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"Well...
What happened was...
My friend and I were drinking. We both had a little - a lot - too much to drink. I used to like showing off with a crossbow. We were both drunk enough that we both thought it would be neat if he held the target when I took my shot.
I left Taldor that night. Absalom seemed like a big enough city to hide in. My friend is still with me, though. Who do you think keeps doing things like tipping my chair over when I try to stand up?
Serenrae gave me a chance to try to redeem myself. But I will likely never be free of the ghosts who follow me."
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The short halfling lass slips in quietly, as she has been away for many days.
She hops up onto a chair and sitting on the table, quietly removes her boots and places them on the chair before turning around in sock clad feet and smiling.
"Hi all and how goes?" she asks before waving down someone for a drink and a meal.
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"Oh, and do you have a tale to tell, Feesh? Things here have been fairly quiet, but in Nerosyan this morning we found the results of another demon attack. Quick hit and out, with nothing to track." Bree-Bran frowns, and punches one gauntlet with the other. "A good story is just what I need. So much I can do, if I can just get to ..."
She smiles a little ruefully and inclines her head. "This is your time. I'll be quiet, and listen, and don't you worry for a lack of drink."
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Rhon turns towards the Taldens and says:
"Murderer you say...I would broker that no one of such a nature would be willing to set foot among so many who would have no qualms in turning such an individual over for trial."
"If we were to locate this individual for you, whom would like us to turn him over to. Understand that he will only be turned over if a fair trial can be assured. Also If needed I will offer my service to defend this reported criminal in court."
"You're a barrister, then? I could use one. Ow! Please, good sirs, the manacles need not be quite so tight. It's good to see you again, Feesh, although perhaps only briefly."
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"Doyle you have a very good idea there. If he should be convicted of this crime I will make a case for that as punishment. Of course I would have to go along to make sure that he serves is punishment out by the letter of the law. Besides I can get enjoyment out of fighting there too." Rhons' face lights up and a big grin seems to split his face.
"Noonie, yes indeed I am a barrister; however I have not put those skills to use in some time but will be more than glad to use what skill I do have to assist you in your time of need. Besides I am sure that there are those among us that would be willing to lend a hand in your defense."
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Feesh smiles at the offer of a drink. "Sure thing, never refuse a drink I say" she then lowers her voice. "What's with the watch and such, did I miss something while away?" she then grins over at Bree-Bran. "Well lets just say my plans with the Desna church went well though not as I planned. Them folks can move fast and not look it either I tell you and well I can do spells now, well a spell" she concentrates a bit and a coin she walks along her fingers begins to glow. "Though magic is a fickle bi..erm thing, once one is shining it goes out when I try to get second one to shine"
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Rhon gestures to the barkeep for two stout Dwarven Ales which are quickly brought over to him. He turns and hands one towards Feesh.
"Now I recommend that you be a bit careful drinking this as it is a wee bit strong. However if you happen to like a strong drink than by all means drink up and I will get us another round. So that you might be able to regale us will tales of your adventure."
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Feesh grins and sips at her ale. "Well if you recall I was wanting to be a follower of Desna and such. Well I cased her temple, simple enough. Not very secure and hmm how to describe it. Lets just say sneaking in and out is not an issue. Though no reason as far as I can tell, no gold or silver relics and other things. Well anyway I gots my ears and eyes open and they all just talk about news of where people are from and where to find home flavors around these parts. So with that being a wash I decide to follow em then I learn they move fast. There they be just strolling like it is nuthin and me trying to be all casual while sprinting. Well that failed." she sips some more ale and ponders. "So I has to wait for another chance."
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"Yes they do move quite quickly but I have never truly understood that need to move that fast. Movement like that always makes me think that they are constantly preparing to run away from something rather than standing their ground and facing the problem head on." Rhon takes a large draw from his mug and wipes the suds from his beard with the back of his gauntlet. "I do however reckon that movement like that could also make you harder to strike which could be a great advantage to one such as yourself. Personally I could care less if I get hit as most things don't hit hard enough for me to take notice."
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"Now I gets my chance when they prep to travel outside of town for some star thingy. So I figure I can follow them out of town, and well I followed the path they were on till it got dark, then I encountered a striped cat that stunk me good, though not a single snipe so I was lucky. Well I get back into town, get the stink magiked away and go to next plan.
That is when things just got very strange. My plan was simple, slip a knock out into the head persons drink, get em into a private room and when they wake up get questions answered. Well the knock out part seemed to work, paid two guys to help me get her up to the room, paid off inn keeper to keep quiet and well. I get her tied up and settled in then went to pay the two thugs who seemd concerned I was going to hurt her, but I assure them I wasn't, and then she orders tea and they get it." she just sighs. "I thought I was so busted but she smiled and then the bindings just drop off. Well I was about to jump out the window but she was nice and the guys got tea and well I just ended up spending several hours with her playing cards and drinking tea and discussing Desna. She seemed surprise about how went about things.
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"Well I must say that is an unexpected story Feesh. I have never in all my years heard of someone restraining a priest so that they could question them about their beliefs. I can imagine their shock and dismay as you started in on your quest for knowledge." Rhon gestures to the barkeep for another mug of ale. "So following this discussion have you now found what it is that you seek?"
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Bree-Bran nods in agreement to Rhon. "I haven't met a priest who doesn't want to talk about his god, and at length. You probably could have just walked up and asked." Another rueful grin quickly passes over her face, followed by a brief chuckle. "I suppose it wouldn't be hard to get me talking about the Inheritor. I suppose I could go on at length, but it turns out it was important for me to do my studies. It was key to getting into that place in the Wound before the demons did."
The chelish woman takes a tankard of the dwarven ale and downs it in a few noisy swallows. A glance to the mug, and then a raised brow to Rhon. "I see why your people have a name for brewmastery. Barkeep, another round, and then another after that. Even one for the prisoner there."
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Feesh grins. "Wells she said teh cards told her all would be well. Plus I am used to either getting picked to join the gang or having to go thru tests and such. It's alot different than this" she motions around with her mug. "You got to know who you are dealing with, whats what and such. One doesn't just walk into gang turf and start asking questions now. I am slowly adjusting to life beyond that." she downs her drink and then grins. "Oh oh I learned to pray to Desna and was um....given the ability to cast spells. Why I can do the light thingy which did entertain at the orphanage, but anyway I was surprised I didn't get in trouble during my time of praying, though I did almost knife one of em when they put a blanket over me. Habits you know. So have a question will gods get pi..er mad if you don't use a spell given? I get told the more I pray and the more faith and such the more spells will be imparted and you only get so many a day so don't waste them. So is it ok not to use all of them and well if you get a spell like um hide from animals does that mean you are going have to slip past some guard dogs that day?" Feesh sips some more of her drink and ponders. "Should go ask her, but wanted to stop in here first"
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"Well," Bree-Bran drawls slowly, "I can't say for Desna, but the Inheritor, oh, that's Iomedae, by the way. Anyways, the Inheritor don't care much if I use spells. They're there for me to use if I need them. She cares that there's honor and justice and folk are protected. And that the demons I come across are sent to their end." The paladin thinks a moment, absently pulling at her brew.
"As far as I can tell, the priests of the Inheritor don't worry too much about using their spells, either. I mean, they're there, but their job is really helping folk do the right thing, and be good to other people." She shrugs, causing her pauldrons and spaulders to clank lightly. "I never feel more right than when I am putting Undead to rest, or sending a demon back to the abyss. Some have told me that's what my job really is."
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Feesh nods and smiles. "So I shouldn't overly worry about the whole spell thingy and when I use them" she downs her drink and lounges back on the table. "That is good news, I must seem to worry about every little thing to most of you, just well in the past it was noting little things that kept you alive." She is lost in thought for a moment before sitting up and grinning widely. "Oh seeing as I will be getting more spells" she knocks on the wooden table top as she says this. "I need a explanation on what spells to expect and ways to best use them? You know information from the experienced sort of thing. I just hope old habtis don't crop up in battle when I go to heal the big sword swinging ally in front." she taps her chin." I guess I could point out all there vulnerable spots to them while healing, I don't want my skills to get rusty, yeah yeah I think that is what I will do." She looks quite pleased with herself on this.
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Feesh ponders. "Um don't you have to touch the lion to turn it into a kitten and won't it like eat you when you try?"
Nope! You have to be closer than I'd like but its still pretty far away. Great thing about magic is that most of it works at a distance. I usually stay in the back and let conan and the rest of the party get up close and personal with things. Casting while paying enough attention so you don't get a sword to the head is kinda hard. MUCH easier to let your friends cover you.
Even with magic that usually only works at touch you can do it at range. There's a rod that does that for most incantations, and some herbal paste you can get if you have link with an animal.
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Feesh nods and makes a face. "In my past we had an easy way to deal with animals besides poisoning them and killing them. If we had to be quiet and leave little to no trace we used potions from hide from animals. I am sure that would work on lions, I know it works on dogs." she ponders a bit more. "I so need to get that, I bet it works on striped cats and snipes"
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"I believe I have heard of theses 'snipes'. Ferocious beasts, very dangerous, but altogether natural to this world. They are not from the Abyss, nor from the pits of Hell. So, your plan to use potions to hide from animals seems to be a good, solid one." The paladin nods sagely, secure in her knowledge of other planes, and ignorant of much of her own.
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Perhaps you could sentence him to fight in the worldwound instead of languishing in prison? Death is almost as certain, and more horrible than anything you're allowed to do to him. I hear taldors putting together a foreign army to represent them...
Now that would be a noble death!
I have learned to use my connection to the Positive Energy plane to harm demons, just as if they were undead, so I would be a boon to the battle in the Worldwound!
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Bree-Bran nods in agreement to Rhon. "I haven't met a priest who doesn't want to talk about his god, and at length. You probably could have just walked up and asked." Another rueful grin quickly passes over her face, followed by a brief chuckle. "I suppose it wouldn't be hard to get me talking about the Inheritor. I suppose I could go on at length, but it turns out it was important for me to do my studies. It was key to getting into that place in the Wound before the demons did."
The chelish woman takes a tankard of the dwarven ale and downs it in a few noisy swallows. A glance to the mug, and then a raised brow to Rhon. "I see why your people have a name for brewmastery. Barkeep, another round, and then another after that. Even one for the prisoner there."
"Nothing so strong as dwarven ale for the prisoner. The prisoner does extremely stupid things when he drinks. Anyway, it is hard not to spill a drink when one's hands are manacled. Farewell, all."
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Feesh eyes the guards, then the Taldorian and finally the man in manacles.
"Um just a moment, you killed a man, and now his ghost haunts you while you try to get coins together to bring him back, your god has not forsaken you and you still get to cast spells. Your going to be tried and probably killed." Feesh taps her chin and then looks at the Taldorian who brought the guards. "Good luck to you sir, If I was that ghost you would be next on haunt list and well gods will be gods. If I was you I would find an alternate way of dealing with this, perhaps get a barristor or something like to make arrangements with current coin gotten held in trust and monthly reports to satisfy that the killer is striving to bring back the person he killed. Would seem a win win to me, he gets to do right, the dead bloke gets to come back and one less ghost in the world. Plus the coins held in trust could always be used to put a price on his head if he decides to cut and run. Just a sayin is all, ghosts and gods not good things to get on bad side of" she then gives a two finger salute them and turns back to her drink.
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"He may be allowed to go to the Worldwound rather than face execution. We are neither cruel nor foolish. Mr. Talic seems to have useful abilities for fighting demons.
"I know more now (if his story is true) than I did when I found him here. He may be able to right the wrong he has committed, and help save the world in the process. Unfortunately, what happens next is out of my control. I cannot simply release him.
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"The most important words in that sentence are 'keep your head'."
"I believe that you will indeed keep it. I firmly believe that you are more than likely to be sent to the Worldwound where you will be able to use your many talents in fighting against that most vile blight." Rhon downs a large draw from his mug of ale before continuing. "It is there that you shall be able to show that you yet belong in this world doing good and redeeming your good name."
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[A letter is delivered to the lodge.]
Greetings, Fellow Crusaders.
I have been spared execution! I believe that it actually helped that various small objects in the courtroom kept hitting the barrister for the Crown. The judge read the antics of my constant companions as a divine sign that I should be allowed to remain alive so that I can buy a resurrection for my unfortunate friend.
I am to accompany a group of Pathfinders to the edge of the Worldwound in Mendev. Wish me luck. The demons will probably not be as merciful as the judge in Taldor.
I no longer need live in fear of discovery. Should I not survive this mission, I have the solace of knowing that I shall leave this plane with honor.
Thank you all for your kindness. May Serenrae and the other deities protect and guide you. I hope to see all of you again soon. I shall return to Absolom when I am able.
Your comrade-in-arms,
Dorsin Salic
("Nonnie Kaneis")
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"Rhon, Feesh, Bree-Bran, Doyle, Nigel, it's great to see you again! I went out an bought a cold iron morningstar and a new crossbow (I never thought I'd pick up one of those again!) to use against the demons, but I never used either of them. Positive energy and spells served me better than weapons in the Worldwound."
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Bree-Bran looks over to the oracle and gives a smile with her nod. May the Everlight continue to see you on the right path. For me, I cannot do without weapons, like Inheritance here." She pats the adamantium of the paired greatswords on her back. "If it works for you, continue, I say. It may not make up for the life you took, but it is working in the right direction. The paladin stands to her full five-foot six and comes over to clap Nonnie on the shoulder. "Keep to the path the Dawnflower has for you, and I think the Inheritor would smile."
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Rhon strides over to Nonnie and reaches out to him with a mug of ale. "Welcome back friend. I trust that your time at the Wound went well?" Rhon takes a healthy draw from his own mug of ale before continuing. "I am glad to see that you have found and used what your deemed best suited for dealing with the evil that abounds in that rank part of the world. As for me I have always believed that the best offense was a sound defense." Rhon gestures over his armor. "If nothing can get through, than nothing can defeat you."
Rhon downs the last of his ale and turns back to his table. Gathering up his shield, axe, and backpack he says "I am off to the Wound once more. I shall be back as soon as I can. Until then take care all and be safe and remember not to cede another inch of rock." With that Rhon pushes open the door and strides out of the room.
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"Well that was a whole lot of fun. Nothing like having to win the same ground twice." Rhon strides over to the bar, puts down his mug, and asks the barkeep to fill it up. "I really hope this whole venture to the World Wound is not for naught. The more I venture there the worse it seems, especially for many of the less hardy among us out there." With that said Rhon takes a long healthy draw of his freshly poured brew and makes his way to a table to relax and socialize.
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"I've been told that I must bide my time before I venture to the World Wound despite my insistence that it is where I belong." Thereus speaks up from his corner table, longbow angled behind him. "I can think of no higher honor than fighting alongside my brothers and sisters against that evil scourge. But tales like yours, Master Rhon, persuade me to hone my skills closer to home for the time being, lest I flame out before I am ready for the challenge, Erastil willing."
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"Worry not Thereus there is still much to be done in that part of the world and your time will come. There is still work that one such as yourself could be a part of in and around Nerosyan as they work to strengthen the defenses and scout the surrounding lands. So long as you know your limits and don't believe that you must always stand your ground and fight to the last you will be fine."
With that Rhon takes his seat, puts in boots up on the table, and leans back in the chair while taking a drink from his mug of ale.
