The retreat from the strange Palace and the failure to complete the task, which had been in the end carried out by the Rangers of Tarsh acting on the Information the party had provided, had cast a pall over the Fortress. Avinar had gained some information regarding his fathers whereabouts and taken Gashelle with him on a trip southwards. Holgur had returned to the sea his new found skills and riches allowing him to fit out his own ship and he had returned to the north to avenge himself on the ones who had betrayed him.
Eltariel, Aude and Layjiani set off for the city determined to recruit new companions to help defend the Fortress.
"I miss our old friends," Eltariel remarks to Aude and Layjiani as they trek through the fallen ruins of Old Tarsh. "Although I understand why Avinar departed, his timing could have been better," she sighs regretfully. They pick their way carefully through the remains of broken streets, keeping careful distance from the nooks, crannies and hides where predators - both human and otherwise - might lurk.
Dot
Aude says with a sigh " It might be less disruptive to our mind to be amongst us women "
"True, but we need to recruit some guards at the very least. We have a stronghold and we are required to maintain it as one. On the positive side, if we can get the surroundings cleared we can encourage re-settlement which will provide a small income to pay the wages of staff."
Layjiani, for whom life had always been transitory and who had seen many conpanions come and go, was at first somewhat surprised at Eltariel's words. The renger herself of course wished her departed companions well on their respectful journies but she did not miss them as such. But then she recalled that those of the true blood felt things more deeply then motal men. This thought brought a familiar melancoly on the scout as it had been the trace poresence of Elf blood in her viens that had made her outcast from her people yet that trace was so small she gained none of the benefits enjoyed by the 'long lived'.
Silent with her own thoughts for a while when the defence of the fortress is mentioned she does speak up "Perhaps this one might train a few young ones in the art of archery. This would help provide good defence at little cost this one do think"
"Aye, that we could," Eltariel nods thoughtfully. "At least with the crafters I can create the work is at least inexpensive. Once we have the various sections of the complex sufficiently completed to act as accommodation, I'll set some to crafting the weapons we will need to stock an armoury. I may have to take on an apprentice at some point ... truly, I had not appreciated how much work a stronghold is. I've been reinforcing the structure with magic but I need greater mastery to really reshape it," she grimaces. "It's functional, but frankly rather ugly other than the central tower. I knwo it's theoretically possible to add some interesting ... features," she smiles.
The walls of Tarsh grow closer and you pass into the bustling streets of the city heading for the main square the congregating place for adventurers and mercenaries from across the lands of the north.
As always, the Main Inn "The Headless Gryphon", named for the statue that stands outside it's doors, is a confused mass of shouted orders and scurrying serving wenches.
Eltariel sighs and leads the way in, slipping between the rowdy clients and harried staff to the bar where the proprietor works.
"Good morning, how is business?" she asks as if untroubled by the commotion in the inn.
Eltariel is a slight, elven woman significantly below average height. She wears light leather armour over a green dress, with a darker green cloak over that. She wears a sword that looks to have been made of wood, like a practice sword, as well as a more normal bow and several belt-pouches, wands and other items.
This village tavern seemed much the same as any other. Had he finally come far enough. The accents were different enough, and it seemed peaceful enough. But there were always jobs for men with his skill.
Taking a seat near enough to the rear of the room to duck out if needed, Fredrich stretched out his legs wondering at the aches and pains he had already inherited in his young body, and groaned as the first cold ale hit home...But tomorrow would be soon enough to begin to look. He takes in the atmosphere of the room, without making eye contact with anyone.
Appearance: Fredrich is a big man without being overbearing. His tanned skin is peppered with numerous small scars, and several large ones. He has a scruffy beard, and needs a haircut from travelling almost non-stop for the last three weeks, and his eyes bear a permanent squint from being in the sun too much. as he removes his helmet you can see that he is beginning to go bald from wearing the helmet for too long at a time. A close look at his hands reveal the calluses and thick skin of someone not unfamiliar with combat. Before sitting down he stands up a long polearm with a tooled leather cover over the business end in the corner directly behind him and within arms length.
The Bar owner, Lambert Warbeck, looks up "Ah Lady Eltariel..welcome once again, business is good M'Lady. A fine new crop of men and women willing to try their hands at the ruins"
"Then I am sure we can liberate some of the Valonian ice-wine you have," Eltariel smiles, "and you can point out to us who is new in town," she adds, sliding several gold coins over the bar. "We're looking for able fighting men of good character, although I know that can be a tough combination to find."
In an attempt to wipe the frothy brew from his dense beard, Kegmar missed most of it, and to some, perhaps made it look worse by spreading it around his hair.
His audience had departed after his last tale, and the dwarf wasn't sure if that was because it was one of his less rousing stories, or if he had drained his audience of their coin in free beer. Not that the Headless Griffon's beer was anything special, they most certainly overcharged for it.
Squinting his aged eyes, he smacked his lips and looked around at the patrons for another vic... err, someone to share stories with.
This time I'll be sure not to start with the tale o' how I saved the dwarf king's laundry from the derro, and go with something more rousing he thought, which was impressive since he felt slightly inebriated already.
At last his eyes came to rest on three young ladies (well, young to his old eyes) who had recently walked in. With purpose, they walked to ol' Warbeck, who appeared to know them. Turning his head sideways to aim his good ear this direction, the dwarf strained to hear. Crop of men. Ruins. Fighting men. Good character.
Was the elf daft? Certainly a fighter of good character was a dwarf, not a man!
Working himself up from his chair, Kegmar swayed a little and muttered to himself. "Ach jess how many brus wuz it I jess had?" As the room spun, he summoned his deepest reserves of energy to cross the room to the women.
Midway, all this movement jostling around his insides, the dwarf worked desperately hard to stifle a large belch.
Finally he reached the bar area, a journey of greater challenge that his quest to find the ancient anvil of Lor'duun. Kegmar grinned at the three women, as if he alone knew some ancient secret lost to time.
Of course, he stood there in utter silence - having forgotten that he had not yet introduced himself, and now awaited a reply.
Eltariel raises an eyebrow at the sight of the dwarf swaying in front of her, grinning broadly. She takes note of the heavy Dorn Dergar, and the various pouches and vials on his person.
"Well, sir dwarf," she says after a long moment. "You are either a fighter of great note or else a notorious drunkard, or possibly both. If I do not mistake, you are also a student of the esoteric arts as well. Will you introduce yourself?"
Several moments pass after Eltariel's question, as the dwarf seems to be performing some complex mathematical equation in his head, or perhaps just mentally taking long to process the conversation.
"Aye, deed'ah not jess do that?" he asks, looking puzzled.
He holds out his rather large hand in greeting.
"Ahm Kegmar Krausenbrew, son of Bolgar Krausenbrew, grandson of Gedmar Krausenbrew, greet-grandson of Kraus Krausenbrew." He reports his lineage proudly, and each time he pronounces Krausenbrew, he pronounces the Kraus longer like Krowssssss-en-BRU
He looks expectantly at the elf, waiting perhaps a few moments too long again for a reply.
"Wha - have ye not 'urd of me, lass?"
"Aye, deed'ah not jess do that?"
"Sadly not," Eltariel clasps the dwarf's hand lightly, hoping she does not lose her arm, "but it was a long journey across the tavern for so heroic a drinker."
"Ahm Kegmar Krausenbrew, son of Bolgar Krausenbrew, grandson of Gedmar Krausenbrew, greet-grandson of Kraus Krausenbrew."
"Wha - have ye not 'urd of me, lass?"
".. Kegmar Kraussenbrew ... it rings a bell ..." Eltariel thinks a moment, "wait, I recall a story of a dwarf who brewed potion to make him as big as an ogre that was terrorising a village, was that you?"
As they enter the bar a fond smile alights on Layjiani's face. She knew well this particular establishment, in truth she felt much more at home in the headless gryphon than she did in that big old drafty fortress. Many had she spent when in search of a particular type of companionship and although she was not in that kind of mood at the moment still her practiced eye quickly sought out the long limbed and well porportioned warrior lounging in the corner.
Her distraction caused not to notice the dwarf's approach until he was almost upon him. As always, the sight of a dwarf brought mixed feelings to the ranger. She was not particularily fond of the race in general as growing up her village had had many violent skirmishes with a nearby clan of dwarves over territorial rights. On the other hand, once, many years ago when she had overextended herself and become wounded and lost in one of the buried ruins she so loved to delve, it had been a kindly dwarven cleric who had saved her life.
This particular dwarf seemed harmless enough she supposed, even though he acted the drunken fool. However despite her feelings Layjiani remained silent, as was her habit, and allowed her leader to do the talking.
To those looking at her they will see a not unattractive young women who moves with an almost unatural grace that cathces one's attention. She bears a fine looking rapier and an even an even finer looking longbow. Her dark leathers although obviously well worked in fron the way she moves in them still look pristine. When one passes their gaze from her it takes a few moments to find her again as she somehow seems to naturally make herself unobtrusive and clings to the shadows. However if one gains a direct look from her they will see bright blue eyes that gleam with a keen intelect and wisdom beyond their years.
Lambert takes the coin and looks around the Bar.."Good Character? " he muses.."I'll ask my Partner he has more to do with the customers than I"
He moves away to talk to his business partner Perkin Simnel who runs the tap room as his personal fief while one of the girls pours the wine for you
Aude seems both amused and approving of the lineage of Kegmar but seems content to let Eltariel speak .
"Yes! So ye'av urd of me!" the dwarf bellows, looking like he's about to pat Etariel on the back in celebration, but he catches himself just short at a disapproving look from the the elf.
"Truly a greet feet that day, 'twas a meety hill geent not jess an ogre, m'lady!"
The pats the numerous vials attached to his sash. "And aye, I be known to dabble in meekin' m'own bruz - 'tis how ah greew so big!"
Seeing approving looks, despite his inebriation, he smiles proudly.
"So who's buyin whilst ol' Kraus hars yer tale and what ye be needin?"
His words are spoken loud enough for any in the common room to hear, and perhaps join in to listen.
"Another time, good Kegmar - sadly I am here today on business, not pleasure. I am Lady Eltariel Elisand, and I and my companions have been granted rights over a citadel to the north of the city. I'm seeking some doughty warriors to aid us in clearing out the monsters that lurk in the area, guard our stronghold and lands, help train a militia ... and maybe try a few private ventures on the side," Eltariel winks slyly.
Eltariel keeps her voice low enough so that it isn't easy to overhear, but that Kegmar can hear her clearly enough.
"Hmmm...should I...no definitely not...but...Oh I guess I have to". "I can't just stand and watch...never could".
Fredrich walks up to the swaying dwarf, and places one meaty hand on his shoulder in a friendly grip.
"Excuse me ladies, I couldn't help but notice our 'friend' here with his unusual approach". "Is everything alright here...wouldn't want to see any trouble now would we". He then looks questioningly at the ladies to see if he needs to intervene on their behalf.
"Thank you for your concern, sir," Eltariel smiles at the big man, "but there is no problem here. Although ... perhaps you also may be interested in our proposal?"
After all, a man who is prepared to step in - politely - is the kind we could use, she thinks to herself.
"Private ventures, eh?" the dwarf smiles at the elf's tone, his face somehow widening to accommodate the breadth of the grin.
Seeing Fredrich approach, the dwarf nods in approval. "Ach, I heerd o'this one as well - Master Moosenburgh."
Kegmar clambers onto a stool, as if the situation is suitable to him, before continuing.
"Ah suppose if theer was a Man of character, 'e might be it. Looks like yer recruitin' dreev is jess'bout complete with the likes o'us."
The dwarf seems to feel that a deal has already been made and completed, and no further negotiation is required.
"Perhaps - we had hoped for three warriors to replace those that left our company in the North, so we would not be averse to more," Eltariel leaves the matter open and explains the nature of the employment to Fredrich.
"We were an adventuring company that liberated a stronghold north of here. The archdruid has generously granted us fiefdom over it, but we have had three of our company depart on personal business - one to return to the sea and the other two on a quest of a personal nature. Essentially, we still arean adventuring company, but one with solid roots and responsibilities, and in need of some doughty warriors."
"Perhaps - we had hoped for three warriors to replace those that left our company in the North, so we would not be averse to more," Eltariel leaves the matter open and explains the nature of the employment to Fredrich.
"We were an adventuring company that liberated a stronghold north of here. The archdruid has generously granted us fiefdom over it, but we have had three of our company depart on personal business - one to return to the sea and the other two on a quest of a personal nature. Essentially, we still arean adventuring company, but one with solid roots and responsibilities, and in need of some doughty warriors."
"Hmm". "I like what you're saying, and am confident I could help you out...however there is one thing to be determined". "Not to beat around the bush...what is in it for me"?
"The best I can offer at the moment is an equal share of any spoils, a senior position in the castle should you want it, and the knowledge you are making life safe and prosperous for many good people of Tarsh and elsewhere," Eltariel tells him honestly, watching his reactions.
Kegmar squints an eye at Eltarial and for the first time tonight speaks in a hushed tone, as if what he is about to say is the most important thing that has left his lips this day.
(hushed) "D'ye have any drink in this castle?"
If the answer is "yes", you know the dwarf's answer.
If the answer is "no", it's also good! -- as it's an opportunity to BREW some!
Fredrich, seems to mull it over for a moment, then deciding he had nothing better to do, extends his hand. "I'm' your man in that case".
Sense Motive: Not that it makes much difference. Eltariel can see he's really excited by the prospect, which is good. With a surreptitious detect magic she can see his gear is good, so he's capable.
"Then we have an agreement, if Layjiani and Aude here have no objections?" she grins at him knowing Layjiani was probably casting her eye at him already, then turns to Kegmar.
"I'm afraid that as we are still renovating the structure, we only have the basics. There will be extensive storage cellars eventually, and I hope to install a fully equipped alchemical laboratory, but I have not yet had a chance to do so, although I have made some steps toward planting a vineyard outside."
"I will need to explain my religion to them so as to insure you will accept it but a trial version seems like a good idea. Might I ask where you are coming from ? "
Whern asked if she has any objections Layjiani only smles slighly and shakes her head no. Her elven friend indeed knows her well for now that he is closer the roguish women is indeed busy sizing up the newcomer. It had been her long standing habit never to become involved with a fellow party member so now that he was joining them he was off limits, but still, that didn't stop her from looking
However when Aude asks her question the ranger's attention suddenly switches to dwarf as she pays close attention to his answer. For if he had any relation to the enemy clan of her people, even though her own folk had ostricized her, still her and the dwarf may have issue.
"I will need to explain my religion to them so as to insure you will accept it but a trial version seems like a good idea. Might I ask where you are coming from ? "
"Originally I hail from the Southern Reaches, but the last few years I've battled off and on throughout Virdistan". "I find myself ready for a vacation from war and all its glory...though I am really only good at fighting so here I am". "Shall we sit, and you can tell me your tale". Fredrich says gesturing to his table".
"Aude is a traveller from a very distant realm. Her deity, Pharasma is a guardian of the dead, so please do not feel unsettled if she starts asking you about funerary rites," Eltariel explains.
"Aude is a traveller from a very distant realm. Her deity, Pharasma is a guardian of the dead, so please do not feel unsettled if she starts asking you about funerary rites," Eltariel explains.
"Ah"! "I see". "That will be no problem". "I have seen many men die, and be honored in their death in my campaigning". "It's amazing how many different ways I have seen men revere the death of the fallen".
"I once had quite a start when a fellow soldier, one from the Ebony Coast, actually used a scroll to revive one of his fallen countrymen, then sent him marching into the ocean to be torn apart by sharks". "He claimed that all their fallen were sent to be devoured by nature, so that their last act was to sustain the life of others". "Seemed a bit dramatic myself, but it put his soul at ease".
Then realizing that he was talking to ladies in a tavern, not sitting around the campfire with his fellow warriors, he suddenly reddens and quickly hides his face behind a drink from his large mug.
The dwarf looks at Eltariel with a twinkle in his eye. "Ah, a kweest ta seet up a full laboratory is it? Perhaps ye can be talked inta a combination lab brewhaus then?"
The dwarf's large grin does little to dispel worries that perhaps a feral mutagen and the weekly hops might get mixed up and cause a hairy situation to occur.
As the topic of religion and gods is broached, he quietly busies himself in his drink, continuing to remark to himself his own ideas for a seasonal brew, muttering words like "barley", "pumpkin" and "toadwart".
"I'm sure that eventually a stronghold of the stature we plan will doubtless involve a suitably sized garrison who will have need of refreshment," Eltariel agrees.
Now that the excitement of new companions is begining to dull a bit, the long journey and nights of little sleep while the casters rested begins to catch up to her again causing Layjiani to have to stifle a yawn. Glancing at the others but looking to Eltariel she says "The journey home has been long and is not quite yet done. This one do feel the time for rest is nigh. Perhaps our new friends may do meet us in the morn or come with us now to the fortress?"
Once business at the inn is concluded Eltariel makes arrangements for further deliveries of stone, wood, iron and charcoal and tools - all the raw building materials that are needed for a small army of artisans.
The stronghold is a south-facing structure of solid stone, once in serious ruin but now the outer facings at least are restored and the subsiding sections have been shorn up or in some cases completely rebuilt. The walls are now punctuated by small bastions, the towers at least have floors in them, there is a solid front gate and the gatehouse and barbican are beginning to take shape. Approaching the castle the sound of work in progress is audible ... but no workers can be seen until you approach closely, when it can be seen that many tools are apparently wielding themselves.
Although the interior buildings are barely begun, the overgrowth has been cleared and the orchard has been tidied. Hosts of unseen servants and unseen crafters have been hard at work.
The Stronghold: outer walls are 20' high, although the interior ground level is five feet higher than the exterior. Towers and the gatehouse (when completed) are 30' high, and the tower in the centre is 40' high. Significant parts of the structure have been reinforced by magic, particularly the earthfast spell.
Returning to the fortress you find you have a visitor..Tereza Greenstation..a wandering druid who bears a tale of woe from the forests. it would appear that a once wise and respected treant Nockon.by name has been corruptedinto something dark and wicked. He has taken animals and fae creatures prisoner to conduct experiments on them. Tereza implores you in the name of the circle of Druids to do soething about this situation.She can provide youwith a guide to the location of Nockons lair a raven who escaped from his clutches.
"As soon as we have restocked equipment, we will go," Eltariel promises Tereza. She shivers. "A corrupted treant. That is a terrible thing ... what could have done this?"
The potion is one of 'Heal' The cloak is one of Charisma +2(yes I know that should be a headband in pathfinder ))
For the Ranger who has great respect for Nature and all her creatures the knowledge of a corrupt Treant fills her with grim determination to put a stop to it's macinations. At Eltariel's promise of aid Layjiani nods her head in approval
"This is bad, my friends. We are going to have to combat fey and a treant, in their own environment," Eltariel sighs mournfully.
"I'll need some spells," she says, making a list.
Ray of Enfeeblement
Burning Sword
Mirror Image
See Invisibility
Rope Trick
Acid Arrow
Web
"I'd better get these as soon as possible. I'll need either scrolls or wands too. This is going to cost! A wand of entangle shouldn't be too bad, though. Fire spells I already have aplenty."
Eltariel embarks on her shopping trip at once. What is available?
"I have never fought fey before". "I assume they die from weapon wounds, just like any other"..."So I am ready whenever you are".
Legends usually tell cold iron is effective against them .
Otherwise everything dies sooner or later .
Legends usually tell cold iron is effective against them .
Otherwise everything dies sooner or later .
Hmmm. Perhaps I should try to find a cold iron weapon of some kind". "Do you know of a weapon shop that might be able to help me"?
"Better - I can set on of my crafters to making whatever you wish now."
Eltariel will have at least one Unseen Crafter in the forge, she will redirect them to make whatever weapons of cold iron are needed.
The Crafter(s) in the forge sets to work.For those unused to seeing such things the sight of tools working bythemselves can be somewhat unnerving.