Snow interjects briefly, "My apologies for the deception Constable Mohand, between the corruption within the Imperial ranks and the Amazigh tyranny, we didn't know the state of politics in Bou Azza. As Auger states, we needed to get a lay of the land without dropping ourselves, or your town, in it", he adds brazenly.
(OOC: Snow's intent is to be honest and hopefully provide help if Auger is required to roll)
Varielky stands near the door, though she does not lean on it. For now, her presence isn't needed, but maybe she'll have something to say later. Her eyes wander to the cell where the prisoner is kept. That seems a harsh punishment for just swinging a punch at someone, whatever caused that. Especially given the fact that he's sorry. Moreover, it was not a practical punishment. Give him some work to do, at least he'll be beneficial. She wonders what sort of punishment is given for harsher crimes, and whether swinging a sword, even for a just cause, is considered a punishment too.
The Constable looks at Auger evenly, allowing him to speak uninterrupted. His glance then shifts back to Snow, assessing.
“So, you had everyone there thinking you were someone else entirely, myself included. Nice act.”
(OOC: His reaction was as positive as you could have hoped for. I’m going to cut to the chase here and assume you continue to tell Mohand more about the meeting in Asni.)
The constable slowly leans back in his chair again, stares at the ceiling. “And what you’re saying is, the folks down Asni way are getting tired of the garrison? Well, that my friend, is not news. But.. They’re considering taking up arms? After the things I’ve seen, I’ll be the first to join them. The first, after Jughurtha, that is.”
(OOC: I won’t require a roll, you are very, very persuasive, and you’re not attempting to deceive. You may now consider Mohand an ally. By late afternoon, he releases Jugurtha. He was holding him in the cell to “give him some time to think,” which Jugurtha in fact appreciated. By the time you return to the Animu Borongo, Mohand has told you he intends to spread the word, quietly, and maybe ride down to Asni and “talk with folks down there.” You can safely spend the night in Bou Azza [in which case we’ll cut to the next morning] or you can continue onward that late evening.)
Auger leans back and smiles as Mohand indicates his solidarity with the effort, happy that this bit of their effort had gone smoothly. After Jugurtha is released Auger takes some time to question Mohand a bit about their path up the river.
"We intend to keep heading north but were worried at the risks of continuing to spread the word. In the towns north of here do you have any connections you think we should speak with? We may go as far as Tahnaout. More generally can you tell us any news from the north? Is there anything we should be on the lookout for?"
Auger continues the questioning, intending to learn as much as he can about any Imperial presence and though he does not bring them up directly he pays close attention if the Jlasi or the Abziri come up.
When everyone is done and returns to the boat, Auger suggests leaving right away. "I think we will be better off if we can leave before those Imperials return from Asni."
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DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Snow has the grace to look sheepish when Mohand mentioned being tricked.
“This is not just about the garrison though, beyond that are the rumours of children being taken into slavery to work in the poppy fields. That brings the poppy lords into the mix as well. Do you know whether the garrison and poppy lords are in bed together, so to speak? Why else would an imperial attempt to kidnap people?”, he says gravely.
After Jugurtha leaves
Snow listens to Augers questions, adding one of his own. “Can we get to the next town upriver by boat, without taking down the sail?”.
Back at the Animu Borongo
”I agree we should leave as soon as possible, I don’t fancy running into the captain either. Whether that be this evening or first light is the question”.
(OOC: If they can reach the next village in daylight (would we be leaving late evening or arriving at Akkara late evening?) Snow will be happy to leave that evening, otherwise he will suggest first light as the best option. He doesn’t want to be sailing around dusk again).
In the towns north of here do you have any connections you think we should speak with?
“I have friends in Akkara. I’m going to talk with them. Up in Outghal you could probably talk to anyone in the street. But start with the mayor, Ankha Elkaissa.”
More generally can you tell us any news from the north? Is there anything we should be on the lookout for?
“I don’t have reason to go up there and I’m busy enough around here. I’ve been hearing about goblins up around Abziri dacha though. I’m not sure how far to credit them. Maybe they’re just rumors.”
Answer to Snow’s question:
Do you know whether the garrison and poppy lords are in bed together, so to speak?
“Around here, Bezunesh — the garrison captain you met — and her squad, they’re fine. But the way I have it figured, at key points where the opium moves, those garrison posted there are in the opium lords’ pockets.
There’s one in particular, stationed down near Thacia, as corrupt as you’ve ever met, named Dairiku Sorakayoshi. Warlock. If you meet his price you’re fine. Otherwise…”
Yes, this is the same captain who extorted 100gp for your passage.)
(OOC: I defer to our fine captain and will agree, if there is going to be sufficient light we should leave, otherwise first light in the morning works for me.)
Auger thanks Mohand for his help and for the bit of trust he has expressed via his actions. "Your Vale is beautiful. I hope it will not take war to create change. Nonetheless, these Amazighs and their Imperial helpers go too far and need to feel the pain of their errors. We will help you as we can. If perchance the need should arise, this,"Auger summons his familiar, "is Py. Sometimes I ask it to carry messages for me. Please take it seriously should it show up with a request or information."
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DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
That night and the next day pass without incident. Up the Sebu you sail, paying tolls at bridges to their gatemen, who shout to riders who in turn spur on their elephant mounts to heave forward in their heavy harnesses, causing spoked wheels to churn, and the bridges split in half and raise their arms to the skies, allowing you passage.
You sail past El Harrouch Castle, a fairytale fortress with high minarets and domes, with a long tram line up to the tall mountain behind it where you see riders on rocs come and go from an aerie perched just beneath the clouds.
Something undefined calls to Auger from the aerie, a sensation he has not felt since leaving the chimp town Hyewush those weeks ago.
You pass the town of Akkara, a charming line of marble temples, behind which slums extend for a mile in either direction. You find a place to anchor for the night.
The next day you arrive at the town of Outghal, which faces a narrow lake, at the far end of which you see the Sebu River transform from the stable waterway you’ve floated upon into a frothing series of cascades. You’ve learned along the way that beyond this point, boat passage on the Sebu is no longer feasible, and you’ll have to make a choice.
There is a tributary which flows westward from Outghal, and upon which you can sail another five or six miles toward the Abziri Castle, if you wish. Or you could moor the Animu Borongo here in Outghal and make your way to the castle on foot, via a hill path which seems, according to your map, traversable in a matter of three hours.
After the drama in Bou Azza, Snow is quite happy to have a quiet time travelling up to Outghal. He spends the time marvelling at the scenery, especially El Harrouch Castle.
He also decides that it is a good time to ask a question that has been on his mind for a while.
He finds a time when Varielky is alone. "When you are fighting you often call out in Daelkyr, the Dreyen tongue. I do not mean to pry, well maybe I do, but I find it curious. I remember you mentioned being from northern Indallia and recruited into the Jengehn brigades. Surely any links to Drey would be, shall we say, frowned upon?", he asks her discreetly during the journey.
Outghal
"It seems we have a choice to make, more specifically I suppose, I have a choice to make. I think I would be more comfortable mooring the Animu Borongo here, rather than travelling further and risk leaving her somewhere smaller and more remote. And if this is to be as far as the Animu Borongo goes, what of our arrangement? As I have mentioned previously I am looking for something, although have no location to head to as such. Following your path would still suit my purpose I think, seeing if my vision relates to this lost clan of yours", he says to the others, looking to Strewn particularly.
Auger feels the pull of the Aerie quite intensely. It reminds him of something. A dream perhaps. Where he ... was flying? That was some time ago. Was this the mountain he saw?
Py, do you feel that? I feel an intense pull from the mountain here. Can you fly up to the peak and take a look around? I will resummon you in a couple of hours but I want to know what is up there. Is it just Rocs flying for the Imperials? Stay invisible and safe please.
(OOC: I am assuming Py has enough flight speed to make it a few miles relatively easily and have time to look around)
Outghal
Auger listens to Snows words and nods along, hoping he would be able to continue on with them up to the castle. Gesturing to the little fey dragonfly Auger says, "I'll send Py ahead to examine this trail and the castle and see if we face any problems. Perhaps he can look for any signs of the goblins we have heard of up here. He can come back along this tributary to tell us about it as well. If you can think of something to watch for tell Py before he goes."Auger pauses and waits for a nod from the others and ensures their questions will be examined by Py as well before sending the dragonfly, invisibly ahead along the path to the Abziri castle.
Once Py is away, and Snow has had his say with Granophyre, Auger turns to the old dwarf and states, "We have not really discussed this step. We are almost here and yet I still do not think you are safe in the open. That said, none will be as strong an investigator as you in this matter. Perhaps if we can ensure the Imperial presence is small then you can proceed more openly. What do you think?"
Varielky tenses for a moment, and her hand darts to the hilt of her sword. Most people don't know the Dreyen tongue, and those who recognised it, in these lands... were not likely to be allies. Choosing to speak with her alone did not make it seem any better. "You do not look Dreyen, and yet you recognise its sound." Her tone is wary, suspecting and threatening, as someone who expects violence, yet makes clear that they're not going to just take it. "I used to hide my Dreyen heritage back then, and I may have gotten a bit careless revealing it next to strangers. Do you frown upon such... 'links'? You won't be the first, and not the last either."
Outghal (because I assume Varielky and Snow aren't really going to fight each other):
"Perhaps there is no other choice but fight any Goblins or imperials we meet." Varielky doesn't sound like that is really the "only choice", but rather the preferable choice. "If we encounter them on our path, and not in any town, I doubt anyone will know, or will be able to connect it to our boat, which we leave behind anyhow."
Snow sees Varielky’s reaction, her hand straying to the hilt of her sword, and holds his hands up indicating a fight was not his goal.
He responds to her suspicious tone with simple honesty. “I certainly do not frown upon such links, no. My own origins are of The Kingdoms and the Elven Boughs and I do not share the Jenghen opinion of Drey. I am by no means fluent in the Dreyen tongue, but I did learn enough to get by for an expedition I ran to Drey not so long ago, which is how I recognise your words”.
He breathes out a little sigh, his hands still raised with empty palms, “I am interested because I have almost run into trouble a couple of times on my journey within the the Empire, due to the Jenghen disdain for Drey, and am now mindful to be discreet”, he slowly reaches his left hand across to the sleeve of his right arm, undoes the cuff and slides the sleeve slowly up, revealing the bracer there. He twists his arm so Varielky could see the words written upon it. In Daelkyr, the words ‘Hail Odin’ can be seen.
“I came across these bracers on that expedition”, he says simply, hoping that his wearing of the bracers doesn’t cause offence.
Outghal
Snow nods in agreement to send Py, but does not offer any further instructions. He also agrees that fighting might be a good option if they can't be linked to it.
(OOC: Will wait for Strewn’s input into the conversations before saying or doing any more in Outghal)
Varielky has to decide how to act. Usually, she'd trust people until they prove unworthy of her trust, and accept the peaceful geature. This time, however, she was more suspicious, and knowing the Half-Elf can do quite a lot with just his voice made the geature - showing that he holds no weapons - somewhat questionable. She remains alert until Snow reveals the bracers, at which point she chooses to trust him, for now.
Varielky leaves the hilt of her sword and seems less defensive. "Yes, that is true. Most people in the empire's territory would not like discovering a Dreyen warrior walks among them, or even one bearing a Dreyen sign. That said, very few have ever seen a Dreyen, our symbols or heard our tongue, so when I'm just travelling I don't have to put much effort into hiding my identity. People don't even recognise 'Varielky' as a Dreyen name."
Varielky looks at the bracers for a moment. She wondered if the captain understands what it means. No wonder it caused him some trouble. However, she's not worried about him wearing it. If the gods found it right for him to get his hand of them - even if he doesn't seem one who follows their ways - then who is she to disagree? "No surprise that it did. The words on these bracers are words of faith - of the Dreyen pantheon. Worshipping Dreyen gods in the empire is punishable by death."
(OOC: Py does not feel the pull that Auger does. It flies up to the aerie, and sees that there is a fortress built beside it, and that it is not merely a big bird’s nest, so to speak, but a transit hub. There is also a kind of vessel moored there which Py has never seen before. When he returns, he reports that it looked like a sailing ship hanging from balloons. Snow would recognize the description as a Kingdoms Airship. Py returns from his next mission, to scout the trail to the castle. There are indeed goblins in the vicinity, it says. The castle itself seems vacant. It is a summer home for the Abziri nobles after all, although in comparison, both Thacia Castle and El Harrouch Castle are currently thriving with activity, you saw as you passed each of them. Salakta Castle seemed empty. Those are the only ones you saw.)
Now that the Bantu Mountains loom above the vale, only a dozen miles away, when you stop, Granophyre removes a small stone from a pocket of his vest. In Dwarven, he says, “Reveal,” and a holographic image forms, which Varielky saw weeks ago in Ishi Ammah when the journey to the Vale was first announced.
The image is a three-dimension map of the ancient Dwarven empire showing outlines of continents, and the ancient Dwarven Cores. The map predates the cataclysm of the Wandering God, so the continents are all wrong. Indeed, a solid continent exists in the map which nowadays is all ocean, surrounded by the Dwarven Isles. In the northeastern corner of the map, a light shows the location, Granophyre theorizes, of the Core of Dacite, the object of his quest.
“If I can align this map with our surroundings, I can see exactly where the Core should be,” he says, using his free hand to massage the map image, making it larger or smaller, focusing in on the area surrounding what he believes to be Core of Dacite. He tries to make the shapes of the mountain ranges in the map conform to what is visible in reality from your position on the boat at Outghal, but he cannot make the map align. He sighs.
“I fear that I shall need more specific information. If I can find a clue… which mountain or valley in the great Bantu range was Safiya walking through or climbing when she found the ancient Dacite Axe. If I can know that, then I can perhaps align the map and find a way in. For I have no doubt that the passage of time, erosion, and so forth, have otherwise completely obscured the Core and make it inaccessible.”
Snow has not seen the map before, and when he does, he realizes that the image of Core of Dacite which Granophyre points out is surrounded by mountains whose outline exactly matches the image he saw in The Tree's Library seedpod.
A flying ship, Auger thinks. How amazing! But... was it a regular voyage or was the Empire bringing hunters because of Granophyre? And the mystery of the pull he felt would have to wait. Perhaps on the way back? Or if they need to go somewhere the airships could be a way to travel without going back through Kalahata. So much to consider.
Learning about what Granophyre needs to do
Auger is struck by the strange map and Granophyre's facility with moving and adjusting it. The continents had changed? And the mountains changed position. Yes, the Wandering God was a force to reckon with.
"If the castle is empty and goblins are obviously around I wonder if we will find anyone to talk to. Nonetheless I would see us keep the boat here so that if Goblins attack our means of travel is not taken from us. Shall we walk up that way and try to find a caretaker?"
Snow smiles at Varielky, “Yes I had to talk swiftly to avoid that punishment on more than one occasion. Anyway, I thought it best we discuss these links to Drey and ensure they were in the open. Know that I am a friend and ally, or at least would like to be considered such”, he concludes, happy to see her hand had left her sword hilt.
Outghal
Snow looks at the holographic map with interest, and recognises the image of the mountains.
“Well that settles it, those mountains are the same as those in my vision. We are indeed following the same path”, he says nodding his head.
“So we are agreed that we will leave the Animu Borongo here and carry on by foot. Even if this castle is not currently occupied, there may be information there that we can use”.
“I will be able to conceal our path again if we want, but not for the whole journey. We should be ready for trouble”.
Once the conversation is over he heads off to find the dock master in order to pay for the mooring. Happy to then continue on foot.
(OOC: Not sure if Py fed back the airship details to us all, or if not whether Auger did, but if so Snow would share what he knows about Kingdoms airships with the others)
Outghal is the last town in the Vale of Deshar on the Sebu River, ending the long Shian proto-city of near-continuous inhabitation bordering the river’s edge starting only a few miles north of the Kalaat Falls and through which you’ve traveled since entering the Vale. But it is not the end of inhabited lands, for hamlets, farms and small villages dot the countryside far up into the Bantu foothills. Outghal, however, holds the last stop of the Shian mail carriers, of carriage transport, and of river barges carrying large quantities of commodities, and from this point the lands become distinctly rural, the population distinctly more sparse.
And yet, here in Outghal, you find a walled town — heavy stone walls — with towers overlooking the Sebu and roads west, and the largest garrison you’ve encountered since passing Thacia castle.
There is a pond off the river, reached through a short, narrow canal which passes through the walls, where old, waterlogged docks of sun bleached grey timber offer an empty berth where you moor the Animu Borongo.
A member of the garrison takes down the name of your sloop and, yawning, names a reasonable price for renting the berth for a few days or as needed. He shows no interest in searching the Animu Borongo but stipulates that all vessels leaving Outghal must submit to search and seizure if illegal cargo is discovered.
Granophyre keeps a low profile, but walks with you.
It is now midday, early springtime, the chill of mountain air crisp on your faces, the sun bright and warming, overhead blue and clear. Wildflowers dot the hillsides, and flocks of birds animate the skies.
As they begin their walk Auger keeps his eyes south, still thinking of the aerie and the mountain. Py buzzes 50' above them, invisible and watching for Goblins or others approaching on the road. Thinking a moment he turns to Snow and says, "I think on the way south we could possibly just have 1 or 2 of us in the boat when the Imperials search and the others can walk and meet the boat downriver. On the southern trip I would like to see El Harrouch castle and the aerie beyond it seems to... matter for me. Somehow."
Well that came across oddly but someone had mentioned a vision and that had made Auger's mind stray. "Snow, you mentioned a vision of sorts. Is this what you have spoken about before. A search for your father, was it?" (OOC: Consider Auger and me equally non-remembering, so anything Snow wants to share would be nice.)
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DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
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Snow interjects briefly, "My apologies for the deception Constable Mohand, between the corruption within the Imperial ranks and the Amazigh tyranny, we didn't know the state of politics in Bou Azza. As Auger states, we needed to get a lay of the land without dropping ourselves, or your town, in it", he adds brazenly.
(OOC: Snow's intent is to be honest and hopefully provide help if Auger is required to roll)
Varielky stands near the door, though she does not lean on it. For now, her presence isn't needed, but maybe she'll have something to say later. Her eyes wander to the cell where the prisoner is kept. That seems a harsh punishment for just swinging a punch at someone, whatever caused that. Especially given the fact that he's sorry. Moreover, it was not a practical punishment. Give him some work to do, at least he'll be beneficial. She wonders what sort of punishment is given for harsher crimes, and whether swinging a sword, even for a just cause, is considered a punishment too.
Varielky
The Constable looks at Auger evenly, allowing him to speak uninterrupted. His glance then shifts back to Snow, assessing.
“So, you had everyone there thinking you were someone else entirely, myself included. Nice act.”
(OOC: His reaction was as positive as you could have hoped for. I’m going to cut to the chase here and assume you continue to tell Mohand more about the meeting in Asni.)
The constable slowly leans back in his chair again, stares at the ceiling. “And what you’re saying is, the folks down Asni way are getting tired of the garrison? Well, that my friend, is not news. But.. They’re considering taking up arms? After the things I’ve seen, I’ll be the first to join them. The first, after Jughurtha, that is.”
(OOC: I won’t require a roll, you are very, very persuasive, and you’re not attempting to deceive. You may now consider Mohand an ally. By late afternoon, he releases Jugurtha. He was holding him in the cell to “give him some time to think,” which Jugurtha in fact appreciated. By the time you return to the Animu Borongo, Mohand has told you he intends to spread the word, quietly, and maybe ride down to Asni and “talk with folks down there.” You can safely spend the night in Bou Azza [in which case we’ll cut to the next morning] or you can continue onward that late evening.)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Auger leans back and smiles as Mohand indicates his solidarity with the effort, happy that this bit of their effort had gone smoothly. After Jugurtha is released Auger takes some time to question Mohand a bit about their path up the river.
"We intend to keep heading north but were worried at the risks of continuing to spread the word. In the towns north of here do you have any connections you think we should speak with? We may go as far as Tahnaout. More generally can you tell us any news from the north? Is there anything we should be on the lookout for?"
Auger continues the questioning, intending to learn as much as he can about any Imperial presence and though he does not bring them up directly he pays close attention if the Jlasi or the Abziri come up.
When everyone is done and returns to the boat, Auger suggests leaving right away. "I think we will be better off if we can leave before those Imperials return from Asni."
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Original conversation
Snow has the grace to look sheepish when Mohand mentioned being tricked.
“This is not just about the garrison though, beyond that are the rumours of children being taken into slavery to work in the poppy fields. That brings the poppy lords into the mix as well. Do you know whether the garrison and poppy lords are in bed together, so to speak? Why else would an imperial attempt to kidnap people?”, he says gravely.
After Jugurtha leaves
Snow listens to Augers questions, adding one of his own. “Can we get to the next town upriver by boat, without taking down the sail?”.
Back at the Animu Borongo
”I agree we should leave as soon as possible, I don’t fancy running into the captain either. Whether that be this evening or first light is the question”.
(OOC: If they can reach the next village in daylight (would we be leaving late evening or arriving at Akkara late evening?) Snow will be happy to leave that evening, otherwise he will suggest first light as the best option. He doesn’t want to be sailing around dusk again).
(OOC: Answers to Auger’s questions:
In the towns north of here do you have any connections you think we should speak with?
“I have friends in Akkara. I’m going to talk with them. Up in Outghal you could probably talk to anyone in the street. But start with the mayor, Ankha Elkaissa.”
More generally can you tell us any news from the north? Is there anything we should be on the lookout for?
“I don’t have reason to go up there and I’m busy enough around here. I’ve been hearing about goblins up around Abziri dacha though. I’m not sure how far to credit them. Maybe they’re just rumors.”
Answer to Snow’s question:
Do you know whether the garrison and poppy lords are in bed together, so to speak?
“Around here, Bezunesh — the garrison captain you met — and her squad, they’re fine. But the way I have it figured, at key points where the opium moves, those garrison posted there are in the opium lords’ pockets.
There’s one in particular, stationed down near Thacia, as corrupt as you’ve ever met, named Dairiku Sorakayoshi. Warlock. If you meet his price you’re fine. Otherwise…”
Yes, this is the same captain who extorted 100gp for your passage.)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
(OOC: I defer to our fine captain and will agree, if there is going to be sufficient light we should leave, otherwise first light in the morning works for me.)
Auger thanks Mohand for his help and for the bit of trust he has expressed via his actions. "Your Vale is beautiful. I hope it will not take war to create change. Nonetheless, these Amazighs and their Imperial helpers go too far and need to feel the pain of their errors. We will help you as we can. If perchance the need should arise, this," Auger summons his familiar, "is Py. Sometimes I ask it to carry messages for me. Please take it seriously should it show up with a request or information."
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
With confirmation that there will be no need to unstep the mast, Snow is happy to proceed, believing that the journey should only take an hour or so.
"That all depends on how long it takes to get passed the drawbridge of course", he says as they discuss timings.
Once the others are ready, he will pay whatever mooring fees are required for the short time they have been there, and then push on upriver to Akkara.
That night and the next day pass without incident. Up the Sebu you sail, paying tolls at bridges to their gatemen, who shout to riders who in turn spur on their elephant mounts to heave forward in their heavy harnesses, causing spoked wheels to churn, and the bridges split in half and raise their arms to the skies, allowing you passage.
You sail past El Harrouch Castle, a fairytale fortress with high minarets and domes, with a long tram line up to the tall mountain behind it where you see riders on rocs come and go from an aerie perched just beneath the clouds.
Something undefined calls to Auger from the aerie, a sensation he has not felt since leaving the chimp town Hyewush those weeks ago.
You pass the town of Akkara, a charming line of marble temples, behind which slums extend for a mile in either direction. You find a place to anchor for the night.
The next day you arrive at the town of Outghal, which faces a narrow lake, at the far end of which you see the Sebu River transform from the stable waterway you’ve floated upon into a frothing series of cascades. You’ve learned along the way that beyond this point, boat passage on the Sebu is no longer feasible, and you’ll have to make a choice.
There is a tributary which flows westward from Outghal, and upon which you can sail another five or six miles toward the Abziri Castle, if you wish. Or you could moor the Animu Borongo here in Outghal and make your way to the castle on foot, via a hill path which seems, according to your map, traversable in a matter of three hours.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
During the journey to Outghal
After the drama in Bou Azza, Snow is quite happy to have a quiet time travelling up to Outghal. He spends the time marvelling at the scenery, especially El Harrouch Castle.
He also decides that it is a good time to ask a question that has been on his mind for a while.
He finds a time when Varielky is alone. "When you are fighting you often call out in Daelkyr, the Dreyen tongue. I do not mean to pry, well maybe I do, but I find it curious. I remember you mentioned being from northern Indallia and recruited into the Jengehn brigades. Surely any links to Drey would be, shall we say, frowned upon?", he asks her discreetly during the journey.
Outghal
"It seems we have a choice to make, more specifically I suppose, I have a choice to make. I think I would be more comfortable mooring the Animu Borongo here, rather than travelling further and risk leaving her somewhere smaller and more remote. And if this is to be as far as the Animu Borongo goes, what of our arrangement? As I have mentioned previously I am looking for something, although have no location to head to as such. Following your path would still suit my purpose I think, seeing if my vision relates to this lost clan of yours", he says to the others, looking to Strewn particularly.
Passing by El Harrouch
Auger feels the pull of the Aerie quite intensely. It reminds him of something. A dream perhaps. Where he ... was flying? That was some time ago. Was this the mountain he saw?
Py, do you feel that? I feel an intense pull from the mountain here. Can you fly up to the peak and take a look around? I will resummon you in a couple of hours but I want to know what is up there. Is it just Rocs flying for the Imperials? Stay invisible and safe please.
(OOC: I am assuming Py has enough flight speed to make it a few miles relatively easily and have time to look around)
Outghal
Auger listens to Snows words and nods along, hoping he would be able to continue on with them up to the castle. Gesturing to the little fey dragonfly Auger says, "I'll send Py ahead to examine this trail and the castle and see if we face any problems. Perhaps he can look for any signs of the goblins we have heard of up here. He can come back along this tributary to tell us about it as well. If you can think of something to watch for tell Py before he goes." Auger pauses and waits for a nod from the others and ensures their questions will be examined by Py as well before sending the dragonfly, invisibly ahead along the path to the Abziri castle.
Once Py is away, and Snow has had his say with Granophyre, Auger turns to the old dwarf and states, "We have not really discussed this step. We are almost here and yet I still do not think you are safe in the open. That said, none will be as strong an investigator as you in this matter. Perhaps if we can ensure the Imperial presence is small then you can proceed more openly. What do you think?"
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Conversation with Snow:
Varielky tenses for a moment, and her hand darts to the hilt of her sword. Most people don't know the Dreyen tongue, and those who recognised it, in these lands... were not likely to be allies. Choosing to speak with her alone did not make it seem any better. "You do not look Dreyen, and yet you recognise its sound." Her tone is wary, suspecting and threatening, as someone who expects violence, yet makes clear that they're not going to just take it. "I used to hide my Dreyen heritage back then, and I may have gotten a bit careless revealing it next to strangers. Do you frown upon such... 'links'? You won't be the first, and not the last either."
Outghal (because I assume Varielky and Snow aren't really going to fight each other):
"Perhaps there is no other choice but fight any Goblins or imperials we meet." Varielky doesn't sound like that is really the "only choice", but rather the preferable choice. "If we encounter them on our path, and not in any town, I doubt anyone will know, or will be able to connect it to our boat, which we leave behind anyhow."
Varielky
Conversation with Varielky
Snow sees Varielky’s reaction, her hand straying to the hilt of her sword, and holds his hands up indicating a fight was not his goal.
He responds to her suspicious tone with simple honesty. “I certainly do not frown upon such links, no. My own origins are of The Kingdoms and the Elven Boughs and I do not share the Jenghen opinion of Drey. I am by no means fluent in the Dreyen tongue, but I did learn enough to get by for an expedition I ran to Drey not so long ago, which is how I recognise your words”.
He breathes out a little sigh, his hands still raised with empty palms, “I am interested because I have almost run into trouble a couple of times on my journey within the the Empire, due to the Jenghen disdain for Drey, and am now mindful to be discreet”, he slowly reaches his left hand across to the sleeve of his right arm, undoes the cuff and slides the sleeve slowly up, revealing the bracer there. He twists his arm so Varielky could see the words written upon it. In Daelkyr, the words ‘Hail Odin’ can be seen.
“I came across these bracers on that expedition”, he says simply, hoping that his wearing of the bracers doesn’t cause offence.
Outghal
Snow nods in agreement to send Py, but does not offer any further instructions. He also agrees that fighting might be a good option if they can't be linked to it.
(OOC: Will wait for Strewn’s input into the conversations before saying or doing any more in Outghal)
Conversation with Snow:
Varielky has to decide how to act. Usually, she'd trust people until they prove unworthy of her trust, and accept the peaceful geature. This time, however, she was more suspicious, and knowing the Half-Elf can do quite a lot with just his voice made the geature - showing that he holds no weapons - somewhat questionable. She remains alert until Snow reveals the bracers, at which point she chooses to trust him, for now.
Varielky leaves the hilt of her sword and seems less defensive. "Yes, that is true. Most people in the empire's territory would not like discovering a Dreyen warrior walks among them, or even one bearing a Dreyen sign. That said, very few have ever seen a Dreyen, our symbols or heard our tongue, so when I'm just travelling I don't have to put much effort into hiding my identity. People don't even recognise 'Varielky' as a Dreyen name."
Varielky looks at the bracers for a moment. She wondered if the captain understands what it means. No wonder it caused him some trouble. However, she's not worried about him wearing it. If the gods found it right for him to get his hand of them - even if he doesn't seem one who follows their ways - then who is she to disagree? "No surprise that it did. The words on these bracers are words of faith - of the Dreyen pantheon. Worshipping Dreyen gods in the empire is punishable by death."
Varielky
(OOC: Py does not feel the pull that Auger does. It flies up to the aerie, and sees that there is a fortress built beside it, and that it is not merely a big bird’s nest, so to speak, but a transit hub. There is also a kind of vessel moored there which Py has never seen before. When he returns, he reports that it looked like a sailing ship hanging from balloons. Snow would recognize the description as a Kingdoms Airship. Py returns from his next mission, to scout the trail to the castle. There are indeed goblins in the vicinity, it says. The castle itself seems vacant. It is a summer home for the Abziri nobles after all, although in comparison, both Thacia Castle and El Harrouch Castle are currently thriving with activity, you saw as you passed each of them. Salakta Castle seemed empty. Those are the only ones you saw.)
Now that the Bantu Mountains loom above the vale, only a dozen miles away, when you stop, Granophyre removes a small stone from a pocket of his vest. In Dwarven, he says, “Reveal,” and a holographic image forms, which Varielky saw weeks ago in Ishi Ammah when the journey to the Vale was first announced.
The image is a three-dimension map of the ancient Dwarven empire showing outlines of continents, and the ancient Dwarven Cores. The map predates the cataclysm of the Wandering God, so the continents are all wrong. Indeed, a solid continent exists in the map which nowadays is all ocean, surrounded by the Dwarven Isles. In the northeastern corner of the map, a light shows the location, Granophyre theorizes, of the Core of Dacite, the object of his quest.
“If I can align this map with our surroundings, I can see exactly where the Core should be,” he says, using his free hand to massage the map image, making it larger or smaller, focusing in on the area surrounding what he believes to be Core of Dacite. He tries to make the shapes of the mountain ranges in the map conform to what is visible in reality from your position on the boat at Outghal, but he cannot make the map align. He sighs.
“I fear that I shall need more specific information. If I can find a clue… which mountain or valley in the great Bantu range was Safiya walking through or climbing when she found the ancient Dacite Axe. If I can know that, then I can perhaps align the map and find a way in. For I have no doubt that the passage of time, erosion, and so forth, have otherwise completely obscured the Core and make it inaccessible.”
Snow has not seen the map before, and when he does, he realizes that the image of Core of Dacite which Granophyre points out is surrounded by mountains whose outline exactly matches the image he saw in The Tree's Library seedpod.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Learning about the aerie
A flying ship, Auger thinks. How amazing! But... was it a regular voyage or was the Empire bringing hunters because of Granophyre? And the mystery of the pull he felt would have to wait. Perhaps on the way back? Or if they need to go somewhere the airships could be a way to travel without going back through Kalahata. So much to consider.
Learning about what Granophyre needs to do
Auger is struck by the strange map and Granophyre's facility with moving and adjusting it. The continents had changed? And the mountains changed position. Yes, the Wandering God was a force to reckon with.
"If the castle is empty and goblins are obviously around I wonder if we will find anyone to talk to. Nonetheless I would see us keep the boat here so that if Goblins attack our means of travel is not taken from us. Shall we walk up that way and try to find a caretaker?"
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Conversation with Varielky
Snow smiles at Varielky, “Yes I had to talk swiftly to avoid that punishment on more than one occasion. Anyway, I thought it best we discuss these links to Drey and ensure they were in the open. Know that I am a friend and ally, or at least would like to be considered such”, he concludes, happy to see her hand had left her sword hilt.
Outghal
Snow looks at the holographic map with interest, and recognises the image of the mountains.
“Well that settles it, those mountains are the same as those in my vision. We are indeed following the same path”, he says nodding his head.
“So we are agreed that we will leave the Animu Borongo here and carry on by foot. Even if this castle is not currently occupied, there may be information there that we can use”.
“I will be able to conceal our path again if we want, but not for the whole journey. We should be ready for trouble”.
Once the conversation is over he heads off to find the dock master in order to pay for the mooring. Happy to then continue on foot.
(OOC: Not sure if Py fed back the airship details to us all, or if not whether Auger did, but if so Snow would share what he knows about Kingdoms airships with the others)
(OOC: In both cases Auger does ask Py to share what information it learns with everyone)
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Outghal is the last town in the Vale of Deshar on the Sebu River, ending the long Shian proto-city of near-continuous inhabitation bordering the river’s edge starting only a few miles north of the Kalaat Falls and through which you’ve traveled since entering the Vale. But it is not the end of inhabited lands, for hamlets, farms and small villages dot the countryside far up into the Bantu foothills. Outghal, however, holds the last stop of the Shian mail carriers, of carriage transport, and of river barges carrying large quantities of commodities, and from this point the lands become distinctly rural, the population distinctly more sparse.
And yet, here in Outghal, you find a walled town — heavy stone walls — with towers overlooking the Sebu and roads west, and the largest garrison you’ve encountered since passing Thacia castle.
There is a pond off the river, reached through a short, narrow canal which passes through the walls, where old, waterlogged docks of sun bleached grey timber offer an empty berth where you moor the Animu Borongo.
A member of the garrison takes down the name of your sloop and, yawning, names a reasonable price for renting the berth for a few days or as needed. He shows no interest in searching the Animu Borongo but stipulates that all vessels leaving Outghal must submit to search and seizure if illegal cargo is discovered.
Granophyre keeps a low profile, but walks with you.
It is now midday, early springtime, the chill of mountain air crisp on your faces, the sun bright and warming, overhead blue and clear. Wildflowers dot the hillsides, and flocks of birds animate the skies.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
As they begin their walk Auger keeps his eyes south, still thinking of the aerie and the mountain. Py buzzes 50' above them, invisible and watching for Goblins or others approaching on the road. Thinking a moment he turns to Snow and says, "I think on the way south we could possibly just have 1 or 2 of us in the boat when the Imperials search and the others can walk and meet the boat downriver. On the southern trip I would like to see El Harrouch castle and the aerie beyond it seems to... matter for me. Somehow."
Well that came across oddly but someone had mentioned a vision and that had made Auger's mind stray. "Snow, you mentioned a vision of sorts. Is this what you have spoken about before. A search for your father, was it?" (OOC: Consider Auger and me equally non-remembering, so anything Snow wants to share would be nice.)
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory