Let-us smiles up to Jason and simply says, "While the offer is very nice and appreciated I prefer to walk and take some time as we learn more about what we face. In the heart of nature walking through it can tell you a lot about what may have been here in the recent past." She continues to walk with Sir Eklon leading the way. HE has his shield out and held up before him as he walks forward in his other hand is a long sword that is pointed upward in a ready position.
Along with the group, and taking my cue from their stance, I also have my great sword out and upright. Trying to step in pace with the others, yet still keeping a wary eye peeled, I ponder the change my life has taken in such a short time.
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“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?" "Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied ― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
"As you wish my lady." I indicate to the others to spread out a bit and stay alert. Using the scouts to fine tune our course, we will aim to intercept the other group. At the right point I will call for a halt and tell Lady Let-us, "We are almost on top of them, they should emerge from that direction inside of a minute or two. How would you have us greet them?"
I nod and shift to a decent position shortly behind her, hoping privately that she knows what she is doing here. I definitely didn't want to explain any harm that came to her to Lord Douglas.
Travis, nods and likewise gets out his light crossbow. Loads and arms gets in a defensive position with the others. Not knowing what kind of reception they are all going to receive.
Matching Jason's location on the opposing side, I plant the tip of my sword in the ground atop a scrap of fabric, and brace my hands on it's hilt in what I hope is an imposing stance, facing the oncoming group. Using the magic of my coif, I make myself clad in shining steel plate mail, slightly taller than my normal height, with helmet and gauntlets to match, an emblazoned bear rampant on a green field on my chest.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?" "Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied ― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
I fan out towards the right flank. My golden dragonhide armor gleams in the light. I hold no weapon in my hand but have my wooden shield ready. I glance up at the sky hoping for some clouds nearby as i think about calling lightning down.
Caesar stands stoicly by my side. He sniffs at the air. " I wish i had armor for you big guy. One day you will. Dont worry. " I grin at him.
I get off my horse and let it enjoy some nice grass nearby as I place myself in a spot to where I can still see the approaching group but far back enough as Let-Us instructed us to be. I will ready myself to shoot my Energy ray if needed other than that I will have my crossbow at the ready.
A few minutes goes by and you can see the other group moving through the trees towards you. Leading the way is a man nearly seven feet tall wearing full plate mails that has a stylish M on it. He stops when he sees Let-Us sitting there slightly behind a man in full plate mail too. As he stops the rest following him come to a stop next to him as they can with the trees. You can see some Orcs, Bugbears and hobgoblins in the midst but mostly it is humans. Then you see a woman coming forward. As she is seen Let-Us stands up and speaks in Elvish. "Welcome to this are. We are here to negotiate with you if you speak for your master."
The female moves a bit closer and answers Let-us by casting a spell. The spell is easily countered by Let-us who just stands there. The female looks surprised that her spell was so easily countered. Let-us looks at her and again says in Elvish, "You can try again if you wish but know that if you do you put your people at great risk. My people here", She indicates Sir Eklon and your group that is behind her, "Will kill the remainder of your group once I tire of playing with them."
The female looks at your group and Sir Eklon for a bit before she smiles. She steps forward and says, "You do not look like much of a problem for us but I will here you out."
Let-us steps forward and meets the lady in between the armored men. "You have a different speaking stone than the others we have encountered." SHe pulls one out and shows it to the woman. We have been listening to you tell the others where to go and where to search but you keep coming up empty handed." I wonder what you are seeking that is so important. I think that what ever it is is well hidden in this area and I will see that such a powerful artifact does not fall into your hands nor the hands of your master Merklin. Now you can leave this area as I am not claiming all this land as property of Lord Douglas. Any of your people found in this area will be taken into custody or killed. That includes the area by the water and the trading post there can remain neutral. I give you one day to clear out or suffer the consequences. This should give you plenty of time to recall the few remaining groups you have out searching. If you do not wish to leave we will kill you just as easy as we killed your pet black dragon."
The female looks at Let-us as if judging whether what she just said was accurate or not. finally after a few moments she responds. "Merklin will not be pleased that this Douglas is taking so much land that he considers his. We will meet again I am sure and it will be very much different then." She turns around and says something in common, "Lets go we will travel back to the estate and see what MErklin has to say about this." THe men turn and form up around her as she walks back the way she had come. Soon you see them all disappearing through the trees. As they do Let-us relaxes and turns around and begins to walk back to where the Lord and the others wait. Sir Eklon follows her.
"Well that was a pretty short negotiation. She didn't seem to be interested in any kind of discussion, rudely casting a spell at us. " Once the opposing group is on it's way, I send Ariel up high to watch them leave, communicating the line of travel. "Maybe we can find their home, if they head straight there."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?" "Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied ― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
I frown after the other group leaves. " We will need to deal with this Merklin. They are not interested in negotiation. Its kill or be killled. I really hope we can find where their hideout is. It is better to meet them on our terms than theirs. "
Caesar beats his chest as they leave. " Not yet Caesar. It will be time soon though, " I say this with a grim smile
I nod in agreement with Rachel as we move, "Agreed. My lady, I hope we are prepared to defend this new claim with decisive force. They will test us over this, and I suspect that the skirmishes will never end if they find any weakness in our response."
A thought occurs to me then, "You said that you had managed to listen to their Communications. Did you glean any insight into the nature of what they sought, or how they thought it might be found?"
Let-Us replies "We have listened in to thier conversations as we could. We know that it is a item that may be in this area and it may even still be ii thise are or possibly in the lair of the Dragon we defeated. The fact that no one else knows for certain if the artifact is in this area or not. It seems the only records of the artifact leads everyone to here and from there it is hard to say where it is. I believe it to be a mace of great power that has the ability to make one as powerful as the gods. It is even said to have the power to kill a god. Claiming this land for the Stronghold was bold move on my part but I believe that this Merklin fellow would not listen to us if we acted weak. I gambled and won us some time to work on things. I know we are slowly building a road North into this forest and towards the twins. If we can make a outpost at the twins we could possibly have more of a edge to claim and use this area. I know we have a lot to thank you and your group for by making this area around the Stronghold and the Lords area more safe and more expansive."
You all soon make it to where the Lord and Lywenta waits. Let-Us makes a full report of what she did and said to the others. The Lord nods and bids Jason and Rachel over. Once you both are there he tells you that your next important task is to make contact with the trading post and then see if you can find any hints to this mace or the possible dragons lair.
Travis, notes that it is rather late in the day. "Ok, so what does everyone want to do? Jason, do we camp here for the night leave at first light? Or push on towards the outpost,"? Travis says.
I look at Lord Douglas with concern on my face. " Thank you for the help my lord. It is much appreciated. Hopefully your wife bought us some time. Time enough to check out the outpost and look for the lair. I will hate to be here when this Merklin shows up in force. "
"Let's head to the trading post and get a head start against the foe putting anything in the field against us. Maybe we can find some allies, or at least better knowledge of this world." I saddle up, eager to get something substantial accomplished. "Maybe we should also take all the gear we've picked up and use it for trade?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?" "Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied ― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
On the way back I mention to Let-Us, "If I might make a request, see if you can repurpose those speaking stones for our own use. Rachel being able to use her ring to return to the stronghold has proven effective, but those stones might let us report in without sending her on a trip that she needs help returning from. I might be able to lend a hand with that if it proves troublesome. I certainly cannot claim more experience than either you or Lweithialia, but such items are my main field of study."
In response to Grant I say, "Yeah, black dragons tend to prefer swamps over other kinds of terrain, so I would check for any wetlands around the big lake first. Of course, hopefully we'd be able to narrow it down further from there, otherwise we might end up diving into every muddy pool in hopes its the right one."
To the Lord I nod, "Yes sir, making contact was to be our next objective today if we had not spotted this group. We'll head there swiftly."
After the Lord's party departs, I'll send Ping flying along the route to the trading post. "Lets get moving in that direction at least. But I want to see what the remaining hobs in the area do. If they start pulling out as Let-Us demands, we should be good for a day or two. If they start doing anything else... well..."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Let-us smiles up to Jason and simply says, "While the offer is very nice and appreciated I prefer to walk and take some time as we learn more about what we face. In the heart of nature walking through it can tell you a lot about what may have been here in the recent past." She continues to walk with Sir Eklon leading the way. HE has his shield out and held up before him as he walks forward in his other hand is a long sword that is pointed upward in a ready position.
Along with the group, and taking my cue from their stance, I also have my great sword out and upright. Trying to step in pace with the others, yet still keeping a wary eye peeled, I ponder the change my life has taken in such a short time.
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?"
"Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied
― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
"As you wish my lady." I indicate to the others to spread out a bit and stay alert. Using the scouts to fine tune our course, we will aim to intercept the other group. At the right point I will call for a halt and tell Lady Let-us, "We are almost on top of them, they should emerge from that direction inside of a minute or two. How would you have us greet them?"
Let-Us stops and sits calmly on the the ground after asking Sir Eklon to stop and prepare. He simply stops and holds his position slightly in front and to the left of Let-Us herself. She asks the rest of you to dismount and fan out behind her at least two paces back. "You can have weapons out and ready or not but I do not think it will matter."
I nod and shift to a decent position shortly behind her, hoping privately that she knows what she is doing here. I definitely didn't want to explain any harm that came to her to Lord Douglas.
Travis, nods and likewise gets out his light crossbow. Loads and arms gets in a defensive position with the others. Not knowing what kind of reception they are all going to receive.
Matching Jason's location on the opposing side, I plant the tip of my sword in the ground atop a scrap of fabric, and brace my hands on it's hilt in what I hope is an imposing stance, facing the oncoming group. Using the magic of my coif, I make myself clad in shining steel plate mail, slightly taller than my normal height, with helmet and gauntlets to match, an emblazoned bear rampant on a green field on my chest.
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?"
"Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied
― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
I fan out towards the right flank. My golden dragonhide armor gleams in the light. I hold no weapon in my hand but have my wooden shield ready. I glance up at the sky hoping for some clouds nearby as i think about calling lightning down.
Caesar stands stoicly by my side. He sniffs at the air. " I wish i had armor for you big guy. One day you will. Dont worry. " I grin at him.
I get off my horse and let it enjoy some nice grass nearby as I place myself in a spot to where I can still see the approaching group but far back enough as Let-Us instructed us to be. I will ready myself to shoot my Energy ray if needed other than that I will have my crossbow at the ready.
A few minutes goes by and you can see the other group moving through the trees towards you. Leading the way is a man nearly seven feet tall wearing full plate mails that has a stylish M on it. He stops when he sees Let-Us sitting there slightly behind a man in full plate mail too. As he stops the rest following him come to a stop next to him as they can with the trees. You can see some Orcs, Bugbears and hobgoblins in the midst but mostly it is humans. Then you see a woman coming forward. As she is seen Let-Us stands up and speaks in Elvish. "Welcome to this are. We are here to negotiate with you if you speak for your master."
The female moves a bit closer and answers Let-us by casting a spell. The spell is easily countered by Let-us who just stands there. The female looks surprised that her spell was so easily countered. Let-us looks at her and again says in Elvish, "You can try again if you wish but know that if you do you put your people at great risk. My people here", She indicates Sir Eklon and your group that is behind her, "Will kill the remainder of your group once I tire of playing with them."
The female looks at your group and Sir Eklon for a bit before she smiles. She steps forward and says, "You do not look like much of a problem for us but I will here you out."
Let-us steps forward and meets the lady in between the armored men. "You have a different speaking stone than the others we have encountered." SHe pulls one out and shows it to the woman. We have been listening to you tell the others where to go and where to search but you keep coming up empty handed." I wonder what you are seeking that is so important. I think that what ever it is is well hidden in this area and I will see that such a powerful artifact does not fall into your hands nor the hands of your master Merklin. Now you can leave this area as I am not claiming all this land as property of Lord Douglas. Any of your people found in this area will be taken into custody or killed. That includes the area by the water and the trading post there can remain neutral. I give you one day to clear out or suffer the consequences. This should give you plenty of time to recall the few remaining groups you have out searching. If you do not wish to leave we will kill you just as easy as we killed your pet black dragon."
The female looks at Let-us as if judging whether what she just said was accurate or not. finally after a few moments she responds. "Merklin will not be pleased that this Douglas is taking so much land that he considers his. We will meet again I am sure and it will be very much different then." She turns around and says something in common, "Lets go we will travel back to the estate and see what MErklin has to say about this." THe men turn and form up around her as she walks back the way she had come. Soon you see them all disappearing through the trees. As they do Let-us relaxes and turns around and begins to walk back to where the Lord and the others wait. Sir Eklon follows her.
"Well that was a pretty short negotiation. She didn't seem to be interested in any kind of discussion, rudely casting a spell at us. " Once the opposing group is on it's way, I send Ariel up high to watch them leave, communicating the line of travel. "Maybe we can find their home, if they head straight there."
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?"
"Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied
― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
“Well, that negotiation went downhill very quick. So, much so they will have us all killed. Especially if we decide to hang around here,” Travis says.
”If, we decide to follow stealthily. If that is possible we might discover their hideout. But, it will be a dangerous pursuit indeed,” he adds.
I frown after the other group leaves. " We will need to deal with this Merklin. They are not interested in negotiation. Its kill or be killled. I really hope we can find where their hideout is. It is better to meet them on our terms than theirs. "
Caesar beats his chest as they leave. " Not yet Caesar. It will be time soon though, " I say this with a grim smile
I nod in agreement with Rachel as we move, "Agreed. My lady, I hope we are prepared to defend this new claim with decisive force. They will test us over this, and I suspect that the skirmishes will never end if they find any weakness in our response."
A thought occurs to me then, "You said that you had managed to listen to their Communications. Did you glean any insight into the nature of what they sought, or how they thought it might be found?"
Let-Us replies "We have listened in to thier conversations as we could. We know that it is a item that may be in this area and it may even still be ii thise are or possibly in the lair of the Dragon we defeated. The fact that no one else knows for certain if the artifact is in this area or not. It seems the only records of the artifact leads everyone to here and from there it is hard to say where it is. I believe it to be a mace of great power that has the ability to make one as powerful as the gods. It is even said to have the power to kill a god. Claiming this land for the Stronghold was bold move on my part but I believe that this Merklin fellow would not listen to us if we acted weak. I gambled and won us some time to work on things. I know we are slowly building a road North into this forest and towards the twins. If we can make a outpost at the twins we could possibly have more of a edge to claim and use this area. I know we have a lot to thank you and your group for by making this area around the Stronghold and the Lords area more safe and more expansive."
You all soon make it to where the Lord and Lywenta waits. Let-Us makes a full report of what she did and said to the others. The Lord nods and bids Jason and Rachel over. Once you both are there he tells you that your next important task is to make contact with the trading post and then see if you can find any hints to this mace or the possible dragons lair.
"Why do I seem to recall something about the black dragon making its lair near water? Didn't we scout a lake nearby?"
Travis, notes that it is rather late in the day. "Ok, so what does everyone want to do? Jason, do we camp here for the night leave at first light? Or push on towards the outpost,"? Travis says.
I look at Lord Douglas with concern on my face. " Thank you for the help my lord. It is much appreciated. Hopefully your wife bought us some time. Time enough to check out the outpost and look for the lair. I will hate to be here when this Merklin shows up in force. "
"Let's head to the trading post and get a head start against the foe putting anything in the field against us. Maybe we can find some allies, or at least better knowledge of this world." I saddle up, eager to get something substantial accomplished. "Maybe we should also take all the gear we've picked up and use it for trade?"
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?"
"Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied
― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
On the way back I mention to Let-Us, "If I might make a request, see if you can repurpose those speaking stones for our own use. Rachel being able to use her ring to return to the stronghold has proven effective, but those stones might let us report in without sending her on a trip that she needs help returning from. I might be able to lend a hand with that if it proves troublesome. I certainly cannot claim more experience than either you or Lweithialia, but such items are my main field of study."
In response to Grant I say, "Yeah, black dragons tend to prefer swamps over other kinds of terrain, so I would check for any wetlands around the big lake first. Of course, hopefully we'd be able to narrow it down further from there, otherwise we might end up diving into every muddy pool in hopes its the right one."
To the Lord I nod, "Yes sir, making contact was to be our next objective today if we had not spotted this group. We'll head there swiftly."
After the Lord's party departs, I'll send Ping flying along the route to the trading post. "Lets get moving in that direction at least. But I want to see what the remaining hobs in the area do. If they start pulling out as Let-Us demands, we should be good for a day or two. If they start doing anything else... well..."