos steps out of the barn behind him and they link arms as they watch you enter the town proper.
A sad smile crosses his covered face as he turns with a wave at the couple
"I appreciate the information. And perhaps we will see each other again soon. I will keep your offer of leather items in my mind. Metal hasn't been a thing for me really" as the last sentence leaves his mouth, he groans a bit as a very unfamiliar pain shoots through his body. Originating from his feet. He quickly shakes it off. Stamping his feet on the ground as if trying to rid himself from pins and needles
He slowly makes his way to the place called The Coper Coin. It was at least something. Hopefully his meager amount of coin would be enough to at least get a room and some food.
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Zaria pauses at the familiar voice. She has heard it often enough when Joram Kyte's been giving services.
She doesn't say anything until after he is done. "I'll see if I can find anyone, and then head over to town hall. You might want to try something herbal for the headache."
Just then, Anri speaks, and she looks over. "Come along, then. I'm Zaria."
She leads the way to the Copper Coin, and once inside, she whistles loudly. When people look over, she speaks. "Listen up! Dolga and the town council need people to rescue Khonnir. If you want to do something for the town, come with me to town hall."
With that, she turns and leaves. She doesn't know if anyone will follow her to town hall, but people have the chance at least.
Once quest for the sky finishes, Karina pauses, trying to think of the perfect tune for A-47. She then turns to Alpha 47 as her meal arrives, sighing. "Well, it would probably be a good idea to participate in this social ritual, hm? I have the perfect song and lyrics, but it will have to wait until lunch is over."
As people flow into the Copper Coin, she greats them with a welcome wave, utensils still in hand. But when she hears what this Dromaar has to say, oh she is in, song be damned to Hell! Scarfing down her food so fast to the point she nearly chokes, she finishes and gets up. "Sorry about the potential lack of music for today, but I feel as if rescuing Khonnir is of the utmost importance!"
She then gets up, stows her viol and deconstructed flute, and begins walking to the door, her singsong voice still present, but a bit faded with the determination to save Khonnir: "Karina the Bard, pleasure to meet you. Might I ask your names before we head to the town-hall?"
Hearing the bard introduce herself, Anri realizes he forgot his manners. Turning to Zaria he says, "I am very sorry, I realize I imposed myself into your previous conversation without introducing myself." He looks between Zaria and Karina and continues. "Anri Cahir, servant of the Inheritor." His subconsciously grips the wooden sword and sun symbol of Iomedae hanging from his neck.
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Alpha-47 inclined their head, the faint light of their circuitry pulsing rhythmically as Karina;s earlier song ends. "Khonnir must be found," they replied evenly. "He holds knowledge crucial to Torch’s future"
Alpha turned, assessing Anri with their calm, measured gaze. “Justice and valor are welcome in this task,” Nodding to Anri's holy symbol, acknowledging the warrior’s presence. “Khonnir's disappearance is only the beginning, I suspect. Something larger lurks beneath this. Perhaps together, we can find answers.”
As the four of your leave the Copper Coin, you bump almost immediately into the hulking hooded figure of Ba'hahk on the steps of the place. Ba'hahk, you hear A-47's comments about something lurking beneath, and given your almost magnetic attraction to the ground around Torch, you are immediately interested.
"Wait, your change" calls Katina Rimos at the departing android as the group heads for the exit. [b]"You just got the one drink..."
Wrapping his cloak around him, trying to hide much of his face without muffling his words, he cautiously approaches the strange metallic man.
Ba'hahk gathers his courage, shoving down years of distrust and revilement that was shown to him, he takes a deep breath
"Excuse me. I accidentally heard you speak of something beneath the earth? Are you going to investigate? Do you know anything more? I would... I would like to accompany you... If that's okay?"
Zaria is in the front of the little group since she was leading the way out of the Copper Coin, and she knows the way to town hall, as Ba'hahk walks over.
"We're heading to Town Hall to see what Dolga and the town council want to do about the situation. I'm Zaria, come along if you want."
"The more the merrier. Seems this situation is no trivial matter and if you can hold your own then I'm sure an extra hand would be much appreciated by the council." Anri smiles at the man trying to hide his face and introduces himself. "I'm Anri, what is your name friend?"
He listens carefully at each of the ones who spoke before he speaks himself
"Ba'hahk, from the wastes, and thanks for allowing me to go with"
its easy to discern that he is invested due to what was said earlier, but he hamade no move to explain why
"I can assure you, i can hold my own, and have been for quite some time"
"Agreed, no trivial matter. It's a pleasure to meet you, Anri," Karina singsongs as she one hand, the neck of Luther her lute in the other, "Oh, you're from the wastes? Either way, I'd very, very much like to join, and both the Council and Khonnir -- once rescued, of course -- would appreciate as many people attempting this as would be possible."
Bringing the others along, Zaria leads the group towards City Hall. Perhaps one of the grander buildings in Torch, City Hall doubles as a second garrison site for the town watch, and a tall lookout tower overlooking the wall and the easten approaches to the village. Zaria knows the square out front is often the site of dances or other celebrations, but no one in Torch feels much like celebrating right now. Two wagon loads piled high with refuse and other smelly things stand outside the Hall.
Inside, the place seems nearly deserted. A lamp burns in one of the offices near the door, and Zaria enters to see the town's oldest councilor Dolga Freddert.
Dolga has grown old over time, but she is still alert and energetic. A very large war hammer hangs on the wall behind her, crafted from a silvery metal you have not seen much of before. She looks up from reading a pile of papers on her desk, and says, "Yes, can I help you? If I am stuck on desk riding duty, at least maybe I can help someone. If it's about your trash piling up, you'll need to see Bazlundi -- not my bailiwick. But if its something else, I am all ears."
She looks at the group of you, raising an eyebrow waiting for a response, while taking your measure with her bright, clear eyes.
"Joram Kyte told me that you were looking for people to go look for Khonnir and that you would provide details."
Zaria tends to use as few words as possible, and that shows here. The basics, not much more. But, then again, there's not much more to say at this point.
A smile creases the wrinkled face of the old woman. "So you are after the reward then, are you? Well its 250 gold crowns, and this scroll that might help restore Khonnir to life, should you find him...less than well. I can tell you more if you're interested. Your not the first group to go looking after all. Say, is that purple haired woman with you?" she peers around the group trying to see everyone in the hall outside the small office.
Ba'hahk actively avoids the woman's gaze. As she peers through their motley gathering. Turning to make sure his half covered face is looking as if he himself is inspecting to see if the woman me tioned is with them
The wagons of trash and refuse sadden Anri as they make their way into the Hall. This town is said to be clean and relatively prosperous despite the League's interference. The loss of the torch is a true tragedy. Inside City Hall does not inspire much more confidence.
As Zaria is a local, Anri defers to her lead in talking with the councilor. The way she speaks reminds the champion of some of the knights he trained under.
It is frustrating for Anri to hear Dolga outright state they must be in it for the coin. While that may be true for some, even some in this group, it's not true of him; nonetheless, he does not bring it up. It would be a petty dispute, and there are other matters at hand which are more important. He turns to try and see whom Dolga is referring to.
"I'm not here purely for the reward... though of course I'd take the money; I am in it to rescue Khonnir Baine. And... Purple hair? One of the gnome residents, perhaps?"
Karina also looks around for said purple-haired woman in tandem with the rest of the group.
"I don't think there's anyone with purple hair with us." She waits a few moments, and if no one indicates a lack of desire to search for Khonnir, she adds "What else can you tell us? We should get started as soon as we can."
Alpha-47’s eyes flickered slightly at the mention of the reward, but they remained focused on Dolga. “The reward is secondary, Councilor. Khonnir’s life—and the torch itself—are what concern us.”
They shifted slightly, their circuitry dimming and glowing rhythmically as they continued. “We are interested in whatever information you can provide. If others have gone before us, their fates could reveal much about the dangers that await. And if you have a scroll to aid in his potential resurrection, we would be honored to carry it.”
At Dolga's question about the purple-haired woman, Alpha glanced over their shoulder toward the hall. "There is no one with purple hair in our number. Perhaps another group entirely?” They returned their gaze to Dolga, an edge of curiosity in their tone. “Has someone else been asking about Khonnir?”
The android remained steady, maintaining unwavering eye contact, waiting for the councilor’s response, though something about the mention of another seeker piqued their interest.
"My mistake then," Dolga says with a dismissing wave when there is clearly no one with purple hair among you. "I musta been thinking of some'un else."
When she hears you have motivation besides the money, she smiles widely, and seems more eager to answer your questions. "Y'all the first group, 'sides Khonnir, of course, to mention more than the money or show any int'rest in the flame goin' out at all. 'Course I've a mind to get Ol' Bessie down, an' go with you my own self, but I'm a mite too old, and step too slow for such putterin' nowadays." She motions to the hammer behind her as she says the name.
"Now findin' a way to light up the fire 'gain, that's important, sure, but the most important thing, an' what the Council is hiring would-be heroes to do, is to get Khonnir Baine and return him t'us. I reckon he can likely noodle this all out, if he's safe an' sound." She sighs heavily, but continues. "It were the day the flame failed that Khonnir were up at Weepin' Pond, testin' the water for toxins an' such, as he does on the regular, you unnerstand. Anyways, while up yonder, he noticed a passel of human footprints right on the pond's banks. That's when he reckoned a sizable number of folks had entered the pond -- you know that water can be mighty dangerous don't you -- an' they had not come back out. Naturally he was curious about that an' so we hired on some groups to go see what were up inside them caves, but none's ever come back. Not one, 'cept Khonnir that is... But the disappearance of them fellers, that's when Khonnir got real spun up 'bout them caves."
She pauses for a moment to see if you have any questions more.
As he turns back to Dolga, Anri probes slightly for more information. "Apologies, as I'm not from Torch, but what makes the water in the pond so dangerous? And you said Khonnir is the only one to have returned from the caves? Did Khonnir ever mention what he found in there?"
"I too am rather invested to know what these caves are about? Do they go deep beneath the earth? Or just into a mountain? Any other information could be of use pertaining to the caves. Even the river itself. It would be most appreciated" he echoes Anti, momentarily forgetting to be cautious as his interest and desire to explore underground overrides his usual cautious self
Dolga puts up a hand to stop you for a moment, turns and spits a large chunk of tobacco out into a brass spitoon near her desk, than lowers her hand, and continues.
"Aye, the water in Weepin' Pond. Should go an' eyeball it for yourselves, I reckon. It smells to high heaven an' back. Khonnir says poison leaks inna it from under Black Hill, but I can't rightly say. It's why our friend built Crowfeather Palace on the edge of the lake -- to freshen the polluted waters an' make 'em drinkable. I don't reckon we knew there were caves unner the lake till now. So, can't righly say what's down there, nothin' good I tell you that much for sure."
She stuffs another large wad into her mouth from a leather pouch at her belt and shrugs. "Aye, only Khonnir ever came back from down there. An' that just the one time. Secon' time, he never did. No one else done that much. He told us the caves was full of enormous critters, vermin he said. 'long with some kinda strange humanoids what seemed to blend in with the walls theyselves. That an' a nest of gremlins. He believed them gremlins meant the caves was connected to Darklands or some such. But more interestin' he found a wall of solid metal deep in them caves. A wall made of skymetal, sure enough. Somethin' he called glaucite, I reckon, like what gets mined from the hills an' plains 'round here. But this wall made a structure, like buildin' undergroun' with doors. It was near them doors where he foun' an automaton, like your shiny fella there, which he brung back from that first trip down in the groun'."
She makes a waving motion with her hand as if to say 'what else'...
His breath suddenly ran out. Like he was sucking in air, but nothing reaching his lungs. Could this be it? He's never had the thought that it could be a metal that was calling him. What is going on here? A structure? Skymetal? Darklands?
"Ah, I remember the toxin-cleansing mechanism... do you -- perhaps -- have anymore information," Karina says, "on the automata or the vermin? Perhaps more information on the connection to the Darklands?"
Alpha-47 absorbed Dolga's words carefully, their amber eyes reflecting the lamplight in the office. The mention of an automaton, they could feel the faint stirrings of curiosity bubbling up within them, that familiar pull toward understanding the mysteries of their creation.
"An automaton... like me, you mean another Android?" Alpha’s voice was steady, but there was an edge of intrigue beneath the surface. "Did Khonnir mention anything else about it? Was it functional?"
Dolga shrugs, not in a dismissive way, but perhaps more with weary resignation. "Them are good questions, Karina. But for Khonnir, an' he ain't here to answer none. Why we need to find him, among other things. He didn't allow details about them critters or Darklan's or nothin' else."
To A47, she says, "Not like you 'xactly, friend. Less humanlike, no offense 'tended. What Khonnir brought up were more of a drone but it seemed still as death, I tell you. Reckon he took it home 'fore he went back unnerground a second time. Not sure though."
"Reckon you know what I know now. Wish it was more. You know about the reward to - 250 gold crowns. Wishin' don't make it more, but with the flame out, times are goin' to be hard here. And the tribute is still due to our friends in the Technic Lead and their dark master. What say you all? Will you take the job? Will you go unner and bring Khonnir back to us?" She looks at all of you for a silent moment, taking your measure. "if you say yes, there's a bit more the town can do to prepare you. What'll it be?" She spits another gooey gob into the spittoon which rings in the silence.
"I'll not speak for any of you," Anri looks to each member of the small group, "but any of you who wish to find Khonnir will have my sword and my shield by their side, and the grace of Iomedae protecting us.