Watching Sera heal the man on the table, Hastos shakes his head in disbelief. “Do you understand… never mind. I know you’re just trying to do what you think is right, but you can only heal his body, not his mind. I didn’t think I could feel pity for a Dragon army soldier, but this… this is extraordinary.”
Looking at Kaylan, Hastos continues, “I was brought here unconscious and against my will. I’m not even sure where “here” is. A place to bed down for the night would be appreciated. I don’t know this, “Glynnis” - how do I get in contact with them?” Hastos turns to pick up his bag, but turns back. “Oh, and anyone who has gotten candles from Dana should be aware that they’re made from the living tissue of her victims. They may want to know that her victims were kept alive and silent to watch themselves be carved up and their flesh be turned into those candles.” Hastos gestures to the hanging candles across the room.
as he slings his pack into place he sighs heavily “aaaand… those candles,” he points to the ones on the table “ are probably magical and dangerous and should be confiscated and handled carefully.”
Albert smiles back: "We had an unpleasant evening. I'm sure you'll hear rumors soon enough. Regardless, I just needed to talk with Mishakal and clear my mind. Also a shrine to the god of fertility and love would really benefit Sanketh in these dark times. I'm no builder and craftsman, but I will do my best to honor The Blue Lady and get her blessings to benefit this place. What are you two doing here? Didn't think of you as being people of faith!"
Sera watched in dismay as Arvos, one of the original members of the Golden Company, with a few words how tired he was slipped away. No plan to regroup, no effort to clean up the chaos left behind—just like Albert. She sighed, reminded once again how loosely tied this group of adventurers truly was. It seemed she would have to fend for herself—and others—just as she always had.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sharp voice of a councilwoman storming onto the scene, visibly outraged. She declared the area a crime scene and threatened to have them all locked up until the mess could be sorted out. Sera tried to mask her disapproval, keeping her expression neutral, though her thoughts churned with frustration. They had risked their lives to subdue a mad barbarian wielding a cursed weapon, and yet not a shred of gratitude was offered in return.
Nearby, Hastos, the caged warrior, grumbled his disapproval as she continued her efforts to save the wounded man. But she didn’t care—whether the man was beyond saving or not wasn’t for her to decide. She believed in the possibility of miracles, however slim.
“Paladine, give me strength,” she muttered under her breath, her words sounding like part of a prayer for the injured man, though they carried a deeper personal weight.
Fortunately, the councilwoman relented, agreeing to let them leave under the condition they report back tomorrow to provide testimony. That was enough for Sera. She had had her fill of this chaos for one night.
“I’ll give my testimony tomorrow,” she said firmly. “For now, I’m going back to the Laughing Dwarf. I’ll introduce you to Glynnis,” she added, addressing Hastos with a determined glance "I am Sera Uth Darnon...from Solamnia yes .." she assumes the typical last name would rise questions. "Glynnis is the innkeeper at Laughing Dwarf...watch your hair or she braids it" Sera cuts in trying to loosen the mood a bit at least before walking into the chill night air with him heading towards the inn.
The guards bow politely as the rest of the party begins to filter out of the room, and you can hear Kaylan mutter under her breath... "Just a few more nights and I won't have to keep running the night watch anymore..." After her personal pity party, she resolves herself to manage the situation. She orders the guards to snuff the candles using a snuffer and not to touch any of them directly. "Best to leave this stuff to those who know more about such things." She turns to Hastos. "Thank you for that information, and I'm sorry you got tangled up in all this. I assumed you were one of the new recruits for the Golden Company. If you were a captive, I expect you'll need care. We have healers. Would you like an escort to the medical tents?"
At the Laughing Dwarf Dance Hall...
The mood is still merry at the dance hall, but the music has stopped. The lead singer of Vix-Sin, Namuya, is mingling with the crowd and enjoying being fawned over by the adoring fans. Vanthanor is sitting with some other Hachakee members, he seems ill-at-ease and drinks his liquor with the desperate gusto of someone who is trying to get drunk fast. You see Arvos and Glynnis having a word. Glynnis seems to be trying to cheer Arvos up, and therefore doesn't notice Sera and Hastos come in.
At the Shrines/Cemetery...
Ororana fields that question. "That's a fair assumption!" She says with a laugh. "But I think it's time to restore faith to this community. The way I see it, it doesn't matter if the gods have abandoned us or not. What matters is that our beliefs give us strength. The Dragon Armies have faith to bolster their strength and lend fervor to their cause. And that makes them fearless in battle. I should know. And even if I don't approve of their message or their agenda, I have to acknowledge the advantage that faith gives them. So, I've been speaking with Harmanutis and Zahir about going to the council to ask for funding and supplies to help restore this desecrated ground."
Absently, she kicks a bit of rubble with her boot. "We'll need bricklayers, carpenters, artisans, and leaders of the faith to come together to make this work. I think it will be good for the community to work as one for a cause beyond delaying death by exposure and starvation. And you're correct. I'm not a woman of faith. The gods aren't out here fighting to reclaim Khur. We are. That's who I believe in. The people who sacrifice themselves daily to rescue this world from the clutches of our oppressors. And that's why, for now, we're just talking. The idea may be mine, but I shouldn't be the one to lead it. I thought about recruiting Tekel to be the face of this proposition. But... well... Tekel may be a man of faith, but he's a killer. Like me. We need those who heal or create to lead this movement. Not those who kill or destroy."
She grabs a lock of her hair and twists it around her finger, as if considering whether her next words are a good idea. She looks to Harmanutis and raises an eyebrow. He only shrugs back, unhelpfully. "I see that, to some degree, you have the same idea, if you're here to add color to your shrine. Would you like to help us organize this project?"
As a gesture both helpful and symbolic, Harmanutis adds. "I have some paint in my supply shed. I'll fetch some blue paint for you." Quietly, he slips away into the darkness.
“I am unharmed, but thank you.” Hastos replies to Kaylan.
“I appreciate the introduction. I am ready when you are.” Hastos says to Sera with a slight bow.
As they enter the Laughing Dwarf, Hastos winces as the blast of merriment hits him. A deep breath and he opens his eyes and follows Sera further inside. “So what was this ‘Golden Company’ that Kaylan mentioned?” He asks her.
Sera stepped into the Laughing Dwarf Tavern, the warm, smoky air heavy with the scents of ale and tired souls. The late-night patrons sprawled across the room, some slumped over their drinks as if trying to drown their sorrows. For once, she felt too drained to worry about every sad story written in their faces.
Her eyes scanned the room, spotting Glynnis and Avros at a corner table. Before approaching them to secure a room for the night, she turned to Hastos, standing quietly at her side.
“The Golden Company…” she began, letting the words hang in the air.
Hastos had asked her, curious. “What is the Golden Company?” he had asked.
She hesitated, torn between honesty and feeding the public’s heroic fantasy. After a moment, she decided honesty would earn her the kind of allies she truly needed.
“The Golden Company,” she said, “is a loosely connected group of adventurers this struggling outpost seems to need as heroes. But to be honest, I’m not sure what we are yet. I just joined, and before I could catch my breath, I was thrown into chaos. We have no structure, no plans—we barely know each other’s first names. But despite that, we seem to give people hope as we try to sort out the rumors of evil lurking here.”
She sighed, the weight of it all pressing on her shoulders. “I don’t mean to sound grim, but I guess I hoped for more—friends, maybe even a sense of belonging. Silly, right?” She offered a faint smile. “But everything has to start somewhere, right? If we put in the effort, maybe we can be what these people need. We just have to stay alive long enough to make it happen.”
With that, she reached out and took Hastos’s hand, gently tugging him toward the table where Glynnis and Avros sat.
“Hey, Glynnis, Avros,” she called with a warm smile. “This is Hastos. I found him in a cage and freed him, and now he follows me around.” She chuckled and gave Hastos a playful wink.
“And wow, do we have news to share—hidden cults, an evil candlemaker, the whole mess. I’ll tell you all about it if we can rent a room and get some rest for the night.”
Albert smiles: "If it's not too much to ask ofcourse! We can also do it tomorrow. Regardless, this community would benefit from a project, that's not directly tied to survival. Something for the soul. Even if they don't have faith in gods, a safe place to calm your nerves would be great. "
Glynnis raises an eyebrow at Sera's brief explanation, and chuckles wryly. "That sounds about right. Never a dull moment 'round here. The first time Arvos set foot in this place someone tried killin' him an' his friend. Seems we aren't too good at warm welcomes." She starts braiding some loose strands of her hair and furrows her brow. "Evil candlemaker though... that's a new one."
Before she gets to investigate further, a guard scurries in, whispers in Glynnis's ear, and hands her a messenger scroll with the Kaylan's seal on it. She reads it muttering to herself. "One night all expense... hmm. Mm-hmm. All seems right."
She rolls up the scroll. "Arvos, yer room's still ready, and those representatin' the kobold clan're up there restin." She presents keys to a room across the hall. "I'm runnin' outta' rooms though. Got one left. So figure out how yer gonna' bunk up. Food n' drink is on the council, so help yerself."
At the Shrine...
"Perfect!" Ororana replies with a warm smile. She presents her hand for you to shake on the agreement. "With your name backing this project, we'll be able to rally acolytes, council members, and craftspersons. I'm starting to feel really good about this!" Her smile is warm and toothy.
After a few moments, Harmanutis returns with the paint and brushes, handing it to you as he exchanges unsure glances with Ororana. "Albert wants to lead the cause! We have our face of the project!" Harmanutis seems very wide-eyed by the news. "That's great! I'll... I'll let the others no right away!"
Hastos lets out an involuntary snort at Serras joke. “Most of that is true.” He adds wryly.
He responds to Glynis “I’m not too used to warm welcomes, so that’s pretty normal.” When she mentions bunking up, Hastos reply’s “Thank you, we’ll figure something out.”
Hastos turns around and surveys the room. “You know…” he says to Serra, “…what you said about belonging.” A look of reflection passes over his face. “It’s not silly.”
Hastos snaps out of whatever thoughts he was distracted by and continues “So this ‘Company’, I take it doesn’t have much love for the dragon army?”
Glynnis only had one room available, and the moment the offer was made, an awkward silence hung in the air, as though even the crickets outside were holding their breath. Sera glanced at her new companion, Hastos, and for a fleeting moment, she wondered how others would view them if she agreed to share a room with him. Despite her street-hardened background—surviving the rough streets of Phalantas—she couldn't help but feel a hint of uncertainty. Was this place conservative? Or more open-minded? Her thoughts were racing, tangled in too many directions, when Hastos's voice broke the silence.
“So this ‘Company’, I take it doesn’t have much love for the dragon army?”
Sera, thankful for the distraction, hoped she wasn’t blushing. She steadied herself and answered, her voice clear and sure. "I’m a follower of Paladine, so I have no love for Takhisis and her Dragon Armies. Alberto follows Mishakal, and he shares the same sentiment—mortal enemies of Takhisis. As for the druid… I’m unsure. He’s not the chatty type. And the rest of the Golden Company? Well, they've scattered for the time being, it seems.”
She reached for Avros’s half-finished mug and took a long swig, ignoring his mock protests. He smiled, amused, as she stole his drink. “They’ve stopped some kobold raiders and tried to turn them into allies rather than enemies. The company seems to think diplomacy is the way to go… but people here? They’re skeptical. Too much has happened. And now, with a cult hiding among us? Trust is in short supply.”
Sera set the mug down with a soft clink and met Hastos’s eyes. “We might be a distraction—heroes, in a way. Maybe that’s exactly what these people need. Someone to look up to, even if we’re just a temporary fix for their fears.”
She finished, hoping her words didn’t set them on a dangerous path. This place was already teetering on the edge, and she didn’t want to drag them into something that might be too big for any of them to handle.
Glynnis grunts her agreement. "Avros 'n Albert're the only two remaining original members of the Golden Company. When'ey arrived 'ere, they were more like a small army... 8 members strong. And they were full of hope. Most of the people here at the time were merchants, deposed politicians, and evacuees. We were relieved ta see someone who could actually fight the fights'at need fightin'. We were scared, starvin', thirsty, 'n angry."
Glynnis slides a few more drinks across the bar, a southern mead. She winks, "It's watered down. I'll be damned if I let me patrons die of dehydration after all we done to make it this far." The mead tastes sweet, with almost no alcoholic burn. You notice that Handar winces every time he has to add a bit of water to the drinks. But it makes sense considering drinking water (at this point) is more valuable than beer and these residents have been on water rations for a long time.
"Santekh... hells, this whole damned dessert, is hard on people though. Some of the Golden Company left to seek their own fortunes. Some died. Some just retired and decided to become residents of the town. A need arose fer new recruits to do th' work us common folk can't. S'pose that's why yer here."
Hastos coughs a bit at Glynnis’ words. “Well, I’m here because I was brought here to be a sacrificial lamb. But that’s something for another time.”
Hastos considers Serras words carefully. He takes a long drink from his tankard. “It’s, uh, been a while since I’ve stayed in any one place for any length of time.” he places his hand on the key and slides it slowly over towards Serra and stares deeply into her eyes. “…or shared a bed with a woman.”
Hastos lets the awkwardness hang in the air just a moment longer than he probably should have before snorting and letting out a laugh that turns into a fit of coughing. He smothers it with another drink. “I’m just shitting you.” He chuckles again. “Neither of us know each other well enough not to sleep with one eye open. And I still owe you. So the least I can do is let you get a decent nights sleep. I’ll… figure something else out.”
Glynnis eyes Hastos with a mix of concern, sympathy, and suspicion, when he describes the mysterious nature of his arrival to Santekh.
"Just remember... pick where ye sleep carefully if ye ain't sleepin' in my rooms. Ain't no one in this town got a lot o' trust fer outsiders. If Kaylan vouches fer ye, then yer safe here. She may hate bein' a guard cap'n, but she's got a pretty good instinct fer people."
She looks at your scratched armor. "And no... no one here has any love fer the dragon army. But most of 'em would pay a pretty hefty reward for the head 'o one."
As Sera stood in the dim light of the Laughing Dwarf tavern, an uncomfortable reality settled in. Glynnis’s offer of a single room was the only choice they had, and outside, the dangers were more immediate than either of them could ignore. The settlement might be infested with enemies. They’d just brought down a cult, and with assassins likely lurking in the shadows, sleeping was risky either way.
Sera hesitated, glancing around the tavern as if seeking an answer that wasn’t there. It was dangerous—staying out in the open was a risk they couldn’t afford. But there was another possibility, one that, though risky, would at least give them a semblance of safety for the night. Her reputation might be a bit altered but she been named worse things before. And when she care so much what others think anyway?
She turned to Hastos, choosing her words carefully. “Look, we both know that staying outside is a poor choice with what’s happening right now. Assassins, cultists... We’re both targets. If someone wants to come for us, they’ll know where we sleep, anyway, whether we’re together or apart.”
She could feel her heartbeat pick up as she continued, her voice low, “If you don’t want to share the room, that’s fine. But it’s safer for both of us to stay in one room tonight. At least here, we’ve got walls between us and whoever might be hunting us. I’d rather risk sharing a bed for one night than risk either of us getting killed out there.”
Her eyes met his, steady and sincere. “It’s a temporary solution. And we can go our separate ways after, if that’s what you prefer. But for tonight? It’s the safest option. And besides,” she added with a small smile, trying to lighten the mood, “If you're going to be killed by assassins, at least you’ll go out in a warm bed and in the arms of a pretty woman instead of the cold pee stenched streets. You can not sleep in that armor and get any rest anyway”
Sera stepped forward, her expression firm yet friendly. "We might not know each other well, but the choice seems clear to me.
“Well, “ he hides his hesitation with a final drink from his cup. “I supposed that makes the most sense.”
“Now that this is settled, I don’t know about you, but I’m… I’m pretty exhausted and my head still hurts pretty bad.” Hastos’ rubs the back of his head, his eyes have a weariness to them that drives home that his words are likely an understatement. “Even a moderately safe place to bed down for the night would be a welcome change of pace. I guess that’s two I owe you.”
Sera couldn’t help but smirk as Hastos reluctantly agreed that sharing the room was the best option. However, he quickly began to complain about a headache, and Sera, ever quick with a jest, leaned toward Glynnis and Avros with a teasing glint in her eye.
"He’s already telling me about his headache before we even reach the bed," she said, her voice light. "Looks like no juicy gossip tonight, sorry!" She chuckled, stretching her arms overhead as if the humor lifted her spirits.
“I’ve traveled a long way, and rest is calling to me,” she continued, her tone playful yet genuine. She turned toward Avros, giving him a quick, warm peck on the chin and offering a smile to Glynnis as she wished them both goodnight.
With a light-hearted sigh, she began to walk toward the bedroom, but paused, glancing over her shoulder to see if Hastos was following. She hoped he would. After all, the night felt safer—and warmer—and if she got lucky... passionate with him at her side.
(Sorry for not posting, I've been busy the last few days, just take this as a recount of my day.)
After leaving Dana's dungeon, I find a nice spot in the shade and pull out a book, looking it over and writing a few things. Eventually, I get up and put the book away. I walk around and say hi to the townsfolk, keeping watch as well. After a while, I head to the sleeping giant inn and get a room, and get to sleep.
As Hastos followed her into the single bedroom, Sera busied herself with undoing the clasps of her armor, her fingers fumbling slightly from the long day’s strain. The clinking of metal filled the small room as she set each piece aside, the heavy weight finally lifted from her shoulders.
Feeling the silence pressing on them, she decided to fill it with something softer. Drawing on her love for a song, she began to hum and then sing, her voice low and a bit uncertain at first but growing steadier as the words came to her:
"Through fields of blood, where shadows lie, We march beneath a fading sky. The friends we've lost, the bonds we knew, Now linger only as morning dew.
The battle’s roar, the silence after, A hollow void where once was laughter. When all is gone and hearts must bend, We stand alone, yet still defend.
..her words trailed off. Memories of lost ones briefly in her mind and she look at him.
The melody was simple, but there was warmth in her voice, a hint of longing as she glanced at Hastos. She finished the tune with a soft smile, hoping it might break through the tension that hung in the air.
As she undressed further, her movements grew a touch more deliberate. Her attempts at flirting were clumsy at best—an overly careful smile here, a lingering glance there—but her nerves seemed to get in the way of words. Finally, she gave up on subtlety.
Sliding into the bed, she settled on her side, her posture open and inviting. Her heart raced as she looked at him, hoping the gesture would speak louder than her stammering attempts at charm.
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“Death can be a kindness.” Hastos says softly.
Watching Sera heal the man on the table, Hastos shakes his head in disbelief. “Do you understand… never mind. I know you’re just trying to do what you think is right, but you can only heal his body, not his mind. I didn’t think I could feel pity for a Dragon army soldier, but this… this is extraordinary.”
Looking at Kaylan, Hastos continues, “I was brought here unconscious and against my will. I’m not even sure where “here” is. A place to bed down for the night would be appreciated. I don’t know this, “Glynnis” - how do I get in contact with them?” Hastos turns to pick up his bag, but turns back. “Oh, and anyone who has gotten candles from Dana should be aware that they’re made from the living tissue of her victims. They may want to know that her victims were kept alive and silent to watch themselves be carved up and their flesh be turned into those candles.” Hastos gestures to the hanging candles across the room.
as he slings his pack into place he sighs heavily “aaaand… those candles,” he points to the ones on the table “ are probably magical and dangerous and should be confiscated and handled carefully.”
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
Albert smiles back: "We had an unpleasant evening. I'm sure you'll hear rumors soon enough. Regardless, I just needed to talk with Mishakal and clear my mind. Also a shrine to the god of fertility and love would really benefit Sanketh in these dark times. I'm no builder and craftsman, but I will do my best to honor The Blue Lady and get her blessings to benefit this place. What are you two doing here? Didn't think of you as being people of faith!"
Sera watched in dismay as Arvos, one of the original members of the Golden Company, with a few words how tired he was slipped away. No plan to regroup, no effort to clean up the chaos left behind—just like Albert. She sighed, reminded once again how loosely tied this group of adventurers truly was. It seemed she would have to fend for herself—and others—just as she always had.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sharp voice of a councilwoman storming onto the scene, visibly outraged. She declared the area a crime scene and threatened to have them all locked up until the mess could be sorted out. Sera tried to mask her disapproval, keeping her expression neutral, though her thoughts churned with frustration. They had risked their lives to subdue a mad barbarian wielding a cursed weapon, and yet not a shred of gratitude was offered in return.
Nearby, Hastos, the caged warrior, grumbled his disapproval as she continued her efforts to save the wounded man. But she didn’t care—whether the man was beyond saving or not wasn’t for her to decide. She believed in the possibility of miracles, however slim.
“Paladine, give me strength,” she muttered under her breath, her words sounding like part of a prayer for the injured man, though they carried a deeper personal weight.
Fortunately, the councilwoman relented, agreeing to let them leave under the condition they report back tomorrow to provide testimony. That was enough for Sera. She had had her fill of this chaos for one night.
“I’ll give my testimony tomorrow,” she said firmly. “For now, I’m going back to the Laughing Dwarf. I’ll introduce you to Glynnis,” she added, addressing Hastos with a determined glance "I am Sera Uth Darnon...from Solamnia yes .." she assumes the typical last name would rise questions. "Glynnis is the innkeeper at Laughing Dwarf...watch your hair or she braids it" Sera cuts in trying to loosen the mood a bit at least before walking into the chill night air with him heading towards the inn.
In Dana's Dungeon...
The guards bow politely as the rest of the party begins to filter out of the room, and you can hear Kaylan mutter under her breath... "Just a few more nights and I won't have to keep running the night watch anymore..." After her personal pity party, she resolves herself to manage the situation. She orders the guards to snuff the candles using a snuffer and not to touch any of them directly. "Best to leave this stuff to those who know more about such things." She turns to Hastos. "Thank you for that information, and I'm sorry you got tangled up in all this. I assumed you were one of the new recruits for the Golden Company. If you were a captive, I expect you'll need care. We have healers. Would you like an escort to the medical tents?"
At the Laughing Dwarf Dance Hall...
The mood is still merry at the dance hall, but the music has stopped. The lead singer of Vix-Sin, Namuya, is mingling with the crowd and enjoying being fawned over by the adoring fans. Vanthanor is sitting with some other Hachakee members, he seems ill-at-ease and drinks his liquor with the desperate gusto of someone who is trying to get drunk fast. You see Arvos and Glynnis having a word. Glynnis seems to be trying to cheer Arvos up, and therefore doesn't notice Sera and Hastos come in.
At the Shrines/Cemetery...
Ororana fields that question. "That's a fair assumption!" She says with a laugh. "But I think it's time to restore faith to this community. The way I see it, it doesn't matter if the gods have abandoned us or not. What matters is that our beliefs give us strength. The Dragon Armies have faith to bolster their strength and lend fervor to their cause. And that makes them fearless in battle. I should know. And even if I don't approve of their message or their agenda, I have to acknowledge the advantage that faith gives them. So, I've been speaking with Harmanutis and Zahir about going to the council to ask for funding and supplies to help restore this desecrated ground."
Absently, she kicks a bit of rubble with her boot. "We'll need bricklayers, carpenters, artisans, and leaders of the faith to come together to make this work. I think it will be good for the community to work as one for a cause beyond delaying death by exposure and starvation. And you're correct. I'm not a woman of faith. The gods aren't out here fighting to reclaim Khur. We are. That's who I believe in. The people who sacrifice themselves daily to rescue this world from the clutches of our oppressors. And that's why, for now, we're just talking. The idea may be mine, but I shouldn't be the one to lead it. I thought about recruiting Tekel to be the face of this proposition. But... well... Tekel may be a man of faith, but he's a killer. Like me. We need those who heal or create to lead this movement. Not those who kill or destroy."
She grabs a lock of her hair and twists it around her finger, as if considering whether her next words are a good idea. She looks to Harmanutis and raises an eyebrow. He only shrugs back, unhelpfully. "I see that, to some degree, you have the same idea, if you're here to add color to your shrine. Would you like to help us organize this project?"
As a gesture both helpful and symbolic, Harmanutis adds. "I have some paint in my supply shed. I'll fetch some blue paint for you." Quietly, he slips away into the darkness.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
“I am unharmed, but thank you.” Hastos replies to Kaylan.
“I appreciate the introduction. I am ready when you are.” Hastos says to Sera with a slight bow.
As they enter the Laughing Dwarf, Hastos winces as the blast of merriment hits him. A deep breath and he opens his eyes and follows Sera further inside. “So what was this ‘Golden Company’ that Kaylan mentioned?” He asks her.
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
Sera stepped into the Laughing Dwarf Tavern, the warm, smoky air heavy with the scents of ale and tired souls. The late-night patrons sprawled across the room, some slumped over their drinks as if trying to drown their sorrows. For once, she felt too drained to worry about every sad story written in their faces.
Her eyes scanned the room, spotting Glynnis and Avros at a corner table. Before approaching them to secure a room for the night, she turned to Hastos, standing quietly at her side.
“The Golden Company…” she began, letting the words hang in the air.
Hastos had asked her, curious. “What is the Golden Company?” he had asked.
She hesitated, torn between honesty and feeding the public’s heroic fantasy. After a moment, she decided honesty would earn her the kind of allies she truly needed.
“The Golden Company,” she said, “is a loosely connected group of adventurers this struggling outpost seems to need as heroes. But to be honest, I’m not sure what we are yet. I just joined, and before I could catch my breath, I was thrown into chaos. We have no structure, no plans—we barely know each other’s first names. But despite that, we seem to give people hope as we try to sort out the rumors of evil lurking here.”
She sighed, the weight of it all pressing on her shoulders. “I don’t mean to sound grim, but I guess I hoped for more—friends, maybe even a sense of belonging. Silly, right?” She offered a faint smile. “But everything has to start somewhere, right? If we put in the effort, maybe we can be what these people need. We just have to stay alive long enough to make it happen.”
With that, she reached out and took Hastos’s hand, gently tugging him toward the table where Glynnis and Avros sat.
“Hey, Glynnis, Avros,” she called with a warm smile. “This is Hastos. I found him in a cage and freed him, and now he follows me around.” She chuckled and gave Hastos a playful wink.
“And wow, do we have news to share—hidden cults, an evil candlemaker, the whole mess. I’ll tell you all about it if we can rent a room and get some rest for the night.”
Albert smiles: "If it's not too much to ask ofcourse! We can also do it tomorrow. Regardless, this community would benefit from a project, that's not directly tied to survival. Something for the soul. Even if they don't have faith in gods, a safe place to calm your nerves would be great. "
At the Laughing Dwarf...
Glynnis raises an eyebrow at Sera's brief explanation, and chuckles wryly. "That sounds about right. Never a dull moment 'round here. The first time Arvos set foot in this place someone tried killin' him an' his friend. Seems we aren't too good at warm welcomes." She starts braiding some loose strands of her hair and furrows her brow. "Evil candlemaker though... that's a new one."
Before she gets to investigate further, a guard scurries in, whispers in Glynnis's ear, and hands her a messenger scroll with the Kaylan's seal on it. She reads it muttering to herself. "One night all expense... hmm. Mm-hmm. All seems right."
She rolls up the scroll. "Arvos, yer room's still ready, and those representatin' the kobold clan're up there restin." She presents keys to a room across the hall. "I'm runnin' outta' rooms though. Got one left. So figure out how yer gonna' bunk up. Food n' drink is on the council, so help yerself."
At the Shrine...
"Perfect!" Ororana replies with a warm smile. She presents her hand for you to shake on the agreement. "With your name backing this project, we'll be able to rally acolytes, council members, and craftspersons. I'm starting to feel really good about this!" Her smile is warm and toothy.
After a few moments, Harmanutis returns with the paint and brushes, handing it to you as he exchanges unsure glances with Ororana. "Albert wants to lead the cause! We have our face of the project!" Harmanutis seems very wide-eyed by the news. "That's great! I'll... I'll let the others no right away!"
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
Hastos lets out an involuntary snort at Serras joke. “Most of that is true.” He adds wryly.
He responds to Glynis “I’m not too used to warm welcomes, so that’s pretty normal.” When she mentions bunking up, Hastos reply’s “Thank you, we’ll figure something out.”
Hastos turns around and surveys the room. “You know…” he says to Serra, “…what you said about belonging.” A look of reflection passes over his face. “It’s not silly.”
Hastos snaps out of whatever thoughts he was distracted by and continues “So this ‘Company’, I take it doesn’t have much love for the dragon army?”
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
Glynnis only had one room available, and the moment the offer was made, an awkward silence hung in the air, as though even the crickets outside were holding their breath. Sera glanced at her new companion, Hastos, and for a fleeting moment, she wondered how others would view them if she agreed to share a room with him. Despite her street-hardened background—surviving the rough streets of Phalantas—she couldn't help but feel a hint of uncertainty. Was this place conservative? Or more open-minded? Her thoughts were racing, tangled in too many directions, when Hastos's voice broke the silence.
“So this ‘Company’, I take it doesn’t have much love for the dragon army?”
Sera, thankful for the distraction, hoped she wasn’t blushing. She steadied herself and answered, her voice clear and sure. "I’m a follower of Paladine, so I have no love for Takhisis and her Dragon Armies. Alberto follows Mishakal, and he shares the same sentiment—mortal enemies of Takhisis. As for the druid… I’m unsure. He’s not the chatty type. And the rest of the Golden Company? Well, they've scattered for the time being, it seems.”
She reached for Avros’s half-finished mug and took a long swig, ignoring his mock protests. He smiled, amused, as she stole his drink. “They’ve stopped some kobold raiders and tried to turn them into allies rather than enemies. The company seems to think diplomacy is the way to go… but people here? They’re skeptical. Too much has happened. And now, with a cult hiding among us? Trust is in short supply.”
Sera set the mug down with a soft clink and met Hastos’s eyes. “We might be a distraction—heroes, in a way. Maybe that’s exactly what these people need. Someone to look up to, even if we’re just a temporary fix for their fears.”
She finished, hoping her words didn’t set them on a dangerous path. This place was already teetering on the edge, and she didn’t want to drag them into something that might be too big for any of them to handle.
Glynnis grunts her agreement. "Avros 'n Albert're the only two remaining original members of the Golden Company. When'ey arrived 'ere, they were more like a small army... 8 members strong. And they were full of hope. Most of the people here at the time were merchants, deposed politicians, and evacuees. We were relieved ta see someone who could actually fight the fights'at need fightin'. We were scared, starvin', thirsty, 'n angry."
Glynnis slides a few more drinks across the bar, a southern mead. She winks, "It's watered down. I'll be damned if I let me patrons die of dehydration after all we done to make it this far." The mead tastes sweet, with almost no alcoholic burn. You notice that Handar winces every time he has to add a bit of water to the drinks. But it makes sense considering drinking water (at this point) is more valuable than beer and these residents have been on water rations for a long time.
"Santekh... hells, this whole damned dessert, is hard on people though. Some of the Golden Company left to seek their own fortunes. Some died. Some just retired and decided to become residents of the town. A need arose fer new recruits to do th' work us common folk can't. S'pose that's why yer here."
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
Hastos coughs a bit at Glynnis’ words. “Well, I’m here because I was brought here to be a sacrificial lamb. But that’s something for another time.”
Hastos considers Serras words carefully. He takes a long drink from his tankard. “It’s, uh, been a while since I’ve stayed in any one place for any length of time.”
he places his hand on the key and slides it slowly over towards Serra and stares deeply into her eyes. “…or shared a bed with a woman.”
Hastos lets the awkwardness hang in the air just a moment longer than he probably should have before snorting and letting out a laugh that turns into a fit of coughing. He smothers it with another drink. “I’m just shitting you.” He chuckles again. “Neither of us know each other well enough not to sleep with one eye open. And I still owe you. So the least I can do is let you get a decent nights sleep. I’ll… figure something else out.”
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
Glynnis eyes Hastos with a mix of concern, sympathy, and suspicion, when he describes the mysterious nature of his arrival to Santekh.
"Just remember... pick where ye sleep carefully if ye ain't sleepin' in my rooms. Ain't no one in this town got a lot o' trust fer outsiders. If Kaylan vouches fer ye, then yer safe here. She may hate bein' a guard cap'n, but she's got a pretty good instinct fer people."
She looks at your scratched armor. "And no... no one here has any love fer the dragon army. But most of 'em would pay a pretty hefty reward for the head 'o one."
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
“Don’t I know it.” Hastos says flatly to Glynnis. “What time does this room shut down for the night?”
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
Hastos lets out an uncomfortable chuckle.
“Well, “ he hides his hesitation with a final drink from his cup. “I supposed that makes the most sense.”
“Now that this is settled, I don’t know about you, but I’m… I’m pretty exhausted and my head still hurts pretty bad.” Hastos’ rubs the back of his head, his eyes have a weariness to them that drives home that his words are likely an understatement. “Even a moderately safe place to bed down for the night would be a welcome change of pace. I guess that’s two I owe you.”
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
Sera couldn’t help but smirk as Hastos reluctantly agreed that sharing the room was the best option. However, he quickly began to complain about a headache, and Sera, ever quick with a jest, leaned toward Glynnis and Avros with a teasing glint in her eye.
"He’s already telling me about his headache before we even reach the bed," she said, her voice light. "Looks like no juicy gossip tonight, sorry!" She chuckled, stretching her arms overhead as if the humor lifted her spirits.
“I’ve traveled a long way, and rest is calling to me,” she continued, her tone playful yet genuine. She turned toward Avros, giving him a quick, warm peck on the chin and offering a smile to Glynnis as she wished them both goodnight.
With a light-hearted sigh, she began to walk toward the bedroom, but paused, glancing over her shoulder to see if Hastos was following. She hoped he would. After all, the night felt safer—and warmer—and if she got lucky... passionate with him at her side.
Hastos gathers his gear. As he hefts his bag over his shoulder he turns to Glynnis, “If she kills me in my sleep, this is your fault.”
And with that, Hastos heads up to the room.
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
(Sorry for not posting, I've been busy the last few days, just take this as a recount of my day.)
After leaving Dana's dungeon, I find a nice spot in the shade and pull out a book, looking it over and writing a few things. Eventually, I get up and put the book away. I walk around and say hi to the townsfolk, keeping watch as well. After a while, I head to the sleeping giant inn and get a room, and get to sleep.
As Hastos followed her into the single bedroom, Sera busied herself with undoing the clasps of her armor, her fingers fumbling slightly from the long day’s strain. The clinking of metal filled the small room as she set each piece aside, the heavy weight finally lifted from her shoulders.
Feeling the silence pressing on them, she decided to fill it with something softer. Drawing on her love for a song, she began to hum and then sing, her voice low and a bit uncertain at first but growing steadier as the words came to her:
"Through fields of blood, where shadows lie,
We march beneath a fading sky.
The friends we've lost, the bonds we knew,
Now linger only as morning dew.
The battle’s roar, the silence after,
A hollow void where once was laughter.
When all is gone and hearts must bend,
We stand alone, yet still defend.
..her words trailed off. Memories of lost ones briefly in her mind and she look at him.
The melody was simple, but there was warmth in her voice, a hint of longing as she glanced at Hastos. She finished the tune with a soft smile, hoping it might break through the tension that hung in the air.
As she undressed further, her movements grew a touch more deliberate. Her attempts at flirting were clumsy at best—an overly careful smile here, a lingering glance there—but her nerves seemed to get in the way of words. Finally, she gave up on subtlety.
Sliding into the bed, she settled on her side, her posture open and inviting. Her heart raced as she looked at him, hoping the gesture would speak louder than her stammering attempts at charm.