Ruby follows the others silently... she's just wants to be as far away from the evil guy with the dragon as possible... which reminds her...
"Um... if it's okay to ask... who was the mean guy with the dragon? And what is his reason for disliking us so much since we haven't even met him before today?"
"Well it will take some travel time to reach the area the boar was last sighted in, but the Gods are in your favor today, for it's down river." The young woman smiles, leaning back in her seat. "As for how to take it down. Well I know there are some at this very who have survived encounters with it. You could ask them about their experience with the beast. Aetala has as many supplies as any trading-post, she may be able to sell you something you need. Beyond that, I've hired two hunters of my own to help track down the boar's lair. If all has went well, they should be returning here tomorrow."
"Me?" Kyrah turns her eyes to Kal now, holding a hand to her chest. "Goddess of Music and Trickery, and the fastest, cleverest, lovliest creature in all of Thylea?" She laughs, shaking her head. "I’m afraid not. My parents named me for the Goddess, hoping I would grow to be half as beautiful and talented as she… I’m afraid it’s been quite the shadow to live in… But! Things are changing! Now that I’m with all of you, I can finally begin making my own mark on Thylea! I intend to record your travels and exploits, and pen a tale to make the Mother Goddess laugh and weep!”
"The mean guy with the dragon?" This piques the woman's interest, and she turns to the rest of you for an answer. "I saw a dragon in the air as I arrived. I didn't realize there was a rider however. Do tell?"
Tobias has been sat there, taking a drink and pondering on the words of Kyrah, and on the questions of the others.
"For a boar we will need spears for those up close, and a steady nerve. For those at range, a good aim", he says looking around at each of the others. "An ancient boar with a corrupted heart though, that sounds like no regular boar. We should definitely talk to survivors, get an idea of size and power".
He largely ignores talk of whether Kyrah is the god herself walking amongst them, concentrating solely on logistics. "And we have until tomorrow when your hunters return to gather information and supplies? That is good".
He looks around once again, "It will give us a chance to discuss our capabilities. A good strategy is tailored to the skills of the members of the unit after all".
He also ignores talk of the dragon rider, feeling it hardly worth a mention.
Kal over at the little dragon-like girl, rubbing his chin. "Oh right...You really aren't from these parts." He considers for a moment how to condense the context behind the interaction they just had before beginning. "Well it's something like this. This land has the Titans, and it has the Five Gods. There was a war between our people and the Titans half a millennia ago, and in our darkest hour the Five came to aid, forcing the Titans to take an Oath of Peace."
"Commander Gaius is from the Order of Sydon. They're a bunch of zealots that worship the Titan Sydon above all others, and are generally antagonistic to worshippers or groups associated with the Five Gods."
"The Oracle has prophesized Thylea's doom...Presumably at the hands of the Titans. Which is why we've been assembled I'm assuming, to play some part in stopping it. It's only natural that followers of Sydon such as Gaius would be opposed to us, our existence stands directly in defiance of their prime deity." He looks to Kyrah for approval, "does that about sum it up?"
"And to answer your question. Yes. The dragon you saw was Gaius' mount. He came to intimidate us, even slugged our man Adonis here a few times."
The woman's response seemed like something a goddess of trickery would say...But who could really say for sure. It wasn't something he meant to press anyway. "Well then, I suppose you can just take it as compliment, you have the air of goddess about you, your parents named well."
"They should arrive back sometime in the morning before dawn." Kyrah confirms, smiling as the ambitious soldier dives right into planning. "A passable summary." The dark-haired woman notes, nodding. "Although I feel a little more drama in the story telling would have been helpful," She adds with a smirk. The smile fades quickly however, as she continues on about the Order of Sydon. "It's no surprise that the Order's commander would seek you out, they've grown bolder as the power of the Oath fades. Despite what you might hear from their followers, the Twin Titans have always hated the mortals of Thylea. For the past five hundred years their hatred has been shackled by the Oath of Peace...But that power has waned, and this ancient beast is one of many signs that they are plotting war again."
"You must down this boar and sacrifice it to one of Thylea's divine powers. Great fame and riches are tied to offering such a great sacrifice to the gods, as you know. The Order of Sydon has demanded that whomever should slay the boar should offer it to the Lord of Storms...But such offerings can alter the balance of power amongst the gods. I would strongly recommend you not give the honor of the kill to either of the Titans."
"Perhaps instead, to a certain Goddess of Music?" She says jokingly, winking at Kal.
Tobias looks to the others chosen to be future heroes of the five, and then back to Kyrah. "I cannot speak for the others, but I doubt any here would sacrifice anything in the name of the Titans".
"My preference would be the Silver Queen herself, but I would understand if that is not the opinion of the majority sat here", he says with a shrug as if it is of no consequence.
"The fame and riches are of course to be coveted, and I expect it will irk Commander Gaius something mighty when we succeed", he adds with a grin at the last comment.
If the hunters are to be here before dawn, that meant an early start. The last thing they wanted was for some other party to claim the prize first.
"If it is to be an early start, we should prepare this evening and rise early".
The Goliath listens to the banter as it crosses back and forth amongst the members of his new formed party and their patron, this Kyrah. Violence. The first thing she asked of them was violence. The Goliath slowly pursed his lips and closed his eyes and inhaled, taking in the smell of the inn, then exhaled in a long, even release. His hands came up to the counter and gripped the mug in front of him, making it look like a child's toy between brawny fingers.
"War with the Titans." Adonis says without opening his eyes. His hands tensed around the mug and he inhaled deeply again. "War, of all things. I am in no rush to spite this Gaius. Such a notion, I would like to think, is behind me. But I am sworn to this duty, and shall do it."
His eyes open and he downs the contents of the mug with a few quick gulps before wiping his mouth with his hand and setting the mug back on the counter and motioning to Aetala for another one.
"We start whenever you want." He says to the rest of the group. "I am tied to nothing here. The sooner we are done, the sooner I go home."
Ruby looks up at the Goliath... he looks troubled, and she feels uneasy as well. She puts a little hand on the big man's forearm closest to her.
"I agree with Adonis, let's do what we have to do and be done with it... though... maybe we should take some time to rest for a little while first, yes? I used some magic, and that nasty Gaias-man hit Adonis a bunch of times..."
"I promise, I'm alright." Adonis assures Ruby again and pats her tiny paw with a hand that looks like a tag of bananas. He finally focuses on Kyrah, a look in his eyes. "I meant to ask a moment ago...and perhaps this is a stupid question... But once we subdue the boar, what do we do to offer it as sacrifice? Is there a proper way, or...or do I just loan my axe to someone and let them finish the deed?"
"A simple pyre after you've slain the beast will suffice fair Adonis, a libation if you're feeling fancy." Kyrah remarks, running a finger across her chin thoughtfully as she rests her elbow on the table. "The Silver Queen, the wise one, the warrior, the smith...The pretty one. Choose as you will, but the important thing is that you make a choice. Snubbing all of the divine powers of Thylea would not lead to a happy result."
Tobias nods as Kyrah explains the simple means of offering the boar to the gods, then waits for Aetala to return with Adonis' drink.
"I hear you have many supplies available, I would like to see what is available. And what you might recommend for those hunting an unusually dangerous boar through unfamiliar terrain", he says to her. "And if you can point out any present who managed to survive encounters with it as well".
His eyes scan the other patrons waiting for the ones that he needs to talk to to be identified.
“Irking Gaius does sound like great fun.” Lilaea writes on her paper, the scroll in clear view of everyone around the table. “But let us not get ahead of ourselves. We can worry about dedicating this sacrifice after we defeat the boar. In the meantime, I too would be interested in looking at supplies.”
In response to Tobias’s question she remains silent, though she turns a curious gaze to her companions, as if waiting for them to speak.
As Aetala sets the refreshed drink down in front of Adonis, she nods to Tobias' question. "Basic supplies. I'm not really stocked specifically for killing wrath-possessed boars, but I've probably got some things you can use. As for what I'd recommend..." The innkeeper crosses her arms over her chest, thinking for a moment. "You know I made my fortune hunting a similar beast. Not quite as ferocious, but still. We made spike traps around the lair, weakened the thing before we even had to swing at it. I've got some wood poles you could sharpen into stakes."
She points now to a trio sitting at a booth on the opposite wall. From her, you can see they've nursed some minor injuries. Some bandages, one wears a makeshift splint. "They came back. Well not all of them...Lost a friend, but they might be able to tell you something."
(you can purchase most of the things off the "Other Adventuring Gear" table in Ch5. of the player's handbook from her. Some things that wouldn't fit she won't have, like a portable ram, or perfume. If you're looking something specific that isn't in that table, just ask.)
Tobias thinks for a moment before replying, "You know I would prefer to travel light, and it may be we can acquire suitable wooden poles when we find it. But that does give me an idea. Could I get a couple bags of caltrops? That should do the trick".
With that he looks across to the three nursing the minor injuries.
Adonis thanks Aetala as she sits the drink down and listens to the discussion around him before picking it up and swilling. He listens intently, then rises when Tobias asks if anyone wants to join him.
"I'll go with you." He says, picking up the drink as he rises. "As for traveling light, I agree. We may have the tools we need to cut and sharpen some poles. Just a thought."
He crosses the room with Tobias to speak to the three who returned, though it's apparent through his body language that he's there for support.
As the pair of you approach, one of the men looks up. "Need something lads?" There are numerous clear injuries on him, but the worst seems to be a bandage wound around his head, covering his left eye. The other two look up quietly. You can see plates of untouched food on the table, though their mugs are empty. The mood around them is definitely somber.
"Well met", Tobias says to the men around the table. "Mighty shame about your comrade. Darned bad luck running into a cursed boar", he adds as he drags a chair over.
"Now as it happens, we have set our sights on hunting the beast, and forewarned is forearmed as they say. Anything you can tell us about it? Size, speed, unusual attributes. How it set upon you? How you escaped?", he says rattling off questions.
"And don't worry if your throat's get dry, your next couple of drinks will be on the lady over there", he adds pointing to Kyrah and throwing her a smile.
"Peace to poor Solas," the hunter speaking to you says, raising his mug. "Peace to Solas." The other two say, raising their mugs as the echo the toast. He listens to to Tobias speak before nodding slowly. "You want my advice? Don't hunt it. This is no regular beast. It is divine, and driven to madness by the Twin Titans."
He sighs, shaking his head. "But I understand. I'll tell you what we learned, and if you still choose to pursue this endeavor, that is up to you."
"It was much faster than us, and large, greater in size than any ox or boar I've ever see. I don't even know how we got away from it, maybe it got bored. We laid a trap for it, attracted it to a clearing with some rotten fruits while we hid in the hedges. I never knew something so large could move so quiet. It hit us hard and fast from behind, gored poor Solas and pulled him back into the woods to finish him off before turning back to us."
The hunter stares into his empty mug, letting out a sigh. "The rest is chaos...A blur."
While those two get information, Kal turns his attention back to Kyrah. "You said you intend to travel with us and record our exploits. Isn't that going to be a little...Well...Dangerous? So long as this boar doesn't vanquish us, I can only imagine we'll be walking into even greater danger with every step we take from here on out." He seems to be prodding the Oracle's agent, still unconvinced that she's entirely what she says she is. Everyone knew the gods walked among them. Pythor was a king in Estoria. Vallus a queen in Mytros. Volkan could be found wandering the Heartlands sometimes. Everyone was hyping them up to be great heroes, so why wouldn't one of them want to get a closer look?
He considers what the man says for a moment, before responding. "So it has not just grown in size and speed, but cunning as well. That is useful to know. We are aware of the influence of the Twin Titans, and yet our path is set".
"You said it pulled Solas back into the woods, so you didn't see the killing blow? That sounds like unusual behaviour for a regular boar. Perhaps it's intelligence has also grown, or it has a master", he muses, looking to Adonis to see if he has further questions.
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Ruby follows the others silently... she's just wants to be as far away from the evil guy with the dragon as possible... which reminds her...
"Um... if it's okay to ask... who was the mean guy with the dragon? And what is his reason for disliking us so much since we haven't even met him before today?"
"Well it will take some travel time to reach the area the boar was last sighted in, but the Gods are in your favor today, for it's down river." The young woman smiles, leaning back in her seat. "As for how to take it down. Well I know there are some at this very who have survived encounters with it. You could ask them about their experience with the beast. Aetala has as many supplies as any trading-post, she may be able to sell you something you need. Beyond that, I've hired two hunters of my own to help track down the boar's lair. If all has went well, they should be returning here tomorrow."
"Me?" Kyrah turns her eyes to Kal now, holding a hand to her chest. "Goddess of Music and Trickery, and the fastest, cleverest, lovliest creature in all of Thylea?" She laughs, shaking her head. "I’m afraid not. My parents named me for the Goddess, hoping I would grow to be half as beautiful and talented as she… I’m afraid it’s been quite the shadow to live in… But! Things are changing! Now that I’m with all of you, I can finally begin making my own mark on Thylea! I intend to record your travels and exploits, and pen a tale to make the Mother Goddess laugh and weep!”
"The mean guy with the dragon?" This piques the woman's interest, and she turns to the rest of you for an answer. "I saw a dragon in the air as I arrived. I didn't realize there was a rider however. Do tell?"
Tobias has been sat there, taking a drink and pondering on the words of Kyrah, and on the questions of the others.
"For a boar we will need spears for those up close, and a steady nerve. For those at range, a good aim", he says looking around at each of the others. "An ancient boar with a corrupted heart though, that sounds like no regular boar. We should definitely talk to survivors, get an idea of size and power".
He largely ignores talk of whether Kyrah is the god herself walking amongst them, concentrating solely on logistics. "And we have until tomorrow when your hunters return to gather information and supplies? That is good".
He looks around once again, "It will give us a chance to discuss our capabilities. A good strategy is tailored to the skills of the members of the unit after all".
He also ignores talk of the dragon rider, feeling it hardly worth a mention.
Kal over at the little dragon-like girl, rubbing his chin. "Oh right...You really aren't from these parts." He considers for a moment how to condense the context behind the interaction they just had before beginning. "Well it's something like this. This land has the Titans, and it has the Five Gods. There was a war between our people and the Titans half a millennia ago, and in our darkest hour the Five came to aid, forcing the Titans to take an Oath of Peace."
"Commander Gaius is from the Order of Sydon. They're a bunch of zealots that worship the Titan Sydon above all others, and are generally antagonistic to worshippers or groups associated with the Five Gods."
"The Oracle has prophesized Thylea's doom...Presumably at the hands of the Titans. Which is why we've been assembled I'm assuming, to play some part in stopping it. It's only natural that followers of Sydon such as Gaius would be opposed to us, our existence stands directly in defiance of their prime deity." He looks to Kyrah for approval, "does that about sum it up?"
"And to answer your question. Yes. The dragon you saw was Gaius' mount. He came to intimidate us, even slugged our man Adonis here a few times."
The woman's response seemed like something a goddess of trickery would say...But who could really say for sure. It wasn't something he meant to press anyway. "Well then, I suppose you can just take it as compliment, you have the air of goddess about you, your parents named well."
"They should arrive back sometime in the morning before dawn." Kyrah confirms, smiling as the ambitious soldier dives right into planning. "A passable summary." The dark-haired woman notes, nodding. "Although I feel a little more drama in the story telling would have been helpful," She adds with a smirk. The smile fades quickly however, as she continues on about the Order of Sydon. "It's no surprise that the Order's commander would seek you out, they've grown bolder as the power of the Oath fades. Despite what you might hear from their followers, the Twin Titans have always hated the mortals of Thylea. For the past five hundred years their hatred has been shackled by the Oath of Peace...But that power has waned, and this ancient beast is one of many signs that they are plotting war again."
"You must down this boar and sacrifice it to one of Thylea's divine powers. Great fame and riches are tied to offering such a great sacrifice to the gods, as you know. The Order of Sydon has demanded that whomever should slay the boar should offer it to the Lord of Storms...But such offerings can alter the balance of power amongst the gods. I would strongly recommend you not give the honor of the kill to either of the Titans."
"Perhaps instead, to a certain Goddess of Music?" She says jokingly, winking at Kal.
Tobias looks to the others chosen to be future heroes of the five, and then back to Kyrah. "I cannot speak for the others, but I doubt any here would sacrifice anything in the name of the Titans".
"My preference would be the Silver Queen herself, but I would understand if that is not the opinion of the majority sat here", he says with a shrug as if it is of no consequence.
"The fame and riches are of course to be coveted, and I expect it will irk Commander Gaius something mighty when we succeed", he adds with a grin at the last comment.
If the hunters are to be here before dawn, that meant an early start. The last thing they wanted was for some other party to claim the prize first.
"If it is to be an early start, we should prepare this evening and rise early".
The Goliath listens to the banter as it crosses back and forth amongst the members of his new formed party and their patron, this Kyrah. Violence. The first thing she asked of them was violence. The Goliath slowly pursed his lips and closed his eyes and inhaled, taking in the smell of the inn, then exhaled in a long, even release. His hands came up to the counter and gripped the mug in front of him, making it look like a child's toy between brawny fingers.
"War with the Titans." Adonis says without opening his eyes. His hands tensed around the mug and he inhaled deeply again. "War, of all things. I am in no rush to spite this Gaius. Such a notion, I would like to think, is behind me. But I am sworn to this duty, and shall do it."
His eyes open and he downs the contents of the mug with a few quick gulps before wiping his mouth with his hand and setting the mug back on the counter and motioning to Aetala for another one.
"We start whenever you want." He says to the rest of the group. "I am tied to nothing here. The sooner we are done, the sooner I go home."
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
DM of Legacy of NIMH
Ruby looks up at the Goliath... he looks troubled, and she feels uneasy as well. She puts a little hand on the big man's forearm closest to her.
"I agree with Adonis, let's do what we have to do and be done with it... though... maybe we should take some time to rest for a little while first, yes? I used some magic, and that nasty Gaias-man hit Adonis a bunch of times..."
"I promise, I'm alright." Adonis assures Ruby again and pats her tiny paw with a hand that looks like a tag of bananas. He finally focuses on Kyrah, a look in his eyes. "I meant to ask a moment ago...and perhaps this is a stupid question... But once we subdue the boar, what do we do to offer it as sacrifice? Is there a proper way, or...or do I just loan my axe to someone and let them finish the deed?"
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
DM of Legacy of NIMH
"A simple pyre after you've slain the beast will suffice fair Adonis, a libation if you're feeling fancy." Kyrah remarks, running a finger across her chin thoughtfully as she rests her elbow on the table. "The Silver Queen, the wise one, the warrior, the smith...The pretty one. Choose as you will, but the important thing is that you make a choice. Snubbing all of the divine powers of Thylea would not lead to a happy result."
Tobias nods as Kyrah explains the simple means of offering the boar to the gods, then waits for Aetala to return with Adonis' drink.
"I hear you have many supplies available, I would like to see what is available. And what you might recommend for those hunting an unusually dangerous boar through unfamiliar terrain", he says to her. "And if you can point out any present who managed to survive encounters with it as well".
His eyes scan the other patrons waiting for the ones that he needs to talk to to be identified.
“Irking Gaius does sound like great fun.” Lilaea writes on her paper, the scroll in clear view of everyone around the table. “But let us not get ahead of ourselves. We can worry about dedicating this sacrifice after we defeat the boar. In the meantime, I too would be interested in looking at supplies.”
In response to Tobias’s question she remains silent, though she turns a curious gaze to her companions, as if waiting for them to speak.
As Aetala sets the refreshed drink down in front of Adonis, she nods to Tobias' question. "Basic supplies. I'm not really stocked specifically for killing wrath-possessed boars, but I've probably got some things you can use. As for what I'd recommend..." The innkeeper crosses her arms over her chest, thinking for a moment. "You know I made my fortune hunting a similar beast. Not quite as ferocious, but still. We made spike traps around the lair, weakened the thing before we even had to swing at it. I've got some wood poles you could sharpen into stakes."
She points now to a trio sitting at a booth on the opposite wall. From her, you can see they've nursed some minor injuries. Some bandages, one wears a makeshift splint. "They came back. Well not all of them...Lost a friend, but they might be able to tell you something."
(you can purchase most of the things off the "Other Adventuring Gear" table in Ch5. of the player's handbook from her. Some things that wouldn't fit she won't have, like a portable ram, or perfume. If you're looking something specific that isn't in that table, just ask.)
Tobias thinks for a moment before replying, "You know I would prefer to travel light, and it may be we can acquire suitable wooden poles when we find it. But that does give me an idea. Could I get a couple bags of caltrops? That should do the trick".
With that he looks across to the three nursing the minor injuries.
"Anyone fancy joining me in going to chat?".
Adonis thanks Aetala as she sits the drink down and listens to the discussion around him before picking it up and swilling. He listens intently, then rises when Tobias asks if anyone wants to join him.
"I'll go with you." He says, picking up the drink as he rises. "As for traveling light, I agree. We may have the tools we need to cut and sharpen some poles. Just a thought."
He crosses the room with Tobias to speak to the three who returned, though it's apparent through his body language that he's there for support.
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
DM of Legacy of NIMH
As the pair of you approach, one of the men looks up. "Need something lads?" There are numerous clear injuries on him, but the worst seems to be a bandage wound around his head, covering his left eye. The other two look up quietly. You can see plates of untouched food on the table, though their mugs are empty. The mood around them is definitely somber.
"Well met", Tobias says to the men around the table. "Mighty shame about your comrade. Darned bad luck running into a cursed boar", he adds as he drags a chair over.
"Now as it happens, we have set our sights on hunting the beast, and forewarned is forearmed as they say. Anything you can tell us about it? Size, speed, unusual attributes. How it set upon you? How you escaped?", he says rattling off questions.
"And don't worry if your throat's get dry, your next couple of drinks will be on the lady over there", he adds pointing to Kyrah and throwing her a smile.
"Peace to poor Solas," the hunter speaking to you says, raising his mug. "Peace to Solas." The other two say, raising their mugs as the echo the toast. He listens to to Tobias speak before nodding slowly. "You want my advice? Don't hunt it. This is no regular beast. It is divine, and driven to madness by the Twin Titans."
He sighs, shaking his head. "But I understand. I'll tell you what we learned, and if you still choose to pursue this endeavor, that is up to you."
"It was much faster than us, and large, greater in size than any ox or boar I've ever see. I don't even know how we got away from it, maybe it got bored. We laid a trap for it, attracted it to a clearing with some rotten fruits while we hid in the hedges. I never knew something so large could move so quiet. It hit us hard and fast from behind, gored poor Solas and pulled him back into the woods to finish him off before turning back to us."
The hunter stares into his empty mug, letting out a sigh. "The rest is chaos...A blur."
While those two get information, Kal turns his attention back to Kyrah. "You said you intend to travel with us and record our exploits. Isn't that going to be a little...Well...Dangerous? So long as this boar doesn't vanquish us, I can only imagine we'll be walking into even greater danger with every step we take from here on out." He seems to be prodding the Oracle's agent, still unconvinced that she's entirely what she says she is. Everyone knew the gods walked among them. Pythor was a king in Estoria. Vallus a queen in Mytros. Volkan could be found wandering the Heartlands sometimes. Everyone was hyping them up to be great heroes, so why wouldn't one of them want to get a closer look?
"Peace to Solas", Tobias repeats.
He considers what the man says for a moment, before responding. "So it has not just grown in size and speed, but cunning as well. That is useful to know. We are aware of the influence of the Twin Titans, and yet our path is set".
"You said it pulled Solas back into the woods, so you didn't see the killing blow? That sounds like unusual behaviour for a regular boar. Perhaps it's intelligence has also grown, or it has a master", he muses, looking to Adonis to see if he has further questions.