Matthias lets out a long sigh after the battle is won. He proudly slaps the other guardsman on the back, congratulating them on their victory.
We emerged unharmed. The Strategist himself would be proud.
The next day, as the caravan enters safer land, Matthias marvels at the magnificent displays of opulence of the wealthier merchants. Although Matthias appreciates the beauty, and enjoys a short ride on one of the mobile cafes, he ultimately is made a little uncomfortable by the lavish accoutrements.
Matthias rests a hand on Bathos' thick fur, and talks to him contemplatively. "I'm not sure we're needed anymore Bathos. The roads are safe enough that haste might be preferable to company."
Matthias approaches whatever exotic means of comfortable locomotion that Moltenen has adopted. He makes a friendly greeting.
"Premier! Once again your people astonish me with their customs. The beautiful discs your followers use for trade are unlike anything I have seen. But I fear they also indicate you no longer have need of my guard. I have greatly enjoyed the comfort and safety your caravan has offered me, but my quest calls me to hasten. The gifts you and yours have offered me far exceed anything I might consider asking for. I believe we can part ways knowing the earth is level between us."
Matthias will listen and consider Moltenen's reply, but is fairly determined to leave the caravan and travel at a rapid pace.
Although Matthias is nearly unharmed, he is surprised to see the arrows enter his flesh at all.
Those are skilled archers.
Matthias shouts to the caravan guards as one begins to charge.
"Sons of fire! Their arrows strike true. Summon your smoke to cloud their sight! Then we will route them from the forest!"
Matthias leads the way by lightning one of his smoke sticks and throwing it midst of the archers. He silently prays there is some mage or priest who can do better.
Matthias' mind races as the wild man charges and the others ready arrow and spell. Too many enemies for him to stop all at once. He let's out a curse under his breath, "Torag's balls!"
Not even a moment passes before Mathias leaps into action.
"Bathos! The halfling! Quickly now."
Matthias himself has trouble finding a good target. He delays a moment if he has to in order to have a clean shot at the raging man.
Matthias let's out a powerful, but human, yell has he punches the ground. The earth breaks in a tiny crack to the wildman's feet, where it erupts in a powerful stalagmite smash.
Matthias would use the stone plate, something one does not see very often (I imagine), and something very dear to the Dwarves. Matthias didn't discuss a price or purchase beforehand and would not assume it belong to him when it is complete.
"By the Smith himself, I must say that is one of my best works. Tell me armorer, would you be willing to part with it? I would like to offer it to your premier as a gift."
Matthias wouldn't want to go too far above it's original price, but won't be very disappointed if he cannot purchase it.
Matthias only just feels the earth moving unnaturally at the edges of his senses. He does his best to asses the men's numbers and their strength. How far are they from the caravan? How long would it take them to close the distance?
He finds another guard, discretely if possible:
"Friend. There are men stealthed just within the forest, a group of some number. Let everyone know. Be quick and quiet about it."
"Bathos with me!" Matthias calls, in a tone that is not urgent, but not to be disobeyed either.
Matthias greatly enjoys the caravan itself. The bustling activity and friendly people are a boon to him.
Matthias finds his time spent with Moltenen quite pleasureable, but ultimately feels a bit uncomfortable in the lavish settings in her parties.
You're a soldier.. Explorer. This finery isn't for you. Damn that tastes good though.
He attends and is friendly to all. Though part of him would rather sit around a fire with a bowl of soup and listen to someone play an instrument.
Matthias would look for an opportunity to practice his metal shaping and etching. If there are any obvious items of predominantly metal origin, he would ask permission to adorn it.
Perception:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
Something good to etch:
Matthias places his hands upon the item and summons his power to him. It flows over the metal exploring its curves and edges. In Matthias mind he's sees arrangements of patterns and traces that somehow.. fit the item. Eventually he chooses one to his liking and wills it into being. Over the course of a dozen or so minutes the metals warps and bends to produce intricate sketches across it's surface, of incredible detail. There are broad strokes of of lines over it's surface, yet when inspected closely each line itself has spiraling patterns emerging from it, never seeming to quite finish. He smiles proudly, knowing this is one of his better works.
Profession Sculptor:1d20 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 5 = 34 The +5 was for a natural 20
Matthias has Dwarven tastes! Of course this means most of his food is relatively bland or earthy. Most spices are highly prized among Dwarves. He has rarely had anything too sweet, but finds it very appealing. The rubies are wonderful.
Matthias and Bathos would go as directed. If there were no specific orders he would spend 50% of his time near the front, possibly being distracted by Moltenen, and the other 50% in the least guarded middle section.
"My personal favorites would be metals. They have a delicious sour bite to them, especially mithral. However, I've never explored the quality of gems. I've always had a practical approach and only tried flawed gems of little value. I wouldn't want to impose..."
Matthias makes a few feeble attempts to kindly decline because of the monetary value, but is easily persuaded to try, his eagerness hardly hidden.
"Such lovely craftsmanship. And the color is so clear!"
He raises the ruby bird in a cheers to Moltenen.
"To the fire in your eyes and in your soul, my lady"
Matthias sucks on it, enjoying it's flavor, before swallowing it. As politely as one can.
I guess taste/affect is up to you!
bedtime:
Matthias considers the implications of the guards and serving girl, but he is not suspicious.
Sense Motive:1d20 + 9 - 5 ⇒ (17) + 9 - 5 = 21
Matthias eyes the delicious looking rubies on her coffee service and licks his lips. They do look scrumptious.
As he speaks with Moltenen he absentmindedly pops a ruby into his mouth from his own supply, flawed of course, in comparison to her fine set.
Matthias' reply to her questions about his people is brief compared to his prior conversation.
"I am called Matthias. Some give me the title, StrorBaek, for my abilities with stone. I was raised by dwarves my whole life."
"I hope you don't mind me asking, but are you human? Your enchanting eyes are like none that I have ever seen.
Perhaps Matthias and Moltenen speak longer, but eventually he retires to the tent she provided.
I'm spoilering the following so that if we continue talking in Moltenen's tent the anachronism shall not be intrusive
When Matthias leaves Moltenen:
Matthias stand outside the tent and glances at Bathos expectantly. After Bathos assuages his paranoia, he enters the tent and enjoys the relative luxury compared to his travel gear. He does make light conversation with the serving girl, but ultimately dismisses her.
He reflects upon the impressive Moltenen
Quite a natural air of command. And, judging the wealth of her caravan, it is well deserved.
Another part of Matthias speaks up before his eyes find rest.
Such things can be used to get your guard down. She has done nothing to earn your trust yet...
Matthias listens attentively to her words, and smiles happily at her descriptions of both their peoples. His face strains at the discussion of concubines, but only for a moment.
"I gladly accept both your hospitality and your gifts. I am traveling to Silverfall, the Monastery near there to be specific. I encountered your caravan, purely through happenstance, and sought out the company and safety that numbers afford. Solefil indicated that I would be welcome as a guardian"
Matthias enters, a striking contrast to Moltenen's gentle opulence. Although he cleaned off as well as he could, he traveled a hard day on foot, and sprinted no small distances. But the remnants of sweat on his brow are that of labor and he bears it with experience that shows through he demeanor and stance.
"Premier Moltenen, it is a pleasure to meet you. Your caravan, and indeed your people, seem like they are prosperous and lead with wisdom. I have lived my life in stone, and found it's strength comforting. But the warmth of your peoples hearts, born in fire, is also beautiful to behold."
Matthias intends to make swift passage to the premier, however he finds it very difficult to turn down earnest offers of friendship. He is waylaid by the more persistent groups, but each time it is more difficult to stop him. He does not partake of any alcohol, but he does chew some of his more favored metals and gemstones.
He makes sure to ask what kind of people they are and how they came to speak Ignan. He remains relatively elusive about his own background.
He does continue to Moltenen's tent regardless of the hour. Although he observes proper etiquette and might not actually approach the tent depending on how late he arrives. If he sees light inside he approaches, if not he camps nearby and leaves it for the morning.
Satisfied that the soldier is just out of reach of the boneyard, he drags him from the shallows, deposits him safely on the ground, and charges off downriver.
If there are any soldiers or non-combatants left nearby he shouts over his shoulder, "Your man lives. Tend his wounds while we rescue your last comrade!"
Matthias begins to mentally berate himself for his slow reactions.
Time for that later, I need to act.
Matthias decides that every moment the beasts remain engaged with the soldiers more lives will be lost. The man being taken downriver must wait.
He charges forward, catching up to Bathos', and prepares to gather his power.
Matthias shouts to the southernmost guards, and perhaps the fleeing innocents, You there! Get down river and help that man! Be on the lookout for other creatures!"
Matthias desperately assesses the situation. It's a hard call to make.
Perception:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26
Does it look like he can catch up to the man being borne down river?
If so:
River:
Matthias charges downriver to help the man. He shouts behind him, "Drive them off! Don't engage if you don't have to! Just scare them and retreat!"
Matthias attempts to move earth to allow the man to grab on something and stop.
If he cannot catch the man easily:
He attacks the hippos!
Attacks!:
Matthias shouts to a caravan guard, "You there, help the man down river, we shall handle the beasts!"
He gathers earthen power into his hands, forming it into a long jagged spear which he hurls with his right hand overhead into the northern hippo. He shouts, "Drive them off, but do not risk yourselves!" Empowered earth blast attack:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25 Empowered earth blast damage:4d6 + 15 ⇒ (2, 5, 1, 4) + 15 = 27*1.5 = 40 damage.
Regretfully, almost all of Matthias' experience was below ground and he cannot dredge up any memories of surface dangers. However, he makes a mental note to ask Premier Moltenen. Who's name makes a lot more sense now.
Good god do I want to read those spoilers lol. I didn't realize how scrumptious and tempting they were when I can't click them!!!!
Common, Dwarvish, Terran, Undercommon, Aklo. Also another opportunity to roll perception for me or spoiler a DC! Sorry if that sounds nagging :(
Perception:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32
Matthias travels the column enjoying the atmosphere of the caravan but keeping his senses (extremely!) sharp.
After hearing how worried Solefil was about the dangers of the road, Matthias takes a moment to recall the how dangerous the area is and what those dangers might be.
Did I meet the caravan near the Khazadorn lands? I think he'd be fairly knowledgeable.
"I'm not a full member of the order, but I respect many of their ideals and sometimes pursue their business, which I do now. I seek the very monastery of which you speak."
Before accepting the coin Matthias glances at Bathos.
Matthias sighs inwardly. Haven't enough years passed that you can give up this paranoia?
Matthias takes the coin, providing Bathos doesn't care. "I shall seek her out now. What is her name? Will I find her easily?"
After hearing Solefil's response, "Thank you Solefil. Stay well."
Matthias journeys onward with Bathos, seeking the premier.
Matthias greets the man warmly, sizing him and his fellows up.
"I am Matthias, and my companion is Bathos. Indeed he is tame. And though I don't favor the sword, I do have strength with which to offer you. Tell me, what have you heard of in recent news concerning Silverfall?"
He wears none. Someone with moderate knowledge of dwarven culture who studied his scars/tattoos would be able to infer the highlights of his backstory hehe.
Matthias notices the the rune stone glowing as he finishes his morning stew of vegetables, a few dried meats, and just one or two stones tossed in for flavor. He listen to the communication attentively.
He glances over to Bathos and says, "It seems the Silverfall college has something interesting going on. What do you think?"
After being answered by some rather large eager licks he says "Aye me too. Our business here can wait. Let's head out today"
Matthas breaks camp. Leaves some farewell messages for his friends in the, previously, Khazadorn lands and heads to Silverfall.
