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The training court is silent that warm morning. No clouds in the sky and the sun rises slowly from the horizon and sends light beams through the openings that are build into the 14 ft. high wall which is surrounding the court on three sides. The facade of the three story high building on the forth side of the court is dunk into yellow light.
The big double door of the building opens and a 8'2 tall male centaur enters the court. His black hair, which covers his pointy ears, is slightly moving by the breeze and his dark turquoise eyes are scanning the court. He's carrying a leathery bundle on his lower back. His light tanned skin and his bronze buckskin fur are glistening because of a bath that he took earlier. He walks over to one of the trees that are located on the court. The steps of his hoofs are muffled by the earth floor. At the tree, he puts the bundle he's carrying down on the floor and opens it. Inside of it, there is a leather armor/barding combination [Masterwork] and a Composite Longbow with a quiver which contains 20 arrows.
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A rather pudgy (or perhaps buff) and short female Wayang Flies over the wall astride a strange four-legged creature. It resembles a child's drawing of a unicorn, with an enormous head, huge, cutesy eyes, and a tiny muzzle. It's multi-hewed mane and tail counterbalancing it's pink coat. The creature's bird-like wings keep it aloft, as it comes in for a smooth landing. It some sort of bizarre hybrid of a unicorn and a Pegasus. The wayang wears a polished suit of mithral breastplate, displaying the holy symbol of Grunndinar on it. The look is completed with a polished lance upon her back, though it is peacebound. Her companion is dressed with a saddle and a strange robe with loadstones woven into it.
"Well gosh, is this new? I haven't seen this place before at all. the Wayang opens up with.
Strangely, then, the creature speaks:
"No, me neither Twilika.". She notices the other people and calls out to them: "Hello! My name is Rainbow Legacy, and this is my partner and raider, Twillika Saiville"
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A dark skinned human strides in, bristling with weapons and spiked mithral full plate and shield. The brilliant sun symbol of Sarenrae gleams between the spikes on her polished armor. She silently sets down her many packs, scabbards, and quivers, emptying bags that seem bottomless into a large pile.
As she begins her practice, she seems to not notice the heat, despite the heavy armor and helmet. Though battle hardened and serious, she is amiable and pleasant to talk to and patiently trains those younger and less experienced. You get the feeling that she would give her life for those in need and, judging by the scars and haunted look in her eyes, probably already has.
Her practice is abruptly interrupted by children shrieking "Auntie Rani! Aunti Rani!" They run full tilt toward her as harried parents try to slow them. She puts out the palms of her hands to stop them before they throw themselves into a prickly embrace. "Annika, Sammad! You are getting so big. Your treats are in the purple bag over there." She points to the impossibly large pile of belongings that she carted in and they run off for their toys and candies.
She turns her attention to the parents, who are her own age, but look years younger. He wears the robes of a priest of Sarenrae, she the immaculate attire of the consort and wife of a priest. "You can't imagine how glad I am to see you, my twin." As you realize they're part of a pair, you can tell just how much the years of sacrifice have aged her. She kneels at her younger brother's feet. "Bless me, Father, for I have come far and have far yet to go in the Sun Maiden's service." Her brother lovingly blesses his sister and caresses her head, then lifts her by the hand to stand.
"I've missed you. We've all missed you. The children make me read your letters over and over before bed each night. I think Sammad wants to be a paladin like you, despite my best efforts to steer him to the quiet, safe life of a temple priest." He pauses briefly as he searches for his children who are about to eat a week's work of sweets until his wife steps in. "If you're done with your practice for today, we have prepared a dinner in your honor. I hope you can stay for at least the night before you have to leave again."
She sighs. "They've given me as much time as I need to recover after they brought me back from the dead. You can't imagine the terror of having your body rent and your soul ripped out by shadows and fed to the keeper of the abyss. I will stay here until my soul is at peace once again, perhaps a day", she pauses, "perhaps forever..."
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The Wayang and her companion trot up to the centaur, and she quickly dismounts.
"Sure thing! We can help you!" the wayang says cheerfully before grabbing some of the armor/barding and looking at it quizzically. The pink pony-like creature also grabs a piece with her mouth.
"I . . . uh, I've never put armo . . .bardi. . .I've never helped a centaur with this before. You, uh, you're going to have to tell me what to do." she says as she looks up appologetically.
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The children, now divested of their candy, oooh and ahhh over the centaur and the winged horse. Mother admonishes them that "It's not polite to stare", but even she can't help but marvel at the unusual creatures. The somber paladin and her brother smile, momentarily distracted from their intense conversation, and come over to help.
"I have some experience with that. May I help?" Rani asks politely. If allowed, she and her brother, Raji, quickly and gently install the barding onto the centaur's hindquarters. "It never thought about how a centaur got into their armor. I suppose in your village you help each other. You could probably have a set altered so that you could don it by yourself."
The two cinch the final straps. "How is that fitting? Do you need any adjustments?"
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The Wayang and her companion trot up to the centaur, and she quickly dismounts.
"Sure thing! We can help you!" the wayang says cheerfully before grabbing some of the armor/barding and looking at it quizzically. The pink pony-like creature also grabs a piece with her mouth.
"I . . . uh, I've never put armo . . .bardi. . .I've never helped a centaur with this before. You, uh, you're going to have to tell me what to do." she says as she looks up appologetically.
The centaur smiles. "Ok, first of all I need help with the piece for the lower body", he says by holding the barding part in his hands which has a big hole for the upper torso, a belt for fixing it around the horse belly and a loop for the tail on it. "See this?", he asks as he points at the loop on the down end of the armor. "You need to put my tail through this. I can't reach it that easy. I do the rest", he says after putting his upper torso through the big hole.
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The children, now divested of their candy, oooh and ahhh over the centaur and the winged horse. Mother admonishes them that "It's not polite to stare", but even she can't help but marvel at the unusual creatures. The somber paladin and her brother smile, momentarily distracted from their intense conversation, and come over to help.
"I have some experience with that. May I help?" Rani asks politely. If allowed, she and her brother, Raji, quickly and gently install the barding onto the centaur's hindquarters. "It never thought about how a centaur got into their armor. I suppose in your village you help each other. You could probably have a set altered so that you could don it by yourself."
The two cinch the final straps. "How is that fitting? Do you need any adjustments?"
" Yeah, you can do my hindquarters. Here, take these", he says as he holds two leathery leg protectors. " I can do my forelegs and the rest by myself. And about your question of my village. I was part of a small Rashalka-Tribe in the Caemorin in Iobaria. When I was 11, we got attacked by cyclopses. I don't know if anybody else survived. I fled towards the Fangard-Forest and collapsed because of exhaustion. I woke up in the stable of of a human rangeress called Tyrmir. She lived in a shed by the forest and taught me in being a ranger. But one night she committed suicide by throwing herself from a cliff. She did it because she was a werewolf and could handle it anymore. My name is Erik by the way, Erik Thunderhoof."
He glances over to the children, smiles and says: "Does someone of you care for a ride with me?"
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Twillika turns to the children. "Oooh, that's a big honor. I hear centaurs don't let people do that too often. But you know, you look small enough to fly around on Rainbow Legacy if she'll let you." Rainbow nods with a big smile. Before the parents voice their concerns, Twilika points to the military saddle she has on Rainbow Legacy, including the strap designed to prevent people from falling out.
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The youngsters look longingly at their father. He finally nods, bringing shouts of joy from the miniature twins ad they are loaded on his back. "Eric is not like your ponies, children. You need only ask him for what you want to do. See? He has no reins, so you have no way to guide him, save your voice."
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Twillika turns to the children. "Oooh, that's a big honor. I hear centaurs don't let people do that too often. But you know, you look small enough to fly around on Rainbow Legacy if she'll let you." Rainbow nods with a big smile. Before the parents voice their concerns, Twilika points to the military saddle she has on Rainbow Legacy, including the strap designed to prevent people from falling out.
"I am serious. When I'm done putting on my armor, we can start. My training can wait.
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The youngsters look longingly at their father. He finally nods, bringing shouts of joy from the miniature twins ad they are loaded on his back. "Eric is not like your ponies, children. You need only ask him for what you want to do. See? He has no reins, so you have no way to guide him, save your voice."
"Woah, woah, woah, hold on, hold on!!! I don't wanna risk anything, ok. Just one at the time. And by the way I'm not done putting my armor on yet. You have go down again." The twins gave Erik a sad and disappointed look. But here is a deal: When I'm done putting on my armor, one of you goes with me and the other one goes with rainbow. And some time after, you can switch places. How about that?"
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"Erik, these are my niece and nephew, Annika and Sammad. They are just four, but know a little about riding, already." They are strapped in and hold on tight as he gallops about the field.
Rani looks at her brother as if really seeing him for the first time. "So much has happened since we adventured together five years ago. I'm glad that you still support the Pathfinder Society and the Silver Crusade. We depend on support from back home for our missions. And, no, I can't step back like you did. Unlike your healing, my sword is needed to fend off the forces of evil lurking in the world. It would not be right for me to start a family only to leave it when the next call comes. For now it is enough that I have you and your family waiting for me."
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Erik runs around on the court with Annika and Sammad on his back and even jumps over some crates. Annika, who sits in front of her brother, has her arms wrapped around Eriks waist as far as she can. Both of them are laughing of enjoyment. After 15 minutes, Erik returns to Rani and her brother and says: "I think that's enough for today. After all I'm here to train my archery skills. And besides, I don't think Syr likes to see that his place is taken by someone else."
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Erik gave both of them a hug. After doing that and getting his bow and quiver, he starts practicing at the shooting range.
After a couple of shots, a shriek enacts from above the court and a couple moments later, an eagle lands on the centaurs lower back. "Hello there, Syr", says Erik and pets the eagles head before returning to his shooting practice. Syr sits silent on Eriks back and is looking around the court, not minding the target practicing of his owner.
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With supreme control, Rainbow Legacy hovers mere inches off the ground, flying around the area in gentle circles and graceful movements in order to prevent the children from falling. With some cajoling she rises to a maximum height of five feet and does some more intense tricks, but always makes sure that her rider's saftey is topmost priority.
Take 1 on fly=Fly DC 26.
After both children have a turn she sets down and talks to them sweetly.
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The bright eyed little ones hug the flying pink pony (?) and reluctantly leave as their mother and father call to them. Rani has finished removing her spikey armor and packing it away and is ready to leave for her much needed spiritual healing.
"I'll be back for practice, again." Rani says as she bids her goodbyes. "I just don't know when. Perhaps you will still be here and we can spar a bit or have an archery contest. I'm probably not as proficient as you are, but I have trained in ranged combat, as well as melee."
The children and their parents lead the paladin to a waiting carriage and ride away with the soul-weary woman.
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The bright eyed little ones hug the flying pink pony (?) and reluctantly leave as their mother and father call to them. Rani has finished removing her spikey armor and packing it away and is ready to leave for her much needed spiritual healing.
"I'll be back for practice, again." Rani says as she bids her goodbyes. "I just don't know when. Perhaps you will still be here and we can spar a bit or have an archery contest. I'm probably not as proficient as you are, but I have trained in ranged combat, as well as melee."
The children and their parents lead the paladin to a waiting carriage and ride away with the soul-weary woman.
"Challange accepted", says the centaur as he waves goodbyes to Rani and her family. "But I'm not trained in melee, so you have an advantage in that case", says Erik before they disappear through the building outside to the carriage.
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Erik shot every arrow he brought with at least 3 times. A view of them broke at the impact on the target. After he walked up to the target, collecting the arrows that didn't broke and putting them back into the quiver, he walks back to the tree where he unpacked his bundle. He puts his arrow and his quiver aside and lays down at the trunk to take a rest in the shadow of the tree. Syr flies up one of the lowest branches to keep a good view.
The centaur looks over to Twillika and rainbow and says:"Hey, you two!!! Why don't you come over and give me some company. Maybe we get to know more of each other!!!"
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A young maiden with light brunette hair walks into the courtyard as if she is looking for someone, or maybe something. Walking up to the others, it is clear she is looking for someone. "Um, greetings. My name is Carol, Carol Silverstar. Have you happen to have seen a wizard teleport here or something with a woman? He was going on and on about research findings, but she was a patient at the clinic."
She sees the odd creature that has graced the courtyard of the Silver Crusade. "Oh! I didn't know one of the Centaur people joined the Society! Hm, but I thought they didn't accept your kind due to the size of your... Oh, erm, sorry." Looking a bit embarrassed, she looks away momentary, and looks up to the rooftops of the surrounding buildings. She looks back to the centaur. "Oh... Anyway, we have a healer's clinic on site and back here at the Grand Lodge. So if you get injured, please come by. Though... As a healer, I hope we don't ever have to meet in such a place."
She gives the centaur a soft smile. "It was nice to meet you, but I really need to find her." She shakes her head and sighs as she continues her search. "Higher ranked pathfinders and their eccentricities. I wish those could be healed as well."
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After the strange interruption by Carol, the Wayang saunters over to Erik with her Eidolon.
"That was . . . strange. Still, she's in the Silver Crusade, so she must be a nice person."
"So" Rainbow Legacy begins, "What did you want to talk about? I'm afraid neither of us are great storytellers."
"Tell me something about you. Where do you come from, where did you two met, stuff like that. And maybe I tell more about me and my past."
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Twillika looks away and kicks the ground a bit.
"Why is it everyone wants to know my story. I've told it so many times. Then again, I guess one more time couldn't hurt."
"Well, My story is a bit involved, you see. Most wayangs, at least the ones in my home village, it's a lovely little island in the middle of the sea by the way, well, most of them were . . . oh, what's the word in common . . . ummm . . . reclusive, I think."
Twillika mulls it over in her mind for a moment. "They're just . . . well, very cautious about outsiders. Also, they're kind of sticks-in-the-mud. Always moaning about shadowplane this, and that, and how the matereal world 'corrupted' them or whatever. I never got it. I was always into tails of brave nights and saving the day, that sort of thing.
"And so, when I was very young, I set out for the heart of all glorious crusades, Vigil, in the nation of Lastwall. I wanted to be a Paladin, see, but I didn't really know how. I'd never had any martial training to speak of, and, well, I knew I was supposed to worship Iomede, but I didn't know much of her scriptures.
"Anyway, I show up there, and I hear that they accept anyone, but they turn me down. They said it was because they 'didn't know how to train wayangs, but I think that was just a lie to cover up that they didn't like me. Most big races think I'm 'super creepy, as they put it.
"Anyway, I re-applied year after year, and always got turned down. I worked in the stables to make ends meet you know. Went to all their jousting tournaments though. Even sneaked in once or twice to see daily training."
"So eventually I decided enough was enough, and I was going to prove I was paladin material. So I saved up a bunch of money and bought a few books on summoning things, figuring I could summon my 'paladin mount' that I've heard about. Turns out the books were a bit different than that, and I ended up summoning my best friend here!"
She hugs Rainbow Legacy who nuzzles her back, with a brief "that's so sweet."
"Anyway, long story short, they said she was an 'abomination' or something, and threatened to kill her on the spot. Might have been that she spoke infernal. So that was the final straw. I left the Paladins, and the church of Iomede, and converted to worshiping Grundinnar, who had a small church in Vigil. Gnome venture captain in Vigil told me about the Silver Crusade, so I signed up. Was an intern for a while, but the two of us helped when orcs attacked the city and I got a field commission to full pathfinder, and made my way down to Absolom."
"Gee, that came out a bit longer than it should have . . ." Twillika finishes rather sheepishly. "Sorry, didn't mean to ramble on."
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"Well, my story started typical, if you can call it like that.
I was born as a part of a little Rashalka-Tribe who roamed around on the Caemorin in Iobaria", says Erik as he picks up a folded piece of paper which reveals a map of Iobaria as he unfolds it (Link). "It's this big piece of meadow here", he says as he points on the Caemorin on the right half of the map. "My mother was responsible for scouting for supplies and warn us about enemies. My father was responsible for the defense of the tribe. I always loved how his metallic armor glittered in the sun light.
But one night we got attacked by a group of cyclopes. I was 11 as this happened. My parents didn't survive and I was forced to flee. I ran towards the Fangard without thinking were I was going and ended up in this open space", he points on the little line that reaches into the big forest besides the Caemorin. "And then I collapsed on the floor and fainted because of exhaustion. I woke up in a stable which belonged to a shed in which a human rangeress lived. Her name was Tyrmir."
The centaur pauses for a while before he continues:"She taught me in the skills of the rangers. Tracking, hunting, everything. And one day, I was on my back from a successful hunt to the shed, I found Syr here." He looks up to the eagle who flaps with his wings in response. "He was a little chick which felt out of its nest. Left behind or something. I brought him with me and took care of him. When he was full-grown, I tried to release him into the wild but he returned every time." Erik smiles up to Syr who is still scanning the court. The look on the centaurs face turns a little sad all of a sudden.
"Then one night, Tyrmir left the shed without any weapons or something to defend herself. I followed her to a cliff. Apparently she knew I followed her because she turned around and looked at me. And then in front of me, she transformed into a werewolf. I was shocked and ready to fight or flee but she didn't do anything. Instead she explained to me that she was on a journey with her parents and her little sister on which they were attacked by a werewolf. Her father was able to kill it but the werewolf got her already. Ignoring the danger, they brought her home and tried to heal her. But one night she transformed and killed everybody, including her sister. Still in her wereform, she got aware of what she did and fled. She found refuge by the lycanthrops in the Fangard which explains why she was a ranger.
Then after she told me her past, she throw herself off the cliff." Erik stays mute for a while. Then he speaks up again.
After I burnt her corpse on a pyre, her ghost in child form appeared and spoke it's thanks to me. While she was speaking the ghosts of her parents and her sister appeared. She also told me that I can have her bow", he nods over to the bow, "which I forgot to put to her corpse and everything I need from the shed. After everything said, she and her family disappeared." He pauses again. This time longer. "In the shed I also found this armor I wearing", says Erik as he gestures all of himself. " I think that a centaur hermit lived there before Tyrmir.
After I got everything I needed I tried to figure out where I should go. I joined up with another centaur tribe who was on its way to Vurnirn in the Hoofwood", he points on a little forest in the right corner of the map. "It was kinda good to be under your own kind but it just didn't felt right. So I left Vurnirn and the Hoofwood behind and tried my luck in Mirnbay", he points on a city eastern of the Caemorin. " There I picked up rumors about this "Pathfinder Society" here in Absalom. And to my luck I found someone who teleported me from Mirnbay to the gates of Absalom."
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"Oh, I almost forgot, at one point of my childhood or youth, I don't know when, I almost got left behind in intention.
You know, sometimes my tribe met a tradesman caravan. Either the tradesmen rode on horses, sat on a cart pulled by horses or both. That's where my father got his armor by the way. I never saw a human or a horse at that moment. And one day it happened that I called those two our half-relatives. Back then I didn't know that this was some kind of insult. Normally when one of your own kind says it, they get banished or left behind. But since I was still young, the headman was indulgent."
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A shrill screech echoes through the courtyard as a towering mountain of hard angles and spikes strides in. The cry erupts again from the wickedly curved beak of the large black bird comprising the base of the mountain. Black leather, steel, and fabric make up its barding. A circle of black carpenter's nails is emblazoned on a slash of red cloth across its chest.
The rider atop the creature is clad entirely in fiendishly patterned plate, with black and red robes swirling about it. The mithril armor gleams blindingly in the sun, with jagged dark spikes of cold iron jutting out at odd angles. Twin pinpricks of red light survey the grounds from within the visor of a horned helm, eerily silent given the bulk of the armor. The heraldry of the knight stands proudly on a tabards draped over one shoulder:a golden sword before the red roundel of Cheliax, wreathed within a halo of black nails. One mailed fist grasps the reins of the bird, trailing a white silk ribbon embroidered with a gold longsword.
As the duo approach, the knight nods toward the Wayang and pony. "Madam Saiville, Madam Legacy. I trust you are well."
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A shrill screech echoes through the courtyard as a towering mountain of hard angles and spikes strides in. The cry erupts again from the wickedly curved beak of the large black bird comprising the base of the mountain. Black leather, steel, and fabric make up its barding. A circle of black carpenter's nails is emblazoned on a slash of red cloth across its chest.
The rider atop the creature is clad entirely in fiendishly patterned plate, with black and red robes swirling about it. The mithril armor gleams blindingly in the sun, with jagged dark spikes of cold iron jutting out at odd angles. Twin pinpricks of red light survey the grounds from within the visor of a horned helm, eerily silent given the bulk of the armor. The heraldry of the knight stands proudly on a tabards draped over one shoulder:a golden sword before the red roundel of Cheliax, wreathed within a halo of black nails. One mailed fist grasps the reins of the bird, trailing a white silk ribbon embroidered with a gold longsword.
As the duo approach, the knight nods toward the Wayang and pony. "Madam Saiville, Madam Legacy. I trust you are well."
Erik jumps up from his place as the black duo lands in the court and stares with a mixture of anger and fear at the knight and his companion. Syr already flew off as the first shriek enacted. As the knight speaks to Twillika and Rainbow, Erik looks confused between the duo and the knight a few times. Then he grabs his his bow and quiver and positions himself in front of Twillika and Rainbow."Who are you and do you want from these two?, the centaur asks,ready for a possible fight.
The centaur notices the monk: "Say, who are you, actually? You didn't introduce yourself yet to us", says Erik as he looks at the mysterious figure."Greetings to you as well," "I am Voren of the Monastery of the Blooming Dawn."
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The Hellknight turns to intensely regard the centaur for a few seconds, silently letting his challenge hang in the air. Finally the helmeted head nods, seemingly satisfied, and says "Stand down, sir." Reaching up, the knight takes off the helmet, revealing the face of a young woman with pale blue skin and cropped black hair. Her face is crisscrossed with numerous angry pink scars that don't seem to be fully healed. The red pinpricks of her eyes resolve into red irises in moving geometric patterns around her dark pupils.
"Or is that how we greet fellow members of the crusade these days? I am Hellknight Wintrish, of the Order of the Nail."
She urges her axebeak forward and extends her hand. "I must admit, I'm surprised to see a centaur within the walls of the Grand Lodge. If you fight half as well as Blademistress Vox though, you shall be a great boon to our cause."
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The Hellknight turns to intensely regard the centaur for a few seconds, silently letting his challenge hang in the air. Finally the helmeted head nods, seemingly satisfied, and says "Stand down, sir." Reaching up, the knight takes off the helmet, revealing the face of a young woman with pale blue skin and cropped black hair. Her face is crisscrossed with numerous angry pink scars that don't seem to be fully healed. The red pinpricks of her eyes resolve into red irises in moving geometric patterns around her dark pupils.
"Or is that how we greet fellow members of the crusade these days? I am Hellknight Wintrish, of the Order of the Nail."
She urges her axebeak forward and extends her hand. "I must admit, I'm surprised to see a centaur within the walls of the Grand Lodge. If you fight half as well as Blademistress Vox though, you shall be a great boon to our cause."
The centaur lowers his bow and stares in awe before he speaks: "I'm sorry about that, but to be honest, you scared me there. I didn't expect such a... "hellish" member of the SC", says the quadruped as he study the woman and her companion. While he talks, Syr comes back and lands on his back. "I'm Erik by the way, Erik Thunderhoof. And this is Syr, my eagle." He turns around and nods at the eagle on his back.
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She gives a wry grin as she pats the axebeak on the head, and it coos softly in return. "Well met, Sir Thunderhoof. This is Kantaria. Yes, the armor is designed to evoke fear. A scared enemy is a less effective enemy. And for those who lack the conviction of the truly wicked, a stern word can send them back to the proper path without the need for escalation."
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She gives a wry grin as she pats the axebeak on the head, and it coos softly in return. "Well met, Sir Thunderhoof. This is Kantaria. Yes, the armor is designed to evoke fear. A scared enemy is a less effective enemy. And for those who lack the conviction of the truly wicked, a stern word can send them back to the proper path without the need for escalation."
"Where did you two actually met the first time?", Erik asks both, Valeria and Twillika.
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She gives a wry grin as she pats the axebeak on the head, and it coos softly in return. "Well met, Sir Thunderhoof. This is Kantaria. Yes, the armor is designed to evoke fear. A scared enemy is a less effective enemy. And for those who lack the conviction of the truly wicked, a stern word can send them back to the proper path without the need for escalation."
"Oh sure, scare them by reminding them that that you're part of a network of systematic terror and oppression. No way THAT could backfire..."
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The Hellknight shrugs. "It's a reminder to follow the rules they should have been taught as children. Don't take that which isn't yours. Don't hurt one another. I'm part of an order that has proven remarkably effective in protecting the innocent from the depredations of the wicked and the barbaric, those who don't follow the rules." She holds up an iron icon hanging from a chain around her waist, fashioned as a longsword within a sunburst of iron nails. "My Lady has chosen this path for me, and I keep faith with her. As she does for me."
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"I am sure he is attempting to paint all Hellknight orders with the same brush, as a small handful do act as thugs for the Thrune government. They are in the minority, however, and each order independently maintains its own goals, edicts, and operations. All are primarily concerned with maintaining orderly society against the destructive forces of chaos. My Order of the Nail protects Varisia and the surrounding regions against the predations of bandits, monsters, and uncivilized barbarians."
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"Whoa, where did you come from? I didn't noticed you at all"
"Kitsune, its kind of our thing. I'll assume you mean how i got here here in the proximate sense as opposed to how i got HERE in the ultimate sense because i'm pretty sure there was a class on THAT in basic training. Although depending on who you listen to thats also our thing and can get really complicated..."
says Erik as the Kitsune speaks up, completely overhearing Valerias answer to his previous question. "And what do mean with "network of systematic terror and oppression."
" Try to escape slavery? The hellknights are coming for you. Complain about geting whipped? The hellknights are coming for you. Escape slavery? the hellknights kill your family. Escape with an entire family? You've got hellknights breathing down your neck all the way out "
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A man lecturing a woman walks over to the courtyard of the Silver Crusade. He is clearly animated in explaining various topics to the neophyte that is following him with a tiny bird on her shoulder. They seem to be speaking in a language that seems rather out of place.
The man, who seems to be a half-elf, does a sweeping gesture to the surroundings. "Et hoc est quod a delubris dicata usque ad crucem argento. Coetus societatis bonum facere et dedicavit. Si quaeris, non quidem secundum normas omnes dignitates eiusmodi coetus commisi." He pauses as they reach the gathered group in the yard and he bows his head. "Greetings. My name is Gordan Sinclaire, and this is my protege, Azadeh." He gestures to her and she walks forward and bows her head as well. He continues. "I have been showing her around the Grand Lodge, and many of its local holdings. It would please me greatly if you could teach her a few minor tricks about combat. I have a feeling that-"
His words have been cut short due to the arrival of a woman that came by earlier. She runs up to him and stops to catch her breath. "I have been looking for you and the patient! Where have you been! She should be resting!" She would continue but she stops when Sinclaire puts a hand on her shoulder. "Ah, Carol. No matter. Azadeh is alright, see." He shows her Azadeh before continuing. "Since we clearly need to talk, lets talk back in that clinic. Alright..." He casts a spell, and before she can voice her concern, they disappear with a pop.
You understand it as Azlanti that he was speaking in.
"Now this place is a lodge dedicated to the Silver Crusade. A group dedicated to doing good through the Society and such. If you ask me, they are not truly following the guidelines of such a prestigious group that we all have joined."
He has cast Teleport, and both of them went to the destination of his choice.
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The woman simply looks on, somewhat confused before the bird on her shoulder remarks. "That was weird." And looks to Azadeh. The woman sighs, clearly still a bit out of place. She turns to the group and bows her head again. "Paenitet enim me fecit magister meus, ut Sinclaire tumultu s. Commemoravit aliquis vellet institueret pugnare mecum?"
She stands there quiet before feeling like she said something weird, but then realizes the problem. "Ah... Not... Azlanti, Right? No. Common, yes? Sinclaire say you can teach? To... To defend, yes?"
"My apologies for Master Sinclaire's disturbance may have caused. He mentioned that someone here would be willing to train me in combat?