"When I have to," Galwynn says. "And I studied at the Barrowhill War College before I became a scholar."Maro's eyebrows raise, "That is impressive! I have never been out of New Venir, and you are so travelled. Our little festival must seem seem a bit rustic."
On the one hand, he seems genuinely interested in the conversation, but his attention wanders, as his eyes dart over the crowd, as if perhaps looking for someone.
Radraan nods, seeming suitably impressed by Galwynn's admission.
"Indeed! A warrior-scholar, like the ancient lines of Lede far to the north. It would seem the Victors have blessed a man with such varied talents!"
The scowling redhead next to Radraan turns an appraising eye to Galwynn.
"Or a Titan, perhaps. What other talents might you possess Master Galwynn, if I may ask?"
Radraan takes her hand and laughs lightly.
"Oh, Paransala my dear, why ruin the fine lunch with talk of the Defeated and veiled accusations. Entirely unbecoming of you. Please, Master Galwynn, pay my friend no heed."
Paransala holds her glare a few moments longer before returning her attention to the rest of the Carnival.
"At least they got rid of the pig-wrestling this year...", she grumbles.
"No offense is taken my lord," Galwynn says. "I have some gifts at the Arts but that is all. To be honest I don't know where they came from whether from gods or Titans. Tha is why I have travelled to your fine villiage."
After a delicious lunch, the tables are cleared away and the townsfolk assemble for the horse rounds. A dozen riders race laps around the entire hamlet, the people of Trela cheering them on. Finally, one of the local guardsmen wins the race and the River-Master gives him a fine new bridle for his mount. No sooner has the applause died down then everyone gathers for the bard competition (by far the most anticipated). The acts range from songs on a variety of instruments, dances and stories. In the larger acts with several musicians the townspeople dance happily and the day passes to evening accompanied to an excellent round of entertainments.
One tale (told by the winner, Talbot the town bard) perks Galwynn's interest: a story from the Divine War about Lothien Firebrand, one of the titaness Denev's champions when she became involved in the war. Rumored to have been the son of a fire spirit in Denev's service and a humble farmer, Lothien fought several battles in what is now the Blood Steppes to the north, wielding a flaming blade and his own arcane talents. What makes the story even more popular than the hero's battles against the Writhing Lord's host is Lothien's apparently insatiable libido: it was said that an entire generation of men and women were sired by the Firebrand.
With the bardic competition finished, the tables are brought out again and even greater heaps of food are brought out. Pork and venison, potatoes, turnips, sausages, carrots and fish. Tarts and cakes of all description. None of you would be surprised to find your clothes fit a bit tighter come tomorrow. The players from the bardic competition take turns serenading you as you dine and drink. It is a clear, cool night but one thing hangs heavily over the festivities, making the laughter and gaiety feel a bit more forced than it ought to.
The Nameless Orb eclipses Belsameth's moon and even the smallest child knows that this is an ill omen of great significance.
As dinner is cleared away, Radraan speaks to Incantator Maro:
"My brother, it is quite auspicious that you are here when such an omen has befallen our town. I will hold a service tonight to reaffirm our devotion to the Slayer; if you will remain here to allay my flock's fears and spread the goddess' benediction, I will prepare the Midnight Shrine for our congregation."
Amaya busies herself with clearing the tables after the meal, leaving Dusis to luxuriate in the warm night air so different from his native Albadia. Lugdro cannot help but feel a similar sentiment; while his new friends in the village shiver and pull on summer jackets (though the Orb may have something to do with it) the young shepherd feels comfortable even in his foreboding.
Dusis feels a tug on his shirtsleeve and turns to see an unshaven man in tattered studded leather armor and traveler's clothes. He stares levelly at the Albadian, even as he pants and trembles. His skin is pale and he sweats on the cool night, several crossbow bolts embedded in his back and sides. By all rights, any other man (well, any other Southerner) would be killed outright by such wounds.
In a dry, husky voice he appeals to Dusis:
"Please... by all the gods and the mother of the gods, I- I need a priest... or, or a druid..."
Galwynn jumps to his feet with his hand on the butt of his morningstar. "By the gods man, what happened to you," he asks.
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At Radraan's request, Maro humbly accepts the honor, and turns back to the festivities until they are interrupted by the arrival of the wounded man.
Moving towards the man, he attempts to use his medicinal skills to assess the man's condition, and staunch any bleeding, but is unwilling to risk magical healing yet, as the portentous omens give him cause to suspect that an attack of some sort may be imminent.
To the rugged individual standing nearest the wounded man, also clearly a visitor to the community, based on his foreign looks and dress, he speaks softly as he pushes his way to the wounded visitor, "Titanspawn do not often use crossbows. Ware men on horseback."
As he attempts to staunch the wounds, he tells the wounded man, "Speak quickly man, are you pursued? If so, you must convince us now not to turn you over to those who come..."
At Radraan's request, Maro humbly accepts the honor, and turns back to the festivities until they are interrupted by the arrival of the wounded man.
Moving towards the man, he attempts to use his medicinal skills to assess the man's condition, and staunch any bleeding, but is unwilling to risk magical healing yet, as the portentous omens give him cause to suspect that an attack of some sort may be imminent.
1d20+7
To the rugged individual standing nearest the wounded man, also clearly a visitor to the community, based on his foreign looks and dress, he speaks softly as he pushes his way to the wounded visitor, "Titanspawn do not often use crossbows. Ware men on horseback."
As he attempts to staunch the wounds, he tells the wounded man, "Speak quickly man, are you pursued? If so, you must convince us now not to turn you over to those who come..."
The man is suffering from quite a few wounds, but the fact that he hasn't removed any quarrels from his flesh has likely kept him from bleeding out completely. The bluish tinge of his face and the heavy sweating are likely due to a poison: likely adder venom or a similar organic toxin.
He waves Maro off, weakly, when he catches sight of Belsameth's symbol. He clutches his pack to his chest.
"Nay! Whi-While I appreciate you-your assistance... I... can't leave my charge with a ser-servant of an evil goddess. I must speak with a priest of a god that does not wo-work evil in the land..."
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"Nay! Whi-While I appreciate you-your assistance... I... can't leave my charge with a ser-servant of an evil goddess. I must speak with a priest of a god that does not wo-work evil in the land..."
Maro smiles, as fear is a very appropriate response to his calling.
"Be still, man. I do not seek to steal whatever it is you protect. You are poisoned, and I must work to prevent the venom from claiming your life." More loudly he says in a mocking tone, "Is there another priest present, one of a less intimidating patron? Our friend here finds our faith frightening..."
"Nay! Whi-While I appreciate you-your assistance... I... can't leave my charge with a ser-servant of an evil goddess. I must speak with a priest of a god that does not wo-work evil in the land..."Maro smiles, as fear is a very appropriate response to his calling.
"Be still, man. I do not seek to steal whatever it is you protect. You are poisoned, and I must work to prevent the venom from claiming your life." More loudly he says in a mocking tone, "Is there another priest present, one of a less intimidating patron? Our friend here finds our faith frightening..."
1d20+9
The man pushes you away, spitting his own blood in your face.
"I am a coward, priest?", he coughs,"I'm not the one taunting a dying man. Ge-get out of my face, the-there must be some children you can terrorize ar-around here..."
Galwynn pushes his way through the crowd and kneels over the man. "I am not a healer, I can not preserve your life," he tells the wounded man. "Only this man can do that. However, I can recover and protect your charge and I swear by Tanil's name that I will not allow it to fall into evil hands."
Galwynn pushes his way through the crowd and kneels over the man. "I am not a healer, I can not preserve your life," he tells the wounded man. "Only this man can do that. However, I can recover and protect your charge and I swear by Tanil's name that I will not allow it to fall into evil hands."
"Ve-very well.", he says, sparing a baleful glance at Maro,"Before I surrender to whatever fate shall befall me, I must tell you a tale. I-I am Eochaid, of the Veshian Vigils."
Eochaid's voice steadies as he begins his story, locking eyes with Galwynn.
"We received intelligence that a small covey of hags on the edge of the Hornsaw and the Blood Steppes had gained possession of an object that they claimed held a portion of the foul Hag-queen Mormo."
"Naturally, unwilling to allow them to perform whatever foul rites their kind use such a trophy for, we raided their encampment. At the cost of the lives of two of our men, we seized the amphora, which was marked with the seal of Chardun. We were pursued all across the Blood Steppes, where time and again the minions of the hags caught up to us. Each time more of us fell, providing time to allow the rest of us to escape."
"This must be returned to Vesh. Only there will it be kept safely out of the covey's hands. I am poisoned, however and even if I survive, it will be some time before I am fit to travel. I slew the creatures- foul asaathi snake-men- who pursued me. Will you take this on to Vesh, guarding it with your life until it is safely in the hands of the Vigils? Please, it is of utmost imnportance- though we don't know precisely what is in the vessel, the titanspawn have fought too hard to reclaim it. Surely that alone is reason enough to prevent them from getting it? Swear! Swear to me you shall do this, in the name of the gods you hold dear!"
"I swear by Idra and Tanil that I will see this safely delivered to Vesh or die in the attempt," Galwynn says. Standing before the crowd he yells, "Who will join me in keeping this relic from falling into the hands of the foul Titanspawn?"
Eochaid croaks his thanks, blood flecking his lips, as he hands Galwynn a lead amphora sealed with the scepter and laurel-wreath symbol of Chardun the Slaver. The amphora itself is decorated with a twisting, intricate pattern of intertwined snakes that just seems to move on the edge of sight and makes you queasy just looking at it directly.
His burden discharged, the man collapses.
Maro returns to attempting to save the man's life, now that he's in no position to push him away.
1d20+9He doesn't look up, but says, "Put that thing in your pack, or otherwise cover it, scholar. The night has many eyes."
Dusis has been quietly letting the others work on the man.
He then shrugs :
"Looks like an interesting job. I need to see if my actual bosss will let me quit now but for something like this , I guess he will "
"Nice to have the choice there! Let's see how things proceed before swearing blood brotherhood . Mother does not like it when I strike my little brothers ... "
The gathered folk of Trela are silent and tense at Galwynn's call to arms. More than a few bow their heads in prayer while others huddle together in whispered conference. The River Master, a slim man in his middle age, approaches with several of the militia.
"Gentlemen, I'm glad to hear that you're taking charge of this most serious task. If you'll allow us, we can move the Vigilant to my home where we can nurse him back to health. Please let me know if there's anything we can..."
Radraan the priest runs in, healer's kit in hand.
"I've been told there's a dying man here with a... oh. Is he... dead?", he asks, a glint in his eye.
Dusis nearly replies then thinks better of it and goes back to Amaya
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Incantator Maro ponders the advantages and disadvantages of bringing a horse, but also keeps his own counsel, distracted by Radraan's unseemly enthusiasm for the visitors death. It's perfectly acceptable to look forward to a man's passage, but shows questionable discretion to be so transparent about it...
The River Master shakes his head ruefully.
"I'm afraid our finest horses are finished for today after the horse rounds this afternoon. May I suggest the river? I'm sure we can find a brave captain and crew to take you at first light."
Jonegar, the huge half-orc in Riverguard uniform next to the River Master shakes his head.
"Best not to travel at night, neither. Titanspawn prefer it and whether it be horses or ships take you north to Vesh, yeh'll need light."
He claps his hands loudly and begins to shout at the assembled townspeople.
"ALL RIGHT, YOU SLUGGARDS! TIME TO STOP GAWKIN'! EVERY MAN AND WOMAN GETS A WEAPON! SLEEP IN SHIFTS, STICK TOGETHER, JUST LIKE WE PRACTICED! MOVE IT!"
Grumbling, the assembled townsfolk disperse to their homes.
Radraan nods, fixing his lizard-eyes on Amon's.
"How fortunate that one of the faithful was here to administer to a stranger in need. What is the nature of this important burden? And why must it be brought so many leagues north to Vesh?"
Amaya wrings her hands in her apron, huddled with her family.
"Are you really doin' it, Dusis? You really going to take that cursed thing all the way north?"
Colbrinn, the captain of Dusis' caravan approaches. He shakes his head incredulously.
"If you're sure you want to commit to that suicide mission, Dusis, yer gonna need this."
He presses a small sack into the Albadian's hand.
"Yer pay for this leg o' the trip. And the boys chipped in a bit."
"We must travel north and east to take this relic to safety," Galwynn says. "The way is one of the most treacherous on Scarn so we must be prepared. I suggest we leave at first light."
Radraan scoffs.
"You'll never make it that far! Pursued by Titanspawn across the length of Ghelspad, just the four of you? Even with the aid of the Victors, it's suicide!"
He leans in conspiratorially.
"You can risk life and limb to bring that amphora to Vesh, where it won't even be secure. For all their vaunted skill, Vesh is still surrounded by Titanspawn and constantly embattled. You should bring it to Calastia. Much closer, much more secure. Now, I dislike the Chardunites as much as anyone but Virduk's demesne is the most realistic option and the least likely to get you killed. And the most likely to see you rewarded for your troubles..."
The priest lets his speech sink in, appraising you.
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Incantator Maro sees his opportunity and steps forward, voice raised.
"Certainly, that way might be safer, but the night holds no terrors for such as we, does it brother?" he says.
"The Tyrant's rule has not been kind to we who respect the ways of the Slayer, and to reward the Calastians for their ill-treatment is the way of the dog, seeking the approval of an undeserving master. I would rather take this thing away from under their noses, and bring it to the followers of another of the Victors entirely, and so prove that the followers of Belsameth have not lost their courage, or rolled over and shown their bellies to these thugs."
He smiles unkindly, "It would be a spiteful thing to do, to pluck away a treasure from these unworthy would-be overlords and carry it off into the night, and I feel that the Dark Lady would approve."
Galwynn glares at the priest. "I have taken an oath in the name of the Gods to deliver this to Vesh," he says. "Surely you of all people would not advocate breaking an oath to the Gods. If any of the rest of you are frightened I will take the relic by myself. This task appears to be my destiny."
"Thanks , Colbrinn, it was a pleasure to work for you!"
Dusis looks unbelievingly for a moment at the fierce discussion going on and then say to Amaya
"I should make myself scarce before they try to rope me in this foolish discussion. It seems the celebrations are ended anyway ...
can you show me where I can find some travel gear around ? "
"Thanks , Colbrinn, it was a pleasure to work for you!"
Dusis looks unbelievingly for a moment at the fierce discussion going on and then say to Amaya
"I should make myself scarce before they try to rope me in this foolish discussion. It seems the celebrations are ended anyway ...
can you show me where I can find some travel gear around ? "
"Well, what d'ye need? Quimby runs the dry goods, but he's like as not locked up tighter'n a paladin's britches what with this dark business. Trela ain't a big tradin' town; just a stop on the way up the river. My family kin help you out if ye need somethin' easy, maybe the Riverguard can spare a blade. What kind o' caravan guard don't come ready to travel?"
Incantator Maro sees his opportunity and steps forward, voice raised.
"Certainly, that way might be safer, but the night holds no terrors for such as we, does it brother?" he says.
"The Tyrant's rule has not been kind to we who respect the ways of the Slayer, and to reward the Calastians for their ill-treatment is the way of the dog, seeking the approval of an undeserving master. I would rather take this thing away from under their noses, and bring it to the followers of another of the Victors entirely, and so prove that the followers of Belsameth have not lost their courage, or rolled over and shown their bellies to these thugs."
He smiles unkindly, "It would be a spiteful thing to do, to pluck away a treasure from these unworthy would-be overlords and carry it off into the night, and I feel that the Dark Lady would approve."
1d20+7
The assembled folk of Trela start gathering around to watch the dispute, leaving Jonegar bellowing at their backs.
Radraan's voice is full of bile.
"You think this is a matter of patriotism?! I see now why you aren't in your proper place at the Fane; you're a complete moron! To think it's better to take a piece of the Serpent Queen over hundreds of miles to present it to sun worshippers more concerned with sticking their noses into other nations' business than they are with securing their own borders!"
The crowd mutter and argue amongst themselves, Radraan proselytizing over the din.
He rounds on Galwynn.
"And you! Your destiny if you continue on this course of action is to be hacked apart by titanspawn and your charge delivered to the hags of Mormo. If you believe the Victors' greatest concern in this scenario is your petty oath, your hubris has truly blinded you. Your foremost concern with that thing is being certain of its security by the quickest and most efficient means. Calastia is the most secure against the titanspawn and is far closer than Vesh. Faith, Paladin, is not an excuse to set aside reason or practicality. If all of your brethren are so..."
"That's enough!", shouts the Rivermaster, silencing the priest and the crowd. "These men have decided to take on this burden, not you Radraan. Let them proceed as they will and you should all be thankful to the Victors they're taking it far from Trela. Now! I believe Jonegar set you about preparations did he not?!"
The assembled people disperse to grab their weapons and guard their homes. Radraan gives another withering glare to Maro, Galwynn and Amon before striding off to do his own part in preparing the defenses.
Shaking his head, the Rivermaster turns to the three of you once more.
"My people will be hesitant to shelter you all in their homes while you carry... that. Tonight you should rest in the Riverhouse; it isn't an ideal defense, but with your back to the river and the entire building locked down it should be defensible without putting anyone at risk. How will you leave in the morning? Ship or horse?"
"Thank you for your intervention and your offer," Galwynn says to the Rivermaster. "We will not trouble your village beyond the sunrise tomorrow. Even if we are successful, I doubt many of us will travel this way again. I am truely sorry for the trouble we have brought you." Then pulling the Rivermaster aside so they my speak in private he adds, "I would watch Radraan. He seems to have his own agenda that ma not be the best for your people."
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Maro has no response to Radraan's withering rebuke, and listens to the Rivermaster's words with relief.
To the Rivermaster, "Thank you indeed, sir. I fear my fellow priest is not thinking in the long-term, that such an item would only invite Titanspawn to your town. Better to take such a lightning rod far from here. There is nothing to be gained from trying to tap it's unwholesome power, for we who serve the gods."
He accompanies the others to wherever the Rivermaster intends for them to remain the evening, glancing around warily as he does, for he expects that they have not heard the last from Radraan, or his flock...
"I need to buy travel food for all of us for at least two weeks. there was no need to do so in the caravan , the cook dealt with it "
Dusis waits for Maro , Galwynn and amon to be in the riverhouse with him before speaking :
" What was the idea there ? You planned to make our trip as difficult as possible ? Now , we have to defend ourselves against Belsamites and Calastians and they know the main target to kill is Galwynn .
No offense , Galwynn but you are not the one who can take arrows in the back and survive here . "
"Well , what's done is done . do any of you know the area berween here and Vesh . I 'm afraid I just know the general direction ... "
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At Dusis' commentary, Maro nods. "I wish the Veshian had not made such a public arrival myself, but our accepting of his charge was, by force of circumstance, public. I would have preferred more discretion as well, but the situation is what it is, and, if nothing else, perhaps we shall flush out some unworthy elements when they attempt to seize the relic from us."
"It's hardly the best tactical position to be in, but at least we won't have to look for enemies, if we know that they are alerted to our presence and coming right for us..."
He casts a sideways look at Amon, "I suspect subtlety is out of the question, in any event."
Amaya gives Dusis a final kiss on the cheek before joining her family.
"I hope the Victors remember that you were my champion first, before you were theirs. Keep yourself safe."
Quimby opens his shop and allows you all to hurriedly grab whatever supplies you need. He charges you well below the typical market cost.
"You'll need it far more than I will. May the Gods smile on your journey."
The Rivermaster leads you to the Riverhouse, a large two story structure on the docks, wedged between two warehouses. Swinging open a pair of double doors, you can see a large open space stacked with a few crates and boxes. A wooden stairwell leads to a partial second floor where a number of doors lead to offices and private storage rooms.
"There's not much cargo in here.", explains the Rivermaster,"With the Carnival and all, we've gone through a lot of supplies. I'm sorry for the rustic accommodations, but this is likely the best place to keep you and my folks out of harm's way during the night. The second floor offices are all locked. Well, I hope we all have an uneventful evening, though I reckon that won't be the case. "
Barring any further questions, the Rivermaster and his escort depart, leaving you alone in the Riverhouse.
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Maro looks at the inside of the warehouse and sighs. "Not nearly as warm as the accomodations I was hoping for after the festival..."
His gaze falls upon the single entrance, and the walkway in front of the closed offices and he points, "It would probably be most tactically useful to sleep up there, so that anyone with a foolish notion to take the relic would have to run up the stairs to reach our position." Looking at the boxes, he adds, "Stacking these smaller boxes in front of the door, to create a temporary stop-gap could purchase us a moment of advantage as well, as they clamber over the boxes."
He then looks to the better armed and armored members of the group (Dusis and Amon), "But I am hardly a tactician. Do you have any suggestions?"