Argen Ravenmaul's page

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Hi folks, just an FYI that I'll be out of town on a camping trip and unable to post this coming weekend, Sat. 2/8-Sun. 2/9. I will be able to resume posting in the evening on Sunday (US/Pacific time).

This isn't a new world. It is an inhabited and occupied land, and has been for some time. I seek to learn of the human and dwarven perspectives on this matter in order to help our people to work together to use Aradia's gifts in the spirit of cooperation.

Hmm. Apologies, it's new to some of us who went so long, centuries even, without knowing of its existence. Some are fleeing to here, but admittedly some are here to claim lands in their name. I suspect that by now you've somewhat learned who to trust and who not to.

Are there too many humans then, to blend in with nature, or do you live in areas without many natural resources? The silver elves make our homes in natural structures to respect Aradia and the natural beauty of her gifts, but also because that is where the dragons dwell, as our lives are intertwined.

Too many? Hmm, it's hard to say...

He ponders at length, realizing he hadn't thought of the flow of humans as stemming from any problem.

I suppose one thing is that we tend to have very ambitious leaders, and they tend to fight each other for portions of power over so many else. Do the elves not have individuals who wish to rise above the rest? Leave their mark on life?

Zamaris glances over at Vinexa and continues.

Other elves live in the forest, in the jungle, in the deserts, and in the snow, and of course naturally adapt to those environments as Aradia wishes. I have heard rumors of Elves who live under the water, although that is probably just a fable. Some do as you do, and build dwellings of natural materials when there are no trees or caves. I have heard the word castle. A very large house made of cut stone, correct? It seems a comforting thing to attempt, to try to create the safety of a cave even when there are no natural ones around you, and it must involve a large community of cooperation. Did you live in a castle back in your own land?

Yes, they are made of quite a lot of stone. Cooperation? Hehe, sure. The "leaders" offer jobs, or force servitude. "Cooperation" is had. In the end very few live in the large castle. He uses air-quotes along the way when appropriate.

With their meeting finished Vinesa went with Zamaris and Argen out of the office and listened to the discussion. As they went she considered her own reasons for becoming involved and caught Zamaris glancing at her as she spoke about other places elves lived. Vinexa suspected this woman thought her a forest elf, something that wasn't so far from the truth she supposed, but didn't add much about that part of the conversation.

After a minute or two Vinexa finally spoke, "I'm getting involved because I know what it is like to have to resist darkness all the time. We all have our demons, be they within or without ourselves, and sometimes we all need some help resisting their call." She sighed as she walked, "What these dwarves are going through seems much the same so I am helping them because I can kind of understand their plight."

That is respectable. While I personally vouch for these dwarves and know they are worthy of help, always be aware of the intentions of those you would help from foreign lands.

I see. Though you will find no end to the evil you can seek out to defeat. Pick your spots.

He smiles as he ponders this advice himself. Then, to her next concern, he puts his hand on his chin and reasons.

Well, Osur didn't seem too put off by your presence. Are you concerned that inhabitable caves are in short supply in this new world? I hadn't thought about it myself. No, where I come from humans build abodes on the surface, sometimes great structures: castles and the like.

After a few moments of walking along further he adds.

It looks like there is still much I have to learn about elves.

Argen nodes. Hopefully that won't be needed.

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Outside of the tent, along the way back to town Argen presumes to walk with these new women and ask a few questions.

So, what interest do you have in the dwarves' plight?

Argen puts his hand on his chin and ponders the offer.

Yes, the pull could become more dangerous for our "guide." But perhaps by then we'll be learning more about the source of the pull, and the observations the guide will provide us with will be useful in completing the picture... risky for sure though.

If somebody was making a dwarf character right about now it could be perfect :)

I will of course help, Osur. But they ask good questions, and I wish to benefit from the answers.

He continues to lean on his sword and wait.

Argen places the tip of his large sword downward, and he rests his chin on the pommel of the handle as he listens to the explanation, subsequent questions, and awaits the next answers.

Argen's gaze darts about rapidly for a moment as he takes stock of the tent's occupants. He again glances at the two elven women, with a confused look on his face. It takes a moment before he recognizes them from the inn just a short while ago. Finally he looks back towards Osur and nods in greeting.

Hello Osur, I didn't realize Olin had discussed this matter with anyone other than me. On the other hand... he was pretty drunk. I couldn't bear their pitiable look and wanted to come see what I could do to help. He mentioned something was "calling" members of your company to a "Dark Side." Do you have any ideas about the source of this calling? Unless we can do something about that, I'm doubtful that simply bringing Dusi and Thorm back will be the end of your troubles.

He peers back out of the tent opening for a moment before adding, By the way, when I arrived your tent was left unguarded.

Argen drops his head into his folded arms on the bartop in frustration for only a very brief moment.

It's still early in the day, I'll go talk to Osur at your camp first, then I'll see about forming a crew...

The warrior slings his gear and greatsword onto his back and casually exits the tavern, heading to the Dwarven encampment....

Argen leans back in his chair and sighs.

I see... so what you're saying is that even if I can bring back Dusi and Thorm, there are more of you at risk of turning? Is there a source of this "call", that perhaps I could suppress? Was coming here a mistake?

Argen leans in close to Olin, keeping his sympathetic expression, hoping to make it clear that he's trying to level with him.

Olin, I want to help, but anything you know about the situation can help with that. I got the lot of you this far.

GM: CHA+2

He knows I work alone. Why does he want me to enlist reinforcements? I sense something is afoot...

Argen focus on Olin, thinking that there's something else that he's not letting on. But, he may be too drunk to fully explain.

Top nods along with Argen's request. "Think you've missed your call. There were a few interesting groups in here earlier, but they went about their business last night or early this morning. These dwarves were in her last night, but there was more of 'em, if anything...I'll see what I can hear about an let you know." Top turns to the newcomer who is dressed in heavy armor, Argen notices, before he is dragged off to drink with the pungent builders.

He nods at the barkeep. Appreciate it, Top.

One of the dwarves, a hearty fellow named Refkell pulls Argen aside. "Aye, the barkeep has the right o' it, lad. Two o' are number, Thorm and Dusi went missin' overnight. Rumor is they wen't over to the darkside, ye ken. Tha's why were drinkin' tonight, like a wake, ye see?"

Argen's face falls solemn. No... after all this way you've all come. Where were they last seen? Perhaps they still live! I can go look.

As Vinexa watches, she sees Argen enter the common room. He heads to the bar looking for Top. The human warrior waits at the rail and soon enough Top comes out with a bar-towel over one shoulder. "Aye, lad. What can I do for ye?"

Hey Top, how are you today? Well, it's been since I brought these dwarves here that I've had any work. I could move onto the next town or back to the port and then the old kingdom, but I'd rather my next extensive travel come with pay. Have you caught wind of anyone moving through that would like protection, and isn't just taking Tanner's little ferry down the river?

He looks at the proprietor expectantly, as if today will be the day.

The troop of dwarves, which are all well into their cups, sees Argen and let out a roar of approval. "There's the boyo! Someone buy that man a drink!" and soon enough Argen is swarmed at the bar by a half-dozen liquory dwarves, who insist on buying him drinks and hugging him in big sweaty embraces.

Argen gets a resigned, slightly embarrassed look, revealing that the dwarf swarm was exactly what he was trying to avoid, knowing what they're like when they're drunk.

No no no, boys. I'd like to stay sober until I secure my next job, at least! Well, okay, maybe just one.

He obliges, hoping it causes them to get it out of their system and move on from him soon so he can focus on prospective leads Top might have, or serendipitous interest from newcomers to the tavern.

The door seems to swing a little heavier as the next entrant comes into the common room of the inn. Heavy boots plod along, and any who look up to find the source notice a fairly tall human in a near-full enveloping gray cloak, which hides whether or not he's carrying much of anything on him. Except for the sword. Slung diagonally across his back is greatsword comfortably tucked into a worn leather scabbard.

He throws back the hood to reveal a mostly-clean (shaven) face with his black hair pulled back in a pony-tail. He's not the youngest warrior, but he's far from the end of his prime. Most notable, because of how clean he looks many in the tavern who know him understand that he hasn't yet gotten new work after escorting the dwarven bridge company here to Tanner's Crossing.

He comfortably shifts his greatsword off of his back, and onto the nearest unoccupied table. Then out of the hiding of his cloak comes an efficiently packed backpack. He looks up at the nearest barmaid and inquires softly, is Top around?

She gives him a knowing look that says Still looking for work, eh?, without drawing too much attention to him, understanding that he wouldn't prefer this.

Okay, here is PaleDim's (Danalf's) 2nd entry into this campaign. After a review by the DM I'll enter him into the tavern, and perhaps he could join Vinexa for a quest :)

Argen is a mercenary-for-hire who hails from the old world. Not much is known about him apart from the jobs he takes ushering travelers between points on Terra Nova, mostly as protection. There are rumors he was part of an elite company of knights back in the old kingdom, who received special training around accessing their rage for combat effectiveness. Most recently he accompanied Osur Stouthammer's company of dwarves to tanner's crossing so that they could have a little protection, who's hands were free from carrying all of their gear needed for bridge piling and building.